by Sylvia McNicoll | Sep 3, 2008 | Sylvia McNicoll
Before I can write the next scene of my flycatching book, I need to picture the Hamilton Farmers’ Market some 98 years ago.
What does it smell like? What are the sounds? What do they actually sell there. So I drove to Hamilton Public Library and visited the archives. The librarians produced many photos and a book with stories of farmers who went there over a long period of time.
Some things I just have to let my imagination fill in. For example a fire in 1917 caused them to rebuild the market. While the building burned, hundreds of rats made a break for it. So I’m guessing my character might spot a rat when he visited the mrket or my fly catching Jack Russel might. Of course chasing it would cause potatoes to be spilled, crates of chickens to crash, horses to bolt and my character to flee.
by Sylvia McNicoll | Sep 1, 2008 | Sylvia McNicoll
Sunday of Labour Day Weekend and it turned out to be the most beautiful sunny warm day–too beautiful for actual labour.
So I googled for the most pet friendly beach on our Provincial Parks Pass and that turned out to be Rock Point near Dunnville.
The beach felt a little rocky under my feet but the waves and water felt great. Mortie went for one swim more than Bob although after rolling in fish, he went for a forced dunk.
Monday, Craig and Eireann returned from Greece. We stood waiting at the airport just long enough for me to imagine worst case scenario honeymoons–happily all were wrong. They loved their two weeks away and wished it could
have been longer. They stopped back at our house for a welcome home feast complete with corn from the little bent over lady’s farm–we bought it on the way home from the beach. Adam and Jen joined us with baby William.
by Sylvia McNicoll | Aug 30, 2008 | Sylvia McNicoll
Well, Mortie, Bob and I spent the day at Pawsway Pet Discovery Centre. What did we learn from this event?
You need to bring your dog to get any attention at all. A lady who was talking about Border Collies did not bring
any of her Border Collies. No one visited her to talk. They all stopped at the therapy dogs, cute shitzus, mini greyhounds and one longhaired Dashund. One therapy dog was missing eyes, they had been surgically removed due to disease. So the therapy dog needed a guide dog. He seemed to manage pretty well though.
Mortie got some personal physiotherapy for his back right trick knee. He fell in love with many dogs and enjoyed socializing with so many canines, he’s still conked out on the couch. His normal energy level is renowned so that’s saying a lot.
The dancing dogs, golden retrievers had a whole corner full of brightly coloured nylon “crates” that looked more like mini tents.
I think Mortie needs one of those.
One chiuaua showed up in a mini skirt. Her owner said she liked dressing up because she knew that meant she was going somewhere.
Mortie scored some new kind of Purina dentibones. I sold under ten books but met some really nice people and neat kids.
Maybe later they’ll all go to the bookstore and buy more. I know we’ll be back to Pawsway. It’s a fun place.
by Sylvia McNicoll | Aug 29, 2008 | Sylvia McNicoll
Tomorrow Mortie and I head to Pawsway at Harbourfront. This is the one and only Pet Discovery Centre and they’re celebrating working dogs and people who work with dogs. Because I write about dog guides, I will be there. I’ll talk about Bringing Up Beauty, A Different Kind of Beauty as well as the final book in the series, Beauty Returns. Also my husband Bob, photographer extraordinaire, will be there and those who wish can have their photos taking with me and my inspiration dog, Mortie. Now Mortie is not guide dog material. Actually his amazing fly catching efforts, leaping up into the air as high as a building and as fast as a bullet, have been captured in a similar dog, Finnigan, in the historical fiction I’m writing about the 1912 flycatching contest.
Hope to see some of you there.
by Sylvia McNicoll | Aug 29, 2008 | Sylvia McNicoll
August 23rd proved to be a hot sunny day, perfect for the beach! There were 14 competitors, two in the adult, about four in the children’s section and the rest in the family division. What talent! Many beautiful and detailed castles were sculpted. A mermaid and sea serpent took awards. In this photo, you see the second place winners. They showed wonderful team work and excellent use of space. Next year August 15, 2009 will prove even better. There will be a workshop in the morning and a demonstration. Then in the afternoon–the competition!
Lots of time to practise.
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