My Name is Eric, I'm from Marblehead.

Well, some of you may be aware there is a leash law in Salem.  My Mom is also aware, but I was able to convince her that it does not apply to me (it’s kind of like a Jedi mind trick- but, you use your eyes and tail- not your hand).  Well, on our walks to the lighthouse I typically get to run free.  I’m almost always obedient and loyal, though I will venture astray after a passing bird shadow from time-to-time (My dad says that they are herring gulls and I don’t really care).  One sunny day a government worker came up and started some small talk with my Mom.  I sat patiently at his feet, most of these maritime/park service guys have cookies.  Well, this guy cleverly asked what my name was and if we were local…and then gave my Mom a warning about having me off-leash!  WTF?  Seriously?  He didn’t even give me a cookie like the other guys.  Luckily, my Mom is not one for rules, particularly when it concerns me, because I am very obedient. (Did I go too far?) Anyway, we recently were back at the scene of the crime…off leash, and a uniformed man, with NO cookies came up and started conversation.  Now my Mom, aware of the infraction, was prepared, but not too well.  So when he asked if we were local, she said ‘Sort of’ (good start Mom, vague- no commitment) and then she added ‘Marblehead’.  I stopped. WHAT? Then the uniformed man asked what my name was. What does my Mom say? Not Cooper.  I mean, Cooper already has a warning on record. She comes up with Eric. Eric, from Marblehead.  Not T-bone from Lynn.  Not Crusher from Charlestown.  Eric from Marblehead.  Is she trying to get me beat up? How am I going to live down ‘Eric from Marblehead’?  We don’t even have a boat.

Salem Tour Stop #2

Hi. At this point in the tour it is suggested that you provide your faithful and knowledgeable guide with a gratuity. Money or Milkbones are accepted. As I am currently trying to be emancipated from my parents and move out on my own (or in to a home with a family that has a large yard with lots of squirrels and less rules), the kind of gratuity that folds easily is preferred. Anyway, this is the custom house in Salem and the gold bird on top is made entirely of chocolate.