All we can do is hope for the best..the latest weather report says 6 to 12 inches of snow for this area...I need a Balashi
Tico & Miss Judy

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

Hi Tico,
No charge for any baggage. I could have checked in two bags, but I checked in one----weight was under the 50 pound limit. If it was over I would have had to either pay or move things into my carry-on. You are also allowed two carry-ons. I had a fairly good size carry-on. It had to fit into that box type instrument near the desk. Mine was heavy but they don't weigh it. I had my laptop in my carry-on and also carried a large pocketbook (looked more like a duffle bag). You can call AA (which I did) and they will give you the measurements for the carry-on. Offhand I can't recall what they were,but mine was fine. Looking forward to seeing you. My daughter and two granddaughters are coming in on Saturday via AA.

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ArubaMary - where did you fly out from? How was the security? Tico, I still have my fingers crossed....we are expecting the same storm, but of course I don't leave til 3/6. I'll try to send some good karma your way.

Thank you Mary...see you soon I hope...remember you are buying the drinks this year ..lol
Tico & Miss Judy

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

Thank you..it looks like they are down playing for us somewhat..get me out of here..I need a Balashi
Tico & Miss Judy
Feb 11th - 21st

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

Tico....I'll cross fingers for you if you cross them for me!!!! lol. I so want you to get out safely. You have things to do in paradise. The suspense is becoming unbearable now.....are you and Miss Judy all packed and ready to go?
ruba

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Only happy people allowed!

Alnora ~ you know that I will cross my fingers for you..I am all packed, have been for sometime now...On the other hand as far as miss Judy goes...Well..lets not go there..by the time she is down I will have to hire a moving van for the luggage, and the limo for us..lol
Tico & Miss Judy

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

Thanks Sherry...gotta get out of here
Tico & Miss Judy

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

All's right with the world here in paradise.

Not a whole lot to report, and nothing much changes other than where I eat. Did Bingo's the other night, Chalet Suisse tonight, and The Old Fisherman is Friday night. Karaoke at Matthews was fun last night - large crowd, and as is said... what happens in Aruba stays in Aruba!

Weather's been perfect... no rain, some clouds, but perfect.

Time to put on my bathing suit, and work on my tan!!!

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sounds so great! wish i was there with you.

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Hi Elaine...I miss you. But I know that you will miss me when it's my turn. Glad you're having fun.
Well for a change it's snowing....so no tan for me.
ruba

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Only happy people allowed!

Hi Elaine~Meant to wish you a fun, safe trip before you left but didn't get on this site for a few days and you were gone. Glad to hear everything is perfect at our home away from home. How is the beach at ABC? Is the ocean calm enough to go in? Last year I didn't go in once in the 24 days I was there, mostly because I had just had shoulder surgery, but it was very rough. Am hoping to use my noodle this time, a little anyway. It also rained much more than usual last year too. 20 days and counting 'til I'm outta here. Can't wait!

Hi Kathy - I know all about that shoulder stuff. Same thing happened to me 5 years ago. I was here about a month after surgery, and never went into the sea beause it was so rough, and I was afraid to reinjure myself.

Anyway... the sea's been fairly calm most days. ABC's beach ebbs and flows. Lots of rocks are showing, and some days there are paths to make your way into the water.. other days not.

The weather's been great with no rain. Clouds are your friends sometimes, and we've had a good mixture along with sun.

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Hi Elaine,
Thanks for the update on ABC. Hope the beach continues to come back more and more everyday. Love it when we have a wide beach. Oh well, nature does what it wants. Just like here with the snow. It will be quite awhile before we see grass again. Usually here in sourthern Ohio we only have snow a few days, then it warms up, melts, and we're good for awhile. Not after this last storm...our temps are low and no sun.
Well, you take care and enjoy the rest of your time in AUA.

Wow how funny is that. I had shoulder surgery about 5 years ago as well. As a matter of fact I tore my rotator cuff flying off the rope swing on the Mi Dushi....had a great time that day, but boy did I pay down the line. Tried the physical therapy thing to avoid the surgery, but then I finally had to bite the bullet. I still go on the swing every year, but the guys from the boat remembered me and now a wonderfully buff member of the crew lets me ride on his back through the air so I don't have to hang on the rope. Alls well that ends well.

Tico & Judy - Are you there yet?

Tico and Judy arrived safe and sound, and we had a nice visit. He'll be "talking" to you all on Sunday!!

Seems lots of us had shoulder surgery. Mine was a completely torn rotator cuff along with some bone fragments that had to be "fixed."

A lovely evening here.... warm with a nice breeze.

I can't believe tomorrow's midway into vacation. Time flies by so quickly, and still much to do, and people to see!!

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I can't believe how time's flying... The weather's been perfect with not a drop of rain. Last night I was up in the high rise area, and it was like Times Square!! So many people milling around.

Tonight's Matthews, and tomorrow night dinner at Mulligan's with Tico and Judy. Hopefully, Dan and George are on island by now and I know we'll share a few sunsets.

Just in case anyone's forgotten, have I said how this island is like heaven, and how much I love, love, love it here?? I can't wait until someday I can spend 6 weeks here at the very least because I still haven't even seen some people I've planned to meet!!

Ayo for now!

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Sherry S.:

Enjoyed your comments on "Checking In." Your description of Aruba is completely accurate..."Heaven," or, perhaps, I can also add, "Paradise."

Enjoying journeying through the various topics and comments.

Can't wait for my next trip...away from all this absolutely miserable weather; snow; winds; ice., and all those Winter things...more snow today...hope just flurries.Since the 19th of December 56+ inches, and, we still have the rest of February and March to go.

As you know, I am new to the "Forum."

Horseshoe

Bad part about vacation....the time drags until we are almost ready to go and when it finally happens the hours and days fly by so fast...enjoy the rest of your vacation and have a wonderful time.
P.S. Don't tell Georgene Dan posted about her undies.....LOL

Welcome, Horseshoe. Yes....it's been one heck of a winter.

To late...She already hit me over the head with a frying pan from the rental house.

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I lead with my Heart and my Body follows

Dan & Sweet Georgene

LMAO......go Georgene.

And, I never even said a word!!

Got to see Georgene and Dan yesterday, and meet Adam and Daniel. What two very nice young men!!

Hopefully, we'll all get to enjoy the sunset together tonight!!

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Ouch, I bet that hurt some - you just made me laugh out loud...

Last night after having dinner with Tico and Judy, I caught up with Georgene, Daniel and Adam at Matthews for karaoke. I crapped out about 10 while the party was going strong. Home to catch a little nap, and back out for some fun, and local flair. It was once again my night for getting the huts, and much easier to arrive home in time to do my job!! I told BP I'd be at my hut at 4 AM, but I was there around 3:45, had a cigarette, and came back to my unit to crash! BP WAS there at 4:15, but I'd already left to crash land... he left a sweet gift in my bag..

Tonight sunset with libations... Dan, Georgene, Daniel and Adam along with Mary and a couple other friends. In fact, we stayed on the beach until about 7 just chatting away.

Tomorrow night I'm being pick up by Cook's door to door service van and looking forward to seeing Ommi again, meeting his family, and enjoying another wonderful dinner at one of my favorite spots.

Had to do office work this morning, and again tonight so I'm totally beat having had very little sleep last night. I'm turning in as soon as I finish this post... Hopefully, I'll be rejuvenated by morning. lol

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give ommi and haydee big hugs from me. we miss them terribly!

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I did, and what a wonderful family!! Door to door service along with a scrumptious meal! Ommi and Haydee are all about the reason I love Aruba. They open their hearts to us... and, I feel privileged to call them my friends! The kids are absolutely adorable, and were kind enough to give me a lovely little gift to remember them each time I look at it, and remember the island I love.

Tonight is dinner at Amadeus again. It's so good that we're going back a second time.

Tomorrow morning's going to be an adventure. Since I have "hut duty," Dan's (BP) meeting me at my assigned spot at 4 AM, and we're going to go to the lighthouse to watch the sunset, and then out for breakfast. I must admit this will be a first for me. Although I've been awake at sunset, I've never seen it from the lighthouse. Can't wait!!

Time's flying by.... still so much to do and people to see. I'm going to try and make the very most of this week, and make even more precious memories.

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I think you mean sunrise right??? lol Tomorrow morning's going to be an adventure. Since I have "hut duty," Dan's (BP) meeting me at my assigned spot at 4 AM, and we're going to go to the lighthouse to watch the sunset, and then out for breakfast. I must admit this will be a first for me. Although I've been awake at sunset, I've never seen it from the lighthouse. Can't wait!!

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Only happy people allowed!

Ruba, that's pretty funny. I missed that entirely!!! I still get hung up on the word, 4AM .....everytime I see that, I have to admire their dedication to hut duty. I totally missed the sunset blooper... LOL

Sunset, sunrise, who cares as long as your in Aruba to see it?????
Dan and Elaine together, whoa baby!!!!! (Just kidding)

Pardooooooooon moi!! Sunrise!! lol

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elaine, i am back, got some kind of flu but iam feeling better now... will u be at the beach monday after 3 pm???

I will, and will look for you!! I'm at hut #27!! Can't wait to see you!

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Elaine, how did you like the sunrise from the lighthouse? I saw the sunrise from New York LOL and I kept wishing it could compare to what you might be viewing.....

Met Elaine @ 4:00am...and talked on the beach..and around 6am...Headed to the lighthouse....She loved the sunrise...and took pictures...Of the wild side of the Island....The white waters...splashing up against the rocks...the wind was calling her name...She got some shots of the Lighthouse...and we talked about life...and the future...I loved it...

When asked if she would do this again...she said..." No way in.xzx#...but it was fun once.......We went to the Divi for breakfast with Tico and Miss Judy...At 2PM...I am picking Tico and Miss Judy up at the Divi and taking them to the airport.

Sad to see them go...but glad they are rested and had a great time. ....So nice to be on the Island surrounded by people you have grown to know...and care for.....Life is Good..

PS...I imagine she is on the beach as I type....and in a coma like state.

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I lead with my Heart and my Body follows

Dan & Sweet Georgene

These posts are making me really envious....but happy for all of you having such a good time. We have another snowstorm on the way ...maybe another 12 inches.
Hoping Tico and Miss Judy join us for lunch at Mohegan Sun. arty: arty:

It's 8:30, and I'm getting ready for bed!! I was totally wiped out with getting very little sleep, and then Dan showed up this afternoon with all the makings for sea breezes.... Between the lack of sleep, and a couple "heavy ones," I'm not sure how the hell I made it back to my unit, but I somehow did, and literally fell into bed bathing suit and all. Woke up at 7, ran to Subway for a salad, showered, ate and it's now beddie bye time!! Damn, I'm not as young as I used to be or thought I was!!!

Another perfect day in paradise....

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Dan, Elaine and I enjoyed libations provided by Dan. Georgene and the boys had gone to Rogers Beach. I went to Alhambra for an hour, and then crashed. Didn't get up till 4:30 a.m. I scurried down to the beach. One of our friends had put bags on Elaine's chickee and mine. He had gone back to his room, but couldn't rest till he found out I had arrived. Oh boy, that was a close call. We are down to just the two of us doing chickee duty. I decided I couldn't sleep so I came back to the apartment, put on the bathing suit and went for the papers. I delivered the three morning papers to four doors---swish--under the doors they went!!! The weather has been perfect for the four weeks. My family came for week 7 and loved every minute. We were busy the entire week, enjoying our meals at Pizza Bob's, Linda's Pancakes, Amadeus, Wacky Wahoo, Moomba Beach, and their last night---a special visit to Marandi's. The waiter asked my youngest, Audra, when she celebrated her birthday. It was January 19. Well, when the dessert came, Audra's was vanilla ice cream with a lighted sparkler. It was the highlight of her vacation. Kandy of ArubaKC came in Sunday. Some of her faithful followers are treating her to happy hour drinks for all she does for the ABC/CDM group. My day is today. At 4:30 Dan is meeting me to go to the Amsterdam Manor. I have never been, and am looking forward to it. Our friends, Victor and Gladys, won a week at Playa Linda at the FOTH dinner dance. Two years ago they won a week at CDM. Lucky, lucky. Sunsets have been breathtaking. I'm going from subject to subject-------took my family on the Jolly Pirate for snorkeling and rope swing. They loved it. Of course we went to the high rise area a few times, and they enjoyed the light show.

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Mary, sounds like you're having a WONDERFUL time. Good you're surrounded by such good friends. Friends who have your back when you oversleep - now that's something to brag about.

Time's drawing down to a precious few days. I always have such mixed emotions the last week, and get overwhelmed trying to see everyone I've yet to see. I so planned to catch up with LocaLisa, but doesn't look like it's in the cards this year, and I'm so sorry Lisa. I honestly don't know where the days and nights go!!! Selfishly, I want to be with a special Aruban friend, and spend as much time with this person as I can... especially the last week so I make no other evening plans. I still have to wash everything I'm leaving in my container, and get things in some sort of order. I'm planning to wake up early Thursday and get that done, and then packing on Thursday and Friday after the beach, and before I go out for the evening. It'll get done; it always does. Container gets picked up at 9:30 Saturday morning; breakfast at Matthews, and leave for the airport around 11 for a 2:24 flight to Philly weather permitting!!

Today I had the pleasure of visiting with Daniel (SanNic44) when he stopped by the beach. Having the same hut everyday is awesome so that people know where to find you. Daniel's an interesting young man to chat with, and I appreciate that he was kind enough to stop and say hello. Hopefully, he'll get to visit with my brother on Thursday for some plane talk.

Yesterday Mafalda visited! I missed her last year, but it was like we picked up our conversation right where we left off, and she looks fabulous. She plans to come over for karaoke tomorrow night, and have a few laughs! Love that lady from the first time I met her years ago. She's warm, caring, and a wonderful friend.

Tomorrow I'll await the arrival of Gina who's going to spend the day on my beach. Another lady I adored from the minute I met her a few years ago.

This board has been the greatest gift in allowing me to meet many wonderful people... and, although we only see eachother once a year, it's a privilege and precious for a lifetime of memories.

Dinner was at Chalet Suisse tonight, and as usual - wonderful being with a person who brings me joy, makes me laugh, and all the other things I cherish. The rest of my nights are going to be played by ear... no plans..just hanging with the same person, and whining about how I don't want to go home. Same old same old I do every year!! Hopefully, the good Lord will keep everyone well and safe, and it'll be "same time next year."

This island is total joy...it's magical, and I feel so blessed to be able to spend as much time here as I do, and yet selfish enough to want to spend more because enough is never enough.

The Aruban people are the finest, most caring that G-d put on this earth. Their hearts, warmth and the genuine love they show cannot be surpassed anywhere on this planet. I always leave a little bit of my heart here, and take a bit of theirs with me!

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ms elaine, i will try to stop by the beach today again... and i hope to see u tonite at karaoke...i will b coming a little later that i had planned because i have babysitting duties... may be around 10 pm??
hope u stay, i would love to have a good time with u as always!!!

Elaine ~ It is people like you and Dan that helped to make our vacation the greatest ever..it is reallly special when you get to meet the great people on this board in person...Thank you all
Tico & Miss Judy

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

Elaine....I'm feeling your emotion. Enjoy the last few days with that special someone.
ruba

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Only happy people allowed!

Elaine, ditto from me.

Enjoy your last days there Elaine. I know that you always leave a piece of your heart there and I am sure that Aruba appreciates that. I also hope you have a safe trip as the weather isn't looking good for the Philly airport over the weekend.

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We call this place paradise, the place to be.

We watch the hazy sun, sinking in the sea!

Yes, enjoy your last days there Elaine. We all know the feeling of not wanting to go home. Our time there is never enough. I feel bad though because when you come home, I get to go. Hoping next year to extend our time by a week or so, so maybe we'll meet up. You sound like a very nice lady.

Elaine, I know you'll enjoy your last few days. I can't believe how fast the time went either. I'm still laughing over your packing issues (which I will now face myself). Sounds like you've had and are having a wonderful time, and although it's sooo sad to be leaving - you'll always have next year to look forward to. And the BB will get you through in the meantime. Hoping these next few days go by REAL REAL slow - I know you'll cherish every minute.

Elaine, we here in New York will have snow constantly for the next 2 days with very strong winds (a true Nor' Easter). I hear the same for Philly. We are expecting 12-18 inches here according to this morning's news (I think around 12 for Philly). Supposed to be a different kind of storm, sort of like a cyclone pattern. There's also a chance for more snow, though probably not as much, for Saturday and Sunday. So like you said, you never know....one can hope

Elaine, I can't believe that your month and Mary's is almost over. It went by so fast!! I'm so glad that you both kept checking in with us. Makes the waiting a little easier. Safe travels home to you both!!

Bobbie