I am ready for it to be summer, so in an effort to get there faster, I've scheduled the 4th annual Picnic in the Redwoods -- Sunday, August 2nd.

And now I need to know if I will be there alone, or if I'll be part of yet another wonderful group of good friends. So take a look at your calendars, pencil this in and drop a note here to let me know if you are ready to stand up and be counted. (Eden - this year we avoided one grandson's birthday - hope there aren't any others in August).

If Sunday the 2nd is impossible for you, the picnic site is available on Saturday the 1st as a backup - but as folks seemed to like the Sunday date better, that is what has been reserved.

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Judy

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TourMama,

I'm adding it to our calender now!

We like it, and we don't want you eating alone in the woods. Pencil to calendar here, too.

Entering the date on the calendar NOW! Thanks for thinking of me, Judy.

I am planning to visit my Mom in the Phil. this summer so I hope that trip does not conflict with this date. I really want to attend this trip... been unable to do that the past two years that I have heard about it and it is already #4?

Hi all,

Seeing as Pete got laid off today (ack!) I find it hard to plan next week let alone this summer! But one thing is certain: if we are here we will be in the Redwoods with all of you!

Oh Marcy - give him a hug from me! So sorry to hear about the layoff! We will all think good thoughts, and hope to see you in the redwoods in August!

Judy

Penciling in now.

Marcy, I'm so sorry to hear of Pete's layoff. Like Judy, I will think good thoughts.

Cathy

Back to add my empathy, Marcy. Sorry to hear about the layoff and like others, I will be thinking good thoughts for all of you.

Marcy,
So sorry to hear about Pete's layoff. My company handed out pay cuts yesterday, but I'm thankful to still have a job.

Will look forward to seeing everyone on August 2nd, anyway!!

Thanks so much everyone--didn't mean to make this thread a downer! August 2nd will be wonderful!

Either day would be good for Alex and I.

Marcy, so sorry to hear about Pete!

Gloria & Alex

Marcy, that is such a bummer! I've got my fingers crossed for you (which makes it a bit difficult to type....). You could always put Ruby and Nico to work as child models in the meantime--they're certainly cute enough.

As for the GTG, I can make either day. Thanks, Judy.

David and I will be there - whatever the date works for everyone.

Marcy, that is really crappy but David said Pete is so bright he'll get another job in no time.

Marcy,

Add my good thoughts to everyone else's. I've put the date on my calendar. I think that this year there is an even greater need to eat, drink, and be merry in that beautiful spot.

Judy, yes for me. Probably not for Fred.

Joan

Oh Dear! Marcy I hated absolutely hated hearing about Pete's lay-off. I'll be holding very positive thoughts for you both. Take care and remember this:
when a little door closes, a big one opens (quando si chiude una porta si apre un portone). I wish you lots of luck...a door will open for you soon! Take care.

Barb Cabot

I thought I sent a reply a long time ago to this one! Checked our calendar, and so far, nothing else doing on August 2 for David and I. I will pencil it in. Looking forward to seeing everyone again this year.

Back from Peru and putting my "I'm in" for that weekend, either day. Would like to invite a few folks who are Bay Area I met on the vaca....Couldn't Pete be a chef? Let me know when he opens his restaurant.....

Darci - welcome home, and so glad you will be joining us for the picnic. Would love to hear more about your jaunt to Peru! Trip report??

Judy

Thanks Judy - Ok, so true confessions - would love to post pics and trip report - Am embarrassed to say I haven't figured out how to do it....will put that on my "short list" of things to do. Meanwhile, am planning a jewelry swap with the unadopted jewelry to go to "Dress for Success" or another workplacement organization. I am thinking of teaming it with a friend of mine's new line of aromatherapy scents. What do you think? Should I post on Slow Gatherings? Appropriate or No? Any interst from local Bay Area folks?

Hello again - I just realized I never made it official -- the Bay Area Picnic WILL be Sunday, August 2nd. I've again reserved the Roberts Grove picnic site at Roberts Regional Recreation Area in the Oakland hills, site of all three of our previous gatherings. We will do our usual potluck - details will be forthcoming closer to the event, along with map, etc.

