The Wind Knows My Name. This is a thought provoking book that covers WWII as well as more recent times…..looking at the challenging and complex issues of immigration and refugee status. Well worth the listen as an audiobook. from Amazon description…..AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR Vienna, 1938. Samuel Adler is five years old when his father disappears during Kristallnacht—the night his family loses everything. As her child’s safety becomes ever harder to guarantee, Samuel’s mother secures a spot for him on a Kindertransport train out of Nazi-occupied Austria to England. He boards alone, carrying nothing but a change of clothes and his violin. Arizona, 2019. Eight decades later, Anita Díaz and her mother board another train, fleeing looming danger in El Salvador and seeking refuge in the United States. But their arrival coincides with the new family separation policy, and seven-year-old Anita finds herself alone at a camp in Nogales. She escapes her tenuous reality through her trips to Azabahar, a magical world of the imagination. Meanwhile, Selena Durán, a young social worker, enlists the help of a successful lawyer in hopes of tracking down Anita’s mother. Intertwining past and present, The Wind Knows My Name tells the tale of these two unforgettable characters, both in search of family and home. It is both a testament to the sacrifices that parents make and a love letter to the children who survive the most unfathomable dangers—and never stop dreaming.

How do you make coconut lime seltzer?

Thanks. I worry about the 4 wheeled ones, esp as often my carry on gets down into the belly of the plane and I worry about the wheels breaking off

What makes it better/easier? I love my Osprey packs.

Great ideas. i just made a mojito with sprite, lime juice, slice of lime, and fresh mint leaves. It is good. Not quite like drinking it overlooking the water at sunset in Cinque Terre, Italy….but pretty good.

Last week in Italy I enjoyed some very nice non alcoholic drinks. I have no issues with casual social drinking but have never been a drinker and with alcoholism super strong in my family, I feel no need to start. That said, my lemon daiquiri and mojito were very good. I would love to make some simple nice drinks here at home. I have also enjoyed non alcoholic margaritas and cherry sours before. I don’t have any “drink” making stuff but do have a blender and most kitchen basics. Any favorites?

Was she happy with it and the process?

My brother passed away last month. I am now looking at headstones but the cheapest ones locally are $1000 and up. Online ones are much cheaper. I just don’t know anyone who has ever ordered one online…..service, quality, etc.

They gave us a pillow but a neck one would have been nice

What I left behind and wished I had…..my neck pillow for my middle of the row seat in the flight from Detroit to Amsterdam.

I love Traverse City área. Ds is from the tribe just north of there so we visit often.

I have the flex dry on the fly hiking pants but they are from last year and too big. I need to get there and get some new ones but the store is a ways away. I do love them though.

I am heading to Italy in the morning. Then a friend is invited me to drive with her to the east coast 4 times this spring to watch her Naval Academy senior on the crew team. I those to do at least 2 of those trips as I have never been to the east coast. Family trip to Mackinac Island in June. Visiting friends in Atlanta in July (I did not pick the time of year). Backpacking in August. I hope to get in several smaller backpacking trips as well. And Lots of hiking. I live a very frugal life, but enjoy traveling and am blessed that none of these trips require me to pay for lodging or transportation once I get there.

Passport is on 5 different lists. Getting that out soon.

Is it called just Translate? I looked at apps and several with that name came up

I am trying to make each item mix and match…..I told my friend I am doing the adult version of Garanimals clothes. And things that can be layered or used for lounging and sleeping, etc. My vacation pictures might have me all in the same 3 shirts but ……

I figure if I have my own shoes that fit well and have my orthotics and my meds I can borrow or buy anything else.

Good points. I have usb charger and charging bank. My friend has laundry for us at her house . I will message her and ask about the pillow and blanket on the flight. I don’t want to haul extra stuff with me but a pillow and blanket would make the 7 1/2 hour flight much better. I am looking for hiking type pants but I leave tomorrow and my weight loss means none of the hiking clothes I own fit….. and I don’t have much time to go from store to store today.

Do all flights to Europe have the blankets? We are flying Delta. We have the economy seats.

Great ideas. I am staying with a friend so will have a built in translator and house to stay in. blanket for the plane is a great idea: need to find that small one we got on a different plane trip and pack that. Snacks is a good idea as well as we have an Air bnb in Cinque Terre and have to walk a ways to find food. OTC meds are in my list and I have 2 adapter plugs.

Too chilly right now for that concerns. Highs will be 60°F

Taking my puffy packable jacket. And I bought a good rain coat today….so hopefully then we won’t have rain every day.

I will be taking my hiking shoes and tennis shoes but blister care is a good ideas

I am headed to Turin Italy soon and then 3 days/2 nights in Cinque Terre (Corniglia). My goal is to pack as light as possible. I will have access to laundry. What are some things that are a must have for travel in Europe/Italy? What might I really want with me but not be thinking of? All of our actives will be very casual where jeans, tennis shoes and a sweater will be plenty dressy. My only other international trip was Cancun to an all inclusive so that doesn’t really count.

Congratulations