Ok, so it took me like a minute to figure out how to even start this thread (since the switch)... yes, I'm that slow.

Sparky is talking about coming May 30th (the weekend AFTER Memorial Day)

Sparky also wants us to be conformists, so here's the official template:

Denver #3. Last Update: 05/29/09

THE Date: May 30th. The weekend AFTER Memorial Day

OK, here is the updated "Living, Breathing Document". Remember it can change; it is not set in stone. Just post your correction and it will be updated.

THEME: Spanish Varietals
DATE: 5/30/2009
TIME: TBD Wine tasting at 6:00 pm?
LOCATION: Joel & Michelle's (I225 and Alameda Ave)

Attendees: (so far)

1. MarkDaSpark - 2007 Bodegas Olivares Altos de la Hoya, a Monastrell.
+ Also a 2006 Vinícola del Priorat Priorat Ònix Clássic, a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Cariñena (Carignan).
2. NonnaWY (maybe +1, 2, or 3) - Real de Aragon Garnacha 2007
3. JudyL1118
4. Joelsisk - 2006 Dominio de Eguren Vino de la Tierra de Castilla Protocolo
5. MichelleShari - 2005 Castoro Cellars Tempranillo Reserve from wine.woot.
6. Moondragon - N.V. Pedro Romero Amontillado Medium Dry Jerez-Xérès-Sherry
7. 8. Lauratchi (+Joel)
9. 10. Mr. & Mrs. WineWootaholic - Rinfrescante, a Ruby Port, and a White Port that's made from Pinot Gris
11. 12. laurmom (+ NDH)
13. 14.Iceeblue7 (+SWMBO)
15. 16. GeorgeDLR (+Misti)

MAYBES:

1. Nostrom0


MIA:
1.
2.
3. DinkumThinkum
4.
5.
6. sk8ybike
7. llewdis

REGRETS:
Our Token Latino - JavaDrinker
LurkerDan
nmsoonergirl
Tenuki
Our Token Woot Employee - Gatzby
*
*
* everyone who misses this one

joelsisk wrote:Ok, so it took me like a minute to figure out how to even start this thread (since the switch)... yes, I'm that slow.

Sparky is talking about coming May 30th (the weekend AFTER Memorial Day)

Who is in?

Well, first -- you robbed me of the statement I made about starting the thread.

Secondly -- For me, the get-together needs to be towards the earlier part of the suggested time-frame. I have to travel to Texas for graduations (nephews=no getting out of); and still not have been cleared to fly yet by May.

Thirdly -- If we can get the right weekend, I'll be more than happy to take over for a change. If not Denver, perhaps lovely Fort Collins for a different venue? I can still get a great party established here.

I have a huge projector screen and karaoke in my basement! Also wii - complete with rock band!

Fourth -- I know for a fact some of our neighboring states want to come to a CO party, but I expect they're going to run into the same difficulty with dates that I'm going to have.

Fifth -- If we change the "official date" of the get-together, those not otherwise obligated can still meet up with Sparky and Laura - I'd be willing to delay my plans, and add stress to my travel just to meet them!

Chatter and feedback required soon, so that we can set the wheels in motion!

joelsisk wrote:Ok, so it took me like a minute to figure out how to even start this thread (since the switch)... yes, I'm that slow.

Sparky is talking about coming May 30th (the weekend AFTER Memorial Day)

Who is in?

I think we've all started to use the following format for the beginning post on a wine.woot gathering thread, so people can find the info quickly (which also means you have to update it as well):


Denver #x. Last Update: 0x/xx/09 x:xx am

The floor is open to suggestions on themes.

THE Date: May 30th.

OK, here is the updated "Living, Breathing Document". Remember it can change; it is not set in stone. Just post your correction and it will be updated.

THEME: TBD for wine
DATE: 5/30/2009
TIME: TBD Wine tasting at 6:00 pm?
LOCATION: TBD

Attendees: (so far)

1. MarkDaSpark
   

1. JavaDrinker
   

• everyone who misses this one
  

JudyL1118 wrote:Well, first -- you robbed me of the statement I made about starting the thread.

Secondly -- For me, the get-together needs to be towards the earlier part of the suggested time-frame. I have to travel to Texas for graduations (nephews=no getting out of); and still not have been cleared to fly yet by May.

Thirdly -- If we can get the right weekend, I'll be more than happy to take over for a change. If not Denver, perhaps lovely Fort Collins for a different venue? I can still get a great party established here.

I have a huge projector screen and karaoke in my basement! Also wii - complete with rock band!

Fourth -- I know for a fact some of our neighboring states want to come to a CO party, but I expect they're going to run into the same difficulty with dates that I'm going to have.

Fifth -- If we change the "official date" of the get-together, those not otherwise obligated can still meet up with Sparky and Laura - I'd be willing to delay my plans, and add stress to my travel just to meet them!

Chatter and feedback required soon, so that we can set the wheels in motion!

Okay, what dates are good for you? Early May is not for me, since I will be going to Buffalo the end of April. Middle of May is a Dallas summit.

I could also make it in June, in the early part.

And we could probably get Java to come as well with the Wii ....

JudyL1118 wrote:Well, first -- you robbed me of the statement I made about starting the thread.

sorry, created this before your post in the pub... see what I get for trying to cave in to the pressure?

Secondly -- For me, the get-together needs to be towards the earlier part of the suggested time-frame. I have to travel to Texas for graduations (nephews=no getting out of); and still not have been cleared to fly yet by May.

no problem for us... though we won't be able to attend if it's a Friday night... especially the weekend of 30 May as that's Shavuot (well the end of it anyway), but in general we don't go out on Friday evenings.

Thirdly -- If we can get the right weekend, I'll be more than happy to take over for a change. If not Denver, perhaps lovely Fort Collins for a different venue? I can still get a great party established here.

I have a huge projector screen and karaoke in my basement! Also wii - complete with rock band!

I'm all for it. Michelle goes up to FtC on occasion as she's an adviser for her sorority, kappa kappa gamma (actually at both CSU and CU).

Fourth -- I know for a fact some of our neighboring states want to come to a CO party, but I expect they're going to run into the same difficulty with dates that I'm going to have.

yup. and some are much closer to you (NonnaWY)

Fifth -- If we change the "official date" of the get-together, those not otherwise obligated can still meet up with Sparky and Laura - I'd be willing to delay my plans, and add stress to my travel just to meet them!

Chatter and feedback required soon, so that we can set the wheels in motion!

okie dokey.

MarkDaSpark wrote:Okay, what dates are good for you? Early May is not for me, since I will be going to Buffalo the end of April. Middle of May is a Dallas summit.

I could also make it in June, in the early part.

And we could probably get Java to come as well with the Wii ....

First TX graduation is June 5th, so I'm hoping May 30th. In addition, that's also when a lot of visitors start to visit Colorado...

MarkDaSpark wrote:I think we've all started to use the following format for the beginning post on a wine.woot gathering thread, so people can find the info quickly (which also means you have to update it as well):
blah blah blah conformity blah

fine. more caving from Joel.

and to be sure, we could have one BEFORE end of May if folks want... though with the Colorado (and neighboring states) crowd, it's a slow process... so maybe 2-3 months pre-planning is good.

joelsisk wrote:fine. more caving from Joel.

But ... but .... but .... you didn't use the pretty bold .... or the special images ..... and .... and .... oh nevermind .....

:sparky sobbing:

May 30th is good for us. Put me down for 2, maybe more as the DD loves to drag friends along. Our red-headed friend from Utah may be able to come, he's currently in Iraq but might be back by then.

Judy, check your PMs. I left you a message a few weeks back....

As I said before, the DH and I are in CO for a wedding on Sunday 5/31 in Woodland Park. We could most like make a 5/30 tasting, but of course at this point nothing is 100%.

