Okay, okay, I know I’m not in Europe yet, but I thought you guys might like to know what’s been going on behind the scenes in the “planning stage.”

     On January 30^th, we went to the post office to submit five separate passport applications. I already have my passport with my own gruesome Kinko’s photo, but the rest of the family needed them. We managed to successfully befuddle the postmaster who had the – errm – delightful task of stapling five individual sets (birth certificates, social security identifications, passport photos, passport applications, checks, etc.) in their required places. The passports should arrive in three to six weeks. Don’t quote me on that one.

     Still working on planning the circuitous route we will be taking through Europe. We'll be renting houses in several different central locations, then taking day trips from these 'hubs.' We will also be leasing a van – though we won’t have for the entire time; it’s a six (?) month lease for a seven (?) month trip. If you want a copy of our ‘schedule,’ you can email me: aol.com">goldmeg89@aol.com.