Alien Log Road Log
The Trials and Tribulations of an Author on the Road
I would like to thank Fern Reiss for inspiration and aid in this concept.
August 7, 2005 (Day 130)
As Dr. Farrell grew up in Vermilion, Ohio, it is no wonder he had to return to visit friends and family. Dr. Farrell remarked “Vermilion is the same
wonderful boating town that I remember from my youth.”
On Monday he had a lecture and book signing at the Ritter Library in Vermilion, Ohio followed by a lecture and book signing at the Lorain Public
Library on Wednesday. Yesterday Dr. Farrell was in Elyria, Ohio for a book signing at Borders Express in the Midway Mall and this afternoon at
Waldenbooks in the Sandusky mall. No wonder this evening was for a bit of R&R boating with some of Dr. Farrell’s high school friends.
July 24, 2005 (Day 116)
Monday, the Alien Log mobile made its way to Delaware, Ohio to the Cross Creek Camping Resort. The rest of the week was very busy. Tuesday
Dr. Farrell had a book signing at Barnes & Noble - Lennox Town Center in Columbus, Ohio. They were truly wonderful and made both Dr. Farrell and his
wife feel very welcome. Friday, Dr. Farrell jetted to Akron, Ohio for a book signing co-organized by the CUP. Then Saturday Dr. Farrell was over in
Cincinnati for an afternoon book signing at the Barnes & Noble on Montgomery Road in Cincinnati, Ohio, followed by an evening lecture and book signing
at Barnes & Noble -Fields Ertel in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Today, Dr. Farrell and his wife were able to enjoy lunch with family at a German restaurant in the German Town section of Columbus. As Dr. Farrell put
it “we pigged out on schnitzel, speatzle, red cabbage, and of course, weissbier.”
July 5, 2005 (Day 97)
Dr. Farrell returned to NY from his trip to Roswell NM, where he took part in the 2005 UFO festival. Dr. Farrell enjoyed himself and met up with old and
new friends alike.
His lecture went very well and was filmed by Lost arts media and entertainment. His lecture drew a lot of attention and compliments including a
visit from Dr. Jesse Marcel Jr, a flight surgeon on leave from Iraq, who is also the son of Major Jesse Marcel.
All in all Dr. Farrell said that he not only enjoyed himself but also was able to get a lot of research for his sequel done.
June 13, 2005 (Day 75)
After Dr. Farrell took me to the airport he and Linda proceeded on to Liverpool, NY. There they were greeted by Linda’s sister, whose chin hit the ground
as she saw the Alien Log Mobile role down the street. After getting over the shock, she let the two park the relatively large vehicle in her driveway.
June 11, 2005 (Day 73)
Those of you how have been checking the events calendar know that this past week has been a full one. All of the lectures went very well as did the
book signings. The one small problem was that we stayed at a RV resort in the hills on the border of New Hampshire and Vermont. Those of you who
know the area will not be surprised to know that we had no cellular service. As our internet access depends on cellular – we had no internet either. That
and a tornado warning certainly added a bit of spice to our lives. As Dr. Farrell was a resident of Springfield, MA - it was a great treat. We had an
excellent turn out and enjoyed our time there.
June 4, 2005 (Day 66)
The past week has been one of relaxation as we all spent it in the lake Winnipesauke area. We spent the week with new and old friends alike, saw
some sights and in all used memorial day as a good reason to take some time off.
May 24, 2005 (Day 55)
Todays lecture/book signing at Barnes and Nobel in Smithfield RI went well. Dr. Farrell enjoyed himself and all in all our time in Smithfield has been
memorable although cold.
May 19, 2005 (Day 50)
This is our final night in Falmouth. We are all a bit sad to say good bye to Falmouth. The charm and quaintness have accrued our affection and will
forever have a special place in our memories. As tomorrow is Dr. Farrell’s birthday, and we don’t yet know what awaits us in Smithfield RI, we decided
to celebrate his birthday tonight at Liam’s.
May 16, 2005 (Day 47)
Today Dr. Farrell was interviewed by Mr. Tony Gill from The Tony Gill
Show, WAIC 91.9 FM in Springfield Massachusetts. What was going to be a 35 – 40 min interview, turned into a 2 hour interview. With topics
ranging from his book signing in Springfield, MA on June 10, to topics related to UFOlogy and even a bit about the story itself, the interview was
interesting and thought provoking.
May 14, 2005 (Day 45)
Yester we moved base camps, from a horse farm in Manchester, NH to a cottage at Beachside Village in Falmouth, Ma. Falmouth is a charming town reminiscent of a
Norman Rockwell illustration. A warm feeling immediately came over me as I drove through town to the cottage. In the evening we went to Liam
Maguire’s Irish Pub on 273 Main Street. I am not sure if it was the New England small town charm or the tradition of never leaving an Irish pub with out
having met half the pub; but everyone we met was delightfully friendly and welcoming.
Today we were in Webster mass at Booklovers' Gourmet (55 E Main St
Ste A, Webster, MA 01570), an enchanting bookstore and café. Each of us gained 20 lbs just by looking at the wonderful pastries. The event drew a
crowd from near and far and turned into a round table discussion lasting until store closing.
May 11, 2005 (Day 42)
Today Dr. Farrell and I drove down to Upton Massachusetts. The scenery itself was worth the trip. As we pulled into the town of Upton, the backdrop
awoke a chimera of hot apple cider and fresh baked apple pie.
Dr. Farrell impressed all of us by keeping his lecture under an hour. 59 minutes and ten seconds, to be exact. Those in attendance were warm,
welcoming and energizing.
All in all it was a great trip.
May 10, 2005 (Day 41)
We are still on the horse farm. As I have been recovering from my cold, Linda came down with a cold and Dr. Farrell decided to thank DarCol Stable by
helping out around the barn!
April 29, 2005 (Day 30)
We arrived in Weehawken, New Jersey today. After settling into our hotel, we hopped on to a water taxi and went into the city. We decided to head down
to little Italy for dinner. What turned out to be SoHo, was still a very good choice. What from the outside appeared to be a corner bar, inside looked more
like a rustic bar/café. One of those places one encounters often in Europe and New York City, but seldom elsewhere. Little spaces for tables, little
space to walk through; but an amazing atmosphere. The name of the restaurant is Fanelli’s Café at 94 Prince St. Great service and great food. I can
only recommend it.
We all left with happy taste buds and full tummies. In attempts to walk off our wonderful dinner, we decided to skip the subway, and walk to the port
authority bus stop. On our way up north on Broadway, we came into Union Square. Critical Mass
, “a monthly celebration of bicycles and other nonpolluting means of transportation”, was gathering for their monthly ride. They say this has been going
on since 1993, unfortunately, as of recently, they have been encountering problems with the NYPD. This ride seems to have meant more than the usual
monthly rides as the police were staged in mass at the other side of Union Square announcing over the loud speaker that as Critical Mass does not have
a permit, if they ride their bikes, they will be arrested. This got the blood in all of us flowing. My hat is off to all of you who rode this evening, standing up
for the freedoms we are all slowly losing and not always noticing until it is too late.
April 25, 2005 (Day 26)
Friday we picked up Dr. Farrell’s wife from the airport. She has now joined the road trip. The book signing Saturday at Sages Pages was very nice. Set
in a quaint town in New Jersey, the store is a gem. Immediately following the book signing, we all jumped into the car and drove down to Washington DC
for the X-conference. We arrived with enough time to eat before Monsignor Corrado Balducci from Italy spoke. Dr. Farrell was exceptionally pleased not
only because he was able to listen to Monsignor Balducci speak, but also because Sunday he was able to speak with him. It was an interesting
conversation as it was a mix of speaking via a translator and then via my Spanish. Today, everybody is well rested and ready to introduce DC to the
Alien Log Road crew.
April 21, 2005 (Day 22)
After leaving Atlanta, Dr. Farrell and I made a one night stop over in North Carolina. The Waffle House treated us very well. We arrived at the Pine Cone
Resort in New Jersey Wednesday evening. It is set back in the woods and although I have yet to find out about the elephants, there are wild turkey
running around. And no – I am not referring to the drink. This wilderness experience reminds me of a saying I heard in Germany. A German politician
once said: Everyone wants to go back to nature; no one wants to go by foot. That could not be truer as we camp in our 6.2 miles to the gallon, air
conditioned RV.
April 18, 2005 (Day 19)
This has been an interesting time in Atlanta Georgia. As you know, the RV was in need of repair and in the mean time has been repaired. Some time
between last Wednesday and last Friday, the hard drive on my computer went as well. This would not have been bad, had Gateway managed to fix Dr.
Farrell’s hard drive in the two months they have had it – but …
In a desperate attempt to bring my computer back to health (not knowing that it was the hard drive) I did everything I could think of – including re-install
the OS. Of course my self-overestimated computer genius proved to be inadequate. What turned out to surprise me, though, is that the Douglasville, GA Circuit City has in-house computer
techs. They were quite knowledgeable and fixed my beloved Mr. Computer up in 24 hours.
Now I can enjoy my last night in Georgia at Jittery
Java . A wonderful little coffee house with FREE wireless internet. That is right my friends, caffeine and internet, what more could a girl want!!!
All in all, this has been a nice time in Georgia. The book signing Saturday went well and was a lot of fun.
April 14, 2005 (Day 15)
We arrived in Atlanta, Georgia yesterday. Unfortunately (some how I feel I am using that word a lot), Atlanta West Campground (the RV Park we
thought we had reserved) did not leave our check-in information at the late check in spot. Maybe something happened, there are always ways around
that. So, from asking around, we found out that people just came and picked a spot. So we walked around the whole RV Park looking for a full hook-up.
Not only were there no full hook ups left (just water and electricity) but there were also no pull-through spots and no spots with out a 4 foot incline left. As
you know from my last posting, the motor to our hydraulic pump died as thus we were/are unable to level the RV. So we drove off to the Lithia Springs
Cracker Barrel. Apparently Cracker Barrel will let you park overnight in their parking lot. Today, we took it to a nice RV repair shop and they said that
they may have it fixed by tomorrow. Luckily, Dr. Farrell has family in the area.
As some of you may remember from one of my first postings, Channel 3 news came out to interview Dr. Farrell before he embarked on this cross
country road trip. Now, for those of you not from Phoenix, you can now see the interview online: The
Interview.
Please remember to pass the word along and honk twice when you see us driving down the road.
April 11, 2005 (Day 12)
When we arrived at Memphis Graceland RV
Park in Memphis, TN yesterday, we proceeded
to dock as usual. Unfortunately due to the heavy rain we had been driving through, some of the fuses blew – or so we thought. The slides and the
leveler would not work. So today we had someone come out to take a look at the RV and fix it. Unfortunately it turned out to be the pump motor. This is
not something that most companies just have lying around. So it will have to be ordered. As we will not be able to stay here another night, it will also
have to be sent to us. Our insurance company does not like the idea of paying for diagnostics in one place and then paying for the repair in another. We
will have to see how that works out.
On a good note – in the evening, we were able to meet up with a new
friend to discuss his concepts in gravity. It was quite enjoyable and thought provoking.
Our RV park is right across the street from Graceland. So today, while Dr. Farrell was giving himself a headache with the RV, I went and spent some
time with the memory of Elvis. Turns out, he was quite a humanitarian. I was truly impressed and moved. It was well worth my 1.5 hours and $20.
April 10, 2005 (Day 11)
Today we are on the Road again. Eureka Springs was very enjoyable. A nice well maintained victorian village. The convention was well attended and
very informative. A special thanks goes out to the Lone Star Bar. The evenings would not have been as much fun.
Sunday after the conference ended, Dr. Farrell and I went into town. Although we had spent a large portion of Friday looking for wireless, we finally
stumbled across the Center Street Pub. So for all you Eureka Springs bound WIFI users, you can save yourself some time and just head there.
Having worked up quite an appitite working on the internet, we then crossed the street and went to DeVito’s (5 Center Street, Eureka Springs, AR
72632). It was an outstanding meal with outstanding service.
Any of you how know Dr. Farrell probably could have guessed that we needed to end the evening in an old fashion ice cream parlor – The Big Dipper
(Hwy 62 East).
April 07, 2005 (Day 8)
Today we made it to Eureka Springs, AR. It is a very nice place, but I am having problems finding internet access. We are staying at a nice place with a
beautiful view – Wanderlust. Yesterday we got out of Amarillo, TX and stopped over in Oklahoma. The state, at leastwhat we drove through, was
beautiful. I was happy to leave simply because I could not get the musical out of my mind. O K L A H O M A. As there is no musical for Arkansas, I
think I am safe.
A few days ago a bird flew into our windshield. It was actually pretty sad. How ever, the crack that is currently growing across our windshield constantly
reminds us of the poor bird’s tragic demise. We are going to try to make it to Atlanta before we get the windshield repaired. Let us hope the glass holds
out. Speaking of glass. Today, I Dr. Farrell’s publisher, publicist and web girl forgot to lock the refrigerator. Amazing the noise projectile adult beverage
bottles make upon smashing against the wall. Now we have a new RV fragrance – ode de corona.
While still in Aztec, I, the faithful publisher, publicist and web girl, won a basket of wine from Wines of the San Juan. Included was a hat, which aside
from showers, for this
picture, or when it fall of my head while I am sleeping, I have yet to remove from my head. The funny thing is, I do not wear
hats. It must be the logo!!!
April 4, 2005 (Day 5)
We packed up today and moved on. The Aztec
convention was a lot of fun. Really great people and very interesting speakers. We look forward to attending next year. Aztec – keep up the good
work!!!
We have made it as far as Amarillo, TX and will be staying the night here.
On Thursday, April 7, 2005 Dr. Farrell will be having a 6pm telephone interview with Kevin W. Smith on the Kevin Smith Show
March 31, 2005 (Day 1)
This morning, we finished loading up the RV and at 10am Arizona time, we were off. With the wind and our amateur RV driving capabilities, we arrived in
Aztec, New Mexico at approximately 7:30 pm. Aside from learning how an RV bathroom works so that the gasses do not come back to aromatize the
entire RV,the day itself was otherwise pretty uneventful. We checked into the Bloomfield KOA Kampground (1900 E. Blanco Blvd., Bloomfield, NM 87413).
