Traveling Spike

Traveling Spike in Durham, N.C.

2006-09-10T21:26:00.000-04:00

Spike was a bit perturbed when he arrived in Durham, NC. Seems he had heard talk about visiting some “Duke” and “Blue Devils.” He assumed he was returning to England for a demonic party with royalty.

And then the first thing he sees when he comes out of his coffin is a great white cat, wondering if some little tasty treat was hidden away in the wee coffin.

After a bit of pouting over the lack of party and alcohol, Spike agreed to take a little tour of the area. We started at Duke University.

He agreed, somewhat petulantly, to allow his picture to be taken at some well-known sites. Duke Forest was the first stop.

He asked to forego a visit to Duke Chapel and we headed to Cameron Stadium. Being a soccer fan himself, Spike wasn’t too impressed with being in the hallowed halls of Coach K.

There was a run-in with another animal. Spike jumped on it prepared to do battle, perhaps hoping it was a werewolf. Alas, it was only Kimi, a recently adopted pound pooch.

Next stop was the Duke Lemur Center. It wasn’t too surprising to find out that at some time in his past, Spike had been to Madgascar. When he actually knew it was a Coquerel's sifaka lemur he was looking at, I was astonished. However, he finally admitted that after being up all night, he would watch Zoboomafee, a children's television show. And Spike was astonished when I told him that Jovian, a male Coquerel's sifaka from the Duke Lemur Center, played the part of the lemur Zoboo on the television series.

I could tell Spike was getting a bit bored with academia, so I took him down to the renovated American Tobacco Warehouse district. A reverent look came over him as he spied the old Lucky Strike smokestack. Lucki-ly (insert pun here), there was a nearby pub where Spike could sit with a drink and enjoy the view.

Time was getting short, so I stuffed him back in his coffin which was now full of white cat hair, and sent him on his way. I think he is getting quite tired of the stuffing and mailing.

- Carol

Traveling Spike in NJ, NY

2006-07-10T20:20:00.002-04:00

TS arrived in New Jersey in April - just in time for me to be on Spring Break!

The first order of business was to show him the new Traveling Spike box that I made for him. He seemed relatively pleased and was happy to pose with it for me.

Then we got down to the order of the day. My mother was in for a visit and we were dying Easter eggs. TS asked if he could make a special one, to which I replied that he certainly could.

Unfortunately, my mother alerted 12" Angel to the nature of the egg Spike made. He was NOT pleased! We found ourselves in the middle of a bit of a battle between the two. Spike got in a particularly well-placed kick and Angel got very angry. Luckily, 12" Spike heard the ruckus and came to TS's aid.

The noise drew the attention of Smile Time Angel and, well...

Eventually, the two made up, and Spike went about meeting some other members of the household. His knowledge of Klingon is actually much greater than he would have us all believe. He and Worf found that they had much in common, although he and the felines got into a bit of a turf war.

"Live long and prosper, Mate."

"Hey! Watch the claws!"

The rest of the day was spent watching videos and reliving some of the good old days.

"Now THERE'S a talented bloke!"

The next day we set out to show TS that New Jersey isn't all highway and grime. There are plenty of great places to visit and a lot of beautiful scenery.

TS loves a challenge

We took him to see some of the hot spots in Point Pleasant. The track...

the poker table...no kitten poker, though...

the slots (he thought he was going to win, but...)

Next we tried our hands at games of skill. I had to help TS operate a few of the machines, but he enjoyed the dancing, driving, and shooting a lot more than the slots. I think his favorite may have been Skee-Ball, as he won some tickets there.

After the games, we decided to shop and eat. My husband loaded TS up in his pocket and off we went.

"Good puppy."

"Hey! A Pooka!"

"What, no Angelus? No Buffy? No SPIKE?"

"At least there's Sarah."

"Hmmmm..."

"One of each. Got any Bloomin' Onions?"

Stomachs full, we headed out onto the beach, where Spike built a sand castle.

When we returned home later that evening, TS and 6" Angel took a stroll outside to read my license plate.

"So, explain to me again about this 'fanfic'?"

The next day, we went for Easter Brunch and Spike met yet another Pooka. Although TS did have some eggs, sausage and a mimosa, we managed to sneak in a special meal disguised as ketchup.

For our final day together, we went to New York City. Even though Spike and Dru had spent some time there, TS had never been to the top of the Empire State Building.

"Kinda tall..."

Upon descending, we met up with some native New Yorkers who were very pleased to pose with TS.

We went for dinner and a few refreshments, and TS did his best to entertain the kids.

Finally, we stopped off for a nightcap at a western themed bar, and Spike invited me to have a Margarita with him, while we sorted through some Men of Sunnydale cards.
"There's only ONE 'Man of Sunnydale'," TS scoffed.

The next day we said goodbye and he was on his way. Thanks for dropping by, TS! It was a great visit.

Jessie Wintle

Traveling Spike's Journey Coming to an End

2006-07-01T22:58:00.000-04:00

Traveling Spike is down to his last couple of stops and soon will pack it in.

After he has had a chance to rest a bit, he'll be working on his scrapbook of all the wonderful places around the world that he's visited. This scrapbook will be auctioned off in order to raise money for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Thanks to all who have participated!

Traveling Spike in Liverpool

2006-07-01T22:06:00.000-04:00

Spike is here!!

Finally after an age of waiting (or 2 days) he came through the door and out of the envelope.

"Soddin' 'ell I've 'ad enough of bein' stuffed in an envelope!"

I managed to calm him down by playing Kitten Poker.

On our second day we travelled to the beach as the sun was shining [yes England has nice whether sometime!]. Our experienced traveller offered some helpful advice,

"If ya ain't got no sunscreen try burying ya 'ead in the sand."

At the time I thought he was nuts but the next day I wished I'd listen because one of us ended up with sunburn and it wasn't the one who measures less than 8 inches. Spike was glad to be home in the Motherland but was a little upset that our outing together could have proved hazardous without the factor 5000.

TS didn't seem to care that we all had our reservations about him driving home.

"It ain't the DeSoto but it'll do"

"Look kids! Liver Birds"

The next day TS was occupied by my 5 year old niece. She thought he made a great date for Daphne. Unfortunately we had to restrain Fred at that suggestion.

"Ever been to Woodstock?"

"Can ya believe this poncy git is ignoring me?" I didn't have the heart to explain to TS that Shaggy wasn't all together there in the head [well he is plastic].

Spike came to work with me and was surprised to find that despite his best effort his typing skills weren't as good as mine.

[The 2 gold fish are William and Spike and the black fish is Angel]

"That's it boys get that little ponce!"

Spike wasn't to glad that his counterparts were sharing a tank with Angel.

After assisting me greatly at work and becoming one of the family it was very hard to put him back in an envelope to forward him on (mainly 'coz he threatened to suck me dry if I dared put him in the envelope) but somehow I managed and then he was off across the country to visit his next host.

-- Sam

Traveling Spike in Scottsdale, Ariz.

2006-04-15T20:19:00.000-04:00

Traveling Spike arrived from Australia well-rested. He showed me the gift book he'd been given as a souvenir, and I felt that merely catching the 2-hour flight from Oakland to Scottsdale might be a letdown. However, he reminded me about his fondness for those little serving-size bottles of brown beverages.

What Spike lacks in...um...stature, he makes up in attitude. He clearly liked the attention he got everywhere we went, and could be quite charming. Also, when he makes eye contact with those ceruleans, you know you've been looked-at.

The hotel was very posh! I discovered that Spike can zero in on a mini-bar faster than a politician on a photo op.

Spike came with me to the Giants/Cubs game. Spike bought the first round of beers. I said, "Thanks Spike, you're a doll."
I got The Look: "Well...yeah."
"Sorry. Term of endearment."
"Oh. Right."

We took our seats on the shady side of the stadium and settled back to enjoy the game. In his travels this year Spike's had the chance to see some baseball, so I didn't have to explain too much.

Here at Spring Training, though, the players are more relaxed, and the atmosphere is festive. Three innings into the game, picture the following exchange, as the Giants' Barry Bonds steps to the plate: Spike: "That Bonds fella, now..."
Me: "What about him?"
"Vampire."
"What? Is not!"
"Is. Look," Spike counts old-style, staring with his left thumb. "One, super-strength. I mean, look. See?" ...as the ball flies out of the stadium and into the parking lot... "See how far that ball went? That's just not human. Two," index finger comes up, "people treat him with the respect to due to us Big Bads. Don't interrupt. Three," middle finger, "he's got the immortality thing going; I mean, how old he say he is? Please." "Spike, Barry Bonds is not a vampire. That's crazy troll logic." The announcer's commentary doesn't help my case. "The Cubs' pitching looks anemic against Bonds...there's a break in the action while they bring in some new blood." Spike buries his smirk in beer-foam.

I collect Hopi katsinas (kachinas), so I took Spike to visit my friends Deb and Alston Neal at the Old Territorial Shop in Old Town, to see if any neat carvings had come in.

"Oh right then! Demons!" Spike's only this cheerful when a fight is imminent. "Not demons, Spike. Well, technically, the one on the right is an Ogre. But there will be no fighting. These are good spirit beings, who guard and guide the people. Katsinas bring the clouds and the rain, teach the children, and keep the stories alive. Besides, they'd whup your tiny butt, so show some respect."

We stopped for a snack at the famous Sugar Bowl, a retro favorite and hangout of "Family Circus" artist Bill Keane. (Sweet little cartoons all over the place.) The Sugar Bowl is a must-do for any Scottsdale visit.

And of course, we had fun with Big Cactus,

and Spike insisted on doing the "BOO" pose you see here. It was a great day.

I took Spike to the post office, to put him on his flight to his next destination. We had a final chat, on the way: "So Spike, when your travels are over, what will you be doing? Ever think about getting a ..." "What? A day job? Vampire, pet. Thought about doin' some acting, but waitin' on a movie deal, well, 'that way madness lies'." "True. Even so, I'm sure you'd put the Method in't."

Things seem oddly quiet, now. Happy trails, TS!

-- Peggy

Traveling Spike in Australia

2006-03-25T21:32:00.000-05:00

Upon arrival, our little mate looked a little the worse for ware, and decided to recline in place for a time. TS noted that at least this time he'd been sent in something vaguely resembling a coffin! "Beats a bloody bag any time!"

Later that night, after a refreshing nap, TS decided he'd give me a hand making table place cards for the local RAAF Accociation (Royal Australian Air Force). At first he contened himself with rounding the corners for me, but upon discovering the gillotenine, proceded to discribe some of his more macabre adventures for our, er, amusement. "Seen a few of these used in my time - just as inventively too!"

The next day I took TS on a driving trip up the coast to Margate to visit some friends of mine, also fans of his .

TS was a surprise guest for the day,and there after regaled us with tale upon tale of his travels. "Been bloody everywhere! First time in the Land Down Under though!"

TS thought he'd found a friend in the form of an amoured knight standing guard on the book shelf. Despite many attampts to start a conversation, the knight refused to be distracted from his duty, and stoutly ignored our favourite little vamp. "Ponce," was heard muttered for several minutes.

In the hope of better understanding several people of his acquaintence, TS took the opportunity to enter the mind of a rather see-through person... needless to say, he didn't find much in there :P

A demonstration of skills was then called for, with TS bravely showing s where on a bad vamp a stake should properly be applied "Here, you git! In the heart, not the head!"

Scott had many 'pet' dragons around the house, none tame, and our little vamp immediately decided to rectify the situation...although he adn't QUITE meant to do so via indigestion!

Fortunately, we found him a far more accomodating 'pet', and soon the self-proclaimed King of the Dragons' flew madly about the room at top speed.

At one point he landed with some other relics... "Oi! Who you callin' a bloody relic?!"

Later that night, a party was held back at my place by some of the other locals. TS was sadly dissapointed when told the other guests were all vegetarians, and there would be no blood served for the duration. "Some party this turned out to be!"

The bouncer was quickly on the scene, sweeping TS off his feet to ensure his continued good behaviour. Upon reliasing the nortoriety of the blonde vamp, the bouncer begged a photo to take home to the kids - how could you refuse?

All too soon, it was time to be leaving, headed back to the US of A, so I thought I'd best get a photo before TS's flight left!

Bye, TS!! Come visit us again some time!

-- Fiona

Traveling Spike in Belmont, Miss.

2006-03-18T21:19:00.000-05:00

While in Belmont, population 1,961, Traveling Spike checked out both the public library and the Post Office.

Here's a poem for our hero:

Traveling Spike

Traveling Spike
is going from
town to town.

You may look around
and there he will be
found.

Like the hero
who fights for
the right.

Traveling Spike
is the Soul Survivor
who will one day
go out into the light.

So watch your mail
closely for you never
know when Traveling
Spike will take the Mic.

-- Sarah

Traveling Spike in Orlando

2006-02-18T22:47:00.001-05:00

Traveling Spike arrived in Florida on a typical muggy day. "Where the bloody hell am I now? It's like a sauna in that mailbox! Orlando, Florida, well that explains the palm trees."

TS was feeling a bit peckish after his long trip, so he eagerly quaffed a glass of specially blended Vampire wine and downed some spicy buffalo wings with a frosty pint. "That was great luv. Mind if I clean up a bit?"

Hey! Some privacy would be nice!

Well, TS, you've been all around the world. What are you going to do next?

I'm goin' to bloody Disney World!

TS greets Walt & Mickey at Cinderella's castle. Well, this is quite the poofter castle innit?

Minnie is thrilled when TS recites a familiar poem to her.

"My heart expands,
'tis grown a bulge in it,
Inspired by your beauty...
Effulgent."

At least someone appreciates my poetry, even if she does have a tail...

TS does a quick patrol of the Haunted Mansion cemetery, but doesn't see any unusual activity. Probably a bit too early for the vamps & demons to be out. But what's that awful racket in the distance?

It's a small world after all
It's a small world after all
It's a small world after all
It's a small, small world....

I am NOT goin' on that nancy boy ride! It was Dru's favorite hangout in the 70's what with all the dolls and the kids and more dolls and more kids. Took me years to get that bleedin' song outta my head. I'm telling you, it's diabolical!

TS calmed down considerably when we explained we were heading to the Pirates of the Caribbean instead.

Pirates, wenches, and rum, that's more like it! Yo ho yo ho, a pirate's life for me...

TS checks out some remains in a pirate's chest. No treasure here!

We concluded our Disney trip with a visit to the Tower of Terror. Pffftt, doesn't look all that terrifying to me! Whoa!!! Heh, plunging 13 stories in a crowded elevator with screaming Happy Meals on legs, now THAT was fun!

Back home, TS isn't very impressed with my Pirate souvenir. You couldna brought back some of the wenches instead???

After a busy day at Disney World, TS decides to relax at my sister's pool. A friend is waiting to greet TS...

Hey, it's the Caddyshack gopher! Ummmm, you can put me down anytime mate. Like NOW!

Fuzzy bugger, but he's alright.

TS can't resist trying out one of Kennedy Space Center's smaller vehicles before heading to the pool.

TS practices some surfing moves.

TS takes a boat out for a spin across the pool.

Someone (or something?) else has the same idea.

What the bloody hell is that thing and why is it following me!

Ugh, it's gaining on me!

TS ditches the boat for a friendly gator heading back to the other side.

The mysterious bobblehead tries to jump aboard too, but hits the pool deck instead. I guess we'll never know what it wanted. RIP Bobblehead!

TS finally gets to relax for a moment before heading off to his next adventure. Hotdog anyone?

--Kathy

Traveling Spike in Minnesota

2006-02-11T21:43:00.001-05:00

Spike went out for a Halloween dance with my friend Michelle and I. (I'm the one with the stake)

The next day we visited My son Deryk's school for a Halloween parade; my youngest son Dayne kept him company during the wait for it to begin.

Spike took some time to hang out with Deryk, my wizard in training.

Spike spent his extra time hanging out with some old friends.

-- Jodi

Traveling Spike in The Netherlands

2006-01-09T21:35:00.002-05:00

Towards the end of November TS arrived in the Netherlands from the U.K. by airmail. He was not amused because I got an earful of bloody this and that’s when I opened the envelope. “Whose sodding idea was it to send me in a bleeding bag?” Oh dear, TS was rather upset and as it’s clear that our little man has “issues” with being vertically challenged I didn’t have the heart to tell him it was not even a bag but just an envelope.

To calm him down I got him a comfy chair and a bottle of Heineken. After he’d finished the beer he asked for a glass of red wine with a drop of O neg. Unfortunately I was fresh out of O neg. but could manage a drop or two of A neg. which he liked: “ Ta luv, very tasty!” While Spike was amusing himself with a spot of reading, a little friend, Angel the poodle, was very interested in what Spike was doing.

After his spirits had been restored our little man got very curious : “Where the hell am I anyway?” Well TS, you were in Great Britain before and now you’re in the Netherlands. “Right, but where exactly?”

TS, you are here.

First Russia now the Netherlands. What is it with people sticking blooming onions on top of buildings?

After I had shown TS around Dinteloord, an over 400 years old little village half an hour’s drive south of Rotterdam, TS asked me if he could see some more of the Netherlands so I decided to take him to Rotterdam.

When we got there TS got all nostalgic. Apparently he and Dru had been to Rotterdam before. It was during the cutting a swath through Europe time when they were fleeing from Prague to Rotterdam with Dr. van Helsing, Dracula’s arch nemesusiss err memisusis, nemewhatsit, hot on their heels. They managed to give him the slip near Leiden and a few hours later they boarded a ship from the Holland America Line (HAL) here in Rotterdam. Four weeks later they arrived safe and sound in New York, although the same could not be said for their fellow passengers as Spike and Dru had felt a bit peckish during the trip.

TS gets all nostalgic in the Rotterdam harbour.

In the background the Erasmus bridge, nicknamed ‘the little swan’.

From 1891 to 1982 ships went from Rotterdam to America and back and as the HAL building is still here today I thought it would be fun to take TS there. Nowadays it’s a hotel/restaurant called New York.

TS admires the HAL building. “Cor, this brings back some memories, luv.”

After all the sightseeing TS confessed to being a bit thirsty so I suggested we’d treat ourselves to a nice cream tea. While we’re having our tea with scones, clotted cream, cucumber sandwiches, cakes, chocolates and what not, we also had a bit of a natter. It turned out that Spike and Dru had escaped Dr. van Helsing by the skin of their teeth and that to this day Spike gets the willies if someone as much as mentions the name van Helsing as the doc had come quite close to dusting both Spike and Drusilla. Note to self: better not mention your surname!

Cream tea! Thanks pet, it’s been ages since I had one of those.

After tea and sympathy we went to the cinema to see what was on.

Serenity? Where’s my Spike movie, Joss?

Then we went back to my place. While entering the living room TS spotted a vase with flowers on the side-table. “Flowering Snap-dragons this late in the year pet, bloody miracle, I’d say!” And while TS was admiring the Snap-dragons I overheard him reciting this little poem:

Snap-dragons

I have the streets in mind
And the yellow sun,
Lads you are left behind,
All that is done.

Snap-dragons on the wall
Were homely to see,
What was it after all
But vanity?

Snap-dragons on the wall
In my garden too,
There’s little to recall
For me and you.

Dead blossoms adrift
Are falling away,
You never gave me a gift
Would last for a day.

Swift is darkness – swift
The death of a flower,
I never gave you a gift
Would last for an hour.

Gone is the level light
From the wide lands,
I would be glad tonight
Of the touch of your hands.

TS admiring the Snap-dragons.

TS told me that this was the poem he read to Buffy on their last night together and she’d loved it. The poem is by Dorothy L. Sayers, who is better known for her Lord Peter Wimsey novels.

After the poem TS got all misty eyed so I thought I’d better distract him by showing him my house and garden. We went into my study and I showed him the BAPS list on my computer. I explained to him that BAPS stands for Bloody Awful Poet Society and that the list was in his honour. TS protested that he was a bad poet but I told him that he was a good man and that that was all that counted and besides we didn’t call ourselves Bloody Awful for nothing ;-). TS got misty eyed all over again. Luckily he then noticed the other Spike and was not amused to see that that ponce was much bigger than him. “Is he following me, because I swear I saw the blighter in England too!”

I also wanted him to meet my very own Spike!William so TS and I went in search of him. We found him in my bedroom together with his mum Delia. My Spikey and his mum are just as close as William and his mum were. TS was very impressed to meet my Spike. “Look at the fangs on this boy!”

TS meets Spike and his mum Delia.

TS played a while with Spikey and his mum and shortly before nightfall we went for a stroll in the garden. TS was very much taken with my Guirlande d’Amour roses which were still flowering their little hearts out even though it was late November. Their lovely scent filled the garden. “Lovely garden you got here, pet. Keen gardener are you?” I smiled and told him I had a nice surprise for him and there it was: tucked away at the bottom of the garden stood a lovely Tudor cottage. TS was speechless. After he had regained his composure he proceeded to tell me that his former nanny, nanny Pryce, used to live in a cottage just like this one and that he’d been in the habit of visiting her after her retirement on the second Sunday of every month. In fact he’d been to see her the day before he was turned.

Of course TS was curious to know who lived there so I told him that it was a sweet but rather eccentric old lady and that he would be staying with her as a special treat. I knocked on the door and introduced Spike to mrs C., the owner of the cottage. Mrs C. has the whole cottage furnished in the Victorian style and she prefers to live in exactly the same way the Victorians did which is highly unusual in this day and age. Traveling Spike could hardly believe his luck. His sweet face was effulgent when he told me how utterly amazed and happy he was to be able to live again the way he used to when he was still human. I gave him a kiss and told him to enjoy himself and smiling I made my way home knowing that for a short while at least TS would be as happy as the proverbial sandboy.

