Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 01:15:52 -0500 From: Quinn Subject: [FORKNI-L] Weekend With Ger V The GWDFC would like to thank all attendees of and donors to the Gerthering 5 for their incredible contributions to Children's Hospital Foundation. This year's auction was the best ever ---- and the fastest!!! Ger lived up to his "ferret on double espresso" description as his antics sent bids soaring. The two and one-half hour auction raised somewhere in the neighborhood of (are you sitting down?) $43,000 USD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Final accounting is not complete and a correct figure will be posted on the club website at a later time. Ger, with bleached blond hair, surprised the 85 WWG attendees at the Friday night party and joined in carnival games, fun and good spirits. Bleached bonde hair????? Yup! Go to http://www.gwdfc.org/wwg/wwg5.html for a sneak peek at his Robocop look. More pictures and reports will follow when the euphoria wears off . Quinn GWDFC officer quinn@gwdfc.org ocaoin@earthlink.net GWD Fan Club page--> http://www.gwdfc.org/ , http://www.gwdfc.com/ -------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 16:57:33 EST From: Susankenn@AOL.COM Subject: [FORKNI-L] Ger report part 1 Hi All I am back from GV and I had a great time. I have been to G2, G4 and G5. I have to say this one was great. I can't stay if it was better than the others but I had a blast at each one. Ger showed up Fri night which was nice. He came around to all the tables to say hi. I asked him to pose with the caddy keychain I got at LCA2 and he asked how everyone was (ie Nigel and Jon). I told him Kathryn Long really grew up and I showed him her picture from my LCA album. He grabbed the album and looked at the entire thing making comments about all the people there. Anyway, he played a few of the carnival games set up (we all had a blast with those) and he left. I had a great time Fri getting to see everyone again. I knew more than half the folks either from G4, Tucson or the play in NS. It was great fun. Everyone seemed to mash together. Susan Garrett bought puzzles for us all to put together (3 of them) and everyone was given 3 pieces. Sat we got up early since the club sales were to start at 8. I bought bunches of neat pictures and stuff and we had the club meeting at 9:30 and Ger showed up at 10:15. The Q&A lasted until 12:00 and we broke for lunch. I have to say there was a lot less tension Sat morning than G4 since we all knew that Ger was here and he would be starting around 10. That gave Sat a much more relaxed atmosphere than G4. Some highlights of the Q&A I can remember: Ger is doing 3 out of the 4 of the Robocops. He is in film 2 , 3 and 4. He will be more in 3 and 4. He mentioned that he would be given an opportunity to direct a film for the producers of the robocop series. He wants to do the Dylan Thomas play again but video tape it. He does not know what venue. He wants to do another play in NS to help out the theater but nothing is definite. He has not yet turned down the offer on Tucson. He is trying to see if he can make it on the dates required. His final decision must come in the next month. He is in development of a series which he described as a cross between Law and Order and Northern Exposure. He would star. He is doing a movie on the blacklisted 10 in Spain in Feb. The movie stars Jeff Goldblum and he plays the part of the writer. He mentioned that his hair would be dark. That is all at this time. I will report on the autograph session, the auction and Sunday in part 2 this evening. Regards from a very happy attendee Susankenn@aol.com -------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 21:26:29 EST From: Susankenn@AOL.COM Subject: [FORKNI-L] G5 part 2 (long) Hi Again The autograph session started at 2:00 PM. Ger and George got stuck in so much traffic from a football game being held in San Antonio that they didn't get to go downtown. I don't even know if they had a chance to eat. I was number 69 (and yes I had a lot of laughs with that number) so I had a long wait for my turn. Ger took his time with everyone. The set up was slightly different this year with the autograph table in the corner affording everyone more privacy. It was 6:15 by the time I went. I still felt that Ger gave me my time even thought by this time he was exhausted. Ger stopped signing with number 75 but he had signed autographs for over 4.5 hours. The remaining folks he would due on Sunday. During the 4 hours wait, most of us talked , got to know one another, or renew old acquaintances. The auction items were on the table to review and raffles were being sold. Around 6:30 we all went to dinner and we would start the auction at 8:00. The auction started around 8:15. Ger had changed into running shoes so he could bounce around. He bounced believe me. This room was so much better than last year (we had a big pole in front last year). This time around he can walk up and down. He started very quickly with the jokes and got the crowd going. I think the first 1000 plus item was the 3rd or 4th item sold. We all got blown away when a fan made jacket, towel set and quilt went for 14,000. Yes you saw correctly. Ger threw in a picture cube that he would leave a 10 second message and a Xmas ball. By the time that auction item had been purchased we had already surpassed last years entire auction. Towards the end Ger started making packages up combining various items. I ending up bidding on a FK props package that I went way over my budget on. You just can't stop when he looks at you waiting for your bid. Finally, Carol behind me offered to split some stuff we me and between the two of us we won the stuff. I got the kiss so that made it worth even more(g). I ended up with Schankes plane ticket, NIck's business card and the raven emblem from the bottle of blood from NIQ. I also won the raffle again this year. God, the Gertherings are very lucky for me. I came away with a beautiful needle point of Ger. (I also won a door prize go figure) All I can say is that the video will defiantly be coming with an adult warning. The auction ending around 11:45. Ger stayed to sign the stain glass items which required special tools. We all left around 12:00 and some of us got together afterwards. I think I ended up going to bed around 3 am. Breakfast started at 8:30 and Ger came in around 9. He had to leave by 11 to catch a plane so time was limited. This time he could not go around to the tables. The club officers presented Ger with his gift, we had thank you speeches and then Ger signed the remaining attendees items. Then those of us who had bought auction items got them signed (got another kiss then and I got to say good-bye making the purchase of the items well worth it). Of course at the end Nancy K offered Ger 200 for his belt. Nope, someone went for 1000. Ger gave his belt and ran off to his room for a second. He came back and gave Nancy his watch (the one he wore on his belt at g4 and NS) for the 200. She was so touched. He felt bad that she didn't get the belt. BTW, Nancy K is one of the individuals who put together the Taste of Forever zine being sold for charity. (I highly recommend it). Speaking of the Zine, Ger took a copy Friday night and skimmed through it. Ger's CD will be ready by the end of December or so. We were treated to a preview and it sounded great. Rose took 131 preorders at the breakfast. Ger left promptly at 11. Marg (the wonderful Toronto tour guide) took on the responsibility of organizing a San Antonio tour. (touring must be in her blood) Those of us who wanted to go met back at the room at 12:00. We ended up with 14 people and 3 cars. We went to the Alamo and the River Walk. We took a boat and we had drinks at one of the lovely restaurants on the river. We all had a blast. Marg was so kind to drive me and Adina back to the airport where we hung out together before our flights. When I got to my gate, I met Susan Garrett who I had found out earlier was on the first leg of my flight. We managed to change seats so we were able to sit together. A fitting end to a wonderful time. In finishing I just wanted to say that all of this could not have been possible without the hard work by the club officers. Rose, George, Quinn, Allie, Sally and Heidi. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart. The event was well organized and a great time for all. Finally, of course this event could not have taken place without Ger. Just looking at Sat alone he was with us from 10am to 12am with a few short breaks for eating. WOW. Sorry if any of this report is not up to par. I got home at 3am Monday morning and I haven't quite bounced back yet. Sue susankenn@aol.com -------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 20:14:06 -0600 From: CLone Star Software Subject: Re: [FORKNI-L] Gerthering 5 Ger said that originally, they were planning to color his hair BLACK and put in extensions, sort of a Vachon like look. He decided that he really didn't want to go several months looking like that and so the director changed the look to very blonde and spiked. When you think about that, the ultra blonde look is a lot easier to take! I'm going to get a web page with pics up sometime this week, but I had to go to work today and I'm still worn out from the weekend. I'll drop a note as soon as I get the site up. Marci C. -------------------------------------- From: "Nancy Kaminski" Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 00:20:04 -0600 Subject: [foreverknick] Re: [NNPack] G5 part 2 (long) From: "Nancy Kaminski" > From: Susankenn@aol.com > Of course at the end Nancy K offered Ger 200 for his belt. Nope, someone went > for 1000. Ger gave his belt and ran off to his room for a second. He came > back and gave Nancy his watch (the one he wore on his belt at g4 and NS) for > the 200. She was so touched. He felt bad that she didn't get the belt. BTW, > Nancy K is one of the individuals who put together the Taste of Forever zine > being sold for charity. (I highly recommend it). Speaking of the Zine, Ger > took a copy Friday night and skimmed through it. Thanks, Susan, for the lovely comments about the zine! A word of explanation re: The Belt (Jr.) I attended G4, and asked Ger if there was any particular significance to his wearing the same (very handsome) belt in FK, BH, and in Real Life. He said "To keep my pants up!" but then went on to explain that wardrobe gave him 3 identical belts at the beginning of FK and he just kept wearing them. At the end of G4 someone offered him a large sum of money (over $1000, if I recall) for it, and he removed it and handed it to her! SO---I noticed he was wearing The Belt (Jr.) this year. I had to try. I had a limited budget, and although I bid a number of times on items they quickly went out of my reach (good for the charity, bad for Nancy! ). After Ger was all done autographing on Sunday, I got up my courage, held out 4 fifty dollar bills (my budget) and said, "I'd like to bid on an after-auction item---$200 for your belt!" Ger looked a little suprised, but then he said, "You know we have to put it out to the group," and proceeded to announce that I had bid $200 on the belt, and were there any other bids. I pleaded shamelessly for people not to bid, but they did, and I was out of the running. Oh, well (although I exclaimed "Oh, sh*t!" before I could stop my mouth ) and thought, well, that's the end of that. I sat down to enjoy the rest of the morning, sans belt. I thought Ger had gone to his room to get another belt (or as he said, "Anybody got a safety pin?") and was absolutely floored when he came up to me, held out the fob watch his son Galen had given him (Ger doesn't wear a watch on his wrist---this attaches to his belt), and asked me if I would accept it for my $200. He said I shouldn't go away disappointed---he had gone to his room to rummage through his belongings for something suitable to give me! Needless to say I accepted, and quickly handed my money to Rosemary and gave Ger a hug and kiss. Is this a nice man, or what?!?!? I am still flabbergasted he would go to such trouble to send me away happy. The watch is in my pocket even as I type this, and I found myself taking it out and looking at it on the plane, all the way back to Minneapolis. It was a wonderful weekend. I had a great time. I even like the platinum blond hair! Thanks to all who made the weekend fun, thanks and "Hi" to all the participants who played so nicely together, and thanks most of all to that generous, sweet guy--Ger. *snap* (opening cover of watch) Hey, it's 12:19 a.m.! Nancy Kaminski -------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 02:01:22 -0500 From: cgi271@airmail.net (Cindy Ingram) Subject: [NNPack] More G5 From: cgi271@airmail.net (Cindy Ingram) Hi, all I'm back from G5 in San Antonio, and it was absolutely fabulous! Except for one ... um ... notable change , Ger was his usual charming, gracious, funny self. (Actually, it didn't take me long to get used to the new hair color. I really like it!) As others have no doubt mentioned by now, Ger's arrival at the Friday night reception was something of a surprise. I don't think most of us were expecting to see him until Saturday. He circulated around the room saying hello to everyone, and we (Kathy Whelton, Nancy Kaminski and myself) got to present the proceeds from our charity fanzine, Taste of Forever, to Ger and the GWDFC -- a check for $2,000. (The final amount will actually be a bit more, though, since we're still waiting to see exactly where it winds up, and the proceeds are going to Children's Hospital Foundation.) Ger even took the zine to his room so he could skim through it and said some very nice things about it the next day. (Of course, he'd say nice things, regardless. He's a sweetheart. ) But needless to say, we were pretty tickled. As Susan Honig mentioned in her G5 report, my co-editor in crime Nancy Kaminski came away from G5 with a special remembrance -- Ger's watch fob. Nancy's already posted the details, but to recap: When she offered him $200 for his belt Sunday morning, her offer was topped with a bid of $1,000. But he didn't want her to go away disappointed, so he ran to his room and dug through the contents of his luggage trying to find something she might like. Silly man ... what *wouldn't* she like, as long as it came from him? So, for $200, she went home with his watch. Like I said before ... a real sweetheart! And, as one of her roomies, I can attest that Nancy was walking on Cloud 9 for the rest of the day ... and then some. For that matter, so were the rest of us who attended G5. As an added bonus, the weather was gorgeous all weekend, and I finally got the chance to have my copy of "Intimations of Mortality" autographed by a very gracious Susan Garrett. Whoo-hoo! Also got to spend time with a lot of terrific people (waves to all) and stayed over an extra day for sightseeing on Sunday afternoon and night, including a stop at the Alamo and tons of fun with our little ... er, big ... touring group, headed up by Marg Yamanaka. Tell me, is there any city she *can't* find her way around?! The Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio was incredibly beautiful -- picturesque setting, shops and restaurants, all lit up at night with Christmas lights. Quite a change from the last time I saw it back in 1976. The river cruises we took (both day and night) were great fun. Our contingent commandeered half the barge. And instead of strolling Christmas carolers, San Antonio has "floating" Christmas carolers singing their hearts out on passing barges. But, of course, the big highlight of the weekend was the man himself. The Riverwalk, as great as it was, pales in comparison. We owe many, many thanks to Rosemary, George, Quinn, Allie, Sally and Heidi ... and Ger, especially ... for a fun and memorable weekend. Speaking of thanks, on behalf of Kathy, Nancy and myself, I'd like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all those who bought copies of our zine and helped raise money for such a worthy cause. We're absolutely blown over by the wonderful response and the extreme generosity of the FK fans. By the way, if there's anyone left out there who would still like a copy, the zine is currently sold out ... but we *can* print more. We'll only be filling specific orders, however -- no extras. So if you want one, be sure to let us know ASAP. For information, just check out the zine site at: http://people.mn.mediaone.net/nancykam/zine.html In the meantime, I've already got my fingers crossed that Ger's schedule will allow a G6 to happen and that I'll be there when it does. Greedy? Who, me? Nah! Still euphoric over G5, Cindy Ingram -------------------------------------- From: "Nancy E. Kaminski" Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 09:22:37 -0600 Subject: Re: [NNPack] G5 part 2 (long) From: "Nancy E. Kaminski" From: DanaKnight@aol.com > This is soooooooo sweet!!!!! Especially since his son gave it to him, and we > know how much he loves his family. > > I missed this whole thing, and wish I'd seen it. What does the watch look > like? It is a pocket watch in a leather case which can be threaded on a belt. It has a snap at the top near where it attaches to the belt---unsnap it and it flops down. The watch itself is in the part that flops down, and it is oriented so that when you look down you can read the time (in other words, it's upside down if you hold it and open the case). The case is brown leather and well-worn. Ger signed "Love, Geraint" on the back of it. The watch itself has a cream-colored face and black numerals. I remember at G4 he told us that Galen gave it to him because Ger doesn't like to wear a wristwatch (considering how he talks with his hands, I can imagine watch after watch getting smashed into things ). It was probably bought at the Discovery Store, since it has "Discovery Channel" printed on the face where you usually see the maker's name. It is extremely kewl, especially since I've always wanted a fob watch (I've been looking at them in catalogs, but just never ordered one). This is, of course, much niftier than anything the Sundance catalog can offer! I saw Ger when he was putting his suitcase in the car to go to the airport, and I thanked him again and said I hoped Galen didn't mind he gave the watch away. He laughed and said it was okay, because he was never on time for anything anyway. Nancy Kaminski -------------------------------------- From: "Adina Montgomery" Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 07:42:58 -0800 Subject: [foreverknick] G5 From: "Adina Montgomery" I can't possibly express how happy I was at the moment for you, Nancy. Words also fail me for the admiration I have for Ger in his kindness towards you, even at the expense of sacrificing a personal 'momento.' He's truly a Prince among Men. Others will recount in better detail some of the other events of the weekend. I'd just like to share MY most special memory. As many of you know who were there, I had donated several items to the auction which I had made. Towards the end of the auction, one of my items, an "Artichoke Pie Plate" which Ger nick-named a 'ceramic sculpture' was coming up for bid. As he was taking it from the table of remaining items , he turned to me and said: "Adina....this is REALLY beautiful". THUD!! THUD!! THUD!! Please scrape me off the floor now!! I'm still speechless at this compliment, which came from someone whom I consider to be an absolutely brilliant artist. I cannot begin to tell you all what it meant to me to hear him say that. (Good thing he liked it!....I gave HIM one as well! WHEW!! ) Special thanks to Karen Tobin for her winning bid on my 'ceramic sculpture.' {{{{HUGS KAREN}}}} Many thanks also to those other people who had the winning bids on the other items I donated. It was my pleasure to make them and I hope all of you enjoy them. I greatly enjoyed the little trip our group took after G5 to the Alamo and the Riverwalk. The riverboat ride on the "Ger Gang Love Boat" was a hoot! What a fun group to be with!! Thanks and a big Texas "HOWDY!" to all those who were there. It was the perfect addition to an already glorious weekend! Adina R. Montgomery "Metaphors......Be With You" -------------------------------------- From: EnidKnight@aol.com Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 15:55:18 EST Subject: [foreverknick] Enid Remembers G5 (1/2) Greetings all, Well, after some MUCH needed R&R after my flight from San Antonio, I am finally getting around sharing my experience at my first "Gerthering." One of the managers at my job told me I looked as if I were walking on air....LOL! On Friday morning I met up with Sue Honig (Waves Hello) at the airport, we spent the whole flight about talking FK, BH and Ger. I think the man next to us was highly annoyed. We arrived in San Antonio in the afternoon, and met up with Swan and Kalira (blows kisses). Swan's hubby was wonderful enough to drive all of us to the hotel. At the Friday night party I really did not expect Ger to show up. If anything, I was trying to prepare myself to meet him for the first time during the next day (Sat). We were having all having a great time, playing games, and chatting up with our buds. I had just sat down at my table, with my back to the outside entrance when I heard a collective gasp from my fellow fans. I turn around and there he was...with bleached blond hair! I think my jaw dropped about 2 seconds after everyone else's. (I'm kinda slow like that, lol) I was floored, I never believed my friends who said that Ger is much better looking in person, but you know what...HE REALLY IS! He quickly made the rounds, going from table to table greeting everyone. I can admit, I was extremely nervous as he got closer. As he walked by me, I stood up (with shaky knees) and held out my hand. He greeted me warmly and agreed to take a pic with me. He was incredibly charming and sincerely happy to see all of us. Afterward, he played some of the carnival games, throwing a bean bag at a picture of himself. It was too funny! A few minutes after he bid us all good night my roommate and I decided to hit the sack. Needless to say, it took me a long while to actually fall asleep. I will try to have a web site up with my pics my the end of the week. Look for Sat day/night and Sunday morning in my next post. Enid Rodriguez (Enforcers/Nick's Harem/Dark Knighties/GWDFC/G5 Attendee) EnidKnight@aol.com, LadyEnid@hotmail.com, ICQ# 32735791 "Four beers, a little James Brown and you can't keep me off the tables." -------------------------------------- From: EnidKnight@aol.com Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 09:12:46 EST Subject: [foreverknick] Enid Remembers G5 (2/2) Hello again, Enid here... Saturday Morning: After a quickie breakfast, We all went to the main room where all of the weekend's function (like the Q&A and Auction) were being held. After I spent way over my limit FK, BH and Ger stuff in general, I sat down with my posse. (Waves to Kali, Swan, and Maria) I was to the far left, in the 3rd row I think. But I had a great view of his royal bleachness . Ger answered a ton of questions.