Originally posted by LRU: I've put this on my calendar, sorry I missed the 1st Desert GTG.
Carpooling - if anyone is passing through Arizona on the way to, or are from Arizona and planning on going I'd love to carpool and help share fuel cost.
Linda
Linda
I'll car pool with you. I'm at Pointe Tapatio. My e mail address is bonzersmom@aol.com
I have penned in the date on my calendar, put it on my PDA, and will be there. I live an hour and half away, so should I book a place to stay overnight or do the GTG's start and end early? I'm looking forward to getting acquainted with familiar names, who I almost feel I know!
Valerie
Posts: 83 | Location: California | Registered: 19 September 2006
You may absolutely drink whatever you'd like! We hope you'll be able to join us!
Valerie B
You should think SERIOUSLY about spending the night in the desert. This is a long-lasting crowd! You would have more fun, and could "indulge" in all the festivities if you don't have to drive home.
I so happy to have some newer members along with the "oldies but goodies"!
I've avoided this thread because I know I can't travel October-December.
Following the thread would be unnecessary self-torture.
But, WAH, IT'S NOT FAIR! I WANT TO COME!!
Deborah Horn In a previous life I was an Umbrian sunflower farmer. I want to do a past life regression and stay there. ----------------------------------- www.petsburg.com My blog: Old Shoes - New Trip
Posts: 5590 | Location: St. Louis, MO | Registered: 04 September 2001
We, too, are just an hour and a half away but will be staying for there for the weekend--a great opportunity for play time. I think we are at the Hyatt. Any body else there?
Boa's? Don't have any--feathered or reptile.
Jerry, how about some maple syrup? What do you want from San Diego?
I will bring down some of the maple syrup that my friend Susan gathers every spring - it is amazing stuff. She calls it organic - I don't get that - how can pure Maple syrup be anything else? LOL
What is San Diego known for . . .
Jerry
The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see. ~G.K. Chesterton
Because of the size of the group, the size of my kitchen, and of course, MY CONTROL ISSUES, I would like to make the food for the GTG. Most are coming from a distance, so relax. What worked really well in Brevard, and in Umbria, was that everyone brought wine and chipped in $20 per person. I promise you will get your $'s worth.
I'll post the menu closer to the date, and there will be vegetarian-friendly food as well as meat for the carnivores. Just come HUNGRY!
It is OK for people to bring things that they want to share, isn't it? Like Jerry (are you listening Jerry?) bringing some of his fig preserves to share with all of us?
Charity
Posts: 1741 | Location: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: 11 May 2003
Dear Friends I've yet to meet. I'm new to the boards and have just joined Slow travel though I've been a devoted Slow travel type of person for a long time in my heart. These boards are a treasure to discover! I hope to meet you all at "Palmas desert gtg". Palma thank you for your gracious invitation! I look forward to meeting you one and all. Barb Cabot
Since I know Jerry will be shopping at Trader Joe's and Bristol Farms while he is here in CA on this trip, I would imagine he will have some suitcase room to bring some goodies from Canada. Am I right here Jerry ?
Okay! I had such a great time last year that I'll definitely be at the 2nd annual Desert GTG. No mystery about me this year. I've just booked my ticket, arriving at noon on Friday, departing on Monday morning. So this will be a nice long weekend and a chance to see some more of the area.
I've teamed up with two roommates, and we are sharing-- get this-- a VACATION RENTAL. I found some lovely condos on VRBO and we've booked one for the three of us (two bedrooms and a den, two baths, even a golf cart) for less than the price of a hotel room. One of my roommates is Sandi/Bugalu and I'll let the other one announce herself. We'll be just ten minutes from Palma's house.
If anyone else is considering making the trip to Palm Desert for a long weekend, there are some great deals for vacation rentals. We found a beautiful two bedroom/two bath condo with a den (third bedroom) on VRBO for $150 a night... more economical and much more space than a hotel, especially if you're sharing. See here.
Palma said the Palm Desert East area is closest to her house, and that the Palm Valley Country Club or the Oasis Country Club are the closest. We'll be just ten minutes from Palma's house. There are several condos with three night minimums.
There are airfares now from the east coast right to Palm Springs for $400 and less... worth considering!
Kathy and Sandi - it would seem with that kitchen you could do the cooking in your rental and walk it over to Palma's! That way Palma's houseguests will have nothing to do except lounge by the pool sipping proseco and martinis.
Jerry
The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see. ~G.K. Chesterton
I am seriously considering appointing you the lettuce washer for the ginormous caesar salad . Pool lounging, indeed! And since we are bringing the prosecco, you will have to play nice. More .
Hi Palma, I would love to be included in your October get together. I really look forward to finally meeting you and other GTGers as well as seeing old friends again like Shannon, Marcia, Kathy, Jane etc and catching up. It couldn't be any more convenient for me because I bought a house in Palm Springs this year that I just finished fixing up. I figure I'll just spend that whole weekend there and perhaps I could even offer a bed or two to fellow gtg friends. Anyway, count me in!! Liz
Posts: 180 | Location: Los Angeles/Rome | Registered: 13 October 2003
I just found out about this GTG and I would also love to be included! I'm in south Orange County, about a 2 hr drive away. I'll be more than happy to bring wine, $$$, whatever - just let me know what you'd like me to bring.
Anyone still need a room mate to share a hotel room/rental place? If I can find a place to stay overnight that would be great. Otherwise, I can probably brave the drive back home to the OC, as long as I don't leave too late .
I am really looking forward to meeting everyone at Palma's!
Tery
Posts: 250 | Location: Mission Viejo, CA, USA | Registered: 18 May 2003
Oh My... Palma, the secrets out! Better send Brad to the store for more dishes!
Jerry~ you know I'd be happy to bring something, but Palma insists I will be hanging with you poolside. We will pop in long enough to keep her company... but stay out of the way.
What is that old Italian saying?... If you can't stand the heat~ get out of Palma's kitchen. Sandi
Originally posted by kaydee: I've teamed up with two roommates, and we are sharing-- get this-- a VACATION RENTAL..... One of my roommates is Sandi/Bugalu and I'll let the other one announce herself.
And I'll be the other one! I can't wait to meet all of you. How exciting!
Move over a bit there, Gail; David is going to have to squeeze in that kitchen at some point to assemble the ginormous caesar salad and I will require a little space by the pool
Gail. Actually, since the salad is at Palma's request, I have already asked her to give us a window of time in the kitchen. I am quite respectful of needing a Kitchen Pass, yep I am.
I've been asked to post a list of who is coming, so here goes. Hope I don't leave anyone out, and it is still early in the game...What a GREAT GROUP so far!
Palma and Brad Gail and John Jerry Marcia and David Charity and Bill Kathy (Kaydee) Sandi (Bugalu) Terry (Teaberry) Carole and Roy Jane, Ken and Casey Linda (LRU) Stephanie and Greg Sharon L Shannon Eden Annie K Tracey (Jetbuny1) Beth (Vegas Ms) Mary (Rome Addict) Beth (Michievous) Krista and Steve Sue (Susa) Nancy and Bill (Nancyhol) Valerie B Barb and Mike (whoo hoo...BRAND new to ST!) Lynda W Diana and Walt (Dito) Elizabeth Gaia Pauline and Steve
Maybes:
Teachick Cheryl Alexander SK and hubby Luisa where are you?
{ edited to move myself from maybe to "we will be there" }
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Pauline,
Bring something ITALIAN (one item per person OR couple is fine) Bring it covered in a paper bag with your name on it. We will unveil items sometime in the evening, and there will be a small prize for the "most original/unusual" and for the "funniest" item. It can be ANYTHING, so get creative. You may take your items back home with you
Updated list:
Palma and Brad Gail and John Jerry Marcia and David Charity and Bill Kathy (Kaydee) Sandi (Bugalu) Terry (Teaberry) Carole and Roy Jane, Ken and Casey Linda (LRU) Stephanie and Greg Sharon L Shannon Eden Annie K Tracey (Jetbuny1) Beth (Vegas Ms) Mary (Rome Addict) Beth (Michievous) Krista and Steve Sue (Susa) Nancy and Bill (Nancyhol) Valerie B Barb and Mike (whoo hoo...BRAND new to ST!) Lynda W Diana and Walt (Dito) Elizabeth Tery (Gaia) Luisa and Peter Pauline and Steve
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Pauline,
Wow, this is getting exciting!! I can't believe how big the group is becoming....are you sure you can handle this, Palma....you are a better woman than I that's for sure!! I will definitely bring a gift from Italy in a bag for some fun. Also want to let everyone know if you are looking for a place to rent for the weekend, a friend of mine owns a rental 2 bedroom condo in Rancho Mirage on the border of Palm Desert if you are looking for an inexpensive place to stay. Write to me off line and I will put you together. See you soon, Liz
Posts: 180 | Location: Los Angeles/Rome | Registered: 13 October 2003
A party with 41 guests? Of course, Palma can handle it. I have witnessed and enjoyed some of her parties with twice as many guests! And she makes it look so easy too.
Now, I am going to be on the lookout for something "Italian in a bag".
Also to clarify, I will be bringing my significant other/boyfriend/whatever-grown-up- people-who-are-involved-but-not-affianced-or-married call each other these days. His name is Keith.
Beth
Posts: 963 | Location: Southern California | Registered: 17 July 2006
Slow Travel Talk 
So up next -- book a place to stay and (maybe) look for a feather boa! 
and Shannon
!
I've made a note . . .
?
We will pop in long enough to keep her company... but stay out of the way.
)
Don't leave me out at the pool roundup. I'm the one with the sun bonnet and sunscreen.
I was soo hoping to get to meet you in real life! Terry and I have access to a golf cart. How far away will you be??
