How Do You Think We Stay So Happy?*Final Thoughts & Farewells* 10/7 p100

[Disneymom77]

Great pictures! We ♥ the DE beaches We stay in Bethany just about every year with my husbands family and we go to the shops in Rehobeth at least once during our stay What an awesome cake! I hope it tasted as good as it looked!

 

[chloe770]

What an amazing cake!!! I too am a cake show geek( I even have made the trip to Carlos Bakery once or twice) and that cake is right up there with some of the best.

Your pics of RB make it look even prettier than it actually is. You definitely captured some of the best of RB with the exception of the Seagull. Not a french fry stealing seagull fan.

 

[MEK]

Oh those pictures are just stunning!!! please remind me to revisit those in January when it is 5 degrees out and everything is so bleak.

You are a talented photographer!!!!

Thank you! I am so pleased with the way those photos turned out. The editing just worked so well for this series of photos. Yeah! It's hard to imagine 5 degree weather right now.

The cake was beautiful, what a bunch of thoughtful friends you have!!!

Yes and Yes! That cake was a delightfully tasteful and unbelievably thoughtful gift!

Beautiful pics....great eye!

Why, thank you!

Absolutely gorgeous pics ME!! Makes me want to head to the beach though.......

Thank you! Me too! I would love to head to the beach, but I think its been even too hot there these last few days. I am a September beach gal. I am hoping to get a few nights in during September when the rates drop and the crowds go.

Love all the beach pictures. I have a childhood friend that now lives in Rehoboth beach. I would love a breeze right about now but a cool breeze ot the hot oven breeze we get on occasion.

I really wonder if there is any ocean breeze right now? I know its a wonderful feeling when inland is scorching hot and the beach is 10 degrees cooler. How great would that be?

As for heat, heat index is 99 here my car said 100 and it is just miserable out. You are a better woman than I as I did not run but I did get the essential errands done. I will ry to slowly get soke busy work done in the house but nothing strenuous.

I stayed in the shade and ran very, very slow. I kept running back forth in the shady parts of the street. Must have looked pretty stupid!

Cool pictures!! They are so artistic - like what you'd see on a cool card or framed!!!

I love the one of the single adirondack chair!

Thank you! I have been to Rehoboth and the Delaware beaches soooooooo many times, but this is the first time I have ever taken real pictures. I'm glad I took the time to go off by myself for a bit.

Great pictures, MKE. They are making me wish I was at Marco Island right now and not two months and a week from now.

I love the birds -- or should I sya, "Mark's bird friends?"

Thanks! You are so lucky to have the San Marco trip coming up! I am also craving the beach big time, but I'll probably only get a couple days there in September. Better than nothing, so I'm not complaining!

Mark's friends?

I've had little DIS time this week, so I am just now seeing the cake. What sweet friends!

Your beach pictures were so nice to see. Thanks for sharing!
I'd love to go and see inside some of those cute houses.

The cake was so wonderful! Yes - my wonderful friends that I met right here on the boards surprised me with that cake. I still am shocked!

Glad you like the beach pics. There really are some true "beach houses" in Rehoboth. So cute!

Love the beach pictures!

Thank you! I just went and checked out some of your pictures and they are lovely, so thanks for the compliment!

Also: that cake looked amazing!

It really was - both inside and out!

It is too hot here. Too hot for typing.

I was hoping it would be a little better today, but it's not - except by a degree or two.

Oh my goodness, Mary Ellen! What I wouldn't give to be at the beach right now after looking at your pictures! Just gorgeous!

Hey - you had some pretty fab beach pictures yourself, so thank you! I actually found a few more that I am going to post.

Wow love all the beach pictures!

Thank you!

I can't imagine it ever being very hot in Manchester though we did get a little but of sunshine yesterday and enjoyed a day out!

Out in the pleasant sunshine sounds lovely. Out in the sweltering heat does not. You know its bad if the temperatures and heat indexes are worse than Orlando.

I love your birthday cake! What kind of cake was it, it looks so good! I really want to do a special cake like that for something, maybe if Brandon and I go for our anniversary!

It was chocolate and it has a fine layer of raspberry filling. I think it was raspberry - it was a delish combo. Everything was moist and tasty!

I think it would be a wonderful treat for your anniversary!

I loved SAB when I stayed at BC, but it wasn't too crowded when we went in, if it was, I don't think I would have liked it as much. I can't do crowded pools. As much as I love WL, and I really like the pool area, I think the main pool is a little small for such a big resort.

I think a lot of the pools are small for the size of the resorts. The BLT pool was small. I guess it must cost a fortune to build a pool so they have to keep the size down. I remember the WLV pool being a decent size. The only pool I never wanted to get in due to crowds was the 60's pool at pop. I stayed there once during a summer trip and the pool was insane!

