Concord
“Anyone throw anything?” says Admin.
“Nope,” Spence says. “It was a safe evening. And actually very nice. For one thing, the lectern stood in front of a statue of Emerson, so he was kind of watching my back.”
“Did you make any Emerson jokes?”
“Such as?”
[In Schwarzenegger accent] “Transcend this, baby!”
Silence. “Also I got to meet Addie, this service dog-in-training. And guess who trains her. Inmates at a nearby medium security prison.”
“Were they wearing orange jumpsuits?”
“The inmates weren’t at the talk,” Spence says. “And the very best thing about the whole evening was that I got to meet Wookie’s human companions. D and M both have such a lovely way about them. They wore their Chet ID badges in case I was slow on the uptake. In fact, they helped make the whole thing better for everyone. D supplied an acronym SJ Rozan was searching for in her talk, and M asked some great questions and also mentioned Snowhook. Would have been great to spend more time with them. Happy birthday, M!”
Welcome Bella and dude with an offer.
Tags: appearances, Concord Library, Emerson, transcendentalism, Wookie
This entry was posted on Saturday, November 5th, 2011 at 8:00 am and is filed under Chet The Dog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
8:07 am on November 5th, 2011
Good morning, Plunderers! I’m twirling that Wookie’s folks made mention of Snowhook Kennel! I’m hopeful that Wookie will share some of the photos from his mom and pop’s visit with SQ/PA.
I’m surrounded by sawdust, two-by-fours, and empty rolls of duct tape (thank you Royals). Construction of the MMCS is on schedule and under budget. Wait ’til you see all the wonderful items!
8:40 am on November 5th, 2011
Wasn’t that great for Wöökie’s mom and dad?
About last night’s confusing time delema. Our village church sent out an email saying “Remember to turn you clocks forward! It’s Fall Forward!”
So I sent an email back “I believe that’s Spring forward, and Fall back.” A new email was sent out to replace the old. Wonder how many people are going to go to church two hours early?
Got to go check the polar bears. Should be getting light up there soon!
8:58 am on November 5th, 2011
Wow, I checked out the Polar Bear Cam. No Polar Bears, but the sun is rising. -6 degrees.
9:10 am on November 5th, 2011
Good Saturday morning All:
I have read over some of my posts from last evening. YIKES!
Corrections and apologies are needed:
First: I do love Audrey, but I meant to say Pearl. What a gem…she’s a real cutie!
Second: I apologize to you, Rio. I know I get under your layers, but I was tired, and read my calendar wrong. You, Commander, are correct. I still think you really don’t like me, but that’s okay.
Rebecca: I may have spoiled Belle just a bit…How could I not with her batting her eyelashes at me? 🙂
B&M: (whispering) I cheated, but that was only because the Prof and I were driving ourselves nuts trying to figure out the answer.
Can’t wait to hear from Wookie!
9:26 am on November 5th, 2011
It sounds like the panel discussion was fun for everyone. Way to go D and M!
Good morning all.
9:27 am on November 5th, 2011
Rose: I have suspected for some time that Belle Starr may have been spoiled while ‘taking care of you.’
Melanie: Check you SDD.
9:31 am on November 5th, 2011
Got it Bella, thanks.
The Polar Bear have gotten up! They don’t need to need coffee . . .
9:32 am on November 5th, 2011
Whoops, “seem to need” On the other hand, I seem to need . . .
9:51 am on November 5th, 2011
How big are those bears?
Barb: That was fun yesterday with the nine-letter word diminishing to one letter. I thought the first letter was removed then that first letter removed, etc. I like the pyramid and I’ve copied it.
What is the only word in English that doesn’t rhyme?
10:04 am on November 5th, 2011
I guess that should be inverted pyramid.
10:07 am on November 5th, 2011
It sounds like Concord was a lot of fun!!
We are looking forward to hearing about it from Wookie’s folks.
Spence has actually told us more about it than he usually does.
Melanie, Your village church would fit right in with our time change discussions. tee hee Invite them to come on over to the blog and help us figure it out.
10:14 am on November 5th, 2011
It’s super neat that Wookie’s folks mentioned Snowhook!
Rio mentioned last night that he would like to hear more about Pearl and Audrey. I have the same request as Rio and I’m sure all the plunderers do as well. With puppies, there are always stories to tell.
10:30 am on November 5th, 2011
Wookie!…. Wake up!…snort!…Your folks were a big hit at Spencer’s talk last night!….Wooooo!… They sound like an awesome couple but I think we already knew that…heh!…I want to hear about the question and answer period…sniff!
Project!…Some one here is busy as a bee putting the last finishing touches on her little cards before they go up on the MMCS Shelves….sniff!…She’s going to be very disappointed if nobody bothers to buy them….wuffle!…Her mother told her that she would use them if nobody else wanted them. I guess that is sort of a compliment…snort!
10:35 am on November 5th, 2011
Good Morning Fellow Plunderers.
We have been up for a while doing Saturday errand type things.
Those early morning web cam shots of the polar bears and the sunrise are beautiful Melanie.
Our sweet Rose – covered in petals – I like that.
Tupper&Gilly: Buying everything in site – good one!
Chet: We all agree. Do tell us more about Audrey and Pearl.
10:37 am on November 5th, 2011
Rio – we think your friend’s mother should meet our Gramp. Mama gets the same kind of backhanded compliments and “helpful suggestions” from him all the time.
In fact, before Mama worked for the CL and worked in her studio 7 days a week and did art shows, Gramp used to tell people who asked that she “didn’t have a job”.
So, yes we do understand.
sigh
10:46 am on November 5th, 2011
Good morning, y’all! Mom just got back from her trip last night — or maybe I should say early this morning, since it was after midnight. I was so excited that I deserted Dad and sat next to her on the couch. Of course I had to sniff her for awhile — it’s amazing all the smells she accumulated after being gone a week!!! I even caught scent of another dog — Mom says his name is Nutter, and he belongs to my Great-aunt Sharon. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to meet the guy. Mom says he lives clear across the country. I’m not sure, but I think that’s a long ways away!
Now I have to go back and catch up on a week’s worth of blog. Nobody here would turn the computer on for me. 🙁
10:47 am on November 5th, 2011
Bee – just for you:
In Sparkill buried lies that man of mark
Who brought the Obelisk to Central Park,
Redoubtable Commander H.H. Gorringe,
Whose name supplies the long-sought rhyme for “orange.”
10:51 am on November 5th, 2011
B.Stover: From Nationalgeorgraphic site:
Fast Facts
Type: Mammal
Diet: Carnivore
Average life span in the wild: 25 to 30 years
Size: Head and body, 7.25 to 8 ft (2.2 to 2.5 m); Tail, 3 to 5 in (7.5 to 12.5 cm)
Weight: 900 to 1,600 lbs (410 to 720 kg)
Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man: Very Big! (That’s me saying that!)
This evening when we’re all together, I’ll ask Dan and Zoë about their trip to see the Churchill Polar Bears.
10:53 am on November 5th, 2011
Welcome back Kirby and Kirby’s mom!
10:53 am on November 5th, 2011
Saturday – Lots to Do
But stopping by to say
How-Do
I was hoping everyone would have figured out this time thing by now. But, no worries here…Rebecca seems to be on top of things.
My only concern now is…what will the blog time be tomorrow morning?
Another guy has crossed over the Bridge…Andy Rooney at 92. His last sign-off was one month ago. A long career that he obviously loved. He said once that he was a writer, not a TV personality and a writer’s job is to tell the truth; that if there was more truth in the world, the world would be a better place. We think so too.
11:05 am on November 5th, 2011
T&G: I can’t accept Gorringe as a word because it’s a name. You are correct though.
Regarding time: Think of it as correct time (standard time) and incorrect time that we have for too many months when the sun is one hour behind us. (What would Newton think?)
11:06 am on November 5th, 2011
Happy Saturday, Plunderers! We are so impressed with Wookie’s mom and dad for asking great questions. We can’t wait to hear what those questions were, along with the answers.
Melanie, the picture of those polar bears dancing is fantastic!
Rio, we want your friend’s gift cards even tho you don’t like us.
Sasha and Dima went to a new v-e-t today. Mom & Pop love her. Meashka had to stay home and babysit for Kat. The good news is that old Sash is still very healthy, and the lump Mom was worried about on Dima is nothing to worry about after all.
Today is a Very Big Day for our Pipsqueak. The Invisible Fence flags are going up around our 16 acres, and Kat will begin her training. Mom expects this training period will last a very long time, compared to the rest of us.
11:09 am on November 5th, 2011
Howlers: That is good news.
I’ve put it off as long as possible. Now I have to go to Barnes and Noble and grade midterm exams.
11:37 am on November 5th, 2011
Howlers! This one’s for you!
11:43 am on November 5th, 2011
Quote!…. “I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.”…snort!
11:47 am on November 5th, 2011
Quote!…Sort-of….” One Blog to rule them all,
One Blog to find them,
One Blog to bring them all
and in the darkside(s) bind them.”…wheeze!
Photo!…Is that a photo of Kat?…snort!
