Happy birthday, Larry

Hi everyone,

Larry Wakefield’s birthday came a couple of days before we got home but we celebrated anyway the other night and had a fine time. Larry and Maryann were due any minute when we discovered the water blasting out of the heater in the basement. I’ve already told you THAT story.

Larry and I met in 8th grade at Jarrett Junior High School and became fast friends. We took a correspondence course in taxidermy. Later on we would double date with Maryann and Sandy. In high school Larry lettered in football; I lettered in baseball. When Larry’s and Maryann’s first son was born, they named me Allen’s godfather. The four of us have gone on vacation together every year for decades. We’ve been business partners.

So here’s to my pal Larry, and to many more good times to come.

David

A happy coincidence

Hi everyone,

Just discovered that a good friend is taking the same Caribbean cruise we are. Larry and Maryann Wakefield and we are scheduled on a Holland America ship five days from now and it turns out that Susan Hutchens from Colorado is taking the same cruise with her family.
There are thousands of people on those gigantic boats but I’m sure we’ll meet a lot and I look forward to our visits. Susan is an elementary teacher and active in the Colorado Reading Association. Two years ago she was chair of CCIRA and invited me to present at the conference, which is an old favorite of mine.

I’ll remind you later but during the week onboard and the week after I’ll have little or no Internet so I’ll not be posting. Time for some serious goo foffing!

David

Good news: Maryann is back

Hi everyone,

On May 12, Maryann Wakefield interrupted her life, not to mention her writing career, when she tripped in her driveway and suffered head injuries. Fighting back to regain her life where it left off has been a long, hard struggle. Therapy continues but as we all know, writers don’t quit.

At this time, three months after her accident, it gives me great pleasure to share Maryann’s announcement that she’s back at work on her second book, A RAGING STORM COMING, which takes up where A GENTLE SUN COMING left off. Two days ago she gave me a sneak preview of what’s ahead, and I’m impressed. It’s going to be another good read.

Congratulations, Maryann. Thanks for the courage and for being such a role model. Thanks, Larry, for being the kind of mate she had to have throughout the worst of the ordeal and for being with her now to help in every way she needs. It’s a privilege to know you both.

David