Hello From the Senior Bachelor
Hi, It's a gorgeous Sunday afternoon here in southern California and I just spent the morning with my three children and seven grandchildren, and that makes for a great day! I like the comments on the blog page-for the most part. From time to time I feel there are inappropriate comments, however the vast majority of these comments are quite interesting and encouraging. I say the word encouraging, because quite frankly, Senior Bachelor has grown into a very, very large endeavor, and from time to time, I do need some encouragement!! Oprah is seen in over 111 countries and now with the People article, well, things are busy!! A commenter on the blog page wrote that I will respond to personal e-mails. This is inaccurate and in fact diverts my attention from things I need to be working on. Some people send repeated e-mails, and unfortunately I have to delete them without reading them. If you send these comments via the blog, I will read them and try to respond when appropriate. I am working on this week's Newsletter and will address two topics that repeatedly arise; 1) The panel of women who will assist me in my choices 2) Meeting at a resort. Also, the blog page is becoming too cluttered with too many of my blogs, so soon, in a Newsletter and on the blog page, I will list a new method for all of us to follow, which will streamline things. So keep those comments coming. Bye for now, Richard Roe
110 Comments:
Good Afternoon Richard!
A beautiful sunny day here too in Toronto.... 32...the heat is on!!
My three children were here to visit, we laugh non-stop for all three are 'characters' and a sense of humour supreme!
It is amazing to spend quality time with the children, and their friends. I look forward to the up-coming Newsletter and the changes
that you indicate pertaining to the Panel and Resort:) If only my children know what I am doing here, better that they don't for I certainly don't want to set them up for disappointment in any way shape or form. If luck is on my side and I am to travel with you and your entourage(yipeeee:) then I will immediately inform my children of course as they play a VERY important role in my Life and what is best for me, as I am sure yours does for you.
Happy trails for ALL of us
Senior Bachelorette:)
Vj
alias ~~flowingwhitewater~~
Toronto Canada
p.s. FUN.....FEMALE...FIT...
and almost FABULOUS FIFTY-FIVE!!!!
Hello Richard,
From Illinois, it is hot, hot, hot, but sunny and a beautiful day!!! I spent part of the day after church, with my daughter, Kim, and two wonderful grandchildren, Riley and Kassidy. They are a highlight in my life. Now I'm packing for my next trip on the ship, but don't worry, I'll still keep up with the e-mails, especially from you!!
I'm looking forward to your next newsletter. I can only imagine how busy you are now. You will probably be happy to see September come and be able to stop and enjoy.
This has turned into a full time job for you. I'll keep sending you my blessings!!
Of course, like all these other women, we are all hoping we will be the one to be picked. Truly, it's exciting following along and being a part of the whole ideal. I hope I do get to meet you, but time will tell. I'll take it day by day!!
Have a wonderful week and take time to smell the roses!!
Til later, Linda P.
Hello Richard,
It's 5:30pm on the east side, just got home from daughter's house also. She and my son-in-law, have a nice pool. My grandsons and I love to play the "watch me" game..lol I usually end up cooking for the "masses", but was relieved today when the kids baseball team was invited over for a swim. (whew!) lol. Couldn't wait to get home and turn the computer on...it's "BLOG" time!! It was nice to see your comment for the day Richard. Glad you cleared that up with the email issue..and as always look forward to the next Newsletter, this one's going to be a good one as well. They have become like a movie with a cliffhanger..cant wait for the next part.
I get the impression you have indeed become so overwhelmed with this endeavor that at times are maybe having second thoughts. I wouldn't blame you if you did. Unbeknownst to you, did you realize their were so many available, eligible fantastic women out there. Would'nt want to be in your shoes. Fortuneately, we're all of the patient and understanding age in our lives. So Richard, take your time and do what's in your best interest or what your heart is telling you. We want you to stay encouraged. If their's anything we can do as a group to make this easier for you, please let us know.
All my best to you Richard,
Marlyn
Lucky 'Grans' who live close enough to enjoy grandchildren regularly! My two live 1,300 miles away. I'm just very excited :) that they, ages 2+years and 6+months, will soon be coming to my house for the 1st time. YEA!!
Greetings from Dublin where it has been a beautiful sunny day. We appreciate this because in Ireland (as any of you who have been lucky enough to visit here would know)we can get all 4 seasons in one day! Makes it difficult to plan a lot of outdoor activities in advance but hey, I guess its a bit like travelling ... one never knows what's around the corner.
Interesting to watch the progress of the blog. I haven't sent any video as of yet. Not sure if I will Richard as I feel you have so many potential travel partners to choose from and from my own perspective I have traversed the world on my own and will continue to do so (still so many parts to see) with or without a companion. I always meet up with people anyway .... there are no such things as strangers ... only friendships waiting to happen ;).
Even though you included Europe in your invitation to participants, you do not mention any European city that you intend to visit on your quest for a travelling companion.
I personally sense that your venture will remain in the US (and maybe Canada) and the best of luck to you.
Ciao ......... P
Hello Richard!
Re: Your Sunday post
BRAVO!!! I'm grinning from ear to ear. Go for it!!! K.I.S.S. sums it up nicely, don't you think?!
Karenfrty8
Hello Richard, Hello Ladies,
Very well said CarolinRiverwoods.
I joined in last week-end after reading People. I did not see the show but I love and respect Oprah, she is a very classy lady.
Lots of wisdom out there. No, I haven’t sent my video yet but am working on it. I received "Pop & Me" yesterday. Watching it did triggered some interesting emotional responses and sent me on another journey of personal discovery.
Some have asked what could be done to help Richard in his search. Maybe one way would be to be honest and ask ourselves: what are we looking for in a man and let him know. The last month or so has been a turning point for me. I just turned 58. My only daugther (32) got married 2 years ago to her soul mate from high school. So I came to the conclusion that it was time for me to find a partner and a few weeks ago I found the following book which I highly recommend: "Finding your Soul Mate handbook" by Evelyn K. Rice. My nephew (30) and I have been working together on this project, long distance as he is in France. His girlfriend broke up with him on his birthday on the phone while he was touring Australia. The book is helping me define what I am looking for physically, mentally and spiritually in a man, and more. Now, drinking, smoking and any type of abuse will have me running in the opposite direction. As we probably all know by now, we cannot change another person but we can choose what we want to experience.
Some of the qualities I am looking for are integrity, intelligence, kindness, a great sense of humour and a willingness to go with the flow to start with. Physically I am visual so the man I will eventually be looking at for a week, a month or the rest of my life must be attractive to me.
I will end with a quote I found years ago in Donald Neale Walsh book “ Conversations with God” #2: "The purpose of relationship is not to have another who might complete you, but to have another with who you might share your completeness.
Love, Joy and Fun to all of us on this shared journey.
Know Thyself
MyriaminVirginia
PS. I am learning to use this and until I do the sign in will probably be”anonymous” it is easier.
One of the things I really respect about you Richard is you are secure enough with yourself to be with a mature woman.
What a great quote "The purpose of a relationship is not to have another who might complete you, but to have another with who you might share your completeness." Thank you miriaminvirginia.
Keep sendiong those videos and bios in ladies...soon Sr. Bachelor will have enuff to edit for a preview of his upcoming TV Reality Series! Go Richard!
R.R. to paraphrase Mae West...So many women, so little time.
Hello! I posted Sunday 26, under"Female,Fit,and Fun. Be sure and go back through the blogs I was not the only one. Richard, can you give us some ideas of what you consider inappropriate? I ask, because you said sometimes their were some in the blogs.
This is getting like a Miss America Pagent, but in this case only 15 is choosen and out of the 15, six will be selected for a one month trip each. And just maybe in all this fun adventure your Queen will be found.:)If she is not found we will be able to say we had some great times. Just remember to keep it simple and you get some rest, because we got some fun adventures to take place. God's streingth. Until we blog again. Your Dallas Queen
Clearly, one of the unifying characteristics with many in this group is the wonderful experience of time spent with our grandchildren. (Not that those of you who aren’t so lucky should feel in any way slighted, because we share other life experiences and can relate on so many different levels. Besides, being a grandparent is simply luck, and not of our own doing!) So for those who haven’t heard these two thoughts, I’ll share them: (1) “Grandchildren are God’s reward for not killing our kids.” (2) “Being a grandparent is quite possibly the only experience in life that isn’t over-rated.” I’m currently enjoying my two granddaughters (ages 3 years and 3 weeks) who fortunately live close enough for me to pop in, get my fix, and leave before I make their parents nuts. The joy of taking the 3-year-old on her first hike through the woods, teaching her how to pull garlic mustard (a required skill for all Riverwoods residents!), or reading her favorite books simply fills me up. They make every day just that much more precious.
MiriaminVirginia, thank you so much for touching on what I see as a very critical subject. Early on (maybe in his first or second newsletter), Richard mentioned with perhaps some surprise, as well as enthusiasm, that there are so many of us out here all looking for the same thing – the special (and right) someone with whom to share this great time of life. You correctly point out that it helps to know what qualities are important to us. I’d add that before we can do that, we must have a sense of ourselves - our strengths, our weaknesses, our personal style, and the things that have most influenced us. Self-discovery is crucial. I wonder how many you may have noticed (as I have)that the people with whom we do best have similar traits, regardless of their gender? Perhaps it is worth thinking about the kind of person we like, rather than the type of man or woman we seek. Surely, in order to find that elusive “soul mate,” we must know (and then be able to recognize) what we are looking for.
Hope everyone - including you, Richard – continues to enjoy the summer, take time to smell the roses (especially those of us living in colder climes, where we have such a short time to do so!) and get away from the computer long enough to read a wonderful book or two.
to Carol in Riverwoods-
Well spoken. In an earlier blog I quoted one of Dr. Phil's maxims, "You've got to name it to claim it." (Gee, hope I said it up front, & not incognita.)
Speaking of books...here's one for the beach: Who Let the Blogs Out? by Biz Stone. It provides a very interesting read. According to the cover blurb "Blogging has moved out of geek culture and into the mainstream." (No geeks here, right? - just people who all want to learn new stuff this summer :)-) The book is "a hip & helpful reference for anyone who wants to plunge into the wonderful world of weblogs."
Hi Richard -
I, for one, am more concerned about who you are, Richard, than the process you choose or the individuals you involve with your decision process. From the beginning I have understood that you had requested the help of some individuals who you trust and who know you well to assist you but that you would be making the final choice. The only new scenario is getting together at a resort. That does have some flavor of bachelor TV program but I figure that it is your choice to set the stage and my choice to decide if I want to enter. I think that you are doing something GREAT - that you are paving the way for the world to look at the "senior generation" in a new/ different/ and yes exciting way.
I spent the day watching 2000 people compete in an Ironman Triatholon. I said GOOD JOB - YOU ARE DOING GREAT until my throat was sore and my hands were red from clapping - but I have one more cheer left for you - GOOD JOB - YOU ARE DOING GREAT!
BikingPrincess
to Stephanie-
There's no denying that 'rules & regulations' are in a state of evolution in this contest. (But if we can't deal with that fact, how are we going to deal with any of the myriad of things which can go wrong on an exotic journey?)
I believe Richard answered e-mails until the exponentiation of them became too much to humanly do. He did explain in a recent newsletter that he would 'use the Blog to answer questions he felt needed answering & would no longer rely on e-mails' I don't think he could get more specific than this.
Conversely, although blogging seems very personal, just because we can say whatever we want to, for anyone to expect a continuous stream of one-on-one dialogue is wishful thinking, to say the least.
To Stephanie:
From Suzanne of Mesa Arizona.
In the beginning RR was answering emails. This search that he has started has grown to such immense proportions that it doesn't seem even remotely possible that he could answer every single email. Geez girl lighten up! He's also answered numerous emails that I mailed, but like I said that was in the very beginning. He very politely ask that I speak through the blogs because he was being overwhelmed with emails. I respect his request.
Yours truly Suzanne of Mesa Arizona
HI RICHARD, OH !!!!! HOW OVERWHELMED YOU MUST BE. I WAS GOING TO BED AND STARTED READING THE BLOGS FROM ALL THE AMAZING WOMEN OUT THERE AND I BECAME SO OVERWHELMED THAT THEY MADE ME WANT
TO BECOME ONE OF THEM !!!! SO HERE I COME GALS !! SEEMS AS THOUGH MOST
ALL OF US WANT THE SAME THING WITH ONLY ONE LIFE TO LIVE WE WANT " HAPPINESS AND LOVE "
BLESSINGS
GERRI
PS VIDEO AND BIO TO FOLLOW
We all need encouragement from time to time, especially in this impersonal format. When I read someone's comment that Richard will be having a reality TV show, or that blogging is a new requirement, and another one's comment that he will answer emails, I am not aware of what the truth is--of what is going on behind the blog (so to speak). The only thing I can do is ask Richard. If he doesn't answer, then I just won't know, and I have to live with that. Not a problem for me since I still haven't sent in a video and still may not. Life is an unknown to start with, and we muddle along the best that we can. Living as long as this gives us the security to put our lives in unpredictable places such as Richard's search. If you have sent in your video, you may just now be getting concerned about what will be done with it. Maybe not, but you still have the right to stop at any time. Blogging can be upsetting to very sensitive souls, so if you are one and have sent in your application, stop reading the blog. You will still get the newsletter, and if you are selected, you will hear about it. Don't become so upset with written comments that they destroy your peace of mind. I value my life and would not place myself in a position that would demean it. As free women, we have choices. This wonderful man offers a wonderful adventure, so, naturally, we desire the whole package, providing the package is as it purports to be. To put it more succinctly: Don't sweat the small stuff. Best of luck to all.
I did not mean to have the photo sent in with my post. lol. It came from my profile w/o my putting it here. Well, at least now you will not have to worry about who I am and how to distinguish me from Carol. Ha!
hello
is it possible that you visit the netherlands ¿¿¿
To Claire and All Ladies,
Well said Claire
Ladies, May be post RR episode, we can have our own web to chat and blog on about our lives and experiences.:>)
Good luck in your search RR.
Good Morning Richard.
I can't believe you are the same person I met over 40 years ago at the Jersey Shore! I don't regularly read PEOPLE, but bought a copy last week. When I read your bio on your website it confirmed by suspicions. Do you remember the song/lyric "under the boardwalk"? I am originally from PA but have been living in RI for close to 20 years. I was married briefly many years ago and, unfortunately, have no children or grandchildren. I have always hoped to find someone to share my life with and, perhaps, they would share their family with me. I am definitely going to follow your progress.
Hi, Its me your Dallas Queen. I hope you took my suggestion and got some rest. Don't let this bog you down. Have fun with it and just keep it simple.
This causes me to think of the Cinderalla story.:)Maybe you should have had a ball and sent out only 1000 invatations(hope you are laughing by now. For me I am having a wonderful fun time with this. I know who I am and what I want. I am an original, there is not another me on the face of this planet.:)Richard,I do feel that you are a man of deep integrity. The way you love your grandchildren and family tells me that. You are not shy and you are a good communicator, I like that in a man who can express verbally what it is he wants. That's how I am. I say what I want or how els will you know. And we all want you, but you know ultimately,like the prince many woman came, but he made only one choice. Why should we be angery this has been a wonderful way for women our age to talk openly about not being dead to life just because we have reached our golden mature years. I am just beginning my journey and looking forward to it with you.@-->-->-hope you can see this is a rose I sent to you.:)
To the person who said that she wasen't going to enter because she thought that you wouldn't be interested in a farm girl, I tell you look again at the story of Cinderalla. Richard,is looking for more than just outward beauty and fitness. You can be ever so pretty and yet so ugly on the inside. Please think about it ok. Maybe next time I will tell you Richard just what I want in my King. Later! from the Dallas Queen
Dear Richard,
These heartfelt comments from so many wonderful ladies must make you proud! And apprehensive. I dont' envy you having to choose from so many great-sounding women.
As for me, suffice it to say that even though I wish to be chosen, I will always continue on my own journeys, of course, regardless of being chosen or not.
There are so many people and cultures out there, in places so remote, so beautiful. True Paradises. Those few of us who have had the priveledge of seeing some of these as yet unspoiled, untouristy places and people feel blessed. I do set myself goals, destinations, and try and "go for it". There is still so much out in this world to see and do!!
Richard, my Brazilian side would love to show you a few days' worth of Rio, perhaps Salvador, too, with all the natural beauty this country has. And since I've never been to the Amazon (!) - we could enjoy that first experience together! On the other hand, I've always wanted to do the Great Barrier Reef, NZ, and, again, Moorea...
I wonder if the others share my concern, if lucky enough to be one chosen to travel, of being the woman on his last leg of this long and stressful endeavor and trip? It doesn't escape me that that person would inevitably be compared to her predecessors? I don't envy her, but I agree that we should all know ourselves and our motives, regardless of the outcome.
We should be happy with ourselves, know who we ultimately are and be flattered that there is a man out there proactively celebrating this reality not only in himself, but in his and our own search for companionship at this stage in our lives!!
Good luck to all, and have fun with this site and ourselves!
...from Forest Hills, NY
To Forest Hills, NY -- or what if you were the FIRST travel companion and it was a DYNAMITE connection with Richard, and both of you have to be OK with not seeing each other for 5 more months and Richard is entertaining other ladies....oh my....let's hope there is one very clear and undeniable choice that all agree is the ONE....
I think Richard should narrow it down (unless there is ONE clear choice) then take a mini-trip in the USA with a few finalists and then just choose ONE travel partner. It would help both Richard and the lady to figure out if they are compatible. It just makes sense to get to know each other at least a bit more before making a decision. Yes? Richard,I know you are figuring all this out, but since you openend this forum for us to give input, I am giving mine.
Oh my, oh my! :) Now where IS that glass slipper?!
Oh my, oh my! :) Now where IS that glass slipper?!
oooops---sorry for the double blog--little bit of GIGO goin' on--:(
Hello Richard,glad you enjoyed the time with your family.That is what I did,after work time.
"encouraging words"for you..."it is necessary to know Love is a direction,not a state of the soul",Simon Weil
You know the direction internally that makes you feel at peace within;and to keep in your mindseye the outcome that you wish.
Take Care,Enjoy,Sybil
To the person I met 40 years ago on the Jersey shore. It would be great if you filled in the facts. thanks, RR
HI Richard,,,,
A busy man you are!! But,I bet you never dreamed this could be such an endeavor!!
Keep up the good work....I am loving it!!
Got to see my grandson yest.,TOO!! He is so cute 15lbs at 3 mo.....
Beautiful day here in NE!!
Have a good one!! Linda
Gasp!!!!!Richard....What a brave sole. I am not brave enough to have someone fill in the details on what may have happened that long ago "under the Boardwalk" is what I understood or were we talking literally about the song"Under the Boardwalk".
I think she's bluffing, anyway. We will see.
I read your biography and noticed how you said you felt "incomplete" when you were in a bungalow or something along those lines. I have to say a close relationship with God cures all loneliness you should try it. Otherwise, you'll end up with a bunch of really wierd, desperate women from the internet.
Now wait just a minute re: that a relationship with God being all you need.
Even though I would say that your statement has a bit of truth, maybe you have not realized where God is seated on His Throne. We are the Temple of God and maybe our undying desire to know and experience other human beings stems from His presence in each of us and a longing to know more, possibly from God in each other.
I wonder why you are wanting to criticize what is happening here??
Good morning Richard,
I have already sent you an email regarding my Aunt Patty. My name is Cassidy and I'm only 17 years old, so unfortunately I do not qualify...lol. If only my Aunt knew what I was doing.
I know what I'm about to say is what every other woman leaving you a comment has said...but I pray that your heart searches deep and really listens.
My aunt Patricia is a kind, generous, and caring person. She wants what's best for everyone in my family...and she's completely amazing. She's literally a beautiful woman, inside and out. ALong with my email I have sent a picture.
She ADORES traveling, her only daughter Rebecca, her animals, and her life. She's so inspiring...she makes you want to be a better person. She's also very modest...lol.
please don't look over this comment. Patty's been through good and bad times and has held her head up high and never given up. Love has no limitations, and no end. please email me back Richard, I promise you won't regret it.
Sincerely,
Cassidy Claire.
Hello Richard!
Things are not always what it seems to be! While the emphasis is on FUN and ADVENTURE, the Search for The Soulmate is not always 'a bowl of cherries' there are the 'pits' (pitfalls) as one has to sometimes go through 'the school of hard knocks' with one's Soulmate before reaching the plateau of Peace and Serenity etc.
Love is THE most elusive of ALL and in order to reach that level of truly recognising it, there are always obstacles which of course are easily overcome, with strength and endurance!
I can vouch for this as I have been on the Soulmate Campaign Trail for the last 18 years and know one thing for sure....one cannot have a pre-conceived iota of what to expect from The Soulmate Relationship. When the two are ready, as with two Stars colliding, the meeting happens without a 'blueprint' so to speak!
That is the element of the unexpected and can be completely opposite to what one has in mind, for it is not necessarily what we think is good for us but what lessons we need to learn on our Life's Journey! And so it is with the Sacred Soulmate Relationship, for it is Sacred Love and has to be earned, so to speak!
Life is a bowl of cherries!
Carpe Diem
Senior Bachelorette
Vj...alias ~~flowingwhitewater~~
Toronto Canada
May we ALL earn the merit to meet our special Soulmate and live happily ever after. Soulmates live in each other's hearts through Eternity!
Thank you Richard for providing us with a 'vehicle' which will take us one step closer to that 'gate'
Hello Richard,
So surprised you responded to my earlier message re. the Jersey Shore 40 years ago. The "details" are very sketchy. Do you think 40 years could have something to do with that! Being from PA, visiting the "Shore" was something my friends and I did just about every weekend. We usually went to Ocean City, NJ and went across the bridge to Margate every night. I have a lot of fond memories of that time of my life and one of those was meeting you. I also remember reading about your wedding in the Philly paper, and thinking what a gentleman you were. Did you ever sleep under the boardwalk??
To Vj, alias Flowingwhitewater. thanks for your sweet comments.
To LindaLou, I'm sure I slept under the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ more than once!! I met my wife of 29 years under the sign at the Chatterbox!!! Yes, the wedding in Philadelphia was a hoot because all of my wifes relatives from Monaco came over and that's always a big deal in Philly town. Please visit www.seniorbachelor.com and sign up for the newsletters. Cheers, Richard Roe
Cassidy, Has your Aunt Patty gone to www.seniorbachelor.com and sent in the requested information?? To be fair to everyone who has, I can only consider things when done this way. And, I hope you both will sign up for the newsletters. Ciao, RR
Hi! It's me Dallas Queen. In reference to the comment all Richard needed was God.
Even God saw that after he had made Adam, he also, saw that he was lonely,and that's why he put Adam to sleep(the first operation) and took one of his ribs and made a woman and brought her to Adam to be his helpmeet who said, 'bone of my bone'and 'flesh of my flesh' she shall be called woman." I think God understands relationships, because he wants that kind of fellowship with his creation.
And no disrespect to the person who blogged the comment. I don't think anyone is desperate and weird just looking for that helpmeet.
I believe that if the heart finds and know true eternal love,the one destined for you; you can be around thirty thousand women and not be moved from the soulmate that is part of your existance. I will say that without God in our lives we are still void and continuously seeking fulfillment when it's really God we need to complete,I repeatCOMPLETE us in being CONNECTED to the LOVE PARTNER of our life. My oponion.
I don't care if I am first, middle,last, the ball is Richard's to bounce,just want to enjoy the
bounce toward my way.:)strongly interested but definitely not desperate or weird.:)I hope that young lady read that you may not read her e-mail. Richard you got so many different cookies to choose from. You do need help from your good friends that you have choosen to help you. I have no problem with it. You just would not pick anybody.
Got to go exercise I must be in top shape for my journey.Later!
May the best cookie be selected.:)
Hi there,
Being under the boardwalk is also great to get relief from the sun!
I'll be in Ocean City for my nephew's wedding in September and I will think about all of you with my feet in the water as I greet "my" dolphins. We're going to have a blast!
MyriaminVA
PS. Ladies, if you are coming my way this summer (VA/DC/MD), let me know, I'll be glad to show you around and we will have fun!
Dear Richard,
Thank you for providing us the oppportunity to write. It is very interesting to read all of these blogs.
