Good evening, ladies and gentleman, and welcome back to my lair. I apologize for not wishing you a wonderful holiday season, whether it was Christmas, Yule, Winter Solstice, or another celebration.

I just thought I would let you all know I’m typing this column while wearing a pair of Scooby-Doo boxers that say “Who’s Your Santa?” on them that I got for Christmas from my friend Tina. Am I sharing too much information with all you sexy people out there in the dark? I don’t think so.

My Christmas weekend was spent at home with the animals with whom I share my home. I enjoy taking a quiet day and sharing my time with the birds, cats, iguana, rabbit, rats, and fish. But each is special and has his or her own story of how they came to me.

I decorated a big 7 ½ foot tall long-needle tree with all kinds of frog ornaments and topped it with a big Father Frogmas. Check out my Facebook and see the pictures I posted. It turned out very special and I believe it will be in the author photo with me on my holiday novel A Christmas Canticle.

I’m saddened to say a good friend passed away over the holidays. Ron—Rhonda Jo, Ivanna Traylor—was a funny guy and an entertaining performer, always ready with a joke or a smile. I remember the times he and I went out to lunch; he’d call me up and ask, “Hey, what are you eating for lunch?” My birthday is June 5^th and Ron’s was June 6^th and we often remarked about the Gemini in us, and how we shared a somewhat demented sense of humor. Off-stage, Ron was quiet and I enjoyed our friendship; he always encouraged me and reminded me I was star. But we all know Ron loved Christmas; after all, he kept the tree up all year and thought it was hysterical when I left mine up for an entire year. Although we hadn’t seen each other in five years or so, he sent word he was so proud that I’d managed to achieve my dream of publishing my books. Ron will be missed, but his journey continues. And I will always have the memories of great times.

On the animal side: Lilith had her cancer surgery to remove a huge tumor, and she was up and about the same day. Her sister Sabia became ill and extremely dehydrated; her recovery was looking good until she took a turn and passed away the day after Christmas. Thank you to everyone who sent good thoughts and positive energy to my babies in their times of need.

And I had quite the go-round with a heater company when I asked to exchange a heater that didn’t work for one that did. I’m attempting to explain to the EdenPURE company that when a regular customer makes an exchange, it shouldn’t take nearly a full month for this to happen. I explained in phone conversations and emails how unprofessional this was and how I feel the company needs to offer me a discount or reimburse me completely for the heater to compensate for all the time I have spent on the phone trying to get this exchange done. I know I have championed the EdenPURE heaters because they are safe around animals and provide good heat, but after my horrendous experience attempt this exchange, I feel I can no longer in good conscience recommend this product. The customer just isn’t treated well in my experience when trying to make a return or exchange. So: Caveat emptor.

Keep in mind, if you’re looking for a good movie to watch late at night, check out Dead Silence, with Mary Shaw and her 101 dolls, or Darkness Falls, a twisted tale of a tooth fairy of sorts. They share a similar premise and are surprisingly good movies, almost throwbacks to the way horror/suspense films were made during their heyday. While they are not really scary, they are pretty creepy and sometimes creepy is better. Light a few candles, turn out the lights, snuggle under the covers, and watch these movies in the dead of night.

Or if you’re looking for a good book to settle down with—and you’ve already read and re-read all of mine—I suggest two by Heather Graham: Haunted & Unhallowed Ground. They are creepy haunted house stories with romance thrown in. I’m re-reading them now. And if you want to know one of my favorite haunted house books pf all time, I shall share with you: Haunted by James Herbert. It takes place in the English countryside on an old estate. Grab a copy; I think you’ll enjoy reading it.

I like spooky stuff.

When I found out ABC had canceled The Gates, I got pretty snarky about it. I thought the show was sexy and smart, and different. It deserved to stay around longer than 13 episodes. And even if ABC decided to cancel it, why the hell not give those of us who had been watching an couple more episodes to finish up the two big storylines? It would have been a grand idea because then they could have marketed the DVD set. But I for one refuse to buy canceled shows that have been put out on DVD when they don’t have an ending. But then this also happened with a little show I enjoyed called Happy Town this season as well. This is probably why I don’t like watching shows until they have been pn a few years.

That is about it from my lair this time around. Remember to volunteer or make a donation to a shelter or rescue to help our animal brethren. Donating an hour or two of time to help clean kennels or to walk a dog or play with a cat would mean the world to the animals who don’t have anyone else to show them love.

Allow me to wish you a Happy New Year; many blessings upon us all in this glorious New Year!

And don’t forget, nighty-nightmares…