April 17, 2004 -- anyone going with us?

[outahere]

We're (myself, DW and DS9) booked on the 4/17/04, 7 night eastern. Anyone going with us?

[RobinMarie]

We'll be there on our first cruise! Me, him and dd (6). We are looking forward to it!

[jeanie]

We'll be there too... DH, DD(12), DS (10) and me! Our 2nd disney cruise, first 7 day...

Can't wait!!!

[outahere]

This will be our second Disney cruise and first 7 day as well.

Counting the Saturdays is an interesting way to count...... maybe that will make it seem closer!!

jeanie -- where are you in Massachusetts? We're in Harvard, about 40 miles west of Boston. Our sons are about the same age (our DS will be 10 in May), maybe they can hook up on the ship.

Is it time to pack yet? Anyone flying in the day before?

[jeanie]

I booked this cruise June 2002 so I have been counting down the years, the months and now the weeks!!!


We are not to far from you, we are in Chelmsford... I pass by Harvard every day on my way to work..... Will you be placing your son in the 10-12 or the 7-9 group?... With his birthday in May they might let him go up.....

[Macmonster]

We are going the following week for a 25th anniversary. It only seems like yesterday but we can't wait for this cruise (our 4th on DCL).

Planning now for our parents 50th anniversary on DCL. We offered several choices of cruise lines but they said they wanted to go with Disney and experience the Magic!!!

Have fun and make sure 7134 is ready for us!

[outahere]

jeanie -- you are close by. We used to live in Westford, but moved to Harvard a little over 4 years ago. I'll be sure to wave as you go by every morning :D

We booked in September 2002, just a week or so after we returned from the Wonder. Should have booked on board, but didn't :(

We're not sure which group our DS will be in. Since he is so close to his birthday, they may let him into the 10 - 12 group, but we'll probably wait until we see the activites in the Navigator before we decide what to do.

Macmonster -- we're in 8008, but I'll be sure to check on 7134 for you. I'm sure your parents will have a great time. We took my parents to WDW for their 50th and they loved it!

[amtmommy]

We are also from Massachusettes and this is our first cruise.
I am traveling with DH and DD (6).
I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!

[outahere]

I guess I'm not surprised about people from Mass. going that week, since it is school vacation week.

Would the last one to leave the state, please turn out the lights?

[ehtpnt]

Hi everyone,
My DH and I are going on our second 7 day cruise on the Magic. We are bringing friends who have a 4 year old DS. They have never cruised but are vacation club members.
I had to add my note since seems the place to be from in Massachusetts. We however are from slightly south of there. We're from Bethlehem, Pa. Hope to get to meet some of you on the ship.
Time just isn't passing fast enough.

Estelle

[outahere]

Hi Estelle.........

Glad to have you aboard.....

You are so right........... time is just not moving quickly enough. However, once we're all on the ship, it will go way too fast !!

Ed

[jeanie]

Glad to see this got bumped up!!

Estelle, which cruise did you do? Eastern and/or Western?


Anyone have advice to give on excursions? We would like to do St. John's on our own and go to either Trunk or Cinnamon. But I have no idea what to do in St Martins. We went to St. Martin's years ago (before kids) and we went to Orient Beach which was absolutely gorgeous. This time we were thinking of doing the Golden Eagle, any one have any suggestion??


Thanks,

[ehtpnt]

Hi,
We were on the Western cruise last Halloween. We are so looking forward to the Eastern this time. I haven't a clue as to what to do for excursions. I did notice that the beaches in the eastern Carib. are on the European style. That means suits optional. We are looking forward to the questions that could generate...yeah right.
Only 25 more Saturdays. Gee that makes it seem like I should start packing.
Estelle

[BCVOwner in MA]

Hi everyone!

We'll be on the April 17th cruise as well!! (Although right now my immediate concern is the WDW trip with my entire family-- all 26 of us-- coming up over Thanksgiving).

I'll be traveling on the cruise with my partner and our three kids-- who will be 21 months (girl), 5 and 8 (boys) at cruise time. This will be the third cruise for the boys and us, and the baby's first. Our previous cruises were on Norwegian and we're very excited about this Disney cruise. We're doing the cruise with two other families from our neighborhood.


Mark

[outahere]

Welcome Mark.....

WOW........ by next April, you're going to need a week to veg out on the ship! I can drive a half marathon..... does that count?

I have trouble getting a small (12 people) family reunion straight, let alone 26! Hope you enjoy your trip to WDW.

[ehtpnt]

Hi Mark,
Glad to know there will be a 5 year old boy. The friends who are going with us have a boy who should be close to that age. I know he'll be glad to know there will be someone his age around.
I have done Thanksgiving here at home for a fair number of people. But never 26 and the logistics just blow my mind. Hope you all have a really super warm day.

Estelle

[RobinMarie]

Question for the New Englanders...

What are your flight plans/prices for your cruise? I keep checking and checking for decent fares and was so disappointed when SW finally released its fares for our cruise.

Thanks!

[rae519]

I (native New Yorker) will be on this cruise also with my husband (native Michiganer) Tom and son Michael (native Hoosier - age 8).
We are veteran Magic cruisers and have been Eastern several times.

We will be driving to Orlando from Indiana the week before the cruise.

Looking forward to meeting with everyone!

Rae

[outahere]

Hi Rae..............

Glad to have you going with us!! Any chance I could bribe you to save at least a few shrimp for me if you board before I do? :D

This is our first trip on the Magic, but DW and I have cruised the same eastern itinerary on the Norway and spent a long weekend on St. Thomas a few years back.

Ed

[jeanie]

Hi RobinMarie,

I booked through DCL. At first I was not sure if it was the right thing to do, especially with the possibility of getting $79 fares from SW!... I just checked SW and I am glad I booked through DCL after all.... I figured for the 4 of us DCL was charging about 1300 (which seems like a lot) SW wants 1400 to fly out Manchester for our family... Since this is April Vacation week I don't think the prices will get any cheaper....

[RobinMarie]

Thanks for the reply - it certainly isn't looking good for air fares yet. I'm going to wait a little while longer before booking. I'm even considering driving!

[rae519]

Originally posted by jeanie
Anyone have advice to give on excursions? We would like to do St. John's on our own and go to either Trunk or Cinnamon. But I have no idea what to do in St Martins. We went to St. Martin's years ago (before kids) and we went to Orient Beach which was absolutely gorgeous. This time we were thinking of doing the Golden Eagle, any one have any suggestion??


Thanks,

I did the Sea and See with my Mom (74) and son (7) last May - very nice - bus ride to Dutch side of Island, underwater viewing of sealife there plus shopping. Getting to see the entire island in an A/C bus and a little sea life made both them happy campers!

Rae

[rae519]

Originally posted by outahere
Hi Rae..............

Glad to have you going with us!! Any chance I could bribe you to save at least a few shrimp for me if you board before I do? :D

This is our first trip on the Magic, but DW and I have cruised the same eastern itinerary on the Norway and spent a long weekend on St. Thomas a few years back.

Ed

Ahh, my shrimp reputation has followed me to this cruise also, I see! Well, I'm also an orange-mango soup fiend, but I put it in a glass with ice and some rum for a nice smoothie type drink!

I love St. Thomas but have never ventured past the Mall, although we did go over to St. John for their Island Tour (very nice). Would love to see more of St. Thomas this time around though! Any suggestions?!

Rae

[rae519]

Originally posted by RobinMarie
Thanks for the reply - it certainly isn't looking good for air fares yet. I'm going to wait a little while longer before booking. I'm even considering driving!

We drove for the first time to the Port this past October. Honestly, I found it (1) cheaper and (2) less stressful!! There is a park and ride at the Radisson, where you can stay overnight and have free parking with shuttle service to the Port. We stayed at Days Inn then drove to the Port and parked there (secure for $70).

What I liked best about parking at the Port was easy access to your vehicle. I had to disembark after embarkation to check for a missing bag - it wasn't easy but it was doable! Also, it only took us 20 minutes from the time they started disembarkation for me to be on the highway heading north. Not much traffic at that time of the day!!

Mom liked the idea of being able to have her luggage locked and secure. Hey, she's 74 and if that's what makes her happy, then I'm all for it.

We are staying at the Days Inn near Univeral for around $30/night the week before the cruise - DH and DS want that Universal/Sea World fix. So if anyone needs anything picked up, let me know ahead of time.

Rae

[outahere]

Ahh, my shrimp reputation has followed me to this cruise also, I see!

Rae.......

You should know by now that your shrimp reputation is legendary here on the cruise board!!!

I have been to Bluebeard's castle, The Mountaintop, Magens Bay and Coral World. Of them all, I would recommend Magens Bay. Absolutely beautiful beach and water.

We are hoping to do the Atlantis submarine this time, along with the obligatory shopping. We found a small jewelry shop near the waterfront when we were last there and want to see if it is still there. I have a gold bracelet from them, that DW bought for me, and I've worn it for years.

Ed

[rae519]

Originally posted by outahere
Rae.......

You should know by now that your shrimp reputation is legendary here on the cruise board!!!
Ed

And I am proud of it! But honestly, I had esophageal reconstruction (GERD and hiatal hernia) and am not able to eat all that much - but what I do eat are all the WRONG things!!!!!!

I wish there were a "pirate" type ship to sail on - I'd like to be a pirate for a day!!!!!! (Yo ho ho and just bring me RUM!)

Rae

[outahere]

Maybe we could convince DCL to bring the Black Pearl to St. Thomas? That would be a great excursion............

[rae519]

Ohhh my! The Black Pearl! That would be soooo exciting!
Now I did have a memorable moment on Grand Cayman when Michael and I rode on the Beach with Nicki - that was a "Black Stallion" moment for us!!! (HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS!!!)

Hey, is anyone going to start a list for us and a meet and greet place???

Rae

[rae519]

Anyone making plans for shore excursions?

Ann Morin, fellow Disney vet, raves about the Antigua Dolphin Excursion so we are going to do that - I am not sure about Michael (8), but they do have the option for those who just want to observe for $50 less per child's ticket.

Rae

[jeanie]

The more I read these boards the more we change our minds about which excursions we want to do!!

Originally we wanted to do the Golden Eagle and St John's on our own......

Now I am concerned after reading about GE. We all burn really easily and it sounds like there is not alot of shade on this excursion?? This sounds really fun but I don't want us to burn...

So if we don't do the Golden Eagle then I was thinking of doing Great Bay and then do some shopping (no one in my family is a shopper!! but I figured we should take a look around Front Street at least and try those Guavaberry Coladas I've read so much about....)

DH and I had been to Orient along time ago and it was beautiful, but my 12 year old is painfully shy and would be mortified to see naked people :earseek: so we can scratch that one off too....


I would like to see either Cinnamon or Trunk Bay and we will most likely do these on our own....


Happy New Year!!

Only 16 more Saturdays!!! 109 days!!!

[rae519]

Originally posted by jeanie
DH and I had been to Orient along time ago and it was beautiful, but my 12 year old is painfully shy and would be mortified to see naked people :earseek: so we can scratch that one off too....


Only 16 more Saturdays!!! 109 days!!!

Scared me to think of people my size naked! Hey, it's just not a pretty sight at my age either!!! So I'm in with your daugher - NO WAY JOSE!

I like the 16 Saturdays - sounds so much better than 109 days!!

I got a new camera today. Yup, decided it was time for Rae to come out of the dark ages and opted for the new Kodak Easyshare 6340 with all the "bells and whistles" - now just to figure it all out and get used to not looking through a viewfinder.
This is going to take some effort, time and lots of practice!

Tom says we are definitely going to the Antigua Dolphin Swim and I'd like to get back to St. John (Trunk Bay). I prefer doing DCL excursions (although at Grand Cayman, I do go riding at Nicki's and that's a non-Disney one). I'd also like to see St. Thomas but with someone that's been there before and knows the best places (sights).

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Hi Rae,

Welcome aboard!! Shrimp?? Okay this could get ugly. Both my DH and I are long time shrimp eaters. They better put on a large number of extras.
When are we due to get the papers for the excursions? I can't remember how far out they arrive. DH says he has that information "somewhere", and he'll "see" if he can find it. By that time the new ones will probably be here.
I would love to do the dolphin experience. But think I'll wait to decide, since everything sounds like such fun.
Hope everyone has a Happy and Safe New Year!!

Estelle

[rae519]

Estelle - My Mom is a "coal miner's daughter" from Scranton area - small world.

Ahhh, shrimp competition. Now do you want my secret drink to wash it down with? Pour orange mango soup in a cup with ice and add RUM - delicious!

I think we get out docs about 30 days before - I could be wrong, but that seems about right with DVC points. I never feel like it's a "go" until those babies are getting signed!

Tom is positive about the dolphin excursion so we will be doing it, I am not sure but I think we will go over to St. John (Trunk Bay).
I know that this time we are going to have more adult time than before - I'm already telling this to Michael repeatedly!!!!

I also like the lamp chops - be warned!!!

Rae

[outahere]

Rae,

I also like the lamp chops

Wow....... don't remember those on the menu :D

I can see right now that I'm going to have be first in line to board so there's still some shrimp around. Estelle is right...... this could get ugly.

A Happy and Healthy New Year to everyone!!!!

Ed

[ehtpnt]

Lamb chops!

Okay this is definately getting ugly. My DH has a thing for lamb chops. Personally I am a beef eater. Mad cows? What mad cows.

We routinely drive down from Bethlehem to WDW. We usually go around Presidents day but with the cruise this year we are waiting until then to go. When we did the first cruise we drove down and stayed at the Radisson the night before. Left the mini van in their parking lot and took the shuttle to the dock. We plan to do that again as it worked really well.

The shuttle was waiting when we arrived back and we were off the boat and back at the Radisson in maybe 20 minutes tops.
Off course we had late breakfast and ate slowly so that by the time we were getting off there were only a few bags waiting to be picked up.

So that's our take on that. A coal miners' daughter from Scranton. We get up there once in a while. She wouldn't know the area these days. Our quiet Lehigh Valley has been invaded by folks who have moved here from mostly New Jersey. I'm allowed to say that since I grew up there. Even Scranton has a bunch of new houses. Ah well , progress...I think.


Estelle

[rae519]

Originally posted by ehtpnt
Lamb chops!

Okay this is definately getting ugly. My DH has a thing for lamb chops. Personally I am a beef eater. Mad cows? What mad cows.

Estelle

What is wrong with us?
Food! Food! Food!
Okay, this is the fun part - we can eat all we want on the ship!!!

Can't wait til we get together!!!

Rae

[lsutigger2]

Add us to the list! I just checked out this thread today and DH and I will be on the 4-17-04 Eastern cruise!! I'm beginning to get really excited about it all, as we're first time cruisers! I'll be having a "special birthday" and this is what I picked to do! Glad to know there will be such great folks on board!

Rae - I also have a Koday 6340 and you can look thru the viewfinder to take pics. That's the way I do it all the time. I really have enjoyed my camera. Don't know how to do all the bells and whistles yet, but I'm learning.

I like the counting Saturdays idea as well. I work a lot of Saturdays so I usually know what I'm doing each weekend and can quote it. I'll have to look at my calendar and see what's up between now and then!

[rae519]

Welcome lsutigger2 - nice to have the "Cajun" flavor to add to our melting pot of Disney friends!

Ohh, girl, that 6340 has so much on it! WHEW! Can I ever figure this out!!!!!!!

A special birthday ehh - well, congrats!!!! Hope we can be part that !!

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Hi Isutigger2,

Welcome, we're going on our second cruise and can't wait. Guess I should ask. How are you about shrimp and lamb chops? I thought of something else that I am looking forward to on the ship chocolate lava cake. I've had it on shore but it just isn't the same.

Have to go and let the dog out of the crate, she just had dinner. So I'm outa here.

Estelle

[lsutigger2]

Being from South Louisiana, I love shrimp! Can't say I've ever had lamb (or lamp) chops!! Maybe I'll give 'em a try. Dh, I think likes lamb chops and doesn't like shrimp, so I'll take his share, if I can get in line in front of you guys!!

We're really looking forward to the trip! Even if I will turn --
while we're gone!

[ehtpnt]

Hey no cutting into the shrimp line. Rae and my DH and I will be the ones standing over the shrimp with forks poised.

Isutigger2 lamb is okay if you like very small portions of meat. A lamb chop tends to be the size of a 0.50 piece. You usually get at least two at a serving. Personally I tend to like meat in portions you can actually see. LOL

So what birthday is this? We're in the grandparent range. That's why we sail on the Disney boat. Besides this time the friends with us have a 5 year old. We have other friends who want to know why we sail on Disney and I tell them we never saw any children. I think they think I'm from some other planet, but we never did see any. It made for a great cruise. Ah well time is flitting and before I know it I will be packing. Only 14 Saturdays to go.

Estelle

[rae519]

Tom has been whitehaired since 21 - so we have always sort of looked like grandparents!! People always mistake us now for Michael's grandparents (since he is 8) but that's okay - I'm sporting AnnMorinRed hair now and am looking younger!

Rae

[lsutigger2]

Estelle: It's going to be #50 :earseek:


We are childless but are at times are very childlike!! Who isn't??

My DH is a Tom also. Younger by a few years but has more grey than I do, so it equals out in looks!

Really looking forward to our trip. I"ve been reading lots these days about cruising.

Take care

[rae519]

AWWW SHUCKS! You are beating me to 50! Not like it's a contest but Andy (verandahman) and I have been planning a 2005 Birthday Cruise (both our 50th and also Disneyland's)!!

Yeah, they'd really better load up on the shrimp for this cruise.

Okay, anyone interested in Brunch or High Tea?
We will be arriving at the Port early and can try to get something set up. I've had the Brunch before and it's wonderful. Have never been to High Tea but interested in it!

We've cruised this itinerary several times and know pretty much what is going on when from past Navigators.

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Okay this makes us the senior citizens of the group. Had my 59th this past November. DH is a couple of years younger. We are traveling with a younger couple with a small person (5).

We did the brunch with a group of DIsers on the Halloween 2002 cruise. It was fantastic. The only problem we had was that our character breakfast was that morning. Boy was I full. We would be up for either of the options. I think I can say that the other couple with us would also be interested.

Either way there had better be shrimp. LOL

Getting off now as DH is playing with his Christmas digital camera. And I don't need my picture taken at this time.


Estelle

[rae519]

I got a digital this Christmas also. KodakEasy Share DX6340. Waiting for the printer to come in now!! AGGGHHH!

Tom took over and learned everything then started taking video of me with it! He is a rascal!! I took one picture with it and WHOOSH - he confiscated it!

I got him the Panasconic DVC Recorder (only because I wanted to put all our home movies on CD). The most important movies are those of our daughter from years ago. When memories are all you have, you treasure them.

Does it sound like we should just trade gifts with eachother?!!!

Are you planning any excursions? We are still IN for the Dolphin swim at Anguilla. I'd like to see some of the tourist sights at St. Thomas but after seeing Trunk Bay during our St. John Island Tour last year, I think Tom would like that more.

One thing you must remember about age, you gain wisdom, patience and a sense of humor.

Rae

[rae519]

Originally posted by ehtpnt
Isutigger2 lamb is okay if you like very small portions of meat. A lamb chop tends to be the size of a 0.50 piece. You usually get at least two at a serving. Personally I tend to like meat in portions you can actually see. LOL
Estelle


I plan on asking for several!!!!!! I generally skip the desserts but double up on the appetizers!!

Rae

[ehtpnt]

That's another nice thing about Disney dinning. You can order more than one entree. I've thought about it but never actually had the nerve although I did have two desserts one night.

As for age gaining wisdom patience and a sense of humor. I'm not sure about the wisdom, but the patience and the sense of humor are definates. Especially when your daughter owns two day care centers and you work in one of them. Actually I do the laundry and final load of dishes in the afternoon. I made a deal with the original owners that I would do the laundry but wouldn't do kids. And I've stuck to that. Although all the older kids know who I am and have upon occasion learned the hard way that Miss Elzas' Mom can be just as firm about things as the teachers are. Of course there are also the times when I have to bite my tongue to keep from laughing at some happening that I shouldn't laugh at. Warped sense of humor there.

We haven't done anything about excursions yet except print out the resumes. I would love to swim with the dolphins but don't know how the DH would feel about it.

I also read about the 12 meter regatta and would do that in a heart beat but know the DH and the couple going with us would take a miss on that. Ah well, age also should bring some intellegence.

Off to empty the dishwasher (my own) and get the kitchen ready for tomorrow morning.

Estelle

[rae519]

Tom decided he wants to go on the Pilgrimage with us, so we have opted out for our week vacation before the cruise. Now we are flying in Friday night - arriving MCO at 7PM.

Probably going to book a hotel there and either get a limo or something to get to Port the next day.

Anyone else flying in then and want to talk about sharing a limo to the Port on Saturday?

Estelle - you crack me up!!!

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Thanks Rae, I Try.

I wanted to post last night and couldn't get the computer to do anything. Every time I got on line and told it where to go, it threw me off. So I thought I would wait until DH got home from a meeting and he'd look at it. Instead he promptly sat down and started doing paper work. Thanks dear. All he said was "oh something is wrong with the site or the server or something." I had already gathered that much. I was hoping for a fix not an answer that did nothing for me and meant he could use the computer for hours.

I'm not sure about the limo, our friends might be interested. They have signed up to use the Disney transportation from MCO. But I will ask them this afternoon as I see her when she picks up her son at day care. I also will ask about the brunch/tea at the same time. I can pretty much gaurantee (spelling is not one of my better points) there will be interest in the brunch/tea. We will already be at the Rad in Port Canavarel that afternoon or even the day before, depending on how fast the DH drives. LOL

I actually enjoy the two days of driving. Now that we have done it 15 or more times we watch for certain points along the way. Kind of like the trip when we took our youngest back and forth to Cleveland to college. There is a big GM plant about 1/2 way there that we watch for. But the trip south is nice because by lunch time the winter/heavy coats are no longer necessary, usually, and that is a great feeling.

I have to end now as the above mentioned student, needs to email the young man in her life. And then the DH will need the computer again.

Estelle

[JLSE50]

My message posted twice and the board would not let me delete one, so I am changing this one. See below.
Jan :earsgirl:

[JLSE50]

Estelle - you crack me up!!!
Rae, that is because Estelle has one of the best senses of humor going.

I enjoyed reading this thread--sounds like there is a congeniel little group forming.

So--help me out here--is it two degrees of separation if two people know the same person? or is that one degree of separation?

Because:
Estelle went on the Halloween Cruise 2002 and knows:
Ginger
Quackattack--Rochelle
Emma--Rose Greenthumb
Karen--Emma's Mother
and others,
as well as
Jan--since their husbands went to college together and they lived in the same town for 7 1/2 years AND were on the Halloween Cruise in rooms across the hall from each other so that Estelle's real porthole was Jan's hidden porthole.

AND
Rae went on the Halloween Cruise 2003 and knows:
Ginger
Quackattack--Rochelle
Emma--Rose Greenthumb
Karen--Emma's Mother
and others,
as well as
Jan--because of this Board, e-mails they send each other, a visit Jan made to Rae's house and Michael's desire to play golf at the Mini golf with a DRAGON in Valparaiso (and we ARE GOING TO DO THAT THIS SPRING!!)

Have a great day,
Jan :earsgirl:

[rae519]

Oh my! Now this is going to be one great cruise - Jan! You are amazing! How did you ever get all this together!!! Dearie, are you sure you don't want to stow away with us and enjoy the fun in the sun?

You are so sweet to put this together for us - Estelle, can you believe this coincidence?!

GREAT!!!!

And yes, the dragon at Valpo is still on!!!

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Hi Jan

Hi Rae

Jan is unique! I had no idea that we all knew this many people. I will now break into a chorus of ..."IT'S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL." Family is now screaming NOOOO!!!

Hey Jan, how come you never mentioned a mini golf course with a DRAGON??? Rae is right you should stow away. I should have more room in my suitcase this trip. No trick or treat stuff and no costume. Thank goodness. By the way Jan I am cleaning our bedroom. Tom come pick Jan up.

Rae, Jan has seen the bedroom and it isn't pretty. Actually most of the clutter is books. I read almost constantly. I have been known to cook dinner with a book in my hand. And I have been guilty of not throwing them out after I am done. So aside from the romances that I save for our middle daughter, reads as much as I do, the rest get put in old computer paper boxes. They are great for storing books cause they hold lots.

Actually we are a family of pack rats. At the moment our youngest is cleaning her room. She wants to paint it. Says 17 years of Peppermint Pink is enough. Wants a nice cool blue shade. The poor garbage men are going to think we're moving or something.

Have to go, the day care financial officers need to use the computer and the dog is complaining that she needs to be out NOW. I just wish it weren't so cold and windy. Low tonight is due to be 7. Thank goodness for electric blankets.

Estelle

[JLSE50]

RAE: I was one of the posters on your Halloween Thread so I remember the names of some of the people who were on the cruise with us the year before. And, since I corresponded with Emma between the 2002 and 2003 cruises, those names are in my head too.

ESTELLE: Micheal has driven by the DRAGON on family trips to visit friends in Illinois, so when he learned we lived in Valparaiso, he was determined to come visit me and play that course. When you were here it did not even dawn on me, but we could have driven you by there to show it off. Forgive me? And--here is a good reason for you to come visit again. (Not originally an ulterior motive, but it works for me....)

ESTELLE: Way to go on the cleaning out! We are all doing that. Rae is selling stuff on e-bay. I am thinking of that. So far, I have been giving stuff away to people who like it. Some jewelry went to a nursing home and others to a little girl for dress up. I sent some of my "collection" of Happy Meal toys to Kathy and Ron's two little ones--Hercules stuff (two sets, one from the release of the movie in the theaters and one set from the video release with a tub we got popcorn in at WDW with Hercules designs on the outside) for Nate and a plain white tub, Mulan Happy Meal toys and Mulan beanies for Felicity. I took some other items as I visited friends the past couple days and asked if they would like any of them. That way they went to people who wanted them. Could the books be put out for sharing at the Nursery Schools?

We had WIND and 3 degrees above for the low last night and 3 BELOW the night before. But it was 60 the day before that. Today the high is now--and it is 22 degrees with wind chill making it feel like 10. Seems like a heat wave compared to the previous days. I wore a sweatshirt with a fleece vest on top and had my coat open on the way into and out of the grocery store and I was OK. This winter is not bothering me as much as the last three. One of my friends thinks that is because I am getting over the "hit" of losing my Dad. She is not saying that I don't miss him, just that it is not wearing me out as it did. In a way that is reassuring. But it also seems odd that life goes on.

I would love to stow away, but Tom says he does not think I will fit in a suitcase even in one of Estelle's vacuum-packer bags.

ENJOY the Caribbean for me!

Jan :earsgirl:

[rae519]

Originally posted by JLSE50
We had WIND and 3 degrees above for the low last night and 3 BELOW the night before. But it was 60 the day before that. Today the high is now--and it is 22 degrees with wind chill making it feel like 10.
Jan :earsgirl:

Gotta love that "lake effect"!

And to think I used to love winter....I guess that was "BH" (before horses).

Estelle, we have a lot in common - I read voraciously also! Doing the James Kellerman books now.


Rae

[lsutigger2]

Okay, lots has been going on here in the couple of days. sorry I haven't been around much.

Estelle - a "bond" for us. I work with child care providers all the time. I'm a trainer and I plan training, etc. Gave up "kids" years ago but do enjoy working with those who work with them.

Rae/Estelle - I also enjoy reading although I don't get too as often as I would like. I've read J. Kellerman's stuff. Right now I'm reading Harry Potter. 1/2 through #4.

It's less than 100 days now, that's the good news for today -
that and the fact that LSU is the 2003 National Champions in football. It was an exciting weekend for us!! Geaux Tigers!!

We'll be at the Radisson on Friday 4-16. Can any of you tell me where the Budget car place is? Folks have mentioned it as being good to use. The one that comes up on their site says "cocoa beach" and I'm not familiar with the area, having never been there before!

Thanks

[rae519]

Happy 69th Birthday Elvis!

Rock and Roll Forever!

Rae

[JLSE50]

LSUTIGGER2: Cocoa Beach is south of Port Canaveral. Driving there, you cannot tell where one ends and the other begins. That car rental place could be quite close to the Raddison, it is a small spit of land.

If you have an address for each, you can go to Mapquest.com and get some distances. The hotel might also provide transportation to the Budget rental or Budget might come to the hotel to pick up someone to take them back to do the paperwork. It might be worth a call to find out.

You can get a shuttle to the Port from the hotel though, so you don't need a car then.

Jan :earsgirl:

[ehtpnt]

Rae, I just sent you a pm. And our friends are interested in doing the champagne brunch or high tea. So that means the 4 of us are interested. Thanks for offering to handle this.

Isutigger2 we will be at the Rad on the 16th too. Would you like to meet and maybe go to dinner in the area. Last time we were there we found several nice restaurants. We will have our mini van so transport is not a problem. The reason we found several was that DH had to do Cape Canavarel before the cruise. At that time I was still having trouble with my knees and walking around Canavarel in the hot sun for hours was not my idea of fun. But I have to admit the tour was interesting. Amazing how much cooler it is under a shuttle.

What do plan for child care providers? I admit that I have been known to visit in the prek and kindergarten room in the afternoon. They know Miss Elzas' Mom and have learned the hard way not to get rowdy when they are supposed to be quiet. All those years as a girl scout leader are finally paying off. I can bellow with the best of them. And if it gets too bad I retire to my office in the laundry room and play game boy.

Harry Potter #4 is the volume that I read going from Bethlehem to Cleveland. We were driving out to go for medical appointments with our youngest. I had read about 1/2 and put if aside because #5 was supposed to be coming right after #4. Then I learned that it wasn't. So I took #4 and read it in the car. I have no memory of that trip. I know we stopped for the usual rest stops but I don't remember them. My first memory after getting on route 80 is hours later getting off in Johnstown for dinner. There aren't many books that do that to me. But that one caught me and I was a goner. As if you couldn't tell from my comments earlier about dragons I like certain science fiction and what ever you call Harry.

Congrats to LSU!

[ehtpnt]

Oops pushed the wrong button.

I have laundry of my own that is calling me. So...

So long. Estelle

[lsutigger2]

Estelle, meeting for dinner might be fun. We'll get together (on the internet) sometimes before the cruise and closer to the day - boy I wish they would get here faster. OBTW, not that I'm picky or anything but the first letter of my screen name is "L" as in "LSU".

I help plan and actually do some of the required training for child care providers in Louisiana. I also do some other things but none are my favorite like training is.

Jan: thanks for the car rental info. Figured it couldn't be too far, but you never know. Thanks for the idea to check the distances. I'll do that. I like to have everything reserved and waiting for us. Would there be a way to get from the port to pick up a car on the day of debarking?? A shuttle from Budget maybe??

Thanks again to so many helpful folks for these very excited "first timers"

:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[JLSE50]

Originally posted by lsutigger2
Would there be a way to get from the port to pick up a car on the day of debarking?? A shuttle from Budget maybe??


LSUTIGGER2: I would formulate a list of questions for Budget and call them. They must have an 800 number somewhere and even a long distance call might be worth the peace of mind.

We took the DISNEY bus to and from the port on our first two cruises. The third time we drove to the Radisson, stayed overnight there and left our camper in their parking lot right near where Estelle and Phil left their vehicle. The Radisson provided a shuttle to the port for the cruise and back to the hotel when we got back.

When we went on our Royal Caribbean Cruise we rented a car from Avis as they have a place right at the Miami port. It was quite a hike across a parking lot pulling and lugging our luggage but proximity made a difference--thrift.

Best wishes on this project
Jan :earsgirl:

[ehtpnt]

LSUtigger2 I am sorry I actually thought it was is u tigger 2? Us northerners don't think of LSU and I am caught with a red face.

There might be an answer to the debarkation question in the fact that we will be getting our vehicle from the Rad that morning. And could offer a lift to the rental place if they don't offer a shuttle service. Although I would think that they would since they must have a lot of people who need to get cars. The only other thing is that we have late seating for dining and probably won't get off until around 9 AM.

Jan-- is that about the time we got off? I admit I don't remember what time we actually got off the boat.

lsutigger-- you are not the only excited ones. I am getting positively hard to live with. The weather here has been very cold and I keep saying things like "it won't be like this in April" and this is usually followed by groans from the family.

Well I'm off now so that DH can do some church work and I can take the anxious Doberman out. Lucky me. Estelle

[JLSE50]

I just checked my scrapbook--ahhh--it is a research document, not only a memory book!:p

Late seating dinner meant we went to breakfast at 8 am on disembarkation day. Knowing we were in no rush, we lingered at the table. We waited until no one was in the lobby and nearly no one in the diningroom. Easy to see since we had a table in Lumiere's near the windows facing the Mickey Statue.

I am not sure what time it was when we walked out the gangway. After 9 I bet--maybe more like 9:30 or so. By doing that there were almost no pieces of luggage in the terminal so finding ours was easy and there was only a short line to wait in for customs.

Jan :earsgirl:

[dianthus]

Hi Everyone!

My DD ( Taylor) and me ( Linda) are from Danbury, CT. I have just booked the April 17th cruise and we will be joining you! We were on the 11/8 Western- our 25th anniversary cruise ( mr. & mrs. no pants were on our cruise- wearing pants!). This one will be our 4th DCL cruise. We did the same week two years ago & weather was awesome... The Northeast weather is already getting to us, so we'll need a break come April! It's -5 right now! Waaaay to cold for me!

Taylor's 13th B day is 4/17, the day we embark!My DH (Doug) is involved in a new business venture & won't be able to take time off for a while. He suggested I take some of the DVC points & take on her the cruise to celebrate her becoming a teen. I called DVC the other day & the points were "closed out". Their allotment for this cruise was gone. I got pretty bummed, as it's also her school vacation week, so it was perfect... I didn't want to use cash for ressies... Today, I posted some points for sale on the DVC board & sold them very quickly! So I booked the 2 of us & got non stop air out of Hartford too. I think it was meant to be... She is going to be sooo surprised! I'm going to tell her when I get all the confirmations in & we're set. She was really bummed they started the Golden Mickeys on the Magic only a few weeks after our cruise. She's going to love this!

I look forward to getting to know all of you! For all you Halloween cruisers- we were on the first Halloween 7 day cruise in 2000. That was the year the CMs dressed as 102 dalmations & Cruella Deville. My DD Taylor was the black cat they were all chasing that night at the first Halloween deck party you may have heard about..

Rae~ It's your eBay "Halloween" pin pal! Looking forward to finally meeting you! :) I am a big Gaspare fan too!

LSUtigger2- Budget is just down the street from the Radisson. Close enough to walk if need be- a bit of a schlep, but not bad. They have a shuttle from Port to Budget. We used Avis last time, a bit further down now- by the Perfect Gift. They had better rates than Budget in November. Check both, they constantly change! Look for codes on www.mousesavers.com

~ Linda :boat:

[rae519]

Linda!!!!! Welcome aboard! Oh this is going to be great!!!!
So many people already "knowing" each other!!!

Okay, Estelle - in a PM, I need to know last name and stateroom for you and your friends so I can make the reservations for us for brunch - I will have to look up the days and we are thinking 11AM.

I got a priceline.com bid accepted for $40 at Holiday Inn Select at the MCO. We found the price for Disney transfers to be the same as the Happy Limo price, so we are going to get the limo from the hotel to the port and back.

We need a list of whose going and staterooms, dining time, brunch or high tea, etc. Anyone interested in taking this on?
I've done it before (past 5 cruises) and frankly, don't have the time this cruise due to homeschooling commitments.

Also, for our Disney Meet - I've preferred meeting at Promenade Lounge after the drill just because it's a quiet area - but I also heard that the lobby outside the Spa is a good area plus close to the Sail Away Party. Any hints or suggestions so we can get this firmed up???

We plan to be at the Port around 10AM - so that might work for some of us to meet there!

Remember if anyone wants to dine with anyone else, all it takes is a call to DCL with the last name and reservation number to have seating together. Also, if you want a special server or rotation, then head to Dining Room Changes to get that.

Always feels like the start of the Indy 500 when we board because there is so much to get done and with limited seating at Palo.....AGGGGHHHH!

Rae

[lsutigger2]

Welcome about Linda and Taylor!

Thanks for the info for the car rental. I'll check mousesavers later and do more research on this.

I've been "packing in my head" this week. It is going to be so much fun!!

[ehtpnt]

Welcome Linda and Taylor!

Rae--as soon as I can get the information out of Phil(DH) and Jen and Alan (friends) I will pm you with stateroom numbers and names. I talked to Jen and I think they would probably prefer the brunch, but Jen did say they really didn't have a preference. And I know Phil and I will readily do either.

Jan-- did we have a certain place to meet after sailaway or before? I don't remember that we did. You can check that volume of information...your scrapbook. LOL

Rae & Linda--are you a pin traders? I collect but don't trade much. Jen also collects and I think trades more than I do.

Can not wait to get on that boat. I like snow and cold weather but can't say I like the frigid weather we are having at the moment. Can not bless the inventor of the electric blanket enough. DH likes the room cool and we have minimal heat on. Usually not bad but the last three nights it has been way cold in our room.

Must go and start the supper for the members of the family who aren't dieting...like me.

Jan--Our Jen is dieting. Like people who buy their undewear in Victorias' Secret need to diet.

Talk to you all later. Estelle

[RobinMarie]

Linda,

We are from Connecticut too! I'm wondering about your air travel plans as I've been looking for a decent deal for awhile now.

This will be our first cruise! It's all I'm thinking about since the near 0 degree temps today!

::MinnieMo

[rae519]

RobinMarie - a big WELCOME to you and yours!!! As first time cruisers, you may have questions - we may have answers! If not, we know where to go for them!!!!!
So glad you will be joining us!

Most of the time people who sign onto these threads will meet the first day (generally after the safety drill) and sometimes plan a brunch or high tea meet. Otherwise, most of us just go our own way unless we make plans together. It's pretty low key and non threatening.

I must say that I have met some on cruise threads that I'd share my last meal with and others that I wish I never heard of!!!!! Always a mixed bag!

Estelle - Jen is dieting???? So is Tom, but his is for health reasons. He's lost 10lbs already and I am so proud of him!! He and I are both fat (I don't have a problem with that word!!!) and because of medical problems/medication, it has always been difficult for us to maintain a healthy weight. One of the big pluses for me is that I can ride and that uses a bunch of muscles, so I can lose weight and firm up at the same time as I can enjoy my riding.

I don't open the floor registers in our bedroom in the winter - we like to sleep in the cold. I even bought a chillow (water filled pillow) to stay cool at night!


And by the way, I may be living in Indiana - but I'm a native UPSTATE New Yorker and always will be!

Rae

[RobinMarie]

Thank You for the warm welcome!

We have early seating we were able to secure when we rebooked with another TA. I'm happy my 6yo dd will not be having to keep her head off the table to eat with us. I'm trying to figure out how to do the drill, deck the party, and dress in time for dinner but would love to squeeze in a meet n greet.

Brunch sounds fabulous to me!

[dianthus]

Hi Everyone! :wave:

Thanks for the very warm welcome! I need it right now, as it is - 1 degree here. Ah, the northeast in the winter time... gotta love it - NOT! We are in the "keep the heat down" club too, basically 'cuz I'd rather spend money on vacation- not heating bills... But we did crank it up yesterday, as its just too darn cold!

We got a navigator verandah this time. Has anyone had one? I'd be interested in what you think of them. We always do a CAT 5, or 6, so this will be a bit different. Taylor said they looked cozy after seeing pics on Barb & Tony's site. We've never been aft on the ship, so we'll see. I was going to book an inside to save $ for shopping, but we are verandah girls at heart, so the Cat 7 won out...

RobinMarie- so you live in the tundra too?! Where in CT do you live? You will love the DCL cruise!! We went on this one 2 yrs. ago & it was terrific. 90% of the people on board then were from the Northeast, as it's school vacation week in CT, Mass, RI, & I think NJ & PA too. That's why the air fares are high for that time period. We got our air thru Song- Delta's version of Jet Blue. We got $159 RT in Nov, so I was shocked. We booked with Skymiles, as the fares were $481 for non stops. I really don't like connections to MCO, takes too long. They run out of JFK & LGA too ( same distance to NYC or Hartford air ports for us, so I always go with the cheaper fare) LGA is running about $100 cheaper, but factor in a limo ( I won't park my car in long term down there) & it's the same. If you are in the eastern part of CT, check Providence, RI. Sometimes there are great fares out of there. Let me know how you do. My friends do the auto train- AMTRACK out of DC to Florida & love it. Maybe that's an option for you.

Rae: I am a native New Yorker too- Westchester. Chappaqua- Hil' & Bill's digs now... I can't see my sleepy little town being over run by Secret Service... We live about 90 min. north of the City by train. We usually get in to town every 3 months or so to shop, eat & see a show. Have Lion King & Wicked tickets coming up soon, so more to look forward to..

If it's not going to be a couples only thing, I'd love to do brunch with all of you. I'm sure Taylor will be spending some time at the Stack, as she'll be "Stack- legal" as she calls it (LOL!) on this trip. I like the brunch at Palo better than dinner. I wasn't planning on Palo this trip as DH will not be with me. I've never gotten into high tea on previous cruises, it's always been booked, so I'm game for that too...

Promenade is a nice location for a meet & greet after the sailaway. It's quiet, drinks & appetizers readily available. We did the 11/8 one during the deck party on Deck 10 & it was too distracting/busy. I didn't meet 1/2 the DIS people from that cruise.

Estelle- Taylor is a pin collector- only trades for a primo pins. She's a shark when it comes to WDW pins. She has an awesome collection of some very valuable pins. Rae missed out on the Halloween pin from her last cruise because of greedy people on the ship buying them all to eBay. There was none left for Rae :(. I offered to get her one on eBay from one of the greedy people... Rae- those pins are still selling for about $30-40!

Gotta run... It's 0 degrees out now. Let me get to church while we have this heat wave going on.... :teeth:

~ Linda :boat:

[ehtpnt]

Hi All,

Linda you are certainly welcome to join us for the brunch, or what ever develops, at Palos. Can't see making it a couples only thing.

Going to have to watch that Taylor. Sharks in the water and sharks on the boat too. By the way, being somewhat name challenged, Taylors' name will be really easy to remember. That is our last name. I can't say that I have that many valuable pins maybe a few. I usually get the ones I think are cute or are characters that I particularly like.

In the interests of upstate New York my DH went to RPI. Our youngest looked at RPI when she was doing the college thing and drove her Dad crazy by repeatedly telling him RPI was her safety school. And in the end didn't go there.

Rae-- the diet thing with Jen is driven by the boy friend (who we all like really alot) making a comment over Christmas about
Jen having a small tummy. So of course she says she is fat. I should be so thin. I have actually lost 12 pounds recently and am working on getting more off. And this weekend we purchased a treadmill. I had used one during my two 8 week sessions of Pt and liked it so DH and DDx2 and I will be walking on that as soon as it is delivered and set up. I expect it will be warmer than walking out doors right now. I did tell Jen that " he should talk as he has a stomach too."

Will check back later. Estelle

[rae519]

Our first cruise was with the Navigator's Verandah. It was nice, but Michael who was in K couldn't see over the wooden railing. We had to hold him up so he could see the water - that got old FAST! Since then we have always had the regular verandah - and are much happier.

Brunch is open to anyone and everyone - as time gets closer to our going, we can pm and get details completed. Same with High Tea - I am definitely going to do it this time since I have never been able to get to Palo Reservations early enough to secure them.

It's good to keep a watch on weight, as long as a person maintains a healthy weight. This is the pot talking since the kettle is as black!!!! But we are trying!

Visited with my horses today. We are trading Cheyenne, the 19 year old golden palomino in for a younger horse for Michael. He will be contesting at the 4-H and needs a little more "horsepower" in his horse! Red and Tytefit were full of energy today - glad I wasn't riding, just visiting and grooming!! Don't think I could take "break neck speed" right now in this cold!

