Hello all,

Just wanted to let you all know that a few of us here have arranged to meet up end of this month in San Francisco.

I think we will be meeting at fishermans Wharf for dinner on the 29th July 03.

It will be myself, Jday, roro and 1 crazy b_ and we wondered if anyone else who lived around that area wanted to join us, if you think you can put up with an English accent for a night please give me a PM :D

I'm so happy for you guys - wish - I could be there!

Fisherman's Wharf! Have some Chowder for me and somebody make sure Joanna gets to Cliff House if you can!

Oh, and Joanna I love the English accent! My second ex has a wonderful English accent, about the only thing I still like about him! LOL!

I'll be thinking of you guys on the 29th. Have fun!

Patti

I am so sorry I am going to miss you guys by only one week. Next year we are going to have to plan this out better so we can all be at the Bay at the same time. We can have a PTO rally at the prison. Love Barbara

Wish I could be there. But seeing as how Wenatchee Washington is a long way from there just know Im there in spirit! LOL!!!
Kelli

Barabara and Patti I wish you could be there as well, looks like we have B-Ray on board!
Patti I promise to send you pictures!!!!

Hey that sounds really cool! I'm just a little south of there in San Diego, but give me details and I will definitely try to be there!

Janet,
I have PM you!

Joanna

Thank You, so much!

You will make a very homesick heart happy!

Have a good time everyone!

Love to all!

Patti

It will be a 2 hour drive for me to get there, but it sure will be fun!!!

It's been years, since I've been to an online thingie!

I would love to be there. I will if I can work it out but it's the day right after my husband's operation and I'm going to have to baby him of course. I'll see if I can swing it. If I can, can I bring a camera and do some impromptu interviews??

Anyone?

Beuller?

Veronica
It will be great if you can, Im already ticking of the days in my calender until I fly out.

well, i am in hollister. with the way I DRIVE...it is 90 miles south of SF & i can get there in just about 1 1/2 hrs. b-ray if your not a bad back seat driver, i can take you...and when i get scared of the hills, you can drive over them. lol :)

as of now, you can count me in. although around the end of the month..i get a lil low on cash..but, i will see what i can do.

Hooray y'all! Looks like we're getting a fair turnout...at least so far! Parking being what it is around here, maybe everyone driving in should go to Ocean Beach - which is easy to get to (being as far west as you can drive without getting seriously wet) and where there is lots of free parking and we'll all go from there. (I'll pick Jo up at her hotel and bring her out to the beach.) Once we really know who is going to be able to make it, and what time everyone thinks they'll arrive, we can get more specific.
Sounds like a party!!
- Jane

I wish I could meet up with you guys! I'm actually arriving in San Fran that afternoon. Since I'm going to visit my very pregnant best friend and I only get to see her maybe once a year, I'll have to pass this time. But I hope to see you all at the conference next year. :) I hope you guys have a wonderful time!

So wher are we meeting? North Beach Restaurant is EXPENSIVE!!! How about at someone's home or on Peir 39 at the aquarium?

I will let you native guys decide where to meet, anywhere is fine with me..................19 days to go

I agree that North Beach is pretty expensive...so is the Wharf...so depending on how many of us there are, there's a great and inexpensive little restaurant in what is called the "Inner Sunset". It's called Park Chow - varied menu - always on the list of best cheap food in town. There's also Chinatown...and the Mission for excellent Mexican food...
Since it's a Tuesday, it won't be a problem to decide at the last minute. If we're really feeling broke, and the sun in shining, we can shop at the Safeway deli across the street and picnic on the beach!
Lots of options...
- Jane

P.S. -
If any of you are planning to stay overnight, the least expensive motels are on Lombard Street...as low as $49 a night and they all have free parking!
- Jane (again)

Thanks Jane!
As you say its on a Tuesday so hopefully we wont need to book anything.
What sort of clothes should I bring to San Fran and crescent city at this time of year?
Someone said it never got that warm but my fiance said he is really hot at the moment???????

Aha! The "clothes for San Francisco" question! Well, Mark Twain once said "the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." We recently had a week of horribly hot - 90 plus degree - weather. But that is gonegonegone (to my immense relief). You'll definitely need a sweater/sweatshirt/jacket...that is, a warm something - or a few somethings. Even in Crescent City it gets cool early and late at this time of year. You'll also need something light and airy in case the 90's return (maybe just one of those, cuz what are the chances, really?) A cordoroy shirt/jacket is good because you can wear it alone or over something else to warm it up. Pretty much what you need in London, you need in San Francisco...and in Crescent City, although they are a little warmer during most of the day. Hope this helps!
- Jane

I'll probably drive out there alone and spend one night there. Joanna what hotel are you staying at? Maybe I'll book a room at the same place.

I am going to mark this on my calendar and try to make it. Only thing is sometimes the flights are full. But, I will try my best. I love San Francisco!

Okay - how's this sound? We do Golden Gate Park? There are bbq areas - or just picnic areas - or benches at various places (like the "Bandshell") On a Tuesday we shouldn't have any trouble finding something open, but I can reserve a bbq area just to be sure. We can bring food to cook - I'll take care of charcoal and burger flipping tools - and we can talk as long and as loud as we want without bothering anyone else! You can also drive right up and park near the site. Tell me what you think...
- Jane

Sounds GRRRRRRRRREAT to me Jane.

We would need to know what area to meet. It's a BIG place as I remember.

If we do this, NOBODY bring potato salad! I make a great one with everything in it except the kitchen sink and that's where it is made. I only know how to make about 3 gal. so bring a container, I don't want to eat it all week! It's a meal in it's self LOL. I can bring a few bottles of Chardonnay and Merlot too.

Anybody else likes this idea? Anybody on a low/low budget, just get there, there will be plenty of food.

From the valley, I could go either by Tracy or Oakland if someone needs a ride.

Jane and B-Ray that all sounds brilliant (esp the wine part B-Ray)

12 days until I fly out WWWOOOHHHHOOOOHHHH

WWWOOOHHHOOOHHH is right! (Or however you spell it!) And you're on for the potato salad B-Ray ~ sounds great! I agree that anyone who can join us...DO! We know there'll be a ton of potato salad (lol) - and I guarantee a hot dog or two at the very least - so don't let lack of funds stop you. If you can find a ride, we want to find you standing next to us in Golden Gate Park on the 29th! I'll be happy to do a pickup at the Greyhound station if anyone can come in by bus - or at CalTrain if anyone comes up from the Peninsula on the train. I'll see about reserving a spot and will let you all know next week...along with getting directions out.
14 DAYS, JOANNA!!!!!!
- Jane

Wine, well sure don't want Jonna left out of the party! I bring a look-a-like bottle of non-alcoholic sparkling and pop that cork too. ~grin~

I'll make up a surprize chip dip too. FUN FUN FUN!! I love these pot-luck thingies LOL

Those that are driving, you might print on a piece of paper "PTO" and place it under your wiper blade when you park. Might make it easier for others coming in to find the area.

B-ray I will be picking up some beautiful Californian Wine for anyone that drinks it and is not driving, us Brits cant get enough of the Californian wine!!!!

Make it red and I'm there!
Kidding! Can I bring a camera and get some interviews??

Veronica my fav is red to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Camera sounds good to me as long as its not a video camera (it puts on a stone in weight :-)

LOL you two!! Sounds like you've got the red wine covered, so I'll sign up for Pepsi...
- Jane

Has anyone decided a time yet?

Not yet...do we know who's coming? (How far away...?) Maybe 1:00? 2:00?
- Jane

JDay, you set a time when you will be there. People can drift in when they can.


Anybody in the Valley that would like to go and can get to the Stockton Air Port, they can ride with me. We could meet at a time, so we can arrive about when JDay does at the park.

Jane if you can set a time thats good for you and like B-Ray said everyone can follow on when its good for them, I will try and PM everyone who is going a picture of me or something so we dont get confused, if not just listen out for the accent LOL

Joanna, just put that photo in the gallery and you can include a link to it.

Open the gallery in a 2nd window and once the photo is posted, you will have the URL to copy and paste handy. Leave that window open and use the main one to PM from.

Joanne, I did mean a video camera. How else could I get an interview?? LOL! Silly!

Time is getting close.

I sure hope a good number of ya'll are coming! I want to talk with ya'll about setting up a
"special" one, on a Sunday (6th or 13th) of September in SF or the Hilton at Hwy 580/680 (Pleasanton)

Veronica Im getting a bit worried now with this video camera!!!!!
B-Ray I will put my pic in the gallery but Im not very good with the PC so I may have to PM you if Im having trouble, hope thats OK?

OK guys this is a link to a post with my pic on, I'm only 5ft but Im sure we will be easy to find.

Im double checking with Jday when she is back but as it stands we are meeting anytime after 1pm at the Golden Gate Park.

Here is the link http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16700&highlight=competition+win

ô¿ô Got ya stored in me memory bank ~grin~

Joanne,
(and others going)
would you rather me not bring the video camera? (BRay, I already know you don't want to be on camera) I was kinda hoping to get some impromptu interviews for the DOC (documentary), but that's OK if you guys want to wait. I'll still show up and visit.
Hey, saw your picture....you are very photogenic. I do makeup as well, only horror and special effects. LOL

How about we do a little picnic in the park, everybody bring something? I'm not sure about a BBQ though. How about we all just brown bag it? 1pm is good for me. I may be a bit late because I have a shoot that morning but I'll be there.

I think JDay has a plan to pick out a spot and I take it, BBQ is available for those that want it.

It has sounded to me, come as you are and do what you want thingie, but enjoy the company.

Ya'll wemen do more talk'n den eat'n, so I be thank'n there be pleanty of food around dar. LOL

LOL B-Ray, Well I will bring some refreshments I think Jday is picking me up so I guess we will be 1st ones there and I think Jday mentioned there where BBQ's and picnic tables available
B-Ray Im so looking forward to your potatoe salad!!!

Veronica believe me I'm NOT at all photogenic, and I hate my pic being taken normally (unless I'm at the back in a crowd!!!)

Hi everyone!! I'm so glad I just found this thread!! I live just across the bay and would love to meet with everyone next Tuesday!! Is there some kind of list on what to bring?

Joanna, are you going to PM everyone with all the specifics sometime before Tuesday, or maybe I should just keep an eye on this thread?? Either way I can't wait to meet everyone, I really hope I can make it!! :)

Heather

Hey Heather,
I think I will try and PM everyone BUT as it stands its anytime after 1pm, totally up to you what you want to bring no pressure (I have the wine!!!!) at the Golden Gate Park and you can see a pick of me on the post 5 up from yours.
I will also PM my mobile/cell phone as well as it works in the US.

Hi, where are you staying in Crescent City maybe I can call you while you are there. I just got back and I found a nice motel if you are still looking for one. Love Barbara

Since there isn't a list of what to bring (never is with pot-luck), bring what you want and some extra to share.

Don't forget something to eat off of & with. I don't want people taking "hands full" on my potato salad. HeHee

Hey Barbara,
I just PMd you

Okay...time for directions! As Joanna said, she and I will be at the site from 1:00 on and hope to see lots of you there. I'll have charcoal in the grill, and hotdogs and buns ready to toast...and we're counting on a whole MESS of potato salad! The meeting place:
Golden Gate Park in San Francisco
at the BBQ GRILLS that are on the hillside next to the Children's Playground (which includes the carousel) - and also next to the Sharon Meadow Art building.
From the North coming over the GG Bridge...19th Ave exit after the toll plaza (2nd one)...you'll be on Park Presidio which feeds into 19th Avenue. Go all the way through the Park, then...take second Right on IRVING STREET, Right on 20th Avenue, Right on LINCOLN. Go East on Lincoln to...Right on 8th Avenue, Right on Irving, Right on 9th Avenue and into the Park. Once you cross over Lincoln, take your (immediate) first right (called Bowling Green Drive). Follow it as it curves sharply left - quick right into the parking lot - bingo! You'll see a PTO sign!

Next set will be "From the East Bay coming in over the Bay Bridge..."
- Jane
P.S. - if you PM me with a fax number, I'll send you a map!

From the East Bay coming in over the Bay Bridge...
(They demolished the Central Freeway, so you have to come through more of the city now.)
Take the 4th Street Exit and go up 4th a few blocks and then LEFT on HOWARD STREET. Take a RIGHT on 9th Street. Go two blocks and cross Market Street bearing left after you cross it, which puts you on Hayes Street heading west. Cross over Van Ness Avenue - stay in center lane - go LEFT on GOUGH then the next RIGHT onto FELL STREET. Stay on Fell for a mile or two. It bears Left as it's about to enter Golden Gate Park and becomes Lincoln Way. You curved left, now you curve right and pass Kezar stadium on your left and come to a stop light. Turn RIGHT into the Park (onto ARGUELLO for a second or two). You're right there! Your next right is onto Bowling Green and a quick right into the parking lot and there's the PTO sign!

Next up...From the South!
-Jane

And finally...
from the South...
280 North to 19th Avenue. Drive about 15-20 blocks to Right on Irving Street to Left on 9th Avenue, cross Lincoln Way and into the Park. Immediate right onto Bowling Green for about one minute until it bears left - fast right into parking lot. You made it!

Or...101 North to 380 West (just north of the airport exit) to 280 north and follow the above.

Sure do look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday!!
- Jane

If you want to use an online map site like http://www.mapquest.com here is the address to plug in:

[1400-1499] GOLDEN GATE AVE
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
94115 US

Just use any ONE address number listed. A map would give you a birds eye view of what Jane is talking about.

Jane, I would have you as co-pilot any day! GREAT job!!

Actually, Golden Gate Avenue runs north of the Park by quite a bit, so won't show you anything useful...but you can plug in "1 Lincoln Way" if you want a map that includes the area we'll be...or "400 4th Street" if you want a map that includes the exit from the Bay Bridge...
- Jane

So what ever happened to dinner? Did that get hijacked?

Basicly yes it did, because some folks are on a very tight budget and would not come.

But, that doesn't mean that later on, those that want to have dinner together, still can.

Yes Jane there will be plenty of potato salad.

I just bought 6# of Yukon Gold potatoes, 1# bacon, 1 doz large brown eggs, boc choy, green onions, radishes, small yellow & red onions, grated carrots. From my pantry, black olives, garlic stuffed green olives (garlic removed) sweet pickles, sliced water chestnuts, cooked crab meat. Dressing, 50% Wishbone 1000 Island 50% Best Foods Mayo. As you can see, I like color.

I posted this in case someone would want something else instead. (bring your own) HeHee

Right then everyone IM OFF, I have finished work early today (Friday) and I fly out on Monday! So I probably wont get time to get on PTO

Hope you all have a great weekend and I will see you all on Tuesday!!!!

I have PMd everyone my mobile number (sorry cell phone) it works in the US on your T Mobile network.

See you very soon

Hooray! And how could anyone read that ingredient list and not have their mouth watering, B-ray! Bring a jacket everyone...could be a bit nippy in the Park...no question that it will be by evening.
Can't wait to meet you all!
- Jane

I'll try to make it but I have a shoot that day and I just got called into the office after that. :-( But I will try.

Veronica, send hubby, it looks like I'll need some help keeping these weeeeemen in line. LMAO

aaahh B-Ray we will be gentle :-)

Hi all, I can't wait to see you all on Tuesday. I found this map of the park...

http://www.sfgate.com/traveler/acrobat/maps/1999/ggparkmap.pdf

Oooohhh - nice map! Just remember: you're looking for Sharon Meadow Art Building and the Children's Playground. Also the Bowling Green - or the AIDS Memorial Grove - all are in the general area where Joanna and I will be set up by 1:00 tomorrow. (There is an area marked "bbq pits" on that map - but that's not it!) If you get to the Carousel in the Children's Playground, and look up the hill...you can't miss us! We'll be the ones with the pink table cloth!
- Jane

Well, it was a MINI mini meet for sure. I mean ALL THREE of us, (Joanna, JDay and me), but we had fun even without y'all!!!!!!! :dance: :D

Now I have potato salad and jello/fruit salad coming out my ears and will have for a WEEK! :argh Next time I'll bring something from the store!

Hey!!

I would have gone...I have not seen the post until now.
Im glad you all had fun and next time, i'll be sure to come.
I live in Concord/ very soon moving to Antioch and not far from San Fransisco.

Sorry I missed you B-Ray! I got out of work early and made it up there late...BUT MISSED THE POTATO SALAD! DARN!

As my five-foot-three-inch mother used to say all the time: the best things come in small packages! So - bearing that in mind - I must say that a four person mini-meet (even split!) is a dang sight better than no mini-meet at all! The pototo salad was as advertised, B-Ray...DELISH! (You won't be suffering too much to have to eat it for the next month! But me...with all these hotdogs in my freezer!) And Roro and I gave Joanna a nice little tour of San Francisco before heading off to and Italian dinner in North Beach...what a day for food! And good company! (Gotta say that the weather was a little cold and murky...but this is San Fran, after all.) I look forward to the next time, when we hope more of you can make it!!!!
- Jane

Yep it was cold, but boy did I enjoy it!! It's been weeks of 100+ here in the valley and I think I made it for about 2 hours before the jacket, but I still had the short pants on! LOL

Hey, next time, these chin-digs best last way past the cities traffic to the valley! WHAT A MESS driving back!!!!!!

Hey well I’m back from the States and more depressingly back to work.
Was really great to meet all 3 of you and typically American you all made me feel so welcome.
I just miss you all now and your country!!!!!!

PS my visits where perfect and I HATE BEING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, I know that post-wonderful-trip letdown! Hang in there, Sweetie...we'll keep the smiles warm for your next visit!

Wow, we didn't know our dinner in North Beach would be your shower!

I've posted 2 pictures - do you remember how windy it was? How about those windswept do's of ours, huh?

Roro you took the words right out of my mouth we look like we have wigs on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Believe me Roro I didnt know that was my wedding shower either!!!

looks like I missed you all. Please send me an invite next time, K?
Thanks!
Wendy

This ones Joanna

This ones JDay

Thanks B-Ray!!!! I look bloody terrible. Great to see the pics though brings back distant but brilliant memories!

I DONT THINK YOU LOOK TERRIBLE,LOOKED LIKE YOU WERE REALLY ENJOYING SELF.