I know we have some world travelers in the class.  Anyone planning a exotic trip this year they want to share with us?  We want to see pictures when you get back too.........

We're planning our 40th wedding anniversary and  I think we should do something special - don't you?????

I do not have any big plans - not much of a travler.  Short trips are more my thing.  I definitely think you and Phil should do somethinbg really exciting for that 40th!  Wow! what an achievement.

Are we still planning a "mini" reunion with Mike this summer in Austin?  I have been practising my salsa dancing!  ;)  Since we haven't heard anything else about it, maybe we could just all get together and show up on his doorstep - with or without our underwear!  What do you say Mike?

Sounds like a plan Becky, you and Phil should definitely celebrate.  It you could go anyplace in the "whole wide world", where would it be?

Somebody wants to buy my house.  I decided to replace my windows am I really want a change and the installer started talking about really wanting to move back to La Verne and find an older home for just he and his wife.  So I said what about mine?  They are coming by to see it on Saturday.  I was kind of kidding, so now I'm scared, I really hadn't planned on truly getting rid of it yet but if they want it heck, I will sell it and take one heck of a trip around the world next year.  

My foreign students that live with me will all be done with graduate school in August so I am committed to staying until them but I could be out of my house by the end of August.

When (or if) I come back, I'll have to figure out where to live.  Like you, I am very interested in New Mexico.  I have also heard of many Americans buying places in Costa Rica and they love it there.

Where ever you go, take many photos and share.   

P.S.  I think the female classmates are the only ones that really use the user forums!

sorry for all the typos, I was having trouble posting on the site, but I still need to proof read

What amazes me Margo, is how many read the user forums, but don't reply.  I always have an opinion on things, don't you?  :)  Come on guys, if you are reading the forum how about a reply with your thoughts?  I for one would love to hear from you.

I really like New Mexico.  Over Memorial Day week-end I think we are going to Santa Fe to check it out.  We even thought about selling the condo in Texas and buying something there.  The weather is so similiar to Tehachapi though.  You know how you want something different from home when you are on vacation???

Anyone have a good suggestion for us to check out?  Would be nice if we could drive there instead of flying with 3 or 4 connections    Anyway,  I think this is the year for a change.

We are still thinking about the 40th anniversary.  I like Ireland but not sure if I can get Phil on a plane for that long a flight.  We have time.

Anyone whose had a good experience on a trip - please let me know......

If Phil should be brave enough to make the flight I've heard that Ireland is delightful. 

I subscribe to a small flyer called the Caretake Gazette and I looked under Ireland and found a couple wanting to "House Swap" .  Thought I would type it out for you below.  Many times people also will swap vehicles.  see below:

HOUSE SWAP in Ireland our three bedroom bungalow for your place.  We are near busy Galway city in the beautiful west of Ireland, overlooking fields on one side, just three minutes drive into the action of the city or sit in my large garden relaxing in a quiet suburb.  We can do a pet swap too - my little two-year-old rescue dog is adorable, loves company, loves walks.  He may want to sleep in a bedroon or if you have children he adores them but there is no need to feel obliged as he does have his own bed in my kitchen.  We have one five-year-old cat, which sleeps a lot.  We can have our animals boarded if you prefer.  Oil heating is available for cooler day.  My husband and I work from home, so we are flexiable on the house swap dates.  Let's talk, as they say.  We can email you pictures of our home to you.  Please email Suzy and Mike at

aspire2be@ymail.com.

good luck with your plans  - Margo

Becky,

What about a cruise to ALASKA.  and see Denali and Mt. McKinly.  You might be able to say hi to john.  I hear Alaska is like NATURE ON STEROIDS!!!

You might be able to take a train?  ............margo

Ok, Donna, you asked for a mans ideas, I guess I'll jump in with mine!

Becky, If your thinking of Ireland, why not Denmark and see Anni, maybe she would be your guide for her world ! As far as Alaska-- been there and done that,and LOVED it, did the two week cruise, first week was inland, then the cruise south into Canada and back home, I'll tell you all about it if your interested in it. Just wished I'd know John was there so I could have looked him up. 

 Hi Becky, Phil, Margo, Donna, and Bill,   I don't really have any suggestions for a place to go on vacation... I haven't done much traveling myself.   Just wanted to join in an reply and say Hi to you,  Hope you're all fine. I was getting emails of comments or profile updates or BDs...  it's  got me checking to see who has posted any news and putting me very much in memory of our wonderful time together last summer.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at Mikes hopefully this summer.  Have a great week guys.

Nancy Baxter Garrett wrote:

Were planning on alot of time by the pool this summer.  Went to Hawaii for Christmas so our budget plans include staying home mostly and a trip to the happiest place on earth (VEGAS) for my BD in may!

My sons and I rented Harley Davidsons last weekend.....what a blast!  We drovw 175 miles in the Central Coast (wine country and coast line)  I highly recommend it 2 or 4 wheels.

Happy Sr\pring to all!

Nick - that sounds like fun.  You had some good father - son time.  You know I have a Best of Jackson Brown CD you can have.  There are 2 CD.  I know you are a fan.  There was really only one song I really liked :( 

I guess it's San Francisco for our 40th.  The kids want to come too and it's a good middle ground between us and the one's who live up north.  There is plenty to do and we will be able to watch fire works too (hopefully the dang fog doesn't spoil the plan).

Anyway, thanks for all of the good ideas.  Sounds like we have some good trips in our future.

 Hi everyone.

I logged in to wish John S. a happy birthday and then went wandering around the site and wound up here. Haven't been here for awhile.

Becky, if you and Phil do wind up in San Francisco, Ginger & I are one of those folks up north . SF is 90 mi north of us. We'd love to get together for a visit. You could meet our youngest daughter Irene, who is attending SF State. And the fog? Don't let that stop you. Our oldest daughter, Elizabeth, was recently married New Years eve. We met Jay for the first time Christmas Day. The next day we went up to the 'city'. Jay had never been there and wanted to see the sites. We get to the Golden Gate Bridge and it's raining and windy but that's okay, we all get out with our umbrellas and walk out on the bridge. After we get out a ways, Jay stops and asks one of us to hold his video camera. He then proceeds to propose to Elizabeth. He had this all planned out- no one knew what was coming. He didn't let the wether foil his plans. So don't worry about a little fog. Speaking of children, I still have pictures I need to post.

Another thing Becky, Ginger's closest friend is from Ireland and she goes back at least once a year to visit family. There are some possible connections there. Ginger and I have  a running invitation but have not made it yet. We'd love to and we will. Speaking of traveling, there are so many places we'd like to go. 

Take care everyone,

Dave