When Susie and I tell people that we're in the hospitality business, working at a large campground/resort, they often think of us as a vacationing couple. Many think of us as hosts who welcome campers to our park the way a greeter welcomes shoppers to Walmart. As my loyal readers wait for the next book or short story, they wonder,what can possibly be keeping Mark from writing? 

​Since you asked, let me tell you why I haven't finished my current book or produced any poetry or short stories for awhile. 
​Susie and I are responsible for operating our park's store and café. On a normal work day, I get up at 6:00, make our coffee, pray for our family and friends, and start breakfast (usually bacon and eggs) while Susie is getting ready for work. We leave our park model around 7:30 and generally return home at night between 7:30 and 8:30. 
​usually we work from 35-40 hours between Saturday morning and Monday night. In addition to our regular duties, we do other things that need to be done around the park. I could go into more detail, but after a 15-hour day yesterday and a 10-hour day today, I'm having a lot of trouble staying awake as I try to type. 
​We spend part of our days off working on tasks that demand our attention. We do our laundry and grocery shopping, and I still get up at 6:00 to unlock the store for our employees. We love what we're doing, but what we're doing is very hard work. I will write again for you, my friends and family, but not tonight.