So far, it looks like we have the following:

Judy & Bill
Chris & Frank
Marcy & Pete - and kids
Cathy T.
Colleen
Gloria & Alex
KT & Jean
Sue & David
Linda SF
Joan (Cubbies)
Ruth & David
Darci
Sharon L
Wendy & Rob
Marian!
Letha & Oscar
Roz & Mike
Krix & Mark

We have room for more - so let us know if you would like to join us.

Judy

{edited to update list}

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TourMama,

Okay, first thing first ...

Rob and I will be there - of course, so please add us to the list. Shows to go you I don't check this section enough - obviously.

A question for you Judy/Bill, did they name the park after you?

Pete and Marcy, so sorry to hear the news, I am hoping that you will soon be busy doing something you love, Pete. I think cheffing is a good idea. (Yes, cheffing can be a word.)

Hmmm ... I thought I had responded. Chalk it up to old age I guess. Anyway, I will be there as well, and looking forward to another fun GTG in the park!

Sharon

Thank You Judy for the alert message--I had missed this thread.. Yes please chalk Oscar and me in and I will check with Karl on his plans. We just got back on Tuesday from Catalunya and Nice amidst he economic downturn (Oscar did have a involuntary job change back in February and I have take my pay cut few months back), swine flu scare and a Euro that grew stronger on us as we were travelling..as mentioned in another thread we followed the 'frugal is in' style and had a 'unextravagant' great time...

After chatting a few weeks ago with some of my Bay Area friends, I've decided to take the plunge, metaphorically speaking. I've booked flights and look forward to seeing you all at the picnic.

Not only were the fares good, but also I had Continental certificates left from when the fares went down for my trip to Rome. Right now, I'm planning to spend a few days before in SF and a couple of days after in Berkeley. So give me some of that nice weather, right?

Marian, what terrific news! With any luck at all, the weather will be better than nice.

Joan

Marian, we are thrilled you will be here for the picnic in the woods. It has been a wonderful afternoon each year and this year will be no exception. I know it will be a great day and the weather should be perfect.

Oh happy days, Marian will be here.
And so will many of our ST friends.

W&R

Great news Marian -- I am looking forward to seeing you again! The picnic will be even more fun with you there.

A presto,

Sharon

Thanks for the warm welcome, all! (Wendy, I wrote on your FB "wall" the other day.)

Marian, I caught your first FB post, didn't you get my response? Still new to that - FB - and assumed you would get my reply, but maybe you didn't get tagged for it. Dunno.

Topping this ... the SlowTrav Picnic in the Redwoods is just over a month away!

A few weeks ago I invited Shannon's sweet sister-in-law Carrie to join us and bring her darling sons. I hope we'll get to see Shannon's adorable nephews in person!

Topping this again as it is now just a month until I am to leave for SF. I just changed my hotel booking as the blasted Villa Florence hotel is all booked up for the 30th. But I've changed to the Kensington Park, where Deborah and I spent a night after the Paso Robles GTG a couple of years ago. Not really complaining here, as the Kensington Park is really very nice, and not THAT much more per night than the Villa Florence.

I am so looking forward to seeing by Bay Area friends and making new ones. And of course, the picnic!

I had missed this earlier, but we will be in Napa then, so please add Mike and me to the picnic list, if there's still room.

- Roz

That's great Roz, we look forward to seeing you and Mike again. It's nice that it has only been a few months since we saw you, in Paso.

Marian, we can't wait to see you, in contrast it has been too long. But I hope we get to see you again in just a couple of months, in Rome.

As Marian said, only a month away. Rob and I are looking forward to another wonderful afternoon in the Redwoods with all of our friends.

Back from a wonderful month in la bella Italia, and ready to picnic in the park. And - for those of you not on our list, it isn't too late to join us - we'd love to see you there.

WHERE - Oakland's Redwood Regional Park, Skyline Boulevard, Oakland, CA 1 mile north of Skyline's intersection with Joaquin Miller Road. Directions and a link to a PDF map can be found here.

We have reserved the Roberts Grove picnic site, near the entrance kiosk, to the left (west) of the parking area. The PDF map doesn't include the site, but it is near the Madrone and Huckleberry areas.

WHAT TIME? We need someone who can arrive no later than 10:15 to claim our space! Do I see any hands? Let me know if you can help with that. We will plan on starting the party by noon, and eating about 1 pm. Then it's open until the rangers ask us politely to leave.

BRING: food and drink to share - this will be a true potluck. Mods will provide tableware, plates and glasses. (errr, Colleen???)

I have paid the $63.00 reservation fee - any donations towards this expense would be appreciated.

There are four picnic tables in our area - you may want to bring along a picnic tablecloth (we were short last year) and a lawn chair or two. Also, for those of you from the interior valleys - it can get chilly in the redwoods when the fog starts to creep across the bay, so don't forget a coat or sweater.

NOTE: There is a $5.00 per car parking charge. If you need a ride or are willing to bring someone, let us know.

There is also a swimming pool at the park - $3. adults, $2.00 for kids and seniors 62+. Bring suit & towel if you are interested in swimming.

Looking forward to seeing you all on August 2nd!

Judy

Judy
Welcome home to you! We are really looking forward to the picnic this year. Also, excited to hear about your trip, as well as meet some new folks and see some familiar faces in the crowd. See you, and everyone else soon!
Ruth

Yes, welcome home Judy and Bill, can't wait to hear about your adventures and family tales. Lots of old friends coming and many new friends to meet. A month away, looking foreward to the day.

quote:

Mods will provide tableware, plates and glasses. (errr, Colleen???)

What about out-of-towners? I'd be happy to bring either paper goods or, as has been my wont in Boston and Paso Robles, a nice selection of cheeses.

Marian - a cheese plate would be greatly appreciated! And I have a mostarda or two from our Italy trip which I'll bring along (if I don't forget).

Judy

quote:

Originally posted by TourMama:
BRING: food and drink to share - this will be a true potluck. Mods will provide tableware, plates and glasses. (errr, Colleen???)

Welcome back, Judy! I'm looking forward to hearing the "rest of the story" of your trip.

I have a bunch plates, forks, napkins, etc. that I brought back from Paso. I'll do an inventory and PM you.

See you all soon!

Sharon

Great, I'll bring a cheese selection!

(And welcome home!)

Getting down to some details here:

As I'll be bringing cheese to the picnic, I'd like to ask you Bay Area folks where the best place is to buy some. (Dont think I want to bring cheese from NJ and keep in my hotel room..)

I know about the Cowgirl Creamery, but is there a place you could recommend that would have a selection of cheeses from all over? I'll be staying near Union Square, but anyplace within the downtown area would be ok.

Colleen ---- I'll be happy to buy some pecorino, if you just tell me where.

quote:

I know about the Cowgirl Creamery, but is there a place you could recommend that would have a selection of cheeses from all over?

The Cowgirl Creamery at Ferry Plaza has cheese from all over.

There's a market in the cellar of Bloomingdale's on Market and Powell that also has cheese from all over.

And there's a Whole Foods with a good cheese selection on 4th Street just past Yerba Buena.

Just Travel - are you "home" in SF? If so - come and join us on the 2nd in the Oakland hills! We could arrange transportation from an Oakland BART station if you wish!

Judy

Ciao, Judy. Unfortunately, we are home in SF. Didn't make it to Europe this spring/summer but looking forward to our trip to Paris/Venice starting late October.

Wish we can come to the picnic but we are in the middle of a big renovation project and need to be available while the work is ongoing. If we can make it, I will let you know.

Thanks for the offer of a ride from the BART station.

Thanks, JT, for the cheese info. For some reason I thought that Cowgirl Creamery had only "their" cheeses.

May I piggyback on Judy's offer of a pickup at an Oakland BART station on Sunday?

Marian - I would be glad to pick you up - I had not yet contacted you to arrange this, waiting to see if there is a volunteer to arrive early at the picnic site to claim our space (rangers want us there by 10 am - 10:30 am at the latest). If Bill and I need to be the advance guard, we can pick you up, but it would have to be about 9:30 am.

I will PM you closer to the date to work out details.

Judy

quote:

WHAT TIME? We need someone who can arrive no later than 10:15 to claim our space! Do I see any hands? Let me know if you can help with that. We will plan on starting the party by noon, and eating about 1 pm. Then it's open until the rangers ask us politely to leave.

I will be happy to table sit if nobody else has claimed the job! Just let me know and I'll show up early.

Yay, Krix! Looking forward to seeing you and thanks for taking on the table sitting task. W.

Krix - delighted to add you to the roster, and thanks so much for volunteering to spend some quiet time in the midst of the Redwoods! It will be great to meet you...(and Mark?)

Judy