How Much Do You Ladies Charge to Haunt the Castle? -- Departure Day up (See index

[goofy4prez]

Today was BEACH day!!!

We drove to Starbucks (yes, Andy, Mark, Tim and anyone else who wants to chime in, we went AGAIN) as I can't start my day without my coffee.

I thought of you yesterday when I heard on the news that Starbucks is now offering a $7 cup of coffee in the Pacific Northwest. It is a Costa Rica Finca Palmiera. Starbucks says it's a very rare bean and traces it's roots back to Ethiopia.

They can call it what they want, I call it insane!

We then drove to the parking area for the beach, parked the car, hit the restroom (as there are none on the beach) and walked the two blocks to the beach. And this is what we saw:

Who needs a restroom at the beach when all you have to do is walk out into the ocean until you are waist level and then just let it go...

(now of course this only works for one of the two bodily functions)

Kathy, I have loved this report and can't wait to read about the surprise you have for Mark in the next few days.

 

[pas130]

Kathy, I have loved this report and can't wait to read about the surprise you have for Mark in the next few days.

 

[afwdwfan]

Sunday we slept in a little and then took a ride to Starbucks for coffee for the two of us.

We drove to Starbucks (yes, Andy, Mark, Tim and anyone else who wants to chime in, we went AGAIN) as I can't start my day without my coffee.

Gee, I wonder how this day started off? If you guessed going to Starbucks, you win a gold star.

You might as well just stop mentioning the Starbucks part. I mean you don't tell us the sun rose in the east every morning.

I got no other pictures of dinner (yes, I know&bad DISer), but I did get desserts.

Ok, I could just skip the meal and go for some of those desserts. They look amazing.

I think in all of the years we have been together, I have beaten him ONCE! He cheats at mini-golf, just like he cheats at TSM and Buzz. In mini-golf he cheats by using a little kids golf club. Seriously, you are almost 60 years old, use the right kind of golf club.

No, no, no. Clearly you haven't tried to play with a club that is way too short. That is definitely a competitive disadvantage. If anything, he's trying to let you win.


The zoo looks nice for not being great. I guess some are better than others, but it looks like they at least had a nice selection of animals there to see. Who needs a zoo though when you can see giant man eating jellyfish any time?

 

[WDisneyMom]

Another fun update! Always love the hat pictures!! So Kathy, who has your favorite pizza here in Chicago?

 

[marvali]

You might as well just stop mentioning the Starbucks part. I mean you don't tell us the sun rose in the east every morning.

Glad I wasn't when I read this!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Yes, Brook, I did get them all on and still have room (and there is NOTHING but Disney ornaments an two little ones for my puppy on the tree):

It looks beautiful!!!!

I LOVE your beach pictures....ah!!!! Soooo nice. I would love a little escape to the beach right about now, it's starting to get really pretty chilly here and I'm already ready for it to be over!

We were meeting Nicki and Todd at the Sand Bar, the Marco Island sports bar. In ALL of the years that Nicki and Todd have lived in Naples and Nicki has worked on the Island, Todd had NEVER been to the Sand Bar.

Oh that stinks that his food was awful then! Hopefully he gives it another shot.

Great zoo pictures! Looks like a pretty decent zoo with the added animals.

 

[emmysmommy]

Now I'm caught up here too! Fun times with food, mini golf, zoos, more dining, friends... and of course the adorable dump shop headgear!! You two certainly know how to enjoy life!

 

[englishrose47]

I am all caught up to !! Was the giraffe's name CAROL!!!?Loved the Zoo Hats !! Way to go Mark!!! That garlic bread did look good !! We have VERY good Pizza here in WNY too and also Italian food !! Hard to beat it !!!

 

[KatMark]

Sorry for the lack of replies. I've been sick since Sunday and trying to fight it and get rid of it before we leave in four days (I'm not counting today as it is almost over). I'm feeling better and hope to do responses tomorrow after I go for my massage and pedicure. I'll finish the TR up from work on Monday and/or Tuesday.

Thanks for hanging in there.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Sorry for the lack of replies. I've been sick since Sunday and trying to fight it and get rid of it before we leave in four days (I'm not counting today as it is almost over). I'm feeling better and hope to do responses tomorrow after I go for my massage and pedicure. I'll finish the TR up from work on Monday and/or Tuesday.

Thanks for hanging in there.

oh no Kathy...feel better! you can't be sick on your trip! get lots of rest and fluids too!

 

[that's nice]

I hope you feel better tomorrow. You can't be sick on your trip!

Nicki’s salad

Salad? That looks like a few pieces of lettuce with a couple croutons thrown on for garnish.

Love your relaxing days.... I need a vacation like that someday. Maybe once my kids are out of the house. I guess I have a long time before I get to do that.

 

[goofy4prez]

Sorry for the lack of replies. I've been sick since Sunday and trying to fight it and get rid of it before we leave in four days (I'm not counting today as it is almost over). I'm feeling better and hope to do responses tomorrow after I go for my massage and pedicure. I'll finish the TR up from work on Monday and/or Tuesday.

Thanks for hanging in there.

That stinks that you were not feeling well. Glad to hear you are feeling better. I guess looking at it in a positive spin is that you got sick this past week instead of in the next few days.

 

[englishrose47]

Feel better Kathy!!!

 

[KatMark]

Don't you just love the Gulf Beaches? They are truly the most beautiful I have ever seen.

Too bad Todd's pizza was bad

We used to go to Daytona Beach; it pales in comparison to the Gulf Beaches!

Todd's pizza was awful, not just bad.

so happy you had some great weather to enjoy the beautiful beach! your photos of the flowers are so pretty! wow that looks like it was a big steak, desserts look yummy!

It was a stunning day; the floral is beautiful there.

Awww, I love the picture of Mark and Nicki! Not that I don't love the one of you and Todd.

The beach looks absolutely beautiful and not very crowded either.

It is a good picture of them; I talked to Nicki on the phone today and when I told Mark someone was on the phone to say hello to him his face lit up...he loves his Nicki.

I get real nervous in rain like that. If I am the one driving I just stay focused until I can get out of it and if I am NOT the one driving I just try to distract myself and not look.

If I'm not driving, I close my eyes.

Now for the updates.
A little slice of heaven to be able to hit the pool and the beach and just relax.
The food looks incredible, so hungry right now.
eveything looks great ( well except for Todd's Pizza) and my dessert would have been that Key lime pie I spied. MMMMMMM

What the HECK was Todd drinking ?!?!?!?! Looks like a beer full of pickles.

It was a perfect day for the beach and the pool and the food was outstanding. We've only had one really bad meal in all of our trips there. I was surprised Mark didn't go for the key lime pie...it's his favorite.

Todd was being a goof and pretending to drink it; yes, they give you a full mug of pickles...he was in heaven.

For you

Kate was in the chair to the left...she wouldn't partake in the pic, WAY to happy with her cookie and the view

They are absolutely adorable; and Kate is a smart girl!

You mean there is worse pizza than Domino's? Is that possible?

OK - I am pictureless, but just chiming in that you San Marco days sound wonderful and I can't wait to see your beach pictures. I love how September is just so dead everywhere. Nothing like having a whole pool to yourself!

Yes, there is worse pizza that Domino's and Little Ceasars and we found it.

September is the perfect month and I'm kind of regretting that we can't do September next year.

 

[KatMark]

I see you've been hanging around Pat too much..........going for your own Tumble Monkey!!!

Hey, Pat wouldn't share, so I had to find my own Tumble Monkey.

I sincerely hope she had already eaten some.......

Nope that was the size of salad and she shared it with Todd.

Hey, you can't go wrong with dessert pictures! I see about, uh, six things that look really good there...........

I have to learn to NOT order those desserts or I'll never get in a dress for the wedding.

Okay, so where are the pictures of the "borrowed" couple and the "blue" couple???

Good one, Marv.

