From: shannah@netcom.com (Teri Miller)
Subject: BalloonBoink, an Insider's Story
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest) 
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 23:26:28 GMT

I think that everyone who didn't go missed one hell of a Boink.  rON and
Larry did an excellent job.  I had a great time.  Almost too good - I am,
even now, conspiring to try to bribe them into doing it again next year.

Friday evening was perfect.  We arrived tired, and hungry, and shortly
rON had rounded everyone up for dinner.  After dinner, those of us too
tired to stay up any later went off to sleep, and the adventurous went
and played pool.

Next morning, we were off at about 5:30am to watch the ascension.  We
carpooled, and Larry and I spent the next 40 minutes or so playing tag
through the traffic.  I was tenacious, though, because I knew that our
breakfast was in the back of *his* vehicle.

I wasn't disappointed: rON brought croissants, coffee, juice, fruit,
and even music. It was probably the most civilized tailgate party I'd
been to.

The balloons were fabulous.  It was great being able to walk around
the launch area, and see the balloons being inflated and taking off.
I took more pictures than I should have, I suspect, but it was all so
very interesting.

Then off to rest, and after that, lunch.  Lunch was good.  I managed
to avoid the chilis pretty much (food allergy) and had chicken-filled
sopapillas.  Much discussion took place about the party that evening,
and the consensus was that chocolate fondue was a GOOD THING.  So, after
lunch, we found ourselves in a local supermarket, fondling the produce.
Chocolate chips, bananas, strawberries, angel food cake, and of course,
the ubiquitous grapes (didn't want Ray to starve, did we?).  

Early evening, we descended upon our gracious host, Larry Hays.  The
kitchen instantly became everyone's favorite place to roost, due to
the presence of a tantalizing green chili casserole.  Slime jello was
also in evidence.  I spent most of my time nibbling and stirring the
chocolate chips, which were turning into fondue in a miniature crock
pot (which, IMHO, is the perfect thing for turning chocolate into 
fondue.  It's just the right temperature!).  My favorite was the angel
food cake, dipped in the fondue, then dipped into colored sprinkles.

I managed, with some blushing and giggling, to talk Mel (took a lot
of arm twisting - well, okay, not really) into posing for a picture 
with a banana and some of the chocolate sauce.  I'm currently taking
bribes for copies of the picture.

Describe the picture?  I don't dare - at least, not in *this* newsgroup.

Anyway, we all adjourned to the living room.  After much talk, and a
great picture of Ray and a small animal skull contemplating one another,
the net.band convened.  I managed, though some quick talking, to avoid 
inflicting my terribly amateur piano-playing on my host.  (Probably the
nicest thing I did all weekend.)  

I echo Mel's sentiment about Ray being one awesome dude on the guitar.
Larry isn't half bad, either - contrary to all of his warnings and 
caveats, he does strum a mean string.

rON, being the excellent host he is, called me there at Larry's to
forward a phone message (rON was at work), rather than making me wait 
until I got back to the hotel.  Greatly appreciated!

I agree with Mel about Larry being a wild and wonderful dude, but I
think I'm glad I missed the four-wheelin.  I'm surprised she actually
survived the experience.  I guess it's a tribute to her resilience and
adaptability.  Of course the view probably helped, and I'm sure it was
nice to see the mountains, too.

Next day, Santa Fe was our destination.  We had a good time walking
around looking at various things.  Thanks to a little prestidigitation
on Larry's part (over lunch) I was able to tempt my hubby's taste buds
with some Habanero sauce when I got home.  Lunch itself was a very filling 
experience: Lou and I traded bites of lunch, and when dessert came, it 
turned into a feeding frenzy!  Desserts were travelling around the table 
like a bunch of nomads, and Ray almost didn't get his back, because it had 
the most wonderful lime topping.  (Yes, he did eat something besides
grapes at lunch, although he ordered the salad with chicken, mandarin
oranges, and grapes, much to everyone's surprise...NOT)

It's true that it was an absolutely awesome boink.  It's also true
that I missed at least one thing I wanted to see at the Balloon Fiesta:
the balloon glow.  It happened after I left.  So, what I'm thinking is
that maybe, if they get a lot of response, rON and Larry might be willing
to host another BalloonBoink next year.  This time, I'll stay longer and
get to visit some of the things I missed this year.

So, what do you say?  rON?  Larry?  Another Boink next year?  Please?
I'll bring chocolate fondue again, but *this* time, I'll also bring a
secret ingredient.....

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