World Wide Green Dragon Get Together Day (Northeast/New England Edition)

How many people in the Northeast would be interested? Do we have enough bodies to have simultaneous meet-ups in NYC and Boston?

I'm interested. I live about 1/2 between Boston and Providence and so could do a meet up in either place. Would even travel to CT if the bulk of the people were from there.

Me me me! I'm right near Boston, that would be perfect for me.

I am interested too. Philly could go Northeast, if there's no need for a Mid-Atlantic edition.

Well, if we did it before May I'd be perfectly happy to do it in Boston, because that's where I am now, but unfortunately I'm graduating and moving out of the area. I'll be with my parents for the summer in New Jersey and then I'm moving to England. I suppose I could try to visit my friends up here and come to Boston, once we pick a day, but it's less certain.

Moving to England? How exciting!

I was there for a visit last August and I loved it. Expensive but so much fun and such wonderful people. =)

I'm going to graduate school there and my fiance lives there, so it's pretty certain. =) It is expensive, but I'm planning to get a job while I'm there to attempt to offset the cost of turning dollars into pounds.

I'm so envious of you. I didn't want to leave.

Be sure to bookmark www.ryanair.com its the southwest of england....they have some amazing deals on flights all over europe. I managed to get a flight from Stansted, Eng to Krakow for only 10 GBP each way! They also often have flights for a 50 pence from london to dublin.

I'd be interested; I'm in the Philly area but might be willing to go to either NYC or Wash DC, if we didn't do one in this immediate area.

Boston's a bit of a hike for me, although it doesn't compete with littlebookworm relocating to the UK.

I can do Philly or NYC without a problem. I love Boston, but it's just too far.

nyc/ct is no prob. A Saturday may be, but that is for me to work out.

Oh, didn't mention that for this summer NYC is a definite yes for me. Maybe in the other thread I did, but it bears repeating.

Great, if we have enough people we could do both Boston and NYC gatherings. Maybe we'll even have enough to do a Boston, NYC and Hartford gatherings, but I'm not too hopeful.

Wow. I'm going to be in the Hartford area the first week or so in June for a wedding. Love to meet you people. We are also taking about the european group meeting later in the summer. Maybe I'll make two gatherings!!

I can get to Hartford almost as easily as Boston. (its nice being kinda sorta in the middle of each). =)

Hartford would be great for me--so close.

Maybe we can meet in Hartford in June for misskate's sake, and then again at the end of July in MASS somewhere for the whole 'world wide' thing.

I'd like to do both NYC and Boston gatherings, if we did them different weekends. Do they have to be simultaneous?

I'll be doing a LOT of traveling with my new job, so I'll have to play all of these by ear for the time being!

Hartford would be perfect, as well!!! If I can only do one of the three, then Hartford it is!!! :>)

shall we take a vote? make the location all official like?

what do ya'll think: Boston or Hartford?

I vote Boston

I vote Hartford, with a slice of Boston on the side (day Trip)

I agree. I think as many of us as possible should try to hook up with misskate when she's here in June, although I have no clue where to meet.

Then in July we can have some Boston fun.

Come to NYC! Ilive in Joisey. I have a really big house, and I live on the shore,well 5 minutes away. How about a trip here this summer?Mary Beth

We should definatly try to capitalize on MissKate's visit. =)

MK - when is the wedding?

Who lives in (or near Hartford)? Any ideas on a good meet up place there in June? How far is Niantic from Hartford? If it isn't far we could always meet up at The Book Barn. Bring picnics and chat then browse the many many nooks and crannies.

Oh, you might be on to something great there, Irisheyz. Niantic is about 45 minutes from Hartford, I think.

I love the book barn. It has got to be THE best book store ever. =)

OOOOooooOOOOooooh... BOOK barn!

Go here young groo:

http://www.bookbarnniantic.com/default.htm

Very cooooool!!!

I think I'd vote for Hartford

I vote Hartford and Book Barn would be a great spot to meet!!

so...seems like we all seem to agree on a place - the book barn in Niantic....now all we need is a date in June. As of right now all my weekend dates are open except for 01 June. Its my good friends bday and I think that she would hurt me if I ditched her for a GD meet up. ;-)

For the sake of accuracy, we don't all agree.

I'm new to this group (well, and LT, although I've spent nearly every waking moment here since I discovered it, or so it seems).

Anyway, I moved to central NY from shoreline CT and would LOVE an excuse to go to the Book Barn.

For what it's worth, it's probably a 45-50 minute drive from Hartford to Niantic.

Nearby attractions (near to Niantic, I mean) would include Mystic Seaport (museum of 19th century fishing village and ships) and the two huge CT casinos, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Essex has a historic/scenic steam train ride. Mark Twain house in Hartford. Murder mystery dinner cruises on CT River out of Haddam. Gillette's Castle--house built by William Gillette, who played Sherlock Holmes on Broadway.

Lots of places to stay, including less expensive motels in East Lyme (of which Niantic is a part) and great camping on the beach at Hammonasset in Madison (about 30 minutes away).

Would be happy to warble on endlessly about the area should anyone have questions!

Oooh, thanks, ejj1955. If we do end up meeting in Hartford, your knowledge will come in handy. Camping on the beach sounds great. :-)

No problem! Another consideration, possibly: Metro North Railroad runs from NYC to New Haven, and a local service called Shoreline East runs from New Haven to New London; the last stop before New London seems to be Old Saybrook--Niantic is probably nearly equidistant from these two stops. However, other public transportation is almost nonexistent.

The other train option is Amtrak, which runs from NY (and points south) as well as from Boston, with New London or Old Saybrook being the nearest stops.

I'm sure any GD members who want to travel by train could be picked up by those who will be driving (and hereby volunteer myself and my old but comfy car).

ejj1955, welcome to LT and the Green Dragon. I have only been to the Book Barn once but loved it and really want to go back and spend some time there. You post was great for all attractions downn near that area. I am currently in central CT and this would be a great spot for me to get to.

Thanks, momom. I lived in the shoreline area for about 20 years and moved to central NY state for cheaper real estate and to be somewhat closer to family, but I do miss a lot of CT things--the ocean, the Book Barn, and the great variety of restaurants (surprisingly good for relatively small towns, I think).

I hope this all comes together--I realize it's not the perfect location for everyone, but hardly any place would be. The trains might make it a good option for people who don't want a long drive, though.

I prefer Boston for a meeting place. June is out for me. Crazy month. July would be better. So, much to see in the Boston area. The books stores in the area are too many to mention.The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best in the country, the Museum of Science, JFK museum, the N.E.Aquarium, Old Ironsides, Bunker Hill,many live theater productions, and of course tours at Fenway Park. (Pubs) Cask N Flagon and so much more that I have not mentioned.

Not the Cask N Flagon....everytime I go there someone in my party gets horribly ill!

ETA - The Pacific Northwest group settled on a date in August. the 9th I think? (will have to check on that.) how does that date work for people here. If the date is good then we can get into the more nitty gritty details of location.

For those of you who can't/don't want go to Hartford, like I said in post #17 those of us who can or want to get to Hartford in June when misskate is here can do that, and then we can have a gathering in July closer to Boston for those folks who can make that trip more easily. We still need those June dates from misskate. I'll leave a comment on her profile.

How about a June date in CT.....and then an August date in Boston. That's 3 months in between, plenty of time to forget anything that needs to be forgetting (if there is anything to be forgot) about those GD members who decide to go to both CT and MA

#42 - Sounds great to me!

Lurker here, from the PacNW, that Book Barn looks too fantastic. I want one, I want one, I want one.

We are settled on meeting in Seattle on August 9. We have a couple three people coming down from B.C. and maybe one or two coming over from Montana. I am going into downtown Seattle today to go look at a couple of moderately priced "inns" and to report back.

You all are welcome to come (-:

Or you can come to the gathering in June so that you can go to the Book Barn. It truly is an amazing place. The biggest and most amazing of used book stores that I've ever encountered. =)

2 get togethers in June & Aug. are great. I'm hoping to make the Book Barn one if that is indeed where it ends up.

Are people free to meet in Boston on August 9th? If so, then all we'll need is a place. Maybe in Hardvard Square somewhere? Lots of bookshops and eateries there to hang around in.

Any ideas on the June date? Does everyone like the idea of the Book Barn as a meeting place? Is there somewhere else that people would rather go? IF so, then where?

I currently have no long-term plans of any kind, so August 9th in Boston sounds great.

oh my gosh! moving to england? how exciting!!!!

oooh! NYC would be perfect! i live in NJ

Hartford in June sounds like fun!!! Count me in!

You guys are so sweet, considering my possible trip to the states in June. It would be early because the WEDDING is the 8th. I'm still making plans but will keep you posted.

