Yes, that instant-effect Bert has is amazing. It radiates even beyond his person.

When we had our gathering here in April, I knew somehow that Bert had arrived while Hardi and I and Pete Peterson and Burke were off doing the Saturday Night Service. I am not normally so forward, in person, but I could FEEL that he was HERE and I became a heat-seeking missile. I came tearing into the house yelling, "WHERE'S MY BERT!?!?!"

He was actually just around a corner leaning on that corner of the wall, and sort of half-stepped around into a hug I had been saving for... well forever! And he WAS my Bert! (And everyone else's!)

I spent many happy moments just curled up near him as the rest of the weekend unrolled-- with Bert one can talk, or not, and he's just as THERE. Sigh.... I love that Bert! (As a friend, a brother, a pal.)

I wish I was in Colorado Springs myself just thinking about it. *G* Hm, road trip? Can't.

Bert, tell Tree, we are going to have a very small mini-Gathering here this winter for couples only-- get snowed in, etc. Private rooms for each couple. Beds, a hammock, down comforters, candles, piney boughs, recliners, cider, fireplace, Tullamore Dew, nice and cushy. You two MUST come. So tell Tree to start getting ready to come, will you? I'll hold off setting the date till we hear from you.

Wish that damn Catspaw would come too. I mean, he's hard to take, but I hear Karen and the boys are really nice.

~Susan