I might get to some of these events, but I already know there are some conflicts. I first read Moby Dick when I was in college. I thought I would hate it but liked it instead. I have participated in five 24-hour readings of the novel, 2 at the NB Whaling Museum and 3 at Mystic Seaport. However for the last 2 years there have been scheduling conflicts that have prevented me from going. This year I suspect that Mystic Seaport's Chantey Blast, a fundraiser for their annual Sea Music Festival, will conflict with the overnight reading in New Bedford. The Newport Folk Festival conflicted with Mystic Seaport's overnight reading during the summer. As much as I love Moby Dick, music always comes first for me.

And yes, flying to Ireland would be wonderful. It is high on my list of places to see if I can travel again.