(How I ever got the courage to raise my hand I'll never know)He was witty,and refreshingly down to earth. My fear was non-existant after a asked my few questions. (BTW, attention all Colm Feore fans! Colm will be appearing at the Public Theater this month in NYC!) I asked Ger if he had ever done anything theater on or off-Broadway. He said no, but that he'd like to. I asked him if he had any intentions of learning Spanish (since he's going to Madrid) He told us that he really wants to try and learn some eventually. (I told him I'd teach him the cuss words) I think I asked some other questions, but I'm still to "Gerred" over to recall . Sat Afternoon: The autogrpah session... I was number 34, right after Kali. Ger greeted me with a big "Hi! How are you?" and a big hug and a smooch on my left cheek. Right away he started asking me about my theater background. I was so surprised when he knew of the school I graduated from. "Performing Arts?" he inquired with big grin, I nodded and he said "That's very cool!" After a bit more chat about the theater, New York City, Puerto Rico, and joking about how stupid some casting agents are in America, we posed for a picture. Time flies when your having fun! Sat Evening: The Auction My, my, my.......there are NO possible words to describe how insane the auction was. Talk about fun!! There was one instance when by mistake I underbid on an item, and boy did Ger let me have it Later when the item was around 600, he asked me "Enid, would you like to bid 250?" LOL, what a meanie! Well, Sunday morning went by fast, since ger had to bail before 11am. My hands hurt, I have to stop typing now. -Enid -------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 18:00:18 -0500 From: Allie Percy Subject: [bharbour] WWG5 Quickie OK, don't get too excited by the subject line, after all I'm posting this to PG-rated lists! ;-) This is just a quick note on the latest Gerthering. I just thought I'd say a few words about the charity action at the recent Weekend with Ger V in San Antonio. The auction alone brought in over $37,000 in approximately two and one-half hours. I did a quick back-of-the-envelope calculation and that works out to about $250 per minute. And that's from fewer than 90 attendees! By the time the open bid items, raffle, games, "cuss bucket," and other donations are added in, the total was over $43,000 (see the club web site at ), all to support a great cause (Children's Hospital). Amazing, isn't it???!!!! Ger seemed to really appreciate the many special items designed and donated by club members for the Weekend auction. It appeared to me (and to others I've talked to) that he paid particular attention to these homemade items and highlighted them during the auction. The attendees as well were very eager to have a chance at obtaining them. While you would expect props and wardrobe to be the biggest ticket items, in fact many of the highest bids this year were for cool things like jackets, blankets, towels, backpacks, stained glass, and many other items created and donated by the members themselves. The auction also brought in the highest single bid for any Forever Knight-related package at any charity auction to date, as far as I know. Probably the same is true for Black Harbour but I'll have to check the auction results to be sure. This was truly a magical weekend and I for one want to thank everyone who contributed to making it a success. This includes the attendees and donors!! -- Allie (allie@gwdfc.org -or- apercy@earthlink.net) GWDFC Charity Activities Team Specialist -- -------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 07 Dec 1999 19:33:07 -0600 From: CLone Star Software Subject: [NNPack] Yet another G5 report. From: CLone Star Software Nancy, permission is granted to include this at your website. Having gotten 2 full nights worth of sleep, (and very little during the weekend) I'm still floating from my second Gerthering. It was great to see friends that I talk with online or in IRC during the year and wonderful to meet and make new friends (waves to Maxie, Patty, Enid, Edna, and Jenn). I arrived in San Antonio on Friday morning, driving over from my home in Hockley, Tx. After a quick stop at the S. A. airport to pick up two dear friends (Jody and Lisa), the three of us headed to the hotel in search of our 4th roommate, Mary D. Later that afternoon, we linked up with another fellow Texan, B.J. McQueen (Duckie) and met her roommate, Patty. After checking into our rooms, we headed over to register and Jody was able to give Rosemary a "Welcome to Texas" gift bag that she'd put together for Ger. The bag was from the Texas Knight Dreamers and the N&NNuts (most of the Nuts in attendance this year were also TKD members). While waiting for it to be time to go to the Fri. evening get together (or should that be get togerther ) we hung out in the lobby, getting a chance to meet the other attendees. The Friday night party was lovely. A row of carnival type games had been set up and everyone had lots of fun trying their hand at such things as "Toss the scrunchie over the microscope", "Give Vachon a Hand", "The Duck and Lobster Pond", and a beanbag toss where you had to get the bags in holes on either side of a pic of Nick in the Caddy's trunk. There was also an 'icebreaker' game where you had to trade various colored pieces of jigsaw puzzles (pics of Ger) with others. You put your name in a pot for the color puzzle you collected and, once the puzzle was assembled a name was drawn and that person got the puzzle and an 8X10 of the original picture. When Ger arrived, I swear the temperature in that room rose a good twenty degrees. The first thing I noticed (and I think this may have been true for a number of folks) was how blonde his hair was. I have to say it was a bit of a shock, especially since his hair had been rather darkish when I saw him at G4. After a few minutes, I decided that I liked it. You could tell that he was very tired but he still took the time to go around the room to talk to people and say hello. He even tried some of the games. Rosemary gave him the Welcome gift from the TKD &NNNuts and he looked at the items and card and seemed to like them. I'll let Jody tell what was in the bag since she was the person who assembled it. When he did leave to get some rest, he definitely left a room full of VERY happy people. When the party broke up, people drifted to various rooms to chat for a while before retiring. No one wanted to be late on Sat! On Sat,. morning, we had the opportunity to buy various pics of Ger as well as other Ger related items. I got three pictures, two to have signed as gifts for friends and one, a copy of the prop picture of Nick and Nat at Nick's birthday party that Nick looks at in NinQ. When I saw it I had to have it. Not only is it a lovely pic of both Ger and C.D., but I got the call that there was a space open for G5 the night before my birthday. We were also treated to a preview of Ger's CD. It is wonderful! After a short club meeting, Ger arrived and began the Q&A. He graciously, and with typical Ger humor, answered a variety of questions until lunchtime. He'd wanted to try and take a quick run to downtown San Antonio, to see the Alamo, but due to a sporting event in the city the traffic was too heavy. After we'd all returned from lunch, the autograph session began. This is one of the highlights of any Gerthering as it gives the attendees a chance to meet one on one with Ger, get a picture taken with him and maybe even get a kiss. Ger had a sore arm, so we were asked to please not ask him to write any long inscriptions on our stuff. It was fun to watch him interact with the various attendees. Even those who were extremely nervous about meeting him came away from the experience positively floating. One of the funnier things that happened was when BJ was awaiting her turn. She had a small rubber duck for Ger to sign (Fitting since she is the author of the wonderful Don the Duck stories!) . This was her first time to meet Ger and she was a bit nervous and started squeezing that duck. The closer she got to her turn, the faster the squiffles from the duck . About 5:30 it was announced that, in order to let Ger have a chance to eat some dinner, those of us with badge numbers above 75 would get our autographs on Sunday morning. My roommates and I had gone back to our room when Jody decided that the ice chest we were using to keep cold sodas, needed to be replentished. I offered to go with her to the ice machine, which was in a stairwell, in order to help. We were in the process of filling the chest when we heard someone coming up the stairs. I looked over my shoulder and spotted some very blonde hair at about the same time Jody did. Ger was heading up to his room. He greeted us and asked, "How much ice are you getting?" I was extremely articulate and managed to say, "Lots." Jody (who had the advantage of having seen Ger two other times this year) told him we used it to keep sodas cold. He went on up stairs and we hurried back to our room to tell the others about our Close Encounter of the Ger Kind and to get ready for the auction. I'll post more tomorrow. Marci C. -------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 21:02:18 -0600 From: CLone Star Software Subject: [FORKNI-L] Yet another G5 Report (part 2/2) Nancy T. - Ditto on the permission for this part. Sat. Night. The group I was with Mary, Jody, Lisa, BJ, and Patty, managed to get seats in the second and third rows from the front for the auction. We'd had a chance, earlier in the day, to look at the various items being offered. Among the FK items were, the prop license tag from Nat's car, one each of Nick and Tracy's business cards, the 'burned' remants of Schanke's plane ticket, some Christmas ornaments (similar to the ones the Nuts bought last year), a pic of Nick and Janette signed by Deb D., stained glass hangings with Raven and Forever Knight on them, a bottle of the Raven's 'special reserve' (complete with a label stating it contained 15% pinot noir and 85% type O positive) and the prop from Curiouser & Curiouser of Nick's Police Department Psychological profile. There were also a number of lovely items inspired by Black Harbour, including an embroidered towel set, quilt and jacket, a hand made ceramic artwork in the form of a pie plate that had a recipe for artichoke pie on it, and some ceramic 'tuna' plates. Ger was in top form. He started off immediately with the one-liners and it was apparent that the items were going to bring in a LOT of money. The third item offered went for over $1000 and about 2 or 3 items later, one attendee paid $14,000.00 for the towel/jacket/quilt package. Ger tossed in her choice of 2 of the Christmas balls and a photo cube that also had a small tape recorder. He taped what ever message she wanted for that. Shortly afterwards George announced that the auction had already surpassed the total raised by last year's and the majority of items were yet to be auctioned! Ger was having trouble reading the handwriting on the C&C prop, so I got brave and offered to help out. To my joy he came over and I got to 