Meeting of a North American Chapter

[phalarope]

I forgot in the hilrity of the moment ( it was at dinner) but I'll try to make him show it in public for a photo op today

[Molokov]

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This is what Pat uploaded to his Facebook timeline.

[phalarope]

That's it - one Trojan Duck

[Whos Wee Dug]

I wonder if there are any Feegle's hiding in the box.

[phalarope]

Wow - what an incredible weekend! Thanks to everyone who made it happen. Paul for the instigation on the road trip after Sasquan and quizmaster extraordinaire; Steve for arranging the venue, the mugs, and the Thauthage Thupper (shout out to Hog's Galore), and general organizing of everything Pennsylvanian; Pat for stories and games; Fred for games; Susanne for arranging impromptu munchies; Laura for good sportsmanship, dramatic reading, and having a good time as a Discworld gathering virgin; Lizzy, William, Johnathan, and Lizzy's mum for putting up with it all through William's high school graduation (CONGRATULATIONS WILLIAM!!!); Nonny for Herculean effort and being there; Richard and Amy for swag, delicious rumor (when shall we several meet again??) and rum; Cherie and Patty for ribbons; Gary for excellent conversation; Jan for letting us have Pat and bringing chocolate;* and most especially Stephen and Rob for the video welcome and Rob for the surprise gift of 2 Memorial Folios for raffle prizes. We raised $180 for RICE in Terry's honor.

Most of us have gone back to Roundworld lives by now, although I'm still in the hotel at 0630, facing a 4-hour drive home. I don't wanna wanna wanna leave!

Pictures will be forthcoming.


*note the use of the Oxford semicolon.

[phazedout]

poor pictures, always coming forth, never in the Medals

[chrisboote]

I'm so sorry I couldn't be there, but I hope you had a lovely time

[phalarope]

There is a consolation prize in the Harkin luggage for you, Chris. You were missed, but not forgotten.

[Catch-up]

I got back late afternoon on Monday and miss every single one of you! What a fantastic weekend. I have to echo all the thanks Carol gave above. It was a gathering that exceeded all expectations!

[phalarope]

I want to hear stories!!!

We played Cthulhu Fluxx and my Evil Powers (tm) were unleashed!!!!

However, when we played Exploding Kittens I died first the first several times I played so I was known as the redshirt.

[phalarope]

I want to hear stories!!!

We played Cthulhu Fluxx and my Evil Powers (tm) were unleashed!!!!

They were!!! Tentacles came out of her mouth and everything!

I volunteered to take a quiz forfeit for Laura, a newbie, and Hansolobiker gave me a Discworld parody of Chattenooga Choo-choo to sing. I decided that it would be more painful for my audience than me, so fired off in full voice. Thank Om no one thought to take video.

Chattenooga Choo-chooCopy.jpg

I had revenge later when I required him to recite the Gettysburg Address (the speech, not the location).

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There was a Ceremonial Watching of the Wilkins With Cameo by Briggs.

Excellent comestibles were comested including a Thupper Conthithting of Thauthages provided by Cafe Offler,

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and imbulation occurred, including a dark 'n stormy by yours truly, of which I believe there is no photodocumentation, so I have plausible deniability going forwards.

There was also A LOT of ice cream...

[phalarope]

Speaking of ice cream, Penn State has its own creamery on campus. Lots of flavors (flavours), but you can get only one at a time. That's right folks, no double with a scoop of choc and a scoop of strawberry. And no explanation. Several flavors were a bit of a mystery. What is Alumni Swirl, you may ask. I think its the remains of alumni fed through a woodchipper and blended with vanilla ice cream, but that's just me. Several of us got shakes. Pat was somewhat perturbed by the warning label on the lid of his cup.

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Paul asked for a cone for his single dip strawberry. He and Susanne practice their levitation skills on the inverted cone as astonished patrons look on in the background!

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And our final group gathering on Sunday afternoon for a sweet treat before parting.

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[phalarope]

Some people had never heard the story of the Trojan Duck, so at dinner Friday night Pat told it again, for perhaps the umpteenth and twelfth time (it never grows old, though; it only grows....). At the conclusion, I presented Pat with a Trojan Duck American-style, to demonstrate just exactly where the TSA mind goes when confronted with the concept of "Trojan". A best-seller in the USA, Trojans are proud of their new role in the prevention of unwanted ducklings. Persons of a nervous or sensitive disposition may wish to avoid viewing the image...

[Reveal] Spoiler: Click here to reveal all. Come on; you know you want to...

Trojan Duck 2016 NWDWW.jpg

[phalarope]

C'mon y'all. Other people besides me must have stories. I could tell you about the long trip back to the hotel with Pat with many many many u-turns, but I'll spare you. (Sings: To everything, turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn. Toftrees must be around here someplace. etc. etc.)

[Pat]

OK, total SNAFU on my part - if you won a memorial book in the auction please let me have your address again so that Things May Be Posted.

Pat