G'day all,

It is late in the afternoon here on a very hot day. DS is over for dinner his wife is in Canberra training with the Australian Netball Team. Three girls have been nominated for the Australian Captaincy, our d-i-l is one of the three
DH and ds have gone down to the beach to paddle the surf ski and a swim, too hot for me.

Ann BIL is getting better, yes it was a ruptured aneurism. I liked the story of how your Pastor dealt with the mobile(cell) phone
Where did you live in New York State? I guess it does not mean you actually lived in New York.

Lily thanks, we belong to the RAA which I think is similar to the AAA. We got the maps of Canada and America there and the more detailed maps we have bought over the internet and are now waiting to receive in the mail.
You must email me and let me know which city in California you live in. I can now see on the map that you have many National Parks close by.
We also took a helicopter ride in New Zealand to the top of one of the glaciers, it was amazing! Trudy I know what you are saying about being a little 'chicken' to ride in a helicopter but it was just fantastic and I am very pleased I did it.

Peggy I will go and have another vote after I have posted and see how they are going. I think there is still time.

Trudy pleased you are now getting better, yes well why didn't you go earlier I suspect we are all the same, try and cure it ourselves first and then if that doesn't work, seek some help. I have heard that before to stay out of the sun when taking certain antibiotics, not sure what happens if you don't. What you said about the snow being a great insulator I guess makes sense when I now think of eskimos and their igloos.
Your carnival sounds great. The 'snowcones', do you then eat them after pouring on the maple syrup

We are out all day tomorrow and tomorrow night but Sunday we will stay put, the forecast is 40 degrees

See ya all.........

Cheers
Maria

Maria: Didnt think it ever got that cold over there. Yes we do have alot of National Parks. Some close by. Most take at least two hours to get to. Calif is a big state. Not quite positive on this but to drive the whole state would take 20 hours.
To get to LA from me takes 8 to 10 hours. Mainly cuz the traffic is so bad in LA. Usually takes 2 hours to get to DH Parents house as soon as we hit LA. And it isnt that far. They live by Disney Land.

Night all!

G'day all,

Lily By now you will have received my email with our very rough plan.
Here it is for everyone else Los Angeles,Albuquerque,Oklahoma
City, New Orleans, Orlando, Atlanta, St Louis, Chicago, Minneapolis,
Winnipeg, Vancouver, Salt Lake City, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles
An approximate total of 164 hours driving.
If we average 5 hours driving a day, we should do that in 33 days which then leaves us quite a bit of time to stop off etc.
The map we have gives us approx. driving times.
The temperature is forecasted to be 40 degrees C which is about 105 F tomorrow .
Today it is a very hot 36 degrees C.

We are out tonight, decided not to venture out during the day today.

Cheers
Maria

Busy Busy Day Was my turn to help out with babysitting today Was up at 5:30 am and accross the street at 5:45am Dh took the 2 older ones to Basketball and to the Pancake Breakfast after. He said he was traumatized by the ordeal. I stayed at home with the 2 year old. I really think DH got off easy

Then it was off to the grocery store and to Walmart Spent lots of money was out of a lot of things. Have decided not to return to the large Groceery store in Brainerd for at least 2 weeks. I always find more to buy each time I go. I'll shop local in the small stores for the things like produce and milk. It's very expensive locally so I will be discouraged to buy more than produce and milk

Began this week to make sure I exercise every day and I have sluffed off on water so that is a committment also. Am keeping a calender record of what I do so I can look back and see for sure that I have done as said. Even bought little stickers for a reward to place on the calender. Hearts for the month of Febuary and couldn't find anything but fish to represent the water but it will work. Sound silly but that's just me

Maria sounds as if you are ready to leave tomorrow for the States. Is the Mall of America on the list. I agree that the planning is half the fun .

Trudy you leave soon right. Have a great time. Enjoy the sun and sand.

Ann good for you having some free time again. What do you have planned for that free time???

Marnie Wasn't the weather great today. The sun was bright and warm enought to melt away the snow in the parking lots and roads

Lily I know that W W tends to eat up as much time as you have and it is good to cut back and have some time for your self. Since I gave up the three meetings on Wednesday I do feel less stressed.

Well enough yakking I'm going to get some supper "0" point soup and a muffin for me.

Karen

Aloha Everybody
We arrived in Maui safe and sound. The weather is just wonderful. I think the temperature is around 82 today and sunny. My friend bought a new laptop computer that she is just going to leave in her condo here in Maui rather then take it back and forth each time she comes. She told me that if I wanted to get hooked up to a local server here in Maui I could use her old laptop which she is going to take back home and have it at the lake. So that's what I have done. DH and I went to a HUGE Flea Market this morning and then met friends out on the beach later this afternoon. I was out there for a couple of hours and I think that''s enough sun for this white lookiing body of mine. Tonight we are going to the Yacht Club for dinner.
It's not very expensive and the food is goodl. Yesterday when we were out on the beach we saw a pod of about 10 spinner dolphins, and honestly they are just like a group of children playing out there and we really enjoyed watching them. I can hardly wait for TRUDY and her DH to arrive on Monday night. We are going to go to the airport and meet them. They will have a car rental waiting for them but it will be dark outside when they arrive and the airport is about 40 min drive to their hotel so we will show them the way. I just quickly looked at some of the posts, but I do rememjber that MARIA
and DH are planning a big holiday to Canada/US. Maria, you will certainly have a lot of fun in looking into all the places and things to do while you are on this BIG adventure. Good for you guys.
LILY I guess Tom is not on the island, because I have not seen him yet.
Aloha

