Photos from CHILE!
We have been in Santiago, Chile since Gael arrived last Wednesday, except for a day trip to the beach. This has been a chance for me to get some things done. Like an eye exam and some new lenses for my sunglasses. I have been dealing with a cataract problem for years now but it has not been bad enough for an operation. Darned if about 5 days before I left, my eyes became bad enough, but there was not enough time for the follow up needed for the operation. This means I have to live with cloudy vision until I return home, thus new lenses helped some. I also had to deal with an old filling which came out, and this required a few days to get properly taken care of. We plan a desert trip this coming weekend so there will be some very interesting photos soon. Best wishes to all. Richard Roe
to view photos click HERE!
to view photos click HERE!
69 Comments:
Thanks for the wonderful pictures, umbreto.I see Richard and Gael are carrying their water bottles with them. That is good. That is a cute close up of Gael and the Christmas tree in the square is awsome and so are the ocean scenes. Take care of yourselves and thanks again for the pictures. Lovinly,Mary B.
I guess life goes on...minor health problems and all don't just go away just 'cause we travel to a fantasy location. Here's hoping Richard and Gael get into a fun groove!
OK...I wrote my follow up Christmas story awhile ago but I was somwhat embarrassed to post it. Thanks for asking Val, Leslie and other fans of my somewhat whacked out mind! Be kind :)
Hola Richard, Umberto and Gael!
Richard my heart goes out to you, what with the latest dehydration and now your eyes. It certainly is a reminder for ALL of us to enjoy each and every moment for we don't know what lies around the corner.
The flip side to that coin is the element of surprise and how ones life can change for the better in an instant, that is what keeps me strong and the flame of hope alive!
I have taken the day off work today as I need to rest, this pain and discomfort has taken the wind out of my sails to say the least! I am on the mend and will be stronger and healthier for it ;) I am seriousely looking into taking Kundalini Yoga as it is incredible excercise for the Body Mind and Soul! Physical excercise is not enough, we need to integrate all three in order to achieve complete balance within and without.
Umberto and Gael enjoy yourselves with your handsome ;) rugged looking 'tour guide', going to take a peek at the latest photos again!
carpe diem
Hugs
Val
p.s. my body is telling me I need a vacation, 4 years is too long without one!
psssst.....I LOVE the photos of VALparaiso ;) my kinda place, the pic of the flowerbox against light blue coloured walls is quaint. Love that staircase leading up to the top with the yellow coloured walls, what beautiful architecture amidst the tall trees, flowers and shrubs. I can just see 'Scarlet' from Gone With The Wind "Oh Rhett Rhett"
LINDAINTUCSON: don't be shy or embarrassed about your writing, go ahead make my day;) Nice to see you chillin' on the blog now and then from your Aqua coloured boudoir ;)
LESLIE: U2 ;)
Adios to the two Amigos and the Amiga
Vaya Con Dios
Hugs
VAL(paraiso) :)
I just want to mention that I had cataract surgery to replace both the lenses in my eyes in 2005. It is really nothing and I was back to normal after 24 hours. It is amazing afterward to be able to see colors and images so clearly again. It is well worth the trouble with no pain. The operation is done as an outpatient and the only inconvenience is all the eye drops that you have to put in ahead of time. But, it's well worth going through and afterward you will be so pleased with your eyesight. Make sure that you have a good doctor who has done many of the surgeries before.
Good luck to all of you and thanks for the beautiful photos by Umberto. Be careful and have lots of fun on your journey......
Hugs,
Chandra
Dear Sweet Val...Come and go to Alaska with us. It will be great to meet you face to face as we have been on this venture the same amount of time. I saw Richard on Oprah's rerun...wasn't that April??? The cherries from Chile are wonderful and suppose to be very good for one's body. I have so enjoyed this site beings I have not been able to do alot with the pinched nerve hurting so arm chair traveling is the next best thing. I may see Clemintena hanging os the wall in picture number one????? It may be a lemon tho????
Linda in Tucson I want to read your story too so let us know when you post it. Ok????
UMBERTO...Lakebrt...that is for u. I called him Umbreto in Chicago so just spelled it that way. I should have definitely been
born blond. However, I know a lot of blonds that are very intelligent. Umberto I'm sorry ....I will try to spell it right from now on but no promises. He is such a cutie. I remain loyal as I feel Richard, Joe and Umberto are friends and when I met them in person I really liked them and admired their cause. I'm hoping to be fit after surgury and Richard has promised me a dance or 2 and I do not want any cut-ins, ya hear????? Lady Jane...thanks for the note this morning...You are supercalifragalisticexpealidousous....I really like you. Will someone please spell that word right for me????
Lelie,Your wedding picture is beautiful.
XXXOOOMM
Your photo's are just so very artististic. They take us right into the mode of the country and the influences other cultures have had on the arcitecture of the buildings. The way the light is captured in each frame makes the image so real to us. Umberto, your not just a photographer, your an artist. Thanks so much.
Richard, glad to see your taking care of yourself. For a man who's been so ill, your looking just great, big guy. M.M. Corbett
LINDAINTUCSON: according to the Chinese Calendar this is the year of the DOG....it is your year...so make the most of it, you go girl!
LADY JANE: are you the Jane living in New Orleans/NOLA? Are people returning to live? It is still so fresh what happened there three months ago, a special place that has given birth to so many music legends, no matter what, the music will live on in the hearts of people, mine for sure!
MERRYMARY: when are you scheduled to have your surgery? Please let us know.
Hugs
Val
MerryMary I did post my latest story this morning.
Val Yes...it was called to my attention that this is my year! I feel big changes coming on :)
UMBERTO your pictures are SPECTACULAR.
GAEL it's good to see pictures of you.
RR I'm glad your feeling better.
Richard, Umberto and Gael!
Nice newsy Newsletter and a BIG yes to the New Year's Resolutions Richard! You have chosen significant words such as COMMITTED
HEALTHY, LOVING RELATIONSHIP, very important in these times considering how scary the dating scene is 'out there'
LINDAINTUCSON: why don't you
SERIOUSELY consider going on the Alaskan Cruise, in addition to the others who also have that same DREAM of meeting their Soulmate this year, others meaning the original 'Trailblazers' NannyNanny BooBoo Sisterhood etc. ;) We are all Women Of Worth and deserve to meet that special someone, as the saying goes, there is a lid for every pot! I am waiting with anticipation for this bl-----dy Settlement to finalize enabling me to seriousely consider booking on the cruise too, until then my hands are tied financially! I need to celebrate my 'coming out party' coming out of my coccoon like that of a Butterfly party! I can think of no better way to do it than the cruise this Summer with those whom I have already established a repoire with here on the blog! I read your Christmas Story and impressed with your ability to express the TRUTH with no holds barred...good for you Linda!
MERRYMARY: what cruise dates have you chosen to travel? Ok Ok let me re-phrase that question before you all start jumping to conclusions ;) which month have you chosen to travel and is your cabin a triple? I may have to scramble at the last minute to share a cabin with the GIRLS if all goes according to plan, it could be a very close call but y' never know;) I don't want to promise anything that I am not able to adhere to this year, but a cruise is a long time DREAM of mine. Have you taken the Free Personality Profile through Perfect Match? They are amazing, and have kept in touch non-stop since then, but I am too 'chicken' at the moment to follow-up on their recommendations. Look at it this way unless you are in a COMMITTED HEALTHY LOVING RELATIONSHIP, you are FREE!
ok ok I am working on 'brevity' this year but for now there is still a lot to share ;) with my gal pals :)
Hugs
Val
p.s. Coach Sharon/Shar and Lois how are you?
Here you go Merry Mary-Supercalafragilisticexpialadocious
Doesn't matter how you spell it...we know what you mean.
I think it's wonderful that you and Mary have become good friends...I would love to meet both of you...my grandaughter Brittany is in Oklahoma right now. She's visiting friends at Altus AFB which is where she used to live. They now live in California (Travis AFB.
I do have a question...who is Clementina?
I'm going to visit a few antique stores...will check back later.
Hello Willemina!
Clementina is Umberto's Duck that suddenly appeared on the scene whilst travelling in Brazil, she is visible in the photos!
Hugs
Val
Hi Gael, RR and Umberto
I hope all of the medical crises
are over and you're welcoming in
the New Year with a warm
Chilean adventure!!!
Gael...your newsy story of your first few days
was much appreciated!!! I for one love the
details that you so creatively included!
and with humor!!! I agree about the 70's art!
Give me a beautiful 17thc statue or church
any day.
RR...hope your medical issues are over for
the rest of the trip!!! I can certainly relate
though, and know how important it is to
stay flexible and upbeat, cuz anything goes!!
I was in Libya last month and the first night
at the camp fire with our Tuareg guides
cooking traditional bread in the sand for us,
I cracked a tooth!!! And this was with 8 days
of the Sahara still to come. Lucky
it didn't hurt... just a gaping black hole
in my grin!!! Good thing there's photoshop.
One of my trip pals wanted to cement
the broken tooth back into my mouth,
but that just seemed too weird...
Anyway, travel anywhere is an adventure...
Libya or Idaho...
Got to go check out Linda's new journal entry!
I for one am a big fan of her writing...
and Leslie's new blog...
xoxo,
Sunni(y)
Rich, Umberto, & Gael.
Unfortunately I'm no longer "Vicki-in-Brazil," I'm just "Vicki-back-in-the-real-world-having-withdrawal-symptoms!!" Finally, however,I can now travel out of the country once again and live vicariously through all of you by enjoying the long awaited pictures and newsletter. Both were great by the way!!
RR, so glad you're feeling better and that all of you are now into a full swing of activities with NO humidity!
Gael, Richard owes you some extra hours so don't let him off the hook!! Looks to me like a few late nighters would be a good trade-off!! Just keep the excedrine handy in case there is drinking involved!
I know you're all having a blast! RR and U are the BEST traveling companions that you could possibly have.....Rich with his world travels and love of all people and cultures and Umberto with his photography talents, not to mention all the languages he speaks!! What a great team they make!!! Even though I already had my turn can I still get jealous?? I hope so because I am! Everybody's right about that wonderlust....once it grabs ya it never lets go!!
Keep having the time of your life and documenting it to all of us. Like Sunni, I too LOVE the details!
Gael, see you in Vegas! Rich, see you on the Alaskan cruise! Umberto, see you next spring in Italy!
Love to all of you,
Vicki-back-in-the-real-world-STILL-having-withdrawal-symptoms (I need a shorter name!!!)
Wow, quite the trip for Gael -- eyes, teeth, etc.
Hi Everyone
Happy new Year!
RR - hey sounds like you are falling apart slowly there in S America. : ) I am kidding but I hope all is well and you feel better. You look great! I am thinking about Gael also. I want you to show her a great time. Gael thanks for your notes on the journey and it sounds like you are having fun anyway! It is only just begun - so pace yourself!
Umberto I am so happy for you that you got to see your friends and spend time there with them. Things do indeed happen for a reason - even sickness!
Vicky - I hear you girl! Must be tough but interesting for you to see the rest of the journey unfold. It will be okay - I think we all saw the connection you and RR have shared. Great memories and who knows where it will go from here. Relax and enjoy - you have a great spirit!
I am working a lot and don't have much time these days to blog...so just know I will check in when possible and continue watching the journey with you all when I can.
Hi JOE!!! Miss you - hope you and the family had a great holiday and wish you health, happiness and prosperity in 2006! I wish that for all!
Paula
oops ERROR = CORRECTION
repoire(what waz I thinking :)French???? lol
meant to say rapport
LORI/AFRICAN QUEEN: as you may have read in some of my blogs, my Middle Son is in Uganda East Africa for six months. He also visited Ruwanda with his group of Interns, had two weeks off over the holidays, said it was an eye-opener to see all the monuments and dedications all over the place in memory of the thousands that perished in the genocide there.
In my opinion YOU are a VERY GOOD MATCH for our 'Leading Man' you seem to have all the 'right stuff'
to qualify for becoming 'The Leading Lady' and exciting that you are a Fabulous Finalist...you certainly have my vote! Keep up the good work in assisting towards getting 'the show on the road' photos etc. on the blog again!
Hugs from one LEO to another ;)
Val...grrrrr
p.s. Joe and Co. look forward to hearing all about your vacation in sunny 'mehico'....'Beyond the Border, down 'mehico' way
Val, Thanks so much for your compliments on my singing. I've been practicing some of Norah Jone's songs and trying to sound like her. It's my way of keeping hope alive for romance to come soon. In psalms 103: We are promised that God satisfies our desires with good things and I'm reminding Him for all of us that we are trusting that He will keep His promise.M.M. Corbett
Hi Dreamweaver18. No, I do not live in New Orleans although I was brought up about 50 miles southwest of the city. I did live and work in NOLA for about six years. My parents were northerers. It's a darn shame what has happened there. No one can seem to agree on what went wrong. New Orleans is a wonderful city. The Creole culture and the Cajun cuisine and all the nationalities that make up the city produce an atmosphere that is not found anywhere else. MERRY MARY, you can misspell (did I misspell misspell?) Ha-Ha, any word you want to. None of us are trying to win a Pulitzer Prize on this blog. So, misspell away. We still love you. So happy you and the other sweet Mary are safe in Okla. with these horrible fires. Stay safe!! Lady Jayne
WOOPS!! I misspelled northeners on my previous blog. "Cheers", Lady Jayne
JANIEGIRL: you are a character!
M.M. CORBETT/MARY: I am sure your own voice is unique and that you don't have to sound like Norah Jones, but your own beautiful self with your own individual style, just a suggestion from the heart.
Thank you for the beautiful words of encouragement from Psalms 103
I have never read The Bible Old and New Testament! Watching the news on CNN as the fires still consume the dry land in Oklahoma and Texas and the rains drench California! Prayers go out to the Miners trapped hundreds of feet below the surface in West Virginia
Mine and their families....not looking good!
So, that is it for today...itz a wrap!
Sweet Dreams y'all
Hugs
Val
p.s. Happy Trails 'Richie Rich', Umberto and Gael
Val,
Thanks for the info on Clementina. I did go back and look for pics with the little duck and found one where Vicki is feeding her to a porpoise...not nice Vickialthough I would like to say Vicki....you are a real trooper and I really enjoyed the photos from your part of the journey...the others have their work cut out to keep us entertained. Good job!
Hi Linda Don't ever be embarrassed by your writing. You have talent girl! Keep it up...seriously.
My dinner is calling...
tata for now
Bon soir tout le monde,
Yea, I have posted more pictures! Umberto continues to impress me with his artisitic touch. Way to go Umberto!!
Val, thanks for confidence in me. I have a couple of hard acts to follow! I will let you know how this Leo energy matches up with our man once we get on the road.
I would love to also be visiting Rwanda and Uganda myself. I expect to do so in the future if my luck holds. :) I will look forward to your stories about both countries as you see fit.
Vicki! I thought you might emerge eventually! Richard must have worn you out! Call me girl... we need to talk!
a bientot...
Lori
Hello Richard, Gael Umberto and All,
Haven't posted for awhile but have been keeping up with the great and fun travels.
My name is not Jane but I am the person from New Orleans who was at the Chicago trip, and BTW excited to be going on the first Alaskan cruise in August. I have been to NO several times now since Katrina, and finally things are looking a little better. It is however a very painful and slow process and lacking coordination. I am proud that the company I work for will be going back to NO and is not abandoing the community. The spirt of New Orleanians is really incredible.
There is so much that can be said about this situation.
Richard, glad to hear that you are doing better. Was really a little worried about you. Thanks again for making this so much fun for all of us!
Gael, keep us posted and have a wonderful time.
Hi Vicki, love to read your posts, I would be having withdrawal too!
Umberto, you photos are absolutely FABULOUS!!!!
Joe, hi to you and your family.
Happy New Year to everyone and be safe.
Why Go To Church?
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and
complained
that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30
years
now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000
sermons.
But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I
think
I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving
sermons at
all."
This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column,
much
to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote
this
clincher:
"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked
some
32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu
for a
single one of those meals. But I do know this ... They all nourished me
and
gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given
me
these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not
gone
to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you
are
DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible,
believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our
physical AND our spiritual nourishment!
All right, now that you're done reading, send it on! I think everyone
should
read this! "When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, "Jesus,
could you get that???
I received this today and thought I'd pass it on...Good food for thought.
I hope our travelers have a fantastic day. In fact, I hope all of you do.
Val, if you will email me your phone number I will call you. Ok?? Homz4u@sbcglobal.net
Mary, Mary Quite Contray
Dear Gael,
Hope you are having fun and good
luck on the rest of your trip!
Loraine and Joe
xoxo from papa and mama
ERROR=CORRECTION ;)
RUWANDA ......correction=RWANDA thanks Lori
WILLEMINA: good for you, I did not notice Vicki feeding Clementina to the Pink Dolphin, will look again!
VICKI: the most difficult part of this incredible adventure is coming back home and having to re-adjust to everyday living. It must have seemed like a beautiful dream travelling, exploring, laughing, sharing non-stop for the few weeks. It is only natural to experience withdrawls, I can identify with that 100%! What a Gift to have experienced this once in a lifetime opportunity with someone as sweet, caring, loving as our 'Leading Man' No doubt he sees something special and unique in each of the Fabulous Finalists and at the end of the day it is HIS and HER Life that will change forever once he has made his final decision. Until then I am enjoying the journey with all of you! You brought your 'girlie energy' to Brazil and the blog, now Gael in Chile and soon Lori will infuse our blog with her Leo energy through Africa :) she has already started ;) If someone had said to me in April 2005 that I will be blogging for close to a year on this site, I would have been in total denial!
Hugs
Val
Hi Everyone,
Had a soggy eight days in Seattle, one day home and then a drive to sunny Baja for five days in the sun with three other MB families.
I'm constantly amazed at 14 year old boys and girls fascination with fireworks. They had a ball stopping at every store in Rosarito Beach and Ensenada displaying a fireworks sign. Then the eight kids (they got the younger kids involved) staged a fireworks extravaganza in a vacant lot next to the hotel. A couple of the dads helped maintain safety and order and happy to report everyone safe and sound. The kids (and parents) even made it to midnight.
Glad to get back to normal. Except for tonight to watch the Rose Bowl. So who do you think will win?
Ciao for now,
-joe
Hey "lakebrt"- please find somewhere else to play. I cannot imagine a life filled with such negativity.
Merry Mary: Why go to CHurch?
Very inspirational. My son is very active in Church and will enjoy this, perhaps share it. Told my daughter she thinks it's great. I thinks it's wonderful, we all need spiritual nourishment, it refreshes us and makes us feal clean, giving us that shoulder to lean on. Amen. Looking forward to more pictures from south America. More riddles, rhyms or jokes anyone?
hello everyone happy new year i just wanted to post a message i read in a new calendar. we cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails. and this one is especially for our age group If not us who? if not now when? ps richard sometimes quality water is hard to find try to buy bottled water and remember ice cubes are made from water.take care
Happy New Year to EVERYONE!
RR, take care! We care!
Gael, thanks for sharing... your on-the-spot, upbeat report was(is) FUN! I sat across from you at last dinner in MB... What fun we had!
UMBERTO, you're the MAN! Artist --
no doubt ABOUT it! Thanks, too.
Angie, so good to hear from you & know your company is hanging in there to support N.O. struggles.
I gave you the CD in Chicago and we shared lots of hugs! Miss U!!
Lori, GREAT job on your new blog!
We love YOU and can't wait for your journey with "our man", too!
Vicki, Hang in there. We all were jealous while you were there and SOOOOOOOOO appreciate all your sharing. And thanks for the kudos in the blog ... can't wait to meet you in person in Alaska!!!! I am quite sure we are "there" spiritually... you are some neat lady, LADY! Glad you had such a great time with our guy friends.
Joe, we missed U !!!!
Glad you didn't get blown away by the fireworks... We're ready to hear about all the GUYS going to Alaska when you are back in the RR groove.
Have fun, all of you down South!
We love ya lots and thanks for continuing with details of the journey. CUinAlaska...
Healthy HUGS to all,
PeaceBachelorette AKA CarolLee in CO
Hi CarolLee I remember you from MB! In fact, I have a photo of you with a group of us on the pier. Remember we all went down in the van and then went our separate ways? So you're going to Alaska! Which cruise are you booked on? Or are you going on both? Keep in touch. I liked you but didn't feel I got a chance to really get to know you well.
Joe, From one Californian to another GO USC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Voila!
At last some 'close-up' pictures of our Mr.ROEmantic and Gael, nice to see! Love the panoramic view in one of the pics!
UMBERTO: your photography is amazing, LOVE the Swan, how beautiful. The Swan chooses one Mate for life, when one dies the other remains in mourning for the rest of its life. The pictures of the Lion and Lioness is of course my very favourite, amazing shots!
