Apple Pie Skepticism, October 8th at Kitty's Place

[Nova Land]

While Kitty is away in Europe seems like an ideal time to announce the selection of Sunday October the 8th at Kitty's place as the date and site for a skeptics' potluck get-together. Festivities will start about 11 am (or whenever people arrive). A full plan for the day is still under construction -- hence this thread -- but here are some of the things likely to be part of the party:

Apples! I'm planning to bring a bushel of apples, fresh from the orchard, some of which I'll cook up the night before into fresh apple sauce (and, time/energy permitting, into a couple of apple pies and apple cakes) with a good selection left for people to take home. Northern Spy, a very fine apple, should be coming in by then, and there should also be some nice Macintosh. (And if there are any good specimens left I'll bring along a Pound Sweet or two -- not that tasty, but very interesting to look at!)

Kayaking! Weather permitting, we'll go out on the water during the afternoon. (I didn't realize how fun, or addictive, kayaking could be until being introduced to it 2 years ago at a gathering like this at Kitty's. Now it's something I look forward to all year.)

Live Entertainment! We have 3 incredible acts already booked for this event, including performance art, magic, and more magic!

First up is Dingo the World's Cutest Dog, in an astounding performance as a lap-dog which may leave you gasping for breath! Amazingly convincing, this performance works on even hardened skeptics!

Also appearing, by special request and for a limited engagement, is the magnificent magic of Louie the Supercorgi, who will make an astonishing assortment of foods vanish from places you would never have believed he could reach!

And rounding out the show, Theodate the Wonder Cat will baffle you with her incredible Invisible Cat trick! I wonder where the cat is, you'll ask in astonishment, but you won't see her anywhere!

Potluck! Skeptics cannot live by apples alone, so bring along a potluck dish to share with Louie other skeptics.

Lively Conversation! Some of the finest skeptics in New England will be present, and discussing a wide range of topics.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Contrary to what some of you may have heard (or read in PMs) there will NOT be discussion at this time of Kitty's plan to overthrow Darat and take over the Forum. No such plan exists, and any PDFs you may have read containing the text of such a plan are non-existent. Not to mention out-of-date; if you are planning to attend this get-together, please read the non-existent amended PDF, which has significant revisions and amplifications.
Any references you may have seen to this plan were simply a joke. It would be best if people refrained from making any further mention of this plan in this thread, since it would only alert the admin confuse people.

[mumchup]

I'd like to go! I've been reading about all these N.E. get-togethers forever and I'd like to come to one finally.

[SkepticScott]

I'll be there.

[Boo]

It's marked on the calender......



Boo

[Nova Land]

Hi! Just a quick note while I have time and computer access. Apple season is going well, with very attractive (and tasty) apples. We've moved into the busiest part of season now, with lots of Macintosh needing to come off the trees very soon, but by the week of October 1st things should be slowing down.

There was a story on apples in the Rutland Herald last Sunday (September 17th) which included a picture of one of our pickers (a young woman named Sarah, who has been picking with us for the last few years). Unfortunately the on-line edition of the paper doesn't include the picture. But I thought I'd post a link to the story anyway, since it does give a fairly good description of this year's crop (and of some of the problems facing growers). I'm not sure how long the story will be available on their web site, so here's a short excerpt of some key passages.
Vt. growers expect smaller crops, larger apples (http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060917/NEWS/609100393) by Bruce Edwards, staff writer

Don't look for a bumper apple crop this year. Wet spring weather hurt this year's apple harvest while some orchards were also hit with damaging hail, according to apple growers. On the bright side, they said apples are bigger and have more color this year.

The rainy spring, growers said, stunted or delayed pollination of the state's apple trees.

"We had fairly limited windows for pollination to occur," said Steve Justus, a spokesman for the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets. "The bees weren't flying" ...

Up until the past few years, the state's apple harvest was in the neighborhood of 1 million bushels but Justis said the state has lost a number of its apple orchards with growers squeezed by cheaper apples from other states and overseas.

"It's not a disaster by any means but probably not one of our most productive crops," said Millie Steingress of Mendon Mountain Orchards in Mendon.

As if the spring rains weren't bad enough, Steingress said a recent hail storm also damaged some of the crop.

When the final numbers are tallied, Steingress estimated her crop in the 3,500 to 4,000 bushels range, which would be off a little from a year ago. Like most growers, the bulk of her apples are Macintosh...
At the orchard where I'm picking (down in the southern part of the state, near Bellows Falls) there is definitely a lighter crop than in most years. But the apples are ripening up very nicely. The generous amounts of rain this year have helped the apples size up, and the cool nights have helped them color up, much better than in the past few years when the weather has been just too warm and we've had significant problems with undersized and undercolored apples.

There were some very nice Ginger Golds, but those are almost all gone now so I won't be able to bring any of those on the 8th. (There are a few left on the trees, which I eat whenever I walk by and discover one. One of my favorite apples when they're good, and this year they've been very good.) But there are some very nice Honey Crisp still left, as well as some surprisingly nice Gala which are hanging on well, so I may be able to bring some samples of those along on the 8th. And the Macoun are exceptionally good this year, and just coming into their prime this next week, so those should also be nice for the party.

I probably won't post much for the coming week, but am very much looking forward to seeing folks on the 8th!

[Hamradioguy]

I'm doing a presentation for our College's Fall Alumnae Reunion but I believe I am scheduled on Saturday. If so I'll be at Kitty's on the 8th. I really don't want to miss the invisible cat- That's my favorite kind of cat! (Do I need to bring cheese?)

[Kitten]

Looks as if I will be making an appearance at this party... which means there will certainly be kayaking involved, as long as the weather is nice or even if it's not as I am known to kayak in rain, snow, sleet, hail... pretty much all weather.

Anyone care to give me (and possibly Rebecca) a ride up from Boston, or will I be stuck on hours of public transportation? Let me know!

[Tanja]

Damn apples! Couldn't they have been picked in May, so that I get to meet Kitty and Nova Land in addition to all the lovely people I met while there...
*sulk*

[kittynh]

Please Come!!!

Let me know, though if you just show up I'm not going to turn you away!


Lots of fun. We're borrowing an Playstation with the new air guitar game (for the kids, but honestly, the songs they use are a little older so I rock at this game...the teens have never heard of groups like "Chicago" and "Joan Jett". Oh yeah, we will so kill them...)

Also, we will all learn fork bending.

Vegetarian food, even vegan food !!!

And meat if someone wants meat. Pool Boys eat meat.

Kids, pets..you bring them I'll feed them.

Bring a snack or food to share if you want. IT's up to you. As long as there is take out pizza, none of us will starve.

Unless Louie gets to the food first. Just seeing Louie in action is worth the trip from anywhere. I love that dog.

[grayman]

Sigh...1900 miles away from macintosh apples...:(

[Boo]

Definitely will be there with kids in tow. You have been warned.



Boo

[kittynh]

Boo, I"m searching the basement for the old Duplo Zoo. It's a big treat when I bring it in for my kids at school. Hey, Nova Land was just saying that skeptics are seen as being intellectual cheerless people. The point of our get togethers is that we aren't. It's fun, it's a little crazy (Louie The Wonder Dog, dare I say he's the one I've been most looking forward to seeing?), and hey, it's life! Let's just say skeptics are far more "normal" than fundies would think.

Though if Sylvia Browne shows up I'm going to hit her over the head with a copy of her childrens book "What Happens When Animals Die?".

[mumchup]

Though if Sylvia Browne shows up I'm going to hit her over the head with a copy of her childrens book "What Happens When Animals Die?".

I call dibs on going at her with a pair of nail clippers! Those twisted claws make me wretch.

[Boo]

I call dibs on going at her with a pair of nail clippers! Those twisted claws make me wretch.


Nail clippers wont work on nails that long. We'll have to use pliers:D




Boo

[mumchup]

Pliers... hmmm... You know, that sounds like way more fun than clippers too.

[kittynh]

OK who is bringing Sylvia to the party?

This could be the best party EVER!!!!

[Beady]

Hmm, dunno. It's kind of short notice, and Beady2 and Mrs Beady2 may be up for the weekend.

BTW, where's Kittynh's place? I know it's not far from Keene, but that covers a lot of territory.

[kittynh]

between Brattleboro VT and Keene NH on route 9. Like right off it.

Not drive 20 miles off it!

Sometimes people come down via Westmoreland and Walpole. (crossing over at Bellows Falls VT)

[Jeff Wagg]

I'll be there, with my camera, should there be any special pictures that need to be taken.

Can we blow something up? Mentos and Diet Coke?

[Beady]

Can we blow something up? Mentos and Diet Coke?

When are we going to have another firewalk/bed-of-nails/etc?

[grayman]

Okay, I may not be there in person, but I am working on a way to be there in spirit, we'll see if it works...;)

[kittynh]

Jeff, we so HAVE to do mentos and diet coke.

You are now in charge. Make sure there is enough for everyone. And I rather think Wal Mart of superdiscount brand will work just as well?

If anyone hasn't figured it out yet, this is a semi-formal.

No need for your tux to get all wet with soda!

[grayman]

Jeff, we so HAVE to do mentos and diet coke.

!

Time to visit this thread (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=53936) Kitty.

[kittynh]

Totally guilty as charged!!!

I'm afraid I often speak with enough slang phrases and annoying catch phrases as to pass for a Southern Cal valley girl.

(DC native though)

Hanging around with preschooler presents problems also. If the 3 year olds are saying it, I"m saying it. Usually something that Disney or Pixar has made popular.

Pool boy is going deaf, and he's rather enjoying it.

[Mercutio]

When are we going to have another firewalk/bed-of-nails/etc?

I wasn't gonna bring the bed of nails, but I can if there is sufficient interest.

In other news, I just bought a kayak of my own...a cute little folbot Aleut. Really good shape--ought to be; I paid all of $40 for it....

[mumchup]

I was thinking about bringing a big pot of vegan chili. Anybody up for that? (hot flavoring on the side)

[Hamradioguy]

I'll be there, with my camera, should there be any special pictures that need to be taken.

Can we blow something up? Mentos and Diet Coke?

I'm all out of Tovex(tm) and my State Explosives license (#008 I'll have you know) has just expired. Maybe we can blow up an inner tube....or something....

[Beady]

I was thinking about bringing a big pot of vegan chili. Anybody up for that? (hot flavoring on the side)

Merc's bed of nails is much more fun.

[kittynh]

mum, I'm doing chili! So something else would be great! It's just easy for me and the crock pot! I already got the tofu ground "beef" so its too late to change!

[kittynh]

I'm all out of Tovex(tm) and my State Explosives license (#008 I'll have you know) has just expired. Maybe we can blow up an inner tube....or something....

in NH do you really need a license to blow stuff up?

I think it's ok, Live Free And Die, right?

[mumchup]

mum, I'm doing chili! So something else would be great! It's just easy for me and the crock pot! I already got the tofu ground "beef" so its too late to change!

Cool, that's why I was asking, I'll just come up with something else. I've never made vegetarian chili with beef replacement before, I always just add more various vegetables than usual. I'll have to try some even though I have an irrational and unproven dislike of tofu.

[supercorgi]

Also appearing, by special request and for a limited engagement, is the magnificent magic of Louie the Supercorgi, who will make an astonishing assortment of foods vanish from places you would never have believed he could reach!


Ah damn, the timing is terrible! :( Louie the Supercorgi regrets to tell you that he has a prior engagement. It is time for our annual CorgiFest and he needs to defend his title as World's Fastest Hotdog Gobbler. I'm going to miss seeing all of you and Louie is going to miss playing with Dingo. Take pictures so I can be very depressed that I missed such a good time.

[kittynh]

TAKE PHOTOS!!! We want to see Louie in action!

And Louie had better come the the Newton Day party ok?

I love Louie. Good luck buddy! We are rooting for you.

