2015 NCA Convention, Hampton, Virginia

Margaret Franklin

Tuesday, September 15th, 2015

So far this has been a GREAT DAY! :) Everything has been running smoothly with NO DRAMA!!
(Knock wood)
My alarm was set for 5:00 this morning but I was already awake nearly 10 minutes earlier. I've made
sure I have everything I need, my camera and my MP3 player are fully charged, rechargers in my
backpack.

My suitcase weighs around 46 pounds. I hope I don't accumulate too many souvenirs because the
limit is only four pounds away.
I knew the weather would probably be cooler so I wore slacks and running shoes this morning. So far
it's been a beautiful sunny day. I'm wearing my black floral print harem pants from Torrid, and the
purple unicorn T-shirt Aunt Anne gave me a couple Christmases ago. I am wearing neon pink socks
with my star-studded running shoes. I almost forgot I had them. It's been so long since I've worn them.
I got them at least five years ago but when my mom passed away I started wearing her navy blue
sneakers instead and now they're starting to fall apart. At least I don't have to worry about buying new
shoes now that I've re-discovered these ones.
The days leading up to this trip have had their usual share of drama. This past weekend they weather
was so horrible I was afraid we'd skipped fall and were plowing straight into winter! The rain started
late Saturday afternoon just after I got on the bus home from The Livingroom. It was a most
horrendous downpour. Even my husband, Dave, who normally likes dark, overcast weather, was
feeling unusually gloomy. He had been sick this past week and had to miss two days of work. I pray
that I don't catch any bugs on this year's tour!
So far everything has been pretty much perfect. Nearly an hour before my shuttle bus arrived I could
not settle anymore so I enjoyed just sitting on the front steps watching the sun rise and seeing the
neighbourhood slowly come to life. There was a lady walking a cute little dog that wanted to visit me. A
woman pushing a toddler in a stroller was followed by two older boys with backpacks, probably on
their way to school, and another woman in a black poncho appeared to be in a hurry and detoured
around them, walking out into the road to pass them.
The time went fast until my shuttle bus arrived. We picked up another passenger in Brooklin and off

we went.
It wasn't that hard to find my way around in the airport. I was a little confused that the number on my
itinerary did not match the number on the chart, but other than that, I've basically breezed through
everything without any panic attacks or meltdowns or having to answer any awkward questions. They
have a new machine that takes my picture and scans my passport so I don't have to fill out nay of that
infernal, microscopic paperwork! YAY for technology!
My flight doesn't leave until 10:45. The next flight waiting here is going to Las Vegas. The guy giving
me directions was kind of joking with me; Gate 61- Las Vegas! he said. LAS VEGAS?? Sure, I want
to go to Las Vegas but some other day. Obviously not now, although Janette and I have been talking
about it for years! I am off to Chicago and then I catch my connecting flight to Norfolk. I am just
enjoying allowing myself to live in the moment, absorbing everything going on all around me. Here
there are several tables with tablets where people can use their laptops and other devices. Not me. I
am basically unplugged for the rest of the week. I miss my online friends but not much of the drama
that's been unfolding this past week.
You do realize you're condemning some poor celebrity to death my husband teased this morning.
Usually there is always some celebrity death while I'm away on one of these trips. I can't believe it's
been over 20 years since Dr. Suess died. He passed away when I was at my first convention in 1991. I
don't remember which one it was when Paul Newman died. Amy Winehouse died in August of 2011
when I was at my autism retreat in Fenelon Falls. If I had to pick and choose I HOPE the next celebrity
to die is Nicole Arbour. She is nothing but a worthless, toxic skank and the world would be a better
place without her! The less said about her the better because she makes me so angry I have literally
felt sick to my stomach just knowing she exists!!
This isn't the first time prior to a convention I have been vehemently angry with someone for fatshaming. One year it was Dennis Leary. In 2013 it was Aunt Jean. At least I've forgiven her. I have to.
She's family. But it still makes it hard to trust her not knowing what she'll say next.
And on Sunday afternoon I wanted to pack a couple more pairs of socks in my suitcase. But when I
went to get them, the front of my sock drawer pulled off in my hands!! Just what I needed! NOT!! I was
able to handle it calmly without any meltdowns but it was still a pain in the ass just the same. Good
thing I'd gotten myself back into the habit of making my bed every morning because I had to just pile
the contents of my drawer on top of it and leave them there while I waited for the glue to dry. At least it
was fairly easy to fix!

And the night before that I had a horrible nightmare where I literally woke up crying! I'll spare you the
gory details. I experienced great heaving sobs that went on for the first minute or two that I was
awake!
Sunday afternoon I had such a horrible, consuming depression I could feel it in my guts. Last time I felt
that way was either the time Janette was bullied on the bus or during and/or just after our last Niagara
trip just after her dad passed away.
We need to go on another trip together sometime soon without any drama. Niagara Falls has a new
Circus museum, and there's a new Carnival Museum in Brantford we're thinking of going to for my
next birthday. We'll see how finances go following this journey.
BTW, everyone really loves my hat! :)
11:20 am Chicago
I feel genuinely sorry for being sarcastic. I was under the impression that I had to be in one hell of a
hurry because the travel agent told me I had only an HOUR to skedaddle from one flight to the next. At
least F1 wasn't far from where I got off but I was confused by the sign that says Cincinnati, Ohio in
big, huge letters. Of course, I panicked as usual which is what I do when I can't understand what's
going on. Cincinnati is the NEXT flight. Norfolk leaves AFTER this one! But I didn't see it because it
was in such small lettering at the bottom of the screen that I didn't notice until they pointed it out to me.
They sure make it obvious I snorted. If my aunt were here she probably would have bawled me out
for my tone. But it's TRUE! They need to make stuff like that BIGGER. SO I was still under the
impression that Norfolk was leaving ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. Good thing I noticed or otherwise I
would have gotten on the wrong plane. Yes, I DO want to go to Cincinnati, but NOT until NEXT year!
Meanwhile, the Norfolk plane doesn't leave until 1:45, so I was happy to have time for lunch. Good
because I've started to lose a few spoons. My toes are sore. I'm looking forward to checking into my
hotel room and taking my shoes off. I bought myself a ham, egg and cheese wrap.
The flight itself from Toronto to Chicago went fast. I enjoyed watching Paddington while I drank my
tomato juice. Never had it with lemon before. Still not quite as good as V8 with garlic salt. The movie
was awesome! I was royally entertained from start to finish and it ended in perfect timing with the
landing.
I kind of wish I could brush my teeth. ONIONS!!
At least it's been a quiet, relatively drama-free day otherwise, with minimal sprogulation aside from the
odd squeal here and there. I hope I haven't jinxed myself by saying that.
6:50 pm
Strange how it ended up being the same time as it is back in Toronto.
Had a nice chat with the lady sitting next to me on the plane. She's going to VIET NAM!!! She's going
there to visit her husband's family and she won't get there until FRIDAY! We were probably also the
two fattest people on the plane so we were both squished together quite uncomfortably for over two
hours. But neither one of us complained which is good. My heart sank when THREE babies paraded
past us on board but they were actually reasonably QUIET during the flight. I'd rather be squished next
to somebody My Size than have to sit near a screaming baby through the entire flight like Janette and
I did last year.
The shops at the airport were tempting but I was anxious to keep going and get my luggage. There
was a bit of confusion with the shuttle bus. Even though three of us shared the ride, I was stuck paying
the full amount for myself whether I wanted to or not.