'assist' in deciphering what it said!. At the end of the auction, with the inclusion of the contents of the cuss buckets from before the auction, over $40,000.00 had been raised for the Children's hospital. With the last item gone, Ger lingered to sign those items (the stained class and crystal) then headed off for some much needed rest. The rest of us broke into smaller groups and a number of get togethers were held in various rooms. My group finally got back to our room somewhere around 2:30 am and then we stayed up and chatted some more. Somehow we did manage to get up in time for the 8:30 am breakfast. After breakfast, Ger finished signing autographs for the approx 15 people (including me) who didn't get a chance at the Sat. afternoon session. We all got to sit with him, chat and get our pic taken. I got a big hug and kiss both when I went up for my time and before I left. I figure in maybe another week or so, I'll actually start walking on the ground instead of the air. Ger had to leave at 11:00 am in order to catch his flight, but he didn't go before he thoughtfully brought Nancy K his watch (actually he sold it to her for $200). Nancy had offered him $200 for his belt, but she was outbid. Ger saw how disappointed she was and went out of his way to make her happy. (Big wave to Nancy!) I want to say that the weekend was well planned, well run, and in short a total delight. Thanks go to Rosemary, George, Sally, Allie, Quinn, and all the other officers of the club for their hard work. I had a wonderful time seeing friends I'd met last year and making new friends this year. I think that the comraderie is one of the nice things about attending a Gerthering. Of course, seeing Ger is THE nicest. :) As soon as I get the time and the energy I'll be putting up pics. I'll post when they're available. Marci C. Marci C (aka Nightlady) Proud Survivor of Wars 8, 9, &10; G4 &G5 attendee; N&NP; NH Wife #17; MadNat; Sr Delight -DSS Convent; KHS; NA; V4S; TxKD;KB;GWDFC;NA; FoD; DarkNN; IRC Efnet # N&NNUTS 'Momma' email: cstar@airmail.net, forevrnite@usa.net Web page: http://www.crosswinds.net/~forevrnite/index.html -------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 01:02:20 -0500 From: Kathy Whelton Subject: UF: GerV Report--long Hi all, As promised, here is my report on the Gerthering. I will warn you that I stink at stuff like this, so if anyone has any comments or corrections, feel free to chime in. Nancy T, feel free to post this to your site. The welcome party Friday night was a blast. Carnival games were set up as an ice breaker, and they certainly did the trick. It's tough to try and look cool while playing "Give Vachon a Hand," or "Throw the Scrunchie on the Microscope!" Neat little prizes were given to those who managed to succeed. Much to everyone's surprise, Ger arrived on Friday evening in time for the party. He hasn't made it to the Welcome party the last couple of years and we had been told that he was filming and wouldn't arrive until Sat. He was *very* blond, his hair dyed platinum for his recurring role in the Robocop mini-series. I really liked it, and most others seemed to get used to it as the Weekend wore on. He looked great--very casual and relaxed. Nancy K, Cindy Ingram, and I got a particular thrill as we were given the opportunity to present him personally with the proceeds from our Taste of Forever fanzine. Thanks to the generosity of a lot of kind folks--and Lauren Hawes in particular--we were able to donate $2000. to the Childrens' Hospital Foundation. Later, we heard that he took a copy back to his room and read through parts of it. I knew I put my own stories at the end of the zine for a reason. Ger circulated through the room for awhile, played a few of the games and gave out plenty of hugs. His presence on Friday night really gave the whole Weekend a much more relaxed feel than the other one I attended. Saturday dawned bright and early with the sale of club merchandise at 8:00, followed by a meeting of the fan club. Ger arrived around 10:30 and did a Q&A until around 12:30. The very first question was whether he had ever visited a nudist colony! Apparently, the questioner was a member of a community, "outside of Austin." Needless to say, the term "outside of Austin" became his running joke for the rest of the Weekend. The answer, BTW, was no. He has a lot of projects in development, particularly through his own production company, Round Table Productions. He has done a CD of his own music, and we got a taste of that throughout the Weekend. He will be in 3 out of 4 of the Robocop episodes, then will be off to do a film in Spain in Feb. He has been asked to host the Tucson tennis tournament that he has played in the last couple of years, but isn't sure if he can commit the dates. We broke for lunch and Ger apparently made an attempt to get downtown to see the Alamo, but was unable to due to some football traffic. The autograph session started around 2:00. It proceeds numerically according to your Weekend selection number, with each attendee being given a chance to sit with Ger and have up to four items signed. He has an absolutely amazing ability to make each and every person feel like he's there for you and you alone during your little slice of his time. Unfortunately, I was 82 and was one of the unlucky few who were moved back until Sunday morning. Still, even then, he made sure that each of us got his time and undivided attention. We returned from dinner break around 8pm for the auction. Ger did a fabulous job at this--as always. His level of energy and enthusiasm is just amazing to watch. I have to be honest, when I saw the selection of items, I felt that there was no way the auction would be as successful as it had been in previous years. The items were virtually all fan-made, with just a few props that had been donated back after the auction at LCA. Was I in for a surprise! I don't know if it was Ger's ability as an auctioneer, or the generosity of the attendees, but the prices went quite high quite fast. The high bid for the night was $14,000!! (that would be US ) It was for a jacket made specifically for GerV, a selection of towels--black with the FK logo embroidered on it, a small quilt also made with the FK logo. Rae made a valiant attempt to obtain his beer bottle, but alas, it was in vain. I'm afraid I didn't keep track of the items, or the amounts, maybe someone who did can fill in more of the details??? The grand total for the evening wound up at something like $43,000! An amazing amount, really, especially considering the relatively small number of people present. We gathered for breakfast at around 8:30 with Ger joining us by nine. He circulated through the room, saying good-bye to people as he went, then he finished signing autographs--I was lucky enough to get my copy of the PB [Pillow Book - nat] signed. :-) After he finished signing autographs, Nancy Kaminski made a desperate bit to obtain The Belt by offering Ger $200 for it. Nancy has had a long and sordid history of Belt worship (don't ask). Unfortunately, someone else quickly jumped in and offered him $1000 for it and he felt compelled to sell it for the higher offer. Ger then excused himself for a moment. When he returned, he presented Nancy with his fob watch (for a $200 donation). He felt badly that she hadn't been able to get the belt. He's truly a sweetheart, as well as a classy guy!! The Weekend ended officially at around 10:30 with Ger needing to catch a flight. It was a great time and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to go. It was so nice to get a chance to visit with some old friends and finally put a face to some new ones. Those of us remaining for a bit after the Weekend took the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of San Antonio. Marg Yamanaka had arrived a couple of days early and had very graciously taken the time and effort to map out a trip to the Alamo and the Riverwalk. Largely through her efforts, we were able to get organized and make the most of the time we had to visit the city. The weather was beautiful--warm (at least to this New Englander) and sunny. The Riverwalk was fabulous--all decked out with lights for the holidays. Floating down the river was one of the highpoints of the trip for me, and what a kick to be able to eat outside in the month of Dec!! I headed back Monday morning and haven't yet recovered--I'm not even sure I want to. Anyway, I'm sure I've left things out, but I've written novellas that seem shorter than this, so I'm going to stop. Cheers! Kathy -------------------------------------- From: "Jody Aldred" Date: Wed, 08 Dec 1999 15:47:52 GMT Subject: Re: [foreverknick] Yet another G5 Report (Part 1) Hi All! Marci is doing such a great job with the summary of our time at G5 that I'm not going to add much here except what was in the bag the TKD and N&NNUTS gave to Ger as a "Welcome to Texas" package. We gave Ger a bandana that looked like the Texas flag, a trivet with "Lone Star State" and various pics that represnted TX, two Christmas ornaments (one of a cowboy and the other the shape of Texas with the flag painted on it), a t-shirt with the state slogan "Don't Mess With Texas", and a pair of shorts that looked like it had been made from the TX flag itself. There was the "lone star" on the back and the front as well as the red and white wide stripes. I made the card on my computer. On it was a cartoonish cowboy riding a galloping horse. The words read, "Yehaw! Texas is hostin' a Gertherin'!" The message just basically told Ger how excited we were that he was in TX and how we were all looking forward to the wonderful weekend ahead. It also expressed our hope that he, too, enjoyed his time in our state as well as the weekend events. When Rosemary presented Ger the package, I wasn't aware of what was going on. I was in the back of the room and was a bit surprised by the commotion up front, especially when my name was repeated by the whole room when Ger was given the present (which was from the TKD and N&NNUTS. I only delivered the package) and I think Rosemary wanted me to know that she was giving it to him then. Talk about wanting to sink into the floor. I stayed in the back of the room thinking, "Darn, what'd I do now?!" Marci and roomies know what I mean. ;) I've been known to stick my foot in my mouth before, knowingly or unknowingly. LOL! I didn't know that Rosemary was going to give Ger the present to him so soon! It was very sweet of her! Thank you, Rosemary! When I had given it to her earlier that day during registration, I thought that maybe they were going to give it to him privately at some point. We were all thrilled that we could see his him open it. I think he liked it. Marci saw him waving the card around and talking. I didn't notice, because, like I said before, I thought he was going straight to his room to rest after having such a busy day. To tell you the truth, I didn't see any of that part. If anyone could relate to me what he did, I'd appreciate it as I was busy talking with friends at my table. The weekend was spectacular and I can't thank the officers and Ger enough for a great weekend! They just keep getting better and better. Thanks again for all your hard work GWDFC! If it wasn't for you, this opportunity to be that close to Ger would probably never happen for fans. The one-to-one time with Ger at that autograph session is a rare treat. One last thing Marci mentioned was about