[Rhea]

Hey! We're going to do another Albany area get-together on the weekend of August 4th or 5th. For you city folks, consider this an opportunity to get out of town for a day of peace and quiet in the country.

Here's what's known for sure. We're getting together for lunch at a deli, very casual, one of those cool in-the-middle-of-nowhere spots. Afterward we'll adjourn across the street to a coffee house where we can sit and kibitz all afternoon and enjoy great coffee drinks and yummy homemade desserts. Again, very casual.

Anyone who wants to hang around for dinner we can make reservations at either of my two favorite restaurants (American fare or Italian fare). The dress is casual but the prices run $25 to $50 per person.

The venue isn't Albany, but right across the river in beautiful Rensselaer County. Handy to the Amtrak station (if you come in by train I will pick you up).

We'll set the date when we have a better idea who wants to come and which day(s) they can make it.

If you're interested or just have questions send me a PM. Hope to see you there!

[loxly]

Moved to Events/Gatherings Forum.

[Rhea]

Ack! Thanks Deb, forgot about that forum. So are you coming?

[loxly]

lol, not this time. Not traveling for a while.

[Kevin]

Ok. This one I am definitely, definitely in for. The wife is away that weekend, and my calendar is clear.

In, in, in.

No hurt backs, no trips anywhere near that date.

I'm in.

[Rhea]

Glad to hear you're coming, Noth. Send me a PM with your date preference and whether you plan to stay for dinner and whether you'd prefer American or Italian food (the Italian restaurant is more expensive than the American restaurant).

Here's info on a nearby hotel. Not too many in the area and this is probably the best option. Near the exit from I-90 and probably has shuttle service from the Amtrak station. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/albri-residence-inn-albany-east-greenbush-tech-valley/

And if you need any more incentive to pay a visit to the area there's always the Saratoga Racetrack, about a 45 minute drive away.

[oranges]

I wouldn't miss it. You know I have even deluded myself that it was my idea ;-) Now only if I can figure out which is better saturday or sunday :-) How about a nice Saturday.

[oziman]

wish I could make it.

Gonna be stuck in Jersey that weekend.

Oh well.

[Rhea]

Oranges wrote:

You know I have even deluded myself that it was my idea.

That's right! It is your fault -- errr -- I mean it was your idea. So how come I have to do all the work?

Oziman sorry you're stuck in NJ. (There's a setup for a joke if I ever heard one.)

So far we have one vote for Saturday. C'mon people, don't make me play Pearl Mesta. It ain't my best thing.

[oziman]

Originally Posted by Rhea

Oziman sorry you're stuck in NJ. (There's a setup for a joke if I ever heard one.)

I'm stuck in Jerusalem if the general strike isn't called off by next week

As for making the joke, it's ok. I'm not from jersey, just visiting :-). Yankee fan and native through and through

[Sam Bay]

this sounds like a nice idea, I'm contemplating...

[Rhea]

It'll be a nice day, Sam. Take your time, this is all about being casual with minimal planning, although we will need to make a reservation for dinner at either of the restaurants I mentioned.

[Rhea]

Just a heads-up, we're on for Sunday, August 5th. If you think you'd like to come please let me know ASAP as I need to make dinner reservations. Italian. Five stars. At least.

[Rainmaker]

Awe Rats! I'm gonna have to miss this one. It's my daughter's birthday party Sunday.

Tip to others thinking of going... Rhea is not exaggerating when she says it's a place "in the middle of nowhere". Also, the coffee shop is nice and comfortable with awesome coffee

~Bob

[Rhea]

Sorry you won't be able to make it Bob. Kids can be such a nuisance. <j/k>

[e-Gazer]

Really wish I could make it - How many hours drive from Toronto is Albany - anyone know? Can't be more than a few - I can make it to Buffalo in under 2 if traffic is good and I drive really fast.

For any NY or MI area meetings - if I get at least 30 days notice I can probably make it... and I'd love to!

[Rollerblader]

Looked like a good shot, but Anne and I are doing a small get together in the DC/VA/MD/WV/DE area that weekend. =0( Have fun there. =0)

[dflsports]

If it takes 2 hours to Buffalo, it's another 4-5 hours to albany. I can make it to Buffalo from Syracuse in 2.5 hours and albany is not quite 2 hours from Syracuse.

I have plans already

[Rhea]

Well it's been postponed (indefinitely) due to rain. Sorta.

Maybe we could find a more central location next time since so few NYC folks have an interest. Syracuse sounds like a good compromise and there's a shopping mall at the Amtrak train station as I recall. Also Herb and DFL would have to organize it which is just fine with me.

[oziman]

I would love to come, especially now that's it been postponed.

Keep me updated.
oziman

[Rhea]

Smartass.

[oziman]

LOL - my bad.

What I meant was - now that it's postponed, and not on the date where I couldn't make it, and assuming it will be in August, I would love to come..

better?

[Rhea]

Actually I liked your first answer better. It was very Groucho Marxian.

[oziman]

Originally Posted by Rhea

Actually I liked your first answer better. It was very Groucho Marxian.

More like Yogi Berra, if you ask me..

[mellie]

I just came to post I couldn't make it and I see that it's postponed. Sorry it's not happening this weekend. Hope I can make the new date!