An observation

[Susann]

Hi everyone-I just can't resist this one! As I read several of the recent popular posts which have gone on to be 2 (or more!) pages, I have noticed the following: We are a group of people who like to
a)get to know one another
b)take vacations

and last but not least
c)drink wine

teeheeheeheee

[MrsReber]

Maybe we should all go on a vacation together and drink wine while getting to know each other??

[Wendy w]

Right on MrsReber!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

CL sponsors cruises, I have always thought that they should consider sponsoring a meeting or conference for the bulletin board users!

Stacey, what do you think?

Wendy

[venus]

I love that idea Wendy (and the wine drinking, Mrs. R.) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Mandy]

Count me in!

Drinking wine, vacationing, chating with friends...sounds like my element!

Oh, and how could I forget...cooking and eating too. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Mandy (edited 11-14-2000).]

[emilycat]

Can I be the travel agent? I love trip planning! (Even when it's sometimes only wishful thinking) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Just something funny I wanted to share...when I was at home last weekend and used my parent's computer for the BB, my 12 year-old brother was so intrigued! He's really into the internet, and was amazed at how friendly we all are to each other! I think he was envious of the camaraderie; he and his internet buddies swear at each other and threaten to blow the other's plane to bits. Hmmm. I'd much rather sip wine and plan virtual vacations! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif
Em

[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 11-14-2000).]

[Gina O]

Ya know... we don't exactly need CL to plan a trip for us! We already have a volunteer for a travel agent.... now all we need is a date and destination. A couple years ago an online group of pilots (another hobby) planned a trip to New Orleans which I attended. It was a total blast... most of us had spoken to each other previously online but many had not. One member of the group lived in New Orleans and hosted an authentic crawfish boil at her home (we all chipped in on the cost). We spend a couple days drinking beer, sight seeing, hanging out in the Quarter and eating, of course. Anyway, all this by way of letting you know that this type of thing is really easy to set up, and a lot of fun. I am ready to start packing my bags!

[JodiL]

I was just curious, but has anyone been on the CL Caribbean cruise they always advertise? That sounds like fun, albeit a little expensive.

[mlou]

Oh this is too cool! Plan on emilycat http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gifOne question, do we hire a chef?haha

[kwormann]

We need to get them to offer a CL cruise in the summer so we BB teachers can go...I have been dying to go on one. Wouldnt we have a BLAST!!!!!

Kim

[Mamasue]

Wendy....great idea! Number one...we leave the husbands, SO, boyfriends, children at home. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif Number two....can I have sex on the beach instead of wine? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif Love that drink!!!

[Wendy w]

Thank you for your support Mamasue! Of course it is a given that this event would be for just us, and it's our party and we can drink (and eat http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif) what we want to!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif I like wine but don't know enough about it to reply to the "wino" posts!!

Emily, start planning and who knows maybe we can make this fantasy a reality! Gina, you are right, we may not need CL to coordinate it when we have the ever so efficient Emily! Planning this on our own may be more cost effective!

Wendy

PS I was thinking that this should be in a city well known for cuisine such as: San Francisco, Chicago or New Orleans.

[This message has been edited by Wendy w (edited 11-14-2000).]

[kentgirl]

I want to go too! Count me in. Sounds like fun.

I vote for the summer (so teachers can go); I vote for emilycat to be travel agent, I vote for Mandy to write the invitation (her description of a vacation sounds ideal), I vote that we have sex on the beach every night, and I vote that we make this a reality!!

Just want to make sure my vote counts!!

[LGBurns]

I want to get my vote in for this, too! This board is so inspiring -- a simple, fun post is turned into a fabulous idea for a group trip. I like to make travel plans too so if Emily is feeling a little overwhelmed at the thought of being travel agent for a lot of people I am offering my services to help. If we want to make it a trip that includes wine, why not California (either Sonoma County or San Francisco) -- I do have to disclose that I was born in this area so I'm a bit biased! But I'd love to help recommend great out-of-the-way places to check out!

[carolyn.1]

Hi Everyone--
Or should I say "All Friends Of Mine" today is my BIRTHDAY. I am NOW (gulp, gulp) 46 years of age OH MY GOSH when did this happen!!! Do you realize i am now closer to 50 than 40!!!!
Ok, lets go out, I'll bring the bottles of wine. Which would you prefer---White or RED!! HeeHee.
Seriously, I thought I could keep it a secret but I have too many friends that care about me I guess. I was "Happy Birthday'd all day long.
I'm so glad i have all of you as friends also. I have said in earlier threads that you all have personalities that I have already related to. Boy, am I going on & on or what.
So, when we all decide to meet and party down I'll be there. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif
Carolyn

[Wendy w]

Happy Birthday Carolyn from another Scorpio!!

LG, Sonoma or San Francisco sounds fantastic! I am embarassed to say that as a native Californian, I have not been to either place. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif

Summer sounds good so the teachers can go. I like sex on the beach but I don't know if I would want to every night but you have such exuberant enthusiasm kentgirl!!

Wendy

[emilycat]

carolyn,
Happy Birthday to you! I'm only 22 (sorry, that probably doesn't help http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif ) but I think 50 is definitely still young! And 60, gosh, even 70! It's all how you feel, anyway! Just take one of those tests that measure your "real" age...it'll lift you up if you're feeling any birthday blues...

On another note...if you guys are all serious about this, I would absolutely be willing to plan (I might need a co-planner, though http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ). I think it sounds like so much fun, and I think we could certainly pull it off. I love the wine place idea..I've actually been wanting to go to the Finger Lakes Region for a while, but a lot of people on the BB live near there, so that might not be that much fun for them.
If you guys are really serious about this, we should all post our ideas for where we'd love to go together, and what time of year would be best. I think the California idea is nice...somewhere with lovely weather that's not too unpredictable..am I getting ahead of myself?
Everone, just let me know! I think this is just an incredible idea!
Em

[carolyn.1]

Em--
I'm ready, I would honestly love to do this.
This sounds like soooo much fun and it isn't even off the ground yet.!!! I'm not much of a planner, sorry.
carolyn--

[Laura]

I am in. I suggest it be a 3-4 day trip. Not so much that we are using all our vacation time but enough time to where we aren't arriving one day and leaving the next. Also a destination within driving distance of a major airport would be good so you have a better chance of decent fares. Can't wait to hear what you plan Emily!

[LGBurns]

This may not work for the teachers but: I would love it if it could be in August if it's in the summer (maybe early August so it doesn't interfere with teachers' prep for the new school year) -- my school schedule is such that I usually don't have the rest of the summer off. Also, I know that August is usually a down time for most professions so I am assuming most people could do it then. Unfortunately, N. Cal is most beautiful and exciting in October (but I know that's a harder time for most people to get away). October is especially great because the Harvest Fair is at that time -- can't ask for a better food and wine event. My, my, I can't seem to settle on one time. Well, I guess August for my schedule, and October for my ideals http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I also would be into a trip to the Finger Lakes -- I've never been there and I've heard it's beautiful. Also, if a lot of BB people live nearer to there it might be easier to plan a 3-4 day trip (I agree that's an ideal length -- over the weekend so we only have to take 2 days off) and also more economical (plane tix might be cheaper).

[This message has been edited by LGBurns (edited 11-14-2000).]

[kentgirl]

OK, I give up. Where is the Finger Lakes region?

I just finished planning a family reunion that was held in July on the Oregon coast in Manzanita. It's a beautiful area. Anyway, I have lots of suggestions. If we have an artist type, maybe that person could come up with a design for t-shirts. We could have a professional photographer, rent outdoor bbq equipment and have a beach bbq, hire a dj, Bonfires at night on the beach, wine tasting events, sightseeing tours.

During our reunion, families rented houses on the beach, and we had a progessive dinner that was a great success.

Another fun area might be Lake Tahoe. It's a beautiful area, with houses and cabins to rent, or of course, hotel rooms. They also have one of those casino boats.

Then again, there's always Vegas! In Vegas, we could visit New York and Paris! Don't they have wineries in Vegas?

