Southern COTHers Christmas Shopping Day in Helen, GA - It Was Great!

[ChocoMare]

Freebird and I had a great time last year but sure missed everyone else. Shall we try again?

Vote for your best Saturday and we'll pick the one that most can attend.

> November 12th
> November 19th
> December 3rd
> December 10th

We'll meet at 9am in the center of town at Santa's Shelter (where the carriages line up) and then hit the stores! I'll even up the ante by buying everyone a Flossie's Famous Funnel Cake (mmmmmm http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif)

[ChocoMare]

Freebird and I had a great time last year but sure missed everyone else. Shall we try again?

Vote for your best Saturday and we'll pick the one that most can attend.

> November 12th
> November 19th
> December 3rd
> December 10th

We'll meet at 9am in the center of town at Santa's Shelter (where the carriages line up) and then hit the stores! I'll even up the ante by buying everyone a Flossie's Famous Funnel Cake (mmmmmm http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif)

[Sammy's Mom]

i wish i could make it. i will be in your neck of the woods visiting my folks for thanksgiving. they live in skylake in sautee. anyone near there that may want to get together for coffee that weekend?

[monstrpony]

Either Nov 19 or Dec 10 would work for me! I really DO want to do this!!

[relocatedTXjumpr]

I really want to as well, but dont think I can swing it.
Ya'll choose a date and maybe I can make it!

[EquineSportMT]

Where's Helen?

[Noctis]

Oh! Maybe this will be an incentive to ACTUALLY do some shopping! Any of those dates would work for me...but I second ESMT, where is Helen? :-D But better believe I'll be there...if someone gives me good directions

[ChocoMare]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by EquineSportMT:
Where's Helen? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

In the beautiful hills of Northern Georgia. Click Here (http://www.helenga.org/) for an overview of what Helen has to offer.

***************************

An option for those interested: we meet Friday night and stay over at the Fairfield Inn -- it's right in the middle of town on the 'Hooch. Freebird and I stayed there last year and it was very nice. (Convenient, too, for depositing full shopping bags. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif)

[ChocoMare]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Sammy's Mom:
i wish i could make it. i will be in your neck of the woods visiting my folks for thanksgiving. they live in skylake in sautee. anyone near there that may want to get together for coffee that weekend? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Uh, if "coffee" comes after dinner at The Edelweiss Inn (http://www.edelweissgermaninn.com/restaurant.htm) in Sautee, hubby and I will go back up in a heart beat!

[Seahorsefarmtobe]

Note: Edelweiss Inn is BYOB! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Sammy's Mom]

Uh, if "coffee" comes after dinner at The Edelweiss Inn (http://www.edelweissgermaninn.com/restaurant.htm) in Sautee, hubby and I will go back up in a heart beat![/QUOTE]

Edelweiss is one of our favoite resterauunts to visit--i think my parents eat there weekly. i havn't been since it chnged hands but mom says it is still good. i will miss egon and elke!

[ChocoMare]

Yes, it's still good. Wiener Schnitzel, Rouladen, Spaetzle', Cucumber Salad, Red Cabbage...AAAAHHHH! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_redface.gif

[KathyR]

I'll try to make it. I was Chocomare's Santa, and Sammy's Mom was mine. Would be great to actually meet! I'm about 2 hours away, so don't know if I could stay for dinner, especially after BYOB. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[War Admiral]

As things stand right now, I can do any of those dates! Count me in!

[ChocoMare]

Seems the 19th is most popular right now but I'll keep this post bumped up until November 4th for voting purposes. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[SunshineGA]

OOOH I want to go! I missed out last year http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I'll try to come really hard this time!

[ChocoMare]

Sunny: Is there a particular date that is good/best for you?

[SunshineGA]

19th sounds good to me!

[Noctis]

oh, and a mention, looking at the calendar right now, 19th is best for me too

[ChocoMare]

Well, the 19th it is then! Perfect timing for your COTH Secret Santa Shopping. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

If you're gonna be in the "overnight" gang on the 18th, lemme know so and we can meet for dinner or dessert.

For the day-trippers, just a reminder: We'll meet at 9am in the center of town where the big tree and Santa's Shelter are. I'll have a little sign handy so we don't miss each other.

See ya's then!!!

[ChocoMare]

Bump http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Also, if you can, please RSVP here. I have a surprise for all attenders but need to know who you are http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Just My Style]

Ooooooohhhhhh. I want to go! That is my parents anniversary. However, they love Helen and so does my husband and little boy. Maybe I can make it a family day and then branch off and visit with the COTH crew for a little while. Let me see what I can do.

I wrote it on my calendar. Please add me to any PT's about it. I regretted missing last year.

Chocomare- I have been dying to meet you so we can talk drafts.

[ChocoMare]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Just My Style:
Ooooooohhhhhh. I want to go! That is my parents anniversary. However, they love Helen and so does my husband and little boy. Maybe I can make it a family day and then branch off and visit with the COTH crew for a little while. Let me see what I can do.

I wrote it on my calendar. Please add me to any PT's about it. I regretted missing last year.

Chocomare- I have been dying to meet you so we can talk drafts. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Oh, bring the whole JMS Gang! We'd love to meet 'em too http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

...and draft-chat is mandatory http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[Just My Style]

How about draft drinking while draft chatting? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[ChocoMare]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Just My Style:
How about draft drinking while draft chatting? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You feel free. I'll stick with draft root beer http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[Noctis]

chocomare: could you post an address so i can find directions that *wont* get me lost? Because from googling a map i didnt get very good ones, and i am directionally challenged! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[War Admiral]

Noctis, do these directions (http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&rmm=1&un=m&cl=EN&ct=NA&rsres=1&1a=&1c=Harrison&1s=TN&1z=&2a=&2c=Helen&2s=GA&2z=) make sense?

Chocomare - Count me in but as a daytripper only please! Look forward to it!!

[Noctis]

WA, you are my hero! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif So that means Chocomare, count me in as a daytripper too

[ChocoMare]

Great! So far the confirmed attenders are:

-Me
-SunshineGA
-Noctis
-Just My Style

I'm working on getting Parade and Freebird to come too http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Any others? Just RSVP here to this thread.

[monstrpony]

It's still definitely on my "I hope to do" list, but with every weekend until then having some major driving on it, I'm waiting to commit to see if I have any driving energy or gas money left by mid November!

[ChocoMare]

Noctis,

This Google Map (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=from%3A+harrison,+tennessee+to%3A+helen,+ge orgia&t=h&f=d&hl=en) might help too.

[War Admiral]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">So far the confirmed attenders are:

-Me
-SunshineGA
-Noctis
-Just My Style
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Am I, like, disinvited or something?? http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/uhoh.gif

[ChocoMare]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by War Admiral:
Am I, like, disinvited or something?? http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/uhoh.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Not at all. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Just guess I didn't see a definitive "Yes, I'll be there" from you so I wasn't sure. I am now! See ya then. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Castlegate]

Bummer....horse show that weekend! ARGGGHHH....sounds like a GREAT time...enjoy! Have a funnel cake for me please! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[ChocoMare]

CG: Aw phooey. Was hoping you could come play. Definitely next year though!

Also bumping for anyone we may have overlooked.

[Noctis]

Bumping up for last minute people http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[ChocoMare]

Yay! Only 3 more weeks till shopping day. Can't wait to meet everyone:

-SunshineGA
-Noctis
-Just My Style
-War Admiral

Anyone else coming?...RTXJ, Seahorse, etc?

[monstrpony]

Well, since I'm being systematically ignored, I'll assume I'm not welcome. Huff.

Still uncertain, there's an equestrian club activity that keeps changing it's date. If it ever gets nailed down, I may still be able to come haunt you all (since I'm not openly welcome...)

[War Admiral]

Oh Monstr, you know we loff you!!! Please DO come!!

[snkstacres]

Oh Lord, a chance to meet the Cothers, yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Dec 3 is good for me or that is my vote. I will try and make whatever date is available. This sounds like way too much fun and now that I have a horsey kid to shop for again, even better.

[ChocoMare]

Oh Monstr, sweetie...Do come. I just wasn't 100% sure since I didn't see a firm RSVP.

Forgive me? http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif
---------------------

Snks: The date is November 19th. Please RSVP if you'll be able to join us.

[monstrpony]

Just harassing you http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif. You're right, it isn't definite yet, I WILL try to nail it down before d-day!

[Parade]

I want to goooooooo....but it is the same day as the Midland Hunter Pace.

[Sammy's Mom]

not to worry for those who can't make it--i am hoping for an edelweiss get together when i am there for thanksgiving. will start a thread when the time gets closer.

[tarragon]

Shoot- I'd really like to meet other Georgia COTHers, but I'll be on the West Coast on the 19th.

JustMyStyle- I would definitely draft drink and draft chat with you!

[BeastieSlave]

Okay, I haven't said anything because my schedule has been kind of hectic lately, but there's small chance I could make it for the day. So, how long will it take me to get to Helen from the airport (Atlanta)?

[War Admiral]

A couple of hours. That'd be awesome, I'd love to meet you!!

[BeastieSlave]

That's about what I figured... I haven't been to Helen since I have been driving (what, 24 years or so). I'll have to check to see if all the stars are in alignment. If I hold my mouth right I may even be able to stay overnight. My farm owner has a house in Helen - I'll see if it's occupied that weekend http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[relocatedTXjumpr]

MIGHT be able to swing it. ALthough it would just be for the day.

[War Admiral]

That's cool, I'm a daytripper too, Relocated!

Beastie, wow, I'm envious!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[monstrpony]

Well, our equestrian club activity finally did settle itself on the 19th, so I'll have to miss the gathering this year. Shoot! I was really starting to look forward to it!

[ChocoMare]

Okay, the definites are:

-SunshineGA
-Noctis
-Just My Style
-War Admiral
-me

The Hopefuls are:

-BeastieSlave
-Snkstacres
-RelocatedTXJumpr
-KathyR

Beastie: If you can come the night before and want to get together, just lemme know. I'll be staying at the Fairfield Inn right in the middle of town.

What would you guys think about getting matching T-shirts that say on the front "Certified COTH-A-Holic" and your BB name on the back?

If most people want one, I'll get a price worked up through a dear friend of mine who own's a printing company and let everyone know. Then I'll coordinate for sizes.

Monstr: http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif So sorry you can't come play/shop, but do let me know if you want a T-shirt anway.

[BeastieSlave]

WA I'm jealous too. They have that house "in the mountains", one at the beach, one at the lake, one at the farm (1,500 acres), and one in town.... Must be nice! It'd be easy to hate them, but they are sooooo nice, and generous to a fault.

Chocomare, t-shirts sound like a riot! I'll have to work a little harder to get this lined up http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Noctis]

t-shirts sound AMAZING!! :-D Me wants one! lolol and looking forward to the gathering!

[ChocoMare]

Okay, that's 2 T-shirts. Any other takers? I'd need a minimum order of 5 to keep the cost down.

If anyone would be willing to carpool for the day trippers on Saturday, please let everyone know. With gas prices being what they are, it might be nice to share the ride. Besides, when you're trapped in a vehicle, you have no choice but to chat and get to know each other better!

[relocatedTXjumpr]

I'll take a shirt!

I should be able to swing it. I've never been, even though I've lived here for almost 10 years!

If anyone wants to ride with me thats fine...I have to drive or I get car sick though.

[Just My Style]

UGH!!!! I was just notifed by my husband that my in-laws are coming to visit that weekend and it has been planned "for ages". Excuse me? What? Planned by who? Certainly not planned by me- that's for darn sure.

So, my master plan &lt;insert evil giggle&gt; is to convince everyone to go to Helen and then I will conveniently slip away to have at least an hour of fun on that day. Oh- and will without a doubt be ready for a minimum of one nice beverage, if you know what I mean. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[snkstacres]

RSVP Nov 19th works for me. I shall be there with bells on. I am an elf you know.

[Freebird!]

Choco - you can put me down on teh hopeful list. WHile I probably won't have the funds to buy much of anything, I woudl liek to at least tag along. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

snkstacres - so glad you can come!

JMS - that is some GOOD planning girl! (sure wish I coudl slip away for an hour when MY OUTlaws are around... http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif)

[BeastieSlave]

Aaarrggg!! what was I thinking?! The Dawgs are playing so hubby will be in Athens. On top of the regular hoops I'd have to jump through to leave town, I now have to plan for someone to care for house animals and kids. I haven't given up though, so I'm still a maybe http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Noctis]

I'll be coming from Chattanooga TN and anyone on teh way is more than welcome to join me! (room for 3 more) Company would be WELL loved!

[ChocoMare]

Great...two more: Freebird and Snkstacres.

I looked into the T-shirts. Hmmph. They're more $$$$ than I thought since we'd have to pay a $50 silk-screen fee on top of the shirt price, so this (at least to me) would make them too expensive (like $18 per shirt). Plus the minimum order is 15. Sorry folks...I tried http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[Just My Style]

Well, I am still on schedule to come. HUsband thinks it is actually a good idea, since he tries to keep me away from his parents as much as possible. Last time they visited, I had laryngitis- lucky for them. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif I only wish you all could be there when I tell them that I need to slip away to meet my "friends" that I met on the internet. Ha ha ha- like my mother-in-law doesn't think I have enough problems. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[BeastieSlave]

Yeah, that "I'm going to meet my internet friends out of town" thing is a bit awkward...

[Freebird!]

haha - the first time Sue and I met in person was at Helen, last year, and we shared a hotel room last year. BOTH our husbands were like "So, what happens if she turns out to be some Axe murdering Nut job?" and both our replies were "well, she's a Christian!" Of course when we met, it was like we had known each other for years, and we stayed up late, laughing our heads off watching Monty Python.

[Noctis]

yeah my SO is a bit weired out by the "meeting internet friends" http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif He's just jealous about missing a shopping trip!

[Just My Style]

My husband used to think that the BB was really weird. I have been on since 1999, so he has gotten over it. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[ChocoMare]

Mr. C'Mare is actually in a very mild snit because he can't come and meet all the COTH people I talk incessantly about... He'll get over it. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[ChocoMare]

Ooo, I'm so excited. Only 5 days left till we hit the streets of Helen.

Anyone else wanna join us? Just let us know.

[Just My Style]

I am still planning on it. What time and where are we meeting? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

You won't be able to miss me. I'll be the one looking like a basket case and running for my life from the in-laws. Oh, and I'll be dragging along a loud five year old and a stressed out husband. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif Aren't you glad you invited me? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[ChocoMare]

We're meeting at 9am in the middle of town at the big tree where Santa's Shed is.

We'll probably split up into shopping teams and then meet back at 12 for lunch at The Old Bavarian Inn (http://www.helenga.org/oldbavariainn/) which is right there in the middle of town.

Resume shopping after lunch and then meet back at about 4ish for a Funnel Cake at Flossies before departing.

[BeastieSlave]

Well it looks like my plan to join you has been busted. An equine emergency kept me from getting anything done last weekend, and kid stuff is piling up for next weekend. I will also probably have to work next weekend to make up for the trip to Athens that I will most likely be taking this week.... (poor pitiful me)

So, if anyone is available to meet in Athenstown (WA?) I'd love some COTH support when I bring the $70, now totally blind, appy up to the vet school. Not sure exactly when yet as the vets are still talking, but I really would like to meet up with ya'll and hate that I'l be missing Helen!

[LMH]

HEY! I wanna come!

JMS-would you want to ride up together?

[ChocoMare]

Yaaay! Leah's coming to play ...hey, that rhymes. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif Anyway, great to have you LMH. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

Sorry Beastie about the whole mess http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Jingles for you and the poor Appy.

[Just My Style]

No. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/uhoh.gif I am going up with my in-laws. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif Trust me, you do not want to be a part of that AT ALL. As soon as we get there I am running as fast as possible to the COTH crew for safety. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[ChocoMare]

Updated attendance list:

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif LMH
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif Snkstacres
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif SunshineGA
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif Noctis
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif Just My Style
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif War Admiral
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif me

The Hopefuls are:

-RelocatedTXJumpr
-KathyR

[Just My Style]

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
(You can't see me, but I am jumping up and down for joy!) I am not sure I will be there for 9am, but I will without a doubt be there for 12 at the Inn. I know WA and LMH, so I will be able to find you all.

[Sammy's Mom]

I will start a new thread later this week but, whoever can't make it or those that just want another excuse for an outing....

Lunch at Eidlewies.. I will be arriving in Sautee on the 22nd. So lunch could be Wed, Fri or Sat. Hopefully some can make it.

Have fun this weekend. I'm sorry I'll miss it!

[monstrpony]

WAAAAAAAAA!!!!

I wanta come!!

I wonder if the rest of the equestrian club can attend the Lionhardritt blessing of the animals without their advisor?? Alas, I don't think their advisor can afford to miss having said animals blessed ...

Y'all have some fun for me, too!

[Parade]

Someone tell Freebird to call me! She mentioned us driving up together last time I talked to her.

Just My Style,
If you are bringing your young'un then I might just bring mine. I know he would love it they could keep each other entertained

[ChocoMare]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Parade:
Someone tell Freebird to call me! She mentioned us driving up together last time I talked to her. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Uh, does this mean you will be coming to play with us instead of running around like a mad woman, jumping shrubbery and chasing after a fox at the Midland Hunt? Hmmmm? Hope so!!!!!

She's at her parents now. If you don't have that number, lemme know and I'll patch you through.

[Just My Style]

I am driving there with my husband and in-laws, who are visting from out of town. They haven't been to Helen before. I am going to branch off with the COTH crew. Husband, in-laws and son will be going on their own for a few hours (probably to get some fudge). So, I don't think it would work out for the kids to hang out- although I am sure mine would have loved it.

[Parade]

Choco, Mrs. Jean had to go out of town so I decided I wasn't going to go. Although I hate to miss it, I am NOT riding with the other girl who asked me to go. I would have to hurt her. Looks like I will have to wait for this Hunter Pace til next yr. Although there is another one later in the season I can catch! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Tell Kat to call me, for some reason I don't have her #.

[ChocoMare]

Yay! Parade joins the gang. (I'll PT you with her dad's number http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif)

[Noctis]

4 more days!

[ChocoMare]

And now for a message from The Count, direct from Sesame Street:

"Make that 2, 2, 2 days till shopping. (cue Thunder) Bwa,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha.....

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[Just My Style]

Tomorrow, tommorow, I'll see you tomorrow. It's only a day away! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Thank you. Thank you. That is my best Annie impersonation.

I will be there more around 10:30. I can't seem to motivate the rest of my crew for an earlier than 9am departure and I know it is at least an hour.

I am really looking forward to lunch. Should be a blast!

[CharliesMom]

Is it too late to join in??

It turns out that I will be nearby in Dahlonega to take a PRAXIS test at 10:45 and should be done in an hour or less. Can I join y'all for lunch? or shortly thereafter?

Michelle

[Noctis]

its in the morning!!!! woohoo!

[Just My Style]

OK. Where were all of you? I was that the Bavarian Inn from 12-1 and never found anyone. Sucks.

[Noctis]

JMS, we were waiting in the front part by the fountain from 12-12:45, but we didnt have your number to call you! Headed to the Bavarian at about 1:15. Talk about sucky timing!

[Just My Style]

OMGiH! Let's just say that I was disappointed. We started out the trip with my FIL insisting that his nav unit could get us there, so the normally 1 hour trip turned in to 2 1/2 hours. Then my five year old got sick and barfed all over the car. I could have really used a few hours of RnR. I can't believe I missed everyone. I was the very stressed looking girl in the bright pink down vest. I probably walked by you 100 times.

Who all showed up?

[Noctis]

i *think* i saw you. do you have shortish brown hair? It was just Chocomare and myself. We couldn't get ahold of relo, and had no one else's phone numbers :-/

[Just My Style]

D@mn it. I think I did see you. Yes, I do have shortish brown hair. Sunglasses on my head. Bright pink vest. (Because I refuse to wear hunter's orange when I hack in hunting season. Pink is oh so chic!) I actually thought about getting cell phone#'s, but I had that brilliant thought in the am. I was looking for Charlie's Mom, LMH & War Admiral. They are the only one's that I met face to face before.

[Noctis]

yeah and none of them made it http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif well now you've seen the other thread and have some #'s for future reference! And there is always spring...i for one cant WAIT to go back! (as soon as i run out of salsa and chocolate that i got lol)

[ChocoMare]

So sorry we missed you JMS. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Noctis (Marisa) and I met a little after 9. I had my bag of goodies with a little COTH http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif sign on it. We waited till about 9:45ish and then figured that maybe others would come at noon, so we hit the pavement.

Getting to know Noctis was quite a treat. She is a lovely young lady, with a bright personality and it was a delight to spend the day with her.

We raided Hansel & Gretel Candy Shop for the required chocolate, fudge and pecan brittle (to die for), got some neat T-shirts and other assorted items.

We sat on the bench by the Fountain from 12:10ish till 1-ish, hoping for someone else, then ate at the Old Bavarian Inn. I had the Rohm Schnitzel--oooo, was that good.

Of course, we made the rounds of the carriage horses, handing out scritches and nose rubs. Had one of each: a Belgian, a Percheron and a Clyde-X.

The highlight had to be the one-man-band though. He was great. His contraption on his back held a bass drum, cymbals, harmonica, pan flute, kazoo and washboard. Straps to his left leg ran the drum & cymbal, straps to his right leg ran the castenets (sp?) complete with little trolls glued to 'em. A strap on his right elbow worked the washboard as he played the guitar. Got quite a crowd around him and started raking in the tips.

We parted about 3pm, having perused almost every single shop in downtown, including Betty's General Store. I made sure Marisa got to her car safely and sent her on her way.

Any time any one of you wants to meet in Helen, no matter what time of year, just let us know. I'll gladly return in a heart beat.

P.S. If each of you will PT me your address, I'll be glad to send off the little present I made for ya. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Just My Style]

Now I am really wondering which two you were. When we were in the Bavarian Inn, there were two people in the corner, both brunettes, one my age and one a bit younger, who I thought I heard talking about horses. Then, out in the square at about 12ish, there were two women, one blonde and one brunette who were talking and looking like they were waiting for someone. I kept looking at people's shoes and clothes for any hint of being horse people.

I never saw COTH sign. I wish I had. I would have given anything to meet up and take a break from my company.

[ChocoMare]

The two in the corner was us. My hair was up in a scrunchie. (I'm the older one http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif)

I did have my "Real Horses Weigh a Ton" shirt on (with a picture of a dapple gray Perch).

Soooo sorry we missed each other. How about a second chance in the spring?

[Just My Style]

Absolutely. I was at the table in front of you. I had on a pink vest. My husband (short Italian looking guy)was on one side of me and my son (age five and sitting like he had ants in his pants) was on the other side. Across were the two happiest people in the world, my in-laws. Who, by the way, did not like Helen. How can you not like HELEN? Oh well, I'll save that discussion for another day.

Now I feel like such an idiot for not just going around the restaurant and asking if any one was with the Chronicle. I won't make that mistake again. And I never saw your shirt. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif

[ChocoMare]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Who, by the way, did not like Helen. How can you not like HELEN? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I second that! How can you not like that quaint Alpine village? I mean, granted, it's totally a tourist thing but, sheesh, it's fun to window shop, inhale the goodie smells and soak up the local culture. Besides, where else can you wear a pointy Tyrolian hat and not get laughed at? (I tried to talk Marisa into buying a red one. It looked great on her. Alas, she was not brave enough. Darn http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif)

And don't feel like an idiot. I understand completely.

[Noctis]

HEY! I was NOT too wimpy... i just couldnt afford the lederhosen which must go with the hat! (told the SO about that..he was VERY thankful!) http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[ChocoMare]

Awwww, you woulda looked so cute in Lederhosen! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif ...carrying a nutcracker and singing The Sound of Music. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[Noctis]

Oh boy..how about just sticking with singing Memory in the middle of that store with the windchimes? Or with the one-man-band? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Or i might get arrested for disruption of the peace or something! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif