[Bailmor]

In the shadows of our friends "Across The Pond", in the "Land Down Under" and "Our Friends To The North" with their scheduled meet-ups, there has been preliminary interest in a possible meet-up in the Mid-Atlantic area (MD, DC, VA, or NC) and I wanted to get a gauge as to who might be interested in this.  No real details have been made at this point.  This is just to see if one would be well attended.  Any and all comments are welcome!

[bipolared]

I'm definitely interested although it might be difficult for me to go as far as DC or MD.  I've talked to a few others who would like to as well. 

[bookwrmmom]

Me too!

[nah]

I live in New England so if it's in the fall/winter, I would love an excuse to head south!!

[Bailmor]

Bipolared, bookwrmmom and nah, thanks for your response and once the interest is determined, I will try to figure out where and when this could happen.  I know in my case the fall and winter months are kind of busy for me as I travel much on the weekends.  But I am willing to be open to all opinions because I believe this will be beneficial for everyone, regardless of time or place.  I am open to any suggestions of place and/or date.  Feel free to make suggestions.  Take care and have a great holiday weekend!

[Darth Obo]

You can count me as interested! I am a beach bum so any nice beach will do, but otherwise not too picky.

Would prefer to be able to drive if this is a weekend thing so VA would be my limit of advance....NC would be great as I use to live in that state!


OBO

[bookwrmmom]

Outer Banks, Virginia Beach,  Wilmington,  Atlantic Beach are but a few of my suggestions. Also we could consider something off the I-95 corridor for convenience, just not as nice as the beaches.
I don't mind sharing a room with one of the ladies to split hotel expenses, I am a quiet roommate .....unless you want to talk and then it is game on 

[xyzcf]

Depending upon when and where I might be interested in joining.

Would you like for this to be moved up to the top where the other meetups are listed? That way it will not get lost in the shuffle.

[bookwrmmom]

Xyzcf Imdo believe that is what Bailmor wanted, we discussed it.

[OceanLady]

Sounds like a good time to me.   I am in southern NH, near I-95 and would like to attend also if not too far to drive.  Not sure where nah is in New England, maybe we could drive together.  I would be willing to share a room also.  I smoke (will go outside), but want to make sure that does not offend a possible room share situation.  I will keep an eye out for more information as to when and where.   

[bookwrmmom]

We may need to split it up and possibly do two. One for the folks farther north and the folks farther south. Just another option to think of.

[Darth Obo]

Man......I havent been to wilmington & myrtle beach in years. Was one of my stomping grounds when I was stationd at camp lejeune!


OBO

[bookwrmmom]

It would be nice to meet up AND work on the tan I don't have yet 

[Medusa]

I'm definitely interested. I'm in VA.

I don't  care where we go. If there is sun and water, I'm a happy girl! A tiki bar is always a plus.

[ScarlettMarie]

Depending on when and how much notice I may be able to make it also. Let me know.

[elray]

I'm with Scarlett -- in the Philly area -- keep me in the loop.

[gillies9]

Put me down sounds like fun.

[27 years]

I'd love to join in too.  I'm in OH and could use an excuse to get away. 

[LearningIamOk]

I am in Central NJ. I would love to join in but I have limited time off from work currently. I already have a week scheduled in Sept that would be available. Not sure what dates you are considering.

[emerging_butterfly]

Put me down as interested!    I'm currently in Myrtle Beach, but will be moving about an hour and a half inland next week. I love Wilmington. One of my favorite restaurants is there...Caprice Bistro, a wonderful little place with delicious rustic French food. Charleston, Southport, the Outer Banks are all lovely areas too.

Have no problem sharing a room...hell, I'd have to since I'm broke!  I smoke also, but am always considerate about it.

[xyzcf]

I would love to go to the Outer Banks!

[bookwrmmom]

Xyzcf, I really think the Outer Banks or VA Beach would be the best option for an in between place for people coming from the North or the South. I have seen several comment from as far north as NJ and as far south as GA. So if the beach is of interest then either of those and Wilmington, NC are good options.
Another I can can give input on lodging options for either Outer Banks (usually go a couple times a year) as well as Virginia Beach (from that area and still have ALOT of family there). I guess the next step is seeing when would be a good time for everyone. How soon or far out? Many are on fixed income so if everyone wants the beach sharing rooms, or waiting until after Labor Day (past peak season) are best. Either of those locations can still be expensive even when sharing a room depending on where you stay, especially if people want oceanfront rooms. Now I know the prices are much better at Outer Banks even if you are just across the beach road. Just depends on what everyone wants.

