Tammi's World

A Wrap

OK - After reading some of the accounts being posted about the Howl on the Prowl this past weekend it is time for the TRUTH to come out.

First - despite what ANYONE tries to tell you there was nothing, not one damn thing, that could be considered balmy/tropical/warm about this weekend. Well, except for our delightful HOST. Folks - trust me it was down right frigid. Cold. Freezing. Well - you get the idea.

So - Friday night I was a bit frazzled after my day at the office. I get home and Bloodspite, his lovely wife and T1G are waiting to get on the road. Now, I have to admit I hate making people wait for me. So I was trying to decompress and still pull my shit together. I had all of the cold weather gear I bought layed out on the bed. I rushed in - said my hello's and then just shoved everything together. We get on the road and it's all quite pleasant. We made wonderful time.

Arriving at Laughing Wolf's there was the first of many surprises. Contagion, Ktreva, Oddybobo and Machelle were there waiting for us! WooHoo. Let the hugging commence.

Of course, you need to realize, deep down inside Contagion just loves it when I hug him. I know. I can tell. Anyway - he gets the first hug. Then his lovely wife Ktreva is next. I just love spending time with these two. It's ALWAYS a good time.

Next I spy Oddybobo. I knew her right away. I think it was the twinkle in her eyes and the smile on her face. Well, that and the fact that she was standing there with open arms waiting to for her hug.

I look to my left and see this beautiful brunette. I do mean beautiful. Dressed in a red sweater with a smile in her eyes I KNEW it was my long lost eldest blogspring. Machelle of Quality Weenie. I only hope I didn't hurt her with that bear hug.

As always when there are a group of bloggers present there was much talking and laughing. Everyone stayed for bit before we realized we really did have an early call the next morning. Good byes were said, more hugging. A nice end to the evening.

Not.

Next surprise was when T1G & Bloodspite pulled out the guitars. Holy Shit. I cannot begin to tell you how great that was. I wish I could, but I can't do it justice. Let me just say - damn. And thank you gentlemen. It was a treat for my soul.

Morning came very early. Laughing Wolf had planned an incredible breakfast. However - he wouldn't let me help. Nothing. Wait, he did let me make the second pot of coffee. But it gave us a wonderful chance to catch up. ( Once I got past my restlessness at not doing anything while standing in a kitchen!!) Eventually all the sleepyheads found their way to the smell of yumminess. We ate and got ready. That was when I made the terrible discovery. It was big. It was bad.

I forgot my long underwear. (I know I know - it's not anything new, forgetting my underwear and all - but DAMN. This time it was pretty important!!) I started looking for the pantyhose I had packed for extra insulation and realized SHIT, all that was still layed out on the bed at home. Holy Shit. This is reallly reallllly bad.

Deep breath. I can do this.

I got dressed, all the while muttering about how damned cold I was going to be. But I was bound and determined that I was NOT going to be the wimp of the day. Oh no. Not me!!!!

We step outside and I just about turned right back around and told them I'd just see them at dinner. DAMN. It had to have been about 15 degrees outside. My ass was going to freeze. Plain and simple. But no......I had to do this. I had to.

We get to the Tippecanoe Battleground. Cool. But if you ask the rest of the group is was cold. We were a bit late and they were left standing outside waiting for us. Oops. It was nice to see Wes and his bride had joined the festivities. Always a treat to see those two. LW gave us a brief history and we split up. I headed for the heated gift shop. And the last heated bathroom of the day.

I ran into Harvey and TNT, and after hugging, we decided to take a little hike. While we were trying to find the rest of the group - they LEFT US!! Yep, just took off to greener pastures while we were left wandering in the woods. But that's ok. I was Girl Scout of the Year not once but twice. I got us out. Yes I did. AND we managed to find our way to Wolf Park.

I'm going to do a separate post on Wolf Park. There is just too much to put into this. I don't want it to get lost. But suffice to say - it was fabulous!!

I'm gonna just jump right to the "after party". First - I'm sorry LW. I know you enjoy that place and I know the boys didn't mean to make such a ruckus. And I'm sure, once all the fines are paid the police will be much more understanding. You'll be allowed back in eventually........

Seriously - it was sooo much fun. Add great beer to bloggers and well, just damn. Now - you'll see different sites with quotes that are just "wrong". Please keep in mind - it was probably much worse than you imagine. Trust me. *I* was shocked.

It was very cool that Jerry of Back Home Again joined us. It was a real pleasure to get to know him. And talk about gutsy. Folks think about it for a minute. He didn't know a single one of us. And we didn't scare him off or nothin'.

Finally we could delay the end no more. It was late, well actually it was early and everyone had a drive the next day. We head back to the lair and, once again were gifted with a bit of music. It really was the perfect end to a perfect day.

We all slept in the next morning and dawdled abit getting on the road. Finally we load the truck and get going. A pleasant drive home, quiet with just a hit of laughter. And yes - it really was quiet, even with Bloodspite and I in the same car!!! ;-)

Now - I just have a few little personal notes I need to add...........

Laughing Wolf: You did a wonderful job pulling this all together. It was perfect. And thank you for opening your home to us. As I've said before, it is my honor to call you friend.

BloodSpite and Betterhalf: What an absolute pleasure to finally meet you. I hope to get the chance to spend more time with you soon. Thank you for allowing me to ride in the trunk, I mean your truck. ;-)

T1G: Words fail me. But please know - as great as this Blogmeet was, having you there made it even better. And - you were right - it was worth braving the cold. ;-) Thank you.....

OddyBobo: Oh My Goodness. You, Lady, are a treat. Pure and simple. Your zest for life is astonishing and contagious. Thank you for making the trip. I can't imagine this weekend without you here.

Machelle: Darlin! You are a sweetie. Thank you so much for the candles. I lit them as soon as I got my coat off. And I cannot wait to make the drive to Detroit to spend some "Quality" time with you!!!

Contagion and Ktreva: As always - what a blast. I just love you guys!!! Thank you for the blankets. I think I would have turned into a pillar of ice Saturday Night without them. Oh, and Contagion - I'll try and remember to wait until you're drunk to start the hugging. I don't want you to pull anything. ;-)

Harvey and TNT: My friends. My family. I'm so glad y'all were there. The spice you add would have been greatly missed.

Jerry: You are one very brave man. It was a pleasure to meet you and I hope we can do so again. I still can't believe we didn't scare you off. :-)

Wes and Spouse: Wonderful to see you again. Thank YOU for the blanket on Saturday night. (yes - it took 3 too keep this amazon warm!!) I so enjoy your enthusiasm. It fueled mine when the cold started taking it's toll. Well - that and y'all just crack me up!!!

Posted by Tammi at February 20, 2006 11:51 PM