[Hamradioguy]

in NH do you really need a license to blow stuff up?

I think it's ok, Live Free And Die, right?

State license AND a federal license as well.

Willie saw some dynamite
Couldn't understand it quite
Curiosity never pays,
It rained Willie for seven days

So, just cheese....unless you require something additional of a non-explosive nature

[kittynh]

Cheese is always welcome!

Plus does anyone have a coffee maker and coffee?

I don't, and being a tea drinker when I have attempted to make coffee, it has been a disaster.

I have also been told "instant" coffee isn't coffee.

[grayman]

Vegan chili? Tofu? No coffee?!?!?!

Now I remember why I don't live in New England any more.

:p

[Boo]

I'll bring the coffee maker and real coffee....


Boo

[kittynh]

We have vegans and vegetarians coming. I just use my real MEAT recipe, and put in the ground beef tofu. It's not too bad. But yeah, living near Brattleboro Vermont you learn to cook Vegan fast, and you never say, "Wait, no one can have 2 moms!"

Oh yes they can.

[mumchup]

We have vegans and vegetarians coming. I just use my real MEAT recipe, and put in the ground beef tofu. It's not too bad. But yeah, living near Brattleboro Vermont you learn to cook Vegan fast, and you never say, "Wait, no one can have 2 moms!"

Oh yes they can.

My sister has a vegetarian friend who doesn't invite meat eaters over for dinner because she says she doesn't want to be bothered worrying about what they'll eat. We had a laugh about that one.
My diet is only restricted by my incredible pickiness, but I'll cook to anyone's tastes, vegetarian, vegan, lactose-intolerant, you name it. It's good practice for the recipe-devising skills.

[grayman]

I just got back from a run into town where I discovered that one of the local markets had some macintosh apples (albeit bruised) on sale. I'm happy for a while.

:)

[kittynh]

Nova Land plans to spend most of Saturday cooking, thus showing the meat eaters that vegan apple recipes are good tasting. Mind you, he picks these apples off the tree himself! Fresh from the tree apples would taste good cooked in dirt!

Meanwhile it should be noted I have what is called by my physician "Moderate allergic reaction to the flu shot". In other words, I feel like I have the freaking flu!!!

I am spending most the day in bed, with a fever and muscle pain, thinking....OK, I blame the mess that is my house on the person that first comes to the party. I had it perfectly clean until....Nova, yeah HE showed up and just threw stuff all around (including dust and the occasional cobweb).

I guess the point of the flu shot for myself is I get to pick when I have the flu. Like NOW!!!

My physician assured me that I would recover and that this years vaccine was causing a few more reactions than usual. I asked her to come over and help me clean my house, and how about making some cookies?

[rebecca]

I'm going to try to make it Sunday. Why couldn't it be Saturday? Sunday is football! Sigh.

[kittynh]

apple pickers work on Saturdays....I know...

I wanted Saturday also!

But thanks Rebecca!

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

I can't make it. My model club's annual contest is on Sunday. I hope you guys have a good time. Save me some vegan leftovers.

~~ Paul

[Nova Land]

Ah damn, the timing is terrible! :( Louie the Supercorgi regrets to tell you that he has a prior engagement...
Alas! But I look forward to meeting you and Louie another time.

This means we are missing one of our star attractions, so we will instead be offering a door prize to one lucky participant. (No, not a door for a prize.)

Since Kitty already auctioned off Kitten (along with a moon rock) last month to raise money for the TAM scholarship, we can't give Kitten away as the prize. The obvious alternative is to offer Rebecca as a prize, but that idea had to be crossed off as well, since it's not definite that Rebecca is coming. (She has an important church service "football game" on Sunday, and it would be tacky to give away a prize if the prize isn't actually present.)

But I have something almost as good to offer: a slightly battered paperback copy of Denise Osborne's 2001 mystery novel A Deadly Arrangement (http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Arrangement-Feng-Shui-Mysteries/dp/0425181847).

As mystery novels go, the characters aren't very interesting, the plot isn't very memorable, and the puzzle isn't very good. (The solution to the mystery is somewhat arbitrary: Okay, the author appears to have said to herself, I've written 200 pages and need to wrap this up soon, so I guess it's time to pick a character as the murderer, cobble up a motive, and have the heroine discover a secret room with a bunch of evidence that identifies the murderer.)

What makes this book of interest to skeptics is that it is not simply a mystery, it is a feng shui mystery. The heroine (like the author of the book) is a feng shui practitioner, and throughout the book she goes into numerous digressions on feng shui principles. At one point, for example, she has been invited to speak to the Women of Mystery book club (since her ex-husband was a famous mystery novelist and she had been his researcher when they were still married). But she manages to steer the talk into an explanation of feng shui, which the book club members enjoy much more.

If you have doubts about how well feng shui works, this book will clear things up for you. It includes numerous examples where Salome advises people on things they can do to improve various aspect of their lives -- and almost invariably, within a few weeks there is a major improvement for them. One person follows her advice, and shortly thereafter is offered a 6-figure contract. Another follows her advice, and shortly afterwards the relatives who have been ignoring her for years get back in touch. Absolutely amazing -- but as well-reasoned, as authoritative, and as irrefutable as a Michael Crichton thriller.

Here's an excerpt from page 5, in which the the heroine, Salome Waterhouse, is on her way to do a feng shui consultation when she encounters someone she has helped. Just last month Salome had feng shuied the four-bedroom "hideaway" that Janelle and her oil baron husband used...

"You off to a consultation?"

Being a client entitled Janelle to a bit more than a curt good-bye. But before Salome could reply, Janelle exclaimed, "You won't believe this -- but of course you will -- Tommy puts the toilet seat and lid down after he pees! Twenty years I've been tryin' to get him to do that, and you made it happen. Hope you're ready to travel, honey, 'cause I've told all my friends in Texas about you. Don't worry, though, I haven't breathed a word about the toilet secret. Let them pay for it."

Salome had to smile. What Janelle called the "toilet secret" had probably done more to increase her client base than any of the many house enhancements in her repertoire. Her female clients invariably passed the word that Salome Waterhouse had the answer to the age-old problem of how to get men to put down the toilet seat and lid.

Tentatively, the plan is to draw up a list of all the possible attenders, and to award the book to whoever doesn't show up for the party. (If more than one person doesn't show up, the book can be torn into as many pieces as necessary...) So if you don't want to get stuck with some or all of this book, be sure to show up.

[mumchup]

Tentatively, the plan is to draw up a list of all the possible attenders, and to award the book to whoever doesn't show up for the party. (If more than one person doesn't show up, the book can be torn into as many pieces as necessary...) So if you don't want to get stuck with some or all of this book, be sure to show up.

Hmm... First, I must know: If I don't attend what are the chances I'll get the piece that has the toilet secret in it?

[kittynh]

William Tell anyone?

We are going to have apples.

I think it will work.

[Mercutio]

Are you making overtures?

[Boo]

I can see now that this headed straight to da dump.....


Boo

[kittynh]

I have purchased bows and arrows!

Part of the Lone Ranger and Tonto playset!

[Beady]

I can see now that this headed straight to da dump.....

Are you complaining, or anticipating?

BTW, it looks like we're going to make it. Mrs Beady wants to know what to bring; she's thinking blueberry and cranberry bread. Me, I want to know how to get there.

BTW, it's a four-hour drive and I expect to be handed a glass of cider and shown the bathroom upon arrival, in that order. No sense wasting time.

[ferd burfle]

I can see now that this headed straight to da dump.....


Boo

To da dump, to da dump, to da dump dump dump

Some of us got it, Boo ;)

Ferd

[Beady]

To da dump, to da dump, to da dump dump dump

Some of us got it, Boo ;)

Ferd


:duck:

[supercorgi]

William Tell anyone?

We are going to have apples.

I think it will work.

Oh great! Now you make it even harder to not attend! :( I could have brought my 2 recurve bows and the armor piercing arrows that I have. Drat!

[rebecca]

Anybody coming from Hampton Beach area? I'd like to try to get to a Strokes concert with some friends Sunday night, but didn't realize how far away it was from Keane. Who knew that NH was more than 90 miles wide?

[Mercutio]

Anybody coming from Hampton Beach area? I'd like to try to get to a Strokes concert with some friends Sunday night, but didn't realize how far away it was from Keane. Who knew that NH was more than 90 miles wide?

Hampton Beach is 20-30 minutes away, along a beautiful oceanside drive. No way am I doing that for you. [/scrut]

I think I'm prolly closest.

[rebecca]

Hampton Beach is 20-30 minutes away, along a beautiful oceanside drive. No way am I doing that for you. [/scrut]

I think I'm prolly closest.

Yeah? If you're interested, I might be able to scrounge up another ticket, too.

[Mercutio]

When do you need to know by? If soon, assume "no". But I am happy to give you the ride.

[rebecca]

Yeah, probably "soon," but it's okay - I'm not positive that there's another ticket. A ride would be awesome, though. The show starts at 8pm according to the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, though I could probably show up whenever.

Also, I had no idea there was a casino in New Hampshire.

[Mercutio]

It's not a real casino...although I guess it once was. Now it's a "ballroom". I've seen a few bands there. There is an arcade just down the strip. It is the best people-watching in NH. Complete freak show.

So I'll let fate decide. If there's a ticket, I'd be glad to join you. If not, have fun without me. Hell, if you get a better offer, have fun with him/her.

[rebecca]

It's not a real casino...although I guess it once was. Now it's a "ballroom". I've seen a few bands there. There is an arcade just down the strip. It is the best people-watching in NH. Complete freak show.

So I'll let fate decide. If there's a ticket, I'd be glad to join you. If not, have fun without me. Hell, if you get a better offer, have fun with him/her.

You know there's no offer I'd consider better.

[Mercutio]

You know there's no offer I'd consider better.Yeah, well, you're insane, so your opinion doesn't count.

[rebecca]

Yeah, well, you're insane, so your opinion doesn't count.

Ah, good point . . . must be why we get along so well.

[Beady]

Look, I really hate to sound like a noodge, but would someone please tell me, where the hell is Kitty's place? Somewhere on 9, between Brattleboro and Keene, just doesn't cut it.

[SkepticScott]

I PMed it to you.

[kittynh]

thanks Scott! I finally went to my MD today and she said, "oh yeah, you are having quite the reaction!" Then she gave me sleepy pills.

So....I've been napping and not cleaning!

AUGH!

OK, Scott is way better at directions than I am! Just get to Brattleboro!

[SkepticScott]

Kitty,
I just send Beady your address, not directions. maps.google.com should give accurate directions.

[Beady]

I finally went to my MD today and she said, "oh yeah, you are having quite the reaction!" Then she gave me sleepy pills.

So....I've been napping and not cleaning!

AUGH!


This is going to be one fun party. Lessez les bons temps roulez!!!

Scott, got it, and thanks.

[Larry Barrieau]

Looks like I'll make it after all. I'll bring something of course. See you all there.

[Katana]

Have a great time, you guys.

I'm sorry that I will not be able to make it. I was hoping to make my first appearance at a forum event, but some things have come up unexpectedly which require me to stay closer to home.

I hope to make it to the next New England gathering, though! :)

[Beady]

I'm sorry that I will not be able to make it.

Crap! I was going to bring my katana and have it out with you. :mad:

[kittynh]

Beady, I did wake up enough to buy some cider!

Nova is doing stuff with apples in the kitchen, and I have some guidance balloons to put up, so look for some balloons.

[Katana]

Crap! I was going to bring my katana and have it out with you. :mad:
Well, Beady, I didn't know that you were so skilled with the sword.

I'll keep that in mind for the next gathering. ;)

[kittynh]

hey katana, we can come visit YOU!!!!

Seriously!!!

And yeah for Larry coming!

Seriously sad balloons, so do check your internet directions carefully.

