Well, I just thought it would be prudent to post this notice reasonably far in advance (who knows how many more of you will face child care issues by 2010 and sitters can be very hard to get!) but this is just to let you all know of a budding plan to hold the Pan American Empeg owners meet at the Desperados Saloon in Sumas, Washington sometime in early 2010. Sitting elegantly astride the US-Canadian border near Abbotsford, British Columbia, Sumas is famous for its cheerful border guards and well-stocked duty-free stores.

In the event that Empeggers from around the world arrive looking for more than what a saloon and duty-free can provide, I can tell you that I have been lucky enough to organize a long list of activities -- bobsledding, luge, ice skating, alpine and nordic skiing don't begin to tell what will be available -- all within easy driving distance of Desperados. And, yes, for those of you from the UK with an unquenchable interest in it, I have arranged to have a brand-new 90-meter ski jump constructed for the meet.

Exact dates aren't set in stone yet, but this will be a winter meet. This decision was taken after rumors of out-of-control sweating at summer meets.

Mark your calendars!