Ten Day Adventure in a Two Day Suitcase

Passport
International Driver's License
Jeans
Warm shirts
Sweaters
Sensible shoes
Treats
iTouch
Laptop
Moisturizer
Eyebrow pencil
Music
Scarves
Chapstick
Precious Friends
A sense of adventure...

All I need are your prayers.

Please.

Next stop...Munich.
  • stampergirl
    Have fun!
    by stampergirl at 03/13/10 8:36AM
  • tryphena
    Eyebrow pencil...more important than lipstick? You can pack my prayers!
    by tryphena at 03/13/10 9:06AM
  • wise
    Have a blast and stay warm.
    by wise at 03/13/10 10:24AM
  • mamahastings
    Praying for safety and wonderful times!
    by mamahastings at 03/13/10 10:36AM
  • misssonja
    I am eager to hear about all that you encounter -- may it be thoroughly enjoyable!
    by misssonja at 03/13/10 11:16AM
  • hellosunshine
    Ahhh, go nowhere without chapstick! Safe travels!
    by hellosunshine at 03/13/10 12:01PM
  • angenymity
    That's an impressive list. It appears that the laptop is mucho importante...no desire to disconnect for a bit? Well, at least that gives us at home the benefit of living vicariously thru your adventures :) Don't forget a bra. lol.
    by angenymity at 03/13/10 12:33PM
  • tommyswife
    Someone did take a camera, right? Praying for you!
    by tommyswife at 03/13/10 4:51PM
  • 23_bravo_7
    Munich, where all of the BIG rallys for Hitler took place. Oh yes, I hope you have your papers in order while you are in Germany. Watch out for those men in the leather treach coats. Have I been watching too many WW II movies?
    by 23_bravo_7 at 03/13/10 5:19PM
  • canardmom23
    You're always traveling. Oh the places I would go!...if only my wallet would let me.
    by canardmom23 at 03/14/10 3:13PM
  • auntjennywren
    Are we there yet?:)
    by auntjennywren at 03/14/10 4:35PM
  • skye
    I love your packing list. :) Be safe. Have a blast. Soak it all in. Prayers for you and yours. :)
    by skye at 03/14/10 8:24PM
  • madtomkidd
    I'm interested in the bag that you're using. Sounds great and hope the travel goes splendidly. Don't wrap yourself around a tree!
    by madtomkidd at 03/15/10 9:37AM

March 12, 2010

  • justg
    It was 24 and snowing in Munich.
    It was 21 and snowing in Salzburg.

    Yesterday

    Finally, we are going to see some winter weather!

    Who am I kidding, we are going to freeze.
    by justg at 03/12/10 7:06AM
  • auntjennywren
    Oh my - might I suggest:http://www.jcpenney.com/products/C040384.jsp, That extra layer will make a huge difference. Ear covers.
    I'm sure ya'll have this all figured out!
    by auntjennywren at 03/12/10 8:05AM
  • hellosunshine
    Imagining the group photo now. Bundled up, nothing but smiles and a raised eyebrow. Be safe. Soak it up!
    by hellosunshine at 03/12/10 8:27AM
  • tryphena
    Have a safe trip!
    by tryphena at 03/12/10 9:05AM
  • volray
    It is global warming. Just be glad that Gore has educated everyone on this topic or you would be expecting temperatures in the teens! Just tell your mind that it is a heat wave!
    by volray at 03/12/10 9:51AM
  • tommyswife
    It is okay when in Europe to freeze. It is cool to freeze in Europe! It is not cool to freeze in old OHIO! Freezing in Europe is distinguished!
    by tommyswife at 03/12/10 10:49AM
  • curlie
    Take your long underwear! I look forward to seeing pictures of you with rosy cheeks. :)
    by curlie at 03/12/10 2:06PM
  • margie
    Thank you soo much! I'll send it off hopefully tomorrow!
    by margie at 03/13/10 12:50AM

American Idol...

has jumped the shark.

Sad.

____________________________________________

Very little talent - Big Mike and Crystal get my vote
Zero chemistry among the judges
I miss ditzy, altered Paula
____________________________________________

Wow..emotional night!!!

