The ABC's of Trip Reporting- PLEASE JOIN US ON THE NEW THREAD!

[MAGICFOR2]

Thanks, Rosie! I know we will! Now if my stupid neck would just cooperate with the rustic conditions.



Isn't it great!!! Does your family camp?? If so, we could meet half way, maybe near Waldo Lake or something!

I grew up camping, but that was desert camping in the Anza-Borego area in So.Cal. LOVED IT!! The forest is nice too, but dang it's cold getting up to visit the facili-trees at night!



Yes, that's why in that first picture of it open you can see tons of stuff loaded into it. THey hauled several boxes and see that antique steamer trunk in there??? That came over the pond with my great-grandmother when she emigrated from France. I can't wait to get it appraised and research it more. It has the original hardware on it with the oxidized brass. Such a treasure!!

We're going down again Friday afternoon, and cutting our tree and stuff on Saturday. I hope then, I"ll have time to make the gingerbread. That will be my personal reward after tackling the uber-disgusting refrigerator. That hasn't been cleaned by Dad since Mom passed last January.

Yes, Sunday's the day. I ran last night, and MUST have been clocking myself wrong, because I came in at 2 miles in 23 minutes. That's 11 1/2 minute miles. Seriously, I must have miscounted laps? or somehow just poured on the gas since I didn't have my iPod?? I have no idea, but if that's the case, I can actually do this 5K in about 35 minutes or so!!!! I love my indoor track!! It's warm and cozy- not wet and cold.



They are soooooooooo generous. I'm pretty sure they are going to gift a laptop to Bek when they get here next week. I sure hope so, we need another computer for those doing school!

No, you are right. 2 kids have to be booted out to a tent. They don't mind so much, except when it gets pretty chilly- which it was. Down bags help, but they are not a perfect solution. Once Bek leaves, the 3rd kid can be on the floor in the camper on a pad. Cozy, but doable.



Me too. Some of my greatest memories. We went to the desert where we ended up going a lot of 4-wheeling in old Scouts and Jeeps. It was so fun!! For a while we had 3 wheel ATCs, and yeah, it was dangerous, but we sure had fun!

Glenn, get thee out there, and make some sticky, gooey S'more filled memories!!

Liesa! Waldo Lake would be great!!! We have a rather large trailer just for the two of us - got a great deal from a friend - 1995 HR - like mint on the inside. It was pretty good on the outside, until we took it to Eugene this fall to park for the winter for football games at a friend's. Of course we got a flat tire about an hour out of town - I told Jim I smelled something, but he wouldn't listen. So just as we got to our exit in Eugene, people started honking and telling us. We were only about a 1/2 mile off I-5, so we kept driving to our destination. It was really comical to see the tire with only a wire around a wheel - until we saw that said wire tore up the wheel well, and cut off both the valves to drain the grey and black water tanks. It is still in Eugene until March when we will have to get it fixed, and then plan to go camping at the coast before coming home. So, maybe we could head up to Waldo Lake instead!!! That would be so fun! Of course the snow is still a little iffy in March - or maybe early April???

Anyone up for a camping DISmeet???

 

[All7OfUs]

Sunday, August, 22 not only brought physical gifts of grand proportion, but also a gift that cannot be bought, and one I couldn’t be prouder of! It was something I have waited 20 years to see, and countless hours of preparing for it included vast numbers of late nights, prayers and tears. Going on to higher education has never been something our kids have NOT thought of pursuing; it was just understood that that is what happens after high school. Many of you who followed my PTR went through the grueling process of Andrew applying for and being accepted into the ROTC program, and you rejoiced with us as we navigated that route. It was hard, took massive amounts of time, and more worry than any parent should endure. In the end, you know that he was given a FULL ride (and then some) at Western Kentucky U. in Bowling Green, and our proud day of moving him in was upon us. The reams of forms, requested medical records, transcripts, and recommendations were all behind us, and now it was time to release our son into the hands of independence.

Knowing he was ready, it was not nearly as difficult as I thought it might be on this exciting day, but let’s take a look at the few photos I did manage to get in between twitches of parental exuberance and a few misty eyed moments.

This was just before he got out of the car with all his worldly possessions. Think he looks happy to be out of our clutches??

All of his worldly possessions means this:

Within 2 minutes we were surrounded by a lot of these, ready to help in any way! I was already VERY impressed!

For a while we stood around just taking in the atmosphere, and saw a lot of this. I’m still perplexed at how many piercings one face can have on it, but saw FAR fewer than what I see here in Oregon. I’m just saying at some point the DHS is going to start saying something about hardware being carried on.

Within about 15 minutes, Andrew had his room assignment, and his new comrades picked up his stuff and helped us carry it up the 18 floors to his new room. I think in all about 4 guys ended up hauling all his boxes and bags in one trip.

They dropped it all off, welcomed him once again, then left us to begin setting up. Of course, his roommate hadn’t gone to church in the morning, and had gotten there first; and of course, therefore picked the better side of the room- the one with the plugs in more strategic locations. They (he and his parents) were just finishing up, we quickly met each other, making introductions, and they took off, leaving us to “figure it out”.

Ok, let me just interject here about “us” and “them”. Patrick showed up with: TV, microwave, X-box, fridge, boombox, full-on laundry basket (that he NEVER uses), and more clothes than the Goodwill drop off. Andrew showed up with one suitcase of clothes, sheets, a jar of Planters peanuts and some laundry soap (which he never uses because Grandma’s is a couple miles away). I mean how much does a kid who’s supposed to be studying who has a full meal plan need anyway?? Just sayin’.

Anyway, he let me make his bed- last time EVER- while he arranged his few desk-ish items and hung his shirts and put his undies away. They were clean when we dropped him off. His major concern was how to set up the internet connection, which actually wouldn’t get resolved until a few days later; something about a “security program he needed to install?

After a bit more futzing around,

Patrick came back and it was time to hit the road. We knew we’d see him later in the week after his Orientation Program, so we weren’t too teary- those would come in a few days when the good-bye seemed more final.

Think they’re gonna get along??

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi Liesa, I just read your update! It must be very moving to have your children go away to college. I still remember the day my father helped me move to Munich when I started university. It was a lovely, sunny day and we went to eat lunch at a Greek restaurants around the corner from my first appartment...

I am very proud that I guesses correctly about your alphabet! I guess one gets to know people quite well through these reports.

I really hope Mike will find a job soon!

 

[glennbo123]

Oh my, what a day...you'll remember it forever. My parents still talk about dropping me off at college -- on the way home they debated on coming back to get me because my housemates turned out to be some pretty unsavory characters. Fortunately, they saved me that embarrassment and it all worked out fine.

 

[marvali]

Interesting contrast between Andrew's first day and DS21's arrival for Matriculation Day at his school 4 years ago. After your time in Blankistan, and your journey to reach this destination, it is a blessing you got to send him off on his new journey under more "friendly" circumstances. So glad we only had to deal with 4 flights of stairs though!!!

Either way, it is still very difficult to push your child from the nest and drive away!

 

[that's nice]

I was only 7 pages behind!!!!

I did skip most of the banter though... I'm just trying to get caught up here.

Congrats on the race! And getting a medal too!!!! Glad you finished in one piece! It is the humidity that will kill ya!

Sweet little camper. There is room for a shower in that thing? I hope you guys weren't snacking on those 'shrooms.... or maybe you were!

Congratulations once again to Andrew! I can't imagine what it will be like when Juliana goes to college. Although it wasn't THAT long ago when my parents did that for me. I guess it wasn't too bad since I was only 45 minutes from home. How is Andrew doing now?


Yay for me... all caught up!!!!

 

[vamassey1]

This update brought back so many memories of when we took Brent up to college. He wasn't nearly as far away as Andrew but it was still a big change. Has he come home for a visit or break yet? We had a lot of adjusting when Brent came home for his first break. I think it really does help them to grow up when they go away to school. Of course Michelle is still at home going to LSU. I don't know if she'll ever leave home.

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Liesa, I just read your update! It must be very moving to have your children go away to college. I still remember the day my father helped me move to Munich when I started university. It was a lovely, sunny day and we went to eat lunch at a Greek restaurants around the corner from my first appartment...

I am very proud that I guesses correctly about your alphabet! I guess one gets to know people quite well through these reports.

I really hope Mike will find a job soon!

It is! I remember overhearing my parents the day I drove off. My dad said, "well, there goes our little girl." I'll never forget it! Funny how some of life's experiences stay with you forever. Like high school graduation, getting a driver's license, or getting potty trained.

I am truly hoping it works out the way I planned it. DANG, these TRs are tricky things to manage.

 

[All7OfUs]

Oh my, what a day...you'll remember it forever. My parents still talk about dropping me off at college -- on the way home they debated on coming back to get me because my housemates turned out to be some pretty unsavory characters. Fortunately, they saved me that embarrassment and it all worked out fine.

I think I will. And I have at least 3 more to go. Zachy's a wild card. And that's just as tough. Can you imagine what kind of uproar might have ensued had your folks actually come back??!! OMGosh! I'm glad you didn't turn out unsavory and survived your college life. I'm still not sure how I ever did.