Great beach pics! I hope it cools off soon, I can't deal with the heat like this!

I hear ya! It's supposed to break a bit after 8pm tonight. Please.

Great pictures! We ♥ the DE beaches We stay in Bethany just about every year with my husbands family and we go to the shops in Rehobeth at least once during our stay

I love Bethany Beach. I enjoyed this overnight trip to Rehoboth because my brother actually stayed right in town. I didn't, but the hotel let me park in their garage one night. I can definitely see the advantage to just parking and the car and having everything within walking distance. I just hate that so many of the hotels right in town are so dated. I have become such a hotel snob.

What an awesome cake! I hope it tasted as good as it looked!

It was delish - chocolate cake and a lovely fruit (raspberry I think) filling. Yum!

What an amazing cake!!! I too am a cake show geek( I even have made the trip to Carlos Bakery once or twice) and that cake is right up there with some of the best.

Really? You've been there. Cool. He's cakes are actually crazy. I would love to try one of his "not over the top" cakes. My disney cake was exceptional - in appearance and taste!

Your pics of RB make it look even prettier than it actually is. You definitely captured some of the best of RB with the exception of the Seagull. Not a french fry stealing seagull fan.

Thanks! I've spent so much time in Rehoboth (and Dewey - Starboard, Bottle and Cork) over the years. It was fun to actually take pictures of a place I have visited over the last 30 years.

 

[MEK]

I found a few more Rehoboth pictures that I thought I would post. I would also like to do an update. I am going to call it "Where's Cynthia?", because she hasn't posted in so long. I miss her!

I wish I was sitting here right now with a nice cold something

OK - Back to Our Regular TR.

Shall I refresh your memory - Today was Monday May 2nd. It was the third full day of my trip (fourth day total) and my second day at the BC. Cynthia and I had just enjoyed a refreshing adult beverage and a dip in SAB. Cynthia had a Soarin FP burning a hole in her pocket and I decided to take my chances on the single rider line for TT. I much prefer this ride at night, but that wasn't going to stop me. I would take what I could get.

I didn't take any pictures except for a few lame ones with the cell phone.

Do You think she's glaring at me?

I remember a couple things about my test track ride. First - as much as I love the single rider line, I am inevitably placed in a car with 2 people who want to take up the whole row. The second person always sits themselves in the outer seat and then gives me a "Duh" look when I go to get in the car. Hello???? Three Seats! three people! It isn't that difficult of a concept. Move it over, bucko! Of course, the same scenario played itself out again, but I managed to get seated just at the car started to move. Sheesh!

The second thing I remember about my ride is that one of my former coworkers kept texting me. He didn't know I was on vacation and I didn't have the heart to tell him. He actually ended up calling me and we had a rather "unmagical" discussion as I walked over to Italy. I don't mean it was unpleasant, but it was a little too real world for my current mood. When I arrived at Tutto I politely told him I was heading in for dinner.

So dinner. Let's see. What did we have?

Well - First things first.

This was my drink and I know it was some type of "tini", but I really don't remember much else. I just remember it was really sweet.

Cheers!

I do believe this is the ever popular bellini.

I was having trouble with non-flash pictures and I think the ladies were starting to feel like I was bordering on paparazzi, so once again I limited my pictures. In fact, I took some so hastily that they aren't all that great.

Caesar Salad - romaine, olive crostini, pomodorini, and shaved parmesan $16

Fresh "Bufala" Mozzarella - vine ripened tomatoes, basil and Tuscan olive oil $15

Actually, I stand corrected. I actually photographed 5 out of 6 entrees.

Farfalle - bowtie pasta, Italian prosciutto ham, peas, parmesan cream $23

Sorry - its a terrible picture!

Penne Caprese - with crushed tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil $24

I probably shouldn't even post this because I don't know what it is and in my haste I ended up taking a terrible picture. Sorry again.

Arrosto Di Vitello In Porchetta - veal roast, mushrooms, potatoes $29

Salmone Con "Olivada" Alla Lingure - baked salmon filet, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, "Taggiasca" olive sauce $29 This was my entree and it was just OK. I didn't really feel like pasta. I actually wasn't super hungry so that may be why I wasn't crazy about this. It may have been because I didn't really love the olive sauce. It was a little strong for my tastes.

Cynthia and I both ordered dessert, being on the DxDP and all!

I believe I may have had mine boxed to go.

Cynthia's! This looks delish.

I guess we momentarily forgot we had a whole birthday cake sitting in our room.

For some reason it took a long time to settle the Tutto bill. Perhaps it was because we were on the dining plan and the other ladies weren't. Also - I had put most of my $ on Disney gift cards. That might have been causing some issues too. Whatever the reason, I believe that either Melissa and I or Jen and I sent the other four ladies out to watch Illuminations. It was getting really close to start time.

Up Next......Illuminations pictures!

 

[MEK]

Illuminations!!!!!!

But before that I found this one picture I took at the restaurant.

It was interesting because earlier there a man and a younger girl seated there with a guide. We were trying to figure out if they were famous, but we couldn't place him.

Moving on.....

I know I already posted Illuminations pictures once and I really didn't think I would take more pix, but I couldn't help myself.

There was a special couple celebrating this evening.

Applause Applause!!!!!!! Another Fabulous Illuminations!

We all left Epcot feeling happy and content. We gathered back at our BC villa to have a slice of heaven.......

It was chocolate cake with a delicious layer of raspberry (I think) filling. It was a delish cake. Light, moist and perfect!

And I think the ladies sang me Happy Birthday! What a wonderful end to a wonderful day.

Up Next - Going on an African Trek!

 

[glennbo123]

MEK, that cake is amazing! How thoughtful of your travel companions!

Love the beach and Illuminations pictures.

 

[Poolrat]

A great way to end the evening.


Too bad you did not sneak a pic of the waiters, I hear they are easy on the eyes.

 

[JolllyHoliday]

That cake is so cool!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Oh, how I adore Illuminations. it is probably finishing about now. I remember thinking that I was not at all sure I could eat dinner following our scrumptious lunch at Chefs. No worries...I made a valiant effort. . But I did decide that generally speaking, a TS lunch and dinner is too much for me in a single day.

It was a young couple behind us with a VIP guide who had just gotten engaged. I am assuming they were regular folk...as a faithful reader of People, I would like to think I would recognize celebs.

Food was delish, as always.

It was so super nice of those of you who had already had the opportunity to see Illuminations allow the rest of us to exit. we didn't go far and ended up right outside the wine shop in Italy. The bridal party looked so happy...what a lovely way to celebrate.

And then to end with the cake! it was a super fun day!!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Fabulous beach pictures Mary Ellen!!

And that cake is over the top... I can understand why you were feeling overwhelmed. It makes me want to order an anniversary cake in November.

 

[KatMark]

I love the additional beach pictures, MaryEllen. And fabulous Illumination pictures. Normally, we don't stay for Illuminations, but since Andy may be coming with us, we'll probably be sure to do it this trip.

 

[Disneymom77]

I totally agree with you on the out dated hotels in Rehobeth! Most of them could really benefit from a refurb

 

[TanzUnited99]

Love the Rehoboth pics - the more the better!

Lol at that woman glaring at you in the pic and the TT scenario - am with you in that it is 3 people per row, not two!

Mmm all the food at Tutto looks so yummy.

Great Illumination pics and how cute that a special couple were celebrating nearby

Ending the day with cake and birthday celebrations is a great idea.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I never usually comment on Disney food prices, but the ones at Tutto Italia really caught my eye. $16 for a ceasar salad, that looks like an appetizer portion? $15 for tomato and mozzarella salad seems high too, especially that portions size. Just seems like a bit much...

I'm so glad you did take Illuminations pics - yours always are gorgeous! Whenever I take a picture of the globe it's always an unidentifiable barely circular blur .

 

[manntra]

Pardon the interruption to wish our Christine a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Hope you have a wonderful day C


Tracy

 

[Charleston Princess]

Happy Birthday, Christine!!! Hope you have a fabulous day!!!

MEK, love that cake! It really is just fantastic!

Okay, I am never one to turn my nose up at Tutto Italia food pics, but more to the point, where are the pictures of the waiters???

 

[SoonerGirl]

Happy Birthday Christine!!

 

[Happydog]

Okay okay all you fancy posters!!!!

Happy BIRTHDAY CHRISTINE!!!!!!

That is the best I can do on the DIS!!!!

Hope you celebrate it well!!!

ALL this fun at Tutto's but I am with cp on this one, food and italian eye candy, always a good mix IMO!!!!! Just love eating there! They have some fabulous special events during the F & W festival, I am bummed I am going to miss them!!!

MEK your Birthday cake is amazing! SO gorgeous!! Looks like you ladies had another fabulous evening!!!

 

[kschafer]

My wish may not be as fancy as Michelle's but I mean it just the same, happy birthday C!!

 

[sunny_stace]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTINE!!!!
I hope you have an amazing day!

Tutto, Illuminations, drinks and cake...sounds like an amazing evening to me! I would give my left arm for some of that Farfalle right now...I swear the last time I had it, if I had been alone, and no one was looking, I would have literally licked the bowl clean. SO so delicious!

MEK - I drove past MEK dental last night when I came in off the highway. It's a really fancy dentist! You can play PS3 or watch Blu-Rays while you get your work done! The picture came out too blurry and I also don't know how to get it off of my iPod! But I chuckled and thought of you!