January 23, 2007
The Mic Is On: Great Places to Visit!
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 6:57 pm
It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
Where do you want to go for winter vacation?
This is the view from a porch in Jamaica. There’s lots of places to go though. Would you rather go skiing?
We might also talk about
- Places we’ve been
- Places we want to go
- How to get away from technology - or not
- Best places to take the family
- Best times to travel
- How to travel
- Vacations in our imaginations
including THE EVER POPULAR,
Basil the code-writing donkey.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Related article
What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?
Filed under Comments, Community, Links, Marketing, Outside the Box, SOB Business, Successful Blog |
C'mon. Let's talk!
246 Comments to “The Mic Is On: Great Places to Visit!”
Search
-
-
- I help businesses, universities, and service professionals . . .
increase ROI and attract fiercely loyal fans . . .
by communicating with customers as people. 
-
-
- Updates once a week to you inbox and a free chapter from Liz's ebook!
- Keep up with SOBCon News and Events!
SOBCon - Colorado 2010! Register NOW!!
The Videos
The Podcast
What Liz Does
Buy These!! by Liz and friends
Blog Syndication
Get the blog in your reader or via email
Get the Successful-Blog Weekly Digest
Subscribe to SOBCon Newsletter
Find Liz AT:
Liz Writes For
Chicago Time
Library
- About Liz
- Work with Liz!!
- Tues. OPEN COMMENT Night
- About Successful-Blog
- POPULAR POSTS
- SUCCESSFUL SERIES
- NEW BLOGGER PAGE
- LINK LEAK VIRUS
- 1800+ Directory Links
- Library of Outstanding Articles
SOB Pages
- What IS an SOB?!
- SOB A-Z Directory
- SOB Hall of Fame A-H
- SOB Hall of Fame I-Q
- SOB Hall of Fame R-Z
- . . . a B.A.D. Blogger?
Liz Links
The Liz Manifesto
- I am a writer who uses the language to paint and to play word music, places my heart and head in the spaces, and writes in the hope that one person is better for having read what I wrote.
Chgoland Meetups & Events
- Know about Chgoland meetups!
Get info or broadcast your event!
Category
- 121 Conversation (15)
- Analysis (45)
- Audience (56)
- B.A.D. Blogger (55)
- Basics (97)
- Blog Review (26)
- Bloggy Questions (128)
- Branding (212)
- Business Book (99)
- Business Life (687)
- Checklists (33)
- Comments (275)
- Community (846)
- Connecting Dots (28)
- Content (89)
- Customer Think (92)
- Design (86)
- Great Finds (343)
- Guest Writer (128)
- Idea Bank (33)
- Inside-Out Thinking (66)
- Interviews (85)
- leadership (5)
- Links (207)
- Liz Also Writes (3)
- Liz Talks Corporate (2)
- Marketing (694)
- Motivation/Inspiration (620)
- One Way to CC It (28)
- Outside the Box (188)
- Perfect Virtual Manager (54)
- Productivity (93)
- SEO (63)
- SOB Business (1075)
- Songs of Life (1)
- Strategy (178)
- Successful Blog (4040)
- Survival Kit (57)
- Tech/Stats (97)
- Technorati (24)
- The Big Idea (47)
- Tips (60)
- Tools (108)
- Trends (301)
- Writing (276)
- ZZZ-FUN (172)
Monique Attinger said
I have to say that the best place / type of vacation I ever had was “bareback” sailing (and no, it doesn’t have anything to do with being naked!) in the British Virgin Islands. These islands are more “unspoiled” than the US Virgin Islands, and sailing was great! “Bareback” sailing means that the vacationers actually crew their own boats… It was a great experience.
Nneka said
Ahhh! That is so blissful. I’m from Trinidad, so anywhere hot for winter would be great.
I’ve never been to Australia, but I want to go there when it’s winter here one day.
Also, if I must be cold, I want to be somewhere covered in snow.
In Spirit,
Nneka
Monique Attinger said
By the way, I’m a newcomer… Nice to “meet” everyone!
ME Strauss said
Hi Monique! Welcome!
Hi Nneka!
ME Strauss said
No snow thanks, I’m with you on the hot weather! A beach and cold drinks and no worries.
Nneka said
Monique welcome! This is a neat place.
Hi Liz, thanks again for hosting this shindig
ME Strauss said
Monique,
Since you’re new, you should know . . . Nneka, you might not know either, there are always free beverages and snacks of your favorite variety in the sidebar. Feel free to help yourself or I can get you some.
Monique Attinger said
I have to say Liz — what a great idea! I love the concept of a place to “meet” other bloggers and have a wonderful, rambling “conversation”.
Second favourite vacation spot — Quebec City. The food is divine and the area is beautiful. If you get out that way, there is a restaurant called L’Atre, where you can get real authentic traditional French Canadian cuisine, served in an old country farmhouse. It’s the only place that made “sugar pie” as good as my Aunt Lucille’s.
ME Strauss said
“Sugar pie,” sounds like a pet name for a lover. What’s in it?
Joe said
Hey Liz,
Hey all,
7 comments in 7 minutes.
That’s about average for a cold winter’s night.
ME Strauss said
Nneka,
RE #6 — You’re welcome, always welcome around here. Thanks for coming. .
Mike Vizdos said
Hola. Everyone… “Norm”
Monique Attinger said
Sugar pie is decadent stuff: basically think of a pecan tart, without the pecans… Very similar. You serve it with heavy cream. You’ve got enough calories in one serving to keep you alive through the worst winter weather!
ME Strauss said
Joe arrives at comment 10. That’s not average. That’s worrisome. Are you feeling okay Joe?
Meet Monique.
ME Strauss said
Hiya! Mike!
Monique Attinger said
Oops! Gotta go deal with my (almost) 1 year old daughter… Back in a few…
Marti said
San Francisco - it’s cold if you come from a warm climate, warm if you come from snow country - LOL
Hello to all!
ME Strauss said
Heavy cream! Monique, Monique did you just say heavy cream. Ahh man, take me with you to Quebec City.
Robyn McMaster said
Hi everyone, I’m an Auzzie by birth and I’d highly recommend Australia in the winter — especially Queensland. There are marvelous places to explore, the weather is great, the beaches fab [as they's say there] and the people are fun loving. I loved Cairns and going out to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkeling is just amazing there. Cape Tribulation is fascinating where the Rainforest meets the Reef. You’d love it, Nneka!
Mike Vizdos said
Hi. Looks like a small start tonight. Good… so I get a decent spot to hang. Will be here for a bit I hope (until kids fall asleep).
Monique Attinger said
Okay. Husband got her…
Hi, Mike. Hi, Joe.
The guests are arriving…!
Mike Vizdos said
Hi Monique. So what brings you here?
ME Strauss said
Hi Marti!
Did you get the link I sent you?
Joe said
Liz,
I’m Ok, I just upgraded to 2.1 on 4 blogs and one of them had a problem.
Haven’t fixed it yet, but rigged the problem to go away until I have time.
Robyn McMaster said
Can’t beat the cream and coffee in Ireland, Liz. Love it even if it is a mite chilly in winter.
ME Strauss said
Hi Robyn!
I second your description of Australia in the Winter. Can’t go wrong in OZ is my opinion!
bj said
Hey, everybody!
Nneka, if you want to see Australia, you should visit with Des–
http://bluebeyond.com.au
Anyone who wants to dive and learn underwater photography in Australia, he’s the guy. Sounds like a good winter vacation to me.
Mike Vizdos said
… I just updated my site to a new look and feel… and have now converted over to 100% feeds… will have a big site start syndicating my feed starting soon (yipee!).
Marti said
I would love to see Australia….
ME Strauss said
How long does it take Joe to rig a problem blog? 10 comments.
Monique Attinger said
Hi Robin! I’ve been “down under”. Loved it. Saw a bit of Sydney and spoke at a conference in Perth, so saw a bit of both sides of the country — but nothing of the middle.
Yes, Liz — heavy cream…. There’s nothing like sugar pie and heavy cream at L’Atre! The restaurant is on a small island in the St Lawrence river, just a bit outside of Quebec City. The island is full of all kinds of artists and artisans. You get taken to the restaurant from a parking lot: they pick you up with a horse-drawn carriage. It’s quite an experience…
ME Strauss said
Mike,
What do you mean 100% feeds?
Monique Attinger said
Hey, Mike… I’m a fellow blogger… I write an insurance blog at http://www.insuranceguide101.com and I have been getting to know other bloggers. I stumbled across Instigator Blog and Ben told me about Liz’s blog and Open Mic Night, and well… here I am!
Marti said
Yes darlin’, I did! A million thanks! So sorry for not replying, been crazy with the hospital and all.
Mike Vizdos said
.. sorry… I used to use feedburner only to put a link to a static page… now all my content will go right into the blog (finally got a decent CSS file to work with my larger comic strips).
ME Strauss said
Monique,
You are making me crazy with that talk of sugar pie with heavy cream. That last someone made me crazy at Open Comment Night I colored all over my flat screen with crayons.
This could be dangerous.
Gosh, that does sound delicious.
Joe said
Hey somebody has to call Darren and Duncan if we’re talking about down under.
bj said
Personally, I love to ski so give me SNOW! Not much of that on the East Coast this year, so if I wanna get my schuss fix I guess I have to head to Colorado!
Robert Hruzek said
Any winter vacations I’ve ever been on were snow skiing in the Rocky Mtns. Now THAT’S a vacation! My favorite time was when my extended family all rented a large condo right on the slopes at Breckenridge. We could step out the door, ski down to the lift, then at the end of the day, ski right back through, oops, TO the front door!
Mike Vizdos said
Monique — Cool. I will have to check it out (bookmarked for later!). Do you find it helps drive new biz for you?
Monique Attinger said
Liz — you are too funny!
ME Strauss said
Hey bj!
Didn’t mean not say Hi! You ski and I’ll hang in the lodge by the fireplace and blog about it.
Robert Hruzek said
A vacation I’ve always wanted to try -
Take a month off, buy an unlimited Eurail pass for the wife and me, and see where we end up!
bj said
That sounds great, Robert!
I’ve mostly skiied local PA and the New England mountains. I personally love western Maine and New Hampshire, though the Berkshires and some of the NY State resorts are fun too.
ME Strauss said
Hi Robert!
Good thing the lift didn’t go through the door. That could be inconvenient during the middle of the night.
Monique Attinger said
Mike — Mixed results so far. I think that it does help to know other bloggers and network with other bloggers. I am hoping that over time, as I link with other people’s sites and they link with mine, that traffic will result. I have started to think of it all as “Traffic Karma”: what comes around, goes around! But only time will tell.
Robert Hruzek said
One of the most amazing places I’ve been - Taroko Gorge in Taiwan. It’s like a small Grand Canyon right through a mountain of white marble! Really impressive.
Marti said
Drooling….
(Over heavy cream, pie and blogs that work well)
LOL
Have I mentioned how much I hate Wordpress? LOL
Mike Vizdos said
Robert…. Did something similar a few years ago… we rented a castle in Italy for a month and I went without internet access or phone or any biz for an entire month! Learned a lot in the process — like it CAN happen lol.
Monique Attinger said
Robert — I’m with you! I’d love to wander Europe more. I’ve been a few times, but never had a long enough visit to just wander and see where I ended up.
Mike Vizdos said
Monique — Hear ya. Similar results for me but the hits are doubling each month (should break a million in February!).
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Hi Liz,
I’m here! I don’t think I will be talking too much, though. I just got my new cellphone (err, smartphone) and am working on getting it all setup.
Wanna hear a telecom customer service story?
Verizon ships me the phone with Windows Mobile 2003 SE. There is a little post it note thing in the box that says:
“Please upgrade to Windows Mobile 5.” with a URL to the download link. It isn’t an extremely easy process.
Have to love how much the telecoms go out of their way to help their customers.
Robert Hruzek said
Hey bj - I’ve always wanted to try New England skiing. Almost made it back when I lived in Richmond, VA.
Mike, a CASTLE? Where was it - northern Italy by chance? That’s where I’d like to see. I’ve been in the Grenoble area, but didn’t make it to the Italian side of those Alps.
bj said
Hey, Liz!
It’s funny, I don’t care for cold . . . unless there are skis on my feet. I remember my son and I forcing one ski area to keep the lift open when we were the only ones left on the mountain skiing during a blizzard. Everyone else was in the lodge. My son was around 5 at the time, skiied without poles. He was funny, used to play air guitar all the way down the mountain at Jack Frost, since they’d play rock ‘n roll from the speakers on the lift towers, shaking his butt, and boogying. I don’t know how he stayed on those skis but he was a better skier at 5 than I’ll ever be.
Nneka said
Robyn, thanks for the invite. All the Aussie bloggers make me so jealous around this time. Forgive my lack of geographical knowledge, but how are the “winters” there?
Robert, a trip around Europe sounds awesome.
BTW, Carnival in Trinidad is in a couple weeks. That would be a fantastic place and fun time in the middle of winter. It would certainly break the routine.
Mike Vizdos said
Robert … It was in Umbria. We did a boatload of daytrips but wow. Amazing.
Monique Attinger said
Hey, Mike (and anyone else who is interested): I’m actually trying to make the insurance blog not just informative but also interesting… With that in mind, I’ve posted a challenge to have folks suggest topics that they think couldn’t possibly be related to insurance (think “clean” so the word filter on the site doesn’t go crazy…) and I’ll write a post that shows a link (nothing too obtuse…) If you are interested in participating, check out the blog and drop me a comment…
Robert Hruzek said
bj - that’s one of the most irritating things about skiing on a family slope (smile) - here I am, doing my best skiing (barely), and then these little kids about three feet tall go zinging right between the legs! None of them have poles, but boy can they shoot down the slope!
Ah, sweet bird of youth!
Mike Vizdos said
Monique — Will do. Hmm… kind of like 6 whatever-they-were-called from Kevin Bacon lol?
Monique Attinger said
Back to vacations… I’ve been to Switzerland a couple of times to visit relatives. What a beautiful and “manicured” looking place. When I was there, I walked down a mountain (wasn’t in good enough shape to walk up!) Would love to spend more time there, but it’s pretty darned expensive. You can ski there too…
Joe said
I don’t know where everyone gets time for all these vacations.
I never even get one in the summertime, let alone the winter, ski, travel to the Bahamas or Australia vacation
Robert Hruzek said
Speaking of boats, has anyone ever taken the boat trip down the Rhine river? I hear it’s a great vacation - no driving, and the scenery comes to YOU!
Monique Attinger said
Joe — you have to take your vacation time! All work and no play… you know
bj said
Robert, New England skiing isn’t like the west coast, but it’s got its own charms.
http://www.sundayriver.com/conditions.html
Sunday River in Maine is one of my faves. MUCH less commercial but an awesome mountain with a very well run ski area. This isn’t one of the big resort type places, it’s a bit more down home and real New England. Definitely not the clip joint mentality here, they take good care of you without breaking the bank. Good restaurants that serve much traditional regional cuisine.
Monique Attinger said
You know — my mom is on a cruise right now, and when she was describing it (lovely ports of call in the Caribbean) it didn’t sound so bad… I like the idea of the scenery coming to me!
Robert Hruzek said
Joe, I’m in the same boat! Yet I’ve lived all over the US and Taiwan, Venezuela, France, Holland and Aruba. My technique is to get a job there (I’m an engineer), and let someone else foot the bill for our travel and expenses. I’m thinking about Scotland now…
Monique Attinger said
Maine is truly beautiful. I’ve never been in the winter, but love the coast in spring, summer or fall.
Mike Vizdos said
Kids out. Gotta jet… {poof}
Joe said
Monique, I would love to, maybe this summer. Possibly in May (Hint Liz).
Monique Attinger said
Actually, I like to let my work take me places too… I’ve seen almost every province in Canada that way, and I’ve been in a lot of places in the US too. (I’m Toronto based.) I got to Australia through a speaking engagement. The only places I’ve paid to see myself were in Europe…
Robert Hruzek said
Monique - about the ONLY time you’d get us on a cruise is for the trip up the Northwest Passage in Alaska. Otherwise, I don’t think I could stand a cruise ship - too crowded.
ME Strauss said
Bj,
That ski story with your son is great one. I’m afraid, I’d still be in the lodge blogging.
bj said
I lived in Northern Maine (Aroostook County aka The County) for three years including winter. It could be scary, but it was wonderful. Winter carnival was awesome. Ice/snow sculptures 30 to 40 feet high on the UMPI campus. And a huge bonfire to stay warm (at least on ONE side!)
ME Strauss said
Monique,
Your word challenge idea is spectacular. We should come up with some here!
Robert Hruzek said
Monique - you paid to see yourself? (grin)
My wife has been to Banff in the summer, says it’s fabulous. Hopefully we’ll make it there again sometime.
Monique Attinger said
Gotta slip out for a bit… My baby daughter needs to get to bed and it’s mom’s job… I’m hoping to be back later!
bj said
Liz, I love you but you’re a wuss. Let’s get you on the slope . . . watch out for that mogul field!
seanrox said
Hi everyone… just wanted to make a quick rock star appearance and say “hello”.
I’m just wrapping up a project, so if I can get it done, I’ll come back for a couple drinks from the sidebar.
Have a good night everyone!
Marti said
I hear ya, Joe. I’ve never been on a ski trip, or a cruise…never even been out of the USA. Lovely to hear about though (sighs dreamily lol)
Jeff Brown said
Need an idea for a four day weekend getaway. I live in San Diego, which eliminates many suggestions.
I’m willing to drive a maximum of 3-4 hours, or fly an hour or two.
This could take place any time after March.
Any suggestions? Thanks
And Liz, the Browns appreciate your efforts more than we can thank you.
seanrox said
Hey, it’s the Bawld Guy on comment #80
Gayla said
Hello from Indiana - home to the Super Bowl bound Colts and a recent 4 inches of snow.
I’m not a fan of cold weather AT all! A few years back I did the cruise thing and was spoiled from that moment on.
I’d love to take a cruise to the Virgin Islands - basking in the sun and sipping on cocoa loco’s.
Joe said
Robert and Monique,
You could actually see it crossing into space…
I’ve been up and down the eastern seaboard in my old job, but it was really difficult to play in Disney World from the office.
BUT, I did get to see the Space Shuttle taking off one time. I was in the office in Orlando and it launched from Canaveral.
Much better view from across the peninsula.
Robert Hruzek said
I’ve been up and down both coasts - remarkable how different they are! Each with their own great stuff, too. Actually, the hardest place to live was, if you can believe it, Aruba. It’s only 6 miles wide and 20 long, so you can see the entire island in an afternoon.
But hey, I’d rather be there than some of the OTHER places I’ve been!
ME Strauss said
Hi Gayla!
Hi Jeff!
Hi Sean!
I check Akismet and the world of the blog changes.
Marti said
Hello Gayla! Congrats to the Colts!
Marti said
Jeff, when we lived in Frisco, we took day trips to Santa Cruz and Monterey - both are lots of fun!
Rick Cockrum said
Hi everyone!
I’ve never been out the U.S., and probably never will get overseas due to an irrational fear of being out of sight of land. Two places that are beautiful in the summer are Florida’s coasts and the Rockies.
When I lived in Florida I loved snorkeling in the springs and chasing the fish.
Joe said
Actually Jeff,
I had a Featured Home Business yesterday that may be just what you need if you like a rustic B&B. http://workingathomeinternet.com/WP/2007/01/22/featured-home-business-fish-creek-house/
It looks like a great getaway in Montana, if that’s close enough for you.
Marti said
For any schizophrenic masochists out there, you can come to Kansas City - great BBQ, fabulous fountains and art museums - horrible weather, interstate hiways from hell
LOL
bj said
Hey, Rick! There’s a way to overcome that fear, you know. It’s called Valium. Wash it down with some champagne and you can fly without the plane . . .
Your other option is South America, via Central America.
Jeff Brown said
Sean - I’m in my office in pause mode - waiting for my IQ to power back up.
Everyone - keep the long weekend get aways coming. Thanks
ME Strauss said
Hi Rick!
Florida and the Rockies are lovely!
Char said
Hi everyone. Anyone have any hot cocoa? It is so cold tonight.
bj said
Anyway, folks, it’s been fun, but I’m trying to avoid the whole repetitive stress thing in my wrist and promised I’d ditch off computers every night by 9 latest. So . . . Good Night!
ME Strauss said
Good night, bj,
Thanks for coming!
No injuries please!
Robert Hruzek said
Marti - I drove through Kansas right after a winter storm had passed through. If I’d been a cat, I’d have lost a few lives for sure! Yikes!
I lost count of the number of cars and trucks that had slid off the road! In fact (I was driving a van) several times the wind blew hard enough to cause the rear van to slid a bit now and then. By the time I got through it I was completely exhausted.
I’ll take Kansas in the SUMMER, thank you very much!
Marti said
Hi Char
Bye bj
Gayla said
Hi Char! Hot Chocolate sounds great. Of course anything to do with Chocolate sounds great!
I’ve always said I could only love my hubby more if he was dipped in chocolate and holding the winning lottery ticket.
Monique Attinger said
I’m baaack….
Liz — I saw that you suggested that we come up with some word challenges for me for my series on my insurance blog… I’m game!
Robert Hruzek said
Monique - tell us more about that…
Rick Cockrum said
Good night, bj.
Hi Char!
I swore off driving west in the winter after a snowstorm chased me home after a Christmas visit to Rockford.
Char said
Hi Marti, Hi Gayla!
We were just at my son’s ice hockey practice and I am cold to the core. Makes me want to go somewhere sunny and warm right now. I’d love to go to the Atlantis resort. Has anyone been?
seanrox said
While everyone is hanging out and enjoying drinks from the sidebar, I was wondering, Do You Speak Body Language?
Monique Attinger said
Okay…
The challenge I put out was for people to suggest topics that they thought “wouldn’t” or “couldn’t” be related to insurance, and I was supposed to write on that topic and how it *is* related to insurance! So far I’ve done:
breastfeeding and insurance
sleep and insurance
american idol and insurance
guns and insurance
Robert Hruzek said
Monique - OK, that explains your website blog. Nice looking site, by the way! I’ll have to read the “sleep” one.
ME Strauss said
Okay Monique,
The words that are bid in our family are
Euclidian Geometry and insurance
sequins and insurance
thixotropic and insurance
Marti said
Kansas in the summer is tornados! LOL Of course there’s the Humidity and Mosquito Festival - that’s always fun.
Kansas City straddles the state line between Kansas and Missouri (like a sumo wrestler - lol) I live on the Missouri side, but yes that last winter storm was a doozy!
Really glad you made it out OK!
Gayla said
Where is that at Char?
ME Strauss said
Hi Char!
I’m ready to go to Atlanta!
Monique Attinger said
Oh my, Liz… You are really going to make me sorry I ever put out this challenge!!!
LOL!
(Where’s my dictionary…?)
Robert Hruzek said
Hey, Monique, and let’s not forget:
Lawn darts and insurance
The Roaming Gnome and insurance
Sushi and insurance
… and that perennial favorite -
belly button lint and insurance
- you had to ask!
Char said
Atlantis is a resort in the Bahamas. My second choice is to visit Vancouver again.
Monique Attinger said
Robert — there are two of us who write for the site, and we’ve both interspersed news related pieces with my series on challenge topics…
By the way, if you submit me a topic, I’ll link back to your blog…
Marti said
Basil the code writing donkey and insurance
lol
Robert Hruzek said
Marti - speaking of tornadoes - I lived for a while in Sherman, Texas, which is right on the Oklahoma line above Dallas. We found out later that the film Twister had some of the actual tornado footage shot just up the road!
ME Strauss said
Oh Monique,
No worries. It would tak all year for you to do all of the ones we could come up with!
Monique Attinger said
Oh no, Marti! First, I’ll have to figure out what / who / where Basil actually is… I’m not sure that I’ve quite figured out exactly how Basil works…!
Robert Hruzek said
All right Liz & everyone, I’m fairly new to Open Mic Nite, so I just gotta ask:
Who the heck is Basil the code-writing donkey?
Monique - you’re going to regret you said that! (mischevous grin)
Marti said
Oh wow Robert! Did that scare you or make you feel like you had Hollywood mojo protecting you?
Monique Attinger said
Belly button lint?!!!!!
You guys are trying to kill me…
Rick Cockrum said
Basil could have all sorts of insurance issues around him.
We saw Twister the first time at a drive-in. It was made much more interesting by watching a severe thunderstorm roll in from behind the screen.
Robert Hruzek said
Marti - actually, that didn’t scare us. Once while living in Austin, Texas, a tornado tracked right at us, lifted off about 500 yards away, dropped back down about 500 yards past us, and kept going.
We were a mite worried
Joe said
Don’t bring up Basil, I feel bad enough.
He got lost somewhere between my house in Pa and Belarus.
I know there is an ocean in between, but the governments got involved and we haven’t heard from him since. ;-(
Marti said
Basil is a question for the mistress of the house. (Meaning I am not real sure myself, I just read it somewhere - lol)
Robert Hruzek said
Rick - that’s exactly how I saw Wolfman and Dracula the very first time! Rather appropriate, wouldn’t you say?
Robert Hruzek said
Monique, I can guarantee I’ll write about you if can meet my challenge!
p.s. I can come up with more if those are too easy…
Sheila at Family Travel said
Yay, I made it! And on a night with a topic close to my heart, even.
Here’s my latest winter travel obsession: parks with cabins built in the 1930s by the govt.-sponsored Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC.)
Many of the sturdy cabins that they built are still in use today and are a great way to visit parks in the winter without dealing with tent stuff.
I wrote a post on my blog about visiting Bastrop State Park, near Austin, and staying in their CCC cabins. Awesome experience.
Marti said
Holy cow, Robert! That IS scary!
I am being summoned to pay attention to the State of the Union speech….sigh
May peace and joy bless all your lives!
Char said
Hi Sheila. Glad you could join us.
Marti said
PS - I LOVE going to the drive in movies!
Monique Attinger said
Robert, you ARE trying to scare me!
I’ll try to tackle one of your extremely creative suggestions, and I’ll link to your blog… When I have, I’ll let you know. I’ll look forward to what you have to say once you see my entry!
Robert Hruzek said
Hey everyone, gotta go! Monique, let me know if you can do it…
Arrivaderchi, ciao, goodbye, etc., Liz & co.
ME Strauss said
Joe,
We’re just going to have to go to Amazon and get a new Basil for the party in May.
Rick Cockrum said
It was definitely appropriate, Robert!
I’m not the mistress of the house, but
Basil works with Ben Yoskovitz of the Instigator Blog and Startup Spark. You can learn about his travels at Where is Basil?
ME Strauss said
Hey Sheila!
Did Jon get in touch with you?
Jon Symons said
No, he’s been too busy
Soon I promise.
Monique Attinger said
I have to go too… but if others want to get in on the challenge, I’ll check back here tomorrow and see if anyone else has come up with some (gulp) creative ideas!
Nice to have met everyone! I’ll look forward to participating again…
Joe said
I don’t know Liz, Ben said that the guy from Belarus received the package (Basil) and was supposed to continue with the expedition. ;-()
It is here, anyway.
If not, I’m sure Fawlety Towers is on PBS somewhere in the US.
cat said
“Where do you want to go for winter vacation?”
Somewhere cold?
(wink) (wink)
Sheila at Family Travel said
Hi Liz, I’m sorry, my brain is Ta-Ta-For-Now’d after working on a Disney travel series this week.
Who’s Jon again?
Rick Cockrum said
Good night Robert, Monique!
Sheila, Lady Glynis likes to stop at one of the remaining Wigwam Village Motel in Kentucky when she goes to Alabama for the Ren Faire.
ME Strauss said
Hi Sheila,
Jon is the guy up in comment 137 who was stuck in Akisment when I was asking about him. I told him you are a great blogger.
Brandon Wood said
Last winter my wife and I spent 2 weeks in Tahiti, and it was hands-down the most relaxing vacation I have ever been on. There was extremely poor internet service there, so I had no choice but to “unplug”, and I’m glad I did.
Rick Cockrum said
Hi cat, almost anywhere in the U.S. would fit your ticket right now. Except Florida. My son said it’s 75 in Sarasota.
Becky McCray said
Hi, Liz! Hi, All!
Can I share my African safari pics? Can I? Huh? Huh? Can I?
Oh, yeah, I just did!
I know, I know. I’m worse than a new grandma with pics to share!
Becky McCray said
Aw, I put a link to my African safari pics, and Akismet ate it!
Becky McCray said
oops! There it is now!
Cat - love the winter vacation comment!
ME Strauss said
Becky,
Safari . . . . So cool!!!
Becky McCray said
Now that I’ve put three comments in a row, I should retire!
cat said
Hi Rick,
Thailand is at the end of ‘winter’ now. We hang around 75 during this time.
It may not seem cool to those who are used to freezing, but when you are here and get acclimatised, around 75 is when you start putting sweaters on and sleeping under comforters.
You can even buy fleece lined jackets in the stores.
Char said
Cat - I could go for 75 right now. I hear Thailand is beautiful.
ME Strauss said
I’ve been fighting off lions and tigers and Akismet all night!
Char said
Liz it sounds like you are ready for a stint under the Big Top!
Chris Cree said
Evening all! My vote is someplace with mountains, snow and chairlifts.
Klondike Bar, anyone?
darrenh said
you’re right, I can’t imagine putting on a sweater at 75
ME Strauss said
That sounds like fun, Char.
I’ll get chair and hold it in front of me and tell Akismet to back off with the spammers!!
Rick Cockrum said
The safari looks so cool, Becky!
I understand about the acclimation, Cat. When I moved back north from Florida it took a long time to get used to the weather again.
darrenh said
I’m a beach person
Char said
Ah, I was waiting for that Klondike bar to go with my hot chocolate. Tuesday nights are not the same with out them.
ME Strauss said
Chris,
I think you’re going to have to bring a truckload of Klondike bars to Chicago in May.
ME Strauss said
Hi Darren!
I’m with you on the beach with a good book and a cold drink.
Joe said
Liz, are you getting a lot of spam comments for a handbag? The have been getting through my Akismet for a couple of days now. It catches most of them, but I am still getting a dozen or so get through.
darrenh said
give me the Outer Banks of North Carolina in June. nice
Chris Cree said
Klondike Bars all around, then!
I figure they go good in the cold and great in the hot summer. An all around perfect treat!
Rick Cockrum said
Hi Chris! No thank you to the Klondike. My granddaughter’s birthday party was yesterday. My ice cream quota is full.
It’s my time to say farewell. Give Aksimet what for, Liz! Thank you all for the visions of non-gray skies.
Sheila at Family Travel said
Rick, thanks for the Wigwam tip. I love funky stuff like that.
My daughter and I are taking a mega-road trip this summer, TX to Chicago and back, and we look forward to seeing some “Roadside America” stuff, including Route 66 and parts of the Chisholm, Pony Express and Santa Fe Trails.
Best part will be (maybe) getting to actually meet Liz in Chicago! Speaking of drinks at the sidebar….woo-hoo.
Trisha said
Sorry I don’t have much time to come around here anymore. I can’t stay too long now either.
Where do you want to go for winter vacation?
Winter vacation? I haven’t gone on any type of vacation for years!
Places we want to go
Disney world, England, China
How to get away from technology - or not
I don’t want to get away from it. I want an iphone
Best places to take the family
don’t know
Best times to travel
whenever I can
How to travel
the best way to travel would be in a TARDIS
Vacations in our imaginations
Galifrey if it wasn’t destroyed already. Or Barcelona, the planet, not the city.
what else did I miss tonight?
Chris Cree said
Hey Rick. I have trouble imagining being ice creamed out…
On the vacation thing I’m coming around to my wife’s philosophy of “live warm, vacation cold.”
Of course I’m usually more open to that approach this time of year when it isn’t so stinking hot around here!
darrenh said
the best way to travel is by car
darrenh said
of course that won’t get you to europe
Becky McCray said
Thanks for the compliment, Rick!
Sheila, you’ll be coming right through Oklahoma!
We have lots of the trails and a huge chunk of Rt 66! Don’t miss the Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Chris Cree said
Can I stray off topic and ask for some help finding some good podcasts to subscribe to?
Becky McCray said
“off topic”?? Can you ever really be off topic on Open Mic Night?
ME Strauss said
You’re right, Becky!
darrenh said
must stay on topic
not
Chris Cree said
Well I (finally) got an iPod and I thought a podcast or two would be just the ticket. But I didn’t much like what I saw at the iTunes store…
Joe said
Hey Chris, it really depends on what you want. Technosailor.com has just started something new you might like (or not).
Ben always has good links to podcasts you might like as well.
Char said
Suffering from lack of sleep and hear my warm covers calling. Good night all - see you next week.
ME Strauss said
Good night,Char!
Chris Cree said
Joe, I put “podcast” in Ben’s search box on the Instigator Blog and got lots of not so much, which surprised me.
I’ll check out Aaron’s podcast.
cat said
Chris,
Are you looking for individual podcasts? Or places with Podcasts?
There are several decent podcast sites around where you search via subject or author.
Chris Cree said
Cat, I was thinking our crowd might be able to point out a few individual gems. But honestly as a complete newbie to the podcast thing I’d be glad to hear about some good directories too.
Sandra Renshaw said
Hi everybody! Wanted to pop in for a short time.
Sandra Renshaw said
Hi Chris,
Have you checked BlogTalkRadio? There are lots of great listens there.
Becky McCray said
Chris, you might stop by Grasshopper New Media. You’ll find several there on different topics, plus GBSBS (which may be making a comeback!) has links to ten contributors’ podcasts. At the risk of playing favorites, don’t miss Heidi Miller’s podcast.
Becky McCray said
Chris, I gave some links (currently awaiting moderation).
ME Strauss said
Hi Sandy!
How do you get to Blog Talk Radio!
Chris Cree said
Becky, I believe you’ve been released from moderation. And thank you. Personally I think favorites were meant to be played. But then who am I to say?…
Wendy Piersall said
I thought we were talking about vaction spots - I showed up with my Jamaica pics and sunscreen and all you guys are talking about is podcasting!
ME Strauss said
Becky,
Could you send those links again. Akismet must have eaten them and I deleted the Akismet stuff. I’m soffy.
darrenh said
well let’s see some Jamiaca
Sheila at Family Travel said
Hey Becky, in fact I just found your small business blog on ProBlogger and noted that you were in Oklahoma.
We are in fact following Highway 81 up from Fort Worth, to retrace part of the Chisholm Trail, and will stop in Duncan OK to see the Chisholm Trail Heritage Ctr. A quick stop overnight in OK City, then part of Route 66 from OK City to Tulsa, then up into Osage Indian country to stay overnight at the CCC cabins in Pawhuska OK at Osage Hills State Park.
Not that I’m a cookin’-with-gas travel planner, or anything!!
And Chris Cree — have you ever tried the York peppermint Klondike Bars? They are EVIL!!
ME Strauss said
Hi Wendy!
Share the pix!!!
Chris Cree said
Liz, Askimet let them out at comment #186. Sorry.
Wendy Piersall said
k - that will take a second because they are tacked up on my wall of fantasies…
Darrenh - LOVE your blog mission - well done!
darrenh said
this was fun I’ll come back again
cat said
Chris, there is a new one - Blog Talk Radio …
Then there’s …
PodcastAlley.com — The place to find Podcasts
PodcastDirectory.com | The big directory
Blog Talk Radio
David Maister: Lessons I’ve Learned — Podcast Archives
I like PodcastDirectory and David Maister …
Chris Cree said
Sheila, they are wondrous. But my favorite is still the black cherry… Mmmm…
darrenh said
thanks much wendy! g’night
Sandra Renshaw said
Hi Liz,
Thanks for asking - here’s the main URL and my favorite - Mike Sansone and ConverStations.
http://blogtalkradio.com/default.aspx
http://blogtalkradio.com/hostpage.aspx?show_id=9294
There’s lots of programs - depends what you’re looking for. I’ve listened to Wayne Hurlbert.
Chris Cree said
Thanks Cat! Now I can fill up my iPod and listen away those dull hours in the car on the job.
ME Strauss said
Good Night! Wendy!
Thanks for coming!
Becky McCray said
Chris, if you want business themed podcasts, look at the reviews on SMBTrend Wire for more gems. (And, you did subscribe to my podcast, right?)
Sheila, that will be a great trip. The Cowboy Hall of Fame is absolutely awesome, in OKC. And Osage Hills State Park is a great place to stay! We’ve camped there several times. The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is nearby, too. (Buffalo!)
Wendy Piersall said
I know - it’s been way too long since I dropped by - but dinner this weekend has inpired me anew…
ME Strauss said
Oh Sandy,
How was your exciting day, today?
Sheila at Family Travel said
Chris, I’ve never even seen the black cherry ones. Drat, that regional marketing stuff.
Did you know that Rick Steves does travel podcasts?
cat said
You are welcome Chris. I have a whole load of podcasts that get sucked in whenever they have more. I just need to find the time to listen to them …
cat said
Heidi,
thank you for your list. I’m always collecting for my resources and we’ve just added podcasting.
Chris Cree said
Becky, you might not believe me when I tell you this, but I promise it is true. Yours was the only one I found and got into my iTunes on my own before I asked the question. And thanks so much for the other links.
I need to run off to Sleep Land right now. But I’ll be back in the early hours to load up on listening pleasure while I bang out some posts.
Y’all are some of the most helpful folks around. Thanks so much!
Wendy Piersall said
Ask and ye shall receive.
Anyone been to this place in Jamaica called Atlantis? I’m just aching to go there!! Is it worth the cost of both the vacation and 5 full airfares?!
cat said
Liz,
Winter vacations - oh my gosh! I almost forgot. I’m taking off for Cambodia the day after tomorrow.
I’ve been waiting since .. forever to see Angkor Wat.
And now it’s finally happening.
But as I haven’t been there before, I cannot actually recommend it to anyone.
Becky McCray said
Chris, I am flattered! Good night!
ME Strauss said
Wendy
That’s a great photo! It’s beautiful!
Joe said
It’s getting to be that time again
to say good night to all my friends
The places that we visited
imagined or inquisited
were all that we hoped they’d be
because dreaming is always free
So good night to all, sleep tight tonight
and dream of vacations with all your might.
Berma Shave
Nite Liz
Nite All
Becky McCray said
Wendy, your photo board is amazing!
ME Strauss said
Good Night, Joe,
Sleepy swell!
Sheila at Family Travel said
Wendy, do you mean the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas? I haven’t been, but Teresa Plowright at About.com’s Travel with Kids has written some stuff about it.
Here’s a link: http://travelwithkids.about.com/cs/sunzonesresorts/a/atlantisresort.htm
Wendy Piersall said
Whoops, you’re right - Thanks Sheila. What a great link!! The place is not only good for kids, but there is a STARBUCKS on the grounds!! I think I’ve died and gone to heaven!
Wendy Piersall said
Thanks Becky - that’s my vision board - all the things I want to do and see this lifetime!
*I still have a ways to go*
Sheila at Family Travel said
Yeah, I used to turn my nose up at all-inclusives. Then I had kids. Whoops, another preconceived notion out the door, just like the one that says you’ll start getting a decent night’s sleep when they’re about 6-8 weeks old. Tip: you’re hosed, for, like, 18 years.
Hold Everything Resorts aren’t for every vacation, but they sure work for some of them.
ME Strauss said
Sheila,
You’re planning my next trip. When am I leaving?
Becky McCray said
Liz, I agree that Sheila sounds like a great travel planner!
I’m going to call it a night.
Great to talk with you again, Liz.
And great to meet some new friends tonight!
ME Strauss said
Hey, Becky,
Thanks for coming. They’re were some lovely folks here. I wish I had more time to play and talk with you all, instead scrapping with the spammers.
You’re the bext!
Sheila at Family Travel said
Liz, you just name the destination, time of year and a couple of things you’re interested in, and I’m all over it like white on rice.
That reminds me of former TX governor Ann Richards (stay with me as we momentarily leap WAY off topic) who described some doofus as “One taco short of a combination plate.”
It was the “white on rice” thing that got me going.
It is obviously bedtime for Bonzo.
ME Strauss said
Hey, I was with you all of the way . . . I remember Ann Richards.
Tell Bonzo to sleep well.
Sandra Renshaw said
Hi Liz,
I was on the phone… Today was very good. Fun, informative to see the hearing in person.
Sandra Renshaw said
I was able to live blog an hour of it until my battery ran out. Then I wrote more this afternoon and posted it later. Got good comments from readers. They like hearing perspective from other than reporters.
ME Strauss said
Sandy,
It sounds like you found something else that you’ve got a passion for!
Francie said
My, so many of you are quite well-traveled. My idea of a fun winter vacation would be to stay right at home.
To have a week (or more) where I could stay tucked in with all of my stuff to myself - books to read, blogs to write, quilts to cuddle under and maybe even nap, long liesurely phone chats, and no schedules to follow. That would be my dream winter vacation!
I am very social, and really need to mix ‘n mingle with people on a regular basis. But, I also relish quiet time to myself to relax, reflect and recharge as a real treat.
Wendy Piersall said
Francie, that’s definitely a rather appealing alternative to the Bahamas!
Sandra Renshaw said
Yes, another passion.
These vacations are sounding really good! I’m ready for relaxing and reading and warmth. Sun and sand sound good. So does a fireplace. I’m looking forward to summarizing this so I can read all the comments.
Goodnight all. See you next week.
cat said
Good Night Sandy
ME Strauss said
Hi Francie! I stay at home too!
Good Night, Sandy!
Wendy Piersall said
Sadly I am too much of a wimp in my old age - I’m headed off to bed - goodnight ya’ll!!
Wendy
ME Strauss said
Good night,Wendy!
Francie said
I do a lot of vicarious vacationing, too. I think sometimes my mind’s eye has more fun than my physical being could ever experience.
Good night everyone!
ME Strauss said
I live in my own mind — Like Lyle Lovett
Good night, Francie!
HART (1-800-HART) said
In January 2001 .. we drove from Winnipeg to Hemet with our dog Maxxie in 2-1/2 days. The google map says it’s 3300km and 31 hour trip. We just went southward thru Kansas, before heading east. 3 weeks later, after our visit in L.A. and Hemet, we took a week long ride up the east coast of Oregon and then up thru Spokane and the Pan Handle .. and that was the scariest drive in my life! It was a freezing rain storm one day, and snow storm the next day, going up into the Rockies and coming into BC by Fernie.
Then - if you can imagine all my driving and speeds including freeways of California .. I got a speeding ticket 2 miles out of Regina, Saskatchewan doing 118km per hour. Those bastards. It’s like one day they wake up and say.. “We need more Donut Money” or something and just stop any car they can.
Sorry I missed this last night Liz! I was in other moments.
Marti said
Thank you for a lovely evening!
Michelle said
Yea I had to go make a run in the car and couldn’t stick around for it. At least I can catch up this morning and see what everyone suggests.
ME Strauss said
Hi HART!!
We missed your stories and you.
Thanks for bringing one back. You’re the best!
ME Strauss said
Marti!
You are most welcome, always!
ME Strauss said
Hi Michelle,
There’s always plenty to read — mind you, it’s a bit of a tangled conversational web.
Steve Remington said
Am I late to the party? LOL
Day late, dollar short…
What To Do With Your 404 Page said
[...]  Synchronicity works. I frequent Open Comment Night at Liz Strauss’ Successful Blog on Tuesday nights. While we talk, we often visit the blogs of participants to see who we’re talking with. This past Tuesday, Brandon Wood was there. While I was at Brandon’s blog I saw a post on Building a better 404 page for Wordpress.In the post Brandon talked about some code that Doug Karr had written to actually do something useful with the 404 page on a Wordpress blog. [...]