I'm most definitely exhausted today. Just got back from my only vacation this summer. Since Wednesday, I've been down in Columbia, MO visiting some really close family friends who have a farm down there. It'* so incredible there, I didn't want to leave. I've always tried to go at least once a year, except I've kinda missed a few in between this and my last visit. See, my last visit was about 12 years ago. OOPS! Ah well, all'* forgiven with a few drinks and several laughs. The only bad part about the whole thing was the 7 hour train ride there and vice-versa. Even the 6-mile float trip down the Meramec River was spectacular, even though it claimed mine and 2 other members' sunglasses after sneak attacks. After all of that, I would want nothing more than to move down there somewhere. Granted everything is at very least 30 minutes away, I wouldn't have to deal with rice burners and noisy neighbors. Just thought I'd share

Sounds like a nice place. You may end up living there someday. I never ever thought I'd move from Chicago but 8 years ago I moved and only go back for visits. I haven't been back in 2 years but am heading that way for a wedding in August. I just hate the long *** drive along I-57. Once we hit Kankakee we know it'* not much further.

Oooh...nice. I love getting away like that. My in-laws' family owns a cottage/camp on Sebago Lake in Maine...the most peaceful place I have ever been. The week or so we get to go there every summer is some of the best times we have all year. I spend the whole time hanging in a hammock on the beach, swimming, kyaking, jet-skiing, having nightly cookouts and bonfires with the entire extended family, and taking trips on the Boston Whaler out to the island in the middle to get ice cream. Occasionally we also take a trip out to the coast to a friend of the family'* massive beachside home for home made lobster rolls made from the lobster we watch him pull in from his own traps. I can't wait to go this summer...hopefully soon.