I started a new thread because the old one has dropped and I wanted to give those who didnt see it a chance. The following will occur on May 22, 1999. Everyones invited. Lots of conversation. Meet some of the folks here on the board.

Looks like a good place for get together in North Texas would be a little BBQ joint north of Ft. Worth. I checked out a few other places in a 20-30 mi radius of Ft.Worth and found the others wanting for one reason or the other.

The place is Sonny Bryans BBQ. It is located at 421 Westport Parkway. The city is technically Ft. Worth. The actual location is adjacent to Alliance Airport on I 35 W north of Ft. Worth proper and south of Denton. Their phone number is 817.224.9191. If any of you need to receive emergency faxes their fax number is 817.837.1060.

Another advantage accrues in that the spot is in the service area to Alliance Airport and if Fast Eddie, Cory, or even Paul Milne want to fly in their personal jets they wont be inconvenienced with a long ground trip.

Sonny Bryans opens at 10:30 am and closes at 9:00 pm. There is an adjoining room for those who prefer adult beverages or who are silly enough to still smoke those nasty cigarettes. They have the standard BBQ menu, some burgers, a few sandwiches, salads, and spuds. Their BBQ is good-to-high quality. I told the manager that everyone would just be ordering from the menu and paying individually. Course I did say Id buy lunch for one of you Oakies.

Directions.

From Ft. Worth go north on I35W towards Denton. On I35W go north 21.2 mi from I20, or north 15.6 mi from I30, or north 9.2 mi from loop 820. If you are coming from Denton, head south, go 18.4 mi from the I35W / I35E split. If you are coming from Dallas, go up SH 114 to the Racetrack hang a left on I 35W and go south 4.2 mi. (all of this is what comes from someone having mapping software and being a tad too conscientious)

On I35W you want to take exit 66, you can see their sign from the Interstate. They are on the south side of the Airport and on the west side of I35W.

Two New Ideas.

I would like to suggest that for the edification of all that everyone bring some "thing" that they can show to the others. Not everyone out there has seen all the stuff we talk about. Im grabbing the first option and am going to bring my variety of pocket tools and probably a knife or two and my sharpening stones. Ill even bring my ancient Petromax in case anyone is curious. If anyone wants to see any particular thing, post it to this thread any maybe someone has one and will bring it. (Yes, I know this smacks of Show and Tell, so be it.) While Im on the subject - I dont thing the parking lot would be able to support any track-mounted vehicles, so it might be better to leave those for another time.

The other idea. About 20 mi south of this spot (at the corner of I35W and loop 820) there is a great store. Its called Cheaper Than Dirt. They have a pretty good selection of mil stuff, camping gear, and ammo. (I am not advocating anyone buying that dangerous ammo for those dangerous guns, just passing along information.) I will be making a trip on down to CTD. Since they close at (I think) 3 pm on Saturday, Ill probably go down at 8 or 9 Saturday Morning and be back at the BBQ joint by 11:00 or so. If anyone is interested in riding down with me, I would welcome the company. I could meet you at the BBQ joint and we could go from there. I have a van that can carry 8 people, 10 REAL good friends, or 12 drunks. If anybody wants to go, drop me a note. Also, there is a BIG western clothes, boots, and tack store in Justin. Its about 8 mi away.

If other information or directions are needed drop me a note at ol_grey_bear@yahoo.com.

Thats about it. See yall there.

BTW, the moniker Greybear is actually a pretty apt physical description. Im about the size and general hairiness of your average bear and most of the hair is "grey", full beard, and glasses. Ill be in blue overalls and a gimme cap. If you dont see me anywhere else look in the smoking section. (I was tempted to say that Id be in full camos, bandoliers, carrying an AK47 and machette, but then somebody wouldnt get the joke and wed have to suffer endless posts.) The van is bronze in color.

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), May 03, 1999

Answers

Besides, I don't own any camo or an AK47.

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), May 03, 1999.

Good Lord willing and the creeks don't rise I'll be there. Maybe I'll bring my very tattered copy of the Constitution and we'll pass it around, let everyone read it, then sign it all over again. I kind of like that idea, it makes a very nice mental image.

-- Nikoli Krushev (doomsday@y2000.com), May 03, 1999.

Greybear.

