This is mostly all true. The high level of discussion has definetly taken my sad and pitiful life in a new direction.

Thanks to all who brightened my day. It didn't take much.

Dang. And I had to work today.

I guess Gwynne didn't get to fly in, so there were no women present?

Guess I'm going to have to cave in and get a blog...except I've been so busy I'd have to pay a ghost writer.

Dude...your rendering does look a lot like the photo on the Streams site!

Which part of "artistic genius" don't you understand? ;-)

And I can't begin to tell you the number of ways that gathering would have benefit from a female presence. Get a blog.

Jim, we waited for you. I wanted to wait even longer, but Jimmy said that Patrick Swayze was getting impatient.

Wallace, you're easily brightened. Whatever that means. ;-)

Wow, you are so observant that you even had my tie coming only down to my navel, just like in real life. But why are we all standing around a cauldron with burning pancakes on it??

How come Wallace is so unhappy? Actually, how come you're the only one smiling? It has to have something to do with the fact that you're stepping on Jimmy's toes under the table - don't think the camera missed that little detail.

Sounds like fun...wish I was even remotely close to Texas. I'd've crashed the party. :)

What makes you think that they were disguises?

reminds me of a family portrait my 4 year old drew last year.

..with burning pancakes on it??

Sheesh. I can't believe you think those are pancakes. Anyone can tell that they're crepes.

Beth, you'd be unhappy, too, if you had to pose with that crowd. Plus, I think he was regretting his choice of shirt.

I'd've crashed the party.

Shoot, you don't have to crash it. There's an open invitation. In fact, Jimmy said that he'd buy lunch for any out-of-state bloggers who show up at future gatherings.

What makes you think that they were disguises?

You got me there. Still, I pictured you guys as being taller.

reminds me of a family portrait my 4 year old drew last year.

That's pretty much the nicest thing anyone's ever said about my artwork.

How come Wallace is so unhappy?

Wallace's bride escaped and his dog died all in the same week not long ago and his Dad died one week ago. He's trying to readjust his attitude.

thank you

And I wonder why Jimmy doesn't have a story up yet about the gala luncheon?

Could it be he's ashamed of the "Scampi Incident".

Beth, I think you've got Jeff and Eric mixed up. Eric listed them from right to left, so that is Jeff (I recognize the beard) stepping on Jimmy's toes. And Eric is the trouble maker behind Jimmy, probably pulling the strings that made Jimmy play with his food. Jimmy would never do that on his own.

Where are the pillows? And the belly dancers (or are they the ones with the bags over their heads)?

Love the picture Eric. I'll have to try and make one of these luncheons one day...

Right, left, same thing - right Gwynne? (Or is that left, Gwynne?) I never said I'd been smartified at any point in my life.

Just once I would like to see scampi reenact that classic "No one puts Baby in a corner" scene...sigh, missed out on a classic again. :)

That's some amazing drawring [sic], Eric. Has anyone ever told you that you look a lot like Ted Koppel?

Rach, you're already an honorary member of the Midland Blogging Inner Circle (and I apologize in advance for any embarrassment that may cause you ;-), so we've always got a place at the table.

Beth, perhaps you can persuade Jimmy to upload a re-creation to YouTube. He's got all the technology he needs at the newspaper, you know.

Foo, I really don't get that much, but Ted has expressed his extreme displeasure a number of times.

Has anyone ever told you that you look a lot like Ted Koppel?

It's the hair.

Jim, why is it that I had never before noticed the large cruel streak you have?

***sound of giggling and outright snorting***

Y'all never fail to bring a smile to my face!

Some wild and crazy guys!