I finished the third draft of my book just now. “Done and done,” as Crystal says. And now I’m off to Vegas. The painter Francis Bacon was known for painting all day and gambling all night. I’ve always found that idea alluring, throwing caution to the wind, going at it full steam, winning everything or losing it all, not just the money, but the characters too. It’s hard to do though; it can be really take its toll, especially on a Scot. “It can really get a hold of you when you need the money and win. Of course you spend the rest of the time losing it again and God knows how much more.”

Another difference between Francis Bacon and me is that he liked roulette, and I’m more into Black Jack. Better odds. I lose slower. But I’m tempted, I must admit. Lose it all or win everything. You never know what will happen next.