Here we are in December and, if you’re like me, you have a case of 2020 fatigue
In spite of it all, the days, the weeks, and the months did pass. In my case, I didn’t feel like much was accomplished. But after sorting out my office and updating my to-do list for next year, I found a few bits of nice news to share.
Shameless Promotion
The year 2021 marks the 75th anniversary of Operation Crossroads, the first postwar atomic bomb tests at the Bikini Atoll in the summer of 1946. Bill was there, along with 42,000 others, and had a front row seat as one of the crew aboard the heavy cruiser USS Fall River (CA-131), Flagship for the Target Fleet, responsible for positioning the 90+ target vessels in the Bikini Lagoon for the atomic tests. Bill wrote about his participation at Crossroads in a slim memoir (134 pp) titled Operation Crossroads, Lest We Forget! An Eyewitness Account.
In November, Publishers Weekly shined its November 2020 BookLife Indie Spotlight on 15 military histories written by veterans – and Operation Crossroads, Lest We Forget! was on the list. This would have made the “atomic veteran” proud. For all 15 books, click Above and Beyond: WWII Stories of the Greatest Generation
From Christmas Cradle to Crimson Cross – 20 Watercolors for Advent and Easter
That’s the title of the new book by nephew Jeffrey Watson. Bigger than a greeting card, this may be the perfect Christmas stocking stuffer. Jeff is a gifted storyteller. Based on his frequent trips to the Middle East, Jeff invites his readers to walk the path from holly to crimson, from the first Christmas to the First Easter, as he narrates 20 vivid watercolors, specially commissioned for this book. Jeff is the author of numerous theological books. He currently serves as Director of Operations for Erickson Living and is on the Adjunct Faculty at the University of Maryland. Check out his latest at Amazon.
Divorce Western-Style
Meanwhile, back on the ranch, we have a new book trailer for The Divorce Seekers – A Photo Memoir of a Nevada Dude Wrangler.
Back When: Opening Night at Reno’s hotel Mapes, December 17, 1947
During the holidays, I’ll be sipping Prosecco from these vintage champagne coupes used at the famous hotel Mapes in Reno, Nevada. On our sister site, Bill recalls being at the Mapes on opening night, December 17, 1947… TheDivorceSeekers.com
Signing off
Thank you for reading this missive. Whatever your plans are – or are not – for the holidays, stay safe and be well…
– Sandra
Sandra, I’ve enjoyed your Occasional Newsletter for December 2020. And I agree with Len’s message = happy holidays & I too am planning to dig out my copy of “The Divorce Seekers” to reminisce.
Also, congratulations to nephew Jeffrey Watson on his new book! Good news is especially welcomed these days!
My best wishes, Susan
Happy Holidays Sandra. Thanks for the update. I’m digging out my copy of “The Divorce Seekers” to reminisce. I’m confident that 2021 will be better. It has to.
Best regards
Len