His Divine Shadow
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I would blame my gimp foot for the delay in this reminiscence, but it was all me. A few general things are worth mentioning. This will be long, as all my gathering posts are, although it will not be as long as those of some past gatherings, methinks. To begin, my sincerest apologies to all NESTers affected by my crankiness and irritability during NEST. It wasn’t you; it was me. I hope it didn’t make anyone’s weekend less fun.
Second, I salute every NEST attendee for their outstanding response to the room trouble on Sunday. Everyone had a positive outlook and really worked hard to help out when the NEST team needed them. You all turned what could have been a mess into a play party as good, if not better, than last year.
Finally, but no less importantly, a few specific thanks are in order. My thanks and congratulations to the entire NEST team for their hard work dedication in making this weekend a wonderful one. Thanks to all the DMs who guarded the doors, watched over activities, and kept everything running smoothly, sacrificing their time to make sure we were all safe. Thanks to ViperGTS and his cohorts for bringing in the victuals on Sunday. Thanks also to the owner of most of the bondage equipment that was in use Sunday for bringing it in and giving his time to keep an eye on us. If I could remember your name, and I apologize for that, I’d give you a personal thank you.
I'm also glad folks ate the cookies I brought, pretty much all of them. I was not looking forward to taking those back, as I don't eat 'em. Glad you all enjoyed my cooking (or were willing the lie about it 😛).
The Drive
Getting to NEST was a nightmare indeed. Picking up CrystalLight, Jo, in Albany, NY, I began the drive down the New York State Thruway already late. Channeling our own BrightEyes1082, I followed whichever maniac I could on the highway, averaging probably 90 miles per hour from Albany to the I-287 exit and not much less on I-287 itself. None of this was a problem.
What was a problem was local New Jersey. I made the terrible mistake of choosing a local shortcut through Princeton from I-287 to I-95. Never do this. I got lost right after getting off the interstate and proceeded to miss turns and get lost a further two times. Reaching I-95 more through dumb luck than anything else, NJDOT conspired to throw one last obstacle at me, trimming I-95 down to one lane as it entered Pennsylvania. Beyond that, it was smoother sailing, with decent (and illegally high) speeds until the hotel. Aside from a nice view of downtown Philadelphia at night, it all stunk. What should have been a 4.5 hour ride took more like 5.5, even with my incredible speeding. I am sorry your ride stunk so much, Jo. 🙁
Next year, if I can find a way, I am taking a train or bus. To heck with driving!
The Flying HDS
By now, even those who weren’t at NEST have seen folks speaking of me receiving an injury at NEST. So, what was it and how did it happen? Well, it involves a tripod, Amnesiac (Ted), a garden, and a long-jump.
Sometime Saturday morning, I learned that Ted, the cameramaniac extraordinaire, was in need of a tripod. I carry mine everywhere, so I went off to find him and offer its services. If you’ve never been to the NEST hotel of this year and last, it has a large, interior atrium with faux gardens and creeks throughout. When I found him, he was on one side of one of these landscaped formations and I on the other. I could have walked around easily, but I choose to jump. Getting a running start, I shouted “Ted!” and ran, launching myself into the air.
As I flew (over a distance much longer than I was tall, perhaps more like ten feet), I realized that I hadn’t planned my landing well. For those who don’t know, jumping is the easy part; no one (well, almost no one) gets hurt on the jump. It’s the landing that breaks things. I could have rolled when I landed, but I would have rolled right through Ted, and sending him flying into the duck pond would not have been conducive to speaking to him, the whole point of the jump. So, I landed. Hard. It was a pretty immediate realization that I’d had a bad landing, and so I quickly said something like “TedifyouneedatripodIhaveone” before limping off to the operations room where a kind member whose name I don’t even know (how pathetic am I?) wrapped my foot and ankle. Whomever you are, I thank you sincerely and owe you a debt.
So, there you have it. I then spent the remainder of the weekend limping around, with the kind Rupert/Mike rewrapping my foot and ankle after I had to remove it to shower. The injury is soft tissue, so no fracture, but it hasn’t really gotten any better in the intervening days. I have a brace on it and I ice it regularly, as per the advice of the Student Health Center (which I gave in and went the Thursday after NEST). We’ll see if it betters itself in a week or two.
The Amazing Brothers Tamponini
With my foot hurting and the bandage I had damaged by chlorine, I realized I needed more ACE bandages, and I knew of a pharmacy not too far away, so I readied myself to be off. I asked LeeAllure and Jo if they needed anything while I was out, and all I got was a request for Neosporin from Jo. However, Tortuga, Cassi, overheard and requested Tampons. I got her to show me an image (thank you, Google Images) of the specific one needed, which I thought was the end of that. Alas, I was wrong, as you’ll see.
Outside by the smokers, I got a request for some cigarettes and picked up a copilot, Tickle_Emperor, Rob. Taking to the road, the Emperor and I made it to the pharmacy without dying, which is always a plus, but ran into some trouble. Now, you’d think two otherwise normal guys could find a set of tampons, especially given that I saw an image of them. However, there were complications! The specific tampon type I was ordered to find comes in many varieties. Scented and unscented. Regular, super, and ultra. Combinations of scent and regular, super, ultra. What the fudge? Which one is right? What the heck does a scented tampon matter? Is the super or ultra really better? Are they only meant for Supergirl, Wonder Woman, or the like? The Emperor and I spent a good five or ten minutes deliberating this before choosing a combo pack of unscented regular and super tampons. I can only pray that was the right choice.
Alas, though, the needed cigarettes were not to be found, sending the Emperor and I to a gas station down Broad Street in downtown Philly. Taking a circuitous route around City Hall and back to I-95, we somehow made it back, only to be told there was a Wawa right near the hotel. Fiddlesticks.
The Tampon Interruption
That’s not the end of the tampon excursion, however. Returning to the hotel, I hobbled around looking for Cassi, finding her in the midst of being an example for darkhand, Sean, and his rope class. Holding up the tampon in the back of the room, I said in a really loud whisper “They’ll be in my room!,” to which Cassi replied “Okay!” I retreated to the entire room laughing at the absurdity of what just happened. I am only fortunate that Sean was so stunned by the ridiculousness of it all that he couldn’t leap across the room to hang me with one of his ropes. 😀
The Couch Rescue
Libertine and Kittentoes, that magnificent pair, required a couch for their skit at the talent show on Saturday night. My room, being on the first floor, was used as the source. A crew of burly gents (and the Lean’s BEAST) carted it over. However, many of those burly gents were occupied with a kidnapping after the show, and I, being a paranoid wacko, decided I needed to get the couch back after the dinner was over. A fabulous crew, including Robace, Kayaker, Rupert/Mike, and at least three other folks whose names escape me helped out. My thanks to all of you, really, as my hobblin’ self could not have done it alone. Well, maybe, but it would have taken a long time. 😛
The Birthday Celebration of baldadonis & sasaxrah
A week or so before NEST, I happened to notice a reminder on Facebook declaring the birthday of our own baldadonis, Dave, on the Wednesday before NEST. I, being an obsessive baker, decided I’d bake a cake for Dave and have a surprise celebration at NEST. I enlisted CrystalLight, Jo, to help me plan and asked KrazieDog, Jay, to talk to sasaxrah, Sarah, and find out what type of cake Dave preferred. Jay alerted me that Sarah’s birthday was right after NEST and that she’d always been forgotten by celebrations of Dave’s.
This, of course, was not allowed, so Jo pointed me in the direction of a rainbow cake (to capitalize on Sarah’s pride … err, pride. 😛 So, it was done.
To cut a rambling story short, I managed to corral a bunch of Dave’s friends in my room (thanks to Jay) and set the cake ablaze thanks to the omnipresent smokers and their lighters. We dragged Dave and Sarah in and sang for them. As we started singing, Dave realized what was going on, and Sarah was standing next to him with an “oh, this is sweet, singing for my Dave” look on her face. Right as we sang the “Sarah” in “Happy Birthday, Dave and Sarah” line, her face changed to “holy crud, they’re singing for me to.” So, even if we didn’t really surprise Dave all that much, we managed to surprise Sarah. It may be small and silly, but that little moment is my favorite one of the weekend. 🙂
Skipadeedoodah Gets a Taste of Her Own Medicine
All who know Skipadeedoodah, Lyz, know that she is so supportive when one of her friends is being tickled into the ground. She will sit here, so compassionate, telling them “Baby, you’re so strong; I’m so proud of you! I’ll hold your hand!” She’ll never endanger herself, though, and herein lies the problem. Something had to be done to teach Lyz the error of her ways. So, after the cake was cut and all were eating, a few of Lyz's "friends" grabbed her and went at it, with others playing the role Lyz usually does. "You're so strong! We're here for you! You're doing great!" Justice is best a dish served with cake, it seems.
Cassi and the Cake
That isn't the end of the cake's involvement, however. Not too much later, Cassi burst into the room demanding one of the tampons I'd procured earlier. Settling that issue, she prepared to head back to the demo with Sean she'd left to deal with this. Before she went, however, I foisted a piece of cake upon her. Apparently, she went back into the demo, eating the cake, and had Sean staring at her going "WTF?," as she'd said she had to pee and thus needed to be untied. Cassi's response was something along the lines of "I found it." This, of course, was not believed. 😛
BrightEyes1082's Kidnapping
BrightEyes1082, Amanda, had her kidnapping at the end of the talent show. I was not there to see it begin, but I saw some other parts of it. Witnessing Kidnapping Grand Poobah TickleChgo pacing around, looking worried, I hobbled over to inquire as to the problem. It seems a certain rhinoceros was late, so I set of to find him. Seeing said rhino (asutickler/Pete) by the elevator, I yelled up at him to hustle it on down.
That's not the good part, however. The good part is that a table full of Navy veterans (as the hotel had a group of them from a WWII submarine tender) was nearby. They seemed puzzled by all the men in black with hoods and voiced wonder at all that was going on. Explaining that it was a mock kidnapping, the entire table seemed to be fine with this, which I found most amusing. What's better is that, after Pete got himself down, the rest of the kidnappers were dragging Amanda down the hall. Pete joined in, and the whole table of old folks, instead of being worried, thought the entire thing was hilarious, right down to Amanda's protestations. Ninja Pete = win as well.
Goodbye, Part Deux, in Allentown
After saying our goodbyes on Sunday evening, CrystalLight, Jo, and I left for Rochester. Stopping after much traffic at the Allentown rest area, I hobbled towards the door while Jo finished her smoke. I held the door for the next person and was stunned to see the person I held it for was none other than MrTicklee! We'd just said our goodbyes to him at NEST, but we left well before he did. Meeting up with him after he got his coffee, we walked back to the car and surprised Jo as much as I'd been surprised at the door. How did he catch up to us? I was speeding like a Bostonian, and we'd both hit traffic. I guess this explains why it takes me so long to travel anywhere; time must speed up for everyone else.
Shout Outs
I imagine I'll miss many here. If I do, my apologies, and know I mean you no ill will. At this NEST, especially, I saw little of anyone.
Alchemy - Good to see you again, Mr. ToothBrush Fingers! I'm glad to have had a chance to chat with you on Sunday morning, and I'm sorry you had to room with Robace; you have my deepest sympathies. 😛
Amnesiac - Ted! Don't forget your tripod next time; I can't afford another injury. Good to see you, and try not to fail so spectacularly against Lamashtu next time. 😛
asutickler - My good Rhino, it was a pleasure to talk to you and to see you in your amazing ninja garb. Keep that around; it's a good look for you!
Avenger - My good man, I'm glad I got to see you, albeit briefly, this NEST. Some year, I'll actually sit down and say hello, but lord knows I am terrible about slowing down.
Baldadonis - Dave, you nutball. You went to karaoke and left your hardworking girlfriend to arrive without you. What's up with that? 😛 Great to see you, and I hope you enjoyed the little birthday surprise. 🙂 See you tomorrow, hopefully. 😛
sasaxrah - Sarayrayrayrah! I'm so glad I actually surprised you with that birthday bit for Dave AND you, even if it was all Jay's idea. I'm sorry Friday evening had to drag so long for you at work; what a way to start things. I thank you for an amazingly entertaining round of legalese versus musicality on the couches. Poor Dave and Glenn were stumped as could be. 😀 See you for dinner tomorrow, perhaps. 🙂
BellaRisa - Mama B! I'm glad you made it, even if I seemed to always be going one way and you the other. Thanks for dragging the Shark along; it was good to meet him at long last.
Big_Dogg85 - The huuuuuuge Canadian! Sorry for using you as a comparison for Karategirl; you were there, and huuuuge! 😀 Good to meet you, sir Dogg!
BrightEyes1082 - Mondy! My partner in LAWLime! I'm so glad you really enjoyed this NEST, and felt what it is all about. I'm so proud of you for finishing the quilt; it looked amazing! I can't wait to see you in just over a week! ILY^2
BrucetheShark - The famous Adam! Honored to make your acquaintance after all these years of hearing about you. I feared I might never meet you, as Bella's Bash in November is always at a bad time for me. I'm glad that was rectified, and holy poop you are ginormous! 😀
Camel26/Doc - A TickleTheater representative! Despite your bad eyes (what's this thinking I'm swoon-worthy?), you looked like you were having an amazing time and helping many others to do the same. I hope I see you at many gatherings to come. 🙂
Capnmad - Ogre! Okay, okay, Yeti. I still say you're just a snow ogre, though. 😛 Thanks for the photography advice before NEST, even if I didn't end up using it. Always good to see you.
Classy - Classy! Still in shock I first saw you without your cawfee, and now I'm in shock I'll get to see you in a few weeks! I can't wait!
CrystalLight - Jo, there's quite a bit more than can fit in a few brief lines. Thank you for putting up with my driving and for giving me the pleasure of sharing a room with you. I'm so glad my staying a few extra hours was able to give you a really good time on Sunday. It means the world to me. I love you, and I can't see you soon enough. <3
darkhand - I apologize again for interrupting not one but two of your scenes/classes. Thanks for taking it all in stride and at least delaying my death until after my foot heals. Thanks for adding your expertise as rope class instructor; it looked like many were enjoying it!
desdemona - Once again, I manage to somehow avoid saying a real hello to you. I must rectify this the next time our paths cross. Glad you could make it, even if I didn't see much of you.
esoteric - My good Zach, it was awesome to meet you, even if I saw next to nothing of you. I hope you had fun at your first NEST (it sounds like it), and that my next encounter with you won't be so brief.
Euphoricy - Ginny! Even if I didn't see you nearly enough, I was so glad to after nearly a year away. I'm sorry we didn't get to interact more, and I'll act to remedy that this summer if I at all can. You looked stunning as vampiress; I hope that was a fun time. Thanks for bringing the beau; I was glad to meet him at last! Love you, and I will be better to you next time, or I'm a truly worthless human being. <3
Falcon - As I write this, I realize you may have been one of those helping move my couch, yes? If so, my great thanks! If not, good to see you regardless, my friend.
FilthyWeasel - I feel like I barely met you, but was honored to have in what little capacity I did. I wish I'd been there to see the ladies swoon over your voice. If John Getty ever makes it, we'll have to have a voiceoff. 😛
Fireguardian - Yetikeeper! Good to see you again and, despite both your protestations, he is an ogre. Of the snow and glaciers. 😛 If my travels take me around Philly this summer, I'll have to stop by and say hello.
fishman - It was great to meet you, my good man of fishes. The name was unfortunately borne out, given what you returned home to. I'm glad your home remained above the worst of it, and I hope things are getting back to normal for you. My thoughts remain with you and all the other waterlogged residents of the south!
Hypnogirl AKA Trilbie - Thanks for lending your considerable talents to hypnosis instruction! I know many enjoyed it, and I hope you yourself had fun the rest of the weekend.
Impaler - Brotherman! That suit was an excellent look for you, I must say. Really impressive. I feel like I barely saw you, but I assume that's because you were having a grand time. Take care until next we meet!
JPie - Good to see you again, she-whose-bed-I-tend-to-destroy. I'm glad I didn't do that this year. 😛
Kassilei - Ms. Rhino, I was glad to meet you after hearing so much about you. Thanks for the advice and concern regarding my foot, and for entertaining my conversation throughout the weekend. I hope we see you at many gatherings to come. 🙂
Kayaker - Todd, it was great to see you, even if you did arrive Saturday, you booger. 😛 The trademark beaming grin was everywhere. My thanks for the assistance with the couch!
Kered - Kered, you are a gentleman and a scholar, and many other things besides. That gift to Amanda was really sweet, and despite what you may say, you've still got it. Next time, fly! No more almost speeding tickets.
Kilitinko - He-who-lives-not-too-far-south-of-me! Good to see you and converse with you again. Depending on how much time I have this summer, I will look you up. Sorry to hear you had some issues when arriving home (I believe I have the right person here); I hope it all passes soon.
Libertine & Kittentoes - I was glad to have a chance to talk with you two over "biscuits" (yes, I will get that eventually). My apologies for almost blowing your cover for Katie's kidnapping; I'm glad it didn't ruin it. I'm sorry I missed your talent show performance; I heard it was marvelous.
Korastus - Sorry to hear you had some anxiety issues this weekend. I hope you enjoyed your kidnapping, of which I saw only you being taken away in the elevator. 😛 Talk to you more next time, indeed!
KrazieDog - Jay, you amazing fellow, thanks for chatting with me throughout the weekend. I felt like I had a chance to really talk this weekend, and I'm glad for that. Thanks also for showing us Cassi's younger self; that was fun! 😀
Kretelis & Irishgirl - A pleasure to see you both again. You two are always so happy and really full of the spirit that makes NEST what it is. You both looked stunning in your dinner wear, I must say!
kwildoctor & lite - You deviants. Good to see you both there, even if it seemed I was always blowing past one of you for one reason or another. I've got to slow down next time.
Lamashtu - … Canadian. 😛 Seriously, it was awesome to see you again. I'm sorry our rematch didn't quite occur this time, although watching you take down Ted was hilarious indeed. It looked like you had a great time, and the next time we meet, I shall dedicate more time to seeing you (and beating you up, for sure).
LeeAllure - Thank you for everything, from organizing to sharing your pillow with me to keep my foot propped. I'm sorry I forgot to return it; I realized this after I was many hundreds of miles away. I'll be starting work on that project soon; hopefully, I'll have results for you posthaste!
Max Speer - I'm saddened I missed most of your impromptu performance on the piano this year. What was wrong with me? Good to see you again! Isn't it grand, the fruits of your early labors? They've grown so much. 🙂
milagros317 - The man with the posts! A pleasure to eat breakfast with you on Sunday. I'm glad there is another there who enjoys the buffet as much as I. 😀 Good to chat with you!
MrTicklee - Good to have meet you, said goodbye to you, and then said goodbye again in Allentown! What was up with that? You're a good man, and watching you and Dave trying to stump the girls with legalese was quite entertaining, even if I only really understood stare decisis.
Mushy - That roommate I never really met! I'm sorry we missed each other on Sunday. I'm glad you discovered NEST was happening and were able to make it! Next time, I'll have to actually get an introduction, yes yes.
Musicroxmysox - Mel, it was a pleasure to have spoken with you so much more this weekend. Thanks for your concern about my foot, even if I shared none of it. 😛 Thanks also for contributing to the immensely entertaining music versus legality quiz hour on the couches. I hope the shift to CO is a smooth and happy one for you!
natural tickler - I don't get the handshake, dude; I'm just too white. You've got to remember what you're dealing with here. 😛 Good to see you, my squirrely friend. I am happy to say I had no part in this year's BBB, so you can reserve your wrath for the others. I am depressed I missed Ray giving you the squirrel, though. 😛 If I'm up in Chicago this summer, I'll let you know.
nenezinho - Rui, I'm glad you made it after all! Sorry the trip here stunk so much; next time, we'll have to petition your bosses to let you have vacation time around NEST weekend. I hope the trip back was smooth (it seems it was), and hopefully I'll be seeing you next time!
NG02 - Glad you were enjoying the sweets; I'll have to send you some cookies to break up that forced dietary regimen of yours. Stay awesome, sir!
Pokey - My good Chief Pokeum, a pleasure to see you and converse with you again. I'm glad your visit needed not be so abbreviated this year; make a habit of that now!
PurrBast - That one of the wives I met and saw little of! Good to have met you after hearing and seeing so much of you! I hope you enjoyed your first NEST (it certainly seemed like it), and next time, I'll slow down enough to have a chat. 🙂
Rev Jamie & Amanda - Apologies for not being able to lend you my couch for your party, my good Reverend and Reverendess. It sounded like the party went well; great to have seen you both again!
RobAce - My Mexican Hombre! Thanks for the flower, you wacko, and thanks for helping with the couch on Saturday night. I'm glad the talent show went so well, and congratulations on a job well done as DM. I was really glad to see you relaxing this weekend; keep that up!
Rupert (Mike) - Mike, Rupert, whomever the heck you are, thank you so much for redressing my sprain and for the assistance with the couch Saturday night. You're a good guy, and a class act. I hope the semester treats you well, as it seems you're getting as hammered as I.
Skipadeedoodah - Lyz! So, how'd it feel to receive what you usually dish out? 😛 Great to see you again, even if I saw very little of you. I'm glad to know only slacker can make you drop your phone while driving; I'll be sure only to ride with you if he is in the car. 😀
slacker - Brent, you awesome man, thanks for bringing your ladyfriend to meet us all! It was my pleasure to finally meet her, and it was a pleasure to see you both. Also … the steelers suck! 😀
Snail Shell - Jawsch! I'm so glad this NEST was a radical departure from Albany. I barely saw you, but that's a good thing, as you were off having grand fun. Thanks again for organizing the Canadian Caravan; I know those trips wouldn't succeed without your tireless efforts.
Spotman & Spotlady - Spots! Wonderful to see you both again, even if I must waggle my finger at you both, as I so often found you when I was visiting the smokers. Less deathsticks please. 😀
subtle_feather - I barely saw you this gathering, but I'll see you in a week and change, so I can live with that. 😀 Next time, I shall stop and talk more with you.
TexasTickler - TexasNippler! I don't even know if we were properly introduced, but I shall definitely get a firm introduction the next time I meet you. Just no nippling. Please. 😀
Tickle_Emperor - My Emperor, you wonderful man, I hope our chat helped you out. I am always here if you need to talk, and I mean it. Send me a PM, and I'll get you IM/Skype/Phone info posthaste. You came back to awesome as the weekend progressed; don't let it get away again. Thanks for joining me on that shopping expedition. The Brothers Tamponini forever!
TickleChgo - Andy, you are a tireless force for 'nappings and NEST itself. I salute your efforts, and was proud to lend my room to the cause. Despite your banana shirt, you are an awesome man, and I look forward to seeing you and Mrs. T in a bit over a week!
Ticklish9’s - Roomieman! Great to have seen more of you this year, even if you missed introducing me to Mushy, you wanker. 😛 It was a pleasure to have roomed with you, and perhaps I'll see you around if you visit the Capital District this summer.
TklDuo-Ann & TklDuo-Drew - The devils! The demons! The evil ones! Whatever you two are, don't ever change. I'll have to go looking for a giant clam plush for Drew, since that seems to be his real fetish. 😛
tklee88 - Katiepants! LAWLna! My NC hermana! Like me, you seemed to be all over the hotel, but it sounded like you had great fun. See you in mere days! ILY
Tortuga - Casscassi! I'm glad I was able to help with your shopping, even though it and the cake inadvertently got you in trouble. It was great to see you, and I hope I can make your Fetish Prom this summer. We shall see! Love you. <3
Venray & Raya - I am so glad you two made it, even if just for the day. Thanks for the sloth and the slinky, you twats. 😛 I wish I'd been there to see natural's face when you presented the squirrels. 😀
ViperGTS & SapphireRose - Corry, thank you for chatting with me on Sunday as I was stuck on the couch with my sprain elevated. It helped, really. 🙂 Thanks again to Mark for so ably rounding up victuals on Sunday. Good to see both of you again!
VMANDUDE - My good sir, congratulations on coming out of your newbie shell and attending your first gathering. I hope it was many, if not all, of what you wanted it to be (it seems like it), and I trust we'll see you at many gatherings to come.
To Armpitlovr, Big John, Bratgirl, Chaneda, Concrete man, Entangled Mind, Focus, Gigglemaker, Iceprincess, MKeemer, paracarl44, ReIgnS, Bride of Dracula, Thelemitian, TickVix, TJack, Waitin2btkled and so many others whose names escape my mind (or were inserted here and didn't actually attend, cause I'm bad like that), thanks for coming and helping make this NEST another smashing success. The next time we meet, feel free to beat me up for neglecting your names here.
Hotel Scheduler - Yeah, you, the guy or girl (or machine) that thought the play party was to end at 4:30 PM on Sunday. You can go pole yourself in the lawlhole until you bleed out your ears. But, even with every bad thing you threw at us, we persevered and had immense fun. Just you wait until Mr. Bananashirt Chiquita, Esq., our personal attacktorney, slaughters your face off.
I’ll close with a picture. I had thought I might take some of Philadelphia proper, but that never came to pass. Instead, I got one shot off of City Hall, with William Penn atop it, while paused in traffic with Tickle_Emperor. Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love, and I can tell you with certainty that everyone at NEST took that to heart. Miss and love you all.
Second, I salute every NEST attendee for their outstanding response to the room trouble on Sunday. Everyone had a positive outlook and really worked hard to help out when the NEST team needed them. You all turned what could have been a mess into a play party as good, if not better, than last year.
Finally, but no less importantly, a few specific thanks are in order. My thanks and congratulations to the entire NEST team for their hard work dedication in making this weekend a wonderful one. Thanks to all the DMs who guarded the doors, watched over activities, and kept everything running smoothly, sacrificing their time to make sure we were all safe. Thanks to ViperGTS and his cohorts for bringing in the victuals on Sunday. Thanks also to the owner of most of the bondage equipment that was in use Sunday for bringing it in and giving his time to keep an eye on us. If I could remember your name, and I apologize for that, I’d give you a personal thank you.
I'm also glad folks ate the cookies I brought, pretty much all of them. I was not looking forward to taking those back, as I don't eat 'em. Glad you all enjoyed my cooking (or were willing the lie about it 😛).
The Drive
Getting to NEST was a nightmare indeed. Picking up CrystalLight, Jo, in Albany, NY, I began the drive down the New York State Thruway already late. Channeling our own BrightEyes1082, I followed whichever maniac I could on the highway, averaging probably 90 miles per hour from Albany to the I-287 exit and not much less on I-287 itself. None of this was a problem.
What was a problem was local New Jersey. I made the terrible mistake of choosing a local shortcut through Princeton from I-287 to I-95. Never do this. I got lost right after getting off the interstate and proceeded to miss turns and get lost a further two times. Reaching I-95 more through dumb luck than anything else, NJDOT conspired to throw one last obstacle at me, trimming I-95 down to one lane as it entered Pennsylvania. Beyond that, it was smoother sailing, with decent (and illegally high) speeds until the hotel. Aside from a nice view of downtown Philadelphia at night, it all stunk. What should have been a 4.5 hour ride took more like 5.5, even with my incredible speeding. I am sorry your ride stunk so much, Jo. 🙁
Next year, if I can find a way, I am taking a train or bus. To heck with driving!
The Flying HDS
By now, even those who weren’t at NEST have seen folks speaking of me receiving an injury at NEST. So, what was it and how did it happen? Well, it involves a tripod, Amnesiac (Ted), a garden, and a long-jump.
Sometime Saturday morning, I learned that Ted, the cameramaniac extraordinaire, was in need of a tripod. I carry mine everywhere, so I went off to find him and offer its services. If you’ve never been to the NEST hotel of this year and last, it has a large, interior atrium with faux gardens and creeks throughout. When I found him, he was on one side of one of these landscaped formations and I on the other. I could have walked around easily, but I choose to jump. Getting a running start, I shouted “Ted!” and ran, launching myself into the air.
As I flew (over a distance much longer than I was tall, perhaps more like ten feet), I realized that I hadn’t planned my landing well. For those who don’t know, jumping is the easy part; no one (well, almost no one) gets hurt on the jump. It’s the landing that breaks things. I could have rolled when I landed, but I would have rolled right through Ted, and sending him flying into the duck pond would not have been conducive to speaking to him, the whole point of the jump. So, I landed. Hard. It was a pretty immediate realization that I’d had a bad landing, and so I quickly said something like “TedifyouneedatripodIhaveone” before limping off to the operations room where a kind member whose name I don’t even know (how pathetic am I?) wrapped my foot and ankle. Whomever you are, I thank you sincerely and owe you a debt.
So, there you have it. I then spent the remainder of the weekend limping around, with the kind Rupert/Mike rewrapping my foot and ankle after I had to remove it to shower. The injury is soft tissue, so no fracture, but it hasn’t really gotten any better in the intervening days. I have a brace on it and I ice it regularly, as per the advice of the Student Health Center (which I gave in and went the Thursday after NEST). We’ll see if it betters itself in a week or two.
The Amazing Brothers Tamponini
With my foot hurting and the bandage I had damaged by chlorine, I realized I needed more ACE bandages, and I knew of a pharmacy not too far away, so I readied myself to be off. I asked LeeAllure and Jo if they needed anything while I was out, and all I got was a request for Neosporin from Jo. However, Tortuga, Cassi, overheard and requested Tampons. I got her to show me an image (thank you, Google Images) of the specific one needed, which I thought was the end of that. Alas, I was wrong, as you’ll see.
Outside by the smokers, I got a request for some cigarettes and picked up a copilot, Tickle_Emperor, Rob. Taking to the road, the Emperor and I made it to the pharmacy without dying, which is always a plus, but ran into some trouble. Now, you’d think two otherwise normal guys could find a set of tampons, especially given that I saw an image of them. However, there were complications! The specific tampon type I was ordered to find comes in many varieties. Scented and unscented. Regular, super, and ultra. Combinations of scent and regular, super, ultra. What the fudge? Which one is right? What the heck does a scented tampon matter? Is the super or ultra really better? Are they only meant for Supergirl, Wonder Woman, or the like? The Emperor and I spent a good five or ten minutes deliberating this before choosing a combo pack of unscented regular and super tampons. I can only pray that was the right choice.
Alas, though, the needed cigarettes were not to be found, sending the Emperor and I to a gas station down Broad Street in downtown Philly. Taking a circuitous route around City Hall and back to I-95, we somehow made it back, only to be told there was a Wawa right near the hotel. Fiddlesticks.
The Tampon Interruption
That’s not the end of the tampon excursion, however. Returning to the hotel, I hobbled around looking for Cassi, finding her in the midst of being an example for darkhand, Sean, and his rope class. Holding up the tampon in the back of the room, I said in a really loud whisper “They’ll be in my room!,” to which Cassi replied “Okay!” I retreated to the entire room laughing at the absurdity of what just happened. I am only fortunate that Sean was so stunned by the ridiculousness of it all that he couldn’t leap across the room to hang me with one of his ropes. 😀
The Couch Rescue
Libertine and Kittentoes, that magnificent pair, required a couch for their skit at the talent show on Saturday night. My room, being on the first floor, was used as the source. A crew of burly gents (and the Lean’s BEAST) carted it over. However, many of those burly gents were occupied with a kidnapping after the show, and I, being a paranoid wacko, decided I needed to get the couch back after the dinner was over. A fabulous crew, including Robace, Kayaker, Rupert/Mike, and at least three other folks whose names escape me helped out. My thanks to all of you, really, as my hobblin’ self could not have done it alone. Well, maybe, but it would have taken a long time. 😛
The Birthday Celebration of baldadonis & sasaxrah
A week or so before NEST, I happened to notice a reminder on Facebook declaring the birthday of our own baldadonis, Dave, on the Wednesday before NEST. I, being an obsessive baker, decided I’d bake a cake for Dave and have a surprise celebration at NEST. I enlisted CrystalLight, Jo, to help me plan and asked KrazieDog, Jay, to talk to sasaxrah, Sarah, and find out what type of cake Dave preferred. Jay alerted me that Sarah’s birthday was right after NEST and that she’d always been forgotten by celebrations of Dave’s.
