In the 1960s, I was in the Navy and was stationed near Machias. I was at the Cutler Radio Site; I don't think it is still in business. Amtrak sleeper information: there are two basic choices, a roomette and a bedroom. We booked the roomette and should have booked the other. When the beds were made up, we had to open the door to properly stand - it is a bit crowded. Every cabin on our train was taken! And, when you are in bed, you are front to back and the train sways side to side, thus you roll a lot. However, in the bedroom, there is MUCH more room, and you are side-to-side and the swaying in not the same issue. In the bedroom, even when the beds are made up, there is still lots of room. In the bedroom, you have your own toilet and shower; for the roomette, you have to share (and it is tiny - no problem with falling!). Price will be a big determining factor, as will availability. I was just looking at Amtrak to take to Austin for a wedding in May and there are no bedrooms going down and only two roomettes. Coming back, one bedroom and one roomette. Each sleeper car has about 10 bedrooms and 20 roomettes. On our trip from San Francisco, there were two sleepers and 3 coaches - all booked! The food was OK, the menus are always the same, but you can get a variety. On our trip, there were some items that were gone (cheesecake and vanilla gelato for instance) on the last day. Those in coach have to pay the menu prices. I did leave a small tip for the servers, who were not overworked. Soda is free with the meal, however wine and beer are extra. There is also a cafe car with simple nibbles that are cash or credit card transactions. Still, not a bad way to see the countryside! And there were lots and lots of interesting people on board. You have some time to sit and chat in the upper level of the cafe car.

Sorry to hear that :( Sorry but I've learned over the years that once the buds start blasting there pretty much is nothing you can do to stop it. Whenever I orders a plant is spike I usually assume that if it comes in late bud they will blast. I have been suprised a few times though with orchids that immediatly re-spiked after blasting. Good luck :)

Hello you all, Oh my........... how jealous can one get??? Would like to emigrate when I see all these splendid plumies. I wonder; are there many plumie freeks in USA?? Is it a popular plant or are there just a few of you (as hopeless as I am)?? Can you buy a plant anywhere or do you have to search for one? I'm asking cause I live in Holland (where you can count plumeria-lovers on one hand I'm afaid) but I have an aunt living in Florida, Palm Beach. Could she find some cuttings for me?? Any advice is welcome!! Many thanx, Martina

I only cruise on small, "all-inclusive" lines --- the Regent Seven Seas, Crystal or Seabourne lines. The ships only carry around 700 passengers. All liquor is included. Sure, the price of the ticket is higher, but the quality of the food, wine, etc. is far superior. My last cruise was 31 days aboard the Regent Seven Seas Mariner. (In 2008, we sailed Australia, New Zealand, and then sailed from Auckland, NZ to Los Angeles, stopping enroute in Tahiti at several of her islands, and a couple of other small, Pacific islands....there were several consecutive sea days because of the distances we covered.) There were 450 passengers on board. In each restaurant, the maitre d' and the sommelier always recognized us, catered to our preferences, and there were several restaurants from which to choose, plus 24-hour, full-menu room service. AND, there are no "seatings". Dinner is served from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m....come when you choose. The food -- all meals -- was simply superb. Towards the end of the cruise, when there can, indeed, be too much of a good thing, I began requesting simple food not on the menu. And the kitchen always delivered. The wines were delightful --- French, German, Australian, New Zealand, California, etc. And I always appreciate being able to order a glass of champagne, wine or cocktail without being charged....one requests the drink and it appears, without signing any chit, charging any card, etc. It's an elegant way to travel. On my last cruise, we sailed with a well-known Australian wine expert (we were in the southern hemisphere), and for several days running, we attended delightful wine tastings, and learned fascinating facts about the wines produced in Australia and New Zealand....No charge; all inclusive. Also on the last cruise, interested passengers were able to sign up for the gourmet dinner (seating was limited), for $200 each. The food and the wines consumed were truly exceptional! Because of the price of these cruises, children are not found on board. And this allows the kitchen to focus entirely on adult menus. Also, there are no "midnight" buffets on these types of cruises; breakfast is served, as is lunch, high tea (with champagne, wine, tea, etc.), and dinner. And, if a guest is hungry at the odd hour, there is the 24-hour full-menu room service....with the ability to order something NOT on the menu, if one desires it. I love traveling like this, delight in the quality of the food, its lovely presentation, and I especially like the ability to come to dinner whenever one's personal plans dictate the time. Twice during the last cruise, I coordinated with the maitre d' of the restaurant I'd chosen, and I hosted a dinner. I selected the guests to invite (there were 12 of us), selected the day and time, and the ship's staff did the rest: sent personal invitations to the guests, arranged the pre-set table in a secluded spot so conversation was easy, alerted the wait staff who would serve us (and the sommelier), and ensured a delightful evening was had by all. For these dinners, the guests chose off of their menu, and I totally relaxed....no planning required, no cooking required or dishes to wash afterwards or bills to pay...all the passengers had already paid their "all inclusive". Such a civilized way to travel! So, I save my money and take a grand vacation like this every few years, so I can have a truly memorable, and very special experience!