This afternoon, I served Nikki Tapenade from the jar with mine!

In truth, I've always aspired to be Bertie Wooster. I'm halfway to being a rich twit. Plus, Bertie only has his aunts to wrry about not nefarious bad guys.

True. Doesn't Bertie also know how to deal with angry swans? You just need a raincoat and a handy boat hook according to Jeeves' method.

Maybe this would work on the bad guys too...?

Let's see. A raincoat and a speedo. Sounds great to me.

I see that highflyer is a Wodehouse fan as well.

the spoons are for the sugar to put into your drink while you are eating the chocolate chip cookies....use some imagination---that's what's wrong with the europe board--no imagination....haha

Oh dear Patricia: obviously I thought B.H. and Patricia were two different people. All the more reason to come to the GTG.

Remember, I don't know from your nicks whether you're male, female, old, young..

NOW I know, from the pics, that you're all young, elegant, articulate, tremendously attractive, virile - and wildly sexy.

With the possible exception of Mango7.

I have my own image of him. lol. [Well, at least I THINK it's a him]. I think Mango7 and I are secret soulmates. I think he might be an ex-hippy... heh.

Patricia, I'm quite overwhelmed to have a lady of such magnificence put the hard word on me. It's been a while... lol. I'll have to lie down and count my blessings.

for all those interested parties put oct 10, 2009 on your calendar as the most likely date for next year....i have reserved the le meridien for that date....

if anyone has a suggestion for a better date we are all ears... there is no perfect date really... what are the dates of the jewish holidays for fall, 2009?

That's funny Dogster, because I too kinda feel a certain commonality toward you as well(Especially after seeing the stuffed dog in a speedo, lol)
I was never truly a hippie since those times were before me, but for one year in my late teens I was highly interested in Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, et al, so there you go.

Bob - the 2 Jewish holidays will be in September next year so no conflicts. The October 10, 2009 date for the GTG is the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend.

There's never going to be a weekend that works for everybody. Giving a year advance notice should suffice. Now we can spend the time inventing some really good travel stories.

and plenty of time to shop for more Yankee memorabilia for Gpanda's 10/12 birthday too...

Craig, Gpanda is aging so rapidly now that appropriate birthday gifts for him next year would be along the lines of "Just for Men", "Dentucreme", and "Metamucil".

I find it hysterical that each year Bob claims that Andy's meds have been adjusted for the GTG, and Andy claims that Bob's have. I'm of the well-considered opinion that only the wives know for certain, and that in all probability the meds of BOTH of them have been adjusted!

Carol, I loved the spoon the moment I saw it, thank you!

BC

Pandas drink from the Fountain of Youth. Dorian has nothing on me. Red Bull and Mountain Dew.

My meds reduce my cholesterol. Bob's reduce his psychotic episodes. Reduce, not eliminate. Several of the restraining orders remain in place. The conservator still functions. On the up side, he's no longer required to wear the ankle bracelet.

Who went home with which guides? I hope they come in handy. I believe I sent several of our new color guides. What do you think?

Hi, Katie:

The prize lottery awarded TEXAS to me.

We have adult children living in Austin so we will use the guide to plan a future visit.

I also enjoyed reading a copy of your letter which Bob and Karen displayed on each dining room table.

Thank you,
Maryalice

Well I normally only send one letter and then I realized that one would be lost in the mix with that big of a group!

I believe I sent the same bags last year---I'll try to have something new and spiffy for next year.

Next year, you should deliver the goodies in person. Perhaps you and the Dogster could make our dreams come true.

The guides were handed out through some Byzantine formula concocted by Bob. I was not eligible.

Gpanda, you were BORN ineligible. It's amazing that re: the adjusting of the meds, you and Bob say the same things about each other, almost verbatim. Pretty scary, actually! Red Bull? Well, I think that's probably half-right!

Katie, yes, do plan to attend next year, please. Just because your offices are in NYC doesn't mean you'll be the subject of ill-will or ridicule by some rabid Red Sox fans...or maybe..nah!

And yes, I do wish Dogster could attend. As these GTG weekends become longer (first ones were Saturday brunch only, morphed into brunch and dinner, this year we added on Friday dinner) perhaps we could charter a bus to the Canadian border. If Dogster lives in Oz, they have to let him into Canada (where my people come from!), as both countries have The Queen on their money, they do.

BC

If Dogster makes peace with his buddies at Customs/Immigration and comes to Boston, security detail will have to be arranged because it will be the most well attended event of the year!

I can hardly wait! I hope dogster has put on some weight and height and....compared to his standin :)