11:55 am on November 5th, 2011
TIME. Means nothing to me. It is always Now Here. For all others: fall back and spring forward is a good formula for anyone easily confused by the dreaded time change. Although, this easy reminder obviously has not worked for the church folks sending this a.m.’s email to Melanie (lol)
Tupper&Gilly: Orange you the smart ones!
11:55 am on November 5th, 2011
Fellow Sibers: Great news from the trip to the vet!! It makes it all worthwhile when our moms can stop their worrying.
Masquers, What a cute photo!
12:06 pm on November 5th, 2011
Patsy and I went to the camp and had a great time. She snuffled and I shuffled! Since all that talk of time change last night, I couldn’t go to sleep . . . Snigglefritz. . .
Time for a nap
12:14 pm on November 5th, 2011
Rio: Your first quote may well apply to me and the second one, I must say, is very clever. On another subject: Your Friend’s mother may well be paying her a compliment with her remark about the cards, as you suggest, or at the very least is showing her support in the only way she can. We here think your Friend need not worry in the slightest.
Welcome back to Kirby. We missed you!
Hi to Liz and Cricket! For some reason I have been thinking of you quite a lot of late.
C.Harris too. Envisioning those beautiful sunrises and sunsets on your walks with the Plunderers.
12:23 pm on November 5th, 2011
Before i went upstairs to nap, I did extensive research on our blog policing . . .
Patsy and the Pack helped sniff the culprit out!
Behold our Blog Cop!
12:25 pm on November 5th, 2011
Nap sounds good.
Love the picture of Kat.
Bee, thanks for the non-rhyming riddle. Rose, here we thought you were brilliant! We could have never figgured out the 9-letter puzzle.
We are having mouse problems. Not the kind I can help with, unfortunately. It has something to do with the computer, so Barb was replacing batteries, and that still didn’t do it. First the cordless mouse would not light up at all. Now the mouse arrow is sort of fluttering around on its own. Very difficult to work with, so we may head into the big town tomorrow and buy a new mouse. Probably won’t be around much today.
12:27 pm on November 5th, 2011
Rio: That “could be” a photo of Kat. It’s all about patience with the “pipsqueaks”.
We watched the pilot of Grimm last night. Another excellent show!
Now there are two good ones to look forward to every week.
Howlers: Tell us more of Kat’s training with the invisible fence.
12:36 pm on November 5th, 2011
Barb, We had the same problem awhile back and a friend of ours who knows more than we do told us to clean the mouse with that canned compressed air. It worked…the mouse changed its attitude and started behaving.
12:45 pm on November 5th, 2011
Maggie; Mom had trouble with her computer mouse (not a wireless one) a few months ago. It was stuck and wouldn’t move. Expert advice was that the ball was “stuck” and to take it out and clean it out. After procuring a new/used one it (of course) worked fine. The cordless “mice” are quite expensive.
Rose: I do miss “seeing” you. You said it had to do with which computer you are using, but we always thought it was linked to the input of one’s name and email address. I wonder why it isn’t working for you…..pondering.
12:51 pm on November 5th, 2011
Admist play time with the two little pups last night and the commotion of killing my work glove, they caught thier first mouse. I didn’t realize until I saw them huddled together under the rocking chair with nothing but the tail end of the mouse visible. I loomed over the pre-occupied pups for a closer look. Sure enough, the mouse wouldn’t live to see another right click or left click.
1:03 pm on November 5th, 2011
We feel much safer knowing the Blog Cop is on duty.
Melanie, What show is YSAS in there?
1:07 pm on November 5th, 2011
I don’t know if this would make any difference, but my mouse is wireless. I, umm, had difficulty with the one with a wire driving me nuts.
Those youngsters caught a mouse!!
1:12 pm on November 5th, 2011
Melanie: I think the blog will remain perp free as long as YSAS has security detail.
Siber-H: It wasn’t a hard kill. Mice, wireless or corded don’t put up much of a fight, but boy, were they proud.
1:21 pm on November 5th, 2011
Got another email from mom and dad. They had a real nice time in Boston this morning doing the Freedom Trail thingie. They were really touched by Spence’s comments this morning, and said the feelings were very mutual. They did talk to a bunch of Spence’s fans in the audience and told them about the blog, so we even have some new additions as a result of that. They plan on filling you in on all the details once they are back (and of course after they first spend appropriate time greeting me). Lots of stuff to relate, including the “toddler story” and the “youngest reviewer” story. Wookie
1:34 pm on November 5th, 2011
Barb and Maggie – we have mouse problems that sound just like that. Another “quick fix” to try – turn the mouse over and clean its little “feet” with a pencil eraser. Sometimes it picks up gunk from the mouse pad or whatever (we DO NOT drool on it, thank you very much) and just by cleaning off the parts that touch the mousepad, you get better reception.