We'd be happy to attend something were it to coincide with us being out that way. That being said please plan your event around what works best for you Coloradans. (is that word correct?)

Somewhere en route we are going to find some breweries for the DH to do a little tasting.

It will be fun to see how this develops.

Woodland Park? Have you ever been back in "them thar hills?"

JudyL1118 wrote:Woodland Park? Have you ever been back in "them thar hills?"

Ayup. I had a 10 plus year run when I was out 2 or 3 times a year visiting my friends. I watched the kids (aka groom of 5/31) play football thru Jr High and HS. Actually first met the groom when he was a tender and precious kindergarten student.

And it's more like up in them thar hills at 8600 ft of altitude.

lauratchi wrote:Ayup. I had a 10 plus year run when I was out 2 or 3 times a year visiting my friends. I watched the kids (aka groom of 5/31) play football thru Jr High and HS. Actually first met the groom when he was a tender and precious kindergarten student.

And it's more like up in them thar hills at 8600 ft of altitude.

Hmmm. Anyone want to split gas with me to fly out there? Java?

Nostrom0 wrote:Hmmm. Anyone want to split gas with me to fly out there? Java?

Dagnabit...just when I was about to complain about always getting lumped into the "maybe" category for every gathering that Sparky shows up to.

So...how much we guestimating for that?

javadrinker wrote:Dagnabit...just when I was about to complain about always getting lumped into the "maybe" category for every gathering that Sparky shows up to.

So...how much we guestimating for that?

You were a "maybe", because didn't know if you could make it .... hon


And you are usually an automatic YES for SoCal events.

joelsisk wrote:fine. more caving from Joel.

And did I mention how pleased I am with the title ??

I really do like the title Joel gave it !!!!

Can you tell?


Thank you Joel for making my month!

(now to bring something nice for him .... hmmmm)

javadrinker wrote:Dagnabit...just when I was about to complain about always getting lumped into the "maybe" category for every gathering that Sparky shows up to.

So...how much we guestimating for that?

I looked at a map, and there were all these pointy things along the west side of denver. Almost look like mountains

So not terribly direct, through Las Vegas, NM, 10 hours flight time each way at $40/hour. Room for 2 passengers.

Nostrom0 wrote:I looked at a map, and there were all these pointy things along the west side of denver. Almost look like mountains

So not terribly direct, through Las Vegas, NM, 10 hours flight time each way at $40/hour. Room for 2 passengers.

not to dampen your enthusiasm for more flight hours (as a private pilot myself, I understand), but LAX-DEN flights were recently running $139 roundtrip on United, and about the same (or a bit less depending) on Southwest. So even with a full 4-seater (C172 or equivalent), you're talking $200 each. However, there are always the benes of your own schedule, not going through security, flying into/out of better airports (Jefferson County for downtown Denver or Loveland for Ft Collins)

Nostrom0 wrote:I looked at a map, and there were all these pointy things along the west side of denver. Almost look like mountains

So not terribly direct, through Las Vegas, NM, 10 hours flight time each way at $40/hour. Room for 2 passengers.

Yeah, a little out of my price range this go around. Plus Joel makes some good points about the affordability of flights to Denver right now. Hell, I might even have a free RT SWA ticket by the time this shindig rolls around. But I am definitely up for something like this for closer events. Maybe another Vegas event.

joelsisk wrote:not to dampen your enthusiasm for more flight hours (as a private pilot myself, I understand), but LAX-DEN flights were recently running $139 roundtrip on United, and about the same (or a bit less depending) on Southwest. So even with a full 4-seater (C172 or equivalent), you're talking $200 each. However, there are always the benes of your own schedule, not going through security, flying into/out of better airports (Jefferson County for downtown Denver or Loveland for Ft Collins)

My Father-in-Law usually flies in to the Loveland/Fort Collins airport. It's pretty nice. And, I'm close enough to pick you up!

