Well, I can’t complain about our recent weather.  (Almost 85 degrees on and after Christmas Day!)  Besides, as Mark Twain once said, everybody complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it!  (Actually, Mr. Twain “borrowed” the saying from Charles D. Warner, but as I always say, “If they ain’t heard it before, then it’s original!”)  Nevertheless, I hope that all of my loyal and loving blog followers had a marvelous holiday season.  I got everything I asked for, except the poster of Marilyn Monroe.  (My wife thought, that since I love history, I wanted a poster of James Monroe!  NOT!)

Speaking of gifts….  The Third Annual Festive-Us gourmet get-together at the Austin Club was a HUGE success.  Lots of wine, but no whining.  Great food, and great conversation.  (At our end of the table!)  Many thanks to our generous hosts, Dr. Max Talbott and his lovely bride, Miss Barbara “Bon Appetite” Talbott.  This year’s table gift (for the men) was a pair of rather colorful underwear with VERY special embroidery.  (By the way, they were NOT edible.  I speak from personal experience, but cannot elaborate!)

In order to insure that none of us sober up too quickly, we will be attending the first gala shindig of the year (tomorrow night) at the villa of the Princess of Portugal and her handsome hubby, Baron Lee.  She said something about a “pot luck” dinner, which with any luck, will NOT include any pot!  (Just some dirty pans!)  I’ll be trying to score a lobster tail, or a kiss from Countess Connie, the guest of honor.  Either way, I’ll be “buttering” someone up!

Hey, speaking of sweet things (Countess Connie) I would like to direct your attention to a GREAT new book of poetry from my friend, Gina McKnight.  Gina is a terrific poet who has a wonderful new book out, titled, “Poetry from the Field.”  (The talented author is also an accomplished horse rider & trainer!)  If you want to learn more about her poems, simply go to:   gmcknight.com

And since we’re on the subject of horses…..  my new mystery novel, A RUN FOR THE MONEY, has become a best-seller in several Charleston (S.C.) bookstores.  If you love stories about the Low Country, or simply enjoy a good read, then this is the book for you.  (Yes, you can “bet on it!”)  Hey, never pass up a good pun!  (or one of mine!)

Just for the record…   A big hug and kiss to Miss Rebecca Lee Yanoff for supplying a cold bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne for our New Year’s Eve Dinner, which consisted of homemade…  (are you New Yorkers sitting down?) linguini with white clam sauce!  Homemade Italian bread!  Imported salami & cheese!  And, thanks to my generous brother-in-law, fresh ricotta-filled cannoli pastries!  Mama mia, my stomach is still bulging!

By the way, do you think those clams were purchased at a Shell station?  (I warned you about those puns!)

Lastly, I keep receiving mail from something called the Neptune Society.  I assume that this is a scuba diving organization, but I’m not sure.  I did not see a photo of Jacques Cousteau on the envelope, so I didn’t open it.  I’m dying to know who these folks are.  If you have any ideas, keep them to yourself, I mean, send them along!

Finally, a word of special love to my Aunt Gladys and Aunt Thelma for their lovely holiday cards.  (Did you ladies forget the checks again?)  No problem, you can take me to lunch the next time I come to Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.  Until then, a HUGE kiss and hug to both of you sweet Southern belles!  Also, a special hug & kiss to Mother Bunny (her nickname) the darling mother of Christine Nickles, one of my oldest and dearest friends.  Best wishes heading out to Pennsylvania today!

Before I close (for real this time) I would like to mention that our little blog has recently received notification that we were chosen as one of the “BEST BLOGS OF 2016” by the folks at WordPress, Inc.   Our site (which is yours and mine) was singled out for praise as being one of the most widely read blogs in America, and one of the most clever!  Just remember, folks, I could not have done it without you!  So thank you very much!  (Your check is in the mail!)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Happy New Year to you and yours, and we shall chat again throughout 2017!

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff