NEFFA 2006

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Midchuck
Date: 20 Apr 06 - 10:42 PM

So I might have to buy a bottle of decent champagne.

Oh, well, it's cheaper than gasoline.

P.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Susan of DT
Date: 20 Apr 06 - 10:43 PM

We are at the Red Roof also.
We picked up the rental van this afternoon. We are mostly packed (CAMSCO is packed, now we get to think about our stuff). Leaving in the morning, since we need to set up mid afternoon.

See you all.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Midchuck
Date: 20 Apr 06 - 10:48 PM

Might have to end up having a late night jam if we can find each other. Maybe someone can start singing bad songs loudly in the parking lot to attract the others.

P.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: jacqui.c
Date: 20 Apr 06 - 11:24 PM

Champagne?????!!!!!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 05:54 AM

I'm not staying at the Red Roof, but I'll be seeing y'all very soon! Jeez, if I'da known champagne was in the works...

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: MMario
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 08:38 AM

*sadly* It didn't work out for me to attend this year. *sigh*

Enjoy it for me, please.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 08:54 AM

Haven't had time to post on this thread since the beginning, but I'd better say that Tom and I will be there Saturday during the day.

Scheduling seeing/hearing everything you want to is always a problem, but I start by mapping out my day before I get there, modifying it (maybe) once I get the official program when we sign in, and -- mostly -- coming to grips with the fact I can't be everywhere I want to be AND see friends, fill up on the wonderful selection of ethnic foods in the cafeteria, etcet etcet. Usually by not always staying at a session from beginning to end I can just about hear everything I want.

See you there! (Maybe even wearing a Mudcat button.)

Linn

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 09:35 AM

Damn! Leo, I hope it wasn't the threat of a gift that is keeping you away. You will be missed. See you tomorrow, Linn and bbc, 'chucks, etc. tonight.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Jeri
Date: 22 Apr 06 - 09:30 AM

I was going to go today, but I have a stupid headache and I think the crowds would leave me gibbering, if not barfing, whining, and being slightly more unpleasant than I usually am in crowds. Last year I drove a couple hours to get there, bought the ticket, and left after maybe 3 hours, and I DIDN'T have a headache.

Of course, anyone who might care is probably AT NEFFA and not reading this. I'm gonna try for tomorrow.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Apr 06 - 12:13 PM

Didn't have as many of the usual scheduling conflicts this year.

Ran into a vendor/jewelry maker from whom I had bought my favorite necklace 15 years ago -- and I was wearing it. We didn't recognize each other at first and she didn't recognize the necklace (although she thought it was similar to some she'd made), but then I recognized her name on her business card and reminded her of where we'd met, etc.

Some of the usual food vendors weren't there because of recent illnesses -- so I actually got a chance to eat something other that my old favorites. (Time in between music is always at a premium -- the hardest decisions are what to cut short because you desperately need to eat or to find a bathroom!) So satisfied by potato pancake craving (along with stuffed cabbage likle my mother makes) and had the wonderful Turkish veggie plate with hummus and tomato/cucumber salad and stuffed grape leaves, etc.

Spent too much money (uh huh) with Sandy and Dick and listened to Art Thieme all the way home.

Linn

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: kendall
Date: 23 Apr 06 - 09:33 PM

Now Jacqui knows why I don't go to NEFFA. Crowds, hate 'em.

No one goes there anymore, it's too crowded.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: bbc
Date: 23 Apr 06 - 10:14 PM

I think Jacqui had a great time, Kendall. I know I enjoyed seeing her & we went to several of the same events.

Barbara

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 10:05 AM

And I saw bbc at alot of the same events! I had a great time. Particularly enjoyed John Roberts' somewhat folkloric solo concert, Dan & Bonnie Milner, Caroline & Sandy Paton's session on field collecting, Jeff Warner and Ken Sweeney's Southern Mt Music session (what little I saw of it, anyways), and Lorraine & Bennett Hammond.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: kendall
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 10:31 AM

Jacqui was raised in London; likes crowds.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: GUEST,Pamela from Ithaca
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 11:05 AM

I had a great time, and it was a pleasure to meet bbc, the
Woodchuck folks, and others. I also spent more than I'd expected
but then I got one of those beautiful Maori necklaces.
I've been dreaming about it for almost a year.
Bonnie and Dan were terrific!
And (as always) it was wonderful to see Jeff Warner and John Roberts again. Then I had to rush home to hear Howie Bursen and Jeff Davis
who were playing on Ithaca's Bound For Glory show. They were
even better than I thought. A great blend of sounds and songs.

Cheers, Pamela

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Midchuck
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 11:34 AM

I agree with both Kendall and everyone else. I had a wonderful time, but by Sunday afternoon I got this feeling that I wished I had brought a machete, so I could just start swinging at random and clear some space around me. Too many people in too small a space for very long tends to bring out the sociopath in me. (We all have one. Many people lie to themselves about it.)

But our sets went well, especially the one with Dave and Pamela; and there was some great jamming.

Of course part of the problem on Sunday was that no one came to our room for champagne on Saturday night except Jacqui, so we had to finish the whole bottle ourselves so as not to waste it, and it took as a while.

Peter

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 11:43 AM

Peter,

I enjoyed our set together as well! It was great to hear you, Kristina and Sandy, and to play together a bit. More next time, I hope!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: GUEST,Pete Peterson
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 12:40 PM

Waking Up Tillie (the Big Band) had a great time and we got to hang out with the Woodchucks (hi, Peter! hi, Kris!) and Jerry Dallal for some good jams on Saturday, drop some money with Camsco, and do our own workshop.

Peter-- have you any plans to record your version of Jubilo? (this man writes some seriously SICK parodies which I love)

As for the crowds and the parking, as Clayton MacMichen put it, "I wish I'd bought me a half a pint and stayed in the wagon yard."

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Midchuck
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 12:48 PM

Most of the concepts for the parodies (including that one) have been generated by Kristina/Mizchuck. I just fill in the blanks.

Peter.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 06:25 PM

I, of course, enjoyed the 'Chucks, Sir Agronoff (SP?), John Roberts, Sandy and Caroline, etc. But I had some wonderful surprises in the Long Steel Rail workshop, 1900s workshop, Animaterra's incredible sing-along, and Parlor Songs as well as Bob Clayton's cowboy workshop and his workshop with Jennifer. I am forgetting others. It was difficult to choose between people I knew and topics I love.

Mostly it was wonderful to see the Patons and spend some "silly" time, KarenK, and Dick and Susan.

It must have been wonderful, I was too tired to share champagne with the Chucks. And once again I come away humbled by the incredible depth of knowledge shared.

I saw my first Morris Dance. Don't quite know what to make of it. My efforts with dirty socks and clean bras were ridiculed. Maybe with practice.

Thank you to the ones who made this possible including the patient bus drivers. Thank you to all who shared their talents. And "I hate you" to those of you who got my credit card number.

With Jacqui's prodding, I set foot for the first time in a Wal-Mart and made a general nuisance of myself signing the cross and sprinkling holy water on the anti-Christ. I would love to see the tapes on their security cameras. The faces on fellow shoppers were priceless.

SINS

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 06:36 PM

Dave Ruche(SP?) and Pamela from Ithaca were another pleasant new addition to my performers list. Pamela has a voice like an angel with a simple unpretentious presentation that is riveting. Dave has a wonderful voice and mischievous presentation coupled with what appears to incredible research and knowledge.I hope to hear a lot more from this pair - are they a duo?

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: jacqui.c
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 06:55 PM

All I can do is agree with those who have already posted. There were some amazing sets - I got to both of John Robert's workshops and am glad I did. Animaterra's Sing For Joy was incredible and it was such a lift to be able to sing with all those present.

The Parody workshop was brilliant and thanks to Deb O'Hanlan for sending me the "How Can I Stop From Eating' words that I wanted. There are a couple more that I need to beg from others, especially the parody on Streets of London from Mike Agranoff. Woodchuck's Revenge were definitely on my list and, Peter and Kris, I hope you appreciate the effort I put in to helping you do away with that bottle of champagne late Saturday night.

It was a real treat to listen to Sandy and Caroline Paton in their workshop on Saturday afternoon. Their voices sound so good together and they are a real delight to know. I treasure all the time that I can spend with them.

I must admit that spending the last eighteen months in Maine has made dealing with crowds a bit more difficult. Peter - I was thinking more of a machine gun, but I'm just downright nasty in those situations. It did get irritating when we came across groups of people catching up with friends and blocking doorways or halls so that there was just room for one person to pass. There was a lot of muttering under the breath and thoughts of getting Mr Agranoff's 10 ton Mollie to deal with the situation.

It was good to catch up with other 'Catters such as BBC, Animaterra, Jennifer Woods, the Chucks, Karen K, Dick and Susan, Anglo...... Never enough time for all the things that I would have liked to have done.

Just thank your lucky stars though that you did not have to witness SINSULL morris dancing with a pair of her bras. Seriously worrying, particularly since we were sharing a room and she was doing the driving. I was prepared, in Walmart, to explain the manager, if he asked about the blessing and sprinkling, that Mary had been 'away' for some time and that this was her first supervised trip out, to see if she could cope with freedom. Luckily that wasn't necessary - they're probably used to such things there.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Suffet
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 07:01 PM

Greetings:

I got back from NEFFA last night to find up to an inch and a half of water flooding the low point of the basement, an area of about 30 square feet. I spent a couple of hours pumping out what I could, but the pump shut down when the water level dropped below a quarter of an inch, so I now need to mop up the rest.

I'm happy to say I got a chance to say hello to Sinsull for the first time in a couple of years, and at the same time had a chance to meet Jacqui for the first time ever. I also mangaed to say hello to Dick and Susan, and I ran into all the Chucks repeatedly. However, for a good portion of the weekend I was more than a bit out of sorts. Two of the four people in MacDougal Street Rent Party who were supposed to be at NEFFA had to cancel at the last moment for personal reasons. Fortunately, I managed to draft two quick replacements at the very last moment for our Sunday morning children's concert, NEFFA performer Heather Lev and audience member Axel Henri. Even with only 10 minutes to rehearse the event went off without a hitch. We had about 20 kids and nearly an equal number of adults in the audience, and I don't think any of them suspected that Heather and Axel were pinch hitters until I said so.

On top of that, it is too early to tell if my phyical therapy for osteoarthritis and carpal syndrome will be successful. I still have a limited range of motion in and around my left shoulder from the former, and number and tingling in both hands from the latter. At least I can still play the guitar, although I don't always know where my fingers are. Not that it matters very much. You know, close enough for folk music. [Joke.]

One thing that I will certainly remember about this festival is Midchuck explaining his plan for long term health care insurance. If he ever faces some progressive debilitating disease such as Alzheimer's, he told me he would go and murder all the people he has fantasies of killing. He would then spend the rest of his life at taxpayer expense in the prison wing of some cozy Vermont nursing home. I guess that's socialized medicine Northern New England style. [Also joke, so I presume.]

--- Steve

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: jacqui.c
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 07:04 PM

Steve - knowing Mr Cady it may not be a joke! *grin*

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Midchuck
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 07:36 PM

It was intended as a joke, I assure you.

If I meant it, I wouldn't tell anybody.

I'm not as stupid as I look.

Peter

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Suffet
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 08:02 PM

Peter, you do not look stupid at all. In any event, given the state of medical care insurance in the USA it's a workable plan if you can deal with the ethical ambiguity. [Joke.]

--- Steve

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 07:58 AM

After a day of recovery, I am happy to say that I too enjoyed NEFFA but by mid-day Sunday, my visions involved a 12-foot bull-whip...