[KimKelly]

Gina.... your trip sounded familiar! You didn't by chance happen have a guy in your group by the name of "seeplane" did you? His name is Steve. My husband is a pilot and he is an "online" friend. Steve invited us to a get together of pilots in New Orleans a couple of years ago! Just curious. If you know him let him know that "Mrs. B7" says hello!

Count me in on this virtual vacation! My husband travels and I would love to be the one with a bit of jet lag trying to get over it over a nice dinner! I'm packing my bag...

Kim

[This message has been edited by KimKelly (edited 11-15-2000).]

[Gina O]

KimKelly OMG that is sooooooo totally wierd... yes, of course I know Steve!!!! My AOL name is Caleeo, but I have not talked to him in a while. That was the trip I was referring to. It was a blast, you should have been there!

Needless to say, I am totally in on this trip, would be happy to help with planning, and put my vote in for anytime(summer would be great), and love the idea of wine country, anywhere. Okay, so I simply love to travel and am always willing to go anywhere (okay, almost anywhere... went to Branson, MO for a week last summer and left after 3 days, never making that mistake again). BTW, there are actually several wineries here in Missouri(Em, one with terrific port wine), most along a "rails to trails" trail, with lots of Bed and Breakfasts! If anyone ever wants more information, let me know and I would be happy to assist.

I am not an artist by any stretch of the imagination, but love the idea of t-shirts. We did that for my New Orleans trip as well. Ya know.... I wonder if the magazine would do a little story about us if we got enough participation!!!!!

This is going to be fun! Gina

[BethH]

Definitely count me in too! I love to eat, drink and travel with friends! (even internet friends http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif!) I'd like to vote for summer too so I'll be off law school and can come too!

Em, I also love to plan trips! Let me know if you need a co-planner! I'm constantly pressuring SO to take off to exotic locals with me. (He's always the responsible one that says we don't have the money!)

[LGBurns]

Okay, I'm getting very excited. I've come up with another suggestion for a destination: for our honeymoon my husband and I went to Sooke, British Columbia on Vancouver Island. All of Vancouver Island is beautiful and BC wines are great. There's wonderful wine tasting opportunities there (we didn't do any wine tasting tours ourselves, somehow we found too much to do just in our cottage. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif) but we did taste local wines at some of the restaurants we went to and they were great. Also, both Vancouver Island and Sonoma County have great microbreweries, too.

Kentgirl, Finger Lakes is in Northern New York state (south of Niagara Falls, I think). Renting houses is a good idea -- maybe we could have groups of four people sharing a house. We could also have a different house host a meal each day, depending on the itinerary of other places we may be eating.

[This message has been edited by LGBurns (edited 11-15-2000).]

[Nanci]

This sounds like a great time! I would be happy to also help with the planning. Where to have it? I can vote for the coast of Oregon - beautiful scenery and not overly crowded. All of the locations actually sound great. I live in Chicago so . . . if there's interest, I know a lot of great restaurants, interesting grocery stores and lots of bike/running paths.

I can strongly recommend taking a look at air fares from Priceline.com.

I recently had to fly to Oregon because of a death in the family. The breavement fares were $633 and $1,300 on UA and American. Using priceline, I found a $250 fare on United. I have also used it for hotels -- I ended up with a beautiful room at the Hyatt in downton Minneapolis for the price of a Motel 6 in the suburbs.

[This message has been edited by Nanci (edited 11-15-2000).]

[Mandy]

emilycat-
Maybe I could be of help with some planning. That's what I do all day, I'm a travel agent. Just a thought!
Mandy

[emilycat]

Mandy, Gina, Beth,
I would love your help! (If I left anyone out who's interested, don't hesitate to let me know) I think, actually, that as this will be quite an endeavor, it would be ideal to have a sort of "planning board." It may be a good idea, as well, to divvy up planning for various elements of the trip; i.e., activities, lodging, flight reservations, etc.)
I think that if we have several perspectives going in on this, we can arrange an agenda(s?) that everyone will love.
Gosh, this is so much fun!
Oh, and I would like to raise my hand for LGBurns' recommended Vancouver; I've never been there, either, but have read a great deal about it; the city has so much to offer, and the surroundings are so beautiful. Anyway, just another vote for that locale.
Everyone feel free to post your ideas!
Em

[Linda I LIght]

This trip sounds like so much fun. I would love to join and offer any planning or organizing help that is needed.

[Natasha]

Just some miscellaneous ideas ... I can wholeheartedly vouch for the loveliness and friendliness of the Finger Lakes region (great wineries too, of course) and the incredible scenery and diversity of Vancouver and area. You might also want to consider Colorado ski towns, where you can rent gorgeous condominiums off-season at a very good rate. Again, unbelievable scenery and outdoor activities. Can t wait to go back... Hmmm, of course the Sonoma idea is a DELIGHTFUL one too! Gee, I m SOME help http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

Oh, wait!! What about Birmingham, AL and area? You could even go down to the Coast, and maybe to Destin and Seaside in northern Florida. Since Cooking Light is based in Birmingham, it s kind of the symbolic birthplace of a lot of bulletin board friendships...besides, you could probably all visit Cooking Light HQ, maybe even cook something there http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif (hey, who knows?!), maybe get your photos and even recipes in the magazine...?! I wonder! Stacey, what do you think? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Anyway, enjoy! Good food, great friends, fine wine ... sounds like a no-fail recipe for a BLAST!


[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 11-16-2000).]

[Colleen]

I just joined in here but....CAN I COME TOO???!!!

The fingerlakes region is very beautiful in the summer. I grew up there. There are some lovely wineries and some very nice bed and breakfasts. There are also some beautiful gorges around that are complete with falls and streams. \

You guys are crazy...I LOVE IT!!

[mlou]

emilycat, I'm sure what ever you and the "board" come up with will be great http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

If you plan it, thay will come!

Could only be better if CL sponsored the deal!

[mommywannabe]

Count me in too http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I'd love to go on a summer trip and Cali or Vancouver sound great! Just keep us posted (no pun intended) on the details.

[JodiL]

I think the Birmingham idea is a good one. I know it's not the most exciting place mentioned, but maybe we could have a luncheon with the CL staff...or get a tour of their HQ. I wouldn't mind seeing the test kitchens and stuff. Just my 2 cents http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[venus]

The Fingerlakes is smack in the middle of New York State. If you drive four hours from Canada, four hours from from Lake Erie, 1 hour from Pennsylvania and three and a half hours from New York City. I used to live right in the middle of the region, and it is beautiful. The Fingerlakes themselves are a unique geological formation, the only thing like it in the US. The water in the lakes is clear and very deep, and they are surrounded by rivers with beautiful gorges. There are many state parks in the area, with excellent camping, cottages, fishing, swimming and boating. Lots of great restaurants too--especially in Ithaca where I used to live. In August it can either be hot or beutiful, but it is definitely worth the trip.

For those who like wine, there is the Fingerlakes Wine Trail. There are several different versions, but basically each wine trail goes around one of the lakes or a section of the lake region--such as the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Each one will take you to five to ten wineries, where you can taste wine and enjoy the sights and smells. Several wineries have great food--and they all offer bottles for sale. I've never heard of them charging very much at all for the tastings. Something about the climate produces wonderful grapes--I have no idea what, and the wines are quickly becoming world class.

If anyone wants to plan a trip to the Fingerlakes, I'd be happy to help you out! I know many, many good restaurants and hotels--and many hidden secrets.

I'm a little homesick now--good thing I'm going there next week for Thanksgiving! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by venus (edited 11-15-2000).]

[Gina O]

Birmingham? Hmmmm, an interesting suggestion. It would be cool to see the CL HQ. Is there anything else there?

From a much earlier post, I do really like the idea of going somewhere withing a reasonable distance of a major airport. If not, then many will spend an entire day just traveling to the destination.

[LGBurns]

Just wanted everyone to know I posted a new topic on voting on destinations (I called it Voting: CL Bulletin Board Trip Destination). I just thought it would be good to get a running list of all the places mentioned with people's votes recorded. Take a look and see what you think http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif