Update #4 - February 2026

 It took three months, but I've finally finished chapter 2 and have a beginning of chapter 3. I'm hoping things will go faster now - cross your fingers! 

We seem to be having an early spring, although a dry one. The lilac crocuses which I planted under an apple tree about 20 years ago are blooming enthusiastically, a couple more recent purple ones have appeared, and the ones I had indoors winter before last are sprouting in their outdoors pot. I'm hoping there will be more soon.

Update #3 - February 2026

 Still in chapter 2, sigh, although the end is in sight. Gwion has got as far as Caerleon, where he's about to explore the ruins that Gwernin saw in the first chapter of Storyteller. After that they'll go on to Talhaearn's home in Caerwent, and I can start chapter 3.

The weather goes up and down - a couple of mild days, a couple of much colder ones. We got a sprinkle of snow yesterday after highs in the 60s a couple of days before. Two crocuses had decided to bloom on the milder days and got frozen for their audacity, but hopefully they'll try again soon. I'm getting tired of winter.

Update #2 - February 2026

 Another slow week with a little more progress on chapter 2. I wanted Talhaearn to tell a story, and ended up using the first part of the First Branch of the Mabinogi. Now I have to fill out some more travel details, and explain why Caerleon was in ruins. Then I may do a little more fast-forwarding in the next chapter.

More mild dry weather -- highs in the 50s most days, lows in the 20s. I would not be eager to shovel snow, but we badly need some moisture.

Update #1 - February 2026

 Finally got a little writing done yesterday. I'm still working on chapter 2, sigh. I hope to make more progress this week.

Surprisingly mild weather, with some highs in the 60s. No complaints there, but we still need rain or snow.