Organizing thread for Boston Dec 11th.

[TayTay]

Okay, you nice folks have stunned me. (To coin a phrase.) I can't believe that so many wonderful folks are coming up to Boston for Sen. KErry's Birthday Party/fundraiser. I am so excited about this, it's going to make my head explode. (Seriously.) We are beginning to get a head count and a very, very rough outline of what people will need in terms of accommodations and such to make this work and work at the minimum price possible.

What we need now is to get organized and figure out how to:

Solicit available rooms so people have a place to bunk in before the event.

Find out what people want to do BEFORE the event and see if we can make it happen. (Tours of Boston? Tours of Beacon Hill? Lunches, dinners, etc.)

Find out how many people want rooms the night OF the event.
Preliminary info: The Boston Park Plaza is a part of the Sheraton Hotel chain and accepts Sheraton Choice-Stay points. Reservations are made here: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/index.html I have not finished looking into how to get the best, but cheapest room rates available but here is a fairly good estimate of one night's stay: $179.00. (AAA rate) This is for two double-beds, with a cot rolled in. (The heavy, thick-mat tressed cot is $10.) After city and state taxes, figure on $200. (Yeah, Boston is very pricey.) This means less than $70 a person.

Now, if we could have a post from party-goers as to:

When are you arriving? Do you need a room before the night of the event? (Dec 11th.) Will you be driving in? Are you flying into Logan Airport? (That means either a cab or public transportation into Boston. It's not that long a trip. The public transport is $1.25 each way on the MBTA subway or 'the T.')

I am looking for the following:

TayTAy is coming alone. I am arriving on Saturday morning on a flight into Logan Airport. I need a place to stay Sat. night, but I want to stay at the Park Plaza on Sunday night and get an early flight out of town Monday. I want and need a place to stay Sat. and would like a 'light' tour of Boston on Sat or Sunday.

Another type of post might mention that you are coming into town with someone else, need housing for all nights and want to stay together. Etc. But I need some basics in order to start to organize.

Once this is known, then we can PM with private info. But I will make a list, figure out how to allocate resources and needs and, hopefully, do my part to make this event come off with very few hitches.

Thanks! I hope this will help to clarify our plans and make it easier for people and let you know what to expect.

[MH1]

1. PA contingent: MH and globalvillage

We will be arriving on the 10th (midday to early afternoon, methinks) and departing midday-ish on the 12th. We are actually arriving on different flights (Pittsburgh, Philly) but timing to arrive about the same time.

Other details are sketchy at this point. I'm supposed to arrange lodging for the 10th based on whatever points I still have in my old frequent flier accounts. (I quit the frequent flyer biz. I decided I hate flying. Doesn't work well to be a consultant and hate to fly. But, for JK I *will* get on a plane. That says something.) Of course I will shell out the $$ if it comes down to it. (oops, that's $$$ - Boston.)

[globalvillage]

2. Look out, Boston.

Flight arrangements made.

MH1 arrives in Boston 12/10 at 12:53 and returns to Philly 12/12 at 3:30
GV arrives in Boston 12/10 at 1:04 and returns to Pitt 12/12 at 3:15.

We are renting a car for the 10th, so can head north or stay near town.
Staying at the Marriott Copley(Tay Tay, is that a good choice? Has to be a Marriott.) on the 11th. The 10th is still up in the air.

I can't wait. This is going to be amazing.
Anti-Santorum buttons for everyone (all the best dressed people will be wearing them)!

;)

[whometense]

37. OT, but guess who I met last night?

Harris Wofford! We were chatting before the dinner last night, and he was telling tales of sit-ins in 1968 at SUNY Old Westbury. What a sweet guy. He even told a Santorum story.

[WildEyedLiberal]

3. Well, I basically fit your sample profile

I do not have my plane tickets yet, as when I donated to KAP, I think there was a computer snafu (:grr: ) and my donation was recorded twice, leaving me with almost no wiggle room on my small student credit card balance. So I will need to have that straightened out before I feel comfortable purchasing airfare. Also, airfare depends on whether or not I can reschedule my 7pm final on Monday night.

So, here is how it stands as of now - I am flying into Logan, alone, and should arrive around 1 pm on Saturday. I will need a place to stay Sat. night, and it would be nice if someone could meet me, either at the airport or at some other east-to-find place, so I could a) meet an awesome Kerrycrat and b) not haul my luggage around with me across Boston by myself. So a Saturday/Sunday Boston tour would be nice, and whoever has lodging for Saturday night. I would be interested in the hotel on Sunday night, and my flight Monday morning leaves at 7 am (again assuming I have to have my final that night).

That's about all I know for right now - I will update as I finalize my plane tickets, and etc. But it would be nice to know if someone could pick me up from the airport, and give me a place to stay.

[globalvillage]

4. Hey, we will get into Logan the same time as you.

and will have a car. You're welcome to join the PA group.
Might even be able to help you with Sun night hotel (If I switch to the Courtyard, I think we can get a room with two doubles and a sofa bed).
Sat night is still up in the air.

[rox63]

5. Free room available at my place

I have a spare bedroom with a futon that folds out to a full size bed. Available for Saturday and/or Sunday night. I'm in Lowell, MA, about 30 miles north of Boston, and less than 10 miles from TayTay's place. I could pick someone up from the airport on Saturday. I am also taking the 12th off from work, and would be able to shuttle someone to the airport on Monday.

[WildEyedLiberal]

8. I will definitely think about that Rox, thanks

I think we should all definitely get together for dinner on Saturday. Again I will let people know once I know for sure what flight I will be taking and when I need to go back to the airport. This is gonna be SO much fun!

[Vektor]

25. OMG

WE ARE GOING TO MEET IN THE FLESH!!!!!!

[WildEyedLiberal]

26. OMG

LOOK OUT WORLD!

How can Boston survive?


MORE IMPORTANT QUESTION: Will Boston survive the MASSIVE detonation of that ten-kilo WMD?? :evilgrin:

[Vektor]

27. The whole city will be white-washed!

It will be a splatter painting of epic proportions...

[TayTay]

32. Whome and I discussed this today.

We will take the proper precautions and prepare the city.

OMG is right. This is gonna totally rock. Can't wait. (Saw JK today, btw, looking really good. Not too thin at all. Really good.)

[Vektor]

34. WHERE DID YOU SEE HIM!?!?!

I want to live in Boston SO bad.

[whometense]

38. See this

thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=273x48053

Tay and I were both there. And JK looked gorgeous. And happy.

[Vektor]

41. That is awesome.

Great pics - such a positive vibe in the air. I long for home so bad at times like these. I am SO sick of living among back-assward Neocon bible-thumping Bushbots.

[whometense]

44. Positive vibe is exactly right.

It was a day of good feeling. A real "brotherhood of man" day. And a real boost.

[globalvillage]

10. Thanks for the offer, Rox.

There are two of us traveling together from PA, so that probably won't work for me, but I appreciate the thought.
See you soon!!!

[rox63]

12. Island Blue has claimed the spare room at Rox's place

There's still the sofa in the living room, if someone gets desperate for a place to stay. But Island Blue was first to contact me about crash space on Saturday night. So she gets the futon in the spare room.

[Island Blue]

14. Thanks Rox!

:hi:

[Island Blue]

6. I'm planning to fly in on the 10th and leave on the 12th.

I haven't made my flight arrangements yet, but I'd really rather fly into Manchester rather than Logan because it will be a lot cheaper. I do need a place to stay Saturday night, and the Park Plaza sounds good on Sunday night. I do have questions about getting from (and to) Manchester from where ever I'll be staying. Other than that anything sounds good.

[globalvillage]

9. I would not fly out of Manchester too early, then.

It's a little bit of a drive from Boston. And if Sunday is a late night, you probably won't want an early morning flight.
Manchester is an excellent airport, though. So easy to get in and out of.

[Island Blue]

11. I thought about that too.

I think there are a couple of afternoon flight choices that should work well.

[TayTay]

17. Manchester Airport is an easy drive for either me

or, if she will forgive me, Rox. I would happily take you Monday for the flight back. (I will be coming back from Boston as well.) It's about a 30 -35 minute ride and is a piece of cake to get in and out of. (Great airport. I went through Manchester went I went to Scotland this year. I got there very early (I am such a good doobie) and went through all the checks so fast that I had over an hour and half to kill. Sigh!)

Flight time out of Manchester of 12:00 pm and later works for me. If you are flying into Manchester I can work out a pickup time as well. Especially if Rox does the Logan run. (You are a better person than me Rox for doing that. I am less good driving into Boston. You rock kiddo!)

[Island Blue]

18. Tay Tay

I'm planning to fly into Manchester, but don't have my flight booked yet. I'm planning to stay with Rox, but I don't care who picks me up. (I'll just be grateful that someone does!) I'm going to try to get an afternoon time out (on Monday) so if we do stay in Boston Sunday night we won't be pushing it to bad. I think I actually just repeated what you posted. I'll let you guys know when I get my flight booked.

[jillan]

7. I asked this in another thread, but will ask again...

What's the deadline to make a decision?

I wanna go!

[TayTay]

16. Somone called the organizer and they said

they would donations at the door. So there is no time frame that I am aware of. (And I sorry I didn't respond to the other thread. My brain must have blinked.)

[jillan]

19. Thanks - I just didn't know if anyone saw, or if there was a time frame.

[ray of light]

13. sounds fun!

Sorry I can't come!

[politicasista]

15. have fun!

Enjoy yourself. :party: :toast:

[rox63]

20. I'm available for trips to Manchester or Boston airports on Monday

But not at the same time, of course. Manchester is about 30 minutes north of me, an easy ride. But getting into Boston during the morning rush hour is another story. Nasty drive, that one.

[whometense]

46. I'd second that.

I'd do everything possible to avoid arriving at either rush hour. It's hellish.

[europegirl4jfk]

21. I just realized that I would never be allowed to attend such an event :-(

The contribution you pay is for Kerry's PAC and foreigners don't have the right to make such a contribution:

"By clicking on this box, I acknowledge that this contribution is made from my own funds, and not those of another; and is not made from the general treasury funds of a corporation, labor organization or national bank. I am not a Federal government contractor, nor am I a foreign national who lacks permanent resident status in the United States.

Well, I completely understand that rule but it's really very sad that I could never team up with you guys for such an event.
:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[globalvillage]

22. I'm not so sure.

Just because you can't contribute to the PAC, I'm not sure that necessarily means you couldn't attend. I can contribute $200 and request two invitations to the event. It doesn't say anywhere that I couldn't take you as a guest (which I most certainly would do).
Please don't cry.

[europegirl4jfk]

28. Hm... maybe you are right

If a US citizen payed the contribution and brought an international guest, maybe they would accept is. Thanks, globalvillage! You give me some hope.:loveya:

I don't think I would be able to attend this event anyway - unless I really could got a cheap airfare to the US - but maybe in the future... as long as someone of you guys would be so kind to take me along.

[Vektor]

31. I'd definitely take you!

It looks like airfare from MPL to Boston is about $600 USD or so. Ouch. Maybe you know some sites that you can find better fares on. I just checked Travelocity, and it was pretty steep. Where do you usually search?

[europegirl4jfk]

60. Thanks! You are so sweet :-)

I checked Lastminute.com, a European site and I would fly from Toulouse not Montpellier, but it's still around $500. I don't think I can pay that much but I'll just wait a few weeks and see if there is a real last minute offer somewhere. I would then get back to your kind offer to take me with you. (And I promise to be nice and leave all of Kerry just all for you.;))

[Vektor]

24. There is a way!

Someone could make a donation on your behalf and take you with them!

[europegirl4jfk]

29. Thanks Vektor!

After thinking about it I guess that could work. I really would like to hang out with you guys at a Kerry event someday.

[Vektor]

30. We want you there too!

It would be an international meeting of the Kerry-minded!

[Vektor]

23. Myself and one friend are coming in Friday, probably staying at the plaza.

We are flying in to Boston, but haven't bought tickets yet - will soon. We are leaving Monday. I am so excited about this, I could die.

[TayTay]

33. Me too!

Whome and I were just talking today at the March in Boston and we still can't believe how everyone is coming. It just happened so fast. I still can't believe that so many folks are trekking up to Boston to see the Sen. on his birthday. Wow!

We started to plan some things around town for you folks to do. Christmas tour of Beacon Hill and Louisburg Square. (Gorgeous all decked out with the lights and everything for the holiday or Kerry's birthday, whatever it is they are celebrating up there on that day.)

Lunch either in the North End or at the Union Oyster House. Faneuil Hall visit. Some historic sites. (Light touring, btw, means we walk around until we get tired of it and decide to stop for a coffee or beer. Happens to me all the time. "TayTay," says a victim of my historic tours of Boston, "shut up, we're tired. We don't want to see anymore historical stuff or endure another moment of your minute knowledge of every friggin brick in Boston. I need a beer and to get you a muzzle. Can we please stop now." sniff, sniff, Sigh!