the Ger encounter in the stairwell while filling the styrofoam ice chest we had for sodas. That was a surprise! I've always had people tell me about their unexpected encounters outside the planned events, but I didn't expect one of my own, albeit a short one. LOL! I remember hearing someone coming up the stairs and when I glanced up all I saw was kaki pants, black v-neck shirt. I was filling the ice chest and didn't pay much attention. Then, finally, realization kicked in and I saw that very, very blond hair and then his face! LOL! After he left, I stopped and put my eyeballs back in their sockets and ran off down the hall with Marci. That's it for now. I'll add things as I remember! Jody -------------------------------------- From: KMcc895370@aol.com Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 23:52:59 EST Subject: [foreverknick] When You Wish Upon a Star, a G5 memoir What can I say about the Gerthering or Geraint Wyn Davies? As I find myself basking in the glow of the Gerthering 5, I also find myself quite speechless, a state I had very decidedly not been in for the entire duration of the weekend. It is an awed speechlessness, satisfaction that I had somehow managed to "forget" my shyness at home, just as I kept managing to forget important things in my hotel room (like my camera, Saturday morning, and having retrieved this, the key to the room itself). This was my second Gerthering. I had attended the G4 in Phoenix, my first encounter with Ger and the members of the GWDFC. I had been entirely too shy with him then, something I have regretted. And so going to San Antonio, I vowed to rectify this vile error, looking to my recent success in Nova Scotia for inspiration. They say, the third time is the charm. As already mentioned by others, Ger arrived unexpectedly at the Friday night party. He had been wearing a gold colored shirt which when paired with that platinum blond dyed hair made him appear to be badly sunburned. He circulated the room once before leaving. With Ger present and accounted for, Rosemary announced that sales of pictures and other GWD items would be placed on sale at 8am. Afterwards there was a club meeting, a chance for members to air their feelings regarding the club and to make suggestions on how to effect improvements. At its end, we were informed that we had been listening to the demo of Ger's long awaited CD. Had we been aware of this sooner, we may have paid more attention to its new agish sound. One hundred Thirty preorders were taken at the Sunday breakfast. Ger made his way from the entrance at the back of the room and sat down upon a high stool for the Q&A session. He was wearing a black tshirt and white pants. He was not wearing the watch fob Galen had bought for him in Pittsburgh which Nancy Kaminski would later be able to purchase for $200. Highlights of the Q&A included a lady asking Ger if he had ever been to a nudist colony. She lives in one located just outside of Austin. Though he had admitted that he had not, the subject would very quickly become the theme much the same way that Jessie had been last year at the G4. Ger was tested on his knowledge of the writer's intentions on Black Harbour when he was asked what was up with the bees. (Pay attention, now!) "Oh the bees! What was the deal on the bees? The bees were a metaphor about danger and the drones and the whole business that Len had with Kristos. Here was a special person but he was from outside and he had to discover that about himself." At least I think that's what he said. And since we were on the subject... what about Kit's lost weekend? His response was that she got the wallet back. He had no further explanation as to the rightness or wrongness of it all.... And then there was the question asked as the result of a dare made online. My friend Carol's question: "Would you consider playing the part of Heathcliff? If so, my friend Karen would like to be Cathy." Ger took this in stride, first answering the question in regards to the part of Heathcliff from "Withering Heights" as he called it. He thinks its a good part. He then joked about doing "the little players theater" in which everyone could take a part. When we'd asked all of our questions (this was a quiet group) it was time to break for lunch. After lunch, the chairs were reversed and a table had been set up in one corner of the room for Ger to have a little bit of privacy (much more so than last year) with attendees. My friend Carol and I had gotten together and purchased a star and named it after Ger. We each bought an extra certificate for him to sign for ourselves and personalized them calligraphically with "Your Star that Shines Forever in the Knight Warms Our Hearts" signed along with our names and city/state information. (singular on our own). We had debated about waiting until Sunday to have him sign these so as not to ruin the surprise, but thought better of it and had him sign during the autograph session. Good thing as there was no time on Sunday. I was number 56. Carol was 72. So I got to go first. He stood up to greet each attendee hugging them and kissing them. His hug was warm, his kiss was divine. We sat down for a chat. I explained to him that I am an extremely shy person and invited him to help me with that "anytime he wanted to." Ger commented on the range of inuendos such an invitation would imply. He then began signing my items for me. First up was the denim shirt I had purchased from the Shore Club and our conversation turned to Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia had been such a wonderful experience for me. It was beautiful there, peaceful and serene. "Magical?" Ger asked me as he prompted me to look into his blue eyes or at least at him when I spoke in a shaky voice. As an example of how good Nova Scotia had been for me I had brought along my recently earned certificate from H&R Block for having completed the basic income tax course. He was impressed and he asked if that meant I could do anybody's taxes. I smiled, saying "Well as long as you remain a resident." He said, "that's great!" And gave me a congratulatory kiss. Pushing the certificate aside, I then showed him the enlargement of our picture taken after the Dylan Thomas play. This he signed for me as well as another picture of him which Carol had given me for my birthday. Finally, I showed him my copy of the certificate explaining that I had wanted to get him "a little something" and that my friend Carol and I had bought a star for him and that we each had a separate certificate for him to sign and that he would be getting his in a frame on Sunday. I pulled out the star chart to show him his star in the Hercules constellation, explaining it is near his ankle. The chart was a line drawing not the outline of the figure so he asked me how I knew that. I explained there was a booklet (in my room) that had the pictures of the figures for reference points which I would give him with his star the next day. He was quite taken with the gift, telling me that noone had ever gotten him a star before. He kissed me again after signing my copy, thanking me again and saying how cool he thought it was. When it got to be Carol's turn, he expressed his appreciation to her as well and she informed him that I had done all the work on them, she had only just paid for half of it. It was not necessary for her to have said this and he thanked her again anyway. That evening at the auction, he treated me to a healthy dose of goading on the Curiouser and Curiouser dailies but I finally had to let them go when they were way beyond my budget at $900. I did manage to win the prop photo of the Nightcrawler which had been paired with Tracy Vetter's business card and Nick's service report from "Curiouser and Curiouser" You know, the "Does not work well with others" piece. Sunday at the breakfast, Ger continued to sign items for those attendees who did not get their time with him on Saturday. Afterwards those who had won in the auction had their opportunity to get these items signed. In lieu of getting the service report signed, Carol and I presented Ger with the framed certificate of the star. Catching a glimpse of me in line holding it, his face lit up with one of his trademark smiles. He was thrilled to receive it. The three of us posed for a photo in which we are all holding the certificate. Afterwards Ger kissed me repeatedly. It was akin to the grand finale of a fireworks display.... and what a grand finale it was to a stellar weekend. The third time was the charm!!! Karen McCamey GWDFC, G4, Wolfville, G5 Contributing Writer "It Was A Dark & Stormy Knight" FkNfanfic@onelist.com -------------------------------------- From: "Karen Tobin" Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 19:31:44 -0500 Subject: [foreverknick] G5 Report : Pre-Ger stuff Okay, here's my version of events. Warning: it's LONG. And even so, I left out a lot! Thursday: I got into San Antonio at 7:45, just 7 hours and 20 minutes after my first flight commenced. My roommate for the event, Terri, picked me up at the airport, which I thought was very nice of her, given that it was at an icky time. She managed to convince me that I should eat something besides peanuts (I had hit that "I can't think- I can't eat-I've been flying all day" point) so we stopped at the Wendy's near the airport and took it back to the hotel room. Marg had told Terri to come by Room 308 (I think) later, so after we ate we popped by. Marg was no longer there, but the room's residents, Julie and Wanda invited us in to share snacks and GerVids. We watched a bit of this and a bit of that, then I realized I was practically comatose, so I headed back to the room to unpack and sleep. Friday: After breakfast, we headed downtown for SHOPPING. We went to mall called the Rivercenter, which is right on the River Walk, which is WAY famous down there. Now, I've spent plenty of time in malls, and I was quite impressed with this one. Very pretty, nice mix of stores-you-can-find-in-any-mall and local specialty stores. We did some shopping--yes, I bought a hat. We left for a bit to pick up more Gertherers at the airport, then, at the hotel, we decided to walk around a bit and see if we could find anyone else who wanted to go, and found Barbara G So the three of us headed back downtown, with plans to do shopping/River Walk/Alamo. We got to the mall and shopped a bit more, then decided that it was too nice out not to do something outdoors (it was in the high seventies and sunny). We considered going to the Alamo, but decided that we probably didn't have time if we wanted to head back in time to miss the worst of the traffic, so instead we went to the River Walk, The River Walk, for those of you who, like me, knew nothing about it, is a partly natural- partly manmade section of the San Antonio River. There are lots of restaurants, shops, the only theatre in the world with a river running between the stage and the audience, huge, beautiful trees, historical things. We started walking, then decided to take the boat tour. They have dozens of these smallish, flat open boats which hold about 40 people at a squeeze-- and they do squeeze--floating around the river at any given time. The tour is fun. Part history, part tourism, part comedy. You have to be careful what you believe! Oh, and half the population of Nebraska was there in SA. Everyone on our boat except us was there for the game and every time we passed someone on the walk, or on another boat, there was much yelling of "Huskers! Huskers!" and "Go Big Red!" What sport do they play, anyway? :-} After the boat ride, we all realized that we hadn't eaten since breakfast, so we decided to eat at one of the many riverside restaurants. We chose Tony Roma's because we could watch them setting up for the holiday pageant that was taking place Fri., Sat. and Sunday nights. I had southwestern chicken, and a yummy strawberry margarita, and Barbara and I couldn't get over our amazement that we were sitting outdoors at 4:30 pm in December in t-shirts! ----- Karen, LdyAngst@world.std.com Dark and Stormy Knightie/Mistress of Understatement/Hero Librarian/ Mutant Enemy/Keeper of the Klew/BGoBH/MAS/PiC/Untuned/BGoFkN/ Uncarved/Unloved/Undarned/Unchafed http://members.aol.com/knighties -------------------------------------- From: "Karen Tobin" Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 19:47:54 -0500 Subject: [foreverknick] G5 report Friday night/Saturday morning Friday night: Did I mention our third roommate? Terri had a Nick doll that she had made with the help of a friend. He's about the size of a 18 month old, and had 3 outfits--jeans and turtleneck, dress slacks, turtleneck and vest, and black silk jammies. And black silk boxers.