We managed to garner the full ten persons and with fingers crossed that we'd all get on with other depsite some having never met others before, went up there for four days. Thankfully, everyone seemed easy to get along with and it seems likely I've got some new poker buddies (I haven't really played Texas Hold 'Em in a few years but somehow managed to win out on the Saturday night - though for a good thirty minutes it was a battle of cards, wits and double entendres with newcomer Arianna McCann which entertained everyone). Arianna won out the Sunday night, but Simon and Cate were strong opposition and Glenn proved a great dealer (and folder). There was much meriment, wine, beer and even a bit of Doctor Who. Hoorah!
The weather was changeable but survivable, with rain on the Saturday but sun enough the rest of the time. There was much walking, but I still managed to put on a few lbs that I'll need to lose. The owners of the Ecobarn were friendly and supplied fresh bread and breakfast rolls every morning and we cooked some impressive spaghetti bolognese. I think we all agreed that we'd go back there again - and recommend it to others. Consider it done.
It was sad and shocking to hear about the shooting-spree that dominated headlines later in the week (taking place less than an hour form where we stayed), but thankfully, that kind of event is a huge rarity. The rest of the week was back to the realities, trials and tribulations of magazine editing and article writing. But any deadline you can get behind you is a good one.
Still contemplating Paris at the start of July for the Comic-Con there. I'd rather be in Iowa for Jilly's birthday, but bank-balance and holiday accumulation notwithstanding, a brief, shorter trip to France might have to do until September...
