Conference!

Today is the day. The first official day of the conference. We are asked to park at the other end of Orchard Street in the church parking lot to free up spaces for our guests. Normally, we have seasons where parking in the small library lot becomes an issue - especially during the semester when there is bad weather. Everyone and their brother thinks they should park here, when in fact (although there are no signs to indicate it) the only people who are supposed to park here are library employees, the dorm RA and visitors.

Really what we need is a parking garage with multiple levels. Of course, that would cost a pretty penny, so it won't happen. But eventually, they plan to clear some space for more parking lots. Meanwhile, for the conference, we park at the other end of campus and walk. Fortunately, it is not too hot out. I dutifully park where we are asked to park and begin the trek to the library.

I see people I do not normally see, also parking there and walking. This is an unexpected bonus. I dawdle a bit to chat, like hanging over a fence to touch base with my neighbors. We are all loaded down with briefcases and lunches and odds and ends. None of us have responsibilities for the conference, nor are we teaching classes, so we linger in the pleasant sun, delaying being inside on so nice a day.

Here and there we see groups of visitors eagerly heading for some place or another. There are signs all about, directing and informing, and I am confident that the packets have campus maps. We feel no particular need to make ourselves available to assist. Its nice to catch up on what is happening in other areas. What a lovely way to begin a day.