[Vektor]

35. That sounds like so much fun. I am literally dying of excitement.

Boston in winter. All bundled up. Soft fuzzy scarves. Wool pea coats. Hot Cocoa. Clam Chowder. Democrats everywhere.

.....home.
:cry:

[whometense]

39. Awwww.....

that is so sweet!!! You will love Beacon Hill at Christmastime. It is the prettiest place in Boston at that time of year.

[Vektor]

40. I don't think I can make it until then. I can't wait!

I feel robbed because I am a native Masshole, a Nor'Eastern yankee through and through, and I am trapped in a reich-wing, alternate universe, hellhole right now. I wish he were still my Senator...

Though Boxer ain't bad....

but Kerry's my hero.

[WildEyedLiberal]

42. I've never been to Massachusetts, so this trip will be a first

I've never been north of New Jersey, actually. I've been to DC several times, but other than that, don't get out of the Midwest really. I wish I could buy plane tickets right now, but there are a few things I need to check on (re: finals and finances) before I buy. I am SO EXCITED - I can't wait to meet all you wonderful people in person!

[Vektor]

45. I have a feeling you and I are going to have a mischievous rocking

good time. Lots of squealing and shrieking and trying to fondle the WMD. You will love Boston. It's absolutely stunning.

[whometense]

43. He's mine too.

I know what you mean. It is wonderful to be able to see him in person now and then. By the way, Cam is cool too. He's smaller than John and has way curlier hair, but has the same kind of calm affect. And also is very sweet-natured. Just like John.

[Vektor]

47. Two for the price of one!

What a great couple of guys. Maybe Cam will be at the b-day party?

[whometense]

48. He might very well be.

I think the invite said "family and friends", and Cam actually lives in the same town as me. And he's running for Secretary of State, so he's been keeping a higher profile than he used to.

Will Pitt: http://www.truthout.org/docs_05/011105W.shtml

I spent some time today with Cameron Kerry, the younger brother of Senator John Kerry. A May 04 2004 Boston Herald article on Cam Kerry described him this way: "He doesn't draw screaming headlines or grab face time on the political talk show circuit, but low-key Cameron Kerry has emerged as one of U.S. Sen. John F. Kerry's most powerful and trusted campaign advisers this election season. The senator's younger brother, known as Cam, is playing the same pivotal role that the late Robert F. Kennedy played for his older brother back in 1960: confidant, adviser and powerful inside player. It's a mission that stretches far beyond simple family loyalty and brotherhood...'Cam Kerry is a force in the campaign, make no mistake about that,' said one veteran political strategist with strong ties to Kerry. 'He's at the core of Kerry's inner circle.'"

[MH1]

36. Historic tour would be cool...I am a Boston neophyte.

I will probably not be looking for the muzzle. However a cappucino will probably need to be ordered at some point. ;-)

[rox63]

49. Even though I'm from the area

I'd love to accompany the crowd for the Tour-O-Boston. We'll be a fun bunch to do this with. :D

[TayTay]

50. OF course. We just have to work at the logistics.

Sat. appears to be a travel day. If we know that the bulk of people are arriving at Logan, then we can figure out a plan of sorts for getting together. But it all depends on where we are dispersed to within the greater Boston area.

Sunday is The Day. Tours of Boston, checking into the Park Plaza, Birthday PArty, after the Birthday PArty, etc.

I am just thrilled that all of you are coming. It's a shock and it's great.

[rox63]

51. Are the locals in our group

planning on staying overnight at the Plaza?

Not sure if I should make a reservation. But if we want to continue the party after the Kerry fundraiser/b-day party, I guess it sounds like a good idea.

Rox

[TayTay]

52. This came up so fast it sort of overwhelmed us!

I didn't know what to think at first. But the more I thought about it and the rarity of having so many good folks from this forum in Boston, I realized that I just couldn't walk away when the Birthday Party ends. I want to be with these fine folks as long as possible. So, I want to get a room at the Park Plaza. (I still haven't figured out what to do on Sat., as it is a travel day and hard to plan for. As we get more info from people we should be able to make better plans. I think that we all won't get together until Sunday because of the logistics problems. But who knows. The idea that so many folks want to come to Boston for this is improbable, so who knows what other goods things may just happen.)

