Lets get the meeting stuff on one thread...

I think Orlando is great as well as the date. I agree about having it away from Disney. Any ideas since you may know the area. Something not real costly. It may be too hot for a picnic in a park but that is another thought.

I'm real flexible .. just let me know when and where.

someone suggested Altamonte Springs... i did a search and this is what ive come up with http://www.flausa.com/destinations/location.php/location=ci-als for the ladies: http://www.flausa.com/destinations/moreinfo.php/location=ci-als/ZID23=1482/ListingFormat=shop Food: http://www.flausa.com/destinations/dining.php/location=ci-als Hotels: http://www.hotels.com/process_search.jsp?paging=1&searchID=AC102637-4D5F-8B9F-C692-AF7462A90DBF&inout=&destination=usertyped&usertypedcity=altamonte+springs%2C+fl&myrecentsearchdestination=&userdropdownselection=b8876909-7930-48dd-83eb-d6274d0e3fc1%7Cnull%7CAlmunecar+SPAIN%7C2&CIMonth=6&CIDay=12&CIYear=2004&COMonth=6&CODay=13&COYear=2004&numrooms=1&numadults=2&numchildren=0 hope this helps Lexa

OK, guys, I honestly have racked my brain today as well as searched online and I can only find a couple places in O-town that I know of. Unfortunately, the park I really thought would be nice wants $60 dep for a pavillion and they cant guarantee parking for everyone because of the time of year, so I think that one is a pass. If anyone in the Orlando area can think of a park, please share it with the group. But I wanted to suggest another option, I just got off the phone with one of my dearest friends, Helen who is also trying to get approved for the surgery and she said, "Why dont you have it at my house?" Here is the skinny on the whereabouts: Groveland, Fl (approx 1 hr from Tampa and Ocala, 45 min from Orlando, 3 hr from Miami) Very convenient to the Turnpike, Hwy 50, 408 and I-4 (via US 27) Nice house in the country with 10 acres Big back wrap-around patio area with lots of room and several ceiling fans plenty of parking room A clean bathroom Access to a kitchen and fridge Play area for kids Let me know if you all would be comfortable with doing it at someone's home or not. Helen is a great hostess and the parties we've had there before were always so nice because of the back patio area. If everyone brings a lounge chair and dish to share, I think we could be in business. Let me know your thoughts. Amy

I think I counted about 10 of us now that would like to meet. We need to decicde on a place. I believe it was Amy that has a friend that offered the use of her back yard. This sounds wonderful, very open. Then on the thread 'Let's get the show on the road ' Kat* suggested a park in Orlando call Blanchard Park. It is a nice park I've been there once. Let's think and come up with an idea or vote on these two??? Gail

I think Blanchard Park is a great suggestion. I know it is a very nice park and would be convenient with the 408 (east-west expwy) so close for those traveling. Helen and I would not be upset at all if we decide to go there versus her house. In fact, it would be less work for her because I know she would clean and garden, but as Gail suggested let's vote and come up with a definite choice on location, date and time. I set my surgery date later today (woo hoo) so hopefully it wont be too close to the gathering. I want to make sure I have all my beauty sleep before I meet you all LOL. Amy

My Oh My!! We are up to thirteen people that want to get together. Marcy Northrup *** Gail Ebdrup*** Johanna Lopez *** Marla Sloan *** Shelly F. *** Saphire Storm (angie) *** Jennifer Johnson *** Kat* Linda Suarez *** Alexa Griffith *** Helen *** Amy Bartell *** Beth B. THAT IS GREAT! I vote for the park. All of us bring a place to sit, and how about a pot luck lunch? (I think sitting in the chair would be better) If we have beach umbrellas bring them to help with shade. So far 4 votes for the Park.

hey, oops, lol i saw scrollong down and got the other thread first, sorry, but i am here. angie

The park is fine for me too

My husband lives in the Alt. Springs area (I'm stuck in Jax, FL) but anyway. There is a place just off 436/434 Called Eastmont Rec. Center that has picnic tables (covered pavilions) and it's free. Its a nice park, has baseball/football park there too. My daughters use to do cheerleading there. It's free, shadded and very easy to get to. From 436/17-92 travel "W" I belive it's the 3rd light from 17-92/436 intersection. Turn "L" and the park is just down the road on the "R". I would love to meet with all of you. Just please let me know time/date and I will plan my trip home to see my husband for that weekend. I have been to Blanchard park as well, that is a nice place too. Thanks, Marilyn