LJWorld.com

This time of year has many of us dreaming about some type of escape. Whether that involves sipping a pina colada on a tropical island, skiing at a favorite resort, or something as simple (okay, it isn't always simple) as a visit to Grandma's house, our minds are most likely vacationing somewhere during these seemingly endless days of winter.

I've never traveled by RV, never used a pop-up camper, but as recently as last summer, I did have the opportunity to spend several days and nights camping in the Rocky Mountains.

My first thought was how nice it would be to crawl inside one of the pop-up campers I saw attached to vehicles - somehow the RV world just isn't me.

The campers would offer immediate warmth, or air conditioning, depending on our needs, and quite frankly, we were freezing in our tent. It would save us time and energy spent setting up our tents, finding three 'legal' sites close enough together to actually enjoy the company of those with us isn't always simple, and it would enable us to travel and park at some other location during our travel time.

So the search is on. What better place to go than the RV show at Bartle Hall this coming weekend. Will I see you there?

What are you looking for. Are you looking for something specific or are you simply daydreaming?

I called one of the places about renting a pop-up - they are quite expensive! For those of you who use them, are they cost effective, or is it more about the freedom of being able to stay off the fast lane and travel without thoughts of motels, etc.?

http://www.examiner.com/x-34012-Lawrence-Parenting-Issues-Examiner~y2010m1d15-Lawrence-and-Topeka-parents-take-your-teen-to-an-RV-show-this-weekend

Obama may look like the winning horse leading the pack at the beginning of this year's Presidential race, but he won't be able to keep up the pace all the way to the finish line. He isn't seasoned. He isn't experienced.

Neither he or Edwards have the lineage behind them that would be required to go the distance.

Still, Obama is working the track and has picked his way from the back of the pack and moved into a key position to make a run for the final stretch. It hasn't been an easy task. He has been hit by dirt and mud as much as any of his opponents. He seems to be gaining speed. He is a full length ahead of Edwards and Edwards is a nose in front of Clinton.

I am glad I have my bet on Clinton though. She is saving herself for the finish line. She has great stamina, loves to be pushed for a grand finish and is well seasoned and confident. She stands head and shoulders above the competition because of her previous experiences in other races such as these - some of which she watched from the sidelines.

Obama has blinders on; he won't be able to see the filly passing him on the inside track until he begins to taste the dust that is stirred up as she leaves him far behind.

And she hasn't even begun to work up a lather.