With June right around the corner should we try to settle on a date/time for a meet in CT? Is the Book Barn still the place of choice?

Are people still up to have two meetings? One in CT and one in Boston? If so then when should the Boston meet take place?

I was hoping misskate would have dates for us by now.

Oh, and I assumed there would be fewer of us at the Book Barn gathering, and then a bigger crowd in Boston closer to the other Green Dragon meetings.

Okay, I'll throw out an idea for discussion purposes: how about Sunday, June 15, a week after the wedding MissKate is attending? That gives people the Saturday for traveling; we could meet for breakfast and then do the Book Barn, or meet at the Book Barn and then get together for lunch :-)

What do you all think?

Clam - I was assuming the same thing. =) I haven't really been paying much attention to the other GD meet-up threads, do you know when in August the other groups have set dates on?

June 15th would work for me for a meeting in CT....my vote would be to meet at the Book Barn and then do lunch or dinner (depending on time). I believe that there are pinic tables on the grounds of the Book Barn so perhaps we could have some sort of pot-luck picnic thing.

Pacific NW group is meeting August 9 in Seattle, last I heard.

i could probably manage june 15, although June 7-8 or June 22 is better for me if others can't make June 15. July is much better for me, as well.

Sorry people for being so late with my final plans. We've been up in he air all month and as it looks now we won't be able to make the wedding. I am SO sad. The wedding was the first reason but getting to meet with all you wonderful guys AND the Book Barn thrown it too. Alas! Keep me posted please....... and send pictures of the day. Weather is wonderful here. The fields are filled with poppies. Blankets of them. I hope to see you all soon.

Aww, rats.
:o/
*hugs*
We'll miss you, misskate.

umm...June 15th is father's day, I think my dad might be a bit peeved if I didn't spend the day with him. Can there maybe be an alternate day??

Sorry . . . didn't realize that. Definitely one should spend the day with one's father if possible! Just threw out a date to get the discussion started, really: how about June 22? June 29? Or even July 27 (coinciding with the nearby Old Lyme Midsummer Festival)?

I was just coming in to whine about the 15th being Father's Day, too.
:o)

June 22, June 29, July 27 - it's all good for me!

me too

me three

Thanks Clam for missing me. I'm missing you all already.

There will come a day when you will come to New England misskate...we'll have a get together then. =)

I just saw the dates being thrown out to meet this summer. I can meet in Boston this summer. June is a tough month for me at work. I can try. The weekend of July 11 is good and early August is good.

July 11 is good for me too!

Oh, and... HI JEWELS!!!

Well, right now we're still trying to work out the Book Barn date. Looks like the 15 th is OUT.

The July/August dates are for Boston. That one will be harder for me to get to.

Have we settled on a Book Barn date yet?
:oS

No we haven't. But since June is right aroudn the corner we should buckle down and decide. That is if we keep June as the date for the Book Barn.

I'll be returning to New England from 2 years in Ethiopia in early June. I hope you don't decide on a date before 9 June! I will be in northern CT for most of the summer and in Boston for one weekend in late June.

It would be really cool to meet some people from this group.

Any dates set for a gathering this summer in Boston? Is July a good month to plan?

How about Sunday, July 13? Anyone? That's good for either Hartford or Boston, for me!

The 13th is out for me! The 12th isn't so great either. The 6th might be okay.

Sorry the 6th I will be in NYC going to a Yankees/Red Sox game with my family( Red Sox fan here) and meeting up with Mr.G(Yankee fanhere). My daughter and I went before and Mr. G was a perfect host. Looking forward to another game with the best rivalry in sports!

For those who don't know, by "MrG' jewels means our own mrgrooism.

Any other dates, people?

July 27?

Thanks clamairy for explaining my short cuts. I guess I shouldn't leave a post when I am rushing.

I just found out I may be going to LA at the end of July, so 7/26-27 is sadly out for me.

What about July 20th?

Works for me!!!

Okay, lets think about that one. Sadly, my daughter won't be in the country, so I'll have to come alone if we pick that date.

If we decide to go with August 10th, then I will drag her along.

Does one ask where the Clamette is jetsetting to this time?

#87 - Back to Europe, as a student ambassador. Six countries in 21 days. My son will be going on a similar trip.

I want my kids to know they are citizens of a planet made up of a lot of different kinds of people.

Hmmm, well, financially August would be better for me, since I've got a LOT on my plate this month. I can do July 20, but if we went with an August date, it would be better.

There are three August weekends that I am off, 8/2-3, 8/16-17 and 8/30-31. Hope that helps!

The 8/2-3 weekend is out, because she flies home on the 2nd (and she EXPECTS that we'll be going to ConnectiCon on the 3rd!)

The 16th/17th might work!!!

Anyone else????

Where would the gathering be? In Boston or the Hartford area? That is if the 16th/17th works for people.

I vote Hartford to make it more convenient for Her Molluskness, but I'm fine either way.

The Book Barn in Niantic was discussed . . .

I lost track, are there any dates set?

Not set, but August 16/17 are currently being considered.

Yeah, and I think the Book Barn is a must!

(By the way, the Niantics in Holy Grail were hysterical)

Okay, which days are better for who? LOL

16th is a Saturday, and 17th is a Sunday. I can spend a few hours at the Book Barn on one of those days, but not both. Where is Irisheyz77?

If I can make it, either day would suit, but I suspect anyone with a M-F job would prefer Saturday--not that I'm presuming to speak for anyone else. What say you all?

Saturday is better, but I can handle Sunday as well.

Unfortunately, I can't make it the weekend of the 16th or 17th. I am involved with my son't girlfriend planning a surprise birthday weekend for him to come back home for his 25th birthday. Gosh how time flies. I would kill to be 25 again.lol
I really would like to meet you folks.

I'm here Clam.

Been dealing with new job. Search for new apt. Preparing to move. Car issues which just came up today....its been hectic. But I've missed everyone in the GD!

I can do the 16th or 17th of August. I can meet in Boston or CT. The last weekend of August is out for me as I have a clambake on the last sunday of Aug...its an annual thing and I can't miss it. =)

#101 - Bring her along! You can plan on the road. ;o)

and find party idea books at the Book Barn....if that's where the meet happens...

Good to see you, Irisheyz! You've been missed. So far we're shooting for the Book Barn.

People are free to plan another get together in Boston. That one I'll have to play by ear.

I can't believe no one has commented on the clambake!!

Bwaa haa haa! I didn't even notice. They are pretty prevalent this time of year.

Boston...CT...Either or works for me....I'm about midway between each...or will be once I move. =)

Hmmm, how does September look, then?

I can do 9/13-14 or 9/27-28.

Hey, i looks like my California trip probably WON'T be happening, so the weekend of 7/26-27 may be good after all!

Let's do this, put a yes or no after each one:

7/19 -Yes (prefer no)
7/20 -Yes (prefer no)
7/26 -Yes
7/27 -Yes
8/2 -Yes
8/3 -Yes
8/9 -No
8/10 -No
8/16 -Yes
8/17 -Yes
8/23 -No
8/24 -No
8/30 -Yes
9/1 -Yes
9/6 -No
9/7 -No
9/13 -Yes
9/14 -Yes
9/20 -No
9/21 -No
9/27 -Yes
9/28 -Yes

Let's do this, put a yes or no after each one:

7/19 -Yes (prefer no) ditto
7/20 -Yes (prefer no) ditto
7/26 -Yes Yes
7/27 -Yes Yes, enthusiastically
8/2 -Yes Yes
8/3 -Yes Yes
8/9 -No No
8/10 -No No
8/16 -Yes No
8/17 -Yes No
8/23 -No Yes
8/24 -No Yes
8/30 -Yes Yes
9/1 -Yes Yes
9/6 -No No
9/7 -No No
9/13 -Yes No
9/14 -Yes No
9/20 -No No
9/21 -No No
9/27 -Yes No
9/28 -Yes No

It's now officially a survey! Add your votes.

I alluded to this before, but one reason I like the weekend of 7/26 and 7/27 can be found here:

http://www.oldlymeartalliance.org/midsummer/events.php

This is the next town over (5 miles?) from East Lyme/Niantic; note that there are two book sales as well as a couple of book signings; the kettle corn is delicious; and though it's not listed on the schedule, there's usually a wonderful fireworks display Sunday night.

Cool!!!

