Friends, sorry it took me so long to get on the board, and sorry this is so brief. Just wanted to let you all know what's going on and that I haven't forgotten about you. I'm in MD right now, keeping my fingers crossed that my mother will be able to be transported to FL strting today. I'vehired a long distance med transport company that specializes in driving dementia patients to other states, in a custon medical van. Her departure time is today at 2pm; supposed to be a 16 hours drive to the nursing home i've engaged in Pinellas Park Florida; I will fly back tonight in order to be at the nursing home tomorrow morning. All this depends, however, on the friggin weather. I suspect the 1 hr time will be longer, and I suppose it's very likely the trip will be delayed due to rainfall expected along the interstate corridors into Florida. My house back in FL is apparently ok; I'm told my area didn't lose power in spite of wind and 10 inches of rain. Feel bad for the other north that got their butts kicked. At any rate. that's the scoop with me now. Some other quick (amusing) points:

FLICKS: Recently watched, care of my mother's pay per view at her house) The Pact (great) The Road (predictable but some harrowing moments) Devil Inside (parts so effective I was afraid to go to bed but it seemed that the writers missied a LOT of great opportunities), Gacy House ("found" footage flick by paranormal entity director who I think is Dick Van Dyke's son or grandson, dud plot but some effective photographic effects and a wonderful bob scene in end!) John Carter (very cool even though I don't like fantasy) Eyes in the Dark (well done, no story) and a few more I can't remember. Recently bought, via suggestions from some folks on the board, Darkness, Last Exorcism, and Amityville File which all look great but haven't had time to watch em. Oh, if I haven't mentioned it, a while ago I saw a South American flick called The Baby Room which was great. Also saw Extraterrestrial (turned out to be a french romantic comedy with no alien and no nudity!) and rewatched an Argento favorite Inferno (nebulous plot but still outstanding).

CLOSET GHOST: I was surprised that the stomach rumbling sounds and sighs I'd been hearing from the closet in my room in MD have not reappeared; but Saturday night and last night I heard, several times during the night, a single KNOCK sound, like someone wrapping their knuckles against wallboard. This. though easily exlained, is curious because, believe me, I'm well familiar with every "house" noise in this house, and the knock ain't one of them. I'm sure this is merely my horror novelist's imagination but I have the impression that the house is mad at me because it knows I'm preparing to abandon it! Oh , but the "footsteps" in the room above the kitchen are alive and well! This is a weird place.

BLOOD: during my seemingly endless packing of shipping boxes, I twice cut myself on the serrated edge of the Scotch mailing tape cutter For some morbid reason I utilized the blood to make a bloodly fngerprint on a pb copy of Succubi and a hc of, I think, Stickmen, in the event that any equally morbid collectors wish to own not only Edward Lee's signature but also Edward Lee's blood. What the hell is wrong with me?

As for my girlfriend's book sale, she's out of town on family business until early August but she told me she fully intends to put everything she's got on ebay when she gets back. She'll also put a complete inventory on the board to give a head's up to any of you interested. Please know that the proceeds go entirely to her for her family which has its share of struggles. I don't get any of the money--via the grace of God and Yog Sothoth, I don't need it! I'm a very lucky dude, thanks in part to all of you!

POLAND: as far as I know my trip to Poland in erly August is still on. I'll keep you posted and will probably be able to send some pix back via my Polish agents computer.

That's it for now. Now I'm on my way to the MD nursing home to pack my mother's bags and keep knocking on wood that the transport isn't postponed. I look forward to getting all this behind me so I can finally tend to previous posts. All of you please take care and be well!

Best,
Edward Lee

Hey Lee!

I call the bloody Stickmen! It's mine! No one else can have it.

Seriously, though...Good luck with your Mom. Sounds like a big pain in the ass. You are a great guy and a great son, and I know that you are trying to take care of her the best way you can. Kudos to you, and I truly hope the ride for her is comfortable and she has a peaceful place when she gets down here to rain-drenched FLA.

If you ever need anything...

I did my own horror viewing marathon yesterday. Watched Sleepaway camp 1 and 2. Man, they are awful, but I dig em'. That final scene in part 1 still gets to me! Also watched the remake of I Spit on Your Grave. Not a very good flick, but man that chic was hot!!!

Am currently finishing up Brides of the Impaler. Loving it! After that, I am going to start book 4 of the Matthew Corbett series from McCammon, The Providence Rider. Stoked for that one!

I have most of your books, but am looking forward to your GF's booksale. May find a gem that I don't have! It will be nice to be able to help them out financially, too.

And do you have a camcorder? Man, you got to get some of the haunted shit filmed!

Have a good flight, Lee, and take care!

Bob

Edward, thanks for your update and I hope everything goes smoothly with your mother's move. I'll have to check out a few of those movies. I've heard good things about The Last Exorcism. That's some creepy stuff with all the noises in her house. I would definitely be interested in that copy of Stickmen with the bloody fingerprint! Please let us know once its up for sale.

Lee,

The comment about owning some of your books along with your blood was quite possibly the funniest thing you've said...and I am sure someone would shell out dough for them, too! (Um, but not me...not that hardcore of a fan! lol)

Thanks for the update, as always, and while taking care of your Mom and getting her moved down to Fla is Top Priority, the fact that you take the time to check in--while not necessary...hell, we ALL understand--just shows what kind of thoughtful and appreciative author you are to your readers.

Hope the trip back to Fla for your Mom has gone smoothly, and every else as well. Take care!

Chris

P.S.--that shit going on in your childhood home is friggin' creepy...whoa...

_________________
Visit my blog:
http://horrorgasms.blogspot.com/

I already own a lettered edition signed in Ed Lee blood. I have to keep it locked in a lead lined safe with a crucifix. It was just too creepy around here............

BTW, those scotch tapers are a real bitch. I have cut myself twice, and it was plenty more than a fingerprint's worth! Goddam serrated scars...........

I went to Poland about 10 years ago. Prepare for lots of beautiful women.

_________________
Mike Styczen: As far as I can tell, all of Toronto is on the lookout for some sort of demented leprechaun. If Toronto didn't exist, we'd have to invent it