The Twelve Apostles we were not
Written: Oct 17 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: People People People
Cons: Sea Critters
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| SurgRN911's Full Review: New York |
Review Topic: Sights & Attractions
Do you ever wonder just what twist of fate brings people together? This is a question Surg the great ponderer has often wondered. Some say fate or karma, others believe a Higher power, still others contend it is accidental or coincidental. I do know that this past Saturday, October 14th planes, trains, and automobiles brought together twelve epinion authors. Twelve people agreeing to meet, and share a meal. What I carried away from that group was far more then the extra pounds my French fries provided.
Few of us knew one another, other than through the writings posted in Epinions. I had met Susidee34 a month earlier, and have known Remind going on four years now. Remind and ACDC711 have also shared meals and fun times together. So very few knew one another in any other form other then an Epinion screen name. I have to admit some of those present I had never even read, a definite loss on my part. This has since been resolved.
Before I go any further and get ticketed by the travel category police, let me say I DID TRAVEL. Actually a lot of it too. I flew into Providence Rhode Island to drive to White Plains New York to have dinner with a room full of total strangers. The meeting place was Dooley Mac's Publick House. An Irish (smile) pub and restaurant. We were given the entire second floor, guess this was because there was an estimated larger group of strangers, that still are, because for one reason or another they could not attend.
The menu was buffet style, and if you know me at all food and menus to me is like looking through the eye of a needle, I see very little. However, there were appetizers of potato skins, with what looked liked cheese on top, cheese sticks, and some kind of seafood critter. The main course was Roast beef (too pink) for my tastes, chicken in a sauce (which I was told was wine) with mushrooms. There was a pasta dish that was loaded with sea urchins, closed my eyes as I walked by this one. Mashed taters with garlic, hmmm if they had just left off the garlic, and what looked liked roasted taters to me until I tried one. My my looks can be deceiving. They said it was Rosemary's taters, she should have kept them. So guess you know I wasn't there for the food, but the burger and fries was good. Yes, good even after some of my dinner companions moaned as I applied mustard to the beef, and malt vinegar to the fries. Geesh did I say anything as you ate all those sea animals?
I think you all deserve to meet my dinner companions, and get a glimpse of what Surg actually walked away with from this gathering.
Remind: (Zo) As stated I already knew Zo. She had graciously accepted to CO-organize this meeting. This my friends is a lady that for years has often lived up to her name. She has been accused by me of being forgetful and unorganized. Did I say I got to eat my words along with that burger? This woman was so organized in helping bring this all together it almost made my organizational skills look weak. No big head Zo I did say almost. She had pads for all to take their notes, a copy of everyone's profile page, as well as one article of each author, that she and ACDC thought best showed that writers talent. She had made several visits to the restaurant to make sure all went as planned, she sent email after email out keeping participants informed of times, directions, and offering rides. She went and got a copy of the train schedule into White Plains from the city, to send to would be travelers. She out of pocket supplied the desserts (no lemon Danish) but all seemed to enjoy, including the staff that devoured half of all the goodies, before they reached us. Zo I am sure I missed something, so REMIND me if I did. Excellent job!!!!!
ACDC711: (Denise) The other CO-organizer. She supplied name tags, had colorful folders with our names on them, and a picture of something we did or she had read we liked, on the folder cover. She had little epinion guys to hand out from her taking the time to let epinion staff know there was a meeting to be held. She was a taxi service, and the got the room ready. Not being present during all the planning again I am sure I am leaving things out. I have been reading Denise's work for some time now, have jawed back and forth in comments and IM's. I must say you are a wonderful friend and one heck of a good sport (minus that time you slammed the door on me, smile) The highest compliment I can think to offer her is you are REAL.
What a nice gift it was for me to finally meet you. Great work on this one kiddo.
Suidee34: (Susi) As I mentioned earlier I met Susi a month ago. One thing I know is I have barely stopped laughing since. She has an infectious laugh, and a sense of humor to die for. If she just wrote less critter reviews (teasing) but she did show up in a Lizard sweatshirt, and Lizard sunglasses. From her I took away the ability to laugh and have fun. That when life throws you those curve balls.......duck!!! Did I mention she has no eye hand coordination? Susi you are a gem in the rough, and that my lady is a compliment.
