And, it turns out, Seattle won't happen for the DH and I, so we'll be in the Bay, too.

Seattle won't happen for the DH and I

DAMN! But you'll come to one of the Bay Area events, right? I sent out an email yesterday.

You bet, Deb -- I saved the email. We both keep trying to justify the trip to Seattle, but the checkbook is flashing red warning lights because of an expense we didn't anticipate which could set us back a few thousand dollars.

Feh, Sparky. I am sorry to hear that, though that means I will have to make it to the Bay Area that much sooner.

Hey there, I'm checking in to see where we are at with Hotel information for New Orleans? Do we need to call places? Are we waiting to hear back from more hotels? Is there anything that folks can do to pitch in and get information?

We have a database of information that I don't know how to distribute effectively. I've been slacking on adding info, mostly due to some technical problems that are now resolved, so I am in th emidst of follwing up with hotels right now. The hotels have all been very responsive throughout this process, so I expect to have more information shortly.

Ooh, ooh, Billytea, pick me, pick me.

Oh wait, you haven't pimped the chance to house you yet.

nebber mind.

Halloween in Seattle people: I was wondering if we want to rent a car. If we all chip in, it won't be that much per person, and it will save Plei and Paul from having to cart people everywhere.

Lee, we have one rented already - it's a compact, though, so it won't hold everyone, and I know Nic's going to want to see some of the City (he knows it better than I do, but hasn't been in a good fifteen years).

Request for Bay Area Turkey Eaters

Billytea - not to mention my lovely daughter - are at Chez Grabien for Thanksgiving! I know everyone pretty much has their T'day stuff already set, but if you haven't, and want to dine in a nice relaxed place with amazing food, let me know, so I can plan. Also, if you'd like to come by afterward for dessert and coffee and champagne and billytea and meeting my daughter and things, let me know that too. Profile email works.

Oh wait, you haven't pimped the chance to house you yet.

Very true. But all that's about to change! As mentioned in Beep Me, and for that matter Bitches, I will shortly depart the hemisphere. I will dawdle on the West Coast between leaving Philadelphia and arriving in Australia; from previous discussions, my draft schedule is as follows:

Nov 22: Fly into Seattle.
Nov 24: Fly to San Fran.
Nov 26-27: Drive to L.A. Monterey will be visited on the way.
Nov 29: Fly, drive or train down to San Diego.
Dec 3: Return to L.A. airport (or possibly SF), hop flight to Sydney.

At the moment, I expect to spend that time homeless, starving and destitute. Won't somebody think of the children? Or people who used to be children, of which I happen to be one. If anyone is of a mood to offer accommodation, transport, meals or plans, I would be much obliged. Now is the time to speak! Welcome me into your homes! Extol the virtues of your local cuisine! Pimp your ride!

t sits back and waits for response

t not a sausage

But all that's about to change!

Oh, oh, pick me, pick me! I may be in SF for T'day, if I am not hiding, but either way, you are welcome to come stay with me while you are in LA.

I may be in SF for T'day, if I am not hiding

Hide here! Hide here!

There will be turkey so tender it damned near melts. There will be roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a killer gravy. There will be mushroom pie and amazing desserts. There will be 'dre's incredible cranberry sauce (also that jellied stuff, for those who prefer). There will be bird stuffing and pan stuffing. There will be homebaked bread.