OK, so Elvira's coming down memorial day weekend, which is just 3 weekends from now, and I think we need to do it then.

And DIVE, even if it's at Venice for the biggest shark's tooth!

Let's get organized.

Post here or my email is recdivers@tampabay.rr.com.

Hoping I am going to meet quite a few Floridians!! Exciting

Kathy, thanks for welcoming me in your home.

I can come up to Venice if we do it on Monday ...(have to work Sat & Sun ) then Tues I'm off to dive Caicos for a week...

Timmy, are you free at all at least one weekend night? Saturday would be good.

I just hoped as scuba addicts we could dive the day after our meet. If not, OK. Viz at Venice is the worst in the world (OK, maybe not the WORLD)!

Gail, Dr. Doo, who else can come up (or down) that weekend. We need to do this.

Me, the new Floridian, shouldn't be planning this one. lol I can find my way around, but I'm still lost!

Help!

Floridians or people who will be in FL, check in.

hey Kathy, I live in st pete and would think it would be great. If you need any help just let me know and I would be glad to help you. Come on floridians we cant have those buckeyes beat us. We should be the partying people.

Hi Christine.

Thanks for chiming in, surely we'll wake up the Floridians and make something great of a Memorial Day weekend. It should be, memorial!

Email me! I could use help. lol I don't know all the great places to do this, etc. I was really hoping we could all dive, hey.......this COULD be done in Lauderdale or the Keys, they're all just a few hrs away. Anyway, thanks and email me!

Kathy - I can be there Sat. Night

If it's a potluck, tell Christine to make her famous "smash cake"... mmmmm yummy....

Hope you all have as much fun as we did today!

Kelly,
If you come to bonaire while I am there I will make smash cake just for you or if you come to fl mini meet I will make a pan just for you. Plus I will even let you stay at our house.

Kathy,
The email in your profile is that your best email to reach you?

Christine, yep! I listed it in the first post, too.

I'm here - and interested in a gathering but not a Venice dive. (Bonaire has spoiled me!) I've been out of pocket lately - very busy helping my daughter get ready for her move to Maui. She left yesterday. (I really am happy for her - just sad for me!) I took yesterday off, and have 50 E-Mails to wade through this morning, and all kind of hot issues here to deal with, so I'll be off most of the day catching up. I'll pop in tonight and see what's up!

Gail,
I hope you will come. I am sorry that your daughter moved away but my best friend just left last week to hawaii where her husband got a job with homeland security on peral harbor. She tried to make me feel better by telling me just think now you can go scuba diving and hawaii and you wont have to pay for a hotel room gee like that makes up for losing a friend besides only place hubby wants to travel to is bonaire which I dont mind. Would you consider going diving in the springs ? When are you going to bonaire ? Oh Kathy I am using the ambian defense I had read your thread after taking ambian when I asked about your email .

Hi Christine, I met you and your family at Gibi's in 2001 I believe..... I'd love to see you again. We are way over due for a Florida mini-meet, so let's make it happen!

I've already semi-picked out a dive shop in Maui to dive with! Maybe October - since Bonaire is already scheduled for July!

So far it's just me and Larry, Elvira, Gail, Christine and Timmy. Anyone have emails for other FL BT'ers??? I'd hate to miss the chance to meet with everyone because they didn't see the thread!

Christine, I forwarded your email to myself at work so I can respond properly! lol Always a rush in the mornings!

Gail,
I cant wait to see you again either. It seems we keep missing each other in July. That darn work thing that keeps making move my vacation. Kathy the only other fl bonaire talker I know is Dr.Doo.

Kathy - That'll be Gail & John! Cindy & Jim Reed are out there. Lakeland area. Wasn't there someone recently in Sarasota?

Gotta run - work calls.

Dr. Doo,where are you? I would enjoy seeing you again. And hoping u can come so the rest can meet you

Do you have his email, Vira?

Life is getting so full for me now, with Brooke arriving Friday and leaving Tues, overload at work and trying to plan! lol I didn't even have a moment to get on today at work!

Christine, would you like to take over the planning? Or Gail? I'm such a new Floridian, I don't know where we should all try to meet, etc. Suggestions?

I just thought of some other people, there is Theresa who lives right here in Riverview, and Dan and Vic who live in Venice. He works at a dive shop there, lucky fellow. But he doesn't check in on BT much - though I DO have his and Vic's email and will email them.

Anyone else?

Is there a way to search on member's profiles so they can be emailed????

I e-mailed Cindy and Dr Doo a little while ago. Those are the only e addresses I have.

Hi ya'll...Gail, thanks for the email. We've been so busy I keep forgetting to check in. I'd love to have a mini-meet, we've been talking about it for several years.

We don't dive, snorkle at best. Jim keeps dragging me off to the mountains for vacations. LOL Also, he has limited movement with his left arm.

Saturday's are a little hard for us. We sell at the local farmer's market on saturday mornings and by the time we get home & unpacked it's usually about 2pm. If you come up with something in the central area (Tampa/Orlando) on saturday night, we could probably make it. But I'm not sure about Venice. Sunday & Monday are open at this point. I promise to keep track of this thread. keep me posted.
CindyR

I just went in and sent a message to Theresa through BT. Her last post was at the end of April - maybe she's on vacation?!

Well, To include Timmy and John & I, (Ft Myers being a 4 hours drive southwest of Orlando) Tampa/St Pete area would be about half way for both of us, maybe a 2 hr drive each. I have a pretty good sized back yard, but it would leave Timmy out for an evening's meet, and we'd all like to meet this graphic genius! So I'd like to see this happen somewhere in between!

CindyR - Hi! Glad to see that you surfaced!

Awwww.... I've lived in sarasota for two years, & haven't really made any friends... here's my chance and I'm going to be in NJ for Memorial Day weekend

Maybe next time.... have fun & party hard!!

Hey Gang,

It's the long absent Dr. Doo. I was thinking of going to the Keys that weekend to dive and ride the Harley but I can do that another time. I could make it.

I will be on Bonaire Saturday (May 13 to May 21)

Venice Beach dive is not my favorite but I will go to find some big teeth.

Dr. Doo

I forgot I'm confined to this stupid laptop as my "real" computer is in pieces and needs a new power source. Vic and Dan's email addy is there. Anyone know how I can search on them? Argh. It's frustrating being without my computer. Dr. Doo, glad you will be able to join us! I think of you every time I pass a Vet place in Tampa, and I'm around alot, so I just wonder if I've passed you.

So everyone's saying Tampa's central, so do we want to go to a bar that serves food? lol MY house, that's not finished yet!!!! (I don't mind too much if ya'll don't, it's my oasis here and I think it would be good). Larry is dying to dive at Venice. He loves that 3 ft viz. Ack. I hate it, but I do it. That's because I've found the biggest tooth there and he's in competition with me.

We don't have to dive, but I want to get some set plans.

All open for suggestions. Party hearty in Ybor? My house? Gail's house? Some place on the beach? Day into night, or just night? Dive or no?

recdivers@tampabay.rr.com

lol

I'm trying to pass the torch, but as long as I've got it, let's get as much done as we can.

I'm excited about this!!!

Tampa sounds good... 4:00ish till whenever...much better than Orlando for me. Jenny we will miss you!

(Message edited by muddysoapfish on May 10, 2006)

(Message edited by muddysoapfish on May 10, 2006)

Sounds like a GREAT BT meet in the making
WooHoo!!! and Dr. Doo too!!!

Go BTrs Go

Dr. Doo was one of my very first BT friends. You all will love him, I promise.

PS. I miss you, Dr. D !!! Email me with your update... you still have a S.W.??? (I love being cryptic..)

Dr. Doo and Fire Lady - so happy that you guys appear!!

Kathy, if everyone brings something -- and I don't want to impose - your house would be more relaxing, we would all feel very comfortable, add some music and your home so beautiful (lake, pool, palms, etc, etc). And specially the company gather -- it would be great -- I'll clean up!! and I do this very well

This of course if convenient for all.

Jenny, sorry you'll be away that weekend.

Hugs everyone!!

Oh, Vira, the music is ALWAYS on, on the lanai, which is where I live. lol. I just haven't had time to attack the atrocious bedroom mirrors, or the front/side gardening. So if we do it here, which I am very open to, I just hope people understand it's not ALL like I want it to be....yet. And it's a modular home! Remember I chose best price and best place I'd like to come home to, as the interim house. I just want people to understand that I don't live in a grand house, but I feel it's a grand location and "not a bad" house but I'm working on it room by room. I welcome you all, but hope you realize I spend most of my money on travel, and take the "best things in life are free" approach to living.

Ok I did,nt read all the info what weekend are we discussing, it is on a weekend right? let me know so I can figure out how I will pull this off, would love to meet all you crazy people once and for all, Venice Beach so beautiful, Dive there not so much, Im with Kathy I have heard the viz is not so good, but will give it a whirl.

Keep in mind all you need to see is the bottom where you are fanning the sand with a ping pong paddle...diving for sharks teeth on Venice Beach is only about a 7 or 8 foot dive depending on the tide.

I do not want to run into the owner of that tooth Timmmmy.

Kathy, I won't say anything discouraging about your place. I've been here for 13 years & I'm still trying to get it right. LOL

4pm to whenever on any of those days is fine with me. I agree with Vira about pot luck. If we all bring something and contribute our share of woga woga it'll lower your stress factors. If you're supplying the meeting place, you shouldn't have to worry about the food prep, too. (IMHO)
CindyR

Thersea - that guy's been dead for 50 million years or so...

Kathy - can we bring our cane poles and catch some of Larry's catfish...

(Message edited by muddysoapfish on May 11, 2006)

Timmmmmy I figured as much what do they call them mastadones or something like that.

Timmmmy nice profile you sexy beast. LOL quotes funny, what s funny is we had a fishing trip this weekend and the guys caught so many fish went out of ST. John Pass with some vendors and one of our guys packed there fish for them with regular ice I mind you, the dum !!! sent it UPS ground yesterday so Imagine the surprise at the other end when they receive it today of tomorrow or who knows when. Pew whee!!! LOL

Ok call me stupid, no dont im kidding, is this in Tampa? Kathy saw your pictures nicey nice are you still in Riverview, I wasnt clear on that thought you moved.

Kathy,

I am not sure I can make it now that I have learned that you don't live in a grand house and it is still not the way you want it to be. If I want to go to a house like yours, I can stay home.


I, too, subscribe to theory that money should be spent on dive trips and not a big mortgage.

Kathy, if I could make it happen I'd LOVE to visit your house - you've got better than a grand house - you've got a home

Since we're still here at my mom's I'm surrounded by all the things from my childhood, including the sharks teeth crafts my brother & I would make while spending summers at my grandmothers house in Venice (different place back then!)

lol, you guys kill me.
Tara, we have gazillions of teeth - never thought of making anything other than necklaces with them!
Timmy, is that your tooth? Did you find it yourself? My father in law bought one and tells everyone he found it. hehe Mine's not quite that big, but it's bigger than Larrys which is all that's important. :D

Also Tara, how funny that you also have a Venice connection!

Kathy - nope, saw it on E-bay..my biggest whole tooth is a little under 2" high but they are packed away somewhere..We used to find tons of small ones, like Tara's, on the Peace River banks as kids...

Timmy, that sure is a big tooth!!!

Dr. Doo you are joking,right? How are u going to miss out on such lovely company

Theresa, how r u doing? Hope u can make it!!

I was going to be jealous, Timmmy, if that was your tooth. Still haven't figured out how to reach Vic and Dan in Venice. Hmmm, maybe I'll email the dive shop! Yeah!

Cindy, I'm so glad you found the thread. Can't wait to meet all of you (and you're right about the wogga! lol

Theresa, I moved, but just 12 miles up the road. I'm on Riverview Drive now (just off it) on Lake Fantasia. It helps alot having a 30 min drive to work vs an hr, and as you know, here in Tampa, the traffic jams can get horrendous.



I'm going to try to finish some of my projects while my daughter is here this weekend. I'm so glad she's coming.

So my house it is! 4:00 to whenever sounds great. Vira and I will already be tipsy by then, I'll bet. lol We have tons of fishing rods if any of ya'll want to throw a line out, and it stays light till around 8:30 so you could also swim if
you wanted. We're right by the clubhouse and the big pool as well.

And if anyone wants to dive, I'm sure we can do that, Sunday or Monday, too. Shore dive or boat dive, whichever. Dan will help us with that! Water's about 84 degrees, btw. And if we can't now...then soon! Ft. Lauderdale and the Keys are sooooo much better than here on the gulf side, and it will be nice to know you all and have some diving buddies.

Thank you so much Kathy for orchestrating this. (and after 21 years, my house is still "unfinished" too!) What's important is that we all meet and enjoy each other's company in a central location. We will bring the party to you, and as Elvira said, we'll all pitch in and do the "work"!! So the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, at 4 pm, in Tampa. Ohio set a pretty high bar - but we can equal it!

Excellent - what shall we bring?

Like I said in the Ohio MM thread, the morning after the party my Mom's house shined thanks to everyone pitching in and there was SO much food! We have been munching on leftovers ever since. She and Bill were so impressed with how nice everyone was!
Being at a home is really the best way meet each other! Can you tell I'm jealous?

Tara, I completely agree. It adds such a personal feel to the whole thing when you are home instead of a restaurant or a public place. I can't tell you enough how much we enjoyed ourselves at your parents house. It was just a lovely, lovely day for all of us.

Timmy, you bring yourselves.
And a happy, smiling face, and be ready to party and even dance. Ya never know! I mean, the Queen of Dance will be here, Vira!

Will you be alone or with your g'friend? I'm counting chairs and if everyone would, please post who's coming with you!

Like Larry doesn't post on BT but reads it, I'm sure many of you have spouses or significant others who you'd like to bring. Not an RSVP, but just a chair counting for everyone who's coming. Vira and I need to know!!!! Larry is so shy, he's going to be that way when you all come, I know. I am NOT, nor is Vira
So as your hostesses with the mostestess, lol.....we wanna know who's coming for dinner.

Potluck sounds great! I'll fix something, too, btw.

And wogga always helps.

(Message edited by recdivers on May 11, 2006)

Kathy, I'd like to meet someone who has finished their house the way they want it ;-) As long as a home has love, it don't matter what it looks like

I am jealous, you all are going to have so much fun! pooo pooo!!!! Boom, I think you and Guy need to come down my way for the weekend and we can hang on Tuffy all weekend and pretend we are in Tampa! lol!

Dr. Dooooooo....NICE profile pic dude...lol!

OH, and SSG can do the salsa, here she is doing the salsa with my brother!

Got a grill? I will bring a bunch of marinated chicken breasts, and a bowl of fresh cut up fruit. Both will travel just fine in a cooler. (And John will be with me - I'll tell him in a little while! He's into World of Warcraft - just as absorbing as BT!) If need be, we can throw some chairs into the back of the Blazer. I'm getting excited about meeting all of you folks! (So far I've only met Christine and Mary M. in person! This is soooo cool!) I can also bring paper goods if needed...... let me know!

Hey Guys,
Sorry just getting back on here. Its been crazy @ work . I just got home now from a loan closing. Kathy I can come early and help you and also on our way we can stop at mcdill the booze are cheaper on base. I also will make my smash cake . Kathy we have been in our house for 10 years now I want a new kitchen but thier is this island that we love to go to that seems to be taking my money and lets not forget those teenage daughters . Beside my philosphy is if someone does not want to associate because I don't live in a grand house than it will be their loss not mine. Also we got make it a bonaire talk weekend we could have the get together on sat and then we could go diving on sunday.

Kathy put me down for two... Angela will join me and I look forward to dancing with Elvira too. We will bring an assortment of wogga and some tasty finger morsels....so please e-mail directions to your home...and let the catfish tournament begin....

Yes, Gail, I have a grill. Sounds great. I hate this laptop! Sounds great, and it's trying to rain now - short spurts. Tin rooooof.

Timmy, awesome. Everyone else tell us too, if you're bringing a partner.

I wish I could salsa, maybe Vira can teach us all. I had a Puerto Rican boyfriend once in the early 90s, and he couldn't teach me. I spent the first 4 years of my life in PR! (my dad was stationed there). My parents had parties in the 60s and I learned how to dance from them. So when I'm in the zone, I turn into Goldi Hawn on whatever that show was. lol But I can also disco dance (showing my age) and I stay current with today's music and am not afraid. So there. It's all gonna be going on here.

In fun. Timmy, catfish like Oscar Mayer weiners. lol I kid you not.

Wow, the wind's blowing.

It might actually rain!

Kathy, I know right were that is, I use to live on Dyer Road life is on that highway, I was raised in the carnival business the showmens club is on Riverview Drive so im sure you saw the traffic for the Tradeshow Extravaganza in February, I was raised on the Alafia River, Its a great area and miss it very much Karry and I are talking about moving back that way in September of this year we have decided we dont like yard work and maybe want to invest in a Condo out that way, we like to fly by the seat of our pants ya know and just dont have tome for Lawn people and house cleaners and all that, we went from a one Bedroom apartment to a 3 bedroom house and we sit in the office at the house and dont utilize any other room, the kids never come home anymore so we just over it.

Kathy, My sister still lives on Dyer road which is the road across the street from your entrance, That is a very nice place.Have you been to the new Walmarts on Gibsonton Drive. LOL

OK Gang, I just sat down and read every response, so Kathys house memorial Saturday weekend 4:00 P.M. well be there, pot luck maybe a dive on Sunday, but not sure about that I got it, see you then. Need your address Kathy. Elvira im doing great so far right eye vision a little loss there still, and its great to be alive and swimming with the fishies.

OMG! Never mix getting into your new decorative wine rack with posting on BT! lol

I'm stressing about everyone coming here, as you all can tell.

Theresa, this is kind of funny. My youngest daughter's significant other, (from now on, SO) is from Gibsonton. His parents were musicians and he grew up behind the Roadhouse Cafe on Bullfrog Creek. Too many coincinces! He's also a musician, and sings like....Creed, Hootie and the Blowfish, that sound. He can sing, though, and play that guitar. Weird though, that he grew up in this area. To me!

Ya'll can mapquest or Google Earth (but that pier on google earth is submerged now, we see parts of it now!) My address is 8406 Fantasia Park Way, Riverview FL 33569.

Gail, they only allow 10 hp motors on our lake. It's a quiet lake. This used to be a 55 and older community. I like that rule though. Keeps it quiet. All we need is an aluminum boat, or a small pontoon.

Vira, don't let me get into the wine rack before this party.

OK, just a few minutes before. Larry is shopping for me a new computer. I have made it loud and clear that I cannot function on a laptop!

My daughter from AL gets here tonight. Thank God. She's such a younger version of me, I expect she'll finish the landscaping stuff so I won't have to stress about THAT. lol

OK, I just told Jim we're coming....he just says whatever you want. LOL Not sure what we'll bring yet, have to give it some thought. I can bring 4 folding chairs and I have 2 6' tables if you need them. We use them on market day, so I wouldn't even have to unload them.

I'll need directions, too. Thanks for hosting us. This has been too long in coming.
CindyR (& Jim)

OK - we'll leave the jet ski home! Do you want the E-Z up sunshade? We'll throw the sunshade in the Blazer in case of rain.... Don't stress about the house, it photographed beautifully - I said I had a great yard - but a cruddy old house - I'd have just made you all stay outside! I'd love to have a new bigger house, but I love to take my trips and do extra things for the kids and grandkids even more. I know people with fancy houses and lots of crystal and china, but I prefer real life instead!

