Everyone’s always taling about how they found God. Well, I found Satan…and TN*hippie! Yep, it was an official, if small, Knoxville, TN Doper gathering! (Sorry so late with the thread, guys–I got home last night to find that I had no electricity! And I just hate posting by candlelight! (HA!))
We had decided to meet at the Italian Market and Grill in Knoxville. As it turns out, TN*hippie tells us, the restaurant is actually more in Farragut than Knoxville and he had to travel quite a while to get there. Sorry!
I arrived first and was actually starting to wonder if this was an elaborate trick when finally, Satan showed up! He had reserved a table for eight (::ahem:: where was everyone else??) so the two of us sat at a couple of tables literally covered in menus waiting for the rest of the gang.
We were watching the door for the sight of anyone who might vaguely resemble a Doper when in walked a man who could only be TN*hippie! Our wonderful, amazing waitress offered to go see if this man was, in fact, our friend and she escorted him to our table. After waiting for thirty minutes and realizing that no one else was going to join our little party (and talking across the crowded table and empty chairs), finally the three of us congregated around one four-person table so we could converse more easily. I must say, this was the first time I have had dinner with two men where I had the shortest hair at the table!
Of course, I cannot reveal the secret topics of conversation that arose during this meeting of evil and corruption. Needless to say, world domination was a topic of great interest, as was plotting the total destruction of many grand institutions. As expected, our blatant disregard for decorum and our maniacal laughter disturbed and actually frightened away many of our fellow diners. (The management was intimidated by our power and were therefore, powerless to stop us.) After the traditional ritual sacrifice of a two-headed goat, we proceeded to…oh, who am I kidding? Satan talked about Drain Bead and how much he missed her; TN*hippie regaled us with tales of “hippie cars”, death-defying accidents and good-hearted ministers and cops; and I, much like here on the boards, just sat back and added a “Me, too” and an “I know just what you mean!” here and there. Oh, and we did get around to discussing some board topics. You know, who we don’t like, who we consider to be “uncool”, who has the worst hair and best car–basically like high school! 
Unfortunately, the meeting was entirely too short (owing to some rather important prior obligations–did you make it on time, Satan?) but I’m sure we will get the opportunity to do it again. Preferably, soon!
The food was great, the photographs were taken, the waitress was fantastic and the company was friendly and impressive. Many hugs were shared by all.