I haven't even posted a real thing about sharing the room. I am getting one room with two big double beds and a cot can be wheeled in for Sunday. That splits the cost nicely. (The Park Plaza, btw, is positively cavernous. There are over 950+ rooms there. I will book soon, but it shouldn't be a problem.)

[rox63]

53. I'm wondering if I should also book a room

There will be a crowd of us going. What do you think? I'm willing, and we might be able to stuff everyone into the two rooms.

[TayTay]

54. Yes, I would.

If something happens, you can always cancel it. It think it's a good idea.

[rox63]

93. Ok, I've booked a room at the Park Plaza for Sunday night, 12/11/05

So a couple of folks can room in there with me that night. It's got two double beds, non-smoking. Possibly might also have a sofa bed, but I'm not sure of that yet. But we can always request a rollaway cot, if we need it.

[Island Blue]

55. Okay, my flight has been booked.

I'll arrive in Manchester at 1:40 p.m. on 12/10. I hope that works out okay for either Rox or Tay Tay to pick me up. I don't leave until late in the afternoon on Monday to allow plenty of time to recover from Sunday night and to make it back up to Manchester. (I'm going to be in somebody debt forever.)

NOW I'M GETTING EXCITED!!

[TayTay]

56. Okay, this is starting to come together.

I believe that our PA gals and WEL are coming in around 1:00 pm to Logan. The PA gals are renting a car for one night to get to Lowell, MA and so don't need an airport pickup. I believe WEL is all set and taken care of and will have an escort into town.

Either Rox or I can get ya in Manchester. (Easily. It's a major but small airport in the middle of picture perfect Southern New Hampshire. You know you've arrived in the First Primary state when you go by ads on the wall and see C-Span prominently displayed. LOL!)

I believe you are staying with Rox, if she wishes to get you, that's fine. I will go and 'get' someone else when we figure out if anyone else requires a house to stay in. (Vek: Where are you my dear on the night(s) before the Park Plaza?)

[rox63]

57. I can retrieve you from Manchester on 12/10/05

Since you'll be staying with me that night anyway.

TayTay, any chance of a bunch of us getting together for dinner on Saturday night?

[TayTay]

58. Absolutely.

Just a question of where. Any suggestions as to where?

Then I am going to try to get ot Boston early the next morning. I would like to be in town by 10 AM. (I can stop off at the Park Plaza and have them hold my bag until check-in.)

Dare we send people to downtown Lowell for dinner? (Hey, what's wrong with Lowell?) Well, you have to admit, it's a lot funkier than the strip joint and biker restaurant/bar down the street from me.

On Second thought: We could have someone sitting 'shotgun' with a cell-phone waiting to make sure that everyone gets to where they want to go. (Esp. our friends coming in and renting a car.) I haven't driven from Logan in a while, but I believe they would take the tunnel to the Mass Pike to Rt 128 East to Rte 3 North and then brave the Lowell Connector to get to the Hilton. Should any part of this go wrong, I could be on standby to make sure that they get back on target.

Also, I would be willing to take folks to any of the following locations: Lexington, Concord or Salem. (Salem twinkles in Christmas lights. Very festive, especially on the weirdness that is lower Essex St down to the Harbor.) We could go to LExington and Concord and then have dinner in LExington. Pretty good parking and 1/2 hour from Lowell. I guess it would depend on how tired people are.

Too much history, it's boring, we're tired? I guess we'll talk more in coming days.

[rox63]

59. Hey, what's wrong with my hometown?

<sniffs> Downtown Lowell's gotten downright artsy-fartsy lately. <hrmph>
:P ;-)

[TayTay]

61. Nothing is wrong with Lowell

Except for the Lowell Sun. (Ask me about their outrage last spring. Sigh!) But we are going to be there in the nighttime. I have no idea if I should plan anything for Sat. or sort of stay in Lowell. We could easily make Lexington & Concord and the go back to Lowell for dinner.

(And Lowell is way, way, way more exciting than my town. Yawn. Once apple picking season is over, well, there is nothing to do here.)

[rox63]

62. Ok, the Lowell Sun does suck. A lot.

And they are very anti-Kerry. No snark, just pure venom. And badly written venom, at that.

[TayTay]

63. But Lowell has a cool downtown.

And some really interesting architecture. (Oh yeah, people with two days in Boston are really going to want to peruse the architecture of the Library and City Hall in Lowell. Rox, you just gotta virtually slap me from time to time and say, not everyone is fascinated with old buildings.)

Maybe we should ask? It's a thought.

[globalvillage]

64. I plan to stay in Lowell Sat night.

I think it's a cool town. Toured Whistler's house last time I was there. Aren't there some restored mill buildings with offices and restaurants? It's been a few years.
It's not Boston, but it's interesting.
Salem would be fun. Lots to see there.

[TayTay]

65. Would you like to see Salem?

If so, we could 'do Salem' in about 4 hours. (The very fast guide to interesting spots in Salem. Very fast.) Depending on traffic, it takes about 45 minutes to get to Salem from Lowell. (My Mom still lives near there. It takes me about 45-50 minutes to make the commute from 5 miles north of Lowell to there.)

GV: I can see this stuff any time I want. What do you want to see? Lowell? (And Lowell has been extensively renovated.) It really has become a beautiful little city. The renovations of so many downtown buildings have revealed a pretty place with lots of very New Englandish buildings. (It has a definite sense of place.) Salem is a very quirky place. It has the odd parts of Essex Street that attract the tourists. (This stretches down to the Harbor area, where there are Hawthorne sights and such.) The other part of Salem involves some really historic and gorgeous buildings and sites.

However, we are fighting the clock. It gets dark in New England very, very early in DEc. (4:12 is sunset in Dec, by my almanac.) We could pretty easily see LExington and Concord by daylight then go back to Lowell for dinner. Salem is tight, but just barely doable. (And it's pretty with all the Christmas, Yule lights. It's kind of a funky town, as there are estimated to be thousands of professed pagans in the Salem area and they add to the unique atmosphere. Yup, John Kerry represents a, ahm, diverse state.)

[Island Blue]

67. About what time will the folks who land in Boston

get to Lowell? (Assuming all goes well and the trip north is smooth.) I'm up for anything because I've only been to the Boston area once so everything is new to me. Also, what is the average temperature for mid-December? (I'm guessing freeze your ass off cold.)

[globalvillage]

70. MH1 and I get in to Logan around 1pm Sat

And will have a car, so we can drive a group up north if that's the plan.

[TayTay]

71. It depends.

It can be 60 degrees. It could be 20 degrees. Usually it's around 40 degrees in the daytime in Dec. and below 30 after the sun goes down. Boston is a windy place and that makes it feel colder (on a windy day, of course.) Boston is surrounded by water on three sides and that can make it even colder. We sometimes get snowstorms in Dec., but the average snowfall is 3-6 inches or below at that time of year. (No big deal. It's New England. It snows sometimes.) There is a large, large number of plows and equipment for getting the roads back up. We had a 3 foot snowstorm last year (Jan or after) and I went to work the next day.

If you will permit some native pride, Boston is gorgeous in Dec. There are holiday lights everywhere. Whome and I wanted to go on a tour of Beacon Hill so we could show off how pretty it is. (And maybe locate a certain Senator's house. The Kerry's do decorate you know, just like their neighbors.) Beacon Hill has all those narow streets and the old iron gaslights that illuminate the place. Add in the light of the decorations and it's just like a Currier and Ives print. It is really beautiful. (I have been told that Boston resembles a European city in that respect.) Wonderful and kind of quirky history on Beacon Hill. Some of the buildings that face the Boston Commons have purple glass in them. This goes back to the colonial days when it was illegal to make glass in the colonies. (Again, we are an old American city, and some customs here go waaaaay back.) Glass was ordered from England and it arrived with a purple tint. At first, the residents didn't want it, but it was too expensive and took too long to ship it back. So they put it up and it became a status symbol. (That human desire to differentiate, LOL!)

We will actually have two groups on Sat. a North of Boston group that is near Lowell and a Boston or near Boston group. I'm not sure if we can get into Boston on Sat. It seems that by the time we get everyone from the airport and to a house to settle in for the night, that it might just be too late to do any major sightseeing. It gets dark so early in Dec. That's why I'm trying to figure out what's open late. (And I don't want to tire people out too much, as Sunday is going to be a very, very busy day.)

Oh dear, someone is going to have to put a timer on me for the history stuff. I know the whole history of Mr. KErry's house, and it's really kind of cool. Again, someone bring a timer.

I am looking for some help from Rox and Whome and other natives. (Yes, Whome, you are a native.)

[Island Blue]

73. Maybe the temps won't be too bad for me then

since I'm pretty familiar with windy places surrounded by water. A lot of folks from up north say it often feels colder here (where I live) than in a lot places further north for those exact reasons. The difference is of course, if we have two flakes of snow life is put on hold until it melts. Hurricanes we can handle, snow - not so much.

A tour of Beacon Hill on Sunday sounds great by the way!

[whometense]

66. Actually, the mills are fascinating.

No sarcasm - really. I read this wonderful novel - Unravelling by Elizabeth Graver, about a 19th century girl who leaves rural NH to come work in the Lowell mills. Seeing the mills after that was really powerful.

Okay, I agree - with only two days in Boston, I'd concentrate on Boston too. But Lowell has its charms.

[globalvillage]

68. As a tourist, here's my take.

Salem is cool. It's a beautiful little place with a lot of history and cool witch stuff. It's not overly touristy, though, IIRC. It's really a sweet town. I was only there once, but I'd go back. It was summer, though. Is it just as great at Christmas time?
Lowell is a good place to stay Sat night, especially given it's much cheaper than Boston.
Sunday, BOSTON! Such a great city. I have been there a dozen or so times, and I just love it more each time.
That's from a tourist. The locals may have a different POV.

[TayTay]

72. Another waterfront city.

That makes the cold, ahm, colder (Or it can.) Salem has a lot of lights and is really pretty at Christmas/Yule. (Yule is one of the eight Pagan holidays and it is celebrated on Dec. 21st. Another winter 'renewal of light' holiday.) Yup, that affects some things in Salem. (It's a funky town. And yet, kind of quaint and really very normal too. Odd place sometimes.)

We could try and go into Bosotn on Sat. We could tour Beacon Hill then and actually see the lights on. Then maybe go to Fanueil Hall and the Quincy Marketplace. Then we would have to go back. It is a lot but we have a short amount of time. We have to make some choices as you can't see everything. (Okay, Beacon Hil sounds like a 'must see' though for this trip. It's at the top of my list, for obvious reasons.)

[globalvillage]

74. You know, Tay Tay...

I'm just so happy about all this, I don't really care where we go. Whatever is decided, I'm good with it.
I just wish we had a week instead of two days.

[globalvillage]

69. I am going to read the book.

Thanks. I'm going to read it regardless of where we go. I've been to the mills, so I'm sure it will be an interesting read.

[rox63]

75. My family worked in those mills

Somewhat off-topic: My ancestors came down from Canada in the 1870's to work in those mills. And when the last of the mills closed up shop in the 1980's, a great-aunt of mine still worked there. She was 80 years old when she finally 'retired', but she could still almost keep up with the 20 year-olds. When the Boott Mills museum opened up, we took Aunt Alma there to take the tour. By then, she was into her 90's and in a wheelchair. But she was telling the tour guides how it used to be back in the old days. She was a hoot. She passed away a few years ago, at the age of 97, still full of p*ss and vinegar 'till the last.

[Vektor]

76. I've got my room reserved! Anyone else arriving on Friday?

I'm arriving Friday the 9th, staying until Monday the 12th. I have a room at the Park Plaza. I cannot wait to see you all!

[WildEyedLiberal]

77. I think I'm coming Friday night

Holy shit this will be so awesome.

[Vektor]

78. OMG. I am crapping myself!

This is going to RAWK! Have you ever been to Boston?

[WildEyedLiberal]

79. No Ma'am.

I'm a Massachusetts virgin ;)

I sure can't wait to be deflowered!

[Vektor]

80. Bwaa-hahahahahaha!

We may need to go to AIM. For further planning.

[TayTay]

81. Just let me know what you guys need

And I will try and get it, arrange for it and so forth.

Gawd, I can't wait.

[GRLMGC]

82. I wanna go

but i'm not, ahem, 21 so is that a problem? hahahaha ;)

[JI7]

83. i'm pretty sure there is no age limit

i know people often give donations in their chidren's names in order to give more money.

but even if there is , i think you can make the contribution in someone else's name so you can go. kind of similar to how foreign nationals could go based on some earlier posts.

[TayTay]

84. Sweetie, you are most welcome, but

don't put yourself in debt to get here. (I worry about people. It's my Mom-ness quality coming out. I mean, geez, I wold be wicked happy to see you and everything, but geez, make sure it doesn't break the bank. You are a 'poor college kid' right?)

Feel free to tell me off if any of this is wrong. But I worry about 'the kids.'

[rox63]

85. Whatever will the 'kids' think

of old farts like us? :shrug:

[GRLMGC]

86. Well, my birthday is november 15

so i'm expecting a good amt of birthday money. I also asked my mom (haha) and she encouraged me to go. So, I could potentially go since I finish finals that week. I don't know though!

[TayTay]

87. Well, if it is within your means

and it is not a problem for family and such. (Hmmm, Whome, Rox, Mass, ahm, have I hit all the major Mom points here? I'm up for renewal on my 'Mom-ness' license soon and well, I don't want to flunk my nagging test.) Then

Get your butt to Boston. This is going to be a blast. You must PM and let one of us know when you are coming, if your Mom woud like to talk to any of us to make sure you will be cared for properly, (Mom-ness thing here. I can't help it.) Be careful, make sure this is affordable for you at this time (cuz there will be other times) and then we can help with some housing and stuff.

Of course you are welcome. Without 'the kids' what would I live for my dear? Honestly, what would it all be for?

[GRLMGC]

88. What is an estimate of the cost

The flight would cost me 263 bucks (for some reason the flight back to LA is longer than the flight to Boston, but I digress) and that's not too bad. That's about what i spent going to D.C. Oh, and how cold is it because I'm really not used to ACTUAL cold weather?

[TayTay]

89. Well, let's figure this one out.

We would need to find you some housing. (Free!) What day would you be arriving on? Leavin on? (That will determine the cost.) Meals aren't too bad cuz most are 'on the run' fast food as we would be on the go. There will be, most likely, one more expensive meal (you are underage, so about $20 - 30.)

Hmmm, the weather is very hard to predict. (However, I have a daughter and spare winter coats. You will need to pm me and I can find out about your size in case you need a coat temporarily. I would hate to have you buy a coat that you will barely use.) Sometimes December is a mild 50 -60 degrees. Sometimes it can get cold, around 20 degrees. You have to check at the last minute before you leave.

And Boston does sparkle at Christmas time. Very pretty. Think it over carefully.

[GRLMGC]

90. Ooh, how exciting!

I'm going to Lake Tahoe in a few weeks and I think it gets pretty cold there so I have to get a coat anyway. I'd probably leave on the 9th and come back on the 12th. This is probably quite doable and my mom really has encouraged me, haha. I was thinking of visiting Boston next December anyway. I'd probably wanna go back.

[rox63]

91. Technically

I'm not a Mom, unless you count my 2 cats as adopted children. :)

But if I had reproduced, I am of an age where I could easily have a child in her late-teens or early 20's.

[TayTay]

92. Oh my dear, you have a Mom' wisdom

anmd really, isn't that the ballgame anyway? That sense of taking care of someone and just making sure they are okay and taken care of. I've read your posts. You've got that.

[jillan]

94. Question for those who have the original email from THK.

If I come, I will need to to take a red-eye out from Boston after the party on Sunday. I need to be home in time to get my special needs daughter ready for school. Sooooooo...
what time is the party on Sunday, and is Logan close by?

Can get the day off. Next step is to check out airfare, and times.
Then Hotel rates. And last, to tell the only repug that I love, my hubby.

I need to do this. If I never get to see JK on tv, then I'm just gonna have to see him in person.

[TayTay]

95. Are you sure?

Oh dear, make sure this isn't too much. (We love you and want to see you, but geez, are you sure?)

The event is from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in downtown Boston. It should be fairly easy to catch a cab back to Logan Airport. (Manchester, NH would not be possible that night.) It will be Sunday night and I don't see a transport problem at all. ( Still no flight until at least 10 PM. It just wouldn't work.)

[jillan]

96. It's not too much.

I can sleep all day Monday.

Thanks for the info.

[Vektor]

97. Kicking this back up to the top, just to keep it active!

I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL BOSTON!

[Island Blue]

98. Just five more weeks!

:bounce: :applause:

[TayTay]

99. This thread is too big for dial-up folks.

Mind if I start a new one? (I don't want to, I don't know, rub it in the faces of people who can't go, but I also want to make sure that we dot as many I's and cross as many T's for our esteemed visitors as possible. Is this okay with people?)

[GRLMGC]

100. I would say so nt