Updates

A big thank you to all who sent their condolences, they were so appreciated.  For the first time in the 30 years I have lived in my house there is no dog nor cat companion, and it is strange.  They are not only the friend you can talk to, they add regularity, a steady syncopation, a reliable heart that helps keep everything moving in a positive direction.  I used to tell people there would be no more animals after Lily... who the Hell was I kidding.  It's not like I'm feeble.

In other words, I have started educating myself on other dog breeds.  No more boxers.  I love them, but I don't seem to have much luck with them.  Gertie died at 5.5 years, Biggie at 8.5.  Lily lived the longest.  So, maybe an Airedale is in my future, or a Vizsla, something large enough to make it up the staircase and jump onto the bed; nothing little, nothing hairy.

 For those interested, Lily had thrombocytopenia, a disease much like leukemia where her white blood cells were killing off her other blood cells.  It is extremely difficult to diagnose with zero symptoms until it is in an advanced stage.  This is how it goes sometimes.  

And I do plan on traveling a bit before the new puppy arrives.  An appointment has been made for April 9, to get a new passport (I foolishly let the old one expire), and I've begun looking at trips to Greece, probably in September so it's not too hot.  Interestingly enough, my next book takes place at Delphi, Greece.  Here's one of the trips I'm looking at.

That will bring me back before the election, and you better believe I am, as Bob says "casting a damn vote!"

Briefly:  I find the politics right now so fascinating.  All of the bad Karma that Trump has accrued for decades is coming home to roost.  Supposedly no one wants to loan him $464 million, at least that's what he's saying, the reality might be that there are those willing to lend, he just may not want to agree to their terms, like signing over Mar-a-Lago and Trump Tower in exchange for their cash infusion.  He could also file for bankruptcy, which wouldn't eliminate the fine, just give him more time in paying it, and that would be so publicly humiliating for him... oh... what joy!