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

Thanks for the Flags, Mary Ellen! Small world - that's my friend's son's ship, too! There was a beautiful Flight 93 memorial dedication in PA today. We will be remembering at church tomorrow, so I might miss the NY broadcast, but it will probably make me mad anyway - I'm furious that first responders and clergy are not invited. It is amazing to me how fresh the pain can feel even after 10 yrs, and we didn't lose anyone in our family - although my BIL was at the Pentagon so it was a very stressful day for us.
 
Hi! Delinquent trip partner here. :blush: Sorry you've been feeling abandoned, MEK. Personally I think this TR is far from a dud, but I may be a bit biased! Thank you :worship: for taking on the responsibility of a TR. I know it's a lot of work. I really appreciate it and have enjoyed reliving our trip.

The fine art of noodling. :laughing: I am looking forward to some more practice next month. Just stick with it. You'll get it. :upsidedow

I loved this night of our trip. I am a sucker for Mexican food anywhere but in this atmosphere it just seems special. Unfortunately, I think I had too much guacamole before dinner. :rolleyes: But I adore avocado and just can't stay away. Ironically I have not yet tried the avocado margarita but that is on my October list, for sure!

We did wait an awfully long time for our table but as you said we were having fun chatting and not sure we really cared. Especially when we got that amazing and perfect table. As well as a particularly charming server, if I recall. ;)

Some pictures as we were waiting. Love dusk in WDW!

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Inside the restaurant

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And one of fireworks before I decided to put down the camera and just enjoy.

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I thought dinner was delicious. I had the tilapia and it was YUMMY! It also comes with tortillas so you can make tacos if you want to.

Nilla - I don't think it is a 2-credit restaurant... give it a try! :thumbsup2

I don't remember feeling rushed at all and we were able to walk out, toward our private entrance/exit, through a very nearly empty park. A near perfect evening! :)
 
First of all, I have to say that I cannot use a pool noodle for that it was intended at ALL. My mom, however, is great at it, and can hang out on one for hours. Me, not so much. I find trying to keep track of it a bit stressful and would rather just float. :lmao:

Your night at EPCOT sounds like it was pretty much perfect. The ritas look great. I'll have to try one sometime. A drink in Disney that actually packs a punch...that sounds good. :rotfl:

Dinner looked great, too. Can't wait 'till Max is old enough and we can do dinner during Illuminations like that. Great update.
 


Love the cute Vera but oh no on your AP nearly expiring. Yay on enjoying The Ditch - your drink sure looks great! :cool1:

Mmm I love shrimp so those tacos sound tempting.

Thanks for sharing the flag pics - it sure is a hard day for some today and can't believe it has been 10 years.
 
LOL, I don't think your TR is turning into a dud! :laughing:

I love noodles for the pool! I've never used one in a Disney pool, though! Maybe if I ever stay at BC again, I'll remember to get one!

Yay I'm glad you finally went to the Ditch (why do you call it that again??? :laughing:)! :thumbsup2 This is the 2nd time in 2 days I've seen that jalapeno margarita mentioned and I kind of want to try it...but I don't like spicy hot things! We'll see if I'm brave enough (in 18 days!!! :dance3:)!

Dinner looks like it was great and I LOVE being one of the last ones to leave Epcot! :banana: It's so peaceful, walking around WS with pretty much no one around. I always wonder how long you can wander the park before getting kicked out? :rolleyes1
 
I"m still here and still reading!!!! This ain't no dud!!!! Love the flag pictures!

I hope to convince my family to eat at La Hacienda for Illuminations some night, but only two of the four of us are into mexican food.
 


First of all, I have to say that I cannot use a pool noodle for that it was intended at ALL. My mom, however, is great at it, and can hang out on one for hours. Me, not so much. I find trying to keep track of it a bit stressful and would rather just float. :lmao:

Your night at EPCOT sounds like it was pretty much perfect. The ritas look great. I'll have to try one sometime. A drink in Disney that actually packs a punch...that sounds good. :rotfl:

Dinner looked great, too. Can't wait 'till Max is old enough and we can do dinner during Illuminations like that. Great update.

I don't really think noodles were intended to sit on, but to go under your arms, or to hang on to and kick. That being said, I recently took a water aerobics class where they had us use them for a seahorse. I learned you have to put most of it up behind you to balance out your front ;)


Mary Ellen, I meant to say that I don't think your report is a dud, either. I think alot of back to school stuff has distracted everyone for the past week, as well as holidays and vacations, but things will settle down again. Nice pics, Christine!
 
