I've really developed an interest in reptiles. I didn't know anything about them when I bought Spot, and I thought it was time that I learned. . . .There are few animals I don't want to know more about.

Short-term commitment. Spot and PT will probably outlive me.

PT needs me for food and shelter. I'm not sure, but I believe she recognizes me by touch. I can reach in the terrarium for her and she doesn't flinch. But, basically, PT likes her solitary life. People can't understand our bond, but they do when they sit and watch her. I find PT a calming animal. She's somewhat like my dogs here and at home; she's just built closer to the ground.

I thought we dug a hole early. In the first half, our guards were in what I'd call a panic mode.

With the river right down the street here and the whole idea of Sarah Orne Jewett, I thought it would be fitting to commission a composer to set her texts to music.

I guess they thought I was just the opposite of her,