We're so excited about coming over and time is running away with us. Our flights are booked, Big Sister is all primed to look after us when we're not having fun singing with you guys and our visit to Portsmouth Maritime Festival is pretty much planned with huge thanks to Barry Finn (& Justine) and also Tom, Linn & Barbara.

After Portsmouth we'll be travelling back to Philadelphia to celebrate my Sister's birthday and then we'll be all fired up to go to the Getaway. I managed to get our registrations done the other day, albeit with a few hiccups and some help from Charlie & Dick *grin*

We'd very much like to get along to Chance & Susette's Sing on the Thursday before the Getaway so I'm hoping that we can get some advice for our best way to get to their Sing & overnight lodging and then getting to the Getaway itself. Hopefully my Sister will be able to pick us up on the Monday, though I've no idea of the distances involved so I could be wrong!

As novice travellers there's a lot to think about and check out and I thought I might ask whether any Catters have any experience of using an 'electronic cigarette' which is supposedly legal on aircraft. Richard smokes (but is very house-trained etc) and I'm hoping that I won't have to sedate him for the whole flight *grin*

Another thing I was wondering was if anyone knew of any song circles near Phoenixville on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings? On the Monday after Portsmouth my Sister is producing a play locally so we'll be going to that, but it would be nice to check in with singers in the area if anything is going on.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any thoughts, ideas & suggestions - preferably on-topic *grin* In the meantime I'll try to sort out some other stuff like travel insurance, petsitters, train reservations etc.....

Cheers, Hil & Richard