Conference quark::human_relations-v1

	I'd like to offer my second bedroom to someone who will need a 
	place to stay, plus I have a sleeper sofa that pulls out into 
	a comfortable queen-size bed.

	Let the plans for a mass(achusetts) exodus begin!

							   Carla

	 I offer my place to have it at.....its not huge, but its not
	 small, and has a big yard......I have a sofa that might be a
	 little uncomfortable, but at least its a place to crash!
	 I doubt anyone would want to sleep on the wood floors,
	 tho....

	 Colorado is beautiful in May.

	 kath

    I think Joyce may have already allocated my extra beds but I think
    the party idea is great.

    Just think, I can take H_R on the Lionel Memorial Altitude Romp!
    Steve and DougO both lived through it, you can too!

    Bring extra oxygen as we may not have as much as you're used to. And
    remember that alcohol has a real punch in the high country. liesl

    
    Liesl...
    
    Sounds great!  I guess I had better get out the penny jar, eh??
    Is Joyce going to kidnap Jerry and stow him in her luggage?  :-)
    
    Kris/K2/Krash 

	 All everyone has to do is save $20 a month until May, and
	 you'll have more than enough for a ticket out here.....plus,
	 if you get enough people, you'll be able to get a discount!

	 RTs can run as low as $200.  :-)

	 kath

    I wonder how many of us we'd have to assemble to make it feasible
    to charter, say, a 737. . .?  Talk about flying the "friendly
    skies". . .kowabunga!!
    
    Steve
    
    P.S.   Hell *yeah* I'm gonna be there; somebody save me a hunk
    of floor, couch, kitchen counter, whatever. . .

    Hey - a good reason to use those Frequent Flyer miles I have on
    TWA (presuming that said airline doesn't go bankrupt before April!)
    I'll make it if I possibly can.
    
    I also suggest bringing lots of sunscreen and ChapStick.
    
    			Steve

    I could always use the frequent flyer miles (I mean, I could stand
    to accumulate more, not use up what I have). Put me down as a
    definite maybe. It's about time I got back to see CO again.
    
    --- jerry

         Just for thrills, a hike to the top of Pike's Peak and a chug of
    some highly alcoholic substance will be the finale of this party. 
    Flight-for-life has already been notified.
    
                                        Greg 

    Sounds great, Greg...will we need crampons or snowshoes in May?

         It's likely to be a bit chilly up that high at that time of year.
    However, big lungs and a thick coat should keep you alive.
    
                                    Greg 

    In the other party note I just offered my house to put up guests
    as well.  If I can farm my daughter out to her grandmother for the
    duration I can offer 1 double bed in her room, a double sofa sleeper
    in the living room and room for 3 people in sleeping bags on the
    floor in various rooms.  So we have room for 7 people potentially.
    The house will be stuffed to the gills but we can do it!
    
    Nanci

    	Colorado in May; sounds great to me!


    	I'm *definitely* interested, but it will depend on lots of things
    falling into place.  I'm an Easterner (I spent time in the Mid-West
    growing up though, does that count?  ;-) ), and expect to fly out with
    the rest of the gang.  Lodging would be nice, but if all slots are
    filled, I may be able to swing that too.  Just have to wait and see how
    things look closer to the party, but I'm definitely interested!


    Brian

	 BTW..there is still some skiing in May.   :-)


	 kath_skier_deluxe

    	Something I just remembered:  Spring DECUS is in May, it's May 7-
    11.  When exactly were you thinking of having the party?  Of course, if
    you choose the *right* date, it may actually help.  Would it sound
    weird to have one of my flights from Boston to New Orleans routed
    through Colorado?  ;-)


    Brian

    I'd also be willing to have some "easterners" bunk in at the sparrow
    summer home.....
    
    this party sounds great!
    vivian

	For those who may not be able to find a floor to sleep on at
	any of our places, you can stay in a clean, nice hotel/motel
	room out here for +/- $40 per night.  Generally, divide what
	everything costs in MA by half and that's what you'll pay in
	Colorado.

	So the party's going to be at Kathy's place?  When in May?

							   Carla

    RE: .18
    
         I *KNEW* someone wouldn't be able to resist that one.
    
                                      GB

>	So the party's going to be at Kathy's place?  When in May?


	 Hang on....let me check the calendar....uhm...uh
	 huh...yea...that night I'm doing my hair....uh
	 huh....yep...and that night my nails and....uh huh...

	 :-)

	 Nothing on my calendar for May.....:-)  So, we don't want to
	 do it during DECUS, so how 'bout the weekend after that?  Or
	 something like that (wouldn't DEC let you pay the difference
	 in the flight thru Colorado after DECUS?)

	 any suggestions?  I'm pretty much open (for suggestions, that
	 is)

	 kat

    Now, why did I have in my mind March (spring right !)  Okay, please,
    give me a date (figuratively speaking) so I organise some sort of
    ticket.  
    
    ..dale
    

    Re: .21
    
    But Dale!  For you, it's Spring NOW!
    
    			Steve

    And I would come over now, but I have this exhibition that needs
    me, and January is just too cold for a Sydney gal, so I have to
    wait until May !!!!! ?????
    
    ...dale
    

    RE: .23
    
         ...but, Colorado is known for its great fireplaces.
    
                                         Greg

    Just a small thought, I ain't just coming for the Colorado party,
    will also *have* to go to Mass and NH.  So is there a chance for
    dinner anybody??? (^;
    
    ...dale
    

    I'm SURE we can arrange a grand fete for you, Dale!
    
    		Steve

    And if you bring Stacy, you can stay at my place Dale!  ;^)

    I was going to put her photo in the album, but forget it, you just
    ain't no fun (^;
    
    ...dale
    

Okay....carla and I semi-decided.....the party is going to be the weekend of
Memorial Day, so that the people from back east won't have to take an extra day
off for it.....

Last Memorial Day I flew, Round Trip, for $200 ....  if you by early, you get
the deals.  :-)

kat

    Er, Kath, 
    
    I don't have a clue when Memorial Day is.  What would be great is,
    the date of the party, the date all are flying across so I can book
    my trip accordingly, east and west.
    
    Thanks heaps,
    
    ...dale
    

    I have room also.
    
    -j

    now i am not volunteering anybody...but i see a hint that the most
    famous host might be thinking of something.
    
    shhhhhhhhhh

    Memorial Day (1990) is May 28.
    
    --- jerry

	 Sorry...I didn't have a calendar when I typed that in last
	 night....

	 Okay.....how 'bout we say the party is Saturday, May 26th,
	 1990.   That will give everyone Sunday (and Monday) to
	 recooperate.  :-)


	 kat
	 

    .34
    
    And/or hike Pikes Peak with Greg...

    
    	I would be happy to volunteer my place for a party,
    	but chances are very good that I, too, will  have to
    	fly into Colorado for a party.  I may be relocating
    	out of state next month!  (location to be announced
    	later this week)
    
    	May is my favorite time of the year in Colorado, so
    	I'd LOVE to come back for the party!
    
    		Sherry
    
    	

        At this rate we may have to organise a group breakfast too! We
    can all go to WADES and sit at the same table. They have long
    tables.

    If we get a real crowd a trip to Cripple Creek might be in order
    also. Colorado is glorious, I just know you'll love it. I'm going to
    send Joyce some pictures I took of GoG to sort of prime the pump.

    BTW, I can handle 3 people if they want beds but there will be floor
    room and air mattresses for more.

    Oh geeze, and then a ride up the Manitou incline, and a trip over
    Gold camp road, and shopping in Old Colorado city, and a hike in
    Waldo canyon, and the Royal Gorge, and ...................liesl

        P.S. Carla, this just cried out for more dots!

    liesl, it sounds great...the genie in the North End didn't say anything
    about a trip and great sightseeing though!

    
    	Liesl, in this case and this case only, I understand such a
    	need completely...........!  =8-)
    
    	Joyce, you've found the Countdown Queen.  By my calculations,
    	the origins of which are unique and probably vary from anyone 
    	else's, there are only 258 days to go.  
    
    	And if you exclude days which fall on weekends or holidays as
    	I always do (they're fun days and don't count in countdowns), 
    	there are only only 155 days to go.
    
    	Not bad at all!
    
    	Carla
    

    Okay, I'll aim to fly into the West Coast on the 11th May.  It gives
    me about 10 days on a real low budget to see the East Coast, and
    Acton offices, etc.
                  
    Yahoooooooooooo!!!! (^;
    
    ..dale
    
    

         Grrr!  I didn't see Colorado on that list.
    
                                      GB

    Ungrit those teeth, I will fly out from Colorado after the party.
    It will easier for me to go straight to the East coast from the
    West, then leave from C with another weekend in San Fran maybe. (^'  
                                                                  
    Will need a bed though, pretty please....
    
    ..dale
    

         Beds, I can't say, but floor space and sofas will probably be 
    free for the askin'.
    
                                        Greg

    Greg, sorry, that's what I meant, just a place to rest my weary
    head, or from the sounds of it, painful head....
    
    ...dale
      

         Hmm.  Sounds good, but the weather is not predictable.
    
                                        Greg

    
    
    	RE.46 But that never stopped the guys on Cartoon from doing
    it I know I was one. You can always sleep off of Academy. 
    
    	Re .25 Dale if you need an East coast meal there is always a
    gentleman ready to save a damsel in distress. 
    
    	I actually shouldn't go out there but I geuss I can as long
    as I stay away from the flee market down at the track. I don't need
    my ex spotting me there . What the hell put me on the tentative
    list if I may.

    Folks, I just received some beautiful pictures from liesl...the Garden
    of the Gods looks beautiful!  I can't wait to get there...
    
    Carla, how many days?
    
    

>    Folks, I just received some beautiful pictures from liesl...the Garden
>    of the Gods looks beautiful!  I can't wait to get there...


	 And liesl surveyed my house on Sunday.....do you think it
	 will be big enough?  Everyone hangs out in the kitchen
	 anyway, right?  :-)

	 kath    

    Confirming and paying for my ticket this week.  Arrrrrhhhhhhh!!!!!!
    Do I sound a teensy bit excited, yup.... (^; (^;
    
    ...dale
    

>	The smart partiers hang in the hallway.


	 Well, at my house that would be quite impossible, or rather
	 quite cozy.....  But you're welcome to try it!  :-)

	 I think the partiers will hang in the foyer/living room
	 myself!  :-)

	 Alright dale!  Can't wait!  it is exciting!!!!

	 k

    Sooooooo, if I come down during the day on Friday and leave on the
    Tuesday, do you think I'll have enough to do? (^;
    
    ...dale
    

    I am waiting for Greg's announcement about the great hike...when, what
    time, how long it will take, etc.  This is part of the party as well as
    the Garden of the Gods trip...which I think liesl offered to lead.
    
    I will bring Boston Baked Beans with me.  I guess it is hard to bake
    them there because of the altitude.

    Dale your note got in before mine...but we were thinking on the same
    lines....it sounds like there is a lot to do...the big problem for us
    Easterners is the altitude....are you folks from down under use to
    altitude?

    Does the term down under mean anything (^;  Only joking...
    
    'sokay, I'll just tuck my Ventolin down my cleavage and follow the
    crowd.
    
    ...dale
    

    Re: .58
    
         Well ma'am, the hike will all depend upon timing.  For those who
    come a day early, the hike will be possible.  I probably won't be at
    the actual party.
    
         Also, Barr Trail (up Pikes Peak) may not be possible.  Keep in
    mind that this trail is 12 miles long, with a 7258 foot rise.  We do
    have QUITE a few others from which to choose.  It's all up to y'all.
    
                                     Greg

    I think it starts at 6700 feet and goes up from there...
    
    When I was there last April, I got altitude sickness on the "Lionel
    Memorial Romp" (Helen Hunt Falls), but it subsided when I came back
    down.  I also got it worse in Vail (elevation 9000+).  Please, folks,
    this can be serious business.  DON'T think that you can automatically
    do at 7000 feet what you can do at 100.  Take it slow and give yourself
    a while to aclimate to the altitude.
    
    				Steve

         Wise counsel.  We have a zillion more realistic trails to try.  I
    think Waldo Canyon might be a nice starter.  We have months to decide.
    
                                       Greg

    s'awright, I'm bringing a lifetime supply of Ventolin (^; intend
    living in jeans, and hightops.
    
    News Flash!  I was informed last night I had to bring back plenty
    of photos (of course there is a chance that Hugh may come, but..)
    
    What do you mean Greg, six months, I'm already packed (^;
    
    ...dale
    

         What does Ventolin do for ya?
    
         Here is a bit of hiking trail information.  If you-all pick either
    of the last two trails on this list, I'll get some oxygen tanks and
    alert Flight-for-life.
    
                                        Greg
    
    
    Some local scenics:
    
                       Elevation    Est.
             (Miles)   (in feet )   Hiking       
Trail        Length    Gain  Loss   Time (hr)
=========================================

Crags          4.5     700      0    2.3
Columbine      2.0     620    200    1.2
Waldo Canyon   7.0    1280      0    3.5
Bear Creek     3.0    1980      0    1.5
Barr Trail    12.0    7258      0    8.0
Stanley Canyon 3.0    1500      0    2.0

>         What does Ventolin do for ya?
    
    	For asthmatics, it lets us breathe! (It's a medication that's
    inhaled to open up the lung passages)

    	amy

    It lets us hike and cross country ski also....one whiff will get
    the lungs in shape.
    
    

It won't do a thing for you, then.  Altitude sickness is not caused by a
lack of oxygen but the low pressure and its effect on your bloodstream
and lungs.  In serious cases it can quickly lead to pneumonia and,
sometimes, death.  Usually you get weak, nauseous, and have a headache
that won't go away.  Not everyone gets it, but for those who do, the
only cure is to get back to a lower altitude.

Sorry if I'm scaring folks, but I wouldn't want to see people's trips
ruined by them getting sick.  I had been in Colorado Springs for three
days before Liesl took me up to Helen Hunt Falls, and five days before
I went to Vail.  Those who are just flying in for the weekend from
the lowlands may want to try something a bit less adventuresome.

					Steve

    
    	Colorado's high altitude also causes some people to sleep for 
    	inordinate amounts of time.  But if you arrive on Friday, you
    	should all be in tip-top shape by Saturday night.  And if not,
    	well, I'm sure we can all think of ways to keep you awake.
    
    	=8-)
    
    	Kathy, correct me if I'm wrong, but you don't have a hallway!
    
    	Carla
    

	 As long as you realize your limitations, you'll do fine out
	 here.....it helps to be in good physical condition, tho....do
	 some walking before you come, that should make it fine!
	    
>    	Kathy, correct me if I'm wrong, but you don't have a hallway!

	 Sure I do!  If you count the area where the phone stand is,
	 and the stairs that go down to the cellar!  I suppose Mike
	 could fit in there!  :-)

	 okay, so it's not a REAL hallway, but it will work!




	 kat
	 

I haven't had outright altitude sickness when I've been to Colorado Springs and
Cripple Creek/Victor, but I'm a panting after going from CXO1 to CXO3!

Jim.

>but I'm a panting after going from CXO1 to CXO3!


	 hahahah! Well, you're not alone in that one!  So do I, but
	 it's a decent one mile+ walk for me!

	 Ever tried it in high heels?

	 :-)

	 kath

    Ventolin (albuterol) is a bronchodilator - it relaxes spasms of the
    bronchi (air passages) in the lungs, thus increasing the volume of
    air which can enter the lungs.  Because of the lower oxygen content
    of the air in Colorado Springs an asthma attack at that altitude can
    have more severe effects faster than an equivalent attack at sea level,
    so asthmatics should certainly make sure they bring along an adequate
    supply of whatever medications they use - however, as Steve pointed
    out, these medications will not prevent altitude sickness.

    To pick a nit, .69 should state that altitude sickness is not caused
    by a lack of *air* but rather by the relative lack of oxygen per
    given volume of air.  In order to compensate for the lack of oxygen
    the respiratory rate increases, which causes several problems:

    	(a) excessive loss of water in the exhaled air, which is
    	    exacerbated by the low water content of the air at that
    	    altitude

    	(b) excessive loss of carbon dioxide from the blood which raises
    	    the pH, which in turn causes another complex chain of
    	    metabolic compensation to begin

    Obviously, any strenuous activity which further increases oxygen
    demand and raises the respiratory rate will only compound the
    problem.  Acute mountain sickness can occur as low as ~ 6,500'
    and the altitude of Colorado Springs is 6,008' (Encyclopaedia
    Britannica), so you don't need to get much higher to experience
    problems.  Note that physical fitness does NOT protect against
    altitude sickness.

    For those who are only going for a few days, the best advice is
    watch for hyperventilation, drink plenty of water, don't eat
    too much salt or drink too much alcohol.  If you go out to see
    the scenery, plan on taking a casual stroll rather than a strenuous
    hike.  Oh yeah, bring plenty of suntan lotion - you can burn very quickly
    at that altitude!

         That's a good idea.  The price for the cog railway has risen to
    about $18, though.   It will be cold.
    
         As for the Garden of the Gods, I seriously doubt anyone who can
    walk a flight of stairs will have any problem whatsoever.
    
                                        Greg

    re: .76
    
    I certainly don't want to discourage anyone from going; I'd just
    hate to see someone overdo it and get sick.

No, Kathy, I can't say I've ever tried it in high heels :-)

I'm a practical, shoot from the hip man myself Ma'am... I have to look long and
hard for plain square toe, square flat heel black boots as it is...

Jim.

GoG is a delight and I agree should be no problem for anyone.

			Steve

    Leisl I'm not discouraged in the least.  I'm easy (but keep it quiet)
    and will do almost anything.  Still packed... How many more sleeps is
    that Carla?  (^'
    
    ...dale
        

	I've been too busy to read this for a while but I'm back.

	I have a sofa and some floor space if anyone still needs
	a place to stay.  Let me know.


	Connie  :)

    the hill between CX01 and CX03 is affectionately called
    "cardiac hill".  there are very few people who can walk it
    without panting!
    
    vivian

    
    Theres also a Cardiac Hill about 8 miles west of Winters, Calif. that
    is familiar to Davis DC riders and UCD alumni.

    Please tell me it's not near Irvine so I can relax (^'
    
    ...dale
    

    Regarding the earlier discussion of altitude, while it is true that the
    official altitude of Colorado Springs is just a little over 6000 feet,
    the city is actually fairly hilly and the altitude varies over different
    parts of the city.  For example, according to my trusty topographic
    map, my apartment is situated on a 6600 foot hill, and just to the east
    lies a hill that rises to 6800 feet.  From that higher hill, which is
    located at about the intersection of Vickers and Flintridge, you can
    look down and see Garden of the Gods several miles in the distance.

    This (along with the fact that I am out of shape) explains why I have
    ridden my bicycle about 6 times since stupidly buying it about a year
    and a half ago.  After discovering that the only way I could make it
    to the top of the hill from the intersection of Montebello and
    Flintridge was to *walk* it up, I decided that bicycling was not for me. 
    So if anyone is interested in buying a Peugeot city bike, I've got one
    for sale in COLORADO_CLASSIFIEDS note 907 :-).

    Altitude also seems to effect people differently.  I have adjusted to
    the altitude now, but when I moved here it seemed to hit me harder
    than it does most people.  When my parents came out to visit last year,
    we went to the top of Pike's Peak, and while my mother didn't feel a
    thing I was quite miserable.

    As for hiking trails, I don't think anyone has mentioned this yet, but
    a nice short one is the Mt. Cutler trail in South Cheyenne canyon.  It
    only runs for about a mile each way, and has an elevation gain of only
    about 400 feet (or 600, depending on whether you believe the sign at
    the trail head or my Hiker's Guide.)  It does have some very pleasant
    views of Colorado Springs to the east, as well as some of the mountains
    to the southwest.

    -- Mike

    This is great!  I've always longed to go to the HR parties back east;
    now we'll just drag all you easterners out here!
    
    Jerry, now how about that pizza?
    
    As for altitude adjustment, when I first moved here I didn't get
    headaches until 10,000 feet, severity usually dependent on amount
    of activity.  Your skin dries out, lips chap, and (I hope this doesn't
    sound gross) your nose might bleed a little.
    
    I'm definitely looking forward to meeting those of you I've never met!
    (And seeing those I do.)
    
    Paula                   

    I hope this doesn't discourage anyone from visiting Colorado, but there
    was an earthquake north of Denver the other day.  It measured 2.5 on
    the Richter scale.  :-)

    By the way, it did occur to me that there is some sort of rule about
    Digital notes parties that no one has brought up yet.  As I recall, any
    visiting Australian must bring a jar of vegemite to the party, or they
    won't be admitted.  I realize that this seems rather arbitrary, but
    hey, it's a rule.  I'm sure it's in the Orange Book or someplace like
    that.

    -- Mike (whose photo album includes a picture of a jar of Kraft
    Vegemite resting on top of a "Men at Work" album.)

    P.S.  I can bring the toast.

    What happens when you consume Vegemite at the high altitudes found in
    Colorado?

         You get just as sick as you would in Boston.

	Considering that I get nosebleeds just from extended visits to dry
climates (like La Vegas - had one there on day 3, this last trip)  I'm likely 
to bleed all over Colorado Springs ;-)

	I still haven't looked into my crystal ball to determine if I can make
it. (Even if I can't, Joyce, you have my permission to go anyway ;-) )  I would
love to see Colorado though, so I'm giving it some serious consideration, and
will do a financial evaluation as soon as feasible.


						--Doug

    re: .89
    
    Mike, I know that rule, I can't remember where I saw it either.
    Yup, I'll bring the revolting stuff, can't stand it.  Double yuck!
    But, nice choice of music (^'   I'll also bring a supply of Violet
    Crumble Bars and Polly Waffles - these are candy bars that are only
    available here.  I introduced a friend from GIA to them this past
    week in Melbourne and she is now hooked.
    
    ...dale
    

    Dale, my understanding is that key to enjoying vegemite is drinking
    several beers first (the same goes for White Castle hamburgers, by the
    way, although unfortunately the restaurants can only be found in
    certain parts of the U.S., and Colorado is not one of them.)  Also, you
    have to make sure to spread a VERY thin layer of the stuff on your
    bread.
    
    As for Crumble Bars and Polly Waffles, they sound yummy.
    
    -- Mike

    Mike - 
    
    I have seen White Castle Hamburgers in the frozen foods section at King
    Soopers.  You might check this out if your nostalgia leads you to such
    lengths.
    
    Nanci

    No, don't do it (buy the frozen White Castle Hamburgers) its NOT the
    same.... I had a boyfriend once get me some...  it was so sweet of him,
    but they were TERRIBLE...

    Save the money for a real trip to a real White Castle :-)

    Gale
[

    Yes, I've had the frozen White Castles, and they aren't very good. 
    Some would say that the kind you buy in the restaurants are also
    terrible, but the key to appreciating them is in not placing them in
    the same class of food as other hamburgers.  In fact, I don't consider
    them "hamburgers" at all--they are more like little meaty grease balls.

    When I lived in the Midwest, I would sometimes disgust my coworkers by
    buying six White Castles in the drive through and taking them into the
    office for breakfast.  Ah, those were the days.

    -- Mike

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
    
    Meaty little grease burgers describes them to a T!
    
    My ex grew up in the South and couldn't wait to take me to a White
    Castle when we moved to Atlanta.  When I first bit into one of the
    "burgers" he was looking at me in great anticipation, eyes shining, and
    it was all I could do to choke down that one bite!
    
    Nanci

                       Its 171 days till I arrive in LA 
    
                                    ..dale
    
    

    Re:  White Castle burgers
    
    Boy, you guys are bringing back some memories here.  When we lived
    in Huntsville, Alabama (way back in the 60's) my dad used to feed a 
    family of 5 for just a few dollars with those burgers.  There was a 
    Krispy Kreme (I think) donut shop right next door and we'd get a 
    chocolate covered, custard filled donut with whipped creme and a 
    cherry on it for dessert. Boy am I glad I don't eat like that any more.
    
    Jan

    Okay, coz we are bringing a plate, I guess I'd better bring a good
    ol' Aussie meat pie, or two.  Hang on, I'll work out what I can
    get through customs and bring over what you have never seen, and
    probably will never be able to get.
    
         (^' And I'll warn you all now, I don't say 'giddaye' !!
   
    ..dale
    

    Re: .102
    
    Steve, what does the Surgeon General say about cold pizza for breakfast?
    
    -- Mike

    I suppose I had better break the news...
    
    
    There is a chance that possibly Hugh might be thinking about coming
    over in May.
    
    Whhoooppppeeeeee!!!!!!! (^' x 1m
    
    Look out Colorado Springs...
    
    ..dale
    

  Re: .94 (Mike)

>>    Dale, my understanding is that key to enjoying vegemite is drinking
>>    several beers first (the same goes for White Castle hamburgers, by the
>>    way, although unfortunately the restaurants can only be found in
>>    certain parts of the U.S., and Colorado is not one of them.)  Also, you
>>    have to make sure to spread a VERY thin layer of the stuff on your
>>    bread.

Arrrr.... I can't let this one pass (and possibly become an urban myth ;^) The
true Vegemite connoisseur doesn't need beer beforehand (I don't drink beer and I
love vegemite). 

The conventional wisdom is that liking vegemite is an acquired taste. If you
haven't tasted in by a certain age (around 10 years old?) then you'll probably
never know the true pleasures of Vegemite ;^)

As for spreading it VERY thinly.... eeeekkk!!! There are two (bitterly divided)
schools of thought on this subject. There are those who don't like anything 
more than a micron thin layer on the bread. These people are officially 
classified as "wimps" ;^) . Other (right thinking) people are more generous.

I *have* seen a person eat a tablespoon full of Vegemite straight out of the
jar. This however should only be attempted trained professionals, amateurs
should *not* attempt this at home without supervision and a medical team
standing by ;^) ;^).


  Re: .104 (Dale)

>>    Okay, coz we are bringing a plate, I guess I'd better bring a good
>>    ol' Aussie meat pie, or two.  Hang on, I'll work out what I can
>>    get through customs and bring over what you have never seen, and
>>    probably will never be able to get.

  Shouldn't be a problem with customs. I don't think a *traditional* Aussie 
  meat pie can be classified as "edible foodstuffs" under any rational
  definition. ;^) :^) ;^)

  Hugh. ;^)

    RE: .104
    
         Now that you mention it, just like the frozen White Castle
    Burgers, King Soopers has frozen Aussie Meat Pies.  I'm beginning to
    suspect that our only connection to the world is our stomachs.
    
                                       Greg

RE: .111

>    You put the cold pizza in the blender, along with the contents of a can
>    of beer.  Turn the blender on to mix it all up ...

You forgot the olive.

-- Ron

    The documented usage is cold pizza with warm beer to wash it down.
    Christine Lavin published this a few years ago.

--David

>    The documented usage is cold pizza with warm beer to wash it down.
>    Christine Lavin published this a few years ago.


	That's "warm Coke to wash it down, Ahhhh...."

    At a party dinner table the other night, the people sitting at it were
    discussing common law marriages, and old laws on the books that were
    never "gotten-a-round-to-it" being taken off...

    One of the laws is still on the Colorado books...  thought I'd post it
    here, just as a warning for all you going to Colorado :-)

    If you live with someone for 24 straight hours - (which means send them
    out to check on the weather, get coffee/donuts/whatever in the 23rd
    hour! :-)..), you are considered common-lawed married in the state...

    Now I sure no one has challenged the old law.. but I thought it was
    sorta cute, and worth a warning (I mean if you're warning about thin
    air, might as well get ALL the warnings!)

    Gale-who-just-may-make-it-to-the-party

>   <<< Note 858.115 by ICESK8::KLEINBERGER "All that u have is your soul" >>>

>    If you live with someone for 24 straight hours - (which means send them
>    out to check on the weather, get coffee/donuts/whatever in the 23rd
>    hour! :-)..), you are considered common-lawed married in the state...

	 Well, actually, it's more indepth than that.  You have to
	 acknowledge the 'marriage.'  In other words you have to
	 publicly represent yourself as married, sign something in the
	 other person's name, etc.

	 In other words, I can 'live' with a man for a week/month/year
	 and as long as I don't acknowledge the union in some way.
	 If I don't acknowledge it, then there isn't a common law
	 marriage.


	 So, you're all safe when you come to visit! (maybe!  ;-) )


	 kat

    
    	Holy kamoly!  I'm a bigamist!
    
    	Dale, are you sure you still want to stay with me?  =8-)
    
    	Carla
    

         Hey no probs Carla, i'll just overlook your faults..(^'
    
    ..dale
    

    Well, I'm getting ready for ya-all comming out. Today I scouted out
    a nice 2 hour (well, it was 3 hours in the snow) hike around the
    GoG. I spent the whole time trying to get the best views marked out.
    The snow was glistening diamonds and at 15 degrees it got so warm I
    had to take my coat off. You can't believe how beautiful it is here.
    I just can't wait to show you. liesl

    liesl its only 22 weeks until Colorado.  Its only 143 days till I (we)
    leave (^'  I'll have my Reeboks resoled before leaving...
    
    ...dale
    

Why do you people plan these things when I'm going to be out of town!?

(hmmm...maybe I shouldn't let you answer that!)

        Carol

Now that I'm sure I'll be in Colorado Springs for the Spring Party, I'm looking
for somewhere to park myself for the three days of the long weekend (arriving
Friday night, leaving *early* Tuesday morning). 
  If anyone has spare sofa space, an empty patch of floor, or suggestions for 
cheap accommodation, can you let me know via mail.

Hugh.

ps. the winning entry gets a complimentary jar of Vegemite ;^)

         If ya promise to keep the vegemite to yourself, my place is a
    possibility.  At this point, I'm not sure I'll be in town.  If I am, 
    sofa and floor space will be available.
    
         Consider mine a backup flophouse conditional upon my presence.
    
                                      Greg

    I've got my reservations in - will be arriving on Thursday the 24th and
    returning Wednesday the 30th.  How many of us flatlanders will be
    there?  So I can start a list, can everyone who thinks they may attend
    respond here or send me mail?  And if you think you've found a good
    deal on airline tickets, please let others know.  (I know TWA is 
    offering some sort of "Friends fly free" program, but I'm unsure of
    the details.)
    
    					Steve

    Hugh Thomas and I will be there.  Both arriving Friday night 8pmish
    and departing really early Tuesday morning.
    
    ...dale (is she excited - YES!)

    I just realized that the Spring party is on my birthday, and I can't
    go!  :-(
    
    Jim
    

	 I've been awful and haven't posted the update yet...

	 Have it all written and everything!  Okay okay...give me a
	 few and I'll post it!  :-)

	 kathy

    I'll be there!  (I better be - it's going to be at my Mom's clubhouse! 
    See the update...Kath - take it away!)
    
    Nanci

	 

	 Party Time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

	 I know, you've all been anxiously awaiting the party plans.

	 Date:   26 May 1990
	 Place:  Colorado Springs, Colorado
		 (Location to be announced later, we've got a
		  clubhouse)
	 Time:   3:00pm til...the cows come home?


	 BYOD	Bring your own Drinks.....
	 BYOM   Bring your own meat for the BBQ......
	 
	 
	 We've decided to make it a BBQ, so if anyone in Colorado
	 Springs has a grill that they could bring, we'd love it.

	 We'll need those that live in Colorado Springs to also bring
	 some kind of potluck dish or plates/utensils/napkins/etc.
	 Out-of-towners are welcome to bring a potluck dish too, but
	 you're not required since you're the guests. :-)

	 We are trying to accomodate those that will need a place to
	 crash for the weekend.  Airline deals are starting to sprout
	 up everywhere, keep your eyes open!

	 Sign up here if you're coming!

	 More details to come...............


	 Contacts:  Kathy Gallup	SSDEVO::GALLUP
		    Nanci VanFleet	BSS::VANFLEET

	 
	 

    Ummm....one small correction.  We have the clubhouse until midnight. 
    After that we can ajourn to another (yet to be named) location.  By the
    way - the clubhouse has to be cleaned up the night of the party so if
    anyone would like to volunteer your help will be gratefully
    appreciated.
    
    Nanci

Here's a listing of the attendees thus far.  If you plan to come
to Colorado please send mail to BSS::BLAZEK so we can keep track
of who's coming and plan for quanties and all that.

Liesl, Nanci, and I will be glad to help you any way we can!

TINCUP::KOLBE		! Liesl Kolbe		(Colorado)
BSS::VANFLEET		! Nanci Van Fleet	(Colorado)
BSS::BLAZEK		! Carla Blazek		(Colorado)
CSC32::KACHELMYER	! Dave Kachelmyer	(Colorado)
SNOC01::MYNOTT		! Dale Mynott		(Australia)
OZROCK::THOMAS		! Hugh Thomas		(Australia)
YUPPY::DAVIESA		! Abigail Davies	(England)

    Since the party will take place in the afternoon, and since I will
    probably be working that Saturday until around 6:30 PM, it appears I
    won't be able to attend.  I guess that means I'll be missing out on the
    Vegemite.  :-)
    
    By the way, isn't there a major film festival in Telluride that usually
    takes place on Memorial Day weekend?
    
    -- Mike

Mr. Valenza, the party begins in the afternoon, but chances are
moderately high that it'll continue on into the night.  If this
is the case, post-6:30 would be a perfect time of arrival.

Carla

    Thank you for that information, Ms. Blazek.  I guess I keep forgetting
    what sort of party animals I am dealing with.  :-)
    
    -- Mr. Valenza

    And, Mike I can assure you, we won't be leaving Colorado with the @#$%
    vegemite!  We'll find some way to give it to you.  Aren't you
    sightseeing with the outoftowners Sunday? (^'
    
    ...dale

    sigh
    
    anyone got frequent flier coupons they'd like to share with
    a mother of two kids in college.
    
    Bonnie

    RE: .137
    
         Indeed!  Somebody bring Bonnie out with them!
    
    RE: Vegemite
    
         Is it true that vegemite is the yeast by-product of the beer
    brewing process?
    
                                            Greg

>>    RE: Vegemite
>>    
>>         Is it true that vegemite is the yeast by-product of the beer
>>    brewing process?
>>    
>>                                            Greg

Yeap. A year or so back we arranged a Vegemite tasting for a visiting American.
He said it tasted a bit like beer.

Hugh.

TINCUP::KOLBE		! Liesl Kolbe			(Colorado)
BSS::VANFLEET		! Nanci Van Fleet		(Colorado)
BSS::BLAZEK		! Carla Blazek			(Colorado)
CSC32::M_VALENZA	! Mike Valenza			(Colorado)
CSC32::KACHELMYER	! Dave Kachelmyer		(Colorado)
CSC32::CONLON		! Suzanne Conlon		(Colorado)
CSC32::SPARROW		! Vivian Sparrow		(Colorado)
NABETH::ROLLOW		! Alan Rollow			(Colorado)
SSDEVO::GALLUP		! Kathy Gallup			(Colorado)
FTMUDG::REINBOLD	! Paula Reinbold-Reese + guest	(Colorado)
SNOC01::MYNOTT		! Dale Mynott			(Australia)
OZROCK::THOMAS		! Hugh Thomas			(Australia)
YUPPY::DAVIESA		! Abigail Davies		(England)
AITG::DERAMO		! Dan D'Eramo			(Massachusetts)
QUARK::LIONEL		! Steve Lionel			(Massachusetts)
WR1FOR::HOGGE_SK	! Skip Hogge			(California)

Massachusetts?!?!?!  I'm insulted!  Then, I suppose, all of New England looks
like Massachusetts from Colorado...

It's Cow Hampsha, if you please...  (Or Nude Hampster)

	Well, since I just bought a house, I don't think I'm going to
be making it either...

					--D

Updated info on the First Annual Worldwide Noter's Party, 26.May 1990:

In addition to the official party Saturday afternoon/evening, there are 
some other interesting things going on Memorial Day weekend in Colorado 
Springs as well.

Head Full of Zombies, a local band who plays music by U2, Beatles, Lime 
Spiders, The Cure, David Bowie, theme song from the Peanuts (my personal 
favorite), Midnight Oil, and many other interesting artists, has a show
at Renners both Friday and Saturday night, and believe me they're worth
seeing both nights.  (Spoken like a true fan!)

Sunday night is a *major* party hosted by a fellow DECcie, which all of 
you are invited to as well, where another local band, comprised of all
DECcies, called the Minderasers (their motto: No Brain No Pain) will be 
playing.  Joe Albanese, aka The Host, throws a party twice a year or so 
and the results are always scandlous and quite fun.

The Hostess Committee (Liesl Kolbe, Nanci Van Fleet, and I) are trying
to plan some other sightseeing events as well, since we don't want all
of you to develop skin as pale as ours.  That's all for now!

TINCUP::KOLBE		! Liesl Kolbe			(Colorado)
BSS::VANFLEET		! Nanci Van Fleet		(Colorado)
BSS::BLAZEK		! Carla Blazek			(Colorado)
CSC32::M_VALENZA	! Mike Valenza			(Colorado)
CSC32::KACHELMYER	! Dave Kachelmyer		(Colorado)
CSC32::CONLON		! Suzanne Conlon		(Colorado)
CSC32::SPARROW		! Vivian Sparrow		(Colorado)
CSC32::GORTMAKER	! Jerry Gortmaker		(Colorado)
NABETH::ROLLOW		! Alan Rollow			(Colorado)
SSDEVO::CHAMPION	! Carol Champion		(Colorado)
SSDEVO::GALLUP		! Kathy Gallup			(Colorado)
FTMUDG::REINBOLD	! Paula Reinbold-Reese + guest	(Colorado)
GENRAL::HUNTER		! Wayne Hunter			(Colorado)
SNOC01::MYNOTT		! Dale Mynott			(Australia)
OZROCK::THOMAS		! Hugh Thomas			(Australia)
YUPPY::DAVIESA		! Abigail Davies		(England)
AITG::DERAMO		! Dan D'Eramo			(Massachusetts)
RUBY::BOYAJIAN		! Jerry Boyajian		(Massachusetts)
QUARK::LIONEL		! Steve Lionel			(New Hampshire)
WR1FOR::HOGGE_SK	! Skip Hogge			(California)

Fantastic ... the party list is growing and growing!

