We had an enthusiastic group of 20+ people join in at various times for Thursday night's chat on the Savannah Gathering.

Several people said they couldn't be there, but asked about a transcript. The transcript (slightly edited) is posted below. We discussed all sorts of plans for the weekend: accommodations, transportation, activities, speaking southern etc. Several people are planning to stay longer than the actual Gathering weekend.

We worked hard to persuade a couple of people to join us in Savannah for the three-day party- of-the-year Doug and Lamar both say they are thinking about it. And we hope others will too!

We may have another Gathering chat after the first of the year. In the meantime, ask questions and share your plans on the Gathering Forum.

Thanks everyone for coming! See you in Savannah!

Kathy

*********

teaberry: Hi!
Palma: Hi Marcia
MarciaB: Well, hi, y'all
MarciaB: Practicing
Palma: I booked flights today, Marcia
Palma: Hi Jan
MarciaB: WHo are you flying?
jgk: Hi everyone
Palma: Southwest to Jacksonville from ONT
Palma: April 2-8
MarciaB: I am about to book AA through Jacksonville
teaberry: thats'the cheaper flight, isn't it Marcia?
MarciaB: It is cheaper, by a lot at this point
jgk: Hi Andrew
MarciaB: We would fly from LAX to Miami, then JAX
Sheena: What did yours cost Palma - was it a good price?
Palma: $371
Andrew: Andrew says "hi everyone"
jgk: great!
Sheena: Not too bad these days
teaberry: wow, that sounds great Palma
MarciaB: That is good, how many stops?
Palma: Welcome to Savannah Chat, Andrew
Palma: 1 stop
Sheena: Yes we have one stop too
Palma: not bad at all...stop in Vegas
MarciaB: That is similar to our booking with American, AND we get the miles.
jgk: will you stay overnight in Miami or just change there Marcia?
Palma: Andrew we're talking about our flights to Savannah
jgk: Hi Kathy
MarciaB: If we take this flight, we would be taking a red-eye to Miami, because I am also trying to not take too many work days.
Palma: good idea, Marcia
jgk: Hi Shannon!
Palma: Yo, Chat Queen!
Andrew: Yes, I see that. i booked myself from Kansas City about a month ago.
MarciaB: We would get to JAX mid-morning on Thursday, then the drive to Savannah.
jgk: Welcome to YOUR chat
Sheena: Are you just going for the weekend Marcia ?
Shannon: wow there are a lot of people here already.
Sheena: Oh - you just answered my question!
Palma: I'm so excited I have my flights now!
MarciaB: Yes, just the weekend, since it would be too many school days, right after our Easter break.
Palma: That always makes it more real.
teaberry: I'm still waiting to book.
Sheena: A lot of people are arriving on Thursday - are you all coming to our house?
Shannon: YES
Palma: where there is wine....
MarciaB: Our house is across the square from YOUR house.
teaberry: excellent!
jgk: meeting in the square!
Sheena: So we will see you often - who is in your house Marcia
MarciaB: Shannon is my roommate, along with David, Kim and Chris
jgk: Hi Jerry
Palma: Hey, BRO
MarciaB: Sheena, you are reading my mnd
JDeQ: hi y'all
Diva: is there going to be a web cam???
kaydee: Now that's an interesting idea...
Palma: Jerry, when do you arrive in Savannah?
jgk: Hello NO
Sheena: I thought you were just answering very quickly
jgk: I meant hell no--to the web cam
JDeQ: very late thursday night
kaydee: Maybe a podcast then...
Palma: Awwwwww, Jerry will miss THAT cocktail party
MarciaB: Actually taking the red-eye means we could stop at the Crab Shack for lunch on Thursday, giving us one more meal to the weekend.
Sheena: Right Jan - no cameras of any kind!
JDeQ: mind you - we haven't booked our flights yet so I don't really know.
Shannon: no video camera? Bummer.
Sharon L: Hi everyone!
Palma: I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities for alcohol
jgk: Hi Sharon
Sheena: Jerry I thought you had booked from Buffalo
kaydee: Surely there will be some cameras... a GTG without photos?
JDeQ: I don't seem to miss opportunities for alcohol
teaberry: maybe Pauline
Palma: Welcome to Savannah chat, Sharon
Sharon L: Palma, that's an understatement!
JDeQ: not yet Sheena - I'm tracking prices. i've beeked from Buffalo to go to Paso Robles
jgk: Hello Pauline
Pauline: Okay - here I am again!!
jgk: HEY Sandi
Palma: Welcome, Queen Pauline!
Diva: I can't come to the party but am going to lurk on the chat since I am up!
Sheena: Marcia have you been to the Crab Shack before?
Palma: Sandi, you made it!
MarciaB: Jerry, I'm still tracking prices but I am about to toss in the towel and book this weekend.
jgk: great to have you, Diva
Sheena: Diva it is lovely to have you here
Diva: Thanks!
Sharon L: Hi Judy -- nice to "see" you again
Palma: I booked my Savannah flights TODAY! Whoo hoo!
MarciaB: No, Sheena, but it's just about the one thing I currently have not signed up for .
JDeQ: I may use points Marcia
bugalu: Hi y'all
Diva: thanks jerry.
Diva: I have survived!
Palma: Sandi will remind us to say "Y'all"
Sharon L: I'm planning to book my flights either tonight or tomorrow. The fares from SFO look fairly reasonable.
MarciaB: Thought about points, but I like to save them for trips abroad.
Sheena: But you are going there on Thursday??
JDeQ: Sandi - welcome back to the lovery U S of A!
JDeQ: Palma - 'how nice'
jgk: me too Marcia
bugalu: top of the day
Palma: to what, Jerry?
kaydee: Sandi is going to be doing a special Countdown post on how to speak Southern.
JDeQ: lord knows palma - i just have to use my southernspeak
kaydee: We need to get the rest of you ready!
MarciaB: Well, I could go on Thursday if we are driving from Jacksonville.
jgk: bless your little heart
Palma: For those of you who haven't read it, read Jerry's blog post on "Southern Women" Hysterical!
JDeQ: gimme some sugah
bugalu: funny!!
teaberry: loved it Jerry!
Sheena: When/why do you say how nice - or is it the obvious?
Sharon L: Countdown post -- heck could we enlist you, Sandi, to teach a class for a weekend activity??
Palma: It's a little joke, Sheena
kaydee: It is a long story-- a good one-- but probably not for here!
Sharon L: I loved Jerry
bugalu: for savannah!
JDeQ: Palma was bad after 3 bottles of brachetto
Sharon L: Well, I still love you Jerry, just had a slip of the keyboard. What I was going to say was that I just loved Jerry's post on Southern women. It had me rolling!
JDeQ: so how are the plans going?
Sheena: We will come home from Savannah with a whole new vocabulary - Pauline will have to create a new language website!
jgk: Where are you all staying?
Sharon L: But that takes the fun out of it
Palma: SO here we all are. Does anyone have questions about the Gathering or Savannah?
Pauline: Southern Travel - not traveling to the south, but traveling as if you were a southerner
kaydee: Love it!
MarciaB: So will this language lesson be part of Thursday's cocktail party?
teaberry: great idea!
Sheena: That would be a good orientation!
Palma: I'm sure we'll get to practice there
MarciaB: Just remember, your iced tea comes sweetened.
Sharon L: I'll vote for that Marcia!
Sheena: Marcia it does here in Canada too!
MarciaB: Really, I don't remember that from decades ago.
Pauline: Yike - I thought it was only in Canada that they put sugar in ice tea.
jgk: Hi Jill!
kaydee: And you must drag out the word aaaace
Palma: So everyone here will be in Savannah, right? (Except Diva)
softdrink: Hi!
MarciaB: But really, when we were in North Carolina, we were often asked if we wanted it with sugar or without.
Sheena: Sometime over the weekend in Savannah I'll tell you a family story about iced tea
MarciaB: I will remember to ask you,maybe.
kaydee: sweet tea
Palma: Is it funny, Sheena?
Sharon L: I don't even remember iced tea in Canada -- but I was there too long ago -- you're on Sheena!
Sheena: A southern US accent will be a BIG stretch for me
JDeQ: We didn't have iced tea back then Marcia
MarciaB: A story, by Sheena, will it require much wine?
Palma: Practice, Sheena
Sheena: Sort of Palma - but too long for here
Sheena: LOTS Marcia!
MarciaB: Right Jerry, just beer.
jgk: No questions about the Gathering?
Palma: Jill, I'm really glad you're coming
bugalu: I am looking forward to savannah
Palma: and staying a while
JDeQ: what's for dinner?
Sharon L: Is everyone flying in on Thursday or Friday or ??
jgk: when, Jerry?
Palma: Mmmmmmm yummy stuff
MarciaB: Thursday
bugalu: we will be driving in thurs
softdrink: Thanks, me too. I'm flying in on Tuesday and staying for 2 weeks.
Sheena: Tuesday - to Charleston
JDeQ: Saturday
Andrew: Friday for me.
kaydee: We're driving down Thrusday.
Palma: Wed night
teaberry: Thursday
Sharon L: I will be there Thurs. evening. Good for you Jill!
kaydee: Jill, will you stay in Savannah the whole two weeks?
jgk: Wed. afternoon for me
bugalu: Oh... maybe wednesday!
MarciaB: Sheena, we really liked Charleston
bugalu: where are you flying into?
Pauline: Flying in on Wednesday.
softdrink: Yes, but I plan on doing a lot of exploring.
Sheena: Everyone said we must go - so we will be there for just a couple of days
Pauline: Probably fly to Atlanta, then drive.
Palma: I just booked to Jacksonville to save $
Sharon L: I will fly into Savannah.
Palma: Pauline, Southwest is ready for us
Sheena: Jacksonville is quite close isn't it?
jgk: Jax airport is so much easier to deal with than ATL
Palma: 2 hrs
bugalu: it is not a bad drive from atl or jax
MarciaB: I could save even more $$ if we stay until Monday am,then fly from JAX
Pauline: I was looking at Delta, hoping to use miles. But I have not booked yet.
MarciaB: And I am thinking about that.
teaberry: can you swing that Marcia?
softdrink: If anyone needs a ride to and from the airport, I'd be willing to play taxi.0
Palma: nice, Jill
jgk: me too
Sharon L: That's very generous Jill.
teaberry: very generous, both of you
Shannon: Can I ask a couple of questions?
MarciaB: I probably can,just depends on what story I have to use for the time off
Palma: Sure
Palma: go Shannon
jgk: Please, Shannon
Sheena: We had some Alaska miles - so I used those (flying AA) so our fare was just $88 for both of us
Shannon: First - you all know I am a snob about wine, is it OK if I bring some to the Friday and Saturday gathering?
bugalu: YES
Shannon: Or is there something in your contract that says no.
kaydee: Will you be sharing??
jgk: Yes
MarciaB: I thought it was staying in our house!
MarciaB: That was a joke
Shannon: of course I will share!
JDeQ: is that for David Marcia?
Palma: You can bring it to the cocktail party!
Sheena: Do we need to check the contracts?
Sharon L: I'll be over to your house Marcia! (Another joke)
JDeQ: or you? LOL
jgk: I know we can for Fri night but not sure about Sat
Shannon: Sometimes venues do not allow people to bring their own
MarciaB: Sharon, where are you staying?
MarciaB: I am going to ignore that Jerry, LOL
jgk: don't carry it on, Shannon
Palma: BIG PURSE...
Sheena: Since the wine is included I would think that they will not object (will save their wine) but we can check for you Shannon
Sharon L: I'm staying at the Madison Suite -- an apt. from Luxury Living.
Shannon: I am going to ship it to DC and then drive it up.
jgk: what street
Palma: we will check, and let you know, Shannon
MarciaB: We will also have a car, so can do some shuttling.
Sharon L: Jones, I think.
Shannon: what wine are they serving? (Geez, do I have a one track mind or what.)
MarciaB: Apparently.
teaberry: Hm, I have no idea. Anyone?
jgk: Mrs. Wilkes restaurant is on Jones
Diva: good luck shannon!
Sheena: Something cheap and cheerful Shannon - most people will love it!
kaydee: Wow Jan, do you remember the details of the wine?
JDeQ: 2 buck chuck Shannon!
jgk: Shannon, I will send you a PM about the Fri. night wine choices
MarciaB: But I got to watch Shannon and David do a taste of a bottle of champagne this weekend and pour it down the drain.
teaberry: ha!
Sheena: Not THAT cheap Jerry!
Pauline: We are in the Chippewa Square Suite - is that the same place Sharon?
Palma: Jan is whipping through her notes frantically
Shannon: Jan - don't sweat it. I will live.
bugalu: we don't have 2 buck... I don't know about savannah
JDeQ: what time is brunch on Sunday?
kaydee: Luxury Living (Tammy Jo) has a couple of rentals on Jones Street (near Mrs. Wilkes). We looked in one or two.
bugalu: where is brunch?
kaydee: Nice.
jgk: no I'm not. We said we will talk about it when it got closer and figure out what's available
JDeQ: funny that Palma desert had 1.99 chuck
Sharon L: It might be, Pauline. It wasn't perfectly clear to me whether or not all those apts. were in the same bldg. but I htink so.
Palma: right, Jerry
Pauline: At least we will be close by!
Sheena: Sandi it is at Vic's
MarciaB: I think I looked at those apts, back when, seems so long ago now.
kaydee: I'll look at the Lux. Living website and let you know. There were several in a row, I think.
Diva: how many people will there be at the GTG
Palma: everything is pretty close in that area
Pauline: I booked mine back in April!
kaydee: Vic's is down on the riverfront-- an old cotton warehouse.
Palma: We hope to have 120
Palma: or so
Shannon: Does anyone know of any cheap hotels by the airport? I have to sleep out there Sunday night.
Palma: Welcome, Doug
Sharon L: Really, Palma? I was trying to figure out how far Jones St. was from everything, but couldn't get a good sense for distance from the maps.
Shannon: You'll get 120 at least, I would imagine.
teaberry: It's possible Leslile Erickson may have an answer for you Shannon
kaydee: We have info on all three events on our website.
teaberry: she may stop by later
Sheena: We have 91 registered (or is it 92? Plus another 20+ who have talked to us but can't commit right now - plus whoever else is thinking about it.
softdrink: Hey Shannon - I'm renting a place that actually has a spare room. PM me and we'll talk.
Pauline: This will be the biggest GTG!
JDeQ: hi Doug
Andrew: I have a 6 a.m. flight Monday; I figure it isn't such a long trip from the Historic District.
Shannon: Cool, Jill.
Sharon L: Wow, Pauline. Then I feel especially lucky that there were still apts. available.
Doug Phillips: Hi all
Palma: Does anyone here know anyone else who might like to come?
bugalu: we are at the 'historic' hampton
Pauline: I want Colleen to come!!!!
Shannon: I have a 7AM Andrew - blech.
jgk: Hi Doug
Palma: Some of the newer members might be shy
Doug Phillips: Hi jan
Palma: or feel like they don't know anyone
jgk: I really want Coleen to come,too
Sheena: How far is the airport ? Our flight out is VERY early
Sharon L: Colleen's not coming? If that's the case I second Pauline (and 3rd & 4th).
MarciaB: It looks like the latest ones to sign on are new, that's good.
Pauline: Maybe we could all email her and ask her.
jgk: about 20 min from town
Sharon L: Hee Hee Palma!
MarciaB: and 5th
Pauline: She did not want to commit because of changing jobs - but now she is in her new job.
kaydee: Maybe Colleen can tie it into a business trip somehow.
Palma: I think it is "scary" to go to your first GTG (I obviously got over it)
kaydee: Doug, are you thinking of coming?
kaydee: I hope so!
jgk: Doug--will you dirve?
MarciaB: I remember that feeling too, and ours was a small one.
Sheena: Yes Doug - we need the Canadian contingent!
Doug Phillips: We haven't really discussed it seriously. Liz is swamped at work & will be next spring
bugalu: come on Doug...
Palma: She'll need a break..PERFECT
Sheena: come on Doug...
Sharon L: What about Doru?
bugalu: it is just a long weekend...
kaydee: Doug is the man who drove from Canada to North Carolina for a GTG weekend!
Palma: Yes, we need Doru!
bugalu: right!
JDeQ: Doug - then they can mock someone elses accent!
jgk: come on doug!
MarciaB: Eh?
Doug Phillips: Re: drive. I think Brevard is about my limit
bugalu: what accent?
Diva: I was dreaming about the new MOO CARD stickers and how fun it would be to have personal foto ones and exchange them with other ST'ers
Palma: Those Canadians have accents
Sheena: Has anyone heard from Doru - he was looking into direct flights
kaydee: What stickers?
Diva: like a mini foto album
kaydee: Kind of like trading Olympic pins??
Sheena: Judy what a good idea!
Diva: have you seen teh MOO CARDS?
teaberry: neat idea, Judy
bugalu: I just got some moo cards
Palma: Some of these people are scary with a camera, Judy!
Diva: they now make mini sticker books!
JDeQ: You southern gals are the ones with accents!
kaydee: I have one of Pauline's moo cards.
Sharon L: And is Marian coming? We must have the Matriarch.
Diva: they can just be your eyes or smile or whatever
Diva: a personal something
Shannon: ---------> scary with a video camera :P
jgk: do you make them yourself
Palma: I'll need too many volumes of scrapbooks for THIS GTG
Shannon: I hope Marian comes!
Sharon L: Yeah, me too.
Sheena: By the way - do you'll remember that is was almost exactly a year ago that we had the big chat to discuss the possibility of a BIG GTG
bugalu: google moo cards, they are fun!
Pauline: That is a good idea Diva! I have not seen their stickers - will go look.
Diva: http://www.moo.com/products/stickers.php
bugalu: thank you
jgk: thanks
Palma: So I have a question
teaberry: thansk for the link
Shannon: go Palma
jgk: What Palma?
Sharon L: Shoot Palma
Palma: What are you all most looking forward to in Savannah?
Diva: I think there are 90 for 9,99
Palma: Y'all
Sheena: NO don't shoot her - we need her!
Shannon: Wow... everything?
Pauline: I am looking forward to meeting STers that I have not met yet.
MarciaB: Besides fried green tomatoes?
Sharon L: Groan Sheena
Pauline: Plus seeing everyone
Sheena: Sorry
Palma: good one, Pauline
Doug Phillips: $US9.99 = about 8 bucks Canadian these days
Shannon: having three days will be really nice
Pauline: moo cards come from England
Palma: Three day GTGs are so cool!
MarciaB: Thanks for reminding us Doug.
teaberry: Yes, I really like the long slow GTG
jgk: I am excited about seeing everyone, too
MarciaB: Like a reunion or family wedding.
Palma: time to relax, big and small groups
Doug Phillips: Marcia - you sound like kaydee in Provence
Sheena: Well, much as I am looking forward to meeting all of you (y'll) and having loads of fun - I am also really looking forward to seeing Savannah - I have never been that far south!
Pauline: I am also lookin g forward to the early spring in Savannah.
MarciaB: Have to do my part Doug, we're just pissy since we used to think of Canada as a bargain vacation.
softdrink: Being some place I've never been. And I'm off work, so it's time to go home! Talk to y'all later.
jgk: It shold be really pretty
kaydee: The azaleas should be blooming. I think it will be a very nice time of year.
Palma: I am looking forward to seeing the city too
teaberry: I've never been to Savannah, looking forward to that too
bugalu: savannah is beautiful... that will be the perfect time
Palma: Welcome Lamar
JDeQ: how long would the drive from the Atlanta airport to Savannah be?
Lamar: Hello
MarciaB: I am also looking forward to seeing Savannah, so glad that this gives us an opportunity to visit someplace new.
Pauline: I think 2 hours Jerry, but I'm not sure
Palma: We are talking about what we're looking forward to in Savannah
teaberry: exactly, Marcia!
bugalu: I think 3... dependin on traffic
Sharon L: I've never been to Savannah, so lots of things about a new place to visit, plus all the company -- meeting new folks and connecting again with those I've met.l
MarciaB: I thought Atlanta to Savannah was longer.
jgk: I think it's aa little more--like 3 from Atlanta
JDeQ: only 2 hours? hmmm
Palma: longer
Sheena: Jerry, are you thinking of flying into Atlanta?
Palma: at least 3
MarciaB: Jerry, look at Jacksonville, it's closer.
bugalu: bill says 4
teaberry: Lamar, are you coming to the Savannah Gathering?
Andrew: I have an atlas next to me; 252 miles from Atlanta.
Palma: Brad had mileage the other day
bugalu: we are 6 hours away
Lamar: Sorry, not this time
bugalu: two hours to Gailanta
JDeQ: but Atlanta is cheaper
JDeQ: Mapquest says 4 hours
jgk: So, Sandi you think 4 from airport to Savannah?
Sheena: Can we talk you into it Lamar - it will be fun!
bugalu: billquest said 4
MarciaB: it comes down to cheaper vs. time spent getting there
Pauline: 4 hours is a bit too long of a drive - but I think we did that to Asheville earlier this year.
Palma: Bradquest said, Jacksonville
Lamar: Just got back from out west
Pauline: Still, it would make an easy flight for us.
jgk: It's a 4 and a half hour drive for me
bugalu: it is not a bad drive interstate all the way'
Palma: Where do you live, Lamar?
Lamar: Arkansas, about an hour west of Memphis, TN
kaydee: Almost eight for me. Charley once drove down to Savannah and back in the same day-- took Kelly to a summer camp.
MarciaB: For us, we would have to stop in Dallas to go to Atlanta anyway, so flying to Miami and then to Jacksonville is still one stop
kaydee: Lamar, have you been to a GTG yet? We'll need to get you to one of our Southeast GTGs if you can't come to Savannah.
Pauline: We can go direct from Albuquerque to Atlanta - but I am going to look at southwest routes too.
Sheena: We change planes in Dallas - what is it like?
jgk: If anyone wants to stop in Tallahassee you can ride withme
Lamar: No, not yet
Palma: Easy, Sheena
teaberry: Dallas is a big airport
MarciaB: There's a wine bar, Texas wines
bugalu: Atlanta's airport is big
kaydee: Terry, didn't we just change in Dallas on the way back from Palma's?
teaberry: yep
MarciaB: And a great tram to get from terminals
kaydee: I thought it was greatly improved from my last time.
teaberry: right Marcia
Sheena: Marcia - always on the ball!
Sharon L: Changing planes in Dallas is reasonably easy.
MarciaB: Just in airports where we have been.
Sheena: So tell Marcia - what are Texas wines like?
MarciaB: And since we fly American, we always end up in Dallas changing planes
Shannon: I'll tell you Sheena - good if you are already drunk
teaberry: is that their main hub?
kaydee: Chicago.
Sharon L: One of them for American.
Palma: Yes, I've changed there several times...lots of Starbucks too
MarciaB: Texas wines, cover your ears Shannon, well, if you have a long layover, nice place to spend some time.
Pauline: It is good to have at least an hour between flights if changing in Dallas. The terminals are not so close together.
Palma: Don't know nothin about wine in Texas
Shannon: hey - what about Savannah?
MarciaB: No, and even with the tram, it takes time. We once had a wild ride on one of those carts, tho.
kaydee: More questions, Shannon!
Sheena: Savannah wines?
Shannon: Any more questions/advice/tidbits?
Palma: What about Savannah?
Sharon L: I hear Savannah wines are quite nice.
MarciaB: Shannon, do bring wine.
Shannon: I will!
bugalu: I don't know about savannah wine... but the food will be yummy
bugalu: seafood!
jgk: I would like to see the Telfair museum but I don't think I'll have time
Sheena: Who was it that posted at one time about antiques shops - I need to know the best area
kaydee: I definitely don't think Savannah is known for local wine.
MarciaB: I think this will be a stretchy waistband weekend.
bugalu: absolutely!
teaberry: a moomoo wekend!
kaydee: Maybe we can all walk a bit.
Palma: I want to eat Shrimp n grits (Scampi e polenta)
jgk: Marcia--the cooking class should be great
Shannon: unless there is dancing after dinner
Sharon L: I think I'll bring wine too Shannon! No video this time, though!
Shannon: I can just picture it now
bugalu: yes... there needs to be dancing!
kaydee: Shannon can bring her spray bottle of grappa.
Sheena: Marcia are yopu doing the cooking? We are too!
Palma: there goes Brad
MarciaB: I cannot wait for that, the walking tour, the ghost ride, see I told you, I have signed us up for everything,so not Slow Travel.
bugalu: dancing without boas...
kaydee: Say ahhhhh Sharon!
Palma: He'll do almost anything if I spray grappa...:O
jgk: I know someone who went to the cooking school there and said it was great
MarciaB: I ask David, would you like to .... and he says fine.
bugalu: see lamar, doug... what will you be missing
Lamar: Y'all have fun
Sheena: Too much information Palma!
Palma: Thanks, Lamar
Doug Phillips: Eh?
Palma: It gave me some good ideas...
teaberry: Lamar, hope you'll reconsider
Lamar: When is the gettogether
MarciaB: So if we stay Sunday afternoon, I will have an empty chunk of time
kaydee: See... he's already reconsidering?
kaydee: April 4-6
jgk: first weekend in April
Lamar: Oh, I thought it was much sooner
bugalu: or 3-7th?
Palma: That's my downtime too, Marcia
jgk: we are twisting his arm
teaberry: about 5 months from now
Sharon L: Who will be in Savannah on Sunday afternoon/evening?
kaydee: We are acting like it's in two weeks...
Shannon: me Sharon
Sheena: We will
Palma: we will
MarciaB: Palma, I do believe I am determined to have no downtime, and that is so not me.
teaberry: leaving Sunday
jgk: I'll be gone
Lamar: We haven't been to Savannah in two or three years
Palma: Leaving Tuesday
Sheena: We need to find a nice restaurant for us all on Sunday!
Palma: See, Lamar...reconsider
jgk: I have to go back to work
teaberry: me too
Sharon L: Here, here, Sheena
Lamar: The wife has made noises about going that way.
jgk: I have some ideas
teaberry: she's a good woman, Lamar
MarciaB: I will probably have to so that too, but until I book flights . . .
kaydee: Gosh, maybe I'll try to get a FF ticket and go Wednesday, back Monday...
Lamar: Very!
Palma: Lamar...Slow Trav GTGs are REALLY fun and friendly
jgk: here comes Lamar andhis wife to Savannah!
MarciaB: Come on down!
Sharon L: Yeah Lamar!
Lamar: April!
Palma: read the itinerary
Sharon L: Awwwwrighhhhht!
bugalu: we are slow planners too.
Shannon: Marcia was wondering if she and David need a car there, do you all think it is necessary?
Palma: the board has ALL the details
kaydee: I don't think you need a car if you have a way from the airport.
Lamar: Of course that may interfer with bluebonnet time in Texas
jgk: No, no car
MarciaB: We will need a car if we are driving from Jacksonville
Palma: nah once you get to town
Palma: We'll have a car, Shannon
kaydee: Several of us will have cars.
teaberry: Bluebonnet time comes every year. There is only one Savannah GTG
bugalu: it is a great town for walking, easy to find things aroundthe squares
Sharon L: I'll have a car as well.
Lamar: Got to run, have fun
Palma: Bye Lamar
jgk: Marcia--if you arrive on Wed. I canpick you up in Jax
bugalu: see you in savannah
kaydee: Okay, now let's work on Doug--
Sheena: We will too - I got a good price - $200+ for the week - by the time we go to Savannah that will be about $50 Canadian
kaydee: Rub it in Sheena.
