EWP group?

[IASW Rider]

Hi Suitemates!

Just "bumping" our thread back up, again! :)

Things have been all too quiet, here in the Suite, lately. I hope that you all don't mind, but I gave Don, Bo, and the others a few days off, until you all return! Those guys deserve it.......they're so kind to attend to our every need and whim, throughout the year! Hope to see you all back here, soon! Will summon our men, upon your return(s)! :)

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

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dearest Lisa/Rider

Please call the boys back. I need some tender loving care as I am sick. Have not been sick in awhile so I have forgotten how to do it. LOL Nothing too serious but am totally worn out and am not able to get much sleep as everyone around me is falling out also and women do not get to take a day off when sick. (ugh!)

I am still in awe and wonder over how I could be so lucky to have a friend who would take the time and effort to 'share' the EWP with me. I was so afraid that I might have offended you by not allowing you to share the whole thing but I just could not bear for you to be distracted from the parade and Frank on that very special evening. I have people in my life that I take great care of that have never even said thanks (even once) so to have someone like you be so very kind to me is not something I take for granted. (getting sappy here so I will stop). (wiping tear from the corner of my eye)

I am so sorry to hear that you had far too much rain but since I know that you carry your very own sunshine with you I am sure that you made the best of the situation. We share a lot of our favorite rides/shows from the looks of your list. You will never find me on Splash Mountain though. I enjoy watching the Brer Rabbit scene in my video and sorely regret that I will never see that in person but roller coasters are not for me. You are far too young to give up on trying such though and I am proud of you for doing it. Alien Encounter will come later. My friend, Karen., will be here in a couple of hours and I will ask her to repeat her hints for how to deal with it and pass them on to you. She is fearless though. She is more of a Disney lover than we are, quite an accomplishment. She is coming to show me what her new home in The Villages will look like. She is trying to encourage me to join her.. It is only 45 minutes from DW. It has so many things that I love but does not have my grandkids so it is just a daydream but a fun one. We are going to rent a house there this fall though.

One hundred pages and an anniversary coming up? What would we do without you to keep track of us. I am going to check out the pictures as soon as I get done posting this message. Can't wait to see you and Frank's smiling faces.

Helenbear/Elaine, I am so very sorry to hear that you and Lisa did not get to meet up. I will hang onto the slight hope that she might get another trip in next year and hope it will work out then. If we are so close this fall there is no way that we will not go to DW and if so, will probably get AP's although since the special package has been renewed that might be the way to go. Have to do some numbers crunching. Sounds as if you had a good time as well though. Did the rain impact you much?

Angelina, yep, that is a chip off the old block, in that your daughter has chosen the most challenging way to go for her camp. Does not sound so very much different than the way I was raised though. (LOL) Dalton has been to see Nemo and loved it. It must have been fun going as a group. I went with Austin's class to see Holes and greatly enjoyed it. I just love the idea of large family and friend groups doing t hings together. It makes things much better when you share them IMHO. Dalton read a Nemo book also. It was "The Best Dad in the Sea" and that was his Father's Day present to his dad. I saved the shopping inserts from the Sunday paper and taught him how to read numbers up into the hundreds and he can read dollar and cents amounts now. He catches on quickly. If Lisa is considering a possible trip next year and you just know that Elaine will be there sometime as well, might it be too much to dream that we could join them? Possible 3rd anniversary trip? Dare to dream!!!!

Have to neaten up the house a bit before my company arrives. If anyone has time they should check out The Villages on the web. It is the second largest retirement community in the US and only a bit away from DW. The rest of you are a long way away from thinking about retirement but it is interesting anyway.

Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

How are you feeling? Hope that you are feeling better! I have summoned the gentlemen back, and they are here at your beck and call, should you need them! Drinks? Snacks? Entertainment? They are available! Fire up the jacuzzi!

Great to hear from you and glad to hear that all is well! :)

We were not offended at all, when we called - it was great to speak with you! I just hoped that I wasn't catching you at an inconvenient time, as I barked into the phone "HI - IT'S LISA - LISTEN TO THIS.........!" :) Glad that we got to share a bit of the EWP with you, on our first night there! :) I'm sure that you will be seeing it, in person, in the not too distant future, though! Where are you planning to rent your house, in the fall? And how was your friend's visit, and her showing you pictures of her new home?

We also saw "Finding Nemo", and it was just adorable! Glad to hear that your boys enjoyed it, too! We still have to watch our DVD of "Treasure Planet" - I can't believe that we've had it for so long and not had a chance to sit down and watch it, yet!

How are you doing, out there, Elaine and Angie? Have you posted any pictures from your trip, Elaine? How is your summer going, Angie? How are your children? And how are your furry ones, Elaine? I don't know about in your house, but in our house, "furball season" has definitely arrived.......UGH! Oh well - it happens every summer - the cats can't help it!

Believe me, I am already trying to think of possible ways that we can make it back to WDW, some time next year! I've even gone as far as to call DVC, speak with a representative there, and order the video and membership information! Not the most practical move, at this time, when we're still trying to figure out how we're going to pay for my tuition and support ourselves while I'm in school..........but it's nice to dream, anyway! And truth be told, a DVC membership is equivalent to the amount of money that we've spent, staying at the Poly for the past 4 years......I know, I know, I'm just trying to convince myself that it would work out! I think that we'll seriously have to hold off on that investment until I'm working full time, again (when ever that might be!). But we can think of another "economical" way to visit WDW next year, anyway! :)

I registered for my fall classes, last week! Things are starting to move along. Unfortunately, because I am a little behind in college level math, I will also wind up being behind in sciences that I need to take, so I will probably have to "catch up" with them, over next summer. I just don't want to put too much pressure on myself, in the beginning, as I ease my way back into life as a student! The degree is probably going to take longer than I expected to finish, because I need certain math pre-requisites to the sciences that I need to take (and the sciences are only offered at certain times of the year, etc.), but I have to keep telling myself that I don't need to graduate by a specific time, and I can take it at my own pace.

Not too much else to report, here from the Garden State! Just getting through my post-WDW blues and "withdrawal" symptoms! I have several different plans with friends whom I haven't seen in awhile, this weekend - hopefully that will serve as a nice distraction and will take my mind off of the fact that our trip has come and gone!

Hope that all is well with all of you! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa

Sounds as if you have a great plan for the rest of your life. I admire your courage and tenacity.

My visit with my friend went wonderfully. I do not have many guests since Tom retired and just before Karen arrived Tom was invited to go to the horse track (won't speak about how much he lost). We visited for over 7 hours and it flew past so quickly. We talked of Disney and I was thrilled to be able to tell her things that even she did not know. Thanks DIS!!! She brought the folder of The Villages. Everyone, you have to check this place out. It is as close to living at Disney or Celebration as you will ever get. It fulfills all my phobic fantasies and is not really too expensive for a moderate income.

We talked this morning and have agreed to go down in November for the almost free week on property. You live in a two bedroom house and have access to all amenities. You pay about $700 but get about $575 in Village Bucks to spend on food etc while there so it is almost a wash. Afterward we will wend our way down to Disney for about 10 days and meet up with a couple of my sisters. One lives in Clearwater and another will be visiting from Columbus, Ohio. She had her stomach stapled and I am interested in seeing how she is looking. Have been very worried about her. She is more like my kid than my sister since I am 13 years old and was the one to change her diapers, tuck her in at night and read stories to her. My first 'child".

Please consider a cheap vacation. I promise you that you will have different experiences in some ways but it is still Disney. Since you guys are able to drive around the property you will still be able to watch the parades and fireworks from the Poly and such. You really are not in your rooms all that much. As far as the Disney Club goes - IMHO- I would hold off awhile since prices are at an all time low on property and while the cost of the joining is not that bad (I crunched the numbers a long time ago) the upkeep and maintaince fees are what gets you. I figured that if I put the money for the initial fee in the bank the interest would generate enough to pay for several nights at AS. Since you stay at the upscale things I am sure it is different for you and you ARE the professional numbers cruncher. Rent points, they seem to be a cheaper way to go also. Above all, if you get a chance at a cheap trip PLEASE consider the beginning of November? Been too long for me to remember when college breaks come.

A thought about catching up on some of your courses. How about buying a couple of computer programs to give you a head start and possibly you might be able to test out and save bucks and time?

Having a lazy day here. I am feeling a bit better but still very tired. Have a friend coming over with some raspberries. I got a pint for two of my friends as well. We are celebrating our birthdays next week. We usually do it later but one of our members, Dorthea, has her birthday Monday and we do not want her to spend it alone.

My friend, Mary, is finding herself in difficult circumstances. Her dil informed her that she is in the way and must stay in her room when they are home. When the house is signed over in their name they are planning on building a room and bath on the back for Mary and say that she should pay the payments for it even though the rest of the house is fully paid for by Mary and her husband. Makes me more determined than ever to jump off a cliff when I start to fail in health. Hope I have the energy. An ice flow sounds good as well.

Lisa, how is your mom doing? Have not heard much lately.

Linda

[helenabear]

Good afternoon all. So sorry I haven't been around. I honesetly have not been getting any e-mail notifications recently and I just happened to see this one bumped on the first page.

I feel so terribly far behind... so I think I will just pick up and say hi to you all and go from here.

I will say I agree with Linda that inexpensive trips can be done. I can easily do a lot of trips for very little money. That new Fairy Tale Package is a great sounding one too but unfortunately it is not available when I will want to go. Even just looking around and finding good rates is easy. I am finding the Swan for over half off the rack rate on my own with AAA right now and will probably stay there with a few friends (we need the queen sized beds to hold the four of us). I do have 2 trips planned this year and with the AP discounts I could easily do two trips a year if I stayed at the moderates. I don't know if I will ever do the value resorts just because I am not fond of their theming. Just like I am not fond of the GF or Contemporary I wouldn't ever think to book there. But I know that some times of the year you can get a mod easily for about $80/night. Also the hotel plaza resorts have some excellent deals too. So if you are like me and can only go fro maybe 6 or 7 nights (due to work) $80/night is very nice.

Linda, I do so envy your ability to stay for so long. I wish I had that much time to take off of for vacation.

Gee, I rambled on a ton!!! I will end by saying I watched Finding Nemo as well and thought it to be adorable! I will chat with you all later :)

[helenabear]

Oh and Linda... if you are free Sat or Sunday look here

INDY MEETS!!!!!

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=380813

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=387494

[SlightlyGoofy]

Helenabear, have you read on the boards that the packages have been extended? Two more trips in 2003 and you are jealous of how much time I get to spend there? LOL

I am so glad to hear from you and it is never too much. Am grateful you find the time to do so.

I will check out the links on the Indy meets and see what my schedule (not to mention cold) can handle. Do I have to sign up or can I just surprise you all if I find I can make it?

I have not seen Finding Nemo yet but I just bet I could find some small people who would not mind going to see it with me even though they have already seen it. I love the grown up humor that they sprinkle those 'cartoons' with.

It is raining here, same old, same old. It stormed so badly the other day that we actually had water in our basement. Not much and it just basically washed the floors but friends had major disasters at their homes.

Off to check the Indy links and see what you are up to this time.

SG/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Elaine, am I correct in thinking that you and Luis will only be there Saturday?

Would love to see Dan and Nativetxn also.

Thinking about it and considering how I can get everything done so I could come.

SG/Linda

[helenabear]

Linda, the packages have been extended until November 20th if that helps you any. They aren't of much help for me though since I have plans to be there the 1st week of Dec. And yes I am still jealous... I will have put 12 days total in this year at WDW between my two trips... hardly enough in my eyes ;)

Oh and we will be at both meets. We will cut out a little early Sunday to go home but if you are only able to come on Sunday then we will at least be there for a while. Even though I saw Dan in April, I am looking forward to seeing him again :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Elaine, Tom and I were discussing possibly joining you and the others in Indpls this weekend and were debating Circle Center Mall versus the Zoo. About an hour ago the doorbell rang and there stood a small boy with a suitcase. Saturday and Sunday plans were spoken about so I am not sure exactly what is going on. I am not brave enough to take the responsibility of driving anyone other than myself and Tom to Indy so I think that leaves us out. Something may come up and we might be able to get up there Sunday but I doubt it.

I am lucky that I love my grandkids and most children in general or I would be highly upset.

Granny Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

I wish that I lived in the Mid-West, so that I could join you at the Indy meets! :( Oh well - maybe one of these years, I'll just have to fly out there and surprise you all at one! :)

Thanks so much for your tips regarding less expensive ways to visit WDW, Elaine and Linda! We really should investigate some of them........we'd have to break our Polynesian "habit", but we would be trying some place new and could still go over and visit the Poly, I guess! :) *SIGH* I just have to think of a way for us to make it back there, next year! :)

You are both so lucky that you have some upcoming trips to look forward to! That's so neat that you will be able to make it back to WDW another time or two, this year, Elaine! :) (I didn't realize that you could get AAA discounts, down there - I'm so naive - I will have to look into that!) And I'm so happy that you'll be able to visit in November, Linda!! I'm sure that you're really looking forward to it! And the Villages sound really nice - I will have to check out their web site! That's so great that your sisters will be able to join you down there, too!

Have a happy early birthday celebration with your friends, Linda! That's so nice that you're getting together to do that! And I'm sorry to hear about how your friend Mary's DIL is treating her - I can't believe that someone could be so inconsiderate and cruel. It's very upsetting to hear that. I hope that Mary is at least somewhat comfortable with her living arrangement and does get some pleasure out of being near her son.

Another rainy weekend, here in the North East...........will it ever end??!! It seems like we can't escape the rain, no matter what we do! It rained almost the entire time that we were in Florida, and it's rained almost every day since we've been back! Frank came back from WDW with a cold that he'd caught there (probably because of the rain and air conditioning).........and now it's turned into pneumonia, believe it or not. He started getting these weird fevers that came and went during the course of a given day, so he finally gave in and let me take him to the doctor, yesterday. Now he's on antibiotics, which seem to be working very quickly, thank God. He was supposed to go camping with his sister and her friends, this weekend, and is very disappointed that he was too sick to go, but I'm happy that he decided to stay home and recuperate, especially since I'm sure that they are having a very wet camping weekend and will probably all come home with colds, themselves! I was supposed to go swimming with some friends, today, but the weather didn't cooperate. It seems like it's rained every weekend for the past several months! Hopefully we'll have some sunny weekends at some point, this summer!

Thanks for your suggestions about getting a jump start on my school semester, Linda! I definitely have to take a day, when Frank is at work, to just sit down quietly and go through all of my scheduling information, financial aid stuff, etc. and get everything in order. Then maybe I will buy my books early so that I can start reviewing the material - particularly the math - ahead of time. I need to stop sulking about being back from WDW, and start getting down to business, getting ready for my new endeavor! :)

My mother is all right - thanks for asking, Linda. She's the same, physically. My father had a very nice deck and ramp built on to the back of their house, this spring, and he is now practicing bringing my mother out there in her wheel chair. I'm glad that he's actually able to do it - I was worried that he wouldn't be able to physically handle it, and then building the deck would have been a waste (since he really just built it so that my mother could get outside, for a bit). Anyway, it's nice that she is able to feel the sun (when we actually have sun!) and wind on her face, occasionally, and be able to have some fresh air, too. As for her temperament........well, that's still the same, too - I'm just careful to avoid certain topics of conversation around her and keep my mouth shut and don't contradict her or disagree with her, in order to "keep the peace"!

Anyway, hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're all having a nice weekend! :)

[angelina]

Hi, everyone! It sounds like you all have a busy weekend in the works.

Lisa, I hope Frank is feeling better this evening. I've heard of several people coming down with pneumonia around here, too. One of my son's friends has the "walking" variety, and missed several days of Bible school. He was supposed to go with ds to the pool Thursday evening, but couldn't. Thank goodness Frank decided to go to the doctor when he did instead of going camping.

Elaine, I envy you your trips this year. I am pining for the World terribly, and generally feeling sorry for myself because we're not planning to go. It must be a lot of fun going to all the meets and seeing everyone as well.

Linda, your grandson is a very lucky little boy! My children have never spent even one night with my dad and stepmother, but my mom is good about having them over on the weekends. Until last year, my oldest daughter used to spend the night with my grandmother, too.

Tomorrow my daughter, Meg, is leaving for Girl Scout camp. We've been shopping for her supplies today, and she's so excited. This will be the first time she's stayed away from home more than one night, so I'm a little curious as to how she'll do.
The weather has been so bad down here lately (as it seems to be almost everywhere!) with so much rain, that I'm afraid she'll be afraid of the storms more than being away from home!

I hope you're all enjoying your weekend! Linda and Frank, please get well quickly!

Angelina

[IASW Rider]

Hi Angie!

Great to hear from you! :) How have you been doing?

That's so exciting that Meg is going to Girl Scout camp! I'm sure that she will have a wonderful time and that it will be a great experience for her! How long will she be away? Is the camp very far from your home? She'll probably love it so much that she'll want to go back again, next year! Even though being away from home was always hard at first, I loved summer camp and really value the things that I learned there (in terms of independence and self reliance........as well as how to do and fold my own laundry........and how to shave my legs and put on makeup, when I was and older camper - hee hee! :) ). It was a great experience for me, especially as the clingy, shy only child that I was. Plus I made lasting friendships there with people whom I stay in touch with, to this day! I'm sure that Meg will do really well and have a lot of fun!

No upcoming WDW trips planned? :( Well, you never know........you may just wind up there sooner than you think! (You know how sometimes "WDW Fever" comes out of nowhere, and then one just plans a trip immediately!) That's what I'm trying to believe, for ourselves, anyway! :)

Frank is feeling much better - thanks so much for asking! The antibiotics that he's taking are certainly doing the trick - aside from a lingering cough, he seems to be completely recovered (I know this because he is now obsessively cleaning the house......his favorite weekend occupation........that means that he is all better and back to his regular self! :) ). He looks much better and has more energy, too. I'm thankful because I had never seen him that sick before - he's one of those people who rarely even catches a cold! Thanks for thinking of him!

I can't believe that so many people are getting sick, now - it probably has something to do with this crazy weather that we've been having, this year. We just can't seem to catch a break! After all of the snow that we had this winter (and after all of the storms that you had in the South, this winter), now we're all stuck with this rainy, cooler spring! UGH. It's supposed to be sunny and warm up to the 80's, here, later this week........hopefully it will finally start seeming like summer, soon!

Time to go over and tend to my furry "nieces" and "nephews" (ie: my sister-in-law's cats, as she is still on that camping trip!), now!

Hope that you're having a nice weekend! :)

[IASW Rider]

Just "bumping" us back up!

I haven't been getting my little e-mail notifications of new posts, lately - maybe you all haven't been receiving them, either! So I'll "bump" us back up, in case any of you happen to be on the CB, now!

I had a very productive week - got lots of things done to get ready for school, etc. And I also did some "work" on my summer tan at our swim club! :) We're going to see "Mama Mia" on Broadway, tomorrow! :)

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

[helenabear]

Thanks for bumping this Lisa. I haven't been getting e-mail notifications either. This will be quick but I did want to say hi to all.

Linda, sorry we didn't get to meet this weekend. It would have been nice to see you again :)

Angie, I do hope that your weather looks up soon. How cool for Meg that she gets to go to camp! I hope she has fun. And like Lisa said, don't discount any possible trips. I was able to go this last time for a few $$ (mostly for air) and December is my bigger planned trip of the year. As I told Lisa always check www.mousesavers.com They have a ton of great deals listed!

Lisa, glad to know that Frank is getting better :) And so cool that you had a productive week! That's always good :) Enjoy Mama Mia! I heard it is great!

I need to give you some advice on planning trips to WDW though. First of all, DITCH THE TRAVEL AGENT! Either that or stick to Dreams Unlimited or a travel agent like that who can make sure you are getting the best deals possible. At mousesavers.com you can find amazing rates on rooms with an Annual Pass... up to 45% off!!!!!! That alone makes it worth getting an Annual Pass for one in many ways. I think I
saw about $290 for a garden concierge view at the Polynesian. AAA only gives about 10% off if that. Check out this link http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html and you will see what is out there. Imagine AKL for $120/night! Or a garden view at the Polynesian for $200/night! And also it has other rooms and listed when the Courtyard was only $20/night. It's worth it to look around and do it on your own. You also get more flexibility with picking flights and all that.

It's with my AP and deals like that where I get to go to WDW more than once a year... I have my ressies also for the Swan for $145/night (I'll be sharing so it will be even less). So if you want a newer location and great prices check out the www.swandolphin.com and use your AAA discount and you'll be amazed at at what you can find.

So there are my little words of wisdom when it comes to planning cheap trips :)

Off to get some work done :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Helenabear, Rider and Angelina

I am so sorry to be so far behind. I am especially sorry that Elaine was so near by and I did not get to see her or Luis. Has been very rough around here. Lots going on and not the least was the fact that I have been very sick. So sick that I almost crawled to the freezer one day, drug out a tv dinner and handed it to Tom for dinner. That is not something that gets done here once a decade.

I am so sorry to hear that Frank has pneumonia. Is not something to fool around with as I have had it quite a few times. He will still be weak after he 'recovers' and I hope he is able to willing to take it easy for a bit.

Angelina, you are so very sweet to say all those nice things but believe me, loving my grandkids is easy.

I will respond at greater length later, I have Austin here tonight and have been gone since 6 this morning and am absolutely worn out.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

So sorry that I didn't see your posts sooner - I don't know why I've only been receiving the e-mail notifications sporadically, lately.

Linda!!! I'm so sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling well!
:( I hope that you are feeling much better, by the time that you read this! I hope that everything is all right!

Elaine!!! Thanks so much for the great advice and the links - I'm going to take a look at them right now! Your message gives me hope that we might be able to make it to WDW next year, somehow, after all! I know that I need to "broaden my horizons" and try different places and methods of booking reservations, etc. Guess I just got "stuck in my ways"! But I will definitely check out some of the methods that you suggested! How were the most recent DIS Meets that you attended?

How was Meg's experience at Girl Scout Camp, Angie? And how are you and the rest of your family doing?

We had a lot of fun in the City, on Saturday, and "Mama Mia" was wonderful! Ya gotta love that ABBA music! :) We had taken my best friend from college to see the show for her birthday, and then we took her out to dinner at a neat little restaurant, afterwards, where we were able to dine outside, which was really nice!

Any interesting plans for the 4th of July weekend, anyone? We are heading down to Frank's mother's house for a few days, to visit with her and with his 2 Aunts who are up here visiting from Tennessee.

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

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hello there Lisa

As you can see I never did make it back for the promised posting. I am headed back to bed right now and am going to save the card you sent me for a reward for surviving until morning.

We are supposed to go to the Fairgrounds for fireworks on Friday but one of my sisters and her newest feller are planning on coming by so I am not sure what the day will bring. All of my sisters have lived with me at some point in time but this one lived here the longest and left the most lasting memory. (sigh) I have not seen her for a couple of years so I am looking forward to seeing her. We mostly keep in touch via phone but she often does not have phone service so it is difficult at times.

Have switched to the South Beach Diet in an attempt to get this weight loss thing moving again. Have not lost any weight since the first of the year, up and down, up and down. I am trying to hang on to the idea that at least I have not gained any of the dreaded 83 pounds back but it is getting harder and harder to keep a good thought in that regard.

How is Frank doing? Did he have to resort to Predisone?

Sounds like Mama Mia was a blast. I liked Abba music as well. We have tickets for The Lion King next March and I am hoping to be able to get tickets for the Blue Men Group that will be showing up in Indy around my birthday.

Not feeling any too good so I had better head to bed but I do want to send a hello to Angelina. Have been thinking of her much lately with the hurricane raining havoc in her area.

Good night to Helenabear and Luis as well.

SG/Linda (aka Old Lady)

[helenabear]

Evening all. Linda dear, just take good care of yourself! Get all the rest you need and pop in only when you can! So in the mean time I promise not to talk too much so you won't be too far behind ;)

Lisa, sounds like a wonderful time at Mama Mia!!! It came through here, but I didn't get the chance to see it then, but I do like the music from ABBA! How is Frank doing? I hope much better. And as for your WDW planning, it really is so easy to do it yourself! Trust me :) If you can tell the TA what you want, all you have to do is call in for the ressies and tell them exactly what you want. But then again I do highly recommend www.dreamsunlimited.com They are affiliated with teh DIS and I used them on my honeymoon. They know all about the discounts and actively look for you. They also do all the PSs if you like. So if you don't want to completley let go, try them.

Not much going on here. My brother will be coming tomorrow from NJ for hte weekend so I suppose I will just be hanging out a lot. NOthing big planned. I hope you all have a great weekend :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Rider, Helenabear is so right about making your own ressies and such. If I can do it anyone can. The best part is the fact that when you make them through the one place you can cancel almost up to the last minute if you need to and if better rates come out you can switch. Only time that using a travel agent has ever worked for us was once when we absolutely needed rooms at a difficult time and they were able to get us in while I could not have done it on my own.

There are so many way to experience Disney World and not a one of them bad. You and Frank are out and about when you are there and the room is just a place to sleep. You would not have to give up your views from the Poly or any place else since you are so familiar with the place and can drive where you want. Heck the way you guys make friends you will have CM's falling over themselves to drive you where you want just so they can spend time with you.

I was not able to make my lunch date with my friends up in Indpls today. Had a bad night and was not in any shape to drive in the big city. Might be better to make it another time anyway. One of my sisters is coming in for the 4th and I think we are taking a picnic out to the fairgrounds to watch fireworks with my boys. Dalton has already made reservations for my lap. He called me this morning and then again a little bit ago. He is not a phone person so I was gladdened to hear his little voice. Austin called me twice today also. Lord love them, I are a lucky lady.

So many of my favorite entertainers have died lately. I will miss them and am grateful that they all left a wide array of their works for future generations to enjoy. Buddy Hackett, Gregory Peck and Katharine Hepburn, a loss to this world but bet they are causing a ruckus in Heaven. LOL To Kill a Mockingbird was a life altering movie for me. Was raised by a racist father and was blessed to have a mother who had some brains and encouraged me to read and see such movies. Katharine Hepburn led the way for independent and strong women to be independent and strong and still be women. Buddy Hackett, that imp with an ornery sense of humor but he could get away with it because of his inate kindness.

Elaine, you just feel free to emote all you want to. I love hearing what you guys are up to. How is work going for the both of you? Do you have that trellis around the door yet? Have you done any of the projects that you spoke of before moving in or have you just been too busy enjoying life? It is so much harder to renovate a house while you are living in it and in the end it will not matter so much what you do to the house, it will wait on you.

Angelina, hope you are not out cleaning up debris from the latest storms. I like to think of you sitting on your veranda, sipping a cold concoction while watching the children at play.

Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda and Elaine! Hey out there, Angie! Hope that you'll come back and see us soon, Wendy!

I'm so sorry that you're still not feeling well, Linda! :( This seems to be such a bad year for various viruses, flus, etc. going around. I hope that you are feeling much better soon and will be feeling completely better by the time that your sister comes to visit, and in time for fireworks with your young gentlemen! :)

Please don't be discouraged about the plateau that you're encountering. Believe me, I can relate - I'm STILL stuck on mine! I've been hanging steady at that 80 pound mark for 9 months!!! I'm sorry - I know that that's probably not very hopeful to you, but I can certainly empathize with your frustration! DON'T GIVE UP - as you said, you haven't GAINED anything, and that's the important thing! The additional losses will come with time - that's what I keep telling myself to keep myself going. It WILL happen! I don't know why these plateaus occur - I'm sure that it's different for everyone, based on their individual metabolisms, etc. - but I keep trying to figure out the right "equation" that will help me get off of mine! Regardless, as I always say, with regard to this topic, "look back, don't look forward" - think about all that you've accomplished, not how far you'd still like to go - thinking about the progress that you've made, the strength that you've shown, and the improvements to your health that you've made will carry you into the next round of progress and losses! That's what I keep telling myself and I keep plugging away! I'm sure that that scale will start moving again, before you know it! :)

I'm also sad about all of the entertainers who've passed away recently. It seems like we've heard of such a sad event just about every week, for the past few weeks. I was also especially sad about Katharine Hepburn - a great actress and person. Coincidentally, my parents are listening to her autobiography on tape, now (since my mother can't read any more), and recently listened to a book about the making of "The African Queen". So they are really sad about her passing, right now, too. But as my father said, "she herself said, in her book, that she led a full life and accomplished everything that she wanted to do". I guess that one can't ask for more than that. I heard on the news last night that Broadway was dark, last night, in her memory.

On a happier note, thank you and thank you, Elaine, for all of your advice and encouragement about "alternate methods of arranging WDW vacations"! :) I really appreciate all of your thoughts and suggestions, and cut and pasted them into e-mails so that Frank (who is too lazy to visit the Boards) could read them, too! Believe me, I would have abandoned the travel agent method long ago, if it wasn't for the fact that I really like my travel agent! It's a very small office - just a few people work there - and especially since the industry has been so bad since 9/11, I like to give them any business I can, because they are always so accomodating. Still, of course I know about Dreams Unlimited, and almost feel "unfaithful" giving my travel agency business to anyone but them! Especially since our old pal, WebmasterCathyCandada is a specialist, there! I will definitely have to contact them about future plans. That's so neat that they can make PS's for us, too (although I like making our PS's, myself - talking to those people, down there, a few months before we go makes the upcoming trip seem more "real", for some reason! :) ) But that's so neat that Dreams Unlimited offers that service! We'll definitely have to think about some new and different travel plans for next year.........I hope that we are able to go back! :) Our CM friends coincidentally did offer for us to stay with them, the next time we visit, Linda, but we wouldn't want to impose upon them in that way (even though they do have 3 cats.......so it would sort of feel like home! :) ). Besides, if we're taking a vacation, we need to "spoil" ourselves with the hotel atmosphere and services! We'll figure it out, I'm sure! And Frank's mother has offered her time share to us, too, which we could use in Orlando (amongst other places), so that's an option, too.

That's so nice that your brother is coming in from NJ, Elaine! Have a great time! And don't forget to make plans to visit him and his wife, so that I can come down and meet up with you, some time! :) Do you happen to have any pictures from your most recent DIS meets to share, by chance? Looking forward to seeing more of your great, descriptive pictorial threads! :)

We're heading down to South Jersey and Frank's mother's house, tomorrow morning, and will be there till Saturday, so I don't know if I will be able to check in again until the weekend. Until then, have a wonderful 4th of July weekend, Everyone, and enjoy! :)

Thanks again for everything! Talk to you soon! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Just bumping us back up!

How were your 4th of July weekends?

How are you feeling, Linda?

How was your visit with your brother, Elaine?

How are you doing out there, Angie?

All is well, here - not too much to report! We had a nice time at my in-laws', over the 4th of July weekend. Frank's 2 Aunts were up, visiting from Tennessee, and staying with his mother, so we got to spend some time with them, which was nice. We had a BBQ on the 4th and went to watch the local fireworks, too. It was a pleasant weekend.

This week, I'm catching up on all of my doctor's appointments - dentist, eye doctor, etc. (I hate having my eyes checked! But - since I haven't had them checked since 1998, I figured that I should probably do so, before I start school! Also, for the past several days, I've had this weird, involuntary spasm, every few minutes, in one of the tiny muscles above my right eye. It doesn't hurt, but it's really annoying - just a little "flicker", every few minutes. It's driving me insane! My general practitioner told me yesterday that it's perfectly normal, and happens to many people, and that it will go away on its own. Maybe the eye doctor will have some more thoughts to add, because I am going to go crazy if this doesn't go away soon!) And I think that I'm going to see if I can pick up my fall semester books this week, too.

Anyway, hope that all is well with all of you, and hope that you're all having a great week! Talk to you later!

[SlightlyGoofy]

I just posted in here the other day. What happened? It was one of my best ones ever also. (grin) I know it were a long one!!


We went to see the fireworks on Friday night and Dalton sat in my lap. He says I have the best lap cause it is fluffy. He wanted to know why we were having fireworks and I told him it was America's birthday. He then wanted to know how old the country was and I told him. He was quiet for a minute and then said "Dang, that is older than dead people"! I roared.

We waited around the house all day Saturday waiting for my sister and her new guy. They never showed up and we finally gave up and I went to sleep. Very early the next morning I was woken up with a phone call announcing that they were a couple of hours away. I rushed to Wal Mart to replenish the food I had prepared for the previous day and they finally showed up. I rather liked the guy and hope they marry soon before he finds out what he has on his hands. Hope he is strong enough, he has already had a hard time with his ex wife. They cannot get married until her bankruptcy goes through. (sigh)

My boys are raking in the ribbons and awards at the fair. Dalton won second place at the tractor pull today. Austin had a second and third place with his hogs and a first place in the tractor driving competition. He is showing his cows tomorrow. My poor sil was overjoyed to have us take Dalton home with us today as the child was having a meltdown. He screamed all the way home and I even had to threaten to swat his bottom , not something I do lightly. He was fine when he woke up and wanted to spend the night. He asked about 50 times and grinned and said that he would ask 200 times until I gave in. He forgot he was dealing with grandma not mom. LOL

Elaine, I know your visit went far better than mine. Any more DIS meets in your future?

Angelina, are your kids getting worried about the end of summer yet?

Have to go back to the fair tomorrow so I need some sleep. BTW, I had a one pound loss last week. Not great but a loss is a loss.

SG/Linda

Hoping this post sticks. LOL

[helenabear]

Hi all... checking in quickly. We have been without power for over 2 days now so I have limited time here.

I had a nice weekend with my brother but it rained and rained all weekend so we didn't get to do all we wanted to. Anyway, I am sorry I can't be around but when I get my power back, I will do a better catch up with you all.

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Helenabear

I hope that your power comes back soon. Must be really bad as they always take care of the more populated areas first. Had a really bad storm come through here yesterday. Hit Columbus the worst. I was so happy that we had brought out tiny terror home with us. He had just won second place in the pedal tractor contest and was wigging out so his dad threw him over his shoulder and forced him into our car for us to take home. Messed up my plans as I was not able to do any shopping as I am sure people would have thought we were beating him from the way he was carrying on. He does this when he gets tired. Sil and oldest grandson were still at the fair. The reports say that while there was some property damage no one was hurt so I am grateful. BTW, when my mini monster woke up he wanted to cuddle and begged to spend the night. LOL

Have fun going around fixing all those blinking lights when the power comes back on. (smile)

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

Wow - it sounds like you've been having an eventful few days! That's so neat that Dalton and Austin have been winning so many ribbons at the fair! Did Dalton actually pull a full sized tractor?? And did Austin actually drive one?? Wow!! And do the hogs belong to the boys, or are they from a farm where they take care of them? The fair sounds like a lot of fun!

And it's great that your sister and her gentleman friend wound up coming to visit after all (though I'm sure that it was frustrating waiting for them and possibly worrying about their whereabouts, as well)! I hope that everything works out for them and that they continue to be happy!

Congratulations on your pound loss! That's great! As they always say, "you have to start somewhere"........! I also lost a pound, but I am not as hopeful, as it's one of the same old 2 pounds that I keep gaining and losing. I promised myself that I would be "more aggressive" about getting rid of these remaining few, now, so we'll see if this is the beginning of a successful trend! Hopefully it will be for both of us! What is it about hitting the 80 pound loss mark that slows us down?? Is there something about the number "80" that we're not aware of? Is there some secret to additional losses that we have to "unlock" in order to go further?? (Well, you've actually already unlocked it, since you've lost more than 80 pounds!) Hopefully, we'll get the "formula" right!

I'm sorry to hear about your power outage, Elaine! That must be so frustrating! Do they have any idea when you might have your full power back? I hope that it is soon! Have the outages affected your office, at all?

Hey out there, Angie!

Well, ladies, it's now "T-minus 6 days" until our 2 year anniversary, here in the Suite!!!!! How shall we celebrate? Moonlight cruise on the Seven Seas Lagoon? Banquet in the Suite (catered by all of our favorite WDW restaurants, of course!)? Private viewing of the EWP from our own private beach, with tropical themed drinks and snacks? I can't believe that it's been almost 2 years! (Actually longer, since the original thread - which I can no longer access via its link - began in May, 2001!)

All is well, here. I still have my weird "flickery-eye-spasm-thing", but I'm trying not to think about it and hoping that it goes away by itself. None of my doctors seem too concerned about it, and they all say that they doubt that it's related to my eye injury of last year. I just hope that it goes away soon and doesn't get worse!

In the mean time, I know that I am a "real Rutgers student" again, now, because I got my first New Brunswick (the city where Rutgers is located) parking ticket in over 15 years, when I went to buy my fall semester books! Getting New Brunswick parking tickets is a "rite of passage" that all R.U. students are unfortunately all too familiar with, since the parking and meter attendants seem to materialize out of nowhere, even if you leave your car for 2 seconds! I certainly racked up my share, years ago, thinking that I could park on the city streets for a few minutes, while running to do quick errands. I was in the bookstore for maybe 10 minutes........and literally laughed when I came out to find that familiar looking ticket on my windshield! Fortunately, it wasn't an expensive one........! Anyway, I feel very "official", now (even though the college kids working in the bookstore looked at me all weird when I was giving them my course numbers and asking if they had those books in stock.......they probably thought that I was the MOTHER of an incoming student, instead of the student, herself! )!

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

P.S. - For some reason, the Boards wouldn't let me send this message until I deleted all of my smileys! This is the second time that that has happened to me, recently. Very strange..........

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa

Congratulations on being a school girl again. People believing that you are a mother instead of a student? Nah!! You are one of those people who will never age, mature - yes, but not age. I have found that smiles make everyone look more youthful and inviting and you have a wonderful one. Am wondering if the stress and nervousness might not be causing the eye tick though. Just a thought. Guess the ticket made you an 'official' student. LOL

Yes, Austin can drive a full sized tractor and has for several years. He drives cars, trucks and all kinds of other vehicles as well. Not sure that I like the idea of him driving the cars and trucks on the road but it is only about a third of a mile from one house to the other on a county road. Even if it were not his fault I am sure that the insurance company would not pay for anything but 'luckily' he and his family have nothing for anyone to get. (sigh) Dalton pedaled a child size pedal tractor pulling a heavy weight behind. My grandsons live on a working farm. Jackie works so they can afford to farm. It is a family friendly environment to raise kids in though.

Dalton is asleep on my couch right now. I have an old velvet covered couch in our bedroom that the kids sleep on when they are here. They say it is like sleeping on a giant marshmallow or on grandma. LOL They do not like being in a different room for me when they sleep or anything. They lay up in bed with me until they fall asleep and then I transfer them to the couch otherwise I would get no sleep. Austin is too old to be sleeping with his old granny anyway. I do not find the fair any fun at all. I am terrified to animals and being so close to it all and the heat is more than I can bear at times but I do it because the boys want me there. I was so proud of Austin as he has come such a long way from last year when he was almost trampled by a 1,000 cow in front of me. I almost jumped the fence to get him but my dd held me back. I was appalled and terrified and so was he. He had much smaller and better behaved animals this year. Dalton is fearless and if his pig had acted up I would have feared for him. Dalton named him Porkchop, nuff said.

Dealing with my family has gotten easier through the years as I expect less and less. I am the only family member that is in touch with everyone. The older group gets together sometimes but we do not tell the younger bunch so we can enjoy ourselves. I call, write and sometimes visit the younger ones. Some are discouraged from visiting me as some of their kids are the kind to take souveniers home with them (televisions, vcr's, cash). Our parents did not raise them that way.


I have changed my diet somewhat. Several friends are doing the South Beach diet which is a form of low carb diet. I tried it but it was not one that I could follow for any length of time. I have cut out all bread, pasta, rice and white potatoes though and am eating more meat. Have seen a good change in my digestion. Having lost such an enourmous amount of weight don't you think our bodies are just adjusting. You are so close to goal that it would be naturally a lot harder for you to erase those last few pounds. The South Beach diet promises to erase the weight around the waist more than other diets. I have friends who swear to it. Not enough variety for me to be able to handle it though. I ate a double cheeseburger at McD's almost every day this week and have actually lost a tiny bit. I take the top bun off. Would take the lower one off also but it is far too messy. Seems to satisfy me more and keep me from being hungry as soon. I say that as long as we are not gaining any of those 'lost' pounds back we are successes.

Being a sort of all type person I vote for each and every suggestion you made as to our anniversary. Maybe an ICQ chat would be in order? That is if I remember how to do it. LOL

Helenabear, is the power back up in your area? Our Columbus was hit pretty badly also and power is still off in many places. I was astonished by the downed trees and debris I saw yesterday. Has been a far too interesting spring and early summer for the whole country.

Angelina, any more catering jobs coming up? I would love to hear your menus. I watch the Food Network show about eating on $40 a day. Guess I am a glutton for punishment but believe it or not - I watch late at night and it has never made me get up and get a snack. Wonders will never cease. Only ate a few bites of funnel cake at the fair and turned the rest over to my dh. Am finding myself at buffet restaurants and I will walk around the dessert bar but do not usually find anything worth breaking my diet for. I used to eat a couple just to get my money's worth. Just a shame I learned all this so late in life.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

How were your weekends?

Hi Linda! How are you doing? I hope that you are feeling all better, by now! I think it's so neat that your grandsons can actually drive / pedal those vehicles! I remember your saying that they live on a working farm - that must be such a great experience and environment for them! They've probably learned to do all sorts of things that they never would have, otherwise, and probably learned a lot about responsibility and respect for the land, and other living creatures, as well. They also probably get to learn a lot of things that other people are not exposed to, too. Is your fair still going on? Did you attend any more of its events, over the weekend?

That's nice that you stay in touch with everyone in your family, on a regular basis, and sort of hold everyone together! I certainly understand what you mean about learning to expect less and less of certain relatives as time goes by. In a way that's good, though - being realistic about them and what one can expect from them might help to maintain your relationships and help you to feel comfortable with the relatives in question. It also sort of protects you from being hurt and then thinking afterwards "I should have known better". I know that that's definitely the case in my family!

You are very brave to give up bread, pasta, potatoes, and all the other white flour / grain stuff all together! I try to watch how much of those things I have, but have not sworn off them entirely. I try to stick to wheat bread, when I have bread, though, and I only let myself have pasta around once a month, if at all. If low carb is working for you, that is great! And if you say that you've been feeling better and digesting better, that's even better! I don't know what I'm doing, but I think that my sheer force of determination (and frustration!) is making the scale start moving, again. I "broke through" and managed to get below that 80 pound mark, today. Hopefully this is a sign of continued good things to come! I agree with you, about the desserts - I never really see anything so tempting that I would actually want it. We had dinner with some friends on Saturday night, and Frank shared this beautiful looking chocolate fudgy dessert with them. They kept saying to me "come on, take one bite, it won't kill you.....", etc. But nice as it looked, I just didn't WANT it badly enough to even have that one bite, so I didn't (I hate when people do that "take one bite, it won't kill you" thing, anyway!). And I know what you mean about avoiding late night temptation (and what an accomplishment that is!), too - although I don't watch food related shows late at night, I definitely read cookbooks and magazines about food, and cook in the middle of the night, on occasion, too! And somehow I manage not to nibble, either! :) I think that we're really going to get there, this time, with our renewed senses of purpose.........or something like that! :)

How are you doing, out there, Elaine and Angie? Hope that all is well with you both! :)

Would definitely be up for a live chat on Wednesday.........if someone will teach me how to use ICQ - I've never used it before - just AOL Instant Messenger! 2 days until our 2 year anniversary! :)

Have a great day, Everyone! :)

[IASW Rider]

HAPPY 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO THE EWP SUITE AND THE EWP GROUPIES!!!!! :) :) :)

Looking forward to many more years of friendship and fun in our very special place, here on the DIS Boards! :)

Love,
Lisa :)

[angelina]

Just wanted to pop in and wish everyone a happy 2nd anniversary! Wow! It's hard to believe that it's been that long, but I've enjoyed getting to know everyone, and still hope that one day we can all meet up at WDW!

Lisa, are you excited about going back to school? When do you begin classes? I looked into going back, but the timing just isn't right. In a few years, when the little one is older, I'll check again. Actually, I would like to a college over the bay to complete a cullinary arts degree, but classes are in Gulf Shores, which is about an hour away.

No, Linda, no more jobs lined up at this time. I did my last party on the 5th. I made gallons of gumbo for it, and other "party" food, but it was the easiest one I'd done so far. I would much prefer to have a partner, though. I always worry about having enough, and it would be nice to have someone else involved for a second opinion.

Elaine, was your power out because of the weather? Two days is too long, especially in the summer, isn't it? I hope everything is o.k. now.

I hope you all have a great day.

Angelina

[helenabear]

Hi all... I meant to get into the suite last night but we lost power again :mad: And yes 2 days w/o power is a LONG time... unfortunately we had it for three full days :( So we have power (it came on with in an hour or so) but we are not happy with the power company and haven't been for a while.

I really don't have much time to be in here today but I wanted to wish you all a Happy Anniversary :) Enjoy the day!

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Great to see you, Angie! How are you doing? How is your family? Wow - I'm getting hungry thinking about your gumbo! I know what you mean about the timing for going back to school - you want to be sure that it's the right time and fits in with everything else going on in your family and in your life before you make that kind of commitment. But I'm sure that you will find a time that's right, if it's something that you want to do - I think that you would do wonderfully in a Culinary Arts program! It's obviously something that you're already great at doing and something that you enjoy! I think that Linda is right - you need to open your own catering business or restaurant!

Believe it or not, now Frank is going back to school, too! I guess that my academic aspirations somehow rubbed off and inspired him, as well! :) Frank is going to be completing his Bachelor's degree (which he started but never finished, back in the early 80's) on line, through the University of Phoenix. I've often seen their ads pop up, when I've been on line, but never knew much about their programs. Apparently, it is a school geared towards working professionals and classes are offered on a very flexible basis. Many of the people whom Frank works with at ML are taking classes through that school, and one is even getting her MBA through it. Best of all, it's one of the institutions which has been approved for ML's tuition reimbursement program, so as long as Frank does well (which he will!) we will be reimbursed for 100% of the cost of his classes. He'll only be taking one class at a time and continue working full time. Fall will be interesting and different, around here, with both of us doing homework! :)

I am excited about starting classes (which will be on September 2, I believe), but I am nervous, too. I've been working on shaking my apprehension about having committed to going back full time, when we have no idea how our finances will work out when I have no income. I'm trying to concentrate on the positive stuff and remember why I enrolled to start with, and really believe that we'll make it work out, somehow. Every time I've begun to think about school, recently, I've gotten that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach like "am I totally making a mistake by doing this?" "am I wasting time and money and putting us into debt, unnecessarily?" So I'm working on ways (inside my head!) to turn that around and concentrate on the "good stuff" - I've wasted too much time worrying, already! I figure that even if I go full time, this first year, I can always switch to part time, next year, and hopefully find a job related to the field, in the interim. I'm having lunch with an old friend of mine from college, who happens to work at Rutgers and go to graduate school there, part time, as well. I'm hoping that he might be able to give me some ideas about part time jobs on campus, how he manages financially, etc. Plus, he works for the Chemistry Department, which is somewhat related to my field, so maybe he might have some leads on "scientifically oriented" jobs on campus. Anyway, all this to say, I'm slowly getting myself psyched for this new endeavor! :)

Hi Elaine! I'm so sorry to hear that you are still having problems with your power! It must be awful to have had to go without air conditioning or to be able to use your lights or appliances......or your computer! And it must be so frustrating to have it go off, intermittantly, like that. I hope that it will stay on and be more consistent, now! By the way, I'm in the process of researching several WDW vacation options (different resorts, different lengths of stay, different times of the year, etc.) with a Dreams Unlimited Agent, just for the heck of it. Thanks for your advice - they are so efficient and so quick to provide information! Not that I am surprised - it IS, after all, Dreams Unlimited! But I am really impressed with their service and how quickly they respond to e-mails and quote requests! Who knows - by some miracle, maybe we WILL be able to go back to WDW - even for a few days - next year! How are you and Luis doing, in general? How has the summer been going (notwithstanding your crazy power outages)?

Hey out there, Linda! Hope that our Founder (that's YOU!) stops by to join our Anniversary gathering, soon! :)

Have a great EWP Suite Kinda Day, Everyone! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hi!

Just wanted to wish you all a great weekend! :)

Does anyone have any interesting plans to report?

My Aunt is coming down from Connecticut, tomorrow, and she, Frank, and I are taking my Uncle out for his (77th!) birthday, which should be nice! Then we're just spending Sunday with my best friend from high school and her family, at their swim club!

Frank and I saw the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film, today, and we thought that it was just great! :) It was much "lighter" and humorous than I thought it would be - lots of action and a defined storyline, but lots of cute moments, as well! And a few creative "nods" to the attraction which inspired it, too! We really enjoyed seeing it (and it made me even more "homesick" for WDW - I wanted to ride PoC as soon as the movie was over! Then again........I ALWAYS want to ride PoC, so that's nothing new! :) )

Hope that all is well with all of you! Have a great weekend and hope to "see" you all, in the Suite, some time soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

OK, that is the last time that I use Teflon paper to post in here. I was in here, albeit briefly, to wish you all a Happy Anniversary the other day and it seems to have disappeared. It happened another time not too long ago. Maybe I had better make sure it is posted before I depart?

Helenabear, without power? I would think that a city the size of Columbus would be much better at that sort of thing. Our Columbus is much smaller and had a horrible storm hit and everyone was back on line within a day. My grands were at the fair when it hit. Thankfully everyone was alright but many trees were uprooted and destroyed.

Angelina, is a more laid back relaxed type person and I think that she would be great at theme parties or something where she could arrange here schedule around her family life and use her many talents to the fullest. Right now I believe she is getting ready to leave on Wednesday for her children's first plane trip.

Rider, listen to an older and somewhat wiser(practice makes perfect?) woman.. You are NOT wasting money or time. Education is a valuable resource and there are many rewards ahead of you. As enthused as you are you cannot do anything but succeed and what a saviour you will be to all those you will work with in the future. Money is a replenishable resource and time is not and none of us can afford to waste that. Go forward and enjoy this time. For every minor problem you will suffer to get to where you want to go you will be rewarded by the experience. You and Frank can do your homework together. My daughter took classes that were paid for my her company and that is a wonderful thing. It also shows your employer that you are willing to go the extra mile to be more valuable employee and I would be that they would be far more loathe to lay off such an employee and would want to get every benefit and promote them to a position where they could use those talents.

I would love to go see Pirates and will when I get time. As for my weekend plans - I had a tag sale this weekend and did pretty well and got rid of a lot of 'stuff'. I am having company tomorrow as I am showing The Villages tape to a couple of couples and will also have Dalton overnight and all day Monday for Granny School. Not much time left before regular school begins. He picked out some Avon bottles he wanted. They were of Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, the Capitol Building and the Liberty Bell. I was tickled cause he was looking for the crack. I t hink we have a budding politician here but am hoping to steer him in a more moral and productive direction. (grin)

Have been up since 4:30 this morning and am very tired so I will leave you all.

Happy Anniversary to you all, you beautiful people!!!

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

Great to "see you", here in the Suite! :) How was your weekend?

I'd forgotten to mention to you that I recently found out that the in-laws of a friend of mine are moving to the Villages! It was such a coincidence that you had told all of us about the development just before she happened to mention this to me! It seems to be quite a popular property, now! It would be so great to live so close to WDW...........! :)

Thanks so much for your great and wise words, as always! I like that theory - that money is something that can be replenished, but time is not, as that's something that one can never "get back"! I'll have to save your post elsewhere, so that I can refer back to it easily, during my ambivalent / terrified moments! :) And thank you for your encouraging words for Frank, too!

We had a nice weekend. It was nice celebrating my Uncle's and Aunt's birthdays with them on Saturday, when my Aunt came down from Connecticut - they said that they had a really nice time when we took them out, so we're glad. And we had fun with my friend Lisa and her family at their swim club, yesterday. Her one year old son is adorable, and it was fun watching him splash around in the baby pool! And it was a relaxing afternoon.

Now, I'm off to "hit the books", as I've promised myself that I will study a little algebra every day until school starts, so that I will feel more prepared, then. Time to "dust off" my "rusty" memories of it, from high school!

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

[IASW Rider]

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO A GALA BIRTHDAY SOIREE, IN HONOR OF OUR FOUNDER, LINDA, A.K.A "SLIGHTLY GOOFY"

Friday, July 25 2003

in the EWP Suite,
Somewhere on Seven Seas Drive

Cocktail Hour will commence at 6:00 in the evening, to be immediately followed by a Seven Course Dinner

Moonlight Fireworks Cruise and Private Showing of the Electrical Water Pageant to follow, beginning at 8:30 PM

Dancing and Refreshments on the Beach, thereafter...........

Hope to see you all there! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

WOW!!!!! I am so honored and be delighted to spend the evening with my EWP buddies. Rider, you have just described my favorite thing to do on my birthday. I am about double the age of the rest of you youngsters and you are all so nice to put up with my 'mothering' ways. LOL

Rider, you are so smart to start on your studying now. I always read ahead in my books as it gave me a leg up on the classes and if I ran into trouble I had some wiggle room. Was so lucky that some subjects came as second nature so I could spend double the time studying the rough ones. Not sure I could ever do Algebra again though. That is the one subject that is keeping my dd from completing her degree. She has an "A" average and I believe that she is not willing to settle for less in this course and think she is wrong but then what do I know? LOL Are you good at learning from books? If not, why not get a computer program that would walk you through step by step and you might even get to play a game while doing so. Would work for me. (smile)

The Villages is quite a growing thing. Only about 30,000 pop now but growing to 100,000 in the next 20 years. Only real problem I see is the water problem but figure that is a problem all over Florida. We are going to spend a week down there before we go to DW this November. If we like it we are going to rent a place for a month next spring.

I love hearing about your family get togethers. Is the only thing I ever envy anybody for. I took Austin shopping for his birthday presents today. He picked out some farm toys for his collection and fell in love with one more expensive toy that I bought to put away for his Christmas present. If we are to be gone almost all of November I have to get a head start on the season.

Is easy to encourage you and Frank as well as Helenabear and Angelina as I am in awe of how mature and responsible you all are. Sort of think of you all as my other kids. Hope you don't mind.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[IASW Rider]

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

Hope that you have a wonderful day, and we'll see you this evening for your gala celebration!

Hope that Austin has a very happy birthday, as well! When is the actual date? Will you be celebrating your birthdays together, this weekend?

I haven't bought my school supplies, yet - I'm keeping my eyes open for those "back to school sales", before I buy my notebooks and highlighters and stuff! Am trudging through the algebra - basically trying to re-familiarize myself with the basic concepts of elementary algebra, first (integers, prime numbers, real numbers, whole numbers.........I haven't heard those terms in years!), before I move on to the "real stuff". I have to pick up the pace, though - I want to make some serious headway before September! Was just about to start looking into part time jobs (not sure where I would be able to fit the hours in, with the way that my schedule turned out, this semester), but then I just found out that my unemployment was extended for another 3 months - yea!!! Now I won't have to get a job till next semester, and can plan my classes in such a way that I have enough blocks of free time to be able to work during the week, too.

We have to start socking some money away for our "alleged" trip to WDW, next year! We are "this close" to booking......believe it or not.......a DCL for next May! Frank had wanted to go to the Bahamas next year, anyway, so this might be the way to satisfy both of our vacation wishes! And believe it or not, the quote that DU has given us turns out to be less expensive than our traditional land-only Poly trips! So we'll see......we also have some quotes from DU for the value resorts, as well.

Anyway, time to get ready to head back down to my in-laws' for the weekend.

Have a great birthday, Linda!

Hope that all is well with you both, Elaine and Angie!

Have a great weekend, Everyone!

(Hey - the Boards made me take most of my smileys out of this message, before it let me post it! What's going on?? ("sad face" would be here if I was able to post it!)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Rider

How wonderful that you will have three less months to worry about. I am so glad. Might you not be able to get a job on campus. Seems it is easier to schedule that way and even if it is a bit less money you will make it up in less travel time and less stress. Would be great if you could work in the area of your future expertise to see if you enjoy it or not and/or what areas you are most interested in.

If we go to DW as planned this November we will be back again in May. Dare we hope to dream? OK, Angelina and Helenabear get to planning!!! Has Frank been to the Bahamas before? I have been a few times. My sister who goes often (Paradise Island) has a tip. She has made friends with a local cab driver and she and her friends hire him for the day and get the best tour ever and since he eats with them they get to learn about everything in more detail. Much cheaper than the land packages that the ships offer. I will be interested in hearing how your DCL thing goes. Is something I have often thought of and might be a great idea for one of our 2004 trips.

Austin's birthday is the 13th. He was at church camp last week so I took him shopping yesterday for his birthday presents. He collects farm toys and it is best that he pick out what he wants as I am a city girl. LOL He and his family are very busy so I doubt that I will hear from them today. Jackie came by yesterday to pick Austin up and mentioned the loose wallpaper. I had asked her to help me fix it for my Christmas present year before last. If I had lazy bums for children I would not have these problems. LOL

Next week is Bible School so I will have everyone for dinner before they head over and will keep Dalton all week to make sure he gets a nap. The daycare lady told him yesterday that they were going swimming and he looked at her and asked "When are we going to have naptime again"? He was sound asleep when Jackie brought him here to pick up his brother. It was only 5:30 pm.

I am down almost 3 pounds since Tuesday. The South Beach Diet seems to be a miracle. Am scared of what happens when I start adding carbs again though.

See you all later for the parade. I might come formal (that is with shoes on ). LOL

SG/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Here I sit on the beach at the Poly with my feet up and a cold drink in my hand. The fellers went all out and dressed down for the occasion so I am sitting here looking at the scenery. You know I mean the palm trees. (grin)

The only thing that makes a birthday even better is sharing it with those you love and I am one happy lady.

Let's chat awhile until the parade starts.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

Hope that you enjoyed our Suite Birthday celebration! :)

You look wonderful, as always - it's so great that the South Beach Diet is working so well for you! I'm sure that you will be just as successful, if you start adding carbs again. You are permitted to have some carbs on that plan, already, aren't you? I'm sure that you will continue to do beautifully!

I'm still floundering, myself. I treated myself to a big pile of pasta last night, because I hadn't had any in so long! Still holding steady at around 80-81 pounds. I barely eat any refined carbs as it is.........some day I will find my "magic formula"! Maybe I'll try cutting out the carbs all together and see what happens........I just can't give up the fruit and vegetable ones, though!

Hope that Austin has a very happy birthday! :) And hope that Dalton has pleasant dreams! :)

We're still debating about whether to "go for it" and book our DCL trip for May. If we do, we have to make our decision by this Wednesday, in order to take advantage of the "Early Booking Savings". Decisions, decisions! If we do go, the dates would be May 16 - 23 (I believe), and we would be on land (ie: at WDW!) May 16 - 20.........for anyone who might happen to be "in the neighborhood" at the same time........! :) Frank has never been to the Bahamas, but I have been to Nassau 3 times. It's great there, and best of all, it's in the Caribbean but it's so close to Florida that it's a quick trip!

Yes, I am also still debating whether to try to find a part time job on campus that might fit into my schedule, or whether to pursue a job that's more field-specific. I did see one posted at one of our local hospitals, right now, but I think that I need to "ease myself" back into the school schedule before I take on too much at once. Besides, our home schedule will change, too, with Frank taking classes as well, so there will be a lot of changes at once. Maybe I should take things slowly before making even more changes! And since my unemployment will carry me through most of this first semester, hopefully I'll be able to do that! We'll see!

Anyway, time to try to be "productive"! Hope that you had a wonderful Birthday and weekend! :)

Hope that all is well with you both, Elaine and Angie! :)

Have a great day! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Rider, you made Dalton's day as he is here and was able to read what you wrote about him. Had to help him with pleasant though. LOL

You are so right about making too many changes all at once. Is best to make them one at a time and that gives you a chance to figure out what is working and what is not. It will be a challenge for you and Frank to make sure that you have enough alone time. Is very important to a good marriage (although too much can be a whole other problem LOL).

I am marking the dates of your proposed dates as they would fit in with out plans very nicely. Have discovered that we might have to go to Diseny 3 times, instead of twice, next year as we will be attending a convention in North Carolina and figure that we might as well go for it. I am more interested in NYC since it is closer. Many thoughts of getting a room outside and taking tours into the city. Just ruminations. Tom will go anywhere I want to go but then he does none of the driving, planning packing etc. etc. and is just content to be out of the house and eating out each meal. Very simple man he.

I got an email today about some new Disney cruises and was sort of interested in the one that included Key West. I would love to wander among the 6 toed cats and trod the streets where Hemingway staggered home many a night. LOL

The South Beach diet allows veggies even on Phase One. I just finished my first week and am down over 3 pounds. The first couple of times I had cheese I felt downright sinful. Had been so long since I had had any real cheese. I often have omelets with cheese for breakfast. and cook up a bunch of hamburger patties with grilled veggies for most of my other meals. Eating out is painless. I ate out 4 times this week and actually came home lighter one particular day. I go to the buffets and chow down on the lean meats and certain veggies. I even cheated a tiny bit here and there. Wonder what my total would have been if I had not. I am supposed to continue this for another week before adding fruits and small amounts of carbs back. Will see what next week brings and might continue for a third week before going on to Phase two. If you would like the info I can send it all. I was not able to do the Adkins for long since I had to have some veggies. You can even have SF fudgesicles and diet cocoa on Phase one. Love it!!! Hope the next 75 comes off as easily as the first 75 plus did now that I am revved up again. I could be down another 40 pounds before our DW trip!

BTW, what are your favorite things to do in the Bahamas? We went to a nightclub there with one cruise and the scenery was less than impressive but they had a large lady who sang who blew my socks off. Did not care for the show over at Paradise Island. Took Tom since it was advertised as topless but if it was illegeal to be topless they could have only been charged with a misdeamenor. (great big belly laugh)

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[IASW Rider]

OK - we did it! We're officially back on the WDW countdown list - we booked our DCL vacation, yesterday! At least we're being somewhat frugal, anyway - it somehow came out to be less expensive - all things considered - than our usual weekly stay at the Poly. We'll be at Port Orleans Riverside May 16 - 19 and on the Disney Wonder (Nassau, Castaway Cay) May 20 - 23! Yea!!!!! Dreams Unlimited is wonderful - they are extremely helpful and efficient!

So, you let us know if you might happen to be "in the area" around that time, Linda! And certainly, if you happen to be thinking about making a trip to the Big Apple in the interim, please let us know! That's amazing that you may be able to make it to WDW 3 times, this year!

Favorite things to do in the Bahamas? Why, lie on the beach like a blob and stare at the ocean and the palm trees, of course! I've also enjoyed touring around and shopping in Nassau, eating lots of dishes containing conch, and enjoying the sunsets while drinking frosty, tropical beverages! That was a great story about the topless show!

6-toed cats? If you'd like to see one of those, you're welcome to come here, any time - one of our cats, Boo Boo Kitty, has 6 toes on each of her 2 front paws (for a grand total of 22 toes!)!

That's so amazing that you lost so much weight so quickly on the South Beach Diet! It definitely sounds motivating to lose so much so soon into the plan. I'm sure that you will continue to do beautifully, as always! Sure - please send it over - I'm at my wits' end with this dumb plateau - just when I thought I'd finally broken through it, it "levels off" again - and that's happened so many times that I'm ready to scream, at this point! So maybe I'll bite the bullet and give the no carb philosophy a try.......!

Well, time to get myself moving, here. Have a great day and talk to you soon!
(Hey! the Boards made me take out all my smileys before I posted this, again!)

[IASW Rider]

Hey!

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

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Rider

I just marked the dates on my calendar for when you guys will be at DW. Sounds like a good time for us as we like to go when the kids are in school and the crowds are lower. The weather is lovely that time of the year also. Going 3 or more times in one year is not so very much as we stay at the value resorts and look for bargain prices at that and only really eat one meal a day out of the room. Once we pay for the AP's it is pretty much a done deal. Is the most expensive part of the vacation for us. Being retired we have a lot more time than cash so it works for us. I am glad that you have decided that it is better to be at DW no matter where you stay than anywhere else. LOL We eat at Boatwright's often and often go down to listen to the piano player. Even being night blind I can drive there after dark without getting lost or being a menace to other drivers. (smile)

You probably already know but it is better to order off the menu than order the breakfast buffet at Boatwrights. Also the buildings are quite aways from the main buildings so you might want to request a special room. The boat to DD and other parts are a huge plus.


The six toed cats at Key West are said to be relatives of Earnest Hemingway's cats. The big thing there is to sit at sunset, with a cold one and toast the sunset. Large crowds do it and then continue on to party.

I am not a sun and fun type person. I love the flora and fauna though. Such a waste to spend all you time at the gaming tables in such a beautiful country. I know that you guys will have a ball, no matter where you go.

Curious as to why you decided not to rent points. I have considered that as one last big hurrah one day. If I had unlimited funds I would love to stay at Old Key West in a suite with a whirlpool. A suite at Boardwalk overlooking the lagoon would be a close second.

I will send the South Beach diet info. Am not doing so very well this week but am not feeling well and have slipped a couple of times. Who knows what the scales will say tomorrow though. Have been doing the carpets and such and laying down between rooms just to catch my breath. Have to admit that it does seem to be a very filling diet and I am not hungry near as much. I need to go to the store and replenish my supplies of allowable food. Should go tonight but am too darned tired. Old age is no fun ladies. LOL

I am taking Dalton for his before school party Monday. I got him 20 one dollar bills and am taking him to the Dollar Tree to spend them. I have taught him how to read price tags and he is raring to go shopping.

Austin is spending this last week before school starts up in Indy at the state fair with his animals. I will miss his phone calls as he will not be back until Thursday.

Thinking about going to see Chicago yet again as it has hit the local second run theater. Is a classic IMHO.

Take care and great big hellos to Helenabear and Angelina as well. I think Angie is back from her recent trip and am awaiting the details of how the kids enjoyed it.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

Thanks so much again for sending all of that great information! I like to learn about all different diet plans, then take pieces of each and make them work for me. I ordered the South Beach Diet book, because I want to read more about how the Doctor who formulated it researched before he found what was successful. And I want to learn more about the insulin resistance theories (I believe that that has everything to do with why and how my mother got sick). And since the plan has been so successful for you and since you seem to be enjoying it, I want to learn more about it! I'm sure that you did wonderfully, this week, and that you will be more than pleasantly surprised, the next time you hit the scale! I hope that you are feeling better, too - don't work too hard - take it easy - it's the weekend! :)

That's so nice that you are taking Dalton on a back-to-school shopping spree! I like that idea - of giving him 20 $1 bills and having him select what he wants, while simultaneously teaching him how to shop and save! And I'll bet that Austin will come back from the State Fair with many more ribbons and / or trophies for his presentations and competitions!

Hmmm.........maybe we can honor Ernest Hemingway's memory by toasting the sunset from our deck, with our 6-toed cat, Boo Boo Kitty, looking on from inside the sliding glass door of our house! That's the best that we can do until we make it to Key West, some day! :)

That's so wonderful that you might be able to be at WDW during the same time that we are! :) And believe it or not........that week represents the anniversary of the very first EWP thread (if I'm not mistaken - I can no longer access it from the Boards - it might have been permanently archived), so we can celebrate it together.......by watching the EWP together..........in PERSON (as opposed to over the phone), this time! :) Maybe I'll finally be able to "get it right" and be able to meet Elaine and Angie there, next year, too! I can't believe that we were there during those same times, over the past 2 years, and I didn't get to meet either of you in person! :( Maybe in 2004????? Maybe in 2004, we can ALL have our inevitable EWP reunion at WDW! :)

We are definitely planning to have dinner at Boatwright's, when we are there. Believe it or not, we have never eaten there, nor even really seen the POR / DxL property, except in pictures, even after all these years! We are so unfamiliar with "that side of town", since we always stay in the MK area. So we are branching out and trying to become more familiar with the DD, AK, and Epcot resort areas! Sure will miss the MK area, but we will definitely go and visit - we can't be down there and not dine at the Kona Cafe, at least once - it's our all time favorite WDW establishment! :)

Thanks for the advice about dining at POR, Linda! The reason that we decided against DVC is that it's way too expensive for us, right now, with me not working full time. I am such an idiot - I should have joined 4 or 5 years ago, when I had a steady income. Even though it would have been pretty steep for me / us then, too, it would have already paid itself off, by now, after our past 5 years' stays at the Poly. We just can't make an investment of that size, with me not working full time and with us paying my Rutgers tuition. But when I start working full time, again (when ever that may be - it could be years from now!), that's something that we will definitely consider, because as often as we hope to continue traveling to WDW, it would certainly be a worthwhile investment! In the mean time, I worked with several very knowledgeable, helpful, and efficient Agents at Dreams Unlimited, and we determined that a land / sea DCL package would be the way to go, for next year! Also, took your advice and Elaine's and did lots of research on line and through DU. Now we just have to find some reasonable and convenient flights, and we're all set!

Well, time to get going. Hope that you're all having a great weekend! And hope that you had a wonderful vacation, Angie! Where did you go? Tell us all about it! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hey everyone!

Hi Linda!

How are you doing? How did everything go with your latest batch of home improvement projects? As I always say, I think it's so great that you do so many things on your own! I should learn to do things like install doors, etc. I know that lots of people know how to do them - Frank knows how to do many things like that - but I never had the patience to learn. It must be especially satisfying to not only pick out the ammenities that you want and need for your house, but also to install (and / or paint, decorate, or otherwise) them yourself! Coincidentally, we really need to do something about our front screen door - it's old and it's definitely time to replace it. Maybe I can watch Frank do that, when we get around to it, and learn at that time! It's also funny that you mentioned having your truck's tires replaced and its oil changed, because my car's tires are being replaced and its oil is being changed right now, as I write! :)

I finished reading the South Beach Diet book, and it was really interesting! It's right up my alley, in terms of the sort of information that it presents. I'm really interested in the way that the body processes and metabolises food, and "what it does with it", and how that affects our health, and all of that is explained very clearly in the book. That's the sort of stuff that I'm looking forward to studying in school. I like the scientific explanations that the Doctor provides, as well as (needless to say) the encouraging words about how and why his diet plan works. It's very close to the way that I've been eating for the past 2 years - with the exception of the fact that I have fruit and fruit juice and would occasionally have bread and pasta. I'm doing an "experiment" and cutting out all bread and pasta, and all fruit (with the exception of one glass of orange juice in the morning), for a little while, to see what happens. I tried it for a few days and immediately dropped 3 pounds and was very hopeful......until I got on the scale this morning and seemed to have "gained" 2 back. I don't know how that could be possible, overnight......I'm guessing that it might have to do with the fact that we went out to dinner last night and wound up eating later than we usually do. Anyway, I press on, looking for the right "formula" to get me off of this 10-month plateau! :)

You are absolutely right about everything being pretty expensive in NYC - even the diners / coffee shops are on the expensive side, there. I guess that that's the case in every large city. But it's nice to splurge and go in and have dinner there, every once in awhile! We promised ourselves no Broadway shows for a long time, since a day of theater and a night of dining in NYC can run on average around $300 (including train tickets, taxis, etc.) or even more! We'll save such excursions for special occasions.....but probably not until I start working, in some capacity, again. We need to save up for that spring WDW trip - as long as I know that we have that to look forward to, I don't care if we give up other things, in the interim! :)

Would love to come and see your shoe tree - that sounds neat! And I loved looking at the Roadside America site that you sent over - there are some really cool and weird things, out there! I don't know why I find them so fascinating! I also like anything that looks "retro" - like signs from other decades - I like looking at the different "kitschy" styles. I also used to collect magazine ads from the 1940's and 1950's - had some very pretty Coca Cola ones (very "50's-like", with 2 teenagers sharing a soda, with 2 straws, and gazing into one another's eyes, etc.) and some amusing / sad cigarette ads ("4 out of 5 doctors recommend Camel for their patients who smoke - it's less irratating to the throat than other brands!" It's very sad to look at that, now!).

I hope that your DD and DSL are able to take your grandsons to D.C.! That would be wonderful for them! There is so much to see and do there, and I'm sure that they would learn a lot and have a good time! There is a museum there to fit everyone's tastes, and I just love walking around the mall area, amongst the monuments. It's just a really great city, in general!

Anyway, I'd probably better get going and see what I can get done before the dealership calls to tell me that I can pick up my car!

Hope that all is well with all of you, out there! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa

You give me far too much credit. I do a lot of different things but it is not cause I am so talented. We are a middle income (now retired) couple and I am picky. If I wanted a certain standard of living I had to learn how to do things myself or do without. If Frank enjoys doing and is capable and you do other things it is working for you and that is great. Is only a problem if only one half of a couple does it all. (sigh)

Thank you so much for the postcard from Rutgers. I am so proud. I always wanted a child of mine to go to college. LOL I have it up on the china cabinet where I put things of the utmost importance.

I get my tires and oil changes at Wal Mart. I save big bucks AND I don't have to have appointment and get to wander the aisles looking for bargains instead of sitting around wasting time at the dealership. We just got a super store here and I love it. You could live in there.


I lost 3.25 pounds on the SBD the first week and only .75 the next week. I lost an average of about a half pound a day for the first week and a half and then it started creeping and then leaping back. I have a suspicion what is wrong and am hoping I am wrong but my mother had congestive heart failure (sounds a lot worse than it is cause people can live for many decades with it if properly treated). I gained about 10 pounds yesterday alone and even if I had eaten all day long I could not have accomplished the weight gain without something else being wrong. Have you checked out any of the forums on SBD? I can send some if you are interested.

I will be paying about $180 for the tickets to Lion King including the transportation and thought that was high. I have never been to one of the Broadway series where I left and felt like I had been overcharged though. I will pay for worthy things.

Have to say that having to wait for things and save up for things make you appreciate more. I have found myself hating things that I bought on credit and was reminded monthly about the pain of paying for them and throughly enjoyed saving up and then paying cash for something instead. Just add up what the average person spends on interest each year and see how many trips to DW you could make on such monies. When you finish making payements on a car just keep putting the amount of the payment in a savings account and then when you have to buy the next car you have more of a down payment and after a couple of cars you will be able to pay cash and save literally thousands on each car afterward. Live under your income and it gives you a freedom that is amazing. Gee, can you tell that I teach lessons on budgeting? LOL

If my dd and dsil put off a trip to DC for too many years I just may book a bus tour and take the young man by myself. He is too young for me to handle on my own right now but if he grows up to be the fine young man I expect he will he will be ready in a few years and maybe his older brother who will be a teenager then will be willing to go also.

Austin came home from the fair last night and announced that he had come in second in his class. I was amazed since he is not good at handling his animals to say the least. He waited a minute and then chuckled, "Second from the bottom!" I love his sense of humor and the fact that he is able to get out there and do it at all awes me. He has some of my mental problems (agoraphobia) and that is why we have such a strong bond. Others do not understand his fears.

Where are you headed on the Disney Cruise? I know that Key West is on the agenda for one of the trips. I think we should attempt to make plans for May 2004 and see if Helenabear, Angie and some of other friends might not meet us there. Tom and I might consider staying at Dixie Landings at least part of the time. Do not worry, I am not the tag along type and would just prefer to get together a couple of times while we are all there. I am older and slower and don't like to slow others down. LOL

Boatwright's used to be one of our favorite restaurants way back when they had the sweet potato biscuits etc. The menu has changed and not for the better. The breakfast buffet is usually a bit tired and the prices for the breakfast menu are almost cheap by Disney standards. Tom likes that and Perkins. I am not much of a breakfast eater. It is nice to have dinner over there after coming back from the parks and then wandering over to the lounge to listen to the music. If you are not the type to enjoy getting up and making a fool of yourself with the other people in the lounge you can sit over in the other area and enjoy the tomfoolery without getting involved yourself. A nice walk around the PO area is wonderful as well. Is very New Orleans like. Beignets anyone?

Kona is on my list for one of my upcoming trips. We have never been there. Have only walked around the Poly once in all these years. KoKo Puffs here I come diet be 'darned'!!!!

Have to go get my bread out of the oven. I made some for our friends next door. Have to get it out of the house before butter finds its way onto it and then it jumps into my mouth. I am soooo weak.

Take care Lisa and Elaine and Angie!

Linda/SG

[angelina]

Hi, everyone, I just wanted to stop in and say hello. My computer was hit by lightening (again) just before we went to Ft. Lauderdale and we just got a new one tonight. I have been reading some of the old posts, but it will take me a couple of days to catch up. I hope everyone is doing well.

Linda, I hope you're wrong about having CHF. That's very scary, but you're right about being o.k. with treatment. I'm counting on meeting you one of these days! BTW, I am still laughing about the penguin e-mail you sent! That kind of humor is right up my alley!

Lisa, thanks for the post card of Rutgers! When do you begin classes! I looked into going back to college one of these days, but the timing is all wrong.

We had a family b-day dinner at our house tonight, and I have to go clean up the kitchen, but I will check in with everyone tomorrow.

Take care,

Angie

[SlightlyGoofy]

Angelina!!! I am so very glad to see you in here again. How did the kids do with the flight? Did you have some fun even if it was not DW? I hope it all went well.

Was the family birthday celebration for your birthday? I think your birthday is this month but you have never told me what day.

I am looking forward to meeting you some day as well. Never know it might be sooner than you might think. We are going to Florida in November and are going to do our best to be there in May of 2004 when Rider is going. Might we hope that you and Helenabear both might join us?

I always shut down my computer when bad weather is in the area. Do you have a surge protector? I hope you were able to salvage the information on your old computer.

Had a long day today but a lot of fun so I am going to head to bed as I have an even longer day tomorrow. Does not take much to wear me out. I get tired just 'reading' about what you all do each day. LOL

Linda/SG

[SlightlyGoofy]

Just a post script. I have been reading about a certain tag fairy person and am wondering if our Elaine might not be very good friends with him? Just wondering.

Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

Hi Angie!

Great to hear from you!!!! And I'm echoing Linda by asking - when is your birthday??? You have to let us know, so that we can make sure that our Suite Guys prepare a special celebration for you! :) And I'm echoing Linda, once again, by saying COME TO WDW IN MAY, 2004!!!! It would be so wild if we all happened to be there at the same time - maybe our fantasy of watching the EWP together could actually come true! :)

How was your vacation? Hope that you all had a wonderful time! Are your children back in school, now?

I'm sorry to hear about your computer - is it completely all right, now?

Hi Linda!

Yes, I also wonder if Elaine might have some sort of connection to the mysterious Tag Fairy........! :)

I also hope that you're wrong about having CHF. My 77 year old Uncle has had it for years, but he is doing fine. I hope that everything is all right with you. And you're right about different things being responsible for random weight gains. I'm trying not to drive myself too crazy (up 2, down2, up 2, down 2......)......AAARRRRGGHH!

That's a great idea to have your car serviced at WalMart - I never thought of that! I just instinctively bring mine to the dealer because so many random places which serviced my last car really messed it up. So I promised myself that I would be consistent, with this car, and only bring it to one place - the dealership, where there are specialists who are familiar with my particular model. Interestingly enough, I did some comparison shopping before I bought my new tires, and found that my dealership happened to have the best deal of all, so that worked out well!

When are you going to see "The Lion King"? I'm sure that you will find that the tickets were well worth it - it's a fantastic show! :) Now that you've seen "Aida" and will be seeing "The Lion King", will this complete the "triad" - have you already seen "Beauty and the Beast"? If not, you'll definitely have to see it, when it comes out there!

That would be so neat, if you and Tom happened to be at Port Orleans Riverside, at the same time that we are! We will only be there for 4 days (we'll be on land May 16-19 and at sea May 20-23), but there is no way that I'm leaving solid ground without seeing you in person, if we're there at the same time! I think that we should meet on the dock of the Poly - perfect viewing location of the EWP, and the closest approximation to where our Suite is "located", as well! :) And you'll definitely have to dine at the Kona Cafe - the food there is so wonderful - at every meal - and we love the quiet atmosphere, too! We are very attached to that place.......and its amazing coffee!

Speaking of WDW restaurants, I know that both of you - Linda and Angie - have dined at the AKL. Which restaurant do you prefer, there, or would you recommend - Boma or Jiko? We definitely want to spend one of our evenings over there, since we've never been there before. Both restaurants sound so good, but we don't know very much about either of them! Do both of them offer views of the Savannah, as well?

We are doing a land-sea package which includes the 3-night Bahamian cruise. So we will spend one day in Nassau, one day at Disney's island, Castaway Cay, and one day at sea. We received the DCL trip planning video in the mail, yesterday, and now we are even more excited about this upcoming trip (just 278 more days to go!)! It looks like it will be wonderful! And since I've only ever taken one cruise before, the length of this one will be good for me - in case I find myself prone to motion sickness. There are longer sea-only cruise packages offered by DCL. The one which includes Key West is the new 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise (we learned all about the various cruise offerings on the video, last night!). It also includes Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Castaway Cay, on its itinerary. The 7-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise includes St. Thomas, St. Martin, St. John, Nassau (I think), and Castaway Cay. All of the land/sea packages are associated with the 3 or 4-night Bahamian cruise. I think that it will be a lot of fun, and something different from our traditional "WDW Vacation Format"!

I'm glad that you both liked my little souvenirs of Rutgers! My classes begin on September 2, just after Labor Day Weekend. I can't believe that it's coming up so soon - just 2.5 more weeks of being a "Lady of Leisure"! :) Well, it's been a nice and necessary break, and I know that I'm very fortunate to have been able to have all of this time off, to "find myself" and figure out in which direction I'd like my life to go, now.

Frank begins his first class, right around the same time as mine start. I'll be curious to see how his on line lectures are conducted and how the on line lessons are taught. He will have regular textbooks, but I'll be interested to see how the program actually works. Ah, technology! :)

Anyway, hope that all is well with you both and hope that all is well with you, out there, Elaine!

Have a great day and I'll talk to you soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Lisa!

Glad to know that I am not the only one who thnks that the mysterious tag fairy is a friend of ours. Having met this person in person and knowing what a generous and thoughtful person they are I have a feeling that we are right. Hoping that the "Fairy" pays us all a visit soon. (hint)

I love your plans for the get together and could not think of a better plan. Not sure if we will be able to pull off the Dixie Landings stay but even I can drive from AS to DL. We often go over for dinner anyway. I pack so much stuff since we stay so long that I dread the packing and unpacking.

I have a friend who is a retired high school teacher who is not teaching classes on the Internet. I love the idea and have thought about it for myself. You don't seem to save many bucks but it sure is convenient.

My mother had CHF and my father had another kind of heart disease and so did both sets of grandparents so it is a matter of when not if I develop heart trouble of some sort. I know many people who have lived a long time with it and I am lucky in that I can afford the medicines and such so I am not going to worry too much about that. I did go to see the eye doctor today and found out that I have the beginnings of a cataract. Not to worry for awhile though and that is easily taken care of when the time comes so I am not going to sweat that either. They are trying to talk me into titanium frames but I do so much messy work and am allergic to all metals so I am going with plastic even though I may not be in style. I am more of a substance over style person anyway. LOL

I have not seen Beauty and the Beast except at DW but it is not high on my list of things to see. I could be wrong though.

I am a Bomba type of person. I have read the menus at both places and loved the dinner we had at Bomba's. It is very noisy though. Jiko's is a more upscale and trendy place and not quite to our tastes but might be for you city slickers. LOL If you go just before Bomba's opens for the evening they have a ceremony to open the doors unless they have changed it. We went early and got some drinks, took them out on the veranda and enjoyed the scenery. It was fun wandering around and looking at the decor and all but was not a place I would like to stay at. Just my opinion. Is high priced without the high price amenities of many Disney properties IMHO.

Getting my oil changed at Wal Mart is good here as WM employees are usually long term here and some of them are retired Cummins employees that have known us for years. I would never go to to a quick lube place as I have heard of horror stories where they put the oil in the wrong place and caused major damage due to the fact that they will hire pretty much anyone and they do not often know what they are doing. I did it once and they messed up my a/c. I would never have anything serious done anywhere but the dealership though. I hate having to make an appointment to get oil changed or tires rotated so it works for me. I get my hair cut at the mall also and it is much better than what I was getting done at the regular shop.

It has been an interesting year for you and Frank and I think the timing was perfect as it gave you a year or more of an extended honeymoon. The future looks bright for you both also and I have no doubt but that it will be all you hope for and more.

Angelina, I hope that you find time to post some of your recent experiences. We have all been wondering how things went with you and your crew. I was thinking about you the other day. We have several people in the area that are doing something unusual. They cater from their homes a couple of days a week, usually weekends for small groups. Most require a group of 10-25. It would be a bit like hosting a small party every week but you would not have to haul the stuff back and forth. Not sure it would work for you unless your family wanted to get involved. One Amish family sang for us and told us that our fee was for the singing, not the food, as they were not zoned for a restaurant. Was a bit iffy on the moral high road but it was said in such a charming way who could judge. LOL

Hoping that no one got the nasty virus that is going around. It would not dare hit our state of the art equipment in the Suite but bad things happen in the 'real' world. LOL

Linda/SG

[SlightlyGoofy]

Good evening ladies

I found this at All Ears and thought I would post it in case someone missed it. Bet no one here has a hard time figuring it out. LOL

Your friend, SG/Linda








You can view me from your balcony
Or outside of a park
But never when the sun is up
Only in the dark

I was the first one of my kind
And now there's several more
Salute the stars at nine or ten
And listen to Handel's score

What am I and where will you find me?

[IASW Rider]

It's gotta be the EWP, Linda! :) I'm not sure if you posted a picture, because if you did, I couldn't see it for some reason. But the "first of my kind" and "Handel's score" gave it away! I wish that they still played Handel's Water Music and Baroque Hoedown as accompaniment to the EWP, as they did in my childhood! :)

You have such a wonderful attitude about your health and take such good care of yourself that I'm sure that you would be able to handle and get through any situation that might happen to (but hopefully won't) arise in the future. I hope that you will not have to worry about either of the issues that you mentioned, at all!

Thank you for your thoughts about my Boma vs. Jiko quandary! I love hearing reviews from people who have actually visited and enjoyed or observed the places!

That's so neat that there are people who cater from their homes, in your area, Linda! Do you have many Amish families living near you? I spent a lot of time in Pennsylvania's Amish / Dutch country as a child, when my Aunt and cousin lived out there, in Lancaster, and it was really neat! Wonderful shops, restaurants, and bakeries, and lots of interesting history to learn and local people to meet! And I think that you would make a fantastic caterer, Angie! Can't wait to come down there and sample some of your delicacies! :)

Sorry that this is such a short one - I'm having a bout of insomnia - have been up for a few hours - and will try to get a few more "winks", now!

Have a great day, Everyone! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

I knew that the riddle would be far too easy for anyone on here but thought it would be fun none the less. LOL

Lisa, you will find when you get older, that there are far more scary things than dying. I won't go into what they are as it would turn your hair grey. (smile)

We live in a pretty rural area although it is in a triangle of the big three, Louisville, Indianapolis and Cincinnati so we can get to the big city if we want. LOL The land in Pa and other Amish places has gotten so expensive that they are moving to other areas and we are starting to get some families. There are many more up North. The Amish farms in Northern Indiana are not like the ones I saw in Pa, they were so picture perfect but I guess that they have had longer to get established.

Got Tom to Brown County and got my monthly dose of "keeping in my place". I did my shopping as I was not too safe to drive around town yesterday. I ran into one of my 4-Her's who told me that her stepfather had been in the hospital for three weeks from complications from heart surgery so I went to the hospital to see her mom, my old friend. It is heartbreaking as she has had such a hard life and then was so lucky to find this wonderful man and there is a real chance that he might not make it. He is only 60.

I was thinking about you while I wandered the school supply aisles. Wonder what kind of lunch pail you would choose? LOL

Hoping you were able to get some sleep. Just remember that 99% of what you worry about does not happen. Oops!! That makes a good case for worrying about everything in an effort to keep all bad things away. But then if you never sleep you are more apt to have an accident. Heck, I am going around in circles. LOL

I have not gotten anything much done today at all and will be gone most of tomorrow also. I was counting on Friday to catch up but Austin wants to come and spend the night and I do not have the heart to turn him down. I just heard that one of my Fab Four has been sick. It breaks my heart that he cannot come and lay on grandma's lap until he feels better like my boys do. Would not be so bad if I thought they were getting tender loving care from their mom but that is about as likely as me locking my doors against any kids.

Sleep well tonight and dream dreams of our eventual WDW meeting.

Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

How are you doing? And how are you feeling?

So sorry to hear that one of your Fab Four isn't feeling well! I hope that he is feeling better, soon! Do you get to hear very much about them? Or have you seen them at all, lately, even from afar? I just feel so horrible about that situation - it's just so sad. Their mother is depriving those children of having wonderful, loving, caring grandparents in their lives, much less a tie to the rest of your family. Hopefully, when they are older and independent of their parents, you will be able to have the sort of relationship with them that you all deserve, and will be able to be part of one another's lives.

Also, sorry to hear about your 4Her's step-father. I hope that everything will be all right - 60 years old is so young.

Thanks again, Linda and Angie, for checking in on me, yesterday! It was so kind of you both to think of Frank and me and to go out of your way to contact me! As I said, we were having a fantastic time at the shore, blissfully unaware of the blackout! It was a beautiful, very sunny (hot! But that was OK, with those ocean breezes!) day and it was perfect for taking nice, long walks on the boardwalk. Frank had never been to Point Pleasant, the town which we visited, yesterday - he's more familiar with the shore towns farther South, closer to where he grew up (in the Atlantic City area), so it was fun to show it to him. We're supposed to go into NYC to have dinner and visit with my best friend, Gary, and his partner, tomorrow...........as I said, I just hope that the City's power is completely restored by then, and that the trains are running on schedule, again! I've had a giant-sized Mickey Mouse Pez dispenser from WDW sitting on our bedroom floor, waiting to be given to Gary, since June! I hope that we finally have a chance to give it to him in person!

Any interesting weekend plans, anyone? Hope that you all have a great one!

Oh - and as for my lunch pail, Linda, I would probably dig out my "Partridge Family" lunch box that I used in elementary school! :)

Have a wonderful day! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa

Am delighted to know that you were blissfully unaware of all the problems around you. I knew that even if you and Frank were in the middle of the chaos you will would make the best of the situation and come out fine though. I have total faith in the both of you. You would probably have been leading people in singing Disney songs on some street corner. LOL

I am not sick. Thanks for the kind thoughts though. My Fab Fours great grandma hears a little something now and then and is kind enough to tell me about it. She has not seen the kids for a couple of years either. Linda is basically only in touch with one of her sisters and that only occasionally. The boy's father lives in the same area as the great grandma and since they go for regular visits and it is a small community GG hears a little something from time to time. I once asked my daughter if my son had asked about me when I had some rather serious surgery and she very matter of factly told me "No". I think I would have lied in such a case. I am told that I am too emotional and should get over it but I would take that over being cold hearted any day. I get my heart broken often but it is better than not having one.

I can only imagine the size of that Pez dispenser if it has to sit on the floor. I bet that Gary will be delighted whenever he receives his gift. I loved the postcard from Rutgers. I am learning so much about the world through all the great people I meet on the net. Never thought about Rutgers having silos and such. So much I don't know and far too little time to learn it all! LOL

My daughter had a poster of David Cassidy on her wall when she was living at home. Guess you guys had something in common. (smile)

Just finished cleaning the birdbaths as we have some storms coming in and I like to do such things so I get free water. I also put the car out sometimes so I can wash it with some free water also. I am terribly cheap and very lazy as well. Being lazy is good though as I get an awful lot more done that way.

Went shopping the other day searching for some new patio furniture pads to match my beautiful new doors and found exactly what I was looking for and at a fantastic price but they only had one chair cushion and I need two. (boo hoo)

The lunch yesterday was delightful. It was an easy drive from here and was tucked away in a corner of a gorgeous wooded area. No reservations so we showed up early in order to get a seat. Only seated about 30-40 and is only open a few days a week. Limited but very interesting menu. I had a raspberry chicken salad and it was on my diet. Was great. They had a raspberry chocolate cake that was to die for but I passed. We have a lot of people around here who serve food from their homes/businesses on a limited basis and have wondered if that might not be something for Angelina. I can see tables set up in the yard for special groups on a regular basis. Candles flickering in the wind and soothing music in the background. The food would bring in as much business as you might wish without taking over your whole life. Not sure your family would want to have it that close to home though.

Just found out that I am to have club next month (a couple of weeks from now) and I sure wish I could get Angelina to cater it for me. Maybe I could get some ideas for something special to serve?

Helenabear, you were too far south to suffer any problems I hope? I know the Cleveland area was hit. Is there any chance that you might consider a trip to DW next May? Angelina, how about you? I know the spirit is willing but will the timing be bad for you?

Take care ladies and have a wonderful day building up memories for later days.

Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

Hi!

Sorry that it took me so long to get back to the Suite!

How are you doing, today, Linda? How are you doing, out there, Angie and Elaine?

I'm sorry to hear that the situation is as it is with your DS and DIL, Linda. It must be very painful and frustrating, especially not being able to see or have a relationship with your Fab Four. But like I said, you never know what the years may bring - it may not be so long until you are able to see and be with them, regularly. Maybe somehow, your DS will "see the light". It's just a shame that these children are growing up without the benefit of sharing their lives with their wonderful grandparents (much less the other relatives from whom they are kept, as well).

That's so funny that your DD had a David Cassidy poster, when she was growing up - I can't tell you how much David Cassidy (later, John Travolta) memorabilia I had - and still have, somewhere! I actually met him - and his brother, Shaun - when they were both appearing in "Blood Brothers" on Broadway, back in '94. It was such a thrill to speak to the "first great love of my life"! Both of the brothers were very friendly and polite, and they are both still adorable! (I'm afraid that David has had some plastic surgery, though - his face just looked a bit too smooth - it made me feel sad that he would feel the need to do that to himself.)

Where did you have lunch, the other day, that you were describing, Linda?

All is well, here. Counting down my remaining few days of "freedom" and trying to make the most of them! We had fun in the City with Gary and his partner, Stephen, over the weekend. And I finally got to give Gary his pez dispenser! We just went out to lunch and then visited several flea markets. Stephen is a big antiques collector and restorer and he always finds such neat things to restore or clean up and display. I, of course, was on the lookout for any Disney memorabilia that I could find! And I did pretty well, too - I found an issue of "Orlando Land" magazine from January, 1970, that details the progress being made on the construction of WDW, at that time (it also has lots of information about what was going on in the area, in general, at that time, real estate offerings, entertainment options, etc. Very interesting!) I also found a 1971 Disneyland pictorial souvenir book. And Gary gave me 2 vintage Swedish Mickey Mouse comic books, that they found in a European flea market on their recent vacation, too!

I'm spending lots of time at the pool, this week. And we have plans to visit with various friends, every day this weekend. I'm sure that my remaining time off will just fly by! :(

Hope that all is well with all of you! Take care and have a great day! :)

[helenabear]

Oh boy... somehow I became unsubscribed to this thread and didn't know this was all going on under my nose :(

I feel there is far too much to catch up on but I did take the time to go back and read though some of it, and I'll do some more when I get home tonight. I feel awful for being so far behind.

I did notice a bit about the Tag Fairy. I know of them, I know how they work :) They do an excellent job of finding neat and colorful tags for everyone. And yes a Tag Fairy and I worked on my tag so that it would match my avatar's coloring and then I matched my signature to that. I will say no more about the Tag Fairy because they prefer it that way ;)

With that I need to get back to work. Take Care all!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Elaine, I knew it! LOL Who else has a heart big enough to do such great things for everyone else. I think I have even been hugged by the tag fairy. LOL No tag though. Would be interesting to see what they might think up for me though. I will patiently await my turn as I am a very good girl. (and deserve a reward?) grin I had wondered where you were. Sent you a few emails from time to time in hopes of catching your attention. How many meets did you go to this summer? Did you ever get any of the projects done in your house that you spoke of when you bought it? Much harder to do things once you move in and have furniture in the way. Any hopes of you coming to WDW next May? Just full of questions I are.

Lisa, I heard that my oldest granddaughter is being allowed to go to preschool. The boys were allowed to go also, at the church school but there were constant threats to pull them out if they did not do every single thing Miss Linda wanted them to do. I know that this sounds like it could not possibly be true but the truth is even worse. I bit my tongue and never said anything and sometimes feel very guilty about it. The boys were not allowed to attend school after the church preschool. Am hoping that my son will insist on the girls getting to go for their sake but if he gives the girls the opportunity and not the boys I will be ashamed. Too many emotions here. Ddil's mother has gotten out of the hospital but is still in bad shape. She was not expected to live so that is something.

You find the neatest things. I will tell my other Disney crazy friend and she will be so jealous but since she is presently in Florida closing on her new second home (45 minutes from DW) you might be a bit green eyed as well. LOL

I am glad to hear that you had a good experience with David Cassidy. It is so sad when we meet our idols and it does not turn out well. I went from the farm to working at a country music station when I was young and meeting many of the people I had listened to for years and was greatly disappointed in many of them.

The place we ate at was called Batar. It is local.

Enjoy your last days in the sun. You might be able to catch a few rays on the Quad between classes though.

Angelina, are you resting on the couch with relief after getting the kiddies off for school? Don't blame you if you are. We will wait patiently for you to come back to the Suite and regale us with tales of your s ummer.

Jstmee, are you lurking somewhere? Many thoughts of you and yours have been thunk around here and we would be so relieved to hear something from you at all. You are not forgotten.

SG/Linda

[helenabear]

Hi Linda! I don't want to confuse you... I am no Tag Fairy... I have met a Tag Fairy and spoken with several of them in private, but no Tag Fairy here. Sometimes they just pop out of no where when they see something funny or neat in a post!

You know I haven't gotten any e-mails from you. It was actually a post card from Lisa that Luis forgot to give me that got me searching for you all. Have you been sending it to my old yahoo account? If so I never check that one anymore. About a year or two ago I had to switch to my Road Runner account. Let me know if you need htat one.

Meets this summer? I know you all knew about Towncrier's and then shortly after I went to WDW. The next meet I went to was in Indy. The next one after was a meet with the Ya Yas that I post with. The following weekend I was at Riddle Con. Then I had a weekend off where I went to the Ohio State Fair. Last weekend I was in N. KY at Shep & Believe's home for a meet. Next up should be one or so in September and possibly Oct/Nov for Chicago. Nope, haven't gotten a lot of the projects done. Really most of what I want to do is more of "fall/winter projects" (like painting). I have picked my paint though so when I find a good weekend I'll do that.

I still feel like I am catching up with you all... again so sorry I was MIA for a while :)

Elaine

[jstmee]

I have not been here for so long, but my ears have been burning to check in. I've been working full-time, holding down the fort with the 4 "teens" and yet another health problem (Sarcoidosis)-it doesn't bother me much though, it's a lung disease of unknown origin. It's an autoimmune disease, so that could be part of all my other challenges. Oh well. lol But, just had to stop in and say hi to all my buddies, I'm on a computer all day and work and I'm so busy I never have time to get on my personal one. We did get to take a vacation, I had to go south for a couple of doctor visits so I incorporated that into a vacation to Myrtle Beach, we went to timeshare presentations to get a cheap hotel rate and on the way home stopped at Hershey Park in PA. Definately not WDW but it's way better than nothing. I have dreams of a Disney Cruise.

Uh oh crisis with kids, i'll check in again

[SlightlyGoofy]

My post just disappeared!! Ahhhhh!! Will try to reconstruct.

Jstmee, I am so delighted to hear from you. Rider and I were just talking about you the other day. When last we heard from you there was so much going on and not too much of it good that we have been worried. I am glad that you were able to find a bit of fun along with your doctors visits. We love the Myrtle Beach area also but living in a landlocked state just looking at the ocean thrills us. LOL Please come by when you can as we truly care about you and love to know how you are doing. We are here for you.

Helenabear, I did not think that you personally were the tag fairy but am thinking that you are very good friends with him and his wife. Just a thought but it is something that they would be capable of doing IMHO. You are not home enough to get any redecorating done. Good for you!!

Now, if only Angie would come by today the Suite would be full for the first time in a long time. (hint and a smile)

SG/Linda

[helenabear]

Wendy, so good to see you again. It sure sounds like you are a busy busy one. I haven't heard of Sarcoidosis, but I hope it is something that you are able to live with okay. Glad you were able to get a vacation in to Myrtle Beach. I have never been myself but I have heard nice things about it. And Hershey Park too... what fun :) Hope the kid crisis wasn't anything too bad.

Oh and Linda... I think I know who you are referring to as the Tag Fairy and you are wrong again there... there are more than one... like I said I have met one and spoken personally with a few others via PM. I haven't spoken with a few in a while so I don't think I have much leverage with them anymore. They seem to strike randomly and pick the best of the best with posts :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Wendy, I just did a search on your condition and hoping that your will be one of the cases where it goes away and never returns. When our immune system goes awry it causes a lot of different things. What did you do in Myrtle Beach? Did the kids enjoy the surf?

Elaine,shucks and darn. I thought I was right. Oh well, not the first time I have been wrong. LOL Whomever thought up the idea sure added some more magic to the boards and it is such a friendly and wonderful thing for them to do.

Headed for the showers now in preparation for the coming day.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Welcome back, Elaine and Wendy! :) We sure have missed you both, around here!

Glad that it was my post card that brought you back to visit the Suite, Elaine! I had a feeling that you had been attending lots of fun Meets, this summer! Will have to keep my eyes open for those Tag Fairies! I wonder who they could be........! :)

So great to hear from you, Wendy! We've been thinking about you and hoping that you might stop by! I also hope that your condition is one which can be treated and cured such that it won't recur. And glad to hear that you were able to get away and relax, for a bit! Hope that you're enjoying your job and not working too hard!

Hi Linda! It's so nice to have our Suite Mates back here, with us! While Angie is out of the Suite, maybe we can all plan her surprise birthday celebration! We'll surprise her when she comes to visit us, next! :)

Hope that you're all having a great weekend! We've been having a whirlwind weekend of visiting with various friends, since this is really our last weekend of the summer. Frank starts his first class next Thursday, and my final orientation is on Friday, with my classes starting the Tuesday after Labor Day weekend. So, we're off to our next destination - to soak up some sun with my best friend from high school and her family, at their swim club, now! Spent yesterday with an old friend of Frank's, not far from the shore, and will be going to a BBQ with a bunch of old ML friends, tomorrow!

Hope that all is well with all of you! So happy to see that our Suite is all full of friends, again! :)

[jstmee]

Oh my! How could I have forgotten how much pampering we get here in this suite. It warms by heart to see you all again.

I probably won't go back to the posts to catch up, but it seems like all of you are busy as usual.

Elaine, you are "meet" happy:)

Lisa, good luck with school.

My DH took a couple of courses lately. He's now an Ed Tech at our local high school. He's part of the "No Child Left Behind" initiative. He helps students that fall behind and need some help. He loves it and is taking a course in Teaching the Exceptional Child now.

SG you are as kind as ever.

The Sarcoidosis that I have seems to be mild and currently only effects the lining of my bronchial airway, causes some swelling, but otherwise unoticeable. This certainly explains a lot about my tiredness etc. that I've had the past few years.

I really, really enjoy my job. I register patients for the ER. I went to full time in January and quit the other part-time job. For awhile I was working both fulltime and parttime jobs. Whew. But we do what we have to do.

It's only 42 degrees up here tonight. I think I'll hang out in the suite and sit in the hot tub to rest my sore muscles.

Glad to be here. Wendy

[SlightlyGoofy]

Wendy, that is the purpose of the Suite, to pamper us and help us with all that our daily lives take out of us. I hope you enjoyed your soak and found the tray of delectables that Angie ordered up for you. She is in charge of ordering up the menus for the day since she is a pro at food prep. Doesn't have to do any of the work, just put in the order with the fellers. It sounds as if your life has come together very nicely and I am overjoyed to hear that both you and your dh have jobs that you enjoy. Please tell your husband that he is a hero for what he does. Is a job close to my own heart. I bet that you make it much easier for some of the stressed people you see in the ER. I think that people who have health problems of their own are best suited to help other sick people. You could send a few of those cool degrees out way and I promise to send you some of our warmth back. Would it not be wonderful if such were possible?

Lisa, I will leave it up to you to plan Angie's birthday celebration as you are our consumate Disney expert. One of the people I know from another forum is going to be at Disney when we plan on being there also. I enjoy things more with people. Of course, at WDW you can sit down on a bench and get up with another friend. LOL I met a couple last time and the man was in a wheelchair so we saved seats for them at all the parades and such so they could do a few extra things that they might not have gotten to do otherwise. She was a bit more friendly than he was but he loosened up a bit as we got to know each other better.

Have not had the best day here. Got news that my cousin who is only a year younger than me passed away Thursday. My father kept us away from family so I only got to really know her through emails the past few years. She had cancer and fought a good fight and is now at peace.

Heard from the other grandma that she ran into our son and her granddaughter (our dil) on the street up there. They walked right by without a glance. The poor children did not even know that they had just walked by their great grandmother. Sad. I know it would have broken my heart to see them but not be able to hug them also.

We are going to some open houses tomorrow and go to pick up a new coffee table while in town. Trying to get a sense of what we can afford and what we want. It takes us old folks a long time to change. LOL

Slightly Goofy Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi again, Wendy!

So nice to see you back, around here! And so glad to hear that your health condition is mild and does not cause you more discomfort or greater concern. Also, so glad to hear that you and your DH have settled into careers that you enjoy and which give you fulfillment. That is wonderful! I agree with Linda - I'm sure that your thoughtfulness and sensitivity makes you wonderful at your work with ER patients! How are your children doing? Have they returned to school, yet? Are you and your DH involved with any sports teams, this fall? It's unseasonably cool, down here in NJ, too. The evenings have been especially chilly, for this time of year. Frank and I were sitting out on our deck on Saturday night, and actually had to come in and get jackets to wear!

Hi Linda!

I'm so sorry to hear about your cousin. I'm sure that she appreciated your support and your getting to know one another, and I'm sure that that was very special to her. As you said, she is at peace, now - hopefully that thought can provide you with a bit of comfort, at this difficult time.

I'm also sorry to hear that your grandchildrens' Great Grandmother had that horrible experience of seeing but not being acknowledged by her family. I'm sure that that was very painful for her. I just don't understand what your DIL is thinking or what she's hoping to accomplish by keeping your grandchildren away from the majority of your (and her) family(ies). It's so incredibly sad to think of those kids growing up without the benefit of such loving and supportive people in their lives. Well, as I've said - maybe somehow that will change, as the children get older. Maybe somehow, your DIL will realize the err of her ways and will allow you all to share in their lives.

How was your open house touring, yesterday? Did you happen to see any places that looked interesting or promising?

We had a bit of a rough weekend, at the end. One of our cats, Laverne, hadn't been acting like herself, for the past few days. She was very lethargic and didn't seem interested in anything - all she did was sleep in one place. She wasn't even interested in food, which is very unusual for her. So finally, yesterday morning, when she totally ignored the food that I put down for her, we knew that we had to do something, so we brought her to an emergency veterinary hospital. The doctor there wanted to do some blood work, so we waited around all day to get in touch with him, for the results. As it turned out, he wanted to keep her overnight, so now I'm waiting to hear from him, again, about how she's doing. I'm going to take her home, today, and hope to bring her to her regular vet. I don't know how much I trust the emergency vet guy, but our regular vet isn't open on the weekends, so we had no choice but to bring her to his place. Anyway, I'm a nervous wreck, as I sit and wait to pick her up. The doctor said that he could see nothing obviously "wrong" with her, initially. I'm hoping that maybe she just has a little cold or virus, or something. UGH. I wish that animals could speak to us and tell us what's wrong!

Anyway...........hope that you're all having a nice day! Talk to you soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Rider, I am sorry to hear that Laverne is not feeling well. I know that you can tell more about her and what is going on than any doctor. Children or animals the people that live with and care for them know best. I hope you find that she is simply suffering from seperation anxiety as I bet she has enjoyed having you home for this past year and senses that you will be gone a lot soon. Is my wish.

Dil told one of her sisters that she just needed to get rid of all the people in their life so she could gain control of her life. I think control is the answer to it all. My father was the same way, he was uneducated and felt inferior so he kept us close so we would not have much of anything else to compare life to. Unfortunately, for him, we were all readers and learned a lot about the world and left home ASAP. The other grandma told me that she had had such problems with Miss Linda in the past and if she gave her some money it was good for a bit. This woman does not play those games. Would not be good for the kids in any case. Will wait it out and hope for things to come around one day. My bestest friend, and most wonderful person, Dorthea, has a grandson that comes to see her often but she did not see him while he was growing up because of his dad. If it can happen to this most perfect of women who am I to to bemoan my fate?

Such a great day here. We bought a new coffee table yesterday and when I got it home I found it was defective. I spent the night berating myself for being ignorant enough to not use a credit card to pay for it and thus give me some leverage. The store owner was very gracious and it was no problem to switch it for a good one. All that worry for nothing.

The state of IN has been undergoing a radical change of how property taxes are figured and there has been massive revolts as some people, mostly people with older homes like ours, are finding themselves paying double or even triple and more. Found out today that we will actually be paying a bit less than before. Such a load off my mind.

We did find a couple of houses that we liked. One was in a new subdivision for older, retired people. Covenants and all. While I enjoy the idea of perfection I am not sure that we could live up to the requirements. LOL One house was older and the floorplan was excellent but I could still see several things I would need to do, a new kitchen for starters. I am a nit picking type person. Not my best trait. Only expect perfection from myself though.

I will be checking messages and hoping to hear an update on Laverne. I think I still have her picture in a file somewhere.


SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

Thank you for your kind words, as always. Laverne is still in the hospital, and we're trying to continue to think positively. They have determined that there is something wrong with her liver, but cannot determine exactly what it is, or how to treat it. So today she's going to have an ultrasound and a biopsy, so that they can reach a diagnosis. We're praying that it's "just" an infection or inflammation of some sort - or a chronic treatable disease like hepititis. Hopefully we'll know a little more information by tonight. It's rough - I'm trying not to worry or think too much about it, but it's so hard. And the other cats are all confused and are looking for her. I just hope that everything will be all right.

I think that you're absolutely right about it being all about control, with your DIL. Maybe withholding her children from the rest of their family is the only sort of "power" that she feels she has, and doesn't even think about how that affects the quality of her kids' lives (not to mention her other family members). But as you said, Dorthea was faced with a similar situation, and it wound up resolving itself........so hopefully the same thing will happen in your family, sooner than later!

Glad to hear that you were able to replace your coffee table! I would have been feeling the exact same way, until I knew that it could be replaced. Glad to hear that it wound up working out and that you're pleased with it!

And that's great that it turns out that your taxes may actually decrease, amidst the sea of increases, out there! I'm sure that that's quite a relief!

It's nice that you and Tom are taking your time looking at prospective new homes, to really see what's out there and what would be best for you both. Besides, I'm sure that it's fun looking at them all - I remember I enjoyed looking at all of the houses, when I was house shopping, 9 years ago - even the ones in which I immediately knew that I was not interested. It was still interesting to look at them all.

I showed Frank the Quaker Silo Hotel website that you sent over, and he was fascinated by it - he even checked out the rates - maybe we will come out and sleep in a silo, after all, at some point! :)

Have a nice day! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Rider!

Talk about coincidences, yesterday morning one of my sisters called me from her car and she was on her way to one of her company's other offices - was Quaker Square. I asked her to pick up some brochures on the silo hotel to send to you. Not sure if she will remember and it will be a few weeks until I see her but am hoping it works out. We have eaten in a restaurant somewhere that was converted silo also. Tom cannot remember where it was and neither can I but it was lovely. Probably memorable, for most people. LOL My sisters often call me when they are traveling so we can chat. Scares me to death cause I fear hearing a big crash and then nothing. Just the mother in me, I am sure. There are lots of ways to be distracted while driving and I am not in favor of any of them. I check for vehicles nearby before I change the radio station or anything.

I hope that they find out what is wrong with Laverne today and it is something easily and inexpensively corrected. It is terrible to have to think of the cost. Do you have insurance on your animals? I have read of such and think it is a great idea.

I am truly concerned for Miss Linda, rather than her mother, as far as their visiting before the mother passes away. The mother was no mother as far as I am concerned and Miss Linda is quite right to be less than thrilled with her but that does not excuse treating others badly cause you were IMHO. I just do not want my dil to suffer from regrets in addition to all her other problems. If you treat those who treat you badly badly also you are just reinforcing their warped view of the world and it brings you down to their level. Giving love for hate has much more of an effect, on yourself, if no one else. Hatred rots you away and does no good for anything.

I had put away some extra money for the expected tax increase so that means I have a few extra dollars ( a lot of extra dollars) to spend at Disney! Heard that the new codes are coming out tomororw. Will be Friday before I have time to make ressies though as I need to coordinate a couple of other things too. Thursday is Tom's birthday so I am spending it with him. Will go watch him bowl ( a big sacrifice on my part) and then take him out to eat. We have some plans this weekend also. Hope I can get The Villages and DW all planned for the right times. Would be a dream. One of my friends is down there right now looking at her newly completed home and they will probably be down there when we are planning on going and it would be great to have someone to show us around. I am always the one to be in charge of anything so if I get a chance to sit in the backseat and be taken I always accept and am grateful to let someone else be the Boss. LOL

One of our hobbies has always been to look at houses. I get so many ideas from them all, large and small. In Akron they have a beautiful home to tour so if you and Frank make it to the Silo you will have to check that out also.

Back to the saltmines for me, catching up on work around here today.

Love to all my Suite Mates, Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

I hope that we do get to make it out to the silos - it looks like a nice weekend getaway! And the surrounding area looks really nice, too! It's so neat that they also have a converted mill and factory serving as a restaurant and store, now! It would be neat to see what one of those round guest rooms looks like. (Hey! That's a new idea for a Disney Resort theme - a hotel with all of the buildings shaped like barns and silos, and themed to the classic Disney barnyard shorts of the 30's and 40's!)

That's great that you will wind up having more money to spend at WDW, as the result of your forethought and having saved the money for the higher taxes which you anticipated having to pay! When will you be making your actual fall reservations?

I hope that Tom has a very Happy Birthday, today! Maybe our Suite gentlemen can set up a bowling themed party for him! And then we can all go and pose for pictures with him, near the giant bowling icons at the Pop Century Resort! :)

Laverne is hanging in there, thanks for asking. We got some hopefully hopeful news, last night. After her ultrasound, they determined that she has too much fat in her liver. It got there because something (perhaps a virus) caused her to stop eating, which messed up her metabolism and the way that her liver processes fats. Believe it or not, the way that they are trying to get her "back in balance" is by trying to get her to eat! It's ironic because she is our largest cat, once weighing in at 20 pounds, and she made herself sick by NOT eating! Anyway, they got her to eat a whole bowl of food, last night. If she continues to eat on her own, then her metabolism should come back into "whack", and she will be able to come home in a few days. (The worst case scenario would be if she doesn't eat on her own, they will have to force feed her via a surgically inserted tube. At least they ruled out cancer, thank God.) We're hoping that she keeps eating well! It's been a very upsetting and unsettling few days.

We actually have looked into pet insurance, but found that the costs are too high to justify our getting it, since all of our cats are generally in good health, and the insurance usually doesn't cover "standard stuff" like check ups, immunizations, teeth cleanings, etc. Now that our cats are getting a bit older, and this is Laverne's second major illness (which warranted a week long stay at the vet), we may look into it, again. Her current hospital visit is going to be very expensive (the ultrasound that she had, alone, will probably be $500 - $600), but it's worth it. I told the doctors that I didn't care what they had to do, or how much it cost, I just wanted her to be better. We can deal with the bill, later - even though it's a concern, of course, it's the least of my worries. I just want Laverne to come home and to have confidence that she will not have a relapse!

Boy, what a way to spend my last few days of "freedom"! At least I can rest a bit easier, now that I know that things are hopefully looking up, and get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather! I have my final orientation, tomorrow, a break for Labor Day weekend (where did the summer go?), and then back to school on Tuesday! Frank started his first class, online, today. It will be interesting to see how the whole online class process works. They actually take attendance, too - Frank is required to post on the site to indicate when he's "on" and taking a class, and he's required to be online at least 5 days a week. He also has regular text books, in addition to the online lectures.

I agree with you about hate breeding hate and wearing away at people. It's nice of you to be concerned about your DIL, in addition to those around her, whose lives she is affecting by her attitude and actions. And you're right - she is bound to have regrets, as time passes. But perhaps it will be those regrets that will assist in causing her to see how she is damaging your / her family by isolating her children (and herself and your DS), as she has, and will ultimately cause her to change her thinking and behavior. I can't imagine her imposing such "restrictions" on the family, forever - she will wind up extremely lonely, when her children are old enough to be more independent, and choose to go off on their own, and hopefully seek out the family whom they've not been able to know.

Hope that all is well with all of you, out there, and hope that you all have a wonderful Labor Day weekend! :)

[IASW Rider]

Yea! It looks like Laverne is "out of the woods"! This afternoon, the vet said that she's doing better than any of the other animals who are there, now! She's been eating on her own and everything! The vet says that if she continues to improve at this rate, she may be able to come home tomorrow. But I may want to keep her there just one more day, just to be sure that she's as healthy as possible, before she comes home and re-joins the brood, so I might ask if she can stay until Saturday, just to be safe. Anyway, we're very relieved! :)

Went to the college bookstore and bought my $94 Intro. to Foods and Nutrition book, today - OY.

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

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa

I was watching the Laverne and Shirley reunion show a bit ago and thinking of your 'babies". I am relieved to hear that Laverne is out of the woods and on her way home. I am sure that wanting to get home was a big part of her rallying to get well. If I could get treated like she does I would not want to be away either.

Tom had a nice birthday. I took him bowling and stayed to watch. He made a couple of strikes today. We went out to eat afterward and he seemed to enjoy it. Jackie came by after work and brought him a book about cars which he loved. They did not stay long as they were on their way to the church. Don't know when the boys get their homework done. I do not dislike churches but 6 or 7 days a week is too much for my poor tired body. Yes. I know that He has done so much for us but if I moved into the church and prayed constantly it would still not be enough to repay Him and I doubt (hope) He does not expect such. I find God in details and am hard pressed not to bless His name daily, just not in a building. (smile)

I do not hate my dil. I dislike what she does and worry about her temperment hurting the family. I worry greatly about what harvest she will reap one day. I know what happened when my father died.

I bet that the pet insurance would be even more expensive now as I am sure that they take the age of the animals into account and might not cover pre existing conditions. Might be cheaper to just put a set amount away each month for future emergencies. I always put a certain amount away out of the budget for unplaned items and then if it is not used all up or at all I just top it off the next year. I have always found that if you put money away you do not have as many emergencies than if you do not. Seems to work that way.

I sure hope that $94 was for a n ew book and not a used one. OY!!! If Frank is not home one night will you take his class for him? I love the idea of taking classes at home over the computer, Bet it is the future of education. Wish it were cheaper though.

I am dead dog tired and about ready to crash. Got to get up early and make those ressies. $49 a night at the AS!!!!!! Am planning on booking 10 nites. Hope the snow stays away though. Not in FL but the trip down and back.

SG/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

I wanted you all to be among the first to know that we are going to Disney, I hope.

