The brats were very excited about TTP 3. We started counting weeks then days. We couldn’t wait. All we could talk about the week prior to the even was how much fun we were going to have. We were also hoping one of us would win the lotto so Shelley and Nan could join us. The flight to Dulles was uneventful but then my worst fears came true.
I had to board a computer plane. The flight was only 15 minutes long but for me it was an eternity. I would rather have a room extracted than do that again.
We(dh & I) got to Hilltop House by early evening. Once I was in the room my anxiety level was rising. I decided to take the plunge and call Robins room. Cayle (Robin’s dh) with his best impersonation (of what I don’t know) informed me that the brats were in the dinning room.
I left my dh to fend for himself because I only had one purpose in mind. I got to the dinning room and saw two tables occupied. One table was occupied by broads and one table by brats. By process of elimination I figured who the brats were. I think I remember the hostess trying to get my attention, but I was only looking at brats. I made eye contact with Tonya (recognized her by long hair). She did a double take and stood up and said “Maria”. Well as you can image all the hugging gave us away.
The broads immediately caught on that we were the brats. The cameras were out and flashes were going off in our faces. I think us saying “No” might have labeled us unfriendly. But this was the first time we had ever met face to face. We didn’t mean to be antisocial but we were just so happy. Right away we started talking (not chatting) about our trip and just catching up. I’ve been chatting with this ladies for months and it was terrific meeting them in person. It also gave our fingers a little vacation. <g>
Later on that night we managed to find the bar. We walked into a room full of drunken broads. Immediately Sue asked “Are you the brats?”. We had no choice but to answer. To me it seemed like the whole room went quiet and everybody’s eyes were on us. I felt like an insect under the microscope.
The broads were introduced to us and I recognized a couple faces. Our bartender got a little carried away with the alcohol and was making the drinks way too strong. Maybe that explained the level of intoxication in the room and what transpired after. The whole room began making a mysterious sound that most people call singing. We brats looked at each other with the same baffled look. Like all new friendships it takes a little while to get to know each other. I found the broads a lively and friendly group of women. I enjoyed their company and yes even their singing (once you got use to it). I look forward to getting to know them better next year.
On Saturday we decided to meet Lisa for breakfast. I manipulated my body to fit in the backseat of Tonya’s car (which is a two person car). I didn’t know my body could contort like that. <g> We set out for Hagerstown. We looked cool but unfortunately after a while we looked lost . We must have driven through every street in Hagerstown a few times because I was beginning to recognize the landmarks. We even cruised into a cemetery because heck, it was the only thing we hadn’t seen yet. <g> By the time we got to Lisa’s Hotel, it was closer to lunch. We got directions to a grill but of course, we got lost again. Ended up eating at a restaurant with an enormous crab on the roof. Need I say more?
Even with us being directionally impaired we were having the time of our lives. We had a couple more exciting moments, but I don’t want to make Lisa feel bad. Let’s just say I’m glad to be alive and telling this story.
The signing was great. I didn’t even mind that I felt like a sardine in a sardine can. I was finally getting to meet Nora Roberts.
Sunday’s brunch was wonderful. There was a lot of picture taking and yes even more singing (with the broads sober this time) <g>
Sunday was also time to go home. (Boo-Hoo) It was not easy saying goodbye to the brats. There was hugging and crying and promises to see each other next year. I’ll always look back to this weekend with fond memories. I can’t wait until next year when The Brats go to camp again!
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