If after this whole event, you are still traveling alone and would like a travel partner/friend; I would be happy to travel with you to Vietnam, especially to Ha Long Bay and Hoi An (since I was borned and raised in Da Nang City and still fluent in Vietnamese). May be in 2006/2007? (Note: prior to travel with you, I have to meet you in person first).Just keep my e-mail and write if you like: hmedicalcare@yahoo.com.
Good luck with your search. You are a very good man.
Sincerely,
TTT
Good Evening all,
Nice to see you chiming in Richard. It's more fun with you here. No offense ladies...
First let me say to Carol in Riverwoods..you made me laugh out loud with your quote about our grandchildren...what a great sense of humor, and you're so insightful.
To Claire, I have sent in my required materials and knew going in that Richard has the final say as to what is done with the videos, not concerned about it in the least, what concerns me or am curious about is the part where we at least find out if we are in or out. At this point, it's still June and Richard isn't going to be in the Chicago area until August and the deadline isnt until September. I've already made up my mind, if I'm not chosen as one of the traveling companions, I am still willing to travel 3 hours to Chicago to meet him, if allowed. So feel the only way to keep up with or to find out what's going on, is to continue to blog and read the Newsletters, until notified at a more appropriate time.
I'm sure this is all part of the adventure....
As much as I'm enjoying this blogging, I, at times wish to speak from the heart to Richard without the whole country seeing it. For instance, I am and have always been atracted to older (than me) men with salt & pepper hair, nothing turns my head quicker! I'm a very affectionate person and looking at him makes me want to just hug'm to pieces..dont mean to sound like a school girl, but am speaking from the heart. So there it is for every one to see!!! I realize there is more to love and relationships than a great looking man, but my eyes tell me first, then a good heart to heart will say a whole lot more. The beauty of a person obviously comes from within, but if looking at them first makes you want to run to them with arms wide open..then..let the conversations and vacations begin!
Whew, a little long winded tonight...guess I needed to get some things off my chest, but why do I suddenly feel that I've opended myself up for criticism?! Be gentle..
Have a great evening all,
All my best to you Richard,
Marlyn
Way to go, Marlyn. Speaking from the heart is wonderful. Why should we criticize you?
Fun is great but there is more to a relationship than just having fun and what you said was beautiful.
I can't help remembering the scene from Pop and Me where Richard and Chris are in the gondola in Venice. They both looked like: what the heck I am doing here? It would be so much better/different with a loving woman by my side? Is my perception way off? I could pciture both of them in different gondolas in a loving embrace and a smile of contentment on their faces.
And a good evening to you, Richard.
MyriaminVA
Hi everyone! This is Leslie from VanCan.
I notice a lot of you talking about how Richard will be making the final decision. However, in his latest newletter he openly states that the decision will be two-way. The lady of his choice will be evaluating him, too. You know why the males of most species are so colourful? It's so the drab female will notice him and accept him as his mate. Richard is, of course, very "colourful" - which certainly appeals to me, so far. School is finally out for the summer so I'm hoping to start work on that video soon, Richard. Have a great evening and look forward to the next newsletter.
Au revoir, Adios, Ciao ;)
Hi Richard and fellow bloggers,
Greetings from my Alaskan cruise. We are just leaving Ketchican, Alaska. It seems we had a very rare day here. We awoke to SUN. The temperature got up to the mid-80's and not a rain drop to be found. The crew of this ship is calling it a miracle. We are under sail again on our way to Juneau. I even had cell service here. Wow! Have an awesome day!
oops, I meant "accept him as HER mate."
Olá.
In the south of Brazil now it's night and cold (yes, believe me, we are quite close to Argentina: here we DO have winter!).
Just, by chance, I saw your story in Oprah, while switching channels... it really amazed me and since I found it all very interesting, I recommended my aunt to have a look on your web site. Well, I really don’t know if I got the real meaning behind all this, but I certainly wish you all the luck, if your intentions are pure.
I do believe I am even younger than your boys - 24 - and the best of life, until now, has been meeting peoples, cultures and places... I really think finding someone in the middle of the process is just a bonus...
Sorte!
Martha
PS: oh, and please accept my apologizes for the poor English.
Hi,
Let me try this again. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us. Where & when some of us will be meeting you??? I've got my bag packed :)
to "the South of Brazil"--no apologies necessary...your English is wonderful. Wish I wrote another language as fluently. And your attitude is delightful beyond your years.
Bless you for even being interested enough in these old duffers "in the middle" to blog on!!
I, too, wish luck to Richard 'if the intentions are pure'. I hope so, since the appearance that they are seems to be what has hooked many of us ole gals to 'stay tuned'.
Send some Winter to me please. It's way too hot here :)
Good Evening:
Richard I want to thank you for having the courage to open this blog up for those of use who have dreams of adventure and travel. It has also become a place for ladies and I suspect some men to express themselves without judgment. Bravo Zulu to you.
To Myriam:
Thank you for your kind words, now I don't feel so foolish..
I ordered the "Pop&Me" doc., should be here any day now. I am so anxious to see it.
Nice picture Claire :)
Am shutting down for the night, have an early day tomorrow.
Sweet dreams all,
Marlyn
Thanks for the kind words, Ladies. I’m learning from each of you. In fact, I’d love to know how you solo travelers do it. Any advice? I’m not one for formal tours, but perhaps you’ve discovered some ways to soak up the culture of an area without running from here to there every moment.
Also, I hope that my comments on finding that special someone are not misinterpreted to mean that one should have a laundry list. I agree with many of flowingwhitewater’s thoughts and firmly believe that things happen in our lives when, if, and as they should. Our job is to understand and be ready.
‘Will be pretty quiet for the next week or so, as I have family arriving Friday morning. Hopefully, I’ll at least find time to read your blogs and keep in touch that way. And now off to make a yummy zucchini bread and start some of the other fixin’s. Have a great 4th (Richard and all of you U.S. gals) and if you haven’t read David McCullough’s John Adams, give it a try. (Reads like a great novel!) It will give your celebration of our nation's birthday a whole new dimension.
What's in a name?
Some years ago, I visited a psychic, and she said, "Why are you concerned? You have this man waiting for you?"
"What man?" I replied, "If there's a man, tell me his name."
"Richard. His name is Richard," she said.
When I saw you in People magazine, I laughed about the old prediction. But, I thought about someone going to such lengths to find anam cara.
To what lengths might I go?
Would I step out into the void to find you?
A video is a small price to pay for the possibility of such a great adventure.
hi, I just love reading all the thoughts and comments! Thanks to all who chime in and share! It is really cool that someone actually remembers meeting you, Richard, years ago!! My memory is not that good....hard to remember my grocery list sometimes!! Ha, esp. when I've left it in the car or at home!! But, I do have a Mom with a memory like an elepant!! The woman remembers everything!! Keep up the fun conversation!! Linda
ps: I too think keeping it simple is a good motto! I bet, Richard, you never dreamed it would be quite so complicated!!....
to carol in riverwoods,
No real advice here...just a pleasant memory of my favorite way to do travel except for the 'alone' part. (Organized tours have their place, but sometimes make me feel like a animal in a cage, on display for the natives.)
Once in Paris, in the Springtime, & alas, alone, I decided that I would get to know the neighborhood of my hotel by walking everywhere & from morning until evening, as if I were a Parisian with some important place to go, I walked for a week.
One day I visited the Louvre; another I picnicked in the park watching scenes of people I'd only ever seen in paintings; one of my very favorite places was Isle St. Chapelle (sp?)-gorgeous stained glass; I explored the Left Bank; I poignantly watched the unabashed lovers on the banks of the Seine; visited Nortre Dame for an organ concert; dreamed at the shop windows'luxury on Rue de Rivoli; visited the Bon Marche department store; bought French perfume & French silk; ate like the French do - long, slow & appreciatively :) - at tiny, noisy crowded cafes for coffee or lunch; explored all the fascinating little shops which made up 'my' neighborhood, trying out my college French.
By the end of a week's walking & talking I 'knew' the regulars in the area, the clerks in the little bakeries, cafes, & shops..& they 'knew' me. Even the housewives doing their day's shopping smiled in recognition, as I did to them, as we exchanged Bon Jours or bought bread.
I 'know' with great satisfaction, only one little area of Paris, but it is incredibly indelibly and pleasantly imprinted on my mind in a way that no other place I've been could ever be.
Perhaps one day I will visit another area & add it to my permanent RAM.
Ladies,do you realize if Richard chooses to take 6 different ladies that will be 6 different bed partners(likely). I don't want to burst any bubbles but I do hope there is only one of us and there is a chance to get aquainted first.
Hi Richard: Espero puedas leer en español. La verdad es que yo nunca había visto el programa de Oprah, y hoy me detuve justo en el momento que ella te presentaba a la audiencia. Quedé con curiosidad y dejé la tv en el programa. Encuentro que la alternativa que propones es interesante, dado que los medios de comunicación permiten divulgar tu sueño. Sinceramente espero se cumpla y puedas disfrutar del viaje de tus sueños en la compañía de quien merezca disfrutarlo a tu lado. Imagino que deben haber muchas mujeres preparando su video para participar de la selección, mas descuiden el resto de lectoras de este blog, no voy a enviar el mío =) , estoy felizmente casada y tengo una hermosa niña de 8 años, soy de Chile, pero ahora me encuentro realizando mi Master Degree en Brasil.
Richard, leí dentro de tu itinerario que irías a Chile: te recomiendo el sur de Chile; si planeas ir a las Torres del Paine quedarás maravillado con la naturaleza; otra opción es el norte de Chile y conocer el área desértica. Aunque creo que ya debes tener todo planificado, si deseas orientación en ese tema, desde ya te ofrezco mi colaboración si en algo puede ayudar. Sólo avisa por aquí que luego te envío mi email si es preciso.
Me despido, y sinceramente espero que la elección de tu compañera de viaje sea la que deseas.
Un abrazo fraterno,
Marcela
Richard,
Reading your biography and viewing your web site, I can't tell you how much you suit my mother. Her love of life, her devotion to her 3 children and 6 grandchildren, her sense of humor, her headaches when she has half a glass of wine, and most of all her ability to talk to anyone anywhere and always feel at home.
It will take everything my sisters and I have to get her to apply but you wait and see, one of those video tapes will be from the real Martha Stewart!
Take Care,
NMR
RR is an obvious liar, as he cannot respond to ALL of us here, much less admit his wrongdoings. I see that he deleted my comment, and I do not appreciate that.
I do not need to "lighten up", rather expose the person he truly is. Do you ladies want to be a part of: A liar? If he lies, he may cheat. Ask yourselves: Do I really need this? With Oprah?
My gripe is that RR knows he e-mailed me, yet he deleted my post, it's quite obvious RR may not even know how to run a PC and probably just found out what FULL HEADERS mean.
Richard:
I am waiting for an apology. If I do not get it, I will post, wherever I need. If you so treat women this way here on the website, one has to wonder what you really are like in real life.
Look up to whom you sent e-mails to, lol.. You responded to mine twice!!
I will not be made a fool of, especially a man 20 years older.
Hey Ladies,
I'm another newbie! I've been reading some of the blogs since the beginning and finally couldn't resist joining in the fun. To carol in riverwoods, USSERVAS.org is my favorite way to travel alone. You can join as a traveler/host and it is such a great program. I was in Italy last year for my birthday and as a present the gracious hostess I was staying with (a street artist) did the Tarantala dance for me, explaining all the moves and the meanings behind them. I laughed and clapped like a child at the circus. Perhaps one of my best birthday gifts/memories ever. And to Happy, thank you so much for sharing your Paris story with us. It's very late, I'm tired and it made me smile. Looks like I'm hooked on this stuff.
And last but certainly not last, hello Richard! What a grand idea you had. Thank you for challenging us all to present our best, not only to you but to each other. What marvelous beauty and grace is showing up in these messages. I haven't sent in the video and bio and like some of the others, may not. You really touched me though, when you made your comment about wanting someone special to share your travels with. I had the same experience last year. I travelled for a year to many places around ther world--alone, not lonely. However, there were many times I thought how nice it would have been to have had someone by my side, holding my hand, not having to say a word. Just knowing that we were enjoying the same beautiful sight(s) and happy to be seeing it together.
So...good luck in your search. I've been told many times that I am overly ambitious. I don't think there's any such animal. And I doubt if you believe that either. Have a grand time and enjoy every minute. Otherwise, why bother.
Live, love, laugh,
catbird
Hi Richard~
Wow! This blog gets more 'interesting' all the time. You're a brave soul, RR. :)
I admire how you are able to handle and deal with all that you have set into motion. Not a small task, that's for sure. Keep up the good work, and....keep breathing.
Sunday seemed to be a day to visit family. My oldest son (35) leaves Tuesday for Japan and China with his work. I wish I could tag along and go with him. When he was younger I tutored ESL to mainly SE Asians. I think some of my love for other cultures rubbed off on him.
Hang in there, and ENJOY your journey.
Ready? Set? GO!
To the anonymous comment about bed partners---please do not make assumptions. Richard (1)has stated there will be separate rooms (2) from all accounts, Richard is a gentleman and does not at all seem to be a "player"(3) we are all old enough to make those decisions. Give our maturity some credit -- how old are you??
to catbird -
Refreshing blog! I also am glad to hear about USSERVAS.org (thanks)since 'alone' (but definitely not lonely) travel is often a necessity.
Oh the other hand, why are many of us here??...because, like RR, we know how much more embellished & more memorable, & simply more alive a travel experience could be if only there were an enjoyable, compatible travel companion along.
to anonymous about bed partners. (can't believe I heard that! Holy cow! Are we plus-50 or 15?? This is not a Hollywood casting couch!
To anonymous regarding the emails: i think the point is that email is no longer how Richard wishes to respond. Perhaps you were privileged to get the last emails when it was still an option. I know he didn't mean to demean you. I think this is what he means about examining and analyzing "every word" he says. I say, cut the guy some slack.
I have certainly e-mailed people, and I have no doubt that I may have e-mailed "anonymous" twice. In fact a Newsletter is coming out very shortly and will tell of a pinched nerve in my neck-from answering e-mails. The point is, things have gotten very busy and I do not have the time now (I did then) to answer all of the e-mails. So...I ask people to put their questions here and I will try to collectively answer them as many of the questions are the same. I also answer questions in the Newletters. This should clear up any questions of my answering e-mails in the past. Richard Roe
I haven't been blogging out of respect for your time. You do need to streamline things for yourself, not to be overwhelmed by it all and enjoy this endeavor. My suggestion: No more emails, no more blogs. Just concentrate on the serious ladies in hopes of fulfilling this dream for yourself.
This process is so thought provoking for me. I was attracted initially for the lure of the adventure and now this is causing me to realize that I do desire to share Life with others or even "a special other".
Like many here, i would imagine, I have chosen to be single for years because it was a time of becoming Happy (if you will "Happy") with myself.
The blogger said yesterday, that all one needed was God, and I respect that opinion. I would have said that some years back, and I think that was true for me then.
But, I am becoming more aware now about what this desire is in my heart to share love, life, heart-felt moments with other human beings. And to me it is still something about God! I think we are inspired by the Life Force in each other. (and a note to the person who thinks that sharing always involves sleeping in the same bed), I would say "Get a Life".
This silly blogging thing, one person sharing with others the way you feel and think about something, it's really blessing my heart and reminding me how important other people are to us in our "survival" of live our "fulfillment" in life.
Thank you, Richard for acting on your "Dream", I think you are waking "dreams of life and love in many and I am glad to have had this fun, so far. Stay encouraged, no one said a "Dream" was easy to accomplish
to cathyincarolina-
Exactly!--becoming happy with oneself. And certainly that is the reason for my own choice of blog names. "First unto thine own self be true..." We are all works in progress, evolving constantly. (I just wish my body-work-in-progress would move a lot faster! I guess my mind has taken up that energy for a while. Ha! )
hi....
Boy, It can get rough here!!
But, for the most part...all are caring and understanding!!
Richard, you indeed are over- whelmed...I however think that you are doing a great job of handling all of this!!
Keeping it as simple as possible(if that is ever feasable!! or possible!!) is the way to go.
hugs, Linda (alternate ice and heat on that neck and take ibuprofen..."hehe"...can u tell its a nurse talking!!)
