Does this mean we might actually meet you? I know I supposedly saw you that one time for 30 seconds outside the Thirsty Scholar, but I'm beginning to think I imagined it.

Yes, sir. I've warned everyone who might try to get in my way.

[You only think you imagined meeting me, because the entirely fictional victor-thessaly-ferret contingent (c'mon ferret-having bi-coastal poets, who shop local, at least one of whom has libertarian leanings--pfffft--like they exist) have been spreading that rumor for yonks.]

Heh- I only sent 3 emails. Not quite a bazillion. Here's the one with the ideas:

If we wanted to go out, I know there are several kosher options in Brookline/Brighton area, which has a considerable orthodox population. Below is a link to a specific deli, and to a couple general lists (which Nilly might want to check out just FYI) and I know there is at least one (and maybe 2) kosher Chinese places on Harvard Ave in Brookline that might be fun to go to.

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I am thinking that maybe it might be best to have a gathering, maybe at Jon's or our place, on Monday night, because I think that would be more low key and less stressful after a flight, and you never know how that's going to go. Tuesday night, we could maybe go out to dinner or something? Or have another low-key gathering, perhaps with Firefly DVDs.

cereal: I think we should definitely, definitely, definitely have a gathering at someone's house on Monday night. Too many variables to plan something out and about. I was thinking Tuesday as the more up in the air evening.

Nilly's sleeping at your place, right Nora? Maybe your place Monday, for her sake (so that she can settle, etc.)?

And by gathering (Monday), I don't mean "cooking dinner." I mean, party snacks (sweet and savory) and party beverages (alcoholic and non) and talking.

OK. Shutting up now.

Having at my place is fine and dandy. then she can just crash whenever she needs to...

I remember a smudge of short dark hair and a body taller than Allyson. Sheesh, it could have been anybody! It could have been Victor wearing falsies. We definitely need to prove Cindy exists. Like, we have more (more recent) proof of our own Mr. Buddha than we do of Cindy.

I think talking it out in-thread will probably work better, because of the "wait for someone to decide to be bossy" element of email communications. So. 23rd, Shalom Hunan or similar, and thence to Coolidge Corner? It will probably require a cavalcade of cars, to avoid 1-hour T rides home, but that all can be arranged.

Also, Coolidge Corner is far enough out of the regular tourist way that it will not spoil the following day's tourism for VW/Jen/DX leading Nilly about Boston. Also also, Newbury Comics, shoe stores, the Booksmith, and general coolery.

Are you taking Nilly to Faneuil Hall and the waterfront? Touristy, but still fun. Mt. Auburn cemetery? And a museum or two? And Harvard, 'cause pretty? Beantown's got plenty of way wicked cool stuff to see.

Nilly's coming to America to see us, and the locations are just icing. She wants to go for walks with people, and talk to everyone, spend time with everyone.

No worries on having some big plans. Each city has its own personality, architecture, that's all around all the time. One of the way cool things about today is that driving back to my apartment, we can see the Hollywood sign, and I'm looking forward to pointing it out to her.

I was talking to her about cleaning my place up for all the visitors coming, and her. She said, "I'm coming to spend time with you, not your floors!"

So then I figured the most important thing was that I took a shower, but then I mopped the floors, anyway.

Taking a walk on the pier in Santa Monica is good because it's spending time with Nilly in a very cool place where she can see the Pacific ocean.

Willing to bet that most of the pics Nilly takes will be of people, not places, you know?

I am getting plastic/paper ware for Nilly's visit and taking her to the supermarket. She has assured me that this is fine. That is the extent of my kosher preparation.

This is about the extent of my preparation as well, though I did buy a few kosher snacks this weekend. It seems to be what Nilly wants.

Would the Laistas be interested in hanging out at my apartment before or after dinner, or both, on Monday? I would be happy to have that happen as well.