The scenery was beautiful and I tried to take video footage of some of the fascinating waterfront
properties ans we drove along the highway. Virginia is connected by many long bridges and tunnels.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA1CaSRH8bU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEDiu2Cc8Do
My feet were so sore that I took my shoes off once I was indoors. I've just had my shower and I am
making myself at home in my room. I don't think I want to go shopping tonight. I'm just going to put on
some clean clothes and have supper at the hotel restaurant!. (Maybe even a Margarita!) and then just
veg out here and see what's on the telly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftidFULRO6Y
Hmm, should I pay cash or just charge my meal to my room? Will I have time to shop tomorrow
morning before noon? Or would I rather just take it easy?
8:10 pm
I'm afraid I've just done my first dine-and-dash! I found myself getting too angry. Waited over half an
hour for my food and they brought me the WRONG thing! Meanwhile, of course, a family comes in
with a toddler. I wait at least ANOTHER half an hour for my food but by the time it gets there the kid is
crying and it's really getting on my nerves. I was so frustrated I scooped up the last of my fries in my
napkin and ran back to my room without waiting for the bill because I was out of spoons and on the
verge of a meltdown. I am NEVER eating there again! It was just making me angry to see everybody
else getting served except me and hearing that kid start bawling was the last straw. He was probably
even crankier than I was if he had to wait that long for his food!
I am glad I was able to call the front desk to rectify the situation. I told them what happened. I am
autistic and the sound of kids crying is a major trigger for me. It didn't help that the people at my table
were laughing at my situation. Neurotypicals, go figure. They think everything is funny.
Wednesday, September 16th
1:17 am
Well, I've had SOME sleep but I just can't get back to sleep at the moment. After tonight's ordeal I just
wasn't satisfied. I DESPERATELY NEEDED CHOCOLATE!!! So I bought four bars from the shop in
the lobby; 2 Twix and 2 Milky Ways. And I ate THREE when I got back to my room. This is NOT, I
repeat NOT something I normally do. I do NOT usually eat three candy bars in one sitting even though
some people think this is the sort of thing most Fat People do EVERY DAY!
The events of the evening have been playing themselves over and over again in my head. Fine. Just
keep ignoring me. I don't need food. I'm already fat enough.
At least most people have been on my side. Bette Largent isn't overly fond of crying babies either. She
was telling me whenever one is getting a needle in the next room at the doctor's office, her blood
pressure just sky rockets. Mine too. There was a time at my doctor's office that I had to be surrounded
by a steady stream of at least SIX of the little buggers!
And there's NO CURE for the No Bathtub Blues EXCEPT A FUCKING BATHTUB!! I am ABSOLUTELY
LANGUISHING here without one and feel like I'd SELL MY SOUL for a SOAK!! And this is only the
FIRST of SIX nights in this PRISON CELL! I tried to get used to the idea. I've had ALL YEAR to
prepare for this. But I MISS MY BATHTUB and there's nothing I can do about it. Standing in the
shower just doesn't cut it. Especially when there's a glass door in front of a huge mirror and I'm trying
not to look at myself.

I brought my Art Journal with me but I wish I had a NEW ONE! And some ART SUPPLIES!!
Even though the website said there would be, there are NO PAY-PER-VIEW movies here. I wish I
could have visited the carousel last night. It was kind of frustrating knowing it was right there in front of
me but I couldn't go and see it just yet because I was WAITING UNTIL HELL FROZE OVER TO
GETMY FUCKING SUPPER WHILE EVERYONE WAS GETTING SERVED BUT ME!!!
Yesterday was mostly a good day but I started losing spoons from Chicago on, starting with the panic
of thinking I only had an hour to catch my plane and seeing the Baby Parade get on board. Then the
business about the shuttle bus, and then last but not least the bullshit I went through with my meal. I
hope the rest of this trip goes better.
My last two hotel stays anywhere have had more than their fair share of drama. At least I have a
NORMAL phone in this room with the RIGHT number of buttons, unlike the techno-monstrosity Janette
and I had in our room last year in New York.
I'm homesick. I miss my husband. We couldn't even kiss goodbye because he's been sick this past
week and we don't want me to catch whatever bug he's had. At least he took me by the hands and
prayed for me before he left for work.
I think I'm a bit constipated. I haven't had a darned good dump since I was still in Oshawa.
9:30 am
All's right with the world, I finally have my coffee.
I actually did get some sleep after all last night. I know because I was dreaming about all of us visiting
a very strange carousel. It had horses but they were for display only, not riding. They were quite small
but a bit bigger than the average kiddie horses, about the size of the English galloper in the
Paddington movie. And they were up too high too. In fact they were above a row of inward-facing
benches. This would be an interesting idea for a revolving restaurant. I also dreamt I was taking video
footage of various street performers, jugglers, magicians, etc. I must have been subconsciously
thinking about some of the stuff I saw on TV last night. Last night I watched this one guy doing tricks
on a ladder. He was balancing on it and making it walk as he ascended and moved from one side of
the ladder to the other. At the end a rope ladder came down, supposedly from a helicopter and he
climbed from one to the other and was pulled upward off stage.
I also saw a commercial, I forget what t was for, featuring a marathon juggler. He was juggling
constantly while running in a race, working out on a treadmill, etc. So no wonder I was dreaming about
jugglers and acrobats. Janette was there too. We seemed to be at some kind of festival and we were
leaving in a yellow taxi. As we were leaving, we saw Doo Do the clown appear out of nowhere. We did
SO NOT want to miss him so we begged the driver to stop and take us back. It was at that point when
I woke up.
I've been up since ten to seven and it's been a beautiful morning. There was the most gorgeous
sunrise outside my window. The photo I took hardly does it justice.

I decided I would go out for a walk before breakfast. Meals at the hotel can be quite expensive and I
was not impressed with last night's service, so I was hoping I could find a nice little coffee shop
somewhere. No such luck. And nothing else was open yet anyway. I am looking forward to checking
out the pirate gift shop when it is open though. Being near the marina, everything in this town has a
nautical/pirate theme.
Before I ventured any further, I just HAD to visit the carousel even though it still wasn't open yet either.
I took plenty of pictures throgh the glass. It was nice and quiet with nobody else around.

There really isn't much downtown. Quaint cobblestone streets. Very European. Most of the shops are
pretty upscale including a shop for local artists to sell their work. It made me think of The Livingroom,
however this place is more highfalutin. Losts of stuff made out of glass and polished rock. That sort of
thing. I miss The Livingroom. Of course, there are no places in this neighbourhood to buy ART
SUPPLIES! I wanted to bring my own in the first place but my suitcase was getting too heavy.
I am wearing my Las Vegas carousel chip around my neck and noticing for the first time that it is also
decorated with tiny top hats and canes. Of course the first thing the obsessive crafter in me sees is a
spool with a sewing needle!
I made my way up around the next block so I know where this wonderful famous ice cream place is
that everybody's been talking about, and I must have found at least three pubs and a diner. Woody's
Diner, to be precise. I may go to one of these places for my last supper on Sunday. I am SO NOT
going back to Oyster Alley after last night's frustrating experience.
When I got back to my room I wanted a cup of coffee but I couldn't get the damned stupid Keurig
machine to work. I must have waited at least half an hour in total and had to phone them twice but
they finally provided me with a decent, simple coffee maker that actually works. I've just been relaxing

in my room working on my embroidery for the time being.

Had the breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant after all and charged it to my room. Only $14.70. Not
like New York. The breakfast buffet there last year was around thirty bucks!!!
Just devoured my last Milky Way bar. Why is it that chocolate and candy always taste better away
from home?
BTW the vending machine near the elevator has cans of CHERRY COKE!! I gonna get-a drunk! Only
Mark and Janette and my husband know what I mean by this reference along with a few others. So I
might as well tell you the story in case you haven't heard it before. Years ago when Cherry Coke was
available in Canada, it came in these plastic bottles with these weird plastic labels that had a texture I
couldnt resist peeling. Well, I had peeled off the label and was drinking from this unmarked bottle
when this Italian guy says to me You gonna get-a drunk! Of course, this made me laugh so hard that
people probably thought I really WAS drunk and ever since then whenever my friends and I drink
Cherry Coke, that's what we always say to each other.

8:30 pm
This has been an EXCELLENT day!!! After I'd paused in my room for awhile to enjoy my Cherry Coke,
I ventured back out again. And I ended up taking the BOAT CRUISE at the spur of the moment! I
remember they offered this boat cruise on Sunday afternoon but I knew that I'd be too tired to enjoy it
by then. Usually after our closing meeting I am BURNT TOAST!!! For a moment I nearly opted out. I
can't, I've got Roundabout Faire. But then I changed my mind. Roundabout Faire can wait. It's not like
I'll get into any kind of trouble if I'm late.
The boat cruise was EXCELLENT!! I saw so many amazing things; battle ships, military homes, the
university, but best of all I saw DOLPHINS!!! I tried to capture them on video but it was still quite
difficult. Still I am absolutely ELATED! I've seen dolphins in zoos before, and places like Marineland.
But there's something downright MAGICAL, if not SPIRITUAL abut seeing dolphins out in the wild!
Our tour guide explained to us that the Chesapeake Bay is home to over FOUR THOUSAND different
species of wild life!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSwcunNhM9w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmFFwgA4iy8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiYH5UiC5KQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NJBtxoiifI
Now you'll see the dolphins!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv2WRQRoEGc
At one point we got off the ship to have a walking tour of the island where the forts were. I stuck
around long enough to take a few interesting pictures including one of my doll posing in a tree with
Waddle and Wee Doo.

But I was getting hungry and was glad to get back on the boat before everyone else. I ordered a
hamburger and what I thought was a Lime-a-Rita but turned out to be a Bud Light Lime. It was okay,
nothing to write home about. I also bought several Cow-Tails and individually wrapped Twizzlers.
While we were on the island we saw a few cormorants. I've never seen a cormorant in real life before.
Ironically, they've become an invasive species on the Toronto islands. Environmentalists have been
trying to train them to live on the ground because they've been destroying the trees. There's too may
of them and they have highly acidic guano.
After the boat cruise I went back to the hotel to set up for Roundabout Faire. There was a bit of
confusion about what I was going to do with all these horses. Sharon didn't know that I was going to
SELL them.
While I was there I bought two patches of the Leavenworth carousel and several carousel quilt
squares as well as Andrea's colouring book. I would like to make her a quilt with her pictures.
BTW we have one of the BEST GOODIE BAGS EVER!! This year our swag included an adorable
stuffed toy horse and a gorgeous goblet with a stem shaped like a horse's head. I've been drinking my
Cherry Coke out of my holy Grail.
9:00 pm
We're not having more Roundabout Faire tonight after all. I must admit I'm kind of relieved. It's kind of
silly to keep it up when it's getting late and we have to get up at 5:30 tomorrow morning.
Roundabout Faire was great! I sold SIXTY dollars worth of horses earlier this evening.
Then we made our way to the carousel. I have to admit I was feeling a little apprehensive earlier
today, wondering WHEN but it was worth waiting for and I was happy to mount a lovely little red roachmaned jumper that literally had my name on it!

The plaque below him actually listed several names and Margaret was one of them. Total
coincidence. Didn't notice until after I got on. Took a picture. Different last name though. Before I
dismounted I wanted someone to take a picture of me on my horse. But there didn't seem to be

anyone close by whom I could flag down so I just stayed where I was and rode again. Nobody tried to
stop me. I then rode a beautiful armoured horse. I've lost track of the number of rides I've had this
evening. I had to laugh because I felt like I was travelling along a continuous coil. Ride. Get off. GO all
the way around to get back in line again. Ride again. Repeat. Coi-oi-oi-oi-oi-oil!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=464olXDlJ3o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LP1kACThnY
Then it was time for our group photo on the steps. I think we were all getting pretty hungry by then.
Dinner was at the Air & Space Museum. I presented my drink ticket and asked for a Margarita. The
lady wasn't sure she knew how to make one so I challenged her to just wing it. Tasted okay to me.
Dinner was an assortment of salubrious injittiments including meatballs, beef lumpia,(mini Indonesian
egg rolls), mini chicken shish-kebabs and, of course, plenty of shrimp!
When I finished eating I had several more rides on the carousel. In fact there were a few times I had
the entire carousel all to myself, but I found myself gearing down and wanted to go back to my room
so I could freshen up a little and get my second wind for Roundabout Faire.
When I arrived on my floor I bought another Cherry Coke from the vending machine which I drank
from my Holy Grail. I wonder what else I'll be drinking from it.
So far I haven't really bought many souvenirs, just patches and that quilt fabric.
I'm kind of relieved there's no more Roundabout Faire this evening> I think I'll take a shower before
bed. My hair needs a wash.
I think they know that some of us are a bit disgruntled about the lack of bathtub here so they have
provided us with these aromatherapy/spa products that are supposed to help us sleep. I'll use them
after my shower.
BTW, Jim has offered me the option of riding in a van instead of being on the bus. I think I'm going to
go for it. It'll be much quieter. I'll probably miss out on the raffle but A. It will be one less thing to spend
money on and B. I won't have to worry about winning anything to make my luggage any heavier.
Today has been a wonderful, perfect day without any drama. I should have no trouble sleeping tonight.
These skin care products are excellent and I am normally not a cream person. And the soap is great
too. I love that wonderful lemon scent. I'll probably steal a few bars to take home with me!
Thursday, September 17th,
6:30 pm
Dinner won't be for nearly another hour. I'm just glad to have a moment to relax on my own and catch
up on my notes while I enjoy another Cherry Coke from the Holy Grail. Go figure, the vending machine
was giving me attitude. I was out of $1 bills from my regular money so once again I had to dip into my
Roundabout Faire income. And the machine didn't want to accept one of my $! bills. That made me
feel like I'd lost a spoon or two.
Other than that this has been a fabulous day! There was a bit of confusion about the van this morning.
At first the driver said he was full and only wanted to take six people. Long story short, the Schulmans
and I got to ride in the van after all. I don't think that Ive missed out on anything by not riding the bus.
I'll wait until banquet night to purchase any raffle tickets. The banquet night raffle is the best part of all
because when your number is drawn you can pick and choose any prize you want from the table.

Besides I'd rather not win anything that might be too heavy, awkward or bulky in my luggage. And
traveling in the van is much quieter and less draining than being with so many more other people on
the bus. Even if I'm among friends and we're all having a good time, I'd be more prone to sensory
overload. Especially if there's feedback with the microphone. That's another one of my triggers.
It was an interesting drive. Much of the beginning of our journey spread across the Chesapeake Bay,
either along bridges or in tunnels that went beneath the Bay. I even got to see a few more dolphins!
We made a rest stop along the way where I picked up a few more pamphlets and we had some
snacks.
Before we knew it we were in Ocean City. And our journey coincided with a HUGE Biker's Convention!
I kid you not, I've NEVER seen SO many motorcycles in my entire life! It was incredible!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVjrs3N1bfI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r01ThjhgtyA
And Ocean City is such a beautiful place! I'd love to come back here someday just to stay for a
holiday. The beach is gorgeous. The architecture is fascinating and there are so many interesting
shops!

The amusement area itself was a world of wonder, especially the building that housed the carousel.
There were so many wonderful, colourful things to look at! The carousel was housed in a building that

was like an arcade with several other rides, mostly kiddie rides, but also bumper cars and several claw
machines. I was tempted to try to win a bug for Janette. When I wasn't taking pictures of the carousel I
was taking pictures of the fantastic assortment of whimsical garbage cans! Many were shaped like
clowns but there was also a lion, a hippo, a pelican, an alligator and an elephant!

There were several interesting photo ops for my doll and duckies and I had my picture taken with a
cheesy fiberglass pirate!
Zoltar Fortune Telling Machine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6Xg4JClZTw
Trimper's Carousel Footage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shhJtiv1MSQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFp4gfI3Jm8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFtH0g3_3Fo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVabmL3FlZU

I had several rides on the carousel, starting with the tiger, then a magnificent black prancer, the
rocking chariot and a rooster. I wanted to ride the zebra but then it was time for lunch so I had to get
off.
We stood beneath the broiling sun in an excruciatingly long lineup. One of us bought French fries
somewhere else and shared them with us. I accidentally dropped one and we were swarmed by
seagulls, so I scared them away by going HOFF-RACKALACKALACKALACKA!
I was relieved there was a place where we could eat indoors. I grabbed a hotdog and a Bush Beer and
joined Jim and Jackie with a few other people at the nearest table. There were two carousel horses on
display in the restaurant; a brown Herschell-Spillman and an elaborately jeweled floral C.W Parker.
There were also a couple carousel pictures on the wall.

There was an ice cream place across from us and I was tempted to get a scoop of coffee flavour but I
wanted another carousel ride even more.
Unfortunately there was no time for anymore rides. We had to be back on the bus earlier than
planned. I bought myself a hot pretzel to save for later to tide me over until dinner.
Almost 9:00 pm
Finished dinner. Didn't stick around for the auction. There wasn't anything I really wanted. I haven't
had much of an urge to buy souvenirs on this trip so far. However, I must have spent around $26 at
Trimpers because I bought a book and a key-chain. Ive put the key-chain on one of the zippers on my
backpack.
Dinner was good. There was salad and rolls. The pats of butter were shaped like little roses and
looked like white chocolate. I enjoyed my salmon, served with rice and mixed veggies. At first I didn't
quite know what to make of the sauce. It had an interesting flavour. I detected a hint of licorice. It grew
on me. No matter how slowly I try to eat I am still always done first. Poor David. When his pasta finally
came it was ICE COLD!
He will be sending me some pictures of the magnificent 5-row carousel at 6 Flags Over Georgia. Now
THERE'S a place on y Bucket List!
I guessed it right! I knew we were going to be having cheesecake for dessert!
When I finished eating I said goodnight to everyone and made my way back to my room, stopping to
arrange for my wake-up call and ask for more of these amazing aromatherapy packets. I really like
Opal. I'll have someone bring them right up to you, Honey-Bun. I liked being called Honey-Bun. I
am feeling really peaceful and content here at the moment and very much at home in my new
surroundings. The gentleman at the door brought me THREE of these aromatherapy sets. I love this

