That sounds like something I would say to the I.R.S., but in this case, I’m referring to today’s blog.  (Which is usually posted on Sunday)  However, I do have a marvelous reason for the short delay…  yesterday was a day to celebrate the release of Helen Ginger’s new mystery novel, DEADPOINT.  The event was held at Wildflower Terrace (in Austin) and hosted by a real-life angel named Terri Schexnayder.  Miss Terri (who has more energy in her pinky than I have in my entire body) put together an author presentation, which included a book signing, and some tasty food for the overflow crowd that had gathered to cheer on our dear friend as she becomes rich and famous!

The event was a HUGE success, thanks to “Terrific Terri” and her band of merry pranksters…..  Beverly Horne, Jo Virgil, Diane Hernandez, and Pat Saunders, just to name a few.  These gorgeous and brilliant ladies never age!  (Which I find quite annoying when I look in the mirror!)  Helen is very lucky to have such wonderful friends, and they should all be proud of their good-hearted efforts.  (Helen also has one of those incredible husbands you hear about from time to time, and also a supportive family.)  Lots of love at that event yesterday, and it was an honor to be invited!  Thank you, ladies.

And since we are on the subject of books (surprise, surprise) allow me to mention that Helen’s newest book (DEADPOINT) happens to have a blurb from me on the back cover.  That alone should make it a collector’s item, but the book is also a great read, so if you love a good mystery, check it out!  I have actually begun to offer book blurbs through my literary agent, Jesse James Lipschitz, and have provided blurbs for none other than Michael Connelly and James Patterson.  (I doubt my blurbs will be chosen, but you never know.)  In any case, it is a new source of income, which might prove quite attractive.  (Do NOT mention this to the I.R.S.)

Meanwhile, sales of TURBULENT TIMES continue to skyrocket, and I would like to thank all of my blog followers for their support.  This wonderful ride would not be possible without the support of my friends and family, and I am very appreciative.  In fact, we’ve arranged for one of my blog followers to win a free trip to Athens later this year.  All you have to do is leave a nice review of the book on Amazon.com, and if your name is chosen in November, you are off to Athens!  I only have 50,000 blog followers (as opposed to James Patterson, who has 3 million!) so the odds are in your favor!

And speaking of favors… I would like to thank Baron Lee Bomblatus (Round Rock royalty) for taking me and my imminent cousin, Dr. Max Talbott, to the baseball game last Friday evening.  We had a splendid time, and I couldn’t help but notice that a lot of baseball terms are similar to dating terms.  For instance, the guys are always trying to get to first base.  (Many “strike out.”)  The bigger the diamond, the better!  There are other terms as well, but since this is a family blog, I shall move on!

By the way, I would also like to extend my very best to Mr. Jack Drucker, the host of the BookTalk Radio Show in Tampa, Florida.  Jack recently underwent back surgery, but I am happy to report that he has returned to the studio and is doing just fine.  Jack is back!  (Thank goodness)  Incidentally, I will be his guest sometime in September.  We will be chatting about TURBULENT TIMES, and I will keep you informed of the date and time of the show.

So this morning I told my wife that I was going out to get some breakfast.  She asked me how long I would be gone.  I told her the whole time.  Women ask such odd questions.

Well, it’s almost time for my nap.  Thus I shall leave thee with some fascinating trivia…..  Did you know that in Shakespeare’s time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes.  When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on.  Hence the phrase…  “goodnight, sleep tight.”   (Did you think that phrase had something to do with alcohol consumption?)  Now you know the rest of the story!

Good tidings, and love to all…

Doc Yanoff

**** P.S.  Attached are some charming photographs for your viewing pleasure.