Certainly sounds like a lovely evening at Epcot! Mexico is one of my favourite pavillions. Its just so pretty, especially at night. The new restaurant sounds nice - and so do those ritas! ;)
 
So I needed a little break from the trip reports yesterday. Seems I found myself in social networking overload!!!!! I kind of got bummed out about the fact that I post on several people's TR and FB pages repeatedly and I never get so much as a "like" from them on anything I post. I know it is totally immature to feel that way, so I knew I needed a reprieve for a day! I needed to "get a life", so to speak.

It's weird, because I feel like I have alot more free time since Brian left for school, so I've channeled it into more social networking time and I think I may be a bit addicted. :scared1: Maybe that's why I was a FB resistor for awhile. Plus I don't get the people who have an account on FB and just "lurk". What's up with that? It's a little creepy!

I really appreciate everyone who has been following this TR and posting on a regular basis. :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2 I am going to do replies and hopefully get another update up soon.

Also - thank you to everyone who checked out my 9/11 video on youtube. I really appreciate it! Being an amateur musician is such a weird thing. You think something is decent, but you never really know if you are being biased and perhaps you really stink. Plus I never want to be perceived as too self-serving. Then when I play at church there are so many rules and regulations and I always feel like I have no artistic freedom. It's really going out on a limb for me to promote stuff I post because I mostly do it in silence. So -THANKS to those who took the time to listen!
 
Mary Ellen I totally get what you mean about social networking overload!!!! :eek: Some days I feel like I have spent most of my day on here when I should be doing other things. I'm having a break during our trip by not going anywhere near the Internet and then busying myself with supply work afterwards!

Seems like you are missing Brian so am sending positive thoughts and hugs your way my friend :hug: I'm going to send you a f/book request though feel free to leave it hanging until you are ready to return to the social networking world :goodvibes
 
Mary Ellen-I totally agree about the social networking overload. Never felt that way until I got facebook a few weeks ago. It is truly addictive.

Too funny about the art of noodling. My son is an expert on it.

Wow, those margartias look fabulous. I love a good margarita but have to watch with my band now. It can make me very drunk with just a little bit! :scared1: My husband says I am a cheap date!

Wow, those shrimp tacos look fabulous. I want to eat there some time. We tried San Angel Inn the last trip.

Loved you flag pictures!
 
I haven't abandoned you!! :hug: Lots of things going on here...back to working six days a week, major flooding in my area (my house is fine...way up high on a hill) last week so many roads/bridges closed. My 5 minute commute has turned into at least a half hour each way because of damage to one of the major bridges I crossed daily. It is so sad to see so much destruction and debris in front of people's homes that lost so much, some everything.

On a happier note....I have enjoyed catching up on the TR and reminiscing about the Ditch...La Hacienda...margaritas..... :goodvibes I think I have had all but the avocado rita at the Ditch. I love avocados and guacamole but I don't know how that will translate into a drink. Guess I will just have to find out. :laughing: Mmmmm and I loved the blueberry mango from La Hacienda. That was delicious. I think I had the fish tacos too and I remember sharing the chorizo/peppers which were all delicious. I really enjoyed this meal....love Mexican food :goodvibes


Loved your photo shoot coming back from HS. You left no stone unturned and really captured everything. Enjoyed your flag photos also and video also :hug:

Okay...back to work now!!! :rolleyes:

Tracy
 
While Mary Ellen quenched her thirst and snooped around Blue Zoo, I decided to do a photo journey of my own. I strolled, leisurely, though the YC. I felt like I hadn’t gotten much in the way of actual YC pictures last August, so decided to take a few.

But first, a missed picture from my last update. Yep, I snuck a pic!

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I do love the fact that they all have balconies. Very honestly I would not book the BC for that reason. BCV yes, but BC, no.

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I’d like to stay in that suite someday!

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So peaceful

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The porch we rocked on last summer

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How dare they sit in my chair!

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The lobby, an oasis of cool! It felt SO good. I'm fairly sure I checked out the store, but didn't get anything. I looked at the anniversary merchandise, a lot, but didn't end up getting anything.

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I wish this wasn’t blurry, I think the YC has the best greeters!

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Heading towards the restaurants and BC I checked out some details I hadn’t before

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A look back

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Continuing my walk, someday I’ll eat at these places!

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While Mary Ellen was thirsty, I was also craving something. Ok, maybe not craving but…

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I’d missed having any last august and had promised myself I would this trip. So while I really didn’t have room, I really did have snack credits and really got a cone anyway! It was delicious. Nothing more refreshing on a hot day than chocolate chip mint in a sugar cone. Except then you want a bottle of water right after.

At this point, I went shopping. Because I really hadn’t been (at lease compared to some of my travel mates lol) So I kind of had to! I had picked up Evan’s present at EE after our trek, the shirt that had gotten away from him the summer before and then Eric’s at TOT earlier in the day (didn’t ride but hit the dump shop). I bought Jeff a mug from Soarin’ but am not sure at what point that happened. However, I still needed to get a few more things, specifically F&G things. I’m not sure if I tried to pick up a Soarin’ FP or not though but I did hit Mouse Gears and knocked most of my list. Which wasn’t long, corn holders, a F&G mug, a whisk for a certain someone and some goofy’s candy for the E’s. Really, that one stop and then the shopping stop after our Trek was almost the extent of what I picked up for myself other than one small thing on the last day. Kind of funny, several of us bought the same things. I think all, or almost all of us bought the corn holders, most the AK mug and t shirt and so I think of our trip when I use them, very fun.

On my way back I visited the butterfly house!

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Continued in next post
 
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As you can see, my butterflying photography needs work. Impression? Very pretty, very crowded, very hot. Not as many butterflies as I’d have expected having been to other butterfly houses in the past. But still, I’m glad I went.

A few more topiary pics, because you can never have too many.

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Now, as we debated a little earlier, the afternoon seems a wee bit fuzzy for all. After my shopping I am sure we had pool time. Though my noodling abilities were not documented they did not rival Melissa’s. I did flip off the noodle once, soaking my sunglasses but other than that…did ok. Except when some random person tried to borrow mine and I said no. Not nice of me but…we were leaving soon and I didn’t want to deal with asking for it back. Of course, after all that I forgot it at the pool anyway so donated it to someone else. I guess it was the way they asked. It’d be one thing if it had been floating, by itself, in the pool. But to walk over to someone’s lounge chair and ask to borrow a personal item is just well…something I wouldn’t do.

We also debated whether I took my drink with me as Mary Ellen says she did, or if I went to Soarin' first as we headed into Epcot later, or not. All I know is I was not carrying my cup, or my camera, using only my fabulous little wristlet from Tracy. My question for Mary Ellen is...if you didn't bring your camera (which I know you didn't) and only brought the wristlet...what did you clip your mug to? That's what's got me all confused. Well that and I'm easily confused in general.

Once at the ditch, I did get there somehow, this time I think I went for the classic, but am not sure. All I know is we all were a little sad we’d rushed to check in, only to wait 45 minutes. It was our choice to wait, for a window but, it would have been nice to have gotten a to go drink had we realized how long it would be. Part of the reason it was so long is there was a bachelorette party in front of us. Or a pre wedding girls only dinner with the girls ranging from maybe 12-60 all in matching, tees with special names on the back (mother of the bride, bridesmaid, etc). Though they were in a separate room I do think getting them set up may have added to our delay. They seemed to be having fun.

With no camera, my dinner pics are pretty interesting.

The interior lights. I loved these but oh, couldn’t get a clear pic with my phone.

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My drink. Again, not sure but I don’t think it was anything funky, just a basic margi.

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I did text this to Jeff just to torture him.

A funny thing about the food. I’d ordered two appetizers

Chiles toreados y chorizitos - roasted sweet peppers with lime and sea salt, served with mini "cantimpalito" chorizos $12.25

Taquiza - taco trio featuring Rib eye taco with chipolte salsa, roasted chicken taco with salsa verde, and Chilorio (marinated pork) taco $10.75


Tracy also ordered the Chiles as an app. Oh my word. They were SO good but it was HUGE! I’m not sure the 4 of us could have eaten one, more or less two. The taco trio was good but honestly I may have gorged on the chiles to the point of feeling a bit ill and it did take away from my enjoyment of them. Sad.

I tried to get fireworks photos

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But as you can see, the phone’s image stabilizer leaves a bit to be desired
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Ok this one isn’t too bad all things considered

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I loved La Hacienda and know my family will as well. It is a must do for me on the next trip and I will wait for that window table, it was an incredible vantage point and a very fun last night, relaxing, mellow with good food and friends. Perfect.

Heading back the dreaded packing awaited us. We had a little rum left and somehow decided that having a rum and coke, after our 2 margaritas, while we packed, would ease the pain. It might have eased the pain at the moment but let me tell you, it definitely didn’t help my packing abilities. I ended up having to redo the whole darn thing the next morning as I was definitely maxing out my magical bag. While I love getting mugs from trips, they do take up space in the carryon which means what was there, has to squish into the checked bag somehow. :rotfl:
 
We did wait an awfully long time for our table but as you said we were having fun chatting and not sure we really cared. Especially when we got that amazing and perfect table. As well as a particularly charming server, if I recall. ;)
I don't remember feeling rushed at all and we were able to walk out, toward our private entrance/exit, through a very nearly empty park. A near perfect evening! :)

Great pictures Christine! I forgot about the server. He WAS charming. And he knew it. :rotfl:

I don't remember feeling rushed at all either, it was just perfect all around. It's a one credit location.
 
So I needed a little break from the trip reports yesterday. Seems I found myself in social networking overload!!!!! I kind of got bummed out about the fact that I post on several people's TR and FB pages repeatedly and I never get so much as a "like" from them on anything I post. I know it is totally immature to feel that way, so I knew I needed a reprieve for a day! I needed to "get a life", so to speak.

It's weird, because I feel like I have alot more free time since Brian left for school, so I've channeled it into more social networking time and I think I may be a bit addicted. :scared1: Maybe that's why I was a FB resistor for awhile. Plus I don't get the people who have an account on FB and just "lurk". What's up with that? It's a little creepy!

I really appreciate everyone who has been following this TR and posting on a regular basis. :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2 I am going to do replies and hopefully get another update up soon.

Also - thank you to everyone who checked out my 9/11 video on youtube. I really appreciate it! Being an amateur musician is such a weird thing. You think something is decent, but you never really know if you are being biased and perhaps you really stink. Plus I never want to be perceived as too self-serving. Then when I play at church there are so many rules and regulations and I always feel like I have no artistic freedom. It's really going out on a limb for me to promote stuff I post because I mostly do it in silence. So -THANKS to those who took the time to listen!

I haven't had a chance to look at the video but hope to tonight while Evan and Jeff are at the M's/Yankee's game. I was up WAY too late last night watching various shows about the new 9/11 memorial and wow. My eyes hurt from tearing so much!

FB is a funny thing. Good and bad things. I mean I just found out my cousin is engaged. Not just engaged but a date SET and I didn't even know she was dating. This is someone who came to my house for Thanksgiving and Xmas dinner! Whaaa? And folks that I'm not close to will post a lot on my wall, but others I'm far closer to, not. Niether here nor there but I think like anything it is personality, time and life dependent. I can not be on there for a couple of days in a row and miss wishing someone a happy birthday (and then feel really bad).

Or just whine about evan's backpack and not bother taking first day of school pics and posting them.

:rotfl:

I "liked" your AP post today!!!
:hug:
 
Mary Ellen I enjoyed your misadventures with the noodle. I've never been good with those things either. Your last night did sound great. We love Mexican food. I have yet to try the new place. Thanks for sharing the flag pictures, it was the perfect compliment to remembering 9-11.

Christine lovely twilight photos. I love this time of the day at Epcot too.

Cynthia thanks for sharing the photos of the Yacht club. We have never been there so it's something I need to put on the list for someday.
 

So glad you like my flags!!!! When I was in Virginia I noticed flags everywhere. I am convinced Virginia has more flags than any other state. I'm sure I wrong, but it felt like it.

Beautiful tribute to 9/11 Mary Ellen!! Again, your talent amazes me, I have never seen pictures like that on here!! Great job. My best friend's husband in in the Navy, stationed in Norfolk, so I just texted her to ask if that is his ship. Small world!!

Thank you! I am so glad you like the flag montage!!!!

Almost all of the ships were out to sea when we were there. Our narrator was hoping more ships would be there, but he still found plenty to talk about. He really knew his stuff which is why the cruise was so awesome!

I am fascinated with the coverage with the 10 year anniv. being tomorrow and I can't seem to get enough of it! I actually won concert tickets to an outdoor venue tomorrow night, and as much as I love the 2 bands that are playing, it seems so disrespectful to go. I wish I wouldn't of told my daughter about the tix, she will be a tyrant forever if we don't go! lol

OMG - what did you decide to do?

I found yesterday very exhausting. When I got home from church I watched the end of the 9/11 ceremony. I am sure I sat there for 2 1/2hrs without moving. Then last night the marching band I belong to participated in a 9/11 ceremony. That was very emotional, but very nicely done.

I have been fascinated with 9/11 for several years. I love reading about it and watching any and every 9/11 documentary.

Nothing better than the margarita's at The Ditch...pure yumminess and a great break from the afternoon heat...or late morning which did happen a couple of times:lmao:


Those ritas are amazing. I have no idea why I waited so long to go there. I am hooked now for life. :rotfl:


I can't pull myself away from the TV tonight...I've got it on while I'm on the laptop! I am having my cup of tea, have the box of kleenex from the bathroom and I am sobbing as I listen to the parents, spouses talk about their loved ones...I still can't believe it's been 10 years:sad1: We must never forget! Beautiful pictures of the flags....they are stunning, thank you for sharing with us :hug:

It's been a fast 10 years, that's for sure. It was such an emotional weekend. I think the saddest moment for me was when one young girl (who looked to be about 15) said, "Daddy, I've got your eyes. Daddy, I've got your smile. Daddy, I've got your laugh. But Daddy, I don't have you". That really got me. Imagine living most of your life being told how much you look like your father, but barely knowing him. :sad1:

aw, I haven't dropped out, just slammed with back to school stuff! Hoping to get an update of my own up, maybe tomorrow :) And, will comment tomorrow as well!

I know! I think I'm just bummed that Jen and Melissa aren't here anymore. I know they are both busy, but I wish they would come back. :sad1: Back to school is so busy. By the way - how is Taylor doing so far?????

Wow, that dinner looked AMAZING. We may be eating in Mexico next year, but sadly, I don't think there (is that a 2-crediter?).

Now - its a single credit. You guys should try it! It's very pretty in there and the food is great! I have no idea what's on the kids menu, so I can recommend anything in that department. And I know you love your beer, but those Ritas! :cloud9: Heaven!

If you need noodle advice, I can educate you to the simple "noodle chair" (one noodle around the backside), and for the more experienced noodler, the "noodle recliner", with a noodle under your arms and another under your ankles, held together at the waist.

Also, Dylan claims to have STOOD on a noodle for over an hour last weekend, but I didn't see it, so I can neither confirm or deny :)

Jon - when I read this yesterday I was :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2: laughing my a$$ off. I had no idea you were so versed in the fine art of noodling! You would have fit in perfectly with the ladies. I knew you should have bumped your trip up a week! :rotfl: And Dylan - well, that's pretty darn impressive!

Thanks for the Flags, Mary Ellen! Small world - that's my friend's son's ship, too! There was a beautiful Flight 93 memorial dedication in PA today. We will be remembering at church tomorrow, so I might miss the NY broadcast, but it will probably make me mad anyway - I'm furious that first responders and clergy are not invited. It is amazing to me how fresh the pain can feel even after 10 yrs, and we didn't lose anyone in our family - although my BIL was at the Pentagon so it was a very stressful day for us.

Wow - It is a small world! Such an impressive ship! And guarded by coast guard boats with machine guns. A little intimidating to be sure.

The Flight 93 ceremony was wonderful and I was shocked and elated to see Sarah Mclachlan sing. I just love her!

I was upset about the first responders as well. I get the whole space thing, but wouldn't there be enough space for representatives for the different groups. I watched the end of the program because I was at church during much of it and it appeared to have really cleared out. I think there was at least some extra room.

Having your BIL at the pentagon must have been extraordinarily stressful! I can't imagine.

I'm still here, Mary Ellen! I love reading all the posts. :goodvibes

Gorgeous flag pictures!

Awww......I'm so glad you are still reading along Jackie. I know this has been a really rough time for you and I think about you often! :hug: So glad you enjoyed the flags!
 
Great photos, Cynthia.

Does the Beach Club not have balconies at all? Or is it like the Poly, where some floors don't have balconies?
 

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