SOIREE... YEEEEAAAAHHHH!!!

I had a wonderful time and I'm dying to get the recipe for the Spread served with crackers and/or celery that Wendy brought!!! It was good to see everyone. Barbara  - as beautiful and elegant as the last time I saw her. Suzzane just full of smiles!  Annie just lovely and giggly! Everyone was! Beautiful, nice, welcoming!!!!! I tend to get really uncomfortable around lots of people but everyone there was so wonderful I didn't get uncomfortable once.  Laura thank you for the spot to have the party! Keep up the ***** I am sorry I didn't get to try Barbara's pumpkin cheesecake Mouse (sp?), but I told my husband later, I think that was the first get together in my entire life where I didn't try to go after the sweets first.  And honestly forgot about it.  I'll post my grilled meatball recipe for anyone who wants it.  I think Wendy had a fantastic idea - to serve with some marinara for dipping next time! That sounds good.

Ahhh Cagair, You are talking about feelings I have had also in large groups. I am so happy to read you were comfortable it feels so good to feel like you just fit in with everyone. I liked the meatballs they were great and thanks for posting the recipe. I will look for the bathing suit this afternoon I think I may still have it but it is a bit worn. You may also check out a site called www.junonia.com I used to get lots of my bathing suits from them.                                                   Annie You are expected to join us each month now I would miss seeing you if you did not come.

I second, third and fourth all the above! It was SO great to see everybody and I agree, we all look so much more awesome in person than our avatars... (wink-wink). I know it was a bit of a trip for you coastal gals, so thanks for making the trek!   For you gals east of here, as I've said before, I welcome you to come meet in Zebulon at my house to ride up to Raleighwood together.  My house is about 2-3 miles off 64 and about 4ish off 264 (on Hwy 39).  With enough notice, I can get daddy's van so we can all pile in (the advance notice is so I can get the thing cleaned out).  LOL  I'd be happy to have a gathering in my home any time too. I'll post my recipe and post any ideas for guests/speakers when I have them.

Thanks Laura too, for the meeting place.  That's just perfect.   And Juliana... I'll be thinking about you (and your mama) Tuesday too.  Don't forget to come post and keep us updated!!

Laura -

First I want to thank you for making the venue available!!! It's so easy to get to, parking is easy and close, the bathrooms are easily accessible, and it's private! What more could we possibly want?! Thanks again!

Paula, Laura, Annie and I met before the meeting to discuss upcoming support groups. We are really looking forward to making this work for all of us and I look forward to input and suggestions about what we can do to entice you to join us! We'll be putting together a survey soon to get your input so, please look for it and do give us your suggestions!

I think Jennifer Huntley's suggestion that we try doing some "field trips" so that we can get together with those farther away might have some real merrit ... Jennifer, let's talk!

It was absolutely delightful to see everyone! Nancy and Suzanne TREKKED up to see us. I feel honored and blessed to have been able to see them. They both look great and Nancy is right; the avatars just don't do folk justice. Suzanne and Nancy, you both need new avatars! You are both sooo much smaller!

I have to agree with Jennifer (Cagair) when she said how warm, welcoming and comfortable the gathering was. It felt like we'd all known one another for a long time. Please thank Sean again for coming ... and for re-arranging the tables :-).

It was so very nice to welcome Juliana who will be having her surgery at Duke on Tuesday. What an effervescent personality! I'm looking forward to getting to know her better as she continues her journey.

Deb (Deb-M) you look FABULOUS!!! It was great to actually meet you in person! I know that Sanford is a drive, but I hope that you'll be able to make it up for future meetings. I feel a kindred spirit.

Wendy is obviously the defacto chef extraordinare!!! Wow! What a presentation and the food was spectacular! I think she may have a new calling ... putting together a WLS friendly cookbook!

Kelly ... woman! Do you look great! No turkey waddle there! I know you said you have another 40 lbs to lose, but I can't find that much. I look forward to a movie night in the near future!

Annie ... bubbly and sweet as always ... sharing, giving ... our group would not be the same without you. I'm so glad that you are among us.

Lisa, I'm soooo delighted that you were also able to trek all the way up from Fayetteville. I was afraid that you might not make it and I have to say your presence just made my day!

I'm looking forward to seeing you all in the new year.

All the best,

Barb

I am all up for helping to plan an "All NC" meet up!  I would love to spend some time with you guys and maybe even have a big ole clothing swap or something!  We could certainly plan it for after the Christmas holidays!!  

Laura, I just wanted to say thank you for all the effort you put into making yesterday the great success that it was!  It was WONDERFUL to meet new folks and some not so new!  Then there were folks like Barbara who feel like old friends but whom I had never met face to face.  That was such a treat! Loved the "dirty Santa" gift exchange and the food was marvelous!  Thank you to all who contributed!

I'm glad you all had a great time. Definitely post the details about the January meeting and I'll do my best to get there!!! :)