We would offer to send you one of Basil and Sage’s mouses, but they tend to be slightly damp and rather limp by the time we can get them away from them.
1:52 pm on November 5th, 2011
Masquers, that picture was adorable, and the young one does look a lot like our Kat. The big one, however, doesn’t look like any of us.
Mom & Pop put all the I.F. Flags up, and are exhausted from climbing around in wetland and woods.
1:53 pm on November 5th, 2011
B: We meant to say earlier: Barnes & Noble is an innovative place to grade papers.
SnowBella: That is a very funny mouse story. Those 2 sure are keeping you on your toes.
2:39 pm on November 5th, 2011
I just had a carpola moment followed by a snigglefritz event. Our laptop turned off in the middle of working on the MMCS, but when you’re building a store, there is no use crying over spilled paint. Before searching for my work, I decided to make some cider. Still distracted at the thought of having to rebuild everything, I absent-mindedly turned on the wrong burner on the stove and scorched a plate of cinnimon rolls I made this morning. As I fanned the smoke out by opening and closing the front door, I saw it—the hang-my-head-in-shame mistake. My key was still in the lock. I need a nap…
2:41 pm on November 5th, 2011
Rio: I don’t think your friend needs to worry. All the items are so wonderful, I have the feeling that Snowhook’s shelves will empty quite quickly.
2:42 pm on November 5th, 2011
Thought youse guys would like this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVICR0W5fsw&feature=youtube_gdata_player
2:47 pm on November 5th, 2011
Howlers: Thanks for sharing that video. I lived in that area with my aunt and uncle when I was going to college.
2:51 pm on November 5th, 2011
Rebecca, we didn’t know where it was; just that that is one wiley Siberian Husky!
3:24 pm on November 5th, 2011
Bella, your antics make me glad I took a nap. . . I awoke to Grace up on the bed having a grand time making a nest. Patsy was not around and I was asleep. Hmm, the mice will play! snicker
I have now remade the bed.
BearSpiritDog: The Blog Cop is taking a respite from storming an illegal place during a episode of Unforgettable. Haven’t watched that program yet. Has anyone?
I’m being called to turn Due South! BBL
3:35 pm on November 5th, 2011
On sale. wireless mice are under $20, and worth every penny, IOHO.
Mom is napping so I need to go guard her while she sleeps.
3:40 pm on November 5th, 2011
Melanie – at long last – a network show where we can see YSAS! We have seen “Unforgetable”. It was, regretably…well, forgetable. But we will be ardent fans now – at least until we see an episode of cops storming an illegal casino.
(p.s. – did you check you SDD? Hope Bee got all the grading out of her system.)
3:41 pm on November 5th, 2011
oops – we forgot about forbidden words and our comment is in moderation. So we rewrote it.
Melanie – at long last – a network show where we can see YSAS! We have seen “Unforgetable”. It was, regretably…well, forgetable. But we will be ardent fans now – at least until we see an episode of cops storming an illegal c a s i n o.
(p.s. – did you check you SDD? Hope Bee got all the grading out of her system.)
4:00 pm on November 5th, 2011
T&G: You’re making me laugh–all the grading out of my system. (It’s the only bad part of teaching.) I still have one more set of midterms to go…tomorrow.
I’m going to watch Once Upon a Time.
4:29 pm on November 5th, 2011
Hmm…Tupper&Gilly…your moderated post has mysteriously appeared. the PTB (powers that be) no doubt trying to catch us off-guard. I am sure they are laughing quietly behind the scenes.
O.Howlers: We noticed in your video the Husky had circumvented the invisible fence. Let us hope Kat does not follow Akeera’s lead.
4:39 pm on November 5th, 2011
We tried cleaning of the mousie and it does seem to be working better. Not sure what compressed air tho. Thank you for the advice.
We watched Unforgettable once, and have to agree, it was not great. We do like Poppy Montgomery, so feel bad about that.
We also saw that Memphis Beat was not being renewed. Know Rio said he wouldn’t watch a show with Memphis in the title, but we liked it.
Barb is going to try to upload a couple of photos she took today. One is of me watching the goats, and the other is with my BFF, Jazzy.
4:41 pm on November 5th, 2011
4:43 pm on November 5th, 2011
5:13 pm on November 5th, 2011
Melanie, Is your son going to appear in Unforgetable? If so, do you know when?
5:16 pm on November 5th, 2011
My guess for tomorrow’s blog time is that it will be what is is today – EST, but finally correct. Alaska’s time will be interesting to see. I ask the same question Siber-H asked – what does Alaska need daylight saving for?
5:29 pm on November 5th, 2011
Maggie, you are quite a beauty.
BSD, we gulped when we heard that doggie had IF, too. But judging by the relaxed demeaner of her owners, we’re guessing they are none too diligent about changing her batteries.
Kat had an amazing first training session. Misha trained me (Sasha), and I learned quickly. I trained Dima,and both Dima and I trained Meashka. All of us were quick learners. But Mom figured the Pipsqueak would be tough because she is so young and little…and did we say Young? However, Kat may just be smarter than any of us. (whispering) Meashka says that is highly unlikely.
5:34 pm on November 5th, 2011
Whew!…Someone had a panic attack and rushed out to Hobby Lobby to find some different boxes for the little gift cards…grunt!… She looked and looked and found 3 totally different boxes, but they are a little big…sniff!…She bought them anyways along with some really unique looking boxes for special gifts she has in mind…heh!…So now she has calmed down and is happy once again with her first choice of boxes….sneeze!… I’m so glad I am not her. She worries far more than I do…wuffle!
5:42 pm on November 5th, 2011
Melanie: Forgot to tell this morning; The sunlight on the Dancing Bears makes us smile.
Nana is checking out Unforgettable just to see the episode YSAS is in. tee hee…that should give a boast to their ratings with all of us now watching it.
Maggie: I see you are enjoying the nice autumn day with your friend. Good to hear Barb’s mouse is back on the job.
5:42 pm on November 5th, 2011
Yes, Barb & MagPie, have no idea what episode or when. The only time he’s been told is with L&O SVU.
MagPie, you are looking great!
Riö, I’m glad you can provide a calming influence on your friend. laughing quietly
5:49 pm on November 5th, 2011
I remember that dog from last year! Very funny yet a walk of over 10 miles under two freeways? Scary.
Don’t let Kat know . . . One of our friends decided to do the electric fence with their Newfoundland. The Newfoundland loved to go play with the children on the block and did not like the collar. What did he do?
He sat close to the fence where he could hear the sound the collar makes before it jolts. He waited until the battery was used up and then went to play with the children.
That is a smart member of the Nation!
5:50 pm on November 5th, 2011
Its pizza time here!!!! So we are checking out. Bye and Happy Standard Time. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep everybody. Kat has no idea she is supposed to sleep later 🙁
5:59 pm on November 5th, 2011
Maggie, You are looking very beautiful. Great Photos!
I have a friend at the dog park named Jazzy.
Kat will get it figured out in no time! We hope not like the Newf did.
6:06 pm on November 5th, 2011
Rio: Please check your SDD.
Maggie: Lookin’ good, girl.
I tried to convince Luna to model the neck gaiter (Snowhook’s submission for the MMCS) and she wouldn’t hear of it. Once Luna decided she wasn’t going to do it, I couldn’t convince Belle Starr to either. Like mother like daughter.
6:12 pm on November 5th, 2011
We just found out we will not be here tomorrow. Husky Rescue called and we are going to the Doggie Dash and Dawdle to help them out. The Doggie Dash and Dawdle isn’t the biggest adoption event of the year but it is the biggest canine social gathering of the year in the state. It raises money for the New Mexico Humane Association.
We won’t be here for the opening of the Christmas Sale but mom has promised me that if everything is sold out, we can just donate.
6:12 pm on November 5th, 2011
You are beautiful Maggie.
I like Once Upon a Time. It is unusual.
6:20 pm on November 5th, 2011
SnowBella: Bear is concerned about those keys…Belle Starr and Luna…you girls should have reminded her.
6:26 pm on November 5th, 2011
We like Daylight savings time (more time with light after work) and we like “Unforgettable”. Guess we are in a minority on those. But are glad to hear that y’all are liking Once Upon a Time. It’s one of Mom’s favorite new shows. She also really, really like Person of Interest. Does anyone watch that?
Can’t wait until shopping tomorrow!! And this surprise auction at the end of the month sounds fun. Wonder what fantastic items Rebecca will have!
Wookie, Happy Belated B-Day to your dad. Mom didn’t turn on the computer last night so we didn’t get to say anything then. Can’t wait to hear the report on meeting SQ. We think your dad must be one of the more intelligent, well-read persons we know of. Hope they got some cool pics.
7:28 pm on November 5th, 2011
Rebecca!… Got your message LOUD and CLEAR!…heh!… If you want me to do that thing in question, I will because you are so busy…snort!…But I think the one in question will be more likely to remember if you were the one to do what we talked about albeit very secretly…wuffle! …Let me know, okay. But also keep working on the MMCS. It must open tomorrow!….Woooooo!
7:30 pm on November 5th, 2011
Aside from the minor blister and hitting my thumb with a hammer time and again, the MMCS is coming along nicely. If the Royals could blur over here with some 21st century sinew, I’d appreceiate it. AJ is off to town to go to the craft store of all places for me (oh, and to get dog food).
7:34 pm on November 5th, 2011
G&BooBear: Have you seen Grimm?
Mollypop’s Mom: Good to know Chet will finally be in-sync tomorrow time-wise.
7:53 pm on November 5th, 2011
I didn’t know that craft stores carried dog food. Hmmm . .
Found out that I can get “Once Upon A Time” through the computer. Will have to try it. Also found out that Amazon has “The Wire” on streaming. I think my winter is about set!
The intrepid trio (OTAS & F, and YSAS) have now finished raking the leaves, painting the Master Bedroom, Bathroom, OTAS’s studio and F’s studio. Tomorrow someone is bringing a chainsaw and OTAS and YSAS will be doing manly things.
The area their new house is in NOW HAS ELECTRICITY! I believe the whole block was dancing in the street . . .
Even after my marathon nap, I must needs to sleep. So
TTFN
7:58 pm on November 5th, 2011
Kirby!… I forgot to welcome Agent Kirby back to the blog;…grunt!… Its been crazy around here what with the MMCS and me having to watch every little thing that happens…snort! ….So Kirby, I’m glad you are online again and your gal made it all the way home safely and in one piece…wuffle!
7:58 pm on November 5th, 2011
Maggie you are BEAUTIFUL. Thanks for the picture.
8:09 pm on November 5th, 2011
Wookie’s dad here:
The evening with Spence (and two other authors) was everything I hoped for and more. Spence was just terrific, both in his presentation and afterwards. I’ll break this into a couple of posts, the first on his anecdotes and the second on his perspectives on writing more generally.
Anecdotes
As I think he normally does, Spence began with a number of personal anecdotes. One dealt with one of the first stories he wrote as a young boy, with his mom, a writer herself, providing editorial critique to delete redundant words and to strive for proper word usage, lessons that guide him even today. Noting that it annoys him to hear other authors quote their own reviews, he confided to having done so only once. Once a group of advanced third graders attended a lecture he gave to 5th and 6th graders at a school about the Echo Falls series, at the end of which one of the third grade boys, with red hair and freckles, told him he had read Down the Rabbit Hole and opined it was “pretty good.” High praise indeed from a precocious third grader. Anther anecdote concerend his “toddler story”, when as a toddler in school, they would go outside everyday and walk around the schoolyard. One day they couldn’t, so the teacher had them walk inside while imagining the outside environment. For example, she would say stop sign, and they would all stop at the imaginary stop sign. At one point, she said they had come to an imaginary puddle, and all the other students walked around it, but our author walked right through it. When asked why, he said he said that he imagined he was wearing rubber boots. That resulted in a serious teacher/parent conference, but mom was actually pretty happy, because he showed all the characteristics (ones that you would not necessarily think would be flattering) to be a good writer. He then talked some about the blog and told the story about the quilt being the second best thing that had ever happened to him as a writer. This led to his story about the best thing that had ever happened to him as a writer (which he has told elsewhere), about the students from Racine, Wisconsin who had read the Echo Falls books and actually came to Chicago by bus to meet him when he was speaking at a bookstore.
8:20 pm on November 5th, 2011
Wookie’s dad again:
On writing more generally
As to the Chet and Bernie series. It began with a suggestion from his wife that he should do something with dogs. After thinking it through, he decided to try it, with the dog as a narrator sidekick (kind of like Watson to Holmes) but didn’t want to anthropomorphize a dog telling a story, but really tell it from how a dog would tell it, including all the difficulties that might entail (easily distracted, not understanding all the facts, not necessarily getting the time sequence correct, etc.). Once comfortable with the concept as he wanted it, he actually very quickly wrote down the first page or so of what became Dog On It, which when he shared with his wife — they both decided it worked, and as they say, the rest is history. And while the perspective he wanted posed considerable challenges, it also freed him from some challenges that more conventional mystery writers face in terms of organizing a story and making sure that sequences all made sense (there was a lot of discussion about this problem on the panel). He also indicated that, by contrast, this had became a bit of an issue for him in terms of the Echo Falls series, not so much of his own doing, because he tends to avoid writing things that specify dates or days of the week (which can begin to lead to these sorts of problems), but one of his editors actually then manufactured both a calendar detailing each of the stories as well as a complete map of Echo Falls based on his narrative. I think this nearly drove him crazy.
