IHOP Planning Meeting

June 9th, our final meeting at the IHOP to plan our trip.  The topic of this trip is to exchange emergency contact numbers in the event that something unexpected should happen and family members should be notified.

Each member is to bring their list of family members to be notified.  Since we will be on the road we want to prepare for all the "what if's" along the way.  What if there is an emergency?  We assume that the couple most directly involved in the emergency may need to be focused on addressing the urgent issues that have arisen.  Another couple can contact family and keep them informed. 

Each member shares tips and tricks for protecting themselves along the way.  For instance, Linda mentioned she is bringing their medical records in the event they should need medical attention while on the road.  Kenny and Lori got some extra prescriptions (Kenny - feet; Lori - back) to ensure they are able to fully enjoy the activities.  Becky wrote away to get travel guides for our destination locations. 

Best practices for protecting finances are shared as well.  How will you pay bills while on the road?  Most are planning on either assigning responsibility or paying on line along the way.  How can you keep your debit or credit card from being reviewed for fraud?  Call your banks and credit card companies and notify them of your planned trip so when charges appear that are out of the ordinary they have a note to refer to.  Think about it; if they call your home to question you about potential fraudulent charges, who will be there to answer the questions?  Advanced planning makes all the difference.

While at our meeting we interviewed our participants to find out what they will be doing over the next three weeks to get prepared... here are some of the responses:

GL Dave: Just about everything - he doesn't even have the lug nuts of his RV tightened up... they are still loose.

Becky:  Just need to finish up school so she can focus on the trip.  Becky has also been diligently working out to be in tip top shape for the trip as well.

Linda needs to load up some grocery items in the motor home and get her clothes put in.

OWM Dave needs to check the tires and grease some fittings.

Lori needs to move some items that aren't needed out of the trailer and make room for Father in law Dave to have some space for his things.

Kenny needs a longer chain so the Ford doesn't hit him in the rear end when he is pulling it.  The brakes probably don't work either since it is a Ford.