Yes indeed! Are we eager and excited? You betcha!

Gonna check out Lufthansa's new Business Class cabin a week from Tuesday!

Whoa so you are one day ahead of us Denise - I knew that, just didn't remember it.

OK, we are pretty much packed so to speak, know what we are taking and what we are not taking and time for all those hair, nail appointments, not to mention any dentist, or doctor ones, and making sure all meds are up to date.

Can't wait to hear about the LH new business class Denise, as we have that for B2B next year. Well, actually on the outbound IAD-MUC we have UA, too bad its not "operated by LH" which would be a big bonus - but we get LH coming back.

Sounds like everyone is on track. Oh yes, Denise, I will be wearing outfits more than once, just making dialog. It's the luggage weight that I'm concerned about, then on the other hand, if it's $25.00 if I'm over 50 lbs, so be it. Isn't that what it is from 51-70? What has been you guys experience of late, are they pretty strict? I haven't flown in a little over a year now. Also, have never packed for this long of a trip. I have dentist (for cleaning) tomorrow, massage on Friday, nail appt. a week from tomorrow.

Boy, the Santa Ana winds are fierce here today and expected to continue for a few days. Several big fires going in San Diego County and, of course, a really bad one in Malibu. I'm busy trying to keep everything watered and from drying out. My skin is starting to feel like parchment paper. Hate it!!

Shirley

Winds are horrid here today. We can smell the smoke in the O.C. Several terrible fires that will have difficulty being contained due to the wild Santa Anas. Thank goodness, our area isn't impacted and hope it remains so. My thoughts are with those affected.

I will be the lady who is always wearing black pants with a different colored sequin top each night! Each top is light weight and comfy.

Sounds good, Sue, so you will be the "flashy one". Way to go!

Way to go, Sue!

Shirley,

When I pack my suitcases up to their bursting point, they always weigh around 50 lbs, so never had the "excess bagagge" problem. Maybe my suitcases are not that huge. But you can take 2 suitcases that each weigh no more than 50 lbs. Do you need more??I have never brought two regular size suitcases, usually one suitcase and a small duffel. But for this trip I'm planning to bring two. As long as it is within the weight limit , why not?

I don't know what DH is planning to bring.

Y'all can take bets on what color my top will be - same style different color! :p Small and easy to pack is my motto!

Thanks Maria, I'm probably fussing over nothing. I've just never paid any attention to what my suitcases weigh. I'm bringing 2 and neither are huge, so I will no doubt be o.k.

I'm curious Sue, wondering where you found those neat tops you are describing. Sounds like a good solution, as does the OneSoles.

Shirley

Hi Shirley,

I got the sequin tank tops from Spiegel catalog in many colors! If I feel a bit chilly I am taking a black and a cream color shawl to toss over my shoulders.

Black pants, black shell and a zillion tops works wonders...I love scarves and pashminas. One outfit - many looks. Problem is that I have several of those outfits. My friend says I know what I am wearing to that (dinner, luncheon, event)...Which black outfit are YOU wearing?

I'm trying really hard to do more mixing and matching, but I'm just not as good at it as some of you girls are. I do have though, two flip skirts, so that takes care of four nights, as I just change the top when I flip them over. I seldom wear pants for some reason, but have two pair this time, so maybe I'm learning from all you "experts" out there.

Sue don't forget our deal for your first night. We'll take a picture and get someone to post it for us, maybe Kathy will do it. I am totally challenged in that area.

JoAnn I won't forget! ;) That is the only night I am having problems finding something to wear that won't be considered too casual. Are white pants a No-No for this time of year?

Have camera...or two...will travel.

Sue, White pants? on a cruise ship...always...

Yeah I would think so too Sue.
I think I'm wearing a black casual skirt, with either a white top or purple lace (which can go dressy or casual, store even showed it with jeans). First night is usally very casual anyway, I think people dress most casually on the first and last nights than on the other casual nights.

Ahhh thanks Kathy and JoAnn - I sort of thought white on a cruise ship would be fine, but wanted to check with the experts!

Just an up-date from San Diego County: The situation here is disastrous, now 250,000 people evacuated, many many homes burned and the fires are fast moving west towards the coast. I will be o.k., living close to the beach but have many frinds who have had to leave their homes. My grandson and family are on alert. Evacuation centers for animals (mainly horses) are full and people don't know where to take them. Rancho Santa Fe is currently being evacuated as well as parts of Carlsbad and Encinitas. All businesses
county wide are closed and people are being told to stay home and not use their phones unless absolutely necessary as the reverse 911 system is being used to alert people. The smoke is so thick you can't go outside. This is really terrible. We so desperately need a break in the weather.

Shirley :mecry:

Oh, good, Shirley - thank you for checking in. :hug: Let's hope all this is over with by the time we leave next week, huh?

Shirley it is good to hear from you...I pray your family is kept safe!

Thoughts and prayers Shirley - lots and lots coming your way.

My parents lived in Fallbrook for many years, and in fact, we just moved my Dad, who will be 95 in a month, back here about 4 years ago.

Stay safe.

So good hearing that you are OK, Shirley. Wishing you and yours safety during this very frightening time. I just heard on the news that relief is in sight. Wish it were much sooner, rather than later, for everyone.

Take care, please.

Thank you for your "good thoughts" all. My grandson and his family are in Fallbrook and they have now been evacuated. We tried to have them come here but they couldn't come this direction, they were taken thru Camp Pendelton to San Clemente State Park. They will be o.k., just hope their home survives as I just heard on a news conference that over 100 homes have now been lost in Fallbrook. We are not allowed on freeways unless you are under evacuation orders. Everything will be closed again tomorrow. My eyes are burning and I'm starting to cough. Keep the prayers coming.

Shirley

Oh my goodness Shirley. I'm so sorry to hear about your Grandson's family being evacutated, but at least you know where they are and that they are safe. 100 homes in Fallbrook, wow, there are some really nice homes there and its such a pretty area. We have fond family memories of times spent with my parents there.

Keep safe, those prayers are still coming.

Shirley,

What an ordeal!

When you say "everything will be closed again tomorrow", does that refer to the whole city??

Everybody , take care!

Oh Shirley by chance are you wearing a scarf, or something, to cover your mouth? Have you placed towels or something to cover the areas by your doors/windows so the smoke doesn't get in as much? My ideas may not be the greatest, but I feel so helpless.

Bless your heart...I know you have to be so worried.

Shirley, take good care - I am so SO sorry this is happening to you all in San Deigo County. Glad you know your family is safe. Concentrate on your upcoming cruise... You'll be on the high seas before you know it.

Maria: Pretty much as far as city and government facilties, schools etc. They are urging people to stay home. I'm in North San Diego County and the air quality here is very bad.
Sue: I'm doing the best I can and my house is pretty well weather stripped but you just can't keep everything out.

My problems are so minimal to what so many people here are going through. They are losing their homes (one lady had 14 horses and was only able to get 3 of them out). It makes me cry.

There is an end in sight, Thank God!!

Shirley

Our thoughts are with you, Shirley, and everyone in California impacted by these terrible fires. What devastation. Scary, heart-breaking, chaotic. Not enough words to describe it, but just know we're thinking of you.

You all are going to have such a wonderful time together!

Denise & Shirley, you guys are REALLY going to enjoy this vacation especially after this emotional week.

Shirley, my eyes bother me the most. SO DRY! Try wetting a handkerchief & placing it over your mouth when you have to go out. I never thought I would not like low humidity...until now.

Shirley,

This week's ordeal calls for lots of joy on CROSS.

We live in the hope that nature's wrath and fury ends soon and hold those we love and hold dear close to our hearts. Our very best wishes to your family in putting the pieces of their lives back together very soon.

Michele,

Wish you were on CROSS with us. We've had such wonderful LCT gathering time with you and Don. We need to work on some travel together times!