The Official "Unofficial" Michigan DU Gathering/5thGen's B-Day Thread

[MSchreader]

OK, Evil DUers, 5thGen's birthday is now 11 days away -- October 4, 2003. Like last year, we want it to be an "unofficial" gathering of Michigan (and regional) DUers. Last year, we had a wonderful Italian dinner at Mama Mia's in Redford Twp., Michigan, and then retired to my place for afterparty refreshments.

Shall we repeat? I can reserve the table at Mama Mia's again, and make similar plans to last year, unless someone has a better location for the dinner/party.

Michigan DUers (and any other DUers who want to show up), please check in and help pull this event together. Those who came last year know what kind of fun it was, and can testify for those who may not know.

Come on, friends. If you want a heap of fun -- and to kill some brain cells -- check in and speak up!

Martin

P.S.: Keep this thread kicked!

[MSchreader]

1. Morning kick

:kick:

[MSchreader]

2. 2nd morning kick

:kick:

[Demeter]

16. New to DU--May I Join You and If So, Specific Directions Please

I am in Ann Arbor, and will be able to go after finishing a job (about 3 PM I hope).

TIME, PLACE, DIRECTIONS, PHONE NUMBER FOR EMERGENCIES (NOT THAT I'M PLANNING ANY, OR WANT THEM) would be very helpful. email:

[e-mail]


Demeter

[5thGenDemocrat]

17. Demeter

Welcome to DU. Check your DUmail (the postmark looking thingie next to your screen name).
John
And Marty, re: us dropping by -- still haven't talked to Mike B today, but he has a cell phone and I could call you from the Stadium if (a) we even go tonight and (b) you're going to be home.

[MSchreader]

20. Sounds like a plan

You have my number. If not, I'll DUMail it to you anyway.

Martin

[shugah]

3. probably us, Martin

:hi:
i'll check with husband when he gets home.

the 4th is our anniversary so we'll be in the city anyway.

[MSchreader]

4. Hey! A two-fer!

Why don't we make it a combined party? A combination birthday/anniversary party! Whaddaya think?

Martin

[newyawker99]

5. kick

:kick:

[noonwitch]

6. Sounds good

Which one-on Beech-Daly or on Plymouth?

Making it on the west side is a good idea-that way DUers from Lansing or AA, or whatever point west won't have as far to drive if they want to come.

[MSchreader]

Last year was Beech Daly

It's close to my house (I live in the Grand River-Lahser area), and last year almost everyone came over to my place afterward. I'd like to do this again.

Martin

[5thGenDemocrat]

7. I'm up for killing some brain cells

I've been spending the last two days rebuilding the West Annex of my library (you remember the library, Martin -- it's the reason that this "three" bedroom house is now a one-bedroom house).
Maybe you should DUmail the respondees on the previous thread and see what their updated plans are. And, for those DUers in need of some light exercise (I don't need any -- I've been rebuilding the West...oh, I already said that) I could bring Andy the Right Wing Republican along. In any event, he'd probably let me borrow his Chrysler (or, better, his Camaro) for the weekend.
Polly and I will be checking in periodically. I'd love to see all of you.
John
Mama Mia's is fine by me. Looking forward to it.

[shugah]

8. kickety

:kick:

[shugah]

9. c'mon michiganders and gooses!

:kick:

[shugah]

10. kicky-poo

:kick:

[MSchreader]

11. Me too

:kick:

[MSchreader]

12. And another...

:kick:

[MSchreader]

15. Yet another

:kick:

Az
Scout
Bain sihde (sp?)
Festivito

Come on, check in!

Martin

[5thGenDemocrat]

13. The Library Renovation continues

Day three of slapping paint.
Martin, as you can tell, I haven't been online here much since, say, last Saturday, so I apologize for not bumping this as necessary. Again, someone should check in on all the nice folk who responded on the first thread here and see how many and who still plan on coming. I need a day out of town (or at least a day away from the fix-up project), so Polly and I will be there.
I'll find some time today to look for last year's birthday thread and PM those folks on it. Tahiti Nut is back in the greater Detroit metroplex and I'll page him as well. Give me a phone call sometime today, Martin and IDENTIFY yourself to Polly -- we're ducking a whole bunch of phone calls at the moment. You have the number.
Bump to the top.
John (and Polly)
Hey, if it's a small get together, that just means more beer for us. See you soon!!

[MSchreader]

14. I'll call this weekend ..... n/t

:kick:

[davsand]

18. Sending regrets from the Illinois contingent.

I was afraid this would happen when I first saw the date. My inlaws are celebrating a 50th Wedding anniversary that weekend. I'm sorry to have to miss out, but that weekend is pretty much a "gotta be there" thing... (Jeesh, how many people can say they've put in 50 years with each other?)

I'm sorry to miss the fun. I'd sure like to see you all.

Laura

[5thGenDemocrat]

19. Send Kevsand's parents our regards

And cheer yourself up with the knowledge that it is now just 265 days, 22 hours and 52 minutes to FUNDAY X.
John
Under the circumstances, we sure hope Kev is coming this time around. Polly says "hi."

[davsand]

21. "Well, it's TEN!! Of course it's a big one!"

Was his response. :) He has a reverence for FunDay, as you can tell...

Do give Mike and Andy a hug from me. I realize it's odd to say that about Andy the right-winger, but I have a special bond with any man who lets me drive his Camaro. As for Mike, I just enjoy him a lot... Tell Polly and Annie that I miss heck outta them and I'm looking forward to getting back up there.

And you, Marty and John-- I surely do miss you two. I'm sorry to not make it up for this event, but family peace is a major accomplishment with this crew.

Who knows--maybe one day my family room will be fit for human occupation again. We had rain last night and it didn't flood, so maybe we have the water thing under control. If that is finally the case we might even put down some carpet again and be able to open the doors to another gathering of some sorts.

I have to wonder, now that gatherings are more common will we have more attendees? Last time around it was a new thing and people were kind of creeped out by it. This time around, it is old hat and recognized as not being a "hostage situation"!

Have fun!

Laura

[davsand]

22. Just a kick!

Gotta make sure the Michigan contingent knows about this!

Laura

[MSchreader]

26. Keep it kickin'

:kick:

[MSchreader]

23. Az, scout, Festivito, bain sidhe, and all other Michigan DUers

Please check in. Also, I'll be sending out DUMails to people later tonight.

Martin

[Festivito]

24. I'd love to make it.

Mummy's pnuemonia might be finished by then. I could use a night out within a fortress of reasoned individuals, or just saying happy birthday to our grand instigator. Can't help but like John.
-Fes

[5thGenDemocrat]

25. Thank you for the kind words

Hope your mom is feeling better and that you can make it. If not, remember that it is now just 264 days, 19 hours and 53 minutes to FUNDAY X. At the same old place.
John
Or maybe it's the Old Same Place. Either way, hope to see you Saturday night, Fest.

[MSchreader]

27. My late-night DUMail to Michigan DUers

If I missed you, let me know. I did the best I could from memory!

---

Hi! Once again, we are taking the opportunity to celebrate 5thGenDemocrat's birthday to have an official "unofficial" DU gathering in Michigan. This letter is an official "unofficial" invitation, with information on the gathering.

Like last year, we will be gathering for dinner at Mama Mia's Italian Restaurant, 19385 Beech Daly Rd. (at the corner of Beech Daly and Grand River). A map of the location can be found here:

http://www.smartpages.com/home/mamamiares28389069

The dinner will begin around 8 p.m. and last until we are ready to head back to my place for the afterparty and refreshments -- which will start around 9:30-10 p.m., and last until whenever.

Please RSVP me as soon as possible so I can make the reservations and have everything arranged in advance. I will be awfully busy on Saturday (I am going to the Equal Rights rally in Lapeer that day), so the sooner you respond the better. You can either DUMail me, or e-mail me at [e-mail].

I look forward to hearing from you soon, and hope to see you there on October 4.

Cheers;
Martin (MSchreader)
[e-mail]

[5thGenDemocrat]

28. Hey Martin

I talked to Andy the Right Wing Republican yesterday and he said he had no problem with me borrowing his cool eggplant-purple Chrysler for the day/overnight. Now, he was on his third or fourth Bud Light when I asked him, so I'll remind him again today, but the odds are pretty good you won't have to do the double round-trip to Saginaw this year.
Andy may be a fascist reactionary, but he is a generous fascist reactionary.
John
What time are you getting back from Lapeer? Should Polly and I plan a little extra Value Village time on Saturday?

[MSchreader]

29. Probably be back about 4-5 p.m.

The rally is scheduled to end about 3 p.m., so we'll be back an hour or so after that. Take all the VV time you need, since the festivities don't really start until around 8 p.m. anyway.

Martin

[5thGenDemocrat]

30. Martin

Any response from our fellow DUers (the DUmail thing)? At the rate we're going here, it looks like Kool-Aid and tuna fish sandwiches at your house.
John
Which is okay if you like Kool-Aid and tuna fish sandwiches.

