Boston/New England Klatch - New/Final Thread!

[aggie94]

This is the most updated list I have of attendees:

knunes (Katie)/afternoon definitely...need to be in Somerville by about 6:45
aggie94 (Eva) and DH (Che)
Lisas3575 (Lisa) and DS (Owen)
SandyM (Sandy)
phantomcg (Cheryl)
KathrynY (Kathryn), DH (Brian), and DS (Henry)
Lauren
CindyWeightwatcher (Cindy)
Mimeea (Megan)
Mamasue (Sue)
HRJ (Helene)/afternoon only, no dinner
Gracie (Loren)/afternoon for sure, not sure how late I can stay
eas11 (Ellyn)
slknight (Susan)/afternoon definitely, not sure how late I can stay
beckms (Rebecca)/probably dinner only
sarah2397 (Sarah)/think I can make it for the afternoon part
ccooney (Connie) and DBF (Josh)/afternoon & dinner only. no overnight.
memartha (Martha)/I'm available for the fun parts
seathyme (Stephanie)/afternoon only, no dinner
syzygy (Leslie)/afternoon, not sure how late I can stay
frygirl (Susan)
HejazSunKat (Linda)
Chefzhat (Debie)
TheresaM (Theresa)/afternoon definitely...need to be in Somerville by about 6:45
donnamp14 (Donna)/tentative
Peweh (Christine)/tentative

Remember: the klatch is this Saturday, March 3, at 1:30 p.m. The address is:

Marriott Custom House
3 McKinley Square
Boston, MA 02109

It's the Aquarium (not Aquamarine!) stop on the Blue Line.

If you are no longer able to make it, or if you didn't already add your name to the list and want to come, please cut/paste and edit the list to add/delete your name.

Yankee Swap: As previously proposed by Mamasue (and it is optional - please don't feel like you have to participate if you don't want to!), please bring something (approximate value $15) cooking or food related. It should be wrapped. I think we will try to do the Swap mid-afternoon, after everyone has had a chance to arrive and before folks needing to leave before dinner have to head out. Maybe between 3 and 4:00?

Again, as a reminder, I will be sending out a PM on Friday afternoon/evening with my room number and cell phone, so if you will not be reading or accessing PMs after that time, please PM me now so I can give you my cell number (or you can give me yours) so that I can make sure to get you the info in another way.

Can't wait to see/meet you all!! :D

[Canice]

I wanna know what's going on in Somerville at about 6:45. ;)

Have fun, and post lots of incriminating photos!

[KathrynY]

Updating to remove DH, but Henry and I are still coming. Really looking forward to it!! :D

knunes (Katie)/afternoon definitely...need to be in Somerville by about 6:45
aggie94 (Eva) and DH (Che)
Lisas3575 (Lisa) and DS (Owen)
SandyM (Sandy)
phantomcg (Cheryl)
KathrynY (Kathryn) and DS (Henry)
Lauren
CindyWeightwatcher (Cindy)
Mimeea (Megan)
Mamasue (Sue)
HRJ (Helene)/afternoon only, no dinner
Gracie (Loren)/afternoon for sure, not sure how late I can stay
eas11 (Ellyn)
slknight (Susan)/afternoon definitely, not sure how late I can stay
beckms (Rebecca)/probably dinner only
sarah2397 (Sarah)/think I can make it for the afternoon part
ccooney (Connie) and DBF (Josh)/afternoon & dinner only. no overnight.
memartha (Martha)/I'm available for the fun parts
seathyme (Stephanie)/afternoon only, no dinner
syzygy (Leslie)/afternoon, not sure how late I can stay
frygirl (Susan)
HejazSunKat (Linda)
Chefzhat (Debie)
TheresaM (Theresa)/afternoon definitely...need to be in Somerville by about 6:45
donnamp14 (Donna)/tentative
Peweh (Christine)/tentative

[eas11]

I wanna know what's going on in Somerville at about 6:45. ;)



Eddie From Ohio (http://www.efohio.com/)concert at Somerville Theater.
Bob and I are regreting not going this time. He's going to check tomorrow to see what's left for tix.

See you all Sat afternoon! Have a safe trip in, everyone.

[aggie94]

I wanna know what's going on in Somerville at about 6:45. ;)

Have fun, and post lots of incriminating photos!

Don't you know that the rule is that you're not allowed to post to this thread unless you are coming?? So what time can we expect you? ;) :p

[SandyM]

Don't you know that the rule is that you're not allowed to post to this thread unless you are coming?? So what time can we expect you? ;) :p

*snort*

Thanks for updating the list, Eva. Very excited to see/meet everyone! :)

[Gracie]

I think we will try to do the Swap mid-afternoon, after everyone has had a chance to arrive and before folks needing to leave before dinner have to head out. Maybe between 3 and 4:00?

Sounds perfect. I will need to leave around 6 pm to get the train and be able to pick up Erin after work.

A bunch of us are bringing finger food and/or beverages (including me!). Does anyone want to volunteer to bring the paper products/cups or Eva do you think we could get them from the hotel?

I'm really looking forward to this!

Loren

[SandyM]

Does anyone want to volunteer to bring the paper products/cups or Eva do you think we could get them from the hotel?

I'll bring plates and napkins (I don't want cups to get crushed in my bag).

:)

[aggie94]

I've gotten a couple of inquiries from people asking what they should bring, what others are bringing, etc. I didn't want this to be super formal or anything, but I'm starting to think it might be a good idea to get a general idea what people are bringing, so that we don't end up with tons of beverages and no cups, or 18 loaves of artisan bread and nothing to eat it with. :p

Please update/edit the list below with what you plan to bring, if anything (and again, not everyone has to bring stuff - I'm sure we will have plenty!). And by writing it down, you are not committed -- of course we know plans change, so you might change your mind about what you want to bring (or have time to pick up/make), whether you can bring anything at all, or whether you can even make it, so that's no big deal. This is just to get a general sense.

Okay, I'll start, and add the folks who I recall mentioning things they planned to bring (although please feel free to edit/update at any time):

aggie94 (Eva) - anything yummy that I find out and about town on Fri/Sat (i.e. bread/crackers, cheese, dipping oils/vinegars)
Chefzhat (Debie) - ditto
memartha (Martha) - nametags
SandyM (Sandy) - plates and napkins

[slknight]

I don't care for shrimp, but it's Maine shrimp season, so the native ones are running 99 cents a pound here. Is anyone interested? I can pick them up, but you'd have to tell me how to prepare them because I'm clueless.

[Canice]

Yes, please! I love shrimp!

Oh. Right. I'm not going. And my trip to DC was cancelled. :(

[sarah2397]

aggie94 (Eva) - anything yummy that I find out and about town on Fri/Sat (i.e. bread/crackers, cheese, dipping oils/vinegars)
Chefzhat (Debie) - ditto
memartha (Martha) - nametags
SandyM (Sandy) - plates and napkins
Sarah2397 (Sarah) - dip or other savory snack & bottle of wine

[Chefzhat]

I'm going to be bringing along some Koeze's Nuts.

[lisas3575]

Canice, if you have nothing better to do tomorrow, you can come hang out with Owen and I at SFO from 9-2.

Is anyone wanting my reserved room at the Custom House? Since Kathryn's DH can't make it, Owen and I are going to share her room. Thought I'd check here before I just up and cancel this hard-to-get room today.

I'll be bringing the annoying child who will get into said oils, nuts, and shrimp. :rolleyes: Sorry.

[lisas3575]

Oh, Susan-- just my $.02, but I don't think you should hassle with cooking shrimp and keeping it cold all the way from your place until the klatch. I love shrimp, too... :(

[greta]

lisa, i'd love to be a fly on your room's wall!! :)

eva, i'm breaking your "only people attending can post" rule. sorry. :p

canice, you crack me up! just so you know, i'm going to dc for you...that's why i won't be in attendance. :mad: i AM going to dc for a good reason--one of my husband's best friends is having a wedding reception. but, can't my fun things be on SEPARATE weekends?!?!?

i'm sorry i won't get to meet/see you all. hopefully another time.

cheers, greta

[Mamasue]

Lisa....Oh, I wish I could cancel my hotel reservations and take yours but theywere booked with no cancelations excepted:p

I will be bringing cheese, crackers and wine.

I also booked Friday night stay at the my hotel so that i can catch up with anyone that is there on Friday. Sandy, Cheryl and Deb.....are you arriving in around 6:45pm. Kathryn are you coming in to town on Friday night too.

Eva....I will send you a pm

only 4 more days.....:D

[slknight]

Ok, I'll skip the shrimp. I don't like the little buggers anyway. Since it looks like we are heavy on the savory things so far, I will bring something chocolate. :D

Lisa, by when do you need to cancel your reservation?

aggie94 (Eva) - anything yummy that I find out and about town on Fri/Sat (i.e. bread/crackers, cheese, dipping oils/vinegars)
Chefzhat (Debie) - nuts
memartha (Martha) - nametags
SandyM (Sandy) - plates and napkins
Sarah2397 (Sarah) - dip or other savory snack & bottle of wine
Mamasue - cheese, crackers, and wine
slknight (Susan) - dessert

[lisas3575]

Lisa, by when do you need to cancel your reservation?


I think 2 days in advance, but I'd prefer to do it by tonight so I don't have to mess with it once I'm already in Boston....

[slknight]

Eva, and anyone else flying in on Friday, keep an eye on the weather. There's a winter storm alert for Thursday night/Friday morning. :( You might want to bring some boots.:p

[Lauren]

I'm looking forward to seeing/meeting everyone!!!

aggie94 (Eva) - anything yummy that I find out and about town on Fri/Sat (i.e. bread/crackers, cheese, dipping oils/vinegars)
Chefzhat (Debie) - nuts
memartha (Martha) - nametags
SandyM (Sandy) - plates and napkins
Sarah2397 (Sarah) - dip or other savory snack & bottle of wine
Mamasue - cheese, crackers, and wine
slknight (Susan) - dessert
Lauren - roll ups (lavash with Boursin, asparagus, roasted peppers and other goodies), wine

[lisas3575]

Susan, thanks for the heads up on the weather. Can anyone tell me how much snow is on the ground currently and how much is expected? I'd rather not pack my ginormous snow boots. :o

[Canice]

Canice, if you have nothing better to do tomorrow, you can come hang out with Owen and I at SFO from 9-2.


Man, that's a long time, especially in Airport Hours.
If I werent' working, I wisk you away for lunch!

[slknight]

Susan, thanks for the heads up on the weather. Can anyone tell me how much snow is on the ground currently and how much is expected? I'd rather not pack my ginormous snow boots. :o

I don't know. :o Boston's about 100 miles from here and the weather can be quite different. We had a lot of snow on Valentine's Day, but they had almost none. But I think they had snow Sunday/yesterday and we didn't. I don't think there's more than a few inches though. Don't pack your ginormous boots. They are really good about keeping things clear. Just make sure you've got some Merrells or something, kwim?

Maybe one of the more local people can chime in.

[aggie94]

Snow boots?? :eek:

Seriously, Susan, you should know your "twin" better. ;) DH does not even own a winter coat, and you can guess how successful I was at finding him one last weekend at the mall in Phoenix, where it is almost March and currently hitting highs in the high 70s/low 80s. We had our A/C on last weekend. :rolleyes: Anyway, I had to rush order him one from J.Crew, and it should be sitting on my front porch at home.

And I realized this weekend that I own NO shoes that cover all of my feet, except for my running shoes and my fancy boots (which I have already been warned not to wear, as the salt would likely ruin the leather). I picked me up some cute Keens this weekend, but they are far from snow boots. Actually, this is them:

http://www.zappos.com/images/720/7209692/4998-260281-p.jpg

I hope they will work, because that's all I got! :o

And Lisa, I think you actually can cancel your Marriott reservation up to one day before check-in.

[applecrisp]

Boston just got a bit over 1 inch a few days ago -- so basically no snow around except the "really small piles" lingering on the side of some streets.

The snow/ice left around is basically from an ice storm we had over a week ago.

Roads absolutely clear -- we have had practically nothing here in Boston this winter.

Friday is going to be a crappy day -- starting Thursday night .... some snow, then turning to all rain Friday afternoon. I haven't heard about how much -- but seems just a big messy rain storm (at least so far that is the word).

Saturday high of 47, rain/snow likely in evening; Sunday high of 41 partly cloudy, chance of rain.

The klatch seems like so much fun.... do you have to be a super, sonic BB poster, the four digit kind to join in on the fun....

[lisas3575]

Anyone is welcome, Applecrisp! :)

Eva, I'm pretty sure they sell shoes in Boston, so if we're undershod ;) we can hit Filene's Basement or something... I just took out my cute Timberland shoes and packed my ugly tennis shoes. :(

ETA: Eva, you're right-- I can cancel anytime before Friday. I still would prefer to have it taken care of before I leave tonight. Susan, let me know if you're interested in the reservation and we can work it out.

[applecrisp]

Lisa,

Just finished watching the news .... the weather people still not commiting to how much but they said snow on Friday AM, then lots and lots of rain. They mentioned roads/sidewalks can be real messy, flooding, slushy. Something to think about when walking around -- but, ah Boston is a great city for shoe shopping.

The mornings will be in low 30's. Chance of rain at night on Sat, Sunday.

[lisas3575]

Lovely. I don't own any Wellies. :-\

[applecrisp]

But it will be a high of 47 on Saturday! :) That is balmy considering we have had some really cold weather. Friday will be rain -- but the rest of the weekend should be pretty good.

The weather report (and the weather) changes so quickly.... still a bit early to get a real good take on the weather.

What's some rain. You will have a great time!!

[CindyWeightWatcher]

Adding:
aggie94 (Eva) - anything yummy that I find out and about town on Fri/Sat (i.e. bread/crackers, cheese, dipping oils/vinegars)
Chefzhat (Debie) - nuts
memartha (Martha) - nametags
SandyM (Sandy) - plates and napkins
Sarah2397 (Sarah) - dip or other savory snack & bottle of wine
Mamasue - cheese, crackers, and wine
slknight (Susan) - dessert
CindyWeightWatcher - Tex Mex Black Bean Dip (from New Complete
Cooking Light) and Chips. Also wine.

Looking forward to it!

[Gracie]

Still having trouble deciding what to make. Eva - do you have access to a microwave or does it have to be cold food?

Loren

[aggie94]

Loren, there is a microwave in the suite.

[eas11]

Loren, there is a microwave in the suite.

In that case, I'll be bringing chicken satay to satisfy any carnivores...

[KathrynY]

aggie94 (Eva) - anything yummy that I find out and about town on Fri/Sat (i.e. bread/crackers, cheese, dipping oils/vinegars)
Chefzhat (Debie) - nuts
memartha (Martha) - nametags
SandyM (Sandy) - plates and napkins
Sarah2397 (Sarah) - dip or other savory snack & bottle of wine
Mamasue - cheese, crackers, and wine
slknight (Susan) - dessert
CindyWeightWatcher - Tex Mex Black Bean Dip (from New Complete
Cooking Light) and Chips. Also wine.
eas11 - chicken satay
KathrynY - cups

[TheresaM]

Lauren's selection got dropped off:

aggie94 (Eva) - anything yummy that I find out and about town on Fri/Sat (i.e. bread/crackers, cheese, dipping oils/vinegars)
Chefzhat (Debie) - nuts
memartha (Martha) - nametags
SandyM (Sandy) - plates and napkins
Sarah2397 (Sarah) - dip or other savory snack & bottle of wine
Mamasue - cheese, crackers, and wine
slknight (Susan) - dessert
Lauren - roll ups (lavash with Boursin, asparagus, roasted peppers and other goodies), wine
CindyWeightWatcher - Tex Mex Black Bean Dip (from New Complete Cooking Light) and Chips. Also wine.
eas11 - chicken satay
KathrynY - cups

[syzygy]

Eva, will you have a coffee maker thingy in your room (that can make hot water)? If so, I'd be happy to bring an assortment of teas and hot cups if anyone is interested. Otherwise I'll plan on something else.

[Lauren]

Leslie - tea sounds good! I'm not Eva, but ususally suites have a coffee maker thingy and we could just run through water.

Thanks Theresa for adding me back on the list!

[ccooney]

aggie94 (Eva) - anything yummy that I find out and about town on Fri/Sat (i.e. bread/crackers, cheese, dipping oils/vinegars)
Chefzhat (Debie) - nuts
memartha (Martha) - nametags
SandyM (Sandy) - plates and napkins
Sarah2397 (Sarah) - dip or other savory snack & bottle of wine
Mamasue - cheese, crackers, and wine
slknight (Susan) - dessert
Lauren - roll ups (lavash with Boursin, asparagus, roasted peppers and other goodies), wine
CindyWeightWatcher - Tex Mex Black Bean Dip (from New Complete Cooking Light) and Chips. Also wine.
eas11 - chicken satay
KathrynY - cups
ccooney (Connie) - hummus & pretzel chips, maybe black eyed-pea dip

[aggie94]

Leslie,

The suite does have a coffee maker, and I'm sure it would work fine for boiling water. Tea is a great idea - thanks!

[Mamasue]

Looks like Boston area may get more rain than snow. Bring your umbrella!:rolleyes:

[aggie94]

ACK! I don't have one of those either!! :eek:

[syzygy]

Tea it is! :D


aggie94 (Eva) - anything yummy that I find out and about town on Fri/Sat (i.e. bread/crackers, cheese, dipping oils/vinegars)
Chefzhat (Debie) - nuts
memartha (Martha) - nametags
SandyM (Sandy) - plates and napkins
Sarah2397 (Sarah) - dip or other savory snack & bottle of wine
Mamasue - cheese, crackers, and wine
slknight (Susan) - dessert
Lauren - roll ups (lavash with Boursin, asparagus, roasted peppers and other goodies), wine
CindyWeightWatcher - Tex Mex Black Bean Dip (from New Complete Cooking Light) and Chips. Also wine.
eas11 - chicken satay
KathrynY - cups
ccooney (Connie) - hummus & pretzel chips, maybe black eyed-pea dip
syzygy (Leslie) - Tea

[KathrynY]

ACK! I don't have one of those either!! :eek:

Eva, don't worry - I have a car full of umbrellas. You are welcome to borrow one, and even keep it if needed. They seem to multiply as they rest. ;)

[Mamasue]

Just bringing to the top! I will see some of you late Friday and others on Saturday. When I arrive in town, need to get some goodies for Saturday. ;) i am all packed and ready to get the train!:D

[Gracie]

OK I've decided - Hot Swiss and Onion Dip with "everything" flavored flatbread crackers.

aggie94 (Eva) - anything yummy that I find out and about town on Fri/Sat (i.e. bread/crackers, cheese, dipping oils/vinegars)
Chefzhat (Debie) - nuts
memartha (Martha) - nametags
SandyM (Sandy) - plates and napkins
Sarah2397 (Sarah) - dip or other savory snack & bottle of wine
Mamasue - cheese, crackers, and wine
slknight (Susan) - dessert
Lauren - roll ups (lavash with Boursin, asparagus, roasted peppers and other goodies), wine
CindyWeightWatcher - Tex Mex Black Bean Dip (from New Complete Cooking Light) and Chips. Also wine.
eas11 - chicken satay
KathrynY - cups
ccooney (Connie) - hummus & pretzel chips, maybe black eyed-pea dip
syzygy (Leslie) - Tea
Gracie (Loren) - hot Swiss and Onion dip with everything flatbread crackers

[ccooney]

I'm revising my original plan. Instead of black-eyed pea dip I will do cookies:

aggie94 (Eva) - anything yummy that I find out and about town on Fri/Sat (i.e. bread/crackers, cheese, dipping oils/vinegars)
Chefzhat (Debie) - nuts
memartha (Martha) - nametags
SandyM (Sandy) - plates and napkins
Sarah2397 (Sarah) - dip or other savory snack & bottle of wine
Mamasue - cheese, crackers, and wine
slknight (Susan) - dessert
Lauren - roll ups (lavash with Boursin, asparagus, roasted peppers and other goodies), wine
CindyWeightWatcher - Tex Mex Black Bean Dip (from New Complete Cooking Light) and Chips. Also wine.
eas11 - chicken satay
KathrynY - cups
ccooney (Connie) - hummus & pretzel chips, CL linzercookies
syzygy (Leslie) - Tea
Gracie (Loren) - hot Swiss and Onion dip with everything flatbread crackers

[aggie94]

If you did NOT get a PM from me with the details for tomorrow (and you are NOT Debie, Sandy, Lisa, Kathryn, Cheryl, or Sue -- I have either already seen you or will see you very soon!), please post here so I can forward you the info.

See you all tomorrow!

[memartha]

Hi. I just saw this thread. The treats sound so great! I have a bottle of wine to add to the list. It looked interesting so I picked it up... Francis Ford Coppola vineyard or something like that. I'll be there in the late afternoon; I'm not planning to swap but can't wait to see what you all get! And I did get Eva's PM so I'm all set on the details.

aggie94 (Eva) - anything yummy that I find out and about town on Fri/Sat (i.e. bread/crackers, cheese, dipping oils/vinegars)
Chefzhat (Debie) - nuts
memartha (Martha) - nametags, pens, wine
SandyM (Sandy) - plates and napkins
Sarah2397 (Sarah) - dip or other savory snack & bottle of wine
Mamasue - cheese, crackers, and wine
slknight (Susan) - dessert
Lauren - roll ups (lavash with Boursin, asparagus, roasted peppers and other goodies), wine
CindyWeightWatcher - Tex Mex Black Bean Dip (from New Complete Cooking Light) and Chips. Also wine.
eas11 - chicken satay
KathrynY - cups
ccooney (Connie) - hummus & pretzel chips, CL linzercookies
syzygy (Leslie) - Tea
Gracie (Loren) - hot Swiss and Onion dip with everything flatbread crackers

[Gracie]

Hi Eva!

I did not get a PM.

See you tomorrow!

Loren

[eas11]

Hope all of you there already have a great night :)
See you tomorrow! (alone, my sister did not make it up)

[Mimeea]

I'm really disappointed to be having to write this, but I won't be able to make it tomorrow. I hope you all have a great time catching up, and I hope I will be able to make the next Boston bb gathering!

[knunes]

aggie94 (Eva) - anything yummy that I find out and about town on Fri/Sat (i.e. bread/crackers, cheese, dipping oils/vinegars)
Chefzhat (Debie) - nuts
memartha (Martha) - nametags, pens, wine
SandyM (Sandy) - plates and napkins
Sarah2397 (Sarah) - dip or other savory snack & bottle of wine
Mamasue - cheese, crackers, and wine
slknight (Susan) - dessert
Lauren - roll ups (lavash with Boursin, asparagus, roasted peppers and other goodies), wine
CindyWeightWatcher - Tex Mex Black Bean Dip (from New Complete Cooking Light) and Chips. Also wine.
eas11 - chicken satay
KathrynY - cups
ccooney (Connie) - hummus & pretzel chips, CL linzercookies
syzygy (Leslie) - Tea
Gracie (Loren) - hot Swiss and Onion dip with everything flatbread crackers
knunes (Katie)--jar of tomato bruschetta, with some crostini.
TheresaM--she can correct me if she reads this, but I think she said "oatmeal chocolate chip bars"

[Peweh]

I'm really disappointed to be having to write this, but I won't be able to make it tomorrow. I hope you all have a great time catching up, and I hope I will be able to make the next Boston bb gathering!

Me too, regrettably (I was tentative but..... sick DH, flooded basement or as we say in Boston "Sellah" i.e. cellar...) I will still try to close shop early and make it up there but it looks doubtful. If there are any hungover CLBBers looking for something to do on Sunday, head on down to browse my junk-tique shop!! You can take the Commuter rail right from South Station down to Halifax and I'll pick you up. 781-293-4411 is the shop #.

HAVE A BLAST! I'm going to be so jealous when I see the posts/pics. I wish I still lived right in Boston!!

[beckms]

Hey all--

I don't think I can come until later in the afternoon...is there an activity planned for after the tea/cookies/yankee swap?

[slknight]

I am running late, as usual :rolleyes: , but I will be there!

[ccooney]

OK, DBF and I have everything packed up & ready to go. We'll be on our way shortly...can't wait to see you all!

[SandyM]

What a great weekend. :D

It was wonderful catching up with old friends after far too long between visits, and meeting new friends - and meeting my nephews, Henry and Owen! One of the best parts. :) Great food, great conversation, a fun gift exchange - just a lot of fun, period.

Regrettably, I left my camera at home, but Eva's husband Che took a bunch, and I know others did too.

I'm sorry there were some last-minute cancellations - you were definitely missed.

It was great seeing you all, and I hope everyone had safe travels home. Eva and Che - enjoy the rest of your vacation, and thank you so much for opening up your temporary "home" for us! Just remember - be gentle when deciding what pictures to post here, please. :p

Oh - and Linda, I'm mailing your gift to you tomorrow. :)

[memartha]

Good times! It was great to meet so many of you for the first time, and to see my "old pals," the New England CL gals! Eva and Che were so nice to open their suite to us. I hope you all had a great time at dinner. I can't wait to hear all about it.

I thought it was funny that every time a group of us got in the elevator, the buzzer rang (like we'd maxed out the weight capacity of the elevator). That's a testament to the really great food everyone brought!

Sandy, DS is reading the cookbook as I type. He's a very picky eater; maybe he'll find something he likes. ;)

[Lauren]

Good times! It was great to meet so many of you for the first time, and to see my "old pals," the New England CL gals! Eva and Che were so nice to open their suite to us. I hope you all had a great time at dinner. I can't wait to hear all about it.

I agree ... it was great!!! :D And we got to meet Henry and Owen. ;)

I hope those of you travelling today made it home safely.

Eva and Che - Enjoy your stay in Boston!

[CindyWeightWatcher]

It was a great time! I loved seeing the New England CL people and meeting
those that came to Boston to visit. Eva and Che were great hosts!
The suite was beautiful and the view from the top of the Customs House
was spectacular. But most of all, I loved seeing everyone.
Dinner was fun. I echo the sentiment about being gentle when you post those pics!
Hope we can all get together again sometime soon....

I also want to thank the people from out of town for making the trip,
aggie94 (Eva) and DH (Che)
Lisas3575 (Lisa) and DS (Owen)
Chezhat (Debi)
SandyM (Sandy)
phantomcg (Cheryl)
KathrynY (Kathryn) and DS (Henry)
Hope I didn't leave anyone out.

Do you think we can get Cooking Light to host again in Birmingham like they did in 2001 (I think that's the correct year)?

[Gracie]

I had so much fun! I loved the hotel - most of us natives had no idea it was there. Such a great view.

It was great to see everyone I'd already met and so much fun to finally meet everyone else IRL.

Lisa and Kathryn - I'm sorry I missed saying goodbye to you - you must have been busy with the adorable DS's.

Eva and Che - thank you for hosting us and giving up part of your vacation time. I hope you have a wonderful and safe rest of the trip.

I can't wait to hear about dinner and see the photos!

Loren

[Melman]

Some of you know I like to count myself as a NE-wannabe so I'm sure it's no surprise that I really would have loved being there this weekend. At some future get-together, I *WILL* be there in person! I'm anxiously awaiting pictures from the folks at this NE Klatch! I can't wait to see them!

[knunes]

It was a great time! I loved seeing the New England CL people and meeting
those that came to Boston to visit. Eva and Che were great hosts!
The suite was beautiful and the view from the top of the Customs House
was spectacular. But most of all, I loved seeing everyone.
Dinner was fun. I echo the sentiment about being gentle when you post those pics!
Hope we can all get together again sometime soon....

I also want to thank the people from out of town for making the trip,
aggie94 (Eva) and DH (Che)
Lisas3575 (Lisa) and DS (Owen)
Chezhat (Debi)
SandyM (Sandy)
phantomcg (Cheryl)
KathrynY (Kathryn) and DS (Henry)
Hope I didn't leave anyone out.

Do you think we can get Cooking Light to host again in Birmingham like they did in 2001 (I think that's the correct year)?

Other out of towners were slknight (Susan) and ccooney (Connie) with DBF (Josh). They were the "driving" out of towners, rather than the "flying" out of towners.

I have to give both Che and Josh a lot of credit to be able to spend that many hours with all of us women! My DH would have been napping (with earplugs on) in another part of the suite, for sure!
What a fun afternoon!!!!!!!! I didn't go to dinner, but hope the diners will post a review of Taranta, where they went in the North End (I think that's the name!)
For other curious thread readers, the Massachusetts folks who were there, as far as I can remember (from looking at one of the earlier threads for hints) were:
TheresaM
Lauren
knunes (Katie)
Cindyweightwatcher
Mamasue
HRJ (Helene)
Gracie (Loren)
beckms (Rebecca)
Sarah2397
memartha
syzygy
HejazSunKat

The swap was so much fun. I bet if we had all closed our eyes, grabbed a gift and weren't allowed to trade, we still would have all been happy! Such a variety of fun foodie things. My 12 year old DD is absolutely crazy about the cool "purse/tote bag" that Mamasue made out of Martha Stewart towels (oranges on the outside, lemons on the inside), and I LOVE the yellow towels and potholders. Can't wait to use the silicone cupcake liners and the cute notecards. Oh and DD also claimed the cover for the "to go" coffee (well, hot chocolate in her case). Yes, all of those things were in the tote bag! I feel very lucky.
Anyone else want to tout their goodies?

[SandyM]

I thought dinner was really good. I had a dish featuring seared salmon (medium, please - not sushi-style) over braised leeks and sliced yukon gold potatoes - there was a spicy red sauce served on the side, which was (IMO) a bit overkill. Not too spicy, just a bit out of place. The creme brulee was marginal (and not worth the WW points). The waiter seemed a bit rushed (even though at the time we arrived, it wasn't terribly busy), but he was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. And I kept confusing the bread-bringing guy with the bread-plate-taking guy with the wine-server guy and the waiter. Definitely don't ask the bread-bringing guy for tonight's specials - especially if it's his first night on the job. ;) We were up on the 3rd floor, but the only challenge for that was because the rest room was on the first floor. :eek:

Also, with a few in this particular group, you have to know that we like to taste the meals of others. Especially Debie. :D

I received ccooney's gift, and it was great! A bag of oranges, an orange juicer, a paring knife, a bottle of champagne, and an orange dish towel. I was going to get up at 0-dark-thirty and start juicing oranges for mimosas on Sunday morning, but.....well, that didn't materialize. :D

I love now being able to put a face with a name for people on here I've "known" for years. :)

[Chefzhat]

Well, let's see if this album can be viewed by anyone else but me :D

Boston Klatch (http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=142479973/a=89464275_89464275/t_=89464275)

I had a blast. Very cool meeting everyone!

I ate waaaaaay too much. :D

I love babies!!! Lisa and Kathryn - send me your little guys!


Debie

[SandyM]

Well, let's see if this album can be viewed by anyone else but me :D

I saw 'em. Thanks Debie!

And I agree about the boys. Kathryn and Lisa are great moms who have two great kids.

A baby's laugh is one of the best sounds in the world (IMO), and there was no shortage of that this weekend. :D

[sarah2397]

I am going to attempt posting this group photo -- I hope it works... (there are a few missing from the photo):

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p0f2f1cc00fd8fe4da4dbd0bada22638b/ea6e2af0.jpg

This was my first BB Klatch and I didn't know any of these great folks IRL until Saturday. It was so much fun to meet everyone! The snacks were wonderful (of course!) and the Yankee Swap was lots of fun. I got the (supposedly) unlucky #2 pick in the grab but I thought my gift was the best. From Eva, it's tea she brought home from China (the tea is actually in Phoenix now but Eva will send along -- I should be so lucky to travel as much as that tea!). So wonderful for Eva and Che to open there lovely suite up for the party and special thanks to all who travelled from out of town to be there. I guess that was everyone but me.

I have to ask someone to help me out with the names/screen names from the pix. I know most but there are a couple that I may get switched and I want to make sure it is correct.

Hope everyone had/has a great time in Boston!

[TheresaM]

I had a great time, meeting you all. I'm pretty much a lurker, but I
feel like I know you all, from reading all your post... I finally got a good
number for a swap(#15 out of 20) and I really liked what slknight(Susan) got,
which were items from King Arthur, espresso powder, cinnamon chips and 4 types
of baking chocolates.

Front row, left to right: SandyM(Sandy),Lauren,aggie94 (Eva),Cindy(Cindyweightwatcher)

Second row:Sarah(Sarah2397),Helene(HRJ),Mamasue (Sue), ccooney (Connie),TheresaM (Theresa),Chefzhat (Debie),Katie(knunes)

Third row: phantomcg (Cheryl),HejazSunKat (Linda),Gracie (Loren),slknight (Susan), Lisas3575 (Lisa),beckms (Rebecca)

Missing from picture: KathrynY (Kathryn), memartha (Martha), syzygy (Leslie)

[Mamasue]

As always, CL Klatches are so much fun! I wished that Cooking Light was there to interview us, take pictures and submit in one of their issues but the thought was too late. Maybe the next one CL!:D Thank you to Eva and Che for opening up their suite to us. Che was the photographer and we are hoping that he will be extra careful when he posts some pictures.:D It was wonderful to meet new friends...... Debie (Chefzhat), Eva (Aggie94) and her husband, Che, (who is a cutie), Sarah (Sarah2397), Josh DBF of ccooney, and Lisa (Lisa3575) with her son, Owen..... loves to flirt with the girls. It was my first time meeting Henry who looks like his Dad but has his Mom's coloring...who is a sweet quiet boy and loves to have his hand kissed. As always it is great to be with the New England girls too:D. Looking forward to the next Klatch with good food, friends and fun!

Sweet Sandy.....dear, you had Tuna

Oh, yes Debie likes to taste but doesn't like to SHOP!

Sarah.....I didn't get to talk to you much so maybe the next time.;)

Eva and Che.....I hope you are enjoying our city and take some tours.

Cheryl......just a funny, sweet gal who doesn't know WHO she is!

[SandyM]

Sweet Sandy.....dear, you had Tuna

*snort* You're so right - I just had trouble deciding what dish to get at that time, and I forgot what I ended up with! :confused: :p

[MiMo]

Oh, yes Debie likes to taste but doesn't like to SHOP!

Oh, Debie and I sound like two peas in a pod. :D

It sounds like and looks like you all had a blast. YAY for CL klatches!!!

[Gracie]

*snort* You're so right - I just had trouble deciding what dish to get at that time, and I forgot what I ended up with! :confused: :p

I was wondering how you were going to explain that!!! :D :D :D

So was the restaurant recommendable or not? I got a mixed message from reading about it. Although I firmly believe you cannot have a bad meal in the North End anywhere.

Loren

[Mamasue]

Loren....The restaurant, Taranta, was a different Italian type restaurant. The food is Italian/Peru cuisine. Cheryl had homemade gnocchi which was made with Yucca root and not potato served with a meat gravy sauce (not sure if it was a beef or lamb). I tasted it and it was different but not your normal Italian faire. I had Papadelle with mushrooms and truffle oil and it was very good. The servings are not overbearing but on the pricey side. Everything is ala carte. So if you want a salad than you pay extra. My dish was $23.00. My husband would not like their cusine.

Che had his meat and was very, very happy!!!:D

[lisas3575]

I didn't take many photos (and none at the klatch since Che was snap-happy), but here are the ones I took. (http://www.smoody.com/modules/gallery2//main.php?g2_view=core:ShowItem&g2_itemId=3407)

Boston is a great city, and I can't wait to return when I have more time to explore. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to hardly any sightseeing this visit, since that wasn't my purpose in going! I had such a great time meeting all the locals (Katie, Sue, Cindy, and everyone else) and catching up with my old and dear friends Sandy, Eva, Kathryn and Cheryl. And I finally got to meet Debie, who's not much of a shopper, but a great help with the kiddos. ;)

We had a nightmare trip home, but we survived our adventure with lots of great memories to savor. Thanks, everyone, for a great klatch! :cool:

[gertdog]

Oh, you guys, I'm so jealous! But so glad everyone had a good time- I'm loving reading about the klatch and looking at the photos! :)

[springsgourmet9]

It was great hearing about your get-together and now associating a name with a face!

My oldest son is graduating college in May and accepted a position in Boston at a construction firm.

Can't wait to go up and visit. I even purchased a magazine recently with lots of Boston area restaurants and menus.

He was so excited on his several visits there about all the great restaurants he visited in the Beacon Hill area.

You guys are lucky to live in such a great city!

[misskitty100]

I didn't take many photos (and none at the klatch since Che was snap-happy), but here are the ones I took. (http://www.smoody.com/modules/gallery2//main.php?g2_view=core:ShowItem&g2_itemId=3407)

Boston is a great city, and I can't wait to return when I have more time to explore. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to hardly any sightseeing this visit, since that wasn't my purpose in going! I had such a great time meeting all the locals (Katie, Sue, Cindy, and everyone else) and catching up with my old and dear friends Sandy, Eva, Kathryn and Cheryl. And I finally got to meet Debie, who's not much of a shopper, but a great help with the kiddos. ;)

We had a nightmare trip home, but we survived our adventure with lots of great memories to savor. Thanks, everyone, for a great klatch! :cool:


Neat photos! The last one of Maria's bakery looks like the are selling Brazilian Easter Eggs - are they?

[CindyWeightWatcher]

Sarah,
Great group photo.

LisaNumbers,
Thanks for posting the pictures. Loved the one of you and Kathryn with the beautiful baby boys. Also loved the one of Kathryn and Che.
Glad you got home OK

Eva and Che,
Hope you are enjoying your stay in Boston.

[phantomcg]

"Cheryl had homemade gnocchi which was made with Yucca root and not potato served with a meat gravy sauce (not sure if it was a beef or lamb)."

It was lamb. The waiter had told us that the lamb was marinated in cilantro and not to order it if you didn't like cilantro as it was the predominate flavor. Well, I love cilantro and I could not detect it in the dish at all. The sauce did have a nice spicy kick to it and the lamb was really tender and the gnocchi were very light and airy. All in all, a pretty tasty dish.

Great pictures Debie, Sarah and Lisa! Thanks for sharing them. I hope to get my pictures downloaded from the camera this weekend and I'll post them if I do.

I had a great time catching up with friends that I haven't seen in much too long and meeting all of the new people too! It was so much fun matching faces to screen names and getting to know people. And, of course, getting to meet Henry and Owen was sooooo much fun!! :)

Cheryl

[knunes]

This was my first BB Klatch and I didn't know any of these great folks IRL until Saturday. It was so much fun to meet everyone !


Hi Sarah,
Thanks for posting the picture. It's a good one!
If you pm me with your email address, I will send you the link that I was telling you about.

[phantomcg]

Ok, I have the pictures downloaded from my camera and then uploaded to ImageStation.

Before I post a link to the pictures on ImageStation, I wanted to ask if there is anyone who would prefer that their picture not be posted. Most of my pictures are from the swap and if there is anyone who does not want their picture posted, I'll make sure that it's removed before I post the link.

Cheryl

[phantomcg]

Ok, I haven't heard from anyone who did not want their picture posted, so here is the link to my pictures. I have not yet put any names or captions on the yet.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2094584103

Cheryl

[knunes]

Ok, I haven't heard from anyone who did not want their picture posted, so here is the link to my pictures. I have not yet put any names or captions on the yet.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2094584103

Cheryl

Thanks for posting! And tell everyone----really----I don't have a glass eye! ;)

[aggie94]

Cheryl, are the Boston scenery pictures mostly taken from the Custom House observation deck?? You got some great pics! I am jealous - we went up there one night but meant to go back in the day and take pictures and never did. :o

I still have yet to transfer and upload my pictures or write up a trip report but I will try to do that this weekend. Che got some great klatch pictures, not all of which I will share with the public. ;) :p

[Lauren]

Cheryl - Great pictures! The Boston pics look like they should be in a travel brochure! :p That was a great klatch!!!

[Mamasue]

Hey....how is our "no name" gal doing? I love the pics Cheryl. Great ones of Boston.

Eva and Che....I hope you have warmed up since your trip. You really had a COLD week there. Can':D t wait to hear what you two visited and toured in Boston. Oh, and the pictures that are not postable, please forward to us klatchers to see (for our eyes only).:D

[SandyM]

Che got some great klatch pictures, not all of which I will share with the public. ;) :p

*snort* I seem to recall threatening him with bodily harm if he did otherwise..... :D

Thanks for the pictures, Cheryl. I agree with Eva - the ones from the observation deck were gorgeous. I'm so sorry I didn't take the opportunity to go up there.

[cocoa'smom]

I live in Atlanta now, but one of your pictures shows the town where I was born (and lived until 3rd grade, but visit relatives there every year) - Winthrop, Mass!

The picture is IMG_0151. Its the hill with the red, white & blue water tower. The water tower's claim to fame - Sylvia Plath often sat under it and wrote about it in The Bell Jar.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2094584103

The get-together looks like a blast - wish I could have been there. I always love visiting Boston and if it wasn't for the cold weather, would love to live there!

[Gracie]

Cheryl - those pictures were wonderful! the observation deck was very cool. Those are angles that we never see our own city in! I wish I had had my camera when we went out there.

Loren

[aggie94]

Oh, and the pictures that are not postable, please forward to us klatchers to see (for our eyes only).:D

Oh, I WILL, count on it. There is a GREAT one coming your way. :D

[Wendy w]

Just popping in to say hello, great pics and I wish I was there.

Do the incriminating pics have something to do with wine? Was it flowing or was it my imagination? Debie? Not loving to shop? Since when? Is this a private joke or something? :confused: ;)

[aggie94]

Debie? Not loving to shop? Since when? Is this a private joke or something? :confused: ;)

Debie told me, when she was down visiting Phoenix in January, that she is "not really a shopper." Not surprisingly, when I've repeated that comment to others, like Sandy & Cheryl, they've choked on whatever they were drinking at the time. So when she was trying again to insist that she is "not a shopper" in Boston, we all had to set her straight.

Except I'll mention that I think it was actually Sandy that left Boston with a load of shoes from the Clark's store next door. ;)

[Chefzhat]

Debie told me, when she was down visiting Phoenix in January, that she is "not really a shopper." Not surprisingly, when I've repeated that comment to others, like Sandy & Cheryl, they've choked on whatever they were drinking at the time. So when she was trying again to insist that she is "not a shopper" in Boston, we all had to set her straight.

Except I'll mention that I think it was actually Sandy that left Boston with a load of shoes from the Clark's store next door. ;)

:D :D :D

Yeah. I wasn't ME that was buying SHOES!!! (well, I bought one pair, but THAT'S IT!)

Debie

[Wendy w]

;) Debie told me, when she was down visiting Phoenix in January, that she is "not really a shopper." Not surprisingly, when I've repeated that comment to others, like Sandy & Cheryl, they've choked on whatever they were drinking at the time. So when she was trying again to insist that she is "not a shopper" in Boston, we all had to set her straight.

Except I'll mention that I think it was actually Sandy that left Boston with a load of shoes from the Clark's store next door. ;)


I thought I was seeing things.

Sandy? Cheryl?...Drinking? Who would have thought? :eek: :p


That's my Sandy. :D

[Chefzhat]

Hi Wendy! <<waving>>

[Wendy w]

Hi Debie!
:D

[Mamasue]

Oh, I WILL, count on it. There is a GREAT one coming your way. :D

Oh, God....I hope its my best side.......the back!:D

[phantomcg]

Cheryl, are the Boston scenery pictures mostly taken from the Custom House observation deck??

Yes, they are all from the deck. I'm really kind of surprised that they came out well as it's a new camera and I'm still learning how the settings work.

The observation deck was great but I wish we'd been able to have seen the Peregrine Falcons that live there (they have a sign about them by the door to the deck).

Cheryl

[phantomcg]

Thanks for posting! And tell everyone----really----I don't have a glass eye! ;)

LOL, Katie, I didn't even notice that "gleam in your eye" until I went back to see what you were talking about!

Cheryl

[phantomcg]

I live in Atlanta now, but one of your pictures shows the town where I was born (and lived until 3rd grade, but visit relatives there every year) - Winthrop, Mass!

The picture is IMG_0151. Its the hill with the red, white & blue water tower. The water tower's claim to fame - Sylvia Plath often sat under it and wrote about it in The Bell Jar.


Cool! Thanks for the info - I added it to the caption of the picture so that I remember that.

Cheryl

[phantomcg]

:D :D :D Yeah. I wasn't ME that was buying SHOES!!! (well, I bought one pair, but THAT'S IT!) Debie

I only came home with one new pair of shoes as well. Only because they shipped the second pair to me. ;)


Cheryl

[phantomcg]

Sandy? Cheryl?...Drinking? Who would have thought? :eek: :p

You must be thinking about those wild Michigan girls, Wendy, not Sandy and I!

;)

Cheryl

[Wendy w]

You must be thinking about those wild Michigan girls, Wendy, not Sandy and I!

;)


You can take the girls out of Michigan....;) :p