Friend: How many people came to your signing last night?

Writer: Almost 100.

Friend: Almost 100 in a town the size of Sykesville! A likely story.

Writer: Yes.

Friend: What?

Writer: Yes, A Likely Story.

Friend: So how many people came to your signing last night?

Writer: Almost 100.

Friend: A likely story!

Writer: Yes, A Likely Story.

(with apologies to Abbott and Costello)

A Likely Story is, you will have gleaned by now, a most unlikely story, a relatively new bookstore (just celebrated its second anniversary) in a small Carroll County town that is probably more exurb than self-contained place at this point, about halfway between Baltimore and Frederick. This was my third event there and it was, as ever, astonishing and gratifying. I have no idea how Debbie, the owner, does it.

Saw at least one TMP denizen and several familiar faces. Came home, had dinner with the SO and one of my best friends, and that was a rare treat, too.