Illinois

[Magnus]

Cool. We are interested in meeting up. We have to get a sitter. I will follow the board.

[IamJen]

Yay! The more the merrier. :)

[vggiegirl]

It's time to donate used winter clothing in Chicagoland. I found an interesting article posted by the Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/chi-0402230203feb23,1,1953240.story?coll=chi-newsspecials-hed) last year with many drop off locations throught out Chicago.
Last year I donated at Healing Earth Resources on Ashland for battered women throughout Chicago. It seems they've discontinued this drive though :(
This year I am going to donate to The St. Vincent de Paul Society on the south side. I hope to drive over on Monday :hamster:

[carnelian]

-December 3-4 plans:
--I'm all for Chicago Diner trip(s)....Vegan Chocolate Shake :lick: .
-Sat night:
--I like the idea of checking out the downtown Christmas decorations if it's not too cold (if Marshal Fields has their window thing going on cuz this may be the last before they become Macy's?)
--Going someplace for vegan hot chocolate
--The Hancock Observatory for a nice view of Chicago, Christmas style
--OmniMax at Museum of Science and Industry (nothing scheduled yet)
--Navy Pier for a warm place to hang out that's free

These things all sound like fun! Anyone else? I'm up for anything! We also need to figure out where & when we're going to gather for dinner so those unable to attend the Meetup can join us.

Magnus and smedley, when will you be available Saturday?

[Hummus!]

It sounds divine! Figures this would be the month that I can't make it. Not only do I miss out on the raw mediterranean food, but all the holiday stuff :( 'Tis alright though... we'll blow the top off of January. :D

[Magnus]

Sorry to do this I will have to cancel for Sat. The town we live in is having a holiday walk that we are taking the kids to. I agree with Hummus about blowing the top off of January and look forward to meeting you all.

[smedley]

i am thinking sunday breakfast will work better for me--dont think i can get a sitter. where are you all meeting then?

[carnelian]

i am thinking sunday breakfast will work better for me--dont think i can get a sitter. where are you all meeting then?

Sunday breakfast is starting to look questionable for me...not sure if I will attend, so I'll let Michael and/or Jen respond.

[cheekywhiskers]

I'll have to play it by ear what else I can do this weekend since I'll have my stick-in-the-mud sister with me. I'll be driving due to the location of the restaurant and since we are going to drop off some hazardous waste first in Naperville (closest place that will take it and it's only open on weekends).

[Michael]

I'm not sure I'll make it up on Saturday. :-/ But I will definitely be there Sunday, I can come up early if everyone wants to meet for breakfast and/or lunch.

[vggiegirl]

:brood:

[IamJen]

I'm not 100% sure on Sunday either..I thought Saturday was going to be the "big day". Heh. But...Pick Me Up is wicked awesome for vegan breakfasts. :yes:

[smedley]

i am not sure if i can do sat dinner--still might fly. kids gave sitter a hard time and i am not sure she will want to sit again. what time and where are you all meeting for dinner on sat? also, and i can only do one, but where and what time for breakfast on sunday? i will definitely do breakfast if i cannot do dinner. however, i cant meet much before 10am on sunday. my preference would never be pick me up but if that is what majority wants i am fine with it.:yes:

[smedley]

*bump* anyone gonna tell me whats going on?:D

[IamJen]

No one knows yet. :) How about:

Vegan Meetup at Cousins' - noon - 3 on Saturday

Shakes, etc. at Chicago Diner at 5:00 on Saturday.
Then those at the Diner can decide on a post-shake activity, depending on weather, etc.

Sunday, I'm not sure I'm going to be there. Pick Me Up is the tops for me breakfast-wise, but Earwax Cafe on Milwaukee is pretty awesome too. www.earwaxcafe.com

[smedley]

earwax--sounds like a gross name for a dining establishment! breakfast menu tho with tofu sounds good. they seem to be heavy on eggs---but as long as they have tofu--fine here. still--if majority want pick me up that is fine as well. still not sure about sitter thing so i may still do the diner tho i would never have a shake!:p

[Magnus]

Ear Wax is a gross name but has good food. Where is Pick Me UP?

[Michael]

Who can meet on Sunday? It might make making plans easier.

[cheekywhiskers]

I can't make Sunday, we're putting up our tree (hopefully my dog doesn't "claim" it again this year, also no fragile ornaments, especially near the kitty outlook post). We'll see about the Diner when the time comes, my sister is a wuss about long days out and about (and I'm probably going to be the driver!!!).

[IamJen]

Maybe you should tell sister that she's being a big honking party pooper and that if she wants to go home, you'll drop her off at the train station. :sealed:

:lol:

[jj1]

Vegan Meetup at Cousins' - noon - 3 on Saturday]
70+ RSVP's, can you believe it!?!

Shakes, etc. at Chicago Diner at 5:00 on Saturday.
Then those at the Diner can decide on a post-shake activity, depending on weather, etc.]
Sounds good to me.
For Sunday my wife and I may be able to meet for breakfast/lunch.
Haven't been to Pick Me Up or Ear Wax but would like to try either.

[cheekywhiskers]

Maybe you should tell sister that she's being a big honking party pooper and that if she wants to go home, you'll drop her off at the train station. :sealed:

:lol:

She does read the boards and does have a profile, I keep hoping she find my remarks about her. We love to antagonize each other. After all, what are sisters for?

[carnelian]

Count me out for Sunday. Sorry I'll be missing you this time around, Michael, but hopefully you can make it to the next Meetup (with John and Tricia). Have fun while you're here! :sunny:

[jj1]

If we decide to go to the Hancock Observatory
this is included:
The 11th Annual Hancock Holiday Mountain Railroad is on track! This elaborate, miniature railroad exhibit showcases 12 model freight and passenger trains running through 1,400 square feet of snow-covered trees, mountains and towns decorated for the holidays. We recommend that all observatory visitors check out this complimentary display between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

[carnelian]

If we decide to go to the Hancock Observatory
this is included:
The 11th Annual Hancock Holiday Mountain Railroad is on track! This elaborate, miniature railroad exhibit showcases 12 model freight and passenger trains running through 1,400 square feet of snow-covered trees, mountains and towns decorated for the holidays. We recommend that all observatory visitors check out this complimentary display between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

This sounds awesome! I wanna go! :hamster: