Must be summer. Wickersham Park is mushrooming...



( Mush, mush more behind the cut... )

I'm home from WHC 2008, despite entanglements with hordes of infected, diabolical government agents, armored anacro-luddite separatists, and Scottish punk rock hotrod cannibals (or was that just the Neil Marshall flick we caught on Monday?). I met some great people, picked up a few books (reviews coming), and took a bunch of pictures. But first... the quote of the weekend:

"Are you musicians?"
"No ma'am. We're publishers."



Inspiration strikes Jeremy Lassen while visiting the hotel bar.


The Night Shade Books table in the dealers' room.


Stack 'o Wastelands.

( More stuff behind the cut... )

"Here's some of the stuff we've seen while out and about lately," says Maddie. So here we go...


An extra-crispy mannequin over at America's Luggage Depot.


Maddie Catches some rays (as opposed to Ray) while visiting Copperfield's.

( More stuff behind the cut... )

“You tricked me,” insisted Maddie, pouting at me from the passenger seat as I parked the car. “I thought you said we were just going for a drive. This is so not fair.”



“Now now, Maddie,” I replied, turning off the engine. “I've been telling you all week that I was taking you to the groomer today.”

“But it's not even Friday,” complained Maddie. “And besides, I like how my hair looks right now. I've got a Beatles 'do.”

“More like a Beatles don’t. You can't even see with your hair in your eyes,” I replied, reaching across and scratching her head, then brushing her hair back and out of her eyes. “And besides, you're not just dirty, you're starting to smell a bit ripe. Eau de wet dog.”

“But I don't want a bath or haircut. And I like the way I smell.”



“You may like it, Maddie,” I said. “But we're the ones that have to deal with it.” I pinched my nose for effect. “You're a stinky little dog, so off to the groomer you go.”

“But...”

“No buts,” I said, holding up a finger. “No complaints, either.” I climbed out of the car, then moved around to the passenger side and opened the door. I picked Maddie up, fastening her leash to her harness.

“Oh, nuts,” said Maddie, stomping her feet as I set her down on the sidewalk. “But I don't wanna go! They’re gonna put bows in my hair. I hate bows.”

“Cut it out, Maddie,” I insisted. "Now come on. Don't make me have to carry you. You know I will."

“Okay. I guess. But I’m not gonna like it…”

( Continued behind the cut )

Charlie's Angels...


Charlie: "I wanna be Farrah!"
Peanut: "No, you can't be Farrah, Charlie. Tppht!"
Charlie: "Wait? Why not?"


Peanut: "'Cause you're a boy, silly!"

( More and more behind the cut... )

We’ve been home from our San Diego vacation for just over a week and I’ve only just realized that I’ve neglected posting any sort of pictures or updates. As remedy, here comes a heaping handful…or five:

On Monday, as I was loading the car and getting things ready for the long drive home, Maddie followed me out through Grandma’s garage to the driveway. She paused by the open front door of the Prius, looking in as I shoved our backpacks and other gear into the trunk. “I’m all ready for our road trip,” she announced.



“Oh, you are, are you?” I answered. “I thought you were still asleep on the couch.”

“I was,” said Maddie. “But I heard the door and figured it was time. Let’s hit the road.”

I glanced at my watch. “Not quite yet, Maddie,” I said, leaning against the car. “We’re still waiting on Jennifer. What’s your hurry?”

“I heard a rumor that we were going to stop at Pea Soup Andersen’s for dinner.”

“I’ve heard that rumor too,” I replied, guesstimating the number of hours until we would reach Santa Nella. “Does this mean you’re all done having fun at Grandma’s house?”

Maddie considered this. “No,” she said. “I’m still having fun, and I love seeing Grandma, but I’ve got stuff to do. Besides, since yesterday was the big Easter party, and I ate way too much food, it’s time to get back to my daily walks to the park, y’know?”

“Understood,” I said. “Me too.” Jennifer and Jill walked through the door into the garage, already making their goodbyes. “Here comes Jennifer. Hop in,” I added, indicating the driver’s seat with the side of my hand.

Maddie reached up, stretched, then squatted as if she were about to leap into the car. Then she paused. “Maybe you could give me a boost,” suggested Maddie.



“A boost?” I said, putting my hands on my hips. “Maddie, you’ve been jumping up and down on Grandma’s couch all week long. Just hop in.”

“I wasn’t kidding about eating too much this week,” said Maddie. “I really do need that boost. And hurry up, would you? We’ve got a long, long drive ahead of us and I’m really starting to look forward to that pea soup. Mmmm… I can smell it already.”

( More pictures and stuff behind the cut... )

I don't care what that nasty, fleabitten groundhog says; it's Spring!