Sit yourself down by the fire dear boy and let’s have a nice cup of tea and a biscuit or two.

Ten days later TS was send on his way to Sweden after he’d been anaesthetized on his request with a bottle or two of the hard stuff (Dutch jenever) .

- Elizabet van Helsing

Traveling Spike at The Ohio State University

2005-12-24T20:36:00.001-05:00

This fall, I needed a companion to accompany me to Columbus to an Ohio State football game. Traveling Spike was happy to oblige -- even if it wasn't Manchester United.

Our first stop was on High Street at the marker for the original Ohio Field. Traveling Spike said that back then the Yanks played "real" football, with little protective equipment and death on the fields. Good times, good times.

Here a couple of Williams hang out together. William Oxley Thompson was president of the university for 26 years, during the first part of the 20th century, and was considered a visionary in education. During his tenure, the student population grew from 1,000 to 14,000. His statue stands in front of the main library at Ohio State.

His next stop was Mirror Lake. He regretted not being able to see his reflection in the water.

On the way to Ohio Stadium, Traveling Spike and I stopped by my old stomping grounds of the Journalism Building. Spike relaxed on what is now a museum piece in the computer age -- a teletype machine. He confided the tip that a bit of ink in a pint of blood will spice it up a bit.

Finally, we arrived at The Horseshoe -- Ohio Stadium. With its present seating capacity of 101,568, Ohio Stadium is the fourth largest on-campus facility in the nation.

Traveling Spike took his seat but was seriouly bummed when he found out that alcohol was not served in the stadium. No beer? It's sacrilege! He nearly left again when he realized the stadium is smoke-free as well. Is this a sporting event or a bloody tea party?

Look at all those thousands upon thousands of Happy Meals on Legs -- not that Traveling Spike is into that sort of thing anymore.

After the game, Traveling Spike had the opportunity to think about the experience while enjoying the hotel's hot tub. What can be said about a group of men who are covered in padding and play only half the game -- and even that is in stops and starts?

"Nancy boys. The whole lot o' them."

-- Alane

Would You Like to Host Traveling Spike

2005-12-12T22:52:00.000-05:00

Here's the information you will need to get started:

http://travelingspike.blogspot.com/2005/06/welcome-to-traveling-spikes-blog.html

Traveling Spike in Missouri

2005-12-03T20:36:00.000-05:00

On his arrival, Traveling Spike decides to check out the blog and see how it looks. He also hung out with the monitor crowd and swapped traveling stories!

He also displayed his traveling set-up for the computer mouse and Missouri Bluebird. They were a little confused but asked some good questions.

The next day, he headed up to the Fort to hang at Skin City Tattoo with Cat! There, he met Skin City residents, Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie. Did *they* have a lot in common!

He also decided - what the hell! - and got a tattoo from world-famous tattoo artist, Cat! Here he is right after the tattoo.

And a close-up! Traveling Spike opted for a simple, yet attractive, tribal arm-band.

Afterward, he went over to Big Louie's to get a drink...or two...

And he hung out with the working girls, who thought Traveling Spike was pretty damn cute.

We had a lot of fun hosting Traveling Spike - I hope his adventures can continue for a good long while!

-- Tabaqui and Cat

Traveling Spike in London

2005-11-25T22:07:00.001-05:00

At the end of October, Traveling Spike arrived in London. He had travelled in some comfort all the way from Maine in Ginger’s shoulder bag and there was a grand handing over outside St James’s Church, Piccadilly in the heart of London’s West End. He spent the evening perched on a pew and showing off to admirers. I had to tell him that if he wasn’t quiet during James’s concert, he would go straight into my bag. Traveling Spike was very excited to be back in London where after all, he was born.

Meeting up with old friends and some new ones

The first thing Traveling Spike did on arriving home was to get into a fight with my big Spike doll. I had to separate them. I thought it best to put Big Spike away for the duration of Traveling Spike’s visit because I couldn’t take the two of them out with me and I wanted no arguments with a very put out and jealous Big Spike.

With the Donor’s Certificate from the Bloody Awful Poet Society and Support Spike in aid of Hurricane Katrina Relief. Traveling Spike proudly helped present this to Steve Himber at the Mermaid.

