Haven't seen him around here for quite a while.

I just hope he's okay!!!

Melody

--I was away at the Orlando Florida theme parks for several days with the family with very limited access to e-mail, let alone Internet boards.

This all happened sort of last-minute, so I neglected to leave a message here pointing out that I'd be away several days (for which I hereby apologize).

My son had more fun than I did; I like thrill rides but have less tolerance for them one after the other than I used to. (My son has no such compunction--maybe I'm just jaded.)

I will say I was very disappointed in SeaWorld, which I remembered with fondness; the whale/sea mammal shows, which used to be more about the natural history of the animals, their training, and the bonds they had with the trainers, have been replaced with glitzy, strobe-flashing, cheesy-music extravaganzas that seem to be trying to out-Cirque de Soleil. It was as if in this era the shows' producers don't think the animals themselves are interesting enough.

Glenn, that was so accurate on the change in focus at SeaWorld!

when we first moved here in 1991, it fast became one of our favorite places and we had Florida resident Season tickets until they started being more about the glitz and dazzle of the performance, rather than the spectacle of nature itself, which IMHO is more than enough.

we live well north of "The Attractions" now and enjoy walks in the Florida woods more than elbow jostling at the parks

Happy New Year to you, and to you and Alan too, Melody, and to all other members here

Cheri

I have to agree with the both of you I go to Florida once a year a
Friend has a codo it is a sad. Happy Holidays to everyone it's
ice and snow,so came home. No place like home,but can't get my
hands warm now...Hugs oh best to Alan Sue

So succinctly worded Glenntaj. Let the show's producers know what you think of their shallow glitzy extravaganza.