EWP group?

[SlightlyGoofy]

I just finally found time to get on line today. You know it is a busy day when I do not have time to log on. :rotfl2:

My computer calendar informs me that TODAY is the 4th anniversary of the EWP Suite! The only reason that I am unsure of whether this is fact or not is that Lisa has not set up a party. She is our official Pearl Mesta. (you youngsters can ask me who she was. She is even beyond my time but I read so I know a lot of strange things. ) :sunny:

In honor of our anniversay I am proposing that we immediately stop all worldy chores and such and congregrate in the newly refurbished Suite. We have been each presented with a state of the art laptop so that we might be better able to communicate. It is so new that it has not hit the market as yet and we will be the first to try it out. It fits nicely in a shirt pocket and uses wireless technology so we can be on line, all the time. :cheer2: The new generation is going to be a watch sized unit. Maybe for our tenth anniversary??

The buffet is laden with Boisin Cheese appetizers, artichoke dip, butternut squash soup, pretzel bread, O'Hana's shrimp, prime rib, salmon, salads, and a gigantic dessert tray with bitesized treats from every on property restaurant. Bottomless and (calorie free) milkshakes or any other 'beverage' of your choice.

An additonal few stories have been added so that we have a more complete view of our kingdom.

We have been chosen to be part of the EWP parade in order to better celebrate this momentous occasion.

I can truly say that, while I know many fantastic people, you guys rank right at the top of my list as friends and buddies. :love:

Long may the EWP Suite thrive and prosper!! :grouphug:

Love and Hugs, Linda

[IASW Rider]

LONG MAY THE EWP SUITE THRIVE AND PROSPER!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)

So sorry that I was late in joining the party, this year (I DO have the date on my calendar, of course! :)), but believe it or not, the reason that I wasn't here in the Suite, yesterday, was that I was at the big North East Disney Fans Meet in Allentown, PA! So I was THINKING of our Suite and all of the wonderful people in it, while carousing with other DIS'ers, AllEars'ers, Passporters'ers, MousePlaneteers, WaltDisneyWorldTrivia'ers, and the like! :)

Please know that I was thinking of all of you and of all of the wonderful fun and friendship that we have shared in the Suite, over the past 4 years! And please know how much you all mean to me and how much this wonderful place means to me! And now...........LET'S PARTY!!!!!!!!! :cool1: (Love the menu and the party favors, Linda! :))

Hope that all has been well with all of you! We had a fantastic time at the Meet, yesterday! It was organized (for the third year in a row) by Fred AKA "Majestic", who did an amazing job, as always - there were 350 of us there, this year! And fantastic guest speakers, as always - Mike Scopa of MousePlanet and WDW Today podcasts, Steven Barrett - the Hidden Mickeys author, Deb Wills of AllEarsnet, Jennifer and Dave Marx of Passporter, Lou Mongello of WaltDisneyWorldTrivia books and web site, John Rick of the Central Jersey Pin Trading Association, and representatives of the official travel agency of AllEarsnet, who specialize in Disney vacations! Frank and I volunteered, as we always do. I didn't conduct my trivia contest for the guests, as I have the past 2 years, but we served as greeters and directed people to their tables and to the breakout session rooms for the various presentations. We had so much fun! Then we spent Saturday evening, after the Meet, with the other staff members and speakers, having a few (or many!) drinks and talking Disney! It was a wonderful and fun weekend! Here are the pictures that I took, if you'd like to see - you'll probably recognize the webmasters / authors of the various WDW vacation planning resources whom I mentioned!

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lisaruthb6/album?.dir=7b20re2&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lisaruthb6/my_photos

Glad to hear that Tom's truck wound up being all right, Linda! Hopefully it IS just a low gas tank that was causing what ever problems it was having! Hopefully now that it's back, you'll find that there was no serious issue at all!

Hi Merryl! Do come back and visit with us again, when you have a chance!

Hi Becki! Come on back to the Suite and post your trip report for us, when you have a chance, please!

Hi Janet! Great to see you here, last week - hope that you will be able to join us for our annual Suite Anniversary Festivities!

Hi out there, Colleen! Hope that you and your family are continuing to have a wonderful and Magical WDW vacation! (I have been privileged enough to hear from Colleen, several times since she's been gone. She and her family had a wonderful time at her parents' beautiful new home in The Villages - will let her tell you all all of the details, though! And when last I spoke with her (and her wonderful DH!), she and her family were enjoying all that Beach Club Villas have to offer! Will let her fill you all in on all of the details about THAT, as well! :)) And hope that you all stayed at the MK 'til its 3:00 AM closing, on Saturday night - you all deserve lots of nights of Magic and fun! :)

Hope that all has been well with all of you and hope that you all had a great weekend! And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!!!! LONG LIVE THE EWP SUITE!!! Lots of love, Lisa :)

[JoiseyMom]

Hi all! Wow a party, what a great introduction to this suite. Janet, it is an honor to meet you. Not that it isn't an honor to meet everyone else also!! :)

I need a nice drink and a place to relax. Where do I start..hmm...last weekend we found something leaking in our basement from upstairs, guess what?? My ice maker/water hose from my fridge is leaking. Last night I went to put the laundry in the dryer, and it was full of water. My washer (only 7 years old mind you, the same age as the fridge) overheated. DH took it apart, and when he put it together it did work again. Oy, and of course we never renewed the warranty contracts 2 years ago, cause DH had gotton laid off again.

And my 5 year old has a virus and is on day 3 of a fever. Of course this is my hectic week for work and I have tons to get done before Friday night. Can I do it?? Hmm..can he have no fever today and go back to camp tomorrow??

And now the good news... DH just called. HE GOT A RAISE!!! He has only been there about 6 months, and they never do this. But DH was a little worried about his position. He is a consultant, and their client is looking like they may not renew his companies contract, and DH is worried about what happens if the client goes "south". Well his bosses loves him, and they brought him to the home office last week, and he met VPs and the President and the CEO, and they all loved him. So, since they want DH to stay, and not leave, they gave him a raise.

How is everyone handling this heat??

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to pop in and say WELCOME BACK, COLLEEN!!!! :) :) :)

Hope that you and your family had a wonderful, Magical time in Florida and in WDW, and can't wait to read all about it in your trip report (hint, hint! :))! We sure did miss you, here in the Suite!

Hi Merryl! CONGRATULATIONS to your DH on his raise! That is wonderful news! And of course it is a great compliment to him, his abilities, and his company's value of him, as well! That is great!! Hope that your little one is feeling much better, by now! And hope you've had no more problems with your household appliances, either! I can totally relate - in this month alone, we've had to replace our dishwasher, the motor in our furnace........and we found out that we will have to replace our furnace IN ITS ENTIRETY before the cold weather comes, too! UGH - everything always seems to happen at once! So I understand!

Hi Linda! :)

Hi Janet! :)

Hi Becki! :)

So sorry that I haven't been around very much, lately. I have absolutely no good "excuse", since school is not in session and I'm not taking classes this summer. I've just been distracted by "usual summer stuff" and some other stupid friend-related-drama! Nothing big! I promise to be around as much as possible, from here on in!

Not too much to report, this week. We had a relatively quiet weekend, just taking a trip to the Atlantic City area, yesterday, to visit some old friends of mine, which was wonderful!

My father and uncle made their reservations to travel to Israel for a month at the end of September..........I just keep watching the news and trying not to panic too much.........I know that things could change a lot before then.........I just hope that they change FOR THE BETTER, so that I'm not a nervous wreck the entire time that they are away!

We're having the second of Frank's (my DH) very-belated-45th-Birthday-parties, this coming Saturday night. (This is Frank's "Birthday that Keeps on Giving" - we already celebrated the entire month of March, again in NYC in April, then had party #1 for him last month.........then we'll be celebrating again on the Magic in Europe, exactly a year from this week! :)) It should be fun - this will be a different group of friends (and my SIL), whom we haven't seen in awhile, so it will be nice to catch up with them.

Aside from getting ready for the party, this should be a relatively uneventful week.

Just wanted to stop by and say "hi"! Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you all had a nice weekend! :)

[IASW Rider]

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

Here's wishing a special EWP Suite Day to a very special and wonderful Suite Mate! Wishing you lots of happiness, today and every day!

Come celebrate on the Poly Beach, tonight - our Suite Boys are arranging a private Luau in your honor.........followed by a special presentation of the EWP, of course!!!

Have a wonderful day! :)

[IASW Rider]

And hope that all is well with Everyone else! Have a nice day, Everyone! :)

[JoiseyMom]

Hi all. Yes, my little one is better. He was sick for 5 days!! That was a long run, but typical for him. I was able to get all my work done, and all my appliances (KNOCK ON WOOD) are currently fine. Well if you count we still can't use the ice maker/water in the fridge :).

DH loves his car, a 2007 hybrid Camry, and is getting about 40 mpg! He is saving almost enough to cover his new car payment.

We moved Paul (ds5) to his new room this weekend. I still have lots of toys to move, but so far so good. He likes his bigger room, and loves the view of our back yard, and most of our neighbors back yards!

All is good. I am in the process of finalizing our trip. I am trying to figure where to fit in the Bibbidie Bobbide Boutique for DD 10 (this was DH's idea), and which Pirate cruise to book, if I can find an opening. They went to the GF last year and loved it.

Hope all is well with everyone!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi y'all! Hectic does not begin to cover what all is going on here.

Tom's truck went down again and the last time it happened the shop kept it for a week and could not figure out what, if anything, was wrong. Very frustrating. Luckily I was behind Tom when it went down this time so I was able to take him to a friend's house to call AAA. The shop called yesterday and they were able to replicate the problem and the parts will come in today. I am so happy as I have been scared to death. Tom only drives 30 miles a week now, if that, and buying a new vehicle would be out of the question on our budget and in these circumstances. A bit of good news in among all the bad. :thumbsup2

My bil in Florida passed away and I have been trying to get Tom to talk to his sister. She has a checkered past and the boys have pretty much written her off in spite of their own histories. pirate:

My dsd called and wanted our credit card numbers so that she could give them to a cab driver and a motel as she found herself 'homeless' once again. Turns out that the motel was only a mile away which would be walkable even by myself and she was in the salon that she works in so it was suggested that she use a chair or even tanning bed for the night. It is a common occurrence so we are not quite as heartless as it seems, just resigned. If it were not for the fact that her poor mother is dying and does not need the stress fireworks would be lit under that not so young woman. :stir:

I cannot find anyone to put a new roof on the garage as he had a huge hail storm and everyone is using this as an excuse to get 'free' roofs for their homes. The good news is that we might be in line for one of them ourselves. I will wait and see and be glad that it is not our house that has a leak. :rolleyes1

Tom has a rare skin disease, which is pretty benign, but it flares up sometimes. This time has been a doozy. Will not go into all the gross details but I took him to the doctor yesterday and he is on medication that makes him even sleepier than usual so I have him tucked into bed. It is not a whole lot different from his regular life except that he is laying in bed instead of sitting at the table in the kitchen. :crazy:

Thank you so very much for the wonderful birthday party. I had one back here in the real world too with some friends and had the most delightful day going, at least in the morning and then everything started falling apart but I survived. :wave2:

I owe a certain someone a phone call. :love: I tried to call once but did not want to just leave a message. Maybe I will have some time this evening. Dalton and his family leave on vacation Sunday so I will have a whole week to catch up on some things. Not enough time but it will have to do. I will miss my boys while they are gone though. :love: :love:

Meryl, I have finally come to the conclusion that it is far cheaper to just buy ice than to keep an ice maker in operation. I will never buy another one. That is the most common repair on a fridge. If you have hard water it is a certain problem. Five days sick for your little one? That must have been hard on you. Was he the kind of sick where he was able to watch TV? :happytv: That is the best kind for all concerned. My grandkids move in with me when they are sick. The Camry sounds great. The battery takes up too much room for me though. I have to pack too much for our trips. :thumbsup2 I am still shopping but have had to put it off right now because of all that is going on. I am even thinking of checking out a Corolla as there are a lot more of them available and they get about the same mileage as the Hybrid Camry. I think I forgot when you were headed to DW next. I wish it were when I was going to be there as I am going to meet so many people and it would be delightful to add you to my agenda. :love: Congratulations to your hubby on his raise. It is always nice to be appreciated and to get cash too is sublime! :sunny:

Colleen, what a fantastic trip you had. I was wondering how you liked the commute from The Villages to DW and back? There is probably a short cut that makes it a lot simplier than the route we take. (please send if you know as we are going to be there soon ourselves) My friends say it takes them 45 minutes to commute but they drive a Corvette and also have very heavy feet. :) I just love all the pictures of your parent's home. What a change in lifestyle from living in the cold north to the sultry south. Bet they will enjoy it though.

Becki, are you still on the job? I have been thinking of you and hoping that all goes well for you. It is hard to make changes, especially ones that concern not only livelihood but how you live your life. You will be an asset wherever you go and make a difference in lives along the way, just maybe a bit differently than before. :wizard:

Lisa, I am sorry that you did not learn you needed an entirely new furnace before replacing the motor. I hope your state offers a tax rebate for upgrading to a more efficient furnace. Our new ones paid for themselves in a little over 3 years. (Yes, I keep track of things like that) :sunny: Is it 4 years or 5 years that we have been together? Time flies when you are having fun. :hourglass I would be terrified to take a trip to the Middle East right now but I am going to be hoping that things calm down soon, not just for your father and uncle (although a very important part) but for all the poor people who live there and have to live in fear each and every day. It is truly heartbreaking and I am willing to think that it is even more so for the One for whom they ALL fight. :confused3 Dorthea used to celebrate her birthday for longer and longer periods as she aged. It worked for her and should work well for Frank as well. Celebrating life is a good thing. I will try to call again tonight if I am still able to dial. Between Dalton and Tom I am kept hopping. Dalton finished "White Fang" today. He has decided to read ALL the classics. Yeah!! :cheer2:

Love and Hugs to all you delightful people!! Linda

[IASW Rider]

Greetings from "balmy" 100 degree New Jersey! (Well, I guess that you're already here, Merryl, but.......! :))

How is everybody doing, this week? Sorry that I haven't had a chance to check into the Suite in a few days - we did so much wild partying for Linda's Birthday, here, that I needed a chance to recuperate! :)

Glad to hear that all is well, Merryl - you must be getting so excited about your upcoming trip! I know that your signature says that it's this month, but what is your exact departure date? We'll have to plan a "BON VOYAGE" party for you and your family, here in the Suite! Then, a few weeks later, we will be wishing Linda and Tom BON VOYAGE as THEY head to THE WORLD! :)

So sorry to hear about your BIL, Linda. That is very sad news. And so sorry to hear about your DSD, too - I hope that she is all right and that she has found a place to stay. I certainly agree with you and Tom for not giving her your credit card number. I'm sure that she will find her way on her own - hopefully! You both have already done so much for her - hopefully she'll be able to help herself, now.

And I hope that Tom is feeling better, too! I hope that his medication helps him and that he adjusts to it and isn't as sleepy!

And I DID receive 2 very sweet and special phone messages! So sorry that I keep missing you - I spent most of the day with my father, today, who was kind enough to ferry me over to GoodYear to pick up my car (which broke down yesterday, while I was taking one of our cats for her annual check-up at the vet!). Fortunately, the car was OK - it was just the battery - and the one that died was the 7-year-old original, so I really can't complain!

Wish that I had some interesting news to report, but things are pretty "status quo", here! We had the second of 2 belated 45th Birthday parties for my DH, Frank, over the weekend, and it went really well! He's off from work next week, so we're hoping to sneak in some day trips to the shore (our first time this summer, believe it or not!), New Hope, PA, and some other local places!

Hi Colleen! Hi Becki! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're all staying relatively cool in this crazy heat! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa

I truly did try to stop some of that heat from reaching you. Not just for your sake but because my dd and her family are presently in Washington D. C. The boys call early and late when they get free calls with their cell phones. Austin has been ready to go home since he left but Dalton is in hog heaven. He told me that the tour guides are telling him the same things I have already told him. :rotfl: That is what you get when you have a grandma who loves history almost as much as language arts. :sunny:

I am glad to hear that you just needed a new battery. I always get one that is high powered as it only costs a tad bit more and gives me some insurance should one of our car doors be left ajar for a few days. (has happened often) The truck is now up to a bit over $1,000 in repair bills as they have determined that it also needs a new computer. If it fixes it and the truck runs for another year it is a worthwhile investment. I do not have much experience in tending to older vehicles as I did not learn to drive until late in life and we have always bought new vehicles every few years.

Merryl, we will be awaiting your trip report on how your upcoming trip goes. Are you on the Free Dining? Advice on how to NOT gain weight would be most appreciated. I plan to give at least half the food to my husband. :banana: I am thinking of getting a Corolla instead of a Camry as it is hard to find a Camry like I want. We shall see. Better gas mileage might not be a bad thing nowadays.

My dsd has evidentally found another sucker because she left a message that someone had paid for her a week in the motel and enough money to get her into a new apartment. Next calls will be for utility bills and furniture. We have been to this rodeo many times. One would think she would take the hint and quit asking. Wonder how long it will take her to wear out her welcome in Tulsa? She has gotten run out of several places so far, heavily populated ones at that. Like father, like daughter? I had to retrain Tom as to how to live also. Our first big fight was over his borrowing money from his parents to pay our first car payment. Just not the right thing to do. If you cannot afford it you should not buy it. :sad2:

I am cleaning the Utility Room today. So much FUN!! It is far too hot to work in the yard. I nearly burned my feet working out there the other day.

I hope everyone's a/c is working and you are able to hide out inside today.

Back to work for me. I am also paying the balance due on my trips today. Whoosh, goes the bucks. I do not mind these dollars flying away though. It is the ones for the mundane things that frets me. :)

Hugs, Smiles and Guffaws, Linda

[JoiseyMom]

Happy BIrthday Linda!! Hope it was a great day for you!!

Yes Lisa, it is hot hot here too. Not as bad today!! I had the hardest time keeping the house cool. It was just too hot outside for the AC to keep up!! My basement is really cool, not so much 2 levels up :).

My little one just had a low grade fever so he was fine. He played in his room watched tv, and complained about missing camp. I tried to get him in the pool, but the water felt too cold for him. I was very happy when he went back to camp.

He was home again yesterday after being suspended from camp. Yes I am the mother of "that" child. My 5 year old was told to stay home because he wouldn't stay in his seat and stay buckled in. Oy! He was warned about this before. What is it about a bus load of kids (and it is a small mini bus) that just makes them all INSANE??? Only 2 more weeks of camp to go. We then have 1 week before WDW!!

We fly out around 6 PM on Friday the 25th, and come home Monday Sept. 4. I have all our ADR's set. I cancelled my extra ones. We land around 9:30 Friday night, and I originally had Saturday as an MK day, but switched it to Sunday. I hope that doesn't bite me in the butt! Sunday is an EMH night, so I am hoping it won't be too crowded. Yes we are doing free dining! That was the only reason I booked the trip (only reason I booked last years too!). The numbers were too good to pass up. We stayed last year at CSR also for 10 days, and we got 10 day non-expire base tickets. This year the trip is 1k cheaper, because I only had to buy the 1 day tickets for the package. We are staying at CSR again, it was a wonderful resort, and on the DDP the Pepper Market is awesome. I also got a full size rental car for about 220 for the 10 days. I booked the Pirate cruise at CBR after reading Janet2k's positive report. Thanks Janet!!

The kids still do not know about the trip. I haven't decided when to tell them yet. The fact that I haven't told them is incredible. No one else has let it slip yet either.

Linda, I wish I had tricks how not too gain weight in my everyday life. I need to lose lots!! On free dining I plan on leaving a lot of left over food!! I will probably skip the fries. I am also ususally to full for dessert. We took lots of desserts back to the room last year and put them in the fridge. They wound up on the trash. I think I will taste the desserts and leave them behind. Well except for the creme brulee... those are yummy and light!! I am sorry we aren't going during the same time also. I would love to meet up with other dis'ers at the parks.

I will be wearing lime green(a popular blouse color this year) alot, so I wonder if anyone will approach me?? No one did last year, and I had my Mickey heads on my backpack too!!

Oh well, I need to vacuum and mop today. I have to get something done, so a clean (ok semi-clean) house is it!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Meryll, at my age any birthday is welcome. :lmao: All kidding aside, my grandmother died in her 40's and my mom in her early 50's and I am just two years away from making 60 so it is all good. :thumbsup2 Thank you for the good wishes. I have a cabinet full of cards and had many calls and even a party but not nary a card from child nor grandchild. Not the first year so you would think my heart would be hardened and not easily hurt but there it is. :confused3

It is awfully hard on a condenser if it runs and runs. Do you happen to have ceiling fans? I set my thermostat on a number that will not run and run and then use fans to blow the slightly cooler air around a bit. Luckily we do not get many such days. I hope they go away here and there. :)

You have one of 'those' kids? lol My youngest grandson is the same way. I work with kids at the Community Center who suffer from the same affliction. It seems that they are smart and easily bored and like attention. I tell them that they have a semi truck engine instead of a regular little engine and they have to learn how to drive it a bit differently. It works, sometimes. :dance3: Is he sorry he is missing camp or glad to be at home? My Dalton wants to stay here instead of going to camp. Hope he does not think up this way to 'escape'. :yay:

Your trip sounds great and I can just see your little pirate. pirate: They need more things for boys to do for special activities although I think a lot of girls would like more action oriented things too. I made ADR's but fully plan to adjust if and when circumstances arise. I figure if we get an itch for something in particular we can call the night before or the day of and see what happens and if it is not to be at least we will have SOMEWHERE to eat. We are planning on trying the Pepper Market. Any suggestions?

I have lost vast amounts of weight but still have many more vast amounts to lose but Lisa is the Queen of Lean as she lost a much larger (ratio wise) amount than I and has not only kept it off but is going to make a career of helping others do the same in her future. She will be so good at it since she has suffered from the problem and can relate better than most.

I have loads of lime green clothes now too as the color is much more popular and easier to find now. Maybe you could make yourself a button or possibly have time to buy one from the site? I get more hits off my button than I do my t shirt with the DIS logo. Have you posted on some of the threads that gather people that are going at the same time?

Our planned trips next year will be in the summer (if dd and family go) and then again after Thanksgiving (our favorite time to go because of the decorations). Next year will hit the budget as it will be time for more AP's. I plan to use two of the one day tickets we had to buy this time but my credit card that I was getting all the rewards from is not doing as well since they have decided that Super Wal Marts do not qualify for the 5%. :sad2: I had used those rewards to pay for most of our last AP's.

One of these days the EWP ladies are going to get together at the Poly beach. Lisa and I did it one year. Do you have it planned for this trip? At one time I was the only member who had not seen it. :wave2:

Hope that all your cleaning was not in vain and your dear ones allowed it to remain clean for at least ten minutes. :lovestruc

I trimmed bushes again today. In my youth I could do them in a couple of hours but now I must work a half an hour and rest two etc. Old age is heck!! :crazy:

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[JoiseyMom]

Yes, we have ceiling fans. One in the kitchen, family room, and each of the four bedrooms upstairs. We have a two story house, plus basement, so it is harder to cool the upstairs. Thankfully the really bad heat is gone, so my house is nice and comfy now. Also we are on the budget plan, so the summer bills are spread out all year round.

Paul, my 5 year old, was happy to be home, at least inthe morning. I did not let him play on his computer, I would not take him to McD's for lunch, so he didn't get what he wanted. He was also missing his sister by afternoon. He has 2 more weeks to go, so hopefully they will be without incident. (Fingers crossed, knocking on wood!!!)

I am really sorry your kids didn't send you a card. My dh never ever buys me a card, I am used to it. My 2 older ones buy me cards that will annoy me. We will see what happens with one out of town. I am sure he will forget, but we will see. I have until June to worry about it.

I would love to find a diet I can stick too. It is so hard. And we bought a new scale this weekend, it is digital, and not as nice as our old scale (the reason why we bought a new scale). What methods have you and Lisa used to shed those pounds? I lost about 20 pounds 2 years ago using Atkins, I was tempted to do that again. It is hard, I do like my carbs, especially the healthy carbs.

We caught the EWP last year, but I think we were on a ferry or waiting for the ferry. I do love it though!

Ok, suggestions for Pepper Market. Their Prime Rib was awesome, and so are the roasted veggies that go with it. The rib steak is a think steak, I would stick to the Prime Rib. The rotissere chickens looked great, but hard to pick chicken, when there is Primb Rib :). I loved their quesidillas and fajitas. I had that for lunch a couple of times. The handmade pizzas are good, and the desserts looked good, but we only got the cookies. We will change that this year since they now allow other options. The breakfast there is good too. The TS there, Maya Grill, had excellent food too.

I have made it known on a few threads where we will be, and if they take breaks, we will be by the big pool most afternoons. We will see if I bump into Diser's. I didn't realize they sold pins, I will have to look into that. I do have my HD LIme Green Mickey Heads!!

And yes, my floor is clean, expcept for the doggie fuzzies!!

Merryl

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy Merryl, I'll tell you what you pm me with your birthdate and address and I will send you a card next year. Since I tend to send ornery cards you might not be pleased though. Not really bad ones, I just have a slightly goofy sense of humor. :lmao: If your kids/dh are decent the rest of the year they can be forgiven a card or three. I got packages from two of the EWP group. I did not expect that and would have been just as happy with an on line HI, but it sure did make me feel awfully special. I have loads of great friends and I am glad for it.

It took me nearly 55 years to come to terms with my weight and actually do something about it. I even had stomach stapling surgery back in the early days. The only thing I lost was $7,000. :cool1: I am doing it the boring way with eating less and exercising more but it is awfully hard now. I have been losing again, very slowly, this year but it is a constant struggle. What works for me is the low carb diet but that is because the majority of my trigger foods are carbs. Whatever you like to eat, give up. It works. :rotfl2: Lisa has much better advice as she has done hers by eating healthy foods. She is the one who is going to school to learn how to do such and could give you much better advice. I have huge files of great recipes though. I love digital scales because they measure in increments of .10 pounds and it gives you some incentive on those slow to lose weeks or a small kick in the behind when you are slipping upward.

Sounds as if you have your son right where he does not want to be. lol I take the tv away from my grandson. He is addicted to the tv. Take what they like, it is sort of like the diet advice. :crazy:



Did you catch the EWP on purpose or accidentally? I think the parades that you just happen upon are so special. I am the one who stakes out the parade seats for up to two hours before and really appreciate the happen upon ones although I have spent many a happy hour or two with new friends or fellow DISers. (Janet2K).

I will add your notation about the thin steak at the Pepper Market. Tom pouts when the steak is thin. I do not care too much for prime rib so he may get two and be a happy camper. We are also eating at the Maya Grill one night. I tried to put down every place that looked interesting that we had never eaten at for this trip. I am needing to switch two days because they went and moved the 2 parade night on me but will try again closer to time as I was not able to do that today. We are paid in full and ready to roll!! :cheer2:

They used to have a site on the Boards where you could buy DIS stuff. I am the proud owner of 2 t shirts, 2 buttons and some luggage tags. The buttons seem to get the most attention. They sell lime green sun visors at Wal Mart too. I got one and plan to put my button on it since I have not been able to convince anyone in charge around here to implement my idea of making lime green visors with interactive lights and sounds that will sound the alarm when two DISers are within hailing distance. :sad2:

My advice on the floor is this, get a new floor the color of whatever is spilled most often. I am ashamed to admit that I have done this and only mop my floor once a week now. I used to do it daily and it still looked awful. I am getting smarter in my old age. In another year I will be a genius. :teacher:

Have a great evening everyone!!

Slightly Goofy

[JoiseyMom]

Well, my birthday is June 1, I take cards where I can get them. I am easy!! ;) I do the goofy cards too...my older boys do that...they got that warped sense of humor from moi!! Bites me in the butt at times though.

Well I am 45 and have had weight issues my entire life. We also just got a new digital scale, and it is about 15 pounds heavier then our other scale. OUCH!!! I lost about 20 pounds on Atkins, but not sure I want to do that again. I am trying to do portion control, and calorie counting. I discussed eating on vaca with dd10, since she is an adult this year. Well she loves shrimp cocktail and steak, so we are going to try to share at non buffet restaurants.

As far as the PM goes, they have lots of other food then the Prime Rib. If you don't like that they have rotisserie chicken that looked yummm. THey have pasta, chinese, excellent Mexican, and Chinese. The also have handmade pizza and soups. You can find something great to eat there. I am looking forward to the Mexican!! They Maya Grill is good too. We got the special which was ribs, mahi mahi and filet mignon. It also game with veggies and a potatoe. Oh my gosh!! There was so much food, and it was all soooo good. Ok, now I am hungry lol!!

DH is considering the band sugery...they don't operate they put a band around the stomach. He has a sweet tooth and likes to nosh. I am trying to cook heathier for him too. I made him grilled salmon tonite, and he was good, he didn't eat the entire fish!! I put some away for tomorrow. Last night I made grilled chicken, and some stir fry veggies. I had two salads today when I got hungry. I am a good salad eater, I don't like dressing, and I don't eat tomatoes :). I do like cheese, bacon and croutons though!

We caught the EWP's by accident, it was awesome, because it brought back memories from the 3 times I was there as a kid. I watched parades then with my mom and friends, but back then the only park was MK. My kids wouldn't have the patience to sit and wait for a parade. The are too hyper!! The last time we watched a parade, Rachel was 5 and Paul was 8 months and we were in AK outside the baby center. It was a nice time. Ok, I take that back, DH and I watched the afternoon MK parade when we took the 3 park back stage tour!! We did it in August 2004, when he suprised me! We went sans kids, stayed 4 nites and resort hoppped. We stayed at Pop, Poly, GF and AKL. That was a fun trip. I love the trips with the kids, but I really want to go back with just me and DH, and do some more tours and some quiet dining!!

I have told DH I don't want a 50th bday party that I want to go on a trip. I need to give him Janet's trip reports!! :)

Have a great nite all!!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Since I sort of lost a day yesterday because I slept over half of it my mind is still wandering, more than usual. :lmao: I had not slept in over two whole days and after my company left yesterday I sort of collapsed into a heap. I did two things that I NEVER do. I declined a grandchild who wanted to spend the night and left a candle burning. Luckily neither one did any permanent damage. :crazy:

Merryl, you have to pm me your address in order for me to send you a card. I sent one out to Angelina the other day. She is a long lost member of our group but since she has a beautiful daughter that my grandson pines over I feel compelled to keep up with her, that and the fact that she is a sweetheart. :love: Hopefully next June I will be having a good day as sometimes I am not and the cards arrive late. I have long ago given up on being perfect and settle for being 'different'. It sorta makes MY cards stand out from the crowd. :dance3: I get bit once in a while too. I have come to the conclusion that you cannot suit everyone and it is best to be true to yourself as long as you are not hurting anyone. :cheer2:

I feel that the food is an important part of a DW vacation. I am lucky in that I can just eat a bite of something and that satisfies my curiousity most of the time and I have a 'junkyard dog' for a hubby who will gladly eat the rest and not suffer the consequences that I do. I will skip the rotisserie chicken as I almost live on that right now. I pick one up at the WM each week and use it for many of my meals, either as a portion or use the cut up bits in my salad.

I have a sister and a friend who have had the lapband surgery. It is very important to know that it is not a quick nor easy fix as you must exercise and diet AFTER the surgery or it will not work. OK, it might if you have complications and get too sick to eat but I would not reccomend that to anyone. That was not explained to me when I had my surgery and it came as an unpleasant shock when the pounds started coming back on. My sister had plastic surgery after losing over 100 pounds and nearly died from infections. There is always something. I am neither for nor against the surgery but I am for patient education in advance. You always see the success stories but do not hear much about the other ones. The Beach Boy daughter is now on a reality show trying to lose what she gained back. I hope that helps a bit. (Carney Wilson, I could not think of it a minute ago) IMO, any diet that you can stay on is a good one. Pick your poison and go with it. Mine is chocolate. :rolleyes1

I am always amazed that anyone can get their kids to sit still to wait for parades. I am the minority in thinking it is fine for one family member to hold down a blanket etc. while the rest of the party wanders or even goes on a ride or two instead of sitting and arguing and being miserable before a parade begins. Heck, I have even been known to save spots for strangers. They seem rather shocked when they come back and I have really done that. (ducking while some readers - none of the EWP Suite Ladies- throw their glow in the dark bracelets at me). It warms the cockles of my heart. :love:

Janet would surely be able to give you an agenda for your 50th anniversary but you might want to start buying lottery tickets NOW as you will need it. Her imagination knows no bounds. She thinks up things I would never believe possible, even at DW.

I still have a lot of cleaning up to do after yesterday so I had better get with the program. It is just over a month until we leave and my 'to do' list grows each day. School starts again next week so back to the Community Center with me. A friend donated a bunch of new books so I have to read and rate them for my traveling library. I hope I have many of the kids I had last year.

Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hello dear Suite Ladies!!

Since we are going on an extended trip to DW soon I have been searching high and low for new experiences. Not having Janet2K's wallet or imagination has hampered me a tiny bit but I have come up with a list of quite a few surprises for our 34th Anniversary Tour. :cool1:

I have arranged for us to be in the AK parade one of either two days. :cheer2:

We will be eating at a whole lot of new restaurants including going to the Luau at Lisa's favorite resort. Afterward we will head for the beach to see our favorite EWP and catch the fireworks afterward. It will not be the same without Lisa and Frank but we will enjoy the memories of that get together. :grouphug:

Riding the monorail in the front cab is a dream that surely can be fulfilled with a bit of luck and a whole lot of perserverance. :hourglass

If we do not get a whole lot of rain we shall surely manage to fit in that game of mini golf that we have often contemplated. I read that if you plan it right you can see the fireworks from Fantasmic. :cloud9:

If time permits an all day game of Bus Bingo is on the list. Someone on the board invented this game. Basically you leave your resort and get on the first bus to wherever, explore and repeat as often as needed. Sounds like a lot of fun to me. :lovestruc

I think I just scored the Grand Slam of all surprises a bit ago though as I have been invited to join a group for an Illuminations Cruise. :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Tom never wants to be part of the planning and does not care what we do as long as food is involved but I think I have his curiousity piqued. :dance3:

It is awfully quiet around here lately. I miss you all. Now that school has started maybe we can get together for a party one night. Of course our student, Lisa, has even more to do and not so much time for all the wonderful trips she has been taking this summer. It was Angelina's BD the other day.

Love and hugs, Linda

[JoiseyMom]

Linda your trip sounds fun! I can't believe I leave next Friday nite!!! I have been very busy working this past week, and the kids are done with camp tomorrow. I know have to search and get all the things for our trip. I need to find our pin lanyards, mugs, and oh, man I need to make a list!! I have been looking for an oversized bag that was light weight so I didn't have to carry the back pack. I bought this kinda ugly cotton bag from Old Navy, but I think it is going back. I got the mickey tote from disney shopping (for a great price), but it won't sit comfy on my shoulders. Today I was in Kmart and I saw this canvas type bag with a zipper, it is beige and pink and green, has umm...frogs on it. It cost 6 bucks, sits nice on my shoulders, and I can fit pal mickey and a water bottle and little things, and zip it for water rides!! It can also handle what I need on the plane, since I don't want to carry my back pack there either!! It will even fit the cameras, if I decide to ditch the camera bag!!

I got a rental car from Alamo, full size, for 10 days for under 168!!! I used a code that allows an extra driver for free also. Our schedule is set, now I just have to hope that the thread I read about being at MGM at 6 AM for Wiggles tickets is wrong! I want to see them, and am willing to run across the park, but not at 6 AM!!! Our first park is MK, on SUnday (our second full day there), it is an EMH PM nite, and the extra Magical Beginings hour in the morning. I hope the kids get up, because I hear the character interaction is awesome in the morning. I am so excited!!!!! I am also hoping the park won't be too nuts, it being EMH. I don't see us staying past Wishes. I am hoping my little one stays awake for Wishes this year.

This is also the first time we are going sans stroller. He is too big for ours, so I have to get rid of it. We figure if he gets tired, we will rent one.

I have no surprises for my bunch. I was considering ordering Cindy's Slipper dessert when we dine at 1900 Park Faire, but I want milk/dark chocolate not white chocolate, and I don't think they do that. I can't believe it is 8 days away!!

How is everyone else doing?? :)

Is anyone from EWP going to be there while we are there??

[SlightlyGoofy]

Meryll, I am so happy you are leaving so soon and not JUST because you will be able to report back and give me tips on our upcoming trip (1 month). :rotfl2:

It sounds as if you have everything figured out but you just might want to reconsider that stroller thing. Even older kids do better with stroller, not just for their legs but it makes it so much easier for the parents to keep up with them and you have storage space for your stuff without having to tote it all. My daughter got a stroller on one of her trips and I think I used it more than the grands as I have breathing problems. :thumbsup2

Finding the right bag to carry in the parks is so important. I have an old one that looks awful but it has just the right amount of pockets and is so lightweight that I can carry it. I had to start having my husband carry by bag when my lungs started going south and felt it was not fair so I switched to the small bag and it works so well. If only I could do so in my real life. lol

If you are into character interaction you might consider eating at the Garden Grill. The food is very good but the characters as well as the scenery (get bottom row seats) is fabulous. It is a welcome respite from the hot and crowded parks. Go on Soaring before you eat though. The Garden Tour is nice too. Even as rural folks we enjoy it. We are planning on taking the walking tour of that this year. I cannot do most tours but think I can handle this small one.

Janet just got back and I think I am the next to leave from the Suite. Colleen will be going again this holiday season I think and Lisa is not due again until next year as she has already done her allottment for the year. I am thinking that we will go back right after Thanksgiving next year.

I went car shopping again yesterday and have come to the conclusion that a new car will not be in the cards this year as the one I want is far too popular and they insist on sticker price. Since I have a perfectly good car it is not too much of a burden. It has 73,000 miles which is about when we usually trade but Toyota's have a rep for lasting much longer. Tom's truck seems to be behaving, right now. The thought of having to buy TWO vehicles at once is a budget buster!! :sad2: We also seem to have a leak in our roof. Many people are getting new roofs because of recent hail damage so that might be it and then it would be a good thing. (sigh)

Do you plan to the nth degree or loosely? I do wish I could be there when you are as I could make some of your lines so much easier as well as play with your little ones and hold seats for parades. I am very good at that. Just ask Janet. Everyone has to have a skill. :lmao:

How many times have you been? If you have any questions this is the place to ask as we all are frequent guests.

Great rate on the car. That will make those late night returns from the parks so much easier. I can drive to every park except MK and sometimes EPCOT. I tend to end up on the interstate when leaving EPCOT. I am going to do some practice runs this time and see if I can figure out where I am going wrong. :woohoo:

I have painting to do today. I am doing some small moldings to make my bathroom remodel a bit more unique. Since the strips will be at the doorway going back toward the far wall it might even make the teeny bathroom seem a bit bigger. I love my house but the bathrooms are all so small that I cannot even change my mind in them let alone my clothes. :)

I was able to do some clothes shopping in my storage closet where I keep my smaller sizes and I think if I can get rid of another 5 pounds I will be able to fit into a smaller size. Still big but not gigantic as it used to be. :cheer2:

I am to pick up my oldest grandson from school today as he wants to spend the night. Lest you believe that this 15 year old is far too attached to this old woman you should know that there is a houseful of good looking girls who live across the street and they are friends with all the cheerleaders. I will see little of him but he calls and lets me know where he is and always comes home when I tell him I am ready for bed. Luckily for him I am a night owl. :hourglass

Enough ramblings for the day, I must go do some actual work. I am going to make two of my diet strawberry pies as a reward for all my hard work.

Linda :love:

[JoiseyMom]

Well, if he fit in our current stroller, I would take it. But his legs are just toooo long. He is almost 50 pounds. The recommended stroller for his size are the Mac's, and well they are just too expensive to purchase for the trip. That is why we will rent if need be. When dd was 5 and ds was 8 months we went over Xmas, this was 2001, and we had ds in his stroller of course, and we rented for dd. We will also only need it for the 5 park days.

