OK, the title of this thread is "The Countdown's Begun", so I need to know has the "packing begun"? Let's get going girls!!!! And you know who you are.

You talkin' to moi??

Let's see.... snacks are in a carry-on - notions are in a rolling bag, and clothes and sandals are sitting on the bed! Oh, a "tool" is also in a small check-in bag.. a Dewalt drill driver!!!!! Figured I'd pack it all by itself in case the
x-ray machine gives pause for someone to open it up. Don't feel like having anyone rummaging through my clothes!

Depending on what's happening this weekend, I "may" do a trial clothes packing run just for kicks to see what my suitcase weighs.

Sooooooooo..... 3 checked, one carry-on!!

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Elaine, I am not sure that "notions" and "snacks" count as "packed". Having the clothes on the bed and looking at them does not count for "packed".
But hey, I suppose I have to give you some credit for the DeWalt Drill. I never leave home without mine either!!!!!! Next year it will be a Sawzall!!!
More important though, the PASSPORT. Don't forget the passport.

ROFL...

Passport's out, credit card company notified, paper stopped, and request for crate delivery's done!!

I usually pack my clothes the last couple days 'cause I don't want anything to get more creased than they have to. Oh, speaking of creased.... many months ago I bought a "Lil Steamer" from HSN, and as a freebie.. it came with a "LilER" steamer which is perfect to take should anything need a "freshen up."

It's supposed to be a miserable day Saturday... perfect for a practice run, Mom!! lol

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This is sounding much better, as it should as day of departure is approaching.
Love to get myself one of those "liler steamers". Sound like something I would use a lot.
Have gifts bought and ready. No DeWalt products though. Just small items for my 2 favorite people at my resort.
I know your practice run will go well, and if it doesn't, you can start with leaving some of those sandals behind, and maybe a pair or two of capri's.
And where has Mary been this week? Packing??

Alnora, Katelyn sounds delightful. Your Kailey is a perfect age to be flower girl. My Justine was 6 when she was a flower girl for her uncle and she was great, actually guiding her little sister down the aisle. I'm so sorry to hear about MaryAnn's death. Lupus is a terrible disease and it certainly weakened her system so she couldn't fight the strep. So sad for Josh and Isaiah.

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Elaine and Mary...Hope the two of you have a wonderful time and enjoy every day to the fullest...if it is ment to be maybe we will see you next year..give the island a hug for us

Tico & Miss Judy

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Home is where the heart is and my heart is in Aruba

Tico - you know how I feel, and won't ever give up on Judy, so I'll see you both again next year - same time, same place. I learned a long time ago to "try" and enjoy everyday to the fullest. Doesn't always work, but there's not a day that goes by when I don't think about how lucky I am.

As of today... 9 and a wake up. 5 more work days!

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Tico, thank you so much for the good wishes. You KNOW that Elaine and I will speak of you and Judy often. God willing you and Judy will be back with us next year.
Elaine, I weighed my suitcase today----without outfits---45 pounds. You know what that means???? I will empty the darn bag one more time, take out whatever---and repack. I don't want the carry-on bag to be too heavy but I'm sure it will be. What I usually do is take my shoes off, stand on the seat and try to shove the darn thing over the ridge and down into the overhead bin. It's the darn slant in the bin that's a killer!!!!

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Must be those damn cans of tuna!! lol

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Mary, you have to start buying those flat packages of tuna instead of cans!!!!!
I know another person that will be on "one happy island" real soon!!!!! She is bringing the flat packages of tuna!!

Two days and a wake-up!!

Damn, l Aruba!

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Two days and a wakeup for me too!!! It's almost here. Two long days of work ahead of me though.

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Safe trip to both Elaine and Mary as they leave for "One Happy Island" this Saturday. Seventeen, (17) and a wake-up for me. Will be seeing these gals soon. WooHoo!!!!

Elaine, Mary and Gina - have a Great Time!!arty:

We'll be thinking about you while you're gone and wishing we could be with you!

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We call this place paradise, the place to be.

We watch the hazy sun, sinking in the sea!

Thank you Donnie, that is exactly what we plan to do!!!!arty:

Thanks Don! You can see that Gina's the wild one in this group!!

Doing some last minute things tonight since I'm staying at my brother and sister-in-law's tomorrow night since we're traveling together. Tomorrow's hair, nails, and al that good stuff!

Last work day was today until March 5th.... free at last, free at last!! arty:

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Look at the way Elaine writes of "being free at last" it's like she has been in prison for a year and they have released her to freedom.
Safe trip Elaine and Mary. I won't tell your PO where you are!!!!

Thanks Gina.. no work for a month, no boss, and no schedule is freedom to me!!

Call me when you get there... looking forward to Cook's that Wednesday night, and seeing you and Ommi again!!

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Will do. Looking forward to a great evening.

I don't think Elaine will be online tonight. She's going out to eat with her daughter and son-in-law and then they drop her off at her brother's house. As for me----my check-in bag is standing by the door---48 lbs (I hope). The carry-on is open and awaiting the laptop. The shuttle will be here in Methuen at 4:30 a.m. to bring me to Logan Airport. Flight (Jet Blue) leaves at 7:15. As I always say----not until the plane leaves the tarmac do I feel like I'm going to Aruba. Once we're up in the air I breathe a sigh of relief-------"I'm going to my home away from home."

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Good morning friends,
It's 4 a.m.----am awaiting my shuttle to the airport. Long day ahead of me. Hopefully the WIFI connection will go well, and you'll next year from me while I sit on my balcony.

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Safe flight Mary, see you in a few days!!!!! In the meantime, enjoy!!

Sorry I missed the bon voyage....hope you are both in paradise by now soaking up all that it has to offer.

Have a wonderful time.....keep us all posted.

And Gina....get you groove ready....you're in for a gooooood time...wish I was there.

ruba

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Only happy people allowed!

Elaine and Mary, I see by the Bucuti Webcam that your first day is a beauty. WooHoo!!!!! Enjoy.
Ruba, have no fear, I will be getting my "groove" on once I land on "One Happy Island" and take that first long breathe of tropical air.
Seeing Elaine and Mary are bonuses!!!

Hi All,
All's well here in Paradise. Elaine's plane and mine arrived about the same time. We checked in at ABC and went to Ling's to stock up. Saturday night Elaine and I went to Subway---it's the only store open across the street. Everyone wants to know about Dunkin Donuts---nothing yet. Elaine, our friends Bob and Sue and myself---sharing a chickee (hut)---it's working well. I went down at 4 Saturday night and stayed till 6, but we decided there's no need to do that so last night Elaine just put the towels and bag out and returned to the room. We'll hope to continue that way. The weather is good---passing clouds but no rain. Elaine and Sue went to Gianni's last night but I stayed here--went to Tortuga at ABC to watch the Super Bowl. It was fun. Today I went to the dentist (I love my Aruba dentist)---go every year---so much less than at home. I am getting a crown so today was the prep work. Now I'm going back to the beach (Bingo at 2)

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So already things are on a roll with you and Elaine. I see there is never a dull moment. Always something going on around you where ever that might be!!!! Didn't see you at webcam yet!!! Hoping all continues to work out every day with the chickee situation. Sounds good so far.
Glad you both had safe flights getting to your favorite place. Continue to enjoy!!!! See you soon!!

Hi Mary..Glad to here you and Elaine arrived save and sound..I have been watching the web cam but haven't seen you there yet..How did you like Jet Blue compaired to American??? Have a great time
Tico

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Home is where the heart is and my heart is in Aruba

Tico, I loved Jet Blue. I arrived at Logan at 4:45 a.m.---skycap took the suitcase, the passport and itinerary. I had paid $50 for "extra leg room" seat. That gave me priority security---no line. I was at the gate at 5. I then had "priority boarding" so I was third in line for boarding. My seat was 4C. I totally enjoyed going from channel to channel on the t.v. till we were out of the satellite area. Then there was a choice of 6 movies. I usually read but I never took my book out of the bag. I watched two movies. The pilot came out to greet us and then kept us informed along the route. The staff was wonderful. We had complementary snacks (large bags). We arrived right on time----marvelous experience Tico. You and Judy should go that route next year. All's well here, and I'm headed down to the beach.
Gina/Tico---haven't bothered to go to the cam.

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Thank you Mary for the update with Jet Blue..I will keep that in mind..I have no idea if we will be able to make it back next year or not it will depend on Judy's health, and right now things are not going well.

Enjoy your stay on the island..please say hi to Elaine, and Bob & Sue for us

Tico & Miss Judy

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Home is where the heart is and my heart is in Aruba

Hi Tico - I am sorry to hear about Judy's health and will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary - I am glad to read that you had a good flight and arrived safely. Now it's time to get back to the beach for you!! Tell Elaine I said hello and wish you both another great month.

Gina - You're soon to be joining them!!

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We call this place paradise, the place to be.

We watch the hazy sun, sinking in the sea!

Donnie...Thank you..I will pass that along to Judy

Tico & Miss Judy

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Home is where the heart is and my heart is in Aruba

Tico, Judy is also in my prayers every day.
Donnie, YES, soon I will be spending time with Elaine and Mary over at Aruba Beach Club. I'm excited too, as I will get to meet their friend Sue.
Looking forward to the entire trip. WooHoo!!!

Just a little note---in my apartment for lunch, and then Bingo at ABC. It is a gorgeous day----went in the water---not directly in front---cuz there's a bit of a drop and coral. You go down a little in front of the restaurant and it's smooth. Also it's a bit better in front of CDM. Elaine's friend, Alan, has arrived from Connecticut. It' so nice reconnecting with friends from past year. Life is good.

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Mary - I am glad that everyone's having a good time and I hope that the weather cooperates with you!

Gina - you are the lucky one being able to see Elaine and Mary. I guess the only drawback this year is no BP and family.

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We call this place paradise, the place to be.

We watch the hazy sun, sinking in the sea!

Glad to see you are all having a great time..enjoy as time goes by so fast

Tico and Miss Judy

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Home is where the heart is and my heart is in Aruba

We had another great day on the beach. The water was fabulous---no waves---you could stay in all day. It was fun at ABC happy hour. Tonight Elaine and I went to Pizza Bob's for a burger.

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Sounds like you and Elaine are just living it up. Don't you just love it when you can spend so much time in the water and not be afraid that you'll be swallowed up by a huge wave? Sunday I'm going to get out the suitcase and start packing. Unlike Elaine, I'm not packing shoes to match everything. I'm going neutral!!! Haven't seen you at the Bucuti Beachcam yet. Too busy????? See you real soon!!!

Gina, if you look closely---you'll see me at Bucuti today---green shirt----talking (hard to believe). Elaine is a little down the hall from me----we're both packing tonight for a room change. No big deal!!! 'twas another great day on the beach today. Elaine's having a hard time getting in touch with Ommi. Hopefully she'll find him tonight so we can visit Cook's.

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Hope the move went smoothly for both you and Elaine. I did see you at the webcam, not a doubt in my mind that was you. Suitcase is out and opened, nothing put in it yet. Got called to school today so the plan to start packing went out the window. I WILL get it done.
Cook's is on my to do list for sure. I went in May and we all had wonderful meals. Ommi is a gem!!