DID YOU GET MY CARD? Well, that’s because I forgot to send one! But while we’re on the subject, do you realize that (crazy) Americans send 145 million Valentine’s Day cards out each year? Of course, many of them aren’t mailed, but rather exchanged. Still, that’s an awful lots of stamps. Personally, I just give chocolate. (Usually a Hershey’s kiss. Small, but effective.) Sometimes I’ll buy a whole box of assorted chocolates, but not until after Valentine’s Day. (The price drops week after week.) Last year I gave my wife a box of Whitman’s samplers. (On July 4th) That was sort of fitting, because she did explode. Women.

We have had some crazy weather down here in Texas. Last week it was 86 degrees on Wednesday, and this coming Wednesday is supposed to be 33 degrees. Never a dull moment. I guess I should re-pack my bathing suits and wait a week or two. In any case, this Wednesday I will be heading for the Alamo in San Antonio. They have a terrific new museum down there, which was featured in my last “Adam Gold Mystery,” titled, DEAD ENDING. If you’re ever in the Alamo gift shop, please inquire about my book. (or you could just steal a copy off the shelves.)

Incidentally, I recently received notification that my non-fiction book about President William McKinley, titled, GONE BEFORE GLORY, is now being sold at the President McKinley Museum in Buffalo, New York. (The site of his assassination) The city, not the museum. I think they have a couple of autographed copies on display, too. By the way, did you notice that President Trump recently read my McKinley book? I’m guessing that’s why he wants to re-name Mount Denali in Alaska. (Which used to be called Mt. McKinley until President Biden changed it.) All of sudden I’ve become an influencer! Who knew?

Did you know that Saint Valentine’s skull is in Rome? (I think he left his heart in San Francisco.) A Roman priest named Valentine was stoned (no jokes, please) and beheaded on February 14, around the year 279, which is how the holiday began. Don’t ask me why we celebrate such a gruesome event, but you can view the poor chap’s skull in the Church of Santa Maria if you visit the catacombs. (No dogs allowed, just cats!)

Now for some more earth-shattering literary news ….. my next “Adam Gold Mystery,” titled, THE LONG HARD FALL has been delivered to my forlorn agent, who in turn has sold the dang manuscript for a rather handsome sum of dinero. Which means, that the unsuspecting public will once again be assaulted with another great mystery! The book is scheduled to be published in either April or May of this year. I shall, as they say, keep you apprised of the situation.

For those of you who have recently inquired about my travel schedule, kindly note that my first long book tour (and rum inhalation) will be in Late April at a Dude Ranch in Bandera, Texas, followed by a lengthy sojourn to Atlanta, Albany, and Boston in the summer months. If you would like to attend a book signing, I will post my exact schedule as soon as it becomes available.

Finally, also in the wonderful world of literature, I am 1/3 of the way through my next non-fiction American history book. This one is quite exciting for me, as it deals with a gentleman that I have long admired but know little about … one of the most brilliant Americans who ever lived. (No, not me!) I am referring to the “Wizard of Menlo Park,” Mr. Thomas Alva Edison. I am fully expecting to win a Pulitzer Prize, but I shall not get my hopes up just yet.

Speaking of Valentine’s Day (one last time) … Did Adam and Eve ever have a date? (Nope, just an apple!) Never fall in love with a pastry chef. (He’ll dessert you!) What is Cupid’s favorite rock band? (Kiss!) All right, I’m getting sick, too. Enough of these sappy jokes! (You can blame these groaners on my grand-daughters!) Have a wonderful upcoming week and keep smiling!

Love, (Your special admirer)

Doc Yanoff, I.L. & B.V. (International Lover and Bon Vivant)