[Blindsided13]

I am interested as long it prior to aug 21 or after September

[DancingInTheRain]

I'm interested too! Just some info on the Wilmington NC area...
My sister and I are renting a beach house right on the ocean in the Topsail/Surf City area (about 15 miles from Wilmington). To rent this house with 5 bedrooms (sleeps 12) was just over $1,000.
We are using Ward Realty. There are other places closer to Wilmington but I think they're a bit pricier.
I'm in PA (close to Lancaster/Harrisburg/Baltimore MD).
Keep me posted:)

[bookwrmmom]

Ok so is we are going to do this we need to get the ball rolling. Let's start by getting some date suggestions.
For me personally the only dates that are a no go are July 4-13 or Sept 17-19 (however I will already be at the Outer Banks for work so.....this could be arranged).
I know many of us would be thrilled with the beach, but none of them are conveniently located to I-95 either 
So that is another question.....convenience or beach...that is the question as well. Does this need to be split between 2 meetings due to some being further north and some being further south. Ok friends let's get this party started with some actual plans being made!

[LearningIamOk]

I have vacation the week of Sept 15. I was considering driving to Ft Drum in upstate NY to visit my son in the Army. He might not be available so that week could work for me.

Beaches are always nice, but cities have plenty to do in them and I can tell you that just being together feels so good. All the meetups I have been involved in are not crying fests, but totally uplifting meeting such strong people. I guess I am voting for convenience.

[Medusa]

Late September might be a challenged for me due to work things as we have a huge audit likely in either late September or early October. We won't be told the dates for a month or so. Also, looks like I may be going on a cruise in November (if I can afford it).

I'm up for the beach or convenience. Have car will travel.

[OceanLady]

Hi all, I am in New Hampshire which is farther north than NJ and 1 hour north of Boston. Anyone vote for a meeting in mid to late July or sometime in August....when it is still warm on the upper east coast for either situation? N. Virginia is prolly 11 or 12 hours from me and NC is too far altogether for me to drive alone.  Maybe 2 meet-ups would work for those of us on the far north and south edges of the Atlantic.  I can drive to NY or NJ in 5 to 6 hours...a much easier drive for me. 

[forthetrees]

I am willing to host a gathering the first weekend of August- about one hour north of Philly.
I have room for 5 people in the house and plenty of room with folks willing to camp or stay in a building that has roof and windows and walls and electricity but no water.
Folks could arrive on the Th. before the weekend.
There are fireworks Fri. nite, tubing down the Delaware, chill in´on the patio and lots of good food.

[LearningIamOk]

FTT, if you are willing to host again, I would love to attend. I would only be able to stay from late Sat afternoon thru Sun. My job is a major impediment to my social life and hobbies.

[xyzcf]

FTT I would LOVE to come but am just returning from 12 days in Canada on July 28th so cannot leave the house and puppy again so soon.

[gillies9]

sure count me in as long as its not florida lol
no knock just too far to drive

[OceanLady]

ForTheTrees,   Thank you very much for this offer!!!    I regretted not going last year.  Pennsylvania sounds good to me on the 1st weekend of August.  I may be able to arrive on Thursday, I believe, and I have a sleeping bag to sleep wherever there is a spot.  I do not have a tent though...left that behind and it was a nice big one.  Maybe I can get it if needed.   Again, thanks for the offer to hold the meet-up at your place.  Hugs, OL

[OldPilot]

FTT

Can we dig more holes for fence posts?
If so then I can try to come too. 

[Medusa]

FTT, I can do the first weekend in August. An hour out of Philly is quite doable for me! I can probably skip out of work early on Thursday.

[forthetrees]

OP- only one leaner post by the road:) This weekend the garden fence is getting repaired.

[Bailmor]

Ok, in putting together the responses about a Mid-Atlantic meet-up, there seems to be two distinct regions, one being in the MD, VA, NC, SC area and the other further north with NJ, PA, OH, NH, & RI. 

I don’t want to speak for forthetrees, but she has offered to host the “northern” folks in the Philadelphia area the first weekend in August and I would be propose to the “southern” folks in the Richmond area the last week of June. 

According to my tallying (I hope I didn’t leave anyone out!), here is who would be in the “northern” region:
-   forthetrees      PA
-   xyzcf                 RI
-   OceanLady      NH
-   nah                 NE
-   ScarlettMarie      PA
-   elray                 PA
-   pascale666      NJ
-   27 years              OH
-   LearningIAmOk   NJ
-       DancingInTheRain   PA

And in the “southern” area,
-   Bailmor         VA
-   Bookwrmmom      NC      
-    blindsided13      MD
-   bipolared              NC
-   Medusa              VA
-   Darth obo              SC
-   Emerging_butterfly   SC

