Monday was a holiday, so Loie and Bucky did some more visiting. They had lunch with Hilary and Mark, and a nice visit it was. That was particularly handy because they then had an errand to run in Hanover where Hilary and Mark live. Loie is a member of a professional group called MAPLA: the Maryland Association of Public Library Administrators. And MAPLA has a special ritual for every new member: they are inducted into MOM, the Mystic Order of MAPLA. Of course this is just an icebreaker, a way for people to get to meet each other, and a bit of fun for all. The Director of MAPLA has been given a wizard's hat to wear for the cermony, and Loie had an idea to make the event even more spectacular. She bought some wildly sparkly sequined cloth, and had Terrie's mother Janet, whom everyone calls Ja, sew a dramatic flowing cape. Ja is an amateur actress and costume maker, and is very good at both. Loie and Bucky went to meet Ja and pick up the cape at Ja's house, which is not far from Hilary and Mark's.
"Ja," said Loie, "This is wonderful." And indeed Ja had worked wonders with the sequined cloth. The cape billowed and swirled as Bucky modeled it. Loie was due to go to Ocean City that week for a MAPLA meeting, and the cape was done just in time for its inaugural use. When she got back, Loie told Bucky that the cape had been the hit of the meeting. "Good thing Terrie has such a talented mother," said Bucky, and Loie agreed.
The Madcap Month continued as Loie's friend Craig Runyon came to visit from London. The Lovebunnies took Craig around for some errands that weekend, and one of them was to meet a friend who had been storing many old record albums for Craig. The precious relics were finally being taken overseas. Craig was happy to get his records back after so long.
November slowed down the rounds of parties and visits. The Leonid meteor campfire party was well attended but clouded over. December saw a record breaking day. On the eighth, Loie and Bucky hosted a lunch for a reunion of the Writer's Exchange. Then they went to an opening of a show by Bart Walter at the Ain't That A Frame art gallery in Westminster. Then the Lovebunnies drove to Washington for Elizabeth's annual Christmas party.
"OK," said Bucky, as they were driving home from Elizabeth's. "That's three parties in one day. Anew personal record."
"That will be hard to beat," said Loie.
The month ended with many gatherings and celebrations: the Precht's Solstice Party, the Peeling's wreath making; Christmas Eve and Day with friends and relations. Bucky took ingredients and made eggnog at Darrell and Laurel's house for a reception on the 28th. And of course many friends joined the Lovebunnies for New Year's Eve and Day.
Tictoc is firmly ensconced as the new cat. Gunther tolerates him with bad grace, and occasionally decides to show him who's boss by smacking him around a bit. Tictoc retaliates by coming too close to Gunther, teasing him; and by sneaking into the little bathroom to eat Gunther's food. Loie continues busy both at work and as President of the Maryland Library Association. Bucky's work is still slow, and he fills in with chores and projects. Life at No. 69 Snugglehouse Lane is filled with the blessings of friends and family; animals outdoors and in; plenty to do and good health with which to do it. Best wishes to all for 2003, and many thanks for making 2002 the best year ever for the Lovebunnies.
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