Should old acquaintance really be forgot? Well, I say it depends on the old acquaintance. Let’s face it, some people are worth forgetting. Like my former accountant/massager Harry “Sticky Fingers” Fishbaum, who advised me to open my own bank in the Bahamas. (He only dated bank tellers, because he practiced “safe sex.”) I knew I was in trouble when Harry asked if I knew anything about plea bargaining. The old rascal was famous for his accounts deceivable, if you catch my drift. The poor guy end up in a fancy tax shelter — Leavenworth!

  Anyway, I hope y’all had a Happy Hanukkah or a Merry Christmas, and got plenty of wonderful gifts. Our best gift this year was the arrival of our fifth grand-child, Luke Barlin. (aka, Burping Barlin.) I might start calling him Cool Hand Luke, but “Leaking Luke” would probably be more appropriate… if you know what I mean!

  For those of you who enjoy following my illustrious literary career, please note that my new non-fiction masterpiece, WONDER OF THE WEST, will be hitting the bookstores in late March or early April of 2024. If this one doesn’t win the Pulitzer Prize, then there is no justice, and I want my bribe money back. Hey, it’s money well spent. Besides, as my grandpa used to say, anything worth winning is worth cheating for.

  Speaking of prizes, my literary lecture at the Lakeway Women’s Club has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, January 24, 2024. If you’re in the area, drop by and pick up an autographed copy of my new “Adam Gold Mystery,” titled, DEAD ENDING. (A recent winner at the Paris Book Festival.) This tale is set in Texas, which you will find quite interesting… and somewhat amusing!)

  So, have you made any New Year Resolutions? (In South America they make New Year Revolutions!) Did you know that the practice of making resolutions began with the Babylonians as early as 2600 B.C.? 

  I don’t know why baby lonians were allowed to stay up so late. You’d think the adults would have handled this chore. In any case, some will use this day for turning over a new leaf. (For me, it would be more like a new tree!) However, this year I intend to be more generous and allow my wife to have some much-needed facial surgery. (My wife mentioned a face-lift, but I told her that there was probably another one just like it underneath!) Instead of a face-lift, wouldn’t it be easier to just lower her body? Just saying.

  Well, as you can imagine, my wife is now searching for some ammunition, so I must hide, I mean, take my leave. I do hope that everyone has a healthy and happy New Year, and I look forward to chatting with you in 2024. (assuming I find a good place to hide.) If you’re not too busy, you can scroll down and take a look at some photographs from 2023. 

  Love to all……

  Doc Yanoff