h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Agreed. It's a very long drive for us and longer for the California party. If there are shortages, it would be unwise to risk it.

I will be disappointed if we have to cancel it. I'm really looking forward to it. But I will still be able to spoil Marv.

I guess we'll just have to play it by ear until it gets closer. I've asked for the time off at work, but don't know if that's going to happen, either.

I'm going to be so disappointed if it doesn't happen.

Let us just procede as if all will go well. AFAIK I am the only person who has a firm financial commitment already made in the form of my airfare.

Why is it that I, who hates flying, have done so much of it over the last year?

Hey, I have an investment in huckleberry chocolate and wild blackberry taffy.

Not to mention those Weapons of Marshmallow Destruction...

Just wait. You are sooooooooooo going to love the marshmallow blow guns.

I wonder if I can get one in Denmark - and pretend it is for my grandson?

This changes things! Clara has just offered us the use of the main ranch house at the G Bar F -- the place up across the three fords you've been hearing about. Five miles up a dirt road, at the foot of the Capitan Mountains, with unbelievable views, original art all over the walls (and a few Remington sculptures). No floors, although the guys may get the bunkroom. Lots of hiking trails. We only have to chip in for food and the cost of the cleaning lady -- only a few dollars all told. The Saturday night party will now be there, at the ranch.

I will cancel the booking at the Casa Patron forthwith.

You all HAVE to come, now!

That was unclear. The ranchhouse has perfectly serviceable floors; you just don't have to sleep on them.

Lil, the only thing that would keep me from coming is a fuel shortage that could possibly strand Hypatia and I in the middle of Oklahoma, Texas or New Mexico for some reason. I hope that both sanity and normal fuel delivery is in place by the time I fly to MO.

I just hope the saving on lodging will help to offset the cost of the fuel.

As I may have said before, the cost is not something that worries me too much. Availability is far more pressing.

It is a month away. Surely the fuel situation will have stabilized by then. Our prices actually dropped a dime yesterday.

The new plan sounds lufferly. I had planned to pack a picnic hamper for the road. Food along the interstates is usually dreadful. I can pack a little extra for the cabin.

I hope my foot is up to hiking. I couldn't today. I'm having a problem getting ready for my cookout. I'm limping badly and they haven't even gotten here yet. I'll bring a book just in case it keeps me from traipsing around with the rest of you.

Tartaronne, you have to make the marshmallow guns. I have a pattern that my cousin drew for me.

I feel some x-mas presents coming on - a marshmallow gun for each. Is it difficult to make? And if not is it possible to mail the pattern to tartaronne at yahoo dot dk?

Hiking will not be a mandatory activity. There will always be lounging in front of a fire with tea and snacks as a healthful alternative.

Woo Hoo! Time to firm up plans for Lincoln.

How many of us will there be? Is sea coming with MR and Courtesy?

MR and I have been trying to get a hold of sea, no response. If anything I believe sea is a gametime decision

I will definitely be there, even if MR can't get the time off of work.

Courtesy

I will be there with Hypatia, certainly. But that was a given.

We can expect to chip together for the cost of a housecleaner, which Clara says will be about $100 all told, maybe less if we strip our own sheets before we leave and replace the blankets/spreads. The more people arrive, the cheaper the cost per person.

My plan is that everyone arrives at my place in Lincoln on Friday afternoon and does obiesaiance to the cats, and then I will lead us to the ranch. Is Friday afternoon do-able for everyone? The ranch is not difficult to find, and I will provide extensive maps in any case.

Lil, the only way we can get there early Friday afternoon is to leave here around midnight on Thursday. I don't know if Marv will be up to that. He doesn't get to Joplin until nearly 9:00.

OK. I had planned to take Thursday off. I can sleep Thursday afternoon. Then I can start out driving while Marv sleeps. And the first part of the drive, in the dark, will be interstate, so safe driving. Anyway, if we leave here at midnight, we should be in Lincoln by 2 or 3 PM.

Marv, what do you think?