State Dem Convention DUer Pix!

[fudge stripe cookays]

Hey all--

Just got back a little while ago and got the piccies downloaded. WE had such an amazing time!

Special thanks to the Dittie family- the charming Mr. Dittie, and the lovely and exotic Mrs. Dittie for arranging all the events out and picking up the tab for brunch today (completely unexpected and wildly appreciated!)

Thursday night in the lounge of the Hyatt during/post opening reception:

FSC's friend Dot, Mrs. Dittie, PDittie, VelmaD, Slutticus, Lisa0825, WolverineDG


The reception for John Sharp at the Aquarium:

VelmaD, PDittie, Ginbarn, Mrs. Dittie, Dot, Slutticus, and Lisa0825


Brekky on Sunday at El Pueblito Place:

PDittie, Mrs. Dittie, Fudge Stripe Cookays, Richardo, VelmaD, Slutticus


I'm so sorry I couldn't make it out Saturday night to meet SoniaS and NoPasaran. Roomie was pretty pooped after caucusing all day. we just grabbed a bite and crashed pretty early.

I had such an amazing time! My favorite parts were the Pro-Choice Caucus, the parade of Killer D's, and meeting lots of amazing Texans in the hospitality rooms. Feeling the amazing friendly spirit (instead of the constant hostility of the Republican assholes down here) was great. Just like it was in DC for the choice march.

For those of you who insist on belittling we Texans, you did not see what I saw. I saw a new hope for this state. And it was catching!

FSC

[NoPasaran]

1. I wish I could have met more of y'all

But there was just too much to do in too short a time. SoniaS and I ran into VelmaD and Slutticus when we went out to eat Friday night and Richardo joined our Travis County group for lunch on Saturday.

I wish I could have attended more of the interest group caucuses and workshops. Those I did go to were great. We obviously have a huge amount of work to do in the coming months and years but I truly believe Texas will again be a blue state.

[Richardo]

2. It was nice meeting (and re-meeting) such committed DUers...

I missed meeting-up with ginbarn, WolverineDG and Lisa0825 :( but did have a great time seeing FSC, Dot, slutticus, VelmaD, Sonias and NoPasaran. :)

And I reserve special mention for PDittie and Mrs Dittie who are to be commended for excellence in hosting and making sure everyone was included in all the get-togethers.

As a non-delegate, I only got to see the stuff on public display at the convention, and I understand the backstage caucuses were rancorous and at times adversarial, but what I did see gave me great hope for the party in this state.

Great job, everyone! We're proud of you! :thumbsup:

[Lisa0825]

3. Hey fudge!!!

I had SUCH a great time all weekend! Sorry ya couldn't join us Saturday night. It was pretty fun. Tho I got disoriented downtown, trying to remember where I parked my car. Blue collar (sp?? not sure which way he spells his post name) was nice enough to drive me around a couple blocks 'till I recognized which lot I was in:-)

It was really a great experience, being surrounded by thousands of like-minded people. It was a rush... a really major rush! It was great seeing you again, and hopefully we'll run into each other at some other events in the near future!

[fudge stripe cookays]

6. Hey sweetie!

Yep, sorry we missed out Saturday.

Dot was exhausted after caucusing all day.

I considered coming out, but I was pretty tired too, and I had huge blisters on my feet. There was no way I could have made that walk to where you guys were. And I didn't have a bunch of cash for a cab. And the walk up to the ATM would have hurt almost as much!

So we just kicked back at the hotel and relaxed. We wre glad we did when we both started drooping on the drive back!

Hopefully we can hook up next month when I'm down with reprehensor. I've told him how awesome the Houston folks wee, so he's eager to meet everyone.

FSC

[ChickMagic]

14. Hey Cookay!

How ya doin' sweetie? It was sooooo good to see you guys - I am desperately sorry I missed you all at the lobby bar, and I'm also devastated that I missed Richardo. What a gang, huh? What a weekend - I am totally worn out, but boy, was it worth it!

[fudge stripe cookays]

18. Doing well, hon.

Was still pooped out when I got home last night even though we eschewed the festivities Saturday night. That 4-5 hour drive...blegh.

Did you guys run into all the roadwork around that one reservoir about halfway up? All these impatient idiots got onto the feeder road, then it fed them right back onto the highway one overpass down the road later. So we had to slow down when the lanes merged and then again when those jerks fed back on. Seems like we sat there forever.

But I did get a good pic of the Sam Houston statue en route! That was only about my 3rd trip to Houston (the other two were high school trips on the bus to go to Astro World). It was nice to see another perspective of the town.

I'd like to get all us Dallas folks again together sometime soon for some fun, frolic, and festivity. But I HATE going to see movies the night they open. How about a later showing of F-911? Maybe a week or two after it's been out? I hate crowds.

Just throwing that out there. :-)

FSC

[ChickMagic]

33. We ran into that same traffic

But thankfully we had just made a rest stop or we would have been in deep trouble. And I mean deep! We stayed in Saturday too - just way too tired to move about.

Glad you're safe at home!

[sonias]

4. Great pictures FSC!

Sorry I didn't get to meet you FSC or Lisa0825, or WolverineDG. We have got to have more days at these conventions. Our SD got bogged down voting so we didn't even get back to the hotel until 1:00am on Friday. Then NoPasaran and I made a late night run to Katz and found VelmaD and Slutticus eating out late. Small world. I did get to meet Richardo at lunch on Saturday. Had lunch on Friday with Velma and Perry.

We had a freaking fabulous time. I saw BlueCollar on Saturday too. Thanks to Richardo for the tags which were a big help. And a huge thanks to PDittie for his patience and hospitality. Wish I could have seen you Sunday morning. We slept late after a late night party with
Houston friends that went way past 6:00 a.m. Just got back to Austin at 8:30.

I have a great John Edwards pic to post. The only advantage of being in SD 25 is that Charles Soechting is from SD 25 so he put us up front. I was 3 rows back front and center during the Edwards speech. What a handsome man.

Texas Democrats Rock!!!
:grouphug:

Sonia

[fudge stripe cookays]

5. Hi Sonia!

Yes, I was so bummed I didn't get to meet everyone! We came pretty close, but I knew you were there, and kept asking about you. I heard about some of the caucusing difficulties! My friend Dot was our delegate, and she was putting in some pretty full days.

And I was sad that TxLib and KCDem didn't get to join us either. I'm hoping when hubby (reprehensor) and I visit Galveston next month we can hang out with some more Houston folks again. It was such a great time.

And we'll be passing through Austin too next month, so maybe we can meet up with the Austin contingent somewhere.

Yes, thanks again Richardo for the nametags! They were invaluable!

[sonias]

8. Do give us a call or ring when you're in Austin

Even if it's a quick lunch or dinner. We have to keep up our Texas networking. Visualize a blue state - that thought makes me happy.


Sonia

[VelmaD]

7. I would give just anything...

to take a picture where I don't have my eyes closed or where I'm not making a face. *sigh*

That said, it was a great convention and it was wonderful to hang out with so many fabulous DUers.

I was ordered to write a convention report and I'm working on it as we speak. :)

[ChickMagic]

15. Don't worry Velma!

My goofy mug will win out over any kind of goofy you can possibly make! It was wonderful to see you there.

[fudge stripe cookays]

9. Jeepers! Forgot the amazing John and his skinny little friend!

Mr. Johncoby2, ladies and gentlemen. This was also at the reception Thursday night.

This skeleton got a lotta mileage, I'm tellin ya! Everytime I turned around, there he was!

(Sorry so dark, John!)

[Richardo]

10. I saw his little friend at the New Bay Area Dem booth, but not Johncoby2

I cruised past the Morrison booth and the NBAD booth a number of times hoping I'd run into johncoby2, Lisa0825, etc etc.

Ah well. Next time!

[sonias]

11. I'm sorry to have missed you too John

As expected our bus didn't get into Houston until about 10:30 and with dropping off everyone we didn't get to the convention hall until 11:00 a.m. I heard your forum was great! Thanks for your hard work and keep it going.

Sonia

[ChickMagic]

16. I saw this skinny dude

every-freaking-where I went! I had no clue that it was a DU job! How funny!

[sonias]

12. Texas Democrats here's John Edwards

This man is so charismatic, every time he flashed his smile he won over another 1,000 converts. I want him on the ticket. I sure hope Kerry does the smart thing and makes it so. Can you imagine a debate with the youthful, charming, intelligent Edwards and the dying, robotic, greedy, snarling Cheney? We need some excitement on this ticket Senator Kerry, please pick Edwards.

Sonia

[ChickMagic]

17. Let's imagine

for a moment, shall we, this debate?

[sonias]

19. Thanks ginbarn!

That's exactly what I'm talking about. I pick the man on the left in this debate and I know the country will too.

We need to look forward America and take our country back from the rotting flesh, and greedy crony capitalism that is this administration.

You rock ginbarn!!

Sonia

[Richardo]

20. Love the greenish hue on Dick, ginbarn...gangrene walking.

Hope we cross paths next time there's a meet-up! :D

[ChickMagic]

34. I was so sad that I missed you!

I think my roomie got sick of hearing about it. In lieu of a real one, here's a cyber hug. :hug:

[Richardo]

36. Likewise, gin

:hug:

[Richardo]

13. My favorite button at the State Con...I bought three...

...two to give to "fellow travelers" at the book store...



Runner up:
:D

[WolverineDG]

21. Great Pics!

Thanks for posting them. I left my camera at the hotel. :( oh well.

hey richardo, i told the guy that was selling the "if you could read this" button it would make a GREAT bumper sticker. ;)

as i was headed back to my hotel after friday's festivities, i got many positive comments. word i got on the street was most folks are praying kerry picks edwards, so i'm keeping my fingers crossed. and even tho we in sd 21 were seated at the back, edwards still looked good from where i was. hubba. :P

dg/kelly

[Richardo]

22. Wolverine...see my thread re: Edwards in GD2004...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=552954&mesg_id=552954

I apparently hit a nerve, which I admit in GD2004 is like shooting fish in a barrel. :eyes:

But hey! A 75-reply thread! That's an all time record for me... :D :thumbsup:

[slutticus]

23. Hello Everyone!!!

Thanks for the pics!

Why do I look hung-over in every picture?

I'll tell you why......'cause I had a great time!

It was great having all the out-of-towners here in Houston....I hope we made a good impression on you guys....maybe you come back some time? And the convention was great.....although some of the caucus fiascos were kinda scary....I'm definitely going to look deeper into becoming more involved.

[Richardo]

24. Happy Birthday, 'G'...

:D You got a lot of celebratory 'training' in this weekend... :beer: ...if you know what I mean. It was great meeting you!

OK, I admit took the 'G' from your sig line - I'm nowhere near that hip on my own.

[slutticus]

25. Hehe....

...Thanks! I don't know if I'm quite ready to go out tonight, but then again, I always say that!

[fudge stripe cookays]

39. Don't worry sweetie. I thought you were plenty hip.

That whole "bookstore guy" persona just makes me weak in the knees.

Hey, what are you laughing at? I'm totally serious!

:evilgrin:

[Richardo]

45. "Bookstore Guy"

...With the power to lower prices on liberal books by 20% on his say-so alone!

"Bookstore Guy"
...With an often annoying grasp of even the most banal trivia!

"Bookstore Guy"
...Who, disguised as 'Richardo', a seemingly functional member of society, fights for truth, justice, and DU thread counts!

You're too kind, FSC... :hi: (BTW: thanks for acknowledging the gratuitous "Stripes" reference ('Lighten up, Francis') in that thread last evening. You know you're only encouraging me! :evilgrin:)

[fudge stripe cookays]

46. Once again, I am giggling.

Oh Bookstore Guy, your alter ego Richardo, needs a pair of Buddy Holly glasses to go fully incognito. Just letting ya know. :evilgrin:

Stripes-- one of my favorite movies of all time. And you happened to quote from my favorite scene!

"One of these men may save your life one day."
"Then again, maybe one of us won't."

FSC

[WolverineDG]

26. Democracy in Action!!

Ain't it grand??? No sooner did we break up into county caucuses than Sen. Zaffirini & Rep. Guillen swung into action, brokering between the counties who would get which slot. It's a kind of unwritten rule that our caucus "share the wealth" between the big counties of bexar & webb & the smaller ones. still, zavala & zapata didn't show up at all, and i think only 2 people showed up from wilson (one of whom was elected as a national delegate & i can tell you, she's ready to kick butt & take names!)

the only "controversy" was over the delegates to be decided "at large." one guy from bexar withdrew his name from being considered at the senatorial district, which ended up screwing him because the kerry camp the next day wanted only 22 delegates + 5 alternates, all female.

we never got to resolutions, probably because no one submitted any. like i said in another post, the party has got to wake up & start demanding its county chairs to take more of a leadership role; as it is, we've formed an "underground" group to get around them in our SD. :)

dg/kelly

[sonias]

28. Yes that was like ours too

The horse trading aspect of it was hard to catch on too. How the hell do you broker these deals and win? The Bexar delegation in our SD was the largest, so we (Travis) had to trade vote blocks with Hays and Comal to get people in our delegation to win some slots. We won some and we lost some, but overall I think we have a great slate of national delegates and SDEC committee people.

The only thing I would like to see us do better next convention is some training on how these caucus things should work, and more quarterly district meetings, meetup type concept, so we can meet our SD25 neighbors more often than once every two years.

p.s. Kelly I love Judith Zaffirini.

:dem:

Sonia

[WolverineDG]

48. She's great

When the Lege is in session & shortly before, she sends one of her aides to the Domestic Violence Coalition meetings for input on legislation that's needed in that area. She also lends support to our yearly conference, as does Rep. Raymond.

Prior to the exodus to New Mexico, she had perfect attendance in the Senate.

As for your SD, gosh, sounds like you've got a toughie. Maybe move to my SD, where we're all friends? :P

kelly

[sonias]

49. I'm in love with Richard Raymond

But don't tell him. I'd rather he continue to impress me from afar. He was amazing at the redistricting hearings. If there is one good thing that came out of that fiasco, is a greater appreciation of all the great Democratic Representatives and Senators we have. Richard Raymond is a keeper. Be very proud of your representation, you have the best.

The whole redistricting thing really killed us here in Austin. While I love my fellow Democrats to the south, I sure wish we had a united SD here in Travis. But what the heck, it will make us stronger, and it sure made us angrier.

Sonia

[ChickMagic]

50. I came to love him too

At the redistricting hearings. What a guy - he was devastating to the DeLay sock puppets! I'm a big fan!

[Brazosboomer]

27. I've never tried this before, so -----

I hope this picture shows up! If not, go here http://www.fortbenddemocrats.org/ and check out all the convention pictures!

[sonias]

29. Awesome picture Brazosboomer!

Love that no DeLay cap.

Sonia

[johncoby2]

30. Edwards doesnt wear hats?

I heard that is why he is holding it. I guess he doesnt want to risk a Dukakis moment.

NICE picture! Brian looks like he just ate the canary!

This should be in the paper somewhere.

[johncoby2]

31. My skinny little friend.

Yep my prop made quite a scene. I think I need a full size one next time. By the way, a cartoonist used it as a basis for his cartoon below.

[ChickMagic]

35. That is SO COOL!

I loved your skinny friend - I swear, he was following me!

[sonias]

38. John you should get that cartoonist to send you a copy

That is so awesome, you created a meme there. I hope we don't need a full size one next time John. We need the relief instead.

Good job!

Sonia

[johncoby2]

32. Rucus at the Caucus

Needless to say, there was a rucus at our caucus, and unfortuantely, it was ME!

I didnt fully understand a "deal" that was made a month before the convention until 2 hours before the caucus. I wanted to discuss it and supported a long time friend in his action also.

Knowing what I knew then, I couldnt let him hang himself. So I helped him. And hung us both. There was a heated exchange.

But, in the end the issue was on the floor and others became aware of our concern. Changes will be made.

Democracy is ugly sometimes.

[fudge stripe cookays]

40. Yep, we had a major Rockwall County incident...

that is going to shake things up a bit at our next local meeting, I'm sure.

Someone who got elected delegate couldn't make it down until Friday night, and his wife flew off the handle at the alternate that got selected and ripped his credentials up in front of him (after grabbing it from around his neck!) It was on the convention floor, and LOTS of people saw it.

I've been friends with this lady since we met at the precinct convention a couple months ago, but I'm kind of leery of her now. The county chair was following procedure, and this chick just SNAPPED.

I think the environment this next month is going to be pretty tense if she shows up. It'll be interesting.

[ChickMagic]

41. Oh gawd!

Please tell me this wasn't Jack and Elizabeth! Pleeeessse!

[fudge stripe cookays]

42. No. They're WAY too mature and sweet for that type of thing.

PM me for more details if you want.

[PDittie]

37. Why am I pink in all these pictures?

As a matter of fact, why am I pink in all digital photos? :wtf:

Everyone else looks normal and I look like the Kool-Aid mascot...

(Pot-bellied I'm OK with; grape-faced I'm not)

[fudge stripe cookays]

43. You mean you're NOT the Kool-Aid mascot?

News to me, man. Sorry.

I was expecting you to crash through a wall and yell, "Ohhh YEEAAAAHHH!!!!"

:evilgrin:

[johncoby2]

44. Now. Now. That was tacky.

But funny.

[PDittie]

47. A Dixie cup of Grape Kool-Aid for both of you...

...as penance for your mockery.

(Sincerely, Jim Jones)