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As most of you guys know, I had the immense pleasure of meeting up with THREE of my longtime blogging buddies last Friday. And can I just tell you…I was so excited I didn’t know whether to wind my wristwatch, pick my nose, pluck out all my eyebrows, or scratch my ass!

I met up with Mesdemoiselles,Valerie, Kathy, and Meleah.

The four of us east coast bloggers have been trying to set a date to meet up for the past year and a half, but not until recently did it work out that we all had the same day off and were available.

The timing was PERFECT!

I know in the past, I’ve shared several posts about meeting fellow-bloggers and how wonderful the experience has always been. And this time was no exception.

I already knew what these three ladies looked like from photos they’ve posted on their blogs, but I had no idea what they SOUNDED like.

For me, the most exciting thing about meeting a person who I’ve been communicating with online for so long is that I don’t often get the opportunity to HEAR their voice, so when I do…it’s like WOW! I finally get the chance to put an audio to the words I’ve been reading.

I can usually pick up on the ‘energy’ of a blogger through their written words immediately, but am always surprised when I actually hear their voice.

The first thing I said to Meleah when I met her was, “WOW…I love your voice, it’s so sexy!” Meleah has a very deep, resonating tone to her voice. I love a deep voice in both men and women.

Kathy’s voice instantaneously sounded familiar and friendly because she too lives in Pennsylvania. Therefore, we share a kinship in the way we talk, having a similar accent and rhythm.

Valerie’s voice is probably one of the calmest and peaceful voices I’ve ever heard. It’s like, butta’! Valerie’s overall persona is easy and calm, so her voice suits her.

The four of us were like a couple of giddy school girls at a pajama party, painting our toenails. We talked non-stop, sharing stories about blogging and the path it’s taken us on.

I have to say, meeting these lovely ladies was like meeting people who I’ve known for years. It was so comfortable.

After lunch, we strolled through Center City taking photos and enjoying the sites.

I also took them into where I work because I wanted to ‘show them off’ to my fellow-employees.

Friday was overcast, slightly humid, and threatened rain. But the clouds took mercy on us and did not release their precipitation until our meeting was over. And then it POURED.

Here are some photos we took of our day together.

I’m also sharing a video that my Libra-buddy, Meleah, put together with music. And Meleah….you did a freakin’ AWESOME job on this video. Thank you for the time and energy it took!

And thank you, ladies. I *hearted* meeting you!











Note: You may have to click on the You Tube Video link to view. But, please do because it's SO worth it.

82 comments:

  1. How great was that, looked as though you had a fabulous day. I agree, Meleah did well with the video. Nice that you have a keepsake like that.

    Have a brilliant Friday and weekend.

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  2. I am so jealous ! I saw the photo first on FB when Kathy posted it !
    I last met Kathy in 2008. It's been too long since !

    A trip to Pennsylvania is a must now I know way too many bloggers from that one state. You have place for a 5th sometime ? ;-)

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  3. For the first time we were different. I know Meleah and Kathy's voices, but have never met them :)

    I am so envious of you all. I doubt I will ever get to meet a blogger so I'll have to make do with reading their blogs. You certainly looked like you had a great time!

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  4. Wow, what a blast! You guys really looked like you had a great time with all the sights and the chocolate-covered...well, never mind. And what's the story with the geezer dancing on the street? Did he ever stop or is he like the Energizer Bunny?! Ron, you gotta promise me that the next time you do something like this you'll give me a heads up. Hell, Brooklyn's just a quick bus ride from Philly! Have a great weekend buddy!

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  5. Hi Ronnie and Valerie,Meleah and Kathy.
    Bravo, Meleah! That video was fab!! That so so fun to see this video,the pics and see the 4 of you buddies reunited. Ronnie will tell ya, I (heart) Philly.

    Boy oh boy; I just imagine the happy vibes between the 4 of you.
    Wonderful stuff...

    When I met you, it was not only your voice but the filling in of the complete person and not just reading their personality coming throught their comments. Eyes,face,laughter; the whole.

    Since yesterday, it seems to be a Philly theme meeting in Paris of two Philadelphians who are currently on an around the world trip.

    Thank you for sharing and well done for managing your meet up.

    xox

    Barb

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  6. Great photos and video Ron! I haven't met any bloggers yet but I'm hoping to when we visit California in September.

