Some Nature!!!
Hello wonderful people who visit the SB-Blog!!!
Today we went on a little trip just outside Rio de Janeiro. We visited Burle Marx's house... What a spectacle. We had a first taste of what the jungle will be... I just posted a few photos. Hope you like them.
click here!
Umberto
Today we went on a little trip just outside Rio de Janeiro. We visited Burle Marx's house... What a spectacle. We had a first taste of what the jungle will be... I just posted a few photos. Hope you like them.
click here!
Umberto
78 Comments:
On the contrary...it looks like they are really getting to know each other...everything looks beautiful: people, animals, flowers...gorgeous, gorgeous county!! I loved it when I was there...and it looks like RR, et al, are loving it, too!!
I am off to our Fall Championships...I have another award winning college dabate team this year!! HOWEVER, I am exhausted and am REALLY looking forward to the end of the semester, so I can start MY travels! One trip is up to Paso Robles with my friend, Lois, to see Willy and other "Senior Bloggettes". We have a whale watching trip planned. If you are in CA mid- January, come with us!! See Willimena's blog for more info!
Best, best wishes to you, Richard, and your entire entourage. Although I have limited time to type a message, I DO still enjoy following your adventures. I so admire you for staying true to your commitment to let us follow along with you on this fabulous trip!! love, shar
Brian,
One of my FAVORITE nephews!! Thanks for blogging! Always try to post on the most recent blog and not one of the old ones with a later date. Sometimes they are hard for me to find.
Thanks for trying to hook grandma up with broadband, wireless, etc etc. GOOD LUCK!!!! While you're there, I'd prefer that you just try to teach her how to check her answering machine once in awhile!! At 88 yrs of age sometimes these things can be challenging.
It's amazing how many people couldn't even figure out how to start blogging without help (myself included.) But now I'm an expert and teaching others!! Are you now so proud of your technically talented auntie??
The trip so far has been INCREDIBLE!! Everything's been perfect!! Richard has everything planned to a tee and then we just change things here and there according to where we are and what everyone wants to do.
Check out all the pictures under SB photos to get a feel for everything that we're doing. I'll try to do a few outrageous stunts to thrill my relatives along the way since all of you can relate!! It must be in the genes! Done any more "iron man" competitions lately?? Now that IS crazy!!!!
Hugs to Monique and Issac,
Luv,
Aunt Vicki
hummmm, i think that is a Frangapangi (sp????) one of my faves.... lovely
thanks for the letter...sounds like you are having a "swell" time...some of those photos look so familiar (mom's trip) -- tres Kool!!!
Richard, Vicki and Umbreto...I am really enjoying this trip. Looks like the architech in Rio is kind of like The Frech Quarters in New Orleans. The shrubs are like Hawaii. The shopping looks like fun,fun, fun. What great memories you are making. This will really help my recouperating after surgury to day dream I'm with you all. Hi Paula....I still think about you everytime I get a new blond joke. You are fantastic. Are you going on the Alaska cruise? I'm signed up for the Aug. 11. Shawn has been very nice to work with. I am looking forward to the cruise but will be enjoying Richard's travels during the meantime. Take care...Gotta go watch the rest of the Knots Landing Reunion. Tutles for now.
and hey VICKY, just behave yourself now!!!! no more rail climbing without a safety net, y'hear me gal?
cheers to the travelling treo,
from snowy Vancouver/bc
pj
hey there Merry Mary, what's up?
Hi Richard, Vicki, and Umberto! The photos are great and makes me wish I could be somewhere warm, albeit not too hot and humid.
If you want to read a humorous account of the latest "blizzard" in Vancouver, check out my site. You will LAUGH!
BTW, Richard, I have two more ladies interested in going to Alaska with me - you gonna have enuff of the male persuasion to dance with us? No matter - we'll boogie on down without 'em, if necessary.
Have fun you three! Thx for sharing the adventure with us. :D
Hello Ladies,
Here is Vicki's nephew's comment from the other blog:
"Brian Baker said...
Have fun Aunt Vick. Grandma just called me and was asking all kinds of questions about her broadband connection. Something about her wireless router not working right and she can't log into the site? haha. Anyway, sounds like you're in for a journey. I'm glad to see you are excited, despite the black eye and all. just rub some dirt on it, smile, and go have a good time!! BBB"
Friday, December 02, 2005 1:12:07 PM
"Coach" Shar, great to hear from you. Willy, be sure to provide details of your get together here as well so others can drop by. Should be prime time for whale watching. (I'm taking my family south to Ensenada and further south on Baja the week between Christmas and New Years to see some whales there!)
"Merry Mary" good luck with your MRI. I want to hear about you spinning around the Holland America dance floor with Richard and the other fellas. (We got some bookings from several men and more to follow!)
Leslie, from the look of the bookings, many women are doing the same thing and inviting their friends along- and family members. I hear of one Lady who is bringing TEN friends along- talk about PARTYTIME! It will all make it a special time.
Richard and I are working on several ways to get the men on board. We'll share the details soon when they are finalized and I think you'll be very pleased with the results!
Have a great weekend everyone! And good luck to our travelers. I think they are off to the jungle this weekend.
-joe
Howdy 'Indiana Jones' and Posse ;)
RICHARD: I can certainly identify with your feeling of being a 'daredevil' and wanting to venture into 'unchartered waters' in the not too 'kosher' area of Brazil! You brave warrior venturing into Soweto South Africa a few years ago, reminds me of how I used to sneak over to the 'Townships' Guguletu just outside Cape Town to visit families, especially children who were in dire need for clothing and food. My story is one of adventure, danger, emotion, happiness, sadness etc. going back to 1963 when the riots first started as they marched down the main highway into Cape Town and then in 1976 again. A good Script which I am hoping my Son will want to manifest into a documentary! ;)
I live my life on the edge, so to speak, certainly not mainstream by any means! ;)
UMBERTO: beautiful fleurs, love all the different colours, especially 'the colour purple' Chilli Pepper ? I see Vicki gettin' a little frisky in the garden ;)
Stay 'on the edge' peeps, every day brings a new surprise!
