It was an amazing day. First brunch with most of the Buffistas who were still around, and then we adjourned to the Hospitality Suite to pack things up and vacate the rooms, say goodbye to Laura and Brendan, Sparky and Brenda. Some left for naps and lunch plans after, the rest of us moved to the lobby briefly, before we decided to head on over to Ginger's. It was a completely lazy afternoon as groups formed and drifted, discussing family funerals, gardening, shopping, alcohol, and other subjects too numerous and fleeting to mention. Individuals wandered off to upload pictures, catch up online, or nap, and then wandered back to natter some more.

We ordered in Thai, which was num. There was a contretemps over undelivered items, which Vortex handled in her best polite but adamantine manner. The restaurant hung up on her. But then they called back later to assure her that the total had been adjusted. Bicyclops arrived to take Vortex to the airport, and agreed to sample our various entrees before the two of them drove off.

Ailleann and Theodosia rode with Matt back to the hotel, and then Ginger, Katie, Sail and I watched Blood Ties. Everyone's in bed now, even me. Ginger's going to be glad to see the back of us, I fear, all three of us are here till Tuesday. Tomorrow we plan to prowl through a couple of bead shops and an herb shop, and then, who knows? It ain't over till the last Buffista turns out the light, right? Rock on.

Askye, did you perhaps discover that a ring of yours has gone missing? I found one on the table in your bedroom under the mirror. I'll put it under lock and key until I get home and can send it with a reliable courier service.

Vortex, darling, the box of stationery turned up under the chair in the den. If you want it, I'll mail it, or hold onto it till I see you again.

OK, I'd better put the laptop in the bag and get myself to the taxi to begin Operation Return Home. Honestly, while all the F2Fs I've gone to have been fabulous, this one still stands out, and I will allow that perhaps you should all feel the wee tiniest bit of jealousy that you didn't get to go.

But there is, you know, always next year!

Once again, kudos especially to the organizers, who set things up so wisely and nicely and deserve major big thanks!

I have enjoyed reading the F2F accounts very much. Now that I know what many of you are like IRL, it's even more fun to read the stories and quotes, and look at the picture.

Yes, I am jealous, but in the way that makes me look forward to next year's not resentful that I didn't get to go to this year's, if that makes sense.

Next F2F is in the middle, correct? (Makes plans to pimp St. Louis as a location.)

I'm at work and very tired, but it's worth it. I can't access any of the pictures here and I forgot my camera so I can't share some pictures with people.

I miss everyone like crazy. Yesterday was a blast hanging out with Trudy and Hil and going on the Great BBQ Hunt of Aught Seven -- complete with long winding detour and unplanned tour of downtown. The food was fanstastic by the way -- Fat Matt's. There's a chicken shack and a bbq place and we hit both. The best iced tea we had all weekend was there and he even fried us up some okra when we didnt' see some and said we wanted it.

Hodgins.

Matt, that ring was one of my thrift store finds and you don't have to mail it back if you don't want to.

Big, big, BIG thanks to Brenda and Ginger for putting all this together. Great hotel, great prom venue, great neighborhood. Who else assisted? Step forward in a virtual manner to receive your well-earned thanks.

Don't forget bicyclops, who has been ferrying people to and from MARTA, the airport and various other destinations.

bicyclops was also our wonderful tech support and dj, both at the hospitality suite and at Prom.

Thanks, askye. I'm not really awake yet. I don't envy you being back at work.