Could it be?
It's time, already, to start thinking about Abbey Road on the River 2009. I know, can you believe it? Now, it is a bit early this time around. Normally, if I recall correctly, the tickets and hotel reservations haven't been available until the calendar year in which the event is held. But this year they decided to get started incredibly early -- which is fine by me. I have every intention of going again. It's pretty much carved in stone on my calendar, except for years when I have just had a baby, and, I can assure you, THAT will never be an issue again! This past year may have been my least favorite of the three trips I've made to AROTR, but that has absolutely no bearing on whether or not I'll go again. A so-so weekend surrounded by fellow Beatles fanatics and Beatles cover bands is still better than that same weekend spent at home, knowing the festivities are going on without you.
As an added bonus this year, I have decided to take Madalyn with me. She has wanted to go for a couple of years now but I have staved her off, partly because of her age and partly because I wasn't willing to relinquish my "me time." But after being lonely for the entire weekend this past trip, I realized that the novelty of attending alone may be wearing off and I may be ready for some company. She will be 8.5 by trip time, and acts older. She's also really good with staying up late, which is an essential part of the weekend. I think she'll enjoy a lot of it. And, being that I don't have my head completely in the clouds, I plan to procure some portable entertainment devices between now and then which she can bring with her in case she finds she simply can't listen to music for another minute. It never hurts to have backup.
At any rate, sometime in the next week or so I will be putting down a deposit for my weekend pass (Madalyn will be free). The deposit will enable me to then reserve our room at the special AROTR rate. Rooms are limited this year as there are other conventions going on in Louisville that weekend, so I plan to get this all locked in right away.
Only 9 months to go!