Save the Date!

Okay.  I never heard nay from the person who might have been wanting to plan this, so I am going to take the bull by the horns (right Angela?) and start the planning.  I appreciate the support from y'all yesterday about this.. and if anyone *really* rather do this than me, then tell me and I will step off.

In any case, save the date for Saturday, October 4th.  Time will be determined later, but the zoo is open from 9-5 that day.  African exhibit is recommended to be viewed in the early afternoon to see all animals.

I looked into renting one of the park's picnic areas.  However, you *must* use their catering company in order to rent those locations and I cannot see a company being able to meet our very specific (and varied) dietary requirements.  In fact, the nice lady on the phone was quite shocked to hear that I still cannot handle most veggies and fruits 4 years out (can we say foamies?  Yes, Angela, I know what you are going to say).

Ticket prices will depend on the amount of humans going.  But I'm going to set the price at the highest amount and any left over will go to Barb to help pay for the meetup group.  You *did* realize she has to pay to have a group on meetup.com, right?  And it's not cheap.  Consider it a donation.  If you want to give more, GO FOR IT.

In any case, price of tickets will be as follows (and this includes the group discount):
Adults:  $10
Children 2-12: $6
Seniors 62+: $8

I will require prepayment, and will take checks, money orders, cash in person, and paypal.  Not yet, though.  These tickets *must* be purchased in advance in order to get the discount, and after I hit my deadline, I will not be able to get cheaper rates.  If you want to join us post deadline, you will have to purchase your tickets from the ticket office as you arrive.  Not my rule -- the zoo's.

So now that the nittygritty date has been selected.. what do people want to do?  A clothing exchange perhaps?  Protein sampling?  A BYO Lunch or a potluck sorta deal (with recipes, of course)?  Let me know.. I rule with an iron fist, but I do listen occasionally.  Give me suggestions and feedback to help me figure out a gameplan.

And for all the offers of volunteers.. thanks.  I'll get back with y'all when I know what the hell *I'M* doing.

Andrea,  Thanks so much for coordinating this for everyone.    Just marked our calendar. 

Since this is my first meet-up, I will leave it up to you pros to decide on the details.    We'd be glad to either eat at one of the cafes (I noticed that they are veggie-friendly!) or brink potluck.  Just tell us when and where to be and with what. 

Since we're still unsure about how things stand regarding my surgery, we will most likely pay at the gate that day.  However, I'll be glad to make a contribution toward the meetup.com expense. 

Thanks again, Andrea!  We are really excited here at our house...hubby and kids included! 

Its on my calendar and I am looking forward to it. I will be two weeks out from surgery so I think I will be fine and will bring at least one family member with me just in case.

Any of your ideas sound good to me. Since its a family welcome to come along kind of thing a pot luck could be a way to go. I will not be able to eat anything yet so for me it will be easy. I will just bring my protein shake. Maybe having a chance to try some different ones would be nice. I can't buy them all at once ya know.

That sounds great! I have no idea how many will be comming with me... I knowat least 1 maybe more may be going. I don't mind pays gate rates if it is a lot of trouble getting everyone to gether on it. Thanks for taking charge of this. I think it will be a great day.
Myrtis

(((Andrea))),

Thanks so much for stepping up to the plate to do this. If you want to do it through the meetup site for the scheduling, RSVPs and Payment, just let me know and I'll put you on meetup as an asst org...

Barb

That might be helpful down the road.  I just know you have so much on your plate already and didn't want to add to the burden.

No burden at all ... I'd just make you an Assistant Organizer and that would give you the permissions to use the tool. You'd do the work and just leverage the meetup site. If you want to do that, just let me know.

Hugs,

Barb

Sounds good to me.

Done!

I am so excited and know my husband and I will probably be there.   I have a very supportive sis in law and family who may want to come also.   Isn't potluck going to be difficult with all of us coming from different areas around the state?  Just a thought!  Whatever you decide we can work with.

Thanks for taking the bull by the horns!

Pam