TTP II Memories from Ottis

What's left to be said about the weekend of July 11, 1998, that hasn't been said already...... I have no idea but I'm sure those who are more suited to writing will do a much better job than I could ever dream of in retelling the events. I think I'll just go with some quick observations and thoughts as I recall them.

Spending the night at Lisa's (Enseno) house, getting to hold her cat, Copper, who doesn't put with being held buy just anyone. Coveting Lisa's Nora collection, much larger than my own.

Hauling two suitcases full of ADWOFF tee-shirts with me from Illinois to Maryland. Hooking up with Diane (Anonym2857) in Chicago. Rearranging seats so that all three of us could set together for the flight to Baltimore.

Having a good flight to Baltimore, collecting ALL of our luggage. Getting the rental car, finding the rental car, and Diane doing her part to "deliver" the luggage to just the right spot. That means hitting a crack in the pavement while pushing the luggage cart and not so gently dumping all of the luggage right in front of the car.

Lisa taking over the driving duties for the weekend and doing an excellent job. Finding Frederick and the hotel with no problems. Judy D was the first to find us. Our rooms were in the same end of the hotel.

Going on a scouting mission at the hotel soon after we arrived and finding Phyllis and her husband. Just knowing that the strawberry blond in the green outfit had to be her. Meeting up with the New Jersey group, Edith, Arlene and Vicky. Realizing very quickly that BB/Ns in the flesh are a very talkative group!

Feeling an instant comfort level with people I was "meeting" for the first time. Discovering that there were no surprises. Everyone was just as I expected them to be. Feeling like I already knew these people, they were already my friends.

Adding to our group by the pool, Ruth showed up, followed by the gang coming in from Danville, PA. Seeing the expression on Sue's face when she couldn't figure out who I was, LOL.

Going to dinner. Getting a signal from Nancy D to follow her to the bar. Adding a new twist to our ritual with the Coronas by sticking our thumbs in the top and turning the bottle upside down. Spraying the lady next to us at the bar with beer. It was an accident! Enjoying dinner with the gang.

Friday night in Nancy D and Tracey's room. Seventeen women in one room when Julian called from California. Setting back and watching everyone interact with each other. Many had met before, but many were meeting for the first time. The "I know these people" feeling continued to grow.

Nancy D with the champagne that Edith brought. Everyone that wanted to, sharing in a toast. Lots of silliness, lots of laughing, lots of girl talk. Lots of good memories being made.

The great pilgrimage to Boonsboro. Vicky acting as the leader of the pack as we made our way through the gently rolling hills of western Maryland. Seeing signs for Civil War sights that I had only read about in history books. Seeing Turn the Page for the first time. Visiting Ruth's apartment and meeting her husband and her Mom. Worrying about her dog, Biscuit.

Our growing group invading a small diner for breakfast. The look of fear and panic in the eyes of the waitress as she tried to take our orders. Wym being very creative with Tootsie Rolls! Nancy getting friendly with the gentlemen that were brave enough to come into the same diner.

Carolyn hopping on to the hood of her convertible to pose for pictures.

Finally getting inside TTP. A crowd already forming around Nora as she started signing books early. Meeting BW, Jason and Sophie. Admiring them for their patience with over twenty enthusiastic women wearing the same shirts claiming INSANITY! Further admiring their patience with everyone wanting to photograph everything and everybody.

Wondering if Jason needed to be dusted for fingerprints after some of the broads were finished with him.

Meeting Pat Gaffney and having her sign my copy of Wild At Heart, a very special book.

Meeting Mary Kay McComas and witnessing her begging for forgiveness from Tracey.

Setting in the corner of TTP and talking with other BB/Ns, wandering around the bookstore. Admiring BW's photography. Setting outside on the front porch, taking with the gang. Going for pizza at a restaurant down the street.

Catching a ride with Pam and going with a group to see BW's photography show. Admiring his work and the work of the other artist. Getting the itch to do more work of my own.

Saturday evening dinner at Legends. Finding out from the manager that we were underdressed. Wym and Nancy singing along with the oldies tunes. Tracey, Nancy and others dancing while we were getting ready to leave. The expression on Jaci's face as she came back into the room, surprised that she almost missed the group photo. Everyone cracking up because it reminded us of Joan's near miss last year.

Coming back to the hotel and setting outside the pool area. Getting busted by the hotel management. Moving our party to the hotel breakfast room. Wym debuting her song lyrics and making everyone laugh hysterically. Nancy and Tracey adding the choreography and keeping us all in tears.

Arriving early at the Bavarian Inn, checking out the beautiful gardens and scenery. Sitting in the gazebo, signing each other's TTP shirts while we waited. Having lunch in the beautiful old inn. Realizing that the broads were much more subdued in this setting than they were at the hotel. Everyone seemed to be on their best behavior for Nora.

Having a marathon photo session with the group, putting Debbie's husband to work as our photographer. Standing around and talking with Nora, admiring her cute little convertible. Acting silly while taking more pictures after Nora left. Saying good by the New Jersey gang, and Debbie, wishing them all a safe trip home.

Visiting a used bookstore in Frederick before having dinner. Noticing our numbers are getting smaller very quickly. Making Sue laugh so hard she nearly choked and getting the "hairy eyeball" from Nancy D because of it.

Returning to the hotel for our last evening together. Having a marathon shirt signing session in Nancy and Tracey's room. Adding more memories of good times with good friends. Making plans with Nancy D to get together again at my house in August. Saying our good byes that night because Lisa and I had to leave early to catch our flight in the morning. Getting hugs from everyone one more time. Nancy enforcing the NO TEARS rule.

Seeing the Chicago skyline along the lakefront as our plane made it's approach to O'Hare. Picking out Chicago landmarks, like the Sears tower, the Hancock building, Wrigley Field, Navy Pier, Lake Shore Drive. Realizing the wonderful weekend was almost over but not feeling sad about it. Knowing that I would still have the normal, day to day contact with my pals on the boards. Ready to make the trip again next year.

Ottis