Ellen & Pods alone at last at F&W-with a twist of Vero!9/25-10/1/09 Update12/14 p.15

[DisneyFlower]

Looks like you were all having a great time! I've loved looking at all the pictures of Vero Beach - I've wondered what it was look. It looks wonderful!!

 

[MEK]

Ellen:

More great updates and I can't see a single picture. Drat. It sounds like you had an awesome day!

My DS and I played tennis at VB and had a blast. If you think you sweat a lot riding bikes or running, try playing tennis. I had to stop and take a water break, say, every two minutes. It was exhausting. Made me definately feel my age.

 

[MapleGirl]

Hi Ellen,
I found your trippie over on Cammie's thread. Love it so far!! Can't wait to read more.

 

[TigerKat]

Signing on, love your TR's!!!

 

[Mysteria]

Love the updates. It's great to read about other Disney destinations. Gives me more places to dream about visiting.

 

[podsnel]

Hey Ellen! I'm here and I've just caught up on this latest trip report. What an awesome trip!! It's great to see that you were able to spend some quality adult time with Pods, Lonnie and Mike. You should have named this trip report "Snoozing and Boozing!"

Elizabeth and I used to own a timeshare in Sebastian, FL, which is about 10 miles North of Vero. We LOVED that area of "old-style" Florida. We spent a day at Vero Beach back in 2005 and loved it. I think the Disney resort had either just opened or was in construction. We both commented that we would love to go there sometime.

The food at Shutter's looked great! I'm all about that seared tuna. Those crab cake sliders at lunch on the first day looked great also.

Pods and I definitely have a lot in common: golf, beer, sports, vodka, and naps. nice! Just add hot dogs and classic rock and you've pretty much described me.

Looking forward to the rest of the trip report! Wonderful pictures as always. That sunrise is breathtaking.

OMG, I WISH I had thought of that title- it's perfect!! It is a very pretty part of the east coast, this area where Vero is-

Oh, Pods is into classic rock, too. And he eats everything besides bananas and melon, so i'm sur he'd be thrilled with the hot dogs, too. I hope you get to hang out someday!!!

And thanks soooooooooooooooo much for subbing- it's great to have you around!

Thank-you!

Looks like you were all having a great time! I've loved looking at all the pictures of Vero Beach - I've wondered what it was look. It looks wonderful!!

It IS wonderful- very, very laid back and relaxing.

Ellen:

More great updates and I can't see a single picture. Drat. It sounds like you had an awesome day!

My DS and I played tennis at VB and had a blast. If you think you sweat a lot riding bikes or running, try playing tennis. I had to stop and take a water break, say, every two minutes. It was exhausting. Made me definately feel my age.

We thought about playing tennis (actually, Mike really wanted to play)...but they all took naps instead. I haven't played in so long, and on every one of these vacations I think THIS will be the time we play...but it keeps getting "bumped". Gonna have to work on that....

Hi Ellen,
I found your trippie over on Cammie's thread. Love it so far!! Can't wait to read more.

Thanks for coming over!!! Any friend of Cammie's is a friend of mine!

Signing on, love your TR's!!!

Thank-you, honey. I'm so happy you're here.

Love the updates. It's great to read about other Disney destinations. Gives me more places to dream about visiting.

EXACTLY!!!!

More to come in a little bit- lots of school projects due before we go to WDW next week, I'm on my way out to supply shop for this afternoon's session in too much homework torture...

 

[karajeboo]

I had so many comments to make but forgot most of them after catching up. Um, let's see.... nice to see Lonnie is still wearing her emergency crocs she bought at Epcot during our DISmoms trip! Although I don't much care for her Gators shirt - in fact, I would be forced to spill something on it if we were together. Lonnie, thank you for not disgracing our group back in May by wearing orange and blue!

I never realized the VB was right on the beach! I thought it was more like HHI. Hmmm.... may have to consider that!

 

[WannaBeADisMom]

Love your report, Ellen. It seems that we NEVER talk anymore, so it's nice to "read" your voice!!!! Seriously, you definitely have a gift....great pictures, descriptions, etc. Can't wait to read more! So get this done before you go on vacation AGAIN in the land where there is always happy music playing (a little jealousy there!).

 

[podsnel]

Happy me!!! I just booked 5 nights at AKV Concierge for another F&W Golf trip with Pods!!!! (aka- the Snoozin & Boozin tour!) Sept 24 to 29th- I was going to book BCV, but checked AKV concierge first and it was available, so WOO-HOO!!!!!!!!!!! DH has never stayed there before and I think he liked the sound of FREE BEER that goes with the room! So I wanted to try to get it for him. Well....and for me! I guess I asked if he wanted to go at just the right time- he's headed to the World Series tonight!!! SOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITING!!!! Sure hope those yankees play a whole lot BETTER this game!! I'd hate to cancel the trip!!

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Ellen !! Another great update !!! Going in September are you!!!?? I am once agin planning my 2010 trip as my Grannies trip feel thru due to unexpected stuff !! We ae stil hoping to do a trip together in th future though !!! So now I have to refigure wht I am doing and I ha decided I wil call Disney tomorrow and throw a wholelot of dates at them and take it from there !!

 

[podsnel]

We made our way over to Sonya's, the more upscale restaurant at VB, which is located behind Shutters (you walk through Shutters to get there). We were seated and pleased to see the personalized menus welcoming us to the table. I had no idea they did this here! Such a nice touch-

Our server was the lovely Christy, who could not have been more charming. We placed drink orders and ordered a bottle of wine for Lonnie & I to share- Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, one of my favorite SBs (we became VERY good friends, Kim and I, on DCL last year). A few minutes later, Christy came back out to apologize, she had given us the old wine list- and handed us the new one, which had come out just the day before-

We chose another wine, and then, Christy came back to say she still had a couple of bottles of Kim left if we wanted that. Sounds good!! We were offered an amuse bouche of Carrot soup-

A little tepid, but our bouches were amused all the same. Next our appetizers. Loni had Hearts of Romaine Salad-

I went with the opposite of that, Wood oven baked shrimp and crab dip with house made bagel chips-

It was very tasty. Pods really enjoyed a Pan roast of Jumbo Mussels, Sweet fennel sausage, saffron-tomato broth and toasted crostini-

They were perfectly done. Mike had Coconut curried she crab soup which he said was good-

Dinner at sonya's is lovely. Dinner at Sonya's is also S-L-O-W. As in, Lonnie and I polished off that bottle of vino before our entrees had even THOUGHT of arriving. Now, we should have just had water, or maybe just gotten another glass to have with the remainder of our meal. But who says we should do anything???? So we invited bottle #2 of our girlfriend, Kim, to dinner. oops.

Our entrees arrived. Mike had Crispy Tempura Yellow Fin Tuna, Lo mein noodles, stir-fried baby vegetables, baby bok choy,lemon grass coconut broth.

Pods ordered Pan seared red grouper filet with creamy southern polenta, Florida Rock shrimp and tasso gravy, fried leeks-

Yummy. And then Loni and I ordered the same thing- and it was soooooooooooooooooooo delicious!!! OMG- we both agreed, these were the BEST scallops EVAAAARRRRR!!!! Pan Seared Jumbo Scallops, Lobster mashed potatoes, sauteed spinach, sherry lobster beurre blanc, balsamic reduction-

Seriously-

We asked Christy to pose with the creepy lady on the wall-

No, it's not Lily, it's....some creepy lady on the wall!! A pic as we made our exit-

I swear, I must be 3 feet tall. The guys were up for watching football back in the room- Lonnie and I, on the other hand, were up for a visit to the Green Cabin Room. Aren't you so glad we girls like to have fun?? Even a little too MUCH fun?? Back in a few....

 

[CRdisMom]

I don't want to think how short I would be next to Lonnie. I'm 5'3" on a good day. Nothing beats a good bottle of wine--okay well maybe two bottles

The scallops look awesome!

 

[alan_renfroe]

Happy me!!! I just booked 5 nights at AKV Concierge for another F&W Golf trip with Pods!!!! (aka- the Snoozin & Boozin tour!) Sept 24 to 29th- I was going to book BCV, but checked AKV concierge first and it was available, so WOO-HOO!!!!!!!!!!! DH has never stayed there before and I think he liked the sound of FREE BEER that goes with the room! So I wanted to try to get it for him. Well....and for me! I guess I asked if he wanted to go at just the right time- he's headed to the World Series tonight!!! SOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITING!!!! Sure hope those yankees play a whole lot BETTER this game!! I'd hate to cancel the trip!!

NICE!!! Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! Congratulations!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

What? I go away for a weekend and you have a whole TR done already?

I'm all caught up now!

I love your take on VB!!!! Looks fantastic. Now I'm almost sorry I booked that cold pacific DCL cruise with our points instead of VB like I planned

Your bike ride looks really fun - congrats for sticking it out - you deserve the tangerine slushy for sure!

Now about the wine with dinner (dinner looks yummo by the way) you did pretty well, except the last pic - Lonnie looks like she's havin' way too much fun!

Congrats on the AKV ressie! Okay, you may proceed now.

 

[podsnel]

I had so many comments to make but forgot most of them after catching up. Um, let's see.... nice to see Lonnie is still wearing her emergency crocs she bought at Epcot during our DISmoms trip! Although I don't much care for her Gators shirt - in fact, I would be forced to spill something on it if we were together. Lonnie, thank you for not disgracing our group back in May by wearing orange and blue!

I never realized the VB was right on the beach! I thought it was more like HHI. Hmmm.... may have to consider that!

Yet again, there is soooooooooo much I need to teach you about Disney....once again proving I AM the wiser DISmom.

Love your report, Ellen. It seems that we NEVER talk anymore, so it's nice to "read" your voice!!!! Seriously, you definitely have a gift....great pictures, descriptions, etc. Can't wait to read more! So get this done before you go on vacation AGAIN in the land where there is always happy music playing (a little jealousy there!).

I just realized I never replied to you!! What do you mean we never talk anymore??? I was just at your house last Saturday night for your SPECTACULAR as always Halloween Bash! We didn't get there til 1:30 am, but better late than never, right??? Hmmm...you do REMEMBER we were there, don't you???? Does Peter????

And I'm writing as fast as possible- but I'll NEVER finish before Weds!!

Hi Ellen !! Another great update !!! Going in September are you!!!?? I am once agin planning my 2010 trip as my Grannies trip feel thru due to unexpected stuff !! We ae stil hoping to do a trip together in th future though !!! So now I have to refigure wht I am doing and I ha decided I wil call Disney tomorrow and throw a wholelot of dates at them and take it from there !!

Well, hopefully we'll overlap! There is a small part of me, though, that is considering a December visit instead- I really want to see those Osborne Lights again AND the sparkly castle.....

I don't want to think how short I would be next to Lonnie. I'm 5'3" on a good day. Nothing beats a good bottle of wine--okay well maybe two bottlesThe scallops look awesome!

Truer words could never be spoken!! We have a lot of BYOB restaurants in our area, and when Pods & I go out to them we nearly always polish off 2 bottles- but, that's with him refilling his glass to the rim every 5 minutes (he's a fast drinker & eater) so I'm not drinking a full bottle. This was a little different!! Although Pods did help us out a bit.

And I'm only 1/2 inch taller than you!!! On a good or a bad day, I suppose!!

NICE!!! Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! Congratulations!

What? I go away for a weekend and you have a whole TR done already?

I'm all caught up now!

I love your take on VB!!!! Looks fantastic. Now I'm almost sorry I booked that cold pacific DCL cruise with our points instead of VB like I planned

Your bike ride looks really fun - congrats for sticking it out - you deserve the tangerine slushy for sure!

Now about the wine with dinner (dinner looks yummo by the way) you did pretty well, except the last pic - Lonnie looks like she's havin' way too much fun!

Congrats on the AKV ressie! Okay, you may proceed now.

Hey! How was the weekend? And I am not even close to being done- we haven't even gotten to OKW yet!! You're doing a pacific coast DCL??? Which one? I am VERY jealous!! LOVE DCL- have you seen the DREAM info that was just released?? HOLY crap- I HAVE to go on that ship!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hey! How was the weekend? And I am not even close to being done- we haven't even gotten to OKW yet!! You're doing a pacific coast DCL??? Which one? I am VERY jealous!! LOVE DCL- have you seen the DREAM info that was just released?? HOLY crap- I HAVE to go on that ship!

It was great! We had an Arbonne retreat at the Oregon Coast - mostly nice and Sunny, which is kind of unusual We had a beautiful house with great ocean views right across the street from the beach. Now I'm back in Oregon and my hubby is still in Idaho for about 11 more days, 6 hrs, 23 min....whose counting?

We booked the LA-Vancouver repo for Apr 2011. It won't be tropical, but I'm still excited to be on DCL! We wanted something different to do with our points - I guess that is

THE DREAM!!!! OMG! I can't believe that ship!!!! That is definately a must do! Even an inside cabin has the "ocean view" That water coaster is crazy and I love the Secret Garden restaurant - reminds me of Tinkerbell!

 

[podsnel]

So Lonnie and I were on our own at the GCRoom- which was NOT a problem, since we were feeling very sociable for some odd reason. On the way, I took a few pics of just about everything imaginable-

Hellllooooooo Front Desk CM!!

This is the GCR ceiling-

And this is a LAMP!

OMG!!! Fear and PANIC!!! What happened to the bartenders????

I went to visit the Loo, making a grand departure-

No idea who these people are-

But.... we DID see our friends from the night before- who insisted on buying me that yummy margarita they were enjoying yet AGAIN! And THIS time I said SURE!!! That's EXACTLY what my brain that is soaked in alcohol needs!!! TEQUILA!!!!

Our anniversary celebrating new friends-

They were so nice, I was very glad to see them again. There was another couple sitting at the bar, they looked friendly, so i started chatting it up with them, too! I asked the question, "Where are you from?" and they answered with the most coveted of all Disney answers...yes, that's right- they were from CELEBRATION!

Let the interrogation...err, I mean, inquisition....umm, conversation BEGIN!!! What's it like? Is the sister city really Stepford? Is Mickey Mouse the Mayor? Do you live in the section of town that's allowed to have a fountain in the yard???? And on and on....it was exhausting!!! Lonnie was relentless!!!

Cont'd next post-

 

[MEK]

Those scallops look AMAZING!!!!!!!! Wow! Really, really yummy! Your whole dinner at Sonya's sounds so fun. to the wine to the Green Cabin and more drinks!

 

[podsnel]

Honestly, the couple from Celebration was just wonderful- they were so happy to live there, they volunteered it was not a Stepford kind of place at all, really, really a fun couple. WE spent the rest of the night all laughing together and enjoying the music. We really had a BLAST!!! And someday, when i find the safe place I put their addresses in, I'll send them a link to this report just like I promised I would! DOH!

Yay! The bartenders came back!!

Then something extraordinary happened. As we walked back through the hallways to our rooms,

we switched dimensions!! We went from the merriment, joy and hilarity of the Green Cabin Room to the total opposite- a room with our men!

Yea, that's right- it was a thrill a minute up there in Room 2424!

We did our best to try and spark things up-

But it looks like we were done having fun for the night!

Really, that night goes down as one of the funniest, bestest times I have ever had with Lonnie (and that's sayin' a LOT considering we were college roomates!), and I wouldn't change a thing. Loved Sonyas, loved GCR, REALLY love my friend.

Next up....the morning after....ugh.

 

[podsnel]

It was great! We had an Arbonne retreat at the Oregon Coast - mostly nice and Sunny, which is kind of unusual We had a beautiful house with great ocean views right across the street from the beach. Now I'm back in Oregon and my hubby is still in Idaho for about 11 more days, 6 hrs, 23 min....whose counting?

We booked the LA-Vancouver repo for Apr 2011. It won't be tropical, but I'm still excited to be on DCL! We wanted something different to do with our points - I guess that is

THE DREAM!!!! OMG! I can't believe that ship!!!! That is definately a must do! Even an inside cabin has the "ocean view" That water coaster is crazy and I love the Secret Garden restaurant - reminds me of Tinkerbell!

The Oregon Coast must be magnificent! Very different, I'm sure, from the Jersey shore. Hope the time is flying by without your hubby....

What a great cruise you'll be on!! I am so envious!! And I didn't know the inside cabins on Dream have ocean view- how are they doin' that?

Those scallops look AMAZING!!!!!!!! Wow! Really, really yummy! Your whole dinner at Sonya's sounds so fun. to the wine to the Green Cabin and more drinks!

Yea, I wish I had a plate full of them right now. YUM.....