Hi,

I'm still in Phoenix w/ my family (I fly home tonight) so this is the first chance I've had to pop in here. I was planning on driving myself down there as I thought I might swing by and visit some friends after the brunch. But I'm thinking I might not want to do that. So....is there any room in the carpool? I live in Thousand Oaks, not too far from Kathy, so if there's room I'd love to join you.

I don't know if I'll have a chance to check get online again until either late tonight after I get home, or tomorrow morning. I'm at my Mom's right now, but I'm about to head to my sister's (I'm cooking dinner for the whole family!) and I'll be going to the airport from there. But I'll try to check in here while I'm at my sister's.

If there's a crucial, time-sensitive question, someone can call me on my cell. Rather than post the number here, I'm going to send it to Kathy via private email. Otherwise, just let me know in here if there's room, and what the details are, and I'll be there! Of course if the carpool's full, I'll understand...talk about jumping in at the last minute, huh?

check your email and private message above.. I just sent to you.

Got it -- thanks!

okay, LeeAnne - we're all set!

Anybody want to clue the rest of us in? Okay, I'll guess.....LeeAnne is driving to Kathy's where she will hitch a ride to Claudia's office and board the party van to the event (well picking up Margo on the way,of course). Am I close?

Sort of...shhhh...it's not a van...we got a stretch limo. Don't tell Margo. And Champagne and stuff too...

Hyper Groovy!!

Enjoy! See you soon!

Ngaire,
We will sure miss you and Ken! Denise, thanks for all your efforts putting this together!!

Kathy - what a way to go!!! That is THE life!!! Margo & Tom will be so surprised. Enjoy!!!

See you tomorrow :) :)

Why don't you swing by San Francisco and pick me up. I miss everything

Well, I'm back from Phoenix, had a grand time! The dinner came out fabulous. I made a parmesan mousse over baby greens, spinach crepes, chianti-marinated braised beef, and individual chocolate souffles w/ raspberry sauce. (Just in case anyone was wondering!) ;)

Anyway, yes I'm really excited about going in the party limo. Everything worked out perfectly. Can't wait!

GOSH HOPE MARGO NOT ON BOARD THIS AM - SURE WON'T BE A SURPRISE!!

Hey, Margo. If you're reading this (and I somehow think you are)...Please act surprised!

Actually, I spoke to Margo and she does know, but, Tom does not. I have Champagne and OJ chilling for the ride down!

That reminds me of one of my granddaughters who can NOT keep a secret -
well I only told Mom not Dad!!" - Funny!!!

How old are your granddaughters, Joanna? Children do get very over-anxious to "spill the beans."

I had to tell Margo because she was asking me about some arrangements for Tom.

My granddaughters are 11 yrs old - you have done an incredible job, Denise, with the restaurant , menu, corkage, hotel - I envy your planning skills - I do not have those skills - and Cathy tops it with a limo - you LA lCT'ers are incredible - wish I could be there -

Don & I are looking forward to meeting everyone tomorrow at MIMOSA... - There's just one thing: We may look like we've been "camping" or a bit frazzled!..You see, our power went out late this afternoon here in Wildwood Canyon (we live in the foothills with high winds today) & is STILL out. It is SO DARK! We have candles & flashlights (thank you earthquake preparedness) but no food, no warm shower, no power for my hair curler in the morning, etc etc, you get the picture. I'm sitting here on my laptop (thank you batteries) with a large candle burning after Don crawled around on the floor in order to plug in the phone cord for dial-up service. We don't want to open the fridge unless we have to so are "managing" with wine and crackers! SO, we MAY be the ones looking like the "grapes of wrath" tomorrow. You don't have to act like we're part of your party, we'll understand! Here's hoping for a wonderful discovery called "electricity" by tomoorrow morning! - Michele
P.S. Did I mention that it's freezing with the wind howling up here tonight? The dogs are somewhere in the dark curled up in the comforters....I'm heading that way in a little while. :)

Michele: are you near Fallbrook?? We have friends we have known for yrs from FB previously from Thousand Oaks - just cruised with them in Oct!!! Snuggle up and be safe!! Joanna

Hi Joanna, we live near Sand Canyon, north of LA. We love Fallbrook too. Almost moved there 3 yrs. ago, as a matter of fact.
.....Don just informed me that I can't even use much water since it is powered by our electrical pump. This brings back bad memories from the earthquake days....normally, we are completely self-sustaining on this little ranch but oh it is awful when there's a problem!

Sorry to hear about your power outage, Michele. I wish I would have known sooner. I could have arranged a stay for you both at the hotel.

Don't worry about anything. We can't wait to meet you both!

Joanna - You and Tony will be missed more than I can say! :(

I will miss all of the wonderful LCT'ers I know Tony and I would have loved meeting - Denise, you have done the most amazing job putting this weekend together - I know it took alot of work, energy, and time - you are most appreciated by your fellow board members that I know!!!- cannot wait to hear about your fantastic brunch - Joanna

Just offered Michele and Don Bed and Breakfast with hot showers, if needed.

We'll certainly survive one night. But you are very kind, Denise, to even think of putting us up at the hotel. Perhaps you should host an LCT slumber party next time!! What a thought! Kathy has kindly offered her guest room, too, so we can't thank you both enough. ....See you soon-michele

Sure wish I could have helped you out. If only I'd have known earlier. You're on for that slumber party in the near future, Michele. Actually, with Don/Diana, Olivia and Suzanne there now, the slumber party may be very much underway even as we type! The only thing I didn't calculate in the MIMOSA costs was bail money for our friends!

See you tomorrow. Have a good night and stay warm!

Michele....sorry your evening is going to be roughing it....but I'm so glad we get to meet tomorrow. I want to give you a special 3 Day Hug! You know what I mean.

Tonight it's so hard to say goodbye to our new cruise friends but tomorrow will be such a special treat.

See you soon!