I didn't get to visit with y'all as much as I had hoped, but enjoyed seeing Sinsull and Jacqui- it was a treat to see you at the singing workshop! Missed all but 10 minutes of "Ye Mariners All"- I was squished into a corner of the tiny space by the door, so popular were those good men! I barely got to any other workshops, but enjoyed seeing Sandy and Caroline, dear bbc, Dick and Susan, the 'chucks; saw Pamela from a distance, Anglo from a distance, Suffet from a distance- missed Bat Goddess and Curmudgeon all together.

I WISH I coulda seen you morris dance, Sins! Next time you feel so moved, I'd be happy to coach you. Never thought of bras- what a great idea! I'll tell my team, who knows, we could set a trend!

My daughter has stopped coming to NEFFA because there's no place to go when you just need to retreat to your quiet space, as there is at Old Songs (a woman's tent is her sanctuary!). Rumor has it that NEFFA will be in an as-yet-undisclosed location in Quincy next year. Maybe the halls are wider, the classrooms bigger, the parking closer??? We can dream!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: GUEST,Pamela from Ithaca
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 10:16 AM

Sinsull, Thank you *so* much for the kind words.
I often don't feel like an angel, so it's good to know
that I sound like one from time to time.
Dave and I aren't a duo... just friends, as they say.
Actually, it was the first time we'd sung together side by side
but we hope to do more of it in the future.

I think the hallway crowding and frustration with crowds builds
on damp, dreary, chill weekends like the one we had. It's better
when you can get outside. And yes, after decades in the Natick school
NEFFA will be in a different place next year. From what I heard
the organizers are still exploring options, but somewhere in/near
Quincy is a strong contender. I suppose all will be made plain
in the next several months. Until then... we wait and wonder.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 11:07 AM

SINSULL,

I thank you as well for the nice words! You were close on the spelling of my name - it's actually Ruch, and I am based in sunny Buffalo NY. Had a great time at the session w/ Pamela G and the Woodchucks; glad you enjoyed it as well. Where do you hail from?

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 11:51 AM

Dave, I am from Maine by way of NYC. Did my graduate work at SUNY Buffalo and lived there for a few years, rented in Amherst. Now I have family in East Aurora and visit occasionally.

What were the names of the two songs you sang in the workshop with the 'Chucks?
SINS

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Songster Bob
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 12:49 PM

NEFFA seems to have a regular effect on my group, Sidekicks. Pete Kraemer, my partner, regularly gets a bad cold on NEFFA weekend -- and kindly passes it on to me and Jennifer. Sadly, it seems to have worked that way this year, too. Pete and I got through his blues workshop in so-so fashion, and somehow managed to do possibly our best set ever (at least as a duo) on Sunday morning. By mid-afternoon, we were the walking wounded, and got Jennifer to leave possibly earlier than she might have, just because we were so "out of it."

As for other sets, I didn't see many -- I'm a terrible 'audient,' but an enthusiastic participant, because I'd rather DO than HEAR, if you see what I mean. Unfortunately, one I tried to take part in didn't work, because my guitar was slightly low (new strings, that afternoon), not to mention the cellphone that went off, despite my supposedly "silent" setting. My participation in that workshop (tune-writning) wasn't what I had in mind.

Anyway, we thought Sunday's attendance was sort of sparse, probably due to the weather. Watching the morris dancers (who perform outdoors) use umbrellas as rappers was interesting, I must say.


Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 01:30 PM

SINS, small world! I grew up in Amherst (Williamsville, actually), and used to play in the bars all around SUNY Buffalo. I now live in the city, and have a gig out in East Aurora next month. If you think of it, let me know when you are next coming to the area, and perhaps I'll be able to point you to some good music (or beer).

The songs I sang were "Do Not Be Offended Please" (from Fuzzy Barhight, the lumber guy), "Old Shoes and Leggings", "Wisconsin" and "The Barefoot Boy With Boots On". More info on the songs I like to sing here if you're interested: http://www.daveruch.com/research.htm

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: bbc
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 09:19 AM

Well, I thought I'd wait to post my report until I felt more coherent. Since I'm home sick today, that should do it. This was my 1st time at NEFFA. Of the festivals I attend--Old Songs, NOMAD, & now NEFFA, I'd rate NEFFA 3rd, but still worthwhile. Yes, it was crowded & that was somewhat inconvenient. I'm always a little frustrated at these events because I think I'll have chatting time w/ the friends I only see 1-3 times a year & then, because we are dashing off to listen to music/perform, not much of that happens. Nonetheless, it is delightful to see those folks & support their music. Leo & Jeri, I'm sorry you didn't make it. Tom & Linn, Steve & Marilyn Suffet, I'm sorry that I missed you. George Stevens & Mary LaMarca, you were missed. I saw various performers attend, who I don't think performed--Lui Collins, David Paton as a couple of examples.

I started out Saturday morning at Woodchucks' Revenge "Cowboys & Outlaws" session. They were fun, as usual. Peter has one of the best deadpan expressions I've ever seen. Is that Vermont? The highlight for me was hearing again their rendition of "Tunbridge Fair." It would be nice to see that recorded or, at least, lyrics available. Thanks for singing it.

From there, I went to Bob Clayton & Jennifer Woods' "Histories, Mysteries." I can't recall particular songs, but I enjoyed seeing & hearing them.

"New England Fireside" was next, with the 'Chucks, Pamela Goddard, & Dave Ruch. Pamela has a beautiful, clear voice & gives wonderful introductions to her songs--always a pleasure. It was very nice meeting Dave Ruch. He has a very pleasant voice & a refreshing, enthusiastic presentation. He also seems to know the background of his songs. After that session, he & I attended so many other sessions as audience that he accused me of following him, until he realized that I had arrived at the session before him! :)

On to "Folk Song Harvest" w/ Sandy & Caroline Paton. This session was well-attended & the love folks have for the Patons was reflected on their faces. Although I have the privilege of living close enough to the Patons to see them socially, I never tire of seeing them perform together. I enjoy their sweet, distinctive voices & the interaction between folks who've put in time as a couple.

Next, I went to "Traditional English Songs" w/ John Roberts. I sat in the front row w/ hecklers Jacqui, SINSULL, & (perhaps) Jennifer. Although I have heard John's music before, I heard more of him this weekend than in the past & felt like I got to know him a bit better. What a great performer! His commentary before the songs was so much fun that I didn't know if he'd ever actually start to sing. The love for him in the audience was apparent, too.

I couldn't miss "Songs of Sea & Shore" w/ Dan & Bonnie Milner. I enjoy hearing them separately, but even more, together. And what a nice couple!

After that, I thought I was done for the evening, when who did I meet in the hall but our own Allison (Animaterra)! In scanning the schedule, I hadn't realized that she was performing that evening in her alter-ego as Seanmas--w/ herself on concertina & her good friend & harpist, Melanie Everard! Beautiful, heavenly music!

Sunday, I was up bright & early at the Red Roof Inn. Enjoyed talking w/ David Paton in the parking lot & dropped by Dunkin' Donuts for a quick breakfast. Then, off to an hour of Sacred Harp singing. Even though I only do it a few times a year, I do pretty well, except w/ the fast ones! What a great sound, though; does your heart good.

Sunday was a singing day for me. Next was "Sing for Joy" w/ the Animaterra chorus. Allison is a skilled, enthusiastic director & a beautiful woman, body & soul.

On to "Remembering Helen Schneyer," led by Kathy Westra, w/ John Roberts, Ellen Christensen, & Irene Saletan. I never saw Helen in person & have only learned her music in recent times, through my contact w/ the Patons (They keep trying to educate me!) She must have had a very powerful presence, from what folks say & the continuing love for her that was shown & sung in that session. Kathy surprised me by calling Bob Franke up from the audience for a guest spot. He sang "He turned the water into wine." It was a neat song, easy to harmonize w/. His song, but he said Helen is the only one who's ever recorded it. I liked it.

The last session I attended was Kathy Westra's "In the Tradition." Kathy has a lovely voice & chooses great material. She is involved in her music in a wonderful way. I have to say I always enjoy music more if I can like the performers as people, too. Kathy certainly ranks high in that group!

You may have noticed that every session I attended (except the Sacred Harp) involved Mudcat folks. In the past 7 or so years, this site has great enriched my life & broadened my experience in music. I'm grateful for it. I am not a performer, nor am I ever likely to be, but I sure appreciate those of you who keep the music alive & make it available for the rest of us. Weekends like this one soothe & uplift my spirit.

Thanks,

Barbara

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 11:18 AM

With so many great workshops it was tough to choose, bbc. I decided to attend many non-Mudcat sessions where the topic interested me. All were fun; some were great. I loved the "Long Steel Rail" workshop and Evy's 1900 sing-along. I hated missing Kath Westra and Animaterra's first workshop but I finally got to see some Morris Dancers.

Like the Getaway, you can't be in three places at one time. And like the Getaway, the spontaneous jam sessions are as good or better than what's on the stage. Tough choices but better than being bored.

The crowds were a problem and at times downright scary. I can't see how they could possibly get people out if there were an emergency. Found myself back in NYC survival mode and ready to knock old ladies out of my. In fact, I went outside to watch the dancers just to recover my equilibrium.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Midchuck
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 11:43 AM

Peter has one of the best deadpan expressions I've ever seen. Is that Vermont?

Nahh, it's lawyering. When your own client does or says something really stupid and you have to sit on your natural reaction to it...

Fun thing happened. Was jamming on Carter Family stuff with Pete Peterson and Kellie and them and they gave me their new "Waking up Tillie" CD, "Groundhog Day." Kellie has a song on there, "Forgiveness," by Sarah Hawker. Liner notes say that the author won the '04 Merlefest songwriting contest with it.

The Lonesome Sisters were at the last Old Songs. I was in the used instrument sales place and saw a new-looking Epiphone EF500 Masterbilt - the new Chinese all-solid-wood line - the model that's essentially an OM. It said on the tag that it was consigned by Sarah Hawker who had won it in the '04 Merlefest songwriting contest. So I kept going back to look at it and the price kept getting reduced...So guess where it ended up?

I guess I'll have to name it "Forgiveness."

Peter

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: bbc
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 12:12 PM

Mary, I hope you know that I didn't intend to imply that one should only attend Mudcat sessions. It just happened that I did & it made me realize, again, how much I appreciate the folks I've met here.

Wow, Peter, Vermont & lawyer is quite a combination! :)

Barbara

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: MMario
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 12:19 PM

Sounds like it was more crowded then last year - and *last* year I had to go outside several times to decompress.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 12:38 PM

Of course not Barbara. I knew exactly what you meant. You want to support a friend's workshop and catch up plus you know how good it is going to be yet you also don't want to miss other workshops on interesting topics. Didn't even cross my mind that I was being lectured - it rarely does heh heh.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: lamarca
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 12:55 PM

Hi, folks - sorry that I missed NEFFA this year; it sounds like there were lots of sessions I'd have loved. I'm having troubles with limited mobility, and was anxious about using a walker in NEFFA's crowded hallways. Then George got sick and we couldn't rehearse, so we decided to give it a pass this year. Maybe next year!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: bbc
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 01:20 PM

Mary, you know you are welcome anytime, anywhere you're able to come. I just wanted you to know, for sure, that we missed you! I could practically see the 2 of you sitting next to Kathy! I'm afraid you were right about the hallways. Sometimes it was challenging w/ full mobility. I hope George feels better soon. I think I heard that NEFFA might be in Quincy next year. Wonder if there's any chance of more spacious accomodations?

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: bbc
Date: 27 Apr 06 - 01:04 PM

One refresh, in case anyone has missed the after-weekend commentary.

bbc