Triangle 20th Meetup - Saturday, July 13th
posted May 22, 2019 5:29 AM RSS | iCal | +googleCal
Sat July 13 at 1:00 PM, Chez Ardgedee & Research Monkey
301 W Morgan St, Durham, NC, USA (Map & Directions)
It has been almost 20 years since the first post on MeFi, so what an opportune time to get together here in the Triangle of North Carolina! Maybe we can even make this a regional thing and lure some MeFites down from the mountains, off the Outer Banks, and "y'all too, Fort Bragg!" Let's start a discussion in this thread about where, when, and what we want to do in general terms before we nail down the details.
The current address for the meetup is not accurate. Please check the thread for details.
Maybe there is a pre-potluck activity for folks who prefer a more structured hang sesh? Possibly post-potluck cocktails at a local watering hole?
If folks want to travel for this, I have a guest room and several comfy-ish couches available here in Fuquay-Varina.
Maybe there is a pre-potluck activity for folks who prefer a more structured hang sesh? Possibly post-potluck cocktails at a local watering hole?
If folks want to travel for this, I have a guest room and several comfy-ish couches available here in Fuquay-Varina.
We're also up for hosting a potluck at our house in south Durham. For post-meetup drinking there are a couple bottle shops nearby, including Sam's and Growler Grrls, and for post-meetup dining a variety of pretty good restaurants.
We can't offer crash space unfortunately, though on the other hand we might be the mefites most centrally-located in terms of Triangle geography.
posted by ardgedee at 8:45 AM on May 22, 2019
We can't offer crash space unfortunately, though on the other hand we might be the mefites most centrally-located in terms of Triangle geography.
posted by ardgedee at 8:45 AM on May 22, 2019
Any thoughts about date/time? I know Sunday afternoons have been popular lately, and that allows us to have it on the anniversary itself - Sunday, July 14th - if that works for folks.
I'm thinking some sort of activity (NC Art Museum? Hiking? Duke Lemur Center? Escape Room? Volunteering?) around Noon or 1, casual drop-in style potluck from 3 until 7 or 8, then optional after-party at some sort of adult beverage establishment.
When I write it all out like that it sounds like a lot, but I figure this gives folks different opportunities to join in in a way they feel comfortable, you know?
posted by Rock Steady at 9:12 AM on May 22, 2019 [1 favorite]
I'm thinking some sort of activity (NC Art Museum? Hiking? Duke Lemur Center? Escape Room? Volunteering?) around Noon or 1, casual drop-in style potluck from 3 until 7 or 8, then optional after-party at some sort of adult beverage establishment.
When I write it all out like that it sounds like a lot, but I figure this gives folks different opportunities to join in in a way they feel comfortable, you know?
posted by Rock Steady at 9:12 AM on May 22, 2019 [1 favorite]
> I know Sunday afternoons have been popular lately
Hey, did you mean Saturday? I checked past meetups and for the last 2 years local meetups have been on Saturday, for brunch or lunch. Some years before that meetups tended to be weekday nights, but that timeslot seems to have gone out of fashion.
Personally a full day of activities including after-party on a Sunday would be difficult for me, with Monday being a workday and all, and often having to be at the office before 8 am.
posted by research monkey at 6:50 PM on May 22, 2019
Hey, did you mean Saturday? I checked past meetups and for the last 2 years local meetups have been on Saturday, for brunch or lunch. Some years before that meetups tended to be weekday nights, but that timeslot seems to have gone out of fashion.
Personally a full day of activities including after-party on a Sunday would be difficult for me, with Monday being a workday and all, and often having to be at the office before 8 am.
posted by research monkey at 6:50 PM on May 22, 2019
the merge 30th anniversary festival in late July may bring some mefites to the area (I know it's bringing me back)...
posted by noloveforned at 3:43 AM on May 23, 2019
posted by noloveforned at 3:43 AM on May 23, 2019
A Saturday potluck sounds awesome. Not sure if I can handle a string of events (introvert!), but I would be up for a Lemur Center visit.
posted by wens at 5:46 AM on May 23, 2019
posted by wens at 5:46 AM on May 23, 2019
Yes, let's do this! I have a guest room in Raleigh with an en suite bathroom for anyone wanting to make the trip.
I'm OK with either day, but Saturday might be better if we're anticipating having people coming from out of town.
posted by something something at 6:59 AM on May 23, 2019
I'm OK with either day, but Saturday might be better if we're anticipating having people coming from out of town.
posted by something something at 6:59 AM on May 23, 2019
Urp, yeah, I meant Saturday July 13th. I've added that to the post title as we start to get things together.
posted by Rock Steady at 9:38 AM on May 23, 2019
posted by Rock Steady at 9:38 AM on May 23, 2019
Lemurs!
Another possibility: the Carolina Theatre in Downtown Durham is hosting a retro-arthouse film series that weekend. There are a bunch of great films on Saturday 7/13, including Anatomy of a Murder and Bridge on the River Kwai in the afternoon, and a late-night showing of Throne of Blood. Downside to movies, though, is that it might not be good for a chatty group -- but food/drinks before or after is always an option.
posted by basalganglia at 3:56 PM on May 23, 2019 [1 favorite]
Another possibility: the Carolina Theatre in Downtown Durham is hosting a retro-arthouse film series that weekend. There are a bunch of great films on Saturday 7/13, including Anatomy of a Murder and Bridge on the River Kwai in the afternoon, and a late-night showing of Throne of Blood. Downside to movies, though, is that it might not be good for a chatty group -- but food/drinks before or after is always an option.
posted by basalganglia at 3:56 PM on May 23, 2019 [1 favorite]
> I would be up for a Lemur Center visit.
Lemur Center requires reservations weeks in advance, especially in the summer. You should investigate booking a visit ASAP if you want to be sure you have a date in July.
posted by ardgedee at 5:09 PM on May 23, 2019
Lemur Center requires reservations weeks in advance, especially in the summer. You should investigate booking a visit ASAP if you want to be sure you have a date in July.
posted by ardgedee at 5:09 PM on May 23, 2019
Aw man! We will be in Portland that weekend (maybe there will be an event there and then?). I love the potluck idea! Sorry we can’t make it.
posted by oceanjesse at 9:21 PM on May 23, 2019
posted by oceanjesse at 9:21 PM on May 23, 2019
> We will be in Portland that weekend (maybe there will be an event there and then?).
Both mathowie and cortex live in Portland, so... maybe?
posted by ardgedee at 3:08 AM on May 24, 2019
Both mathowie and cortex live in Portland, so... maybe?
posted by ardgedee at 3:08 AM on May 24, 2019
I just learned that I formally adopted my cat on Metafilter's 15th anniversary. <3
I'll be there.
posted by Stewriffic at 8:06 AM on May 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
I'll be there.
posted by Stewriffic at 8:06 AM on May 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
Bit of a derail here, but do any of you in the Triangle area want a Carolina Reaper plant or two? I have two plants from cuttings I took last year, and they’re ready to be transplanted or moved to larger pots. I don’t need three Carolina Reaper plants, so free to a good home.
posted by research monkey at 9:34 AM on May 24, 2019
posted by research monkey at 9:34 AM on May 24, 2019
OK, hope everyone had a great (hot) Memorial Day weekend! It doesn't sound like there are any other contenders or serious objections to the basic idea of a potluck at ardgedee and research monkey's place. I'll give it another couple of days for discussion and then formalize it later this week. If you know any Triangle (or North Carolina in general) MeFites who might not have seen this post, drop them a line!
posted by Rock Steady at 5:13 AM on May 28, 2019
posted by Rock Steady at 5:13 AM on May 28, 2019
Aw, I will be back home for a visit the following week for a bit, but will miss this! Have a wonderful time!
posted by sockermom at 9:34 AM on June 1, 2019
posted by sockermom at 9:34 AM on June 1, 2019
Hey I’m in Greensboro; totally up for a trek to the Triangle for some kind of party situation. Will be following for details!
posted by jeoc at 10:00 AM on June 2, 2019
posted by jeoc at 10:00 AM on June 2, 2019
Hi from SE coast. I may be able to get the day off work, so will be traveling both ways that day (5-6 hrs total) because I have to be at work on Sunday.
So, if there is a way to make part of the event nearish midday or early afternoon, that would be fantastic.
posted by mightshould at 6:42 PM on June 14, 2019
So, if there is a way to make part of the event nearish midday or early afternoon, that would be fantastic.
posted by mightshould at 6:42 PM on June 14, 2019
If we're having this at Chez Ardgedee & Research Monkey, it's time to start planning...
1. Let's have a potluck. A few years back we hosted a biscuit festival which went over pretty well. This time, another food theme could be fun too, as long as it can be accommodating of everyone's dietary needs.
2. We have a proper deck on our house and a charcoal grill. Although if we're grilling food for a lot of people, a loaner of a gas grill (or more charcoal grills) would be useful.
3. Scheduling: If we're hosting it we'd really rather it start early Saturday afternoon. This is both optimal for hang time, if that's what people like, and based on past events it's usually the best fit for everybody's schedules (you're in luck, mightshould).
4. Family, kids, and to a limited degree pets will be welcome (we can't welcome cats because of severe allergies). We have a new-ish wood floor so we'll ask everybody bring a pair of socks or slippers for walking around indoors. (There are always socks and slippers on-hand for guests, but the attendance will probably outstrip that supply.)
posted by ardgedee at 7:23 AM on June 15, 2019
1. Let's have a potluck. A few years back we hosted a biscuit festival which went over pretty well. This time, another food theme could be fun too, as long as it can be accommodating of everyone's dietary needs.
2. We have a proper deck on our house and a charcoal grill. Although if we're grilling food for a lot of people, a loaner of a gas grill (or more charcoal grills) would be useful.
3. Scheduling: If we're hosting it we'd really rather it start early Saturday afternoon. This is both optimal for hang time, if that's what people like, and based on past events it's usually the best fit for everybody's schedules (you're in luck, mightshould).
4. Family, kids, and to a limited degree pets will be welcome (we can't welcome cats because of severe allergies). We have a new-ish wood floor so we'll ask everybody bring a pair of socks or slippers for walking around indoors. (There are always socks and slippers on-hand for guests, but the attendance will probably outstrip that supply.)
posted by ardgedee at 7:23 AM on June 15, 2019
Great! As a talisman, I can enact a storm preparedness ritual and bring toilet paper and ice....which may be actually helpful....the milk and bread and alcohol components may be turned into something yet to be determined .....
posted by mightshould at 6:07 PM on June 19, 2019
posted by mightshould at 6:07 PM on June 19, 2019
OK, let's do this. I'll edit the thread details based on ardgedee's comment above, and thanks again for the offer of your place!
Here is a Google Sheet for planning purposes. It should not require a Google sign-in to edit.
posted by Rock Steady at 7:53 AM on June 24, 2019
Here is a Google Sheet for planning purposes. It should not require a Google sign-in to edit.
posted by Rock Steady at 7:53 AM on June 24, 2019
IRL requires an address for confirmed meetups, but I assume ardgedee and Research Monkey don't want their address plastered all over the internet.
posted by Rock Steady at 7:59 AM on June 24, 2019
posted by Rock Steady at 7:59 AM on June 24, 2019
I'll be at the beach that weekend. Sorry to miss out, but will be with you in spirit(s).
posted by GrammarMoses at 8:51 AM on June 24, 2019
posted by GrammarMoses at 8:51 AM on June 24, 2019
I might be able to go? Not sure yet due to new job, but I'll update when I know and will add something for the potluck if so. Also, maybe it's just the Google ads on that sheet but y'all look a little more famous than I remember from my last meetup.
posted by sysinfo at 7:47 PM on June 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by sysinfo at 7:47 PM on June 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
Haha, that is my carefully chosen illustration, not a Google ad! Still trying to figure out what I am bringing...
posted by Rock Steady at 11:24 AM on June 28, 2019
posted by Rock Steady at 11:24 AM on June 28, 2019
We'll be memailing our address to people who've responded as attending in the sidebar - so if you're planning on attending, but have only responded in-thread, please make sure to respond in the 'Joining Us?' box, too.
Tho those who've already RSVP'd, please check your MeMail in the coming week.
posted by research monkey at 12:58 PM on July 5, 2019
Tho those who've already RSVP'd, please check your MeMail in the coming week.
posted by research monkey at 12:58 PM on July 5, 2019
I'm afraid my maybe just turned into a late no, family plans shifted unexpectedly. Have fun!
posted by sysinfo at 4:40 PM on July 9, 2019
posted by sysinfo at 4:40 PM on July 9, 2019
Well dang. My car has a major problem and I cannot make the long distance trip. Bummed.
I hope y'all have a great meetup!
posted by mightshould at 8:19 AM on July 10, 2019
I hope y'all have a great meetup!
posted by mightshould at 8:19 AM on July 10, 2019
I'm about to begin memailing our coordinates to everyone who's marked themselves "Attending" and "Maybe". If you want to come (even if you're not sure you can) and you don't see something from me by Friday morning, memail me back! If you have memail disabled, send email to my username at gmail.com and I'll catch you up that way.
Reminder: Not many people have filled out the spreadsheet. If you don't know what you're bringing yet, that's fine; for the time being something vague like "drinks" or "appetizer" will be sufficient, and will help everybody gauge what they should bring. If you have to change your plans, that's cool too, just update with what you know.
posted by ardgedee at 5:35 PM on July 11, 2019
Reminder: Not many people have filled out the spreadsheet. If you don't know what you're bringing yet, that's fine; for the time being something vague like "drinks" or "appetizer" will be sufficient, and will help everybody gauge what they should bring. If you have to change your plans, that's cool too, just update with what you know.
posted by ardgedee at 5:35 PM on July 11, 2019
I just updated the spreadsheet with my info. Not sure how helpful I'm being. I have so many ideas. Maybe I'm just hungry.
posted by Stewriffic at 4:34 AM on July 12, 2019
posted by Stewriffic at 4:34 AM on July 12, 2019
I can’t seem to edit the spreadsheet on my phone but I’ll be there with some sort of side dish!
posted by something something at 6:39 PM on July 12, 2019
posted by something something at 6:39 PM on July 12, 2019
Thanks everyone! So far the only thing nobody's committed to is drinks!
mightshould: Wow that sucks! We'll be missing you. I hope things work out for the best for you.
posted by ardgedee at 5:44 AM on July 13, 2019
mightshould: Wow that sucks! We'll be missing you. I hope things work out for the best for you.
posted by ardgedee at 5:44 AM on July 13, 2019
Does anyone have fresh basil? I have fixins for a caprese salad, minus the basil.
posted by Stewriffic at 7:24 AM on July 13, 2019
posted by Stewriffic at 7:24 AM on July 13, 2019
We can snag some beverages on the way.
posted by Rock Steady at 7:50 AM on July 13, 2019
posted by Rock Steady at 7:50 AM on July 13, 2019
I forgot to mention in memail: people can park in our driveway or in the street. Just please try to keep our neighbors’ driveways and mailboxes accessible.
posted by ardgedee at 9:07 AM on July 13, 2019
posted by ardgedee at 9:07 AM on July 13, 2019
I'll be a little late; my phone has had issues. Art, I sent you a memail, am going to bring my dog.
posted by wens at 9:31 AM on July 13, 2019
posted by wens at 9:31 AM on July 13, 2019
Running a little late here as well, but we will be there.
posted by Rock Steady at 9:42 AM on July 13, 2019
posted by Rock Steady at 9:42 AM on July 13, 2019
Here is the corn salad y'all missed out on. The recipe calls for stripping the kernels off a cob, but I have found that canned corn is fine, unless you have really fresh corn on the cob.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:31 PM on July 13, 2019
posted by Rock Steady at 12:31 PM on July 13, 2019
Thank you everybody for coming!
(kingless, the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion you brought is still on the counter and I'm leaving ardgedee to deal with it - that's some powerful stuff.)
And the Carolina Reaper cuttings went to good homes. I've made hot sauce with this recipe - warning, if using Carolina Reaper peppers, keep pot covered when heating sauce, and do not open indoors / breathe in fumes.
posted by research monkey at 4:13 PM on July 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
(kingless, the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion you brought is still on the counter and I'm leaving ardgedee to deal with it - that's some powerful stuff.)
And the Carolina Reaper cuttings went to good homes. I've made hot sauce with this recipe - warning, if using Carolina Reaper peppers, keep pot covered when heating sauce, and do not open indoors / breathe in fumes.
posted by research monkey at 4:13 PM on July 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
Thanks again for hosting. Andy had so much fun being a lap dog and getting all the love!
posted by wens at 4:52 AM on July 14, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by wens at 4:52 AM on July 14, 2019 [1 favorite]
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by leesh at 6:34 AM on May 22, 2019