Baby, come back...

This is a picture of my creator.

She misses me.

She can't come back and have fun with me until she gets her other book written, and oh by the way turned in earlier than expected because the pub date was moved up to an earlier open spot, and on top of that the book title had to be changed at the last minute to something that makes her want to puke because it's a 1970s song she hates, which of course totally changed her attitude toward the story which she was struggling with anyway.

Because frankly she'd really rather be with me in Vegas.

They like me!

Two good friends of my Creator were gracious enough to give her quotes for the cover of ANOTHER SIDE OF MIDNIGHT:

“Sparks fly when Steele and Stone clash in this dynamite, double blind mystery by Mia Zachary” – New York Times bestselling author Rebecca York

“Mia Zachary takes chances that pay off in this edgy, compelling read!”—Julie Elizabeth Leto, USA Today bestselling author

Julie also said, "It's been a long time since I've read such compelling heroine."

That would be me, by the way. Mezzanotte. Steele Mezzanotte, private eye.

Walking on air

Or rather, four inches of glass.

Beginning next year, visitors to the grand Canyon will be able to walk 70 feet from the cliff's edge and stare down at the Colorado River 4, 000 feet below them. The Skywalk at Grand Canyon West is the brainstorm of Las Vegas businessman, David Jin, with the help of more than $10 million in investment capital.

The walkway will be part of a tourist destination on the Hualapai Indian Reservation that includes Western- and Indian-themed villages and helicopter, pontoon and horseback rides. The Skywalk and accompanying visitors center have the potential to draw an additional 300,00 tourists to the canyon and spur economic development, essential for the nongaming tribe.

I will not be one of those tourists. A stroll along the Skywalk will cost $25. You couldn't pay me the $25 to even go out 7 feet, let alone 70.

Okay, the walkway is uniquely engineered using one million pounds of 2 1/2-inch-thick steel rods to support the equivalent of 72 Boeing jets and withstand an 8.0 magnitude earthquake 50 miles away and winds in excess of 100 mph. I don't care. You're still not getting me on it.

Glass walkway over the Grand Canyon... $10 million.
Not barfing into the Canyon when fear of heights sets in... Priceless.

The language of food

I don't have much to say today so I'll give you a recipe and let the intoxicating mixture of flavors speak for me. (Yeah, okay, that was hokey. Like I said today is not one of the days I should try to communicate)

CHICKEN SALTIMBOCCA
1 box [10 oz] frozen chopped spinach, thawed
3 tbsp olive oil
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp fresh ground pepper
6 chicken breasts, pounded flat
6 slices of prosciutto
1/4 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
1 can [14 oz] chicken broth, low sodium
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Squeeze spinach to remove excess water, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil
Season with salt & pepper
Place chicken flat on work surface, sprinkle with salt & pepper
Lay a slice of ham over each breast, layer on spinach & sprinkle with cheese
Starting at tapered end, roll chicken and secure with toothpick
Heat heavy skillet with remaining olive oil on high flame
Cook chicken rolls until golden brown, approx 2 minutes per side
Add broth and lemon juice, bring to boil
Reduce heat, cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through
Remove chicken to plate
Raise heat back to high and reduce liquid to 2/3 cup
Drizzle sauce over chicken and serve

This recipe is cheaper than veal but just a flavorful and it's one of the most popular dishes at Mezzanotte's, my father's restaurant. And take it from the voice of experience- the leftovers heat up nicely the next day.