stuff. I wish I knew where to buy it. My night shirt still smells from last night's spray. It's such a
comforting fragrance.
I am excited about working on my scrapbook when I get home!!! Those novelty garbage cans at
Trimpers were a real bonus! I can hardly wait to use them in scenes of my clowns and characters
cleaning up. And I have an amazing idea for what I want to do with my picture of Zoltar the fortune
teller!
The convention isn't even half over yet and can hardly wait to tell my friends back home about all the
wonderful adventures I've been having so far and create art inspired by all the amazing things I've
seen besides carousels! I feel so great, so peaceful and relaxed. A far cry compared to how scratchy
and irritable I was over my first night's dinner fiasco.
And now I must take my medication and begin my aromatherapy rituals. These products are
FREAKING AMAZING!!!
Friday, September 18th
I think I have GHOSTS in my hotel room! Not necessarily mean or scary ghosts. Just slightly
mischievous. Someone or some THING has tampered with my alarm clock. It went off half an hour
early. And after I reset it, I never did get back to sleep. Dear God, please give me strength. This is
going to be a LONG day. When we get back to the hotel our day is far from finished. Our dinner is at
the history museum and Roundabout Faire doesn't even START until 10:00 pm!! I hope that I sell all
my horses within the first 20 minutes so I can go back to my room early. So far it's all been worth it
anyway. This has been one of my best sales ever. I hope that lady still wants that plaid horse and has
proper change this time because I had to use all my $1 bills in the vending machine.
9:30 pm
It's official. It was inevitable. It had to happen sooner or later. It was a recipe for disaster in the first
place. My OFFICIAL MELTDOWN OF THE YEAR! I hope it's the last one. I am so embarrassed. I
hope nobody thinks I was just being a drama queen and making an idiot of myself. But I snapped! I
just couldn't take it anymore. I just lost all my remaining spoons for the day in a dramatic explosion
that sent them spraying everywhere.
It was already kind of a difficult day to begin with as we arrived at our first destination at least 20
minutes late. Every convention has That One Carousel Where They Make You Wait Forever. It was a
beautiful Dentzel menagerie at Pullen Park. When I finally did get to ride I chose a tiger. There were
orange road construction cones in many of the empty spaces to help prevent people from tripping over
the guzintas. I call them that because when the carousel animals are back in their place, these things
are what the bottom of the pole goes into.

I had to wait in line as the carousel was full for the next ride, and then I had my second ride. I rode an
ostrich. Just before the carousel started, the Baby and Toddler Parade started descending upon the
carousel like locusts, including a fellow carrying an infant. I found out later that this infant was having
the time of her life, really happy and excited, but when I saw all these small children arriving, I pulled
out my MP3 player and started blaring the KISS music into my earbuds in case anyone started crying.
You never know what to expect with little kids. I wanted to buy a colouring book but totally forgot all
about it in my hurry to get away from the baby parade and I almost walked smack right into the man
with the infant. There had even been a moment before they'd let us ride the carousel where there was
a part inside the building that had been blocked off for employees, thus requiring me to have to go out
and come back in again through the next door and of course there had to be a screaming newborn

outside.
After lunch our next carousel, the Allan Herschell at Chavis Park was only a ten-minute drive away.
Someone had said that back in the days of segregation, the Pullen Park carousel had been for the
white people only and Chavis Park was for the blacks. It was much quieter at Chavis Park and I had
two rides on that carousel too, both Trojan horses, a dapple gray and a pinto.

Pullen Park Video Footage:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq-LNQyKZU8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exdHWrDfVQ0
Chavis Park Video Footage:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKQWQBzeY-8
Then we had the three-hour drive back to the hotel. We made a stop at a convenience store along the
way to use the washroom and shop a little while the van fueled up. I bought my hubby a fridge magnet
and stocked up on candy bars that aren't available in Canada to bring back to him. That's one of our
traditions. Mint M&M's, 2 kinds of Nut Rolls and 2 Pay Day bars.
When we got back to the hotel I had just enough time to drop off my treasures and freshen up a bit
before our walk to the History Museum.
At the History Museum I took several pictures of the original paintings from the carousel and bought a
few more souvenirs. I bought Dave a Pirate Flag fridge magnet and a Pirate rubber duckie. I bought
Janette a ladybird magnet and I bought myself a carousel horse magnet and a butterfly, but I think I'm
going to give the butterfly to Kristine. So far the only present Ive got for Janette is the ladybug
magnet. I'm hoping I can find us matching T-shirts we can wear to next year's convention.

I had a Margarita and dinner was an assortment of h'ors d'oevres. I liked the bacon-wrapped scallops
best.
After dinner was a slide presentation about the restoration of PTC #50, the carousel right here in
Hampton.
It was very hot and humid out this evening and not much cooler inside the museum. At least we were
finished at 9:00 instead of 9:30 and I got to ride the van instead of walking back to the hotel. But I was
ABSOLUTELY HORRIFIED to discover that THE PARTY FROM HELL was playing excruciatingly loud
music in the ballroom across the hall from where we had Roundabout Faire. Even with my earplugs in
it was painfully loud. And it got even LOUDER! In fact I could feel the floor vibrating. At that point I just
couldn't take it any longer and I snapped and started screaming and had to run out of there as f the
devil himself were after me! I hope nobody's mad at me.
Here I am way up on the seventh floor and I swear I can STILL hear the racket and feel the vibrations.
WHY must other groups ALWAYS HAVE A FUCKING LOUD PARTY ON THE NIGHT WHEN WE
HAVE TO STAY UP THE LATEST AND GET UP THE EARLIEST!!!!!
Another thing that caused me to lose spoons today was when I had to use the washroom at Pullen
Park and of course a kid had to start screaming in there. No MP3 player in the world is loud enough to
block out that sound in such echoing acoustics!
I'm not going to bother changing my doll's outfit tonight. Today was one of those rushed days with on
time for photo ops.
I pray, pray, pray PRAY that we DON'T have ANY MORE drama!!
At least those aromatherapy products have helped me get over grieving the lack of bathtub. I plan on
taking as much of them home with me as possible. These products are very expensive to buy retail.

We almost weren't going to go to King's Dominion because some big corporation scheduled a private
party at the same time we were scheduled to visit. HELLO!? We're the CAROUSEL PEOPLE! This is
OUR shindig! At least not all is lost. We get to go to King's Dominion after all but we have to leave at
SEVEN instead of 8:15 and when we're there we have to be OUT by 10:00! I've already reset my
alarm and arranged for a wake-up call.
By the way, last night I literally sold several more horses in my sleep!! I didn't even KNOW we had
more Roundabout Faire last night. It wasn't listed on the itinerary. I am grateful to Jim and Jackie for
holding fort for me. And they're probably doing it again for me tonight. There is NO WAY I can possibly
tolerate that awful loud music! That's the problem with being autistic that most neurotypicals don't
understand. I don't just HEAR certain sounds, I feel like I'm BEING BEATEN UP by them!
Saturday, September 19th
Whew! I am exhausted! What a day this has been. I felt pretty gronky this morning because I had a
rather crappy night's sleep. Because I was so shaken up by last night's meltdown, even with my
aromatherapy products it took forever to get to sleep and I kept waking up and having trouble getting
back to sleep. I thought I took my synthroid and Coversil pills at 4:10 but when I got a better look at my
clock in the semi-darkness, it was only 2:20. I was relieved to still have the rest of the night ahead of
me but I still got up about ten minutes before my alarm was set to go off at 5:00. I was already
showered before I got my wake-up call.
There was some frustrating confusion about our breakfast this morning as we thought they hadn't
received the message and it was still going to be served at 6:30 as usual. HELLO? Our bus leaves at
QUARTER TO SEVEN! If they don't even start serving until 6:30, by the time people start lining up,
most of us wouldn't have time to eat anything. Fortunately that didn't happen after all and we were
relieved to be eating shortly after six.
It was a humid and foggy overcast day and there was a little bit of rain as our van peeled off down the
road in the opposite direction of where we'd travelled the previous two days. I was still feeling pretty
gronky but at least I had my voice back compared to earlier this morning. After a meltdown of such
magnitude like I'd had last night I usually don't go to work or school the next day, but I CAN'T miss the
carousels, even if it does mean losing spoons.
By the time we finally made it to our penultimate carousel, PTC #44 at King's Dominion, I was finally
starting to feel a bit better. It's amazing what a difference there is between both PTC carousels we've
seen on this tour, the other being PTC # 50. I took pictures of as many horses as possible and I also
did the best to capture my surroundings as much as possible. I knew Janette would get a real kick out
of seeing all these humongous giant apples everywhere! I also took a picture of a display of colourful
toys at one of the games.

We had enough time for everyone to take one ride on the carousel and I chose a humble dark brown
horse. Best of all these horses had leather reins and I held mine Western-style as I'd been taught in
my teens. A lot of these horses had some pretty impressive details. There were Indian horses with
feathers, some horses with flowers, one that had a shield a lion.
And last but not least, Busch Gardens. The place was a madhouse! We stood around waiting for
AGES in the bright blazing sun. It was open to the general public so there were several families with
small children. I had to wear my MP3 player for awhile in case anyone started crying.
And the walk to the carousel took FOREVER! The park was so hilly! It was a regular death march. All
that walking uphill and down for what seemed like an eternity, trying to keep up with everyone, having
to hurry. There was NO TME t buy souvenirs at either place we visited today and to add insult to injury,
how appropriate that as I approached the carousel there was a song playing that I really hate. At least
it was an instrumental version of the tune and perhaps I wouldn't hate it so much if I didn't already
know the words:
I don't want her you can have her, she's too fat for me...
I hope the asshole who wrote that song is burning in hell for it! GRRRRR!!
Before we got to the carousel I kept thinking This BETTER be worth it! I was almost feeling like I'd
died and gone to hell. Perhaps the worst thing about hell isn't the fire and flames, even though it was
hot enough today, but being made to spend eternity standing around waiting and then being made to
walk up and down hills for thousands of miles and then being made to stand around waiting again for
another eternity. By the tie you've been walking and waiting all these years you WISH you were in hell
but you NEVER get there. For someone who calls myself a Christian I still have some pretty warped
ideas about the hereafter! The airport is anther place where you're often forced to wait and then made
to rush long distances, often several times and usually with screaming children around.
By the time we finally DID reach the carousel I was actually quite pleasantly surprised and impressed.
Many of the horses were painted unusual, bright metallic colours; silver, gold, purple, pink, royal blue,
etc. I tried to take as many pictures of them as possible!

As with the previous carousel, there was only time for one ride and I was delighted to be riding a horse
that was lilac purple! I was wearing my colourful tie-dyed shirt from the Bronx zoo today and many
people took my picture because both I and the carousel were so colourful; me and my purple hair,
surrounded by so many horses of a different colour!!

When it was time to return to our buses we had yet another hike but at least this one wasn't quite as
long to take the train ride back to the place nearest to the main entrance. The exit from one end of the
train that we were on led straight through the gift shop but there was no time to buy anything.
By the time we arrived at the buffet restaurant, we'd all earned a jolly good feast! I had several
different kinds of sushi as well as three different kinds of shrimp including coconut. I could have sworn
I only took three deviled egg halves but they seemed to keep reappearing on my plate. I had corn on
the cob as well as Brussels sprouts and green beans. The veggies were a little undercooked
compared to what I was used to.
Best of all the dessert buffet included a CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN!! I selected a macaroon and two
marshmallows to dip. I can never think of chocolate fountains without thinking of Dawn French in that
classic scene from Vicar of Dibley. Unfortunately, that video doesn't seem to be on Youtube anymore
or I would share the link. I did, however, use that gag in my scrapbook!

It was around 3:30 when we got back to the hotel. Dinner won't be until 7:30. I was DRENCHED in
sweat today and thought I might go swimming but what I really need at the moment is a darned good
NAP!!
Almost 11:00 pm
This has been an AMAZING evening! After dinner we had our raffle and at first it didnt look like I was
going to win ANYTHING! By the time my number was called, everything was pretty much picked over
and I almost didn't see anything I'd want until I noticed the folk art book. I'm going to use the carousel
horse picture in my Inspiration quilt as the official square for this trip. Last year's Special Trip
Squares were two lions in reference to the library in New York; Patience and Fortitude.
As the evening went on, one of the auction items was a set of five prints of our group photo at last
year's convention when we were all at Jane's Carousel. They were $10 each so I got two; one for me
and one for Janette. It is unfortunate that shortly after this picture was taken she had her meltdown,
but I hope this won;'t be a problem. She probably would have had a meltdown at Busch Gardens
because of the crowds everywhere and having to be rushed up and down all those hills so
dangerously close to Pill Time.
Anyway, this year they saved the best until last! My quilt sold for $575 to Tricia Delerlein. Her nephew
has autism. Lots of people were taking my picture and congratulating me. I don't want to let all this
praise go to my head!
We didn't get to go for another ride on the carousel but Roundabout Faire would be open again.
We didn't stay open very long. There was loud music playing across the hall again but at least it wasn't
nearly even a quarter as loud as it was last night. Still, the pounding beat could be quite cloying. So
we all packed up our things. I figure that if anyone still wants to buy my horses they can see me at
breakfast tomorrow. I really don't want to have to bring them all on the plane with me if I can help it.
Part of me is tempted to take the Boat Cruise again tomorrow but a great deal depends on how I feel. I
know I definitely want to ride the carousel again and I want to explore the shops in town. I'll probably
have my last supper at the Tavern. I have no idea what I'm doing for breakfast on Monday. My shuttle
bus arrives at 7:30. Well, I want to phone them to confirm. I have an uneasy gut feeling abut this.
A couple of interesting stories about last night's slide presentation; There was a young lad who burnt
his had really badly on the saddle of a carousel horse because the paint was literally just BOILING!
What happened was that one of the stained glass windows was cracked and it caused the sunlight
coming in through the crack to be concentrated like a magnifying glass frying that poor horse. If this
poor fellow hadn't hurt his hand they might not have discovered this situation and the carousel would
have appeared to have spontaneously combusted! Moral of the story; Make sure your carousel
building has no broken windows. Up until now I never would have imagined that a cracked window
could be a fire hazard!
There was also a picture of a wooden Indian with a story about some helium balloons in the building
that started to deflate. The balloons set of the motion-sensitive burglar alarm and the police mistook
the wooden Indian for an intruder and almost shot him.
I miss my bathtub and wish I could have a soak right now. Living without a bathtub hasn't been quite
as horrible as I'd originally anticipated. The aromatherapy products have been so wonderful and this
shower has been so easy t use that I've actually showered two or three times a day sometimes. At
least I've had all year to prepare for this unlike Denver where it was a nasty surprise.

The Hoarse Whisperer

Sunday, September 20th, 2015
Well, it's the end of another wonderful convention again already. I've got good news and bad news.
First the GOOD news. I've sold ALL my horses!! Now the bad news. I've lost most of my voice. I can
barely speak above a whisper. But other than that I feel fine. More than anything I'm just darned good
and tired and what I really want to do more than anything else right now is just go back to sleep.
But I feel like I really should call my shuttle bus service for confirmation on tomorrow's journey.
Ahh, now I have peace of mind knowing that it's official. My shuttle will pick me up at 7:30.
It was very damp and foggy when I woke up this morning but it appears to have sunnied up now.
I will probably set out at around 2:30-3:00 to browse the local shops, have dinner somewhere and go
for one or two last rides on PTC #50.
Right now all I want to do is sleep. God knows how much I need it.
6:20 pm
This has been a wonderful, practically perfect day from start to finish.
After the closing meeting I went back to my room and slept for several hours. I was just drifting off
when Bette Jacques phoned to let me know she was bringing me a T-shirt to embroider for her. She'd
like one of my Primer Whites horses, as she's seen them in my Facebook.
I swear I slept better during my nap today than I have all week. Probably because I knew I didn't have
to be anywhere specific at any given time. It was around 12:30 when I woke up. I made myself a cup
of coffee and pigged out on a few snacks, including Cheez-It Scrabble tiles. I had already eaten a few
before I realized I could also have some fun playing with the letters!

I relaxed and worked on some of my embroidery until almost 2:00. Time went slowly today but in a
good way. I felt peaceful and relaxed.
Shortly before 2:00 I left the building and went outside just as the cruise ship was leaving with the rest
of my homies. If I'd been a few minutes earlier I could have joined them but I think today was meant
for some quality alone time. I took video footage of the boat as it went away and we all waved to each
other. say hello to the dolphins for me! I called out.

Then I headed over to the carousel and had tow or three more rides. I had the carousel almost entirely
to myself with the exception of a cute little girl who must have been about 5 or 6 years old. She was
well-behaved and polite and said Thank you when I held the gate open for her.
The town was very peaceful and quiet. Hardly anyone was around. I made my way to a wonderful
gallery where local artists had many amazing things for sale. I bought Janette a hand-crocheted purse
shaped like a ladybug. It was around $50 but I KNEW I just HAD to get it for her. I also bought my
hubby a lighthouse magnet made by a local photographer and bought myself an elaborate patchpocket to add to my collection of patches. I love the way this town supports its local artists and I've had
a great time chatting with the local merchants.
Even the ice cream store was full of colourful art. I didn't take any pictures there because I didn't want
to violate any copyrights, but I've saved so many pamphlets and business cards.
I'd heard so much about this ice cream place I knew I HAD to try it sometime before I go home. I
looked for flavours we don't usually see in Canada and had coffee and pumpkin. They were so good
together, served in a waffle bowl that was made fresh right on the spot. I tried to savor my ice cream
and eat it as slowly as possible.
Then I made my way to another local art shop and took a picture of my doll on a carousel horse
outside. I had to be fast because it was getting quite windy and I didn't want her to fall off.

The two ladies who ran the shop, Diane and Fletch, were super nice and I spent nearly the next hour
or so hanging out and chatting with them. I really feel like I made some new friends. They were such
kindred spirits. When Fletch isn't working at the store, she is a teacher who works with kids who are on
the autism spectrum. She understood all about Asperger's Syndrome and knew that I had it before I
even told her. She also has Poly cystic Ovarian Syndrome and thinks I may have it too as the subject
of my surgery came up. That's what Whitney from My Big Fat Fabulous Life has.
They are interested in selling some of my carousel horses in their store and we will definitely be
keeping in touch.
I think the reason I keep losing my voice is because I've been talking so much these days!

