2009!

Happy New Year!

Christmas in the City

I’m back from my trip, and I had an amazing time. On the night I arrived, Nikki (my son) met me at the airport and we took the Bart (a train) into the city and dropped off my bags at his apartment, which is a cute little single in the SoMa district. From there, we had dinner in Union Square at a Thai restaurant.

Here’s a picture of Market Street in Union Square from that night.


On Christmas Eve, we shopped. Nikki needed a dining table, so that was one of his gifts from me. We found a bar-height table at CB2 (a store in Union Square) and hauled it back to Nikki’s apartment on the train. It was only one stop, so it was fairly easy. A few hours later, we found two chairs at another furniture store and carried those to his place, too.

Here’s a picture of the dining set as it looks in his apartment.


After we set up the table, we headed to Rainbow Grocery, an organic, natural and vegetarian food market, to buy what we needed to make Christmas dinner for the next day. Nikki is vegan and I prefer veggie meals, too.

Here’s a shot of the Rainbow Grocery.


We cooked on Christmas day, making good use of Nikki's cozy kitchen. For an appetizer, we had hummus, whole wheat pita bread and red grapes. Our main menu consisted of tofurkey (a turkey-type roast made of tofu and stuffed with bread dressing), mashed potatoes, vegan mac and cheese and a huge salad. For dessert we had vegan cookies and blueberry cobbler.



Nikki’s friend, Jess (another vegan), came by to eat with us. She brought mushroom gravy for the potatoes and roast. We drank mimosas and enjoyed the day. Later that night, we took the Muni (a subway-type train) to a theater to see Milk, which was a great movie, btw.

Here are a few pictures to show you the cinema.



Since we were a little early, we had a drink at a nearby tavern. This is Jess and me toasting the camera. It's the first time I've ever had a hot toddy.


Nikki and Jess played darts at the tavern.


I tried my hand at it and accidentally threw a dart in the fire. As you can see, the dartboard was above a fireplace.


After we quit laughing, Nikki, Jess and I debated on how to retrieve the dart without causing a scene or getting burned. Finally I decided to tell the bartender/owner the truth. I approached the bar and said to him, “I tossed a dart into the fire. Please tell me I’m not the only person who has ever done that.” He laughed and responded, “Actually, I think you are.” He fished out the dart with a pair of tongs, then said, “Truthfully you aren’t the only person who’s ever done it, you’re just the only one who's ever admitted it.” That made all of us laugh again. Later, he wished us a very Merry Christmas as we headed off to see the movie. Overall, it was a wonderful holiday.

One last picture. This is me on the day I left. I'm on Nikki's roof with the city in the background.


I absolutely loved spending time with Nikki, and I love San Francisco. I can’t wait to go back again.

Happy Holidays!

I did it! I finished my book and will be leaving for San Francisco soon!

I'll tell you about my trip when I get back. Hopefully I'll have some pictures to share, too.

Christmas blessing to all of you.

Xmas Deadline

I’m trying to finish a book before I head north for the holiday.

The story is part of my new Warrior Society series. The hero’s name is Rex Sixkiller. Great name, huh? I borrowed it from a Native reader. She wrote to me a few years ago and when I told her that I loved her last name, she offered it to me for a book.

I have about twenty pages to go, with an emotional conflict to resolve and bad guys to catch. Lots of activity in those final pages.

But my work won't end there. Once the I finish the last chapter, I'll need to polish the entire manuscript, making sure it's clean and concise. Wish me luck.

Peace to Bettie Page

The 1950s pin-up model died today at the age of eighty-five. As many of you know, I was a fan of Bettie’s and made references to her in some of my books. She will be missed.

Are You Ready for the Holidays?

I’m getting there. Haven't mailed Xmas cards yet (I plan to address them sometime today), but I already got some gifts. I got a surprise present for my son to bring to San Francisco when I see him. Also got him something he asked for and had it shipped to him. Same with my sister in Oregon. I ordered a few things and had them shipped to her. For my step daughter and nephew, I earmarked some money. Cash is always appreciated.


Still working on the rest…

Hi Sheree

Who's Sheree? Me. That's my real name. A reader/friend sent me this greeting in snow!

Fresh Fiction

I got an e-mail from Fresh Fiction today and this is what they said:

"THE ART OF DESIRE was chosen to be a Fresh Pick at Fresh Fiction. Your cover and a link to THE ART OF DESIRE will appear on every page of FreshFiction.com on December 8, 2008 and mailed to the subscribers of the Fresh Pick newsletter on December 8, 2008.

The Fresh Pick is chosen by a group of readers and is never a purchased advertisement or promotion. We've chosen your book because it appeals to us and we like to share our diverse tastes in reading and hope other readers will give it a try."

Cool, huh? I'm honored that they picked my book.
Click here to visit Fresh Fiction

My New Old Car

I’ve always loved classic old cars, so I decided to sell what I’d been driving (a 1999 Chevy S10) and get this beauty instead. It’s a 1978 Mercedes 450 SL, and I bought it for about the same price as I sold the truck. My step dad deals in vintage cars, and he helped me get a good deal. There are a few things I need to fix (like the air conditioning), but overall it’s a gem. As you can see, the previous owner did a wonderful job of restoring it.

Fun Test

This is a pop culture memory test someone sent me. I thought it was fun, so I'm posting it here. It helps if you're a baby boomer. The younger set might have a little trouble with it.

Give yourself a point for each correct answer (the answers are at the bottom). The top score is 20. The average score is 12. I got 18 (I missed number 1 and number 4).

FYI: In my book NEVER LOOK BACK, the secondary hero (Daniel Deer Runner) used Brylcreem, so anyone who read that story better know the answer to number 13. Lol.


1. What builds strong bodies 12 ways?

A. Flintstones vitamins
B. The Buttmaster
C. Spaghetti
D. Wonder Bread
E. Orange Juice
F. Milk
G. Cod Liver Oil

2. Before he was Muhammad Ali, he was...

A. Sugar Ray Robinson
B. Roy Orbison
C. Gene Autry
D. Rudolph Valentino
E. Fabian
F. Mickey Mantle
G. Cassius Clay

3. Pogo, the comic strip character said, 'We have met the enemy and...

A. It's you
B. He is us
C. It's the Grinch
D. He wasn't home
E. He's really me an
F. We quit
G. He surrendered

4. Good night David...

A. Good night Chet
B. Sleep well
C. Good night Irene
D. Good night Gracie
E. See you later alligator
F. Until tomorrow
G. Good night Steve

5. You'll wonder where the yellow went...

A. When you use Tide
B. When you lose your crayons
C. When you clean your tub
D. If you paint the room blue
E. If you buy a soft water tank
F. When you use Lady Clairol
G. When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent

6. Before he was the Skipper's Little Buddy, Bob Denver was Dobie's friend...

A. Stuart Whitman
B. Randolph Scott
C. Steve Reeves
D. Maynard G. Krebbs
E. Corky B. Dork
F. Dave the Whale
G. Zippy Zoo

7. Liar, liar...

A. You're a liar
B. Your nose is growing
C. Pants on fire
D. Join the choir
E. Jump up higher
F. On the wire
G. I'm telling Mom

8. Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, Superman fights a never ending battle for truth, justice and...

A. Wheaties
B. Lois Lane
C. TV ratings
D. World peace
E. Red tights
F. The American way
G. News headlines

9. Hey kids! What time is it?

A. It's time for Yogi Bear
B. It's time to do your homework
C. It's Howdy Doody Time
D. It's Time for Romper Room
E. It's bedtime
F. The Mighty Mouse Hour
G. Scoopy Doo Time

10. Lions and tigers and bears...

A. Yikes
B. Oh no
C. Gee whiz
D. I'm scared
E. Oh my
F. Help! Help!
G. Let's run

11. Bob Dylan advised us never to trust anyone...

A. Over 40
B. Wearing a uniform
C. Carrying a briefcase
D. Over 30
E. You don't know
F. Who says, 'Trust me'
G. Who eats tofu

12. NFL quarterback who appeared in a television commercial wearing women's stockings...

A. Troy Aikman
B. Kenny Stabler
C. Joe Namath
D. Roger Stauback
E. Joe Montana
F. Steve Young
G. John Elway

13. Brylcream...

A. Smear it on
B. You'll smell great
C. Tame that cowlick
D. Grease ball heaven
E. It's a dream
F. We're your team
G. A little dab'll do ya

14. I found my thrill...

A. In Blueberry muffins
B. With my man, Bill
C. Down at the mill
D. Over the windowsill
E. With thyme and dill
F. Too late to enjoy
G. On Blueberry Hill

15. Before Robin Williams, Peter Pan was played by...

A. Clark Gable
B. Mary Martin
C. Doris Day
D. Errol Flynn
E. Sally Fields
F. Jim Carey
G. Jay Leno

16. Name the Beatles...

A. John, Steve, George, Ringo
B. John, Paul, George, Roscoe
C. John, Paul, Stacey, Ringo
D. Jay, Paul, George, Ringo
E. Lewis, Peter, George, Ringo
F. Jason, Betty, Skipper, Hazel
G. John, Paul, George, Ringo

17. I wonder, wonder, who..

A. Who ate the leftovers?
B. Who did the laundry?
C. Was it you?
D. Who wrote the book of love?
E. Who I am?
F. Passed the test?
G. Knocked on the door?

18. I'm strong to the finish...

A. Cause I eats my broccoli
B. Cause I eats me spinach
C. Cause I lift weights
D. Cause I'm the hero
E. And don't you forget it
F. Cause Olive Oyl loves me
G. To outlast Bruto

19. When it's least expected, you're elected, you're the star today...

A. Smile, you're on Candid Camera
B. Smile, you're on Star Search
C. Smile, you won the lottery
D. Smile, we're watching you
E. Smile, the world sees you
F. Smile, you're a hit
G. Smile, you're on TV

20. What do M & M's do?

A. Make your tummy happy
B. Melt in your mouth, not in your pocket
C. Make you fat
D. Melt your heart
E. Make you popular
F. Melt in your mouth, not in your hand
G. Come in colors


Below are the right answers:
1. D - Wonder Bread
2. G - Cassius Clay
3. B - He Is Us
4. A - Good night, Chet
5. G - When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent
6. D - Maynard G. Krebbs
7. C - Pants On Fire
8. F - The American Way
9. C - It's Howdy Doody Time
10. E - Oh My
11. D - Over 30
12. C - Joe Namath
13. G - A little dab'll do ya
14. G - On Blueberry Hill
15. B - Mary Martin
16. G - John, Paul, George, Ringo
17. D - Who wrote the book of Love
18. B - Cause I eats me spinach
19. A - Smile, you're on Candid Camera
20. F - Melt In Your Mouth Not In Your Hand

Trip Cancelled

Unfortunantly my quickie vacation has been cancelled. My friend had some unexpected business that came up. We hope to plan another trip together in the future.

But...I'll be going to San Francisco for Xmas, so not all is lost. Fun times are still ahead!