O frabjous day!
So Mom asked me to pick up eggs and milk tonight since she was busy. I agreed, mostly because I had nothing better to do and doing so would gain me the car for a quick stop by the library to pick up some reading material. I went to the library first just in case the stop wasn't as quick as I imagined. (I didn't want the milk and eggs to spoil.) Anyway, while I was wandering the aisles I noted a sign reminding people of the imminent Margaret Peterson Haddix author visit. I was eagerly anticipating this visit -- first time I ever saw one for an author I read and enjoyed -- so I stopped and kind of smiled goofily at the display, idly noting that the vist was on a Wednesday. Then a small part of my brain engaged and registered that the sign said the visit was on June 21 at 2 PM . . . in other words, over four hours earlier. I nearly cried.
Then I noticed that her second and last visit was to take place tonight at 7 PM at the branch in Hilliard. I had no idea where Hilliard was, let alone the branch, but I strongly suspected it was on the complete other side of town. I had less than 45 minutes. I drove like a madwoman to Kroger's, picked up the first cartons of eggs and milk I could find, drove home, put them in the fridge, mapquested directions, and drove half the beltway to Hilliard by 7:05. I then practically ran into the branch to try to make it, only to be stopped and asked for a ticket. I found the supposed ticket-dispenser, who looked at me and told me we would wait a few minutes to see if any more ticket-holders showed up. Apparently, they were out. I was so full of excitement and energy I could hardly stop bouncing up and down in my flip-flops. I think that might have been what saved me, because when they relented and let me in a few minutes earlier, I realized that I was easily the oldest person in the audience. Apparently, at Hilliard, they were only letting children in to see Haddix. Bouncing up and down in my flip-flops, I could probably pass for 15, though that still would have left me with no competition in the age category. Either way, she was wonderful, certainly knew her audience, and I grinned like a loon through most of her presentation. Afterward, I went out and bought a book (they had a display) and had her sign it. I got Ella Enchanted, though thinking about it afterward, I think I should have gotten Among the Hidden. The book suits my reading-aloud habits much better.
It was a close call, but all in all, a very, very magnificent event.