A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day.... 08-16-05 ....A Finest Ohio and West Virginia Adventure!

Mama_Bear, JustAmy, Dutchess, WVNan, DollyCali, PrissyMissy, Babychick

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

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A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

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We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, Dutchess, Aquamarine, DollyCali ~

JustAmy, PrissyMissy and MamaBear met some of the Finest people on the planet on their recent trip to Ohio and West Virginia! Today's post will run through Wednesday and is a compilation of thoughts and photos from DollyCali, JustAmy, PrissyMissy, Dutchess, WVNan and Scubachick's "Babychick". Today we present "Part I" - Columbus and Akron. Tomorrow will find the happy travelers in West Virginia for "Part II".

We hope you will enjoy this picture story of their freeper get-together.

First stop - Columbus, where they "do the zoo" with Sistah Dutchess,......then on to Akron to meet with more Ohio FReepers.....

The Zoo...The Zoo....
California Finest Freeper Friends are Visiting
....That’s What We’ll Do!!!!



My perspective....how could I entertain these very special people? They politely suggested the Columbus Zoo which Jack Hanna ran for years. That became the focal point. I've loved these gals from afar for years....but drove into Columbus with a little "trepidation". Knocked on the door, the door opened and was greeted with a great big “Mama_Bear” hug from Lori! What a lovely lady! Hugs also from Amy and Marissa, equally lovely and adorable (in that order :o)).



No one was sure of the next step so I, hating city driving, drove on a course to the zoo AND missing a turn happened upon a Bob Evans Restaurant where we had breakfast. Now...I know most Midwesterners know of Bob Evans sausage (he actually started the family business in Gallipolis, Ohio where it is still headquartered) Lori NEVER heard of it wondering if was anything like Jimmy Dean sausage... amazing huh? Needless to say we ate lots of carbohydrates…


Next step...the Zoo.



We had so much fun and the day went so fast. Lots of talking, bonding, okay…hate to admit it….we did do just a tad, wee bit of ”gossiping” (but only in the purist, cleanest form, of course!)



Speaking of directions (how’s that for a lead in?) I did a wrong turn exiting the zoo and Lori, Amy and PrissyMissy had to put up with the "scenic" tour of northern Columbus....I tried to portray total confidence (while I didn't know where the heck I was and was feeling the beginning of a panic attack!!!). Meanwhile, Marissa seemed “nonplussed”, making up and singing a kind of “rap” song about cats. I am not exaggerating that she has a great voice, sense of timing and beat. Anyway found our way back to the hotel and before I had to depart they asked me for directions to the next leg of their trip. (ME, directions?????) Fortunately they supplied me with a map! (although I still called Mr. D…otherwise they still might be on the road looking for their next destination)



Anyway, just want to say....if you EVER have a chance to meet a finest freeper...do so... You don't know what you're missing. So glad to meet you in person Lori, Amy AND Marissa!!!

For Dutchess, DollyCali, MollyPitcher, OhioWFan, DrDeb,
BoxerBlues, Dubyaismypresident and CommieWatcher.
Thank you for welcoming us to Ohio.

After a hearty breakfast at Bob Evans,
our day at the zoo begins.
But first, Dutchess makes sure her camera is ready.

The zoo is BIG and wonderful.
Marissa and I take turns riding. :)
At least we know where she is!

The day was far too short. :(

We met at Stan Hywet Mansion and Garden on Saturday.
The picnic lunch and the wine were fantastic.
Left to right are: JustAmy, Mama_Bear, MollyPitcher,
OhioWFan and Dr.Deb.

Dubyaismypresident, BoxerBlues and Commiewatcher
also joined us at the Stan Hywet picnic on Saturday.

DollyCali ..... thank you for planning and organizing a wonderful FReeper get together.
You did good.

Mama_Bear and JustAmy extend their
heartfelt thanks to DollyCali and all of the Ohio FReepers who came out to picnic with us.

Did I read that FReepmail correctly? Amy & Lori are coming to OHIO to visit us????

I had met them 6 months prior in DC at the Inauguration in January 2005. We didn’t have too much time together as for all of us a lot was packed into the 48 hours I was in DC. But I did wish we were not a thousand miles plus away from each other.

Well, I had read it correctly and the months didn’t go fast enough until the day on July 23 where we would all meet for a FReeper get together. They didn’t have a whole lot of time & had a lot of real estate to cover in Ohio & WV so we had to chose ONE locale they wanted to see.. Offerings such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, First Ladies Museum, Warther Museum, and the Inventor’s Hall of fame all took fell off the draft table when they took a look at the possibilities of the Stan Hywet Hall in Akron Ohio. A turn of the century Golden Age mansion on an immense and gorgeous estate was the choice.

Next followed many FReepmails & posting on State board to see who could come for a PAR_TAY. It is summer & people were going to be on vacations, at weddings, or otherwise committed but we did have a nice. although small, group. None of the WV folks were able to attend. Wanted to keep the cost low for travelers so decided to provide a picnic wine/lunch & ask local folks to bring something to share.

The weather was perfect. After weeks of stifling heat & humidity, God blessed our time with a gentle breeze, mild temperatures and a gorgeous blue sky with puffy clouds & bright sun. The California gals simply could not understand why we were always complaining.

Attendees were Molly Pitcher (who lives the closest); Dr.Deb (who drove the farthest); ohioWfan; Commiewatcher; Dubyaismypresident; boxerblues; JustAmy; Mama_bear; PrissyMissy; and DollyCali. It was good to have boxerblues with us as she had lost her 51 year old husband to cancer a few months prior and currently has 2 sons in military - one in Iraq and so was very ready for sharing time with good FReepers.

Over wine in crystal we toasted the occasion & chatted for hours about the weather, politics (OF COURSE!); Iraq; gossip ( OF COURSE AGAIN); our pets; Jim Robinson (OF COURSE); tattoos (YEA, we did); and the normal chit chat that goes dozens of directions.

Plenty of food was prepared, but I had to chuckle when I called Amy on her cell phone about a half hour before our rendezvous time to check if they were on schedule and heard they were at BURGER KING!!! Guess people always get a little nervous/worried when they know a vegetarian is preparing the meal.

After chat & eating a few of the folks had to leave (one to play poker!) but some took the tour of the Stan Hywet house. It is big, impressive, fun. The Sieberlings were GOODYEAR & friends with the likes of William Taft, Helen Keller & the Von Trapps (of Sound of Music fame). Mrs. Sieberling was a professional opera singer & canvas artist and the guests & performances at Stan Hywet were the talk of NE Ohio. The entire mansion contains all of the original furniture & appointments. It was fun but the day went much too quickly.

That evening was a live professional presentation of a Midsummer’s nights Dream on the grounds of the estate.. Amy & Lori were bushed & decided to just go relax at their room in Cuyahoga Falls at the Sheraton Suites.

Below we are about to say goodbye for the day & PrissyMissy was kind enough to take our picture. Amy & Lori & PrissyMissy left the next morning to visit Nan who was … well, that is somebody else’s story.

Dutchess is calling for directions.
I hope we're not lost.

We didn't get lost.
Dutchess found "King Louie"
of Jungle Book fame.

It looks like ketchup.
DrDeb says it isn't.
She is right, it doesn't taste like ketchup.

MamaBear and I checked out
beautiful view at Cuyahoga Falls.

It is important to get your beauty rest
whenever and wherever you can.

06-28-05 HALL OF FAME #12

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 08-15-05 Military Monday

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[Mama_Bear]

Looking forward to part 2 tomorrow & see what "almost heaven" was like via our dear Nan.

Good morning, Dolly! Thanks for your "BRAVO", but I couldn't/wouldn't have attempted to do this without the help of you and the others. It was a joint effort. :-)

I know I have thanked you before, but I need to say again how much I appreciate the time and energy you put into that picnic and getting everyone together. I loved every minute of our visit with you and the Ohio FReepers.

Yes, tomorrow will be our visit with the one and only Nanster in West Virginia!

I am so irritated that my .ram file of "Country Roads" doesn't seem to work anymore....at least my RealPlayer won't play it. It used to. Maybe it is just my computer that won't play it, so I will post it here and see if others can get it playing. This was from the West Virginia post I did with WVNan several months ago.

[Billie]

Who is that pretty lady in the pledge photo? :) Cute, cute, picture, Nan!

What a nice thread today; have been looking forward to your stories and pictures - they are wonderful.

(Pssst! Prissy, don't tell Amy, but I like your table the very best of all!) :)

Dutchess and Dolly, you are such fun to read - you both have a very entertaining way of story-telling, and your tables are so pretty. :)

Looking forward to *the rest of the story* tomorrow. Thank you, Lori, for putting this all together in such a neat package!

[Mama_Bear]

I'm in search of tissues again : )

Oh, gosh....you have me sniffling too!

Welcome to our thread.....the Finest bunch of FReepers you will find anywhere! As you can see, I added you and your Marine son (and nephew) to my prayer list. When you next speak to him, tell him again how much he is appreciated by Americans who know and appreciate what freedom is and what it costs. They can't hear that often enough, IMO. :-)

I am pleased that our Columbus Zoo photos brought back good memories for you. Now, I too have great memories of a day spent there with three special FReepers; JustAmy, PrissyMissy and Dutchess.

[Mama_Bear]

Morning, Temple Owl. Always a treat to get to say hello to you here. Have a wonderful day, FRiend.

[dutchess]

(((((lori)))))) Wonderful job putting this all together. Sistah billie, have a confession to make, I did my write up but lori did the tables, pictures etc. Thanks Lori!!!! (I think I'm the sistah who delegates the most :o)!!!! )

[Mama_Bear]

Awwww.......what a pretty table and cute bear!

'You know who' is becoming quite the traveler and was really fun to be with. Thanks for inviting me along on your trip. I enjoyed every minute........except that LONG flight from Dallas to Fresno. LOL. I know it was only about 3 hours, but it seemed like 6!

[countrydummy]

Hello!!! Hi!!!! :)

Hinton, WV...........(Beckley, RN...) 44 yr. old....Aug. 20. 1960........

Sheila (countrydummy)...:)

[Mama_Bear]

Thanks, OESY. Glad you enjoyed the photos, and, yes, FReepers are the greatest. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Beautiful thread! Thank you for sharing your adventures.

Thanks, tulip. It's always fun getting together with FReepers, and those we met on this trip are the cream of the crop. :-)

[Billie]

Sistah billie, have a confession to make, I did my write up but lori did the tables, pictures etc

LOL! You didn't fool me on the photos - I recognized Lori's work! :)

P.S. I LOVE this picture of you!!!

[Mama_Bear]

Mama Bear you did such a beautiful job of giving us a cyber trip to Ohio,

Awwwww....thanks, Aqua.

The next time I get anywhere near Georgia or the Carolinas, it will be OUR turn to get together. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Did you get to visit with Phancy and Guffy?

No, we didn't. I didn't know they lived in Columbus. :-(

Wished I'd have known of your get together, I would have loved to come and meet y'all.

Oh, I'm sorry, Pippin. Amy and I left it up to Dolly to get the word out (via freepmail and on the state message boards) about our planned visit. I am sure she thought the distance would be too far for you to come. We would have loved to have had you with us for our get together. Would have enjoyed meeting Phancy and Guffy too.

[Kitty Mittens]

What a Neat Thread, (((((((Lori)))))))! Dutchess, Amy, and Dolly did Great Work, and Prissy Missy is so Sweet, and is a Wonderful Blessing. It was Nice to See all these Photos of people I Love and Respect very much!

I also Loved the Pledge Graphic; Nan, you are so Beautiful, and Make that Graphic very Special!

(((((((Hugs))))))) to all!

[Pippin]

((((KITTY))))!

Long time no "see"!

[Mama_Bear]

Well, it was a "family" vacation and for those who do not get to see the FR Finest family..pictures are the next best thing!

Yes, it was a family vacation, for sure. The only thing that could have made it better would have been if ALL our FRiends could have come.

[Kitty Mittens]

Hi, Sweet Pippin! Sending you Hugs, my FRiend!

(((((((Pippin)))))))

[Aquamarine]

The next time I get anywhere near Georgia or the Carolinas, it will be OUR turn to get together. :-)

That's a deal MB!
You say that like you know there's not much chance of getting me out of the South. lol
I may surprise you and day (and myself). :)

[Kitty Mittens]

I Forgot to Ping you to my Post at #53!

[Pippin]

The distance isn't that much, I live in Maryland so Ohio isn't really that far away and I live near BWI-Thurgood Marshall.

also I live near an Amtrack or MARC station.

[Pippin]

Hi, Aqua!