When asked if there were any more books likely in the Echo Falls series, he demurred by alluding some problems with the editors of the series, but used this as a segue to talk about the Robbie Forester book, which he expects to evolve into a series as well. He was also asked if his other persona (for some reason it was verbotem to actually mention the name Peter Abrahams, who was seen as writing adult thrillers rather than mysteries) would be writing any more thrillers, and he indicated that he had some ideas, but with a commitment now to two books a year (one Chet & Bernie and the other Robbie), there didn’t appear to be much time for that. I asked why Chet & Bernie was set in the southwest, and he indicated that the setting gave Chet some greater freedom to get around than a more conventional urban setting would and that he (Spence) actually liked the southwest a lot.
8:22 pm on November 5th, 2011
Wookie!… Where were your Maw and Paw sitting and did they serve champagne?….snort!… Was Spencer’s stories more interesting than those other two authors stories? …heh! …Was he a lot shorter than those other guys?…sniff!
8:23 pm on November 5th, 2011
Wookie’s dad, one final time:
As noted by Spence in today’s post, I did take the opportunity to plug Snowhook and the wonderful things that he and the blog had done on Snowhook’s behalf. I also had a chance to speak to Spence briefly after the presentation part was done, getting him to sign our copy of TDWKTM and also getting one good picture below.
8:38 pm on November 5th, 2011
Wookies Dad: Thanks for the report on meeting Spence and sharing the picture. It sounds like your birthday will be hard to top next year. Tummies to the Wookster!
8:48 pm on November 5th, 2011
Rebecca!….What are you doing out here lolly-gagging with Wookie?…snort!… You should be busy building the MMCS right now…grunt!… It’s not going to build itself you know!….wuffle! ….Back to work little lady…sniff!
8:55 pm on November 5th, 2011
Wookie!…That’s a great photo of your Paw and Spencer!….snort!….As I suspected your Paw is taller than ole Spence…sniff!
9:01 pm on November 5th, 2011
WOW!! Thank you Wookie’s Dad! That is a fine report and a happy photo. We are glad you had such a special birthday.
I have always thought Spence must like the Southwest because he describes it so well and writes with such feeling about it.
9:05 pm on November 5th, 2011
Wookie’s Dad: You made us feel like we we were right there with you. And, thanks for posting the picture of you and Spence. Mom says, Two very handsome guys!
9:09 pm on November 5th, 2011
Siber-H: Before we sign-off just wanted to say: Have a great time tomorrow at the Doggie Dash & Dawdle.
Everyone else: See you at the MMCS tomorrow!
9:21 pm on November 5th, 2011
Grimm!… What’s with all these Faerie Tale shows this season?…snort!… We are starting to watch Grimm On Demand right now….shudder!….This is going to be a scary and gruesome one, isn’t it?….yeep!
9:27 pm on November 5th, 2011
Wookie!….Before I get too involved in this scary show, I want to remember to tell you to thank your Paw for the outstanding Mission Report on The Big Event…snort! … Maybe we should get him to organize all the notes you Agents turn in willy-nilly and expect me to make heads or tails out of them…grunt!… I bet your Paw could do a good job of it…chuffle!
9:46 pm on November 5th, 2011
We are just coming to the party kind of late. Remember when you were kids and would come to your folks the night before a big project was due at school and tell them that you needed it RIGHT NOW? Well, our Gramp is kinda sorta like that. After a late dinner tonight, everyone was off doing chores, when suddenly Gramp remembered that he had to bring a tray of something to coffee hour at church tomorrow. And he doesn’t cook.
After gritting her teeth and mumbling under her breath for a while, Mama got to work. So now, he has his tray of crystal grapes, the kitchen is cleaned up (again) and Mama has a chance to sit down.
Seriously Rio – lets get our Gramp together with your friend’s mother. Maybe they will fall in love and elope to somewhere far far away……
Counting down to MMS. Bella – duct tape on the way. And band-aids.
Wookie – your Dad is the best. Great reports and great picture. Thanks.
Sleep late everyone – falling back on our clocks now.
9:48 pm on November 5th, 2011
oops – forgot to say – Maggie, you are one lovely doggie. Bet your coat is soft and fluffy to pet.
9:57 pm on November 5th, 2011
Crystal!…Grapes?…sniff!….What the heck is that? Golinka, her mother was accusing my friend of drinking too much water tonight….snort!….Seems my friend was getting her second glass of water earlier and found out it wasn’t good for her to drink too much water….grunt!….My friend was seriously miffed about that whole bizarre thing….heh!
10:09 pm on November 5th, 2011
Rio: Grimm is another good one. Finished the second episode. Show @1 – Wolves. Show #2 – Bears.
Speaking of which…time to turn in. The Big Day is Tomorrow!!!
Nana just turned the clocks back and scared herself half to death. “But it’s so early”, she said, “and yet so dark outside!” She reflected a moment. “The good news is we get that extra hour of sleep in the morning.” Hmm…I wouldn’t know about any of that. I’ll be waking up at the same time I always do – Bear
10:19 pm on November 5th, 2011
Rio: Please check your SDD.
10:19 pm on November 5th, 2011
Tonight the government gives me back the hour they stole from me last spring.
Night All
ps What are Crystal Grapes?
10:27 pm on November 5th, 2011
Thank you guys for the compliments. Barb just did a good job of picture taking for a change.
Great report from Wookie’s dad. Did you only get 1 pic? We wanted to see a picture of Debbie LM too. I bet they are a very handsome couple.
Wookie’s dad indicated that they couldn’t say PA. We thought he was writing Robbie as PA, and only writing the C & B series under SQ. Are we wrong on that?
We just watched the show on Dr. Pol on NatGeoWild. He is a large and small animal vet in Michigan. Has anyone else seen it yet? It is a new series and is very interesting. Although be prepared, all the animals (as in real life) do not survive.
Heading off to beddy-bye. Sweet dreams all.
10:30 pm on November 5th, 2011
T&G: If you’re still awake, please check your SDD.
10:43 pm on November 5th, 2011
Barb & Maggie. You are right that Robbie will be written as PA, not SQ (as for that matter was the Echo Falls series). My dad said that, while he talked about what his other persona had done or will do, he (or members of the audience) were just not supposed to utter his name. Wookie
10:52 pm on November 5th, 2011
Rebecca!….Please check your SDD and make it quick we are fading fast over here…heh!
Wookie!…That is hilarious!…snort!
10:59 pm on November 5th, 2011
Wookie’s Dad, thank you for the great report and picture. We hope your birthday was everything we all hoped.
After our pizza party, we have been watching Outlaw Josie Wales. The scenery makes us think of Bernie’s dreams of the Southwest.
11:02 pm on November 5th, 2011
Rio: SDD!
11:20 pm on November 5th, 2011
Yawn, Back from quilting (again) and read the whole blog. Thanks Wookie’s Dad for the great report. Looking forward to the Musher’s Mercantile. Hope Rebecca gets some sleep tonight.
Looking good Maggie!
So tired. See you tomorrow morning before I go off to quilting again…. Dawson’s quilt is inching towards being finished.
11:22 pm on November 5th, 2011
Bella- the Corgis got sent to bed, but we are still up. Mama did check and respond to her SDD
11:32 pm on November 5th, 2011
G’Night!….See everyone tomorrow in front of the MMCS waiting for the doors to open at 1:00pm EST!….Wooooooo!…It is an Amazing Store!…Wow!
11:32 pm on November 5th, 2011
Herbs: I did receive your mama’s SDD. Please tell her thanks for responding. I don’t know how to ask this, so I’m just going to come out with it—you, er, didn’t slip anything in the corgi’s water dish did you? I just want to make sure we don’t need to be watching the mail for corgi sized boxes. 🙂
11:40 pm on November 5th, 2011
Bella – no worries. After watching “Once Upon a Time” we knew enough not to touch anything that the kats offered us.
Are you going to get any sleep tonight, or will you be busy dusting shelves and arranging the merchandise?
12:19 am on November 6th, 2011
T&G: I’m waiting for the paint to dry and moving in the items. I hope to have the lighting done shortly, if AJ will stop plowing the driveway and help me with the electrical work. Then it will be primping and displaing all the treasures. I can sleep sometime tomorrow–this is good pratice for race watching come March.
12:50 am on November 6th, 2011
We can tell its going to be beautiful!
Melanie shared your email about all that goes into caring for the team during the race. We were impressed even before knowing all that – AJ and all the other mushers are truly brave adventurers.
(we would never do it – we hate snow)
Get some sleep – we’ll see you at the store tomorrow.
G’night
1:11 am on November 6th, 2011
We had an earthquake tonight. I am quaking in my fashionable booties.
Nite nite
Macy out.
7:01 pm on November 12th, 2011
apartment size furniture…
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12:02 pm on November 19th, 2013
An invisible dog fence uses a special radio controlled collar and a hidden underground wire around the boundary of the residence to keep your dogs in check.