Ride my bike, ride my bike, ride my bike.... got to really ride my mtn bike a lot the next two weeks to get my legs into better shape for my big climb in the Virgin River Gorge. Got to climb up 2,000 ft or more elevation through cactus. Can't wait! The riding should make the scramble much easier. I want to drop a few pounds, but the ladies at work are such great cooks! I keep getting cookies, baked treats, potluck lunches, birthday party dinners, I hate to say no. Everyone is so nice. Don't want to hurt feelings.... also, who wants to turn down this awesome food? mmmm..... So, I am on the Bill Clinton diet: Eat Eat Eat junk food, then run, workout, and hope for a middle of the road result. Hey, Jennmonkey, have a blast! Oh, for the snow? See if your BF would want to stop in to a sporting goods store and "RENT" some snowshoes for the trip? Call around- you may spend about 8 - 12 dollars to rent them. Ever snowshoed? it's something different for sure.

He got so used to being outside and loving it that when we got home, the next day my husband opened the garage door and Ricky ran out and escaped into the neighborhood! Hubs had to chase him all over the place. Bad Doggie! He's lucky a big dog didn't eat him. We've had that happen out here...a neighbor's dog killed a smaller dog. It was awful. Glad I wasnt home when this happened.

I wish I'd seen this thread before posting mine! Yes, you can use a pressure cooker on the propane stove. I had a pressure cooker in my RV (and plan to put it in the camping equipment for this summer's trip). I have also used it on the white-gas stove (older Coleman model), when we were renovating the kitchen at home. We looked at those 12-volt refrigerators. My husband was annoyed that he got rid of his after leaving the trucking industry. Well, how could we know! Thanks for the tips on the newer ones. As far as camping reservations go: from experience, the national park campgrounds fill fast. Many of them are on the reservation system, and others (like in Arches) will require you to start trolling through the CG at daybreak, looking for departing campers. Our trip is about the same length as yours, though we are staying in motels and with friends and family instead of tent-camping. From experience with long trip tent camping, though, you'll want to get a motel room or find a truck stop with reasonably priced showers (bring shower shoes) every 3-4 days. Your trip sounds like a lot of fun -- we're heading from CA to ME via Orlando, FL, and back through MO (daughter, son-IL and new granddaughter live there). So we're going opposite of you, grin. I've placed a link to a great resource for road-trip planners. It's one of my favorite Internet sites. Donna Here is a link that might be useful: Road Trip America

Tamar, Sorry, I haven't read all the threads here - did see them going off on yet another tangent, lol. But, I think (as I said, didn't read everyone's posts) I'm the only one to advise you NOT to attend the session if it meant you must miss your own child's first day of school. I just wouldn't do that if it were me. And, I'm w/ you on the camping thing, lol. Yeah, I've camped many times - at the air conditioned cabins at Disney World's Ft. Wildernes Resort, lol. I realize it's very important for SS, but SS has made his bed. I realize he has some issues that are understandably out of his control, but he has made poor choice after poor choice. And, I'm not completely up to date on his current issues w/ you, but apparently he made it clear that you aren't his cup of tea, so now you are supposed to miss seeing your youngster off for his first day of 'real' school? No way. Your little one did not have anything to do w/ this and should not be brushed aside for NOT being the squeeky wheel. If your area is anything like ours, you will most likely be one of the only moms not there, taking pictures, etc. I don't think I could live w/ that. Your little one has done nothing wrong and he should have his mom walk him in the first day of K. I would tell DH to take notes for me and rest assured that SS has his biomom and dad w/ him, the two he apparently wants around the most. I'd have no issues w/ my DH and his ex being on this little jaunt together, either. DH wouldn't like being subjected to her, lol, but I'd have no problem - and that would be added incentive for me not to be there! I am still wondering if my SS will reappear next week when his boyfriend moves back to S.FL. If so, I wonder if he will have any issues that will land him in some sort of rehab. If so, I'm certain I won't be doing anything other than landing an ear. I'm hoping I can be civil after the he!! he's put us through...I imagine you can relate... All the best, Dana