Thanks for the info!

FWIW, I actually think buying them dinner in their "town" is a bit awkward and certainly unnecessary. To me, one buys a meal for someone who visits them on their turf, partly really to say "I have a great place to share with you". One also might buy a meal for those who are struggling or lesser off, or junior in some way (young relatives, employees, etc). Or, if one were a houseguest and wanted to reciprocate; or if you golfed at their club. In the situation you describe, ostensibly you are going a little out of your way and giving up some resort time to spend with them. And, it is their turf. If anyone should pay for the group, it would be them IMHO. I'd be a bit surprised if they did not. All of this is to say that I think you have no need to do or give anything, even if you expect her to give you a book. (Which is a minor enough gift that it does not require reciprocation). But, if you did want to give something, I would make it small and personal and, unique to your area of the country. If it's small enough, it hardly matters what it is as long as you like it. When a recipient receives a small gift they really can't be burdened by not liking/needing it , etc. And IMHO you live in an area that is unusual and interesting to most; I think something "indigenous" to your area is a perfect. A small bowl or box? Or even a small frame.

susanjf, you are so nice to have checked that info for me! As I mentioned before, I am not so fearless anymore, I'd probably have a stress attack driving thru Chicago. I do have a cousin who lives there, she's a jazz singer. Her name is Alison Ruble (has a website also). I bet Jeff Smith's signing was memorable. lol. I purchased "Falco: The Official Companion" from Amazon just a few minutes ago - in hardcover so less. Usually I only buy paperbacks. In case anyone is interested, here is the list, in order of publication, of the titles in the series. I said I had read "all 21", well I should have said "all 20". The companion novel is number 21. The Silver Pigs (1989) Shadows in Bronze (1990) Venus in Copper( 1991) The Iron Hand of Mars (1992) Poseidon's Gold (1993) Last Act in Palmyra (1994) - my favorite of all Time to Depart (1995) A Dying Light in Corduba (1996) Three Hands in the Fountain (1997) Two for the Lions (1998) - my second favorite One Virgin Too Many (1999) Ode to a Banker (2000) A Body in the Bath House (2001) The Jupiter Myth (2002) The Accusers (2003) Scandal Takes a Holiday (2004) See Delphi and Die(2005) Saturnalia(2007) Alexandria(2009) Nemesis(2010)

That's so neat, Sarah_Canary! I love hearing authors read from their books and admiring them from afar. But like Rosefolly, I invariably become starstruck and babble incoherently. Recently, I was able to go to the American Library Association conference in Anaheim. Three of my favorite authors were there. Leif Enger was signing So Brave, Young and Handsome which I really enjoyed, though not as much as Peace Like a River. Sadly, no one else was in line to get his autograph (he was up against Greg Mortenson--Karalk's fave). I think I blubbered something about admiring him the way I admired Kent Haruf. Ron Carlson was signing Five Skies and we had an interesting conversation about food--and the fact that one of the main characters in his book was named after him. Finally--and here's my most embarrassing moment--Sherman Alexie was signing The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. I waited in line for a while and when I got up to him all I could say was "I love you." How stupid and embarrassing! I was already embarrassed because I feel like I am the exact wrong audience for his books (what business do I have as a middle-class WASP relating so heavily to his books--he should hate me!). Luckily he was very gracious and just said "Thank You." Then, he noticed from my name badge that I was from Whittier and commented, somewhat ironically, on the fact that I share my hometown with President Nixon. I just blushed and thanked him for signing my book. He was such a nice guy!