[MSchreader]

31. Got some responses already

It may be a smaller gathering than last year, but it's still Italian food at Mama Mia's and refreshments at my place.

Martin

[5thGenDemocrat]

33. Right

I confirmed the Chrysler with Andy the Right Wing Republican. He said the car needs an oil change and, if I wanted to get that done, everything would be copacetic (any cheap oil change places near you?).
Hey, there's still a couple of days to go -- I suspect this will all work out A-OK.
John
For me. For you. For the Chrysler.

[MSchreader]

34. Yessir

There are quite a few -- ranging from $20-40. Good enough?

Martin

P.S.: When you get here, I have a new toy to show you. (Teeheehee!)

[JanMichael]

32. Dude! You KNOW I'd show up if I could...

However with all of my new responsibilities I'm shot on vacartion time and (even though Steph wants to meet you) just can't do it until spring.

Rock the house down though...Uh huh, we have no other choice now do we?

[MSchreader]

35. I know

We'll see you in the spring, then.

Martin

[MSchreader]

36. Friday morning kick

:kick:

One more day to RSVP me about this weekend. I'll be running a lot on Saturday (picking up my roommate at 10:30, in Lapeer at noon, back in Detroit at 4 p.m., party at 8 p.m.), so even if you don't hear from me right away, consider yourself confirmed.

I'll see everyone this weekend!

Martin

[5thGenDemocrat]

37. Martin

Polly told me you called (2x) this AM. Regarding our arrival time, I guess I have to wait until Andy the Right Wing Republican gets home from work (he works) so I can get my left-wing, America-hating, lie-beral wacko hands on the Chrysler. Also, I was under the impression that I was coming down tomorrow (esp as you were going to be in Lapeer midday).
Anyhow, I'm conscious again. Was up until 5 am watching the late night news (Lord -- what a trio of lead stories!) and reading a 600-page biography of Wild Bill Donovan. You can give me a call or send me a DUmail. I'll be here all day.
See you tomorrow or, if things pan out, later tonight. Depends on what our favorite fascist's plans are.
John
Do we have a large invite list yet? Hope so.

[MSchreader]

40. I only remember calling once

Anyway, as I told her, you're free to come down anytime today or tomorrow. I figured you'd want to put in a full day of VVing before the party, so I planned for you to be here today.

I'll give you a call later this afternoon to see what's what.

Martin

[5thGenDemocrat]

42. Re: The 2x comment

Upon further review, Polly says the other call "may have been" from Capital One. Eep.
John
Doing my humble part to bring down the capitalist system and, not coincidentally, my credit rating.

[davsand]

38. Have fun and Happy Birthday, John!

I'm sorry I can't be there with you, but I'll sure be there in spirit! I hope you have a great time and drink one or two for me--ok?

Hugs and kisses to all the folks I wanted to see, and a big ol' wet sloppy one to the Birthday Boy!

Laura

[5thGenDemocrat]

39. Thanks, Laura

My regards to Kev's parents.
As far as drinking one or two for you, well hell -- I AM driving Andy's car so what the heck.
John
Honestly, no -- no drinking and driving...last time I did that (11 years ago) it wound up costing me $840 and a LOT of, um, inconvenience.

[davsand]

41. Older and WISER!!

I knew there was a reason I thought so highly of you! :)

Have fun!

Laura

[5thGenDemocrat]

43. And here I thought it was my devastating good looks and boyish charm

But, alas, at 47 neither of those two are very likely. So sobriety is a virtue.
John
Also, I'd like to return Andy's car in the condition in which I found it (it ain't a rental).

[StaggerLee]

44. I won't be able to make

I have a family member in the hospital (maybe checking out on Saturday and I have to drive him home) AND I have walking pneumonia. I'm on antibiotics and will be missing out on all the fun.

John, I hope you have a blast on your special day.
Give my regards to Polly, Beth, Robert and Martin.

How many more days until Funday X?

Marcos-

[5thGenDemocrat]

45. It's now 259 days, 16 hours and two minutes to FUNDAY X

Alcohol doesn't go with antibiotics anyhow. Rest and get better, and we'll see you soon.
John (and Polly)
Hope your family member is better, too. See you at FUNDAY.

[5thGenDemocrat]

46. Hey Marty...

It is now 8:47...John is on his way to Andy's to pick up the car I am packing and we will be on the road in about a half hour.

John request that you be the "twister" NOW! Please and thank you. See ya in about 2 hours.

Polly