(Did I get that right, Terri?) And he was--what was Ger's phrase?--Gender specific! "Nick" attended the party as well. It was great to see some old friends at the party, and also to put some names to faces I hadn't yet met. For our amusement during the party, they had several games set up at one end of the room. Ring toss (tossing scrunchies over microscopes), bean bag toss (tossing beanbags through holes cut in a big blow up of the Nick-climbing-out-of-the-caddy-trunk shot, Duck and Lobster Pond (you reached into a little bag and picked out straw with names on them and tried to get a match on the names) Give Vachon a hand (Tossing gummy hands at a map of Toronto with pictures of Vachon) They had silly little prizes and nicer prizes... If you got 1 ring toss or bean bag or matched two names, or hit the map of Toronto, you got a little prize. If you got 2 rings or bean bags, matched three names or hit the picture of Vachon, you got a nicer little prize, and if you hit three rings or bags, or matched all three names and they were all Nick, or you hit Vachon on the hand, you got a prize certificate, which entitled you to choose one of the really nice prizes, which included clocks and boxes with Nick pics on them, and some surprise bags, the contents of which I never saw because I have lousy aim! It was fun and it was an icebreaker and it raised money for the charity! There was one more game that night which was really a lot of fun. Susan Garrett gave each of us a baggie with 3 puzzle pieces. Then she chose three tables and put the remaining parts of each puzzle on each of those three tables. Each puzzle had a different color on the back, so the object was for each group to trade its puzzle pieces until it had all of one color, then work together to put the puzzle together. And everyone who worked on the puzzle put her name into a bag and when the puzzle was done, Susan drew on name and that person got the puzzle and and 8X10 of the photo from which it was made. Ours turned out to be that black and white of Ger with his hands folded in front of his chin, and our winner was Anne C. Not long after the puzzle portion of our evening, Ger came in. We had, of course, been told that he wouldn't be in until Saturday, so it cause quite a sensation. He walked through the room, and greeted quite a few people. He stayed maybe a half an hour or so... Saturday morning: We headed back to the conference room for the club meeting and the Q&A. Ger came in about 10:15, I think... Black v neck t shirt. khaki pants. And of course, as you've heard, platinum hair. Yummy. I didn't think I'd like his hair so short and SO light, but I did, right away. Things I remember from the Q&A (and please, if I've misremembered anything, please feel free to correct me!) He has a lot of irons in the fire, as it were, but who knows if any of them will actually happen, the entertainment industry being what it is. Lots of things in development with his production company, including a series being developed for him and Wendy Crewson. He wants to do a performance in Wolfville again this summer, but something other than Dylan Thomas. He wants to do Dylan Thomas again, but in some other venue. He also wants to videotape it. They originally intended to videotape the Wolfville production, but he didn't feel he had enough preparation time to make THAT the one that was recorded for posterity. He had intended to do DT without the script in hand, except for the few sections that were obviously meant to be read, but he felt that holding the papers and casting them aside worked very well for the character. It was his idea and Leon liked it so he used it. It was also a security thing, what with the short prep time, but he wouldn't have done it if he and Leon hadn't thought it was appropriate. When asked about writing, he said he can't really write without a partner, because he's not good at sitting quietly by himself (what a surprise) "If I'm alone in a house with 20 rooms, within 15 minutes, I've been in all of them." Sort of the same about reading--he reads the beginnings of a lot of things. He says he's a great patron of bookstores, because he does like books, but not of libraries, because it takes him so long that by the time he paid the fine, he could have bought the book. Galen made a claymation video of Rock Lobster for a school project, and it's going to be in a youth film festival. Someone told him about a nudist colony outside of Austin, and that became a major theme throughout the Q&A and the auction. Someone asked him "what was the deal with the bees." He said he'd just seen Barbara Samuels and he asked her the same thing. She had this whole long explanation about the rebirth of Len's character. In other words, NO ONE got it! That's about all I can remember right now... ----- Karen, LdyAngst@world.std.com Dark and Stormy Knightie/Mistress of Understatement/Hero Librarian/ Mutant Enemy/Keeper of the Klew/BGoBH/MAS/PiC/Untuned/BGoFkN/ Uncarved/Unloved/Undarned/Unchafed http://members.aol.com/knighties -------------------------------------- From: "Karen Tobin" To: foreverknick@onelist.com Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 20:03:30 -0500 Subject: [foreverknick] G5 report Saturday afternoon and evening When we broke for lunch, they had put out the silent auction stuff and the raffle stuff, so we stopped to take a look at that, but it was crowded, so we didn't stay long. We went to lunch, and when we came back, the room had been set up for the autograph sessions. They had set up a small table over in the corner, so each person could have a little privacy for her private Ger moment. Susan Garrett would be doing the official shots, as she had last year, and each person could also have one "photo buddy" come up and take pictures as well. Also, we were asked not to ask him for long inscriptions as he had a sore arm. I leave it for others to describe their time with Ger if they so choose... After nearly four hours (or was it a bit over?) it was announced that attendees #75 and up (I was #85) would have their sessions Sunday at breakfast and we broke for dinner. As I'm sure you've already heard, the auction was WILD! And the $14,000 for the Robin Sexton Collection was only part of it. There were several other high ticket items, although nothing as high as that! I got two things...Adina's lovely ceramic artichoke pie plate/wall hanging which you can see here: http://www.gwdfc.org/eric/image/9931.jpg Someone remind me to look for a good plate stand or hanger when I'm out Christmas shopping! I was also winning bidder for a stained glass Black Harbour piece of which there is no picture (yet) but is similar to this Raven one: http://www.gwdfc.org/eric/image/9967.jpg except mine is blue marbelized semi-opaque glass with paler blue letters I was very pleased with my two items, and can't say enough about the artists who created them! ----- Karen, LdyAngst@world.std.com Dark and Stormy Knightie/Mistress of Understatement/Hero Librarian/ Mutant Enemy/Keeper of the Klew/BGoBH/MAS/PiC/Untuned/BGoFkN/ Uncarved/Unloved/Undarned/Unchafed http://members.aol.com/knighties -------------------------------------- From: "Karen Tobin" To: foreverknick@onelist.com Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 20:24:31 -0500 Subject: [foreverknick] G5 Report: Sunday Sunday breakfast While we all tried to pretend we were awake, the club did stuff like giving out the remaining door prizes and drawing the name of the person who gets to go next time and awarding the silent auction stuff that hadn't been handled the night before. Ger came in and talked a bit, and pretty soon they cleared off one end of the head table and said the people who hadn't gotten to have their sessions with him Saturday could line up. So, I waited, and fidgeted, and waited, and fidgeted, and then it was my turn. First I gave him the script for Karan, reminded him who she was-- like he needed reminding, he even remembered how to spell her version of our name--told him how much she loved the ep... We had been asked not to request lengthy inscriptions--but I didn't think it was out of line to mention Karan's request for "Come to me, Karan" which he indeed wrote. Then I brought out the frame for Chris Forward. (Chris had asked me to get an "audio autograph" and sent one of those little frames where you can put a small photo (I think it's about 2 x 2) and then you can record a 10 second message.) He seemed to enjoy recording his brief message. I had had a picture I'd had taken with him at another event enlarged, and he signed that for me. My final item was a box of Tuna Helper--you know, because of Nick's struggles with tuna? Okay, silly, by he seemed amused by it. I hope so, anyway.. He signed it, and we posed with it for the cameras... and now I have a box of Tuna Helper for the ages! Finally, he signed the artichoke pie plate, both of us commenting on how fabulous it was. (Rose had been kind enough to ask him to sign the stained glass piece for me the night before so I wouldn't have to bring it back down for breakfast.) So that was it for my autograph session and Ger left after finishing the autographs and signing things for auction winners as well. After Sunday Breakfast: After Ger left, Marg (tour guide extraordinaire, even in cities she doesn't live in) made an announcement that she was coordinating a trip downtown. When we all gathered, there were 14 of us. We piled into three cars and headed downtown. We went to the Alamo, which was, er, um. historical. I liked the grounds, and it was a nice day to walk around. We then headed to the RiverWalk and decided to take the boat ride, then went to lunch. After lunch, we split up into smaller groups, with plans to meet at 6 for dinner at Casa Rio, the oldest restaurant on the river. More shopping! We all managed to get to Casa Rio close to 6 pm, although we had to be satisfied with tables across the room from each other. After dinner, we did the boat ride one more time. This time, it was full dark, and all the Christmas lights were lit. The RiverWalk area goes all out for the holiday. They hang dozens of long strings of lights from the trees, some