Shannon: Sheena!
Sharon L: Ouch Sheena!
Palma: nice, Sheena
jgk: low blow
Sheena: Hey we were the poor guys for sooo long!
teaberry: you are actually saving $$ going to Savannah!
Palma: Canadians can buy us all drinks!!!
Sheena: Doug with our strong dollar you can't really afford NOT to go!
MarciaB: Thanks Jan, but it would be Thursday morning, but really, thanks
Doug Phillips: Can't afford not to go???
Sharon L: Yes, Palma!
Shannon: Good one Palma! I will keep that in mind!
kaydee: Cheaper to come to America than stay in Canada?
Sheena: For sure !
Palma: Between, Sheena and Jerry, and DOUG...
bugalu: sounds like a plan..
teaberry: and Doru...
MarciaB: Oh right, Palma, let's remember to tell Jerry that one, too.
Shannon: We can have a Canadian vs, American drinking game.
jgk: Doug!!!
Sharon L: You are all our best friends now
bugalu: and jerry isn't here to defend himself
Sheena: I'm beginning to feel that Shannon is a bad influence!
kaydee: Don't we have some other Canadians coming too? Brenda?
kaydee: Where is Brenda?
Doug Phillips: Be right back
Shannon: nah
Sheena: Doug has gone to talk to his wife
Palma: good influence
bugalu: y'all ran him off
jgk: I think he went to tell Liz they have to go to Savannah
jgk: welcome back doug
kaydee: So, did you tell Liz you can't possibly miss this party?
Palma: Savannah is so different than where I live..I'm looking forward to the charm and architecture
bugalu: parties...
Sharon L: Back to Savannah, eh?
kaydee: shopping Palma.
Palma: all those polite southerners
Palma: I won't have time to shop til Monday
kaydee: Do all of you know about Wet Willies?
teaberry: I love southern hospitality
MarciaB: ?
Sharon L: I'd love to shop at Palma's.
jgk: This time I really want to goto the "One Fish Two fish" shop
Shannon: wet willie?
Palma: busy eating and drinking til my friends leave
Sheena: I received a package from the Steamboat Cruise Company this morning - has anyone been on those padleboats
bugalu: is that the frozen drink place??
kaydee: It is a place that sells frozen drinks down on the waterfront.
jgk: Yes Sandi
Sheena: What is One Fish Two Fish?
Palma: big drinks
kaydee: 20 different kinds of frozen drinks.
kaydee: Open container law.
Palma: gift store
teaberry: they look GOOD
Shannon: like daqueries?
kaydee: They were good, right Jan?
Sharon L: A tuna daiquiri?
kaydee: Yes Shannon.
MarciaB: Paddleboats - no room in my schedule!
jgk: a friend told me about it--1 fish 2 fish--a very cool shop--maybe a bit like yours Sheena
bugalu: been there,,, done that
Palma: home stuff
Sheena: You will just have to stay longer
Shannon: I think I know where I am going Sunday afternoon
Sharon L: I'm leaving plenty of time for shopping.
Palma: I want to go to Hilton Head Monday
kaydee: Maybe I'll do a Countdown post on Wet Willies.
Palma: I don't even know why
Shannon: cool Sharon, can you drop me at Wet Willies on the way to shopping?
Sharon L: Hilton Head is fun -- especially if the weather's nice...
jgk: Wet Willies--like 30 different kinds--pina collada daqueries ets
bugalu: hilton head is very palm desertish
Palma: shopping???
kaydee: Golf courses, golf courses
bugalu: old money
Palma: no golf
Sharon L: Maahhh pleeeaassure, Shannon.
Sheena: Is anyone playing golf?
bugalu: yes there is shopping, and beautiful area
Palma: actually, no shopping for me
bugalu: you
teaberry: Palma, are you alright?
kaydee: So she says now
Palma: I booked Savannah AND Italy today....so broke
Sheena: Right!
bugalu: you will be paid off by then
teaberry: congrats! on the booking!
Palma: No, Terry, I'm sick about it
MarciaB: Congrats on the booking, sorry about the CC
jgk: what do you mean Palma?
Sheena: Palma did the auction for flights not work?
Sharon L: Just give it another week, Palma!
Sheena: Credit card
MarciaB: David is home and looking at the Southwest site for flights as we sit and chat.
Palma: My shopping has been curtailed
bugalu: what about the garage sale??
Palma: (temporarily)
Sheena: Go and buy a bottle of Grappa!
Palma: YEs, maybe I'll make a lot at the garage sale
teaberry: any leftover brachhetto?