Thankx for the "organizatioal" thing. We plan to attend. Just a quick question, any camping facilities nearby for Friday and/or Saturday night? Or even a Motel 6? The Boss and the puppy might need a place to rest their heads while the rest of us "philosophers" try to solve the "world's problems." :):):)

Niki, Would you like us to print out a newer copy of the Constitution and make copies to pass around? Great idea, We would be willing to add our signatures to Ben, Tom and the others. "United we Stand, and Divided we fall."

Wishing for more "true patriots".

Merlin.

P.S. Oops, the Boss came in and read this before I got it sent and said: "the puppy might need a place to rest her head, but I am planning to hang around and help solve the world's problems! :):):):):)"

-- Merlin Emery (MerlinEmerys@yahoo.com), May 03, 1999.

That sounds great to me Merlin, but if yall don't mind I'll just use my ragged copy for my personal archives.

-- Nikoli Krushev (doomsday@y2000.com), May 03, 1999.

Realize now that I've been remiss in not posting info about lodging. Since I grew up in Ft. Worth and have kin all over it, I've never stayed in a motel there. But I can give you a list of 146 different motels all over the USA, just not in Ft.Worth.

Will collect info and post it in a few days to this thread.

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), May 03, 1999.

Greybear, hope this saves you a little time. I will be in San Francisco at the Astros/Giants game on the 22nd. :-) Have fun!!

Ft. Worth Hotels

-- Gayla Dunbar (privacy@please.com), May 04, 1999.

If I could make it I would be there... do they have any Guinness in those parts???

Best

-- Andy (2000EOD@prodigy.net), May 04, 1999.

Greybear, read my email, it relates to some of the posts above.

PJ in TX

-- PJ Gaenir (fire@firedocs.com), May 04, 1999.

hello greybear...was emailing old git a few days ago,bemoaning the fact I couldn't make it down to Texas...told her I'd love it if someone took notes,or something...she said ask,so I am...is anyone planning any kind of documentation on this? there will be some incredible brainstorming,I'm sure...for those of us who can't go,maybe someone could tape some of the livelier conversations,and maybe post a small summary of anything new that might come up? just a thought...Cynthia

-- Cynthia Yanicko (yanicko@infonline.net), May 04, 1999.

Negotiations with the "4 who must be obeyed" have reached a standstill. If we end up in that part of the country, it'll be a surprise to all of us, but the directiond look easy enough.

chuck

("4 who must be obeyed: Rascal E. Cat (20#), Stormcloud's Grey Smoke (20#), Princess Miss Moonshadow(The closest thing to a slut you EVER met-at 11#- the runt of the litter) and Mrs Driver)

-- chuck, a Night Driver (rienzoo@en.com), May 04, 1999.

This Texan will be there. BTW, if the barbecue is as good there as it is at the original on Inwood Road in Dallas, ya'll are in for a treat.

Vic, who would be driving his 68 Roadrunner if he hadn't sold it last month.

-- Vic (Rdrunneris@compliant.com), May 04, 1999.

I will try to make it. I'm in Dallas so it shouldn't be a problem.

-Tod

-- Tod (muhgi@yahoo.com), May 04, 1999.

Greybear... and regarding Cynthia's answer...

As a journalist (no, I'm one of the good ones) who owned his own newspapers some years ago and recently was business editor of an East Texas daily, I'll be happy to serve as the scribe for this meeting. Pertinent and pithy comments will be jotted down for presentation later on this forum if lurkers and posters are interested. Perhaps I can convey via the written word the tone and tenor of the gathered folks and the meeting.

-- Ranger (OneRanger@OneRiot.net), May 04, 1999.

Ranger...thank you! can't wait to see your notes...Cynthia

-- Cynthia Yanicko (yanicko@infonline.net), May 04, 1999.

Likewise Ranger!

-- Andy (2000EOD@prodigy.net), May 04, 1999.

Definitely try to get us seated in the "forgot beano" section.. sheezhhhh...

-- lisa (lisa@work.now), May 04, 1999.

Vic. About this taking notes thing. Far as I know this is an informal get together for a bunch of people of like mind to say hello. I really don't see where the concept of somebody taking notes is going to come in, unless it's on barbecue-stained napkins -- though a journalist's review might be useful, but do remember most of us are private people, and we really don't want much about us in public. If I really thought anybody would be writing about me publicly afterward I would not go. I think some people are attributing more formality to this get together than it could possibly have with a bunch of people sitting around eating and drinking -- or perhaps trying to give it some. I don't want to go to a conference, I want to have lunch with some friends. I would hope anybody interested in a conversation would be part of it, vs. sitting there trying to transcribe it. If you come, just join in and be a human.

PJ in TX

-- PJ Gaenir (fire@firedocs.com), May 04, 1999.

PJ...didn't mean to cause a ruckus here...I'm not talking about publishing anything...just wanted to know the gist of things,if anything really interesting or informative comes up...only to be expressed here on the Forum,which all of these people are doing anyway,right? Cynthia

-- Cynthia Yanicko (yanicko@infonline.net), May 04, 1999.

Greybear, Perhaps I missed it but did you have a particular time to meet in mind? Also a new hotel opened up just across I35E from Sonny Bryan's. I'll get the info and post unless you beat me to it.

-- Jim (jimed@chatter.com), May 04, 1999.

OOPS make that new hotel across I35W! 35E is an Dallas and that is a "fur piece" from where we are meeting.

-- Jim (jimed@chatter.com), May 04, 1999.

Jim,

I plan on being back from CTD between 11 and noon. In the spirit of informality I think we should agree that whoever gets there last buys the food :)

Seriously, I hate to pick a certain time. If some can't quite make it for lunch I'd want them to drop by anyway. I've told the Manager that in addition to lunch we'd probably be setting around all afternoon also.

It woldn't even suprise me a lot to see dark sneak up on some of us.

I certainly don't have any "program" planed. Like PJ said, I see this as just a bunch of friends setting around talking. If someone has a good body of information on a subject, I'm willng to listen.

Remember, these are primarily Texans. If anybody get too uppity they're likely to get booed down.

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), May 04, 1999.

Hey,Greybear, we're a couple of Okie lurkers on the forum for the past three months. Thought we'd come on down since we didn't get blown away in last night's twisters and visit awhile. Got lunch? The Flatlanders

-- Anthony&Barbara Waltrip (awaltrip@telepath.com), May 05, 1999.

Glad to hear it A&B.

* * * * * N OT I C E * * * * *

I want to ask all those who are coming to the get together if they could bring something, anything that would help out those in OK who has suffered loss from the tornados. It doesn't have to be great or expensive just look around and see if you have a little something someone could use. Especially for the Yourdinites in OK.

I've got an extra 15 gal water barrel and some extra canned food (no, I will not send SPAM, most Oakies have better taste). If A&B, or any other of the Oakies who can make it down, could take things back that would be great. If hauling is a problem I'll take the stuff up myself.

I know anything usefull will be appreciated.

-Greybear

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), May 05, 1999.

I keep worrying about all of you --- Wouldn't that be a good place for the Goberment Trolls to check all of you out??? licence plates and all?? or am I just being paranoid? Take care, we will worry.........

-- ALURKER (nobody@nowhere.com), May 05, 1999.

Greybear, would you mind if I sent you a small check to do with as you see fit for your project? If it buys gas and a couple of burgers for your trip there and back, that's fine too. I'll e-mail you privately and maybe we can figure out a place to send it--your bank, or something a bit anonymous? It's late here in Durham, fresh out of ideas. Let me know what you think.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), May 05, 1999.

Anyone who would come if only they didn't have a big drive (or had more money), send me email, maybe I can help work something out to make it an easier and more affordable trip for someone.

PJ in TX

-- PJ Gaenir (fire@firedocs.com), May 05, 1999.

To Greybear and all who may attend:

I cannot join you in your upcoming get together.

I gave it very careful thought, and I really would love to be there to "put faces to some of my "digital friends", to see if you folks really are blue as you appear to me here in "Wunderland", however I will be going to "The Great White North" as planned, so I must pass on this meeting. I'm going in spite of the one doctor's opinion.

Please note that, although I can't join you all in the real sense, I will most certainly be there in spirit as you all get together to have a once in a lifetime event.

I can, and I do, apply for honorary membership in your band of brigands, scallawags, and just everyday folks, hopefully at least as the mascot. I am the "Village Idiot" you know.

My beverage of choice is Barq's root beer. Please know that I will raise one in toast to you one and all on the date of that meeting, regardless of where I may be.

Had my trip to "Canuckianaiana" fell through I would have been present for duty for certain sure.

Enjoy your visit folks. I'm sure that it will be a "keeper" for all of you.

S.O.B.

-- sweetolebob (buffgun@hotmail.com), May 05, 1999.

Greybear,

We have a Ford Ranger pickup;will be able to haul a few goods back for the tornado victims if people feel like donating. Organizations around here are requesting everything, food, clothes, baby and kids clothes, personal hygiene items. Also they are starting to do cleanup and are asking for specifics like work gloves,shovels,wirecutters. I'm sure whatever people want to donate would be appreciated.

Tony&Barb Waltrip

-- Anthony&Barbara Waltrip (awaltrip@telepath.com), May 06, 1999.

OldGit,

If you find it in you heart to send anything, rest assured all of it will go to the OKies. I'll look for private email from you.

sweetolebob,

We'll shore miss you. Maybe you can catch the next one.

To worriers at large,

If some of the gubmint trolls want to show up, hell I'll invite 'em and see if we can't get them to buy a round. They should be on a expense account anyway. Nothing I say or do is illegal, so let 'em watch and listen (IF they are "out" there). I keep my anonymity mainly to keep the garden variety trolls out of my life.

When you have with a clean mind and a pure heart, you can be open about anything.

To Tony&Barb

Glad to hear that you have a truck look forward to see you and all

-Greybear

-- Got Extra Stuff (bring it)

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), May 06, 1999.

Dear Texans and others: I've been gone for several days; safe from the tornado but working with the Red Cross dispensing first aid, food, water, clothing, etc.

I'm touched (but not surprised) by the compassion I hear in this post. May I make a suggestion about what might be useful? Batteries, flashlights (these are for the rescue workers and those who are able to stay in their damaged homes), heavy work gloves, heavy duty trash bags, foods that don't require heating or any special tools, sweets, juice drinks in individual sizes, baby wipes, hygiene items (think about what you "put on" after you shower), hand tools like shovels, rakes, pruners, packing boxes and plastic packing tape, first aid items-band aids, ointments, medications, even aspirin, cannot be dispensed by the Red Cross but are given to the medics who are dealing with the walking wounded, sun block. I'm sure I'm forgetting some things but these come readily to mind. Of course, these items I have listed are for the short term, while people are still misplaced. Once they are housed again, they will need _everything_.

Thankfully, local merchants and citizens are donating many, many items. Bottled water is plentiful. Greybear (I think) mentioned something about a water barrel-I'm afraid this would be impractical as lots of the homeless are on foot since their cars are pulverized and undriveable. I think they'd have a hard time toting it anywhere.

Things not to donate: microwave popcorn, gallons of juices, rice, beans, Nintendo games, perishable items, to name a few. (Think no electricity, no running water)

Thanks so much for your giving spirit. I'm proud to know you. Just wish I could get to the Texas meeting. Linda

PS Please forgive any mispellings or formatting errors, I'm too tired to reread this mess.

-- newbiebutnodummy (Linda@home.com), May 06, 1999.

Linda,

Know that our hearts and prayers are with you and all who have and continue to suffer from mother natures attentions.

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), May 07, 1999.

Wanted the weekenders to see it, so am poping it to the top

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), May 08, 1999.

Throwing this thread back up to the top again.

I'll see if I can round up some little kid stuff - - for those of you attending, I'm sure any clothes/shoes/etc. your kids have outgrown (or for that matter, that YOU have) would be WONDERFUL contributions to those folks in Oklahoma who have lost pretty much everything except their lives.

My parents spent some time in the storm shelter but fortunately it didn't hit them. My aunt's house in NE OK was flooded to over 4' as a result of that storm. Pretty much wiped out everything. From hearing my family talk about it, I'd think any small thing that also helps people deal with trauma -- little games like playing cards, or especially toys for kids -- would also be real cool for a donation. Maybe not as critical to the body as blankets and diapers but sure 'nuff critical to the heart.

PJ in TX

-- PJ Gaenir (fire@firedocs.com), May 08, 1999.

Greybear we must be having the same thought at the same time. Again. ;-)

PJ in TX

-- PJ Gaenir (fire@firedocs.com), May 08, 1999.

Pop up for any newbies.

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), May 11, 1999.

All Non-Texans are welcome if you can get here, by the way. Me and Greybear have become local buddies so you'll have to put up with both of us, though.

PJ in TX

-- PJ Gaenir (fire@firedocs.com), May 14, 1999.