I must admit, I've been waiting for an invitation.
I knew some of our regular commenters got together periodically. I saw the occasional reference to lunch or drinks on the porch. Like a wallflower at a high school dance, I could see the fun being had; I just wasn't included.
Surely, I couldn't invite myself - that wouldn't be right. OK, I might have dropped a subtle hint; something along the lines of "I've been hoping to meet some of you" or "Oh, y'all get together for lunch? That sounds like fun."
Pathetic. I know.
Well, it paid off all the same. The invitation came Tuesday: Lunch at 1102 Bar & Grill. The only thing that worried me was how to identify people I've only chatted with online. Happily, they recognized me. There were six grinning faces staring at me when I walked in .
I had a great time. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and I got to match faces with avatars - something I've been very curious about in the past couple of months.
Conversation was easy, nothing too controversial or political. They told me a couple of things they liked and didn't like about our new Web site, but eventually the shop talk stopped and we were just friends having lunch.
Thanks for the invitation. We'll do it again sometime.
checking up
A commenter recently posted under the "Collins teacher lost baby after attack by pupil" story that "a student was attacked and stabbed in the eye" at a middle school, resulting in permanent blindness.
We don't regularly fact-check all comments, but if something pops up that has the potential to become news , I will forward it to a reporter to follow up.
Education Editor Preston Sparks contacted Richmond County school system spokesman Louis Svehla and was told the pupil was actually punched in the eye. He had some swelling that made it hard for him to see that day, but he is OK and back in school.
Many of our story leads come from the public . If you have a news tip, a story idea, a calendar item or just feedback, please contact us. It might be front-page news the next day.
Sean Moores is the customer service director for The Augusta Chronicle. Reach him at sean.moores@
augustachronicle.com or (706) 823-3448.
I just talked with CobaltGeorge, and he told me about the great time you all had. I recall, in the planning stages, you were one of the first mentioned to invite. I'm glad you made it, Sean, I'm only sorry I couldn't. I was having my "ticker" checked at my cardiologist's office. Never fear, I will make it to the next one, even if I have to cancel appointments. Truly sorry to have missed you and the gang!
It really was fun, and we were sorry to have you go, Sean.
SargeBaby, you know you were missed. For sure, next time.
It was a true pleasure to meet you. Most of your AC posters are definitely and truly special people, no matter which side they are on.
Sarge, I had a good time too. I was hoping you would make it, but we'll do again.
Fiat and KSL, It was great meeting both of you. Hopefully I can stay longer next time.
it was fun, we will have to do it again, next time im thinking we go to seans place of employment and have a party there........
I don't know Trouble, I think AC has a "No Packing" sign outside on the door.
cg, what they dont know wont hurt them.....shhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Alright don't get me in trouble...Trouble.
ok sean, would your house be a better meeting place?
Ouch. My wife would kill me. Maybe I can find a room here at the Chronicle.
Thank you, Fiat and everyone! Wherever and whenever the next gathering takes place, I hope it's on a weekend. But, whatever the group decides, I'll make it my mission to be there.
So, Sean, you have one of those CIC's too! They rule, you know, so better to abide by their wishes, than sleep on the porch! :o)
It does sound fun & I'd love to join if there is a reunion. I thought about crashing it when I read some of the comments about it the other day. ha-ha!
Chillen, The more the merrier I say.
Sarge, I just do what I'm told and try not to ask too many questions.
we are running out of places to meet........
Come out to the German restaurant in Evans on Washington Road
Chillen, you would have been more than welcomed. As for the German restaurant, just let us know when.
I am always ready for a meal with friends, and list now includes Sean. Glad you were able to come.
Thanks Roadkill, We'll do it again. Be careful out there.
I'm reposting an amended version of my blog to match this Sunday's column. It is essentially the same except I added a followup on a reader comment from last week.
Thanks everybody. Have a good weekend.
!PLEASE! Put back the 1,200 character limit on comments on articles/stories!
Why don't you just skip over long posts if you don't want to read them?