The plan is to all meet in Chicago the weekend of March 21-23. We have chosen not to gather at a single hotel but would like to make available this space for people who want hotel roommates to find each other. If you would like to share a hotel room, leave a comment below. I will be happy to share email addresses if I get permission via email.
Along with the above detail-rich plan, I will figure out a place for those arriving Friday to meet Friday night, and a lunch spot for Saturday for those arriving Saturday. I believe Neva has an idea for a vegetarian supper. As far as I'm concerned the rest of the time can proceed organically, but I'd be inclined to miss other details. If anyone thinks there are other matters to be planned in advance please share at the risk of volunteering.
Most important, the get together will be the week after Jenna Howard's birthday so bring presents reminiscent of Chicago architecture.
Nota Bene: The idea for the roommate registry was a stroke of genius by Jenn. Nota Benier: If you share a room with Jenn, you are likely to also share it with between three and seven gyros-toting Greeks, two sailors and a lonely, unshaven hacker.
31 comments:
hey, i said I was planning on at least one good vegetarian meal... it'd be great to have company, but trust me, i'll be fine dining alone.
okay, so maybe that would kind of defeat the purpose of the gathering, but that's beside the point. the point, which comes with tofu, is that the restaurant i had in mind is fantastic and i, for one, can't wait to eat there! ; )
PS: this happens to fall on my son's birthday, perhaps i should drag him along? he's young, but chances are he'll still be walking with a cane, so a least we'll be able to keep up with him. just sayin'...
Neva, your son would be very welcome. He and Jenn can exchange gifts.
I'm happy to join you in Evanston for the the meal. The Billygoat Tavern will still be open when I get back downtown.
oh, how you tempt me...
imagine a gathering of hermits...!
i fear i'd never want to
go back home...
Uh I hate to ask specifics but what weekend in March?
Neva I would love a good vegan meal
This hermit totally upset the contractor's plans when I wouldn't let him take out my bed tonight--for Monday sanding. No I won't stay at my friends for more than two nights
He invited me to stay at his apartment--we're friends--and I was uh, that's sweet but don't you know--I'm so beyond those years and this isn't a weekend you can just rent a hotel room in NY even if one could afford it
I'm babbling. My next post might be a comparison of various Starbucks, bookstore cafe's, other cafes and museum's coffee in NY
Neva bring your son and for and activity we can try to keep up with him on a crutch
Duh, I knew 3/21-23. Not being "allowed" in my apartment from 9-9 has begun to affect the limited brain wave activity in the white spaces
Those are great plans, Doug!
Well, maybe not, but those plans (nothing that I can see has been planned yet) sure beat your 'hyena' thing today.
I'd like to room with Jenn, I have a 1950s gyro toy I could bring.
..
I wish I could join you all but can't. Still, I'm enjoying following the unfolding of the adventure on this here detailed and informative blog!!
:-)
JJ, it's only a temptation until you surrender.
Pia, I can see the Starbucks survey is coming along nicely.
Jim, you'd be most welcome and I'm sure Jenn will be delighted. I've never planned a thing in my entire life, if you can't tell, but I'll show up, by golly!
Kyah, I'm sure the planning will be more than half the fun.
Room for a crow and a bear? We eat tofu just fine - had vegi lasagna for dinner last night :)
Neva - you HAVE to bring your kiddo - he made blogger history with his great & terrible adventure!
Wow.
You're a grand pimp.
I'm hoping I can make it. It all depends on what kind of lodging I find in England which affects my bank account greatly. I'm on the maybe side along with maybe needing a roommate.
Vegetarian? That's, like, no beef right? Hm.
Terry, plenty of room for a crow and bear mixed couple. Near Soldier Field, Bears are an accustomed sight. You can even bring your cub.
Don't worry, Jenn. We can smile wanly at the vegetarian food and then go to the Billygoat Tavern -the basis for the Akroyd-Belushi Cheezborgie skits. I'll find it out if my Uncle Andy still owns a greek restaurant, too.
ya know, The Billygoat Tavern is just down the street from the NBC building (where we worked when we were in Chi-town) -- i know that parking lot well! actually, i'm thinking i may stay at the Sheraton, which is just across the street...
perhaps i will drag the youngin' with me, but only if you all promise to join me in a hearty round of Happy Birthday (he'll be 24 on the 21st) sigh... suddenly i feel so old.
