I started writing this sitting in my third presentation session at the 2012 LITA Forum (library conference). But that program was pretty interesting so I stopped. Now, on the other hand, I am watching an earnest librarian showing us her slides in the presenter mode. She did just say “I know this is kind of small for you guys” & the IT guy from Cornell just fixed it for her – her monitor & the projector were reversed.
Anyways, food-wise, Friday started really well. I went for a walk on the Scioto River – I can type the name, but I still can’t pronounce it. I was on the Olentangy-Scioto Greenway – got on the trail right by Columbus City Hall, and went North. The trail heads back into the city, and hooks up with a bike path. I probably should’ve gone south for a nicer walk, on the Lower Scioto Trail, but I came back through town and met Mark at Starbucks for coffee and split a scone. When we were walking back to the hotel to start the conference, I realized I was feeling pretty good. Little exercise, little caffeine, little sugar = real nice high.
After the opening keynote, there was a break with snacks: veggies, hummus, dips, pesto, peanut brittle & chocolate-dipped pretzels, bowl of fruit. I was hungry, so I had a triangle of pita & some pesto & a carrot and then went back for another pretzel; thought about a third pretzel, and took an apple instead. Still not doing too bad, consumption-wise.
There was a huge array of appetizers at the reception: cheeses, more veggies & dip, nuts, chicken quesadillas, sushi, butlered bruschetta and steak on sticks. I heard one attendee counseling another – “it all goes downhill after this” so eat up – and think how much money you’ll save on dinner tonight. I didn’t fully take his advice – I stuck to cheese & crackers, and accepted one of the bruschetta – apple and Gorgonzola, so still really bread & cheese – and them proceeded out to dinner.
We went to an Italian place, downtown – Due Amici. We had a long table along the banquette on the side. Nice atmosphere – and good food. Mark and I split a Caesar salad, and I had spaghetti & meatballs. My camera was in my bag, but no pictures. We bought 3 bottles of wine for our table of 12. Woke up this morning feeling like I’d over-indulged more than I logically estimate I had.
Scene in the Boat House restaurant parking lot at 9:30 a.m.
