O.K., here's an update to help those in CO consider their decisions and confirmations about a gathering of kindred spirits on Wed. Dec. 13th.
I seized Pam's request and took some time yesterday to help secure a plan for our dinner gathering and went to Castle Rock. I personally visited 5 restaurants and made full-interior observations of our options. These were NOT drive-by's performed on restaurant "comps" ! Two expressed preferences to Pam resulted then in my calling the better one this morning and paving the way for our private room setting at a quaint and different dining choice which I feel will satisfy all.
We will be at the Augustine Grill, an old house converted to a restaurant and adult beverage service bar, which is most likely NOT a loud and boisterous venue frequented by many younger folks and where shouting across the table is the only way one hears another in their party. This place is at 519 Wilcox Street, which is the main street through old downtown Castle Rock and parallels I-25 about 2 blocks to the east. (Their website is augustinegrill.com ). Check it out. We have secured an upstairs room for ourselves. They are NOT expecting anyone's arrival before 5pm, and let's consider a 5-5:30 time for all to arrive, have any preliminary water or beverage-of-choice near their bar, beforehand, and then going upstairs on the half-hour. We have a reservation in the name of The Appraisers Forum, and our specially prepared menu options will likely offer a per person cost of about $35, sans drinks.
Here's where things get pressed. The seating potential is not unlimited, and all confirmations are not fully stated by likely attendees. The restaurant can easily accomodate 8 upstairs, and they can flex to 10, yet any such decisions to be there that materialize late this week or even early next week can not necessarily be assured for our ALL being in the same room. I have received some word of those who appear committed to that evening. Remember what I am told that room can accomodate.
Any and all updating of the following list of confirmed's is VERY helpful. I have told the proprietor that I will be phoning her with an update on Monday on next week. We have Pam & Jim, Dee Dee & Ron, Nancy W., Ross K., and Mike G. as confirmed. That comes to 7. Any of these knowing that sub-tally to not be correct, and others wanting to confirm, please make a hasty reply in THIS posting thread so that all locals can be equally informed and I can get word back to the restaurant per their request. - - We can always re-convene in a larger venue after dinner if those in town that evening reach even larger numbers.