Well, my week certainly began in a wonderful way, thanks to the Women’s Club of Greater Lakeway.  I just had the honor of speaking to these highly educated ladies about one of my favorite topics (No, not me, James A. Garfield!) and a fine time was had by all.  We had a full house at the beautiful Lakeway Spa and Resort, and we even managed to sell out of books!  (Two and half cases in 30 minutes!)  I had a lot of fun signing the books and meeting so many terrific ladies.

The Women’s Club officially began way back in the fall of 1985 with a charter membership of 51.  As the city of Lakeway grew, so did the membership, which now stands at …..  (drum roll, please) ….. over 500 members!  The club not only presents a full roster of fascinating speakers (such as myself) but also does TONS of charitable work for the community.

After my presentation, and a brief Q & A and book signing, Patty and I were invited to join the group for a lovely luncheon in the Vista Ballroom, overlooking Lake Travis, which now has plenty of water.  We had the privilege of sitting at the “President’s Table,” but I did not actually see or talk to Mr. Trump.  (They may have meant the president of the club.)  In any case, lunch was very good, and my history book (THE SECOND MOURNING) was the first “door prize” that was given out.  (The second door prize was an actual door, which was quite heavy!)

I would like to thank Sheila Niles (the new president of the “James A. Garfield Memorial Fan Club,” for decorating all of the tables with an assortment of “Garfield mementos” and some fascinating historical information.  Her hard work (and flower arrangements) were greatly appreciated, and her enthusiasm was simply contagious. (Would you like to guess what state she’s from?  Yep, the Buckeye state… Ohio!)

And while we are on the subject of “thank you,” I must also thank my dear friends in Lakeway for arranging and scheduling my speaking engagement…..  So here’s to you (with a tip of the hat) Shelley and Loyd Smith, and the lovely and talented Gloria Crosthwait!  And let’s not forget Ken Crosthwait, who is currently engrossed in a marvelous new history book, titled, TURBULENT TIMES!  (Those folks in Lakeway have such good literary taste!)

Did I ever mention that the word “plethora” means a lot to me?

So what else is new?  Well, believe it or not, I have been invited back to do another radio interview with the amazing Jack Drucker (the host of America’s most prominent talk show) on WTAN in Tampa, Florida.  The interview will be taped on December 13th and aired in its entirety on December 19th.  Jack and I will be discussing (and answering some deep questions) about William H. Seward, the subject of my new history book, TURBULENT TIMES.  I will provide some more details at a later date, and you might be the one to win a pair of airline tickets to watch the program live in Florida!  (So keep tuned, as they say!)

I do hope that each and every one of my loyal blog followers had a joyous Thanksgiving.  We had a great feast (except for the bowl of kale that someone brought.)  Personally, I prefer my kale with a silent “k,” if you know what I mean!

Well, time to do some babysitting, so I must take my leave of thee.  Please remember to take every bad day with a grain of salt.  (And by the way, this works much better if the salt is on a margarita!)  Adios amigos and amigettes.  Speak to you next Sunday…  Love to all,

Doc Yanoff