So I was IM-ing with Bethany and I revived an idea that a few of us had kicked around last year.
We need to meet!!
My dream is an official OWOA getaway weekend. Probably sometime this summer. To be really specific, Bethany and I were talking about mid-to-late July. July 25th is the site’s One Year Anniversary…so it would be sorta apropos, eh?
I personally dream of a destination where we could rent a cabin or two (or three depending on attendance) and split the cost. Then we would also have kitchens so that we wouldn’t eat out the whole time. There’s enough of us that like to cook to take care of that! 
I would like us to end up somewhere with outdoor activities like walking/hiking, swimming, and other fun. Plus there ought to be some good shopping nearby! 
A big city (like Dallas or Chicago) is not out of the question, but it’s not my first choice.
So…. Interested? Got suggestions? Since we’re coast-to-coast - and around the world - it seems like we ought to aim for somewhere mid country just to be fair. But if the cost is similar to fly all the way across…I’m sure we could discuss it. So now’s your chance to put in your two cents!
I have no suggestions (unfortunately), but it would be great to meet! July, however, is the worst (hottest) month to travel (IMHO) and I hate leaving my nice moderate climate here for some 90+ degree weather elsewhere. I know, I’ve become a weather wimp. If someone can think of something north, with mesquitos smaller than a hummingbird, then I’d love to go.
Comment by Anita — March 13, 2007 @ 3:31 pm
Well…that’s definitely something I’m considering. Bethany and I were talking about Northern type destinations. We could aim for a later meeting time - like in the Fall - but we might lose some of our working moms. Bethany and Maria are both teachers, for one thing.
On the other hand, Fall might have cheaper rates and more choices. I dunno!
Comment by blestwithsons — March 13, 2007 @ 3:34 pm
Sounds like fun but I will be in summer school until August 3rd
Comment by Leann — March 13, 2007 @ 3:47 pm
How amazing would that be!
I have a feeling distance and finances will count me out, but I can still dream…
Since I don’t know what to do next with my life (don’t want to work when I am forever) maybe I ought to take that ‘gap time’ and do some travelling!
Comment by Debs — March 13, 2007 @ 4:00 pm
i love the idea! like you mentioned summer would be better for me with school etc in the fall — however if it is somewhat close to me I might be able to arrange a weekend in the fall –
I do have access to and could probably get a couple of condos — through my parents — in Branson MO, They have kitchens and I believe a weight/exercise room as well as several pools — however, getting reservations in the summer time is somewhat tricky — I could always ask mom
I also could get a couple of cabins in Mountain View AR — home of the Ozark Folk Center — agian reservations in summer are somewhat tricky but a little easier –
Comment by Maria — March 13, 2007 @ 4:26 pm
See now…that’s why I put up the post! I figured someone had to have some connections! And AR is one of the locations Bethany and I were kicking around. Eureka Springs for example…
Comment by blestwithsons — March 13, 2007 @ 4:34 pm
LOL - well, July 22nd is our anniversary and we honeymooned in Eureka Springs almost 12 years ago
I would be up for a meet but could we avoid the weekend of the 22nd? Now, you don’t have to plan everything around me of course but I probably couldn’t make it that weekend.
Comment by Blair — March 13, 2007 @ 4:47 pm
the if you want to do Eureka — which would be great it is in the mountains and somewhat cooler there– someone better start getting reservations I don’t have connections there…..– as far as weekends — the weekend before the 22nd would be out for me — I will probably be at a family reunion that weekend — but as blair said I don’t plan purely around me.
Comment by Maria — March 13, 2007 @ 5:01 pm
Check this place out…http://www.vrbo.com/108534
It’s a HOUSE. Sleeps 12! If we had ten people, it would be $35 a night! Not too bad eh? And there are others….
Comment by blestwithsons — March 13, 2007 @ 5:17 pm
hummm…….which brings me to my next question — kidlets yes or no — I would have to consider that in my planning…..
Comment by Maria — March 13, 2007 @ 5:25 pm
My vision is just the ladies. I know it’s hard…but it’s a dream, dontcha know! After all, if I bring my kidlets there’s no point in my going. Cause I really can’t take my eyes off them for a sec - especially if there’s water nearby.
Comment by blestwithsons — March 13, 2007 @ 5:27 pm
fine with me I just needed to know so I know how to plan — kiddo care etc.
Comment by Maria — March 13, 2007 @ 6:08 pm
If it’s just a weekend, I might be able to swing it, but Hubby has no vacation left otherwise. Anywhere is fine with me as long as there’s AC!
