MizGG - thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute delight having you and MrGG in our home, and you are so right - we are looooong overdue for another get-together! I don't have your email, but I'm going to PM you right now and send you mine. Once that slow boat carrying messages reaches you, feel free to shoot me an email and we'll try that instead of this ridiculously inefficient PM system.

sheilaaus - Great Impressions in an online group that grew out of the ancient BHG decorating boards in the late 90's. Back in those days you had to know html in order to post a picture and one of the plucky ladies took it upon herself to find a better host site to make that easier (MSN at that time) and opened the doors. Just as happens here, some very personal things were shared and a vote taken to close the doors and make it a private group. We've bounced around to a few different places over the years and although it's FAR from perfect, have settled in at Facebook. I'll always miss the individual albums we used to have and the ability to view all the pics a member has posted in one place - made it much easer to get the big picture with decorating issues. It's still a closed group but new members with even a loose connection to a current member are admitted. I'm one of 3 admins so if you're interested, pm me.

I haven't met anyone on here, but would be open to it. It seems like several of us will be in Maine next month, and a meetup there would be fun!

I had a lovely, lively lunch a few years ago with Rococogurl, Marthavila, Mindstorm, Elizpiz, and Cat Mom (and Dad). There was also a lovely woman from Bklyn but I don't recall her name. Hope I didn't forget anyone else who was there!

The lovely AnnieD and I see each other a few times a yr. I recognized her house when I randomly drove past it on our way to check out vintage appliances! I knew what town she was in but it was too funny that is was on my way!

Years ago I belonged to a forum that was pretty close. A lot of us lived in the NYC area and we got together every other month. We also had friends on the forum from other parts of the country. I hosted a pool party/sleepover for 16 women at my house, including people who drove up from Baltimore and DC, down from Saratoga and Boston, and someone who flew in from Kentucky! My family went away for the weekend and it was just us. We had a blast.

Texan, I didn't know that. Where in ME and when?

Glad to see mtn has had several other "in person" meetings and as far as I can tell, those people are still alive. ;)

DH and I will be in Portland, ME, during the week of Aug. 22! Mtn, we'll stop by for an iced tea on our way by.

hh, forgot to respond to your post earlier. You're right, we did out of Zurich. Can't remember what day or time, but it would have been so funny if we met. I'm dying to go back -- let's try again next time!

DH knows nothing about my "GW life" so he will be surprised when he learns I'm meeting up with a stranger/friend in Seattle. He will probably understand -- he is an avid photographer and has lots of imaginary friends on Flickr.

It's no surprise that you have sustained friendships IRL. You all have welcomed me with such incredible kindness I will never forget.

Sueb20 and Mtn: As a PNW-er I send my welcome with hopes that our "weather"--or whatever you call it-- :-P. decides to cooperate.

Yes! And funny enough, Mtn's family and my family are not only "overlapping" for about 2 days in Seattle -- in the same hotel! -- but also staying at the same houseboat in Vancouver. We arrive there on the same day they check out. Isn't that crazy?

Quite bizarre. Aren't you both from the east coast, also?

Ahem. Hint, hint. There are other PNW-ers here...

Does anyone remember Wendy and I think it was msrose from GI? Wendy's home was featured in Romantic Homes, actually twice, and she was on the Christopher Lowell show, one being the grass house series. Wendy, msrose, a young woman named Chris, and myself went to the Pasadena flea market, and had a few other get together's. They were in the LA area and I was in San Diego. I know Wendy comes to Austin on business(she's an engineer)but somewhere along the line have lost her email and cell num. Would love to hear from msrose too~the last thing I remember is her renovating her kitchen in her condo~DLM, I think Rose E was msrose. If anyone remembers either one, please give them my email. I think I was known as trish_too. TIA ;)

Anyone remember Soph(?)? She started a small group Passion for Decor? At the beginning when trying to get on the site you were taken to a porn site. It was pretty funny, but being very efficient, Soph(Lisa)cleared the mess up. I can't remember where she lived, but it could have been Tx, and the city/town began with a 'B'. I'm having a flashback. Such memories.

Yes, we are. And my beachhouse is maybe an hour or so from where Sue lives I think.

Sure, Sue, that'd be nice.

LoveMyGolden (I think I have that name a little wrong) and I had lunch in NYC last fall. She is darling and looks like she walked out of an Eileen Fisher ad. Seriously! I've been to several get-togethers with GW friends in the Kitchen and Cooking Forums. I can't even remember half of their screen names because we have remained friends and I know them by their real names. EvilJessy, CompuMom, LpinkMountain, Alexa, Theresa_NC, and others. There's always that immediate connection. Jessy even trusted me with her college age son when he went to school nearby.

chispa hosted me for a really nice day in LA! We went to some kind of mall of dreams (huge interior decor mall) and then took a great tour of Stahl House up in the Hollywood Hills!