TINCUP::KOLBE		! Liesl Kolbe			(Colorado)
BSS::VANFLEET		! Nanci Van Fleet		(Colorado)
BSS::BLAZEK		! Carla Blazek			(Colorado)
CSC32::M_VALENZA	! Mike Valenza			(Colorado)
CSC32::KACHELMYER	! Dave Kachelmyer		(Colorado)
CSC32::CONLON		! Suzanne Conlon		(Colorado)
CSC32::SPARROW		! Vivian Sparrow		(Colorado)
CSC32::GORTMAKER	! Jerry Gortmaker		(Colorado)
CSC32::M_EVANS		! Meg Evans			(Colorado)
NABETH::ROLLOW		! Alan Rollow			(Colorado)
SSDEVO::CHAMPION	! Carol Champion		(Colorado)
SSDEVO::GALLUP		! Kathy Gallup			(Colorado)
FTMUDG::REINBOLD	! Paula Reinbold-Reese + guest	(Colorado)
GENRAL::HUNTER		! Wayne Hunter			(Colorado)
SNOC01::MYNOTT		! Dale Mynott			(Australia)
OZROCK::THOMAS		! Hugh Thomas			(Australia)
YUPPY::DAVIESA		! Abigail Davies		(England)
AITG::DERAMO		! Dan D'Eramo			(Massachusetts)
RUBY::BOYAJIAN		! Jerry Boyajian		(Massachusetts)
PENUTS::JLAMOTTE	! Joyce Lamotte			(Massachusetts)
QUARK::LIONEL		! Steve Lionel			(New Hampshire)
HEYYOU::ZARLENGA	! Mike Zarlenga			(Rhode Island)
WR1FOR::HOGGE_SK	! Skip Hogge			(California)

So, how many "Carla Days" are there left?

	Steve

That's a tricky one, Steve, because I'm going to be on house-hunting
trips and a week's holiday before the party and as you know, any day
not spent working is an uncountable day in a CB countdown.  However,
for the sake of easy tracking, let's just count all regular workdays
before 26.May, the date of the party.

And that would mean only 26 more days to go!  =8-)

Carla

    Ah, right now even 26 days seems too long before I see my good friends
    again. I can't wait! liesl

    neither can we!

<
<	I'm starting to get psyched ...
<
<-mike z

    
        Yeah, Mike, I'm getting psycho too, ;*).

    It's snowed for two days here. We had 75 degree temp here Saturday and
    Sunday we got buried in snow. Oh well, springtime in the Rockies.

    Joyce, get your %^#$@^$& tickets!!! liesl

    I've already listed my ski parka with some sweatshirts and t's.  I've
    lived in Melbourne (Aus), I know the rules (^' (^'
    
    And, I haven't forgotten the blockout!
    
    ...dale

    I wonder how well chocolate mousse travels... probably not well, I'm
    afraid!  I'll have to think of something else....
    
    			Steve (who HAS his tickets!)

    
    And I've got my tickets - London to Denver!
    
    Erm....think I'll be making the food when I get there though....
      
    'gail
    

    I wonder how Boston Baked Beans will travel.  
    
    I will get my tickets, liesl, I lost my American Express Card.  I want
    to make one more effort to find it.  Of course I have the number so I
    could order them....
    
    Should I pack my skiis?
    
    

Here's a song about going to Colorado:

"I was born in the summer of my twenty-seventh year
 goin' home to a place I'd never been before..."
 
[many lines missing] 

"...Colorado Rocky Mountain High..."
				- John Denver

    Thanks for reminding me, Paula...
    
    One of the side trips Liesl and Carla and I had discussed was a trip to
    Cripple Creek an old gold and silver mining town so...
    
    "Goin' down to Cripple Creek
     Goin' down a run
     Goin' down to Cripple Creek 
     To have some fun.
     Goin' down to Cripple Creek
     Goin' down a whirl
     Goin' up to Cripple Creek
     To see my girl.
    
     I got a girl at the head of the creek
     Goin' down to see her 'bout the middle of the week.
     She looks so good and she tastes so fine
     Wraps herself around me like a sweet potato vine."
    
     CHORUS
    
    
    Now - I expect you all to memorize this and be ready to sing on the way
    up the mountain!  ;-)
    
    Psyched?  Me?  Naahh!
    
    3 MORE WEEKS!!!!
    
    Nanci 
    

    For you maybe, Nanci,
    
    but for us - five days or three Carla days!!!
    
    ARRRGGGHHHHHHH!!!
    
    ...dale

    I have a good lead on a real bargain for the trip.  Can CS handle
    J & J's Memere for six days?
    
    Will I become acclimated and be able to hike Pike's Peak?
    
    Should I bring my skiis?
    
    Will I be able to stay awake through all the festivities?
    
    Will I snore and keep everyone in liesl's house awake?
    
    What is Midway's accident record?
    
    

    And the answers are:
    
    1.  Yes
    2.  No
    3.  No
    4.  Maybe  ;-)
    5.  Maybe  ;-)
    6.  What's Midway?
    
    Nanci

    Midway is an airlines that goes from Boston to Denver and other 
    places.  The hitch is the person has 7 one way tickets for $70 and
    they want to sell them as a unit.  I am hoping that they are forced to
    split them up.

Hi.  Cripple Creek is a pretty nifty place to go for a visit, and it's a fairly
reasonable distance to drive - about an hour(?).  I was wondering, however, if 
there is anyone with a burning desire to push further into the wilds of the
mountains and see things like ghost towns.  Some of them are still snowed in
this time of year, and lots of them are just too far away, and some don't have
anything left worth visiting.  But there are a couple that are 2.5 to 3 hours
from Colo. Springs which might be a possibility.  

St. Elmo is up above Mount Princeton Hot Springs, and it takes about 2.5 hours 
to get there from my house in the north part of the Springs.  The old general 
store burnt down, but someone made the old Miners Exchange into one (though it 
was still closed last weekend).  There are a few buildings left to look at, 
but they're privately owned, and you can't go in (unless the store happens to be
open.)  It's just sort of a nice place to visit, if you're interested in that
sort of thing.  Most of the buildings are from about 1890, but I believe some
are replacements from a fire in the '90's.  There's currently a little snow
left there, but it will probably be gone by Memorial Day Weekend.  It's 
surrounded by National Forest, and there are some trails to hike.

There's another town farther north, which is more restored than St. Elmo.  I'm
just partial to St. Elmo because I like it, and that's the only reason I need,
right?  

Anyway, a bit of background information for anyone who doesn't frequent these
places:  Gold and silver and lead (and some other stuff) were discovered in the
mountains out here near the tail end of the 1800's.  Remember the idea here is
to get rich quick and move on to someplace more hospitable and civilized.  There
was no "civilization" in these places at the time, and so these flimsy towns
sprung up overnight in the most unlikely places -- clinging to mountainsides, or
near treeline.  Then they build narrow-gauge railroads to get the ore out.
(A trip up the west side of the Alpine Tunnel would be a real thrill, but it's
probably still snowed in then.  Anybody know for sure?  I think it's out of
Pitkin.  The Alpine Tunnel was a train tunnel through the continental divide,
just above treeline.  Treeline here is just about 12,000 feet.)  But I digress.
When the ore ran out, the towns were abandoned, because the living conditions
were so harsh, and there was really no reason to live there if not related to
the railroad and/or mining.  It's so dry here, they didn't rot into the ground,
so a lot of places, you can still see the towns pretty much as they were (only
often crumbling for lack of care), but the old buildings tend to be used for 
vacation cabins.  And some new ones have been built, as well.

The first ghost town I ever visited was St. Elmo, and I was very surprised.
First of all, I didn't expect it to be at such an elevation (10,000').
Secondly, I expected something more like you see on TV westerns, which really
isn't the case.  It is at the foot of a mountain at the continental divide,
and has a few snow-capped mountains around it, towering above treeline.
And it's really in the middle of a forest of aspen and pine and spruce and
Douglas fir.  The location is pretty typical of these mountain ghost towns.

I guess this is long enough for one installment.  I get really carried away
about these places (as you've noticed).  Maybe I'll come back another day
and attempt to describe the western ascent to the Alpine Tunnel.  (It's a
road that can be driven by car, but not by the faint-hearted.)

So long for now,
Paula

p.s.  Taken literally, what does "so long" mean, in this context???  
      What is long?  How long is it?  Is this supposed to make literal sense?
 

    Yo  Mike you want the sofabed or the waterbed??? I got no preference
    and tooooo psyche PsYcHe PSYCHED to really worry about it anyhow!
    
    This is gonna be SOOOOOO MUCH FUNNNNNNN!!!!!!
    
    I'm really going to meet some of these people at last... and dale
    and Hugh... yeah definatly getting PSYCHED... Oh and dale... I haven't
    forgotten that you owe me a drink....
    
    Skip

    
    
      I've been reading/watching this note for a while and if it weren't
      for me hosting a DECCIE from France around that time and then flying
      off to Ottawa the next weekend for 6 days,  I'd hop a plane in a 
      New York minute.  ;-)   You guys sound like soooooooo much fun!!  
      I've had the privilage to meet a lot of DEC folks in Europe and
      Mass and it's been nothing short of a blast!!   You guys in Colorado
      MUST plan a CS PARTY II for next year so I can plan to come.  
      Having moved all over the U.S and traveled it 50 zillion times,
      I would love the chance to see Colorado again.   
      Let the rest of us in notes in on how the party went, please!!
      
       
    

    Re: .166, and .168
    
    But make sure someone who snores sleeps RIGHT next to Mike Z!
    
    
    :-) :-) :-)

    Won't need to the last 4 quakes out here weren't really quakes..
    just me after a long hard day... and a good hard Snore... (hope
    the buildings out there are properly anchored to the ground)...
    So see Mike and the rest of CXO get the benifit of first hand
    experience in surviving a Quake!... hehehehe .. 
    
    Colorado in 2 or 3 more days (hope for 2 but we'll see)
    
    Skip

    I'll B there...
    
    Buck

I'm leaving bright and early (TOO early!) in the morning for sunny (please?)
Colorado....  See you there!

				Steve

    Well, I can't make it and I am ever so sad....but I could pack my bags
    in two seconds flat if I found a round trip ticket for less than $300.
    
    Have fun everyone and those of us that can't make it will be thinking
    of you!

    Call Last Minute Travel Co.  or the Vacation Outlet in Boston (Filene's
    basement) or Cambridge.  Just read about them in the Globe   ...founded
    by David P. Failkow and Joel Bernard-Cutler.
    
    ANything's possible.
    RR
    

    Well, the airlines just announced prices under $300, but you need to
    reserve 7 days in advance.  Bad timing, TWA!
    
    Anyway, I made it in one piece, and the weather is beautiful!
    
    Maybe we should all keep Joyce in suspense? :-)
    
    		Steve (doing the typical DEC thing of logging on as
    			soon as possible after landing...)

    
         Say it ain't so, Joyce!
    
                                    GB

    It absolutely figures.  I have a good idea....I will call the airlines 
    right now...and we will postpone the party for a week.  I have been 
    trying to think of something that would be more fun for Mike Z in 
    Massachusetts then the party in Colorado.  Then he could sell me his
    tickets!

    Liesl does have a terminal at home.  Someone could log in and give me
    a few tiny tidbits of info...like who is there...what the hallway is
    like...
    
    ;-( 

    We could have a multi-way PHONE party

    ;-(   My system has disabled phone!  Darn!

    Just two hours to go, and the forces are arriving.  Abby Davies from
    the UK and Hugh Thomas and Dale Mynott from Australia are here.
    I've heard from Dan D'Eramo, and assume Mike Z is somewhere in the
    area.  Liesl's house is unnaturally quiet (that's because Liesl's
    not here! :-)), but soon enough everyone (well, 20 or so people) will
    meet and the first Colorado H_R party will be underway.
    
    		Steve

    Well, I hope everyone is having a great time.  Here in downtown Clinton
    it is relatively quiet.
    
    Say Hi to everyone.
    
    Wish I was there!

    Well?  Those of us that were left behind are wondering?

    Um, you had to be there.....
    
    			Steve

    Oh well, I suppose I can tell some....
    
    We had about twice as many show up as was expected - I'd say at 
    least 30.  There was lots of good food and lots of good times.  One
    of the notable items brought to the party was Hugh Thomas' gift of
    a jar of Vegemite for Mike Valenza - Mike tried it several different
    ways - on bread, on blue corn chips and on chocolate.  I also tried
    it, but Paula Reinbold's reaction was the best, and thanks to
    Carol DuBois, we have it on videotape!  (I've taken the tape for 
    editing and distribution - contact me if you want copies.  Uncensored
    copies are extra...)
    
    Doug Olson couldn't attend, but he sent a TEN POUND bar of Ghiardelli
    bittersweet chocolate in his stead.  After several failed attempts, we
    managed to crack it into manageable chunks and a portion of it was duly
    consumed.
    
    In the "My goodness, is that YOU?" department was Holly Hendricks, who
    looked absolutely wonderful after losing a hundred pounds.  Way to go
    Holly!  I took an "after" picture of her which will be inserted into
    the "Friends Family Album".  Kathy Gallup was a runner-up, mainly due
    to her new haircut that almost rendered her unrecognizable.  (Kathy
    moves from Colorado to Massachusetts, and then returns for the party!)
    
    On a sad note, Abby Davies spent most of the evening with an ice pack
    on her knee.  Earlier in the day she had fallen down the cellar
    stairs at Carla's house and had seriously hurt herself.  I don't know
    right now what her condition is.  But she was walking around last
    night, with the aid of Dale Mynott's "Rescue Remedy", a potion with
    almost magical properties ascribed to it.
    
    People were asked to bring some sort of "meat" to cook (for those who
    eat meat), but Jerry Gortmaker might have gone a bit overboard by
    bringing an entire roast turkey!  There were also "beefalo" burgers.
    obtained by Nanci VanFleet, Mike Zarlenga, Skip Hogge and Dan D'Eramo.
    
    We didn't write down a list of who attended, so I'm going to try to
    remember some of them, with Liesl and Hugh's help - I'm sure I'm
    going to leave some out, so others can fill in the blanks.  
    
    Liesl Kolbe, Steve Lionel, Hugh Thomas, Dale Mynott, Abby Davies, 
    Mike Zarlenga, Dan D'Eramo, Skip Hogge, Mike Valenza, Nanci VanFleet,
    Vivian and Patty Sparrow, Carol, Shellie and Evan DuBois, Carla Blazek,
    Dwight Berry, Kathy Gallup, Holly Hendricks, Paula Reinbold and David
    Reese, Terza Zane, Wayne Hunter, Jim Lundy, Greg Eckholm, Alan Rollow,
    Mary Beth Mackie and kids, Brad Wherry, someone named "Buck" whom I
    didn't know, and probably a few others.

    There be other parties...I have to think so.  I know where there is a
    real large rumbus room in Nashua N.H.
    
    I am glad everyone had a good time, my thoughts were with you!

    Steve, glad to hear the chocolate made it on time; I couldn't
    reach Carla again to check.  But cracking it?  Other consumers
    of these bars have usually gone after it with carving knives...
    It took the PR department at Apple a week to eat one ;-).
    
    DougO

    Re: .189
    
    Sorry, Mike.  I was misinformed...  I didn't try it, but others said
    it was tasty.
    
    
    An update on Abby - she is still sore and bruised, but otherwise
    appears to not have done any long-term damage, thank goodness!
    
    Most of the gang from out-of-town is gone or on their way out.
    Dale and Hugh flew to San Francisco early this morning and Abby
    leaves this evening.  I'm on my way back tomorrow morning.  (Liesl
    hopes I'll take the rain back with me...)
    
    My heartfelt thanks go to Liesl who let us take over her house for an
    evening (and also for putting me and Hugh up for a few days.)
    
