On our way!
***Chicago Bound Photos Below ***
The taxi is on the way, as is the man himself. If you have called Rob at Odyssey and left a message and have not heard from him by now, please call him again at 312-396-2227 and get your reservation finalized. The cutoff for the cruise is going to be Thursday. "La Cantina" is only asking for RSVP's. You will pay when you get there.
Safe travels, everyone. Stay posted to the blog for photos and updates!!
Ciao.
-joe
Richard and the Flight Lady (Crazy Hat sneak preview!)
Midway Airport
Knock, knock. Who's there?
The taxi is on the way, as is the man himself. If you have called Rob at Odyssey and left a message and have not heard from him by now, please call him again at 312-396-2227 and get your reservation finalized. The cutoff for the cruise is going to be Thursday. "La Cantina" is only asking for RSVP's. You will pay when you get there.
Safe travels, everyone. Stay posted to the blog for photos and updates!!
Ciao.
-joe
Richard and the Flight Lady (Crazy Hat sneak preview!)
Midway Airport
Knock, knock. Who's there?
53 Comments:
First on the Blog!
(aka Nancy in Ohio)
OK - Today's the day for final preparations for the flight to Chicago. I'm being extra careful not to fall down the stairs or anything like that (Murphy's Law, you know....)
Looking forward to meeting everyone!
Carol - I'll have my cell phone on and will see you at the airport at around 1 PM. Thanks again for picking me up there!
Nancy
Thank you to all the ladies for your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you Prarie Critter! Willemina the pomes are wonderful. I had never heard either of them before and I plan on printing them out.
Inspiration 2 - Thank you.
Nancy in Ohio! Take care of yourself. Being overly cautious is not a bad thing :)
Ladies going to CHI - I can not wait to see and hear about your experiences.
babette, I just want to thank you again for helping me. I removed my test flower and now need to add a pic..I may wait til I get to Chicago considering the fact that I messed up so bad. Did you see the post I had to Linda teasing about her hat, it just appeared on my blog..I was so embarressed..I do not know how that happened.
I wrote her and apologized. I could not access my account for a while, Can someone get your password? mine wouldn't work all day the day before yesterday so I reset the password. maybe I should just not post until I figure it all out. thanks again for your help
Safe travels to all. Happy, shiney, breezey day. Richard, warmest regards! Joe, splendid thanks!
Good morning,
I too am putting the final preps on my packing today then I will be on the road, I want to wish everyone a safe and happy trip.
Richard: I received Your newsletter this morning, I admire the way you continue to follow through with a something you have started.
(This is something else for you to say Thank You to. :) lol
Joe: Please make a Note to send my e-mail to: starliteinmyeye@yahoo.com
Thank You, I would really appreciate it....
hey on the lighter side..
CHEERS!!, BOTTOMS UP!!, OOOO'SSS!!, AAAAHHHH'SS', I will be thinking of ya and looking for my computer hook-ups to un pack 1st so I can see what's happenin.. so happy travelen'
gotta go..
HUGS TO ALL,
WANDA
Willy, If you check in here, go take a look at my blog site to see the photo I posted of my Mom. I know you don't really look alike, but there is something about you that reminded me of her.
Hope you had a good time away and it's great to see you back.
Happy and safe travels to all those heading for Chicago and have a great time.
Good Morning!
Looking forward to seeing and hearing about all the fun times to be had. For those of you who have been following this journey all along, you probably noticed there was sort of an exhausted letdown after the MB hoo ha (at least on my part and for sure a few of my friends). As Canadian Blogette reminds us..."manage your expectations". Come home safe and happy and as Brenda click-girl so lovingly posted on her blog do some dancing with yourself...you succulent wild women!
Leslie Your mom and Willy have a lot of similarities. I know you were talking to Willy but i thought i'd check and see... i am so nosy *lol* sorry
Wish you all a safe trip and lotsa fun....
Flowergirl No sweat!anytime is a good time... if you need more help let me know... today i am spending the day with girlfriends and eating .10 cents/chicken wing~~~~... that is better than going to Chicago, meeting RR, Joe and Umberto and having so much fun ....yeah right! *sob*
I wannnnna gooooo....waaaaa
no offense to my girlfriends if they are reading my comments
Safe Travels to All!!
My spirit will be with you with every fun moment! Hugs and more hugs! Michelle
NancyinOhio You are cracking me up. Don't be nervous their will only be, oh maybe 400 women there. Heh Heh
Starliteinmyeyes Are you going to Chicago? I saw a message somewhere that you were going to California (I think it was an email) LOL I really hope you get to go and meet CathyinCarolina.
Leslie Willy does look alot like your Mom. She was a beautiful woman just like our Willemina.
LindainTucson Good advice for the upcoming event. For those who blog here and are going to the event, just remember that the bloggers are just a very, tiny amount of the following that Richards has and don't be discouraged when you see the magnitude of women that will be attending, and please, please be nice to Joe he has a very difficult job trying organizing the meetings.
Hugs Suzanne
Hey Suzanne Good point! I know that freaked us out...here we thought it would be this small community of fellow bloggers and all these "outsiders" showed up...by far outnumbering us princesses. Ha
"the princesses RULE."
It's onward to Chicago! You will see us in the photos soon.
Hugs,
Chandra
Look for Marilyn Monroe or Mae West - see you all soon!
Safe trip - and happy blogging.
I will be a tired cookie after a 3:00 am wake up call to get to the airport on time - oh well! Second wind time..hmmm. Maybe 3 or 4.
Hi Ladies,
Arrived safe and sound and 1/2 hour early to Midway!! It is raining steadily now but it will clear by tonight and it looks like clear weather for the next three days. It's rather warm, too, but still bring your umbrellas and something warm.
You won't believe this hotel-- Richard said he felt like he was in old Europe again! We are settling in and getting ready for tomorrow. My "surprise" for Friday morning arrived safe and sound.
It looks like we will have breakfast in the "French Quarter" restaurant at the Palmer House Hotel on Thursday and Friday. They are going to put us in a special area (again, I expect you to be loud and raucous!)
Let's post our "Chicago" stories for now. When were you last in Chicago and what did you do? Any favorite memories?
Got to go.
-joe
Willemina, thank you for the poem God's Garden. It is beautiful and a keeper!
Celia
My Chicago story: my high school sweetheart's Dad worked for the railroad. One fine spring day we hopped in the baggage car and rode atop the mailbags from Cincinnati to Chicago and back. It was impossibly romantic.....ahhhhh.
Going to Chicago brings back many good memories. But since you are at the Palmer House my memories go back to 1974 when my lady boss treated me to a week at the Buyer’s Market. We stayed at the wonderful Palmer House and Carol Channing was playing “Hello Dolly” there that week. She stopped by our table and chatted. She is right in the same category as Mae West in my book.
Do any of the Palmer House restaurants still offer their famous BookBinder Soup?
There are so many interesting places to visit in Chicago. You can’t help but have an interesting and fun time there.
I’m sure the weather will be good to you.
Hugs to all, and awaiting your Chicago tales.
Hello to All,
Back home in Cali. Glad to be home but now that I know all is well here, I could easily head out again!!!!
To all of those traveling to or already in Chicago, hope you all have a wonderful and memorable time of it. Life is what YOU want to make of it IMHO. For me I shall never forget my time in MB and all the wonderful women that I met and laughed with.
Is it me or does Richard look toatlly comfortable with all this fun he is having!!! EEHHHAAAWWW
Time to head out to the gym for my daily work-out. I'd forgotten how once you are in the routine of working-out your body begins to crave it. But it is a good thing, so crave on!!!!
Cheers to all and bless you and yours Joe.
Deb Eddy
Never been to Chicago... but i know i love the movie "Chicago"
:-)..there's my Chicago story Joe
Linda and DesertFox Must have been overwhelming to meet all those ladies huh?
(aka Nancy in Ohio)
I've never technically been to Chicago, to spend any time, that is. I've driven through it many times, though, especially to go back and forth from Missouri, where I was teaching school, and Ohio, where most of my family lived. And again, on the way home to Ohio from Alaska, where I also taught school, by way of Los Angeles to visit my brother.
So tomorrow will be a first for me! I'll actually be spending time in the windy city! :-)
Nancy
ATTENTION
I know it's getting down to the "nitty gritty" but I just received and e-mail from Ada and she's still needs a place to sleep in Chicago!
I have her tel # and e-mail address and she has given me permission to give it out. Just click on my name here in blue and send me an e-mail if you can help.
I will be out for a while but will check my e-mail when I return later tonight...
Ada will be flying into O'Hare from Baltimore on United (she has a ride from the airport already)
Thanks...
