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

Hello there! Long time, no chat. If you're not too busy over the Independence Day holiday, why not come spend it with us in Webb City? It is heralded as "The Great Presidential Meet of 2006". We're doing a float trip on elk River down in McDonald County on the 3rd., then the actual meet is the 4th at my place....although we may go to my cousin's for the fireworks. Anyway, it's a barbecue-type thing. Several hootooers are coming. I hope you'll be able to fit it in. I'd love to meet you and the missus. Bring the kids, too. It is, after all, a family affair.

Hyp

President Hypatia,
Thank ya ever so much fur the personal invite. I done looked atcher convo page detailin' the detai... Well, I gots some idee whatcher plannin' an' I done tole my wife we odder go. Now it's jest a madder o' finen time fur the shindig, plannin' the stuff to bring long, and puttin' in fur the vacashun on those days.

B4thetentativeplansfirmupintoJellO

Yea! Can I add you to the list of possible attendees, then?

I believe you are the closest to me of the attendees, but it could be Lady Chattingly. She lives the other side of Wichita. I think it's 235 miles from her house to mine. (She's my Sis, so I know these things.) Fulton may be a bit farther.

When you know for sure, let me know what size tee shirts to order for you. For those coming the 3rd or earlier, I'll reserve a block of rooms at one of the motels. Unless you want to pitch a tent in my back yard.

The way I broached the subject to my wife, A----, was to ask if she wanted to do something a bit different and meet new people this year. She thought that was a wonderful idea. Since you, our HooToo President, are actually within driving distance--instead of flying or boating--it makes the trip especially viable for us.

Total head count for our family will likely be 3 people, with a possible 4th tagging along. It depends if our middle daughter, who's attending William Woods University here in Fulton, would want to take a few days away. She should be out of her college classes by the time of the get-together and we'll leave the invite open for her, too. I'll try to get a commitment from her so you can plan for the right numbers.

As for pitching a tent in your back yard...well, thanks for offering. I know I'd enjoy the rustic charm of an activity I couldn't get enough of, as a teenager. However, I've aged a bit since then, and prefer the comfort of a bed. We may still go out on a limb and bring along a tent, sleeping bags, and all the other stuff needed for "roughin' it" so it can truly be an adventure. Got a soft spot in your lawn for us?

By the way, Hyp, we would be coming to your place early in the weekend, in order to participate in the float trip, etc. Perhaps we could even help prep for the other guests and spend time chatting while we do it. Any other things we should plan to bring, or be prepared to do? Like hanging decorations and directional signs, setting up a BBQ pit, staking out tent zones, taking azimuth readings for sending fireworks at the neighbors?

Oh, and sizes. B4 takes Medium, A---- takes Large, Y---- takes Child's Small, and B---- [if she attends] takes XXL.

B4theblessedeventinJuly

Great! Got it all. I'm on my way to add you to the list of attendees.

I am taking 2 weeks vacation around the event - the week before and the week of the 4th. So come when the spirit moves you and stay as long as you wish. I'm sure there will be things to do to get ready for everyone.

Maybe you could persuade Affy to come. Mr Mysterious. Indiana isn't that far from here.

May I add my welcome to yours, Hyp? Fulton? I've been through there,I think, in my wanderings around the beautiful state of Missouri. Looking forward to meeting you all.

Hypatia,
My family and I will likely NOT be able to make the HillBilly 4th Get-Together, as planned.

The issues between the Company [AmerenUE] and our Union [IUOE Local 148] have come to an impasse and it doesn't look like there will be any resolution. The Company wants to trim 125+ people from the ranks, and our department [Work Control Support] is on the chopping block if they follow through with it. They're wanting to slim down the Power Operations section of the Company, and the Union rules dictate such layoffs get rid of personnel from lowest to highest seniority. Initially, the numbers would have taken out about half our department, but with the talks degenerating, our whole group may be wiped out to be replaced with contract workers.

I'm going to be much too busy looking for other job opportunities to attend. I'm sorry. I was looking forward to it. As it stands, we may not even be living in MO by the time you hold your party.

Please adjust your count of shirts, etc. to reflect us not attending.

TJ Weeks [B4mylamentturns2heartbreak]

Oh dear. I hope it all works out. What a worry for you. The good thing about h2g2 is that we won't be losing you from here. Be sure and keep us posted about your situation.

Any time you're going through this area, please let me know. On travels there is always time for a cup of coffee and a wee natter.

Hyp

Please add my concerns to those of Hyp's. I have my fingers, toes and eyes crossed for you!
Lady C.