Dear Friends,

I actually had some people ask me if I was well - it's been so long since I've written. Thank you for your concern. I am very well. I blame my wife for the delay. Laurie's the driving force for this and she was really busy this year. You may know she's an author. She's written 3 books about Hollywood. Her third, DISHING HOLLYWOOD came out in November of '03. It's the real scoop on 43 scandals with a recipe connected to each one. It is really great. (I'm in the Sal Mineo chapter.) Read an excerpt from it (and her other books) at www.lauriejacobson.com

The highlight of 2003 had to be going to the CBS 75th Anniversary Gala in New York in November. We were flown on private, chartered jets - one that was like a private home with couches, theater and private bedrooms. Even Ted Danson's mouth was hanging open. And the event was just amazing -- to have so much history gathered in one place. Laurie made a beeline for Walter Cronkite and had magic moments with Linda Lavin and Cicely Tyson. We loved Rob Morrow, Valerie Bertinelli, Jamie Farr, Bob Newhart, Mary Steenburgen, John Amos and Patricia Heaton who was freaking out over meeting Andy Griffith. Of course, my TV mom, June Lockhart was there looking gorgeous and so was Lassie. Click on RECOLLECTIONS to see our photo on the red carpet.

This month, we are looking forward to a paddle wheel cruise down the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Natchez! It's going to be a trip. The cruise has a 1950s theme, so we'll be cruising to The Coasters and Danny and the Juniors. Come join Laurie and me for a 4-day or 5-day cruise January 31 through February 9. Check it out at www.deltaqueen.com

Also in January, my son leaves his teens behind and turns 20. My daughter turns 18. I am turning pale and need to sit down and rest, yes, that's better. I cannot believe how the time has flown. Every age is wonderful. Being a dad continues to be one of the great experiences of my life.

I've had a lot of fans email to say they saw me years ago at Frontier Land in Florida or Tweetsie Railroad and Ghost Town in North Carolina about 35 years ago. I'm going to put several photos up on the RECOLLECTIONS page sent to me by fans who posed with me. See if you see yourself!

2003 was a bit quite. I hope to shake things up in 2004. And hope to meet a lot more of you at autograph shows. Check my PERSONAL APPEARANCES page to see where I'll be. And remember, if you sign the GUESTBOOK, I'll email YOU when I'm going to be in your area or on TV.

I promise my next message will be soon! Happy New Year, everybody!!

Best always,

Jon