Wingman: (Gil) OK I have to fess up right now, I was most eager to meet my little Wing(nut) and he did not let me down. Yeah he's the stout man to many, to me he is a caring, non judgmental, fun loving, gift from heaven. He was everything and more than I had hoped for. He has a winning personality, a smile that is genuine, and a heart of gold. Wing I enjoyed meeting you, I really enjoyed all the hugs as promised, but most of all I just enjoyed being in the presence of a man that is so compassionate to others. I heard some of your conversations, and you may be my nut, but you're the worlds heart. But honey as far as your singing...don't quit your day job. <smile>
JasonNYCity: (Jason) So he didn't turn out to be Lizzie Borden's brother, as Denise had feared. Instead I found him to be quite the gentleman. He was easy to talk to, but had to listen close, he has a soft voice, or perhaps the pub songs Wing was wailing drowned him out? I had not read Jason's reviews before this meeting, but he is on the list. I found him to be grounded and on top of his game. His quietness threw me at first, but then he was the only guy in the room with myself, Remind, ACDC, and Susidee, so he gets Kudos for not bailing and heading right back to the city. So you see tolerance is one of his attributes. Jason the pleasure of meeting you was all mine, perhaps another day another time we can talk some more. You did your momma proud.
lkkalj: (Kathryn) She had a very out going personality, she came with hubby, and I know he felt strange at first, but I think he finally realized we were ALL strange so he became more active in chatting. Kathy made it a point to speak to everyone there, and give us an epinion name card. It was the cutest dang thing. We talked epinions for a while and I got the feeling she was very passionate about her writing and reading reviews. We agreed we were all some wonderful folks LOL . Kathy it was a pleasure meeting you and look forward to more reading and rating <wink>
dengny: (Dennis) Ut Oh I thought after Dennis had been in the room for a short time this guy is very quiet, which was my cue to zone in. Actually I found him to be a great guy, we even managed a conversation that had nothing to do with reading, rating, commenting. We actually talked life. Dennis it was my pleasure in conversing with you, and still can't convince me you were kidding, so let's talk some more, I've been pondering <smile> Plus mustard and malt vinegar a must!!!!!
Deeljea: (Diane) First off with a name like hers I had to love her. Even though this Diane does not do late. Don't worry kiddo no points off this time, getting lost is a bummer. I did not get to talk to Diane much but I admire her persistence in seeking us out, instead of turning back. Don't have to know a person real well to know they stick by a commitment made. WTG
Mage67: (Jeffrey) OK so we got off to a bad start I looked at his name tag and said his name wrong. He corrected me, and case closed. First of all Jeff I did not have my glasses on, secondly I am old as dirt give me a break here. I did shine my light on your chest to get a better view (of the name tag) you evil people, but all you did was squint. I took away from this encounter this is a man that will correct and even make fun of old ladies <grin> and one that can speak his mind Kudos to you.
Cynthea995: (Cynthia) Another of the late arrivers, and a newbie to epinions. She had a beautiful smile, and a soothing voice. We also had little time chatting, but with a smile like that, you just have to be good people. Though as I do recall she did eat those ocean things. Cynthia would like another chance to meet and this time get some jawing in, very glad you made it.
Sj1and0: (Hmm) OK so I didn't get a name. Didn't really talk a lot, but can this woman sing. The room was in awe of the talent as this lady sang for us. I did not need to speak with her to witness the passion she has for singing. You could look and know she was doing something she really loved. From this encounter I took the feeling she was a go getter, and driven to succeed. Honey stop typing and start marketing yourself. Your song and you were both beautiful.
OK as I draw to a close I need to add both Denise and Zo said they would never host another gathering, because of the frustration, and the endless hours of work and worrying about enough food, will all have a good time, will everyone show, and on and on. I agree with them they should not host another gathering like this. They should do it for a living. They did that good a job...........Thanks my friends.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
SurgRN911
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Member: Di
Location: Gastonia NC
Reviews written: 329
Trusted by: 607 members
About Me:
SAP's are again working!!!!
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