August 3, 2025

REMEMBER THE MAINE?

No, not the US rallying cry during the Spanish-American War, which I so brilliantly wrote about in a history book titled, GONE BEFORE GLORY. I am referring to the actual state, which just happens to be the northeastern most state in America. I recently returned from “The Pine Tree State,” and I am happy to report that the place was magnificent! (We drove through New Hampshire, too, which we took for granite. Bad joke.) In any case, we had the pleasure of staying at the lovely Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. We wanted to stay at Walker’s Point Estate (The Bush family compound) but the entire Bush clan was in town, so it was difficult to get past the Secret Service. (We encountered the same problem with the Obama folks in Hawaii.)

After gouging ourselves on lobster and clams for a week, we drove down to Boston, which as many of you know, is often referred to as “Beantown.” Lots of baked beans. Everywhere you go you run into beans. The good part? We never had to stop for gas.

For continuity’s sake, I should mention that we actually began our escapade in Atlanta, then flew up to Albany, New York, rented a Humvee (actually an SUV) and drove north to Lake George, one of the most beautiful lakes in the universe. As some of you know, I actually grew up in Lake George…. meaning that I spent most of my teenage summers there. My parents owned and operated the Flamingo Motel, which is located in Diamond Point. Needless to say, I have a million fond memories of the region.

On this trip, we stayed at the splendid Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing. The resort is perched (not a fishing pun) on the shores of Lake George and is simply stunning in every regard. (I have attached some photographs below.) We spent about a week wining and dining, and had a marvelous time with the grand-kids. (Who never stopped eating!) If you’ve never been to the Adirondack region, you are truly missing one of America’s most beautiful places…. so start packing!

Now for some earth-shattering literary news….. I am proud to announce that my recent history masterpiece, titled, WONDER OF THE WEST, has been selected as a FINALIST in the 19th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards Contest! (You can view my interview and read about the book by going to http://www.indieexcellence.com) The award comes with a HUGE cash prize, which I am willing to split with any of my blog followers. Just send me your bank PIN numbers so that I can transfer the money in a secure fashion. (Hey, if you can’t trust me, who can you trust?)

One serious note about money…. now would be a good time to purchase any of my books, because ALL royalties will be donated to the Texas Flood Relief. (To help with the disaster of July 4th.)

Finally, if you’re curious about my last outing, kindly scroll down and you will see some lovely photos. The first ones were taken in Lake George, then second group in Maine, and I think there might be a shot or two of the grand-kids. (I have to take a shot or two every time I’m around them!) Well, take good care of yourselves and enjoy the remainder of the summer. Speak with you soon,

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

June 15, 2025

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, 2025!

I know it’s been a while since we last spoke, but I’ve been “panhandling!” (Not begging, just vacationing in the gorgeous panhandle region of Florida.) The boss and I flew east to participate in a book signing and catch some rays on Rosemary Beach. (Just up the road from the setting of my new “Adam Gold Mystery,” titled, THE LONG HARD FALL. We spent 4 enjoyable nights at the lovely Pearl Hotel, which as the name implies is a real gem.

While we were roughing it in the wilderness of West Florida, I decided to go on Safari. (Not the African kind — the web browser on the internet) I did, however, encounter some wild animals, but I also made some new friends on Facebook. (Two from Burundi and one from Chad.)

Between Margaritas, I volunteered to be a judge at a local fashion show. Well, it wasn’t actually a fashion show… it was more of a wet T-shirt contest. (same idea, I told my wife) In any case, the young lady who won the contest was very grateful and offered me a lap dance. Unfortunately, she meant a real Lapp from Scandinavia. Nice girl, but her Viking horns kept poking me in the stomach.

By the way, what do you think caribou care about?

Moving on….. a few weeks ago I had the pleasure of discussing my new historical masterpiece, WONDER OF THE WEST, with the charming and intelligent ladies of the Flintlock Falls Book Club. It was a delightful afternoon, and I would like to thank the wonderful Sheila Niles for setting up the event. I look forward to our next meeting!

Some more earth-shattering news… THE LONG HARD FALL was recently selected (by a major NYC newspaper) as “one of the best summer reads of 2025.” (Which, technically, means that you MUST buy the darn book and read it ASAP in order to avoid any legal consequences.) Hey, I don’t make the rules.

The next trip on tap (besides more beer) is a long-awaited outing to Lake George, New York. Upon my arrival in the stunning Adirondack Mountains, I shall be doing some much-needed research for a new history book set in that region. We will be housed at the Sagamore Hotel for a week or so, and then it’s off to Forts William Henry and Ticonderoga. (My parents used to own a motel in Lake George, a place called the Flamingo Motel, so I spent quite a few summers on the Lake.) Which, by the way, was recently named the “cleanest lake in America!”

Well, I’m off (somewhat reluctantly) to the bagel store for breakfast. The last time I went there I asked if I could buy a bagel with cream cheese, and the youngster at the counter said, “I’m sorry, sir. We only take cash.” (Jeez, what is this country coming to?) On that note, I shall take my leave… but I wish you all a stupendous Father’s Day and much love…. Until we meet again, I remain,

Dr. Stephen G. Yanoff (a/k/a Doc Y)

April 28, 2024

WONDER OF THE WEST! (PART I)

I know what you’re thinking….. Isn’t that the title of my new (and long overdue) historical masterpiece? Well, yes, but it’s also a fitting title for my recently completed exploration. I just had the good fortune to spend a couple of weeks out West, touring several of our magnificent national parks. Our great adventure began in Scottsdale, where we stayed at the lovely Westin Resort Hotel and treated ourselves to a Mexican fiesta at La Hacienda, a culinary gem inside the Fairmont Hotel. It took two full days to absorb and digest the prickly pear margaritas, but “agave” they were worth it!

My only complaint about the Westin were the soft, fluffy towels they offered to guests. (They were very difficult to stuff into our luggage.) Day one of the official trip brought us to colorful Sedona, and then it was off to the Grand Canyon, a modest little crevice in Northern Arizona. The word “spectacular” doesn’t even begin to describe this spot. Believe it or not, the canyon is 277 miles long, 10 miles wide, and over one mile deep! (Which makes the canyon bigger than two of our states, Rhode Island and Delaware!)

After a scrumptious dinner at El Tovar Restaurant on the South Rim, we spent the night at Kachina Lodge, then left the following morning for Glen Canyon Dam and an evening dinner cruise on Lake Powell. The next day was spent on the Navajo Nation, where we hiked through an incredible “slot canyon,” a long, narrow channel with sheer rock walls that are typically eroded sandstone. While we were meandering around a tribal village, my wife discovered a jewelry shop (surprise, surprise) and forced me to buy her an “authentic” turquoise trinket. (At least I “Hopi” it was authentic, but you “Navajo!”) To tell you the truth, I had “reservations” about those joke!

At this juncture, I would like to reiterate that the best part of any trip are the new friendships you make — and this trip was no exception. We met wonderful folks from Nebraska, Florida, California, North Carolina, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and New Mexico. They were all terrific companions and we will remember them for years to come. (Especially Harry, who took over 700 photographs during our trip!)

The remainder of our adventure will be discussed in next week’s blog, so be sure to revisit next Sunday. (Or the Sunday after that) In the meantime, keep smiling and remember what St. Augustine said about travel: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

Don’t forget to scroll down and check out some of my photographs. (They are all “grand!”)

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff