Author Archives: Sparky
“Choose Moose” by David Benjamin
Copyright 2022 by David Benjamin. Published by Last Kid Books, Madison WI. First, the usual disclaimer: David Benjamin is one of my best friends. But he is also a very talented author. I enjoy his books very much. Benjamin’s work can’t be pigeon-holed. He can write romance, mystery and historical fiction. Choose Moose is a … Continue reading
Carnival Vista Day 3: At sea
We got up early today to avoid the horrendous breakfast buffet lines. There were still line, but only had to wait a few minutes to get our breakfast. Better, but still not good. I attended a General Knowledge trivia session and did badly – 7 out of 20. It was a tough set of questions. … Continue reading
Carnival Vista Day 2: Nassau, Bahamas
I really thought that I had been to Nassau before. But it didn’t seem familiar at all. Must have been Freeport. Before disembarking in Nassau we had breakfast on the ship. We tried to have breakfast in the buffet, as we always do. But on the Vista the lines were staggeringly long – over 100 … Continue reading
Carnival Vista Day 1: Embarkation in Port Canaveral FL
The day started early because we were out dancing on Saturday night and just couldn’t find the energy to pack. So we set the alarm for 5am, got up, did the usual morning ablutions, packed and got on the road for the 3-hour trek to Port Canaveral before 8am. We were still early – our … Continue reading
More truck pocketbook pain
I just spent over $700 to replace the “power steering gear box”. I don’t know what that is but I know it can leak power steering fluid – I have spots on my pavers to prove it. Now I am told I need about $1,000 in extensive work on the front brakes (and I know … Continue reading
Yet another cruise (Carnival Vista)
This is a short one – just 6 days, Nov 26 to Dec 2 on the Carnival Vista. I really didn’t need another cruise on the heels of the 30-night TP1 but Marlene’s best friend, Dottie, is unable to accompany her on this one due to health issues. So I am filling in. It is … Continue reading
“No Plan B” by Lee Child and Andrew Child
Copyright 2022 by Lee Child and Andrew Child. Published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House, New York. Andrew Child (born Andrew Grant) is the younger brother of Lee Child and is reportedly being groomed by Lee Child to take over the Jack Reacher franchise. This is the second book (of 3) resulting from … Continue reading
“Daylight” by David Baldacci
Copyright 2021 by David Baldacci, Published by Grand Central Publishing Co, New York. #3 of 4 books by Baldacci featuring FBI agent Atlee Pine. John Puller – one of Baldacci’s biggest heroes – is also featured. This is a book with two interwoven and interrelated plots – Atlee’s search for her twin sister who was … Continue reading
TP1 wrapup
This 35-day journey was epic, made more epic because it directly followed a month in Massachusetts. I packed for 12 weeks on the road. I repacked a bit in the two days at home between those two journeys, but it certainly felt like 12 weeks of continuous travel. Highlights: Marlene and I pretty much enjoyed … Continue reading
TP1 Day 35: San Francisco CA to Fort Myers FL
Another day of air travel. This one was less grueling than Day 34 – only(?) 8 hours. But we were already dog tired so it seemed longer. We arrived in San Francisco around 11am and our flight – to New York – did not leave until 9:30pm. That gave us nearly a full day in … Continue reading