Traveling Spike outside St Paul’s Cathedral

Traveling Spike went to see James’s presentation of Macbeth and I have to say that he behaved impeccably. During the interval between the afternoon and the evening performances I took him to visit Shakespeare’s Globe just across the river from the Mermaid Theatre.

Visiting Shakespeare’s Globe on the South Bank.

During the next week, Traveling Spike made another theatre visit, this time to the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch http://www.queens-theatre.co.uk/ where a short play I had written was being showcased. He attended both the rehearsals and the performance and met some nice actors. When he started bragging about how well he knew James Marsters who was an actor on the telly, I thought it was time for him to have a little nap in my bag. Later I asked Traveling Spike if he had enjoyed the new plays he has seen, and mine in particular. Traveling Spike’s verdict , “Well it wasn’t exactly Shakespeare was it, love?”

For the remainder of his visit Traveling Spike made himself very much at home.

Riding in my Jeep

And in the pub. Traveling Spike enjoyed a glass or two of real ale.

Admiring one of Erin’s lovely paintings

Finally it was time for Traveling Spike to depart for his trip to Holland. I will let Big Spike have the last word. “Poncy little squirt! Good riddance.”

-- Wendy

Traveling Spike in Bangor, Maine

2005-11-18T22:43:00.000-05:00

Seems the demons livin’ around the Bangor Hellmouth have gotten pretty active lately. What with their Grand PooPah, Steven King, away for the winter, they’ve been outta control. Cat’s away, mice will eat the humans and all that rot. I figured I’d better head over there and kill something…. lots of somethings. Hero now. Gotta do the hero thing. Even if half the people deserve to be eaten. Idiots. Walkin’ around, in the dark, alone, just askin’ to be dinner. Bollocks! Now, why am I doin’ this again? Oh yeah, hero now.

Where was I? Killin’ stuff in Bangor. Right.

New England really is pretty nice during autumn. Dru and I once spent a few months here watchin’ the leaves turn, killin’ the loggers. Princess got the idea that destroyin’ the forest was wrong. Ecologist Vampire?! Ha! She really was Grade A bonkers.

Bollocks! It’s the Jolly Green Giant. Where’d I put that sword? The bigger they are the harder they fall. Lesson the first, don’t be UNDER him when he comes crashin’ down.

I love a good brawl.

Now that Mr. Green Jean’s is outta the way, figure I’ll head over to the PooPah’s house. Hell, he built it over the Hellmouth. Doesn’t that just scream DEMON? Plus, the books. Humans can be so dim. Of course, that King dude’s a demon. What else would he be?

Lookie here if it ain’t the Slayer. Bloody hell! Guess she heard about the demon activity too. Although how she heard anything with her head so far up the Immortal’s… Never mind, you get the picture.

Fine, we’ll team-up. But I get the dragon this time!

Next stop, the cemetery. I heard it was the PooPah’s inspiration.

Wonder what’s livin’ in here?!

Bahahahaha! It’s Pigmie Demons.

Hey, let go. Ouch! That hurt. Fine, wanna play rough? I’m your worst nightmare.

I DID NOT need rescuing. Thank you very much! Who does she think she is?!?! Slayers!

I DO NOT brood!!!

I need a fag. Bloody hell, what am I doin? Well, I KNOW what I was doin’, just not sure what she’s doin’. Woman! Slayers! Deadly combination.

The waterfront is pretty. Missed you to, Luv.

Back to work. Yes, I’ll take the home possession while you de-demonize the mall. Those Pricer Demons have gotten outta control everywhere. Take’m out luv. It’s your calling.

Sorry to miss that show. Love seein’ her work, especially against the evilness that is Pricers. Roll’em back, baby.

Home possession. Could be interesting. I understand it’s Pussycaticus Demons along with a few other baddies. Holy hell, back with her for two minutes and I’m talkin’ like her.

Here, kitty, kitty, kitty……

Puh, fur. Now, that was fun!

What else have we got here. I’m just getting’ started.

I think I recognize those candles…..

Buffy’s not gonna like this.

Oh la la… Red heads certainly are firey.

What kind of place is this??!!!

‘least I got a bloomin’ onion outta the deal along with Drac’s coat. He owes me, the welcher. Don’t think I wanna know how the homeowner got the coat…

Now, that’s done, I’m off to the motherland. Bird named Wendy needs a hand. Plus, the Slayer needs me. Seems she’s finished baking…..

-- Ginger