Janic In the Park and the Pearl Foundation!

[janisian]

Omigosh, what a fun afternoon I had! Those of you who weren't fortunate enough to attend this afternoon's "Janic-in-the-park" (eg, Redjack's Picnic at Greg's parcel of land!!) really missed something very cool. Sorry...
<grin>
The food was amazing, just amazing. And it kept on coming! Agnes from Holland had been helping Ben cook since Tuesday, I'm told, and of course Mrs. Redjack helped out on the side. Even Dar was pressed into making eggplant wraps. Redjack's incredible ribs, pulled pork, brisket - and on top of that, corn so fresh and sweet you could eat it raw (though we didn't), shrimp wrapped with bacon, incredible garlic sauce for the chicken, chicken wings to die for... well, the list goes on and on, even down to crab on the grill!
Loads of wonderful people were there - many I recognized, some I'd never met (hi Mr and Mrs Redjack's folks!). Marjan and Eva also came from Holland, Wendy came from Australia and brought the most beautiful giclee "Janis faces" mounted on archival canvas, just gorgeous gorgeous artwork.
And the auction... ah, the auction. Between what the Rudies themselves made and brought, and what Randy n Betty were kind enough to shlep when they met me earlier this year, with Karen's help as La Fabulosa Auctioneer-ette, not to mention the immense good will and Elliott's insistence on bidding against himself... well, Rudies, we raised a stunning $2,072!! $1,372 n cash, $555 in credit cards, and $145 in checks. HOW AMAZING IS THAT?!
I myself spent $150 on a Rudie figurine for Pat, and another $100 for Redjack's Secret BBQ Sauce, which I have sworn never, ever to reveal to anyone, no matter what.
And at long last, let me say I am still moved and astounded by the gift you all gave me. For those not there, back at the Sheldon Theater I'd greatly admired a necklace of my logo that Marjan's family had made for her birthday. I'd even asked for the name of the jeweler, thinking I might convince Pat to order me one for Christmas.
Imagine my absolute astonishment when I discovered that all the Rudies had gone in together and bought one for me!!! And even more special, since that one couldn't be ready in time, Marjan had gone ahead and given me hers for the meanwhile, so she'll be taking the new one.
Of course, everyone was in on the surprise except me, who was oblivious when Pat casually asked how long the necklace I normally wear (a Star of David she gave me) measured. I didn't even get it when my sister-in-law suggested I wear Pat's gold law school graduation ring this tour. I was completely, totally surprised.
And I have to admit, although I normally turn down gifts that cost more than a paperback or a bottle of single malt (yes, thanks Elliott, I've got it hidden in the van!), I gratefully accepted this from you all. I am moved, and touched, and thrilled.
A wonderful day off for me and my little crew. Thank you all again!!!
ps can't believe I'm the first to post this. All I can think is that everyone's still out at the picnic...

[Darlene]

Wow!!! It sounds as if everyone had a great time (maybe great isn't a strong enough word)!!! I can't believe ...well I can believe the amount of money made for the Pearl Foundation because Rudies are the best!

I know that those of us who weren't there in body were there in spirit and heart.

I am glad that you guys represented us Rudies well.

Thanks,
Darlene

[KarenSews2]

I've been back long enough to wash my filthy feet, and now I think some of us are off in search of ice cream. Peggy told me I could not have ice cream until I washed my feet. I know...how can we THINK of eating!?!?!

What a fun and fabulous day. We could not have asked for better weather, even though high temps and thunderstorms had been forcast.

More later. Dar just called and we are hoping that the ice cream place is still open...

[Beth]

Sounds like a truly fantastic day. Good food, good friends, and goodness to share through the Pearl Foundation. Couldn't ask for more, huh?

[Agnes]

Yep, we just got back too. Ben, Kathy and I are going to crash on the couch with a drink - we practically fell out of the car as we've been on our feet all day. And what a day it was :) Friends, food, music and play and great weather too - just perfect.

Ben and I have been preparing since Tuesday (thank goodness, that meant we had time to chat with a whole lot of wonderful people), with Kathy running around getting us stuff we had forgotten, but it was more than worth it - seeing happy and relaxed faces all over the place :)

It was great to spend a day meeting people I consider friends, but had never met before! The auction was exceptional (thanks Randy, Betty, Karen and Eva!), hearing Janis sing was a treat and there were jamming Rudies all over the place after she left. I even got to play some volleyball with Peggy, Dar, Greg, Mary, Kata, Eva, Song and Song's sister. Great fun!

Pictures will have to wait, I'm off to have a cup of tea. A big thank you to all who attended and contributed to the Pearl Foundation and Janis's gift (Marjan, you're a sweetheart and it was great pulling this off together!) - this day alone made the trip to the USA worthwile!

And just to ruin his reputation; Ben may be demanding, but he's really very sweet too ;) Kathy is a saint, for putting up with us bossing each other around (not a word, Dar, not a word), for letting me stay with them. Sweeeeet! Thank you, one and all, and I'll catch some of you tomorrow!!

[Jim in Chattanooga, TN]

Don't be surprised, Janis. What goes around...You give to us and we give back to you.

[Eva]

I'm soooo tired now. But everything was wonderful. Even better than I had hoped.

Eva

[Elliott]

I'm still enjoying my Janis Buzz, but I just wanted to say what a wonderful, fun day I had today. It was so great meeting those that were there, and I look forward to meeting the rest of you soon. Thank you to all that made this event so much fun, and for all of the hard work involved. I felt a little bad just eating and watching everyone else work, but you know what they say about too many chefs in the kitchen..... :)

I can't wait to see the pictures, and I'm sure Dee :) was there because every once in a while somebody would say, "hey, where did my ribs go?"

Best to all, Love, Elliott

[SongDragon]

That was amazing! I'll have more to say about it when I stop glowing, and I don't mean from the sunburn. Caroline got her guitar signed and is going to join the board. Woot! And I (well, Dad) got a picture of Janis sandwiched by Caroline and I. All in all it was excellent.

As Janis said the food was amazing.

The people, too. I'll never remember all the names, I'm horrible at names, but I've met Bat, Lucille, Wendy, BGG, Dragonlady, Changeling, Kath, Agnes, Redjack, Kathy, Karen, Dar, Peggy, Eva, Leslie, Elliot, Greg, Mary, Hoops, Randy (Oak Kitten), and so many other wonderful people. It's crazy! This many people won't fit in my journal!

These insane people even made Caroline play for them, on her keyboard. Caroline kept trying to run away. The whole experience was simply superb.

Even the after-party where we got kicked away from the door of the hotel for being too loud!

~Song

[RedjackRyan]

Janis, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend our little shindig. You are a gem for doing all the little special things for my parents and friends on your *day off*. I did get a few more contributions for the foundation after you left but i'm too tired to tally those up tonite. and I'll get the secret recipe to you shortly.

<HUGE HUGS>



Randy and Betty, thankyou for your assistance in getting the auction merchandise to Pittsburgh/

Greg and your wonderful family, we could not have been this successful both in carrying off this event and in raising so much for the foundation without all your generosity. I can never repay you for your kindness and welcoming open arms.

Agnes, there is no way I could have done this without your help. Its been fascinating learning from you and sharing kitchen space and technique with you this past week. Love you to death my dear and you have my undying thanks.

To all those who pitched in where needed, Eva, my wondnerful wife, Dar, Karen, Elliot, Bat, Caroline, Song, and i'm sure i'm forgetting someone.. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart for every little thing you folks did to help out wherever you could.

To new friends, thankyou for visiting my humble corner of the world, Gisli and your beautiful wife, your generosity knows no bounds..the gifts are wonderful and i'm looking forward (with some fear) to trying the shark and cooking that lovely leg of lamb. You are beautiful souls and I am honored to know you both.
Mary, you are every bit as charming in person as you are here on the board, Joan you give great hugs and i'm delighted you joined our gaggle of hungry rudies. Hoops, you and your wonderful partner are welcome in pittsburgh anytime and i'll get you your own set of keys :)

so many more people to thank but its time for some sleep right now.. Thankyou all for making the day a HUGE success.

[Rkitko]

Oh, what a wonderful time indeed! I think Adam and I were the first to sneak out (we just got back home at 11:30 or so - took the scenic route along the Ohio River) but it was fantastic to meet everyone, even if ever so briefly. I'll post a few photos before collapsing. I wish everyone safe travels =)

http://www.somethingtimeless.com/images/20080802Jannic1.jpg

The ever-fabulous Eva, showcasing one of the auction items (and Karen behind the poster).

http://www.somethingtimeless.com/images/20080802Jannic2.jpg

OakKitten and drum. (What'd that drum ever do to you? ;) )

http://www.somethingtimeless.com/images/20080802Jannic3.jpg

Elliott and Janis (perhaps whispering in Elliott's ear to bid against himself in the auction?)

Had a fun day, all. Now I'm off to bed. Whew! I'm beat. Thanks again to Redjack and Agnes (WONDERFUL JOB!) and thanks to Greg for the venue. Lovely spot out in the country.

Cheers,
Ryan

[dragonlady]

Just got in from sitting outside with a small rabble of Rudies discussing this wonderful day and the object of our affection, Janis, of course. This has been just a spectacular day!! I'm still having trouble adequately putting into words the events of today but seeing Janis so relaxed and obviously enjoying herself was pretty nearly the best part of it. Redjack's and Agnes' food was the other part. Just simply unbelievable!!

Meeting Rudies, old and new was wonderful as usual!! Finally meeting my dragon counterpart on the board (Songdragon) was very special and Gisli, who I've been corresponding with and sending packages back and forth to in Iceland for a while, was also a much anticipated meeting. Seeing the "old-timers" was great and meeting so many new people really made my day!!

Wish everyone could have been here,

-di

[lucille]

Book Launch

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/DSCN4871.jpg



http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/DSCN4869.jpg

The Limo:)

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/DSCN4868.jpg

[lucille]

Rachel and Michelle
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/DSCN4884.jpg

It's Me - Marjan:D
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/DSCN4891.jpg

[lucille]

Janis signing Kath's Guitar (again and again and again:D )

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/DSCN4894.jpg


http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/DSCN4897-1.jpg


http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/DSCN4895-1-1.jpg

[lucille]

Dar's New Ear Rings

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/DSCN4878-1.jpg

Pirate Queen (Eva)
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/DSCN4909-1.jpg

Joan
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/DSCN4907-1.jpg

[Dee]

I can't wait to see the pictures, and I'm sure Dee :) was there because every once in a while somebody would say, "hey, where did my ribs go?"

Don't you be outing me now Elliott. :p

Sounds like everyone had a great time and Dar, I love your earrings. Very unique!

Thanks for all the photos too.

[david uk]

wonderful photos- it must have been so much fun!

:)

[aabram]

It's called the power of email and PMs!!!! Wheee...aren't we lucky to have this so generously reported by you, Janis. And you never know what we might get up to next! :rolleyes: Jeeney started reading the book to me last night, and we got to ..... Page 8! :) Expecting mine in the post next week... Aren/'t the photos amazing...

Love Annabel x

PS Did Diver Boy ever find himself?

[Manchester]

Great photos everyone, looking forward to seeing more when you've recovered a little. Thanks for sharing them with us all, and especially to Janis for being so happy and excited that she was the first to post!

Well done team! It sounds like a day to remember for a very long time. Agnes and Redjack, you should set up a worldwide Rudie event catering firm - I'd hire you!

Safe journeys home everyone; especially the intrepid European and Antipodean contingent, you did us proud!
x

ps, Dar? earrings? where's the fiesta flippy skirt Karen was making for you?

[Mimi]

Thank you all who reported so far! I'm so lucky for all of you and next time I'll be there - at any price - I promise that to myself here and now.

I would have loved to bid for the Janis + Christine Collister poster! How wonderful is the idea of Janis and Christine singing together!

And Joan, you look so great! I have your voice in my ear! What did you sing for the Rudies?

Mimi

[Agnes]

Okay gang, I created an album on photobucket with some pics of the preps and the picnic. Well, apparently that didn't work, I'll figure it out later, put up some links in my other post. Enjoy!

Btw, that picture of Kath and Janis is amazing, Wendy!

[david uk]

agnes it's asking for a password- is there any way to access it without a password?

also- what did you cook? :p

[Anna from Dublin]

Great reports all. So sorry I couldn't have been there........sniff, sniff.....

But truly delighted y'all had a good time, especially Janis.

[Agnes]

Crap! I'll figure it out later, we need to leave soon. Here are a few links to the pictures though.

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011081.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011078.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011075.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011086.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011060.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011084.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011085.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011000.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011045.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011039.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011028.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011041.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011021.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011052.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011057.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011058.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011070.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011061.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011079.jpg

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/Rudie_Agnes/Jannic%202008/?action=view&current=P1011082.jpg

[Denise]

Wow..... I just knew I would be sad to have missed it all.
I am SO glad that it was a success and you all had such an incredible, memorable time, meeting old friends and new!
Janis ... I am sure it must be an awesome feeling to have such wonderful fans/friends like this, who are genuinely happy for your success and give you so much support along the way. And for you to have been there as well is amazing.
I can't wait to see the SURPLUS (I hope!) of pics that will be coming thru here!
Sounds like you had a wonderful host in Redjack & his wonderful wife, and wow... all the help that you got Redjack....!!! You worked very hard I'm sure!
Love to all and hopefully some other time I will be lucky enough to meet all of you that I have yet to have the pleasure...

[Mimi]

More GREAT pics! Thanks for sharing!

MIMI

[Darlene]

Thank you all for sharing! But I am greedy! More pictures, Please. I do wish so much that I could have been there. Next time even if I have to hitchhike, and sleep under a bridge, I will be there.

Again, Thank You,
Darlene

[lucille]

http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DKCS/USA2008/?action=view&current=P1010267-1.jpg
Janis with the necklace

[Eva]

Agnes & Ben worked so hard they could hardly move afterwards and the next morning. Poor kids. But they can take pride in the result. Everything was great.

Eva

[lucille]

Janis signing Oak Kitten's Logo

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ005.jpg

Signing Canvas Prints (Soon available on EBay)
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ002.jpg

Dar getting a guitar lesson from Mr. Leslie
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ008.jpg

[Dougster]

Thanks for all the photos, and Janis' review is so sweet and heartfelt. Love to you all.:D

[lucille]

Song's sister (or is it Song!)

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ015.jpg


Mr. Dr. Oak's tootsies
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ014.jpg


Mary6906
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ011-1.jpg

[lucille]

Joan & Oak Kitten

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ052.jpg

Leslie - multi tasking

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ071.jpg


BGG (Michelle)

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ069.jpg

[lucille]

Redjack & Mr. Leslie

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ064.jpg

Noel (Hoops) and Tracey

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ063.jpg

Dar and Peggy

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ059.jpg

[lucille]

Agnes - taking a break and saying "Hi" to Marcia

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ046.jpg

Redjack's Cuz, and Mrs. Redjack Senior

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ041.jpg

BGG and Mr. Redjack Senior

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ062.jpg

[lucille]

Song - or is it her sister Carolyn?

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ017.jpg


Peggy and RandyVA

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/CopyofJannicBBQ043.jpg


The Gang

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/JannicBBQ058.jpg

[Mimi]

I can only repeat what I said before: Wonderful pics! So sad I wasn't there!

Mimi

[JudyR]

Please, all of you, send your "best", NOT high resolution photos to me at
judy@janisian.com
I say NOT high rez because my little computer doesn't have a huge hard drive. I know Janis wanted some for the next website update, and we use fairly small photos for that as well... not that I know much about it...
Best
JudyR!!!!

[diver_boy]

def. a lot of fun, sorry couldn't stay past 5:30 - had to meet with some friends over downtown...but was a very nice treat to see everybody and hope to do it again soon

(got lost coming home....) :(

[Dar]

Well I'm online for a minute while Peggy is off with her sister, so I thought I'd check in!!

What a FANTASTIC time we had!! Words do not do it justice! It was beyond wonderful to reconnect with so many old friends and to meet in person so many of the other old friends!!

I can't thank you all enough for such a terrific time, and thanks especially for making my girl feel so welcome!!

The food....oh was there food? LOL

Ben doesn't want Agnes to leave, but I want her to come live with Peggy and I in CA. Agnes, that leftover bread you sent me home with was absolutely out of this world, it made a terrific little breakfast this morning, before we went out for second breakfast with the gang. :rolleyes: I can't understand why the folks at Cracker Barrel looked so horrified when we told them we were a party of 21, on a Sunday morning!

To everyone I FINALLY met for the first time, Agnes, Eva, Mary, Joan, Gisli (and Kata), Hoops (and Stacy or is it Tracy ;) ), Elliott, Diverboy (and Amhil sp?), Caroline (aka Song's sister), what a treat...and apologies if I've forgotten anyone. Ritko??? I don't remember meeting you, but I think I know which fella you are...I'm sorry I thought you were one of Ben's buddies, I didn't realize you were, well YOU.

Those of you who weren't there, you were all missed and spoken of very often.

Anne, apparently Karen had some technical difficulties with my fiesta skirt, I can't tell you how disappointed I was bwahahahahaaaaa!! But, I did fulfill part of my promise by wearing those flip flops.....I TOLD you they wouldn't fit on my feet. Once I'm home and can post my pictures, you'll see why. They only worked as earrings. Karen ended up wearing them on her actual feet, and I believe they are now in her custody.

So often when something is anticipated so highly, the actual event doesn't live up to it, but I have to say, without question or fear of contradiction from anyone in attendance, the day surpassed all of our wildest expectations!

It was such a gift and a treat to see Janis able to just be herself, mingling, laughing, cutting up and eating. Ahem....let me just tell you all that Janis is NO slouch in the appetite department and I believe there is photographic proof that she is JUST as notorious a food snatcher as I. Considering she's half my size that's QUITE impressive. Then to top it off, she actually PLAYED for us!!! I'm telling you, this day is gonna last in my heart and mind for many many many years to come!!

[Dar]

By the way, there was an awesome showing of folks at Janis' book signing!
The bookstore employees had to keep running for more chairs, I think they had at least double the number of folks they expected, and that's not even counting the Rudies!!


OH Elliott, by the way, we missed you at breakfast! Where the heck where you??? I went to Kinkos and the guy who helped me said, "hey, somebody else was in here with some Janis Ian stuff. I just saw her for the first time on SNL. I had heard some of her stuff before, because my Mom had some of her albums, but I didn't realize she was so great!! That guy (I'm assuming that was you Elliott) told me that she was sick with a 103 fever on that show, that's even more amazing'. Nice work!!

[Marcia Drummergal]

I love all of the pictures and stories....keep 'em coming. Bat has already told me a lot.....and the Rudies don't disappoint with their antics!

Thanks to everyone for your well-wishes in the notebook. A special keepsake I will treasure always and look at often as I try to recover from a terrible seige. Hoops, words just cannot express my thanks and how special you are to me.

Love to all. Marcia :)

[diver_boy]

Janis can eat.
Redjack can cook.
Bat got upset when she couldn't find her beer in the cooler LOL
Karen, Eva, Mary6906, Janis, Bat, Joan, etc. and everybody else who gave me hugs, you guys rock. I needed them.

the best part was at the hotel before leaving, somebody was admiring somebody's chain, it was Bat and another lady -- and then some words got misconstrued and then all I remember was something metal casing vaginas....LOLOLOLOL

..now only if I can

[Oak Kitten]

We got home around 4:30 and I am getting organized for work tomorrow before crashing into bed. Wrote out my check for the Pearl Foundation for the item I won in the auction, and have the guitar I forgot to bring with the second Rude Girl Touring Action Figure (won by Kath) wrapped and ready to go out in tomorrow's mail.

Too dead tired to post anything substantive tonight, but it was a total, awesome, blast! Lots of video to share.

Youse guys totally rock!

Oak

[BGG]

What a long day!!! Flight delays galore, but we have finally made it home!!!

Rachel and I had such a wonderful time this weekend - just like everyone else who was lucky enough to be there... so many great people, SO much great food, such beautiful music...

It was awesome for me to be able to introduce Rachel to folks I had been telling her about for years... and for both of us to see some 'long lost friends' again. How very cool indeed.

Rachel promises to get some photos to Judy in the next day or two... she has an awesome one of Redjack and Gregory (the Chef & the Host)!

Right now I'm afraid we need to unpack, feed the animals, change the sheets, blah blah blah - and CRASH! Just wanted to let you all now we made it home safe and sound (and whipped puppies).

I can't say enough what a great time we had.... more thoughts tomorrow on my lunch hour.

KarenSews!!! I beg you... slaw recipe!?! MMM MMM GOOD!!!

Oh, and Lucille & Kath (OfTheGuitar)... F...U... !!!!! HA HA HA LOL! Seriously, Kath, you asked me to send you something via PM - but your PM mailbox is full Chicklet. Clean it out, will ya? :)

Michelle & Rachel (a.k.a. BGG and the Kung-Fu Peanut)

[JoanM]

What a time! Thanks seems like such an inadequate word. So many did so much to make this a truly memorable time. Janis had the vision for a community and we got to go from virtual to common space and time this weekend. To all my new "friends I didn't even know I knew" you are stellar.

Flights and connection were perfect...so of course I'd left the map light on in my car at the airport and it wouldn't start...the context is different but the line "it out to be a felony to practice such stupidity" sure came to mind.

The dogs are clinging to me like velcro, my stuff is still in the car, and I've got to actually prepare for consulting this week (THREE days, what idiot scheduled that? ooops I guess it was me) which starts tomorrow. Oh well I guess those last two nights staying up until around 2AM were just training for tonight's work...but they were a lot more fun.

More later. Coming in tomorrow's post video of: Dar on the treadmill, the volleyball game, KarenSews and others rock out with an inflatable and a variety of rhythm things...

Joan

[Randy & Betty in Pa]

Well Betty and I got home this afternoon about 3pm.... All things went well except we are just about exhausted.... Janis the "JanisMania" sign is again resting in the trunk of our car which I'm sure it is quite used to by now... We can give it to you whenever you are ready and have the room... We will see you Monday and Tuesday or two dates in November... whatever works...

I'm going to keep this short but there are a few things that I need to say....
1) Thanks to everybody!!! We had a great time...
2) Without mentioning anybody by Wendy name, I do hope you escaped in time to avoid being incarcerated for setting the hotel in a smokey ruins on Friday and then shattering glass all over the entrance way to the same hotel on Sunday... Now certainly I know this might be a bit shocking but here in the United States we frown upon half naked women sitting (and running uo and down the hotel hallways in groups blocking entrances to our hotels... I am a bit surprised that when you were interviewed by the Pittsburgh Fire Dept., Pittsburgh Police Dept.,I.N.S. Agents, Homeland Security, The F.B.I and FEMA should which has scheduled to look for you as quickly as they get to New Orleans and get that mess straightened out that they didn't warn you about this stuff...
So much more to say but just to damn tired tonight...

Prayers and best to all....Betty and I love you all

R.

[Randy & Betty in Pa]

I myself spent $150 on a Rudie figurine for Pat, and another $100 for Redjack's Secret BBQ Sauce, which I have sworn never, ever to reveal to anyone, no matter what...

Pssssssssstttt.... Janis...Should you "accidently" happen to post a certain recipe in your next monthly update I for one (of many) wouldn't mention it to any pirates....

Best

R.

[SongDragon]

Roady! I am sorry I kept forgetting your name. Every corner it turned it seemed I'd forget Roady's name (which is strange since I'm not usually THAT bad). I'm bad, not that bad. I finally, finally remembered it for good after I said goodbye. Yes, you may scold me, but be gentle!

Write up, write up, write up... What can I tell you, I forgot a notebook. Seriously. I couldn't believe it. I ALWAYS keep one in my computer bag. It was not until I got to the hotel and had strewn my clothes everywhere looking for it that I realized what must have happened: after school this year I had used nearly every notebook in my possession, so when packing for Puerto Rico (not using my computer bag) I had moved my few remaining travel notebooks (preferably spiral bound with a pen shoved through the rings) to the bag I brought with me there. While unpacking I never remembered to move my notebooks back. So there I was with my head and heart overwhelmed, my hands trembling, and a computer which I prefer to use for final drafts. While I'm faster typing, I really do love writing it down, crossing things out, and just scribbling notes as madly as possible while lying on a bed, feet sticking out, in an impossibly awkward position of almost falling off.

So, as soon as I can gather my thoughts better, you'll know. Piece by piece.

~Song

[Mary6906]

I arrived home around 2:00 pm... the plane left a half hour late but we managed to make up time in the air... (I think the pilot took flying lessons from Hoops!! cause the touchdown was a bit 'erm .. shall we say fast and the airbrakes seemed to kick in pretty well indeed!! YOWZA!!)

Well, as it has been mentioned by others here... it was a FANTASTIC weekend of Rudies.... it was nice to finally put faces to all our names. Many thanks to Agnes and RedJack for all their hard work....the food was EXCELLENT. Oh, and despite her smokin' up the hotel... I especially loved Wendy's garlic sauce for the chicken, MMMMmmmm indeed. Wendy, didn't you see there was a fire extinquisher on the side of the stove?? Well, at least we gave the hotel something to remember us by didn't you!!

After staying outside last night until a little after midnight I finally went inside to pack up my bag... but just as I thought I really didn't sleep all that much because I thought I'd miss my early wake up.... so I dozed off a little on the plane and again once I got home.

I've posted my first batch of photos, and I'll add a few more tomorrow. I'll collect a few to send to Judy as well.
Here's the link: http://s251.photobucket.com/albums/gg317/Mary6906/RudieQ-2008/?albumview=grid

[Jim AKA JTigre99]

Thanks for posting all of the wonderful pictures of the picnic. I certainly enjoyed the book signing and discussion at Joseph Beth and it looks like the picnic was just as much fun. It was great to see some of the folks at the book store, so I can place names to faces. I hope you all enjoyed Pittsburgh and I know I am kind of shy, but it was very nice to meet some of the rudies. I hope Janis does come back to Pittsburgh again. Thanks again for posting the pictures.

[leslie]

We made it home! Of course, for those in the know, there was some question about that as Patrick's truck's electrical system was having fits! Still don't have running lights, but we made it before dark!

Elliott, I was so glad you called, even though we had a bad connection. Do stay in touch, my friend. Roady, sorry we missed you at breakfast and didn't have a number for you! :eek:

Dar, thought you don't "do" Cracker Barrell but we were sorry to miss you and so many others this morning. Karen, you look mahvelous and Patrick concurs. Miss you all already, particularly the incredible host who needs to find his way catty-corner across the state to collect his mesquite chips!

For all the folks I didn't get a chance to chat with because of sound/instrument setups and troubleshooting, let's do it again w/out all the equipment so I can get to spend more time w/ you! :D

Janis, thanks for being the epicenter around which all develops.

Patrick wants to thank his personal "nurse" as well. :o

Leslie

[Mary6906]

Yes, I hope Patrick's head bump is healing alright and he's fine... wow, I didn't think our makeshift volleyball game could get so rough!! We were a motley crew, but we had fun!

[coffeegyrl]

Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts and pictures. You really gave us a virtual picnic (minus the food).

Lucille, the video of Janis singing gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes!

A good time was had by all, including those of us lurking!

[hoops]

hello all,
Tracy and i arrived home at about 10 pm. i had to stop a couple times for a nap, so that made the trip longer than it should have been. but we are safe and sound. as for the weekend...
Ben, Agnes, Greg, Cathy, you all put your hearts and souls into making this weekend one that would not soon be forgotten. Greg, a man we didn't even know, i can't believe what you you did including building a sturdy shelter where people could gather and musicians could safely play their music without fear of power problems due to rain ( that ,thank goodness didn;t happen)
Ben, as much as i know you love to cook, the sheer amount of food you prepared was amazing and the quality impecible. and your grace as a host truly touched my heart.
Agnes, sweet Agnes, you did not stop for a moment, making sure those of us who don;t eat meat had the most delicious selections to choose from. I was so glad to have been able to meet you. next time we will talk more
Cathy, the behind the scenes go-fer. I still remember the talk we had in 2006 and your sincerety and integrity. it was a sheer joy then and i'm sorry we didn;t get the time to chat this time, but know that you behind the scenes work didn't not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Janis, I keep saying over and over again "who get's to do this, who get's to hang out with not only a multi award winning legend but also someone you have idolized sinc childhood?" You are one of the most generous, respectable, loving, sincere people i have ever met. and you have attracted a well mixed group to you, to the message board...
rudies, i'd love to name you all but my meds are kicikin in hard and Karen and Dar know i even called my girlfriend by the wrong name under their influence. meeting all of you, my rudie family...well ya know that awkward feeling you get when you meet someone you've known thru the telephone and online for the first time? that wasn't there. comfort, joy, laughter, love, peace, acceptance, all thos wonderful qualities we share on the board were all right there. Tracy said it perfectly saying,"You just never meet a group of people with such truth and love,that will go out of thei way to make you a total stranger feel comfortable, this is amazing'
tracy loved meeting all of you and had a really great time. wee also wo glad to meet Ben's mom and dad, we got to chat with them a bit, they are so full of life, joy and laughter they are wonderful people.
i think my favorite part was sharing the laughter...just letting it all go as we do online and hearing the belly laughs and seeing the smile. to all the folks who couldn't make it, you were truly their in our hearts. i know you wanted to be there in person and i hope that next time you can. it was the party of a lifetime...love to all
peace
hoops

[Mary6906]

Alright, here's Part 2 of my Rudie-Q photos:

http://s251.photobucket.com/albums/gg317/Mary6906/RudieQ-2008/RudieQ-2008%20Part%202/?albumview=grid

[leslie]

Hey Mary, picture number 2 should actually be captioned "Lucille, Kath and Wendy" - I wasn't there! Lucille, Kath's partner, not to be confused w/ Lucille on JIMB who is Wendy in her alternate reality! :D Now, is everybody thoroughly confused!!!????!!!???:eek:

Leslie

[Roady]

Just got in the door! Should have been home by 10 pm if they weren't putting hot top on 2 out of 3 lanes for several miles on CT 84 before the Mass Pike. But you know I had a smile on my face the entire ride just going over the weekend in my mind. So thanks for now......will write more tomorrow. Just wanted you to know that I made it home safe and sound.

Song dear, don't worry about forgetting my name! Cripes I don't even remember it all the time. ;)

Roady

[Mary6906]

DOH... yes, that correct..... OK,, I blame it on it being past midnight... and I'm sleepy yeah... that's it.... Hey, I was partially right... it started with an L.... all these faces and names to remember, Sheeesh!!

Thanks, Leslie :D

[KarenSews2]

I got home around 10:45 PM. It would have been sooner, but I had a DiverBoy moment!! I stopped for gas, and didn't realize for, oh, a BUNCH of miles, that I had got back on the highway going EAST!! GEEEEZ!! What a doofus! I TOLD you guys I missed you already!!

I had to tell Ned all about the weekend, and show him all the great pics you guys have posted. He's sorry he had to miss it. I'm counting on all y'all, 'cause I didn't take any pics yesterday!

Anne, I did not get Dar's skirt done. It is still partly-done, in a pile where I chucked it after saying "f*** it!" when I was having some difficulty. I DO have to get it done and send it to her, because a couple of the fabrics were chosen especially for DAR!

No one has mentioned that Kathy (Mrs. RJ) won the DIRTY FEET contest yesterday! I thought I was a "shoe in" (pun intended :p ) until I saw Kathy's!! I think we both needed some Drano after washing our feet! Kathy, I hope you are feeling better.

I can't tell you what a wonderful time I had. So much fun, great friends - old and new, delicious food, terrific hugs, great weather... the list goes on.

I love that my list of Rudie friends just grows and grows.

Ben and Agnes, thank you, thank you for all your hard work. I enjoyed every morsel!

Janis, thank you for being there. I often think of all the wonderful friends I now have, all because of this wonderful little community you have created for us.

My favorite quote from yesterday--
Several of us were sitting at a table, eating, of course. Janis was to my left, and she leaned back, saying, "I can't eat any more." Right then, someone came offering a platter of corn, hot off the grill. Janis sat up a bit, raised her eyebrows, and said, "CORN?" After she was happily chomping away, I had to make sure it was really that good...

[DaveM]

A marvelous virtual picnic indeed! Just sorry I could not make it....actually missed all you folks, not to mention the opportunity to meet so many I have "met" only through this board.

With any luck there will be another time. Perhaps the fire alarm could be reenacted annually for posterity? I won't comment on the half-naked women.

Have loved all of the pictures thus far and look forward to more. Would especially like to see what was left of Pittsburgh by the time everyone left....

[Mary6906]

And finally, at the airport, on my way to my gate at the Continental Airlines wing ... I came across this Recycling display of shoes

http://s251.photobucket.com/albums/gg317/Mary6906/For%20Eva/?albumview=grid

http://www.recyclerunway.com/

Hey, KarenSews... how about we see Dar in this little number? http://www.recyclerunway.com/pages/PFTarget1.htm

Could Eva be our newest Pole Dancer? .... look out Marjan she's giving you competition!

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg317/Mary6906/RudieQ-2008/Evanewpoledancer.jpg

[Agnes]

Thanks all for the wonderful pictures, I'm still on a high! Can't say it often enough; it was SO GREAT finally meeting so many amazing people face to face... :D Ben has been trying to wipe the grin off of my face by dragging me to Kennywood Park, along with Gisli and Kata, and almost get me killed in one those rollercoasters (loved it! :D), but has not succeeded (and will not). You guys are the best!

Dar and Karen; ROFLMAO! :D

Noel, you're a treasure! I'm glad we finally got to meet and hug!

[KarenSews2]

Oh, MARY!!! That is SOOOO Dar!!! NOT!

ROFLMAO!!

Oh, I almost forgot -- Friday after the book signing, a gaggle of Rudies was gathered around the front entrance (NOT getting thrown out) when Janis and crew came back. Pleasantries were exchanged, then Janis asked what was going on the next day. As none of us seemed to know a schedule of any kind, so we simply said we were having a barbeque. Janis kind of squinted, grinned, and said, "No, what's REALLY going on? I know you guys are up to something." We honest-to-"dog" didn't know what she was talking about. She wasn't buying our truly puzzled looks. I asked what she THOUGHT was going on, and she said that she just "knew" that something was going on. Even after she walked in, we looked at each other, shrugged, and tried to figure out what she was talking about. The ony secret mission was the necklace, but that didn't seem to fit the bill. We hoped she wouldn't be disappointed when nothing really happened! Redjack was thrilled that she thought we were "up to no good." Someone said it would be like when Marcia Brady was expecting a surprise birthday party and it didn't happen!

At that point, we tried to come up with something, but decided the best surprise was no surprise.

Maybe it was the necklace that she had an inkling about. We still don't know...

[KarenSews2]

Dar and Karen; ROFLMAO! :D

WHAT?!?!? (looks innocent) :p

[Judy]

It was obviously a fantastic day and thanks so much to all who shared with us who couldn't make it.

[JoanM]

Here are some short video links

Run Dar Run (http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/?action=view&current=Dar.flv)

volleyball (http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/?action=view&current=volleyball.flv)

Inflatable and rhythm (http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/?action=view&current=MOV00587.flv)

I'm uploading another longer video of Kath and Janis...these files take some time...do the ones from flip videos take a long time too?

jm

[JoanM]

Kath and Janis (http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/?action=view&current=KathJanis.flv)

[Rkitko]

Ritko??? I don't remember meeting you, but I think I know which fella you are...I'm sorry I thought you were one of Ben's buddies, I didn't realize you were, well YOU.


No worries! I'm the quiet one. But remember, we met briefly at the San Francisco show at the Brava theatre two years ago? There were just so many people to meet; I wish there had been more time to chat with everyone! :)

[diver_boy]

[QUOTE=JoanM]Here are some short video links

Run Dar Run (http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/?action=view&current=Dar.flv)

Work it Dar!!!!

[Marcia Drummergal]

JoanM, I enjoyed the video snippets. I don't think Dar wanted to be videoed! LOL

LOVED seeing Janis with Kath. Reminded me of JanisMania.

Marcia :)

[Oak Kitten]

Here are the first 2 videos I took at the RudieQue:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOuDYFuqe0s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_apSCMLi1hA


I have the entire auction proceedings, but that runs almost 30 minutes and will have to be broken into segments. This is all for tonight, but stay tuned tomorrow, more to come. . .

Oak

[Bat]

I can't remember when I've had a better time with better people or better food! Everything came together like butter in a churn and we had a wonderful event...it sounds like everyone feels that way, too.
I took some pix and will post them when I can figure it out...probably a link to somewhere.
Got a couple videos of Janis singing the two songs to Ben's family...came out ok. I have a long way to go to be good at it, but it was fun trying...especially when I kicked Michelle out of her seat so I could steady my arm on the table...really felt kind of bad about that, but felt it was for a good cause. Heh heh...but I owe ya, BGG. :p

Link to Book signing pix:
http://pictures.aol.com/ap/uploadSuccess.do

[Mary6906]

Bat that link to AOL give an error message. Just says, "An error has occurred"

[Bat]

Works for me. Tell me if this one works. If it does, add the pound sign to the one above

http://pictures.aol.com/ap/uploadSuccess.do#

If it doesn't work, then I'll have to move them to a public Gallery.

[leslie]

Evening Bat, just tried your link and it wants me to log in! ;)

Leslie

[Mary6906]

Nope, still didn't work for me, Bat, and I was already logged into AOL.

[KarenSews2]

Elliott, darlin' -- check in! We missed you at breakfast yesterday, and they said at the desk that you had checked out. Let us know how you are.

It was great meeting you and getting to hang out. OK -- it doesn't hurt that you thought I was 40!! :D

[hoops]

having only 2 eyes it seems there is much i missed. thanks to all of you with cameras flip cameras and anything that added extra eyes. it just gets better and better maybe all of you who didn;t make it will see as much as we who were got to see...i hope
peace
hoops

[Bat]

OK, try this...the book signing and Janic pics should come through, along with a lot of others you aren't interested in.


http://pictures.aol.com/galleries/olbat413?backState=prevPage%3D/ap/myAlbums.do%26state%3DalbumId%253D39752.1745.12179 02124327.1

[Mary6906]

Alright... this one works... thanks.

[Bat]

Whew! Someday I'll figure out how to get on Photobucket...it never did like me. Maybe things have changed now.

[hoops]

bat, great pics! thanks so much! mine will be coming next week cause i used actual film lol
peace
hoops

[coffeegyrl]

Great pics everyone! Now I have a few comments ; )

I knew someone would snag that larger-than-life poster of Janis...randy

You had to smoke outside the hotel but you bbq'd inside?

That pirate hat looks right natural on Randy.

[Bat]

I love the one of you and Tracy, Hoops. You can copy and paste it into a letter to yourself and print it if you want...I thought it was very good of you both. Suitable for framing.

I had my 35mm with me, just in case the digital gave out, but those batteries were just freshly charged and they lasted a really long time...all day long and a couplea videos-worth. I was quite pleasantly surprised, in fact.

I did find a can of exposed 35mm under my front seat when I cleaned out my car for the jaunt last week, took them in Friday and they won't be ready for a while yet; but I wonder what they could be...more Janis probably...which would be a very good thing, indeed. I'll post if they are.

[aabram]

Thanks very much, Bat, for posting these. :cool:

Annabel

[Bat]

You're all very welcome...I had nicely captioned them all, but when I transferred them to an accessible site for everyone, the captions didn't transfer...hell, they don't even transfer from one place to another internally in my computer. Bah.
So, you all know who you are, and if you want to know more, I could elucidate further...just give me a number or description.

[Marcia Drummergal]

Bat, some of the captions transferred. For the ones that did not, I blame
RandyPA!

Marcia ;)

[Bat]

Mar, I guess I did recaption a few of them.

[Mary6906]

Like you have nothing better to do today then recaption!! :D

[hoops]

Bat, thank you, i love the pics of Tracy and me too. i'm gonna mail them to myself and print them asap. thank you
peace
hoops

[Bat]

:D Yeah, Mary

Actually, I'm having a great time going back and reading all this again, now that I have a good night's sleep and my wits back about me. Your pics are really terrific, Mary! And Agnes' are great, too...a really fine one of Ben!
How did you ever find time to take them all? Every time I saw you, you were up to your armpits in eggplant, or some other interesting but unidentifiable veggie! (The beet stuff was really good...can I have the recipe for that?)

In fact, all the pics and videos seem inspired! That was a superb meal,Ben and Galley Slaves! The venue was wonderful with alll the bells and whistles one could want at a picnic....and real flush porta-potties, too!! (Certainly a step up from the pit toilets of yesteryear.:eek: )

I'm still glowing, delighted with the new friends and familiar faces...you're all familiar now! The most common remark I kept hearing was, "It's so nice to be able to put the faces with the names!" I concur wholeheartedly!

To all of you who weren't fortunate enough to make it, my fervent wish is for you to be able to do it next time, and to be able to find a booksigning in a place near you...that was worth everything, as Janis is a truly compelling storyteller. I think I'll read The Book again...I know I'll hear her voice telling it just to me.

OK, just wanted you all to know that I had a marvelous time, and am so grateful to Janis , this board, and you all for being here.

[dragonlady]

Kathleen and I just got back to Virginia...exhausted from the weekend and subsequent family visit. We are still talking about moments from the signing and the picnic and anticipating the concert on Thursday. Sitting up at the hotel and talking till all hours was just about as fun as everything else.

Loved looking through the posts and pictures...we'll get our pictures out of the camera and uploaded somewhere as soon as we can.

Till then,

-dragonlady and changeling

[Kath of the Guitar]

Well guys there's not much I could add to this, thank you all for being the wonderful bunch you are, and the joy of spending some quality time with you.

THANK YOU, Ben, Agnes, and everyone who worked soooo hard to make this happen, it is truly a privilege to know you. Though I wish we could've spent more time with you.

Janis, you are amazing! Thank you for taking out the time from your busy schedule to spend it with a few crazy people who love you!

BIG {{HUGS}}
Kath & Luce :D

[hoops]

kath, we need to see your pics and videos...I miss you and luce both tracy and i had a blast with you
peace
hoops

[Mary6906]

The feelings are mutual, Kath. It was great to meet you and Lucille and finally get to hear you play your guitar.... wonderful.

[Elliott]

I had so much fun.... Thank you for making me feel so welcome! I wish I could have had more time to get to know everyone better, but the folks I did connect with (you know who you are) are all just fantastic. And by the way, I got my loot today via Federal Express! One huge box, and a very large tube. The box looks fine, so hopefully everything made the trip without any damage. I can't wait to tear into it.... but I have not stopped in days, and I just have to relax for a minute or two. I did finally finish "the book", after savoring each page. It was so emotional that I really couldn't speed read it, as I had planned; it took time to digest everything that Janis had to say. She really paints very vivid details with her words, and was a little difficult to take in too much at once. I was so happy to read how she felt at the WorldCom, meeting her heros, and now I know she understands how I felt upon meeting her, and what a fool I felt like afterwords with my jibberish! It was a wonderful weekend.

Has anybody else noticed that when Janis looks at you, she is really looking at you? She moves fast, and had so many people to mingle with, but those moments when I had her to myself, and in a beautiful setting with forty or so other people, I knew in my heart that she was listening to me, and understanding me.... and that to me is priceless.

[Eva]

I am mostly busy with sleeping since I am back. Didn't really had a chance to sleep on the plane. The girl next to me had some Oak-like problems :eek: Poor thing. Luckily she hadn't eaten her lunch yet. The other girl next to her and me were also not very happy with them serving beans to 150 people in a confined and relatively small area :rolleyes:

So lts of sleeping it is. And... pirating all the pictures that you guys made and that I like off the net into my own albums. Heheheh... :D

Eva

[Mary6906]

Beans to people on the plane!!! :eek: Gives a whole new meaning to the "high price of GAS"....

Get some rest and enjoy your day, Eva.

[Agnes]

LOL, Mary :D Yes, it did...

[Dee]

Just one more reason (among many) for me to never try flying, Eva!

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/deemark/Emoticons/_boggled.gif

[Eva]

And I wondered why I couldn't find myself a nice butch in Pittsburgh. Now it all makes sense. I mean... Look at me! :eek:



Eva

[Bat]

That's an adorable picture of you, Eva!! Great smile, beautiful blue eyes, flipflop scepter...what's not to like?:D

[dragonlady]

Elliot...wondered how you got all that stuff home...:rolleyes: good to hear from you. Sorry we missed you at breakfast and didn't get to say goodbye...

Eva, glad to hear you are home safely...I have three days before going back to work and I'll be sleeping too....some reading and eating too i think but lots of sleeping.

later,

-di

[Agnes]

Bat, Karen, Ben... Here's the beet salad recipe I promised you:


Ingredients:

Tofu, natural
8 beets, with leaves on two or three of them
150-200gr Quinoa
50gr pine kernels (or pine nuts for the Americans among us ;))
1 huge red onion or two smaller ones
Chives
Oregano
Thyme
Rosemary
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Garlic (to your heart’s content, but I’d say about a head)
Salt
Pepper


Make a marinade for the tofu of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, 6 sliced garlic cloves, a handful of dried rosemary and thyme, a little oregano and a pinch of salt and pepper (fit to taste). Chop the tofu and let the cubes soak in the marinade for at least a day.

Wash the beets and cook them in about 40 minutes. Let them cool and chop them into cubes, then pour some olive oil on them. Chop the onion and the rest of the garlic in small pieces and fry in olive oil with a little salt on low heat until they caramelise (takes about 45 minutes).
Cook the quinoa in 15-20 minutes in a copious amount of water (quinoa takes it in like a fish) with a pinch of salt. Go easy on the salt; quinoa tends to adopt flavours very quickly. Strain the quinoa and roast the pine kernels in a dry frying pan. Fry the tofu, while using the marinade to fry in, for five minutes on medium heat. Add the pine kernels to the quinoa.

Cut the beet leaves, wash them thoroughly and dry them. Heat oil and fry the beets and the leaves for a few minutes, add the caramelised onion and garlic and fry for another minute. Add the tofu, the marinade and the quinoa to the beets and cut a small amount of chives to sprinkle with.

Optional to add just before serving: cubes of feta or goat cheese. Enjoy!

[dragonlady]

Agnes...you've just made Kathleen very happy...I just copied the recipe off for her...

-di

[Agnes]

Always good to make people happy! :) You're welcome, Kathleen!

[Bat]

That was really amazing stuff, Agnes...never tasted anything quite like it!
Thanks so much for the recipe...but you have to tell me what Quinoa is.:p
Carmelized onions...mmmmm...

[Agnes]

Barb, quinoa is the grain/rice-like stuff that was in the salad ;) Its other name is actually Inca rice :)

[KarenSews2]

I'm not sure when I 'll get it made, but I most certainly will!!

Thank you, thank you!

[Bat]

Thanks for telling me what Quinoa is, Agnes...never heard of the stuff, but then I'm not a vegan...I have friends who would know. It's a great dish to make for them when they come over! Thanks again! It was DEE-lish!!;)

[Eva]

That's an adorable picture of you, Eva!! Great smile, beautiful blue eyes, flipflop scepter...what's not to like?:D
Sometimes you worry me Bat... :eek:

Quinoa... mmmmm... very nice indeed. I use it like I use rice. I stirfry all kinds of vegetables and maybe some meat. I cook some quinoa. I eat it all. Yummmm.

Damn, I'm hungry...! :mad:

Eva

[gisli]

Hi there all, we have left the oven and arrived back into the cooler....:(

Wow cant add more then has been said here. Thank you all for a terrific time and THE HUGS. It was an honour and pleasure meeting you all and get to hang with you, hearing your voice, seeing your face expression and all. What just happened that weekend was a lifetime experience.....a rollercoaster of all kinds of good feelings, laughter and joy, actually........I am still smiling so is Kata.
So from the bottom of my heart and in my hard Icelandic accent I say TANK YOO FUR AI GRRRREIT WEEKEND.

[hoops]

agnes, i loved that salad...and i hate beets, maybe i'll give making it a try. all your food was just so yummy and none of it anything i have had before.
Eva, you do have the most incredibly blue eyes, hard not to look into, you are a lovely lady.
Gisli,
it was so nice to finally meet you, you and kata are wonderful people and i hav to say i love you sense of humor. hope we gete to meet again someday. till then having you on the board is blessing
peace to all
hoops

[Bat]

Eva, you do have the most incredibly blue eyes, hard not to look into, you are a lovely lady.


Yes, doesn't she. Such innocent sweetness in that face! Amazing.:rolleyes:

Gisli and Kata, it was such a pleasure to meet you both at last! You are great Rudies! ...I'm so glad you brought Kata, Gisli, and not a case of paint thinner! She is much nicer, smoother and easier to take! Please come again!

[RedjackRyan]

I think i've finally fully recovered :D Thanks to everyone for making this event such a HUGE success. It was great fun meeting all the new faces and seeing old friends again. As usual, there's never enough time to spend with everyone but i do appreciate you all coming so far for our little picnic.

Gisli and Kata it was an absolute delight hanging out at the park with you. You and your wife are such wonderful folks and i sincerely hope we get to spend time together again soon. I haven't tried the care package you delivered, hopefully next month when two of my more fearless friends visit.

Rkitko, my apologies, I had no idea you where *THAT* Ryan, i assumed you were one of Greg's friends who wandered in from time to time.

Agnes, thanks for the recipe and for being a delightful houseguest. Despite my constant beatings and shackling you to the kitchen you greeted each morning with a smile and made the whole preparation thing much smoother than it would have been otherwise. On top of that, great fun burrowing through the earth and being silly at Kennywood. <hug>

Eva, Queen of Pirates it was a blast meeting you and watching bad films together. Glad i got the apple-tini mix right for you :)

[Mary6906]

..... Agnes, ..... Despite my constant beatings and shackling you to the kitchen you greeted each morning with a smile ... :)

RedJack, you sure Agnes doesn't have a case of Stockholm syndrome!! :D

I'm glad you are finally recovered... you both did an awful lot of work and everything turned out wonderful.... I certainly look forward to another Rudie event in the future.

[aabram]

RedJack, you sure Agnes doesn't have a case of Stockholm syndrome!! :D

I'm glad you are finally recovered... you both did an awful lot of work and everything turned out wonderful.... I certainly look forward to another Rudie event in the future.

Need a little while to prepare for this.... mind you that's what I said last year, and nothing happened to increase my cash flow then. Now that's even worse and so I have to get back to where it was and then some..... so give me time a well-paid job and a passport, and I'll be there :) definitely

[Agnes]

RedJack, you sure Agnes doesn't have a case of Stockholm syndrome!!

Errrm, never even been there, so I think I don't, but if you don't mind telling me what it is... :D:D

Ben, it's been a pleasure working, shopping and laughing with (and sometimes at :D) you!

Noel: wow, that's quite a compliment! Thank you :) I'm really glad you liked it and that you got to taste some new stuff!

[Oak Kitten]

Here are my RudieQue pics – not very many, as I was taping video most of the time.

Here is Eva, putting on her Evil Pirate Queen persona:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/RudieQue%202008/PirateQueen2.jpg

But I caught her letting her guard down and dancing with Mr. Oak (Didn’t think I would notice, did you?)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/RudieQue%202008/JohnEva2.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/RudieQue%202008/JohnEva3.jpg

[Oak Kitten]

Here is our Chief Rudie, Master of BBQ Cap’n Redjack and his lovely wife:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/RudieQue%202008/CapnMrsRedjack.jpg

Karen, the world famous Rudie Auctioneer, is getting “In the Zone” for the big event:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/RudieQue%202008/KarentheAuctioneer.jpg

My favorite picture, The Oaks flanking Her Marvelous Self:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/RudieQue%202008/JohnJanisRandy.jpg

[Oak Kitten]

Back at the Homestead, my auction loot is on display:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/RudieQue%202008/Auctionloot.jpg

[Mary6906]

Well, I'm off to the store to get all my BBQ photos developed and make me up a photo album. A very nice souvenir of the weekend events indeed.

[Eva]

We were not dancing. We were preparing to wrestle.

Eva

[Oak Kitten]

We were not dancing. We were preparing to wrestle.

Eva

Thanks for that clarification, Eva. So who won?

Oak

[Eva]

Thanks for that clarification, Eva. So who won?

Oak
Me of course. But I let him have the sambathingies. Just because I was in a good mood.

Eva

[Oak Kitten]

Me of course. But I let him have the sambathingies. Just because I was in a good mood.

Eva


You are such a sport.

Oak

[dragonlady]

Here are the pictures from our camera...

Day of the picnic:

http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j170/Dragonlady229/Rudie-Q%202008/

Sunday and Monday:

http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j170/Dragonlady229/The%20Days%20After%20the%20Que%202008/

These should be public albums. Let me know if you have any problems accessing them.

-di

[Eva]

So who took all those great pictures of my red shoes and why aren't they on here yet? :eek: :rolleyes:

Eva

[dragonlady]

I believe that was Dar....she hasn't posted yet....patience Pirate Queen, patience....

-di

[coffeegyrl]

Great pictures, Dragonlady. Thanks for sharing.

[KarenSews2]

Day of the picnic:



Ha! The one of me with the shrimp cracks me up! Bet no one knew I actually SEWED the bacon to the shrimp!!! :eek:
:D

We decided that bacon-wrapped shrimp was the stuff of Jewish nightmares, then someone said if you add cheese, it becomes kosher! LOL

[Bat]

Great Pictures, DL...that one in the second batch of Kath and Hoops is a couple of the meanest looking broads ever! Dang! Thank heaven looks are deceiving! :D

[Mary6906]

LOL.... yeah, Karen, it does sort of look like you are trying to thread that bacon onto the shrimp!! They were delish!!

And the photos of Dar and Peggy... so adorable!!! :)

Oh, and Bat... what was that orange fuzzy thing on Mr. OakKitten's forehead!!! :confused: I think I missed that one that day... I believe I saw that orange thing in your pocket!!

[Agnes]

It's called a welpie, Mary. It's a tiny lion that was the Dutch soccer mascotte during the European Championships :) Orange is the Dutch royal colour :D

[Bat]

That fuzzy orange thing in my pocket is a gift from Eva...a mascot troll/lion representing the Dutch Soccer Team, I think appropriately called The Lions.
Cute little feller! Thanks again, Eva!
I thought I'd lost him out of my pocket, but found that he washes in the machine very well, no loss of mane, no mange, just nice and clean and still very, very orange! He'll have a spot on my shelf for whatnots and chatshkies:D

[Eva]

And a close up of the little critter. The were Welpies in orange, But also in red, white and blue as those are the colours in the Dutch flag.

Eva

http://www.rtl.nl/(/actueel/rtlnieuws/opmerkelijk/articleview/)/components/actueel/rtlnieuws/2008/06_juni/16/opmerkelijk/0616_1730_welpies_brulshirt_oranje.xml

[Bat]

I couldn't remember Welpie...knew he had another name. That's quite an advanced Dutch language lesson, Eva! I don't know whether I'm up to that!:D

[Mary6906]

Awww, he's a cute little critter.

I should know about the orange lion... cause the insurance company ING is just down the street from my work.... and I see that darn lion every day as I go past their building! I just couldn't make out what it was stuck on Mr. Oak's head!! :D

Glad he made it through the wash cycle, Bat. Now it's fresh and clean to go up on your shelf.


And a close up of the little critter. The were Welpies in orange, But also in red, white and blue as those are the colours in the Dutch flag.

Eva

http://www.rtl.nl/(/actueel/rtlnieuws/opmerkelijk/articleview/)/components/actueel/rtlnieuws/2008/06_juni/16/opmerkelijk/0616_1730_welpies_brulshirt_oranje.xml

[gisli]

Great photos Di. Thanks for sharing, they really take one back to those sweet sweet memories of them two #F-words#......

[Oak Kitten]

Great pictures, Di! Thanks for posting them.

Oak

[dragonlady]

I should have a few more from the disposable camera tomorrow. It is being developed tonight. I'll let you know when they are up. I was so glad to be able to get back into my photobucket account :D ! Everything was still there from the 2006 Janic. I can post those links if anyone is interested in seeing them.

-di

[JoanM]

Rude Girls prepare to strut their stuff for the auction. They are hoping to bring in big bucks for Pearl and find nice new homes.

Rude Girls back stage

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/DSC00558.jpg

Discussing the finer points of the Master Class

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/DSC00556.jpg

Nashville Rude Girl plays "right side up"
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/DSC00557.jpg

[JoanM]

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/DSC00569-1.jpg
Nashville Rude Girl gets to go home.

For the Adventures of Florida Rude Girl see Rude Girl Visits Ft. Lauderdale (http://www.janisian.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6378)

[Eva]

Nashville Rude Girl gets to go home.
Aaaaawww, that's sweet, Joan. And funny :D

Eva

[Oak Kitten]

Great pictures Joan! Thanks

Oak

[DaveM]

Seems to me there's a famous photo of Jim Morrison in the same pose in front of Robbie Krieger from The Doors infamous Miami concert. You're quite sure they're discussing the master class? Or is it just the camera angle?

[hoops]

very cool, wish i was a fly on the wall for that conversation :D
peace
hoops

[JoanM]

Seems to me there's a famous photo of Jim Morrison in the same pose in front of Robbie Krieger from The Doors infamous Miami concert. You're quite sure they're discussing the master class? Or is it just the camera angle?
Quite sure Dave (not going there). I think Nashville Rude Girl was concerned that she own the stage and didn't want to share with Rude Girl v.3 (or v.4, not sure only Oak the creator can tell us). She got a bit competitive.

jm

[marjan]

My pc is working again so I could finally upload my photos into Photobucket :)

So here they are: http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DKCS/US2008

[Mary6906]

Shake Your Groove Thing, Shake Your Groove Thing, Ya Ya!!
Show 'em How to Do It Now....

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DKCS/US2008/P1010286.jpg

[Agnes]

Great pics, pluis! Downloaded a couple, hope you don't mind! :)

[Dee]

Thanks for the photo tour Marjan and for documenting the big event. No, not the cooking mishap, the book signing! :p

[Bat]

Those are wonderful photos, Marjan! I didn't ever see you with a camera...are you sure you didn't let phantom Dee take them?

[Oak Kitten]

Wonderful pics, Marjan Thanks for posting them.

Oak

[hoops]

Marjan, great pics! i'm with oak, when did you take them??
peace
hoops

[JoanM]

Marjan thanks for taking us along on the journey. Never saw the camera but you sure got some good shots.
jm

[JoanM]

I knew I had some more pictures somewhere

Mr Dr Oak on vocal and guitar
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/DSC00590.jpg

As Dr Oak keeps the beat
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/DSC00591.jpg

[JoanM]

Leslie
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/DSC00561.jpg

Randy
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/DSC00554.jpg

Kath and Janis
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/DSC00563.jpg

Janis
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/DSC00598.jpg

joan...takin' the shots

[SFBill]

My pc is working again so I could finally upload my photos into Photobucket :)

So here they are: http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DKCS/US2008

Wowser--these are amazing!
thank you so much!

[Eva]

So many wonderful pictures. And then also all the wonderful memories. I am so happy. Thank you.

Eva

[dragonlady]

I finally got my videos from the picnic in order at the following location:

http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j170/Dragonlady229/Rudie%20Q%20Videos/ (http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j170/Dragonlady229/Rudie%20Q%20Videos/)


Enjoy!!!

-di

[Dar]

Thanks for posting those Di!!

[DaveM]

Incredible! And there's even authentic footage of the Cap'n at his grill! Most impressive indeed.

[hoops]

fantastic di! thank you so much
peace
hoops

[lucille]

These were hidden in my camera memory (not on the card)


Bubbles Reddick (Karen)
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/ebay050.jpg


Randy, Kathy and Noel (Hoops)
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/ebay048.jpg

[lucille]

Peanut, Moi, BGG and The PoleDancer
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/ebay046.jpg


Peanut (showing a bit of leg - mine!) Moi and BGG
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/ebay045.jpg


Peanut, Mr. Dr. Oak, Dr. Oak, BGG
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/lucille92/ebay043.jpg

[Agnes]

Bwahaha, brilliant! Thanks, Wendy :D

[KarenSews2]

Cool! Oak is sporting Rudie hair! I decided that was way better than bunny ears! :D

I guess since 'Chelle couldn't reach, Mr. Oak has a receding hairline! :-O

[Mary6906]

Mr. Oak's next shirt....
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg317/Mary6906/My%20stuff/hareline.jpg

[AceOn6]

Ooooo, where can I get that shirt? Hubby needs to own one.

[Mary6906]

Ooooo, where can I get that shirt? Hubby needs to own one.

Try CafePress: http://t-shirts.cafepress.com/item/receding-hare-line-baseball-jersey/32899935#allprods

[Eva]

Ah, Michelle, Kath and Hoops are all in these series. It is my lucky day. Thank you *happy sigh*

Eva

[hoops]

great pics! sigh ahhhhh such wonderful memories! thank you so much!
peace
hoops

[KarenSews2]

Ah, Michelle, Kath and Hoops are all in these series. It is my lucky day. Thank you *happy sigh*

Eva

And what am I? Chopped livvah??? :cool:

[hoops]

i should say not karen! i love the bubbler! or is it bubbles ridick?
peace
hoops

[Bat]

Methinks one of our Rudies has a new name: 'Bubbles' sounds fine to me!:D

[Eva]

Chopped Croc bubbles? :confused:

Eva

[dragonlady]

Hey all,

I've got the very last of our pictures up on photobucket from the Rudie Q and my Graduation pix are finally up in an album too...

Rudie Q 2008 Part 2
http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j170/Dragonlady229/Rudie-Q%202008%20Part%202/

Graduation 2008
http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j170/Dragonlady229/Graduation%202008/?start=0

Now all of my pictures and videos from the summer are all caught up!!! Whew....

-di

[Eva]

Dian, the graduationpiece with you and Kathleen is adorable :)
And I love the RudieQpiece where Kath and Janis are jamming :cool:

Eva

[hoops]

fantastic di, thanks so much!
peace
hoops

[dragonlady]

Hoops,

That picture of you and Tracy is pretty good...I can email it to you if you send me a PM with your email address. I remember you requesting wedo that a while ago when we started posting all these pictures back in August.

-di