I'm blaming Sam for getting me hooked on the International Rescue crew.

I have fond memories of watching Fireball XL5 as a child but never saw Thunderbirds until I was an adult - as a matter of fact, not until a couple of years ago when it was running on Tech TV. I have a bad habit of channel surfing and on this particular day Sam was leaving the room in total exasperation after putting up with one channel change too many. I landed on Tech TV in the middle of what turned out to be an episode of Thunderbirds, and she heard Scott's voice and stopped dead. I think at that moment she would have done me bodily harm if I had even looked at the channel changer!

She insisted I stop and watch, so I did -- and that was the start of a wonderful relationship with our boys in blue. I was fascinated. Even so many years after the show was created, it's still magic, still making new fans. Including me!

So I have Sam to blame for all the fun I've been having with the Tracys and for getting me to begin writing solo again after many, many years. One day I might forgive her.

Of course, Virgil is pretty easy on the eyes, so it's no great hardship...grin.