I just called and easily got ressies for Novbember 7th-16 at AS Sports, Touchdown Bldg, back near the bus stop and parking lot.

Only worry is the weather and I am sure that you guys can arrange for the Suite Studs to keep the roads clear until I get there and get me safely back home as well.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone! Hope that you're all having a great Labor Day Weekend! Can't believe that this is the "end of summer" - as always, it flew by way too quickly! :(

Hi Linda!

So glad to hear that you've begun to make your arrangements for your upcoming WDW trip! You must be getting so excited! And I'm sure that when you see your friend, who was just at the Villages, you will be even more in the "WDW State of Mind"! :)

Glad to hear that Tom had a nice birthday, doing the things that he enjoys and spending time with you and your family!

Laverne seems to be getting back to herself and feeling better, every day! Thank God! She is eating and drinking regularly and has much more energy than she did, last week. I think that it will take a few more days before she is completely "back to normal", but she is certainly improving every day, and we're grateful for that! We're so happy to have her home!

We've been having a nice Labor Day weekend. Spent all day Friday on campus, for my final orientation, which was fun. We had a quiet day on Saturday, then went to a huge BBQ at a friend of Frank's and his sister's, yesterday. They have a big blowout, every Labor Day weekend, and it's always a lot of fun. The husband of this couple belongs to a band called "Mid Life Crisis" (which I know that I've mentioned in the past, as they are very aptly named - a bunch of middle aged men who think that they are rock stars! They are very good, though! :) ), and the band always plays in the family's really nice basement bar area. They have a special part of the basement set up like a stage, with all of the band's instruments and equipment - it's really neat. Anyway, today we're just relaxing and getting ready for the big week, ahead!

Frank is getting used to the way that his on line class works. It's really interesting - he proves his attendance and does his assignments by "posting" to the University of Phoenix's web site - similar to how we post, here. He seems to be getting into a routine and is doing a lot of reading for his class.

In the mean time, my "big day" is tomorrow! I'm most nervous about getting to campus and finding that all of the commuter lots are full - something that I never had to think about, years ago, when I lived on campus! I'm fortunate, though - my uncle's house (formerly my grandparents' house) is right down the street from my campus. So if worse comes to worst and I can't find parking anywhere, I can always park in his driveway! :) Anyway, I have 3 classes tomorrow, beginning at 11:30 AM. I'm wondering if the first week of school will be the way that I remember it being, years ago, where the professors basically distribute each class's syllabus, go over the basics of the class.......and then let everyone go, without homework! I always remember the first week of each semester being pretty "light", that way - I hope that I don't get bombarded with assignments too quickly! I need to "ease myself back in" to the schedule!

I will try to post as often as I can, when school starts. I'll have limited on line access during the day, though I know that there are computer labs with internet access, scattered about the campus. I'll have to find them, for quick DIS breaks, between classes! And I'll definitely check my e-mail and the Boards, when I'm home at night, or early in the morning.

Anyway, hope that all is well with all of you! Take care and talk to you soon! :)

[IASW Rider]

Just wanted to check in and say "hi" and "hope that you're all having a great week"! :)

I found the computer labs, on campus, so I may be able to occasionally pop in and check the Boards, during the day! :)

Having a fun but exhausting week, back in the world of academia! (Since when did they give so many reading assignments, during the first week of school??!! And since when was so much walking between classes involved???!!! :) )

Hope that all is well with all of you! Talk to you soon! :)

[IASW Rider]

Just "bumping" us back up! :)

I survived my first week of classes! It was a much bigger adjustment than I'd anticipated, but it's great (let's see if I'm still saying that, a few weeks from now! :) )! I'm totally inundated with reading assignments, though, so I have my weekend cut out for me. Fortunately, so is Frank, so we will both be doing the same thing! :)

Have a great weekend, Everyone! :)

[helenabear]

Hmmm... I only had two e-mails yesterday saying you all replied but I come in here and see more :eek: I wonder if they were still having trouble with this again :(

I feel so behind again. Nothing too exciting going on for me. I was having a lot of back trouble so I have been busy with going to some PT to see if that seems to help it. But I haven't had much time at home on some nights because of it.

Lisa, good luck with your classes! I am sure you will do great!!! And so sorry about Laverne there... but glad that she is doing well.

Lisa, glad to see you have plans going for your upcoming trip! I will be there in December again so we'll miss each other there by a few weeks.

Wendy, glad to see that your Sarcoidosis seems to be mild. I hope it won't be much for you to have to live with.

Well I do need to get back to work. Talk to you all later :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

I have literally been up to my elbows in stripping compound and not able to check in for a bit. I have to get this work done before winter as you do NOT want to be in a closed room with this stuff. I am not supposed to be around it at all. I will be so thrilled when it is done. It is hard going trying to find an hour here and there to get to it. Tom went bowling yesterday so I had three whole hours alone. Just have the two doors to do now.

Elaine, did you injure your back or have you had problems before? I have friends with back problems and it can be quite difficult. I hope you are feeling better soon.

Lisa, I wish I could do the reading for you. Is a breeze for me. My biggest fear is not being able to see and thus not being able to read. Any news about the part time job situation? Think of how all that walking is going to help with your struggle to keep the weight off and you don't have to pay a fitness club. When we were younger we did lots of things and thought nothing of it but it gets harder the older we get. You youngsters are still moving well, I am about ready for a walker. LOL Midlife Crisis is a great name for a band! I once saw a farm named "Pasture Prime". I had to read it a couple of times before I "got" it. LOL Hoping that Laverne does not suffer from seperation anxiety when you have to be gone for classes.

Wendy, hope you are doing better and looking forward to hearing what you are up to.

Angie, are you laying on the chaise breathing a sigh of relief at having the kiddies back in school?

My daughter is doing a church retreat this weekend so I will have my little guy. He is going to an after school program instead of daycare. Good thing IMHO as they have activities and do their homework. At daycare they just laid in front of the tv, The lady was a loving and kind woman but they did not get any discipline. We will be going to Ohio the week after next for a baby shower. One of my nieces who has had much trouble conceiving is near her due date. I am thrilled for her, she will be a great mother.

Hope the weather is great wherever you are and you make it through the day with more smiles than frowns.

SG/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Just had to drop by and make sure I was not missing anything.

I was in a quandry as what to buy for my two nieces that are expecting and decided that books would be most appropriate from me, especially. I went on line to Amazon.com and was able to find just the right books and free shipping also. What more could a great aunt want?

Dalton saw a picture of a lady in RD who is paid for making things with Lego's and she made a detailed copy of the Capitol bldg.. He made a house of his own and I was impressed with his details as well. Of course I am always impressed with anything he does. LOL

Pick a bushel of green beans and processed them all today. Will taste great this winter.

I have started making actual plans for where to eat and what to do each day at Disney. Is almost, not quite, as good as being there.

Next May maybe we could all meet at Kona and then go down the beach for our own private viewing of the EWP? With Rider as a guide I am sure we would make it on time . LOL

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Welcome back, Elaine! I haven't been getting e-mail notices about posts to threads, either. In fact, I don't think that I've gotten one in months! I just check my "User CP" to see when someone has posted to one of my threads. Glad to see you back, though! Sorry to hear that your back has been bothering you, though? I echo Linda's question - had you had problems with it, before, or did you recently injure it? I hope that all is going well in PT and that it is feeling much better, soon!

Thank you for your kind words! And thanks for thinking of Laverne, too! She actually had a "relapse", 2 nights ago - was acting very lethargic, and we were very frightened. It turned out that she had gotten herself dehydrated, again, and the vet gave her some fluids and vitamins, under her skin, last night. He said that the dehydration probably made her nauseous, and so she stopped eating and drinking. Hopefully his treatment will help. We're hoping that she will continue to feel better!

Congratulations on your nieces' upcoming baby showers and babies! That is such exciting news! And I think that books are a great idea, as gifts! I recently took advantage of Amazon's free shipping policy, as well! And thanks for letting me know about their used textbook offerings, as well. I've been buying mine on campus, because I get both student AND alumni discounts ( :) ), but it's good to know that Amazon may carry some of the things that I need, for the future!

I think that my schedule is finally ironed out. I think that some of the reason that the past week at school has seemed so exhausting was just the adjustment to the new schedule, to commuting and parking, etc. I think that once I have a "normal", full week of classes, it will seem a lot less daunting. And I'm glad that I was able to "exchange" one of my classes, yesterday - it was the last day to do so without getting a grade of "W" (for "withdrawn"). I feel better having gotten rid of a math class that I was not ready for. No sense in torturing myself with a class that I didn't feel prepared to take. Will take something similar, next semester, instead! Maybe Elaine can help me with my Computer Science homework, when we start doing projects! :)

So where are you thinking about eating, visiting, etc., at WDW, Linda? That's one of my favorite parts of planning a WDW trip - making the PS's, organizing our schedule, etc. It's fun thinking about things in advance, and doesn't make the wait till the trip seem so long!

You're right about all of the walking around campus that I've been doing, Linda - I dropped another pound, today - yea! :) I really enjoy being able to move around, during the day, as opposed to sitting behind a desk for most of it, as I used to. It's such a nice change, especially now that the weather has gotten back to being beautiful, again!

Well, time to start getting ready for another day in the world of higher education!

Hope that all is well with you both, and with you too, Angie and Wendy! Have a nice day! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Welcome back, Elaine! I haven't been getting e-mail notices about posts to threads, either. In fact, I don't think that I've gotten one in months! I just check my "User CP" to see when someone has posted to one of my threads. Glad to see you back, though! Sorry to hear that your back has been bothering you, though? I echo Linda's question - had you had problems with it, before, or did you recently injure it? I hope that all is going well in PT and that it is feeling much better, soon!

Thank you for your kind words! And thanks for thinking of Laverne, too! She actually had a "relapse", 2 nights ago - was acting very lethargic, and we were very frightened. It turned out that she had gotten herself dehydrated, again, and the vet gave her some fluids and vitamins, under her skin, last night. He said that the dehydration probably made her nauseous, and so she stopped eating and drinking. Hopefully his treatment will help. We're hoping that she will continue to feel better!

Congratulations on your nieces' upcoming baby showers and babies! That is such exciting news! And I think that books are a great idea, as gifts! I recently took advantage of Amazon's free shipping policy, as well! And thanks for letting me know about their used textbook offerings, as well. I've been buying mine on campus, because I get both student AND alumni discounts ( :) ), but it's good to know that Amazon may carry some of the things that I need, for the future!

I think that my schedule is finally ironed out. I think that some of the reason that the past week at school has seemed so exhausting was just the adjustment to the new schedule, to commuting and parking, etc. I think that once I have a "normal", full week of classes, it will seem a lot less daunting. And I'm glad that I was able to "exchange" one of my classes, yesterday - it was the last day to do so without getting a grade of "W" (for "withdrawn"). I feel better having gotten rid of a math class that I was not ready for. No sense in torturing myself with a class that I didn't feel prepared to take. Will take something similar, next semester, instead! Maybe Elaine can help me with my Computer Science homework, when we start doing projects! :)

So where are you thinking about eating, visiting, etc., at WDW, Linda? That's one of my favorite parts of planning a WDW trip - making the PS's, organizing our schedule, etc. It's fun thinking about things in advance, and doesn't make the wait till the trip seem so long!

You're right about all of the walking around campus that I've been doing, Linda - I dropped another pound, today - yea! :) I really enjoy being able to move around, during the day, as opposed to sitting behind a desk for most of it, as I used to. It's such a nice change, especially now that the weather has gotten back to being beautiful, again!

Well, time to start getting ready for another day in the world of higher education!

Hope that all is well with you both, and with you too, Angie and Wendy! Have a nice day! :)

[IASW Rider]

Sorry about the "double post", there - I was having trouble submitting the original post, and apparently it posted twice......and now it won't let me delete the duplicate! Sorry about that! :)

[helenabear]

Hi all, just wanted to check in and say hi to you all quickly :)

Lisa, I am glad to hear that I am not the only one who hasn't been getting e-mails. I was beginning to think it was just me. I guess I'll have to check my user cp more often. I usually don't go in that way and when I do, I haven't seen a thread pop up there in ages. Who knows why.

I haven't hurt my back that I am aware of. It just gradually has gotten worse and worse. I have had trouble for a long time but it was never that bad until this summer. I finally felt like I had to do something about it.

Linda, I admit, I do a lot of shopping on Amazon.com myself. There is a lot I find there for others and it is just a great place to get all the shopping done. I am hard pressed to not be able to find little gifts that I look for. Did you enjoy the weekend with your little guy?

Lisa, sorry to hear that Laverne had a set back. I hope that she can continue to feel better as time goes on. Glad that you got your schedule all worked out (or so you think). If you ever do have trouble with computer classes let me know. Hopefully either Luis or I could help.

Well I should get back to work but I had to say hi. I hope you all have a great day :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Ahhhhh, just what I need, an evening in the Suite. Had a scare earlier as both my legs developed spasms. Had me screaming and I am not a sissy when it comes to pain. I ate a banana in case it was potassium and grabbed some water in case it was dehydration. Guess I was right as they seem to have gone away. Very scary though. I have been crippled twice in my life and overcome it and having to go through it agin is a worry. I had not had any water since yesterday so it was probably my fault. I always look for horses before considering zebras and am usually right. LOL Come join me in soaking your legs in the jacuzzi.

Rider, I am sorry to hear that Laverne had a relapse. Looks like she and I are suffering from the same ailment and since she had it first I must have caught it from her. Computer virus. (smile) Text books are expensive and as I remember it is hard to find used ones sometimes. You are wise to drop the course you are not ready for. If you are like me, in certain subjects, you learn it and then forget it as soon as you have the test and it makes it hard to go back to those courses years later. Have a feeling that you will do very well on the computer classes. Most people do well at things they are interested in plus you have Frank (and Elaine and Luis) to bail you out if need be. I can help with English and History courses. Have forgotten everything else. LOL

I have never made a PS for DW. I fear that I might not be hungry on schedule and not for that particular place. Have never had any trouble getting into wherever we wanted. We tend to eat at off times and it works for us. Not too many sit down restaurants this time as I am watching what I eat and am going to eat lots of fruit and turkey legs and salads. We are going back to a few of our favorite places some days though. Akerhaus is off the list since it has changed. We used to love it there. Hollywood and Vine is another favorite. Bomba's, Rainforest, Perkin's Pancake House, Boatwrights and Trail's End come to mind also. We enjoy taking the boat over to TE. Food is alright, price is great but mostly it is just relaxing after being at MK all day long.

Congratulations on losing the pound!!! It is wonderful to lose and not to have to suffer much to do it. BTW, I found the pound you lost. I lost so much last week that I am not surprised to have a gain this week.

Helenabear, watch out about going to chiropractors with your bad back, some can make it much worse. Have you had tests and such to find out what is the matter? You are so young and in good shape and do not deserve this pain. Do you carry a heavy purse? It can impact on your spine greatly, ten or more pounds carried on one shoulder throws your whole body off.

Amazon.com is one of the best ideas anyone ever came up with. Hard to believe that they only made a small profit last year but most businesses do not make any profit at all for years. I got confirmation that my order was shipped today so if I can find the right gift bags I will be all set.

I always enjoy time spent with my grandkids. I will be going to Dalton's afterschool program two days a week to tutor reading. Is just across the street so it will be an easy 'chore'. Dalton insists that he will be in my reading group but that might not be in his best interests. Will see. I am very glad that he is going to this program, even better than being with grandma IMHO. He needs the structure. Much potential here.

How is Luis doing? Is he still enjoying his job?

SG/Linda

[helenabear]

Linda, that does sound so very scary! I hope that the spasms stay away for you. I did have a friend at work though, that had the same problem and it was always potassium levels being too low I guess that caused hers. At least that is what she said and always ate a banana to fix her troubles.

And I admit, I rarely make PS for WDW myself. I have one that will be set up for Candelight Processional and one for dinner before MVMCP (I think I am doing it twice and twice we will have dinner somewhere) But that is way more than what I normally do anyway. I usually don't eat much so sit downs are usually a lot of money for me.

Linda, I haven't even been to a chiro yet. I am going through my doctor and she suggested PT. He has me doing certain stretches and excercises daily. We have already done an x-ray on my back and if needed they will do an MRI. THey aren't sure what is wrong, but something is. I do not carry a heavy purse at all and rarely go far with any purse on my shoulder. You made me laugh because my back has been an issue for me for a long time. Starting with scoliosis when I was ten to a lot of troubles in college. My body isn't in that great of shape for my age really.

Luis is enjoying his job a lot. Very happy to be where he is and I doubt he would ever want to go anywhere else.

Well I ought to post this because the boards have been slow and I wouldn't want to lose all that I typed just now.

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

How are you feeling? I can certainly understand why you were concerned about those spasms - that's how I felt when I had that spasm over my eye for a week, a few months ago. It's good that you thought to drink water and get some potassium, too, and didn't panic, and it's wonderful that those things helped your legs to feel better. It's good that you didn't jump to the worst conclusion, too soon. I hope that that was just a one-time occurence and that that doesn't happen, again.

Well, even without PS's, it's still fun to plan out where you're going to visit and dine, when in WDW, ahead of time! What about Akershus has changed? Is it no longer a buffet? I haven't been there in 2 years, but we loved it when we went there, in 2001! I hope that it hasn't changed, too much! There are lots of things that you will be able to eat without feeling "guilty", in WDW. I was able to find things that I would "allow" myself to eat, in every restaurant we went to, there, be it counter service, table service, or a buffet. I'm sure that you will continue to do a fantastic job, as always! Don't worry about that pound - it was probably just from the water that you were drinking, and has already disappeared!

I hope that you're feeling well, too, Elaine! Back issues can be very scary, as well. It's good that you went to your PT as quickly as you did - maybe it will just take a few days for the exercises to "kick in" and start giving you some relief. I hope so!

I've been thinking a lot about that heavy purse issue, lately, since now I'm carrying a backpack, every day. I try to remember to put it on my back, instead of one shoulder, and try not to load it up with too many books at once, if I can help it. I've noticed some tightness in my lower back, lately - I know that I'm going to have to be very careful with the backpack. I never had that issue, years ago, when I lived on campus and just carried around one notebook per class. But being a commuter, I have to have all my "stuff" with me, so that I don't have to run back to my car too often.

Thank you both for asking for Laverne. We are very upset and frustrated - she doesn't seem to be eating or drinking, again. I think that we are going to have to bring her back to the vet, yet again, tonight, to have him show us how to give her fluids, under her skin, if she won't drink on her own. We are very worried. On top of that, our refridgerator decided to break down, yesterday, and now I'm worried that all of the food in there is going to spoil (I just did a huge food shopping, too). UGH. Frank is taking today off, to wait for the repairman and to keep an eye on Laverne. Figures, today would be the day when I have 4 back-to-back classes and will be gone from 9:00 - 6:00. I have so much on my mind that I feel like my head is going to explode.

Anyway.........thank you (and Luis!) for your offer of assistance! I think that I will be all right through the applications section of the class......but the second half of the class is programming, and I'm afraid that I am going to be totally lost, there! Glad to hear that Luis is enjoying his work - that's great! How are your kitties doing?

And that's so nice that you're going to be tutoring in Dalton's school, Linda! I'm sure that it will be a special treat for him to have you there, even if he's not in your group!

Well, time to get moving, here. Hope that you all have a nice day! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to pop in and wish you all a great weekend! It's a rainy, cool one, here in the Garden State, but I'm not complaining.....that will inspire me to stay inside and do "homework", all weekend! :)

Frank and I are finally starting to get into our new "grooves" of school schedules. Things certainly have been a bit different around here, over the past 2 weeks, since we both started, though. Whereas I used to be the one who was always on the computer, now I have to beg Frank for a few minutes with it, since he takes his classes on line and is on the computer from the second he gets home from work, till very late at night, now! (The only reason that I am on, now, is because Frank is still sleeping!) That may account for my still staying up so late at night, even though I'm in school now - that's the only time that I can get on the computer, now! :) Also, our house is very quiet at night, with me reading at the kitchen table, downstairs, and Frank reading or typing away in the office, upstairs!

Learning my new schedule and becoming accustomed to being a commuter (whereas I lived on campus, when I was going to school there, years ago) has been a bit of an adjustment.......as has carrying around that 4 million pound backpack, everywhere (I think that I've figured out a way to make it lighter, though - it takes careful "choreography" of running back to my car at key moments, and exchanging the books that I need to have with me)! But I've really been enjoying my classes, so far, and I love being back at R.U.! It's so beautiful, walking around the Cook and Douglass campuses at this time of year, and being able to spend time outside in the middle of the day, and move around (as opposed to being stuck in an office, all day) - that's such a refreshing change from what I've been used to, all these years! Plus, it's great additional exercise, too - maybe I'll finally lose those last few pounds that I've been hoping to get rid of! I appreciate being on campus so much more than I did, years ago, when I was young and naive! The assignment schedule is pretty heavy, and it's hard to keep track of everything that's due on a particular day, for each class, but I'm on top of everything!

I'm only able to take one class (and the associated lab) that pertains to my new major, this semester, as I need to get my college level math level "up to" calculus, before I can start taking the chemistry classes that are co-requisites to the rest of my nutrition classes. I'm really enjoying my Foods and Nutrition class (it's my favorite!) and the lab is really fun, too - last week, we evaluated all sorts of unidentified food and beverage samples, according to their various tastes, smells, "mouthfeels", sounds, and visual presentations. I wound up dropping that dreaded Intermediate Algebra class, as I told you all.......because it was too hard! And the instructor moved so fast! That was too much for someone who hasn't looked at algebra in over 20 years! So I decided that I would bite the proverbial bullet and put myself back into Elementary Algebra, next semester, and start all over again. Even though that will delay my getting into the "meat" of my nutrition program (if you'll excuse the pun!), I don't want to set myself up to fail, and I need to really take my time with math. It's sort of frustrating - here, I'm a licensed stock broker and did much more theoretically complicated mathematical equations on a daily basis, when I was working.......but algebra still mystefies me! Oh well - I'll get there, slowly but surely! In the mean time, there is one more nutrition class and lab that I can take, next semester, without needing chemistry along with it.

The other classes that I'm taking, now, are part of Cook's "core curriculum" - things that I need to get a degree from Cook that Douglass didn't require for graduation, so I never took them (ie: political science, economics). Since Cook is an agricultural / scientific college, in keeping with their "theme" I'm taking Politics of the Environment and Economics, People, and the Environment. I'm also taking a Computer Science class, that's required......and that will ultimately kill me, I'm sure, when we begin the programming part of the class! At least I'll finally be forced to learn how to create a web page, anyway! :)

I'm locked in our "office room" with our cat, Laverne, now, trying to coax her to eat in between each paragraph that I type. UGH - it's so frustrating, and I'm constantly worried. She's acting perkier, now, but still not "back to herself" and she still isn't eating nearly as much as the doctor wants her to. The doctor has essentially said that unless we can get her eating and get her metabolism going, again, her liver will ultimately fail. So I feel all this pressure to get her to eat, but I don't want to annoy her to the point where she will refuse to eat "on purpose". We have no idea why she stopped eating, in the first place. I'm beginning to think that it's emotional / psychological, since all of the cats are STILL trying to "find their places" in our little feline society, here, since Frank's cats moved in 2 years ago. She used to be "the queen of the roost", and maybe she feels less powerful, now, or as though there is more competition for Frank's and my attention. Who knows - I'll just keep trying and hope for the best! :)

On top of the craziness of getting back into a school type schedule, and trying to get Laverne to eat, every 2 seconds, wouldn't you know that our refridgerator had to break down, this week, too? We ran out to Sears and bought a new one, a few nights ago. But biggest pain about this whole refridgerator thing was not the loading of all of our tons of food into coolers in the garage, nor breaking an entire carton of eggs in the process.....but rather taking down my hundreds of magnets from the old refridgerator, storing them safely, and contemplating how I will configure them on the new refridgerator, when it arrives, tomorrow! :) Well, the old one was a "side-by-side", and the new one has the freezer on top and the refridgerator on the bottom, so I guess I can say that I can be more artistic, now, without the "interruption" of the door handles, in the middle of my magnet patterns! :)

So that's about all the news from here! Sorry for the ridiculously long post, but since I don't have as much of a chance to stop by, during the week, any more, I figured that I would bombard you all with one big post, over the weekend! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Take care and hope to see you here, soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Rider

I finally got rid of most of my magnets cause it was driving me nuts taking them off to clean and such. I am so anal that having one askew drove me nuts also. I am sick. LOL It sounds as if your new refrigerator is smaller and there will be less space for your collection. I have read where people take a baking sheet to hold some of their collection.

I cannot believe that you guys are not a two computer family. I would go nuts if I had to wait in line. Guess that is why we have 3 bathrooms also. (grin)

Surely commuting is much easier than sleeping in a dorm room with a roommate from hell? I have always thought that higher education was wasted on the young. You just do not appreciate it that much when you are younger and are often sick and tired of school and not much interested. I bet there are plenty of mature students attending nowadays. When I was in HS we had a married lady who wanted to complete school to get her diploma and the school board and all were in an uproar for fear that she would corrupt us unmarrieds. LOL She was a neat lady and not at all a bad example but the opposite.

I am interested in how you did on the taste test in your class. I have a feeling that you did very well as you are a very detail oriented person. It would be a dream class for me to have to eat food. LOL

Has Laverne perked up any? I would gladly send her some of my appetite if I could. Has she gotten sick since you guys started being more busy with classes etc?

I had Dalton here the other evening. He ran for a book as soon as he hit the door and demanded to read it. I knew what he was doing but took advantage of the moment anyway, When his parents came to get him he showed the book and informed them that he had to spend the night so he could get more reading done. LOL I gave him a bath after they left and was able to get him into his undershorts before he fell asleep. I tucked him into bed that way since I was tired too. He told his mother, the next day, that he had slept 'like a man' in just his undershorts. Gave me far more info than I wanted about my sil. LOL

Austin wanted to come and spend the day but his mother demanded him since this was her only day off. When he called to complain I told him he had every right to complain. Imagine, having a mother who loves you and wants to spend time with you. (grin)

It is rainy today, nothing good on tv (seldom is) so I have been getting out the luggage and getting a few things done for our trips. Hoping to get new tires for the car tomorrow. I never understand people who wait until the last minute to get tires and often take them on vacation in iffy condition. I would rather 'waste" $20 worth of tread and drive with an easy mind.

Helenabear, Angelina and Jstmee, you are in my thoughts and I am sending all the good thoughts I can your way in hopes that you have the best weekend ever.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

How are you doing? It sounds like you had a nice and productive weekend!

It's so sweet how your grandsons always want to be with you and think of sneaky ways to get to spend more time with you or spend the night at your house! They are very lucky to have a special grandma, such as you, and it's so wonderful that they bring so much joy to your life! I'm sure that your DS and SIL are very proud of them, as well!

I agree with you about getting new tires or having your car serviced and tires checked - especially before a long car trip, such as you'll be taking! "Better safe than sorry", as they always say! And that's the last thing that you'll want to be worrying about, when your in, on your way to, or on your way back from WDW! Isn't it great when the time rolls around to take out the luggage? It always makes the upcoming trip seem more "real", when the luggage comes out! :)

Well, our new fridge arrived, and all of our magnets do, indeed, fit on it! :) It took me over an hour to arrange them - I also immediately notice if one is askew - it's a real "art" keeping them arranged properly! :) I'll have to send you a picture of my "masterpiece" - this time, I grouped the magnets by "category" - subject matter (Disney and Broadway on top), geographical location, and / or "theme" (patriotism, art, cats, etc.). I know - I'm crazy! :) Anyway, it's so wonderful to have a functioning refridgerator, again! And thank God Sears was having a sale, when we bought the new one, last week!

Laverne is about the same, thanks for asking. Again, I'm locked in a room with her, right now, intermittantly coaxing her to eat. It drives me crazy and breaks my heart. I feel so helpless - every once in awhile I throw up my hands and just don't know what to do. She eats and presumably drinks a tiny bit each day, but I know that the doctor wants her to be consuming a lot more. Still, I'm not home all day any more and can only try to get her to eat and drink in the morning and in the evening. I guess I can only do the best that I can. At least she seems to have some energy - not as much as before, but she's not as "bad" as she was a few weeks ago. I just hope that one day I'll wake up and she'll miraculously be eating and drinking as she always did, on her own.

The sensory evaluation lab was fun! We did get to evaluate lots of different types of food and drinks, but the samples were very tiny (and most of them were things that I wouldn't let myself eat, anyway, so I didn't even finish the tiny samples!). I typed up my 16 page lab report, yesterday.....whew! What a project! And I will have a lab report to do, every week - I'll have to reserve one day of every weekend just for that!

Anyway, time to start moving - I have my first test, today - just a little quiz in Politics of the Environment - but I still want to go over my notes, real quick, before I head out!

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

[SlightlyGoofy]

Rider, who would not want to be with someone who meets their every need and want and tells them they are wonderful. Heck I would run off with someone like that myself. Tom was walking around the square today and saw Dalton at the park. Dalton tried to get granddad to bring him home with him. It is so wonderful to live in a tiny town where the kids can walk from the school to the town square playground and across the street to the library. Grandma's house is en route to all the above also. Mayberry has nothing on us. LOL

A 16 page report would be daunting for most people but not for you, I bet. The words just flow from you and in such a delightful manner to boot. Politics of the Environment? Sounds interesting. Might I inquire as to what that is? We had plain old ordinary subjects in my day and I am intriqued by the possibilities of today. If I could not work at Disney I would love to work for a university and take free classes just for the fun of it.

Have you been watching the Dr. Phil diet thing? Sure he has some good points but is nothing new that has not been around forever. I think his ego is a bit overblown to think that 'he' has the cure for it all. Besides it seems he needs to work on himself a bit too. We all know what to do, it is the doing that is difficult.

I would rather spend a few dollars and be careful than to be broke down along side the highway somewhere between IN and FL.

I am going to meet a couple of people from my diet group on the November trip. We are going to watch Spectromagic together from the train station. I have never seen it from there. Any tips for which seats are the best?

Sears always has sales IMHO. I think they got in trouble for that one time. What brand did you buy? Glad to hear that you were able to put all your magnets in order. Front only or sides also?

We are planning a stop in Hendersonville, TN to pay our respects to Johnny Cash on our way to FL. We have been there before. John Ritter will be well missed also. We just lost our governor this week also. He was well liked. Death is all around right now. A dear friend lost her mom this weekend. Too much.

I have a full day tomorrow so I had better get myself settled for the night.

Good night to all the Suite Ladies.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

So sorry that it's been so long since I've checked in! We had a ridculously stressful week. Believe it or not, on the night before I had a test and Frank had 2 papers due, ANOTHER ONE of our cats, Boo Boo Kitty, got sick! She went into this strange, trance-like state, and had something akin to a seizure - shaking, walking dizzily - and we couldn't get her attention or "snap her out of it". It was so scary. It lasted for about 5 minutes, then she lay down and "came back to us". But we immediately rushed her to the all-night veterinary clinic (we were there until 12:45 AM - UGH.). They had a few possible diagnoses, but ultimately, Frank took the following day off from work and took her to our regular vet, who ran blood tests (I had a full day of classes, the following day......plus that test!). It turns out that (as I'd suspected for awhile), she has an overactive thyroid. That may or may not have caused the "seizure", but the doctor thinks that they are probably related. So he put her on oral medication and wants to see her again in 2 weeks. She's been acting fine since then, so hopefully she'll be all right.

Then, the following night, Laverne got really sick! So I took her to our regular vet, yesterday, who told me that there was really nothing more that they could do for her there (since they are generalists and she needs a specialist, at this point)........so they told me to take her to the regional veterinary hospital (which is 30 miles away) IMMEDIATELY! And so I did - I was totally unprepared - all I had with me were my wallet and keys - I hadn't even taken a shower, yet! But I took her down there (near the shore......with the storm on the approach.....) and they admitted her as an emergecy case. It was so stressful, but I held it together as best as I could. I know that she is in the best hands possible, now (extremely EXPENSIVE "hands", but the best, so we don't care about the money). She is being treated by a veterinary internal medicine specialist, who seems very nice. She called me this morning and said that Laverne is doing fine, there, and that her situation may not be as dire as my vet originally predicted. My vet was fairly certain that she would have to have a feeding tube inserted into her stomach, so that we could force feed her at home. The specialist said that that would only be a last resort, and she's running all kinds of tests so that she can determine other alternatives. Laverne has also developed ulcers in her stomach from not eating, and they are giving her a kitty antacid to treat them. Poor Laverne - she's been through so much! But I am confident that when she comes home from this hospital stay (which may be over a week away), she will be as healthy as she's able to be.

While all that was going on, Frank and I were struggling to keep our heads above water with school (I wound up having to miss my one scheduled class, yesterday, as I was still driving back from the hospital, at the time), home responsibilities, etc. It's been a crazy few weeks - I'm really hoping that things will calm down, soon!

Aside from all that, we're doing fine! :) We're celebrating our 3-years-and-11-months dating anniversary, this weekend ( :) ).....as well as the fact that Frank was presented with a Special Achievement Award at work, this week. We're loving the new refridgerator (it's a Kenmore, Linda - will send you a picture of my "magnet art"! :) ) and I picked up all of the food that I had cooked and stored in my parents' freezer last week, today.

How did you all fare with the hurricane? Did it affect you all, at all? We just had a lot of heavy rain and some pretty serious wind, last night. A few trees were down, this morning, in our neighborhood, and a few roads were closed (which made it interesting to get to school - I tried several different routes that wound up being blocked! But I made it there, eventually!), but nothing worse, thank God.

I love the way that you describe your town, Linda! It sounds like such a nice and pretty place!

And that's so neat that you will be meeting up with some of your friends, at WDW! I think that the train station is an excellent location for viewing SpectroMagic! Any place on the platform or steps will offer you a great, panoramic view of the parade!

I did watch that Dr. Phil and Katie Couric weight loss special, Linda. I think that he's pretty full of himself, in general, though he did have a few good points. I also believe that one has to "fix him/ herself" on the INSIDE before he or she can "fix him/ herself" on the outside. Or at least that was the case for me. I think that for many people (definitely myself included) weight is an expression of other things - anger, sadness, frustration, etc. And I think that until one works those issues out, it will be all the harder to lose weight and become really "healthy", if that makes sense. But I think that that's a very personal thing for every individual - I don't think that there can be a "cookie cutter approach" to it, as Dr. Phil apparently suggests in his new book. I don't think that everyone could just follow each of his "steps" and achieve the same results. The two of them were pretty obnoxious for making that lady throw out her burrito, in the mall food court, didn't you think? :)

Politics of the Environment is actually just something I'm taking to fulfill a Cook College requirement (same goes for my Economics, People, and the Environment class, this semester!), but they're both pretty interesting. The politics class deals with environmental policies on all government levels, how policies are formed and supported (or not), etc. It deals with the general "art and science of government".

Thank you for your kind words, but working on that lab report, last weekend, was pretty tedious! Thankfully, I realized during lab, this week, that we only have a report due every other week - we have quizzes on the alternating weeks, so I will have a little "break" from that, this weekend. I get to work on my Policy Memo for the Politics class, instead! UGH. :)

That's very nice that you'll be making a stop in TN, in honor of Johnny Cash, on your way to Florida. I also feel very badly about John Ritter. He just seemed like such a nice and real person, when I met him 2 years ago, and he was obviously very loved and respected by the people who really knew and worked with him.

Well, time to hit the books, once more. Hope that all is well with all of you! Take care and have a great weekend! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry to keep checking in with these depressing posts, but I've come to the Suite today for some consolation and peace and a look at the nice view from our balcony. We lost Laverne, today, to inoperable stomach cancer - that explains why she wasn't eating or drinking. We're hanging in there and trying to seek comfort in the fact that she's in a "better place", now, away from the pain and discomfort, able to eat all the tuna she wants (which she wasn't allowed to eat on earth, because of her previous urinary tract issues), and cavorting with other feline members of our family who have long since moved to that big, comfy cat bed in the sky.

UGH - what a horrible day. But I'm trying to keep myself distracted with classes and school stuff. I wish that I had some more pleasant or positive news to report. At least the Jewish New Year arrives at the end of this week, so we can look toward a "new beginning" and happier times!

Hope that all is well with all of you! I promise, no more depressing posts! Talk to you all, soon!

[SlightlyGoofy]

{{{{{Rider/Lisa}}}}}} These are hugs from me to you. I am sorry to hear that Laverne is no longer with you. She truly enjoyed a life of heaven on earth with you and Frank and I truly believe that animals go to heaven. Probably more likely than people since they are incapable of the evils that us mere humans are capable of.

Have you found out anything about Boo Boo Kitty? Have you bought any new houseplants or something that she might have gotten into?

It seems that things happen in clumps. We go along merrily in life with it all going so well and soon become complacent and sure of the continuation of such when the sky falls and torrents envelope us until we do not think that we will ever see sunshine again. It does come and we sigh for relief and go on for awhile again. If all went well all the time I fear that we would be even more ungrateful for all that life gives us.

The mind boggles at all that you are learning for your new profession. I had never thought of the politics of food but there it is. Have read a lot about how Russia controls its people with the distribution of certain basic foodstuffs (including vodka).

I had a wonderful time on my little vacation. The baby shower was awesome with everyone pitching in to make it as special as the mother to be. No hysterics or anything, just nice family fun. I was the only one from our family who was there. Might be the reason things went well? (sigh) The books were well received. One book brought tears as it turned out to be a favorite that she had not been able to find. I bonded with one certain great niece (yes,, I am old) LOL. I even have one great neice that is 17 but she is from my husband's side of the family and he is much older than I am. My brother is planning on coming in for the big Hope weekend and a sister is coming to Indpls for a paralegal conference in a couple of weeks so I am being deluged with family. I can handle any of them one at a time it is just when they get together in droves that havoc rules.

We went to church at my old church and it was so wonderful. The lady who sat behind me had babysat for me when I was little and the young woman in front of me had suffered my babysitting her. Very small congregation so there was quite a stir when us 'strangers' came in. Everyone was so nice when they found out who I was. I am related to most everyone in town but was not allowed to have much contact with them growing up so I do not know most of them very well.

My best friend from grade school came down from Columbus (100 miles) and we took our old Sunday School teacher out for lunch. We went back to her house so she could show us some of her new lamps. She makes handmade stained glass lamps and things. My house is full of her creations. She is 90. Awesome!!!!


I have had bad luck with Sears in my life so I am not a fan but do happen to know that the Kenmore refrigerator is a top rated one in Consumer Reports at present. I would love to see your magnet art.

The Suite is our refuge from the world and where better to come when you are in pain than here, among friends?

Happy New Year to you and Mazel Tov. Hope I got that right.

From your Presbyterian friend, SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words and for your support. It's been a rough few days, but we're doing all right. Trying to keep busy and preoccupied. That should be easy, today - I have 4 back-to-back classes, and a quiz in the first one of them!

So glad that the shower went well and that the mother-to-be enjoyed herself! What books did you give her? I'm sure that they are very special to her and that her baby will love them, too!

I loved your account of how you went to your former church and saw the lady who had babysat for you and the woman for whom you babysat! And how you were welcomed by everyone, too. And it's so neat that you and your friend got together with your Sunday School teacher - it really sounds like a wonderful, warm town that you live in! I can imagine your walking down the street and being greeted by all sorts of friendly people, whom you know!

Boo Boo Kitty is doing all right, as far as we can tell. She goes back for follow up blood tests next week, to see if her new thyroid medication is helping. It could be our imagination (or wishful thinking), but she seems to have calmed down a bit, since she started taking it, which is a good thing. No more "weird episodes" since then, either, so we're keeping our fingers crossed!

Wish that I had something interesting to report, but it's just school stuff, around here. We're baking muffins and biscuits in lab, today.......I won't be trying any, though........mine will probably come out like deflated souffles, anyway! :) Our last lab was less appetizing to me - the theme was "THINGS MADE WITH GELATIN"......while I love jello, the aspic dish that was assigned to my lab partner and me was a little funky, for my tastes!

Have a great day and talk to you soon! And thanks again! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Rider, as a former 4-H member, leader and judge I can tell you how to improve your biscuits or muffins. The secret is to not overdo them. With biscuits handle the dough as little as possible and with muffins just barely mix the ingredients. If you overbeat them you get those peaks and that is not good. Is simple really. When making biscuits I sometimes add a slight sprinkling of sugar to the top as it makes them brown and shimmer. I have started adding this special sugar, cannot think of the name starts with T, I think. It has larger crystals and is slightly yellow brown. Just an added touch that makes them more like the bakery kind. Hope something here helps. BTW, Aspic tasted nasty way back when I made it also. I don't think many people make it any more. I can think of better things to make with Jello. Do you know what gelatin is made of?

I am relieved to hear that Boo Boo is doing better. Maybe it was just a short lived bug of some kind.

Have you had many after effects of the hurricane? Am hearing that you guys had tornadoes on top of everything else. Did you lose power?

My hometown has only about 200 residents and I am related to all of them. LOL They know me better than I do them as I was not allowed to mingle much.

I have been up since 3 am since I could not sleep and think I am going to lay down for a bit so I will be safe to teach the kids this afternoon. I am not a nap person but today will have to be an exception.

Helenabear, Angelina and Jstmee, I am sending you all a hearty good morning and hoping to hear from you soon.

Linda/SG

[helenabear]

Hi all! My connection to the DIS has been absolutely terrible lately!!! By comparison, I haven't been on posting much at all!!!! Not getting e-mail notifs either and never see this thread up with a new post in my user CP :( I'm at work, so I'll make it short here.

Lisa, I am so very sorry to hear about Laverne :( So sad to hear that you did lose her {{{HUGS}}} I wish all the best for your other precious furbaby. A friend of mine just went through some thyroid meds for her furbaby as well and that one seems to be doing so much better.

Good luck with the muffins! Linda sounds like she knows what she is talking about though. I am sure yours will turn out great!! Oh and from what I know, Linda is right again, I have heard great things about Kenmore fridges. We do use Sears often and had no problems... my dad did once years ago, but he says they have improved. Hopefully he is right since most of our appliances seem to come from there.

Linda, glad to hear that you had a good time at the shower. I do hope you also enjoy all the family that will be visiting you soon. You do have me curious though, you said you were not aloud to mingle much with the family in town... was there any reasoning for this?

Well I need to get myself back to work. I do hope you all have a great day :)

[IASW Rider]

Just trying to erase a duplicate copy of the below message, but the Boards won't let me do so! So I'm just posting this nonsense message, instead!

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

You were absolutely right about the biscuits and muffins - our lab professor gave us the exact same advice that you gave me (and supported it with the chemical reasoning for not mixing or kneading too much, of course! :) )! I had never baked either from scratch - in fact, I don't bake ANYTHING from scratch - Frank is the baker, not me! And sure enough........my muffins had peaks (and valleys!) and my biscuits came out in all different shapes! That's OK, though - we're graded based on our efforts, and scientific reports, not necessarily the finished products! :) We did do sensory evaluations of everyone's muffins and biscuits after they were all finished, though. Even though mine looked funny, they tasted all right! :)

Yes, I do know what gelatin is made of.......and I don't want to think about it! YUCK! :) We were working with it in lab to demonstrate its different properties (chemical reactions, again) and how it "works". As I said, I try to stay away from anything that's obviously made with gelatin - just because I can't stand the consistency - with the exception of actual jello! And I now know why I can't stand jello that's been sitting for more than a day - apparently, even after the gel has formed, it continues to form protein bonds such that eventually it gets that icky, leathery consistency as the bonds squeeze out all of the water inside!

I couldn't believe that we had actual tornadoes here, either! One of them touched down right near Frank's office! Fortunately, neither of them were close enough to our home to affect the house or our power. Thanks for asking, though! The weather has been beautiful here, for the past few days - sunny and in the mid-70's!

Hope that you were able to catch up on your sleep - I wouldn't want to see you become a "pseudo-insomniac" like me! :)

Hi Elaine! Great to hear from you! And thanks so much for your kind words, as well. It's been a hard week, but we're hanging in there! The more I think about it, the more I know that we did the right thing in letting Laverne go. She was so much sicker than we realized, and it would have only gotten worse. The other cats do miss her - even Frank's cat who never liked Laverne seems to be looking around for her. We're paying extra attention to Laverne's biological sister, Shirley, and making sure that the other cats keep her company. Boo Boo Kitty still seems to be doing all right on her medication - I hope that like your friend's cat, this medicine does the trick and makes her better! How have you been doing, out there?

Well, time to get studying for my first mid-term exam, which is tomorrow. Economics - FUN! :)

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

[IASW Rider]

Just wanted to wish you all a great weekend and "bump" us back up! :)

P.S. I think that I "aced" my economics mid-term, yesterday! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Suite Ladies!

Busy weekend here and just now got a chance to check in. Helenabear, I have not been getting my messages either and when I try to log on it does not come up all the time either. Not sure what causes it either.

Helenabear, the reasoning behind our living a secluded life had to do with the times (50's), small town and an uneducated father who was paranoid about us talking about family business and since he was abusive that was probably the family business he did not want told. Is part of what I fear about my Fab Four. I hope you guys are not getting the storms that pounded us last night. Seems you get if after us usually.

Rider, is much better that your biscuits looked funny and tasted good rather than the other way around. LOL I am not gourmet cook either. I used to love to cook but my kids were so picky that it took the fun out of it and now it is just Tom and myself. I cooked up a bunch of stuff for the weekend though. I enjoy cooking for people who like to eat it. Have had company almost all the time. Dalton spent last night and my company just left, More on the way. Free food does that everytime! LOL I believe that I read that gelatin is made from an artificial source nowadays. Hope so. LOL I am glad that the tornado did not get either of you. Close call for Frank though. Was there very much damage done? Dalton is very interested in tornadoes and has me read him every book he can find on the subject.

I am glad to hear that your furbabies are playing nicely and helping Boo Boo cope with her loss.

Gee, what a surprise that you should ace a subject that you worked at for many years. LOL Life experience is the best. Bet you are a big help to others in your class. Congratulations!!!!

Another cooking tip. when adding blueberries to muffin mix add them frozen to keep them from blending into the batter and making it blue. You can dredge the fruit in flour also to help keep it from falling to the bottom of the pans.

Am wondering why you need to learn so much cooking in order to be able to help people diet though. I can see learning how to cook healthier though. Of course, they keep changing what healthy is. (sigh) Now they are saying that low cal and low fat do not work. Hard to keep up with it all. Dr. Adkins must be somewhere smiling.

Have to go check on the food I am fixing. Am going to make peanut butter cookies later. Everyone else loves them and I don't. I just spent 14 points on a funnel cake so I am going to have veggie soup for dinner to compensate. Hope it works.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Hi Linda!

I guess that your Heritage Days festival is going on, this week? I remember your telling us about it, the past 2 years (can you believe that we've all been here, in the Suite for over 2 years? :) ), and it always sounds so nice! One of these years, I'm going to fly out there so that I can experience it, myself! Have there been a lot of events, each day? You've certainly been doing a lot of cooking - if I'm recalling correctly, doesn't everyone stop by and visit eachother's homes and have a little snack, as part of the festivities? I think that that's such a nice atmosphere! How are the boys enjoying school, so far? How is your tutoring going? And are you working in the library, now, as well?

We definitely do a lot of cooking in Foods Lab! But it's more to observe the scientific / chemical processes than to actually prepare the food (although that's part of our grade, as well). We had one whole Lab on proper liquid and solid meauring techniques. Then there was one dealing with gel formation and gelation (hence the evil "GELATIN LAB"!). Last week was quick breads (the muffins and biscuits), to observe gluten formation and "chemical leavening" (ie: carbon dioxide produced by baking powder). This week will be yeast breads, to observe "biological leavening". We also did the sensory evaluation lab, using 4 different sensory tests to distinguish the traits of different foods. So the cooking "serves a purpose".......along with being a source of mid-day snacks! :)

Rosh Hashana was nice, but tense. I think that I was overtired, after a long, busy week, as well as an emotionally draining one, and my patience was very thin. My sister-in-law has a talent of testing my patience, and sometimes I have more of it for her than others. This was not one of those times. She didn't "do" anything directly offensive (though I admit, I am still stewing over something offensive that she DID say to me, over Labor Day weekend), but her self-centeredness and sarcastic sense of humor get to me in times when I'm not at my "full potential", and by the end of the 2 day holiday, I was just about ready to explode. So what did I do? I snapped at my father, who totally didn't deserve it. UGH. I felt like shooting myself. True, my father contributed to the stress by making me a nervous wreck (as usual, I was the one doing all of the work in the kitchen, which was a huge job, while my father took care of my mother and Frank entertained his sister and my uncle snoozed). Anyway, I felt really badly about it and apologized to my father, the next day. My parents said that I didn't need to apologize and that they understood that I've been under a lot of pressure. I barely said anything about my sister-in-law, but I think that they assumed that she had something to do with my state of mind, those days, so now they've decided to hate her (they always need someone to hate and focus their attention on - it's very sad how they do that and feed off of eachother's negative energy, that way). Normally, this would concern me, but I just don't have the energy to worry about it too much.

Anyway..............fortunately, the serious damage that resulted from last week's tornadoes was far enough away from where Frank works that he was not directly affected. A car dealership in the next town over lost its roof, many power lines went down, and some houses there suffered damage, but I believe that everything is all right, now. Our weather is still crazy, here - we had a beautiful weekend, in the 80's.......and now it's fall, all of a sudden! The days are in the low 60's and the evenings are already in the 40's and 50's! I feel like we were robbed of our summer, since June was so damp, cold, and rainy, and it rained during so many of the weekends throughout July and August. :(

So, how are your WDW plans coming along, Linda? And how about yours, Elaine? Both of your trips are coming up, right around the corner! :) How are you doing out there, Angie? Any way that we might convince you to take a little trip to the Sunshine State in May, perhaps? :)

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

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa

You just plain warm the cockles of my heart. Not up to your usual potential huh? LOL What a way with words and emotions you have. Have you ever considered that you took it out on your dad cause he was 'safe"? Bet he knows that too. When I get to feeling badly cause my kids are sort of mean I comfort myself with the idea that they do so cause they know that I love them and always will. Have killed the fatted calf for one, one time and am willing to kill off the herd before I shuffle off this mortal coil, if necessary.

Not everyone is as giving and thoughtful as you are and maybe your sil just says whatever is on her mind without a thought of the ramifications. Comfort yourself with the fact that she feels at ease around you and ignore her oral flatulence. (grin)

Most people are out and about for Heritage Days but being the agoraphobic that I am I tend to stay at home and cook for anyone who wants to venture by. We live right off the square and a lot of my friends are older and not able to walk as much and are on fixed incomes and do not want to spend big bucks on food so this is a convenience for them. I also have people who come each year and we watch the parade from our front porch. It was cold and rainy this year so it was a bust but on the good side I have enough food in the fridge to feed us for the week and I have a lot of work to do so it will come in mighty handy. How sweet to even think of flying out for HD but it would not be that much of a much for you. Is just fun watching our local kids grow up for us.

I am only volunteering at the after school program across the street this year. The library got too discouraging for me as the lady in charge was more into keeping it neat than seeing that kids got books. I am organizing people to come in and read to and with the kids at the program. One of my former neighbors is Dalton's first grade teacher and she wants me to volunteer at that school. I do not drive much in the winter so I will see.

Only have about 3-4 weeks until we leave for Florida so I will not be available then either. I have my itinerary mostly figured out. Might send you a copy as you send yours to me. Keep in mind that we are older and infirm so we are not doing as many things as you and Frank would fit into your schedule.

It is supposed to freeze tomorrow night so I will be putting our potted plants into the basement. One of the great features of this house is the four large rooms in the basement and they all have a large ledge around the outside walls that I put the plants on. I have them watered once a month and save big bucks on plants each year. I had geraniums blooming in the window last February. LOL

I am thrilled that a big storm tore off a lot of the siding from the house that my dd and sil live in. Because of the insurance settlement and a good year on the farm they are getting new siding, shutters and guttering. It will really make a big difference in how the place looks. They are even talking about getting a new car next year. Amazing. LOL I am a neat freak and I never say anything but it is hard to see how they live sometimes.

I gained a pound this week but came in as the biggest loser for the month with a five pound loss so I am a happy camper. Hope next month goes as well. The SBD is working for me. Not the huge losses that others sometimes report but any loss is good for me. Easy to keep to also. If I get hungry I just go cut off a slice of my meatloaf and doctor it a bit to change the flavor.

Helenabear, do you happen to have any plans to come to DW next May? If you so we will have to hijack Angelina on our way down. I have been wanting to check out Fairhope one of these days anyway. With this trip planned we will have to go at least twice more next year in order to get our money's worth. (grin)

SG/Linda

[angelina]

Well, Linda, coming down my way? I haven't been on the boards in a long while but was thinking of all of you and took a moment to stop in. I haven't been getting updates, either, so I wasn't sure what was going on. I haven't checked a map, but couldn't you come down I-65 on your way to FL? Would love to meet you.

I will try to catch up on the last few pages of posts tomorrow.

Take care,

Angelina

[IASW Rider]

Hi Angie!

Great to see you! Thanks for stopping by! I haven't been getting my e-mail updates from the Boards, either. I just go to "User CP" every day to see if anyone has posted!

Hi Linda!

Congratulations on that great 5 pound loss! That is fantastic! :) You're doing wonderfully, as always! And it's funny that you mentioned meatloaf, because I just had a piece, myself! :)

I've been doing all right, in that regard - lost 6 pounds since that year-long plateau kept me in one place. I think that all of the walking around on campus, up and down hills, lots of staircases is helping that along, in addition to my regular workouts. I lost 1/2 inch from every area of my body, since last month......with the exception of my calves, which stayed the same! I think that that's pretty reasonable, since they're the parts of my legs which are probably doing most of the "work", with all of that walking!

That's so neat that you live so centrally that everyone can easily come and visit you and you can even watch the parade from your front porch!

I believe that it's supposed to freeze here, tonight, as well. UGH. It seems to have gone from summer to late fall, within the course of the past few days. I'm just not used to wearing long sleeves and long pants, yet - it seems to be too early in the season to be doing that!

I got perfect scores on my first lab report and lab quiz - yea!! Now I know that I definitely have "A" averages in 2 of my classes......we'll see what the rest of the mid-term period brings.....I have exams every single week of this month!

Please send me your itinerary, if you have a chance, Linda - I'd love to see it! It will infuse me with another jolt of excitement about our trip in May.......which seems so far away, at this point......

And thank you for your thoughtful and supportive words, as always! :)

Well, time to get a few things done around here before I head off to school for the day. Just one class, today - not too stressful!

Have a great day, Everyone! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

I just finished watching a show on Undiscovered Disney on the Travel Channel. Not much that I have not already read or heard about but it sure was good to see it in person.

Angelina, we usually take 75 down but we might consider a Route 65 trip next year in order to spend a couple of days in Fairhope. We could get together while we are there and maybe you might even be persuaded to come over to Disney for a couple of days so we can all watch the EWP together. Would be this ooooolllllllddddddd (LOL) lady's fondest wish. (giggle) I have been thinking of you. Have come up with another idea for a business for you. I read where a local lady cooks up meals for certain clients in town who are too busy to cook for themselves but want home cooking. She interviews them as to what their preferences are and then spends the day cooking up several meals that she packages and freezes and then delivers to their homes. Sounds like a great plan for a stay at home mother as you could work around your kid's schedules and not have the hassle of dealing with large crowds and the chaos that can ensue. I will not charge you any fees for my business advice. (Probably about what it is worth) LOL

Rider, congratulations on getting such good grades. I bet you did well the first time you went to college as well. How wonderful that you have broken out of your plateau and are losing again. Don't try to get down so far that you do not look like yourself though. Only one class? How wonderful. I was never that lucky. How long is it going to take you to complete your course of study?

The weather has taken a turn for winter here as well. Frost has bit the pumpkin and is nipping at my toes. I started cleaning the flower beds for the winter and am hoping to get done before we leave for Disney. I have most of the Christmas shopping done and am starting on the cards next week. I like to mail them out on Thanksgiving Day.

I am calling to extend our visit by two more days on Monday. Hope it is not too hard to do. I had no trouble booking the first time.

I will post my agenda when I get it typed up. Have been a bit booked lately. I did not get home until after 10 last night as I had to drive Tom to bowling. He bowled twice yesterday and managed a 161 one game. His average is 103 so that was quite good. One guy on the team made a strike almost every single time. It made for a very long day for me and I am hoping that this will not happen too often. On such days I still have all my regular duties to do as well before and after. Where do I go to retire?

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Deleting a duplicate of the below post - for some reason, the Boards wouldn't let me delete the dupe, so here is another "decoy message" in its place!

[IASW Rider]

Hi Suite Friends!

Hi Linda!

Sorry that it took me so long to respond! We've been visiting with my family for Yom Kippur, and I've been hard at work studying for the 2 tests and 1 exam that I have, later this week!

Hope that you are able to extend your WDW stay! Please let us know the exact dates of your trip, when you have them confirmed! I am so excited for you - it's coming up so quickly!

I hope that you are able to get down to visit Angie, too! Fairhope sounds so beautiful, as does Mobile! And I loved your new idea for a possible additional career for Angie! She would do wonderfully at anything that she tried (I hope that you are reading this, Angie!)! A friend of a friend of mine actually did have a business doing just what you described, and she did very well with it! So it's definitely something reasonable and hopefully enjoyable to consider! Plus, it would be providing a great service to the community! Angie's talents are too great to be limited - she should definitely consider sharing them with the public!

Thanks, as always, for your kind words! I have absolutely no idea how long it will take me to finish this degree - especially since I am considering "dropping back" to part time, next semester, so that I can get a part time job. I really need to supplement our income, and there's no way that I could work and continue to do well, if I continued with a full time class schedule. So, we'll see! I just hope that I do well on the 3 tests that I have coming up, this week!

I didn't do as well as I have been doing, the first time around. Years ago, I was more concerned with the bevy of extra-curricular activities in which I was involved, than with my grades. My grades were generally B's and C's, back in the 80's......but I always did well with my extra-curricular stuff! I was a House Chairwoman in my dorm, my final 2 years of college, I was an officer of my co-ed Community Service Fraternity all 4 years (and I was the President of the chapter, during my senior year!), I wrote for my college's newspaper, and was involved in all of the special events pertaining to my college, as well. But I realize now (and I suspect that I knew then) that those things would prove almost as important to my "development" as getting objective good grades in my classes would have. I don't regret devoting as much time as I did to the things that I enjoyed, and that happened to provide me with valuable real-world leadership experience, as well.

But now I really want to do well, period. I just want to concentrate on my classes and grades. The fact that in order to eventually sit for the American Dietetic Association's Registration Exam, I will have to apply for and be accepted to an internship program (like in medical school), probably has a lot to do with that, too! So hopefully I can keep up the old GPA, to a respectable level, at least!

Thanks again - don't worry - I will not become unrecognizable - I don't think that I would be able to do that, if I tried! I'm getting very close to where I want to be, now. Just want to "tighten things up" a bit, that's all!

Please congratulate Tom on his great bowling average, for us! That is great! And it was very nice of you to take him to his game ("match"?)! As for where to retire......I say that you "retire" in our Suite! Seems like a great place to relax and lay back and just enjoy!

That's so neat that you already have your Christmas shopping done and will begin on your cards, soon! I may be crazy, but I really look forward to and enjoy writing holiday cards, especially since that's one of the only opportunities that I have to hand write things, during the year (I really miss hand writing letters, since the advent of the internet!)! Also, since I know that that is the only time that I hear from many of my old friends, I look forward to sending and receiving cards and news and pictures! I have a little personal tradition of writing my cards while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV (particularly now, since Frank goes to South Jersey to visit his family that weekend - it's a nice quiet activity to do and enjoy, alone). Then I try to send them out, soon after. It's very efficient of you to have them completely written, addressed, and prepared for sending before Thanksgiving! I would do the same, but I like to save that for Thanksgiving weekend, so that I can savor the process and get into the winter holiday spirit!

It's gotten pretty cold here, as well. UGH. I hate when I have to accept that summer is officially over. Plus, this is one of the times of year when my allergies really kick in, too. It's probably in the mid to upper 30's, right now, and will be in the lower 60's tomorrow. It may almost reach 70 degrees here, later this week. But I think that our days of wearing shorts, this year, are unfortunately over.

Here's some good news: we took Boo Boo Kitty for her follow up testing on Friday, and the vet has already called to let us know that the medication which I've been giving her 2ce a day has been working! Her blood test results reflected completely normal thyroid levels, and she's even gained 1/2 a pound (which is a lot for a cat)! Thank God!

Anyway, hope that all is well with all of you! Take care and hope that you're all having a nice week! Looking forward to hearing all of your news! And looking forward to seeing your itinerary, as soon as you've compiled it, Linda! I'm almost as excited about your upcoming WDW vacation as you are! I'm sure that you and Tom will have a wonderful time! Talk to you all, soon! :)

P.S. The Boards made me delete all of my smileys before I sent this, again - I don't understand! (A sad face would be here, but I'm afraid that the Boards would reject it, if I tried to insert it!)

[IASW Rider]

Hi All!

Just bumping us back up! I came to look for your post, Linda.....but it's not here! :(

Hope that all is well with all of you! :) Will write more over the weekend, when this weeks' exams are over! Have a good night! :)

[IASW Rider]

Have a great weekend, Suite Mates! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Grrrrrrr!!! I swear I posted a big long post the other night and just as I did the boards went down. I try to copy each message before I post but sometimes I forget and I usually rue it too. Hope I have better luck this time.

It was an easy task to book the extra two days so I will be at WDW from November 6th until check out on the 17th. Now if I can get the ressies for The Villages with a stop at Hendersonville to pay our respects to the Man in Black.

Helenabear, are you off to another Disney meet? How is work treating you?


Angie, when someone with a business background such as Rider thinks my idea is good you should listen. You would be great at such things and you are so organized. It would fit in around your family life and give you extra money so you could join us at DW next May (hint). I have been thinking of you a lot today as I am reading a magazine on retirement living and it has a great article on Fairhope. I love how they got their name! The price of an average house is a bit high for us old retired people though and they are toting it as an affordable place to live. Still want to check it out and am planning that for next May.

Rider, you are so right in that the extras that you did during your first stint in school stood you in good stead. Book learning does no good if you do not have people skills and you certainly do have that!! Have you checked to see if the school has employment and possible reductions in course costs for such? I bussed tables one time to get through some classes. With your past work history I bet there would be a need for you and it would pay much better than bussing tables.

Retiring to the Suite sounds like just the perfect thing. Would even be better than The Villages (close second) as the fellers would take care of all the mundane chores of life leaving me free to use our special (no balance due) credit cards. I cannot see myself ever running out of ideas of how to spend the day at WDW.

Funny how traditions come about. I love your idea of doing cards during the parade. Very fitting. I used to paint rooms during the Indy 500. I could do two rooms during the race but I am much slower nowadays LOL

Taking Tom bowling is the least I can do for mankind. I do not like him out after dark nowadays and since he does not know how to check the oil in the truck (it leaks) and it is getting some age on it I worry. He would drive it on with the check oil light on and think nothing of it.

Hooray for Boo Boo gaining weight!! Sure sounds funny to be applauding weight gain but what a delightful occasion. Must be all that good cooking you do for her.

I fixed an entire turkey dinner for lunch. I found a smoked turkey at the store. Easy to fix and very flavorful. I made some of my Taters for myself with a bit of FF gravy. Tom had wild rice, homegrown and homemade rhubarb sauce and bread and butter. Lots of great leftovers to keep us going while I spend the weekend painting also. I have the carcass and remaining meat simmering in the crockpot for a future pot of soup. I don't waste much. LOL

Happy Yom Kipper to you and yours. I love family occasions such as that. Tradition is what stabalizes our lives and gives us roots.

SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi,

Just wanted to check in quickly and say "hello" to everyone! Will respond to your post ASAP, Linda - thank you for all of your kinds thoughts and wishes!

My mother is back in the hospital, I'm still right in the middle of exams (I actually have 3 exams on one day, next week! UGH!), and I think that I am going to lose my mind, soon!

Will check back in as soon as I can! Thinking of you all! Have a nice week!

[SlightlyGoofy]

In case anyone notices that we have fewer staff than usual I thought I had better tell you that two of the fellers have spent the day preparing special dishes for Riders Mom and have gone to deliver them. A crystal case of pixie dust is included so that she will feel better fast and be back at home and better than ever soon!

There is a neat thread going about being buried or interred on the grounds of DW. I am in favor of it. Please put my ashes on the EWP float and let them gradually spread me around the Lagoon. I always did like to spread myself thin.

Your warped friend, Linda/SG

[helenabear]

Hi all... I've had tons of internet connection troubles lately and as soon as I would come here to read, I couldn't :( Unfortunately I am busy at work and don't have the time to check in there... I have a lot to catch up on, but I wanted to say hi!!!

No DIS meets recently for me though... but I will be at WDW in about 50 days or so, so I am thrilled with that.

Let me read more back and see all I missed...

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Elaine

Sorry we are going to miss you on this trip but I will pave the way for you. When I check out I will make sure your bed is turned down and will personally make sure chocolates are left on your pillows. LOL


I have been having a lot of problems connecting as well. I have to get off and try again until it works. Must be going around.

Just found out that many of the resorts etc. will be decorated for the season when we are there. Tom will be so happy as he loves the decorations. No Osbourne lights this year. Hope they are not going away forever.

Take care and it is always wonderful to hear from you.

SG/Linda

[helenabear]

Linda, our connection trouble has to do with the physical lines going to our house. They have replaced a lot and hopefully today will be the day they finally fixed it! I suppose I'll find out in the evening if it rains soon!

Still trying to catch up, but I might just read and not reply... but know all you said will be registered in my head.

Sorry I'll miss you on your trip, Linda! But do get Mickey prepared for me ;) I am upset about Osborne lights as well! I am just glad I saw them last year... with that part of MGM taken down, I am not sure where they would put them now.

[IASW Rider]

Hi!

Will post in with a "real" post, as soon as I can. Just wanted to pop in and say "good morning". Will be in touch, soon! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hey everyone!

Thanks for sending the guys over to tend to my mother, Linda - she appreciated the company and attention!

Great to see you, Elaine! Glad to see that your countdown to WDW has begun, as well!

I've been hanging in there - crazy week. I have my Computer Science mid-term at 8:00 PM tonight (UGH.) I just want to get it over with. I feel like I'm a hamster on one of those little wheels - I really need to get off, for awhile......and get some sleep! But I have 3 (count 'em - 3!) mid-terms all on the same day - Wednesday - next week! No rest for the weary! At least all of my tests are still going well. By some miracle, I'm still getting all A's.

In the mean time, my mother is still in the hospital and my father is losing his mind. She is going to have a scope / biopsy tomorrow to find out what's wrong with her bladder. I have a horrible feeling that the news won't be good. But at least we'll know, conclusively, what the issue is and if / how it can be treated. I actually haven't been over to the hospital at all - my father doesn't want me to come there. Besides, it's a huge hospital.......with very little parking - it's almost impossible to park, there, and it's right in the middle of New Brunswick (where Rutgers is), but not close enough (or safe enough, frankly) for me to walk there from my campus. Anyway, my father is under the impression that my mother will be released on Saturday. I don't know if that's valid, or if that's wishful thinking / delusion on his part. I know that my mother is miserable there, but she was miserable at home, as well. At least there, there are medical professionals who can tend to her, and everything does not fall on my father. On the other hand, she's driving my father insane, constantly complaining about everything, there, screaming every time a nurse touches her, etc., and that's wearing my father very thin. I don't know - I'm just trying to stay on the sidelines until I'm "called in" to help with something. There's really nothing that I can do right now (and not much that I can do, in general), and I have to stay focused to get through the rest of my exams.

Moving right along........I wish that I had some more pleasant news to report, but we haven't really been doing very much of anything other than work and school stuff, lately!

I did read that thread about being buried at WDW, Linda - very interesting! I'll bet that there are even more people whose ashes are laid there, than we know!

So glad that you both are getting excited about and ready for your respective WDW trips! They're coming up so soon! :) I can't wait to "live vicariously through you" and hear all about them, when you return! :)

Have a great day! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone,

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

I hate to be the "mopey, bearer of bad tidings", especially when you all have your WDW trips and all of these happy and exciting things to look forward to. But I'm having a pretty rough weekend. My mother came home from the hospital yesterday and (as I'd predicted) my father had to almost immediately call the rescue squad, upon her arrival home, because she wasn't able to move at all and he was worried that she hadn't been placed in her bed properly. I think that my father is finally coming to the realization (and will soon have to accept the fact) that for all of his constant efforts and care, he can no longer take care of my mother on his own. There's only so much that one person - especially a 70 year old person with no formal medical training - can do, in such a situation. Even though my mother's tests at the hospital did not refect any critical illnesses (other than the ones that we already knew about), at this point she is so weak that she cannot do anything - not even sit up or feed herself - on her own. And she is so heavy and unwieldy that there's no way that my father can manipulate her or move her around very well. I'm so worried that it will take my father's getting seriously injured before he realizes that he needs to make a decision. And there's not very much that Frank or I can do - it's really up to him. The whole thing is really upsetting - I'm so emotionally drained at this point that I'm having even more trouble than usual sleeping, and I have no idea how I'll be able to focus on those 3 exams that I have, next week. UGH UGH UGH. As hard as I know it would be for my father to do this, I have a sad feeling that somehow we'd all have more peace of mind if she was placed in a care facility where there were trained professionals to help her (and maybe give her some of the "tough love" that my father can't, to encourage her to get some benefit out of her physical therapy sessions, etc.). I just hope that this situation will somehow work itself out - after this past week, and on the heels of our situation with Laverne, and with all the stress of school and a new career prospect, I don't know how much more pressure and strain I can take!

Anyway........we're trying to keep our heads up and "roll with the punches" and somehow focus on whatever positive "stuff" might come out of this.

Aren't you happy that you signed on to read my "happy" post?? :) Sorry about that - now, back to our regularly scheduled pleasant discussion! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're all breaking out your suitcases to pack, your calendars to plan meets with friends, and your cameras to take lots of pictures on your respective trips to The Land of Magic! :) Talk to you soon!

[depplyinluv]

may I join? I dont really understand what its all about ?


but i hope your mother gets better soon IASW rider!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Depply (are you deeply in love with Johhny Depp? LOL) Welcome to the EWP suite. We are a virtual community of Electric Water Pagent lovers. We met on another thread over two years ago, time goes fast when you are having fun. We have really become to know each other very well and always welcome new friends. Please tell us a bit about yourself so we can welcome you better. Grab a seat in our Suite, the hot tub and Jacuzzis are on all sides of the verandas. The Suite overlooks the Lagoon and is fitted with every possible convenience including a full time staff. Bo Dacious, Don Juan and a few other delectable looking fellows look after all our creature comforts. Unlimited credit cards are issued to all inhabitants and you are welcome to join us for our daily adventures in the Greatest Place on Earth!! Since you are the newest member you may have the pleasure of planning today's adventures. What are your favorite things to do here?

Dear Lisa, I am so very sorry to hear the news although not surprised. Might your dad not consider an assisted living arrangement where he could get help with your mom and still have some sort of a life for himself? I would never want anyone to care for me in such a way. Is too much to expect from anyone for any length of time. Your parents have to make their own decisions on what to do in the next phase of their lives and I am sure that they love you enough to want you to succeed at your education. When there is nothing you can do you know that you have to put it in God's hands and let Him take care of it. You are a good and loving daughter but worrying yourself to death will not help in anyway.

Finishing yardwork today and doing some painting. 10 days until we leave!

SG/Linda

[depplyinluv]

thank you very much for your warm welcoming!!!!

well...i live in new hampshire...i am very deeply in love with johnny depp....i love snowmobiling, softball, golf, soccer, and 4-square....i also love my darling jack, striker marie, harley hoo kitty, kaiservonmel, buffalo baeley, sadie monster and my 5 fish-johnny, ichabod, ed, bon-bon, and sam

I am a member of the official potc club , president of the johnny depp fan club, president of the dis pet club, member of this club, the tagliarchy, and others....


i think we should have a deep-sea scuba diving adventure...but actually i cant go scuba diving because i have asthma!:( so maybe snorkeling?

o and...i enjoy listening to lots of music, and like looking at works of jean-michael basquiat!!!

[angelina]

Hi, y'all. I have missed "talking" to you for the past few months. I haven't received updates in the longest time, and got out of the habit of getting online to check up on things. I've been thinking about all of you, though. Especially of Lisa this week when the ferry accident happened.

Lisa, I'm sorry to hear about what's happening with your mom and dad. It must be very frustrating for you. It's always difficult when things like that happen, especially when there's so very little you can do to help. I hope you find peace of mind, and are able to focus on your school work as well. Good luck on your tests!

Welcome, Depplyinluv, it's nice to meet you. We've all become great friends, thanks to these boards. I must admit, I never cared very much for Johnny Depp until I saw him in that pirate costume, then did my little heart flutter! I didn't get to see the movie this summer, but am looking forward to the video coming out, and I read that a sequel is in the works, too. My 9 year old niece saw the movie and thinks he's pretty good looking, too.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend and that the weather is as beautiful where you are as it is here.

Take care,

Angelina

[depplyinluv]

oh, my! you havent seen it?

I 've seen it 10 times already!!!

but thats just me....:smooth:

[helenabear]

Lisa, I am so sorry to hear of all your sad news with your mom. I will keep you all in my prayers. I do hope something good for all can be worked out with her care. Never an easy thing to deal with!

Hi there Depply... my name is Elaine and obviously I tend to hang out a bit on the CB posting around here and there ;) Always nice to welcome new people to the group!!!! And another Pirates lover??? Very cool! I loved Johnny in it and I just think Orlando Bloom is very sexy!!! I've only seen it 7 times though ;)

Linda, how is everything with you? How many days left until your trip to WDW??

Angelina, I was having trouble getting updates as well for a long while. It is good to see you stop in though!

I went shopping today for a costume for next weekend (a costume party I am going to) and decided on the Evil Queen from Snow White :p

I hope you all are having a great weekend!!

[depplyinluv]

thank you for the warm welcome elaine!!!

I'm going trick or treating and to a party as jack sparrow, the first time ive ever been a guy.....

and 7 times is still a lot more than some people have seen it;)

[helenabear]

Jack Sparrow? Oh how cool! You ought to take pictures of that and show it to us!!!

And yeah, 7 is more than some :teeth:

[depplyinluv]

o , i intend on taking tons of pics, me and my friend will go around with our CD player playing the soundtrack and have pretend plastic sword fights, itll be great!


still trying to figure out how to attach my beard ensemble, but its all good:jester:

[depplyinluv]

if anyone likes potc, why dont you join the official potc fan club????




:teeth: we're always looking for more fans!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Depply, I regret to say I have not seen Pirates even once. Not for the lack of wanting to but I have been too darned busy to do it. Might get the video when it comes out. I have loved Johnny Depps' acting since way back when. Edward Scissorhands and Benny and Joon come to mind. I like quirky. Even an old lady like myself LOL thought that he was kind of great looking in the Pirates promos I have seen.

This will be one of the few times I have not been home for Halloween. I fear that there will be many who will be disappointed as I usually have hundreds who come to my house and then I have a pizza party for my grandchildren and their friends. Dalton is going as King Arthur and has his Excalibur at ready. Not sure what Austin is going to be. They will go to the church party this year. I do not ever remember getting dressed up for a Halloween party myself except for the kids parties I used to give for my kids. I was usually a witch. Type casting?

Elaine/Helena, having met you I have to say that I see you looking more like Snow White than the wicked witch but I guess the whole point of Halloween is to be what you are NOT!! What is Luis dressing as? Have seen some stuff on the Travel Channel about the wild Halloween they have at Universal. Looks like fun. I leave in ten days. I hope to see the EWP on the night of the 12th over at the Grand Floridian. I will be there early this time and will stay until it comes!!!

Angelina, twice in one day? I am a one lucky lady. grin I was thinking of Rider when I saw the boat accident also. When I see bad weather down south I think of you. Meeting new friends on the Internet give me lots of extra possibilities to worry and I am so very good at it to begin with. (sigh)


I have asthma also. Is not just Johnny that gets us to breathing heavy?

SG/Linda

[depplyinluv]

Linda: edward scissorhands is one of my favorite movies....you really gotta buy it on video december 2cd(potc)!! haha i definately blame my asthma on jd, but in a good way;)

[IASW Rider]

Belated welcome, Depplyinluv! I'm a POTC fan, too - great film! And I do own "Edward Scissorhands" on video, as well! :) I already knew the DVD / video release date of POTC - I asked, right away when I pre-ordered my "Finding Nemo"! :) Wow - we have an adventurer in the Suite, now - snorkeling? Scuba diving? The most "adventuresome" we've gotten in the Suite is jacuzzi splashing! :)

Hi Linda, Elaine, and Angie! Great to see everyone back in the Suite! Thank you for all of your kind words, thoughts, support, and wishes! I won't make this yet another depressing post - nothing new on that front, anyway - my mother hasn't gotten out of bed since Saturday - I have 3 mid-terms, today - I can't get myself all upset about that, right now.

To add to our list of Disney character Halloween costumes, I am going to be Minnie Mouse at a party, this weekend! :)

How's everything going down there, Angie? How is your family doing?

What's new out there, Elaine? And yes - we want to know what Luis is dressing up as!

Just a few more days to go, Linda! I made Faith promise to get a picture of the 2 of you together! You must be getting so excited! Have you begun packing? We will certainly be there with you "in spirit", when you see the EWP!

Have a great day, Everyone! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

OK, I lied. They are on the pool table,open and ready to be filled though. That is the hard part anyway. I have to beg to get them brought down stairs and I hate to beg. It is hard enough for me to get up and down the stairs, if I have to actually carry something also I am putting myself and the wall at the bottom of the hallway in severe jeopardy. I am crippled, asthmatic and just plain in bad shape. LOL

Catching up on paperwork and such today before I head to the school. I am taking a bagful of Halloween stories (yes, Little Orphan Annie is included) to read to them today.


Rider, I am almost insulted that you do not consider me courageous. Believe me, driving 1,000 miles is very brave of me. LOL I am sorry to hear that your mom is not doing any better. Any diagnosis? Please know that mental illnesses are as very real as physical ones. Harder to deal with also. I would wish you good luck on your mid terms but I have a feeling that you have done much preparation. I have found that the harder we work the luckier we get and you are a hard worker and deserve all the good 'luck' that you get. That being said please do not over obsess over getting nothing but A's.

Having my picture taken is not one of my favorite things to do but I will try to manage it just for you. Standing next to Faith will not make me look any smaller. I did have a 4.5 pound loss last week but it just made up for the gain the week before. I am going to end up the year at the same weight as last year and I am only half way to goal. (speaking to myself) Maintaining is a success, maintaining is a success. (sigh) hanging on by my fingernails most days. I DO NOT want to go back to where I started.

Minnie Mouse? I can see that. Pretty but with a sense of fun. Fits beautifully. How about Frank?

Linda/SG

[depplyinluv]

hello all!!! just thought i should bump....




i think this weekend we should all go to hershey park as a break from WDW????
starting friday, since i have no school:p

[helenabear]

Depply, I have looked over at the Pirates club, but somehow never jumped right in. Maybe I wanted to dream that Orli was all for myself ;) :p

Linda, I too have loved Johnny Depp for many years! I think he is truly an underrated actor!!! He does an amazing job in all rolls I have seen him in! And thank you for the Snow White compliment, but really my personality is more like Cinderella or Belle, but none of those were to be found. Snow White is a little too gentle for me. And not sure if Luis will go or not, he will be working that day and may be working until late that night so I migth go over to my friends' by myself. No big deal since we are all friends :)
Oh and you are no witch my dear!!!!! So no type casting there!

Lisa, I am sure you will be an adorable Minnie!!! I looked at the costume, but somehow felt more comfortable as the Queen! :p Wishing you all the best with those tests and I do hope your mother is feeling better soon! I am sure this isn't an easy time on you!

Depply, enjoy your time off from school! How long do you have off?

Well I don't have too much interesting else going on... just finishing up the week! Enjoy the weekend all!

[depplyinluv]

helenabear: it would be interesting to have another orli fan in there! today we have off because of faculty retreat and i have to go back on monday:mad:


actually, johnny just won a GQ award....



he is extremely underrated tho, i agree. He is such an amazing actor and hes just so talented! and quirky, and *sigh*perfect...:lovestruc

i have seen these jd movies: edward scissorhands, a nightmare on elm street, platoon, cry-baby, freddies dead: the final nightmare, whats eating gilbert grape?, benny & joon, the ninth gate, from hell,sleepy hollow,blow, potc, and ouatim....i wish i could say ive seen them all but i havent....my parents actually wont let me see fear and loathing in las vegas....but thats alright


im going trick-or-treating as jack sparrow this year w/ my friend and we're going to take a few pics and send it to his agent in hopes he will see it but i doubt it...

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Depply, I fear that a tour of Hershey Park would be more than this poor dieting woman could stand. Have been there though. I took a tour of the gardens and could not figure out where all the chocolate smell was coming from. They told me that they use the cocoa husks for mulch. BTW, I have lost over 80 pounds and working on losing about another 70 pounds so I need all the help I can get. LOL Not sure how old you might be but I can tell that you are very mature by your attitude about your parents not wanting you to see that one movie. Seems like you know they love you and want what is best. You have a head start on a successful and happy life. I am so glad to get to know you. I work with children, much younger than yourself though.

Helenabear, yes, Belle, does suit you better. I love that character. No meek and mild old fairy tale gals for me.. I like sassy and intelligent. Just like you. I am sorry that Luis will miss out on the fun. Maybe he will be able to make another party? I love being a witch, being a good character is no darned fun. I am hunting for a big cauldron that I can retrofit with dry ice so I can hand out treats from my decorated front porch. Won't be here this year though. First Halloween I think I have missed in all the years we have lived here. I make homemade cookies for the parents usually so I will be missed. LOL Most of the parents were kids who grew up visiting this house when our kids were in school.

Rider, I fear that you are having a hard time and that is why we have not heard from you.. You just come by whenever you feel like it. We are patient, loving and hoping all the very best for you and your family. Pixie dust is being sent your way in hopes that it will light your path and make it easier for you to negotiate.

SG/Linda

Who only has FIVE days until we leave!!!!

[depplyinluv]

slightly goofy: ive been to hershey too, and i cant wait to go back and i also took a tour of the gardens and the whole time smelled chocolate!

if you read my info, you should be able to figure out how old i am:cool:

[SlightlyGoofy]

Heck, Depply, you have to understand that us old people are not as up with technology as you are and it never dawned on me to check your profile. LOL Have to confess that I have worked with computers since the Prehistoric Ages (1966) and should be a lot more saavy than I am. LOL

What do you like to do at Hershey? Do you find that Disney spoils you for other parks? Are you going with friends?

BTW, I had a mad crush on Ricky Nelson when I was your age and was quite convinced that he would come for me one day. I am sorry to report that he landed at a small airport about 15 miles from where I know live a few weeks before he died and I did not go to see him. I had thought that there would be a huge crowd and I just hate to make celebrities have to stand around giving autographs and such. I used to work with quite a few and saw the strain it caused often. It turned out that only 3 middle aged women showed up. I have regretted not going to show my respect for the man and his music.

My oldest grandson is slightly younger than you are. He has been driving for many years though. Farm boy, you know. He is the light of my life as are all my grands.

Have a ball at Hershey and please give us a report so we can live vicariously through you and relive our youth. (smile)

Your new friend, SG/Linda

[depplyinluv]

Linda: if i go to hershey (im pretending im there and im having a chocolate spa treatment) i like to stay at the hershey hotels....the one time we stayed in harrisburg was terrible...
but i like to go on all the rides and go to the zoo...i love the gardens too theyre awesome....adn of course that tour!
i think i might like disney more thought because well, its disney!


but anyways...i think im taking my cat along with me and he is staying in a kitty suite~ with lots of safe to eat chocolate!

and today we went to the park and rode the great bear 4 times....and we went to the zoo where jack saw his ancestors....


and of course the spa...

:crazy:

'night everyone!


clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap

[SlightlyGoofy]

Depply, aren't you a bit young to be interested in sitting in a vat of chocolate? I think it is neat though. I prefer to eat mine, that is how I got into the shape I am in. Wish I had been as smart as you at your age.

Sg/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Suite Mates, I thought you would want to know that I have heard from Rider and this is what she had to say.

"My mother is back in the hospital and her condition does not seem very hopeful. She is in the ICU, on 24-hour-a-day dialysis, and is attached to a ventilator, as well. Her prognosis is not very good, but we're trying to be as positive as possible "

I was afraid of this. She is asking for prayers and good thoughts during this very trying time. She is such a good hearted person it is very hard to hear that anything bad ever has to happen to her.

SG/Linda

[depplyinluv]

haha linda i was only kidding about the spa part....

may i ask, who is rider and my prayers go out to his/her mother

[SlightlyGoofy]

Depply, Rider is our own dear Lisa, a woman of remarkable heart and courage. She is, in spite of her protests, the leader of the EWP group. She lost a good job awhile back and instead of faltering she has moved on to bigger and better things and is currently going back to school to start a new career in helping others overcome weight problems. She married a wonderful guy at Disney World a bit over a year ago. I am to meet them in person next spring. She is generous with her time, talents and heart. Her dear mother has been in bad health for years but this is as worse as it has gotten. She has an enthusiam for life that would make you believe that she is your own age. Like Tinker Belle she spreads light and laughs wherever she goes. Her full tag is IASWRider as she loves "It's a Small World". She lives in NJ.

Helenabear, is an avid Disney lover also and attends many gatherings and is kind enough to share the pictures with us all that are not so blessed. She is married to Luis, who is a computer expert, handy to have around. I met her in Columbus, Ohio a couple of years ago. Pert and Perky is what I would say about her.

Our Angelina, who is somewhat swamped with caring for several ambitious and talented children, does not stop by as often as she used to. When she does she brightens up the place much. I am hoping to meet her next spring. She lives in Alabama on the Gulf Shore and is a true southern belle.

I am married to a retiree (I am much younger), with two grown children and six grandchildren. I do much volunteer work with children, mostly centered on teaching them to read and making them smile. I go barefoot most of the time and am a bit more emotional than is good for me or anyone else. Love to read also.

How about something about yourself? I loved the fact that you were 'dreaming' about the spa treatments. You will fit right in here. This started out as a virtual suite with us dreaming about what we would be doing if we were actually at DW right that moment. We have furnished the suite based on our dreams and located it in a netherworld of the center of the Disney Universe with every possible amenity that our minds could conjure. Please feel free to move the furniture around to your liking and suggest possible tours for any given day. Looking forward to you taking us places that we might not have thought of.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[depplyinluv]

linda: thanks for all the info, its always nice to know a lil bit about members....:) and my many prayers go out to lisa's mom!


ok well since this is a "dream" thread, my dream is to one day become famous by acting , art, writing, whatever it takes, and then meet johnny depp. I know it sounds like a stupid childhood dream, but it really istn because he is such an amazing person and actually, i dont know what i'd say to him....

but that probably won't happen, only in my dreams! i told my dad that i wanted to go to juilliard and he -->:rotfl:

hes says i need to go to a real college and i should be a doctor or a lawyer or go into the law enforcement field like he did.....



o but anyways...im currently a student at st. thomas aquinas high school in dover , nh.....


um....lets see....my parents are divorced, i have a stepmom and step dad.....i have one real brother, one step brother, one step sister, and one half sister...


i have an american bobtail cat named jack, a german shepard named harley(kitty, kittycakes, hooter, harley hoo, harley race, vivian)
5 fish-johnny, bon-bon, ed, sam, ichabod...

my family has lots more pets but they're not mine...

and i guess thats it!

[helenabear]

Hi everyone! I was kind of busy this weekend just going out with with friends and doing a few things for my dad. Luis actually got off work early enough so he was able to go with me to the party.

Johnny won a GQ award? Very cool!!! He really is a cool guy!!

Linda, I like all you said about Belle! And Cinderella was one of the first that sort of showed the hint of a spine. She is one of my favorite characters along with Belle. I used to love being a witch as well! Always fun to do characters like that!

Oh and thank you for passing on the info from Lisa. I will keep her mom and all of them in my prayers.

Depply, I am not sure that pert & perky fit me quite right. I am married, and my husband (Luis) does work on computers all day. We are both a bit of geeks and enjoy technology like that. I do love Disney and I admit I have gone to a bunch of DIS meets, however lately I have not taken near as many pictures. It seems the DIS policy in posting them makes it hard now so I have lost a lot of desire to post. I do have two kitties as well, and I love them more than anything else in the world.

It was nice to get to know you a little better, deeply! No matter what profession you go into, I wish you all the best!!!!

Well I am way behind this weekend in cleaning and all that! I wish you all the best!!

[depplyinluv]

thanks helenabear....i wish i could post more pics too....


you can see what award and johnny depp in this months issue of GQ....

[SlightlyGoofy]

Depply, I am afraid that I not only do not have any cats or pets of any sort but am absolutely terrified of them. Not dislike, just scared to death of them. Long and sad story, saving it up for my book one day. LOL You are in good company as everyone else has pets and mostly cats. Poor Rider recently lost one of her dear pets. She did everything humanly possible but it was futile. Might I inquire as to how come you named one of your cats Vivian? Just curious.

As far as a career goes, I think dreams are a good thing to have. I would consel you to go to school and learn something just in case and go for your dreams also. Many stars have other careers that helped them through the hard times. Harrison Ford is an accomplished carpenter and so on. College is good, not only for what you learn from books, but for the time it gives you to learn how to work in the adult world and getting to know a wide variety of people and how to work well with them. What you want at 18 or younger is seldom what or who you want when you are 24. I speak from having made many mistakes myself. If you learn from your mistakes I am darned near the smartest person you will ever meet. (grin) I have the theory that you should chose something you are good at cause you will naturally enjoy it and do well at it. Life is too short to spend it doing something you hate for 8 hours or more a day IMHO. Your dad just loves you and wants you to be safe but I bet he would support any reasonable searches you might want to try. What do you want to study at Julliard? If you work hard enough you just might make it and make your dreams come true. I am rooting for you!!! Dare to dream, a woman's reach should exceed her grasp.

It is entirely possible that you could run into Johnny one day and might find that he might be wondering what to say to you also. Stars are just people underneath it all and from my experience I can tell you that most get sick and tired of being treated special and crave a normal relationship with friends and family.

I am the oldest in a large family. Sounds as if you have a large and interesting family as well. Are you all close? Do your parents live close enough for you to see them both regularly? Family is what life is about when it comes right down to it.

Helanabear, I am so glad that Luis was able to go to the party. What did he dress as? Yes, you are pert and perky. That is a good thing. You are full of the joy of life and that is far better than being full of something else. LOL If you are guys are geeks you sure are personable ones. Is not just my opinion but many others.

I worked at the museum today and was able to do almost all my Christmas cards. When I come home they should be ready to mail. Yes, you all get a card. Depply, if you would pm me your address I will send you one too. Please do not post it on here as it is too public. If you do not want to pm me that is fine also since your parents might have given you a rule about doing so and I would understand completely. My grands are never on the Internet without a parent or myself with them. Too scary out there sometimes. Keeping my fingers crossed that snow will not come this way. There are forecasts out for freezing temps. Brrrrr!!!

SG/Linda

[depplyinluv]

o woops- my cats i have 2, they are named jack and striker marie....my dog, harley, i call vivian .....well....ok one day my dad just called him vivian and ...it just kinda stuck so we have a vivian chant thats goes: dad: vivian me: viivian and we go back and forth its kinda funny...stepmom thinks we're cooked

right now , im not really sure if i want to study drama , music, art....i have to look into that but i might go to another school that has lots of that stuff but also others things like i mean im good at biology/anatamy stuff so...i dunno...i think carnegie melon might be good....


i also could be a translator but i dont know about that one...


you see, thats exactly why i dont know what i would say to him, i dont just want to be another fan, i guess id want to be his friend(ok i know this is totally bizaar) , like i dont jsut think hes the most gorgeous person on this earth, i mean i admire him deeply!

but anyways....


ok now for a little depplyinluv family history: my parents got married in 1987 ...i was born in 1989....my bro was born in 1993...my parents got divorced in 1997...

my dad got remarried in 2002 , my mom in 2000

my dad married my stepmom, who had 2 children ....jess n ben...bens younger than me by one year and jess older by a year...

so in my dads house:
me, my bro, my step bro, my step sis, my step mom, dad

in my moms house:
me, my bro , my mom, my stepdad, my half sis

they only live about 20-25 min apart....

[SlightlyGoofy]

Depply, what a lucky girl you are to have parents who put being parents above all and live nearby. You just get double love. I love the picture I had of your dad and you goofing around.. Laughter is love.

Do you play any instruments or sing? Do you speak other languages? I have an 11 year old niece who plays several instruments, plays basketball and speaks 3 languages the last I heard. It is an interesting world out there.

I believe that Johnny Depp has children and some might be near your age so you might just have something in common with him to talk about. When I was very young I worked at a radio station and I got to meet many of the singers I grew up with and it was heartbreaking in some instances as they were so different from what I expected but others were just as wonderful and more. Stars are people after all, with all our faults and strengths.

My daughter was mad about Shaun Cassidy when she was growing up. Ricky Nelson still does it for me. He was greatly underated as a talent IMHO.

You would never find me over at MGM during our trip looking for autographs. Am not the sort to stand in line for such. Did I ever mention that I sort of worked with Tony Dow (Leave it to Beaver) once? I babysat for some friends that sang back up so I met a lot more famous people there also.

Maybe someday I will be able to say that I knew you way back when also?

SG/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Suite Mates

I regret to have to tell you that dear Rider's mother lost her fight for life yesterday.


Lisa, do you feel the warmth? That is the arms of your Suite Mates holding you and giving you comfort to get through these next hard days. You were a loving and thoughtful daughter to your mom and I know that she realized it even if she was unable to communicate the fact. A woman who was able to produce such a delightful, interesting, intelligent and kind child had to have had many of those qualities within herself as well.

I truly wish I could be there for you but am comforted in knowing that you are surrounded by many who will do what I cannot.

Linda

[helenabear]

I don't have the time to catch up or address much of anything, but I had to say something when I saw Linda's last post.

Lisa, I am so very sorry to hear about your mom. I hope you feel the love, good thoughts and prayers I am sending your way. My heart aches for you. I can only echo some of what Linda said... to have produced such a wonderful person as yourself, I know your mom had to have been an amazing person as well. Hold onto the love you had for each other... it will never die. If you ever need anything, you do know how to find us. Much love and hugs to you!

Elaine

[Dan Murphy]

Stopping by to pass on my condolences and good wishes, Lisa, so sorry to hear about your mom. Short on words, but times like this do that. {{Hugs}}

Dan

[depplyinluv]

ok first of all:

lisa: lots and lots of hugs for you and your family!!!





linda: i play the clarinet and im in the process of learning guitar...i speak hebrew, french, and english(of course)


johnny depp has a 4y/o daughter named Lily-Rose Melody Depp....his son whos 1 y/o -jack john christopher depp the third


o believe, me i know he is jsut a normal person, in fact i feel quite embarrassed that i was soo obsessed w/ him....however he still remains my all time favorite actor, no person, in this world....and i dunno maybe one day ill ahve the chance to say that to him....




*more hugs for lisa*

[angelina]

Linda, you amaze me, as usual. I e-mailed Lisa this morning about her mom and couldn't put together one sentence that didn't sound trite. You have such a wonderful way of saying things. You truly should write a book one day.

Depply, listen to Mother Linda, she knows whereof she speaks. A very wise woman indeed.pirate:

Linda is indeed correct when she says I am swamped. Some days are better than others, but I wish I still had your energy. I have three children ages 4 1/2, 10 (as of Saturday) and 11 3/4, and they keep me on my toes. I am now convinced (thanks to them) that I must be the stupidest woman on the face of the earth. I guess that goes with the territory.

My dd (10) had a backyard campout sleepover Saturday night for her birthday. We had 12 girls, my son and a friend, and my dd (4) and 4 year old niece. We had pizza, a campfire, made s'mores, the whole nine yards. Everyone except the 4 year olds slept in tents in my back yard. Around 3:30 or so, something woke me up. I lay on the sofa a minute, then heard it again--thunder! I moved to the door--no sign of movement, but it was beginning to rain and lightening was flashing. I moved further to the patio--still, no sign of movement in the tents. Then, BOOM--a huge clap of thunder, and those tents began to rock and roll as everyone work up. They loaded up their sleeping bags and ran inside just as it began to pour, and ended up sleeping inside. My daughter was so disappointed, but everyone had a great time after all. We've been having a drought since the end of August and it hasn't rained since then.

I hope everyone is well. Take care

Angelina

[lilboo]

Just wanted to stop in, say hello and send {hugs} to Lisa.:(

[angelina]

Just stopping by to say "Hi" and wish everyone a good evening.

[SlightlyGoofy]

It is so nice to see old friends and new ones coming by to comfort our Rider/Lisa. I am sure that she appreciates it.

Depply, hang onto your dreams and go with them. You are only young once and that is the time to endulge yourself before you are tied down with grownup responsibilities. It will make you a better adult and you will have far fewer regrets. You are one talented young lady. I can barely play the radio. LOL

Angelina. no one can make you feel stupid without your permission. You are far from stupid and are one of the best mothers I know. You do so much for your kids and I fear they take you for granted but that is the nature of the beasts. (grin) I was feeling badly cause I did not feel that I had the right words to say to Rider and you have made me blush. I am slowly coming to the conclusion that I might make a writer as I have had so very many people throughout my life tell me so and not that many people can be lying to me, can they? I wrote and even published in high school but not since.

Helenabear, are you going to post pictures of you guys in costume?

Jstmee, we miss you and are hoping that things are doing well for you as well.

Rider, our thoughts and prayers remain with you at this time. We will welcome you back whenever you get the chance. No pressure, we are low maintance friends.

I think it is the 11th or 12 that we are planning on seeing the EWP, A piece of each of you will be with me that evening.

Much love, SG/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

indulge, not endulge. What a waste of a good education. I am blushing with shame.

Your tired friend,

SG/Linda

[depplyinluv]

hello all!!!:wave2:


i went trick-or-treating yesterday(and no, i am not too old)...


i have pics of my costume.....just have to figure out how to post them!!!!






:teeth:


hope everyone is having a nice day!:sunny:

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for all of your kind and thoughtful words - they really mean a lot to me, as do all of you. It was so nice of you all to think of me, and it was so nice of Dan and Jeanie to stop by with their kind thoughts, as well. I am so grateful to have such wonderful and special friends, as all of you are! I'm just sorry to bring everybody down with sad news, when there are so many happy things going on, on this thread!

First of all, I feel so badly that I totally missed the Suite Bon Voyage party for Linda, last week. I'm sure that you all had a fantastic time, and that our Suite gentlemen gave Linda a great send off! I'm sure that she'll be out there watching the EWP before we know it! :)

Belated Happy Birthday to your DD, Angie! So sorry to hear about that thunderstorm, but I'm sure that everyone had a great time, regardless! It sounds like you really had a full house, there! And you are one of the smartest women and greatest mothers on the face of the earth! :)

How was that Halloween party, Elaine? You'll have to find some way to get pictures of you and Luis in your costumes to us, if you're unable to post them, 'cause we're dying to see! I'm sure that you guys looked great! :)

And I'm sure that you looked great, too, Depply! We have to see a picture of you in your costume, as well! I enjoyed reading about your family and your interests. You're good with biology and anatomy? Good, then you can help me get through General Biology and Microbiology, when I begin taking them! :) I'm actually back in college, pursuing a second degree, as I'm trying to make a total career change. I never had to take any math or science courses for my first degree(s) (Communication and Psychology), but I have to take a billion of them for my current major (Nutritional Sciences). How are you with Organic Chemistry? :) I'm also a cat person - my DH and I have 5 (we had 6, until last month. :( ).

I wish that I could write more, now, but I am beyond exhausted, not thinking clearly, barely articulate.......and I have to drag myself to school, in a few minutes. I may just go to one class - I don't want to overwhelm myself too quickly. I was "off" all last week as we were observing the Jewish custom of "sitting shiva" - a 7 day mourning period following the burial of an immediate family member (I speak Hebrew too, Depply!). So today will be my first day "back in the saddle"........I hope that I can stay awake!

Thank you all so much, again, for your friendship, comfort, and support! Love you all!

[helenabear]

Hi all... popping in very quickly here today!

Depply, I do hope that some day you get to meet him. He really seems to be an intelligent man and very good at what he does as well!

Angie, so sorry to hear that your DD's birthday party was rained out like that. At least they all had a great time after all! You do sound like you are a busy lady so it is a pleasure for you to stop in whenever you can!

Ahhh... by now Linda is most likely enjoying her time at WDW... wish that could be me! But I only have a few more weeks to go myself!

I have to admit, the camera was forgotten at the party so no pictures of me. I normally dress up for the kids, but I got home so late on Thursday that I wasn't able to dress up in time. Maybe some day I'll dress up just so you all can see it :)

Depply if you need help posting pics, let me know! I do them quite often. My favorite site to host them on is www.imagestaion.com

Lisa {{{{HUGS}}}} to you... I am sure this isn't a very easy time for you at all. Hang in there and stop in when you can! We did have fun at the party and I was happy that Luis was able to make it after all. It is a good group of people there so it is always a good time.

Well I need to rush back to work. Talk to you all later!

[depplyinluv]

rider: ill be glad to help you anytime you need it!


helenabear: thanks for the help w/ the pics, ill try to have them up soon...but these two weeks i have play pracice almost every day, and i dont even do anything!:rolleyes:


o well...nic cage never got good roles in high school either:cool:

[IASW Rider]

I'm disappointed that we won't get to see you in your costume, Elaine! :( That's OK - maybe next year! I didn't get to dress up at all, this year - we were never able to make it to the party that we'd planned to attend. :( So my Minnie Mouse costume is hanging in the back of my closet, unworn. :( Oh well - as I said, there's always next year!

Yes, I hope that Linda and Tom are having a wonderful time at WDW and at the Villages! I can't wait to hear about all of their adventures, when they return! :)

Wow, I'm really out of it and behind the news, here - I'm sorry - what play are you in, Depply? I'm sure that you'll do a great job in it! I was never brave enough to audition for school plays, though I'd always really wanted to. Now I regret never doing so, because they seemed like so much fun! You'll definitely have to get us pictures of you in your costume! And I'll bet that you'll meet Mr. Depp one of these years, too! You never know when the situation might present itself - I've gotten to meet some of my favorite actors, through the years, when they were appearing in plays in NYC. I even took acting classes, taught by one of the stars of one of my favorite childhood shows! So you never know......you just might have that chance to meet Johnny, in the future! I have my own "Johnny" that I'm determined to meet, somehow.........John Travolta, that is! :)

I'm hanging in there - thanks so much to all of you, again, for your support. I'm so far behind in school that I have no idea if or how I can ever catch up. But I'm so incredibly tired that I walk around all day in a "daze", so I'm not "alert" enough to stress over that! We held the "shiva" at our house last week, so we had visitors dropping by and coming in and out, every day. That was very good and distracting for us and for my father, and it was nice to see people whom we haven't seen in awhile. But that was exhausting, too - sort of like throwing a non-stop week-long dinner party. I was glad to have so many people around us, all last week, but now that things are quieter, it's hard not to think of sad things, sometimes.

My father is so lost and inconsolable, and I'm trying my best to be there for him, but it's so hard, and I don't think that I'm doing a very good job. He comes over every night and cries, then apologizes for upsetting us, and I just feel so awful. I know that it's going to be a long, hard process for him and I wish that I could do more......but I don't know what to do. Fortunately, he told me that he would consider seeking professional help to help him get through this time - something that he never would have considered before. I think that speaking to someone objective might help him and eventually help him reconcile all of the feelings of guilt, sadness, and anger that he is consumed with, now. As for me, I'm just trying to get through the days and I'm trying to get as much done as possible.

Anyway...........how many days left until your upcoming WDW trip, Elaine? Any upcoming WDW trips for you, Depply?

I hope that Linda's out there, getting ready to ride IASW, right now! :)

Have a nice day, Everyone! :)

[depplyinluv]

IASW RIDER: im in "much ado about nothing"....i dont do anything in it , i play the clarinet. yup. pretty exciting isnt it. actually this whole ideal is ironic because in my english class we are reading "tartuffe"and i have a part and my teacher is convinced that im a professional...but then again , nic cage always got bad parts and look where he is:tongue:

but anyways...im sure linda is having agreat time, as for me im giong in april:rolleyes: its too far away! lol

well i better be getting back to writing my screenplay:sunny:

[IASW Rider]

Hey - that's showbiz, as they say, Depply! Everyone has to start somewhere! :) And I'm sure that you will do a great job, playing your clarinet! When is the show running?

Are you really writing a screenplay? And where the heck are the pictures of you in your Halloween costume?

We'll be in WDW (hopefully) in May, so I can definitely relate to your saying that April seems so far away!

I hope that my Dad will be feeling a little bit better by then - I wouldn't want to leave him alone, now, but hopefully he'll feel a bit more comfortable, by May. I know that he would want us to take our vacation, no matter what, and he knows how much we look forward to our WDW trips.

Well, I don't know how I did it, but I somehow managed to pull off A's on the 2 mid-terms that I took (and did not properly prepare for), 2 weeks ago, when my mother was in the hospital. I couldn't believe it! Maybe I should stop freaking out about catching up on all of my work, now - maybe another miracle will happen and I'll be able to do well without putting in a ridiculous amount of effort, again!

I'm off to a meeting about that Cooperative Education program that I was telling you all about, now. Hoping that they'll be able to help me find a job, for next semester!

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

[depplyinluv]

IASWRIDER: congrats on your mid-terms! i dont want to take mine...:rolleyes:

ok the story about my pics....hehe...well i gotta figure out how to do it....but i promise you they're worth the wait!:tongue:


starting my WISH challenge....wish me good luck all!

also, next week on friday i fink is the first showing of our play...i think only the seniors and juniors get better roles....jmo


take care everyone:wave2:

[helenabear]

Hi all! Just checking in quickly :)

First of all, last Saturday I went to a DIS meet in Pittsburgh... here are the pics from that!

Pittsburgh Meet Pictures (http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4288656417&code=7090128&mode=invite)

Depply, best of luck with play practice! I look forward to seeing those pics whenever you get to them! I must say I LOVE "Much Ado" I think it is so hilarious!!! I hope no matter what you have fun! I think you are right too, the better roles always seem to go to the "older" kids.

YOu know what Lisa, we ought to just dress up in them and get our pictures taken for the heck of it! It might be fun :) And I am sure that by May, your dad will be comfortable enough for you to take your trip. I do know what you mean about not wanting to leave your dad alone... been feeling that way for a long time now. It's why I live in Ohio, honestly! I do know this has to be rough on your dad... I wish I knew how to make it all better for you all. If you ever need a friend to talk to, I'm around. The 10th anniversary of my mom's death is coming up in a month or so... but I still knwo what it was/is like to go through that. Just keep on hanging on... and congrats on those grades!!! Those are great!!! And I've babbled enough, but you've been on my mind lately.

I hope that Linda is having a wonderful time... a few more weeks and I'll be there too :)

[IASW Rider]

Well, we'll be there "in spirit" with you, on your opening night, Depply! And you just wait and see - you're going to get one of those great roles, sooner than you think! Johnny, watch out! Here comes the new starlet in town! :) I also love "Much Ado" - I was actually lucky enough to see the Royal Shakespeare Company perform it in William Shakespeare's "home town" of Stratford, England, several years ago. Nothing beats seeing the work of The Bard in his "home town"! :)

And lots of good luck with your WISH, too! If you ever need any words of encouragement, you've come to the right place! Linda would be too modest to tell you, but she's lost - shall we say - a "few pounds" (I'll let her tell you how many!), over the past several months, and she has lots of great words of inspiration to share! :) I have also shed a few pounds, over the past 2 years - 88, to be exact - so I'm here to cheer you on, too! As are our other very supportive and wonderful Suite Mates, Elaine, Angie, and Wendy! :)

I like your idea, Elaine - we should just dress up in our costumes, anyway! Instead of an "Unbirthday", we'll have an "UnHalloween"! :) What's your countdown "number", now? You must be getting so psyched for your trip! :) Oh goody - pictures! Will look at them as soon as I'm done posting! Thanks so much for your thoughtful words and support. I might just take you up on your offer of encouragement, suggestions, etc. I'm coming to the end of my rope. My father has been over at our house, every night this week, and nothing I say to him seems to help him. And now he's gone from "very sad" to "totally irrational" - he refuses to do anything that remotely reminds him of my mother - including watching TV, listening to the radio, reading the newspaper, eating certain foods, etc. I understand why he may need to stay away from these things, now, since it's so soon......but he's saying that he will NEVER do these things, again, and that worries me. It's like he's depriving himself of everyday things that were once part of his routine - like he's punishing himself, like everything is his fault. He had the cable boxes removed from his TV's, so he can no longer see the British television programs on public television that he once looked forward to. He won't open the curtains and look out at his backyard, because of the deck that he recently had built on to the house so that my mother could go out there in her wheel chair. It's very sad, and I want to help him, but I'm getting frustrated and helpless-feeling. I really think that he needs to go to a support group or a counselor who is trained to help with these sorts of issues - I don't think that I can do it by myself. And I'm just sooooo tired and ineffective.

Anyway..........enough of that - I'll just keep trying to do the best I can to let him know that we're here for him - what else can I do?

Time to get dinner ready! Hope that you're all having a great weekend! :)

[depplyinluv]

uh ....huh...phew! just dropped in quickly from the battles...ahh! duck for cover~


:sunny: IASW ...ill be needing lots of encouragement because i really cantdo it....after play practice today we went to b.k. and mydads like no onoit doesnt matter you're wacked just eat the stupid fries theyre not bad for you no no just eat the chicken whopper and drink the coke its not bad for you...then when we go to d.d. o just get the donut you know you want it i think youve been spending to much time in health class just get the fattening carby donut !

sheesh

:teeth:

[helenabear]

Evening all... peeking at the moon now and then watching the eclipse.

Lisa, I love your idea of an unHalloween! That is such a great idea!! You could even darken the lights, play scary music and watch a few horror flicks for the night :)

Yep I am just about 3 weeks away now from my trip! I am so very excited!!!!! I can't believe it!!!!!

As for your dad, don't worry too much right now. Like you, I am sure he is greiving and this is what he is doing. With time you will be able to reintroduce things to him and he'll probably want to do it himself. There was this song I wrote for my mom on the piano. I couldn't play the piano for months and it took me about 1.5 years to play that song again. It just hurt. Give him time and I am sure as it goes along, he will stop with the word "never". Right now I am sure he is just saving himself some pain. Also does he go to a place of worship? If he keeps this up after a few months, see if they have a grief councel group he can attend. That might help too. Just hang in there {{{hugs}}} to you and your dad!

Depply, Lisa is right, we will all be here to cheer you along the way!!! Both Lisa and Linda seem to have done a great job with their weight loss! And I am sure you will be good with yours! Just go with what you think is best for your body :)

Well need to do some dishes... have a great evening all :)

[depplyinluv]

<font size=6 color=800080>GOOD MORNIG ALL!</font>

this thread needs a major *bump*

so how is everyone?

does anyone know when linda gets back???


ihave my costume all ready for the play .... o boy.....


well i got to get ready for school....ttfn!:tongue:

[depplyinluv]

<font size=5 color=33FF33>GOOD MORNING ALL!!</font>

i thought this thread needed a huge bump!


and i wanted to tell you all about my play!!!


but unfortunately i cant do that now, sorry :rolleyes:

i have to get ready for school




<marquee>goodbye!!!!</marquee>

[IASW Rider]

Hey Depply!

Thanks so much for bumping us along, there! Usually, we are much more active, here, but I'm sure that everyone is getting busy, with the holidays approaching!

How did your opening night go??!! I'm sure that you did a great job! Can't wait to hear all about it! And you just hang in there with your WISH goal - you will do a fantastic job! Your Dad probably is just trying to be nice, when he tells you not to worry about it and to have whatever you'd like - he just wants to see you have the things that you enjoy! But you can accomplish what ever you set out to do! Just take it easy and take it day by day! And make sure that you don't try to lose too much, too quickly - make sure that you do it safely! And hey - where are those Halloween pictures??!!

Hi Elaine!

Thanks so much, again, for all of your thoughtful words and for sharing some of your experiences with me. I have convinced my father to see a grief counselor, and he is going for the first time, today. I think that he really needs to talk to someone other than me (for both of our sakes!) about his conflicted, sad, angry, depressed, helpless feelings, and it's good that he is going to someone who specializes in that field. He is doing a tiny bit better - he's actually started turning on the TV, again, and buying some food to keep in his house for himself (he's been eating every one of his meals either in restaurants or at our house or my uncle's house, since my mother died). Those may sound like little things, but they represent big progress from the way that he was acting last week. On the other hand, he is still a total mess and blaming himself for no reason, and it just takes everything out of me to talk to him about it. When I get off the phone after one of our nightly marathon phone sessions, I am so drained that I can't think straight or concentrate on anything. That's why I haven't posted here in so long - because I've just been too "catatonic", after trying to work through my father's feelings with him, every night. I could go on and on, but I don't want to bring everybody down (as usual - sorry! ). So I'll just say we're taking it day by day (as I'd suggested to Depply!) and trying to move forward.

Speaking of which, I have somehow managed to "keep my head above water" in school - so far, at least! I'd thought that I'd fallen so far behind in some of my classes that there would be no catching up. But I've somehow managed to hang in there, and even got an 89% and an 88% on the 2 exams that I made up, after the 2 weeks of school that I missed! OK - they're not the grades in the 90's that I'd been getting, but they're pretty respectable, I'd say!

Now I'm trying to concentrate my efforts into finding a job. I realize that I really need to go back to work, and hope that I'll be able to find a job that will pay decently, and will somehow allow me to continue taking classes, as well. I applied for a position in the office of the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Rutgers - I would at least continue to be around the professors and the subject matter, if I was to get that job, even if I wasn't able to continue my classes! I've also applied for a few jobs at local hospitals, but don't know if they would hire me with no experience and very little education in the field. I'm trying to look at this as a "positive thing" - it will be nice to make money, again! And maybe there is some way that I won't have to give up school, all together.

You must be so excited, Elaine - only 3 more weeks! So, what's on the agenda for this trip? Anything special? Are you going to try out Mission:Space and PhilharMagic? See the Christmas decorations and parades? Will there be lots of DIS Meets happening, while you are down there? I remember the great pictures that you took, last year - I'm sure that you'll get some more beautiful shots, this year!

Hi Angie and Wendy! Hope that all is well with you both, out there!

And Welcome Back, Linda!!!! I have a feeling that Linda will be re-joining the Suite, soon, to tell us all about her adventures in WDW! Can't wait to hear about them!

Hope that all is well with all of you! Take care and have a great day! :)

P.S. The Boards made me take out most of my smileys, again, before I could send this - sorry for the "lack of illustration"!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hello there you lovely ladies!

Congratulations are in order. I finally got to see the EWP!!!! I even watched it from the Poly beach and you are were there with me in spirit. We could not get ressies for 1900 Park Fair so we went to Kona's for dinner, yum!

I am going to come back in later and write a proper report but I was just busting with all the news and could not wait any longer.


One more 'tiny' thing, I made the hot seat on the Millionaire show at MGM. There is a story to tell about that one. LOL

So much news, so little time as I have to be elsewhere in about 15 minutes. Sort of like a soap opera? Tune it and I will reveal all, well maybe not all. (grin)

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[helenabear]

Evening all! I hope all is well with everyone!

Linda!!! Welcome home!!! I am so glad that you wre able to see EWP!!! It is great to see from the Polynesian... and do know we were there with you in spirit! And congrats about the hot seat in Millionaire! I can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Depply, I cannot wait to hear about the play!! How did everything go for it? I hope you had a blast doing it!!!

Lisa, I am so very glad to hear that your dad is joining a group. That really makes me feel good. And remember if it ever gets too much for you, I hear they really do help. And it does sound like your dad is slowly starting to heal. Taking it day by day is a good thing... hang in there {{hugs}}

And congratulations on your grades!!!! Those are great no matter what the situation!!!! Good luck trying to get the job situation figured out!

Not exactly sure if I will be doing Mission: Space or not. I will definitely get to Philharmagic though! Not near as much for the parades but I will be doing MVMCP and CP when I am there! I'll try to keep a decent trip report of all I do :)

I hope all is well with eveyrone!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Good evening all

I plan to post a full trip report to the boards later but this is for my bestest friends on the DIS.

I was able to get my DIS merchandise in time for our trip. I got much more attention for the badge than the lime green shirt though.

We spent the first week at The Villages near Ocala. It was a beautiful place to visit but I do not see myself living there. It was built by Disney architects and is truly perfect looking but kids are not too welcome there and I could not live with that. Lots of idle people and loads of drinking. We stayed in a $400,000 home on our visit. We have a nice home but not quite that fancy. Tom wants to go back and rent a place for a month. Not sure I could find enough to interest me that long though.

Our trip down was beautiful and went quickly. Just a short hop from The Villages to Disney and our room was ready when we go there. Headed over to Epcot to hear the Fifth Dimension and was to meet up with Pooh123 but we never did see her. She was cutting it close so maybe her flight was late. Will try again. We saw Chubby Checker twice while we were there.

We met so many lovely people and will keep in touch with some of them. Strangest thing, we met a family while waiting for a boat and found out where they were from. I told them that we would be in their town in Sept 2004 and they invited us to stay with them. Sweet but we would not do that to them. Just finished playing trivia with the group we will be meeting then and two of the people on there knew this family. Small world.

I have played Millionaire a few times and have never made the top ten, even on the times I had all the answers right. Fate decreed that I make it this time as the questions were very much to my liking. One had to do with an exhibit that we had went to Memphis to see a few years back, another on the architect of the Vietnam Memorial was a breeze as she is from my home town. Others were in the same vein with several I knew from my college days and reading. I could never win by doing the fastest fingers thing as I don't think that fast. LOL I came up second on the board and when the question on cypress knees came up and I got it right I held my breath and sure enough I rose to the top. I am deathly afraid of heights and I had to get down from myseat and walk over that scary plastic floor and somehow made it into the high seat. Everything is just like on tv and Meridith will be there taping next week. I was so nervous that I could not look at the host and believe me, he was worth looking at. Being deaf I had to rely on reading the screen and I am a fast reader. My poor husband was already dreaming of the cruise as I soared past the first few questions and was on my way to the second level. "Final Answer' was tripping off my tongue until I said it far too quickly on a question that I knew the answer to. I left with all three lifelines intact. I fear that I know more about Plato than Pluto and I missed a Sesame Street question! LOL My darling Dalton has offered to tutor me and has been calling me and telling me to get paper and pen while he imparts some information that is sure to stand me in good stead when we return in May. (proud grandma smile)

To top our trip I have been offered a job at DW on our next trip. I have a friend who is in charge of housekeeping at the All Stars and she told me about the program. I can't wait to see what they will have me do.

So much has been going on while I was gone and it sounds as if it is mostly good. I am so happy to hear some good news.

Rider, you are so right about having your dad talk to someone other than you. It is hard when you are so close to a subject to be able to help. I am very proud of him as I am sure it was difficult for him. Older people still feel the stigma of needing help. It is bound to be hard on him to lose someone he has spent most of his life loving and caring for. I am not at all surprised that you have been able to keep up your grades during this hard time as you are a very focused individual and know far more than you give yourself credit for. As for not having the diploma or experience I think you are selling yourself short again as you have had much experience in the school of life and I truly feel that is better than any book could ever be.

Depply, how did your show go? I always wrote the darned things and painted the sets as well as putting together the programs and always wanted to tread the boards so I will live vicariously through your experiences. Do you get nervous on stage or are you supremely confident as you should be? Parents always want their kids to have everything so please forgive your dad for not understanding your wish to diet. Are you sure that you have a need not to feed are not wanting to be thinner than is safe? Just wondering. I am a parent and grandparent and someday you will understand all too well what that means. LOL

Helenabear, I have to tell you that Mickey's Philharmagic left me disappointed. Might be different for you. I kept comparing it to the Muppets. I was glad to read a report that the Haunted Mansion set was disappointing as we encountered long lines and never did make it in there. Only big thing we did not get to do was the Spectromagic and Wishes at MK but we will next time. I crossed off 3 wish list things on one day while we were there. I am always adding new ones. The last night we drove over to Boardwalk, went to the bakery for something chocolate and just sat and watched the people. We had lunch with some friends one day and two of my sisters came in one weekend. I was in hog heaven and am still floating on a cloud. Can't wait to read your report so I can find some new things to add to my wish list for our May trip. Have to find out from Rider when her trip is so we can meet in person. Would be wonderful if you and Angie could join us too. Even better if Depply could join us.. Bet she could show us things we had never noticed and that is a hard thing to do. We are planning on going over to meet Angie before we head to DW anyway. Might have to kidnap her and throw her in the backseat. (grin)

Only bad thing about vacation is all the work you have when you get back and I am worn out. Old age is not for sissies.

SG/Linda

[depplyinluv]

linda: dont worry, im not aiming for the whole anorexia thing! i just eat wayyyyy to much bad things constantly and i dont really exercise. im not huge but id like to be a bit more in shape


ok all here is my "play" experience:
well, everything was fine until i had my "solo". ok the scene is that balthasar is giving the prince a demonstration on music thats being prepared for hero (i think) and anyway i have to do the intro which is 8 measures of me playing be myself and then the guitar and singers come in. so i go out there . and i try to play. i then realize my reed it broken. o great. what fun. so i make up something within seconds and i say something like, forgive me my lord for i ve lost the will to play and i turned to the ladies and said continue w/o me....


and then i walked off. no, this wasnt supposed to happen. so i go backstage and sit and start crying(:blush: ) and then everyone came over to me and said omg you did so good was that in the script? so im like uh no.. but the guitar person was kinda p/o w/ me because after i stop playing she knows when to come in...


but then the guy who was playing the prince(lord) came over and was like omg your the best i love you ..but ya.....


horrible evening

thank goodness i watch whose line!




however on saturday night i played just dandy....

and then like a week after i was walking down the hall and the principal was like, "excuse me" i thought o great i wonder why im out of dress code....demerit time!

he asked me if i was amanda and he said i did a wonderful job saturday. i was uhhhh thanks?

o and a reminder: this sunday on the E! channel, the true hollywood story of JOhnny Depp is on in case anyone was interested....9 pm

::yes::

[SlightlyGoofy]

Depply, I applaud your presence of mind. You done great gal. If you had played perfectly you would not have made such an impression. You are one clever and imaginative young woman. I am proud to know you.

I always say that it is not the successes that mold us but how we handle the adversities. You are headed for great things.

Slightly Goofy

[depplyinluv]

thank you for your kind words, linda!:sunny:

[IASW Rider]

WELCOME BACK, LINDA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry that it took me so long to get here and welcome you back! So glad that you and Tom had a wonderful trip! So glad that you got to see the EWP - and no better way to see it than from the Poly beach after dining at our all-time favorite restaurant, the Kona Cafe, in my opinion! And CONGRATULATIONS on making the hot seat in "Millionaire"! That is so fantastic! It must have been so exciting!!! Too bad that they don't allow photographs to be taken, in there - it would be so neat to see you sitting up there, sharing your knowledge with the greater WDW population! It sounds like you got to do just about everything that you'd wanted to do, and see lots of people, too! I'm sorry that you missed seeing Faith, though. But it sounds like you got to see some neat performances, anyway! Wow - I have so many questions to ask you! I will have to "organize" them in my mind and come back and post them - I'm running late for school, now!

And CONGRATULATIONS to YOU, Depply, for that quick thinking on stage! See that? You're a born actress! Improvisation is probably one of the hardest things that actors have to learn, and you came off beautifully when faced with that difficult situation on stage! And look how many people told you that you did a great job! I think that it was "fate" that your reed happened to break, that night.........now the Drama teachers are probably thinking "WE HAVE TO CAST THAT GIRL WITH A LARGE SPEAKING PART IN OUR NEXT PLAY!" Seriously, I think that you did a great thing, out there! And I'm sure that your performance sounded great when your reed was working, the following night, too!

Thanks so much again, Elaine. My father seems a tiny bit better since he went to his first therapy session. He's still sort of cynical, but I told him that he has to give it a chance and be open minded about it. He's absolutely NOT one to open up and share personal things about himself, so this is a whole new experience for him. I'm hoping that he will take time to let it "work" and not give up on it too quickly. Anyway, thank you for your support and encouragement! OK - what's the "countdown", as of now?

We'll (hopefully) be in WDW May 16 - 20, Linda! (The cruise portion is May 20 - 23) I told Frank that I don't care what our financial situation is, at that time, or whether or not I've found a job........we HAVE to get to WDW, this spring - I need something to look forward to! And I think it would be great if you could "kidnap" Angie and bring her along with you! Hmmmm......we'll have to work on a strategy for that, "offline", in case Angie is reading this..........!

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

[IASW Rider]

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to stop by and wish you all a great weekend!

And I forgot to thank you for mentioning your DIS badge, Linda - I must be really "out of it" - I hadn't even realized that the DIS store was officially open! I just ordered our buttons and T-shirts for our trip in May! Yea!!!! :)

Looking forward to hearing more details about your trip! Did you get to go back and visit all of your favorite attractions and / or shows? And your favorite restaurants? I hope that you took lots of pictures! :)

Hope that you're all having a great weekend - talk to you soon! :)

[IASW Rider]

Helloooooooo...................where is everyone?? :(

I'm sure that everyone is busy getting ready for the holiday. Just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving, in case I don't get a chance to check in again, before then! Hope that you all have a very happy holiday and a great weekend! :)

[depplyinluv]

IASW: i dont really think they give big parts to freshman/sophomores....:(

but there's always hope for junior and senior year!


Linda, can't wait to read the rest of your trip report!

</font size=6 color=brown>HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!</font>

[SlightlyGoofy]

What a violent group we have here! Using mexican food to retaliate and thoughts of kidnapping. I must say I am proud to be a member of such an interesting bunch of people! LOL

Lisa, I have the dates firmly put into my calendar and will do my best to arrange to be there when you are. I wait until the codes are out to book rooms as we are old retired people (who have several trips planned for next year). Making money stretch is a hobby of mine. I am quite good at it and not at all saddened at not being able to "do it all". I enjoy challenges. When times get tough I am at my best although times are not all that tough right now. LOL

I hope that your dad is feeling better and hopefully he will be able to talk to your about your mother to you in a way that will give you comfort to understand who she was and why she was as she was. I have many unresolved issues with my mother, who I loved dearly, and I know how it pains sometimes. Any mother who can give her daughter such a love for life and all things Disney must have been an awesome woman IMHO.

I wish they would come out with lime green sunvisors as they would be useful, easy to see in a crowd and would mean that we would not have to wear our t shirts each and every day. Of course, maybe the DIS wants us to buy shirts by the dozens? LOL

I wish they took pictures at the Millionaire show also. I would have preferred a picture to some of the other gifts. I am seriously studying up so I will be able to psyche myself up to go further, if I am lucky enough to make the hot seat next time.

Depply, I cannot wait to read the rest of my report either. Might have time to do the rest of the report this weekend. Am booked up tomorrow and Thanksgiving we will be in the country with family. Will have my grandson on Friday. When you have many things to do you have to pick and choose and my grands always come first. I tutor at the after school program tomorrow. My youngest grandson goes there. He has told his mom that he plans to hang out with me during Christmas break. He did not ask me before. He is very secure. LOL I have a feeling that you will be considered for a much better part next year. You stand out in a crowd girl!! I mean that in a good way as I do not want you throwing tacos at me. I like those cinnamon sugar things though. (hint) LOL I gained a whole quarter pound while gone on vacation. I had weigh in today. I bet it was gone a couple of hours after weigh in. I should have taken off my jewelry, nail polish, underwear, whatever and not had a gain. I just am not devious enough to think of such, until hours later. LOL

I am installing a digital camera and hope I have it fixed now so I am going to run. Not a good camera, just a play thing. It is about the size of a fountain pen. You have to be a couple of feet away but I thought it might be fun. Can use it as a webcam also. Would have to comb my hair before getting on the computer so not too sure I would do that one. (grin)

Helenabear, how you doing girl? What are you doing for the holidays?

Happy Thanksgiving Suite Ladies - gobble gobble

Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

How did you both sneak in here, without my seeing you, Depply and Linda??!! You're both so slim that I didn't even see you come in!

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! Will post more, soon! Happy Holidays, Linda, Depply, Elaine, Angie, and Wendy.......and anyone else who happens to drop by (Happy Thanksgiving, Dan and Jeannie, if you're hiding here, somewhere)! :)

[IASW Rider]

Just "bumping us up"! Hope that you're all having a great weekend! :)

P.S. Did you happen to see the cover of People Magazine, last week, Depply???? :)

[helenabear]

Hi all!!! So sorry I haven't been around. My brother has been in town and that has taken up a lot of my time. The good news is tomorrow morning I will be flying out to MCO! I just had to say "see you later" before I went!

I hope all is going well with everyone :)

[depplyinluv]

iasw: i got it a few weeks in advance, so ive had it all this wonderful time to look at:teeth:

the pic in my siggie is a pic from the magazine...

[helenabear]

LOL Depply... I still think they picked the wrong pirate ;) I love Johnny Depp though... he really did make that movie!!!! Since I will be at WDW tomorrow, I won't have a chance to see the movie until I get back. My husband promised to pick me up a copy tomorrow :) If not I'll have to high tail it down to Downtown Disney and try to snag a copy :hyper:

Have a wonderful day all :)

[depplyinluv]

helenabear: ;have a great time at the World!!!:)


http://people.aol.com/people/special/0,11859,536849,00.html


^ quiz to see what hollywood hunk(supposedly) is most your type


my best match was johnny depp, go figure:p

[SlightlyGoofy]

Oops! Please excuse me but I ate a bit too much on Thanksgiving and could not help myself. I taught my niece how to make a cherry pie and of course I had to sample it afterward. Had a hard time getting her to understand that the secret is very cold water and not handling the crust more than you have to. I am a pie snob and only a crunchy bottom crust will do. LOL

How I wish I were going back to DW with Helenabear!! I had a Disney moment today as the credit card bill came and I had to endure the pain of writing out a check for the balance. Better than paying payments until the next trip but still a bit painful. Elaine, please post a report when you return? You might give me ideas for our next trip.

Depply, I was not able to take the test as I am neither a People or AOL subscriber. Mel Gibson would be my idea of a dream guy except for his nasty habit of giving people dead rats in gift wrapped boxes. He is handy, cooks, changes diapers, easy to look at and I sure do love that ornery look he gives. I have sat on a motorcycle that he once used in a movie at the Hard Rock Cafe. I did it just to yank my husband's chain. He does not have a sense of humor but I enjoyed the moment and even think I have a picture of the moment somewhere. I have six rolls of film to pick up tomorrow. Hope I got some good ones in there. How do you rate getting an advance copy of People? I am impressed.

Rider, did you know that an earworm is a song that you cannot get out of your mind? Guess which one is the top "offender"? Yep, IASW!!!! The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Don't Worry, be Happy, Macarana, Gilligan's Island Theme, and YMCA fill out the list. Yes, I know how to do all the punctuation stuff but am too darned lazy.

I spent the day cleaning house and doing a few decorations for the raft of parties that I have here next week. One day I have two. Not my usual life but I will enjoy it anyway. Most of my friends are elderly and so I am taking up the slack for those who cannot do so much anymore. They are dear and worth every bit of effort. When your husband works second shift you have limited social activities if you want to be considered a 'good woman'. Not sure it was worth it. Am thinking about doing what I darned well please and see what happens. Not anything too bad, as that would not please me, but just being a bit more selfish, and self centered and see if anyone notices. (evil thoughts of a housewife) grrrrr Hear me roar? LOL

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[depplyinluv]

Hi linda! dont worry about the excessive eating! we all did it:p


the magazine store just happened to have them in and i kept going back everyday so ....they felt kinda sorry or something, i dunno perhaps it was my puppy face?:sunny:




http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:OwC9RAGEppgC:i.ivillage.co.uk/uk_en/a_ukpix/celebrity/mel-gibson.jpg


^thought you might like that
:)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Depply, how wonderful of you to give me something to dream about tonight. Have heard that Mel is quite a carpenter so I think I shall have him build my dream house in my dreams. Fits don't cha think? LOL I absolutely went wild when I saw him in "What Women Want" and he did the Fred Astaire thing. You are far too young to have any idea of who that was but he was something to behold. My favorite dancer was Gene Kelly though, a bit more athletic and more of a man's man. I enjoy Johhny but could not work up a lather over someone who is just a bit older than my son.

I love all your tag lines. I cannot figure out why I have not been tagged as I am sure I have said something memorable or at least infamous at some point in time. LOL

Ummm. so far I have discovered that you have talent and now I find that you have tenacity? I am impressed. You go for what you want and that is the way to be. Just do not let someone tell you that a woman should not do this or that. Go for it girl!!!!

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

So sorry that I missed saying "Bon Voyage" to Elaine! :( Hope that you're having a fantastic time in WDW, Elaine! Can't wait to hear about it (and hopefully.......to see your pictures! :) ) when you return! :)

And speaking of "pictures"........did you get your 6 rolls of film developed, Linda? Any chance that you might be able to share some of your vacation memories with us? We'd love to see them! I'm sure that they're great!

And where is that Halloween picture, Depply????? :)

How did your parties go, Linda? I'm sure that the cherry pie that you and your niece made came out wonderfully! It's funny that you mention "pie" - our last Foods Lab "experiments" were pies and pastries! We had our very last Lab this week - my favorite "topic" - seafood! :) I didn't need to bring lunch to school with me, that day - I ate my lunch in lab, with all of those great fish dishes that we made!

I took your People online quiz, Depply, and my ideal man is......Matt Damon! OK - no complaints, there - I always thought that he was adorable! :) That's so neat that you got your copy of the magazine in advance! I'm sure that you already have your copy of "PoC" on DVD or video, too? We'd pre-ordered that, and got our copy last week!

I absolutely cannot believe this crazy blizzard that we're having - we already have over 7 inches of snow on the ground......and The Weather Channel says that tomorrow will be even WORSE! They're predicting that we will get an additional FOOT of snow, over the next 24 hours! Unbelievable! It's only December! Oh well - I have no excuse not to stay in and study for my finals, now!

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're all having a great weekend! We'll have "Snow Cone Night" in the Suite, in honor of the weather! :)

Talk to you soon! :)

[IASW Rider]

Hi!

Hope that you're all having a nice weekend!

We're buried under 1+ feet of snow, here in the Garden State......UGH! :(

Hope that all is well! Talk to you soon! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa/Rider

Sorry to be so far behind in responding to your post. We have the flu here. It is Austin. He has been here for three days now and is just a lump on the couch. Other than giving him Tylenol every three hours, a fresh pillow case now and then and making sure that he drinks enough liquids there is nothing much else I can do for him. Breaks my heart. I threatened my sil in order for to be able to keep him. Jackie wanted him home but she is sick too and while I am up for her coming over here I do not want Austin (nor does he) to go home where there is really no one to care for him. Jackie needs to be taking care of herself. Am wondering if Dalton will be next. He spent the night here last night but went home today. Tom is practicing bowling with his brother so I have a few (very few) moments to myself. I hope to be able to convince Austin's parents to take him to the doctor tomorrow if he is not better. There is medicine that can make him feel a bit better and make it go away a couple of days earlier.

I have dug out some of my old asthma meds to make me a bit stronger so I might not get it. I had the flu shot before we left but they are saying that it is not very effective this year.

My parties are supposed to be this week but it is not looking good right now. I have the table set and covered with a cloth and have planned food that is easy to prepare and can be put on hold. Will have to see what happens. Most of my friends are elderly and I would not want them exposed to the germs.

I did get my pictures back but am not sure how to post them to the group. Any ideas? There were a couple of good ones and a whole bunch of so so ones. I will go digital one of these days.

I am sorry to hear about all the snow. Some friends of mine were set to drive there and have switched to taking a plane. Hopefully a big warm snap will come along and melt it away soon.

Got some info on a bus trip to NYC for next year. Doubt that it will happen but a couple of my sisters are talking about possibly getting together to take it. Pretty expensive for just the transporation and room since I know that the tours are things that we could easily see on the tour bus system. Another sister is planning a trip there as she goes quite often and knows her way around so possibly she will come up with something. Money is a problem for one sister and another will not fly. I will fly but will not drive in big cities. Complicated family LOL

Was wondering - do you have to do food homework? If so, how is Frank coping with all that good cooking? You looked so good in your recent picture. I cannot imagine being thin enough to wear a gold lame skirt, let alone look as great as you did! You card will be on its way tomorrow, if I can get to the post office. Cannot leave Tom alone with Austin as he would be in here driving the poor kid nuts. When you think of Tom think of Dennis the Menace only not as cute and you sort of have the picture. LOL

Helanabear, I am so jealous that you are at DW right now and seeing all the great Christmas sights, but if I cannot be, I am glad that you are! I have another friend there right now also.

Depply, what is new in your neck of the woods?

Angelina, I can almost see the boughs hung in your beautiful home and the smell of fresh baked cookies. Just gained a pound thinking about them. Yum!

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[depplyinluv]

hello all! ive tried to post probably 3 times but i always have too many smilies...lol:)


"I enjoy Johhny but could not work up a lather over someone who is just a bit older than my son."
^^^^linda you are tooo funny!

thats ok, you can have mel. Ill have johnny:p

as for the tags, There is a thread called the tagliarchy...im sure you've seen it...anyways I am a "member" and i clap and offer money and good food to the Tag Fairy...I also said that "Simba was Handsome"??

but im sure you'll get a tag...

tenacity? no ones ever called me that before! i love it! :teeth:

IASW: ok about that pic.....i lose things VERY frequently, and my digital camera was no excuse....i think during the holdiay break i'll dress up and use my moms camera!

glad you took the quiz...yes I, ME, I bought potc (VHS:( ) when it came out, last tuesday...we have tons of snow too! my HS issued a 2 hour delay at around 8 tonight for tomorrow:hyper:
hehe...

LInda, hope all goes well w/ the flu, its spreading like crazy this year! jsut be extra careful w/ your asthma and all, its not good to get the flu (believe me, ive experienced many times)...make sure you disinfect everything, lysol wipes are great!

whats new: im trying to figure out my winterterm course(s) ....theres too many to choose from...ugh! i ahve to have it in by wednesday though...o well...


hope all is well w/ everyone, remember to disinfect!:teeth:

[SlightlyGoofy]

Depply, I get more and more impressed with you with each posting. My daughter would be most amused with you giving me advice on how to keep the germs away as she thinks I am nuts cause I spray down the kitchen and bathrooms with a bleach water mixture at least once a day. I worked in restaurants when I was young and there were many rules and I have found that they apply in a home as well. Eating out is difficult for me cause I always wonder what is going on behind the closed doors.

Is very true that the flu could be very dangerous for me since I have asthma. I used to get pneumonia at least once and sometimes more a year but since I lost the massive amount of weight it has helped. I am a scaredy cat about most things but made up my mind a long time ago that risking my life for my grands, or any other kids for that matter, is well worth it. Getting the flu from one of my kids and dying sure beats dying alone in a nursing home and that is the way I look at it. I could not bear to see one of my grands not getting the care I am able to give. Austin seems to be a bit better this morning. He is sleeping in a more comfortable position. I had to promise him one of grandma's homemade pumpkin pies if he takes his Tylenol. He just woke up and was able to talk a bit so that is a good sign. I am taking him to the doctor this morning. Have to admit that I have,on occasion, brought non related kids home when they got sick at school. This is a very small town and if I know the parents I feel comfortable doing so and they have always been grateful. I well remember the days when I had to go to work when one of my kids was sick and how it made me feel.

The wonderful thing about being so young is that there are so many choices and I am sure that you will chose your courses wisely. You learn from everything, even your mistakes, so do not be afraid. Go boldly and enjoy!!

I have never heard of that thread. I seldom venture beyond the Suite unless I am planning a trip. Too much going on around here most of the time. I will have to check it out though. Since I am a bit strange (ok, more than a bit) I had wondered why I had not been tagged yet. Maybe they just cannot figure out which mental ward I am in? LOL

I love words and I especially enjoy talking or chatting with people that I do not have to explain them to. If you paid me a dollar for each big word I could speak I would become speechless but the words trop off my tongue lightly in normal conversation. Comes fr om having an erudite mother. She never said "goo goo' to me. LOL

It seems as if you and Rider got all the snow that you were promised as well as what we were promised and did not get. I am sorry for that fact and am hoping to hear better news soon from you both. Are the schools open?

I have some other things to do before we leave so I must depart and get with the program. LOL

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hey everyone!

How are you all doing, today?

How is everyone feeling over there, Linda? I hope that Austin and Jackie are feeling much better and that you, Tom, and Dalton are all right, too! They say that the flu is supposed to be especially bad, this year. I try not to get too close to my fellow classmates and wash my hands 100 times a day (since I'm always touching classroom doorknobs, bannisters, etc.) - my hands are so dry - it's only December and they're already cracking - UGH! It's interesting that you mentioned that you used to be prone to pneumonia, and that that (thank God) has stopped since you lost weight - I used to get bronchitis at least once or twice a year, but I haven't gotten it at all, over the past few years. Maybe losing weight has something to do with that, too? Very interesting. Anyway, I hope that you're all feeling well / better and that you'll all be healthy and ready to go for the holidays, in no time! I hope that you are able to have your parties, too!

We recently got a new printer which scans and photocopies, as well. So if you'd like me to post any of your WDW photos, please send them on over, and then I'll scan them and send them right back! Unfortunately, I don't have a "real" website on which to upload them. I could upload them to those Yahoo albums that I use, then post the links here, though, if that's all right with you!

Thanks so much for your kind words about our picture! I do have Food homework, but it's all reading - no cooking - that, I attempt on my own at home! (The operative word there is "attempt"! :) ) We only cook in Foods Lab. I have the final exam in Lab, tomorrow, though - no more cooking! It was fun while it lasted! Next semester, I'm taking Nutrition and Health, and there is no lab associated with that class. The next labs that I will have to take (when I get up the nerve to take these classes) are General Chemistry and General Biology.......that's when I'll be calling on Depply for help! In the mean time, Depply, how are you with algebra?? (yes, I'll be attempting THAT nightmare again next semester, too!)

How are you doing, over there, Depply? Have you gotten "dug out" from the snow, yet? It's supposed to reach the 40's every day this week, so I'm hoping that that will melt a lot of what we have. It was extremely icy here, yesterday. And I was very disappointed that they did not clean the parking lots at school better - there were entire areas roped off because they were still covered with snow, and barely any place to park! I'm hoping that that won't be the case, today.

What classes are you thinking of taking during your winter term? Does that mean that you won't really have any sort of winter break? :(

I wind up using too many smileys most of the time, too - I often have to go back and delete most of them before I can send a post!

Things are fine, here. Getting ready for my finals, which really "kick into gear" next week. Tomorrow is the last "official" day of classes for the term.

And I do have some potentially good news - I have an interview for a part-time job with the Diet Office of one of our local, University-affiliated hospitals on Thursday! It would involve my working most weekends, but not very many hours. And the experience would be great. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Hope that you're having a great time in WDW, Elaine - we're thinking of you!

Hope that all is well with you, Angie - I can smell those cookies baking, too - YUM!

Have a great day, Everyone! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

We took Austin to the doctor yesterday and he was doing a lot better but had a relapse last night with a new symptom, earache. They cleaned his ears in the office yesterday and I think they hurt him. I was supposed to go for a look at a possible house this morning, go to TOPS and have a Christmas party in town today but of course that all changed. He is far more important. He is sleeping all the time and has lost three pounds since yesterday. His dad took him back to the doctor this morning and he has bunches more medicine. I am waking him up about every hour and making him drink a bit to keep him hydrated. I am getting very worried about him. He does not want to leave here but his parents made him go home last night. sil would have let him stay but he said he was afraid of what dd would say. I did not find out until after he left that she was not even home until very late. I am po'd. In deference to the youngster in our midst that is all I will say about that. (grrrr) They live in an old farm house and the bathroom is down stairs and Austin is afraid of the dark. He makes his little brother go with him when he needs to go under good circumstances. In his condition he would not be able to make up and down the stairs without falling. It is not so very hard for me to care for him as I am up and down all night anyway. It was harder for me to sleep last night, worrying, than it is when he is here. Not that my sil or dd are bad parents but they are a whole lot different than I am. Not sure if that is good or bad as I am very biased. (grin)

Rider, my unprofessional opinion is that being overweight causes acid reflux and the acid reflux causes my asthma and a bad bout of asthma can lead to pneumonia. My doctor does not disagree with me but he might be frightened to do or very encouraging of my diet but that is what I think.

I have my fingers, arms, legs, toes and even eyes crossed in hopes that you get that job. It sounds almost perfect. Does Frank work on weekends? How are you guys doing with your busy schedules? I was happy that you were able to spend almost all of your first year of marriage without so much activity. It takes awhile to get settled in.

Drink lots of water and that will help your poor hands. You could rub them with Vaseline and put on gloves but that is not terribly elegant. LOL Have you seen those bottles of disinfectant gel that you can buy to use on your hands? That might help and it sure comes in handy when you are out and about and not near bathroom facilities.

If I ever get time to scan my Disney pictures I will gladly send them to you to post if you would. If it is not hard to teach me how to do it you could just send me a tutorial. Until Austin gets better I am not doing too much extra stuff.

I am having the meetings here tomorrow and have the strata in the fridge. I bought some mixed fruits for a cocktail and have banana nut bread and muffins also. Will have to do. These are old and dear friends and will fully understand. It is hard to reschedule, especially this time of the year. Two of the ladies will stay afterward for our annual get together. They have it for me but they don't think I know it. They get together for 'our' birthdays too but they have close families and friends that they celebrate with also so I know that is for me also. I feel honored and much loved.

Depply, no such thing as too many smilies IMHO. You could do what us old fogeys do and do this (smile) (hug) (etc) LOL

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[angelina]

If you do, you're sniffing in the wrong direction! I haven't even begun to do any holiday baking. A friend and her daughter brought by a tin of turtles and white- and chocolate covered pretzels, but they were gone by the next morning.. Everyone around here has a sweet tooth, I'm afraid. I will try to get something done over the weekend, but I have to finish putting up the decorations and putting the boxes away first.

Last month, we had a circus at our school, teaching kids in the 6thm 7th, and 8th grades skills and then had 4 days worth of shows. If you're interested you can go to Circusofthekids.com and click on the link to pictures for 2003 at ST. Dominic's. It was a lot of fun, but it really took up a lot of time and now I'm behind on Christmas preparations.

Linda, I'm so glad you enjoyed y our trip. I was with you in spirit. Can't wait to meet you in May.Is Austin feeling better today? This flu is a scary thing. I heard a report today that a child who died around Thanksgiving was from here and had been sent to New Orleans for treatment. It looks like it was flu related. There is no vaccine to be had for love nor money around here. We didn't get shots, but like you said, Linda, they may not do a lot of good this year anyway.

Well, Depply, NOW I GET IT! I bought POTC last Tuesday and we watched it that night. My goodness, if I were his SO, I'd insist on the Pirate wardrobe coming home with him, LOL. Orlando Bloom is rather cute himself. We really enjoyed seeing the scenes that were taken almost directly from the ride, too.

I am very impressed with your acting ability, btw. I would never have had the guts to get on a stage in fromt of everyone. Piano and ballet recitals were a nightmare for me.

I hope Elaine enjoyed her trip as well. I have been thinking of her lately with the interstate shootings going on. Isn't that is her area?

I am off to get everyone to bed now. I will check back in later.

Angelina

[SlightlyGoofy]

No cookies, Angelina? I am sure they will be some before the big day comes. I must just be dreaming in advance. LOL

Will check out the link later. I have a bit of time this morning but not much. Austin went to school as it is just a half day. He will be here in a bit. Hoping that he is on the road to recovery and does not come down with the flu while he is in a weakened condition. Has had me scared.

I like the theme based education. Kids enjoy learning that way and it is much easier when you have something real to relate to. I am so proud of you for helping all those kids. You never will know what good you did. It warms the cockles of my heart.

Tried to talk my daughter into going to POTC but she insisted on Cat in the Hat. It was just plain awful and profane to boot. Not even funny. Hope to rent POTC and the Haunted Mansion together for a Disney night soon.

I am off to make homemade fudge for my gift baskets. I had to make it last so I would not be tempted. I lost 7 pounds last week and a couple of them were new pounds so I am trying even harder to be good. The smell of your cookies are alright though as I am sure I cannot ingest calories in that way, I hope.

Your friend, Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

So glad to hear that Austin is feeling at least a little better, Linda! I can imagine how frightening and upsetting it's been for all of you, with his not feeling well. And I'm sure that your DD and SIL truly appreciate the special care that you've been giving him! I just know that he will be feeling all better in no time, and that he'll be ready and rearing to go, for Christmas!

How did that fudge come out? YUM! I'm sure that it was wonderful!

You just let me know if I can help with your pictures, in any way! And thanks for the advice about my velcro-like dry skin on my hands - will have to try some of your suggestions. I am so bad - there are bottles of lotion all over the house (Frank is very conscientious about lotioning his hands every time he washes them), but I always seem to be too lazy to use any of them! I know that I should put some on before I go to sleep every night......

Great to hear from you, Angie! I am going to go and check out your circus link as soon as I am done posting - that sounds like such a neat experience for the children! I can't believe that those weren't your cookies that we were smelling! Well, maybe it was just the THOUGHT of your delicious cookies baking that evoked our images of them coming out of the oven and smelling wonderfully! :) And you'd better watch out, if Linda comes to visit you en route to WDW in May..........she just might "kidnap you" and bring you along to Florida with her, so that we can all watch the EWP together! :)

How are you doing, out there, Depply and Elaine? Can't wait to hear about your trip, Elaine! :)

Well, I was all but offered the position at the Hospital, that I'd mentioned. I say "all but" because when I found out the time commitment required, I realized that there is no way that I could accept such a responsibility. The job requires full 8-hour shifts EVERY weekend (both days) and EVERY holiday. And the pay is miniscule. It would be different if I was a 20 year old college student.......but I'm a 36 year old adult with a husband, a mortgage, and other responsibilities. Unfortunately, such a schedule would most likely be the case in any hospital. The least senior people are apparently always required to work the least desirable shifts - and there is no choice in the matter. I was very disappointed.

But the meeting was valuable because the Registered Dietician with whom I met gave me a lot of very useful, practical, and honest information about the field, her work, etc. It really made me think about whether "going the RD route" would be right for me, in the long run........and I now realize that I don't think it is. That doesn't mean that I'm planning to give up hopes of working in the field of Nutrition - I just don't think that I'm going to pursue eventually becoming an RD or doing hospital work. I'm going to use winter break to figure out a more definitive "path" / alternative. Perhaps I'd change my course of education and work towards a Master's in Social Work or Psychology, instead, while still taking some undergraduate Nutrition classes. I don't know - I have a lot of thinking to do! So even though the interview did not result in my actually getting a job, at least I believe that they WOULD HAVE hired me, had I been amenable to the hours required, and the experience was very thought-provoking and eye-opening, as well.

I'm trying not to focus on / obsess about "THE FUTURE" until after my exams are over. I have 3 finals this coming week and one the following week. When they are finished, I will devote my time to figuring out "where to go from here". I wish that things would just settle down in my life, already - too many changes, too many "traumas" - I just want a few nice, "boring", calm months, already! My brain needs a rest (mostly from worrying!) and I'm still sleeping only 4 or so hours per night.

At least my father seems to be doing even a little bit better than when last I reported. Some of his neighbors invited him to share Sabbath dinner with them, last night, and he went and had a wonderful time. I think it's good that he get out and be with people other than just my uncle, Frank, and me. And it was so kind of the neighbors (whom my father barely knows) to invite him and make him feel so welcome. He's also attended 2 different Bereavement Group meetings, which is a big step for him.

Tonight Frank and I went to my best friend Gary's niece's Naming ceremony at his family's synagogue. A Naming ceremony is something similar to a Christening or a Bris, that is done for Jewish baby girls. As part of the regular Sabbath service, the baby is blessed by the Rabbi and then her Hebrew name is formally announced. Then the parents of the child explain the significance of the name and who the child is named for (we're only allowed to name children after deceased loved ones - we are not permitted to name children after loved ones who are still with us). It was a really beautiful ceremony - neither Frank nor I had ever been to one before. And the baby is just so adorable! The funny thing is that while we were there, tonight, Gary wasn't! Believe it or not, Gary is in Los Angeles, where he is performing on stage at a benefit concert being given by all of his favorite pop performers of the 1980's (thanks to winning an online auction)!

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

[SlightlyGoofy]

Rider , so much to think about in your post. While I am sorry that things are not working out exactly as you might have wished but I have a feeling that it is all for the best in the long run. If you are like me you have many times in the past where you did not get what you wanted and it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to you. I love mentoring programs in the schools cause that gives youngsters a chance to try out different vocations. It is so hard when you have so many possibilities open to you. It is a blessing that you had the interview and were able to meet someone who was willing and able to give you so much useful information. When I was young I worked for a temp agency as I had small children and needed to be flexible. I wonder if you might not be able to do such work and test the waters for different occupations in order to find the right fit for your talents and lifestyle? Companies like it cause they get to try out prospective employees but believe me, it works the other way around also. Have worked a lot of places for a couple of months and never signed up to go back again. LOL

Hope some of the tips help your skin. Dry skin hurts and also makes you more prone to infections and such. Having a lot of plants in your home will help also. Do you have a humidifier? In my poorer days I often put pans of water near the heat vents.

I am not likely to get around to the pictures soon unless some miracle happens. Am still trying to get packages ready to mail and have friends to take to doctors and other pressing matters. Maybe later this week, maybe after the first of the year. I wrote out a report but have not posted it yet either. I have a dear friend in Ohio who has just been diagnosed with bone cancer and I have a feeling that I will be spending some time over there in the Spring.

Glad to hear that your father is coping better than you had feared. Often those who had happy marriages cope better than the others and this seems to be the case here. He has no guilt feelings as he surely did everything in his power to be the best husband possible. Watch out though as a single guy gets a lot of attention quickly. Older women are quick on the uptake cause they have less time to waste and since your dad has a proven record as a mensch (spelling and right word?) he will be a catch for someone.

The fudge came out far too good. I ate the crumbs and greatly enjoyed them. Gained back some of those many pounds I lost last week. LOL I buy baskets and containers all year long and pack them up with goodies to take around to friends and family during the holidays. I only pay about a quarter or so for each item and that saves a fortune in gift costs. I have finally figured out that saving money always means much work for me. I may have to start being a spendthrift in order to maintain what sanity I have left . LOL I made small loaves of banana nut bread and blueberry muffins to go in the baskets with the fudge. I gave up on making homemade bread also since I had much going on this weekend.

Gary, sure gets around does he not? I would love to be in a room of my favorite muscians from the 60's and I imagine he is having a ball with his group.

Love the idea that you cannot name a child after a living loved one. Saves many hurt feelings since no one would be left out and if you did not get a child named for you after you have shuffled off this mortal coil you would beyond such petty disappointments. Of course, the Jews have had many more centuries to figure all this stuff out. Us poor Protestants are still mucking around and fighting among ourselves. LOL

Austin wanted to shovel my walk today but I would not let him as he is so recently recovered. He is back to his ornery self and I am one happy lady.

Angelina, are you kidnappable? Any chance that you would be willing to meet us at DW for even a couple of days?

Depply, you are most welcome and I am glad to know that your family is checking on who is sending you mail. Is the way things should be. I was a bit afraid to ask for your address but did not want you to feel left out cause I send cards to everyone else also.

Helenabear, are you home yet? My friend, Karen, just got back today. Don't know if she was able to be in the parade or get ticket to Millionaire yet. Lucky lady as she will be headed back after the holidays. I don't think I could live her life but I would be willing to try for a year or so. (grin) She does not work outside the home, has a cleaning service and lawn service and they eat out all their meals and to top all that off, not that her husband has just retired, they have bought a second home down by DW and go every few weeks. They are nice people though and deserve such good things.

We got our first real snowfall last night. Hoping that the roads will be alright tomorrow as I have to take Dorthea to the doctor in the afternoon. She lives down a country lane in a log cabin so even if the main roads are passable it is hairy getting to her sometimes. She is still very tired all the time but getting out and doing pretty darned well. Borrowed time is looking very good on her. We had our annual party last week and she stayed awake for the whole thing, which she is seldom able to do. Life is good.

Linda

[helenabear]

Hi all... got back a week ago and kept trying to find the time to read eveyrthing and totally catch up, but can't seem to find much spare time. Just busy it seems all the time and work isn't allowing me for much "play" time either. So I am coming in, saying hi to you all!!! I will hopefully find some time in less than a week since work should slow by then and so should life :)

Best wished to you all :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Welcome back Elaine! Heard you were sighted eating with Dan the Man at Teppanyaki. We ate there on our last trip too. I reccomend ordering the child's beef dinner. It was great, offered as much meat as my dh's sirloin meal and I got a drink and dessert included. LOL Did you do anything new? Any suggestions for our next trip?

Enjoy the holidays and drop by when you get a chance. True friends will wait for you and you are well worth waiting for.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[SlightlyGoofy]

Whew, dropping my shoes behind the door and heading for the veranda.

Just needed a quiet place to sort out my thought and rest my poor weary bones. Could not think of a better place than this.

I think it is about time for the EWP and I can hear the calliope like music rounding the bend. Watching from the Jacuzzi with a glass of Diet Rite in my hand sounds just about right.

Hoping you are all having a Merry and a Happy whatever!

Your friend, SG/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

So sorry that I haven't been able to post, lately, but I had Finals all last week - my last one is tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM!

I just wanted to stop in and say that I hope that you all have been having a wonderful Holiday Season, so far! Will definitely stop back in the Suite with a longer post / response before Frank and I blast off for the "wilds of South Jersey" for Christmas!

Until then, hope that all has been well with all of you!

Love ya!
Lisa :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Wilds of New Jersey, huh? LOL We who are ignorant about geography cannot imagine a spot in New Jersey that is not citified. Know I am wrong but it is an image I cannot erase. Will have to come and visit sometime and educate myself. I do know every inch of country between here and WDW though. (grin)

May all your finals go as well as your other ones have. You are on a roll girl!

This is a very busy time of the year and I bet we do not see many visitors for the next week or two but after the New Year we will all need a long, extended vacation in the Suite. Think I will ask the fellows to do their Spring Cleaning now so all will be fresh for everyone's return.

I have a sick boy on my couch. It is Dalton, my little one. I told his parents Saturday that I thought he was coming down with something. I were right, again. Poor kid.

Poor dd was having a bad night last night. Their vacumn cleaner went down for the count and then while she was baking her famous Christmas cookies the oven went out. I had a partial solution. I have a cleaner that I hate but could not justify replacing it because it works fine so I am giving that to the youngsters who are better equipped to lug it around and getting myself an easier to handle upright. They have to buy a new vehicle next year so this is not a time for them to be having to buy much else. I well remember our early days and how hard it was when things went wrong. Wish their lives could be easier than ours were but it did build character,== (I have loads of character, LOL) and I appreciate these days much more for having gone through the rough ones.

Hope all your cards are mailed, presents bought, wrapped, mailed or under the tree and you are sitting with a nice glass of egg nog or your favorite beverage admiring the lights of the season.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to stop in and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! Hope that you all and your families have a wonderful, safe, and fun Holiday!

Have a great time at the wedding tomorrow, Linda! You'll have to tell us all about it! And hope that Dalton is feeling better, in time for Santa's visit, tonight!

Hope that you're all enjoying the Holidays, Elaine, Angie, Wendy, and Depply!

I think that our Suite gentlemen did a wonderful job of decorating the place, don't you? And they're keeping that egg nog flowing for us, too! :)

On a quick, unrelated note - I can definitely understand how those unfamiliar with NJ would envision it to be completely built up, Linda. Interestingly enough, my paper for my Politics of Environmental Issues class focused on the urban sprawl in a particular region of NJ. It is getting very developed and there are many movements and plans towards preserving whatever open space is left. There IS a lot of open space left - particularly around the area where Frank grew up, in South West NJ (due West of Atlantic City). Those are the last vestiges of the true "Garden State". There are scattered dairy farms around in our area, but much of the farmland and forest land that existed as recently as when I was a child have since been turned into strip malls and townhouse developments. We're trying to hang on to whatever undeveloped land still exists!

Anyway, back to Greetings of the Season! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Have a wonderful and special Christmas!

Love,
Lisa :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dalton is all bundled up, under the tree. Just told him that I am going to put a bow on his head and he will be my best present! His one request from me is a big box of love. LOL You just know that I found a special box to hold that! (is a Wizard of Oz tin, his favorite movie)

Was able to get Pirates of the Carribean for us to watch tonight. I will be thinking of Depply as we enjoy it. Not sure how much time we will have to celebrate as poor Jackie has to work today and might not be able to get off work on time and then they have to leave to get to the church. Luckily the church is right behind our house so that cuts way down on the travel time. (smile)

Looks like the weather is going to be perfect. We have snow falling but it is the light, fluffy kind that just dusts things and makes it look like Christmas while the sidewalks and streets remain safe to walk and drive. Lovely. Should be safe for this frightened lady to drive to the big city tomorrow for the wedding. They requested no wedding presents but forgot to mention anything about Christmas presents so I have a huge pack to take with me. I am sooooo bad. I bought a bunch of rechargeable lights that you plug in and they are nightlights but when the electricity goes off they turn into flashlights automatically. Seemed like a useful gift to me. As you age you want useful gifts rather than things you have to dust or care for.

Lisa, I know that New Jersey has much green space but sometimes us foreigners forget. LOL We are having to try to protect our farmlands around here too. There is so much paved area that floods are occuring in spots never hit before. The water has to go somewhere.

Am much worried about the mad cow scare. Figures, just as I am consuming more meat, that they would have this happen. Why did we not learn anything from what happened in England? It was terrible, the farmers were hit hard, meat prices soared, for what product they could find. This is a huge country and it will me much harder here, I fear.

I had a second week of losses, tiny ones, to be sure, but this is a hard time of the year for diets so I will be glad of the fact and soldier on. This week will be the worst with several parties. I need to lose another half pound this week to reach a private goal. Hopefully I will do better next year than I did this one. I am ending the year lighter than the first of the year but no where near my final goal. Took me years to put it on and it looks l ike it will take years to get it off, I am not as focused as our Rider, who is totally awesome!!

As much as I appreciate having my daughter and her family here this evening there is always an undertone of sadness in thinking of our other children (son and step daughter) who will not be with us. Trying hard to be grateful for what I have and not dwell too much on what I cannot have.


The Suite guys have put in a supply of tangerine Diet Rite for me to enjoy instead of egg nog. Never did like that stuff. Have a hard time finding the tangerine Diet Rite in the real world but it seems like nothing is too hard for Bo and the boys. Gotta love 'em! Hope they enjoy the presents we got them for their Christmas party. The safari vehicles with unlimited gas cards for the year should get them around the property in style and panache. Did anyone check out the flat screen tv in the media room. I thought that the wall sized unit might be a bit overpowering but with the surround sound system and lazy boy theater seats it seems about right. Just right for watching our favorite Disney movies. I plan to have Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion for us to watch New Years Eve. Hope everyone will be here then. Husbands, SO's and other friends are welcome also. Plenty of room for everyone in the Suite. Sort of like love, it expands to fit the need.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[angelina]

Hi, everyone, I just wanted to stop in and wish each of you a Merry Christmas. I have been thinking of you all and wondering how you're doing, but just haven't had the time to get online to post. I hope you are all enjoying your day.

Angelina

[helenabear]

Just wanted to pop in myself and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays :grouphug:

[SlightlyGoofy]

I got several things I had been wanting for Christmas and got to spend Christmas Eve with my daughter and family. To complete the evening I got a surprise and very welcome phone call from Rider. It was the hit of my evening and don't cha know that the very best presents cannot be wrapped in paper and a bow?

Spent Christmas Eve with my hubby's family.. The wedding was just perfect for the bridal couple. I confused the brides daughter with the bride. She looked even younger than her grown children. Very pretty and from the little I saw of her perfectly fitted for my strange but loveable nephew. We all went back to Brown County afterward and a the bil who flew in from Serbia for the wedding took us all out to eat at the Lodge. I left my dh there to spend a couple of days with his brothers. Who knows when they will all be together in the same spot again, especially for such a wonderful reason? Another family wedding is in the works for next September and I will be the hostess then as the wedding will be held near our house. I had better start working on everything now, as slow as I am nowadays.

Only bad note is that I just heard that my son and his entire family has the flu. I sincerely hope it is just the crud that Austin, Dalton and now, I, have had. As bad as it is it is not nearly as bad as the flu. Wish there was something I could do for them. I would gratefully accept any prayers on their behalf as that is all that I am permitted to do.

Almost have the house cleaned up from the party and am hoping to be able to crawl into bed for a bit of a rest before Tom returns and I have to get back on schedule. I had hoped to get some other pressing work done but I am not too steady on a ladder on a good day and this is not a good day. (grin)

So wonderful to see so many happy faces in here. Will wait to hear all your Christmas stories later after you have had a chance to enjoy every moment.

Slightly Goofy about you all!!

[depplyinluv]

ello suite!!!!


terribly sorry for my absence, much to do , you know!


however i do feel awful for not wishing anybody gleeful holidays!

hanukkah just ended ...:( o well....

does anyone celebrate kwanzaa? I've never met anyone who does...


Linda, make sure on the pirates o/t caribbean DVD(if you have it, i think you do) on the second disk there are deleted scenes. One of them features jack in the cave where he forgets the parlay thing....actually they improvise this whole scene and its hilarious you have to see it!

:hyper:

Rider, i hope your finals went well, i have mine in 2 weeks:eek: and i am not prepared:rolleyes:

well ill say taht i had a wonderful christmas/ hanukkah! I hope everyone else did too!
and honestly i have to share my excitement w/ a few of my gifts

i got....

da da da dum.....

potc, benny&joon, don juan demarco, a nightmare on elm street, chocolat, whats eating gilbert grape , and the astronauts wife all on DVD!!! im actually ecstatic...:teeth: and....DIS stuff!

linda, hope you're able to disinfect yours and your loved ones homes!!!





~depplyinluv;)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Depply, am barely able to walk a straight line let alone disinfect anything. I am better than I was but am very dizzy so I am careful not to do too darned much. I move from bed to chair and bathroom and that is about it. Tom got home this morning and he is in bed also. He got sick too but his brothers, in their great manly wisdom, decided what he needed was to get out and about. (sigh) He was asleep about two minutes after his brother left. They fed him a bottle of night time cough syrup, with alcohol, and were surprised that he was lightheaded. (another sigh)

Sounds as if you had a Depply wonderful Christmas. So wonderful that your family understands and supports your Depp habit. LOL

Am going back to lay down. If you don't hear from me in the next couple of days you will know why. I have to be better by Tuesday as my sil has an appointment up in Indy for some serious health problems and I will have Dalton. Tomorrow he is being punished for throwing a fit at church by having to go with his dad. Is very hard on him as he has to sit still and behave. Normally I would feel badly for him but I need another day in order to take care of him safely.

Just my luck, major weight loss this week and I will probably not be able to go to weigh in.

Slightly Dizzy Goofy/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Great to see all of you, here! Hope that you all enjoyed the Holidays! :)

So sorry to hear that you and Tom aren't feeling well, Linda! :( And sorry to hear about your son and his family, too! I guess that this must be the season for the flu and viruses. I hope that you're all feeling much better, soon, and that you'll be able to take care of Dalton while his Dad goes to his appointment. Hope that all is well with your SIL, too.

Glad to hear that you all enjoyed the wedding, though! If you had to get sick at all, fortunately it happened after the wedding! I'm sure that it was a beautiful celebration! And that's so neat that you will be hosting the next family wedding, this fall!

Wow - it sounds like you definitely "raked in" a nice collection of Depp DVD's, Depply! :) I'm sure that you will have fun watching them all (even though I'm sure that you've already seen them all! But there are some movies that are fun to watch over and over again........like John Travolta movies, for example........*SIGH*........ :) )! I don't know anyone who celebrates Kwanzaa either, Depply, but I celebrate Chanukah! And then we celebrate Christmas with my husband's family.

We had a nice time, down at my in-laws', speaking of which! And it was great speaking with you on Christmas Eve, Linda! :) We finally did open our gifts, the following morning, and Frank's family - uh, I mean Santa - was very kind to us! :) I got some clothes and jewelry and some gift certificates (to buy more clothes that fit - I have an issue with my clothes - every time the season changes, I realize that I have fewer and fewer that fit! So when people ask me what I'd like as a gift, I always suggest gift certificates because I know that they will come in handy!), and some other neat stuff, too. But my favorite gifts were 3 books that I had been dying to read - Frank got me one for Chanukah, and his sister gave me the other 2 on Christmas morning - "Wicked", "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister", and "Mirror, Mirror" by Gregory Maguire. It was nice spending time with Frank's family, especially his Grandmother, who will be 90 years old next month. I'm hoping that my father will come down to South Jersey with us for her birthday celebration.

I came back up here (in the daylight - much more pleasant than driving 120 miles in the pitch darkness, through those country roads, in the pouring rain, as I did while following Frank in my car, on Christmas Eve!) on Friday afternoon and spent a quiet weekend reading one of my new books and catching up on stuff around the house. Frank spent a few more days with his family, visited with some of his friends from high school who still live down there, and then came home a few hours ago. Tonight we'll watch our tape of the WDW Christmas Parade that I'd programmed to tape Thursday, while we were away! (I'm so disappointed that it's pre-recorded and not actually "Live", though! :( )

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

[helenabear]

Hi all, popping in here very quickly.

Linda, I am so sorry you all are very sick right now. I hope everyone is feeling better soon! It's so awful to be so very sick like that.

Happy Holidays to you too Depply... sorry that most of it is over. I do however celebrate Christmas until January 6th so you can keep on celebrating with me if you like ;)

Lisa, sounds like you all had a wonderful Holiday season with the family. I always enjoy hearing nice things liek that. Enjoy watching the Christmas parade... I watched it on Christmas at my grandmother's.

Well I need to gte ready for work tomorrow. I have some things I needed to check on this week so I planned to go in. See you all alter!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hello all! I am feeling a bit better today. Am dressed and think I will be able to do a few things today. Not too much though as I am still wobbly. No Dalton today. He got in trouble yesterday and his punishment is to have to go with his daddy. Means he has to be quiet sometimes and that is painful for him. No tv either. He will be in pain!! His favorite channel is Disney, of course!!

Tom has been asleep almost the whole time since he got home yesterday morning. His brothers mean well but they are nuts. You do not take a sick person all around the place, especially with cold temps and the fact that his almost 70!!! I made him some Jello and fixed some soup in case he feels like eating today. I sure did not but I wanted to have something just in case. Tom not being hungry is a very bad sign as he is always hungry!! He will just have to ride it out as I did.

Helenabear, do you get time off between Christmas and New Years? Not much gets done on those days anyway. Hope you do not have to linger in the office very long at any rate.

Depply, How many of the videos have you viewed so far? My rule of thumb is that I must be willing to watch it as many times as it costs in dollars. If a video costs $10 I have to think it is worth watching ten times etc. Our daughter and sil gave us a certificate for Beef and Boards, a dinner theater, for Christmas. I plan on using it to see "Swing" on my birthday.

Rider, I just love reading about your family celebrations. They are all Hallmark moments. I have a sil who celebrates Chanukah and a bil who celebrates Kwansaa. Very diverse family and it is a good thing. Unfortunately I have never been invited to celebrate either with them. They have been to my house for family things before but this is one of those times when they have chosen to distance themselves from everyone. I hear from my brother once in a blue moon. My sister, the youngest of them all, decided that she did not want anything to do with any of us a couple of years ago. Hurts as I was like a second mother to her for so very long. When she was sick we would drive to Ohio to get her and bring her back to care for her and we talked almost daily on the phone. Just something in the family genes, sure glad I did not get them though. I operate on the theory that if I am only going to associate with people who are exactly like myself I am apt to miss out on something interesting. LOL The books you like so much sound so very Disney even though they are not. Can't wait to see if you spend your gift certificates on black and aluminum clothing. LOL BTW, a close friend of mine was there the day they taped the Christmas show. I was able to let her know when it was going to be. I got her tickets to the Millionaire show also since they are taping there next week or so. I am surely grateful that you were able to navigate the 'wilds' of New Jersey to make it home. Moments like that bring out the prayer in me, government be darned. LOL

Your recovering friend, SG/Linda

[depplyinluv]

<color=darkorchid>Linda,</font> I hope you and tom feel sooo much better!!! dont worry about weighingin , either. Actually i always forget to weigh in and its a good thing because ive gained a little too much over this wretched month....lol


actually , i didnt give my family much of a "good"(according to them) list, just johnny depp movies and such .....they make fun of him all the time in front of me and interupt me on purpose during my movies, its really awful!:(

Glad everyone had a <color=red>merry</font><color=green>Christmas</font> and a <color=blue>happy hanukkah!!!!!</font>


:sunny:


so far i watched the entire potc DVD and benny & joon twice...unfortunately i havent had the time to watch any thing else, with school work(o great im reminding myself of the hell hole) and cleaning and parties and blah......you know how goes!



<color=mediumpurple>Rider</font> i was extremely disappointed taht the parade was taped, also. especially when regis and kelly were like o ya we get to host the parade"tomorrow"....lol

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to stop in and wish you all and your Families a very Happy and Healthy and great 2004!!!! :) I'm sure that it will be another fun year in the Suite, as well!

Hope that you and Tom are feeling much better, Linda! And thanks for your kind words! Also, I can't guarantee that I won't spend my gift certificates on clothing that happens to be black (strangely enough, Frank was "subtley" trying to find out what sort of coats I like - I think that he might get me a new casual coat for my birthday - and I found myself saying "I prefer black, since it matches everything....."! :) ), but I can GUARANTEE that no "baked-potato-like fabrics" will be involved! :)

Glad to hear that you're enjoying those new DVD's, Depply! I'm sure that you will be able to relax and enjoy them even more, once your exams are over! I'm still waiting to find out how I did on 3 of mine.......I guess lots of the professors take vacations during winter break, too......I'll probably have to wait till next week or so to find out.

Don't even think about weighing in at this time of year, Linda and Depply! I have been torturing myself over my "post-holiday-bloat" - it's just not worth it at this time of year! We'll all get back on track once the celebrations calm down, I'm sure!

Hi Elaine! I know that I haven't been around the Suite very much lately, but did I miss your trip report or posting of your pictures, somewhere? Please send a link if you happened to post them on another thread - would love to hear about / "see" your trip!

Hi out there, Angie and Wendy, Jeannie and Dan, and anyone else who happens to be peeking in!

Wishing you all a wonderful 2004! :)

[IASW Rider]

Just wanted to pop in and wish everyone a very Happy and Wonderful 2004! Here's to another great year of EWP viewing and fun and friendship in the Suite! :)

Happy New Year! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

Happy New Year you beautiful people! The old year is gone, for better or worse and we have a brand new one to do with as we will! Scary and wonderful at the same time. All we can hope for is that the end of the year finds us better off than the beginning.

Rider, would you believe I managed to have a loss each and every week in December? Looks like I am working on another one for this week. About time, I must say. Not huge losses but I am learning that small ones are the ones that seem to stay off while the large losses come back and bring a few friends with them. LOL

I have Dalton here and he is sipping hot chocolate, waiting for grandma to read him a book. He picked one out that tells how laws are made in Washington. I cannot wait to find that one out for myself. LOL

Another grandma 'brag'. The other day I was checking emails while Tom and Dalton ate their lunch. Dalton came in shaking his head, saying "Grandad is doing it again. He is saying bad words". He then proceeded to spell the words for me, AND he spelled them right. Did not know whether to be appalled or proud. (sigh)

Can you tell that I am feeling somewhat better. I may drive to town tomorrow. Have been afraid to do so before as I was quite dizzy. No jokes people, it is not nice to pick on 'old' people. LOL

Good night all and see you around the Suite after you recover from all your holiday cheer!

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[depplyinluv]

hello fellow suiters! (can i call us that?)


hope everyone had a wonderful new year's celebration!


i am feeling very bad right now....dont know why...o wait could it be that i have to go to the (excuse my french) hell hole tomorrow? o yup, thats it!

:(


well you know i was thinking that this thread is getting quite long , and it has to end soon(:( ) but we need someone to start the next chapter of our journey! (ha i love sounding important)


just a thought....



:sunny:


'night all!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Depply, if you think school sucks just wait until you have to get up every day and go to a job that you do not like. If you want to avoid such make the best of your school experience so that you will be qualified for a wide variety of things so you can pick and chose what you want to do for the rest of your life. I know you have probably heard similar sentiments elsewhere but it is because it is soooooo true.

Maybe it is so awful for you cause you are not being challenged. I can tell that you are quite intelligent and if you are not taking classes that interest you that might be the problem. You also seem a bit more mature than average so maybe you need to expand your circle of friends to include people with more interests than the usual high school vapidity. Don' t know that is a real word but what the heck, I have never been one to follow the crowd anyway. LOL Anyway, hang in there and get what you can from your school, it is really just a small part of your life anyway, and you will soon be free and ou t in the world and wishing you were right back there where it is safe and boring. LOL Such is life.

This thread will never end as long as Rider exists. She is the life force that keeps us all connected and interested.

I have my little guy today. He showed up in his Spiderman pajamas that I got him along with many other similarly themed items. Will have to watch out for webs today! School starts here tomorrow. Sil is headed to Indpls for more tests and everyone else in the area is dodging water. We have massive flooding all around us. Hope we do not get another 35 days of rain or it will be the end of us all.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

That was very kind of you to say, Linda! But it's actually YOU who holds this thread together, and YOU who are the creator of our Suite! Regardless, it takes all of us to keep it going, and keep it going we will! :) Depply - you're right - this IS an awfully long thread........but we're gonna keep it going 'til they tell us to start a new one! :) (Did you know that we originated as a completely different thread on another Board........and were kindly asked to "leave" because we kept straying off topic?! :) Ah yes, those were our "rebellious" days..........! :) )

I agree with Linda, Depply - no matter how many times people tell you "these are the best years of your life", "enjoy it while you can", or any of those other seemingly tired phrases.......LISTEN TO THEM - THEY'RE TRUE! :) You will truly look back and appreciate these days, one day - believe me! :) And Linda's right again when she said that you need to surround yourself with people and subjects that are of interest to you and who / that challenge you. You're obviously a great, intelligent, fun, kind person, so that should be easy to do!

Congratulations on all those losses in December, Linda! I'm not surprised, though - you are so dedicated and you've been doing a wonderful job all along. That reminds me of that "Wendy Plan" that you sent me awhile ago - just when people assume that they would be gaining weight during the holidays, that most often winds up being the time that they lose it! I'm holding steady, as usual...........

And that was such a cute story about Dalton spelling out the "bad words"! :) Clearly a brilliant and intuitive child!

How is everyone feeling, now? I hope that you and everyone else are over your flus and viruses, and I hope that your SIL's tests continue to go well, and that he gets good and hopeful results from them.

Not too much to report, here. I'm on break for the next 2 weeks and am taking some time to "figure out my life". I'm also helping my father out with some logistical / estate stuff - UGH. Not the happiest or most pleasant subject matter!

On a more pleasant note, I now know that I got "A's" as final grades in 4 out of the 5 classes that I took, last semester - yipee! Just waiting for the grade to come in for the class in which I had my last final.........I hope that I make straight A's for the first time in my life! :)

We finally got to see "The Haunted Mansion" film on Saturday. Needless to say, the attraction is much better than the movie, but the movie was cute, and it was fun to pick out references from the attraction in it!

I'm stuck with conjunctivitis in my right eye, now - YUCK. I'm fairly certain that it's the allergic variety, since we've been having very weird weather here (50's and 60's!) and all of my fall / spring allergies started acting up. Nevertheless, I hope that it goes away soon. If the weather is the culprit, I imagine that it will go away soon.......it's supposed to be in the 20's for the next several days! BRRRRR!

Anyway, hope that all is well with all of you! Hope that you're having a good night! :)

[SlightlyGoofy]

I strongly believe in fate and fate is what brought this diverse and interesting group together. This year we were lucky enough to have our resident 'young one' join us and give us an even different perspective on the world. I love different points of view. It would be a boring life if I only knew people who thought as I do. You age when you stop growing and learning and I am bound to be like Peter Pan and "never grow up'!

Rider, while I am not one bit surprised at your grades I am, however, very proud of you. Depply, see the difference a few years makes in education? When you are going because you want to rather than have to it makes the difference. Look around and see what your school has to offer in the way of things that will expand your horizons and give you life skills for the future. Books, which I dearly love, are not the sole repository of knowledge. Getting along with others, working with a group, learning how to get others to see your point of view and to respect theirs are skills that will see you through life much more than knowing the date of the Battle of Hastings (1066). LOL Learning how to learn is the skill that a good school will give you. Sometimes you must teach the school what you need to learn.

Rider, I hope you get some R&R during your break. It will be sad going through all your mom's papers but maybe you will find some peace there and some insight into who she was. I find it so sad that parents and children often do not get to really know one another. My mother would not talk to me and my children do not and I am willing to lay it all out there in order to have a better relationship. Sad, but it takes two or more. I am sure that your dad greatly appreciates your help with all the paperwork. It can be quite daunting.

Do you have any Bacitriacin (sp?) for your eye? That is what we used to use for our daughter a long time ago. Hope that Frank does not have to chase you through the house and hold you down to put the medicine on though. Was very stressful times in our house in those days. LOL

Got through the holidays without gaining weight but have been on an eating tear ever since. Have had some disturbing news about my Fab Four. No excuse and in fact worse since I am trying to stay alive to see them one day. I am getting back on track today though. Have a cauldron of veggie soup simmering on the stove and will ingest it instead of other foods and wait for those errant pounds to come back off. Wish I did not have to lose each pound five or six times before it disappears into oblivion. LOL

I loved seeing the familiar bits in Pirates (which I loved Depply, Johnny was awesome!) and am looking forward to seeing the Haunted Mansion soon. Wonder what attraction they will do next? Got to be IASW!!! I will have to give some thought to the plot of that one. Already know the theme music, (humming)

Had best get to work. I do my spring cleaning right after the holidays, works best for me. I will be far too busy this spring anyway, between getting my garden in before leaving for Florida and the rest of my chores. I was working on my agenda yesterday. Dreaming of Florida weather in the middle of Indiana winter gets me through. Don't have the exact dates though as I am waiting for a deal. I am always waiting for a deal. Tom wants to rent a place at The Villages for a month also. We will see, I would rather do that as a seperate vacation.

Keep warm all and see you Suite ladies later, Linda/SG

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

How are you all doing?

So sorry that I haven't been able to post in so long! In fact, I think that this is the longest that our Suite has gone without a new post, ever! Sorry about that! :(

All is well here, in freezing (and I mean FREEZING!) New Jersey! Our temperatures are back down in the single digits, with wind chills in the negative numbers! So glad that I have a few more days during which I don't necessarily have to be outside very much......or at all! :)

Never did get those straight A's that I was hoping for.......the final grade came in.......and it was a B+ (darn that Political Science class! It was the bane of my existence all semester - I had to fight to stay awake in it, and often napped through parts of the lectures! I had a solid A going into the final......I must have really bombed the final for my grade to drop! Oh well.......! :) )! That's OK - there's always next semester (though I doubt that I will get an A in that stupid Algebra class!)

My eye is doing better, thanks. It turned out not to be "conjunctivitis proper", but rather an irritation due to wearing makeup that I really should have thrown out long ago, per my Optometrist. I never listened when people said that you should only keep eye makeup for 6 months to a year.......now I will listen! :)

How are you doing, Linda? I'm sure that you did not gain anything - probably just your imagination! Though that vegetable soup does sound good........do you still have any left that you could send over??? :) I'm sure that you were never "off track" at all - especially after all of your great December losses! I'm playing with 3 pounds of post-holiday-puff, myself. Hoping to get rid of them once and for all by the time that school starts again. Then I will be moving around more, too, so hopefully that will help.

I hope that everything is all right with your Fab Four. And with Austin and Dalton, of course!

Hi out there, Elaine, Angie, and Depply!:wave:

I wish that I had some interesting news to report, but as usual I don't! Things have been pretty quiet and "status quo" around here.

I'm eagerly awaiting "IASW: THE MOVIE", Linda! :) Or "THE ADVENTURES OF THE TIKI BIRDS"! :)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Hope to hear from you soon! :)

[cathymailme]

OMG, this thread started in July 2001???? I am lucky if I get one answer to my thread. What am i doing wrong?????

[helenabear]

LOL Cathy!! Actually I believe somewhere there is (or at least was) a "support thread" for those who feel like they kill threads (especially their own). I often feel the way you do though!

I have to thank you for bumping this because I somehow became unsubscribed and with search down I wasn't able to find it.

I hope you all had a very happy new year and a wonderful start to the year!!!

Congratulations on your grades, Lisa!!! You should be very proud, especially considering all that went on!!!

Linda, I will have to agree with Lisa... that probably any weight gain would be you imagination. Although I am a bit concerned with your comment about disturbing news about Fab Four there... I hope nothing too bad!

Depply, how is school treating you? I hope things are going well.

I do need to fly though, I have some work to do and some new stuff to learn with our new time reporting system. Oh I did want to say that I believe I am "changing up" my vacation location... this summer I plan to be at DL!!! Have a great day all!

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi Cathy! From my point of the view, the reason that this thread has gone on so long is that we all started out really interested in EWP and then somewhere along the way grew to care about each other. I feel like Rider, Helenabear, Angelina and now Depply, are part of my extended family. When they are happy I am also and when they have bad times I worry until it comes right and I know that they feel the same. Please join our family. Always room for more Suite ladies in here. Even have an occasional Suite feller that drops by but I think that our resident fellers intimidate most men, with the exception of Dan the Man who is not easily intimidated. LOL

Rider, a B plus? Is just a tad bit under that A you wanted and you worked awfully hard for it and should be well proud of yourself. You learn far more from the hard things in life than the easy ones to my way of thinking. You are such a well rounded person with so many interests and activities and it will stand you in good stead rather than just letters on a report card. Please toss the eye makeup more often and even consider giving it up. You have very pretty eyes and do not really need so much make up and besides, it is not worth losing your sight over. Please????? As far as not having anything intereting to say, I doubt that, however boring is greatly under rated. I have had much excitement in my life and seldom has it been good. Will take boring any old day. LOL Are you working on a screen play for IASW-the Movie? Bet you could come up with a great one.

Helenabear, I am throwing you a lifeline so you will not get lost again. Is not the same without you around here. DL? Have you ever been there before? Have heard that many are disappointed in it after having been to DW. I would love to go to Euro Disney. Wish you could be at DW in May though. Would have been a wonderful thing. Maybe another time.


Depply, are you all settled in at school again? It is hard sometimes. You lose a lot of momentum during long breaks. I was sure glad to see my kids at the after school program. I miss Daniel, my special guy, who moved with his family during the break. They left owing several hundred dollars to the school also. My heart goes out to Daniel and his brothers. We had a hug fest on that last day and he drew me a picture. It is on my refrigerator and will go in one of my scrapbooks one day. Will always be in my heart.

I am afraid that I did have a large gain. Scary number, it was so high. Made it through the holidays without a gain and even lost some and then I faltered, big time. Will not do my Fab Four any good to do this and I must get back on track in order to be around for them someday.

My daughter told me that she asked Dalton what his favorite part of school was and he answered "Grandma". Surprised because I do not volunteer at his grade school I inquired as to why. Because I am teaching him to read was the answer. Made my day. That light that goes on in a child's eye when they 'get it' on any subject is my greatest joy. Am headed over to the after school program in a few minutes. I had club today. Was at the last minute as I will filling in for a sick member. Has been a long, but fun day. Think I will go to bed early tonight. I am not as young as you all and need my sleep. LOL

Take care and see you all in the Jacuzzi soon. Mimosa's for everyone!!! The heck with all this winter weather. If it continues we will all have to go visit Angelina. She will love it. (I think) LOL

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[IASW Rider]

Hi Cathy! Welcome to the Suite! Feel free to pull up a chair and join us, if you'd like! Yes, we've been around since July of 2001 - actually since May of 2001, since we "began" on another Board! :) I'm sure that you're not doing anything "wrong" with your threads - people just post a lot, and sometimes our threads can become "buried" amongst the posts! You're always welcome to come here and post with us!

That's so neat that you'll be going to DL, this summer, Elaine! Do you know exactly when you'll be there? I was always curious to see DL - there is so much history there, and it would be neat to see the place that Walt designed himself! Besides, I'm determined to ride the ORIGINAL IASW, some day! :) I think it would be neat to see what DCA is like, too. Of course, I think it would be neat to see what DLP, TDL, and especially TDS are like, too! :) In addition to DL are you planning any more trips to WDW this year, as well?

Thank you both, Linda and Elaine, for all of your kind words of encouragement and support, as always! If only I could figure out what I'm doing with my life, now......! :)

I love to hear the stories about what your grandchildren say, Linda! They obviously love you so much and you are so important in their lives! And it's so nice that you're working with the after school program again, too. You are clearly very special in the lives of the children there, as well!

Don't give that "large gain" a second thought - as quickly as it "appeared", it will disappear, as well! Don't concentrate on it - just keep doing what you're doing, and I promise you it will "fall off" without much effort at all! I don't know how or why that happens, but it does - when you're not "paying attention", that's when the pounds seem to fall off! I'm sure that you look wonderful as always and I suspect that you are going to be reporting a huge loss before you know it!

Hello out there, Angie and Depply! :)

Guess what Frank got me for my birthday? Tickets to see Disney on Ice! :) We're going tomorrow! :) A little bit of Disney sunshine in the midst of this ridiculously freezing weather that we've been having (it was 25 degrees below zero with the wind chill, here, last night! BRRRRRRR!)!

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

[helenabear]

What a day at work... I haven't really been able to DIS at all today!!!!!!!!

But I couldn't miss this....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA!!!!!!

[IASW Rider]

Thanks so much, Elaine! :)

In addition to our Disney on Ice experience tomorrow, I just realized that it's exactly 4 months until our WDW / DCL trip, as of today.......which equals "120 days out"........which means........I can start making PS's!!! :) (MY favorite "hobby"!) YEA!!!!!! :)!!!!!

Have a great weekend, Everyone! :)

[depplyinluv]

<font size=7 color=deeppink>HELLO LADIES!!!!!!!!!</font>


I'm terribly , terribly sorry I haven't been on in sooo long! (rider it was me who wasnt posting, not you guys!)Ive only been posting here and there, but i actually have to thing about what im going say here(believe me its a good thing :yes:)

so how is everyone doing? this week it got to about -60!!!! very frigid!...i guess the arctic circle had better weather than we did...:rolleyes:

but look, i made it through!:teeth:

Linda, im sorry about your gain...i know you can lose it though, just keep up that exercising and good healthy eating!::yes:: ...as far as my weight has been, its been up and down. one day ill be +2 and another ill be -2.

also, i do think its because im not being challenged. its funny, but the harder something is for me the better i do, which is why im doing horrible in school( well honors, but id like to get on the principals list)...:( ...rider dont worry about the B and if you need help with algebra let me know!
I can definately help you!:sunny:
:hug: to daniel!!!!
I try to make the best out of this school but i cant i just dont know what to do....if youre really that curious my school has a website...

<font size=5 color=mediumpurple>HAPPY B-DAY LISA!!</font>

SG: im kinda settling, but i just had mid-terms all last week...and ive been fealing sooo incredibly guilty because i havent sent my french penpal a letter in awhile...i just dont want him to think im not writing because of well you know, the whole war situation....my ddad say i should stop writing and i cant believe he said that! ooo he makes me soo mad sometimes!:mad:

ok this post is getting long ....


~depplyinluv:sunny:

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dearest Lisa, I am so sorry I did not get in to post for your birthday yesterday. I had both boys and they just take all my energy. I get tired awfully easily and keeping up with taking care of three people at one time is really a bit more than I can handle. What a dream Frank is to pick out the perfect present for your special day. I hope all your PS's come true. I am a laid back kind of gal and never make any. How in the world am I going to know what I am going to be hungry for in 4 months? I have started watching for the codes for the dates. Getting closer and I am excited about it. Will probably be there a few days before you guys. Dalton says I cannot leave until after the 7th though, is his birthday.

Happy, happy birthday to our Rider!!

Helenabear, it is so nice of you to carve out a minute in your very busy day to join us to celebrate Rider's birthday. I am so sorry we missed each other in the Suite though. Hope you get some easier days soon so that you can enjoy the many amenities of the place and hope that you will post a report on your trip to DL. I am much interested in how you feel about the differences between the two parks.

Depply, being smart can be very difficult. Not a brag as people who are smart got it as a gift. It is what you do with it that matters. Makes life more complicated though as you are able to see several different sides to every equation. I sometimes envy those narrow minded people who see things only their own way. They seem satisfied more easily. (grin) I have to beg to differ with your dad in this one matter, your French penpal. For us to hate a whole country of people because they do not agree with us is just what the radical people of Iraq and other countries are doing to us. Heck, if I did not want to associate with people who did not agree with me I could not even be in a room with myself. LOL I see televison and other media bringing the world together in coming years. Is awfully hard to hate people you know IMHO. Another opinion I have is that it is a lot better to be doing pretty good in Honors classes as opposed to doing very well in dumb classes. Just keep on trying different things until you find your niche and then you will soar. So much of what we learn in school only gets relevent when we are able to use it in our real lives.

Have to go pay bills and get some things done before tomorrow. I am taking some older friends to the open house for our new live in Hospice Center. Is a wonderful idea.

Have been walking and have lost a couple of those pounds but still have far to go to get back to where I was. I am not giving up though.

SG/Linda

[depplyinluv]

:wave: hello ladies ! just thought id stop in quickly and thank Linda for her always excellent advice and to wish everyone happy weight losing ....i went to the gym today but its my appetite that really kills me



anyways best be going as it is football fever here....unfortunately....i hate football!lol





:wave2:

[depplyinluv]

:wave:


hello all, im a little disappointed....the moderators took away my signature! I hate it when they do that! :mad: :(

o well.....


hope everyone had a great mlkj day....!


:wave2:

[angelina]

Hi, everyone. I just checked in and have been catching up on your replies since the first of the year. I hope everyone is feeling better. Lisa, congratulations on the grades! That really is something to be proud of, don't know if I could come close after all these years out of the classroom. Linda, I hope the dizziness has gone away. Depply, I was glad to see POTC get the Nod from the People's choice awards! Very exciting. I LOVE that movie! I just wish I had been able to see it at the theatre first!

It is so cold down here (relatively speaking.) I know the res

[angelina]

Hi, everyone. I just checked in and have been catching up on your replies since the first of the year. I hope everyone is feeling better. Lisa, congratulations on the grades! That really is something to be proud of, don't know if I could come close after all these years out of the classroom. Linda, I hope the dizziness has gone away. Depply, I was glad to see POTC get the Nod from the People's choice awards! Very exciting. I LOVE that movie! I just wish I had been able to see it at the theatre first!

It is so cold down here (relatively speaking.) I know the res

[angelina]

Hi, everyone. I just checked in and have been catching up on your replies since the first of the year. I hope everyone is feeling better. Lisa, congratulations on the grades! That really is something to be proud of, don't know if I could come close after all these years out of the classroom. Linda, I hope the dizziness has gone away. Depply, I was glad to see POTC get the Nod from the People's choice awards! Very exciting. I LOVE that movie! I just wish I had been able to see it at the theatre first!

It is so cold down here (relatively speaking.) I know the rest of you beat us all around for cold weather but it really is miserable tonight. We built a big fire this afternoon, and I am headed back in the den shortly with my flannel pj's anda blanket! WE had planned to go to the park for a picnic with several families, but it was just too windy.:(

What's all this about our thread dying? I will have to go back further and read about it. We've been meeting for so long now that I can't imagine not keeping in touch!

Started the South Beach Diet last Monday,and have lost about 8 pounds so far. So far it iasn't been hard at all, thanks to s.f. Jello and Fudgesicles. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can lose a coupld of pounds a week before Mardi Gras (I would like to actually zip my new dress all the way up.;) )

[angelina]

Sorry, guys, I have NO idea what happened, and The system won't let me delete the first two mistakes. How EMBARRASSING!

[angelina]

Sorry, guys, I don't know what happened, things started going crazy, and the site won't let me delete the first two. I give up!

[depplyinluv]

hi angelina!


ok about the ending of our wonderful thread--all i meant was we're going to have to start a new one soon because we're running out of pages! i was just simply wondering who was going to start the new thread: i mean it would be the same thread, just continuing into a new one!!


::yes::

[SlightlyGoofy]

Angelina, LOL It is great to hear from you but you do not have to keep repeating yourself to be seen. (grin) With me the dizziness never goes all the way away. (smile) How have you been? Anything new on the business front? There might soon be an opening for a new Martha Stewart and I am rooting for you. Would be nice to see someone human in that role even though I do believe she is being railroaded. BTW, I have a nice little file of SBD recipes if you are interested. Congrats on the huge loss. It is a great diet at first. So much easier than any I have ever done before but I keep falling off the wagon. I am doing sort of a modified WW/SBD diet. Lean proteins and lots of fruits and veggies with no overt carbs. No working very well though. (sobbing) Can I beat you just a tiny bit for complaining about your 'cold' weather. You would not want to know what it has been here. Brrrrrrr!!

Depply, do you mean to say that our thread is in danger cause we are running out of space? I did not realize that the Internet was finite. Can we delete something? I am ignorant about these things and you could just be punking me out. (see I am a hip old lady? LOL)

Had some computer problems and had to system restore it. Must have been trying to do too many different things. I cannot copy files to my burner. Keeps saying that I do not have a disc in and I do!!! Grrrrrr!!

Rider, are you resting up from your big celebration?

Your inept and confused friend, SG/Linda

[depplyinluv]

Linda, unfortunately im telling the truth: they'll shut us off soon if we dont continue on a new thread'

:(



im not sure how long we have, but i will check





~depply