Comment by Jana — March 13, 2007 @ 6:20 pm
I’m loving the idea of Eureka Springs!! I’m good anytime of year but the hubby is already grumbling ’cause he’s jealous! He says it’s no fair that it’s just for ladies
Comment by Tami — March 13, 2007 @ 6:27 pm
By the way Blest, I think the house is totally cool!!
Comment by Tami — March 13, 2007 @ 6:30 pm
So, I’m a bit late in sounding off, but I just got back from a retreat at Osage Beach, MO. The whole lake area has TONS of condos to rent. Ours slept 12, with full kitchen, laundry, etc. It was on the water, too. Plenty of shopping, shows, and so on. I think our condo even had a pool.
Missouri is practically smack-dab in the middle of the country! But, it is sho’nuf HOT in July, though worse in August
Comment by lady laura — March 13, 2007 @ 7:06 pm
I couldn’t do July - we’re travelling then, and then it’s dd’s birthday and mine.
But I’d be up for something in August, or whenever.
what about something like Labor Day? - 3 day weekend for a lot of people? though I’m better in August when dh isn’t teaching yet.
Comment by Tracy — March 13, 2007 @ 7:19 pm
August would be okay for me prior to the 15th - I start back to school around that time. If I knew ahead of time I could probably work around teacher work days — but I can’t miss Orientation which is the Friday before school starts I think that is the 20th this year…..
I couldn’t do Labor Day — We have a standing reservation at MIL”s that would be horrible if I missed — but later in Sept would be fine.
Comment by Maria — March 13, 2007 @ 7:58 pm
Lady Laura,
I’ve been in MO in the summer…it’s cool compared to where I live!
Blest, the house for $35 a night sounds awesome!! Hard to beat that. I’m easy…as far as where goes. I may have to opt out if it’s too pricey.
If fall really works better for everyone, I could use some vacation days….I’d just need to limit it to one or two. So really, don’t make the plans based on my job. The more I think about it, that would be fine. And…I do get Labor Day off!
If Maria can work out a deal better in the fall I say go for it….
Like I said, I’m pretty easy.
Comment by Bethany — March 13, 2007 @ 7:58 pm
Blair, July 23rd is our anniversary! But often, we only celebrate a little bit in July and then do something much bigger or better in December on the anniversary of the asking.
That house in Eureka is pretty cool.
Comment by Anita — March 13, 2007 @ 8:11 pm
Hmmm. Now you’ve got me thinking about the Fall. I mean, we probably would have more options going slightly more off-season. And a little more planning time would mean more time to save $$. And it wouldn’t limit us as much location wise because it wouldn’t be so blasted hot. On the other hand then we might not be able to go swimming - unless we were somewhere with an indoor pool. I can’t speak for the rest of you -but I LOVE to swim!
Oy. I hate decisions.
Keep the input coming!!
Comment by blestwithsons — March 13, 2007 @ 8:38 pm
Swimming, okay. Hottub–yes, please
Comment by lady laura — March 13, 2007 @ 8:58 pm
I’m in for just about anything, anywhere baby!!! I love everything but the wild-out-doors is my fav. As long as it isn’t during the time I go to camp with the youth I’ll be there!
Comment by Katherine — March 13, 2007 @ 9:33 pm
I’ll have to wait and see when my husband is deploying. We’re still moving to the same place, but they keep switching what battalion he will be joining- one he would deploy this June, one in October, and the other the deployment is so far away it isn’t even on the calendar.
You just just plan to visit our (Bethany and I) area! Then even if my husband is deployed I could still drop in for a few hours
Comment by Christy — March 13, 2007 @ 9:46 pm
Wow, that would be cool. I think you’ll have to count me out, but then Debs, Elly and I can have our own little OWAO/family gathering.
Comment by Bekki — March 14, 2007 @ 2:59 am
I know I am not “official” - but I would love to come and hug every one of you for your inspiration! I like the idea of a Fall weekend and Eureka Springs is a beautiful idea. Is anyone on the way from New Hampshire to carpool??
Comment by missy — March 14, 2007 @ 5:27 am
Fall is out for me… I will be in school FOREVER!!! (BIG SIGH)
Comment by Leann — March 14, 2007 @ 12:57 pm
Okay I can’t get Branson — but Mountain View is still an option –
Comment by Maria — March 14, 2007 @ 6:14 pm