Came over to wish the best to Yogi. Kick ass!

ETA: and I keep checking back, hoping to hear good news. Thanks for the book recommendation--I'll have to look into that series!

Yogi, how did everything go? I woke up in the middle of the night, thinking of you, and then realised that it would have been about the time you were at the doctor's. Waiting to hear from you, and sending you love and healing. Oh, and I forgot to wish you a Happy Anniversary - hope it was great!

Thanks for the explanation of Napoleans, TraceyBee. Sounds pretty yummy to me.

skagirl have a great time at the wedding. And don't feel bad about how much stuff you have brought. Women are just different to men that way! Mr Aussie says that I take more with me when I go away for the weekend, than he had in his backpack when he travelled the world! Well, yes, but at least I don't have to do without.

Hildy, how long are you going away for? And where or what is NH? New Hampshire? I'm guessing here. Hope you have a good time, and manage to check in with us somehow. We'll miss your good humour!

Yikes. I spent six, count 'em 6 grueling hours at the doctor's and radiologist offices. This makes ten hours in total so far. In the end, after yet another two sonograms and more mammogram images, I still have not had the procedure. They want me to go back yet another time for that. I don't know if I can do it. By the end of the day, I burst into tears when they took the last two images. I have been pushed, squished and prodded so much, I feel like a beef wellington. Stick a fork in me, baby, I'm done.

I didn't realize Hildy is off to New Hampshire. NH is right next to Vermont, so I'm sure your holiday will be wonderful. But I will also miss you. And do check out Elizabeth Peters. The best book is The Last Camel Died at Noon, but I could never read them without starting at the beginning which is Crocodile on the Sandbank. I have read that series so many times, my paperback copies are almost completely worn out. I also love the early Martha Grimes stories of Richard Jury and Melrose Plant. The old ones are wonderful. I have to read these books all in one marathon sitting, they are so good.

So I went away for the night with Mr. Yogi for my anniversary. It was a delight. We had champagne and wine sent to the room from the management! Heh! What were they thinking?! That's a lot of liquor for two people. Must have had something to do with Bastille Day. We enjoyed our privacy, our beautiful view of Central Park, and each other. What a great way to start year 15!

Yogi You can do it. I'm so sorry you had to spend so much time and not even have the procedure. But you will do fine i know.
But your night with Mr Yogi sounds wonderful. Maybe you can plan another great getaway. It will be somthing to look forward too.

Vermont is not very far at all from newhampshire. from boston vermont is about 3 hours or so. Less then two hours probably from NH to vermont. It is beautiful in vermont especially in the fall.

Hope you have a good nights rest Yogi

good night to all

Thanks for the update, Yogi. Have been thinking and thinking of you. Sorry you had such a long and miserable time of it, that's a real bummer. And listen mate, you can do it, and you will, you hear me? It's vitally important to complete the whole procedure. When is that scheduled for? Just get yourself back there when they say, and get it over and done with. I'm sure that everything will be okay, and you will be glad to know that, rather than worry unnecessarily.

Glad you enjoyed your anniversary getaway with Mr Yogi. Sounds like a very romantic time! Mr Aussie and I are planning our anniversary getaway in September, it will be 13 years for us. In previous years, we have taken both kids with us, but this time, they are going to grandma's and we are going to the best hotel in town!

We'll be driving up to NH from the Boston area--it's about 2.5 hours. I've been going to this place since I was born (My grandparents built it) so it has deep, deep roots for me. Just a place of great solace and peace, although it's also rather buggy and not precisely filled with the creature comforts. The contents would warm the cockles of an antiques dealer's heart. Are you all familiar with Fiesta ware? Very collectible. We have a full set there, which we just use for every day, just b/c that's what's always been up there.
We'll be picking blueberries and going for small hikes and canoe rides and splashing in the lake and listening to the loons and also, truth be told, doing a little outlet shopping. At least, I will. And, with luck, checking in to the MM via the library's internet. Yay!
Yogi, be of stout heart. We know it's scary, but you can do it! Just think to yourself, WWRD? (What would Ranger Do?) Wear your best commando black, and kick those doctors' asses! (if you can find a Porsche Turbo to drive to the appointment, that would also be good.)

Yogi, I'll be there to hold your hand, in spirit anyway. I know what you are going through, sweetie, you know I do, and you will be perfectly fine. Think good happy thoughts of apple cake and soft chocolate chip cookies.

Hildy - ahh, your NH place is very similar to our northern WI place. Most furnishings older than we are, very rustic, wonderful memories. Have a lovely time.

Aussie - yay for kidless weekends! What a treat, and something to look forward to in September.

A full set of Fiesta ware?!? How lovely is that! Just a short time ago, I was on the phone with my Mom. We were talking about where my Grandpa used to live in DC. I remember that his apartment building had a turrett and he had these beautiful juice glasses in all different colors. I used to always want the light blue one. I didn't like the yellow one. It was too dull. My mom said, "you know those were Fiesta ware." And I said, "I wonder if I could ever get some of that." Well, now I know. I just have to hunt down Hildy or Heidihug and steal their fiesta ware! I think I could and would happily go without DSL for a couple of weeks for the joy of having those juice glasses back in my life. You know, my Grandpa's old apartment is still there, turret and all. Just off Dupont circle.

I spent the day planning my Italy trip, which commences next Thursday. Talk about last minute! I am going to see the Pope at Castel Gandolfo (me and a cast of hundreds, but still), tour all the Early Christian Churches, a special "behind the scenes" tour of the Vatican including a pre-public tour of the Sistine chapel, the Borgese Gardens, and the Villa d'Este. I am also attending the wedding in the 1000 year old abbey and sleeping in the former castle/present hotel where the reception is being held. Doesn't that sound all fancy-schmancy? Heh. I will have to rest when I come home, but I think it's going to be a great week!

I hope you have a fabulous anniversary, Aussie Girl. I couldn't support you more in doing it without the children. Hotels are lovely things. As are waiters. You ask for things and they bring them to you. (tm. Arthur)

So, the doctor called, and I will drag myself back one more time for this damn test. Of course I will wear black, Hildy - I live in NYC - it's almost all I own! But it takes on a whole new meaning when I think of Ranger. And I will think of some yummy baked goods, which I am hoping to sample in real life very, very soon!

Yogi, you hang in there! Believe me, I know how scary doctors and tests can be. I hope you at least switched doctors to someone who makes you feel more comfortable? Anyway, I'm sure everything is going to be fine, and you'll be telling us how we were all silly to worry so much. And the anniversay? Can I borrow MrYogi for my next anniversary? How romantic!! He's definitely a keeper!

Birdman and I have been married 21 years and we always manage to find some way to celebrate our anniversary in a very special way, even if we just stay home and enjoy each other's company (our anniversary is in January so it's hard to find somewhere exciting to go, in the middle of a COLD, COLD winter!) I guess we just take the time at each anniversary to really, really appreciate how lucky we are to have each other. Even after 21 years, we still feel like we're on our honeymoon!

Hildy I wish I was going with you to enjoy the beauty of New Hampshire in the summer. Years ago we lived (in MA) about 20 minutes from the NH border, and we'd go up there sometimes just for something to do. How beautiful!! New Hampshire and Vermont, in my opinion, are just about the most peaceful and inspiring parts of the country. Of course, southern NY (where I live) and northern PA are equally awesome! I wish I could express my thoughts better, I just can't find the words to describe how the serenity and the incredible beauty of the woods and the fields and the farmlands make me feel. I guess "joyful" would be the best word, but that isn't even close to how I feel. If you can get some pictures to post for us, that would be so wonderful!

We're off this weekend to play the ponies at Canandaigua. It's supposed to be raining all weekend, and I have no idea if the horses run in the rain, but we're going anyway and I guess we'll just have to insist on having a great time, no matter what the weather's like!

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!!!

Yogi, Italy? I'm so jealous!!! I just can't wait to hear all about it! I'm so glad you're going to have such a fabulous time after all the rotten nonsense you've had to endure at the hands of the medical profession. I guess if you have to put up with the bullshit tests, the best reward would be time spent in Italy! Enjoy!!!

Birdlady, where did you live? I grew up about 20 minutes from the NH border myself.
Yogi, good luck and good vibes with your medical stuff, and have a stone cold blast in Italy! I'm looking forward to hearing about how many members of the wedding party skagirl made out with this weekend. Have a lovely couple weeks, y'all!

So, how are you doing, Yogi? When are the next tests scheduled for? Hope all goes well with it, and remember, by this time next week you'll be eating wonderful Italian food and getting your bum pinched by lots of delicious men! But tell them to bugger off if it annoys you! Enjoy the wedding. How long will you be away for?

Yesterday we went to the local fair, and it was fantastic, even better than last year. Littlest Aussie (3 years old), my niece and nephew and I went for a helicopter ride. It was a blast! Only lasted 7 minutes but we all really enjoyed it. Big Little Aussie (11 years) was too frightened by the noise of the chopper to go for a ride, maybe next year. He gets freaked out by excessive noise anywhere, even at the dentist, and as a result we have to get all dental work done on him under general anesthetic. Nice and expensive. Just one of the joys of living with an autistic child!

Anyway, the fair. Heaps of rides, lots of animals, arts and crafts, great junk food, and we all had a wonderful time.

Hi Birdlady! It's great to see that some long term marriages are filled with such love. Good for you, mate.

Hope you're all enjoying your weekend. I have a friend coming over for coffee, which will probably turn into dinner, so I need to go shopping now.

One. The dirtiest groomsman & the dirtiest bridesmaid. Klassy. But not in public.

I've had 3 hours of sleep since Thursday, there was turbulence on the train, and exhaustion is kicking in. But amazing time, everything went swimmingly and my fierce (albeit hungover) reflexes prevented the sideswiping of the bride in front of the Vice President's crib. Seriously, it was the smoothest defensive move ever.

Oh, and only 3 of my exes made it. It was quite the hoot. I guess I am the source of much amusement -- found out people are obsessed with my stories.

Also, my cleavage held a little bit of everything - lipstick through the ceremony, bouquets, dinner rolls, a small child. All boobs.
More later xoxoxo

What a fun wedding, skagirl! Of course your friends love your stories. We do too. How lucky you are to have such an excellent receptacle for the odd lipstick and such. I think we need a poster with your picture on it and the slogan - All Boobs, All the Time!

Wasn't there a scene in a recent film where a someone put applied lipstick for a tube that she held between her boobs?

It is fair time of year again! But we usually have the fairs here in summer, and isn't this your winter, Aussie Girl? Do you do it this way to avoid the heat? I have never done the helecopter ride, but that does sound like fun. Do you have lots of weird foods at your local fair? It's been reported here that there are all sorts of fried twinkies, oreos, pickles and more to be found at Tracey Bee's local fair, and I have been known to consume a funnel cake and some shoo fly pie from the fairs I used to go to in the Amish section of Pennsylvania. What is weird fair food, Aussie style?

Wouldn't it be wild if Hildy and birdlady both lived in the same little town at one time? Fun. You have such a great attitude toward life, birdlady. I love your description of being part of the natural environment of that area. I makes me feel lighthearted too. There is something about being part of the land there that inspires such a peace and serentity. Sadly, the pavement and tall buildings of NYC do not have that effect on me. And yet, Mr and Little Yogi never feel as happy anywhere else in the world as they do in NYC. They thrive on the pulse of the city, but I breathe best on my beloved mountains.

Another insanely busy week. It's very hard to fit everything in with all the traveling around I am doing. But since the travel has been really great for the most part, I will just shut up and go get some work done.

That all depends on your definition of recent. That was from The Breakfast Club which was released 19 years ago (I can't believe it either).

Oh Good Lord, ImissEthan. That's just pitiful. I guess I shouldn't be surprised now that I have a thirteen year old son, but still. Ugh.

Geez iMissEthan. I can't be that old. That is a classic movie though. and that was a funny scene. and not that easy to do. hmmmm so i've heard.hehehe

Hi everyone!! Hildy I used to live in Lawrence, MA. I can hardly believe it, but it's been almost 20 years ago! We only lived there for about 3 or 4 years. I missed home very badly, so we moved back as soon as we could. We made some wonderful friends out there, though. Unfortunately we've lost touch, but I still miss them and think of them all the time.

skagirl I love your stories!! You always make me laugh!

Well, we went to play the ponies last weekend. What a fantastic time!! Well, except for the losing money part! Seriously though, we're definitely going up there again, probably when I get my vacation in August. The drive up there is simply gorgeous, almost the whole way is along the shores of Seneca Lake. There's beautiful views of the lake and it's mostly all dairy farms and vineyards. There's tons and tons of wineries along the way. In fact, I may have to go on a winetasting tour too!

Our county fair is coming up pretty soon. I love to go and see the animals and the crafts, and have some wonderful fattening fair food, but I'm way too chicken to ride the rides. I can see how some of them are put together, and I can see how many of them are falling apart!! We always go to Six Flags Darien Lake when we need our thrill ride fix. The rides there are very well maintained, and I just feel much safer riding them than the rides at the fair.

Yogi let us know how you make out on those rotten tests. You're in my thoughts frequently. So if you feel little shivers of sympathy now and then, that's me!

Yeah, Yogi, we seem to have a lot of fairs in the winter because it's just too damn hot in summer, although they have markets here all year round. My son's school fair is this weekend, so we'll be going fairing once again.

