It was quiet morning at the Bookstall when Phyllis Washburn set up her signing table.  Ready to greet fans of her and her husband Ralph’s new book, Good Morning Sam, Washburn sat down, pen ready and freshly-printed books stacked.

“It is the story of our journey, our 24-year journey with mute swans,” said Washburn.  “Swans can be very aggressive, but we befriended Sam.”

The Washburns befriended several swans over their 24-year journey beginning in 1984.  As their relationship with Sam grew, other swans like Missy and Little One, both featured in the book, became comfortable with them.

The Washburn’s knew Sam for about 12 years before he died in 1995.

“He couldn’t walk anymore,” said Washburn.  “We took him to the house and he passed there peacefully.”

Washburn said she hoped her book would inspire others to realize the beauty and power of nature.

As for the book itself, although Washburn kept copious notes and journals throughout her time with the swans while her husband took numerous photographs, they only began putting the book together in earnest three years ago.

“I feel very good but very anxious to share,” said Washburn, now that the book is printed.

Her signing at the Bookstall was the first and will be followed by a signing at the Sandwich Street Fair on July 16.