Good Time at Crisper's

[jblum315]

The TOTV lunch party at Crisper's today was really fun. Big crowd, lots of good conversation. I was hoping Gracie would show up but she didn't. Busy, busy, busy Gracie, maybe next time, huh?

[jane032657]

I look forward to being there in November! Finally!

[bandsdavis]

OK, let me make a suggestion. We were there also, and had a great time talking with Steve, Paul and Gail, but I must admit to feeling quite segregated from the rest of the group. There was one long table where perhaps 20 people were able to sit and talk. Paul, Gail, Sue and I had to sit at another table a ways from the larger group, with really no way to communicate with the rest, other than perhaps to stand behind the other table and try to talk that way; awkward at best. Steve was nice enough to come over and join us, and we had a great time. But, it seems to me that the purpose of these meetings is to meet a number of different people, which given the layout today, was difficult. Has it ever been considered to meet somewhere that provides the opportunity to mingle, rather than just sit at tables? Perhaps at a rec center. We were looking forward to meeting more people, but that just didn't seem possible under the circumstances of the layout.

B.

[Barefoot]

We've been using Crispers since we started the luncheons in 2007. Perhaps it is time to consider a change.

The idea of using Crispers was to have a casual location where people could walk around and mingle, cocktail-party style. That usually works better outside on the patio than inside. Where people didn't have to worry about bringing food and munchies and drinks. Where people could arrive early or late. Where no-one would be responsible for food or entertainment and it would be easy-peasy for everyone involved. I think it is sometimes better to have individual tables and then people might feel more comfortable "visiting" other tables.


OK, let me make a suggestion. We were there also, and had a great time talking with Steve, Paul and Gail, but I must admit to feeling quite segregated from the rest of the group. There was one long table where perhaps 20 people were able to sit and talk. Paul, Gail, Sue and I had to sit at another table a ways from the larger group, with really no way to communicate with the rest, other than perhaps to stand behind the other table and try to talk that way; awkward at best. Steve was nice enough to come over and join us, and we had a great time. But, it seems to me that the purpose of these meetings is to meet a number of different people, which given the layout today, was difficult. Has it ever been considered to meet somewhere that provides the opportunity to mingle, rather than just sit at tables? Perhaps at a rec center. We were looking forward to meeting more people, but that just didn't seem possible under the circumstances of the layout.

B.

[tainsley]

OK, let me make a suggestion. We were there also, and had a great time talking with Steve, Paul and Gail, but I must admit to feeling quite segregated from the rest of the group. There was one long table where perhaps 20 people were able to sit and talk. Paul, Gail, Sue and I had to sit at another table a ways from the larger group, with really no way to communicate with the rest, other than perhaps to stand behind the other table and try to talk that way; awkward at best. Steve was nice enough to come over and join us, and we had a great time. But, it seems to me that the purpose of these meetings is to meet a number of different people, which given the layout today, was difficult. Has it ever been considered to meet somewhere that provides the opportunity to mingle, rather than just sit at tables? Perhaps at a rec center. We were looking forward to meeting more people, but that just didn't seem possible under the circumstances of the layout.

B.

It was a good time yesterday at Crispers! Nice crowd and some new faces. Sorry about the seating. Wasn't expecting so many. We usually meet outside on patio but due to heat we stayed inside. As Barefoot suggested individual tables might be a better idea when we are inside and then we get just mingle. Anyone feeling segregated please accept my apologies and look forward to seeing you in September!

[Shirleevee]

So nice to see all the newbees.......

[jblum315]

Hi, Shirleevee, it was so nice to meet you

[Yorio]

OK, let me make a suggestion. We were there also, and had a great time talking with Steve, Paul and Gail, but I must admit to feeling quite segregated from the rest of the group. There was one long table where perhaps 20 people were able to sit and talk. Paul, Gail, Sue and I had to sit at another table a ways from the larger group, with really no way to communicate with the rest, other than perhaps to stand behind the other table and try to talk that way; awkward at best. Steve was nice enough to come over and join us, and we had a great time. But, it seems to me that the purpose of these meetings is to meet a number of different people, which given the layout today, was difficult. Has it ever been considered to meet somewhere that provides the opportunity to mingle, rather than just sit at tables? Perhaps at a rec center. We were looking forward to meeting more people, but that just didn't seem possible under the circumstances of the layout.

B.We faced the same situation when we attended the first get-together and unfortunately, I don't know the right answer. It's sort of like in high school luncheons where old friends want to be with old friends. I don't think it's willful but very hard to break in to the group. Now that we have been a so called "old timer", we don't mind welcoming newbies but nothing to indicate they are new or old. At our neighborhood garage parties, I make it a point to introduce newbies to the old group but don't know how to do this at TOTV. Perhaps we need an organizing group that will have a reception for signing in for newbies with their e-mail addresses and newbie name tag so long time group can make it a point to welcome them to the group and their tables.

[LittleDog]

I concur that it is sometimes hard to get to talk to everyone because of the setup at Crispers. One suggestion may be to meet in a restaurant that has a private dining area such as Perkins or Golden Corral as an example. I don't know whether this would facilitate more interaction. If we had a room in a rec center we could certainly hold a round table discussion but there would be no food unless you brought your own.

Another thought would be after a certain time frame you would move so that you would be talking to other couples sort of like glorified speed dating. That might also work.

Just some suggestions.

John

[graciegirl]

I concur that it is sometimes hard to get to talk to everyone because of the setup at Crispers. One suggestion may be to meet in a restaurant that has a private dining area such as Perkins or Golden Corral as an example. I don't know whether this would facilitate more interaction. If we had a room in a rec center we could certainly hold a round table discussion but there would be no food unless you brought your own.

Another thought would be after a certain time frame you would move so that you would be talking to other couples sort of like glorified speed dating. That might also work.

Just some suggestions.

John

One of the good things about the patio at Crispers and the gathering being at three o clock. A lot of folks don't want to eat then and most will order a drink. They don't seem to mind. But restaurants are in business to make money and having to eat...kind of interupts the general getting to know each other with the ordering and the serving and the sitting in a "regular" restaurant.

Most of us "oldies" will go around and shake everyone's hand individually because we know who is new and who is "old". (pardon the expression) and try to get a little interaction going. We just kind of bring our chairs in a big circle on the patio and although it is so hot we can kind of communicate.

Good job Tainsley. The heat was horrific yesterday and the cool interior was the place to be. I am sorry I missed it and I am sorry that our dear Mayor, KathieI wasn't there. She goes way back and knows everyone

I am glad that new ones are hosting, everyone appreciates your efforts
It is a sweet and wonderful thing to meet the folks you have already gotten to know on TOTV.

[2BNTV]

Glad to hear everyone had a good time. :smiley:

[cquick]

I am just sorry I missed it (again). I thought I could pop over after the closets were finished, but I painted in Patrick's bedroom instead.....Maybe we'll be more settled in Sept.....I had such a good time the first time I came.

[jimbo2012]

I'm looking forward to going next month if things fall into place.
In reading this I might suggest a different color name tag for virgins. :cool:

On the Internet if one person mentions something it affects many more -
so new folks should not feel awkward mingling.

Also to meet inside without food perhaps a bar :beer3: setting with a separate room may work.

Is there anyway a county club could work.

[graciegirl]

In reading this I might suggest a different color name tag for virgins. :cool:


Well now.

Boy Howdy!

[Patty55]

In reading this I might suggest a different color name tag for virgins. :cool:


Well now.

Boy Howdy!

WHITE seems the obvious choice.

[graciegirl]

WHITE seems the obvious choice.


After some thought...I think he mispelled it. Surely he meant Vegans.

[quirky3]

After some thought...I think he mispelled it. Surely he meant Vegans.
:1rotfl:

[Barefoot]

In reading this I might suggest a different color name tag for virgins.

I don't think there'll be many virgin tags needed. But it's always good to have them available. :D

[Patty55]

I think that all virgins should have white tags with smudges in strategic areas. Vegans should be able to govern themselves and not eat.

[jimbo2012]

Can't wait to meet you folks :highfive:

[coolkayaker1]

Has anyone been to a wedding recently. Numerous small tables is unlikely to work either. Old friends sit together, understandably, and tendency is to become entrenched in good food and conversation and sometimes even harder to stand and mingle.

I think someone above mentioned a bar or lounge setting, and that might be better. Barstools turn all the way around, allowing free conversation, and it's easier to approach someone in that setting than at a regular table. It's a flow thing. Just a thought.

[jgbama]

OK, let me make a suggestion. We were there also, and had a great time talking with Steve, Paul and Gail, but I must admit to feeling quite segregated from the rest of the group. There was one long table where perhaps 20 people were able to sit and talk. Paul, Gail, Sue and I had to sit at another table a ways from the larger group, with really no way to communicate with the rest, other than perhaps to stand behind the other table and try to talk that way; awkward at best. Steve was nice enough to come over and join us, and we had a great time. But, it seems to me that the purpose of these meetings is to meet a number of different people, which given the layout today, was difficult. Has it ever been considered to meet somewhere that provides the opportunity to mingle, rather than just sit at tables? Perhaps at a rec center. We were looking forward to meeting more people, but that just didn't seem possible under the circumstances of the layout.

B.

We hope to be moved down before the next meeting, but when we made the Crispers meeting in May, the setup was all individual tables. This is a real informal format "Bands" and it may be different each month. In May, there were name tags for us each to fill out. Then we each introduced ourselves and gave our TOTV handle as well. I guess it is up to whoever volunteers to be the host/hostess.

You raise a good point though, because it was hard to hear those on the other side of the patio. We "mixed and mingled" at the conclusion. Always room for improvement, but to get it better organized means someone has to step up in an organizational/leadership role.

Just keep coming back (as we plan to do starting in September) as different people are at each gathering. It really is great to meet folks you post with here on TOTV, as well as a great way to make new friends too!:highfive:

[CaptJohn]

After some thought...I think he mispelled it. Surely he meant Vegans.

Methinks virgins=newbies. :laugh:

[mikeandnancy1112]

Good job, Tainsley! It was a great luncheon!

[graciegirl]

Good job, Tainsley! It was a great luncheon!

You are so right. Hugs to you Tainsley. Your efforts are so greatly appreciated.

[SukiChu]

The bar thing might work - better yet - an outside bar. Newbies should introduce themselves and if they give enough information everyone in the "oldies" group will have something to talk with them about. Also, I noticed that Panera's always has a lot of space outside with four seat tables. The speed dating thing might work as well and would be fun. The idea is to make new people feel welcome so everyone needs to make an effort to talk with them - ask questions!

[graciegirl]

Hoping to see you all at Crispers this Friday September 21. I think Jimbo is coming and I heard Pooh might be there and maybe PTurner. Even Maybe Bill-n-Brillo.... Lotsa nice folks. Come and say hi to your TOTV friends.

[jimbo2012]

I'm only coming to finally meet you in person Gracie. :a20:

Hope to get more info from everybody before selecting the model to build next week.

Should be fun to place a face with with those I've been exchanging ideas (1500 posts.....)

We're leaving NY early AM tomorrow.....10 days to really get the feel.

The house we rented included a golf cart (albeit gas????) but it's all good.

[aabuono]

I hope to be there as well - Sal went back up to CT to go back to work, but I'd like to meet all you Frogs !!! Any other Fernandina Flockers coming ?????

Anne

[ilovetv]

Just a suggestion....I got to know new people quickly when we played cards or board games together. You could make up a game, in which the moderator reads a quote from an actual post here on TOTV (from a batch of cards made up with actual quotes), and then the people would guess and write on their own slip of paper who it was that wrote the post, what the thread was about.....and at what point in the thread the declaration "Boy Howdy" appeared! (Chuckling..........)

[graciegirl]

Bill-n-Brillo just emailed me to let me know that they won't make Crispers this time, they will be enroute. DANG.

[CaptJohn]

Bill-n-Brillo just emailed me to let me know that they won't make Crispers this time, they will be enroute. DANG.

That boy needs to get his life better organized! He could be there on time if he left right now! :crap2:
What could be more important than meeting with fellow TOTVers? He will owe everyone double popcorn the next time. :laugh:

[Virtual Geezer]

That boy needs to get his life better organized! He could be there on time if he left right now! :crap2:
What could be more important than meeting with fellow TOTVers? He will owe everyone double popcorn the next time. :laugh:

He could leave at 6:00 pm on Thursday and still make it on time. Unless he works the night shift.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Sandy has to work at least part of the day on Friday.........and I'm her chauffeur. :wave:

Bill :)

[getdul981]

WORK!!! The curse of the drinking class.

[CaptJohn]

WORK!!! The curse of the drinking class.

Maynard G. Krebs..........my hero! :laugh:

[CaptJohn]

Sandy has to work at least part of the day on Friday.........and I'm her chauffeur. :wave:

Bill :)

Isn't it comforting to know y'all will be missed? Some won't! :laugh:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

"Comforting"? Perhaps. I was thinking more like "scary"!!! :shocked:

:1rotfl: :1rotfl: :1rotfl:

Bill :wave:

[skyguy79]

"Comforting"? Perhaps. I was thinking more like "scary"!!! :shocked:

:1rotfl: :1rotfl: :1rotfl:

Bill :wave:Scary? Naw!!! If Herman and Lilly aren't scary, then neither are you! :1rotfl: :1rotfl: :1rotfl:
http://www.freesmileys.org/emoticons/emoticon-monster-003.gif

[cquick]

I hope to be there. I put it in RED on my calendar!

[CFrance]

Just a suggestion....I got to know new people quickly when we played cards or board games together. You could make up a game, in which the moderator reads a quote from an actual post here on TOTV (from a batch of cards made up with actual quotes), and then the people would guess and write on their own slip of paper who it was that wrote the post, what the thread was about.....and at what point in the thread the declaration "Boy Howdy" appeared! (Chuckling..........)

I second this game idea. Small groups and games help you get to know others. Helps us shy folks open up.

[jmemc46]

Hi,
I am new to TV and would like to attend lunch tomorrow at Crispers.Would like the address or directions from amelia.
Joanne

[rubicon]

We've been using Crispers since we started the luncheons in 2007. Perhaps it is time to consider a change.

The idea of using Crispers was to have a casual location where people could walk around and mingle, cocktail-party style. That usually works better outside on the patio than inside. Where people didn't have to worry about bringing food and munc to hies and drinks. Where people could arrive early or late. Where no-one would be responsible for food or entertainment and it would be easy-peasy for everyone involved. I think it is sometimes better to have individual tables and then people might feel more comfortable "visiting" other tables.

I have a suggestion. continue to meet at Crispers. However carry your laptops to the meeting and sign on to Talk and instant message each other:D
Habits are hard for me to break:wave:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Hi,
I am new to TV and would like to attend lunch tomorrow at Crispers.Would like the address or directions from amelia.
Joanne

Here's their address and phone number:

3551 Wedgewood Lane The Villages, FL 32162

(352) 751-6502

Bill :)

[CaptJohn]

Here's their address and phone number:

3551 Wedgewood Lane The Villages, FL 32162

(352) 751-6502

Bill :)

You left off the GPS coordinates! :1rotfl:

[KathieI]

Hi,
I am new to TV and would like to attend lunch tomorrow at Crispers.Would like the address or directions from amelia.
Joanne

Joanne, Take Odell Circle (Amelia pool) north to 466 (that's towards Lake Sumter). Turn left at the light onto CR 466 and go about 4 or so miles to CR101 (landmarks IHop on right side and before the CVS turn right onto CR101.) Take the 2nd right hand turn into the shopping plaza and Crispers will be on your left.

Hope this helps, see ya at 3pm.

[Virtual Geezer]

You left off the GPS coordinates! :1rotfl:

Longitude -82.01571 Latitude 28.929432

I just happen to have all the coordinates for all restaurants that are golf cart accessible and another file with all the restaurants within a 30 mile radius that are shown on TV Gourmet web site.

