Well, I’m back on land and feeling grand.  However, I do miss those lovely Caribbean Islands.  You know, John Donne, the English poet, once said that no man is an island.  I respectively disagree.  I guess he never heard of “Man-hattan,” or “Manila,” or “Man-nisota.”  Just saying.  Frankly, my dear, I sometimes wonder if I was born on a beach.  Would that make me a “son-of-a-beach?”  Hmmm.

Hey, I just thought of something…   What if there were no hypothetical questions?

Speaking of deep thoughts, I have some more good news to share with my loyal blog followers…  My history book, THE SECOND MOURNING, recently received the “Honorable Mention” award (3rd place) at the NEW ENGLAND BOOK FESTIVAL in Boston, Massachusetts.  This distinguished award marks the tenth book award of the year, and needless to say, I am very grateful.

By the way, since we’re on the subject of books (surprise, surprise) I have another important announcement….  In conjunction with the PBS television series “Murder of a President,” (the tale of President Garfield’s assassination) I will be interviewed on the nationally syndicated program called The Author’s Show on Friday, February 19th, at 10 a.m. Mountain Time, 11 a.m. Central Time.  We will be discussing THE SECOND MOURNING, so if you get a chance, please tune in.  (I will post the pod-cast at a later date.)

Incidentally, I would like to take a moment to say hello to all of the new friends that we made on last week’s cruise.  I met many wonderful people, from all over the world, and I hope to keep in touch with each and every one of you!  Also, I want to send a special “kiss and hug” to Miss Laura, up yonder in Oklahoma, who is soon to deliver a very special “package.”  We all wish you the best of luck, dear!  (Have you considered “Stephen” for a middle name?)  Just saying.

Finally, I would like to extend a huge “thank you” to the folks at the Addison Country Club in Delray Beach.  (I was more or less the guest speaker at their Friday evening gala event.)  Great people, great conversation, great lobster.  What more could a fledging author ask for?

In closing, I would like to thank Eric Clapton for allowing us to visit his property on the magical island of Antigua.  (I will pay for the broken gate lock)  Mr. Clapton owns a lovely mansion up on a bluff, which rents out for a measly $50,000 per week.  (includes sun tan lotion.)  I would have spent the morning drinking coffee with Clapton, but he didn’t have any CREAM.  (You have to be a certain age to get that joke!)

Well, have a safe and happy week, and we shall chat again soon…..

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff