Well ... I guess we can shut off the lights and close and lock the door of this thread: I'm to fly out of Detroit early evening Fri. Jan. 23 - fly out of Phoenix morn. Mon. Feb 2 ... just under $250. For folks who might be in or able to come to Phoenix, my email address is available here, and I can send daughter's address - don't remember the suburb - and phone. Got a card in mail Fri. Nov. 28 saying item to pick up at P.O., picked up passport Monday ... postmistress says it somewhat resembles me. She's supposed to have identif'n., but not too concerned ... I got out photo driver's licence ... she said she doubted that she'd let me into States on that - look too much like terrorist. Application went in Nov. 21, it was issued Nov. 26 - really quick service. I am disappointed that I'll not get to visit folks along the route ... but hope that I can meet several of you some time in the future: maybe a spring or fall trip (summer too hot). I hope also that you have the start of a fine week under your belt. ole joyful

annz3, you live in the Ithaca area? (I'd subconsciously noted your mentioning that but forgot to comment). I have a kid who decided to spend undergrad years there. He had a fabulous experience - are you or a family member involved with one of the two colleges in town? We loved going to visit and enjoyed both the town and the surrounding area. Though you'll understand, this thin blooded Californian restricted visits to fall and spring. It's a beautiful area and there seemed to be lots to do.

Thanks for all the comments. My brother has an eye for taking pictures. He goes out everyday before or after work to take pictures. He will sit in his car at marina near us or walk the nature trail at Ojibway or just drive around Essex County. He has many beautiful pictures of Windsor and Essex County, some of local buildings, lake freighters, flora from local parks, lots of squirrel pictures and the birds. Point Pelee is the southern most tip in Canada and many birds make a stop there on their migration route. People come from all around the world to catalogue the birds they find and to take pictures. The park is also a stop for monarch butterflies before they migrate. I told Paul he should do something with his talent and he said "or not" I told him he should contact the tourism board and see if they want his pictures for postcards. The most popular postcards you can find around here are of the Ambassador Bridge to Detroit owned by an American and the Detroit Skyline. They are not postcards of Windsor. I know anyone haha but me can take wonderful pictures with a digital camera these days. I wish I was one of them but I sure do not have an eye for it. I told Paul he should make some more of these little videos of his pictures.

Elmer, I am one of those people who love snowy and cold weather. I used to love going outside after a snowstorm to shovel snow off my sidewalks. With my back I can't do that now unfortunately. I also love being near the water in the winter. I like watching the ice breakers or listening to freighters as they plow through the ice. Love the sound of the ice breaking up. Some of the most beautiful winter scenery is at Point Pelee as the ice from Lake Erie is pushed up along the shoreline. Summers can be horrendous with the humidity but we get used to it. My cousin who moved here 2 years ago from Toronto can't stand the humidity. Along with living near the water there comes the yearly migration of fish flies or shad flies. Stinky creatures who live to die. I love having 4 seasons and sometimes we can experience them all in one week.