What's in a Name? A few from Hertford

I've been trying to memorize the names from the historic homes along my run in the morning, and a few have stuck. George Major. Hattie Darden. Dr. Thomas S. McMullan. Guy Newby. The historic district in town seems to break off into distinct periods of growth. There are a few very, very old homes, but the majority of historic homes seem to have happened late 1800s - then another burst in the 1920s - and then a burst around 1940/50 that still got signs...some of those are businesses.

When my database begins to grow, I think I'll create a map. With the information from the database, I should be able to break the map up into plots, and then - using the dates homes were built or destroyed - the hope is that you'll be able to choose a decade, or even a year, and the map will populate with Hertford as it was at that time. It's only an idea at this point, but my way-too-active mind tells me that from a programming sense, it's not outside my ability to create...

In any case, still running every morning, and looking forward to both the Waterway 5k in Elizabeth City - 22 September - and the race being sponsored by www.trailblazersnc.org - in Hertford - a 5k being held on the 27th of October, a day before my birthday.

Until next time,

DNW

The Guardian of the Yard...Rocky the Magnificent

I thought, since there was no morning run to comment on, that I'd bring you an image of our Malty-Poo (I hate that name) Rocky - Rocket Man - Rock-Star - whatever. He's about ten pounds of fluff and bone and thinks he's a T-Rex. He considers himself the guardian of our yard. Keep in mind, that he is not too bright. He guards us from such things as the neighbor's trash cans when they've been rolled to the street. He can't see most of the time above the level of the ground, so any sound makes him hop in circles and whuff. Trish has determined that he keeps himself in the dark on purpose, because when it comes time to beg at the dinner table he has no trouble at all tossing his head back to show his feed-me eyes. (It's his one super power, and as super powers go, it's not much).



He chases leaves and garbage because they make noise - not because he can see them.

His nemesis is a Mocking Bird that dive-bombs him constantly to get him away from the tree where its nest resides. He never sees the bird. He hears it ... occasionally it comes close enough to ruffle his fur with its wings...but he usually ends up hopping in circles and barking at the air where it used to be...funny stuff, but as a guardian he's no great shakes.

If you happen to wander down Market Street, odds are you'll run into him eventually, pacing up and down his post and looking ridiculous.

DNW

The Morning Run

I've been running lately, every morning just after 6:00. It's funny how much of a town you notice at different times of day. In the morning you see the branches that are down, the houses for sale...you notice the animals. Huge V-shaped squadrons of Canadian Geese were honking overhead this morning. A couple of folks were out with their dogs...early in the morning dogs show little interest in runners...I've yet to be chased, except by Rocky - our Maltese, who THINKS he could run two miles but is probably good for about two blocks before I'd have to carry him (which I'd gladly do, he's a fuzzy white warrior) but it's not in the morning plan.

Down by Missing Mile Park I take a turn past the water on a wooden walkway that runs parallel to the river. Sometimes there are turtles or snakes on the walk, but not today. Today, there were spider's webs stretched across, catching night bugs, I suppose. I broke through, but I know they'll be back again tomorrow.

I'm going to start posting regularly here again - notes from the morning run will be big on the list.

One thing to point out. I have a new book out, and another due by the end of the month. Both can be purchased at Carolina Moon Books - which I pass every time I run. The first is "Defining Moments," my new collection, which features two stories set in the fictional town of OLD MILL, NC - which is loosely based on Hertford and Winfall. This is a collectible edition - only 167 were ever printed by the World Fantasy Award Winning SAROB PRESS in the UK. It's a bit pricey at $50, but is gorgeous. "Ancient Eyes," my new novel, will be in stock soon - it's $45, but an absolutely GORGEOUS signed limited edition book. There are 300 copies of it in existence. Several of those reside at Carolina Moon - and I'd be happy to run by and personalize them.

Checking in from the outskirts of the Great Dismal Swamp...

David Niall Wilson

PS - Welcome to Steve & Family - Go Chargers!