I AM A DERFWAD 2012 SUMMER TOUR Update
Friday, March 23, 2012 at 9:06PM Mrs. G. 
UPDATE UPDATE: Mrs. G. is leaving June 11th, 2012
Below are the list of you who have emailed or left comments. If I have missed you or put you in the wrong spot, leave a comment and I will fix it. It was a mistake, nothing personal. For anyone who is interested in getting together who hasn't responded, now is the time to speak up. Mr. G. Mrs. G. is going to finalize her route by the end of next week. Some fabulous news is that she has plenty of places to lay her head. This is all so exciting!
Money update: Mrs. G. is putting up $400 of her own money to put toward rental car and gas. Unless something incredible happens, like her street prostitution business takes off, that's all she can afford. Several generous derfs have contributed $425. This is a great start. If Mrs. G. isn't able to raise the necessary funds, we'll try it again next year, but she wants you to know if that is the case, she will refund your money immediately. One of the great things about Paypal is how easy they make it to return money to senders.
Mississippi
Keetha/ (Willing to drive to Memphis or Jackson)
Amy
Ginny/Jackson
California
Darla/ Berkeley
Other Kay/ Modesto
Aunt Snow/ Los Angeles
Cardinal/Santa Barbara
Jen/San Diego
Aaryn/San Diego
Debbie in AZ (willing to drive to S. California)
Bright-Side Susan/Pleasanton
Sara/Granite Bay/Sacramento
cardinal/Santa Barbara
Susan/San Diego
Elaine/Sacramento
Smalltown Me/Santa Barbara
MS Teacher/N. California
Betsy/San Jose
Elizabeth/Los Angeles
Aphrodite/Berkeley
Susan B/Santa Barbara
Idaho
Melanie/Boise
Nora (Maybe)
Florida
Little Miss Sunshine/(Willing to drive to Atlanta)
Lynne/SW Florida (Willing to drive to Atlanta)
Marie/Sarasota (Can maybe drive to Atlanta)
Kentucky
Janet (Maybe willing to drive to Atlanta)
K-anon
Carolyn/Northern Kentucky (Across river from Cincinatti)
Georgia
Elizabeth/Atlanta
Navhelowife/Atlanta
Janyce/Atlanta
Anne/Atlanta
Martha/Atlanta
Ohio
Briget/Cincinnati
Lisa L/Toledo (willing to drive to Detroit)
Katie (Cincinnati)
Debra B.
Michigan
Kate/Lansing
Carolyn/Grayling
Diane Carol/Grand Rapids
MIME/Kalmazoo
Trudi/Troy
Mary/Detroit
Kellyg/Grand Rapids
Jessie B/(willing to drive to Kansas City)
Albug/(lives in Indiana but willing to drive to MI or Chicago)
Beth G/Ann Arbor
Wisconsin
Julie M./Madison
Jodi/Madison
Julie B./Madison
Tonya (Close to Minneapolis)
Green Girl/NE Wisconsin
Christy Lee/Madison
Tanya/Madison
Mamaraby/Madison
Iowa
Kay
Lisa/Des Moines
Amy/Mechanicsville
Jenny/Iowa City
Massachussetts
Janet/Boston
Deb/Lowell
Lisse
Erin (Willing to drive to Boston)
Mainly Alaskan
Naomi B (Willing to drive to Boston)
North Carolina
Meredith/Seagrove
Susan, Cary
Jayme L./Statesville
Jo/Raleigh
Tiffany/Raleigh
Caren/Charlotte
Fluffy
Minnesota
Becky/Minneapolis
Minnesota Matron Mary/ Minneapolis (Willing to drive to Madison)
Kristin/St. Paul
N and Em's mom/(Lives in St. Louis, but willing to drive to Minneapolis)
TLB/Minneapolis/St. Paul
Nina/Central Minnesota
Oklahoma
Molly
Jami/Edmond
Washington
Karen/Spokane
MJ/Olympia
Britta/ Seattle
Melinda/Seattle (wants to ride...to be determined)
Nora/Seattle (wants to ride to Boise...to be determined)
Maggie
Teacakes
Nancy/Spokane
Gina/Port Townsend
D. Anderson/Sequim
kabbage and love bug/Vancouver
Gina (Again)/Olympia
Cindy/Walla Walla
Shana/Vancouver
AngAK/(Lives in Alaska, might be able to make it to Seattle)
Nancy G/Gig Harbor
Montana
Sew Sew/Lewiston ( Possibly Spokane or Minneapolis)
Texas
Buddy's Mom
The Other Laura/San Antonio (Willing to travel Texas)
Bonnie/Houston
Cindy/Amarillo
Salty Mama/Central TX
NacCrackHouse/Houston
Laurie/San Antonio
Starshine/Houston
Stacy
Karen
Maryland
Vivianne/Baltimore
Sherrilyn/Crofton
Debbie J./Rockville
New York
Gary/Ithaca
Galena/Niagra Falls
Caro/ (Maybe can drive to Niagra Falls)
Bethany/NYC
Marms
Becky/Upstate NY
Patricia/Oswego
Chris/Albany
Christine/Upstate NY
Barb/Northport (Long Island)
New Jersey
Leslie Jane/Central NJ
Amy G./North NJ
Amy/North, Central NJ
Kansas
Lisa/SE Kansas (willing to drive to Kansas City)
Martha Mc/Prairie Village (willing to drive to Kansas City)
Heather W/Kansas City
Jill P/Kansas City
Virginia
Suburban Correspondent
Jenn B./Charlottesville
1Les/Charlottesville
Carol/Ruckersville
Annie/Near Charlottesville
Oregon
Liz P./Eugene
Cheryl/Eugene
Charlotte/Eugene
Sungmanitu and K./Portland
Lisa M./Eugene
Pennsylvania
A Different Jessie/Philly (Willing to drive to NJ)
Regina/Philly
Emile/Pittsburgh
Colorado
Deb/Denver
Monica/(Might be able to drive to CO)
Becky/N. Colorado
Ilyana/Denver
TC/Denver (maybe)
Randi/Denver
Missouri
Cha Cha/Kansas City
Kelley/Kansas City
Jan/Kansas City area
Nebraska
Jen H./South Sioux City
Liz/Lincoln
Illinois
JFS/Elgin
Carol/Quad Cities (Willing to drive to Des Moines or Chicago)
Utah
Stephanie/West Jordan
Vermont
Alesia/(Willing to travel to Boston)
Louisiana
Naomi/New Orleans
Canada
Dottales/ ( willing to travel to Niagara Falls, NY, NJ and parts of PA)
Who is Mrs. G. forgetting? It's time for you lurkers to step forward!
Reader Comments (110)
Oops, forgot to post before! I'm in San Diego, and we have a guest bed if you need it!
I mean this respectfully but maybe you should leave these kinds of escursions to the A-listers who don't have to hold out their hand so far. Times are too hard right now to ask readers for $$. Just have a Washington party and call it a day.
I'm going to have to second regular reader anon tonight's thoughts. Your sights might be set a little too high here, which is one of the things I love about you but I still have major researvations this is a good idea.
Susan, I added you.
Regular and another reader, thank you for your concern but you never know unless you try. What ever happens happens. I hope to prove you wrong just so you might be willing to take more risks yourselves!
Hey, you were supposed to read my mind after the other post and add me! Space here for you to sleep! I'm in Charlotte, NC.
Don't forget me!! Becky in NY!! I'm willing to travel if needed!!
Hey, don't forget me! I know - totally my own fault. I'm in Virginia, near Charlottesville. Having an empty nest, I've got spare beds.
Vermont! Come to Vermont!
I'm in! Saint Paul, Minnesota:)
I live in Europe so I am not concerned with your planning (actually, Madison is tempting...). I think it is a good idea to try it. I would be glad to donate, any idea what budget you need?
I think this blog is a wonderful support group and asking for donations is not a big deal. Nobody is required to donate, and we are probably not all struggling on the money side. I come here regularly, it is sometimes very encouraging and inspiring. Good job Mrs. G and all inhabitants of Derwad Manor.
I am back from a decadent-yet-low-cost vacation and am ready to add my name to the Michigan list...Mary, in metro Detroit, but willing to travel. We also have a guest room, and I can afford to PayPal some cash to you, because my hubs works his tail off, and he got a bonus! Yay!
A note on the donation flow. There are many of us that may need more time to know what amount we can donate, so trust that more will come in than on the first day or two. I know for my part, I will be trickling in a little here and a little there. I intended to keep this up through July, so I could more likely make a pledge amount right now, but fulfill that pledge over a couple of months. I understand that isn't very reassuring during the planning stage, but I think many Derfs are considering donations under similar circumstances.
Kudos on the planning and risk and trust. This will be epic.
Me! Me! Don't forget me! I'm in Rocklin, CA, suburb of Sacramento. Please add me to your list.
I agre with Molly - more $ may be coming. At least that's what I planned. And if you want to add my city, it's Statesville, NC.
Man, how did I forget this! I am in northern colorado, about 60 north of Denver, and am committing to put you up in a slightly more than adequate guest room. Or I will drive to Denver for a meet-up. Or I can host a meet-up here. Whatever works.
Yo! Mrs. G! I'm going to quote Duckie from Pretty in Pink and ask "DO I OFFEND???" Northeast Wisconsin here--willing to give you room and board or drive to meet you wherever you land in the Midwest Territory!!!
So exciting! I forgot to post in the other thread. I am in WA, up in Port Townsend. Sign me up for the post trip party! And if you want a trial run, you are more than welcome to drive up to PT and spend the night on our couch. I don't have any cats, just a 3 year old who thinks she is a cat. Also included is a chef husband and a smartypants redheaded 5 year old. Good times!
Such a great idea Mrs. G! I am in Sequim and will drive to Seattle for the finale. I will also contribute $ to the cause since I know I will more than get my money's worth reading about your adventures!
@regular and another reader: You have a point. But consider that we are scattered across the country - some of us way out on the East Coast. I don't think I could manage a trip out west, but I'll probably be able to scrape together a little something to help bring Mrs. G here. Win-win if it happens!
Mrs G. could you hook me up with Molly in Oklahoma? Give her my email if you can. We might be able to hook up and car pool up to KC depending on where she's at if that's where you end up going.
I forgot to post!. I'm near Santa Barbara, have a bed, and I can donate after the 1st.
I think I've got everyone in so far! As far as donations go, I am not worried (unlike others who probably wouldn't clap to keep Tinkerbell alive) but I am trying to be hyper-transparent because I know so much negative shit has gone down in the name of "fundraising" on the internet. Also, I want to make it clear (because "extra" money isn't easy for all of us to come by) that if this doesn't pan out, contributions will be returned immediately.
Also, I've been in positions in several points in my life where a donation except to the grocery store conservancy was out of the question. I get it. Don't sweat it...just show up at a gathering and have a blast, you deserve it!
My chief navigator and money man, Mr. G, thinks, based on inquiries of renting a car for four weeks and current gas prices, $2500-$3000 is a good goal. We are also discussing cutting costs by taking one of our cars (he thinks it would be fine) but I am pretty married to the idea of a car rental place bringing me a new car should I break down along the way rather than potentially sitting around waiting for a Ford Focus part to come in. Also, I would really like to have a GPS to rely on and Onstar in case of emergency.
This is going to happen because it's been a long time coming and it's all about good. Doubters, just be quiet.
Attagirl, Mrs. G!! You never know unless you try. Come on, Derfwads! Can we get this tour off the ground? YES, WE CAN!!!
I'm only a few hours from you, but you are welcome to the futon, a meal, coffee, or a chance to play with this girl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/effd/6457513055/sizes/z/in/set-72157628284668109/ if you are missing Chewy. I'm in Vancouver, WA, just outside of Portland, OR.
