-=*September 10 2011, Westbound Transatlantic from Barcelona to Port Canaveral*=-

[granmaz]

Thanks for posting these. I'm learning that a room for 2 adults, 1 child turning 5 years, and 1 toddler barely over 1 year is pricey. We often sleep in a king bed at home (all four) but maximum occupancy is getting us with hotels overseas... even if the square footage is decent sized.

Have a look at apartments. They can be very cost effective and have washers and the like. There are some very smart looking places.

Also, chain hotels are quite often the same the world over, so rooms might be more suitable for families too.

[MandyGirl]

Thanks for sharing, good job i've got waterproof mascara on today. :hug:



The story of the man who received her pancreas/kidney is also touching. A baby received her other kidney while two people were given the gift of sight with her corneas. When Todd and Tara were invited to the NBC Today Show in New York on Oct 1, the foundation's website (http://www.taylorsgift.org/) received hits from 121 countries. In Texas alone, the number of registered organ donors since her death has increased 50% state-wide. Such a wonderful family, awesome student, and we even named our baby born in June in honor of her (did same middle names). I knew immediately we would do that in March, but it wasn't until the night before her birth we fully determined her first name. Her class created a page on Facebook for us, and our entire class is on there. We grew together just as close as family. And to think she was doing all the right things on the ski slope that day... wearing a helmet, squatting like they taught her in ski school that morning, dad following right behind to make sure nothing happened...

[MandyGirl]

Have a look at apartments. They can be very cost effective and have washers and the like. There are some very smart looking places.

Also, chain hotels are quite often the same the world over, so rooms might be more suitable for families too.

THanks! We enjoy camping, and even an 8 ft by 8 ft tent works! LOL.

[Pinky166]

Some of our friends did stay there. I think they regretted it, but it was nicely done out. More of a hostel I believe and more basic. But, it did the job.

I don't like the sound of that, I think i'll give that one a miss then. :thumbsup2


I know a couple who stayed here on a previous occasion. It is right on Las Ramblas, lower down than Praktik Rambla. They just had the basic room which they said was fine, but there are better ones and some overlooking Las Ramblas. I am keeping an eye on the prices here too. It isn't as quirky as Praktik Rambla though if that is important.

http://www.royalramblashotel.com/en/home/

That one looks quite nice, i'll keep my eye on that one too. Please let me know if you see any price drops & i'll do the same. :)


The story of the man who received her pancreas/kidney is also touching. A baby received her other kidney while two people were given the gift of sight with her corneas. When Todd and Tara were invited to the NBC Today Show in New York on Oct 1, the foundation's website (http://www.taylorsgift.org/) received hits from 121 countries. In Texas alone, the number of registered organ donors since her death has increased 50% state-wide. Such a wonderful family, awesome student, and we even named our baby born in June in honor of her (did same middle names). I knew immediately we would do that in March, but it wasn't until the night before her birth we fully determined her first name. Her class created a page on Facebook for us, and our entire class is on there. We grew together just as close as family. And to think she was doing all the right things on the ski slope that day... wearing a helmet, squatting like they taught her in ski school that morning, dad following right behind to make sure nothing happened...

It is a truly amazing story, I am on the registered organ donors list here & I just hope that when my time comes i'll be able help at least one person.

How lovely of you to name your daughter after her. :hug:

[goofieslonglostsis]

Hello all! With all the Halloween clearances, I think I have stocked up on costumes for my girls to pack for the cruise! The hard thing is keeping them in the packages until then and not using them for pretend play!

Oh that'll be a loooong wait! These posts just make me go "jump". I love Halloween, love clearances and love some of the too cute/great/nice/lovely/tasty/andmanyotherthings you can buy in the States and not overhere. Sad really, getting happy from shopping.

Love the story of Taylors Gift! :love:

As far as travel goes; you'ld be amazed how much kids can deal with and how memories stick with them. Small place here, so many many travel to the Med or other parts of Europe each year. Seriously, young toddlers having a blast and remembring all kinds of cultural things and in the case of Italy of course also the gelato and pizza. If you've got the option to take the time off now, can have any flexibility with the kids and might not get the option to go to Italy in years to come otherwise, I'ld personally say; do it! Young or not, they'll get their own out of it and have their own little special vacation without even noticing it can also be a great way to learn. Italy is too beautifull to miss out on IMHO.

As far as Barca goes, I'ld also say stick with appartments. Familyrooms really aren't the norm for most countries overhere. It's starting to grow, but the norm has been appartments for families as long as I can remember. That, camping or renting a home. There are some superb appartments for rent through private owners but that would require a bit of trust and feeling at ease with not using a bigger company. Bonus; prices tend to be a lot nicer and there are private owners out there that are A-MA-ZING in making guests feel at home.


QUOTE=granmaz;38920804]We had a really stormy night last night, but we were tucked up inside so no problems. A lady was killed when a tree fell on her car though which is always very sad. Today looks lovely out, and I think it is milder. We will be going for a walk and shop in a while when I feel more up to it.

Tomorrow we are off 'down south' to see John's mum. We do it in a day now to save costs and so be able to go more often. She is 94 and in a lovely home, but it is no pleasure at all going, we go for her to keep seeing John(she isn't too worried about seeing me, apart from I keep the conversation going;):lmao:). She is all there mentally, but physically very frail, and to be honest fed up with life now. 220 miles each way. John doesn't like driving in the dark these days so we are setting off very early.:eek: Bless her, she doesn't seem to realise(or doesn't want to) that her children are getting older themselves and can't do as much as they used to.[/QUOTE]

Good luck on the roadtrip and in between. It'll be a draining day with what you've got scheduled. I can imagine her being fed up. Such an age, having seen so many things chance, see so many loved ones go and being "hindered" by a body that used to be able to keep up, I can really understand some folks in her situation thinking "it's been enough, it's been great, but I'ld be OK with not waking up tomorrow morning".

No matter how old you and John get, you guys are still the "children". You have nothing to "complain", you're young. ;) I get what you mean, logic it gets more draining on you guys to make this trip than it was 10 years ago. Bless you guys for investing in mum and caring. :hug: You might say it's normal but I've seen so many elderly folks just being left alone by their family out of lack of care it breaks my heart each time I see it. Your post clearly shows a good heart. Never mind you guys perhaps not being best friends, you obviously care. A great gift, it really is. :hug:



I booked my flight back home last night. Happened to still be up at 1 am, so decided to check things out. That was midnight in Ireland and thus for the airline. I got quoted a price that was even a nice bit cheaper than I've been quoted so far when toying around with some other dates when they first were published so I booked them. GREAT price for both a oneway (which we all know can be difficult to get, most of the times it's cheaper to book a roundtrip and only use it half :headache:) and GREAT price for business class. What more could I want? They quoted me a $-price since it's a flight from MCO and offered me a fixed currency exchange rate. No thank you, my creditcard company uses a much much better. All in all those two saved me about another €75,-. This morning the prices were the same as I've been quoted when playing around so I've got the impression the prices get put up at midnight but aren't quite right yet. Either way, I don't care. I got myself a deal. :thumbsup2

Then this morning dad tells me he's been thinking things over and if I'm flying into Barca on the morning of the 10th he's flying with me. Just to make sure things go OK, help out a bit where needed and then fly back home again in the evening. He just wants to make sure things go as smooth as possible and I get onto the Magic. Talk about having great parents. :love::worship: Trying to talk him into doing a weekend in Barca with mom, but he's not budging at the moment. Maybe it's easier to "whisper" said idea into moms ears. Prices are very acceptable, he'll be there anyway and they deserve each and any trip and quality time together they can get.

[granmaz]

QUOTE=granmaz;38920804]We had a really stormy night last night, but we were tucked up inside so no problems. A lady was killed when a tree fell on her car though which is always very sad. Today looks lovely out, and I think it is milder. We will be going for a walk and shop in a while when I feel more up to it.

Tomorrow we are off 'down south' to see John's mum. We do it in a day now to save costs and so be able to go more often. She is 94 and in a lovely home, but it is no pleasure at all going, we go for her to keep seeing John(she isn't too worried about seeing me, apart from I keep the conversation going;):lmao:). She is all there mentally, but physically very frail, and to be honest fed up with life now. 220 miles each way. John doesn't like driving in the dark these days so we are setting off very early.:eek: Bless her, she doesn't seem to realise(or doesn't want to) that her children are getting older themselves and can't do as much as they used to.

Good luck on the roadtrip and in between. It'll be a draining day with what you've got scheduled. I can imagine her being fed up. Such an age, having seen so many things chance, see so many loved ones go and being "hindered" by a body that used to be able to keep up, I can really understand some folks in her situation thinking "it's been enough, it's been great, but I'ld be OK with not waking up tomorrow morning".

No matter how old you and John get, you guys are still the "children". You have nothing to "complain", you're young. ;) I get what you mean, logic it gets more draining on you guys to make this trip than it was 10 years ago. Bless you guys for investing in mum and caring. :hug: You might say it's normal but I've seen so many elderly folks just being left alone by their family out of lack of care it breaks my heart each time I see it. Your post clearly shows a good heart. Never mind you guys perhaps not being best friends, you obviously care. A great gift, it really is. :hug:


[/QUOTE]

Well done on getting your return flight booked. Exciting isn't it?

Thanks for the kind thoughts re our trip to MIL's tomorrow. Every few weeks she is really down and thinks she is about to die, then she bounces back. She is a tough old thing.

[PFlamingo]

Hi Everyone! :wave2:

Wow, I've got a lot of reading to do here!

DH and I booked this cruise when we were on our 4-night Wonder cruise last month. It's still pretty iffy as to whether we'll make this - if we can make arrangements for our 5 dogs, if we can get a decent airfare to Barcelona, if we can scrape up the money - the fare is not as much of a problem as our bar tab! ;)

BUT... This is going to be my birthday present for one of those "landmark" birthdays, so I'm really hoping we can pull this off. We've only been on 4-nighters, so any advice from anyone who has done this before would be most welcome. Of course, we'd love to participate in a FE, too.

Okay, time to get reading. :surfweb:

[birkner]

Hi Everyone! :wave2:

Wow, I've got a lot of reading to do here!

DH and I booked this cruise when we were on our 4-night Wonder cruise last month. It's still pretty iffy as to whether we'll make this - if we can make arrangements for our 5 dogs, if we can get a decent airfare to Barcelona, if we can scrape up the money - the fare is not as much of a problem as our bar tab! ;)

BUT... This is going to be my birthday present for one of those "landmark" birthdays, so I'm really hoping we can pull this off. We've only been on 4-nighters, so any advice from anyone who has done this before would be most welcome. Of course, we'd love to participate in a FE, too.

Okay, time to get reading. :surfweb:

Welcome aboard!! We are Noel and John and this will be our 5th DCL cruise. We did the WBTA last year so we have lots of pics and memories to share. Are you on FB? If so, I have lots of pics posted there.

No formal FE lists going yet but stay tuned.

I think we have be a great group of DISers so far going on this trip.

Here are a few trip reports from the 2010 WBTA to peruse so just click on the hot link:

Totally Angelic (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2544774)
Tinker1belle (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2575773)
MagicMe (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2552509)
MinnieMousefam (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?
t=2582630)
DolphinGirl47 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2575858)

[Brookspayne]

Hi guys, we booked the 2011 WBTA and will be joining this happy group on board.

We spent 47 days with the Mouse in September / October (DCL & WDW) and arrived home two weeks ago with serious withdrawal symptoms.

Have just started to read thread for this cruise and notice some familiar names from the 2010 WBTA. Sorry that we didn't meet up on this past cruise, spent most of the 14 days relaxing and spending time together.

Next holiday going to be a cut down version of this year's holiday (husband's work commitments dictate this I'm afraid).

Going to have to get out of my comfort zone for chatting, would you believe I have just started to use Facebook???

Burnice

[birkner]

Hi guys, we booked the 2011 WBTA and will be joining this happy group on board.

We spent 47 days with the Mouse in September / October (DCL & WDW) and arrived home two weeks ago with serious withdrawal symptoms.

Have just started to read thread for this cruise and notice some familiar names from the 2010 WBTA. Sorry that we didn't meet up on this past cruise, spent most of the 14 days relaxing and spending time together.

Next holiday going to be a cut down version of this year's holiday (husband's work commitments dictate this I'm afraid).

Going to have to get out of my comfort zone for chatting, would you believe I have just started to use Facebook???

Burnice

Welcome aboard Burnice!! Lucky you to get so much time in WDW and on the WBTA. I can imagine you must have serious, serious withdrawal symptoms after 47 days.

[Brookspayne]

The good thing about having so much Mouse time is that planning future trips gets easier. Now looking at doing Disney Paris before WBTA and spending a week at WDW after the cruise - my dream is to visit every Disney Park in the World. So if anyone has tips for Disney Paris please let me know.

After spending 37 hours in airport lounges and planes getting home (live in Perth, Western Australia) I will also be trying to find a better route home for next year. That is the only problem living half a world away but the Magic of Disney makes it all worth while.

[LittleDisneyLovers]

That's the thing we want to do on St Maarten. Watching all those planes flying above you....amazing:) We've only seen it happening on Youtube.

We did Maho Beach on the WBTA. We did a day tour with Bernards, we stopped there for lunch (best ribs ever!!!) and saw the big KLM plane come in around 12:30. Tip - the cocktails are super strong, 1 rum punch nearly knocked me over for the day!

Hello All!

I haven't gotten through all of the posts yet but I wanted to let you know that my DH (Donny) and I have booked this cruise!

Tarin
:welcome:

[COLOR="Purple"]
We found out Brent-Cruise Director, David (head of Family/Adult entertainment-from Canada) and Aussie Dave are all going to the Dream for the 1st contract....:banana: for them but :sad2:

Oooohhhhhh, I hope they'll be back in time, I promised them both Tim Tams for next year, and they indicated they would be there, but stuff changes....who knows??? :confused3

[COLOR="Blue"]
I have been in the Walt myself so I know what yo mean about a great suite. We were two doors down from the Walt last WBTA. The people in the Walt this last time were very unfriendly and complained all the time loudly outside their room. I am so glad they were not DISers. First morning on board my DH and I said hello to the family and they looked at us like we had two heads. After that we just passed them in the corridor without speaking. Our room steward Shaka never complained or mentioned them to us but I could hear them complaining about all the people who were leaving FE gifts in the staterooms nearby. They were complaining that they didn't realize so many people would be in the hallway at "all hours" and that they had not paid a fortune to have people traipsing by their room.


Silly people, don't know what they are missing, living in their own little bubble, not having their lives enriched with other peoples company, smiles, stories and culture! :confused3 Their loss :)


Oh my goodness, what miseries! Can't believe they were like that when you said hello. Now, perhaps on Cunard!!:confused3 Even if there were lots of people on the corridor delivering FE gifts I can't imagine they were too loud. However, I did pop up to Su's room one afternoon to look at the magazine bag, and the door was open and it was extremely loud and noisy in there. I thought at the time I wouldn't want to be next door!!!!:lmao:


Was that Champagne Girls day, wouldn't want to have been their neighbour that arfternoon! :rotfl2:

Hi Everyone! :wave2:

Wow, I've got a lot of reading to do here!

