any suggestions as to what to do to celebrate a 50th anniversary. Do not want to fly anywhere or take a cruise. Have seen most of the u.s. would like to celebrate with the family ages 70-11. also do not want to walk alot or be in the sun alot. can anyone help us?

Well this is a creative group here, and I'm sure we will be up to this challenge.

But, give us a clue - geographically speaking - where are you?

And what month of the year are we talking?

We had a lovely backyard cookout to celebrate my in-laws 50th in Aug 2 years ago. People brought pictures to look thru and we saw some relatives we hadn't seen in years which is why I recommend a quiet, casual location where people can talk and visit. The children had plenty of room to play and there was plenty of shade for the old folks. I think spending time with everyone is what people really want to do.

On my father-in-law's 80th birthday, the whole family went to Las Vegas. It really worked out very well -- there were activities for everyone, from age 1 to age 80. We also got a big suite where people could congregate during the day and after dinner. So we combined fun with family fellowship!

We are wanting to go in June. We are from Illinois. Thanks! Any suggestions are appreciated.

Kim: Check out the Eagle Ridge Resort outside Galena, IL. You could rent a townhouse for the folks and family. Lots of activities for all ages. Relaxing atmosphere. Beautiful grounds. Nice restaurant. Lake. Golf. Pool. Etc. Short drive into town of Galena itself - lots of boutiques, restaurants. Close to Mississippi River. Good luck!

Kim,
You could also go to the Pheasant Run resort in St. Charles. It's been several years since I was last there but it was a wonderful place.

You could also do a whirlwind weekend in Chicago. Splurge on someplace wonderful like The Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton or Intercontinental. Have a great family dinner at someplace like Gibson's steakhouse or Charlie Trotter's. If you stay downtown or on North Michigan Ave. you have so much at your disposal.

OR another alternative: A few years ago my Dad did something called "Looping the Lake." It's a self-guided driving tour around Lake Michigan that takes you (obviously) through Illinois and Michigan. He loved it! Got postcards from him everywhere he stopped. If you're interested I can get you more information.

Another great, short out-of-town trip is Lake Geneva. I'm from Chicago and we used to drive up there when I was a kid for the weekends sometimes.

Last thing: Not sure where in Illinois you live but lots of people take trips to Springfield. Not my cup of tea but there's definitely stuff to do there like touring the capital building, doing the Lincoln thing, etc.

Hope I've helped.

Don't want to fly; don't want a cruise; don't want to WALK; don't want the sun, I suggest you just stay in bed and have sex.

Bebe,

Your response is sarcastic and unhelpful. I wanted to point that out to you in case you overlooked that possible outcome in your frantic attempt to be witty. Lots of luck next time!

We celebrated our 50th by taking Amtrak around the country for 31 days. We were able to visit relatives and friends and to go back to areas where we lived.

We went from Dallas to Portland to Chicago and Detroit, to New Jersey, to North Carolina and Florida, and return.

The whole story is at www.geocities.com/thetropics/lagoon/8578

Just do something different!