We ate at the Garden Grill on our first family trip when dd was 18 months old. She got really really sick after eating there. It wasn't the food though it was the communal crayons they used to have in a bucket on the table. Since then, dh hasn't wanted to go back!! We did have great interaction, Minnie was a big flirt with my bil!! We had a blast.

We usually do both Princess breakfasts when we are there, but not this year. CRT isn't worth the 2 TS's to us. Here is a list of our current PS's: WCC, Maya Grill, Beirgarten (new), Mama Melrose, H&V, Concourse, 1900 Park Faire (new), HDD (new). We have one more TS, so we might do something in MK, or maybe Planet Hollywood. DD and I are also sharing, so we will see where else we will eat :).

Hmm..how many times have I been to WDW, lets see, first trip was in 72 or 73 with mom, and the only park there was MK. The senior trip in HS, 78, and that was only MK and River COuntry (great waterpark). Then I went for a quickie trip with friends when I was 19, so that was in 80, still only MK. Then I didn't go back until we took dd18 months and ds who were 13 & 14 at the time in January 98. Then we went in 2001, 2003 (in laws included), 2004 (sans kids), 2004 (some in-laws), 2005 and now this will be my 10th trip!! My dh has been there lots more time though!! Thanks to the DIS, we have had lots of great tips for the trips. My mil was shocked by how much money we saved using the old breakfast vouchers and vkl vouchers a few years ago. She was like, are these legal?? It was funny, she is such a doubting Thomas!

I am really sorry you aren't getting a new car right now! Dh had to pay sticker price (our first time ever) for his Camry, but he did get the hybrid.

I plan our trips, but I have built in flexibility. I currently have us flying in on the 25th (late). Saturday the 26 is a down day, either a water park or the pool, and maybe some outlets, depending. I know dh is gonna want some soda for the fridge. We are eating at WCC that night. Sunday the 27 is MK!! I can't believe that one week from right now I will be in Fantasyland!!! YES!! I love Mickey's Philamagic, and can't wait to see the new Pooh playplace!! Monday the 28th is Epcot, Tuesday is the kids CBR Pirate Cruise and Disney Quest and DD. Weds is MGM, and I hope the Wiggles (I want to see them!!). Thursday is a down day, and a waterpark. Friday is AK, Saturday is MK, and Sunday is a down day, and either Pool or WP. Monday is fly home, but we don't have to be at the airport until 1:30, so we might hit DD again, we will see.

These days are based ADR's, so we can't do too much switching because of the potential non availability of dining. We have certain things the kids want to see, ds loves Test Track, and the "golf ball", BTMRR, Splash, Pirates, etc. So we hit our populars. We also get to the parks early, and try to get as many fast passes as possilbe, save them and ride the short line rides! We take a lunch pool break and come back after dinner and do whatever else we missed. It worked well for us last year. Last year the kids wanted to go back to TL, so they have up AK. We also did Universal last year, which we are skipping this year.

Well I am off to clean, we are having unexpected guests today, and I also need to pack!!! :)

Have a great week, I will try to pop in this week!! Kids are home from camp, so it should be hectic!

[lunabkatnap]

Hi all ;)

It s been a long time since i got into the group, hope all are well and hello to anyone i haven't met before. I had to get a new address since they wouldn't recognize my old one to get in but recognized it to keep me from using the same name again - go figure :furious:

Time to start planning the next trip (Oct. of 2007), check back soon,

LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

Welcome back dear Luna!! lol I have had to reregister on sites before and know what you mean. It has never happened here, yet. I do not know what name I would pick if I had to pick again as SG just seems to fit soooo very well. :rotfl2: No trips until Oct 2007? Have you been this year? Would you not know that we are thinking about going back after Thanksgiving next year (or very favorite time) and will miss you by a few weeks. We are headed back from Sept 20th thru Oct 10th this year. Free Dining caught us!!What have you been up to? Please catch us up. So much has been going on around here but maybe you will have time to read some of the back posts.

Lisa is headed on the Disney Cruise to Europe next year. Colleen's parents bought a retirement home near DW. Becki took her brand, spanking, new baby boy with her on a trip recently and we met Merryl and have been getting to know her. I will let you introduce yourself to her.

Merryl, I read on a thread that they are now selling umbrella stollers for only $40 (as opposed to renting one for several days). Fifty pounds would be stretching it a bit but I have found that those things always are stronger than advertised. If you get there and find that you need one that might be an option, even for short trips here and there. :sunny: I am not sure what time the entertainment starts at the Biergarten but I think it is after 1 pm. It provides a nice diversion for the kiddos and they can get out on the dance floor and blow off some steam. I hope you are going then, for all your sakes. lol I wish I had my PH vouchers and I would mail you a couple but maybe you have your own?

I was given a heads up about another dealer, a bit away, and when I checked the website I found that they have dozens of cars listed including many 2006 Camry's which would be my choice. I am not impressed with the interior of the 2007"s. If I hear that they have some with SC/TC I may go up tomorrow and look. I once bought a new car the day before we left for DW but it is not something I want to replicate.

I can attest to the fact that sitting toward the back is the best for the Philharmonic. The effects are much better from there. I have ADR's for all but one day and figure that if we do not feel like eating where I have planned we can call from a phone and see if anything else is available and if not we have a guaranteed place. I have a feeling that it will not be as bad as some would have us to believe though.

It sounds as if you have more than enough expertise and great plans for your trip. Have a blast! Looking forward to your experiences so that I can tweak my plans. :)

Lisa, we are missing you so very much. It is alright since you are having fun though. :) :) :) :) :)

Love, Linda Lou

[JoiseyMom]

Hey all! Hi Luna, nice to meet you! I can't believe I will be in WDW 24 hours from now!! I currently have 1 child packed, my stuff is 1/2 packed, dh isn't packed at all and my dd is not packed. I will be busy tomorrow! We take off at 6:30, we we want to get to Newark at 4:30, since we don't know how long it will take to get through security.

I picked up a dispsoable waterproof camera for the pool and the waterparks. I hope I don't forget anything. I have the kids perscription meds packed (there is alot of them, dd has epilepsy, and ds has asthma).

DH is working from home tomorrow, DS 22 is planning a week of partying. I hope my house is intact when I get home!!! Thankfully his previous parties have gone well. The second he finds out we are going on vacation, he starts party planning.

Linda, I read that thread about the umbrella stroller in Epcot. I wonder if they have them at MK too, that is our first park. Sunday is MK, Monday is Epcot. If I feel it is sturdy enough for him, I will buy it for $40.00.

I have 1 PH voucher, not sure if we are going to use it or not. I was going to get 4 of the Universal dinner/movie vouchers, but decided against it, that we would be too busy to head over there. I have 1 of them, and my mil would have been able to get me some more if I wanted them.

I think the crowds for next week, won't be so bad. We are doing Beirgarten for dinner, but I was able to get a Teppanyaki for lunch. The in-laws took the kids last week, so now my 5 year old loves shrimp!! So we might do it. I have 4 TS's to play with, and wasn't sure how we were going to use them.

The kids are booked on the CBR Pirate cruise, thanks the thumbs up from Janet's dd. They are looking foward to it.

Linda, good luck with the car choice!! No rash decisions now!!

If I can I will log in on dh's laptop, if he lets me!!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Meryll, (I know I keep misspelling your name, sorry??) How is life in the land of Mickey bars and stunt cars?

It sounds as if you are well prepared for any possible eventuality. I have found that if you are ready nothing happens. Works for me!! (my smilies are not working, darn it)

I would be more worried about the 22 year old party animal. lol I left my 18 year old (I thought responsible) son home alone one time and he met his first wife. Not a pretty sight. Luckily no issue was produced. Would have thought he would have learned his lesson but he did not and is currently on number two who actually makes number one look pretty good and I would have never thought that possible. What can a mother do? Love 'em and pray.

I would bet they would be even more likely to have the strollers at MK than any other park.I hope it is sturdy enough. I think it is a great idea for DW and am looking forward to them providing roller skates next. (grin) I need a stroller just to hold my purse. I have asthma as well. (puff, puff)

I am taking my PH vouchers over when we eat at Raglan Road and hand them over to the first people I see who look like they are going to eat there anyway.

Shrimp huh? Teaching the youngun's some mighty fancy tastes? lol I fear I have been guilty of such transgressions myself. I had my first shrimp when my dh took me out to eat before we were married. He has lived to regret it ever since. lol He loves far more expensive food than I do so he deserves to suffer a bit.

I cannot wait until you report on the Pirates Cruise. It sounds like a bunch of fun. They need more things for boys and adventerous girls.

I might find my way over to the Crossroads Kinko's and see if I can email you all while I am there. Might not be possible though as, with the free dining, we will have little need to wander off site. Bet that is what DW has in mind. (grin)

I am taking my venerable and well running vehicle with me. I am taking it in for a go over at the mechanics tomorrow just in case though. 73,000 miles is the new 30,000, right??

I am sorry for taking so long to respond but it has been an exciting and scary week here. My sil, who has been on the liver transplant list for some months, was called to the hospital a few days ago. Two other people were ahead of her on the list but they were not matches. She was doing so well but took a turn for the worse yesterday. The news is some better today but she is still in the ICU. She is a few years younger than I am and a tough person so I am hoping that she will bounce back soon and be in good health for the first time in many years. She is not a drinker but has a genetic disease that makes her body produce too much iron and that killed her liver. She had been going in to have blood taken every two weeks to keep it under some control. I, on the other hand, need transfusions to get iron. The world is an odd place.

Becki, Lisa, Colleen, Luna and Meryll= Good night and sleep tight, your friend, SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

I cannot believe that it's been OVER A MONTH since I've had a chance to visit the Boards! (When I pulled them up, just now, it indicated that my last visit was on AUGUST 1st!! That's a new "record" for me - I have NEVER been away from the Boards for that long!)

So sorry that I haven't had a chance to stop by the Suite since then - the month of August was very busy for us! Please know that I've been thinking of you all, though! It will take me awhile to catch up on everyone's posts and with everyone's news, but I will do so!

We also have to plan Linda and Tom's BON VOYAGE party, as they prepare to embark on another Magical Disney vacation!

All has been well, here. My "summer vacation" is officially over today, as I start back at school, tonight. I guess it couldn't last forever! :( But it was a great and fun summer! Frank took a week off in August and we took lots of day trips - to the shore, to New Hope, PA, to the Perth Amboy (NJ) waterfront (since there are so many "Jersey girls" in the Suite, now, they know where I'm talking about! :)). We had a friend in from Michigan 2 weeks ago and spent every day that week engaged in group plans with lots of friends to entertain him, and that was a lot of fun, too! We had a nice Labor Day weekend - went to a close friend's 40th Birthday party and a BBQ at my SIL's, and then just spent yesterday relaxing on our deck.

The friend who turned 40 (Fred) is a very sweet guy, and another friend (John), Frank, and I gave him a very special birthday gift. Fred is always joking that his life plays out like one long episode of "Seinfeld" and that there should be a sitcom based on his life, with all of his eccentric friends and family members, etc. So..........Frank, John, and I spent the summer making Fred's dream come true.........we literally wrote a script for a half hour "sitcom pilot" episode of a "show" about Fred's life - including all of us and his other friends, etc. We put a lot of work into it - we got together every week, over the summer, to work on it - and we finally presented it to him on Saturday night. He was very overwhelmed, touched, and thrilled! Can't wait to hear what he thinks, once he has a chance to calm down and read it - it was truly a "labor of love" for us - and a lot of fun to work on, too!

Anyway, hope that all has been well with all of you and hope that you all had a great Labor Day weekend!

Welcome back, Lauralee! And nice to see you again, Merryl!

Hi out there, Colleen!

And hi again, Linda!

Have a great day.........I'll start catching up on all of your posts, right away! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hope that you are having a wonderful, Magical vacation, Merryl! So sorry that I missed YOUR Bon Voyage party..........we'll just have to have a "WELCOME HOME PARTY" for you, upon your return, that's all! Then you can tell us all about your wonderful adventures and your great trip! Enjoy! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Lisa! We have really missed seeing you around but as long as you were having fun we wil forgive you. :love:

What a wonderful gift to do for someone! I had a friend from way back in first grade who spent considerable time making me a scrapbook when they tore down my family home and I burst into tears when I saw it. The time spent is so precious. Bet your friend was teary eyed as well. I wish I could read it.

I always thought I would be a good sitcom writer as I have lived an interesting life and have much material to work from. :) Maybe science fiction would be more fitting. :rolleyes1

Look for a package as that envelope that has languished on my desk lo these many months has finally been taken to the post office. Do not expect much as my mundane life does not give to many truly interesting items but I tried. :sunny:

I had a dear friend come by this afternoon and we spent it reading a certain book that another friend gave me. Naturally it was all about Disney World. She and her husband have a second home at The Villages and we will be visiting them on our return home but they are also going to come over and spend a day at EPCOT with us. We saw the Beach Boys together a few years ago. She is the daughter of my dear friend, Dorthea. :lovestruc

I do not think that I have reported that Tom has cataracts and is going to have surgery when we get back from vacation. I am now doing all the driving. He had only been driving about 30 miles a week before. Just more reasons why we need to move to town. Need and want are two different things though. Not to mention the effort involved. :confused3

Have a great night gals, see you all soon!

Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Six days to go!!
:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Nuff said. (no time to say anything anyway lol)

Linda

[JoiseyMom]

Hey guys I have been back almost a week, and have been pretty busy. I am working on a Trip Report, lets see if I can finish it!! :) Trip was really good, kids had some melt downs, but heck, heat, sugar, sugar, sugar, and you get melt downs! Weather was hot, and wet, but not as hot as last year. We had a bunch of overcast days, and that wasn't too bad. Had to change our itinerary a bit, but we all survived. Free dining was awesome, had only 1 oop meal for DS, and we used all our dining credits plus some extras (long story). Hit the former Belz outlets and spent a small fortune! Good thing we didn't go there last year! Had lots of magic. Kids played ball and tag with Peter Pan, Wendy, Minnie Mouse, Capt. Hook, and Donald Duck. Both kids rode Peter Pan with Wendy (have pics!!). Kids both got lolly's from the lollypop lady in Japan again. Somehow our seats of 45B were changed to 25 at HDD and we were in the front row right behind the piano and banjo player!!! The kids got to test that new Kim Possible game in Epcot. Lots of great stuff!!! They loved the CBR Pirate Cruise too!!

Any questions???

Merryl

[SlightlyGoofy]

Welcome home Merryl!! What a lot of fun you guys had. Did you leave any for me? :sunny:

If you get your report written before I leave please be sure and let me know as I might get some more ideas. I have booked an Illuminations Cruise and a few other surprises but still have not figured out what to do for our last night's stay. Usually I have to get up early the next day and this trip I am taking an extra day going down and back so we could actually stay out late. Seeing Spectro would be our first choice but there is none that night. Did you guys get to see it while you were there??

So much pixie dust for your trip and deservedly so!!! :cheer2: I cannot wait to see the pictures with your kids and the characters (or is that just plain 'characters"??) :rotfl2:

I had a fellow DISer PM me the other day thinking we might meet since we are both going to be there at the same time. Turns out she lives just up the road from us. IASW!!!

I am packing one small suitcase with every imaginable medicine I can think of. I have found that if I plan things do NOT happen. I am going to try to go cold turkey medication wise so that I might manage to keep off the few pounds I have managed, at great pain, to discard. Steriods tend to plump one up. I am going to do a bunch of walking so that the Free Food does not do me in. :yay:

Reading day went well Friday and several of the students and I were already friends so we were all delighted to see each other in a setting outside of the CC. I was so pleased with all the news reportage of "Put your nose in a book" day. They passed out red noses to all the readers. It was a simple but great idea. I had to stay in the car while my family went into Sam's Club today because my youngest grandson was engrossed in a book and did not want to stop reading. I love it!! :love:

Yardwork and CC for me tomorrow. I have to take my moving library out of the trunk when I get home as it will be my last day at the CC until we return from WDW. One boy wants me to take pictures of Buzz Lightyear so I bought a 2 gig SD card, it takes 2500 pictures or about 8 hours of video or a combination of both. Along with my other 2 512 cards I should be well set. I already have videos of so many things and pictures that there is little need for a lot more. :dance3:

Good night Suite Ladies, Linda

[twinscandc]

Hello!! My name is Becki....

I am so sorry that it has been forever since I've been around!! I can make a ton of excuses, but it just really boils down to: I'M COVERED UP!!! :crowded:

With DH, Mark on 2nd shift ::cop:, I'm all alone at night to deal with dinner, homework, baby feedings, cleaning, dishes, lawn mowing......the list could go on forever!!

Linda, I've been thinking about you and your upcoming trip!! I got your email about me mixing the names....Brain Fart!!! I'm sure you and Frank, oops, I mean Tom will have a great time!! And, drive safely and have a Mickey bar for us!!

Well, not much time to write now...I just wanted to give a shout out to Linda to wish her Bon Voyage!!

I promise I'll be back later with a life update!! Suffice it to say....it's crazy!! :crazy:

Take care everyone!! Oh!! It's good to "meet" a few new Suite members...Hello to JoiseyMom!! :wave:

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Welcome back, Merryl! You've arrived back from WDW just in time...........to join Linda and Tom's BON VOYAGE celebration!!!!!!!

Our Suite fellows have arranged a very special party as a great send-off for Linda and Tom, so let's all party!!!!!

Wishing Linda and Tom a wonderful, Magical vacation and a safe and fun trip! Can't wait 'til you both get back, so that we can hear all about your adventures!

And you'll have to tell us all about your trip, when you have a chance, Merryl!

Hi Becki! Great to see you! And hi out there, Colleen! :)

Sorry - as always - that I haven't been around very much - school started last week and I'm already inundated with reading assignments (.......and just got my first 2 written assignments, too.......)! I got the official "go-ahead" from my Advisor, last week, to "pseudo-graduate" in May! As all of my classwork will be completed by then and all of my Health Education requirements satisfied, I can participate in the Commencement exercises.......although I won't actually get my diploma / degree until after I finish my Fieldwork and present it in the Fall........but that's OK! I'm getting there, slowly but surely! :)

We've also been busy cheering our FIRST PLACE NY METS to victory! :) We were out at Shea Stadium last weekend and just found out that we will be going to the Playoffs in 2 weeks! :) Shea Stadium is my third favorite place in the world.........after WDW and the NYC Broadway Theatre District! :)

Anyway, just wanted to say "hi" and "welcome back" to Merryl..........and BON VOYAGE to Linda and Tom!

See you all soon! Have a great weekend! :)

[IASW Rider]

WOW! The Suite sure has been quiet, lately! Will have to start planning Linda and Tom's WELCOME HOME party, to get everyone together! :)

Speaking of Linda and Tom, I heard from Linda a few days ago, and she and Tom are having a wonderful, magical WDW vacation! They had spent a wonderful evening viewing Wishes........and of course the EWP (!!) and she said that that was their favorite part of the trip, thus far! They were on their way to see La Nouba, and she mentioned seeing a bunch of fellow DIS'ers, too! She sends her love to everyone!

Can't wait for a full trip report, upon Linda's return! :)

I've been fine - just busy with the Jewish Holidays, over the past 2 weekends, as well as my school semester.

Frank and I are going to Game 1 of the Mets' Playoffs, tomorrow..........LET'S GO METS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :)

And we made our airline and hotel reservations for Barcelona, pre and post our DCL Mediterranean cruise on the Magic, next July! Just 8 months to go! :) And just 3.5 months until our next wonderful visit to THE LAND OF MAGIC!! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope to see you here, soon! (I will try my hardest to be around more often, too! :)) Take care, Everyone! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Heard from Linda and Tom, again - they were off on an IllumiNations Cruise, 2 nights ago! Sounds wonderful! :) Can't wait to hear her full report, upon her return! :)

We had a FANTASTIC time at the Playoff game, yesterday! The weather was warm and summerlike..........and the Mets WON!!!!!! Onward to Game 2!!!!!

Here is a picture (like PhotoPass! :)) that the professional Stadium photographer took of us, yesterday, if you'd like to see:

http://www.printroom.com/ViewGalleryPhoto.asp?userid=nymets&gallery_id=522094&image_id=24

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

[Slightly Goofy]

Whew!! I am one worn out lady. Between all the fun and coming home with the remenants of a cold/flu I am even tireder than usual and that is saying something for a woman with an 8 pt iron level. :rotfl2:

We got home late Wednesday night. Did not even unpack the car, just went in and turned on the hot water heater, took showers and went to bed, to sleep - perchance to dream. Knitting up that ravelled sleeve etc. :cool1:

I always forget something when I travel and this time I took the cake. Usually it is something I can pick up at a local WM. I left my card with snail mail addys and phone numbers. After all the nice cards I get from you all when you travel I feel as if I have let the Suite down and in a big way. I did buy cards and will send them as soon as I am able to write something coherent. :grouphug:

I did make it to Kinko's (thanks to info from the board on how to do this) and send out a very few messages a couple of times.

I will write more later. I think I am sane enough to drive today and I NEED to go to the grocery store badly.

I missed you all and we had much more fun than pain. More to follow!!

Love, Linda Lou

[twinscandc]

Linda!!

So glad that you made it home safely!! Can't wait to hear all about the trip!!

I drove by your house several times while you were gone to make sure it was still standing!! Everything looked well taken care of!!

Give me a ring when we can meet up some time soon. I'm out your way several times a week these days. I even ventured into the Community Center yesterday to check out the new Health Clinic. Nice!!

Take care!! Talk to ya soon!!

Becki

Oh....took Carson to the Doctor today for his 6 mo. check up, and the doctor said he has an ear infection!!!!! I was hoping to have to not deal with those since the girls never had an ear infection!! Oh, well!! Here we go!!

[Slightly Goofy]

The pool table is now empty. That means that almost everything is put away now. Laundry is caught up and I currently working on a special DVD to make amends for not sending post cards to the most special people I know and love, whom never forget ME! I did not forget any of YOU but did forget the info to contact you with. I cannot believe I did that. I got piled on a couple of weeks before we left but that is still not a good excuse.

While we were gone one of my sisters got hit by a tornado. It did much damage but they are still able to live in the house. The problem is that they have many houses in foreclosure in their complex and they fear that it will make it all that much harder to sell their place and move to a condo now. I hope it works out for them.

My sis with the liver transplant had a setback and had to go back to the hospital for a few days but seems to be doing well now. The benefit is going to be the 27th. Even with insurance there is so much need for money. Her husband retired from where Tom did and has a job at a new WM on third shift. It is hard on her as she cannot abide being alone for even a little bit. I am the opposite- I go nuts if I am not alone every once in a while.

I have friends coming in from out of town. I have not seen them in person in over 3 years so I am looking forward to getting together with them Friday.

Dalton was put in some more Advanced Placement classes while I was gone. He finished "Oliver Twist" and can now pronounce 'Fagan" properly. He took his grandma's (English Major) word for the fact that it was pronounced her way. lol

Both of my grandsons managed to get into a bit of trouble while I was gone. Nothing serious, usual boy stuff but I think they learned their lessons. I know that Austin did as the police were involved. They decided to scare him straight. He sort of made a 'bomb' in the church lot. If it were before 9/11 it would not have been of note BUT. He was shaking when I talked to him. Dalton took another boy's direction and stopped a toliet at school. I told him that if he "flushed" his straight "A's" down the toliet with a bad grade in conduct that he would not be getting his monetary reward. Grandma is back and on duty so hopefully such silliness will stop, or else. grrrrrrrrrr lol

Becki, are you not the sweetest person for checking on my house. Our city friends might find it hard to believe that it is possible to lock up our house and be gone for a whole month without much worry but that is the way our town is and then the fact that we live on the main street where houses seldom change hands in decades does not hurt. I am a bit bummed that I had to hire someone else's grandchild to mow though. I could not trust mine as they are at their father's mercy for transportation. Gotta blame it on someone and that is what in-laws are for. :rotfl2:

An ear infection?? I hate that. That is why I am deaf. I had many when I was growing up but then I did not get any medical attention. I hope they got it all fixed up and that sweet boy is not hurting anymore. :grouphug:

What did the girls do to celebrate their birthdays? I meant to send a card but failed, once again.

It is a great thing for the elderly and poor in our town to have the new health clinic. Are you planning on coming to play Bingo?? I do not mind the Bingo but wish the money was used for another service other than for the kids. It does not give a good impression to our children to think that we must gamble for their future IMO.

I was at the CC on Tuesday. I must have missed you. If you ever see my silver Toyota in the parking lot I am either there or walking in circles in the old gym. When I poked my head in the door Monday, my first day back, the kids nearly mowed me down. They loved their Mickey soaps, shampoos and lollipops. I had so many snack credits left that I brought back a huge bag of treats and my Mousekeeper left me BAGS of soaps and shampoos. They spoiled me rotten when I was there!! I have many letters to write to Disney about their employees.

Lisa, what a great picture of you guys. I will have to add it to my collection. I met at least a dozen DISers on this trip. I took pictures of many of them too. We visited with many old friends and made some new ones. This one family from Kentucky were so special. The mom is recovering from bone cancer and this trip was her wish. I cannot get her out of my mind. We exchanged emails so I can keep track of her and see her progress. Our most favorite moment was after the Luau we went down to the beach and watched the fireworks (the view of the Castle was awesome!!) and then stuck around for the EWP. I hope that you and Frank can do that someday. The view is so superior to that near the pool. Maybe we can do it together?? When you wish upon a star anything can happen.

I must get back to doing some work now as I will be gone all day tomorrow. I drive Tom everywhere now. He has an appointment for a second opinion (and with a superior surgeon IMO) on the 27th and then the surgery will be scheduled with the second cataract surgery being done about two weeks after that. If this is the worst problem he has at his age I am very grateful. I will be interested to see if there are any changes when he is able to see clearly.

Hugs to you Suite Ladies and more later, SG/Linda

[colleen costello]

Linda how good to read your post. Thanks for sharing with us! Please do not worry about forgetting addresses. It's more important to remember the bathing suits (which my pal Tisha forgot on one of our Holiday World overnights) and the eyeglasses and contacts (which my dear hubby forgot on two trips). Lisa did share with me that you were alive and kicking!

Isn't that path between the Poly and the GF the most GLORIOUS piece of real estate anywhere? I can't wait to go there at Xmastime when it is not too hot out. I will have to remember to watch the EWP from there. Also, when you post again, please share info on the luau. I am trying to decide if it is worth the splurge. Also, please tell us about your stat at TheVillages.

All is well here. Busy with school stuff, homework, kids, karate. Same old same old!

Love to everyone. :grouphug:

[Slightly Goofy]

Howdy Colleen~!

Yet another thing to add to my 'to do' list, the walk from the Poly to the GF. lol I plumb forgot your suggestion with all the other new things we did. :confused3

I would have never paid actual money for the luau. The food was mediocre and the show was mildly interesting. The fire dancer was the best. I have video I can share with you if you would like. You can see a fire dancer at the AK Lion King show as well although the Poly was more extended and involved. I loved when he checked his knickers after waving the fire in and around his family jewels. :rotfl2: So did Dalton.

Our friends from The Villages came over and we ate at Tony's one night. It was a very good meal among many others. I skipped out on dessert as I was not feeling well and certainly not up to anything sweet and staked out our seats above the train station. They had never watched from there before and we suitably impressed. I got there late and a kind younger couple helped me drag the only two seats that were empty to our favorite spot (left of center). I could not believe my luck when the nice couple to my left told me that they were just resting and waiting for family members and did not intend to stay for the parade so I had the 4 seats I needed. We shared with some other people and had dozens of children arrayed in front of us for the first parade and fireworks. My friend and I gave a family a thrill when we offered to save a place for them while they rode the train one last time. They were very nice people. On the way home we went by The Villages to visit them and they gave us a guided tour in their brand, spanking new Caddilac. They are the sweetest people but a tad bit shy. I am thinking they should meet up with your folks as they have so much in common with their love of Disney and where they live and all. What do you think?? They kept thanking me for inviting them over as they would have just sit in their Courtyard Villa otherwise. She is the daughter of my bestest friend, Dorthea.

I always put my last pair of old glasses in my glovebox for an emergency and I have never owned a bathing suit in my entire life. I did take some short pants in the thought I would dangle my legs in a pool this trip but that and miniature golf will have to stay on my 'to do' list.

Christmas is my most favorite time to go. Make sure you take a jacket though. If you do it will not get too cold. My 10 disposable raincoats are still intact as it did not rain, except for when we were asleep or once when we were in the Sci Fi Diner.

Nuff detail?? :)

Love, SG/Linda

[colleen costello]

Sounds like a great time! Of course I never get enough of hearing about pals' trips. Living vicariously is the next best thing to going myself.

I am not surprised with your luau review. Many online are similar -- just "so so." The HoopDeeDoo, on the other hand, is beloved despite its silly nature. My group is headed back there on 6/15/07 when my darling daughter turns 13 and I officially become the Mom of a teenager. I am not a drinker but they offer beer and that night I may feel the need to start... I always feel I am in for a rollercoaster ride with my firstborn.

Linda, it is good you are home before those grandkids get crazy. Isn't it funny how what used to be "innocent pranks" can now be "matters of national security?" I pity all the teens who are bound to do all their dumb moves in this climate... Back when I was a teen we always got a bit of leeway. I bet both boys are glad you're back.

Let's take a roll call: Who is around and who is headed south? I head toward the sunshine on 12/22, although I am not staying in Orlando. Mom doesn't charge extra even during holiday week so we will take our lodging in The Villages. We have lots of day trips planned, though. We have Chef Mickey's on 12/26 -- my 19th wedding anniversary -- and Boma, plus 'Ohana on New Year's Eve. If the weather is hot I might book a last-minute night or two at a DVC resort or whatever Mod I can get cheap. Ian wants to swim at Disney. We'll see... It is nice having the flexibility. If it's 40 degrees I can sleep at the Villages since we wouldn't swim anyway.

Linda, send me your friend's name and I will forward it to Mom. She is thinking of starting a Disney club and your friend(s) might want to participate.

OK, off to school to finish Chili Supper cleanup. We had our big fall fundraiser Friday night and I am still putting things away! :earboy2:

[Slightly Goofy]

Colleen, do not forget to use the new Western Way exit while wending your way from The Villages to DW. You will come out on a new exit just between Coronado Springs and the All Stars. Yet another reason to stay at the AS to my way of thinking. Location, location, location and they have it all. I expanded my driving to include the Beach and Yacht Clubs. Really easy really just never had a reason to investigate before. I can drive to MK and EPCOT during the daytime but at night things look really really different to me and I do not want my inept self out on the roads with all those other inept, but do not recognize it, people after dark. lol

Living a rural life as I do and having a Hee Haw sense of humor I feel no need to go to Hoop de Doo at all. It would be redundant to say the least. :rotfl2: Bet the kids, even the teenager, would love it though.

I highly reccomend the Illuminations Cruise though. I would not do it again but am glad we did it once and with such nice company. I took video of the whole show and since I am getting a high speed connection for Christmas I hope to be able to share it with you all. Just remember that it is a pretty short 'cruise'. They take you around the lagoon at the Beach and Yacht Club resorts a bit after dark (it is very pretty) and then you head over to EPCOT. A whole new view of a very familar place. Parking under the bridge near France you have a fantastic view of it all. Smoke was not a bit of a problem that night. As far as the 'snacks' go you will get tossed a small bag of chips and be given a can of soda. If you are operating a camera you will not be able to enjoy either one and I do not think I would want to miss one second of the 'show' for a bite or a sip. :confused3

I will have to check with Karen and Owen about possibly meeting up with your parents as they are intensely private and shy people. I will apply pressure though as I think it would be good for them. Even though they got big bucks they are not "keeping up with the Jones'" type people. Disney is about her only topic of conversation. He is a retired insurance salesman who owned his own agency. They just live one town up from us. We are spending Thanksgiving with them as neither of us have anywhere else to go. (sad) I would love to volunteer at a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving but Tom is not into public service.

What would your school do without all your talents? I hope they appreciate you.

I am taking the day off work tomorrow and going on a gal's trip. An internet diet group that I belong to are getting together tomorrow. I will fix two plates of food for Tom and leave him on his own for the day. His brother offered to take him but I asked that it happen next weekend as I have so much yardwork to do and it would fit my plans better. I feel a little bad about it, just a little. If I can stay by myself for several days once a month and get many chores done he can sit for a few hours (he will whether I am here or not) and zap a meal or two. He has bowling today and is still asleep. Do I owe it to him to wake him up?? (can you tell that there has been far tooooo much togetherness on our trip????) :rolleyes1

If Tom wakes up in time I have to drop him off and go wash the car. I had to fix a headlight that went off yesterday. It was very easy, thanks to instructions from the Internet and maybe I saved a buck or two toward our next trip. I took the truck out for a spin to see if it was still running after a month's rest. It is a 1990 Mazda truck and only has about 100,000 miles on it and I just cannot justify buying a new vehicle for someone who only drives 30 miles a week. I worry about it breaking down though. Of course I worry about EVERYTHING. :rotfl2: It shakes a bit when you get up to about 65 but there is no reason to drive it that fast anyway. If I ever have to go down to one vehicle I will get a truck. It comes in handy for so many things. I haul the trash to the dump as it is easier and much cheaper than paying for service, it is almost time to load up mulch for the flower beds too. Great exercise. Did I tell you all that I lost pounds at DW while eating everything I wanted?? It is a magical place.

I am going to cover up the a/c units this weekend so expect a heatwave to come next week. It is the way it works.

Gas for under $2 a gallon? Is everyone else as lucky or luckier??

Your rambling friend, Linda

[colleen costello]

Linda, even though I love my kids dearly it is not like I don't value the occasional babysitter... So it is with you and Tom. Leave him some food for tomorrow and ship him to the brother next week and you will all be happier for it :)

Thanks for the info on "Western Way." Last March as we came in off #27 then #192 I could see guys putting the finishing touches on a new road that seemed to be a completely new exit... Scott and I commented on it then forgot about it in July as we approached from the Villages. Perhaps you can fill me in before Xmas... What I need to know is if it is worth getting off of #27 or not. Any road that gets me to Mickey quicker sounds great, especially since we will drive home to Mom's the night of New Year's Eve.

The Illuminations Cruise sounds wonderful and I think my family would love it. I would worry beforehand about having to tinkle while out there... The story of my life. I guess for a magical view of Epcot I could cross my legs... and not drink the can of soda!

If your friend is up for a Disney Club, encourage her to join up with Mom and her new Disney friends. Mom is plotting to get some pals to go to Orlando with her on a regular basis as my Dad feels a little Mickey goes a long way. My parents are having dinner at BOMA on Thanksgiving and their neighbors next door are joining them. I am glad they have fun plans because I could not convince them to fly up here when we'll be down for Xmas just 3 weeks later.

Linda, Hee Haw or not I think you would LOVE the HoopDeeDoo. The food is wonderful and the whole show just so silly and fun. It was Erin's immediate choice for "Where do you want your 13th birthday dinner?" Of course my hubby noticed the child picked the most expensive option... I have trained her well!

Have fun with your diet group... I guess you are not going to a buffet restaurant? :)

xoxo

[Slightly Goofy]

Colleen, you are so right about familarity breeding contempt. I do not want to spend 24/7 with myself. lol I did fix two plates of food and left Tom sitting in front of the tv. He was still there when I returned many hours later. That is where he would have been if I had not left. At least he got some exercise in that he had to get up, walk one step t o the fridge, take out the plate of his choice and then walk the long way around the counter (at least 3 steps) to the microwave. That either staved off a potential heart attack or might have possibly caused one. :rotfl2:

I do not know the exit number TO using Western Way to WDW as I only took it from. The DW entrance/exit is just past Coronado Springs on the right and is well marked. The only problem I encountered is that I went past the exit to the toll road and had to turn around but as it was a dead end it was not problematic at all, even for me. lol My friends from The Villages said they greatly enjoyed the exit. There are big "Welcome to DW" signs coming from that direction. That stretch of the road was deserted when we were on it and it sure did beat getting off and on the area interstates and having to go back toward Orlando as we had been doing. I highly reccomend it. :thumbsup2

The Illuminations Cruise does not last all that long that you would need fear any potentially embarrassing accidents. I think it barely lasted a half hour or so. I am glad we went but would not do it again. You can easily get a couple of more people to join you via the IC thread on here and cut down on the expense. One of the boats that went with us had a birthday celebration on it. I have heard of people eating while on board but I cannot see how you would really get to enjoy food and see all the views of familiar sights in an unfamilar setting. I say go and then walk over to B&C afterward. JMO

I doubt that my friend would willingly walk into the Disney Club. She is a bit shy, even though she might not seem so to some. I am thinking if I could get your folks and my friends to go out for a meal that your mom might be able to encourage Karen a bit. Since I am a common connection it just might work. She is so sweet and the only thing off putting would be the fact that her main topic of conversation is all things Disney. What am I saying??? That is not a problem at all, as long as you pick your friends very carefully. :lmao:

To enjoy Hoop de Doo or any other show you have to be able to hear the jokes and that is not my strong suit. I tend to go to live performances where I already know the material. Please tell your hubby that your delightful, near teen, daughter does not pick out things by price but just has very good taste and it is his happy lot in life to provide those things until some feller comes along who, hopefully, will be able to take over where he leaves off. :love:

The diet group often goes to buffets. I sort of like them as it is so much easier for each person to find things that are on their particular diet. Not that anyone actually does that. I saw onion rings and many other items being devoured. On our last get together we went to the world's largest grocery store in Cincinnati. It is an addiction. Many of us collect cookbooks.

I am looking forward to next weekend. I will be working at our local museum that Sunday. It will be the last day they are open for the season and I usually work that date because I can get my Christmas cards done that day as no one usually shows up. :cool1: Covering up the a/c units and other yardwork should fill up my free time as well. Looks like an early and cold winter is coming so it is best to be prepared and hope I am wrong. :rolleyes1

May all the leaves blow to your neighbors yards!!!!

Love and Hugs, Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

Wow! The Suite sure has been quiet, lately! So sorry that I haven't been around. In fact, this is the first time that I have gone on to the DIS Boards since............OCTOBER 5TH!!!!! I can't believe it! I've never been away this long! So sorry! We must keep our Suite "alive", after all of these years! :)

I just wanted to pop by to invite everyone to our gala Suite celebration of COLLEEN'S BIRTHDAY, which will take place all day long, tomorrow! We'll begin with a celebratory brunch in the morning, tour the parks all day long, and finish up with a gala reception in the Suite in the evening, dinner at Victoria and Albert's, and a special viewing of the EWP, of course! Come one! Come all! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Will post again soon.........as soon as I've caught up on everyone else's recent posts! Take care. :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

It will have to be one big blowout tonight as we will not only be celebrating our dear Colleen's birthday but Rutger's win over Louisville!! (fingers and eyes crossed that it may be so) :cheer2:

I am taking Colleen out for a birthday lunch next week. We are meeting halfway between our homes in a quaint little tourist town at one of my favorite restaurants. (Hey, any place that cooks the food FOR me is my favorite) :rotfl: You all will be with us in spirit and I will try to remember my camera so that we can share our visit. BTW, in case you are wondering she will be "Plenty One" today. I have been "Plenty One" for a few decades now. :rotfl2:

Tom's second eye operation was a bit more difficult than the first one but not bad. He has literally taken to his bed since the first operation. Lord help him, and me, if he should ever actually have an illness. Not sure where he will have to go. I crawled up the stairs to a quiet bedroom last night when I requested that he take some cough medicine so I could get some sleep and he said he did not need any. I needed sleep. I am feeling much better today. :thumbsup2 He has a followup visit today and then wants to go eat out. The scales say I should not though. I may just have some iced tea and watch him eat. Life is soooo unfair. :bounce:

Tomorrow I hope to finally finish up the yardwork. I got behind last weekend because a charming young man stayed with me the entire weekend I did not want to miss a minute of it. I took him to basketball practice and he had the crowd on their feet with one of his moves. He is one sneaky kid. He says he has other ideas up his sleeve and I do not doubt him one bit. Austin nearly has all the crops in now and is looking forward to winter and less work.

No news on my dd's job hunt. She is pinning her hopes on the job where her dad used to work. It is, by far, the very best place to work in this area with great benefits and the highest wages. Fingers and eyes are crossed on this one as well. :love:

Dalton and I watched "Oliver" last weekend and he said he enjoyed the movie but liked the book better. That's my boy!! :cloud9:

I never watch sports but I just saw on Regis that I can see the Rutgers game on my TV tonight. Cover your ears as I might get a bit carried away. I might even watch more than the last part, which is about the only part I ever do watch. Not a sports fan, but am a Lisa and Frank fan! :cheer2:

Colleen, have a wonderful day and I am looking forward to seeing you next week.

Hugs and Smiles, SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

:) :) :) Have a wonderful and special and MAGICAL day! Love, Your Friends in the EWP Suite :) :) :)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

So sorry to hear that Tom is having a bit of a difficult time recovering from his second eye surgery. I hope that he is feeling better and more comfortable, soon! And I wish Jackie lots of good luck with her job search! I know you had mentioned that very good company where her father used to work........I hope that it works out for her! And hope that all is well with Austin, Dalton, and the rest of your family, too!

I think it's so nice that you and Colleen will be getting together, next week! Please remember to bring your cameras - I want lots of pictures!!! :)

Wouldn't you know that I have CLASS tonight until 9:00 PM??!! So I will be missing the first half of the Rutgers game.......and the ironic thing is that the UMDNJ campus is PRACTICALLY ON TOP OF RUTGERS STADIUM - LESS THAN A MILE AWAY! So I will be practically AT the game........even though I won't be able to see it! Will race home and turn on the TV, though - hopefully I'll be able to catch most of the second half, anyway! Will look for the GoodYear blimp flying over our house, as it tends to do when there are major sporting events right across the River at Rutgers!

Hope that all is well with all of you, out there! I PROMISE to be better about posting, as best I can - busy semester - just a month and a half left to go!

Have a great day, Everyone! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to wish you "Ladies Who Lunch" a wonderful time, tomorrow! Wish that I could be there! Take lots of pictures to share and I'll be thinking of you! :)

RUTGERS RULES!!!!! :) (Sorry - just had to throw that in, after my last post! :))

All is well - but not particularly eventful - here in the Garden State, this week. One piece of good news is that the professor of my class tonight (who is my favorite) sort of "unofficially" agreed to be my Fieldwork Advisor, and said that the project that I am working on for her class, now, can be expanded into my Fieldwork project........so at least I'm not totally clueless about my direction and what I'm doing, now! :)

Have a great day and take care! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

How come I get notifications of new posts here and sometimes not???? :confused3

The Ladies Who Lunch would be much happier if the Heart and Soul of the group (Lisa) could be with us today. :sunny:

It seems that Becki had an unfortunate accident while playing volleyball so my dream of getting Colleen and Becki together to meet face to face will have to be postponed. She is lucky to have two such grownup and capable daughters to help her until she is able to do more than hobble. Sending pixie dust that the injury is not extensive and she will be back to bashing volleyballs across the net soon.

Tom's vision is 20/25 uncorrected and he might not need glasses. It is making me tempted to see what might be done for me when I have mine done. I have worn glasses since I was 17. I am not vain and would never want to take any chances with my sight as that is the one sense I would miss the most. Being blind and deaf would make my life a bit complicated. :rolleyes:

Yeah for a bit less work for you Lisa!!! From what I remember it is an honor to have someone offer to advise you. Teachers tend to pick those they think the highest of. If you ever get some of your work finished and would like to send it to me to read I enjoy that sort of thing. (hint)

I have to be back in town to pick up my older grandson after school. He is too cool for the school bus nowadays. He is spending the weekend with me and then I hope to take Dalton to the science exhibit at the Commons where they are having a Lego robot exhibit. It is the class I wanted him to take last year. He was all up for it until his dad convinced him it would not be fun. grrrrrr He made the honor roll once again. Austin did not get any "F's". grrrrrr Being a good mother, mil, and grandma is causing me to have stress because of all the pent up and unvented expressions I have. Thankfully I have the Internet to vent to, safely, or I might pull a Mt. St. Helens. :rotfl2:

Go Rutgers!!!!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Love, Linda (who is wearing her 'Slightly Goofy" shirt and plans to wear shoes (formal occasion ya know)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Once again, hope that you all have a wonderful lunch, today!

Hope that you are feeling much better, soon, Becki! So sorry that you hurt yourself - hope that you are not in very much pain! (I'm a former volleyball player - from high school (!!) - I can relate! :() And so sorry that you won't be able to surprise Colleen - I was looking forward to hearing about how your surprise meeting went! :( Oh well - next time! And next time.......hopefully I'll be able to join you all, too!

CONGRATULATIONS to both Austin and Dalton on a great first quarter of their school year!!!! That is very good news!!! I know that Grandma is very proud of both of their accomplishments!!! :)

Sorry that this is a quick one - just wanted to wish you all a wonderful day!!! Thinking of you all!!!! :)

[colleen costello]

Looks like I am the first to report back on the wonderful Mini-DIS meet in Nashville, Indiana! We had a wonderful time. It was very rainy and nasty out so what better fun than to meet a dear friend plus a new friend? Linda, Karen and I had fun talking all about The Villages and WDW... Was sorry that Becki could not join us (and of course sorry about the injury that happened) but that gave me a reason to tell Linda we had to do it again soon!

We had a lovely lunch full of all sorts of forbidden goodies, which I inhaled while Linda exercised great restraint. We had a kind waitress who took very good care of us and as it wasn't very crowded we felt free to sit and talk... and talk... and talk. Karen actually did a pretty darn good job keeping up with Linda and I. She is a sweetie but then I expected nothing less. Perhaps we can convince her to post in the Suite every once in a while.

What fun it is to be with people who ENJOY talking about Mickey. My poor hubby can't help but glaze over when I get on a Disney-induced roll... We had so much fun hearing about Linda's last trip. I have never had the pleasure of doing the dining plan -- especially not FOR FREE -- and hearing about Linda and Tom's gastronomical (is that spelled right?) adventures was really fun. I could do a lot of damage on that plan!

All is well here in Indiana. Love to everyone! :thumbsup2

[SlightlyGoofy]

LOL, Colleen!! You only beat me because I have been busy with grandkids. I had Austin to pick up and then Dalton dropped by for a dinner before going to church. The kids get awfully hungry on church nights cause they do not get home until very late. I keep their favorite foods on hand. :thumbsup2 I have been on the phone with one or the other, and even my dd (rare occasion), most of the night as well. I told them all about what a wonderful day I had. :cheer2:

I do not think I was all that restrained with the food as I ate FOUR of the cheese sticks!!! The scales were up when I got home but I expected that. I gain extremely easily and lose very slowly. :confused3 The food sure was good there though.

As I told Becki, life is too short to deal with mean people so I only know sweet people nowadays. As I age I get meaner. lol Karen has a most delightful childlike quality, not childish, just a joy in the simple things of life, so like her dear mother.

Colleen, now that you have been property introduced to Karen maybe you guys can get together at The Villages or Disney some time. Do not hold your breath for her to post in the Suite though as she is not much for the Internet. Her hubby does a little, but very little. He had to do it too much in his line of work.

I do have a couple of possible new Suite Ladies who I have invited to drop by. I only invite the very nicest people. One is another Indiana gal who lives up the road from me. :banana: The other is a very special gal from Kentucky that I met on our last trip. She is someone that I have to keep in touch with as I have to know the end of her life story. If I can get her to post I will let her tell you all about it. :lovestruc

I think you can best describe our recent trip as "gastroECONOMICAL". As much as I hated the heat and vowed "Never again" I find myself daydreaming about all the good food I ate AND did not gain weight on. :cloud9:

Lisa, you will have to wait until tomorow night or even a bit later to see the picture and video I took as my connection is so slow and I am worn out. Fun should not wear you out as much as work. :rotfl2: You would have enjoyed the restaurant as it was very quaint and the shops, you would still be there looking around. :woohoo:

Becki, I hope the doctor was able to tell you thing are not as bad as you feared and hope to see you tomorrow. I have all your info and will call first though in case you are resting. :love:

I have to have Tom at the eye doctor bright and early in the morning and he is not an early type person and then I have him an appointment for a physical (he does not know about that one), then to bowling, hopefully a visit to Becki to see how she is doing, back to bowling to pick up Tom and get a lecture from my dear bil who will doubtless tell me what else I should be doing for his brother, take them out to eat and then a quick trip into the store to pick up some items. Whew!! I think I done wore myself out just thinking about all that. I am working at the museum on Friday as we have a big Christmas on the Square thing, complete with sleigh rides, carolers and all. My job is helping kids decorate the cookies at the museum. I am afraid that I do not sell as many cookies as some as we get too busy visiting. :rotfl:

Enough gabbing, Good night, and thanks for a very special day.

Love, Linda

[twinscandc]

I am so disappointed that I was not able to join Linda, Colleen and Karen for lunch today. I was so looking forward to it. It sounds like you had a great time and ate some delicious food!! Let's plan for another meeting sometime REAL soon!!

Well the diagnosis for my injury is a 2nd Degree tear in my calf muscle. The Orthopedic Doctor said it could take up to 8 weeks to heal. I have to go back next Wednesday for a follow up. He said as long as I'm gaining more and more range of motion then there will be no further treatment, just healing on it's own. But, if not, then we'll try Physical Therapy and then the last result is surgery to repair the muscle. I DON'T WANT SURGERY!! So now I'm getting around on crutches and crawling up and down the stairs of my house. Lots of fun when you are trying to take care of a 7 month old baby!!

Anyway....enough of the bad....on to the good. Caitlyn is competing in the corporation wide school Spell Bowl. She and 7 others were picked from about 60 4th, 5th and 6th graders at her school. She was the only 4th grader that made it!! She has been studing a 12 page list of words for the past 6 weeks!! Tomorrow is the BIG day. I was a horrible speller at her age, but somehow it just comes naturally for her. Wish her and her team luck!!

Well, enough for now....I'm going to take my pain pill and get some rest!

Becki

[SlightlyGoofy]

OK, Becki!!! We want details on how our local spelling bee champion did. I am sure it was a whole lot better than I could have done. I require writing things out and even then I slip from time to tyme. :rotfl2:

Dalton was disappointed in that it was not your Achilles tendon as he was so very proud that he knew where it was located. Yes, the child likes Greek mythology, just like his Granny. I was relieved though as it is not quite as bad. I wish I could have gotten in the house to have taken pictures of you bumping your way down the stairs. Trust me, it will be funny, someday. ;)

Man Carson is growing like a weed. He was so much lighter the last time I held him. Bet the girls are feeding him behind your back. I could not resist him either. :love:

Any news on your injury? I am so hoping that you do not need surgery, as I bet you are too. I am still shaking my head at the fact that you are still working with the pain and all. Women are amazing. May your clients take mercy upon you and give you no grief at all. :wizard:

Tom's eyesight is nearly 20/20 now. He is having some tests and such as I do not think I made his situation clear to his doctor. I will have to practice up and see if I can make him understand before more invasive tests are done to see why he sits and does nothing. It is not anything new. (going on near 72 years according to his family and my experience) He likes it that way. The doctor did tell him that his blood tests and such were coming back with poorer results and I was probably right that the inactivity was getting him down. Tom told someone that was just because the doctor was afraid of disagreeing with me because his doctor's wife is my doctor. Who can argue with such 'logic"?? :confused3

Hope all you dear Suite Ladies are planning and will have a Happy Thanksgiving!!! I am eating at Karen's!!! She is headed down to The Villages for the winter a couple of days later. Lucky lady!! (she deserves it too)

Love, Linda (who is resting up after spending yesterday taking oldest grandson Christmas shopping) :dance3:

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to stop by and wish all of you a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I also wanted to thank you Indiana ladies for thinking of me when you all went out, last week! And I wanted to say that I hope you're feeling much better, Becki, and that your recovery will go quickly and smoothly! And hope that Caitlyn did a fantastic job in the spelling competition, too!

Hope that Tom is continuing to do well, Linda! I'm sure that his blood test results will improve........what he needs is another trip to WDW - right away! That will take care of any "inactivity issues" that he may have! :)

Now we can start the countdown to Colleen's upcoming WDW Holiday trip!!! Just a few weeks away, really!

All is well in the Garden State - just frantically working on some final projects for school - should be a better poster / correspondent when the semester ends in 2 weeks!

In the mean time, hope that you all have a wonderful Holiday and weekend! Thinking of you all! xxxxxxx - Lisa :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

The doctor called this morning and they found a spot on Tom's right lung. It is probably an infection (pneumonia) but since he was a heavy smoker for years and his parents both had cancer we are erring on the side of caution. He is on antibiotics for 3 weeks and then another xray to see how the spot is reacting. It is my greatest nightmare that he get sick in the winter months as I just plain do not drive on ice and snow and do not know what I would do. I have told him that I forbid him being sick but since he is loathe to listen to my instructions on how to button his shirt (from the bottom up so that he gets the buttons in the right holes) I am doubtful that he is going to listen to this advice either. :teeth:

Lisa, if you became more perfect we would all have to just plain hate you. :rotfl2: Becki took your picture home with her as I have it on my computer. I also had a montage of all the Suite Ladies, past present and otherwise that had one thing in common - I was in the picture with them. I am only lucky lady in being able to have met so many of you in person!! :thumbsup2

There has been much in the local paper about the Spelling Bee. That takes a skill that I do not possess so I am in awe of Caitlynn's expertise.

As far as taking Tom to Disney to get him to move I fear that I am not in the best of shape right now to do all it would take for another trip. He will have to wait for his next wife to take him again. The last experience is far too fresh in my mind. Maybe at the end of next year if senility sets in?? :banana:

I am making batches of homemade yeast rolls for tomorrow's dinner with Karen and with plenty of extras for the family dinner on Saturday. Austin is a fan of homemade rolls and has asked for enough for plenty of leftovers. :dance3: I bought an assorted cake platter from WM to share around also. I am making some chocolate dipped fruits for me to have as it seems a better choice if I want to make it 5 weeks in a row of losses. I had far more weeks of losses this year than gains but the gains are ALWAYS larger than the losses. It stinks too!! :Pinkbounc

Happy Thanksgiving to Lisa, Colleen, Becki, Janet, Angie, Elaine and others!!

Love, SG/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

I have been having router problems along with a lot of other things so I just got back in. The router is bagged up and ready to return tomorrow. The modem works fine without it but the connection fails off and on with it. :confused3

I know the best people. One called and offered me a room at The Villages if I wanted to bring Tom down for the lights and then our very own Colleen volunteered some of her precious family vacation time to be our personal tour guide and push Tom around (not that he needs it) and even administer corrective action should it become necessary. :rotfl2: Two people here have offered to take us to the airport but that might be because they want to get rid of us. :rolleyes:

The heart test is tomorrow and after we get that I will make a plan. A second opinion is definitely in order. I am hard pressed to think that a man in such bad condition was able to walk the miles and do the things that Tom did on our recent trip. He has always been able to do what he wants to. Maybe all these years of sitting and doing nothing for months at a stretch have skewed the tests. The aneurysm is not so bad on reflection because many people his age have them and do not know it and that is what puts them at risk. It will be watched and taken care of if need be. I just wish I were smarter about medical things. I have a tendancy to tough things out myself in the thought that most things take care of themselves and fear that I might err in Tom's case. It is hard enough to make such decisions for oneself let alone another human being. Tom is no different than usual and doing his usual. It is my job to worry but there is a limit to what I can do for him. Some things you HAVE to do yourself. I cannot do the tests for him nor take the medicines. I can buy them and remind him of the time and even hand them to him BUT :confused3

Nothing but bad news around here right now. The mother of one of my classmates died suddenly the other day - of an aneurysm of all things and then tonight I learned that one of my mom's best friends was killed in a car crash.

I find a minute or two to start working on a plan to visit DW again for the Flower and Garden Show to make up for no Christmas lights this year. Maybe at the end of this year??

Happy Holidays gals and my next posting will be full of sunshine and light - no matter what. Things can always be worse.

Love, Linda /SG

[colleen costello]

Linda, you deserve kindness because that is what you give out so very much of. Hopefully when you do get your 2nd opinion the new doc will realize that Tom is ABLE to be quite mobile when it suits him! And as you said, there is only so much worrying one wife can do.

My offer stands to push Tom around WDW while you and I gab. Heck, I'd burn more calories and be able to eat more when I hit Chef Mickey's and BOMA... I'm no dummy! All that Disney exercise is the best kind, where you are so happy you don't even realiize your feet are about to fall off :)

We leave tomorrow afternoon. Looks like warm weather all the way down. Scott has the day off and will pick up Ian from school, around 3. We'll say our goodbyes to our kitties and hit the road. We drive just south of Nashville tomorrow and will get to Florida Friday evening. On the 23rd or 24th we'll se the Osborne Lights and we also want to get some photos of the Grand Floridian gingerbread house. Mickey knows how to decorate for Xmas!

We have dinner reservations at Chef Mickey's, BOMA and on New Year's Eve, 'Ohana. I can't wait for that last one... The fireworks should be wonderful. I am personally not braving the crowds in the parks that day and will be happy to see it all from the Polynesian Beach.

Love to all. Happy Hannukah and Merry Christmas and good New Year wishes. See you all when I get back, in 2007. :goodvibes

xoxo

[SlightlyGoofy]

I thought I would drop by and see if the Boards were up so I could wish some of my favorite people in the whole world a happy holiday season!!!:santa:

I would try to post a picture or something but I am so slap happy from too much work and too little sleep that you all might erase the 'Slightly" from my name and bump me up a grade or three. :dance3:

Can't wait to explore the site and see what surprises our dear leaders have given us for Christmas. Thank you!!

Good night to you all, even you lucky ladies who are in Florida right now. lol

Love, Linda

[twinscandc]

Happy Holidays to everyone!! Greetings from Gulf Shores, Alabama!! We arrived safely on 12/24 and we will depart on 12/30. Mark has to work on News Year Eve so we are heading back for that!!

So, how is everyone's Holiday? We've been totally lazy today!! Right now Mark took the girls swimming and my mom alseep on the couch with Carson. Other than that, we've done nothing!! I really need to start on our Christmas dinner, but I've been looking around on the new DISboards!

Mark did surprise me with news that we are going to go to WDW for Spring Break '07!! He had found great airfare, so he jumped on it and we are off!! We are looking for DVC points to rent now. We are going to try to keep it a secret from the girls, so MUMS the word!! I'm hoping I can hold out that long b/c this is going to rock their world! We had told them that we probably wouldn't be back until Carson got a little older (so technically we're not lying - he is going to be older- he will be older by March!) I haven't been to WDW in the Spring since I was in High School. I'm sure it will be crazy!! Have any of you been during this time?

Well, gotta get that ham in the oven and start on the corn casserole!!

Take care!!

Becki

[SlightlyGoofy]

Becki, I read on another thread that you were planning a spring trip but I do not have the email program set up on the laptop and could not respond there.:confused3

Spring 2007 huh? You just might have a babysitter one night as that is when we are planning on going also. I am even thinking of trying to convince dd and the boys to fly down for a few days. We are waiting to see what performers are going to be there and when before we set dates though. :woohoo:

I will have to think if Colleen is headed down that time also. I seem to remember some talk of it. With her free accomadations she will be there more often than ever. :cheer2:

Lisa, what are YOU doing that time of the year? Just wondering. Would that not be a dream come true??:santa:

This has been a good day as Tom's heart tests came back alright, for his age, at least. One less problem to worry about although I had to have a big fight with my bil tonight as he was trying to tell Tom NOT to take his medicine cause he was doing so much better. Gee, think the fact he is taking the medicine had anything to do with that?? I had to drag out THAT word in order to get my message across. Tom's family believes that might makes right and the loudest is the rightest. When you do not use such words it makes an impact when you do. He shut up and listened. A mere woman made a point to a retired military judge. I am impressed, with myself. :rotfl2:

A woman on a mission is not to be messed with. :dance3:

Love and Happy New Year Gals!@! Linda

[jstmee]

At least I got here before the New Year. I read a few posts at least. I miss you gals terribly. I have one more semester of Nursing school left, I graduate in May and then my boards and then I will graduate with a BSN in nursing and be an RN (as long as I pass my boards!). -- all this and still working, and family.:laundy: absolutely no time to visit y'all.

But....I'm on break now!
Linda, you've had you're hands full with Tom, I'm so glad that his heart tests have gone well - what a scare. My husband is so stubborn, I have to remind him daily to take his blood pressure medication. He doesn't realize if he doesn't it may cause long term damage to his heart. (It isn't a silent disease for nothing.)

Lisa - how is your schooling going? I haven't had a chance to go back and read everything-you've done sooooo well!

Colleen, I see you have twins and a wee little one, congrats! I don't know how you are managing with your torn calf muscle. That must be so painful.
I had identical twins ds, now 18, a dd 15 and a ds 14.

I must brag now that ds, 18 Mark just got his grades and he has two A- and 3 A's, he is also on the basketball team at the college. And.....the college is 6 hours from home, it was hard for him at first because of leaving his twins gravesite, even harder for me because I didn't realize that even though Kenny passed away, I saw him everyday (in Mark's face) and when Mark went to college I didn't see his face anymore. That's when my true grieving started.

But, we are all doing pretty well, I have to start my youngest son with some counseling he isn't doing very well, he has some anger...but at least we recognize it and are willing to do something about it.

I am so anxious to go to WDW I am dizzy with pixie dust; however, my sil got married in Texas last summer so we went to Dallas, and my db gets married in Del Mar, CA this summer so that's where I'll be this summer.

Maybe, I can squeeze in a trip in the fall. I always like to go the last week of September it's always quiet then, I feel like the place is my own.

But, what I really want is to have the suite in the castle for the evening. That would complete my dream of dreams.

Ta Ta for now. Do we still have our luxurious suite, because I really need a foot massage, because I changed jobs at the hospital yet again, to prepare a little more for being a nurse and I've added, phlebotomist (drawing blood on patients in the hospital, and CNA) --I guess all the heavy labor and walking will have me prepared for my next WDW trip, lol.

I'm so glad I stopped in. Hopefully I'll stay a little longer this time around.

hee, hee, a little thought, I should tell my husband I'm needed on a "recon" mission in the south to help someone out in the spring.

Wendy

[SlightlyGoofy]

Wendy, how very wonderful to hear from you! As usual your life is full of love and laughter. I know how hard it must be to have your son away from home. Six hours can be forever sometimes but I am sure that you both will handle it well and even grow.

Congratulations on being so very close to graduation yourself. That is an awesome achievement under normal circumstances but when you are raising a family as well - you darned well deserve a medal in addition to the diploma. You will be such a wonderful nurse with your caring heart and having gone through some of the tough times that you have. My son's first wife is now a phlebotomist at our local hospital. Being able to draw blood without a lot of pain is a wonderful thing. :love:

I think you should try for an early spring vacation as I am counting THREE of us who are either planning or could plan to be there then. We were there the last week of September as well as into October with the Free Dining. Make sure to keep track on the boards if they should offer it again and that is when you decide to go as it is a bargain galore. We ate at places that cost well over a hundred dollars, something I would NEVER do in real life. Staying at a Value made it much more of a bargain than otherwise.

I am coming to terms with the fact that Tom will do as Tom wants to do. I can take him to the doctors, pick up the prescriptions and even remind him when to take them but if he does not want to do what he needs to do it is his life. I wish he would though. I cannot fight him and his brother too. I know his brother means well BUT. You may borrow my strategy. I tell Tom that my NEXT (not gonna happen) husband will enjoy the house, the car and other things he leaves behind. :lmao:

I spent the day at DW yesterday. I found the most wonderful way to do it. I Google "Disney World" and use the 'image" tab and select "videos" and up pops a huge listing of Disney videos, many of which are full programs and often like a front row seat without the crowds. I plan to use this often to stave off my Disney cravings. I highly reccomend it to you all. We can even plan to watch them 'together" sometime until we can all see them for real. :cloud9:

My worker is here and I have to instruct him in my ways and they are many. lol

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!!!!

HAPPY H0LIDAYS!!!! :)

So sorry that it's taken me so long to get here and wish everyone a belated MERRY CHRISTMAS and a wonderful New Year! I actually tried to post before we left to go to my in-laws' for Christmas, but the Boards were down! Shows you how long it's been since I've been able to get here!

But I've certainly been thinking of all of you! Can't wait to catch up on your posts and all of your news!

Hi Linda and Becki! :)

Hey Colleen, out there in WDW! :)

Great to see you, Wendy - thanks so much for stopping by! :)

And hello to everyone else! :)

I can relate to your schedule, Wendy - I have one more semester of graduate school left, myself. Will graduate "with" my MPH in May (although I won't actually be able to USE the designation 'til I finish my Fieldwork in the Fall!). My semester was so crazy and hectic that I was not able to post here very often, unfortunately. But am trying to be better, now that I'm on break! :)

Congratulations to you on your upcoming graduation - that is wonderful! And so glad to hear that Mark is doing so well at college - no surprise there! Hope that all will be well with your younger son, too - I'm sure that with counseling, as you said, he will be able to work out his issues - that's definitely the best thing for him to do. I can imagine how difficult it's been for you and your family without Ken. As we know, loss is a process that "never goes away" and is constantly changing.......we never forget........but we go on and live our lives and remember the special people who have been in them.........and it sounds like you and your family have been and continue to do a wonderful "job" with that........many happy and special things to look forward to........many happy and special memories to hold forever............

Hope that you had a wonderful Holiday and vacation, Becki! And so great that you'll be going to WDW over Spring break! :)

Wish that I could join you Suite Ladies on that proposed Spring Break trip, but we will actually be in WDW EXACTLY ONE MONTH FROM NOW! :) Celebrating my 40th Birthday in style, with Mickey! :)

Will be in touch "offline", Linda! :)

We will have to have a "Welcome Back" party for Colleen, upon her return from WDW, since the Holidays crept up on us and we missed giving her a BON VOYAGE party! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Will post in again very soon, but just wanted to wish you all and your families a very Happy and Healthy New Year, in case I don't make it back here before then! Here's to another year of fun and friendship in the Suite! Lots of love to all of you! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

New Year is a time for fresh starts and small differences in the house are making big differences, to me at least. More light in the rooms and big changes in areas that we in sore need of help. The new dishwasher is a huge success, literally, because it does not have a center tower and my big baking sheets and such fit in so much nicer. It is so quiet that I have to put my hand on it to feel the vibration to know it is working but I am so hard of hearing that it might be as noisy as can be and I just do not know. :rotfl2:

Tom spent NY's with his brother and they went to the car show in Indy while I got the work done. I was about worn out when he returned and went to bed hours earlier than usual last night. Still worn out but I have been rag mopping, over and over again to get some of the 100 years of dust from the hallway. Some of my nice paint has been marred and some wallpaper needs to be mended in some shape or form.

Wendy, how wonderful of you to think of us and catch up with all that is going on in your life. Even when you are not present with us you know that we are always sending you love and good wishes. You are a very special lady.

Colleen is having a blast and I was thrilled to see that she was watching the EWP from the Poly beach as I was watching it on the Google video site. She even posted a video on there, herself, of their experiences. Everyone should plan a time and day and we could watch it together sometime? I am sure that they are getting a bit sad at having to come back to the real world soon. It is so hard when you have extended stays especially. I have missed ALL of my friends who have been lucky enough to head south this holiday season and am looking forward to seeing them again and soon!!:grouphug:

The carpet man is coming Saturday and hopefully I can get my share of the work done by the following week so they can install the new carpet. Berber seems to be the choice. I have laid all the carpet in the upstairs rooms myself with varying degrees of the same light beige color so the Berber would tie it all together without being a jarring change. My tootsies will surely enjoy it because even though I have taken a million nails and tacks out as well as staples there are still a few rough spots here and there.

I am so looking forward to next Monday and seeing my CC kids again. Seems like a real year since I have seen them.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers Thursday as that is when we get the followup with Tom's doctor and he will give us the scoop on what we have to look forward to. It will give me a roadmap for what I need to do next.

Hugs, smiles and a few tears, Linda

[jstmee]

Happy New Year. This is the first year I haven't seen the ball drop from my livingroom. We watched a movie that finished at 11:24 and I was so tuckered out I was asleep.

I like the idea of picking a date and time to watch the EWP together that would certainly boost my spirits. I cannot believe that it is raining here in the northern most part of Maine in January.

Linda, good luck with Tom's doctor appointment, hopefully all will go well.

I am dreaming of sunny WDW. Since we are going to San Diego for my db's wedding, I would love to try to see DL. Have any of you been there? I'm scouting for deals since I'm out of school, but have to start studying soon enough. I have to go to work in a few hours I agreed to a few extra shifts, and a 3rd shift to help out, but, it will also help me out ($$$)princess: maybe I can be a princess for a day a little sooner. lol.

Have a beautiful day everyone, and sending a lot of pixie dust to everyone.
Wendy

[SlightlyGoofy]

Wendy, I just dropped in and found your message. I did not get an update, darn it. I am sorry. I hate for you to be all alone here but then with your schedule maybe you did not mind at all. :goodvibes

I have never been to DL but I know that Lisa has and she will be able to give you loads of tips. She has been everywhere.

My wife in law lives in San Diego. She is Tom's first wife and has a lot of very bad health problems. I worry about her. Since I was about 4 when they were married I am not very jealous. :lmao:

I will let someone else set the time and date for us to watch the EWP video together. It is an awesome view with loads of closeups and the entire thing. I watched the Halloween parade earlier today with my grandson. I have never wanted to go to the Halloween Party before but now I want to go just to see the guys who dance with the shovels. That video is on the DIS home page/videos.

You are more than a princess (Queen) and for more than a day. All you do for your family and for all you have gone through and are still standing tall I will bow down to you any old time. I admire you very much.:grouphug:

The doctor's appointment is not to get any kind of good news but to find out just how bad it will get and how fast. It is surreal as he does not seem any different to me at all.

Dalton spent the day with me today. The boys start school again tomorrow. Hope they remember where it is.

Jackie started her new job today. I just have a feeling that she will be happy there. It will be a very different world for her. She looked so beautiful when she came to pick up the grandson, all dressed fit to kill. She is like me and not much interested in clothes but she is an 'executive' now. When she was ten she told me that she wanted to be an executive 'secretary'. Just plain executive pays better. :teacher:

Gotta go and do some more work. I ordered the carpet today and have got to complete the detail work before they come. Tom was upset that the carpet is going to cost more than he thought it should but the last time I bought a remenant and laid it myself. Not this time, I are too old. :dance3:

Love to all you Suite Ladies, Linda

BTW, I am hoping that a very nice young lady that I met on line and lives down near our Colleen drops by and introduces herself. She would be a very nice addition to our group even though she is a newbie and is not as educated on Disney ways, YET!!!:rotfl2:

[kgilchri]

Hello to all,

I wanted to stop by and introduce myself. :wave: I'm in LOVE with WDW, but I don't know nearly as much as most people on here do. I'm becoming more and more addicted each minute! Linda has been such an incredible help and great to talk to. She told me to stop by and say hello! I'm a fellow Hoosier as well.

I recently got married (going on seven months) and am just enjoying life! I'm planning a last minute trip to WDW two weeks from Friday. :banana: I can't wait to get to know more of you as I get sucked into the Dis World - I love it! Hope everyone has a great evening.

Kirsten

[SlightlyGoofy]

Welcome to the EWP Suite Kirsten!! I think you will find it to your liking. It is situated on the lagoon and has every amenity you could ever want including limitless virtual credit cards that can be used anywhere on property without fear of a bill ever being received. We have undergone many renovations through the years and you can feel welcome to add yours as well. We have a fully equipped media room but our favorite place is the veranda that encircles the suite, complete with hottub and a view of the entire Kingdom. We enjoy front row seats to the EWP every single night. Since the Suite is on pneumatic tubes we can 'rise' to most any occasion. :wizard:

Just pull up a seat wherever you would like or hop in the hottub. Our fellers will bring you a beverage of your choice and any foods that you crave. This being Disney World nothing contains calories. :rolleyes1

You summed it up well when you said you thought you might get 'sucked' into this World. It is a vortex that will take over every single minute of your life. You will be touched by pixie dust and be spurred into earning more and more to afford your addiction. Your children will believe in fairy tales their whole life through as will you and your hubby. We are here to guide you through the waters of IASW, show you the best places to see parades, and how to avoid those other people who insist on going the same week as you do. Most of them are very nice people but you do not want to share long hot hours in line with them, just long chats in air conditioned buildings.:woohoo:

I will let everyone else introduce themselves to you. I am the most senior, everyone else is youthful like you although you are the youngest,I think. :cheer2:

Love, SG/Linda

[colleen costello]

Welcome Kirsten! I am just back from WDW and wish you a wonderful trip. I have been going to WDW since 1972, when I was about 8 and my family took our first trip. We had a trailer camper and used to go to Ft. Wilderness every summer, back when there was just the MK. My Mom was addicted and my sweet Dad just went along for the ride. Now I am dragging my husband approximately 3 times each year, and turning my two kids into Disney nuts too!

I grew up in New Jersey -- where Suitemate IASW Rider lives still -- and in 1986 my hubby and I moved to Bloomington to go to grad school at IU. Indiana sort of grew on us and we are here still. We live in Ellettsville now. My husband works at IU and I am currently (and happily) unemployed. I keep very busy with volunteering at my kids' schools.

My parents retired to Florida in June and now live 58 miles from Mickey. We spent our first Christmas with them, doing day trips to WDW, and just got back on Saturday. We spent New Year's Eve at the Polynesian Resort, my most favorite place in the whole world. We had dinner at 'Ohana, one of the great restaurants, then watched the fireworks from the beach. It was wonderful because for many years it has been a dream of mine to ring in the new year with Mickey. Seeing the Osborne lights at MGM was a biggie for me, too!

My family got DVC a few years back so we get to travel to Orlando regularly. We're going back on March 8th for spring break with my parents and staying at Old Key West, a favorite of ours. The nice thing about this Suite is that someone here is always going to WDW and you can live vicariously until it's your turn. That is always fun!

It's nice to have you here, and again, weclome! Hello to everyone else and happy 2007. :goodvibes

[twinscandc]

Hello Kirsten, and welcome!! I'm also a Hoosier and don't live very far from our dear Slightly Goofy!! Our EWP suite is very nice and I've enjoyed spending time here....hopefully you will also!!

A little bit about myself....I'm the wife to Mark::cop:, the mom to Caitlyn :earsgirl:, Courtney:earsgirl:, and Carson :earboy2:. We are all totally addicted to all things Disney!! In fact, we are planning a surprise :ssst: visit to WDW in March!! The girls will be in total shock when we tell them. I'm still trying to plan our surprise...if you've got any ideas...let me know!! I also work full time outside the home as a Youth Counselor.

Just a little update on my family....our Christmas vaca to Gulf Shores was wonderful, but we came back with a very sick little boy. Carson is just getting over double ear infections and RSV. We had him at the ER on New Years Day and they gave us the choice to admit him or take him home with breathing treatments and to see the doctor first thing in the morning. We took him home and he did fine. He is just now starting to feel better. Also, I lost my Nanny last Saturday. Her funeral was Tuesday in Louisville, KY. She will be missed greatly! She was actually my Aunt, but served as "Grandma" since I was 3 when my real Grandmother passed away. Nanny was very, very dear to me. Everytime I saw her, I would paint her nails and put pretty little flowers on them (I can be creative at times). So, I went to the funeral home on Tuesday, before the showing and painted them. It was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I had promised her that after Carson got better, that I would be down to paint them. So, I fullfilled my promise. Anyway...she's in a much better place now!!

Well, I've got to go...my lunch hour is over and I've got to get back to the grind!!

Again, Kirsten...welcome and come back often!! Tell us a little bit more about yourself!!

Becki

[colleen costello]

Becki, I read back a few posts and see you were asking about WDW IN MARCH, which is a glorious thing. First let me offer condolences on the lost of your "Grandma." It sounds like you two had a very special bond and I hope that you are soon able to smile instead of cry when you remember her :)

We go to WDW every year in March since 2002. That was the year we "re-entered" Disney after my long, dry spell of having babies and nursing -- EIGHT YEARS! I don't know HOW I made it! Unlike you -- who is so brave about traveling with munchkins -- I announced I did not want to go until "everyone was done napping and could use the potty." Finally my Mom nagged me and said if we waited any longer, she and my Dad would need naps and wouldn't be able to use the potty... So we planned a big trip together, and arrived at Fort Wilderness, my family's regular haunt throughout the years I was growing up, on March 8th, Ian's 4th birthday.

We stayed in one of Disney's cabins and had a wonderful time together. We also approached one of the reps at the DVC desk and immediately got sucked in and bought DVC. That is when I turned from a person who "really enjoyed Disney" to a card-carrying, bona fide LOONY, and I haven't looked back since. Something about the combo of seeing my children enjoy WDW and the beautiful spring weather just got to me!

We go every year during IU's spring break when Scott is off work and the kids have no school. It is the most WONDERFUL time to go, my favorite of all our trips. It is fairly crowded (what else is new to us who have to travel when school is out?) and the weather is usually GLORIOUS. The temps are usually around the high 70s to mid 80s, which in my family means "not too hot to enjoy the parks but warm enough to swim!" It is usually sunny and the nights are cool and nice. What I love most, though, is the whole feeling of being in Florida after all the weeks of gray Indiana winter. When I get down there I am on a high, my senses just overwhelmed by all the LIFE around me... There are flowers blooming and birdies singing and green grass and leaves, and the sky is SO BLUE... I always say its like when Dorothy lands in OZ and everything is suddenly technicolor... It's marvelous! We have a picture of the kids from last year, and beind them on the ground are all these beautiful red petals that were just falling off this bush they stood by... Just close your eyes and imagine standing in the sun while petals flutter down around you, and THAT sums up WDW in March!

Please share all the wonderful details of your upcoming trip. What fun that you are surprising the girls! I can't get by with that anymore... My kids always ask "When is our next Disney trip?" With my parents now so close I hope we'll get to go even more now... In fact I think the kids and I are going to live down there for a month this summer... Scott has tentatively agreed to fly home and then fetch us a month later... We can all drive home together. I get so happy just IMAGINING that!

I am glad Carson is feeling better and hope your leg is mending well, too. If you have any specific questions about spring break, ask away.

Hello again to everyone else, too!

[IASW Rider]

Hello and Belated Happy New Year to all of my wonderful Suite Mates! :)

Hope that you've all been enjoying 2007, so far!

And welcome to our newest guest, Kirsten! :) Congratulations on your recent marriage and wishing you a fantastic upcoming WDW vacation!!! :)

My name is Lisa and I am one of the only regular EWP Suite Mates, at this point, who is NOT a Hoosier! :) (Perhaps I can be elected an "Honorary Hoosier", by association??? :)) I live in Central NJ - not far from NYC - with my husband and our 5 cats! After working in the field of Financial Services for 15 years, I'm now a full-time graduate student and have almost completed a Masters in Public Health. (One more semester to go!) I've been visiting WDW since 1973, my husband proposed to me there, we honeymooned there, and have celebrated most of our anniversaries there, as well! We'll be back at WDW in a few weeks, as well......... in honor of another "auspicious occasion"! We're also devotees of Disney Cruise Line, having sailed on the Wonder the past 3 years.........and we'll be cruising the Mediterranean with Mickey in July, aboard the Disney Magic! :) Welcome to the Suite - we know that you will enjoy it, here! And thanks to Linda for bringing you to join us!

WELCOME BACK, COLLEEN! So glad to hear that you and your family had such a wonderful and special Holiday vacation at WDW and visit with your family in the Sunshine State!

Hi Linda!!! :) :) :) You know that we're thinking of you and Tom, as always! :)

Hi Wendy! Happy New Year to you, too! :) When will you be going to San Diego? I've never been there before, but I understand that it is beautiful, there! I have not actually been to DL, either (I would love to go, some day, though!) - but Elaine has (that's who you were thinking of, Linda! :))! Maybe she could give you some advice about deals or packages? Anyway, I'm sure that you will have a wonderful trip out West!

So sorry to hear about your "Grandma", Becki. It sounds like she was a very special person and that you shared a very special relationship. I'm sure that she knows that you are thinking of her and that you honored her in that very wonderful way.

So glad to hear that Carson is feeling better, too! And that you're "gearing up" to surprise your girls with your upcoming WDW vacation - they are going to be SO THRILLED! :) And I'm sure that you will all have a FANTASTIC time, no doubt! I loved Colleen's descriptions of her experiences visiting WDW in March - it sounds like a wonderful time of year to be down there! (.......NOT that there is any "bad" time to be there, EVER! :))

So sorry that I haven't been around as much as I'd hoped - what I thought would be a rather relaxing winter break from school has actually turned out to be busier than I'd anticipated! But I will try to get here as often as I can, as always!

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

[jstmee]

Welcome Kirsten, and congratulations on being a new bride! I'm happily married for 15 years this summer (hard work-marriage, communication is the key). DH has son in Germany, with 2 1/2 chldren and wife, next baby due in March. - and my DH is only 48. lol. We have 4 other children identical boys (18Mark & Kenny-deceased), 1 girl 15(Lisa), boy 14 Matt. We live in Madawaska, Maine. Right on the Canadian border. I look at Edmundson, New Brunswick everyday. My DH is a computer instructor for a high school Tech Center, and I work at a hospital working on my BSNursing degree, due to graduate in May.

hee hee, enough about me.

Becki, my condolences to your dear Nanny, the most heartfelt gift you gave her was painting her nails, no matter how difficult. My prayers are with your family.

Listening to all of your glorious accounts of the World are just what I needed tonight. It's nice to hear other peoples stories when we cannot actually be there ourselves. I desperately want DVC. I have a timeshare elsewhere and would love to sell that and own DVC. We'll see maybe in the future:wizard: .

Good news! My ds, Mark had some genetic tests for HCM, they all came back negative. This is fantastic for him.

Here's to fireworks and pixie dust dreams! School starts back in 4 days, the count down is on. But I've enjoyed my mini vacation, spent a lot of time with my children. I even saw the new Charlotte's Web. I enjoyed it!

Colleen, glad to see you again.


Take care all.

[colleen costello]

Wendy, I am so pleased to hear that Mark had tests done and all was well. That must be a huge load off your mind. On top of missing Kenny you don't need to be worrying about Mark having similar issues! I know everyone here will be so glad to hear that news.

DVC is wonderful. I most appreciate the flexibility. The great thing is having your next trip planned when the first trip ends... It makes it (a little) easier to leave!

Everyone, I am OUTING our friend Rider... The "auspicious occasion" is none other than her 40th birthday! With a Disney trip plus a Mediterranean cruise coming up, I'd say she is celebrating this one RIGHT!

My son Ian has a homework assignment that has him drawing a map, with help from a parent, of course (he is 8). I suggested he do "favorite rides in the Magic Kingdom" and we have had fun working on it tonight. We looked at aerial views of the MK for help and it is so much fun looking at those... It always amazes me where things "really are" and how just feet away from all the "show" are garbage dumpsters and delivery vehicles... The proximity of one attraction to the next is never what I'd imagine -- I have NO sense of direction -- and peeking at the "behind the scenes" stuff is very cool too. Ian and I will have fun drawing the map together tomorrow.

Hope everyone is enjoying a nice weekend. I am glad for MLK Day and an extra day to sleep in!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy ladies!!

It is so nice of everyone to welcome Kirsten! I am hoping that I can get down her way one of these days and we can get together with Colleen.

My bil in Bloomington is wanting Tom to keep him company while his wife and daughter go to Korea for the summer. Tom is less than enthused about the idea as this brother is too much like him to suit. :lmao: That would me free for my very first all alone vacation in over 34 years. The mind boggles at the possibilities. I am sad in that it would be in June instead of March though as I could see myself at DW then. Gotta find a Thelma to my Louise but I think we should change the ending a bit. :cool1:

Colleen, I am glad to know that I am not the only one who can still get lost at DW in spite of all the times we have been there. Seems that just as I start to remember stuff it is always time to leave. :confused: You summed up how I feel about DW, it is OZ. I am probably one of the few people who has read the entire series of OZ books, several times over. I sometimes wish that we had bought into the DVC when they started. I did consider it but it is too late for us now and I do not have any Disney lovers coming up in my family. My oldest grandson just told me that he does not EVER want to go to DW again. How sad is that?? Even promises of beautiful young gals who need an escort to give them a hug on the roller coasters could not change his mind. He will probably never get far from, if even that, Bartholomew county. The younger grandson will shed the dust of country life as soon as he graduates. He wants the Florida life, Miami to be percise. :cheer2:

Becky, my dear girl, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure that you made your Nanny's life more wonderful than anything and I know that the many happy memories you have, nail painting and all, will comfort you but you will miss her so very much too. Poor little Carson. I hope he is feeling much better now. You do know that if he is ever really sick and you have an appointment in Hope that he will find a 'home' in my arms until you can get back to him? I think I was at your house while you were at mine the other day. :rotfl2: At least I hope it was your house I dropped the clipping off at. I recognized the fire hydrant.

Wendy, I am delighted to hear that your son's test results came back good. That will be such a great weight off all of your shoulders. If you do manage to get a DVC maybe you can do the next best thing and start making plans to retire to The Villages. One of our members already is making plans to retire there one day and I can honestly see Lisa and Becki joining her there one day. Who knows, I might end up there also. It is the next best thing to living at Disney World and is only about 45 minutes away. Something to think about. They are offering plans for $100 a day to stay and try it out and that includes food, entertainement, a townhouse and all sorts of other things. Maybe that is where I should spend my possible first vacation?? It is so nice to see you round these parts again. You might be gone, occasionally, but you are not forgotten. You are very far from "Jstme" to us. :love:

I have a feeling that Kirsten is busy getting ready for her upcoming trip. I cannot wait to read about what all she and her family get up to as I do not think she is as frequent a visitor as we are and it is so sweet to hear a newbee's reactions.

Happy Birthday to our dear Lisa!! 40 is such a special birthday as you are old enough to know better but still young enough to do it any old way!!! :thumbsup2 Life really does not begin until you get into the mid double digits. I would not give up all I know now to go back and be who I was when I was younger, better body and all. NOW, if I could look as I once did AND know what I know now, I would be a lethal combination! :dance3: I could have sworn that YOU had been to DL. Maybe I confused you with Janet2K but then she has been to almost every Disney park there is.

I keep hoping that Becki, Colleen and I will find ourselves on the beach at the Poly in March. One never knows?? For us it is all in the codes. Just waiting for a good rate to come out and see who will be performing at the American Theater.

I have some carpentry to do tomorrow, filling in the spaces where I tore out the 2x's and repairing a bit of torn wallpaper and I am just about ready for the carpet. I am thinking about hiring having two rooms painted. I have painted every inch of this house, several times over, and it is hard to pay someone for something I used to be able to do myself. Painting is really an easy thing to do, IF you can get up and down on a ladder. I need to be much taller or have shorter walls now. :upsidedow

Good night and hope you are all having a great weekend.

Love, Linda/SG

[kgilchri]

Thanks so much for the welcome everyone! I've been a bit indisposed at the moment (really bad sinus infection/migraine :sick:) but I'm feeling better and ready to Dis the night away!

Colleen - I have a few good friends who graduated from Edgewood HS and the people who catered our wedding live there (the Cake and the Caterer). I grew up in Bloomington and went to BHSN and currently work for an affiliate of IU. We used to go all the time during spring break week so who knows - we might have crossed paths sometime in WDW! I'd love to see photos from your NYE trip. I've only stayed once on-site (POR) and we are returning there next week! :banana: I'm glad to hear you and your familly had a great time - but of course when you're in WDW it's hard not to!

IASW - HA, sounds like you are an honoraree Hoosier! I have a friend who got her Master's in Public Health. I'm procrastinating on going back to school, and preparing for the L-SAT. :eek: I've never been on a Disney Cruise before, I'd love to hear more!

Becki - First, I'm sorry to hear about your Nanny. :grouphug: I lost my dad four years ago in February. Glad to hear your planning a surprise trip to WDW. We went a month after my dad passed and, although it was really hard being the first time going without him, it was really comforting being in one of the places we loved to go as a family.

Jstmee - Congratulations on your BS, that's great news! My SIL is an RN. Also, happy to hear your ds test results were good. Have you ever been to Germany?

Linda - Thanks so much for getting me introduced to the EWP board! Even though I've been out of commission, I can't wait to get more involved here.

In general, I've only gone to WDW about once a year since 1982 during Spring Break (skipping 2001 for NYC and 2006 for San Fran to see my bestfriend get married). I completed an internship at Universal :eek: so I lived in Orlando for a little more than three months. I went to WDW a few times while I lived there but lived and breathed Universal , I know .:rolleyes: I love Universal, but I love WDW even more! It's such a great place and I love planning trips and reading about it. We never stayed onsite when I was younger and have only stayed at Port Orleans - Riverside once (returning next week :yay:). Now that I've stayed, I can't go back to anyplace else! I'd love to stay at the WL sometime in the future, but unfortunately FH is still in school which makes us a poor, young married couple. :lmao: But I hope to get the opportunity once we're a little more established.

Here's a wedding pic too:

http://widget.slide.com/redirect/uhghlvWTCANs3r8MtBjwhQT3NgTWPE3pDQYX50So8eaNSDL9km S8Aim6s_PPVDhUEmNDnzea1kT931no6qMst7MNKuGARa0o7V5J vQ9PVXAm8mDECtXpK-Gsy_livE6zanR8qFCIuFp2tU7u-nV5ICZ0j0avhwmNp2QAWc0CmA6ouHoTpjC7po8fDWsgy-Zx1pjsT8_9DP2BRhb6Q2JJ4hW1WmZkR1XnST6Vkc1ByraGHKxH s7b-Cg.jpg (http://www.slide.com/item_finder?referrer=hlnk&pciid=jn74-xv0asjrG6hZMl9OyPwEplXeEjUKOZK78qzsT0hmP3wLqZKYYAM adSKoJj4B&dir=0)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Kirsten, you have a lot more Disney experience than I thought that you had. Maybe you could teach US a thing or two. I truly believe that everyone knows something that no one else knows and it is only by sharing that we grow wiser.

You might find me standing on street corners down there soon as my bil is running for IU trustee and wants me to help him get some signatures. This is Purdue country round here and I do not know many who would own up to a an IU degree. Myself, I am a Butler gal myself and when challenged I just say that I went to a school that required I know how to read and write. :rotfl2:

As I said before you are a beautiful young gal and a wonderful addition to our Suite Gals. As soon as Spring is in full bloom and I do not need fear the icy, hilly roads I will come down your way and we, three, will meet and greet. :thumbsup2

When a couple starts out with nothing or not much and then builds their lives together it makes for a stronger and better marriage in many ways. The journey is what strengthens us and gives us the memories to withstand the storms that will come. :cool1:

Some of the white hairs in my head are paint tonight. I got a lot of work done today. It is nice to see progress here and there. I am working on some media stuff tonight and if I get some of the pictures edited and filed I will send some of what I have been doing. Hopefully I can find a picture of the 'before' so you can truly understand the changes. It has gone from Tom's taste (early bordello) to mine, understated elegance. At least that is MY take on things. :banana:

Lisa, hopefully your dad and uncle are getting all things settled. I think I will be almost as relieved as you when you graduate. You have worked so very hard and I would like to see you get a rest once in awhile. We are proud of you though. :thumbsup2

Colleen, now that you are all rested up you can start packing for your next trip. Could you remind me of the dates so that I can see if it is possible I can adapt if you and Becki are going to be there at the same time? Someone needs to watch the kids while you guys go out and party. :cheer2:

Becki, what a nice surprise to see you the other day. You planned it just right. Wish you could have stayed longer but I had to get over to 'my kids'. It had been far too long with the huge holiday break. I will have to get the info from you on the airport shuttle as there is a very small chance that I just might fly down for a few days while Tom is otherwise occupied IF I can find a companion to split the bill and keep me in line. I tend to get wild sometimes. :rotfl:

Wendy, you are often on my mind and it is so nice of you to come by when you can. Any chance you have a plan to visit in March as well?? One can always hope. I will have to email Angie and Helenabear if such a miracle should occur. We would not want to leave them out. I will even have to check and see when Janet is due to go again. I think summer for her as she is taking her hubby on the next trip. :woohoo:

Back to work for me. I took movies and pictures at our Christmas party and need to make c/d's for everyone. It wears my finger out, pressing that magic button. Everyone thinks it takes skill when all it takes is expensive equipment and knowing how to read instructons. :upsidedow

Love you gals, SG/Linda

[kgilchri]

pirate: Well, I've gone a few times but still not enough. One could never get enough WDW!!! I'm sure you guys have had the whole - why do you go back there every year? It's nice to be around others who also enjoy going. I hope to be able to watch the codes better and be able to go more often - we'll see. DH has gone three times and it not completely convinced of going more than once every other year or so.

So our plans have changed a bit for the trip. We have had reservations at POR, but have had lots of doubts with the food court being closed. I'm heading to WDW w/ my sister (32), BIL (32), nephews (7,6,4,2), sister (30) and mom (60). We looked at our options and decided to move to Allstar Music instead. None of us have ever stayed here before but look forward to it.

Unfortunately, I've been so swamped at work that I haven't had nearly enough time to get pumped for this trip. But...we leave one week from tomorrow! :banana: I've already started checking the 10 day forecast, yeah I know. I'm bummed as it calls for a high of 67 on Friday - and then I realized it's supposed to be 35 here so why exactly am I complaining? :confused3 Too, I'm going to WDW!!!! :yay: I'm curious about the crowds - any input guys?

Hope everyone has a nice weekend!
Kirsten

[SlightlyGoofy]

Kirsten, sounds perfect weather, for me. :thumbsup2 I cannot stand heat. I can always put on another layer of clothes but, for the sake of others, I cannot afford to remove many. :rotfl2:

I have often read that January is a great time to go crowdwise. I think they often have things down at that time because it is so slow. You do know where to look for the list of closings etc? If not, I will send it to you.

A room is a room to me and since your kids are so young they will not notice that the Values pool is not as fancy as the other. Just getting to swim in Januray is a delight. There are two pools at each Value resort, the big one and another smaller one. The best playground IMO is over at the Movies but you can always drive over there. Also, according to where you room you might be better off walking to the next nearest resort for the food court or bus stop. If you get near the main building at Music you are all set, if not just look and see which other resort you are near to and check your map to see if it might be easier to just take a small jaunt. I have heard that the food court is better at the Movies but since we seldom eat at any of the AS resorts I do not know myself. There is a McD's right outside the gates of Sports but the prices are not the same as back home and there is a limited menu.

Golden Corral to the right and on the left side of the road past Crossroads offers the best deal for about $5 per person including all beverages. We often eat there before going to the parks to save big bucks.

Once you get the hang of the codes and other money saving tips you will learn around here DH will come around to seeing DW as the great travel bargain it is. If you think of it as a RESORT rather than a Theme Park you realize what a bargain it can be.

Have a safe and wonderful trip and we will await your report when you return and get your laundry and all caught up.

BTW, do you happen to be an IU graduate? I am looking for signatures for my bil who is running for trustee. He is well qualified or I would not ask, bil or not.

Hugs to all, back to work for me, SG/Linda

[colleen costello]

Best wishes Kirsten for a wonderful trip! Promise to let us all know details once you are back. Your travel group sounds like fun and I bet you'll have a ball! You can update us on ASMusic.

I head south on March 8th, not too far off now. IASW Rider leaves in less then 2 weeks, Becki in March after me and Slightly Goofy is well, slightly goofy and trying to decide what to do and when to go! Lots of action here in the Suite.

Hello to all!

Colleen

[kgilchri]

Thanks Colleen, I'll definitely post a pre and post trip report. I'm so excited!!! March should be a great time - a little more crowded but a lot warmer weather. Anytime in WDW is better.

Don't have much time to say anything (at work)...but:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/Colts2.jpg

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hey Colleen, I could take umbrage at that statemtent except that truth is a perfect defense. :rotfl2:

Actually I am being more parsimonious. :teacher:

Kirsten, it will be great to get a report from someone with a different perspective on things. It seems impossible but I am always finding new things to add to my 'to do' list for future trips and have yet to come home from any trip with all the items crossed out. :confused3

Back to work for me. I have one door upstairs done and am headed to work on the other side of the staircase. The doors are the hardest. Then I have to go back and touch up my small mistakes here and there. It is time consuming being a perfectionist, that is why I get so little done. :banana:

Love and hugs, SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

As always, so sorry that it's taken me so long to post, again! I really AM a good "correspondent".........it's just been a busy few months!

I wanted to check in here, at the Suite, on the eve of our blasting off for my 40th (?!?!) Birthday trip to WDW! :) We're happily packing away and organizing things at home, today - getting all of the last-minute things taken care of - making sure our cats have enough food and clean litter, printing out our airline boarding passes, uploading music to the ipod........! :) Frank and I just figured that we should be checking in at Beach Club Villas in exactly 24 hours!!!! :)

Hope that all has been well with all of you!!

I hope that I haven't missed wishing you BON VOYAGE, Kirsten! :( I'm just now catching up on all of your recent posts - it sounds like you and your family have some great plans - hope that you all have a wonderful time! :) I know exactly what you mean about having been so busy that you haven't had time to get pumped for your trip........I feel the same way! But there is something to be said for that......when the time actually comes, it's almost like a nice "surprise"! And then you're THERE! :) By the way, I loved your beautiful wedding photo!! Just beautiful!!

Thanks so much for the kind Birthday wishes, Linda and Colleen! They were very kind of you both, as always!! :)

Hi Becki and Wendy! :)

Wish that I had something to report, but things have been pretty "status quo" around here. Just getting settled back into school and celebrating my Birthday with various friends and family members!

Will post a trip report (or at least a short synopsis, so as not to bore everyone to tears! :)) upon our return!

We'll be thinking of all of you and all of your upcoming (and in-progress) trips, when we are in THE LAND OF MAGIC!

Hope that you're all enjoying the weekend - have a great week! And I promise to be better about stopping by, after we get back! Have a Magical Day, everyone! xxxxxx - Lisa :)

[colleen costello]

Bon Voyage, Lisa and Frank! We all await the glorious details of your first trip to the Beach Club!

xoxo

[SlightlyGoofy]

I have not been getting any Disney updates on threads. Either I did something wrong or my preferences have changed themselves. I will have to check. I have been very busy with lots of work but this morning I did some fun work.

I booked 10 nites at Disney World from December 9th thru the 19th and at $49 a nite!! That is the cheapest rate since right after 9/11 and no way it will get any cheaper than that. When I went checking to take Tom for a last minute trip this year I could not find a room for less than $600.

Bon Voyage Frank and Lisa!! Salutations and great adventures to you both.:love: Even though you will not be seeing the EWP in person it will remain in your heart and a voyage on IASW will keep us in your mind as it does us you when we ride it. Make sure to try the panini and cannoli at Pinnochio's. It is now on our favorites list although we do miss the $4 children's hot dog meal too. Time marches on and we must change with the times though. :cool1:

Yes, our new bride Kirsten sure is pretty. It tells much about her personality when you look at her wedding pictures and see all the special details and hints of her own special touches too. The kind of gal we like to know and who has much to teach us too.

I have two bannisters to stain as the carpet is not coming today and now it will have time to dry before they start bumping against it. I NEED a smaller place to live just for the fact that I will not be able to FIND as many things that need doing. :dance3:

Two Suite Ladies gone to the Promised Land. Who is next? Becki, I think, then Colleen and then ME!!!!:cheer2:

Love, Linda

[lunabkat]

Hi all

it s been forever but I am planning my next rip to disney in october and thought i had to check in with my friends from the suite. Since we last chatted i was given a small white boxer puppy who is now a BIG white boxer puppy and the missing piece to our family puzzle, much to luna's disgust (but i catch them snuggling every once in a while) The girls love him to pieces and my dh says he's a momma's dog (he like to hold the back of my bathrobe when we go down the hall in the morning).

We are looking to stay at okw in a gv, i was checking out the dvc rental rules because it is mucho expensive to stay in the gv! Will check back soon to read up more on everyone, hope all you travelers have a great time!

LL:goodvibes

[lunabkat]

Hi all

just checking my new add ons for my signature, talk soo!

LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

Luna, it has been a 'blue moon' since we last heard from you! How delightful to find you basking in the Suite once again. There is a chance we will be at DW in October as well if they have Free Dining. I will be interested in hearing your adventures in renting and staying at OKW as that is on my 'to do' list for someday.

I have some news to share with all our Suite members. Our dear Colleen's parents who recently moved to Florida were hit by the tornadoes at The Villages suffering quite a bit of damage to their new home but surviving unscathed themselves, thank God. I am watching CNN and keeping all those people in my thoughts and prayers. I have a dear friend who I have not been able to contact yet who is down there. Google Earth shows their home intact, I am assuming that the pictures are current. Lots on my mind today and more tornadoes expected in Florida. Many DISers are probably experiencing problems getting there or back home also.

Linda

[lunabkat]

Hi all

Linda, i hope you hear from your friends soon because I know you won't rest easy until you have. Tornados are a really frightening thing, i don't know how the brave souls in "tornado alley" do it, i would be a nervous wreck. My prayers and best wishes go out to all those in the area.

[SlightlyGoofy]

Luna, thanks for the good thoughts. My other friends escaped all the devestation totally. The Villages is an awful big place. From what I read they are getting a lot of help and doing a lot of helping each other.

Colleen's parents are able to stay in their home and hopefully the insurance people will get them back to where they were soon.

Having lived in Tornado Alley for many years and having not seen one tornado in all those years I figure it is all what you are used to. I am too old to get used to anything new though. :cutie:

It is so cold here that it is not funny. No snow, that is due tomorrow and it will be a few inches. If so, it will our first 'real' snow of the season but it is likely to be around for awhile. :eek:

Our Lisa is back among us and will be dropping in when she gets a chance to catch her breath.

How many days until your next trip Becki?

I am still waiting for spring rates for our next trip but I have our agenda set, in Jell-O, for December. :lmao:

About time to go read with my little ones and I have new books!!! We love new books!!:teacher:

Love, Linda Lou

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda! :)

Welcome back, Lauralee - great to hear from you! :) Please keep us posted about your upcoming Fall WDW trip! Staying in a GV at OKW sounds wonderful!

Thank God Colleen's parents are all right and that their home did not suffer any more major damage than it did! The important thing is that they are well and that their home will soon be repaired and hopefully they will be able to put the experience of having to suffer the devastation of last week's tornado behind them - and continue to enjoy their lives in the beautiful Villages! Likewise, thank God Karen and her family are all right, Linda!

WE HAVE RETURNED from WDW!!! :)

We spent a wonderful week there, last week - at the beautiful Beach Club Villas (thank you Magic Pixie-Duster, once again! :)) - belatedly celebrating my 40th Birthday! A little Pixie happened to mention to the check-in folks that we were celebrating my Birthday, so they presented me with a "Happy Birthday" pin that I wound up wearing all week! It was so neat to be greeted by CM's with "Happy Birthday, Lisa!" where ever we went! And I got some special, spontaneous (ie: unplanned by Frank - they were surprises to him, as well) surprises, too!

Mickey Mouse, himself, spontaneously presented me with a birthday cake at the Garden Grill in Epcot, Chip and Dale presented me with ANOTHER birthday cake and led the other nearby diners in singing "Happy Birthday" to me at the Cape May Cafe, and our server at the Kona Cafe presented me with some birthday Ko-Ko Puffs on a beautiful platter with the word "Congratulations" spelled out in chocolate syrup! Very Magical memories!!!

It was much cooler in Central Florida than we are used to (as we usually visit the World in May or June) - the first few days were in the upper 50's and low 60's and we didn't dress much differently than we do, here in NJ! It was very strange being amongst the palm trees while wearing sweatshirts, long pants, and winter coats! But it did warm up significantly by the end of the week and we did have one and a half shorts / bathing suits weather sorts of days! At least our MK day was one of them........so that we could ride Splash Mountain without catching pneumonia, afterwards!

We really loved getting to know the Beach / Yacht Club and Boardwalk resort areas, as we had never stayed in that part of the World before! The Beach / Yacht Club are really beautiful (we just wish that it had been warm enough to get into that fantastic Stormalong Bay! :() - we loved walking around the grounds........and sampling just about ALL of the great restaurants in both resorts! And we loved walking around Boardwalk, too - checking out some of the shops and having wonderful meals at the Flying Fish Cafe and Spoodles!

We visited each of the major theme parks, of course! We really enjoyed the new "Nemo" musical at the AK - it's adorable! And the new "Nemo" attraction at Epcot is cute, too. We didn't get to see the new "Monsters, Inc." attraction at the MK - we understand that it was down a lot, last week, due to pre-opening technical difficulties - I guess we'll have to wait 'til next time!

As we were celebrating my "milestone" birthday (as well as my 17th visit to WDW!), we were sure to "hit" all of my childhood favorites, many of which we hadn't visited in several years - like the Tiki Room and Country Bears..........and OF COURSE we rode IASW! :) We also got to check out the newly refurbished Pirates of the Caribbean, which was great as always!

We had fun spending time with our friends who live there and work(ed) at WDW, as always! They spent some time in Epcot with us, we had dinner with them 2ce, and we spent some time at their home, as well. Our friend who works for the "Lights! Motors! Action!" Stunt Show in the Studios recently accepted a position with Cirque du Soleil's "Mystere" in Las Vegas.........so I guess that we'll be planning some trips out there, soon, to visit them! He calls it "the ADULT Magic Kingdom"! :)

It was an all-too-quick but very special vacation! And now we're turning our sights and plans to figuring out which shore excursions to reserve for our Mediterranean Disney cruise, this summer! :)

Hope that all has been well with all of you! Will try my best to keep up with the Suite, now that I'm back in school and the semester is getting underway! Please know that I am thinking of all of you!

Wishing you all a great weekend! :)

[lunabkat]

Hi All,

Trying to get 372 points for a grand villa in okw for 10/5-10/12 and leaving messages on the disboard but getting NOWHERE. Yikes. Right now I have a reservation with a travel agency but the price for points would be SO MUCH cheaper its insane. :scared1:

Anyone have any helpful hints? The girls with be 8 and 6 this trip, my gosh, how time flies. But I am bound and determined to stay on site this time as it is a much different experience this way.:rolleyes:

Hope all are well,

Love

LL

[colleen costello]

Luna, send me your Email and I will forward to you the name of a nice gentleman we rented points from two years ago. I am not sure he has points to rent right now, but it is worth a try. We rented from him when we were low on points one year.

Colleen

[lunabkat]

wow...do i hear...crickets?

[colleen costello]

:laundy: :hippie: :woohoo:

Those were so cute I had to use them!

I just finished a big PTO extravaganza and I am BEAT -- promise to post soon.

[lunabkat]

Hi all

Thanks for your help Colleen, i am still on the hunt:moped: :moped: :moped: :moped:

Hope everyone is well, talk to you soon,

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy there you Suite gals!!

I have not had but an hour or so sleep in the past couple of days so I am 'Goofier' than usual. Please forgive me.:confused:

This was to have been my weekend OFF. That means that Tom spends some quality time with his brothers while I catch up on my Red"[/U]]work. Since I had to go in that direction anyway to drop Tom off I went by the dealership and wiled away a couple of hours with a nice young man, salesman that he was. We got within $500 (his figures) $250 (mine, although he did not know it) when I told him that I had an appointment. If you do not set time limits you will become eligbile for Medicare while they keep trekking back and forth checking with the 'manager'. I very nicely, and almost sincerely, thanked him for his time and attention and forlornly shook my head with the thought that maybe I could not 'afford' the 4th Toyota Camry of my life and might have to 'downgrade' to a Honda. He gave me his card and wrote $14,000 plus on the back as the very best he could do with my car as a trade in if I could see my way to finding that much money. By the time I got home he had left a message on my machine and I was in shock when he said that they were willing to take MY offer. I had not even offered my top bid. I always research carefully and know pretty much to the penny what the dealer cost is and being that it is a Toyota I am very charitable and offer them a whole $300 in profit. The deal that they are taking is just a few dollars over $100 in profit. Guess my hopes that February being a short month and with all the bad weather that we had been having might make them a tad bit more hungry paid off. :thumbsup2 I can buy a couple of tanks of gas with the money I saved. It is also $2,000 less than the other dealer wanted difference. I fought the salesman and I won!!:banana:

Carpeting is in, car is bought, new roof for the garage next and then, my favorite, a trip to Disney World. Sure hope they come out with free dining as I will need a break on the costs by the time I get through with all this stuff. :teacher:

I temporarily lost my password to the DIS and that is partly why I have been gone for a bit. Just too much to do and I get awfully worn out very easily.

Luna, if they come out with the Free Dining again there is a chance that we might be at DW when you are. We booked in toward the end last time and stayed through the beginning of October. It was not much cooler though. I hope you get your points for the DVC. I want to try that some day myself. If that kind gentleman has any points avalable for mid May maybe?????? :woohoo:

Lisa, I looked over your pictures again the other day. It was so wonderful to see you and then know exactly where you were when the pictures were taken. Swimsuit photos too!! :woohoo: It is a wonder that Frank will let you out of his sight. :)

Colleen, I sent you an email. I would meet you Monday if I could but I will have Tom with me and it gets too confusing. The poor man is like to die of nerves over this car thing and he wants the car and just goes and hides in the corner while I do the wheeling and dealing and it is also my job to gather up the money to pay for it. I cannot figure out what he has to be nervous about. :scared: I have to admit that I am nervous until all the papers are signed and I drive out with the new car myself.

Becki, I hope no more headaches have plagued you. If bad weather strikes you can always find a bed here rather than risk your life out on the roads. The upstairs looks like a hotel now. I do not charge though. :goodvibes

I have an entire house to deep clean, laundry to do, the taxes to get done as well as a few dozen other things. Thank heavens for nice bil's who went over and paid my deposit so I would not have to drive all that way with a potential ice storm coming in. I am so grateful that I told them to go out to eat on me and they could even have a drink. It is a family joke cause I am cheap and think that ice tea drunk at home for a penny a huge glass tastes much better than $2 glasses in restaurants. :rolleyes1 How do you think I dig up the bucks to pay for other things? You gotta suffer a bit to go to Disney and it is so worth it. :upsidedow

Love and grins, Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

As always, so sorry that I haven't been able to check in, in awhile!

Just caught up on everyone's most recent posts. How's it going with your quest to rent DVD points at OKW, Lauralee? If anyone can offer great DVC-related advice, it's Colleen! I'm sure that she gave you some good leads! :)

Hi Colleen! Congratulations on your great and successful PTO extravaganza! Come back soon and tell us all about it........and tell us how your preparations for your upcoming WDW trip are coming along, too! :)

Hi Linda! CONGRATULATIONS on your new car and on your great victory at the car dealership! That is wonderful! It pays to stick to your proverbial guns and to hold out for the best price on what you want! So glad that you were able to continue the CAMRY TRADITION! :) (You know that we have one, too! :)) Hope that you enjoy it - along with your new carpeting and garage roof! :) How is everything else going, out there? How are Dalton and Austin? And how is Tom feeling?

I wish that I had some interesting news to report, but I don't! :( I won't bore you all with the mundane goings on of our daily lives - everything is fine and dandy - status quo - school is getting busy with mid-term right around the corner (where does the time go?).

While you Ladies are planning your upcoming WDW trips, we really need to start researching our shore excursions for our summer Disney cruise! DCL has had the (many, many!) shore excursion options for each Mediterranean port posted for quite some time........but it's so overwhelming to really look at and consider each that we haven't gotten around to doing that yet! I suggested to Frank that we take it day by day - each day for the next several days (or when ever we choose to start), look at just ONE port's shore excursion offerings and pick out which one we want to do, then continue with a port a day. At the end, we'll see what we have.........and how much the anticipated costs will be (!!) to make sure that our selections are feasible. We're going to try to pick the excursions that give us the most "bang for our bucks" in terms of allowing us to tour the areas, see the most sights, and take in as much as we can, given the fact that we'll only be in each port for one day.

Hi out there, Becki, Kirsten, Wendy, Angie, Elaine, Meryl, and Janet! Hope that all is well with all of you - stop by and visit us some time! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you Suite Ladies and hope that you're all enjoying the weekend! (We're looking forward to watching the Oscars, tonight! :)) Talk to you all, soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy Lisa!! Sure glad to hear that things are boring in your neck of the woods. Must be because my brother moved back to Ohio. :lmao: Yep, our 4th Camry and this time I got the color I have always wanted, Desert Sand Mica, sort of a golden tan. I like classy things, sort of makes up for my lack thereof. :confused3

I have a sister who cruises quite often and she has told me that what she and her friends do is that they hire a cab driver for the time they are in port and share the costs. They get a better tour than usual and since he is one of the party and eats with them they can all share life experiences and such. Sounds like my kind of tour myself. Maybe something like that would work for you guys? Possibly you could hook up with other DIS folks over on the Cruise thread who could 'steer' you in the right direction as to which tours and such are worth it and which might not be?

Austin wants to take a family cruise for his graduation trip. I think it sounds like a good idea but his mom is not so sure. They have 4 years to argue about it though.

Dalton was kicked out of the Accelerated Reading program. The AR program gives each book a rating according to grade level and he has surpassed the 10th grade level and he is in the 4th grade.

Ain't Colleen a superstar? What would our schools do without involved parents like herself? I hope that the school is smart enough to appreciate her. I knew her kids are that smart and smarter. :goodvibes

Luna, I am crossing my fingers and eyes that you get the accomadations of your choice for your upcoming trip. If you do not know please know that sometimes when things do not work out exactly as we want something better shows up. I am the oldest one here and I know these things. :love:

I have got some bookkeeping to do before I pick up the car tomorrow so I had best close for now. Hopefully there will be enough money left so that we can start planning our next trip. December is tooooo far off!:sad2:

Hugs to everyone!! Linda

[lunabkat]

Hi all;)

Weel, i found a guy with points but he wanted 14$ a point and that was a little too expensive for my dbil so we may just opt for the 2bdr at okw with my nephew staying in a nearby studio when he comes for just 4 days and use small world travel, who are sooooo helpful. I really would have liked the gv:confused3 but I will take what i can get and try,try,try to sttttttretch the budget. So i sent a message to the nice man about the points so I wouldn't waste anymore of his time and, if my dbil ever makes THE decision, will try him again if the situation presents itself. I am TRYING not to go crazy here, afterall:banana: .

This time out its with my sister and her husband and three kids and their repective partners, and, of course, my girls:cutie: :cutie: . DH wants out of this shindig, as theme parks are not his kinda thing, i graciously give my blessing:wizard:

I am also, just as a precaution,checking the room rates for us at Port Orleans, which would be a lot of fun too--but no kitchen:guilty:

Mama needs a discount code! if anyone can find them its small world so I will just have to take my chances :scared1:

Bruno (the boxer puppy) and Luna (the famous cat) are getting along pretty well, but boy, does that dog think he's funny. He like to snuff the cats ear when he walks by and startles him...the cat got Bruno the other day and his whole little head fits into Bruno's ear. It was too funny seeing the expression on the dogs face when the cat snuffed into his ear:lmao: .

Talk to you all soon

helloooo Colleen, of course Linda and Lisa - hi to all those I have met briefly and not met yet, take care

LL:hourglass to disney!

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Hi Linda! CONGRATULATIONS once again on your new car.......and on picking it up today! I hope that it has a wonderful "homecoming" and that you and Tom enjoy it for many years to come! The color sounds very pretty, too - and very appropriate for a VERY CLASSY LADY, such as yourself! :)

Thank you for your suggestions regarding sort of "making our own tours" for the shore excursions, this summer - that's a good possibility........but because we've never been to these places (nor do we speak the native languages very well), we might be better off taking formal "tourist-designed tours"......who knows.........we'll see. Of course you're right - I SHOULD pop over to the Cruise Line Board and see what the folks are posting about there.......but I never have time to just browse the Boards any more.......I know I have to make the time to do so - I miss checking in on my favorite threads / Boards! :)

CONGRATULATIONS to Dalton about placing OUT OF the Accelerated Reading program - that is FANTASTIC!! I am not surprised, though - he seems to be quite the brilliant and motivated young man! :)

I'm sure that everything will wind up working out with your upcoming trip, Lauralee! It sounds like you have some good options - either staying in a 2BR at OKW or staying at Port Orleans (which is always great, we know!)! I'm sure that your travel agent will help you figure out which option works best for all of you - I'm sure that you'll all have a blast together!

Loved the story about your cat "getting back at" your dog by surprising him and snuffing in his ear - VERY cute! That just goes to show how intelligent cats are, as I always say! :)

Absolutely NOTHING to report, here! Just wanted to check in, say "hi" and wish you all a nice week! Talk to you soon! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hello!

Just wanted to stop by and wish you all a wonderful weekend! :)

Also, I wanted to wish Colleen and her family an early BON VOYAGE as they will be returning to THE LAND OF MAGIC (and the Villages! :)) in just a few days! Yipee!!!!! :) :) :) :) We will be celebrating this grand occasion - along with Colleen's DS Ian's Birthday - with a party here in the Suite on the eve of her departure! Come one, come all! :)

Everything is fine, here - not too much to report! We are getting ready for my SIL's surprise 50th Birthday extravaganza, which will take place tomorrow night (Frank is baking her birthday cake from scratch, tonight!). Some friends of hers / ours are hosting it in their home in North Jersey, which features a really neat, huge separate bar room that opens out to their gorgeous, forest-like backyard and outdoor fireplace - very nice "venue"! :) And the hosts are also amateur gourmet chefs, so I'm sure that we will be treated to some culinary masterpieces! It's quite a festive bunch and I'm sure that the party will go well and be a lot of fun......we'll probably have to spend Sunday "recovering"! :)

No other news to report, here - I have my mid-term next week already, and then spring break the following one (which really won't be much of a "break" as I'll be spending it working on a project that is due the following week!).

We've finally started picking out our Mediterranean cruise shore excursions, day by day! We're getting there, slowly but surely - hopefully we'll have them all selected by the time that our final payment is due to DCL (which is when one can actually start making excursion reservations)! We were thrilled to read that DCL will be adding 2 new ships to their fleet in 2011 and 2012! We're already guessing what their names will be and where they will be based (I'll bet that one stays in California and "does" cruises to Mexico with DL add-on's!)!

Hope that all is well with all of you! Have a great weekend and talk to you soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, please tell Frank that I want to see a picture of his cake. Is there anything that man cannot do? Tell him that Dalton has asked me to teach him how to cook this summer. No regular stuff either but gourmet cooking. Quiche and Creme Brulee is first up. Gotta love a food that requires a blow torch. :lmao:

You are getting down the wire with your schooling. Is it getting harder or easier? I hope the later. I wish we could all be there for your graduation. I would be the loud obnoxious one (there is always at least one) who screams like a banshee. :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

I wonder if Colleen's parents would like to adopt me? I am too old for a daughter but maybe one of them would like a new sister??:thumbsup2

My friend, Karen, Dorthea's daughter was interested in the Disney trip to ALL the Disney parks and is considering it for next year. If I cannot do it myself at least I will get to live vicariously through them and you guys. I bet you have the best side trips planned. This is a once (or twice) in a lifetime trip and no time for skimping. :idea:

The new car handles better in wind than the old one. It was so windy here that I could not close my car door at one point. Scary. Not too many limbs down and better weather coming in this weekend. No trip to Ohio as we had thought as my brother was not able to get an apartment. Seems like it is a little matter of him pretty much NEVER paying any of his bills. It is hard to believe we were raised by the same parents. I had bought him a microwave and some other items for his apartment but they will have to be stored in hopes that he can find a place that will take him in, eventually. Families, gotta love them. Wonder why sometimes though. (just kidding, I think):love:

I took some pictures of my completed upstairs and plan to send them when I get time to download them. I have too many sick friends right this moment. I spent the morning with an old friend who no longer remembers me. It is really bad when someone forgets ME. I am hard to forget. That can be taken many, many ways. ;)

Have a great weekend dear Suite Ladies and I will drop by when I get a bit more time and have something interesting to say.

Linda

[IASW Rider]

We, here in the Suite, wish you and your family a wonderfully fantastic, very special and MAGICAL WDW vacation!!!! :) Enjoy your Spring Break and please report in as soon as possible and tell us about all of your adventures! :) And a very special EWP Suite Birthday greeting to your son, Ian, too! We are all partying on his behalf! Wishing you and your family a sunny vacation filled with lots of pixie dust and fun!!!! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

So sorry that I haven't been in touch in a few days. We've had a bit of a rough week around here. We lost one of our cats on Tuesday - a 17 year old who'd been with my DH since 1989 - he was very attached to her. It was very sad, and her illness over the past few weeks was very difficult for both of us. But we knew it was "her time" and that she is at peace, now - free of discomfort. But that sad day actually wound up with a bittersweet ending.......as we returned to the vet's office, later that afternoon to pick up our cat carrier, we met a lady who had just come in with a stray cat that she'd been taking care of for months, to have it have shots, and to post a flyer asking if anyone would like to give it a home. The cat was just adorable - very calm and people-friendly........and according to the vet, totally healthy, too. So.........on the day that we so sadly lost one of our cats, we "gained" a new one - we took in the lady's stray, and now - just 2 days later - she is practically completely settled in and is truly "part of the family"! :) (And we named her......"Spoodles" (!!) after the restaurant at Boardwalk! :)) It was an absolute miracle that we happened to be at the vet's office at the exact same time that this lady was just about to leave - it was truly "fate" - we really felt like God sent this lady and her cat to us to let us know that we "did right" by our cat who'd just lefts us. Or perhaps that it was a "sign" from our cat, herself, letting us know that she was "in a better place" and that she was "sending" us this new little kitty so that we wouldn't be so sad. What ever "it" was that was "at work" that day, we are very grateful and lucky!

And it couldn't have come at a better time - my DH, Frank, was totally devastated by the loss.........and his Birthday is today........when I knew how terminally sick our cat was, I almost thought of going to a shelter and surprising him with a new cat for his Birthday.........saving a cat in honor of the life of the one whom we knew we were sure to lose.........as it turned out, we wound up saving a stray, anyway! And Frank is able to "go into" his Birthday weekend with lightheartedness and hope, rather than sadness and grief (though of course he misses our lost cat), which is wonderful.

So, that's our "story" around here! Wouldn't you know that amidst all of this, I had my mid-term exam at school this week, too??!!

Now we are looking forward to celebrating Frank's Birthday this weekend and also attending a surprise 40th Birthday party for a friend of mine from college. Definitely a festive weekend.........that will involve a lot of EATING! :) Nothing wrong with THAT! :)

Colleen and her family have completed the first "leg" of their journey to Florida - they are relaxing and spending the night in Georgia, before making the next "installment" of their trip, and will ultimately wind up at the Villages tomorrow! Colleen says that the weather reports look good.........hopefully they'll be swimming in the sun in no time! :)

Hi Linda!

So glad to hear that you are enjoying and getting used to your new car! And glad to hear that it's been handling well, especially in this crazy windy weather that we've all been having, up here!

Loved seeing the pictures of the renovations and work that you've been doing in your home! Your efforts have definitely paid off - the rooms and hallway / stairway look wonderful! :)

So sorry to hear about your friends who aren't well. I'm sure that your spending time with them and being with them really means a lot to them. And I hope that they get stronger and feel better. I'm sure that your presence inspires all of them!

And OF COURSE you are unforgettable! Who could forget such a special and wonderful person and friend? :)

Please keep us posted about Karen's Disney park tour vacation plans! That is so exciting - just like that article that we all read last year - it would be AMAZING to see ALL of the Disney parks - especially in the course of one vacation! :)

I DID take pictures of Frank's cake and will send them to you, if you'd like to see! It came out wonderfully (although Frank was critical of his work, as always! But he's just being silly!)! :) I will also send you pictures of the other Birthday cake that one of my SIL's friends made for her party.........it's a "litter box cake".........designed to look like a litter box.........served in a rectangular pan and served with.........a kitty litter scooper! :) I know that this may sound very gross, but it was actually adorable and delicious! :) The "effect" was accomplished by the fact that the cake is comprised of broken up cookies.......and melted chocolate........to look like.......you know! ;) But it was really very good and my SIL got a big kick out of it (as she has 5 cats, as well!)!

School is "easier" for the moment, as I'm only taking one class this semester......but I am also preparing to draft a proposal for my Fieldwork and "apply" for it........so some time within the next few weeks, I will probably have to "disappear" from the Suite again, as I pour on the effort to get that all done before the end of April.......and then I will "graduate" in May! :) I wish that you could be here for my graduation, too! :) But we will all celebrate together in the Suite, at the very least! :) I appreciate your kind thoughts, as always! :)

OK, Suite Ladies - insomniac me should probably get some sleep so that I can be up before Frank goes to work to wish him a Happy Birthday! :)

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

[SlightlyGoofy]

I have not been getting any emails about new posts in any of my DIS threads. I try to check out them manually once a day but sometimes it does NOT get done. :scared:

Lisa, I just love how things have turned out for you and Frank. It is a testament to your love for Tasha that you were blessed with such an unexpected and fortuitious new addition to your family. Lucky Spoodles! Not a replacement but another chapter in your lives.

That chocolate cake looked fantastic and it made me glad, for the first time, that I do not live nearer. I love chocolate and think that people who do not must be aliens. I love the mind that could think up AND execute a Cat Litter Cake. I will have to show that one to Dalton, my little cat lover.

Colleen should be at The Villages today and looking forward to new adventures at DW. It should be interesting to see what she has gotten her skinny self up to. For those of you who do not know, Colleen has gotten into ONEderland where her first number of her weight is a 1!!!! It is a dream that many share and few accomplish. :cloud9:

Becki, never did show up. I am hoping that means that her client did not need services. I am always happy when a child is NOT hurting in some way. I was looking forward to showing her the rooms in person though. Maybe another time??

The new car is doing well. Everyone seems to think it is prettier than the last model. It is wasted on me as a car is just transportation to me and if it reliable and paid for I am a happy gal. :rolleyes1

I have shocking news to report. While I was out shoveling up rocks that had gotten scattered over the church sidewalk during the recent snow storms my husband picked up some leaves off the back porch. Hey, I take what I can get. This deserves a note on my calendar. :cheer2: I have attempted to explain that doing small chores around here count as exercise AND keeps me from being so darned tired that I cannot do anything fun. Maybe 35 years of nagging has paid off????:dance3:

I have made all the preparations for Dalton's first cooking lesson. Managed to cut my hand shredding the swiss cheese though. I have had worse happen though. He loves the idea that cooking is Chemistry. BTW, did I tell you all that the American Legion announced the winner of the Flag Test? Did any of you have any doubts that Dalton would come out on the top of the list? One other boy tied him and it came down to the essay. It was reported that Dalton's essay was more verbose and detailed than the other boy who, horrors, only wrote ONE line. Must be in his genes. :lmao:

We will be going to Ohio next weekend for a few days. It is a family matter and I will bore you all with the details, at least on this lengthy post. Family, gotta love 'em. Sometimes hard to remember why though. :rolleyes1

Please give Frank a nice hug from me? Thank you so much for sending the pictures. You are so much busier than me and so much more thoughtful. Sleeping takes up too much of my time nowadays. Getting old, fast. :dance3:

Back to work for me. Love, Linda

[lunabkat]

Hi all,

Well, as of now i have a tentative hold on a 3 bdrm at the Mariott Grande Vista for 355 a night. With a full kitchen and laundry. This may be the best we can do. As we are planning to spend two days in Sea World this might be okay, tho I would still love to stay on property if possible...we will see. Brittany really wants to do the dolphin swim at Discovery Code and I would love to do it with her and Tara, its very expensive tho...I believe it would be an extra special memory however so I think it will be a go.

Hope all of you are well, Lisa I am so sorry about your kitty, its so sad when they go. I know Spoodles will bring you lots of laughter, they are so funny. We had "little" company last week and one of the girls would poke luna on the head or the ear every time she went by, just a touch, not mean - and the face he made was too funny:rotfl: . I know he was thinking, man this kid better not be staying! He was very patient with her, such a good boy.

congrats on the new car Linda, I am glad you got exactly what you wanted!

Take care all, talk soon,

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lauralee, it sounds as if you are making some awfully great plans as well as potential memories. I have found that the things that our kids remember are often NOT the things that we carefully planned for them to remember but the small things that we, as parents, do not remember. :confused3

Do you take pictures and such on your trips? We would love to see them if you do. I could post my email addy to you on a PM and then forward the link to the others. :cool1:

My Dalton would love to swim with Dolphins. He did well on his cooking lesson although he thought that the Creme Brulee was too sweet. We are making Pineapple Upside Down cake this week (Spring Break) and going to see that movie "Bridge to T???". I can drop Tom off at bowling, go a short way to the movie and then be back in time to pick Tom up from bowling and then out to eat. My life is extremely limited right now so it is awesome how that is going to work out, timewise. :hourglass

With the news of the Free Dining 'probably' coming soon we have decided to go then. I think that you can book 14 days at a time now so that means we COULD book in for 28 days and only have to buy 4 tickets. Ummm, something to think about, for sure. :rolleyes1

The car has finished its break in period with our recent trip and I am liking it more than the last car and I loved that one!! :flower3:

Lisa, you have been in my thoughts and prayers this past week and even on my trip. I can imagine how hard all of this has been you both. I know it is the price of love but it does not make it a bit easier. Hopefully Spoodles has you both well trained by now and it is making it a bit easier. How is 'he?" getting along with his roommates? Has there been a change in leadership in the household?:wizard:

Dalton has started a new book. I hesitated as I told him I thought it was too old for him. The book is "A Tale of Two Cities". When he looked at me, smiled and said "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" I rethought my decision. :love:

I saw Becki the other day when she dropped by. Skinny!!! Looking good and so happy to boot. I am hoping she will have good news for us soon. They are next up to travel to our favorite place. :woohoo:

Colleen should be back and resting up now. It is a testament to DW that we are able to go so often and never be bored. :dance3:

DD is due to come by and pick up her boy and then I have bunches of work to do from being gone. Tuesdays are hectic and Mr. D will be back for the night. Wednesday is baseball camp again, Thursday, bowling and movies and then Friday baking. I am looking forward to the weekend so I can collapse. It is a much better world than the one I visited over the weekend. You know it is a difficult family when you ask the bank for small bills to take with you. :lmao:

Hugs, Linda Lou Who

[lunabkat]

Hi all :dance3:

Well, week two of a mysterious fever that goes and returns for Brittany, altho today she was tested (3rd time in 2 wks) for strep and it turned up positive, the doctor says its probably the third thing she's caught in 2 wks. That school is an absolute breeding ground for bacteria and virus this past month, its horrible. They were both home most of the week last week with the fever:eek: but this week tara (knock on wood) is so far so good. I am really leaning toward having Brittany stay home all week since she can't go back tomorrow because of fever today and I am unwilling to send her back "in" and expose her further to the stomache flu thats circling the school, her system has just been battered this past two weeks. If Tara's fever comes back, she's out till after spring break as well, I can't keep putting them back into the soup. Hopefully the break will give these nasties time to die out before the kids come back:scared: , i hope...

well, we are decided on the Marriot Grande Vista...a vacation home...or biting the bullet for okw...my family is the very fountain of decision, yikes! They are going to drive me crazy, I told them to pick, i can make a case for any of the three and be happy with it, just...PICK!

Hope all is well with all of you, talk soon and take care,

LL

[JoiseyMom]

Hey guys, it's been awhile for me. Right now I am bushed. My little one has been home for 2 days with the stomach flu, and day 3 is tomorrow. Last night was rough. He christened the bathroom at 5 AM, but at least he made it into the bathroom. He is now fast alseep on the sofa, and I am trying to decide if I sleep down here with him, or go up to bed.

Kids have spring break next week, so I will have them both home for 11 days, the little one for 12 days. What do do without going crazy!! So if I am lucky I will have 2 days this week to myself, yes..what will I do with that free time. Hmmm...shop, cook, clean and do laundry...man I love my free time!!

Still trying to figure out what to do for our vaca this year. DH is disney'd out, so we are not sure what to do. I was thinking cruise, but there are no 7 day cruises at the end of August for DCL. I am sure I will come up with something.

Well I am off, have a good nite ladies!!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Joisey and Luna, I well remember THOSE days of coping with sick kids. Wait!! What am I thinking. My grandkids stay with me when they are sick. I am not sure if it is because they stayed with me when they were tiny and so they associate me with being sick and think I am their duty nurse or the fact that my dd has nary a sympathetic bone in her entire body for any illness, not even her own. :lmao:

I am all for keeping sick kids home from school, especially in grade school. There is no subject too hard to learn at your mother's knee at that age anyway. I have bought gallons of that hand sanitizer for the potential bird flu and think it should be standard issue in each classroom, unpon entering and exiting. :idea:

Joisey Mom, are you suffering under the delusion that when your kids grow up you will have more free time? I hate to burst your bubble but women never retire. We tire but not retire. We slow down and it takes us twice as long to do half as much as we once did too. My grandkids move in with me during Spring Break too. What are doing being married to a man who is capable of getting Disneyed out?? You need to retrain that man and quickly. I am lucky, mine follows me anywhere, including the bathroom. :scared:

Lauralee, being the leader of a gang is an impossible job. You cannot please everyone no matter what you do. Since you are the resident expert plus know the members of your party so well I would just go ahead make the plans and I am betting that everyone will enjoy it even better than what they might have 'thought' they would have liked. You go girl!! :cheer2:

I was up bright and early, ok -early- yesterday so that I could take the pictures of Dalton's latest accomplishement. I am not sure which I am more proud of, the fact that I kept it a secret for over a week or that he did it. :rotfl2: His face sure was a picture when grandma walked into his classroom with a man in a uniform. I will try to post the picture I took.

My daffidills are blooming along the alley, the tree in the back is blushing with light pink flowers. I am not fooled, winter is hiding somewhere waiting to bite one more time at least. :rolleyes1

I had best get back to work as this is the first day I have had at home in a bit. I do want to tell you that I stuck up for you gals the other day when people were complaing about Jersey week. I cannot think of a better group to spend my days at DW with. At least waiting in line will not be boring. :dance3:

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u219/RebelwithoutPause/AmericanLegionPhoto.jpg

[SlightlyGoofy]

How are all those sick little ones? Much better I hope. Spring brings out all the nasty germs. The hot weather will kill all them nasties and they will be well and able to run around you both in circles and make you 'bless' their good health. :rolleyes1

Have a good day everyone. Off to drive hubby to bowling while I wash the car and get the chores done. A word to the wise, get out BEFORE your husbands retire. Run, run for your lives!!!!:lmao:

Slightly Goofy

[lunabkat]

Hi all :woohoo:

The kids went back to school today, am i awful for being thrilled? I think not. Did I ever share a Taramoment with you from a few months ago? It went like this:

Me: tara get in bed

tara: okay (she pulls covers off ) I am too hot for blankets, read me my story mommy

Me: Okay, (I proceed to read TWO stories because I am wonderful:rotfl: ) Okay now time for bed (I turn out light and proceed to tuck her back in to her blankets.

She then tosses the blankets aside, looks at me and says:

"didn't I JUST say I didn't want blankets...(then she gives me MY look and says)...I think I did." Classic mom, my daughter Brittay is rolling in her room laughing and saying "She sounds just like you mom" and she did :rolleyes1 . Too much...

I am getting the definitive on our trip this weekend or MY decision is the Mariott simply because I don't have to pay till i get there and disney wants me to cough up 650$ for one room and 379$ for the other - rats! I would get the rooms with tickets so I could put down a measly 200$ per room but I have no idea when these people are coming/staying yikes! I only know myself, my girls, my sister and my brother are all coming in together and staying the whole time. FUNFUNFUN.:scared1:

Hope you all are doing alright and I send my good, healthy thoughts to Joiseygirl.

PS: Thank you for your defense of the Jersey girls Linda, some of us are a lot of fun, but watch out for the Highways :headache: HA!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lauralee, you are NOT a bad mom for being glad that your little dears are able to go to school however I have to inform you that just MIGHT be as glad to get rid of YOU as you are to get rid of THEM. ;) Familiarity breeds contempt.

I roared at Tara (BTW, is her name from GWTW?? My son is named after a character from there). It is a wise parent who laughs when their child is just like them. It is my firm belief that most of the stress between parent and child comes from NOT liking when you see yourself in the other. I applaud my daughter's many differences BUT I do have a FEW good traits that it would not hurt her to emulate. :lmao:

I would not want to be caught having to pay for someone else's room just in case things did not work out either. Heck, with my family I will not even use MY credit card to guarantee a room because I do not want to stand good for any damages. The last time I had to guarantee a room I gave them cash and I am glad I did as they decided to dye their hair in the room and use the towels and drip on the carpet. Were they raised by different people than I was???:scared:

Yardwork for me today. I can only work for about 15 minutes at a time and then have to stop and catch what breath I have left. It is time to bring out the machine and get myself built back up. I hate that thing. If I did not like to read it would be painful and it is bad enough when I can read and take the treatments. I have all the fountains and such uncovered. I am leaving the a/c unit covered as I do not want to tempt fate too much. :rolleyes1

Joisey, hoping that your patients have improved and you are on to more fun things.

Still waiting for news on the Free Dining. I cannot wait so that I can start my planning. I have most of my plans for December done. I need a fantasy life and this is what I choose. :wizard:

Hugs and Grins, Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Happy Easter Everyone!! I hope you are all having a wonderful and warm day.

I do not have anything really to report but I did want to make sure to spend my 4,000th post with my best pals.:love:

Everyone knows you eat the ears first BUT which one? Being OCD I used to nibble at one ear and then even out the other one, back and forth until I got down to the toes. Took me about 90 seconds. :lmao:

Hugs and Grins, SG/Linda

[colleen costello]

Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all! We had a nice dinner of turkey breast and all the fixings. Not as good as the dinner my parents had -- they are at Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Dad just called from the lobby. My sister and her friend Lisa, plus their neighbors from next door in the Villages, all went together. They are all out on the savannah and Dad was too full to leave the lobby! He was looking up at the hidden Mickey that is on one of the giant light fixtures overhead.

All is well here. Been busy with school stuff, planning spring events at the kids' schools. The weather was gorgeous for weeks and then turned miserably cold. We went to a movie yesterday out of desperation -- it was barely above 30 degrees. Saw "The Last Mimzy" which was a good one. We also colored eggs and today the kids hunted for the candy-filled ones -- inside as it was so cold. Not quite Boma but a nice day anyway.

Happy spring to everyone! :goodvibes

[SlightlyGoofy]

After an hour and half hold (I know better, if I had called later today or even in the next couple of days I would have gotten right through, probably) I finally got us booked in for our next DW vacation.

We are booked from Septembr 9th thru October 3rd, our personal best. If we did not have to be in PA on the 5th it would have been a full 28 days instead of 24.

Colleen, I want to take Dalton to see "The Last Mimsy". Myself, I plan to go see "Grindhouse" on Thursday as Tom is going home with his brother. Poor me, I have no warped enough friends to want to go see it with me but I will survive. I like offbeat stuff. Might be why I like YOU??? (grin and duck for cover)

Lisa and Frank, I hope you had a lovely Passover and weekend. We went to our daughter's and I got to meet my grandson's girlfriend. I quite liked her and have a feeling that she will be sticking around for quite some time. She fits well and does not let Austin get away with anything. lol

Becki, are you all rested up from your trip yet? Let me know when you and Leah want to have lunch. I have to plan ahead. I am not as flexible as you youngsters. I have a friend in a nursing home that I go to feed a couple of times a week so I am in town a bit more than usual right now.

Hey there the rest of you Suite Gals!! Anyone gonna be at DW when we are? We will also be there December 9th thru the 19th and I would love to meet you in person.

Hugs and Smiles, Linda/SG

[lunabkat]

Hi all :)

Linda, I am missing you by two lousy days, we arrive on Oct. 5th for a week, oh how the girls would love to spend 24 days there! (so would mom). I laughed when i read your post, yes, i believe they may have been tired of "grouchy mom" as well :rotfl:

Has anyone ever seen the Weeki Wachi Mermaids? My cousing suggested I take the girls, she said it was north of Orlando by about any hour and the website looks interesting. We may check it out if its still open by then, apparently someone wants to shut them down and build a better money maker there - go figure.

Hope you all are well, its back to school tomorrow for the kiddies, they can't wait to see their friends.

Talk soon,

LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

LL, what a lousy thing. If it were not for the fact that I have to be in Pa on the 5th I would have been there too. I missed the family reunion last year because I was at Disney and do not want to affront the only branch of my family that is semi stable and newly found. Long story short, it is my mom's family that she never knew. What a sad waste as they all would have loved each other.:grouphug:

It would have been great to have finally gotten to meet you in person and to meet your kids too!! We plan on going back for the F&G show next spring and then again for the Free Dining 2008 right now. Plan accordingly. :lmao:

I have seen the mermaids, on a long forgotten honeymoon, many, many moons ago. Would have been more fun if I could have went alone. :rotfl2: The glass bottom boats might still be there also and the water stunt show, Tommy Bartlett??? I really liked Sea World and I am not an animal fan. (sorry Suite gals)

Are you flying or driving? Can I pick up some stuff and leave it for you for when we leave? Heck, I do this stuff for strangers, why not for someone I know? You missed out on having me to hold parade seats for you too. I am very useful. :rolleyes1

Back to planning what I want to eat five months hence.

Hugs, Linda /SG

[lunabkat]

Hi all;)

Linda, I swear i am debating heading out a couple of days early so we can meet up. thank you so much for the offer but i don't know what ask for, i believe we are stopping at a grocery store on the way in (for anything i didn't manage to squeeze into my suitcase). could have used those parade saver seats tho...

PS: Tara is named Tara just because i liked the name and it went with the irishyness:woohoo: of my daughters Shannon and Brittany (apparently, Brittany is a very popular name in Ireland, even tho its not really an irish name).

Talk soon,

LL

[JoiseyMom]

Hey guys. DS went back to school for 2 days, and then was home for spring break. He want back yesterday. I have had 2 days to rest??? NAH, I ran errands!! Tomorrow I work.

Linda, I miss you by 6 days!! We are flying down on Aug. 22, cruisn on the 23, checking into AKL on the 26 and flying home on Sept 3. Kids are excited, as am I. DH I think is numb :rotfl: .

[SlightlyGoofy]

Man, if only we three (or more) could get together this trip what a time we would have!!

I purposely planned out trip so that if we have Free Dining again next year I will be able to squeeze in another couple of weeks and since we have to go to PA and then possibly to DE afterward I just cannot add any more days to our trip. I would if I could.

JoiseyMom, DH's are usually numb. Mine does not care one whit as long as he gets to eat out. After the fit he threw last year and its consequences I am hoping that this trip goes better. I always ask, ask and ask if he has any requests and he never has any. I know, better than he, what he likes. He even has me order for him in restaurants. I guess it is good that they are willing to go though. I feel sorry for those in 'mixed marriages'. :lmao:

LL, I could send you tips on good places to sit for parades and such if you like. I have some good secret places that do not require sitting forever. PM me with your email addy?? Same for you JM.

Would you believe that someone on E bay is actually charging $35 to look at people's DW agenda's and make suggestions? That is my idea of a dream job but I would feel strange charging. It is why I am not rich. I fix computers, give classes and all for free. The fringe benefits are great though.

Here are our ADR's for our upcoming trip if anyone is interested. Lots going on around here right now and I am worn out.

2007 Free Dining ADR’s

09/09 O’Hana @7 pm
09/10 Plaza @ 12:55 pm
09/11 Prime Time @ 7:05 pm
09/12 new Asian restaurant at AK??
09/13 Nine Dragons @ 5 pm
09/14 Puck’s Café @ noon
09/15 Tony’s @ 6 pm
09/16 Coral Reef @ 4:10 pm
09/17 counter serves today
09/18 H&V 4:10 pm
09/19 Rose & Crown 7:50 pm (Illumintations viewing?)
09/20 Boma’s @ 5:20 pm
09/21 Kona @ 2:05 (MNNVSP)
09/22
09/23 Spoodles @ 6pm (Jellyrolls night)
09/24 LTT 6:55 pm (see parade from Dan Murphy’s rockers)
09/25 Capt Jack’s @ 6 pm
09/26 Le Cellier @ 11:40 pm
09/27 Maya Grill @ 5 pm
09/28 Garden Grill @ 1 pm
09/29 Crystal Palace @ 4;50 pm
09/30 AS Café (walk up)
10/01 San Angel Inn 3:40 pm
10/02 Brown Derby @ 5 pm


Think we will starve to death?? lol

Linda

[lunabkat]

Hi all

Linda, have you eaten at Brown Derby before? I reserved that for a Fantasmic package and was wondering if it was worth the twice as expensive price? (Hollywood and Vine is half the price, but a buffet.) I am pming my email, let me in on those spots please! Talk soon,

LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there LL

I just sent you an email with the info you asked for and much more. That is my wont, ya know. :lmao:

I have not had much appetite lately and the heat does not make me hungry either so all that food might not be too dangerous. I lost 4 pounds last year and was only there for 3 weeks. I will shoot for 5 this time. I am down nearly 10 for the year but struggling.

I went to church this morning to hear my dear friend Dorthea's son sing a solo. I saw his mouth move but could not hear a word. Is one of the reasons I do not attend services. Not much use.

My friend Edwina is failing. The nursing home seems to be feeding her which is better than the hospital was doing. Her husband is a jerk and I sort of told him so after he made a bunch of disparaging remarks about her in her prescence. Kicking people when they are down is a particularly unpleasant thing to do.

It is still cold here but at least we did not get any snow, yet. Who knows what will come next though. The tomato plants are still safely put away for warmer days when I might not trigger a blizzard by planting them. May 10th is our planting date here. Last year I was able to plant nearly a month early. Just about the time my garden gets to going good it is time to leave it. My neighbors reap the rewards so it does not go to waste.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I am tired and thinking of crawling into bed early and crashing. Tom comes home tomorrow and I still have things that need to be done although I have made some progress. Old and slow. :rolleyes:

Hugs, Linda

[lunabkat]

Hi all

Okay, another quick Taraism. I ask her to get a towel for Brittany for her to get out of the bath, Tara goes to the towel closet, tells Brittany she can't get her a towel, Brittany asks why not, Tara replies that there is only one towel left and if she gets it for Brittany, she (tara) won't have one when she takes HER bath. So nice and polite about it she was, too. Needless to say I got another towel from the clean laundry pile. That kid cracks me up, its her saving grace.

My friend Ellen and her family were just here for the weekend and we had such a great time, all the girls were so good, it was stunning! We had that big no'easter here and got some flooding but my home is fine, hope all is well with all you other "Jersey girls" (as well as all of you in general!). Lesson learned "Do not live in Boundbrook, NJ." Yikes! The girls were even off from school today because of the storm, which worked great for us as my company didn't leave until 1PM and the girls got extra time with their friends (as did i!).

Got my breakfast with Cindy ressie, dinner with cindy ressie, Fantasmic ressie (dinner at the Brown Derby, my oh my)and dinner ressie for Rose and Crown (7:30 - fireworks on the patio? I hopehopehopehopehope!) Other than that we will fly by the seat of our dinner pants. With one day as SeaWorld, whoo-hoo.

PS: Either its not busy that time of year or the lunch and dinner character meals at the castle and bld meals at Norway with the princesses are really helping out Cindy because I got my ressie for breakfast at 5PM and you used to have call at 7AM on the dot to have a hope or prayer of landing a ressie for that breakfast. I just figured I would give it a shot because I remembered I needed to start calling late that day. Just goes to show ya never know!

[SlightlyGoofy]

I have been worried all day as I just met a lovely DISer and all I knew is that she lives in VA and goes to college there. As it turned out her stepdaughter was but two floors below where all those poor students were killed. Terrorists do not scare me but nutcases sure do.

LL, congrats on all your good news. Sounds like you have it set up for a perfect vacation. I am hoping for R&C Illuminations viewing too. Let us know if it works out. Maybe the Castle is not as popular as it once was with all the changes and price increases? I am interested in your thoughts as Tom would like to try it but when I read the menu and reviews I am loathe to book it.

Lisa, please forgive the pile up of your emails. Maybe tomorrow night when my brain is working. I have that special piece of mail laying on my desk and am so tickled at it. If only I were young enough to be capable of pulling off big surprises. Getting across the street was about all I could handle today.

Becki, Colleen - where are you gals? We miss you, ya know.

Linda

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

Well Linda, I had Cindy's breakfast a couple of years ago and they still had the best coffee in the Kingdom. Then they also had stuffed french toast I belive and it was wonderful tho now they state bacon, eggs, "potatoe":rotfl2: cassarole and "breakfast breads" so i am unsure about the breakfast being other than median. The lunch and dinners are getting good reviews on some of the boards tho (especially the lunch, they say it is very fancy for the little girls), the dinner only has the fairy godmother as a character.

I will review all when I return but that won't help you make up your mind now.:confused3

I can't remember if I told you all I was now not a waitress but a maitre d' and moved to a new place because I couldn't stand my moron of a new boss in the new old place...:rolleyes1 same company, different building, what a toad.

Talk soon,

me and the girls :dance3:

LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

LL, You sure are moving on up in the world!!! I always wondered if those top positions did not mean a cut in pay as you do not get the tips though? Just wondering. I like to learn new things. Congrats!! :thumbsup2

I am not a breakfast person as I am more of a night owl. I like breakfast fine, just not in the morning. :lmao: Also breakfast food is generally cheaper and easier to make and I like things that are difficult and expensive when I am paying big bucks (or even getting for sort of free).

I just finished looking at the Food Porn thread and there are so many great pictures and they have given me many ideas for new things to try this time. One of our favorite meals last time was at the Maya Grill. I would do that one again, on my dime, although we would have to share a meal as I cannot eat that much, nor should I.

I am despondent as I am pretty sick and for some reason the scales are inching UP instead of DOWN. There ought to be some sort of reward for feeling this darned bad. I pulled weeds and every time I leaned over I feared I was going to tumble over and be found by a passer by. One of the joys of living in a small town is that you would not linger for long if you should happen to cave in outside. :thumbsup2

I hope everyone is enjoying a nice Spring day and that nasty old winter has gone away until next year. I am raring to plant something good.

Hugs and Grins, Linda

[lunabkat]

Hi all :goodvibes

Linda, you actually get bigger tips as the MD, especially if you skim your part AND the part you should share with your staff, especially if you gloam a tip that belongs to ANOTHER MD and pretend there was no tip at all - just like my old butthead boss, the last part I worked there he took the tip and said the the lady "Specifically" wanted HIM to have it, I say if you want the tip, do the job. It was nice of him to let me leave without a single doubt in my mind that I was doing the right thing, toadboy...

Worked the new job tonite, I like it, the people are nice and its nice in a way to be in a different environment, even tho I still miss my "peeps" back the old place. Apparently, most of them aren't working there anymore either so I guess we all jumped ship at the same time.:hippie:

I hope everyone is doing well and Linda, don't be falling over thoses flowers now!

Talk soon,

LL

PS: did i mention my dog has a sense of humor?:laughing:

[SlightlyGoofy]

Tara is one reason why I love kids. They just say the darnest things and do not censor themselves at all. Love it!!

LL, I always hated working places where you had to share tips and I always make sure to give my server their tip directly if I know they are going off shift. I cannot see YOU pocketing that which is not yours. Glad you are enjoying your new environment. It is good to have a change now and then and in your line of work it is almost a requirement. Maybe some of your old customers will follow you over as well as some of the good folks that you worked with.

BTW, are you worried about ME or the flowers? :lmao:

Not much work getting done here today. About wears me out to switch loads of laundry. Tomorrow will be a better day. I have loads of paint cans to get ready for recycling so that I can get the truck empty for my stacking stones, mulch ,etc. etc. I have decided that I am no putting anything off. If I need it to get the house ready for sale on of these days I should do it now so that I can enjoy it first. :)

Hugs and wobbly grins, Linda

[lunabkat]

Hi All:laundy:

Well, its laundry nite, woo-hoo!

Well, Brittany jumped 40 times without missing in her jumprope gym class today, thank goodness. She was getting quite depressed about not ever getting over ten but she worked at it and did much better today. She aced her multiplication quiz on Wed. too so she is in the next "lunch bunch" for those who know their doubles table.:cheer2:

Tara is out watching Daddy chain saw the old play set so he can get rid of the pieces tomorrow :eek: :scared1: :scared: do you think i am nervous? At least I know HE knows what he is doing (and I am stalking them myself, can't help it). Hopefully the weather holds and we get the new swing set up this week sometime, the girls have been waiting for a month of rainy days!:rolleyes1


Linda, i ,of course, was worried about you. Enjoy your house till you're tired of it. Where would you go, if you could? A condo or townhouse, or perhaps just a smaller, newer house that didn't require so much work? You seem to enjoy the renovating tho, I just had two bathrooms redone and did the third myself (and painted the kitchen and cabinets) this past month and I have to say I am proud of the results. (if not professional, frankly, my painting is better than the guys we paid to do it, sheesh!:headache: )

Hope everyone else is well, talk soon,

LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

LL, I would never trust my hubby with a chain saw at all let alone around a child. I bet things will work out just fine for you and yours though and what a memory to share. Bet Tara is anxious for the new equipment to be up. Our yard was too small for such but we live just a few yards from the playgrounds so it was not a problem.

Please congraulate Brittany on her accomplishments. She could combine the two. Saying her tables as she jumps will give her a cadence. They have a lunchbunch thing here for kids who earn special rewards. Dalton will not be eating at that table for awhile. He forged his mom's name on a paper. He did not do nearly as good a job as his mom did at his age. I hope he learned from the experience and this will not take him down the slippery slope to a life of crime. :love:

Yes, I have enjoyed this house and I have enjoyed my many projects but it is just taking more out of me nowadays than it is worth. If I only had me to think of I think I would enjoy a much smaller place where I could get out and about and actually do something other than taking care of a house. Not sure about those monthly condo fees though as they go up and up and us retired folks do not have incomes that do the same.

I cannot leave this town at present as Tom could not do anything at all in another place. Here he can go for a walk or the library or something, not that he does often, but he COULD. Also the town is so small that if he went out and got into some sort of trouble someone would help him out and know who to contact. Also there is the matter of the young people who pop in my back door and those who play across the street whom I love very much.

You are right on in that paying a professional does not mean a superior job. If the job is going to be less than perfect I prefer to do it myself and save the money. It would be insult to injury to pay for an inferior job. My last few projects have been far below my standards but have been the best I could do under the circumstances. How the mighty have fallen.

I am feeling somewhat better today. At least I am not having to hold onto the furniture. Still taking it easy though. I had such plans for this week. Tom is only bowling one day a week now so that makes it a bit easier. I am the only driver now and it gets complicated at times to get him to his things and still get my things done. Luckily he is very good at sitting at the mall while I go to my TOPS meeting and such. He is excellent at sitting.

I did a listing of the snack options, double spaced, last night and highlighted a few things. If anyone could use a copy just let me know. I am a compulsive list maker. German, ya know.

Hugs and grins, Linda Lou

[lunabkat]

Hi all

Just wondering how everyone is doing, pretty busy around here and I need a nap. Hope to hear from you all soon,

LL

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

So sorry that I've been away for so long! I was "mortified" when I signed onto the DIS, a bit ago........and saw that the last time I visited the site was on 3/9 - I don't think that I've EVER gone that long without visiting or posting! :( But now I am just about officially finished with school - graduating on May 22nd (yipee! :)) - so I should be around a lot more often and able to drop by the Suite on a regular basis, again! :)

Hi Linda! Once again, hope that you are feeling much better and that all is well! :) (I won't ramble on to you again, here, for the second time today! :))

Hi Lauralee! Great to hear from you and to hear all of your news! Belated congratulations on your new position! It sounds like you DEFINITELY did the right thing by moving on from the restaurant / catering facility where you used to work.........I certainly remember the horror stories that you've recounted to us about your boss, there, in the past - it sounds like things hadn't gotten any better - so it's much better that you're OUTTA THERE and on to bigger and better things! :) And belated congratulations to Brittany, as well! :)

Things have been fine, here! I'm just relieved that all of my classwork is finished and that all of my final assignments have been submitted, for the semester. We've been spending the weekend catching up on projects around the house - things that I'd been putting off and hadn't had time to do with all of my project deadlines. So it was pretty productive! Meeting my Dad for an impromptu dinner out, in a little bit.

Just wanted to stop by and say "hello" to everyone and that I hope that all has been well with all of you! Enjoy the rest of the weekend and I'll be around again to post........"see ya real soon"! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, you have plenty of really good excuses for being absent. We are rooting for you and would rather that you get your studies done and be graduated than to drop by here. We miss you, but we understand. :love: Yes, I am feeling better but it still takes awhile to get over something like this. I will do my best NOT to let it get this far ever again!

LL, I think I forgot to tell you that while you were among the missing my dd got away from her horrific job and is now employed by one of the best companies (as rated by many services) and best paying places in our area. It is also the same place that her dad and uncle retired from. She is in HR and that fits her like a glove to boot. When bosses treat their employees badly they end up having bad employees cause the good ones 'move on up' and away!!:cheer2:

I finished mowing the yard today. I only did the front, side and back the other day. Those were the parts that people could see. I almost needed to borrow my sil's hay baler though. :dance3:

Back to work for me. I am slow so away I go!!

Linda who sends hugs to you all!!

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda! :) Thank you for all of your kind and supportive words - as ALWAYS - and for your understanding! :) And - once again - belated CONGRATULATIONS to Jackie on her (relatively, at this point! :)) new position! It sounds like she is doing wonderfully and is really happy with her new career! :)

And I'm sure that YOU are really happy with YOUR new career, too, Lauralee! :) I agree with Linda - when employers do not treat their employees well, they can certainly expect to see them move on to BIGGER AND BETTER THINGS! :)

I'm sure that your yards look wonderful from any angle, Linda! :) And so glad to hear that you are feeling better, too! :)

Absolutely nothing new to report, here (......."no news is good news", as my father always says! :)), but just wanted to check in and say "hi"! :)

And "hello" out there to Colleen, Becki, Wendy, Elaine, Janet, Angie, Merryl, and any other "EWP Groupies" who have graced our very wonderful and long-standing Suite! (We're coming up on another Anniversary, you know! :))

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

[SlightlyGoofy]

All of us Suite Ladies are sending bucket loads of Magic Pixie Dust to our dear Rider today who is completing her final days of schoolwork so that she can go out into the wide world and share her knowledge.

:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Love, SG/Linda

[lunabkat]

Good luck Lisa:thumbsup2 , way to go.

I have a busy weekend this week so i don't know if i will be able to get back until Monday, yikes! Tomorrow is Shannon's 10th anniversary so its likely to be a rather bleak day. My dmil wants to come to the cemetary with me tomorrow to put flowers out, its very sweet of her to remember Shannon like this every year, but I can't help but really just to want to go alone, perhaps I can go back on Friday...

Hope you all are well,

:hippie: LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Laura Lee

I can imagine your mixed feelings about wanting to remember Shannon in your own way. I bet your mil thinks that she is helping you and maybe your shared memories will be of some comfort and then you can go back, alone, and think your own thoughts without interruptions nor having to worry about anyone but your own dear sweet self.

I hope tomorrow brings you many happy memories and is less painful and more filled with love than you are anticipating.

A big hug from Linda/SG :hug:

[IASW Rider]

Lauralee,

I couldn't say it any better than Linda did, above. I'm sure that your DMIL means well and wants to be there to offer you comfort, love, and support........and to remember and pay tribute to Shannon, as well. As Linda said, maybe you could visit with her, and then go back and spend some time on your own............

We are all thinking of you, today, and wishing you and your family comfort and peace and very special memories and hope. Take care.

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lauralee, I wanted you to know that I have added you to my people to think of especially today. May the day hold you close and comfort you.

:grouphug: Your Suite Sisters

[IASW Rider]

Thinking of you and your family, Lauralee! We all wish all of you a peaceful day.

Your Suite Sisters

[lunabkat]

Hi all

Thank you so much for all your good wishes, it was so nice to hear from you all yesterday. Today, onward and upward (up and down the stairs at work at least :rotfl2: ) Hope all are well, Linda I bet the garden is beginning to bloom. we planted some morning glories last week and they are already beginning to pop up, so exciting! take care.
;)
LL

[IASW Rider]

Of course we were thinking of you and your family, Lauralee! And we continue to do so! :)

Hi Everyone!

How have you all been doing, this week?

All has been well, here! Just catching up on all the stuff that I had to put off during the school semester, as always!

I was able to "sneak in" a rare mid-day, mid-week visit to our local minor league baseball stadium, yesterday (I know that you must be familiar with the Somerset Patriots, Lauralee! ;))......and I actually got a game-used ball, which was very exciting! :) The chance of my actually catching a foul ball when seeing the Mets in Shea Stadium is so slim.........and I always wanted to acquire an actual game-used baseball........and figured that my chances were better, locally........and yesterday it paid off! :) I love this time of year - with the whole summer to look forward to and baseball season underway! As I was saying to Colleen, the other day, if I can't be at WDW, there is nowhere else I'd rather be than in a Broadway theater or in one of our teams' baseball stadiums! :)

Less than 2 weeks 'til I graduate.......I now have my academic gown and hood hanging on the back of our closet door, so it seems more real now.........I can't believe it and I can't wait! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and a very Happy Mother's Day to you all, as well! Talk to you soon! :)

[IASW Rider]

Happy Mother's Day Linda, Colleen, Becki, Lauralee, Wendy, Angie, Janet, and Merryl! (AND Elaine - we're Moms of kitties! ;))

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi ya all!! I am working hard today so that I can take tomorrow off, well part of it at least. I got the yard mowed, and yes, lots of stuff planted. LL, watch out for those morning glories as they take over everything. I finally confined mine to a tiny space between the patio and a fence. I hung some plastic netting on the fence and allow the morning glories free rein of that area. I used to plant those things that bloomed at night too. Names escapes me right this minute. :idea: (Moon Flower)

Lisa, have you tried on your gown? Are you going to wear shorts and an embarrassing tee shirt underneath? Write something on your mortar board?? Just wondering. :) I am looking forward to a picture and I plan on printing it out and framing it to put with my other family photos. I am going to send you a picture soon that you might enjoy too. It is where my computer is and next to it is a special spot that reminds me of you, every single day. :love: BTW, Dalton was so impressed with the postcard of the ball stadium. He collects baseball cards. I got him a big collectors box for his birthday and he went bonkers just enjoying the 'thought' of getting to organize them all. He is seriously disturbed but I love that in people. He was in a musical program the other night and many of my 'readers' were in the audience and some of them came over to sit with me. It was fun seeing them outside the classroom setting. I have a huge box of books, some donated, to give to them to take home for the summer and to keep.

Lauralee, how did things work out with your mil? Not as badly as you feared I hope. It is so hard to know what to do sometimes and people mean well most of the time. One of the first things I did when we moved to this huge house was to buy two of many things so that I would not have to drag stuff up and down stairs. It was an investment that has paid off.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you, no matter what your children may look like. Love looks the same. :grouphug:

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hope that you all had a very Happy Mother's Day weekend! :)

Hi Linda!

It sounds like you had a very nice and productive weekend! It seems that everyone was buying and / or planting flowers, this weekend - we did some flower shopping, ourselves!

You can tell Dalton that I am also a bit of a baseball card collector! I had an AMAZING collection when I was his age........but stupid me didn't save it! (GRRR!) I've tried to build a small one (......because if I wanted to "get serious" about building sets, like some of my friends do, I'm sure that I would "go crazy" and spend way too much money! I'll keep my "serious" collecting limited to Disney and Mets pins for my albums! :)) - mostly all Mets sets and every year's Somerset Patriots set, as well! Glad that he got a kick out of that post card, too!

Yes! You definitely must send the picture that you were referring to - I always love to see your pictures! And I will send you photos from my graduation, next week, if you'd like to see!

That's so nice that you provided "summer reading" to all of your readers and that they sat with you during Dalton's music program, too! That is very sweet! And I'm sure that Dalton did a great job, too! :)

I haven't actually tried on my cap and gown, yet - but I do have the gown and hood all "assembled" and hanging on the back of my closet door. This gown and hood are a lot more "complicated" than my undergraduate ones were - the hood is much longer and attaches to the gown with all sorts of buttons and hooks, and the sleeves are very long and sort of "gothic" looking! But all in all, it looks pretty impressive to me, so we'll see how they look, next week! I'm not sure what I will be wearing underneath........but I can tell you that it will be something FLAT! I wore a funky 80's-style dress with a poofy balloon skirt under my college graduation gown in 1988........and I wound up looking like an inverted mushroom in the pictures! So I have to be sure that what ever I wear underneath, this time around, will be flat and won't "show through"! I don't think that I am going to decorate my cap, this time........though I did make a big smiley-face out of masking tape on my undergraduate graduation cap - made it easier for my family to find me in the crowd, that way! :)

Not too much to report, here - had a nice Mother's Day weekend at my in-laws' in South Jersey. Today, I'll be out doing food shopping and running some errands to help my father prepare for our "Celebrate Everything" party on Saturday!

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

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to pop by and wish you all a very Happy Holiday Weekend! Hope that you all have fun and enjoyable plans! :)

We're going to the first NJ Wine Festival of the season, tomorrow, and visiting with some friends on Sunday. The rest of the time we'll be relaxing and enjoying the beautiful, summer-like weather!

I graduated from graduate school on Tuesday - yipee! :) Everything went very well - it was a very nice ceremony and a very emotional and moving occasion for me! Now it's time for me to buckle down and really start working on my Fieldwork..........will really start to do that..........AFTER the Holiday weekend! ;)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Have fun and enjoy! :)

[twinscandc]

Hello everyone!!

I just wanted to post to make sure everyone knew that I am still alive!!

Most days I feel like I'm just keeping my head above water!! I am so glad that school is out this week. Both my girls had several year end projects. Although they love doing these projects, it takes a lot of work and they want everything PERFECT!

Carson (14 months!!) is doing great!!! He has suffered with so many ear infections this past winter and into the Spring. They finally agreed to do tubes. He had the surgery last about two weeks ago. It seems to have really helped. It's suprising that neither one of the girls have ever had an ear infection.

I hope all is well with everyone!! Rider....congratulations!!! I know it takes a lot of hard work!! Now, like you said....the real work begins!! Have fun!!

Well....must get back to work!!

Everyone have a magical day!

Becki

[SlightlyGoofy]

Is everyone sighing a sigh of relief for all the milestones that we have all accomplished lately?

I imagine that Lisa is sighing the hardest with having all the pomp and ceremony over with and ready to start her new life. Great pictures and so nice of you to share. I know you had to be tired with all that has been going on in your life. Fun can be awfully hard work but well worth it for such wonderful occasions! :love:

Becki, gal!! I have been so worried about you. When I do not hear I always assume bad news rather than good news. I am so sorry to hear about Carson's ears. Having suffered from ear problems when I was a kid I know how it can hurt so and being a mom watching it is almost as painful. I was so disappointed that the girls were not on the entertainment agenda yesterday. I asked specially. I had a lapful of Lauren. She is such a sweet girl. I have offered to help her with her reading at bowling during the summer. She has so much enthusiasm. She asked me if I were Caitlynn and Courtney's grandma. :goodvibes I told her no but that I had met her.

Colleen, we did not make the deadline for meeting before summer so it is not likely to happen unless we can get together after we return from DW in the fall and even then we have a mere few weeks before we return in December. You will just have to plan a trip for when we are there and we will meet on the beach at the Poly.

Hi to everyone else who is dropping by!! Hope Mother's Day was good to you all and that you are prepared for a busy summer. Dalton came today for his first day and completed a list of ten things he wants to learn. Algebra is the only thing on the list that is giving me pause. His mother's BD is today and I will see her at the ball field when I take him out for his game. He is on the All Star Team again this year.

I turned the a/c on last night for the first time. With the high energy costs I have been putting it off as long as possible. We have not had much rain and I am carrying buckets of water morning and night. Must be good for me as I whittled another 3.75#'s off and those are all NEW pounds so I am pleased. Hope they stay lost. That is the hardest part of it all. I am down another size. It is my dream to just be LARGE instead of any X's figured into the equation. BTW, my estimation what the clothing industry considers large is greatly skewed. They are crazy!!!

Happy Memorial Day, a bit late and hope you all have a nice watermelon chilling in your fridge so you can have something good later this evening. I have started growing mine but it will be a long time until they make it to my fridge. :rotfl2:

Love, Linda Lou

[IASW Rider]

Here's wishing Colleen and her family a WONDERFUL, MAGICAL, SPECIAL, AND FUN vacation!!! :) :) :) :)

Cold drinks, fun snacks, and a HUGE Birthday cake for Erin will be awaiting us in the Suite, this evening, as we wish Colleen and her family well on their journey! Come one, come all! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Becki!

Great to hear from you! CONGRATULATIONS to your little ladies on another successfully completed school year! I'm sure that their final projects came out wonderfully! And so glad to hear that Carson is well and that his procedure was a success........and that you can put it - and those ear infections - behind all of you, now! How has everything else been going? Any special plans for summer? Hope that all is well with you and your family! Thanks so much for your kind words! :)

Hi Linda!

CONGRATULATIONS on getting rid of those NEW POUNDS! That is wonderful news!! Another great accomplishment! And I'm sure that you'll be rid of those "X's" in no time........if you haven't gotten rid of them all, already! You should (CONTINUE TO BE!) very proud of your efforts - you're doing a great job and I know that you look wonderful, as always! :)

CONGRATULATIONS to Dalton on making the All Star Team, this year! Hope that he has a great season! And hope that Jackie had a very Happy Birthday, too! And hope that all is well with you and Tom!

Hi Everyone else! Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that everyone has a great weekend! :)

Everything is fine, here! Finally calming down after a month of celebrating! First my father's and my joint Birthday party, then my graduation, and last weekend was Frank's and my 5th wedding anniversary! We treated ourselves to dinner at the "Victoria and Albert's of Central New Jersey" - a very fancy-schmancy restaurant - and it was wonderful! My father and uncle took us out to celebrate the following night, and guess what? I wore the very funky / poofy dress that I mentioned in my post below! Since I couldn't wear it to my grad school graduation for old time's sake (for fear of looking like an inverted mushroom, again! ;)), I promised myself that I would wear it on some other occasion around this time.........so I did! :) I'm just thrilled that I can fit into it again (it's 19 years old!) and that the style is kinda back in style, this season (or so say the recent magazines, anyway! ;)). So that's my little "recent accomplishment"! :)

Quiet, low-key weekend ahead - just BBQ'ing on our deck and going to see our local minor league baseball team play, which is always a blast! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Talk to you soon! :)

[colleen costello]

By the time I get back north everyone in the Suite may be skinnier than ever! Just wanted to send a hello and I guess a goodbye before I make the big road trip and try out being a Florida residents for 6 weeks. We will be at the Wilderness Lodge Villas for the first week, then the kids and I will be at Mom's place in the Villages. I hope to do lots of reading, walking, swimming and golf cart riding, not to mention visiting Orlando -- gotta make those Annual Passes worth it!

Linda, by the time I get back you will not quite be leaving so maybe we can meet then... Sooner or later our paths will cross IN FLORIDA, although perhaps it won't happen until my kids are out of school. I will check in here with EMail a couple of times.

Best wishes for a great summer to everyone here :)

Colleen

[angelina]

Hi, everyone. I just wanted to pop in and tell you that after 5 LONGGGGGG years, we are finally going back to Disney. We will be going July 23rd or 24th through the 30th. Thanks to AP discounts, we're staying at the Beach Club. I think everyone's getting excited, and hopefully we'll have a fun trip.

Angie:yay: :yay: :yay:

[SlightlyGoofy]

Man the Suite is really the center of a lot of action lately. Seems as if there is always someone in our small group either on our way TO Disney World or coming back home FROM. I just wish our paths were crossing more often. What a blast. Gotta happen sometime!!! :wizard:

Lisa, how in the world do you manage to keep your weight down and attend all those parties and eat out so much? I sit and drink tea if I MUST eat with folks a few days before weigh in. We have got to see you in that poofy dress!! Imagine being able to wear something that you wore nearly 20 years ago?? That is an awesome achievement. I bet you looked fantastic.

Colleen, hope you got a good night's sleep last night so that you were up and raring to go for all the fun stuff today. Did you drive by yourself with the kids? That would terrify me. Erin is growing up far too fast. If she would just stop having so many birthdays we might slow her down a bit. Works for ME. :rolleyes1 Dalton seems to have moved in for the summer and we leave for DW right after school starts so unless I find a time when they go to SC for a week in July getting to see you is going to be tough, not impossible though. Where there is a will there is a way and I have plenty of will. Maybe you might be coming to the Outlet Mall sometime? Let us know if you find any new things to do or places to eat on this trip, with 24 days I have plenty of time to fill as well as laundry to do. :laundy:

Angie!!! How wonderful. I was just thinking of you yesterday as I was transferring some Bellingrath footage to DVD and remembering how lovely that part of the country was on that trip. You will be spending my BD at DW. A little birdie told me that if you happen to walk down by where the Illuminations Cruises are and they are not booked you just MIGHT get a magical wish and go on a private cruise for free. :wizard: Think of us as you chow down on a No Way Jose. Yummmm!!! My favorite is the Liquid Sunshine and I make my own version here and the gkids love 'em.

My one friend got out of the nursing home but it was because her 100 days were up rather than the fact that she is able to be out. I know she is glad to be home though. My other friend finally had his other leg amputated which might be considered bad news but the only reason they had not done it was he was too frail but now that the deed is done he is improving. I guess all of this comes with the territory as you get older and the fact that I have always had older friends does not help either. I did make a new friend though, a little girl who moved in across the street. I have been telling her stories about the two little girls who used to live in the house. They were elderly when we moved here and are now gone but I know many stories about the house. I helped one of them plant a tree, growing in the yard now, when they were in their 90's. I thought that was a generous act and still do.

Love to all you Suite Ladies, Linda

[angelina]

Hi, everyone.

Linda, I called to book an illuminations cruise, but it was filled. I would love to go on one. I thought I'd check in the afternoons to see if they were full, just in cast. I think that now that you are required to put a credit card hold, and must have a 24 hour cancellation, or something like that, that there aren't too many no shows. I really wanted to do that for my 15 year old, Nick. He loves the fireworks and is our own pyromaniac at home. He just finished his freshman year of high school in a pre-engineering program, so I have started grooming him early to be an Imagineer.:thumbsup2 . He loved the sigment on the History Channel about WDW, and all the behind the scenes stuff, especially Illuminations.

Lisa, I read back a few pages, and see that you graduated! Congratulations--what a fantastic accomplishment. I am very proud of you. Did you and Frank go back for your anniversary?

I have a lot of catching up to do, so I have been trying to read some of your posts. It has been a long, long time since I even looked at any of the boards, it was too depressing. I'm hoping that the Haunted Mansion will be up and running by the time we're there. One note I saw said July 31st, so maybe, just maybe it will open up before we leave.

Hugs to all.

Angie

[SlightlyGoofy]

Angie, did you know that there is a thread on here that matches up folks who have Illuminations Cruise ressies with others so that they can share the expense? We did that last trip and met the most delightful and wonderful people.

I am glad we did it once but doubt we would do it again. If that fails let me know as I have some info on how you go over to WL eat and then by following a certain time line you can see the EWP and Wishes from the boat back over to MK without charge. It is on our list for this trip.

I wanna do Bus Bingo sometime too. I read it on the Boards, naturally. You leave wherever and just get on the first bus you come to, explore and then replicate until you get tired. Might take us to new experiences that we might not have otherwise considered.

I keep hoping that my Dalton might consider a job at Disney as well. Maybe our dear ones will some day work together and we can meet with all our free privileges??

Dalton has drawn up his idea of a dream house and MY room is next to the library on one side and he has his kid's rooms on the other side. He did tell me that he would give me a key so I could lock myself in if need be. :lmao: Bet I can make the kids lock THEMSELVES in. :thumbsup2

Back to work for me. Much to do and I am so slow.

Hugs and Pixie Dust, Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Sorry that I didn't post sooner, but I guess I haven't been receiving the little update e-mails that inform us when new posts have been made!

Great to see you back here, Angie!!!! :) And so thrilled to hear about your upcoming trip to WDW! That is wonderful and exciting news!!! And so exciting that you will be staying at Beach Club! We had the wonderful opportunity to stay there in the Villas (thank you, Magic Pixie! ;)) for my
40th Birthday in January (we went then instead of for our anniversary, this year - thanks so much for remembering! :)) and it was just fantastic! :) You all are going to have an amazing time, I'm sure! :) And thanks so much for your kind congratulations, too! How is it possible that Nick is 15 YEARS OLD??!!! Where do the years go???? Your children are really growing up - very exciting times in all of your lives! :)

Hi Linda! Thank you for YOUR kind words, as always! :) I loved your account of telling your new little neighbor about the people who used to live in her house - that is so sweet! And I think it's wonderful that the tree that you helped them plant lives on in their honor and memory! So glad to hear that your friends are doing well, despite their medical setbacks. The important thing is that they are here and that they are doing all right. And - as always - I'm sure that YOUR friendship and support has a lot to do with keeping them well and in good spirits!

Wish that I had something interesting to report, but I don't! Very quiet, here, which is fine! I do have someone else's news to report, however - spoke to Colleen, this morning, and she and her family made it to THE PROMISED LAND safely and are now happily ensconced in a wonderfully located room in VWL! They were to meet up with her parents and grandmother, this afternoon, and hopefully spend some time at the pool, too, since it's apparently VERY HOT down there, now! Colleen sounded great, as always, and of course is thrilled to be spending an exciting vacation on the banks of Bay Lake! :)

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

[IASW Rider]

Hi all!

Just wanted to stop in and say that I hope that you're all having a great week!

Not too much to report, here! We're slowly starting to get ready for our cruise, next month, trying to catch up on things that people who've taken the Mediterranean cruises have posted on the DCL boards as well as other fan sites, to see if we can get any "tips" or reviews of the excursions that we've chosen.

Aside from that, all is pretty quiet in the North East! Hope that all is well with all of you! :)

P.S. Saw some pictures from WDW that Colleen posted - looks like they're having a wonderful time at the Lodge and have visited the MK and Poly already, too! Three of my favorite places! :) The Lodge looks beautiful, and so does the Poly, of course, and Colleen and her family look wonderful and happy!!!!! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi ya Lisa!!

I have read some of the threads on the Disney Cruise to get an idea if I would enjoy it or not. Some days I think I would and others not. I have not really liked my other cruises, except one. Maybe I will change my mind one day. I can see you and Frank in deck chairs watching the sea and resting up for all those shore excursions though. You could even wear your poofy dress to dinner one night, at the Captain's Table. I just know that you will end up there at some point. :woohoo:

Dalton is waiting to get beat at another game of Tetris. He still has not caught onto the fact that just cause it is new to him it might not be to this OLD woman. :rotfl2:

Love, Linda Lou and Dalton, too

[IASW Rider]

What "OLD" woman?? I don't see any "OLD" women around here...........!!!!! :)

Congratulations on your successful Tetris outing, yesterday! You'll teach the new generation how to play it........just like your very successful history with "Millionaire"! :)

We sure will need to rest up before those shore excursions! They are back-to-back and most of them will be 8 - 10 hours long, in the hot Mediterranean sun, with lots of walking and hours of riding buses from the ports to the excursion cities. I suspect that it's going to be EXHAUSTING, but certainly worth it! At least we have a full day at sea on the first and last days......to rest up in the beginning and to recuperate at the end! :)

I don't think that I will be bringing the poofy dress along on the cruise......because we have limited space in our luggage (and need to pack 2 weeks' worth of clothes)......and the skirt would probably take up too much room.......or get crushed in transit! :) I think that I will be concentrating on bringing very FLAT clothes that can be "condensed" very easily! (We use those vacuum-packed packing bags to flatten out our clothes as much as possible.)

It's funny that you mentioned the Captain's table - I happened to catch the DCL "Behind the Scenes" program on the Travel Channel, a few nights ago, and the Captain who was featured and interviewed (and whom they demonstrated operating the ship's controls, etc.) happened to be one of our Wonder Captains whom we've met (we met the other one, too)!

Hope that you're all having a great week, out there! Not too much to report from the Garden State! Talk to you soon, Everyone! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, of course you already know the captain. Probably exchange Christmas cards too! I know how you are. :thumbsup2

My sister who just came back from a European trip told me that this OLD lady could not have done it and it is true. I can barely do the bare minimum on a good day. My mom always referred to herself as "The Old Lady" and I have inherited the title.

The baseball game was rained out last night. I have to confess I was happy on a couple of accounts, one cause I was tired and glad of a quiet evening relaxing. I would have been even happier if it had rained more than ten minutes though. We are in the midst of a moderate drought. They have banned watering the lawn and that I can deal with but if they get to the point where they say no showers I will be foregoing flushing or something less important as I am NOT going without a shower. When I had my last surgery I took a half dozen or more showers a day. It did me more good than all my medications. :cheer2:

Those space saving bags really work??? Are the suitcases extremely heavy with all the clothes that are crammed into there? I do not like to do laundry on vacation and am always hunting for ways to avoid it. I used to love buying Le Chute clothes as they are so light weight, unwrinkable and the next best thing to going nekkid. I have not seen much in that material lately though except on the little old ladies at casinos and such. It is a shame. :dance3:

I have your agenda and plan to check it each day so that I can imagine where you are and what you are doing. Not the same as being there but the best this OLD lady can do.

BTW, Dalton has started a campaign for me and he to fly down to DW by ourselves for a vacation. He would prefer to go during Free Dining for the 'gourmet' food though. Picky child. He knows grandma would not pay for those kinds of meals out of HER pocket. :laughing:

Took some of our gourmet brownies to the next door neighbors who are having a birthday and trying to get up enough energy to hit the yard and do some work. I am edging the sidewalks, manually. It looks great when it gets done and I would rather do that than walk on the treadmill. Not much bores me but that does. Amazon has offered me a great deal on lots of Broadway musicals so I am going to go check out which ones I want to order. Might have to ask YOUR advice on some. Will keep me walking this winter, maybe.

Hugs and grins to everyone! SG/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi ya all!!

I have been busy with my boys. The older one still needs driven from here to there and the younger one is still living with me. He goes home tonight. Tom went to visit his brother for 3 days so I had a whole 3 hours between him leaving and me picking up Dalton. :cool1: I took myself out to eat and then shopping. Fast liver I.

I have some friends headed Angelina's way. I have told them to go through Fairhope and take lots of pictures.

Colleen is having far too much fun on her summer vacation to check in here. I do not blame her one bit. Wonder if her parents want to adopt the rest of us??:rotfl2:

I have not heard from Becki in awhile and am a bit worried about her but figure she is like me, summers are for running kids here, there and everywhere.

Dalton has another ballgame tonight and then it is county fair time. After that he starts his All Star games and will be playing (gasp) 3-4 games a day each Friday, Saturday and Sunday!!! I am not sure I can handle that much sitting but I will try. I carry my cane on the way in and depend on it to get out afterward.

It is getting down to a mere two months before we leave for our big trip of the year. I cannot believe that there are so few Spectromagic parades scheduled at that time and absolutely no nights with two. I am hoping that will change though.

I am daydreaming about all the pictures we will get of Frank and Lisa's European Adventure. The next best thing to being their yourself is seeing pics of folks you love there. :love:

Just found out that (good news) my bil is bringing Tom home tomorrow instead of me driving down there (other news) and I am fixing lunch for them all. :laughing:

No rest for the wicked is so true. Dalton comes back Sunday night. Yard to mow Sunday.

The best news is that I lost another 2 pounds for the month of June. Slowly, slowly BUT in the right direction!!

Hope you all are getting rain if you need it and not if you do not.

Hugs and grins, Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to check in before we blast off for Barcelona on Monday! So sorry that I have not been around in awhile. I had to submit a draft of the first 2 sections of my Fieldwork project (Masters thesis) to my Advisors by this past Monday, so I was trying to get that done, along with getting ready for our trip!

Can't believe that it's almost here! :)

We'll be back on the 29th and will stop by the Suite as soon as I can, after that date!

Here is our itinerary if anyone would like to see:

Monday, July 16th:

Fly to Barcelona

Tuesday, July 17th:

Arrive in Barcelona, Spain and spend the night

(Touring on our own)

Wednesday, July 18th:

Board the ship - leave port at 10:00 PM

Thursday, July 19th:

Day at sea

Friday, July 20th:

Palermo , Sicily

Saturday, July 21st:

Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri , Italy

Sunday, July 22nd:

Olbia, Sardinia

Monday, July 23rd:

Civitavecchia (Rome !) , Italy

Tuesday, July 24th:

Florence , Italy

Wednesday, July 25th:

Nice and Monaco (France and Monte Carlo, specifically)

Thursday, July 26th:

Marseilles, France

Friday, July 27th:

Day at sea

Saturday, July 28th:

Debark the ship and spend the day / night in Barcelona

Sunday, July 29th:

Fly home!


In the mean time, hope that you all have a wonderful 2 weeks - ENJOY! :) We'll be thinking of you all!

Love,
Lisa :)

[IASW Rider]

Just wanted to wish all of you, here in the Suite, a very HAPPY 6TH ANNIVERSARY! :)

If you'll notice, this very thread commenced exactly 6 years ago on July 16th (although our original Suite was "born" about 2 months beforehand.......)!

I'm sorry that I won't be here for our gala celebration.........but we'll celebrate "belatedly" upon Colleen's and my returns!

In the mean time, hope that you all have a wonderful celebration!

Here's to many more years of fun and friendship in the EWP Suite! :)

Love,
Lisa :)

[IASW Rider]

And speaking of celebrations............ I just wanted to take this early opportunity to wish Linda a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! :) :) :)

Although her REAL special day is later this month, it will be another Suite celebration that I will have to miss because we'll still be away.........so we'll just have to have a SECOND Birthday extravaganza for Linda, when we get back! Meet you all on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon! :)

Hope that you have a wonderful, special, and MAGICAL Birthday, Linda! :)

Lots of love,
Lisa :) (and Frank!)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Happy Anniversary to us! Six years?? Time flies when you are having fun. I had it on my reminder calendar to post this very special day. We have had so many special celebrations through the years that it would be impossible for me to top some of the ideas folks have had.

Angelina was there in June (?). Colleen is there now, Frank and Lisa are on their way, a month later I follow. Love of the Mouse is the glue that holds us together. It is a given that such people are special, loving, caring and a bit different from the regular run of the mill folks and it is so here.

When I think back over the years I contemplate whether Helanabear ever got her rose covered trellis and how her home remodeling came out? Who can ever forget Janet2K's immortal anniversary celebration? It will live in DIS history. LauraLee with her Tarisms and serving tales have really added some leavity to my life. Jstmee, who is ever so much more, and her life and how she handles it all with such grace, faith and love is an inspiration to us all. Becki who lives close enough for us to run into each other in most unexpected ways, what a delight! Lisa, who is the founder and spark plug of the group, whether she admits it or not. What an inspiration she is in all that she does and accomplishes.

There are so many others who have dropped by for a short time. Can never forget those youngsters who felt comfortable in our presence for a time. What life they led to the Suite. As they persue their youthful lives and graduate and become full fledged PAYING Disney lovers maybe they will come back and join us again in making plans for future attractions and additions.

For whomever I have forgotten to name, please forgive me and understand that it is not YOU whom I have forgotten but your names. When you get older you will understand. :lmao:

I have survived fair week and even the weekend of ballgames although I had to admit that I skipped one day. I was so tired and it was so far away and risking my life is one thing but driving while impaired and risking others lives is not something I am willing to do. I still have my ballplayer and one of his friends here today. They spent the night. The boy used to be one of my readers and just moved in down the street. He is the youngest of 4, soon to be 5 and I think he just wants some quiet time. :) He and Dalton play together nicely so it is not a problem.

This weekends ballgames are only about 20 miles away so that is not so bad. Too much sitting is causing me pain though. Maybe the boys will let me run bases for a bit? :dance3:

Lisa, I coped your itinerary and plan to check each day to see where you are and what you are doing. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate my birthday than for you guys to be doing something like this. I love that you can!!:thumbsup2

I have lunch to get ready and some housework too. How does the house get dirtier when we are not home????

Love and Happy Anniversay you Suite Ladies! Linda

[angelina]

Six years?!?!? It's hard to believe, but that's when we went to WDW and had the most wonderful vacation at the Poly! And that's when I found all of you on this thread. So much has happened since then, hasn't it?

We're leaving Monday for our firsttrip in five years, and our first trip to the BC. I am hoping that it will be fun. I had a little bit of magic happen just a moment ago--I was looking through a drawer for a bracelet. The drawer is full of baby teeth (each one labeled and dated for the appropriate child;) ,old coins, costume jewelry, etc., and I found an envelope that looked suspiciously like the ones they give you at the Disney store for your dollars, and it was! I had $50 worth of dollars from a long ago trip that I didn't remember having. WooHoo!:banana: Anyway, it was a nice bit of unexpected magic.

Hope everyone is having a terrific summer, wherever you may be.

Angelina

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Angelina!!

I had thought you were going to DW in June. Seems as if we are always just missing each other.

I have friends who are headed your way soon. I tried to tell them about your lovely town but their eyes glazed over, figure they have their own plans. They will never know what they are missing! :flower3:

Finding $50 is much better than earning it as the IRS has not figured out a way to tax 'found' money. As long as they do not have cameras in your house you should be alright. :lmao: BTW, my bil just left for Albania for a year to get a tax system in place there. I hope they forgive us for such. Just joking as every developing country has to have some form of income to provide services it is just that we have so many that we neither want nor need and so many others that could use all that wasted money. :idea:

A local family is going to DW when we are there so I have a guaranteed supply of kids to play with. :cheer2: Not that I seem to have a hard time finding some anywhere I go. I are a kid at heart and will always remain so, God willing and the crick don't rise.

Waiting for the sun to go down a bit to do the yardwork. It is hot here!!!

Love ya ladies! Linda

[twinscandc]

Hello everyone!! Just checking in as I have a few minutes to myself!!

This summer has been really busy!! We've been on several vacations (but none to WDW :guilty: ) We spent a week camping near Lake Michigan and then we went on a Houseboat trip with 5 other couples. It was a nice adults only trip!!

Mark and I have taken on a new part time job. We are the relief houseparents for a local group home for girls. We spend one weekend a month to give the full time houseparents a break. It's hard work, but it's nice b/c it's a job that we feel makes a difference as a family.

I was reading through Lisa's itinerary. WOW!! I bet she is having the time of her life!! It's so exciting! I can't wait to hear how things went and all the cool things she is seeing!

We will have to plan a get together for all us Indiana ladies soon!!

Linda, it was such a nice surprise to run into you at the fair!! I really enjoyed spending a few mintues catching up!! And, Happy Birthday!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Take care everyone!!

Becki

[SlightlyGoofy]

Becki, I was thrilled to see you and your girls at the fair also. You have been much on my mind and I spoke to my friend whose daughter works at Hospice about your situation, a bit. I am so very sorry everything seems to be happening to your family all at once. (FYI everyone - Becki's in laws, both of them, are in the hospital with serious problems) Please call if there is anything I am capable of doing? Until then my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Colleen, I will wave in your direction , if I can figure out what that is, when I am in your neighborhood Saturday. Just found out that there is not going to be a baseball game Sunday. I need a break and imagine that my dd and family, who will be coming home from Charleston, SC late on Saturday, are happy about the situation as well.

Lisa, how lovely your pictures are. I am saving them in a file for Dalton to look at when he gets back. You are looking awesome. Just as I think you cannot improve upon perfection you do. How proud you must be of yourself. I am looking forward to the next chapter of your life and seeing where you land.

I am so sorry I have not been around for awhile but I am totally overwhelmed. Too much work, too little time and trying to cope with the remains of a bit of bacterial pneumonia. The meds seem to be working but I get so tired and out of breath. My neighbor took pity on me and snuck over and fixed my security light. It had not worked in years and we have been having some small problems. Someone burned my newspaper on my front lawn as well as burning the entire paper recycling over at the CC and busting out their windows. I have put my video camera in my front window and will capture them soon. Hopefully before we leave for FL. It is most likely a child who is bored and unsupervised. Our town is so small and not much happens here so we have no third shift police.

I had worked to cut, prime and paint new panels for the end of the porch yesterday and just abou wore myself to a frazzle. When I went out this morning, with pry bar in hand, to pull off the old screens and wood slats I found that 'someone' had already done it all and installed the panels. This is the anniversary of our 30th year in this house. With neighbors like that why would I ever want to move? I took them over some goodies I made for dinner.

My heart goes out to the folks in Minnesota. That is just about my worst nightmare. Not a thing anyone could do if they were caught at the wrong time. I have a political comment or two but best shut my mouth. :confused3

Good night dear Suite Ladies. May life treat you well and see you again soon. Love, Linda

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

Just checking in on the suite ladies i know who "inhabit" this area. Hope all are well. It sounds like everyone is having a great summer, even tho our Linda has been unwell, Hope you are feeling much better and are off the meds Linda.

Happy traveling to all who are vacationing all over the place. We are soon to go, Oct 5 to the 13th and we can't wait. I still can't believe we miss Linda by two days, Arggggh!:headache:

Brittany chipped three teeth the other day at the pool. Good news is insurance should cover it , yeah! About time they covered something. New job is going okay, same ol same ol. But at least no one is grabbing my tips before I get them in the new place, nice!

Bruno (the dog) has a new friend named Marko (the dog) who moved in next door. They play everyday and roll aroundin the grass getting filthy and biting the bejesus out of each other, better them then me I say.

Tara (youngest daughter) is still driving me crazy as a six year can do and cracking me up. she told me the other day that Hannah Montana was "off the hook", of all things. Brittany (older daughter)told me to "chillax" the other day as well, new word for me but it works.

We went camping a couple of weeks ago and Bruno couldn't leave the hornets alone. I think he thinks they are "spicey"! You would thing having a lip the size of a golf ball would deter a guy, but not our Bruno:dance3: . The intrepid hunter of all things big and small.

Speaking of big things, Luna (the cat) has lost 8oz. according to the vet, we are so proud...:thumbsup2

Today is Shannon's (eldest daughter) 23rd birthday so we went to the cemetary and brought some flowers and drew our hearts in the rug like we always do:love: . The place was a mess of old flowers and deflated balloons so I cleaned it up , it was disgusting. When we went into the mausoleum there were little gnats biting my arms, that was pretty gross as well. I am going to have to call them about this. You pay so much money for these burial sites, the least they can do is keep them up a little bit...

Happy Labor Day Weekend to all and to all a good nite!

:grouphug:
LL

[jstmee]

Hi everyone,

Whew! What a summer, no WDW this year what a bummer. My DS 19 and I were at the Cardiologist on Wednesday and they had a enlarged picture of WDW in the examining room. We had a lengthy discussion on how we miss the world! Great memories.

I am finally an RN, I passed my boards in June, and I am a Nurse in the ER at the hospital I've worked at for the past 5 yrs. I love, love, love it! I believe I have truly found my calling. The best part is that I work 3 days a week, 12-hour shifts. This leaves plenty of time to dream big dreams and plan for future WDW vacations.

I have missed this site, but now that I'll have more time, I can visit and prop up my feet a little.

I hope everyone is doing all right. Sounds like many have taken some wonderful trips.

Our family will take my DS back for his second year of college tomorrow, I am taking a break from helping him pack. But the work is calling my name, so ta ta for now.

Wendy

[SlightlyGoofy]

How lovely to see a full house, almost, around here again! We are all just such busy ladies that it has to be expected that we do not get in here as much or as often as we might wish. Does not mean that we do not think about each other though. :love:

I am sad to report that Becki's mil passed away at Hospice. They took wonderful care of her and I am hoping that was some comfort to the family. Pancreatic cancer is what took another friend of mine last year and it would not wish it on my worst enemy. Its only redeeming quality is how fast it goes but sometimes nothing is fast enough. I got to sit with Carson and Caitlynn and Courtney for a bit. Such well behaved and mature young people. Even Carson sat quietly and watched his Doodle Bops. I always enjoy seeing them but sure do hope for a happier occasion. :flower3:

Wendy, instead of checking the doctor's credentials you checked out his Disney artwork?? Sounds reasonable to me. It takes a special sort of person to love Disney. We were at our favorite restaurant recently when a couple of men at the next table heard me talking to the waitress about DW and we all ended up having a fantastic Disney conversation for over two hours. He even called his wife to tell her that he was talking to a Disney 'expert'. :laughing: They live up the road so maybe I can add yet another Hoosier Suite Lady? Congratulations on becoming a nurse. It is one of those occupations that only the best aspire to and I am delighted that you are in a situation that you love! The hours sound great too and especially if it means you get to go to DW even more often! One of these days we shall HAVE to meet up!! :cheer2:

LL, two days. That hurts more than two months would. So near yet so far. And now I find that I do not have to go to PA after all but that would only extend our trip one day which would still not be enough. :scared: Maybe we can swap trip reports? I have to go do the upkeep on several graves as well. Sometimes I do a couple of strange ones also. I always feel so badly when I see some that are obviously not attended. The families live so far apart nowadays sometimes. I figure if I need the exercise I might as well do something useful. You should write a book about your life. There is always something going on and you make it all so interesting. Kids always keep things hopping. I am reading to the wee ones one day a week now in addition to my regular class. They are going to miss me while I am gone and I will be hoping to find something special to take back to them. Only a few weeks between this trip and the next though. I hate that. Please tell Luna that I have lost over 20 more pounds but that she should not try to compete. :laughing:

Lisa, I keep missing you on the phone and I fear that I am not going to have time to write as I want. I will send an email ASAP. Tom went home with his brother for a few days after I gave him a BD party at the bowling alley. I bought him a new bowling ball. Naturally it was a Mickey Mouse ball. I think he liked it. I got the garage roof replaced finally and saved $400 off the price which would pay for one new window or something. It looks nice. I will be on the beach at the Poly on Sept 9th and Oct 2nd and you will be in my thoughts (everyone) those nights in particular. Still trying to get a couple of ressies. No big deal but one night we need to get 2 added for Rose & Crown as some of our local friends are coming over to join us.

I took the trash to the dump this morning and my wonderful bil hoisted the extra roofing up into the garage storage for me. I did it last time but I was younger then. The suitcases are on the pool table ready to be filled. Not much longer until we hit the road!!:dance3:

Love and have a great weekend gals!! Linda Lou

[lunabkat]

:rotfl: Hello Again Ladies!

Getting ready for a Labor day party around here. We are off to a friends house to meet and greet. They have a shindig every year and it is always lots of family fun, can't wait.

I am off this week as work is "slow" and the older employees are put on first, rats to the lost money but yea! to not having to miss the party today.:goodvibes

Linda, I send you a wish for a visit by the "packing fairy", distant relative of the "tag fairy". Perhaps the "luggage tag fairy" (related as well) will zip by and keep an eye on your luggage whilst intransit :rotfl: ...tho i have to say the "red tag" fairy is one of my personal favorites...

Ah, the last few days of "official" summer, I hate sending the kids back to school, just sleeping in an extra hour makes the day so much more relaxing. They are looking forward to seeing their friends again and getting back to school, go figure.

Luna was out ALL NITE the other nite, I will have to institue a through bed check from now on. I was lax as he was not going out much this past year, the little devil. One morning he had his little "amore" out on the deck with him, till Bruno bounced out the door that is. I worry about the super large fox across the street and we have coyote in NJ so i worry about them too. I believe him to be too large to be carried off by an owl, but worry about it anyway.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. Have fun on you adventure Linda, I canI can't believe you are getting to go for so long! Lucky you!!!

Talks soon:banana:

LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

I cannot believe that I forgot that today is Labor Day. I used to give big parties for every single holiday known to man including Groundhog Day but now that I am too weary to do so much work the holidays just slip on by around here. I had planned to do banking and such today but will do other mundane things instead. Not going to get everything done but the important things MUST be done!! Packing Fairy? You think I would trust that job to anyone but ME? The PF would never to think to pack a set of scales so that I can make sure I do not come back ten pounds heavier. :rotfl2:

lunabkat. as far as my memory serves me the holidays are not necessarily great for tips and such. Groups tend to leave far less than tables of two and four and they leave far more mess. You might have a mandatory tipping schedule so that would be different. I am sure you will enjoy the day with your family far more and in the long run it will be much more memorable. :love:

I have always done bed checks. Mama cannot sleep until everyone who is supposed to be under my roof is in bed and sound asleep. I was a zombie during my kids teen years. :scared1:

Red tag fairy? I do not know that one. I have never been tagged at all. Hard to believe as I say so many embarrassing things. :rolleyes1

To my dear Suite Ladies, take care of yourselves until I get back to check up on you. Find a smile in each day and enjoy life!! That is what I am going to do and I am coming back with loads of pictures of fellow Disers cause I have been invited to several gatherings. :cheer2:

Love, Linda Lou

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

Lindaloo, the red tag fairy is rather elusive and likes to hide in department stores. She comes out toward the middle to end of a season or right before a holiday (pretty much anyone will do) with her magic wand and "tags" the merchandise she thinks needs to get a home quicker. The tags then turn red and the rest is history. A real humanitarian you could say...

I hope you get your bags packed before you want to play pool! I know you have probably mentioned it a hundred times, but where are you all staying? Are you trying a couple different places since you are getting to stay so long (drool, drool)?

TIme flies, it will be our turn soon, can't wait! Have i asked you if you had ever visited the weeki wachi mermaids before? We may jaunt over fora day while we are there...

Have fun and take care all, will check back soon,

LL:woohoo:

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hey there Luna!

The last thing I want to do on vacation is pack and unpack so, no, we will not be staying anywhere except for Sports. They know us there and treat us well and I get a lovely view of the trash area but it is well compensated for by the fact that it is only steps from the bus stop, parking lot and food court. What more could a gal want??

Yes, I saw the mermaids and the glass bottom boats way back when, on my first honeymoon. I never dated but I did get married a couple of times. This one will soon see its 35th anniversary. Inertia. :dance3:

Have you been to Sea World? We rather liked that. Universal does not interest us at all as we do not do any thrill rides.

I am still bummed out in that our trips are seperated by so few days. Please post the dates and where you are staying again just in case. If the weather is bad we might add a couple of days. One never knows. :flower3:

I am very tired and really want to lay down but this is my last chance to get any real work done as I will be gone all day tomorrow.

Nite, Suite Ladies!!

SG/Linda :love:

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!!

So sorry that I haven't been to the Suite in such a long time - we've been very busy since we returned from our Magical Mediterranean Cruise on the Disney Magic, last month! Will tell you all about it, soon!

But I just wanted to say "hello" to you all and that I hope that you all had a wonderful summer!

AND...........I wanted to ensure that you all will be present at our Suite's grand send-off for Linda and Tom, so that we can all wish them well as they prepare to depart for THE LAND OF MAGIC!!!! :)

Wishing you and Tom a FANTASTIC vacation and a safe and fun trip, Linda! We will all certainly miss you and be thinking about you, here in the Suite!!! Can't wait to hear all about your adventures, upon your return! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Will be in touch again, soon! :)

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

Linda, we are arriving on Oct 5th and leave Oct 13th. We are staying at the Marriott Grande Vista, off property of course, with the extended family. Still trying to weasel in at the Poly tho, you never know!

Hope you have a wonderful trip. We did do Sea World last time and i think it might have been Britt's favorite part of the trip so we are doing it again this year. I am thinking about doing that mermaid park too...

Hello to everyone else. Glad you had a great trip Rider, good luck on the new, fully schooled, career!

A Suite sendoff to Linda and Tom, be good! If you can't be good, be careful!

Love to all

LL:banana:

[jstmee]

Have a safe and wonderful trip. We have stayed at All Sports, and for the cost and convenience - and food court for breakfast and drinks great for the kids.

I do dream of staying at a more luuuuxurious location some day, but I am happy to dream.

Nice to see u Lisa! can't wait to hear all about you med. voyage.

Luna-our family cannot go to sleep until our beloved cat Mittens is home safe and sound, she loves the nightlife, and sometimes she finds a way to stay out until the wee hours.

Our ds is off for his second year of college, a happy and sad time, lol. My 14 yr old ds has taken over his room until break time. It took him exactly 2 minutes to move his most treasured items - tv, xbox360 into the room.

well, I must get back to cleaning - the "forgotten" housework :coffee: .

wendy

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi all!

I cannot use this laptop keyboard well so please excuse. Good day today. Made over400 miles and am at Athens, TN. Weak connection better than none.

Thank you all for the grat send off and if you want to keep us in your thoughts tomoorow as I navigate Atlanta I would be grateful and so would theother drivers. lol

So much news in the Suite. I will try to reply when my brain is not so foggy fom all the driving. I will be at the Poly/beach Sunday night and you will all be in my thoughts and heart.

Love, Windy Woo grin

[lunabkat]

hi all!

Linda, a quick question, would you possibly be able to do me favor while at WDW (or 2)?

Your missions, should you choose to accept them, will be:

1: Could you find out if we can catch the EWP at Grand Floridian after dinner with Cinderella at 1900 Park Ave (ressie at 7)?

2: Does Hannah Montana make any appearances at WDW? The girls are big fans and this would send them over the top. (we are there from 10-5 thru 10-13)

3: How's the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Magic Kingdom? Do they have lots of accessories? With Britts three chipped teeth and other 1300+$ worth of dental work we have had to opt out of the entire, outfit included, package but i told them they could get some dressup shoes for dinner at 1900 Park Ave that night along with hair/makeup/nails. (they upped the price from 150 to 179"+" for the inclusive package so I bailed, as good, strapped for cash moms do)

If you get the time, thanks, if not, thanks anyway!! Hope you all are having a ball, i am living vicariously!

To everyone else HI Hi HI ! I leave in a few weeks and am flying already!

:grouphug: LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

Gals, I survived yet another trip, barely. It rained every single day and was so hot it was unbearable. I was too miserable to eat much so I am alright on the weight front though. :thumbsup2

I plan to write a TR sometime next week when I get caught up on some of the household stuff.

My cell phone did not have many bars most of the time. I did manage one call from the beach while watching EWP but that person was not sitting at home waiting for my call. Good for her and hers!!!:love:

lunabkat, the answers to your questions, as best as I know, is this.

Yes, you will be able to catch the fabled EWP and possibly a glimpse of the MK fireworks from the GF beach as your ressie timing is impecable. I believe it happens around 9:15. I know you have a perfect view of it all from the Poly.

Hannah Montana is doing a tour at present so you might check her website and see if she might be in the area and be dropping by DW. One never knows.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was well represented on this trip as I saw many tricked out girls in the parks. Might I suggest a visit to your local Wal Mart where they now sell Disney dresses and such as a much cheaper alternative or even check out ebay? I thought the total get up a bit tawdry in my opinion at BBB as well as extremely expensive.

BTW, I did my best to be both good and careful. I have no one to pick up the pieces should I falter so I am cautious in the extreme. :dance3:

Wendy, it is far better to stay up late at night worrying about your wandering cat rather than another family member. Cats are that way and nothing much is going to change them. It is part of their appeal. :cool1: Your younger son is just going with a scientific principal in that nature abhors a vacumn. :rotfl2: Does he move back out as fast when elder brother returns?

Lisa, I am sorry I was not able to call again but my darned cell phone just would not cooperate. I had loads of minutes to spare and no way to use them. I think I was able to make 3 calls while I was there, one to my bil, one to a grandson and one to you guys. We had a load of company while watching EWP and the fireworks this time as a family gathering from the POP were there. The mom and I had a nice conversation. It was the first night of our vacation and about the only good weather we had the whole trip. We ended up going to see La Nouba the final evening as more rain was expected, and received. How are you guys doing? I told some folks about the video of Broadway you made me back when. They said you sounded special. They were right. I will send you a dvd, if and when I get it done. Only 8-9 weeks until we return.

Colleen, have you gotten the school all on track for this year? I have no doubts that you would be the woman to do it! Maybe we can plan a lunch before our next trip? I am taking my bil up on each and every offer to entertain Tom so that I can get my work done. After a month in a small motel room and being together 24/7 it is a necessary thing. :scared1:

Everyone is still asleep so this is when I am the most productive. Dalton moved in when we returned. He says his house is not a good place to study and the two B's have to be rectified before his report card comes out. Works for me. He has kindly offered to carry the suitcases upstairs for me today. Hope he remembers as it will save me a couple of hours of work as well as a day of recuperation. :love:

Hugs to you all, Linda

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

Linda lou, you are a doll:cutie: , thanks for all the info. We have pushed our trip back to Nov. 8 to the 17th for me and the girls, everyone else is leaving on the 14th. The girls and I are getting to spend 3 wonderful nights at the WL, which i have always wanted to stay in. I figured i would feel much safer with it being just us girls if we were on property so we move over on the 14th, I can't wait! I think the girls are going to be mightly surpised at dinner when we go to Whispering canyon, I am not going to tell them about the fun extras that are included sometimes, maybe on of them will ask for ketchup.;)

Our GF ressie stills times us at the EWP for that night, sweeeet!

Our timing is perfect, we are actually getting to see the first night of MVMVP and the Osborne lights at MGM. the BBB was changed to just a pair of shoes, makeup, hair and nails when they bumped the price up to $179.50+ :scared1: per girl for the works. Puh-lease, why dont you just sneak up behind me and take my wallet? Since we no longer needed costumes for the MNSSHP, this works out even better.

Couldn't get a new ressie for breakfast with Cindy so we are doing dinner with her, dinner at the GF with her and the gang and a princess breakfast in Epcot. What fun!

We were pricing tickets for the Hannah Montana concert, but at 200+ per ticket (and thats cheap) they can forget about it. Who do they think wants to see this kid? Middle American kids, thats who, and we can't afford 200+ per ticket for a concert, get with it Disney, you are pricing alot of kids out of this concert, SHAME ON YOU!:sad2: :mad: Very, very disappointing...

i am so glad you have had a good time Linda, sorry about all that rain tho. Hope Dalton settles in nicely and enjoys his peace and quiet, as well as his grandma!

Hugs to all:dance3:

LL

[lunabkat]

OOO, i've been booed, i asked for it i must say, lets see if i did it right,

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

Linda-lou, An actual ewp question here. I am staying at the WL for three glorious nights this time and I am beleiving the EWP passes by us, am i right?

Let me know if you have any boo trouble, i did by lovetoscrap helped me out. Talk soon!
:grouphug:

LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

Once again I have to offer apologies to wonderful gals.

This is what is keeping me from spending time here today

An older friend who needs cataract surgery but is too young for Medicare needs to get her driver's license renewed as her husband can no longer drive so she is coming to my town where I helped raise all the young women who work there and am hoping to encourage them to pass her. She only drives within very limited areas and at off times of the day and has never had an accident. I am also calling to find the local Lion's Club to see if they can help her.

Had to call for tickets for dh and bil for a show they want to go to this weekend. Very confusing as they gave me some really bad information. Heads will roll if I do not manage to get them as this is our anniversary and Tom wants these tickets so he can go with his brother. Hey, I do not have to cook so it is a win/win. 35 years if anyone is counting.

Someone has managed to drop a big glass of red fruit juice on the DR carpet and did not tell me so I am searching the Internet for ways to salvage the carpet. It would mean new carpet for the entire downstairs or a new throw rug if I cannot.

Another friend who recently had his remaining leg amputated is having some problems and I have also started back at the Community Center.

I think I did far more when I was younger but I get weary now. Tomorrow is Thursday and I have Tom to take bowling etc. etc. Hope I can get to the grocery store too.

Excuses, excuses. :rolleyes1 AND, no, I do NOT have all my unpacking done.

lunabkat, the second best view of the EWP I have ever seen (first is from MK at closing) is from the WL. I think I remember a bar building and you go to the right and there are places to sit. We caught it at MK on our way to the buses one night. There is something special about those parades you catch when they are not planned rather than the ones where you sit for hours and hours, unless you have good company and I often do. :wizard:

I think the GF Park Fair food is better than the Castle anyway and you might have been character interaction too. I hope the gingerbread creations are up while you are there. I am not sure of the dates that the decorations go up. I know they go up before Thanksgiving but not sure how much earlier. If they are up you might take a monorail tour to see them all! It is fun thing to do and you can stop at the CS's and have some snacks along the way. Dole Whips at Capt Cook's

I will see about the Boo if and when I get a chance. I have been Booed by several folks but have not had time to get to it.

Hugs and love you all, Linda

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

Just checkin' in to see what's up and apparently, not much.

Gearing up for our trip 11-8 to 11-17 3 days WL the rest offsite, Grande Vista. Last 3 are at WL: trying to catch EWP, perfect place...

Hope all are well, Thanks for all the info Linda, hope you get to unpack before you repack, maybe Tom will stay home so you can take a friend and relax...:lmao: Hope Dalton has settled in, he is sure to enjoy the company.

Talk soon,

LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy there LL!

Just getting around to checking my emails. Just too darned much going on and while it is not the worst stuff it is far from the best either. I feel like a juggler and keep dropping all the balls. :scared:

I have marked your dates on my calendar so that I can dream of what you might be doing at any given moment. Yep, I am a stalker, but benign. :rotfl:

For the first time in history both of my boys got good report cards. Dalton has always done well but Austin had the threat of no driver's license hanging over him and he managed to pull off nothing below a C. His last eye exam showed that he will be able to qualify for a commercial license (barely) and for a farm boy that is an important thing.

I want to share this with my good friends who will know what this means. I got an email from my son. I think it is actually from my dil as I know my son's writing style but it is better than silence which I have had for about five years but it was not a nice note at all. I simply sent them a nice card that said 'love'. It is the only way to deal with such IMO. Been down this road too many times to think that things will instantly be good but I am willing to shut up and just listen. Anything I say would be wrong. History shows me to be right.

I went to an Area TOPS meeting last night and won awards for losing 22.50#'s this term. I am hoping to add another 9 pounds or so.

Becki's fil was in the hospital the last I heard and they were looking to buy a larger house in the same town.

Colleen, I still would like to get together before winter sets in but heaven knows when I can. I occasionally have some time on the weekend but do not want to take away from your precious family time.

Lisa and Frank, I hope you are both well. I often wonder how your dad and uncle are doing and what trips they have planned. I find it so wonderful that they are still so active and interested and interesting. That is how to live life.

I am undecided as to whether we will go on our December trip or not. Many factors will make the decision for me. It is getting cold here and I am thinking that no rain this summer might translate into huge piles of snow this winter. One never knows in Indiana though.

Safe traveling everyone and I promise to try to get in here more often. You are all so much a part of my life and I would never want to lose touch.

Love, LL (Linda Lou) SG

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

Can' remember if i have shared the fact that Brittany has Lymes, just great...

She just finished her medication so should be fine, now all i h ave to worry about is that Merca(?) staph infection some kid in our High School came down with....thank goodnes he's okay but from now on I am the Band Aid Queen!

Less than two weeks, getting so excited, have to start packing:banana: :cheer2: :dance3:

Finally got our plane tickets, using Jet Blue and paid too much but that's my dbil's fault and he's paying for them so what the heck.

Hope all is well.

Linda, hope you are feeling well and all is good in your neck of the woods!
:grouphug:

[SlightlyGoofy]

lunabkat, yikes! I am glad that Brittany was diagnosed and all fixed up before it turned into a worse case scenario. Kids seem to catch everything going around. We have a lot of cases of staph as well here. Since one of my sisters nearly died about a year ago from such it scares me more than most. Luckily my grandson live on a farm and have built up a resistance to most every germ known to man. I have given them bottles of hand sanitizer, not that I think they will use them though.

WTG, getting someone else to pay for the air fares. I always seem to be the one paying for everything in my family. :) Is everyone else as excited about the trip as you are? Will they help any? Remember to pay up any credit card bills and add enough to cover anything charged while you are gone so you do not come home to big interest bills. I once accidentally underpaid by ten cents and they tried to charge me interest for every charge while I was gone. I fought and won though. :cheer2: I am cashing in all credit card rewards to use if we do go on the December trip. I also have three sets of Planet Hollywood vouchers to use. Not sure how valuable those will be though.

Thank you for asking, yes, I am feeling a bit better and more able to cope with the 'stuff' that is going on. I must not falter, imperfect as I am, I am all that stands between my family and deep doo doo. Scary thought though.

My trusty truck got me to the dump and back safely today. I dread trash day as I only go once a month or so and that is the only time the truck gets moved anymore. I always fear it going down for the count. Maybe it is waiting for winter????:eek: No way am I lugging leaky bags of trash in the new car though.

Have a safe and pixie dust sprinkled trip. You all deserve it! :wizard:

Love to all you dear Suite Ladies, SG/Linda

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

Well, we leave on Thursday, looks like good weather so far. Yea! Checking out my new sig. Loved that reindeer, had to have it! Woo-hoo!

Hope you all are well, we are doing fine, ready to pack and play:rotfl:

Talk to you soon, love to all

:hippie:

LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hey there LL!!

I have been thinking of you and wondering if you were all packed and raring to go!! I hope the weather cooperates to make this a Pixie Dusted Trip for you and yours.

Have a safe trip down and back and so much fun in between that you never want to come home. :cheer2:

Do you have any plans to try anything new? When you get back we want details, lots of details, please??

Hope you have rechargeable batteries for that deer's nose. Looks like you would have to go through a whole bunch of AA's. :rotfl:

Love, SG/Linda

[JoiseyMom]

Hi all, its been awhile. Luna, enjoy your trip. We go down in 5 weeks, but are cruisn only, not hitting the world. We loved the 3 nite cruise we did in August, and WDW was hot. We also got rain just about every afternoon, around pool time. But what ya gonna do. I think we are gonna take a WDW break. I am thinking cruising for awhile. The kids loved it and we get some time for ourselves.

The trip in 5 weeks is just me and DH. So that should be relaxing. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Take care!!

[lunabkat]

The MVMCP will be new for us, as will Rose and Crown and the Princess Breakfast at Norway and CRT's for dinner. Also, the girls and i have not stayed at WL before...ooo, and, can ya believe, last time Small World was being renovated so it was closed so the girls have never been on it, I can't wait until they see all those dolls moving around, they will love it! OOOO, and the BBB is new to us too.

It's funny, I was asking the girls what they liked best about the trip last time (they were so young) and Tara said the teaparty (we did the perfectly princess teaparty - mucho dinero! lousy food!). That really surprised me as I didn't think she would have remembered it so much (she was almost 4). I may take them to the Alice in Wonderland tea party while we are on site, they may like that alot too...;)

So much to do, I am glad we are staying for 9 days instead of 6, woo-hoo!

I am still wishing that Robert would meet us on the 14th and surprise the girls, maybe...

Hope you and yours are well Linda, how is the grandson doing now that he's moved in? Hope its working out better for you both. He should be a right helpful hand around the house and goodness knows you are good for him.

Take care and I will post when I can!

Love to all:dance3:

LL

PS: they are rechargable lithium batteries in the nose, keeps the cat up at night :lmao:

[lunabkat]

Ooops,

Sorry Joiseymom, I missed your post before I sent my previous one. Hope you and yours are all fine, and enjoy your cruise. If is wasn't for the fact that I get seasick and am paranoid about being eaten by sharks (thank you Peter Benchly) I might do a cruise sometime.

Hope you guys have a ball and enjoy your singlecouple trip!;)

Take care,
:hippie:
LL

PS: Why isitdat as I get olda I feel like my accent is geddin stronga? Coffee talk anyone? I have ta go let my Dawwwwg ouside.:rolleyes1

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy there Joisey!! Figures that you will be in the neighborhood while we are there but not close enough to meet. Ships that pass in the night etc. A cruise is a wonderful way to get a break from your real and hectic life. I keep trying to tell my dd that she would like it if she tried it . The oldest grandson wants to cruise and has enlisted me to help convince his mom, like she ever listens to ME?? :rotfl:

LL, I think your accent is simply delightful. Variety is the spice of life ya know?? Cruising is not my style cause I neither drink nor swim or gamble so other than reading a book, which I can do cheaper elsewhere, there is little of interest for me. I do tend to win the trivia contests, or come close but the prize is usually a bottle of champagne and that is useless to me.

I think I have given the wrong impression somewhere along the line. I do not have a grandchild living with me. I have a couple who try to move in for extended time periods from time to time. One of my Fab Four grandkids has been sent to live with his dad and that might be where the miscommunication happened. He is being allowed to go to school so I am pleased even if his dad is not too fit either. At least the dad seems to love him so that is far better. I hate the kids being raised apart though. Always something to worry about. My oldest grandson just got his learner's permit and has been driving me around. He is doing well. Youngest grandson made the paper today for making the honor roll. He always does and since he is in AR classes that is some feat. BTW, even if a grandson was living with me the chances of getting them to do any work is less than nil. That is why they keep wanting to move in with me. If you have a book in your hand I do not ask much more. :woohoo:

I loved the fruit and cheese platter at Rose and Crown and they had a pork roast dinner that was awesome when we were there. The desserts looked pretty bad to me but Tom loved them. The fruit and cheese platter would be more than enough food for me and since I am paying OP this trip that is probably what I would do.

I would start toward the back of the MVMCP and work my way toward the front for the parade to avoid some of the worst of the crowds. Nothing like standing in line for an hour for a free cookie or picture. I am too old to do such, again.

I think you will find that a longer trip makes all the difference in the world as you will be so much more relaxed and you are going at a perfect time (would be more perfect if we were there at the same time AND you invited me to the tea party) :laughing: . I hope your hubby gets worried about you guys having all the fun and is able to get away a bit early. What a wonderful Christmas present for your family. Long after the other presents have been unwrapped and forgotten this trip and the time you spend together will live on in your hearts and minds.

Lisa, are you getting rested up from your 'wild' weekend?

Love, SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hey there Linda, Fellow Jersey Ladies, and Everyone! :)

So sorry that I haven't been around in awhile! Just wanted to say "hi" and that I'm thinking of you all! Will catch up on all of your posts and post a "real" message here, soon!

In the mean time, hope that all is well with all of you, here in our Suite! :)

Take care and have a great weekend! :)

[IASW Rider]

Wishing you MAGIC today and EVERY day!!

And lots of love from your friends in the EWP Suite! :)

Now.........let's all head to 'Ohana and PARTY!!!! :)

Have a wonderful Day!!! :)

[lunabkat]

Hi all!

Posting from wdw on the dbil's laptop, need...more...typing...space...

So doing okay,now today Tara wakes up with croupy cough, complaining of sore throat yesterday. 3 HOURS later at Centra Care (can you say $ucks?) i wait for a 5 minute strep test result for 40 MINUTES! Did I say they $uck? They do! We waited for 2 hours to get in the room, after they let "Corporate BArbie" in when she came in 1/2 an hour after us. I look at the nurse, he says "Oh, she's next" so I walk up and sweetly say "Aren't we let in based on our arrival time?" They say "Yes". So I say " So why is Coroporate BArbie in now and my sick, passed out six year old still out here?" They say "Well...um, um, we bring in by twos and..." I say "Well, the only one brought in was HER! What's up with that?" "Oh, Tara will be brought in now" BUTTHEADS!!!! I could have smacked CB and ALL the losers who brought her in first, I don't care if she had a meeting with a rat's roasted red butt, she did NOT deserve preferential treatment. THEN I wait 40 minutes for a 5 minute strep result, as my 6 YEAR OLD is passed out on their stinking exam table! (Did I mention I think they $UCK?):sick:


So,now we are back at the hotel and just hanging out for the day for the meds to kick in a give her some rest. Britt is out partyiing with my sis and dbil having the time of her life being the #1 and only. Probably one of the 10 best days of her life. Tara and i are ordering pizza, watching Hannah Montana and painting our nails and doing our makeup. She if feeling better so I hope she will be her old self for Priincess breakfast at Norway and MVMCP tomorrow night with dinner at the castle with Cindy.

We had an AWESOME time at the 1900 Park Faire dinner with Cindy and family. Honestly, the stepmother was a hoot as was the Stepmother, very funny and they told the girls they were prettier than Cinderella, and that, at least THEY, were natural blondes. They wore the Sixties girls dresses which have little circular prisms all over the dresses and the Stepmother said "I can barely look at them, they are shing so!" They were too funny and VERY nice and accomodating to the girls. (Perhaps it was the BBB hairdoos?) Ciindy a nd the prince are VERY sweet and nice, but not as much fun as the other three. Anastatia was ESPECIALLY outgoing. " I am LOUD and that's JUST THE WAY IT IS!" Too Funny.

Will catch up soon, love to all.

LINDA, i am going to try and send b its and pieces for you to enjoy! EWP was lovely off of Narcoose's dock.

:grouphug:

[lunabkat]

:hug: Hello All!

Well, back from the World and I am sore, exhausted and about ready to fall down dead(asleep) so all went well!:lmao:

We, of course, had several adventures, with Brittany - once again - trying to drown herself in a pool with a life guard rescue. I asked her if it was because he was cute, she said "Moooom!" then "he was kinda cute and very strong" HA! Gotta watch that one. Tara is on the mend, tho still very "squeaky" in the voice at least her throat doesn't hurt anymore :thumbsup2 .

We had the best time. I asked the girls which was their favorite day and they picked the first day the three of us were alone at the WL, with our second day there their #2 - I almost teared up. The WL ROCKS. I will not stay anywhere else for a Disney vacation. The difference between offsite and onsite was just absolutely hammered home the entire four days we were there. You really feel like you are being looked after. SOLD to the lady with the two adorable blonde maniacs!

I was sooooo sore after a day in AK followed by a whirlwind tour of Epcot to get the Beast, the Genie and Snow Whites photo and sig. Pushing a double stroller with an 8 and 6 year old will REALLY give you a crick in the neck. But it beats whining and with Tara sick it was really just the best idea ever. No whining, everyone happy, mommy gets a little workout :scared1:

We had a breakfast appointment with Norway but the tray tipped and the girls got wet (Britt was SOAKED) so the manager brought me to Mousegear to get them new outfits and we ended up with lunch instead. Which was good, just not breakfast. The staff was absolutely lovely and our waitress was a real doll, the girls loved her. She signed out books as our official "Norweigian Princess" and let us take a picture of her with the girls, a real sport she was. She felt just awful and we did our best to make her feel better because, you know, accidents happen and hey, it could have been coffee.... take you blessings where you find them, they are everywhere if you just stop to look. My sister said she hoped they didn't make her pay for the clothes, they wouldn't do that would they? We just got one pair of flipflops, two shirts and two skirts and I was trying to check prices so I didn't get real expensive stuff. I hope she didn't have to pay for it. (I did leave a good tip because she was very sweet and WAS a good server. The way they have to hold those trays as they pour, well let's just say I am glad I don't have to do it.)

Will check in again soon with more tidbits, talk soon!

[IASW Rider]

Welcome back from your Magical Vacation, Lauralee! Can't wait to catch up on all of your posts and read more about your trip!

Hi Linda! Hi JoiseyMom!

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to pop by and wish you all and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving! So sorry - as always - that I haven't had a chance to make a "real post" in so long...........will do so, soon!

In the mean time, hope that you all have a fantastic holiday weekend! :)

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

Happy Turkey Day to all, and to all a good night!

PS: Finished with my Christmas shopping:woohoo: :yay: :dance3: what do i do with the rest of December?

LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy there you Suite Ladies!! Colleen's party at O'Hana's was fantastic. Seeing her hurl that hula hoop round like that was amazing. That gal can make the grass move!!!

Colleen, I did not forget your birthday but in the interests of being efficient I am sending out your birthday greetings with an early Christmas card. All my Christmas has to be finished by the end of this week. Wish me luck. Whew!!!

Lisa, you have your plate full right now and are excused but not forgotten. You are worth waiting for and that is all there is!! :love:

LL. you will yearn for those days when you could corral those gals of yours in a stroller. I find it easier to push than to pull myself. :rotfl: I have read many posts where Disney gave free clothing to guests who had accidents, whether Disney's fault or not so there is no way they are going to charge you or your sister.

I am ticked at the treatment that Tara got at the clinic myself. Children first is what I say!! At least she had a good looking lifeguard to cheer her up. I hope that they took your insurance at the clinic so it hurt a tiny bit le$$.

1900 PF has been one of our favorite restaurants as well. I am so glad that you saw the EWP from that area. Did you see Wishes as well? That is our new first night agenda nowadays. It is a wonderful way to start a trip especially when you check in late and there is not a lot of time to go to the parks (if you are as slow as we are). Speaking of which a miracle just occured. My daughter asked me if I would like to go to NYC with them next year. If only I could. She barely invites me to her house and to get THIS invitation is truly a Christmas miracle. :santa:

We will be eating at CS places this time since we are not on the dining plan. I am sort of looking forward to not being tied down to restaurant reservations and having to eat when I do not really feel like it and getting sick cause I cannot eat so much or wasting so much. Did you have any good experiences that we might try? We love Flame Tree at AK and Pinocchio's at MK and several places at EPCOT but MGM is terrible. The turkey legs are the best thing we have found there.

I love your way of defending your kids. I am the same way. I am pretty easy going otherwise though. Thank you so much for the reports. It is so helpful to know the folks behind the TR as some folks like different things than others.

Happy Turkey Day to everyone!! I am going to go to my bil's and cook some for them. They do not get homecooking so they like mine.

Love and hugs, Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

We are supposed to leave tomorrow morning for You Know Where!! Naturally sleet is expected in the morming. Figures, just the way my luck is running. :lmao:

Since I had planned to stay at Ocala Saturday night so we would be close enough to get into DW very early Sunday I can adjust and leave a couple of hours earlier. I think I will the long away around and avoid that dread Mt. Eagle though. If you slide down that thing you are a goner for sure.

Naturally Colleen and I ,and I am correct that Angelina is headed down or just got back , will be ships that pass in the night. I will have to console myself with a few dozen of our other DIS friends. You guys are valuable enough that it takes at least six to fill in for you. :teacher:

I have a new camera and will be taking mostly photos of the Christmas decorations if anyone would like a c/d.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and Happy Hanukkah to everyone!!

Love, Linda/SG

[lunabkat]

I just remembered one more thing from our trip to centrecare.

The nurse runs a thermometer across Tara's forehead and says "98.1" I look at him and say "Really? She feels very warm to me, can you run that again?" He say alright, while looking at me like i am a royal pain the the patoot (i am, but that is besides the point:rotfl: ) and uses a regular thermometer, guess what...101.5 thank you very much, butthead.

Goes to show, you can't trust anyone, you have to take care of things yourself and make sure things are done right.

Lindaloo, hope you are having a wonderful time! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
:dance3: :grouphug:
LL

[IASW Rider]

Hi Eveyone!

Just wanted to pop in and say that I hope you all and your families had a wonderful Holiday Season and have been enjoying 2008 so far! :)

I promise - as always - to try to be around more and keep up with everyone's posts more conscientiously!

In the mean time, wanted to let you all know that I'm thinking of you and am looking forward to more fun and friendship in our Suite in the New Year!

Take care and have a great night! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy there dear Suite Ladies.

The New Year is whizzing along, soon it will be July, like NEXT week, it seems. The older you get the faster things go but that might be because I am moving so slowly? :rotfl:

Lisa, what travel plans do you and Frank have for the year? It would be hard to top all that you did last year but I have confidence in your abilities. :lovestruc

lunabkat, don't cha just love it when someone tries to tell you about your kid? No one knows a child better than a mother and no one will fight harder for them either. I think I would have found another kind of thermometer to have used on that 'technician' just to remind him to do a better job.

Becki, are you guys all moved into your new home? Have you sold your other home? I will drive by and check when I have a few extra minutes. Might happen sometime this month. :rolleyes1

Colleen, are you all rested up and all the clothes washed, dried and hung back up where they belong?

I think my meds are working. I was coughing some yesterday and that is a good sign. It cost $220 for the office visit and we shall not mention the cost of all the drugs. :scared1: You can imagine how sick I must have been feeling as I usually manage even pneumonia with the help of my machine and such. One good thing about chronic diseases is that you learn how to 'fix it yourself'. My bil is coming to get Tom today so I can have the weekend to rest up. I need it. I am going to change the sheets, take a long shower and then put myself to bed. Have good books and movies, if I can stay awake. :woohoo:

Did any of you get the 40% code offer? I did last year but not this year, so far.

Hugs and Love, Linda Lou

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to stop in and wish you all a nice weekend! :)

Hope that you are feeling completely better by now, Linda! I know how awful and debilitating pneumonia can be - I've had it myself. I hope that you've been continuing to take some time to relax and recuperate and feel well!

Thanks to a Magic Pixie, Frank and I will be spending 4 glorious nights at BCV in October for the F&WF! We are very excited - not JUST about having the wonderful opportunity to "pose" as real, live DVC Members, once again ( ;) ) but also to experience F&WF as that is one event / time of year during which we've never had the chance to visit WDW before!

Aside from that, we are hoping to spend at least a long weekend in Las Vegas, visiting with our former WDW CM friends. The pal who used to work at Fantasmic and LMA now works on Cirque du Soleil's LOVE and Mystere (and is handling the show automations equipment install for the new Criss Angel Cirque show at the Luxor) and is able to get us into the Vegas resident Cirque shows for FREE (:)) so we MUST "take advantage" of his "position"! :) Also, neither of us has been to Las Vegas in many years, and even though we're not gamblers, it would be neat to check out all of the "new" hotels and attractions there!

Not too much to report from the Garden State! I'm actually down in the "Deep South"(ern part of NJ) this weekend - at my in-laws. We're celebrating all of the winter family birthdays (including my own :)) as well as my MIL's retirement. We and my SIL came down on Friday to surprise my MIL at the retirement gathering that her work pals were having for her at a local Bennigan's. My MIL was so shocked and surprised to see us when we walked in that she spontaneously burst into tears! All of her co-workers started applauding and cheering. It was so touching that I almost cried, myself! :) So we've been having a nice weekend of celebrating........and lots of EATING!! My father came down yesterday and spent the night last night, to join in the festivities, too.

Hope that all has been well with all of you! I really DO promise to get back here more often and keep up with everyone's posts on a more regular basis! The Suite must live on in 2008!!!!! :)

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, Everyone! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi ya Lisa! As usual your life is just plumb full of fantastic flights of fancy and I am thrilled for you! So many of the same shows I hope to see one day myself. You go ahead and let me know what you think so I know what to put on my 'Bucket List'. BTW, we went to see that today and it was fantastic. Almost made up for seeing 'Sweeney Todd'. Ugh!!! I like dark but not quite so much, very much blood and gore. I am of the Alfred Hitchcock school of imagination. :eek:

I can only imagine how touched your mil must have been to see you guys go to all that time and trouble to help her celebrate. You guys know the value of things. Hooray for her and wonder what she will get up with all that free time she THINKS she will have on her hands. Somehow it is never as much as we think it will be. :rotfl:

I have been having an exciting life also but nearly as much fun. I had to go back to the doctor Friday and he sent me for tests. That night he called me and gave me 20 minutes to get to the hospital as one test came back as me possibly having a blood clot. As I have always been a bleeder and not a clotter I was not so sure of that but he did not think I should take chances and since I was in pain, off I went. I had to spend nearly 5 of those minutes finding someone to watch over Tom. I drove myself there and back. No blood clot and evidentially it was also not my heart but the pain remains. I thought I was better this morning but it is back with a vengeance this evening. The night was capped off by my being locked out of the house when I returned as Tom had gotten tired and went to bed. I knocked and knocked to no avail and since it was a bit past midnight I was fearful of waking the neighborhood. I managed to remember that I had a key to the front screen door so I made my way in, finally. Since I had both of my kids alone, had to hitchhike to the hospital with one, I am well versed in taking care of meself. Life goes on, for now.

BOTH of my grandsons made the honor roll!!! Miracle of miracles. :teacher: I am one proud grandma. :love: The older one has not had a ticket or fender bender yet either. Life is good.

Bet I know who the Pixie is. Cute thing that she is. :lovestruc

Love, Linda

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

Just poppin thru...Boy is it ccccccccccold in NJ today! Face hurtin' cold, poor dh is outside working in it no less, making some 9 bean soup for dinner, with the help of Brittany, who is home with a fever today. Back and forth it goes at school, it won't quit until we break for Spring break again, just like last year. What a waste, all the kids are sick, the teachers, parents, etc...its awful but, could be worse, so I hear.

Hope everyone is well. Linda I hope all your doctors have been able to get you comfortable again, and flick Tom on the ear for me for locking you out of the house that night, men...for cryin' out loud. I, have I mentioned, have been sick for about 4 days and the second day into it, doesn't he cozy up to me and say "my back hurts, it needs "adjusting"" - are you kidding me?! I feel like crap and you want me to what? Get away from me...who are you?...come near me again and something's gonna really hurt. Now, for three days I have, at this point, been taking care of sick kids (who are driving me crazy), so then, of course, he starts taking his temperature - he's not sick or anything, just checking so he can complain.

Jeez, can't I just be sick and get over it before I have to take care of him for crying out loud...bad enough the kids are sick. He says I love the dog more ;) ... why wouldn't I ? all he ever wants is to put his big ole' head in my lap for a cuddle and an ear rubbing, content to sit with me and NOT BOTHER ME!:rotfl:

Oh well, hope all is good with you all, will check back again,

:hippie:

LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

LL, what a welcome surprise to see your post. It gave me a much needed laugh. I would love to tell you that things get better and your husband will grow up one day but I do not like to lie. :rotfl2: I have not yet decided just how much is OUR fault for spoiling them rotten though. :confused3

There is something going round the schools here too so last week I did not allow any of my dear readers sit on my lap. This week I had to abstain altogether not because I might get something from them but there is a slight chance that they could get something from me as now I have been told I have shingles. The big pain in my side has been adjudged to be thus. They found ONE shingle in a place that I could not see without a rear view mirror. :rotfl2: Put me on this very embarrassing medication (this also for Herpes) and I took one pill, went to a ballgame and came home to check and the 'shingle' had disappeared. Waited until time to take my next pill, took a shower and fell into bed. Luckily I was in bed because all of a sudden the room began to spin, the TV became a blur and horror of horrors, the magazine I had next to the bed was a blur of letters that swam without coming to any intelligent meaning. I am not sure how long this went on but I know it was more than a few mere minutes and scared the wits out of me. If I had had a headache I would have thought it a stroke. The doctor reduced my medication and we both, me more, are hoping that was the cause. I did not have to worry about 'adjusting' Tom as he never noticed. Just as well as I would have severely bent him every which way but loose when I got able. :scared1: This is why I do not drink. :laughing:

I hope that Brittany is on the mend and able to take care of you for awhile. You deserve a break too. :sick:

It is below freezing here with ice, sleet and snow expected tonight. We were supposed to have had it last week too but we escaped so I am hoping we will dodge the bullet again. Trouble is that if we avoid it our neighbors to the north or south get hit and I do not care to wish it on anyone else either. I hope it dies out before it hits our Joisey Girls. :woohoo:

My next doctor's appointment is Thursday and when spring comes I have some tests that need to be run. There is an extended stay place near the hospital and I plan to take my credit card check in and take a cab back and forth. Room service for me!!! I am going to spend the money I will save by not having a funeral. :cool2:

I did feel well enough today to put a big patch of the sage green paint on the wall to see if I like it. I do, I do like it. I will love it when it is all done though. I can do a bit a day and be done by April. I will have to hire the hall and back porch done though. $500 to paint the two rooms. Might not be big bucks to some of you but it is to me. No Disney trips planned this year. I want to be prepared for that apartment/condo in my future. I cheer myself up by looking at The Villages where all good EWP Suite Ladies plan to spend their retirement. Dreaming is good for the soul.:cloud9:

BTW, I am a bit concerned as the powers that be at the DIS have been locking threads more than 250 pages long. I have most everyone's email addy and if anyone is not sure please pm me with it and I will contact you all. I would not want to lose any of you folks in the shuffle.

Love, Linda Lou/SG

[helenabear]

I told Lisa I would pop in to say hi when I saw the thread again. I know it has been a long time since I popped in here.

we had a lot happen to us in the past year or so. If you look at my avatar you can see our biggest news. We had our son, Dom, on November 29, 2007 at 10:25 am. We had been wanting a child for a long time and so we finally feel blessed.

So hi and wishing everyone all my best in the new year!

[lunabkat]

OOOOOOOOOOOoooooooo, he's sooooo cute Elaine. Love the red hair and what a smile! Great picture!

Congratulations, you are going to have a fun year. Its so much fun that first year watching them grow...the other years are nice too but so much happens in that small 1st year window, its amazing! It'll just blow you away.

Hope you are all staying germ free and having a nice winter, we are very cold here at the moment and expecting a storm tomorrow...so they say:rolleyes1

Best, best wishes and happy laundry!:laundy:

LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

Elaine, I am overjoyed at your news. I did not even know you were pregnant but then I do not run into you too often. What a beautiful boy. Has he been to COSI yet and when is his first Disney trip planned? You are going to love taking him. It adds a whole new dimension to the place. Seeing it through his eyes will make it even more magical. Congratulations and love to our first??? EWP baby!!:love:

SG/Linda

[twinscandc]

Hello to all!! I know you are thinking who is this person posting to our group???? Well, Ive been one busy gal in the past few months. We bought a new home, sold an old home (as of this morning!!!) and I took a new job (promoted, actually). Busy, busy, busy!! We also bought into DVC!!

So, needless to say, I've neglected all of you here at the EWP group. I hope all is well with each one of you. I've not even had time to speak with our beloved Slightly Goofy on the phone.

We do have a trip in the works. BWV 5/24 to 6/1. I hope to be around the boards to learn all the new stuff going on.

I also LOVE babies!! Sooooo adorable!! Congratulations!

Take care and I hope to catch up with all of you later. Right now I need to sign payroll.

Becki

[colleen costello]

Well get that baby to Disney already! You must plan his first trip before too long. I went thru "lean years" when my two were nursing, napping and pooping in their diapers. We wanted to wait to see Mickey until they were able to walk around and use the toilet on their own. Grandma complained, saying if we waited TOO long, SHE might not be able to use the toilet independently! In fact we compromised and went back to WDW when Ian turned 4. He actually had his 4th in a Ft. Wilderness Cabin and it was on that trip we got our DVC. Now he is a WDW veteran and says he wants to be on the College Program someday :)

All is well here except for gloomy Indiana winter weather. We leave for spring break on March 6th and I can not wait. We are spending a few days in Florida with my parents in the Villages and then spending 5 nights at Old Key West. Just thinking of all the flowers and sunshine is helping my otherwise snow-affected mood.

Elaine, congratulations on your beautiful son. My boy is a joy to me and I am sure yours will be as well.

Love to everyone else!

[lunabkat]

Posting from Soggy A## New Jersey, hope everyone has their waders. Its just about boatin' weather around here. Poor Bruno practically need water wings out back.

Lucky you Colleen, I will be living vicariously in my mind thruout your vacation. It will be a few years until we go again, may have last trip paid off by then :lmao:

Hope all is well with everyone, will check back soon. Can't wait until those winter sick germs go back to bed for the summer.

LL

[helenabear]

You all are too funny! We're not sure where Dom's red hair came from. It has lightened since birth (was a medium golden brown) and gotten more red. We'll see what it does as he grows since Luis was a blonde when born.

Here's all the pics from pregnancy and a bunch of pics (ending with his baptism) http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0CcOWLNw3bsWFD&notag=1
You get to see all the ultrasound pics and all the pics we have of Dom from his birthday.

But we do have a trip for him planned. We actaully booked it before he was born. I need to call and add him to the flight for starters and I also need to add him to the reservations and make our ME ressies via DVC. He'll be going at the end of April and staying at the Beach Club Villas.

[lunabkat]

Okay, here we go Elaine:

!. Bring your own stroller, WDW not good for little littles, also good for airport, tell the people waiting behind you on the bus to shove it up their mouse ears, you are paying for your vacation too. If they mess, call me.

2. Use frozen gogurts (Stonybrook farms make organic ones that are good, and they treat their cows well, Karma comes in many forms...) in your cold pack bag to keep other things cold.

3. Use powederd formula with bottled water, CS people LOVE to help you out warming it in the micro (okay, i'm lying, but they'll do it). If you are breast feeding, great!, they have baby stations in the kingdoms if you are shy, or just whip it out (under a light blanket or cloth diaper) and feed the little darliing! DO NOT let anyone chase you into a bathroom. If they mess, call me...

4. Yes, you DO need the Mickey Ears with the names on them.

5. Yes, you DO need to wait in line to get the picture with the little mermaid, tooooo cute, get all of you in there since they have the photopass thing. Ditto for the shots upon entering the parks, I got the girls the photo books (80$ a pop) from the PP and they LOVED them when they got them today, I think we all teared up, you get to write something on each page and its a treasure they will keep forever, very COOL!

6. Get the shot with Baby Simba transposed into at Animal Kingdom, make them work it with one off you holding Dom and one holding Baby Simba, etc. you get it, drive them crazy if you must, its YOUR money and the CD costs the same for one picture or 300.

7. Beast, SNow White and Genie are only at Epcot at the moment, You have got to get a picture with Beast, at least. These three spots also offer a PP photographer.

8. Get a large adult poncho to cover said stroller if needed, has a built in ventilation hole with a cover so rain doesnt get in.

9. Put a diaper in a clear plastic bag (dribble some root beer on it first) and tie it to the handle of your stroller, insurance baby, insurance.

To Linda Lou, hi there! Hope you are feeling better. Kids are still sick, keeping all home until Tuesday, hoping that makes them stronger for the long haul till Spring Break, or as us impolitically correct say, EASTER break.;)

I think we should have Tom come here for a month while you and me and the girls go to WDW for a month. Wilderness Lodge style! Bring the boys, says I! When I win the lottery Linda, I will call you and set it up. Tom likes dogs, right?

Well, hope everyone is being happy, Happy Valentine's Day!:love:

LL

[jstmee]

Elaine,

What a nice surprise, little Dom has a good head of hair. Your life as you knew it will now change forever!:laundy: :teacher:

I am so happy for you and Luis.


No WDW for us for a long while I am afraid. My oldest ds might be transferring colleges to either UMAINE or Coastal Carolina. We will have to go visit and go from there. My other younger kiddos are busier that anything. They have winter carnival at their school today for the high school. Each grade competes against other grades. The play mitten basketball, snow flag football, snow soccer, taboggining, skits, banner - to name a few. My daughter has been up from dawn to night helping to build the snow sculpture.

I hope everyone is well in EWP world.
Wendy

[helenabear]

LL, that is a lot of great advice. We have a stroller that we were given for free that we plan on taking. So if something happens to it, we won't care. I had heard of the diaper trick before and love it :teeth: We do have to bottle feed. I had some health issues that kept me from producing milk. So he is used to room temp formula. No need to heat (hint from our doc to do). I admit though, it isn't likely we'll ever do PP. I own a DSLR and if I want good shots of us, I can give our camera to the photographers. We're too cheap to do that... and with Photoshp I can do anything they can for much less ;)
We also hope to get his first hair cut at the barber shop. I know that will be a memory I will love.

Wendy, good luck with your DS transferring. What made him decide to do that? Sorry no WDW for you for a while. I admit I am dying to go. Last year was the first year I skipped since 2001.

[SlightlyGoofy]

It is once again a Full Suite and I am loving it. Just seeing all you beautiful people together in one place is more than this heart can stand but I am willing to take the chance. :rotfl2:

Helenabear, bet Luis is over the moon too. Did you get the nursery done before he was born? Did you ever get any of the other projects you were so excited about when you first bought your house done? I am going to look at your pictures when I get done working today and can truly enjoy and savor them. From what I remember of my college biology red hair is a gene that is stronger than others and can pop out at most any old time. Hair and eye color change in babies so you never know what you will end up with other than a delightfully beautiful boy. :love: Please post a picture with Dan the Man if you get a chance. That is something I would love to see and bet he would love to pose for too.

LL, you should write a book about taking babies to DW. I suggest chocolate pudding instead of the root beer though. Times are hard and people are a bit more desperate. ;)

Wendy, my youngest grandson would love your school carnival. Sounds like a lot more fun that the games they set up in our school gym.

Colleen, LOL on what you mom said about taking the kids when they were younger. I have said something similar to my daughter but she is not feeling the magic. Darn it.

Becki. if you had called you would have probably found that I was a lot closer to your house than mine as I have been spending an awful lot of time at the hospital and doctor's in Columbus recently. I am delighted to hear that you sold your house. I was so worried in this economy but I am guessing with all the new workers that will be coming into the area you did well. Did you get the house you were telling me about? I am in town most Thursdays if you ever want to get together for a lunch. I drop Tom off at bowling about noon or so. Tuesdays are full up always.

Lisa, I am still working on trying to convince my dd that Yankee Stadium et. al. are necessary for their proposed trip. I have even offered to pay for it as I would not want Dalton to miss that experience. I will catch up on your emails one of these days, probably in one fell swoop. :banana:

I am going on a bus trip to Indpls Thursday to see "Menopause, the Musical". I am not sure if it will be funnier or not for me since I have been blessed to have never having any problems in that area, yet. Now that I am done with most of my meds my troubling symptoms have abated and that leads me to believe that, in this case, the cure was worse than the disease. I have been given a clean bill of health regarding the 'shingle'. What pain I had was bearable and I have heard horror stories so I know I am one lucky lady.

The MBR is near complete. I think I will finish the part I can do today and then will take a break before starting the next room as I have a full week this next.

Love to you Suite Gals, Linda

[helenabear]

Linda, Luis is such a proud dad. He is so good with Dom. We didn't have a lot to do with the nursery though. We didn't do any theme to it, so it wasn't hard to get together. He has been sleeping in a bassinet but we are about to buy a crib for him. We doubt the red will stick though for his hair. I believe brown is stronger than red and we both have that. Luis was actually a blonde at birth so it wouldn't shock us if Dom gets black hair as he gets older.

I don't remember what projects we wanted for the house. We do have long term plans, but nothing really immediate. We had to replace our roof, gutters and siding due to hail damage and I replaced our front door. Also did some work in the kitchen and bathrooms along with painting.

Not sure if we'll ever get a pic of Dom with Dan. I haven't seen him in years. It has been a long time since I talked to him as well. We just gradually had less time for each other I guess. I don't even know when he goes to WDW now. I got out of habit of going in December now and I can't remember the last time I went to Chicago :blush:

[SlightlyGoofy]

Elaine the picture slideshow told the story so well and it was so evident how proud of a dad Luis is. I cannot imagine him as a blond. My favorite picture was the one of you right after the birth. I remember that emotion so well even all these years later. It even beats Disney magic. Lucky baby, lucky parents. It is the adventure of a lifetime having a family. :love:

Let's see you had plans to build a trellis on the back part of the house with a swing, tiling the bathroom, and some other projects in the kitchen and such not that I remember.:) I love home renovations. I hope insurance paid for the your roof repair. It is a bummer to have to put money out for the mundane when there are so many more fun things to spend it on. Just my luck we had a hail storm here but our garage roof was so old and in bad shape that I just could not turn it in to our insurance. I found someone to do it for a reasonable sum though.

I sometimes think that the cultures who wait a bit after a birth to name a child have it right and I think waiting for a bit to see what "His Majesty" enjoys before committing to a theme, if a theme is even wanted, is good too. Dom will have you all trained in no time at all. :rotfl2:

I am sorry that you and Dan have fallen away a bit. That is the way with life though. Cherish the folks you meet along the path, no matter how long or short the relationship as you will learn from each one and how much poorer we would be for not having met them at all.

Back to work for me as I am renovating some downstairs rooms. When I finish the last room it is time to start all over again cause we have so many rooms. I am also a lot slower than I used to be. I will send pictures when I get it done.

I hope you ALL sleep through the night and wake up smiling, Linda/SG

[angelina]

Helenabear, congratulations to you both! What a beautiful baby you have. I bet you're just loving every moment of motherhood!

Hi, everyone, it's been a long time since everyone was back in the suite. I can't wait to catch up on the posts and see what you've all been up to.

Take care,

Angelina

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

Well, the news from NJ is that we have had a case of Scarlet Fever in school, yikes, who knew? The girl is alright, thank goodness, but you would think the school would have issued a warning letter like for chickenpox or something, not a word, and the girl was hospitalized with it for a few days. Scary stuff, tho my girls doctor said not to worry, just keep an eye on any sore throats (which Tara has had for over 2 weeks now, but it keeps coming back negative) so now I have a new hobby, throat checking:thumbsup2 .

Hope you all are well, can't wait for a real spring day!

We seem to have a full house, yea! i was missing all the little info-chats with everyone.

Glad you are feeling better Linda, hope your painting go smoothly...how are the boys doiing? Is one still staying with you?

Take care all, I have a dog to walk...

LL

[SlightlyGoofy]

LL, my youngest grandson is now a big sports star, playing on THREE basketball teams so I seldom see him except if I go to his games, which you know I do. He is spending the night Saturday and I am looking forward to catching up with him. The oldest grandson just got his driver's license and is going to a semi formal dance Saturday night. I take out my need for children on the wee ones at the Community Center. We have a great time together. Not quite the same though.

Scarlet Fever? You hardly hear about that one anymore, thankfully. Even diseases that ran rampant in my day, not all that long ago folks, have been eradicated or run underground. Was the victim from away or had been visiting elsewhere? I hope it is contained and the girl escaped without much, if any, damage.

The MBR is done. DR next but I have to install some plantation blinds next and I am dreading it. Because of muscle weakness I cannot hold my arms above my head for long and the drill is heavy. Also the woodwork is poplar which gets harder the older it gets and it is over 104 years old so it is difficult. I bought some metal drill bits and hope that helps. It sure does look good when it is done. I only have a few more windows to do and then all the windows will be so decorated. I highly recommend them. Saves energy, easy to clean, privacy and light. Do not cost an arm or leg either.

Bet the dog walks YOU. How about some info from your part of the world? What are the kiddos up to nowadays?

Angie, honey, how you doing honey chile. I was just talking about you, well really Fairhope, the other day. Some friends of mine are headed in that direction. That daredevil daughter of yours still wheeling and dealing with the big boys and blowing them out of the water? Details, please???

Back to shoveling snow for me. A week ago I could not even though it is the light weight stuff, with more expected tonight and tomorrow, so I am grateful for being able to do it even though I am doing it in spurts. Caution ya know.

I am taking the night off tomorrow and going to Indianapolis to see "Menopause, the Musical". I am going alone and am going to laugh all I want to without fear of embarrassing a certain someone who is going to stay home alone with his remote and be perfectly happy. :rotfl2: A lot of people I know are going too.

Love and warm wishes, Linda/SG

[jstmee]

Wow! There is a full house in here. Must be -soon to be-sping fever or something.

Elaine, my DS goes to a small private college here in Maine. It's a great college but my son is really into sports. There is only one area to play basketball and it is taken up most times. He was on the college's bball team, but quit the beginning of this semester. He stated the coach yells and puts everyone down so much he didn't need to get yelled at on a daily basis. He is more content now, although misses the game terribly. He is now manager of the LaCrosse team.

We looked at UMaine on Tuesday. Unfortunately, he wasn't as impressed as he would have liked to be since it's only 3 1/2 hrs from home. We leave for Myrtle Beach on March 4. He's looking forward to checking out Coastal, except it's so far from home. But ANY excuse for me to get to the beach is wonderful.

We are flying Skybus ---will report back. The airport we fly out of has free parking so that's definately a plus. We arrive in GSO, 4 hours north of myrtle beach, but the price is worth it, plus we may make a stop at UNC, yippee!!

Airfare was $92 rt, with all taxes etc. per person. If I was a little quicker I could have gotten the $20. fare. Oh well, not complaining for 92.

I've been down and out with the "self diagnosed flu", I have been extremely ill for over ten days now. We have seen many people in the ER with the flu, and I am quite sure I picked up some bug.

Linda - do tell about the window treatments you are putting up, they sound like what I would like to do at our home.

Have a good day everyone.

wendy

[angelina]

LOL, Linda, yes she is, and then some. This is her last year in middle school, then it's on to high school, and all that entails--basketball, volleyball, track. She set a new school record in the mile lastyear, then broke her own record this year. As a matter of fact, she's the fastest girl on the high school track team she runs for. She keeps me busy, but we're so proud of her.

Nick is a sophomore in HS, and our youngest is in second grade, still riding horses and playing basketball, although she's not as rabid about sports as her sister, thank goodness. Even our golden retriever, Boomer, has a schedule to keep--he and I go to the school to read with the second graders on a one on one basis every week.

We made it to WDW last July for the first time in 5 years. We stayed at the Beach Club, and as much as I love the Poly, for us, the boardwalk area is the place to be. We had a great time, and it was so nice to be able to let the oldest come and go as he wanted, which meant when he had enough of MK, he would go back to the bus and go to the hotel He also spent the last day at EPCOT wandering around on his own, and he and Meg could go over to the Boardwalk in the evenings to hang out. We really loved it.

Take care,

Angie

[SlightlyGoofy]

I hope all you Suite Ladies are keeping warm this weekend. I know that Angelina is. :thumbsup2 Maybe we should all pack up and head south?

Angie, I hear you on being grateful not to have more than one athlete in the family. It keeps me hopping just keeping up with Dalton's activities. My oldest grandson, who is the one who perks up when he sees your daughter's picture, is going to a school dance tonight and out to eat. He has a part time job after school and is enjoying spending the money as fast as he earns it. His brother hides his money over here where no one in his family can 'accidentally' pick it up and pocket it. He has more cash than I do. :rotfl: I used to run and play volleyball. Tell your superstar that she can use my tip. Since I was not the fastest on the court I had to learn other ways of making folks want me on their team so I took an old hula hoop and set it out in the yard and practiced serving to it, moving it here and there. Got so I could make the 15 points without us having to actually play very much. :cloud9: I love the idea of taking your dog with you to read with the kids. That is such a good thing to do and so dear to my heart. It can make such a big difference in a child's life. Reading is and should be fun!!! Is it the Book Buddies program or an informal one? My kids love "Big Green Monster" and I have to read it each and every week. I always do it last though. Your children are growing up so fast and so very well. :worship:

Wendy, your son is wise in that yelling does not equate to being a good coach. Learning to play the game is far more important than winning, especially in the younger ones. I am sorry he has had such a bad experience and do hope that he can find some other venue that is more to his fit. Gee, I wonder that your son would prefer the beaches of SC and the bikinis to the cold and snow up north? :rotfl2: A change in scenery is always good while you are young though. At least it is in the right direction for more DW vacations.

Let me go and see if I can find a picture of my window treatments. I pay about $30 per window but I often get $10 or more off with Lowe's coupons that can easily be found online. We live in a big old house with big windows and the bigger slats go better with the style of the house. White ones are easier to keep clean because you cannot see the dust. I put toppers on most of them and have used the old curtains and just made a swag out of them on some of the windows to keep the costs down. Look nice though.

Let me know if you want me to take closer pictures.

SG/Linda

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u219/RebelwithoutPause/100_2234.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u219/RebelwithoutPause/100_2244.jpg

[angelina]

Linda, your rooms look great. Have you moved or are you still in your big house?

The reading program we belong to is R.E.A.D., which is part of Intermountain Therapy Animals (www.therapyanimals.org) We've been doing it since October, and I have to say, that the kids we work with enjoy it, but there was only one out of the 8 or 10 so far who really 'got' it. He and that dog bonded, he relexed, and he quit stuttering when he read to us. The idea is that it gives kids who don't like to read aloud to others a nonjudgemental listener, and an incentive to read. It's fun, though, and everyone loves Boomer. He's a great dog, nothing like the disaster we had before.

I had a picture I tried to post of the kids at WDW last summer, but couldn't make it work. We had a great time, though.

Take care,

Angie

[SlightlyGoofy]

Angie, that is a great idea. I tell the kids that I read with that I expect them to make 'mistakes' cause that is the only way to learn and if they read a book and know every word they are not making any headway, sort of like weight training with marshmallows. I have a collection of quite silly books that match my personality.

I often have some of my more successful readers read to the smaller kids as it does double duty. The older reader feels empowered and the younger readers want to copy their hero.

Nothing says loving like a roomful of kids reading, at least to me.

Yes, we are still in the same house. Not so good for me but it works for Tom. Since he does none of the work it is not a problem for him. He can go across the street to the CC or behind the house to the library and if we move to town he would not be able to do anything since he cannot be trusted to cross streets very well. He no longer drives. I am only a half dozen projects from having this place up to saleable condition though. You never know what tomorrow will bring and my doctor informs me that the house will be here far after I am and even sooner if I do not slow down. There is much for me to like about the house and town though so it is not quite as hard as it might be. Those pictures are mostly of the upstairs that I finally finished last year. 4 bedrooms, bathroom and staircase took me TWO years!!! Tom about had a cat fit when I hired the stairs to be carpeted instead of doing it myself. I did the other floors upstairs but just did not feel up to that this time. I did tear out the old and clean and repair the treads myself though. Makes a world of difference and I go up and visit sometimes just to take in the neatness of it all.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

WOW! I have been away WAY TOO LONG........EVERYONE IS HERE!!!!! :)

Hi Linda, Colleen, Angie, Wendy, Lauralee, Becki,.........AND ELAINE! :)

I haven't been getting e-mail updates about new posts to the thread, so I was seriously overwhelmed when I finally made it back here today and saw everyone's posts, over the past month! I will catch up as soon as I can, so that I can "join the conversation"! :)

So glad to see that Elaine was able to stop by and share her wonderful news and all of those great pictures of Dom!! :)

Great pictures of your window treatments and rooms, too, Linda! And I'm slowly catching up on everyone else's great news about recent and upcoming WDW trips, their families and children's accomplishments, etc........I will get there, soon! :)

Just wanted to say "hi" and to wish you all a great weekend! Will check and make sure that I am "set up" to receive e-mails every time someone posts to this thread, so that I don't fall too far behind again!

Have a great day, Everyone! :)

[JoiseyMom]

Hi Ladies!! It's been awhile. Hope everything is going well with all of you. Things here are ok. Just nice and cold with the snow :).

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

Hi Linda, well, the girls have been sick off and on for about a month. Tara has had a sore throat for 2 weeks, not strep, the doctor had me take her in for a blood test to see if it's, of all things, mono (she was such a good brave girl too). She said younger kids get it alot and its actually better for them to have it now as its more severe when they get to the teen years. Yikes!

Today is Tara's B-day party day (b-day is 26th) followed next week by Brittany's party. Swimming party hooray! Tuesday they get their ears pierced, can't wait, I think they may bounce thru the roof.

Bruno had a snow play date with his bff Marko day before yesterday., and yesterday daddy took them out sledding where they managed to all go down together and end up in a mud puddle, good thing it was designated as their last ride anyway :rotfl: Their big news was the german shepard who was riding down on the sled with his owner, too funny!

All this whilst mommy worked until 1am, gotta make the money :confused3 . I should have been born rich instead of beautiful, I could have paid to be pretty ;) . Luna is, at the moment, drinking out of the dog's dish, I think he likes it because his whiskers don't get smooshed by the bowl like in his cat bowl. THe dog stopped infront of him the other day when he was on the kitchen chair and he just reached out and smacked him on the butt three times, the dog was looking at me like "HuH? What'd I do?" and Luna sat their looking smug. I swear they crack me up they are so like the kids sometimes, "Mooooom, he smacked me!" My favorite it " She's looking out my window!" Aaaaaand, what am I supposed to do about that, I must say?

Elaine, hope that little cutie of yours is warm and happy (I mean Dom :rotfl2: )

LInda, the windows look so clean and elegant, something mine do not do. "Early Tornado" is the theme in my house, mixed eclecticly(?) with a little "Feeding Time at the Zoo" and a smidge of "Dog Mud Wrestling", and, every once in a while we "toss" in a little "Hairball Express" to shake things up a bit. What can I say, we are a multi-medium family...:cheer2:

Hi to Rider, Collen, Joisey and everyone else who's joined us again, its so nice to check in and have things to check! I've missed you all, sometime this week I am going to try and load some pics of the girls at Disney, they are just too cute, makes up for the fact that they drive me outta my mind more times than not.

Love to all

:grouphug:


PS: Linda, I am trying to walk Bruno the "Cesar Way" and it helps alot, as I say Bruno is a good dog because he TRIES to be a good dog, it don't come natural and I appreciate his efforts.:rolleyes: :rotfl:

LL

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Hi Joisey! Welcome back! I am also trying to be better about checking in and saying "hi" in the Suite! Now I am receiving e-mail notifications again when someone posts, so hopefully I'll be able to keep up! :)

Hi LL! Loved hearing the description of the "themes" in your house and love hearing the stories about your kitty and doggy and their "interactions"! Hope that your girls are feeling much better and have / had wonderful Birthdays and a great celebration! :) Please do post pictures of them at WDW, when you have a chance - would love to see!

And I STILL have to go back and catch up on everyone else's news and descriptions of THEIR recent WDW vacations, too! Will do that when I am finished posting!

All is well, here! Quiet weekend, now that most of our recently fallen snow has melted! Just got together with my SIL and some pals, last night, and played Wii bowling for several hours! Just taking care of some chores around the house, today, while watching pre-Oscar coverage on E! Looking forward to seeing all the gowns and red carpet stuff, tonight - I am such an "awards show junkie" and really missed all of those ceremonies, this winter, because of the writers' strike! We haven't seen ANY of the films that were nominated in major categories........so - as I was telling Linda - we will just have to root for "Ratatouille", "Pirates", and "Enchanted", because those are the ONLY nominated films in ANY category that we've actually seen - the Disney films, of course! :)

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

[SlightlyGoofy]

JoiseyMom, you stranger you!! :) Hey as long as it is NICE to go along with all that cold it is bearable. :thumbsup2

Lisa, I am going to falter in getting all my work done now that I have succumbed to Netflix Mania. I watched Le Vie en Rose and 84 Charing Cross the other day, while the paint dried. I loved them both and the later was so sweet and lovely. My first mail movie will arrive tomorrow. Just the ones I can see on my laptop are enough to make the $9 a month well worth it. I love movies, most all movies. Do you find that you needed to buy a lot of extras to go with the Wii? I have been thinking of getting one. I worry that Tom would throw the numchuck through the big screen though. :faint:

Luna, you just described the way MY house looked back when I was raising my kids. All things considered I would rather have the messy child filled house than a picture perfect one. Just enjoy and do not fuss. It is a lost cause any old way. Martha Stewart had a 'perfect' house but her family did not want to live there. Did Tara turn out to have Mono?? I hope not. BTW, you need to check out Barbara Woodhouse's dog training books. Walkies anyone???:hyper:

Half the DR is painted now but the rest is going to be a pain in the posterior as one wall has some damage and I am not quite sure I know how to fix it. Since I seldom know what I am doing but it usually turns out I will give it a try and see what happens. If all else fails there is always embossed wallpaper. It has saved my bacon many times. :rotfl:

My oldest grandson went to a semi formal dance Saturday. As ugly as he is he managed to get himself a date nearly as ugly as himself. :rotfl2: He acts as nice as he looks. I am very proud of him. :drive: He is enjoying having his driver's license.

Hugs to keep all you Suite Ladies warm, Linda

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u219/RebelwithoutPause/AustinSemiFormalFeb2008.jpg

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

A quick hello from chilly NJ, yikes, its cold out there tonight. Cold inside too as dh has a bug the size of Godzilla up his whatsis tonite yet will not deign to divulge why. Too tired to care, go to bed ya big baby, I do not need anymore things to do tonight :rotfl:

Linda, a small blast from your probable past...Class trip to the aquarium today, lots of fun but up early, get everyone ready, take care of my baby boys, go to school, go to aquarium, fast forward 2 1/2 short, weary hours later to bus ride home, run home to take care of my baby boys, back to school for "mini courses" that run on Mondays for the next 4 weeks, take girls to get ears pierced (VERY proud of themselved byw, mom is proud too, a little crying before the event but after the tears were gone and they couldn't believe how much it didn't hurt), home, out to b-day dinner for Tara a day early as I have to work tomorrow night, home, showers, braids for picture day wavy hair, teeth, bathroom, stories, obligatory chats about our day, finally...bedtime. Yea! Everyone is exhausted and sound asleep in 10 minutes, now for mommy! I promised Bruno I would sit on the couch with him for half and hour for some puppy lovin's and then I am off to bed too, thank goodness I have the morning/afternoon off tomorrow, I need to straighten up after the last tornado that apparently blew iin here while I was working Saturday night, haven't gotten to it yet as Sunday was Tara's party, sez la vie! If it bothers anyone they are welcome to clean it up themselves I say.:laundy:

So , good night my friends, I will check back soon.

:grouphug: LL

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Loved that picture of Austin and his date at the dance, Linda! He is so mature and grown-up looking - quite the dapper young gentleman! Thanks so much for sharing the picture with us! And glad to hear that you're enjoying NetFlix so much! I've never tried to watch an entire film on my PC........but I know that one can have movies delivered via NetFlix, too........we're still back in the "dark ages", renting from Blockbuster! :)

Which aquarium did you visit on the class trip, LL? (I'll bet I can guess! :)) Hope that your DD is having a wonderful Birthday and so glad to hear that all went well with both DDs' ear piercings! (I am the ONLY woman I know who does NOT have pierced ears.......or anything else, for that matter! ;) My parents never allowed me to get my ears pierced as a child........so I just never quite got around to doing it........and have by now amassed such a collection of clip-on and screw-back earrings that I figure "why bother" at this point! :)) They are very brave and I'm sure that their new earrings look great!

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

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, this woman does not have pierced ears either. I figure that I have more than enough holes in my head as it is. :rotfl2: I have the slowest broadband speed there is and the movies showed up very nicely on my laptop. I need to upgrade a couple of programs on my desktop before I could view there but laying on the couch with the laptop is so cozy I might not get around to it. Might you be interested in having a few more pairs of old fashioned earrings? I have a collection and since I am allergic to metal they will not be worn. The bad weather did not materialize here, thankfully. :thumbsup2

LL, yes, I remember those days well. No sleep for days on end as I managed my days with the kids and nights with husband. Tom always worked second shift. Bet Tara looks even more beautiful than usual and now wants more pairs of earrings to match ALL her clothes. At one time, before I snuck out and learned how to drive, I had to run from one school to the other (1 mile each way) to get to both kids events. It would kill me to do that now, if I even could. I spent a quiet day with Dalton Saturday and it done plumb wore me out. How come I think that the time spent with Bruno was as much for YOUR benefit as his? After taking care of everyone else all day you deserved a bit of loving yourself. :love:

Gotta sleep tonight as I have far too much to do tomorrow. As usual. :dance3:

Hugs and grins, Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Hi Linda! I didn't realize that you don't have pierced ears, either! OK - I know that I am not "ALONE", now! And your "old fashioned" (which are certainly quite CURRENT with ME!) earrings could certainly have a home with me, if you'd like - thank you for thinking of me!

Aha - so THAT'S what I need - either a couch in my "office" room or a laptop on which to watch movies / videos........OR a more comfortable chair in front of my current computer! One reason why I've never tried to watch more than a single episode of a TV show (or anything longer than that) on my PC is that the chair "in front of" my computer is a hard one.......which is "good" for sitting up straight and "working"........but not so comfortable for long-term recreational computer "viewing"! I will "move into the 21st century" and start watching (longer) videos on my computer, one of these years.......after all.......if my "predictions" about our "Jetson's-like-technological-future" are correct, soon we won't have a "choice" and we will all have ONE device in each of our homes which serve as a combination TV, digital video recorder / player, telephone, computer (for e-mail, using web sites, etc.), CD player, and video screen for things like video games! It's already pretty much happened, as we can do most of those things with our current-day computers (........not to mention cell phones like the iPhone, etc.)......but I have a feeling that soon that will be our ONLY option, and we'll all have a huge screen hanging on our walls that will serve as our "monitor" / screen for all of those functions!

Not too much to report from this "corner" of the Garden State, as usual! Just thrilled that Spring Training is underway and that the Mets will have their first televised games tomorrow and Saturday.........YAY! A sure sign that Spring is (FINALLY!) on its way! :)

Have a great day, Everyone! Talk to you soon! :)


P.S. I heard on the Weather Channel this morning that it's 36 degrees in Orlando, this morning, and that it's only "going up to" the mid-50's, today..........BRRRRR! It must be so weird to be staying at the Poly (for example) in weather like that - being surrounded by all the tropical plants and flowers, listening to the South Seas music piping through the grounds.......and it being so cold that people have to wear winter coats and gloves!

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

Lisa, we went to the Jenkinson's Aquarium in Pt. Pleasant, its such a nice little aquarium, it was cold on the Boardwalk while we waited to go in, I love the little tank with the seahorses in it. I wonder what happend to their white alligator, he wasn't there just three smaller ones... Have you been to this one? It beats dragging thekids thru Camden:scared1: or going into the city when they are that little, the Coney Island one was nice if I remember correctly from about 15 years ago ;).

The girls and their ears are doing fine, Tara does not have mono, yea, but everyone around here is still getting, being, or getting over being, sick. Yikes, hope spring comes soon to air out all these sickspots.

I feel bad for all those vacationers and that cold weather, we went in December in 2004 and it was 40 degrees for most of the time we were there, a little chillier than I had wanted but I least I was prepared...its the girl scout in me I guess, and the big #$$ suitcase :rotfl: THis time the weather was MUCH better for swimming except for one day so we sucked it up and went swimming anyway, hey, the pools are heated...

I am going to attempt to put a picture of the girls on here, so bear with me...

[lunabkat]

Can someone explain to me how to get the picture in the box instead of as an avatar? Do I have to set up something different?

Thanks!

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Hi LL! I had a feeling that your school trip was "to" Jenkinson's Aquarium! WE LOVE THAT AQUARIUM! We visit it several times every summer when we take day trips to the Boardwalk! I love the little seahorses, too (I have lots of pictures of them!), but my FAVORITES in that Aquarium are the seals! LuSeal, Coral, and Seaquin are my "buddies" - I'm like a little kid - I always run over and see them first! I love to watch them swim around and I love when they pop out of their tanks when they are fed on the second floor! I love the penguins, too - and those crazy little monkeys! I haven't seen the white alligator in a year or two........nor Lefty the turtle who was missing one leg.........I think that they "trade animals" with other zoos and aquariums, sometimes. Anyway, it's so neat that you got to go "down the shore" so early in the season and visit that great Aquarium!

Hope that everyone in your home is feeling much better, soon! It's that time of year, I guess - everyone has or is getting over something or another!

I can relate to being at WDW in the cold, too (........just not as cold as it was down there, yesterday!) - we were there last January and most days the temperatures did not rise above 57 or so. It was VERY WEIRD to be walking around the Studios with our winter coats on! The other days we "got away" with just wearing sweatshirts, but the nights were FREEZING! We couldn't even walk over the bridge from BCV to Boardwalk because the wind was so strong and FRIGID - we had to take the boats back and forth! We did have one nice, warm day during which the temperatures reached 80 - fortunately that was our MK day, so we could ride Splash Mountain in comfort! :) We'll be back at WDW in October for F&WF. We're very much looking forward to FINALLY being able to get into that beautiful Stormalong Bay at BCV, since it was way too cold to do so last year!

In terms of getting pictures to post within posts like this one, I believe that they have to be posted on a web site. Then you type the URL of the web site right into the body of your post with IMG< >IMG on either side, I believe. (Linda would be better to help you with this than I - I know that she has posted pictures more recently than I have!) I believe that there is a "Technical Support" Board on the DIS which would be able to give you more explicit / detailed instructions! Would love to see your pictures!

No news here except that I was thrilled to see the Mets play on TV today for the first time in literally 5 months to the day! They lost, but who cares? It was just great to see them........and to know that Spring is on its way! :)

No big plans for the weekend, here - just catching up on things around the house and getting together with our poker buddies tomorrow night (my luck has been AWFUL lately - hoping that my 4 month losing streak will finally END! :)).

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

[lunabkat]

Hi All

Well, that's it, Brittany's party was today. I am now officially exhausted, what was I thinking having their birthdays so close together?;)

Lots of fun and they really liked the "painting of the plaster" and lots of webkinz around as well. Brittany was very sweet, she got two little hippo webkinz and gave one to her little sister because "Its not nice to return a gift"...to much. Now they can play their webkinz are twinz.:lmao:

Hope you all are staying warm

Lisa, I love the seahorses and the little orangey things in the tank by them, I think they were cowfish??? They were MOST unusual looking, almost alien like, but kinda cute too. Also I am partial to the leopard sharks, very pretty, love the leopard look.

Talk to you soon, everyone stay intouch!

LL:hippie:

[SlightlyGoofy]

LL, I sincerely doubt that you were considering how close the birthdays would be to each other at the moment of conception. :rotfl2: If people were more thoughtful at such moments there would a whole lot fewer people. :rotfl:

As far as posting pictures you need to upload the pictures to something like Photobucket (is what I use) and then copy the url. There is a button at the top of where you write your DIS post that looks like a postcard sort of, second from right. Click on it and you get a box. Delete the http etc and then copy your url from your picture on Photobucket and then click on 'ok' and your picture should show up just fine. It is a bit daunting the first few times but it is really easy. I can do it, nuff said. ;)

How neat that you and Lisa can share the experience of the aquarium. We all have such commonalities. I love it!!

Lisa, I will box up the earrings when I get around to cleaning that particular piece of furniture. Might send a picture to make sure that they are to your taste. Some were gifts from Dorthea and I would not offer them to just anybody. I do not even wear a wedding ring cause it causes my finger to rot. Poor Tom, I do not wear furs or jewelry. I do like power tools though. :rotfl2:

My dream chair that I bought myself for Christmas broke. I think I can fix it though. I hope so. It reclined, swiveled and everything, even has a foot stool. It is the center piece and we have a fabricating place here so I will see if they can make me a new piece. I just plain loved that chair, while I had it. :worship:

One of my sisters swears by her laptop. She lives in a small trailer and needs to keep the clutter down. I mainly use mine for media. I did not get much done this week all because of Netflix. I found a ten hour series of a British TV show and became addicted. I hope to finish the painting on the DR this week though. Some serious decluttering is happening here. The clutter from one room is spread throughout FOUR rooms!!! The Avon plates that Tom has collected for 35 years have been removed from the walls and been repacked into their original boxes. He has not noticed YET. I am semi retiring and starting with not dusting so many darned things.

Two of my dear friends are going through hard times so that has kept me busy and now this other lady has found that I am great FREE computer info so it is taking some time as well. Big snow storm due Thursday night so that should keep me close to home for the weekend.

I signed up to win a free house Sunday. I will win it in August and move shortly thereafter. :flower3: Yeah, right.

Austin had his first wreck. I am glad as it was a wake up call and I hope he heeded it. He did not get hurt, thankfully. The truck is bent and mutilated but nothing that they cannot fix. He skidded on some ice that was shaded by a tree. I had warned him of such a thing the night before. :scared1: His poor mom came by a few minutes after it happened. She can tell me that it did not worry her but I know better. Been there, done that.

Had a great time at Menopause but it might have been better if I had ever had to suffer those particular problems but I am willing to forgo the experience. :laughing:

Better get some stuff done to validate my existence. :rolleyes:

Love and warmth, Linda/SG