I just learned that my dear friend Dona Meilach passed away last Thursday. She was 80 years old.

Dona was the most prolific writer I've ever known. She wrote more than 80 books, and several of them became classics in their fields. She covered many diverse topics, from blacksmithing and jewelry making, from bar drinks to breads, from computer graphics to bread machines, and more.

I only played Scrabble with Dona once; she trounced me so royally I never tried again.

Dona was a fine, loving, witty woman, a delight to all who knew her. She will be missed.