Once we found B&N, decided to have lunch. Saw a "Charlestons" nearby so went and had a delicious lunch and just enjoyed ourselves sitting there chatting.

After lunch, we went to a Michaels & Target looking for something for the JDRobb basket. Saw KatieD (I believe she still lurks here) out in the parking lot and said hello. She had just come out of B&N with a book in her hand, and realized she hadn't paid for it. We assume she corrected that little absentmindedness on her part. Jill and I went back to Michaels and bought the item we wanted, put it in my trunk, then headed to B&N for the duration.

Saw Dawn (from Adwoff) and talked with her. She arranged it so our group (Adwoff & JDRobb) could get passes to be in "Group 1". Very grateful for that, because it turned out there were 500 people at that signing.

Jill and I found seats, and took turns keeping our seats while the other went & wandered around.

NancyD & NancyO from Adwoff came in, and sat very close to us, so we chatted with them for a while.

Nora came out a little bit after the starting time. she had been in the back signing stock. There was a question and answer session, which wasn't much different from what Deb & Jill described at other signings, so I really don't have anything to add to what they said. Maybe Jill will think of something different that Nora said, but I can't think of anything.

The signing began after about 30 minutes of Q&A, and group 1 was called. Our group was all together at the end of the Group 1 line, as some wanted to get photos. I had a couple things for Nora to sign, the rest had books to sign or nothing at all & just said hello to the Queen. Then we all got pictures taken with her. Before leaving Nora, we arranged to meet with her for drinks after the signing at her hotel-Canterbury Hotel in downtown Indianapolis.

We left B&N--the others went to eat dinner, and Jill & I drove back to our hotel. We stayed there for a little while, then walked to the Canterbury-passing the RCA Dome, union station, the convention center on our way to the hotel. Lots of MEN walking around. there was a firefighter's convention going on that weekend, and saw lots of men in groups walking in downtown Indy, and also staying at our hotel. Jill & I felt very safe. :-)

Downtown Indianapolis is jumping.. lots of great restaurants, shops, a mall right in the middle of things, gorgeous hotels, nightclubs, etc. We passed a Nordstrom's, which we found out later Nora had done some major shopping in that day. Jill and I found the Canterbury and went in the bar. Small bar, but gorgeous with dark woods and comfortable, cushy seating. We sat down in a seating area at one side of the bar which would accommodate the group of us, and saved that area until the rest arrived. Jill & I split a fruit and cheese plate, which was absolutely delicious. Jill enjoyed her Guinness, while I enjoyed my thirst-quenching iced tea (I later did get some merlot in a HUGE wine glass).

Wasn't long until NancyD, NancyO, Dawn, & Katie came in. We talked for a while and then came Nora with Publicity Heather. Nora had champagne cocktails and she also got the fruit and cheese plate, which she and Heather shared.

Nora talked about shopping at Nordstrom's and getting some cool shoes, and going to The Children's Place and practically buying out the store for things for Kayla. Nora said Kayla (her granddaughter) will never be able to wear everything Nora's bought for her. she keeps buying and buying and buying outfits for her. Nora was exhausted from not only the B&N signing, but also she signed stock at about 6 other bookstores that day plus signing hundreds of bookplates, and doing interviews. She signs using her arm, and she kept massaging her upper arm, which was really hurting. After having a couple champagne cocktails and the fruit & cheese, she said she felt much better-it was exactly what she needed.

I can't remember all she talked about, but she did say she had an escort from hell that day-the woman would not shut up, among other things.

She talked about the Canterbury Hotel a little, describing how nice her room was and that the staff were excellent. I mentioned to her that the Canterbury is where Mike Tyson raped that woman. She said something about she hoped she wasn't sleeping in his bed. Then she said the Rolling Stones had stayed there, and she hoped she was sleeping in Mick's bed. LOL

I'm sure Jill will fill you in more on the details that I forgot.

We all broke up and went our separate ways. Jill and I had a nice walk back to our hotel, and as it was late, we immediately went to bed.

Saturday, I got up early (as is my custom) and got my shower, etc. while Jill was still sleeping. Went out to the breakfast bar and had coffee, coffee, and more coffee. Went outside to smoke several times, and the weather had changed drastically from the previous day-it was like winter out there, while Friday was in the 60s or 70s.

Jill got up, and she and I went to the breakfast area in the hotel and had a light breakfast. Then we gathered up our stuff and checked out. Jill followed me as we headed in our respective vehicles to the Sam's Club signing, which was to begin at 11:30 AM. Made a wrong turn at one point, where the road we were on just ended. I, of course, made the wrong choice of which way to go, but stopped at a little antique store and asked directions to Sam's. We then got on the right track, and it didn't take long until we were at Sam's. I purchased "Birthright" there-much cheaper! Jill and I then sat at tables where the signing was going to be, and before long saw Dawn & Katie at the cash registers. they took advantage of their time and did a little shopping. The four of us sat there for a while, then saw the two Nancys. Jill and I were waiting for friends from another board, Deanna & Debbie, to arrive. They were driving down together from Michigan (Deanna) & Toledo, OH (Debbie). I called Deanna on her cell, and they had missed their turn on the Interstate, and went about 50 miles out of their way. Trying to make up time, a mean old cop stopped them and poor Deanna got a ticket. :-( The group of us decided to get in line (which wasn't very long) and we would save a place for Deanna & Debbie. They called us when they were closer, and Jill gave them directions the rest of the way to Sam's. As we were standing in line, I saw them come in about 15 or 20 minutes later. I went and greeted them (Deanna brought us fudge & brownies!), and took them to our place in line. Wasn't much longer, and we were up there with Nora.

We got our books signed, some had bought multiples for friends, due to the great price, and again had many photos taken with Nora. She didn't talk at Sam's-just signed books. We told her where we were going to eat lunch, but we doubted that she could join us because after the signing she had to pack up and catch a flight that afternoon.

The group of us said our goodbyes to Nora, then headed for the (help me, Jill) Claddagh Pub (?) where we had a really nice lunch. NancyD provided cookies (yummy!) for dessert. Deanna & I left the group and went into the bar a few times to smoke. got directions from the bartender on how to get on the interstate I needed to head for home. Really nice bar & restaurant. Before leaving, the group of us had more pictures taken, hugs, and parted ways. Jill, Deanna, Debbie & I wanted some time alone together, so we went to the Starbucks next door and enjoyed some delish coffees/lattes of our choice and sat there and talked for an hour or two. Had a great time, just the four of us. All of us but Jill will be seeing each other again in three weeks at TTP. Jill has another commitment. :-(

Finally the time came for all of us to head for home. Lots of hugs and good wishes for a safe trip. I always enjoy seeing Nora, but the main reason I go to these signings is to get together with good friends. I doubt that Nora realizes how many good friendships have formed, solely because of the mutual love for her books.

~ Wendy

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