 

[All7OfUs]

Interesting contrast between Andrew's first day and DS21's arrival for Matriculation Day at his school 4 years ago. After your time in Blankistan, and your journey to reach this destination, it is a blessing you got to send him off on his new journey under more "friendly" circumstances. So glad we only had to deal with 4 flights of stairs though!!!

Either way, it is still very difficult to push your child from the nest and drive away!

Yeah, we had 4 FLIGHTS. Period. Not 4 flights of stairs. Thankfully, I'm sure the school knew all that, and had an elevator installed just for us in time.

It is hard to let go. So I call in almost everyday. I know. I'm such a lame-o. But it's fun talking smack to him and his roomie. I like to tease them both about what they had for dinner.

 

[All7OfUs]

I was only 7 pages behind!!!!

I did skip most of the banter though... I'm just trying to get caught up here.

Congrats on the race! And getting a medal too!!!! Glad you finished in one piece! It is the humidity that will kill ya!

Sweet little camper. There is room for a shower in that thing? I hope you guys weren't snacking on those 'shrooms.... or maybe you were!

Congratulations once again to Andrew! I can't imagine what it will be like when Juliana goes to college. Although it wasn't THAT long ago when my parents did that for me. I guess it wasn't too bad since I was only 45 minutes from home. How is Andrew doing now?


Yay for me... all caught up!!!!

I've only had 7 pages in an entire week?? That's pretty sad.

On Sunday, I get myself a little tree to plant. Whatever.

LOTS of folks go "shrooming" in Oregon. THey say they cook them, but I'll bet a fair amount do other things too.

You'll cry your eyes out unashamedly, Tim. And it will be exactly what your're suppposed to do.

Andrew is THRIVING!! He loves it--- except when he "walks in" on his roomie and chick. That actually torques me off pretty bad. Other than that, he's doing really, really well. He HAS to study hard to keep a 3.0 or his $$$ goes bye-bye.

 

[All7OfUs]

This update brought back so many memories of when we took Brent up to college. He wasn't nearly as far away as Andrew but it was still a big change. Has he come home for a visit or break yet? We had a lot of adjusting when Brent came home for his first break. I think it really does help them to grow up when they go away to school. Of course Michelle is still at home going to LSU. I don't know if she'll ever leave home.

It IS big CHANGE when they leave. The noise level in our house was almost halfed!

Andrew comes home for the first time in a week!! I am so excited I find myself nearly leaking often!! I hope he hasn't turned into a snobby know it all, and will still put up my Christmas lights.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

In the end, you know that he was given a FULL ride (and then some) at Western Kentucky U. in Bowling Green, and our proud day of moving him in was upon us.

WOW! That is fantastic! A full ride is a pretty amazing achievement.

Within 2 minutes we were surrounded by a lot of these, ready to help in any way! I was already VERY impressed!

Good to see some quality help was available.

Ok, let me just interject here about “us” and “them”. Patrick showed up with: TV, microwave, X-box, fridge, boombox, full-on laundry basket (that he NEVER uses), and more clothes than the Goodwill drop off. Andrew showed up with one suitcase of clothes, sheets, a jar of Planters peanuts and some laundry soap (which he never uses because Grandma’s is a couple miles away). I mean how much does a kid who’s supposed to be studying who has a full meal plan need anyway?? Just sayin’.

If his appetite as a college student is anything like mine was, he'll need more than a jar of peanuts! Sure, the meal plan helps, but every guy has his "stash" in his room, too.

Oh, and a whoopee cushion. That's standard issue in college.

We knew we’d see him later in the week after his Orientation Program, so we weren’t too teary- those would come in a few days when the good-bye seemed more final.

Boy, this brings back memories. I keep thinking college wasn't that long ago, and then I look at the calendar...

Andrew is THRIVING!! He loves it--- except when he "walks in" on his roomie and chick. That actually torques me off pretty bad.

It IS big CHANGE when they leave. The noise level in our house was almost halfed!

That's exactly what my mom complained about! She said the house was way too quiet. She kept begging me to have friends over when I came home so that she could get some noise and chaos back in the house.

 

[jenbear123]

Since I'm not a parent yet, I can only relate to Andrew's reaction. hehe

But what a day! I'm glad to see there was so many people around willing to help. I hope that made things easier for you.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Alright, caught up again! 10 pages this time - after catching up on everyone's reports over the past couple of days 10 pages seemed like nothing!

Pooooooor Mikki! I can't even imagine how awful and stressful that all must have been. I'm glad there wasn't another round of ralphing on the next flight!

Congratulations again on your race! I found it pretty funny that they served CFA after a race--you'd think they would choose something a bit healthier! Or maybe they figured, everyone just burned a whole bunch of calories, let's indulge!

I didn't realize you weren't in your permeant home yet - and you say there might be TWO more moves before you are settled?!? Yuck! I hope it all goes smoothly and you are able to settle fairly soon!

I remember moving into the dorms the first year - I had a LOT of stuff. A computer, TV, fridge-the whole she-bang! My roommate didn't bring much of anything though. By the next year I had simplified and had a lot less. Those dorm rooms are only so big!

I've been thinking of you for a while now- wondering how your trip to the Great White Northern Tundra went. Glad you are getting some down time!!

That is so sweet that this report gave your parents an opportunity to relive some happy times and memories! Neat!! Had they been to Nuremberg?

I know how it is; I've had to cut back on my lengthy commenting too, so I know how it goes!

Anyway, you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with Henry, Joe, and all the rest of your family as well!! Don't get snowed in- HA!

Yes! My parents had been to Nuremberg - Magdalene, if you see this; how far is Bad Wind Schiem (SPELLING?!?!?) from Nuremberg? I know they toured around the country whenever they were able to!

We did have a great Thanksgiving. It was cooooold, but Henry loved playing in the bit of snow they had. A big blizzard went through just after we left.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

I'm not sure it's really WHERE you go camping that really matters, it's just being together as a family and doing things together you don't usually do. We love to sit up late and just talk around the fire, and play games on the table, and hike and run around. It's just plain fun. Yes, you lose some sleep, yes, the food is more simple, yes, the weather doesn't always cooperate, but there's just no other activity I can think of that forces you to interact together like camping does.

you said it perfectly...i also have to add, that sometimes you still take each other for granted while camping...one trip that we went on toward the end of the year, when we arrived we learned that we could not have fires, due to a fire ban...so instead of sitting around a fire all evening, we had a blast making up games with parker, playing at the playground...and just running around our camp site playing kick ball with him, i dont think the 3 of us stopped laughing for an hour straight, it was one of the best trips we have taken together.

THat's about what we averaged every year before we left. Once or twice a month for 5 months. That particular campground is VERY primitive. A picnic table, a fire pit, pit toilet (singular), and that's it. Best part, and small creek for the kids to splash all they want (it's COLD!!) and play Pooh STicks in. Sometimes the deer come through, and that's fun too. When hunting season start, the hunters take over, and it can be a bit dangerous. Next year, if we butt up to October, we'll be taking orange vests.

I should have mentioned that that trip WAS in October, but I was saving those pictures for this installment because we got that trailer a couple days after we arrived in the U.S. That campground now is buried until several feet of snow, as it's up on Mt. Hood.

okay i was wondering about that, and wondering how you guys were not freezing there.



some year we want to take a 2 or 3 week trip out west and go camping.

 

[All7OfUs]

WOW! That is fantastic! A full ride is a pretty amazing achievement.

I'd like to think I can take a teensy bit of credit since I homeschooled most of the way through. Of course, he's pretty self-motivated and quite a smarty pants as well.

Good to see some quality help was available.

These were some pretty studdly guys and gals. I think they can all do about 1,000 times more pullups than me. But then again, I'm almost to the point of WEARING pullups, so whatever.

If his appetite as a college student is anything like mine was, he'll need more than a jar of peanuts! Sure, the meal plan helps, but every guy has his "stash" in his room, too.

I sent him a care package a couple months ago with a boatload of "stash". I think my mom and dad take him to Walmart once in a while too, to load up.

Oh, and a whoopee cushion. That's standard issue in college.

DANG!!! That's what I forgot to put in that last care package. THANKS!! Now I know what to get him for Christmas. I was busting my brain last night! Those are such a crack up!!

Boy, this brings back memories. I keep thinking college wasn't that long ago, and then I look at the calendar...

It only gets worse, my friend.

That's exactly what my mom complained about! She said the house was way too quiet. She kept begging me to have friends over when I came home so that she could get some noise and chaos back in the house.

I miss the noise, but I sure don't miss the laundry. Boy socks reek.

Since I'm not a parent yet, I can only relate to Andrew's reaction. hehe

But what a day! I'm glad to see there was so many people around willing to help. I hope that made things easier for you.

I think he was lovin' the whole day. He tells me his roomie is a complete pig, so I guess all that work setting up with him stuck.

It did!! I sucked on my latte, and they did the heavy lifting.

 

[All7OfUs]

Alright, caught up again! 10 pages this time - after catching up on everyone's reports over the past couple of days 10 pages seemed like nothing!

I know!! Things have drastically slowed down, and for some that's a great thing!! Glad you're feeling more caught up!

Pooooooor Mikki! I can't even imagine how awful and stressful that all must have been. I'm glad there wasn't another round of ralphing on the next flight!

Weird!!! Halfway through my replies, my computer went wonkers. Back to typing...


IT was stressful for all of us!! But mostly her. I think she was glad to be in one place for a while to really heal up well!!

Congratulations again on your race! I found it pretty funny that they served CFA after a race--you'd think they would choose something a bit healthier! Or maybe they figured, everyone just burned a whole bunch of calories, let's indulge!

I think it was more the fact, that CFA sponsored the race. LOL!

I didn't realize you weren't in your permeant home yet - and you say there might be TWO more moves before you are settled?!? Yuck! I hope it all goes smoothly and you are able to settle fairly soon!

NOPE, and we may not be at all until Mike gets that job. UGH!

I remember moving into the dorms the first year - I had a LOT of stuff. A computer, TV, fridge-the whole she-bang! My roommate didn't bring much of anything though. By the next year I had simplified and had a lot less. Those dorm rooms are only so big!

Here's the way I figure it.... You KNOW your roomie is going to bring WAY too much stuff, and if you bring it all too, there ain't no way it's al gonna fit. Better to take the mooching stance on this one.

We did have a great Thanksgiving. It was cooooold, but Henry loved playing in the bit of snow they had. A big blizzard went through just after we left.

Glad you got out of there in time to be safe!! Glad it was a nice time with family too!

you said it perfectly...i also have to add, that sometimes you still take each other for granted while camping...one trip that we went on toward the end of the year, when we arrived we learned that we could not have fires, due to a fire ban...so instead of sitting around a fire all evening, we had a blast making up games with parker, playing at the playground...and just running around our camp site playing kick ball with him, i dont think the 3 of us stopped laughing for an hour straight, it was one of the best trips we have taken together.





okay i was wondering about that, and wondering how you guys were not freezing there.



some year we want to take a 2 or 3 week trip out west and go camping.

OH yeah, the fire bans. HATE those!!

If you end out west, let us know! We'd be happy to meet you someplace

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

If you end out west, let us know! We'd be happy to meet you someplace

will do will do.

 

[Millie12591]

Thanks Camille, I already got a very sweet invitation from lovealldisney as well and it is wonderful to know that if I end up being in Wisconsin or Texas in late November, I won't have to fell left out of the holidays!



As far as I know they have christmas pudding (with brandy butter ), christmas cake and mince pies. Wonderful stuff! But Rosie will know more I guess.



Thanks! I know, I just need to get out there again. I actually regularly have these training breaks at the end of the year and just pick it up after a few months again, so I am not too worried.

Always welcome here. Pudding and cakes, makes total sense. I'm still surprised about no cookies though. I bought a stupid stationary bike and still have yet to ride it more than a couple of times over the holidays. I know I'll have plenty of time once the New Year is here.

You are right Magdalena !!! Christmas pudding although we always had custard instead of the brandy sauce and of course the silver threepenny bits hidden in it !! Individual mincepies , sausage rolls and Fruitcake were always part of our hoilday !! I did forget to mention the Christmas Crackers !! Which were something you pulled and they cracked and inside was a paper hat, and atoy and a motto !!!

I've seen crackers in the stores here, I didn't realize they were a Brittish thing. Cool! Miss seeing you on here Rosie, I've been really bad about getting over to your thread, along with everyone else's. I promise when the holidays are over I'll get there more often.

Interesting contrast between Andrew's first day and DS21's arrival for Matriculation Day at his school 4 years ago. After your time in Blankistan, and your journey to reach this destination, it is a blessing you got to send him off on his new journey under more "friendly" circumstances. So glad we only had to deal with 4 flights of stairs though!!!

Either way, it is still very difficult to push your child from the nest and drive away!

Yes it is. I'm sitting here reading everyone's responses to their child's "drop off," and re-living my son's all over again and crying along with it. Thanks guys!

This update brought back so many memories of when we took Brent up to college. He wasn't nearly as far away as Andrew but it was still a big change. Has he come home for a visit or break yet? We had a lot of adjusting when Brent came home for his first break. I think it really does help them to grow up when they go away to school. Of course Michelle is still at home going to LSU. I don't know if she'll ever leave home.

That may not be a bad thing you know. If you off load enough housework onto her you'll never have to hire a maid. At least this is what I tell myself incase my last one stays home.

It is! I remember overhearing my parents the day I drove off. My dad said, "well, there goes our little girl." I'll never forget it! Funny how some of life's experiences stay with you forever.

Y'all are killin me! Your really killin me!