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Marty's Utah E! Fest Report
If you were to ask me to describe our E! E!ncounter in one word, it would be the word "laughter." Put two fans together and the possibility is strong. Put 5 in the same room and it's a given!
Oddly enough, only the "out-of-staters" had previously met each other face-to-face, (Marty and Connie). We live about 300 miles apart. Though the Utah constituents had made electronic connections, this was the first time they actually saw each other.
As previously mentioned, both Connie and I suffered from "airport delay syndrome." Nonetheless, upon our safe arrival in Utah, we were warmly greeted and hugged by Carrie who graciously opened her home to us.
I slept in a waterbed for the first time. No seasickness but a slight challenge until I discovered the "roll" technique for getting out of it. No injuries to report!
On Saturday morning Connie, Paul, Carrie and I traveled to Olive Garden to meet Joan and Kim. The introductions were accomplished quickly and the fun began. Everyone's camera received a workout. Kim brought several toy fire trucks to decorate the table. In addition, her two bE!arpals met their St. Louis tE!ddy bear friend. They had been sending messages back and forth for a while and now also had an opportunity to spend time together.
After a raucous but delightful time in the restaurant, we adjourned to the outside of the establishment. We got group shots of the gang, thanks to Paul. Joan voluntE!E!red her home as a place to continue our E!njoyment.
After guzzling ice water and discussing more E! we ventured outside to take additional photos. Paul good-naturedly acted as "official photographer" once again. Outdoor trampolines appear to be a necessity in the Salt Lake City area. Hers served as a perfect backdrop for the "E" we created.
The party split up, eventually. Since I needed transportation back to Carrie's house after spending the night with Kim, Joan offered to act as chauffer. One thing led to another, and suddenly we were all getting together the following day for a barbeque.
On Sunday, after ingesting a delectable meal, we adjourned to the computer and prepared the "minutes" for our first and second meetings. A portion of these has been posted thus far. Since the report resides on Carrie's computer, she is in control of when it will be visible to all. We bid a fond farewell to Joan and Kim.
Monday was a day of sightseeing for the visitors. We drove out to view several of the canyons close to Salt Lake City. We saw many ski lifts and ski trails in this area. While descending one of the canyons we glimpsed a deer. More photos were taken on this expedition as well. It is challenging to imagine the hordes of people who will descend upon this area for the Olympics. We also did a "bit o' shopping" at Snowbird. Returning to the city, we chose Fuddruckers for lunch. Food was pretty good but far from "fast" food. Heard the phrases, "we're outta that" or "it's still frozen" more than once.
Shortly after we returned to Carrie's house, Paul and Connie collected their belongings and climbed into their rental car. They were headed for the airport. After they left, Carrie and I had an opportunity to patronize a scrapbook store in her area. We discovered some items we couldn't live without and left, slightly poorer.
Tuesday dawned warm and somewhat humid. We hung around the house and visited. In the late afternoon she transported me to the airport and I discovered my flight was on time. Said our farewells at the gate and flew back home. My sister picked me up at the airport and dropped me off at my door.
Thanks to all who made this an E!xciting, memorable! Weekend!