DH and I booked this cruise when we were on our 4-night Wonder cruise last month. It's still pretty iffy as to whether we'll make this - [B]if we can make arrangements for our 5 dogs, if we can get a decent airfare to Barcelona, if we can scrape up the money - the fare is not as much of a problem as our bar tab! ;)

BUT... This is going to be my birthday present for one of those "landmark" birthdays, so I'm really hoping we can pull this off. We've only been on 4-nighters, so any advice from anyone who has done this before would be most welcome. Of course, we'd love to participate in a FE, too.

Okay, time to get reading. :surfweb:

:welcome:

Hi guys, we booked the 2011 WBTA and will be joining this happy group on board.

We spent 47 days with the Mouse in September / October (DCL & WDW) and arrived home two weeks ago with serious withdrawal symptoms.

Have just started to read thread for this cruise and notice some familiar names from the 2010 WBTA. Sorry that we didn't meet up on this past cruise, spent most of the 14 days relaxing and spending time together.

Next holiday going to be a cut down version of this year's holiday (husband's work commitments dictate this I'm afraid).

Going to have to get out of my comfort zone for chatting, would you believe I have just started to use Facebook???

Burnice

:welcome:
We are also Aussies, from Gold Coast, Queensland, G'day!

[granmaz]

Hi Everyone! :wave2:

Wow, I've got a lot of reading to do here!

DH and I booked this cruise when we were on our 4-night Wonder cruise last month. It's still pretty iffy as to whether we'll make this - if we can make arrangements for our 5 dogs, if we can get a decent airfare to Barcelona, if we can scrape up the money - the fare is not as much of a problem as our bar tab! ;)

BUT... This is going to be my birthday present for one of those "landmark" birthdays, so I'm really hoping we can pull this off. We've only been on 4-nighters, so any advice from anyone who has done this before would be most welcome. Of course, we'd love to participate in a FE, too.

Okay, time to get reading. :surfweb:

Hi and welcome.:wave: I hope you make the cruise. Time to become tee total before next September!!!;):lmao:

Hi guys, we booked the 2011 WBTA and will be joining this happy group on board.

We spent 47 days with the Mouse in September / October (DCL & WDW) and arrived home two weeks ago with serious withdrawal symptoms.

Have just started to read thread for this cruise and notice some familiar names from the 2010 WBTA. Sorry that we didn't meet up on this past cruise, spent most of the 14 days relaxing and spending time together.

Next holiday going to be a cut down version of this year's holiday (husband's work commitments dictate this I'm afraid).

Going to have to get out of my comfort zone for chatting, would you believe I have just started to use Facebook???

Burnice

Hi. We were on the last WBTA but I don't think we met. I think we did so little we missed meeting a lot of people!!!;)





Was that Champagne Girls day, wouldn't want to have been their neighbour that arfternoon! :rotfl2:


No, it was another day!!!:eek::eek::eek:

[squitty]

I booked my flight back home last night. Happened to still be up at 1 am, so decided to check things out. That was midnight in Ireland and thus for the airline. I got quoted a price that was even a nice bit cheaper than I've been quoted so far when toying around with some other dates when they first were published so I booked them. GREAT price for both a oneway (which we all know can be difficult to get, most of the times it's cheaper to book a roundtrip and only use it half :headache:) and GREAT price for business class. What more could I want? They quoted me a $-price since it's a flight from MCO and offered me a fixed currency exchange rate. No thank you, my creditcard company uses a much much better. All in all those two saved me about another €75,-. This morning the prices were the same as I've been quoted when playing around so I've got the impression the prices get put up at midnight but aren't quite right yet. Either way, I don't care. I got myself a deal. :thumbsup2

Well done on booking your flights..:thumbsup2


Hi Everyone! :wave2:

Wow, I've got a lot of reading to do here!

DH and I booked this cruise when we were on our 4-night Wonder cruise last month. It's still pretty iffy as to whether we'll make this - if we can make arrangements for our 5 dogs, if we can get a decent airfare to Barcelona, if we can scrape up the money - the fare is not as much of a problem as our bar tab! ;)

BUT... This is going to be my birthday present for one of those "landmark" birthdays, so I'm really hoping we can pull this off. We've only been on 4-nighters, so any advice from anyone who has done this before would be most welcome. Of course, we'd love to participate in a FE, too.

Okay, time to get reading. :surfweb:
Welcome :wave2:
Hi guys, we booked the 2011 WBTA and will be joining this happy group on board.

We spent 47 days with the Mouse in September / October (DCL & WDW) and arrived home two weeks ago with serious withdrawal symptoms.

Have just started to read thread for this cruise and notice some familiar names from the 2010 WBTA. Sorry that we didn't meet up on this past cruise, spent most of the 14 days relaxing and spending time together.

Next holiday going to be a cut down version of this year's holiday (husband's work commitments dictate this I'm afraid).

Going to have to get out of my comfort zone for chatting, would you believe I have just started to use Facebook???

Burnice
Welcome :wave2:
We did Maho Beach on the WBTA. We did a day tour with Bernards, we stopped there for lunch (best ribs ever!!!) and saw the big KLM plane come in around 12:30. Tip - the cocktails are super strong, 1 rum punch nearly knocked me over for the day!

Sounds great:goodvibes Drinking on an afternoon hasn't always been good to me, so I'll stay away from the rum punch:)

[goofieslonglostsis]

Welcome aboard Pam and Burnice! :cheer2:

[PFlamingo]

I'm kicking around a few ideas for getting us and our stuff to Barcelona. Feel free to give me feedback on how practical - or not - any of this would be.

As DH is retired Air Force, he is going to look into getting us on a military flight - maybe to England or Germany. Not sure where, exactly in England or Germany, but it'll be closer than we are now.

Once we get that far, I'm thinking we could either fly or take a train to Barcelona. How feasible would either be? We love trains, so I'm thinking that would be cheaper & more interesting than flying. I traveled around England via BritRail years ago, and had no problems at all. Will getting to Barcelona be as easy?

Given the baggage limitations on the airlines these days, I'm thinking we should ship some of our stuff ahead. I know cost will depend on the size/weight of the package, but if anyone has done this, how much did you ship and what did it cost? Has anyone had any problems with going this route - like packages/bags getting lost? We always drive to Orlando (we live in central Georgia) and my parents drive us to Port Canaveral, so we've not had to deal with airline restrictions on bag size, weight, or contents, or ground transportation w/ all our stuff.

I haven't figured out yet how early we'll be going - probably only a few days ahead, but we'll have to be flexible if we use the military flight. We'll probably arrive in Barcelona at least one day ahead and stay at a hotel. What will be the best way to get to the port?

TIA for the help! Sorry if I've asked a bunch of things that have been answered elsewhere - I've only read thru pg 10 of this thread.

[granmaz]

We were thinking of going by train at one time, when the volcano was disrupting flights. In the end we didn't have to, but John still fancies it.

This site describes the journey. It is overnight as it happens. I haven't looked into anything else. The main train is from Paris, but you can go from the UK - follow the instructions lo booking. If you go with the more expensive ticket with your own compartment, you get 2 bags each allowance too.

http://www.seat61.com/Spain.htm

Noel is the one who will advise about shipping baggage ahead if you need to. A taxi is the best way to get to the port.

[birkner]

I'm kicking around a few ideas for getting us and our stuff to Barcelona. Feel free to give me feedback on how practical - or not - any of this would be.

As DH is retired Air Force, he is going to look into getting us on a military flight - maybe to England or Germany. Not sure where, exactly in England or Germany, but it'll be closer than we are now.

Once we get that far, I'm thinking we could either fly or take a train to Barcelona. How feasible would either be? We love trains, so I'm thinking that would be cheaper & more interesting than flying. I traveled around England via BritRail years ago, and had no problems at all. Will getting to Barcelona be as easy?

Given the baggage limitations on the airlines these days, I'm thinking we should ship some of our stuff ahead. I know cost will depend on the size/weight of the package, but if anyone has done this, how much did you ship and what did it cost? Has anyone had any problems with going this route - like packages/bags getting lost? We always drive to Orlando (we live in central Georgia) and my parents drive us to Port Canaveral, so we've not had to deal with airline restrictions on bag size, weight, or contents, or ground transportation w/ all our stuff.

I haven't figured out yet how early we'll be going - probably only a few days ahead, but we'll have to be flexible if we use the military flight. We'll probably arrive in Barcelona at least one day ahead and stay at a hotel. What will be the best way to get to the port?

TIA for the help! Sorry if I've asked a bunch of things that have been answered elsewhere - I've only read thru pg 10 of this thread.

We flew into Frankfurt for the last WBTA. We used Air Berlin (http://www.airberlin.com/site/start.php?LANG=eng&MARKT=US) to get from Frankfurt to Barcelona. Cost for the two of us was $251. However, the baggage restrictions are pretty horrendous at one bag each and one carry one which means you have to put your purse inside the carry on. Weight for baggage is 20kg. 20 kg is 44 pounds. Carry on weight is 8 kg (includes computer) or 17.6 pounds. Size for carry on in inches is 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 or 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm.

I used a pricey option and others may have better options. I shipped 50 lbs ahead via Luggage Forward (http://www.luggageforward.com/quote_international.jsp) for $306 as I wanted to be sure all our cruise clothes arrived without getting stuck in customs. I still figured since we only paid $2.50 to use our miles to fly between SFO and BCN that we still came out ahead.

We are just staying Friday night so we are going to stay at the Barcelona Marriott Renassance Airport Hotel (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bcnbr-renaissance-barcelona-airport-hotel/). They have free transportation to the airport and the city center. Also, for 10 Euros for adults and 5 Euros for children they have a shuttle that goes to the pier. Last year it left at 11AM, 12PM and 1PM.

[birkner]

We were thinking of going by train at one time, when the volcano was disrupting flights. In the end we didn't have to, but John still fancies it.

This site describes the journey. It is overnight as it happens. I haven't looked into anything else. The main train is from Paris, but you can go from the UK - follow the instructions lo booking. If you go with the more expensive ticket with your own compartment, you get 2 bags each allowance too.

http://www.seat61.com/Spain.htm

Noel is the one who will advise about shipping baggage ahead if you need to. A taxi is the best way to get to the port.

I found the trains way too expensive between Frankfurt and Barcelona. From the raileurope site: (http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/point_to_point/triprequest.htm?WT.mc_id=CJ.fares_schedules.affili ates)


Rail Service Departs:
Inter City Express 518 3:09PM
Frankfurt Flug FE,
Germany
4 Jan 4:05PM
Koeln Hbf,
Germany
4 Jan 0hr 56min
CONNECTING TRAIN
Thalys 9452 4:42PM
Koeln Hbf,
Germany
4 Jan 7:59PM
Paris Nord,
France
4 Jan 3hr 17min
Please note: You have 37 min to transfer between trains.
CONNECTING TRAIN
Elipsos 477 8:37PM
Paris Austerlitz,
France
4 Jan 8:24AM
Barcelona-Estacio De Franca,
Spain
5 Jan 11hr 47min
4 Jan 0hr 56min 2 $948.00 $1413.00 $1777.00 N/A
CONNECTING TRAIN
Thalys 9452 4:42PM
Koeln Hbf,
Germany
4 Jan 7:59PM
Paris Nord,
France
4 Jan 3hr 17min
Please note: You have 37 min to transfer between trains.
CONNECTING TRAIN
Elipsos 477 8:37PM
Paris Austerlitz,
France
4 Jan 8:24AM
Barcelona-Estacio De Franca,
Spain
5 Jan 11hr 47min

Cost for 2 seniors (over 60):

Economy $948.00
Restricted

2nd Class $1413.00
Freedom
Flexible

2nd Class $1777.00
Comfort
Restricted

1st Class N/A
Premier
1st Class
and more

[granmaz]

I found the trains way too expensive between Frankfurt and Barcelona. From the raileurope site: (http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/point_to_point/triprequest.htm?WT.mc_id=CJ.fares_schedules.affili ates)


Rail Service Departs:
Inter City Express 518 3:09PM
Frankfurt Flug FE,
Germany
4 Jan 4:05PM
Koeln Hbf,
Germany
4 Jan 0hr 56min
CONNECTING TRAIN
Thalys 9452 4:42PM
Koeln Hbf,
Germany
4 Jan 7:59PM
Paris Nord,
France
4 Jan 3hr 17min
Please note: You have 37 min to transfer between trains.
CONNECTING TRAIN
Elipsos 477 8:37PM
Paris Austerlitz,
France
4 Jan 8:24AM
Barcelona-Estacio De Franca,
Spain
5 Jan 11hr 47min
4 Jan 0hr 56min 2 $948.00 $1413.00 $1777.00 N/A
CONNECTING TRAIN
Thalys 9452 4:42PM
Koeln Hbf,
Germany
4 Jan 7:59PM
Paris Nord,
France
4 Jan 3hr 17min
Please note: You have 37 min to transfer between trains.
CONNECTING TRAIN
Elipsos 477 8:37PM
Paris Austerlitz,
France
4 Jan 8:24AM
Barcelona-Estacio De Franca,
Spain
5 Jan 11hr 47min

Cost for 2 seniors (over 60):

Economy $948.00
Restricted

2nd Class $1413.00
Freedom
Flexible

2nd Class $1777.00
Comfort
Restricted

1st Class N/A
Premier
1st Class
and more




Yikes, they are expensive. :eek:When we looked at the London to Barcelona they weren't bad at all. They do say to book quickly when the dates open up.

[PFlamingo]

I looked at this as separate fares - London to Paris, std class seat, and then the overnight 2-berth w/ shower from Paris to Barcelona. Altogether it was about 380 euros (which I have yet to convert and who knows what the rate will be by then). Still not cheap. I figure I've got some time to research our options.

I was just thinking how old and spoiled I've become. Back in the day, I'd've just booked a standard seat through, stuffed everything in my rucksack, slept in my seat, and found a hostel when I got there.:cool2: DH is one of those "eeeww, share a bathroom??" :scared: kind of guys, though. Always has been. ;)

[birkner]

I looked at this as separate fares - London to Paris, std class seat, and then the overnight 2-berth w/ shower from Paris to Barcelona. Altogether it was about 380 euros (which I have yet to convert and who knows what the rate will be by then). Still not cheap. I figure I've got some time to research our options.

I was just thinking how old and spoiled I've become. Back in the day, I'd've just booked a standard seat through, stuffed everything in my rucksack, slept in my seat, and found a hostel when I got there.:cool2: DH is one of those "eeeww, share a bathroom??" :scared: kind of guys, though. Always has been. ;)

381 Euros converts today to about $525. Was that a per person or for both?

I am one who prefers hotels as well. Didn't mind camping or rouging it when I was younger but not these days.

[granmaz]

There are lots of budget airlines that fly from the UK to Barcelona. Some could be as low as $60 each or even lower, but the baggage allowances are usually poor. However if you are going to send some ahead that should be no problem. I think most Brits flying over this year used the budget airlines. They get you there, and it is only just over 2 hours flying time.

We used British Airways and that wasn't too bad really, but looking more expensive for next year as yet. I will wait for a sale I think and hope Barcelona is included. I think we paid about $150 which included paying for a second checked bag.

[Con5421]

http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab137/con5421/Disney%20Dream/CIMG3836.jpg

http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab137/con5421/Disney%20Dream/CIMG3840.jpg

http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab137/con5421/Disney%20Dream/CIMG3834.jpg

Here some picture's from the Dream in The Netherlands

[granmaz]

Fantastic. Thanks Connie.

