| Archive for San Francisco Bay Area Tarantula Society SF BATS |
| EdgarOrtega |
Blazin' Summer Bash 2009Official Date for Meeting:SFBATS Blazing Summer Bash! Saturday July 11th Veteran's Memorial Hall 2290 Willow Pass Road Concord, CA 94520 11:30am-5:00pm |
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| BayLee |
I liked the one we used last year.
Blazing Summer Bash |
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| sntcruzan |
Let's keep the old name . | ||||||
| BayLee |
Yes, I like that too. To hard to think of a new one.
People like to see familiar names anyway. 
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| EdgarOrtega |
I like it.
'Blazing Summer Bash' 2009 sounds good to me! 
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| BayLee |
Awesome this will give Rachel a start working on the flyer soon, if the date will work for everyone. | ||||||
| DeeCasey |
Sounds good gang! Let me know if you need anything. 
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| SnakeGrrl |
So far away! Arg. | ||||||
| EdgarOrtega |
Meeting Name: (check)
Nametags: ? We should have name tags this time, so people can identify members and such. Woah, how fun would some SFBATS honor badges be. lol Anyway, I like the name tag idea, again. |
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| darth skippy |
not nametags... BUTTONS!!!! | ||||||
| llamamama |
Name tags or buttons...either one would be cool!
Sam, if you need a tarantula fix, just come and see me at work. If you don't know the way, you should. I know someone you're acquainted with knows the way. 
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| EdgarOrtega |
Identification regalia
its all good.
Maybe I'll make one.
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| Ricky Ortiz84 |
man I want a button | ||||||
| UglyKid2 |
It would be really cool if we all could have our own personalized buttons with the logo, our real name and forum name on it to wear to our meetings. A lot of times I don't know that I'm talking to KaTra, Code Wilster or BayLee for instance.  Of course this would be more costly and we would have to buy our own...
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| BayLee |
WHat do you all look alike? 
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| a7051 |
buttons are awesome!
epically when they say you're running for a government office! 
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| Arachnocat |
LOL! That's rad. | ||||||
| UglyKid2 |
If we all had the big SF Bats buttons we could add our names on them, you think? | ||||||
| Arachnocat |
I could design some with a space to write in your name. That would probably work.
OR, if you guys want official name badges I could design them and buy some badge holders (either the pin on or the lanyard kind). My company prints lanyards with badge holders, so I may be able to get us a deal. I will ask
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| llamamama |
I think I need a bigger button! LOL
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| UglyKid2 |
Actually if you can "curve" your names and put "Laurie" above the
"cisco" and "llamamama" below the "ntula soc" that might work pretty good! |
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| llamamama |
Picky, picky...I'm not sure my labeler will accomodate that! lol | ||||||
| EdgarOrtega |
Gosh.. I could never run for office. I've got too much dirt on me.
It would be fun to see what everyone would come up with if they created their own name tags. :) Meeting Name: *check* Name tags: Yes and *check* Location: So, seriously, now. What would everyone like to do about our meeting place this time. I would love more space if only for the reason I want to have more space to display more things. Next meeting may not be as crowded, or it may. But I would like some space to have more options, and since we're getting 20-30 members between each meeting, I suspect we'll be having more and more people wanting tables. I would vote for a larger venue. But, I want to hear what other members think before we discuss it at the officer meeting. |
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| Arachnocat |
Yes! We need a larger place for sure I think! | ||||||
| llamamama |
A larger venue would be good. As John and Rachel know, I can fill several tables. LOL | ||||||
| BayLee |
The button is a great idea.
I am all of a larger venue. And with the right advertisement we will have one again. |
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| sntcruzan |
Do you all think a charge for a table would be okay. I'd like to keep SFBATS close to the hobby friendly way we started and not get into growing it too big or try to make a bunch of money off of it.
Well, that is my 2 cents worth. |
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| llamamama |
I should probably clarify what I said about my tables -- I have the ability to pull together a whole education *booth*...but I don't *have* to have that many education tables at the meeting. I don't want to crowd anyone, but if you want me to, I can put *lots* of education stuff out. I would be all for a larger venue even if I just had one table...it would give us more room to spread out!
I'm not opposed to charging for tables, but are we still staying "hobby friendly" that way? And what about charging at the door? If we had charged even $1 per person at the last meeting, it could easily have paid for the hall instead of having the officers pay for it. Or should we be charging for tables to help pay for the hall? |
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| EdgarOrtega |
Growth is a big issue as it will set the tone for the feel of the group and forum. We've gotten so many awesome people in the past few months. I think it is really great to see all the new faces, talents, and active members pouring in. I can see there being a concern about rapid growth taking away from the commeraderie shared by members, up to now, somehow being lost in a surge of new faces and activity. But, we've gotten so many great friendly people who love the hobby, and they joined SFBATS to help them get the most out of the hobby they enjoy so much. I think SFBATS is still very hobby friendly and is doing a lot for the hobby in our little part of the woods. Our recent media exposure in the past few months has brought in dozens of members who are excited to have learned that we are here! :) Key to making sure we keep the close-knit feeling and friendliness we find here is having good mods regulating the forum and nipping any problems before they go anywhere. We've had such cool people joining lately, its great to see how enthusiastic and friendly everyone has been, and I can't wait to see more of the same. I like the recent growth. Its been exciting to see how many bug lovers are out there excited about our hobby as much as we are. As long as we manage our growth and focus on helping everyone enjoy the hobby more, we should be alright. The more friendly faces and talents, the better. :) With new members comes bigger venues and more options to support the group with donations, which go back into our activities and give us more options. This last meeting was great and we got some cash in the treasury for more cool SFBATS stuff. :) The members all benefit out of our growth, especially as friendships are made and knowledge is gained. As long as we remember why we're doing this, for the hobby itself, we should stay pretty grounded and remain a place members will continue to return for all we offer, even as we grow. With all the recent attacks on our hobby, the bigger and talented army on our side, the better, I say. A few people remarked about the last meeting being a bit crowded, but I thought it was exciting to see all those families there with their kids and hope it continues this way as we share our love for the hobby with the community. Education and exposure go a long way, I think. A larger venue will solve the crowding and give us room to breath as well as display more way super cool stuff!! I know i've got big plans for my next set of tables. I'm excited!
As far as paying for tables, we can do a poll and see what everyone thinks, at this point. |
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| BayLee |
Very well said, Edgar
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| DeeCasey |
I'm with you, Lony.
There is nothing more I can add.
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| llamamama |
I'll third that...well said, Edgar!
I thought it was great to see so many families at our last meeting. We are cool enough for everyone! lol |
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| sntcruzan |
My ThoughtsI glad to hear that we can stay hobby oriented and grow at the same time. I loved the families coming in to see and learn , while still getting personal attention from the members.I love to see kids look in awe of what we have to display. The fact that they are wanting to know more about different types of inverts and life around them, makes it worth all that we do as a Society. I'm not opposed to having an admission for adults. I would like to have children to remain FREE. Charging for tables was just an idea, I give back to SFBATS a portion of my $$ that I make from sales. |
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| Gothic Thylacine |
hey all!
As you guys know I'm new so I hope I'm safe to post on this topic ;) Anyway, wherever it is, if it is accessible by public transportation that'd be great! (as I say I live in San Leandro with no car so I use BART to get around the bay & the occasional bus) Dunno if anyone else uses PT or carpools etc... Sadly I'm not sure of any places like that by a BART or bus stop =P |
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| EdgarOrtega |
We've got members all over. We'll see if we can find you someone to ride with. :D
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| darth skippy |
if it's on the way from monterey i can give a lift to anyone that doesn't mind riding in the back with my heeler you can ask ricky, she's very friendly
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| UglyKid2 |
You're safe to post wherever you want to The Concord BART station is very close to the Vets Hall on Willow Pass Rd where we have our meetings. You can call one of us when you get there and we will come and get you. Or you can take a bus over from there, or walk 
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| Sparky |
I'd like to have some table space at the next meeting for some embroidery stuff (patches etc), if I can get it ready in time. :)
For name badges I think the plastic flat rectangular holders with the pins on the back would work, then you just print out individualised tags to go in them. Or leave a space for a name so people can write them in with Sharpie at the meeting. |
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| Gothic Thylacine |
Wow if the vets hall is within walking distance from the concord BART that'd be awesome. (Sparky- Love your av. Adorable!) | ||||||
| Sparky |
Thanks, the photo was taken by pitbulllady of arachnoboards. :) She's got tons of spider photography in her da gallery. |
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| Gothic Thylacine |
Just looked up the vets hall on 511.org & I can definitely make it :) Looks like an easy walk from the bart.
I'll be trying to bring my boyfriend with me. He's not 'scared' of tarantulas but he hasn't quite been able to hold one yet ;) I'm still working with him hehehe |
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| telly |
Re: My Thoughts[quote="sntcruzan"]I glad to hear that we can stay hobby oriented and grow at the same time. I loved the families coming in to see and learn , while still getting personal attention from the members.I love to see kids look in awe of what we have to display. The fact that they are wanting to know more about different types of inverts and life around them, makes it worth all that we do as a Society. I'm not opposed to having an admission for adults. I would like to have children to remain FREE. Charging for tables was just an idea, I give back to SFBATS a portion of my $$ that I make from sales.[/quote] I think charging a dollar or 2 is all good, if you can find a larger venue. I know it was a big hit last meeting and I didn't even get to go!! I know I could pull quite a few people to go and check everything out, so a small fee shouldn't hurt ppl at all.. Also, what about flyers?? I can pass tons out around here! |
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| EdgarOrtega |
Yes, it would be great if you would hand out flyers. We'll be discussing what we'll be doing for spreading the world about our next meeting and give an official date, soon. We're still bouncing around a couple dates.
The officers will be meeting soon to discuss and arrange our next venue. Charging admission will be dependent on if the building we'll be holding our next meeting in would allow us to do so and if we decide to do so. The place we've been meeting regularly would not allow us to charge admission, but we'll be discussing the location of our next meeting, soon and get it booked. The location and date of the next meeting has not been decided, yet. Telly, your enthusiasm is very much appreciated and welcomed! We love it when members are willing to help anyway they can! Thanks! |
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| telly |
oh no prob Edgar!
I'm soo about this hobby now (I'm gettin new slings soon!) and I love showing people that it's not a weird and freaky thing for people to have T's.. I'm workin on the girls at work.. they like them.. they won't admit.. but they do haha! Word on the admission fee! Just let me know how I can help, when you guys are ready for flyers! |
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| Michael |
Why not have open to the public meetings one month and members only the next? I would be happy to give anyone who needs it a ride. Edger if you run for office you've got my vote!!!
And when you get the flers ready, send one to each member and have them print at least ten copies to pass out. just a thought! |
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| EdgarOrtega |
Ok, we have a date folks!
SFBATS Blazing Summer Bash will take place Sat July 11th! Woohoo! it's coming, soon. Now we have some work to do!
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| DeeCasey |
Yeah! 
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| EdgarOrtega |
Got any neat ideas for the postcard designs for this one, Rachel? | ||||||
| Arachnocat |
Yep, I got lots. lol! I'll probably have a design early next week
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| BayLee |
You rock Rachel!!! 
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| Anthonaus |
My first meeting. I can't wait to see you all. Woohoo
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| jwach |
Me too! I'm looking forward to it! | ||||||
| BayLee |
You guys sure you are ready to meet us? | ||||||
| ZergFront |
Hi allI got referred here from arachoboards(by sntcruzan).You think cameras will be allowed? 
I might get some video or pictures there with the arachnid owners' permission. I'd LOVE to handle a T; I haven't had one walk on me in years. |
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| EdgarOrtega |
You sure can bring your camera. I usually do. :)
Welcome to the group. :) |
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| sntcruzan |
Danielle,
i'm glad that you found your way here. We are a good group of people. ASk lots of questions okay??? |
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| Anthonaus |
Let's see. Ordered SFBATS shirts for my girlfriend and I. Ordered large SFBATS buttons to put our names on for easy identification. Waiting for their delivery. Yep, all systems are go.
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| llamamama |
Woohoo! Keep this one....he's on top of it! 
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| ZergFront |
YAY!Thank you. I like the buttons idea.If I weren't living with my parents now, I'd probably have a few T's or emperors but the jumping spiders I'm keeping have at least given me some arachnid fix. I can't wait to get the 3 I ordered from Spider Pharm - even though the ones I have are making babies! Hope I see ya guys at the meeting. I'm probably going to be like a kid at Disneyland there.
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| Sparky |
I wasn't expecting the meeting to be until early August. Not sure I can make a July one. Poo. | ||||||
| EdgarOrtega |
SFBATS Blazing Summer Bash!
Saturday July 11th Veteran's Memorial Hall 2290 Willow Pass Road Concord, CA 94520 11:30am-5:00pm We were able to reserve the same hall for one extra hour at the same price. This way, we can get there, and have 30 min to set up before we officially open up to the public, and we'll the meeting will go an extra 30min.
================================== TABLES Alright, let's start our count of tables. If you would like table space, post on here how much space you'll need, if you want a whole table, want to share, or need multiple tables, etc. I'll keep track of how many tables we'll be using, we will try to help everyone who wants space. The tables at the hall are 8ft long. I'd like to make use one full table. |
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| Sparky |
I still don't know if I can make it but just in case put me down for part of a table. I don't even need a half of an eight-foot table, just like a couple feet at one end of a table. All I have to sell right now are the oval logo patches. I can't get anything else ready before then, we're doing Comic-Con at the end of July and I have a lot of projects to get done for that. | ||||||
| EdgarOrtega |
Sparky, if you can't make it, I would be happy to sell your SFBATS patches at our table, for you. You can get a tally on here of who wants some, and add some extras. I'm sure they will sell.
What do you say? |
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| BayLee |
I need at least half a table. I could share with someone. Maybe Rachel, unless she needs a table for herself. | ||||||
| ZergFront |
COOL!!!For some reason I thought it was June 11th and was like "oops I'm going to miss it" until I re-read this again. I hope your critters aren't camera shy. Haha!I'll bring some cash just in case I see a spider I like (not a T or anything huge - my mom would have a cow) and bring my spiders to show. Does the meeting sell anything else for the critters? Like bug boxes or terrariums? Just out of curiosity. |
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| BayLee |
Nah, just get a slow growing sling she will eventually warm up to it. muahahaha | ||||||
| EdgarOrtega |
Alright, everyone! We've got less than 30 days until our Summer meeting. Woohoo!
NEWSLETTER We are also working on putting out the first SFBATS Newsletter! Ideally we'll have something out, soon. If not by the Summer meeting, then surely by the Sacramento Reptile Show. We will do our best to get it out ASAP! RAFFLE We'll be having our raffle, as always, giving away lots of great prizes, which members donate. If you would like to donate any items for the raffle, simply bring your raffle donations to the meeting. Let me know what you will be donating, and I will post a partial list of raffle items that will be offered available. You may PM me with your items, or simply reply to this thread. TABLES Here is preliminary list of table space requested, or assumed, so far. MEMBER TABLE SPACE EdgarOrtega 1 table Uglykid2 1 table llamamama 1 table Al Wolf 1 table RickyOrtiz84 1 table KentheBugGuy 1 table? BayLee 1/2 table (space available here/would like to share) Sparky 1/2 table (space available/would like to share) Arachnocat ? If you would like table space, let me know so we can make sure we find you a spot! Any SFBATS member may use table space to display, sell, or trade his/her animals or items.
If you are on this list and would like to change or correct anything, please, let me know. I will update and post this list as we get more requests for space. |
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| llamamama |
Wolf will probably need one table. Thanks! | ||||||
| Sparky |
I thought I asked for part of a table...I must have forgotten. :P Can you put me down for part of a table please? If I can't make it I'll let you know right away. | ||||||
| Ricky Ortiz84 |
Hey Edgar I'll take one table as well are we still being regulated on what herps we bring to the meeting? I was going to bring one of my cerastes (sidewinders) to show off at my table fully secure'd no way to get in or out or even a screen lid to be bitten through someone let me know if this is ok. | ||||||
| UglyKid2 |
Ricky, this was discussed at length among the SF Bats officers and it was decided not to allow venomous reptiles at the meetings.
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| EdgarOrtega |
All non venomous snakes and reptiles are welcome, though.
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| sntcruzan |
Snakes and Reptiles are welcomed, but let's try to keep them down to a minimum.
