No, you’re not the only one.
Tygr, I’m not sure what the plan is going to be yet for stops and the like… or even when, for sure, I’ll be driving up there. But when I find out more, I’ll make nice big post about it and see what we can’t set up. Some of it is going to depend, too, on whether I’m driving it alone or not, and if I’m not, what lurker’s schedule for getting back is. But I’ll be sure to keep you posted as the situation develops!
Put a check next to my name as well…
Just lemme know.
O
Well, now we have three of us… Getting a little bigger… Can we get more? Maybe? Please!!!
So far, the tentative plan is to get together on Saturday, April 21st (that’s 1 week from tomorrow) at Bennigan’s. I’m thinking the Bennigan’s on 41 & Bahia Vista in Sarasota, but there’s also the one on Cortez by Desoto Square Mall in Bradenton as well. Whichever’s going to be easiest for people. (I know the one in Sarasota a little better, because it’s next door to the temp agency I go through!) So let me know what you want to do. I’m open for any other ideas, too.
UncleBill, Oicu812, I’ll see you there.
Everyone else… What are you waiting for!!!
This Saturday is when we’re getting together. The time isn’t exactly set down yet, but probably around 4 or 5. A few of us have also been talking about doing something like miniature golf or going to the movies before we head over to Bennigan’s. Thoughts? Ideas? I’d really like to get together with as many area Dopers as possible before I go. So anyone interested, post! Let me know! Whatever! I should have everything set down by the end of today as far as times and plans are concerned, and I’ll post it when I know more.
UncleBill is meeting me in Venice around 2, and then we’re heading up to Sarasota together. I thought meeting at Bennigan’s at 3 (in case he’s running a little later than expected?) and from there, heading to the appropriate place… miniature golf, movie, or whatever else the attending Dopers can come up with. So come on FL Dopers… don’t leave me alone with two good looking guys! I don’t know if my will is that strong! 
If you can give me the street address and definite time to meet, I’ll do my best to be there…
True Pisces, would you be alarmed to see a complete stranger at your going-away party?
katie, of course not! Actually, of the people that are coming (or said they might be coming), I’ve only actually met one face to face, and that’s TroubleAgain. This is a DopeFest, goshdarnit, along with a going away party for me, so I want as many Dopers there as we can manage!!! Come along, come along!!!
As far as the specifics. This is what we’re going to go with (at least, as an initial):
Who: Any members of the SDMB that feel like coming and anyone they feel like bringing along
What: Combination DopeFest and "Good-Bye TruePisces party
Where: Bennigan’s, 1277 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL (directions to follow)
When: Saturday, April 21, 2001, 3 PM
Why: 'Cause we’re Dopers. Do we NEED a reason for a party??
How: With as much fun as we can manage.
Specifics: My plan is for us all to meet at Bennigan’s at 3 to begin with. Anyone that wants to give me Cellphone numbers, feel free. I’ll carry them in case we’re running late (since I’m meeting UncleBill closer down my way) From there we’ll decide if we want to go to a movie (There’s a theater not far up the street on 41, I believe) or miniature golfing (again, one up the street a bit on 41) or find something else fun to do (though keep in mind, this is Sarasota. There’s not usually a lot fun to do! 
) Then, we’ll head back to Bennigan’s a little later for dinner and drinks and more carryin’ on!
Directions: Bennigan’s really isn’t too hard to find. The best way to go is by taking I-75 north or south, depending on where you’re coming from (though I think most are north of Sarasota). Take exit 38, Bee Ridge Rd, and head into Sarasota (if you’re coming from the north, it should be a right turn, from the south, a left). Follow Bee Ridge until you hit 41. If I’m not mistaken (and I don’t think I am), it dead ends at 41. Make a right. You may want to stay in the right hand lane, because I’m not COMPLETELY sure how far it is from Bee Ridge to Bahia Vista, the cross street that Bennigan’s is on, but I don’t think it’s far. It’s in a large plaza, as part of the plaza rather than as a stand alone building. There’s a Starbucks in the parking lot. The Bennigan’s is as far to the end of the building as you can get. Park anywhere other than in the 30 minute parking, and we’ll meet in front of the building.
That’s it! Any other questions???
Somehow, I think we’re gonna have a goooooood time! 
Katiekilldare, I have been a complete stranger to everyone at all three of my DopeFests, gotta start somewhere, and your backyard is as good a place as any.
And may I be the first to say…
How YOU doin?
[minor hijack]
Thanks, TP, for the birthday card in the email box this afternoon. I’m ashamed to admit that I opened it thinking “TruePisces? Who signed me up for a horoscope website?” Thank you for making good use of the SDMB Birthday list.
Good luck with your (quickly approaching) future.
*Originally posted by UncleBill *
**
I’m doing just fine, punkin.
Well, I may very well show up there on Saturday to meet you guys and to help celebrate TP’s new venture.
Incidentally, I don’t have a backyard. But if I did, it’d be yours all yours. I’m the moderately proud owner of a one bedroom apartment that features a somewhat cool deck. You’re welcome to it. Bring beer.
katie
I’m so rarely called “punkin”.
Your back deck it shall be. I’ll bring the beer. But ONLY if you show yer pretty self at TruePisces’ going away so we can properly introduce ourselves!
[sub]oh, gosh, I hope she’s single, I hate hitting on married wimmins if I they ain’t so single[/sub]
As opposed to the married wimmins that are so single??? 
katie, come on in, the water’s fine, and we don’t bite (well, unless we’re asked really nicely :D) I have a feeling, though, that UncleBill is going to be on turbo flirt for the Fest. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, ya know!
[sub]Ah, the days of flirting… how fondly I remember them…[/sub]
Sorry, TruePisces, I can’t join you on that day. Got other obligations, you know…
I wish I could be there, so I could convince my best friend and maid of honor to NOT LEAVE! However, I know that it’s for the best.
I miss you already 
HotB, I know you don’t want me to go… but it is the best thing for me. (Especially since the Pisces Evil Step-Monster[exp]TM[/exp] is turning more evil every day.) I understand prior commitments, but I know you’ll be there in spirit. And I’ll do my best to make sure we see you before I leave for good, ok?
AETBOND, sorry I forgot this before but… you’re welcome!!! I just love birthdays! And thanks for the well wishes! Most days I feel like I need all the help I can get!
Now, back to the reason we’re all here (I hope). Just doing a little head count…
Definite
UncleBill
TruePisces
Oicu812
Maybe
TroubleAgain
katiekilldare
Anyone else in the area willing and ready to show?? Even if you see this late and just want to drop in, you know the when and the where. I think we should be back to Bennigan’s by 6 or 7 at the latest, but that’s much more mutable.
Oh, I can’t wait!!!
Sue has a new name, huh?
Yep, I’m still a “probably”.
I suppose I might bring marshmallows and graham crackers to make use of the fire.
katie
I am not 100% sure what that means katiekilldare (hell I’m not even 50% sure!), but I LIKE it! Marshmallows and graham crackers are good in my book! I’ll bring the chocolate syrup.
Uncle Bill! Sarasota County is on fire! Well, not the whole thing, but 4500 acres just east of I-75 is ablaze.
You bring the chocolate bars.
katie