Dear friends, 

It's hard to believe that only a week ago our gathering was drawing to a close. The memories I have of the weekend are so many and so rich. I know I won't be able to get them all down here right now, but I've got to share a few for starters. Just a few snippets of what is filling my heart these days as I recall our lovely time together......

Seeing Chance and Micca drive into the lot of our hotel was the promise of a weekend of joy and laughter. And both began immediately!!

Hearing Chance and Suzette and TJ and Julie singing and responding to one another. Their love of music and one another is so evident that it is pure joy to behold. 

Dottie's beautiful song and her insistance that we get it right!! (I don't think I ever did, Dottie. Can I have a make up class?)

Ron Davies' deep, rich viola playing,  which is like being wrapped in a warm comforter. Same goes for his voice, when he does those wonderful harmonies.

Seeing Pauline and having a little more time to connect with her than I had last year. We still didn't get those fiddles out, and that is something for me to look forward to next year.

The drive with the amazing Bobert. Did y'all know he is multi-talented? Not only is he blues man extraordinaire, and human mic stand, but he can also drive through long tunnels with a bag over his head!

Greeting  Kendall and Jacqui within the first 2 minutes of our arrival, and having the privilege of spending many more precious moments with these two lovely people throughout the weekend. Jacqui, I'm wrapped in the most beautiful shawl as I write. Feels like a hug! Thank you again! And hearing Jacqui sing! Wonderful!

 Pickin' with Kendall.......even though it was short and sweet.  What was it you called the thing that happened at that one session?   Thanks again, so very much, to you and Jacqui for loaning that amazing Taylor ! 

Meeting Amos for the first time, hearing his wonderful voice and guitar playing, watching as everyone responded with delight to the man they've come to know here. And listening to my recording of bits of the gospel session on the plane on the way home and hearing Amos' voice singing along on it. 

Recording Jeri singing "When I Go" on the back veranda, and having a lovely chat with her. I LOVE it Jeri, and you will too, when I get a copy to you. 

Seeing Dani with her daughters  Holly and Elena. I'm so glad they enjoyed it!  Watching the room light up when Dani enters. 

Meeting Vanessa (Mrs. El Grecko) and seeing her warm, loving  smile every time I ran into her during the weekend. 

Just being with Micca and Catsphiddle. Hearing Micca sing and tell his stories and Catsphiddle's rendition of (what's the name of that song, khatt? The one I kept asking you for....you know, the" tomorrow we'll be sober" one....I loved watching you do that one!)

THE PUB SING!!!  WOW! There was such joy and camaraderie there. Is that an accurate representation of how it is in the pubs over there?  It really made me want to go!! And I intend to.

Meeting and hearing the multi-talented Leadfingers!!  

Seeing the father of Mudcat, MAX!!

And Teresa!! Wow!   Small, but mighty!!!   What a powerful voice!!

Any time spent in the presence of SINSULL!  In her I see a combination of wise old soul and imp. Always fun and full of laughter!! 

Putting faces at last, to the names I've seen here for so long, like Skipjack, Celtaddict, Barry, Mary, Ranger1, Sussex Carole, Gioc and INOBU! Meeting Sorcha and Currmugeon and Bat Goddess and Tannywheeler,and Carol C and Jack the Sailor and Naemenson and Wakana and Julie ! And former Pedestrian partner Lonesome EJ .....And Charley Noble and Jimmyt and the Ducks!!  And ColK!!!!!!!!!!!  

Seeing Karenk (though I too, would love to have heard her sing and would love a copy of her singing "This Time Again") and momnopp and Gary and Cheryl and Dick and Susan and Dave Diamond and Lucy and Janet and Edmund and Charmion and Dean and Sam and Linda and Nancy and the Schatz's and Janet and Fred and Allan and Judy and Dennis and Gutbucketeer and Darriel and mmario and Janice and Carmen and all of those other wonderful folks whose names escape me at the moment. (please forgive me)  deep breath......Raising my voice with all of those folks, known and unknown in joyful chorus!  WOW!

Being a cabin mate with the wonderful, warm-hearted Tinker. And Janie, who can sing those gospel songs like I've never heard before!!  Wish I'd had more time to sing with them and Annie. Next year, for sure!

Singing and playing with David Sheim. That harp is a real heart opener. He can play just about anything on it and touch one's very soul in the process. What joy to play in the sun, accompanied by the gentle breeze and dancing leaves.

Riding with Carly in the car(ly) workshop from Ramblewood to DC. That girl makes you feel like you've been friends for ages within the first 3 and a half seconds of meeting her!

A wonderful conversation with Skarpi...talk about heart-warming. What a treat to meet this gentle and very wise soul. And hearing his beautiful songs which brought tears to my eyes. 

Hearing El Greko sing again. What a delight to hear so many people singing along on his now-familiar songs. (Guess I'm not the only one who listens to him in the car on the way to work!)

Charlie Baum, a most gracious and wonderful MC. But I didn't get to hear you sing this year!

Bill D., whose delight in the music and the folks is evidenced by his dancing self! And Rita with those beautiful,shining eyes.

Sharing the whole experience with Ebbie, who delights in all of you as much as I do.

Seeing Big Mick again and watching him greet everyone with such love and joy! Forever grateful, Mick, for you are indeed the person who first told me about the Getaway!

Throughout the whole weekend, I was eye-witness to such generosity.........Seems Beardedbruce was always offering gifts to others, not the least of which were massive quantities of ginger and good brew.

 I witnessed lots of other tangible items changing hands, but the generosity of spirit in music and support was pervasive and oh, so heart-warming!  

It was my privilege to make music, have a chat or just be in the presence of so many fine folk. Deep thanks to all of you Getaway campers,  for a most memorable weekend. I am changed and grateful for having spent the weekend with you. What we have experienced here is gift beyond description, and will be cherished by me forever. 

KT