If it’s second-hand conversation, is it gossip? My dictionary suggests that gossip means “casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.” It goes on to give me synonyms such as “tidbits, whispers and canards.” I always thought “canard” was French for “duck,” so I looked that up too, just to be sure. Sure enough, “an aquatic bird” came up (www.dictionary.com) along with “an unfounded rumor,” and my newest favorite word took flight. Canard.

Since ducks played a key role in last week’s adventures, I looked elsewhere for inspiration as the rumor mill propelled me through the Upper Delaware River region over the last week, and I followed up on a few leads, based on idle canards. Having heard that Paul Austin (www.libertyfreetheatre.org) was hosting “an unrehearsed reading” of his newest play, “Gossip and Governance,” I placed a few inquiries and made my way to Parksville, NY, to check it out. Sure enough, folks were milling about and Austin himself verified that a pop-up reading was about to commence, so the Wonder Dog and I took our seats along with a large enough crowd to fill the rehearsal space. The talented cast—Paul Jannicola, Chet Carlin, Jessica Barkl, Bradley Diuguid, John Higgins, and Paul himself—made the script sparkle, and Austin’s smart, funny and sometimes creepy dialog took on a life of its own, giving the playwright feedback (in the form of audience response) as we laughed, gasped and applauded his terribly clever take on the impact of social media in today’s world of relationships and the government’s involvement in our personal lives. It is a cautionary tale, to be sure—and absolutely worthy (IMHO) of a full-blown production. I felt that Austin delivered on the company’s wish to “offer professional theatre to the people of Sullivan County [that will] stimulate community dialog while entertaining the public.” Goal achieved.

Having heard that National Alpaca Day (www.alpacaowners.com) was to take place over the weekend and that Justin and Kara McElroy had taken ownership of the former Natures Reserve Farm in Roscoe, I decided to investigate with the pup nipping at my heels, since her love of the gentle giants is legendary in these parts. “Yes, it’s true” Justin confirmed. “We’re just celebrating our first year as Buck Brook Alpacas.” As our genial hosts welcomed a sizable crowd of kids and adults, inviting us to participate in the face painting, farm tours and spinning demonstrations, Dharma attempted momentarily to join a group of animals being led through an agility exercise, much to the delight of onlookers who thought she was part of the show. After corralling my dog, Kara took me aside to say that “it’s important to us for people to understand that what we’re doing here is all about local. We raise them here, (www.BuckBrookAlpacas.com), process the fiber here and sell the end-product here, throughout the region.” The spectacular weather added to the festivities, and as I took photos of the kids making birdhouses and felted soaps, couldn’t help but revel in another glorious “weekend in the country” that has become synonymous with life in the Catskills. Having convinced a few wide-eyed kids that Dharma was a “miniature alpaca” (www.facebook.com/DharmaTheWonderDog), I allowed how it was time for her to go home with me. We bid adieu, more in love with her “relatives” than ever before.

Another rumor floating around town suggested that The New Kings with Peter Florance (like ‘em on Facebook) had invited a few “special guests” to join them playing last Saturday night (www.callicoonbrewing.com) in my neighborhood, so curiosity led us to the banks of the Delaware. It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of The New Kings (who never fail to deliver great music), and when I spotted Grahamsville’s own Albi Beluli at the mic, I cheered along with the enthusiastic mob who showed up to eat, drink and make merry. “We’ve been planning this for months,” Florance told me during a break. “Playing with Albi is always fun and gives us the opportunity to play some good old-fashioned rock and roll.” After belting out classic tunes like “Road House Blues,” “Little Sister” and “All Right Mama,” Beluli (who is a major talent in his own right) chatted with the dog, cursorily acknowledging my presence. “It’s great to see you, Dharma!” he enthused. “You, too, Jonathan. I heard that you might show up.” Nice. Have you heard gossip about me? It’s been said that “when they stop talking about you, it’s over,” so have at it. Truth be told, it’s probably true.