joelsisk wrote:not to dampen your enthusiasm for more flight hours (as a private pilot myself, I understand), but LAX-DEN flights were recently running $139 roundtrip on United, and about the same (or a bit less depending) on Southwest. So even with a full 4-seater (C172 or equivalent), you're talking $200 each. However, there are always the benes of your own schedule, not going through security, flying into/out of better airports (Jefferson County for downtown Denver or Loveland for Ft Collins)

Yup, seems like an all-out fare war for flights to Denver:

http://www.smartertravel.com/airfare/denver-sale-from-southwest.html?id=2849113

Of course there are restrictions (aren't there always) but it seems like it's gonna be fairly cheap for out of staters to come visit youse guys.

The only problem I'm having with this is the date!

I'm not 100% sure I can commit...

I know we need to pick a date and plan, but the end of May? Ick! Sparky - what does the rest of your schedule look like, from now until say.....July?

javadrinker wrote:Yup, seems like an all-out fare war for flights to Denver:

http://www.smartertravel.com/airfare/denver-sale-from-southwest.html?id=2849113

Of course there are restrictions (aren't there always) but it seems like it's gonna be fairly cheap for out of staters to come visit youse guys.

awesome. Talk to Sparky, he's got the hookup for free hotel rooms.

joelsisk wrote:awesome. Talk to Sparky, he's got the hookup for free hotel rooms.

Easy...let's not get ahead of ourselves.

And...um...so is Michelle a no show at her own party? She's not even listed as a maybe...doh.

javadrinker wrote:Easy...let's not get ahead of ourselves.

And...um...so is Michelle a no show at her own party? She's not even listed as a maybe...doh.

well, since we don't actually have a date yet... she may be at a bachelorette party in Chicago... it's hard to say... and while we're happy to have it at our place again, I'm not so sure everyone else wants to drive out here, though we're really close to the airport.

JudyL1118 wrote:The only problem I'm having with this is the date!

I'm not 100% sure I can commit...

I know we need to pick a date and plan, but the end of May? Ick! Sparky - what does the rest of your schedule look like, from now until say.....July?

June will be bad. July bad as well.

April has a summit in Dallas, plus Buffalo.


The nice thing about the 30th was that Laura & Joel would also be in town from Chi-town, and might be able to make it as well.

joelsisk wrote:awesome. Talk to Sparky, he's got the hookup for free hotel rooms.

Just for me, since my cousin runs the hotel. Never been there.

MarkDaSpark wrote:Just for me, since my cousin runs the hotel. Never been there.

wait, so all of a sudden you are NOT willing to share a room? Even with your man-buddy Java?

joelsisk wrote:well, since we don't actually have a date yet... she may be at a bachelorette party in Chicago... it's hard to say... and while we're happy to have it at our place again, I'm not so sure everyone else wants to drive out here, though we're really close to the airport.

1) NOT my party. I did the other 2... remember? This is Joel's baby. And others. But not mine. SOMEONE in our household has to work.

2) I SHOULD be listed as a maybe. No matter that we don't have a date and I may be at the bachelorette (aka, Tequilathon 2009) in Chicago. Until I know for certain, I'm a maybe. Joel - fix it!

That's all for now - Thanks for looking out for me Sparky! Back to work with me.

michelleshari wrote:1) NOT my party. I did the other 2... remember? This is Joel's baby. And others. But not mine. SOMEONE in our household has to work.

2) I SHOULD be listed as a maybe. No matter that we don't have a date and I may be at the bachelorette (aka, Tequilathon 2009) in Chicago. Until I know for certain, I'm a maybe. Joel - fix it!

That's all for now - Thanks for looking out for me Sparky! Back to work with me.

Thanks Sparky? Thanks Sparky ?!?!?!?!?

Joel...keep her off the list.

michelleshari wrote:1) NOT my party. I did the other 2... remember? This is Joel's baby. And others. But not mine. SOMEONE in our household has to work.