VG

[CaptJohn]

Longitude -82.01571 Latitude 28.929432

I just happen to have all the coordinates for all restaurants that are golf cart accessible and another file with all the restaurants within a 30 mile radius that are shown on TV Gourmet web site.

VG

Way to come through! Now all we need is a report complete with pictures from those that found the place. :laugh:

[skyguy79]

Way to come through! Now all we need is a report complete with pictures from those that found the place. :laugh:I was there and pictures were taken. I'm sure they'll be posted in due time.

Unfortunately, I went and revealed my true identity and now the witness protection program is going to have to relocate me again! :shocked:

:1rotfl:

[pooh]

While Skyguy gets a new identity, I'll confess that I took a few pictures.... haven't had a chance to work on them....they'll need some lighting adjustments.

It was nice to meet other TOTV members, some new, some who have been on TOTV for a while.

I'll post them as soon as I can.

[graciegirl]

While Skyguy gets a new identity, I'll confess that I took a few pictures.... haven't had a chance to work on them....they'll need some lighting adjustments.

It was nice to meet other TOTV members, some new, some who have been on TOTV for a while.

I'll post them as soon as I can.

Do you notice that Pooh did not say OLD? She said "some who have been on TOTV for a while."

Here are the TOTV names I can remember, JHeydt and his lovely wife, (our hosts) HappyGoLucky and her friend whose TOTV name escapes me , CQuick, Swrinfla, Village07, PTurner, MaryB, Pooh, Lightworker88, NewfromConnecticut, Jimbo and Mrs. Jimbo, Skyguy and wife Eileen, KathieI, Nancy of Mike&Nancy, New person whose name escapes me but not her lovely presence, SunnyMaryAnn and her husband, and there are others that for the life of me I cannot think of their TOTV names. As soon as Pooh posts the pictures I will remember. It was hot and love buggy, but it was once again so wondeful to meet real people with warm genuine personalities that make you like them even more in person.

[CFrance]

Do you notice that Pooh did not say OLD? She said "some who have been on TOTV for a while."

Here are the TOTV names I can remember, JHeydt and his lovely wife, (our hosts) HappyGoLucky and her friend whose TOTV name escapes me , CQuick, Swrinfla, Village07, PTurner, MaryB, Pooh, Lightworker88, NewfromConnecticut, Jimbo and Mrs. Jimbo, Skyguy and wife Eileen, KathieI, Nancy of Mike&Nancy, New person whose name escapes me but not her lovely presence, SunnyMaryAnn and her husband, and there are others that for the life of me I cannot think of their TOTV names. As soon as Pooh posts the pictures I will remember. It was hot and love buggy, but it was once again so wondeful to meet real people with warm genuine personalities that make you like them even more in person.

Makes me want to come to a Crisper's lunch. What day/time of the month, again? (I suffer from CRS.)

[Schaumburger]

Makes me want to come to a Crisper's lunch. What day/time of the month, again? (I suffer from CRS.)

The next lunch should be Friday, Oct. 19 at 3:00 p.m. I plan on being there! :pepper2:

[jimbo2012]

It was nice to meet everyone.

[aabuono]

It was fun to meet everyone and to be able to put a face to all the names !!!

Anne

[graciegirl]

It was fun to meet everyone and to be able to put a face to all the names !!!

Anne

OH THERE YOU ARE. WHY do I have such a difficulty storing your name in my brain? You are so delightful and witty and warm!!!! I am so sorry I forgot your name. I will never forget YOU.

[lightworker888]

It was really good to see all those that came out on Friday. It is so neat to be able to put a face to a name, though being more left hemisphered, I probably will forget the face before the name! Looking forward to the pics, Pooh, so I get a chance to match faces and names! I keep telling myself that I remember the names better than the faces, as I see the names more. I guess I should pay more attention to the avatar pictures. Thanks Nancy and John for hosting.

Have a great month everyone.


LW888

[aabuono]

OH THERE YOU ARE. WHY do I have such a difficulty storing your name in my brain? You are so delightful and witty and warm!!!! I am so sorry I forgot your name. I will never forget YOU.

Thanks Gracie !!! I won't forget you either !!!!

Anne