Back from Richmond event!

Good grief that week-end flew by! I was so sad to have to leave without a goodbye hug--what kind of rush was that? Actually I figured you and Paul planned the seating arrangements thing:wink:. It was fun to get to meet lots of different people. 3-4 years?! No way! I think a trip down my neck of the woods would be awesome--you should plan on it. The only bad part would be that Paul would likely not make it--but I am sure we can find some way to keep occupied. Re--the sitting on men's lap thing--who are you kidding? No drinks required for you to be sitting on someone's lap. Too funny--I actually almost commented on that when I was posting the pics. There was even one I took out cause it wasn't very flattering. Gotta run--just spent the entire night in the ER with my son. Long story I'll explain later.

Hey, I noticed the Lap thing, too! What Lei forgot to mention was that NONE of the laps were MINE!!! (At least none that anyone got a picture of!) Oh, and to say that I would not be able to make a trip down your way is not strictly speaking true...Jacksonville is becoming a hot spot for submarines these days, and I easily see us making a trip or two sometime this spring/summer. You're not that far down the road! Again, it was great to finally meet you and I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon...ya gonna teach Lei and I to play Golf? Have a great week! -Paul

Paul: Here's an idea that will be a hit with the WLS crowd plus it might make the some cash the USN: take out one of the boats as a cruiseship. I don't know if you're on an Ohio-Class boat or or one of the A-Series, but what a thrill it would be. The weather is always great when your down 400 fathoms, eh? Nowhere Man/PH/Jay

I don't know about the "thrill" part. I once had the great honor of being offered a quick tour of Paul's sub. Problem was, I discovered that, sadly, every time I moved towards the hatch, my throat closed up. Never knew I was claustrophobic, but I had the choice of descending the hatch or breathing, so I chose breathing. I took a long walk of shame down the pier, with all the sailors looking at me with pity. Sometimes it just don't pay to be sober. Carole

Poor Carole.. I remember the event well, and if I'd known getting you sloshed first would have got you to climb down into the sub with us, I'd have offered you a drink LMAO! Wendy

Hiya Jay! (Better late than never on my reply, eh?) Funny you should mention the Cruise Ship - Submarine connection...Lei met us in Florida last spring and spent the day with me on my underwater office...deepest we went was 600 feet tho (Im on a Los Angeles class boat, BTW...I'd do an Ohio if ya held a gun to my head!). And you're right about the weather...until a hurricane blows up...you'd be surprised how much surge those things generate down to about 500 feet. Believe it or not, you can even feel earthquakes too. THAT'S pretty eerie! But I digress. Now you know that there IS a precedent for the cruise ship thing, so I'll see what I can do to turn this into a real money-maker! Have a great week! -Paul

Hey Paul--my husband is also married to a butterfly who tends to fly around and socialize with people whenever we are out. Good thing you guys are confident in yourselves. Something tells me you and Lei managed to get some lap sitting in somewhere along the line though. I, on the other hand, can not relax while sitting in someones lap--I keep thinking I will hurt them--old habits die hard. I sincerely hope I get to see you when you are in Florida. Glad to know our coast is safe down here with you guys aff shore. Hopefully it will work out and we can meet up. Hey--maybe we could get together in Orlando. If I remember correctly Lei did say something about you guys liking rides. If you could see my ugly golf swing you really wouldn't be asking me for any golf lessons. Hope you have a great week too.

Wow - sounds like LOTS of fun!!!

Lynda....wow wow wow...you look great and thanks for posting all these pics of people I have known for a long time...everyone has made such transformations! I am lucky and get to see Tony next weekend. He will be out here. He is one cool dude!!! I would almost consider coming back to one of the events if I could meet all you guys....it would be such and blast and so worth it to finally make that physical connection with all of you...some of the most kind of supportive people I have ever met!!! OH yeah and party!!!!! but on one condition...we can get the JoAnnster to come!!! Hugs and

Janine--I didn't realize Tony was coming back out there next weekend. He is really a great guy! Talk about inspirational B&A pics! Have a great time. Give him my best! Oh and I definitely think a trip out east is in order for you. The JoAnnster would definitely have to come--even if we have to drag her forcefully. Did you happen to notice the OH schedule for next year? To be honest this event was better than any of the OH events I've been to--but it really is the people who make the event.