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  7. this is fabulous! what a treat. I am on iPad & in bed so will return with proper keyboard so I can really say something other than WOW! xxxx

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  8. i smiled the whole time while reading this post. it was such great fun seeing meleah and kathy again AND meeting you for the very first time. i already want to meet up again in the big city, that's right, NEW YORK, maybe this fall. what say you? ron you are too cute, just as i imagined you would be. your voice sounds just as it does in your videos. now i must say, when people i've never met speak to me on the phone, they think i am white. in fact i was chatting with my boss's sister and she was dying to know what i looked like, so i sent her to my flickr page. when she saw my photos, she screamed OUT LOUD in her office: THIS CHICK IS BLACK. haha! she thought i was white, short and blond and i said "noooo tall, dark and lovely" (we like to joke around) Ha. i personally think i sound like a little girl and don't like hearing my recorded voice. it's funny though to know what other people think i sound like. it's always different from what i hear, spoken or recorded. meleah sounds like herself (as do you) and i thought kathy would sound different - (this was before i heard your voice K) but now that we've met several times, i've matched the two together. anyhoo, it was fun and maybe one day, i'll even show up without my wig on and let my hair down.

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  9. I was so excited I didn’t know whether to wind my wristwatch, pick my nose, pluck out all my eyebrows, or scratch my ass!-Come on, you know you did all four!
    Love the pics...and by the way, which angel are you?

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  10. What a wondereful time you had and thank you for sharing your experience with the blogging world. I enjoyed the presentation. Your creativity is amazing. You matched the photo to the second. How is that for blowing smoke up your ass?

    Great JOB

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  11. Good morning Valerie~

    Yes, we had an awesomely faaaaabulous day! And I'm so glad it worked out that we could ALL meet up!

    Didn't Meleah do a BRILLIANT job on the video? Not only with the photos, but the music as well. It was PERFECT!

    Thank you so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a lovely weekend!

    X

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  12. *waving*

    Hiya Jaffer! Great seeing ya, bud!!!!!

    WOW...I had no idea you also met Kathy!!! Isn't she faaaaaaaaabulous? I'm so glad it worked out that we call ALL meet on the same day because we had tried doing this over a year ago.

    "A trip to Pennsylvania is a must now I know way too many bloggers from that one state. You have place for a 5th sometime ? ;-)"

    ABSOLUTELY!!!! I would love to meet you! How fun!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Have a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  13. Good morning Babs~

    Yes, that's right....I remember you sharing a post about talking to Meleah and Kathy on the phone, back during the holidays, last year.

    And yes.....we had GREAT time!!!!!!!

    "I doubt I will ever get to meet a blogger so I'll have to make do with reading their blogs."

    Well, if you should ever visit the U.S. or I visit the U.K., we will most definitely meet up. It's a MUST to meet both you and Mo!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a terrific weekend!

    X to you and Mo!

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  14. Hey there Rob~

    "You guys really looked like you had a great time with all the sights and the chocolate-covered...well, never mind."

    Bwhahahahahahahahahaha! I just couldn't resist saying that because that's the first thing I thought. PENISES!

    " And what's the story with the geezer dancing on the street? Did he ever stop or is he like the Energizer Bunny?! "

    OMG, isn't he HYSTERICAL??? We were walking down the street and saw that guy dancing to the music coming out of the audio store he's dancing in front of. Meleah captured it on your iPhone and then edited it into the video with the Elton John song. And what's genius is that his dancing MATCHES the music perfectly!

    " Ron, you gotta promise me that the next time you do something like this you'll give me a heads up. Hell, Brooklyn's just a quick bus ride from Philly!"

    Yes, without a doubt! In fact, I may be planning a trip to NYC in the end of the Summer/early Fall, so if I do, I will get in contact with you!

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy! Have a SUPA' weekend!

    X

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  15. Good morning Pearl~

    Thank you. Didn't Meleah do a GREAT job on the video?

    "I haven't met any bloggers yet but I'm hoping to when we visit California in September."

    OMG...how wonderful! And I KNOW you'll have a blast. Meeting a fellow-blogger is like the coolest thing ever! And remember, if you ever visit the east coast, we MUST meet, okay?

    Thank you for stopping by, m'dear! Have a lovely weekend!

    X

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  16. Hello there Linda~

    Aw...thank you. Didn't Meleah do an awesome job on the video? I was so excited to share with y'all!

    We had SO MUCH FUN meeting up!

    Thank you for stopping by, dear friend. Have a glorious weekend!

    (((((( You ))))))

    xoxoxoxo

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  17. Bonjour Barb~

    "Bravo, Meleah! That video was fab!!"

    Ditto! The video is FAB!!!!! Brava, Meleah!

    And yes, we had such a great time during our blogger reunion. Just like when you and I met! In fact, YOU were my first blogger meet up, so it will always be very special :)

    "When I met you, it was not only your voice but the filling in of the complete person and not just reading their personality coming throught their comments. Eyes,face,laughter; the whole."

    Yes, I so know what you mean. It's like meet the WHOLE person!

    "Since yesterday, it seems to be a Philly theme meeting in Paris of two Philadelphians who are currently on an around the world trip."

    Yes, isn't that ironic? Oh, and btw, I tried going to their website to leave a comment, but the page wouldn't load. I will try again this weekend :)

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a wonderful weekend!

    Much X to you and D!

    ((((( You & D ))))))

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  18. Hiya Suzi~

    "I was so excited I didn’t know whether to wind my wristwatch, pick my nose, pluck out all my eyebrows, or scratch my ass!-Come on, you know you did all four!"

    HAHHAHAHHAAHHA! You're right.....I DID!

    Thanks, glad you enjoyed the pics. They're actually from ALL of us.

    "...and by the way, which angel are you?"

    Um....let me think.

    Farrah.

    Yes, most definitely Farrah.

    Bwhahahahahahahah!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Suzi! Have a lovely weekend, my friend!

    X

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  19. Hiya Mr. Dave~

    Aw...thank you, buddy. Glad you enjoyed. I had such a great time putting this post together. And isn't Meleah's video AWESOME? All the photos you see are a blend of ALL our photos.

    "You matched the photo to the second. How is that for blowing smoke up your ass?"

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, sir. Wishing you a beautiful weekend!

    X

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  20. Hiya Val!!!!!!

    "i smiled the whole time while reading this post. it was such great fun seeing meleah and kathy again AND meeting you for the very first time."

    Ditto! In fact, last night after I posted this, I sat back and watch the video again and SMILED brightly :)

    "i already want to meet up again in the big city, that's right, NEW YORK, maybe this fall. what say you?"

    ABSOLUTELY!!!!! And fall is PERFECTION in NYC!

    "now i must say, when people i've never met speak to me on the phone, they think i am white. in fact i was chatting with my boss's sister and she was dying to know what i looked like, so i sent her to my flickr page. when she saw my photos, she screamed OUT LOUD in her office: THIS CHICK IS BLACK. haha!"

    HHAHAHAHAHAHA! OMG...that's HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!

    Isn't it funny how people get preconceived ideas about other people, just from hearing their voice?

    "i personally think i sound like a little girl and don't like hearing my recorded voice. it's funny though to know what other people think i sound like. it's always different from what i hear, spoken or recorded."

    I love your voice. It's so calm, peaceful, and smooth. And you're right though, because I remember first hearing my own voice on a tape recorder, back in the late 60's, and thinking..."OMG, is that ME??????"

    It's odd, because I can pretty much feel the 'energy' of a person through their written words on a blog, but I'm always surprised when I hear their actual voice, meeting them in person. Also, if I don't see a photo of someone first, I'm always WRONG about what they look like when I finally do see them.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Val. Again, it was an honor meeting you, dear lady! Have a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  21. OMG......What a FABULOUS video!!! I was smiling the whole time I watched!!!! What a GREAT DAY you all had!!!! I haven't heard that song in ages. It was the first record I ever bought!!!!!

    And ok, Charlie......dead fish and choc covered penises?? Now I'm hungry for my lunch.........

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  22. That surely warmed my heart and brought my thoughts back to meeting you in person. I can't believe it's been a year and a half! I need your sweet face! I need my RON FIX! Have a wonderful weekend. Love you buddy!

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  23. oh and i downloaded google chrome because you use it and dang, it's fast and i could be in love.

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  24. Stacy UncorkedFriday, June 08, 2012

    Awwww! That looks like a perfect day! I'm looking forward to (finally) meeting some bloggy friends - isn't it amazing the connections we make through this venue? :)

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  25. Hiya Peg~

    "That surely warmed my heart and brought my thoughts back to meeting you in person."

