Our annual retreat came to an end yesterday.  I certainly had a very good time, but even more important, from the comments I heard from many, it was a very good time by all. 

Both of our after dinner speakers were appreciated.  Barbara Doheny's talk on pins Friday night was interesting.  No doubt the explosion of bobbin lace around 1500 was sparked by the invention of a pin machine.  Patty Foley tailored her talk "Lace is Everywhere" to a lace-aware audience, and it was well received.  I have seen her general audience version before, and I would recommend it for anyone who might have an inkling of interest in lace.

Since the library was at the meeting, a lot of people had the ability to browse the collection.  Many of the books are now in use by people.  In looking at the checkout list, this was one of the largest lists I have seen for the NELG library. 

We had a great auction.  There was a lot pillows this year as well as bobbins and out-of-print books.  I was very please to see that some of these ended up with some beginning lace makers at reasonable prices.  The proceeds help support NELG for things such as the library and the scholarship fund. 

On the trip to Logan Airport, Ulrike Voelcker who had taught a class on Point Ground lace commented on how pleasant the experience was.  That made me feel good.

So, for all the people on the retreat committee who organized it, for all the people who donated items for the silent auction, for all the people who made bids on the silent auction, for the excellent teachers, for the staff at the Sacred Hearts Retreat and Spirituality Center, and for all the people who attended, thanks for making this a success.  I hope we will do as well next year.