Richard
Also try stretching exercises for your neck/back. They work wonders...with only benefits as side effects. :)
Also consult a specialist in ergonomics,especially if you intend working on a computer a lot in the future. Could be a simple repositioning of you and the computer/keyboard would help .
Hi everyone
Richard, it would appear from your newsletters and the blogs in general that you have received quite a number of videos already.
If this is the case (and this is just a suggestion) would it not be a good idea to concentrate on those and let the people involved know privately whether or not they have been eliminated. My own feeling is that you certainly would have a sense from a video whether you are attracted to a person or not .... that's just the reality.
Incidentally, I have not submitted one and indeed maybe you have already been informing people.
Stay well ... ciao ...... P
Good Morning Richard, And how are you this morning? Ladies. Wow, I had some reading to catch up on, sorry I was absent for a couple of days! I have been a mommy to a new born kitten, the only one to live out of nine. she is doing wonderfully now. yes this is the farm girl!! Oh my gosh, You are all so interesting, and sound like you all know how to have fun and some of the wonderful places you all have been! I can only dream, read, or imagine... How wonderful..Although I am not given up on the idea yet- that there is that 1 in 1,000 chance or so- give or take a few 100 --- (providing I get a video in)!! And Richard, This is the most interaction on the blog yet! way to go!.. sounds like everyone is enjoying your input. I wished I knew more than one language, there was an e-mail close to the 60-70 i think that looked interesting. can someone please give me a quick sum.. thanks in advance.. heres wishing all of you a wonderful day!!
Wanda
Hello there............ Mr. Roe,
Hummmm.....interesting...
I finally got around to reading 'People' last night....
Hummmmm.... very interesting.!
I tried e.harmony one time for fun, and got the response "Can't find anyone for you" Made me laugh!!
I too, am active all the time... Just got my rep license, and am an accountant on top of that.........
Alas, even tho my biz keeps me on the go, I can't seem to pass up an adventure..new or old!
I also, have several "different" interests, some compliment each other, some offset the other.
I find living, and laughing while I do it keeps me from getting stiffled. Lord knows there's plenty of that going around!
Man, sorry I missed all the Hubbub with Oprah....
Just returned from a trip to the southern end of Colorado... had a hot air balloon calling, river rafting, a little golf,etc.....
Topped the week off by exploring the Anasaza Indian Ruins. That was pretty cool!!
Anyway, kudo's to you!!
to wanda-
haven't translated it myself, but there's a neat web site called BabelFish.com (don't ya' love that name?) you might want to try it.
Hi SB (senior bachelor) - are you beginning to doubt your sanity into starting this venture, or are you still having fun with it?!- I'm sure it's the latter - but you must be non-stop trying to weed through all the responses this has created! When I decided to go for it, and send in my video (which if I could repeat now, would have been more myself, relaxed, and explained simply why we'd have fun and get along as traveling partners, instead of giving you a 3 minute description of my life - after all, I did that in my quick bio)- but I originally thought you were minimizing the volume of women available by requesting only those who were able to commit to going away for an extended time. Of course, that still leaves you with an incredible amount of women like myself who would happily give you 6 mths to explore, travel & laugh our way through each day! I understand your thoughts that it may be nice to split up your time with a different women each month, but I also can't deny I am disappointed you won't trust your #1 choice! If you feel that spark, & special connection, go with your instinct - How will you have fun leaving her (or hopefully me?!) to travel with other women when you really would rather spend time thinking of someone who stole your heart? (Not to say I would turn down 1 month, if that's your final decision!!) but it is crazy to see how many single women are out there. Best wishes to you my friend, can't wait to see what the future may hold!! your SM (soulmate) from Boston
Great day everyone from Juneou, Alaska on this very rainy, cold, damp day. I think Alaska is making up for yesterdays suprise weather.
To anonymous, why so bitter? I know Richard has answered several of my e-mails. He has respectfully asked us to use the blog to communicate. So why not. Why can't we all have some fun with it? I know I am getting a kick out of everyones answers and imput. And I am a 40+.
As for bed partners, I don't think anyone would enjoy being next, and he has already said seperate rooms. If you click with Richard, you click. Or just be companions ladies. We are all searching for love and companionship. I know I am. And I want to go see the world now that my kids are grown.
Right now I am traveling the country with my 90 year young grandmother. What a joy that is. You actually get to know them as a real person, not just your grandmother. And we are both learning so much more about each other. And we are really close to start with.
So go for the adventure. Be positive, and live for today. I am. I am truly blessed to be on my journey.
Grams is my last one left. I lost my mom 14 years ago. And I wouldn't miss this trip for the world.
So if you don't want to go see the world thru Richard's eyes, drop out. No harm done. Me, I am in it until the end. I love traveling and taking all the pictures. And I am open to new oportunities.
So have an awesome day everyone. I will.
to travelin's 90 year old gram- YOU GO GAL! :) What a role model for you, travelin! I've got a whole collection of stories about people like Gram. THAT's what I wanna be like when I grow up!
Just another thought. I am an original Jersey Shore girl..Born and raised on the beach, with sand between my toes, barefoot, running around in bikinis with my friends. Looking at all the bennies from up north, invading our small town. And no ladies, I don't wear makeup or have overdone hair. That's North Jersey. I am from Central Jersey, on the beach. Sadly I never met Richard under the boardwalk. I was a little to young.
It would have been fun. I live in Florida now, much warmer year round.
The Senior Bachelor Flower...
(Being Part Of The Whole)
As with all living things, a flower's intention is procreation. All the various parts of a flower work together toward this purpose, and each plays an essential role in the process. The vivid, delicate petals attract pollinators (birds and bees) who aid in the transfer of pollen. The center is the source and inspiration for the visually stunning petals and the petals, in turn, attract what the flower needs to create seeds and multiply.
When you have an opportunity to serve something larger than your individual self, you are like a petal on a flower, offering your particular brand of beauty and charisma in the service of a centralizing force. This centralizing force might be a person with a higher vision, a community with a common goal, or a spiritual path. Contemplate the ways in which you are a petal on a flower in your life. Who or what is at the center? What core values are you serving?
Consider also any situations in which you are the center of the flower, offering the nourishing seeds of an idea or quality that others are willing to gather around and perpetuate. It takes confidence and vision to be the nucleus. It also takes humility to empower the "petals" around you helping to feed your vision and enabling it to grow beyond you.
Like the parts of a flower, we are all here working together to create and be creative. Whether we are the center or the petal, it helps to be conscious of the seeds we are sowing in the world, as this is how we create the future.
Ladies(& Richard), we are all like the parts of a flower radiating outward from the unified source of energy that is life. Our time on this earthly plane is finite and fragile, and yet we branch out from our invisible source vibrantly and powerfully, attracting energy and making fertile connections that contribute to the continuation of life itself.
To all who Journey,
I wish you LOVE...
"Senior-ella"
Hi again, Richard!
Just wondering, since I don't recall reading about our blogs and secrecry (like our releasing our rights to our videos, they become your "property"): is all this blog content and trip going to become a book deal after all is said and done? I'm sure it would be quite a read by the time you just to the early eliminatory stage. Even much more interesting when you add the trip and "winners" to the story. In fact, I believe it would make a good feature-length film (documentary or otherwise). Should we be more cautious in our comments, or continue to treat this as an open, honest, but private within the confines of your website and Blog?
Dear Richard,
Yes, I have told my Aunt Patty about this opportunity (finally) and she's completely thrilled! She's a very humble and down-to-earth person, and she is very excited!!! Thank You so much! oh, and if you have time, you can read my blog! but i'm sure you're a VERY busy man. I appreciate your comment to me Rochard!
oh, and YES we're getting your Newsletters. THANKS!!!
Sincerely,
Cass.
Hello ladies - Remember "Let us know how we can help you, Richard"? - He is politely hinting that consolidating your comments each day will free up his time. Too much repetition; no wonder Richard has a pain in the neck! Be careful, E-mails are not the only things that can be eliminated! Wouldn't you rather be hearing from Richard more often? I would. I hope you're open to suggestions. Our bio's give him an insight to what we are about. The blog is a fun thing to do and you all are great. Someone suggested a blog just for this type of forum - for those who have already become friends. This shows there's a need for one. Your next trip can be a happy reunion! Each of us is unique in our own way and it shows in our personalities! Until the newsletter, keep the joy in your lives!!
Karenfrty8
Hola,
¡Esperanza usted está bien!
Random memories of travel:
Riding in a Vaporetto and admiring the wondorous architecture along the Grand Canal.
Gliding along in a gondola looking as steps from buildings disappear into the water of the canals, pondering on time of a lower water level.
Sitting in a cave like bar in a little town high in the Andes, called Angel. Listening to the music of the pan pipes echoing back like sounds of an ancient people.
Totally enthralled with the absolute beauty of the Hermitage and it collections of wonderous art from around the world. Especially the ancient gold collection with ancient gems crudely but beautifly crafted into masterpieces from the ancient times.
The ruins of Pompii and seeing the casts of the bodies huddled in fear as their bodies were consumed by ash.
The Napolean Apts in the Louve, a vision of elegance and luxury of times gone by.
The Tower Jewels and the spot where Ann Bolen had her head chopped off by Henry VIII.
Sitting and reading on a beach in Ecuador with not a person in sight. Feeling "eyes" on me and looking up to see a large swarm of red crabs investigating the "strange creature" on the beach.
Watching indigenous people washing clothes on rocks, among the lily pods.
Perusing fine amber in the Finland open air market.
Ordering vaca de la carne "meat of the cow" in a tiny restaurant and getting served tripe!
Getting to see the Kon-Tiki raft, (a favorite book when I was 8 yrs) in Oslo.
The ancient "Old Town" of Estonia with it's beautiful ancient churches.
Some of the locations for my next travels would be:
Machu Picchu, Aguassu Falls, The Great Wall of China and the Yangze River, Moscow, Venice again, Istanbul, Thailand, Myanmar, Bali, Tahiti, Fiji, Moracco, Hong Kong, Mykonos, Santorini, Athens, Spain, Rock of Gibralter, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Egypt, Canary Islands, Easter Island etc, but not in that order.
I love to travel and the challenge for me is to try and learn some phrases in each language and then try to navigate each city with a guide book. I like getting off the beaten track and seeing the non tourist places also. Hanging with the "locals" is very fun. I enjoy travelling alone but also agree with you that if one would be able to find a travel partner; someone who could share the adventure and see the wonder, that would be heaven. Ciao from Love2Travel
Karen--I agree-- how much is this blog us "talking" to each other, how much of this is helping Richard or the process along. Richard will have to let us know. Perhaps sharing and supporting each other should be elsewhere (a separate blog called Sharing and Supporting). And a blog for "questions to Richard".
Well i'm from Brasil and today i saw you on Tv, On Oprah. I guess it wont matter what i say in here you make you wanna meet me cause i'm only 20 years! Well i find
interesting in your story it's that not only woman in your age get lonely, mens to! I just thoght pass in here and say hello! And tell you that you are a wonderful man, and you shouldn't do this just "get" a woman, you should fell in love just for the fact you were in love, not because of a tripe and anything else.It's make easyer to find someone with money ... now you are going to get a lot of woman who just whant your tripe or money. It doesn't matter.. Julia
ps: my english is not that good so sorry if i write something wrong! i hate conjugate verbs!even in portuguese...byebye!
To Travelin with Gram, Please e-mail me at richard@seniorbachelor.com Put in the Subject Bar Travelin with Gram. Thanks. Richard Roe
to forest hills--
FYI: Just in case you need to know...there is absolutely nothing private about a blog! Anyone in the WWW has access to all our comments.
Hi Happy, thank you,!! I haven't had the time to translate, yet hopefully i will get to it, but as the day grows short, it looks like the blog will be for Richards eyes only! at least on my end any way.... I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your quick response.
I was going to make a comment on being ready to take a nap until I read where grams is out there on the go!!!! makes me feel rather silly- like a child in a way..Guess I had better just get the rest of the chores done and quit blogging here.
GO GRAMS GO-- you must be some kind of an amazing woman one I would like to get to know!
My own Grandmother was Supreme herself, and only Grandmothers (you gals and I),(oops better not leave Richard out)Grandfathers too, make the best travel partners because they stop and smell the roses!!!. well I need to get going so until tomorrow, you all have a good evening, Wanda
Richard -
I just watched Pop & Me for the second time and for some reason this time it brought back some pretty terrific memories about the last trip I took with my mother. It was the summer of 2000 and my older brother, as a gift to my mother, took my younger brother, his wife, my mother, and myself on a cruise to Alaska. This was something my mother always wanted to do - so it was her moment. She was 87 and just had knee surgery so was not walking very well. She fought my suggestion that we get her a wheel chair but finally relented and in the end was glad that she did. She would always walk into the dining room or any other area of the ship unassisted -we would have to leave that "thing" in the hall. As a family we laughed A LOT and this trip was no exception. And we still laugh a lot. People loved to watch us interact. The waiters fell in love with my mother. It was a wonderful trip and a wonderful thing we did as a family, my brother is a very generous man. When we parted we did not know that it would be the last time - me and my two brothers - would be with our mother. She died a month later. I was in Alaska again getting ready for a bike ride between Fairbanks and Anchorage to benefit AIDS vaccine. I got the call - decision time - go home or do the ride. My brothers encouraged me to do the ride so I did. It was hard because all of me wanted to be with my family. But of the 1500 people doing the ride few had not experienced the loss of a son, grandson, uncle, daughter, lover to AIDS. I was where I should be surrounded by people who understand loss. I would not have been on that ride without two primary things I learned from my mother. Compassion and courage.
As happens frequently with mothers and daughters my mother and I did not always have a great relationship when I was younger but the last 20 years of her life it grew - she was a great lady.
From the heart.
BikingPrincess
Hello!
Well, I am certainly in favour of the seperate rooms idea. I have always wondered if it is possible to meet a man who is in agreement to travel to an exotic resort without expectations of sleeping with the woman/women. How refreshing it would be, void of stress and expectations, just pure fun and with the anticipation of being pleasantly surprised! One reaches a level of maturity that 'putting the cart before the horse' just ain't gonna work no more and emphasis on establishing a friendship with the potential of it blossoming/blooming into a long standing commitment over time!
Let's bring back the 'old fashioned' Courtship Ritual ...flowers...perfume...notes under the door, a kiss on each cheek, where has all of that disappeared to? That is the foundation upon which a true blue potential Life Partner is cultivated. The world needs to see a complete 360 degree turnaround pertaining to the Journey Of Adventure with the possibility of Romance down the line (far away from the maddening crowd!)
Carpe Diem
Life Life With Passion!
Vj alias ~~flowingwhitewater~~
Toronto Canada
Richard - Just read your newsletter - Massage might help - I am a licensed massage practitioner but my practice is in Washington so you would need to take a little trip if you wanted an appointment with me and no, I am not planning a trip to LA in the very near future. Sorry.
It is sometimes soft tissue impingement of a nerve that causes the pain. It sounds like you could use some relaxation as well. So I would suggest that you get a full body massage at least once a week.
We need you free from pain and stress to make the best decision regarding your and "whoever's" travel plans.
Being a massage practitioner makes for a good traveling companion. haha
BikingPrincess
Pinched nerve relief....
I suggest deep tissue massage - Chinese style, although I don't know anywhere in the Manhattan Beach area something like Shiatsu. It will fix it not just mask the problem although it may take a bit longer.
When using the computer that long daily try taking short breaks every 45 minutes or so- look away from the monitor at a 10 feet distance or more- I sit in front of an open window viewing the yard. Do stretching exercises of your arms like warm-ups before walking or running and bending walking around a bit quite often too helps.
Hope this helps; pinched nerves are awful-the worse. Also an ointment like Tiger Balm or something similar may help too- Henry's sells it.
All the best; good health is MOST important of all as I am sure you know.
Hi, Richard --
Here are some fast lessons in computer ergonomics that hopefully everyone can use. I had to learn them the hard way after being in the computer industry and needing weeks of physical therapy to deal with carpal tunnel and neck strain.
First, for your neck: make sure that the center of your monitor is at eye level when you're sitting down. You can raise the monitor using pedestals available at places like Staples or Office Depot, or a big pile of phone books will also do in a pinch (no pun intended).
Second, put your keyboard on your lap and type. Do *not* leave it on the desktop; that will still leave it at a strange angle which will aggrevate your wrists. Think about how concert pianists hold their hands above a keyboard. You want to be in the same position, with your hands curled gently down from your wrists, and your arm between your elbow and wrist either parallel to the ground or sloped slightly downwards.
Third, your mouse should be in one of two positions: either on the same plane as your keyboard, or at arm's length, with your arm extended downward. The idea is to use your entire arm to use the mouse rather than just your wrist. Believe it or not, even if you're doing everything else right, this will still cause neck strain if you don't do it.
These rules apply whether you're using a desktop or a notebook machine. If you're using a notebook, you will need to get the extra hardware. After trying out a number of models, I've found the split keyboards to be helpful. It's a matter of personal preference, though.
Last, get a watch with a timer, and set it for 20 minutes. That's the maximum amount of time you should be using the computer/mouse for any one period. When the timer goes off, it's an excellent time to get a drink, make a phone call, etc. By the way, a phone headset is also quite useful. You'll wonder what you ever did without it once you buy one, even when you don't have neck strain.
Hope this helps, and hope you heal soon.
Best wishes,
Chris
Hello Richard,so sorry you are having "a pain in the neck";you know the body does take things quite literally(maybe getting a helper, to eliminate some of your extra time on the computer)technology is wonderful,however it does take a toll on the body.Now if you were closer, I would say let me work on your neck( as a NYS Licensed Massage Therapist)I would suggest that you see your Doc,if it is muscular,then get a massage... weekly,it will keep your stress level at a much lower level.Hopefully this is just a temporary "pain in the neck",but it is a way your body is telling you to take care of yourself.Take Care,Heal Quickly,Sybil
Just read your latest newsletter; sorry about your pinched neck nerve. You might try going to a deep massage person who can loosen up those muscles around the nerve. If that doesn't work try a chiropractor....I know there are several schools of thought about chiropractors, but I have on occasion found them to be very helpful in relieving a discomfort in the neck or back. Some in the medical profession are beginning to realize how helpful treatments from both types of doctors can be.
Good luck....KJS
Hi Richard, regarding your pinched nerve, I highly recommend a registered massage therapist. He/She will get that fixed in a few treatments. I know, because it happens to me once in a while. I go to a fabulous RMT here in my town and recommend you check her website (www.lw-rmt.com)
Also, I was wondering if you and I end up on any portion (or all) of the trip together, could we stop in Singapore? (puh-leeeez) It was my mother's life-long dream to visit there, but unfortunately she never made it there, although she and my Dad took a lot of trips. She passed away in '02 so I'd love to see it for her sake. Maybe plant a flower or something in her honour.
Have a great evening, Richard, and take care of that pinched nerve.
Leslie from VanCan
Swimming, a long walk on the beach, and, if you aren't as good as new by then, a massage (hot stone, deep tissue or lomi lomi) will work on a pinched nerve.
note to Richard & story for all
yep--it's 'happy' again...obviously a believer in the 'sit at the computer only for a few minutes at a time' school.
This is NOT a 'fishing' expedition for an e-mail--honest!!--but the 90 year old 'Gram story' I loved reminds me of one I'd like to share. I'm sure, by this stage of the game we're all reminded and all could share a story...so please bear with me. (I'll stay off the web tomorrow..I promise.)
My 93 year old aunt was 73 when she decided to get her GED. Even though she enjoyed school, it was sporadic, & finishing school was not an option when she was a child.
At 73 Auntie responded to a newpaper article about GEDs & called the local highschool. She found out it was possibile to enroll, but was warned that she might feel out of place because most students would be recently failed-out-of-school, rough around the edges teenagers, mostly boys.
That deterred her for about 3 minutes before she got on the phone with 2 friends - mid-70s- she knew to be in the same boat as she was. Auntie conned them into "going for broke for that diploma!" along with her, even though "that New Math stuff" scared them all silly.
They were the 3 oldest-& likely proudest!- ever graduates of MHS. Now 20 years later, their "Oldest Grads" record still stands. And Auntie still keeps her mind razor sharp.
Did you read recently of the 86 year old grandfather in Africa who patiently with an ear to ear grin stood in line with the 5 year olds to enroll in the new Kindergarten in his village, in order "to learn to read"...the first opportunity he had had.
Those are the sorts of age-defying people I admire most. Puts tummy tucks & face lifts in perfect perspective.
Hi Richard - I have been going to a chiropractor for years for my back and neck. Couldn't stand up straight with the pain shooting down my leg and up my neck chiropractor had me walking with in two days. Try it I am sure you will feel 100% better. At our age we are supposed to be enjoying life take some time and smell the roses thats what I am doing. Life is too short.
Richard, to help your pinched nerve, put ice on it. It will reduce the swelling. Then massage the muscles around it and put heat on it. But ice is the most important thing. You will be amazed. I would love to be there to help you!:> symc
I am writing again, because I just read all of the other letters. So many nice and interesting people are out there. As for me, I am hoping that you take some time out from all of this too - it should be fun and not painful! I would like to join in on the communication fun, even though I don't believe I will be selected. My daughter says I have to be more confident! After being single for 11 years too, I understand about wanting to find THE person. The blogging is a great idea, Richard; this is a way to chat and realize that many good and loving people are out there. I am working on composing a medley of songs for the world congress in Innsbruck I was telling you about. I hope that people are happy singing it and listening to it. I have chosen the gaelic song "Morning has Broken ", Simple Gifts (It's a gift to be simple, it's a gift to be free, it's a gift to come down where you ought to be - an old Shaker melody) and Get Happy -sing Hallelujah, com'on get happy! Forget your troubles, com'on get happy! OK, bloggers, all together, let's sing! Cheers and get well soon, Richard! symc
I won't cut him any slack, as a matter of fact I asked him to tell the truth and he has not. Now, if you women cannot see what he is doing, I pity you. You all should be privy to, and understand what he is up to. Do you not value yourselves as women? Have you no identity? The man's wife left him, he touts many things, funny how he is "in a pinch" today...Flying in a jet, plenty of money, namedropping... Shall I continue? If any of you have any self worth, quit kissing his ass and speak up!! I was for RR in the beginning, I think not now.
Richard... I will post the e-mail if I do not receive an apology.
BTW all.. I only encouraged him and wished him luck.He asked for a favor...Hmmmmm
Don't judge me.
I will not take the fall for any man.
Stephanie
Stephanie what in the world is wrong with you? It seems you have a private matter to take up with Richard. You are acting like a very immature woman. Use your brain girl, we KNOW, really WE KNOW what Richard is doing. Do you really think we are that stupid? Why can't you just chill and let us have fun? Why so darn serious? Any intelligent lady and I think we are all pretty intelligent knows what Richard is planning, he has been honest. "Who Wants To Marry My Dad", "Survivor" "Bachelor", "The Amazing Race". They are all TV shows. I really think we understand whats going on.
Oh by the way.....Stephanie.....settling a disagreement in private is much more lady like. Walking away, makes for a better person, letting go is healthier, you must really have a low self esteem.
Poor pitifull Stephaine shall we give her a pity party? Let it go
who cares, I dont we having fun, sorry you can't. Go back to the kids section, can't seem to play
with the grownups yet. No one owns
an apology to any one, maybe you to Richard.
Thank you, Richard, for removing my picture. I had been posting as a blogger until that photo went up, and I guess it must have been in the program "Help." I haven't figured out how to delete it from there yet. I am glad that the lady found it to be a "nice picture" and saw the wink. Guess if I had my hair done and was wearing something sexy and was 20 years younger, it might have been a good ploy. Ha! As it was, I am embarrassed to say that it was accidental. But that's over thanks to you.
To those of you wondering what the blog was about that was written in Spanish, I can only give you the gist from my imperfect knowledge--the lady is married and does not enter her video, but wishes to be of help in guiding RR's trip to Chile, recommending both south and north Chile for various reasons.
For those who have visited Ocean City, NJ. I am--many years younger--in the press release book about it--in a picture taken while working at Chris' Restaurant, a relative by marriage. Perhaps I waited on your table. Somers Point was the hangout and loads of fun! I lived in OC for ten years but don't recall meeting RR.
To Stephanie--talk to someone about this. You are hurting yourself, and I am worried about you. No one sees you as a liar; there is no fall to take. HUGS!
<< Home