Great pictures of everyone! You guys always look like you're having the greatest of times when you are all together! Maybe one day I can join in and ruin it for you...........

We do have the best of times when we are together. Rather having known each other only four years, you'd think we grew up together. Well, not quite since Mark is 20 years older than Nicki, but you know what I mean.

Oh wait, would that be a Starbucks cup I see? When did you start going THERE????

Hey, I needed a pick-me-up so that I could go watch the fish with Mark.

Appropriate.....................

after all that food that is how fast I would have been moving!!!

And that's why I needed my coffee.

Like anyone around here would pile on..................

You would be the leader of that group!


Oh great........how did you EVER find a spot to claim as your own.......???

It was really hard fighting off the mine mine birds for our spot.

Somehow I'm guessing she will have a Disney themed Christmas tree one day too!!!

Trust me...if I have anything to do with it, she will.

Nothing better than having your own "fairly" private ocean and pool in the same day!!!

It was perfect.

Some great pictures of the local vegetation!

Thank you.

I see the family resemblance..........

Not much of a resemblance, but unconditional love.

Happy to help wherever I can...........

Thank you, friend

Well, I don't know about Starbucks, but I can usually get my fill of crab legs......

It would be a toss up for me.

Okay, so I'm caught up! The Stepsisters look like a riot. I've seen them in several TRs, but haven't had the pleasure to meet them in person. They seem like the best characters in all of DisneyWorld. (Sorry Big Guy. ) Plus, you had the Fairy Godmother, dinner at the Plaza, the departing balloon tribute , Nicki and Todd, and lots and lots of coffee (and a couple of resulting bathroom breaks). And I think I saw that you're planning on posting 2 or 3 more updates in the next couple of days!

Glenn, we had so much fun with the Stepsisters and hope to see them again. It was a perfect last day at the MK. Yes, I posted four more and hope to finish it up at work tomorrow.

 

[KatMark]

Pool, tropical drinks and dinner, beach, more pool, dinner

Some coffee here and there

Sounds like heaven to me! Some very relaxing days there. Just lovely! We enjoy Tommy Bahama's. It is a bit overpriced I think but lovely inside and pretty darn good food.

Bummer on the pixza though, bleh!

It was heaven. Tommy Bahama's was very good--but pricey (I walked out of the shop within five minutes

Todd really was NOT happy with that pizza.

OMG MY back hurts watching Mark with that club

The Shrimp Shack is cute

He does it all the time...I don't know how he does it.

Shrimp Shack had some really cute things in it.

wow more food porn...you are making me hungry Miss Kathy
not a seafood lover, but those hushpuppies look yummy!
funny about Mark using the kid club

Sorry....didn't mean to make you hungry...but food was a BIG part of the trip.

Seafood is my favorite kind of food after pork.

the zoo looks cute! did you get the giraffe ears?

okay I definately need to go eat something, my tummy is a rumbling pizza looks good, but would of been happy with that bread!

what a nice view to end your day!

It was a cute zoo, but no elephants for Mark.

That bread was heavenly.

No, didn't buy the ears.

Sounds and looks like a wonderful day from beginning to end. I really enjoyed the zoo pictures. Our zoo stinks (both figuratively and literally ) and is in the crappy part of town so we don't go there much.

We are so lucky to have two really great zoos here.

The deja vu is getting thick in here.

Stop it now!

Ok, that just looks painful. I'm not sure I'd be able to stand up by the end of the round.

I guess it helps that he is short to begin with.

What happened here? Did he win a silver medal in gymastics?

Oh my...this had me

All in all, it seems like there was a lot of relaxing and eating going on. As it should be.

It was just perfect.

enjoyed all the updates.

is that how they serve pickles in that restaurant in a beer glass with the juice?

i bet that is so you can drink all of the juice after you eat the pickles.


and that steak and onion sandwhich in the last chapter looks like hte clear winner for best looking food pic of all the last chapters.

Ewwww...drinking pickle juice.

Mark really liked that steak sandwich.

Nice day! Love that you still took hat pictures, even away from WDW!

We take hat pictures everywhere...the man needs no encouragement from me.

All caught up!! Looks like you are having a wonderful time!! Loved the ornaments for your tree. Ours seems to be getting more and more Disney-like as well.
Hunting for seashells is always great fun. And it's addicting. We used to go every summer and stay on Anna Maria Island in Bradenton Beach. Loved those summer vacations. I spent hours combing the beach for shells.
I understand the Starbucks addiction. The holiday season is particularly tough to avoid the place. Peppermint Mocha--

1 Week!!! Bet you can't stand it!!

I used to have a variety of ornaments, but somehow that darn Disney just took over.

Mark talked about going to Brandenton Beach sometime...we'll have to look into it.

I don't do Peppermint...but I know it is a big seller.

4 days now...hurry on up.

 

[KatMark]

I read all four of your updates when I was bored at work! The zoo looks like fun! I love those little animal hats and headbands you guys tried on, I would have definitely bought the giraffe ears! And yum, all of the food pics look SO good! Even that pizza looks really good!

I do that at work too.

Trust me, the pizza was NOT good.

You've been an updating machine!!

I don't even know where to start! Love the kids golf club. I feel you pain-I swear my DH cheats at Monopoly. The zoo looks pretty nice! And of course I love the hat pics.

Were you ever able to find your dress or did you have to find something different? So disappointing when you find the perfect thing but they don't have your size.

Shannon, only four more days (well, 3-1/2) and I have to get this TR done.

Hmmm...Monopoly, that would be the game our youngest son cheats at. My husband says I cheat at Yahtzee because I am always getting Yahtzee's.

Nope, never found the dress. I plan on looking again in February when the new spring stuff comes out.

That alligator guy is brave! Not sure I would be standing near an alligator during regular times, never mind feeding time! My dad likes to tell the story of how he once fed an alligator a cheese curl at the zoo. Crazy man my father. The views from Buzz's Lighthouse are so pretty! I can see why you enjoy going to Marco Island after Disney! However now I want garlic bread. That looked so good. Garlic Bread is my weakness.

I sure wouldn't be getting that close to the gators. He knew each one's name and when he called them, they came up for their food.

Garlic bread is a huge weakness of mine too...I could eat it with every meal.

Looks like y'all were having a lot of fun on the 2nd part of the vacation!! And all of the food is really yummy looking! It's making me that much more hungry for lunch than I already am.

We didn't have a bad meal this trip.

Kathy - Looks like you are still avoiding Mark... But I think you must really feel bad. Hope you feel better.

Thanks, Pat. I really did feel lousy, but it sure came in handy in avoiding my husband right now.

Holy crap - is that guy awful close to the alligators? That doesn't look all that safe. Just sayin!

I wouldn't come within 50 feet of those teeth.

Cool animal pictures. I love the big black panther and the cheetah. Oh - and that turtle looks pretty neat, too.

The cheetah was a new addition to the zoo.

Yeah - you can stop it with the food pictures now. Not good for any diet attempts.

A few more food pictures in the last two updates; I know it's not good for the diet...my waist told me so when I got home.

Those beach pictures are gorgeous. Wow - what a beautiful beach.

It really is a beautiful beach and so clean too.

And Mark - I guess he can find hats to try on wherever he goes.

Mark tries on hats at Target, K-Mart, Walgreens...wherever he finds them.

I got a gold star!!!

Of course, you do.

Hey wait, you had breakfast for dinner. Doesn't it mess up your whole day to have breakfast for, well, breakfast???

Nope...doesn't mess up my day; sometimes I have breakfast for breakfast and breakfast for dinner.

Some of the decor at the Shrimp Shack is definitely interesting, and that seafood does look pretty good!

It's a really cute place.

And that is one of the more interesting mini-golf courses I have seen, but I hate when they use brick for the walls since you can't count on a true bounce all the time. As for Mark using a kids club, I would think that would be a disadvantage, so you might want to make sure he sticks with it or you may never win again.....

