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Nora Roberts's |
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Turn the Page Bookstore Cafe
Boonsboro, Maryland
Saturday, October 9, 2004
Debs's Report
Okay, first, I am glad that you liked 'em (the brownies). Robyn and Michelle? I hope that Monday made up for missing Saturday!!!
Now, the day began in the darkest part of the night for me... 5am. Ugh!!! I still cant believe that I actually got up without the alarms (yep, two of 'em) waking the neighbours. Got ready, packed the car, and then tried to get Bonnie on a good constitutional walk but she felt is was much too cold for her furry little self to be out...so, luckily, the dear bf was planning a mid-day stop and would be able to let her out.
By 6am, I had met up with Nancy and we were off and up the road to meet up with Laura and her daughter Mary Kate. Piled into that suv and we were off on our road trip...gotta love the turnpike for quick cruising!!!! Pit-stopped near Harrisburg, then on to Carlisle and the turn off to go south.
Both of our sets of directions had us getting off of 81 onto alt-40, so that is what we did. Which was cool, as it took us past Barnwood Books so that we knew where to visit later!! We past alot of nice scenery and quaint areas as we journeyed towards Boonsboro...although I was getting a little wonky by then and sang "Funkytown" as we drove through Funkstown...I couldn't help myself, honest!
Arrived in Boonsboro, drove past the store on purpose and turned around to park right across the street. Of course, that meant that there wouldn't be any side trips for us, so that we wouldn't lose our spot. No problem. We had so many old and new friends to greet and chat with, that we never really even noticed the time. And of course, I started to pass the brownie containers around!!!
Suddenly, it is 10am and door opens. Laura, Mary Kate, Nancy and I are in group B. Hot dogs!!!! We go in, snag our books and stand in the check out line. Now, let me remind you, if you are EVER going to purchase more books than just for you (as in Birthday and Christmas presents), either purchase a good book bag or remember to bring the one that you already bought the last time!!!! My arms were full and aching. After they were bagged, I had three bags....four if you counted the bag with all of the brownies!
Dang it, I missed the parade!!!! It went by as I was standing in line with Nancy, but I sure as heck wasn't going to step out...no way, no how!
Since we were just parked across the way, the bags went into the suv until it was lunch. BUT, of course, I had forgotten about the tshirts!!! So, as the others went to snag a table for lunch, I again braved the lines in the store to purchase two tshirts and a couple of on-sale books on cd. Got to lunch before the food was ordered, so that was good. Visited, chatted, laughed, and generally had a good time catching up with folks.
Oooh, it was about time to take a stroll over to the store for the book signing!!! We go, we chat, we laugh and eat more brownies. The line takes awhile, but what do you expect with all of the authors there and all of us wanting to talk to them??? Get to see Nora, but forgot to get my picture with her. I figured that I had already gotten her to sign the four copies of Northern Lights, the Gift, Moon Shadows, Glory in Death, and one book from home that I wasn't going to worry about the picture. I will have other chances.
Back to the vehicle to drop off the bags, minus the brownies that I brought for Nora (who, by the way, didn't get to eat them as she had to prepare for her NYC GMA appearance). Over to the Creamery for ice cream, and bee chasing!!!
Then it is time for us to hit the road. We pit-stopped at Barnwood Books, which only required a little bit a walking to from where we parked. I bought a bunch more books (well, I needed some and Brandi needed some, so why not?), and then did arm curls back to the suv.
Then we headed home. No more pitstops. No more energy either!!! Laura did a great job of driving, and next time I will have a new set of wheels and can return the favor! Got home, and Bonnie was there to great me...aaaah! She was sooo good!
As usual, it was great to spend time with Laura and Mary Kate on the ride. And Nancy, it was wonderful to meet you, and aren't you glad you pm'd me???
Debby
Nora Roberts's Northern Lights Tour 2004 is
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