Looks like I'm the last to chime in as usual. I ended up working all day Sunday and into the night. It was with folks I'm fond of and hopefully they've found a new home they'll love though so I'm not complaining. Of course I had to blow off a date with my DH to try to start getting the stuff in our house under control... I'm so glad I went to the get together. What a treat meeting folks in the flesh. I'll now really notice what everyone writes, and can put face and personality to virtual voices. I have to say that after all of our focus on kitchens I was surprised at some of the conversations that happened. And it seemed like they could have gone on for hours more. We'll definitely have to do it again. And it would be great to meet the other local folks. Bill - you're a definite, especially after all the discussion! It was also fun having Mindstorm and Abfab into my still partially done kitchen. I haven't allowed too many folks in, but figured they would understand. I now have a couple of people that can vouch for the great feel of my honed granite. They did what everyone seems to do - fondle it! OT: Abfab - I think you mentioned someone local who had Marianna soapstone. Can I have that contact? You could list here, or I think still email me privately through the this site, or get my phone # from Mindstorm. Thank you so much Pauline for organizing us and telling us stories about the old days on the Garden Web. What fun! Thanks to all who came - that wss one of the more interesting afternoons I've spent recently! Emmie - I hope you're better and that you and others can join in the next time.

Charlene, I wish you could go too. My mother's husband of three years has a dd and SIL who live in Tupelo. They go there to see them two or three times a year. I told mother that I would like to drive them there the next time they went, now that school is out. I'll get in touch with you when they plan to go again. Maybe we can meet in person. That would be so nice. Linda

If you are looking for a field...and dirt, all you have to do is look across our back yard! LOL =) You will see LOTS of fields, lots of corn and LOTS of dirt!! You can even get your picture taken in a corn field!!! lol We are on the Very edge of town (if you couldn't guess), so, you can sit in the city and look at the countryside...which is usually a cornfield and by about this time of year, I can't wait for it to get harvested so I can SEE something again! I sure hope you can make it, it would be WONDERFUL!!!

Oh, I've been to Hunstville a few million times. That's where my ex is from. His dad worked at Redstone, but then, who hasn't? ;) Our first date was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving 1998, in Murfreesboro, and we talked and drove, and ended the evening in Hunstville sitting in the driveway, looking at the stars. I spent the night in the guest bedroom of his parents and they woke to meet me first thing in the morning. Lovely, huh? I shoulda known then, he wasn't very good at thinking ahead. Been down HWY 231 more times than I care to remember. My favorite, bestest ever, well loved Huntsville restaruant is Ol' Heidelburg (next to the HUGE Mexican restaurant in the strip mall). Greatest pork schnitzel in hunter's sauce. Mmm. Can't recreate it still. Ah good times. Their family spent quite of time stationed in Germany and so, we've been there loads. Good carrot cake too. Here is a link that might be useful: Ol' Heidelburg