Yesterday, while our Shellback Chorus houseguests Ruth and Jim Harrison and Anne and Tom Perry were off sightseeing, I read throu
gh this thread and then spent 45 minutes composing a heartfelt message about this year's Getaway. It was just what I wanted to say, it was literate, it was beautiful...and when I pushed "submit" it vanished into cyberspace forever. ARGGGH!!!!! I should have followed my husband's example and taken a nap instead. We said Godspeed to them this morning; now , for me, this Getaway is over. I'm going to have to take another day or two to sort out my experiences of the weekend, and many folks have already described some of them, but I did want to say what a joy it was to meet the people behind so many mudcat names, as well as other people new to me. Of course, seeing my old friends was a delight as well. Our absent friends were missed, and remembered with song and laughter. Rick and Heather, I hope that you felt the love and concern that wafted northward all weekend.

All of you who were not there; I hope to see you next year.