The two-tone pink Flamingo, awesome!
Enjoy and continue to have FUN IN THE SUN! Happy to see you on the mend Richard :)
Hugs
Val
A little off color ,,,but I got it from one of my best friends this morning so thought I'd pass it on to my S.B.friends to make you smile(I hope). If you get easily offended please don't read...
True friendship !
Are you tired of those sissy-ass "friendship" poems that always sound
good, but never actually come close to reality? Well, here is a series
of promises that actually speak of true friendship:
1. When you are sad -- I will help you get drunk and plot revenge
against the sorry b*stard who made you sad.
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3 When you smile -- I will know you finally got some.
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about
how much worse it could be until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- Stay the hell away from me until you are well
again. I don't want whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass.
9. This is my oath..... I pledge it to the end. "Why?"
you may ask; "because you are my friend".
10. Send this to 10 of your closest friends, then get depressed because
you can only think of 4.
Remember.......A good friend will help you move.....a REALLY good
friend will help you move a body.......let me know if you ever need
me to bring a shovel.
Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it, but only
you can feel the true warmth .
Joe,Welc ome back...You were missed. Enjoy the game.
UMBERTO, (for Lakebrt correct spelling) Mary C. and I found a mate or 2 for Clementina...We went in Bath and Body Works and it had many yellow rubber duckies. She said she wish she had her new camera so she could take some movies of them for Umberto. I loved the zoo pictures.
Val, I am on the first cruise. I got a balcony room on the veranda deck. My son and daughter are coming also and they got a cheaper room a floor below me and will be up there alot. I would probably make a terrible room mate because I toss and turn and am up and down. I also ask my daughter and if she decides to go she will stay in my room but so far that hasn't worked out so it may be last monute before I know....so it could work out???? Hit my picture and it has my email if you want to talk about it give me your phone number and I'll call you. Ok???
Top of the morning to our Senior Bachelor and Gael and my UMBRETO.Thanks for all the letters and p[ictures. We are enjoying so much. Lovingly, Mary B.
Happy&Healthy New Year Richard..
just out of curiousity I decided to check out the "S.B."again,and it sounds like your body is under some.."stress"..Richard, first dehydration,your eye& a loss of a filling...
Do take care of yourself.Maybe your Doc.can send special eye-drops (that keeps the eye more dilated-just a thought)
Life is ironic;here you were looking for someone "Fit and Fabulous",& now life interjects some reality therapy.
Your Health is worth more than a "fantasy setting",from my perspective.
I am sure, Gael and all the women on this journey will agree.
Take Care& Enjoy,Sybil
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!! Just have to comment on this insightful journey you're having Richard with talented women like Vicki & Gael and other ladies yet to come. It leaves me wanting to watch and hopefully learn from the drama as it unfolds. There's not much that I can contriute that hasn't been said already. I thoroughly enjoy being a miniscule part of this adventure.
I'm passing on to you a Christmas gift, book on CD, that I received. You may know of it (& I may have missed someone mentioning it on the blog) called "The River of Doubt" charting the Amazon River in the early 1900 with Theodore Roosevelt. I had the opportunity to go on the Amazon in Ecuador 2004,it was wonderful but nothing like the falls in Brazil, wow. Umberto you are showing artistic talents in every photo, they are grand and whimsical!! I keep looking for "duckie".
Glad to learn about Chile. Have a successful trip even in diversity and mishap, this makes us human and as we persevere, strength results. Never thought I could do a century ride on a bicycle until encouragement and positive attitude proved I could and the positive health benefits are priceless. I'll be in your cheering section!!
Honey I'm home!!!
Hey there all.......I am trying to catch up on here.......
Val how have you been......I pray your pain disappears as if it never was....are you still seeing your new found friend?
For some reason we seam to follow the same foot steps!!!
Richard I have been through the same as yourself.....I hope you are feeling better .....but in general it does take a while, take it slow for a while and know that you will be yourself again!!
Most important to increase your potasium levels as the heart can become damaged in severe cases...( did you have sharp heart pains ?)
Never wait to be thristy, drink , drink, drink........
Rest , take it easy , wishing you 3 a wonderful time .....
Thinking of you Richard and sending you healing thoughts.
To all the Gals that blog here, this has been so great getting to know all of you....from all over the world we have banded togeather and become friends forever!!
I believe this year holds great things for all of us.
x x x
Lone Ranger and Tonto went camping in the desert. After they got their tent all set up, both men fell sound asleep.
Some hours later, Tonto wakes the Lone Ranger and says, "Kemo Sabe, look towards sky, what you see?"
The Lone Ranger replies, "I see millions of stars."
"What that tell you?" asked Tonto.
The Lone Ranger ponders for a minute then says, "Astronomically speaking,it tells me there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo. Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three in the morning. Theologically, it's evident the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What's it tell you, Tonto?"
Tonto is silent for a moment, then says, "Kemo Sabe, you dumber then buffalo dirt............... Someone has stolen tent."
This struck me funny so passing on to give you a laugh. We all need laughter...the best medicine,you know. My 101 year old father in law is in the hospital. He was supposed to have gall bladder surgery but they found he had high potassium, a kidney infection and a very slow heat beat so will probably transfer him to Tulsa to have a pace maker. Please remember him with a little prayer. I hate to put him through this...seems one thing leads to another but they think it will improve his quality of life (if he makes it). He is just wearing out at this age but he gets around without any help so I do count it a blessing I've had him this long. Have a supper day. Your friend, Mary B.
Hello all, FINALLY I can access the site. We flew to the driest desert on earth in the north of Chile this morning. Later tonight we should have some terrific pictures from Umberto as this is a photographer's Paradise!! I thank you for the many positive e-mails I have received about the message in this week's Newsletter about the Resolution to give it all we can to be involved in a loving, healthy, committed relationship. Look for a new blog tonight or tomorrow and new photos on the Photo Page. Bye for now, Richard Roe
So were you having internet withdrawl Richard?
Can't wait to hear more from Gael...very good reporting!
Don't leave out the romanace slant :)
Thanks for the update, Richard I just got home from school (exhausted) and thought I'd check in before having a rest. The evening beckons ;D So glad to hear there will be more photos coming soon. So...remember that newspaper clipping I sent you about that place in ??? (was it Chile or Argentina? I forget now). Anyway, is that where you're going with Gael? It sounded pretty fascinating and would be a great place to visit. Have you seen any prairie penguins yet? Caio for now.
Linda honey I want your T-Shirt I love tie dyed shirts.
DreamWeaver18 I am here. I watch and wait to see what happens, but don't get into the blogging thangy to much any more. But thank you for think of me. I just happen to catch your post.
Umberto You are a fantastic photographer. So far the pictures of the waterfalls and zoo have been my favorite.
Gals Keep on blogging and having fun.
Hugs Suzanne aka desertflowers
Suz You know I would give you the shirt off my back! ha ha
Keep your eyes peeled for some INCREDIBLE new photos of the Atacama Desert, the driest place on earth. We hope to have them on the Photo page in a day or so. This is one of the most fantastic places I have ever seen.
Scoop. Clemintina has a boyfriend!!! He will be in the new photos. Bye for now, Richard Roe
Hola, Que Pasa Amigos, Amiga? Sisters and Brothers!
Richard: Thanks for the upbeat blog message and looking forward to seeing pics of the desert and how you three are enjoying your travels now that the show is on the road and you are feeling better!
soft_rain: meoow, nice kitty...grr
all is well down at the ok coraal
my friend and I have a special bond/friendship as we both arrived in Canada the same year 28 years tomorow to be exact! One of our three children have the same name, we had the same car on arrival in canada, our family lived on the same road right next door to each other when I was a little girl in South Africa, they used to play Bridge together and He would be assigned to the job of babysitting my Sibling and I. We were both going to go to Australia when the arrow changed direction and my then husband decided to move to Canada. Same with my Friend, he visited Australia and nearly lost his life when he was pulled out to sea by the current only to miraculousely feel a push and before He knew it He was close to shore again. That incident was the deciding factor re His decision to come to Canada in 1978, I arrived in January and He in March of the same year. It took so many years and experiences to literally 'bump' into each other here one sunny day, 'out of the blue' I guess that is what is called in Yiddish Beshert/Destiny!
There are soooo many parallels, it is ridiculous, we laugh and laugh, it is as though we are ONE of the same Soul, very mysterious! He is 11 years older than I...6'4 and beautiful silver hair and sky blue eyes, the most handsome man I have ever set eyes on, in fact he is everything on my 'wish list' and 'made to order' ;) BUT there are challenges and obstacles which goes with the territory/package :) I have to live each day and see it as a Gift as Life will flow and take its course as the river carves its way through mountains and valleys, so our lives do same, we cannot 'push the river'. I truly feel a book in the making here with my journey, not quite yet, it is still too fresh! He is my 'gentle giant' who knows what the future holds. He is being challenged in his Life at the moment, prefer not to talk about His present challenge as it is close to his heart! I am thankful that I am here to support Him through this!
Desertflower/Fox: pretty in pink, nice seeing you on the blog again, I wish you LOVE! You're lookin' good ;)
Umberto and Gael: keep on having FUN with the 'man of the moment'
Richie Rich, a special Soul ;)
MerryMary: when are you scheduled to have your surgery?
LindaInTucson: a glimpse of the 'veil' would make my day ;)
'nuff said for now, take care ALL
Love and Hugs
Val
p.s. let go of howling at the Moon for your loved one, She/He will appear on your radar screen when you least expect it! As our 'leading man' Richard says, "know thyself" first!
Speaking of languages: English for one..same words different spelling and/or meaning: general knowledge!
South Africa/Colour Canada/ Color
South Africa/The Boot of a car/Canada/The Trunk of a car South Africa/Tissues Canada/Kleenex/ South Africa someone gives you a lift/ Canada someone gives you a ride/ South Africa High Tea at 4pm then dinner at 7pm Canada dinner at 5pm
South Africa/Toilet Paper Canada/Bathroom Tissue
South Africa/Cloakroom/Bathroom Canada/Washroom
South Africa Bioscope :) Canada/Movies/Movie Theatre
Just a few of the differences which I find fascinating to say the least, and so it is with the rest of the world, dialects, languages. The ancient languages .....Gaelic....Aramaic.....Zorastrian...Sanskrit etc. intrigues me. I own a set of The Holy Zohar written entirely in Aramaic(Zohar means Book Of Splendour) and scanning the Holy letters even though I do not understand the Holy language is Healing. Aramaic was the language of the day spoken by Moses, Jesus etc.
The world is an interesting place full of mystery and intrigue, one can never know enough, neverending journey of self discovery through it all!
Love and Hugs
Val
p.s. hello to the 'travellin' trio':)
Hi Val My surgery is the 16th and my sister will be here the 15th and my daugter is off so I will have good helpers. I'm anxious to get it over so I can get back to walking without hurting and of course looking forward to my dance with Richard. I am happy for you. It sounds like a novel in the making forsure. After Bill died I remarried for 3 and a half years to my 5th grade sweetheart who I went clear thru high school with but I was used to doing my own thing as Bill was sick for a long time before he was diagnosed with cancer. Jon wanted to control and some of his kids didn't like him marrying me so there was even more obsticals that just were not overcomable. Consiquently, here I am alone and going to be very picky if there is another. Even tho kids are grown sometimes they can cause more problems then if they were little.Mine never felt welcome around him. I am working on income taxes so it's back to the table for awhile. Happy weekend everybody. MM
Val - don't know just where in Canada you live, but here in the West, we spell it colour, we say lift OR ride, dinner is usually at 6pm OR 7pm, we say toilet paper OR tp, and we say bathroom. Ah well, some say potayto some say potahto - we all understand each other, right? It is even MORE interesting listening to the English or the Australian. In fact, when I took my daughter to England, she started a mini dictionary of the differences in how the English language is spoken. 'Tis a fascinating subject, EH? LOL (We don't even say THAT out in the West.)
Richard: Thanks for the scoop, I look forward to seeing Clementina's beau, birds of a feather ;)
Hugs
Val
Thank You Dreamweaver I'm feeling fantastic.
RICHARD,
Peeling our eyes for the INCREDIBLE new photos!!!!!
I thought you'd enjoy these. . .
> The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of
> his tongue.
> -Anonymous
>
> Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are
> wonderful.
> -Ann Landers
>
> If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they
> went.
> -Will Rogers
>
> There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.
> -Ben Williams
>
> A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
> -Josh Billings
>
> The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.
> -Andy Rooney
>
> We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare.
> And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made.
> -M. Acklam
>
> Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are
> incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate.
> -Sigmund Freud
>
> I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult.
> -Rita Rudner
>
> *A dog teaches a you fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times
> before lying down.**
> **-Robert Benchley
> **
> **Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.**
> **-Franklin P. Jones
> **
> **If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have
> known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons.**
> **-James Thurber
> **
> **If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise.**
> **-Unknown**
> *
> Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from
> a grocery store with the most amazing haul -- chicken, pork, half a cow.
> They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!
> -Anne Tyler
> *
> **Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and
> get used to the idea.**
> **-Robert A. Heinlein*
>
> If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you;
> that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.
> -Mark Twain
>
> You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look
> that says, 'Wow, you're right! I never would've thought of that!'
> - Dave Barry
>
> Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
> -Roger Caras
>
> If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket
> and then give him only two of them.
> -Phil Pastoret
>
> My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am!!
Merry Mary
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Sunday morning, January 8, 2006. Atacama Desert, Northern Chile, Just a quick update. The photos should be on the website by Monday morning and I am writing the weekly Newsletter right now. It will go out on Monday. I will talk about the most looked up word in the dictionary last year, Gael will give trip details, and Umberto will have superb photos, all for your reading and viewing. Back to writing and please look for the upcoming Newsletter and photos. Best wishes to all, Richard
Good Morning All,
Richard, I already know what the most looked up word this year is;
INTEGRITY.....
The word I strive to live by every day, and get the most strange look from people when I speak of living by standards I set for myself. So many people lie as a habit, deceive themselves and others, and rob themselves of the pleasure and the self esteem gained by doing the right thing for themselves. My integrity allows me to sleep well at night, and face the world, and even God Himself, if I had to. I live by that well spoken adage;
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Having integrity gives you peace in life, and the ability to hold your head high; and really like the person you are.
That has been one thing I have liked about you. You seem to have that integrity that is lacking in so many men these days. It is a rare thing to find, and I think many women on this blog feel the same way.
Say Hello to Gael and Umberto, looking forward to more wonderful pictures.
Karen JW
Drum roll, suspense mounting...:
Is it or is it NOT INTEGRITY???
World Book dictionary states:
n.1 honesty or sincerity; uprightness: A man of integrity is respected. syn: see syn under honesty. 2 undivided or unbroken condition; completeness; wholeness; entirety. 3 perfect condition; soundness ....
How do you interpret integrity ??
Now in my 50's, INTEGRITY is also important in my life. It is displayed in the choices that are made on a daily basis. There are many distractions that can lead one down the wrong path. My regret is that integrity should have been of utmost importance in the past. Better late than never.....
Peace...Erika
Hola Mr.ROEmantic Sisters and Brothers!
The Atacama Desert must be a magnificent place, love the Sunrise and Sunset in the desert!
As barren and desolate as a Desert can be, so it is teeming with life.
My Sibling and her husband lived very close to the Namib Desert of South West Africa many years ago and had the honour of seeing the elusive wild horses of the desert! It is so rare to catch a glimpse of the horses that legend has it as VERY GOOD LUCK for those who do!
Umberto and Gael: We are all waiting with bated breath ;) to see and hear all about this unique experience, how wonderful that your journey with our 'leading man' is one that is void of being so-called mainstream but rather spontaneous, 'go with the flow' no matter what transpires along the way vibe!
'word up' for our 'travellin' trio'
take care of each other and
CARPE DIEM!
Luv Val
Erika,
I feel that teaching our children integrity is of utmost importance to secure the future. It is something best learned in childhood from one's parents; nowadays though, most of us baby boomers do not have a good grasp on what integrity is. I think it was the most researched word this year because we all can clearly see the situation our country is in, and the politicians of both parties seem to be sorely lacking in having any integrity.
It's also my opinion that we teach our kids through our own actions, that lying about something is the easy way out. We don't teach them that even though telling the truth may have consequences, it builds your character, self esteem, and a sense of pride to know you did the right thing.
I just turned fifty myself, and I've always tried to do the best thing, tell the truth and face the consequences, no matter what. It was definitely expected of me as a former police officer; most of my life though I was angry because it seemed that telling the truth didn't get me very far because others would use it to my disadvantage. It was just in the past few years that I learned that personal integrity is all about just me, and not anyone else's reaction.It is what makes me, me, whether others are able to understand it and do the same or not. Realizing that helped me let go of a lot of internal anger, and realize that ultimately, we don't have to answer to others; we just have to be true to ourselves!
Fondly,
Karen JW
We are hearing your health issues; is not this blog about relationships among seniors and promoting romance and adventure?
Just checking!!
Have a good time!
lininjava
My son Tony ran the Disney World Marathon this morning...3:52:29
I'm so proud of him! He has run in the past 4 Disney marathons. He beat his previous time by 10 minutes. (I think it helped that he trained in the mile high city of Denver)
I'll be checking for new pictures here tomorrow. So Clementina has a beau? My 2 young grandaughters have their bathroom decorated with little yellow duckies to include light switches, shower curtain, mats, towels, toothbrush holder, etc...very cute
For those of you planning to visit Paso Robles January 17th-19th, please send me an e-mail and let me know your intentions...or post a message on my blog...thanks. I want to make sure everyone has a place to sleep.
Hi karenjw
I agree with you wholeheartedly...
"Character is doing what's right even when no one is looking"
Character and Integrity go hand in hand don't you think?
Richard, Gael, Umberto
What an awesome, stark place
the Atacama desert is. I can't
wait to read your impressions of it!!
RR Are you channeling departed Vicki by hanging off that cliff edge? Please...
Be careful...you don't have the years of
diving training that she had!!!
Gael The photo of you with your hair
blowing and the gorge in the background is
incredible, definitely worth framing for your
wall when you get home!!
Umberto Your photos are taking on
new angles and framings!!! Great job!!! and
Clementina has found romance?
Enjoy the rest on your journey you three!!
Sunni(y)
Clementina! Does your mother know the type of guys you hang out with? This one looks a bit on the dangerous side (is he a biker?) LOL
Richard! FAKE! LOL I know where your toes are...hee, hee
Umberto Nice to see a few shots of YOU!
Gael Watch out for that desert sun - it can do havoc with your skin!
Does anyone know that the Atacama Desert is the second driest desert in the world - next to Antarctica!
Great to "see" you all again!
Umberto!!! YOU DA MAN!!!! You have taken the sunlight, perspective, ageing textures ,including the facial ones, shadows created by the effects of the sun on it's yielding subjects like the sand and salt and created a masterpiece of natural beauty that needs to be on canvas. In fact, I've been so inspired by your work that I'm creating new works of art for the gallery.
Richard, you are a piece of art work yourself. It is so intreging to see you exert so much energy toward that challenging territory of the desert. You have added romance to a to a dry place and made it come alive. Hats off to you and Gael. M.M. Corbett
Richard, Gael, Umberto... 3 world travelers are bringing the awsome desert to us through the cameras' lens. Will stay tuned for more of your adventures.
Where is Joe in MB?
Thanks for your blog Richard. I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds when I say it's also a forum for information, friendly debate, humor and health. It's not about me being right or wrong. I'm more interested in how the game is being played than winning.
If integrity is the word of the year than karenjw was the first to guess it. If not then just the suggestion has opened dialogue and would like to hear others' opinions which can be a learning process...
May I suggest that children raised in the same family, one gets "integrity" and the other doesn't. Some people have it, others will never have it. Simply put, I'm glad I finally got it.
I'm reading Love Smart by Dr Phil McGraw. Has anyone else read it???
To your GOOD physical and mental Health, E
Good morning/afternoon everyone!
Hello Willemina! It's good to see you here again, and I do agree that one goes with the other.
Erika, I agree with you also that having it or not having it sure does run within families; it surely does within my own. I also agree that this has become a great place to just share our thoughts and feelings on life and love and anything else someone would like to express. I know it makes me feel as if I have friends and acquaintances that share my views, and express different opinions that give me pause to ponder; I am learning things about how life is lived in different parts of the country, about people's families, and many, many great jokes.
I for one am immensely glad I dived into this adventure, because it has given me a new view of things in the world. I would not have missed seeing the world through Umberto's eyes for anything.The trip so far surpasses what I expected. It all draws me back day after day.
Richard, Gael, and Umberto,
be safe.
Where is Joe anyhow?
Clementina,
How will you survive in the desert?
A duck out of water....
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