Joe
I have never been to Chicago but I watch Oprah lots, does that count?
As a matter of fact, she's on right now :)
I really do wish that I could be there as it sounds like you have an exciting itinerary planned for the ladies...
I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the pictures from Chicago, especially the funny hats...by the way, I like the pics on this blog, Richard looks mighty handsome in his robe and red hat :)
Hugs and kisses for you and Richard from me XXXXXXOOOOOO
Hi all,
It sure is quiet on the blog today. Everyone is getting packed and off to the Windy City. It has been raining here today but it is due to be very sunny the rest of the time for our event. Temps will be very mild so they say. Lucky princesses. And eat your heart out for anyone living vicariously...
Since I live only 45 miles North of Chicago I won't be leaving for the event until tomorrow afternoon. But I am sure that lots of gals will be converging on the Palmer House very soon - the likes of which won't begun to be understood by any other patrons at the hotel. What? One guy and how many women?? That will be a real hoot to anyone observing us. "One guy and 2000 entrants to his contest! Huh?"
Only we humans can experience such fun and adventure.
Party on...........
Hugs,
Chandra
I can't believe he is cheatin on us already ladies with the stewardess. my...my.....
Is that a pimp daddy hat Richard? too cure!!
JOE Thanks for being a sweetie and taking the time to check in with the blogettes! I know we are a small fraction of the ladies in on this adventure and we appreciate your not forgetting those of us who can't be there.
I'd tell a Chicago story, but being as how I lived there all my life I'd get going and never shut up! Ha. I'll be living vicariously here!
Wow...I can feel excitement ...and tension, in the air. You ladies have no idea what KIND of wonderful time you are going to have at Richard's soiree! I just saw the picture that DANAPOINTLOIS posted on the last blog. How cute...and how so like Lois! Good Job, Lois. Yes, that "ole geezer" at the pier bar DID do a great job of taking our picture with the sunset. What a magical evening that was!
Ladies...it is times like the one in the picture that you have to look forward to...solidifying friendships that you will establish over the next three days is SUCH a precious gift from Richard. So, God Speed! You are truly blessed women!
Now, Lois, I will try to get the same picture up on my blog profile...what a cute idea!!
love, sharon
Hello Richard, Joe, Umberto and Ladies:
Well, here it is the evening before I leave for Chicago. I haven't packed a thing yet, I guess I'd better get busy!! I have to get to the airport early. I had to find a way to pack my "crazy hat"!! That is done!!
Joe, I liked the pictures you posted of Richard. I wonder what the airline stewardess thought!! Was she ready to join us????
Ladies, have safe travels and I'll see you tomorrow!!!
Linda P.
And what's under the robe!! Looking hot and ready to have lots of fun!!
Save some fun for me on Saturday-don't wear yourself out, Richard, leave at least one ounce of energy for me!! Michelle
Yes Willemina,I got the picture and I really love it. Thank you so much!
SUCCULENT WILD WOMEN is a great book- It's one of those piled on my bed right now, and it is a love story too.
Chicago! I was 12 the last time through there. My dad was negotiating the overpasses like a nuclear physicist on crack nursing his not so secret and quite often annoying dream of becoming a sprint car driver. Unfortunately, at age 12,it was not buildings, restuarants or museums I remember (Cities = ART,) about Chicago but brilliantly lit WI toll roads and fantastic bridges and finally reaching the city, being in a traffic jam watching cute boys setting off fire crackers while the Cowsills sang "I love the Flower Girl" on our car radio. ANd that Lake! Lake Superior feels like an ocean. Mackinaw Island was a place we went to by ferry every year on our way back from Minnesota. "And their eyes will POP!When Ah take Ya out in the Surrey with the Fringe ON TOP!" A City on a huge lake- can't get much better than that!
Well it doesn't feel quite the same with Richard and Joe out in the Midwest tonight. With an early morning TV appearance tomorow, RR is probably already tucked in....sweet dreams!
Aloha ROEMEO...JOE...Posse and 'chickadees'
Oh m' goodness MR.ROEMANce you do look dapper in that red hat..LOL just a pity I had to strain m' neck to see the one or two upsidedown photos...phew I am gonna have a pinched nerve in m' neck for 'shoor' ...please ask the bloggin' director ;) to fix the photos if possible:)
Whoever gets to travel with you is in for the time of her life, what a FUN/FRIENDLY/FASCINATING travelling partner/companion you are going to be! I have thoroughly enjoyed 'travelling' with you, your posse and the 'gals' since April 27th and now for the exciting but heartwrenching part of the Odyssey, the choosing!
May you know the secrets of your heart and be guided to making the right decisions that will bring your Beloved to you. After all this, you are surely worthy of being with her! You have truly gone 'out on a limb' and therefore will see all that is good come into fruition(pun intended;) my wish for you!
Senior Bachelorette:)
Vj
ROEMANCE AND ADVENTURE ;)
Lurisa,
I'm glad you liked the poems. They make you feel good don't they. I have kept them for years and share them with special people in my life...
I posted a message for you on your blog...we both grew up in the South Bay area. I grew up in North Torrance.
I went to the MB soiree and had a fabulous time since it was on my home turf (almost) which made it even more special.
Also, congrats for being first on the new blog! I was first only once as I can remember...
YooHoo Mr. ROEMANCE...JOE...POSSE AND 'CHICKLETS':)
LINDAINTUCSON: How about a 'sneak preview' of the bridal attire seeing that our 'Leading Man' has already posted a coupla hiz 'crazy
hat' pics...what a kool dude he is;) lol! Linda the time has come to put on a show...you go girl;)
PAULA: Yep Marilyn MonROE or Mae West....you are determined to stay on the 'naughty mat'...lol
Now for all of us not going to CHICAAGO we are waiting 'in the wings' for the pics and newz fresh out of the 'windy city'...looking forward to it! Enjoy y'all and have a blast!!!!!
Good newz t'day...my doctor said no more physiotherapy after end of October!!!! Been a rocky road to get to this stage, but so relieved!
Ciao for now...enjoy!!!!! Hugs for MR. ROEMANCE from me!
Senior Bachelorette:)
Vj
Leslie
I want to thank you for the huge compliment comparing me to your beautiful mother when she was "our age". She's very beautiful...
BDNC
You crack me up just looking to be nosy! You can be nosy all you want because you're so cute...by the way, I just recently learned the blue, bold, italic stuff thanks to you! I'm sure Dale will get it :)
Suzanne
How are you? Thanks for the compliment re myself and Leslie's mom. Wish we were going to Chicago!
I could kick myself for not connecting with you in MB and I want another chance...I would love to meet some of these wonderful ladies who have been blogging lately, they sound like a fun group!
Shar
I think that's so neat that you and Lois are best buds after meeting in MB! You really should post the same pic on your blog, that would be cute!
Linda P.
I hope you're all packed now...you're probably sleeping right now. Just want to say, have a safe trip and lots of fun! I can't wait to see the funny hats your bringing to Chicago.
Nancy in Ohio
I am so glad that your accident wasn't more serious. You be extra careful while in Chicago...Have a safe trip!
Chandra
I also wondered what the other patrons at the Ayres thought of us crazy women all there to see just one man and I'm sure there will be many more in Chicago. This goes way beyond the typical bloggers...
Have fun in your home town!
Linda in Tucson
I can't wait to see what kind of crazy hat you have in store for us!
Lady Base Camp
I'm glad you liked the picture... I loved your tale about Chicago from your childhood days...I wish I had your writing skills...you're very entertaining.
I'm going to close for the night, sorry Joe, I forgot you asked for Chicago stories but I don't want to delete after all of this...
I wish everyone going to Chicago a fantastic time...live your dreams and report back to us with all of the details...
Richard
Sweet Dreams...
Hello Richard,
Your photos were great!
A bit of a tease I see!!
Have fun at your TV interview tomorrow, we will all be there with you in spirit, my Dear.
Enjoy your week-end collecting wonderous memories that will last you a lifetime.
To all of you a safe and magical voyage.
Ladies, all.
Enjoy Chicago. Be careful, Wacker Drive, goes north, east, west and south.
Even though there is much to see, seems like the "men" will keep you travelers very busy.
Again, enjoy.
Nancy in Ohio: Tylenol for pain, Ibuprofen and ice for swelling. Good luck with the bruise! Do post a pic or two!
The compatability quiz was fun! I found out that I'm a risk taker, high energy, optimistic and seek variety. Now what? Maybe that is why I work in the ER and patch up folks boo-boo's?
Have fun ladies! Don't blow away....in the windy city....!
Hugs from the West Coast.
Hey Everyone! Just wanted to say 'Bye'! I have a feeling that I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight ... but I'm going to try. : ) Will touch base when I land in Chicago ... and get settled at the Hotel!!
Thanks to all of you for the good wishes! We'll have fun for those of you not able to be with us ... and will truly miss all of you!
Until Chicago! : )
Brenda
P.S. Joe - I am going to save my Chicago story ... until I get there! : )
Well, I think I did it!Whew...posting profile pictures is a re-learning exercise every time I do it!! I hope this posts the picture of Lois and I!! Aren't we cute? I love having a new best friend from our meeting in Manhattan Beach. Speaking of Richard's soirees, and meeting new "best friends"...WHERE ARE CHICAGO PICTURES, JOE? C'MON! It is almost midnight here, and later there...didn't you have some activity tonight? O.K...give 'em up! Any of you other ladies got any good pictures?...we are dying of curiosity out here!!
love, sharon
Well, I just saw that CLICKGIRL is not going until tmo...O.K., Brenda, YOU will post some pics when you get there, right? We're counting on you!! Have a safe trip! love, sharon
Good evening,
It's early Thursday morning here on the west coast and there will be so many smiling ladies traveling to Chicago that flight crews everywhere are going to think something is going on...hmmm.
Richard, you can "pimp my ride" anytime! LOL Glad to see some photos of your trip to Chicago and how 'nicely' you've settled into your hotel room, robe and all. Best wishes for a great interview this morning.
Along with everyone else I'm looking forward to all the photos coming from Chicago!!! Ladies, start your engines!!! May the yellow flags stay away and may the great race be great fun for you all!
I get WGN on my cable so I'll be checking their evening news to see if they mention the Event.
Kudos to Richard, Joe, Umberto,and Stuart for putting together such an amazing event in Chicago. Sending hugs for you all in appreciation.
Spread the Love,
Lois
Greetings Everyone!
Just got home, flew in from Mississippi, has anyone had a chance to see the Fox interview? If so "How is Richard Live"?
Should be a fun day for the ladies!! And the guys surrounded by the ladies!! Michelle
Good morning! Anxious to hear how the Fox interview went...any Midwesterners out there that can give us a report?
No wedding attire today dreamweaver... saving it for a special day! Be prepared to be shocked at any group photos Umberto will be taking...bet there will be a sea of women! I was so shocked when Suzanne and I went down to the hotel lobby the morning after we arrived in MB. Crowds of girls everywhere! And here we thought it was all about us! Ha ha.
LindaI went to the
FOX news link that was in the
posting about the interview...
nothing yet...I'm assuming we'll
be able to read the transcript at least
after it airs!!! Maybe they'll show it after
they film some early arrivals...wouldn't it
be fun to have some bloggettes on too!!!
Hey, everyone pray to the rain
gods...and mouse gods...my
friend in NewMexico is having
her home inspected today for sale
and the weather and mice are conspiring
against her....PRAY LOUD SISTERS and
Dale...
STILL NO CHICAGO PICTURES ...???
Isn't anyone having a good enough time to capture on photo and share with the rest of us?
A friend from the Bahamas just sent me this so I thought I would share:
A Little Reminder to Women
By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime. An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?"
And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart-and she will do everything with only two hands."
The angel was astounded at the requirements. "Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish. "But I won't," the Lord protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days." The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made her so soft, Lord. "She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish." "Will she be able to think?", asked the angel. The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate."
The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek." Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one. ""That's not a leak, "the Lord corrected, "that's a tear! ""What's the tear for?" the angel asked. The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain,
her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride. The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing." And she is! Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN SOME WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.
Hope you enjoyed this as much asw I did! Michelle
Thanks MICHELLE, nutty maggasge therapist...!!!
That message was beautiful, and special to us women.
Hugs to all!
Suzan
Joe I've never been to Chicago, darn it. We want pictures! Those of Richard are cute in his hat and hoo lala the stewardess is a cutie too and the robe, my my a little racey there.
Pictures! Pictures! we want pictures.
Hugs Suzanne aka desertfox by Richard
Hey Linda Do you remember what I said when I saw that huge line. GRIN "I'm a princess and I'm not standing in that line." Of course, we didn't have to stand in the line cus we sent in material and we could move to the front of the line, but it was incredibly crazy and poor Joe was trying so hard to please all these impatience women.
Hugs Suzanne aka desertfox by Richard
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