My Comments on the RCS meet - Why I choose Orlando

I had looked at the Stratton House Inn also. It looks nice, sleeping arrangements are mostly two to a bed and there is only room for 16. The Olde Geneva Dairy looks great. Not just because it is practially in my back yard (I can't believe I've never heard of it!!!), but because it was specifically designed for scrapbookers - not as a "get on the scrapbook ride" afterthought. Sandy

On 2005-08-27, M-C wrote:

As with Barb, I've been keeping fairly quiet because I don't think I will be able to go though I would like to. For those that have problems with heat and humidity Florida is a poor choice in JULY or August. We work with people in Orlando and have had opportunity to visit the lovely city for a week (with no Disney) we went in JULY bad choice. However, we daily chat with them and frequently in the fall and spring they are mild. We have had days where it was hotter in Saskatoon than it was in Orlando. As for Calgary, it was mentioned that there was previous discussion about a meet in Canada. Calgary is also a beautiful city, with an international airport. To get some places we have to fly through Calgary. You don't need a passport to travel between Canada and the US though it has been recommended for a few years and periodically the governments discuss making it mandatory. And $ wise currently every US$ is woth about $1.18 Canadian, although the Canadian $ is appreciating against the US$. Winter months would be a poor choice for Calgary but by May and June it is nice. Another note on finances in Canada our taxes are due on April 30 so those waiting for tax returns that may travel from here would probably be easier in May rather than April. For those recommending Atlanta and Ohio, I have never been to either so cannot comment on the cities or ease of getting there. If I were to be able to come transportation between airport and accomodations would be very important because I don't drive in large unknown cities. My head is usually spinning from the flight and I cannot concentrate on the traffic and directions at the same time. I don't expect that I am the only one like that.

My hope is that this meet will go well enough that more are planned in the future in various locals so that I may be able to attend and meet people at some point in time.

I think I've said enough for now.

Was there really?? I don't remember it...must have purged 2002 from the brain already, lol!! Oh wait...I do remember!!! I remember pictures, and Tex...how could I forget Tex!! Thanks for the reminder!

Arleen

This is a heads up on proposed passport requirements that I got frome the Holland America cruise line recently. It is serious enough as they have never passed anything on to me like this before though I've heard rumors about it for a few years now. If enacted, it will not affect the Canada/US or the Mexico/US borders until Dec. 31 2006.

In April 2005, the U.S. Department of State announced details of the proposed "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative". If enacted, U.S. and Canadian citizens will be required to carry a passport for travel to or from certain countries/areas that were previously exempt. As you are making future travel plans, you'll want to keep the proposed implementation dates in mind:

a.. Beginning December 31, 2005, a passport or other accepted document* will be required for all air and sea travel to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.

b.. Beginning December 31, 2006, a passport or other accepted document* will be required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.

c.. Beginning December 31, 2007, a passport or other accepted document* will be required for all air, sea and land border crossings.

My daughter and I are rooting for Orlando too!! It is a great opportunity for the two of us to get together and for her to see some old RCS buddies,too

Hugs, Sabrina in Kentucky

Brain cells come and brain cells go.... but fat cells go on forever

What I like about going to Orlando is I would fly to Tampa a week ahead of time,be picked up by my daughter,Jill and spend some time with her and the family, then she is all about going to Orlando (we would drive up from her house in Bradenton) and all of us in a big house would be so cool!!! Warm weather,private house,all of us gabbing and getting to know each other. Maybe some of the houses have pools....we could play and have fun and then scrap at night...maybe all night! The whole point is a get away to have fun and see everyone in person. It would be fun to interact with all of you nice people , I know we all have a sense of humour! We could maybe have one meal where we each could make one of our favorite recipes...eveyone here is a great cook!! Yeah,even Lori! LOL

Hugs, Sabrina in Kentucky

Brain cells come and brain cells go.... but fat cells go on forever

Well, I never even thought of Disney or any of the other dozens of attractions. I just think it is a cool place to meet and visit and a big house full of us would sort a be like a big Sorority party. For all us not so secret scrapbook friends.

Hugs, Sabrina in Kentucky

Brain cells come and brain cells go.... but fat cells go on forever

I can speak from personal experience that April and May in Florida are my personal times to go. It is darn near perfect. You can see why people like to live there!

Hugs, Sabrina in Kentucky

Brain cells come and brain cells go.... but fat cells go on forever

In 2001 we had a meet in Clearwater. One of the members owned intrest in a really fine scrapbook store so we booked us in for a Friday night all day Saturday until 9 pm just for scrapping. We were also able to get a resort to give us a break on the rates and all who stayed there had fun. Since my daughter lived in Tampa we did not stay at the resort but did enjoy all the other activities with the ladies. We did not plan any tourist activities however some people did plan their family vacations and go to Disney after the getaway was over. The hubbies and children just enjoyed the pool and going to Busch Gardens and stuff like that while we scrapped and played and got to know each other a lot better. Some of the original RCS ers are still active here but I have not met Mel and Patti or Maureen or Neets or any of the newer ones. I do know Susan W,Arleen, and many who no longer post with us because of the Get Together and I treasure all of them. I would love to meet Tabitha and M-C and Kenda,April,Deb, Katrina,Jean,Dorothy,Kate,Peggy, and wouldn't it be soooo cool to meet Barb and Shaz and Tracy and Judy and Marilyn!! These folks are like family and you know when family gets together they don't do touristy things...they laugh and eat and be silly just for the fun of it!!

Hugs, Sabrina in Kentucky

Brain cells come and brain cells go.... but fat cells go on forever

Jacque, I think you pointed out some good things. I would go wherever all wanted to go. I have gone before. I think the good feelings that would come out of a get together would be worth it and I think it should be as simple as possible beause when you get too anal about it...someone gets their feelings hurt and that is not the purpose of a party. I think what we all want is a celebration...of our friendship...our shared intrests and just getting together with people we would like to get to know better. think that it would be a good idea to try to have get togethers in convienent areas and all who can get there...go. The more places we can get to,the more people we can meet. Just look at our Dave! He tries to meet as many as possible and we love it!

Hugs, Sabrina in Kentucky

Brain cells come and brain cells go.... but fat cells go on forever

Arleen! It was in Clearwater and there were over 40 of us! LOL Arleen sings like an angel and she sang and was joined by Pittsburgh Linda. Dfferent people taught classes and a committee wrote to Scrapbook places and got lots of goodies donated...goodie bags were put together and everone got one plus drawings were held and donated goodies were given out.

Hugs, Sabrina in Kentucky

Brain cells come and brain cells go.... but fat cells go on forever

I think that sounds great! I could even have hubby make truffles :) Spending time together is what its all about.

I didn't think about Disney either. All I thought about was getting to know everyone.

If Ally wasn't sick then I could maybe consider going somewhere else but I can't be too far away from home since we never know when she will get sick and have to be back in the hospital.

Wow sounds like you all had a good time.. 40 of you? WOW!!! That's neat about the goodie bags.

If we do meet in Orlando, then I'll be happy to "co-ordinate" the cooking...hahaha...I don't fit the category of cook, never mind great cook!!"

M-C

The Florida ladies were in charge and really put a lot into it to make it memorable They worked on it all summer and the meet was in Sept. We were worried that some of the folks from California and Texas and Canada would be hesitant to fly after the World Trade Center tragedy but everyone still came.We drove. It was definately worth it. I got to not only meet and scrap but got to see and hug the scrappers I had been talking to for almost a year. It was just meeting an old friend! I probably would not have tried to do it had not my DD signed me up! LOL I am so glad she did. She was on one of the committees that planned. This is how I met Susan W and Arleen and the others that I know. Many are not actve on the board anymore but all are fantastic,creative scrappers.

Hugs, Sabrina in Kentucky

Brain cells come and brain cells go.... but fat cells go on forever

Jacqui,

thank you for climbing on thre soapbox. I think you're posting is very sound. Because we are all here for the same reason. We SHARE a passion and it is fun to have peole to share with. So, thank you for being a voice of reason.

Melissa in Seattle