Chelone, your unique outlook on everything never disappoints-ocean scum...lol. You do know you live in paradise, woman. Growing up I spent many a vacation at Hampton Beach. Next to being let loose all day to the arcades with a couple of bucks as an allowance, the one thing I remember is how your ankles hurt when you first went into the water. Of course that didn't prevent you from spending hours riding waves and dodging the undertow. I'm embarassed to admit that it's been years and years since I've been to an ocean beach. Sitting in the sun is not my thing (sitting in general is something I have a tough time doing) and I don't care for crowds. Maybe one of these days...Crane's Beach in Ipswich is my favorite. As a single person I spent a few years bumming around that whole area. Before I moved to CT I never heard of anyone having central air in their house. Here everyone has it. If their house wasn't built with it, they have it installed. We have awnings on all the west facing windows an I do pull blinds and use fans. I agree though that there is a benefit to AC for people with allergies. We've been running it in the bedroom most nights this week and I've never slept better because my allergy afflicted husband isn't snoring. lol Usually I need earplugs and still end up having to wander into the guestroom in the middle of the night. This week has been a dream. Martie, I used to backpack for days through the White Mts. Now my idea of roughing it is a Holiday Inn without a cocktail lounge. Sue

dlm--sorry to hear of your brother's health misfortune. I hope you are able to enjoy a spa vacation soon. I think perhaps you are right about the comfort factor--sticking with what you know. The lady that I befriended at Red Mountain had been there, along with another lady I met, back in the late 90s when it truly was a weight loss facility and food was carefully rationed. I like the variety of activities, the hikes, food, and quiet atmosphere at Red Mountain. If you want to sit by the pool all day and read or have massages and facials you can; if you want to hike at 7 am and exercise all day long in classes, whitewater raft, horseback ride, take classes--it's all up to you. The food is healthy but very good and beautifully presented. If I ever rent a vehicle instead of taking the shuttle to Red Mountain I will check out Green Valley. Right now a friend and I are considering Mll Amo Spa at the Enchantment Resort at Sedona. I've been to Sedona but not this resort. Every woman I think deserves such an experience at some time!

Refugee from the cooking forum here....and one "of that age group" who really resents implications that we are not able to stay out and need to eat an "early supper". While I don't do 2:00AM by choice any more...the people I hang with rarely eat before 7...more often 8, staying out until midnight and are perfectly capable of driving after dark....we eat pizza, tacos, and all manner of garlic laden and spicy stuff... Ok...got that out of the way! LOL! I think a 5:30 start time is too early...Ideally I would like 6:30 for a party to begin, but perhaps a compromise at 6:00 would be best, with dinner scheduled to appear at 7:00 to 7;30. People of that age group remember fondly standing around drinking cocktails and eating h'ors douvres as a way to interact with friends. I would do an open bar and have the makings for martinis(traditional kind with Noiley Pratt or Martini&Rossi dry vermouth) and Manhattans as well as bourbon, Scotch and Rum with traditional mixers....but most will likely drink gin or vodka and tonic. Will you cook the dinner or have it catered?....and how many people? I'd be thinking simple and stand around food, unless your cottages are bigger than most...I'd think things like oven roasted chicken pieces with a huge bowl of lightly oil and vinegar dressed greens, baskets of French or Italian bread and a casserole of perhaps a cheesy pasta or a pesto pasta....or something fairly light and simple.... Have a small wedding cake made for dessert, coffee and you are done....unless people want to stay around for after dinner drinks. Linda C

No this was our last port in Jamaica! Those people had been on excursions or shopping and were boarding the ship, Thursday, for our last day at sea, on Friday. Pic was taken from our balcony. When you embark the ship for cruising checkin, you go through a terminal, with long lines. And yes, I get to miss the long lines embarking and disembarking, but NOT the long lines when you are in-port for excursions and shopping. I just know to get in earlier, so I miss those long lines. I'm not a souvenir shopper anymore :o) The process is fast though and they keep you moving. You have to put all your shopping bags, etc thru an x-ray just like at the airport, and you have a ID card that you use to sign back in onto the ship. I LOVE CRUISING :o)