For the southern group, my thought is to meet somewhere between North Carolina and Virginia, depending on who might be able to attend.  I am up for a couple days of R & R at a cheap hotel (no wise cracks! Lol) to visit, chat and just be in the presence of other LBSers.  I can begin to look at places if that is what anyone wants.  Also, my house is available from the Sun., June 22nd to Fri., June 27th which is during the work week if that would work.  My family is leaving Sat. to Sat. for a vacation.   My house is located just southwest of Richmond and would be able to accommodate about 5-6 in beds and additional ones on air mattresses.  The cost would be cheap (free!) and only minimal meals and transportation as costs.  I was thinking perhaps arrival Thursday night after work or anytime really, through perhaps Saturday night or Sunday morning, pending individual travel schedules.  I have a friendly golden retriever just to put that out there as well for anyone not pet friendly.  Menu and beverage requests can be created with food store galore close by.  I have a small to medium deck with a table, chairs and grill that can be used for outdoor activities.  I am open to any and all ideas.  Feel free to make suggestions!       

[OceanLady]

Hi Bailmor,   just to let you know that xyzcf is in Colorado and Darth OBO is in Georgia, if that makes any difference on where for the southerners to meet.  I wish I could attend also but that drive is just too far for me to do alone.
Hope it happens and hope ya'll have a great time! 

[nah]

I'm still in, please keep me posted!!  BTW- I'm from RI 

[27 years]

FTT,

I'm still interested and as far as I know I should be able to make it in Aug.  I'll keep checking back to see plans being made.  Thanks!

[27 years]

Bailmor,

Would possibly be interested in joining Southern group too, but don't think I can make it at that time.  If anything changes I'll let you know.  Thanks

[DancingInTheRain]

FTT first weekend in August! I can probably drive there and won't need to stay over. I'll check with Blindsided13 to see if she wants to ride with me because she is close to me.

[Medusa]

Bail, you know I love the idea of Richmond, but I'm thinking that might be too far for our more southern friends. Maybe we should look at someplace in NC on the 95 corridor for ease of access?

I'm willing to carpool with you if you can tolerate my vice.

[forthetrees]

If I could get a head count and dates of arrival, that would help a lot. You can PM me.
"Check out" by 1 PM on Sunday.
Requests- BYO towel, pillow, blanket and sheets- it would overwhelm my septic system to do all that laundry. I have six patio chairs, so if you have a collapsible lawn chair, bring one please.

I have an electric smoker and can brine whatever meat in advance.

I would need to know any dietary restrictions (I am gluten free and dairy free, so I´m sensitive to this.). If you are vegetarian, notify ASAP. Please also include food likes and dislikes.

If you are iffy or think you are going to bail at the last minute, please rethink and commit or decline.

Please weigh in on whether you want to eat in or go out for dinner. We have saved a lot by eating and cooking as a group effort. This area has live theater, tubing on the Delaware, a castle that one can tour, outdoor live concerts, outdoor live theater, fireworks on Fri. evenings, shopping out the whazoo (not my thing, but people drive for miles to shop around the block from me) and there´s even a place where you can rent sailboats on a large lake, also lot of hiking trails and biking along the canal- you can rent a bike. So, let me know if any of this floats or sinks your boat.

[Bailmor]

Medusa, I am up for the idea of meeting up in somewhere in North Carolina along I-95.  Rocky Mount might be a good place.  I would be up for any place close.  Anyone else have any suggestions?  I made the suggestion for my home to cut costs for everyone.  Let me know if there are any other areas of interest.

[bipolared]

Rocky Mount would be fine for me but there isn't a lot going on there, is there?  I emailed a friend to find out.  Kind of self-serving of me, but Raleigh is pretty happening although maybe expensive.  I wish I could offer my house but it is tiny with one bathroom and too many dogs!

[Bailmor]

Bipolared, I am up for a more of a social, casual meetup to sit and talk, have conversations and enjoy the time together with an adult beverage, not looking to go site-seeing or other activities.  Not that that wouldn't be fun!  I am game for anywhere really.  Just trying to find a happy medium.  I am very flexible and open to have this meet-up take place. 

[Medusa]

I'm in the same cap as Bail. I think just going somewhere and hanging out (as long as there is a pool involved) sounds about perfect!

[bipolared]

That sounds great to me as well.  Just didn't know what people were looking for. 

[Bailmor]

Ok, that's three in for the same thoughts of chillin'.  What about that the remaining ones?  And what days work?  I am available next week through the 27th.

[Medusa]

It needs to be a weekend for me. I unfortunately have limited vacation days.

[Darth Obo]

Following along! NC is doable for me...I think I am about 5 hours from Raleigh, NC to put it in perspective!

That being said, I am in the middle of supporting our troops currently and just got slammed with a possible support mission that runs from end of July to mid September! If this occurs, I will have to pass as I must remain in the area during this time period!

Looks like I am the farthest South so far (Georgia)! Just set a date and location! If I can get there I will RSVP if not, I will be there in spirit and catch the next one!


Obo!

[Bailmor]

There seems to be a lot of personal activity in the LBSers' situations recently in the Mid-Atlantic area and I wanted to see if there is any need to speed up this meet up in the future and get something planned.  I am willing to start throwing out dates and places, but I want to know if everyone still is interested and / or just needs time to chill. 

[Medusa]

Still interested. I just really need someone to tell me my work schedule so I can a
Pro privately plan some fun!

[bipolared]

I'm still interested.  If we did a weekend thing I would have to have time to accumulate money and get dog/child sitters  but if we met in someplace like Rocky Mount, that wouldn't be such a concern.

[Darth Obo]

I would still like to attend, but as i stated earlier....duty calls on the job right now! Plus....my intuition and actions I am seeing shows I may be having some movement in my sitch that may require me to stay here or alter my course of actions in the near future!

If the final location is close enough, I might be able to do a "turn & burn" for a day! But please make the location as beneficial for everyone else and I'll see if I can adjust!


Obo

[In the Shadow]

I would love to possibly join ftt in pa if possible. It might be good for me to have a little getaway!

[SittingHereInLimbo]

I would definitely be interested in attending.  I am very knew to my wife's MLC.  It has been 2 months since bomb drop.  Wife is living with her female alienator.

[Bailmor]

It seems there is a ton of recent movement in everyone's situations.  I wanted to put out the inquiry as the whether everyone is still interested in a meetup at some point in the future or are personal situations prohibiting that at this point? 

I am open to any upcoming weekend or extended weekend in the Mid-Atlantic region.  It appears a lot of heartache is out there and a group "hug" may be somewhat of a relief.  I am open to any and all suggestions.  Prayers to all during these difficult and trying times!

[forthetrees]

Sorry about the delay, yes, still offering the original time slot- look back in thread for timing and accommodations. Please PM me if you are making a firm commitment. Please include any dietary needs. I am on a non-smoking property. Please say whether or not you are into group cooking or going out and for which meals.

Take care,
FTT- I have two dogs- allergy alert.

[LearningIamOk]

I am still interested also. FTT's in PA is the best for me. Lots of vacations in Aug at work so I would only be able to attend Sat afternoon to Sun.

[HeartTattoo]

Did the "southern" group meet in June?  Or still planning something?  Philly would be a stretch, but do-able, something southern might be closer.  I am kind of mid-region, but more inland, still don't want to exactly pinpoint my location.

Would love to meet others,
HT

[Bailmor]

Heart Tattoo,  no we have not had our meetup yet.  I am trying to find a "neutral" location that can work for the majority.  Any input would be appreciated.  Take care and keep in touch.

[In the Shadow]

    I am still interested in FTT's offer, but need to know where and when first before I can totally commit so I know if I can get out of work or not.

[forthetrees]

Greetings- I need to know if there is enough interest to have a meet up- please respond by tomorrow evening or it´s a no-go.

I´m about an hour north of Philly.

Dates are: earliest possible arrival PM Th. 7/31 to latest possible Sun departure by mid-day 8/3.

 

[HeartTattoo]

FTT,

I would love to attend a meet-up, but your location would just be too much of a drive for me.  I'm hoping the "southern" group can organize something because that would be more do-able for me.

I am really feeling that meeting other LBS is the next progression in support & healing that I need. 

Thanks for your offer of hosting,
HT

[LearningIamOk]

FTT even if it's only you me and Offmyrocker, I am interested in the weekend.

[forthetrees]

It´s a go- please PM me your arrival and departure days.
Please bring your own sheets and towel to save my septic system.
If you bring double or queen sheets, you will be able to use whichever spot.

Please let me know any dietary needs ASAP so I can plan.
We can save $ by eating at home though I´d appreciate a contribution towards the food.
If you are known for a certain recipe that you´d like us to experience, please let me know and I can get the ingredients. I have a grill.

If you like to fish, bring a rod.

[LearningIamOk]

I will be there, around 4pm 8/2-3.

[In the Shadow]

    FTT, I would like nothing more than to join you for the weekend,  however,  I think that is the same weekend that I will have everyone available to move me out of hell, so I can work on getting my life back to normal! I'm so sorry! I was really looking forward to a little getaway!

[forthetrees]

Here´s my understanding of who is coming at this point:

OP
OMR
LIOK
DITR?
HT
27
friend of DITR?

[DancingInTheRain]

FTT-
I'll be coming for the day, probably Saturday. I'm waiting to hear back from Blindsided13 as we are going to carpool together.
J.