Ciao
'out of africa's'
Senior Bachelorette:)
val the gal
Richard, Vicki, and Umberto,
I was finally able to sit and catch up on your travels. It looks as if you are having a wonderful time. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Umberto, the pictures are great. Keep up the great work.
Linda P.
Dreamweaver18,
If you call that "frisky in the flowers" I could be in BIG trouble. Richard and I kid around A LOT until Umberto turns on the camera. He gets sooooo upset when we try to be PROPER adults when we're both really crazy kids at heart!! We both need to work on not acting "our age" so all of you can see the fun we're REALLY having!! Thanks for following along.....Vicki
Paula,
Trust me, we'd eat the flowers if we had room for them! The market we went to yesterday had tons and tons of them. We, however, opted for the chocolate covered bananas and fried cheese, etc., etc.,!! Our guide insisted it was a "health food" market. Don't think so. When you EAT your way through any and every site seeing attraction it doesn't matter how healthy it is....you're going to burst at the seams and I am!!! That "fit" part of Richard's requirement is going down the tubes. The good new is that I'm bring down HIM with me!!!! Wish I'd packed my elastic waist bands and moo-moo's!!! (anybody remember those??)
Thanks for being such a faithful follower. You are a GREAT FF ("fabulous finalist" for those who don't know!!)
Keep following along,
Vivacious Vicki....not....I just ate again.....time for a nap before we "rev up" for the day!!
Howdy Richard, Umberto and Co. ;)
DITTO....we are ALL crazy kidz at heart, and whatever age means, I certainly don't adhere to 'acting my age' at 55 years (whatever that means) I am constantly bombarded with 'cut your hair' a woman (your age) should not walk around with waistlength wild blonde curly hair!
So dear Vicki please don't take my 'TONGUE IN CHEEK' comments too seriousely, I LOVE to kid around, we've doing it on the blog for months now and aint gonna stop!
meoow;)
RICHARD/our Indiana Jones';) so happy your dream of going into the Amazon is coming true for you, enjoy, looking forward to the pictures as I certainly will not be going to the Amazon anytime soon! Ciao you daredevil you!
By the way IF you DON'T find your Soulmate amoung the Finalists and you are still 'The Senior Bachelor'
I will be in a financial position to warrant visiting you in Manhattan Beach (no strings)I will book myself into The Ayers with my daughter and say hi to you just for the h---l of it! After all these months of blogging, you, Joe and Co. are certainly no strangers to us ;) Things seem to be moving forward pertaining to my pending Settlement and who knows it may even manifest by year end. That was THE only reason for not attending the very first Manhattan Beach Soiree with the trailblazers!
As someone once said I am fiercely independant, how true it is!
In the meantime I 'go wid da flow' and enjoy travelling vicariousely through you and Posse ;)
Arrivederci Richard, Umberto and Vicki
Ciao
'out of africa's'
val the gal
p.s. G-D Bless ya'll and stay safe
Mom...it seems from reading the blog that all agree, no more jumping over rails! Yes I bungee jumped, but that's the thing about bungee jumping... you are at least attached to the thing you jumped out of!!!
Well, I passed my brokers exam! 90.79%!!! All those years you tried to get me to study while I was in school...and now I get an A at age 29. Who would've ever thought?
Wow, the trip really looks amazing. I am having so much fun pulling up the pictures every day. Of course I love pics of you guys having fun up there, but Jason & I really enjoyed Umberto's nature pics as well! Keep 'em coming!
I'll get on Keely and the boys about blogging. Of course, Keely probably can't figure it out, Sloan probably can't find his computer, and Chase in college is way too cool for school to send a blog.
Well, we're off to go tailgate for the SEC championship. GA vs. LSU....GOOOOOO DAWGS!
Dreamweaver18- thank you for your sweet compliment...but take a wild guess who came up with my name???
Hello Everyone, Have been away for over a week only to return to a broken monitor (which is my T.V. screen) so, had to buy a new T.V. Merry Mary, this T.V. has a connection for a DVD but I did not get one since the only DVD I have is the Pops and Me that you sent me. Mary, I will be thinking of you and your surgery!! Did you try chiropractic? Sometimes that can work wonders for little nerve problems!! Joe, Richard, Vicki and the WORLD'S GREATEST PHOTOGRAPHER, Umberto, all the photos are so beautiful. What a great trip to a magnificant part of the world. It is fun to catch up and see all the images. Vicky, I can just see the headlines "Beautiful Senior Bachelor" finalist falls off side of a cliff while performing a stunt in Rio. WOW, Vicky, better be careful!! "All the Best", Jane
Speaking of eating flowers...Someone that owns a nursury here had a salad on tv yesterday with poinsettias in it. I'd always thought they were poison to eat but he said they're good. I think I'll just look at mine.Thank you anyway. Dreamweaver, did Richard name you??? That's my uneducated guess. Hi, P.J. I've been doing the Christmas stuff...have all my shopping done and wrapped and the condo all decorated. I've reserved the club room for Christmas day but have guests coming Thur. for a few days and beings I'm not sure about when they'll scedule surgury I want to have everything done ahead. Everybody have a Jolly Holly Day. Ya Hear???? MM
Howdy Y'all!
MERRYMARY: nope Richard did not name me, I am a DREAMER ;) I love to think BIG. In case you are wondering I have never met Richard just been in contact through emails initially, then blogging etc, since April 2005. Nice to see you following the 'three musketeers' on the 'travelling trail' ;) lotsa fun stuff happenin'!
DRAGONFLYFILLY: are you still 'weaving your dreams'? :)
LESLIE IN VANCAN: I sure miss 'Lotusland', and snowing too, how beautiful the snowcapped Vancouver mountains must look! You live in one of THE most picturesque cities in the world, so much to see and do there!
SHAYLA: congratulations on passing your exam...you go girl!
Hugs
'out of africa's'
Senior Bachelorette:)
val
Bonjourno Travellin' 'Three Musketeers'
VICKI: I had a hunch to read the former blog again, in doing so I read your post on trying to kiss 'Indiana Jones' on each cheek from me, you are hilarious, love the fly wid da chopsticks comment :) By the way I clearly remember you diving off the roof of your house into the pool, cannot remember where I saw it, maybe it was a clip that was shown when you appeared on Oprah. That show aired again not too long ago and now I remember, that cream is Hemarroid(spelling?)cream that you said works well on face, if it works 'there' it will surely work on the face, was your comment! Vicki I dare say you are brave ;) be careful of ingredients that may just not be suitable for the face ;) ya don't want ya eyes, nose and mouth to shrink, BUT the best of all was Oprah's facial expression, priceless!!
Enjoying the camraderie on the blog as usual, a blast to say the least! Vicki try braiding your hair, good whilst travelling in the humdity and keeps the hair off your face, that will eliminate the 'growing sideways' kinda thing happening to you...lol
CORINNE JEAN: I will certainly be 'travelling' with you, Richard and Umberto through Africa afterall it is my 'home turf' so to speak and am sooo excited to 'accompany you' from the blog, you are going to find Africa absolutely fascinating to say the least! My Son just returned from Bashara Island in Uganda where they stayed for a few days, a beautiful respite surrounded by Fauna and Flora, hundreds of mulit-coloured little birds, lakes and additonal islands. They plan to go whitewater rafting at the mouth of the Nile this month, as they get two weeks off over christmas and new year.
Wonder how 'flowergirl' Rachel is getting on, hoping all is well with your Mom
COACH/SHAR: nice to see you too, afterall you are one of the 'originals' way back from them good 'ole days on the blog ;)
SOFT_RAIN: more jokes please ;)
SKYWATCHER 'ELLA': if ya not travellin' kindly share a little more wisdom ;)
Luv
'out of africa's'
Senior Bachelorette:)
val
Shay,
You're probably right about your siblings Keely, Sloan and Chase not getting around to the blogging. Tell Keely to get her one year old or her four year old to help her set it up. These days the kids already "know it all" at that age. Tell Sloan to get his girlfriend to help him find his computer (and clean his apartment while she's at it!) I can smell that moldie food in the refrigerator all the way over here! Don't worry about contacting Chase. You'd have to call every fast food place in Oxford to find him! He's probably passed out on some park bench taking a nap after eating his five daily whoppers for lunch!!!! Good thing he's a nice, big, strong boy and can handle it. The way I'm eating over here I'll be up to 275 pounds too in no time!! Too bad I'm NOT 6' 4" like him!!!!!
Way to go on your broker's test. The bloggers must have sent good vibes your way!!
Hope the Dawgs win!! "Party your pants off" at the tail gate party. (I can't believe I said that!) I know you hate it when I call you the "party girl." (now past tense) Who would have ever thought that you'd end up being the stable, driven, focused one?? Thanks Jason (the boyfriend!) Where's the ring????? (Your mom told me to say that, trust me!!)
Leaving early tomorrow morning for the AMAZON!!!!! Can't wait!
Luv, Mom
Aloha....ERROR = CORRECTION
MULTI-COLOURED BIRDS ...NOT mulit :)
luv val
Bonjourno UMBERTO:
Love the pink and yellow fleur, took my breath away!
Ciao
val
Hey UMBERTO, i see you like to photograph stuff the way i do, kind of close up and obscure...kool...and that photo of the ground cover of the beach reminds me sooooo much of south africa. hummm!
i'm really enjoying the photos and the travelogue...it is going to be difficult when it comes time to part and move on, me thinks!!! ahh, parting is such sweet sorrow, but as i told a new acquaintance i met at the party last week, (she has to return to Maui next week) i always take a little part of someone away with me when they go...
thanks for the photos, Umberto, and hope the journey continues safely and enjoyably...
hey "Dreamweaver18" talk to me...this is so wild! on Friday when i typed my comment i was going to refer to U, RR and V as the "three Muskateers" then edited myself as i thought it might be somewhat corny, (hah hah )and now i see you have done so, so i guess i'm not as corny as i think i am (I'm telling you, it is just too weird how you and i seem to be thinking the same thing at the same time!!)
P>S> oh, and YES, in answer to your question, I AM still weaving my dreams, (ha hah, there you go again, reading my mind) although sometimes i miscalculate, don't thread the needles properly, you know, not being that good at math, and math being sometwhat essential when warping up, they (i.e. the dreams) don't always turn out as i intend them!! lol,
"love and light" etc,
pj (a.k.a. "Shakti")
by the way Merry Mary i think Poinsettias are just poisonous to animals. as are Rhubarb leaves, something i found out by mistake when, while living in England, i gave the neighbour lady some leaves from our garden for her rabbit. A few days later she told me that it had died. A couple of months later, quite by accident i found out that you have to be careful what you feed rabbits!!!! boy! did i feel bad!!!! i never told her that i had inadvertently killed her rabbit. Now i am very careful about what i feed other people's animals, believe me!!!
yikes,
pj
oh, just a reminder Umberto when going for that unique shot, don't try to get TOO close up to any Anacondas when you are in the jungle, you might end up photographing it's intestines...ugh!...
cheers and happy landings,
pj
ok "Dreamweaver" DO NOT cut your hair! my hair is only shoulder length and sometimes people try to get me to cut it and stop dying it, BUT I REFUSE,i have done the short hair routine and it just does not "fit", and i am not ready to be "salt and peppery" yet!