Look for the pumpkin with "skeptic party" written on it and park in the circle. Or you could end up at little Madison Carters 8th birthday party. She is having ponies, so it might not be a bad choice.

Bring your archery skills (though with only dollar store achery equipment we're talking a lot of luck) and we'll hit some apples off of WILLAM TELLS SON!

Seriously, I dug him up and he's almost as good as new. Let's hope the wild animals leave him alone tonight and he'll be ready for duty!

Oh I have some beer, and soda and juice boxes. Whatever else it is you drink, please bring!

[kittynh]

did I mention I have no clue when this starts or ends? Just show up...

I think it's lunch, but then some are coming after 1:00. Nova is here all night. As is Kitten. So come one come all, and come whenever.

It should be noted that I am NOT Martha Stewart, but as long as there is pizza to send out for, none shall go hungry!

And we have a lotta apples.

[Nova Land]

... If I don't attend what are the chances I'll get the piece that has the toilet secret in it?That would be zero.

In the quoted passage the Janelle character says, "Don't worry, though, I haven't breathed a word about the toilet secret. Let them pay for it." In saying that, the character appears to be speaking the author's feeling on the matter. The teaser I quoted is the only passage in the book about the toilet secret. Sorry to get your hopes up.

(Does anyone know what the secret is? Or, if not, does anyone have any suggestions for how to obtain it? Perhaps we should start a thread about that elsewhere in the forum...)

[Beady]

Nova is doing stuff with apples in the kitchen, and I have some guidance balloons to put up, so look for some balloons.

I've been looking for balloons all my adult life (don't tell Mrs B I said that).

ETA We're leaving here about 7, so should be there 11 - 12.

[grayman]

I've been looking for balloons all my adult life (don't tell Mrs B I said that).

.

Beady, you're in luck! Look what I found for you (http://www.pioneervalleyballoons.com/).

[rebecca]

I just got home, and I think I can say the party was a smashing success. There were about 14 different types of apple products, of which I sampled each . . . twice. Okay, three times. Great vegan chili, yummy autumn beers, and a big crowd of fun skeptics. We even had a few budding skeptics there. I think one of them may have been corrupted. NOT BY ME.

A lot of us even got to go out kayaking, and it was a beautiful day. The sun was blasting, the sky was clear, and the leaves were a million different colors. The water was . . . well, it's October. So of course, Larry forced me to jump out of a tree on a rope swing into the freezing water. By "forced" I mean he went first and then mocked me. Kitten made matters worse by offering to jump if I jumped. Damn you all! I can't believe I take the rap for being a bad influence.

Of course, the best part of the day came at the very end, when Kitty found my Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou DVD. A happy ending! Heh...

All in all, a very fun time. Thanks guys! And thanks Scott, for the rides to and from the middle of nowhere, NH!

[Larry Barrieau]

It was a great time! Thanks Kitty.

What a fun birthday for me. The only thing that could have made it better would have been TS. Let's see, I got a chance to shoot arrows at Merc, I was hugged by a number of skepchicks, I went rope swinging into a clear NH lake with Kitten and Rebecca, I had my kayak rammed repeatedly by Sarah and Kitten, I ate tons of desserts, I got a special cake from Canada, I got presents,... well, it was great.

Thanks everyone, you all made it special.

[mumchup]

That was a blast! I am definitely coming to the next one. And the one after that. My daughter really enjoyed the kayaking and the barfing pumpkin. And the wide selection of cheese to eat.
It was great to meet everyone, and to revisit with those I already knew.

[Mattfn]

Rats, I've had to be MIA for too long and missed this. I could have contributed the following:

--I make a mean, towering over the top apple pie, which incoporates maple sugar syrup to boot.

--Mint Mentos and Diet Coke.....heck, I have accessories!

--Used to be a very good archer....I could have organized the William Tell portion of the weekend. Somebody could have been caught sitting still and not paying enough attention for one minute anyway.

AH well, speaking as a true Red Sox fan, there's always next year, isn't there?

M-A :moose: