Hi everyone!  [smiley=hiya.gif]
There are a number of us with moyamoya who live in The Pacific Northwest. Unfortunately we're not all are able to travel to Las Vegas but, would like to meet with other moyamoya survivors. A few of us were talking and thought it would be fun to meet this summer in the Seattle area. The date is set, July 19th-20th (that's when we can pretty much count on sunshine), but the location is still undecided. We're wondering whether people would prefer a country or city locale. The suggestions are Langley on Whidbey Island, Bellevue, or Seattle. Langley is a quaint, seaside village, with small inns and B&Bs, lots of small shops, restaurants and beach activities, while Bellevue and Seattle offer all the attractions and amenities of a bigger city.

Please let me know if you're able to come and what locale you would prefer. I'll need to make a reservation fairly soon to secure a gathering place. You can either reply to this post or send an email to soap@whidbey.com)

Whether you live in the NW or you happen to be passing through the Seattle area on these dates, I hope you'll join us. The more the merrier!
Kim  [smiley=wave.gif]

hi  kim  .  i will be there  .   i am so excited aleady  . i cant wait to meet you  and the others  . see you in july ..if there anything you want me to do  please let me know  Tammy

I'm looking forward to meeting you too, Tammy. It's been wonderful chatting with you over these last few months.
Kim

Hi Everybody  [smiley=wave.gif]
Looks like we'll be meeting in Langley on Whidbey Island on August 2nd & 3rd. I've reserved a room at the Saratoga Inn where they've agreed to make their cozy public rooms available to us so we can meet and chat whenever we like. I also reserved the small, private conference room for Saturday, where they'll provide us with hot and cold beverages, and right-out-of-the-oven, home-made muffins and cookies to munch on all day long  [smiley=thumbsup.gif].
The dates changed to August 2nd & 3rd because other groups beat me to it and booked the entire inn for the last two weekends in July :'(. But that's OK, as it hardly ever rains here in August  :).
Here's the link to the charming Saratoga Inn:
http://www.saratogainnwhidbeyisland.com/

And here's a link to a site that promotes the town of Langley with lots of videos so you can see what it's like here:
http://thebestoflangley.com/
(Note: If you click on Whidbey Island Soap Company under Retail Stores then Gift Shops, you'll see a video of my son and I talking about our shop. The video was made just weeks before I had my stroke last summer and was diagnosed with moyamoya that fall. Boy oh boy, did I ever stress over the making of that video.)

I'll post a list of available lodgings in the next few weeks. There are a huge number of lovely B&Bs and a few small inns in and around Langley. The least expensive is $75/night, then there is the spectacular Inn at Langley which is on the Conde Nast Traveler "Gold List of Best Places to Stay in the World" from $275-$495 per/night:
http://www.innatlangley.com/index.html

Here's a link to the Chamber of Commerce website which has a lodging referal service:
http://langleychamb.whidbey.com/default.htm (Note: A new website is scheduled to be launched any day now, but should have the same URL address.)

Please send me an email soap@whidbey.com, or post a reply to this subject if you're able to join us. Langley is a great place to slow down, relax and get away from the real world for a little while.
See you there,
Kim

Kim~

This sounds like a wonderful experience.
Vegas itn't in my relm of doing things comfortably (stressful and expensive) but Langly sounds FUN, comfortable and I'd love to meet all the NorthWest mm folks. Tammy and I are in e-touch!

I don't know how Jacks and my summer will shape up as we need to go clean out my moms home as she died last Jan. She was suffering and it was the proverbial 'blessing'.  Still hard none the less. But, I'll keep in touch on this link because it would be such a nice vacation and meeting with you all.

Linda (LA)

Hi Linda,
I'm so very sorry to hear that you lost your Mom. My folks live here on the island - they'll be 79 and 82 this Spring. I'm so very thankful for each and every day that I have them. Going through this moyamoya expereince with me this last year has taken a toll on them, though they won't ever admit it to me.

I hope you and Jack can make it up here this summer. It's a wonderful place to visit and a great place to relax. I've lived in many different parts of the country, but chose Whidbey Island for digging in and growing roots. When I was a kid my grandparents owned an old-fashioned deparment/grocery store and later a fishing resort on the next island over. I grew up land-locked, in the mid-west but got to visit them for a couple of weeks every summer - it was paradise. I promised myself then that I would one day live here.

I've never been to Vegas and I'm feeling lucky these days (found Dr. Steinberg and had the surgery) so thought that maybe I would try my luck with the roulette wheel   8). Also, I want to finally get to meet D.J.. Jill had arranged a dinner get together with D.J. and a couple other patients at Stanford this Fall, but I missed it because I was having some temporary problems. I need to thank him for this amazing, life-saving website that he created. So, it'll be three days of wild & crazy, then back here to peace and tranquility.

A lot of traveling in the near future. I'm off to Stanford for my six-month check-up on May 5th. This may sound somewhat odd, but I'm actually looking forward to it (well not the angiogram). But, I want the confirmation that all is at last OK. Then, I'm hoping that this traumatic moyamoya experience will start to recede into the background a bit.
Kim

Kim~

Going to Vegas will be a great oppertunity for you!
Glad you're doing well with your mm.

Jack and I spent HOURS researching the island. We loved the beauty of it all. Seeing some of the nice campsites, cabins and motels available.

We're  getting excited about comming up and hope it will be possible. Love to meet you all --  and enjoy the work you've done getting it all arranged.

We'd like to bring our sit-on-top kayaks and take in some of the aquatic adventures.

I am facinated  by marine mammals, birds and all that incredible scenery!

I had friends on Vashon years ago and I loved visit ing and riding the ferry boats. Jack and I vacations in the San Juans years ago too.

Good choice of a place to live!!!

Hope Hope hope to see you.
Hope your Stienberg visit goes well. He's my doc too.

Linda

Hi Linda,

Oh, I so hope you can come, you'll love it here! You can launch your kyaks right at the marina in Langley. On this side of the island we're more protected then on the west side - lots more open water there. There's a new business here where you can now rent kyaks too. I haven't done it yet, but plan to as soon as it warms up a bit more... Right now, Brrrrrrr. Or you can rent those cute little Vespa motor scooters at Soleil, pickup lunch to go at the Chef's Pantry or the old-fashioned Star Store Deli and explore the backroads of the island - too much fun!

You're sure to see bald eagles flying every day - sometimes three or four at a time and lot of Herons fishing for their meal at the edge of the water and also playful seals- especially when kyaking. Early in the Spring the Orcas go by Langley, but during the summers you'll see the grey whales, if you're lucky. There are whale-watching cruises out of Anacortes, which is about 1 1/2 hours north of here (that's where the ferries leave for the San Juan Islands, though some people claim Whidbey is the south-most island in that chain) www.island-adventures.com  or www.mysticseacharters.com , and if you take the Chuckanut Drive along the coast heading toward Bellingham, home of Western Washington University, with charming old-town Fairhaven to explore and you can vist the Samish Marine research lab. Not sure what programs they offer, but I can find out if you're interested. You can dig for clams on the beach at Useless Bay (about 10 minutes from Langley) and a great place for children to swim as it's shallow (thus the name useless) so when the tide goes out the sun heats the sand and warms the water. Lots of drift wood to gather and logs to walk and a great place to let a dog run free. You can pick lavender right out of the fields at Sarah's Lavender Winds farm www.lavenderwind.com and the raspberries should be ready for picking in August (too late for strawberries though). And we have a fun Saturday Farmer's Market at Bayview about 2 miles from Langley. I could go on forever...

Thank you for the positive thoughts for my six-month. Compared to the first visit, this one should be a breeze. Dr. Steinberg is at the top of my list of all time favorite people. Don't want to think what would have happend to so many of us, if not for him. Everytime I have a task to do that I would like to put off (I'm the all time greatest procrastinator) I think, what if Steinberg decided to just blow off a day of surgery? Helps me to tackle those tasks I really just don't want to do.

I'm really gettiing excited about this gathering on Whidbey Island - guess you can tell from this long post. I'd love to share this magical, healing place with my moyamoya family.

Hope to see you and Jack here this summer,
Kim

hi kim  ,   that  sound much fun   i cant wait to come  ,  

Hi all,

I just got a call from the Saratoga Inn after one of us tried to book a room for the gathering on August 2-3 was wait-listed after being told there were no rooms available on those dates :'(. Turns out someone booked the entire place for a wedding party (well, all but for the room I booked and the conference room). I was told that the weekend of August 16-17 is absolutely, positively free. So, after talking to the person who was wait-listed we decided to change the dates. I hope this works out OK for all who are planning to come.

If you are planning to come, it might be a good idea to book a room as soon as you can at either the Saratoga Inn or another B&B. You can check out the lodging listings and availablity on the new Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or web site. If your plans change and you find you're unable to make it, most of the lodgings will refund any deposit you make provided you cancel within a certain period of time.

No more date changes, I promise.

Kim

 hi Kim  .    I  just wanted to tell you and the others  that i cant wait to meet everyone and have some fun  .i am getting excited  .   only a few more weeks  . Tammy :)

Hi all -  [smiley=wave.gif]
The weather FINALLY turned around, sunshine and blue skies. It's been a loooong winter.

I booked a group dinner reservation for 6:00 Saturday eveneing. I chose La Prima restaurant right here in Langley. We can easily add more to the reservation. They have an outdoor deck where we can dine while looking out over the waters of Puget Sound. It's a great place for conversation and the food and wines are wonderful! Here's a link to a video about the restaurant http://video.aol.com/video-detail/prima-bistro-langley-washington-on-whidbey-island/3722843998

Don't forget to make your lodging reservations soon. There are still plenty of rooms available, but now that the kids are out of school and the weather has improved families are starting to book their vacations.

See you soon,
Kim

Hi all  [smiley=wave.gif]
Just an update about the gathering. Reservations are made for the outdoor deck at La Prima for Saturday evening 6:00. Jen, the owner, asked that I let her know a day ahead should we need to add seats to the reservation. I'm checking out the kyak rentals today - as a few of us are planning to spend a couple of hours out on the sound for a closer up view of those playful sea otters and majestic Orcas. The Vespa (those little Italian motor scooters) rental shop is just down the street, should you want to take a breezy ride along the back roads. You might want to stop at the Chef's Pantry for a boxed lunch to take with you.

The Saratoga Inn is now booked for Saturday night, but if anyone wants to stay there and doesn't mind switching rooms between days, I can give up the room I booked for Saturday (I only live about ten mintes away) - just send me an email and I'll tell the gals at the inn to bump me. There are still rooms available at the many B&Bs and smaller inns, but don't wait too long to make a reservation as lots of Seattlites seem to be choosing to spend their summer vacation closer to home this year - gotta be because of those high gas prices. If anyone needs help finding lodging, let me know and I'll beat the bushes from this end.

The weather is absolutely gorgeous here - at last  8).

Can't wait to see you all!
Kim

Kim,

Wow!  ;;D Sounds like everything is ready to go for your Seattle get-together!  ;;D  The place you reserved sounds so serene...and exciting"playful sea otters and majestic Orcas"...wish we had those here in Hawaii!  ;)  Don't forget to take plenty of pics so you can share them with those of us who can't attend.

Hope you all have a wonderful time!

Take care,
Shan

Hi Shan,
Yeah, this is a great place, but then so is Hawaii. I'm planning a trip to Lanai in January, when it isn't so nice here at all. During her retirement years, my grandmother spent the winter months on Kauai and the rest of the year here. All I plan to do in January is sit on the beach and read a few good books (ok, maybe sip a tropical drink with a cute liitle umbrella in it).
I'll be sure to take those pictures and post them to the website. Come on over, if you can.
Kim

Hi Kim [smiley=wave.gif]....

So....you're going to Lanai.  It's even smaller than the island I live on Kauai.  I've lived in Hawaii all my life, but have never been to Lanai, although Alan has.  He says it's really nice.  Just a little head's-up...watch out for the winter swells (waves), it can be a little rough especially around December/January.

I hope all is going well for your upcoming reunion, I know Tammy is really excited about going.  BTW....it was really great meeting you in Las Vegas!!

Aloha [smiley=hug.gif],

Jan

Hi Jan,
It was great meeting you too. Wish there had been more time to chat with everyone - the time just flew by way too quickly. I used to stay at my grandparent's timeshare called Mokihanna Lodge at Kapaa. I haven't been for over twenty years now. What a beautiful island! What part of Kauai do you live on? Did you know of a woman there named Annie Kabanti (not sure of the spelling)? She and my grandmother were great friends. I'd love to visit Kauai when I get over this winter. If I can come, we'll have to try to get together.

It will be nice to finally meet Tammy at the gathering. So far there are about a dozen of us who are for certain going to be here. A few more are still hoping to be able to make it. There'll be a couple of gathering areas at the inn where we can lounge about and chat. Then there's always the local coffee houses. If we get to really carrying on then there's the historic, Dog House Tavern with plenty of microbrews on tap and usually a local group playing.

Dig your toes in the sand for me - Aloha.
Kim

Hey Kim,

If I'm not mistaken the Mokihana Lodge is in Kapaa.  Alan and I have been living in Puhi for the past 5 or six years now, but I'm originally from Kekaha (the west-side of Kauai, near Kokee).  I live 5 - 10 minutes away from the airport.  Should you come to Kauai over the winter, please give me a call and we can go to dinner somewhere.  I presume since you've been here before you have pretty much visited most places on the island.  May I please have your email address and I will give you my cell number so you can contact me?  

Aloha [smiley=hug.gif],

Jan

Hi Jan,
I may have visited Puhi and Kokee, but it's been such a long while ago that I can't remember either place. I'm sure they must be beautiful, the whole island is a paradise. My email address is soap@whidbey.com. I'd love to get together for dinner this winter. I'll let you know when I my plans are more definite.
Kim

Aloha Kim,

Lanai? Wow! I've never been there either...even though I am a native of Hawaii.  :-/  From what I've heard, and the pics I've seen...Lanai is the perfect place for relaxation!  ;)  One of my roomates from college was from Lanai, and in fact one of my very good friends from church is from there too!  Beautiful, kind people.  ;;D

Gee--since you'll be so close to us, it would be nice if we could all somehow get together!   There's a bunch of us MMians on Oahu (at least 2 doz), and then there's Jan on the Island of Kauai...Mel on Maui..and I've heard of other MMians on the Island of Hawai'i' (the Big Island).

I'm serious!  It would be a great time to have the Hawaii Moyamoya Ohana get together or possibly invite whoever wants to fly to Lanai to go for a day or so! (we don't want to barge in on your vacation Kim!  ;))   ;;D  Come on, Jan...let's go!  ;)

Let's talk more...
Aloha,
Shan
islandmoyamoya@yahoo.com  

Okay, Shan....

It really would be nice to go visit somewhere that I've never been, but I have an aversion to small planes.  The last one I flew on was on my back on a stretcher (:P  I was being flown to Oahu after my stroke).  All kidding aside, it would be very nice to go to Lanai, but with the cost of airfare now,  I'm not so sure.  Alan and I have already made plans to go to Oahu during Thanksgiving (we're staying 5 days) to visit family and friend and to do some Christmas Shopping.  Then again, gotta see how much  $$ & [smiley=twocents.gif] I can come up with.

Kim, you probably did go past Puhi and probably went to Kokee (Waimea Canyon).  Anyway, I'll email you with my cell number....

Jan

Hey Shan,
I didn't realize there were so many folks with moyamoya in the islands! You can all barge in on my vacation any time ol' time. I though I might fly into Maui and then ferry over to Lanai. Haven't made any definite plans yet - have to earn enough income this summer to be able to afford it. This trip has the highest priority on my list as it's been a long, long while since I had a real vacation. And if this moyamoya experience has taught me anything, it's to not put off those things that we dream of doing. My Aunt and Uncle live in Lanikai on Oahu. I've been invited to stay in their guest house. That would probably be a lot more affordable. None of my plans are solid yet, so if you're able to plan something, I'm game.

Jan, one way or another we'll find a way to spend some time together. Now, I so wish my folks hadn't sold their time share there.

It's cold and overcast here today - I sure hope summer returns soon.
Kim

:(Hi Kim,

I'm so sad that I can't make it to reunion to see everyone, I would love to see you guys, all of my friends and supports, I hope I can come to reunion next year.
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
I know you all will have a good time.

Have fun, Kieu

Aw, Kieu, sorry you can't make it. We're a looooong ways from Virginia. I think the next reunion may be in Florida - maybe you can make that one. I promise to take lots of pictures and post them here.
I just realized that the county fair is happening the same weekend as the gathering. It's held right here in Langley. If you've never seen a small, old-fashioned, country fair this one is worth a visit. The best part is the 4-H kids exhibiting their farm animals. Both the kids and their critters are so darn cute.
Only three more weeks - wow, time sure flies!
Kim

Hi to Kim and everyone who's heading to this gathering and/or Hawaii.!!!!

Someone please buy my moms/my house! It's for sale and it's right next to Stanford. I could see the Hoover Tower (that's on campus) from my front yard!  I grew up there.      
Easy access for  Dr. Steinberg appts!
or getting a degree.

This is obviously a joke, but......if the house sells and Jack and I don't need to be so attentive to the process anymore....

THEN WE'D BE SURE TO BE ABLE TO GET TO THIS REUNION!

Jack and I really want to meet everyone and have time to
talk and share,  to bring our kayaks and paddle, to see the soap shop, be in the North West and enjoy this gig that Kim has put together. Thanks for doing this Kim.

I really want to meet all of you and share this mm experience. And I love the North West.

hummmm...maybe the place will sell in time for a Hawaii reunion -- I've never been there!
I could easily kick back on the beach with a book and a 'cabana boy' bringing me drinks!  ok, so I really would just like to be at the beach and relax and enjoy the beauty of the Island. Quite different from the redwoods we live in!

So Jack and I hope to get up there and we're keeping our fingers crossed. That's become a medical condition with me lately!!!!!!!

Linda A.











:D :D

:D

Hello everyone whoes heading to Kims reunion!!!!

I can uncross my fingers!

The house is in escrow.
The trust company has offices everywhere and promised that they'd come to a campsite in Seattle, or the top of Everest, to help the transition/sale! Good people.

So, forget mount Everest --  I really want to meet you all. Jack and I are making plans to be there!
I am so excited. He's excited.
Will be wonderful to share this mm experience.

Looking forward!

Linda

Hey Linda and Jack,
Yippeeeee! I'm so excited I can't quite see straight. I was looking at the Chamber of Commerce accomodation list for a place for you to stay and look what I found for next year's gathering Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or . Wouldn't this be a fantastic place for for a gathering! That huge fire pit under the stars is really appealing.

OK, enough dreaming. I'll start concentrating on this year. I have a call into the Chamber of Commerce's lodging service - they're checking on availabilty for me. As soon as they call back, I'll post all the phone numbers and web addresses of those lodgings with available rooms.

Here's the group so far (Hope I haven't missed anyone):
Carol and Mac from Florida
Irrene and Joachem from Texas
Linda and Jack from California
Tammy from Washington
Cynthia and family from Washington
Sheila and Col from Washington
(Elizabeth from Wasington will be in Stanford having her surgeries, but with us in spirit)
Maybe Vanessa and her Mom from Washington
Hoping that Connie and her family from Washington can make it; she's just finishing her surgeries at Stanford
Me and my family

Carol, I'm still getting the information together about the whale watching cruises. I'll post it here as soon as I have all the details.

Come if you can - the more the merrier! It's no problem adding more to the dinner reservation.
Kim

Jan--
Small planes  :-/ I know what you mean... Plus, I think only Island Air goes to Lanai right? Don't forget to remind me of when you're coming here! I'll pick you up from your hotel so we can do lunch!  ;;D

Kim--
Maui is beautiful too. I love Maui!   ;)  Lanikai? Well there you go--come to Oahu! LOL  Lanikai, as you know, is a very beautiful upscale neighborhood.  Oahu is great; however, if you're really looking for a laid back Gilligan's Island kinda' feeling, then Maui, Kauai and Lanai would probably be better.  They don't have the hustle and bustle of traffic on the highways like we do.  :P

We also now have the SuperFerry which runs from Oahu to Maui-- http://www.hawaiisuperferry.com.

Nonetheless, your reunion sounds like it's going to be a blast!  ;;D  You're doing great with organizing this event.

Linda--

Quote:

'cabana boy' bringing me drinks!'

  [smiley=laugh.gif] I hope one day you're able to come out and visit us!...and whether it's a cabana boy or a hula girl, I'll be sure somebody brings you a nice, cool tropical drink when you're relaxing on the white sandy beach... ;)

Take care,
Shan

p.s. Did you see the post on the guestbook from Ms. Borge who was recently diagnosed on Maui with MM? Indeed, there are quite a few of us in Hawaii.  :-[

:)  I  am looking forward  to  meet everyone that going to be at the gathering   ,  i am so very  excited  ,only 2 more weeks  .  i cant wait  ,   travel save everyone and i will see you there   Tammy :)

Good morning everyone~~~

It's foggy here on the North Coast of California but will probably burns off around noon.

So thoughts of a warm Hawaiian beach with the cabana boy, or girl (thanks Shan!), fill my mind -- and Jack and I would sincerely consider a reunion in your area -- would love to meet all the Islander mm'ers  too!

I'm  totally excited about Kim's reunion. Can't wait to meet everyone.

Love and looking forward,

Linda  

Hi all!
Got some more information about whale watching cruises. The gal at the Chamber of Commerce has used PS Express out of Port Townsend. The contact information is:
Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or
360-385-5288 Cost $78.50 Adult, $53.50 Child
They leave from Port Townsend everyday at 9:00 AM. The best bet is to take the ferry from Key Stone to Port Townsend as a passenger (otherwise you have to make a reservation to take your car across). It's a fifteen minute walk down Water Street to the marina. This is an all day trip with a 1 1/2 hour stop in Friday Harbor (enough time to visit the Whale Museum and have lunch) returning to Port Townsend at 5:00 PM.
The other cruise is Mystic Sea Charters out of Annacotes The contact information is:
Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or
800-308-9387 Cost $69.00 Adult, $49.00 17 years and under
No ferry neccesay. Departs 11:00 AM Returns 4:00 PM. No stop in Friday Harbor and whale signting guaranteeed or the next trip is free. Bring your own lunch.

Sea kyaking tours are with Whidbey Island Kyaking Company.
Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or
360-321-4683
Two hour guided kyak tour leaving from the Langley Marina and several other locations around the island. Depart at 10 AM and 2 PM.
$49 Adults (13 years and up)

There are still accomodations available in Langley, but it's a busy summer here and reservations need to be made soon. There are still rooms available at:
Ashington Manor; Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or 866-456-5006

The Cat and the Fiddle Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or 888-535-6222

Drake's Landing 360-221-3999, 206-391-8977

Back and Fourth 360-632-7572

Carol Lee's Atttic Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or 360-730-1955

Or, if you don't mind changing rooms mid stay, you could have my room at the Saratoga Inn on Saturday night and stay at the other night(s) at Garden Path Suites(Really nice, and adjacent to our soap shop) Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or 360-221-5121

You can also check out the Lodging link on the chamber of commerce web site; Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

If you'd like any brochures, send me your address and I'll mail them out to you.

Hope everyone is haveing a great summer. It's absolutely gogeous here today, sunshine, blue skies, a bit cool, but nice in the sunshine - great day for a hike.

See you soon,
Kim  8)
 

Hey Kim   [smiley=hiya.gif]

Guess things must be getting pretty hectic knowing that the mini reunion is only a week away  :o    [smiley=yikes.gif].  Tell everyone I said hello and wish that I were there...please give Tammy a [smiley=hug.gif] for me and let her know I'm thinking of her and wishing her the best!!  If I didn't send you me phone number, please ask Tammy, she has my number.

Aloha,
Jan

:) wow  ,  it almost time  for the get together  ,  i cant believe its almost here  ,  i am getting more and more excited  to meet everyone thats coming  ,   see you in a few days  and looking foward to have some fun   .  tammy

Hi Kim,

We decided to go to reunion on 17th, Sunday morning.

Could you tell me where I can meet the group and the contact information  in case we lost?

Thanks a lot for your information!

Connie

Hi Kim,

Thanks so much for being the organizer of this event.  My husband and Steve will be coming over on Saturday and leaving after dinner.  Steve needs to jet to Hawaii (for business) the next morning.  

We will need a dinner reservation for two - if in case you are getting that nailed down.  I don't know what else is going on but where should we plan to hook up with the group when we arrive?  We hope to make it there before noon.  

Cynthia  

Hi Everybody!  [smiley=wave.gif]
I typed and typed a "very" long reply and then, just as I was about to post it, I hit the wrong tab and POOF, GONE!   [smiley=ohjez.gif]
So, a "somewhat" briefer post this time.

Jan,
Got your phone number filed away and promise to give a big hug to Tammy. Hope to see you in Hawaii come January.

Tammy,
At last we'll be able to chat without interruption. Hugs waiting for you from so many folks on this board. See you soon.

Connie,
I'm delighted that you'll be able to come this Sunday! Sent an email the other day with contact information and driving directions from Bellevue. I'll post them to the bottom of this note. There's a slight revision to the directions from map quest, so be sure to checkout the directions given below.

Cynthia,
See you Saturday! Try to get into the ferry line early and be sure to bring a book, just in case the line is long. Got you and Steve on the reservation list for dinner.

Carol,
Did you get the information about the whale watching tours?

LOCATION
We'll be meeting at The Saratoga Inn:
201 Cascade Avenue, Langley, WA 98260

CONTACT NUMBERS
Saratoga Inn: 800-698-2910, 206-221-5801
My home number is: 360-331-1301
My retail shop, Whidbey Island Soap Company is: 360-331-8214, 109 First Street (across the street from The Village Pizzareia - great pizza, by the way)

DIRECTIONS
Map Quest link from Bellevue:
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or
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1. I-405 N becomes WA-525 N.
2. WA-525 N becomes MUKILTEO-CLINTON FERRY (Check ferry schedule/fares).
3. MUKILTEO-CLINTON FERRY becomes WA-525.
4. The mapquest directions say:
- Turn RIGHT onto MAXWELTON RD.
- Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto LANGLEY RD.
INSTEAD:
- Drive off the ferry onto WA-525 N
- Turn RIGHT at the first traffic light onto LANGLEY RD.
4. LANGLEY RD. becomes CAMANO AVE.
5. Turn RIGHT at the stop sign onto CASCADE AVE.
6. End at 201 Cascade Ave Langley, WA 98260-8415

Map Quest link from Seattle:
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or
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1. I-5 N via the ramp on the LEFT toward VANCOUVER B.C..
2. Merge onto WA-525 N via EXIT 182 toward WA-99.
3. Follow the same instruction as 2-6 above.

The Saratoga Inn is a two-story, cedar-shingled building on the right side of the road, 201 Cascade Avenue, Langley WA 98260. Park on the street or turn right into their parking lot behind the building. Come in the front door. We'll be in the conference room just to the right of the entry.

TRAFFIC NOTE & ISLAND COUNTY FAIR
The Island County Fair is in full swing this weekend. The fairgorund is located on the right side of Langley Road just as you come into town. Traffic will be a bit congested there (by island standards, that means it might take an extra five minutes) It's an old-fashioned county fair of manageable size - lots of fun. Here's the link to the fair's website:
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MISCELLANEOUS
We have the conference room at the Saratoga Inn reserved for both Saturday and Sunday. But should folks want to get out and about, there's a white board there where we can leave messages for each other and cell phone numbers.

Downtown Langley is only two streets by one long block, so it's pretty easy to find one another. I'll put out some maps of both the town and of entire island for those who want to wander around.

There'll be name tags we can wear, so we can recognize each other. I'm not very good at remembering people's names - it's really embarassing sometimes.

I'll put out brochures about activities happening on the island this weekend and information about kayaking and whale watching tours.

Jill sent us copies of the first issue of the Stanford publication, Bench and Bedside that featured Dr. Steinberg on the front cover and also the Moyamoya handbook that Teresa authored. Thanks, Jill!
If you haven't yet seen a copy, here's the link to Bench & Bedside:
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MOVIE
The historical, and kitchy, Clyde Theatre is showing the following movie:
August 15-18 (FSSM) Hancock
Will Smith plays a superhero who needs an attitude adjustment in this action comedy. Hancock has saved Los Angeles from disaster lots of times, but he’s trashed it a lot too. However public-relations guru Jason Bateman has a plan to put a little more love in the love/hate relationship the city has with its misunderstood defender. He’s Will Smith, you know, how bad can he be?
Not yet rated.
Running time not yet known
Here's the link to their website: [url]www.theclyde.net/url]

DINNER
Dinner reservations are made for 6:00 PM for outdoor deck of The Prima restaurant. We can easily add more seats to the reservation on Saturday afternoon. I'll leave a signup sheet in the table in the conference room. Be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket - they have outdoor heaters but it can get a bit chilly in the evenings.

WEATHER
The weather report is for a sunny weekend, temperatures in the 60-70 range. So bring a sweater or light jacket. In the pacific nortwest it's always wise to have a rain jacket handy. P.S. There is a convergence zone over the island that makes the weather forecasters often wrong.

Looking forward to seeing everyone. Have safe trips.
Hugs [smiley=hug.gif],
Kim

KIM!

Where have I been? I feel like Rip Van Winkle! I just saw this posting and your reunion plans only now with just days away from the big gathering! Boy...you have undertaken quite the ambitious endeavor! I wish I were able to join you all,  but my sisters and I have been planning an Oct visit to Seattle since the beginning of this year. Our plans are set and air tickets have been purchased. Seems I'm always....a day late or a dollar short...lol! (I've been off the board for a few months, had a 6 week overseas trip and pre and post travel been sidetracked with houseshowings yuck..guess I shouldn't stay away for such long spells!)

Well....you have certainly listed so many great links for things to do and places to visit.....I am sure the info will come in handy our plans! (thanks)

I also want to say.....I LOVED your video deput of the store! In fact, your whole town is so quaint and charming. Forget....coming to meet with me in Bainbridge Island....we will have to plan a day and tour "your" area! Anyways....I will be in touch.....and we can fine tune the details later. Meanwhile, you have OTHER plans to finalize at the moment with mm'ers.

My dates are Sat 10/25 -11/1 ..... I arrive into Seattle at 7pm Saturday 10/25.....I believe we will be touring the city of Seattle on Sunday....leave for Vancouver on Monday for a couple days....then ??? and I leave early Sat morning 11/01
At this point .... things are still in the early stages. But, your area is touristic and could make a lovely day trip for my sisters and I. We can patronage your local shops and have lunch with a good insiders recommendation of the best dining establishment! You and I can finally have that well earned slice of chocolate cake.....with a cup of Seattle's best coffee! (or tea)

Big hugs....and have a SUPER gathering!

Hi Diane,
It's on my calendar - see you in October!  [smiley=shore.gif]
Kim

Hey all of you Seattleites!  I'll be thinking of you and wishing I was there with you all weekend.  Hope you have a wonderful time (is there any doubt?), and I'll be anxious to hear about all the wonderful things you did, talked about, etc.

My heart will be there . . . enjoy yourselves!

[smiley=hug.gif] Jill  

Kim  ,   What an amazing weekend  ,  Thank you so much  for putting together everything  .  it was wonderful meeting you  and your son .      you are a very special  person  .   i will never forget this experince  ,  thank you for that  ,  


  CAROL ,   It  was a pleasure meeting you and beening able to talk with you ,  you are such a wonderful person ,     8)  you amazed me  with everything that you have done in your life  .    


Linda and Jack  .   you two are  awesome .  i am so happy that you  where able to make it to the gathering  ,  .i will never forget  you 2 .  your the best  ,


  Cynthia ,Sheila and Irene  ,  it was so great to meet you ladies  ,    i hope you will keep in touch  .  



  everyone  i had a wonderful experience  that i will take with me  in my life  ,  i am looking forward  to meeting again soon  ,   what a wonderful   time this was ,    ,   i will try to post pictures  soon  ,  take care all of my MM  FRIENDS .  
                                     Tammy [smiley=hug.gif]

The one good thing about Moyamoya is the absolutely amazing people who have come into my life. Thank you all for being you.

Thank you all for taking the time from your busy lives and making the effort to gather this last week. Every one of you is an inspiration -
Irene and Joachem
Carol and Mac
Linda and Jack
Sheila and Coll
Tammy
Cynthia and Steve
Elizabeth's Mom, Dorothy and her sister, Lana - Dorothy is with her daughter who had her surgery yesterday at Stanford
Jill who was definitely here in spirit
And my son, David who kept the shop so that I was free to enjoy this precious time with all of you.

I'm off to Paradise Lodge on Mt. Reinier for a few days of doing nothing. I'm looking forward to a little time away without responsibilities to begin plotting out what comes next. Doubt I'll come home with a complete plan, but it'll be a start.

Kim

OK.....The plan is to POST some pictures lol!

sounds like you all had a perfect weekend.....so glad it all went well and the weather was with you!

smiles...diane

I was going to mention the same thing as Diane.  Will you be sharing pictures?  I'd love to see y'all!  Heavy sigh that I couldn't go . . . would've loved to, but am thrilled you had a good time!  Any chance of a repeat performance next year????

[smiley=heart.gif] Jill

THANK YOU KIM !! for organizing the Pacific NW Moyamoya Club meeting -- Steve and I had a great time meeting and sharing our experiences with all of you.  We learned a lot.  Best of all I realized that I needed to take it easy - I am still recovering.  We all are still recovering and need to really rest and take care of ourselves.    We all have been through a lot.

Since our meeting, I purchased the book My Stroke of Insight and have been reading about the recovery process of the brain.  The author mentions that in the years after her stroke, she slept 11 hours a night which  helped her body recover.  After reading that I have been much more consciencous about hitting the sack at an earlier time.  Hope to make that a new "habit".

We learn so much by sharing our experiences and information.  

Thanks again Kim for the wonderful gathering.  Enjoyed chatting with David too.  He is a nice support for you.

Cynthia

The North West MM gathering~

It was incredible!

Besides being in a beautiful location, and having the conference room at the hotel (which was lovely -- over looking the Sound) as home base to meet and share and keep track of one another.... meeting you all was such a delight. I really enjoyed sharing our experiences with living with, discovering, and having mm surgery. and how it is for each of us now to go forward. It's been a long trip (medically) but I feel significant and positive changes in myself post surgery almost 8yrs ago. Again, sharing with everyone has been significant and enjoyable. Jack shares these thoughts too. Nice to meet others who are in the same situation.

Jack and I did two more whale watch trips and saw the three major pods of orca on both of these trips. They even swam up to the boat and right under us. I was in heaven!  We took time driving home and visited an IMAX show on the Grand Canyon at Seattle at OMSI and a show narrated by R. Redford on  solar systems colliding.
Drove along the Columbia river to the mouth and back, and relaxed in Cottage Grove trying to shake the cold I got.

Jack and I had a wonderful time being with everyone.
Please keep up if you care to via email.

Thanks especially to Kim for all of her work and care.

Love,
Linda (LA)
and Jack sends HUGS.

OOPS!

OMSI is in Portland, Ore.

But the Science Center and all the great places below the Seattle Space Needle are full of great things to do. Saw a laser light show to the music of the Beatles while we were there.  When we got into the Science Center and I saw the huge replica turtles and the  lights and water, I cried because I hadn't been able to deal with crowds and over stimulation for so lone....and there I was, loving it!!!!!

Note: South Seattle is really fun because one can enjoy the incredible view of the Needle and skyline from across a waterway. Lots of cafes and good food. all overlooking the skyline.

Linda

Hi ya,
I'd post pictures, but I first forgot the camera and then when I did have it with me I forgot to actually use it! Heck, my forte is soap, definitely NOT photography. So, would any of you who did take pictures please post them here. Especially that one group picture that was taken of all of us in front of the Saratoga Inn sign - that one I'd love to see.

Linda and Jack, Did you get and good pictures of the whales? Still haven't used my ticket for the whale watching cruise. Friday, David and I are going to the Sea Kayak Symposium in Port Townsend. Maybe I can get in the whale watching trip the following weekend. As usual too much to do and never enough time...

Gorgeous day here, deep blue sky, that beautiful diffused sunlight that comes with fall, not too hot, not too cold - just right. Wish I could share it with you.

Kim