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

* The Ginza in Japan is a must-see if you like old-fashioned department stores. Definitely time-warp yourself to 1962 with a department-store restaurant lunch (but with tastier food). Picking a menu item will not be a problem because most restaurants in Japan have models of the food they serve in the front area. * If you are taking a train trip of more than 2 hours, get to the station early and pick up an "ekiden"--to-go packaged train lunch--from one of the stores in the station. You will be able to get a packaged lunch with local specialties (the equivalent of, say, clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl in San Francisco). Very tasty, not expensive. * Japanese temples are very interactive and fun for children. Pack some change so that you can make wishes. * People in Japan carry handkerchiefs and they come in very handy. The souvenir handkerchiefs at gift shops can be gorgeous--definitely put some money aside. You will need handkerchiefs while you're there, and they make great souvenirs for you and surprisingly great presents for people at home. I gave my mother a handkerchief I bought in Japan one Christmas and was surprised to hear BOTH my sisters draw in their breath and say--in stereo--"That is a BEAUTIFUL HANDKERCHIEF."

ive been depressed.. wish i had one ... lol.. first off ... gary posted a pic.. way back when ... and babs went all effusive ... and since she is the potting goddess .. and so free with her help to all who dabble in pots ... i wanted to reward her ... so i called up gary .... and asked him if he had extras .. he said he had two ... and he offered me one.. and i told him my evil plot .... and he brought up both ... one for me.. other for her ... so i started asking her.. in various posts.. to contact me ... but after like 4 or 6 weeks.. i was so frustrated with her running around and around the mulberry bush ...... that i called gary back up.. and told him to come get it.. i was over it ... lol ... i also gave him back mine.. for fear that i was just going to kill it from shear abuse .... so he went home.. and in like 10 mins ... figured out her address .. and sent it to her .... go figure ...lol ... anyway ... a while later.. famous don of the list fame.. called me up and said he was heading off to the east coast on one of his usual 'visit every garden between home and his target' trips ... i told him my garden was over.. but i had a friend just west of toledo who was a hybridizer ... and would he like to meet me there .. with garys prior agreement of course ... so i get there a half hour ahead of don ... and while touring his garden i say.. don never shows up without a gift.. how about we give him the second one ... don had never seen it in person .. and of course wanted to know if he could make crosses on it .. etc ... and then.. you ought to see what he hauled out of his back seat ... and i will leave the rest of that story to gary .... anyway babs.. thx for you service in the hosta forum ... never forget.. hosta is the friendship plant ... [hosta as a species is singular ] ken

I have been to Japan many times, the last fully as a tourist. Tokyo is easy to get around via the subway and trains. It used to be that even in Tokyo the signs would only be in kanji but now the transport sector usually includes signs written in Romanji (Ran characters). With the Olympic I would guess things will be even easier. Also you generally can ask the hotel for a card with return instructions for a taxi or get a map in two writings and circle the hotel. We’ve navigated China with a dual language map, but Japan is easier. Outside of Tokyo like in Kyoto you can find a local guide. I’d also recommend a stay in a ryokan with hot springs near Mt Fuji.