We chatted until it was time to close the store and we enjoyed Popsicles. I think Janette would have
enjoyed meeting these wonderful women too.
When I left the store, I went to the pub a few doors down to have my supper. There weren't many
people there but the TV or radio were awfully loud so I had to put my earplugs in. I could only find one
so I stuffed my other ear with the corner of a napkin. I enjoyed a Margarita and pasta with clams and
shrimp with garlic bread.
On my way back to the hotel I enjoyed one more ride on the carousel. This time I was the only one
riding.
I moseyed on back to the ranch and arranged for a wake-up call at 5:30 tomorrow morning.
But when I arrived back at my room my key card wouldn't work. This ALWAYS happens when I stay at
ANY given hotel. So I had to go all the way back down to the front desk to rectify the situation.
By the time I finally did get back to my room did I ever have to pee badly!!!
The weather has been quite nice today. There's been a pleasant breeze. It hasn't been as cloyingly
hot as the rest of this week. I am thankful that most of the carousels we've visited have been in airconditioned buildings.
It has been a perfect trip aside from the Oyster Alley fiasco and my meltdown the other night. I have
not gotten sic (touch wood), I have not fallen off any of my carousel horses and I never had to ask for
any seat belt extensions on any of the planes I rode in.
I pray that everything runs smopothly tomorrow without any drama.
Has this been one of the BEST CONVENTIONS EVER or what?
Monday, September 22nd
Ugh, what a horrible night. I've hardly had ANY sleep. I am having one of the WORST HEADACHES
EVER!! At one point I even had to phone the front desk to ask for extra blankets because I was
BLOODY FREEZING!! The last time I had a persistent headache of this magnitude it preceded my
manic episode. I hope this isn't happening to me again. I've had so many wonderful times on this trip
and so many exciting things have happened but I've also had the usual drama. There's no escape
from it. SOMETHING ALWAYS has to happen. And I've often been vulnerable during the journey
home. Airports are a powder keg for drama when I'm not feeling great to begin with. Especially when
there are screaming kids everywhere.
I hope my suitcase won't be too heavy. If it is, at least my art stuff is in a bag I can easily take out and
carry.
I think I'm going to look for something for breakfast.
8:05 am So far, so good. Everything has been running smoothly. My shuttle was actually half an hour
early and I was already ready to go. I am happy that on my bill they did NOT charge me for that
dreadful fiasco meal at Oyster Alley on my first night.
The airport was relatively quiet. Well, about as quiet as it can be with two babies on the premises. I
still haven't heard a peep from the second one, but the first one gave a few shrill bleats and I hope and
pray that I'm not seated near either of them.

Breezed through security. My suitcase was only one pound over the limit but they let it go anyway
which makes me a happy camper. Other places in the past have been so petty about this kind of thing.
Here they only wanted $18 for my luggage. I gave them a $20 and told them to keep the change. I
didn't have exact change at the moment and I'm not worried about only $2. It costs just over $26 to
check in my luggage back in Toronto.
Tuesday September 24th 2:45 Am
Apparently the neurotypical definition of not close to any babies is only about 3 or 4 rows away. I
probably would have had a meltdown if they weren't able to move me on that first plane. It wasn't just
the baby, it was my headache. I was in so much pain. My headache was back with a vengeance and I
was crying too!! The stewardess found me another seat further forward with nobody next to me and
gave me a blanket and an aspirin. The blanket was kind of flimsy and didn't do me much good until I
draped it over my shoulders like a shawl. At least my headache went away eventually and I had a
glass of tomato juice. I was in one of those annoying don't-want-this-don't-want-that moods when it
came to trying to figure out what kind of music to listen to. At first I had it on shuffle and of course
Insomnia from the 90's dance mix came up in rotation. I don't know whether I like that song or hate it.
I like it because it has a colourful beat that reminds me of the revolving tunnel at Niagara's Ripley's
museum, but I hate it because it reminds me of having insomnia which I did the night before AND
because I heard it several times on the plane coming home from New York last year when I had my
90's dance music on tho drown out the horrilbe little beast sitting two seats in front of me and Janette.
I eventually settled on ABBA's greatest hits. The rest of the flight went fast.
When I arrived in Chicago, I only had an hour to catch my connecting flight. It was a long walk to the
shuttle bus that took me to the Air Canada terminal. I was very hungry and once over there I bought
myself some cheddar-stuffed pretzel nuggets. They were delicious but I couldn't really enjoy them as
much knowing I had to hurry.
As I got on the plane I gave a groan. I'm supposed to have an AISLE seat! I asked the man sitting
next to me if he minded trading so he shifted over to the window seat. He'd already started to watch
the movie so I had to fiddle around with the touch screen.
Once I settled into my seat I selected Pitch Perfect from the touch screen menu. I thought it would be
Pitch Perfect 2 but it wasn't. I already have the DVD at home. Still, it made the time go fast.
Once off the plane I basically breezed through customs and it didn't take long for my suitcase to arrive.
There were no crying babies but it was making me a bit irritable that parents coming from Orlando
kept cutting me off with their strollers and not giving me the right of way.
I started losing even more spoons when it came to the old song-and-dance of trying to find the damn
shuttle bus! There are all these stupid arrows pointing everywhere EXCEPT the RIGHT direction,
leading me round and round in circles. I swear, Pearson International is DESIGNED TO CAUSE
MELTDOWNS!!
When I was finally on the shuttle bus the traffic was the worst I'd ever seen and it wasn't even rush
hour yet!
When the driver finally brought me to my house I couldn't get my seat belt undone. I couldn't find the
buckle. Well, don't yell at me. he said. That's when the dam burst and I REALLY started crying! It
was so embarrassing. I was just way too tired to hold back the tears anymore.
I'm thankful that the driver helped me carry my suitcase up the stairs into the house. There was just
NO WAY I could have lifted it on my own.

Pretty much the first thing I did when I got home was sleep for several hours.
The headache came back later though.
I think it was because my KISS nightshirt was basically SATURATED in that aromatherapy crap. That's
where these headaches have been coming from! These products were good at first but too much is
counter-productive.
There were several messages on our voice-mail; two from Dave, one from Kerry's Place and one from
Dave's aunt. The less said about her message, the better. She sounded POSESSED!!
Why does everything always try to do me in when I'm making the transition from Carousel Paradise
back into the Default World?
8:15 pm I finally feel like a normal human being again. A walk in the fresh air did me a world of good. I
knew I had to get my prescription. Dave also wanted me to pick up a jar of peanut butter. Sorry I could
not find Kraft. Skippy was all they had. But I was happy to find cases of Ensure on sale for only $8.99.
I figured I needed my formula because my stomach's been kind of persnickety since I've been home.
I've been so spoiled by all the wonderful food I ate while I was away and nothing we have around the
house has really appealed to me. What I needed was liquid nutrition to flow into these nooks and
crannies in order to boost my energy back up to what it should be and it really helped.
And I found it kind of amusing that the first two people I passed on the street had compliments for me.
The first girl liked my KISS T-shirt and the second one liked my purple hair.
Tomorrow I'm looking forward to cashing in my American money and buying that scrapbook I've been
waiting for for so long! I can hardly wait to make collages with all these pamphlets and brochures I've
picked up on this trip!
Got the dishes done at last. Cleaning the bathroom will have to wait. I still haven't done anything about
my suitcase. The fan is making the pinwheel spin that Janette bought me when we were in New York
last year.
I can hardly wait to go to The Livingroom tomorrow and tell everyone about all these wonderful
adventures! This feels like the start of another new and exciting chapter in my life!
Links:
In case you're wondering what all this talk means about losing spoons:
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/
The Livingroom Community Art Studio
http://livingroomcommunityartstudio.org/