Let's do this, put a yes or no after each one:

7/19 -Yes (prefer no) ditto Yes
7/20 -Yes (prefer no) ditto Yes
7/26 -Yes Yes Yes
7/27 -Yes Yes Yes
8/2 -Yes Yes No
8/3 -Yes Yes Yes
8/9 -No No Yes
8/10 -No No Yes
8/16 -Yes No Yes
8/17 -Yes No Yes
8/23 -No Yes Yes
8/24 -No Yes Yes
8/30 -Yes Yes No
9/1 -Yes Yes Yes
9/6 -No No Yes
9/7 -No No Yes
9/13 -Yes No Yes
9/14 -Yes No Yes
9/20 -No No No
9/21 -No No No
9/27 -Yes No No
9/28 -Yes No No

7/19 -Yes (prefer no) ditto Yes No
7/20 -Yes (prefer no) ditto Yes No
7/26 -Yes Yes Yes No
7/27 -Yes Yes Yes Yes (prefer No)
8/2 -Yes Yes No No
8/3 -Yes Yes Yes No
8/9 -No No Yes Yes
8/10 -No No Yes Yes
8/16 -Yes No Yes Yes
8/17 -Yes No Yes Yes
8/23 -No Yes Yes Yes
8/24 -No Yes Yes Yes
8/30 -Yes Yes No No
9/1 -Yes Yes Yes Yes
9/6 -No No Yes No
9/7 -No No Yes No
9/13 -Yes No Yes Yes
9/14 -Yes No Yes Yes
9/20 -No No No Yes
9/21 -No No No Yes
9/27 -Yes No No No
9/28 -Yes No No No

Once school starts again I can't be sure I'll be free on weekends, though I did put down some 'Yes'es.

7/19 -Yes (prefer no) ditto Yes No Yes
7/20 -Yes (prefer no) ditto Yes No Yes
7/26 -Yes Yes Yes No Yes
7/27 -Yes Yes Yes Yes (prefer No) Yes
8/2 -Yes Yes No No Yes
8/3 -Yes Yes Yes No Yes
8/9 -No No Yes Yes Yes
8/10 -No No Yes Yes Yes
8/16 -Yes No Yes Yes No
8/17 -Yes No Yes Yes No
8/23 -No Yes Yes Yes Yes
8/24 -No Yes Yes Yes Yes
8/30 -Yes Yes No No No
9/1 -Yes Yes Yes Yes No
9/6 -No No Yes No No
9/7 -No No Yes No No
9/13 -Yes No Yes Yes No
9/14 -Yes No Yes Yes No
9/20 -No No No Yes No
9/21 -No No No Yes No
9/27 -Yes No No No No
9/28 -Yes No No No No

I'm saying no to anything after August 24 because of school and sports starting.

Smithee! You're going to come? YAY!

7/19 -Yes (prefer no) ditto Yes No Yes No
7/20 -Yes (prefer no) ditto Yes No Yes No
7/26 -Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes
7/27 -Yes Yes Yes Yes (prefer No) Yes No
8/2 -Yes Yes No No Yes Yes
8/3 -Yes Yes Yes No Yes No
8/9 -No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
8/10 -No No Yes Yes Yes No
8/16 -Yes No Yes Yes No Yes
8/17 -Yes No Yes Yes No No
8/23 -No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
8/24 -No Yes Yes Yes Yes No
8/30 -Yes Yes No No No No
9/1 -Yes Yes Yes Yes No NO
9/6 -No No Yes No No Yes
9/7 -No No Yes No No No
9/13 -Yes No Yes Yes No Yes
9/14 -Yes No Yes Yes No No
9/20 -No No No Yes No No
9/21 -No No No Yes No No
9/27 -Yes No No No No No
9/28 -Yes No No No No No

I'm going to suggest that we trim the list to delete the dates that 4 out of 6 respondents so far have said NO to; if anyone feels this is not a big enough sample to do this for, just copy the list above rather than this one:

7/19 -Yes (prefer no) ditto Yes No Yes No
7/20 -Yes (prefer no) ditto Yes No Yes No
7/26 -Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes
7/27 -Yes Yes Yes Yes (prefer No) Yes No
8/2 -Yes Yes No No Yes Yes
8/3 -Yes Yes Yes No Yes No
8/9 -No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
8/10 -No No Yes Yes Yes No
8/16 -Yes No Yes Yes No Yes
8/17 -Yes No Yes Yes No No
8/23 -No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
8/24 -No Yes Yes Yes Yes No
**9/1 -Yes Yes Yes Yes No NO
9/13 -Yes No Yes Yes No Yes
9/14 -Yes No Yes Yes No No

**Note that 9/1 is Labor Day, a Monday

OOOPs, I meant for the dates to be Saturdays & Sundays, but I guess Labor Day works, too!

I'll make the frontrunners bold (only 1 no):

7/19 -Yes (prefer no) ditto Yes No Yes No
7/20 -Yes (prefer no) ditto Yes No Yes No
7/26 -Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes
7/27 -Yes Yes Yes Yes (prefer No) Yes No
8/2 -Yes Yes No No Yes Yes
8/3 -Yes Yes Yes No Yes No
8/9 -No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
8/10 -No No Yes Yes Yes No
8/16 -Yes No Yes Yes No Yes
8/17 -Yes No Yes Yes No No
8/23 -No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
8/24 -No Yes Yes Yes Yes No
**9/1 -Yes Yes Yes Yes No NO
9/13 -Yes No Yes Yes No Yes
9/14 -Yes No Yes Yes No No

Dearest groo, is there any chance you can finagle that August 23rd at all?

It's possible, I've got to play it by ear. I work occasional weekends for the Yankees when they are on the road, so my opportunity to work is few and far between. I've already taken quite a bit off, but if as I suspect I WON'T need to take that last weekend in July off, then I might be able to take that!

Fingers crossed!!!

Well, I can come (but only briefly) if we meet on July 27th, and I would be alone.

If I don't take the entire weekend and still work Sunday he should let me have off. Let's find out!

I can do July 27th. That is a Sunday right? I have a wedding on the 26th. I could drive down to Conn. I will need directions to get to the Book Barn though. Alanna, that would be cool if you could come down!!!

Actually, I was asking mainly about August 23rd. LOL

I can provide detailed, girl-type directions to back up MapQuest or Yahoo Maps . . . the Book Barn is basically one turn after you get off I-95, so it's easy to find. And for anyone who needs to stay over, the road you will be on (rt. 161) when you get off the turnpike is littered with motels--not usually too expensive, but summer is the busy season and one should make reservations as soon as one can after we settle on a date.

Someone make a decision so I can make plans!

LOL

Looking over the thread, of those who have posted here, 7 have voted (6 on the list, plus what Jewels said in #123), and 12 other posters have not. A couple of these were more interested in a possible Boston get-together than one in CT, but I'm wondering if we should leave a message on the profile of the other 12 to get any other votes before deciding.

What do y'all think?

We seem to be down to 7/26-7/27 and 8/23 as the top choices, but another bunch of votes might swing the majority toward another weekend.

Deadlines rule my life, so how about we set one for a decision: by the end of this week? July 5th? Sooner if possible?

It doesn't matter to me when people meet in CT since I can't make it there, but if you decide to meet in Boston sometime, I'm there.

I'm sorry to hear that, Blue . . . it's only 2 hours from Boston to Niantic, are you sure?

I'm not in Boston, I'm an hour away from Boston.

Please feel free to organize a second gathering near Boston, too.

Folks like blue and jewels will be more likely to be able to make it to that one. That one will be more difficult for me right now.

Any consensus yet?

Hiya, Alanna! :o)

Jewels said when she googled the Book Barn, it's an hour south of Hartford, which sort of puts the day out of reach for her, traveling from New Hampshire.

I'm fine with anything. I'd prefer Hartford myself, since I haven't seen Clam in almost 3 years now!

Do we want to just shoot for 8/23 to give us more time? Otherwise if we do 7/26-27, then Saturday is better for me. Trouble is July is getting to be an expensive month for me, so August is better all around.

23 Aug works for me as well. I don't know Hartford very well but if some provides good directions to whereever then I'm sure I'll make it there in one piece. =)

If the Book Barn is the gathering site, these are the directions from Hartford:

Take 91 South (I-84 and I-91 intersect in Hartford). Around East Berlin, take the left exit from I-91 to Route 9 south (toward Middletown). You will pass Middletown; stay on Route 9 South toward Old Saybrook/Old Lyme.

Around Exit 2, I believe, Route 9 intersects with I-95. Go left off Route 9 onto I-95 North (toward signs for Old Lyme). You will almost immediately be on the Baldwin Bridge, crossing the Connecticut River. Stay on I-95 for a couple of miles and take exit 72 (Rocky Neck State Park).
At the end of ramp, turn left at traffic light. Proceed 2.1 miles and the shop will be on left.

(For anyone who wants to stay over, there are quite a few motels on Route 161--right off exit 74 from I-95--but do a search on "East Lyme," not Niantic, to find them. Niantic is part of East Lyme.)

How many people are going? And what do you do when you meet up at the Book Barn? July is iffy for me, Aug may be better, but don't go by me.

About half a dozen people responded "yes" in the above poll for a couple of different dates. No idea if there are others who would come or if those who responded (myself included) would be able to make it.

I'll just take a wild guess here and say that when meeting up at the Book Barn, the idea would be to introduce ourselves in our RL personas, talk some, and shop for books. One can also sit on benches and look at the animals (cats are all over the place, and last time I was there they had some goats--penned, fortunately--though I don't know if they are still there, it's been a few years).

I'd also assume there would be some kind of group meal, before or after the Book Barn, and can hardly wait for the discussion on what kind of eatery will suit all comers!

Here are some candidates for people who want to get a head start on thinking about that:

the Shack: wonderful coffee-shop/diner type place, great breakfasts, sandwiches, wraps, soups, homemade pies, plenty of fried stuff; very reasonable prices, no credit cards.

Unks: seafood restaurant on the bay in Niantic, lots of other menu choices. Found some negative online reviews, which surprised me--I have had very enjoyable meals there. Loved their coconut shrimp before I became allergic ;-(

Frank's Gourmet Grille, East Lyme, not inexpensive, but wow. Great food.

Saigon City: this is a little further away, in Old Saybrook (so about 15-20 minutes), but is one of my favorite restaurants on the planet. Great Thai and Vietnamese food.

Dock and Dine: also in Old Saybrook, also seafood; one big selling point is that it's right on the water--great views.

Probably could come up with another half dozen suggestions if anyone would like them. Dinner cruise on the Connecticut River, for example?

Hey, that all sounds good to me!

or we could all bring picnic baskets and eat at the tables or on the lawn at the Book Barn.

At a recent meet up that I went to in Boston, one thing that was help was to have name tags. Listing both RL and LT name. Helped to keep everyone straight. =)

I'll eat anything, anywhere - but my vote is for something on the water or at water's edge. :)

Bathing suits optional?

Well, the exit you'd take is for Rocky Neck state park, so that might be a good place for waterside picnicking. Looks like it from the map on the website.

Bathing suits would be an option, sure, but some of us need a little more covering, not less ;-) But please feel free to do whatever makes you comfy, Mr. Groo.

Another idea: from the dock in Old Saybrook (next to the Dock and Dine Restaurant mentioned in my previous post) there are sunset cruises for $20 per person. I think there are also picnic tables there, an ice cream place, and mini-golf. All the best of summer!

So it is August the 23rd?? That will be cool, is there anyone going that would like to carpool?

Yes, let's make it the 23rd, definite!

I second (or would it be thirding?) that motion.

Now the question remains.

Where?

Well, I had originally thought the gathering was going to be in Hartford, with a side-trip to the BookBarn.

Frankly, I'll leave a timetable up to Clam. Whatever is most convenient for her, I'm there for it!

Oh! I assumed the gathering was at the Book Barn. LOL That place could take hours to wander through, from what I'm told. The only side trip would be lunch ...

Sounds good to me!!!

148 clam

I'm not going to that meetup because I'm in NH and it's too far for me, but I wanted to say anyway that that seems to sort of defeat the purpose of everyone meeting up, doesn't it? I mean, the bookstore sounds like fun (really, really fun), but everyone will be scattered.

My 2 cents, it's all about meeting you people.

The Book Barn sounds like a great SETTING for us book lovers, but of vourse I would never drive all the way from New York JUST to visit a book store, no matter how great. I couldn't afford it.

That said, it's a great PLACE for us to meet, it'll actually be fun watching each other in action, as it were. Most of our quality time will be spent wherever we hang out and kvetch, so as long as there is a good place that we can hang and talk and spend quality time with each other, it's all good.

I second that, with the taste in books that we all share, it will be a wonder that we aren't all standing around the same section poking each other in the ribs anyway.

Well, it's not a normal book store, from what I understand... it's more of an experience thing. LOL Much of it is open air, and there are animals running loose, etc. I'm not actually planning on getting much book shopping/browsing done. It's sort of like meeting up with a bunch of other nature nuts at a animal preserve, or something.

Another note: I wasn't the one who recommended this place to begin with, but I think it is an excellent idea.

ANIMALS RUNNING LOOSE!!!? Will there be Puffins!? Marmosets!!? Fainting Goats!!!?

There are goats! Maybe you can make them swoon, groo. ;o)

I can do my famous impression of a flashing cursor!

Try this pdf file: http://www.bookbarnniantic.com/NeatStuff/BookBarnGuide.pdf

I really perked up when I read this part:

THE HAUNTED BOOKSHOP is across the garden to the right of the annex. On the ground floor are mysteries and thrillers; upstairs is a room of horror novels and two rooms of science fiction and fantasy.

Hey Blue! Another New Hampshirite! I wish I lived closer to Conn but we are both so far up here. Do you live in Southern NH? Live Free or Die!!!

Well, after yet another spill-over discussion of the GD group in another group (about King Kong, of all things - believe it!), I finally decided to take the plunge and click the "join" button.

Since I think that I'm the one who first told the Clamster (and, in fact, the LibraryThing general population) about the Book Barn, I'm happy to see that a possible gathering being planned there (regardless of group affiliation, just LTs, any LTs, meeting is a good thing).

Two things, though: (1) the Book Barn is not what I would consider a side-trip from Hartford (the store and the surrounding area are a destination, in and of themselves, and mileage and traffic from Hartford are formidible); and (2) a trip to the Book Barn is incomplete (but not horribly so) without also going to the Book Barn Downtown (about a mile away, but worth it, particularly if you like science and math and new age philosopy and music and whatever else doesn't fit under the roofs of the Book Barn proper).

Anyhow, I always loved the description from their own website "The primary mission of The Book Barn is, of course, to serve as a provider of books, uniting people and books together in biblioholic bliss."

July 27th is out for me because I will (hopefully!) have just finished riding my bike across Iowa with 10,000 other bicyclists (my older brother from Arizona, included) in the annual RAGBRAI (sort of a Burning Man on wheels ... bikes on the roads as far as you can see during the day and great partying all night long).

The date in August would probably be a go for me, but, being retired, my calendar doesn't have more than one month ahead at a time (sigh ... somebody has to live this way, I guess it will have to be me!).

Now, I hope to figure out what all this GD stuff is all about. Any clues?

Douglas

"In the end, only kindness matters."

#157

One cautionary note: if there's any air conditioning at the Book Barn, it's new: upstairs at the Haunted Bookshop is like a sauna on a hot day . . .

so I'm penciling 8-23? late morning?

Yup!

I'm sorry, I have to say I can't come after all. I'm having desperately needed cataract sugery on one eye August 18, and not on the other eye until September 8 ... so 3 weeks with one eye fixed, one eye still bad and who knows what kind of vision during that 3 week period! I need new glasses, but won't get them until after both surgeries are done. It will be difficult enough getting around here where I live, I wouldn't want to travel under those conditions.

I'll look forward to hearing how this one goes, and I'll make sure I'm "fixed" for the next one. LOL.

Ah, this is sad news indeed, AS. I do hope all goes smoothly with the surgery. *hugs*

Well the fact that you're finally getting it done is great news! We'll have to just make time to visit you, then! My own cataract surgery will stil lbe delayed for quite some time! Perhaps in the fall? We'll see!

Hey groo, I've never been to the AS' part of the NY state, have you? They have wineries there, you know! Where's Mario? Where's jewels? We'll rent a Magic Bus...

Goosh this must be the surgery crew. I am having surgery too on August 8. Minor surgery so no big deal. However, I won't be able to walk for awhile. Standing all day the way I do at work finally took a toll on my feet. Hmm Maybe we will take the Magical Mystery Tour throguh upstate NY Alanna. I love those Finger Lakes. Hmmm Any Puffins?

158 jewels

I'll have you know, I'm a Michiganian :) I transplanted to NH (yes, southern) last year (and I hate the stupid state motto).

#166 - I'd love to have you all come via The Magic Bus. :D We could rent a lakeside cottage for a week or weekend and cruise the area from there.

#167 - jewels! Good luck with your surgery!!

Magic bus!!!

Just I note: I DO NOT mean the Magic Bus from Into the Wild.
;o)

Oh that sounds like fun!
*the winery tours, not the stuck in the middle of nowhere and not coming back again, part*

Blue, it is actually a really good motto. As you live in this beautiful state, you'll come to find out why this motto is so true. This state still has the traditional town meetings/school district meetings where you see government up front. As you know, we have no sales tax. However, our property taxes kill us but at least our money stays in our own individual towns and is not dispersed all over the state.

173 jewels

Sorry, nothing will convince me that that is a good motto. I hate it.

blue - if you don't want to drive all the way from NH to CT...I live in central MA (near Marlborough) and you can drive there and I can drive the rest of the way to CT. anyway...its a thought.

so...23 Aug we still on?

And for where?

Yup! The Book Barn in Niantic, I believe.

time?

No clue.

Yup, I'm there as well. Hmmmm, how does 11:00am sound?

11 am works for me.

Just back from riding my bike across Iowa. I'll be there (maybe I'll ride my bike! Oh, but then I need to get some kind of trailer to haul back all the books that I buy).

11 am works for me, but just about any other time would work for me, too. I'll scope out an exact meeting place (e.g., a particular picnic table or a particular book section or, hmmm... , a particular place to eat lunch?).

Should we all wear something to identify ourselves to each other? Any ideas?

Douglas

"In the end, only kindness matters."

How about we meet in front of Ellis Island?

That is where they take in new book donations. We can then distribute nametags or something and figure out what to do from there.

Sounds good to me. Thanks, you two! :o)

Still have it penciled in.

so we're all (mostly all?) agreed then.

Meeting in front of Ellis Island at the Book Barn in CT at around 11 am-ish. Perhaps browse the shops for a bit before heading off to a restaurant for a lively debate about who was the real Tolkein...no wait...that's Shakespeare who is in question...but I'm sure we can come up with something else to debate about.

I know!

Who will come out on top when the Roombas and the Puffins meet in the battle to end all battles?

Heyo!

I just had a thought, but I (also) thought I ought to run it by all of you here, first.

Should I/we invite members of the Connecticut Nutmeggers group to this get-together? Technically, there's 40 members of that LibraryThing group, but, of late, it hasn't been very active (last post was back in May?).

It might be a way to: (a) get that group to bond a bit more (face-to-face meetings sometimes do that (but, on the other hand, sometimes the opposite happens)); and (b) it might grow the membership of GD a bit more, too.

At any rate (dv/dt?), it's just an idea and I have no strong feelings either way; what thinks you all about it?

Boogie on in Peace!

Douglas

"In the end, only kindness matters."

The more the merrier, I say. (Quite a few of those Nutmeggers are GDers anyway.)

What does everyone else think?

I was just trying to catchup with the KiKn group, when I noticed that you (Clam) had already said that you were going to cross-post the invite in the Nutmeggers when the date was set (under the "Where did everyone go?" thread).

What tangled webs these various groups weave (but, thankfully, deception is minimal here (right?)).

D.

"In the end..."

I would love to go clam. Mario offered to give me a lift since he mentioned he may take the trek down to Conn. However, I just had foot surgery and I don't think it would be wise since school begins that Monday. I am pretty swollen right now and not sure what the future days will look like. I stand all day do my job so I need to take it easy. I surely want to meet all you great folks. A big hug to all of you.

Doogie; The more the merrier!

Jewels; you will be missed, but HEAL UP and feel better!

OK, having heard no objections so far, tomorrow morning (if there are no further objections by then), I'll invite the Nutmeggers.

I notice that there is also some kind of New England group, too (All things New England? is it?). If somebody else wants to invite them, too, go for it.

As far as I'm concerned, we can invite the whole friggin' world and we can all circle around the Ellis Island Incoming Used Book Shanty and sing We Are The World (or, at least, Kumbaya).

One of my favorite ten quotes (or is it a hundred?) is "There are no strangers here, only friends we haven't met."

And so it goes ...

Douglas

"In the end, only kindness matters."

Thanks Mr. G My heal is up as we speak. My thoughts will be with you all. Can't wait to see some pictures from all of you.

doogie...what about 'puff the magic dragon' for the group sing along?

Can we buy books there? Or are we just window shopping and meeting up?

Umm . . . do you think anyone in this group would try to stop you from buying books?!

I'm still not sure if I'm going to make it, but if I do, meeting up/talking/shopping/eating (somewhere) are all on the agenda, aren't they?

#195 NO!!! NO BOOKS FOR YOU!!! They're mine I tell you, ALL MINE!!!

Sorry Groo but you will have to share, is everyone set on a specific time? I have finally convinced *forced* my sister to join and she wants to come, but if I wait for her we wouldn't get there until about two-ish. Is that too late?

It is ok for me to move it to later.

i wouldn't want to push it back too late...its a long drive for me to get there and back...and on the 24th I need to get up early and head down to RI for the day.

I don't want to inconvenience anyone - but since I will be late in arriving, I was just wondering where we might meet up if everyone is already finished at the book store.

One alternative is that we would all meet someplace for lunch and then convene at the Book Barn afterwards. Then you could meet up with us all and not miss us.

We will figure all of this out, even if it takes us 650 posts to do so (grin).

Douglas

"In the end, only kindness matters."

I nominate the Shack for lunch:

http://www.shackrestaurants.com/

Fresh, yummy, reasonable--unless people are wanting something swankier.

Exit 74 from I-95 N, turn left at the end of the exit onto Route 161, the Shack is quite close on the left before you get to the light at the four corners.

Exit 75 from I-95 S, the exit comes out on Route 1 (Boston Post Road), go straight, at the light (McDonald's will be on your right) turn left; the Shack is on your right at the first little strip mall.

If anyone is around for dinner and wants something a bit nicer, I can make endless suggestions. There are a lot of restaurants around there that I miss since moving to upstate NY.

Edited to fix directions!

The Shack looks like a good place to me. =)

Sounds good to me. I'll be driving there and back from NY, so I can' be too late.

Actually, my attendance depends upon how much my car repairs cost me in the next 2 days. I'm reasonably certain I can deal with a $700 repair bill and still make the trip, but any more than that and I'll have to reconsider. Stay tuned!

My sister will no longer be able to join in the festivities, so I can now leave early, what time is everyone looking to meet up? Is there an itinerary yet?

Last I heard we were meeting at Ellis Island at The Book Barn at 11:00am. Is this correct? Is Ellis Island part of the Book Barn?

Also, there are two addresses for the Book Barn, so if someone could give us the definitive address so we can Googlemap it, that would be great!

AHA! Nevermind! The Main Book Barn site is 41 West Main Street, Niantic, CT, 06357; 860.739.5715

Ellis Island is the part of the Book Barn where they buy ued books! (I like that!)

After the Book Barn is lunch and kvetching at The Shack. There are two locations for that as well, are we talking about the East Lyme location? Their second location in Waterford is called J.R.'s Shack, and looks to be equally close.

Pictures! We want pictures!
Don't forget to post them as soon as you get home.

Hmmm ... Mr. Groo, I thought we had changed the actual schedule to better fit angelikat's late arrival (i.e., we were going to meet at the Shack first and then go to the Book Barn).

Now that Angelikat can come earlier, though, we could do either option. My two cent's would be to meet for lunch first, because: (a) that would allow folks to get there late and still hook up with us (so we aren't standing around Ellis Island wondering if anyone else might be showing up) and; (b) it would give us, afterwards, a much bigger and uninterrupted block of time to meander through the various buildings, sheds, shacks, etc. of the Book Barn (I know that I usually spend a couple hours there, but it can be done in a shorter block of time (though I'm not sure why - grin).

The Shack is the East Lyme location, just down the road from the Book Barn (not the Downtown Book Barn, which is also just down the road and is worth considering as just another, but important, "building" of the Book Barn, itself (i.e., we should go there, too, after visiting the main Book Barn campus - think of the the Downtown Book Barn as the local Book Barn extension, specializing in Science, New Age, Music, etc. - an eclectic mix of books not found in the Main Book Barn "campus" (as it is)).

But, I'm easy ... if others think we should meet first at the Book Barn (Ellis Island shack right by the parking lot) and go to lunch later, that's ok by me, too.

Douglas

"In the end, only kindness matters."

One option is that we plan to meet in front of Ellis Island at 11...then carpool to The Shack for lunch...then back to the BB for the book browsing extravaganza

Okay, opinions guys.

1) Meet at The Shack, chow down and hang, then afterwards Book Barn it?

2) Book Barn first, then lunch and hanging out at the Shack.

One consideration, where is the best place to hang and talk? Is the Shack the type of place we can sit and chat for an extended time period? Is there an area of the Book Barn where we can all sit after making our purchases and just shoot the breeze?

I'm leaning now towards The Shack first, then shopping. It all depends WHERE we think we'll be able to spend the most quality time together.

I can get books and food anywhere, to me its all about hanging out with you guys!

What does everyone else think? After we get opinions from folks who've already been there, let's get a head count and a vote on which to do first! My vote will depend on what the folks who've been there suggest.

there are picnic tables at the book barn which allow for sitting and chatting.

Hmmmm, that sounds perfect.

Okay, let's vote! Copy and add your vote below each, along with how many in your group.

1) Meet at The Shack at 11:00am, lunch and hanging out, then afterwards Book Barn it, hanging after shopping at the pick-a-nick tables.

