Philadelphia otherwise

Two Fridays ago I got myself onto a plane at BUR to head to SFO,

then from there onto a red-eye to PHL. 

Conference time for me, and an unusually condensed one this time.  I had originally planned to be there on the Wednesday, but life interfered, and so it was that I made it there for Saturday morning.  Checked into my suite,

got myself freshened up and pretty, and headed to my first meeting.

My time at conference was a lot about meetings, really.  Oh, I made sure to go to the closing session featuring Geena Davis (who was a wonderful storyteller)

(oh, and Gritty was there),

and I absolutely couldn't miss dragging Conrad and Van

to Sam's inauguration as president of the association (the improv musical theater was fun to watch),

but I didn't go to any other programs or presentations and only briefly made it to two official receptions.  And now that part of my life is done.  I have cycled out of my three-year obligation, I know longer have the inside scoop or participate in governance.  For the first time in over twenty years, I am not on a committee.  And man, am I glad of that.  The 150th anniversary of ALA will be celebrated in Chicago next year, and I'll almost certainly go to that conference, but after that?  We'll see.

Oh, there were morning walks to be enjoyed as well, both alone

and with others (thank you Amy and Steven for joining me - who will lead the walks for the Board now that I am gone?)

(and it's hard to tell, but that's the Liberty Bell in there!).

The real reason to go?  To see all of the friends from my years of involvement.  Like I did this time!  So let me rattle off some names and post photos.  I didn't get shots with everyone I enjoyed seeing, alas.

My buddy Sara (and hey there, Sam and Ed!). 

For three years we have been messaging and calling weekly and more.  Now that we are done our duty, let's keep in touch a whole bunch but make it about fun stuff!

Matt was there at Council, sitting right behind me. 

I had lunch with him and his wife, Kim, the next day,

and I hope I can convince them to come on a tour of Vietnam next year.

Lunch with my guybrarian message group:  Peter (with his husband, Matt, along with us), Matt, and Andy. 

Long may our messages fly back and forth, and may we have another conference meet up again.

Coffee with Denelle and Anne from the Ireland tour group last year. 

Denelle is already signed up for Vietnam, and I am excited that she will be going.  Anne just landed a new position as director of the fledgling LIS program at Marshall University, and I wish her great success with that.

Jose and April wandered past

while we were having coffee (and then Van saw them the next day, and they recommended a cheese steak place to him that he enjoyed).  I didn't get a chance to have a meal with them this time, so the next - I hope!

Evening drinks in the hotel lobby had a usual crew of folks, including Christina,

who has done so much great work in the association already.  It's always a delight seeing her.  She looks stunning in blue.

My last Board meeting, and I'll miss folks like Peter

and Nick,

among others.  Good folks.

A lot of friendly faces at the inaugural dinner, too....  

John! 

I've known him so many years, and I missed getting a meal with him.  I know he likes Vedge, and it would have been perfect for us to meet up there.  

My "little sister", Kathy. 

The Board brought us together.  May we keep that going!  I would love to visit her in SC one day.

And Larry. 

Ah, Larry, I've left you with a lot to take over and deal with, and I have so much confidence in your ability.  The buck has been passed (well, five of them in this shot, and hey there, Dina - thank you for our terrific working partnership these past few years).

Finally, Sam. 

Congratulations to our 2025-2026 ALA President.  A real pleasure and privilege to have worked with you.  May you steer our association successfully into its sesquicentennial.  Cheers!  And thank you to Skip for the Champagne!

That was the Philadelphia that was.  The people make the conference.  So seldom for me does the city make the conference, but the city can make a conference worse.  Looking at you, San Francisco (sorry, but I HATED it when we were there in 2015 - I don't hate it as a city to otherwise visit).  I didn't really see or experience Philadelphia, I know.  And maybe I'll be back.  We shall see, we can hope!

conference folks

Time to wrap up the Baltimore trip with a tip of the metaphoric hat to some of the friends and colleagues (in this case, they are one and the same).

Andy and Sara.  I have a funny story I love to share about Andy, our text message group, and someone who thought I was straight.  And I adore Andy, who is straight.  A planned lunch with him turned into breakfast one day, lunch the next, and pizza with the board in my suite the next.  Great guy.  As for Sara, well, this board experience has let us get to know each other so much better, and I treasure her hugely as a result.  I am such a fan of her on so many levels.

Ernie.  Technically not a folk.  Sara's dog.  What a cutie.  He agrees with Olive that my ear tastes great.

Sam.  Sam stayed with us last fall, and we had such a good visit.  No scurvy for us!  Sam is such a terrific leader, and I respect them so much.

Christina.  The youngster on the board, but do not underestimate her.  She is sharp, she is funny, she is awesome.  I need to get her some sauvignon blanc.

Andrew.  A friend for years now, and one of the smartest people I know.  His wit is deservedly renowned, and we want to get tshirts or buttons made with his sayings.

Ana Elisa.  Thank goodness for her and her love of tennis because the means we can talk about that much to the confusion of others on the board.  Plus, she appreciates a good cocktail!

Peter.  The other Peter.  I love this little bear of a man.  One of my closest friends.  I am so glad he overcame delays and weather and made it to Baltimore.

John.  My straight crush.  Yes, he knows I call him that.  It's no less true.  He is always so busy with his work, so I appreciate so greatly he makes time for me.

Emily.  Our president.  I had great faith in her when she was standing for election, and she has come through so well.  Her interview with Michele Norris was a pleasure to watch, but beyond that, it's a privilege to support her leadership of our association.

There were so many more whom I didn't take photos of, alas.  Never a moment without good company and conversation.  Next conference, I'll grab photos of whomever I can.  And appreciate them for the time spent together!