2) I SHOULD be listed as a maybe. No matter that we don't have a date and I may be at the bachelorette (aka, Tequilathon 2009) in Chicago. Until I know for certain, I'm a maybe. Joel - fix it!

That's all for now - Thanks for looking out for me Sparky! Back to work with me.

I have a question...Joel said you guys had a conflict the weekend of May 30th. Was it a religious holiday or something? I need to know if you two will be free that weekend at all.

Yeah, I was hoping to help/host this one - but time is going to be an issue. But! Something cool just happened in Fort Collins...they opened a Rodizio Grill! Normally, when I have a party at my house, I just get a caterer...I HATE to cook.

JudyL1118 wrote:I have a question...Joel said you guys had a conflict the weekend of May 30th. Was it a religious holiday or something? I need to know if you two will be free that weekend at all.

Yeah, I was hoping to help/host this one - but time is going to be an issue. But! Something cool just happened in Fort Collins...they opened a Rodizio Grill! Normally, when I have a party at my house, I just get a caterer...I HATE to cook.

religious stuff is Friday nights in general and there's another holiday on 28/29th which requires me to stay up all night. Sat nights are ok. May 30th weekend, Michelle may or may not be at a bachelorette in Chicago. Whether she is or is not shouldn't affect the tasting or whether it needs to be at our place... though obviously we'd prefer her there. (that good enough Sweetie?) Bottom line, nothing absolute against any of the dates.

If Saturday is May 31st....maybe we should just set that date and go with it. Laura and Joel have to be at the wedding on the 31st, but maybe some of us can meet them for lunch or something the next day. Laura's not too sure of their schedule right now, and may not even have time to visit with us.

If we decide to go with the 31st, we can work out time and place by the end of this month. I've got quite a bit going on right now. Marine daughter is in hospital in San Diego, and we're going out there ASAP. Don't know for sure how long, but as hubby needs to keep job, it won't be for more than a couple of weeks at the longest.

That sound ok?

JudyL1118 wrote:If Saturday is May 31st....maybe we should just set that date and go with it. Laura and Joel have to be at the wedding on the 31st, but maybe some of us can meet them for lunch or something the next day. Laura's not too sure of their schedule right now, and may not even have time to visit with us.

If we decide to go with the 31st, we can work out time and place by the end of this month. I've got quite a bit going on right now. Marine daughter is in hospital in San Diego, and we're going out there ASAP. Don't know for sure how long, but as hubby needs to keep job, it won't be for more than a couple of weeks at the longest.

That sound ok?

that Saturday is May 30.

If you're flying United (which may or may not be cheapest) let me know and I'll see if I can score you an upgrade!

joelsisk wrote:that Saturday is May 30.

If you're flying United (which may or may not be cheapest) let me know and I'll see if I can score you an upgrade!

Too late, we're going SW..

But now that I know someone....you're on my who to call list!

JudyL1118 wrote:Too late, we're going SW..

But now that I know someone....you're on my who to call list!

Please do! It's one of the few ways I get to support the troops and their families. Of course, it doesn't always work out, but there's no harm in trying!

joelsisk wrote:Whether she is or is not shouldn't affect the tasting or whether it needs to be at our place... though obviously we'd prefer her there. (that good enough Sweetie?)

Close enough. You're coming along well. Another few years oughta do it.

OK...this is what I think.....Let's just set the date for Saturday, May 30th. I'd like to host it this time, if that's ok with all?

Once I get back, I'll start looking into time, place, etc...By the end of March for sure.

Will that work out?

JudyL1118 wrote:OK...this is what I think.....Let's just set the date for Saturday, May 30th. I'd like to host it this time, if that's ok with all?

Once I get back, I'll start looking into time, place, etc...By the end of March for sure.

Will that work out?

Works for me. I'll book my flights and talk to my cousin.

Thanks Judy!