anyway, e-mail me, at Shakti_697@hotmail.com o.k.? i want to chat more with you.
and NOW I REALLY have to go and do the trifle and mincemeat tarts for my 1st Chrissy party of the season, tonight,
cheers,
pj
DRAGONFLYFILLY: 'strike a pose'...lol...yes the pink and yellow flower is a lot like the wildflowers that grow on long vines running across the beautiful soft white sand on South African beaches. Certain areas, like the 'Wild Coast' George, Margate, phew that coastal drive is awesome, with the jagged rocks, huge waves and foliage as far as the eye can see on both sides of the road. Do you know there are still elephants deep in the Knysna Forest, so I've been told! I so enjoy sharing these travel stories and experiences! Some experiences are best left alone, like the one I had in what used to be Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia, camping in the wild outdoors and in a second a sharp pain in the tummy and the rest is history...LOL had no time to 'make a run for it' the sh----t
hit the fan that night....one of THE most embarrassing times of my entire life!
JOE: you put in a request for us to share our travel stories ;) that is one of them...a lot more where that came from but on a cleaner note ;)
Cheers to our travellin 'Three Musketeers' enjoy the 'uncharted waters' of the AMAZON ...remember
Vicki no jumping or swimming...there is Piranha in those waters!!!!
Happy Trails
Luv
senior bachelorette:)
val
A man and a woman were sitting beside each other in the first class section of the plane. The woman sneezed, took out a tissue, gently wiped her nose and then shuddered quite violently for 10 or 15 seconds. The man went back to his reading.
A few minutes later, the woman sneezed again, took a tissue, gently wiped her nose and shuddered quite violently as before. The man was becoming more and more curious about the shuddering.
A few more minutes passed and the woman sneezed one more time. Again she took a tissue, gently wiped her nose and shuddered violently. The man couldn't restrain his curiosity.
He turned to the woman and said, "You've sneezed three times, wiped your nose with a tissue, then shuddered violently! Are you all right?"
"I'm sorry if I disturbed you," the woman replied, "I have a rare condition; when I sneeze, I have an orgasm."
The man was a little embarrassed but even more curious and said, "I've never heard of that before. What are you taking for it?"
The woman looked at him and said, "Pepper".
father watched his daughter playing in the garden. He smiled as he reflected on how sweet and innocent his little girl was. Suddenly she just stopped and stared at the ground. He went over to her and noticed she was looking at two spiders mating. "Daddy, what are those two spiders doing?" she asked.
"They're mating," her father replied.
"What do you call the spider on top, Daddy?" she asked.
"That's a Daddy Longlegs." Her father answered.
"So, the other one is a Mommy Longlegs?" the little girl asked.
"No," her father replied. "Both of them are Daddy Longlegs."
The little girl thought for a moment, then took her foot and stomped them flat. "Well, we're not having any of that stuff in our garden."
An elderly woman walked into the Bank of Canada one morning with a purse full of money.
She wanted to open a savings account and insisted on talking to the president of the Bank because, she said, she had a lot of money.
After many lengthy discussions (after all, the client is always right), an employee took the elderly woman to the president's office. The president of the Bank asked her how much she wanted to deposit.
She placed her purse on his desk and replied, "$165,000".
The president was curious and asked her how she had been able to save so much money.
The elderly woman replied that she made bets.
The president was surprised and asked, "What kind of bets?"
The elderly woman replied, "Well, I bet you $25,000 that your testicles are square."
The president started to laugh and told the woman that it was impossible to win a bet like that.
The woman never batted an eye.
She just looked at the president and said, "Would you like to take my bet?"
"Certainly", replied the president.
"I bet you $25,000 that my testicles are not square."
"Done", the elderly woman answered.
"But given the amount of money involved, if you don't mind I would like to come back at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning with my lawyer as a witness."
"No problem", said the president of the Bank confidently.
That night, the president became very nervous about the bet and spent a long time in front of the mirror examining his testicles, turning them this way and that, checking them over again and again until he was positive that no one could consider his testicles as square and reassuring himself that there was no way he could lose the bet.
The next morning at exactly 10 o'clock the elderly woman arrived at the president's office with her lawyer and acknowledged the $25,000 bet made the day before that the president's testicles were square.
The president confirmed that the bet was the same as the one made the day before.
Then the elderly woman asked him to drop his pants, etc. so that she and her lawyer could see clearly.
The president was happy to oblige.
The elderly woman came closer so she could see better and asked the president if they could touch them.
"Of course", said the president.
"Given the amount of money involved, you should be 100% sure."
The elderly woman did so with a little smile.
Suddenly the president noticed that the lawyer was banging his head against the wall.
He asked the elderly woman why he was doing that and she replied,
"Oh, it's probably because I bet him $100,000 that around 10 o'clock this morning the President of the Bank of Canada would drop his pants and show his testicles to us and allow me to hold them!"
An airplane was about to crash; there were 5 passengers on board, but only 4 parachutes. The 1st passenger said,
"I am Kobe Bryant, the best NBA basketball player; the Lakers need me, I can't afford to die." So he took the 1st pack and left the plane.
The 2nd passenger, Hillary Clinton said, "I am the wife of the former U.S. President, a NY State Senator and a potential future president. And I am the smartest woman in American history, so America's people don't want me to die", and she took the 2nd pack and jumped out of the plane.
The 3rd passenger, George W. Bush, said, "I'm the president of the United States of America. I have great responsibility being the leader of a superpower nation." So he grabbed the pack next to him and jumped.
The 4th passenger, the Pope, said to the 5th passenger, a 10 year old schoolgirl, "I am old and frail and don't have many years left, and as a Catholic, I will sacrifice my life and let you have the last parachute."
The girl said, "That's okay. There's a parachute left for you. America's smartest woman took my schoolbag."
Dear SoftRain...Those were all funny but the banker joke was one of the funniest I've ever heard...That would be priceless. I copied and pasted it and sent it out already.....I sent it to the bank my x works at. I need to send it to a few attorneys I know too. Janie, yes I did chiropracter, pain doctor(cortisone injections) ,muscel relaxants, and they said I fought a good battle for long enough. My next to the big toe is crossing my big toe.....really weird. I showed it to one of my really good male friends this afternoon and he was just amazed....Will my talents never cease ??? My daughter thinks it's really funny too but the P.A. said he thinks that a piece has broke off or ruptured in the lumbar area and I'm taking pain meds, anti inflamatory,steroids...and so much crap I can't think clear and I do so want to be fit and fabulous for alaska. Shay, did you do real estate brokers???? I did mine 27 years ago and did not study so needless to say I came back from Ok. City and studied and went back and passed the second time around. It's hard so congratulations are in order for passing the first time. I was the broker in Grove for a large company out of Tulsa and I hear they closed the doors last month....guess I should have stayed. I left 33 listings of mine with them. 3 were over a million but they didn't sell them and I wanted to retire and get to feeling good. P.J....I'm with you...I think Africa will be the greatest. One of the doctors I worked for when I was in my 20's went on a safarri and brought back lots of fantastic slides. Africa and Rome are 2 places I've not been that would be so cool to go to but I'll do via Richard and Umbreto and their 3rd Muskoteers. Take care. Much Love, Blessings, Peace,Joy and good wishese to all and to all a good night...Well, later, not yet. Ms. Merry Mary checking out for awlile.
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?
ps.
I posted this under 38 comments..
one of the last posts, along with a few jokes....
Want to read the true story of the Amityville house??.....
http://www.crimelibrary.com/
notorious_murders/family/
amityville/1.html
Corrine Jean,
I am no longer the traveling partner "pioneer." I'm more like the spoiled premadonna!! I'm wined and dined, treated like royalty and always asked if I'm ok with the plan.
You're going to LOVE IT!! I really hope you're called away to work in March(nursing, of course) so maybe I can do a second tour of duty.....ie.....take your place!!!
All from group #1 are taking a trip to Las Vegas during "your month." We all really miss each other and wanted to get together to continue the fun! Richard has really created a monster here!! But he's the one who brought us altogether in the first place.
Be sure before your trip to brush up on your politics, your geography, your history (especially ancient), your plants and animals, your trivia, your cultures around the world, the sun, the moon , the stars, diseases, current events, etc, etc, etc. Just clear your brain of all useless information and prepare it for over-load!!!!!!!
I plan on getting laryngitis tomorrow so I don't have to speak a word!!!!! THAT could be plan "B" for you!!
Luv & luck,
Vicki
Dear Vicki in Brazil, Richard did a good thing. Friends are soooo important. I bonded with Prarie Critter in Chicago and hope to see her again...and also, Paula and more and Lady Jane here on the blogg. We have a wonderful sisterhood and of course, Richard, Joe and Umbreto have been Priceless. Have a fun day. They say a picture says it all and you've got some beautiful pictures. Love to all you chick a dees out there in the Land Of Richard's creation. Merry Mary
Hi Merry Mary, "In the Land of Richard's Creation". That's so GOOD!! Mary please let us know when you are having your surgery so we can remember you. SOFT RAIN, I am still laughing at the Cambridge Univ. study on words. I always get a good laugh at your writings. Do you remember a fad called "Pig Latin", where you removed the first letter of a word, put it at the end and added an "a", and then spoke Pig Latin. It was crazy, but lots of fun. It was almost 90 degrees yesterday and has dropped to 30 degrees this morning. This state really gets to me. It's the one "W" claims to be from. I thought DREAMWEAVER 18 would get a kick out of this remark. Everything is done bigger and better in this BIG state. HA-HA. I have to sign off to try and figure out what "Complete Victory" in the middle east means. Perhaps some of these so called experts in D.C. can tell us. WHAT A JOKE!!!!!
Maybe I should not watch because I may end up throwing something at my new T.V. Have a great day!! Jane
A nice bit of Brazil info passed on by one of our readers:
"Just a quick note in case you don't already know about this..... every Sunday in every town in Brazil there is a "Hippie Fair". It is comprised of local artisans who bring their "artesenatos" to a town square and set up for the day. I lived in Brazil for five years and went most of those Sundays to Hippie Fairs all across Brazil! They are great fun, full of fabulous handcrafted items. Also a great place to hone your haggling skills! Have fun! Brazil is a beautiful country full of amazing wonders and lovely people."
Many thanks to Diane for sharing this!
-joe
Hi All, Have to go quickly as the boat from Manaus to the Ariau leaves in a few minutes. 5 days in Rio were great. Vicki and Umberto have been super to be with. Terrific traveling partners. Manaus is right in the heart of the Amazon and is the jumping off spot for trips in the Jungle. I don't think we will have access to the Internet for the next 4 or 5 days. I will send a quick update to the last Newsletter today and a new Newsletter this coming Friday. Ciao for now, Richard Roe
To all you bloggers:
There are no words!!! There are no words!!!! Don´t worry, I´´ll find them....be back in an hour....
O.K. I~``m back, Our guide just gave us the itinerary for the week. There´s talk of native tribes, spending the night in the jungle, canoe rides, and swimming with the dolphins. Then there´s wrestling with the alligators, eating snakes, and playing with the tiranhchilas (sp)!! It all sounds unbelievable!! Have I gone nuts??? Yes, I have and I LOVE it!!!!! Just got called to the boat. At least it´s better than swimming there (to the hotel) with the piranah!!!!!
AHHHHH.....AHHHHHH.AHHHhh That´s the Tarzan yell in case you didn´´t recognize it!!!!