Karen: I have to agree. Dh got off very easy. He doesnt know what Trama is
I havent been exercising normal either since this cold hit me. So Im gonna start recording it until I get back to being my Normal self. Still have 3 more weeks of Sat. I did tell them I would sub sometimes. I do love this meeting and hate to give it up. But I need to think of my self to. At least this way I will have control of when I work.

Slavika!! How nice to see you from Sunny Warm Hawaii! Now stay away from TOM!!!!!!! Sides he is in Australia with Maria right now. And Far far away from her ( I think) Humm, Maybe I better worry . Ohhhhh Would love to see those Dolphins! Sounds like you are having fun. I know I dont have to say it, but enjoy!

Trudy: Want to say Have a great Vacation in Hawaii. Take the helicopter ride. Well worth it. Have fun, sun, and see what you can. Most of all Relax and enjoy! Its 0 points while on vacation! If I could remember the name of the drink I had while doing Laundry, I would tell you have another! They were good

Yes, this is my last day at home. We are packed and ready to go, and we are very excited.
Slavika It's great that you have the lap top and an internet connection, you are just like Maria now... going on a holiday and being able to keep in touch with our board. See you tomorrow..
Wouldn't you just know it.. the weather has gone in the other direction, today will be -2C (28 F) and by Thursday the prediction is +3C (37 F). I think this still sounds cold to you Maria, but I wouldn't be surprised if we see some younger folk in shorts. That is no joke. Things change so fast here, who knows what it will be like when we come home.

Aloha everyone..

G'day all,

Karen you must be exhausted after the baby sitting duties I am a bit like you and try to stick to shop at the local little supermarket, eventhough it is expensive it turns out to more economical because I am not tempted by stuff I don't really need anyway.

Slavika how nice to 'see' you from Hawaii. Sounds like you have had no problems settling into holiday mode. By now Trudy will have joined you. I am sure you will both have a fantastic time, no doubt we will hear about your adventures in time to come

Lily still another 3 meetings......I bet you cannot wait now that you have made up your mind. It will be great to have saturdays to yourself again.

We are having a very hot spell and yesterday dh spend the day setting up a spread sheet with our itinery.
Some changes have already been made, somehow Peggy was left out to visit Am I right in thinking you are in Cincinatti???
I also received a quote for the hire of the motorhome, $13000 The first 1000 miles are included but after that an additional 29 cents per mile, plus the petrol and then of course the cost of camping sites.
DH is in Sydney and he spoke to someone who has done a similar trip but did it in a sedan. He said the motels were very reasonable and he thought that was a better way to go.
Do you have 'onsite caravans or cabins'? Here in Australia you can hire some very reasonably priced ones and have some cooking facilities as well.
I know some of you think motels are a better way to go. One of the main reasons we thought of a motorhome was because it gave us some consistancy instead of trying to sleep in a different bed every night.
Lots of things to think about..........but before you know we will be on our way.

Cheers
Maria

I need a pat on the back. I have exercised 6 days in row and drank my water I'm filling in my calender.

Sunday we went to the movie Mystic River . It was very good but also bloody. Would not have been my first choice. But once in a while DH needs to win.

I begin mentoring a new leader this week . She is going to be the one who takes over for me when I "semi" retire( for the winter months). Then I will be helping her out in the summer when she and her DH are on the go. I am giving her my Tuesday morning meeting in Brainerd. I'll still have the 2 evening ones and the Thursday ones. But I will also have a back up now that I have never really had before

Trudy must be in vacation land by now. Sure do wish I was going somewhere this winter. Although the worst of it should be over now. It did snow more yesterday but it's not so blasted cold.

Maria ther are lots of extended stay hotels or motels that are very reasonable. You'll have to shop around to get the best deals. Most have limited housekeeping like only once or twice a week. But you can always get fresh towels and sheets from housekeeping if you need them. We have stayed at several and have been happy with them. We have lots of Resorts here in Minnesota. You can pay by the week or month at most of them.

Gotta go

Karen

G'day all,

KAren Well done and one huge pat on the back from down-under
You just inspired me and reminded me to drink more water and a large jug is now sitting on my desk!
Good luck with mentoring your a new leader.
How is your s-i-l, have things settled down a bit? It a huge adjustment to have another adult join your life, I hope all is well.

Thanks for your info on motels etc. We are now also wondering if we were to purchase a car when we arrive and then sell when we leave again.
DH is working with some Americans in Sydney at the moment so he will 'sus' that out.
Lots to think about.........

It is very, very hot and no change in sight for at least the next 10 days
We are constantly bombarded with keeping the use of electricity to a minimum. So many people now have airconditioning and if you have it you want to use it!!!! I have turned off a few things like the microwave, my printer etc. etc. but my air conditioner is going 24 hours a day!
Our electricity charges have almost doubled over the last few years so if one can safe on electricity you certainly would.

I wonder how the 2 holiday makers are going, probably relaxing around a pool drinking cocktails whilst their dh's are playing golf

Cheers
Maria

Maria: I am looking forward to getting my Sat back. I cant wait. Karen is right there are lots of Extended stay Motels. That is an awful lot for a Motor Home. I really didnt think it would be that much! Sorry its so hot right now. I would be using the Air Conditioner to!

Karen: Good for you getting that water in and the exercise to.
I have trouble with Water in the Winter sometimes. But never in the summer when its hot. Its great now that you will have a Backup. Sometimes they are hard to find.

Night all!

What a busy board! I have to print out the messages to find out what's been happening!

By now Slavika and Trudy are chatting up a storm! How fun ! and I envy you the beautiful scenery and sun

Maria, did I miss when you're taking off for the States? It would be great if we all got a chance to see you.

Karen, I envy you your workouts; I'm a little lazy when it comes to exercise And, yes, the weather is better down here, too. I think we've had enough snow now: DH & DS have been out practically everyday with the snowblower!

Peggy and Ann are you working on any craft projects now? I'm trying to learn to knit, but I think I better stick with quilting - I've dropped so many stitches and my sister always has to bail me out!

Now I need help with something: When I started WW I met this young woman - maybe 30-ish - and we sat with each other every week and shared stories, etc. Well, last week she has a co-worker coming with her and they sit and chat (like we were doing) and I felt sorry for myself. Granted, it was immature at my age: I was cool toward her and left the meeting rather abruptly yesterday. I think I was angry and sad (sort of like I had been replaced). I want to deal with it sensibly and not hurt her or myself in the process. I'm opening up myself for your suggestions and help. I got into bed last night thinking what a baby I was and how it was like I was back in grade school. (Now you know the real me!)

Gotta get going. BTW, I was down 3 lbs yesterday (Thanks, Lily)

Marnie[COLOR=Magenta]

G'day all,

I know it must be getting boring hearing me say 'it is yet another very hot day here today' but it is!!!!

Marnie Fantastic effort a loss of 3 lbs.
I think you have sort of answered your own question, it probably was a little immature etc. etc. however that doesn't make it easier not to feel hurt and angry.
I remember having a similar experience......many years ago when we first got involved with our son's cricket club. Many famous cricketers have played at this club (NOT dh ) Most of the people were very friendly and pleased to have parents who were keen to do their bit for the club.
But.......there was one person who would come and have a chat and the minute a more 'important' person came along she would not even allow you to finish a sentence but was off to socialise with the more important person. It happened a couple of times and but then I just tried to avoid her.
To cut a long story very short, this 'lady' now is divorced, is not on speaking terms with her children and when I saw her recently in the supermarket, she is very bitter and lonely. 'What goes around, comes around'.
I think these sort of people are just so shallow that they don't deserve for us to spend any of our energy like anger, sadness etc.
I think I would just say 'hello' but you now know she is a rather shallow person so I would not have any high expectations.
Go there for your purpose of loosing weight and don't get too upset about this girl's behaviour.

By the way, how far do you and Karen live away from one and other???

We are at the moment researching the possibility of purchasing a car when we get to the States.
We are not fussy what sort of car (other than it has to go ) Something like a Toyota Camry would be good size wise etc.
In Australia cars made here are the cheapest to buy, I guess the same applies in the States so my question is 'which cars are made in the USA and therefore the best to buy'???

Cheers
Maria

Marnie: I agree with Maria. Just let it go. Say Hi when you see her and dont avoid her. Im sure they are going to be alot more people there that you make friends with. Just try and get to know the next person you sit next to. I always enjoyed talking to the people that I was next to. They all had great ideas and stories to tell.
Congrats on the 3 # down again!

Maria: oh boy, dont know what to tell you on the car. The Camray is a good one. All cars are expensive. And how would you go about selling it when you leave? I think that might be a problem. Did you check into renting one? I would think it might be cheaper. I know the Motor home was outragous but a car wouldnt be that much. Could be wrong on that tho.

Got a headache today. Have been having a problem at work with Cisco. And the lady gave me a headache. I just couldnt make her understand. ALAS. Did get it worked out finally. But boy did she give me a bad headache

Lily sorry to hear of your Cisco problems. Computers can cause a lot of stress!!

Could we buy a reasonably reliable car for around $10 000? Still cheaper than hiring a motorhome for $13 000 As far as re-selling, I thought perhaps if we expected to make a profit on the sale yes it would be difficult but we would be happy with anything reasonable.

Take care.....
Cheers
Maria