The Grand Illumination ~

It's a frosty 30F outside and dropping; the A/Bus is plugged in outside the garage and is resting after a day of providing warmth, hospitality and cheer for Grand Illumination Sunday.

I rolled out this morning by 0915 and got parked behind the DeWitt Wallace Musuem in the public lot. We unloaded all our stuff thru the loading dock and proceeded into the Archives-like security net, understandable since the museum is full of priceless furniture, art, art objects, etc. The theatre in this building is a floor down underground, which is interesting. After we got set up we were escorted back outside so we could move our vehicles over to the employee parking lot, which was a bit less convenient but more level.

We got set up and ran thru the set list together for the first time. "Virginia Sky" is renowned local dulcimer player Tim Seaman, a jovial and accomplished artist, his friend Ann Robinson, an harp and dulcimer player, and our own Peter Budnikas. They joined in on most of our numbers and we played on a few of theirs. The fit between the groups was quite good and we were comfortable with one another's stage "personas."

We soon learned all three shows (noon, 2:00 and 4:00) were expected to sell out, and did; when I asked for a show of hands re how many were from outside Tidewater about 90% of the folks raised a hand, a good sign for the tourist industry. Perhaps the tumbling gas prices are helping. The crowds were lively and responsive and our sets went well. In between we adjourned to the A/Bus where M had laid out a spread of delicious chili, chicken tacquitos, chips n salsa, corn/spoon bread, brownies, cookies, spiced cider, sodas, beer, wine, and a few other treats. "I feel like a rock star," said Greg.

We had nice chats with folks afterwards and when Tim showed up at the A/Bus after the last show, reported the Museum volunteers were telling the presiding officials that attendees were telling them this was "the best show we've seen in Williamsburg."

Several of our Sunday night fellowship group showed up as we'd urged and one brought a friend with a huge choclate lab. We chilled out until the 6:15pm fireworks and then made our way down to DOG Street to see the triple-whammy synchronized fireworks; the weather was cold and clear and the crowds were large and enthusiastic. Then it was back to the comfy RV to relax, nibble and let the traffic drain away.

Now we're home and I should be working on my article. So now I will. Happy Monday to all ~