ps : I forgot to say I am a nurse and work in a medical centre, which also doubles as a mini casualty dept.

Sitting, sweating (oh, that's right, women glow) beside the pool here on what's (affectionately??) known as the "Redneck Riviera" in the Florida panhandle, having long-ago given up on weeding -- it's a jungle down here in the summer -- watching the weather channel for the latest on Debbie, which we are all sure is heading right for us, and happily anticipating leaving for cool, placid central Europe in two weeks. Yay!

What fun reading! It seems no matterwhere we all are we all seem to have a garden to enjoy. Is there a strange link to gardening and computing? <BR>I'm in my home study listeneing at top volume to Kenny Loggins greatest hits and working on my itinerary for my upcoming trip to Germany. As you all know, the details are endless. My husband does not want to anything, except when the flight is leaving--he trust me that much!!!!! Looking forward to some more good reads-good night!

---- <BR> <BR>Sandi: <BR> <BR>We might be on the same place! (If so, shhhhhhhhh, don't reveal my "multi-tasking" while listening to on a conference call.) However since several of the biggies have a presence in Dallas, I could be from the competition. "As I See It", we're kindred spirits.

I'm sitting here in the family room, with my dog laying to my left, and the cat laying to my right. Just trying to feed my fodors addiction (after getting my Survivor show fix)- we live about one hour from Vancouver, B.C., it has been a beautifully warm day today ( and yes my garden does need weeding too).Dreaming about when I will see Venice again......hopefully not to long into the future.

I am writing you under the covers as I have hidden my laptop (don't tell or they will make me leave!). The room is very basic and I share it with Jamie, Cassandra, and my bed, more and more, with Josh. Our garden doesn't need weeding, as that's about all we do except sit around and talk about sex. Oh I look forward at least twice a day to reading about your travels to Europe--my world looks like an Ikea showroom with windows and cameras everywhere. And the people here are so boring! We could use some villains like Rich, that big $$$maker and FatNakedF--, as he puts it. I even miss Meta and Jordan, and that pissy-fit phony Karen. I'd even trade George for Rudy, now that he's available. At least he can cook. I can't imagine months more of this! Thank you Fodor's for making me travel vicariously. When I get out of here I'm heading straight for Rome (with a money pouch of course) and losing my virginity by the Trevi Fountain. Keep up the great work, and know that I am with you in spirit--but please don't tell the media!

Fun question--I work from home and my office is also my dressing room--we call it Olive's World. I have no window but a lovely little fountain, tv, computer, and three cats who are the best companions. I live in a hell-hole called Indiana but not for long.

I'm afraid I can't regale anyone with descriptions of my classy digs. I'm sitting in the computer nook of our family room in a small city halfway between Seattle and Portland. On the wall in front of me is a water damaged Matisse print and three guitars hanging securely on hooks. If one of the electric ones is down, you can bet there is quite a bit of noise in the house! Right now it's quiet and my English beagle is resting in the corner. I've learned a lot on this site and want to thank everyone for sharing.

Where I'm supposed to be: finishing dinner in Milan and going back to our room in the lovely Antica Locanda dei Mercanti, packing for our train trip tomorrow to Sorrento. <BR> <BR>Where I am: sitting at my computer in my study/sunroom in North Carolina, with cat sprawled across papers on my desk. It's sultry but not nearly as hot as NC can get in late August; thunderstorms due later tonight. Am I'm still cruising Fodors.com as if I were a legit traveller this year. <BR> <BR>MYH had to have surgery pronto to catch some cancer, so our trip-of-a-lifetime to Italy had to be canceled. We are very grateful they caught it all and I am very sorry he's had to go through all he's gone through, very bravely 98% of the time -- and we're obviously very wistful about our lost trip. We may try again in the future, but this was a special deal because his ticket and half of our accommodations were paid for; and for once we both were able to carve out the 2 weeks to do it right. <BR> <BR>Wasn't meant to be. Sigh.......

Make that MDH (not MYH -- don't know what that would be -- My Yardbird Husband?).

Sitting in my office (yea but i don't work anymore) :D) in the Mtn's of <BR>western north carolina. thinking about <BR>a months trip to europe in october.

Cassandra- Just so we make another forum connection, my husband also had successful cancer surgery this year and we had to cancel a trip to Barcelona and Bilbao. But boy was it was worth it. My strong, strong advice: get a colonoscopy if you're around 50 as a preventative screening, so you can keep traveling the byways of Europe for years and years--it saved my husband's life!!

Lola, you are so right! My husband (age 51) had a colonoscopy two months ago and they found (and took out) lots of polyps. He was so shocked. Now he is eating like a saint and has lost 25 pounds, which in turn has led me to lose 8. So, when we return to Europe next May, we can really tromp those cobblestones with nimble aplomb!

Well, this posting took an unexpected turn, but Lola, since you began the posting, I think you're entitled... and I want you to know that nothing on this forum is as important as the advice you just gave. I was found to have colon cancer after a "routine" screening colonoscopy. I was in England to spend a month only five weeks after the subsequent surgery and it was the best medicine I could have had. However, I am grateful every day to have missed the earlier trip I'd planned to go in and have that test done, even in the absence of symptoms or family history. Fifty? Just do it.

I am here in lovely Austin Texas where it's been so hot and dry even our perennial gardens have long withered, but at least the crepe myrtles withstand and flourish. I work at home (as many readers do I gather) and I'm escaping for a while to learn more about Paris where I hope to go early next spring.

Love the responses! <BR> <BR>I'm at work, staring at a desk full of work and realizing that I need my daily "fix" of Fodors! I'm in the Loop - the Chicago Loop that is. My window looks out over a parking garage and the "El" tracks at the intersection of the Green and Brown lines, Lake Street and Wells. If I push my nose up against the glass (or just walk down to the end of the floor) I can gaze at the Merchandise Mart and the always green Chicago River. I work for a mutual fund tracking company and I love my job! It allows me time to visit with my Fodors friends any time I can squeeze it in between meetings! I too have a overgrown perennial garden at home that is in desperate need of weeding, but I just can't seem to find the time. Hard to do when you get home from work at 8:00 most nights. Anybody else from Chicago reading? Lets hear from it!

Sitting at the computer of course in my home in Durham, North Carolina, surrounded by photo negatives that I have been scanning onto the travel photography Web site that I am creating. On one wall, over top of shelves of collectibles from Europe is a framed poster of Napoleon picked up at the giftshop near his tomb. Other book cases are loaded with histories, classic novels, travel guides, photo books,a small collection of military medals, and a few GI Joes (I hate militarism, but I have always been interested in military history). On another wall are small pictures of Robert E. Lee and Ulysses Grant. My daughter's swing is in the middle of the floor. Nearby is a framed poster of an impressionist version of Notre-Dame and the Quais along the Left Bank. On my desk sits a small light table for viewing slides. I am going to spend a few minutes on the Web site before going to bed.

This is so incredible--I feel as though I've made 100 new friends over the past few days reading this thread! <BR>I live in N.J. (ugh), but fortunately have a lovely home and 15 acres of unspoiled beauty only 1 1/2 hours away in upstate NY. Right now, I'm in my study patiently waiting and counting the minutes until my husband returns from Colorado(business trip). Hopefully, the weather will remain as it is now(70 degrees and sunny)for the weekend, so that we may get away to our bliss in the mountains.Great weekend to all!

What a great thread, Lola. I'm at home, Oak Creek, Wisconsin, in a room with no name, which is in dire need of organizing. It contains the computer desk, overstuffed book cases the contents of which are now piling on the floor, floor to ceiling family pictures and kid’s art projects (they are all on their own now, love the empty nest syndrome), a large wall hanging from our wedding lots of years ago, travel memorabilia (my husband traveled the world on active duty Air Force, which, he claims, is his reason for not enjoying travel now) and the "never used dreaded" tread mill. My home is in dire need of cleaning but alas I have better things to do. Ah, the wisdom of the years. One of my cats is plopped in my lap while the other cat is walking around on the keyboard, in front of the monitor, etc. and the latest edition is talking up a storm so the food dishes must need refilling. I'm listening to a CD by Lunasa probably because I just returned from Ireland and miss being there. Also, am feeling blue because one of my dear friends was just admitted into hospice home care. Have the Ireland map with our route highlighted, photos, etc. ready to go into the albums. I can't see my back yard garden (which was beat up badly from a few storms this year) from here which is why I should probably move the computer into the sunroom. Which reminds me I better get out to the back 40 and take a look at the vegetable garden. I still haven't figured out how to grow just enough for two people! My husband takes bags full of produce to work. I'm still in my pj's so I should get off the computer and get moving. I must do something constructive today like reading the brochure I picked up on pilgrimages to Israel. I am extremely fortunate I was given the opportunity to retire earlier than I expected and am enjoying every second of my new found freedom!

Debbie, why do you say ugh! for New Jersey? NJ is a beautiful state with much to offer.

Just a quick reply because I should be going home... Its 6.30pm Friday and its a bank holiday here. I work in Milton Keynes UK for BP Oil - on the whole a great team of people to work with - but everyone needs a break and I'm dreaming of Italy: Roma, Siena, Florence, Perugia and Urbino. <BR>Although I've often read stuff on the web, this is the first time I've ever launched my voice so well done Lola for enticing me. <BR>P.S. Does anyone know the distance from Perugia to Urbino please? Fodor's guide seems to have got the distance wrong. <BR>All the best from a fellow traveller who always reads Fodor's guides. <BR>P.P.S. For once it is a summer day in MK.

I'm in the desert in Washington state (yes, all of Washington isn't green!) However, here in the Columbia Basin it is "artificially" green since we live near the Columbia and Snake rivers. I'm working in my home office - I'm an instructor getting ready to return to college classes soon. I've been visiting Fodors.com as we get ready for our 40th Anniversary present to ourselves - a trip to Australia.

Im in a beach town in Long Island, New York. I dragged my computer to the livingroom where I have a partial view of the beach and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean (nice waves today). I have a giant Grat Dane sleeping on my feet, and I am trying to figure out which of the Greek Islands I want to visit next summer by sailboat. There are so many choices!

I thought I would wait to weigh in on this one until I was someplace interesting. I am in the computer resources room of the library at the University of Southern California, where we have just spent the last two days helping our middle daughter get moved as a freshman (school of Cinema/Television - - proud papa crowing). <BR> <BR>So I am not just a travel junkie, I am a procreator of kids who aren't afraid to get on a plane either! <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex

I am in a water pocket on board the Russian submarine KURSK at the bottom of the Barents Sea.

I haven't seen anyone from St. Louis so I thought I'd better represent my nice little city. I'm sitting at my desk in a 130-year-old building in downtown St.Lou, I can see Union Station from my window. I always read this forum at work (my company designs websites, so the internet access here is way faster than home). My boss is my brother, so he looks the other way when I surf. <BR> <BR>My briefcase is full of guide books and print-outs from the web to help me plan my first trip overseas (England in November). I don't think I could have done it without this forum. More important than the information is the support I have received here. I am far more confident now that I can do this. I've even started planning my next trip ("by all means...Rome"). Gotta go, finish my work and get home before the Cards game starts! Thanks all!

I am sitting in a recliner with my trusty mac in my lap. I am in the beautiful north Georgia mountains, 100 miles north of Atlanta.

What a great thread and thank you...the world as they say is now a village and your all my neighbors... Sitting here on a warm evening for a change 45 minutes outside of Boston..in my computer/bird room.. Parrot Pop is regaling me with with items he just found on his computer... I'm looking at my collection of Minnie Mouse..the woman behind the man.. and behind me is S'allie, my juvenile deliquent Hahn's Mini-Macaw, who needs time to be out of his cage..but I have to be careful he doen't jump on his nemisis, Parrot Pop...the music is playing...and after reading all the answers thinking how small the world is getting....Planning on a trip to Bermuda on the 10th..and waiting for the papers which didn't arrive today..

I am in my study at my home in San Jose, California enjoying the great California weather and planning another trip to Europe......this time a boat ride on the Danube River.....

In Kona, HI with the fans going and enjoying the Friday night. Sitting at my desk with a pile of papers that need to be graded for my lovely 7-8 graders!(No view since it is dark, but get to see many beautiful sunsets over the ocean usually) <BR> <BR>I planned my honeymoon this summer to the Canadian Rockies with lots of help from the forum so now I like to help answer questions for people who are looking for information about Kona. <BR> <BR>BTW-NOT FUNNY vladimir

Its 10.37am U.K. time. We live about 50 miles north of London, in the county of Buckinghamshire. I'm sitting upstairs in our playroom (no kids, just my husband and I). Outside its raining, typical as its a Bank Holiday weekend. I'm thinking I really should have my breakfast soon so we can get on with some decorating, which we put off weekend after weekend.

I'm sitting in my front parlour/office in my 130 year old money-pit just outside a small village 35 miles south of Ottawa Ontario, planning our winter vacation to Cuba. <BR> <BR>I'm watching the sunrise on my freshly mown 5 acre lawn (which needs mowing again - we've had rain, rain and more rain this summer) and my perennial gardens and late roses (weeding needed here too). My dog is lying beside me asleep with her head in her food dish (Hey, when you're the equivalent of 98 human years old, you don't want to go too far for a snack!). <BR> <BR> <BR>My horse is calling to me from the paddock because she wants to be turned out to pasture. She's also lonely because her equine companion of 14 years died this week at the ripe old age of 41. We may have to get her a donkey. <BR> <BR>The room is cluttered (so's the rest of the house) but the clutter helps divert attention from all the yet to be done repairs and renovations (and we thaught we were going to have this place ship-shape in 6 months when we purchased it 14 years ago!). <BR> <BR>I'm afraid that my daughter will probably have to finish the renovations on the house when she eventually inherits. We've been bitten by the travel bug and that's where the money goes. <BR> <BR>Wonderful thread. <BR> <BR>Linda

I have to respond, to let Linda know she's not the only one with a permanently unfinished house. I'm in the family room of our big old farmhouse in Pennsylvania, which we made even bigger 10 years ago by adding this wing. Now I can't imagine why! I look out onto a "lawn" which actually consists of dandelion and chicory, because I begrudge every dollar that has to go to the house instead of travelling. I pretty much vote against any expenditures that don't directly involve plumbing, heating, or electrical service. My view also includes part of our woods, which are always beautiful without any help from us. This room, like all the 10 or so others, is full of clutter, reading material of all kinds, and old family heirloom furniture mixed with public sale cheapos. Sadly missing from the picture is our ancient chocolate lab, who died last month and is buried up by the chestnut trees behind the house. Who knows where the cat is. My older son is back to college, the younger (high school) one and my husband are still upstairs in bed, and I'm drinking my morning coffee at the computer, as always, planning our trip to Italy next June.

Boy, do I feel left out!!! Don't work at home (wish I did)...and don't have "outside" e-mail at work...so-o-o-o, check this board out every night from my computer in the basement....no window....can't see the garden (but know it needs to be weeded and don't care)!! But, I too am addicted to this forum....I will be taking my first trip to Europe next May on a Danube River cruise and then to Prague for (2) nights and have immensely enjoyed reading all of the incredible help and information on Europe. I love to travel and really should be working at a travel agency, instead of being the Engineering Secretary that I am, in a small suburb of Chicago.

Hi.......pouring rain here in North Bay, Ontario, Canada......situated on <BR>a huge fresh water lake called Nipissing. About 225 miles (370 Km) north of Toronto. I`m sitting in front of my converted English Oak Wardrobe which contains my computer....in fact, if I look on the back wall I can see the sticker from where the wardrobe came from......it`s Brantiques, Peps <BR>Packing Station, Blackpool Old Road, Poulton, Tel #(0253) 894358. I`m <BR>surprised it still sticks after all those years. <BR> <BR>Anyway, I have a huge garden which is visible out both windows and my pond is now flooding into the onions and tomatoes from all the rain. I am off to Russia next Thursday (NO TOUR) and <BR>have made 90% of my arrangements all on the net. Have rented an apartment in St.Petersburg for two weeks and intend to walk the city......after sitting on the Trans Siberian Express for 5 days, I will surely need to walk. <BR> <BR>I`ll tell you, no one is as ugly as their Russian Visa pictures......I swear the photographers do this on purpose. Anyway, will post my journey <BR>in the Russian section upon my return. <BR>Love this Fodors!!!!

Hi Lola, <BR>Ok I read quite a few responces and no one yet is looking at what I am! I am looking at the Atlantic Ocean. My husband and I own a small motel here in southeast NC. We are planning a trip to London, Paris and Germany in November. I went to Germany 2 years ago and enjoyed it very much, so this time he's coming along! I was born in Nueremburg but that's only because I am a army brat. Thank you all for the very useful information that you have given me. Bette <BR>P.S. I also work at (home) and I don't even have a garden, its too darn hot!

Well <BR> <BR>Right now I'm sitting at the pc watching the willow tree swaying in the cool but nevertheless pleasant breeze here in Victoria, Vancouver Island. <BR> <BR>Of course this isn't my house,I'm staying at aunt Betty's as I was forced to use up all the generous leave entitelment offered by Falkirk Council before the end of September. <BR> <BR>This is certainly not like home (Edinburgh) however I'm very, very glad of that. Mother confirmed via cellphone (Neal, it works over here!)that it's raining steadily back home. <BR> <BR>Tony

hi all. ..just got in from golf and am waiting for my wife to get off the phone to our daughter in Sask, so that we can walk to the beach and enjoy an afternoon cocktail.we live on the east coast of Vancouver Island ,at least we do for now. we just returned from a 3 week trip to France , Germany and Finland , and have decided that we want to sell everything here , and spend a year ot two in europe.If anyone wants to offer advice on extended stays ,I 'd appreciate it, cheers, Al

I am writing from home from what used to be the living room of an in-law apartment. It is now my computer room and study. I am semi-retired, still teaching 2 classes per week. I found the replies fascinating. I live on the South Shore of MA. about 20 miles south of Boston. I arranged our trips to Greece, Turkey, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic and Germany on the internet. I an now researching info about a trip to Israel and Jordan next year. I was the recipient of help from natives of all the above countries before we travelled. We did use travel agents that I met through the web.

I am in my husband's home office here in LA which can only be described as classic Oscar Madison. He's outside tending to the garden which ranges from cacti to orchids. In about an hour we'll have some wine and cheese and look out over the yard and the mountains and , oh, yes, the gaffiti on the beautiful 1920's bridge. Such is life in the big city. <BR>Normally I post at work; a big, clean, beautifully appointed library. <BR>Love this topic..lots of fun to read... <BR>Thinking about Egypt in April... <BR>Michele