I have to say that the group of women on this board made the weekend for me. Not that meeting Nora (can I still gush now that I have met you Nora? Or will champagne for your b-day do? <G>), Pat (Thanks for the inscription and E-mail, Pat!), MK (who not only took pics with me, but while on duty, signed a book of mine), Donna (whose book I bought for the 7th? 8th time ... no I do not have but 2 copies of TLM- gave them to others ... and got an autograph), and Elaine (who, while had many a books to sign, took time to talk to me about her work and which books I should start with of hers) was anything to sneeze at. But the Broads and Brats made the memories come alive for me.
Many know that I flew in Thursday night from Florida after almost having a coronary with the airline tickets <Grrrrr> and made it to the Inn. Room had a problem with the AC, and the hotel was terrific about getting another room. They even apologized that it was in the Annex, although the rooms there were VERY lovely, and with all of the margaritas that I drank on Friday night, the walk was a GOOD thing =0). Had dinner and saw a group of women laughing and having a ball at the table near ours. Kept glancing over and THOUGHT it was some of the Broads, but did not want to intrude <G>.
Mom and I headed to Harpers Ferry the next morning after going to McDonalds (yes there was one in Charles Town about 6 miles away), Food Lyon (for drinks) and Wal-Mart (just cause it was there I think.. lol). Drove to a couple of antique places where I worshiped a few antique beds. But as Mom pointed out, in the heat down here, they would crack =0( So now I know that I have to live up north. <G>
I hit the greatest jewelry store where I bulked up on my amber jewelry and got a few souvenirs. Then we went onto the bridge adjoining the train and got an excellent view of the hotel. Walked up and down the main hill, drank TONS of H2O because of the heat and when we were done, headed into Fredericksburg, MD for more shopping. When we were done, had enough time to head to the hotel, change, dine and head into the Tap Room where I was SUPER nervous about meeting the other BBN's. So I sat down with Monica, Christine, and Katie and then had a few drinks courtesy of Lloyd. I got 2 PITCHERS of lime and tequila love from Lloyd for 5 dollars. <G> That man has a wonderful place in my heart. LOL. Started singing with NancyD and with Wym and TraceyOD and Vicky and Edith and Arlene, et al. (Jonalyn- you have one of the best people living in your town. You were right, I do adore NancyD.) Finally the party broke up at about midnight and I went to bed with MAJOR anticipation for the next day.
Woke up giddy.... TTP.... my first time meeting Nora
and Mom and I headed into Boonsboro from the route 340 to 67 (the straight roads) <G>. We found Crawfords and headed in for lunch where I had the best French Fries. <G> Then walked next door to TTP where I was immediately engulfed into the frenzy that was in there, grabbed a few books ... tried to locate the end of the line, and ran into MK ... literally. She handed me a slip of paper, I handed her a book <G> For those of you who have not met her, she is gracious, stunningly beautiful, and has great clothes--on top of an incredible sense of humor about signing my book. Managed to squeeze towards the end of the line, stopped by Jason (yes, I see what you all mean about him being a young Roarke in training) to pay for books and headed out the back door. IT WAS AN EXCELLENT SPOT CAUSE OF THE HEAT and then I had a MAJOR blonde moment when I could not find my camera that was on my wrist. ::::: rolling eyes:::::: Got back up to the back check out counter and chatted with Jason for a few more minutes. -----off topic---- Nora, your son saved me with finding me a bottle of water to sell me <G>. I would praise him if I could. Instead I will tell you that you have an incredible son =0) Heard that he was a theater major; would have liked to have talked with him about that. Oh well, another time. ----on topic---- While I was online, I was perusing some of the pics that BW had taken ... I have to order some from him. If you have not seen them, try to do so. They are breathtaking. Then I saw BW was handing out Donna's TLM since she was here. I think that I snagged the last copy ::: he he he:::: Then I was one person away.... OMG OMG. Nora, you were wonderful. I think that I was stammering and stuttering. You made me laugh =0) And Pat had this shocked look on her face when I asked for 5 books. LOL. Elaine is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful women that I have ever seen and she is also one of the sweetest. Talked to me about her books. Recommended some and said that I would probably not like others based on their time period in history. It was great talking to her because she simply wanted to make her readers happy. I scooted over to Aileen and Florence's table, chatted briefly, admired their artwork, but know that in a few years the books that they had would be appropriate and wonderful for my quasi-niece. Snagged Donna for an autograph and MK for a pic and then headed back to the hotel to change for Dinner ...
Ah Dinner ... I will NOT mention the name of the place ... but I know that I have never been treated so rudely by an owner of a restaurant or its wait staff in my life. And Phyllis, Mom LOVED hearing that there was no toilet paper <G>
Back to Lloyd's Tap Room and then Katie, Pam and I talked until about 2-ish. Katie, I am still looking at my job for a job for you. I have to talk to my Boss tomorrow. But then I saw a cute biker on my way out of the hotel on a Harley ... <sigh> great eye candy.
Sunday ... Brunch with Nora. So many things were incredible. The view, the morning, the laughter, Nora being there, and the singing set standards that were impossible to fill <G> he he he. Would not have traded a moment of it. I had tears in my eyes when I had to leave but then got a good chuckle when I saw Nora's plate on her car <G> I like that one Nora. Wanted to borrow the car ... but that would have been hard for you to have gone home then. But then we went to the airport where we checked in, went to dinner, and slept.
Although Mom was FAN-SUPER-TASTIC on the way up about flying ... I now have bruise marks on my arm from flying home <G> Not a good flight turbulence wise. But we made it safe and sound ... hugged, saw and loved the cat ... got some new books in the mail ... and headed out so that I could check my E-mail and office paperwork before I walk in blind-sided tomorrow. So I am home. And as you all know, I am always online ::::::::::::::he he he, grin:::::::::::::::: Will have my WWW page back up and running with the update on my Summer Vacation soon!
Thanks again for an INCREDIBLE time!
Hugs and Kisses,
Tracey
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