The top 10 list you suggested --does that mean 10 people you want to invite to a really nice restaurant?: At $30 a head, (and thats a low estimate) that would be $300 without alcohol. I know that for $500 I have done parties for 25 easily. I didn't read that your Dad wanted it at a hotel. We are entertaining 20 people tomorrow and planned it Wednesday. I just finished baking 24 cupcakes frosted 3 different ways. Took 45 minutes. Cooked pasta for pasta salad and partially prepared and refrigerated it. Tomorrow add sliced olives, celery, mayo & shrimp & parsley, green onions. Tomorrow morning make hamburger patties and buy buns. Add baked beans and deviled eggs. A couple people are bringing appetisers. It would not be that much work for 35 people--just add watermelon slices & fresh strawberries, and add a 3 bean salad. If Dad likes the fun of a party get a small keg of beer and let him be bartender. That will attract a crowd and make him be the center of attention. He could also mix Sangria instead and you can dilute that to whatever strength you like. Mine barely has any wine in it but lots of fruit juices and club soda. Use colorful plastic plates and cups. Somebody must have a back yard. I live by the beach near LA and nobody has smaller yards than we do. Many of my neighbors live on lots that are 30 x 90 and they manage to party often. It doesn't take money, but it does take time. We all work so its not like we have nothing else to do. My husband recently had a cardiac problem and he's younger than your Dad. but if he wanted a party, believe me I would arrange it. I would think your Mom ought to be able to arrange a lot of this stuff--she raised several kids during a time when McDonalds was not the primary food source.

We stayed at the Barcelo (The Colonial, not the Beach Club - there are actually 4 Barcelo resorts together) in March. We went for a wedding (so left the kids at home) on this particular trip, but we have stayed at AI resorts with our kids before (they are 11 and nearly 8). Our friends' stayed at the Beach club, and it seemed much busier and noisier than the Colonial. It *was* spring break time though, so perhaps there will not be as many drunken frat boys when you travel, :) Personally, I love travelling to an AI with the kids (we have been to AI's in the Mayan Riveria, Puerto Vallarta and the Dominican Republic; we also have a timeshare condo that is not AI in Mazatlan that we have been to several times). The buffet restaurants always had lots of choices as far as food goes (my son is a picky eater ), with lots of fresh fruit. The beach front buffets tend to carry lots of "American" food (hot dogs, hamburgers etc) that can be a change from the exotic food overload. The fish is always excellent. The entertainment at the Barcelo ranged from hokey-lame to very good. Pick chairs up higher but in the first row for best air circulation and view - it can be really hot sitting with all of those people. There was some noticeable hurricane damage still in evidence on the ride from Cancun to the resort, but the grounds themselves are in quite good condition. When we were there, there was some construction noise as they were rebuilding the pier/headlands. A lot of the actual sand had been blown off the beach, so it was quite rocky in some areas. Bring water shoes or sandals for the beach. There are plenty of chairs everywhere. The 4 resorts together are *enormous* - they must have close to a mile of beachfront, so there is plenty of room to spread out. Personally, I enjoy beach time with a bood and no one bothering me, so it was easy to get lost away from the other people in our group. There were virtually no beach vendors, which I actually kind of miss. I did find the prices for souveneir junk quite high at the resort, and very high on the shopping day we took to Playa Del Carmen. The fancy jewelery factory (don't be fooled by their promises of seeing "jewelery artisans at work" - it is primarily a giant showroom) near the resort actually had not bad prices, but a very small silver selection in comparison to the gold (mucho $$). We probably would not return to this resort again, but only because of the price, as we tend to be three star travellers, LOL. I don't have anything bad to say about the actual resort itself. Carrie

Juellie, not what I expected to read when I opened this thread. Dammit, I'm so sorry you lost your Mom. It doesn't matter if it's sudden, or drawn out, it hurts like hell. My Dad was sick for weeks before dying, 25 years ago. My Mom died 13 1/2 years ago in my arms, so suddenly it was stunning. There's nothing anyone can say or do to take this awful pain away. All I can tell you is time. Time is the only thing that will ease the "knocks you to your knees, mind numbing" pain. Talk to us all the time about your mom. Talk, and talk and talk some more. It helps. It helped me. I will pray for you that you can find peace. Hang on, and let time do its thing. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Leasa, Crystal River Fla., I like it there too, if I had to pick a place in Fla. DS #2 has been a member of the "Save a Manatee Club" since he was in second grade (he's 18 now) so when we go to Fla. to visit Grandma, we always have to go to Crystal River to visit his 'adopted' manatees. We also have to see "Lucifer'the hippo in the nature preserve. When in Fla., I like to seek out local architecture (got to check out Seaside and Coral Gables) and stay away from the tourist traps. Grandma lives in Ocala (horse country), right across the road from Silver Springs with it's wonderful nature preserves(and waterpark) She likes to take the boys to Daytona for a few days of skim boarding and swimming (AARP discounts!) I discovered Asheville NC before it got 'discovered' The Grove Park is a 'mecca of mission' for me. I actually assumed the lotus position in the hotel's lobby and 'absorbed the aura' And Biltmore - I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy! Fortunatlly, I have cousins living there now, so instant tour guides! While I was growing up,I loved St.Joe Michigan and Warren Dunes. I have friends that live there now so it is just that much more fun. My Grandparents would take me to Ludington Michigan when I was a child. It is still very non commercial and a nice walking, camping, fishing, antiqueing area on the lake. Travel north and another favorite place is Mackinac Island. The town is a tourist trap but the Grand Hotel has another 'lotus position' lobby and sitting porch. My brother lived in San Diego for ten years and wants to go back and visit his friends. My sister in law was born there and still has friends and family. I don't know why, but a bunch of his 'Indiana University' buddies ended up in San Diego in the early 80's and have never returned. My parents used to visit my brother there every year and revisit the places they enjoyed while my dad was stationed out of there while in the navy. I want to see Balboa Park and the "Del' My SIL had her prom there and said it is a must see for any architectural fanatic. I'll have to grab one of my brother's 'hoodlum friends' to be my tour guide. I like to go where I can vist old friends and have them show me the places they enjoy. Anywhere the is a lake, patio, fireplace, nature, places to walk to, no congestion or tourists, and an old friend is where I like to be.