Reviews by rhonda60103

rhonda60103 says "Grand Geneva - a sweet retreat" about Grand Geneva Resort & Spa - Lake Geneva, WI

rhonda60103 — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 02:40:51 GMT

Grand Geneva Resort is lovely, and an easy 90-minute drive from my home. I wanted a quick summer getaway and chose a 2-night package.

Although I'm very familiar with the Lake Geneva area, it's still surprising when you arrive - it's probably 1/2 mile off the main expressway. You're thinking to yourself "I just got robbed - it CAN'T be here..." and then you get there, and your concerns fall away.

It's elegant. Quiet. The whole resort is pretty. The room is beautiful - I took pictures! The bedding is high quality, the paint colors soothing, even the artwork is appealing. How often do you say THAT about a hotel??

The restaurants are very good, although very expensive. I had made online reservations for the lobby restaurant, which had a buffet the night we arrived. The food was excellent, and our server offered to cook my husband's prime rib more to his liking, which delighted him.

We attempted to rent a little motor boat, but there were mechanical problems. ...

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rhonda60103 says "sun. swim. drink. eat. Repeat." about Catalonia Riviera Maya - Riviera Maya, Riviera Maya

rhonda60103 — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 02:30:06 GMT

ok, Catalonia Riviera Maya isn't fancy. In fact, the room kinda irritated us - tile floor, little 19" television, most of the channels in Spanish. 3rd floor walk-up - no elevator. A weird smell coming out of the bathroom for half a day. But those are little things - the rest of the resort makes up for this.

We went in December, early, the minute I got out of my nursing class for winter break. Vacation tip: the first and second week of December are the BEST time to travel. Rates are low, and nobody is there! The Catalonia was no exception - never busy, perfect weather, and very reasonable.

They've got 3 restaurants with buffet dining. 3 pools, but the water was pretty cold - we actually preferred going into the ocean (bay?). Plenty of bars - and in fact, this was a highlight. We met lots of really nice people, which is kinda unusual for us - these weren't perfect party people, these were regular, friendly normal looking people. It was nice to feel normal at the...

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rhonda60103 says "when you can afford a community college education..." about Elgin Community College

rhonda60103 — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:23:34 GMT

I started attending Elgin community College in 2005. My intent was to complete the coursework necessary to enter the nursing program there. 4 years later - my part-time academic career is still going strong.

Elgin is a very relaxed environment. Nobody worries about wardrobe. Of course, most the day classes are filled with 18-25 year olds, and they tend to 'trend it up' a little more than the evening, older students do. But even if my 47-year-old self goes to the common areas, there's no pressure. It's a very diverse, fun place.

I've had some excellent professors. In particular, my chemistry prof was excellent, and although I dreaded the class, I ended up with an A for my efforts. I took mostly sciences, and had some crazy teachers too. Then I applied for the nursing program.

The nursing program is competitive. You gotta have good grades and score well on a national exam, the pre-NLN. Then, if selected, you can complete an RN associate degree in 2 calendar years. ...

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rhonda60103 says "looks good, and my dishes are CLEAN!!!" about KitchenAid Dishwasher - Architect II K KUDK03IT

rhonda60103 — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:12:54 GMT

Just bought my first stainless steel appliance, a dishwasher. I wanted something a little fancy, because we're planning to sell our home in about 5 years and I think upgraded appliances help "sell". I decided on KitchenAid, because it's available at Best Buy, my favorite big box, and because it's one of the more affordable of the nice appliances.

Although I had to pay for both delivery and installation, I couldn't be happier. I ran my first load of dirty dishes, and the results are outstanding. The reviews on BestBuy.com said to go ahead and pay for installation - it's a little tricky. I wasn't home when it was installed, but there's no way myself or my husband would be crawling around on the floor hooking up electrical or plumbing. So - the installer was worth the $120. With delivery at $70, my total was nearly $1000. An investment, to be sure.

It runs quietly, although it takes a couple hours to run a cycle. I was warned of this in the brochure. It's easy to space...

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rhonda60103 says "hot hot hot food...they must worry about food safety a LOT!!" about Rocco Vino's - Carol Stream, IL

rhonda60103 — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 23:47:47 GMT

We went to Rocco Vino's because we had a Restaurant.com certificate for $25 off a $35 meal. It was excellent!! My husband had ribs, which he has declared some of the best in the suburbs. I had shrimp diablo, which was nicely prepared.

Both dishes were piping hot - slightly unusual in this fast-food quick-paced environment. The waitress was very knowledgable and fun, chatting appropriately throughout our meal. Wine is reasonably priced, although we usually have a pitcher of beer to complete our $35 meal. Two people - excellent meal, beer, and our bill is around $40. Such a deal!!!

We've been back several times, each time it's equally good. I've tried nightly specials, and mixed ingredients to the way I'd like them - never a problem, and always excellent. There are other locations but I'm hoping this restaurant is successful enough to stay. The location is a former Edwardo's Pizza - the Rocco Vino's is an excellent addition to the neighborhood.

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rhonda60103 says "Roosters is a rare bargain - good food, fun service" about Roosters - Bloomingdale, IL

rhonda60103 — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 00:59:33 GMT

Roosters is a local restaurant that I frequent. I go for the barbeque chicken dinner, which is a great deal. But I keep going back because the food is always fresh and great, and the prices are very reasonable. You can color on your paper table cover, which seems to bring out the artist in everyone. And, best of all, they print coupons in the local paper for 1/2 off a second dinner - I'm in!...

rhonda60103 says "best location in town" about Embassy Suites San Diego Bay - Downtown - San Diego, CA

rhonda60103 — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 00:59:33 GMT

We stayed at Embassy Suites San Diego Bay for 5 nights over the 4th of July. The room was perfect, overlooking the Bay. We didn't need to leave to see a city full of fireworks. Petco Park is walking distance, as is every other downtown attraction. The city buses easily take you to San Diego Zoo. SeaWorld can be gotten to via the trains, which are about 5 blocks from the hotel.

Service is good, the place is very attractive. Some trouble with the elevators, but it got fixed pretty quickly. I'd stay there again anytime I visit San Diego

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rhonda60103 says "best car I ever had!!" about Honda CR-V - 2002

rhonda60103 — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 00:59:33 GMT

I've had 15 cars, trucks and motorcycles. NONE compare to the Honda Cr-V for low maintenance. In the 5 years since I bought it, I've put on nearly 90,000 miles with only oil changes and a belt change - amazing!! My dog loves the rear storage, my family loves the roomy rear seats....