Austin Dopefest!!

[Lucki Chaarms]

Hey, Austin Dopers, is it time to get together for one of these gatherings?

As a newbie I have not had the chance to attend one of these things, but I think we should have one in a public place, you know like nobody hosts, we just get together.

Post with ideas for locations/events.

Dopers of Austin, unite!

MarxBoy

[GraceTX]

But you name the day and I'll try my best to be there. Saturday (anytime) or Sunday would be better since since I'm coming down from Dallas.

BTW, we got together recently. Where were you? Not that I'm complaining. I'm always up for getting together with the wonderful people I've met on the Straight Dope.

[MsRobyn]

FYI -- there is a Dopefest in Houston April 14. You can find details here (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=61636).

In Austin, however... pick a place and a time, and I'll be there!

Robin

[hazel-rah]

Do you have three minute pauses between conversations to make it more like being on the SDMB?

-fh, who is in Austin

[Freyr]

At the last Austin DopeFest (dubbed "Bat Fest", back on Feb. 3rd) there was mention of having another one in mid-April, after MsRobyn gets into town.

How about it fellow Dopers?

[robgruver]

I would be happy to attend, and perhaps bring the Missus with me this time. :) So put me on the list.

[Ringo]

I'm a tentative, once again (have to see how the schedule shapes up). The place we had it last time was great (we lucked out onn the weather).

[TheNerd]

I'll try to make it.

Last time we had it at the Shady Grove. Which was a pretty cool place.

[Lucki Chaarms]

Hey, Shady Grove in mid-april sounds great.

How many people usually show up for these things?

Hmm, this should be interesting to explain to the 'rents:
"Mom, I'm driving downtown to hang out with some strangers I met on the internet." Hehe

MarxBoy

[Ringo]

Avoid scheduling it for the 14th of April, as that's going to be a HouDope gathering and that could deprive you of a few attendees.

How about the 21st?

"Mom, I'm driving downtown to hang out with some strangers I met on the internet." And they drink..., amongst other things.

I don't know...purplebear sent her teenage daughter to hang with us in her absence last time around in Austin - obviously some parents think we're a worthwhile influence.

[Lucki Chaarms]

Here's a thought:

What goes on at these things? Is it just what it seems like, a chance to hang out with people you post with, or is there some structure to it?

Perhaps there is some ancient book containing the sacred rules for a dopefest? A thick and dusty tome, passed from doper to doper for generations, whose thick and yellowed pages reveal the secrets of the ritual to the uninitiated.

Oh well, got to finish getting ready for school.

MarxBoy

[Freyr]

bumpity, bumpity, bumpity

Okay, any new news? What's happening? When does Ms. R get into town so we can party!

[Tapioca Dextrin]

I'll do my best to attend, but I'm probably gonna be out of town for most of April. :(

[Lightnin']

Heck, I can make it. Assuming it doesn't interfere with work, my life drawing session, my Tai Chi, or the play I'm in at Dave and Buster's (obplug- Go see the murder mystery dinner at Dave and Buster's, Saturday night. I play Rocky Stewart.)

Lessee- that leaves me with a Sunday available.

Shady Grove gets MY vote. I love the Green Chili Cheeseburger. The view rocks, as well. :)

[GraceTX]

So what's the plan? We still meeting on the 21st?

Also, there's a gathering in Dallas on May 5th if anyone wants to come up for meet some of the Dallas Dopers. You can read about the Dallas gathering here (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=65979).

[ScoobyTX]

Apr 21? You mean this Saturday? Is anyone going to be there?

[Ringo]

Sorry, pals, the 21st isn't going to work for me. And the 5th of May is a Dallas gathering.

I'd, at this point, propose the 28th of April or several weeks hence.

One way or another we need to get a spur under the next Austin roundup.

Comments?

[trose]

Originally posted by beatle
One way or another we need to get a spur under the next Austin roundup.Absolutely, let's all sit on David Robinson.

[robgruver]

Once again I would be happy to attend, but this Saturday (which is two days from the time I post this) is a little close. Perhaps next weekend? My wife wants to visit a friend anyway, so that would work for me.

Anyone heard from Sapphire Bullet on this?

[robgruver]

El bumpity!

[MsRobyn]

Checking in from San Antonio to let y'all know I'm still alive.

This (coming) weekend would be good for me, as it's a two-and-a-half-day off weekend.

Just tell me where and what time.

Robin

[Freyr]

I'll be there, with my chaps on, tho if the weather keeps getting warm, maybe not. The 28th, I also have ANOTHER dinner party (doing the Beltane thing) so could we hold it a bit earlier in the day, so I cans spend time with you guy, or maybe do it on a Friday evening or even an early Sunday?

There's Dallas Dope in early May? Yee-Hah! I'll saddle up the bike and terrorize the Dallas Dopers! :D

[JeffB]

Hey, I'll be in San Antonio next weekend (check out my thread here (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=67811)). Since you guys are talking about getting together, and it looks like you might be stealing MsRobyn away, I thought I'd see if hop on board.

[MsRobyn]

Bump!

C'mon, guys... work with us here!

Robin

[Sapphire Bullet]

hey fellow austinites...

How about this Saturday at Shady Grove? How does noon sound to everyone? Freyr, would that work? I want for you to be able to stick around! :)

After lunch we could wander around the new Bob Bullock Texas History Museum - Saturday is the grand opening. I think this crew could use a little culture! ;) I don't know what the cost is. If there is interest, I could find out. Also, if cost is a factor, but you guys are up for a museum-y day, the LBJ Library is amazing (and free!). And, I will show you the best fountain in Austin!

Perhaps we can get rob another tattoo... (or are you riding this weekend?)

[TheNerd]

I'm up for it, unless I've already got plans I don't know about (work).

I got a real digital camera since the last one. I'll bring it if I get to go.

[MsRobyn]

Originally posted by Sapphire Bullet
hey fellow austinites...

How about this Saturday at Shady Grove? How does noon sound to everyone? Freyr, would that work? I want for you to be able to stick around! :)

After lunch we could wander around the new Bob Bullock Texas History Museum - Saturday is the grand opening. I think this crew could use a little culture! ;) I don't know what the cost is. If there is interest, I could find out. Also, if cost is a factor, but you guys are up for a museum-y day, the LBJ Library is amazing (and free!). And, I will show you the best fountain in Austin!

Perhaps we can get rob another tattoo... (or are you riding this weekend?)

Sounds good, saph (although I need a street address)!!! See y'all Saturday!!!

Robin

[Freyr]

Sapphire Bullet wrote:

How about this Saturday at Shady Grove? How does noon sound to everyone? Freyr, would that work? I want for you to be able to stick around!

That works for me! I'll have to leave around 4 or 5, maybe later, but that'll give me plenty of time with my fellow Dopers!

[purrplebear]

Darn. Another Dopefest in Austin, and again it looks like we can't make it. :( *pout* I really want to, so keep having them, and I'll do my best to make one soon. I'll see if maidenunicorn can make it though, she's now living in your neck of the woods. I know she's not working on Saturday.

Beatle is right, I do like all of you that I've been lucky enough to meet so far, and trust you with my daughter.

Have a great time, and if you do go to the LBJ Library, holler at my son, who is going to UT. In fact, I'll keep checking this thread, and perhaps he can come in our stead, if he can find transportation.

Btw, thanks, Robin, for the email. I'm answering you now. :)

[Sapphire Bullet]

okay then, tentative plans:

Saturday, 28April at noon
Shady Grove


you can check out Shady Grove here (http://www.austin.citysearch.com/profile/10210771/)


hopefully it will be a nice day so we can sit outside again

[robgruver]

I will be in Austin around 4 or 5pm, so if the gathering is at noon I will be unable to make it. Perhaps an after Dopefest drinking binge at the Filling Station again?

[Sapphire Bullet]

I like that idea rob...tho we don't have to have this on a Saturday. Would a Sunday work for everyone also?

Come on folkses- let's get this thing rolling! :)

[Freyr]

I can do Sunday and I don't have any time limitations, either! Count me in!

[robgruver]

Sunday sounds good too. We could have lunch at Shady Grove, then drinks. Woo!

[MsRobyn]

Sunday works for me too, but since Monday is a workday, I can't stay much past 9 pm or so.

Robin

[Sapphire Bullet]

Looks like we are on for Sunday, 29April - 12:00pm at Shady Grove (http://austin.citysearch.com/profile/10210771/). Ignore the cranky review at the end of this page. The previous Austin dope attendees can attest to its falsity.

the list

there with bells on:
saph
Robyn
rob
Freyr

perhaps, possibly, maybe, not sure:
TheNerd
beatle
maidenunicorn

otherwise engaged: :(
purplebear
Colin Wilkinson

missing in action:
MarxBoy
Grace
hazel-rah
Lightnin'
TXLonghorn
JeffB

if you see any of these MIAs, grab them and throw them into this thread :)

[Sapphire Bullet]

::bump::


come on people, work with us here! :)

[MsRobyn]

*bump*

[Lucki Chaarms]

I will almost definitely be able to make an appearance. I would also suggest that at some future date we do a dopefest at the Flamingo Cantina down on 6th Street. I love that place.

MarxBoy

[robgruver]

Sadly due to circumstances beyond my control I will not be able to be there this weekend like planned. I wish I could be there... *sigh* I will be there in spirit.

[Sapphire Bullet]

I'm sorry to hear that rob. I hope everything is okay.


Glad you can make it MarxBoy!

[Freyr]

bumpity, bumpity, bumpity, BUMP

Just to keep people up on this. Sorry to hear you'll not make it, Rob... I was looking forward to a chat!

[Lightnin']

Bump!, and...

I might be able to make it. I'm supposed to go play paintball at nine that morning, but I dunno yet. You know, it's not like my schedule's that full- why do the few things I do always seem to be scheduled for the same damn times? :)

[El Zagna]

Rats, I'll be out of town, but I'm glad to know the names of some of my fellow Austin dopers.

[robgruver]

A late evening bump for my favorite Austin dopers. :)

[Sapphire Bullet]

sunday, sunday, SUNDAY!


See you all at Shady Grove, 12pm! Does someone have the sign?

[MsRobyn]

Unfortunately, sometime yesterday, I lost my driver's license, and Austin is too far of a drive to make without it. :(

I'll have to sit this one out.

Robin

[TheNerd]

Who does have the sign? It wasn't me, was it? I don't even know where the other one I brought last time is.

[Sapphire Bullet]

::sigh:: and another one bites the dust...

the good news:
I am finally getting my couch from home!



the bad news:
It's coming tomorrow afternoon.





Sorry guys. Maybe we can get another of these rolling in a month or so for those of us schedually challenged...

[Freyr]

I don't have the sign, but I'll try to get there early and make myself conspicuous. I'll be the guy in the black leather jacket and black motorcycle helmet.

[TheNerd]

so, are we doing this at all? It's a bit late to ask, I guess.

I still plan to go down there and have lunch, but it looks like there won't be many of us. Look for a guy wearing olive khakis and a black shirt, with a camera on the table.

[Freyr]

Okay, BatFest II, happened!

It was a small turn out, only four of us; your humble narrator, TheNerd, Lightnin' and Mrs. Lightnin' also joined us.

We had to do a presto-chango act with the waitstaff, not being sure how many Dopers would actually make it. First we said 8 but then reduced that to 6 and finally got a table. We simply told the waitstaff that the other two were either in the rest room or were called away on business.

The lovely Syrrita (I think that's the spelling she used) waited upon us with style and grace. There was no problem with getting out water or other drinks refilled. All the orders came at the same time and were cooked properly. I'm happy!

The talk ranged from Mrs. Lightnin's career as a budding photographer that was tragically cut short to people selling moon property and who would have jurisdiction if there was a contested claim.

The food was excellent and the weather beautiful, neither too warm or hot, the only bother was the tree dropping "things" into the food every so often.

After dinner there was talk of dessert, but Lightnin' insisted he had to go home and paint gaming miniatures. Neither I or TheNerd were up for more, so we all headed home our own ways.

On the ride home, I took the long route, going up MoPac all the way to I-35 in Round Rock and coming down to my home from the north. Unfortunately, there as some accident on the road and I got off to the service road (along with several other cars, all going across the grass strip illegally) and got to Parmer Lane and from there, to my place. I got a chance to see the accident. Looks like a trailer for carrying cattle or horses over-turned and was blocking one lane. The vehicle carrying said trailer wasn't around. Maybe towed off by then? I'm sure that the Dopers heading north got caught in the rubber-necking in the north bound lanes. :(

[MsRobyn]

Damn, I'm sorry I missed it. I WILL make it to BatDope III.

Robin