“He was born in the summer of his 70th year…  Coming home to a place he’d never been before…  He left yesterday behind him, you might say he was born again…  You might say he found a key for every door… ”    Yep, those are the opening lyrics to John Denver’s most famous song, ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH.  By wonderful coincidence, I recently flew up to Denver (and then further north to Aspen, Colorado) to attend the wedding of my beloved nephew, Jarrett Yanoff.  (Who had the good fortune of marrying the brilliant and beautiful Miss Caitlyn!)  OMG, are those mountains gorgeous!  (But not as pretty as the bride!)

The lovesick couple got married on the very top of Aspen Mountain, which is about 14,000 feet ABOVE sea level.  (They should call it “see level,” because you can see forever from the top!)  The wedding party took a 20-minute gondola ride up to the top, witnessed a lovely ceremony, drank too much champagne, and then headed downhill to a spectacular reception at the Little Nell Resort Hotel.  (I have attached some photos taken at the top of the mountain.)

I told my nephew that marriage is a wonderful institution.  (Similar to other institutions…  like Alcatraz and Sing Sing!)  My goal was alway to find a woman who looked at me the way I look at pizza.  I also offered the newlyweds some sage advice.  (Even though basil is my favorite herb.)  I reminded them that despite the high cost of living, it remains quite popular.  Also, that arguing with your wife is like being arrested.  Everything you say can and will be used against you!

The rehearsal dinner, held the night before the wedding, was hosted by the incredible Viceroy Hotel in Snowmass, another charming ski town a few miles from Aspen.  Following an elaborate dinner, guests were treated to an assortment of activities.  (After they had a chance to sober up)  The Aspen area is famous not only for skiing, but also for mountain hiking, trout fishing, golf, tennis, white water rafting, and horseback riding.

In accordance with my Texas roots, I saddled-up my pony (actually a full-grown horse) and went on a L-O-N-G ride into the mountains with a group of other suckers.  I wanted to ride bare-back, but our guide asked me to keep my shirt on.  In any case, up the mountain and down the steep terrain we went, observing some of the most beautiful land I have ever seen.  Words cannot begin to capture the sheer beauty of northern Colorado.  (Nor the sheer drop of the ledges we were riding across!)  The highlight of our ride was spotting a bear in the wild.  Fortunately, he (or she) kept his distance and did not spook the horses.  (However, one young lady from back east was a little spooked until I told her that her nag could easily outrun the brute that was staring us down.)

Naturally, I was a little, how shall I say this, “saddle sore” from my lengthy trek up Grizzly Mountain.  (In other words, my butt was killing me!)  Nevertheless, I would not have traded the experience for anything but a deep-tissue massage.  Ah, the foolishness of youth!  Oh well, if you don’t look back on your younger days and say, “I was so stupid back then,” you’re probably still stupid!

So what else is new?  Well, it took 3 or 4 months, but my newest “Adam Gold Mystery,” titled, CAPONE ISLAND has now become one of the best-selling books in Florida!  (Thanks to my loyal Floridian fan club and some great advertising by Barnes & Noble.  If sales keep up, we just might grab the number one spot, which would be nothing short of celebratory!  (Where did I put that bottle of expensive tequila?)

Well, I must leave you now, as I am packing for another adventure.  Tomorrow morning, I shall be joining my two daughters (Rachel & Rebecca) for a swimming adventure down at Barton Springs Pool, which is fed by an underground spring and produces a cool pool filled with very chilly water.  (A constant water temperature of 68 degrees!)  We have had one full week of 100 degree days down here in Austin, so now is the time to take the plunge!)  (Where did I put that bottle of expensive tequila… and my diving wet-suit?)

Adios, dear friends, until we meet again… whence you will be treated to an engaging tale of my recent trip to South Dakota and Wyoming!  Until our paths cross once more, please remember to treat everyone with politeness and kindness, not because they are nice, but because you are!

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

***** PHOTOGRAPHS ATTACHED, FREE OF CHARGE! *****