-mrgrooism (1)

2) Book Barn first at 11:00am, then lunch and hanging out at the Shack, then return to the BB for more hanging out?

3) Other ideas?

Hanging out at Book Barn afterwards is perfect because what can be better than show and tell of the books we bought(?)(!). Besides, it also gives us the opportunity to run back and pick up copies of books that we, too, want (but missed).

Regardless of the vote, it's going to be a great, fun day.

(Official Ballot below)

1) Meet at The Shack at 11:00am, lunch and hanging out, then afterwards Book Barn it, hanging after shopping at the pick-a-nick tables.

-mrgrooism, doogiewray (2)

2) Book Barn first at 11:00am, then lunch and hanging out at the Shack, then return to the BB for more hanging out?

3) Other ideas?

(Official Ballot below)

1) Meet at The Shack at 11:00am, lunch and hanging out, then afterwards Book Barn it, hanging after shopping at the pick-a-nick tables.

-mrgrooism, doogiewray, angelikat (3)

2) Book Barn first at 11:00am, then lunch and hanging out at the Shack, then return to the BB for more hanging out?

3) Other ideas?

I'm for Book Barn first @ 11:00

#2

I may skip eating to read.

I'm hoping to be there as well barring any unforeseen obstacles. My vote:

1) Meet at The Shack at 11:00am, lunch and hanging out, then afterwards Book Barn it, hanging after shopping at the pick-a-nick tables.

Okay, so far votes are:

1) Meet at The Shack at 11:00am, lunch and hanging out, then afterwards Book Barn it, hanging after shopping at the pick-a-nick tables.

-mrgrooism, doogiewray, angelikat, Momom248 (4)

2) Book Barn first at 11:00am, then lunch and hanging out at the Shack, then return to the BB for more hanging out?

yareader2 (1)

3) Other ideas?

I'll be there...and my good friend B will be coming with me. She's on LT (bgale11) but not a member of the GD...at least not yet.

1) Meet at The Shack at 11:00am, lunch and hanging out, then afterwards Book Barn it, hanging after shopping at the pick-a-nick tables.

-mrgrooism, doogiewray, angelikat, Momom248, Irisheyz77 & friend (6)

2) Book Barn first at 11:00am, then lunch and hanging out at the Shack, then return to the BB for more hanging out?

yareader2 (1)

3) Other ideas?

I'm still in, and I shall most likely be bringing my daughter, who is also an LT member. :o)

1) Meet at The Shack at 11:00am, lunch and hanging out, then afterwards Book Barn it, hanging after shopping at the pick-a-nick tables.

-mrgrooism, doogiewray, angelikat, Momom248, Irisheyz77 & friend, clamairy & Sehktmet (8)

2) Book Barn first at 11:00am, then lunch and hanging out at the Shack, then return to the BB for more hanging out?

yareader2 (1)

3) Other ideas?

Hey doogiewray, did you invite the Nutmeggers yet?

I really, really want to be there, but it depends on receiving a check and getting my car fixed with same, and I don't know if it will happen in time (kinda doubt it). Ah, the joys of freelancing--check was delayed by waiting for not one, but two people to get back from their vacations.

I'll cross my fingers for you ejj1955 that your check comes in and your car gets fixed all before Saturday.

Heyo Airy Clam-

Great to see you back here; I was getting worried that you might not be there on Saturday.

Thanks for the reminder (#221!) about the Nutmeggers group. I had completely forgotten about it (now where are my keys, again?). I just posted an invite over there and I'll let you all here know if anyone else is joining us.

Douglas

"In the end, only kindness matters."

WOOOO-HOOOO, only a couple more days! I guess at this point it's looking like 11:00am at The Shack, followed by The Book Barn!

The Shack:
324 Flanders Road, Exit 74 off I-95, East Lyme, CT 06333-1710
860-739-8898
http://www.shackrestaurants.com

The BooK Barn:
41 West Main Street, Niantic, CT, 06357;
860-739-5715
http://www.bookbarnniantic.com

So far we're:
-mrgrooism, doogiewray, angelikat, Momom248, Irisheyz77 & friend, clamairy & Sehktmet, yareader2.

Anyone else?

Remember, if you're in the NYC Metro area and you want a ride, give me a shout! I'm in Rockland County, NY and can easily get to NYC, Westchester, Bergen, and will be passing through Greenwich, CT, etc. on the way.

I am going to have to drop out, I have a broken crown and have to visit the dentist to get fitted for a new one.
I was really looking forward to this too, darn it all. Someone has to take a billion pictures for those of us that wish we could be there!!

(((((((angelicat)))))))) Ack! Not The DENTIST! Feel better, maybe next time!

Have a great time, all, and take lots of pictures, please. I'm soooooo sorry I won't be there, but car is still broken. Waah. Oh--and I definitely want to see posts by everyone who goes of what books they buy!!

I'll be sure to bring my camera and take lots of photos =) So sorry about all those who can't make it. Looks like we'll have to plan another meet up at some point so that you can come!

#225

Thanks for the directions and numbers. I can't wait. Ye 'Ol Shack & Book Barm

This time tomorrow we'll be hanging out! :>)

This time tomorrow we'll probably be finishing up eating and getting ready to spend our body weight in books ;-)

Actually, tonight I'll be sorting through my TBR pile and making room for Incoming!

Excuse me, Mr. G? Do you still have room for a Greenwich, Ct pickup?

Absolutely! I'll PM you my cell phone number, give me a call this evening and we'll work it out! It's easily on the way.

Hi Everyone,

Unfortunately I am going to have to bow out also. I have to work tomorrow. We moved to a new office this week and for my own sanity, I need to go into work and get some unpacking done still. I am very disappointed.

Please remember me for the next get together and have a drink for me and eat something really good at The Shack! Take lots of pictures and most of all have a great time!

momom248...wouldn't sunday make for a better unpacking day. ;-)

I hear the Shack is pretty busy, so I'll call them in the morning to see if I can reserve a table for 7 or 8 (not sure if they take reservations, though).

I just realized that all this time I've been thinking of a different restaurant that's just down the road from the Book Barn, but the Shack has a good reputation for home cooking (particularly their pies). I've never been there so I'm looking forward to trying it and meeting all of you.

My refrigerator just died (the evaporator fan motor), but, to hell with it ... let the food get warm ... I'm going book and friend hunting in the morning. Nothing more important than that, right?

See you soon! (grin)

Douglas

"In the end, only kindness matters."

I'll try to get there early (if only to get in line for the table sooner).

Just so you know, I'll be the guy with glasses, darkish hair (whitish beard), shorts, tee-shirt and probably a green baseball hat. What the hell! I'll bring a few books to hold under my arm and/or put on the table as a centerpiece (anyone have a green dragon, too?).

(Hmm .... oh dear! Which books to bring?)

Coals to Newcastle, right?

D.

If I don't forget, I'll bring Roasagra!



At this point it looks like we'll be seven: Clam & Sehktmet, Doogie, mrgrooism, Irisheyz77 & friend, and yareader2. MORE ARE WELCOME, of course.

I got a PM from Abby (no luck with the early review lottery) and noticed she's from Cambridge, MAss, so I threw her a last-minute invite. I doubt it since it's the day before, but it was worth a shot.

Any reply from the Nutmeggers?

Don't think so. I'll go look.

:o(
Nope.
Looks like it's going to be us chickens.
;o)

Groo, my cell # has not changed since Dec '05. Do you still have it somewhere? I think I still have yours. Did yours change?

Do you have room for 1 more, or is it too late? Longtime GD lurker, you guys are too much fun not to meet!

There's ALWAYS room for more!
:oD

#243 - Nope, new phone, lost your number when the phone crashed. I'll PM you with my new cell number.

#244 - Sure, with a name like that, you'll fit right in!

Current list:

Clam & Sehktmet, Doogie, mrgrooism, Irisheyz77 & friend, yareader2, ConcerningHobbits.

I just sent everyone who is coming a PM with my cell phone number, so we all have at least one contact number.

Hey Mario, any chance you'll be joining us? I just tried calling you but no answer.

Wonderful! It sounds like fun!

Hey all,

My friend (bgale11) won't be making the lunch portion but she'll be there for book shopping and chatter afterwards.

I'll be the average heighted girl with brown hair and red highlights.

Can't wait to meet everyone!

I'll be the short, middle aged "young lady" with the big smile! Thanks for organizing this, everyone!

So, for lunch at The Shack we've got 7 again:

Clam & Sehktmet, Doogie, mrgrooism, Irisheyz77, yareader2, ConcerningHobbits.

A total of 8 for the Book Barn.

Unless things have changed since I was last there, the Shack doesn't take reservations. People just line up. On the other hand, Saturday is much better than Sunday, and the service is fast (one thing I always liked about the place is that there's always plenty of staff on and many of them have been there for years, which tells you something about what kind of work environment it is).