    Aw...so glad to hear that because I had such a great time meeting these ladies and putting this post together.

    And yes, memories of meeting you too! I can't believe it's been OVER a year already because it feels like yesterday. Every time I walk past the hotel you stayed at, I think of you and D!

    Here's a BIG hug to you, my sweet friend....

    ((((((((((((((((((((( YOU )))))))))))))))))))))))))))

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend!

    X ya!

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  26. Hiya Bijoux~

    Didn't Meleah do a FABULOUS job on the video? She posted it on her blog, Monday, and then graciously allowed me to share it here.

    Don't you LOVE that song???? I too hadn't heard it in ages, so it was touching to hear it again with photos.

    "And ok, Charlie......dead fish and choc covered penises?? Now I'm hungry for my lunch........."

    Bwhahahahahahahhaahha!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Wishing you a stunning weekend!

    X

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  27. *waving*

    Hello there Stacy!

    Yes, it truly was the PERFECT day!

    "I'm looking forward to (finally) meeting some bloggy friends - isn't it amazing the connections we make through this venue? :)"

    You said it! In all honesty, I've made some deeper and longer-lasting connections/friendships through this venue than I have offline.

    Thanks so much for stopping by today. Always a delight to see you! Have a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  28. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

    Didn't I tell ya it was FAST????? You FLY through the Internet.

    I've tried Firefox because a lot of people told me they liked it, but I honestly found it very slow.

    Glad you're enjoy Chrome. And it really works well with Disqus.

    Thanks for stopping back and letting know.

    X

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  29. Ron, this post was so fun to read. Sounds and looks like you all had such a happy time meeting up. I really enjoyed the video too! You're right, Meleah did an awesome job putting it together with the song (which I love). I would have no idea how to go about making a video.

    The photo of the chocolate covered banana penises made me laugh out loud. How funny!

    Have a wonderful weekend, Ron.

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  30. Great video and photos, Ron! Thanks for your caption indicating that the fish were dead. I probably wouldn't have realized that.

    As for the chocolate covered banana penises, I don't even wanna know.

    Meeting bloggers and hearing their voices for the first time is always cool. Seeing them naked for the first time? Even cooler!

    Wait. I guess that doesn't happen to everybody...

    Have a faaaaabulous weekend, bud!

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  31. Hola Denise~

    Yes, it was a HAPPY meet up indeed! And didn't Miss Meleah ROCK with the video? She's very clever and creative. I just started learning how to make videos this past year, and the tricky part is editing them. But once you get the hang of it, it's FUN. It just take time to do it.

    Glad you giggled at the photo. Tee, hee! Aren't I wicked?

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, girl. Have a fantastic weekend!

    X

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  32. Howdy Mark~

    Thanks, bud :)

    " Thanks for your caption indicating that the fish were dead. I probably wouldn't have realized that.

    As for the chocolate covered banana penises, I don't even wanna know."

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Aren't I silly willy? But I can't help it, as soon as I saw them, I thought....PENIS!

    "Meeting bloggers and hearing their voices for the first time is always cool. Seeing them naked for the first time? Even cooler!

    Wait. I guess that doesn't happen to everybody..."

    Bwhahahahahahhaah! You GO, boy!

    Always faaaaaaaaabulous seeing ya, Mark. Thanks for stopping by and have a stupendous weekend!

    X to you and Tara!

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  33. Oh Ron!! It was such a pleasure meeting you too. Seriously. I am THRILLED we finally made it happen.

    And you're right - we were TOTALLY like giddy school girls at a pajama party, painting our toenails.Ahahahahahhahaha

    And thank you for saying you like my voice. I believe you said, I sounded like Lauren Bacall, which is awesome, because I think I sound like Fran Dresher!

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  34. Also - you are exactly how I always imagined you would be. Only better!

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  35. Ron,

    This is really cool. I've enjoyed the relationships you make with other bloggers too. Over the years, I've become very good friends with a few who simply stopped my blog one day, commented and then I returned the favor. That's not always going to be the case obviously, but when it is, like you described, it's something special. Just make sure it doesn't turn into a sequel to "Catfish" or something. LOL. Have a great weekend!

