Official A2K Gathering in Chicago, May 7th, 2006!

Here's the rest. (I figured if I didn't do it right a way; I'd never find the time.)
C.I. finally shows up on Sunday.



I don't remember who took these (Sublime and Me).


Or who (why?) took this picture of my ass?

Here's where the best pictures will likely come from.

Good pictures, O'Bill!

Wow, O'Bill embracing Walter. Now that is something I didn't expect to see.

I'm glad you all got on so well together.

Thanks for posting.

McTag.

O'Bill, thanks for the copy of the 'letter' as well as the photos.

Absolutely grin-inducing.

Thank you for starting my day so brightly.

Very nice photos, Bill, and a well-written description of the A2kers as well.

Not bad work for a cheesehead.

Gus wrote:



You bastard, you took my line!!

Joe(it was my only one)Nation

Fabulous, fabulous photos, Bill. And a wonderful letter too. Wow! Aw, I'm disappointed I wasn't there, would love to have met you, and everyone else.

I have this little spikes of "darnit!" at different times -- a J_B spike (she's just so cool!) an osso spike (gotta meet that gal sometime), a Bill spike (would you look at that grin! Just wanna pinch yer cheek) (uh, the facial one), an Eva spike (would be great to see her in person, do some good one-on-one talking), a Sublime spike (what a sweetie!), a Walter spike (I mean, it's WALTER! Love his expression in the one where Bill's got a grip on him ), a mac spike (one of my favorite folks, would love to give her a big ol' hug), a Thomas spike (a very good friend), a C.I. spike (has this guy been to every single gathering? Oh wait, not Madison), an RJB spike (love his stories, would be great to lay eyes on the guy), a joefromchicgao spike (for someone I'd never seen, he looks EXACTLY as I expected him to, cool guy) a wandeljw spike (a doting dad and a nice guy) and definitely a Yitwails spike (just getting to know Yitwail, like him, intrigued by what Mrs. Yitwail, as the only spouse attending, thought about the whole thing!)

(I was gonna stop that after 2-3 to give the idea but decided what the heck and kept going... :-D)

Spain, hmmm...

That's NOT deep dish pizza -- that's STUFFED pizza! They're entirely different, and Gino's and Uno's don't do stuffed pizza at all.

I can't add anything to J_B's report on our visit to O'Bill's restaurant. A charming place with great food and an extremely gracious host. I would not hesitate to go back (and I look forward to the Flatlander's Bistro -- opening soon in Chicago).

C.I.: Excellent photos. That kite-flying event looked mighty fun.

O'Bill: Maybe you should take that "No Smoking" photo from Kingston Mines and make it your avatar.

To all who attended: I enjoyed myself tremendously and invite you all back for a return visit.

To all who didn't attend: what the hell is wrong with you?

Tomorrow, I will attempt to indoctrinate Thomas in the religion of the Sacred Cub at that green cathedral of baseball, Wrigley Field. Let's hope for good weather.

Nice pictures and nice stories.

Both Yitwail and Mrs. Yitwail are quiet but very observant. I would also like to hear what Mrs. Yitwail thinks of us. (Someone at the gathering asked her if she was going to start looking over her husband's shoulder when he posts.)

And you, Wandel, can we see a picture of you?

I think I can help you with that, Francis...



No need to thank me.

I'm very much enjoying putting faces with names. Great pics from everybody. So where will the next gathering be?

Well, that explains that, and likely why I don't like Giordanos. Thanks.

Francis,

I left the gathering early. Eva reported that I was sneaking away to see a Chicago White Sox baseball game and was then arrested for "streaking". Those photos of me at the game have been confiscated by the Chicago Police.

Are you an attorney, Francis? (that would be a big help at this point)

That's gonna bother the girls, Wandel!

No, I'm not an attorney but I believe some folks here on A2K can help you...

Francis,

I would not be able to ask joefromchicago for help (he is a Cubs fan).

You may be out of luck.

This oughta' be on a postcard. Nice work, C.I.

Love the pics. I'm so sad I couldn't make it and finally meet the people behind the avatars. I'm sorry I missed the blues and playing pool too.