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I would very much like to keep this going, so hoping for next year as well.

Between being a witness in a court case that is recently open and can be scheduled for trial or settled at any moment, as well as the constant fear of political violence erupting in the States, this was just not the year that I could take a lead in organization.

These Mittens meetups mean quite a lot to me. From early childhood into young adulthood I struggled socially and could barely keep friends for more than a year or so. Going to my first Mittens twenty years ago this August opened up something in me and created lasting friends with a group that I immediately felt at home with from the beginning despite being strangers from several countries. It was and still remains one of the highlights of each year I have attended <3

I came back to say I can't responsibly support having it in the US anymore.

I am really scared right now.

Toronto is just a four hour train journey for me, so can easily attend there. If we chose elsewhere in Canada, it would likely be fine for airfare. We'll see what happens in the near future with souring partnerships

I just want to note that at least for this year and my current near-future I am not in a position to organize anything officially, but can help research.

Would anyone like to take on the burden honour of arranging a Mittens Japan or Mittens USA somewhere from 21/07 - 01/09?  I know Stu's local, but has implied he might not be available.

I would be up for helping to organise in general, but I have some uncertainties over the next few months that may possibly complicate that. As of today, it would be very unlikely that I will be able to pull off a Japan Mittens, but I can go to a USA meet for sure.

The idea of hosting in Michigan has always appealed to me (Mittens in the Mitten State!) as there is plenty of fun to be had. I live just outside Detroit city limits, and Kayla is a 90 minute drive north. SeventhBard is in the state as well

I would enjoy either of the options discussed. Japan would be a fun adventure and a scratch off the bucket list, but if more people could attend a US meet I'd welcome that as well.

I'm sad for the mummies but happy that you dug up the old thread and made me remember the good times we had.

Likewise. Looking back through even just a couple of the pages in this thread brings all of it back.

After a long absence, I am quite looking forward to getting back to whatever this is again:

Those days should work fine for me

Pending a passport renewal, I will happily attend wherever the location may be 

It would be different having children present for sure, but to me it is more important that we maintain the friendships and adventures that we have enjoyed over the years, especially after a long unintended break.

If I had to state a preference it would be to have nearby accomodations, but I am okay with being under the same roof.

I am still interested!

There has been a Mittens-shaped hole in my soul for a few years now, and was bummed when the initial 2023 chat fizzled. Hoping we can rally enough to support a new adventure

It is definitely worth considering since we narrowed down to and agreed upon it in 2020, but it is good to keep ideas open depending on the interest we get. I am curious if that house is still being let at the moment, and if we could have our reservation with deposit reinstated   

Count me in! I too was thinking of a time and post title to get the discussion going, but Snarky beat anything I had come up with

[https://www.flickr.com/photos/kennethhyde/sets/72177720296589125]

Talk about Development Hell! 

After many production delays, I have finally released this project that I began way back in 2014....four rolls of images that I captured over three different iterations of our beloved annual-ish meetup have gone through the developing tank.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/kennethhyde/sets/72177720296589125

Films used for the first ten photos (in Portugal) are Lomography X-Pro Slide 200 iso 120 (cross-processed) and Lomography Color Negative 100 iso 120. The rest of the set (New Orleans and Iceland) are on Adox Color Implosion 35mm and Rollei CR 200 Slide 35mm (cross-processed).

Some of the frames would normally be considered unsuccessful, but I decided to leave them in due to their interesting light leaks and textures. One of the rolls was nearly destroyed by a camera back failure in the middle of the New Orleans trip. I was able to salvage a few of them, but I estimate about 8-9 shots were lost to the void.

Enjoy! I hope we can do this again when all is right with the world

Merry Christmas!! ^_^

I am due for my second vaccine on 24 April, which should bring ~full immunity by the first week of May barring any variant resistance. With that in mind, if travel restrictions ease this year for the vaccinated I would welcome a Mittens or Mittens-like event in any form ahead of a full on return in 2022.

Just bought a single ticket from Toronto to London for $177  Thanks Covid! I am due to arrive at Gatwick on the 3rd at 10:05.

Since our rental ends on a Friday, I am looking to capitalise on the booking policy and stay in country through Sunday at least.

The best deal for me right now is flying to Gatwick from Toronto. From there it looks like there is a train to Moreton-in-Marsh (connecting via Reading), which is not far from Chipping Campden. There is a bus service between them that is offered only thrice daily. This would take roughly four hours including a couple layovers, so I am definitely open to faster alternatives/pick up locations as AGA suggests. Good to know public transport is still an option if need be.

Cotswolds house looks good to me 

Their weekly bookings for the summer season begin on Friday, so it would have to start from 3 to 10 July if we wish to do the first week.

Proposed time and location works for me i would be fine with any of those areas, but the Lake District would be my preference.

Have fun, y'all! Quite crushed that I could not make it this year. Looking forward to seeing and hearing about it

I also can not commit 100% unfortunately, but the dates would be good in theory. In the very near future I will be moving house and (hopefully) changing job, so not sure about my attendance until the dust settles.

October is best for me, preferably sometime in the first half.