This, of course, was not allowed, so Jo pointed me in the direction of a rainbow cake (to capitalize on Sarah’s pride … err, pride. 😛 So, it was done.
To cut a rambling story short, I managed to corral a bunch of Dave’s friends in my room (thanks to Jay) and set the cake ablaze thanks to the omnipresent smokers and their lighters. We dragged Dave and Sarah in and sang for them. As we started singing, Dave realized what was going on, and Sarah was standing next to him with an “oh, this is sweet, singing for my Dave” look on her face. Right as we sang the “Sarah” in “Happy Birthday, Dave and Sarah” line, her face changed to “holy crud, they’re singing for me to.” So, even if we didn’t really surprise Dave all that much, we managed to surprise Sarah. It may be small and silly, but that little moment is my favorite one of the weekend. 🙂
Skipadeedoodah Gets a Taste of Her Own Medicine
All who know Skipadeedoodah, Lyz, know that she is so supportive when one of her friends is being tickled into the ground. She will sit here, so compassionate, telling them “Baby, you’re so strong; I’m so proud of you! I’ll hold your hand!” She’ll never endanger herself, though, and herein lies the problem. Something had to be done to teach Lyz the error of her ways. So, after the cake was cut and all were eating, a few of Lyz's "friends" grabbed her and went at it, with others playing the role Lyz usually does. "You're so strong! We're here for you! You're doing great!" Justice is best a dish served with cake, it seems.
Cassi and the Cake
That isn't the end of the cake's involvement, however. Not too much later, Cassi burst into the room demanding one of the tampons I'd procured earlier. Settling that issue, she prepared to head back to the demo with Sean she'd left to deal with this. Before she went, however, I foisted a piece of cake upon her. Apparently, she went back into the demo, eating the cake, and had Sean staring at her going "WTF?," as she'd said she had to pee and thus needed to be untied. Cassi's response was something along the lines of "I found it." This, of course, was not believed. 😛
BrightEyes1082's Kidnapping
BrightEyes1082, Amanda, had her kidnapping at the end of the talent show. I was not there to see it begin, but I saw some other parts of it. Witnessing Kidnapping Grand Poobah TickleChgo pacing around, looking worried, I hobbled over to inquire as to the problem. It seems a certain rhinoceros was late, so I set of to find him. Seeing said rhino (asutickler/Pete) by the elevator, I yelled up at him to hustle it on down.
That's not the good part, however. The good part is that a table full of Navy veterans (as the hotel had a group of them from a WWII submarine tender) was nearby. They seemed puzzled by all the men in black with hoods and voiced wonder at all that was going on. Explaining that it was a mock kidnapping, the entire table seemed to be fine with this, which I found most amusing. What's better is that, after Pete got himself down, the rest of the kidnappers were dragging Amanda down the hall. Pete joined in, and the whole table of old folks, instead of being worried, thought the entire thing was hilarious, right down to Amanda's protestations. Ninja Pete = win as well.
Goodbye, Part Deux, in Allentown
After saying our goodbyes on Sunday evening, CrystalLight, Jo, and I left for Rochester. Stopping after much traffic at the Allentown rest area, I hobbled towards the door while Jo finished her smoke. I held the door for the next person and was stunned to see the person I held it for was none other than MrTicklee! We'd just said our goodbyes to him at NEST, but we left well before he did. Meeting up with him after he got his coffee, we walked back to the car and surprised Jo as much as I'd been surprised at the door. How did he catch up to us? I was speeding like a Bostonian, and we'd both hit traffic. I guess this explains why it takes me so long to travel anywhere; time must speed up for everyone else.
Shout Outs
I imagine I'll miss many here. If I do, my apologies, and know I mean you no ill will. At this NEST, especially, I saw little of anyone.
Alchemy - Good to see you again, Mr. ToothBrush Fingers! I'm glad to have had a chance to chat with you on Sunday morning, and I'm sorry you had to room with Robace; you have my deepest sympathies. 😛
Amnesiac - Ted! Don't forget your tripod next time; I can't afford another injury. Good to see you, and try not to fail so spectacularly against Lamashtu next time. 😛
asutickler - My good Rhino, it was a pleasure to talk to you and to see you in your amazing ninja garb. Keep that around; it's a good look for you!
Avenger - My good man, I'm glad I got to see you, albeit briefly, this NEST. Some year, I'll actually sit down and say hello, but lord knows I am terrible about slowing down.
Baldadonis - Dave, you nutball. You went to karaoke and left your hardworking girlfriend to arrive without you. What's up with that? 😛 Great to see you, and I hope you enjoyed the little birthday surprise. 🙂 See you tomorrow, hopefully. 😛
sasaxrah - Sarayrayrayrah! I'm so glad I actually surprised you with that birthday bit for Dave AND you, even if it was all Jay's idea. I'm sorry Friday evening had to drag so long for you at work; what a way to start things. I thank you for an amazingly entertaining round of legalese versus musicality on the couches. Poor Dave and Glenn were stumped as could be. 😀 See you for dinner tomorrow, perhaps. 🙂
BellaRisa - Mama B! I'm glad you made it, even if I seemed to always be going one way and you the other. Thanks for dragging the Shark along; it was good to meet him at long last.
Big_Dogg85 - The huuuuuuge Canadian! Sorry for using you as a comparison for Karategirl; you were there, and huuuuge! 😀 Good to meet you, sir Dogg!
BrightEyes1082 - Mondy! My partner in LAWLime! I'm so glad you really enjoyed this NEST, and felt what it is all about. I'm so proud of you for finishing the quilt; it looked amazing! I can't wait to see you in just over a week! ILY^2
BrucetheShark - The famous Adam! Honored to make your acquaintance after all these years of hearing about you. I feared I might never meet you, as Bella's Bash in November is always at a bad time for me. I'm glad that was rectified, and holy poop you are ginormous! 😀
Camel26/Doc - A TickleTheater representative! Despite your bad eyes (what's this thinking I'm swoon-worthy?), you looked like you were having an amazing time and helping many others to do the same. I hope I see you at many gatherings to come. 🙂
Capnmad - Ogre! Okay, okay, Yeti. I still say you're just a snow ogre, though. 😛 Thanks for the photography advice before NEST, even if I didn't end up using it. Always good to see you.
Classy - Classy! Still in shock I first saw you without your cawfee, and now I'm in shock I'll get to see you in a few weeks! I can't wait!
CrystalLight - Jo, there's quite a bit more than can fit in a few brief lines. Thank you for putting up with my driving and for giving me the pleasure of sharing a room with you. I'm so glad my staying a few extra hours was able to give you a really good time on Sunday. It means the world to me. I love you, and I can't see you soon enough. <3
darkhand - I apologize again for interrupting not one but two of your scenes/classes. Thanks for taking it all in stride and at least delaying my death until after my foot heals. Thanks for adding your expertise as rope class instructor; it looked like many were enjoying it!
desdemona - Once again, I manage to somehow avoid saying a real hello to you. I must rectify this the next time our paths cross. Glad you could make it, even if I didn't see much of you.
esoteric - My good Zach, it was awesome to meet you, even if I saw next to nothing of you. I hope you had fun at your first NEST (it sounds like it), and that my next encounter with you won't be so brief.
Euphoricy - Ginny! Even if I didn't see you nearly enough, I was so glad to after nearly a year away. I'm sorry we didn't get to interact more, and I'll act to remedy that this summer if I at all can. You looked stunning as vampiress; I hope that was a fun time. Thanks for bringing the beau; I was glad to meet him at last! Love you, and I will be better to you next time, or I'm a truly worthless human being. <3
Falcon - As I write this, I realize you may have been one of those helping move my couch, yes? If so, my great thanks! If not, good to see you regardless, my friend.
FilthyWeasel - I feel like I barely met you, but was honored to have in what little capacity I did. I wish I'd been there to see the ladies swoon over your voice. If John Getty ever makes it, we'll have to have a voiceoff. 😛
Fireguardian - Yetikeeper! Good to see you again and, despite both your protestations, he is an ogre. Of the snow and glaciers. 😛 If my travels take me around Philly this summer, I'll have to stop by and say hello.
fishman - It was great to meet you, my good man of fishes. The name was unfortunately borne out, given what you returned home to. I'm glad your home remained above the worst of it, and I hope things are getting back to normal for you. My thoughts remain with you and all the other waterlogged residents of the south!
Hypnogirl AKA Trilbie - Thanks for lending your considerable talents to hypnosis instruction! I know many enjoyed it, and I hope you yourself had fun the rest of the weekend.
Impaler - Brotherman! That suit was an excellent look for you, I must say. Really impressive. I feel like I barely saw you, but I assume that's because you were having a grand time. Take care until next we meet!
JPie - Good to see you again, she-whose-bed-I-tend-to-destroy. I'm glad I didn't do that this year. 😛
Kassilei - Ms. Rhino, I was glad to meet you after hearing so much about you. Thanks for the advice and concern regarding my foot, and for entertaining my conversation throughout the weekend. I hope we see you at many gatherings to come. 🙂
Kayaker - Todd, it was great to see you, even if you did arrive Saturday, you booger. 😛 The trademark beaming grin was everywhere. My thanks for the assistance with the couch!
Kered - Kered, you are a gentleman and a scholar, and many other things besides. That gift to Amanda was really sweet, and despite what you may say, you've still got it. Next time, fly! No more almost speeding tickets.
Kilitinko - He-who-lives-not-too-far-south-of-me! Good to see you and converse with you again. Depending on how much time I have this summer, I will look you up. Sorry to hear you had some issues when arriving home (I believe I have the right person here); I hope it all passes soon.
Libertine & Kittentoes - I was glad to have a chance to talk with you two over "biscuits" (yes, I will get that eventually). My apologies for almost blowing your cover for Katie's kidnapping; I'm glad it didn't ruin it. I'm sorry I missed your talent show performance; I heard it was marvelous.
Korastus - Sorry to hear you had some anxiety issues this weekend. I hope you enjoyed your kidnapping, of which I saw only you being taken away in the elevator. 😛 Talk to you more next time, indeed!
KrazieDog - Jay, you amazing fellow, thanks for chatting with me throughout the weekend. I felt like I had a chance to really talk this weekend, and I'm glad for that. Thanks also for showing us Cassi's younger self; that was fun! 😀
Kretelis & Irishgirl - A pleasure to see you both again. You two are always so happy and really full of the spirit that makes NEST what it is. You both looked stunning in your dinner wear, I must say!
kwildoctor & lite - You deviants. Good to see you both there, even if it seemed I was always blowing past one of you for one reason or another. I've got to slow down next time.
Lamashtu - … Canadian. 😛 Seriously, it was awesome to see you again. I'm sorry our rematch didn't quite occur this time, although watching you take down Ted was hilarious indeed. It looked like you had a great time, and the next time we meet, I shall dedicate more time to seeing you (and beating you up, for sure).
LeeAllure - Thank you for everything, from organizing to sharing your pillow with me to keep my foot propped. I'm sorry I forgot to return it; I realized this after I was many hundreds of miles away. I'll be starting work on that project soon; hopefully, I'll have results for you posthaste!
Max Speer - I'm saddened I missed most of your impromptu performance on the piano this year. What was wrong with me? Good to see you again! Isn't it grand, the fruits of your early labors? They've grown so much. 🙂
milagros317 - The man with the posts! A pleasure to eat breakfast with you on Sunday. I'm glad there is another there who enjoys the buffet as much as I. 😀 Good to chat with you!
MrTicklee - Good to have meet you, said goodbye to you, and then said goodbye again in Allentown! What was up with that? You're a good man, and watching you and Dave trying to stump the girls with legalese was quite entertaining, even if I only really understood stare decisis.
Mushy - That roommate I never really met! I'm sorry we missed each other on Sunday. I'm glad you discovered NEST was happening and were able to make it! Next time, I'll have to actually get an introduction, yes yes.
