Time for a 'Happy news' Fla. lunch!

Hi all! Isobella PM'd me and suggested we do another Fl. lunch soon and with all the good news here in Fl. lately and with several others tx-ing and showing good results (on their way to SVR!:) we think it's time!
So here's Isobella's and my 'let's start another Fl. lunch' thread  :)

We're thinking the Black Water Inn on the St. Johns River on Hwy. 40 about 35 ish miles west of I-95. (I-95 to 40 going East would run into Daytona.) Susan, Missy, Dana , Eric-(CONGRATS again:)  anyone that live's too far or tx-ing and not up to long drives is welcome to PM me if you'd like to stay here for a day to rest, be an easier trip, etc. as I am only about 40 miles from there. There are also Motels on the river there, just not sure how nice they are??

We're thinking 2nd, 3rd week of July so it's enough time for all to schedule a day we're all available.
Sooooo, start the posting and planning. If we agree on there I’ll make the reservation and post the addy, etc.

P.S. ALL are welcome, even if you live in Alaska (Meki!!)
Maybe some can catch another cheap flight to Fl! :)

LL

[rita863]

i would love to come but am in philly,   perhaps my next visit to jacksonville, to see my son we can get together! it would be great to meet you all face to face!

[Marcia2202]

I'm just gonna pretend I'm there with you all. Sending you loads of love and positive vibes from Denmark.

Marcia

[FloridaMouse]

You know me ... If I can be there I will.

Mouse

[Isobella]

Thanks Lauri for posting this.....I am so excited.  It will be  fun to meet face to face.

Rita-definately keep us posted next time you are down in my home town!!

Marcia-you can "sit" next to me!!!

Ya know Canada starts on just the other end of I-95, hint hint Trish!

Izzy

[Andiamo1]

Sounds great.  I have no idea how long it will take me to get there.  I am staying in Tarpon Springs now.

My nephew is visiting the last week in July, so that is not good for me, but any time earlier in July will work great!

I look forward to meeting everyone.

Eric

[rita863]

i may be in jax sometime in august!  Izzy I lived there for 1 year, then i was homesick and moved back to philly.

if i had known you then i wouldnt have been homesick!!!

peace
rita

[meki]

Ahhhhh Shucks... *blush*

I don't have cheap flights yet... Darnit all to heck..

BUT --- y'all can send me the doggie bags... LMAO!

All of ya - have a SUPER wonderful time!

Hugs,

Meki

[dperry10]

let me know when the consenis is and I will be there.   I am just home for lunch and saw the post.    Will check in later.

Dana

[dperry10]

My 30 yr class reunion is July 19th & 20th, so that weekend is not good for me.

[susan400]

The 2nd or 3rd week of July I could do, but the 3rd week would be better.  A Sat. or Sun?  The weekdays, I think, would be harder for some people w/work and all.  I have to be up at Shands the first week of July, so, that week is definitely out for me.  Since my PEG shots have started out being on a Wed., I would prefer to NOT do a Thurs., or Fri., as the fatigue factor is a little bit greater the 1-2 days after shot.  Also, if possible, I would prefer to NOT have a late lunch because I would need to drive home afterwards and not stay over night somewhere.  1 pm would work better for me than 2 pm.  But, don't base it on me and my schedule because I may not even be able to make it this time, all depends on the next couple of weeks here.

Susan400

[FlGuy]

Not to change the subject too much.  Are you traveling far and much for the trial you are in?  Last time (or past few times) travel to the site(s) was a little tough on you.

[susan400]

Thanks for remembering.  Yes, I do have to drive quite a bit lately.  Fortunately, for me, my parents live in North FL and they allow me to stay at their place when they are gone during the summer to N.C.  So, they get helped out by my making the place look occupied and checking on things there and they help me out by helping me on my drive.  I'm in the trial at Gainesville.  I'm driving from East Central FL (Brevard Co.), which is where Fla Mouse drives from as well.  What I do is stay in my parents place and rest up before driving to Gainesville and then, go back there and rest a day or two more.  My son was living in a facility in Gainesville and last Wed. was moved to a place that's near the FL/GA state line (about 2-1/2 hrs) from my parents place.  Lot's of driving and wear and tear on this 'ol bod'.  On TX it seems overwhelming the thought of having to drive further to see him, but because I'm his only parent and his main advocate, I'll do it (somehow).  I am having a Riba-fried day today as I spent a few hours trying to "MAKE" my garbage disposal work again and finally, I said, I give up.  It's broken I quit.  Trust me, you don't want to see what I've done to that disposal trying to "MAKE" it work!  

Susan

[Isobella]

I'm with Susan on the 2nd or 3rd week. The 1:00 time sounds good as well-haven't map quested it yet but it seems like about 1 1/2 hr drive.  If it is a Saturday, I can schedule myself off work. I definately cannot do the 5th but pretty much open otherwise.

Rita---Coming to Jax in August--that should be a good time because everyone from Jax is in NC that month!  :-)  Let me know when and I will give my my #'s and treat you to lunch.

Izzy

[Andiamo1]

I am open from the fifth to the 19th.  My nephew arrives on the 20th and then I am tied up for until the29th.  Between the house closing and other issues, I am busy so the sooner we pick a date the easier it will be for me.  I have flexibility with everything but my nephew's visit, since he has scheduled a vacation and so has his girlfriend.

Do you have any idea how long a drive it will be from Trinity which is next to Tarpon Springs?

If you post the address of the restaurant, I can put it in the GPS or mapquest.

Thanks,
Eric

[Trish77]

Thanks Izzy .. I'll take a look at that I-95 for future reference .. ain't likely to happen til after tx, the "road warrior" is taking a temporary and expected hit ... you just never know though. :)

Y'all have a blast!!

Trish

[kimmypoo2]

let me know if yall ever in destin, fort walton beach,panama city,pensacola ...id love to attend

[dperry10]

thats not so far from Daytona.. you could join us .    I just cannot go if its the 3rd week.   As my  30 yr class reunion is that entire weekend, and I cannot miss that..   LOL

[Lady Lauri]

Hi all :)
The Sat's in July are 12th and 19th (26th is out per Erics family coming) so let's start there. Any days but Fri. are good for me, I'm just figuring most work 'Mon.-Fri.'

Oops, Dana...your reunion is week of 19th?

Rita, you in Jax 1st week of August? Isobella, I know you start school, would you be able to do 1st week in August?

Missy, can you give Sparkle girl a heads up on this? Her and Bill often take the boat down the St. Johns and we'd talked about meeting there. Or PM me her e-mail addy again, I had it somewhere ?????? Be great if you and Bill could ride up in the boat :)

Meki, I'll drive up and get ya' :)

Marcia...can't quite 'drive over' to get you, I guess :)

Kimmy, do a mapquest, may not be so far for you.


LL

[Lady Lauri]

You knwo I have this nice, quite room here if you need it, just gotta love dogs :)
Calling you right NOW!

LL

[Isobella]

LL-were posting this as I was checking my calendar!  How about Saturday the 12th?  So far no one has said that was a bad week and it is closer than the 19th!

Is this the place:blackwaterinn.com?  Just in case that doesn't post it was black water inn *******.  

Maybe Eric can sail over and get Marcia...just a thought!!!  ;-)

[Andiamo1]

The 12th gets my vote.

[FloridaMouse]

Laurie,

I sent Sparkie and email and also sent you her email addy.

Missy

[dperry10]

Yes my reunion is that week.  But I really do want to come , so try not to make it that week, otherwise I will have to pass this time..

[Marcia2202]

You crack me up girl! ROFL  Maybe a plane would be faster????



marcia

[Isobella]

Here's the funny thing--planes are faster, but I looked at your pictures and saw those camels...well, in my husband's culture camels are the way to go!  So, yes, a plane is faster, but a camel or a sail boat is much more fun!!!!  You will be in the seat next to me...in heart and spirit!!!!

[Andiamo1]

Do we have a firm date yet?  Don't want to be pushy, just curious.

[Lady Lauri]

Hi all, just finished horse flight/sale/biz PR  week of which I have NOOOO time for internet, nor anything!

Below is the place we're planning to go. I'll give directions for any that need them. While the address say's 'Front street' , you can see it from Hwy. 40 very well, right past (or before from my direction)  a bridge.
  The 12th is 2 weeks from this Sat. I can swing my shedule for that. If anyone can not, we could always go to 1st or 2nd Sat. in August (is that ok Isobella, with your plans?)
All post in the next couple days and I'll make the reservation when we're sure. I hope ALL can come, it's a happy lunch :)

You can put in Blackwater Inn 'dot' com to see it.



Blackwater Inn
55716 Front Street
P.O. Box 660
Astor, FL 32102
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 1-888-533-3422
Fax: [phone]

Blackwater Inn's Hours are as follows:
Tuesday 4:30pm  -  9:00pm
Wednesday 4:30pm  -  9:00pm
Thurday 4:30pm  -  9:00pm
Friday 4:30pm  -  10:00pm
Saturday 11:30am  -  10:00pm
Sunday 11:30am  - 9:00pm
Monday Closed

[Lady Lauri]

Dana's unable the 19th
Eric's busy the 26th

so......besides the 12th.........
other Sat. options are:

Aug. 2, 9, 16 OR the Sundays if needed.

Sometime's it takes some planning weeks ahead to get a date set, all free or travel plans, etc. so figured I'd post this also.

LL

[susan400]

I can do the first or second week in Aug., I think, tentatively...    
I think, tentatively, I can do the July 12th date, but everything for me right now, rides on what happens with my treatment!  

Susan400

[FlGuy]

Not to change the suject of this thread too much, but I need a suggestion. Being a S. Florida guy, I don't know the middle part so well. A long story, but I need to do a kid exchange later this week. I will be in Tampa, a little northwest of I4 and I75.  The other person is coming from Orlando a little northeast of I4 and 408.  I'm trying to figure out a middle point that is about halfway (mileage and time).  I'm guessing Lakeland or Polk City.  Any suggestions for what's halfway and not too far off the beaten path?  Travel is probably on I4. Thanks.

[susan400]

I would say that your guess is probably correct, just figure out whichever one of them is further North and that should be it.

Susan

[Andiamo1]

Mapquest will calculate the milage for you and time.  You can divide that and find a place somewhere on I4.  I don't think the entire trip from Tampa to Orlando is much more than an hour, so the exact point will not matter all that much.

Do you live in the Tampa area?  I had the impression you live on the west coast.

Eric

[FlGuy]

I'm in Ft Lauderdale area. The long story is that my daughter has softball tourney in Tampa this weekend and my son has been away to college for all of two days in Orlando and we are trying to get a car to one of them without schlepping all over the state and without missing games or misplacing children.  Life was so much simpler when I just had to take shots and eat pills.

[Lady Lauri]

.... Life was so much simpler when I just had to take shots and eat pills.....

LOL! I'm feeling the same way as Im trying to multi (triple!) task and go 15-20 hrs. a day again! I want a couple 'down' days :)

( but NOT with Peg and Riba involved!)

LL

[Isobella]

Thanks, Lauri-for taking my school schedule into consideration, very kind... I will hopefully be at the very least at shot #1 by then and would rather not do a FL lunch in the heat of August!!  Something about a rash.....or riba rage??

The 12th sounds great.  I am so looking forward to meeting everyone.  While I still have all my hair and  livin the simple life---shots and pills!!

FLGuy---Ft Lauderdale? Tampa?  West Coast?....I had ya pegged for the Keys!!  :-).

Isobella

[FlGuy]

The picture is from the Keys.  Around half-way down Key.  

[Andiamo1]

Any news about the date?  My schedule for July is filling up quickly; we bought a house in Sarasota and we will close soon.  I will still try and make it if I can.

Eric

[Isobella]

Eric:  LL and I were just having a discussion about this.  I say let's do this thing!!! :-)    I do have it on my calendar for the 12th, but am totally flexible and realize some may need more time.  But like you say, schedules fill up quickly.

Is your nephew still coming at the end of the month?   Congrats again on the new casa!!

I am open-hopefully bumping this thread up will help us get it planned.

FlGuy:  Half-way Down Key= Islamorada???

Izzy

[Lady Lauri]

Well if I could stop PM-ing everybody I'd have posted first! LMAO!

I'm in for the 12th.
Everyone else....can you do it on the 12th?? Sound good?

LL

[Isobella]

Now I know why the kids like that faceplace/mybook thingy!

[Lady Lauri]

I hate that I have had to say this to you twice in one day but....huh ???  :)

(and I am not on tx!!)

[Isobella]

Too funny!   It's a teenager thing.

The first "huh???",  I'll explain at our FL Lunch!  :-)

[Lady Lauri]

My space ??

[Lady Lauri]

Big Dogs....or stay on the porch???

LMAOOOOOF!

[Fl_Gator]

I'm in...(I assume...since I live in FL...I can come? Right?...Well I'll be there!) I have googled the BlackWater Inn. The menu looks yummy...

Ride Share anyone? I can meet anyone in Orlando.

[Andiamo1]

Count me in for the 12th.  Gator - I am moving to Sarasota, so I think Orlando is out of the way for me. I might stay at my mother in law's in Tarpon the night before in order to shorten the trip by 1.5 hours.

Eric

[dperry10]

sounds good to me.. I will have to See if I can talk Mike into coming with me.  If not I may bring one of my old friends from school.

Oh  BTW  I passed my A+ Certification class.  I am officially a computer geek.. lol

Dana

[Fl_Gator]

Eric...You get the bonus plan...nice visit with family and go to the luncheon. Tarpon Springs is nice. Enjoy!

Dana...Good Job!

On the Blackwater website it looks like the doors open at 4:30...did anyone post a time for this late lunch? Please let me know

[susan400]

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to make it to this one, but if not, I hope you all have a great time!   Coming that late in the afternoon would definitely rule me out!  

Susan400

[Lady Lauri]

Fl gator...I see your making it to the lunch :) Great! See above I posted their hours, Sat. is open at 11:00. I think I'll just make the reservation for 10-14 people and it's flexible, I'm sure.

Eric....finally making it to a lunch with you and Dana and not missing it!
Can't wait :)

Dana...CONGRATUALTIONS and can you come to my house for a few days,lol!
I am soooooo in need of help on the comp. !! I spend hours trying to do things :(

ALL......ok, a time.....how's 12:30 or 1:00? Gives anyone driving time to get there.
Also, as it's so dang hot in Fl., I'll ask for a table inside with a view, k?

LL

[Isobella]

Yay!  Sounds like a plan then...I will be looking forward to meeting everyone.

Susan: I hope you are feeling up to it.  1 o'clock is much better than 4 o'clock  :-)  

See y'all on the 12th!

Isobella

[susan400]

Yes, I agree, 1 is much more doable for me.  If I can make it that is.  What I'm afraid of is if I get some news on my TX that makes me an unhappy camper, I know me and I know I'll be bummed out for awhile and if that were to happen then I wouldn't be much in a celebratory mood and I'd have to pass on this offer in order to not be a 'party-pooper'.  I can't help it.  I want to think positively and it's so very difficult.  I've been disappointed so many times that it's getting very difficult to get disappointed yet again.  So, please keep you hopes up for me and pray!  All important blood draw is this Wed. and approximately 1 week to 10 days later will be the news.

Susan400

[Andiamo1]

We should get a head count for the reservation.  So far, Mafalda is going to join us as well.

I look forward to meeting everyone!

Eric

[susan400]

Put me down for the earlier lunch time of 1 pm and if at the last moment, I have to cancel, please don't be offended.

Thanks, Libby

[Lady Lauri]

We are talking July 12th here? Sheeeet! I was thinking August 12th! I'd thought several were out for July?

I'm so lost and no tx excuse!

I can make it the 12th of JULY tho :) My grand daughter better not decide to enter the world that day! (due July 17th) I e-mailed her and told her if she goes into labor to wait :)

Duh da, da, da, da, da, duhhhhh.

Gotta dig out my tee shirt that say's........
I live in my own little world-they know me here :)

[jdwithhcv]

I'll be in Orlando that week.  Is that even remotely near the lunch venue?  (I'm Florida geography challenged!)

jd

[susan400]

Not, real, real, far.  Will you have a rental car?   If not, there's another girl on here, FL_Gator that was looking for a person to carpool over with, who lives in Orlando.  You should PM her!   Or, put in the maps program of where you will be staying to the address for the restaurant.  Alot of maps programs will actually find the business for you.

Susan400

[Lady Lauri]

That'd be great!!!!

It's 77 miles from Orlando international airport. Just mapquested it :)

Ohhh, now you have to come :)!

[Andiamo1]

Well, you will just have to suffer with just me at the lunch.  Mafalda wants to work on our new house - if we ever close on it!

It is 138 miles from Tarpon, so I will stay overnight at my mother in law's and drive round trip from there.  See you all at one PM on the 12th unless you tell me otherwise.

Eric

[Lady Lauri]

Oh forget it Eric! If she can't come!

KIDDING dear :)


Now that I have cleared my schedule for JULY 12th and not AUGUST 12th :) ....

Headcount all, making the reservation for 10-14.
It's one week from tomorrow.

LL

[Lady Lauri]

Reservations for 1:00, under Med Help. Their site has all local info., motels, etc. tho he said they are ok, but not the Hilton :)

Is nice there, on the river and all, never stayed at any motels near there tho.

LL

[Lady Lauri]

Geezzz, I need more coffee!

Eric, tell Mafalda sorry we will not get to meet her this time (for us that haven't) and we'll keep a good eye on you, won't let you drink and drive  :)

(kidding of course no "oh NO' threads :)

[Andiamo1]

I have heard of onoseconds but not oh no threads.  In the computer industry there was a joke about onoseconds:

millisecond = 1/1000 of a second
nanosecond = 1/1,000,000 of a second
onosecond = the moment after you mistakenly hit the send key when typing a nasty email - or the delete key wiping out a day's work.

[Marcia2202]

i wanna come... to bad it's too far away...

I wish you all a super good time. Have fun and have extra fun for those of us who won't be there.

Marcia

[dperry10]

Put me down for 2.  Unless Mike decides to come with me, it will be my close friend Deana from HS., for sure, I kinda doubt he will come along this time.  

She lives in Pasco county so will meet up with her on 75.   Looking forward to seeing everyone there, and meeting the ones I missed meeting last time.  

Dana

[susan400]

I really want to be there, but if next Sat. is anything like today, then, I'm going to need to pass this time.  Feeling really bad today.  Don't know if it's just the everyday normal sides, or an infection of some sort.  Just saw Dr. and nurse 2 days ago and this wasn't there on that day.  I am now on just SOC, the Debio-025 portion of the trial is complete, so I'm relatively certain that this is not anything connected to the Debio.  I'll see how I feel the day before our luncheon and be able to judge it better then.

Susan400

[Isobella]

I will definately be there!  Count me as 1.  

I can't wait to meet everyone :-)

Isobella

[Lady Lauri]

Eric...LOL.  we'll have a code now, for newbies starting the 'ono threads' :)
  "this is a 'ono' thread"...Nooooooo.


......the moment after you mistakenly hit the send key when typing a nasty email......
I have a rule of thumb on these (besides not getting into any arguments requiring one, tho that doesn't always work!)....... type all you want but NEVER send for 24 hours, than if you still want to , go for it. If you accidently hit send....'ono sheeet' is when you see they have a server you can't  UNsend!
.......or the delete key wiping out a day's work.........
that was always a "*&^%$#^#$#%^^&&& second" for me :)

Marcia...wish you could come :(   Next lunch is in Denmark :)

Dana.....your in for 2, see you soon !

Susan....hope you can make it, but you know anyone on tx is always given that last second courtesy....."I feel like hell and can't come' an hour before :(

Have a nice Sat. all. LL

[Isobella]

LOL...ono thread.  Ooooh!! Noooooo!!!  Like Mr. Bill (anyone remember him??)  So it's not much of a stretch to a Mr. Bill Thread!!!!

Sorry---I've had too much coffee :-)

See ya Saturday,

Isobella

[Isobella]

Elaine-Thanks--only wish you could be there as well! :-)

Eric-I see your mood change---you better not sail off into the blue before Saturday!!

Love all,

Izzy

[Andiamo1]

LOL - no - not going anywhere.  The Florida weather is so tropical that it reminds me of the Caribbean.  I changed my picture to my favorite anchorage and restaurant in the BVIs.

Eric

[Isobella]

I'll order you an appetizer too!!!

I wish we all could be there together :-)

Izzy

[Andiamo1]

It is Marina Cay in the British Virgin Islands.  It was one of may favorite places in the islands.  I still find that it relaxes me when I look at the picture or just remember waking up in the morning and just looking at all those gorgeous colors.  I know I will go back for a visit some day.

Eric

[dperry10]

We will be sure to order  you some cheese sticks and share, just as if you are there.  , It would be nice if we could all get together someday.  

I am bringing something else I want to share with everyone as well........

See everyone on Saturday.....

Dana  

[susan400]

That picture I post is from N.C. in the mountains up in the town where my parents live for 1/2 of the year.  I absolutely love it as my getaway.  Since I've always been in FL., to me, it's not much of a vacation so, my getaway ideas are headed up North to mountainous terrain.  FL= flat.   NC= hills.   Everybody has their own ideas of relaxation I guess.  I know you love the water and the sailing experience and I'm glad that you have that.  Hopefully, next year when I'm off of treatment (I hope), I'll make it back up there to spend a couple of weeks w/Mom & Dad.  Otherwise, I see them alot when they're in FL during the winter.

Susan400

[Lady Lauri]

I love the mountains too, lived in them years, want to go back , can't due to family-illness. While I also love the water, mountains are my 1st choice. (Susan)

Elaine....I hate to fly too! Tho I have to. You'd think I'd be over that as I am at the airport, loading a 727, meeting many pilots, FAA monthly and watching my sons take off and land over and over for 9 yrs. now! We deal directly with some from FAA, the mechanics, all! One flight I was 'lecturing' the pilots...."now you have two of my sons on that plane, be careful, etc" and the guy smiles and says..."oh don't worry. We're always careful. We're on there TOO & we don't want to go down either", lol  I have been explained to and reassuerd by the men who build, over see. fly the dam planes and I still hate to fly!

See a bunch of you Sat. :)

LL

[Isobella]

Yay-can't wait to meet y'all tomorrow.  My little sister is coming with me.  She works in a liver transplant unit.  I tell her she can learn alot about our side of things.  The insight will be good for her patients.  She also is dealing with some new liver issues of her own.  I think we can school her on livers!  :-)  

See ya soon!

Isobella

[dperry10]

Just how many people do we have coming tomorrow for lunch ?  

[dperry10]

I sure wish  you could join us for sure.   It should be fun.  I am bringing my good friend from HS.   actually she is one of the younger sisters of my HS sweetheart.  LOL    Its been fun catching up with her.  Its been 32 years since I saw her.     30 class reunion is next weekend.   That should be fun.. I have no idea what I am  going to wear.. LOL

We will definately order you some cheese sticks, and share.     We will talk about you anyway.. LOL  all good of course..   We really should all plan on meeting up some year some place central.  It would be fun..

Well going to finish watching this movie with my sweetie.  I just wanted to write down the address so can put it into the GPS in the morning,, and so I could get a head count, as I plan on bringing something I can share..  

[Lady Lauri]

Elaine.....Just knock me out first:)
Damn right :) Xanax is my best friend when I fly!

Dana..... We really should all plan on meeting up some year some place central.
That's what I keep saying! Central USA....we could plan a year ahead, etc. I'm serious here!

Isobella...... I think we can school her on livers!  :-)  
LOL. This place could school some Dr.s  :)

SEE YOU ALL TOMORROW  :) :) :)  :)

(we'll miss you Elaine, but I'm not eating any cheese sticks! See me next thread!)

LL

[Mikkimoe]

How exciting - if I were not in the middle of the tx from hell I would definately be there. Right now I can't even stand for longer then 30 seconds...getting uglier every day. But please count me in for the next one - my best firend lives there and I usually am out there every year.

I would just love to meet you all!

Have a Blast - I'll be there in spirit...toasting to all your wonderful accomplishments.

Hugs,

Mikkimoe

[Marcia2202]

So, today is the big day!

I wish you all a great time.... I will be there in my thoughts...


Love, Marcia

[dperry10]

OK its 6:45 .. is everyone ready to go ??    I just made coffee, and gonna have a couple fo cups and get showered and ready to go meet Deanna for the day trip.   I am sure it will be a blast today.. Just hope the rain doesn't come too early.   I hate driving in the rain..    

Look forward to seeing everyone soon. .

Dana

[Isobella]

Hopping in the shower then hitting the road!  See y'all soon :-)

Izzy

[Marcia2202]

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[susan400]

Sorry everyone, but I'm not going to make it to the luncheon today.  Treatment has me too tired to make that drive.  Right now, I'm only trying to do the absolute "have-to's" on just about everything.  So, forgive me for having to miss this one.  Besides, this is a celebration lunch and I unfortunately don't feel up to celebrating anything at the moment because I'm just too blah.  I'm not depressed really because I have no thoughts of self harm or anything of that nature at all.  I really don't do well with anti-D's anyway, so.  I try to accomplish at least one thing of worth each day and that's about all I can handle.  Please remember, those of you who have been wiped out by 1 treatment and are still trying to recover, this is my 10th treatment and I've never cleared and I'm still trying to fight this battle.  So, multiply your side and post treatment effects by x 10 and maybe you can understand why I am unable to make it there today.

I hope you all have a great time and take some pictures to post!

Susan400

[jdwithhcv]

You and I can have a "virtual lunch"  - I can't make it either.  Planned to be in Florida this week but then Mom fell the other day and broke her hip so I really have to stick around Connecticut for her surgery, rehab and whatnot.  

What shall we put on the menu?  Something tasty - I'm sick of all this hospital coffee shop food.  Its so sad - I've lost my will to eat ice cream!

Next time I'm coming to lunch.  Have a great time and post a photo or two!

jd

[susan400]

O.K., in another time and year of my life, prior to Hep C...., my order would be a serving of Steak and Surf with Lobster and Filet Mignon with a glass of wine and some kind of disgustingly fatting CHOCOLATE desert!!  I can't eat and drink that way anymore, but if I could, oh would that taste so good!

Cheers with my glass of water or iced tea!

Susan400

[jdwithhcv]

I'll go for a nice plate of crab legs and then some chocolate mousse.

I raise my glass of root beer to SVR for us both!

jd

[Mikkimoe]

Yea - we'll just have our own little pitty party....Boy the crab legs ready made my eyes light up - I'd probably die if I tried to eat that now - but that was my favorite (Alaskian)
And chardoney of courses.

!0 times - wow....your amazing. This may have only been my 1st time down HCV hell but I have been fighting an even bigger beast for 14 years on top of that one (RA) - so yea I can definately identify. But gotta admit....this is the lowest of lows right now.

I'm just so thankful that I really lived my life to the absolute fullest when i did. Saw just about the whole world  from Climbing Mt. Fuji in Japan to Skiing the Materhorn, and raising my own arab in Africa. So I have absolutely no regrets...except missing this lunch ;-)

Please post PIcs!!!!

[dperry10]

Ok I posted some pictures on my pictures I wish there was a way to post them here, but you can see them on my site, and we have 2  other cameras, with shots outside to be posted soon.. I know they all made it home sooner than I did.   I had the longest drive this time.. LOL  It rained a bit ( alot ) on the way up there, but it was nice and peaceful setting.. Don't know why I didn't take a picture out the window where we were sitting right on on the river.  

It was fun, will definately have to do it again and again.  Hopefully some more can join us next time.     I brought my friend Deanna, who is standing to my right shoulder in the picture outside, she took the pictures inside.  

[Isobella]

jd:   I was wondering what happened to you.  I am so sorry to hear about your Mom-        went thru that with my grandma-not fun.  

Susan/Mikkimoe:  Y'all are understandably having a low point.  I can only hope that it     makes you feel better to know that many care about you and worry/think about/pray for you daily.  Besides, the food was kinda not all that great!!!

Today was a turning point for me. I have so much renewed hope    Seriously, everyone there was at  a different point.  To see the journey from beginning (clueless, me) to a tx newbie-FL_Gator doing well-such an inspiration, and top that off with Dana's sweetness, LL-ummm---amazing and Andiamo-soft spoken, class, awesome-not to mention all his tx's leading to his current run towards SVR.

All I can say is that we are all fortunate to have a place like this. To meet people like I met today.  I can't wait to do it again!  Hopefully I can recruit my sister next time too-she had a good time meeting everyone as well.  

I seriously love my "funky chicken" I got from that place off of I-40 we found when we thought we were lost!  Will have to post a pic.

Izzy

[rita863]

I saw the pics it looks like you guys had a grea time, wish i could have made this trip...I will def be there the next time!!!   ok now tell me who is who in the pics....  Except Eric I recongized him!!!  

i hope you all ate enough for me, since i have no appetite!!!  

[Isobella]

I so just got done sending you a PM.  When you are in FL, we have to have another get together.

Then we have to plan the big get together in central US-we figured Texas would be good....any thoughts?????

[Andiamo1]

It was a great time.  A long drive for me - 2.5 hours, but well worth it. Life is fun these days.  Probably a short lived phenomenon based on my life experience :).

I do hope we can do it again and meet more people.

Eric

[fretboard]

Great story, a great lunch with good company.  A whole variety of ppl on the forum, wish I could have been there.  It must have been a kick to put a face to a name and personality to boot.  God Bless you all

[dperry10]

The picture outside is Eric of course  , Izzy, Deanna ( My friend,) behind me, Fl Gator (lisa, standing on the bench behind us all) ,  Izzys sister, and LL .

[Lady Lauri]

Other than someone being late and holding up lunch (yes, that would be me!) ....it was great and I could chat with you all for hours, tho Flgator & I pulled out at 5:00, making me late yet again for my next stop :)

We really need to do a weekend thing sometime. The Fl. campout was perfect, tho I was only there a few hours, I could see spending a couple days together. Too short of a time to chat and we have so much in the hep area's to talk about, than we could get into other things (economy?!), old days, new days :) Plus there would be rest for those driving a ways or on tx.

All were great company. And Eric....I can't get over how great you look for a man that just did 72 weeks tx!!

It was a pleasure meeting you all :)

LL....which my the way....has also stood for 'late Lauri' thru the years :)

[Lady Lauri]

Flgator..Hey! Where's your made it home safe post!?

Isobella...your chicken was beautiful ...okay I'm lying but it is cool :)
Reminds me of the Charlie Brown tree,lol.

And what's "ummm" mean?   :)

LL

[Lady Lauri]

Sorry you couldn't make it :(  All understood and of course understood about being on tx and not feeling up to it.

They'll be more, and I'll be on time :)
The secret is to tell me it's a 12:00 and it's really at 1:00, lol

[Isobella]

Uummm....means I had to take a few minutes to try to come up with just one word to describe you.  Amazing seemed the best, late never entered my mind.

Dynamo would have been another word.

I LOVE my chicken.  He is sitting right here by the fireplace.  Today I find him a nice home in the yard.  When we drove back by that place I saw a flamingo....I am so going back to get it!!!

[Willy50]

About a month ago I had the pleasure of meeting Lady Lauri......and she IS a dynamo and a great lady.  I spent about a week in Florida while getting a biopsy and she put me up AND put up with me.  While I was there I also met Florida Mouse (Missy) in person and her hubby Bill.  I also met Susan 400 very briefly on the trip (more on that elsewhereand later).  I've hung out for a few years on boards but it's remarkable to say......these were the first people that I've met that had HCV.  There is a very unusual bond that exists between us all and these trips....visits....and outings are great fun and more; they are theraputic.  : )

Before my trip I also had the good fortune of recently talking to Eric by phone and Miked.  I would have loved to have made this trip and have met Eric personally.  I'm just really charged up about his and Lauri's treatment successes.  I know it may be a little premature but I already know the outcome.  ; )

Anyway..... I know how much fun these an be.  Just think of an a bigger or longer gathering.  Who has a big back yard?  

Glad you guys had a great time.  Isn't it always too short?

best,
Willy

[AshleyBaker]

Hi everyone. It was so nice to have met everyone. I am so happy that you are who you are. I feel a bit more comfortable knowing that my sister will not have to go through treatment alone. I was very impressed with everyone and your experiences taught me a wealth of knowledge. I can in turn, use this in my job as a transplant nurse and definitely help me relate to my patients.

I will be talking about my new diagnosis of hepatitis on another forum since it's not viral, but for those of you that did know, I'm Izzy's sis and I too had a liver biopsy with my gallbladder removal last week. The results were mild portal inflammation with portal fibrosis. Has me concerned. I was tested for viral hep and everything was negative.

Anyway, again...it was nice meeting everyone...If anything, I got a geeko out of the deal and my sister got a metal chicken! ;-)

[Lady Lauri]

Eric...oops...I mean 48 weeks tx THIS time. With all that, you did very well thru it :)

Izzy... LOL! Ya' know ...that chicken looks great in your yard :) Still want it for Halloween , perhaps by the witch making the brew ;)  And you realize I'm going to have to go get you that flamingo now! As I'm so close to the place and do ride out there a lot. How big is it? Can it sit on the back on my bike ? :)
"....ummmmm....." I was thinking more like..."how would I put this" , lol.

Willy, Elaine...as my head swell's.....thank you, your both very special yourself's.  And Willy, it was all a great experience, and to get both of our 'good news' on the same day was awesome. As the story isn't out there yet :)...I just have to note that Willy had mentioned a 50th birthday present to me (50 last March) and I'd said... a piece of his liver! .... As in, get the bx :) Got my present, albeit an odd one, lol.
And ...uhhhhh.....I have a big back yard!

Ashelybaker....hi again. So you ended up with the gecko!  Glad you came, it was great to meet you also. You realize you'll have to explain that further now as I, and others probably, will be confused how it's 'in' the liver, yet your negative. We didn't get to cover that thru all of us talking.Hope your around here a bit also, I'm sure you could add some valuable info. here with working in the TP dept.  Hope to see you at the next get together.

LL

[Lady Lauri]

Where are you??? Please check in here lady! Just concerned as you did the drive, lunch on tx.

LL

[dperry10]

I had a great time, and it was a pleasure meeting all of you that we missed on the last luncheon, and the ones I missed the first time.  It would be nice to have it some place we can all hang out , without worrying about taking up space..   I felt like I was there all day.. LOL   I hope that all who were there and drank the juice, felt some effect, calming and slept like babies on Saturday night.   The benefits are wonderful .   if you are interested in trying more let me know.

Well time to get ready for the week..

[AshleyBaker]

I don't have Hep C. I'm on this particular forum to learn what I can about HCV since I'm a TP nurse...as well as I want to be of support to my sis....the more I learn and experience, the more I feel I can help her.

I am suspected to have autoimmune hepatitis. All my inflammation markers/enzymes are elevated. I have Sjogren's Syndrome which is an autoimmune disease that slowly attacks the organs. At this time, I have liver and lung involvement. Basically it's my immune system attacking my body.

My doctor does not want me to treat with an immunosuppressant or anti-inflammatory, ie prednisone which is both, unless my numbers get a little higher ( in my eyes, when things get worse with more damage...). I have to have my blood redrawn every 6 months.

I had a liver bx done with my last surgery and it showed portal inflammation and increased portal fibrosis. It wasn't staged or graded...or no one is telling me.

So that's my story. Anyhoo...it was a pleasure meeting you....biker babe...if you and Izzy every get that chicken on the back of your bike, send me a pic!

Yep, gecko is awesome. Sittin at home waitin' for me to get another one...love em!

Ash