Hello Everyone!

I hope you are all experiencing some nice spring weather finally. The fact that I don't have to spend 10 minutes putting on winter gear every time I go out frees up about an hour in the day.

Great Hotels received some excellent news last week -- we've been nominated for a daytime Emmy in the category of Outstanding Direction in a Service Show. We're all very excited.

I had a blast during Mardi Gras (you can see the pictures I took in the photo gallery). It's quite a scene and we had the advantage of hanging out with the locals at their parties and formal balls, which is much more fun than the out-of-control college atmosphere in the French Quarter -- at least for me.

Unfortunately, I got a case of food poisoning while I was there. And even more unfortunate than that was while I was sick all the promos we were shooting involved eating food. Sam eats Po'boy, Sam eats Bananas Foster, Sam eats Beignets etc. At one point we had a bag waiting for me because I didn't think I was going to make it. I didn't. And while I was running to the back of the cafe in the alley to bury my face in the bag I heard someone say "isn't that the girl from the Travel Channel?" Pure humiliation. Anyway, why I tell you all this is because they had to get me a replacement for the rest of the day. Everyone is always asking me how to get my job and it seems pretty easy: just hang-out until I get food poisoning and be ready to go on or slip something into my food so you don't have to wait. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Samantha,

Please allow me to introduce myself; my name is Steve Oliver and my body resides in Frankfort, Ky. My mind, however, is always some place else; let’s say some coastal New England town such as Kennebunkport, Maine or maybe a little southern charm like Charleston, S.C.

I love history; I guess you could say I’m a history buff because I love visiting Federal Forts and Battlefields. Wherever there’s a cannon, you can bet I’m going to be posing by it for a picture. Two of my favorites are Ft. Sumter in Charleston, where the Civil War began, and Gettysburg, Pa. Where I guess you could say,” the war came to restitution”.

The last time I visited Gettysburg was in 2001, this was a very special time in my life, newfound sense of freedom and respect for myself. Yep, drove up there with just my camera and tripod. I was very surprised how well I could take pictures of myself. I’ll never forget it; I was running around on the Battlefield at 7:30 am, In October, with my shirt off taking all these crazy pictures of me lying on rocks, trees and of course cannons!
People were looking at me like I was CRAZY!! They couldn’t believe what I was doing, especially with the temperature so low… I remember a few of the park rangers making their little comments, something like “ these fitness freaks really get on my nerves, I can’t believe this guy”. Well, I wasn’t trying to impress anyone; I was just having fun with all these spiritual feelings and emotions I was encountering. After all, I do try to live a good Christian life I was only expressing myself.

I would love to share some of these pictures with you, just to get your response and see your reaction. I have so many fun filled episodes in my life I could share. The last four years, (since I’ve discovered your incredible talent and charm) I’ve realized you’re always with me. Yes, I always think of you. If I watch the sun set glace over the mighty Atlantic, or simply watch horses frolicking in the Ky. Pastures you’re always there….
I think; I bet Sam would love this place, or maybe, how would Sam see this, what would she enjoy about this God given masterpiece?

I could go on and on about my dreams… If I sent these pictures to the Travel Channel would you get them eventually? I think it’s so awesome that I can finally (because of this new forum) let you know I exist and tell you how wonderful you truly are.

P.S. I’ll trade you my pictures for one of yours.

Here is my email: Steve.Oliver@mail.state.ky.us

Here is a mailing address: Alcoholic Beverage Control (Attn. Steve Oliver)
1003 Twilight Trail
Frankfort, Ky. 40601

Thank You and Always, Steve O.

Hi Sam!

I really love watching all your shows. You are a ray of sunshine on an otherwise dismal TV dial. Are you still growing your hair? I actually thought it looked awesome when it was short! You're beautiful either way, though. Glad you're back. Looking forward to seeing the new shows.

All the best,

Holt

Sam: It is good to see you have recovered from your bout of food poisoning.I wondered why you suddenly stopped doing the promo's on Fat Tuesday.Could it be from where you were ****ing the heads of crawfish???? Any how its good to see you are back on your feet.OH how many beads did you wind up with??...Greg

Samantha,
sorry to hear you got food poisoning... yech. Hope you are feeling better now...
Saw some of your new shows and really enjoyed them, as always.
Mardi-gras... too much fun. But I have to agree with you, the French 1/4 seems way too out of control for me also. Perhaps in my "younger" days that would have been the place to be. Although might be fun to peek in on the action .
Out here in the West we have had a pretty mild winter, lots of rain recently (which is good). But today the sun is shinin! Looking forward to vacation in a couple of weeks and I hope the weather is nice.
So, welcome back !
By the way, if you ever get out this way i would love to treat you to a wonderful dinner and tour of the Waitsburg area and Walla Walla Valley.
By the way, that might be a good idea for your show.
Rural America - Walla Walla Valley, the newest wine capital in the World. We are still small, but have some wonderful Hotels, B&B's and great cuisine.
Anyhow, keep up the great work.
Fred

Hi Samantha
I'm 34 from the Pacific Northwest and at first when I started watching you on Great Hotels, I thought I had my own personal little crush on you. Now it's been kind of sobering to find out so many other people do too! The internet makes the world seem so tiny. Maybe someone has a fansite for me too, somewhere?!
Anyway, i've been trying to figure out what to talk to you about, and here they are:
1) I watched Cinema Paradiso (the original cut) the other night because you said you liked it. Well, that movie left me with a lump in my throat at the end. I thought it was excellent. Can you tell me a few of your other favorite movies?
2) I think you are so adorable to watch. I wish I had a girlfriend like you. I bet your easy to fall in love with. I loved you when you had brown hair on Great Vacation Homes too. Just expressing myself. You are positive T.V. viewing.
3) You seem to be very good with kids. Maybe a Samantha kids show? Maybe not your bag, who knows?
4) Will your lighthearted traveling be any way affected by the upcoming war do you think? I hope it won't hurt your career.
5) Finally, if your still reading, I would like a signed picture of you (if you have any left!).
my email address is:

earthfinger@yahoo.com

I don't know if I should put my address in here so, please let me know when you get a chance.

P.S. Don't tell anyone I have a secret crush on you!
P.P.S. I picked my favorite video moment of yours, and it was "The flashbacks!" "These colors are just bonkers!"

Hoping to see you on the streets in the Northwest. I will blow you a kiss. Don't worry about it, i'm cute and mellow.
Love, Robert

Sorry to hear about your misfortune with your dinning experience. Perhaps while you recover you might consider watching "Faulty Towers." Created by former Monty Python member John Cleese. He runs a hotel in England called Faulty Towers. I think it would be right up your alley. Hope your feeling better.

Glad to see you are back and on the board. I enjoy your show, mostly because of the humor you put into it. I like watching the show to see where you'll end up next. I don't know who has the final say in where you'll visit next. Maybe a combination of you and a few other execs. With that said, how about putting these on a list places to visit, and sorry if you have been to the places in the past since I've never seen all the episodes, Gettysburg, PA, Chincoteague Island, VA, Hampton Roads area, VA and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. As you can see I'm pretty partial to the coastal areas. It hit me about 15 years ago on a trip the Olde English Towne near the Queen Mary. It's tough to shake, especially when you live in an area that is more famous for it's snow and mountains (Northeast PA) than the beach. Nice "talking" to you, Gene

Dear Samantha,

So sorry to hear about your own "episode." Congrats on the nomination. Your show surely deserves it.

I just wanted to let you know how I enjoy your show and enjoy watching you. You have so much charisma and charm and it radiates on screen! I think you are excellent at your job - it's amazing how you can describe a room! I wonder, how have you learned how to descibe with such detail? (I must admit - sometimes I need a dictionary to get all the nuance!)

As far as the comments of those who think you sit around all day - well, I can understand how you may feel! I am an aspiring opera singer and people think that singing all day is fun. Well, it is - but much more goes into than just that! Your show is so great because of all the "extras" and work you and your team put into. The cumulative result is a very entertaining show, but I'm sure hours, sweat, tears (and some Pepto Bismal)are poured into every episode?

And as we say in the theatre, "Brava!"

Man that's the worst. I had a case of that once and was afraid I wasn't going to die. I think it took my system a month to get back to normal. I apprecitae you sending out a new photo since my first one never got here. Thanks again Sam, have a great St. Patricks Day!
John

Hi Samantha!

I am so glad to have found this site and see that you actually take the time and post... wow, how cool.

I have been enjoying your show Great Hotels ever since I discovered it a month or two ago... it's become my favorite show and you really make it especially enjoyable to watch. Congratulations, on the Emmy nomination!! Extra cool. Sorry about the food poisoning, though. Aw....

One thing I noticed while watching your show is that... now this is going to sound a bit silly, but you kind of remind me, well... of me!! You crack me up with your jokes on the show, and well, I kinda crack myself up at times too. We not only look similar but have a similar goofy sense of humor. Plus... (more similarities)... I love cats (we have two) and I'm a freelance photographer/writer for a local newspaper - (I read that you volunteer taking care of cats in a shelter, and also that you enjoy photography).

One other reason I enjoy watching your show is, actually, unlike you, I am agoraphobic, which means I don't travel far from home or I have a panic attack. I love hearing about traveling because it's my hope one day to get better and travel one day, too. So I love watching your shows. I've also wanted to travel ever since I was a kid, it's been one of my big dreams but unfortunately I ended up agoraphobic (kinda like Beethoven going deaf), but I try to keep a sense of humor about it and have hope that one day I'll get on that plane too. But for now, since you kinda remind me of myself, I jokingly call you the "traveling me". LOL...

I actually have a small wooden monk which I give to my friends when they go away on trips or vacations, to keep them safe. He's only about two inches tall and he's been all around the world, with people I know. It's also kind of funny because I want to start this thing to help get me out a bit more, as inspiration... kind of like in that film "Amelie". Whenever I give the monk to someone from now on, I want them to take a photo of it in some faraway place, so that I can see where it's been, and then they can bring the monk back to me. Hey, if he can do it, so can I, right? Well, it's just a silly idea. Do you think I could send this monk to you, not only as a "keep you safe" traveling monk, but if you ever feel like snapping a photo of him in your travels... well, it's up to you. He's a funny little guy, kinda looks like Alfred Hitchcock.

Well, I hope my goofiness hasn't caused you to think I'm totally wacky. I just have been so excited about your show and wanted to post a "hello" to you here.

I wish you the best with your shows, your travels, and everything!!!

With Kindest Regards,

Robyn Bellospirito
bellspirit@aol.com
http://www.anxietyreferralonline.com/art/personal.html

Hi Samantha and welcome back!! I'm sorry to hear that you had food poisoning while in New Orleans. I've had food poisoning only once and I know how absolutely horrible it is!! I can't imagine having to pretend to eat food while feeling like that - no wonder you lost it!!
Anyway, i've been waiting for you to come back to the forum because my husband and I have planned a vacation to the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island at the end of May for our anniversary and I wanted to see if you had any "tips" or "must see/try" that you can recommend. I saw your episode on that hotel and that's what peaked my interest in visiting, but didn't know if there were any other tidbits that you could comment on before we go! I'm so excited about it and can't wait to see the re-run of that episode tomorrow evening. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

sorry about that.... in all my earlier ramblings I did not congratulate you and all the crew for your Emmy nomination!!
Way to go, you soooo deserve it.
fred

Hey Sam! Welcome back! Sorry to hear about the food poisoning- remind me never to cook for you Just kidding... I love cooking (GOOD meals). Anyway, how have you been otherwise? My brother received his black belt yesterday after a long 2 hour test and then we went to Jillians for the party (on long Island) which is about 25minutes from my house. Last week we were in the city seeing Aida the day after broadway reopened. It was an amazing play and performance. By the way, when I was on vacation in February, I made something I would like to give to you and I would like to know where I can send it, to know that you defenitly receive it (that is.. if you want it). Please get back to me! Take care!
*Ashley*
cooolash@optonline.net

Thanks for the email reply through our mutual friend in Fl. Hope you liked the last few additions. Found a nice one recently with the Biltmore on it, while in Oregon two weeks ago. Fact is, though, I am not a "chat-room" kind of person. You know how to reply if you ever feel so inclined. Right now the world is your oyster, so ride that wave while it's rolling -- you've earned it! Congratulations and all the best. Sorry about the food poisoning, hope it wasn't sushi related. Drop me a line sometime. Take care. -- P.J.›

Samantha,

Please excuse me for being so “self-centered” in my previous post. I was so excited
To finally get to post a reply that I rambled on about myself…

I’m so happy for you and the entire crew for getting nominated for a daytime Emmy!!
I just love all your shows! I know it will only continue to grow.

Glad to hear you're recovering from the food poisoning. You’re much too beautiful to
Be down for any lengthy period of time.

P.S. I was serious about the picture swap.

Always, Steve O.

I just wanted to let you know how cool you were, but you probably already knew that. You're probably the most lucky person in the world. You love your job and you're great at it.

All the best,

Dan

Hey Sam,it's good 'ol karld again. Thanks for the picture,I recieved it with no problem.The big melt is on up here in Rochester and it sure is about time!I hope you have a mantle at home to display that Emmy award proudly. By the way how is the eviction thing going? Things got a little ugly over at Samantha Central while you away,I couldn't stand for some jerk bad-mouthing you so I bad-mouthed him a bit I was watching the Hotel Biba show today and I have to ask you did you know what the clerk looked like before she came out? The look on your face was like Ahhhh! I have to say again that this forum is very cool and I appreciate you taking the time to respond!Talk to you later

How ****** you got food poisoning, I know how it feels when your sick and on vaction *big sigh* anyways thank you so much for the picture! It really means a lot to me that you took the time out to do that, for everyone. Im on spring break and loving it, even if I have to practice for colorguard for three hours I went shopping and try to find another job. I have been working at Claire's for a year and got nothing but someone I can't stand and ****** pay. I have a quick question, has the travel channel ever thought about going around the world for your show Great Hotels? Someone might have already asked the question but it something that popped in my head today. I mean who wouldn't love traveling around the world and stay in cool hotels...I would, sign me up and pack me in a box. but... I don't know if I could stand my self in box by my self...Anyways now that I went way out of what I was talking about I need to go find something to do, maybe let my cat Bob in. have a great day!

Lacey

Hi Sam

Glad you're back. I echo everyone's condolences on the food poisoning and congratulations on the nomination.

I know that you've been busy and I don't mean to push, but you did say that you'd "keep me posted" about Mouth and I haven't heard a word. I'm sure that having me trek down to NYC to see a performance isn't at the top of your list, but I have been looking forward to it. I hope that it's not too late -- please let me know what's up.

Thanks.

Hey, Great Hotels is a great show! your job is awesome or seems to be. I think it would be so neat to find out what your day is like while shooting the shows you are on. i just want to ask you can i have your job, just kidding! well thank you. Buh * Bye.

Amy

First of all Congratulations on your nomination! It couldn't have happened to a better show.

This is the first time we have ever posted anything on here because we just found you last month. I must say that not too many TV bigshots would take the time to corespond with their fans. So thanks for taking the time to entertain all of us on and off of the small screen!

My wife and I are avid travelers and we spend tons of time watching all of your shows when we aren't traveling ourselves. I am an airline pilot(furloughed after 9/11) and my wife is a flight attendent (on leave after having our baby 10 months ago), so we are pretty lucky to have all of the travel benefits that we do. And in turn we stay in hotels about as often as you! So we can definately appreciate the little things that some hotels provide that make time on the road a little easier. Unfortunately for you though since we travel so much we only have about 100 questions for you! But since we are new and all I thought we would start at just 25 or 30. OK, just kidding maybe 2-3 would be a better number.

1) How much time do you get at home every year?

2) What kind of tickets do you travel on most of the time? Do they put you in first class, or back in steerage? Or do they just fire up the corporate jet for their most popular TV personality?

3) When you are staying at a hotel on your own time, are the hotels quick to offer you upgrades?

Thanks for letting us bend yor ear. I am sure we will be on here often to keep up with all that you are doing.

Keep up the good work!

Mike & Melissa

PS. I can't believe you are moving to Detroit! I was based there for a year, and no offense to those in the motor city, but I think I will keep commuting to Phoenix!

Hi Samantha,
Congratulations to you and the Great Hotels Crew on the Daytime Emmy Nomination. You guys put together a very creative and enteraining show.
Sorry to hear about the food posioning. Do you know which food did it to you? The crawfish? The jambalaya?
Be careful,You know, You never seem to turn down food. Remember, stirring that green concoction with a dried lizard skin, and then drinking it! (By the way, Did that drink really do anything for you?)
Your successful now. Make a crew member try some of this stuff before you do. Hey, You are the Travel Goddess!
Just one last thing, I notice you drive alot of Mustangs on the show. Is that your favorite car?
Do you own a Mustang?
I own a Mustang, so I tend to notice that on your show.
Hey, if you are going to be making any appearances on other shows, commericals, or magazine articles, give us a heads up.
Thanks for the forum. It's fun hearing from you.
Sincerely
Mark

[This message was edited by markin3d on 03-17-03 at 06:57 PM.]

[This message was edited by markin3d on 03-17-03 at 06:59 PM.]

Hi Sam,

Greetings again from the Northwest! The several films I've been involved with latelely are about 95% finished and are looking good!(all short films), and I should be able to send you a tape soon. One of the already completed films just screened at the Sedonal International Film Fesival a couple of weeks ago, and that was exciting(it was directed by my close and longtime friend Matt Stedman, who recently had it screened at the DGA in LA, as well, and is now working on a Stephen King adaptation of Lunch at the Gotham Cafe, as a short film) I'd also like to send you a feature-film script that I plan to go into pre-production on in summer sometime. I'd like to know you're agent's info, if you don't mind, although personally, I'd rather get it to you more directly if I could; Julianne Moore once related this story about how she now reads everything herself, not leaving decisions to her agent on what would be good for her, after her agent passed on a script that was written by the legendary writer Paddy Sheyefsky(Network), winner of 3 Oscars of best screenplay. I'd be happy to tell you more on this chat in the mean-time if you like.
Also, have you seen the extended version of Cinema Paradiso? It includes a different ending, and it's not really better, it's just longer,and a little different, but definitely worth seeing for a big fan of the film, such as you are.

And: Recent wine nods-1996 Adelsheim Pinot Noir(about $17), went superbly with a homemade pasta marinara that I made myself a few nights ago.

Anyway, gotta run, keep up the good work, I'll talk to you soon,

Bill Kelley
Arthouse Productions
360-944-6284
arthousebill@hotmail.com

Hi Sam! Welcome back! I am glad to hear you had a good time at Mardi Gras and you survived. Did you work for your beads? Just kidding..Hey, I have a few questions for you. Did you name your cat after the Princess Bride? Because thats a great movie! And about the email thing, was I supposed to give you my email when I asked for a picture? I didnt get that part. I gave you my address here at school, but I didnt get a picture yet, so I figure I made a mistake. That would be great if you could clear that up. Im not very good when it comes to computer stuff. Either that or I wasnt paying attention to directions, who knows. But anyways, Im am glad that you are back and I hope to hear from you! Enjoy the nice weather! Thanks Sam! -Amanda

Samantha, I think you're doing a great job. Believe me, perky is my least favorite type of person. It's just evident that you like your job, you're good at it, and when you look at the camera, it's like you're seeing good friends. Keep up the good work and have all the fun you can.

You see, Sam, that’s why we love you. J.Lo, Cameron, Halle, do they get food poisoning? Nah (at least we never hear of it). But you do. You’re just like one of us. We can relate to you.

I had two bouts of food poisoning -- both times eating food I wasn’t use to. It was like, “Please take me, Lord, and put me out of my misery”.

Congrats on your nomination. Make sure the director calls you up to the stage if you guys win. But don’t trip up the steps. And don’t talk too long. And remember to thank the little people. And…

Welcome back to the forums, Sam! Good to see you back again. I'm sorry you had a bad food experience at Mardi Gras.

Congratulations to you and everyone on Great Hotels for your Emmy nomination! Very well deserved! Of course, I think you should win Best Host, but it seems the academy somehow overlooked you. :-( Next year. :-)

I guess I don't really have much more to say at the moment. I hope you have a great day!

Cheers!
--Kevin

P.S. Robert (aka samiscute) -- I won't spill the beans about your Sam crush if you don't spill the beans about *my* Sam crush. ;-)

I am a mother of 3 living in Junction City, Oregon and after watching of few of her shows on Great Hotels, I felt a tremendous urge to write inspite of the fact that this is so unlike me. Basically I would like whoever reads this to know that I have thoroughly and completely enjoyed watching the few programs I have been able to watch. Samantha has an ability to bring her viewers right into her experience and leave me feeling riddled with envy. I am a pretty serious person and for me to enjoy watching such a witty, and often times very silly person really says a lot. I find her to possess a real talent to draw her viewers in. I truly enjoy watching the show and I hope that this message is passed on to her. Thank you for the opportunity to view how the otherside lives.

Andrea L. Williams
alwor98@yahoo.com

Hi Sam!

Just want to say I love to travel and stay at new and exciting places and love your show because they go hand in hand! You are the best thing going on TV! When are you coming back to Florida and ever spend any time in historic Stuart, Florida? Keep up the good work and hope to see ya soon!


Mike

blue2002,

Gettysburg PA is definately high on my list. My mom lives somewhat near there and we always want to plan a mother/daughter trip. Thanks for your address I'll send out a picture next week.

holt42,

yep, I'm still growing it. I want it to be as long as Crystal Gale's. Thank-you for liking my short hair but I absolutely hated it the entire time. And when I first go to the Travel Channel Website. I squint my eyes and quickly click on to the forum so I don't have to see that terrible picture of me. It truly pains me. but thanks!

ffgak,

I wasn't going for quantity as much as quality. I got some real nice ones. It's funny you scream your head off for beads but than once the parade is over you can't wait to get them off you. One is very much possessed at Mardi Gras.

shooter1982,

I just got back from Park City Utah where they have also been experiencing a mild winter. This really stinks when you're spending 60 bucks a day to ski on slush but it was sure nice to remember that the temperature can get above 30 degrees.

samiscute (well shucks, thanks a lot)

gosh other favorite movies are Waiting For Guffman, The Holy Grail, Truly Madly Deeply

I like kids, which is good because all my friends are pregnant right now.

The war shouldn't affect us too much. We were planning one trip to Europe to see if we should do more-that one we'll have to wait and see.

Hi Sam!
I have the pleasure of going to New Orleans and was wondering what the public transportation is like. Since the conference I'm attending is in the same hotel at which we're staying, work won't provide a rental car. We're staying on Bourbon St., and my coworker and I would like to see as much as we can outside of that area.

PS: I like your sense of humor even though it's fattening, due to its high "corn" and "cheese" content. Heh!

Thanks!

you know I had no idea about that hotel. I would absolutely love to do that. I love Monty Python-I have their television series on DVD and every once in awhile will pop one in to enjoy a sketch or two.

patraveler,

yep, the execs always have the final say. And understandably their decisions of where we spend our time is based on popularity in the ratings. that has excluded many of the places I would like to travel to. But maybe, just maybe they'll agree with you...

maybestrange,

Describing a room can get quite tedious so the one thing I can't live without (even since Great Vacation Homes) is a good Thesaurus. I'm constantly saying to myself "what's a another word for..." I'd be nothing without it. In fact my thesaurus should get a writer's credit.

bellspirit,

well if i ever need a stunt double or a stand in I'll give you a call! If you send the Monk to the Travel Channel c/o publicity they'll get it to me. Travel Channel just changed offices. I don't know it off hand but it should be on this web site. It would be the Silver Springs address as opposed to Chicago or NY. We start traveling again in May.

jhenrysmom,

that's hands down one of my favorite places. You're going to love Amelia Island. Definately do the kayaking trip that we featured it's lovely and The Sunday Brunch they do at the Resort is to die for. Have a great trip!

cooolash,

Nice to hear from you again. How was your vacation? Please tell your brother congratulations for me. Did you enjoy Aida. I couldn't believe that Broadway shut down that the show in fact "didn't go on" Well at least the cast was well rested.

shy-guy,

It's funny you should say Oyster...lets just say I won't be eating too many of those when I have something important to do the next day. Nice to see you here.

karld,

Thanks for sticking up for me. I did know what she looked like before and we loved her for it! It was such a breath of fresh air to have someone with such a distinctive, colorful presence that we wanted to play it up. I loved how she made her entrance thru the beaded curtains. I really loved hotel Biba-very quirky, not everyones cup of tea but with the huge number of hotels we do it's great to come accross one that breaks the mold.

raseyu,

We've definately thought about it and have one trip to a European city tentively scheduled but of course because of the war may have to wait. DISNEY WORLD HERE WE COME...AGAIN!

proppilot,

Glad you found the show during your down time. When I'm on hiatus I love to watch the Style Network (don't tell the Travel Channel) specifically, Nigella Bites and that show where the woman helps you plan theme parties. I think she's hysterical. now to answer a few of your questions:

1. We travel eight months out of the year (this season it will be 9) I have a week off every month.

2. On longer flights I travel first class but go coach most of the time.

3. For the hotels on the program the room I show is usually my actual room. Most of the time the hotels want me to be in one of their nicer suites so they can show them off. We try not to do that often because we want it to appear that I am a 'normal' person.

4. I will be living in NYC and commuting to Detroit.

markin3D,

I can't believe you remembered that lizard concoction. That was so long ago-but then I remember I'm on Cable which plays re-runs for years. It sort of numbed the mouth and actually wasn't half bad. We usually rent a mustang for the tropical hotels just to give the opening a certain spashiness. I don't have one myself. However, When I was 18 I had a huge crush on a guy who was selling his Mustang Saleen. So I begged my dad to pretend he was interested in buying the car so that I could invite the young man over to my house in the hopes that he might then give me the time of day and ask me out. It worked. until he broke up with me a month later. no hard feelings.

arthousebill,

will do. I know the Adelsheim Pinot Noir well. Is 1996 a good year? I'll have to keep my eye out for more in that vintage.

volly05,

did you leave your address in a Samantha Responds forum? If so I'll go back and make sure I get your address. Sorry about that. We are actually in the works to set something up here on this web site for people to request pictures. How I do it now is such a grass roots effort that I'm worried that people might slip thru the cracks and It's so wonderful that you and everyone else takes the time to watch the shows and visit the web site that I want to make sure that doesn't happen.

I named my cat fiona just because I liked the name. She is a princess though. high on catnip right now as a matter of fact.

Andreaor98,

I did get your message and WoW! how wonderful to hear. I can't believe you had time to write that with three kids and I want to thank you sincerely for taking the time to do that. Your words meant a lot.