Jungle queen Vicki
Merry Mary!!!!
How true about the Relationships that we have established thru this Adventure!!!!!
Go to my Blog and take a look at Mar ve lous time that we are having in Chicago, again!!!!
While Richard, Vicki and Umberto are basking in the Rio Sun, we are bundled in seasonal attire and "smack dab in the middle" of the Holiday Hustle and Bustle of Michigan Avenue!!!!
It's Snowing!!!It's Snowing!!!
How wonderful to be alive and full of Joy!!!!Best Wishes to all!!!
an addendum to Vicky's advice for travel...remember to brush up on your BODY LANGUAGE...i.e. thumbs up, winking, the A-o.k hand gesture...certain gestures are NOT acceptable in some countries...but don't ask ME; i'm "the Mistress of Political IN-CORRECTNESS!!! hah hah...
Hi everyone from Sanibel and Captive,
The bugs here have been waiting for me to arrive. Only Half kidding cause now I do have bit welts about all over my Body. Good luck, you 3 in the jungle. The "Off's" that usually work for me have seemed ineffective this time. Get some extra strong protection cause scratching delutes the fun.
But I am also had some wonderful fun beachcombing, kite flying, biking, bird watching, seeing the islands completely lit at night, seasonal shopping and even the Little Theater Christmas Presentation, all with the company of my 8 year old grandson. (His parents are off defending their titles in a dance contest.)
I laughed Vicki, when you mentioned maybe loosing your voice. In this company, Kyle and his friends, I am just practicing my selective hearing and cooking.
(And looking forward to my next Adult interactions.)
Thanks for all your updates. These times are certainly some of what you will be talking about for the rest of your lives.
Vicky, I am SURE Richard is the BEST and MOST CARING Host/Companion. I am still compelled to tell you what was so important for me to learn and be conscious of when I first started motorcycle riding and so trusted those I was with.
"Only go as fast as you are comfortable with. It is your job to look out for yourself!"
Love,
Mary Rose
PS
Joe, Is this not the season for the Men's Blog????
Spelling= "Captiva" off the south western coast of Florida.
Mary R
Vicki Richard & Umberto
It is easy to get into the excitment with you from the updates and pictures, and feel the anticipation of the next adventure awaiting you. I am feeling a bit sad for the first time that I am not a part of such a wonderful journey. We are all living vicariously through all of you especially Vicki. No pressure however, as Soft Rain says, be your own guide to your comfort level. This is not about risking life and limb - but a memory to cherish. Richard will take great care of you I am sure. I will be sending positive energy to all while you are not online with us.
Be safe, have a blast!
Paula
ps..Umberto the quality of the digital photos are incredible. The rain drops on those flowers are just so vivid and breathtaking. You ROCK!!!
Hugs to all
Joe - miss your positive smiling face and hope life is good in MB with you amd your family.
Oh and merrymary
You are just a doll and I love you and your wonderful happy soul..
absolutely a friend for life..
Forever be positive and life will reward you for your spirit!
hugs...
Wow Cathy....Beautiful, fun and exciting pictures. You all have a wonderful time.MM
Richard, GOODNESS GRATIOUS!!!
The next thing you know, we will hear that the lot of you were eaten up by man eating plants in the jungles. I hope Umberto gets to photograph the plants before that happens!! I guess we won't know a thing for four or five day now. Here we go with the mystery again!! Havn't I said that these guys are "Masters of Mystery". It will be fun to watch and keep up with this adventure from afar.
Will you have an address down there in the jungle? I want to send you a Christmas card? Very Best Wishes!! Jane also known as Lady Jayne since my friend Merry Mary reminded everyone of this. Mary, you did not let me know when you are having the surgery. Jane
Amazing & fun video!!
http://www.killsometime.com
/Video/video.asp?ID=379
Good Morning!
That Kill some time video site should keep us all busy while Rich,Vic,&Um are trecking across the jungle.....be safe and enjoy!
Hey , Where is Joe?
Joe come talk with us, let us know how you and your family are.
That site that soft rain suggests checking out is great! I had already seen it (daughter has it downloaded) and it's fabulous! DO check it out.
This post has been removed by the author.
Good Morning, Ladies
A merry Monday to you all!
Paula- always good to hear from you! Sad? You? Yeah, for about a minute.
Soft Rain- great jokes and I'll check out that site.
Merry Mary- good luck and our best wishes for you upcoming surgery.
Lady Jane- Masters of Mystery indeed. Just you wait!! While Richard and crew are in the "heart of darkness" I'm going to treat you to some "heart of light"-- stay tuned!
Mary Rose- I've always wanted to got to that part of Florida. Keep us updated.
Leslie- you bring your own special "sunshine" to Vancouver. I'll be in Seattle for Christmas so let's work on those sun gods together!
CathyinCarolina- What fun!! You Ladies are fabulous. This is what it is all about-- meet on a blog of all placess- then meet face to face and create great and lasting friendships! "Flowergirl" as radiant as ever. That's Anita, correct? And La Dolce Vita- a striking beauty. Watch out you men in Chicago- these Ladies are there to party! Have fun and stay warm.
And a big hello to all the others here.
Okay, have to run and get an updated newsletter out. I missed an email from Vickie with alot more info about her first days on the trip so that will be in there. Also, I'll have a bit of news about the Franklin Family and our holiday extravaganza to share with you.
-joe
Hi Joe! You made my day about bringing my "own special sunshine to Vancouver" - I go off to work in the morning mist and come home in the dark drizzle...My turn to cook tonight and I'm sure glad it's not SNAKE MEAT!!! ICK! :D
Hi again I just happened over to the "Men's Page" where I read Mary Rose's comments from last Thursday. She has made some good points and for anyone who hasn't seen it yet (how many of us go over there very often, if at all?) you should read it.
Also, with regard to Richard's mission, which is something I strongly support, I was very disappointed with the show "Desperate Housewives" last night. Did anyone else see it? "Susan's" biological father is a roving 60+. When "Susan" suggested he go home and have sex with his wife instead of hopping in and out of bed with younger women and/or pros, his response was, She's 68! That light burned out a long time ago!" or something to that effect. I still don't understand why men think that they are still so great but their wives, or women their own age, are "burned out" and not worth their time and/or effort. Where, oh where, are all the good men?
Oh well, that's my pfftht for the day. Happy Monday everyone! :D
Hi Ladies,
Let me take a moment and address what Leslie and Mary Rose have brought up about the Men's Page et al. (and Mary, I apologize for not addressing it sooner-- just been so very busy!) Richard and I had a fairly long strategy session about this before he left and we have some things at work.
First, an intregal part will be the new "gallery" showcasing you lovely women. If you noticed, we took the first step today and put up the new "Fabulous Females" page. We are getting ready to place your photos and bios there very soon. Please read the instructions on the page and send yours in if you have not already. It is free of charge and will be seen by the many thousands of people who visit the website every month. Richard and I would expect that many of the 2,000 women who submitted a photo, video and bio would be interested in doing this.
Next, we have some ideas to get the men interested in the cruise. The cruise is an opportunity for a eligible men to meet many women face to face and spend time to get to know them. We think this is more of what men are more interested in. We just don't think they are "online" kind of people. What we have planned should be very intriguing to them- whether they go on the cruise or not. We have to first let them know about it and then let them know how much fun it is going to be. We are working on a way to get a lot of men to learn about it in a big way! It's just not ready yet with the holiday season and all. All of this should be a big draw to get more men perusing the site and figuring out what is going on.
You'll notice we renamed the "Finding You" page to "Re-Awakenings." This is where Richard is going to explain the reasons for his Search and what we have all learned. The "re-awakening" in the women and in him as a man. How he has learned to value women more his own age (despite the writer's attitudes on "Deperate Housewives". Leslie, I saw that last night and picked up on that too!)
And, yes, we will encourage the men to use the blog and I will put up some instructions for getting started, etc. It is all going to take some time as we have said many times before. Our progress may be slow but it is steady.
What you can all do in the meantime is encourage your male friends to visit the site. One man, Bob, was invited to the men's page and he was inundated with attention. He set up his own blog and on he goes. We need hundreds more Bobs!
Gotta run right now. Stay tuned! I'm late getting the aformentioned revised newsletter out. Look for it early tomorrow morning.
-joe
Have we all met some incredible friends through all of this or what?? Those wonderful, generous ladies partying in Chicago who knew I'm in Cal with pneumonia,went to my favorite place, Jilly's , and had the singer sing to me over the phone my favorite song. Franchesca, Anita, Cathy and Rachel, thank you again, I'm still so touched. Look at pics on cathyincarolina's blog.Lynn
Wow you guys. I am sat in dreary Holland making christmas cakes and the pictures are amazing. I have always wanted to go to Rio and I know one day very soon I will. This has just made me more determined. If you are passing through Holland make sure you drop in for afternoon tea. Julia
Good Morning Ladies!
Just sent an updated Newsletter. Very funny writing from Vicki.
I also included an announcement I've been alluding to on the blog-- the Franklin Family Holiday Festival Premiere on the House and Garden Channel (HGTV)!
Our Manhattan Beach home was selected for a new show on the House and Garden TV (HGTV) cable channel. The show is "Warm Weather- White Christmas" and it premieres this Sunday, December 11 at 9:00PM EST/PST. Check your local listings. The idea is to show how families in warm weather climates decorate their homes for the holidays. To say we were unworthy for this honor is quite an understatement. But, we went "Hollywood" and, voila, you'll see the results! A funny story behind this which I will share later. For more information, click here.
I posted a photo of my family in front of our "creation" near my blog name above. Enjoy the show!
The show premieres on Sunday night. Earlier in the evening Manhattan Beach celebrates the holidays with an amazing fireworks show off the Manhattan Beach Pier. The city closes off most of the downtown streets (which you have seen in other photos) and people set up blankets and chairs hours in advance of the 6:30PM show. We all show up with bundles of warm coats, blankets and hot chocolate and start singing Christmas carols around 6:00. Many people set up on the beach and there are numerous boats on the water. Then the show! Quite a fun time.
The Adventure trio is having nothing to do with warm coats as they are deep in the Amazon jungle right now with no access to the internet. Richard will write a newsletter about their jungle visit later this week. Now that should be an amazing story!
-joe
Hi again Ladies,
I just saw a Today Show segment about women titled "Is 50 the new 30". Well, this entire segment echoed what we have all learned here and have been discussing for months!! The entire video is on their website- click here to get to it. I don't know how long it will be there so watch it right away.
Unbelievable! Richard has always said we were ahead of the curve. Be sure you catch the last three minutes with Christie Brinkley (now 51) and Cheryl Tiegs (now 58!) The words they speak we've all heard or read on this site. "Marginalized" no more!
-joe
PS- I watched it with Nancy (my lovely 52 year old) and I was pointing to the screen and sputtering "We know all about that!" throughout. Quite funny.
Thanks Joe, the HG link is interesting, i don't know if i will get that channel where i live, but i will try to check it out.
thanks RR for the update;
Vicky, i enjoyed your account of the airport escapade, what a riot, i know the feeling, my daughter is starting to get protective as she matures...it is really quite sweet..and the hand-holding trick, good one! , lol...and now we know for sure that you are not a member of the mile high club (yet!!!???) heh heh
keep those photos coming in, Umberto...
cheers for now,
pj
Joe, very nice photo of your family, great looking kids!
HEY VICKI - your old bud Gert here. Computer has been down for a week. Sortof ok now. Have been following you and chatting with your girls. They are wonderful. Can't wait to hear about Jungle Vicki. You Mom called - wants to know how your trip to Europe with the girls is going. haha. Give Richard and Umberto big hugs from your biggest cheerleader. xxgert
Joe
Congratulations that is awesome about being on the HGTV show - I will be sure to watch on Sunday.
I caught the Today Show this morning also and was thinking how great that this is the new wave of thinking and we have been saying that all along.
Also thanks for working hard to keep us entertained and all and the great ideas for getting more men involved. Good Stuff!
Have a great evening all!
Hi everybody...It's cold in Tulsa and looking for snow tomorrow. Janie my fair lady, I'm in a waiting game. I go in a wwk from today for the result of the mri they did yesterday and it will be laparotamy???????surgury...like 3 bandaid size incissions and in to the hospital that morning and out the same day so maybe it won't be a big deal. I may wish I'd done it along time ago and got it over. My sister is planing to stay a few days with me so I can get a little more spoiled. I can't wait to see Joe's house on Home and Garden. This is soo cool. Jolly Holly Daze to ya all. MM
Today Show segment good, Joe.
Thanks for the Heads Up!!!
And you were right about the 4th lady being AnitainChicago, as graceous, as she is beautiful!!!
Both she and La Dolce Vida were fabulous Hostesses , we dined and danced in the finest places in Chicago.
And Joe, I know you remember what a fine dancer that Flowergirl was on the Cruise, you should see her dancing with those Latin Men, in this wonderful Latin Dance Club, they took us to!! What an incredible dancer!!
Kathy, shhhhhh, Nancy thinks I was at the library that Friday evening. What happens in Chicago, stays in Chicago! LOL! Yes, Rachel is one heck of a dancer. I'm sure you all left a string of broken hearts behind you in Chicago!
Thanks, soft rain, hope they get good footage of my kids on the show. They don't know whether to be embarrassed or excited (they are middle schoolers!) You'll also get to see a lot of our friends who "braved" the mid-April weather to view the dramatic lighting ceremony. Although I think they came over because Nancy served some of her famous margaritas.
-joe
Right Joe, the Library!!!
Shhhhh!!!!
But you were the best dancer we had to work with!!!!Richard had on tennis shoes!!!! the Shagging guys in the Carolina's would just die!!!!
Dear Joe, As usual I'm a day late and a dollar short. Just wanted to thank you for passing on the clip from The Today Show. That was good. My Mom died in 2000,at age 92, and was still beautiful...had everyone of her own teeth, no hearing aid...no botox or surguries...Just alot of Ponds Cold Cream and never smoked or drank. She was a Saint...too bad I didn't inheirit more of her ways. Dr. Phil had a show on dating yesterday and continues today. It's younger people but some of it could apply to us. Tutles for now. Love, MM
Leslie -
I saw that Desperate Housewives episode, also, and couldn't help but wonder why the 68 year old wife would even be interested in that husband. Not only was he a serial cheater, but he's short and homely!!! Where does he get off thinking he's 'all that'?!?!
Nancy
Howdy Joe and chickadees!
JOE: thank you, the '50 is the new 30' show with Cheryl Tieggs is 'right on the button' at last the 'mature boomers' have a place in the world of fashion magazines etc. We have years of experience and bring with us a level of self confidence and uniqueness that is inherent solely because we have 'been there done that' and now have the world at our feet!
How encouraging and enlightning to read and see this happening....AT LONG LAST it is getting out there and taking root :)
I have never felt better, healthier, more mature, balanced, focused in my Life than I feel for the past ten years and it is only the beginning;) It is as though the clock has stopped and started to rewind with a whole NEW anti-age consciousness and rather how one feels within which determines what happens without....it is what I call the 'inside out syndrome'
To Life....Lovin'...Laughin' and Livin' ;)
yabba dabba doooo ;)
Hugs
'out of africa's
senior bachelorette:)
val the gal !
hey there "Softey_Rainey" - i left a comment for you on your blog.
hey Val, never mind inside out syndrome, when i was visiting my mom i was looking at the Christmas Cards she was making. She is almost blind and classified as legally blind but she still has a little bit of fuzzy sight in one eye, anyway, she has pasted photos of her garden on construction paper and written with glitter on the insides of the cards. They were all spread out on the coffee table to dry, and i spotted on that was glued on upside down. She was very upset when i pointed it out, but i insisted that i wanted to take it home with me. I guess it is the Charlie Brown of christmas cards...and it needed a home!
cheers for now,
pj
Hi Nancy Yeah, I agree, but I didn't think I should comment TOO much about HIM. I wouldn't have gone for him, myself, either.
Joe if you have a moment, I'm going to send you a private email.
Hey all,
I'm finally back from my
big Sahara adventure, so
while we wait for more photos
from Umberto of the Amazon,
and Richard and Vickie's jungle
adventure...check out the photos
I just posted on my site. They are
under the Libya/2005 title.
Hope to get up to speed on all that has
been happening in the 'hood with you
all...
Sunni
Sunni,
Amazing trip! Where was it you went on the first leg?
We went to Malta/Gozo in December 2002. (My brother worked on an off shore drilling rig in the early '70s off of the coast of Ethiopia and spent his off time on Gozo.) We should have kept going on to Libya! Isn't it amazing how the different people of the world welcome and accept travelers. It's made me more sensitive to people I meet who are visiting my home town. Thanks so much for sharing.
Please let us know some of the travel logistics.
-joe
Sunni,
Your pictures of the Sahara are Awesome!!!
I think this is so wonderful, being able to share our trips with one another, it is almost as good as getting to go ourselves!!!
Thanks!!!
Hello Everyone,
New, amazing photos on the website from the Amazon trip! (Did we get the word "amaze" from the Amazon River or the other way around?!)
-joe
<< Home