Ho Down

Things are progressing and we have purchased a web cam that will be live during the party.

Regent Party: 106 people
Billy Bobs: 78 people
Billy Bobs Bus:72 people
Brown and Keene Office Visit: 51 people
Keg Farewell Dinner: 39 people

We will have enough transportation for the party, the office visit and the keg with the Aloft shuttle and private cars so everyone will be accommodated.

I have not seen the full 2011 schedules yet but have been promised we will have them by the party with a copy for everyone in attendance.

BILLY BOBS: The estimated price was $70 per person and it actually came out right at that amount. I am not posting all the figures here, I have them and Karen has them if you wish to see the analysis. This is the actual cost divided equally between everyone including Ken and I and the staff of Brown and Keene. So if you can send me a check payable to Brown and Keene at 14160 Dallas Parkway, Suite 450, Dallas, Texas 75254 for $70 per person or $140 per couple that would be appreciated.

There are always items you forget and I anticipate the buses may go over the allotted time but Brown and Keene will cover any additional cost involved

Not long now!!!

Any questions post here or email me.

Ngaire

Ngaire, thanks for the webcam! What time is the party? Will the webcam be at Billy Bobs too?

Yippee...webcam sounds great! The Matassa's check is in the mail!

Bummer bummer bummer I won't be there. Lots of pix and stories please

Oh the geek in me is loving the webcam!!!

No web cam at Billy Bobs but we will have it at the party. The party starts Dallas Time 7.00 pm. We will have it set up in a room where most will pass by (the food area probably) but hope to be able to catch Marks Comments too live on the web cam. This is a technical challenge for Ken so this is HIS JOB. Might need to get Julie on this too, my two tech geeks!!!

Ngaire, have the geeks decided where online to host the webcam?

No idea, I have my duties to worry about, this is not on my list I am NOT a geek. Both Ken and Julie will know how to do this I heard them talking right before left we office they were talking about all the options, we have multiple website where we can host this. I know Julie uses google as well all the time. If anyone knows of a great suggestion please feel free to put it forward. My geeks will handle this but it is mumbo jumbo to me.

We too are getting excited for this wonderful and fun filled weekend.

Ngaire, I think you have us noted with a car and that we can transport to your house and the office open house. Frank is bringing his GPS, and you said both those options were very close by and easy to get to. Other than that, we plan on using the bus transportation, and plan on being at all events. Whoooohoooo, going to be a great weekend and we can't wait to meet all those we haven't yet, not to mention seeing those we know and love - that would be anyone we've met! :D

Our check will be in the mail this week.

JoAnn does that GPS show a liquor store near Aloft????

Love your thinking, Joanna - sent you a PM!

LOL Joanna and Kristin. I don't know, but once we get it plugged in I'll ask Frank to check it out!!

We've only been over to that area a handful of times, so we'll have our trusty GPS along too ;)

We are so looking forward to this!

Looking forward to attending virtually. Must hook up my webcam so I can wave and toast with everyone.

Excitement is building...We also need the address of nearest liquor store, Ray needs his Scotch & after POLAR BEARS, even I will drink Scotch now.
Has anyone booked a party suite? Or do we just use the lobby or our rooms?

Mongeau check in mail today.

Maybe Ngaire in all her free time :rolleyes: :rolleyes: would know or could check to see if there is one nearby, since the Aloft is close to her house its possible she might know the answer.

Otherwise I'll be the Hotel will know and I'm sure we will be able to find one.

I can look right now and post the map of where they are located. I will post it in a few minutes.

Here is the link to this map below where you can ask it to find liquor, wine, convenience stores, etc. Click on the "search nearby" link on the map.
There appears to be 3 liquor/wine stores nearby. (We are located at the green arrow)

Kristin that was a great tip-I just did the same thing. Thanks! Now I can spend the savings at the 3 liquor stores! Party in the lobby at the Plano. Forget the webcams-how about some Polar Bears at the party? We look forward to meeting new friends and having a great time- :banana:

I rebook today too - maybe we can get a "group" rate at the liquor store, or at least a case discount!!!!! LOL

Check on its way to Ngaire! Looking forward to BIG D, little a , double l, a!

Margo, after ALL these years, I finally get to meet you!! :hug:

The shuttle will take you on a liquor run. It is complimentary within 5 miles up to 9.00 pm at night. Legacy is very close, new area with lots of fancy shops (or so I hear, never been there isnt that a sin). I am sure that shuttle has never worked as hard as it will this weekend.

Karen....I'm so excited, you're right it's been toooooo long!

There are many LCT meetings in store for me - Lars has no clue what this is all about, he just tells people we're going to Dallas because "Margo has some internet friends there!" ;)

Look forward to meeting you and Lars - Lars sounds like Tony in our early crusing days - "who are you talking about???? your internet friends???

I tell people I'm going to a party to meet "The Luxury People"! (How I reference LCT when telling Alice about a post.)

Almost worth it to stay home just to watch the webcam! NOT!!

We can't wait!!

YAHOO! so glad to meet you and Alice - I had not checked the board in some time for all attending - look so forward to meeting you both - Joanna

I am so sad....I actually thought until today, that I might call Ngaire an beg to have my spot back. Unfortunately my Minn trip is not allowing me for any flexability. I wish you all good times.....I am soooo sorry to miss this trip.

Same here, Joanna!! Won't be long now!
Kim

Anyone know approximate travel time the DFW airport is from Aloft?

Margo, my Mapquest printout indicates approximately 31 mins from DFW to the Aloft.

Thanks Karen, should have known you'd find it. :D

Margo and Kim, looking forward to meeting you both.

You will all have such a fabulous time! Leonard and I wish we were joining you! Have fun!

Andrea

I can ask my live in weather man for forecast but what do the Dallas people say for next weekend????

This weekend the weather is glorious. Been sunny and warm for the last four days and today was spectacular. I was wishing it was THIS weekend. They say sunny Friday, partly cloudy Saturday and possibility of rain on Sunday. However the forecasts are always wrong here so you never know.

:lct: :lct: Thank YOU :hug: :hug:

Margo,

My GPS says it will take 26 minutes if I drive and 15 minutes if my wife drives. :D

I realize it will be warm in the day but will a light jacket/pashima be needed at night?

LOL after Polar Bears,Plano will feel like the South Pacific minus the grass skirts and swaying palm trees of coarse.

Pat, our weather is about the same as Dallas. I still have my AC on but you might want to bring something light for the evenings.
Ngaire is right, we have been having the most glorious weather. no humidity and the bluest skies! I have been keeping my eye on tropical storm Ida, they have her tracking more towards Florida but you never know.

Russell and I will be at the ALoft and are familiar with that area of town. We will have a Surburban, so we can make a large liquor store run. We arrive on Thursday, so let the party begin.

Susan

Carefull Susan... this group might be able to fill up that suburban on a liquor run!

We'll have our Hummer, too, so we can make runs between all points.
<img border="0" alt="[beer]" title="" src="graemlins/beer.gif" />

I think we're covered with a Suburban and a Hummer for liquor run - :app: :app:

As well as transport to college football game viewing venues on Saturday. We've got y'all covered. :)

I'll bring my favorite country and western songs:
Nights I Can't Remember, Friends I'll Never Forget

It's Five O'clock Somewhere

Tequilla Makes Her Clothes Fall Off

I Love This Bar

Im Here For The Party

Pop A Top Again

Ngaire, we are hoping your "geeks" get the cam up and running.
We trust you will all wave to the webcam at the party!
At 7pm on Saturday, Dallas time, it will be 11am on Sunday down here.

Have a great time everyone.

F&W--thanks for letting me know what time it will be here in Australia. I'll try to watch the webcam from the ship, but we'll see--the internet tends to be verrrrry slow as you know. See you soon in Cairns or Port Douglas.

Oh Peggy, you know we will miss you! But you and Jerry are cruising so we are all jealous! ;)

I am liking this weather report!!

<a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/texas sun/greywolf1842/Texas Gramlins/cactus.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/greywolf1842/Texas%20Gramlins/cactus.gif" border="0"></a>

Me too!

Dear F&W....hope you tune in so I can send a wave to you and you can meet Lars! Happy homecoming to you. Hope we can connect next summer!

One more silly question for HoDown....dress code for guys....country club casual???? :)

Lars thinks he need to pack a suit? :eek:

Editing to let you know I found the answer to my question in another thread - no suits will be traveling to Dallas!

JUST TO CONFIRM MARGO NO SUITS ALLOWED.

Country Club or Elegant Casual. Same dress as on Regent on a casual night. Slacks and a shirt (which CAN BE A POLO SHIRT AT MY HOUSE) for men and ladies pants and tops or dresses. You all know the routine on casual night on a Regent ship.

Thank you Ngaire....suits are BANDED!!!! Can't wait to finally meet you.

PS...got the email about flight delays, good planning. Thanks.

Joanna - we need to add two more tunes:

I like my women a little on the trashy side

Save a horse, ride a cowboy

Cheers, Anne

Knew I could count on you Anne ;) ;) two of my favorites.....life stories through music :app:

Have I missed it? What is the address for the webcam?

All My Ex's Live in Texas! <img border="0" alt="[beer]" title="" src="graemlins/beer.gif" />

Not ready yet to give the address for the webcam it is a work in progress. We have it working but Ken is fine tuning a few details still. All you would see now is a staircase.

Just checked SuperShuttle from DFW to Aloft and it was $50 each way for two people.

Does anyone have a ballpark figure for a cab in each direction?

We arrive at 2:20pm on Friday.

Cheers! Ray

Ray....good question. We arrive Friday at 2:10 on American - share a cab? It may be complicated to meet so don't worry if that's doesn't work for you.

I think everyone should sing "Yellow Rose Of Texas" to Ngaire ...(only Texas song I know)

Good one!

Margo:

Margo:

Hmmmmm, raises another question. I'm coming in Cont'l and you're doing AA. Wonder how far apart they are. Maybe someone here knows but in the meantime, I'll try to find an answer on the web to see it something like that is feasible.

Cheers! Ray
p.s.: My cell # is: 440-779-9700

Margo:

Rats, doesn't look like Cont'l and AA flights can link up.

http://www.dfwairport.com/terminals/

As much walking as you do to raise money for breast cancer research, the hike from the airport to Plano would probably be a piece of cake for you if you didn't have to fuss with luggage.

Hey, see you and Lars at the hotel.

Cheers! Ray & Penny

I believe Ngaire cautioned us awhile ago about coordinating for different airlines, as there are so many terminals at DFW, and you never know which onewill be assigned to your flight.

I'm coming in on USAir flight 1273 from PHL at 2:16 on Friday. Pat and Ray, are you by chance on that same flight?

Pat, I'll teach you how to "Hook 'Em Horns" & sing my all time fav, "The Eyes of Texas". :ch:

At DFW you can travel quickly between terminals on the Skytrain, although it is behind security, so that is OK if you are just carrying on, but it won't work if you are checking luggage.

AA flights come into terminals A,B,C,D and they change all the time - the AA flights on MD80s from Albuquerque go into A,C,D - no rhyme or reason - it seems totally random; they send the regional jets and American Eagle flights into B.

For other airlines check your flight arrival status today and that will give you an idea at which terminal you will arrive.

Those sample taxi fares are higher than your shuttle, Ray. we are renting a car and trying to hook up with the Matassas on Friday. If anyone is leaving on Sunday morning around our departure time - 10:55 AM - we can take 2 people with us then.

Ray,

Have you considered renting a car. Given the shuttle and cab fares, renting a car may be viable. We rented a Prius from Hertz for three days. With discounts, the total cost for the three-day rental, including taxes and fees, is about $82.00.

Thanks for the suggestion - I just found a Prius for the weekend for under $70. :)

We're scheduled to land in D Terminal (around gate 37 or 38) at 2:55 AA from O.C. in case anyone is around. We'll just bring carry-on so look for a crazy NYer wearing his cowboy hat.

If you are comfortable driving that actually makes more sense to rent a car and drive. The transfer is expensive from the airport to Plano and the super shuttle is per person so that does not help. Meeting up with someone else unless you are on the same exact plane will be a hassle.

My Hertz reservation is $67 for a mid-size car with NeverLost picking up Friday, returning on Sunday (staying under 48 hours for total rental time).

If you have AAA and Amex Card, then:
Use AAA discount rate code and
American Express promotional coupon: 137675.

If you don't get NeverLost, it will be a lot less, about $38 total for the 2 days.

Could someone email me a copy of the Ho-Down pin? I'd like it for my photo library.

Cheers! Ray

Ray, I am sending it now.

Got it. Thanks!

Cheers! Ray