Winston Churchill spent much of July 2, 1940 – the day before Britain's attack on a French naval squadron at Mers-el-Kébir - in the company of Bernard Montgomery, who was then a major general. John Colville’s diary entry for the day ends “Winston returned about 10.45 from a tour of defences in the south and life became hot and hectic.”

In relative (very-widely-removed-relative) terms, the last few days have been hot and hectic, with the next few promising more of the same.

1. I’m still getting used to the life of an author, and the thought that anyone would want my signature in their books is especially humbling. I stopped by Aaron’s Books in Lititz, PA earlier today to sign these books, which many of you purchased in advance of tomorrow's launch date. Thank you! I have to admit that it was invigorating as well as humbling.

2. I enjoyed a perfect weekend-long, pre-launch celebration the last few days. My wife Barbara cooked a great Saturday night dinner and even toasted me. Our son, daughter, their spouses, and our four grandchildren (all under the age of four) were here for good times and endless laughs. I was serenaded with "Happy Book-day," and our daughter Brittany made a big batch of Operation Catapult ginger bread cookies! I would not have dared wish for a nicer, more meaningful, or joyous celebration.

3. I am equal parts nervous and excited about participating in my first-ever live stream. It will be tomorrow - Tuesday, March 17, at 3 PM Eastern Daylight Time in the U.S. - on an incredible World War II historical resource: Paul Woodadge's WW2TV. Here’s a link to join in live or to watch the recording that Paul will post. https://www.youtube.com/live/CvrPiS_EPEI?si=0CLKlexyIz3kZa-2

Thanks for reading, and (hopefully) watching and listening.
Bill

Hot and hectic