If I bounced it off a wall, it would be in the parking lot. If I've only won once in 30+ years, I don't think the chances of it happening again are not too good.

Looks like a good variety of animals, and so glad you got to see your favorite and surprise Mark with the feeding!

It was nice to let Mark have a chance with the giraffes. But I did tell him it would be the last time...ONLY I get to feed them in the future.

The elusive ice cream sandwich-eating Kathypus!!!

I like that name.

This hat pic requires no words..........or at least it is probably safer if I don't add any!!!

Yes, it is probably safer to keep your mouth shut this time.

Not sure you could have picked a more appropriate "hat" to model!!!

Thank you.

Yes, that does look yummy! Plenty of cheese.......

Never too much cheese on my garlic bread.

Interesting name for the restaurant, and MMMMMM.........Steak!!!

When Nicki told me the name of the restaurant I thought to myself, Disney might not like that.

 

[KatMark]

Kathy, I have loved this report and can't wait to read about the surprise you have for Mark in the next few days.

Awww shucks...thank you.

Thank you too.

You might as well just stop mentioning the Starbucks part. I mean you don't tell us the sun rose in the east every morning.

Oh...those guys have rubbed off on you, haven't they?

Ok, I could just skip the meal and go for some of those desserts. They look amazing.

I have thought of that on an occasion or two.

No, no, no. Clearly you haven't tried to play with a club that is way too short. That is definitely a competitive disadvantage. If anything, he's trying to let you win.

I don't think so...he's short and I think it gives him an advantage.

The zoo looks nice for not being great. I guess some are better than others, but it looks like they at least had a nice selection of animals there to see. Who needs a zoo though when you can see giant man eating jellyfish any time?

It ended up being a really nice zoo and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Those jellyfish were HUGE!

Another fun update! Always love the hat pictures!! So Kathy, who has your favorite pizza here in Chicago?

Our favorite pizza place is called "Pete's Pizza" which is a few blocks where we lived when we got married near Western and Addison.

Glad I wasn't when I read this!!!

STOP IT!

It looks beautiful!!!!

Thank you, Brook.

I LOVE your beach pictures....ah!!!! Soooo nice. I would love a little escape to the beach right about now, it's starting to get really pretty chilly here and I'm already ready for it to be over!

Would you believe it is 60 degrees here today and going to be 66 tomorrow? This weather is so weird.

Great zoo pictures! Looks like a pretty decent zoo with the added animals.

It really was nice.

Now I'm caught up here too! Fun times with food, mini golf, zoos, more dining, friends... and of course the adorable dump shop headgear!! You two certainly know how to enjoy life!

Brenda, it was a great time with friends. We've learned that life is just too short not to make the most of it.

I am all caught up to !! Was the giraffe's name CAROL!!!?Loved the Zoo Hats !! Way to go Mark!!! That garlic bread did look good !! We have VERY good Pizza here in WNY too and also Italian food !! Hard to beat it !!!

I didn't ask the giraffe her name.

New York, I'm told, along with Chicago have the best pizza.

 

[KatMark]

oh no Kathy...feel better! you can't be sick on your trip! get lots of rest and fluids too!

Thanks, Lisa...I'm feeling a lot better today. I'll keep the meds going until we leave.

I hope you feel better tomorrow. You can't be sick on your trip!


No, I cannot be sick on my trip!

Salad? That looks like a few pieces of lettuce with a couple croutons thrown on for garnish.

Nicki was a little shocked when it came out too.

Love your relaxing days.... I need a vacation like that someday. Maybe once my kids are out of the house. I guess I have a long time before I get to do that.

Yes, you will probably have to wait until the kids are grown and gone.
[/COLOR]

That stinks that you were not feeling well. Glad to hear you are feeling better. I guess looking at it in a positive spin is that you got sick this past week instead of in the next few days.

You are right...better now than Thursday coming up.

Feel better Kathy!!!

Thanks, Rosie.

 

[KatMark]