USA :: Vermont

Dares, VerWrimo style

Lerayel — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:56:42 +0000

So I was commiserating with a friend and fellow Verwrimo of mine about how the dare threads won't open for me, which made me sad as I always enjoy reading through them and laughing (and, unfortunately, regularly losing The Game).

She came up with the brilliant idea of starting a smaller dare thread, just for us Vermonters. Apparently she was considering starting the thread herself, but seeing as she hasn't done so yet, I figured I could get away with lovingly stealing her idea and presenting it as my own.

So does anyone have any dares geared directly toward Vermont writers? Or any dares in general they feel like sharing?

I shall start:

Have two girls get in a catfight. Using hair straighteners as weapons.

((By the way I lost the game))
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2006: Newsong- about 5,000- loser
2007: All the Forms of Love- 55,003- WINNER
2008: Orion's Huntress- Just over 50,000-WINNER
2009: Adventures of the HMS Siren
Current Word Count: 18500, give or take

USA :: Vermont

Donation Dare: NH is making us look bad.

alia — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:14:12 +0000

I would have loved to do some kind of fundraising for nano yesterday, but couldn't pull it off. Okay, I can get over that. I didn't even add another donation for the fundraiser. I can live with that. And they raised a fair chunk of change, which is awesome.

Still, one thing bothers me. Even though we are still rocking the word count, NH has pulled ahead of us in donations.

By a lot. Almost $500.

I'm not sure how many of us Green Mountaineers are actually scribbling away. I'm sure some of us are taking a vacation this year, or not checking the forum, or whatever. The official count, however, is 655. NH has 1100.

Sure they have almost twice the number of writers we have, sure it was probably all some old-money patron from Hanover (which is almost VT anyway), but everyone knows the Granite State is a hard, mean, stingy place and VT is a lush and generous land of opportunity.

So, I say we trounce them on every possible level.

Even if we each put in one lousy buck (and you spend more than that buying coffee at a write-in), we can kick their asses.
I'm donating another $15 bucks today, right now, so that's me and fourteen of my broke-ass friends here at nano.

What about you and your broke-ass friends? If you already donated, you are cool. If you are too broke, out of work, and/or scrounging bottles to pay the next gas bill, hey, buy something to eat and don't sweat it.

But if you have a job, how about coughing up some cash?
Yeah, I know, it's Christmas, Thanksgiving, property tax time, whatever. No one really has any extra money. But you have $5. You could probably even squeeze out $10. Maybe more.

I put on events. People in general have not got the slightest clue what it takes to make something happen. They just bitch about the ticket price. My friends, the ticket price does not begin to cover the effort.

Nano is brought to you for free.

How many folks are toiling away so that you can read this forum today? Server space is not free. Those people have to pay rent, buy presents, and roast a turkey just the same as you.

And what has nano done for you? Would you be writing this novel on your own? I sure as hell wouldn't.

So cough it up. Appreciate the energy and effort that goes into making incredible awesomely cool things happen. Let creativity reign.

And kick NH's ass for real!

*Who's in?*

K, Off my soapbox now ;-}. Going to go over the donation site to put my money where my mouth, er keyboard, is.

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Alia Thabit

USA :: Vermont

TGIO Party - Any Thoughts?

Stregoica — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:45:11 +0000

Every year, about a week after we go back to our "normal lives" and do things like "sleep" and "wash dishes", we have a TGIO Party, to celebrate all we've accomplished.
We gather, tell war stories of our month's journey, and possibly read bits of our novel to each other.
Also, there is eating. Mmmmm. Eating.

Does anyone have any ideas for where we'd like to meet up/if you can make it? Figured we could do 12/4, 12/5, or 12/6 and meet for lunch? dinner?

Any ideas on when/where? I'll have to make a reservation, so I'll probably post another survey in a little bit.
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USA :: Vermont

O no! I'm way behind! What to do?

Stregoica — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:39:26 +0000

This is my yearly lament. Every year, I slack and slack, and take Field Trips and do silly things like sleep instead of doing important things like, y'know, Daily Wordcount Goals or whatever.
Then th' last week arrives, and I realize it's th' Big Giant Moment of Truth and it's time to dang well make with th' writey-writin'.
I do it, too. I always seem to be able to make it through that last "O crap I'm so behind woe is me" phase and make it to th' "Nearly there nearly there only 2000 words to go and at this point I can do that in 30 minutes" point.
No foolin'. If I can do it, you can too.

Here are some of my tried and true "O yikes how can I boost my Wordcount 20k words in th' next 3 days!?!?" tricks:
*Flashbacks and dream sequences are th' best. BEST. I just knocked out 2k words on a dream that th' character had th' night before. Right in th' middle of a crucial sequence, she just stopped dead and basically said, "Hm, this reminds me of that cray-zee dream I had last night..." and I was off and running. It's not even done yet and I can prolly milk it for another 3000 words.
*Have someone watch some TV. Maybe they have insomnia, and they're flipping through th' channels, watching infomercials all night. It's amazing how hilarious a word-generating infomercial script can inadvertently become.
*Whoooooo wants to go to a tedious and informative lecture? Your characters do! O boy! Science! Or perhaps an exciting Timeshare opportunity!
*Get 'em drunk. Drunk people are chatty, make very little linear sense, and tell long winded stories. (Much th' stage I'm at right now, minus th' alcohol. Zing!)
*Send 'em to th' grocery store and have them read everything on th' shelves and think many deep thoughts about what they've found. Proust did it; so can you. (Well, sorta. You get th' point.)

Really - you'll be fine. Trust me. I do this every year, where I'm 30k words behind and pull it out at th' last minute. There are many, MANY others of us here who do th' same thing.

If you are feeling behind and want to meet up sometime this week, gimme a shout. I'll be rattling around downtown for th' next few days and we can have frenzied word generating together.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have a really exciting buy one get one free offer for my heroine to research very thoroughly.

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USA :: Vermont

The Quest

kate pietschman — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:43:07 +0000

I have 25,000 words to go. My thought is to write "an essay" every day of 3,500. Having an instructor's eyes upon me with that deadline as for some odd reason I am determined to WIN this year.

Seven 3500 word "Essays" to go.

Reach high for the sky!

Yikes and Oy!

~Kate
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USA :: Vermont

Write-in at Phoenix books in Essex?

Onyx — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:17:29 +0000

I stopped in there today and talked to someone about having a couple of write-ins there, I have to go by tomorrow and talk to the owner, but it looks good for a couple of Sunday write-ins. They don't have a lot of plugs, but we can bring a couple of power bars, and they have free wifi. The woman I talked to asked if we would be buying anything, and I told her of course beverages or snacks or something - we won't mooch on them LOL. Also, as an interesting, if he says it's ok, I might ask him to put it on their website and maybe we'll get a couple of new people too.

So, question - what times work best for people? Like 11-1? or 3-5? (Sundays)
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USA :: Vermont

Central VT Write-in on Sunday 11/15?

Stregoica — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:09:36 +0000

Your friendly roving MLs - aka Celestihel and I - are gonna be traipsing about th' middle of th' state tomorrow. Celestihel is gonna be giving a Library Talk, and I'm gonna tag along and be wicked impressed. (And possibly get a little caught up, oof.)

We were wondering if'n anyone would like to join us in Montpelier from 5-7 tomorrow? We could say hi to those of y'all whom we so rarely see and we'll bring treats an' stickers an' such.

It strikes me that I have NO earthly idea what is open at that time in Montpelier on a Sunday, so if'n any of you would like to meet up, just throw down a suggestion or two and we're there! We're wicked amenable.

Hope to see some of y'all soon!

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USA :: Vermont

Dragonfly Cafe Write-In -Wednesdays and Saturdays in November -8:00 to 11:00am

kate pietschman — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:29:20 +0000

Hello Fellow NaNos!

Today I spent a great morning at the cafe churning out words as I watched the chef bring out more donuts. They were selling them faster than he could make them. Note to self: If I want a maple frosted one, buy it first thing. By the time I left at 11:00am they were sold out.

I am starting to sound like a donut commercial but wait, there's more!

I find the place a perfect environment for the likes of me. Light, airy, open, enough people to gain inspiration and, you got it good food, fresh donuts on Wednesdays and coffee bottomless cups. Added bonus: great staff = tip well they deserve it

Okay enuf.

My intentions are to be there every Wednesday and Saturday mornings through November. I may need to miss a few due to classes or second Thanksgivings. That does not mean you can't go. Hope to see you just for the camaradarie of it all.

Stay inspired!

~Kate
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USA :: Vermont

VerWriMos on WRUV-FM at 10:05 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 19)

ChristopherRayEvans — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:05:18 +0000

Hi everyone!

I've interviewed two amazing VerWriMos for my "Writers on WRUV" show, and the clip will air at 10:05 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19. You can find WRUV on the air at 90.1 FM in Burlington and stream it live at http://wruv.org.

I'm 5,000 words behind but have to wait for the cable guy on Friday afternoon, so I'm hoping to catch up. Woo-hoo! Never thought I'd be excited to have to stay home for the cable guy!

Write on,
Chris
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USA :: Vermont

Dare me? Please?

Albreda — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:14:18 +0000

I'm sick (who isn't, right?), and didn't type at all yesterday. Ergo, I'm even more behind!

Can someone pretty please dare me to some reasonable number of words by tomorrow night or else?
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2008 - Engaging the Brotherhood - Win!
2009 - Elijah Tree

USA :: Vermont

Anybody around the Montpelier area on Saturday or Sunday?

hazwastegirl — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:39:17 +0000

Hi there Verwrimos,

My name's Cat and I'm one of your southern neighbors (I'm a RImo, or a Rhody-mo if you prefer), but I'll be in town visiting my folks this weekend. Yay VT! I was wondering if anyone was going to be out and about in Montpelier this weekend doing a write-in. I will likely be doing a lot of family type things this weekend so I probably won't be able to stop in and write, but if there's something going on, I would love to stop in and say hello and meet some folks (if it works with what the mothership and fathership have planned in terms of food and activities... not so sure of the weekend plans yet). Let me know :)

Happy writing everyone :)

Cheers,
Cat

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USA :: Vermont

WiFi Downtown/Church st?

sweetpirate — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:40:23 +0000

Hello! This is not my frist time Nano-ing, but this is my first time with the internet! It's actually been fairly productive, but it's driving me slightly bonkers that I can't update my word count or check the forums unless I'm at work, which brings me to my question:

What places downtown, aside from Borders, have free wi-fi? I'm willing to linger over a cup of coffee, but if I go in looking for wi-fi and have to have a cup every place I try, I won't get much done. Not to mention I will be afloat after the second location.

So I would appreciate any leads on a good place to sit and sip and surf.

Thanks!

Oh, and I am personally boycotting Starbucks, so that's not an option either.
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USA :: Vermont

Word War Progress - Week Two

Stregoica — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:31:38 +0000

Good...morning? I've lost track of time, myself.
How's it going, Word Warriors? Tonight's th' last night for th' first count - be sure to get your words up by midnight tonight and I'll run through and cull 'em all and then there will be some MATH!

...hooray, math.

I hope all is going well for everyone! I drank an Inappropriate Amount of Coffee during th' last few days and managed to double my wordcount (yet still remain behind).
But I must persevere, if only for th' glory of Vermont. Yesh.
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USA :: Vermont

Write in Tuesday, Nov 17, 5-7:30 PM at Lyndon State College, Lyndonville, VT (NEK)

alia — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:04:02 +0000

Lyndon State College Write in Tuesday, Nov 17, 5-7:30 PM
In the Samuel Read Hall Library (the only library on campus).

Not a weekend, but after work. We can stay later, I just didn't want to commit to staying later.

They have coffee for sale (K cups), and snacks are allowed.

Park in the upper Vail parking lot. Walk in the Twilight Theater entrance and ask where the library is (or follow signs).

Put a note on your dash that says nanowrimo to avoid getting a ticket (*extremely* unlikely, but possible). (If you forget and do happen to get a ticket, tell me the tkt #, and I will get it revoked)

Map of the college for those new to the place: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1001+College+Rd.,+Lyndonville,+Vermont+058...

(Careful - I notice the map opens in the same window.)

For my next trick, I will set up something at Catamount Arts. BTW, there is Spoken Word event at Catamount Arts Weds 11/18 at 7:30 PM. I will be reading (something...). Catamount Arts is 115 Eastern Ave. St. Johnsbury Vermont 05819
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Alia Thabit

USA :: Vermont

google calendars

kdawson — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:02:17 +0000

when I try to read the google calendar posted on VT main page, I only get to go to my own, which asks me if I want to add my calendar to the one for VT, which I don't want to do; I merely want to read the vT nano calendar.
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KDawson
http://karendawson.com/
http://twitter.com/ArtVermont

USA :: Vermont

I DARE YOU - Monday, Nov 16th

Albreda — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:09:37 +0000

Hi folks! I've been sick, and stuck plot-wise, so this last week was a slow one on the word count front, but today is Monday, and that means Tri State Word Wars wordcount posting day! I pulled our average down last week, so I need to get crackalacking today to pull my weight! How about you?

My reported word count right now is 15810, but I typed for about 40 minutes on Kevin's alphasmart yesterday, and I haven't uploaded it yet, so I don't know how much I have there.

Here's the dare part - post in this thread by noon today and tell me how many words YOU are committed to add to your official word count today, and I pledge to *match it*, even if Kevin's alphasmart goes up in smoke, or my fever spikes again! (You didn't think I would make a dare like this without being sick in the head, did you?)

Make sure you report your CURRENT official wordcount in your I DARE YOU reply by noon, and away we go! Folks are welcome to transfer work from other media, or just finally update your word count, or whatever - you do NOT have to have written all of your words today, just by the time our Fearless Leaders pull our numbers for the Tri-State Word War tonight (And a head's up on when that might be would be nice, ladies, if you have any clue ;) Make sure you update your OFFICIAL wordcount by then, and I'm sure we'll all come out VICTORIOUS!!! (not to mention much closer to 50K!)

I'm completely delusional making this dare, but hey - no guts, no glory, right? >:)

So - come on folks - I DARE YOU!
Susan/Albreda
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2008 - Engaging the Brotherhood - Win!
2009 - Elijah Tree

USA :: Vermont

Accountability Support Group, anyone?

Albreda — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:18:28 +0000

Hi all -

I was doing ok, only a couple thousand words behind, until I saw the Great Plot Wall of China looming on the horizon, and backpedaled to do some planning about how to get over, under, around or through the sucker, and -wham- here I am on the 14th, with barely more than 1K a day on average to show for it!

Anyway, I'm part of the Tri-State competition, and I'd really like to pull my weight, and thought you might like to also.

So - anyone want to be accountability buddies? I had one last year, and it worked GREAT: she and I would write to each other almost every day saying what we were working on, maybe get some advice, but, most importantly, we enthusaistically prodded each other onto to ever-increasing wordcounts in a friendly-banter sort of way.

Anyone interested? If so, comment here! We can take it to NaNoMail once we are situated, since mail there is harder to ignore than a forum we may or may not check, or folks can choose to take it to FB, LJ, or whatever gets the job done for them.

Happy Writing, folks - we still have over two weeks to pull this off!
Susan
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2008 - Engaging the Brotherhood - Win!
2009 - Elijah Tree

USA :: Vermont

Saturday, November 21st: Pie and Writing

thebeaglebeagle — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:21:38 +0000

Hi gang,
We'll be repeating our NaNo Writerly potluck and pie party next Saturday evening in Colchester. Dinner served around 6:15pm, as last time... and our staple is spaghetti, so if you want to improve upon it or add a dish, that's lovely.

You are cordially invited to join us!

Last week, we had about eight writers... and about four pies. It was, indeed, epic. And lots and lots of universes were created!

As always, remember that 1000 words must be completed for each piece of pie consumed. *grin*

Send me a message if you need directions,
Douglas

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USA :: Vermont

Saratoga Write-a-thon invitation from Albany Region

lilleprechaun — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:04:52 +0000

Hi all! my name is Tara and I set up events in saratoga for the albany region nanos. I'm setting up a write-a-thon in greenwich new york... it's just east of saratoga springs, ny. so i figured, since one of my favorite nanos was going to vermont next weekend, I'd bring some vermont to me. All in the name of nanowrimo that is.

YOU ARE HEREBY INVITED TO SARATOGA'S WRITE-A-THON!
hosted by The Adirondack school of NENY http://www.adirondackschoolneny.org/
who: you!
what: are invited to a night and half day of writng like feins, laughing like fools, and just generally having a good time
when: Friday November 20th 7pm - saturday november 21st 12-1pm (17-18 hrs of nano-fun)
where: The Adirondack School
why: because nanowrimo is about more than just writing, it's about inspiring and motivating each other to do more than we
ever thought we could.
how: RSVP to me at orangdragonfruit@yahoo.com (yes thats orange with no 'e') Our limit is 30 people so reserve your spot
now!
cost: $20 some of this will go to the school as a thank you, some will pay for food, the rest will go to nanowrimo to help keep
this great event going.

WARNING: the wifi at the school doesn't work. you will suffer withdrawl. There are 4 computers? that we can use in the computer lab that have internet access. There are lots of plugs for your laptops.

The setting is scenic, the company fantastic, and we'll have to see about the food i can put together. ;)

IF YOU ARE UNDER 18! WE STILL WANT YOU : RSVP to me and let me know. I will send the parental release/permission thing the school gave me to your email.

There will be a quiet room for those of you who feel you'll need to sleep a little at some point, bring a pillow or a blanket if you must.

I look forward to meeting you guys. As always "May the muse be with you, and may she not hate you"
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USA :: Vermont

Upper Valley Meetup

thinlizzy — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:54:11 +0000

Hey Upper Valley Writers!
Anyone interested in a meetup to write? Thinking about Tuckerbox in WRJ as a good spot. Drop a line if interested!
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USA :: Vermont

Week Two... It Begins. What Tricks Do You Use To Get You Through?

Stregoica — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:43:06 +0000

Week Two - for some, not all (you lucky so-and-sos) can be a bit of a... drag.
Things tend to stall some, but your job is to not let them!

Your plot may get a little unruly this week; this is th' time every year that I realize that nothing in my plot is making sense and o holy molars, shouldn't I just give up now and use all this Caffeinated Energy to go re-shingle th' roof, or something?

Har. WRONG. Now is th' time to show your novel who is really wearing th' pants around here.
(You, by th' way. That would very much be you. Novels prefer an occasional pair of lederhosen, but that's only for special occasions.)

One of my favorite tricks for when I am dead in th' water and nothing in my goldang plot wants to do anything and my protagonist wants to sit around th' house and mope is to force her to go somewhere. I send ye olde hero out to th' grocery store, or out to eat. Repeatedly. I do this knowing full well that pretty much all of this will get mercilessly sliced out of th' novel later - there's only so much debate about which kind of pickles he most enjoys that ANYONE would ever want to read - but for now, yowza, does it ever bring up th' word count.

In fact, this will often work out to your benefit; two years ago, I sent my listless lead character to a diner so often that a whole other subplot sprang out of those trips and I ended up with more funny secondary characters than I knew what to do with.

Use this thread to share YOUR Week Two tips an' gripes - we can get through it together! (Really. I mean it.)
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USA :: Vermont

Chittenden County Novelists!

gradster1 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:14:22 +0000

Anyone interested in doing anything in the Chittenden county area? I think it'd be super awesome fun to do a write-in. Maybe I could finally get ahead on my word count; knock out a few good passages. If only I had motivation/support... (Any takers?)
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-A
http://nmhwu.wordpress.com/

USA :: Vermont

A Big Thank You to our MLS

carolco — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:18:24 +0000

Thanks for taking the time to be our state organizer and encourager. I wish I could join some of those meet-ups but southern Vermont is pretty quiet, Nano-wise. I have one buddy to write with, which is better than none, and so far we are both keeping up. Now, on to Week 2!
Carolco
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USA :: Vermont

Dragonfly Cafe Write-In -Wednesday November 11 7:30-11:30am

kate pietschman — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:07:07 +0000

Dragonfly Cafe welcomes NaNoWriMos!

I tried the space out today. I spoke with the owner and she was thrilled about my idea. The service staff is friendly and very welcoming and enthusiastic about us writers.

I set up a time for next Wednesday. They open at 7:00 am. I plan to be there at 7:30. I will bring a powerstrip. If you have one bring yours as well.

Every Wednesday they make fresh donuts so I thought that would be good incentive. They serve Green Mountain coffee. They have a breakfast, lunch and full service dinner menu. I attached my original post with other details including the location, hours, and contact info.

To prepare for a possible crowd if you would be so kind to RSVP in comments that would be great. That way I can set up more table space as needed. What can I say I worked for NECI and like to create a good event with good guest etiquette ;-)

Stay inspired!

~Kate

Originally Posted on November 4th...

This morning I noticed the sunlight shining in upon a building. I drive past this place once in awhile but never really noticed it until today. I saw the words DRAGONFLY CAFE. Since my *beloved* Mojo's has been closed I have been searching for a spot to escape to. This is my new love! Need fulfilled!

Lots of tables. WIFI. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Wednesdays they make fresh donuts. I tried the maple glaze. Just the right amount of crisp and the right amount of chewy. Soup, Hot and Cold Sandwiches.

I checked in with the folks to see if they would mind a small to large group descending upon them. Small 3-5 no need to call. IF it seems there is going to be a large group it would be polite to give them a head's up.

They have brunch Sunday and dinner each night so due to "full service" events they are not open for invasion at those times.

Here's the info:

Dragonfly Cafe
18 Severence Green (crossroads of Route 7 and Kellog/Severence Road)
Colchester, VT 05446
802-878-6100
Ginny St. John, owner

Hours 7am to 9pm Monday- Saturday
Sunday 8am to 9pm

I plan to check it out with my laptop on Friday morning. I'll have Facebook open so friend me up if you haven't already. I'll post that I am there.

Feel free to check it out yourself.

See some of you perhaps on Friday morning <:-)

Go NaNos Go!

~Kate
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USA :: Vermont

Vermont Tire Write-In?

celestihel — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:02:03 +0000

So, I need to get my snows put on before Thanksgiving...and VT Tire in both locations has tables...sooo, it seems to me a perfect combination of tasks. I am shooting for getting tires on next Saturday or the one after and depending on who all thinks this idea would benefit them, too, I would be willing to get them on in either location.

To be clear, they do only have one table and people cannot just hang out if they are not, you know, getting tires. But, if you need your snows on too, reply to this thread and maybe we can make that unholy wait a little more pleasant for all involved!

Helen
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>^..^<
Following the path of least resistance is what makes the river crooked!~Utah Phillips
>^..^<
Writers are a little below clowns and a little above trained seals.~ John Steinbeck
>^..^<

USA :: Vermont