I've been kicking this around for a while. I'm a little nervous about asking since this may go south, but here goes. I'm willing  to host  a gathering/get together/whatever you want to call it if there's any interest. Some things that will make this hard to do:

The date....picking a date that fits anyone's/everyone's schedule is hard to do. It's impossible to find one day that's good for everyone. I'm retired, so any day/date will be good for me as long as it doesn't interfere with one of my wife's doctor visits (I'm the driver).

 

The content: I won't be able to provide any demo's or entertainment unless someone brings something. So this would mostly be a meet/greet/jawbone affair.

 

Food: I would be willing to provide lunch/drinks/snacks. Likely some kind of fried chicken or such.

 

Timing: because I'm also doing things for my wife (like cooking dinner) we would likely have to limit it to about 5:00 or so in the afternoon ending time, start anytime.

 

The location: my place (search Wapakoneta OHIO) which as far as I know is only close to Newman. Most others will have a couple of hours drive, or couple of hours flight on John's company jet.

 

Info that would be of use:

How many would be probable for such an event?

Any suggestions for the agenda?

Any interest in a swap and sell of stuff?

What did I forget?

 

I've participated in 2 of these type events (different forum) before, one was exceptionally well done...though the attendance was less than the host expected, I think there were probably 12 or so guys so up. The second was disaster....enough said. I'd rather not do one than host a disaster.

 

Thoughts opinions appreciated.

 

 

 

 

Edited March 11, 20188 yr by Fred W. Hargis Jr

A bit far for me, but best of luck if you can get this together Fred.  "Knowing" the guys that usually hang out here I cannot fathom it turning into a disaster.

 

Now, about that disparaging comment you made towards us good ol' boys...

About any time is fine with me.     Have been to a few of Stumpy Knub's Gatherings, the last few years...They were a "arrive on Friday, leave by Sunday sort of things...camped or motel rooms...LJ's supplied the $$$ for the food and drinks...usually had a "swap meet" happen as well.  

I should have mentioned this in my first post, I'm thinking we would do this summer/early fall. Say from June into maybe Sept. to allow plenty of time for the planning and working our dates.

Sounds like fun, but a little to far for me

First off Fred, kudos² to you for the idea and willingness to host. A very generous, thoughtful and gracious offer. I think this is a great idea for those who can attend. The number of Ohioans on TPW alone could make for a pretty good turn-out. Count me in at this stage of the planning. Last I "Googled" Wapakoneta, it looks like about a 4 to 4-1/2 hour drive for me. I'd be late for breakfast unless I stayed the night before, but could be there by lunch.

 

If the mutual agreed upon day/date align, I can adjust/plan easier the farther out this is.  Later June and beyond would be preferable for me, BUT, I'll do my best to go with the consensus. Might I suggest for those who can attend some form of a "cover charge" to help offset the cost of the food and drinks. If you're hosting, somehow it just doesn't seem right for you to foot for all the refreshments.

 

I like the idea of a swap meet session as part of the event. It might force me to divest myself of some "treasured items." For the "wood spinners" who might attend, I probably can round up a truck load of Mulberry in various diameters/lengths.

 

Other agenda items is a complete tour of your new shop...I'll try to wear a bib or bucket as appropriate so not to drool all over the tools and floor.. I would be willing to lead a couple of "ice-breaker" activities so we can get to know each other a little better in a fun fashion. I assume everyone would BYOC (bring your own chair)??

 

Anyways, I'll try to help do whatever possible to ensure your event is not a disaster...

Thanks Dave, as for you Kelly...can't you talk Morris into use of the company jet? (and bring him with you) I mean you are a psuedo-employee.

Edited March 11, 20188 yr by Fred W. Hargis Jr

You think that jet could circle around up into Canada?

John

Sounds like fun.

Everything would depend on date, anything that would come up or if my wife would have to work.

It's about hour and 45 min drive for me.

3 hours ago, HARO50 said:

You think that jet could circle around up into Canada?

John

Perhaps the company drone or dirigible...less expense and not being a company exec

I'm in and if Dave and Krummy are up for it, I'll drive.  You're about 2 hours for me.  I vote for a Saturday 

My wife Tami and I on a couple of vacations have visited and stayed with both Ron Dudelston in Indiana and John Moody in Alabama. We had a great time hanging out together and it was a lot of fun. Tami and I are planning on moving to Kentucky this summer so we could most likely make it work. But just one warning regarding Ron Dudelston and Ohio. It seems that when Ron was a younger man got into a bit of trouble with the Ohio law. He and his wife drove Tami and I across the Indiana/Ohio border about 300 feet to a gas station so that we could take a photo of Ohio and then peel rubber to get back to safety across back to Indiana. He wouldn't tell us what laws he broke, but he was looking in all of his mirrors to make sure he wasn't followed.