Musicroxmysox - Mel, it was a pleasure to have spoken with you so much more this weekend. Thanks for your concern about my foot, even if I shared none of it. 😛 Thanks also for contributing to the immensely entertaining music versus legality quiz hour on the couches. I hope the shift to CO is a smooth and happy one for you!
natural tickler - I don't get the handshake, dude; I'm just too white. You've got to remember what you're dealing with here. 😛 Good to see you, my squirrely friend. I am happy to say I had no part in this year's BBB, so you can reserve your wrath for the others. I am depressed I missed Ray giving you the squirrel, though. 😛 If I'm up in Chicago this summer, I'll let you know.
nenezinho - Rui, I'm glad you made it after all! Sorry the trip here stunk so much; next time, we'll have to petition your bosses to let you have vacation time around NEST weekend. I hope the trip back was smooth (it seems it was), and hopefully I'll be seeing you next time!
NG02 - Glad you were enjoying the sweets; I'll have to send you some cookies to break up that forced dietary regimen of yours. Stay awesome, sir!
Pokey - My good Chief Pokeum, a pleasure to see you and converse with you again. I'm glad your visit needed not be so abbreviated this year; make a habit of that now!
PurrBast - That one of the wives I met and saw little of! Good to have met you after hearing and seeing so much of you! I hope you enjoyed your first NEST (it certainly seemed like it), and next time, I'll slow down enough to have a chat. 🙂
Rev Jamie & Amanda - Apologies for not being able to lend you my couch for your party, my good Reverend and Reverendess. It sounded like the party went well; great to have seen you both again!
RobAce - My Mexican Hombre! Thanks for the flower, you wacko, and thanks for helping with the couch on Saturday night. I'm glad the talent show went so well, and congratulations on a job well done as DM. I was really glad to see you relaxing this weekend; keep that up!
Rupert (Mike) - Mike, Rupert, whomever the heck you are, thank you so much for redressing my sprain and for the assistance with the couch Saturday night. You're a good guy, and a class act. I hope the semester treats you well, as it seems you're getting as hammered as I.
Skipadeedoodah - Lyz! So, how'd it feel to receive what you usually dish out? 😛 Great to see you again, even if I saw very little of you. I'm glad to know only slacker can make you drop your phone while driving; I'll be sure only to ride with you if he is in the car. 😀
slacker - Brent, you awesome man, thanks for bringing your ladyfriend to meet us all! It was my pleasure to finally meet her, and it was a pleasure to see you both. Also … the steelers suck! 😀
Snail Shell - Jawsch! I'm so glad this NEST was a radical departure from Albany. I barely saw you, but that's a good thing, as you were off having grand fun. Thanks again for organizing the Canadian Caravan; I know those trips wouldn't succeed without your tireless efforts.
Spotman & Spotlady - Spots! Wonderful to see you both again, even if I must waggle my finger at you both, as I so often found you when I was visiting the smokers. Less deathsticks please. 😀
subtle_feather - I barely saw you this gathering, but I'll see you in a week and change, so I can live with that. 😀 Next time, I shall stop and talk more with you.
TexasTickler - TexasNippler! I don't even know if we were properly introduced, but I shall definitely get a firm introduction the next time I meet you. Just no nippling. Please. 😀
Tickle_Emperor - My Emperor, you wonderful man, I hope our chat helped you out. I am always here if you need to talk, and I mean it. Send me a PM, and I'll get you IM/Skype/Phone info posthaste. You came back to awesome as the weekend progressed; don't let it get away again. Thanks for joining me on that shopping expedition. The Brothers Tamponini forever!
TickleChgo - Andy, you are a tireless force for 'nappings and NEST itself. I salute your efforts, and was proud to lend my room to the cause. Despite your banana shirt, you are an awesome man, and I look forward to seeing you and Mrs. T in a bit over a week!
Ticklish9’s - Roomieman! Great to have seen more of you this year, even if you missed introducing me to Mushy, you wanker. 😛 It was a pleasure to have roomed with you, and perhaps I'll see you around if you visit the Capital District this summer.
TklDuo-Ann & TklDuo-Drew - The devils! The demons! The evil ones! Whatever you two are, don't ever change. I'll have to go looking for a giant clam plush for Drew, since that seems to be his real fetish. 😛
tklee88 - Katiepants! LAWLna! My NC hermana! Like me, you seemed to be all over the hotel, but it sounded like you had great fun. See you in mere days! ILY
Tortuga - Casscassi! I'm glad I was able to help with your shopping, even though it and the cake inadvertently got you in trouble. It was great to see you, and I hope I can make your Fetish Prom this summer. We shall see! Love you. <3
Venray & Raya - I am so glad you two made it, even if just for the day. Thanks for the sloth and the slinky, you twats. 😛 I wish I'd been there to see natural's face when you presented the squirrels. 😀
ViperGTS & SapphireRose - Corry, thank you for chatting with me on Sunday as I was stuck on the couch with my sprain elevated. It helped, really. 🙂 Thanks again to Mark for so ably rounding up victuals on Sunday. Good to see both of you again!
VMANDUDE - My good sir, congratulations on coming out of your newbie shell and attending your first gathering. I hope it was many, if not all, of what you wanted it to be (it seems like it), and I trust we'll see you at many gatherings to come.
To Armpitlovr, Big John, Bratgirl, Chaneda, Concrete man, Entangled Mind, Focus, Gigglemaker, Iceprincess, MKeemer, paracarl44, ReIgnS, Bride of Dracula, Thelemitian, TickVix, TJack, Waitin2btkled and so many others whose names escape my mind (or were inserted here and didn't actually attend, cause I'm bad like that), thanks for coming and helping make this NEST another smashing success. The next time we meet, feel free to beat me up for neglecting your names here.
Hotel Scheduler - Yeah, you, the guy or girl (or machine) that thought the play party was to end at 4:30 PM on Sunday. You can go pole yourself in the lawlhole until you bleed out your ears. But, even with every bad thing you threw at us, we persevered and had immense fun. Just you wait until Mr. Bananashirt Chiquita, Esq., our personal attacktorney, slaughters your face off.
I’ll close with a picture. I had thought I might take some of Philadelphia proper, but that never came to pass. Instead, I got one shot off of City Hall, with William Penn atop it, while paused in traffic with Tickle_Emperor. Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love, and I can tell you with certainty that everyone at NEST took that to heart. Miss and love you all.
