EWP group?

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

ELAINE!!!!!! So great to hear from you! Thanks so much for coming by and checking in! And it sounds like you definitely made the right move for yourself by quitting your job. You knew that it was the right time to move on, and as Linda said, hopefully you will have some more time to yourself, now, to accomplish the things that you want to do and to decide the best next "plan" for you. I hope that you are enjoying having a break and that all is well with you and Luis!

Glad to hear that you enjoyed the beginning of our Anniversary celebration, Linda! And hope that everyone enjoyed our "Around the World" dinner in the World Showcase, last night, featuring foods from each of the represented countries - YUM! Since we've already hit each of the theme parks, the next part of our celebration will be taking place in Downtown Disney, starting with a private showing of La Nouba! It was very nice of Cirque du Soleil to honor us with the offer of a private show! :)

Would love to see the rest of your footage, Linda - we really enjoyed the video and photos that you sent! Great job! :) Would love to see the "music videos", too! :)

We've been having a nice (if rainy!) weekend. We had fun at the Somerset Patriots game on Friday night (even though they lost :( ) - it was nice to see the old ML pals, whom we went with, and it's always fun to see a ball game so close to home! Then we had a great 79th Birthday party for my uncle at my father's house, yesterday. My father has been loving having the opportunity to do some entertaining, lately, since he hadn't been able to do so for so long (even before my mother got sick - she never really liked people coming to the house, since she was rather agoraphobic), and he does a great job, too! There were unbelievable amounts of food, there - lots of good deli stuff! And Frank baked his world-famous Peaches and Cream Pie, for the occasion, and it went over very well! :) My uncle had a good time and he enjoyed seeing the relatives who came, and it was nice to see my father enjoying the company of others, too. We're off to take them both out to dinner, now, since today is my uncle's actual Birthday.

Hope that you're all having a great weekend! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Excuse me but all that great food has me a bit off balance. I think that chocolate cake at the Norway Bakery was the best part of the evening. I am so glad that along with the no limit credit card we got a Free Pass on Calories as well. I may just move into the Suite permanently and forget all about the Real World. Doubt it would forget about me though. (sigh)

My sister is back in the hospital with the staph infection. Very scary and since she is not the type to follow doctor's orders, or anyone else's it is very scary.

Just learned that one of my younger sisters is going to be a grandma for the first time. Her 20 year old son's 14 year old girlfriend that he has lived with for 3 years is pregnant. Can we spell Appalachia?? For obvious reasons she cannot state who the father is so we will all be pitching in to support this newest life. May he/she prosper in spite of the circumstances. Because of the age difference between my hubby and myself I have been a great aunt before but did not expect it from this side of the family too soon. I may be a great great aunt someday soon as my great niece is now 19. I am now the oldest person in my family. I am 56. Odd.

Lisa, they have the La Nouba DVD at Target for under $30. I am thinking of getting it. Netflik has many of the other shows on DVD too. My sister saw the one in Las Vegas. It was R rated and she said it was awesome. Guess it will not be coming to DW any time soon. LOL

I am somewhat agoraphobic but I enjoy people coming in just do not like to go elsewhere. I am glad that your dad is enjoying himself. He was a good husband and deserves some time to do what he wants and is blessed to have such a loving family too. Peaches and Cream pie? Frank cooks??? Is a mitzvah. (is that right?)

I am watching the Gleason show on tv right now. The guy from Raymond is awesome in the part. I have seen it before. I grew up watching Jackie Gleason. You youngster would not know this but once upon a time, even after there WAS tv, it was in B&W AND there were only a few hours of programming a day. Even my daughter remembers the bullseye and the dreadful noise it made when the network shut down for the night. I am always shocked when, even with all the channels on cable, I cannot find anything worth watching.

I am glad you liked the videos and I will try to send some others. Takes a long time on this end. When my contract is up if they still have that great deal on SBC broadband for $15 a month I am trading up. Not worth $50 or more for me though.

Pardon me while I go lay down on the lounge on the lanai and watch the Wishes fireworks scatter across the sky. Did anyone else see the post where someone taped the music from Wishes to play while her daughter watched the 4th of July fireworks so she would not be scared? Moms sure are special.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[IASW Rider]

I loved that story about the Mom who played the Wishes soundtrack so that her daughter would not be frightened by the 4th of July fireworks, Linda - that is so sweet! :) We didn't get to see any 4th of July fireworks "live", this year, but we did watch NYC's (amazing!) and Boston's (also great!) on TV, and I got all choked up when part of the Boston fireworks' soundtrack turned out to be "We Go On" from the finale of IllumiNations! I was so surprised - it wasn't even ABC that carried the Boston fireworks - I'm surprised that Disney let Boston use that piece of music as part of the soundtrack, especially since IllumiNations is still running!

Anyway, congratulations on your soon-to-be new member of the family! Even though the circumstances are a bit "non-traditional", your nephew has obviously been with his girlfriend for several years, so it seems that they are committed to one another and perhaps are wiser than their years? No matter what, the baby will surely be born into a warm and loving family with lots of support and caring!

I hope that your other sister will be all right and that her infection subsides quickly - I can imagine how scary that must be - I assume that you are speaking of your sister who recently had surgery? I hope that everything will be all right!

I also saw the Jackie Gleason TV movie with Brad Garrett (I think) from "Everybody Loves Raymond" - I think that he did an amazing job with that role! It was a great TV movie - I love those films about classic TV and movie stars! And hey - I remember when the TV networks used to sign off for the night and then have a test pattern all night long.........and then sign back on with the National Anthem, around 5:00 AM! I remember thinking it was so cool when regular (as opposed to cable) TV stations started broadcasting 24 hours a day! It still seems odd to me that other countries' TV networks do not broadcast all day and night long and that they have to pay a "broadcasting tax / fee", too.

It sounds like you have a real production studio going on, on your computer, there! It's so neat that you are making DVD's and setting them to music! Hey - any footage that you'd like to e-mail or send over is wonderful with me! Once I have a chance, I'll have to figure out how to do the same with our computer - I haven't quite gotten to that point, yet - we copied CD's for the first time (for Colleen!), just a few days ago - I haven't "graduated" to video production and editing, yet! :) And I'd love to see Austin's cow footage, as well!

I don't have the "La Nouba" DVD, but I did tape the entire show when it was broadcast on Bravo, a few months ago! And we do have a pre-recorded video tape - sort of a documentary about the "making of 'La Nouba' " - that we bought at the Cirque theater in Downtown Disney, when we saw the show, several years ago. I haven't seen any of the Vegas shows, but Frank saw "Mystere" when he was there in the early 90's and loved it! I haven't seen the R-rated one, "Zumanity", but since I'm on the Cirque e-mail list, I get information about it - it sounds very interesting, as do "O" and the new show, "Ka"! "Varekai" is back in NJ, again - we saw it when it first premiered in NY, 2 years ago, and it was great!

Yes! Frank does cook (although I do all of the cooking on a weekly basis) and he does a great job - but he is an especially skilled baker! He loves baking and trying new recipes for cakes, pies, breads, and cookies! :)

Speaking of baked goods, I'm also glad that we got a Free Pass on Calories for the weekend, for our Suite Celebration, as well! I certainly seemed to overdo it at the Norway Bakery, but it was worth every bite! Too bad they don't still have the buffet there........but I'm going to see if our Suite Boys can conjure up some "room service" from Norway for me, and have Akershus send over some more great fish and cheeses, while our Free Pass on Calories is still in effect! :)

Have a great night, Everyone! :)

P.S. Colleen is leaving for WDW in less than a week, that lucky Lady! :) She has all sorts of great plans - including a quick mini-vacation to Disney's Vero Beach Resort! Hopefully she'll have a chance to stop in and tell us all about her plans, before she and her family blast off for real, next weekend! :)

[colleen costello]

Hi everyone! Extra special hi to ELAINE, so glad to hear from you... Welcome to the world of the jobless! Join Linda, Lisa and I... although Lisa is a grad student so maybe she won't really qualify? Linda and I keep awfully busy and I bet you will, too. I have decided to start teling people who view my unemployment with suspicion that I am a special Disney-oriented travel agent. It would hardly be a lie... My "expertise" is known locally and now a lot of people ask me to consult on their trips... So much fun to oblige.

Linda, don't sweat the gall bladder surgery. It seems to be the prize you get for losing a lot of weight, yes? Mom had it a few years back and sailed through it beautifully. Despite having a "Pooh shape" as the folks on the parks Board so nicely put it, she was able to have the laparoscope. She felt perfectly well after the procedure and enjoyed missing work for a few weeks. I am glad the surgery is coming with "kennel" priveleges. Shame on me for suggesting it... But if all goes well with Tom staying at brother's place, perhaps you will schedule tummy tuck, facelift, **** job, etc? :) I know, I am bad for even suggesting such!

Glad it went well with your grandsons at the fair. We will miss our County Fair for Mickey, but I am sure I come out ahead in that deal. The kids love the animals but the crummy rides scare the life out of me... Put together in a hurry with duct tape and chewing gum they are, and then the kids want to climb aboard and be hurled through the air. Not on my watch! We had a great time at Holiday World where the rides are clean and in great repair. Linda, I thought of you because we did take a few minutes to watch part of one show. It was karaoke and two women were having at it, singing a Donna Summer song from the 1980's no less. Funny!

I will certainly report back on our Vero excursion, as well as the rest of the upcoming pilgrimage. Today we went to Walmart and bought packaged rain ponchos ($.87) and big tubes for the pool ($1.37) Mickey charges too much for things! I am going to show up PREPARED! :) We are most excited about Vero and will try to post pictures from there or French Quarter, if service is available. At the very least I can give reports on the trip home.

Love to everyone. I am now going to find my Harry Potter book and re-read the last two chapters for clues as to what will happen in the next installment. I spent the weekend reading it and am DYING that it will take 2 years to find out how it all finishes up!

Linda, I will pray for your sis and keep my eyes peeled for anyone fitting Tammy's description. I have lime-green ears on my bag but no one ever notices them :(

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy Colleen, I am right with ya on the local and small fairs being dangerous places. Those rides are scary enough but when you look at or talk to many of the workers it is downright frightening. It is seasonal work and you do not ger many who are sober or clean. I trust DW and Holiday World. I was heartbroken for them when that one lady died a couple of years ago. I knew from the start that she had done something dumb. I do not know what else they could do to keep people safe unless they conduct a mental health consult before allowing admittance.

If you and I got paid for all the Disney trips that we help to set up each year we would easily be able to afford to go on one or two extra trips ourselves. I say we should hire ourselves out as personal tour guides so we get paid AND get to go!! The DIS green button gets me more notice than anything else including my lime green t shirt with big purple DIS letters on the back. Lime green is popular right now so that makes it a lot harder to spot DISers now.

I am thrilled to know that your mom was able to have the surgery the easier way. Had she had previous stomach surgeries? I have had 4 others so far and scarring can deter the surgeon. BTW, I think my feelings are very hurt and not sure if I have the right or not. I am told that I am a delicate creature and see slights when there are none (dd). Anyway I called my dd and sil two nights ago and asked if they would donate blood to me as they had years ago and I sort like to know where my blood is coming from. They donate regularly to the Red Cross. Anyway I just got a message from my sil that he is at the RC van and is planing on donating. He cannot donate again for 6 weeks is my understanding. I guess I will have to do a Blanche Dubois and depend on the kindness of strangers.

If I had all that surgery done I would be far too good for Tom and heavens knows we would not want that. Would be a waste of good amunition anyway. LOL

Do you think I do karoke? I am a lover of mankind and would never perpetuate such a serious injury upon the ear drums of anyone. I do love to watch it though. Takes bravery or a lot of gall imho. Very few have the talent.

I got my rain ponchos for 50 cents each. I like to take several as you never do get them wrapped up right after using and it is so handy to have those tiny packages to toss in the corner of your purse. Seems to keep the rain away I think. Do you buy regular autograph books for your kids? They have Disney pens at WM but they are the skinny ones and look kind of flimsy. I am still kicking myself for not buying more of the big fat ones at Deals a few years ago. They were great to give out when you ran across a kid celebrating a birthday or something at DW. Do you do the fanny pack and canteen thing with your family to save big bucks? For a Disney bargain make sure to stop by the China counter serve and get the bag of wonton ribbons. They are fabulous and enough for the whole family to share. Forget the price but it was under $3.

I buy my Harry Potter books closer to the holidays when the prices go down a bit as I buy several copies for different libraries. They just increased our late fees at our library from 2 cents a day to 10 cents. About time I think. Funding is decreasing and it is important to keep the libraries open. Best bargain for the buck I know of. I have read all the rest of the books and greatly enjoyed them. I love to read the book and then when the movie comes out is so interesting to see how they manage to show the scenes.

Tammy was at Holiday World when you were so you have missed her. Maybe next time??

I bought a shirt at WM that has a giant map of Indiana on it. I had thought to mark my town with a red heart until I found that it was on a place that I did NOT want to draw attention to. LOL I wore it the other day and all my friends were pointing out places on it in a kidding way cause I were blushing then I went to Big Lots and a guy in there asked me where my town was. I blushed some more .

I talked to my sister this morning and she sounded as if she felt better. I hope they keep her until she is totally well. I take good care of myself after surgery but she does not like rules.

Announcement!!! I hearby apologize to anyone whom I offended with my statement about Appalachia. I knew better. I am from there. I was just aggravated that yet another generation in my family seems to want to flush themselves down a sewer and I know who they are going to turn to when they get in dire straits. I was wrong about that statement though. I know many back home who do NOT live that way.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[colleen costello]

Linda, I about laughed myself into a seizure picturing you getting picked up at Big Lots because Indiana happened to be on a nipple! Hope that word gets past the DIScensors! Anyhow, Scott pokes fun at me for wearing my green ears on my bag when no one notices them anyway. Too much to see at WDW to be looking at me! Perhaps if the ears were "up front" on either side of my chest they'd be noticed?

I bet I saw your pal Tammy at Holiday World. I enjoyed sitting in the "surf" of the wave pool watching the world go by. I love the place because I always note that NO ONE there is a supermodel. Lots of cellulite and body parts long since ravaged by the forces of gravity. I like this as after two kids I blend right in! :)

Yes, I am happy with my stash of Walmart cheap stuff to haul to Florida. While I love Mickey dearly I do think he is awfully close to geting out-of-hand with some of the charges. If people shell out $300 or more per night for a room at Beach Club (not me, thanks DVC!) you'd think he could LOAN them a pool tube, no? I guess I am not a smart enough business woman because a lot of people sure do pay the $10 per day rental.

Linda, I know your birthday is approaching and I am hoping in a big way you are not locked up in the hospital while they remove the offending organ. I know your grandsons will surely want to honor you on that day, and not in the hospital,either. I will be en route to Florida and plan to yell out "Happy Birthday Linda" as I cross the Florida state line. Perhaps the new waiters in the suite will prepare a special feast for the big day?

I admire your restraint in waiting for Harry Potter #6 to go on sale. I got ripped off $23 at CVS because I was too lazy to drive to Walmart. Silly me! As I had it read by the next night I had time to consider my evil ways.. But boy it was good!

Love to all.

[SlightlyGoofy]

Colleen, how in the heck did you get that word past the censors after getting a much less delicate word that can also mean stupid starred out? Me thinks the censors were asleep on that one. I do not believe in censorship anyway. Even things that greatly offend me are safe from my wanting to restrict them. Good will out and censorship tends to take over until nothing is left, good or bad. IMO Actually, my hometown (which I carefully do not mention) would be much further south and on the 'backside' of my shirt. LOL

We are twins!!! I find it appalling to spend $300 a nite or more on a room to sleep in. Maybe if I were much richer and had more money than I need I would feel differently but I fear I would not fit in with the fancy people anyway. Lisa is the rare exception in that she loves the Poly but is real people. I do not think she ever met a stranger (at least not one any stranger than I) :banana: We eat at places we enjoy, regardless of cost, but find few such places worthy of depleting our retirement bank account. This year alone I have had repairs on BOTH furnaces and a/c, family problems out the wahoo which require bucks to keep their utilities and such going, and now I need surgery and finally the truck needs an emergency room. I would quote Queen Elizabeth but fear I would mispell the phrase and incur the censors wrath. (I am awful, but then you knew that) :rotfl2: My heart goes out to those who are trapped on site with no transportation and are at the mercy of whatever the costs are on site. I have been known to make shopping trips for them. Not brave enough to let a stranger into my car though. Maybe if they had a DIS t shirt on I might. :wave2:

I read so much and so quickly that I long ago decided that the free library was the only way to go and since mine is just a few steps from my back door I have no overwhelming need to rush out and buy any book. They put my name at the top of the list for books they know I want. I keep them supplied with baked goods and such. I am supplying the goodies for the Bandstand Read this weekend. Bribery works. :teeth:

I am surprised that you and Tammy did not strike up a conversataion as you are both the type who would gravitate to each other. She dated my son for a brief moment in time and I had hopes of her for a dil but it was not to be. She has expressed the idea that she would have liked to have me as a mil IF she did not have to take Tommy into the deal. :rolleyes1

Being a control freak and German I am going at this surgery thing in a orderly manner. Since I am used to being wheeled in the emergency room with no chance for making any decisions I am overplanning this. I have a list of what foods to prepare to take to my bil's to feed the guys while I am incapacitated and what foods to buy for the house so I wil not have to cook much AND a list of chores that need to be done first etc. etc. I have asked it to be scheduled after school starts (Aug 16th) which will also be after my BD. Speaking of birthdays I am buying my present today. I have decided that I deserve that copy of La Nouba that I saw last week. Will give me something to watch while bedridden.

I wonder how Luna is doing. I hope her family is spoiling the heck out of her. She surely do deserve it. I am in awe of all that she does and does so well. Where would the world be without wives and mothers like she? Heck, just for NOT beating her hubby over the head for the prolonged bathroom remodel she deserves a medal. :cheer2:

I have to complete my shopping list so I do not forget anything. The good thing about living in the Boonies is that you cannot spend much here BUT if you run out of something it is too hard (and too expensive now) to run to town just for a loaf of bread or something. Tuesday is my big shopping day and I attempt to get all chores done that day. Will be a bit easier today as I do not have to drive my friend on a walker. When I have her I have to take her lunch, drive her home and then drive back to town to do my shopping. Sometimes do not make it home until nearly 9.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda! So glad to hear that your surgery is scheduled for well after your Birthday, this weekend! (You know that we will be having a party for you in the Suite on Sunday, your Birthday Eve - and a Bon Voyage party for Colleen on Saturday night, too! :)) It's great that it gives you time to plan everything as carefully as you are doing - having the forethought to ensure that you have all the things that you need on hand, and that Tom will have everything that he needs, too. And I think it's wonderful that you are treating yourself to "La Nouba" in honor of your Birthday! You can pretend that you are in WDW seeing it, as you recover! :)

Just to clarify - we don't actually spend $300 per night to stay at the Poly - we always "did" those trips with one of the Disney packages, so if one was to break down the hotel rate by night (as part of the package) it does come out to be less than $300! :)

I also find that people notice my lime green DIS button more than any of the lime green ribbons that I have attached to my video camera case or any of my DIS T-shirts, either! Even people who don't know what the DIS is seem to ask about it when they see my button!

I'm sure that you and your family are totally getting psyched to blast off, this weekend, Colleen! Your trip is coming up so soon - you all must be beside yourselves with excitement! And it sounds like you found some amazing deals on your rain ponchos and tubes for Stormalong Bay - that is wonderful! It always makes me feel "accomplished" and "satisfied" when I come across great deals like those!

Not too much to report from boiling hot, humid NJ today! Just wanted to stop in and say "hello"! Hope that you're all having a great week! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi ya Lisa! I hope you took my comments about staying at the more expensive places the way I meant it. I tend to spout off without thinking but I had the best of intentions. If the Poly had been where I stayed as a child I would have fond memories also and want to stay there all the time. For where I came from it is enough for me to be able to go at all. I am having an overwhelming urge to be there NOW!!! Well, maybe not in the heat but ASAP!!! It is 96 here today and I did not wash my filthy car because I thought it would not be good for me and DW would not be good for me right now either. I worry about some of the people who post on the DIS who insist on staying at the expensive places and then in another post complain about how high their bills are. I would not enjoy any trip if I had to come home and face big bills. On the other hand if it were a rare occasion and I was not likely to go but one time I would probably 'go for it". I know that you and Frank are wise so I do not worry about you, or anyone else on the EWP either. Ever notice what a grounded group we have here? I have.

I bought my La Nouba video today and picked up a copy of The Glen Miller story also (only $5) too. I saw a copy of Jospeh and the Amazing Technocolor Dreamcoat but it was very expensive so I am going to wait that one out. My rule of thumb is that it has to be worth watching at least once for each dollar it costs. LOL I videotaped a whole bunch of old movies off AMC this week in preparation for my week of self indulgence.

Lest anyone thing I am nuts for "vanting to be alone" you must know that I live less than ten feet away from my nearest neighbor, have a phone in nearly every room and the Emergency Squad is less than 100 yards from my house and I know most everyone in the whole town AND they are known for being the best neighbors anyone could want. I bought some disposable containers to fix several heat up meals and only have a few feet to get to bathroom or kitchen. Everything a woman could want. I am so darned German that they let me keep my own records when I am hospitalized so I am well able to keep track at home as well. Been there, done that and this time I have no hubby or children to care for at the same time so life is good. :flower:

I honestly believe that my (joking) idea of a lime green sun shade hat with DIS logo and a beeper/light that flashes when one hat is near another is a great idea. Not sure how much they would have to cost since there are a limited amount of DISers and how many of them would want to buy though. The folks in charge are free to use my idea without fear of a lawsuit but if they would like to give me the first hat, or a lifetime pass to DW I would be grateful. :banana:

Dalton's version of the story of Cleopatra - She wanted to meet the king so she wrapped herself up in a carpet and they delivered her to the king. She unrolled herself, jumped out and said "How do you like this, Sugar?" She killed herself with an asP (make sure you get that P in there). LOL I hope his teachers have a sense of humor. I loved it but I am warped.

Colleen, if it cools down you just might find me at the 65 intersection trying to hitch a ride with you guys. Hey, I can pay my own way and I babysit so how bad could it be? :earboy2:

Back to the saltmines for me. Have a bush to trim. Sure glad I do not grow as fast as the shrubbery.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

I think that your plan for your recuperation and recovery sound great! You've mapped everything out wonderfully (right down to ensuring that you have lots of good movies and other fun things to watch on TV!) and it's so nice that you have such great neighbors, friends, and resources so close by that you can rely upon! I don't blame you for "vanting to be alone", at all - you'll probably be much more comfortable that way and have a chance to get the proper amount of rest. You'll probably heal much more quickly, too, taking your time and doing things at your own pace. I'm sure that Tom and your boys will miss you very much, but it will be no time before you're all better and back to being able to spend time with them, again!

Of course I took your comment about staying at more expensive places the way that you meant it! I also hate to hear about people who go into debt over things like vacations or other "luxury purchases". I could never do that with a good conscience - I wouldn't be able to sleep at night! When we used to do our 1 week at the Poly trips, we always planned it well in advance and knew that we could "handle it" (besides, as I said, the packages that we used to "do" - which also included Ultimate Park Hoppers and transfers to and from the airport - actually worked out to have lower room rates than the regular ones quoted, anyway). Plus, since we only take one "real" vacation per year, we figured that we could treat ourselves to doing it the way that we wanted to. The trips that we took the past 2 years - the land / sea packages and staying at a Moderate resort for 4 days - do work out to be a bit less expensive than our 7 days on land at a Deluxe resort. Next year will be around the same amount, since we'll be traveling home on Memorial Day weekend. Anyway, I agree with you - it's not worth it to plan a very expensive vacation, when it can be done more modestly and when one can "get more bang for their buck"! I'm not saying that we'll never stay in a Deluxe Resort, again, but we certainly had great times at POR, over the past 2 years and from all of the great information that Colleen has been giving us, we know that we are going to love CB next year, too!

That's so neat that you got "The Glen Miller Story" along with "La Nouba"! Frank and I went to see one of the more recent incarnations of the Glen Miller Orchestra in concert, several years ago, and they were just wonderful - we love the music of the 1940's! We always tell my father that he is so lucky to have grown up during that time of great music, films, culture, etc. OK..........there was also a major World War going on at that time, too.........but the music was wonderful! :)

Well, time to get some productive things done before my class, tonight! Hope that you're all having a great day! :)

[IASW Rider]

P.S. I loved Dalton's version of the story of Cleopatra - that is hilarious! Very creative - maybe Dalton should consider writing some short stories - his accounts of various historical figures or historical events - with illustrations! That would be adorable! :)

And that's a great idea about those visors with the blinking lights to alert one to the presence of another DIS'er in WDW! You should patent that quickly, before someone comes along and steals it! You should make up some prototypes to test on your next trip, too! :)

[lunabkat]

Hi All! :grouphug:

Well, that was quite some party the other night, i think the new guys will come along very nicely. I am so glad it was credit card and calorie free, they are too good to us.

I am hobbling along nicely, and no, Linda, those darned people never did show up to adopt the little one, who has since forgotten about it...for now. :rolleyes1

Now for my wacky weekend before surgery...

Picture this, Friday night, its quiet...too quiet...

The two (yeas, two) buses arrive with the guests for our party, trouble does, indeed, come in twos :sad2:

Of course, the bridal party comes packed with assorted alcoholic beverages because a 5 hour open bar is never enough, so first things first, I must confiscate the offending coolers and place them in the locked coat closet because they keep coming in to the office and taking bottles from under the desk.

After cocktail hour, when waiting to have the bridal party introduced, the upstairs bar is stormed, seven people deep for the length of the bar, where they proceed to reach over the bar, open the beer coolers and help themselves to brewskies, honestly, it was like watching the Lemings swarm over a cliff. For the first time since i began working there the bars (yes, they had to have three bartenders and a "beer tender" (says is all right there folks) that night (only 180 people) were opended before the introductions and toast were made because these people couldn't wait.

Now, among all this, my boss has my friend "M" held aside for being a personal cocktail waitress for three tables of elderly aunts and uncles, as per the Groom. Now, one of these tables has been given to one of the waiters "C" who is a horses butt, arroogant, rude to the waitresses, quick tempered, smarmy and basically trouble which i have pointed out to my boss (lets refer to him as the big "BH") but BH states he is so very good with the "patrons" he is worth the trouble (HAH!)

So, I hear "C" complaining to another male worker about "M" (whose honesty is impecable, i would trust her with my last penny) having his table and that he had been looking to make $60 off that table to put in his pocket. I tell hime that it wasn't "M"'s of "BH"'s choice to have her serve cocktails, but the grooms and that the groom hadn't told "BH" which tables it would be until he arrived that night.

Fast forward, end of night "someone" told "C" that "M" made 80$ off his table (i know this to be untrue, which I tell C, becasue M and i always and only talk to each other about our tips because as we work head table together we pool our tips and share, she had made $23 and I had made $50 and she had me hold the money because she was afraid of it falling out of her pocket). BH tells be to have them discuss this after the party, but C will not, he smiles as me and says she will "do the right thing" if she wants to. So now M goes to him and asks hime who told him she got $$ from his table, he of course will not tell and an argument insues where she finally walks away as he calls her basically a liar and a thief and she tells him to go ****.

He now jumps up an follows her, screaming, until she is backed up againts a wall where he is bent over into her face, screaming and wagging his finger in his face. I am standing about 50-100 ft away and as he is yelling some of the guys are telling hime to calm down, he raises his hand above his head and i yell "HEY, HEY, HEY" at which time he starts to lower his hand and turns around to me laughing. I proceed to tell him that if he hits her i will knock him into next week and he gets in my face yelling"Oh, but she can call me *****? and i reply, "you don't raise your hand to her" followed by his asking me again if she is allowed to call him names to which i reply their discussion is between them, you do not raise your hand to her. Now, all of a sudden comes bossman BH and takes them inot the back room where the shouting continues until they both come out and we finish reset. At the end of the night, C quits and walks out of the building.

Two days later BH has the owner calling this guy back because he is such a good worker, after talking to me and my telling him i don't want to work for him. M calls up and talks to the owner about that night, the owner states BH didn't tell him the details and that the guy is gone. Later that week BH (owner's bro) puts C back on for next weekend, after telling M and me he won't be back because he doesn't want to lose us, and the owner takes him back off the list and that is where it stands now.

I feel like BH has been dishonest and disloyal to M and myself, we have worked for him for three years and he was going back and forth to each of us (M and I) telling us different stories and telling us not to speak to anyone else about what he was saying (which we did of course, he had already proven he was lying thru his teeth). I told him i wouldn't work with C because he was dangerous and i wasn't looking over my shoulder or walkinig on eggshells at work because of him. BH couldn't have cared less, he wanted(wants) this guy back anyway even tho he threatend and disrepected both M and Myself. Can you belive that garbage?

Needless to say BH is an @@@ and i will no longer give hime my trust or loyalty but will play the game accordingly. No more consideration for if he has a big party, it i have plans (or not) too bad. For all his talk of loyalty and teamwork, he didn't have the goods when push came to shove (literally). Oh well, i have at least gaioned some knowledge.

Otherwise, the operation went better than expected, the lump was benign and the bones was normal so all was not badness and if i had to pick something to go right, it would have been that.

talk soon, LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi ya LL. Since you are the voice of experience I will bow to your assessment of our new staff members. We always let Rider pick them as she seems to pick the best of the best and nothing but the best will do for the Suite Ladies.

Whew, you sure had a good send off for your mini vacation. You have reminded me why I hated being a waitress (other than the fact I was very bad at it). I never did like having to pool my tips. To this day I am loathe to walk away from my table until my waiter/ess picks up the bill for fear that someone will either steal or lose the tip. I know how hard earned those dollars are and how important they can be. (a tip from me to you - I used to wear a picture of my kids on a button so people could see who I was working for). I have never understood why management, anywhere, would allow one or two individuals to make it miserable for everyone else. Just not worth it IMHO. I think that the employee's should have some say over who they work with and it would benefit everyone involved. Your friend is lucky to have you there to keep her from getting hurt. I know she would do the same for you. BTW, if you ever do decide to let any of your kids be adopted out, wait until they are teenagers. Will be well worth the wait. :rotfl: Are you able to hobble around very well? Great news on there not being worse problems. Yeah!!!

Lisa, I told Dalton that you thought his Cleo P story was good. There used to be a cartoon on when I was younger, cannot remember the name of it but there was a nerdy looking boy and a dog and they did episodes on famous stories and they were fractured and funny as all get out. Dalton is learning abut inventors but he has his own twist. He says that Thomas Edison GATES invented the lightbulb and Benjamin Franklin GATES invented bifocals etc. :lovestruc

Way back when time was more precious than money because we did not have that much vacation time we used to go into debt for vacations. It was a sore point with me because I remember not having a working bathroom but we HAD to go on vacation.

I am thrilled that you enjoyed POR, used to be our favorite resort. I know it was hard for you to not go to the Poly with all its memories. I read about people who stay at 4-5 resorts in a week and it boggles the mind. No way do I want to do that much moving but they love visiting the other resorts. My Disney loving friend who lives up the road absolutely loves CBR and would not go elsewhere. I hate it there but then I could not find my room cause they all looked alike but you are better at directions than I am. LOL If the circumstances should permit I am going to stretch the budget to the hilt and go to England if my sil makes a short trip. Is there any resort that you would like to stay at that you have not ?

I grew up listening the the music of the 40's cause my grandma and mom were singers. I love the movie's and music of that era and younger people who watch and listen might not realize how tough things were then as the movies and music were designed to divert attention away from the problems of the day. Tom tells of his milk being stolen from the doorstep if his mom did not get up early enough to wait for the milkman. I bought a copy of Delovely and enjoyed it more for the music.

I had better go put the laundry in the dryer and dream that I am at the resort cabana rather than my perfectly lovely ,and without coin slots, laundry room. LOL

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Lauralee! I'm so sorry - I didn't realize that you had had an operation - I know that Linda referenced something about your recovering, but I didn't realize that you had had that procedure! So glad to hear that it went well and that you're recuperating well, too!

That was some story about that wedding that you worked, before your surgery! I also think that you did the right, brave thing by standing up for your friend / colleague - I can't believe that your boss is allowing that jerky (if this wasn't the Boards, I'd use stronger language) guy to continue working there, after having threatened your friend, like that! And I can't believe how your boss told you both 2 different stories and essentially lied / "casually omitted" information, that way. As you said, you are wiser, now, and you know whom to trust (or not!) and to always sort of "be aware". I'm sorry that you and your friend had to go through that horrible, stressful, unfair experience, though.

I'm telling you - Dalton needs to write a book, Linda! In addition to the story of Cleopatra, he can tell the tales of the great inventors / pioneers, Benjamin Franklin GATES and Thomas Edison GATES! :)

You reminded me that I wanted to rent "Delovely"! We hadn't rented anything in so long that there are now tons of films out that I would love to rent! I'd better do so, over the next month, before my full school schedule starts up again in the fall and I'm in class 3 nights a week, again! We also need to get to the movies, as we haven't done so since seeing "Star Wars" in May! Hopefully we'll see "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" tomorrow (unless Frank has his way and we see "War of the Worlds" - I'm a little nervous about seeing that one!).

We are looking forward to staying in CBR next year - it will be neat to try something new! And Colleen and her family really enjoyed it and had a positive experience there, so along with your great review, I'm sure that we will love it! In terms of other places that we've never stayed but would like to.........I would love to stay in ALL of the WDW resorts at least once, at some point in my life! I would love to try them all out (........I know, I know - we really need to join DVC!). But if I had to pick one or 2 that I would want to try out first, it would have to be the Wilderness Lodge and the Animal Kingdom Lodge! :)

I'm off to buy shoes to wear and have dyed for my friend's wedding in September, now - have to have them before I can schedule my dress fitting, next month!

Hope that all is well with all of you! Have a great weekend! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi ya Lisa!! I have visions of a perfectly organized rainbow color closet. I bet you have nearly every pair of dyed shoes that you have ever gotten and I know that you have had dozens of pairs decorated perfectly to match each dress.

Dalton says thank you for the kind words and he also knows that he deserves each and every one. LOL He suffers from stage fright, fear that he will NOT find a stage to perform on. He wants to go see Shark Boy and Lava Girl but with his family schedule it is doubtful he will make it. If I could have a wish for my birthday it would be to go see Willie Wonka as a family. My grandson Willie so loved that movie that I bought him his own copy. Danny loved it as well. I love Dahl's quirky and bit sinister sense of humor.

Delovely was not quite the movie it might have been and basically only interested me because I loved Cole Porter's music (he were a Hoosier also) and know his story. It was very pretty to watch. I used to be into science fiction movies big time, I tend to change categories every decade or so. I was telling Dalton the story of the radio version of War of the Worlds and had to stop to explain how radio worked back then and all sorts of arcahic things. Gosh I feel old even tho I am not sure I was alive when all that happened.

I would choose the Animal Kingdom Lodge over the Wilderness Lodge cause Bomba's is there. LOL Of course the other does have the best view of the EWP. Decisions, decisions. The only place I have a hankering to try is OKW and with Colleen's help I might manage it sometime soon.

Yes, you do need to join DVC or at least try renting points and see how you like it. It is made for people just like you and Frank. Will save you big bucks in the years to come. Check into buying a 'used' contract as it will save you some money and you will have the same amenities.

I am fixing lunch as Dalton has dropped by. He was not supposed to be here today. (he is a bit sneaky but I love it and him) The tow truck came and got the truck. It is nearly 16 years old and looks great and has always worked great until this. I suspect that my dh ran it low on gas, against my instructions, and something ancient from the depths of the fuel tank has worked its way into something. Always something but it could be so much worse. LOL

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda! You are surely way too young to remember the original radio broadcast of "War of the Worlds"! My parents remember it, though! It must have been so scary - if I had heard it back then, I would have been totally freaked out!

Actually, the pair of shoes that I bought today is my only existing dyed pair, at this point (unless you count my mint green Bat Mitzvah reception shoes, that were dyed to match my mint green dress - will never wear them again, but of course I saved them - and the dress! :)). I've long since gotten rid of all of my bridesmaid's dresses of the past - some of them, I'm sure I never would have worn again (and for a long time, I wasn't sure that I would ever fit into them again, anyway - and then there was one that I'm GLAD that I will never be able to fit into again, because it was so HUGE!) - and I got rid of their accompanying matching shoes at the same time. Hopefully whomever the recipients of those dresses were also found the matching shoes (I donated everything to charity), so they could have complete outfits! :) I will definitely keep the bridesmaid's dress for this wedding, though - it's the nicest one that I've ever worn in a wedding and it's something that I would have chosen for myself as a "regular dress", even if not for a wedding. I'm hoping to bring it along on our cruise, next year, since it's such a nice nautical blue color!

I'm sorry to hear about your truck - I hope that it's able to be fixed! It's hard when you've had a vehicle for that long, and it usually works perfectly (like my father's former 18 year old car) - and then it breaks down, out of the blue, for seemingly no reason! It's nice that you had a surprise lunch with the great future historian and author, Dalton, though! :)

Wish that I had something interesting to report, but things are pretty quiet around here! We'll go to a movie of our later choosing, tomorrow, have a BBQ for ourselves tomorrow night, and then we're heading out to Queens on Sunday to see the Mets (hopefully) clobber the Dodgers! We'll be stopping by the 1964-65 World's Fair Grounds at Flushing Meadows park, again, to pay homage to the birthplaces of IASW and CoP (and Mr. Lincoln and PeopleMover)! I just love that place - I find it so fascinating. It's amazing to me that just 41 years ago, the park was filled with buildings, rides, shows, and attractions, and now it's just a nice park with athletic fields, gardens, a zoo, and some remaining relics of the Fair. A friend of mine got me an actual ticket from the Fair on e-bay, recently. He said he wondered what would happen if we brought the ticket to the Fair site and held it up in front of the Unisphere........maybe we would somehow be "beamed back" to 1964 and the entire Fair would reappear before our eyes! :) Now THAT would be a great plot for a fantasy / science fiction film! :)

I hope that everyone is prepared for a weekend of fun in the Suite! We'll be kicking it off with a gala BON VOYAGE celebration for Colleen and her family, on the eve of their trip to WDW, tomorrow night! Then we'll be moving on to the festive and wild celebration of Linda's Birthday Eve on Sunday night! Keep the champagne (or non-alcoholic, carbonated, bubbly grape juice, for those who prefer) flowing! :)

Have a great weekend, Everyone! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

It is sometimes hard to know what you actually remember and what you just read or heard about. I am fairly sure that I was not present at "My American Cousin" at the Ford Theater the night that Abraham Lincoln was shot though. LOL I have orders from my young man, if I get to heaven, IF??? - to send him back an autograph from George Washington. I swan that babies are just like computers, they come preinstalled with programs. Austin and his ghosts and Dalton and his presidents are a wonderment. Luckily I am well versed in either subject. LOL

I am shocked and amazed that you do NOT have closets full of your finery. I am absolutely sure that you have shelves of albums though. I went to a wedding a bit ago and thought that I had found the fabled bridesmaid dress that could be worn again. I am looking forward to seeing yours as well. A friend of mine won a grand champion ribbon for a dress she made for her granddaughter's prom. It was orange, not a color I would normally think of as pretty. When you got closer it was in various shades and hues, very delicate and so beautifully put together. It takes an artist to do that kind of work. You might have kept one of your old and much bigger dresses to remind you just how far you have come and how proud you should be.

I will not tell Mr. D. your plans for the weekend as the mere mention of Mr. Lincoln would send him into fits of jealousy not to be borne. Did I ever tell you about him shaking hands with the Great Emancipator? It was a moment not to be forgotten for either one of them.

Time travel? I knew that there was something missing from the Suite. Might I ask, in honor of my natal day, that we have that feature installed immediately? Imagine being able to go to any of the parks on a certain day in history and ride some of our favorite but defunct rides once again? Figment could be our guide.

Lusianne iced tea, no sugar please. It is my drug of choice. I will tend bar for the rest of you. If I cannot remember the recipe I do have a copy of the Barkeepers Bible nearby.

SG/Linda

Lisa, as always I am delighted that you do not have anything exciting to report. Means you are having a delightful bit of calm in your life. I seem to be able to write volumes about my less than exciting life though. More credit to you guys for putting up with it all rather than my skill as a writer.

Yes, it was hard to see our red pickup ride away but since it will be getting first aid and will come back better than ever it is a good thing. The thing runs like a scared jack rabbit and until the other day we had not had any trouble (well the time Tom managed to wreck the transmission was bad but that was many years ago). It is worth an investment of money because a new one would cost nearly $20,000 and since I have been looking around, would not be nearly what we want. Two more years and I will be ready to let it loose if it must go. It only has 100,000 miles on it.

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

How are you doing, today? So, of all the Presidents, who is Dalton's favorite? Washington? Lincoln? Someone else? No, you never told me about his encounter with The Great Emancipator!

Just got back from seeing "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". Though it was enjoyable and Johnny Depp was amazing, as always (I wonder what our old pal, Depply, thinks of the film?), both Frank and I preferred the original (which we are planning to watch tonight, on tape). We thought that the original "drove home the point of the film / 'moral of the story' " more clearly and that the characters were more defined, too. We also liked the original Oompah Loompahs and their songs / riddles better than the new ones! :)

Hope that you're all having a great weekend! :)

[IASW Rider]

:) :) :) :) :) BON VOYAGE COLLEEN!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :)

Wishing you and your family a fantastically, wonderful and MAGICAL vacation! Can't wait to hear all about it when you return............if not before! :) We know that you are going to have a GREAT time at Beach Club, French Quarter, AND Vero Beach! And we're sure that you and your family will enjoy the parks, pools, and beaches, and that you will have a great reunion with your friends from home, down there! ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY!!!!!!!

And don't forget to come by the Suite for your giant sendoff party, later! We'll be partying all night.........right into tomorrow..........in time for Linda's Birthday Eve Bash! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa, please say it is not so - Willie Wonka is less than stellar? I fully trust your view of it but I am so disapponted. I usually hate remakes of anything,especially a classic, but I had such high hopes since Johnny Depp was doing this one. I was counting greatly on the morals, especially the tv watching kid getting 'tuned' up. Was hoping it would get Dalton to see less tv and do more interesting things.

Dalton's favorite president is Lincoln, mine too. Once at a street fair Dalton (age 3) and I were walking back toward my house when we came upon "Abe" himself sitting in a corner. Dalton walked right up to him and held his hand out to shake. Both of them were very impressed with each other. "Abe" was amazed that such a young man knew who he was and was obviously in awe of him. I have a nephew who memorized the presidents and could recognize them by face when he was but three. Must run in the family.

I had a fun day. I found a whole bunch of really nice clothes, in my size, at a sale. I bought 2 dresses (one a designer) 1 skirt and 12 tops for only $8. Since I had recently sold a huge batch of my bigger clothes for $10 I felt it was Karma that I came upon them. I should have asked the lady for her phone number in case she loses more weight.

Colleen, have the Fellers showed up at your door yet? I asked them to come over, clean the house and pack the bags, wash the car and prepare a nice dinner for you so that you might start off your trip in a magically frame of mind. (if they did not show up please do not sweat the small stuff and get some sleep).

I just found out that my sil had her name drawn to appear on the Hoosier Millionaire show on August 10th and will try to win a Million Dollars!!! I always wanted a rich relative. I am rooting for her. Bout time the luck changed for this family, far too much bad stuff going on, gotta balance it out somehow.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

:) :) :) :) :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LINDA!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :)

We hope that you enjoyed your gala Birthday Bash, last night - those new boys sure do know how to put together a great party! It's nice to see that not only are they fun to look at - but they know how to cook and cater, too! And it sure was nice of them to arrange for that private coach to take us over to the MK to see Wishes, then over to the Grand Floridian for a Lagoon-side dessert party! You looked great in that new dress that you just bought - can't wait to see the rest of your new clothes that you just bought (and got such great deals on, too! :)) Hope that you have a fantastic and wonderful day!!!!!!!!!!! :)

(Will resume regular correspondence once the weekend of celebrations has calmed down, here in the Suite - 2 big parties in a row, here, have wiped me out! But I'll need to recover in time for your formal Birthday Dinner at Citrico's, tonight! :))

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, glad to see that you were back to yourself last night at Citrico's. The food was so good and the company so witty that it was well worth having to wear shoes. (high praise from me) :rotfl:


My birthday was a wonderful one. The way it started out it could not have been anything else. My first call of the day was from Colleen as they wandered through Georgia looking forward to checking into DW a bit ahead of schedule. It was such a delightful surprise. We even chatted a bit about her joining me on one of those gambling shops that I have been offered. I have never been on a Girl's Weekend so it is something to look forward to. Hope we win big bucks at the casino so that we can each plan an extra trip to DW next year. (Now, THAT would be a dream come true!)

Lots of cards, paper and cyber, bunches of phone calls and some friends dropping by to see if I looked older. LOL I am going over to visit an older friend today who was insisting on driving to my town yesterday. I threatened her into submission by promising to see her today. :hyper2:

Only down side was the fact that I did not even get a call from any of my kids or grandkids. Is alright, when you have low expectations it is hard to be disappointed and I am lucky in other ways. "Better women than I" is my motto.

$350 so far to fix the truck and no guarantee that will correct the problem. The part is probably about $50 and the rest is to pay for their intelligence to figure out what to replace. LOL

Somehow I have to find candy bugs today. I am providing the treats for the reading program on Saturday and the subject is bugs. I bought some candy worms the other day but they melted together in my car. It has been over 100 degrees heat index here. Supposed to rain this afternoon and cool down, about time!!

I hope it is cooler where you all are, especially Colleen and her family. Hope she remembers to bring them by the Suite for all of us to meet as I have set up a special late night snack for when we watch this evenings edition of the EWP.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

So glad to hear that you had a nice Birthday! It sounds like a wonderful day, and I'm not surprised that so many people thought of you - you are a very special person! As for your kids and grandkids..........is it possible that the reason that you didn't happen to hear from any of them, yesterday, because they might have a surprise waiting for you, today? (perhaps they wanted you to THINK that they "forgot"?) There's no way that they would have overlooked such a special occasion!

I've been thinking of you (and Colleen and Becki and Elaine) as I've been hearing the Mid Western weather forecasts, lately - WOW! I hope that you are all holding up all right in that heat! Some of your heat is coming our way, over the next 2 days - we'll be having those 100+ temperatures (with the heat index - the "real" temperatures will be in the upper 90's), too!

As for "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", Frank and I just thought that the original film "drove the point home" more clearly - the difference between "good and "bad" and the reason that Charlie was the "chosen one". (Although the new film does a good job of depicting Charlie's loyalty to his family, probably more clearly than the original). We also liked the original Oompah Loompahs better, too - their songs and riddles seemed to be more pertinent to the children about whom they were singing (and more clever, too!). The new Oompah Loompahs try too hard to be "hip", in our opinion, singing in different modern styles, each time - rapping one song, singing in 60's "soft rock" style another, doing a dance number a third time.........we just found it to be distracting and confusing and couldn't really understand the lyrics. And there was a distracting sub-plot concerning Willy Wonka that we didn't think was necessary, either. But those are just our opinions - see the film with an open mind - you might completely disagree with us!

We were also lucky enough to hear from Colleen while she was on the road! And I'm happy to report that she and her family made it to WDW safely and are now happily checked into their (first of 3! :)) room(s) at Port Orleans French Quarter and were enjoying the pool there, when last I heard from her! :) I'll bet that they are having a fun day of sunning and swimming today, too!

That would be so neat if you both took a girls' getaway, Linda - I'm sure that you would have a great time! :)

I'm sorry to hear about the impending bill for fixing your truck - I don't understand how they can get away with charging so much. I hope that what ever they wind up doing does solve the problem, though - it definitely sounds like that has been a good and reliable truck, so it's worth it to invest in having it fixed! Frank's car is at the Toyota Dealer, being fixed, today - it will be interesting to see how much they charge! It's just a problem with his air conditioning, but AC is not a "luxury" in the sort of heat that we've been having, so he needed to have it fixed, right away!

Lots of luck on your quest for candy bugs! Gummy worms are the only sorts with which I'm familiar, but I'm sure that there must be more "styles" out there!

Loved that story about Dalton and President Lincoln! That must have been adorable! You need to take him to WDW so that he can be in his glory, in the Hall of Presidents! :)

Speaking of which, we were at the "birthplace" of such classic WDW attractions as the Hall of Presidents (actually, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at DL), PeopleMover, IASW, and CoP, this weekend - the site of the 1964-65 World's Fair! And I am thrilled to report that I stood on the actual former sites of IASW and CoP! They are not marked in any way - I had studied all of my maps and aerial photos (that I have been collecting for years) of the Fair and confirmed their former locations, then just "felt my way there" on Sunday - but I know that I found the right places! I know that it sounds silly, but it was so neat to know that I was standing on ground of such Disney-historical significance! :) We also went to the Mets game and watched them shut out the Dodgers, so that was great, too! :)

Looking forward to our evening snack and EWP viewing, tonight! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're having a nice week! :)

[lunabkat]

Hi ALL :jumping1:

Hi ho, hi ho, the stiches get to go, I go see Doc at 1 o'clock, Hi ho, Hi ho.

I can't wait to get these things out, i look like i have a fuzzy caterpillar on my foot. :laughing:

Linda, Happy Happy Belated Birthday, sorry to have missed the day, I can't seem to get turned around around here this week. Since you are too kind hearted and much too nice, I will be officially affronted for you that your kin did not acknowledge your special day, shame on them (and me too, i am most contrite and sorry) :sad1:

Well, its a hot one in Jersey and i feel bad for my dh out in this weather all day, he is just beat and hot and sticky (aka stinky) when he gets home and the girls just want to go outside with him to play, poor daddy. The truck is at the new mechanic but still no news...Good luck with your truck Linda, ours apparently has some "mystery illness".

I am off this weekend, yea, and just washed my good for nothing kitchen floor...it should be filthy in about two minutes.

I have a siding guy here for estimates and the fence guy was just here giving an estimate ($5,000 and he is the cheaper of three) yikes, to be a homeowner. The bathroom is still in its "virgin state" meaning untouched as a primeval forest. But the fixin' up should be commencing any week now.

Talk soon,

LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, thank you for the report on Colleen. It is always so special when you finally get on property and are ready to start having fun.

I think I will wait until Willie Wonka gets to the dollar theater. It is always a difficult, if not impossible, thing to improve upon success. I was prepared for a darker version but the thing I love so much about the original is the moral of the story.

Has Frank had an oil change recently? The only actual repair I have ever had on my Toyotas was a $50 a/c repair one time. I think it was caused by someone doing an oil change and doing something wrong. I do not count having to fix a car door because that was Tom's fault. Only repair other than routine maintenance in over 20 years. Probably will have more now that we are retired and will be keeping vehicles longer. Yes, the truck is worth some bucks especially since I have been checking out new ones (I have the money put back to buy a new one if need be) but I do not like what I am seeing. I will NOT have a Ford no matter what, long sad story.

I can safely say that there are not secret plans for any family celebrations of my birthday. I have always been the one to do so for everyone else. I have a sister who spends much time reminding her family of all she has done for them and they would not dare forget her birthday but I am of the opinion that if it does not come from the heart I would not want it. Heck, I am easy. A card would be more than I get usually. Even the grands do not make me a homemade card as per my request. My dear friend, Dorthea, who is the sweetest most loving person I know (around here) has kids who take off on trips when she is failing in health and leaves her to my care. "Better women than I" is my motto and I know many such. I have far too much to be thankful for to get too down. I love those rotten chldren of mine though.

Can you imagine Colleen and I on a wild weekend gambling? She is a hoot and a half and bound to be luckier at gambling than I am. I am going to send for more info on the shop. It requires a huge investment on my part and I must make sure this is a legitimate company as I have not done any shops for them before. They take PayPal so maybe that is a good sign. I would have to set up an account.

I feel the same way when I am walking on hallowed ground. For me it is historical places, odd but I just realized that many of those places are related to Presidents. Also authors homes and people I admire. Pearl Buck's home, Laura Ingalls Wilder etc. If I ever made it to the Holy Land I would just pure die of excitement. I once touched a clay soldier that was on Earth when Jesus was and I still remember it.

Which one of your parents was the big Disney fan? Did you go other places on vacation? Dalton is my one chance to have someone in my family who will love the Mouse as I do. Maybe, when he hits the big bucks, he will wheel my ancient carcass around the parks? :hyper:

I am headed to town to search for some candy bugs,wish me luck! Going to visit with a dear friend today also. It is always special to spend time with this woman. I have learned so much from her.

SG/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hey there LL, guess we were both in the Suite and just missed each other. I should look around a bit better when I am there but I am usually too busy sitting on the deck taking in the view. Next time, check out there and I will look closer inside. LOL

I am happy that you are getting the stitches out. It is always a big relief. I once had a doctor tell me naughty jokes while he took out my many ones. Sure did take my mind off what he was doing. LOL

Pshaw!! No problems about being late for my birthday. After all I did not spend three days in labor with you, diaper your bottom for a couple of years, sit beside your bed when you had nightmares, put up with your teen age years, baby sit your kids, potty train them, teach them to read etc. Bitter? Me?? Nah, honestly I find it all a bit funny. I take comfort in the fact that they are so used to me being there that they just do not notice. I am so darned thoughtful that I picked out a burial plot next to the road so they can do drive by mourning. (I am sooo bad) :laughing:

Tip on your kitchen floor - after suffering from a hard to please one for years I replaced it with one that is dirt colored. Works well for me. Just takes a bit of planning.

I thought your hubby were the handy kind and could do fencing etc. himself? Is probably easier to get it done though. I hope you can find someone reasonable. I was spoiled by next door neighbor, who I kid you not, charged me $5-9 an hour, and did more work in an hour than many could do in a day. It cost me under $300 to have my new kitchen installed by him, including the flooring, plumbing etc. I always bought him really good BD and Xmas presents though.

As far as your primal bathroom, guess you are having to do as the bears do. Poor dears. I would hate that with a passion. Been there,done that and I ain't a going back.

Hope you are skipping when you return from the doctor's office and the heat abates so that your dh is not quite as stinky.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Lauralee!

So glad to hear that your stitches were scheduled to come out - I'm sure that you're relieved that all of that is over, and that you can put it behind you! How is your foot feeling, now that the stitches have come out? It sounds like you're preparing to have a lot of work done on your home! It's great that you are taking the time to get estimates to determine the best way to do it and best people to handle the different things, first! Hope that you will be able to have some time to yourself to relax, during your weekend off, too!

Hi Linda!

I heard from Janet, yesterday - I had sent her (and many others) PM's about our 4 Year Anniversary Celebration, a few weeks ago, and she had just received hers, having just returned from DL! She said that she would try to check in with us before she and her family blast off for WDW!

Speaking of WDW, I'll bet that Colleen and her family are having fun, running around the MK, as I write - that's what they had originally planned to do, today! I hope that they are having great weather and are able to hit all of their favorite attractions with no long lines!

Frank actually had an oil change yesterday! He has only had small issues with his Toyota, since he bought it in 1999 (I think it was making a mysterious noise, once......). The issue yesterday was that for some reason, he could only use his AC / fan on the "high" setting - I guess that there was a little problem with the knob that controls the intensity of the fan. But the dealer was able to fix it, relatively inexpensively!

How did you do with your candy bug excursion? I hope that you were able to find some tasty ones! :)

I know what you mean about historical places - there are other, non-Disney related ones that fascinate me, too! (You mentioned Laura Ingalls Wilder's house - a friend of mine just attended a symposium of some sort, there, this past week! She was so excited to be going to the "Prairie" for the first time! :))

I would say that my mother was the bigger Disney fan than my father (although my father is the one who took me to see most of the Disney animated classics in the movie theater) - in terms of the theme parks, anyway! Neither of my parents were huge Disney fans, per se. But my mother was definitely more "in to it" than my father. Like me, she was also fascinated by the whole "how did they do that?" aspect of the theme park shows and attractions and the attention to detail in the parks and resorts.

My parents and I certainly vacationed in other places besides WDW, when I was growing up, too! We visited lots of Caribbean islands (Nassau, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas), Hawaii, Cancun, Montreal (my mother and I followed the NY Mets there and got tickets to all 3 games of one of their series, up there. We even ran into the team in the airport, when we were all changing our money!), San Francisco / Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Bermuda, Nantucket, and always spent the week before Labor Day at either Provincetown on Cape Cod or at the Jersey Shore. We also took long weekend trips to places like Washington, DC, Williamsburg, VA, Lancaster, PA, etc. I was only ever in Europe once - my best friend from elementary school and I spent a week in England in 1990, which was a lot of fun! But the WDW vacations were always very special and memorable, needless to say! :)

I think that you should definitely look into that weekend excursion - whether or not you choose to actually gamble - I'm sure that you and Colleen would have a wild and fun weekend together! If the organization has a PayPal account - as you said - they are probably a reputable one, so that is a good sign!

Well, it's going to be another scorcher, here in the Garden State! Hope that the heat wave breaks before the weekend - we're going down to South Jersey (the East Coast side - near Atlantic City - as opposed to the Western side, where my in-laws live) to visit my aforementioned best friend from elementary school and her family...........and swim in their pool! :)

Hope that you're all having a great week! Talk to you soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Thought I would let you other Suite ladies know that Becki's husband and other local police officers are trying to end a bank hostage situation as I write. It is the credit union for the company my hubby used to work for. Is scary. Praying that things end safely.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with Becki's husband, Becki, their family, and the other police officers involved. They exemplify bravery and kindness and strength. We know that all will end well and safely. We are thinking of them all.

[SlightlyGoofy]

It seems that all has ended well. The Indpls new channel had a helicopter over the scene and the man turned the hostage loose and then came out and the police did a fantastic and very professional job in securing him. Very sad and scary for all involved and I am thankful as it could have been so bad.

Linda

[IASW Rider]

Thank God everything worked out as it did and no one was hurt. I can imagine what an upsetting experience that must have been for Becki and her family, though. I hope that they are all doing well!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Becki was waiting up for her hubby. As nervous as I used to get worrying about Tom getting home when it was bad weather etc. I cannot imagine how she and other police wives must feel.

Seems the young man (18) was attempting suicide by cop. Since I was able to see it live on tv I was very impressed with our local police officers in how they handled the situation. It was sudden and they did not have a lot of time to clear the area and believe it or not there were idiots who argued with the police and gave them trouble for telling them to get out of the area. They should be ashamed. Someone wrote a fantastic article in the paper on the subject today.

Another dear friend of mine passed away this morning. It was a blessing as she had suffered for several years. She had greatly changed when she came to our club meeting at my house last year. When I got out my file card to call the other club members to tell them I was struck by how very many names on the list are now gone. I am the youngest member and have been in for 25 years in October. I would not have missed knowing these ladies for anything but I have got to get some younger friends. One of my younger friends was chiding me for saying that once pointing out that she WAS younger and then I reminded her that she is going blind so is still in need of my help. LOL Sick humor is better than no humor.

Austin is spening the night and we are watching old Dukes of Hazzard shows. This was one of my son's favorite shows also. I even had a cake made with the General Lee for his BD once. We are headed to the country to visit my in laws tomorrow and I am hoping to make some blackberry cobblers, since I do not have the ingredients for a certain Peaches and Cream pie. (BTW, was that crust homemade? It appeared to be) I bought 6 quarts of blackberries this morning from a friend, the first of the season. I have had two big bowls so far, with Splenda. Yummm!!

Did you all know that Janet2K just left DL and is now at DW!! Some people know how to live.

Good night all, see you later!

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

Wow - that blackberry cobbler sounds wonderful! I'm sure that they came out beautifully! How was your visit with your in-laws?

(And hey - I sent over said Peaches and Cream Pie recipe! :) Please let me know if you didn't receive it - I will send it again! :)) And yes, the crust was homemade - Frank wouldn't have it any other way! :)

Since Austin is enjoying "The Dukes of Hazzard" so much, I assume that you'll all be seeing the film version when it comes out, in a few weeks? That's so neat that your DS was such a big fan, too, and that you had a General Lee cake for his birthday, one year!

So sorry to hear about your friend. It's always sad to hear news like that, especially about an old friend from a group with which you've been a part for so long. But as you said, those friendships have been important and meaningful in your life for many years, and I'm sure that you'll always cherish them and the special time that you've spent and are spending with those ladies!

So glad to hear that Janet2K is in WDW, just after her return from DL! (I saw her most recent post on her Vow Renewal thread - glad to hear that she plans to update that thread upon her return, too!)

I'm sure that Colleen will be sharing all the news of her WDW vacation with us, upon her return, but I don't think she'd mind my giving everyone a few updates! She and her family are having a wonderful time! They spent a few fun days at PO-FQ, where they enjoyed the sea serpent pool and visited the MK and the Studios (Colleen's DH, Scott had a great sounding Birthday dinner at the Sci Fi!)! They then spent some relaxing time at the Vero Beach Resort, before meeting up with Colleen's parents back at PO-FQ! They all moved over to the Beach Club, over the weekend, and met up with Colleen's old friends and their children, and have all been able to spend some time together! In the mean time, Colleen and her family spent some time swimming at the Poly and at Coronado Springs, dining in Boma, The Plaza, Beaches and Cream, and the Kona Cafe (amongst other places!), and her children have been having a blast! OK - I'll shut up, now - I'm sure that Colleen would want to share all of the details with you all, herself! :)

I will say that I called her at an "inopportune moment", a few nights ago........I called her and she answered her cell phone, whispering "guess where I am?" She held up the phone so that I could hear.........and immediately recognized that she was right in the middle of riding Carousel of Progress! :) I can't believe that I picked just that moment to call her! :)

So glad to hear that she and her family are having such a fun and special vacation, and can't wait to hear more, upon her return! I hope that Janet and her family are having a great time, too!

Not too much to report from the North East, today! We visited with some friends who live near Atlantic City, on Saturday, and spent a nice day relaxing in their backyard, swimming in their pool (well, at least Frank did - I'm such a baby that the water was too cold for me!), and catching up. We finally got around to seeing "War of the Worlds" last night, and then had a nice BBQ dinner on our deck - the weather was just gorgeous here, this weekend! (Will be going back into the sticky 90's this week, though. That's OK - I don't mind - better the "sticky 90's" than the icy 20's, as I always say! :))

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you all had a great weekend! Talk to you soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi ya Lisa!

How cool to call during COP. I like that silly ride and not just for an easy to get onto ride where I can rest for a bit. I have many pictures of it in my files and one day hope to add the appropriate music to it when I manage to find time to make Disney slideshows.

I got the Peaches and Cream pie recipe and plan to make it in Septemember when we have the big open house (if I am able). Having been a food judge once upon a time I thought I could detect a homemade crust. It appeared to be a blue ribbon champion too! I am impressed. Frank must have had a wonderful mom who raised him well. It is a good thing to be able to do things for oneself. Thank you so much. I thought I had mentioned it in an email but maybe not. I am easily confused. :confused3

I believe the blackberry cobblers were pretty good. My inlaws are odd and one bil rarely eats anyone's cooking. He has been known to eat mine though. I cannot convince him that the restaurants he frequents are far more dangerous. LOL I made two more for Tom to take to a church pitch in. Nothing came back in the pans so I am guesing that they were liked. Nothing remotely diet about the recipe. It consists of a lot of cooking oil and sugar. :banana:

The visitation and funeral for my friend was so well done by her daughters. Instead of just statisics it was filled with love and a celebration of a life well lived by a special person.

Had a nice lunch with the inlaws and Austin decided he wanted to wanted to go up the road a bit further to visit some other relatives as well. It was so nice as he is very close to his dad's side of the family (they all live next to each other on a farm). He loved touring one uncles garden and newly constructed barn and they talked building. The other uncle is a city uncle so he enjoyed the high life there. I think the new high tech big screen tv was the hit of the day there. He was given a Michael Jordon baseball card with a bit of his bat and a bag of foreign coins from their many travels. We did not get home until late and he told me had a fantastic day. So did I. Had to hammer out some legal things with my lawyer bil who will have to help Tom make any decisions that have to be made. I am afraid that I will want my way even from the grave. LOL :wave2:

Your weekend was my favorite kind, sitting around with friends and just talking. Not enough time for such these days. It is a blessing when it occurs though.


Janet is enjoying her summer to the fullest. She has a knack for making the most out of life, as do you. Cannot wait until Colleen gets back and I am going to have to go her way so I can see the pictures. Becki showed me hers from her last trip and it was so much fun seeing them all. I love seeing other peoples pictures and even their home movies. I gave my new camera to my daughter to take when they left on vacation this morning so that I can share some of their experiences. I am so glad they are getting away from everything and everybody.

I prefer the cold weather as it is a bunch easier to add some clothing than take some off. Some days are so hot that wearing nothing at all would not only not help but be downright dangerous. :teeth: It was 104 here one day last week and it is starting to heat up again.

I am heading to Indianapolis tomorrow but am leaving early so that I can make sure I can find the surgeon's office. If it is easy to find and I have some extra time there are many places to wile away the hours to great advantage.

I have had many friends offer to go with me but I would not consign anyone to sitting, for possible hours, reading the original Saturday Evening Post published by Ben Franklin. :3dglasses

I have to go pick up some more blackberries. I went through 6 quart in the past few days. Guess what I am having for dinner??

SG/Linda

[colleen costello]

GREETINGS FROM BCV!!!

Hi all. We sprung for internet tonight so I am checking in. We are having a ball and I am gald Lisa has let you know I am alive and well. I could get used to living here, BCV is so nice. Two days left and then we head home, before the poor cats forget who we are.

Have seen and done a lot. Mk was open til 2am last night and we made it til about 1:30. Saw the late parade and rode rides together with our friends who are here from Jersey and my parents. Eating a Mickey Head bar at midnight in Tomorrowland was pretty cool! Tonight we ate at Chef Mickey's and my friend's parents joined us. They brought all sorts of info from THE VILLAGES -- the retirement community to end all retirement communities -- and now my parents are all tanked up to visit and move there! So exciting... I have big plans to invite myself to their place once they settle in central FL!

Swimming a lot as it is very hot. Enjoying nice meals and taking lots of pics, which I will share upon returning. I have also bought lots of pins, for my collection of resort ones. It is just too easy to spend money here!

Hope all of you are well and I will write more when I get back to Indiana.

xoxoxo

[IASW Rider]

Just when I was coming by the Suite to tell everyone that Colleen sent her love to everyone, I see that she has already been here and posted! So glad to hear that she and her family are having such a wonderful time!!!!!! I would love to be in the MK at midnight - I haven't done that since I was a child! :) I have gotten a "sneak preview" of some of Colleen's WDW pictures and they are just FANTASTIC! Everyone looks wonderful and like they are all having a blast and visiting lots of fun and beautiful resorts - and the parks, of course! :)

How did everything go with your doctor's appointment, Linda? I'm assuming that this was a "consultation" sort of appointment with your surgeon, about the upcoming procedure? I hope that everything went well and that everything is "on track", and that you can "get this over with" and move on from it, very soon!

You'll have to stop talking about those blackberries and that yummy sounding cobbler - my mouth is watering, just thinking about them! :)

I hope that you will enjoy that Peaches and Cream pie - I know that it's a favorite around here, in the summertime - every time we are invited to a party or BBQ over the summer, the hosts always ask Frank to bring that pie - it's "legendary"! :) And I told Frank what you said about his pie crust and he was very honored that a connoisseur, such as yourself, would compliment him and his baking skills! :)

So glad to hear that you had such a nice day with your in-laws and that Austin had a chance to visit with some additional family, as well!

Sorry that this is such a quick one - just wanted to stop in and say "hi" - nothing to report from here - a pretty quiet week, so far! Hope that all is well with all of you! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to pop in and wish you all a great weekend!

I hope that all went well with your doctor's appointment, earlier in the week, Linda, and that you had a nice rest-of-the-week!

And I can't wait to hear from Colleen, when she returns, and hear all about the rest of her vacation! I believe that she and her family will be preparing to leave and make the journey home, this weekend! I can't wait for her to post more details about her magical trip!

As inspired by Colleen's excitement and enthusiasm, Frank and I have already figured out our 2006 "itinerary" for the land portion of our WDW / DCL trip - PS-wise, anyway! :)

Nothing interesting to report, from here, it was a very quiet week. Just working on my final project for my class (too boring to describe, here!) and tying that up, as the class ends in 2 weeks (then I'll have 2 "free" weeks before the fall semester starts). Got my newly-dyed shoes back, for my friend's wedding, yesterday - they look very cute - indigo ballet slippers! :) Having lunch with my father, today, taking 2 of our feline brood members for their annual check-ups at the vet, tomorrow, and we're going swimming with some friends at their swim club on Sunday. See? Told you there was nothing thrilling to report! But that's the "news" from the Garden State!

Hope that all is well with all of you! Have a great weekend! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy there in the Garden State, always did think that was a lovely motto. Hoosier, what the heck is a Hoosier, even we do not know. :rotfl:

Colleen and family know the right way to do DW, taking it easy and taking in the sights along the way. They should either be home or nearly so now and suffering from withdrawal. It is not nearly as much fun to do laundry without having a swimming pool right outside with loads of great people to talk to. Almost worth the mega bucks it costs. :flower:

Lisa, you have just reconfirmed my admiration of you and your wise ways. Ballet slippers are fantastic for a party, pretty yet comfortable. Cannot have fun if you are not comfortable. My dear daughter used to buy them for her proms and even though they were only wearable for that one night it was a wise investment. Do you have a picture of the dress?

Does Frank roll out the dough or pat in in place, as it appears to my eyes? Baking is a great art and lots of fun. I have told Dalton that it is a whole lot better than playing with play doh as you cannot (should not) eat play doh. LOL

The blackberries are good but believe me, you would not want the cobbler. Everyone raves over it but it is a conglomeration of oil and sugar and instantly adds pounds directly to the thighs.

My sister is back in the hospital for the third time and this time they are sending her to a nursing facility for a few weeks afterward. She is swearing (literally) off all future plastic surgery but I fear she will forget and go for it once again, if she manages to survive this. I am gravely worried about her and most concerned because she is all alone. Her husband has used up all available time off and he must work as the medical bills are going to be outrageous. Thank heaves the firm she works for offers six months full pay in case of illness.

My dd and family should be home tomorrow. The boys have called me every single night and I look forward to it. The swam in Lake Michigan yesterday. Dalton said he had to grab his brothers arm because he almost got swept away. He is a featherweight and could be swept off by the bathtub draining. His brother has arms of steel.

It seems that they have found a small complication and my bile duct is extended so they are going to have to check that out. Is probably a gallstone stuck but there is a chance (small) of cancer. It is a bit more dangerous surgery though so I am packing a bag in case I wake up to find a big old hole in my tummy instead of 4 small ones. I would be in the hospital for a week if they have to do the harder surgery and need to recuperate for about two months instead of two weeks. (bummer) Since I am so heriated the good news is that they will not have to cut into many muscles. (hey, a bit of good in most everything)

Luna and family went to the zoo yesterday. I hope they made it home alright and did not end up in a cage themselves. Bet they would a whole lot of fun to watch though. Ever wonder what the animals think when they see "us"? Ruminations.

I was looking over some of your photos again the other day. It is almost like being there with you. As Dalton says "It's a sweeeeet life!"

SG/Linda

[lunabkat]

Hi All

Well we are back safe from the Bronx Zoo :paw: and are off to JCPenney with my dear frind Ellen and her girls today for back to school shopping.

It was H O T yesterday but i have to say the girls couldn't have been any more wellbehaved. It was just a pleasure to be with them yesterday, oh if that were only the norm :goodvibes :cloud9:

We saw many animals but the girls were among the best at ferreting out where the little buggers were hiding. They found the two baby snow leopards and one large one hiding in the rocks, the brown bear in the pool, the poor polar bear in a big furry puddle by the cave and the female tiger sneaking around thru the forest. They were also very good at spotting the turtles and frogs and snakes in the reptile house. We all loved the sealions, they are such show offs and basically had a great time even if we were hot, sticky and sweaty. Next time we are going in October when it is a little cooler.

Got to go, will check back soon. Linda i hope your surgery is as uneventful as possible :)

Love to all
:grouphug: LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy there LL. Sure glad to see that the girls did not throw you to the lions or something. Did you ever notice that kids always throw in a sweet adorable day once in awhile, generally right after they have logged in a whole string of really rotten days, to throw you off track and convince you to keep them a bit longer?? :dog:

Hard to believe that those intelligent kids who are so darned good at finding the smallest animal cannot find their own shoes on a school morning but there it is. :confused3

Thank you for the good wishes, I am hoping for boring as well. There is enough drama in my family already.

SG/Linda/LL etc.

[SlightlyGoofy]

How come I see Rutgers shirts and logos everywhere I look? There was a TV show on the other night and an expert came on to talk and there it were, clear as day!! Seems everyone of importance has a connection to Rutgers. LOL

How you doing Lisa? Have you seen any more palm trees at the Jersy shore? LOL

What month will your 2006 trip be? I have my plans set too but I change them often. Everytime I get a chance. Sort of a virtual vacation. I am scared to death of that free dining stuff. I could easily come back twenty pounds heavier on a one week vacation and it would take me a year to get rid of it again.

Colleen, what wonderful pictures. Do you know how much, especially your daughter, looks like you? It was nice to see your hubby as well. I saved a couple of pictures, especially the one of your parents and yourselves in front of Spaceship Earth. That is a keeper!!1

Luna, have you recovered yet? Have your dear ones recovered themselves and become the ornery little monkeys that they are?

Dalton was sick today, not serious though. Kept a bucket nearby and had to keep explaining why you do not eat a bunch of stuff when your tummy is aching.

I may be headed Helenabears way as my sister is not doing well at all and I want to see her before my surgery. If I am not around for a few days that is why. If things are worse than I think I may have to postpone my surgery a bit.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda! So sorry that it took me so long to catch up on all of your recent posts. I hope that the complication concerning your bile duct does, in fact, turn out to be something like a gall stone or something that can be (relatively) easily dissolved, and that you will not require the more invasive surgery. Is there any way that the doctors can tell, for sure, before you go in for the actual procedure? You're not in pain, are you? I am worried about you! (Even though you "sound" perfectly calm and are clearly viewing the situation rationally and realistically.) I hope that it turns out to be "nothing" and that you will ultimately have the less invasive sort of surgery, as originally planned. I just hope that you can put all of this behind you, very soon!

And I'm so sorry to hear about your sister - I hope that she will be all right! It's so nice of you to go out there to be with her - I'm sure that just your being there and your support will offer her comfort and will make her feel better. I hope that everything works out and that she is completely rehabilitated in the nursing facility, afterwards. We are certainly thinking of you and your family!

Glad to hear that your DD and DSL and the boys had a nice vacation! And it's so nice that they called you every day - so that you could sort of be there "virtually" with them!

Speaking of vacations, to answer your question, we'll be going to WDW / DCL in May again, next year - the last week of May, ending with Memorial Day weekend, specifically. The past 2 years, we've gone the week before, but since Mother's Day falls on the 14th, next year, Frank wanted to be home to spend it with his Mom, so we're going the following week - just 270-something days to go, now! :) And of course, we already have our entire parks and dining "itineraries" planned out, already..........! :)

Frank does pat out the dough instead of rolling it - very good eye, there! Though I'm not surprised, baking expert and blue-ribbon issuing baking judge that you are! :) He's going to be baking some more pies, this weekend! I wouldn't care if your cobbler applied pounds directly to my thighs - I would love to try it, anyway - I'm sure that it is unbelievably scrumptious! :)

I also wore ballet slippers to both of my proms (because my high school sweetheart was an inch shorter than I :))! I got them for this wedding because the ceremony will be taking place at an actual lighthouse, and apparently we'll have to walk on a boardwalk-like structure in order to get there. The bride specifically told me to get sensible, comfortable shoes with as flat a heel as possible, so I went with the ballet slippers!

Speaking of "boardwalks", although we haven't been to the shore AT ALL yet, this summer (Frank no longer has Fridays off, and we've been reluctant to brave the inevitable weekend shore traffic), we WILL be visiting the swaying Jersey palms this Friday, coincidentally, as Frank took the day off, just for that purpose! :) I can't wait - I'm going into withdrawal - the only place where I've seen the Atlantic Ocean, this summer, has been from Port Canaveral in Florida - I haven't seen it at all in New Jersey, yet, this summer!

It's so funny that you keep seeing Rutgers shirts and logos everywhere, Linda! I guess I sort of take them for granted, since they are such a common sight around here! But it's funny that you keep noticing them! There is actually a big "controversy" going on at the University, now, as there are prospective plans to "roll" all of the individual colleges that comprise the University into one, big liberal arts college, and just call it "Rutgers College". The alumni and students of my alma mater, Douglass College, are up in arms, as Douglass is the largest women's college in the country - and the only one associated with a State University - and we don't want our school to lose its identity, history, individuality, etc. It will be interesting to see what winds up happening.......the alumni and students of the other Rutgers liberal arts colleges aren't thrilled with this possibility, either.........

ANYWAY, hope that all is well with you and your family! We are certainly thinking of you all, Linda, and are hoping that you and your sister are and will be well, healthy, comfortable, and on the road to recovery, very soon!

Can't wait for Colleen to post in, again, with more news from her trip! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you, out there! Have a great week! :)

[colleen costello]

Hi everyone. Well, I have finally settled in a bit after all the activity of unpacking and laundry and everything. The kids are registered for school (which begins Thursday) and the cats have seen the vet, which should last them a year. So now I am taking a few momentsto tell you all about our wonderful trip.

We arrived on Monday and checked into Port Orleans. As promised, the resort is nice and small so even though we were assigned to the building farthest out, we were still close to the action. Our room was right by a parking lot, very convenient since we drive down, but still looked out sideways at the Sassagoula River. Boats went by from Riverside to Downtown Disney, and it was very picturesque. The room was obviously new -- recall that the whole resort just re-opened last year. Very nice, everything was in perfect working order and very clean. We hit the pool immediately and that whole area was great. There were tons of chairs and even though it was crowded, it was not "out of hand." I did order my first pina colada very promptly!

The next day we swam in the daytime and headed to MGM in the evening. We had reservations for dinner at SciFi Dine-In. VERY FUN! I asked to be seated in a car since it was my hubby's brithday, and they assured me that as we had made reservations we would definitely get a car. They remembered, however, that it was someone's birthday, and at the end of the meal my poor, shy hubby was forced to stand up in the booth while everyone looked on. The waitress shouted "This is Scott from Indiana and he is 42!" and of course Scott threatened to kill me! It was a lot of fun, though, and he was a great sport. We rode some rides and then took in the late showing of Fantasmic! Overall, a great day. :)

On our third day at FQ we packed an overnight bag and headed for Vero Beach. It took us about 2 hours to get there, and the ride was nice. What a gorgeous resort Disney has built there! When I went into the lobby to check in, the whole back of the building was glass doors and I could see over the grounds to the bright blue ocean. It took my breath away! We had lunch in the restaurant that looks over the beach, and then our room was ready. We dressed and hit the beach. The kids had fun playing in the surf and sand. The water was as warm as a pool. After a while we went up to the pool, which was even warmer than the ocean. The kids enjoyed the slide and then Scott played a round of mini-golf with them, at the little course adjacent to the pool. Lots of fun!

We signed the kids up for the Turtle Troop so we were up early the next morning. At 7am they headed out to the beach with a licensed biologist from Animal Kingdom. Certain types of sea turtles are endangered and protected by law, and there are strict laws governing how the turtles are treated. The kids were thrilled to hit the beach and help find little baby turtles who had not made it to the water the night before. They described to me how they would see a little flipper or head sticking out of the sand, and then they would all carefully dig. The rescued over 20 turtles that morning, and the biologist put them into a cooler for safekeeping. That night he would release them under cover of darkness, when they would be safer as they made their way into the ocean. After that they showed the kids a film about the turtles, and the children decorated tote bags as souvenirs. They also got certificates and info on how to track the turtles on the internet. This program made a big impression on my children, and I was so happy they had a wonderful "ocean experience" because it's not like we get to see the ocean everyday. Overall, I loved Vero and hope we'll visit again next summer, even if just for an afternoon.

When we got back to PO-FQ the next morning, my parents called to say they were just about at the resort, via the Magical Express Bus. It was exciting to be right there when they stepped off the bus! I got wonderful pics of the kids greeting their grandparents. We got them registered (in the room right next to ours!) and we hit the pool. That night we had a wonderful dinner at our favorite, BOMA.

Next morning we headed over to Beach Club Villas, where we had 2 rooms for the next 6 nights. There were two rooms ready and we took them, unpacked and headed for Stormalong Bay, possibly the best pool at WDW. What fun it was for my parents to swim with the grandkids. After a bit we were greeted by our friends John and Jeannine. I went to college with these 2, and hadn't seen them in forever. It was a stroke of luck that they happened to be staying at Beach Club the very same week. They have two daughters the same ages as my son and daughter, and the kids hit it off immediately. What a treat it was to reconnect with our friends as well as see the kids have so much fun together.

Throughout the week we did parks in the mornings or late evenings, and swam in the afternoons to beat the high heat. We did Animal Kingdom one morning, Epcot another. The best was the evening at the MK, which was open until 2am for resort guests. We had dinner at the Crystal Palace. We had a great seat, and during dinner I could look out the window toward the castle, which lit up as the daylight faded. After dinner we met John and his family, and we rode rides, saw the parade and fireworks, and generally had a ball until we headed back to Beach Club EXHAUSTED! Being at the MK so late on a summer night was magic, and reminded me of my childhood.

One evening John's parents met us at the Contemporary, for dinner at Chef Mickey's. This was great fun as John's family is from NJ like mine, but they have retired in FLorida. They showed up with all sorts of info on their retirement community, The Villages. Linda has visited there and liked it, and John's Mom and Dad were, as promised, a living infomercial for the place. Now my parents are planning a visit and expect to move down there. I am thrilled because I think they will LOVE it -- and it will inevitably mean more Florida time for me! :)

We swam every afternoon, and had wonderful dinners at Kona Cafe and on our last night, 'Ohana. We saw the EWP from the beach and I thought of all of you! The view at 'Ohana was amazing -- I was looking across at the Castle and down INTO the Volcano at the pool! We love the Poly and always have our last night's meal there.

In the Poly giftshop I actually recognized a DIS'er! It was Fantasia, whose photo appears in her online signature. I recognized her and her children right away. I felt like I met a celebrity! We chatted for a bit and took some photos. It was so nice to FINALLY meet someone from the Boards, after wearing the Lime Green Mickey Ears on my bag for the last two years... She and her kiddos were staying at the Poly and LOVED it.

On our last day, we checked out of our room and headed to Beaches and Cream for lunch. This is an old-fashioned soda shop right at Beach Club and it is wonderful. We had lunch folloed by BIG ice cream sundaes, and then headed out. My parents were waiting for the Magical Express bus when we drove away.

Overall it was a wonderful trip, with many great dinners together and lots of resort-hopping, my favorite. The parks were busy but not crazy, and while I chickened out til next time, my family LOVED "Soarin." I can't wait to go back, and I am already hard at work planning our two 2006 trips. Eleven nights at WDW was amazing, and I am shoooting for a nice long visit next July as well. Mom and Dad were so impressed with BCV that we are going there again, and as usual I am plotting how to stretch the most value out of my DVC points... Planning the next trip is the best way to feel OK about coming home :)

Lots of love, :love:
Colleen

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Colleen! Am I understanding that you kept the room at PO while you were at Vero Beach? I may have misunderstood. LOL

POR used to be our favorite resort. Such a pretty place and the kids loved the pool. Did they still have the piano player in the lobby in the evenings? The last time we were there I got drunk while listening to the music but I had to pay the piper the next day. Only I could go years without a single beer and get snockered at DW. :banana:

I love the saving the turtles program. Your kids will never forget that and what a fantastic and fun lesson. Good on you for embarrassing Scott, is what we wives are supposed to do. Mine does not mind as long as there is a free dessert included and has even been known to say it was his birthday when it was not. :rolleyes1

You got to meet Fantasia? Is she as much of a knockout in person as her picture? I have always wanted to ask her if she was a model or something. I believe it was she who was planning a move to Florida and promised the guest room to me. LOL I am holding her to it. :rotfl2:

Did you do any park hopping? Did you use the day after EMH strategy? Smart move to rest during the heat of the day while the commandoes are out wearing themselves out. How did your mom and dad do in the heat? They were in grandparent heaven from what I could see in the pictures.

The Villages are about two hours from DW so it might not be as perfect for DW trips as you might want. There are other places closer by but I bet not nearly as nice. I have friends who own a place there and they spend winters down there. I have considered renting a place but not many availabe in the winter, lots in the summer and the heat gets to me.

What good fortune to have an accidental get together with your friends. Did you guys do a lot of things together? Great for the kids to get to know new people too. Maybe you will accidentally get together again. :grouphug:

Lisa, nope does not hurt,most of the time, but when it do it brings me to my knees and I am surprised that you have not heard me screaming. I am not easily taken down and just sort of mentioned it last minute to my doctor because I was afraid of one of those 'gas' attacks hitting me while I was driving. I had one on my last trip to DW. I was sitting on a bench on Main Street when I was overcome. I am afraid I scared the people. I got away in a corner until I felt better. I have had so many surgeries and a couple were life threatening, emergency things so I have been through so much more that this is nothing. Since one of the symptoms of the pancreatic cancer is loss of weight I am pretty sure that is not it. :flower:

My sister is back in the hospital and the Infectious Disease representative was in to see her last night. I have not heard since. She calls when she feels like talking. We plan to go to Columbus on Sunday and some long lost relatives may be there also, my mothers siblings. Her parents were divorced and we have never had anything to do with her dad's part of the family so it is a bit interesting. I told my sister to get the biggest, baddest lawyers in her firm to just visit her and see if that gets anyone on the ball. Since she is all alone, most of the time, I worry. If she needs someone to break bad she is to call me cause I can get tough, if defending someone else. grrrrrrr

Please tell Frank that I have the neatest thing for my pie crust dough, it is a round plastic bag with zipper and I just pop in a roll of already homemade pie crust, let it thaw and roll it out. Comes out perfectly and since it is contained you do not have to mess with the dough very much, secret of good crust. I do not like messes on my counters either. LOL

I have pictures of my mom on the Boardwalk, the old original one. She was a city gal until she got stuck down on the farm. Is the one at DW somewhat similar?

An old friend of mine died the other day and his family called because they are bringing his body back to Indiana so he can be buried next to his wife. I am going to be putting some of the family members up for a night or two. I did this when the wife died years ago and they were the nicest house guests I have ever had.

The reason I see Rutgers stuff everywhere is because I know you. :cheer2: I love the fact that I meet so many great people on the Internet even if it also means I have more people to worry about.

Here is to no more attacks before surgery and that the surgery takes away all my pains. I have DW plans and miles to go before I rest. :moped:

LL, how ya doing girl? Looking forward to the first day of school I bet. :teacher:

Love ya, really mean it!! SG/Linda

[colleen costello]

Hi again. To answer Linda's question, yes, I did "abandon" my PO-FQ room for one night. It was very unlike me, penny-pincher that I can be, but since the Disney Visa Reward Dollars were paying for most of the 5 nights, I decided to go for it! We just packed an overnight bag and off we went.

Yes, Fantasia is as lovely outside as inside. When she had my Mom take the picture of us, I about said NO! imagining how I would look next to her! Then I took hold of myself and realized that my friends would never be unhappy to see my picture, just I would! So we posed together and my Mom took the picture, and Fantasia promised (threatened?) to post it once she is home. Again, it was a treat to meet a real live DIS-er in person. :)

Linda, John's Dad says he makes WDW from the Villages in about an hour and 20 minutes. Sounds pretty darn good to me. My family just snuggled up together here and watched the DVD they provide, and I swear I am ready to move to that town. So nice and so much to do and Mickey just a few hours away? Heaven!

Off to watch "Aladdin" with the kiddos. Hi to all!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Colleen, either you hubby was charging his business supplies to your rewards card or you have been doing some heavy duty shopping. I will be delighted to be able to get at least one, and possibly two, or most of the second, AP free with my rewards. I have gone from a woman who barely charged a half dozen times in a year to someone who charges everything I possibly can. I am getting into the swing of things and am sort of enjoying writing one huge check a month instead of a whole bunch of smaller ones. Even for 'free' it would have caused me much pain to leave the room behind but it was well worth it for you in that you saved so much stress and strain.

Don't cha just hate it when people are not only tiny, beautiful but also nice? (hide your face Lisa) Seems if they have the first two they should at least be mean and hateful. :rotfl2: Why should they be allowed to be as nice as you are?

My sil taped her Hoosier Millionaire show tonight and she won $8,000, $3,000 in scratch off tickets. Just imagine the mess she can make with that amount of tickets. I had to clean my car up after she scratched off a couple of hundred one time. Gambling is a fool's game. I buy maybe a half dozen a year. One is enuff.

Don't be too quick to move to the Villages. You can take any pets you want with you, under a certain weight limit, but you have to leave your children behind. They are not allowed. If your parents move there you can only visit, I think, 30 days a year. Will probably be enough as I doubt that your hubby gets more time than that off. Please ask your parents if they would like to adopt an older child? I take out the trash. :flower:

May be leaving for Columbus Saturday. Will decide tomorrow. As usual I have gotten myself into a 'fine mess'. Too many committments, too little time.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

I am so sorry that I haven't posted in so long - to be honest, I have been lurking, but haven't had a chance to respond! I read Colleen's wonderful, comprehensive, fun Trip Report, earlier in the week, and I've been keeping up with all of Linda's news via her posts, as well!

I just finished up my last summer class, with a final group project - a paper and oral presentation, last night. Hopefully I will have time to post more......at least for the next 2 weeks, until my hectic fall semester begins!

So, how have you all been doing, since last you posted?

[IASW Rider]

Oops! While trying to finish my last post, I accidentally hit "enter" twice, and it posted a duplicate! So I erased the duplicate and will finish my post, here!

How are you feeling, Linda? And how is your sister doing? Do you know if and when you will be going to visit her? I hope that she is recovering well. How are Tom and the rest of your family doing?

Thanks so much for your e-mails - I thought that I would respond, here, since I haven't posted in the Suite in so long! We haven't had a chance to look at your DVD, yet, because we haven't had very much free time during the weeknight evenings to watch it together. But we will see it over the weekend, though, when we have more time to sit down together and do so!

Conggratulations to your SIL - that is very exciting news about her winnings! Hopefully the tickets will bring her more good luck!

It's very interesting to hear yours and Colleen's information about / impressions of The Villages - makes me fantasize about an early retirement........oh yeah, that's right........I sort of AM already "retired"! :)

How's it going out there, Colleen? Are you and your family all settled back in, after your exciting vacation? Do you have all of your plans in order for your upcoming spring and (next) summer trips? Have you heard from John and his family, since you've been home? How was the rest of their trip? And has Fantasia posted the picture of the 2 of you on her Trip Report thread? I looked at her thread a few days ago and saw some of her pictures - she and her children are just beautiful, and it looks like they were having a wonderful time!

Hope that you're all having a great evening! I promise to post more often and stay caught up with everyone's news! Talk to you soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, for someone who is almost retired you are busier than anyone I know. What might your latest assignment have been? I bet you put a spin on many of your reports and such. Nothing mundane for you.

I got 4 notices of your posting. I usually get two or more of each one. I think the Boards are trying to make up for not sending any at all sometimes. pirate:

My sister is home again and has been for two days, a record. She said she was going to the grocery today so that is a good sign. One of my younger sisters is going to care for her this weekend as my doctor says that it is not a good idea for me to be around her since she is contagious. I would not want to bring something back to my grandkids. I had to send gas money to the one sister because she is not too well off but it was for a good cause and will probably go for gas, this time. :confused3

I was hoping that my sil would win enough money to make a difference. Her hubby was the one in the bad accident. He is already back at work, against doctor's orders.

Fantasia is kind of fantastic looking and she is not even my type. Sometimes you just got to admire God's work though. The terrible thing is that she is very down to earth and nice sounding too. If you look that good you ought to at least be terrible or unhappy. :rotfl: Just kidding cause I would not wish her to be unhappy at all.

The Villages would be a good place to aim for in retirement. Since it was built by the same people who built much of DW and US you would feel right at home. You can do a search and they have a video you can check out.

I hope that you can get the DVD to work. It is troublesome as not all are compatible. I tried it in my computer and two dvd players so I am hoping. It is far from perfect. I had put several videos on there also but could not get them when I played it. The pictures will have to suffice until I get smarter. I was limited by the songs in my file so some of my choices might be a bit off the wall. Is my strange sense of humor kicking in.

Colleen must still be resting up from her trip, breathing a sigh of relief when her kiddos started school. LOL

I heard from Becki the other day. She is not currently working in this town and I am hoping that she will not as that would mean that no kids here are in trouble. She was hunting for the Community Center. That is one place I know where to find. :cool1:

More yardwork tomorrow. I must figure out a way to cut down on that stuff. I need more time for fun. I am dreaming of a nice condo with outside maintenance, Not sure if I could handle the good life but am willing to give it a try.

SG/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Well, my dear sister is back in the hospital, a different one this time with a new doctor. Hooray!!! They are going to operate on Monday and see if they can eliminate some of the infected places. She had been to the doctor that morning and was doing fine and between the time she left the doctor's office and home her leg started hurting. Her hubby said it ws turning red and he could see it expanding. Scary.

I went to the local cemetery to take care of a gravestone that we had noticed when we were at the recent funeral. As I pulled the weeds I considered that I would much rather have children to give me trouble than to have such a sad chore to do for them. It is all in how you look at it.

We went to an auction this morning and managed to get a pretty nice patio set for little money. Since I am giving my old concrete set to a friend, too hard on my seat, :rotfl2: it is good to have a substitute. Lavendar and white so it matches my flowers nicely.

My tomatoes have yielded a nice surprise. I had planted two different plants for a friend and instead of the small yellow non acid ones I expected I have gotten tiny, gourd shaped yellow tomatoes. They are delicious and great for snacks. I will plant these again next year, on purpose. Trays of my infamous stuffed peppers are filling my freezer. They will be wonderful this winter.

It is awfully quiet around here. Everyone had better start gathering around, who will I have to talk at while I am recuperating? Talking to myself is frowned upon and heaven knows I would not want to be alone with all the new wait staff. I would get so spoiled that I would never want to return to the Real World.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

I'm sorry, Linda! Don't be lonely - we are here! :) And we're always "with" you - now, and we certainly will be when you are recuperating, as well!

I hope that everything is all right with your sister and that her surgery goes smoothly and as painlessly as possible, tomorrow. Hopefully, that will take care of what ever issues remain, and she will finally be able to recover in peace and feel back to herself! We will be thinking of her - and you!

It was so nice of you to take care of the grave that you had noticed. My father is often doing things like that (since he is often at the cemetery where my mother and grandparents are, and also at the one where his own grandparents are). I think that that was a very considerate and respectful thing for you to do and that the family will certainly appreciate your thoughtfulness.

That's so neat about your tomatoes! Since we live in a townhouse and don't really have much land on which to plant (and are somewhat restricted by Homeowner's Association guidelines), I haven't planted vegetables since I lived at home with my parents. I always used to love to watch them grow and then "harvest" them and eat them! I would love to grow tomato plants again! And thoughts of your stuffed peppers are making my mouth water!

Very quiet weekend, here. Just had dinner with some old ML pals (who are also huge WDW fans and annual visitors, like us), last night and took care of things around the house, today. Soon, we will head out to the deck to BBQ some chicken for dinner. And I rented some movies for tonight, too - "The Upside of Anger" (which I've been dying to see - Joan Allen is supposed to be amazing in it) and "Alfie" (since Jude Law has been such a cad in real life, might as well see him act like one on screen, too! :)).

I have my fitting for my maid of honor dress for my friend's wedding, tomorrow (I love stuff like that - I'm looking forward to seeing what the dress looks like on me, again, since I haven't tried it on in a few months!), and we're going to see our Somerset Patriots play, tomorrow night, with our usual baseball game companions - a few other old ML pals (that was the best thing about my 15 years working for Merrill - the great friends that I made, there! Only second to...........meeting my husband, there, of course! :))

Hope that you're all having a great weekend! :)

[colleen costello]

Hi girls! Just checking in quickly before action starts again. I just cleaned up dinner -- I made lasagna, YUM -- and now I am taking a little break before I bathe the slimy little children. Tomorrow is a early day and we are still not used to setting the alarm clock after all that lazing all summer.

Linda, I will pray it goes well with your sister. And as far as your convalescence, you will be speaking to ME, because I plan on calling you every day. If you fall over and get stuck I fear Tom may not notice until a mealtime, so I plan on annoying you regularly. I also hope to visit IN PERSON if you can stand me. I am hoping all the pals you help out so often can pay you back a bit when you are laid up, although I fear many of them are too old to do much. No disrespect meant, but it's hard to pay a friendly visit when you can't see to drive! In any case, I fully expect you to be darn sick of me by the time you are healed. :)

Lisa, sounds like a nice weekend you had. It got beautiful here today, so I hope the lower temps and lower humidity are headed your way. It is supposed to be in the low eighties here all week, with no rain. WOOHOO! After too many ninety-plus-degree days, I am READY!

Everyone, I have finished booking my 2006 WDW trips and that feels so good. We have Old Key West for March and Beach Club Villas for July, a repeat performance of this year's great trip. As usual, I am hoping to hit the lottery between now and July so I can add nights at the Polynesian. Never hurts to hope...

Back to work; love to all.

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Colleen! Congratulations on booking your 2006 trips - YEA!!!!!!!! As the old saying goes - "the best way to get over the 'post-WDW-blues' is to plan your next trip".........or TRIPS, in your case! Very exciting! :)

I'm sure that that lasagna came out wonderfully - YUM - I'm getting hungry, just thinking about it! :)

Hope that all went well with your sister's procedure today, Linda!

Everything is fine and dandy, here! It's a beautiful day here, today - as you were saying, Colleen, it's also supposed to be sunny and in the 80's all week here, too! I had my fitting for my dress for my friend's wedding, this morning, and that went well (though the seamstress made it VERY "form-fitting" - which is the way that it's designed to be, I suppose - I wear so many baggy T-shirts that I guess I'm used to a looser fit! I will have to be sure not to gain an ounce between now and the end of September.......there isn't too much "extra" room in that dress, now!). Now I'm getting ready to go see our Somerset Patriots play, this evening, with Frank and our usual baseball buddies.

That's about all the "news" from here! Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you all had a great weekend! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Colleen and Lisa, I swear - I am NOT lonely. When I am sick I am sort of like a wild animal in that I tend to crawl into a hole and stay there until I feel better. I am veteran of operations and much better suited than most to handle it. :flower:

I am going to send one of my sisters a listing of my favorite people, yourselves included, so that she can keep you up to date on how I am doing. I can trust that she will do it. I gave this sister my bil's phone number so she can call and see how I am if I do NOT get home the same day. My husband literally does not make phone calls and my bil is his brother and can, but does not choose, to call many -especially non family members. :confused3

When I wake up the first thing I am gonna do is feel my belly and see if I have one huge hole or 4 small ones. If small ones I am home free.

Lisa, I would love to see that dress cause I have noticed your propencity for wearing looser clothes. You have worked too darned hard to hide that light of your under a barrel or a bag. :sunny: No news on my sister since she just went in a bit ago. Did ya know that you can plant tomatoes in a pot? Many around here do so. The small ones do the best but if you stake them you can grow the big ones as well.

Colleen, since Tom will not be here at all it is even less certain that he would not notice if I fall over. :bitelip: I am hiding a door key where my neighbors can find it in case anyone should, heaven forbid, have to come in after me. I am grateful for your offer to pester me to death but you have children to get off for school etc. and I will be fine. You and Austin are welcome to pester me via phone.

I have something to look forward to. It seems that I may be going to England in the Summer of 2006 with my 13 year old niece. She asked if I would go when she goes and her parents are thrilled that she would have to with her instead of going alone. When Austin found out he asked if he could go too. Was surprising as he is deathly afraid of flying. He says if I am there he will not be scared. Now, if I can keep the fact that I am scared from him. :flower: I will have to work hard at recuperating so that I can see all that I can see. (wondering if it is possible to take the Chunnel to Paris for the day)

Love, SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

You know, I don't believe that you told us - do you know the actual date of your surgery, at this point? I know that you were thinking of postponing it until after you knew that your sister was well, but I'm not sure that you ever told us the actual date (perhaps at the end of this month?). Please have someone keep us posted about your recovery and progress - we will all be thinking of you, of couse, and hoping for your speedy recuperation!

How did your sister do, yesterday? I hope that everything went well and that her new doctor was able to take care of her infections and issues, once and for all!

That's so wonderful that you may be taking that trip to England with your niece - and maybe Austin, too! That is definitely something to look forward to! Have you ever been there, before? Is your niece going as part of a program that she is involved with? Or as part of a tour? Do you know approximately how long you would be staying there? It is very exciting! :)

I do know that you can plant tomatoes in a pot - I guess that we've gotten so caught up in planting our potted flowers that it didn't occur to me to plant vegetables in pots, too! Maybe we can do that, next year, and put some potted veggies on our deck (as the flowers are in the front of our house)!

I will certainly send you a picture of the dress, Linda - I have one of me wearing it, before it was altered.......I'm just a little nervous to see how it's going to fit, afterwards! :) It's a great dress, though - very "unbridesmaidsy" - something that I may ACTUALLY be able to wear again (and actually hope to be able to do so on our cruise, next year)!

Even though I've been trying not to spend inordinate amounts of time on the computer, during my last week off before fall classes start, I did happen across a new "addiction"........in addition to these wonderful message boards, which I will always read and post on.......I recently came across a 1964-65 NY World's Fair message board, and I can't stop reading the experts' posts on it! It's so neat to think that there are other people out there, who are also fans of a Fair that took place 40 years ago! So much neat trivia and information about the existing artifacts, both at the actual site and also all across the country (ie: I didn't realize that the World's Largest Tire, in Detroit - which I've seen "in person" and photographed - is the same huge tire that served as a ferris wheel in the Transportation section of the Fair, and was sponsored by United Rubber - which later became Uniroyal, I think!). Pretty nifty!

Well, I'd better tear myself away from the computer, now. The weather is so beautiful outside, that I've resigned not to "waste" my entire days off from school, sitting inside.........before we know it, the weather will start getting cooler.........UGH.......let's not think about that, right now!

Hope that you're all having a great day! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi Lisa, the date is August 30th at 8:00 am. I have done extensive research and I should be home (fingers crossed) by afternoon. I will have to get up at 4 am in order to disinfect myself before getting there at the expected 6:30. Good thing is that I should not require much to knock me out since I am NOT a morning person. :cool1:

They had to operate on my sister and take out the bad parts. She seems to be doing better, I hope. I told her to get her butt out of the hospital cause it was her turn to be calling me. :teeth:

I do not like spending big bucks on many plants for my yard so I have planted veggies in among my flowers for years. It fills in the spaces and gives me nice fresh stuff for our meals. There is something special about being able to go out and pick something to cook right away. I have squash for tonight's dinner. Dorthea loves the pear tomatoes as do I.

I sent you my edited version of your fantastic blue dress. I love the style, of the dress and the gal wearing it. Hold that head up a bit though so we can see the eyes. LOL

My niece is the child of older parents who are raising her to be a child of the world, she is biracial. Education is their priority so she is just going to expand her horizons. She is sweetly unspoiled though. I doubt that Austin will, indeed, accompany me but I would love it if he did. I would like him to see something of the world other than just this county. I have been to the Bahamas and a short trip into Mexico a couple of times but have never been out of the country otherwise. I love English history and probably know more than the average English person does. :flower:

Dorthea went to a World's Fair when she was young and still talks about it. I went to the one in Memphis one year and almost went to the one in New Orleans but got diverted to DW instead. Was our first trip and I have never regreted missing the WF. Have fun on the site but do not forget us here. You are the heart here. :love:

The yard is lovely and the back porch is all nice and clean and ready for me to lounge, with a good book and a cold iced tea. I am ready!!!

SG/Linda


\

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

Thanks so much for letting us know the date on which your procedure is scheduled. We will certainly all be thinking of you, here in the Suite, and will be here when you feel well enough to check in with us. In the mean time, we'll have "the boys" check in on you regularly, catering to your every whim, and delivering special messages and gifts from us......and from Mickey! :)

So glad to hear that your house is all in order and that you're all ready to go. Also, so glad to hear that your sister's procedure went well. You will be able to go into your surgery with a "clear mind", knowing that everyone is all right and that everything is taken care of. Then you can go about the business of getting yourself healed and recovered.........and ready to start planning for England!

It's so wonderful that you are thinking of going with your niece, and that her parents are so supportive / encouraging of her traveling and seeing new places! I am exactly like you - I had traveled to the Caribbean islands and was in Mexico once (Canada 2ce, too), but had never been to Europe until a girlfriend and I went to England in 1990. Her sister was there, at the time, for her junior year abroad (from college), so it was neat to go there and have a "built in tour guide". My friend's sister ensured that we got to see the most sights possible within the week that we were there, and scheduled everything for us, very efficiently! We had a lot of fun! And I know that you will, too!

What sort of squash did you have for dinner tonight / do you have in your garden? I wish that I liked the sweet summer and winter squashes more - I'm just not a "sweet vegetable kinda gal" - I don't like sweet potatoes, either. I do like zucchini and the yellow squash that looks just like it, though, and I love spaghetti squash in the winter!

Thanks so much for all of your kind words about my bridesmaid dress - I like it, too - I'm glad that my friend chose that color and style (though I would have worn anything that she wanted me to wear)!

Of course I would never leave the Suite or the DIS Boards!!! The World's Fair boards are a fun resource, but my "home" is here and always will be! You can't get rid of me that easily! :)

Well, time to get some sleep, now. The Mets just won their game (or should I say, completely obliterated Arizona for the 2nd night in a row - the final score was 18-4! Last night's final was 14-1!), so now I can rest happy! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're all having a nice week! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to wish you all a nice weekend!

And we in the Suite want to wish Linda all the best with her upcoming procedure, a smooth operation, and a speedy, comfortable, successful, restful recovery! We'll all be thinking of you! And remember - Romeo and Lothario are at your beck and call, when ever you need them! I understand that Bo and Don will be touring in your area, with their concert series, early next week, and are planning to drop in and see if you need anything, as well! :)

Wishing you lots of good health and a quick trip down the road to recovery!

Have a great weekend, Everyone! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Lisa! You are such a sweetheart. I went to Indpls for my EKG and other presurgery tests but by the time I got home they had called and left a message. (not a good sign) Seems I flunked the tests and have to go back Monday for more. I plan to study harder this time. :flower:

If I do not do better the operation might have to be postponed while they take care of some more pressing problems. Since my entire family, both sides, have all had heart problems it is to be expected. Would rather find out this way than by having an 'attack".

I fear that I may need the services of each and everyone of our fellers in the near future.

Love, SG/Linda

[colleen costello]

Linda, Lisa alerted me to this latest development and I want you to know we will all be praying everything goes well in Indy on Monday. I am relieved they get suspicious nowadays BEFORE surgeries, which is the right time to do so! Let us know how the tests go. Hang in there -- they will figure out what is needed so that the offending gall bladder can be purged.

Thinking of you,

Colleen :goodvibes

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

As Colleen said, we will all be praying for and thinking of you and hoping that those additional tests go well! And I agree that it's better that they are TOO careful than not careful enough, before one undergoes surgery. Here's hoping that you pass those tests with flying colors and move on through that surgery and into your recovery period, very soon! In the mean time, the fellers are on hand, if there is anything that you want or need!

How are you doing, out there, Colleen? How were Erin's and Ian's first weeks of school? How is your bonus room coming along? And how about those 2006 WDW vacation plans?!! :)

All is quiet, here! Wish that I had something newsworthy to report!

Have a great weekend, Everyone! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Colleen and Lisa

Since you guys are younger than I am you might think that this is bad news but heart disease is rampant in my family and it is truly amazing, especially since I take terrible care of myself, that it has not hit before. I am also grateful to be finding out this way rather than by having an attack or stroke.

I have many friends who have lived, quite well. with this particular disease so I have many examples to follow and knowing that I have not much, if any, family support will make me even more determined to be as healthy as long as I can. When they get it figured out and can give me whatever help I need I should feel better than I have in a long time and be able to get around and do more. It is all good.

I will still make good use of our feller's services though as I am not a fool. :rotfl:

Lisa, I am thrilled that your life is going at a lazy pace with no turmoil to report on. :banana:

Colleen, how are you managing to keep you kids from knowing how very happy you are that summer is at an end and they are safely back in school? Hope to see you soon. I am going to come down your way the first chance I get.

Since I now have one less day than thought before the possible surgery I had best get on the stick.

Love, SG/Linda

[jstmee]

Wow, everyone has been busy with surguries or potential surgeries.

Linda, Hope all your tests go all right. I'm sure they will, good thing for pre-surgery testing.

I just finished my three summer courses and have two weeks off until my fall courses begin. We go for medical testing my two of my children tomorrow.

Next weekend we go to a Red Sox game in Boston, compliments of the Red Sox. yippee. When I lived in Boston in the early 80's I never missed a game. My gf's and I even made Dewy (Dwight Evan's) miss a catch. We were hollering at him so we can take his picture, he looked over and low and behold a ball came to him and he missed it.

Three weeks until WDW, I am doing a happy dance.

Linda, I am feeling a wee bit guilty about staying at BC because of your comments. hee hee. We had ressies at PO Riverside for 2 rooms because of the 5 of us. But we changed the reservation and opted for one room at BC. We have the "free" dining plan for that time period and we will definately take advantage of that!! Cape May New England Clam Bake one evening. Narcosee's another, Sci fi cafe - a must, we've done that before. Tempanyaki's - done that before, love it.

I just saw some pic's for Whispering Canyon - kids love ribs and the pic of ribs look fantastic, what to you guys think? Also, have ressies for the Luau- have heard both good and bad and comments?

Has anyone stayed at BC that could comment? Haven't heard too much. We heard that for convenience, walking to epcot, it's great.

kids love epcot. I am so excited to escape reality I can't wait.

I just spent the past two hours catching up on previous posts.

Lisa, I agree with your assessment of Willy Wonka. That is my kids all time fav and this new one just doesn't cut it.

I did enjoy Dukes of hazard though. We have a drive-in where we live and it was fun watching it in our car.

gotta go, my daughter is yelling for my "assistance" and I don't want to lose this post.

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Linda - your positive attitude and realistic outlook are so inspiring, as always! I know that everything will go wonderfully with your tests - AND ultimately with your surgery! Please keep us posted, when ever you are able to do so - we will all be thinking of you, as always, and - once again - hoping for your speedy, successful recovery!

Hi Wendy! Great to hear from you! So glad to hear that all is well, up there! Lots of good luck with your upcoming school semester (my fall semester starts, this week) and hope that all goes well with your children's medical tests, tomorrow.

That's so neat that you are going to see the Red Sox (courtesy of the team, no less!), next weekend! I have been a NY Mets fan for my entire life, so I can certainly relate to your long-time devotion to your favorite baseball team! :) I'm sure that you all will have a blast at the game! (Am I nuts, or are they playing the Yankees, next weekend? Or are they playing them, this coming week? I know that it's some time soon - sorry - I don't really follow the American League!)

As for BC, Colleen just returned from there (AND PO-FQ!), just a few weeks ago! I'm sure that she will have a wonderful review for you, because she and her family really enjoyed their stay, there! I'm sure that she will be coming by the Suite, some time soon, but in the mean time, I will send her an e-mail and ask her to stop by and share her thoughts with you! From what I understand (via Colleen! :)) BC is a beautiful place with great rooms and amentities, wonderful grounds and pool, and very convenient to the parks - I'm sure that you and your family will have a fantastic time staying there! :)

Not too much to report from here! I DID make Artist Point's Cedar Plank Salmon, again, last night, and it came out great! We pretended that we were at Wilderness Lodge, for dinner! :)

Let's all pray that Angie and her family are all right and are somewhere safe and away from Katrina!

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you all had a great weekend! :)

[IASW Rider]

P.S. Wendy - I haven't been to the Luau since it was updated (to include Lilo and Stitch, etc.), but we always enjoyed the Luau in the past (and I understand that the show is not THAT different than the original). The atmosphere is nice and the show is fun and entertaining. The food is good - while not as good as in 'Ohana or the Kona Cafe, it is good. I think that you will enjoy it! (Be sure to watch for the EWP from the shores of the Poly at 9:00 PM! :)) We've never been to Whispering Canyon, but I know that others here have been and have enjoyed it! We've been to Artist Point and loved it! The Wilderness Lodge is so beautiful! And the Poly.........well, what can be said about the Poly - it's just the best place in all of WDW! :) (Then again, I'm a little biased! :)) Enjoy! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

I got up extra early today to get some things done and also to wear myself out so that I can get to sleep early since I have to be up at about 3:30 am or so tomorrow IF the surgery is a go.

Jstmee, I have been to Whispering Canyon two times. I have to say I enjoyed lunch better than dinner but then I did not have children with me. At dinner they have all sorts of silly stuff going on that your kids should love. If your hubby is shy he might not. They serve a skillet sort of like the one they had at the GG and do not forget the all you can drink milkshakes. Sure to set the kiddoes up for a good nights rest. LOL I forget what comments I may have made about the BC. It always looks like a nice place I am just allergic to the price. You can walk to EPCOT from there and do not forget to try out Beaches and Cream. Order half the food you think you can eat as their portions are enormous. I reccomend the double cheeseburger, onion rings and No Way Jose. Did your daughter get her assistance? LOL BTW, they will ALWAYS need your assistance, especially when they do not want it.

Good for you and your gf, still be able to turn a man's head and you get extra points for doing it during a baseball game AND triple points for distracting them while they are playng. Not sure what you might get for it beng a major league game and he a professional player but am sure it would be something special but then so are you. LOL

My daughter is refusing to let the grandson (age 14) see Dukes of Hazzard. Silly woman, he will just go to a friends to see it and then obsess while if he went and saw it he would get it out of his system. IMO. I always let my kids watch sexy stuff it was the violence that I did not allow. I could explain the one and the other was too darned scary. I hated Love Boat cause they fell in lust each and every week with someone new but I let them watch and I sat right there with them pointing out the fact that it was a silly show and not to be taken seriously.

The only reason I would consider seeing Willie Wonka is because Johnny Depp is in it and I have great respect for his talents. I always felt that it was stupid to make a remake of a successful film. It would be better to make a remake of something that flopped as you could improve upon it.

Lisa, you give me too much credit. I have been through far too much in my life to have much fear left. Now going through emergency surgery when you have two small children who are totally dependent upon you IS scary. Been there, done that 3 times. The only thing that is hard is the fact that I have not heard from my son at all, not that I really expected to, and even my daughter has not called. The boys called Saturday. Since Austin recently had a friend whose grandma died during surgery I am downplaying everything and he does not know about the heart thing. I have written notes, as I always do, and placing my hopes and trusts in He.

I heard from Angie last night and they are battened down. I worry about them every time it storms and this time is the worst. Just heard that they have tornado warnings there right now. They had high winds last night and she says she will contact me today, if she can. I believe their home is near the water. It is a dream to visit there as her town is so very lovely looking. Her mom even works at one of the plantations that I visited a few years back.

I whomped up a bunch of food for the guys to eat tonight. I took a perfectly healthy squash and turned it into a decantent dessert type thing. I am glad I do not like that sort of thing. The crockpot is plumb full of beef roast and assorted veggies with seasonings and such. I will probably have something good to eat after the tests but not sure what the treat will be. We ate at a Jewish Deli that is famous in our area last time. Tom ate there when he was a young boy and it had been in business for quite awhile then. It is not fancy but the food is awesome. The prices had risen since the last time we were there and it was over $11 for just the sandwich. I told Tom to just pretend we were at DW. Have to admit that the huge mound of thinly sliced corned beef on their freshly made rye is better than any sandwich I have had at DW though. Was almost worth the pound it added to me.

Colleen, have you gotten your bags unpacked yet? That is the hardest part of the vacation for me. I keep on bag partially packed all the time. Keep a date on your schedule and we might finally get one of those famous Gnaw Bone tenderloins.

Becki, hope I catch your next phone call. I know where most things in Hope are. Comes from living here for nearly 30 years. Even I am not that directionally challenged. Isn't the Community Center looking spiffy?

I am going to go drink an iced tea and read my paper. It is usually the first thing I do each day but I wanted to start today out with a visit to the Suite so I could see the sun rise over Spaceship Earth.

Love, SG/Linda

[colleen costello]

Hi all! Wendy, Lisa just Emailed me and who can resist a chance to brag about a recent stay? We LOVED Beach Club, and I think you will too. Riverside is a great resort, one of my all-time faves -- BUT it can't compare to BC for LOCATION! We felt like we were "right in the middle" of EVERYTHING! You are within a few minutes of Epcot, and you look right over at Boardwalk and all there is to do over there. You can take a boat over there or just walk across the bridge. You can walk or boat to MGM. The best thing, though, is all the fun right at the resort. That pool is amazing. The whole area is so much fun and the pool offers something for everyone. You can try the slide (I was chicken!) or enjoy one of the hot tubs, or sit under a tree and watch the world go by. There is a whirlpool section, a section like a "lazy river" where you can float for hours, and even a sandy beach for the kids. There is a great little bar and grill right there if you get hungry or thirsty. We loved it! After a shower you can just mosey on down to the lobby where you have your CHOICE of great restaurants! We did Beaches and Cream twice (yum) and also Cape May Cafe, which we thought was wonderful. If you leave that place hungry there is something seriously wrong with you... Overall, the options for dining and fun right there, without having to drive or take a bus, played a big part in making our trip so wonderful.

A few pages back I wrote a review right here, if you want to check it out. I probably said a lot of the same things! I also posted a report on the DVC Board about how lovely the BC Villas were. I think your family is going to LOVE Beach Club! :) And how can you not LOVE the "free dining" offer? All the restaurants you mentioned had me drooling! We tried SCi Fi for the first time this trip and we really enjoyed it. It was a special place to spend my hubby's birthday :)

Linda, I gather now that it IS possible you will have surgery tomorrow? Please let us know! I thought it was OFF, but perhaps not. Sending good thoughts your way!

Love to all. :goodvibes

[IASW Rider]

Sending you lots of good wishes, Linda - we are thinking of you and will be sending good thoughts for good health your way, tomorrow!!! We know that your procedure will go well, and that everything will be all right!

Thanks so much for the great review and information, Colleen! :)

Thinking of you all - have a good night! :)

[jstmee]

My gosh, Linda did you have your surgery??? If so hope all went well. I've forgotten how wonderful everyone is in this beautiful suite. I sure love the tender loving care everyone gives and the warm fuzzies that are in this suite.

I am soo excited again about BC, Coleen, thank you for the mini report. Last time I took the entire family we had ice cream at Beaches and Cream after a boat ride to see the Illuminations cruise that we split with another DIS family. That was soooo fun and the kids remember everything about BC lobby. I didn't even remember the details my DD remembered. last visit we didn't make it to the boarkwalk so this will be fun. And I'm excited about the early morning and late evening with the waterparks that they are trying out. This will fit our schedule nicely also.

We just got back from the kids testings and all went well my youngest son has a tiny hole in his heart but the specialist said that is nothing to worry about and we'll just follow-up. My oldest say a psyciatrist for the 1st time yesterday my DH took him. He is the identical twin of my boy that passed away. She recommended weekly visits with a therapist for awhile. i think that will help him. The younger ones go next week.

Lisa the Yankees were this weekend. Wow the weeks are just flying by. I bought some nursing uniforms and a new stethoscope. EXPENSIVE. But the one I had, I couldn't hear the low pitched sounds real well.
Do you have all your books and supplies for your classes. Geeze, you started yesterday I believe.....You are probably in the thick of it already.

IASW - I'm singing the toon right now - that's my 17 year old's favorite ride. Just picture a 6'3 220 lb. football and basketball player humming that toon with a broad grin and dimples and that's my Mark.


Romeo and Lothario????? My oh my where have I been. I sure do miss Bo and Don. Although, I do like the sound of Lothario, lothario lotharioooooo.

My prayers are with Angie, I sure hope all is well with her family and everyone else down that way. What a tragedy.

Well, I'm going to ge ready for work tomorrow, my oldest is at football practise. I am so afraid he's going to injure something before basketball season.

Ta ta for now and a teedle de de de dom. Wendy :umbrella:

[angelina]

Hi, everyone, I just wanted to stop by and say hello to all of you and let you know that we're o.k. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers. We are digging our way out, cleaning up and trying to get back to normal. We are so much better off than those in Mississippi and Louisiana. We did have some damage to our roof, and we lost 3 trees in our yard. We do have our power back, though. Lisa, I looked for your phone number so I could call but I couldn't find it.

We had found four baby squirrels who were blown out of their nests during the storm, but they have died one by one. I only have one left, and she probably won't make it. It's so sad.

I think the shock is wearing off and the news from New Orleans is so unbelievable. Lisa, this must be what it felt like for you when the towers fell. It's so hard to believe that we will never visit the city again. We were supposed to have gone this past weekend with a group of friends. I'm so sorry now we weren't able to go. We had to get ready for the storm here.

Linda, I hope you're doing well. Wendy, Colleen, LIsa, it sounds like you've been keeping busy. Take care of yourselves.

Love to all,

Angie

[IASW Rider]

Hi Angie!

Thanks so much for stopping in and letting us know that you and your family are all right. We were all certainly thinking of you, here in the Suite! I was going to call or e-mail you on my own, but I didn't want to disturb you and I wasn't sure if you would be home, or if you and your family temporarily went elsewhere, to avoid the storm. Anyway, thank God you are all all right! And yes - I imagine that having that sort of devastation so close to your home, in (a) city(ies) that you are familiar with and have visited often is very similar to the way that we felt after 9/11. To this day, it's very strange to be in Lower Manhattan or look at the skyline, without the buildings that are no longer there, and to remember why they are no longer there. And to think that something like 9/11 or this storm could happen so close to one's home town, and could devastate so many people. It's just awful - I can't even watch the hurricane relief coverage on TV, any more - it's so upsetting. I was literally bawling while watching the evening news, last night - I had to shut it off.

Anyway, I'm so sorry to hear about your squirrels - I'm sure that you all did the best that you could for them - hopefully the one remaining will be all right! And so glad to hear that your home did not sustain any irreparable damage, too!

I just want to let everyone know (although you probably all know this, already) that Linda came through her surgery fine, and is home recuperating, now! Let's all hope for her speedy recovery, good health, and return to the Suite, very soon! :)

Hi Wendy! Thank God your children's tests went well - I'm sure that you are relieved and are pleased that the tests are over and the results are good. And I do think that seeing a therapist will help your son deal with the loss of his brother - I'm a big believer in therapy - I think it's very important for people to have someone with whom to talk - not just after a terrible tragedy, but just in general. I'm sure that your son will have a very positive experience.

Have you started your fall classes, yet? How long is your Nursing program and about how far "into it" are you? It sounds like you are well on your way!

My classes started this week - I do have all my books.......all $250 of them........when did textbooks become so expensive??!! This semester, I'm taking Environmental Health, Health Education Planning & Evaluation, and (the dreaded!) Biostatistics. I have a feeling that it's going to be a very tough and busy semester!

That's so neat that IASW is your son's favorite ride! Wait until you see how wonderful it looks and sounds, now, since its April rehab - you will be very impressed!

I knew that Colleen would have a great review of BC for you! She has lots of great information about lots of resorts, if you ever need a review of another! I'm sure that you all will have a wonderful vacation - it's coming up so soon, now!

Yes, Bo and Don have left us..........Linda realized one day that Bo was actually Bo of "American Idol" fame, and he and Don left us to "go on the road", touring with their respective rock bands. So Lothario and Romeo have come to take their places.......hopefully Bo Dacious and Don Juan will be back to join us again, when they've had enough of Hollywood, fortune, fame, and life on the road! :)

Hope that you're all having a great Labor Day Weekend! We have parties / BBQ's to attend, each day, and I'm trying to sneak in some homework, in between! And our weather is beautiful, here - sunny, low 80's, no humidity! A great way to "say goodbye" to summer! (We also "snuck" in one last day at the shore, this week, which was a lot of fun!)

Hope that all is well with all of you - lots of love to everyone! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to check in and say that I hope that you all had a nice holiday weekend! We had a special surprise when we received a phone message from Linda, on Monday night! She sounds wonderful and it seems that her recovery is coming along beautifully (thank God)!

We had a nice Labor Day weekend - we had fun at the parties and BBQ's that we attended, and now Frank and I are both busy with school, once again, as our fall semesters started last week, and seem to really be picking up, this week! (So much for the lazy days of summer! :))

Just wanted to check in and say "hi" to all of my pals in the Suite! Hope that you're all having a great week! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

I posted this morning unless it was a delusion. Possible but not likely.

I am able to sleep in bed at night and even sleep some. I am eating with a bit of appetite now. I am down nearly 12 pounds. Still weak though. Stronger day by day and I will keep working at it. If gallbladder surgery hits me this way I must avoid any other surgery. If not possible I will ask to be delivered to a nearby hotel with room service instead of returning home to the tender care of family. Not sure I can survive any more of such. To think I used to sit next to her bed to keep the nightmares away. Would have preferred that she had showed up before the surgery and left me alone since. Too weak to fight and not in a mood to anyway. No news at all from other child.

Friends are keeping me going.

SG/Linda

[jstmee]

Ok, I am doing a happy dance, sad dance and who knows dance, but I changed from BC-1 rm to ASMusic-2rms. I was going through finances and speaking with the kiddos and they insisted that all we do is sleep in the room. Which I know. So save the moolah.

Gosh, boo hoo, I am the one that wanted to stay at BC. But deep down I know the smart answer so I am excited about my decision I suppose. At least we still have the free dining. Yippee.

Linda-I am so happy to hear from you. Be kind to yourself in your recovery phase. I'm sure it's a long and difficult journey from the sound of it with your dd. I hope your up to feeling well before long.

Lisa, I told my DS about the rehab at IASW and he is sooo excited. He can't wait to see it. He's concerned it won't be the same though.

Colleen, even though we won't be staying at the BC, hee hee I still have time to change my mind. We will still dine a few places there. Also, thank you for sharing about your loss and your kind words. It is so difficult.

I just caught a glimpse of lothario and he said he was going to stop by and give SG some tender loving care.

Angie, I'm so sorry to hear about your squirrels, I hope your recovery from the storm is going all right, such a tragedy.

It's funny, but everytime I come on here I'm tending to my DD. I cooked some popcorn for her and I smell it burning (microwave) kind. "let it burn, lol. Actually, she has a cold we are trieng to cure before our magical trip.

School started and I just can't get motivated. Byt I must. :cheer2:
Take care all

[colleen costello]

Wendy, you will have a ball -- your new plan means TWO BATHROOMS, perhaps the most important thing on a family trip! If you have time, you can go over to the BC/Boardwalk area and hang out. You can ride a boat from one to the other, and Beaches and Cream is a fun spot for lunch (or ice cream only, for which I ALWAYS have room!). I am glad your family is getting an opportunity to be together and have fun. You have been through so much and a trip together will be a joy. I am also proud of you for following through with a counselor for your twin son. You are providing him with a safe place where he can say anything he is feeling, without worrying about hurting anyone in the family. I hope the trip is wonderful and brings you all lots of smiles. We will wait to hear all about it! :grouphug:

[SlightlyGoofy]

Wendy, I promise you that you will be delighted with the two rooms at the Music. Almost better than two bathrooms is the fact that you will have two tv's as well and more room to spread out and enjoy. I like Sports better because of the bus service and they also have that great football field so that the kids can get out their frustrations. It is also right next door to a McD. I think that Music is less busy though.

You can still steal away to the BC a day or so, easy from EPCOT to have lunch or something. IASW is just a cleaned up version and not many changes. This is just what the doctor ordered for your family. I am sending much magic pixie dust your way in hopes that things will be more perfect than any trip you have ever had.

Colleen, I hear that our meeting place has been closed down. Please look around for somewhere else and maybe we can plan a meet mid October??

Lisa, would you believe that I am transferring that first tape you sent me ages ago to DVD today? Has been so much fun to watch as I make chapters and am thinking of you as I do.

I am going to try to drive to town tomorrow for my TOPS meeting. It is not in a busy part of town so I should be alright. Might make it to Kroger afterward too. Not going to try to do too much as I do not want to slip backward.

This has been a sobering time as I realize that I need to make housing adjustments in order to be able to take care of myself and Tom in the future and the future might be here a whole bunch faster than I had thought. Tom has been a lot more helpful than usual. Has been a lifesaver.

Love, SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Bon Voyage, Wendy! Wishing you and your family a wonderful, Magical, fun, and safe vacation! I'm sure that you all will have a fantastic vacation and that you will enjoy ASMu! Can't wait to hear all about it, upon your return! And lots of good luck with school!

So glad to hear that you are feeling well enough to drive, Linda! And so glad to hear that you are feeling better and stronger, in general! Just take it easy and don't try to do too much to soon - we want to see you continuing to feel better and better! And it's so wonderful that Tom has been so helpful - he is a great person and of course he wants to take care of his very special DW! :)

Hi Colleen! Hope that you, Scott, Erin, and Ian are having a wonderful time with your Mom, and that you're doing lots of preliminary trip planning for your upcoming 2006 spring and summer WDW trips! :)

Hi to Everyone else, out there, too!

So sorry that I haven't been in touch in so long - I am absolutely SWAMPED with school work, and am scrambling to keep up! And I will actually have to try to somehow GET AHEAD, over the next week, because I will "lose" 3 days of homework-doing next weekend, when we head up to Fire Island and the Eastern Shore of Long Island for my friend's wedding (but we're really looking forward to the fun, end-of-summer-getaway)! Anyway, nothing else new to report, here - just school - don't want to bore you all! Will try to check in as often as I can, but please forgive me if I can't be around as much, over the next few weeks........months........! (.......In other words........talk to you all, over winter break! :) ) Only kidding! I'll try to keep up with everyone's news and posts, even if I can't post as often as I'd like to!

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're all having a great week! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, we are honored to have you drop by when you get a chance as we all know what a hectic schedule you have. We are most proud of our prize pupil and would not have you do a darned thing differently. If Frank can sacrifice so that you can reach your goal your EWP Suite Mates can do the same. I am delighted that you are able to squeeze in time for fun as well. Pictures, we want pictures, please??

Tom is a man of limited abilities so his being able, not to mention willing, to do much is a good thing. He is extremely proud of NOT doing woman's work and since this woman could not do anything it fell upon him. I had the house cleaned to a farethewell before I left and the fridge was packed with already cooked food but he had to make the bed and walk a half block to a restaurant when he got hungry as well as bring me some water from time to time. Very hard on him. :rotfl:

I drove to town to my TOPS meeting (big loss) and rode with a friend to lunch (in traffic) and then back to my car and next door to Kroger for a few items. I was glad to get back home though. I am supposed to go to another meeting tomorrow but am not sure if that will happen. Since the hostess is filling in for me I will try my best. I usually fill in for everyone else.

Shucks, I wish I had thought to tell Wendy that Becki has a few vouchers left over from her last trip. I had thought we might buy them but it is doubtful that we will make any trips to Florida this year.

I heard from Becki and she has the most amazing news!!! She is ten weeks pregnant. A wonderful and unexpected surprise. She has had problems before so we all need to send pixie dust her way. From having met her twins I can tell you that she makes awful beautiful and special children.

Love ya, really mean it!! SG/Linda

[colleen costello]

Hi everyone! Linda I am so glad to see your post. The only good thing about this nasty ordeal you've endured is getting to weigh in at TOPS and impress your pals :)

What wonderful news for Becki! I am praying her pregnancy is stress-free and healthy.

Lisa, I will Email soon. Mom and I have been running around and school is really busy this week. No one else would come close to taking over as PTO prez and I am afraid I will be stuck for a THIRD year. Ugh -- I am ready to retire! I am ready to be a worker bee and no more queen.

Linda, not far from Ryan's (which did close, suddenly about one month ago, a shock to the regulars from what I hear) there is our big mall and two big bookstores (Barnes and Noble and Borders). There is also Panera Bread on the same road. Both Bookstores have Starbucks with seating where no one bothers you. Even the new Target has a snack bar/Starbucks in it. I swear whoever started Starbucks must be even richer than the WalMart family. Anyhow, I know you are directionally challenged but these I mentioned are on the very same street that Ryan's sat on, just a half mile farther down. If need be I can pick you up in the Ryan's parking lot and we can drive away together. I will look forward to seeing you!

Off to clean up from dinner and watch "The GIlmore Girls" season opener for which I have been waiting all summer! :)

Colleen

[jstmee]

Glad to see so many posts. I'm at school already this morning trying to get caught up and ahead before my trip so I don't have to look at a thing whilst at the World. --as you can see I'm not doing my work, hee hee.

I take my DS for his senior pic after school today at a store in Canada, it will cost a total of $9.47 canadian. yippee! So many kids pay $$$$. and they do a super job across. He insists on wearing his football uniform though. Oh well. I found out on Friday, from his friend the pics are due next week-(whew). He wasn't planning on having them taken. So I will be ever greatful to his friend.

I found out through the grapevine he has a date for the prom set up already. (so cute).

I just can't for for WDW....

Linda, sounds like you did an awful lot the other day, I hope you are feeling well today. Take it easy. Your DH sounds like my father. Well taken care of my his woman. When my mother broke your foot, needed rods etc. he was a lost man.---he managed though and things are better now 1 and 1/2 yrs. later.

I hope your recovery is going well.

Colleen, our family used to go to a Ryan's when we lived in the Carolina's we loved the roll's there. (I should say we loved the buttery flaver) yum.
I relinquished all of my queens hats a few years ago. I used to be the heads or committee members of many things and now take care of myself first and family. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. The PTO surely needs you. It's always a tough spot to fill.

Lisa, have so much fun at your friends wedding, you'll need it with your upcoming school work. How far along are you now? Your probably in the "sorry the pun" meat and potatoes of it. Or a better choice would be broccoli and chicken of it.

Ok, enough, I have got to get and assignment out before my lecture begins. I have an all day lecture on Domestic Violence today.

Take care all of you. and have a sunshiny day.

Angie, hope all is well down your way.

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

So glad to hear that you got out to do a few things, Linda, and I'm sure that you've been out and about since then, too! So glad to hear that you're feeling better! Continue to take it slowly, though, and don't try to do too much too soon - you have to remember to take care of yourself! Will send Romeo and Lothario over, to wait on you, this afternoon - you deserve some pampering!

I'm sure that you are a fantastic PTO President, Colleen, and your group is lucky to have you! Even though I'm sure that you would prefer to have a little less responsibility, the group keeps turning to you because you have proven yourself to be such a great leader, over your past 2 terms, and they know that they can count on you to get the job done! I'm sure that you will continue to do a great job! And hope that you're continuing to enjoy your week with your Mom (and the rest of your family)!

That's so exciting that your trip is coming up so soon, Wendy! You must be thrilled! Have you all begun packing, yet? And that's so neat that your DS is going through all of his senior "rite of passage" things, like senior pictures, planning ahead for the prom, etc. Those are big milestones! You must be so proud of him! I will "trade you" your lecture on Domestic Violence for the lecture on statistical confidence intervals that I have to attend, tonight.......UGH. I'm actually just at the beginning of my MPH program - this is my 3rd semester - it should take me about 2 more years to finish (counting the 2 semesters of field work that I will have to do, at the end, after I finish all of my required classes). But that's OK - I'm getting there, slowly but surely! Have a wonderful time on your vacation!

Congratulations to Becki and her family on their soon-to-be-new-addition! That is wonderful news!

Just wanted to say "hello"! Hope that all is well with all of you! Talk to you all, soon! :)

[IASW Rider]

Just wanted to let you all know that we went to see the last Saturday night game of the season, of our local, minor league baseball team - the Somerset Patriots, last night, and they had a (fantastic!) fireworks show afterwards.........that was set to the soundtrack of IllumiNations, ROE! I was so overwhelmed, hearing it while watching fireworks, right here in NJ, that I got all choked up and teary and Frank had to hand me a tissue! :) (I wonder how they got Disney's permission to use it???)

Hope that you're all having a great weekend! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, there is nothing so special as hearing or seeing a bit of Disney in the most unexpected places. I wonder how many people recognized the music?? Disney music, movies and pictures are the best advertisement for their parks that there is so maybe they might be a bit picky about who and where they are allowed to use them but not quite as exclusive as we might think. I got the cutest card and picture in the mail today. You are so sweet. BTW, were you able to play the DVD I sent you? I ask because someone told me that they had problems with one I made. I have another one here and am going to test it in my DVD players before I mail it out. I have 3 different brands of DVD players so I am thinking if I can play a dvd on all of them there is a high chance that the disk is compatible with most brands. So many different ways to do things that it is complicated.

Wendy, you are one smart lady. My daughter rolls her eyes at me when I remind her that I used to take her and her brother to a local store for their class pictures. The official ones are so rushed that they are not usually any good and they cost a fortune. I have always been a better Indian than Chief as well. I admire people who can lead but that is just not me. I do small things, but I do them well while I could not do large things partially well. I am old enough to know what I am capable of. If you have time before you leave you might be interested in the leftover vouchers that Colleen has left over. Or was that Becki? My mind has not been clear for a bit. (my excuse and I am sticking to it) If you come up with a solution to Domestic Violence it would be a good thing. Is sad when women are more in danger from the people who supposedly love them than strangers. Get that camera all loaded up for pictures of the Prom dates. I took a picture of each person my children dated and gave them to them awhile after they married. Thought they might appreciate all the ones that passed them up or were dumped by my dear ones. LOL

Colleen, right now I am set to doubly impress my TOPS pals as I am down TEN, yes TEN pounds for the week. I have regained my appetite and have been eating things not on my diet plan at all but the weight is slipping off anyway. I was down 8 pounds yesterday so I took Tom out to eat. He had a 22 oz steak dinner and I had a breaded steak dinner myself. I fixed myself pancakes for lunch today. I am trying to gain a couple of pounds today as I am sure to have a big gain next week after a loss this big. When I get back from PA the second week of October we will set a date to get together before the snow flies. Tom's brother is wanting to borrow him again and I can combine trips.

It is fairly certain that we will NOT be going to Disney this year. A miracle might happen but it would take one. Not sure I am up for all the walking around and such. I have the memories of years past and the hope of the coming year so I shall survive. I was able to use the hedge trimmer today. I had been afraid before. Only did a bush or two at a time and rested a bunch in between. Have to get the yard prettied up for all the company our town is going to have this weekend. If Colleen and her family would like to see a hick town celebration they are most welcome to come by. I have an Open House every year, food and drinks and a comfortable place to sit to see the parade or rest. We live right near the center of the action so it is most convenient. (hint,, hint)

My oldest grandson is coming by after school so I have to get a few things done before he gets here as he does not like distractions while visiting his old grandma. :flower:

Love, Linda Lou/SG, too

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to wish you all a great weekend! We're blasting off for the South Shore of Long Island and my friend's wedding, now! We're really looking forward to it - it should be a fun weekend! We will be having dinner with my friend, Diane (the bride) and her mom (who is up from Florida), tonight. Then we'll be heading over to the Fire Island Lighthouse (where the ceremony will take place), tomorrow morning, to get "the lay of the land". I've always been fascinated by lighthouses so it should be really neat! The "Non-Rehearsal Dinner" (as they are not having a rehearsal - just a dinner for we out-of-town-folk!) is tomorrow night, right on the water, which should be really nice. And then the wedding is at 10:00 AM on Sunday! (Brunch reception, as the groom's favorite meal is breakfast, so it will feature lots of breakfast foods - served buffet style - like Chef Mickey's! :)) Also, there will be no dancing - the bride and groom aren't "into" that sort of thing - but the groom is in a band that plays old-time, traditional maritime music, and they are going to perform at the reception - should be very interesting (.......from what I understand, the band's big "hit" is entitled: "ACRES OF CLAMS"! I can't even say that out loud without cracking up! :) )! Will be in touch when we return!

How are you doing, Linda? How have you been feeling? I want to come to your open house! Is this weekend the annual Heritage Days celebration? Those celebrations always sound so nice! I'm sure that your home and landscaping look beautiful, as always, and I hope that you have a wonderful time with all of your company! Hope that all is well with you and your family!

And hope that all is well with all of you, out there! Wishing everyone a great weekend! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, what an interesting group of friends you have and how lucky they are to have intelligent friends who are willing and able to accept them in all their delightful glory. :flower:

I enjoy celebrations that are tailored to fit the wishes of the celebrants. Unique is a wonderful thing. I would love to hear that song about the Acres of Clams. You cannot tell a song by its title. :listen:

Did you happen to watch the INXS reality show? I am not much into their music but found myself interested in the people competing and the guy I liked the most won. Wonder if what got him the spot was his original song "Pretty Vegas"? Even though I could not understand all the words I liked the tune. I will have to see if I can find the lyrics online and see if they are equally good.

You would be most welcome at my open house but perfection is nowhere to be found. If I sweep one floor I break out into a cold sweat and have to sit down for a bit afterward. Both of my boys will be here tonight so I am sure that any tiny bit of perfection that I might accomplish will be destroyed but I would not have it otherwise. I adore those boys. They have both asked to live here this weekend. I am convenient to the town square where everything is going on. :love:

Dalton has a hankering for a banana split so I am going to be either a good or bad grandma and take him up for one instead of his usual healthy dinner. Austin is bringing his girlfriend by for me to meet so I have polished up my shoes and will even wear them for the introduction. No sense in scaring the poor girl too much. :banana:

My surgeon says that there is above a fifty percent chance that I will not suffer any more attacks but if I do I will have to have a large needle inserted into my liver to eradicate the remaining gallstones that escaped from my gallbladder. He has requested an old xray that might allow for a different process thanks to the ancient weight loss surgery I had years ago. Given a choice between painless but dangerous or painful I will opt for safe. Have to watch out if I turn yellow though as that is a whole nother ballgame.

One of my dear local Disney friends (Dorthea's daughter) got into the Hot Seat the other day. She is the same one I had given a set of my prizes to for Christmas. She would never ebay them. BTW, did you know the hat alone is going for $50 on Ebay? I had given her some of my tips but she did the hard part on her own in knowing the right answers. I am so happy for her. She is a sweetie.

I am so looking forward to seeing so many of my friends and neighbors this weekend. I always enjoy this. Several new friends are coming by as well. The crockpots are at the ready but I bought cookies and other desserts. There are so many desserts available on the Square that no one will suffer. I always have a funnel cake. Since I lost 5 pounds week before last, 7.25 last week and am presently down almost 3 pounds for this week I think I can risk it. Has to have something good about all this pain and this is a fantastic 'problem' for me to have.

I just read a post that 'promises' that a great package deal is coming out for late Oct thru Christmas. Who knows if it is true but it is a nice thing to daydream about. DW is kind to old slow folks like me. :cheer2:

Frank and Lisa, enjoy your fabulous weekend. I wish I could be a fly on the wall. Sounds like my kind of people. :cool1:

Angie, Wendy, Colleen, Becki - sending best wishes for a fun filled and interesting weekend for you also.

SG/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Every once in awhile, when I am least expecting it, something happens to remind me that I am nearly older than dirt. :rotfl2: Sunday evening I was introduced to my 14 year old grandson's girlfriend. She seemed very sweet albeit a tad bit quiet. I am sure she will get over that. Austin is heartbroken cause he wants to have a real 'date' so I have offered he and a couple of his other friends a place to 'date'. One side of my house has a big screen tv in the LR and a pool table in the adjacent room so I have offered to turn those rooms over to the couples one evening while Granddad and I stay in the other side of the house (with ears open and the possibility of me wandering in if need be). Funny thing is that my dd absolutely hated this way of 'dating' when she was at home. Being an old fashioned mom I felt and still do, that 16 is the youngest age for a car date. She is now happy that I have not changed much and will be there to be as mean to her son as I was to her. :cool1: Something seems to have happened between parenthood and grandparenthood though. I seem to have become cool. Not sure when that happened as I do not feel a bit different. :cool1:

Heritage Days were wonderful and I had a good friend come and watch the parade with me. Since I passed up a second funnel cake I was even able to weigh in with yet another loss (small) this week. I won the biggest loser of the month with a total loss of 12.75 pounds for the month. If only I could replicate this the next three months of the year.

Lisa, how did the wedding go? I bet it was just plain wonderful. Bet it cleared the cobwebs from your brain so that you will be ready to go back and hit the books. BTW, did you recently receive a package? Did it work? I have one for Colleen as well but I want to deliver it in person.

Have to go heat up some supper. Tuesdays are rough so I always plan something simple for dinner that day. When Tom sees the nice ribeyes I bought for Sunday dinner he may forgive me for being lax tonight.

Luv, SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

So sorry that I haven't been in touch in so long (AGAIN!)! Right after we returned from Long Island, last week, I had a paper due and then a big, horrible, terrible exam just afterwards, so it was a very hectic week!

But the wedding was wonderful, thanks for asking, Linda! It was just beautiful - in fact, the entire South Shore of Long Island is beautiful! All of the pre-wedding dinners and festivities were held at restaurants on various bodies of water, with really nice marinas nearby. And the ceremony at the Fire Island Lighthouse was just breathtaking! Our friends got married with the gorgeous lighthouse on one side, and water all around and behind them. The weather was wonderful, too! And the reception was a lot of fun - it was held in yet another restaurant on the water, and the groom's band did a fantastic job with their maritime tunes ("Acres of Clams" is a very catchy ditty! :)) - it just added to the nautical theme of the weekend! We had a lot of fun and it was a great mini-vacation for us, and a great way to get in one more weekend at the shore, before the weather starts to get colder. (:()

I'll bet that no one here knows that Linda is secretly a master cinematographer / film director and editor! She made us some wonderful DVD's - very professionally produced and seamlessly edited! She is going to have to teach me those skills, some day - she claims to be a "newbie", but those DVD's are pretty excellent in general, much less for a "beginner"! :)

So glad to hear that you are feeling well, Linda! I'm sure that you won't suffer any more attacks - don't even think that way! I'm sure that you can put all of this behind you, now, and look forward to continued good health, good test results, and the like! And those weight losses are fantastic, too - but no surprise! I'm sure that you look wonderful, as always, along with feeling better, every day!

So glad to hear that Heritage Days went well - I always enjoy hearing about the festivities, every year! And that's so sweet that Austin introduced you to his girlfriend and that you have offered part of your home for him (and his friends) to "date" in. (I also was not permitted to go on car dates until I was 17 or 18 years old - my high school boyfriend always came over to my parents' house, or occasionally, I would go to his house, and that's how we'd "date".) I think that that is very nice! :) And of course you are a cool Grandma!! :)

That's so neat that Dorothea's daughter got into the Hot Seat! I'll tell ya, you have some pretty talented folks, out there in Indiana! I fear that my finger will never be fast enough to get anywhere near the Hot Seat........and that's when I actually definitively know the answers to the questions! :) You are our Champ, of course, you Multiple-Hot-Seat-Sitter, you! :)

So sorry to cut this short, but I have to start getting things ready for our first of 2 Rosh Hashana dinners, now! Hope that all is well with all of you! Have a great week, and I'll try my best to get back to the Suite as soon as I can! :)

[jstmee]

We returned Wednesday late. I had 3 exams today. Whew.
We had a marvelous time. the myw +dining(we had the free dining package) was well worth it!!! We ate at Whispering Canyon, Coral Reef, Sci Fi, Crystal Palace, (for Pooh and friends of course), the Magic Kingdom Palace (I even sat with the Fairy God Mother for a bit) Cape May Cafe (Very disappointed). Tempanyaki's Japan at Epcot. and numerous turkey legs, dole whips bbq ribs, etc.

did I mention every ride at least 4 to 5 times.

Lisa, IASW was fabulous. My DH was surprised to hear from me in secret that this was my ds's fav. ride when we went back again. I must say I cried. Tower of Terror was better than ever.

I didn't remember Fantasmic to be as wonderful as it was this time. we were late to arrive and were ushered right to the fifth row on the right side 2 minutes before the show. What a show it was. I balled hysterically at the wishing well. but it was a good trip enjoyed by all.

I'll write again. My dh just got back. I'll check in again.

Wendy

[colleen costello]

Hi everyone. So glad to see everyone back and safe. Linda, it sounds like you are well on your way to "normal" and I do mean physically because I know you pride yourself on being "above normal" in other ways! Your whole town must be thanking their lucky stars that you are back to your activities. Let me know when you are headed this way.

Wendy, sounds like you had a great trip. Were you happy with the hotel? Sounds like you guys ate your way thru WDW, my favorite way to travel. Sorry you were disappointed with Cape May. My family loved it, except for my Dad. He is a seafood lover and was therefore dissapointed, because the seafood is scarce. The rest of us hate fish and were thrilled with "everything else." The Oreo bon bons were our favorite -- YUM. Who needs clean arteries anyway, right? Glad you guys had a good trip!

We had our PTO meeting last night and we are planning our fall chili supper at school. This will keep me hopping until November 4th when the dinner will be. My parents were here for a visit. Mom came first then my Dad joined her and they flew home together over the weekend. We did pre-planning for our trip in March; never too early to think about Mickey. My parents have reservations in early December to go to the Villages for a week. They have resrved a golf cart and I must say I am quite jealous! They will scope out the neighborhood, try out the restaurants, look at model homes and even go to Orlando for a day (not on the golf cart!) Mom wants to see the Xmas decorations. It is my hope that they will fall in love with everything and move SOON, because I am just waiting for another excuse to visit Florida MORE OFTEN!

Nothing else here. Love to everyone. :sunny:

[SlightlyGoofy]

Colleen, close but no cigar on the "above" normal. Take out the 'ove' and you would be much more correct. :rotfl2: I fear that our town will have to limp along without me a bit longer. I am back to driving a few older friends around, just a few trips and not in heavy traffic. I am wonky and break out in a sweat with little exertion. Old age is heck. I skipped washing the car today just because I could not do anything more. I figure it will just have a lot more bugs on it by the time I get to PA anyway. Our PTA has a Spaghetti Dinner. I like the idea of chili better, less muss, less fuss. May I borrow it and suggest it to them? Next time take your dad to the Ale House, up by Crossroads. I will send you a picture of one of their seafood platters. Tom loved it. I am so excited to see what your parents think of The Villages. If I were as rich as Tom I would be sorely tempted. I found a great place with a fantastic location in Columbus last weekend but the monthly fee on the huge condo was too much (thinking of inflation). Tom's income goes up a bunch if I die, mine goes down a BIG bunch so I must think of those things. I doubt that WM would pay me enough (as a greeter) to make up the difference. Tell you parents to check out the Osborne lights at MGM if they go into the parks. They can see a lot of decorations just by riding the monorail as well and getting off at the resorts.

Wendy, I am so happy to hear that you had a great time at DW. I know the memories were rough at time but how wonderful to have such loving memories of times shared. I will never be able to ride IASW again without doing so in honor of your ds. What new place did you eat at that you enjoyed? Any you did not? Did you find yourself eating more than you wanted on the dining plan? I hope that the rest you got on vacation stood you in good stead during all those tests. (I enjoy tests as does my strange grandson)

Lisa, I just sent you an "Acres of Clams" version. I will wait to see if it is the famous one you know. LOL You give me far too much credit on the DVD's. The program walks you through it pretty much. When I first started the program would crash when I was almost done so I had much practice. It does not take as long now but it is very time consuming, but fun. I hope that your test was not as hard as you thought it was and I am sure you did much better on it than you feared. I am in favor of home based dates. Not only is it much cheaper but it is good to see if the prospective person fits into a family and by not having so many distractions you can see if you are compatible. Is also much safer for young people. I like dating in groups for youngsters. I had cleaned the interior of my car yesterday and this morning I found a discarded, partially eaten lollipop in one of my cup holders. I was a bit put out but also touched by a young 'man' who is starting to date but still young enough to like lollipops. I had a 4th consecutive loss today. Not as big as the first two but I am happy about it anyway.

I finally got one of those Disney email code thingies. Price was not all that great and I am not up to walking down the street let alone miles around EPCOT. I will practice this winter for a spring trip. Will give me a goal.

I have to go pack as we leave tomorrow and will not be back until Saturday or Sunday. I will wave in your general directions as I head East.

Love, SG/Linda

[colleen costello]

Linda, we will have to try the Ale House. My Dad LOVES seafood!

Where are you going in PA? Who is getting a visit?

xoxo

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi Colleen!!

There is also a Landry's to the right of Crossroads and that is where serious seafood lovers go. Is expensive though.

My mom's parents were divorced and she did not have much contact with her father. The people we are going to see are my mom's siblings from another marriage and they are my age or younger. Will be odd. One is a famous actor (OZ), another writes Christian books, another is a famous child educator and one is a retired Philly policeman. Their mom was the guiding force in their life. Guess mom's dad was pretty worthless. Never called him anything else and do not plan to. I can forgive being mean to me but am not so forgiving of people who are mean to those I love.

I have to go finish packing. See you when I get back!!!

Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Welcome back, Wendy! So glad to hear that you had such a nice trip........AND that you (and your DS!) enjoyed IASW, so much! It's great that you got to visit some favorite rides and attractions..........and restaurants! Dining on property is always half the fun, as I always say, since the meals and the ambience in each of the restaurants are unique experiences, unto themselves! And so glad that you enjoyed Fantasmic so much - that has always been my favorite live show at WDW!

Bon Voyage, Linda! Have a wonderful and safe trip, and hope that you are able to stop and dine at the silos in Akron, on your journey! Have you ever met the relatives whom you are going to visit, in person, before? I think it's nice that you are coming out to see them - it always nice to visit with extended family! And I think it's wonderful that you have been able to get out to help out your older friends - I'm sure that they appreciate it, especially as you are recovering! I agree with you about the home dates - it was kind of annoying to me, when I was a teenager, not being able to let my boyfriend drive me around, or having one of my parents drive us to and pick us up from the movies or parties or what ever, but I definitely see "the value in that", now. And the home dates that I had were always fun - my parents left us alone, for the most part, but when it was baseball season, we always watched Mets games on TV with my mother (who was very enthusiastic about the games) and we always had lunch or dinner with my parents and sometimes played board games with them or one of them, or whatever, too. It's nice that you have a whole separate area of your house where Austin and his friends can go and feel independent, but you'll still be close by enough to sort of "chaperone them from afar"! Congratulations on your most recent losses - that is wonderful (but not surprising) news!

Hi Colleen! Great to hear from you - I had a feeling that you were very busy with PTO and other activities, after your parents left to return home! I'm sure that each event is a huge undertaking, from gathering volunteers and ensuring that there is enough "staff" for your events, to the collection of money / tickets, to securing the location, etc. But I'm sure that your dinner will be a great success! I can smell that chili cooking, now..........! :) I can't believe that your parents' trip to the Villages is coming up so soon - it's really only just a few weeks away! I'm sure that they are going to have a fantastic time, and that the place will look especially beautiful, with all of the holiday decorations up!

We've been having a nice Rosh Hashana, speaking of holidays. We had 2 yummy, humungous dinners, the past 2 nights, which came out very well, thankfully! And we went to synagogue with my father, yesterday, too. I'm so glad that the weather is still nice, here - it's been in the 80's all week - very nice for the holiday! I'm afraid that our "luck" will be changing soon, though - they say that it won't reach above 60 degrees, by the end of the week - I hope that they're wrong - I'm STILL not ready to let go of summer! :(

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're all having a nice week! :)

[IASW Rider]

Just popping in to wish everyone a nice weekend! Will be a quiet one, around here, which might be a good thing! Just catching up on school stuff, maybe going to the movies (to see "The Corpse Bride"!), and going to our friends' to watch football and hang out on Sunday. That's all the news from the Garden State - hope that all is well with all of you! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hello dear ladies

It has been hectic since I returned from PA. BTW, it was an awesome experience. I got to see 3 of my sisters and the other side of the family were as welcoming and kind as anyone could have wanted. I brought my favorite picture of my mom in a fancy frame so she got to 'attend' the reunion. We swapped a lot of family stories and pictures and filled in a whole lot of blanks in our histories. It was sad that mom never got to know the whole story of things. We are already planning our next get together.

I had my tests on Monday but have not heard anything yet. I am thinking that must mean good news but it would be bad to find nothing wrong when I feel soooo bad. I am hoping to find a cause and then deal with it. I stayed home to wait for a call yesterday and missed my meeting too.

Today I drove several older friends to a nearby town to eat lunch at an English Tea Shop. The food was awesome and the prices were so low that I dare not mention them to you city folks for fear you would die of jealousy. Might be a place to meet Colleen at. It is called Auntie M's in Morgantown.

My poor little guy had to have 3 teeth drilled today (5 more to go) and have a brace put on his front teeth. He was a soldier about it though. He got to pick out a free book at school and chose a dictionary. He called, quite distraught, because they had a list of 5 really long words on the last page and he only knew two of them. Poor child. LOL

Austin's girlfriend is no longer and he has his eye on yet another young lovely. I fear he is going to have a checkered past at an early age. Guess it is better to not to get too serious at such a young age though. He shows no signs of being heartbroken though.

Austins' youth minister went on a mission to Haiti and died suddenly. He was only in his twenties. It is a very sad but uplifting story as he died as he lived, doing for others but it is very hard on all of those who will miss him.

Lisa, did you ever play Texas Hold Em? I learned how recently and would love to see if I could bluff you. Doubt it though. I like playing board games but have no one to play with anymore. My son used to play with me.

Happy Rosh Hashana to you and Frank. I would gain twenty pounds just hearing about all the great food that you arrange for the holidays. I always work at the local museum the last week in October which is also the last day it is open for the season and do my Christmas cards then. It is a tradition by now. I just cannot bear to do the printed computer labels and such but I should.

Wendy, have you recovered from all that eating around the World? I have a huge file of Disney food pictures. Tom loves to look at them and dream. LOL What new things did you do this trip? Old favorites and new things are always the best IMHO.

Colleen, please contact me and we will work on a date to get together. Once the snow flies I hide inside. I am willing to meet most any place. It is hard on my diet but oh so good for my soul.

Linda

[colleen costello]

HI everyone. Linda, so glad to see you back safely. Glad the reunion went well. I am looking forward to hearing all about it when we get together. I LOVE PA -- it is a beautiful state and I always enjoy seeing it on our trips back home. It will be fun to hear your impressions.

All is well here. I am busy planning fundraisers/meals at our schools. The kids are taking swim lessons so we just got back. We are all settling in at 9 to watch our favorite show "Lost." I am a bad Mom and let the kids stay up to watch it every Wednesday. Then we spend a lot of time the rest of the week trying to figure out what happened and what WILL happen! It is a GREAT show!

Linda, you should Email me about our get-together and suggest some places that arean easy drive for you. I do not mind driving to you, as long as I am back by 3:30 for the school bus. I would suggest Nashville, IN but fear 100,000 others have the same idea. You let me know!

Love to all. Lisa, I am not sure it is appropriate to wish someone "Happy Yom Kippur" but I will say so anyway... Seriously doubt you in your kindness have much to atone for this week anyway. :rolleyes:

xoxo

[SlightlyGoofy]

Colleen, I do not have time to respond very well as I am busy watching "Lost" myself. LOL

I will email you and suggest a few things but I think you probably know more than I since you live in that area.

I do not mind coming your way as I have more time and can make plans to come when I am picking up or dropping off Tom sometime.

Linda (who is hunting for some Excedrin for that poor guys bashed in head)

[IamTink]

Angelina - How wonderful you found the room. How do you like the decor? It is furnished island style with lots of palm trees, grass mats and cool drinks. Please feel free to add your own touches. Can't wait for the others to catch up with us.

That's exactly the decor I prefer....

[twinscandc]

Hello Everyone!!

I'm sorry it's been so long since I've been around!! The fall is so busy for us...I coach Volleyball at one of the local Middle schools, my girls are still playing in their fast pitch softball league and my job keeps me hoppin'!! My volleyball season will be over next week and I am soooo glad!! We practice everyday after school and we usually have 2 games per week. It seems like I just don't have enough hours in the day.

My pregnancy is going well so far. We did have one scare which warranted a late night trip to the E.R. It turned out to be fine. We told our girls about 2 weeks ago. They are really excited and are hoping for a boy. My due date is 4/12/06.

That's about it for right now...I'm so exhausted, so I'm off to bed....

Linda....it's nice to hear you are healing well!! I'm glad that you had a nice reunion. It's always so fun to visit with family that you don't get to see everyday!!

Take Everyone!!

twinscandc

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hey, how wonderful, old friends and new ones abound in our Suite. I like the nice touches that Tink has added. It makes it so special this combination of tastes and thoughts. I would hate a world totally populated by people exactly like ME!!! :wave:

Tink, were you directed her by our dear Angelina? No matter it is wonderful to meet you and please do find a comfortable place while I whomp up a batch of your favorite beverage and ask the fellers to concont a delicious repast for your culinary pleasure. Nothing but the best for us Suite Mates.

I am Linda ,grandma of 6, from Indiana. Not much of note to report except that I love to read (teach the love of reading to all the area children that are interested), do puzzles, garden, renovate, old movies and all things Disney.

Becki, how scary. I am so sorry to hear that you had to go through the fear of having problems with your newest child. I have been there and know the heartache it can cause. What a lucky child to have such kind and intelligent sisters awaiting his/her arrival.

Colleen, how did you like the Lost episode? I missed the show the first time around but after reading all the reviews I caught up this summer. Reruns are not ALWAYS bad. :flower:

Lisa, are you stuffed with all that good food yet? I agree with Colleen in that I cannot think of a thing for you to atone for. You are like Mary Poppins (pardon me Becki) in that you are practically perfect in every way.

I got my reports back and the bad news is that my heart is fine. It is bad news cause I hurt too bad for something not to be wrong. My doctor suspects that my lungs have gotten worse which would give the same symptoms. Since the lungs go first and then the heart it is really good news that there is nothing wrong with my heart YET. I have made it far longer than the rest of my family. Will have more tests and probably have to take a bunch of new medicines but that is good, if I get to feeling better. Is heck being so darned weak and look so good. :rotfl2:

Luv, Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Great to see you all, and so sorry that I haven't been around in awhile!

Welcome, IamTink! :)

Hi Becki! Great to hear from you and so glad to hear that all is well with you and your little-one-to-be! Your daughters must be so excited about having a new little sibling! How did your volleyball team do, this season? (I played in high school - I was the JV captain and Varsity Co-Captain, and even went to Olympic Volleyball Camp, one summer! :)) And your daughters' softball seasons?

Hi Colleen! How's it going, out there? You know, I really do need to catch up on "Lost"! If Frank's friend doesn't lend us his DVD's of the first season, soon, I will rent them! How are all of the plans for your upcoming fundraising dinner coming along?

Hi Linda! How are you feeling? I'm sorry that you haven't been feeling very well - you "sound" so wonderful, here in the Suite, that it's hard to imagine your not feeling 100%! Thank God that your heart tests came back, all right! Will you have to take additional tests to determine the source of your discomfort, or whether there is an issue with your lungs? If so, I hope that you can get them over with, quickly, so that you can finally put all of this behind you!

In the mean time, so glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip to PA and your reunion with your sisters and your family! It's wonderful that you all had a chance to get together, like that!

How is Dalton feeling, after getting his new braces and fillings? (A rite of passage, for so many of us at that age! :)) And is Austin out there, breaking young girls' hearts, now that he is a bachelor, once more?

So sorry to hear about his Youth Minister - that is so sad. But as you said, (if anything can be said), at least he left this world doing something good for others and doing something meaningful and gratifying.

Can't wait to hear about your meeting with Colleen, when you both plan it! I am still determined to get out there to Indiana, so that we can all get together, some time! :)

We've been fine - very busy trying to catch up with my school work, since I had to miss one each of each of my classes, over the past 2 weeks, because of the Holidays. Also just busy with the Holidays, themselves. They were very nice - went to synagogue with my father (or shall I say, my father came with us to our temple). We have a new Rabbi and a new Cantor, and they did a nice job with the services. The new Rabbi referenced "Harry Potter" and "Star Trek" in her sermons, drawing analogies relevant to the subject matter. Although my father was somewhat "mortified" by this (traditional kinda guy that he is), I actually thought it was good that she did that - to try to draw in the younger congregants and make the theme and subject matter more interesting and relevant to them! Anyway, we spent the Yom Kippur "break fast" with a bunch of my cousins (and my father and uncle), and that was a lot of fun.

Just found out that one of my closest friends has a cancerous cyst on her bladder, last night. UGH. As if I'm not a total "hypochondriac", as it is, constantly worrying about the state of my health and that of everyone around me.........and now I'm even more worried. Very scary. (Although she says that she's not scared - that it's essentially a matter of just removing the cyst, and that's it - no further treatment required, unless they see something unexpected when they're "in there" removing it). UGH UGH UGH.

Anyway........sorry about that............I don't want to end on a depressing note! This weekend, Frank and I are celebrating the 6 year anniversary of our first date - corny people that we are, we celebrate our "dating anniversary", every year! :) And we're also taking out another one of my closest friends, to celebrate her 40th birthday, her and her husband's 5 year wedding anniversary, and the 25th anniversary of the day that she and I became friends in high school! Never let it be said that A) I don't have a good memory for dates and B) I'm not a sentimental sap! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you, and hope that you're all having a great week! Talk to you soon! :)

[IamTink]

Thank-you for the warm welcome. :goodvibes Can't type much, had carpal tunnel surgery today. Thanks again for the warm welcome.

[IASW Rider]

Hope that your hand / arm is feeling better, IamTink! And stop by and visit us, any time - we always love to have new folks join us, here in the Electrical Water Pageant Suite - we've been here, on this thread, for 4 years! :)

Have a great day, Everyone! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Poor Tink. I believe, I believe, I believe - you are going to be all well and real soon!!! I will have the fellers find the best therapist available and relaxing on the veranda hot tub should get you back up and typing in no time. Name your poison and I will arrange to have one delivered every hour on the hour to deaden the pain.

Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. It is always difficult to see those you love in any sort of danger. Most of those things do turn out to be benign and hopefully this one will also. Maybe they can do the easier surgery and keep the trauma down to a minimum. You bounce back better when you are younger. Your holidays always sound so nice. I am grateful that I do not have to be tempted by all those fabulous foods though. Did I tell you that my last meal before the surgery was at a Jewish Deli? Very famous one in this area. It just celebrated 100 years in business. Tom went there was he was a mere boy himself. I had a corned beef on rye and it was over $11 without anything else. It was almost worth it. LOL You big city folks are used to forking over big bucks but us Midwesterners suffer from sticker shock.

Dalton is made of stern stuff and was very proud that he did not cry one bit when he had his many cavities fixed. The brace looks sort of cute. Anything looks good on him though. He is looking forward to his first real report card and is hoping to rake in the big bucks as grandma believes in bribery to get good grades.

Austin managed to ride a 4 wheeler, with no brakes, into a tree and get thrown off and then have the vehicle run over his leg but since he was able to play paintball for a couple of hours afterward he must have suffered from any permanent damage. Wish it had run over his head and knocked some sense into him (or the grownups who allowed him to ride on a brakeless vehicle) :Pinkbounc He and talked for over 2.5 hours the other night and I had been meaning to tell him how intelligent and thoughtful I thought he was until he told me this story. :confused3

I love the old songs and such at church but enjoy the new stuff as well. It is hard on the older folks though as we were raised so differently and change is hard sometimes. I am going to see 'Elvis" at church this week. I am curious as to how they are going to pull this one off in this very conservative town. I love Harry Potter and Star Trek. Many moral lessons to be learned in both.

We are welcoming some hurricane victims into our town. It is an awesome thing to see how everyone pulls together at such a time. The town is aptly named.

My dear friend Dorthea and her husband celebrated their anniversary every single month. Mostly small things but very touching nonetheless. How did you guys celebrate? How wonderful to share it with others. Sentimental, yes, Sap, no!!! You know what they say "You gotta have heart, lots and lots of heart!" Ain't you glad you cannot hear me?? :rotfl2:

I went back to the Community Center for the first time today. The kids have requested that I come two days a week this time. I am going to take my digital camera and make a bookmark for each one with their picture (I am so bad at remembering faces sometimes) and then they can write each book they read on the back and it might give them incentive to fill it up. Many familiar faces and many new ones. I love how excited they were to see my books.

Colleen and I are having a terrible time finding a common time to get together but it will be done next month sometime. I do not drive much when the snow flies. I will be in her area on Sunday but that is family time and I do not wish to disturb her then.

Wendy, are you all rested up now? How are you all doing? I think of you and yours often and wish for all the best for all of you.

SG/Linda :grouphug:

[IamTink]

:cool1: Hi everyone. I originally came to the Dis from one of many other Disney sites but do not recall which one.

The hand is coming along slowly. Takes all day to read emails & respond. Wish I could say hi to all individually, but not yet up to that. Soon, I'll be up & at 'em again. :banana: My usual self.

[IASW Rider]

Welcome back, IamTink! And glad to hear that your recovery is coming along well!

Hi Linda! :)

Hi Colleen! :)

Hi Everyone! :)

Just a very quick note to apologize for not being able to check in, lately. I am swamped with work that's still "backlogged" from when I missed classes due to the Holidays, over the past 2 weeks, and I'm WAY behind in my hardest class, the dreaded Biostatistics. On top of that, I have one mid-term scheduled every week during the entire month of November! So I'm afraid that I might not be able to check in again for awhile! But I will be back as soon as I can, to respond to Linda's last great post and anyone else's, who happens to post in the interim!

Hope that all is well with you all! Have a great weekend! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Rider, you dear sweet person. There is no competition between the time available to a middle aged homemaker from the Midwest and a youngster taking college courses while keeping up with a fantastic family life filled with loads of friends and exciting activities. I will keep the pool skimmed, the bar stocked and the furniture dusted for when you can drop by. Take it easy on yourself, concentrate on what you need to take care of and when things get settled down we will be here awaiting a report. Sending you some magic fairy dust to sprinkle over your test papers to make those A's into A pluses. Nothing but the best for our Lisa.

Tink, hi there. It is so nice of you to come by when you are not feeling your best. Are you feeling any better than before? When you first posted I saw Angelina's name in your header and thought she might have steered you our way. We come and go around here and some times are slower than others but we always return 'home'. Does the dancing banana denote that you are 'usually' bananas? I hope so, being crazy alone is no fun at all. (grin)

Slightly Goofy

[IamTink]

:banana: I have to say that yesterday, Oct 30th, or two days ago I didn't use any of the Vicodin but I had to three times today, well yesterday, it's just 1:40 AM now. On Oct 31st I got my sutures out & steri-strips on & am awaiting a call from the rehab people to set up rehab 3 times a week for 3 weeks. It does feel great to have the cast off. I am absolutely so scared for when I return to work because I will definitely be doing the exact same repetitive work. Blood Pressures & that bulb is scaring me. The doc told me that I will absolutely have to do them rotating which hand I use each time. I want him to write for an automatic one for me. I don't think he realizes how many people we actuallly see. We (me & two other nurses) do vital signs on 50-70 people every morning between 7:30AM & 9:30 AM. In between we're taking staples out, doing dressing changes, inserting IV's. It's an incredibly busy department. NONE of the other nurses from other areas want to come to our department simply because of how hard it is.

But, I'm awaiting rehab & he will be doing my other hand before I return to work at all. My other hand is worse off than the hand I had done. I had my dominant hand done first hoping that it will rehab faster & I can get the second one done ASAP & rehab and return to work faster. :banana:

Thansks for your well wishes. Good luck on the exams. :cheer2:

[SlightlyGoofy]

Tink, it is good to see that you are able to type a bit more. So, you are a nurse. We surely do need one around here. lol

It would seem that ,working in a hospital, that they would know the dangers of putting you back in such an environment. So many of my friends have had to go on long term disability because of such actions at their jobs. Does not make sense that they would want to lose such good workers too soon. Is there any way you could get transferred?

It sure is a relief to get sutures out. Been there, done that, many times. How long until you get the other hand done? Are you caring for yourself or do you have some help?

My only medical test today is a mammogram. Was bad enough before in that they had to do them in sections but now we also have to lift them up from the floor. Hope they have a hoist. (grin)

We had between 3-400 trick or treaters last night. I had thought we would have less than usual because I had been told that the two churches had their parties Sunday night but one had it last night so it attracts many from all over town. Had a lot of sweet moments. Three teenage girls came by and asked me if I though they were too old. I smiled and told them that I did so until I was 17 or so and as long as they were having fun it was alright with me. One said that teenagers needed 'love' too so I went out on the porch to hug her and then had to give the same to the other two girls, at their request. Several of my 'kids' came by with their kids. Always a special moment. One of them gave me a hug, he is 6'6 now and remembers me threatening to sit on him and make him a mere spot on my couch. LOL (for some reason I cannot get the smilies to work) The chocolate chip cookies were a hit with the grownups and I only ran out of candy in the last few minutes.

Scariest thing I saw was a person in a form fitting red sequined dress, built like a Barbie doll. When I went to give them their treat their voice alerted me to the fact that this was NOT a girl. I think he was enjoying it a bit more than is safe in such a small town. I never looked that good in my entire life. I was a bit jealous. grin

I have to get ready for the day. Furnace still not fixed. Hearing aid broke and that is going to be big bucks too. Guess where all that money I did not spend on our planned DW trip is going? Would have rather been at DW. Next year!!!

SG/Linda

[Janet2k]

I thought I would stop by to say, "Hello!" I hope everyone is doing well.

Janet

(PS I don't know when I'll pop back in again since the Resorts Board is where I hang out, but please feel free to PM me if you need anything.)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Yes, Janet, we do want and need something - your smiling face around here more often. Since you are usually in DW or DL we will forgive you for not dropping by more often though. LOL

I tried to post earlier but it got lost. For some reason I cannot put in any smilies either. I will work on that, when I get time.

Too busy around here. I had dinner with a dear friend tonight. I have not seen her in about two years. She has a terminal condition and looked better than I feared but not as good as I had hoped. She has a wonderful husband who watches over her.

Our Colleen is headed into my neck of the woods tomorrow to get her poor aching tooth worked on. Pixie dust everyone!! I am headed her way next Thursday which just happens to be the day after her birthday. I will gladly give her a hug from you all. One of my hugs is large enough. smile

Slightly Goofy

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

I've been away for so long and have missed so much - Linda's latest updates, another nice visit from our new friend, Tink, and a very special visit from our old friend, Janet! (We miss you, Janet! :( We love your Vow Renewal threads and all of your wonderful pictures, though! :)) Wow - the things that one can miss, in just a few days!

I am sending pixie dust out Colleen's way, hoping that all goes well with her endodontist appointment, today! I hope that they find that it is either nothing or at least nothing serious, and that her pain is relieved very soon, so that she can go back to the important business of preparing for her award-winning Chili Supper, tomorrow night, and her March WDW-trip-planning-and-PS-making-extravaganza - the important things in life! :)

Glad to hear that your recovery is coming along nicely, Tink! And hope that your rehab goes well, too! Hopefully you will come to need the Vicodin less and less, as your therapy progresses, and hopefully you will be feeling much better, very soon! I can certainly understand why you'd be concerned about having to do the same sort of repetitive work - like taking the blood pressures, etc. - when you return to work (when is your anticipated return-to-work-date?). As Linda said, is there any way that you might be transferred to another area (assuming that you work in a hospital) or to have other duties (if you work in a private office)? It certainly sounds like you're very busy, since you see so many patients, first thing in the morning! Hang in there - we are thinking of you! :)

Hi Linda! Thanks so much for "keeping the home fires burning" (or keeping the cool drinks coming, as the case may be! :)), here in the Suite! I appreciate your kind words and thoughts, as always! So sorry that I haven't been able to be around as often as I'd like, lately. I have absolutely no news and nothing interesting to report - no fun social plans, or otherwise - just mid-terms, studying, papers, and projects! Very boring - I won't bore you all, with that! (And I appreciate your wishes and pixie dust, but I think that even as wonderful as they are, they won't create A's or A+'s for me........in one of my classes, at least! :)) But I did want to come by and say "hello" and that I'm thinking of everyone!

It sounds like you had a very fun and busy Halloween, Linda! It's so nice that you saw some of your "kids" with their own children, and that you got such warm receptions from your trick-or-treaters! I'm not surprised, though - they know where to go when they want some warmth and love and smiles! :) Did Austin and Dalton have a good time on Halloween? What did they dress as?

I'm sorry to hear that you may not make it to WDW, this year........but it's more important to take care of your health-related and home-related things........WDW will be there waiting for you, when ever you decide to return! :) And don't you have your England vacation coming up, next year, too? :)

How are you feeling? Glad to hear that your only test this week was a mammogram - of course those are important to get..........even if they're not the most fun or comfortable things in the world.......! :) Hope that everything went well.

It's so nice that you were able to spend some time with your friend, 2 nights ago, after not seeing her for so long. I'm sorry to hear that she isn't well, though - I hope that she is all right and it's wonderful to hear that she has such a supportive and great husband to care for her.

And it's wonderful that you and Colleen will be seeing each other next week! Definitely send some hugs her way, on our behalf, and she will send some hugs your way, on our behalf, too! Please take lots of pictures - we will be thinking of you both! I'm sure that you will have a great time! And we will have to start planning Colleen's gala Birthday party, here in the Suite, since we have less than a week to go, now! I'll have to meet with the Suite Gentlemen, later today, to see if they have any good ideas.........! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Have a great rest-of-the-week, and I'll try to be back again, soon! :)

[IASW Rider]

Have a great weekend, Everyone! :) (Still no news from here in the Garden State - just studying and stopping by to say "hi"!)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy there Lisa! I am overwhelming glad to hear that you have no big news to report. As hard as you have been working you have not had much time for fun and if you had 'exciting' news to report it could have only been bad news and we do not want any of that around here.

Dalton was a fireman but he was not happy about it. My dear trivia master Darth had given him his very own Darth Vader costume and that is what he wanted but I think his mom did not have time to find it, if in fact it is even still wearable. He looked cute and I made up a poem for him to say as he knocked on doors. Was ever so much more erudite than 'smell my feet etc.". LOL

It is a sad state of affairs when this ordinary old housewife has more of a social life than you do but next week is going to be a happily busy one. The scales will suffer, I am sure, but I will not. I have a luncheon on Tuesday, a group lunch on Wednesday, lunch with Colleen on Thursday and have to take Tom for a dinner on Friday. I had better walk to some of these events or I will not be able to find any clothing that I can fit into the following week.

I am going to go check out some condos tomorrow. New things are hard for us 'old' folks and the whole concept of sharing a roof with someone else is daunting when you have been independent for so many years. The idea of no outside maintenance is especially appealing since I spent the entire day in my yard working today. Still have bunches more to do. (sigh)

Did I tell you that I am going to meet another DISer when I go to London next year? I have chatted with her a few times the past couple of years and she is a delightful lady and has kindly offered her taxi cab hubbies talents in showing me around. She even has a son my grandson's age. How perfect can it be? We have been swapping pixs of our gardens.

Tink, I hope your poor hand is rested up and you have been rewarded with an easier post when you return to work.

Becki, are you near the early and queezy stages being over? My niece just had her second boy and only had a 25 minute labor. I had the first picture of him in less than an hour and he was born in London, UK.

Colleen, looking forward to seeing you next week. Are you bringing pictures??

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

:) :) :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLLEEN!!!!! :) :) :)

You are cordially invited to an all-day celebration, here in the Suite, in honor of Colleen's Birthday!!!!!!!!!! We'll be starting off with brunch - catered by Chef Mickey's - and will be hosting some special guests - the regular "inhabitants" of Chef Mickey's, including Chef Mickey, himself! :) Then we'll be touring the parks, moving from one to the next via private, air conditioned motorcoach, with refreshments on board! We'll be breaking for a special lunch at the Kona Cafe, spending the afternoon pool hopping amongst the DVC resorts, and will cap off the evening with a lovely dinner at the California Grill (no hassles involved - we have a special reservation! :)) from which we can view Wishes, and a spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom! :)

Happy Birthday, Colleen - from all of your friends, here in the Suite! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

So sorry that it took me so long to get back here and read your post! It sounds like you're having a very busy and fun week - how have all of your luncheons and visits been? I can't wait to hear about your afternoon with Colleen - I know that you both are going to have some great and fun conversations, and a wonderful time together! And - as I said to Colleen - I hope that one or both of you brings a camera along, so that you can share pictures of you both with us, soon after your meeting! :) Wish that I could be there, too! :) Maybe some day..........! :)

Congratulations on your latest great nephew! That is wonderful news! :)

And it's so neat that you will be meeting a fellow DIS'er when you are in England! Do you know the exact dates of your trip, at this point?

How did you condo looking / shopping / investigating go? Did you see anything that you and Tom liked? I can imagine how different it must be to consider living in an attached home, after living in a single family home and taking care of your own property for so long. But - as you said - there are some advantages and good points - like not having to worry about the exterior maintenance of your home (.......and shoveling snow........and replacing your roof if necessary, etc.). Please keep us posted!

As always, not too much to report, here! Just wanted to "check in", say "hello" and wish you all a nice week! Talk to you soon! :)

[IamTink]

Sorry it's taken so long to get back to a post over a week ago. I am having physical therapy & it hurts, hurts, hurts & I'm really getting concerned. It's more painful now to type than ever. I have been looking for another job at my same employer as I KNOW that I will simply re-injure it & I don't think that my workmens' comp doc quite gets how many people that I have to do blood pressures on in such a short period of time. I never thought this would be more painful than a cervical fusion w/a plate in my neck! I'm not going to push myself to rehab fast as I have after my car accident & simple other things. Rushed through rehab because I'm always concerned how it's effecting my co-workers and I can't let that come into my thoughts at all now. This stinks big time & I'm going to have to take my time to rehabilitate. I just thought that I would have some resutls sooner. I haven't been in therapy an entire week yet though but it's not good so far. Thanks for asking.

[colleen costello]

Tink, I am pulling for you because I have heard from reliable sources there is no torturer greater than the physical therapist. Everyone who has a new knee can tell you so. Hope things get better fast!

Ladies, thank you for the birthday wishes. How I wish I was REALLY in Orlando, but really not a day goes by where I don't wish I was there, so nothing new! I have had a nice birthday. Helped out at the school this morning, then spent the afternoon with my friend as the kids were out of school early today so she was off work. She is just back from a cruise (no Disney, sorry) and had pictures and tales to share. The Carribean is gorgeous and I sure hope to cruise someday, but I am spoiled rotten and would never go through all that planning if I couldn't be on the Mickey boat. Someday... there's always the lottery!

Scott brought home pizza so I didn't have to cook, and the kids and I made me a birthday cake. Erin made me a beautiful card that LOOKED like it said "47." Huh? Did I forget 6 years? Luckily it was just a misprint and it actually said "41" which I fear is bad enough... I was an old bag of 29 when my first was born, so my two have an old Mommy who can remember when there was a Soviet Union, pay phones that took a dime, and even RECORD ALBUMS! :) I received an extravagant gift from my technology-lover hubby who swore I cold not live without an Ipod. He got me a Nano, which is not much bigger than a Disney resort room key yet can hold 1,000 songs. WOW! It is very cool and I will enjoy it while walking and also doing housework.

So that is all. Hope all is well with everyone. I will write more tomorrow or the next day, after I have had hours of fun talking Mickey with dear Linda. :goodvibes

Colleen

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Colleen! So glad to hear that you had a nice Birthday - it sounds like a great day! I loved your story about Erin's card! That is so funny! I'm sure that the card is beautiful, though! And hey - I can remember record albums, pay phones taking a dime, and the Soviet Union, too! :) I'm sure that your cake came out wonderfully (what sort of cake was it?)! And that's a wonderful gift from Scott - I'm sure that you are going to have a lot of fun using it! :)

How was your day with Linda??? Can't wait to hear all about it - you both must post stories and pictures SOON! :)

So sorry to hear that you're having such a difficult time, Tink! Hang in there - I know that it must be painful and trying, but as you said, you need to take your time to heal and rehabilitate. I'm sure that things will get easier and more comfortable, soon!

I'm off to my dreaded Biostats mid-term, now............UGH. (At least I can stop boring you all by complaining about anticipating it, now!)

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're all having a great week! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

This has been a magical day!! I got to our meeting site early, as is my wont. Went into a nearby dollar store and found Disney Christmas cards!!! Yeah!!!! Disney AND on sale, my favorite things.

Colleen pulled up, I saw her auto antennae and recognized her van. I had never eaten at Panera's and was a bit nervous about being able to avoid all those delicious looking carbs but she kept me busy talking so it was not TOO painful. My sandwich was on low carb bread (tasted too good so I am suspicious) and was packed with meat and cheese so I am hoping that all that protein was able to overpower the carbs and cause no damage. Was well worth it though.

Colleen brought me a beautiful calendar with two special people on it, in front of Spaceship Earth. I am looking forward to the New Year so that I can install it right by my computer, next to the magnets etc. from Rider. Thank you girls!!!

Tink, you poor dear. It must be so frustrating and especially so since I can tell that you are not the type to complain and have, in the past, soldiered on when maybe you should have not. I hope that you are able to find another job within your company. They would be dumb to lose someone they know is dependable and already trained. Do you feel a tiny bit better each day? If you do, it might give you hope for a recovery at some point.

Lisa, I did find one condo that was quite nice and large to boot but it has been sold. I was amazed at how roomy it was and the fact that it had a half dozen closets on either side of the hallway did not hurt one bit. It was pricey and was in sore need of being brought up to date but was not more than I could have handled. Must not have been meant. I fear that condos here might not include all that yours do. They are a relatively new thing around here and I am not sure if they are as regulated as I would need. I will continue to do research. I am going to do the large bedroom and the upstair hallway this winter. That will be the worst of the worst.

I asked one nice lady to take a picture and she took one. I was too polite to ask for more. I have a busy couple of days coming up so it might be Sunday before I can post the pictures. I will have pictures of my family meet in Cincy as well.

Sending special pixie dust to Lisa to help her survive her Biostat Mid Terms. You will be so relieved when they are over, bet Frank will be too.

Thank you, Colleen, for a fantastic day. We wil have to make this an annual occasion to celebrate your birthday.

SG/Linda (who sends you all hugs, especially gentle ones to Tink)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

So glad to hear that you and Colleen had a nice day, together - I knew that you would! I'm sure that you both had a great time catching up with one another, and I can't wait to see your pictures - all of them! :) I'll bet I know who the 2 special people are, who are on the calendar, in front of Spaceship Earth! :)

I'm sorry to hear that the condo that you liked wound up being sold. :( But - as you said, it served a purpose - a good excuse to do research, to see what's out there, what you like and don't like, what amenities you would be willing to pay for, at what price, etc. I'm sure that you will find something that you like even more, now that you have started looking and comparing!

I barely survived my stupid exam, last night - took all 3 hours of class time to finish it, and I still ran out of time at the end! I'm going to try not to think about it - there's nothing that I can do about it, now - let the "chips fall where they may"! At least it's over with and I only have one more exam in that class before it's through! In the mean time, I have to gear up to study for my last mid-term (which is on Wednesday night), this weekend. But first, we are going to treat ourselves to dinner at our favorite French restaurant, tonight, which should be nice! Then I am going to make Artist Point's Cedar Plank Salmon for dinner again, tomorrow night - gotta love that "Cooking with Mickey and the Chefs of the WDW Resort" cookbook! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you all have a great weekend! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, you poor dear. You fret too much. I am sure that you did just fine on your test. Bet not many, if any, others finished it either. It is better to get what you did get done right than to get all of the questions answered and some wrong. My dd refuses to finish her degree because she has all A's in everything else and could not replicate that in Algebra. I try to tell her that finishing the degree is what matters. You always do much better than you thought you did and I am betting it will be similar this time.

Both Colleen and I were in gastric distress, not the fault of Panera's, but we soldiered on and did not even devulge it until time for us to head to our own homes. I stopped at a new area store on my way home. It is called Tuesday Morning and seems to be an upscale discount store. I bought a couple of small things but a lavendar bud vase caught my eye. (did I tell you that I have very good taste?) It was $149. Scared me so badly that I nearly dropped it. I had not noticed that it was a fancy name brand. The thing would own me as I would have to worry about it. I will stick with my quarter yard sale vases. If one breaks, no biggie.

Truly the condo was out of my price range anyway. I must find something I could afford as I do not ever want to have to move again. Tom is much richer than I. SAHM do not accrue much in the way of material goods.

I do not much care for salmon but that sounds wonderful. The only salmon I have ever liked is that at H&V.

Now that you have the dreaded test over and done with you deserve a break AND a fabulous French meal!! Vive!!!

Hugs, Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

Thanks so much for your sweet and encouraging words. I'm just trying not to think about that test.........instead, I'm gearing up for the next one, that I have this Wednesday night (just a bunch of memorization of facts and definitions and stuff - NO MATH - yea! :)), and trying to crank out a paper, too, so that I don't get stuck doing it next weekend, just before Thanksgiving. Fun, fun, fun! :)

We did have a very nice and relaxing dinner on Friday night, though. Frank and I hadn't just gone out to dinner by ourselves "for the heck of it" in awhile, so it was a nice treat. And they always treat us very nicely there, since we know the owners (my father went to school with one and my cousins are close friends with his son, the other). They always go out of their way for us, give us our favorite table in the corner, by the windows, know what we like to order (they say that they always know who an order of double spinaches is for, when it arrives in the kitchen - I am well-known in these parts for my spinach addiction! They even call me the "veggie lady" in our local diner, because they know that I am always going to order a double order of vegetables, when I come in! :)), etc. So we took our time and had a nice, long dinner. We also ran into some cousins of mine (as we tend to do, there) - the ones with whom my father is going to Florida, in a few weeks - and they were saying how they're so happy that he's joining them, etc. So that was nice, too!

Not too much else to report, here - just getting some work done!

I'm sorry to hear that you and Colleen weren't feeling well, after you got together. :( Hopefully it was nothing that you both happened to eat - and hopefully you're both feeling much better! It's neat that you happened upon that new store on the way back! Sometimes, vases and other such things found at yard sales are even better than the things that you can buy new in stores. We recently had a bunch of lamps (of our own, my father's, and my uncle's) re-wired, and Frank brought along 2 lamps that he had found at a yard sale, years ago. Well, the professional took one look at them and said "what beautiful Lenox lamps"! Frank hadn't even realized that they were Lenox and that they were probably worth tons more than the few dollars that he paid for them! Even if they didn't happen to be a "brand name", they are still really nice, in general! So sometimes it's better to hold out for those "yard sale finds" - you never know what you might find, and the thrill of finding something at a great price is always more "satisfying" than just "regular shopping", anyway! :)

Well, time to get back to work, here! Just wanted to stop in and say "hi"! Hope that all is well with all of you, and hope that you're all enjoying the weekend! (It's 65 degrees and sunny here, today! Yea! I'm wondering how long our luck will continue to hold out - even though it's been going down into the 40's at night, we haven't gone below 55 degrees or so, during the days, yet - maybe we can hope for a relatively warm winter???? :)) :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, you have my sympathies. Math has always been the bane of my existence. In fact Math is the only thing that kept Dalton from the all A honor roll. It seems that some are word people and some are numbers people and very few are both. Hang in there and get through with all of this 'stuff' and the reward will be that you will not need much of what you are having to study and what you do you will learn to embrace as numbers that are tied to something we need are more interesting than those nebulous ones in assignments and tests.

Colleen and I both were sick to our stomachs before we met, at least I was. Sure hope the sight of my face did not maker her sick. LOL The food was excellent and neither one of us overate. I hope she is feeling better today. I am.

It is wonderful to go where 'everyone knows your name". I used to have a restaurant near DW that treated me that way. It is a long story how we came upon the place. It is gone now. Francisco's. I fear the owner probably passed away as it was the force of his personality that kept the place going long after the quality of the food had deteriorated. I wish I had a spinach addiction. I add veggies to nearly everything I cook to bulk things up but I do not like cooked veggies very much. How do you like yours prepared?

Lenox is a brand name. I used to have a set of dishes of theirs. I like simple classic lines in things and that is generally a sign of expensive. Tom likes anything that is shiny. (smile) Our house is furnished mostly in his taste but the upstairs rooms that I have been renovating are much simplier to appeal to more people. Lots and lots of off white paint.

Dalton is due here in a couple of hours. Both boys were here last night. I got home earlier than expected from my trip to Cincy because, believe it or not, my brother did not show up. I drove 2 hours to get there, another sister drove about 1.5 and yet another 3.5 and we all managed to find the right place (amazing). We waited nearly 3 hours and called our brother's cell phone a few times and got no response. I called him when I got home and he says he was in the hospital. Sad thing is that I cannot be sure it is true or not. Not sure which way to hope either. I will probably never see him again. I am sure we will talk though as most of the family does not talk to him and I listen, albeit with a lot of frustration. VENT< VENT (sigh)

Anyway I got home early and the boys were thrilled as they did not want to go with their parents and they rushed over here. We had a lovely time, good food, good company. We played Blackjack, Crazy Eights and made plans to learn how to play Texas Hold 'Em. Tonight we are going to open my Disney Monopoly game that I bought last year. Dalton loves to count money and beat grandma. (smile) We also played Millionaire last night and Austin came up with an answer that neither Dalton or I knew. That is the good news, the bad news is it concerned an Old Navy commercial. He has turned into a dandy and a major clothes shopper and is driving his mom crazy. I told her that boys only came in two categories, that and the ones who will not take baths and she should calm down. LOL

Lots of cooking going on for next week, very busy week.

Are you all getting some rest this weekend? Might as well, the work will never get done anyway. I know from years of experience. Go play! Dust will wait and even invite friends.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Well, I'm FINALLY done with this round of exams, so I will be able to come by and visit more.........at least for a few weeks, until finals begin (after Thanksgiving)! Anyway, I'm glad that they're all done for now. Now I just have 2 more classes and a paper to finish before a nice 6-day break!

I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving, in a way, 'cause it was always one of my favorite holidays. But Thanksgiving has always been the one holiday that Frank and I spend apart (because if my father and I went down to my in-laws' with Frank, that would leave my uncle alone, and he is not well enough to make the long car trip to my in-laws'. So Frank goes down to his Mom's and I "make" Thanksgiving in my house, for my father and uncle, every year), so that kinda stinks. And he usually stays down at his Mom's for the entire weekend - Wednesday - Sunday, too (he might come back a day early, this year, to catch up on his school stuff, though). And this year, although my father will be here on actual Thanksgiving day, he is going to Florida from Friday - Sunday, so everyone is leaving me, that weekend! :( That's OK, though - I know that my father will have a great time and he definitely needs and deserves that trip. And I always like to catch up on things like getting our holiday cards written and organized and any gifts that we've already purchased, wrapped on Thanksgiving weekend. So I will certainly be keeping myself busy! And I don't mind some time alone - I'm used to it - "only child thing" - and I'm used to it from all of the years when I lived alone. I just kinda worry that if something happened to my uncle while both Frank and my father were away, I would panic and not know what to do. (Not that I have any reason to believe that something would happen - my uncle was fine on a weekend over the summer when my father, Frank, and I were all away - my father was in upstate NY visiting relatives and Frank and I were in PA at the DIS Meet - and he was fine on his own. But I worry, anyway.)

Fortunately, I just found out that my best pal, Gary, and his partner are spending the entire holiday weekend in NJ (they usually just come for Thanksgiving at Gary's parents', then go back to NYC on Friday). So I'll get to see and spend time with them, and it makes me feel better, knowing that they are close by, when both Frank and my father will be so far away!

ANYWAY, so how are you all doing, out there?

Hi Linda!

Glad to hear that you had such a fun game night with your boys! It sounds like you played everything in sight! How did you like the Disney Monopoly game? I have thought about getting it, many times (I think that there are a few editions - some that are "general" and some that are specific to certain Disney "genres" - like I think that there is one specific to the Pixar movies, etc.), but never got around to it! There are so many neat Disney games, out there - like the Scene It games, and I believe that I saw some other new ones out there, somewhere - maybe in the catalog or online? Anyway, it sounds like you all had fun! And I'm sure that Austin is quite the fashion plate and that his myriad lady friends are quite impressed! I guess that's what being a teenager is all about!

I'm sorry to hear about what happened with your brother, though. I hope that he really WASN'T in the hospital and that everything is all right with him. But then again, if that's the case, it was so bad of him to inconvenience the rest of you, who all traveled so far to meet with one another. Well, I guess at the very least, you all spent time together, which is a good thing........but I'm sure that you were all very worried about your brother. May I ask - were you all getting together just to meet and see eachother in person, or was there a particular reason that you were all getting together at that time?

I like my veggies any way - raw, cooked - I suppose that I prefer them cooked, unless they are in a salad! And I also add tons of veggies to things to bulk them up - that's where most of my "spinach consumption" comes in - when I add it to things! I also like to sautee spinach or broccoli rabe in olive oil (I try not to use TOO much) and tons of garlic! I know that you're not "supposed" to eat a lot of oil, but that olive isn't the "worst" of the oils - but I always order similar things in restaurants - anything with a lot of garlic is fine and dandy with me! :) I also like the vegetables that come pre-cut in plastic bags, that you can just pop into the microwave and serve - very handy - we eat a lot of broccoli and cauliflower, that way!

Have you done any more work in your house, or any more looking at other prospective homes, lately?

Are you hosting Thanksgiving in your home, next week, or visiting with other family or friends?

Hope that all is well with all of you, out there! Will try my best to make it to the Suite more often - I miss all of you! Hope that all is well with all of you, and hope that you're all having a great week! Take care. :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

It seems to me that worrying and thinking about doing a paper or project is harder than actually doing it. When I finish something of the sort I enjoy taking a deep breath and relaxing a bit. Is it the same with you Lisa? I hope your oxygen levels are at their highest peak and you are enjoying your well deserved break. Have you gotten your grades or do you have to wait until after the holidays?

I am sorry to hear that you and Frank have to be apart during the holidays but you have such good reasons and I am sure his family loves you extra for your being willing to share him for Thanksgiving. Sounds as if you will be surrounded by lots of loved ones and how wonderful that your friends will have time to share with you on their visit. When I go back home I do not tell many that I am coming because I never have time to see everyone and I hate hurting people's feelings.

The reason for our gathering was the fact that Steve will be leaving for N.J. (not far from you) next Wednesday and the chances of us meeting again in person are very slim. He is not safe to drive and I do not drive in cities very well. He calls quite often. He has few people willing to listen to his political retoric. It helps that I cannot hear much of what he says.

Dalton has been hinting for a Scene It game. I may consider it as I usually buy one new game. It has been a long dry period since I had anyone to play board games with. I used to play with my kids but Tom does not do games, or much of anything else.

Have you ever bought the broccoli slaw? I like it and read somewhere that you can spray it with cooking spray and have a nice side dish. I am thinking that adding some shrimp would be tasty as well. 3 weeks of losses so far. I was up to 4 but faltered so I am starting all over again. If only the losses were larger and the gains smaller. LOL

I quite liked the condo but it was out of my price range so I will continue to look and consider. My plan is to do the last big bedroom upstairs after Christmas. Dealing with COPD makes me awfully slow. I have the paint upstairs so that is a large part but that room is where I have stored all the junk from the other rooms so it will be daunting sorting through it all. The hallway will be hard and expensive as I will have to hire some of it done. I did the stair carpeting last time but I am not able now.

I am having Thanksgiving here with two of my bil's and my niece, who is going to England with me next year. I like my bil's. One called this morning and told me that if I did not feel well a plate of White Castles would do just fine. I was touched. I am planning a traditional meal but fixing bits and pieces in advance. I think my daughter and family are coming by also.

Wal Mart has some great bargains in prepared veggies. I love their green beans so much that I did not plant any beans this year. They have mixtures as well and are great time savers.

Let the cobwebs gather a bit and rest while ye may.

Linda (who sends hugs)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda! Sorry that it took me awhile to get back here, again, but here I am!

It sounds like you are going to have a very nice Thanksgiving, with your BIL's, your niece, and hopefully your DD, DSIL, and your boys, too! But your BIL is right - take it easy - it's good that you're making some of the dishes ahead of time (I plan to do that, too, and start cooking tomorrow night after Frank leaves to head down to his Mom's. That will save me a little time on Thursday, anyway!). I'm sure that everything will come out wonderfully! The most important thing is that you'll all be together on the holiday!

Don't worry about "faltering" - 3 weeks of straight losses is fantastic! Every once in awhile there is that "odd week", but you know that you'll be back on track in no time! Besides, there is that weird phenomenon that seems to happen - when one eats more than usual during the holidays and then expects to gain all this weight.........just to actually get on the scale and find that they actually LOST weight, instead! That's happened to me, a few times - I don't really understand how that happens, but sometimes I get lucky and it does! I'll bet that you'll actually be down a few pounds, after the holiday weekend! :)

I have tried the broccoli slaw - but I've only ever had it raw, before - for some reason, it never occurred to me to cook it - I will have to try that! :)

I believe that Colleen has the Disney Scene It game - I'm sure that she can give you some good reviews about it!

Take it easy when working in that remaining bedroom, too - take your time organizing everything and don't push yourself to do it more quickly than you'd like to! You know that it will get done and that it will come out beautifully, like all of the other rooms in your home that you've renovated! But you have to take care of yourself, first - especially during the upcoming busy holiday season!

I have gotten 2 of my mid-term grades, thanks for asking! I did much better than I thought I would on one and very well on another, and I anticipate doing very well on the 3rd, since the only grade I'm waiting for is for the class that's in my concentration / "major". So I'm in pretty good shape, going into finals........I just can't wait 'til the semester is over - I could use a few weeks' break! But I'm not complaining - I don't have another class until next Monday, and I have just one homework assignment to complete, this week, so I can let my brain rest for a few days, anyway!

Well, I just wanted to wish you all and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday weekend! Looking forward to another fun holiday season, here in the Suite! Talk to you soon, Everyone! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hello everyone wherever you may be!!

After a week of shopping, cooking, baking and cleaning the Thanksgiving meal is now over. It went better than usual because the bil's were here. Everyone arrived at noon and left by 4. They took Tom home with them so that I could have a chance to get everything back in shape before his return. (read my mind) Sad thing is that is the most help I could have expected from him anyway.

I am so sad at not being at DW for our planned November trip. I got on the site to check for availability this morning and found that there are rooms to be had but the thought of having to pack as well as prepare the house, car and all for the trip is enough to wear me out, just the thought. It is such a terrible waste of drugs that I cannot do it as I am on my steriods and they always help so very much. ;)

I now have 4 weeks of losses but the aforementioned steriods will add a quick five pounds so unless I pull off a Biggest Loser miracle it ain't gonna be five. :guilty: How is this for a choice, breathe or lose weight?

Lisa, you always do better than you think you will. When will you understand that you are a super star? I am glad you are getting a bit of a break from your studies. Not that I think you could ever be a dull girl but one should not take chances. :love: (Hey, my smilies are back!)

Never fear my doing too much on the bedroom. At my age and in my shape God sits me down mighty hard should I get carried away. There is a bed in the room I am planning on lots of rest in between coats of paint. I am painting over wallpaper (very well secured and far too difficult to remove). I have never done such before. The ceiling and walls will have to be the same color as I am no longer able to get up and down a ladder to cut in. At least it will be clean looking.

I doubt that I would buy yet another game as Dalton is the only one I have to play such with and his parents insist on having him some of the time. :rotfl2: Austin does not like games much. A bit of poker is about it.

I bet you managed to fix the dinner and do it all with aplomb and style. What did you make? I did the traditional thing as my bil do not get much home cooking. I sent the homemade bread and pies home with them so I would not need to be tempted.

I have to be in town at 5 am as a store is selling 512 SD cards for $9.99. I had thought I would escape the madness but this is just too good a deal to pass up. Maybe I will find a few other bargains as well?? Anyone else hitting the malls in the dead of night?

I have to go switch loads of dishes. I am very thankful for dishwashers. :lovestruc

Love, your grumpy but still goofy friend, Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

OK, a gal can only take so much. I have been so depressed since we did not get to take our planned, right after Thanksgiving Day trip to you know where, because of health and other problems. I went to the doctor last week for a routine checkup and found out that I was more sick than I had thought. Was not a bad thing though cause he gave me some of my favorite drugs and I can now breathe and my legs are moving once more. My magic pills are very dangerous to take all the time and they pack on the weight like nobody's business but they give me a blast of life and for that I am grateful. They are cheap, if not free also. Magic, indeed. :sunny:

I have been going round and round in my head wanting to go so very bad and thinking of all the very logical reasons why I could not. I could not sleep last night for all the Disney dreams tromping through my brain.

At 1:00 am on the Food Channel what should appear but an hour long show on Disney food and Christmas decorations. It was too much for one poor tortured soul to stand. No sleep for me.

You all have to know where this is headed. :bounce:

I'm going to Disney World!!!!!!

First thing this morning I called. Put myself in the hands of the powers that be figuring that if it is meant to be it WILL be.

Ten nights at the AS Sports from the 10th through the 20th with my code rate of $64 a nite.

I have a feeling that Tom will be happy about it when I tell him too. He is still asleep. If only I can get him excited enough to actually do a bit of the work that needs to be done before leaving. My poor grandchildren might well get their presents put in a brand, spanking new pillowcase instead of wrapping paper but hopefully they will not mind if Grandma is happy. :cheer2:

I just wanted you all to know first. Now could you all arrange good weather down and back?? Yes, I want it all. I am so greedy (and grateful).

Linda

[colleen costello]

How wonderful! Nothing like a "last minute" trip to Mickey! My parents will be there one evening during your stay. Look out for them, riding the monorail and doing XMas shopping and eating all their favorites at BOMA.

I am so happy for you. I have to wait 'til March... $64 a night sounds awfully good and you will head north just as the crowds get unbearable. It will be so nice for you to be there when it is cool and not crowded. A friend from PTO went two years ago at the same time and they loved it... They actually wore shorts one day. She said sometimes they would be on a little path in the MK and no one else would be around -- just them! They had privacy! As a veteran of the summer crowds (and 114-degree heat index) I am a little jealous. So happy for you. Is Tom up yet? :)

xoxo

[twinscandc]

Oh Linda!!!!! I'm so jealous!! I'm hoping you have a wonderful time and that your energy holds up for the time that you are there (and of course once you come home)!! How is Tom with the news? Are you going to get the dinning plan? I can't wait to hear all about it. Mark's brother and his family just went to WDW in the beginning of November. It was their first time and they planned the vacation in about 2 weeks. They didn't want much planning help from us....long story, but I don't think they fell in "love" with Disney like we have!!

I've been thinking about you a lot lately!! I've not been in your area for a while, but I did see artical in the newspaper about the "Men's Calendar". I got a good laugh from it. I knew a few of the men who were elected! Are you going to purchase a calendar?

We had a great Thanksgiving holiday. We were around town on Thursday, but then got a hotel room in Indy (great priceline price) and let the girls swim, etc. It was a fun time for them. We even went duckpen bowling. The girls loved it!!

My pregnancy is going fine. I feel like I've gotten bigger over night and started to really "show". We did have an ultrasound last week and the baby looks great. There is a slight problem because my placenta is too close to the opening of my uterus. The doctor says that ithe placenta can move as the baby gets bigger, but if it doesn't move, then we will have to have a C-section due to the risk of severe bleeding during delivery. Boy, am I glad for technology!! I guess I have been thinking about women before ultrasounds, etc and the risks of childbirth to Women. (ie: Little House on the Prairie)

Oh, I also watched that Food Channel show on the Disney Christmas decorations, etc. I saw it around 10pm last night. I remember thinking to myself....I need to get to WDW during Christmas time to see all these wonderful things. Wasn't that Gingerbread house amazing!!??!! So many details!!

Anyway....let us know all the planning details!! Mark and I were talking that we will probably not be able to go until 2007!! YUK!! We need to save all my sick and vacation time to be off after the baby comes.

I justed to let you all know that I keep up on the posts, but I struggle to find time to sit down and write for pleasure....it seems like I only write reports about my clients...not fun at all!!

Take care everyone!!

Becki

[SlightlyGoofy]

Becki, how wonderful to hear from you. We miss you but surely do understand that you have so much going on in your life and family.

Jealous?? This is our first trip this year and I believe you had your chance so now it is MY turn! ;) It is just sheer luck. I do not drive on ice and snow so I am hoping for yet more luck. One year I was just ahead of the snow all the way home and it literally started down for real as I pulled into my driveway. Hope my luck continues. It sounds as if you will have family members to take on your next trip. It will not be worth returning until the new one is able to enjoy it any old way.

Now you just know I had something to do with that calendar. Kurt is my best pal's (Dorthea) son and I nominated him. He is such a close friend that he actually has his own icon on my computer and I am currently trying to set him up with someone. I call him my half brother. LOL Tom is probably sad he was not nominated but I do not think he even knows about the calendar yet. He is still brooding because his name is NOT on the war veteran's memorial at the Moravian graveyard. I told him that the entry requirements were "stiff" but he does not quite understand. :rotfl2:

It is so wonderful to watch the DW videos and tv shows and recognize every place they are. I saw a music program the other night and knew exactly where they were (American Stage) as I have been there many, many times.

No worry about writing about your cases. I know you cannot write about them but feel free to stop by to unwind and that includes complaints as well as compliments. That is what friends are for.

I brought home a lovely picture of the Teletubbies that was drawn by one of my students. She is the little girl whose mom was killed in that wreck a couple of weeks ago. Breaks my heart. It says to The (picture of a book) Laby. They call me The Reading Lady.


I am so nervous over it all that my heart is actually pounding like crazy. It will not abate until I enter the Hallowed Grounds. Then I will relax until it gets near time to come home and I have to start worrying about the Real World one more time.

Take care of yourself and I will be hoping that all goes easy for you and you do not have to have a Casearan. If you should need help in any way please call. I am available to come to your home or the girls can visit me if necessary. I have books and toys.

Your friend, Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Tom is thrilled.

No dining plan. The steriods have already done enough damage weight wise and since I plan to continue them on my trip I will be packing at least an extra ten pounds without eating too much and making it worse. I am not happy about that but that is how it is.

The decorations will feed my soul, the rest of me can starve.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda! So glad to hear that your medications are helping you to feel better, and I'm ESPECIALLY happy to hear that an upcoming trip to "THE PROMISED LAND" will DEFINITELY make you feel better! :) I'm so happy to hear that you and Tom are going! And so happy to hear that he was thrilled with the news (I knew that he would be!)! Just think - in just a few weeks, you will be there, with all of the wonderful festivities and holiday cheer, all around you! That will be fantastic, and it sounds like just what you and Tom need, after the past few months -I'm sure that you will feel completely energetic and rejuvenated, the second that you see Cinderella Castle! :) We're so excited for you!!!!!!!

Hi Colleen! March is right around the corner.........coming sooner than you think! And in the mean time, your parents will have a great time at WDW (and the Villages!) and I'm sure they'll have great stories to tell about their adventures, when you see them at Christmas! :)

Hi Becki! Great to hear from you and so glad to hear that you and Baby, your DH and your DD's are all well and happy! And so glad to hear that you all had a nice holiday, too!

I just wanted to check in, while taking a little homework break. Not too much to report, here! We had a nice Thanksgiving - my father and uncle enjoyed my "feast" (I just made turkey breasts and all of the traditional side dishes - very simple - nothing too "exotic"! :)) and Frank had a nice time at his Mom's - he and his sister put up her tree, as they do every year on Thanksgiving weekend. I had dinner and got to spend some time with my friends, Gary and Stephen, on Friday night, and that was a lot of fun. Then I treated myself to seeing the movie version of "Rent" on Saturday, and that was wonderful - I felt like I was seeing the Broadway version from the front row of the orchestra, all over again! And then I just went to visit some old ML pals, to catch up and watch football on Sunday, until Frank came home (then we had a belated Thanksgiving dinner, together)! That's about all the news from the Garden State!

Sorry that this is such a quick one, but I just wanted to say "hi", and to let you know how excited we are for you and Tom, Linda! Please have some huge 'Ohana shrimp and watch the EWP on our behalf! :) And so glad to "run into you" here, too, Colleen and Becki!

And hope that everyone else, out there, had a wonderful holiday weekend!

I'll check in again, as soon as I can (things are starting to get hectic, again, with final exams right around the corner - UGH. I will stop by as often as I can, but please forgive me if I'm not around very much, over the next 3 weeks. I'll be around more, over my "winter break", thereafter! :))! Take care, Everyone! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Ahhh, yes the Promised Land , replete with Dole Whips and Won Ton Strips and the miracle of the Fish and Pretzel Bread. LOL (smiles have gone away yet again, darn it_

We leave on the 9th so it is not weeks away. Just barely one week but who is counting. If you do not receive your Holiday card you will know why. I fear that much will not be done before we leave. I figure my friends will forgive me especially those who love Disney as I do. BTW, those wonderful jumbo shrimp are no more at O'Hana's. Would be the only reason to return for me as that was my meat of choice.

I think that turkey breasts are better than a whole turkey but then I like white meat the best. There are about five movies I want to see right now and Rent is on the top of the list. Maybe when we return all my movies will be at the discount theater and I can make a day of it and see them all. I will take a nice soft pillow so that I will be comfortable. LOL

I hear that you and Colleen are planning to retire to The Villages one day. Wise choice. It is the perfect place for Disney maniacs. I like it better than Celebration frankly. Celebration is a bit too Stepford like to suit me. The Villages has something for everyone and if you are miserable elsewhere you can be so there too I guess but there are so many choices of things to do and learn.

They are going to be taping Millionaire shows again in January and I have been asked, by a few friends, to be their Phone a Friend should the need arise. Scares the living daylights out of me.. I am not one to think I know something I do not but there is a good chance that they will ask something I do not know. All my trivia friends are on line so I do not have the option some take of inviting friends over to help me out. Scary.

Your winter break is after the Holidays and not before?

It is always wonderful to hear from you. A boring day in your world is more exciting than a wild one in mine. LOL Never fear the Suite will always be here, waiting for you to drop by and put your feet up. The spa will be kept warm and your beverage cold in hopes of a visit.

Take care and I hope to get back in once or twice before I leave. The weather reports are a bit worrisome as it is getting colder and there are some reports of snow, here and there.

Love, Linda

[colleen costello]

What's this about the 'Ohana shrimp? I hear all sorts of nasty rumors about that place lately... Potatoes replacing the rice, no fresh pineapple anymore... Yikes... I never cared for the shrimp, but my Dad LOVES them. He ate so many on our first visit to the place, that he was up sick in the night, groaning. You'd think that would have put him off the place, but no way -- we went back again next visit! For me the atmosphere was always even better than the food, but with no pineapple I may have to boycott... There is no explaining to a 7-year old boy who loves it, why the big finish is gone!

Linda, I too am very excited about your trip. Really it is an extra surprise for all of us, because whenever a Suite member is in Orlando, the rest of us go vicariously. I think your week will be a perfect one, with all the holiday decorations up but none of the holiday crowds. You'll be heading back north before all the hullabaloo. Make certain to visit the Wilderness Lodge because those decorations sure are special! My family also loved the gingerbread house in the Grand Floridian lobby, as well as the seas of poinsettias outside on the GF grounds.

Ladies, Linda and I have agreed to a swap of sorts. I told her about the giant new Walmart just off of Disney property. It is chock full of the kind of bargains our dear Slightly Goofy loves, and she has promised to visit if there is time. In return, I am headed in March to her favorite bargain spots, the Ale House and the Golden Corral, also just off property. If we keep exhanging info like this, we may yet come back home with a dollar in our pockets! It's always nice to have a little bit of money to start saving for the next trip. :)

My parents head to the Villages on 12/7, and on a nice-weather day they will head to Orlando and spend the day with Mickey. I couldn't convince them to do Mickey's Xmas party; Mom fears the cold night air would cause her asthma to flare up. Instead they will wait for a day on their trip when the weather is extra nice and then they'll drive down to Orlando. They want to have an early lunch at Olivia's, my Dad's favorite (at Old Key West) and then spend the afternoon resort-hopping and ogling the decorations. They will have dinner at Boma. My Mom is particularly looking forward to it now that my Dad has sworn to her this is his LAST winter working. She has been after him to retire and it would seem he is finally realizing "the good life " is waiting for him in Central Florida! I am thrilled because the MINUTE they move I will start planning my visits... The kids and I have it all planned out for our first Florida Christmas. :)

Hope all is well with everyone. We should all say a little prayer for dear Rider, who is in the special hell that is graduate school finals week. Her Chrismukah should be a jolly one, indeed, once all that homework is handed in.

Love to all.

[SlightlyGoofy]

Now, I understand. When I peek into my rear view mirror I will see the grinning ghosts of my Suite Mates looking back at me. Sounds delightful to me. I cannot think of better company and especially since you all seem to remember things that I forget. I will depend on your gentle pushes to steer me in the right direction. It seems I only figure out where to go at the end of each trip. MK is the worst for me. I can handle the other parks pretty easily but I get all turned around there. I break parks up into segments and concentrate on one segment or more each day. LOL

From what I have read on the boards and from checking Deb's menus the jumbo shrimp is no longer. They do have shrimp but they seem to be the mundane kind. Lisa can tell you that is about all I ate there. They have bread pudding instead of the fresh pineapple as well. I liked that as well. We are thinking Kona this trip. We went there once when we could not get into O'Hana's and even though the atmosphere is not nearly as good the food was excellent. I do not mind paying for quality and it was worth the big bucks. I met the most 'delightful' woman there also. She was irate because one of her children had helped themselves from someone else's plate and they were not pleased. While I have great sympathy and understanding for a young child's natural impulses I was less than impressed with the mother's plea that said child should be allowed to do whatever whenever. Poor child, never had a chance.

Colleen, as you know we plan at least 4 evenings touring the resorts. Tom does not like to be rushed. Lisa knows this one. LOL We will eat wherever we are when we get hungry. Beaches and Cream is a must. Hope I do not get sick this time. Was not the food's fault but my eyes were bigger than my stomach (sounds odd but is true). Nothing like meeting a fellow DISer for the first time and having to have them hear you in the midst of your misery. What a great first impression that had to be. Just grateful it was not Lisa I did that to. :flower:

Both the Ale House and the Golden Corral (not a regular one but a prototype and prone to all sorts of wonderful surprises) were big hits with Tom last time. The Ale House has a fantastic low carb menu, not that it matters since there is little chance I can keep to it in the land of the Mouse.

I have amassed a delightful collection of small gifts to hand out to youngsters I might meet, whether they are swiping food from my plate or not. LOL I even have Mickey's and Minnies with magnets in their hands and feet so they can twist into the funniest positions. For some reason people appreciate free items far more at DW than elsehwhere. pirate:

I cannot wait to hear Colleen's parents view on The Villages. I am betting that they will be putting down roots there and Miss Colleen and children (who would never steal food from another's plate) become semi permanent Floridians.

Our Lisa ensconced in Hades? Nah, they would toss her right out as a GOOD influence. She would ruin the place with smiles, hugs and witty patter.

My file has finally downloaded so I am ready to go to bed.

One cavet, beware if you should get an attachment from me. I got two returned email notices tonight and I did not send either one. I have run 3 scans so far and cannot find anything on my machine. Maybe something grabbed my email addy off the web somewhere. Is scary. Hope it is a false alarm. I am running yet another scan and will see what I see tomorrow. Too tired to wait up and see.

Good night friends, Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Thank you both for thinking of me, Linda and Colleen! I'm "in the midst" of it all, but hopefully I'll be back to being a "normal person" by the time that Linda returns from WDW!

Colleen couldn't have said it better, Linda - having one of our Suite-mates in Orlando is always like a vicarious trip for the rest of us, so we are almost as excited as you and Tom are, about your upcoming trip! You both are going to have a wonderful time, and it's extra special that you will be down there at this joyous, festive time of year!

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT THE MENU CHANGING AT 'OHANA???!!! I must REALLY be behind the times! I haven't had time to peruse the Resorts / Restaurants / Rumors or other Boards, lately, and I'm behind in reading my AllEars newsletters, too - but how could I have missed this news?? Different shrimp? No rice? No pineapple? I DON'T GET IT!!!!! We've always preferred the Kona Cafe to 'Ohana (in fact, I am drinking Kona coffee right now, as I type! :)) - it's our favorite WDW restaurant! But we have a sentimental place in our hearts for 'Ohana too, of course - since we dined there right before Frank proposed to me, had our first honeymoon and anniversary dinner, there, and of course shared a special evening there with Linda and Tom! :) I would hate to think that they've changed anything, there - everything is always so good!

That's so neat that the 2 of you have exchanged some tips about great places to dine and shop at, off property! We would join you in your "info swap", but since we never rent a car, when we're there, unfortunately we don't have access to such places. :( I could get access to some information, though, and ask my pals who live down there to recommend some other good restaurants or shopping venues that we "tourists" might not be familiar with, and share it with you all! :)

Between Linda and Tom's upcoming trip and Colleen's parents' upcoming trip, we'll have a lot of vicarious "trip experiencing" to do, very soon! OK, Linda - give us the itinierary - have you planned out which parks / resorts you will be visiting on each day of your trip, or are you going to be spontaneous and just see what you and Tom are in the mood for, every day? I know that you will be playing Millionaire, at some point - I'm sure that you will be back in the Hot Seat, in no time - you are our resident Champ! :) (And I think it's nice that you have been asked to be so many people's Phone a Friend - you will do a GREAT job, when called upon, as always!)

I'm sitting here, procrastinating for a change...........I have a big presentation to work on (to give on Wednesday night), and I just can't get myself started, today. (Hence the Kona coffee - I'm trying to fuel myself appropriately for the long drag, ahead! :)) I wish that I had something more interesting to report than boring school stuff, but that's basically what's been going on, around here!

Frank and I did have a nice evening, last night, though - we watched "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" (my favorite holiday special!) on TV, listened to some holiday music and put up all of our Chanukah and Christmas decorations (our new Mickey Chanukah wall hanging looks very nice! :))! Then we went through another round of torturing ourselves, trying to think of what gifts to buy for most of the members of Frank's family! So glad that "my side" of the shopping is just about done! :)

Hope that you all have a wonderful weekend! We'll start planning Linda's Bon Voyage party, now - maybe Colleen's parents can stop by the Suite for some Bon Voyage cheer, on their way to The Villages, too! :) Talk to you all, soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, how could we help but think about you and often? By 'normal' I sincerely hope you mean YOUR normal self as we would not want you to be anything else. :cool1: I so admire how hard you are working to get to where you want to be. It is hard and even harder when you have grown up responsiblities to attend to as well. You are an inspiration. I bet that Frank is proud as well and a great help to boot. :teacher:

I use the DIS as a rest stop in amidst my other duties so I read many of the forums and often. Colleen was feeling sorry for me as she thought that I was missing out on all the fun of planning this trip but the fact is that I am always planning a trip. LOL

I sleep with a Eurorail pass book and have for years so I have had an England trip planned for decades. LOL A girl has to dream you know. princess:

I am afraid that while I have mastered Buena Vista Drive I am hopeless to get on and off property via the interstates and such. I have read that I can go past AKL and easily reach some places but have not tried it as yet. I figure it is probably true as I have run into many locals who say they live in that area. I may drive up there and check it out this trip.

I sent all the Suite Mates a copy of my agenda. Not that I necessarily follow it all the time. I am thinking of just getting a ten day MWY ticket this time since we would probably only be able to go once next year and that would be two ten days trips so it would be a bit cheaper. One never knows.

My friend who was the head housekeeper at AS Sports might be able to come over to visit. She is seriously ill but I am hoping that she is better now. She is a dear person.

I have arranged for some expert back up on the Phone a Friend thing. I will have some of my trivia buddies to back me up. No one knows everything and I certainly do not for sure.

I love Miracle on 34th Street but have never been able to convince any of my grands to watch it with me. I may borrow a child this year.

The kids at the Community Center got a Schoolhouse Rock DVD and personalized bookmarks, made by moi, complete with their picture for Christmas this year.

The neighbors are in shock cause they got small baskets with store bought candy instead of home baked goods. Just not enough time to do it all. Dorthea and our other friend are going out for our annual celebration on Wednesday. Some things you HAVE to make time for. :love:

It sure does look as if DW has messed with success at several places. Maybe if enough people are disappointed in O'Hana they might change back as they did at the Garden Grill?? Sometimes I just plain do not understand why they do what they do. I am afraid that for the price of O'Hana I would have to have something special. The huge shrimp was worth it. Kona's food is some of the best I have ever had. I know quality and am willing to pay for quality but refuse to pay big bucks for less and feel cheated.

The weather reports look as if it will be very cold when we leave but should get warmer the further south we go. I am checking each day and will be prepared to leave a day early if necessary. The long range report for the ride home is much better.

Sure glad you have your shopping either done or organized. You have to have time to actually enjoy all the festivities.

Tomorrow is the day I work on wrapping presents that have to be mailed. Sure hope I manage to get them done before I leave.

I am looking forward to the Bon Voyage party. I imagine it will be a doozy. Not sure where I am going to catch the EWP from this trip, guess it will be wherever we happen to be on our Decorations Tour. Sometimes the things not planned are the most special. I could not bear to watch it from the Poly without a Suite Mate though.

Love and hugs, Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

How in the world did I miss the fact that a major snow storm is headed this way? I have been checking Accuweather etc. and saw it was going to be a bit cold but just now saw that snow is coming in.

Now, for most of you normal people a few inches of snow is no big deal but I do not drive on any white stuff at all. The last time I drove on snow I had an accident. Seems my way of coping with a sliding car is to shut my eyes and scream. Very ineffective so I have avoided the stuff ever since. Comes with not learning to drive until I was about the age of what you guys are now.

I just dropped by to see if the party could be moved up. I will be leaving very early Thursday morning. I would leave tomorrow but I have a lunch date with two dear friends and one is very frail and I would never forgive myself if I did not see her before I left. You never know what might happen.

Prayers and good wishes are urgently requested as I will need devine help to get south before terrible things befall me. From what I understand the poor denizens of Atlanta freak more than I with cold weather as evidenced by some of their 60-70 car pileups. (shaking in my boots)

Underwear is packed. Everything else is easy. :rotfl2:

See you all when I get back, which will hopefully be before Christmas. I will be even more cautious on the trip home.

Love, your cowardly friend, SG/Linda

[twinscandc]

I'm always in for a Party...count me in for a Bon Voyage get together!! I'm looking forward hearing the date and time. I'll be there!!

Linda....oh how I wish I could help you get out of town and through the snow. I grew up in the Chicago land area and the lake affect snow!! I learned to drive in the ice and snow. It doesn't bother me much. Mark said that we are probably getting 3 to 5 inches, but I can't remember when he said it would start.

I certainly will be thinking you and praying for you on Thursday!

We'll talk later!!

Becki
aka twinscandc

[colleen costello]

What better time to head south than just ahead of a winter storm? Go for it! Have an amazing time, and remember it all carefully to share once you are home. Years ago Scott and I drove to WDW, before kids, and overnight in Atlanta it got down to thirty degrees for a few hours and a dusting of snow fell. When we woke up in the hotel, the tv news made out as if the world would end. Somehow a miraculous thing happened -- it warmed up a few degrees and the snow melted! -- and we were on our way. Keep an eye on the weather channel and you'll be FINE.

Enjoy! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Becki, how I wish you were able to guide me through these scary roads. It is my greatest fear that freezing rain or sleet come suddenly down as I am truly not a winter driver.

Colleen, it is hard to keep an eye on the Weather Channel in the car. I am going to leave here very early tomorrow and drive for GA. Since the storm is coming from the SW it is problematic as it is not something I can outrun. It all depends on how fast or slow it is. With a days head start I should be able to get to DW on time though.

Lisa, do not study too hard while I am gone. Settle for an A will ya? LOL The last course I took I got took to task by the t eacher as I was working extra and already had an A and she wondered why. I was trying to serve as an example for my kids and was aiming for an A plus. LOL

I am off to the Cracker Barrel to meet a friend. Have to pick up Dorthea first as she has some shopping to do before and after. She sits in the car nowadays and gives me my marching orders. I do not mind one bit . It is an honor to be able to help her after all she has done for others all these years, including me.

I only have the clothes to put in the suitcase when I get home and will be in bed early tonight. Hope I can sleep. Too excited.

Love and Ho HO HOOOOOO!! SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

LET'S PARTY!!!! It's time to wish Linda and Tom a safe and wonderful..........and SNOW-FREE trip to WDW!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) As Linda and Tom will need to get their rest before their exciting journey, celebrating will commence at once, starting with brunch in the Suite! :)

Don't worry about the snow - just keep watching / listening to those weather reports and you will be fine! Hopefully the storm will blow out to sea and it won't affect you at all!

Just have a wonderful and safe trip and just think of the MAGIC that awaits you at the end of your drive! Can't wait to hear all about your adventures! Please take lots of pictures and say "hi" to the EWP on behalf of all of us, here in the Suite! (.......and please ride IASW, too! :))

Have a fantastic vacation, Linda! :) (We'll hold down the fort here, while you're away!)

Hi Colleen and Becki! Hope that all is well with you both! I'm still a little crazed, here, but will be in touch as soon as I can! Take care. :)

[IASW Rider]

P.S. Colleen's parents will be joining our Bon Voyage celebration-in-progress, as they pass through on their way to their Villages / WDW vacation! We will give them a very special send-off, as well! :)

[twinscandc]

Yes!! Bon Voyage Linda and Tom!!! I was watching the news this morning and it sounds as if the snow won't start until late tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully you'll be in warmer weather by then!! How early are you guys planning on taking off?

I can't wait to hear all about your trip and see any pictures that you take!! Let me know when a good time is for you and I'll come out your way!! The girls have been asking about you and they would love to see you again (as would I!!)

Have a safe trip down and a wonderful trip at our beloved WDW!! I'm sure we all wish we were there with you!!

Have fun!!

Becki
aka "twinscandc"

[IASW Rider]

I hope that by now, Linda and Tom have arrived safely in THE LAND OF MAGIC and are settling in to enjoy a wonderful vacation! They were so smart to leave when they did - we have 5 inches of snow on the ground, now, and I understand that you ladies in Indiana have quite a bit, as well! Hopefully Linda and Tom made it to their destination safely, and avoided the mess! And hope that the rest of you, out there, are faring well after the storm, as well!

Hi Becki and Colleen! :) How are you both doing, out there?

And the rest of you? We haven't heard from Elaine, in a bit, here in the Suite, but I did get a very nice holiday card from her yesterday - it was nice to hear from her and Luis! :)

All is well, here in the snowy Garden State! I finished my last "real" class of the semester, last night, and after 2 exams and a paper next week, I will be through until January! Yea! Then I can finally relax and enjoy the holiday season! And have a social life, again! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Have a great weekend! :)

[twinscandc]

I've been thinking about Linda and Tom all weekend!! I also hope they are having a wonderful time!!

Us here in Central Indiana got about 7 inches of snow. They cancelled school on Friday. My girls were sooo excited. We did get a chance to go sledding on Saturday. They had a blast.

Rider, I can remember those last few weeks of a semester!! There is always that last push to get it all in, and then looking so forward toward a BREAK!! May your thoughts be clear and your memory long in the next few weeks!!

Well, I hope everyone had a great weekend!! Can't wait to hear back from our Slightly Goofy!! Hopefully she was able to see the EWP!!

Becki
aka "Twinscandc"

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Things have been very quiet here, in the Suite, as we eagerly await Linda's return with all of her tales of adventures in THE LAND OF MAGIC! :)

Hi Becki! Thanks so much for your kind words of encouragement! I managed to make it through my week of finals - very hectic - but very boring, so I won't bore everyone with the details! Suffice it to say, it's all OVER, now, and I have a month's break to look forward to! And now I feel like I can finally enjoy the holiday season, too! AND have some sort of social life for the first time in a month! We're going to a friend's holiday party, tonight, and having my Aunt, Uncle, and Father over for my Father's Birthday and an early Chanukah celebration, tomorrow! I'm going to start cooking the brisket late tonight, when we get home from the party, to make sure that it's done on time! Then I'll be making about 60 potato pancakes, tomorrow! :)

How are you doing, out there? How are your DH and your DD's and Baby? :)

Hope that you ladies in Indiana (and elsewhere in the Mid-West) are hanging in there, with the snow (all of ours melted yesterday, as it was mysteriously 53 degrees here, yesterday.........after an ice storm, the night before! :))!

Hi Colleen, Elaine, Tink, Angie, Wendy, and anyone else out there who may stop by!

Have a great weekend, Everyone! We'll have to start planning that Welcome Back party for Linda and Tom, soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hello there you Suite Ladies!

We just got back a few hours ago. Other than a bad delay in getting through Atlanta yesterday the roads were great. It was a bit scary on Thursday as I was afraid of running into some of that nasty weather that was coming from the SW. We had a tiny bit of rain a couple of times but the temps stayed up high enough to avoid the slick stuff. Today it was sunny and dry all the way. This trip was just plain meant to be.

I will write a better report when my brain is not so tired. As much as I loved being at DW I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.

Thank you all so much for your kind thoughts, prayers, and friendship. It means a lot to me. The best presents do not come in boxes. (smile and hugs to you all)

Good night and God Bless, SG/Linda

[twinscandc]

Welcome back Linda!!! I'm so glad to hear that your travels were safe!! I hope you had a good nights sleep in your own bed!! I'm sure all of us can't wait to hear about your trip, I know I can't wait!!

Things here in Central Indiana have been pretty quiet!! No real news, that I know of. Although, there was a pretty bad house fire there in your neighborhood. It sounded as if the whole house was a loss, and a few pet cats perished, but no one else was hurt. Do you know that family?

As far my family goes, the girls are excited about having this Christmas break. They had their party at school yesterday and enjoyed exchanging $1 gifts with their classmates! I had found a little radio walkman at Walmart for a $1 and I guess it was a big hit in their classrooms, everyone wanted it. In fact, when the girls got home, they talked my mom into making a quick trip to Walmart to get one for themselves!! My mom, of course, quickly agreed. Mom said it would be an early stocking stuffer (I say that my mom will do just about anything for those girls!!) Grandma's are GREAT!!

My DH Mark is really suffering these days with a bad back. He had an MRI last Tuesday and they found that he has two bulging discs that are touching the nerve. So, they scheduled a proceedure for today to insert some type of epidural for a nerve block. The Doctor is hoping this will get rid of the pain so he can go back to work. He's been off for a few days, but was on "light duty" for about a week before that. He is certainly ready to be back to "normal".

I'm feeling okay except for a bad cold. Lots of congestion, fever and sinus headaches. You're pretty limited of what you can take for a cold while pregnant!! I'm praying that it clears up soon!!!!

Rider: are you enjoying your break? How did your brisket turn out?

Well, I've got to get going to work, but first I have to fix the girls some breakfast!

Everyone have a great day and I can't wait to hear more about Linda and Tom's trip!!

Becki
aka twinscandc

[IASW Rider]

WELCOME BACK, LINDA!!!!!!!! :)

We sure did miss you, around here! So glad to hear that you made it back safely!

Can't wait to hear all about yours and Tom's adventures and all the fun that you had in WDW! :)

Hi Becki! The brisket came out very well, thanks for asking, and so far, my break has been nice - but a bit busy catching up with holiday gift wrapping and getting ready to go down to my in-laws', this weekend! :) Hope that you are feeling much better, very soon, and hope that all goes well with your DH's procedure and that he is feeling well, too! And hope that all is well with your DD's, of course, too! :)

Hi Colleen! Hope that you and your family are having fun with your parents, and that they are having a nice visit, so far! :)

Hi Everyone else, out there! :)

Talk to you all, soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

I remember posting here the other day but it is not here. I just wrote out another post and it disappeared as well. Grrrrr

I have not forgotten you at all but you can guess that it has been rough trying to get everything done in so little time and being that it is that time of the year it is even harder. The boys forgave my lack of attention to detail.

Becki, you guys are going through a rough time. Back backs and colds are never fun and this time of the year it is more than anyone should have to deal with. I hope that both are better by now. Did you decorate much this year? Do you ever go to Greenwood? There is a store there called Deals that has the best dollar bargains around. A couple of friends and I go up there and shop at the two great Goodwill stores, hit Deals, Half Price Books and then go somewhere budget for lunch and have a great time. It is an adventure to find bargains. Maybe you could go along with us sometime?

Lisa, how was your Hannakah celebration? I saw where it was a rarity for Christmas and Hannakah to occur on the same day. I think they said it had only happened 3 times this century. I had intended to call you tonight but we had to go somewhere earlier and then my brother (he is more verbose than I- hard to believe) called and time got away from me. I am a night owl but most normal people are not so I will not call this late. Maybe tomorrow??

I will write a proper report when I get my mind on an even keel but for now I will report on the fantastic Butternut Squash Soup at Boma's. I had two bowls and could have just eaten that alone. OK, the two small bits of the chocolate mousse dessert was important too. lol I had enough Disney rewards to pay for this meal. Tom is so spoiled as he is used to me being able to do this sort of thing and thus deems it of not being worth notice. (grin)

We ate at Sassagoula food court at POR twice. I loved the Muffaletta and Tom had the Shrimp and Chicken Creole. He was taken aback by being given just half a corn muffin instead a whole one but the Beignets calmed him down a bit.

I only ran into one DISer while sitting to see the parade at MGM but I met several other great people who might decide to join us. I put the website on some of the CM thank you cards I give out as so many people ask me about it and it saves time. I met two nice ladies at the MK parade (at the train station) and they travel the country in a RV. They said that they camp in IN occasionally and when I asked where we discovered it is only about 15 miles from our home so we exchanged emails and hope to meet again. I even had a lapful of girls for the parade as I let some small children in front of our table and the one family had 5 children. I covered three with my jacket as I carry my own insulation and the other two decided that I would make a good wind break. I enjoyed it very much and the family was so very nice.

Since I was able to get the two AP's for only about $240 (using my Citi Bank rewards) we are hoping to be able to go back for the Flower & Garden Show in the Spring and then again either in October, if they offer the free meal plan again or right after Thanksgiving. It will average out to about $8 a day for the BOTH of us to go to the parks for a day if we ONLY go for a total of 30 days.

We were so lucky in that the roads were good going and even better coming home. It was meant to be and I am grateful.

Merry and Happy to you all and I hope this post does not disappear into cyber space, whirling around for eternity along with the other inane and incomprehensable correspondence.

Good night, sweet dreams, SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :)

Here's to another great year of fun and friendship, in our Suite! :)

So sorry that I haven't been able to post in so long. Between the "hectic-ness" of the holidays and the in-between-holiday-week, and the fact that both Frank and I have been fighting off colds, I haven't had a chance to keep up with my correspondence. In fact, I hadn't even been to the Boards at all, until today, for over a week!

Anyway, hope that you all had wonderful holidays and hope that you all, and your families, have a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

Hi Linda! It was so great to hear your voice on our answering machine, last week! It's always wonderful to hear from you! Have you been able to post your trip reports, yet? Colleen (whose voice it was also wonderful to hear, last week!) had mentioned that you tried posting some, but that they may have disappeared (as you said in your post, here). :( Anyway, it was neat to read your mini-trip report, here! So glad to hear that you met some great people, and that you may stay in touch with some of them, too! We can't wait to try Boma for the first time, in May - we already have our PS! And it's so neat that you went to the food court at POR - that's where we've had our first meal on each of our past 2 trips - we like to take the food outside and eat while overlooking the mighty Sassagoula River! :) And it's wonderful that you may be able to make it back to WDW in the spring and fall of this new year! Can't wait to hear more about your trip and your adventures, when you have a chance! (Or if you posted a trip report on the Trip Reports Board, please post the link! Or maybe I will try to search for one on my own!)

How were your holidays? I'm sure that it was crazy, getting everything ready in time, while simultaneously unpacking and getting settled back in, after your trip! But I'm sure that you all enjoyed being together, and I trust that Santa was very kind to Austin and Dalton, too! :)

How are you doing, out there, Colleen, Becki, and everyone else??? Hope that you and your families had wonderful holidays, too!

We are fine, here - Frank and I are still fighting off our colds, but aside from that, things are good and are finally calming down, after the busy holiday week! Our Chanukah and Christmas celebrations were nice - generally pleasant, with a bit of "family drama" thrown in for "good measure". I got some nice Mickey gifts - not one, but TWO new Mickey watches! :) And I got my first birthday gift (from my friends Gary and Stephen), over this past weekend, too - the Disney edition of "Scene It", which comes highly recommended by Colleen! :)

We spent a fun New Year's Eve in NYC - Gary had a small soiree, which was wonderful. He and I lit the Chanukah candles when we arrived (since it was still Chanukah on NYE - you're right, Linda - it's very rare that Chanukah falls this late in the season - so it's neat when it's still Chanukah on Christmas and New Year's weekend!), which was very nostalgic, since Gary and I have known each other since kindergarten and went to religious elementary school together. He and Stephen were fantastic hosts - lots of great food and wine, and Gary even baked some cakes (which he never does!). We played Pictionary and Gary entertained us with some music, playing his new keyboard - his Chanukah gift to himself! And at midnight, we all went up to the roof of his apartment building and watched the fireworks over Times Square and the Empire State Building, which were so neat to see! (I took pictures, but unfortunately, they came out sort of blurry. :() The following day, my father and uncle came into the City and we all met at my uncle's apartment (which is right around the corner from Gary's). We got to see all the work that my father has been doing, renovating and redecorating the apartment, over the past 6 months, and he's really done a fantastic job! We spent the afternoon there, and then my father drove us back to NJ (which was great, as we didn't have to lug our overnight bag on the train, again!).

Now I am FINALLY enjoying my winter break from school. Things were so busy, right after my final exams ended, that I didn't have a chance to do much relaxing, much less organizing the gifts and cards that we received, write thank you notes, catch up with correspondence and magazine reading, paying bills, etc. Now I am slowly going through all of that and am also trying to take some time to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, which is wonderful!

Hope that all is well with all of you! Have a great week, and talk to you all, soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Lisa! How you are missed when you are not around. I am sorry to hear that you and Frank both had colds. There is a lot of that going around right now. I never get a cold. Occasionally pneumonia but not colds. LOL Hey, they can do something about pneumonia so it is not all bad.

I will have to remember about taking the food outside the next time we go to the Sassagoula. It was a bit too cold when we were there this time. We kept reminding each other that it was MUCH colder back in IN though.

I have not posted a report yet and will probably not get one written for at least another week as I have hired someone to help me with the upstairs and they will be here next week. I cannot sit while others work so I will be working along side them doing the scut work. I am presently working on getting the piles of stuff out of the room that I had stored everything from the other rooms in. Tomorrow I have to start moving the furniture. Not a long distance but it should still be interesting. My friend from the library offered to come and help but I feel that I should be getting help from closer to home. I have the pile of notes I took beside my desk and I may attempt a first installment soon. If I do I will let you all know.

I hope your family drama was a small one and nothing serious. There is a lot of that going on as well.

You might have gotten TWO Mickey presents but I got the best one of all, ten days at WDW and two more upcoming ones this year (God willing and the crick don't rise) My bil might even go along on one so I will not have all the driving to do myself. He was much taken with the over 600 pictures I took and the movies of the Stunt Show and the fire guy at the Lion King. When I said there was a possibility of free food on one trip he was hooked.

I love the sound of the party at your friend's house. My best friend and I have been friends for over fifty years now and I bet you guys will beat that record. Please tell Gary that I am ashamed of him as I assumed that he would be an excellent cook, decorator etc. etc. and all that silly stereotypical stuff. LOL They must live right in the center of NYC to have such a fantastic view. I cannot think of a more awesome way to celebrate. Your uncle lives nearby as well? Is that a coincidence or did one help the other find a place? Did your dad DO the work or oversee it? Either way it is an awesome achievement. I about blew my brains out picking a color for the upstairs hallway today. I usually have a curtain or picture to match colors to but the hall has no windows and I wanted something a bit bright but not over the top. I am attempting to bring this place into the 20th century. Shades of "Sell This House" style.

I have a feeling that your idea of doing nothing is far different from mine. LOL

I spent some time on the phone with my hubby's ex last night. Her husband passed away while we were gone. He raised dh's daughter so I have much respect for him as well as sympathy. It is impossible to be jealous of someone who was married to your husband when you were six but I still contend that if he REALLY loved me he would have waited. (grin)

Just found out that we are getting a new cable company and from what I can tell the price will go up a couple of dollars but will include TCM and that is worth the bucks. I love old movies. I bought about 25 movies for ourselves this season. We watched "Singing in the Rain", "Ocean's Eleven (original)" and "Some Like it Hot" on NYE.

Christmas Eve we watched a very special movie. "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat" which two special people gave to me a bit ago. It is now one of Dalton's favorites. Dsil came in and went into the bedroom and went to sleep so the rest of us had a delightful time. He came in in the middle of "Sound of Music" and made rude comments cause his wife/my daughter and Dalton were singing along so I joined in until he retreated back to the bedroom. Serves him right!! (why do the smilies stop working sometimes?)

I was appalled to learn that I had only lost ten pounds last year but I am comforting myself with the fact that I did not gain anything and am a tiny bit closer to where I would like to be.

Congratulations to Colleen cause her parents were wise enough to buy a place at The Villages. I will wave as I drive by and hope to run into them someday at WDW.

Good night everyone!!

Your sleepy friend, Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

What a great, long, newsy post - great to hear from you! It sounds like you are very busy, getting ready to work on the upstairs rooms in your home! But please try to take it a bit easy (even though I know that that's not "easy" for you to do!) and don't put unneccessary strain on yourself, trying to move the furniture on your own or helping out the work people too much. I know that you want to be involved and want to ensure that everything is done as thoroughly as if you had done it yourself, but please take care of yourself and don't put too much pressure on yourself to do too much, too!

Thanks so much for thinking of us and watching "Joseph" on Christmas Eve! :) It sounds like between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, you and your family saw a bunch of great, classic movies! I love to watch old movies, too - particularly the old musicals - we also have "The Sound of Music" on DVD, along with many others! (Speaking of movie musicals, we saw the new version of "The Producers" and it was just adorable - definitely worth seeing, if you haven't, already!)

I think it's great that you have a nice, friendly relationship with Tom's former wife. I'm sorry to hear about her DH, though. It's nice that you were able to spend some time with her and offer your support and comfort.

I think it's FANTASTIC that you lost 10 pounds, last year! "Only" 10 pounds??!! I think that is WONDERFUL! I didn't lose a single "new pound" last year - stayed the same - for the past 2 years, I've been "playing with" the same 3 pesky pounds - I just keep gaining and losing them. Maybe this year, I will finally commit myself to losing them for good, and a few more "on top of them", too! I'm going to try out the "Biggest Loser" workout DVD, led by one of the trainers from the TV show - just for something different to add to my usual routines.

It's actually a coincidence that my uncle's apartment and Gary's happen to be so close together. My uncle has had that apartment since 1967. It was his primary residence up until about a year or 2 ago, when his Parkinson's symptoms started getting so severe that he felt less sure of himself and wanted to be closer (in proximity) to my father. Now, most of the time, he lives in my grandparents' former house (which is about 3 miles away from my father's house and 3 miles away from our house), which is his house. He used to just come to NJ on the weekends and stay there, but now he lives there most of the time. He really missed NYC, though, but had let his apartment kind of fall into disarray, through years of not living there all the time. So my father went in there, 6 months ago, and just started doing everything - throwing out old furniture, hiring painters (though my father did help with the painting, himself), refinishing and cleaning shelves, helping my uncle pick out all new furniture, overseeing the refurbishment of the floor and bathroom, etc. So he mostly oversaw the cleaning and renovating processes, but there were a lot of things that he did, himself. And he also did things like pack and unpack my uncle's belongings during the various phases of work, etc. Anyway, my uncle would love to stay in the City more, but he doesn't have the confidence to do so (in case there is an emergency, or in case he needs medical assistance). My father hopes that just knowing that the apartment is all "brand new" and ready for him lifts his spirits........even though he hasn't spent a single full night there, in years. My father and uncle do go and visit the apartment at least once a week, though - either to do more work there, just spend time there, or just to pick up my uncle's mail, etc. It's an amazing apartment, too, in a pre-WW II building, and it's HUGE by NYC apartment standards. AND it's rent-controlled (since my uncle has been living there for so long), so my uncle pays WAY LESS than most people would pay for an NYC apartment of that size, in that neighborhood. (Usually, people would probably pay $2,000 - $3,000 per month to RENT a one bedroom apartment of that size, there - I don't even think that my uncle pays $1,000 per month for it!)

Gary just liked the neighborhood, so it's purely coincidence that his building happens to be right around the corner from my uncle's. Gary had actually rented an apartment in the building where he now owns one, years ago. After living in 2 other parts of NYC, he eventually chose to move back there and buy a place there, since he likes that neighborhood so much.

And he is absolutely NOT the domestic type, at all! I believe that he either goes out or orders in every single one of his meals - his refrigerator usually just contains bottles of Diet Coke! That's why I was so amazed that he tried his hand at baking - and that he did such a great job! And he loves the arts but doesn't trust his instinct with decorating, at all (fortunately for him, his partner is a Creative Director for Villeroy and Boch, so Stephen handles all of his decorating, for him!). He expresses himself through his musical talents and loves performing with his band, at the Bitter End, every few months! Gary and Stephen don't live together in the City (after 5 1/2 years together, this is very frustrating to Gary, but Stephen takes things very slowly, and is reluctant to make that sort of "commitment" and to give up his "alone time". This year was only the second Christmas at which Stephen invited Gary to be with his family - he takes things VERY SLOWLY!). But - believe it or not - they just bought an 11 bedroom farmhouse in the Catskill Mountains (slightly North West of NYC, in upstate NY), which they are planning to renovate themselves and use as a vacation home! It's really Stephen's "project", but Gary has a financial interest in it, too. I haven't seen the house "live", yet, but I've seen pictures and it looks beautiful...........and like it's going to be a ton of work (and money) to renovate..........more power to them!

The family drama at the holidays was just the "usual stuff" - SIL being a bitter, nasty jerk (nothing new), my father having a "mini-nervous-breakdown" when we got home (probably the manifestation of a lot of adjustments that he's going through, that I took for granted while focusing on all of the positive progress that he's been making, over the past few months), which was troubling to me, but I think that he's "coming out of it". Now we have some new "drama" to contend with - Frank's (92 year old) grandmother fell and broke her hip, yesterday. From what I understand, she's all right - she's in the hospital and they're running tests to see if she can withstand any surgery that she might have to have. It looks like we're going back down to my MIL's house, this weekend, and it's just "too soon" for me to go back there, since we were just there 2 weeks ago. I find it to be very confining, there, and since I didn't leave on such great terms with my SIL - and will be forced to deal with her all weekend, again - I'm not thrilled about going. But of course I will go, to support DH and because of course I care about his grandmother. I may sound like a selfish, horrible fool, but I'm not looking forward to it..........

Anyway............that's about all the news from around here! So glad to hear that you will be making (at least!) 2 more trips to WDW, this year, Linda! And can't wait to read your trip report(s), when ever you have a chance to post them! I think it's wonderful that your BIL may join you on one of your future trips - I'm sure that he would have a great time and that you would make a new WDW fan out of him, immediately!

Hope that all is well with all of you, out there, and hope that you all have a wonderful weekend! Talk to you all, soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi ya Lisa, what a wonderful surprise to find such a long and chatty message from you. I hope that means that your life has calmed down a bit and you are getting some well deserved rest.

As easy as you are to get along with and as considerate as you are your sil must be very difficult. I am sorry as I know that must bother you but sometimes there are some people can just tolerate until they change. I had such a lady in one of my clubs and everyone had been dealing with her for years. A friend challenged me to make an impact. I gave it some thought and decided to do what I would with a troubled child. I made it a point to pay her small compliments and when I was sure she would not bite (joking) I even started giving her small hugs and even once kissed her on top of her head. It is amazing the difference it has made. She still says some hurtful things sometimes but not nearly as much and has started calling me her "sister". I think she is just one of those women who gives so much to her family and just feels unappreciated. (gee, wonder how I would figure that one out? lol) It is Franks's ds or dsil? Is much harder if it is a dsil.

My workers are my 75 year old neighbor and his teenage grandson and I do not want my neighbor straining himself. He had his first heart attack after donating blood for me many years ago. (saved his life as it had thinned his blood, I was afraid I had hurt him) I have almost everything out that is coming out. I had to yell, threaten and bribe Tom to help with the two big pieces. He left me holding the one piece at one point but then I am used to that and grateful I was not on stairs at the time. I have a few more small boxes that I have to find places for as the den is currently stacked to the ceiling and the curtains to take down and I am about done. I am ashamed of all the dust I have found. It has been about all I can do to keep the part of the house we live in clean the past few years. Much of what I took out is going to be hauled out of the house, one way or another. I feel that if I am the only one to clean it I should get to pick what stays or not. I will keep a few of Tom's collections that he actually has looked at in the past ten years but the other stuff is going away. I do not see where hauling it to the basement for me to have to go through yet again will improve my health or my disposition. (I feel a tiny bit guilty but not much)

Wow, an apartment in the City? Do you and Frank ever go to stay there for a weekend or a holiday? I sure would if I had the chance. I watch H&G tv shows that show what you get for the money in different parts of the US and have been shocked to see the prices they pay for a space the size of one of my rooms here. I have always been curious as to why people choose to live in such expensive places, if they do not make big bucks. I imagine it is why most of us stay near where we were born or in similar circumstances, it is what we are used to.

I have only talked to Tom's former wife a few times and it makes him mighty nervous when I do. I insisted on sending her a card when I found out her husband had died. I wanted to send flowers but had enough trouble doing the card. His daughter just got in touch with us about ten years ago and she is a very troubled and troubling person so I try to stay out of it all and give Tom the room to try to make amends for his past and hopefully help his daughter to grow up. She is close to my age and I worry about her future.

I fear it is not ten new pounds as I had a gain last year but I am within a couple of pounds of my lowest weight and might well be there this week if things go well and start on NEW pounds this year. Losing weight is an extremely hard thing for me to do and keeping it off seems to be even harder. I see many people who set their goal too low and set themselves up for failure and then they get depressed and gain it all back. I have full faith that you would not succumb but you may have possibly set too low a goal for yourself in any event. I figure if you are at a healthy weight range, feel good and can eat some of what you want it is best to leave it at that. I am thrilled that my dd has joined a weight group at the church though as she was getting up toward my size. I hope it helps her. I offered recipes.

Who says that gay couples are different from the 'normal" (ha ha) couples? Buying property together is as much of a committment as people can make other than having children. I think I had mentioned that I have been to the Bitter End, many decades ago. I actually used to have a life. LOL I wish more couples would move a bit more slowly before making a committment. I do not much care whom marries whom but I do think you should TRY to pick a partner and stick with them. Speaks a woman who has been married more than once.

Dalton has a ballgame tomorrow and then I have to go to the hardware store to pick up the things I did not get my last trip and that is about as exciting as our weekend will be. That is fine with me though.

I had heard that the new Producers was not much to see. Maybe they meant that the story was the same and not different. I like the story as is and would like to see it with Lane and Brodderick. I wish they would make more movies from popular Broadway shows.

Did you guys know that our dear Angie's hubby got hurt and is off work? I caught my oldest gson trying to 'steal' the picture she sent me for Christmas. I think it had something to do with the beautiful blonde in the front row. LOL

Have a great weekend, Angie, Colleen, Becki and Lisa.

Hugs to you all, SG/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

I cannot believe that I forgot to mention Frank's grandma, especially since it is close to what is going on here. My grandson's great grandma (age 93) was found by Austin over the weekend. She had fallen and broken her hip. She was doing well yesterday but there are complications today. They are checking for a stroke.

I have a feeling that both ladies will surprise us all with their resilency though. Please keep us updated on the lady's condition and give Frank a hug to give him a bit of comfort while worrying about a lady who probably was a big influence in his life.

Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

My loppers broke so I came in and since I had some time I started my trip report. Not much info, just angst. LOL

Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

Thanks for your thoughtful words, both in the above posts and in your e-mail! Frank's grandmother is hanging in there - her surgery went very well, on Saturday, and we were there when the physical therapists came to her room to help her get up for the first time, yesterday, and I thought that she did an amazing job! She is a very strong and strong-willed lady, and I have a feeling that she will recover successfully from this and will be feeling better very soon (when she starts rehab).

So sorry to hear about your DGS's DGG! I hope that she is all right and that she did not, in fact, have a stroke in addition to the broken hip! I hope that everything is OK.

It certainly sounds like you are having an exciting day, with the upstairs of your home being worked on, today! And it's nice that the people who are working on it are people whom you know and trust. It sounds like you accomplished a lot, in terms of cleaning out the rooms and getting rid of what you needed to let go of. I know that I have a hard time clearing up clutter or letting go of things, sometimes - but you're right - there's no sense in moving it all to your basement, just to have to go through it all over again, in the future. As for the dust - please - we all have "hidden dust"! And especially given the fact that some of those rooms aren't used as often as others, you certainly shouldn't feel badly if a little dust collected! Once all the work is through, they will be all shiny and new and immaculate!

That is so wonderful that you are fast approaching your lowest weight! I have no doubt that you will not only get there, but that you will even surpass it, if you want to do so! I can't wait to try that cauliflower recipe - I know that you have mentioned it before, but I never knew how to make it until I actually read your recipe! It should be neat! You'll have to let me know how your new lasagna recipe turns out, too! And lots of good luck to your DD and her weight loss plans - I'm sure that she will do a great job, too - she obviously has a wonderful role model in YOU! :)

I did know that Angie's husband was hurt - have you heard from her, recently? (Please check in with us, if you happen to be reading this, Angie, and let us know how Steve is doing!) I hope that he is recovering well and as comfortably as possible from his accident, and that they all enjoyed the holidays!

I still think it's nice that you reached out to Tom's ex-wife, especially at this difficult time - I'm sure that she appreciated both your support and comfort and Tom's. And I think it's wonderful that Tom has re-established a relationship with his DD and that they are sort of working through things together.

My SIL is just a difficult, unhappy person (it is Frank's sister, not SIL). It's very sad, but I'm just tired of her taking out her frustrations about her own life on everyone around her - particularly Frank and me! It's sad when people have to be that way. I liked your account of how you sort of "tamed" the lady in your club by sort of reaching out to her and giving her some TLC. That would not work with my SIL.........she would just take that as an invitation to walk all over / take advantage of whomever reaches out to her.......OK, I'll shut up, now - right now, thinking about her makes me grumpy! :(

Anyway, looking forward to my last week of break before classes start again, next Tuesday. This semester should be smoother (I won't say "easier" and then wind up "jinxing" myself! :)), as all of my classes from here on in deal with my Health Education concentration - no more heavy-duty-math-related stuff, or subjects that I'm not particularly interested in - yipee! After this semester, I will have one more semester of classes (Fall, 2006) and then 2 semesters of fieldwork, before I graduate (probably in Fall, 2007 / Spring, 2008).

Hope that your upstairs comes out wonderfully, Linda! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Hope that all is well with all of you, out there, and hope that you all had a great weekend! Talk to you soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

There are just the nicest people here in the Suite. Dear Colleen was nice enough to call and let me know that she had gotten home safely. I worry about such things. She knew that I would be up to my elbows in paint and such and not likely to be checking emails.

Lisa, Great Grandma is on the road to recovery. You are so nice to care. She is currently in rehab. She did not have a stroke, thank Heavens. I am glad to hear that Frank's grandma is on the mend as well. It seems that the longer you live the more resilent you are. I think the weak get thinned out early.

The dust was not very hidden. The rooms were dark and I just do not get up there to clean often. There are 4 rooms and a bath up there. I barely manage to keep the six rooms and 1.5 bath on the main floor in order most of the time. The Plantation blinds have really brightened things up a bunch. I am able to see all the flaws now. Not good. My helper is going to show up for a couple of hours tomorrow to take care of some small details that will bug me if not taken care of. Lots got done today. The amount I am paying for the help would have paid for at least one rooms carpet. I defy my dh, or anyone else, to say I did not work for a living all these years. I figure I saved thousands by doing it all myself.

The lasagna recipe was the pits. The flatbread just is not substantive enough to hold up with all the liquids. I have one recipe that uses cabbage and I might try that one next. As much as I have been working and as little as I have been eating and the scales are UP!!! I had severe leg cramps last night too. Is what I get for working side by side with a teenager. BTW, I am also working circles around him. LOL

It is an easy thing for me to reach out to Tom's ex. I have nothing to be jealous of. As he says "She is too old for me". (shaking head and laughing) I feel for anyone who loses a loved one and I like his ex a whole lot more than I like his daughter. She is a terror. I let them handle each other and stay out of it. Serves dh right too. :rotfl2: ''

Could Frank deal with his sister without involving you? She HAS to love him forever so he would have less to lose. Just a thought. It would not work with my family but somehow I tend to think of yours as being far more normal than mine.

No more math classes? That is a huge reason to celebrate. Hooray!! What kind of field work will you be doing? Sounds like more fun than classes for sure. You are so close to being through with your courses. It takes a special person to change their course and stick to it. I am proud to know you.

I will send an email to Angie and see how she is doing. They did not have much damage from the storms but being out of work for several weeks can be rough on anyone.

Colleen, I hope you are in a drug induced coma and happily sleeping while your dh copes with the children for the second time today. He will respect you more tomorrow for shure. :worship:

Good night all, hope I survive tomorrow. Dalton is coming to spend the night and I need to save some energy for that. Austin has moved in, I think. He has been here the past two days between school and other activities and is requesting his own key. LOL

Slightly Goofy

[twinscandc]

Hello everyone....

Just posting a quick hello....I've been pretty busy after being off for a week. Mark planned a surprise trip for me and the girls to Gulf Shores, AL. A quick trip as kind of a last time for just the 4 of us! We left a few days after Christmas and came back just in time for the girls to go back to school. We enjoyed ourselves very much. We love the Gulf Shores area (almost, but not quite as much as our beloved WDW!). You can get a pretty good rate during this season for a nice condo on the beach. We stayed in a 2 bedroom 2 1/2 bath unit right on the beach for less $70 per night. The resort had an indoor pool and several outside pools, including hot tubs. Of course, it was too cold to swim outside, but we did get in the hot tub!! The weather was great, about 75 degrees each day. We did spend a lot of time walking on the beach...it's so relaxing!! Mark even surprised me with a massage at the spa. They had a "Mommy to be" massage that was the best!! But, or couse, all good things have to come to an end....

Linda, it sounds like your "winter cleaning" is getting done!! As much work as it is, it always feels so good once it's done..!! I can't wait to see it!! I know haven't been out your way lately!! Maybe one day next weekend the girls and I could come out!! Let me know if that works for you.

Rider, how are things with your family? I have a BIL (my DS husband) that I would rather never have to deal with. I put up with him because my sister loves him (I dont' see how...). Good luck with your SIL!!

Well, signing off for now....I've got to be at my doctor's office tomorrow at 7am to do a Glucoast (sp?) test. If I remember it from being pregnant with the girls...you have to drink this syrup stuff and then wait an hour for them to test your blood...not really looking forward to it!!

Everyone, have a great day!!

Becki aka "twinscandc"

[SlightlyGoofy]

Becki, gee time is going so fast (for us, probably not you) until the new baby gets here. Do you know the sex yet? Have you had any more problems? Did you pass your glucose test?

I wish I had known that you were going to the Gulf Shores as one of our members lives near there and she would have been delighted to have met you. Her name is Angelina. What a nice surprise your hubby thought up for you all. Even a bargain price to boot. How did the girls like it? Bet he needed a break too. How is he doing now?

I would love to see you and your girls but the place is a mess and I have two birthday parties this weekend. Maybe next weekend? I come to Columbus on Tuesdays and Thursdays most of the time. I drive a disabled woman on Tuesdays but she having surgery and will be housebound for a couple of weeks. My number is in the book if you have lost it or send me an email and we will make a date. I have a lot of great Disney shows taped if you are interested.

I have some wonderful news. My friend Dorthea finally got her results back and the lump was benign. They are wanting her to come back in two months though so that has me wondering if they are just checking to see if whatever is growing fast or slow. She is in no shape for treatment of any kind. She is sleeping nearly 15 hours a day now and is finally acting her age. I am hoping she will have a good enough day tomorrow to come to our meeting.
The lady who was to have had it is not feeling well so I offered to take it over. I have the first floor dusted enough to allow for visitors IF they do not look too closely. I painted the one bedroom closet the other day and will be able to put stuff back in it later this week. I have all the woodwork to scrub and one room to restain. I am not going to strip it first as I just am not able. I have stain close enough in color to make it look better and the new owners can deal with making it perfect some day. I did all the first floor years ago and that will give them a head start over what I had. I am most looking forward to the new stairway carpeting as it will make the most impact. I left the wallpaper white at the top as it draws the eye up to the top of the staircase.

How are you all coping with the heat bills? Anyone else suffering from sticker shock? We have determined to be in bed by nine and watch tv from there so we can turn the furnaces down earlier. Every little bit helps and that will not be painful.

Keep warm and out of trouble! :hyper:

Hugs (pat on belly for Becki) from SG/Linda

[colleen costello]

Hi everyone. Just saying hello. I wanted to catch up with everyone and send out a "Hi," also wanted to let everyone know that Lisa is MIA for a bit because Frank's sweet grandma passed away and they are down at her in-laws'. I feel sad because they were both very fond of her. Bless her heart, she lived to a ripe old age in her very own apartment, and that is what most of us wish for. In any case, Lisa is down in the Pine Barrens of NJ dealing not only with a funeral but in-laws to boot, so our thoughts should be with her!

On a happier note, I received a surprise package today that MADE MY DAY. Somehow Lisa got hold of a limited edition Disney pin, released January 8th, that celebrates the Electrical Water Pageant. It is just the coolest little thing, made extra special by the fact that is was a kind gift from a dear friend AND that I had no idea the thing even existed! It turns out that every month this year, one more pin in the HIDDEN DISNEY COLLECTION will be released, celebrating "overlooked" favorites in the World. Next month's pin features Lilo and Stitch in the Grand Ceremonial House of the Polynesian Resort, near the hidden Mickey in the floor as you walk in. I am DETERMINED to get that one, although I will have to get up awfully early as only 2500 of each are being released... Suffice it to say that the pin Lisa sent me will be one of those things I first run for, if I ever discover my house is on fire! :)

All is well in Indiana. The weather has been extremely mild and that has me in the mood for spring break. Ah, heck, what doesn't put me in the mood for Disney? Really, though, the warm air gets me thinking of March in Orlando! We head down March 8th, and are staying first at Port Orleans French Quarter, then at Old Key West, a fave of my whole family. We have reservations to see the Hoop Dee Doo, plus meals planned at Kona, Liberty Tree Tavern, Chef Mickey's and our favorite, BOMA. We also plan a quickie road-trip up to the Villages to see where Mom and Dad are moving. I also hope to try out Linda's most-recommended bargain dinner place, the famed Golden Corral. I find myself daydreaming a lot lately about castles, swimming pools and pina coladas (most without the rum, of course). It is amazing the mileage I get out of planning one of these excursions, especially when it is gray outside. On a sadder note, I have noticed a pattern where that weasel BinLaden seems to make horrible threats whenever I try to venture to my favorite, well-populated, tourist location. Since 9-11 I am leery of big cities and anywhere my anxious mind perceives as "a target," but my love of Mickey takes over. But when I have a trip coming up and Bin pops his head out, I can't help but get angry. I keep saying to pals that poor, dear Mr. Rogers is dead of cancer yet BinLaden seems healthy, at least enough to make speeches and threats. Never is there any justice in the world!

So that is all. Hoping all is well with everyone, especially Becki who must be tired from pregnancy plus Mommy-duties. Let us all think kind thoughts for Lisa and Frank, and here's wishing everyone some spring weather even thought it is January. :sunny:

[twinscandc]

Hello to all...and thanks for all the warm pregnancy wishes!! I have also been enjoying this mild Indiana weather that we have been having! I found a really nice maternity coat at a local re-sell shop and I've not been able to wear it too much, which is okay with me! My glucose test did not turn out well....the doctor's office called me on Monday to tell me that my sugar was high and that I needed to take the 3 hour glucose test. I took it on Thursday morning (it was such a joy to sit in our hospital's basement lab for 4+ hours!!). I haven't heard the results yet for this past test, but I have an OB appt. on Monday, so I'm hoping they will have the results by then. I will also have an Ultrasound on Monday for them to check on the placenta. Several of my friends have had Gestational Diabetes and were able to control it with their diet. Anyway, I'm sure everything will turn out fine. I know the baby is fine because it feels like it's doing flips in there!!! We do not know the sex of the baby, I am wanting it to be a surprise!! Although Mark would really like to find out now, I think he will enjoy telling everyone on the birth day.

Linda, we will have to plan for for a time to meet real soon!! It turns out this weekend wouldn't have worked out for us. Caitlyn has been sick with a bad cold. Nothing real serious, but just enough to make her miserable!! She took a 3 hour nap today, which is totally NOT like her at all!! Usually she is "jumping" from the moment she gets up to the time she goes to bed!! I hoping the rest did her well and she is back to normal tomorrow. Also, how about your boys basketball team!! How exciting to be #1 in the state!!

I'm so sorry for Lisa's loss. I will keep her and her family in my prayers.

Colleen!! What a neat pin!! I would love to see it. In fact, I think I'm going to do a search on ebay right now to see if I can find one!! For it to represent the EWP just makes it so special!!

Well, off to bed I go!! Mark is now working 2nd shift and he just got in, so I also want to spend a few minutes with him. Have a great day everyone!!

Take Care!!

Becki (twinscandc)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda, Becki, and Colleen! :)

Just a quick note, here, since I am swamped with school work (I hope to catch up, soon, so that I can make a "proper post"). I just wanted to thank you all, so much, for your kind thoughts and your caring words - they really mean a lot to us! Thanks so much for thinking of us - we are hanging in there.

Hope that all went well with your most recent test, Becki - I'm sure that everything will turn out fine. Thank God your Baby is fine, and that's the important thing! As you said, sugar levels can certainly be controlled with diet, etc., and I'm sure that you will have nothing to worry about! Hope that Caitlyn is feeling much better, too! And hope that you are continuing to feel and be well!

Hope that all is well out there with you, Linda, and hope that all the work on your home has been completed - I'm sure that it looks great! That is also wonderful news about Dorothea - hope that she continues to feel much better, as well!

So glad that you are enjoying the pin, Colleen! And thank you for your kind words, as always! Just 41 more days until your trip............they will pass in no time at all! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Please don't think that I'm not thinking of all of you, if I don't have a chance to post as often as I would like to! I will try to be back with a "better" post as soon as I can! In the mean time, have a great week and take care. :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Wow, I really missed out on a gathering of the Suite did I not? I am afraid that I was suffering from a bout of 'something' over the weekend and into the first of the week. Only good news is that I lost a bunch of pounds but each glass of water brings a bit of it back. I was even bedridden for one day and I pretty much never do that. I am fine now. When I went to get my newspaper Tuesday morning I was greeted by a humongous get well card from my readers. I think they missed me Monday cause they attacked me on Wednesday. I think I might just move in over there. :hug:

Lisa, how are you and Frank? I can imagine it was an incredibly emotional weekend. Did the sil from heck behave herself or take upon herself to add to the drama and garner the attention to which she was NOT entitled? It is a testament to that venerable lady the words that Frank used to describe her. Did he get to spend a lot of time with her growing up? Dorthea continues to be a bit better but now another dear friend has been diagnosed with liver and lung cancer. She has always been so vital and looks decades younger than her 80 years so it has been a shock. She has taught line dancing for all these years and is a member of my TOPS club. I talked to another friend today who is halfway into her 30 radiation treatments. I am not sure if I am a jinx or just know an awful lot of people who have such awful luck. You all might want to keep your distance. :crazy2: Are you not finding it any easier this semester? I had thought that your montrous math classes had disappeared.

Becki, I once bought a brand new coat and snow shoes and it was the warmest winter ever. Seems like a good investment as a coat is a whole bunch cheaper than the current heat bills. Brrrrr!! Poor Caitlyn. I hope she is all better now. It is too awful to be sick on a weekend. We are going to Brown County Saturday so we will not be home this weekend. You are right that we have to get together but finding a time when we are both free is problematic. Maybe we could plan a visit to the Commons playground and see if Colleen and her children would like to meet us? The kids can run around like mad and we can sit at Subway and chat. Just an idea. My house is a dust bowl right now. I have lots done but there is much more to be done. I finished off the closet today and mopped and mopped the wood floors. I am going to leave them bare as they look pretty nice. If you need any recipes to see you t hrough just let me know what you are hungry for as I have files of substitutes for most any craving. How is Mark's back? Is he on second shift full time or do they rotate? Tom worked second shift almost all his years at Cummins and he and the kids barely saw each other. It was a good thing though. Sad, but true. Yep, we are #1!!!! Austin is the seventh/eighth grade boys team manager and he calls me after each game to give me a report. I cannot sit still that long. Dalton has his last game Saturday morning. I am so proud of the school board in Columbus for not censoring the kids. I am against censorship, even of things that I do not agree with.

Colleen, you really must start warning our State Department when you are about to travel so that they can put us on full alert. :lmao: Would be ever so much cheaper than whatever they are doing now and probably a lot more effective. LOL I love both the resorts you will be staying at. They are so lovely and OKW is such a family friendly place. Do your kids participate in the activities there? Do you borrow the bikes and go riding? If I ever take my grands back I want to stay there. We ate at Sassagoula at POR twice on our recent trip. I loved the beignets and the sandwiches (cannot think of the name right now). I have not made any definite plans as to when we go back as I am waiting to see what the new "hot' deal that Mary is talking about is. As you and Becki know all my photo albums and Disney stuff is right by my front door so I am prepared to save my 'valuables' should it become necessary.

My dd flew off to Florida this morning on a business trip. She went to Clearwater and has to fly back very late tomorrow night. No time for fun. I have a sister who lives just a couple of blocks from where she will be but dd will be working too hard to even fit in a small visit. She has to be up bright and early the day after she gets back to weigh in at her church diet club. She had lost nearly 11 pounds at last count. She wants to lose 75 and is making great progress. I am proud of her but since I am her mom I cannot say that for fear that she would stop. Ornery. Wonder where she got that from? Moi? Nah!!

Have a great weekend gals and hopefully when I next check in at least three of our group will have plans to get together soon. (hint)

Love, hugs and smiles, SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

So sorry to hear that you weren't feeling well, over the weekend! Hope that you are feeling much better, now!

And I'm glad to hear that Dorothea is continuing to feel a bit better, but so sorry to hear about your other friend! It's so frightening to hear news like that - I hope that she will be all right.

Congratulations to Austin and Dalton on their successful sports seasons! That is great news! And congratulations to your DD for losing so much weight so quickly - that is also wonderful news!

We are fine, here - sort of "getting back to normal" after weeks of "hectic-ness". We spent a nice, relaxing weekend at home, for the first time since before the holidays! We caught up on some errands and chores, and also got to see both "Brokeback Mountain" and "Walk the Line", both of which were wonderful films!

Frank is hanging in there - thanks so much for thinking of him. He actually didn't spend very much time with his grandmother, growing up, as she lived in California for most of his childhood. He was actually much closer with his great aunts, who sort of were "surrogate grandmothers" to him, as they lived in NJ. But Frank became much closer with his grandmother, when she moved back to NJ in his adulthood, so this all has been very difficult for him. But he's hanging in there! He and his sister (who did NOT "behave herself", when we were down there - she said something obnoxious and rude to me within the first hour that we were there......but that's nothing new........I tried to "let it go" a bit, because I knew how upset she was about her grandmother.......but I refuse to let her get away with pushing me around or bullying me, in general, any longer.....) will be returning to their home town, this weekend, to help their mother finish cleaning out their grandmother's apartment, move the heavy furniture, etc. I will be staying here, taking care of the cats, and plowing through my never-ending barage of homework! :)

Yes, I am finished with all of the heavy-duty math that I will have to take in my MPH program, but the classes that I am taking this semester are definitely going to keep me busy - particularly around March and April, when it seems that all 7 of the projects (for all classes, combined) are due around the same time! So I apologize in advance if my posts become even less frequent, as the weeks progress - things are going to pick up very quickly, and I will be juggling lots of assignments at once! But the classes themselves are very interesting - probably the most interesting that I have taken, thus far - so I don't "mind" the work! Tons and tons of reading, between the classes, too - way more than any other semester, thus far! But I'm "keeping afloat" - for now, at least! :)

Anyway, just wanted to pop in and say "hello" to you all, to take a break from school stuff. I'd better get back to it now, though! Hope that all is well with all of you, and hope that you're all having a nice week! Take care. :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa

I cannot imagine how anyone could be mean or rude to you. You are the personification of kindness and thoughtfulness. It would be sort of like kicking a puppy. Not to be considered. It is mean to Frank as well. I would gladly sit on your sil and reduce her to a mere spot on the couch if given half a chance. :stir:

I am afraid that Dorthea has relapsed again. She is more worn out and went to bed at seven last night. Since she has always been a night owl it is a bit scary. She has an infected leg as well. Her son is doing all he can for her and is allowing her the freedom to live out her last days at her own pace. He is a wonderful fellow and goes against his basic nature in doing all that he does and he does it with love. I am glad for her. I wish everyone was accorded such a life.

The minister at my dd's church has resigned. I am relieved. It was more of a gut feeling than anything but he scared me. I hope good things come from this.

I am so happy to hear that your future assignments are something that interests you. I bet you will complete them and add a bit of your special touches to each and every one of them.

I ate out and had a slice of cake. Is the perfect diet as the cake made me sick and I could not eat anything else. LOL Sugar does not agree with me. I seldom eat any and have to be reminded why from time to time. Have to admit that the carrot cake was ALMOST worth it though. Becki, watch out for the Golden Corral dessert bar. Since they have lowered their rates to $5 including a beverage Tom and I eat there often. It is only costly when you get a waitress as we had tonight who has fallen on hard times. Been there, done that and I am grateful that I am no longer there so I love to help others who are still mired in such turmoil.

How lovely that Frank was able to get to know his grandma as an adult. Are his aunts still alive? I am the oldest member of my family, either side. It is a scary thought.

Dalton made the all A honor roll this time. He was delighted that I had the newspaper report on my china cabinet and wanted to know what I had done with his previous report. He was mollified when he learned that it was going in a special folder of Dalton Accomplishements. He has his eyes on the prize.

Take care and we will keep your seat warm at the Suite. Drop by when you can and we will treasure it all the more. We are proud of our college student and would love to be there on the day that you finally graduate. Failing that we will have to plan a get together - where else??

Love, Linda Lou/SG

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to stop by and wish you all a great weekend!

Not too much to report, from the Garden State! Our weather is still unseasonably warm (50's and even 60's!) which is fine and dandy with me! :) I hope that we make it through the rest of the winter with this spring-like weather..........and then go directly into summer! I can't wait for summer and the beach, baseball season, etc...........It's come to the time of year where I just start getting really impatient for the balmier temperatures to come! :)

We are continuing our annual "quest" to see as many of the films that have received Oscar nominations, today - we've already seen "Brokeback Mountain", "Walk the Line", and "Match Point" - we're going to "knock" "Good Night and Good Luck" off of our "list", today! :)

Then we're going to spend SuperBowl Sunday with some friends, tomorrow (my usual gang of former ML pals - some of whom still work there and some of whom left, years ago), which should be fun!

The only other news to report is that I'm now helping my father plan a gala 80th birthday party for my uncle, this July. It's nice that my father has a new project to concentrate on, now that most of the work is done, in my uncle's apartment. And I know that my uncle will have a good time having all of his favorite relatives and friends around, at his party. And my father enjoys planning things, too (so do I, for that matter - I really miss planning our wedding, so any excuse to select menu items and pick out other such amenities is fun for me, too!), so it's good!

Congratulations to Dalton on that great report, Linda! I'm not surprised at all - I'm sure that he and Austin will continue to excel in every regard!

Hope that the new minister at your DD's church will be more reasonable / less "frightening"! It sounds like it was definitely time for a change, there!

So sorry to hear about Dorothea - but thank God her son is there to help her, care for her, and be with her. I hope that she is at least feeling a bit better and that her leg gets better, too.

Thanks for your words of support and kindness - every family has "difficult" relatives, I know - we just have to deal with them as best as we can, that's all!

Time to hit the books again, for a bit, so that I can allow myself to enjoy the movie, later!

Have a great weekend, Everyone! :)

[IASW Rider]

Wishing our Helenabear a wonderful and special Birthday! Hopefully she'll pop by the Suite so that we can surprise her with a big party! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

I wanna be Uncle Frank. You know Uncle Frank, the older relative that everyone has long ago given up on making him behave in an acceptable manner. When he does his thing people just go "Oh, that is just Frank". When he gets old enough they add "Isn't he cute". LOL Yep, everyone has difficult relatives. I have not decided if it is better to BE the difficult relative or have to put up with them though. The good thing is that since the upcoming party is for your side of the family said sil might not be invited. What a wonderful present for an 80th birthday than a remodeling of his abode. Looking to the future is always a good thing and may he live long enough to need another remodeling on his 100th! Mazel Tov!! (is that right??)

Lisa you had best hunker down and get prepared. We have had 60 degree days as well but it started snowing yesterday and we are in a deep freeze now. It really is not all that bad except that we had gotten spoiled rotten with the spring like conditions. More snow is due the end of the week and it might not be the pretty icing type we have now. If I were the queen of the world I would decree that the only snows we would ever have would be the kind that lightly dusts the trees and grass, leaving the sidewalks and streets pristine and non slippery. OK, the ski areas could have massive amounts but that is all. :rolleyes:

Please give a review of the movies as I hope to go see some of them myself. They just got "Good Night and Good Luck" here this week. I have read much about those days so that is most interesting to me. Fits the times too IMO.

Of course, my grandkids are exceptional. ALL grandchildren are. It is sort of like Lake Wobegone. I did not get to have Dalton overnight this week. Not sure why but both of us were disappointed. School will be closed a couple of days soon so we will catch up then.

Happy Birthday dear Elaine. I do hope you drop by and catch us up on all you have been up to. I am sure it has been an interesting year for you and Luis. Did you ever get that arbor put up around your door? I still 'see' it in my imagination and wonder how many of the planned improvements you have accomplished so far. It is so much harder once you have moved in to get things done. Hope you did not get hit hard by the promised snow storms or at least it is all off the roads by the time you guys have to go to work tomorrow.

Becki, I will be in town Tuesday and probably not again next week as it is promising to snow the end of the week. How are you feeling? Are the girls getting excited? Maybe we can get together at some of the park programs again this year. I am planning on taking Dalton to do some IUPUI courses. I will drop him off and then go away until time to pick him up as he is now a BIG boy.

Colleen, have you gotten your Mickey bathroom all fixed up yet? Pictures, please? Seeing it all in place is a whole lot different from seeing the items themselves. I like those colors as they are our school colors. Tourney time soon and we are first in the state in spite of having lost our last game of the season. Shades of the Colts.

Hugs and warm weather to you all, Linda /SG

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to wish you all a great weekend! :)

Well, you're absolutely right, Linda - it's now FREEZING, here in the North East, as well, and we're expecting a big blizzard, this weekend - 6 - 12 inches by Sunday! In a way, I'm sort of "glad" that it's happening this weekend, if it has to happen at all. I had planned to be inside, working on 2 papers and a presentation, this weekend, anyway. So the weather just gives me further incentive to stay inside and work! Also, Frank had originally planned to go down to his Mom's to help out with more cleaning out of his grandmother's apartment, and now he's not going, because of the weather...........so we can be snowed in together and watch the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, tonight! :)

Thanks so much for all of your thoughtful words! I know that my uncle is already excited about his birthday party, and it's still 5 months away! But my father has already made all of the arrangements with the restaurant - right down to the menu, etc. - and he's already starting to let relatives know to save the date in July, so other people are starting to get excited about it, too! It's nice to have something like that to look forward to!

In the mean time, I was very touched this week to receive a wedding invitation from a woman who was once a sleep-away camper of mine when I was a camp counselor, back in 1984 (she was 8 years old, at the time, and I was 17!). We've stayed in touch, intermittently, throughout the years, and she has always invited me to all of the "big occasions" in her life - her Sweet 16, High School and College graduations, etc. So I was very touched to receive her wedding invitation! But.............she lives in WASHINGTON STATE and the wedding is LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AWAY! Needless to say, we'd had no idea that we would be invited to a wedding so far away, so now we're scrambling around trying to figure out if we can swing this trip, "logistically" and financially, on such short notice! Of course it would be interesting to see a state that neither Frank nor I have visited before, and of course it would be great to be there to celebrate with my friend and her family. But it's an awfully LOOOOONG trip to make for just a few days, and the town where her wedding will be is sort of "off the beaten path", so we would be doing at least an hour's driving AFTER the 6 hour flight out there..........and I would have to go to class less than 24 hours after returning at the end of the weekend.........so we'll see!

We really enjoyed "Good Night and Good Luck" and thought that it was very well acted and presented - very interesting subject matter, too, of course! Of the nominees that we've seen so far, "Brokeback Mountain" is probably the best film, but we enjoyed "Walk the Line" the best and thought that the performances in it were outstanding (ie: Oscar worthy), as well! Our next "mission" is to rent "Crash" and "Cinderella Man", to check out some more nominees!

Well, time to get my hair done, now............not in the mood............don't have patience for the 3-hour-highlighting-extravaganza, today.........but at least I'll be able to get some reading done for school, while I have the foils all over my head! :)

On a Disney note, we applied for our Passports, this morning! (Which are now required for Caribbean travel - birth certificates were OK, in the past.) So we'll be all ready to sail away on the Wonder, soon! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Take care and have a great weekend! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Rider, it seems that you have gotten double what you expected. Hopefully it will warm up and melt away soon. I will be thinking of you this evening and hoping that you either stay home and off the roads or get there and back safely. As they used to say on Hill Street Blues - Be careful out there!! I quite understand your old camp buddy keeping in touch with you over all these years. I hope you guys will find a way to be able to attend the wedding although I can imagine it is hard to fit in all the invitations you get to things. If you ever get an invitation out this way I will air out a bedroom for you. You have seen them all so just take your choice. I was not as impressed with Walk the Line but it could be because I have been ardent fans of their for decades and have had the pleasure of meeting them and attending many of their shows. I have even been to their home and museum. Good Night and Good Luck came and went so fast that I did not get a chance to see it. The new grocery on the square is getting ready to put in a video department so I may have to wait until then. It is funny you were talking about camp as Austin called last night and said that he is considering being a counselor at a camp in NY year after this. He would be away from home for nine weeks. Since he cannot be at home alone for more than five minutes without calling me or someone it should be interesting to see if it comes about. He has a cell phone with many minutes though. :listen:

Becki's husband wrote a compelling letter to a local radio station and scored a FREE furnace for her mom who was in sore need of one. Good sil's are hard to find. I am so happy for her especially since I have met her.

Colleen is busy finding a home for all her MM decorations. I am sure she will not have a problem finding places to put all her purchases but fear that her hubby will be busy building on to their already spacious home so that she will have room for more Mouse decor.

Cleaning closets is a satisfying chore. I am moving things from one closet to another and that is not nearly as much fun though. I can finally get into the den and have the 3 bedrooms in pretty good shape. Just details to do now. I have entire room in the basement where I keep extra household items so I will have to go down there and do some 'shopping'.

Hugs, Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

Well, we are finally thawing out, here in the North East! It's about 47 degrees, today, and much of the snow is turning to slush. It's amazing how quickly those huge piles of snow that we created by shoveling, over the weekend, have diminished already (I'm not complaining)! The next few days are supposed to be relatively warm, so hopefully the majority of it will be gone by the weekend.

I didn't realize that you had actually met the Cash's, Linda! Was that during the period when you were working in media, or did you have another "personal connection"? That's so neat! Did you feel that "Walk the Line" represented the Cash's well, at all?

I know what you mean about cleaning out closets..........though I am more likely to be one to move things from one closet to another, since it's so hard for me to part with anything! :)

That's neat that Austin is thinking about being a camp counselor, over the summer! And it's funny to think about people at camp with cell phones - of course they didn't exist when I was a camper / counselor in the 70's and 80's - we had to use pay phones, and even THAT was a rare "priviledge"! :) I can't even imagine what camp must be like, now, with kids having cell phones - they probably have restrictions about how often they may be used to call home or call friends, etc. (for campers, anyway - counselors probably have more freedom to use them). I loved my years at camp - both attending it and working there - those were great summers and I still have many friends from those days, to this day!

We are not going to be able to make it out to Washington for my former camper's wedding, unfortunately. There's just no way that we could plan such a trip in such a short amount of time, and it's a pretty expensive endeavor, considering the length of the trip. Plus, we would have to "navigate" through a state with which we are totally unfamiliar........and the actual wedding location is 1.5 hours outside of Seattle (where we would have to fly in to)........it just seems like a lot of time, energy, and money for such a short trip. Of course we would love to go, but it's just "too much" for us, right now. Especially since (unbeknownst to Frank) we will be away, the weekend before, for a little getaway at an Inn in PA, celebrating Frank's birthday. And 2 weeks before that, we will be away (in another part of NJ - nowhere "exotic") for another wedding. And then of course, we have our BIG VACATION in May, and the DIS Meet in PA in July.........so we definitely have other getaways to look forward to - ones that we have more time to plan and budget for. Then of course, there will be my 45th birthday gift to Frank - a trip anywhere he wants to go, either domestically or internationally! I'm not going to tell him until we are at the Inn in PA - I'll tell him that that weekend is the first part of his birthday gift, then make him wait until that weekend to tell him about the second part! :)

Anyway, hopefully we WILL have occasion to come out your way, some time! I am determined to get to Indiana so that the 4 of us can have a little mini Suite Meet! :)

That is wonderful news about Becki's husband "winning" a free furnace for her Mom - that is so nice! Hope that all is well with Becki and her family and the baby, of course, as well! :)

And I know that Colleen's new Mickey-themed rooms look amazing - she is so talented and artistic! I think that she definitely missed her calling and should have been a designer of some sort! :)

Speaking of people with creative, design talent, Colleen is not the only one with beautiful "new" rooms to be proud of! YOU have some great looking rooms there, too, Linda!

THAT'S IT! I'VE GOT IT! Linda and Colleen should go into business together, designing rooms, color schemes, fabrics, carpets, paint colors, themed amenitites, exteriors, etc.! There - I have now decided new careers for both of you! I know that you both would be very successful with such an endeavor, especially after the work that you both have put into your own homes!

Hope that all is well with you, out there, Angie (and hope that Steve is recovering and feeling well!), Wendy, Elaine, and anyone else who happens to pop by!

Well, as always, back to the books for me! Just dropping by to say "hello"! Hope that you're all having a great week! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just stopping by to say "hi" and to wish you all a nice week! Hope that everyone enjoyed the long, holiday weekend!

We celebrated Valentine's Day a few days late, on Friday night (since I had class, last Tuesday night), and went out to dinner at our favorite restaurant, where the food and atmosphere are always wonderful and the owner treats us really well! It was a nice evening! Then we went to a party at the home of some friends of ours on Saturday night, which was fun, and spent some time with some old pals of Frank's from high school and college on Sunday night. It was "back to the grind" for me, yesterday, as I had class, even though it was a holiday - GRRRRR!

Hope that all is well with all of you! Talk to you soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy there dear friends

I hope to be able to make a proper post this evening but thought I would drop by for a minute or two before I start my day. Dorthea is in the hospital, another dear friend has cancer and is failing fast and then yesterday Austin got sick at school and his dad was in Indianapolis and his mom was way down in Southern Indiana so I had to take him to the doctor and take care of him. He might have strep throat and his ear was aching something fierce.

If I have even one bit of energy left when I get home tonight I will come back by. Please have the fellers fill the Jacuzzi and have a cold virgin drink waiting for me. I will need it badly. Heck if this day does not go better you can leave the virgin part out. :crazy2:

A new job for me? I would welcome a job just as a way to get some rest. :tongue:

Hugs, SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

So sorry to hear that you were having a rough time, the other day. I hope that Austin is feeling better and that Dorothea and your other friend are doing all right and feeling as well as they can, and that they have some hopeful and positive news.

The jacuzzi is always filled and ready to go, and our "boys" will have any sorts of beverages ready for you, that you'd like - just say the word!

Hope that you've had a chance to rest and relax, a bit, and hope that everyone is doing well and that everything is OK!

Absolutely nothing of interest to report from the Garden State - literally just studying and watching the end of the Olympics, this weekend - no news!

Just wanted to check in and wish you all a nice weekend! Take care and talk to you soon. :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Whew! Lisa, thank you so very much for passing on my needs to the fellers. I am currently soaking up the bubbly waters and Florida sunshine as I fit in a small visit to our Suite. I have come to realize that sitting still is more wearing than physical activity.

Dorthea is not in any pain, thanks to morphine, but it is not looking good for any recovery. Since I am not in charge of life and death I just pray for whatever is the best for her. She would hate going to a nursing home and is no longer likely to be able to be alone and even a loving son, as she has, could not provide that care.

I figured you guys would know I was at the hospital when I did not show up for my promised meeting. I sit and hold her hand. I am not sure if it does anything for her but it does for me. My hubby complained a bit about my not being her but when I told him that if I did such for a friend I might be likely to do the same, or more, for a husband it shut him up a bit. I think he was depressed over the bag of cheeseburgers I brought him home late last night. To him they are a snack and not a meal.

I am not sure how Austin is but I am hoping he survives the weekend. Dalton and Austin stayed up until 2 am watching movies at home after Austin missing two days of school for illness and then they had to get up at 5 to be at the church. I picked Dalton up after school on Friday and he fell asleep by 5 pm. (shaking head but doing my best to keep my big mouth shut).

Lisa, do you find it easier to study with the tv or other background 'noise"? Did Bode finally win something? I feel so sorry for those who take it all so seriously and work so hard only to have some misfortune at the last minute. When they had the Olympics in Salt Lake City I had friends who had front row seats in their front yard to many of the events. Must have been fantastic!!

I am going to grab a few hours of sleep in case I get called back. I hung around today until Dorthea's daughter showed up.

Love and Hugs, your worn out friend SG/Linda

[colleen costello]

Hi girls. Just checking in to say hello. Linda, I will pray that all your loved ones are feeling better. I know you have worried about Dorothea's health for a long time. She is lucky to have kind family and friends around her now; that is really all anyone could want. Hang in there!

We are beginning to pack in this house. Oh, who am I kidding? I ALONE am beginning to pack! I have begun collecting things, my first step on a trip to the Mouse Mecca. We leave Thursday 3/9 and so now I am in "pre-pack" mode. I am gathering batteries, change (pressed penny machines), and all sort of survival supplies like Tide and sunscreen and zipper bags. Everything that can be pre-packed helps save time later, because packing for 4 is no easy task. Scott actually forgot a most important thing a few years back -- his change of contact lenses! Given that he couldn't see the state of Florida without them, and I panic when people are driving 85 mph around me, we'd have been in a fine mess if the pair in his eyes pooped out. Another time he forgot his glasses, which come in handy should said contacts malfunction. Yikes! Given this track record, he has been officially excused from all packing duty. This is probably what he wanted anyway, but in our house a division of labor seems to work. I do all the packing, he does all the driving. When we get home, he lugs all the stuff into the house and from there I take over washing and reassambling our lives. If I didn't love Mickey so dearly I might throw up my hands and declare these trips "simply not worth the effort." Of course I doubt I will ever speak those words, but I do often think it would just be a lot easier if I lived in Florida!

My parents' home is still for sale. It has been on the market for all of 6 weeks but it might as well be 6 years to hear my Mom talk. Every day my Dad calls and complains about how "antsy" my Mom is. Later on my Mom calls and complains about how cranky my Dad is. They are a real couple of coconuts (appropriate as they are moving to Florida) and they are just so excited, they want to move YESTERDAY. It is hard for them to be patient yet they are not willing to commit to the new home in the Villages until their PA home sells... So time is passing, and every day I hope for their sake that someone comes in and loves their house. It is lovely and very roomy and clean -- just the two of them live there -- so I have no doubt this will happen. I just pray it is sooner than later so the two of them don't drive me crazy too!

We will be at Port Orleans for 2 nights then we move into a nice 2-bedroom suite at Old Key West. I scored a great rate for the Port Orleans room -- about $110, I think -- and by going there 2 nights, I saved enough points to go back to Beach Club in July. Port Orleans is very nice, all fresh and new after reopening a year or so ago. The kids love the pool and I love that the place is small. My family usually lucks into the room farthest out -- it just seems to be our fate -- and in this little resort, even the farthest room is only a few minutes from the pool. There is comfort in knowing they can't put me in the next county.

That is all. Nothing much shaking around here other than daydreaming about parks and pools and wonderful dinners with dancing mice, dogs and chipmunks. And it is never to early to try to get the perfect Xmas card for 2006! :teeth:

Love to all,
Colleen

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda,

I'm so sorry to hear that Dorothea has not been well. But as Colleen said, she is fortunate to have wonderful friends, such as yourself, by her side, and to have her caring family around her. I pray that all will be well. And I hope that you are "hanging in there", too.

So glad to hear that the packing is in progress, Colleen! It's always so exciting to hear about your family's preparations for your trips! And it's great that you will have a few days at PO-FQ before you move over to OKW (it's also great that they happen to be practically next door to one another, for easy transit!)! I just know that you all are going to have a fantastic time! I know how much thoughtfulness and heart you put into planning and organizing your trips, to ensure that your entire family will have a wonderful time - and you all always do! :)

I'm sure that your parents have nothing to worry about - their current home is gorgeous, and there is no doubt that it will sell, soon! As I was saying, perhaps it's the season (maybe the market slows down in the winter, a bit, as people may not want to shop for homes in cold and bad weather? Or maybe people wait for their tax refunds before embarking on a major venture like shopping for a new home?). I'm sure that some serious buyers will show up on their doorstep in no time, so that they can proceed to concentrate on packing for their move to the Sunshine State! :)

We have a bit of Disney news of our own - Dreams Unlimited contacted us, a few days ago, to let us know that the final payment for our May trip is due. Now that it's paid, we are able to reserve our shore excursions for the DCL portion of our trip, and make reservations at the adults-only restaurant on the ship, Palo, as well - so we did! (In the past, guests had to wait to actually BOARD the ship before making Palo reservations - being able to make them in advance is something new - and great! Now, we won't have to run to wait in line, the second that we board, to ensure that we get Palo reservations! :)) We're going to Palo on the first night of the cruise, and when we're in port in Nassau, we are going to "do" the Dolphin Encounter at Blue Lagoon, and get to hug and kiss some dolphins! :) That's something that I've always wanted to do, so I'm glad that we're going to have the opportunity to do it! They take professional photos and video, too - you know that I am going to have to "invest" in those, picture-freak that I am! :)

I actually have to have total silence when I am reading, writing, or studying, Linda! I wish that I was someone who could have music or the TV on, in the background, but I actually find it easier to concentrate with no noise at all! (Unless I'm working on something that I don't necessarily need to devote my "full attention" to!)

No medals for Bode, I'm afraid. I already miss the Olympics - we had fun watching them! Now, we're getting to see all the athletes appearing on the late-night and eary-morning talk shows, now that they're all back in the States! At least we have the Oscars to look forward to, this weekend! We failed miserably at our attempt to catch up on more of the nominated films - we just haven't had time to rent any. I guess that we'll have to catch up, after we know the winners!

Back to the grind! Hope that all is well with all of you, and hope that you're all having a nice week! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

My dear friend, Dorthea, passed away early this morning. She had been moved from the ICU to a private room so that all of her children could spend those last hours with her. It is a fitting end to her life and what she would have wanted. I am sad, but only for myself. She was a simple woman and did not have money, rank or prestige but she gave from her heart and was the most thoughtful person I have ever met and that is not small praise as I know many thoughtful and wonderful people, including you Suite Ladies.

Colleen, I love your attitude about your parents. Just gotta love people sometimes. lol I keep an extra set of glasses in our car for both Tom and I and they have come in handy. When we get new glasses the old set goes in the car and the ones in the car go to the Lion's Club. Division of work is the goal here also. I split it up 3 ways, between me, myself and I. You are going to be staying at my two favorite resorts. Since the current codes are not all that great I went over and checked out possibly renting points for our upcoming trip but it was 11 pts a night instead of the 8 I had thought so we will just stay at the AS and cut back on the food budget. It is not all that hard as I really cannot eat all that much anyway. Even last trip we opted out of several planned meals because neither one of us was hungry enough to justify the prices. Instead of dreading the trip to Florida you might just make it a goal to retire to The Villages yourselves one day. Might your hubby like that idea too? Would make working and saving a whole lot more fun if you knew what you had to look forward to.

Lisa, you are so right in that Colleen's parents home will sell soon and even if it takes a bit more time they might get top dollar and be able to add an endless pool to their Florida home. I saw a lanai with one when we were there and while I am not a pool person I liked that idea. Great exercise and not all that bad pricewise either. Might not have nearly as much upkeep either. I grew up in a large family so I guess I just am used to background noise and have learned to filter it. While I am not a cruise person I do enjoy hearing about your plans. I can just see both of you doing all those things and having a ball. I will be watching the Oscars with you tonight. I enjoy that. I am thinking of treating myself to an Indianapolis weekend to see some of the movies as I will not have a grandchild this weekend. It is sectional time here and since we had a winning team this year the whole town will be front seat and center. Yea Jets!!!!

I am staying home today. I had planned to go to the hospital and do some shopping but am not in the mood. I am finding far more smiles than tears as I am lucky enough to have many happy memories of the lady. Since most of the people I watch over have no family or family that acts like one it has been wonderful seeing her well taken care of and loved.

Hugs and thanks for all the kind words and thoughts, Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda,

I finally had a chance to get back to the Suite, so I just saw your post. I am so sorry to hear about Dorothea. I know how much she meant to you and how important your friendship has been. She sounds like an extradordianary, special person, and I'm sure that she will be sadly missed. Thank God her family was there with her, and for each other. And I'm sure that you know how much everything that you did for her and gave to her meant to her, throughout the years. I'm sure that she was grateful for your love and friendship, every day, and I'm sure that her family feels the same. You are a wonderful and outstanding person and friend, and they are lucky to have you in their lives!

Hope that you are hanging in there, and hope that all is well, otherwise. We are thinking of you! Take care.

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to stop by and say "hello" even though I really have no big "news" to report!

I also wanted to invite everyone to the gala BON VOYAGE party, to be held in the Suite tomorrow evening, as we wish Colleen and her family a safe, happy, and Magical trip to WDW!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) (And we'll also be celebrating her DS Ian's Birthday, as well! And hey - while we're at it, we can celebrate Frank's 45th Birthday, too - it's on Thursday, Colleen's departure date! :))

All is well, here - just getting through my last 2 classes (tonight and tomorrow night) before my spring break, next week. It won't be much of a "break", though - I have a mid-term, a paper, and a presentation to work on, for the following week, I still have to do our taxes, and I have to help my father with my uncle's Birthday party invitation, too..........but at least I will have my nights to myself, with no classes, next week!

Anyway, my break will start off, nicely - I'm taking Frank out to dinner for his Birthday at a fancy-schmancy restaurant that we've always wanted to try, on Thursday night. Then we are heading down to "pseudo-South Jersey" (a Turnpike exit or 2 north of where Frank's family lives) for the wedding of a friend of mine from college (this is the gay wedding that I had mentioned, awhile ago - should be neat!). We're going to the rehearsal dinner on Friday night, staying over at a hotel that looks really nice, and then the wedding is on Saturday. We'll come back on Saturday night, then celebrate Frank's Birthday with my father and uncle on Sunday!

Anyway, hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're all having a nice day! Take care. :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa, I thought of Frank on Thursday but I was not near my computer all day long. I am so sorry to have not been more on top of it. I think I will be home for a bit tonight so maybe I can find something to make him smile and forgive me for being so remiss. I hate it when I miss out on something so special.

I have been busy with many details regarding Dorthea and another friend, Betty. Betty is being transferred to Hospice and it seems to be helping her that I know the people who run the place. The son of my friend, Mary, who had been put in the nursing home and is now living with her brother in Florida, is being evicted from the house that they bought with the proceeds of her, fully paid for, home. The moving van is being packed but they cannot find a place to move to because of their reputation in past cases. While it does seem like just desserts it is also very sad and I am greatly concerned for him as I feel his wife will soon leave him and all will have been for naught and the only person who could get him out of this jam is not in any situation to be of any help as they totally destroyed her and she has nothing. My mind is whirling with it all.

You and Dalton will have Spring Break at the same time!! Our school won all their games this week and are headed to semi state so life is quite exciting around here. The grandson of my next door neighbor was the hero of the night with a 3 pointer that won the game.

You do the taxes? So do I and mine are presently spread out over the dining room table as I find a minute here or there to get them together. I have the hard part, organizing the papers, done and now just have to plug in the numbers and see if our refund will cover our planned spring trip. I hope you guys are getting a big refund as well. Even though it is OUR money it sort of feels like a gift. :yay:

I am looking forward to hearing about the upcoming wedding. Being that it is not exactly a tradional couple they are freer to have a ceremony that fits them. I think it should be so for all couples. Pseudo South Jersey? Since I know so little about South Jersey at all I have no preconceptions to be corrected. All the Jerseyites I know are wonderful people so maybe I do not need to be corrected. :cheer2:

Enjoy your fancy smancy meal and slip your shoes off under the table so that you will have even more fun. Almost everything is better barefoot. :rolleyes1

Your Dizzy, but not blonde, Friend, SG/Linda

Bet Colleen and family are having a ball but they will miss their new Mickey Bathroom. I told her how to snag a few extra Mickey soaps to complete the room though.

[twinscandc]

Hello everyone!!

I'm sorry that it has been a while since I've reported in. It seems like I have barely enough time to get my regular stuff done. I'm exhausted and usually in bed by 9pm, after I get the girls in bed!! No real changes for me, except for some minor swelling...I have 4 weeks and 3 days left!! My actual due date is 4/12. I am hoping to at least go to my due date, I would mind even going over a few days. The reason being is I will be taking 8 weeks off and I want the last two weeks to be once the girls get out of school. Which, brings me to my next announcement.....

Okay, I give you permission to tell me we are crazy, stupid, obsessed, fill in the blank with whatever you feel.....We just made reservations for WDW for the first week in June....that's right we will be going to the "holy land" with a 7 week old!! We have rented points again and are reserved for a 1 bedroom at BWV, but on the waitlist for BCV. We have one day left on old passes along with one water park day. We probably won't go to the water park, unless we can talk my mom into flying down for a few days to help us with the baby. Our plan right now is to spend 5 nights at WDW and then head over to Siesta Key to stay in our friend's beach front condo for 3 nights. Since we only have one day left on our passes, it's going to be just a relaxing time and try to go with the flow especailly with a newborn!! Yes, I know we are crazy!!!!!

I hope Colleen is having a wonderful time on her trip....I missed the bon voyage party!! We have never stayed at Port Orleans, but friends of our stayed there last summer and raved about it! It sounds like the weather will be beautiful for them!! I can't wait to hear all about it!!

Linda....how about those Jets!!! It's so exciting for those boys!! I hope they go all the way!! I'm so sorry to hear about your friends Betty and Mary. I know you must feel overwhelmed these days. Please remember to take care of yourself!! Are you staying dry out your way? As we were heading out to church this morning, lightening struck in between our house and the house behind us. The jolt was so strong that it set off our car alarm. Somehow it caught our furnace on fire!! Mark had to call the fire dept. to get the fire out, etc. We had the furnace people come out and look at it. Luckily it was just the gas pipe and not any of the wiring or anything else. The house behind us didn't fair as well. Although they didn't have any fires, they lost all of their appliances. It fried them all!! They are hoping that their home owners insurance will cover the costs.

Rider....how was your fancy dinner? I love getting all dressed up and going out to try nicer restaurants!! Mark is not as fond of it as I am!! He's a country boy at heart....and feels out of place.

Well....it is way past my bedtime so I'm going to sign off for now!!

Take care!!l

Becki
aka twinscandc

[SlightlyGoofy]

LOL, Becki. You are soooo organized. I have no doubt that you will deliver just as you wish so that all your other plans will be on track. If anyone can, YOU can!! I doubt that you will have a hard time talking your mom into flying down to hold the baby and play with the girls. I have been known to drive down, in the winter, no less, to be there for my boys. Grandmas are like that.

Furnace fire? That is frightening. I have often thought that as tall as our house is we are spared because the churches that surround us are much higher. Do you know that our electric company has something called a whole house surge protector? I think it costs around $100 and is installed between the meter and the house. For a small monthly fee it insures you against damage. It might be something to check into since you have had it happen at least once. I am glad that you did not get more damage and you are all safe though.

In today's paper there is an obituary of a Betty Lucas. That is my friend. The picture on the website is better, to me, than the one in the paper. She was an amazing broad. She would love the fact that I used that word but that is what she was. Gutsy, full of life and piss and vinegar. She was blessed to have been healthy until the last month or so but she went fast and in terrible pain. I had hoped she would go to Hospice where they could have managed her pain better than Silver Oaks but since I did not know her family I do not know why they decided what they did. We often do not know the options available. I have a friend that runs the local Hospice so I know a bit about it.

That rain was something but it did not affect us much. It has to rain just right for us to get any water in our basement and even then it is just a touch of damp. We are lucky. I was able to get the bushes all trimmed before the rain and snow hit. Do you have water problems there? It used to flood in that area quite a bit.

Go, Jets, Go!!! My sil bought a ticket for my hubby to go to the game. I guess it was in appreciation for all he has done for the family. (not) I was lucky enough to find someone to drive him otherwise I would be sitting in the parking lot at Conseco listening to the radio. (shakes head and smiles, what ya gonna do?)

Dalton and I had a great week. Did you hear him yell for joy? He made it to the million dollar mark on our kid's version of Millionaire day before yesterday and again yesterday. He is so much like me it is truly frightening. I am hoping for an improved version though, for his sake. How many 8 year old want you to teach them 3 digit multiplication for fun? He got a bag of books from the library, all on military subjects, and vegged out on the couch for hours while he watched favorite movies. He managed to stay 4 of the 5 nights. Not a record but he tried. :love: We are making plans for the summer and hope to join you guys for a picnic and program at Donner.

I am a bit under the weather today so I am going to stay home and possibly get some of the leaves out of the front gardens. I have two (possibly three) sisters coming to visit sometime in April and so it gives me some incentive to "git r done".

I hope you are reclining on the couch while your family waits on you hand and foot as the pampered princess you are. (I know this is unrealistic but hey, I can dream)

Hugs and Smiles to all my Suite Friends, Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just popping in to wish you all a great weekend - so sorry that I can't stay, longer! Things are crazy, as usual!

So sorry to hear about your friend, Betty, Linda. I'm sure that she was grateful for all that you did to help her, trying to make arrangements with the hospice, and as always, for being such a special, kind, and thoughtful friend. I'm so sorry to hear of this loss.

Congratulations to Dalton on making it to the Million Dollar mark in "Millionaire" !!!! You're right - he is certainly very much like his brilliant Grandma!

Hope that you are feeling much better, very soon! Try to relax and take it easy (I know that's not easy for someone as active and accomplished as yourself)! Feel better, soon!

CONGRATULATIONS, Becki!!!!! I had no idea that your little one was due to arrive SO SOON!!!! Time really flies! That is so exciting - you and your family must be THRILLED! And it's wonderful that you will be providing an "early education" (in Magic, Pixie Dust..........and Mickey Mouse - the important things in life! :)) for your family's newest member, with your upcoming WDW trip! I'm sure that your DD's are very happy, as well! :)

Thank God the fire in your home wasn't worse and that no one was hurt! That must have been so frightening! So glad to hear that you and your family are all right and that your home did not suffer any substantial damage!

WELCOME BACK, COLLEEN!!!! Can't wait 'til you drop by to tell us more details about your fantastic WDW vacation!!! The Suite eagerly awaits your report! :)

Hello to Everyone else out there, too! :)

So sorry that this is a quickie, but Frank and I are just about to blast off for a weekend in Jim Thorpe, PA (to continue his month-long 45th Birthday celebration! :)). This getaway was part of my gift to him. Tonight, he will find out about the "big gift" - his choice of vacations for next year! And wouldn't you know, just yesterday, I learned via e-mail AND snail mail that Disney and Disney Cruise Line are offering new vacation packages to some of the places that I know Frank has dreamed of visiting, like Italy, Hawaii, or the Canadian Rockies! Here are the links, in case anyone is interested:

www.adventuresbydisney.com

www.disneycruiseline.com/europeanvacations

Will let you know what he chooses! (......of course, I still insist on spending at least a long weekend in WDW, next year........to celebrate my 40th Birthday! :))

Frank's Birthday dinner was wonderful, Becki - thanks for asking! The restaurant was beautiful, the ambience was very cozy, and the food and service were fantastic - it sort of reminded us of a more "colonial-looking-version" of Victoria and Albert's! We also had a wonderful time at our friends' beautiful wedding, that weekend! The ceremony was very personal and touching, and the reception was a lot of fun! Plus, I had a chance to see many of my college pals, whom I hadn't seen in years!

Anyway, so sorry to "stop by and run"! Will answer your kind e-mail, when we return, Linda!

Hope that all is well with all of you, and hope that you all have a great weekend! Lots of love to Everyone! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hello everyone!

I just had to drop by to tell you all that our team won the State Championship. They whooped butt too. The boy next door is on the team and made many assists and baskets so it was more interesting for me to watch. It was ALMOST as much fun as watching Dalton play ball. :cool1:

Lisa, I did not do much for Betty. I wish I could have but the situation was not one where I could. I am not nearly as great as you seem to be deluded into thinking I am. Maybe one day.

Disney and Europe? Keep still my heart!! I am sure it is more than my budget could stand but I will enjoy reading about it any way and then, if Frank chooses that and I bet he will, I will live vicariously through you. I know the most interesting people. lol

I saved my sil and others big bucks as I was able to make dvd's of the basketball team. There were people at the game who were charging $50 for each. Ridiculous IMO. If they were more reasonable they would sell more. The teams get nothing from the tapes to boot. I figure it costs me about $1 for the dvd, case and cover. $10 would be plenty.

What did you guys eat at the Fancy Smancy restaurant? Did you slip your shoes off under the table? I would but then I got no class. :confused3

We will wait patiently for the next installment of Frank's Fabulous Fortysomething Festivities. HB2U HB2U!! :bday:

Back to work for me. (sigh) I need to get something done before the honking begins. The semi state parade was about a mile long. I figure this one will be at least 3 miles long and we live on a main street so I will have a lot of cars to wave at. :cheer2:

Linda/SG

[SlightlyGoofy]

Welcome to our newest member of the Suite!! I received this email today and plan to visit mom and baby tomorrow.

"CARSON ANDREW WILLIAMS said hello at 5:21 p.m. weighing in at 8lbs even and 21 inches long. Mommy is sore but ok and Carson is breathing better and battling a low sugar count right now. Will keep everyone up to date and thanks for everything that you have done for us."

Becki is just too efficient with EVERYTHING!! :thumbsup2 I will take my camera and try to get a picture of our newest member and look forward to him(?) visiting us really soon.

Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

This news is not nearly as exciting as my last report but here goes anyway.

We are booked into AS Sports from September 20th thru October 10th. :cheer2: This will beat our previous record of 16-17 days. With all the big bucks we were saving by getting the free food it was just too good to pass up. I gave Tom the choice of 10 days in April or 20 at this time. :cool1:

I am sad to be missing the Flower & Garden Show and the concerts they have then and in the fall but since we will return again, probably next year, it is not too big a thing. I am planning lots of little things that we had not gotten to do before since we have so much time.

Hugs, Linda

[twinscandc]

Hello!! Just thought I send you a quick note to tell you all about our newest addition!! We came home from the hospital yesterday. The first night went well, with feedings at 11:30pm, 3am and 6:30am. Not too bad for the first night. I tried to sleep in between feedings, but I think I'm still a little excited and just watched Carson sleep!! I'm still amazed that we have a son!!

Mark is pretty proud of his little boy, but according to our pediatrician (who is also a friend of ours), Carson is not so "little". He had to use the biggest clamp when he circumcised him yesterday. I think Mark walked a little taller after hearing that news....but, size doesn't matter to me!!

You can look at pictures of Carson on our hospital's website. The link is here. You just type in our last name "Williams" as the password.

I go to have my staples removed tomorrow at the OBGYN. Not looking forward to that!! Everyone says it's not so bad.

Well, Carson is calling my name because it's about that time to feed!!

Take care everyone and I will try to post more when I have a free minute!!

Becki
aka - twinscandc - I guess I need to change that since we've added another "C"

[twinscandc]

Oops....forgot the website link:

https://www.growingfamily.com/webnursery/babylogin.asp?URLID=7B4L0J0H7D

[IASW Rider]

CONGRATULATIONS to Becki and Mark - and the entire Williams family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :)

Thank you so much for sharing your VERY SPECIAL news with us! :) And thanks to Linda for informing we Suite-Mates as soon as she learned that Carson had arrived!!!!! Wishing all the best to all of you, and lots of happiness, always! :)

And thanks so much for sharing those absolutely BEAUTIFUL photos of your adorable son! I'm sure that your BEAUTIFUL daughters are thrilled with their little brother! :)

And so happy to hear about your upcoming vacation, Linda! I'm sure that you and Tom are going to have a fantastic time at AS Sports, this fall - and it's so wonderful that you will be able to stay for so long, as well! That is definitely something to look forward to! And it's all right that you're missing the Flower and Garden Festival and the concerts, this time around........you'll just see them, NEXT year, that's all! :) And in the mean time, September and early October is one of the most beautiful and pleasant times to be in Orlando, and I know that you will have wonderful and pleasant weather! :)

I just wanted to drop by, very quickly, and wish all the best and lots of happiness to Becki and her family (so sorry that I didn't get here sooner, to do so! :() and lots of happiness and excitement / anticipation to Linda and Tom, about their upcoming vacation............and lots of love and happiness to Colleen and her family, as always..........and happy greetings to all of our other Suite-Mates, out there! :)

I won't bore you all with how inundated I am, at this point in the school semester (which has kept me from being here more often - sorry :( It will all be over, in just a few weeks!). Instead, I will tell you all that Frank is absolutely thrilled with his "big" 45th Birthday gift - I booked us on the 10-Night Mediterranean Cruise on the Disney Magic, next summer - July 18 - 28, 2007! :) We'll be visiting Italy (including Palermo, Sicily - the birthplace of Frank's father's side of his family!), Spain, and the South of France! We may plan to arrive in Barcelona a few days before we set sail, so that we can explore! But even though we'll be meeting Mickey in Europe, next year........we still plan to celebrate my 40th Birthday at WDW, in 2007, as well! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Will write a longer post, as soon as I have a chance - I promise! Can't wait 'til May, when I'll be "free" for the summer! (..........and when we'll be going to WDW! Right after you do, Becki! :)) Take care and have a great weekend, Everyone! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Becki, I imagine you are sure glad to be back home with all of your children and hubby. The staples are not so very bad. I had a doctor once who told me slightly risque jokes while taking them out to distract me. Nowadays he would be arrested for harrassment or something. :crazy: What great pictures of Carson. I love that name by the way. It is different but not odd and he will not have to spell it over and over again as it is pretty straight forward. LOL on Mark's pride in Carson's 'size'. Men are that way. :confused3 Is Carson pretty easy going? When you get rested up maybe we can get together for a lunch and I can get to hold the feller. Babies love me, I am like an overstuffed couch, comfortable. :woohoo:

Lisa, it turns out that I will be there for the F&W festival and some of the concerts the last week we are there. Tom is already planning on saving his snack points for a trip around the WS. I may even let him have some of mine. I am having a blast figuring out which fancy smancy place we are going to eat now. It is not that we do not have the money to eat at such places but it just goes against my midwestern grain to spend that much for food. Around here $10 bucks is a high price to pay for a meal. We usually eat at Golden Corral for $5 each including a drink, if we get there before 4. :cheer2: Now, all I have to worry about is keeping Tom from reaching over to another table and swiping their silverware or something.

Dalton wants to know if you are going to see Pompeii and if you want to know anything about it he will be glad to fill you in on the details. :lmao:

When I get them I will send you all pics of Austin's big date. His friends were in awe when he walked in with his date. They were both beautiful. I bought the tie for him. I think that is what did the trick. (grin)

Take care and do not stress yourself out too much. Learn to say no sometimes. We hearby release you from the Suite for the next couple of weeks, even though it saddens us, so that when you ARE able to return you will be worry free. Love is doing what is right for the other. (wise words a friend one told me)

I had better go get some work done as I have had a small boy the last two days. He tried to stay again tonight but failed. I get no work done but we sure do have fun. Keeping up with him is a full time job.

Love and hugs and a silent lullaby to Carson (is better that way) Linda

[colleen costello]

Hi Everyone! Becki, Linda sent me pics of your family and the bunch of you sure are cuties. Good luck with nursing and sleeping, the two most important challenges for a new Mom. I hope Carson lets you get lots of rest between sessions! :) Congratulations and best wishes.

Linda, I read back a few posts and WOW! 20-plus days with Mickey? Sounds great. What will be interesting to hear upon your return is tales of 20 days of you and Tom loose in the World and living together in a smallish hotel room. This will test your LOVE (or is it patience?) Family togetherness is a wonderful thing, especially at WDW when there is so much to do that you are not in the room together much anyway. I could spend 20 days in a hotel with hubby no problem, but toss in the two kids (who fight an awful lot) and I would need serious tranquilizers. :) It will be wonderful to hear all about your trip.

We had a marvelous spring break. The weather was STUNNING... no real way to describe how gorgeous Florida seems after living in Indiana winter since the leaves dropped in late October. I literally walked around in a daze, kind of a 1960s hallucinagenic-induced sort of state, just looking at all the color. I took some pictures of the kids at the Polynesian, and I noticed later that on the path behind them, there are coral-pink flowers strewn all over. They were dropping from the trees that week, just gorgeous. There were azeleas in many colors, and fields and fields of pink geraniums, plus lots of beautiful pansies. I LOVE flowers, and all the varieties with their wonderful scents floating around put me into a real nirvana that didnt lift 'til I hit Indiana and a day later the SNOW fell! I think March is my most favorite time to go. Everything is so beautiful and when I do have to come back home, I know spring is only a few weeks off so I can HANG ON! Sure enough, between tornadoes, hail, and tree buds, I know it is finally spring here.

We stayed for 2 nights at Port Orleans French Quarter then had 6 nights at Old Key West, a favorite of mine. We spent a day at the Poly boating and swimming, had breakfast at Kona Cafe and our last night's dinner there, too. That night we went out to the beach after dinner, and the EWP was gliding by as Wishes began overhead. VERY cool! The Volcano pool was lit up so beautifully, and two little ducks were taking a dip. The kids played in the surf and we just hung out, enjoying the warm night. Heaven!

We went to the MK twice, MGM and Epcot. Had fun at each. It was not too crowded, at least not to my July-visitor senses. We used Fastpass a lot and the kids got to ride everything they wanted. We saw a ton of armadillos, which is something we really enjoy since they are not in Indiana yet. On one bus trip from OKW to the MK we counted SEVEN of the little guys, a family record!

We did the Hoop Dee Doo and LOVED it. Even my cranky hubby (who was anti-Hoop) enjoyed it. We ate a ton and the silly show was really a lot of fun. We also did the character dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern, which was wonderful. The food is like Thanksgiving dinner but you don't have to clean up any mess! That night we stayed late at the MK because it was open til 3am for resort guests. We made it 'til about 1am. It was still warm out and being up that late at the MK (back at home it would have been 10 degrees at that time) was a real treat. We watched Wishes from the bridge to Tomorrowland and Tinkerbell flew practically over our heads. I will never stop feeling amazed that they actually get a woman willing to jump off that castle! She waves her wand, and kicks her legs, and I just GAPE like a 5-year old. Truly magical! Wishes always gets me all misty! :)

We saw the stunt show at MGM and my 8-year-old son was in his glory. From there we headed to Sci-Fi for a fun meal, also a favorite of Ian's. The waitress kindly took a great picture of the four of us in the car. We spent a day at Epcot, too, and my crazy hubby actually braved Mission:Space. He enjoyed it, and did not vomit, so hearing all the details was a lot of fun (since I will NEVER go on it!) We met our friends from Indiana one evening for dinner at Chef Mickey's, and that is ALWAYS fun. After the dinner (and zillions of photos) we rode the monorail and the kids ran around in the Contemporary Concourse. It is so much fun to share WDW with friends... And now my dear pal Tammie says she "gets" why I love WDW so much!

Did lots of swimming, lots of walking around, lots of riding boats and monorails and buses. Such a busy, wonderful place. I swear WDW ruins everything else I can imagine as a vacation destination because where in the world could so much fun and beauty and POSSIBILITY be right there? Of course I spent the whole drive north planning my eventual move to FLorida. I feel in my heart I really am meant to live there. Lisa and Frank are coming with me, by the way. :)

Sorry this got so long -- there is always so much to share. Every trip is so special and there are always so many special memories. I can't wait to go back to Beach Club in July! :sunny:

Love to everyone. :love:

[SlightlyGoofy]

Gee, I am sure glad that I stopped by. I missed Colleen's post and what a wonderful post it is. You summed up my feelings exactly.

Never fear about possible dire consequences of Tom and I being stuck in the same small room for all those days. Unlike at home we are seldom in the room when we are at DW and when we are we are far too tied to do any bodily harm to anyone let alone each other. :lmao:

There is a thread on the DIS that discusses how come us DISnuts can go over and over again. Each and every trip is different. What time of year you go, who you go with and what you do makes each experience unique and when you consider the cost of other vacations as well as the hardship of driving from one place to another to participate in different activities it is a pure joy to be there and know that you can leave the driving to 'them'.

You could barely get me to eat at the Castle (I did one time for my kid's sakes and nearly expired from fright) let alone jump off the top. My suicide plan, should I ever need one, is to ride Splash Mountain. That would be more than enough to finish me off. (I should not joke about this as I heard a blurb that yet another person has died at DW. I do not know any other details yet) :sad2:

The stunt show was so good that we went three times and plan to go many more times on our upcoming trip. Hoop de Doo is on the list too even though Tom was unimpressed with the food offerings (as well as the ones at the Aloha show). I told him to suck it up as it was FREE and would be the only time in his life he would get to do it and we were going to do it. :lmao: This trip is all about NEW experiences.

There is a good chance that my bil and sil as well as their daughter (who lives in England now) and her family might be joining us. It would be the perfect opportunity as we would be able to keep up with some of their spendthrift habits. If they were paying cash I would not be such a harsh critic but they have much more income than we do and are so far in debt it is not funny. They want to spend a month AND want to rent somewhere fancy, on property, while they are there. Not being a fool I am steering them toward OKW or Boardwalk so that we can visit them. I would try the Poly but getting back and forth from there can be daunting from the AS's.

I am currently planning 3 trips for local families. It is sure fun. Wish I could make a living off doing so. Dream job. :cheer2:

I hope that Becki is getting some sleep. Thankfully school is still in session so hopefully she and her wee one are resting up while they can.

Dear Lisa, I hope these few weeks go fast and productively for you so that you can get back to the important things in life, planning your next vacation.

I may send you all a copy of my agenda and see what you think. With so many days we are surely hitting just about every dining choice there is. A couple of our favorites but mostly new ones, even ones that do not look all that great just for the ambience. (Coral Sea) Tom is afraid of any place that is NOT a buffet but I have promised him that there will be many leftovers on my side of the table so he need not worry. :smooth:

I will close with my latest Dalton story. I had to take him for a haircut yesterday and he told the hairdresser that grandma never goes to DW in the summer because "she loves me more than DW". True, but I also do not like the summer heat. :love:

Love, Linda Lou

[IASW Rider]

Yea! I love hearing about everyone's WDW trips and upcoming vacation plans! Thanks so much for sharing the wonderful memories of your recent trip, Colleen, and the fantastic plans for your upcoming one, Linda! And I'm sure that Becki and her family are gearing up for their trip, which is coming up very quickly! :)

Just wanted to stop by and wish you all and your families a very Happy Easter! We've been very busy with Passover, over the past 2 days, and are now heading down to my in-laws' for Easter weekend. Just 3 more weeks of school..........coming into the home stretch..........then I will be able to post more regularly and with more depth / detail!

Just wanted to let you all know that I am thinking of you and wishing you all a very Happy Holiday! Lots of love to you all! :love:

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hello everyone~!

I am echoing dear Lisa's emotions in wishing you all a fantastic Easter Sunday.

I finally got the tree all trimmed. You would never believe how I managed to get it done. When you do not have ability you have to use brain power. Hey, it worked and I am still standing so it must have been a GOOD idea. :rotfl2:

Happy Easter, hope the bunny is good to you all and you are still able to hop when it is all over!!

Slightly Goofy sends you all hugs, smiles and loads of love

[SlightlyGoofy]

Have any of you caught the new show "Shalom in the Home"? It is sort of a Jewish version of the nanny show. I love some of the reality shows. The one with the family where the parents and one of the kids are dwarfs is fantastic. The only reality shows I cannot stand (Anonymous etc.) are the ones where you win by being mean and nasty. Some of the other shows give you a chance to know people that you might not otherwise get to meet. (sort of like the Internet) :sunny:

Gee, things are boring when all I can think to talk about is television. :confused3 Must be a good thing as nothing really bad is going on, at least in my home. A friend was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I have been through this a few times and know the way to the radiation lab all too well and all the friends who went through it have come out on the other side just fine so it is comforting.

Seems like everyone is busy right now and doing such worthwhile and wonderful things (college, babies etc.) so this would be a good time to have the fellers do their spring cleaning. Ya know how I hate dirt. :Pinkbounc

Take care and know I am thinking of you all and hope to have the new and improved Suite up to your standards. Adding a nursery is at the top of the list.

Hugs and Smiles, Linda Lou

[twinscandc]

Hello everyone...

Just stopping by to show off my new signature!! Mark's dad gave us a new digital camera, so that is my new project these days. We really didn't know how to use it when we went to WDW last year and only took a hand full of photo's with it. Now I know better!! That camera is fun!! And, you can do tons of stuff with it. Now I need to buy a bigger memory card.

Then, just yesterday I started using Snapfish to store some of my photos and then got a wild hair today to see if I could put a photo or two on my signature....and guess what??? I did it!! It was a snap!!

You can probably tell, I'm a little sleep deprived and just the little things interests me these days!! I long for the days that I can just do what I want, when I want!! Nursing a baby is a full time job!! I'm not sure how I ever did it with TWO babies....the first 6 months of the girls lives are just a blur in my mind!! I'm glad I had the sense to take picutes back then, because that's my only memory!!

Carson is doing well....but is a growing boy and wants to be fed ALL THE TIME!! Other than that, he is just precious!

I hope all is well with everyone else!! Take care and I'll write more the next time I get a "break" in feeding!!


Becki
aka: twinscandc

[colleen costello]

Becki, how lovely to hear from you! How nice to see you had a minute to post. Congratulations on your beautiful boy, and how nice that you have a great new camera to record his first months. Every time Carson wants to nurse, remember that every ounce of your precious milk is keeping him healthy and safe. Every time he nurses he will grow a little bit, and before you know it he won't need to eat quite so often! I am the biggest supporter of nursing but even I remember there were times where I just wished my HUSBAND had the milk supply. Hang in there -- you know how soon they get big. Erin is almost 12 and it's all I can do to get a kiss these days.. Pretty sad! :(

Ladies, there is big news in our family. My Mom and Dad sold their house! They are so excited, because they are almost Florida residents. Now they have to pick a house in the Villages and pack up everything -- YIKES! I keep telling Mom "Keep your eyes on the prize" because we would all LOVE to be in her shoes... I am ready to retire to Florida!

Love to all. :goodvibes

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just popping by to say a quick "hello"! Things should FINALLY be calming down for me, next week, when the last of my huge assignments is due and the last of my presentations is over. Then, you will be subjected to so many posts from me that you will all be sick of me! :)

Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you all!

I haven't had a chance to see "Shalom in the Home" yet, Linda, but I did read about it! Will respond to your e-mails as soon as I can - thanks for thinking of us! :)

Great to hear from you, Becki, and I love the gorgeous new photos in your signature! Hope that all is well with you and your family! So glad to hear that Carson is well and that he's all settled in to your family!

Congratulations to your parents, Colleen! That is wonderful news! I'll bet that they can't wait to move into their beautiful new home in the Villages and become official Florida residents! The North East will miss them, for sure........but they will be closer to Mickey, all the time! :)

Nothing new, here - just inundated with end-of-semester-projects-in-lieu-of-final-exams in all 3 of my classes. Will take a break this weekend, though - going to NYC to see my friend Gary perform with his new band on Friday night, then we're going to see one of the opening weekend games of our local minor league baseball team, the Somerset Patriots, on Saturday night - can't wait! So glad that baseball season (and spring time) are FINALLY here! LET'S GO METS!!!!!!

And.........in 3.5 weeks, we will be back in the Land of Magic, then sailing the high seas with Mickey, cavorting with dolphins in Nassau, and lounging on Castaway Cay - yipee! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Will be in touch again, as soon as I can! Hope that you're all having a nice week! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, if anyone is capable of cavorting it would be you and Frank. :cool1: Gal, you could never bore us if you tried. Your life is so exciting and interesting that just being able to share it with you is about to wear me out. Speaking of wearing out, I almost had to go the emergency room today. I got up extra early to get to town and back before school let out for a half day and was walking around and noticed that nothing hurt. That had to be a sign that something was seriously wrong. The aches are back now so all is well. I just must not have been all the way awake and the pain had not gotten through my semi conscious state. :lmao: I bet you will be getting some inside info for your trip next year to Europe from the crew on this trip. You have a knack for getting to know the very best people. :grouphug:

Colleen, thank you so much for the great pics of your parents new home. I hope they got enough bedrooms for your many planned visits. If they get lonely they can invite me down for a year or so. :woohoo: Never you mind about not getting any hugs from Erin. My darling son gave me a hug almost every single day of his life right up until the moment he moved out, took a bank account with him and brought the police to my home. Ya just never know. My dd asked me if I missed all the work he did around here. I was speechless (hard to believe huh?) and then I replied that out of all the things I do miss work was not even on the first page. I did get to see a picture of him today. He has not changed much in looks. You would know he was mine. Always will be too. :love:

Becki, has Carson gained any weight? I have been wondering if his wt loss was just the normal after birth bit that happens often? Hooray for the new camera. It was the perfect gift and one that will give you many opportunities to capture special moments. Of course it is the 'little' things that interest you at the moment. One special little thing in particular. Everything else will wait. My little one had bad colic and would only sleep belly to belly with his mom. You don't get much sleep when you are afraid you will roll over and crush a baby. I am still working on catching up on my sleep. :rolleyes1

My veggie garden is not only planted but thriving. I cannot believe how early spring has come here. It is usually the second week of May before we can be declared 'frost free". It did get a bit cold last night but not freezing. I am looking forward to that first pan of stuffed peppers. I love the things but only with my homegrown veggies.

I finally got the garden arbor that I bought last year put together and installed. It is a lovely thing and closes off our private yard even more. The neighbors like it as well and since we sort of share it that is a good thing. :yay:

I am at the age when I spend a lot of time at funeral parlors. We went to see the husband of a friend last night and tomorrow we have to go to the funeral of a man Tom used to work with. He is several years younger than I and a couple decades younger than Tom. Very sad all around.

I am not sure if I have mentioned it but my weight is slowly, very slowly going down again. I was the best loser for the month in January, February and again in April. Please do not ask about March. (painful) I have a goal in mind that I would like to get to before we go to DW in September. It would be a horrific number for the rest of you ladies but for me it would be a dream. I am getting a look at what my goal of under 200 pounds will look like by seeing how my dd looks and she looks fantastic and I dare say no one would know she weighs as much as she still does. We are sort of like Pall Malls. (you youngsters would not know that their slogan used to be "so round, so firm, so fully packed". I have one out of three , just gotta work on the other two. :lmao:

Your Slightly Goofy friend, Linda

[twinscandc]

We took Carson to his one month Doctor's appointment today and he has gained 2 lbs. in one month!!! I was so worried that after he lost some weight in the hospital, that he wasn't gaining!! With breastfeeding, you're never really know how much they are taking in. Well, Carson must be getting plenty, because he sure packed on the lbs!!!! It makes it seem so much more worth the work and the late night feedings to know that he is growing, growing, growing!! I just had to share my good news!!!!

Other news....Mark and I decided that it would be better for Carson if he didn't have to endure the 18 hour drive down to WDW, so Carson and I are flying!! The girls are very self-sufficient (they are 9 going on 19! ha ha), and I believe they will be fine driving with just Mark. We got pretty good airfare with Southwest, but the flight down doesn't get into MCO until 11:45pm!! Mark and the girls will hopefully get into Orlando earlier during that day and will just have to make a late night trip to the airport. I'm wondering how Carson will do with the ear pressure. I've been reading that it's best to nurse him on take off and landing. I'm kind of nervous about it.

Well, I need to get the girls back inside the house! They already took their showers, but somehow managed to go back outside to jump a few more times on the tampoline while I was feeding the baby. Now, I look outside and they are playing whiffle ball in the back yard with several other neighborhood kids!! I'm glad it's almost summer vacation....they hate going to bed when it's still light outside.

I hope all is well with everyone else!! Take Care!

Becki

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy there Becki!! I knew that Carson would thrive under your tender, loving care. I just love all that hair on his head. Watch out cause that sometimes goes away only to return in full force. You must remember that I am now on my 3rd generation of kids and know it all. :lmao:

Feeding Carson will not only help him with the flight but keep you occupied and out of any possible trouble. :banana: I sure hope you have a late day at the parks planned for the next day after that late night pick up at the airport. You are a braver woman than I but then we already knew that.

When Dalton was little he used to go look out the door to see if it was dark and time to go to sleep. He will be nine this Saturday. Time sure does fly. We got him a week at soccer camp and the equipment. He is well suited for the sport. I am going to see if there is anything similar in Columbus this summer so that he might get a bit more practice. He is a double threat in that he gets great grades and is good at sports. Lucky boy! :love:

My friend's name is Lovena. She and I were co leaders of 4-H for many years and her son and mine were best buddies. She refuses to talk about the upcoming operation and I am very worried about her. Thank you so much for caring.

We planted watermelons today and maybe, if all goes well, we will have some to share. If you happen to be in town in a few weeks I will have peppers and tomatoes a plenty and you are most welcome to help yourself even if I am not at home. Please disregard any weeds. I do well early in the season but seem to lose some interest when it gets very hot.

Are you guys on the dining plan? If so, have you seen the posts about a possible change in the snack credits? Evidentally you can now get any snack or side that is under $4. Tom is truly in HOG heaven.

Have a safe and wonderful trip with your little guy and I am looking forward to lunch and catching up when you return and get rested up.

Hugs, Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

I'm finally "back" - yea!!! :) I finally see "the light at the end of the tunnel" - just one more paper to hand in and one more class to attend, and then my semester is finally, thankfully OVER! This past week has been the most hectic of all, but I've gotten through it and can now finally start allowing myself to think about and enjoy last-minute plans for our upcoming WDW trip!

Hi Linda! Congratulations on your most recent "biggest loser" weight losses! I have no doubt that you will reach your goal way before your Fall WDW trip! And your vegetable / fruit garden sound wonderful - I wish that we lived close enough so that I could see it! Early Happy Birthday to Dalton! I can't believe that he is going to be 9 years old! We've been in this Suite a LOOONG time - I remember when you were celebrating his 5th Birthday! :)

Hi Becki! Congratulations to you and Carson on his great and healthy weight gain! And that's so neat that you both will be flying to Orlando! I'm sure that he will do beautifully on his first plane ride! And it's nice that your girls and DH will be there to keep each other company and to keep one another entertained on the drive down! When are you all leaving? I'm so excited for you all! We'll be right behind you - we're leaving on the 21st! :)

I wish that I had something interesting to report, but it's just been school, school, school for the most part, around here!

Just wanted to stop by and say "hi"! I promise to be around more, from here on in, and I look forward to keeping up with everyone's posts in "real time"! Have a great day, Everyone! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Lisa!!

I am surely glad to hear that you are seeing the light and it is not THAT light. :thumbsup2 It is hard to believe that one day you will look back on these days with smiles and fond memories but there it is . I cannot wait until I get to send you a graduation card.

Yes, Dalton is going to be nine. He called me twice tonight. Once to tell me that he came in 3rd in the Science Fair. I wonder if he might not have been a victim of his own talent as his presentation looked so good that even I questioned if he did it himself. He did. We got him a week at soccer camp for his present. He is made for that sport as he is sort of like a mouse in getting in and out of close quarters and fast. :cheer2:

Tom will be up very early tomorrow as they are having a breakfast at the church as a fund raiser for Austin's missionary trip to the wilds of W. Va. (I hope he heeds his hillbilly granny's advice and tones down the 'preaching' and makes friends). Tom is always able to get up when there is food available. Maybe a pizza on a stick might get him to move more? :confused3

I bought a flat of Wave Petunias and got some in red, white and blue for the back of the property. They are great plants in that they spread so big and you get a lot of bang, and not much work, for your efforts. Carpet roses are also favorites for the same reasons and they bloom from early spring to frost. Perfect plants. :woohoo:

Life is boring here as well except for a wonderful postcard I got in the mail the other day. I am going to see if I can find something interesting from here but have my doubts. Maybe on our upcoming small trip?

Take care all and sweet dreams to Carson. He needs all the rest he can get for his upcoming trip.

Love and Smiles,Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

And Happy Birthday to Dalton! Hope that he is having a great Birthday weekend! And congratulations to him on his Science Fair honors, as well! When will Austin be going on his mission to WV? I'm sure that he will enjoy it - that's my father-in-law's favorite place (and home state, which he visits just about every other month to hunt and / or fish) and I understand that it is beautiful, there! How was your breakfast at your church?

You will have to take some photos of all of your beautiful plants and flowers, this spring / summer! I'm sure that your landscaping looks wonderful, and I can't wait to hear how your vegetables and fruits come out, too!

I want to wish Becki and her family an early BON VOYAGE, since I'm not sure exactly when they are leaving for WDW. I'll have to ask some of our Suite fellows, to see if they know...........we need to plan a gala BON VOYAGE party for them, especially since this will be Carson's first trip there! :)

How are you doing out there, Colleen? Please drop by and say "hi", if you have a chance! :)

Not too much to report, here - just catching up (and I mean CATCHING UP!) on some things around the house, this weekend. Put together my very last (yea!) paper of the semester, yesterday, and am doing a lot of cleaning, today, while Frank repaints our deck furniture to get it all spruced up for summer! I have one more class meeting, tomorrow night, and just that one paper to hand in, then I'm DONE! Yea!!!!! Unfortunately, I have to report for jury duty at 8:30 AM tomorrow morning........I hope that I won't get stuck there, all week!

The only other interesting thing to report is that we received our travel documents from DCL, a few days ago, and we got exactly the stateroom assignment / location that we were hoping for! It's in a location that most people find least desirable (as it is directly under the "Adult Entertainment District" and some find it to be "too loud"), but it's our favorite place to stay BECAUSE of that fact (and we never experienced any noise disturbances when we stayed in that part of the ship, 2 years ago)! It's also directly under the adult pool area, the Walt Disney Theatre, and directly above where we disembark at Nassau. So we are really pleased! We hope that we will be just as happy with our room location at CBR! We'll find out, just 2 weeks from today! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you, and hope that you're all having a great weekend! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi ya Lisa!!

I have to report that Dalton lied to me. He brought out his science project to show to everyone and it had a 1st place ribbon on it instead of the 3rd place. Wonder where he got that odd sense of humor from. Probably from the same place that gave him the idea to write a list of 'cuss' words, properly spelled. (sigh) Must be the BOY side of him but I doubt he will be doing that one again. I am sure he will come up with something else though. :confused3

Austin is far too busy with many jobs this summer to get into too much trouble. He has a car to support now. :thumbsup2

I am not certain of the exact date that Becki is headed toward The Promised Land but I think it must be soon. I remember noting that it was before the normal 6 week checkup though. Babies are so much more portable than they used to be and I think that is a good thing. :cheer2: Can you just imagine the thoughts that Carson will have in his head, unexpressed? Poor kid will think life is all fun. Since he had the good luck to be born into the right family it is not too far from the truth, for him and his sisters. :sunny:

You and are of the same mindset when it comes to locations. I prefer to be near the center of all the action. I hear reports of people complaining about noise and such but I have never had a problem. Might be that I do not hear well but I have friends who hear very well who have not had any problems either. The worst thing I ever had was a child, next door, who kept slamming his room door but one look out my door and a smile at his mom fixed that right up. Being near an elevator is an enviable location. You do not want to waste time getting to the action. :cool1:

Have you stayed at the CBR before? I do not remember you saying you had. If not, be aware that the rooms are awfully spread out and look exactly the same. That being said I have a friend who would not stay anywhere else. She is one of those 'sick' individuals who exercises while at DW though. :rolleyes1

Tell Frank that I just toss my plastic chairs out in heavy rain storms. I am sooooo lazy. Bet your furniture looks great though. I like to think of you guys sitting out there with an adult beverage relaxing after a full day and looking at the NJ sunsets.

What part of W. Va. does your fil visit? Tom was born there and I was born and raised just a few miles from the border myself. We find it extremely funny that our grandson is going on a mission there and a bit worried as we know how many of the people there are not interested in being told that their way is wrong. I agree with them but hope they have mercy on my poor grandson who is very sweet and not a bit stuck up and might learn something from them instead. :love:

I ate a bit of scrambled eggs and two sausage links at the breakfast which is far more than I usually eat for breakfast. There is not enough space to report on what Tom ate. :lmao:

Tom went to visit his brother today so I have about a day and a half to get many projects done. I planted a flat of flowers, pulled weeds, watered and fed all my plants, took down the shower curtain and am getting ready to scrub it all up and put up a nice clean shower curtain liner tomorrow. I have the spreader filled with Weed n Feed for tomorrow early morning and hope to get the doors and steps all washed up. I have 4 so that will take awhile. Community Center in the afternoon and paperwork tomorrow evening. I put together a new lawn mower and installed all the fluids in the right places this week and gave the old mower to my bil. I caught Tom with a bungie cord holding the top of the mower in place. If the blade had hit the cord it would have thrown it with enough force to have done some serious damage. Seemed cheaper and safer to buy a new one. He seldom mows but when he does it is interesting.

Does anyone happen to have watched Illuminations from the stage area at the front of WS just after you walk across the bridge from FW? I had a report of that and it sounds promising. A friend told me that the CM's inforce a no standing rule there as well. It is closer to the front of the park at closing and that would be a big plus. We usually stop at the Fountainview to watch the hordes leave the park.

Hugs and Smiles, your very busy friend, Linda

[twinscandc]

Hello Lisa, Colleen and Linda (and anyone else that might be reading)!!

All is well here at our house. Carson is still eating every 3 hours and I beginning to wonder how I'm going to do once I go back to work, which just happens to be next Wednesday, 5/17. I am NOT looking forward to it!! I've enjoyed my time off!! My boss is not too happy with me because I will come back to work, only to take vacation time two weeks later!! Oh well, he'll just have to get over it! I'm his best employee!! ha ha!! :rolleyes1

We leave for WDW in 4 weeks!! Mark's nephew is graduating from High School on 5/27, so we have to be in town for that. Mark and the girls will leave early on 6/2 and then my flight is on 6/3. I cant' believe Carson will be 9 weeks old by then!

We are the most easy going kind of people and so I'm hoping that we will just be able to go with the flow down there. My philosphy is: If Carson is just going to eat, sleep and poop here, he can eat, sleep and poop in WDW also (and what better place!!). We only plan to do one day in the parks. The rest of the time we are going to lay around and eat wonderfully on the DDP!! I'm so excited with the new addition of snacks!!! We did make PS for Hoop Dee-Doo which will be a first for us!! We can't wait!!

So, on to other things.....

Lisa, your trip is quickly approaching!! There for awhile I thought we would be there about the same time, but you will probably be going home as we are coming down. Are you at CBR first and then the cruise? Also, I'm not sure if I've ever figured out what field of study you are in? Are you close in completing your school work?

Linda, how was Dalton's birthday? He's the big 9!! Is he in the 3rd grade? That is so funny about the science project!! Was he surprised with your soccer camp present? Is that a soccer camp through the local Parks and Rec? I was looking at the Parks and Rec summer guide and I remember seeing several sport camps that they are offering. I think I'm going to sign the girls up for the East Volleyball camp. Also, I am going to take you up on your offer of tomatoes!! I love BLT's in the summer time! It makes my mouth water thinking about it. What kind of jobs does Austin have this summer?

Colleen, what's the latest with your parents? Have they picked out their house yet? What is the villages? Are they Disney "people"?

Well, off to bed! It's been a busy day.

Best Wishes to all!!

Twinscandc
aka: Becki

[SlightlyGoofy]

Becki, how did I get the idea that you were going to DW just a couple of weeks after Carson was born? (sigh) Senility can be your friend but I fear it must be when I get a bit further along and do not realize that I have lost my mind. :lmao:

Every 3 hours? Even I can remember those days. My solution was to keep my babies next to the bed so I could just roll over once in awhile. How are you coping with having two others to care for too? Your girls are so well behaved I am sure that they are doing all they can to make it easier for you though. :thumbsup2 They strike me a very mature for their ages.

Please let me know what you think of Hoop de Doo as I did not plan it being as we are rural folk and see that sort of Hoop de Doo in our regular lives. Tom is only interested in food. I did think that the undulating grass skirts at the Luau might interest him some though. The man is lazy not dead. :lmao:

Dalton's name was in the paper today for making the honor roll. Yes, he is in the third grade. If he could get over his sometimes inappropriate outbursts he would be nearly perfect. We will both work on that this summer. I could use a brush up also. :woohoo:

I will have to check the parks and rec website and see if they have anything soccer related. Dalton was fully outfitted at his birthday party and is ready. I told him that he should ignore the coach as Dalton knows it all AND that if a maneuver is a bit hard he should give up. Reverse Psychology works very well with him. :love:

I would be delighted for you to share my tomatoes, peppers or watermelons. I will even deliver to your home if need be. Nothing beats home grown. Wish I could share with everyone else. (BTW, Lisa, did I tell you that I planted one tomato plant in YOUR honor, sort of. It is a Rudgers variety. Not quite the same but I will think of you anyway.)

I bet you have lots of dark rides and shows planned for your upcoming trip. At least I am betting that Carson is hoping so. :thumbsup2

I think I have gotten most of the things on my list done today but still see several more things I wish I could have finished. Maybe I will get my second wind later tonight.

One of my students made me a sign that says "I love you". Hope I did not get into trouble cause I told her that I loved her right back. :love: One of my other students will be headed to first grade next year and since I know her teacher I have promised that I will come out to the school and help her if she needs it next year. It is very rewarding and especially so this year. I will miss them this summer when I am reduced to one (albeit special) student. We have plans. :stir:

Have a great night and see in on the veranda later.

Love and Hugs, Linda /SG

[SlightlyGoofy]

How many of you caught the last episode of "The Apprentice"? It was filmed at Rutgers. :cheer2:

I actually stopped multitasking and devoted my full attention to the show. That is something I seldom do as TV is more of a background noise for me.

It was wonderful to see the places that our dear Lisa trods in her everyday life and when she was a mere slip of a teenager.

Just thought I would drop by and say what a beautiful campus it is and how glad I was to see the girls win!! :love:

Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Linda, Colleen, and Becki, I'm so sorry that I didn't "get" here earlier to wish you all a very Happy Mother's Day! We were away at my in-laws' in South Jersey, this weekend, and I tried to sign on to the Boards several times, there, but for some reason, the site wouldn't let me (maybe because I am signed on, on my home computer?). Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you all, today, and hope that you all had very special Mother's Days! :)

I'm so sorry that we will miss one another at WDW, Becki! But you will be there during our "Special Week" - my husband, Frank, proposed to me at the Poly on 6/3/01 (just after our original EWP Suite thread started! :)), we were married on 6/2/02 and began our honeymoon at the Poly on 6/3/02, and then celebrated our first anniversary at the Poly, beginning on 6/3/03! We always used to go to WDW during the first week of June - our annual anniversary vacation! :) The past 2 years (and this year), we "moved back" and started going in May, because it worked into our school and work schedules better, that way. But the first week in June has always been a very special one for us at WDW, and we are honored to know that you all will be there - and that Carson will be making his first trip there - during our special and favorite week! :) I know that you will all have a wonderful time! :) And that's so neat that you are going to the Hoop Dee Doo - that's one of my favorite memories of my childhood trips to WDW - my Mom always used to take my cousin and me, and we always had a lot of fun! Some time, I will have to drag Frank there to see the show, for old time's sake - and also to show him Fort Wilderness! We saw the Luau (the old version - pre-Lilo and Stitch) on our first trip to WDW together, in 2000, and that was a lot of fun, as always! The Luau also brings back great memories of my childhood trips to WDW! I'm sure that you and Tom would really enjoy it, if you choose to go, Linda! :)

For the past 3 years, we have done the land / sea WDW / DCL package, spending the first 4 days of our vacation on land at WDW (this year at CBR - the past 2 years at POR) and then the last 3 days on the Wonder in Nassau and Disney's island, Castaway Cay! It's "the best of both worlds"! We love the package so much that we LITERALLY booked this year's vacation WHILE WE WERE ON THE SHIP, last year! :) And it won't be so heartbreaking disembarking the Wonder this year, either, since we are already booked on the Mediterranean cruise on the Disney Magic for next July! :) (PLUS, we will sneak in at least a long weekend at WDW, in honor of my 40th Birthday, next year! :))

Thanks for asking about my "academic career" - I am almost finished with my Masters of Public Health program (Health Education concentration) at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey ("UMDNJ") School of Public Health. I have one more semester of classes to go (in the fall - unfortunately no classes that I need are offered, over the summer), and then I will begin my fieldwork (probably 2 semesters), which I will ultimately present before I graduate (probably in Spring, 2008). The past year went very quickly - I can't believe that I am almost finished with my class work - I will actually miss the classroom portion of my program............even though it makes me stressed and nuts with deadlines and drives me crazy..........I really do enjoy being in class! (I never thought that I would hear myself say that, so many years after graduating from college! :))

Lots of good luck with your return to your office! It's great that you can sort of "ease yourself back into the routine".........and then have your vacation to look forward to, in just 2 weeks! That's definitely the "way to do it"! :)

Congratulations to Dalton on his honor roll announcement in the newspaper, Linda! That is such great news and such a nice "Birthday gift" for him! And I am very honored that you have Rutgers tomatoes growing in your garden! That's what we do, here in NJ.........develop new varities of tomatoes! :) And yes, we specially watched the Rutgers episode of "The Apprentice" last Monday night (the Alumni Association had sent a blast e-mail to everyone, letting everyone know that it was going to be on). Frank and I have watched "The Apprentice" in previous seasons, but weren't following it, this time around. But we had to watch the Rutgers episode, of course! I participated in many similar tailgates before football games, "back in the day"! :) It was nice that they showed the stadium and other locations - we can see the top of the stadium (which is right across the Raritan River from us - barely 5 miles away) from our deck and can always see the lights when it's lit up for a nighttime event. In fact, the Goodyear Blimp often flies right over our house when there is a big event going on in Rutgers Stadium! And the stadium is also practically right next door to my UMDNJ campus in Piscataway, too!

That was so sweet of your student to make the "I love you" sign for you! :) Though I am not surprised - I'm sure that all of your students are very attached to you and that you have touched all of their lives in a very special way! :)

All is well, here. Will be spending most of the week continuing to "wind down" from my crazy school semester and jury duty responsibilities of last week..........and finally getting around to organizing and packing! :) Yipee! We leave at 5:00 AM (for a 7:00 AM flight), next Sunday morning! The final countdown begins...........! :) All PS's have been made, all shore excursions (we're doing the dolphin encounter in Nassau - can't wait! :)) have been confirmed..........we're definitely "getting there", slowly but surely! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you all have a great week! Talk to you soon! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to stop by the Suite to say "hello" and to wish you all a nice weekend and week ahead! We'll be blasting off for WDW at 5:00 AM on Sunday morning (our flight leaves Newark at 7:00 AM - nothing like getting an early start, as I always say! :)), so I wanted to be sure to post now, in case I don't have a chance to do so, tomorrow! We'll be at CBR until Thursday morning, at which time we'll leave for Port Canaveral and board the Wonder! We'll be back home on Sunday night (the 28th). And then we can start figuring out when we're going to return to WDW in 2007 (Food and Wine Festival? :)) and start counting down to our Mediterranean cruise on the Magic in July of next year, too! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! We'll be thinking of you all, when we are in THE LAND OF MAGIC! Take care and talk to you all, soon! Love ya! Lisa :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Colleen and I are all alone in the Suite as everyone else is either at DW or on their way. Poor us. :goodvibes Of course Colleen just came back and I am planning our next trip but it still does not seem fair. :confused3

I am imagining Frank and Lisa sipping Mai Tai's on the deck of the Disney Cruise Line and planning their next day's activities. I hope they have a Disney trivia game aboard ship as they usually give out a free cruise the winners and we all know who would win that game!! :cheer2:

I wish that we could read Carson's mind and what he is thinking of this great new world that he has just come into. I can see his sisters introducing him into the Disney Delights that they have enjoyed for years. He has a lot of catching up to do and I bet he is up to the task. :love:

As much work as it has taken to catch up with the mini vacation we just returned from I cannot imagine how much work it will be after our big fall trip. I think I shall do as Scarlett and 'think about it tomorrow'.


Bon Voyage, safe traveling and Magical Memories to you all!!

Love, Hugs and Smiles, SG/Linda

[colleen costello]

Hi Everyone (or just Linda!)... Checking in quickly here with an update. I am inundated right now with carnival planning. Friday is our big end-of-the-school year luau and all heck is breaking loose. PTO will be the death of me yet! This morning when I got home from the school I had a wonderful message from Lisa, almost as nice as speaking to her directly. Last night she and Frank had their traditional "first dinner" at 'Ohana, and they were joined afterward by Lisa's friends Mike and Danny, who live in Orlando. Today they were off to the Studios and lunch was planned at the Brown Derby. Tonight they are trying BOMA for the first time, and I am excited for them as that is such a wonderful, festive place. Tomorrow I think they are doing Animal Kingdom, where Lisa plans to shop while Frank braves "Everest" with their Orlando pals.

Lisa also said they were enjoying Carribean Beach Resort. She said they had a comfortable, colorful room. The weather is very hot -- ninety-five degrees -- but she said "WHo cares? I am here!" Great attitude :) It is so exciting to hear from friends who are down there, almost as good as being there myself.

Love to all. I will resurface after this Friday evening, when the carnival is finished.

xoxo

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hey Colleen! What do ya mean JUST??? lol :rotfl:

It has been beyond hectic here as well. I think I forgot, in the trauma of the moment, to tell you that my grandson's great grandma died a couple of days ago. Austin found her. Thankfully the dear lady passed away peacefully on her sofa that was a bit of a comfort. Other happenings as well but that is the main distraction at the moment.

95 degrees? Whew, I hope that means this fall will be cooler than average. Unlike most asthmatics I can bear the cold but not the heat. What I remember most about the CBR is the long walk to everything and all the rooms looked alike so I often had to walk twice or thrice the distance as I kept getting lost. :banana:

I hope Lisa and Frank and friends get the waterfall section of Boma's and be sure to try some of the butternut squash soup. I dream about that stuff and I am not much of a soup person. Zebra Domes are highly overated in my opinion.

Colleen, do not despair of the PTO. At least you will have the comfort of knowing that you did all that you could for your kids, along with the many others, so that if they should falter along the highway of life you can know "you done your best'. :love: Of course YOUR children are going to trod the straight and narrow as that is the only way you can afford those Disney vacations that they have become accustomed to. pirate:

Dalton threw this at me the other night - among his many reasons for wanting to move to Miami (CSI, cool factor, boats, strange flora and fauna etc.) it is also closer to Disney World. How can one argue against that kind of logic?? :woohoo:

This will be my last day at the Community Center for this school year I will have a student body of one this summer. The list is long and interesting for what is to be taught and learned. I have a feeling that I will be learning just as much as the student though. He regaled me with a complete bio on Bram Stoker, author of "Dracula" including how it was based on Vlad the Impaler etc. He told me things that I did not even know. I love it!!

I spent the morning laying out the new path for my garden arch. I am using old carpet to form the base and keep weeds away for awhile and then pouring sand on top to anchor the stepping stones. It looks so lovely.

No big exciting life here. Mundane though it might be it is my life and I cope by living vicariously through your fabulous and fun filled reports. Hurry up and fill my life with some trip reports. I am drowning in a sea of tedium. :lmao:

Love and Hugs, SG/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

I have got to haul out that last box of Nice n Easy. Here is what happened to me today. :)

I was finishing up my last day at the Community Center and stopped to visit with the director who asked me if I would do double duty next year and come in early to work with the 4 year olds before the after school bunch come in. Sounded great to me until - - - - -

She told me that she hoped that she would be as active as I when she gets to my age. :confused3

Now this old broad spent the day trimming bushes, digging a trench and various other things before I went over to sit comfortably with the little ones. :rotfl2:

I think I am about ten years older than she. Lucky for her I have a sense of humor and am looking forward to working with more children next year. I have a hidden talent. I can read upside down and that comes in handy when reading to wee ones who want to see the pictures while I read. :love:

Just thought you youngsters would enjoy hearing from this old, decrepit and aged woman. :wave:

Love, hugs, smiles, SG/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hello everyone!!

I was surfing the Net looking for some song lyrics and midi's that I could use as background music for a dvd that my sister and I are putting together for the family. The music is rather obscure, odd songs that our mom used to sing. She was a belter of music and could sing in tune and well which is far more than I can attempt.

I found several songs I was looking for then when I tried the last song "You Gotta Love Your Mama Every Night" you will never guess what I came up with. There was only one hit and that was an old post I had posted here years ago. lol

It was so much fun reading some of the old posts and thinking about old friends. We sure have come a long way together. May it continue. We have got to all get together at DW one of these years.

Hugs and Smiles, Linda/SG

[twinscandc]

Hello Everyone!

Just checking in as I was looking for some last minute packing tips, etc for our upcoming trip here on the Dis. This trip has really snuck up on me!! :eek:

How is everyone's holiday weekend? I wonder how Lisa and Frank's trip went? I can't wait to get a trip report!! I hope the weather was nice for them.

Everything here is just fine. We took a "trial run" to a local pool today to see how Carson would do. Carson and I didn't get into the water because it was FREEZING!!! The cold water didn't faze the girls at all....they jumped right in! This weekend has been busy with us, going to numerous Open Houses for some graduates. We have plans for a cook out tomorrow and then some serious packing!! It's going to be a busy week for us since the girls have softball games on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights!! Wednesday nights game is even a double hitter!! If I don't pack tomorrow, I may not get it done!! Mark and the girls leave early Friday morning and then Carson and I fly out on Saturday.

I did go back to work last week....it was kind of sad and I missed him terribly! It made it a little easier knowing that he doesn't have to go to a Day Care. Mark is wonderful in keeping him in the morning and then my mom came over to our house when Mark went to work and then she was there when the girls got off the bus. I do have to brag a little on the girls behalf - they made the A/B honor roll for the entire school year and also recieved several awards for their special classes (gym, music and art). Then, on the last day of school, their advanced language arts class had a spelling bee. And, wouldn't you know who the last two spellers were???? The teacher told me that it went back and forth for atleast 10 words between them before Caitlyn misspelled Desperate. Courtney was able to spell is correctly. They must get their spelling skills from Mark b/c I was (and still am - horray for spell check) a horrible speller!!! They are so glad it's summer break!!

Take everyone and I'll try to post from our trip.
Luv,

Becki

aka twinscandc

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Becki, I can imagine how you felt leaving your little guy to go back to work. Been there, done that and I did not have any husband or family to help me out. I was married but a piece of paper does not constitute a husband. :sad2: It is so wonderful that Mark is an involved parent. Men who do that gain so very much. I bet your mom is enjoying her new 'job' as well. Is she going with you guys as you had hoped? If I could, I would.

Scuttlebutt has it that a Disney trip might be planned next year for my dd and family. I am trying not to get my hopes up as they have been dashed several times. Dalton's fondest wish to go to Washington DC is being granted this summer. He has a list a mile long of things he wants to see. I am looking forward to the cell phone calls I will get from there and all the reports.

I bet that Carson, and yourself, will do just fine in the warm waters of the Disney pools.

Are Caitlyn and Courtney good at competing against each other? I have twin boys, smart much like your girls, at the CC and they have great fun competing against each other. Dalton is good friends with them as he likes people who "know stuff". Bet he would enjoy your girls if we lived closer. Please tell them congrats for the great grades. Dalton faltered with a B plus to miss getting straight A's for the year. I told him he would not be able to afford Miami with such 'low' grades. lol I only got on him because he got the B because of not handing in a couple of papers. No excuse for that. :teacher: :love:

Tell your girls to make sure that bunting is allowed in their league before they do it. Dalton got up to bat and did it, very successfully, and was made to go back to home base because the rules did not allow it. He told them that they should have told him that at practice when he did it. :lmao:

I am sure your packing will go very well. Do you have those spray misting bottles? They are much cheaper at Wal Mart than at DW if you have the room to pack them. Are you doing the dining program? It seems like a better bargain for those with children than without as $12 does not go far at DW for food.

I bet you and Carson will give out one big sigh when you get on the plane. Just the relief of getting started on your vacation does that to me too. Have a wonderful trip and may this be the first of many Disney memories for Carson especially with his very own tourguides C&C to show him the ropes. :grouphug:

Luv and Smiles, Linda

[twinscandc]

What an awesome visit that I had with Slightly Goofy today!! It was wonderful to walk into my church and find her there! She was even gracious enough to hold onto Carson!! I was worried that she even missed her dinner to feed him!! What a great friend!! I just wish that we could spend more time together. I was so proud to introduce her to my friends from church and the unique way that we met!! I'm so glad to have you, Linda as my friend!

I also need to thank her for the cute little gift (I won't say what it is Linda, just in case it's a surprise for our other Suite mates! ;) :thumbsup2 )

Well, the girls Softball game was cancelled tonight because of the rain. They had a friend come over to play, so it gave me some time to do some packing since I didn't get it all done yesterday.

3 days and counting...can't wait, can't wait!!

Thanks again Linda for a very nice visit!!

Becki

[SlightlyGoofy]

Awww, Becki. You made me blush. :love:

I had a great time and it was the best bowling banquet I have ever gone to. For me, with my hearing problems, any large gathering is horrible. Getting to visit with Carson made the time go so fast and I really was not hungry. They seldom have anything I am allowed to eat anyway. :sunny:

I was so tickled when I stood up to check and see if I was seeing C&C in person and they seemed almost as happy to see me as I was to see them. They are great girls, but then you knew that.

I am glad your ballgame was cancelled and I suspect that you might have been also. Too much going on and you needed a bit of a rest. I missed Dalton's game because we did not get home until after 8. He was in shock as grandma is always at his games. :cheer2:

BTW, I got in trouble. The lady that was sitting with me with her granddaughter? I was teasing the girl to get her to smile and did that finger nose thing and her grandma stopped me as I was leaving and informed me that meant to 'kiss my ummmm grits". I am so embarrassed. I meant well. I usually do but I need to repress myself a bit more I fear. :confused3

I cannot but think that God put us in each others lives. He has a habit of doing that. He/She is great!! lol :grouphug:

Welcome home Lisa!! Sounds as if you had a fantastic time but then you guys can do that sitting in a closet I believe. :rotfl2: I will answer your wonderful missives tomorrow when my brain is more capable of forming complete sentences. Sure glad that Becki did not tell you what her gift was cause you and Colleen are going to get one too. (one of these days)

Good night, I have a full day again tomorrow. I am taking a friend for tests at the hospital and then Dalton has baseball games that evening. Bet I lose a bunch of weight next week. I only lost a half pound this month. :rolleyes2

Love you gals! Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to pop in and wish Becki and her family BON VOAYGE!!!!! Wishing you all a wonderful and magical vacation and a safe trip! I'm sure that Carson will enjoy his first plane ride, too! And hope that Mark and the girls have a fun and safe drive!

I'm now going to go back and catch up on all of the posts that we missed last week, while we were away (we had a fantastic time, as always!), and then I will come back with a "real response"! In the mean time, though, I wanted to be sure to try to catch you Becki, before you leave, to wish you a great vacation!

Hi Linda, Colleen, and everyone else! Will be back with a longer post, soon! We thought of you all while in the LAND OF MAGIC, last week! :)

[IASW Rider]

OK! I'm all caught up, now! I hope that I don't miss responding to anything!

First of all, Linda, you are NOT "old, decrepit" or anything remotely resembling anything like that! You are a youthful, vibrant, energetic, brilliant, strong, caring, thoughtful, "with-it" lady, who has and continues to accomplish so much, every day! I'm sure that that woman mean what she said as a compliment (albeit an awkward one), and meant well. But I really hope that you were kidding when you referred to yourself in that manner.........because that couldn't be farther from the truth!

Congratulations to Caitlyn and Courtney on their wonderful report cards AND for being the finalists in the Spelling Bee - that is fantastic! And congratulations to Erin and Ian on their wonderful grades, as well! AND congratulations to Dalton, too...........he and I got the exact same grades, this semester - all A's and one B+! :) I'm sure that Austin did a great job, too!

I'm sure that it was difficult to go back to work, Becki, but it's so wonderful that Mark and your Mom are with Carson when you're not home. It's so great that he is spending time with family. I'm sure that that doesn't make it very much easier for you to be away from him, but at least you have the comfort and confidence of knowing that he is with his Dad and Grandma!

Thanks so much for posting my mini-trip-report, Colleen! :) And congratulations on your very successfull carnival / luau! There was no doubt that it would be a great success, with you at the helm! Now, relax and enjoy the summer with your family...........and get ready for that July WDW trip...........you're "next up", after Becki! And then it's your turn again, Linda! :) (We're already investigating a "mini-WDW trip" to take place in either January or October of 2007, so that I can get my "Orlando fix" in addition to our Mediterranean cruise on the Magic, in July '07! :))

How are your gardening projects coming along, Linda? And the DVD that you're making for your family? Have you begun working with your one summer student, yet?

I think it's so neat that the 2 of you ran into one another, a few days ago, Becki and Linda! It's so nice that you live close enough to one another that you can easily get together.........or run into one another by surprise! I will have to come out there and visit with all of you Indiana ladies, some time! I was only in Indiana once, and that was just sort of driving though en route to visit a friend at Miami University in Ohio, back in our college days. It must be a wonderful state to have 3 such special people and their families living there! :)

I like going back and re-reading some of those old posts, too, Linda! You're right - we really have come a long way, over the 5 years that this thread has been in existence! Can you believe that the Suite has been in existence for 5 years???!!!! Amazing! :)

I'm very bad at writing trip reports because I always worry that I am boring everyone with too much information! So I will write another post with just a short synopsis of what we did each day, and if anyone would like me to elaborate on anything, I certainly will, but I just don't want to risk boring everyone with too much information! :(

Anyway, hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're all having a nice day! :)

[IASW Rider]

OK - here it comes!

Sunday: We arrived in Orlando in the late morning and made it over to CBR by the early afternoon. Fortunately, our beautiful, colorful room in the Aruba Section of the Resort was ready when we arrived (unfortunately our luggage was not, however.........since it's such a HUGE resort, it took (literally!) 5 hours for Magical Express to deliver our luggage!) We really liked CBR - but we definitely understand how one could become easily confused / lost there, as Linda said - it took us a few days to "orient" ourselves and to find the best way to get to and from our building! But we loved the little hidden paths and alcoves, all of the palm trees, the tropical music, and the great, themed pool (even though we didn't have time to use it!)! That night, we met our old friends Mike and Danny (who are a current and a former CM, Becki - Mike is the Special Effects and Show Control Chief at the "Lights! Motors! Action!" Stunt Show at the Studios and Danny formerly worked at the great gift shop in the Contemporary, Bay View Gifts) for dinner at 'Ohana, which was wonderful! Frank and I also visited the outside of the room where he proposed to me at the Poly and took pictures with the door number, as we do every year.........but this year we got "caught" by the people who are staying in the room, this year! Very embarrassing! We explained to them why we were taking pictures of their door.........and then beat a hasty retreat! Uh oh..........too much detail - I'll be more concise from here on in! :) Anyway, dinner at 'Ohana was great and we saw the EWP from afar, too!

Monday: We spent the morning at the Studios (Great Movie Ride, Muppetvision, One Man's Dream, Chronicles of Narnia set) and had a wonderful lunch at the Brown Derby (one of our annual favorites! The best meal of this trip!). In the afternoon, we met Mike and Danny at the AK, and the 3 boys rode Expedition Everest (and loved it!), while I took pictures, safely on the ground! We also saw "Festival of the Lion King". Then Frank and I had dinner at Boma, which we really enjoyed (even though we were still full from lunch!). No butternut squash soup, though, Linda (nor was there any of the chicken and corn chowder that Colleen recommended) - there were a variety of yummy looking soups, but I was so busy filling up on the salmon, various salads and veggies and 3 different types of hummus that I didn't have "room" to try any of the soups! Neat place!

Tuesday: We spent all day at Epcot (Test Track, Spaceship Earth, Journey Into Your Imagination, Living Seas, Impressions de France - we also visited with our 4 Leave a Legacy tiles!). We had lunch at Chefs de France, which has a very nice, airy atmosphere with lots of windows looking out on the World Showcase promenade. Then we went back to CBR, showered and changed and had a very nice dinner at Narcoosees (which also has wonderful windows, overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon - the EWP passed right by the windows as we dined! :) ). The food was very good and beautifully presented and the ambience was cozy and nice. They dimmed the lights and piped in the soundtrack while Wishes was going on, and we had a great view.

Wednesday: We had a great breakfast at our all-time favorite WDW restaurant, the Kona Cafe (and had their world-famous coffee, as well!). Then we spent all day at the MK. Mike and Danny came and met us in the afternoon, and we hit all our favorites (IASW - of course! - Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Carousel of Progress, PhilharMagic). Then we came back to CBR, packed our bags for early morning pickup by DCL, and had dinner at Shutters, which was good.

Thursday: We left for the Port around noon and were settled on the ship by 3:00 PM or so. It was so great to see the Wonder, again (this was our 3rd time sailing on it, Becki)! We had fun (and some Bahama Mamas! :)) at the Sail Away party, then changed and had an elegant dinner at the adults-only restaurant, Palo, which is very reminiscent of the California Grill in style, menu offerings, and ambience. We saw our server from last year, there, and she remembered us! Then we headed to our favorite place on the ship, the cozy, quiet piano lounge, the Cadillac Lounge, and listened to the great pianist there.

Friday: We were in port in Nassau and we "did" the Dolphin Encounter at Blue Lagoon, which was wonderful! We were able to "meet" an adorable 14 year old, pregnant dolphin named Nina (pronounced as the Spanish word for "little girl" - I just can't put the Spanish accent over the "n", here!). We got to hug, kiss, dance with, and pet her and she let us check out her teeth, too! It was a lot of fun! We bought the video of our encounter, as well as a huge photo album with lots of pictures of us with Nina in it! Then we returned to the ship and relaxed on the pool deck for a few hours. That night, we had dinner at the most "formal" of the 3 main restaurants on the ship, Tritons. Our tablemates were very nice - our servers dubbed us the "honeymoon table" - one couple had just gotten engaged at Epcot, 3 days before the cruise, one couple was on their honeymoon, and the other couple and we were celebrating our wedding anniversaries!

Saturday: We spent the day "blobbing" on the beach and drinking Konk Coolers (the signature drink of the island) at Castaway Cay! Then we had dinner at the coolest and most fun restaurant on the ship, Animator's Palate. I don't know if any of you have ever seen pictures of it or read about it, but the entire room is decorated with black and white cartoon outlines of Disney characters or scenes from Disney movies. Upon arrival, all of the servers are dressed in black and white, as well. Throughout the course of the meal, the walls and pictures slowly begin to change and become colored, until the end of the meal, when the entire room bursts into color and all of the servers come out wearing colored vests, as well! It is such an original and neat concept! We ended our evening at the Cadillac Lounge, as always. (We always wind up befriending the servers who work there, and this year was no exception. It's too bad that they're not encouraged to stay in touch with Guests because they were very nice people and it would have been nice to correspond with them, after the trip! It's neat to meet people from all over the world on our cruises!)

Sunday: We sadly had to leave the ship (...........but knowing that we'll be sailing on her "sister" next summer made it a bit less difficult than it would have been, otherwise! :)) at 9:00 AM (everyone has to be off the ship by then, so that they can prepare for their next batch of guests to begin arriving). As the only flight that I could get to Newark was scheduled to leave Orlando at 4:25 PM (and as every other flight to Newark was booked, that day, since it was a holiday weekend, so we couldn't switch), we had to spent 6 HOURS at the Orlando Airport! Although it's a nice airport to be "stuck" in (great stores!), it was torturous knowing that we were so close to WDW but couldn't go there, for fear of somehow missing our flight. We amused ourselves with magazines and shopping (and lunch at the Macaroni Grill, there!) and finally made it home and back to our kitties by 8:00 PM that night!

So, that was our trip! We did run into 2 DIS'ers there, too - a Studios CM jumped out of nowhere and introduced herself to me as a fellow DIS'er, when she saw me wearing a DIS pin. And a man spotted my DIS pin at Minnie's Butterfly Garden in Epcot and introduced himself to me as a DIS'er, too. Ironically, he's from PA and will be at the big North East Disney Fans Meet in Allentown this year, as we will - and he was at last year's Meet, too - so were we!

OK - hope that you're all still awake! Have a great day! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

This is Suite Wobegon because all of the children here are ABOVE average and good looking. :love:

Lisa, how wonderful to hear from you and how very kind to take your time to give us a report so soon. Dalton is watching 'Stuart Little" after finishing his lessons for the morning and I am waiting for the Taco Chicken to finish and the Strawberry Pies to set so I have a few minutes before I have to unload the dryer. My life is soooo exciting. :thumbsup2

It sounds as if the people who were staying in your very special room were not innoculated with their Disney shots. If that had happened to me I would have been thrilled for you and let you take all the pictures you wanted, inside and out. Did you happen to notice that one of the wines at the Brown Derby has our surname? Tom was surprised that I ordered wine one time when we ate there until I showed him the name. :)

I am glad you liked Boma's but I promise you will like it even more when they have those soups. You will HAVE to go back. I am sooooo NOT sorry for you at all~! :cheer2: I may have to add Narcosee's to our dining list (2 pts, who cares) just to see the EWP up close and personal. Are there a lot of tables that you can do so from? :teeth:

Kona seems to be the official breakfast place for this group. I am not much of a one for breakfast but if we tried it for a late one I might manage. I have it planned for an early lunch before going into the parks one day. Might have to adjust those ADR times. :hourglass

The cruise sounds just lovely and I can well imagine that many of the CM remembered you guys. I have heard about the one restaurant that changes colors. I enjoy such details. I would never eat out just for the food alone as it is seldom worth the trip let alone the cash but the experience is what makes it AND who you are eating with. I love that one place that has a trivia screen and you can win free food. Tom loves it too since he is the one who eats the free food. :lmao:

Six hours at the airport? Just another reason why I drive. I could be nearly halfway home in that time frame and I like having my car to get around with also. Isn't it great to run into fellow DISers? I make up those CM thank you cards and have added www.wdwinfo.com to them and some even have my email address also. It makes exchanging info so much easier and the CM's really seem to enjoy the cards. I keep in touch with many CM's but maybe it is just the cruise personal that has that restriction? I can imagine that many have some very sad stories and maybe that is why. I have talked to many who told of the low wages, no benefits and the long periods away from home but necessary in order to support their families back home in very poor countries. I count my blessings. :sunny:

Yes, I was kidding about being old and decrepit. Some days I do feel that way though but most days not. :cool1: My tomatoes are doing very well and I even have some green ones coming on. The peppers are not as pert this year but may catch up. We have had too much rain and not enough sunshine and now it is just plain HOT. :sunny: Dalton was thrilled to see that his watermelons have germinated and will soon fill in that one bed. We always count how many melons we get but this is the first year he planted them by himself.

I am so very lucky to live within visiting reach of two members of the Suite but you are most welcome to come and visit us any old time. Between the 3 of us I am sure that we could entertain and accomadate you. What a ball that would be BUT we still have to plan a DW get together one of these days. Please do it before I do become too decrepit though. :teeth: If Dalton has his way they will be at DW next summer. I have had my hopes dashed too many times to start planning. I will keep my fingers crossed though.

Please do not think your reports or posts ever boring. You have a full and interesting life and reading the details helps me keep what little sanity I have left. :rotfl:

I do not want to close this post without saying Happy Anniversary Frank and Lisa!!!

Have a fantastic day and I cannot conceive of how you will manage to celebrate any more than you already have BUT I know you WILL!! :love: :love: :love:

Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

By now, I'm sure that Becki and her family are all settled in at WDW and are hopefully having a FANTASTIC TIME! :)

And Colleen has some exciting upcoming WDW news to share.........but I will let her share that with you all, herself! :)

Hi Linda!

Thanks for your e-mails and your post! (Hope that you don't mind if I respond to your e-mail here, too!) We had a very nice Anniversary, thanks for thinking of us! Very "low key" weekend, here, as we're still settling back in from our trip (YES, returning to "reality" IS a bummer :() and the weather was horrible - lots of heavy rain (which we needed) and violent thunderstorms. But we did have a nice dinner at our favorite restaurant (up here.........as opposed to the Kona Cafe!) on Friday night and saw "The Da Vinci Code", too. And my father and uncle took us out on Saturday night, too. Last night we stayed home and rented "The Corpse Bride" and "Transamerica", both of which were very good!

I know that I told Linda and Colleen this, already, but I'll post this here for Becki's (and anyone else's) amusement - for our anniversary, I got Frank tickets to see "Tarzan" on Broadway and he got me tickets to see "Mary Poppins" on Broadway! The Disney Magic lives on, in the North East! :)

So glad to hear that all is well, Linda! It sounds like your garden is really coming along - which is wonderful, this early in the season! And it sounds like you are accomplishing a tremendous amount in your yard! It's wonderful that you've been spending even more time with Dalton lately, too! Hope that you both had a fun weekend, together! Have you started working with your summer student, yet?

We do love Kona for breakfast (can't beat the coffee!), but we also love it for lunch and dinner. I would keep that lunch time PS / ADR - their menu is even more varied at the later meals!

We will probably go back to Boma - it was neat! It wasn't one of Frank's favorites (he's not a huge fan of buffets, in general), but I really enjoyed it! The night that we went, they seemed to feature lots of Middle-Eastern-type foods, which Frank isn't crazy about (but I am! I had 3 different types of hummus at once - YUM!). When we do go back, I will make it a point to try the soups before anything else, so that I don't fill up too quickly!

We're now in the process of considering our quick WDW trip for next year (I say "quick" because it won't be our "main vacation", since we have the cruise in the summer). The more that I think about it, the more that I think that we WILL go in January, rather than in October (will have to catch the F&WF another time). It's most cost-effective and best "spaced", exactly 6 months before our cruise (which will work out best both time-wise and financially). Plus, it's always nice to escape the cold weather, in the winter (.........even though it's sometimes not much warmer in Orlando, in January.........I'm a little nervous about that...........I am reluctant to go down there, just to have the same 40 degree weather that we have, up here!). AND it IS my Birthday month, too! I will be sending some quote requests to our Dreams Unlimited Agent, today, to "get the ball rolling"!

That's a very interesting point, Linda - we've stayed in touch with CM's who work at WDW, too (I'm assuming that there is no "restriction" against doing so).......but perhaps it's different for people who work for DCL because they LIVE on the ship and literally live where they work? I suspect that their e-mail may be monitored, as well (just like any business e-mail might be), so it's probably not in their best interest to stay in touch with guests whom they meet on the ship. They DO work for long periods of time - the "regular crew members" (as opposed to the higher officers like Captain, Cruise Director, etc.) sign 6 month contracts and work straight through without vacations or days off (occasionally they have a few hours off on a given day - aside from that, they all work 10 - 14 hour days, EVERY DAY.) They live in staterooms that are considerably tinier than guest rooms, and they all have one roommate. They do have their own amenities on the ship - their own dining room, bar, gym, pool.........but they are much smaller than those of the guests. And they are constantly "monitored", too - they are subject to random, suprise breathalizer tests at any time of day - they are only permitted to have 2 drinks per day (which is a good thing, as the crew member who told us this explained - so that every crew member will always be prepared to help guests, in the event of an emergency). They receive special training, upon being hired to work for DCL (which is a year-long process of interviewing and evaluation, in and of itself!) to "learn how" to live on the ship and what life is like living on one and working for a cruise line (since many of the people who do previously worked at WDW, and working for and living on the ship is much different!). I'll tell you - I have a lot of respect for those people - I could NEVER live where I work, much less work those hours and live in a tiny room with another person, like that - and be away from my family and friends for such long stretches of time! I'm sure that it's a very interesting and satisfying experience for the crew members (every one with whom we spoke said that the best part of the job was getting to meet and interact with so many people), but there are rough aspects to the lifestyle, too!

PLEASE don't think that I was hinting at inviting myself out to Indiana to STAY WITH any of you, when I said that I need to come out there! I just meant that it would be neat to come out there and VISIT WITH all of you - we would NEVER impose ourselves on any of you! We would find a hotel that is centrally located to all 3 of you, that's all! :)

Well, time to start the daily chores and errands..............*SIGH*............wish that we were still in THE LAND OF MAGIC............oh well...........just 7 more months, hopefully! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Have a great day! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, I sincerely invite you to stay here if and when you get around to coming. I have a huge old house. Not fancy but ok unless you come when it is very hot or very cold as I have so many rooms that I do not heat or a/c all of them. You would want to schedule carefully for those few weeks a year when it would be comfortable. :thumbsup2 I have a large screen tv, pool table and other entertaining devices so if everyone wanted to get together here it could be done. Can you imagine all of us in one place at one time? I would have to see if Janet would want to join in with that one. lol

I bet I had fewer people in my theater watching the Divinci Code that you guys did. I was all by my lonesome. I held my own hand and when I got fresh I slapped my own face. :rotfl2: I liked the book better but the movie was not quite as bad as I had heard it might be. Dalton and I are going to borrow "The Corpse Bride" from the library but I best leave "Transamerica" to when I am alone. Some things I am not ready to explain. He recently asked me where babies come from. Since he is farm boy I knew he was having me on so I told him that he came from Indiana. :banana:

Boma's serves African type foods so if Frank did not like it that night he might not again but the good thing about buffets is that you can almost always find SOMETHING you like. I have friends on diets who avoid buffets but I like them as it is easier for me to fill a plate with something I can have.

Are you not going to spend a few days at Disney when you go on the cruise? My sister is taking a cruise to England next year. She has to fly to NYC first. Lucky gal. Bet I gave her the idea. :sunny:

I would not like to work on a cruise ship either although I know people who do. It might be easier for younger people. Have you read about the older lady who lives full time on the QE2? She says it is cheaper and more fun that living in NYC and such. WTG~~~

I am sorry I did not reply earlier but I had some car problems and lot to do this week. I had to see Austin off on his mission trip and deal with basketball camp etc. etc. We have decided to go ahead and buy a new car this year. It is just a few months earlier than I had planned anyway. The car would be fine for local driving but I like to have something very dependable for those treks to FL. and the interstates. We will be old when it is time to buy the next car and not likely to need something to hit the road with. Tom would be near 80. I no longer kid him about being an 'old man'. It is no longer a joke. :hourglass

My nephew passed his test to get the job in Russia with flying colors and will be headed off soon. He speaks it fluently. Very smart fellow he.

I will have to post a picture of my garden gate project. It is all installed and I bought some beautiful paving stones. My neighbor laid a new carpet at his house and I took some of the old to make a foundation for it all and I just need to put some sand or something between the stones. I will start on laying bricks for a path on the other side of the porch next. I salvaged bricks from the house they tore down next to us a few years ago so it will be an almost free project. With a new car, a garage roof to be replaced and new glasses for Tom and a new hearing aid for me I need cheap projects. :dance3:

I hope you have all those mundane chores finished and had time to relax with an adult beverage on your balcony enjoying all that work that Frank did on the furnishings.

Becki should be back soon and I cannot wait to see how His Majesty enjoyed his first trip. Bet his sisters gave him the Royal Tour. They are so loving with him. Lucky boy!! :love:

Dalton is due in a bit so I had better get things ready for him. He likes something to eat after a long church service. Our baseball team is headed toward a state title and they are playing a game tomorrow so he will only be here half a day. Is it too much to hope for that, after winning the state basketball championship, that this tiny town can do it with baseball as well? Why not, it is a 'surprising little town". (that is the motto here) :cheer2:

Hugs, Smiles and Love to all you Suite Ladies, Linda

[colleen costello]

Hello Friends! Greetings from another corner of the Hoosier State. My "news" that Lisa hinted at my sharing was first that my family had made some definite plans to spend Thankgiving at WDW; and that in the last few days, I had come to my senses and now we are planning CHRISTMAS in Florida! Panicky me had a list of 100 reasons not to go at that time, mostly involving scenarios where we careen off the mountains of Tennessee in an ice storm. Once I got thinking about 2 weeks in Florida at the coldest time of the Indiana year, I started to realize the threat of such trauma should NOT keep me from Mickey. So come December 22nd, if everyone is healthy and flu-free, we'll head south. The best part is I will sleep at The Vilages every night and it is FREE! Gotta make use of those annual passes :)

Mom and Dad arrived in Florida Friday afternoon and my Mom was so taken with her new home -- bought sight unseen -- that she burst into tears. When the realtor came over she got some serious hugs, because she steered Mom into a house she loves. Since it is all on one floor it feels large to them, and all the stuff that's included has them thrilled. There are shiny new appliances, beautiful landscaping, garage clickers and even a sprinkler system for the lawn that can be remotely operated. It would seem these Villagers want for nothing (except, perhaps the Fountain of Youth?) and Mom says the whole place is perfect. The movers came Saturday morning and now they are having fun trying to figure out where everything goes. I have been annoying them by phone about 5 times daily, asking a million questions. It will just about kill me waiting to go down there on July 8th. We have some day trips planned to Disney and then my family will check into beautiful Beach Club Villas for 8 nights. WooHoo!

We are enjoying being lazy for the summer. We have pretty much just been hanging out. We did the local science museum and the Indy Zoo, and this week is Erin's birthday so there is a big sleepover Friday night. We'll also go to The Latest Glaze, her favorite paint-your-own pottery place. Ian starts science camp at our school tomorrow and has to take an old appliance to pull apart and use to build something new. We are having fun sleeping in and staying up late. Every summer I swear I won't let the kids stay up so late and every summer I cave in within days... It is too hard to feel sleepy at 10 when it stays light until 9:30!

Yesterday we saw CARS and it was fabulous. Fun story, beautiful animation, and the wonderful Pixar end-credit scenes that alone are worth going. I recommend it to everyone, kids or no kids.

That's all for now. I am going to catch up on my USA Today papers. There is always a pile I haven't read. Love to everyone. :goodvibes

[SlightlyGoofy]

Colleen, that is the best time of the year to go to DW! It is a surreal feeling to be walking right down the middle of Main Street USA with flowers blooming while attired in your short shorts with Christmas music filtering and fake snow falling on the decorations.

I love your idea of eating at O'Hana's on NYE. I doubt that any of the other Suite members could think of a better place either. There is one other place but it is not kid friendly. Wonder if they serve something special that evening? Now we have to see if we can find a fellow DISer with connections to assure you a window seat to the festivities. :thumbsup2

Lisa, a little bird (tweet, tweet) has told me that you now have prime rooms for a happy birthday trip. I am delighted.

If there are any more dedicated DISers than here on this thread I doubt it. Someone ALWAYS is coming back, planning on going or headed to DW around here. That is what life should be. :cheer2:

My older boy will be back Sunday and my little sports hero scored a ribbon for 3rd place at Basketball Camp while he hit homeruns and caught high flying balls to ruin the other teams attempts at gaining first base the other night. He has just about conquered his math problem as well. He reads for an hour a day and does his math problems within a time frame so that he knows them back, front and sideways. Grandma is grateful that she has the answers. :rotfl2: He is working his way through the library collection of movies as well as I have decreed that he can only watch NEW movies instead of the same ones over and over and over again. :dance3:

Are we all watching AFI's show tonight? I bet we are, or taping it. :happytv:

Yardwork to do before the show comes on. In the cool, cool of the evening, tell 'em I'll be there!!

Your odd buddy, Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Oops! I forgot something. Colleen, I read Dalton what you said about them not having a Science Camp in our town because of lack of interest and he was appalled. He had not heard about it and I personally know at least six kids who would have signed up if they had known. Maybe my dd got a notice. I would have gladly driven Dalton to Bloomington but his parents would not have gone for that. Other priorities.

Bloomington is a fantasic place to raise kids, so many opportunities. My niece is getting a fabulous education there and at such a low cost as well. So many college students who tutor, for free, etc. I would have loved to have raised my kids there but it was too far for my dh to commute.

I can only guess at your mom's feelings from moving from a large (older??) home to the fresh, new and open homes at The Villages. They are nicely laid out and easy to care for. My friends have one of the Villas with no yard at all to care for just a courtyard. If I were ever lucky enough to make my home there that is all I would want. I would love to free myself from 'stuff'. I hope her mind does not boggle at the vast array of activities to choose from. Even my friends who are not social at all have joined a couple. The husband is learning to play the bagpipe of all things and he is so very shy. lol

Hugs and Smiles, Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

I just got some good news and wanted to share it with someone. One of my sisters has a daughter, only child, who has not been in contact with her in nearly two years (yes, it runs in the family). Anyway the daughter contacted her the other day so my sister and her husband knew that another sister was visiting the Niagara/NYC area in NY this weekend for her birthday so they called her and sent the daughter a bus ticket so they could meet. Another sister asked to ride along with her husband and they all had a nice reunion. Things are still not perfect, far from it, but it is good news nonetheless.

So, Lisa, if the ground has been shaking in your neck of the woods you can chalk it up to the fact that 3 of my siblings and assorted other family members were in your area this week. ;)

Hugs and great big smiles, Linda

[IASW Rider]

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! All these posts!!! I'm so sorry that I haven't been in touch - I haven't had a chance to get to the Boards until now, and I guess I wasn't receiving my e-mail notices when someone posted to this thread, because I had no idea that there were all of these wonderful new posts, here! So sorry about that, Everyone!

Welcome back, Becki! I imagine that you and your family are back, by now, and we can't wait to hear all about your WDW adventures!

And Colleen and her family are "next up", in just a few weeks! :) As you said, Linda, it's great that there is always someone in our Suite leaving for or coming back from WDW, all the time, so we always have lots of special vacation memories and experiences / tips to share! And then, after Colleen, you and Tom are "up next", Linda! :)

And yes, Frank and I will be "up" after that (how do you like all these baseball metaphors? Can't help but think about the sport, since our Mets are in FIRST PLACE!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)), thanks to a very special opportunity offered to us by a very special person! I will not elaborate, here, unless / until such special person steps forward and gives me permission to reveal her great act of kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity publicly, on these Boards! Suffice it to say, we will be celebrating my 40th Birthday in style, at WDW in January! (THANK YOU, very special person! :) ) :)!!!!!!!!!!

We will not be stopping at WDW before our cruise on the Magic next summer, Linda - we're flying directly to Barcelona and the cruise leaves from there (Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia first, then the South of France and Monte Carlo, then back to Barcelona!). But Mickey and friends will be aboard and I'm sure that the Disney magic will abound on the high seas! :) (It would be neat if one of the French ports / shore excursions was Disneyland Paris / Disney Studios Paris........but I suspect that they are located too far inland to reasonably be considered for one-day outings.)

Speaking of Disney magic in places other than Florida, we saw "Tarzan" on Broadway, last weekend. It was very good and we enjoyed it, but we didn't think that it was as good, overall as the Broadway productions of "Beauty and the Beast" or "The Lion King" (or "Aida", which we also saw, years ago). The Phil Collins songs that are heard in the movie version of "Tarzan" were the best and most memorable in the show - none of the other songs really stood out - but the performances were all very good. (The actor playing the title role is apparently a former "American Idol" finalist.) The second act opened with a very lively production number of "Trashin' the Camp" and "Strangers Like Me" was always my favorite song from the score! We have a feeling that "Mary Poppins" will be much better - Frank got us tickets for the weekend after it opens on Broadway in October - it's gotten fantastic reviews in London's West End, where it has been playing for awhile.

Thanks for sharing that special news about your family's reunion in NY, Linda! (As well as all of the other special family news that you've been sharing, over the past week, that I'm just catching up on now, while reading your recent posts!) That is so nice - it's great that your sisters and their spouses / daughter / niece had a chance to all get together, like that!

And thanks so much for your kind invitation to stay with you, should we ever be in the greater Indiana area. You never know..........we just might take you up on that, one of these days! :) Seriously, we would never want to impose - we would just want the pleasure of your company, as well as the company of the other fine Indiana ladies on this thread and their wonderful families, too! :)

So glad to hear that your parents are all settled in and are loving their new home in Florida, Colleen! And we are so excited about your plans to spend the winter holidays in our favorite place.........much less the vacation that awaits you there, in just a few weeks! :) Can't wait to hear about all of your plans, as they unfold!

And a special EWP Suite Happy Birthday to Erin!!!! We will have to plan a party for her, here in the Suite, tonight, as she had her local party in Indiana last night and this morning! :)

Well, time to get a few "responsible" things done, now! We're having my father and uncle over for a Father's Day BBQ tomorrow and Frank has diligently been working away, cleaning the house.........while I've been sitting here typing! I really should go and help out, now...........! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're all having a great weekend! Happy Father's Day to Tom, Scott, and Mark! :) Lots of love to you all and talk to you soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Lisa! I already know your secret. Do we not have the best and nicest people in our area of the World? :grouphug: It is especially wonderful that it works so well for both you and Colleen.

I have a bit of magic as well as a dear friend wants to buy my car which will give me a bit more money toward the new one as they are paying more than the dealer would but far less than they would have to if buying from the dealer. She knows how I take care of my car and since she has often riden in it she knows how it runs.

Go Mets!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: Sports metaphors are appropriate for our group. We are always making a "Home Run" to our second home DW. We 'score' ADR's. Mickey is our "MVP". When a good code comes out it is a "Hit". On our way down we "Run" for the border. We all have our favorite resort as "Home Base". We take lots of "Pitchers". :rotfl2: However we never make the "Error" of missing a year. :dance3:

It would be silly for you and Frank to stay elsewhere than here if you decide to grace us even though I am not up to your usual standards because I am near the epicenter of the other gals, have loads and loads of room and am extremely reasonable (pricewise at any rate) :lmao: We could even pick a time when Tom is visiting so we could actually just sit and gab. One giant EWP pajama party. Won't the rest of the Boards be jealous?? :wave2:

When I was daydreaming about my England trip I had checked into a tour that included a day at DL Paris. Did I tell you that one of my sisters is now going to England next year. I am sure there is a tiny bit of sibling rivalry there but if I cannot go I am surely glad that she can. If Frank gets a taste of the Continent he may want to go back for an extended stay and you will get your DL Paris fix then. There are self catering options where you can rent a home for an extended time and then take day trips (easy in Europe) and if I am ever accorded the possiblity I will do that myself. Doubt it but one can dream. :hourglass

I am sorry to hear that "Tarzan' was not quite up to speed. I would trust your review as you are an expert on such. I have never gone to a Broadway type play that I did not enjoy and think worth the bucks but I choose carefully as we do not have money to waste. I HAVE gone to many a dollar movie that was a waste of time and money though. :rolleyes: I saw that I can buy a DVD of "Rent" for under $10 this week. I have quite a collection of musicals. I love them, as does Dalton, and watch them over and over. I watched "Terminal" last night and it was a cute movie. Not great but then I borrowed it from the library for free so I do not care. :thumbsup2

My big boy comes home today. He called me from W Va the other night and I was so pleased. He had a happening and got hurt a bit. A man in the community, who we later found out had killed his parents years ago, screamed at him when Austin approached him and said he wanted to kill all white people and Austin took off running and snagged his leg on a fence. A nice lady in the community took care of him. I will have to get her name and address and thank her for taking care of my boy. He has learned many useful lessons on this trip. After visiting with one family and seeing how some children have to live he called his parents to thank them. It is scary to turn your loved ones loose in the world but so necessary. I would not be surprised to find him over here tonight looking for a place to sleep. ;)

Tell Frank that real men do housework and they often remain 'husbands' rather than 'ex husbands". lol You got yourself a good one and he did not do so badly himself. :love:

It is going to pour down here today so I hope to get some of the tougher weeds out when the ground loosens up. My little guy comes after church and spends the day tomorrow so not much in the way of house or yardwork gets done then. :artist:

Dear Erin, please send your requests to the Suite and we will plan the evening around your wishes. I know that you will pick the very best things to do and we will greatly enjoy the view, through your eyes. Any favorite foods? The fellows will gladly comply with your requests as they do for us. Happy Birthday!! :bday:

Love, Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

A teeny weeny minnie EWP Suite meet was held in my small town tonight. Just as I was headed out the back door the phone rang and it was our Becki. She had a few minutes to spare and was going to honor me with a visit. :cheer2:

Since I was leaving to go to Dalton's ballgame she offered to meet me over there and she even stayed for about an inning. Dalton did not disappoint as he managed to get an out and a hit or two while she was there. His best work came later in the game but she, and you all will have to take my word for it. :lmao:

It was fun hearing a mini report on their recent visit. I will leave it to her to elucidate upon the details later. :listen:

I am off on an adventure tomorrow as we have decided to buy a new car. I have sold my old one to a friend. I took it in for her husband to look over today and after test driving it he told me that he liked it but could not give me what he had previously offered. :confused3 He said he would have to give me MORE. Yea!! Now I can afford to put gas in my new vehicle. :banana:

I have researched it all to a farethewell and hope to luck into a desperate salesman who will not take up too many hours of my time or many of my hard saved bucks. pirate:

Thanks Becki and I hope to have more visits from you this summer. I am usually home, honestly! :sunny:

See you all later, Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda! Lots of good luck with your car shopping, today! You'll have to check in with us and report back to let us know how it went! Are you sticking with Toyota? Do you have a particular model in mind? And congratulations on the sale of your car........and the great "deal" that you got! It's wonderful that you wound up getting even more for it than you expected!

So glad to hear that you and Becki were able to meet up, last night! Can't wait to hear her trip report! :) And I'm sure that Dalton did a great job in his game (HE is our Suite MVP! :)), too! And glad to hear that Austin had a good and productive trip to W. VA. (sorry to hear that he got hurt, though - that sounds pretty scary!) I'm sure that it was a great experience for him!

I like the idea of an EWP Suite slumber party! :) Maybe we can do that, sometime..........heck, maybe we can do it in FLORIDA, some time! :) One can dream...........! :)

I loved all of your Suite baseball metaphors! Very good! :)

When is your planned trip to England? Would that be next (2007) spring or summer? I know that you and Tom are going to WDW in the fall..........somehow I think it's about 6 months after that.........

In the mean time, as we await Becki's return to tell us all about her vacation, soon we will have another Suite BON VOYAGE party, as Colleen and her family will be heading to "THE PROMISED LAND" in just 2 weeks! :) We're so lucky - we're going to have all sorts of WDW vacation memories to hear about and share, over the course of the next few weeks! :)

Not too much to report from the Garden State. We're in a bit of a panic, today - we're having the first of 2 long-planned 45th Birthday parties for Frank, tomorrow. Even though his actual Birthday was back in March, we planned one party in June and one party in July, so that we would be "assured" nice weather and would be able to use our deck (since our townhouse becomes very "cozy" when lots of people have to squeeze inside at the same time). Well, wouldn't you know, they're predicting thunderstorms, flash flood watches, and just general-all-around HORRIBLE weather for tomorrow! We were going to spend all day today getting the deck ready, bringing out more outdoor furniture, the coolers, the cushions for the "real" deck furniture, etc............but now we can't do that because it may rain TODAY, too! ARRRRGGGHHHH! I'm really hoping that it won't rain ALL DAY long, tomorrow and that we can at least use the deck for part of the day. We HAVE had many more than the 20 people whom we are expecting tomorrow, in our house at once. After my mother's funeral, I could swear that we had at least 35 - 40 people in our living room, kitchen, and dining room, and somehow they all seemed to fit! We'll see..........it will be an "adventure", tomorrow!

In the mean time, we found out that we need to get a new furnace, yesterday. UGH - another unanticipated expense (but when ARE they "anticipated", anyway? :)). I guess it's "time", seeing as how the one we have now is the original from when the house was built (19 years ago). At least we got the A.C. fan working well enough to tide us through the summer.........then we can replace it in the fall..........along with our dishwasher, that also needs replacing.........and the kitchen faucets that we just had replaced...........! And I thought that our only upcoming "expense" would be our final DCL deposit for the BIG CRUISE, next year............(oh yeah, and that "little thing" called tuition, too! :))! Oh well, these things happen, I guess!

Anyway, now that I've stopped into the Suite to "complain" about the weather and the state of our household appliances.........(:)) time to get moving and start dusting! We need the inside of the house to be extra clean and nice, if people will be confined to it, tomorrow!

Hope that all is well with all of you, and hope that you all have a great weekend! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Lisa! Yep, I am shopping for another Camry. It will be the 4th I have had. I would be a fool to jump ship when I have had such great luck with them. Not sure I like some of the new features but I am sure I can adjust. I did not buy one yesterday as they are being stubborn on price. That is what you get when you want something everyone else wants too but I am patient and will get what I want, eventually. Not at the one dealership I went to yesterday. Can you believe that I had FIVE of the men standing around trying to intimidate me into thinking they were giving me a 'good' deal? The numbers do not lie and their figures were $1500 off the mark. When I questioned different things it was laughable. One charge had some letters and they told me that they did not know what they meant but they HAD to charge it. They had the cojones to actually ADD the holdback a second time rather than deducting it and then to add insult to injury they tried to add on almost $100 for the FREE tank of gas listed on the sticker price. It was almost worth the pain for the laughter I am getting from thinking about it. No wonder many people do not buy cars more often. It is a pain. I do have two dealerships that are close to my price and one of these fine days when they are short a sale they will call. They always do. :lmao:

It was so nice to see Becki and so very nice of her to take time out to watch my Dalton for a bit. She was able to see the great respect he has for his dear grandma. :dance3: Yes, Austin learned many lessons. He still has a few more to learn though. I love my redneck grandson even though I fear for his future many a time. :love:

My England trip has been long ago cancelled. It near broke my heart but then I was wise enough to know from the start that it was a long shot that it would work out. Too many complications. My English friend is very sick too. I am worried about her. She is a DISer. :grouphug:

Oh, my! I do hope the weather cooperated. Maybe a tad bit of rain early on so that it was nice and cool and comfortable for the festivities and nothing else. I know what this house gets like when we have a large amount of people and we have many rooms. Of course your visitors are probably paper trained and that would help considerably. :rotfl2: I like the idea of one long drawn out celebration for BD's and such. Dorthea often had celebrations six months after the fact. Yesterday was her birthday. She has still not been laid to rest. What chance do the rest of us poor mortals have when such a wonderous woman as she is not accorded the respect she so well deserved? I am being sprinkled on my bil's farm. He thinks I am asking for that as a joke on him. He is right. :teeth:

Please let us know how the party went. I cannot imagine a party being given by you being less than stellar anyway and the thought of the food served just made me gain 5 pounds. :stir:

From the sound of things you should just make a list and g et it all done at once and thus not prolong the pain. I put aside an amount each year to cover upcoming expenses and that helps some but that is now. In my younger days i t was a challenge to just be able to keep up day by day. Somehow we managed but I sort of remember the pain. Have you seen those new furnaces that are an elec/gas combo so you can switch between according to the fuel bills? Interesting but so new it would be hard to know if they are reliable or not. It does you no good to save on the fuel if you have extra repair bills. I try to comfort myself with the fact that we CAN (somehow sometimes) afford to fix or replace things. It takes a bit of the sting out. I am currently figuring out the money on buying a new car, replacing the garage roof, new hearing aid for me and glasses for Tom (no insurance on these things). Somehow the balance due on the Disney vacation does not bother me as much. Some things are fun to buy. :lovestruc

I am headed out in a bit as I want to drop by a dealership down the road and see if they happen to have a Desert Sand colored car for me. We are going to see Randy Travis tonight and we have prime seats, thanks to my bil. It is the late show so I will be one worn out gal by the time we get back home. I may sleep in until 7:30 tomorrow. :cloud9:

Hey Becki and Colleen!! Are you guys having a good weekend? Keeping out of trouble (or at least not getting caught?) Keep those reports coming in so that I can get ideas for my trip. Since they are closing Millionaire I find that I now have time on my hands that I had not thought of having. I am so sad. :sad2:

Hugs and Smiles, Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa and Frank

I am hoping this will find you and yours high and dry. It sounds like one big mess out your way.

Just thought I would drop a note as I was thinking of you.

We are off for fireworks in a bit. There is a slight chance that Becki might join us. :thumbsup2

Hugs, Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

Thanks so much for thinking of and worrying about us, but we're fine! Parts of NJ WERE extremely flooded, after the past week of (almost) constant rain, but fortunately, we were not affected.

Just wanted to stop in and say a quick "hello" and to remind our Suite Fellas to start planning our Bon Voyage Party for Colleen and her family.........they'll be blasting off for WDW in just a few days! :)

And we're still waiting to hear your great trip report, when you have a chance, Becki!

Will reply to your post - and your e-mail - very soon, Linda! And will stop in with a longer post in a bit (not that I have anything so "earth-shattering" to report! :))!

Hope that all is well with all of you! Wishing you all a great and fun 4th of July! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Let's see each of us go to DW twice, or more a year, on average which means that there are very few months where ONE or more of us are NOT at DW! Are we a lucky bunch or not?? :wizard:

Hi ya Lisa! I had a feeling that you and Frank were high and dry but just wanted to make sure. Glad I was right, again! :rotfl2: It is not necessary to always have big stuff to share. You always have more than your share anyway. BTW, did the rain keep you from having Frank's party outdoors? If it did, I bet you had a good time anyway. Cozy can be good, if you have the right company and I know you did. :cheer2:

Colleen, you had best hope that the rest of my week goes better than the beginning or you just may find a hitchhiker at Bob Evans on the day of your departure and it will not be one of those cute grim grinning ghosts either. :lmao: I hope that list of snacks I sent you will come in handy on the trip. I used mine to find some healthy things that might fill the bill when I want something but not a whole meal. Tom will not mind eating more of my share of whole meals. He is very handy that way. Dalton and I call him our "junkyard dog" just for that fact alone. :rotfl:

Becki, were you still at the park for the fireworks on the 4th? I had a good time at mine in spite of the fact that you did not get away to come. It would have been better though. :sunny: How did Carson handle all the noise? My son used to sit and try to blow them out before they 'got' him. He was 5 at the time. :p

I have a tow truck coming for our truck tomorrow. I hope it is nothing serious but if it is I am still going to have it gone over since the body is in such good shape. It would cost $25,000 to buy a new one and for 30 miles a week it just is not worth it. Probably would not cost over $3,000 to do everything and as far as I know the engine and tranny are good and those are the expensive things. I used to know how to change a fuel pump but I have conveniently forgotten how in my old age. Glad I have some bucks so I do not have to remember. :lmao: Won't have many bucks after I get done buying, repairing or whatever all that is on my 'list' right now though. As long as I have enough for the next Disney trip I will be a happy gal. :rotfl2:

Love, Linda Lou

[JoiseyMom]

Hi all! Linda invited me to stop by, she said the view was beautiful, and she was correct!!

I guess I will start by introducing myself. My name is Merryl, I am a 45 year old mom of 4. My kids are DS 22, DS 21, DD 10, & DS 5. Dh is Hal, and he is 37. We live in Monmouth County NJ, I am originally from Brooklyn NY. I am currently a SAHM, doing some part time work. I was a computer programmer pre- DS 5! We also have 2 dogs and 2 cats, and I can't forget the 2 goldfish (our newest additions, and they are still alive!!!)

My 21 year old just flew the coop, he graduated college in May, and is set to arrive today in CA at Ewards Air Force Base, where he will be for the next 4?? years.

DH, and our 2 youngest are headed back to the world for free dining on Aug 25! They still don't know yet!!

[Janet2k]

Hello, everyone! I haven’t posted in this thread in eons, and for that I sincerely apologize. I hope all is well with everyone!

I haven’t really been on the Dis much this year. I had a bit of a stalking incident that left me a little gun-shy. Because of it, my postings have been very sporadic, to say the least. I’m here today because SlightlyGoofy keeps in touch with me. Her e-mail today mentioned the EWP thread so I decided that it was about time that I checked in and grabbed something yummy to eat. Whoever left the scones out (and lemonade), thank you. They're yummy!

I hadn’t been on the Dis in a few weeks when I logged in the other day. On the Weddings/Honeymoon board, I discovered that someone had posted that the official Fairy Tale Weddings website had been updated slightly. Well, I went to the website and found that Disney had indeed added a few photos to it. I was pleased to see that they had even used a few photos from my vow renewal’s dinner party (in particular, the Great Movie Ride’s "Western" and "Land Of Oz" setups).

To see what I’m talking about, click here (http://disneyweddings.go.com/site/vow/cus/rec/location/themepark/index.jsp?styleName=style06). On that webpage, on the right-hand side (towards the middle of the page), is a link entitled, “See Photos & More.” If you click on it, another webpage will open up and photos of the Great Movie Ride will begin to appear in slideshow format.

The "Great Movie Ride – Western Set-up 2" photo is from my event, as are the "Great Movie Ride – Oz Set-up 4" and "Great Movie Ride – Oz Set-up 5" photos. Here are the original versions of two of those photos:

Western Area Setup (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/janettwokay/detail?.dir=dbdb&.dnm=12aere2.jpg&.src=ph) (corresponds to "Great Movie Ride – Western Set-up 2")
Land Of Oz Area Setup (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/janettwokay/detail?.dir=dbdb&.dnm=c5fbre2.jpg&.src=ph) (corresponds to "Great Movie Ride – Oz Set-up 4")

When Disney had asked permission to use my event photos on their official website, I gladly gave it. There had been very little information shared with the general public up until that point, and I thought it was important that folks saw as many events as possible. Hopefully, as time moves forward, more photos will be shared. I know that I, for one, love looking at photos. They give me all sorts of wonderful ideas for potential events.

Well, I’m getting ready to head to WDW on vacation. I’ll be doing my usual sleeping around: All-Star Movies, Beach Club, Polynesian, a couple of different DVC resorts, and the Grand Floridian (my favorite resort). When this vacation comes to an end, my quest will have been completed. Yes, I will have slept in all of the official Walt Disney World Resorts. It will be a happy day for me, and time to find a new vacation destination. (Just kiddin’!) ;)

Janet

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Merryl! I delighted to see that you found time to stop by.

Here goes - Merryl, I would like you to meet Janet. Janet, I would like you to meet Merryl. :sunny: There, you have been officially introduced. ;)

Janet is sort of like Santa Claus, it is hard to believe that anyone so wonderful exists. I promise any of you that have not been lucky enough to meet her that she is not only a real person but also very REAL, in that there is not one pretensious bone in her body. She just plain loves Disney and knows her way around to things that us mere mortals would never even be able to guess exist. I got to hear all about her plans in person and I was awed. It is wonderful that someone like herself could have her dream come true and I am sure it was a trip of a lifetime for the rest of her party as well. I am always interested in what she might be up to next. So glad to see you in the Suite Janet. We missed you. :love:

As most everyone else knows -I am an almost 58 year old SAHGM, who volunteers to teach reading to the children of this community (over 30 years now). My hubby is retired and we travel to DW a couple of times a year. Our personal best was 4 trips in one year. This year we are combining trips for one 20 day trip. I have been into computs since 1966 and should know more than I do but do pretty well. I read a book a day, garden and rehab our huge house. By the time I get one room done it is time to start on another.

I will let everyone else introduce themselves even though I think I could do a bio on each of them. Many animal lovers and Jerseyites wander in and out around here. It is a good thing cause they keep the joint jumping. :banana:

I am off to a rabbit show. Dalton is showing. His team won both their championship games last night and are playing again tonight. He refused to go with his parents to eat between games so that he could practice. WTG Dalton!! I stayed with him while they ate. His All Star Games start in a week or so. We will be at the Fair most of the next week or so as both boys exhibit their projects. Austin made a lectern for the church for his woodworking project. What a wonderful thing!! :cheer2:

See you later, not tonight though, I will be one tired woman. :lmao:

Love, Linda

[colleen costello]

Welcome and welcome back to Merryl and Janet! Nice to see some action in the Suite!

I am just checking in before leaving for Orlando in the morning. Very exciting! We will drive to Atlanta tomorrow and arrive at Mom and Dad's new home Sunday afternoon. It is hard to believe that my parents actually moved to Florida and live within 1 hour of Mickey! Can't wait to get down there and check it out. Thursday we check into Beach Club Villas for 8 nights and I can not WAIT to jump in that wonderful pool!

We are going to sleep in, swim all day and visit parks at night when it is cooler. Ian wants to go to Disney Quest and I have visions of making my hubby take the kids there while I lounge and re-read a Harry Potter book. We have great meals planned -- at Kona Cafe, 'Ohana, Cape May Buffet, and of course CHEF MICKEYS and I am already plotting to capture the perfect Xmas card photo, one of my summer trip traditions. I will be torturing my kids by making them pose everywhere... I will give a little spoiler here and say that I hope this year's winning photo will be taken at the Polynesian, a favorite place of my whole family. We might even go down to Vero beach for an afternoon if time allows. Disney has a wonderful DVC resort there and it is nice to see the ocean at least one day every year! Merryl, I am a Jersey girl from way back but have lived in Indiana almost 20 years and so my poor kids don't see the Atlantic very often. Last year we spent an overnight at Vero in the middle of our WDW trip and the kids LOVED it!

We will have our laptop computer with us and will splurge on internet service a couple of nights, so I will post some pics if I can. Hope everyone has a great week and I will check in once I am back.

xoxo

[Janet2k]

SlightlyGoofy, you are too funny (and your check is in the mail – thanks for telling everyone that I’m for real even though you know I’m as loony as they come). ;)

I’m sure everyone here knows how wonderful SlightlyGoofy is. She may downplay things by saying that she’s an “almost 58 year old SAHGM,” but I know she is really a wild woman. I had a ball with her (and her adorable husband) one night in the Magic Kingdom: click here (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/janettwokay/detail?.dir=ab0c&.dnm=2716.jpg&.src=ph). It was one of my most enjoyable nights ever in Walt Disney World, and I look forward to bumping into her again on a future vacation.

JoiseyMom, welcome to the suite! Make yourself at home. I’m sure our butler will stop by any moment now to take your food & beverage order. He has been known to mix up a little something extra special for the ladies. *Hiccup!*

Colleen Costello, thanks for the warm welcome. I am very envious of your parents for living so close to the World. You are one lucky daughter! As to the Christmas card photo, I went that route a few years ago. I used a photo that one of the Disney photographers had taken of my family in front of the Tree of Life. It worked out beautifully on our holiday greeting card that year. My fingers are crossed that you’ll get a lovely photo of your family at the Polynesian.

Everyone, I’m putting out a plate of cheese and crackers since it is so late in the evening. I hope everyone enjoys the little snack. I’ll try to check back into the suite soon. Have a wonderful weekend!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Janet

I am a chameleon. I reflect the people I am with so if you perceive me as wild you must look into YOUR mirror. :lmao: I have friends who run the gambit from ribald to religious and try very hard not to get them confused at times. :love: I am likewise, at any given moment in time. I enjoy people in all their various forms and even can find things to like in people that I rarely agree with. It is not something I demand since I rarely agree with myself. :banana:

If your check arrives I will simple frame it as a keepsake of a lovely evening spent with a lovely woman. :dance3: As often as we all go to DW it is amazing that we do not cross paths more often. On those occasions when we do it is simply wonderful!!

I am setting up appointments to hold seats for the MK parade for fellow DISers. There is a thread where all the people who are going to be there the end of Sept are posting their ADR's so I might manage to set up some dinner companions as well. When you have been married as long as I have you run out of topics of conversation. :Pinkbounc

Joiseymom, you should be aware that the fellers of the suite are uniquely suited. They are all strong, good looking, willing to wait upon us hand and foot, excellent cooks and companions who are willing to listen to our every whim and find ways to accomodate our every wish. They have had a revolving sundeck installed so that we can view every single corner of our Kingdom. We have virtual credit cards that will pay for any possible excursion we might be interested in. Our media room cannot be eclipsed by even Bill Gates. If you see any need for remodeling or updating please feel free to express your wishes to the fellows and they will make sure it is done. Each person has added something special to the group and I have no doubt that you will add your own special stamp to the group and suite. :cheer2:

Colleen, the only problem I forsee for you in finding the perfect Christmas picture is which one you are going to choose. Should you have that problem you can solve it by making a collage of all the best ones. Your kids always pose so nicely and I have never seen one single pair of rabbit ears. :love:

Speaking of rabbits - lol.. Dalton won Best of Show, Grand Champion etc. with his rabbit yesterday. Austin, bless his heart, won Grand Championship State with his church lectern that he made in honor of his SS teacher that died suddenly at a very young age last year while on a mission trip. He got a blue ribbon on his welding project as well. Dalton's baseball team failed in their bid for the championship last night but (I say this without one bit of pride (yeah, right) not without my whirling dervish of a grandson covering pretty much most of the field in a vain attempt to catch each and every errant ball. He made some pretty amazing outs and made a hit on each and every 'at bat". He still has one more attempt at garnering a trophy as he has been picked for the All Star Baseball Team and they will start playing in about another week.

Austin will be in the tractor driving contest Wednesday morning, I will be working at the Family Arts Building that noon and then Dalton tries to keep his Pedal Tractor Pull Contest Title he won last year. Thursday they show their cattle. (I take a book for the many hours in between showings)

For me to sit in a building filled with large, smelly animals is an act of love and Dalton even managed to get me to pet his rabbit a couple of times yesterday. He was quite proud of himself. I did not want to tell him that since his rabbit is quite docile that he did not engender any fear in me. :love:

Love to all you wild women, Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi!!!!!!!!

So glad to see that all of you have stopped by for Colleen's BON VOYAGE PARTY!!!!! Yes, Colleen and her family set forth for THE LAND OF MAGIC, yesterday morning.........and are most likely relaxing in her parents' beautiful new home in The Villages, en route to WDW, right now..........but IT'S NEVER TOO LATE FOR A BON VOYAGE PARTY, HERE IN THE SUITE!!! So let's get those boys out there, cooking for us and serving us drinks, and let's wish well to one of our own and her family!!!!!!

Welcome, Merryl!!!!!! :) And greeting from a fellow Jerseyite - I live in Somerset! :) It seems like the next BON VOYAGE PARTY will be for your DH and children, later this month! We'll have to start planning it, now! Great to "meet" you and looking forward to getting to know you in our Suite! (I'm a 39 year-old full-time graduate student, pursuing a Masters in Public Health degree after spending 15 years in the Finance / Brokerage industry. I live here in Central Jersey with my DH and our 5 cats, and am looking forward to making my 17th visit to WDW for my 40th Birthday, with DH, in January! :) We're also set to sail around Europe with Mickey on the Disney Magic, next summer! :) )

WELCOME BACK, JANET!!!!! :) Always so wonderful to hear from you! And so excited to see that some of your wonderful Vow Renewal Celebration photos were used on the web site - that is so exciting! Thanks so much for sharing with all of us! :)

Hi Linda!!! As always...........will send a better response to your posts very soon (I know, I am so bad at keeping up, these days!) As always, we're thinking of you!!! Just wanted to stop by and say "hi"!

Hope that everyone had a great weekend! Will be in touch at greater length ASAP! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

The Villages will never be the same after Colleen and crew arrive. As skilled as they are in all things home improvement and arts and crafts they will find things (hard to do there) to improve upon. :sunny:

It is only natural that so many of our own Suite members have plans to retire there someday. It is a natural progression as the place is so very Disneylike. That figures since it was Imagineers that helped to design it. The thing that still boggles my mind is the town square which looks like an ancient Spainish locale. You meander around the square checking out the many shops and restaurants, as well as movie theater popcorn:: , bowling alley and other modern amusements. In the evening the denizens gather at the many outdoor dining establishments to listen to the music from the bandstand while partaking of an adult beverage or six. :rotfl: After you eat you can go over to the bandstand and sit to watch the evening's entertainment with fountains providing a nice background. When it is all over you can go around the back of one side of the ancient Spainish town square and find a throughly modern strip mall with anything your heart desires. It is an odd transformation though and a bit hard to get used to. Watch out for the many golf carts that whiz around. Since they have their very own road system they are not apt to hit anyone and the folks sure do have fun dressing up their machines to appear as something they are not. :banana:

Rider/Lisa, do not stress yourself out. I know that I currently have a few photo emails that you have sent me that I have not yet had time to peruse. I like to take my time looking at your pictures and my connection loves to take its time downloading them all so I seldom get to more than one such a day. It wears me and my machine out just downloading them all. :rotfl2:

I have done much research in my quest to find out what is ailing Tom's truck. It worries me that it could conk out at an inconvenient time and he might get hurt. He worries not, that is MY job. I am thinking it might be vapor lock which is a condition no longer found in modern vehicles. Since he is not able to keep a reasonable amount of gas in his tank it is the likely culprit. I currently keep check of his tires, oil levels etc. so now I need to check gas levels also. I wonder if I were like a computer and subject to memory failure if having to check one more thing would mean that my recipe for homemade biscuits would be permanently deleted that would jog HIS data bank? :badpc:

Easy day today. I just need to find carpet and paint for the bathroom that I plan to renovate while dh is gone for 3 days visiting his brother and hunt for a few other small things. Oh yes, I need to pick up and pay for the truck that they found nothing wrong with. :sad2: If it had just been Tom and I that could not start the thing I might think we were just dumb but many intelligent people tried too. I may not be poor but if I had to go out and buy TWO new vehicles right now I might get that way. :rotfl:

Merryl, if you should get a chance we would love an introduction from yourself. It is always wonderful to get to know new people. :love:

Bon Voyage Colleen!! I am glad for the party as I could surely use an adult beverage, or twelve. :crazy:

Your Suite Friend, Linda