Well, as many of you know, I have started participating in some very interesting podcasts this year. (Due to that damn virus!) My first two were based in New York and Washington, D.C. and were basically a discussion of my first two history books. (THE SECOND MOURNING and TURBULENT TIMES.) Last week was more edifying, as the podcast was part of a fund-raising effort on behalf of the Eugene Clark Library in Lockhart, Texas. There is NOTHING I enjoy more than supporting a local library, and this event was simply wonderful.

Just a little background… Lockhart, as many Texans know, is the self-proclaimed “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” and as we say down here in the Lone Star State, “It ain’t bragging if it’s true!” (The town has at least 3 world-class barbecue joints!) The library is housed in a historically significant building, which was built with a $10,000 bequest from Dr. Eugene Clark, a native of New Orleans. According to the library website, “the library is a two-story, Greek cross plan and is a Classical Revival building of red brick with limestone trim.” (Inside you will discover a beautiful stained glass window!) In other words, the library is gorgeous, and the pride of the town.

The fund-raising podcast was called “Evening With The Authors,” and featured three prominent Texas authors of great acclaim. (Well, actually two authors and me, but you get the point!) The internet event was hosted by an incredible woman named Tammy Peplinski Francis, and as her middle name suggests, she was full of “pep.” Ms. Francis is not only a great interviewer (smart, charming, and highly entertaining) but also the author of several fascinating books. (If you want a great read, start with her book titled, THE GIRL IN THE JITTERBUG DRESS. I won’t spoil the plot, but the book contains some great detail about nostalgic fashion, classic cocktails, and dancing.

By the way, since we’re on the subject of charming women, allow me to publicly thank Juanita McBride and Jody King for all of their hard work in putting the podcast together. A successful event always requires some hard-working volunteers, and Juanita and Jody are two of the best. (I’m happy to report that the ladies met their fund-raising goal! Congratulations!)

And since we’re still chatting about books, it is my pleasure to inform you that my next non-fiction masterpiece is now in the capable hands of Sarah Welch of Inkdroplit Editing. Sarah is busy editing GONE BEFORE GLORY, which will no doubt win the Pulitzer Prize for History next year. (If I can find a way to bribe the judges!)

Well, since I won’t have a chance to write another blog until after the election, allow me to wish all of you boys and ghouls a pleasant Halloween. Did you know that the origin of Halloween can be traced to Samhain, an ancient pagan Celtic festival? (The Boston Celtics played basketball during the festival. I think.) Anyway, those wild and crazy Celtics believed that the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead was at its thinnest during Samhain, thereby making it the ideal time to communicate with the deceased and to divine the future. (I might be wrong, but I’m guessing that bourbon was somehow involved in this event!)

In any case, have fun trick or treating and don’t forget to keep your mask on. By the way, do you know what they call a ghost that can’t have children? (“Hallow-weenie!”) Wait, I’ve got a worse joke… What is a witch’s favorite subject? (Spelling!) These jokes are courtesy of my neighbors two juvenile delinquents, who insist on amusing me when we meet. (Both lads belong behind bars… and I don’t mean candy bars!) But I still adore them.

Well, time to take my leaves. (I have a full bag of them in the garage!) If you’re wondering about my private jet adventure to Malibu two weeks ago, please stay tuned, as I will share the amusing details during our next meeting. (Let’s just say that things did not go exactly as planned!) Have a frighteningly good Halloween and we shall spook, I mean speak, again shortly!

***BONUS PHOTO ATTACHED*** (A photograph of the Texas Ranger who provided security during my trip!)

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff