Dress Blues and White Terror

Friday we headed down for another flash visit to CT, through the still icy Berkshires, where too many trees groaned, bent over and coated with a thick layer of it -- many cracked under the pressure (somehow making me think of this first week of classes). Our first order of business: the Punk Rock Jukebox and a drink with Marko at the Post Office pub. I had a tasty Winterfest. Then we were off to New London for Faye's retirement do at the Academy.

Wow. If you're going to retire, do it in style! Not only was there the Coast Guard Band, but there was also the Cadet Chorale, the International Ballroom Dance club and The Mystic Seaport Chanteymen, who were a great favorite with the crowd. But the best thing of course were all the heartfelt accolades for all the work Faye does, including working with the Honors Society as well as with the English department and writing program. As their newly minted Truman scholar said, she gave a haven to the nerds. Her colleagues spoke enthusiastically about her polymath abilities and unflagging energy, repeating the request, "Don't go!" The admiral surprised her by having investigated her Live Journal writings (ayiii!) but the biggest surprise came when Captain Anne revealed that a new award would be given in Faye's name to the outstanding freshman writing student beginning in the fall. How wonderful to have such an impact that they cannot let go of you. Wonderful!

We stuffed ourselves at the reception and ran into people we were surprised to see, because Faye knows everyone. It was fun to hear how others knew Faye, too; it was an unexpected pleasure to run into Wally Lamb and ask how he knew Faye, only to find out that they went to high school together. We ran into a whole bunch of UConn people we hadn't know before (and some we had: hi, Amy!).

A quiet night at Miss Wendy's, watching a couple of episodes of xxHolic, but I was fading fast. Got up nice and rested, though, and had lox and bagels for breakfast (thank you, Miss Wendy!), watched a Hellboy animated, then headed out to Elena's for her book launch.

Elena was disappointed because there was a bad storm predicted, so many folks from afar had to cancel, but she made up for it by stuffing the rest of us so full of food that we could hardly move, except to pet Bodie and Shaq as they begged beside the table. Nonetheless, Johnny 10X decided to get adventurous and toboggan down the icy slope on the golf course. Gladys decided to join him and the daredevilry was on. Perilous Cheryl got into the act as well and finally the QoE had to take a turn (after a little encouragement). Wild times!

While the others had to hit the road once the snow started flying, we were spending the night and enjoyed more food (ha ha ha! there's always more food at Elena's!) and watched the NZ horror film Black Sheep, which was a hoot. Elena and I ended up staying up until almost three which made it tempting to sleep in Sunday, but we did have to head back so I could be ready to teach on Monday. All good things come to an end, but at least the snow had too, and the roads weren't too bad.

Thanks to our hostesses, Wendy and Elena, and for all the rest making it a terrific weekend.