I'm in Olympia. Kick-off... after party... waving from the Sleeter-Kinney bridge as the rented Derfmobile drives down I-5... Whatever you need... I'm there!
I would love to help with some of the cost & would love to meet you! I'm in NorCal, between Sacramento & San Francisco. I don't have a bed to spare, but maybe I can meet up with you with other folks in this area.
Personally, I think it is awesome that you are trying this!
Amy - Mechanicsville, Iowa
I am moving from NV to Overland Park (Kansas City area) in a month. If the timing works, I would love to join up!
Oh, I'm a quite occasional lurker, but had to say what a great idea. I love this blog; sometimes I read and laugh, sometimes cry, sometimes both. I share it with others and we howl at some of the entries. More of the country needs to know you - go for it! I wish I could donate, but if you do think to make it down to the northernmost outpost of the Caribbean - New Orleans - I'll give you a place to stay. The futon's in a loft with skylights, a bit hot in the summer (really, a bit? who am I fooling?) but we do have a/c and a nice little courtyard as do our neighbors who are all pretty wonderful (you could even meet Miss Grace, who was a "fancy girl" in her youth, though "God saved me 'fore I got too old". She's 90.) Maybe on your way to or from Texas. Oh yeah, friends on trips have rented Priuses, loved the gas mileage and the car is very roomy. C'mon down, maybe we'll catch a second line.
I can also go to North Carolina, Virginia, and Cincinnati if necessary. :) And I"m planning to send you something after the first because that's how we do it here.
I can't imagine why anyone would expect you to pay the entire cost of a trip around the country. The fact that you're willing to give up a month of your time, put yourself at risk driving around the country, and spend $400 is incredibly generous of you. From a purely economic perspective, this is the cheapest way of meeting your readers. If you held a Washington event, most of the people on your list would have to fly to the state. Given the high cost of air-fare, the $3,000 you plan on spending would cover approximately 10 tickets. Not only that, but it would shift the economic burden to a few readers who are able to afford a ticket -- not to mention travel time, food, and lodging. In my opinion, the benefit I will receive from meeting you will far exceed my donation to the cause. And, even if I don't meet you, the pleasure I receive from participating in the Derf Community and knowing that others are meeting you is worth it.
I'm in north central NJ...can travel to NY or PA...and there is a spare bed and bath here for you if you need it.
I'm late! I live in Oswego NY, sorta near Syracuse. I have a guest room always available for you. (Becky, where in upsate? Upstate NY is very, very big...) (I'm about 2 hours from Gary and willing to drive to Ithaca.)
..."unlike others who probably wouldn't clap to keep Tinkerbell alive." This line made me laugh so hard -- thanks for that! :)
Also, I will be contributing, just need to wait til after the 1st of the month.
Becky from upstate NY is around whitney Point, just down the street from Ithaca and Oswego. That is 3 of us here. Niagara is 3 hours west, marms is 3 hours east. Anyway, Missus G, I have NO CASH, none, but would be happy to make several Derf teapots, mugs, whatever, featuring a cat, for example, or something, and "Derf" or "Derfwad Manor" or whatever written on there, and donate the entire proceeds to your trip (well, aside from the shipping cost). That way I give something I can easily make and give, you have cash, the payer has cool custom made Derf sh!t :) email me girl....
I too will be on the slightly-delayed donation list but I am so thrilled this is happening; a national road-trip sounds heavenly. I had mentioned in a previous post that I might be able to carpool but that was under the misguided belief (no seriously, how much wine had I had that night?) that you would be doing day-trip jaunts from home and back. :)
Still, I'm in for the post-trip Washington party (because Kirkland isn't exactly far enough to be an exciting couch offer!) and hope that there will be video diaries or photo slideshows or links to others' blogs with updates about your visits as we go!
Don't let the nay-sayers and haters give you pause. I see a book coming out of this trip, Mrs G. You will sell millions of copies and finally be able to care of Mr G in the way he deserves. And meet fabulous people along the way. And allow fabulous people in the same area to meet.
It's brilliant. Happily contributing.
Mrs. G - thrilled beyond words! I'was thinking that depending on the dates, maybe the Atlanta and NC Derfs might think about a combined event? Of course, I am up for anything and am recruiting a couple of sisters and a friend or two -- only those that would fit in. (As a few of my sisters said when I shared the "Bigger Love" post -- "What a great idea..what's not to love?") Anyway - I'm with Molly and a few others and will hit paypal more than once. Also, don't forget that should you need a place to lay your head that is between Derf Meet ups, I am happy to give you Marriott or Starwood points for $0 accomodation. Lastly - as the youngest of 7 children, Gary Rith, will you please be my little brother?
If Walla Walla, WA turns out to be a place you would like to rest your weary head -- we can definitely deliver. The timing is hard for me (our daughter is graciously making me a grandmother in early July) to commit to an event, but we can contribute $ and seriously if this is a good spot to stop for the night we're in.
Ok. Putting on my big girl pants now. I wasn't going to add my name to the list because 1.) I wasn't sure if I would be able to get to one of your stops. 2.) I am sooo not good at these large gatherings of people I don't know. But! I really, really want to be a part of this.
So...... I am in Grand Rapids, MI also. If you make a stop in Chicago or the Detroit/Ann Arbor area, I will do my very, very best to try to get to you. And I will do my very, very best to actually talk to the other Derfs and say hi to you. (Although it would be so, so easy for me, I don't know if a gathering in Grand Rapids would make sense -- pull from Chicago and the rest of MI. Guess that's why we should leave those details to you).
And like others, I will send a donation to you in a few days.
Ok taking a deep breath and hitting post.
kellyg- way to go, girl!
Echoing upthread comments that I am happy to donate again. I would definitely have flown to a single gathering; donating to get Mrs. G. closer to me is a bargain. I don't understand the negativity; no one is forcing me to chip in. I'm doing it at a level that works for me. Feel free to do the same, or not. Why rain on the parade?
I'm about 2 hours north of Boston. It will depend on what date you'll be out this way as to whether or not I can make it. I've just activated a PayPal account so I can help you get out here. Fingers crossed it will work out!
I am in Lincoln, Nebraska and we have a spare bed - and food! Also willing to travel a ways. Will read how to donate - not up on that yet. You can do it with our help!
Gary I mapped from my town to yours, and it's only 5.5 hours to drive to where you are! Considering we routinely do a 23 hour road trip (without any stops!) this sounds like a piece of cake. AND I mentioned to the hubby how much I'd love a road trip to NY this summer and he didn't look at me like I'm crazy. Of course he's milking it, demanding all sorts of back tickling, massages and desserts in return. But for the chance to meet up with fellow Derfs, I'm happy to comply.
I should mention, looking back: a) I will sure as hell be anybody's little brother :) I tend to add imaginary cousins, as some of you know, at the drop of a hat (click my name below to my blob and email or whatever) and b) depending on Mrs G's convenience, i would def. go to Oswego or over to Marm's in Hudson Valley or even over to Ontario and Niagara where ya'lls are if that is easier for her route
Interested in joining everyone. Located in Quad Cities, Illinois so Des Moines or Chicago easily done.
I posted but don't see my name. DC area = Rockville, MD.
I missed the other post. I am near San Jose and can drive to San Francisco, Sacramento, Modesto, etc. I will try to donate something soon. Hope the trip works out!
For some reason, I can't get to you via email. I never mentioned that I am in Grayling, MI, which is a lovely up-north kind of small town with a great state forest/park. We are happy to offer the extra bedroom/bath, but it most likely won't make sense for you to come this far north. My daughter in Grand Rapids will be joining me, and I see that several other Derfs live there. That may make a good meeting area, only outside GR, not in a busy location. This is so exciting! I'll be so happy to see it work out for all of us who love this community you have assembled here.
Jan(lurker), I live in Overland Park, it's a great part of the city! If you need any info on anything, please let me know!