How about excursions? Anyone planning one? I don't care much for St. Martin, but I do like St. Thomas (and St. John) quite a bit. We had a bad experience our first time at St. Martin with a scam - seems this woman who told us she was from the Chamber of Commerce and wanted to show us the old fort for a donation was actually a timeshare salesperson. The driver took us through the worst sections of town to get to the other side of the harbor to the timeshare - then left us there!!! If not for Michael's great acting, we'd still be stuck there - but he did his best rendition of "I'm sick, I'm gonna puke!" and it worked! Was so loud and convincing!!! We did notify Guest Relations, but with a laugh because we were suckered in and it took a child to get us out!!!

I did get a couple great swim wraps there (3/$10) - they washed well and have held up great. Not much into souveniers or looking for jewelry bargains. Ohh, alcohol is pretty cheap there - so if you are looking for the best bargains, it's there on St. Marten.

My favorite memory of St. Marten was leaving port at night and watching the Captain take the ship out from the side controls.

Rae

[RobinMarie]

Linda - I have been considering trying to use my skymiles for one flight in order to save money as well. It would make the whole situation a lot easier on the wallet! I am still considering driving from East Haven, CT though. If we drive we'd miss out on a relaxing evening at the Port or in Disney. I would love to go to a park or two the day before we sail.::yes::

I would love to join couples/singles for brunch. I am usually trying to steal alone time while on vacation people usually assume I'm solo! :crazy:

We are booked for a category 9, deck 2, 2580. I'm nervous about being seasick so I'm hoping this is a good location.

[rae519]

I use bonine and wear sea bands the entire trip and do very well. I have a very low tolerance to motion, visual and physical so I take ALL precautions possible!

On of the best things you did was book a lower deck - the motion is less there. I was involuntarily upgraded to Deck 7 from Deck 5 in October and was VERY VERY unhappy about it. Same type room, just two decks up and with that was more hallway activity and definitely more motion. I hated it, as did Mom and Michael. (Deck 5 Aft was still being renovated after dry dock and uninhabitable).

The first night is THE worst - due to being new to the motion of the ocean and the Gulf Stream being crossed. Just be prepared and don't be nervous about it. There is anti-nausea medication at the Med Clinic (free) in case you forget or you can buy some at the ships' store.

Watch your alcohol intake (if you imbibe) also - could make it worse that first night.

Anyone else with suggestions?

Rae

[dianthus]

Rae~ Thanks for the description of the Nav verandah. Sounds like it'll be fine for us as we're both tall. We just wanted to be able to sit out there in the morning and get some air & sea to start our day. I was concerned as we always have had a CAT 5 or 6. I don't have our stateroom # yet, but I requested Deck 7 as we really like it up there, but we don't feel the motion at all.

We bring bonine/seabands each trip too but never needed them. Our sailing on 4/13/02 was smooth as glass, so let's hope we get a repeat this year... We always sleep so well on the ship. Have you ever tried the patch? Our November sailing was rocky coming back to Port from CC. We hit a weather front though. Should not be a problem in April.

I'm surprised you feel the motion as you are an equestrian! Taylor is one too- shows hunter/jumper div.- rides english. I used to a little & then I got thrown off- hurt badly. Enough for me...No horses for Taylor though.. We made her choose - either riding full time & we would lease one, or stay with her 2 team sports- soccer/basketball & dance classes. The show circuit up here is so time consuming, super competitive & is a money sport.... She chose to ride for fun ( we're glad) Her big claim to fame is she took Champion in a show & beat J. Abboud's (men's designer) 2 DDs on their 100K+ show ponies. Taylor was riding a cranky, but agile schooling horse. Score one for the little people... :)

I really want to try High Tea this time too. With 4 & 5 cruises under our belts, we should claim seniority for ressies!

If anyone in our group has a CAT 3 or above, you can make brunch ressies ahead of time. A group for concierge is not a problem. Beats the Palo race... Any CAT 1, 2, or 3 among us?

RobinMarie~ My SIL lives in Branford, not far from you. If you drive, it should take 2 solid days of driving. If you do, leave in the evening after rush hour. There is less traffic. We drive to Myrtle Beach 2 times a yr. to see my MIL- about 14 hours. We leave at 6PM & are past Washington by 11PM. We stop there & get on the road early the next morning. At least you have the NJ Turnpike, Baltimore & DC behind you. To me, that's the hardest part of the trip. Your DD will probably sleep most of the time anyway if she is like mine was at that age. Count the South of the Border & JR signs. Keeps everyone alert!

Got up to 20 degrees today. Snow is coming tonight. This cruise is looking better all the time...

~ Linda :boat:

[rae519]

Linda - you haven't seen me ride! I love horses but I'm still a beginning rider. Just think of me as the little girl who always wanted a horse, got to ride a little bit growing up, then didn't for years (decades) - so now I have 3 horses.

Michael (8) is the real equestian of the family. We both ride Western pleasure, but he will be doing the 4-H contesting this year.

Feel the motion? Girl, I can get nauseated just looking out the car window. It's pathetic. When I was still USAF, I took private pilot flying lessons - I did great, until the descent. Thought I'd get over it, but never did. Gave that up after about 40 hours - it was wonderful though and I got to see a lot of South Korea.

I've been lucky because twice I've had cruises with Dis friends that had the Walt Disney Suite and the reservations were no problem. So if anyone can help out here, please!!!

Rae

[JLSE50]

Originally posted by ehtpnt
Jan-- did we have a certain place to meet after sailaway or before? I don't remember that we did. You can check that volume of information...your scrapbook. LOL
..........
Jan--Our Jen is dieting. Like people who buy their undewear in Victorias' Secret need to diet.


We tried to have a DIS MEET during the Sail Away Party on Deck 10 starboard as someone from The Perfect Gift was supposed to be at the Grill taking our picture. Because Shirley had volunteered but had to go out of town. The photographer did not make it we learned later but that did not matter as a lot of people wanted to be at the bow of the ship watching for dolphins. The idea of Promenade Lounge or the Lobby ourside the Spa sounds smart to me. Wish we had thought of that.

My Jen?? your daughter Jen?? Who buys her undies at Victoria's is dieting? :confused: All of life is relative I guess. But I don't get it.

You do know what Victoria's secret is don't you?
No one over 30 can shop there.

Have a super day,
Jan :earsgirl:

[rae519]

Jan, I'll "thong" if you "thong" -----What about the rest of you ladies that are over 30?????

As the saying goes, "Not only no, but ...... NO!"

Youth is best left for the young and slender and employed! So too Victoria Secrets - inside joke there!!!!

The bow is always PACKED tight like sardines. It's too hard to hear if you get too close to mid ship (where the party is). There is also AFT - Deck 10 - Palo area. That's usually abandoned.

Any thoughts? Jan, can't you come with us!!!!! I can try to hold another raffle!

Rae

[JLSE50]

RAE: Just the idea of how a thong fits and where it goes makes me uncomfortable. I am 54 and have earned the right to wear what I like. So, nope, no thongs.

Midship during sail-away was noisy but we could see a lot. It was before the party started and when it did , we had a good view of the deck 9 festivities. But your idea to meet after Life Boat drill at Promenade Lounge makes good sense to me.

Wish I could go. Don't see how. Didyour raffle idea work before?
Anyway, when I go, I want DH to come too. It's hard because of strange things like money and time..... you know.

Have a good day all,
Jan :earsgirl:

[dianthus]

Originally posted by JLSE50

You do know what Victoria's secret is don't you?
No one over 30 can shop there.

Hey Jan! Speaking as a mom of a very active, not quite teenager, it's my underwear that helps keep me young! :p But, that MY secret...LOL! Way over 30- 2 years behind your big celebration Rae... & lord knows I wish I looked like those models- wouldn't that be great! I think I did once, but I don't remember when any more.... :D I really need to get back to the gym. I was really bad over the holidays...Never met a carbohydrate I didn't like!

Rae~ You crack me up! It's great you don't let your motion sickness get in the way of anything you want to do. That's the spirit! That's great about starting to ride again... I want to start taking Piano lessons again. Stopped at age 12, as I was forced to take them, now I wished I kept going...

As far as excursions go, I am tempted to do the Anguilla dolphin after seeing Ann's pics & report. But it is beaucoup buckeroos & Taylor had her own stingray encounter in GC, so I'm sure it's out... She jumped in the water at GC & the rays swarmed her, not what she expected. The guide was surprised too! They loved her- needless to say the feeling is no longer mutual...

For those of you that have cruised before - who are your favorite servers? Ours are Atilla ( Hungry) & Goran- Asst.( Croatia ) Goran is an absolute riot. They are in Gaspare's rotation- love him- just so sweet... Rae~ those are the 2 we "crowned" on our last cruise. Atilla's wife is also a server on the ship & works another rotation. Goran said she is drop dead gorgeous, but then again- so is Atilla... I will probably try to seek them out & get into their rotation. They do great card tricks, & Goran does the best air guitar with a plate & Pepper grinder... Marianna at Palo is terrific. So cute & funny. I think Goran is madly in love with her, but sadly she has a boyfriend on the ship...

Estelle~ There is a Karen Taylor on the ship who's on the entertainment staff. She is great. She said the same thing to Taylor about remembering the name & they all did. Taylor loves Bingo & had the best time with them. "She-She"should be back by our cruise date to spread her "Bingo Love"... We were 1 number from winning the big jackpot on the last cruise- Arrrgggh! $7500! I told Goran he just missed the tip of a lifetime, so close...

~ Linda :boat:

[ehtpnt]

Jan--totally agree. Thongs are for those who have no body.

I looked like a Victoria Secret model once. It was 5 minutes in March of 1955. I think it was the 15th. Ides of March...

I grew up in a Coast Guard/tug boat family and have never been sea sick. I only felt motion once on our cruise. the last night when the captain switched off the stabilizers. I was already in bed and it rocked me to sleep. And who ever made the comment that they slept like rocks on the cruise was correct. I slept fantastically.

We haven't even started to discuss the excursions. I would do the catamaran in a heart beat and suspect husband would too. I'd also do the dolphin swim and the regatta. Did the submarine thing on the western cruise so probably wouldn't do it again. I can say that the sub we took was the pm excursion and I think morning would be better as the light was going by the time we got to the depths.

We have no preference as to brunch or high tea. I will be checking on the cabin numbers for us and our friends. I do know we are on deck 5 this time. Deck 7 last time in 7008, loved it because it was forward and there were only a few cabins ahead of us. There for quiet. Actually I have to give Disney credit for the sound proofing in the cabins. We had a family with 4 children in the cabin next to us. The entire 7 days we never heard a sound. The only reason I know they were there is because I went back to our cabin for something and their door was open.

Rae I will be pming you shortly.

Have to get ready for the afternoon at day care. Estelle

[JLSE50]

Originally posted by ehtpnt
Jan--totally agree. Thongs are for those who have no body.

I looked like a Victoria Secret model once. It was 5 minutes in March of 1955. I think it was the 15th. Ides of March...
:tongue: LOL!!! :tongue:
Originally posted by ehtpnt

I grew up in a Coast Guard/tug boat family and have never been sea sick. I only felt motion once on our cruise. the last night when the captain switched off the stabilizers. I was already in bed and it rocked me to sleep. And who ever made the comment that they slept like rocks on the cruise was correct. I slept fantastically.
Agreed!!
Originally posted by ehtpnt
Have to get ready for the afternoon at day care. Estelle :tongue:
Have a good day!
Jan :earsgirl:

[rae519]

Originally posted by JLSE50
RAE: Just the idea of how a thong fits and where it goes makes me uncomfortable. I am 54 and have earned the right to wear what I like. So, nope, no thongs.

Wish I could go. Don't see how. Didyour raffle idea work before?
Anyway, when I go, I want DH to come too. It's hard because of strange things like money and time..... you know.

Have a good day all,
Jan :earsgirl:


Dear "White Bloomer Lady" - the raffle I had to pay for your Halloween cruise last spring hit a glitch in the system. Seems people thought it was a lousy idea, unless it would benefit them directly - so no go, but I could try again! Ohhh, DH comes along, ehhh? Well, so much for the "single life" I was trying to create for you - after being married THAT many years, I guess we just get attached to them!!!! (I feel the same way!)

Have a great night,
"Pink and Blue Bloomer Lady"

[ehtpnt]

Hey da white bloomer and the pink and blue bloomer ladies. I am the purple bloomer lady. Like you didn't know that already Jan. Before Rae thinks there is something funny going on. I wear purple at the drop of a hat (purple of course). And if it isn't purple it is blue.

Rae--I agree. After all these years breaking in a new one (DH) would be a real drag.
Unfortunately I have to sign off as the guy from the treadmill delivery place is going to call back and tell us when they'll be delivering it. YEAH!!

Estelle

[JLSE50]

Originally posted by rae519
Dear "White Bloomer Lady" - the raffle I had to pay for your Halloween cruise last spring hit a glitch in the system. Seems people thought it was a lousy idea, unless it would benefit them directly
Shows how I rate..... :(
Originally posted by rae519
Ohhh, DH comes along, ehhh? Well, so much for the "single life" I was trying to create for you - after being married THAT many years, I guess we just get attached to them!!!! (I feel the same way!)
Yup--as Estelle said, cannot imagine trying to break in a new one:smooth:

So, where do we buy these wonderful bloomers? I would also go with purple as Estelle knows if I could find the source. Are they available at "Teddy Beara's Secret" ?? ;) (As in Teddy Beara from the Country Bear Jamboree.)

Jan :earsgirl:

[rae519]

Bloomer Wearers United! That's us! The old ladies of the cruise! Hey, at least I am not spending half of my time pulling them out!!!


Okay, enough of this panty joke - so anyone packed yet? I have things laid out from the last cruise and now that we are flying, I am going to have to rethink it all. Mom had a costume jewelry necklace and earrings that Michael gave her taken from her luggage. Who would have thought that it would be taken? We certainly knew enough to put VALUABLES and MEDICATION in our carryon/purses - but this little gift must have appealed to someone because it was GONE!! And it was in an inside zippered compartment! Go figure!

I am also leery of losing luggage since it seems every trip I've ever flown on, someone has had their luggage rerouted. I don't like to be without "my things" so I am thinking - pack light and carry it on!

Rae

[JLSE50]

I packed light for my convention in September. One wheeled carry on and one tote bag. Usually I use a back pack but I wanted to use that tote bag at the convention sessions so used it. I wished it had a zipper though.

We were gone four days but needed more clothing changes than a cruise, so you just might make it! What I am thinking is that if you take a collapsable suitcase, fabric or somesuch, that can fit into your carry-ons, then use that for dirty laundry and check it for the trip home. That gives you space in the carry-ons for souvineers and if the dirty laundry is redirected and comes home later--oh well..... AND if it is lost or someone else takes it--their loss. That is a family joke around here, that if someone took the wrong suitcase on one of our trips, they would have a collection of dirty diapers and underwear! Serves them right. But it was not taken or lost.

have a super day planning all, part of the fun is planning and dreaming.

Jan :earsgirl:

[dianthus]

That's why I like to book non stops to MCO - luggage less likely to be lost with less transfers... I always pack a change of clothes & a bathing suit in addition to the essentials for carry on- just in case... We pack a large duffle in the luggage too. We use it for soda, snacks that we pick up before arriving at Port & dirty laundry on the way home. If security wants to go thru it, they'll have a nice little, smelly surprise! I pack everything like undies, etc. in zip locks on the way down. If they go thru at least everything isn't rifled thru. One of our bags was checked on the way home, as it had a sticker on it when we picked up in Hartford. I think my curling iron must have looked like a weapon!

That's too bad about your Mom's jewelry! :( I don't pack anything valuable or sentimental anymore. I carry it on. I don't even bother to lock the bags either any, as it's not worth it. They'll just rip it open to check it if necessary....

Even though I hate doing laundry on vacation, I think I'm going to plan on doing 1 light & 1 dark load on the ship so we can bring less & wear stuff twice. My DH won't be there to help, so I want to keep things simple.

Is anyone staying at WDW before or after the cruise? We are going to stay at Boardwalk Villas for 2 days after the cruise & come home Monday. The Flower & Garden show is going on at Epcot, which is my favorite! We're going to do Mission Space & Rockin' Roller Coaster to end our mom/daughter trip!

I've booked MCO Hyatt for the night before, but thinking about a Limo instead of the bus. We stayed at the Rad twice, but didn't really like the place & the shuttle is screwed up. We stayed at Hampton Inn last time, which was nice, but we had a rental car. This time we won't. What is everyone else doing? Has anyone used a limo service? If so, which one is good?

~ Linda :boat:

[JLSE50]

Rae has started a thread about pin trading.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?postid=4716972#post4716972
Check it out and see if you want to add your thoughts. I hope it keeps going long enough that the DCL people see it and reconsider their current pin sale policy.

Here's to a good day,
Jan :earsgirl:

[rae519]

Boy, that rae519 is such a rabble rouser! Sheesh! Doesn't she have anything better to do than to start trouble - first, she went over to the Debate Board and cited her "non support for the war" as a Disabled American Veteran married to another DAV retired USAF - she got her tailfeathers burned to a crisp by a DISboard member who is active duty USAF and she left there promptly! Then she supports the opinions of BD (Buckaroo's Dad) and gets angry enough to QUIT the boards completely until a multitude of DISboarders drove her nuts to come back and she did - then she gets into the Fidelio/Dueling Piano discussion with several people who were both unfamiliar with Fidelio and HIS version of Dueling Pianos on the Magic AND is indirectly and politely advised not to post anymore about him since he is no longer with DCL; and now that troublemaker is whining about not getting a limited edition Halloween pin for her son when others have gotten way more than their fair share of the coveted pins....

What next?
Doesn't she have anything better to do with her life and time?

Maybe she just needs to get off the computer and on to the Magic where she doesn't touch the internet!

Yeah, I think that's it - the woman needs to go cruising.


Rae

[dianthus]

soon Rae... very soon... april is only 3 months away...

maybe someone will come forward & offer you a pin!

you can make trouble on these boards anytime. It would be boring here without you! It was too quiet while you were "on hiatus"...

~Linda :boat:

[rae519]

"on haitus", I like that!!!

And by the way, I did not lurk or otherwise learn anything about what was going on. It gave me more time, but I sure missed a great many of you friends - but I do still believe that every person has a right to their opinion, even when they are WRONG, IGNORANT or just plain DENSE!!!!! (do I resemble that remark, ask me about my hangover!!! No, on second thought, don't!)

Rae

[dianthus]

Hey Rae~ Lisa may have a pin for Michael! I like that Lisa! Even if she doesn't, she was thinking of you :) . Maybe you'll get one yet!

Hangover? Are you starting early with those Mango Tangos? Tsk! Tsk! I thought those were just for cruisin'...

I like your horsies! New avatar! What are their names?

It went from 34 degrees at 3PM today to 2 outside right now!!! Here we go again.... Another week of frigid temps again for us northeasters. Think warm thoughts for us!

~ Linda :boat:

[rae519]

Linda!!! You are too funny! A wonderful woman (disfriend) contacted me about a pin already. Thank you Lisa!!!!

Oh girl, I don't even want to talk about rum right now. AGGGHH!

Ohh, my "sons" - the paint (left) is 6 year old - "Tytefit" (named because he tried to fit us between two trees and my legs got hung up and we got stuck!!!!) - and the one on the right is my first horse and favorite one, 7 year old "Red" (actually Michael named him "Red Raptor"). I am the only one to ride both of them! Michael is getting a new horse today - to replace his 19 year old golden palomino "Cheyenne" who health is starting to fail.

Love my horses!!!

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Hi all,

Boy you don't post for 24 hours (or so) and things go off in a hand basket. I would tell rae that I have to agree that when we were on the 2002 Halloween cruise there were people who were boasting about getting 20 or more of the Halloween limited edition pins. Jan will back me up as she was at the table at the same lunch. One of us suggested mugging the woman as she was also a very unpleasant table person. I think either Tom or Phil said we couldn't do that but she might fall over board if we got lucky. I'm sure she didn't...too bad.

Rae what kind of horse is Michael getting. I used to be Tonto to an older girl friends' Lone Ranger and I would have loved a Palamino. Of course those horses were totally in our heads but they were still such fun.

Our weather is about to go off in that hand basket. We are due to get 4 to 5 inches of the white stuff followed by frigid temps and wind. And Phil and I are going to Easton tomorrow night to see Kiss Me Kate. A part of my Christmas presents. The first half was the Kingston Trio, Christmas show. It snowed then too. That night however there was no wind. We tend to get some really lovely snow drifts. Even in our front yard.

Rae I am sending a pm after this is done.

I still haven't gotten the state room numbers from the DH or our friends. But can figure theirs out once DH gets through cleaning out the spare room so the treadmill will fit once it gets delivered.

So I am off now to do a little room straightening. Estelle

[JLSE50]

ESTELLE: I discussed that very event on the pin collector thread Rae started--see my last post here for the address. Oh what the heck, here it is again.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread...972#post4716972
Enjoy the show tonight!!

RAE: Is the Lisa who contacted you about the pin for Michael the same Lisa who posted on that thread?
How does Michael like the new horse? What does he/she look like? what is the name? Did he ride today? How did it go?
Did you ride today? How is that cold?
Run....who said anything about rum???

Jan :earsgirl:

[ehtpnt]

Rae--I am the pin collector that Jan mentioned on your pin trading thread. Which I read. I don't do much trading. I am more interested in collecting certain characters and occasional limited editions. I often buy pins from Disneyland since the chances of my getting there are slim. And I buy sets of pins direct from Disney again only if they appeal to me. The Jen (friend not daughter) who is going with us on the cruise is a trader. On a very limited scale. I think most of hers are pins she picks because she likes them not because they might be worth something on ebay.
I did get two of the Halloween 2002 pins at the time they were selling them. I kept one and gave one to Jen. We tend to trade pins whenever one or the other of us have been to DWD.

So that's my comments on pins.

Like Jan I want to know how Michael did with the new horse. Did he name it? And if so what?
Weather here is terrible. The snow is coming down steadily. I think they are calling for 3 to 5 inches but if it continues at this rate we'll have more. I had to laugh at one of the two year olds tonight as he and his Mom were leaving the day care. Someone told him to put his hood up and he started down the hall to the door going..."shovel, shovel shovel." Everyone who heard him cracked up.

Estelle

[rae519]

We haven't done much this week. Daughters of two friends were in a car accident. One was my daughter's best friend (Katie -15) and the other was another friend's daughter (Ashley -16). Their deaths have overtaken the plans for this week and caused us some very hard times. It's like reliving our own daughter's death in 1994.

I blame these crazy driving games that kids play now-a-days - they think that they are able to do in a real car what they can do on the screen. Or maybe it's lack of good driving instruction from whomever is doing the teaching. I don't really know what the answer is and I feel like there has to be a reason.

In the past month, we have had 5 deaths in this town - one military related, two suicides (one was a 21 year old girl) and now these girls. Like a dark cloud has come over the town and isn't leaving anytime soon.

Keep the families in your prayers, thanks,
Rae

[dianthus]

Rae~ You, your DD, Katie & Ashley & their familes are in my thoughts and prayers. Perhaps you & their families can draw some comfort knowing your own DD will take good care of them upstairs. She'll show them "the ropes" & they are all surrounded by their friendship & love. It's always so especially tragic when young people pass on whatever the cause... Again, my heart goes out to you and your DD's friends families during this time of sorrow.

CT just passed new legislation that took effect Jan. 1 for young drivers. Driver's Ed is mandatory, not optional now, a permit needs to be held 6 mo. before a test can be scheduled. Once licensed, the 16 yr. old driver cannot drive with a passenger younger than 21 yrs old for the first 3 to 6 mo. (unsure of time period). The theory is that it will cut down on distractions to the inexperienced driver. There are other nightime driving restrictions too for them. I applaud these new laws, as hopefully it will save some young lives... Our community was besieged a few years ago as well with about 7 teen driving deaths in a 3 mo. span. It's just so sad...

I hope your week gets better... I have lost several family members & friends to illness and tragedy as well, so I know how those feelings well up inside when something likes this occurs. It gets better over time, but it never goes away.... I like to think that it's because the ones we love & lost live in our hearts now & their souls are with us eternally... " Every time a bell rings, an angel gets their wings" ~ Joseph - from It's A Wonderful Life"

Take care Rae!

~ Linda :boat:

[rae519]

Dear friends, we made it through yesterday and after a long sleep, I am starting to feel okay again. Thank you for your prayers for us and the families - our work starts now as we counsel them in accepting their grief and finding the way through it.

After the rain, there is always a rainbow - we just have to look hard enough for it,

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Rae--our thoughts and prayers are with you and the families of all you have lost. Rainbows are so very important as a beginning and an ending.

We are freezing here. One of the gas powered heating units for one of the day care centers stopped functioning this morning. So there was a scramble to move children around and into rooms that still had enough heat. The company that services the units came right out and checked it. Seems that they shut themselves off when the pressure falls. As it does when there is a large demand. And of course right now we are having a huge demand. I do think it is a bit funny that UGI (the gas company) headquarters if litterally right across the street from that center. Some how I don't think their heat is off. At least it is fixed now.

I am off to visit the ironing board. Can anyone hear it calling besides me??? Estelle

[dianthus]

BRRRRRR! Not getting any better around here, even though the thermometer says so... zero degrees right now, last night it was -7, god knows what the wind chill was... Connecticut Light & Power is talking about rolling brown outs if demand does not go down. Isn't that lovely.... Think warm thoughts! Castaway Cay- blue waters, warm sand & Konk Coolers!

It's only 90 days away now! Three months from today, we'll all be boarding the ship. COOL! ( I mean warm!)

We got our confirmation today. Deck 7 & early dining! We're going to tell my DD this weekend! She is going to be soooo excited! She just said the other day ( as we were freezing inside the car at the bus stop ) she really missed the ship and the warmth of the caribbean. I just smiled...

One of my new favorite things since this ice age has besieged us is Car seat electric butt warmers! Don't leave home without them!

Have a great & warm MLK holiday weekend!

~ Linda :boat:

[rae519]

I have been thinking of you all in this horrible bitter cold and hoping that you have been safe and warm. We haven't had it that bad this year at all, knock on wood - but woke to ice this AM.
Plan on staying inside and getting ready for the auction. We are having a private auction of our Tom Clark gnomes and Lladro statues - but still have to get things together, numbered and listed.

Families are pulling together here and our lives are starting back to normal (for us) - doing a lot of listening but able to handle it now that the shock of losing the girls is over.

Time is so precious and can be wasted so easily -

Michael woke up at 4AM and we just finished watching Pirates of the Caribbean - love that movie!!!

Hope you all wake to a beautiful and warmer morning than the past few days!

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Well its' a bit warmer now...30 instead of -2. Only 3 monthes from today. I am getting excited. I had a nightmare the other night that they wouldn't let me on the ship with my two new knees. I've been reading too many horror stories. Have to go back to romance and mysteries.
We were hoping for some Sun today to melt the blown snow, but although we had a bit it is now cloudy and they say we'll get some more snow tonight. Dh and I went to the store and got a few scattered groceries. Now I can go and put on my fleece lined slippers and go back to the ironing. Strangely the ironing board is in the warmest room in the house. Gee I wonder if that's why I do it so regularly in the winter? LOL

Hope everyone has a nice MLK holiday and that there is some slight warming trend. Estelle

[rae519]

Keep warm, Estelle!!!! There isn't that many Saturdays left until we cruise!

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Just 3 monthes from yesterday. I can not wait.
Be careful what you say about the weather. It has warmed up here a bit, but...it is only 28 to 36. And we are getting the famed wintery mix. Are we lucky or what? Sunday school was cancelled and we're not sure about church. I am staying home and being warm inside. The cats and the dog are snuggled in the family room. Dog in lounge chair, one cat along side the base board heater and the other cat...in my laundry basket!! Cat hair are us.
The third cat is in the basement. She prefers the heat lamp that Phil rigged up for them down there. Maybe if the cat hair were less I'd join her cause it (the light) is right over an old chair. But then again I'm larger than a cat and parts of me wouldn't be warm at all. Can't win for trying. Just have to continue ironing. That gets me the chance to be warm. If I can't have Castaway Cay I'll just stick with the ironing. Estelle

[rae519]

I'm predicting a New England/Philly Super Bowl!

Anyone else watching the snow in Foxboro?! Yeah, let it snow, baby! That's when my Pats do their best!!!

Oh yeah, Estelle - 3 months to lose weight, get taller and have a fatter wallet! Miracles do happen!!!!!

Sure can't wait to have that Mango Tango with my bowl of Shrimp - the only thing that would make it perfect would be to have Fidelio playing his Dueling Pianos at Offbeats - now that would be a real miracle!!! But I do have my videos - ahhh, memories!

Signing off to enjoy the game!
Go Pats!

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Well as usual the Eagles (I think that's the football team) lost at the post. The youngest DD said before she left for Ohio on Friday, " they're gonna loose just like the last time and the time before that." Knew she was probably right but you know Hope Springs Eternal.
Now I can go back to hoping the snow goes away soon, it won't... and the dogs next door get their electric fencing fixed. I hate having to check the yard before I let the Meta out. Meta is our doberman pincher. The two next door are border collies. I really would rather they didn't get into a dog fight in my back yard. I must be a really responsible dog owner. I never put her out in the yard alone. I am always either out there with her or standing in the doorway. Of course she isn't exactly fond of this weather. It's better than rain but not much. She doesn't have a fur coat, just hair, and she gets cold very quickly.

Enough about the dog. Besides as usual at this time of day the day care people need to use the computer. They are doing end of year statements. Glad they do that and I do laundry.

Estelle

[dianthus]

GO PATRIOTS! They do seem to step up in nasty weather don't they!

We told Taylor about the trip this weekend - she is sooo excited! She wants to go "knock off" hunting in St. Thomas. She wants a little Louie.... Maybe if the prices are right down there, maybe I can afford to get her a small authentic one at the Vuitton boutique for her birthday. I bought my big Speedy there about 20 yrs. ago for about the price the good knockoffs are going for now in the city.

I told her if she wants spending money, she better start giving me stuff to eBay. She just went thru the big growth spurt & none of her clothes fit her. I'll sell the "like new" ones on eBay and recycle, so to speak. Good used clothing sells very well, especially if it's Abercrombie, Limited Too, or Aeropostale.

Does anyone else "eBay" in our group for fun/profit? I've been doing it for a couple of years now. I usually pay for one vacation a year & Christmas from the proceeds + wardrobe recycling for DD. It still never ceases to amaze me what I see selling on there...

~ Linda :boat:

[rae519]

Originally posted by dianthus
Does anyone else "eBay" in our group for fun/profit? I've been doing it for a couple of years now. I usually pay for one vacation a year & Christmas from the proceeds + wardrobe recycling for DD. It still never ceases to amaze me what I see selling on there...

~ Linda :boat:

We started about two weeks ago in order to get rid of a lot of books, language tape sets, etc, that we had accumulated over the years (our oldest is going on 24). We learned we didn't charge enough in postage to cover the cost of buying the mailers and media mail, so that was one lesson - otherwise, I am not looking to even break even with what I spent, considering that it was used, just a little extra cash for the trip rather than giving it all away.

I never thought of selling clothes. Good idea. Yes, there are a lot of strange thing being sold.

Well, 1/2 of my prediction about the Super Bowl came true. Got to gte back into the swing of homeschooling now once again that the funerals are over. Life does go on.

Rae

[dianthus]

Hi Everyone!

Well it's sunny and in the 20's here in CT. We're ready to break out the cruisewear & Beach Boys music, as we felt like popsicles the last few weeks. Doug keeps saying it's hard to believe a little over 2 months ago, we were sitting on the beach at CC...

Postage on eBay is the biggest obstacle to overcome, as you can lose money if you do not factor expenses into it. If you need any help with eBay, feel free to PM me. I use Priority Mail on everything but books, CDs as they provide the boxes. Using the USPS calculator online helps to get an idea of what it costs. I use a California zip code to calc. fixed expenses when shipping clothes, etc.. Here's the other thing I have found. The less you expect for something, the more you seem to get. My eBay objective is to get rid of the clutter. I have made a big dent, but it just seems like we have so much stuff still.... Kids toys, games, children's books, VHS tapes, dancewear and anything American Girl sells very well too. Rae, Equestrian wear sells well. I have sold Taylor's paddock boots, show jackets, jodphurs, helmets she's outgrown for surprisingly big bucks! So keep that in mind as Michael grows...

What does everyone do to get ready for their cruise? I put a large basket in the guest room at the 60 day mark & start putting items in it as I think of them- like passports, masks, snorkles, sunscreen, etc. It seems to help. We look at the clothes at the 30 day mark, so if anything is needed, we have time to shop. I usually pack 2 days before, as I hate everything to get wrinkled. I always bring along downy wrinkle releaser for the T shirts, etc & I use the jumbo zip locks for everything I pack... I have a travel first aid kit & toiletry kit packed on standby so I usually just need to replenish it. Does anyone have any good tricks they use?

~ Linda :boat:

[dianthus]

Hi again!

I am so excited. I just got Hyatt MCO for 4/16 - the night before the cruise on Priceline for $39! With tax it is $50! I had made a ressie there for the AAA rate of $169.52 with tax. That's a savings of $100+.

I just wanted to share in the event anyone else was planning on using the Hyatt the night before. I've never bid on Priceline before, as I'm always so afraid I won't get what I want. I decided to try & it worked out great!

Also, Rae there is a open thread about Fidelio's whereabouts if you haven't seen it.

~ Linda :boat:

[RobinMarie]

Hello everyone!

I finally made the air plane ressies after stressing for months. I was able to use Delta Skymiles for my ticket, and ended up paying 400 each for SO and dd. I'm trying to tell myself to average out the cost among three so it will hurt less.

In order to GET the fare, I booked a late flight Wednesday the 14th. I'm taking my daughter out of school for two days, but since she is in 1st grade i'm sure it will be fine. My daughter and I are going to the parks commando style on Thursday and a water park on Friday. Still undecided on accomodations but trying not to spend much before the cruise. I booked Budget car with a Walmart code for a great price (less than any hired transportation service)

We are watching the Disney cruise video pretty regularly. My daughter, Victoria, would like to know if she will be seeing the dolphins swimming next to the boat like on the video. (she hasn't noticed the dolphins are animated???)

We ebay off and on for extra money/recycling/decluttering. I enjoy getting my paypal account up there (pay off postage fees/ebay fees from it) and buying frivolous stuff with it. I'm not motivated enough to do it now, but have figured out the shipping pretty well.

Tomorrow might be as high as 32 degrees in Connecticut, it will feel like Disney weather to us after this freeze!

Happy planning!

[dianthus]

RobinMarie~

I was thinking about you today when I got an email from Orbitz on a Hartford air sale. I checked the dates- nothing is available until mid May, mid June at the good bdl-mco rates. They must know us CT folk need to get out of town in April after these ridiculous winters the past few years. I looked at JetBlue too- price was over 500 RT from JFK.

It sounds like you did great at $400 pp. I used skymiles too, as I was getting quoted $481-3 weeks ago for non stops, even with returning on Mon. the 26th. The airlines are so cruel to New Englanders after a long hard winter- don't ya think! We need a break...

Try priceline for a Lake Buena Vista resort to stay at before the cruise. Look on www.mousesavers.com for codes to use for Disney resorts for those dates you are staying. If you are a starwood member, you can use your points at The Dolphin/Swan @ Epcot. We stayed there last Nov. after our cruise & liked it very much. We stayed at the Swan. I think it's 10,000 pts. per night. Maybe others can offer some suggestions. Also, check the budget board. They are a very resourceful & creative bunch!

We've seen dolphins alongside the ship heading out to the gulfstream from Port Canaveral. On the Eastern we've seen flying fish too alongside the ship. Very cool!

Don't forget to bring any disney princess outfits Victoria may have to wear on the ship. The little ones look adorable in their outfits!There was a little girl about 5 or 6, dressed in a gold Belle gown on our last cruise & she was darling! We've never done Tea with Wendy, but it seems to be a very popular event for Moms/daughters in the younger set- Victoria's age. Tickets go very quickly, so you need to watch the navigators for ticket distribution time/place if you want to attend.

~ Linda :boat:

[ehtpnt]

All this discussion of selling on Ebay has sparked an interest in me. I am going to go over and see if I can figure out how selling works. Unfortunately I have buying down real well...LOL

As for the weather. I find I don't mind the cold too much. As long as it isn't snowing or any of the other really nasty things that tend to arrive this time of the year.

By the way I assume we all know that we are down to double digits. Just keep thinking soon the documents will arrive and then it'll be packing time. Yeah!!!

Talk to you later. Estelle

[Luv2Dream]

Hello everyone! Robin told me to come on over to the Cruise Meet board as I'll also be on the 4/17 cruise with DH and DD. She mentioned getting together for brunch? Am I too late to get in on the event? I'll have to keep checking back for more info on this cruise from this well-informed group. Lynn

[dianthus]

Greetings!

Hi Luv2dream! Welcome! I don't think any firm plans for brunch have been made, just discussed, so you have joined us at a good time. If you are a CAT 3 or above, let us know! Concierge level cabins can prebook Palo & that would make brunch planning/booking alot easier for the group. If you aren't that's OK too. We'll figure out the ressie rush as it get's closer... How old is your DD? Is this your first cruise, or are you a crusty ol' DCL sailor like some of us? :) Do you like shrimp? You'll find out why I ask...

I discovered another fellow 4/17 cruiser on the Hyatt MCO thread. Their DIS name is tinkattitude & I invited them to come on over & introduce themselves. ( They will be at the Hyatt 4/16 too)

Any young teens on this cruise besides Taylor? If you would like to exchange emails so they can get to know each other before hand, PM me. Our last April 2002 cruise, there was a group of about 10 kids that emailed before sailing & hung out the entire cruise. They still keep in touch. That's the great thing about cruising- the opportunity for the kids to meet others from different states/places.

Estelle ~ getting started as an eBay seller is not that tough. As long as you have an ID established & a digital camera, you are good to go. Read the selling tutorial, the selling forms are easy. Research your merchandise first to see what a good price is, determine postage based on weight of the box ( I prepack everything before listing) The first auction is very exciting! I think I refreshed My eBay selling page 100 times in the last hour on my first one! If you need help, just ask. Also, it's wise to set up a Paypal account for payments on eBay. That's the only payment method I accept. It's fun! and the extra money you make recycling the good stuff is great! As RobinMarie said, it's fun to see the balance grow..

Taylor must have taken me seriously about the spending money for the trip. She must have big plans, as she just cleaned out her closet and the outgrown Good stuff- eBay pile is huge! I've taught her how to do listings, so she has a great deal of work ahead of her!

Hope all is well!

~ Linda :boat:

[ehtpnt]

Welcome Luv2dream (Lynn) you'll enjoy this thread. And yes do you like shrimp???
Linda, Taylor is going for the big stuff obviously. Maybe she wants to buy the boat?
Isn't it convient that my DH got a digital camera for Christmas. So if I really decide to try my selling abilities on ebay all I have to do is figure out his new toy. Maybe if I actually sell something I can give him a percentage of the sale. Say .0001% LOL evilly
One should never make any comment about winter in the northeast. We actually got a bit warmer a couple of days ago and I thought maybe the snow would start to melt. Then yesterday we had blue skies for about 10 minutes and then it snow showered and then blue sky again. Then when I came out of work at 6 PM it was figid and windy. OH for CC NOW!!
Estelle

[JLSE50]

Kind words given to RAE on:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?postid=4775074#post4775074

We had a whirlwind trip to Bethlehem PA this past weekend--blew you a kiss as we sped by Estelle--for DS#1's Master's Degree Graduation from Lehigh University. Travel days brought good weather but Graduation day was church day and as Estelle said, her Sunday School was closed so she stayed home, but DS#1's church was open so we went to church and then graduation in :worried:NASTY NASTY weather.:scared1:
We even got some groceries at Wegmans but did not see you there Estelle.

Lurking on your thread and sharing from time to time is helping me pass the months of winter here in Indiana. Must admit I am doing some major wishing about going on a cruise of my own, but am so thrilled that you all are going--that is almost as much fun as if I was. Thanks for letting me share too.

Jan :earsgirl:

[rae519]

Jan - thanks for sharing that link - I had no idea! But that was a pretty good assessment of me - I'm the way that I am -
does anyone want to hear what I think about my oldest son's upcoming nuptuals and intended? I don't think there are enough words to adequately express my feelings. So DON'T ASK!!!! ('nuff said, huh, Jan?!)

Rae

[JLSE50]

RAE: If you need to unload you KNOW you can count on us--private e-mails or on the DIS :teeth: We are good listeners and full of advice--you may or may not want--but are always free to ignore.

Have a good day girl!
Jan :earsgirl:

[ehtpnt]

Rae- any sharing will be accepted. I know the feelings you are having. We have a son-in-law, who is about, sometime, to be our ex. Our middle daughter has finally admitted the marriage was a mistake. But we did get two great, grand kids out of it. Didn't we Jan? Especially Ally (she's Jans' God daughter.) She is 12 and PJ the grandson and only boy under 50 around here is going to be 9. So Rae feel free anytime.

Okay Jan the next time we swing by Valparaiso we'll blow kisses. Only kidding, actually we'll play mini golf and talk about how much nicer it would be if Tom and Jan were with us. We'll be telling the dragon this of course. However with the weather the way its' been so far this winter, we'll be playing in snow. Still bitter cold here and we're due for more snow tomorrow. LOL...slightly hysterically.

I am off to Target to buy a Birthday present for the little boy going with his parents and us on the cruise. He turns 5 on the 29th. He's just made the height requirement for Mission Space. However he isn't really sure he wants to try it hes' seen the ad on television.

Talk to you all later. Estelle

PS. Jan when you talk to Tom Jr. Tell him congratulations. E

[rae519]

Originally posted by ehtpnt
. I know the feelings you are having. We have a son-in-law, who is about, sometime, to be our ex. E


I keep pretending that this is all just a nightmare and when we wake up it will be like finding "Bobby Ewing in the shower" on Dallas years ago....just a very long bad dream.

If there were one person who knows him who has met her who thinks this is a "keeper", I haven't met him/her yet. Suffice it to say that Michael refuses to be in the wedding because he thinks it's a bad idea and doesn't like her......

Rae

[RobinMarie]

Glad more people are joining the chatter! I'm glad to see Lynn made it over here ok too! :)

I checked my Disney Visa rewards balance and I've almost got enough for the Tropical Rainforest pass. I've gotta tell you, this place sounds right up my alley! What options do you folks go for: a day pass, a 3 day pass, the whole cruise? And whichever you choose, how much time do you REALLY spend there?

I'm also looking for suggestions on things to do the day we disembark. We have to be at the airport around 3 or 4pm so we'll have a decent amount of time. We've done Downtown Disney enough times ... I read a few things about a zoo and the manatees but I'd appreciate suggestions.

I've been keeping up with the postings ... Rae I'm sorry to hear about your current situation and I'm hopeful it will improve. I keep hearing the phrase, "opposites attract" when I read your post.

Linda - thanks for your suggestions! We are doing a cheapy 2 night stay where someone will attempt to sell me a timeshare - it's reputable but fits the bill for the pre-cruise - cheap! I'm pretty comfortable with the direct approach at timeshares - no legal spouse so I attend the presentation alone and usually get out of there unscathed. I'm not required to attend the presentation, but 'if I want a fabulous THIRD free night' I would. NO thanks!

I'm still firming up those details but still have to decide: where to stay Friday night? Should we stay near Disney or head down to the Port? Decisions decisions! I love planning!

Estelle - still thinking about ebay? I'm no pro but there is a post on the budget board that seems to have been there for half a year with TONS of info.

Happy planning!

:wave2:

[dianthus]

Originally posted by rae519
I keep pretending that this is all just a nightmare and when we wake up it will be like finding "Bobby Ewing in the shower" on Dallas years ago....just a very long bad dream.

LOL! You are way too funny Rae !:p I had forgotten all about that episode!

i]Originally posted by rae519 [/i]If there were one person who knows him who has met her who thinks this is a "keeper", I haven't met him/her yet. Suffice it to say that Michael refuses to be in the wedding because he thinks it's a bad idea and doesn't like her......[/B]

Children have great intuition! They really trust their feelings...If an 8 yr. old has doubts, then there's a cause for concern!

One question- a very important one. Does she like shrimp?
If she doesn't like them, then she just doesn't belong in your family! Tell your son it's a prerequisite - sorry, it's off! Now if she's fond of citrus concoctions, with a healthy dose of rum added- maybe there's a bit of pirate in her & this relationship is not that bad... :teeth: She definitely would be your work in progress, but it sounds like much tutoring will be required! Not to worry, you're a home schooler! :)

Ask the hard questions Rae, get the facts out of this girl!! Is she a shrimp eatin' pirate( that rides horses too of course)? Nothing less will do for your son!

~ Linda :boat:

[JLSE50]

ESTELLE: You are RIGHT!! We are blessed by Mary's kids!

Sure would be fun to have you here and play mini golf at the Dragon--sorry I did not think of that last time.

Here in Valparaiso we continue to have much less snow than places to the west and east and I am not complaining. We have had cold weather, but at least not the same snow as Chicago and points east.
A couple years ago there was a BAD storm that left cars stranded on the toll road and the interstate. The next year I decided to be prepared so packed two double handled shopping bags with energy bars, 2 two liter pop bottles full of water, ski pants, sweatshirt, mittens, hat, wool sox, an old sleeping bag, coffee can, napkins and a flashlight with extra batteries and kept them in my van all the time. That winter was very mild. The next year I did not pack the emergency supplies and it was colder and snowier. This year one of my friends begged me to pack the bag, I did and it is milder again. Who knew??

ROBINMARIE: How did you find out about the Disney Rewards exchange rate for the Rain Forest? I cannot give you advice as we never go there. We walk the decks and sit in the sun and snorkle at every opportunity!

Have fun planning,
Jan :earsgirl:

[dianthus]

Jan~ I'm going to pack up the back of my Jeep with a survival kit now- maybe that will do the trick & the weather will get better! We are bracing ourselves for a storm due to start Sun/Mon & they are not sure if it will stop by Tues. - yuck.... RobinMarie, you do it too at your end of the state. Maybe Jan's trick will work here in CT too!

Maybe we could send the snow to Houston for the Pats next Sunday? They could use the bad weather- they always do well in it!

RM- The rainforest room is one of my fav. places on the ship. I get the week's pass & use it 5 or 6 of the 7 days. How nice it will be free for you!

6 years ago we went down on one of those timeshare deals... The place was nice & we had a great time. The problem was it provoked us to see the vacation club at Disney to compare... 3 contracts and 500 DVC points later.... How did such a cheap trip turn into such a big purchase? We've never regretted purchasing DVC, so it's a good thing...

As for Fri. nite, bid on Priceline for the Hyatt & come on over to MCO with us. We got it for $39+tax = $50. We were going to stay there anyway, so I am so pleased.

Jan~ Can't you just stow away in Estelle's bag & join us? We'll never tell... Just wear all her clothes & get in the bag. This way there's room for you & all her stuff too! Maybe you'd just need to bring water & food for the flight down & back. Not the whole survival kit- it's warm down there, so you don't have to worry!

~ Linda :boat:

[ehtpnt]

LOL ---Yeah Jan you can wear my clothes. And stow away in our cabin. Can you see Phils' face!! I open my carry on and our you pop. Actually if there were any way to do it I'd probably try it.

We are in for the storm too. Starting late today and into tomorrow morning. Then it will stop and may start again on Tuesday morning. Forecast for 5-7 inches around here. Where is the brown grass when you want it. Seems like we'll still have snow on the ground when we leave for Florida in 83 days.

Rae-- if Michael doesn't like this chick something is definately wrong. Children have some sort of inner radar which says, " no not this one."

Off to church and then to lunch with our friends who are cruising with us. Have a nice day, until the snow flies. Estelle

[rae519]

My dear, dear friends - how you replies made me laugh and smile this morning! I had a long talk with a visiting priest yesterday and he said, "Obviously there is something that attracts them to eachother and it's out of your control." What truth lies there!

Yes, it is out of my control - and I do like that control. Possibly because it has been my experience that when I don't have control and make the decisions, that something is messed up and I am the one who gets the call to fix it regardless! Yes, control issues - we tend to forget that we are not in control, God is.

My friend Gloria came up with the perfect reply, "Just think of it this way, they are keeping two other people from being miserable. They deserve each other!" How apt!

No, she doesn't like shrimp. She does like horses. My horses didn't like her though - neither did my dog or cat. So Michael's radar is pretty accurate with the furbabies assessment!

She never had a job til last summer and she was 21 - worked 3 months. Now she's working 4 hours a week and it's stressful. Does not have the words "please" or "thank you" in her vocabulary and is unfriendly/cool to everyone in the family, including my Mom (who REALLY REALLY doesn't like her). It's rare to get more than a word or two from her and forget any type of conversation. No, she isn't shy. She is "superior" to us - or at least that's what she wrote to Chris in an email that we saw.

We furnished their apartment, brought them groceries and supplies for the past 2 years yet we are the "bad guys". We always give her Christmas and birthday gifts - have never even received a "thank you" so you know we never got a return item (not that we were looking for anything). You'd think after knowing us for 3 years, she'd at least attempt to be cordial to someone in the family! Or at least my animals would like her!!!

My son thinks the world rises and sets on her and for what it's worth - he has changed a lot. But life goes on and so will this wedding, with or without our approval.

So there it is in a "nutshell" - my issue is "control" and my feeling is that in a few years I'll be helping him get a divorce.

Sad because I always hoped that a daughter-in-law would be a welcomed part of our family since we lost our daughter, but this one is much happier when we don't have any relationship with our son - so it's going to be a long, long wait because he is going to be her husband, but he is still in our family as son, brother and grandson!!

Wish me luck!
Rae

[tinkattitude!]

I posted on the priceline thread on the other bulletin board, and dianthus told me to come introduce myself!
So here I am!!

Me, DH and DD (who will be turning 8 the day after cruise ends), are all sailing on this one, It is our 10th Anniversary (on the day before the cruise!!), and birthday cruise in one!

We have never cruised before, always opting for the parks, but needed a little change, and decided this would do.

We're in a 9 cabin on deck 2.

See you all there.

[dianthus]

Hi Tink! Glad to see you made it over here! Welcome! We should try to meet on Fri. nite at the Hyatt to say Hi! before the cruise. Anyone else at the Hyatt 4/16? Where are you from? Don't forget to have DCL, or your TA note that there is an anniversary & B day on board. They give you cute little chocolate cakes, with a white choc. ribbon on top with the ship on it! Your DD will love it!

You will love the DCL cruise. Your DD is at a perfect age. Same as Michael- Rae's son. He's been on a few, so he can show her the ropes in the club/lab.. ( unless he's at the girls are yucky stage yet... doesn't that start around 10 or so...)

Rae- you are in the DIL's are yucky stage ( LOL!) , but from the sounds of it, you have good reason to be... Too bad she wasn't the shrimp eatin' pirate type you had hoped for. It's a shame she doesn't realize how nice a MIL you could be... When are the nuptuals? Maybe there is time on your son's part to rethink this?! Michael sure sounds like a really smart one... Your horse too!

I miss the brown grass too Estelle...

Gotta go grocery shop for the storm coming...

~ Linda :boat:

[rae519]

Welcome tinkattitude! - Thanks for joining our thread and our cruise! You are probably thinking that we are a motley crue and we are! A mixed bag of people from all over and we will be having a wonderful time together as we get to know eachother both here and on the ship!
So welcome aboard!

Estelle and others - I have decided that I am going to stop feeling sorry for myself and just give her the benefit of the doubt, after all, he chose her - and will have to live with that decision. I am going to just stay the way I am and regardless of what nasty things she says or does, I am going to keep smiling and just be cordial. Because regardless of what she is about, I don't want to change what or who I am because of it!!

So, I'm going to be okay with this. I promise!

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Rae-- When your Mother and the dog and cat don't like her there is something wrong...and it isn't with them. Superior? No the superior ones are you and your family. Probably even the dog and cat. I want to cut my work hours down to 4 and claim that is stressful. Boy would my family and friends LOL at me.

Welcome Tink--since no one else asked the all important question. Do you like shrimp?? Rae and I will be the ones lurking over the shrimp with forks poised. Do not get between us and the shrimp.

The storm is due to arrive here around 10 PM and as usual the weather people can't make up their minds as to what we may get. Now they say 1 to 3 but the bad news is they say freezing rain Tuesday morning. Cast Away Cay you are looking better and better.

Off to feed the starving felines. They eat better than I do. Escept when I'm on the Magic. Talk to you later, Estelle

Ps. My DD just told me that one of the weather forecasts says it will be 46 on Friday. Can anyone say flash flood? Estelle

[rae519]

Originally posted by ehtpnt
Welcome Tink--since no one else asked the all important question. Do you like shrimp?? Rae and I will be the ones lurking over the shrimp with forks poised. Do not get between us and the shrimp.

Can anyone say flash flood? Estelle


Thank you Estelle for putting reality back into my life. Yes, Tink, you must remember that we can become quite viscious when it comes to defending our shrimp! And what about orange-mango soup with rum? It's MY invention! Honestly! Although I didn't name it, another Disfriend did, the Mango Tango is exceptional over ice!!!


FLASH FLOOD!
You remember that from many, many, many years ago in PA, don't you? Who could forget that tragedy. Let's hope not!!

Supposed to have icy mix tonight here. So far, just a dusting of the white stuff. Can't go riding due to the cold, so I have enough groceries, cat litter and toilet paper to hold out for a week or so!

Rae

[JLSE50]

I had a nice long reply written but waited to long to post because I was watching the end of ALIAS so now it is lost. Phoooo :(

Thanks for all the welcoming thoughts.
I don't think I could fit Estelle's clothes as she lost a bunch of weight and looks great! I saw her Thanksgiving and was impressed. But at the time was so overwhelmed by my Mother's mental failings that I could not even express my pleasure at Estelle's accomplishment. I sure hope she has forgiven me. She sure was a great shoulder when I needed one.

I can only imagine the expression on her DH's face if I popped out of her carry-on--PRICELESS :rolleyes:

I am sure Estelle and I could share a cabin but if you add both DH's--that would be like trying to solve one of those little square puzzles with the square boxes you move one at a time as we tried to navigate around each other... Again--PRICELESS!!

I bet Michael is one of the boys who thinks girls are decent people his whole life. :chat: There are some like that and I think they are assets to the world!

RAE: We are impressed with your determination to remain true to yourself and not let the situation with DIL and DS#1 get you down. You are fixer--it is a gift. Not everyone has it. Hopefully you won't have to help DS#1 through a divorce.

How is the WEATHER!!?? Is everyone prepared like Rae? With
groceries, cat litter and toilet paper ???

Jan :earsgirl:

[JLSE50]

A new thread about a Cruise Devotional was started:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=495632&perpage=15&pagenumber=1
sounds good.

Jan :earsgirl:

[dianthus]

Originally posted by rae519
And what about orange-mango soup with rum? It's MY invention! Honestly! Although I didn't name it, another Disfriend did, the Mango Tango is exceptional over ice!!!
Rae

I am the disfriend that named your drink the "Mango Tango" for you Rae! :) enjoy!

I have this uncanny knack of assigning everything & everyone for that matter my own little names/titles... (Some good, some bad... :p) I have earned the title "The Namer" by family, friends & biz colleagues- for some reason they always seem to stick... Maybe it's my marketing background... It's become a friend/family thing. We have little codes/names for everything- it's kinda wierd, but fun! I got busted once really badly-

We had a neighbor years ago when Taylor was little that we didn't know, so we called them "The Bats", as they NEVER had their lights on at night in their house. We took Taylor Trick or Treating & went to their door when she was about 4. The lady said what's your name honey, & Tay replied- I'm Taylor & I know your name- MRS. BAT!!! I almost died! I said - Oh, she's mistaken, let's go! Taylor said- Oh No Mom! This is the house you always say- Oh my god- look the Bats have their lights on! The lady cracked up and said - My husband will love this- The BATS! He thought everybody called us CHEAP! :) Wait 'til I tell Batman...!!!

Thought I'd share with the "PLU" in this group...
PLU= people like us! )

~ Linda :boat:

[rae519]

Linda, thanks for owing up to the name! I love that story, "The Bats"! Funny! Amazing how kids will say things thinking they are being so clever and it's something we wish they wouldn't say!! When Kayla was about 5, I was in a play with a woman I didn't care much for but Kayla really liked. Kayla said to her, "I don't know why my Mommy doesn't like you. You are so nice!" And to this woman's credit her reply, "Honey, it's not that your mommy doesn't like me. We are both strong women and have strong opinions that sometimes don't agree. And that's okay because we can agree to disagree."

She is now a good friend and I learned a lesson - you can agree to disagree!

So are you now friends with the Bats?!

Jan - thank you for saying that since you know us all so well, it means a lot to me to have your words to live with. God bless you!

Just can't wait til our cruise - we did priceline and are at the Holiday Inn at MCO, taking the Happy Limo to the Port in the AM.

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Oh Jan, You know the shoulder is always available. And I know what you were going through at Thanksgiving. Don't worry about not sayin anything. I understood, you know that.

Nice of Jan to say I lost lots of weight. It wasn't really that much although I do have to wear my Star Trek belt with more pairs of pants than I used to. I think that having the two knee replacements took a bunch of weight off. You know stainless steel weighs less than bone. LOL Any way you can all recognize me I'll be the one with the 7 inch scars up my knees, and putting off the bells and whistles at security. Hope they don't kneed (Haha) to xray them, before they let me on board. I had a nightmare about that the other night.

Weather wasn't as bad as expected...yet. We got about 1/2 to an inch of snow. This morning there was very light sort of rain. But tomorrow they are forecasting more snow and then sleet, freezing rain, or possibly heavy ice. Went to the grocery store this morning and stocked up. Yeah got cat litter and all the things Rae got. So we're ready too.

Talk to you all later. Estelle

[rae519]

Amazing what you think of when you are concerned about being stuck inside your house for any length of time......my Mother's first words were, "Do you have enough toilet paper?" I think that's up there with "wear clean underwear in case you get into an accident"!!!

For those who want to go to brunch and or High Tea - I need to have your full name and stateroom number. You can pm me.

I plan to be one of the first on the ship even if I have to sit there from 10AM til boarding - I will get my Palo reservations this time for dinner, brunch AND high tea or else!

Rae

[lsutigger2]

Hi everyone! I had checked in a couple of weeks ago, have been keeping up with everyone's news, but haven't posted since I've been too busy - Yucky!! But it does make that count down counter go faster - NOT!!

luv2dream - we had chatted once on the DVC board, and I remember that your DH is a golf fan. Is your DH planning on trying to play golf?? Don't know if mine is, can't get him to read any cruise materials yet! Told him he can't go if he doesn't read the stuff! but would love to hook up with you sometimes during the trip so they can "golf talk".

Know you guys don't want to hear this, but in the south today the weather was probably 65 or 70, had to turn the AC on this afternoon for a while! It is suppose to be 35 tonight and 25 tomorrow night. I feel for you!

Take care - Oh, a question?? Can you pay for your on ship charges with Disney Reward Dollars at the end of the cruise?? Sure hope so, we have quite a few accummulated and wanted to use them for that.

Rae - remember dogs/cats/and young children are usually right. But I admire you for your acknowledgement that the future DIL may not be what you would have picked, but there is something there for your son. I have a cousin who married someone who no one else could understand why and they've been married a long time and have a grandbaby now!

[rae519]

Welcome back lsutigger2!!! Ohh no, you had to turn on the A/C?!
Poor baby! All we have to do is walk out the back door to cool off!!! BRRRRR!

I got my Disney Rewards card in the mail today - 275 Dollars that I plan to use as payment for tips, miscellaneous purchases on the ship. Yes, they do add up - I put everything on the card, groceries, gas, and as long as I pay it off monthly, I have no interest accrued so it's a wonderful program. We used to use Discover but I have to be loyal to DCL!!

Regarding their relationship, for whatever reason they are together, it's been three years so far - God must have a reason for it!

Rae

[dianthus]

No, Mrs Bat didn't like her name, but Batman thought it was a hoot! Their huge dog ( over 200 lbs ) running unleashed crashed through our screened in porch one summer evening trying to go after our cat... Needless to say, that didn't help things any... They moved about 3 yrs, ago & we got really nice new neighbors that never shut their lights off. He works for an energy company- kinda ironic isn't it? :confused:

LSUtigger2- A/C!!!! Wow, Look at all the money we're saving on A/C -freezin' our butts off for free up here! Now heating is another story...I am very jealous of you & the sunny south! We are expected to get 12" inches or more before the storm is over tomorrow, or Wednesday. Since we buy toilet paper at Costco by the boatload, we are prepared for anything! CC is not soon enough... How many days Estelle?

I don't use Disney Visa. I must be the only Diser that doesn't. I got the inaugural offer + 50,000,000 mailings since, but I have given the mouse enough money... I use Amex for everything & had enough points for 2 free Delta tickets, so I'm happy. Considering the fares were $481 each, I'm pleased I had the miles... I did book this trip a little late... But I'm glad we did.

Rae~ I pm'd you

Have a good one!

~ Linda :boat:

[ehtpnt]

80 DAYS TODAY!!!


A/C what's that? Oh yeah I remember that's that thing you turn on if it gets hot. Haven't thought about that in monthes. Just watched the PP&L (electric company) bill climb higher and higher. Thinking about CC does help though.

Ah yes neighbors, we have great ones on one side and not so great on the other. All three houses have Invisible Fencing for our dogs. Only trouble is that one side it isn't working and they don't seem to care that their dogs are in our yard and all the other neighbors yards too. DH is talking about putting up a temp. fence. They also have two cats that are outdoors all the time. Well maybe not all the time but most, as are the dogs. They have 5 children too, at least they keep the kids inside. And I have to admit that they don't have loud parties. But checking every time we put our dog out is a pain.


Linda-- you are not the only Diser who doesn't use the Disney Visa. We don't have one either. Several years ago my sister in law mentioned that she had an LL Bean Visa. Since I do a lot of shopping there and visit at least once a year I talked Phil into getting one. Love those 10 dollar certificates.


Rae-- as soon as I get the room numbers and names I will pm you. By the way I have to admit that I was the DiL from hell for Phils' mother. I was divorced and had two children. Oh Horrors. The day we got married she told my mothers' best friend, who had known me all my life, that " He's making the worst mistake of his life." I got lucky however, Phils' brother married one considered even worse. Besides by that time my MIL
had discovered that I made a great place to complain about the men in her life. And it will be 30 years in September so she was wrong about the mistake.

Off to check the Weather Channel, see how much white stuff we are going to get. So far it is 5 to10 inches. Well at least we shouldn't have a drought this summer.

Estelle

[rae519]

Originally posted by ehtpnt
By the way I have to admit that I was the DiL from hell for Phils' mother. I was divorced and had two children. Oh Horrors. The day we got married she told my mothers' best friend, who had known me all my life, that " He's making the worst mistake of his life." I got lucky however, Phils' brother married one considered even worse. Besides by that time my MIL
had discovered that I made a great place to complain about the men in her life. And it will be 30 years in September so she was wrong about the mistake. Estelle


Sounds like we have a lot in common - 22 years ago I was Tom's mother's worst nightmare - a woman who had been in the military, divorced with a child! Didn't matter that I had a new car that was paid for, a house full of furniture, no bills plus a nice bank account AND I was a Registered Nurse!!!

Like I told her, it didn't matter if she liked me or I liked her, I loved her son and he loved me - and that was all that was important. (Gee, sounds like some good advise for me about my future DIL, ehhhhh?????)

Rae

[JLSE50]

Sounds like a lot of us got off to less than great starts with our in-laws---

We were "too young" to get married. Both sets of parents agreed on that even though they never met each other until the weekend of the wedding. (We were both 20 and in college.)

I found out later that MY MOTHER asked my BEST FRIEND FROM HIGH SCHOOL when they were driving to my shower what is done with the gifts if the marriage folds after a month.
:( !! A month !! :( My mother!! :(
Gee--hmmm--in August it was 34 years. But I do have the list of who gave us what so I know who to send them back to if it folds....:rolleyes:

I was so happy that I wanted to cry at my wedding but I knew that if I did, my Dad would walk down the aisle and tell people that the wedding was off as I was being forced into it.

At least we did not have any major confrontations, but we did have some skepticism and coolness. My folks would call me in the morning at college and ask me "How I could do this to them?" I went to classes crying. All I wanted was to get married. [Now I wonder what they would have done if I told them we wanted to move in together....:rolleyes: ]

A year later, the aforementioned Best High School buddy told her parents that she and her intended were going to elope the next weekend. Her folks said not to do anything, come visit like normal and they would talk. In that week they figured out how to pull off a wedding, gowns and reception, between Christmas and New Years. Turns out that is when they wanted to get married but knew if they suggested that, based on my experience, they would be badgered into waiting until June.

Parents are such funny people.

It makes sense to recall these events when we deal with our own kids--thanks for the insight Rae.

We got 4 to 6 inches of snow. How is everyone else doing?

Jan :earsgirl:

[rae519]

Amazing how we "all made it" past that ill fated prediction from our loved ones and future in-laws!

Got about 5 inches here total - no big deal, but wind makes it worse on the country roads. US 31 is clear though. NOt crazy about getting out in it since some people don't realize that they have to drive slower and safer on the roads that are snowcovered.

Got my taxes done and ready to mail out!!!! Now ask me what I am going to do with my refund?!!!

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Hey maybe we should start a thread for DISers whose in laws didn't like them.
Was going to post yesterday but middle daughter arrived from work with news of a nasty virus going thru all the computers. Somehow connected to emails. So we stayed off the computer until DH down loaded the virus tables. And by then I couldn't get near the computer.
Depending on where you are in our yard we got 6 to 8 (front yard) or 10 to 12 (back yard). Doberman wants to go to CC RIGHT NOW!! Yeah she says she knows there's a cat there. Even that would be preferable to SNOW.
Rae--read the thread about the invitational cruise in 2005. Laughed as I thought to myself yeah she won't invite me. I'd eat all the shrimp. But would sign up in a heart beat if I thought I could persuade DH that we should do a third cruise. Now if it turned out they were moving the ship to California for DLs' anniversary, and going to do Alaska. That might just work.


Rae-- NO ONE finishes their taxes before February 1st. Congratulations!!! Very impressive. I know what you are going to do with your refund... buy shrimp to bring on the cruise...

Estelle

[dianthus]

Hi Everyone!

I read a thread the other day where someone said they were putting some kind of spices on the shrimp at the embarkation buffet... hmmmmm Hope it's good! You guys can have most of the shrimp- we just want a few. Now talk to Taylor & I about the lobster tails... That's where we get greedy! ( and chocolate lava cake too! :) )

We got about 12" of snow, but it stopped earlier than expected, so this is good. Started about 9PM, but came down very heavy for a while... My plow guy did an outstanding job, so we're in good shape. So, no Ann Morin style hits have been issued! :) My driveway is a bit more than a quarter mile long, so we're at his mercy, even though we do have 4 wheel drive on both cars. Haven't left the house yet, but I wonder if our mailbox is still standing. Last storm, a new plow guy from the City took out every mailbox on the street! It looked like carnage up and down the road- LOL! At least the City comes & fixes them!

Wow! Taxes are done! I'm impressed. I don't get everything I need until July every year! I'm always on extension to August!

I would love it if they do a California Baja/Alaska route for 2005. I was thinking this is the last Magic cruise for us for a while, as the RCCL & HAL ships look so nice & friends rave about them too. I would definitely be up for a new route though! I rented some of our points this time to pay for this cruise. I couldn't believe how quick and smooth it went. So if that happens, I'm definitely booking cash & renting points to pay for it- it's much cheaper. Rae~ your "invitational B day thread" is a hoot. So many people are so serious, aren't they?...

Doug & I just celebrated our 25th in November ( on the Magic). About 15 minutes before I was going to walk down the aisle my MIL to be came up to me & said " There's still time to back out you know. Do you really want to get stuck with him?..." Jokingly, of course...I've been very fortunate, as we hit it off since day one & have a great relationship. We lost my FIL 2 years ago & I truly felt like I lost my Dad all over again. My parents also loved my DH from day one too. I think based on your stories & those of many of my friends, this is the exception & this is not the norm. I am very grateful, as our relationships with them has enriched our life together. Rae~ Pehaps this girl will realize what she has in you & your DH & will come around. If she truly loves your son, she'll make it work.

Have a good day!

~ Linda :boat:

[rae519]

Okay, I'll confess.

With our tax refund and a few dollars from savings, we are paying for our son's honeymoon. They are flying from Indy to San Juan, Puerto Rico and cruising for 7 nights around the Islands.

So just how "awful" can we be?!!!!

I am starting my Mom's taxes tonight - by the way. Just an obsessive personality disorder with me - have to do! Do! DO!
(tee hee hee - potty humor!)

By the way, if anyone cares - the "By Invitation Only" in my signature for the "Andy and Rae" cruise is a joke. But if you want to believe that Andy and I are going to rent the entire ship for our birthday celebration, then please do so - but either way, you can come along when we figure out where and when we are going (up to Disney right now to put the remainder of the 2005 dates on).

Michael shovelled our two car garage driveway (about 5 inches of snow accumulated) - what a kid!! I tried to give him $5.00 and he said, "Mom, I don't need to be paid to do things as part of the family." I think I'm going to cry!

Anyone else staying at Holiday Inn at the Airport besides us?

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Rae--sounds like Michael is a definate keeper. Unfortunately our DDs are a bit too old for him. At 37, 35 and 23 they are way old in his view. Can you be my mil? I'd like a free honeymoon and I'm way nicer... Actually my DH and I had a very nice honeymoon when we got married. Nova Scotia is a beautiful place. Nice enough that we went back for our 25th anniversary. This year will be the 30th and I haven't heard anything about any special trips so maybe that cruise next year... You know the one where you have taken over the whole boat...!
The weathe continues bitter cold even with the Sun out, and very windy. So of course we have blowing/drifting snow. And now to top it all off they are forecasting rain for Monday. I may go into hibernation and not come out until Easter. Just in time to leave on the cruise. Hey that sounds like a really neat plan.

Unfortunately it won't work. I still have to do the day care laundry every day. Oh well the dream was nice while it lasted.

Talk to you all later. Estelle

[rae519]

Originally posted by ehtpnt
special trips so maybe that cruise next year... You know the one where you have taken over the whole boat...!
Estelle

Oh please do think about joining us! It is dependent upon Andy's daughter's school schedule so it will most probably be summertime (not my favorite time of year to cruise, but a child's education is more important).

We have had about another 1/2" of snow accumulating this morning on the ground - steady and light so it will pile up. I used to love winter, but as time passes (read AGE here), I am finding that I like it and tolerate it less and less.

Well, since I finished our taxes, I am starting on Mom's today. Hope she does as well. I told her that if she would just adopt a couple of kids, she'd be fine....(I'm an only child) - she laughed.
She is on the no white flour, no sugar diet right now and doing well. She is also only about 10 lbs overweight, so where did I get my fat genes from?!!!

Back to guzzling black coffee.....

Also, my bladder repair surgery is 2/2 so prayers would be appreciated - it's an overnight stay only, but still....I would greatly appreciate them.

Rae

[Disney1fan2002]

Hi everyone! I am not going to be on your cruise, but I wanted to let you know that I will be sending you of at the dock. I am sailing on the April 18th Wonder and it is our intention to be arriving at the Radisson Saturday afternoon, so we can see you guys off.

Can you believe only 12 weeks?

[dianthus]

Rae ~ Prayers, good thoughts & pixie dust :wizard: coming your way. 2/2/04 is a good date- 2+2=4 :D Good luck!


12 weeks- wow! Disney1fan2002 you'll have to go over to - I think it's Grill's & have a drink & wave to us as we sail away! It'll be fun for you, as you'll be doing the same thing the next day!

~Linda :boat:

[rae519]

Thanks Linda - and Disney1fan2002, I wish we could take you with us instead of waving good bye to you! Maybe if you are somewhere along the way with a sign we can take a picture of you from the ship - hey, just a thought!!!!

Okay, folks, winter has to be over soon - 12 Saturdays away.....now will I ever last?!

Rae

[JLSE50]

RAE: Keep us posted on the surgery and recovery. Know that you have a fan club and prayer chain going!

Originally posted by rae519
Disney1fan2002, I wish we could take you with us instead of waving good bye to you! Maybe if you are somewhere along the way with a sign we can take a picture of you from the ship - hey, just a thought!!!!
Maybe Disney1fan2002 can stand at the railing at THE GRILL and take a picture of the ship leaving. If a bunch of you stand on deck 10 starboard by the fore funnel (red smoke stack) she could take that picture and then post it on your thread for you to retrieve when you get back. You can take her picture and post it here too. You will recognize each other as there will be a person in each picture holding a camera to her (his) face.

The thermometer says it is 70 degrees in here. I have the gas log burning, and am wearing a sweater which is topped with a fleece vest from my DS#2's college Taylor University, and a Disney blanket around my shoulders and back and I am freezing. What's wrong with me?

Jan :earsgirl:

[DisneyDmom]

My DD(16) and I are going with you! This is our very first cruise and we can't wait!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[ehtpnt]

Jan-- if you weren't sitting on the log you'd be a lot warmer. Just a thought. Maybe there is something wrong with the thermometer? Hey I know !!!! Reverse HOT FLASH!!!

Rae-- thoughts and prayers and pixie dust to you for the 4th. As a fellow only we know we are special. So there's a bit extra thoughts for you. My knees went fantastically so I know your surgery will be just as good. Think warm thoughts.

Jan-- Send Rae the belly dancer email... I LOL when I saw it.

Only 12 Saturdays and we'll be waving goodbye! Having trouble waiting.
OOPS day care people need the computer. Got to go. Talk to you all later. Estelle

[Disney1fan2002]

:wave: I'll make a sign! A big one warning everyone on the ship to hide their shrimp from Rae! LOL. No, really I will make a HUGE sign so you can't miss me!:wave2:

[JLSE50]

DISNEYDMOM: Welcome to the thread. You will have fun meeting your cruise mates. (I am just a hanger on--a thread-groupie I guess.)

ESTELLE: I did send the Belly Dancer e-mail to Rae.

I was not sitting on the log, but now that you mention it, that might have been warmer. I have the fan on that blows the heat from the sides of the fireplace and still it is not warm enough for me.

I ask my friends "Where is a hot flash when you want one?" and they are about ready to beat me up. I can thank Great Grandma Webb for the good genes for hair color so some people think I am younger than I am, but I am nearly 5 years into this menopause stuff and still no hot flashes. More like the reverse as you said--I am always colder than everyone around me. If I am not wearing more layers than most ladies, I am cold but being polite about it.

10 degrees today with wind chill of -10. Ahhh---winter! Calgon take me away.....nope--should be MAGIC TAKE ME AWAY. Well, hopefully someday..........

Jan :earsgirl:

[dianthus]

Welcome DisneyDmom! Welcome to our thread and to the DIS boards! If we can help you out with questions, please ask. A fair amount of us are repeats- Rae- 7 or 8 right? Estelle- 3rd? Me- 4th, so you can tell we just hate DCL..

So here's the question...
How much do you like shrimp? "cuz if you like, you're gonna have to be quick if you want any.... Rae the famous DCL shrimp scoundrel is on board and from the sounds of it Estelle is going to fighting really hard to get her fair share... Taylor & I are waiting for the lobster tails... be warned... :)

Let Rae know your name & stateroom # if assigned in a PM if you would like to come to Palo brunch with us- on a sea day, it's the best... She compiling a list.

My DD Taylor (13) & I are doing a mom/daughter trip too!

Hey Estelle~ Hailing from PA, doesn't Puxatawney Phil (sp?) the ground hog stick his little head out somewhere around you in a few days to determine if we have 6 weeks more of winter? Find out where he is & get down there to make sure he doesn't see his shadow. We'd appreciate it, as this winter has been too long already! Tell him he can go to CC with us if he cooperates!!! :p
So you fib!!

Disney1fan2002~ I just got an digital SLR with an awesome zoom, so if your sign is big enough, I'll be sure to get a photo of you & email to ya when we get home! :)


~ Linda :boat:

[rae519]

Welcome DisneyDMom - we aren't as crazy as we seem, but we do like to have fun. So thank you for joining us and we hope that you will come to know us before you cruise so you can join in the laughter!

If you'd like to come to brunch and/or high tea, let us know! Since this is your first cruise, how can we help you? Let us know - we have lots of DCL cruise veterans here and would love to share our experiences with you. And you have been forewarned, STAY AWAY FROM THE SHRIMP! Again, a big welcome to you both!

LOVED the "belly dancer" e-mail!!! Thanks!

And thank you for the warm wishes and prayers for my surgery on Monday. Supposed to have freezing rain/snow Sunday night into Monday.....I will crawl to get this surgery done on Monday if I have to! (So long as the surgeon gets in, I'm ready!)

The weather is just delightful here today - balmy breezes, blue skies, mild temperatures....hey, I can always dream, can't I?

Heard Oswego, NY was getting 8 inches an hour last night! 52 inches total in 31 hours! Unreal. Bet there will be an increase in IcyHot and tylenol sales today.

Rae

[dianthus]

Better to have surgery on a nasty day if you have to stay overnight... You can have visions of CC in your head as you are in recovery. That'll help- won't it! Better than sugarplums... What are sugarplums anyway? Good luck Rae, you'll do great! :)

Jan~ I pm'd you with some info... I guess the suitcase idea won't work, huh?...

Estelle~ How are negotiations going with Pux... Phil? No sun, No sun... Isn't that it? If Phil sees his shadow, 6 more weeks of this stuff? Or do I have it mixed up?

Hey where did all the posters go on this thread? Are we the only ones excited for this cruise? How's the planning going everyone?
2/17 is the 60 day mark & excursions can be prebooked at this date. Any plans?

I'm going low carb for the next 12 weeks to lose a few lbs before we sail. Haven't tried Atkins yet, but a few friends have met with great success on it. A dear friend lost 75 lbs in a year & has kept it off for a year now, so there must be something to this... As I previously posted~ I never met a carbohydrate I didn't like! LOL! Bread in general is my downfall...So, I think the first couple of weeks is going to be tough... but I'm going to give it a real shot. This way I won't feel guilty about being bad on the cruise... :)There's a piece of chocolate lava cake & for that matter, creme brulee cheesecake waiting for me on the Magic. I'm not a dessert person usually, but it seems they taste better when you're at sea!

TTFN

~ Linda :boat:

[ehtpnt]

Welcome DisneyMom-- the usual disclaimer for this thread... DO NOT touch the shrimp...or the lobster tails. Lava cake is okay and so is the cheesecake.

Pax/Punks... whatever, Phil will be making his annual appearance on Feb. 2nd. I figure he'll put out a nose and then disappear back into his hole. Of course with all the lights and news people and the rest of his entarage standing around the poor fellow will just look confused. Maybe by the 2nd the temp will climb above 30. We haven't seen a day above freezing in weeks. I did hear about some place in Minnesota where the temp. was -20 degrees and with the windchill -35. By that measure we are positively slightly warm.
This is only our 2nd cruise, I put that in because someone was telling DisneyMom how many cruises we had all been on. I wish it was more.
Rae--I will try and get the room numbers and names for you this afternoon. I don't always get to see Jen when she picks John up at day care. But if I can pin DH down I can figure out their room from ours.

I am off to put the unhappy Doberman out. She is getting really tired of snow.

Talk to you later. Have a warm day. Estelle

[JLSE50]

Have you seen that there is a new Beanie Baby that is Puxatawnee Phil?

LINDA: I PMed you back. THANKS.

It is 1 degree F here with windchill making it feel like -14. Where is CC when you need it?

Jan :earsgirl:

[rae519]

Originally posted by JLSE50
Have you seen that there is a new Beanie Baby that is Puxatawnee Phil?
Jan :earsgirl:

Okay, you forced me to tell a story about Puxatawnee Phil......I'm a big fan of Groundhog's Day (plus one of my best guy friends was born on 2/2) - so of course after years of talking about going there we finally decide to do it! So on our way to New York to see my parents, we decide to take the detour off the main road to Puxatawnee, PA. I drove and drove and drove, narrow winding roads (scenic) but whew....finally, around 5PM I get into this small town and first stop for gas (and get directions to see Phil).

I drive to Gobbler's Knob and yup, there's a sign and a stump. That's it. Where's Phil? I drive back through town and where is he? Ohhh, he is in the museum and inside now. Ahhh, so there's no way to actually see him. Okay, what about dinner? One fast food place and NO hotel in sight. It's cold and dark, but I still stop for postcards to PROVE WE WERE THERE!

I start back on the road, and drive - deer everywhere.....finally after an hour I get back to the main highway and another hour, I get to the hotel. In the morning there is an icy fog. So much for the big buildup and excitement.

Well, Jan, I told them the story!

Okay, people we need to remember, others will join us as the time gets closer - either that or we have the run of the ship! Sort of a win-win situation!

Rae

[JLSE50]

RAE: When did you make your trip to see Phil? A friend told me recently that they have a special display in the library (of all places) with glass walls so you can see the groundhogs. Yes, GROUNDHOGS. They all have names that can be shortened to PHIL. Like Phillip, Philamena, etc. What a hoot.

Jan :earsgirl:

[ehtpnt]

Rae--Just sent you a pm with our rooms and names. Loved your story of your search for PP. They keep him in a temperature controlled invironment. Gee I'd like that right about now.

Off to walk my 10 minutes on the treadmill. Talk to you all later. Estelle

[rae519]

PM replied to and noted!

Jan, it was many years ago - Michael was about 2 or 3. Ohh, library - that's right - it was at the library not the museum. Thanks for clarifying that. I told you I'm losing it the closer I get to 50.

You should see what I do to my pal Mark because his birthday is Groundhog's Day - last year I got him a dancing groundhog. I always TRY to do something!!! He's got a good sense of humor and I love that connection!

Rae

[dianthus]

I saw a Kung Fu fighting Ground Hog at a Cracker Barrel on my way to SC this summer. That was hysterical! It was next to the dancing one. There's a gift idea... for the person who has everything...

When I was reading your story about Puxatawnee, when you got to the point of the icy fog, I thought for sure you were gonna say- All of a sudden the ol' boy jumped in front of my car and....:earseek:

Your story ended much better ! :)

My Dad's B day was G Hog's too! We'd always blame 6 weeks more winter on him!

~ Linda :boat:

[rae519]

Linda - I have been laughing so hard at YOUR ending, I wish I could incorporate it into my story!!!!!!! SPLAT!

Funny part is that the room we got at that hotel was the last one and the people that were coming in behind us were getting turned away. Just glad there was "room at the inn" for us.

Incredible amount of deer along the roads in PA -glad Bambi didn't end up on my bumper (I like him best in my freezer!!)

Looking at the St. John Trunk Bay snorkeling excursion AGAIN. Seems like that's the one we will do since Michael can play on the beach and I can hide in the shade while Tom does his thing!!!!!

Rae

[dianthus]

If you want to see deer, just come to the Western Connecticut Hills- we have herds of 'em! I could have about 50 freezer's full on my property on any given day, but we don't eat venison. I HATE THOSE LITTLE BUGGERS! They eat all the shrubs, my lilies & impatients in the spring/summer- GGGGRRRRR! They are not even afraid of us any more. I drive down my driveway & they don't even move! One day I was so mad, I rolled down the windows & yelled to one of them- Contrary to popular belief, I OWN THIS PROPERTY- NOT YOU! Taylor of course looked at me like I had gone mad... I used to like the movie Bambi... no more. We eBayed our copy...

Our local municipal airport has problems keeping them off the runways. An out of towner last year was landing on the runway & a 6 point buck comes along and plows into him. How do you explain that to your insurance company? A car yes, but an airplane...

Enough about those little buggers- I HATE DEER! GGGGRRRR!
Thanks for letting me go on a rant!! I'm better now :D

I think we are going to do the DCL Beach excursion- Orient Beach riviera thing at St. Maarten & skip St. John this time ( my fav place!!) Taylor has big plans for Power shopping in St. Thomas, so I think we're going to hit Maegan's Bay in the morning on our own if we are not too burned from St. Maarten. Last time we rented Jeeps & went to Orient Beach. We were heading for the family side of the beach, but made a wrong turn. We were following our friends, who we thought knew where they were going, as they honeymooned down there. We ended up in Club Orient's entrance. YIKES! There was this wrinkled old man walking by the guardhouse. Tay says- Wow! No buff Abercrombie guys here! That's just wrong, he looks like a human raisin!... We cracked up! She was just 11 at the time. We always laugh about Mr. Raisin butt now... Another, in our family's cast of characters...

~ Linda :boat:

[rae519]

Linda - that raisin man thing has me cracking up!!!!!!!!

No way Jose! Not for me or for DH - we just don't think that is OUR thing either!!!!!

I love venison - would take all I could plus if I were there!!!!!

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Linda-- Raisin butt was LoL material. We have our share of the antlered ones, mostly in the Pocanos. We used to have them right around here, and there are still a few, but the influx of people from New Jersey and New York took care of that. Now instead we have HOUSES!!! Lots of houses. And cars...maybe we could send a few of the cars your way. Antlers look real nice on car hoods.

Two years ago the family DH, and 2 DD and me went to New Hampshire for the annual family vacation in New England. While we were up there we took a Moose tour. Saw a mother Moose and her two yearlings. Here we are all standing along side the bus on the white line looking at them. That's when it dawned on me that if she decided she didn't like the looks of all these people gawking at her we could be in BIG trouble. You have no idea how fast I got back on the bus. And then on the way back to the starting point the guide starts talking about being careful driving home. Moose are very tall and the hood of your car is at about their knees. Moose do not like being hood ornaments nor do they like being in your front seat. Luckily we didn't see any on the way back to the motel.

Makes me a lot fonder of Phil (ground hog, not husband) than I thought I was. At least if you hit him he goes splat...

Talk to you all later. Estelle

[RobinMarie]

Some of these stories are hysterical! I'm not sure I'll be eating any raisin bran soon though!

What excursions, if any, would be good for first timers? I'm contemplating St. Martin shopping on my own and browsing, and recently became interested in St. John's. I'm pretty clueless though.

:crazy:

Victoria, my dd, was looking at a fish book yesterday and got all excited because the recognized a manatee. Now I'm thinking the Friday afternoon/evening before the cruise might be well spent in the Cocoa Beach area.

How about some book ideas? I loved reading The Da Vinci Code last vacation. I finally read John Grisham's "Skipping Christmas" last month and found it to be fun reading. I loved the "Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger that I received for Christmas. I need to find some good books for the cruise, preferrably in paperback.

Take Care!

[dianthus]

An aside to the Mr. Raisin Butt story... You should have seen my DH turn that Jeep around & high tail it out there- that was so funny, after getting one look at this guy! I think we left 1/2 the tires in the entrance to this place- he was burning rubber like I've never seen- LOL! Our friends had to drive like maniacs to catch up with us & apologize, as I think they did it on purpose to see the looks on our faces.... Funny thing was I think they traumatized their daughter in the process for life.... She was so upset that she saw this old naked wrinkly man.... Apparently she doesn't have the sense of humor my DD has! We made it to the family side of the beach & happily, saw no more naked butts, or other parts for the rest of our day there! Taylor said very seriously in the car on the way back it was probably a good thing she saw Mr. Raisin Butt's butt, as she could see at young age how damaging the sun is!!! :eek: Doug almost drove off the road laughing so hard... It dawned on me why she was slathering herself in sunscreen all day. I thought she was just being really responsible! I gave her the caribbean sun is damaging speech before we got off the ship.... It was Mr. Raisin Butt that provided the real incentive! It's a classic family tale now...

We talked to DD before we planned on going & explained we may see a few topless ladies on the beach- it's a euro thing on the French side... Is she OK with that? She said, no big deal, just walk into Abercrombie & you see 1/2 naked people in posters on the wall ( which was true... ).Well we got way more than we expected! Our friends still apologize to us for that"wrong" turn... We'll get them back someday when they least expect it...( evil laugh...)

Taylor said we should go back to the scene of the crime & do it right this time. No wrong turns into Club Orient to visit Mr. Raisin Butt. Just the nice comfy loungers & the beautiful beach... It is if he's not there! LOL!!! :) I'm still thinking about this... The DCL excursion looked like it was in a nice area way down the family beach in a private area far way from " The Club". We'll see...

RobinMarie~ I got the DaVinci Code for Christmas & I was going to save it for the cruise, as I hear it's really, really good. Am I better off reading it before hand & bring something else? If it's that good, I won't want to do anything else but read until I finish it... You guys won't see me at all!

St. John- Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you haven't been- go there on St. Thomas Day & shop in St. Maarten. You'll still have time to poke around Havensight near the pier. I just find Phillipsburg a bit dirty & creepy, although there seems to be better prices there if you want to buy some jewelry. I wish we were in St. Thomas for the longer day & not St. Martin...

~ Linda :boat:

[dianthus]

RobinMarie~ You should do a post about the manatees in Cocoa Beach, I've heard there is an area, but never been. Maybe someone on the boards, or our thread has done this. KSC is great, but it will be boring for your DD. Take her when she's 10 or 11. If you want to get really up close & personal with Manatees spend the day at Sea World. It's a beautiful park & the Manatee exhibit & the Shamu show are the best. We took Taylor right around Victoria's age & I think she liked it better than Disney. Now she is ride maniac & I can't pry her off the Rockin' Roller Coaster, Space & Splash Mountain. But guess who rides with her every time... :rolleyes:

This trip we are going to conquer "Mission Space"! The lines were too long in Nov.- fast passes ran out by 11AM for the day!

~ Linda :boat:

[rae519]

I saw a truck with a "long horn steer" horn on the front of his "pick'em up" truck. Pretty weird. Now on the East Coast, I've been people with Christmas wreaths and lights on their grills - but not here in the Midwest. So antlers on the hood sound pretty good to me, so long as there is venison in the freezer!

I am really enjoying "Raisin Butt"!!!!!!

We are having a heat wave today - supposed to be up to 29!! Imagine that!

Steroids for my asthma have added 15 lbs to my already overweight body - so I am going to be Richard Simmon's-*** it til we cruise so I can fit in my "cruise clothes".

By the way, I NEVER wear loud flowery outfits, but on the cruise - I just let my "wild" side show and have all these outrageously loud and colorful outfits!!! So if you don't want to be seen with me, that's okay - my family also tends to avoid me! (only kidding!)

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Rae-- Good Luck tomorrow with the surgery. Remember NPO after midnight. Hope the surgery is early. That waiting is such a pain. The worst is people who insist upon talking about food. The morning that I had abdominal surgery the orderly taking my husband, daughter and I to my room carefully pointed out the cafeteria to them, along with some comments on various food items. Of course even stranger was the surgeon and the anesthesiologist discussing (read arguing) over what music they were going to listen to in the OR. I suggested the Beatles,( I'm lying on the stretcher at this time) and was told that was too mellow. I asked the surgeon the next morning and was told they listened to the Grateful Dead!! Prayers and Pixie Dust are coming your way from Eastern Pa.

Raisin butt...now I know why I don't like Raisin Bran.

Weather brite and sunny here still cold. NO news on Paxatuny ( or however you spell it.) DH says it is in the paper. But I didn't see it so will wait until the official day (tomorrow). And let everyone know , in case it doesn't make some paper somewhere.

I knew it the day care people are back. Somehow they sense when I am on the thread. Talk to you later. Estelle

[rae519]

DEcided to start no food at noon - and of course, NPO at midnight. Will be a good way to lose an ounce or two! Maybe I could suggest that he remove a few extra pounds of fat while he's working!!!!!

Saw my horses today!!!! HURRAH! And Michael got his new horse - he's a beautiful strawberry roan with a white blaze down his face. He is 5 years old and was born at the stables/raised by the owners. His name is "Scooter" and he's the most gentle horse!! I even rode him after Michael and he's got super neck rein and actually will do most anything for you. I rode bareback and now have a lot of respect for the riding ability of the native Americans - whew!!

Of course, I had my new digital camera out and ready to go and it's still sitting on the desk - so no new pictures for a while!!

Thanks for the prayers. I'll e-mail when I get home (maybe as late as Tuesday noontime). I started coming around once during surgery and heard the doctor talking to the nurse about playing golf. Okay. I do remember the music selection being "oldies" most of the times when I have started going under. I never get past telling them "thank you for everything and God bless" before I go OUT, don't imagine it will be much different tomorrow.

Take care all and God bless!

Rae

[JLSE50]

RAE: Keep us posted on the surgery and how you are doing! PRAYERS and PIXIE DUST coming your way.

Originally posted by rae519
You should see what I do to my pal Mark because his birthday is Groundhog's Day - last year I got him a dancing groundhog. I always TRY to do something!!! He's got a good sense of humor and I love that connection! Rae
Can you find the TY Beanie Baby PHIL?? They have them at my Hallmark. Need me to get you one and mail it?

New picture of Kayla! Pretty.

The highest we saw today was 28 degrees. Compared to the 11 degrees when we walked into church--it was great! How about a cloud cover in Puxatawny for Monday??? then we get less winter, right?

Jan :earsgirl:

[dianthus]

Good luck with the surgery tomorrow Rae! Thoughts & prayers are with ya!

GO PATRIOTS! Yeah! New England!!! Ok, now Im going to start that low carb diet.... :) It was so hard being at a super bowl party & not eating any carbs! So we start with a renewed perspective tomorrow!

Our eBaying efforts are working out well. In the last 3 weeks, we've made net of fees about $500! We are very pleased! :) Our goal is to cover the onboard spending budget we've worked out. So far, we are doing very well. And I'm getting rid of a lot of unwanted/outgrown stuff, which is making me happy!

Have a great week! Let's hope it's cloudy tomorrow when that Puxatawnee Phil makes his appearance- no more winter! PLEASE!

Have a great week everyone! Rae~ Check in with us when you get home! :)

~ Linda :boat:

[ehtpnt]

SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER...sorry guys the little (actually huge) rodent saw his shadow. Nasty beast.
Rae- hope all is well and you will be home tomorrow and soon get back to those horses.

HOW BOUT THOSE PATRIOTS!!!! I watched the first half then a bit of the third quarter, then I went off and managed 13 minutes on the treadmill and missed the big finish. DH was rooting for Carolina, and I was rooting for the Pates. I won! Normally we don't bother to watch because no one in the house is a football fan. But DD had to watch the commercials for Management class at college. We loved the Bud ones. They were LOL.

Got to go. Going to AAA to pay off the cruise. Estelle

[dianthus]

Happy Cruise Payoff day Estelle! I'm going to do that next week.

Somehow I knew winter would be around for a while....

That was such a good Superbowl! Both teams played so well. My DH was routing for Carolina too. I was surprised the PATS did so well, as it wasn't snowing! We love the commercials too. The Pizza Hut one with Miss Piggy & Kermie was so cute!

It's almost 30 degrees today- WOW! Snow for tomorrow again! It's a Tuesday cycle this year. Last year it was Friday. If it's 6 more weeks, I'll be happy. Winter seemed to stretch in April last year...

Rae~ Hope your in recovery by now & doing well!

~ Linda :boat:

[ehtpnt]

Why do I always miss the good stuff? As half time approached I went off to do my 15 minutes of treadmill. And of course I missed the breast and the streaker. Just my luck. Oh well I think Phil (ground hog) is cuter.
We tried to pay off the cruise but got to AAA just after our agent went to lunch. Should have called first. So tomorrow in the snow/sleet/freezing rain/rain we will try again. They are forecasting 1 to 3 of snow and then all bets are off. For Wednesday they say...clear sunny and 46. Yeah right and the ground hog ate Wisconsin.

Rae--hope all went well. The time and day for Palos are great with us. Take care of yourself.

Off to placate the dog. She wants out NOW! Estelle

[DisneyDmom]

Thank you Rae, Estelle, Jan and Linda for such a warm welcoming. My DD has researched all the cruise has to offer teens, and I was a bit concerned that as a solo adult, I wouldn’t have as much to do, such as enjoying Palos. Now, to find four seasoned travelers who seem to enjoy life and cruising, I see there is hope for me to have some fun too!. Rae, I’ll PM you our cabin info (once I figure out how to do that :). And, yes, I do have many questions.

I’m afraid my questions may seem silly to you, but just remember your first cruise. What does a late 40’s mom wear on a cruise? It sounds like I won’t need a little black dress (probably wouldn’t fit in little black dress anyhow), but how nice do I go and how casual do I go? Do I carry a purse around with me on the ship? Or do I lock everything in room safe and just carry a key? EBaying for extra spending money is not possible, so what’s a range of spending $$?

We've also reserved via AAA. Anything special I ought to ask them?

Oh, and about Rae being the shrimp scoundrel…I might just give you a run for your money. Linda, I have been on low carbs for a few months, with success, and shrimp just happens to be highly recommended. So, may the longest arms (or is it the fastest reach) get the first bite!

Thanks all.
DEBBIE

[dianthus]

Debbie! I'm doing the Mom/daughter thing this trip too. Taylor will be 13 the day we sail, however she's been going on 17 since she was 11, as evidenced by the Mr. Raisin Butt story... PM me for Taylor's email address & your daughter can email her with any questions. She knows the ship well. She's looking forward to going to the Stack this time. The adult caberet shows are fun & I love the rainforest room. You will not be bored at all.

You don't have to carry a purse on the ship, just your KTTW card, as everything is charged to it- no cash on ship. Some people like the lanyards to carry your card in... I'm not a fan... I use pockets. We use motorolas on the ship to keep in touch if we are apart.

Dress on the ship is very casual by day & dressy casual for brunch and most dinners. Formal nights you see a range from Ultra dressy to ... The winter cruises seem to be a bit more formal than the Spring ones. I usually pack a black dress for formal night & another outfit for semi formal. Sundresses, skirts, and pants are fine for the dining rooms- cruisewear. They just don't want jeans, or shorts in there for dinner. I am going to try to keep packing light this time. There is a laundry so you can wash clothes if you need, or want to. They have caribbean night in St. Martin. Pack something tropical, or buy something in St. Martin. They have good tropical wear there pretty cheap.

AAA issues soda mugs/stickers for their clients, so you don't have to shell out $35 for them- that's good! Onboard spending can be a little or a great deal... Budget for tips, pics, drinks, souveneirs. Excursions can run up the bill. The rainforest is $50 for a week's pass, spa treatments can do your budget in. Palo brunch is $10- the best deal on the ship. Bingo is fun on the ship too. I think the jumbo packs run about $35. Taylor loves She-She. I hope she's back by our cruise! She sends "bingo love" around the room!

Hope this helps you! You will have a great time! Are you coming in the night before? If so, where are you staying?

Estelle~ I was so glad we have Tivo. When we got home from the party we replayed the "costume malfunction", as I wasn't sure what I saw. I was the only one who caught it at the party & I wasn't sure about it, it happened so fast. Doug completely missed it( he was really glad we have Tivo! LOL!). Sure enough, I did see what I saw. YIKES! Taylor is such a funny one- She says after seeing this~ Did you see the way he tore away at her dress? Forget about her "hanging out", she's lucky she's still got "righty" attached! :earseek: LOL! I think she has been subjected to far too much nudity in her young life( raisin butt was enough for many lifetimes )& I think she's a bit jaded now! She cracks us up!

~ Linda :boat:

[ehtpnt]

I can't figure out what is up with the "c" word. Anybody know?
It isn't just the meet thread it is also the main "c" thread too.

A bit weird...

Our weather is good today. We have 40 and sun. Actual melt is occurring. Of course we have huge puddles...size of small lakes in our drive. And unfortunately tomorrow we will be having... SNOW! Please bring on Spring. We aren't due to hit 40 again until Sunday.

We are only 72 days out...I think. That's if I counted right. I am ready NOW.
Off to iron the flannel shirts... that I won't need in 72 days!

Estelle

[rae519]

Hi all! First, thanks for the prayers and good wishes. Surgery was longer than expected, and ended up staying from 9AM Monday til 1:30PM Tuesday in the hospital. Came home a bit sore, very tired and just not able to sit for long stretches of time. But that's the way it goes.

I have short arms, but I'm quick - so much for the shrimp. Right now, NOTHING sounds good to either eat or drink.

Waiting for "wintry mix" this afternoon/evening here - I won't be able to ride til St. Patrick's Day (6 weeks) - so I'm not too concerned.

Gas just jumped 20 cents to $1.73. Can we say "Price Gouging"?
OUCH!!!

Going to lie down for a while - so take care and remember the keyword is "VACATION"!

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Welcome Back Rae!!!

Glad it all went well even tho it took longer than expected. I understand about the wintery mix. They are calling for snow 1-3 then sleet/ freezing rain and then either back to snow or all rain. This is due tonight into tomorrow morning. Just when I was beginning to see a little of the brown grass around the edges. We did get a nice day yesterday but aren't due to get another one until Saturday at the earliest. Our AAA agent has a daughter who lives in Maine. They have less snow than we do and are experiencing a draught. Go figure.
We did finally get to AAA this morning so the bill is paid and now the only expenses left are the excursions and getting to Port Canavarel and the night before sailing. Just the little ones.LOL

Have to return to the ironing. Which means chasing the cat out of the basket and using a lint brush on the shirts before I can iron them. Darn Cat... Estelle

[ehtpnt]

Well as usual the weatherman was off. We never got the one to three. Just sleet, freezing rain, ice and rain. Our roads are a wash in some places with several inches of water. We may have a sink hole in the parking lot of the day care center. And all this will probably freeze tonight.

Just think the seven day cruisers were at CC today. Probably enjoying the warm sun and water.

I am thinking our first documents could arrive about the 16th, that's only 10 days from now. Things are going to move right along once they arrive.

Off now for my nightly treadmill experience. Talk to you all later.

Estelle

[lsutigger2]

Estelle, newbie question

what first documents?? Our cruise is paid for, we'll we be getting something. Do I have a reason to run to the mail box everyday??

Thanks for the information

[dianthus]

Hi lsutigger! not Estelle, but I can answer your question! The excursion listings will be sent to you @ the 60 day mark. You can prebook any excursion DCL offers. You can go on their website to preview, but the listing that comes @ the 60 day mark has the prices. You should receive your cruise docs anywhere from 2-3 weeks before. I wouldn't start running to the mailbox, ours came by Fedex in November- right to your door. Did you decide to go with Budget, or Avis for your rental car?

Hi Rae! Welcome back!Glad to hear your recovery is going well & you'll be "back in the saddle" soon again. Start lifting weights & get that shrimp arm moving. Sounds like your gonna need it in shape with this crew... :D They are going to give you a run for it at the buffet table. Maybe we should alert DCL to order more shrimp for this cruise?! Lotsa hot sauce too!

Estelle~ we've been having the lovely weather you sent us from PA. We did get 3 inches,then sleet, then rain... It's a soupy, foggy wonderland of ice out there. Lovely, with the driveway we have... It looks like a bobsled run! Gotta get runners for the Jeep- watch out Jimmy Shea!:p It'll be my luck those furry, antlered friends of mine will be in the way, so maybe I'll have antlers on the car yet..

CC is looking really good right about now. Konk cooler anyone?

~ Linda :boat:

[rae519]

CC is looking even better now that I am able to be more "alert" and see all the snow and icy mess we have in our yard - and the snow is still falling. Welcome to Winter...

Sure could use a shrimp bowl and some "mango tango" or even a Konk Kooler! All are sounding so much better than what's in my freezer/refrigerator. Part of that is the fact that someone else is making them and the weather is better where we are having them! ; )

I found a good source for Italian charms and pendants (Disney designs) on ebay - Pugster Inc. Bidding is usually .99 and shipping is reduced on multiple wins. Might want to check it out if you are into these charms.

We are putting more schoolbooks on line and so far only one winner has failed to pay us for her purchase from early January. So after numerous attempts to reach her, we alerted Ebay to her "scheme". I could understand if she was in an emergency situation, but when I checked her out she is still bidding and paying for those wins - so she's just ignoring us. Maybe she doesn't realize that this will affect her ebay status, but after 6 weeks, we've waited long enough. (Tom is more patient than I am!)

Nothing new on the "wedding" - I was going to buy Michael a tux on ebay, but Mom keeps saying, "Maybe Chris will come to his senses!" I highly doubt that. BUT if they do change their mind, then since I paid for his cruise, I'm to use it myself!!!!!! Always thinking, aren't I?

10 Saturdays to go -

Rae

[ehtpnt]

Got our excursion docs today!!! DH says NOW he'll get excited. Of course unfortunately they came with the price list. Have to get hold of the other couple going with us and see which ones they might be interested in doing.

Our world looks like a lake. The drive has 2 inches of water and the foot prints in the snow have standing water in them too. You can imagine how the dog feels about all the water. She has been very carefully stepping where there are no prints. And of course it will be well below freezing tonight and all that will be slippery and therefore very nasty in the morning.

By the way when can we actually call to make our excursion reservations? I figure it is probably the 17th of this month. Am I correct?

Dinner time, oldest isn't home so guess who has the dog for the evening? Ah well I can always iron and keep her company that way. Talk to you later. Estelle

[dianthus]

I bought a few Disney italian charms for Christmas from Pugster. Very nice quality. Beats $7 to 15 a charm on the ship! Another good one is Bargain charms unlimited on eBay. I think I got 5 million charms for $20- non disney charms, but great quality. Taylor made bracelets for all her friends for christmas presents.

Here's some ways to deal with NPBs on eBay. I only accept Paypal for payment & I expect payment in 5 days. Put it in your auction page. I send one reminder notice on the 6th day, then I file an NPB report on the 7th. Usually the email they get from eBay motivates them to pay. After 10 days, I relist & recoup my fees from eBay. I used to wait, but a non payer usually surfaces quickly - 5 days is sufficent.

Taylor & I have found some great bargains lately we have begun ebaying & turning a pretty good profit on. We bought a bunch of Abercrombie shirts on sale. So far, the profits made have covered the ones she wanted to keep! Free Abercrombie- I'm loving it...We also bought these cute valentine spa slipper & flip flop sets with Betty Boop/Sponge Bob embroidered on them & they flew out the door! We bought 17 sets, kept 3 for us/gifts & sold all but 4 in a week, making a great profit. This has been a great experience teaching Taylor about enterprise. She is highly motivated to make enough money to go "power" shopping in St. Thomas. She really wants that little "Louie". She's bound & determined to come home with one.

Rae~ Buy Michael the tux. If Chris' plans fall through, he can still wear it on formal night on the cruise. Get a formal family portrait done! Little boys look adorable in their tuxes! He'll have it for the wedding, if it comes to pass & future cruises too.

~ Linda :boat:

[jeanie]

Wow has this thread grown!! I have been popping in every once in awhile but it looks like I have a lot of catching up to do!


I just made final payment and I am ready to bust!!! I can't wait any longer......The ice on the driveway and walkways had melted enough that we could scrape it up yesterday, I am so sick of winter!!


We are a family of 4 from MA and my kids are DD12 and DS10.
We have been looking forward to this for a very,very long time!!!
598 days to be exact!! I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to do the cruise since I work for a company that is continually laying off....so far I am still employed, so we cruise!!!

This will be our 2nd cruise but first Magic cruise...

We are going to sign up for the Rhino Riders on St Martin's with the Golden Eagle as our second choice...


We are also going to St John on our own...head to Cinnamon Bay and try one of the hikes and if time a little shopping in Mongoose Junction...

What is everyone else doing? Which excursions book quickly? Should I call right at the 60 day mark?


No Palo or massages this time, we are just going to enjoy every moment and relax!!

[RobinMarie]

RobinMarie~ I got the DaVinci Code for Christmas & I was going to save it for the cruise, as I hear it's really, really good. Am I better off reading it before hand & bring something else?

I brought it on our last vacation and found it pretty handy to have in the airport, plane ride and before bed. I think it would be a great book to read on the cruise, I'd save it.

Glad to read everyone's plans are coming along. I think, since we've never been to any of the ports, we are not going to book an excursion. I'm a big shopper so I think I can manage that without any help. I am thinking about Coki Beach and Coral World and have read doing it on our own allows for more time.

I've been corresponding with Lynn, Luv2Dream, and we're excited to have exchanged photos of our daughters and hope they will provide comfort to each other when in the childrens programs. Our daughters are 6 and 7 years old.

Rae I'm happy your surgery went smoothly. May your recovery continue swiftly!

Happy planning everyone!

[lsutigger2]

Thanks guys for the info on the excursion docs that should be arriving soon. Something to look forward to.

Sure hope we can hook up for a "meeting" after we set sail.

Rae, glad things went well for you last week. It is usually a relief when those types of things are over with.

Less than 10 weeks (now that it is Sunday)

:jumping1:

[dianthus]

Hey Guys!

I'm so excited! I realized last night I finally got a tag! After all this time... I love it!

I don't know about Rhino riders, but Golden Eagle books quickly. We did that one on our first cruise- lots of fun. I'd do it at the 60 day mark.

RobinMarie~ OK, I'll save DaVinci Code for the cruise- Thanks! Coki is beautiful, but watch your stuff on the beach. Little kids run & grab stuff once you go in the water and run away. It's been a problem there for years.. Rent a locker for cameras or valuables & bring a wet box for your cash/cards when you go in the water. Also, sit near other people. It makes it harder for them to do this. About 5 years ago, we witnessed 3 kids about 10 yrs old do this all at once. They grabbed bags, ran & jumped into a waiting car that sped away. One of the victims lost cash, camcorder, cell phone & credit cards. What a pain! We felt so bad for them. Maegan's is quieter & very beautiful, but no Coral World. This is not a problem there, as it's harder to get away & out of the place. Just wanted you to be aware. Our hotel told us about this problem at check in & we were glad we knew before going there.

~ Linda :boat:

[rae519]

Well congrats on the tag - amazing how our tag fairies do the magic that they do!!!

Thank you for all our wonderful tags, dear tag fairies!

69 days to go! We leave Indy on Friday afternoon and are spending the night (priceline.com) at airports Holiday Inn - then limo'*** it to the Port! Can't wait!

Anyone else staying at the HI?

Rae

[outahere]

It must be getting close..... we received the final statement from DCL on Friday and it had the excursion info with it. Going to call this week and make final payment, then get ready to make excursion ressies next Tuesday.

I haven't been following this thread as closely as I probably should have........ did I miss anything about a DIS meet being planned? Went to Home Depot a few weeks back and picked up some lime green Mickeys, now I need to figure out what to attach them to so we can wear them. I'm not sure who's getting more excited now.... DW or DS9. :hyper:

[lsutigger2]

Linda - dianthus: you had asked about car rental. Decided to go with Budget. Rates were pretty good and it seems to be very close to Radission etc.
We fly out of NO on 4-16 and then onto Radisson at Cape Canaveral. I wasn't taking any chances on the Magic leaving with out us!!

See you all there!!

[ehtpnt]

Hi outahere-- Rae is collecting names and stateroom numbers for a brunch at Palos. I think it is going to be on Sunday morning. Assuming all goes as planned. Other than that I am not sure what meets are planned. Anyone got any information on that??

Well the lakes are smaller but most of the day were skating rinks. The 2 inches of water under my car turned to ice over night and I had to be very gentle backing the car up to go to church. There are strange looking ovals in the ice, where the tires were.

I am going to start looking at the excursion info. and make a list of the ones I want to do. Then DH will make his list and we'll compare and decide which to do... maybe.

There is a show on that I really want to see so I am off to take over the television. Talk to you later. Estelle

[ehtpnt]

I was just checking the main cruise thread and noticed one for our dates. Seems someone had a cat 2 room and had to cancel their cruise. So it went to the wait list. And the CM told the poster that they also had a cat 3 room that came in yesterday. Long story short the cat 3 would cost...$11,000.00 for 4 people!

Does seem that booking early is really a big plus.

Nice day here in the North East. And nothing from the sky for at least the rest of the week. A friend told me at church yesterday that she had a tree full of Robins on Saturday. Bet they were surprised.

Talk to you all later. Estelle

[rae519]

Originally posted by ehtpnt
poster that they also had a cat 3 room that came in yesterday. Long story short the cat 3 would cost...$11,000.00 for 4 people!

Estelle


CHOKE!
And people think I'm nuts for always cruising with a verandah!
Rae

[outahere]

Long story short the cat 3 would cost...$11,000.00 for 4 people!

Hmmmm...... given that we will spend about 164 hours on the ship (noon Saturday to 8:00am Saturday), that would be about $1.12 a minute, or over $67 per hour!!!!

I wonder what the cat 2 would have been?

[ehtpnt]

For me it really wouldn't matter how much the cat 2 was. My DH almost had a fit when I read him that post. At that rate we would be cruising in the bilge.

Nice days finally. A whole whopping two!! At least they aren't forecasting any unpleasantness in the near future.

Having brunch with the friends traveling with us on Sat. Saw her tonight and she said her husband put the brunch on the calendar and she got confused and announced we couldn't do brunch on Saturday because we wouldn't have sailed at 10 AM. Her DH pointed out it was this Saturday not the 17th. Jen just looked at him and said...wishful thinking!

Know just what she means. Talk to you all later. Estelle

[JLSE50]

Originally posted by ehtpnt
I was just checking the main cruise thread and noticed one for our dates. Seems someone had a cat 2 room and had to cancel their cruise. So it went to the wait list. And the CM told the poster that they also had a cat 3 room that came in yesterday. Long story short the cat 3 would cost...$11,000.00 for 4 people!
Estelle
wait list??
Where? How? whatever?

Jan:earsgirl:

[Luv2Dream]

Hello again everyone! Sorry I haven't posted back but I've been ultra-absorbed with work. It seems that after 19 years, the physician I work for has decided to become an employee of the local hospital, thus closing our practice. SO, in about 2 months, I'll have to be employed elsewhere. Hopefully , also at the local hospital. Haven't had any discussions yet as the news is so new. I'm sure they'll happen within the next couple weeks. Anyhow, YES, I LOVE SHRIMP! I fully understand that I have to stand back and let the shrimp lover #1 take her full share first! LOL Also, no thongs for me.....nope, never going to see that! I'll check back daily now, especially for something to make me smile! Raisin butt....too funny! Lynn

[lsutigger2]

Okay cruise mates,
I haven't gotten any information on excursions for our cruise. Is the mail lady reading my mail again before she delivers it???

How many others have gotten theirs?

Its' been raining here lots - I'll soon be able to set sail from home if it doesn't stop soon!

Glad you all are here. Don't have many others to chat about the cruise with and as the days get closer it is harder and harder not to talk about it.

DH did start reading some of the info, so I guess he gets to join me after all!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Take care and hope all are well.

[ehtpnt]

Hi Everybody,

We got our excursion documents on Saturday. I don't think our friends have gotten theirs yet. But we have a planning meeting/brunch on Saturday morning.

I assume everyone saw the posting on the main thread about the CM who was killed today during the 3 PM parade. What a terrible event.

And then to hear that COMCAST is trying for a hostile take over on top of that. I hope nothing comes of this. I really do not want to think of Disney as a part of some giant corporation. I was planning on sitting down and reading my annual report for my small amount of Disney stock. I may actually do something I have never done before and consider going to a stock holder meeting. Interesting that this years meeting is in Philly.

Weather is still nice and sunny. But there is still white stuff on the ground. Only now it is solid ice. A little melt every day and then refreeze every night. Warm weather can not come soon enough.

[ehtpnt]

Ooops...pressed wrong key.
Going off now to tell DH about the takeover. Talk to you later, Estelle

[M&CKing]

Hello everyone. I would like to add our names to the list. We are taking our DS(11) and our DD (8) for our 2nd cruise w/ Disney. We are all looking forward to this!:bounce: I would love for my kids to make a friend before going. If you are travelling w/ a child around their age please PM me.

[ehtpnt]

Welcome M&CKing!! Glad to have you with us. We personally don't have any small people who are older than 5 going with us. But I am sure some of the other posters do.

By the way are you a shrimp lover? In time the reason for this question will become obvious. Actually if you have read the thread you understand.

All has been quiet around here. The weather has been cold to cool. But nothing has been coming out of the sky other than Sun. Off to feed the DH lunch. Talk to you later. Estelle

[jeanie]

Hi,

Has anyone booked through DU? I received a pointer to all the excursions on their webpage but it doesn't seem to have all the times listed for the excursions... I was just wondering if I should be getting a cruise brochure??? Tuesday is coming quick and I think I know what we are doing but I wanted to know what the times are for the different excursions....

If anyone has the "official cruise brochure" could you tell me what time the Rhino riders or the Golden Eagle Catamaram run on St Martin's?? I need to find something "fun" for DD and something for DS that includes activities other than snorkling...

Thanks!

[Luv2Dream]

Jeanie, I wrote to DU today about this very thing. We have also not received any "official" cruise information on anything at all. Now, I realize that the documents aren't supposed to arrive before 2-3 weeks before sailing, but I would have thought we would have gotten something in the mail about the excursions. Anyhow, Tammy got back to me and said to e-mail her with my choices and she'd give me the excursion #'s for my form. I'm not sure where I got my form but it asks for excursion # on it.

[rae519]

Welcome M&CKing - glad to have your family with us on this cruise!
My son will be 9 in May - he's a veteran DCL cruiser so if you or your children have any questions, let us know!

I haven't gotten my brochure for the excursions yet - we can just get it off line at the DCL site and call/fax them in I suppose. I am cruising on points and cash this time so I don't know what's going on - this is the first time it's been so close to the wire without the brochure. Wonder if the docs will be delayed also....
hey, docs or not, I'm cruising 4/17.

Rae

[lsutigger2]

Got my excursion brochure today. If anyone needs info, please let me know and I'll see if I can help.

Great day for it to arrive - it has been cold and raining today, just like it has been for about two weeks now!!

My favorite college team is in Orlando this weekend playing baseball. Wish we were there!

DH has read the Passporter cruise book and is finally getting excited about the trip. He asked the other day - what is our room number?? Guess he gets to go with me now!

Later !

[rae519]

Palo brunch has been rescheduled for lunch at noon, Lumiere's on Monday.

Thanks!

Rae

[rae519]

SAILAWAY MEET AND GREET - DECK 10, Starboard, Mid ship (*overlooking Goofy Pool) - Marie (who is sailing Sunday on the Wonder) will be holding a sign on shore for us!

EMBARKATION BUFFET - Topsiders if nice, Parrot Cay if not!

I'll be at Port at 10AM!!! Night before at Holiday Inn (Airport).


For lack of a better way to do this, I have compiled a list of whose who - I did NOT use our first/last names or stateroom numbers though.

IF I don't have you on the list, sorry! I have done my best and that's all I can do!!!!


rae519
Indiana (native New Yorker!)
couple plus DS 8
Celebrating son's 9th birthday early!

outahere
Mass
couple plus DS 9
Celebrating son's birthday!

RobinMarie
Conn
couple plus DD6

Jeanie
Mass
couple plus DD 12 and DS 10

MacMonster
N Carolina
couple
Celebrating 25th Anniversary!

amtmommy
Mass
couple plus DD 6

ehtpht
Penn
couple plus friends and their DS 5

BVC Owner in MA
Mass
couple plus DD (21m), DS's (5 & 8)

lsutigger2
Lousianna
couple
HER significant birthday

dianthus
Conn
Mother and DD (13)
Celebrating DD's birthday

Luv2Dream
couple plus DD (7)

tinkattitude
Couple plus DD8
10th Anniversary and DD's birthday!

DisneyDMom
Mom and Daugher (16)

M&CKing
Virginia
couple plus DS (11) and DD (8)

Skuba2
couple plus DD's (9 1/2 and 6 1/2)

KiStacker
Conn
couple plus DD's (8 1/2 and 7); DS (4 1/2)

MargaretMary
Boston
couple plus DS (15, 11) and DD 10

ZebraStripes
Conn
couple plus DD 8, DSIL, DBIL



FRIENDS NOT CRUISING BUT PART OF OUR THREAD

Disney1fan2002 -
Marie is an honorary member of our cruise who will be cruising Sunday on Wonder, She's volunteered to be at the Port to hold a sign and wave at us! We will be waving back at'cha!!!!! THANKS!!!!

JLSE50 - Indiana - Jan, we will be thinking of you!

[rae519]

HIGH TEA

IF anyone wants to be included in the High Tea at Palo, please let me know - I know we are in for it!!!!

Hugs,
Rae

[RobinMarie]

Good job with the list Rae! Thanks for the update.

[Luv2Dream]

Great job with the list, Rae. In case you want DD's age, she will be 7.

[rae519]

Got my shore excursion book - date 11/03 on back.

Anything anyone needs/wants to know specific, let me know so I can look it up.

Hugs to all,
Rae

[ehtpnt]

Great job with the list Rae! One small change, our friends little boy is 5. Turned 5 last week.

I have been suffering the 24/36 hour Intestinal Flu. Not fun. But better now than in April. We did manage to have a working breakfast yesterday with our friends. So we have picked two excursions to do. Hopefully they will be available when I call Tuesday morning. The rest of the trip will be more or less do whatever floats our boat... A little cruise humor there.

Am now going to sign off and retire back to the bed and my several romance novels. Estelle

[rae519]

Made changes on both lists today - page 15 is now up to date!

Sunday 10:30 for Brunch

We need to get an alternate place for the first meet in case it rains as it did yesterday - I suggest Promenade Lounge (it's quiet and convenient), we have used it before - right after the Safety Drill and just before we sail away.

Have a great evening and it's only 61 days away!

Rae

[Skuba2]

If this is a repeat--sorry. I tried posting last night and don't have a clue what my dinosaur of a computer did.

We are on this cruise and can't wait to get out of the cold weather. We got tickets on Jetblue and are looking forward to the plane ride. They are suppose to be a really passenger friendly airline. No overbooking, leather seats for all and satellite tv for each seat. We leave from CT on the Wednesday before and hanging out at Universal until the cruise. Kids love Nickelodeon and Dr. Seuss. We got AVis rental down and Happy Limo back. Our gang is Me--Deb--turning 38 before the cruise; DH--39; DD 9.5 Christine and DD 6.5 Jenn. Our 2.5 son isn't going. He's staying with my mom. This is our 5th cruise and 2nd with Disney. I have been reading these boards for 4 years now ever since booking our first cruise with Disney. I don't post much but love reading everyone's thoughts and stories and do a little talking back to the computer.

Rae--you asked about St. Thomas. I went down years ago---probably 10 since I was pregnant with my first. It was pre-hurricane. Anyway, on all of our cruise experiences, we have had good luck with haggling with cabbies to give us island tours. They take you as a group and stop at the usual stops but you go at the pace you want to.

I too love shrimp and lobster and all things from the sea. Can you ever have too much seafood?!

We intend on pretty much staying on the ship the whole time. We do like the regatta races in St. Marteen and of course get off on Castaway Cay. For first timers--watch the clock. Unless changed, the kids production is right after boarding on this day and to get back and shower prior can be a hassle. We love the eastern itinerary because of the extra day at sea. If they had a 7 days at sea cruise---we'd be on it. The islands just get so crowded with all the ships. If you are going to do some shopping---stay on your toes. Do your homework at home first. Get prices of stuff here to compare to down there. The bargains ain't what they used to be. Another hint---unless they've changed it---you don't pay duty taxes on loose stones but you do when they are set in jewelry. It is worth checking into.

I was the one who posted about the crazy costs of the cabins. I think our cruise is pretty much sold out. Disney web site only shows Cat 4 available for $10,000 which included air fare, insurance and xfers. Crazy!!

Anyway, I am soooooo looking forward to the warmth.

Deb
Atkins---10 gone 15 to go.

[rae519]

Welcome Skuba2 - so glad to have you with us. Wow - nice weather you are having (NOT)!

Will be putting you on THE list - if you'd like Brunch or High Tea, please pm me with names (first and last) and Stateroom number so you can be with the group - Sunday 10:30AM.

Wow - haggling with cabbies -what a surprise! Also, glad to know you are a "ship lover" - or was that SHRIMP?!

As I have named this my official "Shrimpfest 2004" Cruise, I am giving special dispensation to ALL shrimp lovers to join me!

Also, try the "Mango Tango" - take orange/mango soup, put it in a glass with ice and liberally add rum. Mmmmmmmm GOOD!

Okay, tomorrow is the day we can start doing excursions, so plan ahead and get those in!!!!!

Rae

[rae519]

If anyone has late dining and is interested in sharing a table with us, let me know by tomorrow!

I've done this for several cruises and enjoy sharing the table with those I've met on this forum. All that's required is that you pm me with your names (first and last, reservation number) - then I call Disney and get our reservations linked.

Since I am going to get the Romantic Escape at Sea package, I have been advised that I also get to choose my rotation dining - I I don't care for animator's palate and will get a rotation that has THAT the least on it!!! (LAPLAPL or PLAPLAP). For those who dislike the Tropicali menu as much as I do, that is on Tuesday night (St. Marten) and with LAP it would be at Lumiere's and with PLA it would be at Parrot Cay.

Now that I have confused you -

Thanks!

Rae

[klStacker]

We are also cruising on April 17th. This is our first Disney cruise. My husband and I have cruised several times, but this is the first time we've brought the kids. We have two girls, ages 8 1/2 and 7, and a boy, age 4 1/2.

RobinMarie: My oldest daughter has already met a friend on these boards, but my 7 year old has not. We also live in Connecticut and she is also in first grade. She'd love to send an e-mail to your daughter before the cruise to introduce herself.

[ehtpnt]

Welcome KlStacker! Any shrimp lover is welcome, just watch out for Rae and I we lurk around shrimp. Of course if there is lobster too I will be in deep trouble.

Rae, We are on the late seating and would be fine with having you all as seat mates. We would be a table for 5 of us and however many of you there would be. You have our names and staterooms from the list for the 10:30 brunch. Thanks for the offer. Got to go to work see you all in 61 days!!! Estelle

[rae519]

Thanks Estelle! I found out that I won't be able to do anything til I get my rotation confirmed (PLA) since I have gone ahead and paid for the REAS but the Coordinator won't contact me til 14-30 days before the cruise.

REAS - Romantic Escape at Sea!!! For $299, we get the couples massage, Palo dinner/brunch and high tea ressies, turn down service, gifts, Champagne breakfast in our room, and rose petals everywhere! Tom is going to just die when he finds this out. I am NOT telling him anything and he will just see it as it develops!

Yes, I am having two Brunches that week - group and private!!! It's called "PIG OUT" time!!!!


Welcome aboard kiStacker - so glad to have you along! Another New Englander....I know I named this cruise right... on page 15, I have our list for cruisers and brunch (if you are interested). Please pm me with your names (first and last) and stateroom number, if you want the brunch or high tea.

So glad to have you with us.


+++++++++IMPORTANT INFORMATION++++++++++++++++++

Have we decided on where and when our Disney Meet is?

(Promenade Lounge after the Safety Drill if rainy, but will that still be okay if it is sunny? This is a short meet and greet since no one wants to miss sail away!!!)



Have we decided on what significant color or item we will be wearing to identify ourselves as this group to each other?

Name tags, colored t-shirts, anything???? We have Passporter ID name tags in lime green that we will be wearing. But any other ideas?



Have we decided on when our Brunch will be?
(I think we said Sunday 10:30 or 11AM?)


AND IT IS EXCUSION RESERVATION TIME!!! Since rumor has it we will be near capacity, the reservations will be going fast, so be prepared!!!

Rae

[RobinMarie]

It's so nice to see new people joining us!

KlStacker - it would be fabulous to exchange pre-cruise greetings to each other. I will try and send a smaller, more compact picture out this time. Victoria would love to practice her typing skills!

Glad to have you with us Skuba!

When/how are the character breakfasts? I don't want it to interfere with brunch. Can anyone fathom a guess? I'm getting confused!

As this is my first cruise, I have no suggestions about meet n greet times and places. Just tell me where and I'll join!



:wave:

[rae519]

Thankfully, I asked this question earlier today and Dave from Marietta's site has the answers:

PLA - Thursday
APL - Sunday
LAP - Monday

For main dining guests, it's 8AM, for late dining, it's 9:30AM.
The menu isn't anything much but the characters are fun regardless!

For those dining late, you can still make brunch at 11AM - plan on just coffee, tea or juice at the Character Breakfast though!

I was looking at Sunday 11AM because the DVC has their celebration between 10 and 11AM - lots of free things given away for members - and you could make the 11AM brunch if you go straight there at around 10:50/55.

Rae

[rae519]

April 17, 2004 (Based on Orlando's longitute and latitude)

Sunrise: 6:58AM

Sunset: 7:53PM


Those with main dining will be able to see sunset along with those who have late dining!

Make your Palo dining reservations with the sunset in mind - it's beautiful on the ocean!

I also HIGHLY recommend watching at least one sunrise, starting way before the twilight time! It's magnificent!

59 days and counting....
Are we packed yet??????


Rae

[Luv2Dream]

Rae, You are a wealth of information pouring forth! So Brunch is 11am on Sunday after DVC celebration which is 10am-11am. I missed where we are meeting the first time when we get on the ship. I saw the alternate side. What time is this meet? You can pm me if you'd like with all the answers. This is getting so exciting!

Oh, never mind, I just found your post above. DUH! Sometimes I have brain mush syndrome!

I'm all for Sunday brunch at 11am. If we all have an identifying item, say lime green ribbon made into a bow pinned on ourselves somewhere, maybe we could do the sunny meet up on deck wherever the sail away party is. Since I'm a new DCL cruiser, I don't know where that is, but you probably all do. Then we'd be there and wouldn't have to leave to get to sail away. Any other ideas?

Last question: Is it better to call for excursions tomorrow or fax them in? Also isn't 60 days 2/18, not 2/17 or am I counting wrong?

[rae519]

Promenade Lounge is on the Port side - the best side to do the SailAway from is the Starboard side since we can wave to the "landlubbers"!

Promenade is close to the Internet area and elevators, so we can have a quick meet and greet there if it rains or just above it on the deck near the Goofy pool (middle pool) on the Starboard side!
It does get loud and crowded there! So it's hard to make quiet conversation.

Another place that was recommended was outside the Vista Spa - large area and quieter.

But I will go with the majority of voters!!

Rae

[outahere]

Just a suggestion, if it's sunny......... what about doing the DIS meet on deck 10, starboard side, right above either the adult pool (quieter) or above the Goofy pool? That way we wouldn't have far to go to the sail away party, or we can have our own mini version up there and wave to everyone at Grills on our way by.

Rae..... I had a feeling way back in October that this would be popular with those of us in New England. I think we better put a timer on the lights up here, just to make sure they get shut off when we all leave!

Ed

[rae519]

ED, sounds good to me! Just consider the others as rain alternatives!

Rae

[rae519]

Changed the name of the cruise - since no one will be in New England that week!

Rae

[outahere]

Luv2Dream............ I would call them tomorrow (Tuesday 2/17), especially if you want to go on one of the excursions with limited availability. The number is 877-566-0968.

I plan on being on the phone first thing in the morning.

Ed

[Luv2Dream]

Outahere,

Thanks. What time do they open? 8am or 7am? Lynn

[rae519]

IS this our race?!

Okay, I'm in - but do faxes count?!!!

I'm going with the Trunk Bay at St. Johns.
Still undecided about St. Marten.....


Rae

[outahere]

Lynn,

I just called the number and they told me they are open from 8:00am to 10:00pm weekdays, and 8:00am to 8:00pm on weekends. All Eastern times..........

Ed

[Luv2Dream]

Oh, Ed, that is too funny. I just called the number also and talked to Ginny and she told me the same thing. She said to call early because the Dolphin excursion goes fast. I told her, no problem, 8am it is. Thanks Ed for your help. Lynn

Rae, you best be calling in at 8am. No faxes. Who knows what will happen with those? DCL said its the fastest fingers who win. I laughed. Lynn

[rae519]

Ed - you just crack me up! Gotta love a person go goes to the source!!!

Now you can take on Donna at the rebooking desk if we don't hear anything between now and 4/17 about the May-September "SPECIAL" 2005 cruises!!!!

Rae