Quite a few people I missed - but this crowd wasn't as small as the first year, was it? First year was about 700 people, as I recall.
Very...low-key feeling this year. "Sedate" is how someone described it. Not unexcited or anything, just kind of mellow.
Impressed by the variety of stuff available this year, although a bit let down that there were so few Tremontis around. And that the 7-strings weren't available, although that's a good thing - after Emil's demo and sitting and playing one and talking to Skitchy, my resolve was weakening. And that blue is a gorgeous color.
Did run into quite a few people, even had a bit of a hotel hang. Was thoroughly surprised at how many people recognized me - my wife just laughed at me, especially when we checked in and Veronika saw me and said, "I recognize him!" Now, I know she remembers me, but I also know if you held a gun to her head, she probably couldn't tell you my name, but that doesn't matter. I've seen people I recognize and couldn't come up with their names if my life depended on it. But when someone like Tony McManus or Bernie Marsden remembers you - well, that's probably a sign you've come around too much! And when an employee (hi Brian) sees you and says, "I didn't see you back in finishing today", a restraining order is probably not far behind. I don't know what happened this year, but PRSH even said hi to me, unbidden. I was just standing in the hall, waiting for my wife, and he walked past and just said hi. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but...
At the risk of forgetting people, thanks to Brian, Len, Veronika, Bev, PRSH, Big Jim, Shawn, Skitchy, Staci, the folks in electronics whose names I didn't get, Eric Martin, Davy Knowles, Bernie Marsden, Mark Tremonti, Tony McManus, anyone else I forgot.
And (again, no doubt missing names here) great seeing Jamie, Dave C., Markie, Steve, Tim, Jeff, Chris, Bryan, Hans, Jack, Quentin, Doug, Mike, Robin, Chet, and everyone else I've overlooked.
My wife said a couple telling things this weekend - "It's nice to see you so happy" and "No wonder you like coming to this every year". She was really impressed by the atmosphere, Paul's enthusiasm, and the way the employees treat everybody. Then again, she married me, so take her opinion for what it's worth!