Nostalgia threatens to overwhelm . . .

Have fun, all!

I really hope to make the next meeting. Here's a suggestion for a destination: http://www.hobartbookvillage.com/

I figure our best Quality Chatting Time will be the picnic tables at the Book Barn anyway. We'll have fun chatting while we're eating, but if it's busy they may be looking to turn over the tables. We'll play it by ear.

OH!!! Is anyone bringing a laptop, by any chance?

In 2005 for our big KiKn NYC Gathering for the Premiere of Peter Jackson's version of King Kong one of the guys brought a laptop and we posted from the Gathering.

If someone brings a laptop (I don't own one) we could give it a try!

#252 - Ooooh, looks good to me! Although my suggestion for 2009 was a BIG Green Dragon Gathering at... well, this deserves its own thread, I'll start one when I get back from tomorrow's Gathering!

Oh, c'mon, give me a hint about the destination! I love planning trips almost more than taking them . . .

I have a laptop that I can bring...though not sure if there is wireless anywhere around the area...but never hurts to try. Right?

Cool! I'll bet the Book Barn has wireless! If not, well, it was worth the try!

see you all soon!

Now we can all see you!

The first picture from the get-together:

The names of the people are, left to right:

Jewels, Doogie, IrishEyez77, mrgrooism, Clamairy, Sektkhtkmet

Great, but there are no names attached? Is that Groo in the pink shirt or someone else entirely? (I'm pretty sure it's *not* Groo.)

Names added, those I know at least :D

*applause, applause, applause*

*gasps* That's clam?

Whohoo! A picture!
Nice seeing you all :-)

That is wonderful! It is so nice to see you all there . . . I hope you enjoyed the Shack. Now, how about pictures of y'all with books from the Book Barn!!

That's Irisheyz77 between Doogie and groo! ConcerningHobbit's is jewels code name, as her showing up was a complete surprise to everyone but groo!
:oD
More pix to come later after I decompress.

Great picture, you look like you're having fun. :-)

Groo found a prize!



Only $4 and it's got Christopher Moore's autograph too!

Irisheyez77--Sunday is busy with all the kids stuff! So unfortunatley it had to be Saturday.

You all looked like you had a great time and bought lots and lots of books! I wish I could have been there. Maybe next time you do this again. So what was the total of books purchased?

Don't know, momom. My daughter and I got about 30 books total.

Where are all of you in those pictures? It looks like a nice backyard :)

That's just one of the 'hang out areas' at The Book Barn.

Here's a few of my pictures (no time for captions yet, but I'll add them later):


The Bunch has Brunch


Just one of about six shops on the Book Barn grounds


GDers entering the Haunted Book Shop


Mr. Grooism presents arms


Some of the books we bought


Say Cheese!


GDers paying the piper

OK, now, I have to have full disclosure here and I hope I don't get thrown out on my ear from GD: (gulp) I was almost embarrassed today to admit this, but I have never read Tolkein (ducks head really, really fast here).

I just joined this group because it has such neat people in it and I never really thought about what the main glue that bonds us together might be.

Douglas

"In the end, only kindness matters."

That's it doogie....you have now been voted off the island!

*laughs*

I can't speak for others but I don't hold it against you...but hopefully you picked up one of the 1000 copies of LOTR or other Tolkein books that were at the Book Barn....*w*

I also think that while Tolkein might have been the catalyst for this group its not the glue that holds it together. Its the diverse and wonderful nature of everyone here. All like minded individuals who share a similar taste in books and more importantly a unique sense of humour!

Ditto Irisheyz77. After getting the stitches removed yesterday and the ok from my doctor, I made the last minute decision to take the long trek down to the Conn shore. I wanted to surprise everyone but my daughter convinced me I should let someone know in case I have car issues or get lost because of the long distance.
It was such a pleasure meeting everyone and the weather was spectacular. The Book Barn was awesome. I wish we had more time. I am reading Persuasion by Jane Austen first.Pictures will be for coming.

Here are some of the photos that I took.


The Group Mascot


Uhura mixed with Tolkein. What where they thinking?


Sehktmet - Having a tough time deciding between Mercedes Lackey books.


Sehktmet starts to read as the rest of us talk about our finds


Jewels Browsing the Romance Shelves.....who knew a devote GD member had a dark side. lol


Groo!


Got Books?


Entrance to Hades - A place that comes with signs of warning...there is no order here...and the signs do not lie.


Clam and Doogie


Clam making friends with one of the many cats that live at the Book Barn.


The Book Barn Annex. One of the several outbuildings that surround the main "barn". We spent a lot of time in just this building alone. Most of us didn't make it into the main building....and only Groo and Doogie went to the Downtown Branch - where the sci-fi/fantasy books had recently been relocated too. (If only we'd known earlier!)

My books (for some reason, I just wasn't in synch with the books today, so I didn't end up with my usual dozen or more):


Already own this, but I love it so much, I got another copy. Subsequently, Mr. Grooism and I found out that we both own Sundial Wristwatches (no batteries needed - just point out where south is to me and I'll give you the time). Alas, however, the gnomens have broken off both our watches (Over the years, I had epoxied mine back on several times, but just last August, it fell off and was finally lost). Even more alas is that, long ago, Fossil Watches stopped making them.


Saving the Planet is one of my hobbies.


Rockwell Kent (Illustrator of this Decameron) built the house on Monhegan Island (Maine) where I stay for two weeks every October.


Picture from frontspiece of Ida Sedgwick Proper's book Monhegan, The Cradle of New England (1930) - My most expensive book ... $10!


I've always wanted this book! $7 at the Book Barn, Downtown.


MrGrooism generously gave this one to me (Thanks, I just finished reading Anthony Browne's illustrated version, so I'll start this one tonignt).

Douglas

"In the end, only kindness matters."

OMG, I look like I'm about to eat that poor cat! ROFL. I think I plotting to catnap it...
;o)
Great shots, everyone.

I love the pictures! Thank you so much for sharing! It's so much fun seeing everyone.

Man, what a great day!

First, a bit of wholly unnecessary but silly misdirection.

Jewels called me up yesterday and said I had to PROMISE not to tell Clam or anyone else, but that the Doctor said her foot had healed enough to make the 3-hr. drive to Niantic, so she was coming! We both have known Clam since before the GD but they had never met in person, so this was a big deal surprise.

Well, I wanted to make sure we had an accurate head count for brunch at The Shack, so did I just put down GROO +1? Nope, too many questions, so I decided to get overly clever and create a new screen name called ConcerningHobbits and have CH ask if "she" could meet us as well.

To make it more realistic, I said she was a teacher - like Jewels - and was from Massachusetts, which Jewels originally was. I even added 63 Tolkien -related books to her Library.

I almost immediately got a PM from Clam. "WHO IS CONCERNING HOBBITS, it's someone we know, right?"

ACK!!!

She saw that CH's profile was created that day, 63 Tolkien books added that day, and suddenly invited herself to our gathering, so her Clammy Sense was tingling away!

I would have been fine just LYING to her, but felt challenged to technically tell the truth while not giving Jewels up, so I gave a few little details and suggested it wasn't anyone we knew without coming out and saying it wasn't anyone we knew.

Anyway, Jewels was the first person to The Shack, and after we all were seated she came in and introduced herself! Worth the secrecy (although I should have simply not said anything, LOL!!!)

We had a fun brunch getting acquainted and/or reacquainted. In addition to Jewels, Clam and myself, it was Clam's daughter Sekhmet, IrishEyes and DoogieWray. After Brunch we hit the MAHVELOUS Book Barn, defintely a cool Used Book Store. The only problem is that the paperback Sci-Fi/Fantsay section was a mile down the road in the Book Barn Downtown!

We all shopped much, talked much, and had a wonderful, wonderful time.

Here're the books i bought:

Fluke by Christopher Moore
The Man who was Poe by Avi
The Bronx Zoo by Sparky Lyle & Peter Golenbock
Torpedo juice by Tim Dorsey
Groucho, Harpo, Chico and sometimes Zeppo by Joe Adamson
Mr Timothy by Louis Bayard
Catfish : My Life in Baseball by Jim "Catfish" Hunter and Armen Keteyian
A Density of Souls by Christopher Rice
Zim : a Baseball Life by Don Zimmer with Bill Madden
balls by Graig Nettles and Peter Golenbock
Temporary insanity by Jay Johnstone

I spent just under $50 for the lot. It was $4 for all of my hardcovers, $1 for my one paperback (Should have grabbed more p'backs).

Notes on everyone else's comments;

Heh heh, I mean really, how many people bring their favorite shovel with them when they go to the bookstore? (That's a shovel from the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the New Yankee Stadium, which is why the handle is a bat. As soon as I found out Jewels was coming I knew I had to show her, she's as big a baseball nut as I am).

