Thanks to all the inner and outer circle and anyone else who helped me in our 7 week/22 inch suitcase trip. We cheated some, (see below)

The weather forecast for Normandy area where we are starting out says, rain, rain rain. Thank goodness we are there for more weeks.

For those who made suggestions about books, please know I shipped a few of the Paris ones to our hotel via the postal unit at UPS. That lightened the load some.

We are checking our 22 inchers and also checking our small totes as my husband's back is not great today and we don't want to take any chances.

Again, thank you. I promise a report...we have a mike for the ipod which will help.

Hello loisco, I am so sorry that your husbands back is hurting him! I hope that he feels better real soon. Checking the bags is good, that will allow you to travel with ease.

I sincerely wish both of you a beautiful seven weeks. I know how hard you have worked to make this trip everything you want it to be and I truly hope that it is.

Wishing you a good nights sleep, a comfortable and safe flight and seven weeks of total joy. Along with a safe return home of course. My very best wishes to you both!

7 weeks - wow!

I'm part of the 'outer' circle, one who did not help you plan what I'm sure will be a wonderful trip. You're going to France; how could it be anything but?

But I bid you adieu in any event and look forward to reading your report. We were in France for 4 weeks a few years ago and the time went by so very fast.

Have a great time!

Happy travels!

Bon voyage for sure!!

Wow! It seems like no time since we started helping you with this journey. Travel's like that - there's a big lead-up time and then it''s upon you, and then you're home - but in this case it's a 7-week trip and it won't be home all that soon.

Have a WONDERFUL trip and do check in when you can. I know this will be the source of lifetime memories for you. I'm jealous, too, as I only got to spend 2.5 weeks in Europe this summer and that's a lot less than my usual allottment, but I'm not whining......much

God speed and bonne chance!

Have a WONDERFUL time!!

Jules
(one of the outer circle)

Have a great, great trip! I was in Europe for about that length of time when I turned 40 a few years ago. (Yes, just a few years!)

Circle? I'm supposed to care about circles? Nah, don't have time for that.

pack an umbrella, but then I'd say that to anyone travelling to Europe - whatever the time of year

have a wonderful trip - 7 weeks, wow!

signed, Envious

though you may be gone by now.. BIENVENUE EN FRANCE ! and don't worry about the weather, here in Burgundy we are supposed to have storms and heavy rain today and the sun is still shining. And even if it is actually raining in Normandie, tomorrow should be very sunny so..

have a great stay!
corinne

So much planning! And waahooo, now its here. May your husband's back not get worse but better once he's on the plane and the stress lightens up...and the weather works for you... and you two have the most wonderful trip!
Bonne Chance! Bon Voyage. (I hope I did that correctly!)

I disagree with alya. Do NOT pack an umbrella. You can buy the most amazing umbrellas in Paris. Buy one if you need it and bring it home. I guarantee that when you get home putting up an umbrella that you bought in Paris will put a smile on your face on even the rainiest day.

Lois, Have a wonderful time. I have been following (and occasionally weighing in on) your trip planning and you will have a splendid 7 weeks. Bon Voyage!

Nice suggestion about the umbrella, Patrick! One thing though, I find that if I carry an umbrella (I have a little one that folds up) it is less likely to every be needed! If I leave it at home, the heavens open up

Yes, you're right. Me too. So forget what I said about buying one if you need it. Buy one the first thing and carry it with you.

I hope you and your husband have a wonderful trip!

I've been following your posts and hope that you will include a book review as part of your trip report. Happy reading...

Well, how about a compromise!

Pack one of those tiny little purse sized umbrellas and then if it does look like rain follow Patrick's suggestion and buy a 'nice' one when you get there.

That way you and DH are both covered

Good luck, Lois!! I hope things turn out great and that you can check in occasionally to update us on how things are going.