Ilaine Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 The annual dr.com fall picnic will be held, as usual, at Fort Hunt State Park, at picnic area C-2. I just made the reservation for October 13, which is the earliest available Sunday date. I am organizing it, and also bringing a roast suckling pig. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thistle Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 Thanks for organizing for us, Ilaine (sort of like herding cats), I'm looking forward to the fall picnic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyjoan Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 Yay! Thanks, Ilaine - Jason and I hope to make it. My mom will be visiting from Atlanta that weekend, so I'll work on persuading her to put the picnic on the itinerary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weezy Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 Thanks for the being the catherd, Ilaine! Looking forward to your roast pig. No idea yet what I'll be bringing, but I'm putting it on my calendar now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
22209 Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 Great! I'm in, +1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted September 3, 2013 Share Posted September 3, 2013 The annual dr.com fall picnic will be held, as usual, at Fort Hunt State Park, at picnic area C-2. I just made the reservation for October 13, which is the earliest available Sunday date. I am organizing it, and also bringing a roast suckling pig. Ilaine, thank you for stepping up - it was either you or ... silence. I have no doubt that the picnic will live on in the future, but I had *big* doubts about the one this fall - it's because of you that it might just work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ol_ironstomach Posted September 3, 2013 Share Posted September 3, 2013 In. Guess this means I have a month to work out this year's science project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted September 3, 2013 Share Posted September 3, 2013 Unfortunately I'm out this year, but I will be eating and drinking with friends/strangers the same day, at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver. Have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thistle Posted September 3, 2013 Share Posted September 3, 2013 Wow, GABF, the food might not be as good, but you'll be drinking good beer...have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktmoomau Posted September 3, 2013 Share Posted September 3, 2013 Sorry I won't be able to make it, Autumn Glory Weekend in Garrett County, but will definitely miss being there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cucas87 Posted September 4, 2013 Share Posted September 4, 2013 Scott and I will be there! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agm Posted September 4, 2013 Share Posted September 4, 2013 NQD and I will be coming, most likely with pork. Or maybe goat. Or something else entirely. Any suggestions? Whatever it is, it will be cooked, or at least finished, on-site, so expect smoke and open flames. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Posted September 4, 2013 Share Posted September 4, 2013 If it's October, then it's time for pumpkin cheesecake! Planning on being there with Dame Edna in tow. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travel addict Posted September 11, 2013 Share Posted September 11, 2013 what time is the picnic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilaine Posted September 11, 2013 Author Share Posted September 11, 2013 what time is the picnic? Oh! Good question! When is it usually? Something like noon to five? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Posted September 11, 2013 Share Posted September 11, 2013 Oh! Good question! When is it usually? Something like noon to five? Yes. That's the standard picnic time. You get the site from 10-6, but we usually allow those first couple hours (or the latter part thereof) for setup and the last hour for breakdown. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamrhess Posted September 12, 2013 Share Posted September 12, 2013 is there a cost, or is this just a pot luck? is there a place to RSVP so we know numbers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monavano Posted September 12, 2013 Share Posted September 12, 2013 Generally, we RSVP here and get a head count You're asked to put some cash into the "kitty" to reimburse the cost of renting the pavilion The pot luck is the best part! Bring yourself first! If you love to cook, show us whatcha got, or bring water, libations, other supplies... last picnic, the chips and dip were a hit1 I'm thinking golabki... maybe... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilaine Posted September 12, 2013 Author Share Posted September 12, 2013 I will do a head count after work. I was at Monticello Harvest Festival Saturday, buried my boss Sunday (well, I did not actually bury him, just went to the funeral), and just did not get around to it. Pamrhess, just post that you are coming, how many people are coming with you, and what you are bringing. It is a potluck, bring enough for several others, and if you can kick some cash money in to the kitty, that would be nice. I fronted $200 for the spot, Don Rockwell will pay me back for what's left after the cash is counted. As it gets closer to P-day, and we have a head count, we will see if we already have enough tableware and eatware and serveware, or whether someone can bring some of that. Wine, beer, ice, icechests, always needed. There is no grill at the site so portable grills can be a good idea. We can bring one, a charcoal Weber that starts with propane. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilaine Posted September 12, 2013 Author Share Posted September 12, 2013 OK, preliminary headcount: Ilaine +1, roast suckling pig and Weber grill if requested; Thistle; bethjoan +Jason; weezy; 22209 +1; ol_ironstomach, science experiment; cucas87 +Scott; agm + NQD, pork or goat with flames and smoke; Barbara +Dame Edna, pumpkin cheesesteak; monavano, maybe golabki. We are the few, the proud, the Rockweilers! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyjoan Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 It will actually be bettyjoan + Jason + bettyjoan's mom, if we are able to make it. Will let you know as soon as I have more confirmation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thistle Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 I have all the tablecloths & leftover plates, cups, flatware, & I will be there early for the setup-these picnics have been so much fun for me & my family-I only get to see you guys at picnics, & my DH used to ask me 'why do you go & meet strangers for food?-that was long ago, & he's attended several picnics. I'll probably smoke something, & make poundcake (so predictable)...if you're thinking about coming, you should-it's low-key, & the food is awesome, & comes in waves, you have to pace yourself. Hoping for a perfect Indian summer fall picnic.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John William G Posted September 15, 2013 Share Posted September 15, 2013 Mrs G and I plan on being there, but we won't be absolutely certain for another week or so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thistle Posted September 15, 2013 Share Posted September 15, 2013 I hope you guys make it (& I hope you bring the jalapeí±o cheese squares, but that's just me being greedy, they are SO delicious). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookluvingbabe Posted September 16, 2013 Share Posted September 16, 2013 Is that Columbus Day weekend, she asks nervously? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weezy Posted September 16, 2013 Share Posted September 16, 2013 It appears I am now +4, possibly +5. I don't know what my friends will be bringing along, but when I find out, I'll update. Plan on me bringing something veggie for sure, and I don't know what else yet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted September 16, 2013 Share Posted September 16, 2013 BLB - yes, it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookluvingbabe Posted September 16, 2013 Share Posted September 16, 2013 BLB - yes, it is. Drat. Monday is grandparents day at school and I'm pretty sure we'll be doing in-law stuff all weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilaine Posted September 22, 2013 Author Share Posted September 22, 2013 (edited) Ilaine +1, roast suckling pig and Weber grill if requested; Thistle +tableware, serveware, drinkware; bethjoan +Jason +bethjoan's mom; weezy +4 or 5; 22209 +1; ol_ironstomach, science experiment; cucas87 +Scott; agm + NQD, pork or goat with flames and smoke; Barbara +Dame Edna, pumpkin cheesesteak; monavano, maybe golabki. [Thank you again for doing this. I also want to stress to every member here, even if they've never posted before, that they are welcome with open arms, and won't be strangers for longer than 15 seconds. Many, many members here (literally, dozens if not hundreds) who are close friends know each other because they met at an event. If we have enough new members, we can do name tags if people want. DR] Edited September 22, 2013 by DonRocks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John William G Posted September 22, 2013 Share Posted September 22, 2013 I will be there, +1. Will bring the jalapeí±o cheese squares and perhaps a bottle or two of wine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoramargolis Posted September 22, 2013 Share Posted September 22, 2013 So far, I plan to attend. No clue what I'll bring, however. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Posted September 25, 2013 Share Posted September 25, 2013 Ilaine +1, roast suckling pig and Weber grill if requested; Thistle +tableware, serveware, drinkware; bethjoan +Jason +bethjoan's mom; weezy +4 or 5; 22209 +1; ol_ironstomach, science experiment; cucas87 +Scott; agm + NQD, pork or goat with flames and smoke; Barbara +Dame Edna, pumpkin cheesesteak; monavano, maybe golabki. [Thank you again for doing this. I also want to stress to every member here, even if they've never posted before, that they are welcome with open arms, and won't be strangers for longer than 15 seconds. Many, many members here (literally, dozens if not hundreds) who are close friends know each other because they met at an event. If we have enough new members, we can do name tags if people want. DR] Before people get all excited, I'm bringing pumpkin cheeseCAKE. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilaine Posted September 25, 2013 Author Share Posted September 25, 2013 laine +1, roast suckling pig and Weber grill if requested; Thistle +tableware, serveware, drinkware; bethjoan +Jason +bethjoan's mom; weezy +4 or 5; 22209 +1; ol_ironstomach, science experiment; cucas87 +Scott; agm + NQD, pork or goat with flames and smoke; Barbara +Dame Edna, pumpkin <strike>cheesesteak</strike> cheesecake; monavano, maybe golabki; John William G +1, jalapeno cheesesquares, wine; zora margolies. Dang, pumpkin cheesesteak, while a typo, sounds interesting. And everybody is welcome to bring a bottle of wine, or two, or beer, or non-adult beverage. In the meantime, I just realized that Fort Hunt Park is managed by the National Park Service, which means *dun *dun* *dun* cue scary music, in the event of a government shut down, well, you know . . . . Treasury says the government will turn into a pumpkin on October 17, just in time for Halloween, so maybe 10/13/13 will work out OK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyjoan Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 We are still planning on bringing my mom, but just FYI - it is bettyjoan, not bethjoan. If it was just a nickname, I wouldn't stress it, but Betty is my actual name (and Joan was my actual middle name, before I got married and turned my maiden name into my middle name). I'll start thinking about what to bring and post an update when I land on something yummy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyjoan Posted October 3, 2013 Share Posted October 3, 2013 Question - is the park closed now, due to the shutdown? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWBooneJr Posted October 3, 2013 Share Posted October 3, 2013 Question - is the park closed now, due to the shutdown? Yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyjoan Posted October 4, 2013 Share Posted October 4, 2013 Well, phooey. Does anyone have ideas for a Plan B? I could try to reserve the club room of my apartment building (it appears to be free all day), which is mostly indoors but also opens up to a courtyard with grills and som seating. Just a thought... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilaine Posted October 4, 2013 Author Share Posted October 4, 2013 Phooey, indeed! I called the National Park Service yesterday, got an answering machine confirming they are shut down. The website does say that if our reservation is cancelled, I will eventually get a refund. Obviously we have no idea when the gridlock in Congress will end, but my crystal ball says that they are going to roll the debate over the spending bill into the upcoming debt ceiling crisis and it won't end soon. Whether it will end by October 13 is anybody's guess. If not, we could try for a later date in October once the reservation site comes back online. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monavano Posted October 4, 2013 Share Posted October 4, 2013 What happens re: the money to reserve? How can we reimburse should this get cancelled? Hopefully it won't come to that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilaine Posted October 4, 2013 Author Share Posted October 4, 2013 The website says they will refund my money, eventually. I am not worried about it. Either they do or they don't, and if they don't, $200 won't kill me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thistle Posted October 7, 2013 Share Posted October 7, 2013 Hopefully, they will refund your money or let you apply it to a time when the park is actually open. I think that will be easier than for us to try & "0ccupy Ft. Hunt". I don't think anyone would notice.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilaine Posted October 7, 2013 Author Share Posted October 7, 2013 The uncertainty is starting to stress me. I am definitely not going to plan on roast suckling pig, the lead time for ordering is such that I am afraid I'd have a raw dead piglet in my refrigerator all dressed out and nowhere to go. A non-Rockwell friend of mine suggested we just plan on not going forward on the 13th and go for a rain date TBA. He pointed out that even if Congress comes to a consensus the park probably needs to be mowed, etc. Anybody up for that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWBooneJr Posted October 7, 2013 Share Posted October 7, 2013 You could also reschedule it to Pohick Bay Park, which is a Fairfax County park so it's still open There are some nice picnic tables and grills down by where they rent the canoes, etc. that are free but first come, first-served. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilaine Posted October 7, 2013 Author Share Posted October 7, 2013 I am not familiar with Pohick Bay park, so don't have an opinion either way, so am open to all suggestions. There a couple of good things about Fort Hunt - the site we use has a shelter in case of inclement weather, and it's on the GW Parkway so convenient for people who don't live in Virginia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyjoan Posted October 7, 2013 Share Posted October 7, 2013 Personally, as grouchy as it makes me, I think cancelling for the 13th is the best course of action. There are just too many people who are worried about stretching their budgets and meeting basic obligations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilaine Posted October 7, 2013 Author Share Posted October 7, 2013 OK, Pohick Bay has a shelter that will accommodate 100, and for me, as a Fairfax resident, the price is only $140 for a weekend, non-peak reservation. Peak times are Memorial Day to Labor Day, so we're good to go and could change the venue for the 13th if we act now. It looks perfect for our needs. http://rs.nvrpa.org/shelter_details.php?shelter_id=19 On the other hand, as Bettyjoan points out, a lot of people are furloughed and don't know when they will get paid, if ever. So that's something to think about, as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Posted October 7, 2013 Share Posted October 7, 2013 It would seem that there are only two choices here: 1) cancel, or 2) move it to Pohick Bay. It depends on how hard it would be to get there from DC for me to make an attendance decision. Also there needs to be a drop-dead date for making your decision. BTW: I would point out that, even if the gov was reopened by Friday, it is unlikely that Ft. Hunt would be in any condition for us--especially the bathrooms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weezy Posted October 7, 2013 Share Posted October 7, 2013 Another thing to consider, part of the reason that Ft. Hunt has been the picnic spot is that they allow alcohol, with proper permits. I can forego the wine/beer, but it does add to the festivities to sample the different bottles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Posted October 7, 2013 Share Posted October 7, 2013 Another thing to consider, part of the reason that Ft. Hunt has been the picnic spot is that they allow alcohol, with proper permits. I can forego the wine/beer, but it does add to the festivities to sample the different bottles. Whoops. Check #6 on this list: http://rs.nvrpa.org/confirmations/shelter_all.pdf Ilaine; if this ban applies to us, you probably ought to just cancel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoramargolis Posted October 7, 2013 Share Posted October 7, 2013 Reschedule, once the shutdown is over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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