From the rose forums, I have met some wonderful people who I consider friends. I lurked for about 10 years before posting. And from an old photography chat room I met several other wonderful friends and we have travelled together many times. I think in those cases it was the mutual hobbies that keep us all friends and continuing to get together

I forgot, I met ArlosMom when I bought her old sink from her! And we got a tour of her wonderful home, which she has since sold and moved to the PNW.

I did have a wonderful lunch in NYC with trailrunner, ellendi and catmom and spouses. It was a lot of fun...ate at a nice Indian restaurant.

Mtn-We will be there July 20-30, Boston, Brunswick for niece's wedding then Rockland and Portland. Missymoo was planning a trip in July, and also I think it was Maddielee who was accompanying her sister to take her nephew to camp in July.

Plan to go to Kennebunks and Ogunquit for the day from Portland probably on the 28th. Would be cool to meet up for a drink if you'll be around!

"also I think it was Maddielee who was accompanying her sister to take her nephew to camp in July."

-------------------------------

I wish. Not me. I am often confused with other MLs.

ML

Texanjana, Right now I do expect to be here on the 28th. Based on where you are going I will be a few minutes away. You can message me through GW. You are more than welcome to visit. : )

I remember Wendy, Patty. In fact, she and her DH came to visit us. Beautiful, very talented woman! Her DH is the spitting image of Ted Turner. We had fun showing them around Santa Fe. And had margaritas out on our front portal that evening afterwards.

Mtn-That would be amazing. I will pm you.

Lynn, I remember you posting the picture! Did you have on a yellow top ? lol Was Lori there also?(her family owned a drug store) I seem to remember it wasn't only Wendy/DH, who does in fact look like Turner, but didn''t associate it back then. lol He and Wendy were both such nice people! They came to my youngest DD's wedding, so that must have been the last time I saw her. The last time I talked to her was on a business trip to Austin right after I moved here, but somewhere along the line lost the number from my cell. She talked about the possibility of moving here since DH worked from home and they could live anywhere. Have you had any contact with her? Would love to know what she is doing and if her on line decorating business was successful. Were you LynnNM on the GI forum?

Patty, I don't recall if Wendy or I posted pics after their stay here with us. As to who I "was" all those years on GI, it was some form of LynnNM, but which one, I don't remember (LOL). I've always liked just being called by my real name, which is Lynn, and then add some form of New Mexico to it. But, back to the pics. You might be thinking of some posted of a group of us who gathered over at Anneliese's home when, I believe it was Sandra from Texas came through on a trip. I still have the hand-painted martini glasses she made for us all.

I recall it being out on a patio, maybe that was your portal~Wendy may have posted the picture. I have fond memories of those days as that was the 'era' of great decorating shows, and decorating your home became a 'craze!' Those were the days! ;)

I'm the ML going with my sis to Maine/Boston. Will be there from July 15 to 24. We still need to figure out our itinerary. Cutting it close!!

Well, Mag, do drop in!

I met a group from GW BAH in 2006 in Missouri - Mizzou, Okwriter, Demifloyd, Chimera, Jason, Merj, Brittta, Housewitch, Rollie, ColorMeConfused. We had dinner at Lamberts, toured a winery, had dinner and brunch at Mizzou's house. Such fun. The next year JasonMI was in San Francisco with his young son when I was visiting DD1, so we all met for lunch.

Brittta, Demi, Jazz and I met in Chicago for a long weekend to eat, shop and attend the theater. I've been to Demi's house twice and she's been to mine once.

I also met Rococogurl in Chicago when we were both visiting grandchildren. I wrote for her online magazine, Atticmag, for several years. I apologize but the name escapes me - someone in the Chicago area wanted to meet me the next time I was visiting DS/fam there, but never got to meet her. DS/fam moved here.

Demi and I met up in TN to antique shop and went to Hollygolightly's house (author Michael Lee West). She has a blog called Rattlebridge Farm (previously Designs by Gollum).

I also had Rhoda (Southern Hospitality) over to see our home, then we went to lunch when she lived nearby.

I email with several GW members on a regular basis about decorating and life.

Whatever happened to Demi? Her name comes up from time to time on Hot Topics.

I met many wonderful GW people at my house I believe in 2012.

I still want to get the get-together going for this year. We need to pick a date :)

I will bump the other thread this weekend or start a new one!

Years ago I met up with TerriKS and another gal who I can't recall her name, she's not been on the forum for years.

I'll extend an invitation for sightseeing if anyone wants to visit the Portland, Oregon area. Or if you're living here-lets do a meet up some time!

Neetsie, LOL I am heading to Portland, OR tomorrow night. We start our trip there, then onto Seattle, then Vancouver, and finally Lake Louise. You all were very helpful when I planned it last fall!

Mtn, oh you timed it perfectly. The weather in Portland starts getting very nice tomorrow for several days!

You will love the PNW! Let me know if you need some restaurant recommendations in Portland.

Neetsie, I think the third person was Flyleft.

Sure, Marlene, Id love recommendations. We like farm to table, and casual. Should be ideal for the PNW!

Everything is casual here :-)

Not all Farm to Table but here are a few I've put on the list for my foodie nephew and his wife:

Toro Bravo

Tasty n Sons

Cafe Mingo

Roe

Beast

Pigeon

Ken's Artisan Bakery has really good bread and pastries :-)

Hope you have a wonderful trip. If you pass a huge "I'm with Her" banner in Lake Oswego, that is my house :-)

Thx Marlene! And brava on the banner!

ETA --- ooh ooh, Ken's and Mingo's are a very short walk from the house we rented. I have already decided what I want to order, lol. YUM

Oh Marlene- we spent a great afternoon in Lake Oswego last fall ( my older daughter lives in Portland). What a delightful ~pretty ~place.

Mtn, everyone really likes Seratto which is down the street from Mingo and also Paley's is very close by, another good choice. The Nob Hill area was a great choice to stay.

sheilaaus, LO really is a pretty place. It is small, not much traffic, nice shops and restaurants, great grocery store choices and yet only minutes from downtown Portland!

2007marlene, "Can you tell us a little bit more about the chicken?" :)

Marlene, I didn't know you lived in Lake O. I cover Clackamas County for my job and am frequently there, was just there last week at the golf course. My eldest DD's Grandmother-in-law lives there too.

neetsiepie, at the country club? Or at the Lake Oswego Golf Course. Either one, you were very close by.

We will have to meet one day. I have only met one other GW peep and I can't remember her screen name but is a lovely, lovely lady.

Demi is a strong, intelligent woman, so no surprise she is brought up from time to time on HT.

Just catching up on this thread. Amck, I've wondered how you knew it was me at UNH! You must have really dug on my FB page, as I don't like posting my picture. I'm usually the one behind the camera!

These are all great stories. About 7 years ago I posted about a local store in my town that I was sad to see closing and fivefootzero asked if I lived in NJ. Sure enough we live in the same town, but it wasn't until a few years later she was asking questions about soapstone on here and I invited her to come to my house to see mine before she bought hers. Yes- she was virtually a stranger but our kids attended the same school at this point. Lo and behold our daughters are now best friends in middle school and we've become very good friends as well. Here's a pic of us at the country living flea market in rhinebeck NY earlier this month. We both love antiquing and flea markets!

How great is that?! The same hotel-- and right next to each other! It sounds like you had a lovely time.. thanks for sharing with us! Enjoy the rest of your trips!

I can concur, SueB and Mr. SueB were a great blind date! I knew they would be. : )

And, Sue ... two thumbs up on the houseboat! Gorgeous views and the place is really cool.

PS And by the way, I think I forgot to post that on our last stop n the West Coast, about a yr ago, Chispa came into town to meet me for a lovely brunch. We had such a nice chat and I got to see photos of her gorgeous house!

PPS Marlene, Ken the baker is my new crush. His lemon glazed croissants? Worth the transcontinental flight! The first day DH and I went out to pick up breakfast, and the silly man was tempted by a bagel place. NO NO I intoned ... And we soldiered on to the sublime experience that is Ken's. Then returned with the whole crew for lunch. We'd have come back again for pizza night but I worried that might constitute stalking and maybe put Ken off.....

MtnRdRedux - Well if you're in Vancouver now you're in my neck of the woods. I hope the weather improves and clears up for this afternoon. I hope you have a great trip. I do think it's a marvelous city - but then I live here. :)

Thx, BL. Yesterday was so gorgeous eyes we feel lucky already.

Vancouver?!

My DW & DD are now in Medicine-Hat AB, on their way to Banff, AB! They aren't going any further tho'. I'm in Fargo....just "Bach-ing it"! ;-)

Why doesn't anyone come to Fargo......????? ;-)

<<< sounds of crickets chirping ........ >>>

Those of you who've been involved in the many bag/purse/luggage discussions here might be amused by this...as we walked off after meeting up with the whole Mtn family (and their luggage) in the lobby the next morning, my DD whispered in my ear, in awe: "one of the girls had a Tory Burch backpack!" LOL.