Thank you for the Baggelini suggestion, ellendi. I have found some online, but need to get to the local mall to actually see it. It looks perfect with all the compartments. Kswl, I also plan on stopping by Nordstrom's to check out the Longchamp. My DD has one that she uses as a handbag on occasion. She loves it. Mel, DD's bf did have some kind of underlying heart condition and was on meds for high blood pressure. We are still waiting for the autopsy results. It won't change the outcome but will allow some sort of understanding of why this happened to a young athlete. Luggage and totes are a diversion....trivial, but needed, KWIM? Thank you so much for the suggestions.

I agree with cindydavid that we have lost something in the shift towards more literature from other countries and traditions. Yes, it's a good idea to learn more about other cultures, countries, and traditions. However, this shouldn't mean that what used to be taught should now be excluded. I don't know -- I think I might be from a different age but correction and being left back sounds, to me, to be more correct than being allowed to continue without earning the right to do so. I guess to me it's more of a reward/effort thing -- if you put in the effort, then there's a reward. If you get the reward without the effort, then that cheapens the reward or, worse, gives the student a feeling of entitlement to something he may not be entitled to. I do realize that maybe the whole issue is that of using a single approach to all students. Not all students learn the same way nor do they learn at the same pace. Perhaps it would be best if a tailored approach was taken for each student. Of course, finding the resources for such an approach opens up a whole new can of worms ..... And I also agree with astrokath. In talking to that teacher friend of mine, I've realized that her hands were tied with respect to a lot of things regarding the students. I don't blame her (or any of the other teachers) for the results -- the policies and direction from their superiors (and the politicians who directed those superiors) should shoulder the blame. Rambo -- good luck with the teacher's college. I have another friend who is entering the teaching profession this September and she's really looking forward to it. My other teacher friend still loves teaching -- she's just getting annoyed at all the politics that comes with the job.

Lots of great suggestions. I will write some of them down and look them up online. I think I am getting stressed because he wants an answer right away in case he has to order it. I understand that, but don't want to pick anything off the top of my head for such a milestone occasion. Thanks again everyone. phoggie - My hand tremors are supposedly caused by Parkinson's. There isn't a test so don't know for sure. I hate it. I used to do so many things like photography, glass bead and jewelry making, and other crafts that are very difficult now. adellabedella_usa - I would love to have a goldfish or a 20 gal aquarium but I am afraid that would be vetoed. I had one for 10 years when I was a kid. summersrhythm_- LOL! I like the way you think. I told him what I really wanted was a clone of Elvira but $50,000 was a little more than he wanted to spend. Thanks all for the anniversary wishes.

Lots of great suggestions but if we are going warm, we want "beach warm" and this trip, I must remain in the US (explained above). Charleston is definitely on my list but more for a girls trip, I think. I am sure SO would enjoy it but it has been on the short list for my sister and I. Sue, we will definitely go to NOLA but I think I prefer a spring trip-- before it is hot hot hot and after football season. Would love food recommendations! So regarding flights-- I have found some more reasonable and even very reasonable flights. I suspect the other night I was looking only on my "preferred" airline. Maybe. Or prices are fluctuating. That said, in talking to SO last night I picked up and confirmed that he'd rather not travel in the christmas-nye time frame. oops! He had been tentative regarding specific dates but I didnt realize he was tentative on travel. His reasons are valid. I have to appreciate that he too really enjoyed our lazy holiday last year and also that he would prefer a grander spring/summer trip. So I am back to looking for a cabin/fun weekend getaway closer to "home" and some fun winter activities in Minnesota. I still want to do the Nordic Village private dining hut on the roof of the 4Seasons. I didnt get reservations last year, but I am on it this year... and crossing fingers for snow! He wasn't too into it lol.. but if we arent going to travel, he will need to indulge me a little. (He will enjoy it- his point is that we could go to 3 great restaurants for the same price. Me? I am all about the experience.) Off to spend the day with family today -- celebrating mom's birthday, occupying my 3-yo great nephew so his mom can have a girl's day and also planning my sept road trip with sister! Not sure what we'll end up with. So far we have a session with a favorite jewelry designer booked in CT ... from there, who knows!? We'll have 4 days.