blinking, some not. They also add luminarias on the sidewalks. The look is very simple, not in the least overdone, and very striking. Well, that's my story. Long enough? ----- Karen, LdyAngst@world.std.com Dark and Stormy Knightie/Mistress of Understatement/Hero Librarian/ Mutant Enemy/Keeper of the Klew/BGoBH/MAS/PiC/Untuned/BGoFkN/ Uncarved/Unloved/Undarned/Unchafed http://members.aol.com/knighties -------------------------------------- From: Wolfy380@aol.com Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 22:40:45 EST Subject: ger 5 from the 16 year old's point of view.... if you want to use on webpage To: nat1228@home.com << ..tell us about the Gerthering! Pweeze? >> well now, the Gerthering from the eyes of it's youngest attendee.... Whoa whoa and more whoa... Friday- i got to the hotel about 600am and we checked in early, i was to take a nap but ... knowing me i just didn't want too, so i took a shower and about 800am i starting wandering the hotel, looking for people that seem like they might be here for the same reason.. well, after a few hours of doing nothing i decided that, well rosemary should.. i hope be up already, and so I went over to her room to pay them off and get my goodies! After I got my stuff, I kinda wanted to stick around, and they didn't seem to mind, yet I felt WAY weird.. So I sneaked out of the room and headed to mine to check out the goodies... that took about 15 min LOL, that shows you how fast i read... anyway, after evading my sister, and dodging out the door again to lurk about.. i got the "bright" ideal to stalk to front desk... it worked! i met 3 people, 2 of which I'm sad to say my memory fails me ::ducks:: of their names... then there was Wendy from New York... if yer reading any of the other stories you'll know her from the auction... well, i basically hung around Wendy the rest of the day until it came to the party... well i play the games they had set up, the caddy toss ((you had to throw these lil bean bags into these lil holes in the big pic of nick coming out of the trunk of the caddy)), the "give-vachion-a-hand" game ((had 4 pic's of vachions head, 2 with his hand also, taped onto a big map of Toronto, you had to throw and stick, them lil sticky hand thinggys to his hand to win a good prize, to him at all to get a hand keychain, and map of Toronto to get a back scratcher, never hit his hand myself)), and may more games.... i never won big but they where fun... then i kept searching for Becky, of whom i was e-mailing back and forth for a while before the Gerthering...(( found her right as i was going to go to bed for the night)) well, i went back to play the games again, when.... HE CAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and me with out a camara... so i booked it from the room to my room to the room in about a min.. ((if my gym teacher is on this list, better give him CPR!!)) and, i don't even remember exactly how, but got rosemary to get a pic of me and him! ((::thud:: if Ger didn't have his arm around me... that would have been what everyone heard!)) well, after that the rest of the night is a blur.. i was, and kinda still am Gerred over! k, now to satarday OK, i BARLEY got out of bed even, i 'twas so tried still, but the thought of more Ger got me going.. got to "the room" about 8:15, 8:30 yes am! i bought 5 color pic's, 1 button, 1 bag tag, 2 cards, the what if calendar, ::thinks:: Susan's FK book.. what else what else? ha well i think that's about it... well, now my memory is failing me so... anyway, i sorted thru my stuffs, and decided what I'm getting signed... (( 1 of my newly bought pic's for me, 1 pic that i got when i first joined the club that was signed before but got wet and *Someone* {I'm not naming names ::points to her Mom::} decided to wip the WHOLE thing even if the spot didn't get wet... bye bye signature- so i got it re-signed for me, 1 new pic for my friend Lindsey, and well....., one cover to my movie me and my best friend wrote.......)) then, Ger came, this time there wasn't the yelling about as last night, for we knew that he would come in the morning... well, the Q&A session was funny, since one poor soul asked Ger about a nudist place just outside of Austin... Ger never let her forget it... all day long..... LOL anyway, i myself got the nerve to ask him one question, a dumb one IMHO, if he ever read all 3 of the FK books... he said no, the only one i did read was Susan's. ahh well ::shrugs:: to bad for him. The Q&A lasted up till 1pm, but right before he left we did a door prize.. In which I won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! anyway...so we got an hour to kill us some lunch, i myself went to my room, and made my mother get me drive thru. then we started getting back into "the room" i kinda stick next to Wendy, for you didn't have to talk much around her, in which I'm glad for... well, the signing started when Ger got there, by badge number, and i was number 29 so I had a while to hang out and talk... well, i got my stuff signed, Ger asked me about the weather in WI, i told him about how this was the 3ed warmest Nov. ever.. i didn't know that is dropped to 30 as soon as we left! well, my mind is slowly forgetting things and i do nay wish to poor you much more... the auction came next after supper ((another hour to kill us some food, again fast food to the rescue, only Mickey D's this time not BK like lunch.)) then it was time for the auction, whoa, that was the funniest thing ever IMHO! even though i, being only 16 had to "act" like the sexual comments had no meaning to me, it was hilarious! with them Christmas balls ::smirks:: well, if yer on any of the other FK lists you'll hear more about them... well, Wendy, she spent LOTSA LOTSA LOTSA money.. well, that lt lasted till what, 1100pm? anyway, thru the whole thing the silent bid was going on... 3 things i bid on.. one was 2 things signed by night Bennett, in which i REALLY wanted... one was a mini puzzle with the pic being a painting of Ger as Klaus ((SP?)) from the dracla show.. and then the 2ed FK CD signed by Nigel Bennett... i wanted something signed by my 2ed fav.... well, i got one thing at least! and that was the mini puzzle, for 10 dollors... that left me with 23 bucks left to spend, Sunday morning- got my mini puzzle and paid for it. had the T-shirt i won in the door prize to be signed.. was too nervous to eat much in front of others... so, i nibbled a bit, then sat and waited... and waited.. and waited.. then he came.. turned out he was running late.. people started to line up for getting stuff signed that didn't get to him sat. then, after them the auction people lined up.. i being as dumb as i am, didn't know that the silent bid stuff wasn't included as the auction stuff and tried to get in line too... well, rosemary was nice enough to correct me, to i sat down again, wondering when the silent bid and/or door prize raffle stuff could go up to get signed... lets just say I'm still waiting, for time wasn't on my side. he had to go, to catch his plane, so i went to my room, dropped off my stuff, avoided my Mom and sis, and left to wander the hotel a bit, ran into Ger getting into the car to be drove to the airport, heard others yelling to him good bye, i did the same, and said "hope you had a good time" at that I stopped getting in, and replied to me.. Yes to *me* " yes I really did, and tell apologize to your mother for me. " ::thud:: if I didn't start walking right then... that would have been my head not my feet on the ground... so that about sums up the weekend.. all in all it was something I'm going to remember for a while... oh, i forgot to explain about the tell your Mom sorry... see right after the auction he was saying sorry if he offended anyone... and then, suddenly remembered me... he said, and where is that 16 year old again? i raised my hand, half afraid, and he looked at my and whispered "sorry" i being me, said "just wait till my Mom sees the video!" LOL i can't believe I said that! so that tells you about the weekend.... ~~~ Wolfy Knight, the non-stop roleplayer FLING THY WOK! -------------------------------------- From: Jlkerr1228@aol.com Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 14:24:43 EST Subject: G5 report Hey, guys! What more I can say about G5? I've read the other reports people have sent to the lists, and there's not really a whole lot more I can add without being overly repetitive. There were a couple of things that were of interest to me, that I haven't read in someone else's report yet... the questions asked at the Q&A were pretty run of the mill [I thought] and most of them had been covered on the lists or in interviews before, so I didn't really pay a lot of attention to what was being asked and answered, except for a couple of questions. Ger mentioned that the very first FK scene he filmed was the one in Dark Knight, where he's climbing out of the Caddy's trunk in the hospital parking garage, and the old lady sees him, and he says something about 'you can't beat the rent.' That was new to me. Then, I can't remember exactly what the question was, but it was something like "what's the one role you would like to do that you haven't yet?" or something like that. Ger said he wanted to play the role of Richard III. He also said something about wanting to do some theater work closer to home [Santa Barbara, CA, where he lives]. One of the problems with doing this is that they usually want a 9-month contract, and he hasn't been able to do that. Too busy. (These answers weren't necessarily related to the same question.) I'm kind of a Shakespeare buff, so when I got to talk to him for a minute during autographs, I asked him if he had heard of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. He said he had, and that he has been wanting to check it out. And being from Oregon, I told him I would love it if he could do something there. (I'm not going to hold my breath on this one. He'd have to give up most of a year to do this, and they've already got their 2000 season booked.) And like I said before, all the rumors you've heard about how nice he is are true. You could also tell by listening to him, especially during the auction, that he is very intelligent and witty. Needless to say, I was quite impressed. J L Kerr jlkerr1228@aol.com http://members.aol.com/jlkerr7864/f_knight/fiction.htm -------------------------------------- From: "Susan Bennett" Date: Sun, 12 Dec 1999 02:15:35 -0500 Subject: [NNPack] A Late G5 Report A Late G5 Report Friday: My adventure started Thursday morning when I headed to LV to meet up with Michelle. On Friday morning we headed for the airport to catch our flight to SA. SW airlines was a lot of fun for me! I enjoyed the casual atmosphere and the snack - a bag of cookies. I was especially impressed when our plane landed a little *early* in SA *and* my luggage beat me to the carousel! Teri and Karen were kind enough to meet us at the airport and Teri drove us back to the hotel. We were very sorry we couldn't join them for lunch because we were both too exhausted to be good company. Our room in the hotel was great, on the first floor with a little patio outside, almost directly in line with the meeting room. After unpacking, we crashed for a few hours, ordered dinner, and then went to Rosemary's room to register where I met a few more people I hadn't met before. Friday evening was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the games they had