Today is the day that we're actually setting up the Wool Show and getting ready for opening day, which means that I don't have a lot of time for blogging -- but the most wonderful thing happened last night, and I have to share it this morning!
While Eliot and I were relaxing after all that computer trouble, we got a call that there was a package waiting for us at the train station that needed to be picked up right away. Eliot hopped on his scooter and ran over to get it, while I washed up the dinner dishes. I heard him return and went to see what was so urgent. To my sheer delight, my dear friend BRIGHTON (from Wisconsin) was getting off the scooter! She explained that she and two other out-of-town penpal friends had decided to make a surprise visit to help out (and probably do some shopping at the show). The others were still at the train station, since Eliot could only bring them home one at a time. (The scooter only seats two, not to mention the luggage that a girl carries). I couldn't believe it! Brighton and I finally got to meet! She's totally crazy about wool . . . even has a fiber studio of her own . . . and beautiful red hair!
While Eliot and I were relaxing after all that computer trouble, we got a call that there was a package waiting for us at the train station that needed to be picked up right away. Eliot hopped on his scooter and ran over to get it, while I washed up the dinner dishes. I heard him return and went to see what was so urgent. To my sheer delight, my dear friend BRIGHTON (from Wisconsin) was getting off the scooter! She explained that she and two other out-of-town penpal friends had decided to make a surprise visit to help out (and probably do some shopping at the show). The others were still at the train station, since Eliot could only bring them home one at a time. (The scooter only seats two, not to mention the luggage that a girl carries). I couldn't believe it! Brighton and I finally got to meet! She's totally crazy about wool . . . even has a fiber studio of her own . . . and beautiful red hair!
While we were waiting for the others to arrive, Brighton enjoyed a quick tour of my bedroom. We'd been writing for so long that she felt like she knew where everything was and what it would look like. I think she liked Mr Longwool best. I sure hope her suitcase is big enough for everything she's going to buy . . . it looks pretty small . . .
A few minutes later, the sound of Eliot's scooter again, and there was GEORGIANA walking in! She's from Colorado and helps out at her family's tea room. The two of us had met before, when she came to Islandshire last year for a big party, but we hadn't seen each other since. We're actually distant cousins, you know. She's a lot of fun, likes to dress up . . . and, oh, I must not forget to mention that she has red hair.
Time flew by, introducing the first two and getting everyone's luggage stowed in a safe place, and it seemed just minutes later when we all heard Eliot's scooter again. I could not believe my eyes! NATALYA walked in! We've been pen pals for a long time, but this is the first time we've actually met. She's from Oregon, comes from a large family and is particularly fond of cherries . . . and, oh, she has red hair.
What an amazing feeling to be all standing together in my room. I was so happy! Something did strike me which I had never stopped to think about it, but all of my penpals have red hair!
Quick introductions and everyone started chattering all at once. (Eliot never came in, having found himself a quiet place in the other end of the house.) It was like we were together all the time!
As it was getting late (and we'd need all the energy we could muster for today's work), we almost immediately set to working out sleeping arrangements. It was a unanimous decision to squeeze into my room and sort of camp out together. Georgiana and I spread out one sleeping bag, while Natalya and Brighton got another.
The train ride had been long and arrived late, so it was hard to keep Georgiana and Natalya from just dropping in their tracks. Brighton and I had a hard time convincing them that we should all get in pajamas before going to sleep.
I think the only thing that convinced them to get up was the promise of hot chocolate in the bedroom.
That didn't quite work out, though, because the cocoa and comfy jammies made us all so happy and content that we just couldn't stop talking. Everyone was so interested in the others that it was hard to know what to talk about next. Lots of time to make up for . . . and four redheads in one room promised a lot of lively conversation.
Needs must, though, and an exhausting couple of days for all of us finally took its toll. The girls started getting sleepy and drifting off one by one, until there was only happy little me left awake. Oh, my, they were so tired that they didn't even bother to cover themselves! I gently covered them with my own quilt, afraid to wake them, but they never even moved.
Well, they might have been able to sleep, but I sure couldn't. It was more than I could ever have hoped for. There were my three friends right there, in my own room, and we were going to set the Wool Show up together . . .
I eventually drifted off, and no one stirred until morning, when we heard the sound of Eliot's scooter moving around outside. Today is a big day, and we're busy setting everything up for the official opening of the show on Wednesday. Sorry, gotta run . . .