Thanks! We try to be nice people! Debs, we were talking about exactly that, visiting Kazakhstan (hey, your explanation worked--I did that without looking--start getting a room ready for Suzi! lol). Of course the conversation actually went something like, "Of course we will probably have to wait until she is back in the States for a while!"
We were staying at Adventureland Inn in Altoona, Iowa, which is right next to Des Moines, so we met at a truck stop there. Dave and I had the buffett (which was really good, especially the bread, salad, and mashed potatoes and gravy, lol). James had a pork tenderloin sandwich and fries. He let me taste his pork tenderloin and it was tender and delicious.
So far we have met Dave, kitchenelf, Dove, and Raine, and I have spoken on the phone with Alix and Ken (James has talked with them too), Katie E, and babetoo. We exchange Christmas cards with a few others, as well. We will be meeting someone else in a few days, but no details until it has happened.
As we get closer to some of the others, I will contact them on here, and maybe we can arrange a quick meeting with some others. I love meeting the people I talk to so much on here. I'm not stopping until I have met you all! LOL
Barbara