Doogie, although Tolkien was the initial inspiration, there are actually GD members who *shudder* hate Tolkien. It's a fun place that is open to all who promise to behave, or at least misbehave in a fun way!

Hey, that's some shot of the Vivacious Vixens of the Green Dragon, huh?

Christopher Moore was not only on my Must Find List, but that was the very first book I saw in the whole place! Karma!

my purchases:

84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff - which I practically ripped out of doogie's hands in my zeal. sorry doogie!

Postcards by Annie Proulx - since joining www.postcrossing.com I've become obsessed by postcards...so jumped at a chance to read a book that features them. each chapter starts with a postcard writeup.

An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears - England in 1660, a murder occurs and there are 4 witnesses. Each tell their story...only one tells the truth.

The Guin Saga by Kaoru Kurimoto - not sure what its about but I was intrigued. the book flap lists only characters and a brief bit about each...and to quote Sehktmet 'any book with a character named Remus must be good' *lol* let's hope her words are prophetic

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

Light Before Dark by Christopher Rice - Really liked his first book...thought his second was so-so but here's hoping his third (?) is more like his first.

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

The Borgia Bride by Jeanne Kalogridis

Murder with Mirrors by Agatha Christie

Ordeal by Innocence by Agatha Christie

They Came to Baghdad by Agatha Christie

Third Girl by Agatha Christie

The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie

PS. Your Cat is Dead by James Kirkwood - when I first saw this I thought the title said "PS Your Car is Dead" and was gonna get it as a gag for my friend (LTer BGale11, who was also at today's meet). Was gonna put it back when my eyes focused on the real words but then read the front which had the text " It's New Year's Eve. Your best friend died in September, you've been robbed twice, your girl friend is leaving you, and you've just lost your job...and the only one left to talk to is a gay bugler you've got tied up in the kitchen." With an intro like that I had to bring it home and see what it was about...and the price ($1) couldn't be ignored

Bleak House by Charles Dickens

Orlando by Virginia Wooolf

An Acceptable Time by Madeline L'Engle

Deception Point by Dan Brown

My most expensive book was An Instance of the Fingerpost at $5. The rest were either $4 or $1

These are great pictures. You'all looked like you were truly in heaven. What a fun place: cute buildings, a park, picnic tables and all about Books. Well, now, that is very special. Thanks to the photogs for their good work. Good smiling, group!

The photos are great! All the women look lovely, and the men look like.. well.. like they are fortunate to be around such lovely ladies. ;)

I am *really* happy you all had this great day with each other. :)

I'm so bummed I couldn't make it. Great pictures--so nice to put a face to the names. I'm glad everyone had such a great time and got such great books. Next time--no matter what I'm going!!

It was a great day JPB. Hopefully, the next gathering will not be too long into the future. I definitely will be needing more books to read and more people to meet in GD!

momom - we now have it in writing and will hold you to it!

jewels - i 2nd that motion!

Here's are a few of jewels' pictures.

That last batch of photos is great! :D

just look at all those books! I'm amazed that the table didn't collapse =)

Wow! The final photo of the table outside in post #287 is a different angle of the same moment in a photo in an earlier post.

I don't think I've seen something quite like that before...

COOL!

yeah...it was hard to determine where to look. At groo or doogie. lol

Thanks Clam. I appreciate your help!

Thanks for the pictures--on top of everything else, it looks as though the weather was great for the day. I love that everyone is smiling--it must have been wonderful.

Absolutely, definitely, I must make the next one. I suggested an upstate NY location (perfect for autumn colors!) but Mr. Groo has a suggestion for something a little further in the future . . .

You interest me strangely, Mr. Groo!

Awesome pictures!! I almost feel like I was there too :-) Wow what a great bunch of books you all got. I know when I look at the ones I bought in Seattle they make me smile with the thoughts of the get-together. I love the story Groo, such fun.

Doogie, lucky you finding The Endurance, that's one I've been wanting for a long time too!

Wow, it looks like you all had a wonderful time & hauled home a bounty of bookish booty. And now a lot of us can match up more names & faces. I'm getting a regular rogues gallery i can consult while reading your posts online. 8^)

Wow, it looks like you all had a wonderful time & hauled home a bounty of bookish booty. And now a lot of us can match up more names & faces. I'm getting a regular rogues gallery i can consult while reading your posts online. 8^)

Awesome!
Those bookpiles...

(and by searching for "gdmeetup2008" on Flickr you can now see images from around the world! Thanks Irisheyz for tagging your pics!)

Awesome!

I'm so sad I had to miss this! Promise you'll have another one next summer? Pretty please??? :D

Alanna...oooohh...an annual meetup. I like that idea. =)

I was inspired by the folks going to Dragon Con in Atlanta to suggest that might be a great place for a Green Dragon Gathering next year. Since Janny Wurts and Brandon Sanderson sometimes attend, as well as other great authors, it would be a great full weekend getaway.

JPB suggested, and I definitely agree wholeheartedly, that we should still continue the Regional Gatherings, of course keeping all gatherings open to all.

Groo! That would be a great place for those who could make it! Of course, it would be wonderful to stay in the official DragonCon hotels, but there are other nice places around that don't cost quite as much.

It's wonderful to meet the people we speak with here so often. Even though we all feel like we know each other, really seeing each other and spending time together is very special. It's like seeing a friend that you've been away from for a long time.

I don't know about everyone else, but I keep going back to the pictures. I love seeing everyone! Thanks for sharing!

Even though we all feel like we know each other, really seeing each other and spending time together is very special. It's like seeing a friend that you've been away from for a long time. That's exactly how I felt when I met everyone at the PNW meet-up GeorgiaDawn. It was such a wonderful time and we included so many absent GDers in our conversations too - with affection I hasten to assure!

I'm already looking forward to next summer :-) I just wish Georgia weren't so far away or DragonCon quite so expensive - it sounds like it would be a blast.

Great photos! So good to see Jewels, Clam and Groo again . I miss you guys.

Just color me green. I am so glad that all of you had a great time and thanks for sharing your pictures. I only have one thing to add....I WANT TO GO TO BOOK BARN. *sobs*

Cal - if you ever come to New England...I am sure that someone from here would be more than happy to take you there. =)

By the way our latest issue of Connecticut Magazine rated The Book Barn the "Best Used Book Store" in the state.

A bibliophile's bliss awaits at The Book Barn. No ordinary bookstore, this reader's and collector's haven maintains over 350,000 volumes of gently used books, on almost any subject you can imagine. Books stacked from floor to ceiling are kept between two sites-The Main Barn and The Book Barn Downtown. Give yourself plenty of time to browse through the collection, which isn't computerized. And if you're looking for a particular title, just ask one of the helpful staff. Call ahead for information about the shop's book-buying system.

They should have added:

The Book Barn's friendy and helpful cats are always available, as is the basketball-obsessed dog...

Oh, that dog was simply amazing! It isn't a very big dog, so the basketball is much larger than its entire head. Realizing the utter futility in trying to bite the ball and carry it around, it has figured out how to push the ball with its snout while it's running at top speed!

It would create havoc with the US Soccer Team; there's no way they could ever keep up with this dog.

I wish I had had the foresight to take a picture (or even a small movie) of this dog (well, maybe next time).

Oh, and also one of the "helpful staff" was a young mother with her infant strapped to her back. I overheard one her coworkers come up behind her and ask if he should stamp the prices on the contents of her bookbag (kinda funny, isn't it?).

Douglas

"In the end, only kindness matters."

Yeah, that dog was a blast to watch.

Hey groo and doogie, how many more books did you guys find at the other location?

Thanks for the pix, everybody. You noticed what I noticed in Seattle - the total absence of any "awkward moments" trying to converse with a stranger. We already knew each other, we just hadn't met yet.

The only other book I found at the Book Barn Downtown was Groucho, Harpo, Chico and sometimes Zeppo by Joe Adamson.

It's nice to see your dragon there too Groo!

Heee heeeee, had to represent! Word! Paragraph!

It looks like a fantastic day - and I am so jealous of all the lovely books!!!!!!!
Really lovely to see the photos of you all.

Huge book haul! Book Barn looks like it's an awesome place. It's great to see pictures and that you all had a good time.

HOPE WE CAN FOLLOW YOUR EXAMPLE!!

I'm sure you will, Esta! I hope someone will help you with your book pile. :o)

Wonderful photos. It's neat to be able to place a face with a moniker. Everyone looks so happy. And I envy you the Book Barn. It sounds and looks amazing! One of the best things about hearing of these meet ups is also finding out there are still so many awesome used book stores out there.

I too would love to go to a giant meet up at DragonCon, but I think that will have to stay a dream for now.