(Re: the music – What can I say? All the radio stations in the labs are tuned to the local 80’s station)

So we’ve begun preparations for our (suddenly) annual Memorial Day party. Last year we had four or five folks over and had a wonderful time just hanging out, grilling, and enjoying the company. Takaza and I have toyed with the idea of trying to make it into something bigger – maybe find a hotel, reserve some meeting rooms, something like that, a la the first year of Mephit Furmeet. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility, but certainly not for this year. First off, we’d need to get more in touch with the local furry community, but given the difficulty they have even organizing an occasional dinner out (and the fact that the average age of the group is most likely below 20), I’m not sure how well that would work out.

Naturally, not long after we sent the invitations, Mom called to remind me that we might want to come down for the hot-air balloon festival held in their town every Memorial Day weekend. We’ll have to pass, though I think it would be fun. Eek – they’re expecting 175,000 – 200,000 people? Might be a good reason to avoid it. Last time I attended (when it was in Greenville), it was more like 50,000.