The Daily Poop - Wed., 18JUN14

I just had a glance at that yellow countdown thingie on the right and saw that the reunion begins in seven days and 48 minutes.

It's true. The NMA reunions technically begin at 0900 on Wednesday morning. That's when the first rehearsal actually starts. Okay, really, that's when trying to herd a bunch of sleepy MUs into a semblance of a band begins.

In truth, it's hard to say when the "reunion" part of the reunion begins. Because the official action begins on Wednesday morning, a good number of members will be on site on Tuesday. That often means a Tuesday evening jam session in the lounge.

We can do that because the equipment-moving elves have moved the NMA's gear into the hotel on Tuesday during the day or perhaps sometime Monday. ("Equipment-moving elves" is a misnomer. They're actually members of the Board of Directors who haul the tons of NMA stuff to the site in advance.)

In fact, on Monday you'll see a good number of members milling about the hotel. And now that I think of it, last year I came down into the lobby late on Sunday afternoon and encountered Wilbur Smith, the Blakeleys and Leon Harris.

So if you come early, we're glad to see you. Same thing if you come late. Many attendees arrive while the reunion is already in session. Some show up on Thursday. MUs who couldn't cancel weekday obligations arrive on Friday and still enjoy all the weekend activities.

So yes, the NMA "reunion" begins on Wednesday morning, but the "reuniting" part begins whenever MUs get together.

Which is why I like being in touch with you this way. It kinda starts the reunion even earlier.