It was just great seeing all of you who made it to TTP on Fri. We really tried--after that crush last time--to spread things out. Still, we didn't expect quite so much nice traffic on a Fri in the store.
Isn't Ruth Langan great? Like a true pal, she went early with me and helped set up books and tables. And she wanted me to tell you how much she liked meeting you all. It was great fun for her, too.
Nora
I know I promised so here's what I remember.
We had fun.
Okay, I can do a little better. We love having our retreat in Harpers Ferry. The old inn is atmospheric, rambling, and the staff loves us. This time there was actually a guy around--the handyman--who helped us haul our bags up the three flights of steps to our rooms. I love staying at the top with my pals. Big old rooms, fabulous view of the river and hills. We dumped, unpacked, and Ruth and I found our other pals--the ones who share the connecting room. So what could we do but open one or two of the bottles of bubbly we'd brought along?
Then we changed to go down for the little cocktail meet and great. It's always so nice to see everyone. We have a fun and friendly group. Linda Lael was our keynote that night at dinner. She gave a wonderful funny speech that set a great tone for the rest of the weekend.
At this inn we eat family style. Big tables, your granny's cooking. We eat like little piggies because who gets stuff like this anymore? Then we usually go back into the bar and just hang out awhile.
That night Ruth and I--without the other knowing--were both awakened by this swooping sound. Bats. I've never heard one up close, but that was the image the sound put in my head. And hers, it turned out, when we both mentioned it in the morning. LOL.
We fiddled--five of us in these two rooms--for a couple hours.
It's like a dorm up there
Since it was raining, we skipped the walk down to the village and just hung out. Pat's such a good girl, she went to several workshops. I am a bad girl. I did not. LOL.
Then Ruth gave the lunch speech. Not a dry eye in the house. She's a terrific speaker and really pulls out the stops. Lots of laughs and tears. It was her first visit with our group and she was a huge hit. Then, bless her heart, as MK had to cancel, she on no notice at all, agreed to fill in on the traditional farewell deal MK, Pat and I always do the next morning.
We got word that MK's sister was conscious and MK will be back on Tues. Much relief. I know MK wouldn't be coming home unless her sister was stable and on the mend. She was missed.
More play, more laughs. It's a very laid back conference, very casual.
The next morning, we did our panel type deal. Ten minutes or so each on In The Beginning. Just a funny take on some first thing for each of us. Ruth was a smash, had them falling out of their chairs. Pat was next, and had them rolling in the aisle, then I finished them off. LOL.
One more lunch and then the many goodbye hugs. I missed my Ruth five minutes after she was gone.
Had a wonderful time, and now have to pay for it by catching up today.
Nora
ADWOFF > NEWSLETTERS > PHOTO ALBUMS > TTP SPRING RETREAT > 1998 > Nora