Our main focus is still on inverts. Fred |
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| llamamama |
Thanks, Fred, I was also going to suggest that. There are a LOT of people in the group with interests in herps, and I personally could easily fill several tables with reptiles. BUT that's not what this group is really about. Let's see more INVERTS!
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| llamamama |
Hey Rachel,
Is there a flyer ready? I want to go hit people up for donations, and it might be good to have the flyers. If not, is there something we can download and print out ourselves? Thanks, oh goddess of graphic design! |
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| Arachnocat |
I'll send the flyers to be printed on Monday and I'll also post a downloadable version so people can print it out. I'll make it a sticky in this forum
I'll probably bring my ball python this time. I can share a table with someone, I don't have that much stuff. Only bringing small tanks and kritter keepers. |
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| kaTra |
Hi everyone!!
I haven't been on the forum for a while-- lotsa crazy stuffs been going on so i haven't had a chance!! 
I hope I'm not too late in resurrecting the discussion on the button idea! I think its a wonderful idea, and I just so happen to be getting a button maker for my birthday (yay!!) I would be happy to make buttons for everyone! You can make your designs, send them to me, and I can print and press them! The only warning I have to give is that they will be pretty small. I havent decided on the 1" or the 1 1/4" yet, but both are pretty little! I think it would still be perfect for a name and a simple spider related photo/design though!!! Unfortunately, I'm really bummed because I will not be able to attend the meeting on July 11th  So I wouldnt be able to do the button thing until after that meeting, but it's certainly an option!!!
If you feel that it just wouldnt work because of its size, i understand! I just wanted to throw the offer out there!!
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| Arachnocat |
Here is the flyer:
To print and distribute them, use this link: http://s102.photobucket.com/album...amp;current=sfbats-blazin2009.jpg |
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| telly |
wow that flyer looks awesome!
I'm soo devistated.. I can't go to this meeting again! I thought it was going to be in August.. :( Better be lots of pics! |
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| Gothic Thylacine |
Wooohoo!!!
I should definitely be there :) |
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| EdgarOrtega |
Name: check
Location: check Flyer: check (Great job, Rache!) Buttons: We still going with the button idea? I think they'd be cool. Food: What would you guys like to do for food, this time around. I'm all for potluck, again, that's my vote. Pizza made me tired last time lol Anyway, let's decide what we want to do about food, this time around. What would you all like for yum yums? 
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| Ricky Ortiz84 |
I would like anything that Denise is willing to make me
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| DeeCasey |
Haha! Yes, Ricky, I will bring an apple pie just for you and Edgar to pig out on. 
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| EdgarOrtega |
I'll bring milk this time! haha
Edgar hopped up on sugar.... hmmmmm |
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| llamamama |
Wah! Don't I get apple pie, too?
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| UglyKid2 |
Better bring 2 pies Denise. One for Edgar and Ricky and one just for Laurie! 
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| llamamama |
I'll share with you, John! lol | ||||||
| EdgarOrtega |
So, we going for potluck this time? :) Fine by me :D | ||||||
| BayLee |
I am for potluck. | ||||||
| Michael |
I knew you guys where stoners!!Ha ah!!! puff puff pass | ||||||
| noexcuse4you |
I think I might try and make this! We'll see. It'd be sweet if I could crash on someone's floor friday and saturday night. :) | ||||||
| UglyKid2 |
Why thank you Laurie! I'll eat the filling and you can have the crust...
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| llamamama |
Never mind, I'll eat chocolate chip cookies. | ||||||
| DeeCasey |
Yes, Of course Laurie! I will bring extra. I just have to make a seperate one for the two boys! LMAO. |
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| UglyKid2 |
What about the lasagne?
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| llamamama |
Are you offering to make it?
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| northswan04 |
This is going to be one heck of a meeting! I won't be able to make it this time though because I'm saving up for the Conference in July. Take lots of pictures!!! | ||||||
| DeeCasey |
With the meeting a couple of weeks away, is there going to be a food thread? Do we just start one?
Thanks!
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| Ricky Ortiz84 |
Hey man you can crash at my place I live in stockton and I'm upstairs in a apartment that stays hot so if the heat dont bother you, your welcome to crash here, and I'll only charge you a cerastes too
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| Ricky Ortiz84 |
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