Aussie style food at the fair - well here's what we ate. Hot dogs, Dagwood Dogs (not sure what you'd call them, but they're the sausage which is battered on a stick, dipped in tomato sauce), cokes and fairy floss. I also had hot pancakes with spiced apple, ice cream and maple syrup. But no fried twinkies or oreos in sight. People here haven't cottoned on to that one yet. The local chapter of Hare Krisnas had set up a vegetarian stall, and they had some nice food too. You could also get waffles, sandwiches etc.

The helicopter ride was great, though it was a small chopper. I have only been in one once before, and that was a big one. This was tiny. I must admit I was a little scared, but I thought of Peachy hanging halfway out of his, and decided to just be brave. The kids just loved the ride! They're still talking about it. I'm hoping big little Aussie will go on one next year.

Sounds like a great time was had by all at the wedding, Skagirl. Hope you're over the hangover by now! And try to get some rest and recovery time.

Birdlady, where is Seneca Lake? I forgot which part of the country you live in. It sure sounds lovely.

Yogi, let us know how your're doing with the tests. Thinking of you, mate.

Hey all! Hope all is well with all of you. Cripes, that's depressing that The Breakfast Club is 19 years old. That means people born when Pretty in Pink came out can now vote. Sigh.

So send good vibes my way...I so need to rent another apartment! I haven't rented any since the first two. I've had this one client now where every time she applies for something, it goes wrong...they accepted another application instead, yadda yadda. Just submitted another application for her today; I really hope she gets this one!!! And that's not even counting the petty annoyances with other clients like trekking all the way to Chelsea yesterday in the rain on what was supposed to be my day off to show a place, only to get out of the subway to hear the following voice mail: "You know, I'm going to have to cancel because it's bad out." Yeah, no shit. BLEAH. And I haven't even mentioned the one who was bitching at me because for $1500 in Hell's Kitchen she couldn't get a doorman elevator building one bedroom with individually controlled thermostats. I don't often say this, but here it definitely applies: Bitch, please.

My client calls are starting to pick up, though, and my first rehearsal for the show (I have an actual part, as it turns out) is tomorrow night. Unless an emergency comes up, I'm planning on taking tomorrow and Wednesday off because I'm at a good "stopping point" with all my clients and I haven't had a full day off in over a week!

Take care & hope all's well!

Speaking of Breakfast Club, I just saw this today:

It's playing in NYC for a couple of weekends at Opaline.

Maybe I was just a couple of years too old when I saw Breakfast Club for it to be some kind of seminal film for me, but I cannot imagine going to see a stage show based upon it. Old Brady Bunch episodes, Schoolhouse Rock - yes. John Hughes movies - no. And I'm also against the too recent nostalgia for I Love the 90s if anyone is keeping score.

iMissEthan, agree that I Love (?) the 90s is way too soon, but I'm a child of John Hughes and feel no shame. First, all the movies were filmed in nearby areas from where I grew up and second, I was young enough to think, "This will be high school." And yea, it really captured the sense of that time for me, even with the stereotypes. Granted I also am sort of jacked up because my relationship attitude is entirely based on the works of Cameron Crowe, but Hughes definitely set my expectations for high school. "Pretty in Pink" set the bar for what prom would be and "Breakfast Club" detention, cool kids v. nerds, "Some Kind of Wonderful" for dating woes, "Ferris Bueller" for ditching school, and "Sixteen Candles" for exchange students and crossing our fingers that the bride this weekend would be doped up on Valium. Ahhh....good times....

And I saw the films from the other side of the abyss. I was starting college when Sixteen Candles came out. I still loved it as a movie, and enjoyed Breakfast Club as well (although I can't sit through it now like I can 16 C), but by Pretty in Pink he had lost me. Some Kind of Wonderful was just like PiP only they switched genders. PiP was such a mind fuck, because everything in the film pointed towards her getting together with Ducky at the end. I think I read that was the original ending, but after test screenings the teenage girls wanted her to end up with the 'cute' guy, so they went back and shot a different ending.

Yea, definitely different sides. When I went to college, we still quoted the movies relentlessly & on stay-in nights, we would do a marathon run of them.

As for the Ducky rejection, I hear you, but it's funny because some of the boys I know think that it was a sign, and that he was going off and would come out and be happy. I guess they related to the girl-crush thing of a Molly Ringwald character.

A lot of the plays I did back in Chicago were real-live versions of movies, but a lot of ours were more campy and culty...Female Trouble, Faster Pussycat Kill Kill, Carrie, Mommie Dearest, Valley of the Dolls...but what's really funny is that I was always pushing for us to do an 80s teen movie, although I was thinking Heathers. I never really got much support for that though. I can say that from my perspective, they were a blast to do. It's like acting out your snark.

I liked the Breakfast Club. I could relate to people who were in trouble at school, but the others, not so much. I always thought Anthony Michael Hall (I think that is his name) was very adorable in Sixteen Candles. I never saw Heathers.

Movies my friends and I can recite: Arthur, The Producers (way before it became a play), My Cousin Vinnie, My Blue Heaven, Diner (we have a photograph from our wedding where all the guys were doing the "Diner thing"), etc.

Marathon watches of all things Woody Allen or Godfather. I love a good Saturday night with Vito, Sonny, and the gang. "Leave the gun, take the canollis" is one of my favorite lines. I think we had occasion to use that one just yesterday, oddly enough.

I just bought some of the lovliest undergarments ever constructed. Seriously, they are like lingere works of art. They are so pretty, they are almost shoes. I think that Mr. Yogi might enjoy this trip to Rome even more than he suspects.

What the heck is Fairy Floss, Aussie Girl?

I hope you don't get too excited about the new lingerie and show the Pope, Yogi! What is the countdown again?

Meant to say, I would pay good money for "Heathers: The Musical".

Skagirl, my friend, you are such a thing! My eyebrows are permanently raised in horror at the thought!

I'm flying the friendly skies of AlItalia on Thursday night. I thought I might leave my computer behind this trip, but, well, I won't - Heh. I sent my assistant out today in search of an adapter and a convertor. I did not know this, but you need both - to convert the electrical current and adapt the outlet plug. Plus, I need them for my IPod and speaker, which I would no more want to be without for a week than my... computer! So you may well be getting reports from Rome this week. I'll tell the Pope y'all say Hey. And I promise not to flash him even though I'm sure he would be impressed by my new pink silk bra with leaves and flowers embroidered all over it. Who wouldn't be? It's so pretty.

Now, I will probably go to hell.

Hi Dodo! Nice to see you again! Hope the rental woes improve very soon, and I am glad you are taking a couple of full days off. Sometimes that's all you need to recharge and turn things around.

And this
had me in stitches! Thanks, skagirl! You are so funny!

Yogi, I hope both you and Mr Yogi enjoy your trip, mate. Say hi to the Pope for all of us, and have a great time. If you're taking your computer, does that mean you can check in with us? Hope so. It's not the same around here without Hildy, so if you are gone for awhile too, it will really feel strange.

BTW, Fairy Floss is Cotton Candy. You know, that delicious sweet, pink stuff that melts in your mouth. Yum!

And some really great news! Today, I finally managed to get hold of Survivor Marquesas, after trying for almost 3 years! Marquesas wasn't shown in Australia, as we had our own home grown version (which was really not good) showing at the time, and I have been trying every avenue I can to get a copy. Well, I did it, so I am happily ensconced in front of the TV, getting my fill of Peachy and Co. My next mission - to get hold of Borneo and Australia, as I really only started watching halfway through Australia.

Whoa, Yogi that is coming up so fast! Awesome. And "whoot!" on the new shtuff. We'll touch base after you get back for some grilled cheese, ok?

Aussie what an awesome find. You can watch one episode a night or three in a row. Enjoy!

I'm exhausted .... I might need to take a personal day on Friday. I went out to Brooklyn to my friend's bartending gig and we all went to dinner afterwards and were stuck with the slowest. service. ever. Seriously, I think they were hunting the falafel and greens. Lordy. I think we arrived at the place around 8:45, and didn't leave until 11, 11:15, for what was to be a quick bite. Two of the people I was with were at brunch on Sunday with me where we stupidly waited over an hour for food (ended up getting it for free). I mean, we are cursed.

Not to make it another evening of debauchery ska, but are you coming to AndrewCon tonight? Hope to see you and any others from the area - check his thread for details (Amazing Race).

Is there a DVD of Diner with lots of extras? I love that movie and would pay to own it if they did a good job on the DVD. My friend and I still use 'What is she, 12? She'll be 12" whenever discussing someone very young.

Unfortunately no, last night was a treat because my friend was working and hooked me up, nice boy that he is, so my actual money spent was very low. But I have to lay low for a few days & scrape enough together for laundry so Andrew's thing won't work for me... And sleep....that would rule. Give kisses to everyone for me, though!

Today, Mr Yogi took Little Yogi on his annual visit with my family for the month of August. They are taking him to the beach in addition to his usual month of fun and sun at my parents pool. He will have a great time, but oddly enough I miss him already. This is his third year and longest visit yet, but it is clearly so good for him. He literally grows several inches every year during this month - it's amazing. I think the exercise and fresh air are so healthy and important for a city boy who doesn't get outside much and never takes off his shoes outside except with my family.

And also - Whooo Hoooo! I am so thrilled to have this next month free, free, free. Oh my. I love, love, love my son, but oh how important this month means to me. Oh my. Sleep. Oh my Visiting with friends. Going out in the Evening. Not having to eat dinner at 6 PM. It is delicious!!!!

And yes, Aussie Girl, I will check in from Rome, if all works as it is supposed to. I would miss you all. I already miss Hildy. I hope she is reading and drinking and playing and just overall enjoying the fiesta with all its wares. And I will look forward to skagirl grilled cheese and maybe even some Heidicookies and many other joys in the weeks to come!!!

Have fun with Andrew, ImissEthan. He always seemed a sweetie to me.

My favorite line from Arthur: "Isn't fun the best thing to have?"

Me: "I wish someone would figure out a form of nutrition that could be absorbed directly throught the skin. It should come in a handly container to attach to a shower head. That way I could shower and "eat" at the same time."

My husband: "The weather's really getting to you, huh?"

Me: "YES."

Aww, suction, sorry about your discomfort with this heat. Mr HH suffers through it also. Good news is, the AC guy came and fixed our AC today at home, so it will be a cool night sleeping with very little humidity. Bad news is, Mr HH likes it set at 68 and I prefer it at 74. Anyway, let's try to have better weather for Yogi-con, shall we? My car's air conditioning is out, and will cost more than I care to think of to fix, so I am AC-free while driving. And driving to the TC ain't a trip to the grocery store!

Yay for Yogi and your "freedom" time. I know exactly how you feel, but on a smaller scale, since Squirrel is away at Scout camp this week, and I am feeling bereft without him. One of the family being away puts an enormous hole in our lives.

Yikes, Heidi, I am feeling that too. Basically it's a sense of passionate ambivalence - I'm alternately thrilled and depressed. I feel like I have left my shoes or wallet at home. We went to the local bar around the corner where we always go on Sunday nights with Little Yogi and everyone got very excited. They asked, "Are you on a date?!?" We had to think about it for a minute before we said, "Well, yes, actually, we are."

I'm all for air-conditioning, though I find suctionprints shower idea an intriguing one. And Heidihug, I will be sending you lots of cool thoughts for the drive. Or maybe we can do a rain dance for a nice cooling summer shower?

Hi all!!

Yogi if you feel like flashing that pretty embroidered pink silk bra at the Pope, I say go for it! It might not impress the Pope all that much because he's used to beautiful things (I mean, he lives in the Vatican for heaven's sake!) but those thousands of other people there might enjoy it! So you just do whatever you feel is best.

Where does your family live Yogi? You mentioned that LittleYogi was going to spend some time at the beach and at your parent's home. I hope he has a great time. I never spent that much time away from my kids (all at once, like a whole month) but I was lucky and both sets of grandparents lived in the same area when the kids were young, so I had handy babysitters just about any weekend Birdman and I decided to spend a romantic, child-free weekend together.

PeachyAussiePrincess you asked where I live? Well if you can picture the outline of New York State, go right to middle, then south, right next to the border of Pennsylvania. That's about where I live. And Seneca Lake is one of the Finger Lakes, it's the longest of the Finger Lakes. All of that section is wine country. I guess some of the Finger Lake wines have won awards against wines from California, France & Italy. I'm not a very sophisticated wine drinker, I just like whatever tastes good (in fact, I think a good grape juice beats some kinds of wine) but I'm still kind of impressed that my little part of the world can compete with the best of 'em!

skagirl get some sleep for heaven's sake!! You're such a whirlwind, but I suspect even you are not invincible. You have to be rested after all, to report to us all of your wonderful adventures!

Dodo it's great to "see" you again! I'm sending you very good vibes for your next rentals, I'm sure you'll do great. And I'm so happy for you with the play! After you start performing maybe you could tell us a little bit, what the play's about, how you think you did, how you think the other actors did.....whatever. I love your stories!

pixiedust if you're out there, I'm also sending very good vibes your way. If you ever have a spare minute, it would be great to hear how you're doing.

Well, this is getting extremely long, so I guess I'd better quit for now. There were alot of other people I wanted to "talk" to, but I hope a big HELLO! HAVE A GREAT DAY!! will do.

Hey Yogi, I know what you mean about missing a child and yet feeling relieved to be FREE! Little Big Aussie spends a couple of days with his cousin, and within a few hours I am standing in his room, wishing I could hug him. (Mr Aussie thinks I am strange...but then he's not a mother, is he?) But then, the sense of not having to do all the stuff associated with him kicks in, and it's nice. I'm still waiting to Littlest Aussie to spend a night away with Grandma. So you go and enjoy yourself mate, you have worked so hard all year, and now it is YOUR time! And think of Little Yogi just having fun and being a boy. We'll miss you, and try to check in when you can. And have the best time!

Birdlady, I have checked my Rand McNally Road Atlas (bought when we were in the US 2 years ago), but NY is split into quite a few sections, so I couldn't find the area you spoke of. I can see Binghamton and Monticello near the border of Pennsylvania - am I in the right area? It all sounds so lovely. I don't know that area, but waaaay back in 1981 I drove from Chicago to Boston via Niagara Falls (well, I was a tourist!), and then south by train and bus to Virginia. I love road trips through the US (I've done a few now). You guys live in a truly beautiful country. When these 2 little sprogs are older, I want to do another road trip there.

Skagirl I hope you manage to get some rest - you really do sound exhausted! And I too hate waiting, waiting, for food. Did you tip them?

Laughing at Suctionprint's post - that is funny!

Well, that's all the posting for today, it's time for Episode 5 of Marquesas! Lucky me! I feel like a kid at Christmas!

I need to invent "dinner gel". It will be like the old ad on Saturday Night Live ("It's a floor wax...and a dessert topping!"). It's a shower gel...and a light, refreshing meal!
No, Taco Bell didn't do the trick yesterday, why do you ask?

Hey, suctionprints, I'd buy it! And by the way, I went by your site yesterday and read about Ultimate Kitchens. Oh, I wish I could TiVo. That sounds like porn for the culinarily minded. All sorts of fabulous kitchens...... oh yum.

I looked up the Diner DVD yesterday, ImissEthan, as I don't own it, and guess what?!! They have this fabulous almost two hour documentary on the making of Diner done especially for the DVD with a large part of the cast participating. I will be buying that one.

I love, love, love road trips, Aussie Girl! The fact that I no longer drive has definitely put a cramp in my formerly road trippy style, but I still am an absolute road trip slut. I love everything about a road trip - the snacks, the maps, the diners, the people you meet, the ridiculous sights you see, I love it all. When you come to the US, I have a car, if you will drive, we will take a road trip. Throw in the little Aussies and go! Wouldn't that be a blast? Why, we could go see the fingerlakes and Birdlady - So much fun!

Lord, I'm not packed yet [alarm].

St. Ives used to make a shower gel in a scent called "Chocolate Creme." It smelled exactly like brownie batter (but, fortunately, it was white, not brown). Great stuff, but I always felt like I needed a snack when I was done with the shower.

Suctionprints, isn't it gorgeous today? It can stay like this for the rest of the summer. I've been pretty miserable the past couple of days, too. Tuesday, when I got to my bus stop, I was just covered with sweat. 93-percent humity is nobody's friend.

Five more weeks until the State Fair opens! Woo!

Yogi have a safe & wonderful trip.

Got some rest last night, and planning a low-key weekend.

The humidity today has already gotten to me. I'm not a heat person. Sigh.....

Cooler weather is coming your way, East Coasters. It is getting more pleasant and less humid by the hour.

I would love to visit the Finger Lakes area, birdlady. Is it similar to the area south of you around US Hwy. 6 in northern Pennsylvania? Mr HH and I drove through there several years ago and it was gorgeous.

Aussie, Binghamton is very close to where I live. In fact, Birdman works in Binghamton. What did you think of Niagara Falls? I've been there a few times, and it always takes my breath away to see them. Incredible!

heidihug, southern NY & northern PA are very similar. The landscape is all rolling hills with woods and fields and farmland. But in the Finger Lakes area there's also tons of vineyards and some of the most spectacular gorges and waterfalls! Absolutely awesome!!

Yogi I'd love it if you and Aussie (and anyone else who wants to) came to visit! Pack up and head on out, we'll go to see some of those spectacular gorges, then maybe we'll do a road trip to Lake Erie or Lake Ontario, or even Niagara Falls, I never get tired of them.

You've got that right. Ick, ick, ick. I could use about 10 degrees cooler, but I will take it. Indeed I will.

I'm happy to drive, Yogi, if you will sit in the back with the little Sprogs and answer the "are we there yet?" questions! I just love road trips, and when there is such great scenery, it really is fun. BTW, why don't you drive anymore?

Birdlady, I loved Niagara Falls! So spectacularly beautiful, breathtaking! We went across the border and stayed for one night and just loved it. They light them up at night, and it was something I'll never forget. I know that a lot of people think the place is tacky now, so many tourists and it being the honeymoon capital of the world etc, but nothing can take away from the sheer beauty of it. Ditto with the Grand Canyon - I've been there twice now, once in 1981 and again just two years ago, and it was really nice that nothing at all had changed in the intervening years. I mean with the hordes of tourists, not with the canyon itself (that would take a lot longer than 20 years to change!). Most of the tourists stay outside the National Park, and people seem really keen to preserve it, which is nice.

Yep, we're definitely going to have to do a road trip to visit Hildy, then Birdlady and all the vineyards, and then Niagara Falls, the Great Lakes, then a really long one over to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, and then the Grand Canyon. (You guys don't mind though, if we steer clear of Montana? That's where the rellies live!). One incredible place that we went to in 2002 was Zion National Park in Utah, near the Arizona border. That was amazing, and I am determined to get back there one day. Have you got yet how much I love your country? It truly has some magnificent scenery, and the people I met on my travels are still friends all these years later.

So, who's coming? Sign up here for the Meet Market Road Trip. (We may have to hire a bus!). We can pick you up along the way!

It's been raining hard all day in New York. Enough already!!

Hi, folks! I haven't posted in this thread for months. You guys seem to be a pretty tight-knit group, so hopefully there's room for new meet market posters. Does anyone plan to pick up the 9/11 Commission Report? I stopped by my local Barnes & Nobles and they were clean out of copies. Hope that our next president, whoever he is, can work to adopt those recommendations before another attack occurs.

Sorry if I'm sobering things up by talking politics. I'm a serious political junkie and it's hard finding active meet market forums for the shows that I really like. You guys are pretty talkative.

If politics is something we'd rather avoid, I can lighten things up by complaining about the passive-aggressive, confrontational bitch with whom I have to work at my new job . . .

Hi Almond Eyes. I remember you! It's been awhile....and there's always room for new posters. The more the merrier, I say!

I for one, don't mind at all if you want to talk politics. I love talking politics! Local or International. I read in this morning's paper that the 9/11 Commission Report is a huge sellout there. They had an article on the whole thing - very interesting.

Speaking of this political - Farenheit 9/11 is finally being released here this week, and I am really looking forward to seeing it. I know that a lot of it is flawed etc, but I think it will be and has been a massive eye opener for a lot of people globally.

Hope the bitch at work takes the next year off and that the rain stops!!! We could do with some of your rain here - everything is so brown and dry, and it's normally lush and green. If this keeps up it may well be an early bushfire season we have here.

Hi AlmondEyes! There's always room for new posters here! And old friends.

I don't know if I want to talk politics, but a very good friend of Birdboy's (and all our family) just went back to Iraq (after only a 16 day leave) to serve in our military. He's just a nineteen year old kid, and he's so full of life and humor. I'll miss him terribly and pray for his safe return. I don't really want to get into whether it's right or wrong for us to be over there, but I really. really want us all to support our kids who have to be over there. It just breaks my heart that so many people are suffering (both Iraqis and Americans). I just want us all to remember that families are suffering, and it doesn't really matter which country you live in.

I don't mean to be such a downer, but it's something I feel strongly about. I can't help but feel sorry for everyone this is affecting, on both sides. If you talk to the people who are over there (like Birdboy's friend) it just seems like such a waste. It seems like both sides are misled by delusions of what the other side is about. I wish there was an easy answer, but there just isn't. All we can do is pray I guess, that God will be merciful.

And now to get off the downer subject, sign me up for a road trip!! Just about anywhere! I'm ashamed to admit it, but I've never been further west than Ohio in my own country! I've never seen the Rocky Mountains or the Grand Canyon. And I am so ready to see them!!! I absolutely love my own neck of the woods, but I would so very much love to see the the rest of America! Of course I've seen pictures and TV shows, but I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it to see it for myself. And then, after America, Europe! Starting with Ireland.

Hi Birdlady!

While I am against what our governments have done in sending troops to Iraq, especially without UN sanction and based on such questionable intelligence, like you I absolutely feel for the people sent there and all their families back home. So much suffering is heartbreaking, and I can't imagine what it would have been like to be doing that at the (very) young age of 19, when you've got your whole life ahead of you. I do support and pray for our troops to all come home safely - there has been more than enough blood shed. A special prayer for Birdboy's friend. And while we're praying for God to be merciful, we should also pray that our respective governments are too.

Well, you're all signed up for the road trip, Birdlady! I've put you in a window seat. And after Europe, the next tour is planned for Down Under!