All serious collectors dream of owning one special doll. Chasing the dream can be exhilarating. That doll, once found, will represent the culmination of a lifetime of marvelous memories, remarkable dolls, and wonderful friendships. With that in mind, remember that one must not let emotions overrule common sense. Take time to smell the flowers, as the saying goes. Or, in the case of collectors, take time to enjoy the quest.—From World of Dolls by Caroline Birch“April’s back,” Nina said while fondling the doll costumes. “Well, not exactly back. She never left.”“What?” Gretchen said.“She had valley fever. It was awful, April said. A fever, aches and pains, a bad cough. She’s recovering at home and ignored her phone calls until she felt better.”Valley fever. A lung infection, Gretchen remembered, caused by an airborne fungus. Not uncommon in the Phoenix area.“She was out four-wheeling,” Nina explained. “And got caught in a dust storm.”Gretchen tried to picture enormous April on an all-terrain vehicle.“She should have worn a mask,”
