Just Returned from a Quick Trip to the Gorge

Annual Red River Gorge Trip II was a huge success, despite the inclement weather. Close friends, a gorgeous (and brand-spankin'-new) cabin by a yet-undeveloped "lake", plenty of food and entirely too much beer made for great time in the bowels of Kentucky. Even the cold and rain lent their benefits - allowing us to spend more time in our rented home.

Thanks to Dan for driving me down and sharing some choice selections from your musical library. (My breeze through the NYTimes Sunday Edition today was in solidarity with Mr. Wainwright's sentiments.) It was nice drive, even if I did get us lost. Ignore the lack of intention, and let's call it exploring. (Thanks for the pep-talk, too!)

Thanks to Will for convincing me to take a late-night canoe trip. It was a much-needed moment of peace. (And thank you, too, for not turning the canoe over. An icey swim might have curtailed my buzz and we'd still be warming my hands up.)

Congratulations, again, Dee and Brian. I can't wait to meet your baby boy! As always, it's a pleasure to hang out with you and equally a good laugh. And, Dee, maybe as parents, Brian will be so preoccupied with picking on his kid, he might give you a break! :)

Ruth, thanks for letting me hang out with baby Maggie for a bit. It's not often that babies ignore my absence of motherly instinct and sit willingly in my lap for several continuous minutes. Maggie is certainly blessed with your patience and good nature. (Thanks too for the use of your mittens...again, cold hands - you'd think by now I'd plan accordingly.)

Chuck, you caught the very first salamandar I'd ever seen in real life AND you showed me the very first turkey call I'd ever heard. I won't soon forget your dance immitating the approach of male turkey on the prowl. I was convinced.

Jodi and Shawn, it was so good to see you and your little girl. Emma is a sweet little beauty. Thanks for sharing her with us this weekend. Hearing her say my name with that tiny voice was enough to melt my heart!

Donna, thank you again for pulling off a tricky planning job. You make it look easy. Thanks for bearing the burden of my care-free weekend.