set up this year! I tried the scrunchie game and won a small card with a photo of Nat at the drain from Capital Offence. I met up with Marg, Carol and Karen (it's always fun meeting people from home when you're so far away), and several others I met either at the G4 or here in Toronto at our N&N Minicons. Eventually I made my way back to the games and won a rubber duckie keychain at the Vachon game. I then got three beanbags in Nick's trunk and won a puzzle. Later on when I went back to the room and put it together, I discovered it was the photo I had wanted so badly at last year's Gerthering which was sold out! (eerie coincidence #1) Michelle and I were stunned when Ger walked in unexpectedly. Unfortunately, neither of us had our cameras and even though our room was only sixty seconds away, we couldn't tear ourselves away! In hindsight, that was a real shame because we had a direct and close-up view of him playing the games. The yellow hair was a real shocker - at times when the lighting was just right, it blended right in with the background and he looked hair-less . (By Saturday we were quite used to it ) Saturday: First thing we did Saturday morning was go buy our photographs and things. Then we had breakfast with Stephanie, and, true to our nature, ended up in the last row for the Q&A. This time we had no one behind us so we could stand up for our photos - so hopefully I'll have something more than the backs of peoples' heads . The Q&A was a lot of fun, it seemed to move more quickly than last year and was far less tense because we didn't have to spend those nervous hours waiting for Ger, (even though once again I can't really remember the questions and answers ) Lunch was... interesting. Michelle and I headed off to Burger King and found Marci and her crowd had the same idea. The restaurant was closed, but the drive-through was open, so we tagged along behind the others to walk through the drive-thru. They tried "honking" and stomping their feet, but we were all duly ignored. (I think the people inside were afraid of us ). The others got tired of waiting and left while me and Michelle continued around to the cashier and waited for the truck in front of us to leave. At this point the cash register broke down! (This is eerie coincidence #2 - last year when Michelle, Nancy, Vickie and me drove to Phoenix, the cash registers in two different restaurants broke down - once on our way there and once on our way back) I guess I can't blame it on Nancy this time - uh - yes - it must be Michelle! The silver lining here was an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet for $4.99 in the mall next to the Burger King! The autograph session was great! The audience was set well back from Ger's table making everyone's time with Ger seem more intimate. I wasn't as nervous as last year - last year I thought my head was going to explode. I was actually pretty calm until I got in line - then my lips started drying up (that's really irritating when you're hoping for a kiss ). The first thing I said to Ger was, "I have to get a kiss first because I didn't get one last year". He gave me one and then said he owed me another (which I also got!). I laid out three of the "missing scene" NiQ photos that I bought that morning and asked him to sign one for me and two for our next N&N Minicon auction. He asked how our last Minicon and auction went and I filled him in. He then asked two really weird questions, if I'd seen "Cath" lately and if I was having a good time . Huh??? and Duh!!!. Michelle was almost 30 people after me, so we mingled for a while, checked out the silent auction items and bid on some stuff. After Michelle got in line, I found myself deep in conversation with Marci and totally forgot about Michelle! . After we finished talking, I was afraid to look around in case I missed getting Michelle's photo . Luckily, there were still two people ahead of her and I didn't miss her (which is why I'm still alive and able to write this report ). Michelle had Ger sign a wonderful cross-stitch she did from a photo of her and him. (Last year we spent a lot of time in our room staring at her Nick&Nat cross-stitch, but I wasn't nearly as enthusiastic about staring at her and Ger ) When we got back to our room, Michelle presented me with a Christmas gift. She had seen me eyeing a photo of Ger that morning, bought it, and he wrote a personal Christmas message for me! What could possibly top having this under the tree besides Ger himself! After having dinner in the hotel restaurant with Judy and her friend, we went down to the auction (last row ). I really wanted to buy something this year and came prepared, but when the early bidding went sky-high, I was certain I would miss out again. Jenn commented that my bidding sounded rather disinterested, but in my defence I was trying to bid, change the film in my camera and calculate what I had left in my line of credit all at the time. Somehow I lucked out and snagged Nat's prop license plate (and another kiss from Ger) for only $460!! (I'm a thief!) I later discovered I was bidding against Judy, but assured her the prop was in good hands . Someone took a photo of Ger and me holding the plate, but I don't recall who it was. If anyone knows, I'd really like to get a copy of the photo. Sunday: On Sunday morning Michelle was thrilled to learn she was the high bidder on a silent auction item - a folding wooden photo holder filled with FK photos. We all got a surprise bag filled with small toys relevant to Ger's roles - helicopter, lobster, police badge, as well as other things. I got to meet two more people I hadn't talked to yet, Cindy and Kathy. Ger arrived shortly after breakfast started and soon finished the autograph session. At one point I went out for a smoke and a few seconds later, Ger came out and said "Heya!" After recognizing him too late twice last year, I was redeemed when I managed to shout out "Heya!" as he ran past. I smoked that cig all the way down to the butt, wishing it was a couple of inches longer so I'd still be there when he came back. The only thing better than seeing Ger run past me would have been to see him running towards me! Ger came back inside a few minutes later. He had an early flight to catch so had to forego the individual goodbyes. I don't really remember what I did for the next few hours. We went to Taco Bell for lunch (where Michelle bought a little chihuahua that sang "Chances are..." when she stuffed her bag under the seat in the airplane ) and then crashed. Around 4:00 we met up with Jenn and her friend and headed downtown for dinner and the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk boat ride was beautiful at night with all the trees draped in Christmas lites. We also caught a glimpse of the Alamo all lit up. Afterwards we chatted in our room for awhile. On Monday, Michelle and I did the Alamo and the Mall. We went back to the hotel and said our goodbyes to several people, and then headed for the airport and back to LV. Susan B. freestyle@idirect.com "That which you know, you ignore because it is inconvenient. That which you do not know, you invent." (Delenn, B5, TDoFS) -------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 12 Dec 1999 04:09:24 -0800 From: Michelle Loo Well, Susan pretty much covered our G5 escapades in her report but I could tell you about my autograph session with Ger. :) Susan was right when she said she was in deep conversation with Marci. I kept thinking of ways to get her attention. Then, Terri came up and asked if Susan was going to take my picture, to which I said, "I hope so!" So, she said she'd go and get Susan attention. But then, I saw Terri get caught up in a conversation with another group! Fortunately, my wait in line was longer than Susan and Marci's chat! When it was finally my turn, Ger said it was nice to see people he's seen throughout year!! That surprised me. I never expect Ger to remember me especially since there's always a lot of people around AND I hardly approach him like the others. For those who know me, I don't do big groups too well. The first thing I had him sign was the Pericles photo in the Stratford book. I thought about having him sign the Stratford program, but I love that color photo of Pericles too much for him to write on it. Anyway, he said the photographer was rather p.o.'ed that day, and I told him that you couldn't tell by the photo. The next items were the BH photo of him leaning against the boatyard building and the photo I gave Susan as a gift. She was going to buy the photo herself but decided to get 2 N&N photos for the minicon auction instead. So, without her knowing, I bought the photo and had Ger sign it for her. I told Ger that it was a surprise Christmas gift for Susan, who's probably taking our picture right now. Okay, last but not least, I unveiled the cross stitch. I told him that this was taken right after I gave him his birthday gift and "I'm kinda of interested to know what you did with the gift!" He smiled and stammered, "Uh, uh..." I then said, "you didn't know I was going to quiz you, did you?" He laughingly said no and cleverly changed the subject. The man is good. He then started talking about the cross stitch and I replied to whatever he was saying. Then, I heard him say something about eyes. Well, for some reason, I thought he was saying I was talking but not looking at him. So, I turned to look at him and found myself staring right into those wonderful eyes!!! I almost lost it there. I then realized he was asking about cross stitching and what it does to my eyes, and I had to answer him. And what intelligent response do I give him? Ready for this? "Uh, no, I just do it." Okay, so maybe I did lose it. We discussed the coloring of the piece and he said he liked the blue streak in my hair. I told him I liked his multicolored hair, which was a little darker than it was now. He smiled and said, "yeah, I know." I also mentioned that my nose somehow disappeared. He took a second look and broke out in a laugh. I made the man laugh two years in a row!! :) This year's table was farther away from the audience so I felt more comfortable talking with him this time. So much more comfortable that I thought I was taking too much time! So, I pretty much got up and grabbed my stuff when I realized I forgot to pose for the picture! Ger stopped me and we took the picture standing up. I wasn't quite sure how these pictures were going to turn out considering *I* didn't know which way to look. But to my surprise, they came out wonderfully! Thanks to both Susan Bennett and Susan Garrett. And to Ger, who always seems to know which camera to look at!! Another highlight for me was during the Saturday night auction. Ger was walking through the crowd, displaying the Highlander cards, and he said "Hi Michelle" as he passed by me! I was so surprised and I hope he heard my little squeak of "Hi" back!! Well, that's pretty much my Ger slant on the weekend. To say which weekend I enjoyed more is hard. I'll say this one was a lot less stressful since we didn't have to wait for Ger to show up. And being returnees, we knew what to expect this time around. And I guess the main thing would be that I didn't have that goony look on my face when I was sitting next to Ger. Okay, maybe I had that 'deer caught in the headlights' look when I was staring into his eyes but other than that I did all right. Michelle --------------------------------------