I need a nap! Don’t get me wrong, I love the New Year. It’s full of possibilities. Like the possibility that I’ll get my novel finished this year, or that I’ll drop the fifteen pounds I’ve put on since Thanksgiving.
The fourth quarter is tough, isn’t it. At my house, holiday celebrations are a priority, and that means food, Food, FOOD! And, of course, there’s the kids. We watched an infant for some friends of ours over the holiday break. I walked the little darling until she fell asleep, then I sat down for a moment. Just to rest my eyes. My minions seized the opportunity, struck, and snapped this picture.
Growing up, my dad and I were pretty fair shade tree mechanics. (Well, I was growing up, my dad had already gone as far as he was going to.) This was before the age of electronic fuel injection, computerized valve timing, and proprietary software widgets. So, shortly after the earth cooled, but while Detroit was still hot, we’d put the car up on blocks and have at it. Often this would involve improvising the tool we needed from the tools we had readily at hand. It led to some interesting compromises. Fortunately, as writers, the only tool we really need is a chair to put our behinds in while we write. However, there are plenty of ancillary tools out there and I’m going to give you my pitch on the ones I find the handiest. 