Just a note, it has been decided that our beloved Dr’s wife should go incognito with the tie breaking reasoning being as follows:
“I'm going to have to go with the Jackie O look. A mysterious woman slipping in and out of the Alien Log mobile mission control center is likely to
attract more attention, because it gives people something to wonder about. Who is that woman? Why is she trying to be inconspicuous?
Is she, perhaps, an alien herself? Is she part of a conspiracy?”
G (anonymous rock star from the Greater Los Angeles Region)
So Linda, better go shopping!!!
March 29, 2005 (- 2 days)
This past weekend was the final weekend. With our beloved author off RVing with his wife, I took the opportunity to have a mini-break weekend. Prior to
embarking on my mini-break I was lucky enough to be able to meet a producer at AZ-TV. What an amazing woman. I was inspired and left the office
motivated and optimistic. What a great way to begin a mini-break.
An amazing friend, a couch, adult beverages and TV - what a great way to let loose for a weekend.
As we know, everything wonderful has its price – mine is that our beloved author, Dr. Farrell, started moving my office into the RV, while I was still away.
This left me running around looking for papers and envelopes that turned out to be 5 or so miles away.
March 24, 2005 (- 7 days)
Well my friends, today is the day. The RV has arrived and is being loaded for the test trip.
Our beloved Author and his wife will be going to Pleasant Harbor RV Resort (8708 W. Harbor Blvd., Peoria, AZ 85383-9726) to
make sure that there are no problems which may require assistance.
Linda (Dr. Farrell’s wife) still has not seen the back of the RV and to document the moment, Channel 3
will be coming out. More to follow…
So, may I present the Alien Log mobile!!!
Please remember to honk twice if you see us driving down the road.
March 23, 2005 (- 8 days)
Today was PR day; actually it should have been 2 days ago at the latest. In an effort to compensate for my
tardiness, I put together a press package to deliver to the local media. I spent all morning gluing a picture
of the cover of the book on to nice pocketed folders and printed up some post cards I designed yesterday. I
never knew that MBA really seems to mean Must know Basic Arts. Either way, they (both the folders and the
postcards) looked lovely. Of course this press package included more than just a postcard. I assembled,
what I deem to be, the usual documents: author bio, endorsements, book info and a press release. Just
incase some one would miss my contact information blazed 3 times across the press release; I also included
my business card. I must admit, every time I put together a press package, I hope I get it right. If anyone
out there has any suggestions, please e-mail me.
On a side note, I received a suggestion that our beloved author’s wife should consider “buying a really wide-brimmed hat and some big, dark Jackie-O
sunglasses so she can get in and out of the RV incognito”. I have yet to suggest this to her and thought I should put it to a vote, so please e-mail me
at roadlog@alienlog.com with your vote.
Yes – incognito
or
no – don’t be shy, enjoy the fame.
March 22, 2005 (- 9 days)
Today our beloved author, Dr. Farrell, pondered locations on the east coast where he may want to spend some
time. While running over the options of where to stay, he found it helpful to include his wife and me,
his faithful publisher, publicist and web girl. Feeling as if we were in a conversation, his wife
and I offered suggestions, only to realize that he was actually talking to himself, but wanted an audience
to do so. Thus his wife and I sat there, on the edge of our seats, waiting for the moment,
for the good excuse, for any reason what so ever to run. Turns out, an adult beverage was a really good reason.
To add to my last entry, Dr. Farrell’s wife does know about the graffiti which is to be added to the back of
the RV. She knows, as I, the faithful publisher, publicist and web girl told her. She is playing along,
acting as if she knows nothing; all the while contemplating her next move and waiting for the moment she
may exact her revenge. Our beloved author and his wife will be trying out the RV this weekend. Dr. Farrell
has mentioned that he expects to have his sign on the RV before this weekend.
Maybe we will find out sooner than later who is to pay?
March 21, 2005 (- 10 days)
In 10 Days Author/Lecturer Dr. Robert Farrell will be embarking on a cross county book signing/lecture tour. I, his
faithful publisher, publicist and web girl will be accompanying him.
The RV, quite suitable for a nice retired couple, has been purchased and the appropriate graffiti is being added
to make it unmistakably the Alien Log tour bus. The one snafu in this plan is that Dr. Farrell’s wife does not know
about the minor embellishments which are to cover the back of the RV. Should this pose a problem, I am sure the
news will make it to most major news papers. Otherwise, we can safely assume that the tour will proceed as planned.
I have been forewarned that I may want to rethink my choice of footwear, due to the elephants in New Jersey???
So stay tuned for the trials and tribulations of an author on the road.
Wanna share an experience?
E-mail the Road Log
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