“Avast, ye lubbers,” says Maddie. “September nineteenth be Talk Like a Pirate Day. So raise the Jolly Roger, dance the hornpipe, and hoist a mug of grog, else ye be kissin’ the gunner’s daughter.”

“You are one strange little dog, Maddie,” I respond. “Where do you get this stuff?”

“The Internet,” says she, squinting up at me. “Arrrrr!”

Maddie marvels at how quickly the construction at Rex Ace Hardware is coming along.


Window display at P.S. Caterers: Hedgehogs and Legumes.


If you can't get a historical building plaque, a marble marker is the next best thing. Flower added by a neighbor who didn't think it should look quite so grave. Or something like that.

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