[birkner]

Connie, thanks ever so much for sharing the pics of the Dream with all of us.

[Pinky166]

Thanks for sharing Connie!!! I am so excited, roll on January! :dance3:

[Pinky166]

Hi Everyone! :wave2:

Wow, I've got a lot of reading to do here!

DH and I booked this cruise when we were on our 4-night Wonder cruise last month. It's still pretty iffy as to whether we'll make this - if we can make arrangements for our 5 dogs, if we can get a decent airfare to Barcelona, if we can scrape up the money - the fare is not as much of a problem as our bar tab! ;)

BUT... This is going to be my birthday present for one of those "landmark" birthdays, so I'm really hoping we can pull this off. We've only been on 4-nighters, so any advice from anyone who has done this before would be most welcome. Of course, we'd love to participate in a FE, too.

Okay, time to get reading. :surfweb:


Welcome aboard Pat & DH, I hope you are able to come, what a great way to celebrate your birthday. :)


Hi guys, we booked the 2011 WBTA and will be joining this happy group on board.

We spent 47 days with the Mouse in September / October (DCL & WDW) and arrived home two weeks ago with serious withdrawal symptoms.

Have just started to read thread for this cruise and notice some familiar names from the 2010 WBTA. Sorry that we didn't meet up on this past cruise, spent most of the 14 days relaxing and spending time together.

Next holiday going to be a cut down version of this year's holiday (husband's work commitments dictate this I'm afraid).

Going to have to get out of my comfort zone for chatting, would you believe I have just started to use Facebook???

Burnice

:welcome: Burnice & family. Wow 47 days with the Mouse would be so awesome!!!!! You lucky thing. :)

[MandyGirl]

Welcome aboard Pam and Burnice! :cool1:

[MandyGirl]

I'm kicking around a few ideas for getting us and our stuff to Barcelona. Feel free to give me feedback on how practical - or not - any of this would be.

As DH is retired Air Force, he is going to look into getting us on a military flight - maybe to England or Germany. Not sure where, exactly in England or Germany, but it'll be closer than we are now.

Once we get that far, I'm thinking we could either fly or take a train to Barcelona. How feasible would either be? We love trains, so I'm thinking that would

We had been kicking that idea around as well. Hubby is an active airline employee, so we have standby privileges on lots of airlines usually at 90% off. However, I want a confirmed ticket, and we found some nice deals that are nonstops to Barcelona. Would be a lot of kick-paddle-kick-paddle to catch up with the Magic as she left Barcelona...

Anyway, we have AA miles to use, so I have looked at destinations in Europe on AA. We also have two nights at any Hyatt with no blackout date. However, we are learning that Hyatt in Europe (standard rooms) do not accommodate 2 adults plus 1 toddler and 1 infant (even at 450+ sq ft, king bed, children under 12 free, etc). grrrr. Even when we all pile into one bed at home on rainy nights, me still breastfeeding, etc. Hotels in general are tough to find for a family of four without breaking budget, and I'm too much of a 'fraidy cat to sneak one in over the limit - and if she weighs as much as DD1 did at that age, we are looking at 20 pounds sneaking in! (I know they blame it on fire code... but seriously...) We have not committed to flying directly into BCN yet - I'm still drawn to visit Italy. A friend of mine has visited there dozens of times for leisure, but he thinks we should just go to BCN and save Italy for later when the girls are older. (He forgets my 5 month-old has now flown 11 times... but he is right... transatlantic may be a different beast for her.) I found good deals from Milan to BCN (nonstop) on Lufthansa that INCLUDE a checked bag. Not RyanAir or EasyJet. Lufthansa was really a sweet deal. I'm still inclined to look at Milan, or train to Bologna, but this whole thing with me not working this year has Curt looking at trip budget more closely. Sister-in-law spent 6 weeks in Barcelona last year as part of residency after med school, so I need to pick her brain. I just hate flying all that way and only seeing one area. The last time Curt and I went, we each had one backpack and were just fine. Gotta teach these little ones to travel light as well. :thumbsup2

So last night my searches were geared back to apartments in Barcelona... but my heart still wants to squeeze something else in. Will keep looking...

[MandyGirl]

Back in the day, I'd've just booked a standard seat through, stuffed everything in my rucksack, slept in my seat, and found a hostel when I got there.:cool2: DH is one of those "eeeww, share a bathroom??" :scared: kind of guys, though. Always has been. ;)

Are you sure you aren't talking about me and DH??? :lmao:

[goofieslonglostsis]

Pat; when will you have any idea which country you'll be flying into and on which date? That'll play a big influence on your options for further travel towards Barca and the costs of it.

While train is a great way to see something it is EXPENSIVE when it comes to Europe. Cheapest ways are special tickets that are offered during summer -I think only for folks up until the age of 30 or something?- where you can rail as much as you want in an x amount of EU-countries for like 2 or 3 weeks but even those are in the hundreds of euros. Flying is a lot cheaper, esp. if you've got some time to play around and get a good price.

Ship anything you need but is access baggage. Don't expect any leeway from any EU carrier and those extra fees are nuts so high. There are quite a few affordable options out there if you don't have to get stuff to Barca overnight.


Mandy, boy do I get your reasoning! No way I could play the not-knowing game for such an important thing as a flight across the Atlantic to catch a cruiseship. It does limit your options for standby and such and that stress is not what anybody needs. As you're from Texas, how are the prices of Continental? Not in the loop when it comes to Barca but for our neck of the European woods they tend to offer compatible fares to most locations in the US incl. Houston.

[MandyGirl]

Mandy, boy do I get your reasoning! No way I could play the not-knowing game for such an important thing as a flight across the Atlantic to catch a cruiseship. It does limit your options for standby and such and that stress is not what anybody needs. As you're from Texas, how are the prices of Continental? Not in the loop when it comes to Barca but for our neck of the European woods they tend to offer compatible fares to most locations in the US incl. Houston.

Continental prices are decent, but I have not purchased a ticket on them in over ten years when I was living near their Houston hub. Being in Dallas now, American is our biggest carrier (international) and Southwest (domestic). It seems AA always matches the price to whatever Southwest is advertising, and flying out of Love Field (versus DFW) we still have to contend with the Wright Amendment (a ludicrous 1970s law that says flights from Love Field cannot go further than Texas... in the process of being repealed... and will be gone in 2014 YAY!) So often I will purchase long-haul on AA. And with two little ones, we rarely play the standby game any longer. Curt and I can handle it, but not little ones. Even when a flight looks wide open for standby, it can all change so fast. One cancelled flight with passengers rebooking, weather, etc. throws it all out-of-whack. Standby is for only when you don't HAVE to be somewhere. LOL! But yes - for cruises we always purchase "real" tickets or use airline rewards. Takes me a few years to get enough points saved up, so when I use them, I want to get the most out of them. :)

I did call Hyatt this afternoon to inquire about max occupancy. The reservations agent first told me it was max of 3 in their standard rooms because of room size, but I said I knew the room sizes were acclaimed to be the largest in Europe at about 450 sq ft. She looked it up - yes - 452 to be exact. Same size (or smaller!) room in US has max occupancy of four at their properties. She said it is a Europe thing. Different country, different rules. Oh well. :confused:

I'm still looking at Milan - want to see part of northern Italy. I know we'll make it to Rome eventually, most likely on a cruise, so save cruise ports for later. My friend said to go to Bologna, but he kept reminding me we have children. We handled four islands in Hawaii over the course of 3 weeks when DD1 was 9 months old... keep thinking we can handle this too...

[goofieslonglostsis]

Continental prices are decent, but I have not purchased a ticket on them in over ten years when I was living near their Houston hub. Being in Dallas now, American is our biggest carrier (international) and Southwest (domestic). It seems AA always matches the price to whatever Southwest is advertising, and flying out of Love Field (versus DFW) we still have to contend with the Wright Amendment (a ludicrous 1970s law that says flights from Love Field cannot go further than Texas... in the process of being repealed... and will be gone in 2014 YAY!) So often I will purchase long-haul on AA. And with two little ones, we rarely play the standby game any longer. Curt and I can handle it, but not little ones. Even when a flight looks wide open for standby, it can all change so fast. One cancelled flight with passengers rebooking, weather, etc. throws it all out-of-whack. Standby is for only when you don't HAVE to be somewhere. LOL! But yes - for cruises we always purchase "real" tickets or use airline rewards. Takes me a few years to get enough points saved up, so when I use them, I want to get the most out of them. :)

Didn't realize AA flies right out of Dallas. With CO it would already be at least one transfer. Not the worst thing but if it can be avoided with no real huge cost increase and service is alike, direct it is with kids.

I did call Hyatt this afternoon to inquire about max occupancy. The reservations agent first told me it was max of 3 in their standard rooms because of room size, but I said I knew the room sizes were acclaimed to be the largest in Europe at about 450 sq ft. She looked it up - yes - 452 to be exact. Same size (or smaller!) room in US has max occupancy of four at their properties. She said it is a Europe thing. Different country, different rules. Oh well. :confused:

It's a Hyatt thing. No way legislation is prohibiting them from having 4 persons on said sq. ft, including in Spain. Silly of them to go that way when claiming "largest room size in Europe". Doesn't that right there tell people rooms in Europe tend to be smaller than in the US and thus allowed amount of persons per sq ft is relatively higher? :laughing: Apparently Hyatt's found this is what works for them for that location and their customer demands. That's OK, but I guess no chance gets unused to use the "it's European" babble. It gets used for even the silliest things, funny really.

I'm still looking at Milan - want to see part of northern Italy. I know we'll make it to Rome eventually, most likely on a cruise, so save cruise ports for later. My friend said to go to Bologna, but he kept reminding me we have children. We handled four islands in Hawaii over the course of 3 weeks when DD1 was 9 months old... keep thinking we can handle this too...

If you think you can, can get the days off and know you can financially pull it off; do it! Go for it. :thumbsup2 There are some pearls out there to be enjoyed. Do you have any idea of what you'ld want? Culture? Architecture? More citytrip like? Nature? You can get it all in Italy, so pinpointing what would work for your family could be a good start. Do some basic homework and you can find the nicest places to fit your family.

Honestly though, if you've got the go-with-the-flow spirit, kids hardly ever are a reason not to do anything travelwise. Especially not in Europe. Very childfriendly and children really do adopt easily if you give them enough time to play and unwind. And playing can be done just about anywhere. :goodvibes

Europe can be a bit more challenging when using a stroller but in such a case I'ld rather slow down the pace to the childs walking pace (when it's for instance like 3 or 4) and enjoy or use a....... sjeez what are they called in english... carryingblanket? They are the type of fabric that you use to safely, ergonomically secure a child to the parents back or chest. Like a carrier but safer and a lot easier and more comfortable for both parents and child. It really can be a enjoyable memorable -in the good way- trip with kids.

[MandyGirl]

Didn't realize AA flies right out of Dallas.

It's a major hub. No nonstops to BCN, but nonstops to London, Frankfurt, Paris...

The cheap Lufthansa airfare disappeared tonight and almost doubled out of Milan. grrrrrrr We are into culture and architecture. Hoping for a call from Curt's sister this weekend about Barcelona though. I know we can spend time there and thoroughly enjoy. Maybe it's all the pickpocket stories recently tainting my vision. I have become a little more overprotective since having children.

[birkner]

It's a major hub. No nonstops to BCN, but nonstops to London, Frankfurt, Paris...

The cheap Lufthansa airfare disappeared tonight and almost doubled out of Milan. grrrrrrr We are into culture and architecture. Hoping for a call from Curt's sister this weekend about Barcelona though. I know we can spend time there and thoroughly enjoy. Maybe it's all the pickpocket stories recently tainting my vision. I have become a little more overprotective since having children.

We felt comfortable walking on La Rambla and in the downtown area in Barcelona. I carried a Pacsafe purse and DH had a Pacsafe camera bag. Our sightseeing tours were great and we did have some children along with us on the tours.

There is a couple of great websites that I recommend for a couple last time:

Kids in Barcelona (http://www.kidsinbarcelona.com/content/view/53/94/)
Barcelona with Children (http://www.barcelona.de/en/barcelona-families-children.html)

[MandyGirl]

We felt comfortable walking on La Rambla and in the downtown area in Barcelona. I carried a Pacsafe purse and DH had a Pacsafe camera bag. Our sightseeing tours were great and we did have some children along with us on the tours.

There is a couple of great websites that I recommend for a couple last time:

Kids in Barcelona (http://www.kidsinbarcelona.com/content/view/53/94/)
Barcelona with Children (http://www.barcelona.de/en/barcelona-families-children.html)

Thank you so much, Noel! I will look at these. :)
I did inquire about an apartment a block or two from Rambla, and the owner suggested a different apartment of her's in a different area (and my inquiry mentioned safety was my number one concern). Not sure why she suggested the other area, maybe because of the kiddos. :confused3

[birkner]

Thank you so much, Noel! I will look at these. :)
I did inquire about an apartment a block or two from Rambla, and the owner suggested a different apartment of her's in a different area (and my inquiry mentioned safety was my number one concern). Not sure why she suggested the other area, maybe because of the kiddos. :confused3

You are very welcome. I would ask her why she suggested the area as perhaps it is near a park or something.

Traveling with kids over the years, I know it just is easier to go at a slower pace and do more child friendly things.

[middleofamerica]

Hi! We are also booked on this cruise. We are a family of 5, kids will be 9,7, and 4 on the cruise.
MandyGirl, we wanted to mention that we booked the Novotel Barcelona City, they have family rooms that accommodate 4. They are supposed to be kid friendly according to their website. It was about $125 a night. We are coming in on Thursday, flying through Dallas on AA to London, then to Barcelona. We found great rates on 1800flyeurope.com. The prices have been going up in the last week, but some good ones are left for around $500 one way.
We will have 8 hours in London between flights. We want to take the Tube to Central London where we think we'll have about 4 hours, does anyone have recommendations for what to do with kids? Harrods toy department? Sight seeing on the double decker buses? We have been to London, just not with kids.
Thanks!!

[birkner]

Hi! We are also booked on this cruise. We are a family of 5, kids will be 9,7, and 4 on the cruise.
MandyGirl, we wanted to mention that we booked the Novotel Barcelona City, they have family rooms that accommodate 4. They are supposed to be kid friendly according to their website. It was about $125 a night. We are coming in on Thursday, flying through Dallas on AA to London, then to Barcelona. We found great rates on 1800flyeurope.com. The prices have been going up in the last week, but some good ones are left for around $500 one way.
We will have 8 hours in London between flights. We want to take the Tube to Central London where we think we'll have about 4 hours, does anyone have recommendations for what to do with kids? Harrods toy department? Sight seeing on the double decker buses? We have been to London, just not with kids.
Thanks!!

Welcome aboard!! We are Noel and John and this is will be our 5th DCL cruise. We also did the 2010 WBTA.

I have family in the UK and have visited many times. Let me give you a few websites to help you plan. The London Eye is a must as well as watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. My kids and GK's loved the British Museum, the Tower of London, the London Zoo and riding the double decker buses.

What to do in London (http://www.visitlondon.com/people/family/)
Travel for kids (http://www.travelforkids.com/Funtodo/England/london.htm)
Things for children to do in London (http://www.londontoolkit.com/whattodo/kids.htm)

[granmaz]

Hi! We are also booked on this cruise. We are a family of 5, kids will be 9,7, and 4 on the cruise.
MandyGirl, we wanted to mention that we booked the Novotel Barcelona City, they have family rooms that accommodate 4. They are supposed to be kid friendly according to their website. It was about $125 a night. We are coming in on Thursday, flying through Dallas on AA to London, then to Barcelona. We found great rates on 1800flyeurope.com. The prices have been going up in the last week, but some good ones are left for around $500 one way.
We will have 8 hours in London between flights. We want to take the Tube to Central London where we think we'll have about 4 hours, does anyone have recommendations for what to do with kids? Harrods toy department? Sight seeing on the double decker buses? We have been to London, just not with kids.
Thanks!!

Hi and welcome.:wave:

[Pinky166]

Hi! We are also booked on this cruise. We are a family of 5, kids will be 9,7, and 4 on the cruise.
MandyGirl, we wanted to mention that we booked the Novotel Barcelona City, they have family rooms that accommodate 4. They are supposed to be kid friendly according to their website. It was about $125 a night. We are coming in on Thursday, flying through Dallas on AA to London, then to Barcelona. We found great rates on 1800flyeurope.com. The prices have been going up in the last week, but some good ones are left for around $500 one way.
We will have 8 hours in London between flights. We want to take the Tube to Central London where we think we'll have about 4 hours, does anyone have recommendations for what to do with kids? Harrods toy department? Sight seeing on the double decker buses? We have been to London, just not with kids.
Thanks!!

:welcome: aboard! :goodvibes

I think the London Eye would be a good thing do to, it is also right by the London Aquarium which is a good way to spend about 2 hours.

[karentan]

welcome to all our new cruisers :)

[granmaz]

Hi Karen. How are you feeling?

[karentan]

feeling better now thanks, back to work now and feeling a lot better but just still really tired. but have found the upside to gastroenteritis, i've lost about half a stone in weight! :rotfl:
still waiting to hear back about my holiday, even my manager is getting tired of chasing my area manager!

[granmaz]

So pleased you are feeling better, and enjoy the weight loss!!!

It really is ridiculous about your all having to chase up about your holiday entitlement like this.

[karentan]

i think netty is getting bored with me chasing her, and her having to constantly email claire to chase her up!

[squitty]

Hi! We are also booked on this cruise. We are a family of 5, kids will be 9,7, and 4 on the cruise.
MandyGirl, we wanted to mention that we booked the Novotel Barcelona City, they have family rooms that accommodate 4. They are supposed to be kid friendly according to their website. It was about $125 a night. We are coming in on Thursday, flying through Dallas on AA to London, then to Barcelona. We found great rates on 1800flyeurope.com. The prices have been going up in the last week, but some good ones are left for around $500 one way.
We will have 8 hours in London between flights. We want to take the Tube to Central London where we think we'll have about 4 hours, does anyone have recommendations for what to do with kids? Harrods toy department? Sight seeing on the double decker buses? We have been to London, just not with kids.
Thanks!!

Welcome :wave2:

[Pinky166]

Glad your feeling better Karen. :)

[granmaz]

Morning Claire.

[goofieslonglostsis]

Good to read you're doing better, Karen.


It's a major hub. No nonstops to BCN, but nonstops to London, Frankfurt, Paris...

Ah, all of the nice transfer airports, grin.

The cheap Lufthansa airfare disappeared tonight and almost doubled out of Milan. grrrrrrr We are into culture and architecture. Hoping for a call from Curt's sister this weekend about Barcelona though. I know we can spend time there and thoroughly enjoy. Maybe it's all the pickpocket stories recently tainting my vision. I have become a little more overprotective since having children.

Do you know kayak.com? You can set your own limits and if a flight comes out, they'll alert you through email. Has gotten many people great prices before. As far as LH goes; you might very well find their flights cheaper through UA or CO websites. Don't mind the flightnumber being a possible UA or CO but watch who's carrying out the flight if you're desiring LH. Flights into Frankfurt are a very very good bet they'll be done by LH. Esp. UA's website has been offering much nicer prices for LH flights than LH themselves for us Europeans. Maybe it'll work the same for you guys?

It's a bit nutty, but I've found with that combo it can be cheaper to find a flight performed by airline A on the website of airline B not airline A's website. Goes for both eco and business class. Only CO seems to have stuck until now; I've always found the cheapest prices for them on their own website.

Also check out Aer Lingus. They've been offering great rates incl. for one ways (still more expensive as half a roundtrip but cheaper than a roundtrip). Don't know if they fly out of your area so if it's helpfull? I do remember all of the threads popping up for previous TA cruises where folks on both sides of the Atlantic got quoted very good prices. Their business class prices definately could not be beat even "close" by any other airline this year on my search. Very competative! :thumbsup2


Welcome aboard, Middleofamerica! I'll leave the London tips up to our UK-friends on this thread, much more knowledgable than me. Allthough last week I watched a tape of a young boy watching the changing of the gards. Too funny; the boy was totally into it, repeating each and all movements of the gards. Apparently loved by some kids. :laughing:

[MandyGirl]

Hi! We are also booked on this cruise. We are a family of 5, kids will be 9,7, and 4 on the cruise.
MandyGirl, we wanted to mention that we booked the Novotel Barcelona City, they have family rooms that accommodate 4. They are supposed to be kid friendly according to their website. It was about $125 a night. We are coming in on Thursday, flying through Dallas on AA to London, then to Barcelona. We found great rates on 1800flyeurope.com. The prices have been going up in the last week, but some good ones are left for around $500 one way.
We will have 8 hours in London between flights. We want to take the Tube to Central London where we think we'll have about 4 hours, does anyone have recommendations for what to do with kids? Harrods toy department? Sight seeing on the double decker buses? We have been to London, just not with kids.
Thanks!!

Very cool! Right now we are set to go through JFK on Tuesday (tix on hold) arrive Wed. Harrods..... mmmmm.... chocolate bar!! And thanks for the hotel suggestion!! :) I've thought of routing through London for that same reason - so DD1 can see it - but no AAdvantage seats that routing. She turns five that week, so we hope to celebrate her birthday on embarkation day.

[MandyGirl]

Do you know kayak.com? You can set your own limits and if a flight comes out, they'll alert you through email. Has gotten many people great prices before. As far as LH goes; you might very well find their flights cheaper through UA or CO websites. Don't mind the flightnumber being a possible UA or CO but watch who's carrying out the flight if you're desiring LH. Flights into Frankfurt are a very very good bet they'll be done by LH. Esp. UA's website has been offering much nicer prices for LH flights than LH themselves for us Europeans. Maybe it'll work the same for you guys?



Thanks for the tip on Kayak! I'm looking at nonstop flights Milan to BCN --- EasyJet, RyanAir, Lufthansa. Lufthansa is better on checked bags (or we ship ahead). Curt is off today, so after church we're going to check out the local book store (good reason to get out!!).

[goofieslonglostsis]

Have fun at the bookshop. :)

Not that much into the loop about Milan-Barca but I do know for our AMS-Barca flights not all airlines have their schedule open yet. You can compare it a bit to SW opening their schedule later than an airline like for instance AA. It might be worth it to find out if there are any airlines that do the same for Milan-Barca as sometimes a better price gets offered later on. What I did was play with the dates and used a date within 3 months from "now". That way I could see all the airlines flying into Barca. Obviously that only gave me the winterschedule but it does give a good idea of what could be possible.

[Pinky166]

Morning Claire.

Good afternoon Maz, how was your day yesterday.

[granmaz]

Good afternoon Maz, how was your day yesterday.

Pretty good actually thanks. John's mum wasn't too bad, though extremely frail. She was quite chirpy to be honest and conversation wasn't too difficult. She really is fed up, had enough, and wants to go. Sad isn't it?

The journey went well, and we both slept like logs last night. I had a lot of pain meds, so I think they had an effect there.;)

Watching the F1 now.

[Pinky166]

Pretty good actually thanks. John's mum wasn't too bad, though extremely frail. She was quite chirpy to be honest and conversation wasn't too difficult. She really is fed up, had enough, and wants to go. Sad isn't it?

The journey went well, and we both slept like logs last night. I had a lot of pain meds, so I think they had an effect there.;)

Watching the F1 now.

It is very sad, I would hate to be like that. :guilty: It must be very hard for John & you to see her like that too. :hug:


I don't really watch the F1 but have been flicking over & checking it today, I really want Lewis to win. He is from my hometown. :)

[granmaz]

It is very sad, I would hate to be like that. :guilty: It must be very hard for John & you to see her like that too. :hug:


I don't really watch the F1 but have been flicking over & checking it today, I really want Lewis to win. He is from my hometown. :)

No, I don't want to be like that either. Neither did she of course.

I think Lewis will be second. Good result, but would have been nice of course if he had won.

[karentan]

i really want to be able to join in all the talk about flight prices but still waiting!

its done nothing but rain here today, i had every intention of going out to hoover my car today but i'm easily put off :rotfl: so i've stayed in the warm watching tv instead! not a bad way to spend an afternoon!

[squitty]

Pretty good actually thanks. John's mum wasn't too bad, though extremely frail. She was quite chirpy to be honest and conversation wasn't too difficult. She really is fed up, had enough, and wants to go. Sad isn't it?

The journey went well, and we both slept like logs last night. I had a lot of pain meds, so I think they had an effect there.;)

Watching the F1 now.
Pleased you had a good journey Maz...not so good to hear your MIL is fed up. It's very sad when they reach that stage:(:hug:
It is very sad, I would hate to be like that. :guilty: It must be very hard for John & you to see her like that too. :hug:


I don't really watch the F1 but have been flicking over & checking it today, I really want Lewis to win. He is from my hometown. :)
Well he didn't win, but he did come a respectable second:thumbsup2
i really want to be able to join in all the talk about flight prices but still waiting!

its done nothing but rain here today, i had every intention of going out to hoover my car today but i'm easily put off :rotfl: so i've stayed in the warm watching tv instead! not a bad way to spend an afternoon!
I don't blame you for staying where it is nice and warm..

Fingers crossed you will be booking flights soon:wizard:

I am looking at car hire from the port and a hotel for 1 night off site as DH is watching football.

[Pinky166]

i really want to be able to join in all the talk about flight prices but still waiting!

its done nothing but rain here today, i had every intention of going out to hoover my car today but i'm easily put off :rotfl: so i've stayed in the warm watching tv instead! not a bad way to spend an afternoon!

Hope you get to know either way asap! It must be driving you crazy.


Well he didn't win, but he did come a respectable second:thumbsup2

I am looking at car hire from the port and a hotel for 1 night off site as DH is watching football.

Yes I watched the end, glad he & Jensen both finished in the top 3. :thumbsup2

We are watching the footy too (Chelsea V Sunderland).

[squitty]

We are watching the footy too (Chelsea V Sunderland).

I ended up watching bits...good result for Sunderland wasn't it?:)

Anyway, back to researching :rolleyes1

[Pinky166]

I ended up watching bits...good result for Sunderland wasn't it?:)

Anyway, back to researching :rolleyes1

Not when your a Chelsea fan! :lmao: Not a happy house here tonight! :sad2: :rolleyes:

Good luck with the research. I booked our car hire the other day, I used USrentacar.co.uk (Dollar) we are picking it up at Port Canaveral & return it to Miami airport, it was about £110 for 4 days.

[squitty]

Not when your a Chelsea fan! :lmao: Not a happy house here tonight! :sad2: :rolleyes:

Good luck with the research. I booked our car hire the other day, I used USrentacar.co.uk (Dollar) we are picking it up at Port Canaveral & return it to Miami airport, it was about £110 for 4 days.

Oops sorry Claire :) We're not Sunderland fans either. DH & DD support Liverpool.

I usually book via USRentacar, but we only need car hire for one day and the minimum they do is 2 days. Picking up at Port Canaveral, dropping of at either the Regal Sun or Doubletree, depending on we choose.
I've found I'm going to have to book directly with Budget or Dollar, they're both coming out about the same price.

[Pinky166]

Oops sorry Claire :) We're not Sunderland fans either. DH & DD support Liverpool.

I usually book via USRentacar, but we only need car hire for one day and the minimum they do is 2 days. Picking up at Port Canaveral, dropping of at either the Regal Sun or Doubletree, depending on we choose.
I've found I'm going to have to book directly with Budget or Dollar, they're both coming out about the same price.

:laughing: No worries.

I didn't realise they only do minimum 2 days. Have you got your return flight booked?

[squitty]

:laughing: No worries.

I didn't realise they only do minimum 2 days. Have you got your return flight booked?

:)

No, I didn't either. I was trying our dates on the website and it was saying that there were no cars available. So I rang them and that's when I found out that they only did a minimum 2 day rental.

Yes, we booked our return flight with Aer Lingus a couple of weeks ago now. I couldn't wait any longer. I was going to wait till VA released their reward seats, but I could wait no longer. I had the cruise booked for a while and it didn't feel like we were going till we'd booked the return flight:goodvibes

Have you booked your flights?

[Pinky166]

:)

No, I didn't either. I was trying our dates on the website and it was saying that there were no cars available. So I rang them and that's when I found out that they only did a minimum 2 day rental.

Yes, we booked our return flight with Aer Lingus a couple of weeks ago now. I couldn't wait any longer. I was going to wait till VA released their reward seats, but I could wait no longer. I had the cruise booked for a while and it didn't feel like we were going till we'd booked the return flight:goodvibes

Have you booked your flights?


Yes I booked a few days ago. :cool1:

I wanted to use our VA miles & was holding out for VA Miles only flight from MCO but they hadn't released any at all for August or Sept so I figured they either weren't going to or if they are then not for a while yet and I couldn't handle the waiting as I was getting stressed out over it. :rolleyes1 I ended up booking Miles only from Miami to Heathrow. It feels much more real now. :dance3:

[goofieslonglostsis]

Pretty good actually thanks. John's mum wasn't too bad, though extremely frail. She was quite chirpy to be honest and conversation wasn't too difficult. She really is fed up, had enough, and wants to go. Sad isn't it?

The journey went well, and we both slept like logs last night. I had a lot of pain meds, so I think they had an effect there.;)

Watching the F1 now.

Sounds like the trip went as well as it could've. Sad to hear she's so frail and waiting for life to catch up with her own sentiment and progress. How are you guys today? Any after results of the sleeping so deep, being on the go for so long or not that bad?


i really want to be able to join in all the talk about flight prices but still waiting!

We're just going to do a major group finger crossing, you deserve an answer as soon as can be. And a positive one at that obviously! :hug:

its done nothing but rain here today, i had every intention of going out to hoover my car today but i'm easily put off :rotfl: so i've stayed in the warm watching tv instead! not a bad way to spend an afternoon!

Why did you sent it our way? ;) I know rain is no fun but couldn't you have sent it to France or something? We got hit big time by the end of the afternoon and all evening. Got drenched, eventhough my dad almost literally drove his car into the door leading to the main hallway. It was like 2 meters or something, still drenched. Yugh.

[granmaz]

Sounds like the trip went as well as it could've. Sad to hear she's so frail and waiting for life to catch up with her own sentiment and progress. How are you guys today? Any after results of the sleeping so deep, being on the go for so long or not that bad?





We are both good today thanks. In fact John is better than normal. i.e. staying awake instead of snoring!!!:lmao:

We have had a lazy day really. i don't know where it has gone.

[karentan]

it has been raining from pretty much 8am this morning til now. made taking the dog out for a walk this afternoon really miserable. we need some sun! we just need to get winter out the way first, then spring will be here before we know it!
spent 2 hours earlier doing the one job i absolutely dread every year - writing christmas cards. normally i leave them til as late as absolutely possible, then i still put it off some more. but got them all (well most of them, got a few more to do, ran out of cards) done, so thats one job done for another year.
everyone on my facebook keeps saying that the coca cola advert has been on, so christmas is coming, i just cant get into the spirit yet, so i'm thinking bah humbug at the mo!

[karentan]

We have had a lazy day really. i don't know where it has gone.

i know that feeling! apart from the dreaded cards, its seems like the only other thing i've managed today is my ironing!

[granmaz]

I pottered this morning, and this afternoon a bit. Had the F1 on then a film. Played on my puter on and off(mostly on;)) Made potato wedges and custard for tea and have sat here all evening, one eye on here and one eye on the TV!!:laughing:

[granmaz]

We didn't eat the wedges and custard together I must add!!!:rotfl2:

[BigHugsForEeyore]

it has been raining from pretty much 8am this morning til now. made taking the dog out for a walk this afternoon really miserable. we need some sun! we just need to get winter out the way first, then spring will be here before we know it!
spent 2 hours earlier doing the one job i absolutely dread every year - writing christmas cards. normally i leave them til as late as absolutely possible, then i still put it off some more. but got them all (well most of them, got a few more to do, ran out of cards) done, so thats one job done for another year.
everyone on my facebook keeps saying that the coca cola advert has been on, so christmas is coming, i just cant get into the spirit yet, so i'm thinking bah humbug at the mo!

I haven't seen the advert on TV yet but I saw a giant billboard advert for it in Leeds on Tuesday.

Christmas seems to get earlier and earlier each year. It'll come to the point where we may as well just leave everything up all year round. :rolleyes1

Watch out for the Easter Eggs in the shops on January 1st!! :scared1:

[granmaz]

I have posts on FB about the coca cola ad too. I've been on BBC though.

[Pinky166]

We didn't eat the wedges and custard together I must add!!!:rotfl2:

:lmao: I said ewwww out loud when I read that - glad you cleared that up!


Yes the Coca Cola advert was on the ads between x factor earlier. :cool1: Christmas is coming! :dance3: I finished all my christmas shopping this week! :santa:

[MandyGirl]

Pretty good actually thanks. John's mum wasn't too bad, though extremely frail. She was quite chirpy to be honest and conversation wasn't too difficult. She really is fed up, had enough, and wants to go. Sad isn't it?

The journey went well, and we both slept like logs last night. I had a lot of pain meds, so I think they had an effect there.;)

Watching the F1 now.

Glad the trip went well! :) I know how challenging it can be at times when our loved ones are in their 90s. I think I started understanding my husband's mannerisms more in how much he was like his grandmother.

[PFlamingo]

'kay, just looked on lowfares.com, just to see what was out there. Looks like we should be able to find something one-way, Orlando to Barca for around 500-600 each, maybe a little less. Saw a great deal on Air Berlin - $350 each. Downside is a 10 hour layover in Dusseldorf. But for that kind of fare, I can amuse myself for 10 hours, & so can DH. The most interesting was a flight where the leg to Barcelona was on Pakistan Air. Hey, I'd be game to try it, but I don't think I could get DH on board w/ it.

If I can get something in that range, I'd rather have the confirmed flight than take my chances on the military thing. I think that will be a much better way to go than the other.

Besides, DH just informed me that we'd probably have to leave from someplace like Dover (Delaware) and "we could stay with my brother and mom while we wait to get a flight." Um, no thanks.:scared::crazy2: We can drive to Orlando, leave our car and a couple of dogs w/ my parents, fly to Barca, then have transportation (via my parents, who are NOT crazy, like other relatives I could mention) back to our car from Port Canaveral. Apparently, it didn't occur to DH that if we flew out of Delaware and returned to Florida, we'd have no way to get back to Georgia (where we live) without going via Delaware somehow.:rolleyes: Suddenly that "free" flight to Europe just got very expensive, in more ways than one! I think we now understand why I do all the travel planning around here.

Okay, sorry about that little rant. MIL is just a little crazy, but not in a good way. My folks, are, in fact, crazy, but only in good ways.

Anyway, this is starting to look more do-able.

[LittleDisneyLovers]

Hi! We are also booked on this cruise. We are a family of 5, kids will be 9,7, and 4 on the cruise.
MandyGirl, we wanted to mention that we booked the Novotel Barcelona City, they have family rooms that accommodate 4. They are supposed to be kid friendly according to their website.

Hi and :welcome:
Just wanted to let you know we stayed at the Novotel barcelona City before the WBAT thus year. It was modern, new and clean. It's straight across the road from some shops (Disney store, Starbucks, Zara, etc....). The view from our room overlooked the Sagradia Familia (sp?) which was really nice. The staff weren't overly friendly or helpful, but we were only there for one night and it met our needs just fine. We used Barcelona Taxi Van from the airport to hotel and it was 55 euro for 4 of us, 6 bags and 4 cabin bags. Then we used them again to the port which was 45 euro. There are taxi's straight outside the hotel and the taxi ride into Las Ramblas was about 10 euro.

We didn't eat the wedges and custard together I must add!!!:rotfl2:

Glad you cleared that up, EW. After all the talk of Haggis and whatnot last thread I wasn't sure?

[birkner]

Just want to share what John and I did today. We drove up to Sausalito (http://www.sausalito.org/), got lunch to go at Sam's BFF's family store, Mollie Stones (http://www.molliestones.com/). Afterward we drove to Stinson Beach (http://stinsonbeachonline.com/) to eat our lunch. Once lunch was done, we went to Muir Woods (http://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm). All in all a sunny, wonderful day...with temps in the mid 70's. I hope to post some pics later.

[MandyGirl]

Just want to share what John and I did today. We drove up to Sausalito (http://www.sausalito.org/), got lunch to go at Sam's BFF's family store, Mollie Stones (http://www.molliestones.com/). Afterward we drove to Stinson Beach (http://stinsonbeachonline.com/) to eat our lunch. Once lunch was done, we went to Muir Woods (http://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm). All in all a sunny, wonderful day...with temps in the mid 70's. I hope to post some pics later.
That is such a beautiful area! It has been about - omg - 17 years since I was there (college) but I oh so remember it. Glad you had a wonderful day!! :)

[middleofamerica]

Welcome aboard!! We are Noel and John and this is will be our 5th DCL cruise. We also did the 2010 WBTA.

What to do in London (http://www.visitlondon.com/people/family/)
Travel for kids (http://www.travelforkids.com/Funtodo/England/london.htm)
Things for children to do in London (http://www.londontoolkit.com/whattodo/kids.htm)



Thanks for the information and welcome everyone! We're really excited!

[middleofamerica]

[QUOTE=LittleDisneyLovers;38948433]Hi and :welcome:
Just wanted to let you know we stayed at the Novotel barcelona City before the WBAT thus year. It was modern, new and clean. It's straight across the road from some shops (Disney store, Starbucks, Zara, etc....). The view from our room overlooked the Sagradia Familia (sp?) which was really nice. The staff weren't overly friendly or helpful, but we were only there for one night and it met our needs just fine. We used Barcelona Taxi Van from the airport to hotel and it was 55 euro for 4 of us, 6 bags and 4 cabin bags. Then we used them again to the port which was 45 euro. There are taxi's straight outside the hotel and the taxi ride into Las Ramblas was about 10 euro.
QUOTE]

This is VERY helpful! Thank you! We've been trying to figure out how we would get there without splitting up and such since we have three kids. We've gone through many scenarios, but it's great to hear what someone else has actually done! I remember seeing someone on here that mentioned this hotel, it was probably you, thanks for that, it was the cheapest we could find (that seemed nice and took kids!). I might have to let you know if we have any more specific questions about it, I'm so thrilled there is a Disney Store across the street! :goodvibes

[birkner]

That is such a beautiful area! It has been about - omg - 17 years since I was there (college) but I oh so remember it. Glad you had a wonderful day!! :)

Here are the promised pics:
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods1.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods2.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods3.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods4.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods5.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods6.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods7.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods8.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods9.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods10.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods11.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods12.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods13.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods14.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods15.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods16.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods17.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods18.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods19.jpg

[birkner]

Thanks for the information and welcome everyone! We're really excited!

You are welcome. Any more info you might need, please let me know.

[Pinky166]

'kay, just looked on lowfares.com, just to see what was out there. Looks like we should be able to find something one-way, Orlando to Barca for around 500-600 each, maybe a little less. Saw a great deal on Air Berlin - $350 each. Downside is a 10 hour layover in Dusseldorf. But for that kind of fare, I can amuse myself for 10 hours, & so can DH. The most interesting was a flight where the leg to Barcelona was on Pakistan Air. Hey, I'd be game to try it, but I don't think I could get DH on board w/ it.

If I can get something in that range, I'd rather have the confirmed flight than take my chances on the military thing. I think that will be a much better way to go than the other.

Besides, DH just informed me that we'd probably have to leave from someplace like Dover (Delaware) and "we could stay with my brother and mom while we wait to get a flight." Um, no thanks.:scared::crazy2: We can drive to Orlando, leave our car and a couple of dogs w/ my parents, fly to Barca, then have transportation (via my parents, who are NOT crazy, like other relatives I could mention) back to our car from Port Canaveral. Apparently, it didn't occur to DH that if we flew out of Delaware and returned to Florida, we'd have no way to get back to Georgia (where we live) without going via Delaware somehow.:rolleyes: Suddenly that "free" flight to Europe just got very expensive, in more ways than one! I think we now understand why I do all the travel planning around here.

Okay, sorry about that little rant. MIL is just a little crazy, but not in a good way. My folks, are, in fact, crazy, but only in good ways.

Anyway, this is starting to look more do-able.

Sounds like you've got it all planned Pat, those flight prices seem pretty reasonable to me. :)


Just want to share what John and I did today. We drove up to Sausalito (http://www.sausalito.org/), got lunch to go at Sam's BFF's family store, Mollie Stones (http://www.molliestones.com/). Afterward we drove to Stinson Beach (http://stinsonbeachonline.com/) to eat our lunch. Once lunch was done, we went to Muir Woods (http://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm). All in all a sunny, wonderful day...with temps in the mid 70's. I hope to post some pics later.

Thanks for sharing your Noel, I love your photos of the trees they look huge!

[birkner]

Thanks for sharing your Noel, I love your photos of the trees they look huge!

You are welcome. The tallest redwood tree there is 250 fee. Our old Woodside house was surrounded by redwoods as you can see the tallest one on our website needinfo (http://www.needinfo.com/).

[squitty]

Morning everyone.....nice fresh morning here. Yes I booked a few days ago. :cool1:

I wanted to use our VA miles & was holding out for VA Miles only flight from MCO but they hadn't released any at all for August or Sept so I figured they either weren't going to or if they are then not for a while yet and I couldn't handle the waiting as I was getting stressed out over it. :rolleyes1 I ended up booking Miles only from Miami to Heathrow. It feels much more real now. :dance3:
Fantastic:thumbsup2 I never thought of Miles from MIA to LHR. I always forget about MIA:rolleyes:
Here are the promised pics:
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods1.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods2.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods3.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods4.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods5.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods6.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods7.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods8.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods9.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods10.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods11.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods12.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods13.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods14.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods15.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods16.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods17.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods18.jpghttp://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Muir%20Woods%20and%20Stinson%20Beach%20Nov%2014%20 2010/MuirWoods19.jpg

Fantastic part of the World, fab photo's. We were in California last year and DH wanted to visit Muir Woods to see those trees. Sadly we never made it.
Thank you for sharing the photos.

[birkner]

Fantastic part of the World, fab photo's. We were in California last year and DH wanted to visit Muir Woods to see those trees. Sadly we never made it.
Thank you for sharing the photos.

I am glad you enjoyed the pics. John and I feel very fortunate to live in California as there are so many places we can make a day or weekend trip to see.

[granmaz]

Great photos and area Noel. We were always going to go up there next time we got to SF, but not looking likely now.

[birkner]

Great photos and area Noel. We were always going to go up there next time we got to SF, but not looking likely now.

Thank you. If you ever get to California either north or south, please let us know.

[granmaz]

Thank you. If you ever get to California either north or south, please let us know.

Thank you Noel. We were planning to do N California this next time, but decided we couldn't do San Diego and San Francisco at the same time this trip with the time of year and with the higher cost of accommodation. So we decided to go back to Orlando for a few weeks. We are just not sure if we will get over that side of the country again as flight costs and age might get in the way!!!;) But, never say never, as it is an area we do want to return to and venture further afield. We did the usual triangle in a 3 week trip in about 1998 and did love it.

[birkner]

Thank you Noel. We were planning to do N California this next time, but decided we couldn't do San Diego and San Francisco at the same time this trip with the time of year and with the higher cost of accommodation. So we decided to go back to Orlando for a few weeks. We are just not sure if we will get over that side of the country again as flight costs and age might get in the way!!!;) But, never say never, as it is an area we do want to return to and venture further afield. We did the usual triangle in a 3 week trip in about 1998 and did love it.

I understand but if you are in San Diego, let me know when and perhaps I can fly down.

Let me know if you ever need me to look for good deals for either Southern or Northern California . I know that it can be expensive during certain times of the year but I can often find good deals here in the California.

[granmaz]

I understand but if you are in San Diego, let me know when and perhaps I can fly down.

Let me know if you ever need me to look for good deals for either Southern or Northern California . I know that it can be expensive during certain times of the year but I can often find good deals here in the California.

We are in San Diego for 3 nights, from 25th to 28th January. If we do decide to visit again then I will certainly ask for your help, thank you.

[birkner]

We are in San Diego for 3 nights, from 25th to 28th January. If we do decide to visit again then I will certainly ask for your help, thank you.

If you are free for dinner one of those nights, please let me know.

[granmaz]

If you are free for dinner one of those nights, please let me know.

We have nothing booked Noel, but it is a long way for you to travel.

[granmaz]

We have a beautiful day here, though very cold. I think it is downhill all the way from today though. Fog, ice, wind and rain to come. Good job we can be warm and snug inside and chat to friends without having to go out!!!:laughing:

I got my first Christmas present bought today. At last! 1 grandchild, 7 to go!! Fortunately for me 2 will be money, which is a bit of a cop out, but requested by one, and just sensible for the other as they are in Ireland and his mum can buy what he wants from there.

[MandyGirl]

I got my first Christmas present bought today. At last! 1 grandchild, 7 to go!!
Congratulations!! :cheer2: Our DD1 was the first grandchild on either side of the family -- had some very happy grandparents!! DD2 is now the second grandchild... our siblings are not married, with no prospects, so they may end up being the only two total.

[granmaz]

Congratulations!! :cheer2: Our DD1 was the first grandchild on either side of the family -- had some very happy grandparents!! DD2 is now the second grandchild... our siblings are not married, with no prospects, so they may end up being the only two total.

We might get one more, not sure, but I really don't think any more than that. They are all gorgeous, of course!!!

[birkner]

We have nothing booked Noel, but it is a long way for you to travel.

I would love to visit with you both so let's set a date and time and I will be there.

[birkner]

We have a beautiful day here, though very cold. I think it is downhill all the way from today though. Fog, ice, wind and rain to come. Good job we can be warm and snug inside and chat to friends without having to go out!!!:laughing:

I got my first Christmas present bought today. At last! 1 grandchild, 7 to go!! Fortunately for me 2 will be money, which is a bit of a cop out, but requested by one, and just sensible for the other as they are in Ireland and his mum can buy what he wants from there.

We only have 6 but I have purchased most of their presents over the year. I just ask what they want and try to buy whatever it is with a few small things for their stockings. Usually, each one wants one fairly big present so I can plan over the year.

[granmaz]

I would love to visit with you both so let's set a date and time and I will be there.

That would be lovely. We haven't planned our days yet, but thinking probably just walking around on the 26th, and USS Midway and that area on the 27th.

[birkner]

That would be lovely. We haven't planned our days yet, but thinking probably just walking around on the 26th, and USS Midway and that area on the 27th.

Please talk it over with John as I would like to take you guys our for dinner one night while you are there. As soon as you have a fixed day for dinner, I will make my ressies. Please let me know.

[granmaz]

Please talk it over with John as I would like to take you guys our for dinner one night while you are there. As soon as you have a fixed day for dinner, I will make my ressies. Please let me know.

Sure will, thanks!!

[goofieslonglostsis]

I got my first Christmas present bought today. At last! 1 grandchild, 7 to go!! Fortunately for me 2 will be money, which is a bit of a cop out, but requested by one, and just sensible for the other as they are in Ireland and his mum can buy what he wants from there.

Sounds like you are on the look out for the perfect gift for each of them, not just "any" great gift. :goodvibes For the Ireland-babes; if you don't like "just" giving money, could it be an idea to whisper into moms ear what you'ld like to give the grandkids and/or come up with something they'ld love to do when they come to visit you or you visit them? (assuming it's not like at least 8 months or something from Christmas until you see them again). I remember I loved it when I got a 'voucher' for my birthday that promised me a very special moment with a loved one that I didn't see a lot. As young as I was, it was great to get it, look forward to getting to spend that moment together and have the solotime together. For me it was with an aunt that lives across the country that took me to a Zoo when I was like 6 or something.


Congratulations!! :cheer2: Our DD1 was the first grandchild on either side of the family -- had some very happy grandparents!! DD2 is now the second grandchild... our siblings are not married, with no prospects, so they may end up being the only two total.


The must be so spoiled with all of the grandparental love and attention. :love: Just love it when grandparents basically are in love with their grandkids. I see it happening to my parents as we speak. My SIL is pregnant with her and brothers first child. First grandchild for both sides of the family. It's so much fun to see how the grandparents react. :love: That and become an aunt myself! :cloud9:

[granmaz]

Sounds like you are on the look out for the perfect gift for each of them, not just "any" great gift. :goodvibes For the Ireland-babes; if you don't like "just" giving money, could it be an idea to whisper into moms ear what you'ld like to give the grandkids and/or come up with something they'ld love to do when they come to visit you or you visit them? (assuming it's not like at least 8 months or something from Christmas until you see them again). I remember I loved it when I got a 'voucher' for my birthday that promised me a very special moment with a loved one that I didn't see a lot. As young as I was, it was great to get it, look forward to getting to spend that moment together and have the solotime together. For me it was with an aunt that lives across the country that took me to a Zoo when I was like 6 or something.



That is a lovely idea. Not sure how it would work in this case, but something to think about.

[goofieslonglostsis]

That is a lovely idea. Not sure how it would work in this case, but something to think about.

Any loves, obsessions, whatever they've got? Depending on budget, likes and dislikes you could think about anything ranging from going to a special loved movie together to going to a zoo, doing a beachtrip, picknick, seeing a loved musical, whatever you can think off. You can still give a gift and get to spend some one on one time, if you could manage to visit them long enough and/or have them over long enough to do such a thing.

Only limit is imagination. You can basically come up with anything for any budget that fits a childs likes, loves and desires.

For me those were the best and most dear gifts of all. It showed love, attention and time together. :goodvibes

Add; you could buy tickets or make a "voucher" yourself and have those put into the childrens stockings. For younger kids adding a calender on which they can count down the day also helps them to oversee the time they'ld have to wait to do ............. .

[Pinky166]

You are welcome. The tallest redwood tree there is 250 fee. Our old Woodside house was surrounded by redwoods as you can see the tallest one on our website needinfo (http://www.needinfo.com/).

Wow that is tall!!!! We have a few large trees in our garden but nowhere near that tall......I love them except when the leaves fall! I feel like I am raking them up every other day! :rolleyes:


We have a beautiful day here, though very cold. I think it is downhill all the way from today though. Fog, ice, wind and rain to come. Good job we can be warm and snug inside and chat to friends without having to go out!!!:laughing:

I got my first Christmas present bought today. At last! 1 grandchild, 7 to go!! Fortunately for me 2 will be money, which is a bit of a cop out, but requested by one, and just sensible for the other as they are in Ireland and his mum can buy what he wants from there.

It was very icy here this morning, had to defrost the cars. It is frosting up tonight already too.....winter is definately on it's way. :guilty:


Well done on starting your Christmas shopping! :santa: I am going to sort through mine this week & just double check that I have finished everyone off. I wanted to get it done early this year before I go away at the end of the month.



The must be so spoiled with all of the grandparental love and attention. :love: Just love it when grandparents basically are in love with their grandkids. I see it happening to my parents as we speak. My SIL is pregnant with her and brothers first child. First grandchild for both sides of the family. It's so much fun to see how the grandparents react. :love: That and become an aunt myself! :cloud9:


Awwww Congratulations on becoming an Aunt. :cutie: When is the baby due? Do you know if it's a boy or girl? It is so exciting becoming an aunt for the first time, my nephew (who was the first) is now 19!!!! That makes me feel really old but i'm only 35, I just have older siblings! :faint:

[goofieslonglostsis]

Awwww Congratulations on becoming an Aunt. :cutie: When is the baby due? Do you know if it's a boy or girl? It is so exciting becoming an aunt for the first time, my nephew (who was the first) is now 19!!!! That makes me feel really old but i'm only 35, I just have older siblings! :faint:

Grin, just makes you realize what different curbballs life can throw us. We're about the same age (I'm 31) and a "bit" of difference in experience in being an aunt. :rotfl: The baby is due around half of january, actually on my moms birthday. We all know very few babies get born on the due date but she's sure hoping for a birthday present being born! :lmao:

Brother and SIL know if it's a boy and girl, the grandmas know and grandpas don't (my dad doesn't want to know, other grandpa can't keep his mouth shut :lmao: ), nobody else gets told. I've got a good idea, think somebody made an "oops". Not that it will matter in the end, I'll spoil the child rotten. :rolleyes1

Must be fun though having a teenager nephew! I've got a bit of a softspot for that sometimes a bit awkward time of developping out of a teen into an not-just-yet-adult. You can now do a whole new batch of fun things together. :thumbsup2

[granmaz]

Any loves, obsessions, whatever they've got? Depending on budget, likes and dislikes you could think about anything ranging from going to a special loved movie together to going to a zoo, doing a beachtrip, picknick, seeing a loved musical, whatever you can think off. You can still give a gift and get to spend some one on one time, if you could manage to visit them long enough and/or have them over long enough to do such a thing.

Only limit is imagination. You can basically come up with anything for any budget that fits a childs likes, loves and desires.

For me those were the best and most dear gifts of all. It showed love, attention and time together. :goodvibes

Add; you could buy tickets or make a "voucher" yourself and have those put into the childrens stockings. For younger kids adding a calender on which they can count down the day also helps them to oversee the time they'ld have to wait to do ............. .

Sounds really good to do!!:thumbsup2

I have a friend who gave a book of home made vouchers to another couple who had a young family. One voucher a month for 1 year. It consisted mainly of babysitting, but there were also being asked round for a meal etc. All time things on behalf of the giver, but so gratefully received.

[granmaz]

I was sent this link today. Worth looking at if you like ballet.

http://www.nzwide.com/swanlake.htm

[Pinky166]

Grin, just makes you realize what different curbballs life can throw us. We're about the same age (I'm 31) and a "bit" of difference in experience in being an aunt. :rotfl: The baby is due around half of january, actually on my moms birthday. We all know very few babies get born on the due date but she's sure hoping for a birthday present being born! :lmao:

Brother and SIL know if it's a boy and girl, the grandmas know and grandpas don't (my dad doesn't want to know, other grandpa can't keep his mouth shut :lmao: ), nobody else gets told. I've got a good idea, think somebody made an "oops". Not that it will matter in the end, I'll spoil the child rotten. :rolleyes1

Must be fun though having a teenager nephew! I've got a bit of a softspot for that sometimes a bit awkward time of developping out of a teen into an not-just-yet-adult. You can now do a whole new batch of fun things together. :thumbsup2


:lmao: Yes a very different experience in becoming an Aunt! I was thrilled to become an Aunt so young, I was 16 and loved being able to babysit & I was always taking him out in the pram for walks. :) I don't see him much at the moment as he is away at University but I have 5 other nephews & 3 nieces so plenty to keep me a busy!

I am sure the baby will be spoilt rotten, they always are! :lovestruc It would be lovely for your mum if it is was born on her birthday. Fingers crossed! :wizard:

[Pinky166]

I was sent this link today. Worth looking at if you like ballet.

http://www.nzwide.com/swanlake.htm

Wow that is amazing! Thanks for sharing.

[karentan]

hi everyone!
its been sooooo cold here today, had to defrost my car this morning on the way to work, and the gritters were out when i was on my way home! i dont think it ever got better during the day!
well the saga of the holiday request continues! at least its not a no, but there were a few emails flying back and forth today, asking if my manager thought it would be better if i was given 2 weeks paid and 2 weeks unpaid (hello... i only asked for 3 weeks, not 4 :rotfl:), then if i even got that much holiday allowance. think netty is getting as bored with this as i am!
well at least its not a no i guess!

but got a few days off approved for next month so me and gary can go up to glasgow to see his parents before christmas. his dad finishes radiotherapy tomorrow so hopefully he'll be a lot better and have his energy back for christmas.

[birkner]

Wow that is tall!!!! We have a few large trees in our garden but nowhere near that tall......I love them except when the leaves fall! I feel like I am raking them up every other day! :rolleyes:

The largest redwood tree in the world is the General Grant tree, located in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park It stands 271 feet tall and is 28 feet in diameter at six feet above the ground.


It was very icy here this morning, had to defrost the cars. It is frosting up tonight already too.....winter is definately on it's way. :guilty:
Lovely day here with temps in the high 70's or about 26C.



Well done on starting your Christmas shopping! :santa: I am going to sort through mine this week & just double check that I have finished everyone off. I wanted to get it done early this year before I go away at the end of the month.



My shopping is about 50 done as we have so many bdays as well in Nov and Dec.

[birkner]

I was sent this link today. Worth looking at if you like ballet.

http://www.nzwide.com/swanlake.htm

Thanks for sharing such a wonderful video of such talented dancers.

[birkner]

hi everyone!
its been sooooo cold here today, had to defrost my car this morning on the way to work, and the gritters were out when i was on my way home! i dont think it ever got better during the day!
well the saga of the holiday request continues! at least its not a no, but there were a few emails flying back and forth today, asking if my manager thought it would be better if i was given 2 weeks paid and 2 weeks unpaid (hello... i only asked for 3 weeks, not 4 :rotfl:), then if i even got that much holiday allowance. think netty is getting as bored with this as i am!
well at least its not a no i guess!

but got a few days off approved for next month so me and gary can go up to glasgow to see his parents before christmas. his dad finishes radiotherapy tomorrow so hopefully he'll be a lot better and have his energy back for christmas.
Hope you get your vacation leave sorted out in the near future. Finger crossed and pixiedust: for your FIL to be feeling well for Xmas.

[Brookspayne]

Just found this on a site that I check every now and again, when I get the Magic "Blues" and want to know where it is in the world. Noticed that the Magic and Wonder are in Castaway Cay on the same day, 26 Nov 2010.

How I would like to be on the Magic on that day? What a photo you would be able to take.

I know that they are extending the docking area to take the Disney Dream but will it be able to take both the Magic and Wonder at the same time?

For those interested the site is http://cruisett.com/ships.php?ShipID=88&date=27.

Burnice

[squitty]

Morning everyone:)

Well it's absolutely freezing here, all icy.

All my Christmas shopping is done as my girls are older they wanted money for their main Christmas present.
My eldest (24) is off to Las Vegas on Dec 1st with her friend, so I had to buy $$'s for her.
My youngest (17) just doesn't know what she wants, so she asked for money so she can buy what she fancies in the January sales.

I got them a few stocking fillers so they have something to open on Christmas morning.

Just found this on a site that I check every now and again, when I get the Magic "Blues" and want to know where it is in the world. Noticed that the Magic and Wonder are in Castaway Cay on the same day, 26 Nov 2010.

How I would like to be on the Magic on that day? What a photo you would be able to take.

I know that they are extending the docking area to take the Disney Dream but will it be able to take both the Magic and Wonder at the same time?

For those interested the site is http://cruisett.com/ships.php?ShipID=88&date=27.

Burnice

Cool site, thanks for sharing. It's nice to see where the Magic is...can't wait till we're on it.

[MandyGirl]

For those interested the site is http://cruisett.com/ships.php?ShipID=88&date=27.

Thanks for sharing! Since we switched PC to Mac, I lost bookmarks, and had remembered a website that showed ships in port. That will be odd cruising in Sept and not having a single ship in port until we arrive in Florida! Not odd, but I'm so used to seeing another ship in port at most ports while cruising. However, this will be our first September cruise when school is in session.

Morning everyone:)
My eldest (24) is off to Las Vegas on Dec 1st with her friend, so I had to buy $$'s for her.


Gotta love Vegas! People always laugh at us when we tell them we enjoy going - but don't gamble, drink, or do the crazy stuff. We enjoy the nice hotels/pools/spas, nice meals, and Cirque shows. DD1's favorite hotel is "the lion hotel"... MGM... she loves watching the lions and playing in the lazy river... so we often split our time there between mine and Curt's favorite and her favorite.


well the saga of the holiday request continues! at least its not a no

but got a few days off approved for next month so me and gary can go up to glasgow to see his parents before christmas. his dad finishes radiotherapy tomorrow so hopefully he'll be a lot better and have his energy back for christmas.

Praying for him!!

And I hope the time off resolves soon! We are just the opposite -had to bid for vacation early. In the department Curt is in now with the airline, they must bid for their work days in June for the upcoming year, and turn in their vacation options requests in late July for the upcoming year. So in July, he turned in his hopes for 2012 vacation, and they do "round one" starting with the most senior guy in that dept, award his vacation, then go to guy number two. Once they get to the bottom, round one is done, and they go to round two and repeat the process. So if you have 20 days to use, and you want to take it in four blocks of five days off, you are looking at four rounds (each block of time off is in its own round). Or if you are hoping for one specific day off (like Easter Sunday) then that counts as a round - no matter if you are taking one day or all 20 days at once. We were thankful to get the September block off for sure! He even got Thanksgiving off for 2012 -- our first major holiday off. :woohoo:

[birkner]

Yesterday John had jury duty. He was not chosen to serve from the jury pool but he had an interesting day. Potential juror number two was Joan Baez (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Baez) who also lives in Woodside. John says the attorneys question her extensively but she was not chosen, She spoke about her political views, ex husband David Harris (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Harris_(protestor)) and son drummer Gabriel Harris which John found interesting. I remember when she used to date Steve Jobs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_jobs) who also lives in Woodside (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodside,_California).

[granmaz]

You must have a different system of choosing a jury. I served for 2 weeks last year. Well a year ago next Monday actually. We were just called by name out of about 18 of us asked to attend and the rest went home, then came back the next day to see if they were chosen for another trial. We all had to turn up committed to 2 weeks so could I suppose could be going there every day and not actually getting a trial. That would be annoying. Our trial lasted almost 9 work days.

[birkner]

You must have a different system of choosing a jury. I served for 2 weeks last year. Well a year ago next Monday actually. We were just called by name out of about 18 of us asked to attend and the rest went home, then came back the next day to see if they were chosen for another trial. We all had to turn up committed to 2 weeks so could I suppose could be going there every day and not actually getting a trial. That would be annoying. Our trial lasted almost 9 work days.

The County of San Mateo send a jury summons in the mail with a parking pass for about a month before the summoning date. You need to call the night before after 6:00 PM (Friday in his case as he was summoned for Monday) to see if the court will need you or not for a case. On Friday, John was told to call a certain number between 11:00 AM and 11:45 AM on Monday to see if there was going to be the need for a jury. When he called on Monday, he was told to report by 12:45 PM.

A 60 persons pool was summoned. After the lawyers questioned 24 persons, a jury of 12 with one alternate was chosen. The lawyers for each side want to choose jurors who they think will be sympathetic to their clients. The plaintiff's lawyer wants jurors sympathetic to working persons. The defendant's lawyer wants jurors sympathetic to business.

The jurors were told that the trial was expected to last until this Friday, November 19. The case was a civil one about a wealthy family who own a family business and had laid off employees. The employees were claiming that the family did not pay them what the former employees said was the compensation promised by the family.

[granmaz]

The County of San Mateo send a jury summons in the mail with a parking pass for about a month before the summoning date. You need to call the night before after 6:00 PM (Friday in his case as he was summoned for Monday) to see if the court will need you or not for a case. On Friday, John was told to call a certain number between 11:00 AM and 11:45 AM on Monday to see if there was going to be the need for a jury. When he called on Monday, he was told to report by 12:45 PM.

A 60 persons pool was summoned. After the lawyers questioned 24 persons, a jury of 12 with one alternate was chosen. The lawyers for each side want to choose jurors who they think will be sympathetic to their clients. The plaintiff's lawyer wants jurors sympathetic to working persons. The defendant's lawyer wants jurors sympathetic to business.

The jurors were told that the trial was expected to last until this Friday, November 19. The case was a civil one about a wealthy family who own a family business and had laid off employees. The employees were claiming that the family did not pay them what the former employees said was the compensation promised by the family.


Well for the most part then the system is similar. I believe the lawyers etc can object to a prospective juror, but there is no questioning etc. You as a juror has to say if you know of the accused too.

The case I was on was nasty. A paedophile grooming and then raping 2 children, 9 and 7 at the time. Horrible and disturbing. He was found guilty and eventually sentenced to 9 years minimum. I'm so glad i am not facing tat again next week.

[birkner]

Well for the most part then the system is similar. I believe the lawyers etc can object to a prospective juror, but there is no questioning etc. You as a juror has to say if you know of the accused too.

The case I was on was nasty. A paedophile grooming and then raping 2 children, 9 and 7 at the time. Horrible and disturbing. He was found guilty and eventually sentenced to 9 years minimum. I'm so glad i am not facing tat again next week.

I agree the system is very similar. What a terrible case you had to sit on as a juror. I would not want to ever face that kind of a case.

[granmaz]

I agree the system is very similar. What a terrible case you had to sit on as a juror. I would not want to ever face that kind of a case.

We went straight into the case from being selected and I had a young lad next to me. He was visibly shaking by the time the prosecution had outlined the case. Fortunately for us all we had a fantastic jury with a lot of fun at times, and we did have a lot of spare time in the juror's room. I hasten to add we treated the case with great seriousness, but did need that light relief. Everyone got on well too which helps.

[birkner]

We went straight into the case from being selected and I had a young lad next to me. He was visibly shaking by the time the prosecution had outlined the case. Fortunately for us all we had a fantastic jury with a lot of fun at times, and we did have a lot of spare time in the juror's room. I hasten to add we treated the case with great seriousness, but did need that light relief. Everyone got on well too which helps.

I can imagine that it was a very difficult case to hear and see. Having persons that you can get along with must have made it easier to deal with such terrible facts.

[karentan]

That must have been a really horrible thing to have to hear all the details of. One of my managers has just come off jury duty and he ended up being out for 2 weeks, it was a rape case. Must be a horrible thing to do.

Well after a lot of emails backwards and forwards and 4 weeks later, I can now happily confirm that I am now able to definitely come on this cruise! Lol, finally got the holiday request approved!
I'm working tomorrow but am going to work on the new thread on Thursday. Apart from the usual lists of cruisers, space for FE info, logos etc, what other info do I need to save space for? If anyone has any specific info they want put in the first page, please PM me

[karentan]

Also, having just checked the thread name poll, looks like we have a winner - "from spain to space mountain-taking the magic home" :)

[granmaz]

Excellent news Karen!!! So pleased the uncertainty is over for you and you can get on with your planning!!!:dance3:

Now we can get this party started!!!

I think as people start organising things and MAKING LISTS then they will be sending them to you to add. Perhaps you will need the proper format for the Logos? I am not techy at all so not sure about that.

[karentan]

Perhaps you will need the proper format for the Logos? I am not techy at all so not sure about that.

I did a bit of a test a few weeks back and I think I can just "quote" the original post into the new thread. Will give it a go, if I can't do it I'll drop carys a PM to try and get the formatting.

[birkner]

That must have been a really horrible thing to have to hear all the details of. One of my managers has just come off jury duty and he ended up being out for 2 weeks, it was a rape case. Must be a horrible thing to do.

Well after a lot of emails backwards and forwards and 4 weeks later, I can now happily confirm that I am now able to definitely come on this cruise! Lol, finally got the holiday request approved!
I'm working tomorrow but am going to work on the new thread on Thursday. Apart from the usual lists of cruisers, space for FE info, logos etc, what other info do I need to save space for? If anyone has any specific info they want put in the first page, please PM me

Fabulous news Karen. As for logos, are we not using the one I have on my signature line?

[karentan]

There were a few logos on the original post so will probably re post them all in case people want the other ones.
As someone who organised so many things for this years cruise, is there anything you've got that you'd like re-posted?

[birkner]

There were a few logos on the original post so will probably re post them all in case people want the other ones.
As someone who organised so many things for this years cruise, is there anything you've got that you'd like re-posted?

Once we know who is going to organize what I will be happy to come up with a "welcome wagon" post for new cruisers.

Do you know who will be in charge of FE assignments? Are there other events planned so far? Are we going to do lanyards? Are we going to do tee shirts? Anyone have any events not mentioned they want to organize?

Connie and I would need to sell 100 laynard pins so we need people to PM me with a number of pins that they would be interested in purchasing. Cost would be 4,5 or 5 Euros per pin. People in the USA could pay me on Paypal. People in Europe could pay Connie (Connie5421).

I can plan a tour for Madeira if people are interested. The link to the one from 2010 is here. Madeira 2010 tour (http://www.needinfo.com/cruise/MadeiraTour17.pdf)

Let me know.

[goofieslonglostsis]

Didn't read up much -really should be getting some sleep, but darn that DIS-addiction- but had to post one thing. Karen; congrats on fi-nal-ly getting the go ahead on the cruise! Great to have you confirmed. :yay::cool1::hug:

If any help is needed anywhere in organising; yell. Where ever possible, I'ld gladly help.

[MandyGirl]

Well for the most part then the system is similar. I believe the lawyers etc can object to a prospective juror, but there is no questioning etc. You as a juror has to say if you know of the accused too.

The case I was on was nasty. A paedophile grooming and then raping 2 children, 9 and 7 at the time. Horrible and disturbing. He was found guilty and eventually sentenced to 9 years minimum. I'm so glad i am not facing tat again next week.

I would not have been able to handle that. Headline would have read "Juror Assaulted Defendant" in the newspapers. Plus, I mentally just would not have been able to handle it - I would be having nightmares. So sorry you had to do it, but fortunately it looks like you guys have better sentences than what we have around here. So many people get off with just a slap on the wrist here.

[MandyGirl]

Well after a lot of emails backwards and forwards and 4 weeks later, I can now happily confirm that I am now able to definitely come on this cruise! Lol, finally got the holiday request approved!

YAY! Congratulations! :)

[Brookspayne]

Karen, congrats, finally you can start planning. Saw from your previous posts you are going to Singapore for your Dad's 70th birthday, hope you are prepared for all the lovely food you are going to taste. My mother's family are from Singapore so living in Perth Western Australia means only a five and half hour plane ride when we get food withdrawal symptoms pity it is not the same flight time for visiting the Disney Magic.

Burnice

[Brookspayne]

Once we know who is going to organize what I will be happy to come up with a "welcome wagon" post for new cruisers.

Do you know who will be in charge of FE assignments? Are there other events planned so far? Are we going to do lanyards? Are we going to do tee shirts? Anyone have any events not mentioned they want to organize?

Connie and I would need to sell 100 laynard pins so we need people to PM me with a number of pins that they would be interested in purchasing. Cost would be 4,5 or 5 Euros per pin. People in the USA could pay me on Paypal. People in Europe could pay Connie (Connie5421).

I can plan a tour for Madeira if people are interested. The link to the one from 2010 is here. Madeira 2010 tour (http://www.needinfo.com/cruise/MadeiraTour17.pdf)

Let me know.



We are interested in the Maderia tour if you go ahead. On the WBTA 2010 we stayed around town, this time it would be nice to go further a field. Reading the reports from various DIS members from the tour you put together, a good time was had by all.

Burnice

[birkner]

We are interested in the Maderia tour if you go ahead. On the WBTA 2010 we stayed around town, this time it would be nice to go further a field. Reading the reports from various DIS members from the tour you put together, a good time was had by all.

Burnice

Thank you. If I get more interest, I will certainly repost a potential tour.

[karentan]

Karen, congrats, finally you can start planning. Saw from your previous posts you are going to Singapore for your Dad's 70th birthday, hope you are prepared for all the lovely food you are going to taste. My mother's family are from Singapore so living in Perth Western Australia means only a five and half hour plane ride when we get food withdrawal symptoms pity it is not the same flight time for visiting the Disney Magic.

my dad is originally from singapore (he came over to the UK in his 20s), and we've been a few times before as a family, but its garys first time. he's really looking forward to all the new food.
we havent been there in about 8 years though, so it'll be nice going back to see all the family, and it'll be an awesome trip. we're going for 2 weeks, but my parents are going for 2 months!

[karentan]

i'm up for the tour of madiera! looks like you put together a great tour for an amazing price!

[squitty]

Congratulations Karen, glad it's all sorted for you and now you can start planning properly.

[karentan]

thanks, i can start looking for flights now!

[Brookspayne]

my dad is originally from singapore (he came over to the UK in his 20s), and we've been a few times before as a family, but its garys first time. he's really looking forward to all the new food.
we havent been there in about 8 years though, so it'll be nice going back to see all the family, and it'll be an awesome trip. we're going for 2 weeks, but my parents are going for 2 months!

You will see a big change in the skyline. Took my uncle (78) to Universal Studios when I visited in August, got a great picture of him "break dancing". Didn't manage to see either of the new casinos but have been told by my cousins that they are worth a visit. Best place (I think) for satay is East Coast Lagoon food centre, but you need taxi or a car to get there. Anyway I am sure your family there will have all the information on Singapore for you and I am sure Gary will have a great time.

Burnice

[granmaz]

I would not have been able to handle that. Headline would have read "Juror Assaulted Defendant" in the newspapers. Plus, I mentally just would not have been able to handle it - I would be having nightmares. So sorry you had to do it, but fortunately it looks like you guys have better sentences than what we have around here. So many people get off with just a slap on the wrist here.

It was difficult as well because he didn't seem to be a nice man at all, so you had to kind of not take that onboard to give him the fair trial! His whole demeanour etc throughout the trial was really bad. He had previous convictions of sexual assault, but his defence of that was that they were his children!!:scared1:(Many years ago) They shared his previous convictions which really surprised us as we thought they didn't do that. He had to have psychiatric assessments before sentencing and the result of those was that he would probably never change. If that is the case then it would be better if he never came out. The two little girls, though from poor home backgrounds are apparently doing well(at the time of the sentencing last March anyway).

OK, finished with the horrible stuff now. Back to normal service.

[MandyGirl]

We are interested in the Maderia tour if you go ahead. On the WBTA 2010 we stayed around town, this time it would be nice to go further a field. Reading the reports from various DIS members from the tour you put together, a good time was had by all.

Burnice

Ditto!! :thumbsup2

[karentan]

You will see a big change in the skyline. Took my uncle (78) to Universal Studios when I visited in August, got a great picture of him "break dancing". Didn't manage to see either of the new casinos but have been told by my cousins that they are worth a visit. Best place (I think) for satay is East Coast Lagoon food centre, but you need taxi or a car to get there. Anyway I am sure your family there will have all the information on Singapore for you and I am sure Gary will have a great time.

Burnice

Thanks for the heads up, we've been looking around for places to go for dads birthday meal. I love all the hawker stalls there, the food is great and so cheap!

[MandyGirl]

I can plan a tour for Madeira if people are interested. The link to the one from 2010 is here. Madeira 2010 tour (http://www.needinfo.com/cruise/MadeiraTour17.pdf)

Let me know.



I don't think my previous post went through, but we would be interested, Noel! :)

[granmaz]

I can't start looking for a reward flight home until a couple of weeks yet as we are staying on for a few weeks after the cruise. The waiting is awful!! I want to get that booked first before anything else.

I'm getting very impatient and for this time is going so slow.

[birkner]

Ditto!! :thumbsup2

I will put you on the list.

[granmaz]

I wonder if you will end up with over 100 again Noel!!! At least you have the experience this time.

[Pinky166]

Congratulations Karen on finally getting your holiday approved. :dance3: Must have been a relief for you, finally you can start looking forward to the cruise.


I will put you on the list.

I would be interested in the tour aswell please Noel. :thumbsup2 I don't mind helping you/or doing the organising as I know you wasn't too sure that you wanted to do the tour again last time it was mentioned. Just let me know. :)

[birkner]

I wonder if you will end up with over 100 again Noel!!! At least you have the experience this time.

The last WBTA thread was much more active than this one so I suspect a Madeira tour on this one will be much smaller.

[granmaz]

The last WBTA thread was much more active than this one so I suspect a Madeira tour on this one will be much smaller.

I would think so too, but there is time yet!!!:laughing:

[birkner]

I would be interested in the tour as well please Noel. :thumbsup2 I don't mind helping you/or doing the organising as I know you wasn't too sure that you wanted to do the tour again last time it was mentioned. Just let me know. :)

I will put you down as well for being interested. Thank you for the offer to help organize. Eusébia of Daniel Taxi and I have a relationship beyond the tour so it would be relatively easy for me to organize another tour.

As I mentioned in a previous post, we need a fairly large group to get a discount so we will see how many are interested before I approach her again.

[goofieslonglostsis]

I can't start looking for a reward flight home until a couple of weeks yet as we are staying on for a few weeks after the cruise. The waiting is awful!! I want to get that booked first before anything else.

Until when are you going to stay on that side of the Atlantic? I'm adding 2 weeks but have been able to book return flights since last friday. Gosh, did I wait long since that opening to book....... :rolleyes:



The last WBTA thread was much more active than this one so I suspect a Madeira tour on this one will be much smaller.

We've got another 9 months to go, you never know how much more DIS'ers we might pick up along the way.

Unfort. won't be signing up for any tours at any moment soon yet. Health is still too unpredictable to paint myself a picture of what's doable and what's not. Don't want to go "count me in" to later on perhaps find it might not have been a smart thing to do, so to say. ;) Have had a look at the initerary you posted, sure does look good! :thumbsup2

[birkner]

Until when are you going to stay on that side of the Atlantic? I'm adding 2 weeks but have been able to book return flights since last friday. Gosh, did I wait long since that opening to book....... :rolleyes:

We were able to book our flights on United as they open flights up to a year before the dates.

We've got another 9 months to go, you never know how much more DIS'ers we might pick up along the way.

Unfort. won't be signing up for any tours at any moment soon yet. Health is still too unpredictable to paint myself a picture of what's doable and what's not. Don't want to go "count me in" to later on perhaps find it might not have been a smart thing to do, so to say. ;) Have had a look at the initerary you posted, sure does look good! :thumbsup2

The previous 2010 WBTA thread was already in the middle of part 3 by this time so I think this thread will be slower. Also, there are two more ships competing for passengers which will affect the cruise as well.

So sorry you are dealing with health issues. On the last tour, we did not have much walking involved so if that helps with decision making. Most of the time we were in the vans sightseeing. We did walk out a bit to see the overlook in Cabo Girao but that was about 50 yards or so round trip. Other than there, the walking was minimal.

[granmaz]

Until when are you going to stay on that side of the Atlantic? I'm adding 2 weeks but have been able to book return flights since last friday. Gosh, did I wait long since that opening to book....... :rolleyes:

Unfort. won't be signing up for any tours at any moment soon yet. Health is still too unpredictable to paint myself a picture of what's doable and what's not. Don't want to go "count me in" to later on perhaps find it might not have been a smart thing to do, so to say. ;) Have had a look at the initerary you posted, sure does look good! :thumbsup2

We are thinking of staying 4 or 5 weeks after the cruise, so it is a week or so before we can book.

Noel, we have to wait till 11 months before the flight date.

Sorry about the health problems. At least there will be lots of relaxation time on this cruise!!!

[goofieslonglostsis]

The previous 2010 WBTA thread was already in the middle of part 3 by this time so I think this thread will be slower.

Are you giving us a challenge? I can see a fun one here. :lmao:

Also, there are two more ships competing for passengers which will affect the cruise as well.

Very true. I'm expecting a rather large group to "hold out" in preference of the Dream and Fantasy in 2012 and with the Wonder doing new and exciting places next year that also offers a real choice for people wanting to cruise.

So sorry you are dealing with health issues. On the last tour, we did not have much walking involved so if that helps with decision making. Most of the time we were in the vans sightseeing. We did walk out a bit to see the overlook in Cabo Girao but that was about 50 yards or so round trip. Other than there, the walking was minimal.

Thanks for thinking along. :thumbsup2 I actually read your info in the link about mobility accesibility and was positively surprised to find it in there. Much more thourough and allround as DCL. ;) It'll come down to energy and at this moment I haven't a clue what my energy will be by then. Hopefully a lot better than now as I'm awaiting a phonecall tomorrow giving me the greenlight for some much needed treatment, but it's not clear where that will leave me. In the end I'ld rather keep the energysplurging down and enjoy the ships than do a tour too many and end up not enjoying the whole cruise and/or WDW-time. No biggie, I'm used to it but it does make planning months ahead a bit interesting. :laughing:

[goofieslonglostsis]

We are thinking of staying 4 or 5 weeks after the cruise, so it is a week or so before we can book.

Noel, we have to wait till 11 months before the flight date.

Sorry about the health problems. At least there will be lots of relaxation time on this cruise!!!


WOW! That is a nice long stay. Good for you! :thumbsup2 Any ideas yet of what you'll be doing those weeks or are you going to see when it gets closer? Wow, a month of Florida. That is just great! :goodvibes

[birkner]

Are you giving us a challenge? I can see a fun one here. :lmao:

Agreed!!

Very true. I'm expecting a rather large group to "hold out" in preference of the Dream and Fantasy in 2012 and with the Wonder doing new and exciting places next year that also offers a real choice for people wanting to cruise.

I love all the new choices!! We are doing the Inaugural of the Fantasy on April 7, 2012!!


Thanks for thinking along. :thumbsup2 I actually read your info in the link about mobility accesibility and was positively surprised to find it in there. Much more thourough and all round as DCL. ;) It'll come down to energy and at this moment I haven't a clue what my energy will be by then. Hopefully a lot better than now as I'm awaiting a phone call tomorrow giving me the greenlight for some much needed treatment, but it's not clear where that will leave me. In the end I'ld rather keep the energy splurging down and enjoy the ships than do a tour too many and end up not enjoying the whole cruise and/or WDW-time. No biggie, I'm used to it but it does make planning months ahead a bit interesting. :laughing:
Belle1997 (Ruth) took along her wheelchair and walker as the vans do have room for both so that is important to note. If you have any questions about the mobility issues on the tour, you might want to ask her. Her van took a slightly different tour than ours you might want to compare. I am sure she would be happy to answer any questions you might have about the tour.

I really do understand that some have mobility issues and enjoying yourself on the cruise is paramount.

[granmaz]

WOW! That is a nice long stay. Good for you! :thumbsup2 Any ideas yet of what you'll be doing those weeks or are you going to see when it gets closer? Wow, a month of Florida. That is just great! :goodvibes

I know, we are so blessed. We are retired so have time. Downside is of course that we are getting old!!:lmao::lmao::lmao: We don't go to the parks all the time, not much at all to be honest. We rent a villa with pool, so tend to get very lazy. We enjoy the better weather than back home, though that was a bit debatable this last spring when florida had their coldest winter for I don't know how many years!:eek: We keep meaning to go out and about more, but haven't quite managed it yet. If we have an actual month back in Orlando next year I think we WILL go and visit a few other places close by. We also have made friends over the years and cruising and usually manage to meet up with a few each trip. This last trip over I think we met up with about 10 folk other than many on the cruise we have cruised with before.

We also don't treat the long stay as a vacation, though of course it is. We don't normally eat out much and eat very simply, so that saves a few pennies. We enjoy the life and pretend we live there!!:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

[birkner]

I know, we are so blessed. We are retired so have time. Downside is of course that we are getting old!!:lmao::lmao::lmao: We don't go to the parks all the time, not much at all to be honest. We rent a villa with pool, so tend to get very lazy. We enjoy the better weather than back home, though that was a bit debatable this last spring when florida had their coldest winter for I don't know how many years!:eek: We keep meaning to go out and about more, but haven't quite managed it yet. If we have an actual month back in Orlando next year I think we WILL go and visit a few other places close by. We also have made friends over the years and cruising and usually manage to meet up with a few each trip. This last trip over I think we met up with about 10 folk other than many on the cruise we have cruised with before.

We also don't treat the long stay as a vacation, though of course it is. We don't normally eat out much and eat very simply, so that saves a few pennies. We enjoy the life and pretend we live there!!:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

You and John are doing trips that my DH John and I hope to do when he finally retires. I think that we have glorious weather here in California most of the time so we travel more for the enjoyment of visiting new places than for the weather. We love to do day trips here in California as well as we have so many things to see.

For example, this weekend we are going to see the new Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows (http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthedeathlyhallows/mainsite/index.html) movie on the first day in IMAX (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imax) in Dublin. Since there are no reserved seats, I will pick up lunch/dinner before the show because I will have to wait in line for about 4 or 5 hours until John meets me there. He will have his own ticket in case he is delayed so I can save his seat. Hopefully, he won't have to work late but traffic is very heavy from his office to Dublin, so he will wait until at least 7 or later to drive up. It will take him at least 40 minutes without any traffice

We decided since the show is at 10:45 PM and quite a distance from home that we are going to stay overnight at the Hyatt (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g32313-d80847-Reviews-Hyatt_Place_Dublin_Pleasanton-Dublin_California.html) in the Hacienda Crossings (http://www.hacienda-crossings.com/) theater complex there so we can have a glorious breakfast before we go home. I will probably purchase our "to go" lunch/dinner in the same complex. Just carrying on a tradition of going to an opening day show that I started with my kids when they were little.

[granmaz]

You and John are doing trips that my DH John and I hope to do when he finally retires. I think that we have glorious weather here in California most of the time so we travel more for the enjoyment of visiting new places than for the weather. We love to do day trips here in California as well as we have so many things to see.

For example, this weekend we are going to see the new Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows (http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthedeathlyhallows/mainsite/index.html) movie on the first day in IMAX (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imax) in Dublin. Since there are no reserved seats, I will pick up lunch/dinner before the show because I will have to wait in line for about 4 or 5 hours until John meets me there. He will have his own ticket in case he is delayed so I can save his seat. Hopefully, he won't have to work late but traffic is very heavy from his office to Dublin, so he will wait until at least 7 or later to drive up. It will take him at least 40 minutes without any traffice

We decided since the show is at 10:45 PM and quite a distance from home that we are going to stay overnight at the Hyatt (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g32313-d80847-Reviews-Hyatt_Place_Dublin_Pleasanton-Dublin_California.html) in the Hacienda Crossings (http://www.hacienda-crossings.com/) theater complex there so we can have a glorious breakfast before we go home. I will probably purchase our "to go" lunch/dinner in the same complex. Just carrying on a tradition of going to an opening day show that I started with my kids when they were little.

Sounds a good weekend, though I don't think I could stand in line for that long for a film. I love traditions though.

What are your Thanksgiving plans?

[birkner]

Sounds a good weekend, though I don't think I could stand in line for that long for a film. I love traditions though.

What are your Thanksgiving plans?

We don't stand in line. We sit inside on our Crazy Creek Chairs (https://www.crazycreek.com/). I take my computer and my Kindle to keep occupied. Once we are inside, we use the chairs in the seats.

Thanksgiving this year falls on Samantha's 25 birthday so we let her choose what she wanted to do. She wanted to go to the Fairmont for the Thanksgiving Brunch (http://www.fairmont.com/sanjose/GuestServices/Restaurants/Thanksgiving2010.htm) so that is where I made reservations. If you click on the link, you can see the menu.

My other DD Jennifer and her family will have dinner with her MIL as she is having health issues and can not travel far. Jen and the family will come here on Friday. I ordered a precooked turkey and sides from Roberts Market (http://robertsmarket.com/main.php) here is Woodside. Also, ordered a veggie platter, pumpkin and apple pies and Asiago cheese bread from Draegers (http://www.draegers.com/) in Los Altos by request for the kids. Samantha will bring home a Pumpkin Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory (http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/).

[granmaz]

Everything looks wonderful Noel.:thumbsup2

[birkner]

Everything looks wonderful Noel.:thumbsup2

Thank you. There is just no time to cook and to go out so much easier to order the meal for the next day. Now if I can just get the tree on Friday, the kids can help us decorate!! We usually get a 12-14 foot Noble Fir (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noble_Fir) from Santa's Village at the Webb Ranch (http://webbranchinc.com/farmers_christmas.htm) nearby in Portola Valley (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portola_Valley,_California). We started that tradition in 1984 when we first moved from Los Altos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Altos,_California) to our Portola Valley Ranch (http://www.pvranch.org/home.htm) house where we lived until 1992. A interesting tidbit is that Walter Smith, the father of Courtney Thorne-Smith (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courtney_Thorne-Smith) bought our old Portola Valley Ranch house. We then bought a house owned by a football player named Ricky Watters (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricky_Watters). In 2004, after DD Samantha was in University for a year, we sold that house and moved to our present house which is just a regular house!!

[karentan]

sounds like a yummy meal noel!

[birkner]

sounds like a yummy meal noel!
Thank you!! I love to cook but to much work this year!!

[MandyGirl]

Samantha will bring home a Pumpkin Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory (http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/).

Their pumpkin pecan cheesecake is soooooo yummy!!! :love:

We are hopefully getting to go home to east Texas a few days this Sunday and see my family. Come back Wednesday so I can cook Thursday morning -- Curt has a 2:00 shift on Turkey Day, so we have time to eat and send him out the door.

We definitely have something to be thankful about - got good news today on some bloodwork that had been abnormal previously. Pray it stays that way!

[granmaz]

Their pumpkin pecan cheesecake is soooooo yummy!!! :love:

We are hopefully getting to go home to east Texas a few days this Sunday and see my family. Come back Wednesday so I can cook Thursday morning -- Curt has a 2:00 shift on Turkey Day, so we have time to eat and send him out the door.

We definitely have something to be thankful about - got good news today on some bloodwork that had been abnormal previously. Pray it stays that way!


Pleased to hear of the good results.:thumbsup2

Looks like you have a busy few days coming up.

[birkner]

Their pumpkin pecan cheesecake is soooooo yummy!!! :love:

We are hopefully getting to go home to east Texas a few days this Sunday and see my family. Come back Wednesday so I can cook Thursday morning -- Curt has a 2:00 shift on Turkey Day, so we have time to eat and send him out the door.

We definitely have something to be thankful about - got good news today on some bloodwork that had been abnormal previously. Pray it stays that way!

Sounds like a fun weekend and Thanksgiving!! I am so glad to hear that your blood work is back to normal!! Gives you even more to celebrate!!

[karentan]

Great news about your test results!

[missjudit]

I will put you on the list.

Please put David and I on the list, too.
Judi

[birkner]

Please put David and I on the list, too.
Judi

You are on the list as well.

[Pinky166]

Their pumpkin pecan cheesecake is soooooo yummy!!! :love:

We are hopefully getting to go home to east Texas a few days this Sunday and see my family. Come back Wednesday so I can cook Thursday morning -- Curt has a 2:00 shift on Turkey Day, so we have time to eat and send him out the door.

We definitely have something to be thankful about - got good news today on some bloodwork that had been abnormal previously. Pray it stays that way!

Great news about the test results. :cool1: Have a lovely time in Texas with your family. :)

[karentan]

new thread is done!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2599417

please post over there instead of on this one. i'm going to ask one of the mods to close this one. see you all over there!