BIG DEAL.  Why all the fuss about a set of three periods representing a trailing off of thought?  I don’t get it … I use an Ellipses quite often … Why all the excitement?  Of course, I might be mixing up the word ellipses with the word eclipse.  There is that remote possibility.  I did study astrology in high school, or maybe that was astronomy.  I forget which one.  In any case, I am very familiar with our Solar System.  During my illustrious college days, I studied to be an astronaut.  (I was taking up space at Texas A & M.)  Nonetheless, I shall not look directly upward until the big event is over.  (unless I hit my head on the garage door again)  WARNING:  Do not stare at the stars on Monday!  (This warning does NOT include any posters of Pamela Anderson.)  You’ve been warned, so let’s move on …   (There’s that dang elliptical thing again!)

My recent road trip from sunny South Florida to sunny Austin was a HUGE success.  After a week in sunny Boca Raton, we drove up to sunny Tallahassee and then over to sunny Rosemary Beach.  (Are you noticing a theme here?)  Rosemary Beach was simply divine, and in all honesty, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in America.  (The sand & water are unbelievably clean)  The Pearl Hotel was also spectacular.  Truly one of the best hotels I have ever had the pleasure to stay in.  Best part for me?  The library actually had a copy of my last mystery novel, A RUN FOR THE MONEY!  That was very cool.  (I was so impressed that I gave them a copy of TURBULENT TIMES for their collection.  They still charged me for the room!)

We met several interesting “steel magnolias” at the Pearl Hotel.  (Southern chicks with great personal histories.)  In fact, three lovely ladies provided some great ideas for the book that I am presently writing.  (CAPONE ISLAND)  I would like to give a little shout out to Miss Debra, Miss Jeanne, and Miss Janna.  It was nice meeting you, and I shall endeavor to include you ladies in the book.  (under different names, of course!)  The waiver forms will arrive in the mail shortly!

The second part of the week was spent in (sunny) and sticky New Orleans, and once again, we met some wonderful characters at our hotel.  We stayed at the lovely Windsor Court Hotel, and because I had agreed to a book-signing in the lobby, they gave us an amazing room upgrade.  Top floor, about two thousand square feet.  Biggest damn room I’ve ever seen.  (I couldn’t find my wife for 3 days!)  Best part of the trip for me?  I played some poker at Harrah’s Casino (with a friend of mine from Austin) and we both won a ton of money.  Enough to pay for our entire stay in the “Big Easy.”  (Which, coincidentally, was my high school girlfriend’s nickname!)

The good folks in N’awlins really stepped up to the plate (pun intended) and provided some GREAT eating adventures.  We dined at Mr. B’s Bistro the first night and Galatoire’s the second night.  (The third and fourth nights we fasted.  Actually, we just ate faster.  Who am I trying to kid?)  Between the crab and crawfish, we found time to gulp down a few Sazerac Cocktails at the Carousel Bar.  (The one that turns as you sit and get drunk.)  I’m not sure, but I think the spinning evenly disperses the vomit.  Just saying.

Of course, a stop in New Orleans would not be complete without another stop at Cafe du Monde for a pile of beignets covered with powdered sugar and washed down with some flavorful chicory coffee.  (Which is not just for chicks!)  I loved the little fried globs of puffy cholesterol, but it does take about a week to digest them … so be forewarned.  (Jeez, I just saw another ellipses!)

Tomorrow, in addition to that annoying solar thing, the winners of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association Book Awards will be announced on the Today Show.  As you might remember, my new history book, TURBULENT TIMES, was recently chosen as a Finalist in the “Best U.S. History” category.  I would love to win the Gold Medal, but I am so pleased to have been nominated, and humbled to be competing against some major literary talent.  Regardless of the outcome, I will always be grateful to my loyal blog followers!  You folks are the best!

Well, it’s time for me to try on the old tuxedo.  (Just in case I get lucky)  If I don’t win the Gold Medal, I intend to wait on some tables at the awards ceremony, which should pay for my trip to Denver.  On a final note, if you should happen upon a copy of the Memphis Daily News, look for the article they wrote about the passing of Elvis Presley (on August 16th) and you will see a lengthy reference to my very first mystery novel, titled, THE GRACELAND GANG.  (The book cover is shown, but they were wise enough not to show a photo of me!)

Well, take care, dear friends, and we shall meet again soon!  Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

P.S.  I will attempt to add a photo of the Elvis book and some shots of Rosemary Beach.