The Soap Yard

ruffles · Guru

Hi Justjo

justJo · Veteran Member

Thanks so much for making me feel welcome and not like an interloper. I often read your comments, enjoy them, but don't have anything to add.

Is there any chance that we could meet each other at the ATWT luncheon or "martinis" in April. It would be fun to connect the faces with the comments. Or, perhaps, some of you have already met each other. At any rate, keep it in mind.

It looks like we're in for a strange, but fun, ATWT as Brad makes contact with Henry from the "other side." Until later--stay warm (or cool) as the climate requires. Jo

light · Senior Member

Ruff, thanks for the clarification of why your aunt's drawers were a favorite smell. LOL.
Yes, I imagine Chantilly will always hold a special place in your heart... and in your drawers, too :)

Just Jo, a bunch of us met together a couple years ago and saw Boston together- what a fabulous time we had, getting to hear the voices and see the faces that went with the online postings. It brings a smile just to think back on the time together. We were trying to get together this year but too many of us had problems pulling it off. I had a number of things going on and couldn't get away, plus since my older son had come back from Iraq and I had gone to his homecoming ceremony in Hawaii, I was financially tapped out. Sure would love to get together with everyone again some time, though...

justJo · Veteran Member

Light, how wonderful that you could get to Hawaii for your son's homecoming. I hope he is well and adjusting to life at home again. I'm sure you must be relieved.

I have been going to "martinis" for the last four years because I fly to my daughter's in New Jersey and we go in together and stay overnight and see a play. But she has a 7 and 10-year-old at home so our time away from them is limited! Besides that, I'd probably get lost in the big city without her! And, besides, in this economy, the money doesn't stretch as far.

KarenK · Guru

Jo, when is the martini event? Is there a date yet? I live in Boston and it's pretty easy to get to nyc by train -- it's just the money that's an issue. I have one son in college and next year number two goes (hopefully!

), so we are on a tight budget. But it would be so much fun to meet you!!!

Where in NJ does your daughter live? We lived in Ft. Lee for 3 1/2 years and Boonton (near Morristown and Parisppany) for 9 1/2 years. My husband's from Bergen County and I used to work at a chemical company in Wayne. My mother's side of the family lives down in the Philly area of NJ, so I know NJ! smile

Amanda · Senior Member

I have been to Martinis every year save last year, which I was very sorry to miss. I haven't solidified any plans yet, but I hope to make it up there again in April.

EvilStewie · Senior Member

Karen if you go to Trent's event let me know when your going down and coming back. I always take the train down,I prefer it so much. I'll be going to the the next luncheon, but dont think I'll be making the Martini event. I meet up with other ppl while in NY, but we can sit together possibly and talk on the train, It would make the trip easier.

-- Edited by EvilStewie on Thursday 5th of November 2009 04:25:23 AM

ruffles · Guru

Is it possible to just do a day trip for one of these events? Every time I've gone to NYC it's been by bus to the Port Authority and I've had to get the 5:00/5:30 ish bus for return. I've never used the trains and have no idea how that would work.

EvilStewie · Senior Member

Ruffles,
The train is awesome, If you need help ask me, I take the train into NYC all the time. Its a long ride, but they give you a power outlet and I take along my portable DVD player and a pair of headphones and don't even notice the time. I usually leave out of the Springfield or Amherst Massachusetts station, and round trip rarely cost me over $100, I LOVE it!! I book my trip in advance with Amtrak's website, The sooner you get your ticket the cheaper the fare is...

www.amtrak.com

Not sure where you are in the state, but leaving from Springfield is the better option, they have early trains that would get you into the city in time for Martinis.. I believe around 1pm.. The last returning train to Springfield is 8pm

-- Edited by EvilStewie on Monday 2nd of November 2009 11:43:39 PM

justJo · Veteran Member

KarenK:

The ATWT luncheon is at 11:30 on April 17 and Martini's with Henry is from 4 to 6 or thereabouts.

It is a pricy day because the luncheon is $135 and Martini's is $40 because we have our own room above a bar, but that includes substantial appetizers and you buy your own drinks. (That also includes a nice gift for Trent.) It makes for a long day, but fun! Of course, if you get to Orlando for anything, let me know--I do airport pickups for friends.

My Barbara lives in Florham Park, close to Morristown and Chatham. They've been there for a little over ten years and I manage to get out there a couple of times a year and they come to Florida to "do Disney".

Let's keep it in our thoughts.

light · Senior Member

Jo, I didn't realize how close we were located. I'm just east of you, on the Space Coast. I drive thru Orlando/Kissimmee a couple times/month. Small world...

I've always wanted to do one of those ATWT weekends but I just can't swing the cost. They are a bit pricey and then you have to add hotel and the transportation up and back. I'll just have to live vicariously thru people like you that get to go.

KarenK · Guru

Yep, I know Florham Park. We looked at houses there and in Chatham and Madison, then my husband got his job up here and we moved back to my neck of the woods. My oldest was born at Morristown Memorial. :D