Funny, the week starts off with the 17th, St. Patrick's Day and ends with Purim (both holidays from my dual heritage that encourage the drink). A festive time of year indeed.
Well, let's see if I could imagine myself there...
PS: I have the perfect birthday gift for Jenn. She featured a picture in her post on CentralSnark today and it's pricey so we'd have to pool our finances.
In the Windy City during March, the windiest month of the year. You guys are going to get blown away!
I'm rooming with Doug! He told me not to tell anyone but, what the heck! FUN! xoxo
I am already feeding my mule for the journey.
Should I come dressed as a Greek?
-Howling at G's comment-
So it's a toga party in my room is it? Sweeeeet. I guess I better save my pennies.
also, I hadn't visited Old Mule's site before, I don't think. There's some beautiful stuff there. xoxo
HOTEL DEAL
Through Travelzoo.com there's a deal at Fairmont Chicago for $91/night. I tested it out (adding the promo code) and yes...it's during that weekend. I did this on a king bed/1 person and yep. So...whatcha waiting for?
Chicago Fairmont
Note on Fairmont: They do require a deposit on the room. $210.82. -thud-
Oh and it's non-refundable and no cancellation so...you better be sure you're coming.
Who is bringing the Easter eggs?
Hotel Deal
Okay new hotel deal for the week that expires on the 12th of January through the handy travelzoo.com
This is for the James Hotel and is $129/night. I just checked and no deposit is necessary and you can cancel by March 20th.
James Hotel Deal
Sorry to be a party pooper, but are there any more plans at Easter to meet up at a certain place - anytime during that weekend? Um, is anyone going? My Bear and I are at the Tower Sheraton - great deal on Priceline.
Wow, I missed a lot here. By the way, my sincere apologies for not noticing that this was Easter weekend. Chicago's a good place for piety.
As for when where to meet up, I'll try to have a suggestion by next week. I'm thinking we should have a Friday night and Saturday lunch plan after which things can progress organically. Does that sound right to everyone?
I was sort of looking forward to pecking at those slow cooked bbq ribs and famous Chicago Hotdogs... but I can do organic too.
Terry, I'm with you on the ribs and the hot dogs. I have a friend in Chicago I'll check with for places we can get that where vegetarians won't be sadder than they usually are.
Your intrepid hotel dealer strikes again. Apparently March isn't the high season. Hm...wonder why.
Travelzoo.com has quite the deals (now hello...flights)
The Silversmith Hotel has a $99/night or $109 for two beds deal (though travelzoo says $84...guess not during our weekend). You also get a beverage coupon per reservation. Am not sure if this alcohol related. But hey free's free right? Book this one by Feb 1st.
The Affinia Hotel also has a $99/night deal (though prices jumps up for studio suites and so on and so forth) and they're including free parking. Also book by Feb 1st.
As I won't have a car...I'd probably go with the free drink. Not that that surprises you guys or anything.
Jenn - thanks ever so much for your updates. I thought this blog was dead - my Bear and I are showing up regardless,and having never been in Chicago I was feeling rather sorry for myself...
Now I'm looking forward to this weird outing... ha ha , my Bear thought we would all be sitting in a room blogging to one another on computers rather than meeting face to face... imagine that....
We have a good price, and am looking very forward to meeting you and the dawg.. thanks for all the tips hon. We don't have any car either, but I'm taking Doug's tip on taking the "blue" line from O'Hare... LOL
Chicago is indeed a good place for piety, Al, but the church choir I'm now leading (looooong story) would miss me. Or maybe not. Whatever. Easter's kind of a Big Item on the average ecclesiastical calendar, and the music director's absence would not exactly make the Miss Manners Good Form And All That top ten list.
I can only hope y'all have such a grand ol' time that you decide to do it all again.
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