Midlife Crisis: Support for Left Behind Spouses
Archives => Archived Topics => Topic started by: calamity on September 02, 2012, 08:18:02 PM
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Just wondering how many of 'us' out west here. Have you ever had a meeting of lbs's on coast? I am thinking maybe as far south as Northern California?
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Im up for it. Im in Seattle.
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I'm in NCal!
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Im in !! I live in Northern California (Shasta County)...
Truly :)
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I live in So Cal and Im up for it
FH
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How do we organize a meet-up? I suggested Northern California cos I have a yen to see the area but I'm open to anything within a few days drive from BC. Any ideas?
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Well, from my experience at other meetups, someone who lives in the place where it will occur offers to look into making arrangements. A couple of dates are tossed around and then it is posted on the forum.
Europeans seem to have more luck getting people to travel to a place to get together. The US ones have been gatherings of just a few people together. I tried getting one together in Canada but the people didn't show other than Still who travelled from PA and Agape.
I too would be up to go to California perhaps but I'm not sure if the fall will work or not...US Thanksgiving and Christmas approaches and people get busy.
Let me know if I can help and I'll perhaps put this on the top of the forum and see if it generates some interest.
Should you ever wish to come to Colorado, let me know..it's LBS party central at my house ;D
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I would possibly be able to meet up. I have 3 trips planned, so I have little time this year ....but maybe . One of my trips happens to be in San Diago. ( but I am travelling with a childhood friend, who is not a LBS , but is single because of abuse, H is disseased because of alchol ,and 2nd man. chocked her) not interested in standing).
Keep me posted! Val
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I'm up for it. Im in Seattle.
Yeah, Seattle!
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How do we organize a meet-up? I suggested Northern California cos I have a yen to see the area but I'm open to anything within a few days drive from BC. Any ideas?
I have an idea that you should bring Coffee Crisps with you to pass around! Last time my Aunt was in BC--or maybe she went to visit her family in Toronto--she brought a whole bag full of them.
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Swap you for Krispy Kremes! Um the whole 'living in the present' thing DOES NOT apply to diets--as I have discovered... ;D ;D
Seattle would be a great place to go but not sure it is central. Oregon anyone? I have to get a map.
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I'm up for it. Im in Seattle.
Yeah, Seattle!
Sounds like you may have a guest star. :) :) :)
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Well, since H moved out, I certainly have some extra space. As long as no one minds the 'LBS remodel' look, we could meet at my place, but I will warn you, I will be apologizing the whole time, feeling remorseful about the lack of furniture and trying to GAL by finishing the yard work.
On a positive note: I am on capitol hill in Seattle, very central, and close to downtown.
I can help figure out hotels, B&B's, etc. I am not the most socially active person in Seattle, but I know a few hip spots.
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Put I like Portland too!
And we just spent time in Northern California at the Green Gulch Zen Organic Farm...just north of the Golden Gate bridge. Nice spots there.
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I'm in Seattle too. Would love to meet up.
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For those who have asked--by PM--I am not in Seattle, I'm presently in Tacoma :P . But of course we will soon be moving to Eastern Washington. I have never been to a meet-up though and would love to be a part of one. Though please no big expectations at this point--just a casual thing. 8) And due to the move I don't know my availability. I may be here while Sweetheart is in an apartment before we get our new house or we may both be in a house over there--we have one house-rental offer, but the owner was hoping for a 6 month commitment and we will only give a promise of 3--even if we are there less than 3 as we hope. So that house may not be an option--hopefully we will find out later today or tomorrow. If that is the case, we will be moving officially out of our home in the next few weeks with a big moving van--the whole shebang. If Sweetheart is in an apartment without me, I'm still home for however long it takes to get our new house approved and closed--and the moving van big stuff may then be 2-3 (or more) months away. It's kind if like living in MLC cycling again--but without Monster. But everything changes daily.
And not to get hopes up, but Sweetheart saw this thread as I was reading it last night and said he wants to go too. I mean serious excitement from him, I was quite surprised. But his availability is not as open as mine--especially if he's on the other side of the mountains. But just know, he is interested in a meet-up too 8) .
Hey, how about a Leavenworth Tree Lighting Meet-Up. Now that would be so cool. OR some other of the regular Leavenworth festivals, but Tree Lighting is beautiful. That might be more challenging to arrange, but maybe someday...
My dream is to someday do formal retreats or conferences or something, but I'm not quite ready yet and casual get togethers are a great way to start.
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RCR
Hey is today his birthday?
He has CAKE on his profile.
Well wish him HAPPY BIRTHDAY, from everyone here, Thundarr's birthday is today too
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Yes, it is his birthday! He's 47 today. He also came home early with flu symptoms and is sleeping. :(
And happy birthday to Thundarr too!
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I'll be in Seattle for some training 17 - 20 October. Really looking forward to seeing the city.
bnw
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So far we have:
North to south
1 or 2 people from BC
3 Seattle + 1 if date coincides
1 Tacoma
3 California [2 North, 1 South]
1 Colorado
Depends how far people will want to travel. This is difficult to organise b/c the country is so large!!!
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I will look forward to hearing a approx date. I have a full calendar, but if I can pull it off, I would be happy to share a ride down and expenses to Seattle with other Canadians! ( it will be difficult to fit it in, but you never know).
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Thanks for the offer UP.
So, how do we decide? Could the Californians come as far as Seattle?
We have no-one in the middle, Oregon?
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The thing is we know ...
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I would love to meet up for a causal event, if possible. I'm now in Puyallup, Wa. I have followed this site since BD Aug/2008 and feel so close to you all. I didn't realize how close in prox. we really are! By the way, Thanks for being there, all of you!
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Ok everyone ... late to the party, but I am in Portland ... 8)
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So you can obviously meet in Portland. Who else can make it to Portland?
and when?
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I can do Portland anytime.
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I can take the train to Portland. Or I have A Suburban and could drive the Seattle people over. Any time except Oct 20--Gottman conference that weekend!
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Just need a date to see if I can make it.
FH
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Just putting it out there randomly: Saturday, November 3rd?
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Thanks UP. I was waiting for someone else to make a decision! ;D ;D
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Well, SOMEONE has to start! :)
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No answer from California people. If no-one from Cal. we should meet in Seattle...whaddya think?
Try for Nov. 3rd
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Sorry for the lack of reply. :-[
I'm a tough one to pin down, with teens involved in many activities, etc. So don't plan around me.
I will, however, be a little jealous. :D
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Looking at flights, Denver to Seattle $180.00 so it just might work but may need to share accomodation.
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Sorry CJ that I didn't get back to you sooner....I have been really busy, I would love to make it but I can't get the time and I am kinda tight with the cash right now, although if something comes up I'm IN!!!
Hope you all have a good one!
Truly :)
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Truly, why don't you arrange a meet for the spring [says me, no kids at home ;D ;D] & we'll all come to California!
Others: maybe we should just meet in Seattle as most of us are close & yes, money is an issue altho TIME is not. For me.
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I will be on my cruise. Maybe next time. Sorry, I am out.
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Seattle is easy for me. I love Portland and my cousin is there, but I seriously doubt we can afford the drive with gas--even though it's just under 3 hours. Though Portland is much cooler than Seattle...because it has Powells!!!
And no guarantees since Sweetheart is starting work in East Wenatchee next week and he may or may not come home on his days off if he is only staying in a motel which will mean a lot of commuting and I may be going over there with him for some of his weeks away. So I can't say for certain whether I'll be in local or not, but if the meet-up is in Seattle I think we could arrange for me not to go with him that week.
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Yes, let's meet in Seattle. I have a kindergartner, and limited childcare. Portland works only because H has an office there and we have a hotel room available...but then I would still need him to spend the whole time with the kid.
I don't care what day or week, someone else with a serious schedule to contend with please make a recommendation. December gets difficult for us. But October and November are okay.
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I would love to go farther south but Seattle looks more reasonable. UP are you offering a place to meet or, can you find one? Or anyone? October is better weather...
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Just saw this...don't know why. I am in Southern Calif, but if the timing is right, could travel. The Columbia Gorge near Portland is absolutely one of my favorite places in the world to hike. I am in Ojai, and have two empty rooms, but that is pretty far south (near Santa Barbara) I will keep watching to see what emerges here.
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Riders in Portland. Dont know if I would want to drive to Washington by myself. But let me know would looooooooove to meet up. Need to get away.
FH
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Hi all. Sorry for being slow. I am going to do some legwork, offer up some B&B's and then what else? Look around for a restaurant or two? How long is everyone thinking about coming for? A full weekend? What dates work? I'll find some other fun things to do. I will put some effort into this.
Suggestions on organizing this welcome!
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Sounds good and thank you for taking charge. I would think a weekend is best especially since some of us will be travelling quite some distance. In other meetups, there have been people that come for a day or part of a day or the whole time. Whatever they can manage.
I am open for any weekend.
It would be nice to be able to get outdoors too. In Luxembourg, we went on a long walk/hike..of course stopping at times for beverages :).
Let me know if I can help.
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It would be nice to be able to get outdoors too. In Luxembourg, we went on a long walk/hike..of course stopping at times for beverages :).
xyz and others. I know that finances may be tight for everyone ... so the ideas here may be out of reach ... but I'll link it anyway. I took home a United Airlines Magazine from a recent flight that described 'Three perfect days in Seattle' including a vineyard tour.
http://goo.gl/s5xu8
I'm hoping to take a kayak trip while I'm there in two weeks time, and I'm hopeful to be able to go for a long run by the sea. My son's have asked me to bring them some Seattle Sounders soccer gear! I'm excited about the training I'll get there.
bnw
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Hi everyone, I'm in new Hampshire but I want to come also and meet everyone. I have a cousin in Portland that would be very happy if I went there to visit with him and his wife as I have never been to that part of the country. I'd have to rent a car at the airport for traveling. Which airport should I try to check out flights to? I am willing to share accomodations with xyzcf if that works for her. The sooner I know the info on the site and date, the better flight cost I would get.
OceanLady
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I really appreciate the link BNW, and my next post will include ideas about what we could do the weekend of November 2nd-4th.
As for accommodations, I am recommending a B&B (not cheap though) on Capitol Hill near me, because it's gorgeous, and maybe people can share rooms. And i like the idea of Capitol Hill as a starting base. We are a short drive or bus trip or taxi from downtown attractions, but in a very pleasant old neighborhood.
http://sbmansion.com/seattle-reservations.htm
There are several other B&B's around the corner from this one (google Capitol Hill, Seattle, Bed and Breakfast) and any of them are probably wonderful. So I will leave it to you. As for cheaper hotels...I highly recommend NOT staying anywhere on Aurora. Please. And there might be something salvageable downtown...Quality Inn or something. Ask me privately and I will give you a review.
I hope this gets you guys started, getting your plane, train, bus, and hotel reservations. Or if we end up with a group that says November 2nd is a bad weekend, then we can review.
Feel free to message me with any other questions!
UP.
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1. Volunteer Park Café
If we are all on Capitol Hill, it will be very pleasant to walk over to this café for breakfast or coffee.
2. Warren Knapp Gallery, Melrose Market
I have no idea about this gallery. Have never been! Nor have I been to Melrose Market! But sounds fun. We could do this.
3. EMP Experience Music Project.
Absolutely a must. This is fun.
4. Ivars Pier 54
Yes, this is good too, and it's right next to the aquarium, so we could do that too.
5. Olympic Sculpture Park
Embarrassed to say I have never been to this park. But it's highly recommended by my Art Historian Cousin. So let's do it. What a wonderful excuse to get a day away from the child to check out sculpture...Although i am tempted to bring him.
6. Walrus and the carpenter, Ballard
Sure. Never been! Sounds fun. And I am willing to look for other spots too.
7. Rob Roy...also I have never been here.
In the Ballard/Fremont area there are several super cool restaurants and taverns...wine bars, breweries. The works.
Hotel 1000? That was suggested by the article. I have never heard of it!
My parents stayed at The Inn at the Market with an amazing restaurant, which is pricey and wonderful. My friend stayed at the Fours Seasons which is very chic and has the fabulous Art Bar. That's all I have to offer. I have never stayed in a hotel in Seattle! Other than a motel one night on Aurora before I moved here, That was the worst hotel experience of my life. Don't do it.
8. Kayak on Lake Union? Sounds like a blast...is anyone willing to do this?
9. Pike Place Market, Athenian and Starbucks. I think for breakfast Saturday morning we should do Athenian in Pike Place Market. It's inexpensive and historical...with a view of the water. And then we can explore the market
(Salumi Artisan, Beechers Cheese)
10. Laguna Vintage Pottery? This means checking out Pioneer Square, which is a definite must for tourists. But it IS touristy. If you guys want to, I can show you some of that.
11. Tavolata, Belltown...I don't know anything about Ethan Stowell. I know about Tom Douglas, who is a famous Seattle Chef, and he has some excellent restaurants. And there is also a great pizza place (2 locations) downtown that has an amazing winery attached...so there is that too.
12. The Funhouse, punk rock club. Okay, I was a punker. In the 1980's. You want to go to this with me? I feel like I am having a MLC. I am game! ;) :P ::)
13. Discovery Park: YES...great walk...and there are a few others. These are not parks as you know them. These are entire worlds.
14. Ballard Farmers Market... I like this market...but are we buying veggies to cook dinner? IDK. There is art. It's a quaint region. Not a bad idea. Tasty treats.
15. Archie McPhees: Yes. If you have a sense of humor you must visit Archie's. Forget about expensive souvenirs...this place is great. It's a wacky toy store for children and adults alike.
I will look around for other ideas...There is always the space needle of course. We could just do a drive by. If we go to EMP, we can also go to the space needle for a drink at the bar.
I AM NOT willing to ride on one of those amphibious Duck Trucks. Yuck.
:o
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I can make that weekend but would like to book ASAP as the flights will go up if I wait too long. I would like to share a room at that B&B..there are 4 rooms available at this point.
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I will make myself available. May have to run out for son's football game on Saturday if they make the playoff's. Please let me know how I can help.
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I'm in Southern California. Our weather is great in the fall and I would be happy to host!!
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Wontgiveup--think we are going to Seattle this time. Seem to be quite a few people here. You are welcome to come.
There will be rain. ;D
Welcome to the board by the way WGU. :) :)
And, if anyone cannot make it to Seattle, could you please have a meet up in California next? I'd love to go to California. ;D
I am in for Nov. 3rd weekend in Seattle. Is the date okay with everyone?
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it's looking good..Underpressure, xyzcf, gallagher, oceanlady and calamity J....5 so far.
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I will be at a women's church retreat that weekend. Sorry. Sounds great and looking forward to the next one. Maybe December ?
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Yes!! the next one needs to be in California!!!Won't Give Up, Finding Hope and I are here in Southern Calif as well. Maybe we should plan a mini meet up, soon!!
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No amphibious duck car--that was one of my initial thoughts! They are quacking! But wow you've got a lot of great ideas. Pike Place is always a great stop--and free to just walk around.
I think that weekend should work for me as well--though I will commute daily from Tacoma--so any ideas on where to park my car that won't break the bank since I imagine I'll be parked all day? Or will we be driving around a lot? Oh wait, I just remembered...my car is not running and it might be junk if we can't get a new engine. :P
So I can take the bus--I just need to know where we are meeting or I could bus to someone's house or motel. I might have the truck if Sweetheart is home--but we think he will be working on weekends, so that's unlikely and if I do have it I won't be able to transport more than one other person if we do drive around.
How about the Pacific Science Center or ither stuff at the Seattle Center--was that on the list?
And I have not been to EMP--that would be so cool.
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Oh I cant make it but I am requesting someone be the staff photographer so the rest of us can live vicariously through pictures. :) :) :)
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RCR: EMP for sure. It's so fun. I haven't been in ages...and we can walk around there and do Science center or just go eat. I will keep a list and if there is ever a dull moment, we can all just refer to it. Ha!
Depending on how many come and/or where everyone is staying, I would like to keep Capitol Hill the base meeting place (north east side, not west) just because it is safe, calm, and there is parking (although not on the west side of Capitol Hill). We can go downtown from here quickly or over to ballard easily or down to lake washington or the university area. Or jump on the freeway if we decide to head out to Mount Rainier or something crazy like that.
OP. I am usually ver happy to hang behind the camera...and take thousands of photos. Especially good at not using flash. I will see what I can do! And if it means I don't have to be in the photo myself, then for sure you can count on me! muhwaaha.
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Underpressure, What is muhawaawa or whatever?
OceanLady
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Muhwahaha...is just me trying to be funny about my "ingenious" plan to not be in any photographs by hiding behind a camera. Muhwahaha is a typical online word, used maybe a quarter as LOL, for that kind of Super-Villian laugh one might be utilizing in a self-deprecating way, as a light-hearted expression of humor over some subject where one has an "ingenious plan".
I hope i didn't scare you. It's very close to halloween though. :o.
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Ok people...I have booked my flight arriving in Seatytle on Friday Nov 2 at 10 am and leaving Sunday at 7 pm. Looking forward to meeting you all!
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I'll book today. I think I arrive at 8p Fri & have to leave Sunday morning.
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I am disappointed to say that I will not be able to make it to Seattle. The car repairs this week were too expensive for me. I am hoping for an East Coast meet-up sometime in 2013 or sooner. I'm sure it will be much fun for those that are able to make it. Have a great time ladies! :(
OceanLady
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Looks like we are down to Calamity, Gallagher, Underpressure, RCR and moi.
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Keep me posted and let me know what I can do to help!
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Since we haven't met ahead of the rain [you can't imagine it was hot & dry last week; I could float my kayak in the puddles] we are going to postpone--anyone got any ideas for a later date?
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If we don't meet by mid-November I think people are going to be reluctant to travel. I only have to take the ferry so no big deal unless it snows...
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See, you should have come to California!!
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No kidding. Is there somewhere on earth it isn't raining?
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Colorado...300 plus days of sunshine..more than Florida :D
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CJ, you can come visit me! I'll take you to dinner!
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good idea!
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hey, how did i miss this? i will come. do we have a newsletter or flyer or something. i am a just the facts kind of person. these multiple posts have me confused. i work, but i can try and squeak in some events if i can :) I can also try to help when, if I can.
I am free Fri evening Nov 2nd, the day time of Nov 3rd, and all of Nov 4th.
It seems like it will not be a long visit for most of you so I do hope I get to meet you all.
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Ascending, we have put this off. We missed the good weather & it gets so busy now so don't know when.
However I would be willing to take a chance & meet for dinner sometime in Seattle. If I only stayed 1 night it would be cheap. Bound to be raining tho. Sometimes January is better weather...
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oh ok. lol. i didnt miss anything. its only a little rain people, lol. i understand though (i kinda don't though.... from the midwest and get dumped with snow and freezing temps. this is heaven... kind of)
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Can we do a little meet-up before Christmas? I'm a bit intimidated to go across The Border into the big bad USA to a city I don't know. Well actually it is 3 h as the crow flies... ;)
Anyone? I can't afford it but then we can't afford h's mlc either. ;D
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I'm in Seattle! Would love it.
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come on over!
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Someone name a date & we'll arrange it. Just a lunch would be okay.