Travel

• Vacationing with the Grandchildren...at Home
• Grandkids and Traveling, Part III: At the Amusement Park
• Grandkids and Traveling, Part II: Tips for the Hotel
• Grandkids and Traveling, Part I: Traveling by Air
• Summer Camp with Your Grandchild
• Fun Places to Go with Children
• Visit a Children's Museum with the Grandkids
• Travel with Your Grandchildren
• A House in the Country
• A Fun Time in the City For You and Your Grandchildren

Vacationing with the Grandchildren...at Home

This promises to be one of the most challenging summers for Grandboomers when it comes to vacationing with their grandchildren. With the state of the economy, the volatile financial markets, the high cost of gasoline, food and other staples, taking the grandchildren on vacation this year probably poses a challenge.

Grandboomers recommends you continue to spend vacation time with the grandchildren, but look for opportunities closer to home. Here are some of ideas:

Outdoors

If camping is something you like to do, there may be a wooded state or community park near you that allows overnight camping. Look into the need for a permit and pitch your tent in a "wilderness" that's close to home. If the park is within a reasonable distance from your home, you might add a hike into the plan by backpacking everything you need and walking from your home to the tent site. If you know other grandparents who want to save some money this summer, see if they want to join your expedition and you can form your own camping group.

Check your local community for pools and other outdoor facilities. Many communities offer special programs free or at a discount to residents. The same is true of YMCAs, YWCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs and other such organizations. If there's a lake in your area, boating and swimming may be available there.

Visit a farm. Even if you live in the city, there's probably a farm within an hour of your residence. Today, many are open to the public and give your grandchildren the chance to see livestock up close and personal. Hayrides and other farm activities are usually offered at nominal cost. Perhaps it's an agricultural farm where they can learn where they can see how vegetables and grains are cultivated and grown.

Visit a city. If you live in the suburbs of a large city, take the grandchildren into the city. Even a day of just walking around provides good exercise and lots of sights to see. Remember, take the bus or other public transportation from your home and save on parking and gasoline. Before you go, check online or with the city for a listing of events. Many are free.

Take me out to the ballgame. There's nothing like an afternoon or evening at the ballpark and minor league or semi-pro teams provide all the excitement of a major league game at a small fraction of the cost of the big leagues.

Indoors

Grandboomers has discovered a gem of a recommendation for you. Chances are you live reasonable close to a college or university. Grandboomers has had excellent success getting on the email lists of local schools for programs they offer that are open to the public. These are not academic programs (which also also may be available), but they are free or discounted events on campus that range from live entertainment including plays and groups, to art shows, craft fairs and more.

If it's too hot to be outside, check with local movie theaters and see if they are offering any summer packages that discount the cost for grandparents with grandchildren.

Contact your local library. If it's anything like the one near me, they have a wealth of summer programs that keep kids (and you) cool while you have fun.

That gives you some ideas for starters. Don't forget about having a barbeque in your own backyard. Let the children help, but remember all the cautions regarding hot grills.

If you have any ideas we can add to these suggestions, send them along to letters@grandboomers.com and have a great summer with the grandchildren.

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Grandkids and Traveling, Part III: At the Amusement Park

Amusement parks like Disney and Busch Gardens are popular destinations for Grandboomers to take their grandchildren. The expressions on the faces of little ones is priceless and a good time will be had by all. To insure all goes well, here are a few tips based on information available on the Disney web site.

Prepare for your visit to the amusement park by protecting yourself from the sun. You can get sunburn even on a hazy day. The Disney site notes that on average, children get three times more sun exposure than adults. Ever notice how much faster you bake at the beach? That's because concrete, sand and water...and snow...reflect 85-90% of the sun's UV rays.

Before you leave for the park, create a plan of which rides and shows to see first. Be sure to include the kids in the planning. It will add to the excitement and also tip you off if there may be something they may feel is too frightening for them. Further, once you're inside the park, be sure to check with the child before boarding any rides, or taking in any events that the child is concerned about doing or seeing. Absolutely never force a child to participate if they don't want to.

Still in preparation for your excursion, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, sunglasses and hats, bring sunblock, check the park's opening and closing times. And here's one to remember: many rides at these parks include being doused with water. Bring towels and/or a change of clothes for these rides.

Work out a plan so your grandchild knows how to contact you if they are lost. IMPORTANT: Put a note in his/her pocket with phone numbers and contact information. Designate a meeting place in case someone gets lost.

Once you're inside the park, emphasize the following ride safety procedures:

• No pushing
• Always stay behind the loading safety lines
• Hands and feet stay inside
• Never stand up on the seat
• Stay with your group
• Hold onto your gear

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Grandkids and Traveling, Part II: Tips for the Hotel

With the summer season upon us, Grandboomers will offer a number of tips on traveling with grandchildren. The first article, posted below, is Traveling by Air. In this article, we discuss tips for the hotel.

Recently, we stayed at a hotel that included recommendations for family safety. We thought it was good information and will pass it along to you. In addition to their advice, we've added some from our own observations.

• Small children should always be attended and supervised by an adult as they walk through the hotel. You should hold the hand of the child, especially while riding on escalators and walking stairways.
• Your grandchild should never be left alone in the hotel room.
• Be sure to monitor what a child is viewing on television. Some hotels may offer adult fare.
• If your room has a coffeemaker, microwave, iron, hair dryer or other electrical items, be sure to supervise their use and tell the child to stay away from them unless you are there.
• Keep the mini-bar locked and the key out of reach.
• Be cautious about rooms with sliding glass doors that exit onto hotel grounds or to a balcony. Keep the door locked and secured unless you are there to supervise the child. Remember, the child may open the door and step out, only to have the door lock behind them.
• At the pool, see if rules permit diving. If so, be sure to stay away from that area. For general safety, this is not the case at many hotels. Caution children not to run around the pool. Bring flipflops or other footwear for walking through the hotel after your swim. Note that lobby floors may be slick when you walk on them with wet footwear.
• Many hotels offer buffet breakfasts. Be sure to stay with your grandchild throughout the food selection process. Do-it-yourself wafflemakers and toasters can burn. As can hot coffee, and chafing dishes. These areas are often congested. It's easy for an adult with a tray not to see a small child and an accident could occur.
• Here's another observation that we feel strongly about. Take only what you will eat. With all the want in the world, it's disturbing to see small children (yes, and their grandparents) with plates overflowing with food...only to see everyone leave mostly full plates on the table as they exit. Waste not, want not, is a good lesson to teach your grandchildren.

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Grandkids and Traveling, Part I: Traveling by Air

OK, Grandboomers, the rules for traveling with children have changed. As Transportation Security Administration rules and regulations get tighter, it will save you time and problems if you know what's acceptable and what to expect when a Grandboomer is taking grandchildren on a flight.

First and foremost, the TSA has to screen everyone, regardless of age (even babies), before they can go through the security checkpoint.

They will not ask you to do anything that will separate you from the child or children.

Security Officers are specially trained to understand your concern for the children and will approach your children gently and treat them with respect. If your child becomes uncomfortable or upset, security officers will consult you about the best way to relieve your child's concern.

Here are the TSA procedures for the screening process and some additional travel tips:

At the X-Ray

• All carry-on baggage, including children's bags and items, must go through the X-ray machine. Examples include: diaper bags, blankets, and toys.
• All child-related equipment that will fit through the X-ray machine must go through the X-ray machine. Examples include: strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats, backpacks, and baby slings.
• When you arrive at the checkpoint, collapse or fold your child-related equipment. Secure items that are in the pockets, baskets, or attached to the equipment and place it on the X-ray belt for inspection. Plastic bins are provided to deposit such items.
• If any of your child-related equipment does not fit through the X-ray machine, security officers will visually and physically inspect it.
• Ask a Security Officer for help gathering your bags and child-related equipment, if you need it.
• NEVER leave babies in an infant carrier while it goes through the X-ray machine. <
  
  

• If the child can walk without your assistance, TSA recommends that you and the child walk through the metal detector separately. If you are carrying the child through the metal detector and the alarm sounds, Security Officer will have to additionally screen both you and the child.
• Remove babies and children from their strollers or infant carriers so that Security Officers can screen them individually.
• You may not pass the child to another person behind you or in front of you during this process.
• Do not pass your child to a Security Officer to hold. A Security Officer may ask for your help screening your child.
  
  

• Please allow yourself and your family extra time to get through security, especially when traveling with younger children.
• Call your airline or travel agent for their recommended check-in times for your departure airport.
• Talk to children before you come to the airport and let them know that it's against the law to make threats such as, "I have a bomb in my bag." Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can delay the entire family and could result in fines.
  
  

• Speak to the children again about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Remind them not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives.
• Tell the children that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out at the other end and be returned to them.
• Let the children know that a Security Officer may ask to see your shoes, but that you will get these back as well.
• You may want to consider asking for a private screening if you are traveling with more than one child.
  
  

• Baby formula and breast milk are allowed in your carry-on baggage or with personal items. You can take these through the security checkpoints and aboard your plane. However, you must be traveling with a baby or toddler.
• If you’re not traveling with a baby or toddler, any formula or breast milk you’re carrying must meet the requirements for carrying liquids, gels and aerosols (3-1-1). This is the 3-1-1 regulation: All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers.
• Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
• Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
• These rules apply except for for prescription and over-the-counter medicines, baby formula and breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols.
• All items including formula or breast milk will be inspected, however, you or the baby or toddler will not be asked to test or taste breast milk or formula. Our Security Officers will not test or taste formula or breast milk.

If your grandchild has a disability or medical condition, please read the TSA's separate section on traveling with Children with Disabilities Children with Disabilities.

Remember, all of the above steps are being taken so you and your grandchildren will have a safe trip.

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Summer Camp with Your Grandchild

It's the time of year when parents are looking into summer camps -- day camps and sleep away -- for their children. But now there's something new in summer camps...grandparents and grandchildren camping together. As we Grandboomers approach retirement age...yes, it's true...we have more time and funds available to enjoy this type of arrangement.

Don't kid yourself, there's a lot more involved than just jumping into the car with your grandchild(ren) and heading off to a lakeside resort. Can you hold up for a day or two in a strange envrionment? Are you physically ready for the challenge? Does the child want to go to camp... and go to camp with you?

Once you decide it's a good thing to do, you have to look around for a camp that has programs that interest all of you. At this time, the list of grandparent/grandchild camps is minimal. To give you an idea about these camps, we've included activities and information on a couple below, but please note, we have no experience with either and what we have provided is informational only and not a recommendation.

You should make camp arrangements with the same thoroughness as you would any other purchase. A lot of research helps. Ask them to send you brochures or a DVD. Ask about accreditation, health care and safety precautions. You might want to check on menus to see that it contains items you and your grandchildren like to eat or can eat safely. Be clear on rates and the possibility of refunds in the event you need to cancel.

Here are two grandparent/grandchildren camps we found online. Their programs give you an idea of what's available, and their cost.

 
Sagamore is in New York state, about an hour and a half from Utica and two hours from Albany.

P.O. Box 40
Raquette Lake, NY 13436
Phone:(315)354-5311
Fax:(315)354-5851
E-mail: sagamore@telenet.net

Current Programs being presented:

A Grand Weekend (Jul 14 - Jul 16)

$335 per Grandparent; $235 per child. Instructors: Nancy Sue Foltz & Sagamore Staff Schedule: Check-in 4pm Friday; Check-out 10am Sunday

What's Included: Double occupancy room(s) for two nights; family-oriented outings & crafts with staff; Historic Walking Tour of Great Camp Sagamore; all Meals from Fri. dinner - Sun. breakfast This two-night program will concentrate on hikes, music or crafts and give you a taste of the weeklong program. Recommended for children 6-11.

A non-refundable deposit of $84 per grandparent and $59 per grandchild is required. Full payment for this week is due on March 1st, 2005. Grandparents may bring more than one child per adult, so long as they feel they can manage the added responsibility.

This is one sample program. Inquire directly from them about others.

 
The Grandkidsandme Foundation operates Camp Icaghowan, a YMCA Accredited Facility, located on a 120-acre island peninsula, 75 miles from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport near Amery, Wisconsin.

The Grandkidsandme Foundation
1764 Hampshire Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55116
Phone: (651)695-1988

This their seventh year of Grandkidsandme Grandparent Camps. Grandkidsandme Camp is a weekend adventure for grandparents of all ages and for grandchildren between 4-12.

According to their website: "Grandkidsandme Camps improves communication and bonding between grandparent and grandchild. Children learn independence and exposure to other children and adults. Grandparents acquire new skills from camp instructors. other grandparents as well as the children. Enjoy private time with your grandchildren in a peaceful, pristine environment-away from TV, away from headphones, telephones and video games. Our weekends are timed to not interfere with school. We begin with registration at 4:00 on Friday afternoon and conclude by 12:00 on Sunday."

Activities

Spring and fall outdoor activities include canoeing, a nature scavenger hunt and camp fires. Our indoor activities include, a Hoe-down with live music, Grandparent Tips, story telling, songs, craft making and many children's games.

Accommodations

All facilities are modern. The sleeping accommodations are new dormitories with bunk beds. You provide your own sleeping bag. We encourage you to share a room with another couple of the same sex to build friendship and bonding. Baths and showers are private and nearby. We have a large meeting room where we will host all indoor activities.

Pricing

$250.00 per adult; $225.00 per child; $205.00 per child for groups of 4 or more. The Grandkidsandme Foundation provides scholarships to families who require financial assistance to attend.

 
Grandparents and grandchildren going to camp together will be a growing industry as Grandboomers continue to age and our grandchildren grow. Grandboomers.com is interested in your experience. If you do decide to attend a camp with your grandchildren this summer, let us know how it went. What did you enjoy best? How did you make your choice? Would you do it again at the same or another camp? And, are there any pitfalls Grandboomers should watch for?

Email us: letters@grandboomers.com

 
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Fun Places to Go with Children

One of the nice things about being a Grandboomer is that you get to take your grandchildren "places." New adventures. There's an old movie called Auntie Mame. She was the type of person whom any kid would want for a grandparent ... always taking her nephew on glorious adventures. You can be that type of grandparent to your grandchildren. And, it can be near your home.

Chronicle Books, a California publishing company, recently provided Grandboomers with two of their books on Fun Places to Go with Children. One covers the New England states. Each state is covered from border to border, so finding something in your area should be easy. While many well-known locations are mentioned, such as public parks, beaches, and museums, readers will find some of those off-the-beaten-path places to visit that are real finds. For example, how about an afternoon at a buffalo farm in Durham, New Hampshire, or picking apples at an orchard in Ipswich, Massachusetts.

Attractions aren't limited to watching. There are plenty of hiking trails, places to swim, kayak, and play sports (or watch teams that do). And, when you've all worked up a hearty appetite, the book also recommends some child-friendly restaurants.

A second offering suggests places to go in Northern California. The California Gold Rush left a lot of mines for youngsters to investigate, not to mention natural caves and caverns. For the more urban minded, there are 83 pages of things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area. California's rich Native American history also offers a wealth of historically significant places to visit. With more than 350 listings, you're certain to find something that interests everyone involved. Addresses and contact information are included, but it is always wise to call ahead and make certain of times and admission costs (where applicable).

You can order either of these books from Amazon.com:

	Fun Places to Go with Children in New England by Diane Bair and Pamela Wright Order here: Fun Places to Go with Children in New England
	Fun Places to Go with Children in Northern California by Elizabeth Pomada Order here: Fun Places to Go with Children in Northern California

 

If the areas covered by these books are not close to you, there may be something in your area that provides similar information. Authors and publishers who have similar books should email us at letters@grandboomers.com and we'll list your publications as well.

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Visit a Children's Museum with the Grandkids

It's the time of year when activities move indoors for many of us. The grandchildren are just as energetic, but the cold weather in most parts of the country can limit their time outdoors.

It’s a good time to take the grandkids to a museum devoted to children, complete with hands-on activities that provide mental and physical exercise. Grandboomers has compiled a cross-country list to get you started, but check your local area for the museum closest to you.

Brooklyn Children's Museum
145 Brooklyn Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11213
718-735-4400

This museum, founded in 1899, claims to be the world's first children's museum. Its teaching collection includes exhibits about cultural history, natural history, and technology. It houses a greenhouse, a steam engine, and a gristmill. There are more than 50,000 items on display.

Children's Museum of Boston
Museum Wharf
300 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02210
617-426-6500

This museum was founded in 1913. It’s nestled at the foot of the Charles River and is convenient to major highways. Indoor parking is available. There are interactive games, toys, and many educational exhibits. Be sure to see what’s playing at their IMAX theater. The Exhibit Center features participatory and viewable exhibitions on child development, natural history, science and technology, careers, handicaps, and cross-cultural understanding. More than 10,000 books, games, and other items are available in their Resource Center.

The Children’s Museum of Cleveland
10730 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
216-791-7114

The Children’s Museum is the only institution in Cleveland completely dedicated to the overall development of young children through multicultural programming. In its seventeenth year of operation, the Museum continues in its mission to provide exhibits and programs that enhance child development. Kidsize education shopping malls and farm exhibits are a must.

The Children’s Museum of Denver
2121 Children’s Museum Drive
Denver, CO 80211
303-433-7444

The Children's Museum of Denver offers a variety of exciting playscapes designed to be "Just My Size" for children from newborn through age eight. These play areas and exhibits engage children physically at the same time as they stimulate their minds and imaginations.

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317-924-5437

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis features a series of areas providing games and activities for K-2, 3-5 and 6-8 categories so children play and learn with their peers. Founded in 1926, the museum also boasts a collection of more than 100,000 artifacts.

The Children's Museum of Manhattan
212 West 83rd Street
New York, NY 10024
212-721-1223

Relatively new at 25 years of age, this museum features hands-on exhibits related to science, nature, and art. Children can create their own television programs in the museum's media and performing arts center. Other activities include paper making, painting, drawing, and creating postage stamps.

Connecticut Children’s Museum
Children’s Building
22 Wall Street
New Haven, CT 06511
203-562-5437

Housed in a historic building adjacent to downtown New Haven, the museum consists of eight rooms representing different ways people learn. Note that this museum is open only Friday and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

Eugene Field House and Toy Museum
634 South Broadway
St. Louis, MO 63102
314-421-4689

Founded in 1936, this museum is housed in the birthplace of Eugene Field. It contains a collection of antique toys and dolls, along with a library on the works of Field.

Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum of Albuquerque
1701 Mountain Road NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
505 224 8300

Over 250 interactive science, technology and arts exhibits for all ages, including an experiment bar, an arts and crafts area, a high-wire bike and a robotics lab. Visitors can also discover a new way of looking at the performing arts in the Explora Theater.

The Exploratorium
3601 Lyon Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-563-7337

Founded in 1969, this museum is housed in the Palace of Fine Arts, and offers 500 participatory exhibits and art works illustrating the physical nature of the world and how we perceive it.

Garden State Discovery Museum

2040 Springdale Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
856-424-1233

This museum offers 15 kid-powered interactive exhibits for infants through age 10. Numerous career-related exhibits help kids explore what they want to be when they grow up.

Kidspace -- A Participatory Museum
390 South El Molino
Pasadena, CA 91101
213-449-9143

Kidspace offers creative learning for children. Youngsters operate cameras in a mock television studio and broadcast from a radio booth. Be sure to stop by the robot and have a conversation.

Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago
165 Green Bay Road
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-512-1300

The Kohl Children’s Museum’s mission is to integrate play and learning through an environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and self discovery. Their fun and interactive exhibits reflect different learning styles and are fun for children through age eight.

Los Angeles Children's Museum
310 North Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-687-8801

Children participate in a variety of activities at this museum in such places as Sticky City, with giant foam blocks for construction fun; City Streets, with city vehicles and street signs; TV Studios, where children create their own news broadcasts; and Workshop Place, which fosters creativity in arts and crafts.

National Children's Museum
800 Third Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-543-8600

Founded in 1974, this museum was formerly the Capital Children's Museum. It’s facilities include a living room, a metric exhibit, a simple machines display, a computer classroom, a communications exhibit, and a futuristic center.

Please Touch Museum
210 North 21st Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-963-0667

The Please Touch Museum actually issues a children's newspaper and offers special exhibits on cultural artifacts of daily life, folk art and sculpture, natural science, technology, musical instruments, games, registered toys, costumes, masks, foot gear, and hats.

If you have a children’s museum near you that we should add to this list, please email us here at Grandboomers.

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Travel with Your Grandchildren

In years past, a home consisted of three generations (sometimes even four) of family. The live-in grandparents had daily exposure to grandchildren and served as educators and role models, passing along family history and values.

Times have changed and today's Grandboomer is an independent person, most likely living some distance from the grandchildren. Time spent with grandchildren is measured in hours rather than years. But, there is a way to spend quality time with your grandchild(ren) that can be very rewarding for all of you. Take a trip together.

Travel with your grandchildren is not a simple undertaking. It's important to plan the trip so it's enjoyable for everyone. Here are some tips:

• Before you start out, be sure you understand any and all special needs the children may have. This goes for medications, diet, rest, etc. A long talk with the parents is in order.
• Use the age of the children to determine the length of the trip. The younger the child, the shorter the trip. However, since this is to be extended time...the shortest trip should be a week.
• The above yardstick should also be used to determine the distance you travel. You don't want to spend all your time getting to and from your destination.
• As soon as you arrive, call the parents and let the children speak to them. It's reassuring for everyone. The children may want to phone home daily to talk about their adventures. This is a very positive thing to encourage.
• When planning your itinerary, consider the ages of everyone involved and plan accordingly. Remember, this trip is primarily for bonding, so activities should be enjoyable for all.
• Pack some first aid items. This includes such items as a washcloth and some TP.
• Let the children bring favorite toys...from stuffed animals to Gameboys.
• Don't try to do too much in a day. You may not be up to the activities, and the kids will get cranky when overtired.
• Here's a very important tip for a successful trip. The children will enjoy the trip more if events take place at their pace. Let them determine how long you visit a site. If they say, can we leave now, take that as gospel that they've had enough of that venue. It's time to leave. If there's more you want to see, consider coming back another time on your own.
• This is a fun time. If rain, sickness or some other inconvenience interrupts your schedule, have or make an alternate plan. Be upbeat. If you start to get down, the kids will pick up on it immediately and the trip will turn sour in a hurry.
• Selecting places to eat, should include input from the children. You may like Chinese food, but will they? There may be a nice compromise between fast food and gourmet dining. Meal time should be a happy time.
• The same applies to where you go and what you see. Have a good idea of their interests and be sure to include visits to places they'll enjoy. Grandboomers will bet you'll be surprised at how much fun a children's museum or kiddie park can be for you as well.
• If you have more than one child with you, make sure each of you spends time with each child.

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A House in the Country

A few weeks ago, the TIME magazine Numbers column reported that 359,000 second homes were purchased in 2001 at an average cost of $162,000. They deduced that baby boomers were "searching for weekend getaways."

While we bought our second home a few years earlier, the price was right in line with the average. We bought a big old house that came with a companion lakefront lot within easy walking distance. With grandchildren, kids and sibs, we wanted a place with extra bedrooms. Waterfront homes were beyond what we wanted to pay. What we bought has turned out to be the best of both worlds.

Everyone has decisions to make when they buy a second property. New, old, fixer upper, showplace, on the water, in the mountains. Of course, a lot has to do with your personal taste, recreations and, oh yes, finances. One thing to remember, if you buy a second home, it's just that. You need to multiply all the bills of your first home times two. Maintenance, taxes, improvements...it's all there and then some. But, we've found a second home can be a great stress buster, solace provider, family gathering place, and answer to your prayers.

If you're considering a second home, here are some pointers from our experience. These aren't scientific; there have been no studies done to prove they're right...they just worked for us.

The first decision to make is that you really want a second place. You might find that putting the money into improving your principal residence can be very satisfying and achieve the same goal. We thought about that. We even talked with a number of real estate agents in the area; thinking that a new home might be the answer. Not the case.

Once we decided to look for a second home, we eliminated some of the more popular places because of the difficulty getting there. Lots of traffic on weekends...that sort of thing. We also set a limit on the driving distance to drive to get there. We loved one area, but it was five hours away. The idea is to relax, not spend most of the time coming and going.

We like the water, hiking, and golf and were fortunate to find a location that offers all three. We talked with real estate agents in the area and looked at a lot of homes. We spent a frustrating summer looking at places that were too small, ugly, too expensive, rundown, and in areas difficult to get to. We shut down our search for the winter.

Just after the first of the year, we received a listing from one of the agents. We'd received many mailings, but there was something about this one that got us on the phone to see if the roads were clear enough to get into the area. We were assured there were and off we went.

It was the size we wanted, and the lakefront lot offered a dock and our own beach. There was a lot of work to do inside, but a magnificent front porch really sealed the deal for us. It was freezing outside and there was two feet of snow, but we looked through the screens and saw a beautiful lawn, festooned with gently swaying gargantuan trees that had grown old with the house. We were sold in that moment, made an offer, bickered back a forth and bought the place. The agent was ecstatic. We were the first people to see it.

We did a lot of things wrong. No sooner were we in the house, than there were major wiring and plumbing problems. Have those things checked out before you buy. Handles came off doors, one upstairs leak cascaded water into the living room when the pump (It is a house in the country.) was turned on. But, there were unexpected pleasures, too. A beautiful dry stone wall lay hidden under the winter snow, only to be discovered two months later when we actually closed on the house.

We searched out good local contractors who fixed everything at a reasonable rate. We also like to do a lot of our own work (you may prefer to contract it out). There was a lot to do, so here's what may be the best advice in this entire article. This home was our refuge, a place to relax and recharge the mental batteries. To do everything at once would be folly. We established a five-year plan. First year...second floor. Second year, downstairs. Third year, outside of the house--roof and paint (we contracted this work). Fourth year, restore the lawns (We cheated on this and brought them back a little each year). Fifth year, clean up the waterfront lot. It worked like a charm. Always something to do. Never too much that we couldn't enjoy ourselves.

You may want to do things differently, but our decor is very eclectic. We didn't want to be concerned if something got broken, or a glass left a ring on a table, or whatever. So, we hit auctions, yard sales, antique shoppes, and a few retail stores. It's a lot of fun and you'll be amazed at the quality you can get. Second homes should be pure enjoyment. Decorate it the way you want it to be. If that means formal dinners and turned down sheets to you...so be it.

Here's a shocker. We don't have a TV, computer, or even a touch tone phone (we do have an old rotary model). You know what? We don't miss them at all.

Hopefully, these tips will be of help to you. If you would like to contribute your own suggestions, send them along to us at letters@grandboomers.com.

Happy house hunting. Let us know how you make out.

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Visiting Your Local Science Museum

If you're Grandboomers that live in the city and want to entertain your grandchildren, a science museum is a good choice. Most major cities have some kind of science museum. The beauty of them is that they're as interesting for the adults as they are for the children. There are loads of interactive exhibits and sights ranging from the prehistoric to space flight. If you've never been to one, check it out...even without the grandchildren. It's time well spent.

If you live in Washington, DC, your cup runneth over. You have multiple choices for science-type facilities that fill the bill. One favorite is the National Air and Space Museum. The actual spacecraft used for many of our manned flights are there along with a variety of full-size aircraft. It is truly mind boggling. Admission is free here and at other museums that are part of the Smithsonian Institute group of museums. Other Smithsonian museums that might interest old and young alike are the National Museum of Natural History and The National Museum of African Art. The latter is a wealth of knowledge with many hands-on exhibits for all.

Here are a few other sites:

Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NY -- Explore inventions, health sciences and the environment. While the young ones are marveling at science, you may want to take time for a more practical application. "Cardiac classrooms" has helpful tips for a healthy heart and for the not too queasy, you can witness a cardiac surgery performed by the surgeons of Morristown Memorial Hospital.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC -- Home to the world's only fully restored skeleton of the ancient Acrocanthosaurus, a first class predator known as the "terror of the South." The bones only get better. The museum also houses the first dinosaur ever found with a fossilized heart and four whale skeletons. Animals and vegetation from surrounding states are featured.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland, OR -- A great place for an urban sleep over! Grandboomers and grandkids can reserve a position in one of the museum's programs that includes workshops, tours, videos, a place to sleep and breakfast the next morning. As expected, the museum concentrates on the environment, past and present, of the Northwest. This summer's feature: exploration of the ocean floor and the recent discoveries of previously unknown life forms there.

Museum of Science, Boston, MA -- "Where in the world are you?" utilizes of some 6000 artifacts to provide physical clues for adventures to various worldwide locations. Explore growing up and growing older. Exhibits in the natural history area feature live animals. Adults should preview the Reptiles of the Earth program before exposure to small children. Don't miss "The Virtual FishTank" which immerses visitors in a 1,700-square-foot virtual undersea world, where they create and interact with their own virtual fish.

Exploration Place, Wichita, KS -- Brand spanking new. Features the "Cyberdome" theater where the audience controls virtual journeys to Mars, inside the body and into the center of the Earth. Just so things don't get crazy, those in the audience enter their choices into a key pad, which sends the figures to a computer. The majority rules and dictates the direction of the journey. Sure to be a popular part of any visit is the 18-hole miniature golf course.

These are just a few of the museums located across the country. Check the Internet or contact your local Chamber of Commerce for a science museum near you. Your choice doesn't have to be a science museum. We just feel that this type of venue offers more for your entire group than a children's museum, or museum of fine arts. You might also want to consider aquariums. They're great for all ages as well.

If you have a science museum in your city and would like us to add it to this list, just email us at letters@grandboomers.com and include a brief description of the attractions.

Coming soon: Some unusual, fun places for Grandboomers and grandkids to visit.

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