The Beginning of The Journey
Hello all, It is now early Sunday morning and at this time tomorrow Umberto and I will be on the way to the airport. Our first stop is Atlanta for a short layover and that also is where we will meet Vicki. I mentioned in my last Newsletter that I had some fear and trepidation. I always have them before embarking on long trips. However in this case, I have more than the usual. I do worry about how I and my six Traveling Partners will get along, and if we will have a good time. All along I have said I will do my best to make everything and everybody as happy as I am capable. And, I will miss my family, that's for sure.
I will comment on the blog everyday if I have access, and I think Vicki will also, and I hope Gael, and Corinne, Lori, Vija and Cindee as well. Oh my, what have I gotten myself into??? Ha ha. Stay tuned and we'll find out.
Again, my sincere thanks to each and every one of you who have supported this zany endeavor in a fun, positive manner. Very best wishes, Richard Roe
I will comment on the blog everyday if I have access, and I think Vicki will also, and I hope Gael, and Corinne, Lori, Vija and Cindee as well. Oh my, what have I gotten myself into??? Ha ha. Stay tuned and we'll find out.
Again, my sincere thanks to each and every one of you who have supported this zany endeavor in a fun, positive manner. Very best wishes, Richard Roe
38 Comments:
Richard, I posted just a second or two before you...will you go back and read the last messages on 11/22?
P.S. The experience of fear only makes you human... :)
WOW. It is really happening!
I felt compelled to put on my crazy hat for the occasion.
I actually hear some real emotion coming from you Richard as you are embarking on this somewhat bizarre journey. I like that. That is a side of you I haven't seen enough of.
Vicki You go girl! Did you get the highlights/manicure/pedicure, etc?
I'm certain that is very important stuff for a trip to the jungle! At least it would be for me!
There has been sooooo much controversy around all this and sometimes I'm not sure what my position is....but for today I am happy for all of you!
Aloha Richard, Joe, Umberto, Posse and Chikadees!
RICHARD: take some deep breaths and remember how excited you were about travelling and 'getting the show on the road' well the time is now, we are here on the blog following your journey and encouraging you three to make the most of the experience, to quote you it is all about having FUN FUN FUN ;) It is refreshing to see that you are experiencing a wee bit of trepidation in spite of being such a brave warrior ;)
Bon Voyage
Vaya Con Dios
Senior Bachelorette:)
val
p.s. lindaintucson I knew you'd be back, go ahead and make my day, love that veil girl ;)
Hiya! Well, I received my Holland America catalogue about Alaska cruises and I must say that the ships look pretty nice. And I notice that each of the two cruises have a slightly different itinerary. So...I'm still thinking about it. In the meantime, I will travel vicariously to Brazil, etc. and will now wish you all a bon voyage.
Bon Voyage Richard, Vickie, and Umberto
"Don't Worry. Be Happy!"
Howdy Richard, Joe, Umberto & Co!
I am just thinking about the original gals way back in April
2005 right up to September 2005
who attended the very first Manhattan Beach Soiree as well as the Chicago Soiree. The excitement and craziness which we all felt through the blog with the comments and photos is a time to remember! I cannot help but remember some of the comments, one in particular that was repeated over and over "We have established friendships for Life and will never forget the special camraderie that existed amoung the gals" Even Joe said it was something unusual and special to see how the gals bonded having established prior contact on this blog, then to see it manifest at the Manhattan Beach Soiree in September 2005! Yes things change, people move on with their lives BUT the blog is here for us to continue connecting and keep the 'flame of friendship burning' in spite of all our differences.
We have all jumped to another level of support for Richard, Umberto and Vicki with the journey that lies ahead of them, this is a continuation of what started a few months ago, amazing! Our turn will come and who knows, we may just be as excited to share on this blog as we merge into what lies ahead for us individually, that can only be FUN FUN FUN! Richard is not only thinking of himself, that is why he is going to great lengths to organize the Alaskan Cruises,a means of bringing Single people together in a safe, trusting environment, that is commendable!
So on this eve of your departure Brothers and Sister, may you travel with joy in your hearts and smiley faces :)
Love and Light
Senior Bachelorette:)
val
Dreamweaver18
aka Val the gal
I put it on for you!!
Yes, I am a weirdo :)
What the heck...I can sit here and get pissy about things....or NOT
Today I choose NOT
linda in tucson,
Well, didn't get the manicure, highlights, facial, etc. etc. Did get the pedicure to keep the feet up for the hiking. At Manhattan Beach all of group #1 along with Richard shared our "pet peeves." Richard's was "dirty feet." I can relate to that one having lived in Miami with the beaches and now Georgia with the clay!! My pet peeve is chapped lips so I WILL be taking the lip gloss! I also pack wet ones in a zip lock every where I go. I can take a whole bath with those things if I have to!! So as you can see I'm keeping it simple and making it all about having the time of my life!! Good advice all around from everyone. Thanks. Vicki
Dearest Friends,
Enjoy a Wonderful trip!
This AM, looking out the 5th floor window from work, I saw our huge American flag being blown out for full viewing. I couldn't help but feel Proud and Blessed to be American and have the opportunities and freedoms we have, to include these great travels as a result of so much Work, Inspiration, Focus, Decication and Help from SOOOOOOOOO MANY.
To all the proceeding Great advise, I can only add:
Be Greatful and Enjoy each gifted day as if it could be your last.
In a pinch; don't forget to smile and take a moment to remember how lucky we really are.
Love and Best, Best wishes.
Mary Rose
Vicki
Have fun - just be in the moment and enjoy the memories...
Richard - it is good to be a bit scared..that is cute and sooo normal. Your genuine spirit will take over an a good time will be had by all.. these ladies can handle it! : )
Umberto - I miss your inquisitive soul.. remember to have fun also ..Alas, be careful in Brazil - they are all so beautiful there and with great bodies...skimpy skin baring, thong wearing, tiny beauties...hmm... Glad I am not there actually!! : )
enjoy!! : )
Aloha ROEmancin' ROEmeo, UmbertO and Vicki :)
a little 'diddy' to set you off in the mood for Brazil !!!!
Tall and tanned and young and lovely the girl from Ipanema goes walkin' and as she passes the boys with glasses go aahhh.....
Tall and tanned and young and handsome the boy from Ipanema goes walkin' and as he passes the girls with glasses go aahhh.....
G-D Speed U3
Sayanara
Hugs
Senior Bachelorette:)
val the gal
c u on the blog ;)
Hello Richard, Vicki and Umberto,
I am sooo excited for you all! Can't believe the time is here already. We will all share in your adventure and I for one look forward to reading about everything.
Richard, you are a great guy and the fact that you are a little afraid of how things will work out is a good sign. Your personality and forthrightness will shine through. I hear ya about missing your family, that's a tough one. Also just read someone's comment
about your pet peeve about dirty feet. I have a thing about dirty feet as well and before I step into bed I wash hands, face and feet, can't sleep with dirty feet.
Vicki, I laughed out loud and almost p##d my pants when I read about your grandchild giving you a black eye! You sound
like a terrific person and I wish you a great time. Like Cathy from Carolina said, you are the pioneer.
Umberto, sounds like you may need to make a Junior Bachelor calendar! We will be living this trip through your eyes.
All, have a great, safe and fun time!!!! Will see you on the 1st Alaskan trip in August.
Bon Voyage!!!!!
Angie
Hello Ladies,
An exciting part of the whole adventure is about to begin-- "The Journey." It's been fun listening to the little tid bits from Umberto and Richard during the planning the past few weeks. They seem comfortable and in their element as they work out the details of the travel, accomodations and the packing. Umberto has done an amazing job with all the equipment he has to bring along. The photos are going to be amazing. I used his camera this weekend to take pictures of him as he was surfing with his friend Dan. If he has time he'll post some before they take off. Anyway, that camera takes some fantastic photos. (Of course, the photographer has something to do with it too.)
My family went to a nice restaurant with Umberto as a farewell dinner. I know my kids are going to miss him terribly. We can't believe how quickly the last three months went. The kids learned so much from Umberto and it has only increased their desire to travel- particularly to Italy next Christmas to see him again!
It's going to be great keeping up with the Journey electronically from the blog, the SB Photo Page and the Newsletters to come. Along with his Skype account, we'll be able to keep in touch by phone no matter where they are.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I will be sharing something of a surprise and treat with all of you in a week or so regarding the next holiday coming up.
Safe travels to everyone!
-joe
PS- Pretty darn cute. I can hear Umberto helping Taylor with her Spanish homework. Taylor had to leave it to the last minute as she was in a Turkey Tournament for Soccer all stars this entire weekend. Their unlikely team kept winning and winning and we just finished up late this afternoon. We are all going to miss him :(
RICHARD:
A BIG THANK YOU for the FUN on the blog with all the newzletters and blurbs over the past 8 months, been a hoot! I look forward to the 1st month of adventure starting in Brazil and spanning across continents as far away as Africa for the next SIX MONTHS...wow this is something else! I refer to it as your 'living journal'.
Vasbyt as we say in Afrikaans(means hold fast) looking forward to hearing from you, Umberto and Vicki as you travel. Richard you are a very special, sensitive Soul with a heart of gold, a good man with honourable intentions, a 'true blue kinda guy', few and far between in our day to day world we live in!
Wishing you three the time of your lives!
Ciao fora now ;)
Senior Bachelorette:)
val
p.s. go get 'em.......to be continued.......
To all you bloggers, I hear ya!! Lots of encouragement to Richard with regard to his "fear" and his "emotions"and "trepidations"....everyone telling him to "take deep breaths" and not to be "afraid"...not to "worry"....well, WHAT ABOUT ME!!!! As everyone keeps saying...I'm the PIONEER!! Show a little respect here!! I'm the ONE who has to go to Brazil with all the "skimpy skin bearing," "thong wearing" and "well tanned" (thank you Paula) probably 20 year olds!! The only thing that I can cover at this late date is the TAN. I hope CVS is still open so I can go buy it in a bottle!! Sort of regretting at this point being picked for BRAZIL. I think I would have preferred to be in Africa among the elephants!! Come on guys...get back on the same page with me!!!! Vicki (remember...the grandmother!!)
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
To Vicki, Richard, and Umberto - may your travels be wonderful in every way! Our hearts go with you. Godspeed!
Carol
Vicki, or should I say "BigMommy"
We are not forgetting ya at all, but behind you 100%!!! I just read your bio again... you are a riot! Your sense of humor is great, you'll be fine and a blast. It is not those dental flos bikinis that survive through life, but women like you! Will be sending you good vibes.
JOE, I forgot to say hello to you in my last blog....HELLO! Guess it was becasue you are staying put for the moment. You are an amazing friend to Richard, and a great part of this journey for all of us.
Thank you!
Take care all,
Angie
Top of the morning to all. I have been without electricity due to 80 miles an hour winds here in Tulsa. I live in total electric condo so was sooo happy it was back on early this morning. I just wanted to wish Richard and Vicki and Umbreto a wonderful and happy journey. Glad to see Linda back...Hi Linda. Good Morning to Joe and all the gals in chick a dee land. Lots of Love, Mary
BON VOYAGE! Today's the day!!!!
Hey Vicki we are ALL rootin' tootin' and hootin' fora you too
if ya 'read between the lines' ;) you will see that I always add you in no matter what, come on Big Mama
you are 'purrfekt' to travel to Brazil, what an incredible experience you are going to have with our 'Indiana Jones' and his personal photographer Umberto, what a hoot!
carpe diem
thinking of ALL THREE of you
luv
Senior Bachelorette:)
val the gal
p.s. Vicki you are ABFAB, you go girl!
hey Vicki
You are my Hero!!!!
This is the part of the Journey that I would have chosen, You high diving queen!!!you'll have Richard all worried, thinking he has to learn to high dive in the wild!!!
You are perfect for this portion of the Adventure!! You will love it!!!
Just keep pretty close to the Bravest Man in Camp, I am a little unfamiliar with the wildlife in that "neck of the woods".
I had the GI Jane Hat going on in Chicago, which really had some very useful items, like bug spray and biodegradable liquidsoap, which can be used for shampoo. Go to the Health food store, Dr. Bommer's peppermint soap!!
Hope I have helped and not hurt, you are right tho, you are the pioneer and kinda of a representative of all these ladies, I think they owe you some allegiance.
We're With You Girl!!!! And don't be intimidated by those 20year olds, Seasoned is Better!!!!!
That's what this Adventure is all about, "Knock um Dead"!!!
Hey Vicki
You're off and running!! Go girl! Encouragement is coming your way...can you feel it? There must be a myriad of feelings rushing through you as you step on that plane--don't look back! We're behind you all the way!!!
But hey, (and this is said with light-hearted teasing), it's really hard to send you any sympathy about not having time for the liposuction and being amongst the young, tan babes of Brazil....YOU'RE the only FF that was daring enough to send in a picture of yourself in a swimsuit--and of course, you look GREAT in it too! So...slap on that thong and dive in, with or without the CVS tan!!!
Hugs,
Connie
Can someone tell me how to make blue words on here?
Thanks, Connie
the "POSER" is bacccckkkk!...
Hi CONNIE PICK ME ...I tried several times to give you some instruction of "doing blue" but all i got was my message in blue and none of the instruction...let me try again...
(1)type
then your message
(2)
then
NOPE, not working for me, let me try again...
type < a > then your message < / a > but NO SPACES
let's see if this works!
ok, there we go, so you type the symbols and without hitting the spacebar type your message and again, without hitting the space bar, close with the symbols < / a >
and remember no spaces between each symbol...
if this does not work for you come back and someone else might be able to give you better instructions.
cheers for now,
pj
is this blue?
It worked!!! Thank you pj!!!
Hey Unberto great shots of you surfing in MB... what a hottie...and the beach volleyball with Richard. Richard I see you are going for the long hair look for the journey...Okay the Indiana Jones lool is pretty cool..: )
Vicki hope it is a great first evening in Brazil. I know ti will be..A month is a very long time to be on vacation with someone you barely know...well, I guess that works both ways. Have fun both of you and keep smiling.
Connie pick me!! I miss you girl! Hope all is well with you.
Hello ladies of the blog! Just wanted to say hello.
Goodnight!
Paula
Hello to all of my friends here...
I just wanted to pop in real quick and wish Richard, Vicki and Umberto Bon Voyage...
I will be checking in from time to time to see how the trip is coming along and I'm sure I'll enjoy travelling vicariously with you in Brazil and looking forward to seeing some pics.
Richard...your journey continues...
God Speed to all of you...
Have a wonderful exciting and adventourous time you 3.....
Typo but I like it ....so it stays!
You guys, I want a souvenir!!!!!!
Just a simple small stone or pebble....pretty please!!
Hi All, We arrived in Rio on time this morning. 5 hours LA to Atlanta, where we met Vicki, then 9 1/2 hours to Rio. What a wild place! Lots of energy here. Umberto is taking some photos and by tonight or tomorrow he will have some pictures on the blog. I'm working on the weekly Newsletter which will be out in 1 or 2 days. Bye for now, RR
yep!...CONNIE PICK ME...that is as blue as it is gonna get! ha ha, glad my instructions were not too oblique...
it snowed last night, a very small amount, then at 6:00 a.m. all the power went out and it just came back on...now it is snowing some more...i am not budging from my cosy corner here at "Creekside", heh heh...but i'm getting my camping stove out and ready just in case we lose power again!!
...well, i'm looking forward to the pics from Rio (my mom was there about 20 years ago! ...SHE LOVE IT!!)
cheers for now,
pj
Greetings Richard, Vicki and Umberto!
Spending some time at the beach was probably very welcome after the long flight!
Umberto...cute pictures! It will be fun to compare these 'first day' shots with ones taken later in the month.
Looking forward to more photos of that wild place with lots of energy that Richard's talking about...
Rest up and let the FUN shine through!
Paula, you babe I miss you too! Let me know what's happening with you.
Thanks again PJ for teaching me the "blue" trick!
Hugs to all,
Connie
Subject: Computer error messages...
Here are sixteen actual error messages seen on computer screens in Japan. Some are written in Haiku form. Aren't these better than, "Your computer has performed an illegal operation"?
-----------------------------------
Chaos reigns within.
Reflect, repent, and reboot.
Order shall return.
-----------------------------------
Program aborting:
Close all that you have worked on.
You ask far too much.
-----------------------------------
Windows NT crashed.
I am the Blue Screen of Death.
No one hears your screams.
-----------------------------------
Yesterday it worked.
Today it is not working.
Windows is like that.
-----------------------------------
Your file was so big.
It might be very useful.
But now it is gone.
-----------------------------------
Stay the patient course.
Of little worth is your ire.
The network is down.
-----------------------------------
The Web site you seek cannot be located,
but countless more exist.
-----------------------------------
A crash reduces your expensive computer to
a simple stone.
-----------------------------------
Three things are certain:
Death, taxes and lost data.
Guess which has occurred?
-----------------------------------
You step in the stream,
but the water has moved on.
This page is not here.
----------------------------------
Out of memory.
We wish to hold the whole sky,
But we never will.
A women died and went to heaven. As she stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, she saw a huge wall of clocks behind him.
she asked, "What are all those clocks?"
St. Peter answered, "Those are Lie-Clocks. Everyone on Earth has a Lie-Clock. Every time you lie the hands on your clock will move."
"Oh," said the lady, "whose clock is that?"
"That's Mother Teresa's. The hands have never moved, indicating that she never told a lie."
"Incredible," said the lady. "And whose clock is that one?"
St. Peter responded, "That's Abraham Lincoln's clock. The hands have moved twice, telling us that Abe told only two lies in his entire life."
"Where's my husband's clock?" asked the lady.
"His clock is in Jesus' office. He's using it as a ceiling fan."
Subject: Love Letter
I SHALL SEEK AND FIND YOU...
I SHALL TAKE YOU TO BED AND HAVE MY WAY WITH YOU...
I WILL MAKE YOU ACHE, SHAKE AND SWEAT UNTIL YOU MOAN AND GROAN.
I WILL MAKE YOU BEG FOR MERCY... BEG FOR ME TO STOP.
I WILL EXHAUST YOU TO THE POINT THAT YOU WILL BE RELIEVED WHEN I'M FINISHED WITH YOU. AND YOU WILL BE WEAK FOR DAYS.
ALL MY LOVE,
THE FLU xx
AMAZING!!
YOU WON'T BELIEVE YOUR EYES!!
Cehck tihs out!
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at
Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't
mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers
in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt
tihng is taht the frist and lsat
ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The
rset can be a total mses and you
can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm.
Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid
deos not raed ervey lteter by
istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
Feerknig amzanig huh?
Hi All,
Sorry I didnt get back to you sooner after my last message. Crazy busy with the holidays and work. But I did read all of your comments and wanted to let you know it would be great to have some "bloggin buddies" during my travel experience to Africa with Richard and Umberto. I will definitely keep you up on all the exciting happenings. I want you all to feel a part of it as best you can with us. It will be fun! fun! fun! I am so grateful for this opportunity.
I just got to see the pictures from Rio. The country is beautiful and you all look like you are having a great time. Is great to see. I didnt get the chance to meet you Vicki in person, but I say you are more beautiful than those brazilian babes, and you are very courageous being the travel journey "Pioneer." Enjoy yourself and just have a blast!! Hi to Richard and Umberto. The pictures and smiles are fabulous!!
Corinne
Leslie & sunrise,
I climbed over the rail to see if my hero Richard would rescue me and as you can see he did absolutely NOTHING!! I can't decide if he was in shock or if he wanted Gael's turn to start early. OOps...lost Vicki...S.O.S....need one of the remaining fabulous five!!!!!
V----i----c----k----i......help I've fallen and I can't get up!!!!
Ladies,
It is best to leave comments on the most recent blog even if you are responding to a comment in an older blog. Many people do not check older blogs for new comments and we usually shut them down for new comments once we post a newer blog.
You may want to repost your comments on the newest blog.
Thanks!
-joe
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