Finding Waldo

While staying at the Stanley Hotel, our daughter found Waldo! No, not the strange guy with the funny hat in the children’s books, but book about a real Waldo who was a pioneer in aviation. It was in the Stephen King room where he had found the inspiration for “The Shining.”

The book was among several vintage books resting on shelves in the room, and was autographed by Jack Carpenter, a coauthor. Since I have had my head in the clouds since I was a small boy, I just had to have a copy and was delighted to find it for sale online. I was determined to buy a copy upon returning home.

Darling daughter had a different plan, however, to surprise her dad. She took the book to the hotel desk and asked if she could buy that copy since it was autographed. The clerk told her that that wouldn’t be necessary, the books are left and are taken at will by guests while other books are dropped at random; she was free to just take it.

In exchange, my daughter left one of her books in its place and later surprised me with this copy. I was elated and am looking forward to finish reading this great historical tome. Also, I have gratefully reminded her, over and over again, what a fine daughter I raised!

#waldo #aviator #aviationhistory #stanleyhotel