For Elaine, and some news!

Elaine asks two questions:

"Melissa, I want to buy your book. Is it better to buy it on Amazon or from Webs? When will Webs have it?"

Well, Elaine, I will answer your first question first! If you're local, and you don't want to wait for Amazon (who, in my experience, is often slow in shipping pre-ordered items) there will be books available at the launch party and at Webs, I assume beginning December 16th. I and Webs are assured by the publisher (Amy...correct me if I am wrong here...) that books are coming by air for the launch party. Each one will be signed by moi, and personalized if you stand in line and have me sign it for you on the spot. It will not be $12, though. It'll be $16.95.So really it comes down to patience and money. If you are willing to wait it out for the $4 savings, order it from Amazon. If you want it now, now, now (like me, who'd probably buy a case of the things just to HAVE IT HERE NOW) then you can snag one at Webs.

"And what the hell is peppercorn chocolate, anyway? :)"

Your second question requires more contemplation. I am a bit of a chocolate lover. Also dark, smokey, leathery wines and warm, peaty scotches. I like thick, rich flavors with lots of complexity and layering. Dolfin is a well-known Belgian chocolate maker who specializes in blending high-quality chocolate with novel and rich flavors, like ginger, cardamom, anise, etc. As they say "Fruits, spices, herbs and flowers are mingled with precious chocolate in sometimes surprising but always harmonious combinations." The pink peppercorn is just that - a blend of a dark chocolate and crushed pink peppercorn blended in a way that makes your eyes water and your face break out in smiles. We're talking rich, deep flavors, lower fat than conventional chocolates, higher cocoa content, and some really stellar blends. For a really enjoyable sit and knit night, get a bunch of women together, buy a couple of Dolfin sampler packs and nosh your way through them, preferably with a tawny port. Almost as good as...well, maybe not that good, but darn close.

Now, news - yesterday my son (Indigestion, anyone?) called me and told me that 1.) I have been added to the labor and delivery room list, meaning there may be, if Sarah2 does not change her mind (which I would totally respect) excessive newborn bonding with April as I may be at her birth, which would totally thrill me beyond reason and 2.) she's 90% effaced and 2 cm dilated and the baby is well down in her pelvis. Labor is expected within the next 5 days. I'm gonna be a GRANDMA (again)!!

Oh, gee. I just went and read the Indigestion post. Tear-jerker, given the likely outcome of this coming week.