Falcon, there’s the beginning of directions in your mail.
Anyone who needs directions, post the request here and I’ll mail 'em to ya.
He weathered a firestorm of agony and did not break.
And while Yori raged against his unbending
courage, we took Kyuden Hiruma back.
His loss is great, but so is the gift his suffering brought.
-Yakamo’s Funeral
So who else is around here and might be interested?
(And, no, I still haven’t mentioned it to my wife. 
)
Okay, not to lower the tone of the gathering or anything, but I’m only about 3 hours away and can probably make it.
I say “probably” because the second I plan something fun, some sideways disaster lands splat, right on my head.
But if this party is still open for takers, I’m provisionally in. (I’ll a get an El Cheapo Motel, so your futons are safe.)
Okay if I show up?
Unbearded but undaunted,
Veb
Heck yeah, Veb, come on into town. The more, the merrier.
He weathered a firestorm of agony and did not break.
And while Yori raged against his unbending
courage, we took Kyuden Hiruma back.
His loss is great, but so is the gift his suffering brought.
-Yakamo’s Funeral
Feb 26? I’ll be there.
But if I end up sitting in a bar by myself again, you are all in HUGE trouble. =B^)
Laugh hard; it’s a long way to the bank.
I’ll most likely be able to make it, but you’re all going to have to buy me birthday drinks 
It would be good if someone that lives in that area could recommend a cheapish hotel.
Aura…I’m going to be there! So you won’t be all by yuorself THIS time. I promise!
“But I can cry until I laugh or laugh until I cry.
So cut the deck right in half, I’ll play from either side…”
Valerieblaise-
There’s a Super 8 ($38.99 + tax) right near where I-72 and I-55 meet.
Hey Flypsyde I’m going to be in Springfield for a while (I’m here now), so if you want to have a pre-meeting horseshoe at D’Arcy’s give me an “e”.
Ras
Rasta, count me in on that as well. Though if it’s for lunch on a weekday, I’d need something further north and/or east.
I, as Commander in Chief of the household, told my wife that I would be meeting with you guys on the 26th. (In other words, I asked and it was ok. )
Sorry for neglecting my own thread. Been busy on a tech support call since eleven (and I’m STILL on it). David and rasta, I’ll contact you guys on email ASAP. If it’s gotta be north, how does Ritz’s Little Fryer sound? The 'shoes are pretty good, and it’s cheap.
And I’ll try to get some more hotel info for Val.
He weathered a firestorm of agony and did not break.
And while Yori raged against his unbending
courage, we took Kyuden Hiruma back.
His loss is great, but so is the gift his suffering brought.
-Yakamo’s Funeral
Never been to Ritz’s, though I have a friend who used to go there all the time ('til he moved). I always thought of it kind of as the heart attack hut, considering its name. Didn’t know they had horseshoes, though.
Well, my luck is running absolutely true to form. Just got the schedule today; on the afternoon of the 26th I have to give the budget defense to City Council.
(Yeah, I know it’s Saturday. The budget sessions are 2 Saturdays in a row. Such fun.)
Hoist one for me, will ya?
Disappointed but not suprised,
Veb
Ritz’s Little Fryer: 2148 North Grand East
I’ll see you guys there Friday (1/7) at 1:00. If this is too early/late/or otherwise not good, give me an e.
Not a problem for me. I’ll be there.
He weathered a firestorm of agony and did not break.
And while Yori raged against his unbending
courage, we took Kyuden Hiruma back.
His loss is great, but so is the gift his suffering brought.
-Yakamo’s Funeral
And here I go breaking the “no self-followup” protocol, and in my own thread, no less.
Val, you’re coming in from the north, correct? It would probably be easier to keep you near the interstate as far as hotels go.
I’ve called a couple that are near I-55/I-72 and close enough that you won’t get lost. Here they are:
Fairfield Inn (217) 793-9277
single-$74.00 + tax
Courtyard by Marriott (217) 793-5300
single-$69.00 + tax
Sleep Inn (217) 787-6200
single-$56.00 + tax
Super 8 (217) 529-8898
single-$39.99 + tax
If you want me to search a little more, no problem. Just post back here.
He weathered a firestorm of agony and did not break.
And while Yori raged against his unbending
courage, we took Kyuden Hiruma back.
His loss is great, but so is the gift his suffering brought.
-Yakamo’s Funeral
Can we make it, say, 11:45 instead? (To beat the lunch crowd.) I have meetings in the afternoon.
I’ll be the one with the spy following me.
Still fine by me.
David, will the spy be the one sitting in his car typing?
He weathered a firestorm of agony and did not break.
And while Yori raged against his unbending
courage, we took Kyuden Hiruma back.
His loss is great, but so is the gift his suffering brought.
-Yakamo’s Funeral
YES
I WILL E-MAIL YOU TO LET YOU KNOW WHAT I WILL BE WEARING, SO NO COUNTER-SPIES WILL DETECT ME.
THE CROW FLIES AT 11:45 AM.
THAT WOULD BE JIM DANDY. WILL OPERATIVE R. HOMIE BE ATTENDING THE EAGLE’S LANDING? THE CHEESE ON THE HORSESHOE IS WARM.
He weathered a firestorm of agony and did not break.
And while Yori raged against his unbending
courage, we took Kyuden Hiruma back.
His loss is great, but so is the gift his suffering brought.
-Yakamo’s Funeral