USS Harry S. Truman CVN75

Catsmom.....yeah...my son is so happy, so content and lilving a life he always dreamed of, for sure.  I was surprised he married but he sure picked a wonderful woman.  They are like peas in a pod....ha/

I will post pictures when I get home.....taking lots of them; it's hard NOT to...so much beauty. "Winter Weather" here is perfect...temps in the high 70's-low 80's and down into the 60's at night with the tradewinds and low, low humidity.  Gets unbearable (for me) in the summer months...humidity so darned high.....  My son and his wife walk around at night in SWEATERS AND T SHIRTS.....ha....I'm like in tropical mood and clothing......

GrandmaBarB sounds like you are having a wonderful time with your son.  I would take him up on the offer and move closer to him.  God and family is everything to me.  

Gaisey my daughter sent me the same poem this morning via email.  Of course I was crying right off the first paragraph.  What a way to start my day.  I can't wait to hear her voice  soon, I haven't got to hear it since right before Thanksgiving. wink

GrandmaB: Lucky, lucky you! Enjoy your tropical vacation, your time especially with your son and new daughter-in-law. It ALL sounds so very wonderful! I was set to go to Hawaii In Feb. years ago but a very serious accident be-fell my son-in-law, who since passed 3 years after that original accident due to a seizure attributed back to that original accident and head injury. I am glad I chose not to go cuz my daughter and my now 14 year old grandson (he was 2 at the time) needed me and my husband more at the time. I figured at some other point in my life I will hopefully still make that trip. Anyhow, (not to be such a downer to your wonderful trip),  I say pack up your bags and MOVE! Sounds wonderful to be able to LIVE there! I am so JEALOUS! Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy!

Sharon, Have you tried contacting the local TV station to see if they will give you info on her first? Maybe if you explained they would and /or may be willing to do a story on you too concerning this. Seems to me that may be a quicker way to go about  this. Not sure if they will give you her personal info. or not, and you may have already tried this, but it's a suggestion...
Now do I get my massage!?!

sharoncede: If I thought someone else on the ship was from my area I would want to try to contact them too. I completely understand. Hope you do find them. Keep working on it. That would be pretty cool.

Dragon7: I looked and loved the jewelry, but am tapped out $$$$ for Christmas at this point in time and cannot afford to do so. Will keep them in mind though for when I have some $$$$ to spend again though. Like their jewelry!

sharoncede, my son is aimd. I wonder if our guys know each other.

send me her name and I will ask my daughter to check also, but FB seems like a great start! have a good day ladies:)

sharoncede: You go girl! Should have been a detective! I am SURE you will crack this case! lol

sharoncede: I COMPLETELY Understand and can relate!

Carolanne....I'm a lucky woman, no doubt.  I have missed by son so much even though he came home to NJ a coupld times a year.  When home, he had so many people to visit; relatives, his Dad and Step dad, friends, aunts, uncles and things he wanted to do.  He was raised a city boy and sometimes misses Philly and the whole city thing so when he's home, he clories in it....ha....  He also misses the great food, so he eats like a pig when home.  But, it's not the same as spednding days with him...laughing, talking, remembering and especially the hugs......,ha....

Moving here would work.  I do love NJ and the access to so much...heck, I even love the weather and aggravation.....but....at my age, I don't get out and "tear up the town" like I used to.  Am giving it serious though....I know he'd love me to be closer and the thought of seeing him regularly is a big draw....

We'll wee.

I know you'll make it here.....when you come, you are going to be amazed at this state......

Coach Sheila....I am seriously considering it.  I'm such a "city girl" and love being next door to Philly and Atlantick City....2 hours from New York, couple hours from Baltimore and Washington...the ocean, mountains, etc.  But, heck, I'm about to turn 73 next week and am no longer the "party girl" dashing about and clubbing til all hours of the night.  My late night activity is more geared to a good book or a fabulous movie on TV....ha. 

I'm seriously considering it, however.  Home is where the heart is...and my heart is always with my kids.....

Gaisey.....I can already tell if I moved here, I wouldn't get much "done".  I can't seem to tear myself away from the lanai here at my sons house.  He is elevated a little in Wailuku where he lives...and the view from the lanai is of the Haleakala volcano to my east, the west Maui Mountains to the west...and before me is the Pacific, the harbor and a most beatiful sky.  Birds of every sort are entertaining me....quiet, peaceful....delightful weather with a trade wind that seems to blow all the time.  Heck, I'm about ready to don a grass skirt, put flowers in my hair and start entertaining tourists.....ha.....

GrandmaB: I think you should just sit there and write a book or two about your past exploits. I am sure that could be a best seller! Thanks for your words of encouragement!

Gaisey: How nice for you a long letter AND presents too! My heart goes out to all our sailors. Every time I hear something like this I just feel so sorry for them all alone on the Holidays far away. Sigh! My son did tell me that they had a lot of fun activities planned for them. I am sure they will try to make it as special for them as they can.

Gaisey: How cool! I would be hugging that stinky shirt too-don't blame you. Would love to see his picts too if you feel like posting them.

So happy for you Gaisey!!!

Hi ladies, another question on how to ship my care package.  I felt unsure even after being helped at the post office by a nice man, but one who I felt we weren't understanding each other.  I know I need a custom form and have some, however my confusion is do I send using the Priority mail boxes (if it fits, it ships for one price), or another type?  It looked like the pricing to ship internationally was almost $60, so that made me wonder if there's not a better/cheaper option.  Forgive me for more questions on this topic, I'll get it and will be glad to finally send a package to my son.  Thanks

Gaisey and Coach Shelia  I went to my local post office and they gave me a case of the large flat rate boxes there was 25 boxes in it  plus a roll of tape. so i just take one out when I need it  makes it nice to have that many here at home. i know i will use them all but that big roll of tape will last forever  everyone have a great day

Catsmom - I bought the cupcake mix at Walmart and there is a Smore's icing that comes with it too. Probably not the healthiest, but sweet and marshmallow center is yummy..

I also bought 1lb Hershey bars and a bag of marshmallows that went in the box too. I am a theme sort of packer...

I like the idea of the noise makers and hats.. wish I had thought of that before I shipped the New Years package.  I packed candy and snacks with confetti. 

Been so very busy friends!!!   Hope you all are doing well!!!  I'm noticing chocolates being sent   is it ok to send it now without it melting and wondering for how long without it melting on our Sailors?

My son just received his travel itinerary from Norfolk to the HST. How / when will I find out where to send care packages?

Tammy Jo - congrats on your phone call! 

YAY!!!!!  Tammy Jo!!!  So Happy for you!!   My Sailor did email me today she said she may not call on Christmas because she will be crying to much and won't be able to talk through all her tears.  Sure brought and is bringing tears to my eyes this very minute.       As hard as it is for us so very Proud mamas I can only imagine how hard being away is on our children.   Merry Christmas and Huge Huge Hugs to everyone!!!!