On September 25-6, 1999, some members of the #40+coffeehouse gathered at the home of KngCobra in Marlton NJ for a weekend of fun, food and companionship.  This event came to be known as:

The East Coast Channel Party!

(All photographs by TechRep unless noted otherwise, page design by Python27)

Vette84, Python27 and LdyPython                                                                    Tarrah

One of the high points of the gathering for me was seeing channel owner Vette84 again.  Although we have been close friends for over 37 years we had not seen each other in 12 years, and the chance to catch up was most welcome.  I was also thrilled to finally meet Vette's new wife Tarrah,.  Perhaps because we had met in the channel almost 3 years ago and have spoken often on the phone, there was something especially magical about meeting in person for the first time.  Vette and Tarrah are one of the many couples who have met in the coffeehouse.

LauraLee, Python27 and MarioK

Another old and dear friend, I have known MarioK almost as long as I have known Vette (we used to refer to ourselves as 'The Three Stooges'...you get to decide which was which).  Although we keep up with each other in channel and on the phone, I had not seen Mario in over 20 years.  I have known LauraLee in channel for something over 2 and a half years, although we have not talked to each other that much since her husband stunned tends to hog the computer.  LdyPython and I found her to be warm and witty ( and a touch crazy), and we fell in love with her almost instantly.

stunned (w/ unidentified friend)

A #40+coffeehouse icon, and a long time channel friend.  I have been chatting with stunned for over 2 and a half years, and like Vickiann, his real life persona took me somewhat by surprise.  Warm, friendly, and by all counts a gentleman, he is the perfect complement to LauraLee.  When our ride to the party failed at the last minute, he said that had he known he would have driven to South Carolina to pick us up.   That means more to me than mere words can express, my friend.

 

    

LdyPython and Vickiann

I really need a picture of Vickiann'a husband TechRep here, but do not have one at this time.  I have known Vicki since I first joined the coffeehouse 3 years ago.  She has a bright, energetic personality, and is just plain fun to be around.  I am pleased and honored to call her friend.  In case it is not obvious by the nickname, LdyPython is my wife of 29 years.  She is my best friend, and the greatest blessing I will ever realize on this Earth.

Laplander and GoFurr

Another couple that met in the coffeehouse and subsequently tied the knot.  I have known them each for almost 3 years, and it was positively delightful to finally see them in person.  No opportunity to sample Lap's culinary accomplishments should be missed...the Lemon Chicken was absolutely delicious!

KngCobra, wuggie, and applblosm

KngCobra is my real life cousin, and an all around nice guy.  Many thanks, Jim, for all the hard work, for opening your home to us for the weekend, and for some of the best ribs I've ever had.  Wuggie is a walking, talking riot, and she brightens the atmosphere wherever she is.  Your cover is officially blown wugs...that "wuggie is always quiet" line will never fly again!  I have known applblosm in channel for about 2 and a half years, and was delighted to finally meet her in person.  Her semi-official job in channel is notifying MarioK of when the fall colors begin in her area of Pennsylvania.

The Rib Recipe from KngCobra

Boil, "baby back" pork ribs, (slice ribs part way through between bones), in large pot of water with 1 cup, White vinegar and 5-10 Bay Leaves (depends on your taste), for 45 minutes. Remove from water, place on sheet pan. With a plastic bag on hand, rub ribs with bottled chopped garlic in oil (available in most grocery stores). Amount depends on taste. Bake in 350 oven for 45 minutes. Dip ribs in BBQ sauce, to cover, return to sheet pan, bake 20 - 30 minutes, dip again, then bake 20 more minutes. For BBQ sauce use your favorite brand. I Dr-up sauce with, prepared mustard, garlic powder, brown sugar, molasses, maple syrup, applesauce and 7-up. Don't be afraid to experiment. ENJOY!