Elmer on Elmerpalooza

Wow. Where do I start? First, HUGE thanks to Rob, JD, C, hayes, Kelly, and Tex for making this weekend the best I've ever had, not counting getting married and my kids being born.

Seriously, I still can't wipe the grin off my face; I couldn't have asked for a better first visit to Fenway. Since most of you were at the game, I'm just going to concentrate on Elmerpalooza at the Cask on Saturday; my pictures of the game sucked, but I'm sure I'll post about it at my blog over the next few days.

After cramming 6 people into a Toyota Camry, we headed down to Fenway around 10 on Saturday. Other than my left cheek going numb halfway there, it was a pretty uneventful trip. As we walk up on DD, I get my first ever glimpse of JET in person; and yes, she's as sweet as advertised.

After we arrived at the Cask, hygs and introductions were made all around, then a group of us headed off to walk around the park so I could be a fan boy and take 4,000 pictures. Here we are with Ted:

As we arrived back at the Cask, most everybody was there, including ab, who I wasn't expecting at all. Looking forward to catching the Durham Bulls this summer, man. And the spare key is on the way.

Quick observations on everyone:

Rob and JD? The BEST. If you haven't met these two yet, I feel sorry for you. You will never find two more generous, giving, absolutely hilarious people on the face of the earth. Your generosity toward me all weekend was above and beyond, and I'm really glad our paths crossed. My life is better for knowing you both.

Becks? You and Bob are amazing. I'm really glad we finally got to meet, take a tour of Fenway Park together, and I finally got to hyg your neck.

Nance? I've got an awesome picture of us, but I promised I wouldn't post it. But you are beautiful: Bob is a lucky dude. Speaking of which, the 2 Bob's deserve a place in the SG Hall of Fame for jumping right in. I mean, I was nervous, and I talk to you reprobates every day; I can't imagine what they were going through. Especially when hayes started dancing with Mr. Nancy.

Opie, for the shortest guy on the board, you walk tall, my man.

Trot's Hat? The fact you named your gnome Elmer has endeared you to me for life.

Crystal, Dover, sister of Dover, and Bellbabe? I'm really sorry I didn't get a chance to spend more time with you. Although I'm pretty sure my hearing is thanking me for the Dover part. ;)

Jojo, DennysDawhta, and Redbeard? See above. I was working the room like I was running for office, but I still feel like I didn't try hard enough.

Cyn, Kelly, Cindy, and SotB? You all know how I feel about you; although when I told Kelly I had to go to the bathroom and she yelled "NO!" actually scared me just a little. ;)

Josh Blue and Amy: it was my pleasure. And JB? I thought you'd be bigger.

I know I'm forgetting someone, and I apologize. It's been a pretty traumatic week; flying, first visit to Fenway, and Rakes shoved Trot into the wall tonight, leaving a goose egg the size of Rhode Island. Please, nobody take offense. If I missed you, here is a shot of most of us and you can all thrash me later.

Last, but not least, Tex. Sis, I can't tell you how much it meant to me for you to come up from Texas for my first visit to Fenway. And it's sort of appropriate that my first picture taken at Fenway was with you. It meant the world to me you were there.

Finally, candaon. You are without a doubt my brother from another mother; thanks for letting me crash at your place, thanks for making me laugh for 5 straight days, and thanks for just being my boy.

I love you, man. And I'm not ashamed to admit it.

::clink::

PS: Nance? You were awesome. Please tell Bob thanks for letting me hug you for so long.

::Riverdances::