Misty of Chincoteague Island or anything by Dr. Suess. brings me back

10 Steampunk novels

I was visiting the Merril Collection today and they have a really nice display about "Steampunk". So, I decided to make a list of 10 books that would get you on your way in "Alternate 19th Century Futures". Have fun!

Big Red Fox

While waiting for my son's bus to arrive, I spotted a big, red fox running along our street. At first I had thought it was a dog that had gotten loose, but then realized it's shape was all wrong. And, it was bigger then I expected.

In a city where the only wildlife that you tend to see are racoons, skunks and the odd possum, spotting a fox (to me anyway) is like seeing a spaceship. Rare and exciting, indeed.

Stuck in an elevator with Judith Merril

A friend of mine was telling me about a "steampunk" display (Steampunk: Alternative 19th Century Futures) that was on at the Merril Collection that I might want to check out. It got me thinking about the time my friend, Helen, and I got stuck in an elevator with SF author Judith Merril ( who the collection is named after.) at an Ad Astra Convention many years ago. Aside from her being a fine author, she also did the hosting duties when TV Ontario was showing "Dr. Who" (classic), so she was a bit of a local tv personality in that respect.

Anyway, she was very nice and we had a good chat while waitng for them to get us out of the elevator.

It was the one time I actually didn't mind being stuck in an elevator.

You don't need this flying car...really.

"Engineers are getting closer to the dream of the flying car". Wow. I saw that news story too.

Er, don't get me wrong, but the human population has enough trouble driving as it is. I can't imagine us trying to fly these things. We have enough junk falling out of the sky as it is.

Maybe we should work on space portals or transporters to get us from one place to another. Or, how about personal steam powered airships. They don't go as fast.

("sketch" not done on my iPod, as if you didn't know already.)

Whales not "Phish"

"Whale tails" on I-89 north around Burlington, Vermont.

Martin Brodeur's Hockey Sweater

A friend had posted the question of what goalie Martin Brodeur was going to do with the piece of netting he clipped off when he broke Patrick Roy's record for saves.

I had suggested that he should have someone knit the piece of hockey net into a nice sweater that he could wear. Anyway, here is a sketch of what it could look like ( in NJ colours, of course.).

Maybe, the author of "The Hockey Sweater", could write a sequel.

Pizza Chef, Windsor, Vermont

Actually, it's my favorite pizza period. And, if it's good enough for J.D. Salinger, then it's good enough for me.

Nice view, huh?

This is a sketch of the view from the guest bathroom window at my inlaws house in NH. It must be the best view from a bathroom window ever.

Wifi challenged

I wanted to post this yesterday, but couldn't find a free WiFi area to upload it. One could say I was "WiFi challenged".

It's intrerstate 89, somewhere after Burlington Vt.

Pete, the generous .

As we were walking back from dinner the other night, Pete is approached by a man looking for some "spare change". So, he digs through his pockets, but at the same time another fellow, who has one of those St. Patrick days hats (the green plastc ones) comes up and asks for "one for St. Patrick".

Pete gives them each a 'toonie' and is about to carry on, when the first guy starts into a long winded story about why he needs $5.00.

Poor Pete listens patiently and finally relents, giving up $3.00 more.

We walk along St. Catherine street a bit further when he turns and says, "Well, it was a good story. And, he did work hard to get me to listen to it".

Generous.

Just a guy in the lobby checking his cel phone.

Wow. So high up.

This is a sketch from the hotel room I'm staying in in Montreal. It's on the 19th floor.

My son refers to the elevator ride, up and down, as the " suicide elevator" as it goes really fast.

Not to be done on a full stomach.

March Break = Roadtrip

I love roadtrips. I prefer them over flying anytime, especially these days. There's a certain element of adventure and discovery that you just can't get while trapped in a tin can with the offerings of "coffee, tea or milk" being bandied at you.

Here' my list of 5 great things about roadtrips:

1. You can see where you are going (unless you are driving through a rainstorm, snowstorm or fog.).

2. Discovering interesting places to eat; not necessarily good, but interesting.

3. The adventure of weather systems you might run into (see #1).

4. Local radio (Don't be shy, turn off that CD player/ iPod/Sirius system and llisten to what's out there.).

5. Coffee and lots of it without guilt.

And away we go....