Close Encounter Experiences

[aklap]

When: Sept 12th, 2009
Where: Al n Peg's House
Who (L to R): Al, Judy [aka FlyGal]
Why: Judy and her hubby were in town for a Mounted Cowboy Shooting event.




Meet Larry "Ike" and Gunner. The one with the hat is Larry "Ike Clanton"



Larry belongs to Liberty Prairie Mounted Shooters and they had an event at a local horse ranch...and it just happened to coincide with ECWGFG's meeting. So, Judy asked if she could attend our meeting. Of course you can Judy!

Judy was also kind enough to bring along a treat for the meeting. It just so happens that she knew of a gluten-free bakery in her neck of the woods. The cookies & brownies from Molly's Gluten-Free Bakery were really good! When the owners of Molly's found out that Judy was taking these to a support group meeting, they did not charge her for her order! WOW - Thanks Molly's!!

After the meeting we went out the ranch to watch all the action. It was pretty cool! The group people that make up this club are very nice and fun to watch. Here's the pictures I took.

Since Judy and Larry were in town, we invited them over dinner Saturday night. As always, it's great to meet people from the board face to face. We had a great time chatting and getting to know one another.

Peg and I were talking today about all the Close Encounters we've had along the way. I've decided that whatever has been taken way from me in terms of food, convenience, etc...has been given back to me/us many times over in all the friends we've met & made along the way.

Thanks Judy & Larry for taking time out of your weekend to come hang out with us!
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[Flygal]

Thanks, Al. It was great to meet you and Peg. You really went above and beyond by inviting us to dinner. (After all, Larry could have brought loaded guns!!! ) I feel even more a part of this big family now. Let's get that "Bunky's Meet up" going after you get back from CO.

Thanks again.
_________________
Judy

[Fidissimus]

Awwww. I love to read about close encounters! Fun!
_________________
Cheers!
Jenn

GF BD: Feb. 2001
Free of wheat, barley, rye, oats, dairy, eggs, almonds, pineapple and brewers yeast.
http://graindamaged.blogspot.com/

[aklap]

[rpf1007]

Maybe in October! I keep meaning to head up that way.
_________________
Rachel

[nancw]

I just sent Al and Peg off to their hotel with full tummies, and I hope, some relaxation at the end of their whirlwind weekend here in CO. What a treat to finally meet them both, and to cook a meal to share with them. Al has the picture (proof) so he'll post in a couple of days. The beef bourguignon was yummy, and I made steamed asparagus and yukon gold mashed potatoes to go with, capping the feast with Elana's almond butter brownies.

Whoo hoo! Thanks Al and Peg. Your visit made my day/week/month.
_________________
Nance

gluten, dairy, soy, rice, yeast and 99% grain-free

[rpf1007]

sounds like a great dinner!
_________________
Rachel

[Flygal]

Nance,

I'm sure you had as much fun with Al and Peg and we did. They're good people. (Too bad Al doesn't have a sense of humor, though!!! )
_________________
Judy

[cruelshoes]

I demand pictures!


_________________
-Colleen

Where are we going, and what am I doing in this handcart?

[aklap]

[cruelshoes]

[aklap]

When: Sept 20th, 2009
Where: Nance's House
Who (L to R): Pegstra, Al, Nance
Why: My niece's wedding in CO.



Wow - another great CE experience! Come to think of it, there's never been an un-great CE experience.

Nance was gracious enough to open her home to us - "strangers" from WI [yup - they come no stranger than us]. She shared a story about telling a co-worker that she was inviting "internet" people over for dinner. Co-worker dutifully voiced their concern over this risky behavior. Nance stated that she had "known" us for several years already. Looks like Oct will make 3 years since Nance joined the celiacforums family

While we like to travel, we also like familiar surroundings of home. Navigating airports is not a favorite activity of ours - in fact it's rather stressful - at least is it for me. Perhaps more traveling is in order for me to over come my "fears"

After several days of Planes, Trains & Automoblies it was great to have that sense of calmness & home amidst the craziness of travel. Nance, her son Jack and their pets did a wonderful job at giving us that feeling. There's something comforting about sitting down at the kitchen table and sharing stories.

Speaking of comfort - the dinner Nance fixed was total comfort food! Simple elegance would be a perfect description. Garlic mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, Beef Bourguignon, steamed asparagus. It was a wonderful feast! We will definitely be trying this at home. Peg said she needs to get a new crockpot tho.

For dessert Nance made Elana's almond butter brownies. OMG - those were really good too. We were lucky enough to take some in a "to go" bag. I had some in the DIA airport and then finished 'em off when we got home last night.

Nance's Amazing Crocked Beef



Thanks again Nance for every thing! A special thanks to Jack for taking the great photo of us!
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[aklap]

[Flygal]

Welcome back Al and Peg,
I just had to stick my two cents worth in the mix. Glad you had a super time.
_________________
Judy

[aklap]

When: Oct 10th, 2009
Where: Bunky's Cafe in Madison, WI
Who (L to R): Rachel, Mike (friend of Caroline's), Caroline, Judy, Al, Peg
Why: Because all of our calendars lined up?



I don't remember all the details, but somehow we got talking about having a Meet Up for any members that could make it. We decided to make it happen. After a few attempts, we were able to agree on a date that worked for those that were interested. But where!?!

I suggested Bunky's for several reasons.

#1 - Their gluten-free friendliness [aka attention to exact details on gluten-free food prep and creation]. On a previous visit, we spoke with Teresa [an owner] as to how & why they make it so easy for us to eat there. Yup, as in many cases - there's a family connection - Teresa's brother in law was a diagnosed celiac after years of mis-diagnosis.

Just about every menu item can be made GF with minor alterations. Many items are naturally GF.

#2 - It was reasonably located for many of us - we're coming from IL, MI, & WI. Madison WI, is a few hour drive [or less] for everyone except Caroline. I think it was 4-5 for her.

This is probably the second mass close-encounter experience board members have had. The first documented one took place at Deby's GF Bakery & Cafe in Denver, CO. These things are like a party or a family gathering. Often times in family gatherings, members can't make it. This gathering was no different. I wished everyone from the board could've been there!

We had a great time chatting - for 2.5 hrs!!

Bunky's food was amazing! I opted for the GF Lasagna. Somebody said it sounded good and rippled throughout the table. Peg decide to not to go GF [and deny me the ability to taste another menu item. *sniff*cry*pout* )



Bunky's house salad comes with the meal. The dressing for the salad is Teresa's Grandmother's.



What's dinner without dessert? We had SEVERAL options to choose from! There was a Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Raspberry Tart and Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake. There might even be 1 or 2 more that I'm forgetting. Peg and I had the Mousse & Cheesecake before, so we opted for those again because they were so good. I got the cheesecake.




I want to thank Bunky's for making this event such a great success! Tina [the manager] not only handled my original inquiry and reservation, but also waited on our table! She also took the group picture. What great service! Thanks Tina!

One of the things I really like there is the friendliness and attention to detail. They make you feel very at ease and comfortable in their knowledge and handling of their GF meals.

Another thing I like there is the decor and atmosphere. They even have a display/collection of GF pasta's, Celiac/GF books and info right as you walk in the door! There's a very eclectic, nostalgic, funky feel there...both inside and out! The bathrooms are a real hoot! I wish I would've taken more pictures to share.

Outside you are greeted with plates, knives & forks placed through out the landscaping.




Here's a really good article on Bunky's - it's owners and it's history. It starts on Page 6
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa