Belated trip report (11 or so months after the fact)
 

I added this belated report to my original post from 12/06. You can click on my screen name and scroll down to the final post of Christmas in New York- critique of itinerary needed. I realize that this report comes at a late date and to make things difficult, I managed to hide it within my outdated original post. Not that I am anxious to have the report noticed...I would like all of those who helped with the planning to accept my late and sincere thanks.

<Not that I am anxious to have the report noticed.>

In that case, I will try not to notice it.

I cannot help but notice it. Thanks for posting!

Jed, I commend you on your efforts. :)

cmcfong- Thanks for listening! I'll be bothering everyone soon about a March trip to Chicago...

JJthom, I applaud you for posting the report...it is actually a good example for those of us who sometimes let time go by and then feel it is too late.

Thanks aloha, I hope it will help others to post extremely late reports. ;)Posting so late was never my intention.
Btw, I was born in honolulu. With your screen name and all, I was wondering if you still resided on the islands. I was a Navy brat, born and raised for a couple of years in the area. My father chose civilian life after two tours in Vietnam. We ended up in Louisiana. I don't think that we even have a tour guide for the area...maybe New Orleans on its up and up. I went this past summer and it was still left with much to be desired. However, I live on the gulf coast, near the texas border. If this area ever tickles your fancy, let me know and I can be of some help. Otherwise, I will certainly look you up for my trip to Oahu if you're still in the area.
Thanks for your kind post.

jjthom, I only wish I lived in Hawai'i! I am actually in central MO...a LONG way from any beach. But I have been to Hawai'i 10 or 11 times and I love to be there, so that is why I chose my screen name. I did really enjoy your trip report and it will serve as a reminder that "better late than never".