I headed off to the Republican Women Legislators' Ice Cream Social this evening. There were numerous events happening at 9:00pm, and it was difficult to make a choice. I thought this would be a good way to start. It was better than I expected.

The ice cream spread was phenomenal. Plenty of ice cream and even more toppings. Crushed Butterfinger, M&Ms, Oreo cookies, cherries, whipped cream (the real stuff), butterscotch topping, strawberry and chocolate as well. Plus a vat of hot (literally) fudge. (Sorry, but James Joyner likes to hear about snacks.)

The ice cream was tasty but the fellowship was even better. I sat at an empty table and was soon joined by a few short-lived strangers. I was considering moving on to a different event when two of them left but soon two nice ladies joined us. We enjoyed their company and when they left, their seats were immediately replaced by 5 young grandmothers.

All throughout the convention, I have found myself in conversation with people I did not know at events, sitting in meetings and even just walking down the long convention hall. I came to this convention alone, not knowing anyone. Yet over and over I run into people I recognize, who recognize me and want to talk. Pretty cool atmosphere, in my opinion.