R. Bruce Walker, author of "Hanging Lies," "Jester's Dance" and "The Last Canary," faces the questions this week:

1. What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Two remarkable daughters currently poised to take their place in the world.

2. What, to you, is perfect happiness?
The glow of the last hour of a dinner party with (my wife) Lynne and close friends.

3. What one material possession would you save in the event of a fire (assuming your family was safe)?
Assuming my two Labs are part of my family, a Laura Muntz Lyle pastel entitled “Girl Skipping’ that was gifted to my wife.

4. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Enjoy all things in moderation.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Not being able to follow the best advice I have ever been given.

6. What is your worst fear?
Alzheimer’s or a similar mind-destroying disease. Oh, and suspension bridges.

7. What real or fictional person do you most identify with?
My father. Big dreams … modest accomplishments … loved by many (I hope).

8. What is your greatest extravagance?
Beyond my daughters? Golf.

9. If money weren’t an object, how would you spend your time?
Dining on fabulously prepared lunches with great friends in magnificent settings.

10.  What is your favorite thing about yourself?
My ability to observe objectively, and occasionally, critically.

11. What trait do you most admire in another person?
Humility.

12. What trait do you most deplore in another person?
Narcissism.

13. Who are your favorite musicians?
Right now? Pat Metheny, Bill Evans, David Gray (Babylon)
Before?  U2, Springsteen, Van Morrison

14.  What are your favorite books?
“Wallace Stegner”        
“Crossing To Safety”
 “All The King’s Men”        
“Powerful. Southern. Ground- breaking”
and John Irving's "The Cider House Rules”    

15. What talent would you most like to have?
Virtuosity playing jazz piano.