Kristi... I got the biggest kick out of your Guitar Hero photo! My adult son and his wife have that game, and they've actually got 2 wireless guitars for it! Come to think of it, my other adult son, the one in college, has that game, too! They've got every version available, and they play quite often! They're all very good at it, but you're right... it doesn't mimic real playing very well, at all. At least it isn't violent... no monsters and no killing! Great photos of your youngsters! They look sort of like mine... confined to a shelf with lights, but growing anyway! Nice set-up! I just adore Minerva! I can't wait for mine to bloom so I can show off her beauty! I've been talking about her since I joined the forum, but she hasn't bloomed in all that time... I'm really hoping she decides to flower this spring. It's one of my all-time favorites! Those cacti all look nice, too! I'm not that great with succulents, but I'm learning... I think I baby them too much. Great photos!

Thanks for all the kind comments! Since these photos I was able to get a few more migration photos before the rain set in, but kept hoping I could get some more. We spent one weekend at a family reunion in IN, then worked out of town as extras in the Disney movie Secretariat during two very cold, windy weeks (long hours, miserable work, but at least I got to see John Malkovich and Diane Lane). This weekend coming up might have some sun, but I've not seen any migrants for awhile, so our migration action may be over.

If you are just trying to 'get your feet wet' so that you can return someday and 'wing it' I would suggest going with a tour group. I've done it. All the travel arrangements are made for you. This would be airfare to Europe and motorcoach to get to designated sights, and possibly even another air trip to a further destination in Europe. It's not as hectic as it sounds. It's not the *If It's Tuesday This Must Be Belguim* hamster wheel. There is less stress if all the plans are made for you and you don't feel so much like flotsom and jetsom, bobbing around Europe. The tour groups also schedule 'free time' for the group so you can do what you want at that time. There are always planned activites like museums and shopping, but some confident types break from the group and jump in a taxi and do things on their own making sure they are back to the mortorcoach on time. The planned activities give you a "taste" of the various cities and towns. You always have an interpeter for things, like ordering from a street vendor or how to inform the hotel that the toilet is broke, and the guides are savvy enough to steer you away from questionable situations. If you are going to visit the smaller towns or any of the former Soviet block countries you will find the NO ONE speaks English in these parts. Not only that but the lettering in countries like Poland and Checkoslovakia in incomprehensible to the average American so trying to read signs and menus is nearly impossible. By going on a tour group they will tell you what different requirments are for each country. Some countries require travelers health insurance in case you get sick, for instance, some don't require it. They will also tell you of customs so that you don't find yourself in hot water or even arrested for doing something that seemed "OK". For instance, it it rude to take a person's picture with a camera in some parts of Europe and it could start a fight. Since you say you wish to see Italy and Greece consider the option to fly there, and then take one of the ferries across from Italy to Greece so that you can experience the Mediterranean by boat. Since you are not going all over Europe, flying to Italy/Greece and taking taxis, busses, or trains around the country side would be a good experience. Tour groups often combine different styles of travel for siteseeing adventures. The tour I went on had motor coach for the main planned event but the guide would arrange a hired driver (for extra fee) for those who wanted to go elsewhere and not with the group. You will also find some comeraderie by going with a tour group and some of them will be seasoned travelers who can hwlp out also. Tour group is the way to go for older "first timers" to Europe who just want to get their feet wet.

Deb : You are of course, correct about it being just the end of the rainy season. I was just living in the moment, so used to rain every other day, forgot the big picture of what was happening. This getting old stuff is not for sissies ! :o) Pea : I feel for you re the unthinking neighbors. One good thing about living where I do, in a 55 + mobile home park, - that situation would never occur here. As I mentioned, have enjoyed these last 3 days, but the weather guys/gals are telling me it'll end tomorrow, for awhile at least,..till the fall really sets in permanently. Always the optimist,...it won't be long in coming ! My favorite time of year also,..late Oct to late March,..Nirvana the Buddists call it ! LOL