So, here we are on beautiful St. Maarten. For those who might be looking for pictures, I'll apologize and explain just once - I don't do pictures and in fact, didn't even think to bring a camera this trip.

For weeks we've been dealing with a gazillion little details ...... trip arrangements at the top of the list but beyond that the planning for Christmas - shopping, wrapping, decorating and all that good stuff - and then of course, the plans for a huge family Thanksgiving which my daughter carried off so very well. It isn't everyone who can do an all-day dinner for thirty people and make it look easy, but she did it! And then there's the packing ........and of course the last minute details anyone who owns and runs and IS their own business has to deal with. But it's all behind us now and here we are.....feels soooo good!

We hit the sack about 8pm Friday night for our 3am wake-up, and of course, we didn't sleep a wink. Finally got up at 2am, made the coffee, showered and got dressed to let the day began. We picked up our neighbors traveling with us and then our driver, our second terrific daughter, and off to JFK. With all the talk of increased security, of which we saw very little difference btw, but I'm sure it was there, and the extra hour required we weren't taking any chances. So we cleared all that increased security in less than twenty minutes, had a full sit down breakfast and then sat for an hour plus until they started the boarding process.

It was a rough ride down.....lots of turbulence but we still arrived on time and cleared C&I quickly with no other planes but us at that moment, and surprise of surprises, our bags were out very quickly. Out onto the sidewalk to meet Lesley with our GREY NISSAN R24. Now that's a new one for us. I keep looking for a white Slowrolla in the parking lot. Old habits and all.....

Checked into our Towers 709 for two weeks. It's always so nice to feel like you're a much anticipated and welcomed guest, and that's just how they treat us, hugs and kisses and warm words all around. Out to the bar for a shared light lunch and a welcome BBC and more exchanged greetings with long-time friends and owners here and then back again to our room.

Unpacked and settled in.....Jeannie had already been and stowed our groceries - she's such a peach. And she always goes that extra mile. It just can't get much better, I'm thinking. Ran out and purchased the two things I forgot to pack that mattered....home again and after a light snack for dinner we were in bed again before 9pm and this time we slept. Like rocks. I think a siren could have gone off in the living room and we wouldn't have heard it. Neither of us woke during the night and by quarter of five we were up and by eight, all coffeeed out and ready to let the trip begin.

Met our friends and went to SBYC for a welcome Mimosa and their delicious breakfast offerings accompanied by a couple of bridge openings and here we are. Home at last and it feels so good to turn off the airco and let the warm gentle breezes blow through the unit. And now we get to enjoy the afternoon where the biggest decisions will be should we walk out to the pool or enjoy the pleasure of our balcony, and number two decision - where to eat tonight?! Life is tough....... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />, right?

Welcome "home" Pat and John. Hope we get to see you out n' about before we leave next week. Enjoy your trip!

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
Enjoy!!!
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Glad you made it ok! Looking forward to the rest of your trip! Enjoy!

Awesome Pat! Glad to see you are there and beginning the decompression.

We left something for you in R24 under the floormat....lol. There's an international license in the glovebox we noticed that no previous peeps had removed either, so we also left it there...funny. I liked being able to spot the grey car! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

I suspect a Mullet Day? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Glad you made it and looking forward to any reports you might make. Have fun!

Have a wonderful time Pat and looking forward to your reports.

Glad you arrived safely. I know you will have a wonderful time. If you are so inclined, I look forward to any portion of it you may care to share with us along the way.

Pat...enjoy your trip....and look forward to your posts!!
"There's no place like home"..

Welcome, we head back to Toronto Tuesday, just picked up our niece and nephew at the airport (they are staying another week).

George and Joann,

So sorry we didn't connect this trip. Friends with us and the dates just didn't mesh but wondering if you're coming down in April? If so, perhaps then?

I have enjoyed your responses for quite some time and am arriving on Sat. finally! There seems to be quite a few from this forum down next week, hopefully we can all meet one night!

Sue A,

First of all, TY for your kind words.

There sure are a lot of TTOL posters here now and there will be many coming and going from now on. I'm sure you'll encounter a lot of us during your stay. Don't hesitate to jump in and say hello......

Have a wonderful stay and watch out for slick marble and/or tile floors! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />