But just think, Nora -- this way you don't have to worry about bringing a bottle of wine!

I greatly look forward to seeing Nilly, and also Nora and Tom and everybody else, and I'll still be looking forward to it even if you only serve olives and mushrooms.

But just think, Nora -- this way you don't have to worry about bringing a bottle of wine!

t Imagines each and every Somervillain showing up at Nora's tonight carrying a gift wrapped bottle of Manischewitz Concord Grape...

I have returned!

My plane was delayed an hour, but I got home *just* barely in time to shower and change, and am now back at work. Am BEYOND swamped, or I'd recap. But I had a magnificent time, and am already missing people. Can't wait to see Nilly again this weekend!

Imagines each and every Somervillain showing up at Nora's tonight carrying a gift wrapped bottle of Manischewitz Concord Grape...

Oy.

Can't wait to see Nilly again this weekend!

Nilly-hog.

Nilly seeing and visiting looks like so much fun. Lovely how everyone is pulling together, offering advice and calm words.

That's all, just admiring from flyover country.

Yawn. I'm home. Sleep was not an option on the trip home so tired now.

SF trip was glorious. Pictures and commentary to follow after actual sleep.

Can't wait to see Nilly again this weekend!

jealousjealousjealous.

I helped Deb put Nilly (and I think we need to give serious thought to beth's spelling of !Nlly) on the Supershuttle for the airport at 6AM. I made her promise to wake me up to say goodbye, but I don't think I slept more than 20 minutes at a time until Deb's whispered wakeup call.

I've crossed meeting so many Buffistas off my Life List this weekend, although there are still several names unchecked. But I also checked a thing off my list: talking Firefly with Nilly. That was wonderful. It was very poignant last night talking with her over the people she's met and the things she did with them. She pulled out her little Moomin figure and explained it to me, "Hec gave me this. And JZ! We were talking and she said our conversation reminded her of a book. And she loaned me this!" She held up a copy of A Wrinkle in Time. "She said, 'Just send it back when you're finished.' Isn't she the best?" She got all her stuff packed and then it was time for bed. My last night with my roomie. No wonder I couldn't sleep.

But I caught a nap, and there was evidence Deb may have done, too, after Nilly was safely aboard the shuttle. She's a joy and a wonderful spirit. You east coasties have much to look forward to. Tell her we miss her already.

Somervillians:

I've made a reservation for Shalom Hunan, 92 Harvard Street, Brookline, phone number 617-731-9760. It's under the name "Nora" but I think he might think my name is "Laura" (a common mistake over the phone) But if there's a misunderstanding, and you mention that you are with the 14 person party, they'll work it out, I'm sure.

The reservation is at 7:30pm. PLEASE, please, please try to be on time. Harvard Ave (and parking on it) can be a bit of a fustercluck, so allow yourself extra time to get there. When there's a party of this size, it brings the service to maximum capacity, and I feel very strongly that it's only respectful for people doing their job, in a party this size, that everyone sits together, and orders together. Also, if you can't make it, or suddenly can make it, please tell me so I can adjust the reservation in advance.

If early (and hopefully I will be) we can hang out at the bar, or just chat near the dining room, or get seated early and have beverages.

Tuesday. Shalom Hunan. 7:30. Be there. (well, if you are one of the 14 people who said they'd be there- if not, be there, but tell me first).

I am sorry that I'm so mental about the on time thing. But it's a big deal for me.

You're so strict...