Kathy,
Don't stress breathe in breathe out . You should be so proud of yourself 2 years ago we tried to get a get together and it didn't happen if it had not been for you this would not of happen.
Also we have a portable xm radio we can bring if you want so you can have a huge variety of music at your fingertips.

I have a new computer now. A super duper one. Maybe that will help. Mother's Day present and all.

Has been a nice day, and tomorrow, the beach.

I'm so glad this get together is not next weekend, that I get some time between.

My daughters have been here all day. Nice. But we've lived it up. We have NOT worked on the house. lol

Hey Kathy, we have a 10' EZup shelter, too. Let me know if you want/need the tables, chairs and shelter. It's no problem to leave them in the car and bring em with us.

I'm getting excited about this.
CindyR

Hey everyone, I think the lanai will provide enough shelter and shade, and room for chairs. I think I'll pick up a few more stackable chairs (that we can use when we're fishing, too) just to make sure there's enough seating. There's actually plenty in the house, I have a huge sectional and another chair in the LR, there's the dining table that seats 6, 2 bar chairs in the kitchen at the island, and a loveseat and 2 rattan chairs on the lanai, plus two other chairs, then around the pool the 2 adirondacks - oh, and another sofa in Larry's computer room, and his room looks out over the water, too.

A folding table wouldn't hurt! We could set it up out on the lanai. We have music but someone said something about satellite radio and now I can't find it in email or here! lol Anyway, Radio Margaritaville would be cool.

We've been beaching today, and my girls have gone to pick up crab legs, artichokes and more butter and best of all, are going to cook it for us all w/ some baked potatoes. I am having the best time with my girls and gradbaby these last two days. Larry has loved it, too.

We listened to Sirius satellite radio at our Ohio meet, and I think it was the Radio Margaritaville station... LOVED IT....

Hey Kathy & Kelly
Kelly is correct on the Radio Margaritaville - my Mom has Sirius through her Dish Satellite TV. Unfortunately, it is not available on XM (which is what I have here )

So glad you're having a Great Mother's Day weekend

Kathy,
It was me I have xm radio to go unit. I can bring it and I have altec lansing speakers so that everyone can hear it.

I listen to radiomargaritaville on my puter all day at work. You don't need sirus for it on your puter...keeps me happy all day

Anything that keeps Grasshopper happy all day long can't be all bad!

Kathy - STOP STRESSING OUT. It'll be perfect, because we'll all be together.

Anything you need - we'll provide. After all, we're BT!!!!!

Kathy, pls don't stress out - It is going to be fun and we are among friends!

BTW - Ghopper you just might have a mini-meet on your hands! Guy is on duty Sunday but I can try to talk him into leaving early Saturday morning to hang out till around 7pm or so....
We could do a bi-coastal thingy

Boom, that would be a blast! We have no plans for the weekend so it is doable...and would be fun! You could even take the train down if you didn't want to drive in holiday traffic! BBQ on Tuffy...music, food, fun on the water

Kathy, we will come by for a short meet, Karry has obligated us to go to Turtle Island that Saturday and Sunday with his mom since he did'nt see her Mothers Day so Im coming by there before we leave cant wait to meet you all, then were off, what can I bring since I probably wont stay for eats but what can I do for you all please let me know, I am very familiar with the area so if you need help getting in let me know.

Tell ya what, I'll bring the 2 tables, 4 chairs and the ez-up. Better to have them than wish we'd brought them.

Are we thinking finger foods? Maybe skewered items? ooohhhh, grilled pineapple and bananas on skewers. We will need paper products and disposable cups (or everyone brings their own - my Tervis goes everywhere with me).
CindyR

I will bring paper goods, if needed how much and I will bring some food something special called Jezabel sauce, its poured over cream cheese then eat with wheat thins you will love it, I hope!!How many are coming so I may get started on paper goods Kathy Im going to write your personal email and get your phone number.

I will talk to you all tomorrow ok.

ok I have a an idea list start making a list and add to it I will start
Christine party of 3

Christine party of 3
Gail & John (2) bringing marinated chicken breasts and fresh fruit

Christine party of (3) bringing smash cake, turkey dogs & hot dogs and hot dog buns, and mustard, ketchup, and some soft drinks
Gail & John (2) bringing marinated chicken breasts and fresh fruit.
Cindy & Jim Reed (2)
Dr.Doo and who knows who ? :0)
Timmy & Angela (2)
Theresa & Karry (2)
Guest of Honor Elvira
It looks like a party to me

Christine party of (3) bringing smash cake, turkey dogs & hot dogs and hot dog buns, mustard, ketch, soft drinks.
Gail & John (2) Bringing marinated chicken breast and fresh fruit
Cindy & Jim Reed (2)
Dr.Doo and who knows who!
Timmy & Angela (2)
Theresa & Karry (2)Jezabel Sauce & Wheat thins, Paper products for who knows how many, plastic forks and spoons, napkins, cups.
Guest of honor Elvira, it looks like a party to me and a partridge in a pair tree. LOL

This is going to be so much fun, can't wait!!!

Ok Ill talk to you all tomorrow, I cant wait to meet you all.

Dr. Doo (a party all by myself) and maybe a friend (1 or 2). I will bring a cheesecake (homemade but not in a red pan).

yippee!!! I finally get some of the Dr.'s cheesecake. I've been waiting 3 years for this.

Christine party of (3) bringing smash cake, turkey dogs & hot dogs and hot dog buns, mustard, ketch, soft drinks.
Gail & John (2) Bringing marinated chicken breast and fresh fruit
Cindy & Jim Reed (2) spinach/artichoke dip and various chips/breads for dipping. Maybe something else. Tables and chairs and my Tervis seahorse cup

Dr.Doo and who knows who!
Timmy & Angela (2)
Theresa & Karry (2)Jezabel Sauce & Wheat thins, Paper products for who knows how many, plastic forks and spoons, napkins, cups.
Guest of honor Elvira, it looks like a party to me and a partridge in a pair tree. LOL :-)

Christine party of (3) bringing smash cake, turkey dogs & hot dogs and hot dog buns, mustard, ketch, soft drinks.

Gail & John - (2) Bringing marinated chicken breast and fresh fruit.

Cindy & Jim Reed - (2) spinach/artichoke dip and various chips/breads for dipping. Maybe something else. Tables and chairs and my Tervis seahorse cup.

Dr.Doo and who knows who!

Timmmmmy & Angela -(2) a selection of fine wogga, crab stuffed shrimp, smoked wahoo !

Theresa & Karry -(2) Jezabel Sauce & Wheat thins, Paper products for who knows how many, plastic forks and spoons, napkins, cups.

Guest of honor Elvira...Salsa Lessons?

Lol, you all are killing me.
I'll post later as my daughter is leaving in the morning and spending the night with my oldest daughter tonight, so goodbyes (which I hate) are next.

Elvira, we've got to cook up some good stuff. Maybe you can make a special salsa? lol

We'll make sure no one goes home hungry, or thirsty.

Elvira,
I noticed on other thread that you are going to bonaire the same time we are. That is so cool.

I thought it was you - so that is cool we will be in Bonaire at the same time.

BTW - Dr. Doo's cheesecake is absolutely delicious!!!

Which airline are you flying on ? We are going the long way around we are flying tampa, houston bonaire on the way back we are flying houston, ohio, tampa. But we are using frequent flyer miles so you take what you can get. I had to take Fri off from work so that I could use miles my boss was so funny telling me you already getting 2 weeks off in a row and now you want a extra day but she let me so that was cool.

Christine - Atlanta-Jamaica-Bonaire on Delta/Air Jamaica.

Something you can all do when you are here, breadcrubs for the birds. (And my daughters are in there as well. Heather and Nathan are coming fora short time to the BT thingie.)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AZsmzdo1ZNGKV

I was whining to Larry that we don't have a trip this year booked yet. (Can't count the ones we've already been on? lol!) Getting on that. Hope to have some plans soon, now that we have the computers back. (We're a network, wah)

But BAD news, my hard drive can't be saved. I'm so sad about that. That's 6 years of photos. I'm so glad I put most of them on shutterfly. I might actually have to buy some pics from them, after all this free service all these years! Ah well, all in stride. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

Christine, where is your layover in Ohio?? If it's Columbus and it's for very long, I will come over and meet you for dinner !!!

Wahhh... you get Dr. Doo's cheesecake and Christine's smash cake... I am so jealous.

BUT. Nooooo redddd pannnn, she says while laughing manically. We sold it to a nice Puerto Rican lady for beer money. You told him that didn't you, Cynde??

Kelly,
It's in cinicinati (sp). I wish that it was columbus I would of loved to of seen you. It was suppose to be Columbus then Delta changed the itnerary(sp). Dr. Doo you have to buy a red pan and send Cindy and Kelly the bill lmao.

yea...sold it for beer money...that's my story and I'm stickin' to it...

the bill goes to Cynde not Cindy. The heck with the pan, I just want the cheesecake.

CindyR

Sorry, Kathy; I don't think I'm able to get there this time. Now, if you moved it to Washington State--maybe!

ok I dont know about you all but I am sensing a story here inquiring minds want to know what really happen to the pan?

Cynde's and Kelly's story is true...

Timmy.....L..M...A..O...

That's too funny, Timmmmmy.

I was talking to Christine last night, and the head count seems to be under 20. No problemo. I was worrying about 50. lol But anyway, glad Timmmy has a BT flag because all I have is a Bonaire flag, and, er, a license plate. lol (tourists, tsk, they buy anything!)

Brooke and I didn't get anything done of the projects on my list, we enjoyed the time too much, talking and lazing. But there's this weekend. lol I'm still freaking about people coming to my unfinished house! Sorry! (hey, you would be, too!!!!)

I checked the weather. Wait, let me check it again. It's just now touching that Saturday and says high of 90 and scattered showers. They'd better not be while you all are here!

Bugs. Let's talk bugs.

Lovebugs have moved in in droves. argh There are these things like mayflies, too. It's like everything hatched with the rain. Grilling, I'll make a backup plan to grill on the lanai, if need be, because of the bugs.

But I do have a George Foreman grill thingie, too.

I'm just not so sure about grilling, on a lake in spring with bugs. lol

We'll figure it out!!!!

Kathy - at least they don't bite...The biggest problem is getting them off your car before they ruins the paint job....Don't even worry about not having the house finished! ...I'll need to pop the stuffed shrimp in the oven for about 15 minutes, then I'll be dancing with Elvira, meeting new friends and/or hooking up a hot dog and catching the BT mini meet record catfish

MAN!! Ya'll are gonna have sum fun!!!
I can't wait to see the pictures that come outa this MiniMeet

Elvira will be the belle of the ball for sure. xoxox

The Salsa Belle

Kathy, hope you aren't anywhere near the fires.
CindyR

OK - I'm getting excited about this MAJOR-MEET! I just did my map quest - it looks doable! It says 1 hour and 47 minutes - but we'll see about that with holiday traffic!

Kathy - Map quest tells me that gate access is required onto Moonbeam Way. If that's so, do you want to E-Mail the code?

If you don't want to grill chicken, I can bring something else. (But I do have a really good marinate recipe for skinless boneless breasts!)

Do we want to do name tags at first? I can get creative with these - I'll take this on if it's OK!!

Eight days away!!!!!

Does anyone have one of those portable screen enclosures we could set up around the grill?

I've got a surprise for all of ya'll.

I just have the 10x10 EZ Up. The love bug explosion should be gone by then. They're only around for a few days.

Me too, Gail. I considered buying the screen walls for it, but couldn't convince Jim we needed them.

Anyway, what's a few love bugs between friends. LOL

Maybe I'll just move the weight bench and put grill on the lanai. That should be ok. Long as the wind doesn't blow from the north and choke us all out! lol

Gail it is a gated community. I'll have to ask how we let people in without running up with the key. Really though, they're usually only closed like....after 7:00 or 8:00. I know if you have a home phone (which we don't), you can buzz people in some way, but it doesn't work with cell phones. I'll have to figure that part out and get back to y'all.

Gail, just noticed the name tag thing. lol That would be cool.

I have bartered my way into getting that tacky a** chandelier out and my new one put up, and the "missing teeth" bushes pulled out (some are missing) and hibiscus planted, for little or nothing, mostly trade of stuff I have in my storage room that they need.

That, we get done tomorrow. Thank God for a co-worker with a handyman husband.

Alright Kathy, quit stressing. We can't have it here because it would take way too long for me to straighten out this mess. Believe me, two packrats living in the same place for 13 years is not a pretty sight. There's no way I could ever judge anyone else.

That being said, give me a couple of months & I could host one. LOL

Cindy, I didn't even KNOW about the fires until you posted about them, and yes, they were about 5 miles away. Under control now.

On my drive to work this morning, more has burned on Tamiami Trail (US 41), but it was like a flash fire or somthing, the only things burnt are the underbrush, the trees are OK....but it has exposed this little creek running into the bay that was hidden before, and it was filled with flamingos and egrets and spoonbills this morning. Fire has a purpose and a need in nature, I do believe. Just not big, ferocious fires. These have been windblown fires that just eat what's on the ground, so far. And the rains are here, somewhat. So I think it's all OK.

I won't stress too much more, now that I know my major things will be taken care of tomorrow. I promise.

Kathy, You are going to be sooooooo disappointed when we never even notice your shrubs! All we care about is meeting each other and sharing a fantastic experience together! (And maybe do a little fishing!) Speaking of which - is the lake privately owned or are there game wardens around - ie. does one need to update their fishing licence?

LOL, Gail, whether you all notice or not, it was a push I needed. Summer's coming up and I just hate unfinished business while I'm vacationing, and I WILL be in vacation mode within a month.

There are no game wardens around, and guests of homeowners can fish here on the homeowner's property, is the way I read it in the HOA book. Updating it won't hurt anything, but I swear no game wardens are gonna bust our party.

Kathy and FL BTers,

When is this FL event. I am in Boca Raton. Sounds like an interesting time. Bonaire has a wild effect on most brains and lives.

Thx.
Bud Gillan

Hi Bud,

It's next Saturday, one week from today, at 4 pm at Kathy's house just south of Tampa. Please join us!

Bud, we'd love to have you. This will be a first time meeting for most of us, so don't feel like a stranger. We all are! (but for BT!)

Btw, yay, my snaggle tooth bushes are out and hibiscus planted. And I got the tacky chandelier down and the new tiffany one up. Even got the jets on my jacuzzi fixed. lol Was a very good day here. I feel stress slipping away. And tonight, for the first time in this house, I'll actually get to use the jacuzzi tub. Perfect.

And poor Mike is stuck in Bonaire. Poor Baby....

Hey you crazy people I need a solid head count for paper goods is 20 people enough or 25 or 30 suite us better? Let me know so and what time shall we stop by on our way to turtle beach cause I want to tie it in where everyone is there.

Cant wait to meet you all!

Ok I dont think ill get an answer till later tonight and Im getting ready to go so talk to you all tomorrow then.

Ok goodnight everyone.

Theresa, I think 20 is good, but for good measure, I also bought some plasticy paper plates and forks/knives/spoons just in case!

I mean, we don't know HOW MANY dates Dr. Doo is bringing. lol

Sorry I didn't get in here earlier to let you know, so hope you see it soon.

Also, who wants to dive on Sunday?
We'd really like to, weather permitting. Even just a shore dive off Venice public beach is good, or Casperson's. Both are good teeth finding places. (like we don't have enough)

or Monday??

Larry doesn't know if he's actually off Monday, yet. That's why I'm saying Sunday.

Kathy,
Heck we can go diving both days . If Dr. doo doesnt get to his 600th dive we can help him reach his goal.

We won't be diving....first, we don't dive, 2nd -we have other plans.

instead of the spinach dip, I'm bringing a black bean/corn salsa, another appetizer and deviled eggs. We have a new vendor at our saturday market, so I bought 2 1/2 dozen free range, organic brown eggs. I'm still not sure how eggs can be free-range.

Getting Closer
CindyR

We are of to turtle bch that saturday after we stop by, Kathy if you have all that no sense in me doubling you so I will bring other stuff ok what about cups and napkins you have those also. I can substitute for beer or another beveage what would you all like?

Ok my spelling isn't worth a darn today but anyway I am still bring my dish too and would like to do more.

Theresa - Just the fact that you have other plans and are making time to come by and meet us all is "more" than enough!

We also have other commitments the rest of the weekend. We won't be drinking since we have a 2 hour drive home that night, so we'll bring our own soft drinks. I picked up name tags, and will spend time getting creative with them later this week. I am so looking forward to this!

Very good Me too will se you all there and will use my imagination on other things.

OK, I'm gonna be HOME already and I will be having something to drink. lol Let's just get that straight. And Vira called me tonight fit to be tied on her way back from AL to ATL (it's a southern phrase - figure that, she's from Costa Rica, but tied to B'ham and Atlanta AND Tampa), and can't wait to let off some steam and have something niced to drink, too. She needs a vacation. Heck, we all do.

I'm so glad you all motivated me to get my yard stuff done. I have this feeling they're going to put the "most improved lawn" sign in my yard, from the HOA. lol It's so much better. And the girl who took my tacky chandelier loves it. So....it's all good.

Vira and I are planning what we'll cook. We don't know yet. It will be "surprise", I think! I may make some southern potato salad and stuff, she may make some island things (I hope).

But there will be salsa and chips out, for sure, we just don't know what else, yet.

The weather keeps changing, every day I look at it. I won't look at it until...3 days before. lol OH, that would be tomorrow!

I just don't want it to rain, though we need more rain. It dripped today, wouldn't classify as rain.

I am up for diving either day at either place if my dive gets here by then. I got back yesterday but my luggage with my dive gear did not make it off Bonaire. They say it will be here by the end of the week, so I should be good to go.

Dr. Doo

I am so excited about this weekend. It sure going to be fun. I'll see everyone on Saturday, Kathy see u on Friday. Hugs to all

I've Got the BT flag for our group shot...Gail make sure you use the right amount of mmmmm's on my name tag... ;)...Hi Vira

Hey all, on mapquest..for some reason it tries to make you turn into the community on Moonbeam. Actually Moonbeam is the road to boat and RV storage! Turn in at the main gate (where the flags are) - Fantasia Park Way. Fantasia Park Way makes a right, just follow it along. We are beside the clubhouse to the right. If the parking is backed up from our house, park at the clubhouse parking lot, that's what everyone else does when they have a party. You'll see my white van in the driveway with the "Wish I was diving on Bonaire" sticker. lol The house number is also prominent. 8406 Fantasia Park Way.

See you all there!

OH, and on the gate thing. It is unlocked until 7:30 or so. And sunset is not until 8'ish, when it cools down and we get the great sunset view, so it's gonna be bright up until then!

Timmmmmy - I've already struggled on how I'll fit 5 on!!!!!!! But will do!

okey donkey! its on!

See you all tomorrow or the ones I get to see before I go...

Why do I feel all alone here in CC?

Theresa - Don't you leave before I get there! We'll be there around 4, depending on the holiday traffic.

Theresa, You should try to stay until I get there. I have surprises. We're shooting for 4 also. Have to stop & donate blood before we come.
CindyR

I will try girls but im heading to the beach that day too so Im sure Ill be there hopefully. See you all tomorrow Im heading home now.

I think most people ARE getting here around 4ish. Hope everyone's got the directions straight! And I hope most of you can stay till whenever, because sunset is not until around 8:20 and THAT'S when it's the best time here.

Soooo, about 15 people is what I'm counting - oh, and Heather and Nathan are going to drop by for a few, so 17 I suppose.