37 minutes ago, Allen Worsham said:

My wife Tami and I on a couple of vacations have visited and stayed with both Ron Dudelston in Indiana and John Moody in Alabama. We had a great time hanging out together and it was a lot of fun. Tami and I are planning on moving to Kentucky this summer so we could most likely make it work. But just one warning regarding Ron Dudelston and Ohio. It seems that when Ron was a younger man got into a bit of trouble with the Ohio law. He and his wife drove Tami and I across the Indiana/Ohio border about 300 feet to a gas station so that we could take a photo of Ohio and then peel rubber to get back to safety across back to Indiana. He wouldn't tell us what laws he broke, but he was looking in all of his mirrors to make sure he wasn't followed.

For the record, it wasn't a gas station but rather a bar.   As for spending time in Ohio in my younger days, ah there were many trips 

I'm assuming if there's enough interest to do this it will be on a Saturday. Allen, any idea about when you will be moving to the Bluegrass state? I suppose you realize the bridge into Ohio is built as a double decker. Historians insist that it was built that way so people going from OHIO into KY (the upper level) could throw their shoes down to those going the other way.

19 hours ago, HARO50 said:

You think that jet could circle around up into Canada?

John

Right after it picks me up in Florida!

Just now, schnewj said:

Right after it picks me up in Florida!

Could it pick me up first, THEN head for Florida? I could sure use some warm air.

John

Oh, wait........... we're talking summertime. NEVER MIND!

16 minutes ago, HARO50 said:

Could it pick me up first, THEN head for Florida? I could sure use some warm air.

John

Oh, wait........... we're talking summertime. NEVER MIND!

I'd be MORE than willing to trade some "warmth and sunshine" (along with all of the humidity) for some of your weather! When I think back at hating it being 90°F with 35% humidity in August and thinking I was going to die in that hay field...I didn't know how good I had it. Below 0° never bothered me, I just don't miss the snow and the trees not having leaves until the middle of May.

Edited March 12, 20188 yr by schnewj

1 hour ago, schnewj said:

I'd be MORE than willing to trade some "warmth and sunshine" (along with all of the humidity) for some of your weather!

You got yourself a deal. Cold didn't bother me so much when I was younger; previous career worked outside a lot during the cold. Nothing woke you up like cold diesel fuel running down your arm while trying to clean out a gelled fuel system.

 

Even the snow wasn't bad (in moderation) when out cutting firewood all weekend. I always knew there would be a hot shower, hot bowl of chili, hot coffee and the warmth from the wood stove...Of course that was then, when I was younger. The sub-zero temps along with the 40-60% humidity and the wind penetrates deep into old bones & joints from all the abuse they took when I was young. Yeah the 90^o+ & 90%+ humidity can be brutal too, but I don't have to have on 4 layers of clothes, gloves, hats to endure it. Plus ya' can stick your tongue on a flag-pole if ya' want to do that also.

36 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

You got yourself a deal. Cold didn't bother me so much when I was younger; previous career worked outside a lot during the cold. Nothing woke you up like cold diesel fuel running down your arm while trying to clean out a gelled fuel system.

 

Even the snow wasn't bad (in moderation) when out cutting firewood all weekend. I always knew there would be a hot shower, hot bowl of chili, hot coffee and the warmth from the wood stove...Of course that was then, when I was younger. The sub-zero temps along with the 40-60% humidity and the wind penetrates deep into old bones & joints from all the abuse they took when I was young. Yeah the 90^o+ & 90%+ humidity can be brutal too, but I don't have to have on 4 layers of clothes, gloves, hats to endure it. Plus ya' can stick your tongue on a flag-pole if ya' want to do that also.

...you can always put it on, but you can only take so much off!

 

I never liked wearing a hat. It had to be below 0° or really windy before I would wear one. Now, my feet were another story...thank God for "felt pacs".

6 hours ago, schnewj said:

.you can always put it on, but you can only take so much off!

And then you get arrested! Just saying.

John