Palma: I HAVE grappa
Sharon L: A new meaning for a Spritz?
Palma: yes...4 bottles
teaberry: that helps!
jgk: Hi Nancy
teaberry: but don't auction them at your garage sale
Palma: Welcome to Savannah chat, Nancy
bugalu: no guilt allowed
Sharon L: ST auctions anyone?
Palma: no jelly donuts! (guilt)
Nancy L: Hi, Everyone! Im booking Savannah tickets as soon as we close tonight.
bugalu: Yea!!
kaydee: Great! What are your plans?
Palma: Whoo Hoo Nancy
jgk: great Nancy!
teaberry: fantastico!
Sharon L: Terrific, Nancy!
Nancy L: We;ll be flying into Savannah Wednesday afernoon and leaving either Sunday or Monday.
Shannon: leave Monday - Sunday is looking pretty fun
Palma: That's great, Nancy
kaydee: Nice trip! Where are you staying in Savannah?
bugalu: that is great
jgk: this was fun!
jgk: I am really excited!
Palma: Bye Jan
Nancy L: OK, Monday it is. We're booked into President' Quarters.
kaydee: I really like the Presidents Quarters. Our family stayed there a few years ago. Great location.
kaydee: Which room do you have?
Shannon: Speaking of 2009 - where will the big GTG be that year?:P
Palma: LOL, Shannon
Sharon L: Shannon, you're killing me!
Sheena: It occurs to me that we need a list of who is staying on - or arriving early
Pauline: Maybe big GTGs every 2 years
MarciaB: Maybe that will depend on the dollar, lol
Shannon: Sheena - good idea
kaydee: We had the Eisenhower Suite. It sounds kind of strange, but it was neat. Now the Nixon room, I'm not so sure...
Andrew: Andrew says "bye" to everyone
Palma: San Diego will be rebuilt by then
Palma: Bye Andrew
kaydee: I think the next big GTG needs to be West
MarciaB: and it is too scary to think about the $ in 2010.
Sheena: Nancy quite a few people are at the Presidents Quarters - you will have company
MarciaB: I like west, how about British Columbia?
kaydee: It is really a great location... and not too far from those of us at Washington Square.
bugalu: the $ has to get better
Palma: I think we can have a progressive drinking game from house to house
Nancy L: Carly said she was giving us her favorite room> I asked for a big one so that we'd all have room to hang out, just in case.
Palma: like trick or treat
MarciaB: I really hope so, because if it doesn't and I run out of FF miles, I will be vacationing on Catalina Island.
MarciaB: forever
Palma: I'll be in Coachella or the Salton Sea
Shannon: Palma are Diana and Walt thinking about coming?
Palma: Definitely!
MarciaB: Palma!
Palma: 99% positive
Palma: looking at flights
Shannon: I've always wanted to spend more time in Coronado
teaberry: Hi June
Shannon: great Palma! Love those guys.
chiaro di luna: hi
kaydee: I haven't been to Gatlinburg in quite a few years either
chiaro di luna: here for a couple of minutes
Palma: Hi June
Sheena: Shannon there are over 20 people who have contacted us to say they are definitely thinking about coming
Shannon: That is fantastic!
Palma: Keep asking your friends
Shannon: You'll get a rush at the end - probably have to turn people away.
MarciaB: OK, fine, we had better check our wine glass supply, or it's every man for himself.
Shannon: I should ask my friends who moved to DC.
Palma: there you go
teaberry: more the merrier!
Sheena: I hope not Shannon - turn anyone away that is. I hope that everyone who wants to go will be able to.
chiaro di luna: are all mods coming?
Shannon: Is Jim Zurer coming?
kaydee: But we do have a cut off date for the catering stuff... when is it though?
kaydee: Jim has a very good reason he is not coming.
Shannon: Italy?
Nancy L: I have to rush off, but am so looking forward to seeing you all in Savannah. Ciao.
Sheena: Jim's sone is getting married that weekend - I thought they should change the wedding date
MarciaB: Oh, that is a good excuse.
Palma: no, his son is getting married April 6
kaydee: June, several moderators have already signed up, some are considering, some probably can't come.
teaberry: alot of nerve having a wedding during the Gathering!
Sharon L: And not having the reception in Savannah!
teaberry: right Sharon!
kaydee: Washington Square is a big wedding place...
Sheena: Now there is a thought Sharon!
Palma: He could bring the wedding party
MarciaB: So should I be asking my son, should he propose to his girlfriend, to make it around any GTG plans in 2009 or 2010?
Shannon: our party will be way better than a wedding.
kaydee: Cheaper too.
Sharon L: Natch, Shannon.
MarciaB: Trust me, I have thought about that.
Palma: The chat is "officially" over, but we can stay and hang out