    			Steve

    The someone named "Buck" is Bill (Buck) Buckley - ICS::BUCKLEY.  I had
    received mail from him mid-week last week saying he had heard somewhere
    that there was a party being held in CO and he was going out there, so
    I pointed him in the right direction... :-)

    Well, it's finally over. I just sent the last guest off on the plane.
    This was a great vacation for me and I loved the party. I was pretty
    nervous about it. I've never had that many people in my house before
    but Steve kept telling me to relax and it all worked out.

    If you get a chance take a look at the video. It's a bit rough but it's
    us! Unfortunately the camera came rather late so only a few of us are
    in it. You'll even get to see my loyal dog Joe. The animals adapted
    rather well by the end of the week. It took them awhile to get used to
    Hugh and Steve but by the time they left the animals were mouring the
    passing of all those extra petting hands.

    And for those of you in Colorado, Mike has LOTS of vegemite left. liesl

    
    Is Niel Bush a director of Otero, too.?

    	So, who has this video, and how do we get to see it??

    amy

    Liesl, you did a *great* job!!  I never would have guessed you were at
    all nervous.  The party was lots of fun.
    
    As for the vegemite 1) I'm surprised to see that it's made by Kraft.
    2) it tastes like undiluted concentrated beef bouillon 3) I don't see
    how anyone can eat it for the first time without their face screwing up
    into all sorts of contortions 4) I can imagine that Mike's jar of it
    might last for a LOOOOOOOONG time! 5) What the heck are you *supposed*
    to eat it with/on???!? 6) I'm game to try it on just about anything -
    it sure isn't meant to be eaten plain!  Hugh, do people really *eat*
    that stuff?!?  How?
    
    The photo album was real interesting!  Jerry, what's this with the
    whips and chains?? (YOU know who you are!!)  A new hobby?
    
    Paula

    Re: .197
    
    Paula, anyone who sees the video will KNOW what you think of Vegemite!
    I think a more accurate likeness is to cat hairball remedy.  (They
    are made of similar ingredients.)  For myself, I didn't find it as
    awful as its reputation (outside Australia) would imply.  Certainly
    there are many foods we eat unquestioningly in the US that are
    "acquired tastes".
    
    
    I have the tape and will be editing it and making it available for
    viewing or making copies.  I can provide Beta, VHS, S-VHS or 8mm
    tapes (NTSC only, however, unless someone locally has PAL
    equipment.)  Copies will be made/sent at cost.  Viewings can be
    arranged.  Send me mail if you're interested (it will take me
    a week or so to edit the tape.)
    
    I also took pictures which I will get developed.  I had intended
    to insert them into the "Friends Family Album", but it seemed as if
    someone's sister was going to be tortured if it didn't get instantly
    returned to Nashua (where it lives 90% of the time, instead of two 
    days later), so I'll have to track it down sometime.
    
    And I'm sad (?) to say that I was unable to accept the various bribes
    offered me to take certain pictures.  In one case, the subject did not
    come to the party, and for the other, certain threats made (something
    to do with spiking my coffee with Vegemite) caused me to reconsider.
    
    
    			Steve

Liesl,
Thanks ever so much for hosting I had a great time.  
It was really nice to meet everyone from out of town and put faces to the names
I know so well. I have always been working or otherwise busy on previous visits
so this was THE party of the summer for me.
Would someone/anyone that took a picture that has my face in it please add it
to the album? Anything would be better than the side of my head shot that is
there now.

Abby, it is really nice to know another PDP lover you made my weekend!


Again thanks for a super time.

-jerry

Hi All,

Made it back to Oz in one piece. I'd like to add my thanks to Liesl for hosting
an excellent party, putting me up for the weekend, and for showing us the sights
around CS in the short time we had. Thanks Liesl.

I've had my photos of the party processed and am very happy with them, they're
good record of the party. I've got double copies of everything so I'll send
copies to Liesl to do with as she sees fit. There's one rather peculiar photo of
MikeZ and Dale that I think will provide me with a steady income for quite a
while to come ;^).

It was good to see at (least some of you) in the flesh at last, and to put names
(and personalities ;^) to faces. Looking forward to seeing y'all again in the
future.

Re: a few back. Vegemite is generally eaten on buttered toast. It's probably
best on Sourdough bread, which seems to be closest to the bread we have in Oz.

Hugh.

    
    FINALLY made it to a terminal after two weeks of withdrawal!
    
    Liesel - great party! Worth flying to Colerado for any time....
    And it was wonderful to put faces to so many names...
    
    Holly - sorry I didn't get to say farewell, I'll mail ya...
    Steve - the leg is doing fine - I had a great time anyway...
    Skip - *love* those PDP's - thanks for the flight escort on Tuesday...
    Liesel - thanks for the spray and the ice!
    Hugh - what eventually happened to that coffee?
    Dale - I'm going to find that Rescue Remedy as soon as I can walk!
    Kathy - I'll mail you cigarettes, I promise....
    
    And to all the others that I've undoubtedly missed (alcohol impairs
    my memory!) - THANKS FOR A GREAT TIME!
    
    'gail
              
    

    Hugh, thanks for thinking of me with the pictures. Mine were only so-so
    and I look forward to seeing what you got. I already miss everybody.
    I'm glad everyone had a good time, I sure did. I want to give a special
    thanks to DougO. The chocolate was a special treat! liesl

    p.s. Carol, there's still chocolate left so don't despair.

Thank goodness I left before the video camera arrived!

Liesl, you're superb.  The party is a great memory I'll cherish now that
I'm no longer in Colorado Springs.  I wish I could bring all of you with
me!

Carla

    I now have a new terminal on my desk and can not only read mail, but
    answer too.  I even came into work at 7am yesterday to catch up before
    people arrived...you could hear the language on the West Coast!
    
    Liesl many thanks for the great party.  It was one of the best times.
    I'm only sorry I was asleep as I left the house that night.  Mike V - I
    didn't get a chance to thank you for the video (he got the V-mite, but
    I got Kevin Costner!).
    
    And can only thank Pikes Peak for the fact that I left before the video
    camera came out of the closet.  Bad enough that Al bought his on our
    trip to Monterey!!  Food was unbelievable, Skip, I owed you a drink,
    and you still ended up doing my buffaloburger to perfection.  Thanks.
    
    Carla, - was Carla there.  I know I passed her at some stage on
    Saturday, but not to worry, we finally sat down together on Monday
    night and sobbed our way through Field of Dreams and slurped our pasta. 
    I love casual nights (^'  I'll be seeing her next in Seattle on my next
    sojourn - which I am now planning!
    
    To all of the people we met from LA, New England, Colorado and San Fran
    - thanks for the opportunity.  You are a wonderful bunch of people,
    friendly and apart from that damm camera of Mike Z's it was a fantastic
    time.  And...the men in The States are 'great'.  Although I think some
    of you will be pleased to know I met my match in San Fran - Al.  Score
    was something like 2 games all with the last one at 15-love to me!
    
    ..dale
    
    
    
    Hugh, can't wait to see some of those photos and destroy the negs.  I
    know Hugh's sister is standing over them at the moment (^'  Steve did
    hint at some bribery over a photo.  Hugh had the lace/ruffle room at
    Leisls and I dearly wanted a photo of him in it!!!  Ah well, the one at
    Disneyland will have to suffice I s'pose.  
    
    

    
    if you scan 'em on a Mac. you can xgif 'em onto anything running 
    DECwindows.
    

                 Z-man, I hope you read lips REAL well!!!
    
    ...dale

    I got the pictures that Hugh sent so everybody in CXO3 - come on down
    and take a look. I'm at pole 1/E2.

    Come and see:

    Mike Valenza and Steve Lionel actually (I'm not making this up) eat
    vegimite!

    Wonder at what Mike Zarlenga could have possibly done to get that
    expression on Dale's face. (what did you do???)

    Marvel at the size of Jerry Gortmaker's turkey (I have no idea if
    that's what he calls it in private ;*})

    Sigh over the gorgeous blond in hot pink (it's my note I can say what I
    want!) liesl