Joe (Bavier), Ani and Susi

I wish I could post that Joe, Susi and Ani were going to make it to Lake Lure.  Joe had emailed me way back on Jan. 24 about Lake Lure; and he had hopes that they'd be able to make it this year.  But I got another email from him on May 31st telling me that they just weren't going to be able to.  I don't think he'd mind, and so I've shared his email (below).

NOTE:  The pic is courtesy of Glenda.  I'd emailed Joe recently and asked for a pic; but who knows where in the world he is right now.  And so I hadn't yet heard back from him.  But "mom" stepped in with a really terrific pic..."at home in Dresden".

JOE'S EMAIL:

Hi Bob...I don't think I'll be able to make it this year. I've been on the road a lot (a month in Nigeria in May and now a month in Congo). Then I'll be moving around again in August. Thanks for the invite though. And let me know if you ever have any plans to come over to Germany. Mom came over with Hilda last year and they had a great time. She's looking into coming again in the fall, and she's always up for a travel companion.

Brent, Katie and Hayden Bunn

O.K....so if you look at this pic and don't crack a big, wide smile, then you need to start over.  And if that doesn't work, then you need to grab a drink, forget about your stressful day...and try again.  And if that doesn't work, I suggest therapy.  This kid cracks me up!

I'm so glad that Brent, Katie and Hayden will be with us the entire time at Lake Lure....with the exception of the time that Brent has to slip back home to work during part of the week.  If my math is correct, I think Hayden will be 15 months old.  I know that his dad has already made him a die-hard Duke basketball fan.  And so with such a winning tradition at Duke, Broc and I will have to do Hayden a favor and add balance to his life by teaching him to sing, "Root, root, root for the Cub-bies."

THEIR RESPONSE:

Your name: Katie Bunn

Arrival Date: 07/22/2011

Estimated arrival time:: 6:00 pm

Departure Date: 07/31/2011

Estimated Departure Time: 12:00 pm

Total number in your group: 3

Names of those coming with you: Brent & Hayden

Comments: We are very excited about another trip to Lake Lure this year!!!  Unfortunately, Brent will have to go back and work for a few days, but he plans to be back to finish out the week with us!

Karol Garst

If you're coming to Lake Lure at all this year, you'll be happy to know that you'll get to see Karol.  She'll be arriving on that first Friday (7/21) and staying the entire time until Mon. (8/1)....helping  Hilda, Judi and me finish off all the booze that final night.   This is a really busy summer for Karol & crew as Katie & Brent have already visited Leigh in Scotland, and Beth is planning a trip there as well.  And...Katie & Brent's trip gave Grandma a chance to spend lots of quality time with Hayden.  With all of that, I'm so glad that it worked out that Karol can join us this year.

KAROL'S RESPONSE:

Your name: Karol Garst

Arrival Date: 07/21/2011

Estimated arrival time:: 5:30 pm

Departure Date: 08/01/2011

Estimated Departure Time: 10:00 am

Total number in your group: 1

Comments: Beth is unable to come with me this year because she is saving up vacation days for a trip she has planned to visit Leigh in Scotland. Oma (Karol's mom) has some other commitments too. So I'm coming by myself this year. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

John and Charlotte Garst

Great news!  John/Brother (sorry, John...you'll forever be 'Brother" to me) and Charlotte will be coming to Lake Lure again this year.  As it turns out, Charlotte had to be in NC around that time anyway (read below).  So it worked out great.  And maybe we'll convince John to spend more time with us on his way back home.

JOHN'S REPONSE:

Your name: John Garst

Arrival Date: 7/22/2011

Estimated arrival time:: 3:00:00 pm

Departure Date: 7/24/2011

Estimated Departure Time: 1:00:00 pm

Total number in your group: 2

Names of those coming with you: Charlotte

Comments: We will be there on the 22nd.  Charlotte needs to be in Chapel Hill, NC, early Monday morning, for a weeklong workshop, so we will leave Lake Lure Sunday afternoon.  I may return Monday, and spend the night, before I drive home on Tuesday

Miranda Bavier & Ian

I was so bummed to find out yesterday that Miranda and Ian won't be able to make it to Lake Lure this year.  But the good news is that she's gotten a new job.  It starts the beginning of August, and she simply needs the time beforehand to prepare.

FYI....the only pic I had of Miranda & Ian was from New Years several years ago; and so I asked her for an updated one.  Here was her response:  "Okay...The bad thing about being the photographer in the family is that I'm never in the pictures.  This is the best I could do for a photo of just me and Ian but his head is turned."  :)

Good luck in the new job, Miranda!

MIRANDA'S RESPONSE:

Name: Miranda Bavier

Reason you won't be able to join us:  I will be starting a new art teaching position the first week of August.  I am very excited about and thankful for the great position but of course there is much to do to get ready.  I hate to miss the trip but if there is another next year, count me in!  Have a great time!

Would you be interested in possibly getting together next year?: Yes

What would be the most convenient week / month for you?: June or early July

Judi (Woodard) Befort

It'll be so much fun to have Judi @ Lake Lure again this year.  Judi is a 1st cousin (regular kind...not once removed, put back twice or nothin' like that) on mom's side, but definitely no stranger to many in the Garst clan.  Judi is always happy & smiling...except when she's bitching.  If you haven't heard Judi laugh, do yourself a favor and click on the "Links" menu...and then the "Bob Pop and Hayden" video.  You can't miss Judi's terrific laugh.

I love Judi for 3 reasons:  Her infectious laugh/personality, her unending display of love for dad (and mom), and because she knows everything about me....and still talks to me.  Those are in no certain order btw...

Judi's coming the last weekend and staying that final Sun. night so that she can help Hilda & me finish off all of the remaining booze.

JUDI'S RESPONSE:

Your name: Judi Befort

Arrival Date: 07/30/2011

Departure Date: 08/01/2011

Total number in your group: 1

Comments: I'm so excited to be "chillin" out with family, especially in such a beautiful place.

Leigh Garst

Leigh was our big "surprise" last year as no one knew that she was going to be @ Lake Lure.  You should've seen the looks on the faces of Karol, Beth, Katie and Brent when they saw her.  Unfortunately, Leigh won't be able to come this year.  She's just taken some time off to be with Brent & Katie who visited her in Scotland.  And, she'd landed more work that will keep her busy.  We'll miss having her with us, but we'll Skype with her while we're there.

LEIGH'S REPONSE:

Name: Leigh Garst

Reason you won't be able to join us: I got a two month contract digging a Neolithic/Bronze Age site in Inverness Scotland. Wish I could be there!

Would you be interested in possibly getting together next year?: Yes

What would be the most convenient week / month for you?: No idea I have no set plans past September!

Lori Buckley

So...we'll also have a chance to catch up with the 2nd of the (3) members of the Bob & Lyna crew.  Very cool.  David...are you there?   And we'll get to meet Frank, her boyfriend from the Netherlands.  

For those who don't know, here's a challenge.  Try to look through Lori's Facebook pics and find a photo of just her...when she's not surrounded by a ton of her friends....all having a great time, I might add.  Great pics!

So....Lori...if this isn't Frank, send me a pic of the two of you.  (NOTE:  6/29/11 3:05 p.m.....just confirmed.  That's Frank)

LORI'S REPONSE:

Your name: Lori Buckley

Arrival Date: 7/25/2011

Estimated arrival time:: 4:00 pm

Departure Date: 7/28/2011

Estimated Departure Time: 9:00:00 am

Total number in your group: 2

Names of those coming with you: Frank van den Putte (boyfriend from the Netherlands)

Do you have a place to stay yet?: Yes

If yes, where will you be staying?: Cove Cottage located on Paradise Point, Lake Lure

Jessica Buckley

How cool!  Jessica's going to join us this year @ Lake Lure.  It's been a long time since we've seen her; and so can't wait to catch up.  Jessica is one of several of the "next generation" Garst's who's been living in Europe.  Thanks so much for joining us (btw...your Facebook pics are so cool...but you are so diverse, I wasn't 100% sure that the ones I thought were you were ACTUALLY you).

JESSICA'S REPLY:

Your name: Jessica Buckley

Arrival Date: 07/28/2011

Estimated arrival time:: 07:30 pm

Departure Date: 07/31/2011

Estimated Departure Time: 09:00 am

Total number in your group: 1

Do you have a place to stay yet?: Yes

If yes, where will you be staying?: Cove Cottage

Bob & Lyna

I knew this was coming, and I couldn't wait to tell everyone.  Bob, Lyna and Barbara (Lyna's sister) will be with us the entire week - Mon. - Sun. - at Lake Lure.  Always love being around them...and I'll have a whole week to convince Lyna to help take over my company's A/R.  Speaking of debt, we all owe a debt of gratitude to Bob for his handling of Uncle George's "move".  NOTE:  Stay tuned for the movie of that event....courtesy of Shelley's photos and videos.

BOB'S RESPONSE:

Your name: Bob Buckley

Arrival Date: 07/25/2011

Estimated arrival time:: 04:00 pm

Departure Date: 07/31/2011

Estimated Departure Time: 08:00 am

Total number in your group: 3

Names of those coming with you: Bob, Lyna, Barbara (Lyna's sister)

Do you have a place to stay yet?: Yes

If yes, where will you be staying?: Cove Cottage located on Paradise Point, Lake Lure

Kakie and Ernie

 

Sounds like Kakie and Ernie have been doing a good bit of travel.  And word has it that they're getting ready for their 50th anniversary in the Fall, followed by the trip to Europe later this year with Beth.  We're sorry we won't see them @ Lake Lure this year, but we'll catch up on all the fun next year hopefully.

KAKIE'S REPONSE:

Name: Kakie Heeb

Reason you won't be able to join us:  We just arrived back from a trip west and have quite a few obligations here.

Would you be interested in possibly getting together next year?: Yes

What would be the most convenient week / month for you?: whenever

Suggestions for other possible cities/location for future get-togethers: Florida panhandle, Gulf coast any area

Comments:  Would love to be with you and hope you all have a great time.  It's a fabulous place as the above picture captures its beauty.

Love , Kakie

The Dunnams

Although they'll only be there for just a short while...Kathy & Johnie are coming again this year; and I'm so excited that Chris will be with them as well.  Chris will be arriving @ his folks' on Wed., 7/27, and they'll be driving up on 7/28.   Chris has limited vacation due to unexpected time spent back home in June with his folks...which is the big news...

Kathy and Johnie will fill us in, but Johnie had unexpected brain surgery in early June.  He had a large blood clot and was in the hospital for quite a while.  Kathy said that they were very lucky!  I just spoke with them, and he's doing fine now and they're looking forward to coming to the Lake and then the Smokies.

KATHY'S RESPONSE:

Your name: Kathy Dunnam

Arrival Date: 07/29/2011

Departure Date: 07/30/2011

Total number in your group: 3

Names of those coming with you: Johnie, Chris

The Mike Buckley Clan

Mike, Shelley and Michael will be @ the lake again this year (still looking for pic of the three of them...Shelley...help).  Mike was responsible for my top two highlights from last year; and I'm torn as to which was more fun:  eating at his shrimp boil....or watching his rope swinging into the lake.  Tough choice.

MIKE'S (SHELLEY'S) REPONSE:

Your name: Mike Buckley

Arrival Date: 7/25/2011

Estimated arrival time:: 3:00 pm

Departure Date: 7/28/2011

Estimated Departure Time: 3:00:00 pm

Total number in your group: 3

Names of those coming with you: Mike, Shelley, Michael

Where will you be staying?: Wyndam Resort

Comments: See ya soon

Glenda Bavier

I'm so glad that Glenda is going to be able to join us again this year.  I hope that everyone got the terrific email from her that I forwarded a week or so ago.  In it, she mentioned that she unfortunately has to leave during the middle of the week as Stuart's 70th birthday is the 28th.  Congrat's, Stuart.  Not sure I'll make it that long.

GLENDA'S RESPONSE:

Your name: Glenda Bavier

Arrival Date: 07/23/2011

Estimated arrival time:: 09:20:00 am

Departure Date: 07/27/2011

Estimated Departure Time: 09:50:00 am

Total number in your group: 1

Will you need a ride to/from airport?: Yes

If yes, which airport?: Asheville

Comments: Last year was so much fun! I'm so far away now that this is my main chance to visit with family I enjoy so much. To have more than just a weekend--and at Lake Lure! What's not to love about this?
Glenda

Beth Heeb

So sorry that Beth can't make it this year.  But I think she's got some pretty exciting excuses.  We're all still so grateful for the awesome Garst video that she and Tricia put together last year.  Good luck Beth in your upcoming endeavors & trips.

BETH'S RESPONSE:

Name: Beth Heeb

Reason you won't be able to join us: Mainly two reasons:  I am saving my vacation time to cruise down the Danube with my parents in December to celebrate finishing my (third) degree (only days before we go) and to meet family in Germany from my father's mother's side of the family for the first time.  The second reason is that I am trying to get study time in for the Fundamental of Engineering exam that I take later this fall.  It's the first big hurdle toward licensure toward becoming a PE (Professional Engineer).  It's rough 8-hour exam covering a large number of courses (some of the material is a fading memory because I have been working on this for such a long time). I am also getting started on engineered soil research to help a graduate student with his thesis and am receiving scholarship money for it.  And did I mention that I have my regular job to do, too!

What would be the most convenient week / month for you?: Not sure just yet

Comments: Just an update on Larry - He's in the Azores as of yesterday (Sunday 26)

Hilda and Dad (Anthony)

Hilda and dad will be flying into Atlanta on Thursday, 7/21/11; and the three of us will be driving to Lake Lure that night.  We'll be staying the entire time until Mon., 8/1/11; and they fly back just after noon on Tue., 8/2/11.

HILDA'S RESPONSE:

Your name: Hilda Given

Arrival Date: 7/21/2011

Departure Date: 8/2/2011

Total number in your group: 2

Names of those coming with you: Anthony Garst

Comments: can't wait to go.  just had a weekend with ladies i graduated with.  my pictures for everyone included lake lure -the whole family, your backside going in the lake, sun going down on the deck, and a picture of the lake house.  need i mention that the first picture i showed was of the four children which was great.  several of the ladies knew lewis and loved seeing a portion of his memory.

Jean & Larry

As most of you know, Larry is sailing towards the Mediterranean and Jean plans to fly over to join him.  And so they unfortunately won't be able to make it to Lake Lure this year.  We'll all miss them, but what an awesome time that will be for them.

JEAN'S RESPONSE:

Name: Jean Garst

Reason you won't be able to join us:  Will be with Larry in Europe on his sailboat

Would you be interested in possibly getting together next year?: Yes

What would be the most convenient week / month for you?: July

Suggestions for other possible cities/location for future get-togethers: Ain't none better than LL

Comments: Sorry we're going to miss this one.  Probably Larry and I will be in europe next summer also.  Seeing all the neat port cities in different countries  is going to take two years.  I'll definitely miss my family there.

Jean

The Kreitz Family

Word has it that the Kreitz kids have rated Lake Lure over Disney World.  And so they're very excited about the return trip this year.  Please note that they'll be coming early and leaving early this year.  Broc has to get back to coach football, and Ashley has a class reunion the weekend of 7/29 - 7/31.

THEIR RESPONSE:

Your name: Ashley Kreitz

Arrival Date: 07/22/2011

Estimated arrival time:: 12:00:00 PM

Departure Date: 07/26/2011

Total number in your group: 5

Names of those coming with you: Ashley, Broc, Meredith, Ryne, William

Comments: Our family is so excited!

The Hunnicutts (honorary 'Garsts')

And the first to respond:  The Hunnicutts

We're so sorry that they can't make it this year.  Literally everyone last year commented on how terrific they are and how much fun it was to have them with us.  Without Kyle and Matt, I'm not sure who Broc will banter back and forth with this year.  And no one could ever match Tina's personality and beautiful smile.  We'll also look forward to having Alan join them on the next "go round" so that all of his newfound relatives can get to know him as well.  For Lewis and me, Alan was always very special.

THEIR RESPONSE:

Name: Alan Hunnicutt

Reason you won't be able to join us: Hey Bob and other Garsts,   Thanks for including us in the Garst Family Get-Together at Lake Lure 2011.  Matt, Kyle, and I had so much fun last summer.  Matt & Kyle didn't know I could ski!  Sadly, we cannot make it this year due to work & farm obligations.  Please keep us as honorary "Garsts".  I love your family!  Tina Cone

Would you be interested in possibly getting together next year?: Yes

What would be the most convenient week / month for you?: late July isn't bad except this year

Lake Lure Summer Fun

We're one month away and it's time to prepare for getting together at Lake Lure NC.  As the dates get closer, I'll be adding to this website so that we can all stay in better touch.  Folks will be arriving and leaving at different times during those last 10 days of July.  And we'd all like to know more about everyone else's plans.

#1 This Website:  Please bookmark this site:  http://garst.squarespace.com   We'll be using this site as an alternative to email so that everyone can read and contribute right in this one central spot.  On this blog section, you'll notice that you can comment (at bottom) on any entry.  So let us hear from you.  Even after the fun begins @ Lake Lure on July 22, we'll continue to use this site to share the fun with those who haven't yet arrived or with those who won't be able to make it.

#2  Travel Plans:  Please click on either the "I"ll be there" or "Can't make it" menu items (in the header) and you'll be presented with some brief questions.  If you would please simply answer these, then I will consolidate all of the information and get back to everyone - on this site - so that we can all stay informed.  Thanks for taking just a few moments to do this.