suze: just goes to show "great minds . . . ."

Thanks a lot for all of the great suggestions, and even the not so great ones. To calm your nerves, allow me to say that we are packing lots of exofficio stuff, Rick Steves picnic sets, quick dry undies and socks, and layerable clothing.
We have a 4-band phone, international sim card with 800 number, Nokia 800, Navigon 7200 with Europe SD Card, the appropriate wiring to keep them running, lots of prescriptions plus our old folks medicines (don't need viagra, yet). I will pack my favorite cork screw with foil cutter in my checked luggage.
I am putting together logs of both our times in the UK and in France, to include phone numbers, addresses, receipts, statements, maps, etc. I reduce and double side and then get the pages made into a booklet. It works wonders for my GPS and Nokia pad.

Be assured that I will check every response and will post the results of the journey upon our return.
Larry

A good folding umbrella and 2 pairs of waterproofed walking shoes each. A small medical kit (basic OTC meds, band aids, tweezer, nail scissors) a small flashlight, a knife (for fruit etc) if you're checking bags. Agree on layers and clothes around a basic theme - either black or navy or tan. A menu reader (we have a small Berlitz one that is great).

Since you mention checking a bag, then here is my best tip.

Pack your carry-on bag for "survival"... anything that would be difficult to replace (prescription meds, prescription glasses, sunglasses or contacts, money, credit card, debit card) and a day's worth of clean clothes. Just in case it takes a day for your suitcase to catch up with you (knock wood that doesn't happen!)

Oh yes - whenever I check a bag, I pack my carry on just the way suze mentioned. That way, if it takes a couple days for my checked luggage to catch up with me, it isn't a huge deal.

<< Should we take shorts instead of pants, etc. >>

Since you're from Florida I would pack plenty of warm clothing and no shorts. A fleece vest would be good and a scarf and gloves if you have them. If you go north you'll be glad to have the extra warmth. Oh yes - at least one turtleneck.

An extra copy of your insurance card(s) and telephone numbers to call in case you need them (NOT toll free 800 numbers that will not work from overseas.) Prior to departure, call your insurance carrier ask specifically about what you should do if you need health care. Do this even if you have travel insurance, as travel coverage is usually secondary to your primary coverage.

Not pleasant to think about, I know, but I learned the hard way.

You say you'll be driving station wagons to accommodate the luggage; I suggest you not leave the luggage visible in the station wagon when you leave the car.

Have done this trip with another couple and we limited everyone to no larger than a 22" rolling suitcase and a small tote. Even with that restriction the back of our station wagon was stuffed. If you are checking the suitcases on the plane be sure to pack each bag with both yours and your spouses clothing. That way if one bag is "delayed" one of you is not completely out of clothes.

Being from Florida myself and can't stand to wear anything but sandals...I recommend Keen closed toe sandals (similar but cheaper ones at Lands End) these can be worn with socks.

I'm not sure what you mean by an international sim card, but my friends and I buy a local sim card per couple/car whenever we travel together. This saves a lot of time when we're travelling - that way we don't spend a fortune calling or texting each other. More than once, it's been critical as one car takes a different exit from the others. Or when one car needs a loo break. You can always sms the number to loved ones back home when you first get the card.

Another thing we do is to upload as much information as we can into our smart phones - that way, we have all the contact numbers, confirmation numbers and so on at our fingertips. I have even downloaded ebooks onto my phone - try MobiReader.

Also, do bring along a little reading glasses screwdriver - I remember being stuck in the middle of nowhere trying to repair my glasses with a toothpick and glue.

Finally, I always bring my earphones (they work with my Nokia, where I have all sorts of music) just in case I need some "me" time in a full car. Hope that helps! Have fun on your trip!

As a 70 year old, this is my list for a two week trip.
First it must fit in my gym bag and the total weight will be no more than 13 pounds.

I wear a sweater, the only one, put my camera in my jacket pocket plus odds and ends.

Pair of cotton pants.
soft, roll up slippers.
Gloves and skull cap if winter.
three long sleeve shirts.
two tee shirts..for sleeping.
five pair socks
five briefs. Jockey shorts.
Zip lock sandwich bag for razor, toothbrush, tooth paste, comb shaving cream and underarm deodorant. (travel size)
Zip lock bag for meds

I hate being dressed too warm, so yes I would bring one pair of (knee length) nice shorts, one capris, one long pants... for the "bottoms". And sandals would be one of my pairs of shoes. Same reasons I wouldn't take a turtleneck, rather a long sleeved t-shirt and a scarf. Flexibility.