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  36. oh what fun!!
    the video is so so good, love the man with the cane dancing
    and all the photos are fantastic

    4 very beautiful people
    looks like it was a great day!!

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  37. Oh, Ron...you are so stinkin' cute! Looks like you had a great time and I love, love, LOVE your pictures! As much as Mark and I love to travel, I'm holding out hope that we'll all get to meet up one day too. :)

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  38. Howdy Constant Complainer~

    Always great to see ya!

    "Over the years, I've become very good friends with a few who simply stopped my blog one day, commented and then I returned the favor. That's not always going to be the case obviously, but when it is, like you described, it's something special."

    That's AWESOME!

    And you're absolutely right, that's not always going to be the case. But so far, every blogger I've met in person, it's been a great experience that has turned into a friendship.

    Have an TERRIFIC weekend! And thanks for stopping by!

    Hope you're enjoying the summer!

    X

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  39. Hey there Lady Dianne~

    Didn't Meleah do a GREAT job putting the video together?

    " love the man with the cane dancing"

    HA! Isn't he a HOOT? He was in his own world of dance and enjoying the hell out of himself! I love how Meleah got the music to sync with his footsteps!

    "4 very beautiful people"

    Aw...thank you. I felt so proud to be with these ladies for the day!

    Just like when you and I met!

    ((((( You )))))

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Di! Have a wonderful weekend!

    X to you, Hope, Siren, and Isadora!

    P.S. I hear Monday it's going back up into the 90's - OY VEY!

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  40. Hellooooooooo Tara~

    Thank you.

    Yes, we had an AWESOMELY TERRIFIC time! And I'm so glad Meleah put this video together because now I have our day as a keepsake!

    "As much as Mark and I love to travel, I'm holding out hope that we'll all get to meet up one day too. :)"

    You bet, girl! And I have feeling we WILL!

    Have a wonderful weekend! And much thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  41. Hellooooooooooooooo Meleah!

    "Oh Ron!! It was such a pleasure meeting you too. Seriously. I am THRILLED we finally made it happen."

    Ditto, girl! In fact, I've been talking about our meeting all week to the people I work with, my family, and friends!

    "And thank you for saying you like my voice. I believe you said, I sounded like Lauren Bacall, which is awesome, because I think I sound like Fran Dresher!"

    OMG...that's right, I did say your voice reminded me of the great Lauren Bacall!

    SEX-Y!

    Again, MUCHO THANKS for putting this video together. You did an AWESOME job. I'm so proud of it!

    And thanks for talking to me on the phone last night at 11:45PM, when I freaked out that the video wasn't working properly. But, as you can see....it ending up working fine, once I published it. Yaaaaaaaaaay!

    Have a faaaaaaaabulous weekend!

    ((( You )))

    X

    P.S. hope your tummy is feeling better.

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  42. Aw....same here!

    ((( You ))))

    X

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  43. Ron, what fun you all had! I just LOVED the video! Felt like I was there with you four and one day, I WILL BE!

    I'm the same way about faces and voices. I always want to know what people "sound" like or if I know their voice, what they "look" like. Well, you and I haven't met in person but do know what each looks and sounds like!

    I have to say that what you all did with the fruit and veggies was...um... FUNTABULOUS! I would've been peeing my pants and snorting out loud had I been there---oh wait, I was doing that watching the video! ha ha

    The man dancing with the cane was just too adorable! Gotta love people who love life and aren't afraid to show it!

    Thanks so much for sharing! And I'm so glad you pajama partying gals and guy had a great time!

    ((YOU))

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  44. Hey there Pamela~

    "I just LOVED the video! Felt like I was there with you four and one day, I WILL BE!"

    Didn't Meleah do a wonderful job putting the video together?

    *two thumbs up*

    And YES....I know that one day you and I will meet for sure, and I can't WAIT!

    "Well, you and I haven't met in person but do know what each looks and sounds like!"

    Yup, and it's funny because I didn't imagine your voice sounding the way it does also. Like Meleah, you have that same deep, resonating tone to your voice, which I love!

    "I have to say that what you all did with the fruit and veggies was...um... FUNTABULOUS! I would've been peeing my pants and snorting out loud had I been there---oh wait, I was doing that watching the video!"

    Meleah and I are both the same in that we act TOTALLY silly and have no reservations about doing and saying certain things. We both saw the tomatoes and cucumbers, and thought the same thing, so we whipped out our cameras and......SNAPPED! And the funny thing about it is that I don't think anyone around even noticed us doing it - HA!