Still: Crystal and Mike for me!
  • auntjennywren
    Those are my favorites too. I've almost quit watching because of the contradictory advice & comments. I miss Paula and don't like wondering if there is a problem between Simon & Ellen. It's just gotten weird. I think when Simon leaves, the show should end.
    by auntjennywren at 03/11/10 7:38AM
  • justg
    I agree. Simon leaves = end of show. While I enjoy Ellen, when she is doing what she does best, I believe she has no credibility. She knows what she likes (like most of us), what is easy to dance to, but as far as giving an expert critique..not so much. It's just too tense among the judges. Very forced.
    by justg at 03/11/10 8:04AM
  • tryphena
    I'm hopelessly out of the loop...I had to Google "jump the shark" to know what it meant. Anything about television is pretty much a mystery to me, except for NCIS.
    by tryphena at 03/11/10 9:12AM
  • amyleigh
    It's got to be on one more year 'cause a Christian friend of ours is trying out next season and she's amazing. I miss Paula, too. Kara's not doin' it for me.
    by amyleigh at 03/11/10 12:47PM
  • madtomkidd
    Well, you could get your friend to stay with you for Britain's Got Talent or the X Factor. I haven't watched Idol for years and don't intend to start again any time soon. It's just too long and drawn out for the little bit of content they deliver.
    by madtomkidd at 03/11/10 1:47PM
  • hellosunshine
    Flipped to it last night. Once one of the guys started singing Queen, I was out. Didn't even make into the 2nd verse.
    by hellosunshine at 03/11/10 1:57PM
  • cecile
    I thought the guys would be good this year. But they stink! A girl is definitely going to win. Probably Crystal. She seems to have the best voice.
    I thought I'd like Ellen on the show, but she comes across as AWKWARD! I always loved crazy Paula! And Cara is just...weird. I can handle Randy, he's just kind of...there. When it comes down to it, I pretty much always agree to what Simon says and the rest of the judges' comments are just filler. Ryan could never show up on the show again and it would be great.
    I find myself fast forwarding many parts of the performances. Especially when they all sing the cheesy group song together and have choreography. I am completely horrified by that part, and always have been!
    That all being said...I'm still going to watch it to the bitter end!
    by cecile at 03/11/10 2:06PM
  • justg
    ^^^ LOL...I'm right there with you sister! Well said. Like you, I DVR it, and fast forward through most of the songs, takes less time. I typically agree with Simon, he says what most of us are thinking. Ellen is just too nice, and is running out of adjectives. She looks like a deer in headlights. Cara...well, what was THAT about??? She needs therapy this season, along with a session in the HR Officer's office. Like you...I'll watch it till the bitter end.
    by justg at 03/11/10 5:39PM
  • canardmom23
    It's not what it started out as, but overall not as bad as I expected with the change of judges
    by canardmom23 at 03/11/10 8:45PM

Packing a TWO day suitcase

and flying to:

Munich
Salzburg
Budapest
Vienna
Prague

The bff, Sherry (of the ABCD'S) and I will be leaving next Saturday for a 10 day trip to Europe. We have made the decision to pack only a carry-on, so we will be travelling very lightly. Are we insane? I mean, what else do we need besides a good pair of shoes, a couple of pairs of jeans, warm socks, shirts to wear under sweaters, a heavy jacket, a scarf, a hat and a pair of gloves? Oh yes, and a few essential products.

We will be flying, training and DRIVING. The Autobahn is waiting for me!

When I checked the weather in Vienna yesterday, the high was 24! It's gonna be cold...Dr. Zhivago cold! We wanted to avoid those tourists!

But first....

On Tuesday night, we are going to celebrate the upcoming wedding of their son, Justin and his bride Brittany. It's going to be fun, fun, fun...so please make your plans to come to the house and spend some time with the best women on earth!

It's going to be a very busy week.

Any travelling tips? Has anyone been to these cities? All suggestions welcomed.
  • 23_bravo_7
    Sounds like a great trip. A laundromat along the way may be useful.
    by 23_bravo_7 at 03/06/10 8:00AM
  • mamahastings
    Oh my, sounds absolutely PERFECT! I have always dreamed of taking a trip and just buying what I need when I get there. I am absolutely jealous of your upcoming driving experience! I am so happy for you! Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!!!!!!!!
    by mamahastings at 03/06/10 9:28AM
  • tryphena
    I would love to try traveling so lightly! I mean, really, what does a person *need*? Not much, in the whole scheme of things, and with a little money, one can always obtain necessities. It would be fun to give it a try. I was in Germany for a short time about 19 1/2 years ago...not there long enough to offer advice.
    by tryphena at 03/06/10 9:50AM
  • auntjennywren
    What an exciting adventure! I know the pictures will be awesome. I'm so impressed with the packing. Oh my - the driving will be so cool!
    by auntjennywren at 03/06/10 10:49AM
  • amyleigh
    Sounds like a wonderful adventure. I've never been to any of those places, but we're driving to Germany in July and Austria is high on our list. Can't wait to hear the report when you return!
    by amyleigh at 03/06/10 11:23AM
  • curlie
    "Dr. Zhivago cold" cracked me up! :) 24 will be brisk, and you will definitely walk quickly in weather like that. :)
    by curlie at 03/06/10 11:39AM
  • misssonja
    I haven't been to those cities (AND I'M JEALOUS!), but I've been all over the rest of Europe and carry-on only is definitely the way to go. You may want to take/buy another (empty) bag for souvenirs if you intend to buy much. I've heard Prague and Vienna are especially wonderful. Layers of clothes will keep you warm/allow you to cool down if necessary -- and take an umbrella and two pairs of shoes. I'm not big on German food, so I think I'd just live on bread, cheese, and PASTRIES!!!

    We are going to need A FULL REPORT :)!!!
    by misssonja at 03/06/10 1:44PM
  • canardmom23
    Stay safe and I know you'll have a blast.
    by canardmom23 at 03/06/10 3:18PM
  • madtomkidd
    You could check ONE bag, and I'll fit in it. I'll pay for the extra weight (^_^)
    by madtomkidd at 03/06/10 5:52PM
  • mamahastings
    Rosie must be missing you. Today Willow told me that when she grew up she was going to live in the house next door. Rosie then looked at me and said "and I'm gonna live in Florida!"
    by mamahastings at 03/06/10 9:51PM
  • lindsey
    You MUST go visit the salt mines in Salzburg. I still have a great picture of us sliding down into the mine.
    by lindsey at 03/06/10 10:59PM
  • volray
    In Prague, you have to visit the original Hradny castle. It is on the top of the original hill for the city and has buildings dating back to 1061 AD. The U.S. Embassy was built in the 1300's, or before Columbus sailed to the New World. The embassy is directy uphill from the Bridge of Lions.

    Also visit the old town portion of the city. The Czechs rolled over so fast in both World Wars that they received very little bombing. Therefore, all of the old town is still there. Old, old, old buildings.
    by volray at 03/07/10 12:27AM
  • hellosunshine
    My first thought was 'please tell me you get to DRIVE', and I mean really drive! The rest is bonus. So great. Have an adventure. Share pics and memories upon your safe return. Leave your mark!
    by hellosunshine at 03/07/10 7:23AM
  • hellosunshine
    Well, not your Mark, but you know...your mark.
    by hellosunshine at 03/07/10 7:23AM
  • soberjoenpaca
    I know how excited you must be. What a great adventure!! Bring a small notebook with you and jot down things to share back home with all of us. I did that when I went to Paris and it helped me remember all the experiences that I had over that week period. Think of me when you are putting the pedal to the medal..............xoxoxoxoxo
    by soberjoenpaca at 03/07/10 12:34PM
  • angenymity
    Well, I HOPE you give up control in the air....they ground planes in severe cases (I'm thinking of highjackers...). I HAVE to have the cool air vents blowing on my face at take off, going up, coming down--but once I'm at cruising altitude, all's well, as long as there's not severe turbulance.

    Yep--gotta spruce up that heavy coat with some color and flair, otherwise you'll be home again looking at all your pics saying to yourself, "there's MY COAT in front of the Glockenschpiel...there's MY COAT in front of the Sound of Music house. Instead, you'll be exclaiming, "Look at that hot G!"
    by angenymity at 03/07/10 5:09PM
  • tommyswife
    Have fun!!!! :)
    by tommyswife at 03/07/10 8:40PM
  • margie
    Hey Mrs Diana. I was wondering if you would be willing to write me a recommendation for a merit scholarship before you leave on your trip? If not, that's fine.
    by margie at 03/07/10 10:00PM

March 3, 2010

  • tommyswife
    Make it a good one! We will never get another 3/3/2010!
    by tommyswife at 03/03/10 10:04AM
  • curlie
    Yesterday was 3-2-1-0. I thought that was neat. :)
    by curlie at 03/03/10 10:16AM
  • tryphena
    Awww, I missed it!! I usually try to note those cool-date days.
    by tryphena at 03/03/10 10:39AM
  • justg
    ^^ that was very cool. I totally missed it.
    by justg at 03/03/10 11:01AM
  • mamahastings
    It is a good day. The snow is melting, the daffodils are about 4" tall and we drank milkshakes!
    by mamahastings at 03/03/10 2:58PM