I'd go out of my way to be at a get together and meet you all, but especially to have Ryan and ahhnold together!

NJ/NY GTG is this Saturday! Aahnold claims he's coming with cap on! All are welcome! Trish

Frankie,
I'm not sure if I should be offended or thanking you for a compliment.

All right, I need to fess up. I'm sorry, but I can't make it due to the fact that I live in BOSTON. I appreciate the invite.

One more thing I need to fess up, I don't own a hat that reads "Happines is being a Republican. I'm a constitutionalist anyway.

Trish,
Meant to say, thanks for the personal invite to the GTG. Unfortunately, prior commitments will prevent me from attending.

I'm sure it will be a great success.

Hello andiamo, I remember the thread regarding the birthday cake and your offer to deliver it. I remember at that time thinking that was so nice of you. How wonderful the British family and you have become friends.

I was invited by OneWandering Jew to fly to Atlanta (from CA) in April. I accepted and I have to say I have never been with a more delightful and thoughtful couple. OWJ and I took a 3 day trip to Charleston and it was such a wonderful time. We have become very close friends.

And some others here have become IMO "real life" friends also. In fact next Tuesday Marilyn and I are meeting in SF to spend the day together.

There are a lot of beautiful people on Fodor's. I think it is obvious there are a few one would not want to meet of course. But that is true in any situation.

Thanks for sharing your story andiamo.

Ryan, Possilbly because he has seen our heated debates.

Ahhnold,
Among the many reasons I left the Republican Party is the infiltration of people who would fail to get the irony of owning a hat that says "happines is being a Republican."

One reason I will never join the democratic party is it is full of people who think a hat actually "SAYS" something.

Thank you, Ahhnold in more ways than I think you even realize.

OK. That is enough. This started off as fun and games that could get ugly real quick for no reason.

Have a good day,Ryan;-)

Ahhnold,
Anytime you'd like to debate politics I'm happy to do so off-line. I won't bore everyone here with our little tête-à-tête.

I can be reached at [email protected].

My endocrinologist advised me against debating politics any longer, notice the sarcastic approach to the GTG. But when I get the urge and since I refuse to debate politics with Republicans, I will take you up on that offer.

Now back to business! I am lucky enough to have made several friends from Fodors. Some I've met in person, others only through correspondence, but both are equally precious.

This is a good place to say that we're having a get together in the Midwest. Next month, June 18, Saturday at noon at the Brugge Brewpub in Indianapolis. We have a nice little group going (some are driving at least two hours to meet up!) but we'd love to have more...check the Europe board for extra details. :d

ahhnold, my invite to the GTG was a genuine one...even though you fished for it. We have about 19 people coming on Saturday...some from as far away as Kentucky & Indiana! Last time we had Fodorites from South Africa in attendance! Living in Boston should not be a deterrent to coming to a GTG!

Ryan, sorry you can't make it. Many of us would enjoy your company. :)

Trish

Hi Andiamo,

What a VERY kind thing to do, I can only imagine how grateful the family was to have you go out of your way like that!

I think it is not always easy to make friends here, some are kind, others are not. There has been moments when I feel am I not thick skinned enough to read all that I do on this board, ha.

However, with everything in life, there is good and bad. And many do have a kind word, good advice or in your case go out of their way to be cordial and polite.

I have actually considered changing my screen name to 'MeanPeopleSuck' ha, saw that on a bumper sticker once, and thought it delightful, but then I can't have "suck" in my name, even a screen name ha, too ill-mannered for me. But it says alot.

For all of you who are kind, answer each other's posts as YOU would want to be answered, well done, and there are many of you out there. You would be the ones delivering the birthday cakes like Andiamo.

:) :) :) :) :) :)
A chorus line of smiles for the little acts of kindness that inspire us every day.

And for those of you who don't know me, Hi, I'm Tiff, I have been here for three years giving and receiving advice, but have been here alot more over the last six weeks as I am recovering my little Sophie puppy for she had surgery on her two back legs! ((&)) (Was able to plan our entire trip to Italy with my recovering Soph in my lap, ha.)

Happy travels and best wishes, T. & Soph

Many thanks,Trish. My weekends belong to my wife and kids. Some other time.

Tiff, what's wrong with pups legs?
My dog's back legs has lost muscle mass and he can bearly stand.

well, darn would've loved the "trip report" on Ryan and Ahhnold together, but maybe it's all for the best :)! I'm sure it will be more peaceful.
(Ryan, that was a compliment :). You are a much better advocate than I!)

OOPS! barely!!!(he does look like a little bear.