Stitchy coming to NC

[Stitchy]

OK all you NC bandsters! I'll be in NC next week for awhile. We will be staying in Franklin (near Asheville), but after visiting DH's brother will probably head north. When and where do you all meet up? I sure would like to see as many of you as I can.:nod:

[ginabobina]

hi Stitchy! I'll be heading up to the mountains next week - our mtn house is in Ashe county near West Jefferson, which is relatively close to Boone - will you be heading that far north? I'd love to meet you for coffee if you are! I know all the coffee spots around there! :tea:

[Stitchy]

I'll have to look at a map to see where that is. North means ... maybe Maine. DH wants lobster - lots of lobster.

[Kathy]

Okay, here's whatcha need to do. When you leave Franklin, you will need to head East by way of I-40...in order to make your way up to Maine, right? So...plan to camp in the Wytheville, NC area...that's at I-40 and I-77...mountains, and cool nights, campgrounds all over. I promise, I will pack my kids and day trip it up to Wytheville to see you. Name the time...I'll bet we can get a little band wagon train from Charlotte...:woot:

[Stitchy]

Oooh! That would be soooo cool. I'll look for a campground.

[ginabobina]

Check out Stone Mountain State Park - it is very nice with a bath house and everything - it's up I 77; shouldn't be hard to get a spot during the week http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/stmo/home.html

[ginabobina]

you could actually drive up the Blue Ridge parkway if you want the scenic route

[Kim G]

Ok if you can make it a friday I am off or a weekend I am there!!!! How much fun would that be? Couldn't you make it to Charlotte July 21rst...that seems to be when our next gathering would be. OH PLEASE!!!!!!! I would love to meet you, but will do whatever I can to track up 77 to meet you. :)

[wavydaby]

Kathy, if you are going up during a weekday next week, lemme know if you need an extra passenger.

[BondGirl]

Yes let me know too. The girls and I could do a day trip. That would be fun! :)

[Stitchy]

Looks like a nice place. We will be in Franklin. NC on July 3. This is a family visit and they have good RV accomodations. I don't know how long we will stay, ... probably no more that a week.




Check out Stone Mountain State Park - it is very nice with a bath house and everything - it's up I 77; shouldn't be hard to get a spot during the week http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/stmo/home.html

[Kathy]

Okay, I have the heads up for the week of July 9-13...somewheres around thare, for a Stitchy arrival in this area. :madgrin: hehehehe I'm gettin that Poochie feelin'! You know, that excited feelin' you get when you squeeze yer butt cheeks together?! Poochie!!

[Stitchy]

Just remember, I don't have an exact time. I'm just guessing on that week. We operate on retired time. :sun_smiley:

[Kathy]

Just remember, I don't have an exact time. I'm just guessing on that week. We operate on retired time. :sun_smiley:


Oh yeah...retired time. :woot:

[Kim G]

My grandpa calls that "retarded time"....becuase he doesn't have to think of anyone but himself and well granny. haha. He is crazy.

Well any notice will be good if I can swing getting off work if it's through the week I will do so! I would love to meet you.

[ladytonya]

If ya'll head up this way, maybe I can meet up with ya too. It depends on what day of the week it is. I'll watch this thread to see what happens!

[diva girl]

Oh my! Stitchy...you're just minutes from my house! Right this second! I can't stand that I didn't see this thread sooner.

I'll PM you. We HAVE to get together. I have spoken.

[kebsa]

Stichy, I jkust had to do a bit of a hijack here, I love your new avatar, retirement obviously agrees with you, you look younger and so radiantly happy- hope you enjoy meeting up with the others! hi jack over!

[Stitchy]

Oh, Karen, thank you. The relatives here have been gushing over me, too. Haven't seen them for two years - at my heaviest. Great stuff to hear!

[Glo]

Sixteen pounds to goal--girl, I know you are just loving it! I wish I could meet you too. I've really enjoyed your posts. Are you going to "hold court" in Asheville? I could make that trip easily! I'm operating on partially retired time. It's the BEST!

[Stitchy]

Glo, sometime in the next few days, I will be visiting Lyn (Diva Girl) in Waynesville. It's about halfway between Franklin and Asheville. She said something about lunch (I'm up for that). I have use of SIL's car, so even this weekend would work.

Lyn, what do you think? And, is there anyone else in this area that could join us? I think that Lady Tonya lives nearby, too,

[ladytonya]

I PMed you my email addy, Stitchy. So, any suggestions? I am fairly open on Saturday as long as it's not too early. Late lunch or maybe dinner? Ya'll gonna come into Asheville or is there somewhere in Waynesville we could meet? I know nothing about Waynesville so you'd have to give me really good directions! So, any Charlotte girls that can drive up for this? I really want to see Lyn, meet Stitchy, and see some of you other NC girls!

[PhotoNut]

Ok, I'm officially dying of pure envy overload now.

[Kathy]

Awww, man! There's no way I can do Waynesville...not with 2 kids, not Saturday. I'm hoping Stitchy makes a stop in the Wytheville area on her way out of NC. Even if it's lunch at the Truck Stop Diner! You gals have fun. We really do need to Road Trip Ashville again, huh? :nod:

[Stitchy]

I'm still going to come near Charlotte. Waynesvill is only about 30 minutes from here.
I'll keep you posted.

[Kim G]

I am keeping my eyes peeled....if it's through the week I will need a little time to arrange the time off if I can get it. :) But I will SO try!!!!

[Stitchy]

We're going to have dinner with Diva Girl (Lyn) on Friday. Then we will head for Charlotte area. All I have to do is find a campground (RV park). I need to look at my Trailer Life and Woodall's books. We can stay a couple of days, so this isn't time critical as long as the park is nice and shady. Earlier in the week would be better than later. DH is looking forward to heading north (maybe Maine) for some lobster ... did I mention lobster?
:sun_smiley:

[stac1982]

There is a nice park close to Lake Wylie (off of Hwy 49) in South Charlotte. It's called McDowell Park http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Inside+The+Department/Divisions/Stewardship+Services/Nature+Preserves/McDowell.htm

It is very nice and the park itself backs up to the lake. It looks like it is $18 a night. I am sure there are others, but this is the only one I know about.

[BondGirl]

That would be very close! :) Come on Stitchy so we can meet ya! :) WOOT WOOT

[Kathy]

http://www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/somo/do.html

Primitive Family Camping available here. I don't know if that accomdates your camper, but this park is absolutely beautiful. The hiking is first rate. There's a 90 foot waterfall you can hike to. Plenty of exercise and a cool, shaded campground near the stream. We rock-hopped this stream on the 4th. We'll be gong back. Anyhow, just throwing it out there.

I'm not sure what's nearby where we could meet and eat...it could be worked out, though. :)

[ladytonya]

I'm getting ready to go meet Stitchy and DivaGirl for dinner. I didn't go to work today but I'm going to this dinner. I am so bad! My hubby should be getting off work in about 25 minutes as long as he doesn't get stuck with a late customer. If someone walks in his office at 4:59, he has to take them. I hate it! I need to go finish putting my hair up in its daily ponytail and figure out what to wear. I've got my camera in hand and will post pics when I get home tonight! I am so excited!

[Neal R.]

Awesome Tonya, tell them we said hi. Can't wait to see pics :)

[Kim G]

Oh man Tonya how jealous am I....I want to see pics. :)

[Stitchy]

Diva and Tonya will probably post pictures first. I haven't got mine downloaded (or is it uploaded?) and then get an internet connection. I am using Lyn's computer right now. Dinner was marvelous. Lyn and Bruce are such wonderful hosts and willing (insisting, even) to share everything. Absolutely beautiful home in a woodsy setting.

Lady Tonya and DH Tim were also so nice. Tonya was a little quiet at first but she soon relaxed and we talked until late. It was like we had always known each other.

I am thinking seriously about coming to your Charlotte lunch instead of trying to have some of you come see me whereever I might be. Is it next Saturday? Can someone give me some particulars? If we camp near Charlotte, maybe someone could give me a ride? Just some thoughts.

[Kathy]

http://www.kiz.com/campnet/html/cluborgs/nccoa/nccoa.htm

Stitchy, click this...handy info :)

Cross Country Campground, Inc
1851 HWY 150-E
Denver, NC 28037
919-483-5897


just a copy/paste of stuff I'm finding...

http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/lano/home.html This is your best bet so far...if hubby could ride you out to exit 42 on I-77, I'd be coming up from exit 25, then we'd both head back down to exit 2 for lunch...I'll come get you...really!!! :)


http://www.visitlakenorman.org/directory_view.html?c=IO3BusRKTYAunCSYnCbCPTj%2FK2 92rsw7

here's 3 more...actually, one of themI already listed above, the Cross Country...

[PhotoNut]

I've been at Band Camp all weekend and didn't have cell service up in the mountains, but on the way home yesterday I turned on my phone to check my messages and what do you think was there?! A message from Diva, Tonya and Stitchy!! I was so sorry that I missed that! But the message was awesome and I've saved it. As I listened I kept saying, "Awww...Awww! AWWW!" and Dawg kept saying, "What.. what is it? WHAT!?" LOL I had to put it on speaker so he could hear it and guess what he said? "Awww!"

You ladies are so awesome! I hope you had a wonderful evening together. I was blown away by Bruce and Lyn's genuine hospitality. They are the sweetest people in the whole world! :)

Can't wait to see some pics of you all together!!

And how neat is it that Stitchy is going to come to the lunch in Charlotte?! Wow! You are all so lucky!

[diva girl]

Here are two pix! On the left - beautiful Stichy, radiant Tonya and Happy Lyn. On the right, two happily retired and seemingly newlyweds Tom and Stitchy. We had such a great time with everyone!

[Neal R.]

You gals look great. We have created much more that just an online community. Its so cool to see how we have become genuine friends from all over

[diva girl]

I know, Neal. It's just amazing, isn't it?

We had a great dinner. Tonya came over from Asheville with her cute and nice dh. Tom and Stitchy had their RV (Nessy) parked in our driveway - so were incredibly low impact guests! After seeing their "rig", I now know why we call her Stitchy. Kathy has done the most beautiful cross stitch pieces you've ever seen. She even knitted me a gorgeous "dish rag" (which I'm trying to figure out how to turn into an article of clothing).

They've taken off (waaannnnnhhh) and are headed south toward the Charlotte area. We'll miss them but were so happy they stayed with us or even a short time.

[PhotoNut]

I agree, Neal. It really is amazing how our friendships have spanned a globe! We are such a great family!

I love the picture of you three together. You are all so beautiful! And Tonya, omg.. Sweetie, you look like a different person! So much younger and SO pretty!!

Kathy, I hope that you and hubby come back through Idaho on your way home. We would all love to see you!

Lyn, I miss you so much! *sniffle* I wanna come to NC!! Hey, I'm going to Tampa in October. Can you make it to the bash??

[diva girl]

I wanna come to NC!! Hey, I'm going to Tampa in October. Can you make it to the bash??

Come to NC!!!! You are welcome here any time....but you know that.

I doubt that I'll be down to Tampa in Oct. It's our "high season" for real estate....not to mention the fact that it's the most gorgeous month of the year here. I hate to leave during that month especially....any other and I'd be down there in a heart beat. Perhaps we can do a re-do in February when it's cold and slate grey here?

[ginabobina]

great pics!!! Tonya you are just melting before our eyes and you are beautiful!! Not because you're melting, you just ARE! All 3 of you look great and I got to meet Stitchy yesterday in Charlotte - woo hoo!! I hope I look that happy, healthy and glowing in MY lifetime!! So glad you could make it to our lunch!!

[ladytonya]

Thank you, Gina! I need to get hubby to take some updated pics.

I don't think I ever said it before, but Stitchy, it was GREAT meeting you! You really are beautiful, inside and out. Sorry if I was quiet that night, I'm not usually but I guess I was still kinda out of it from the gallbladder surgery. I am just now getting back to feeling normal after a week back at work! Hope you get to make it to the East Coast Band Bash in Tampa in October. I'm trying my best to get down there! You still in Forest City or have you headed up to Maine for your lobster yet? Have a great trip to the Northeast! At least it's not the time of year where you can have another adventure like you did driving through the snow on the way to South Dakota! You just need to be somewhere warm by the time winter hits.

Again, Gina, thanks for the compliment! BTW, when are we going to get some new pics of you? By now, you probably need to change your avatar! I'm sure your face looks at least a little different since surgery!

[Stitchy]

I have to tell all of you how absolutely delightful it has been to have met so many of you. I can't believe how all you NC bandsters get together every month. What a wonderful community you have. Thank you so much for allowing me to join you. I wish that there had been more time to visit with each and everyone of you.

Tonya, thank you for your kind words. As far as what's next?? We signed up for another week at this campground. It's pretty and cool. We are thinking maybe Maine another time. We are looking now to perhaps Cape Hatteras after Labor Day when the camping fees will be less expensive. They are pretty outrageous right now. Then we will have seen both oceans. One the other hand, DH may change his mind about that, too. There are no plans or agenda. :cool:

Gina, I am so happy to have met you. Thank you for the lovely compliments. You will get there, too. Just believe in yourself (and the band) when the going gets slow. We all plateau. Truly, my transformation was a surprise to me. I was only thinking about looking thinner. I didn't realize that the change would be in attitude, too. All of a sudden I feel confident and happy and actually like meeting new people.

Special thanks to beautiful and gracious Diva girl and her DH for sharing her lovely home in Waynseville, a dinner on Friday with Tonya (who looks fabulous!) and DH, and even a family birthday dinner on Sunday. Could anyone ever ask for more wonderful hosts?
And another extra special thanks:thankyoub::yourock: to Kathy who did pick up and return of yours truly for your lunch. It was more driving than she thought it would be and I appreciate it so much. She even stopped at a grocery store so I could lay in some supplies. I won't have to shop again for a couple of days.

[Glo]

Stichy-I LOVE you! It was just my luck and destiny to sit next to you...how many chances would there be that I would meet someone close to my age with PMR, prednisone woes, and thinking about fills instead of just doing them regularly like INAMED suggests? Thanks for the great advice and please come back!! Soon!!

[ginabobina]

Stitchy - if you do go to the Outer Banks - email me - we go every fall and I LOVE it there!! I can recommend some fun places you might otherwise miss :-)

[jttaurus]

Stitchy - We are going near the outer banks tomorrow - just a quickie trip. We might need our car driven out in two weeks. Would you consider that? Really? We have so much to do and so little time. I have to finish up the next two weeks at work and I'm taking off 2 days to go to squeeze a few beach hours in. I gotta pack tonight once i get off this darn computer.

[jttaurus]

Lunch was wonderful and it was great meeting up.

Oh and I EXPECT company this fall when you all 'pass through' the coastal area. Yes, email me and I will get right back to you. I will be lonely once DH and daughter are in school all day. I won't be working initally.

[stac1982]

I am so sad to have missed you Stitchy! If you come back through, please let me know!!!

[Stitchy]

We love NC. Signed up for a month and this neat campground.

Guess what! The campground had karaoke. Never did it before. DH had to make a choice between love and public ridicule. Wowed them with Elvira! Woot!

[PhotoNut]

Come to NC!!!! You are welcome here any time....but you know that.

I doubt that I'll be down to Tampa in Oct. It's our "high season" for real estate....not to mention the fact that it's the most gorgeous month of the year here. I hate to leave during that month especially....any other and I'd be down there in a heart beat. Perhaps we can do a re-do in February when it's cold and slate grey here?

Psssst... Lyn, check out this thread: b2g East Coast Bash - North Carolina (http://band2gether.net/showthread.php?t=4241)

:rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon:

[PhotoNut]

Oh, and Stitchy? You'd better extend your trip on the East Coast a bit. You'll have to attend the bash in the Spring!

[Kim G]

Yeah Stitchy...I think ya'll should just stay a little closer to Charlotte and hang out until next April/May. This Charlotte crowd could keep you company and busy for the next several months. :) There is a great park up off 85 in the Salisbury area it's called Dan Nicholas park it's got camping and its a great place. I think you should check it out.

So since you are here a month....could that mean you could be around for our Aug gathering? Come on bring the hubby....we could bring ours so they could pal around. PLEASE PLEASE!!!! I didn't get to talk to you much at all at least I got to see you in person and meet you but I would LOVE to actually sit and talk to you. You friday I drove right through Forrest City....heading to the mountains.

[Stitchy]

Looks like a nice park, but if we are going to stay somewhere for a moth, we need water, power AND sewer. And a laundry facility. And free wifi. Picky picky, but now the road is our home and we want/need home amenities.

If we are here (we haven't actually paid yet), I hope to come to the next lunch.

And to all of you, if you want to come here for a nice (and free) day camping experience, you're invited. Cell service is practically non-existent, and internet is intermittant, but eventually does work, so PM's are good. This is a wonderful place for kids - pool, playground, sandbox, squirrels to try to catch. And my DH can BBQ wonderful babyback ribs. On Saturday nights, there is always something going on. Yesterday, it was bingo. Next Sat. karaoke - again. DH and I are going to work up some old Coasters tunes. Since were were both kids in the 50's, we actually know them. :eek:

[stac1982]

hmmmm sounds like a day trip. Any one up?

[Kathy]

I took mine...:heh: I'd go again!!! :wave:

We are going to Texas next week, so I can't do anything till after we get back. Go see Stitchy, ya'll! Have a picnic. It's fun! :nod:

[jttaurus]

Have fun Stitchy sounds like a blast.

[Kathy]

Hey, Stitchy, are you two still around? What's your next move? It's good to see you online! :nod: :wave: