escargot - here's wishing a happy and healthy baby for your niece. And let me just add that I love your contributions regarding Boston - always very thorough.

samshak - please thank your nephew and his fellow soldiers for their service. So glad they were not seriously hurt. Lets hope they can all come home safely.

Thanks! Actually, neither of us was hurt and I guess....I'm lucky that I'm not in the hospital like my coworker! (Separate accident)

JJ5-I think of you every time I drive by Harrisons-you and your family are in my prayers.

JJ: I've been where you are; please don't think you are alone. Use all the support that hospice can provide (social worker, chaplain, etc).

Raves: Bosses were out of town this week and all us "worker bees" were relaxed.

Saw Celtic Woman this week : Fabulous

Biggest Rave: Our darling DIL got her widow's visa approved by immigration so she can stay another year and apply for permanent residency. She is the light of our lives.

Hope all have a great weekend!

P_M & divingaggie, thank you!! :-)

divinga, I'm happy you are finding peace. That old saying about time healing wounds is really true.

ethel, 20 lbs is impressive--congratulations!

Rave- I just got back from 2 weeks in Portland, OR; Boston; and NYC.

Rant- I left my laptop in at a friends house in Portland during the Boston NYC leg, since I didn't want to chance losing it, so no internet for over a week! Then to top it off, it disappeared from the TSA belt at PDX when I was being secondary searched. I din't realized it was missing till I got home.

Rave- someone apparently walked off with it, then returned it later, and TSA has it now.

Rant- my cousing flies PDX-HNL all the time, so I thought she could get it for me. Haha, she's switched to LAX routes. Now i'm paying FEDex rates to ship it home. Better than replacement costs though. Thank goodness for honest stranger.

Rave- had a great time on my trip. Report to follow shortly.

Rant- Its STILL raining in Honolulu!! I had to turn the house lights on at noon just to read the newspaper! Great thunder going on though. Husband is cranky due to sewage spill polluting his surfing spots, and they expect the water to be dangerous for weeks.

JJ5- my prayers and thoughts are with you. Any one of your rants would be awful, but you're getting more than your share. A thought- long term chemo does have it's risks, but organ damage is not certain, and if monitored chemo can be stoped anytime damage begins. I'm on #54 this week (2.5 years) and doing great!

MelissaHi- Glad you are okay!!

Scarlett- I am so glad you're son was home. I've got to plan better/farther in advance so that next Portland trip we can GTG. I ate at Elliott Street Bistro on your reco...wonderful!

As this thread got long by the time I got to it, I printed it out to reply to everybody.

RAVE: this thread is 12 pages long already!!

so... I'll just print my news and then read and try to reply...

I finally made it to the cartoon museum... planned to go before vacation. There is an exhibit of Israeli cartoonists through April 9. I enjoyed most of them, the best one is this: a group of Palestinian holding signs demanding the right of return to Jerusalem. On the other side, a group of Jewish settlers with sign for return to Gaza. In the middle Sharon: if only I could talk them into trading the signs!

Had a light lunch close to the museum at A.G. Ferrari foods. One supposed to take a number, place an order, then go get a drink, then go to the cash register to pay, then back to the starting point for a pick-up, but if you’re lucky and they still remember you, they’ll bring the food to your table. The cutlery is the cheapest - bending forks! And the insalata mozzarella was not up to the $8 I paid. Won’t go there again unless I’ll need to buy Italian food in the store section.

Got a letter for jury duty, passed the 1st phase, so on Monday will go for... questioning? Never been on a jury, and I’d hate to make a decision to put somebody in jail, but what can you do? Gotta play the democracy game, citizenship requirement.

On Wednesday night our BART system went down. That same night my older son was flying out to Indonesia. I suspect the children took BART not to pay for the long-term parking. One more thing to worry about - have they made it on time? Have they made it on time to the connecting flight?

Rant: it's raining... raining... raining... Mellissa, can I join you in the Ark?

Additional Rave: My brother-in-law brought us Cheerios, Cheez-Its and red Twizzlers. All cravings we can't satisfy here. I am a happy camper! :-D

Rave: Mr. Pickle and I had a too short, but still wonderful weekend in Scottsdale last week. We had a great dinner at Thaifoon and I got to drive around and visit bookstores while he worked at a handbell festival.

Rave: 10 yo son's Little League season begins tomorrow. He's having a lot of fun, and is playing pretty well for his first year.

Rave: We're making plans for our May trip to California; we'll visit my dad and his lady friend, and will squeeze in a quick trip to San Francisco and Monterey because...

Rave: We're going to England next year for our 25th anniversary! We've been kicking the idea around, and Mr. Pickle thinks our original plan (San Francisco via southern Utah and Sonoma) isn't momentous enough for such a significant occasion. :-D

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Lee Ann

Well LeeAnn I am thrilled that you two are going to London for your 25th wedding anniversary. What a beautiful celebration that will be. But I am sorry you will not be coming through here so we could have had that lunch together. But hopefully that will work out another time!! I would chose London also!!

Hey, LeeAnn, squeeze in a drink with us, SF Fodorites! ;)

Rave--Had a great trip to Port Townsend then Victoria! We had beautiful weather and did so much. Really a great spring break with the kids.

Rave--DS competed at the State level today for the National Geographic Bee. He did not win, but he had fun and was one of the youngest kids there. We are very proud parents, lol!

Rant--Why did we say we would host a company party at our home tomorrow night? I am so behind with vacation and then traveling today for the Geo Bee. Guess the party will happen whether I am ready or not, lol!

Rave: Good news on your clean bill of health LoveItaly

Rant: My birthday is today and had to spend it talking to a lawyer. DH gave me money for my birthday which I didn't want, and daughters didn't buy me anything.

Rave: Older daughter felt bad not buying me a present and came home with flowers for me.

Rant: Feeling sorry for myself.

Oldmyst, make them take you out tomorrow and make it up to you.
I insist on good birthday celebrations for all of us, no one gets to pretend they are not a year older :D heh heh heh~

<i><b><font color="red"> Happy Birthday Dear Oldmyst!!!</font></b></i>

new to rants and raves...and sure enjoy reading all the posts. Here's mine...BTW, it's still Fri here in CA

Rant: so tired of the rain!! Yes, we need it but I need sunshine!
Rave: booked a rafting trip in Colorado for June
Rave: taking first trip to Paris in July w/ 15 yr. old daughter
Rave: it's Friday!!!

Oldmyst-Sorry to hear it! And I'm sort of right there with ya. Mine was yesterday, but we decided to celebrate this weekend so, true to the plan, yesterday was a complete non event and frankly, it sucked! All year long I think I could care less...then the alarm goes off on b-day and damnit, I want a b-day!!
Hope someone makes it up to you;)

Thanks Scarlett and Ani, I will have them make it up to me! Happy birthday to you too Ani!! I know I am not the easiest person to buy for, but money just doesn't do it for me. I still have the money given to me from the holidays still in the card! It seems like I count on two days to be fully appreciated, Mother's Day and my birthday, and I guess my expectations are too high. We should be appreciated every day for all that we do for our families.

Another Rant: Found the duvet cover I wanted that was way too expensive for me on Ebay for half the price, but missed the auction one day too late! But since it didn't sell, contacted the seller and said I wanted to buy it. She emailed me to say someone also wanted it and if they don't pay by the next day, I will get it. Well, on my birthday I got an email, the duvet was paid for by the other person. Crap!

Thank you all my favorite Fodorites for your love and support. Have a great weekend!!

My birthday was the 23rd :)

We will send each other birthday wishes from now on ((^))

Oldmyst and Ani, Happy Birthday ((^))with wishes that you both have a very special year. I am so sorry that you have both have had dissapointing birthdays. I have had that happen and I know how sad and resentful one can feel. I hope you both will go out and do something nice for yourselves, something that will give you joy and bring you happiness. For once just be selfish and think only of yourselves for 24 hours. Women so seldom do that.

And thank you for your kind thoughts oldmyst, they are truly appreciated.

Birthday hugs to both of you.

I wonder if other Aries have found the entire month of March rather frustrating. It has to get better... doesn't it? :-|

I want to live in BTilke's or Divingaggie's neighbourhood. :-)

Jorr - the toe jam thing. :-))

Hugs to my fodor friends, who I truly love. I am having a trying time now and now need lots of prayers and good wishes. My oldest DD is having problems which I think started when I tried to get her to realize she was gaining weight when in High School. (which is an issue I went through myself and tried to help her) I am sure I lowered her self esteem which has lead to some major problems with college and work. She is self destructing and we are trying to pick up the pieces. Right now I just need love and support from my new friends and any good advice. I guess I screwed up, but was well meaing at the time. Help, I am drowning! love to all of you.

JJ5, sending prayers and good thoughts your way. I prayed for you at Knock Shrine.

So happy to see mostly raves this week!

Rave: A wonderful, magical week out of time!

Rant/Rave: And now it's back to reality!
But with a better perspective on things!

I'll start my trip report on the Europe Board as soon as I can get myself and my notes together!

Oldmyst, prayers and lots of good thoughts your way too. I don't know exactly what your situation is, but am sure that blaming yourself isn't the answer. Have you tried family counseling? That might be a big help for both you and your daughter in terms of self esteem. Sending you a big hug!

Thanks Chaph, We are trying family therapy. We all need some therapy and hopefully are getting the help we need.

Rave: We are all going out to dinner to celebrate my birthday, which makes me happy. By the way, I gave my daughter yesterday my birthday money since she needed to buy a monthly railroad ticket to her unpaid intern job. Last night I told my husband for my money back!!!

Another Rave: My best friend from sixth grade and I are going out for brunch in NYC to celebrate our mutual birthdays. I can't wait!

Thanks again for all your wonderful support. I really feel the love.

Good thoughts for you and your daugther Oldmyst!

Faina, we'll have to see what we can work out. Our time there is so brief, I don't know if Mr. Pickle will want to work in a GTG or not - but who knows? :-)

Lee Ann

I didn't feel much like ranting or raving yesterday, so I blasted Andrea Bocelli and pranced around the house, dusting and cleaning, and weeping, just slightly -- always a therapeutic combination for me. Feel much better today.

Rave: Thank you P_M, my son feels so much better -- still a little week, but better. Now his best friend has it. Knock wood, I'm okay.

Rave: Tomorrow evening is my youngest son's concert at college. This year his brother is able to attend. :)

Rave: Had a wonderful day shopping in Manhattan -- bought a fabulous handbag at Macys. Both my husband and I picked up our new perscription glasses. His look really sharp. Mine too.

Rant: My opthamologist not only looks like Mr. Magoo, but he is starting to act like him too. The ding-dong switched my astigmatism on my perscription. So my reading glasses are not quite right. :(

Rant: <i>Too</i> many weeping children this week.

Rave: Nice compliment from my administrator this week. Only wish this weren't a temporary position.

Rave: DST!!!! I cannot wait!!!! I sleep in the ultimate tanning bed -- way too much sun in the bedroom. My window treatments have been delayed again (rant), and I'm worried my crimson chairs will fade if they are not installed soon.

Rave: My husband. He makes me laugh when I least expect it. ((l))

Rave: Escargot, I'm glad to hear your daughter is on the mend. It's always nice to see them start acting themselves -- then you know it's going to be okay.

Happy Birthday wishes to Ani and Oldmyst. ((f)) ((f))

JJ5, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Melissa, glad you are okay!

LoveItaly, Cheers to good health!! :D

Welcome Back to Faina, MMS, and CAPH!!!! :D

Can't wait to read your trip report, Caph! :)

divingaggie, good luck on your new job!

Wishing everyone a peaceful week! :)

just got back from dinner with my family from a nice new restauant. Had two cosmopolitans with champagne added to it!!!! Came home to Pepperidge Farm coconut cake, my childhood favorite with strawberries all around it! I guess I will keep my family afterall!
By the way, I asked for my birthday money back!! Maybe I will use it to buy a ticket to a foreign city???

bennnie thank you - and Caph we are on needles and pins for the trip report - and Seetheworld I hope Mr Magoo gets it right and lets you see...the...world...clearly.....too funny, been a long time since I thought of Mr Magoo !! wonder if he's still on ....

oldmyst--happy b-day to you! Best wishes and prayers to you and your daughter. My sister and mom's relationship was similar to how you explain yours. But they both were able to get past it with much love and patience, and I hope the same happens with you.

Caph--Welcome back! Can't wait to read your trip report!

seetheworld--what a hilarious image! I cleaned and shopped today too. Always a good combination on a Saturday. I can't wait to shop Canal Street again in July! Dallas has good shopping, but nothing beats Jersey and Manhattan. :-)

I've just realized that I forgot to add a big rave. My husband and I have tickets to see Ray Davies (of the Kinks) at a fairly small venue tomorrow night. Should be fun! We've seen the Kinks at many places, large and small, over the past 30 years. It'll be very interesting to see how this compares.

Rave: Experienced yet another wonderful concert. A variety of folk music from around the world and an excellent ensemble of songs from &quot;Miss Saigon&quot; -- really very nice. :)

Rant/Rave, don't know yet. Lucent's news.

Rave: The stunt pilot is out again. I did some research online and found out his name and learned that when not flying loops above the fields near our house, he flies 747s out of Birmingham for British Airways.

Rant: His friend and fellow stunt pilot, Mark Walden, died while flying similar stunts above the same fields on July 11, 2005. Captain Walden had also flown for BA as one of the elite Concorde pilots.

BTilke, I have enjoyed reading about your stunt pilot! We get excited when we see crop dusters on the way to the coast so I think the stunt pilot would really be a thrill. Where in England do you live?

In the outskirts of Maidenhead, a commuter town roughly halfway between London and Oxford (by train). The current stunt pilot flies a Sukhoi 29 (http://www.snaproll-sukhoi.com/su29.htm) and does some amazing things with it--double loops, flying upside down, quarter turns, VERY steep dives, etc. Flying a Boeing 747 must feel like driving a truck to him.
Capt. Walden, who crashed last summer, flew a Sukhoi 31 http://rafaero.free.fr/su31-eng.html
Interesting that they chose a Russian plane for their acrobatics. The Sukhoi has a distinctive sound, so it's easy to tell when it's out there.

Oh, you're in England. Now I <i>really</i> want to be in your neighbourhood!

BTilke, A few years ago we were hiking in the mountains of Scotland (yes everyone, there are mountains in Scotland and some have snow on them in July!). On two occasions the Royal Air Force came jetting low through the vallies and swooping up the mountain sides. It was increadible. They came so fast and so close it scared the hell out of us! We found out later that they do these exersizes as part of their training.

Aside from the stunt pilot's aerobatics and the UK's close proximity to *real&quot; Europe ;-), our neighborhood isn't the type to warrant much envy (actually, there are several homes for sale nearby). It's a basic commuter town, with typically overpriced SE England housing not built to particularly high standards. And it's also on the main commuter line to Slough, which aside from its association to The Office, is home to a good number of juvenile delinquents who come up here to commit mayhem. Our corner grocery store was robbed at gunpoint two weeks ago; the woman working the late shift at the local Blockbusters (an off duty policewoman) was held up at knifepoint in the store last week. England, at least our neck of it, has little in common anymore (if it ever did) with the stuff one sees on Masterpiece Theatre. There are days when we would love to be back in Philadelphia or Portland. OTOH, it's only couple of hours driving (plus a short car-train journey) to get to France or Belgium.

Marlow, a town just a few miles away, is MUCH nicer--pretty, green, prosperous, with excellent restaurants, shops and cafes.
http://www.marlowtown.co.uk/ THAT's the neighborhood you want to live in!

BTilke, thanks for posting the links! Let's hope that 747 pilot gets &quot;it&quot; out of his system before crossing the pond or wherever he is headed when he goes to work ;-) My husband spent two summers at Lakenheath--I joined him for part of those summers and fell in love with the country side. And we did make it to France and Belgium...and the Netherlands...and... via the ferry between Dover and Calais. What I would give to be back there...watching a stunt pilot do his thing. Very cool. :-)

I have a big Rave!

I was in Mexico City last week (flew down on corporate jet, woo-woo!) and we stayed at the Four Seasons.

We were done early on Friday so I went sightseeing. I went back to my room, changed into sightseeing clothes (no heels!) and when I got onto the packed elevator I stood right next to a guy in a bathrobe, headed for the health club and spa. Y'know how you glance at everyone then assume &quot;elevator pose&quot;. Well, this time I glanced, then did a double take.

One of the Gallagher brothers! I didn't say anything until he got off then just remarked to the elevator that it sure looked like the guy from Oasis. Another person affirmed that it was.

well well! I asked the concierge to secure tickets for me, got a driver, and had a great time at the concert that night.

The music gods always smile on me when I travel...

ps. Corporate jet is the only way to go. Here is how you go through customs:

You order a mimosa or bloody mary from the flight attendant. She collects everyone's passport. You relax, drink your drink and continue talking and laughing with your colleagues. About 15 minutes later, she comes back with your passports, all stamped and ready to go. You exit, your luggage is collected for you and taken to the terminal while you amble around and take photos of the pretty mountain scenery.

ahhhhhhhhhh........