What is it about the seventy-plus generation and packing for a trip? How many suitcases full of bathing suits and light summer wear does one need for a month.

Genova—Today I had to find the Il Mondo, the language school which turns out was in the midst of all the flood water destruction so it was a mess and workers were cleaning the streets and then all the shops were open with HUGE sales.

Joe, the money-manager says, “The number one non-necessity item that people are cutting back on in these economic hard times . . . vacations.” sigh. But hey, let’s look on the bright side . . .Who needs a respite from the stress of the current gloom and doom financial forecast when relief is right here in our own backyard?

Finally my spouse reached the ripe old age of fifty. I thought the day would never come, it is unsettling to be a year and a half older than your husband when the age of fifty draws nigh. Somehow my other half has a most unsettling way of looking the same as the day we married, some twenty-eight years ago. Almost like he has been preserved in bees wax at the ripe old age of twenty-one. What better place to celebrate than Amanpolo.

Sometimes I wish I lived in Miami, I mean think how much easier it would be to get to a tropical climate—like Bonaire. I’m just saying. . .

So, I’m heading out for a much-needed warm winter break, which requires purchasing a few things, namely shorts. Shorts that cover the danger zone otherwise know as U.U.P. (upper lumpy leg.)

Two five-hour plane rides, one overnight in Tahiti, a commuter jump to Bora Bora, and finally a 15-minute boat ride to the Four seasons Bora Bora. Kind of Funny what a Seattle mossback will do to get out of the rain.

Our first destination was Fill in reserve, next we stopped for two days at Sasaab which was a small open air hotel. Our final stay was Meru National Park, we skipped the Masai Mara due to strife in Nairobi.

This past month in Sun Valley, Idaho, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performed at the new Sun Valley outdoor pavilion to a full house.

Every year my sister, Aunt, mother and I take a “sisters vacation”. Someone has to organize the trip; this job usually falls on my shoulders. I don’t mind being the travel agent; I can then unilaterally pick any spot that I like. However, a few us like to expend a bit more physical energy than others, and walking from art class to a spa activity does not count. With these thoughts in mind, I try to accommodate everyone.