It is good to go back to the beginning and see how the whole thing developed, and notice the inspiration for a gathering of the best group I've ever met. Thanks, Bigdice, for gettting it started. And thanks to Misti and Rae for making it all come together, whipping up the great barbeque, and especially for serving as the 24 hour command, communication, and coordination center.
Well, I got lost (Diane gets lost in a much more authorative manner) one more time - at the Albuquerque airport. Only one way out of the long term parking, and lots of signs to follow - which led me into the permit only section reserved for shuttle buses. Oh, it was a one way road, with a turnpike that automatically opened for the electronic pass on the shuttles. One quick u-turn on a one way road, followed by two other cars of miscreants, and I was on the way home.
Now, the inside skinny!
Urs really has two eyes. Don't be fooled by the avatar.
You might not recognize Diane from the little surfer ehBeth posted, but after a few minutes, the resemblance is striking.
AND
After an accidental slip of the tongue, followed by some rigourous interrogation, we discovered it wasn't Phoenix at all. That's right folks. We had been partying with none other than SLAPPY DO HOO!
Now, you're not all gonna tell me this was just a beautiful dream, are you?
Well, we're off to Rusty's for dinner, and to hopefully catch the launch between 8:02 and 9:20.
Keep your fingers crossed!
I forgot to mention, Urs and BD had to shop today, it was too chilly and windy for the beach ..... can you believe that? It's true!
Piffka. misti, ehbeth, Phoenix, Rae, macsm11, et al
You do understand don't you that a man doesn't like to think of himself as 'precious'?
Now the avatar thing . . .when I joined all the good avatars were taken and I didn't know how to import one.
. . . so I thought to myself, 'Get a tatoo jjorge!' . . . then I thought about it and realized a tatoo isn't the macho symbol it used to be (my step-daughter has THREE and I have none!)
So I guess I need help.
http://www.able2know.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=172629#172629
Except for bigdice and urs leaving tomorrow, I guess this little gathering has finally come to an end.
I do hope other members will take the initiative to try and meet with A2K'rs who are close-by, or happen to be visiting. It is well worth it. I have seven new 'friends' in my life ~ what more can I ask for?
Thanks everyone for coming. And for making it so easy to be your hosts.
Tons of love,
Rae
Urs53 and BigDice just left, we wish them a safe trip and lots of good memories.
This has been such a great week, meeting all our A2K friends was like 'old home week' because we didn't feel we were meeting strangers. I never would have believed we would all get along so well, and laugh so much.
Phoenix, Urs53, BigDice, Diane, Letty, Roger, Mapleleaf, I cannot express how much it meant to Rae and me that you all came here for this get together! It was so wonderful of you, and it is a week that will hold a special place in my heart always!
I know my life is enriched after meeting you all.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being you, for the priceless memories we now have, and for the gift of laughter during our time together.
I'm looking forward to meeting again, and I also hope other A2K'rs will enjoy such gatherings and have as much fun as we did.
Hugs to all of you!
Misti, I'm thinking back to your posts...years back...you expressed a hunger for such fellowship...so I have a feeling for your emotions. I guess you will just have to make it happen again.
Mapleleaf, what a great memory you have. Yes, I did feel connected with everyone around, and that feeling is still there even tho' they're gone to their respective homes.
We WILL make it happen again:)
Babs, I am so happy for your good news!
Please do affirm that you will join us next time, we would love it.
Babs! Great news! You'll hear it here first when we have another Florida Gathering.....stay tuned!
Said good-bye to bigdice and urs this morning. I was doing just fine and dandy until I saw the tears in urs' eyes. I shooed them off and had a good boo-hoo in my office. I'm really gonna miss those two.
Awwwwwwww!!! You're the best, Phoenix!
SOON!!!!!
Phoenix,
Will stated!
I propose the Florida folks be the standing committee for the Annual Florida Gathering. If we maintain the quality of the 2003 meeting, I believe a few members from around the country will come our way. Urs' and Bigdice's vacation could serve as a model, spend some time touring Florida and some time with A2K.
First, I am curious about the date. Do you stick with the same time period or ponder another one?
Second, do you adhere with the same site or consider an alternate site?
Since I'm in the hotel business, I would recommend off-season ~ rates are cheaper and the crowds are not as thick.
Off season for Florida is May through December. I know that Orlando is a hub for the airlines, but I wouldn't have any problem driving to Georgia ~ it's only eight hours away ~ I love Savannah.
Guess we'll just have to see how everyone feels.
My only wish