Wonderful Getaway. I go to several different festivals now, but The Getaway is still the Highlight of my year. So many warm hugs and the dear happy faces that I look forward to seeing each time.

Sally Rogers was an incredible treat. Her Music Theory for Singers was the best workshop I ever went to --ever! Her DEMONSTRATING all the harmony using the particpants answered questions I've had for years -- and cemented things I 80% knew into useable, understandable stuff. And loved her mini concert where she could not remember all the words of the Sea Captain's wife's song...but the whole room jumped in on the refrain at just the right time anyway!

I'm sorry I had to leave early on Sunday instead of Monday as I'd planned ...I didn't get to make my singing debut with Carl at the concert, I didn't get to stay up all night on Sunday night too, or hear the concert, but needing to go to three such festivals on three consecutive weeks, the lack of sleep and the sudden cold and damp weather made me uncharacteristically cautious about getting sick at the middle one. I hope the 2011 Getaway won't be the "sandwich" festival. Heck, even if it is...I'll just let it all hang out anyway!

Sorry I didn't meet more people. On Monday night I looked over the roster and saw a LOT of names that I don't know. And lots of them are local DC folks. Must schmooze more!

My friend Clare Parmalee, a first-timer, enjoyed herself and is looking forward to returning next year.

Max!!! Not only was he finally back after several years, but I got to hear him do a wonderful slide blues song. Wow!

So glad to hear Judy Goddard sing "When I Was a Boy". Hearing her do that moving song at my first Getaway in 2000 is still a very fond memory. And now she's not just someone I heard singing in a concert, but a friend.

God, I missed Barry Finn and his BELLOWING the sea songs in the dining room to get the singing started on Sat night. The In Memoriam workshop did my heart good. I came in during the singing of "Palms of Victory" and somberly realized that no one was doing Helen Schneyer's funny bits that time. It is so good to remember these people. Indeed, as Judy Cook said, "we are each a cast of thousands".

I was glad to get to thank Caroline Payton for steering me to the singing of Betty Smith the last time I saw Caroline a few Getaways back. That tape has been a motherlode of great material for me for almost ten years now.

Thanks to those who helped me and offered ice and sympathy as I lay on my back after slipping down half of the Peace ramp on my way home. It worked fine and my knee is ok. I'm very relieved to read that you did not all fall like dominoes after me.

Thanks to all the Mudcatters who support this event and come so far and give so much love to it. If it weren't for you, The Getaway simply could not go on as it has.

I'm just incredibly lucky that I've never had to come down from the 2006 Getaway where I fell in love. I still get to remember all the details.

When IS the 2011 Getaway? Dates please, Charlie! Got to put it on my calendar now.