Doug BrotherofCats Dandridge

I took a trip to my home town of Venice Florida this weekend, a place I hadn’t been since 1995, and a place I hadn’t lived at since 1975. I met with old friends, gave away signed books, and general went around the area and reminisced. And thoroughly enjoyed myself. I left there like so many to see the wider world. And I did, first Germany and much of Europe, then North Florida and Alabama. Kind of got sidetracked after Europe I guess. Anyway, the quiet of the place was unbelievable. Seeing the old houses that friends used to live in, at least one of them housing for the poor that are now historical sites and probably worth a small fortune. Hearing the coo of a Mourning Dove, and the sounds of the wind whispering through the Australian pines of a local park. The sight and sound of breakers on the beach. All in all it was a wonderful experience, and one I hope to become more common. I will try to move back there next year, to the old home. It is not the same place it was, but is still a very nice place, with great beaches, restaurants and other activities, but without the hustle and bustle of places like Panama City Beach or Daytona Beach or Ft. Lauderdale. I don’t need a big house down there, just enough room for me and my cats, where I can write in a quiet neighborhood.
Working hard on the next installment of Refuge, which follow the war between the Earth people and the natives. The Earthlings have lost their technology, at least anything depending on explosives or internal combustion engines. But they have other tricks up their sleeves, centuries of improvements in transportation and shipping that didn’t depend on engines. And strategy and tactics totally unheard of to the residents of Refuge. They also bring the scientific method to the study of science, and make great strides there as well. Meanwhile, Exodus is being proofread, and will be coming soon.