    Wasn't the guy dancing HILARIOUS? He was in his own world and didn't care what anyone thought - I LOVE THAT!!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantabulous weekend!

    (((( You ))))

    X

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  45. What a fun day! Ron, you are a fox! Who knew! The only one I don't know is Valerie so I probably need to find her too. Then you can come and see me in San Francisco!

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  46. Hiya Linda~

    Yes, we had a fun, fun, fun day! It was like attending a 10-year high school reunion!

    "The only one I don't know is Valerie so I probably need to find her too."

    Oh please do, because she's a talented writer, photographer, and just an all-around lovely lady.

    "The only one I don't know is Valerie so I probably need to find her too."

    I would LOVE to! San Francisco is a place I've always wanted to visit because I know it's not only a charming-looking city, but also the weather is my cup of tea - it's often drizzly and never gets HOT. I'm so not a hot weather person.

    Thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Enjoy your weekend!

    X

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  47. guess what...still on iPad but yes, a fab video! so much fun to see people in real life after so long online! although sometimes I question what is real life! and the photos are great minus the penii...is that how? well anyway, hoping your weekend is grand and thanks for stopping by the blog.". xxx

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  48. Greetings again Linda~

    Thank you! Didn't Miss Meleah do a FABU job putting the video together?

    " although sometimes I question what is real life!"

    Great question! And I sometimes think the same thing.

    I also wonder....does art imitate life, or does life imitate art?

    "the photos are great minus the penii...is that how?"

    HAHHAHAAHAHAHA! OMG...I LOVE that banana/penis picture!!! But then again, I have a dirty mind - tee, hee!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping back, dear friend!

    Hope you had wonderful Saturday!

    ((((( You )))))

    xoxoxoxo

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  49. I would LOVE to see Jaffer head south to meet with us -- and if you were serious about NYC, that's the place to meet! I loved meeting Jaffer that summer. My sister drove me to Toronto to meet with not only Jaffer, but also JD of I Do Things and Jeff of View From the Cloud. I simply cannot get enough of meeting bloggers in person. It's such a fun thing to do and adds a whole new dimension to blogging.

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  50. My husband and I are still trying to figure out a way to afford a trip to Europe before either of us gets too old and infirm to travel (you know that statement isn't a stretch, because my knees are already breaking down!)

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  51. I'm smiling through this conversation. I'm laughing about people thinking Val was white. She does have a lovely voice, too. And remember when I emailed you and said we have to find a place to eat where they accept loud people because Val's loud? Now you know the joke behind that.

    I'm ready for a NYC trip. I would probably take a bus in because no way in hell am I driving.

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  52. That's what I kept saying too! Ron is exactly how I pictured him only better! I told JD I just wanted to keep hugging you!

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  53. I'm so jealous!!!! There I go with the exclamation points. It looks like you had so much fun. This is why blogging is so great. And, it's why I won't stay away for too long. I get frustrated but when I think about all the wonderful connections that we make, it's worth it. Thanks for sharing all of the terrific photos.

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  54. Hey there Jen~

    "There I go with the exclamation points."

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I know, but don't ya just LOVE exclamation points?

    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Yes, we had so much fun! And like YOU, and other bloggers who have come to Philly, I was so proud and excited to introduce them to the people I work with. Most people who don't blog can't understand how you can meet others online and make a close connection.

    "And, it's why I won't stay away for too long. I get frustrated but when I think about all the wonderful connections that we make, it's worth it."

    Good for you, girl! Looking forward to when you get back from your little break :)

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Jen! Hope you're having a super weekend!

    X

    P.S. it's hotter than hell here again. Tomorrow it's supposed to reach 90!!!!

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  55. I know, I felt the same way about you ladies.

    It was like a HUGfest!

    (((((((( Kathy, Valerie, Meleah ))))))))))


    X

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  56. :)

    "She does have a lovely voice, too. And remember when I emailed you and said we have to find a place to eat where they accept loud people because Val's loud? Now you know the joke behind that."

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I know, she's got the calmest, softest, and UNloud voice I've ever heard!

    "I'm ready for a NYC trip. I would probably take a bus in because no way in hell am I driving."

    Most definitely! The bus is only way to go to NYC. It's fast, easy, and no parking. I take the Mega-Bus. It's great!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl! Hope you're having a faaaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X

    P.S. are you ready for the horrible HEAT we're getting tomorrow? 90 DEGREES!!!! :(

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  57. It's ironic because while searching for airline tickets for my trip to Florida at the end of the month, I noticed that some of the international flights were actually cheaper (or equal) to some of the domestic flights!

    I don't know if you've ever visited Europe, but it's wonderful. And very easy to get around from country to country, because they're so close to each other.

    Wouldn't it be GREAT to meet up with Babs and Mo?

    X

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  58. "I would LOVE to see Jaffer head south to meet with us -- and if you were serious about NYC, that's the place to meet!"

    Meeeeeeee too! And you're right, NYC would be the perfect place to meet because it's right in the middle for all of us.

    " I loved meeting Jaffer that summer. My sister drove me to Toronto to meet with not only Jaffer, but also JD of I Do Things and Jeff of View From the Cloud."

    Oh, how FUN that must have been!!!!

    "I simply cannot get enough of meeting bloggers in person. It's such a fun thing to do and adds a whole new dimension to blogging."

    Ditto, girl!!!!!!!!!!

    ((((( You ))))))

    X

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  59. Kathy let you put her photo up!!! WOOT!!!

    Ron, I was so excited when I found out you guys were getting together. I could not WAIT to see pictures. Meleah's video is AMAZING. I felt like I spent the day with you. I would have loved to be there - you have NO idea!

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  60. Hey there Katherine~

    Yes....Kathy allowed us to put her photo up. And doesn't she look faaaaaaaaaabulous?????

    Woot! Woot!

    Isn't Meleah's video AWESOME? Through using our photos and the music, she managed to capture the whole 'feel' of our day together in only THREE minutes!

    " I would have loved to be there - you have NO idea!"

    Me too! And hopefully one day we ALL will!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Have a SUPA' Sunday!

    X

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  61. I swear, I must be looking in the wrong places for flight info and prices. What are you using to buy your Florida tickets? I can't seem to find anything under $1300 pp for Europe, and that's even late October (off season). Cripes.

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  62. OK, well I changed my selections for which airport to fly out of. Cheaper from NYC (than a connecting flight out of Allentown), but still coming in at $1,000 per person. I wonder if it's worth going through a travel agent. I hate, hate, hate sitting in front of a computer checking a million flights.

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  63. I got my tickets online through Southwest Airlines. But while searching for cheap airfares, I accidentally found a site that booked via their company both domestic and international flights. I can't remember what site it was because I didn't bookmark it, but I do know I saw flights (to Italy) for MUCH less than $1,000.

    But your right, it might be easier to find cheaper flights through a travel agent instead of searching online.

    X

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  64. Totally-super-psyched the video works here!!

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  65. OMG...meeeeee too!!!!!

    And MUCHO thanks again, girl!

    Everyone LOVES it!!!!!!

    Hope you had a fab Sunday. It's hotter than HELL here today :(

    X

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  66. oh yeah, i remember that val is loud comment. hey that's a bumper sticker right there. val is loud. book it.

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  67. just came back here to steal the names of the places we visited. the hotel, can't remember the name and motel 6 doesn't quite fit. boo.

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  68. You're such a social butterfly. It's great that you guys were able to meet up! Had the opportunity to host a fellow blogger who was going to visit with his family from the east coast. Unfortunately it fell apart.

    Now, the question I've been dying to ask: Who was that crazy dancing guy? ;-)

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  69. Hooooowdy Herman~

    We had a BLAST! I'm soooo glad this all worked out that the timing was perfect for the four of us.

    "Had the opportunity to host a fellow blogger who was going to visit with his family from the east coast. Unfortunately it fell apart."

    Same with us. As I shared, we tried getting together over the past year and a half, so we were all so excited to FINALLY meet!

    "Now, the question I've been dying to ask: Who was that crazy dancing guy?"

    I don't know who that guy was because in all the years I've lived here, I have never seen him around. He just appeared that day. But now that I've seen him, I'm going to look for him because he's a HOOT!

    He's a dancin' machine!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy! Hope you had a SUPER weekend!

    X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

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  70. That's BRILLIANT Val!!!!!!!

    X

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  71. "can't remember the name and motel 6 doesn't quite fit. boo."

    Bwhahahahahahahaaha! CRACKED ME UP!!!!

    It was the Philadelphia Ritz Carlton!

    But I like Motel 6 better! HA!

    Hope you had super weekend, girl!

    Thanks for stopping back!

    X

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  72. *muttering*

    There are SEVENTY ONE comments here.

    SEVENTY ONE.

    Now there'll be 72--that's IF the comment actually posts.

    I read this Friday while her highness was sleeping.
    I THOUGHT I commented......or maybe I only THOUGHT I commented.....

    Three year olds will do that to ya......LOL
    They start out cute and fun.....and suddenly you wonder if they'll MAKE it to FOUR.

    :-/

    I have ships and planes and rainbows and clowns on the patio sidewalk!
    AND I have a picture on the refrigerator door.
    Snakes are yellow and pink dontchaknow.
    And monkeys .......are purple. :-/

    <-- has the picture to prove it

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  73. k.....hold on...... I forgot to comment!! LOL

    The photos are excellent.
    The video is too cute.
    The opportunity to keep company with the fine folks you crossed paths with.....way cool.......utterly priceless!

    And the chocolate covered banana penises......ummmm....*gak!!!!!*

    JUST sayin'!

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  74. *waving*

    Hiya Mel!

    Aw...thank you, dear lady! Isn't the video that Meleah put together, PRICELESS? She did SUCH an awesome job!

    All the photos are a conglomeration of each one of our photos.

    "The opportunity to keep company with the fine folks you crossed paths with.....way cool.......utterly priceless!"

    Isn't blogging GREAT? I've meet some of the nicest, coolest, most interesting, kind, and sweet people through this medium. And people who I consider good friends.

    And thank YOU for being one of them!

    (((((( You ))))))))

    "And the chocolate covered banana penises......ummmm....*gak!!!!!"

    Bwhahahahahahaha! Aren't a silly man?

    Thanks oodles for stopping by, dear lady! Hope you had a fantabulous weekend with the Bug!

    X ya's!

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  75. Bwhahahahahahaha!

    OMG, I love you, girl!!

    X

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  76. You had a wonderful time together!

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  77. What a WONDERFUL time that must have been! From the photos and video (nice job, Meleah!) it certainly looks like you all enjoyed each other.
    It must be really neat to see how close your idea of someone really is when you do finally get to be in each other's company and talk. If a blogger doesn't post many photos of themselves or put up videos, it could be quite interesting when you do actually meet.
    I've never met any fellow bloggers. You are probably the closest to me, HI NEIGHBOR!, and one or two others are in the PA area. It would be fun someday to get together.

    p.s. that guy dancing on the street was so Philly! Loved that! And Reading Terminal is an awesome place. Hubby had some Amish chicken there a few weeks and raved about it!

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  78. Hey there Mary~

    Yes, we had a BLAST! And didn't Meleah do an awesome job on the video?

    "If a blogger doesn't post many photos of themselves or put up videos, it could be quite interesting when you do actually meet."

    You're right. All the bloggers I've met in person so far had already posted photos of themselves, so I knew what they looked like, but hearing their voice for the first time is always a complete surprise for me.

    "It would be fun someday to get together."

    Yes! We must get together one of these days because we live so close and I know that you come into Philly frequently. Just let me know if you would like to meet sometime and I'll be there!

    "that guy dancing on the street was so Philly! Loved that! And Reading Terminal is an awesome place. Hubby had some Amish chicken there a few weeks and raved about it!"

    Isn't the guy dancing on the street a HOOT? I'm so glad Meleah captured him on her iPhone! LOVE Reading Terminal! And the Amish food is perhaps my favorite. Such beautifully prepared food and lovely people!

    Thanks for stopping by, neighbor! Have a great week!

    X

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  79. How fantastic! From the pictures, it looks like you had a FANTASTIC time! Y'all have a fancy shmancy Macy's there! LOL

    I LOVED Meleah's video!

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  80. Hey there Lady Nitebyrd!

    Yes, we had a FANTASTIC time indeed! And isn't Meleah's video the BOMB? She did such a fab job putting it together!

    The Macy's here use to be the old John Wanamaker store that was built in the early 1900's, so it's a historical landmark. It's STUNNING!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Sis! Have a super week!

    X ya!

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