Tom et al-

We did have a glorious time at the China Sea Marine Trading Co. barn annex in Gray. The weather was cooperative, hot to cool but no rain. Over 30 people were there, about half of them strong singers but others willing to give it a try or just enjoy listening.

There was an abundance of food. The grills did a great job with the hamburger, chicken, sauage and hotdogs (my new "Volcano" performed superbly!). There was an abundence of salads, including crab on slices of tomatos. We didn't run out of beer and soda but the harder stuff disappeared fairly fast along with the wine. There was strawberry shortcake with whipped cream for desert along with an assortment of cookies.

Bunker did a great job of creating space to assemble within the barn (which really is his workshop for renovating nautical antiques) and there was room for an assortment of benches, seamen's chests, and folding chairs (with cushions that we supplied). And there were all those wonderful sign boards that Bunker has on the wall, the dozens of muskets and swords piled up in the corners or along the wall, and of course that wonderful aroma of days gone by.

Roll & Go jump-started the singing with a song led by each member. Then we permoted Carol from apprentice to full membership into Roll & Go; she now possesses the coveted and collectable Roll & Go sweatshirt and T-shirt with "The Revenge of the Great Calamari" logo on the front. Then we all took turns leading songs around the circle.

Lynne Cullen, Alison Freeman, Tyler and her friend Molly (?) were there as folks that people at the Press Room might recall. Phil Swegart who is a fiddler with my old contradance band came with his wife. Some of Alision's friends from Massachussetts came up and some were very good singers. Bunker and Sharon also invited some interesting friends, one of whom knew my old mentor Bill Bonyun very well and had done a documentary film on him which I'll try to track down. Their also was a former Coastguard fellow who is a historical novalist whom I found very interesting.

Just as we were packing things away a full moon came up and we all stopped to admire it.

Thanks again to Bunker and Sharon for hosting this party. Next time we shouldn't wait 3 years to hold another one!

Cheerily,
Charlie Ipcar