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Title: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jasmyn on Apr 6th, 2006, 12:56pm I am coming to the convention! I am going to meet you in person. I am HAPPY! ;;D |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jasmyn on Apr 6th, 2006, 1:32pm A few questions: I am going to take a two week break and I leave on 8 July from South Africa and return on the 22nd of July. I do not know your country or its transport systems. I would love to visit Chicago, the Blues and Jazz Capital of the World and it is apparently on my way. So, can anybody please tell me which places in Chicago are the best to visit? What type of public transport systems are available and safe for a person travelling alone? (I come from Africa, I am always safety conscious ;)) Where would be the best but economically viable places to stay?(The Dollar stands now at about 6:1 against the Rand) What are the sights that can be seen in Wisconsin? I would love to see and learn more about your country, so advise would really be appreciated. |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by sandie99 on Apr 6th, 2006, 1:32pm Go Jas! :) I hope that some year soon I can say the very same. :) Sanna |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by cootie on Apr 6th, 2006, 2:03pm DAM IT we are goin to miss meeting you......wah wah wah !!!! The blues scene rockes.......but be careful in the big city.....Brad was out there for work related stuff and him and nuther guy went and had a hotel in Chicago.....they walked to Buddy Guy's Legand bar (is that still there ??) but said it was a bit scarey and not a place ya'd wanna be by yourself. Lotta people PRAY on volnurable folk and jump and rob em so fast they don't know what happen'd. So be extra careful......would LOVE to do the blues scene in Nashville but loss of our house sitter/pet/kennel sitter screw'd up our travel plans. I don't trust anyone to hire them......been ripped off before so my trust levels are NILL !!!! Convention blue'd Pam |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Grandma_Sweet_Boy on Apr 6th, 2006, 2:29pm Oh Jas - I can't believe this! I'm actually going to get to meet you! This is very exciting news - you and Svenn all at one time. I'm thinkin' I just died and went to Heaven. :) Carol |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by pattik on Apr 6th, 2006, 2:39pm Holy Cow! Fantastic! Well, for starters, if you like blues, check out this venue in Chicago: House of Blues (http://www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/chicago/). This is really going to be SOME convention. ;;D |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Svenn on Apr 6th, 2006, 2:41pm on 04/06/06 at 12:56:41, Jasmyn wrote:
Just wondering if its safe for me to attend now Jasmyn? Svenn [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Gator on Apr 6th, 2006, 3:37pm How great is this! This just gets better and better! |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jonny on Apr 6th, 2006, 3:40pm on 04/06/06 at 12:56:41, Jasmyn wrote:
Dont worry, I wont shake your hand :-X |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jasmyn on Apr 6th, 2006, 3:47pm Oh Sanna I so wish you could make it, it only took me seven years, there is always hope Girl, I just hope I can make it again to meet you someday! Ag, No Pam, can't you come and join me in Chicago, you can share my room, just get there. You too Pattik, you don’t live too far from Chicago and thanks for the info, I'll definately check it out. Carol, yip, eventually... I can't wait, I'm so excited and Svenn I'm over the moon that you and Bente are going to be there. It still won't be safe for you as I owe you something and with Carol there to help me, I sure know who's gonna get the short end of the stick[smiley=laugh.gif] Aah Gator, you Boerseun, eventually we will meet, bring the veld hat and khaki’s ;) |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jasmyn on Apr 6th, 2006, 3:52pm Quote:
Yip, please keep your hand in your pocket, I'll bring you more coco palm oil... chapped hands are not a pretty sight ;) :-* |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Melissa on Apr 6th, 2006, 3:52pm AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH THIS IS SO COOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am SO freaking pumped it's not even funny!!!! ;;D ;;D ;;D ;;D OMG, wow, I gotta start collecting things to send home with you! YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Sandy_C on Apr 6th, 2006, 3:55pm OH Jas! I can't wait to meet you. I'll be there. If you're coming alone, I still don't know if my husband is coming or not. If he decides not to join me, I've got a double room booked and would like to have have a roommate to share the cost. I'll try to nail hubby down this weekend as to his yes or no. If you've already made arrangement to share with someone else, just let me know. But, I promise to try my best to be a good little roommate, neat and tidy, not to snore, and not to hog the bathroom. AND NOW TO ALL YOU CHICAGOANS AND AND WISCONSINITES (better known as Cheeseheads). Step up to the plate here and give Jas some info on places to see, things to do! Sandy C |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Linda_Howell on Apr 6th, 2006, 4:04pm Jas, If you are going to be in Chicago for more than a day, your best bet will be to rent a car. Avis, Hertz, Dollar, Alamo, Budget or Thrifty car rentals all have a much cheaper rate than say.....hailing a cab to go where you want to go. If you want me to, I will send you some links. A lot of rental car places are right there at the airport so that is convenient. Here is probably the best link I can find that tells you just about everything and there's a map you can print out. http://www.hellochicago.com/ So glad to finally meet you. I'll have to start thinking of something I can give you to represent my part of the country like you did for me. Linda |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jasmyn on Apr 6th, 2006, 4:12pm Mel, I'm hyper and hysterical with joy [smiley=headbanger.gif] [smiley=sayyes.gif] Sandy, it will be great to share with you if your hubby can't come. I haven't made a room booking yet. So let me know, I'll hang on till you spoke to him. As for a roommate, I hope I'll be up to par, I'm a bit wild coming out of the bush and such. ;) |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Svenn on Apr 6th, 2006, 4:13pm think i hire someone as a bodyguard this year. |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Sandy_C on Apr 6th, 2006, 4:17pm on 04/06/06 at 16:12:06, Jasmyn wrote:
Oh, thank you! You've taken a load off my mind! I thought I would have to go through the whole weekend being a "goody two shoes" with a roommate I've never met. You're in - hubby's out. THE PARTY'S ON!!! (but I'll check with him first if you don't mind) ;) Sandy |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jasmyn on Apr 6th, 2006, 4:22pm Linda, thanks I'll take your advise on the car rental and check out the site. I'll have to get a manual car as we don't often drive automatics here and my goodness gracious, I'll have to drive on the wrong side of the road!... which by the way is your right side ;) You know that after all these years, all I want is the opportunity to meet all of you, a dear family I've spend hours with but haven't met in person. The things that will be the most precious to me will be the memories of meeting you guys and that is what I will treasure forever. |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Melissa on Apr 6th, 2006, 4:23pm on 04/06/06 at 15:55:27, Sandy_C wrote:
Well, for entertainment yesterday, I sat on my deck with my future sister-in-law while we played cards, filled Easter eggs and watched our kids play together while we drank beer. ;;D It don't take much ya know!!! [smiley=laugh.gif] Honestly, I don't know much about what to do in Milwaukee other than hit the Zoo and museum. Maybe take in a baseball game, go shopping and then you could head down to Gurnee Illinois to go to Six Flags Great America and then visit the Fields Museum in Chicago. Or you could just head west from Milwaukee and go to the Wisconsin Dells which is a TON of fun! Check it out... http://www.wisconsindells.com/what_to_do.php (btw, riding the Ducks is WAY cool! ;)) :) |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jasmyn on Apr 6th, 2006, 4:31pm My Viking Hero, no bodyguard is going to be able to protect you! [smiley=laugh.gif] Sandy I don't mind and I will hang ten and hang on until you let me know :) Mel, I'll look at the site, thanks. This is going to be the most exciting thing I've done in years! ;;D |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Gena on Apr 6th, 2006, 4:32pm While in Chicago make sure you go to THE HOUSE of BLUES. Great place to see a band, but make reservation or buy tickets soon. 8) |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jonny on Apr 6th, 2006, 4:50pm on 04/06/06 at 16:31:27, Jasmyn wrote:
You will realise later why I fixed your quote, Jas ;;D |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by tanner on Apr 6th, 2006, 5:08pm Jas, I don't know yet whether I am going to make the convention or not but you have just given me an added incentive. All the best blues clubs are on Wells St. downtown. You would need to book a Downtown (Loop) hotel. The Omni is spectacular as is the Drake but both are pricey. If it turns out that I can make it I would love to squire you around and then drive up to Cheeseland. If you taxi to a club (and the bellman at your hotel can help with this) you should be quite safe sticking with the crowds. All the usual strategies should apply (Dont Carry A Shoulder Bag) and seperate your cash and cards to more then one spot. You should be fine. It's not NY you know LOL. ..........hope I get to see you............tim |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Donna_D. on Apr 6th, 2006, 5:58pm Jas, At one point in time you mentioned needing a letter from OUCH (for governmental red tape) to attend the convention...if you still do, just say the word and I will have it in the mail to you asap! I am so excited to finally meet you!! DD |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by BlueMeanie on Apr 6th, 2006, 6:07pm WOW.. very nice indeed Jas. I live between Milwaukee and Chicago. 45 minute drive either direction. There is TONS of things to see and do. I will PM you some links of great places to check when I get a chance. For now one place that's doesn't cost alot of money is Buddy Guy's Legends. They have blues every night of the week and doesn't require advance tickets and doesn't cost an arm & a leg. LOL If you want to check out the House of Blues, Robin Trower is probably the best perfomance for the week you're coming. Not sure if you're familiar with him, but pretty good stuff. The show is July 13th. If you want to go, I just may take the night off and take you there. Tickets are still available. If you like shopping and amusement, you can stop by where I live on the way to Milwaukee. We have one of the largest shopping malls & amusement parks in the U.S. Excluding Disney World... lol I can go on and on because there is also some great things to do in Milwaukee too. Anyway, I'll PM ya more details. Glad to hear you're coming. :) |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Karla on Apr 6th, 2006, 7:23pm Blue Meanie don't foget to give her directons to the shedd aquarium in Chicago. She might like that. |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by cootie on Apr 6th, 2006, 9:48pm OMG.......Robin Trower is gonna be at the house of blues......seen him several times in Cleveland and bought his latest cd out not long ago. WOW....wonder if he's comein to Cleveland doin the House of Blues curcuit ? Didn't see him on there schedule. OK.....back to the show folks Pam |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by MJ on Apr 6th, 2006, 11:03pm Cool Jazmyn Chicago is one of the greatest big cities. I have only been there a few times but I think the public tranportation, taxi, trolley, buses are pretty good there even better if you drive the wrongway. Its an exciting big city. The downtown area and loop is incredible if you are coming from a small town. Sears tower is allways a cool tourist site, the lake michigan walk on the loop is allways cool, tons of people living large in the summertime. Lots of entertainment. A soda pop cost u.s. $1.50, cig pack 4.75, nicer rooms downtown 125.00 at the low end and up. Everything cost double in a hotel. As with any big city there are some rougher areas. Avoid the projects like cabrini greens area unless you want to feel like your back in the war zones. I found the projects fascinating too however. I have family in Lincolshire a suburb. A solid contact if you have any problems. |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Opus on Apr 6th, 2006, 11:13pm on 04/06/06 at 16:22:18, Jasmyn wrote:
Chances are you not find a manual shift rental car. Even with new cars there are none on the lot and you have to special order them. Driving an automatic isn't as hard as it sounds. You may clip the brake peddle a few times when trying to clutch and reach for an imaginary shifter. it is amazing how fat you brain can adjust. The lack of control might be scary and you will have to use the brake a lot. Our steering wheel is on the left side of the car and we are suppose to drive on the right side of the road on a two lane road. Where I live people are starting to use the middle of the road, and more rarely the left side and swerve to the right when you come toward them. Don't mean to scare you. I'm sure drivers out west actually obey the rules of the road ;;D it would be a good idea to get the traffic rules for the state and city you are going to drive in as they can be different. Here in NY there are seat belt laws and you have to turn your headlights on when you are using your wipers. Opus/Paul |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Charlie on Apr 7th, 2006, 12:47am I have to leave the music to others. I haven't been downtown Chicago in 40 years so I better leave that as well. A couple of things: American trains are horrible. They were better in 1940. They are no fun for most visitors unless you have lots of time. You can travel almost anywhere in the US without worry. It's pretty safe. What you see on cable news are the old "If it bleeds, it leads" stories. It's ok....ESPECIALLY the midwest which is where we will be and so many cute clusterheads hang their hats. If you have time to travel, in the east, Niagara Falls is a cheap visit. Lots of scenic stuff everywhere of course that costs almost nothing. The west is different. You'd love San Francisco and the redwoods. I sure do. But thats a big trip. The National Parks have gotten better, too. New York City is certainly worth a visit but hardly inexpensive. Midtown Manhattan....isn't particularly dangerous. Unless you're afraid of tourists. 8) Looking forward to meeting you kid. Charlie |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by sandie99 on Apr 7th, 2006, 3:15am on 04/06/06 at 15:47:51, Jasmyn wrote:
Or I just have to find a way to visit you back in South Africa... ;) Everything is possible. There is always hope! :) Best wishes, Sanna |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jasmyn on Apr 7th, 2006, 9:02am on 04/07/06 at 03:15:24, sandie99 wrote:
You've said it girl and you've got that one spot-on! ;) Just bring a lot of sunscreen for that fair skin, I'll be waiting! Never let hope fail :-* |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jasmyn on Apr 7th, 2006, 9:08am Thanks to Donna and Bill that are working feverishly to get me an invitation to be able to apply for a Visa. You guys are fabulous in your speedy response.[smiley=bow.gif] Tim I hope you would be able to make it as I would love to be squired around and not be the totally lost farm girl from Africa, fresh from the bush. I looked up this Hotel, is it ok, they say it is close to “The Loop”? Their rates are also not that exorbitant. Travelodge Downtown - 65 east Harrison , Chicago , 60605 United States Bob the Blue man, thanks, I looked on the net and besides the House of Blues, Buddy Guy’s Legends is one of those places I just cannot afford to miss. Just one little problem how are we going to make the 13th in Chicago if we should be at the conference on the same date? Shopping is not really my thing, although I like to see what other countries trade in but the music scene and the sight and sounds of the city and country side is my type of pleasure. I think that I must go and see in the 3 days before the conference maybe a bit of the things on Mel’s link in Wisconsin and then after the conference go for a lovely week to Chicago. That link Linda gave me is great! There is so much to see and do that I’ll actually need more time than a week. As you are not that far away, maybe you can spare a night or two for fun on the town. I would like that. 8) |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jasmyn on Apr 7th, 2006, 9:12am Karla I would love to go and see The Shedd Aquarium and The Crystal Gardens. MJ and Paul as for the transportation, I think I’ll stick to public transport. My foot is a bit heavy at the best of times and these big cities of yours may just need to up their insurance rates after I’ve left. [smiley=bag.gif] SA has very strict driving rules, always wear a safety belt, always stay on the left and never drive over a 120km/h, otherwise there is a hefty ticket in your future. Mozambique on the other hand don’t even have propper roads, no indicative white lines to separate sides, no stoplights/intersection lights (we call them robots) that ever works but a speed limit of 50km/h that no one adheres to. Driving here is a game of duck-an-dive and to see who’s chicken first. ;) Charlie, I wish I had more time and more money to visit your vast and famous country. If I had my way I would visit every state before leaving, never mind that… I would immigrate [smiley=JAW_DROP.gif](even if I’ll upset Jonny) :-*. Life in a third world country can not possibly compare to what you have or the way you live. One of the major ambitions in my life is to go and live in a country where I can drink water from a tap, not filter it, then boil it and then let it stand for a few hours so that the chlorine smell just evaporate a bit. I’m sure my general condition will improve after 2 weeks there, maybe I won’t rust so much! ;) |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by E-Double on Apr 7th, 2006, 9:23am I must say how extremely envious I am of all that are going to this convention. Kinda silly because I will have a new baby hopefully that week, however there appears to be such a tremendous turn out!! Enjoy meeting all of these wonderful people!!! To meet in person is truly special. Have the greeatest time and your heart will forever be filled! E |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Redd715 on Apr 7th, 2006, 11:44am Jaz my dear sister... I'm just getting able to respond to this, but I can't flipping wait to meet you!!!!!! Better get ready for some mponster sized hugs. I'm soooo pumped about this!!! So many first time conventioneers... I just LOVE this family!!! |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jasmyn on Apr 7th, 2006, 12:54pm Eric I would have loved to meet you but I also realize that new life comes first. I'm an old woman, that will grow much older still. The people in my family grow very old, some have reached over a hundred years. So the chances are good that in my lifetime we just might meet. It surely is going to be absolutely great to meet all these wonderful people. Ooohhh, Peg I'm tripling around here and dancing a jig! ;;D |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Donna_D. on Apr 11th, 2006, 10:30am Hey Jas... There's a letter in your mailbox! Just sent it off to your email addy a few minutes ago! Can't wait for July!! Let me know if you need anything else! DD |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jimi on Apr 11th, 2006, 11:09am Wow Jaz. I just saw the post. Like Jonny said, it will be a lifetime experience. We always look at what is going on in the city where we are having convention, but once we get there, we just hang out at the hotel for most of the time. We all know it is such a short time and we don't want to miss being around each other. I am so looking forward to meeting you. A lot of newbies this time. That just adds to it each year. I am starting to get pumped myself! |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Kevin_M on Apr 11th, 2006, 11:31am Yeah, what Jimi says Jaz. Fantastic you will be there! |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Dragnlance on Apr 11th, 2006, 11:38am Fantastic Jazz. I wish I could be there, but alas.... SO I will resort to a long distance, Welcome to America Jazz Lance |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jasmyn on Apr 11th, 2006, 12:20pm Ooooh! I'm so excited! Donna has send me my invitation, so I'm gonna get my visa for the USA this week! Thank you Donna and OUCH! You guys Rock! Jimi and Kevin, this is going to be great, my lifetime experience! ;;D O, you Dragonman, I would have loved to meet you but thank you for the "Welcome to America" :-* |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Dragnlance on Apr 11th, 2006, 12:22pm Quote:
You could take a side trip to Montana! ;;D ;;D |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by LeLimey on Apr 11th, 2006, 12:28pm Lance, nearer the time pm your # and we'll call you and have a chat even if we can't tempt you to come and join us! |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Dragnlance on Apr 11th, 2006, 12:49pm I can do that, but you will need to send some "miracle ferilizer for my money tree" :-/ |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by vietvet2tours on Apr 12th, 2006, 11:19am Major League Baseball. Boston @Chicago 2:05 P.M. 7/9/06. Potter |
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Title: Re: After 7 years, eventually! Post by Jasmyn on Apr 13th, 2006, 2:33am Quote:
Quote:
Unfortunately, I'll only land on the 9th but it will be in New York at JFK, Potter. Got a good flight deal to there. Now both you boys are from Cowboy country so how about saddling your horses, yelling "Yee-Ha" and make like the Pony Express? ;;D |
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