Will You Chill Out if I Sprinkle You With Pixie Dust? The End p136 *New TR Link* p138

[teekathepony]

Oh Mary Ellen, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's cat hugs to both of you.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey Mary Ellen,

Gorgeous Gorgeous Wishes pictures from the Poly Beach... (hmmm didn't see Wishes this trip... have to do next summer...)

Not to sound like I just fell off the turnip truck... but is flying out of the Lehigh Valley a better deal... than Philly or is it just less hmmm... stressful?

I am truly sorry about your Mom's cat... not only do I just really love animals but they truly do become companions... (and especially as people get older... It will be hard on her and you as well...)

I have the Girl w/ the Dragon Tattoo... I started to read it... but I didn't get into... I'm going to give it another go...

Hmmm... I'm really thinking about trying the Boardwalk next summer... it is gorgeous and it could save us a few precious DVC points...

 

[englishrose47]

Just checking in so I am not a Lurker ,this is such a busy time of year at work !! Co ordinating Christmas shopping for 15 people , house parties, and LOTS of other parties, carol singing , bellringing etc etc !!! Then I have my own family stuff to doWhile it is a lot of fun , it is a VERY hectic time !!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I've been off the boards for a couple days - just wanted to say how sorry I am for your mom. Losing a pet is so sad and difficult.

I told DH I'd like to try the Boardwalk on one of our next trips. And Wilderness Lodge. Ideally I'd like to try them all!

 

[MEK]

Thanks so much for all the condolences about the cat. It was my moms cat, Tibber, but she was born in my backyard under the deck 15 years ago. Her mom was a stray. I found homes for the mom and all the kittens. My SIL took Tibber, but locked her in the bathroom all the time because she hates cats and Tibber, in defiance, would poop in the tub and NOT in the litter box. Imagine that.

So my mom took Tibber and gave her a good home for 14 years. I feel so bad for my mom because basically she is my dad's caregiver and that cat was a ray of sunshine in her difficult life. So so sad that my mom lost her companion. And my dad, too. He loved her. When he could walk (he has Parkinson's now and doesn't walk much at all), he fed her every morning. They were buds.

Here's a picture of Tibber from last spring. Believe me, she was much smaller than this after getting sick


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

Today my brother and I are going to look at assisted living places for my parents.

Yesterday we did a college visit to a local school (in Lancaster Pa) for Nick. The are multiple schools in the Lancaster/Harrisburg area, so it will remain unnamed at this point. But it was a visit with the soccer coach, the engineering department, and an admissions counselor. Nick loved the philosophy of the soccer team and the coach. Unfortunately, the coach had a family emergency so we only got to meet a player, who really represented for his school.

He did a great job touring us and talking about the team. They seem like an incredibly close knit group who believe in putting the team first. Nick is all about that. Their playing field is still a grass field (which is so unusual anymore) and they even have a memorial to a former player who lost his life on 9/11.

Nick really enjoyed meeting the engineering professor and he learned more about electrical engineering. He has been undecided about what field he hopes to concentrate on and I think the math/physics part of electrical engineering intrigued him.

We also had the bubbliest student in the world give us a tour.

I was really hoping Nick would love the school, but I think his preference is still for a bigger school, in which case he would not be playing soccer on a collegiate team.

It will be interesting to see which path he chooses.

On another note, I gave myself an early Christmas present in the form of a macbook pro.

I know that some of you saw it on FB. That's a decal I added and I am still waiting for the sleeve that I ordered almost two weeks ago.


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

I promise to get to replies later this evening and I am working on a picture review update, which is pretty labor intensive since this trip was so long.

 

[MomToPrincePhillip]

There's a lot going on in your life right now! Wow! And then add Christmas into the mix, you've got a lot on your plate. LOVE Snow White on your new computer so cool!

 

[Pinkocto]

 

[marDgreen88]

So sorry to hear about your mom's cat. So sad.

 

[natebenma]

What a beautiful cat! Bless your parents for giving her a loving, wonderful home for so many years. My condolences go out to all of you.

That is quite a lot you have going on.

Sounds like Nick has some really decent options. My husband graduated with a an electrical and computer engineering degree and has done very well in the software development industry.

 

[teekathepony]

Tibber was adorable, and again I'm so sorry for your parents' (and your own) loss. Animals find such a special place, it's just about impossible to let them go.
Love the macbook decal. I want a mac just to get that decal.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I'm so sorry to hear about Tibber. It sounds like she brought a lot of joy to your family over the years.

 

[tinacaplan]

Sorry to hear about the cat...he was beautiful!

As for Nick and college...so glad that's a decision that's fifteen years in the future. I'd do for a smaller school. That's what I chose for myself for highschool and college and I never regretted it. I just like the more close-knit atmosphere and always loved that people knew who I was. A lot of people don't want that, though, which I get.

Good luck and always looking forward to more MEK pics!

 

[amazingact21]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear about your mom's cat. The loss of any pet is hard, especially one who has been part of the family for many years. And I understand what you mean about them being a ray of sunshine. My grandfather was heartbroken when he lost his cat, because she was his only companion way back in the boonies. At least Tibber spent many years in a loving home.


I love your MacBook decal. That's so ingenius.
Good luck on the continuation of college tours and picking a school. It can be a tough decision for a person. And it sounds like your life has been very busy lately! I bet you're already looking forward to next year's cruise.

 

[mickeystoontown]

What a beautiful cat Tibber was. It's so hard losing a pet when it's become such a large part of your every day life.

You've got a lot of stuff going on in your life right now. I hope that it slows down a bit so that you can enjoy the holidays.

 

[pooh'smate]

I am reading your report and just finished the part where youtalk about the diving horses. Did you know that Disney made a movie about them? It is titled Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken It used to be one of my favorite movies when I was teenager. Going back to read more now.

 

[natebenma]

Finally getting around to commenting. I had looked at your pictures earlier in the week, but I haven't been home much- I was shackled to a book fair at the middle school.

I think you made a fantastic call for the last moments of your Disney trip! That is what I did on my family's last night. The guys were pooped out after our dinner at 'Ohana, but I went down to the beach by myself watched the Electrical Water Parade, the fireworks show (Nightastic) and just relaxed!

Your fireworks pictures are beyond fantastic!!! I love how every single one of them is different- the color or shape of the fireworks, the color of the castle, the ones with the boat.

Bummer about your missing book, and the end of the trip, but on the plus side, I can't wait to join in on your October trip!!!

Thanks for the great report!!! Love your writing style and your pictures were an important inspiration for me to ask Santa for a big girl camera this year. I have been a pretty good girl, so I think there will be one under the tree on Christmas morning!

 

[MEK]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this. Often times pets become family members and it's so difficult. I hope it went as smoothly as it could.

Thanks Brook and I think it did. If my parents weren't both in poor health I think it would be a lot easier for them. It's a fact of life, but just harder when someone is even more dependent on their animal for the small joys in life.

we are trying to do the same thing!!! Total Disney dorks, aren't we?!?! We've done January, February, March, I've done May, August, September, October, November, and December.

You're like me. I count them up. I still have to do Feb, March, April, and July. Only - I don't think I will ever do July. Although I have to admit that I am intrigued by the 4th of July fireworks.

We are also looking at a July option - so that would fit in perfectly with our above plan. Our trick is doing it over the last bit of the month, into the next month - 2 months in one trip.

Exactly how I think. In fact, maybe I'll use that strategy for my spring 2014 trip!

Oh Mary Ellen, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's cat hugs to both of you.

Thanks Wendy! I really appreciate your support. I know you are a huge animal lover. It would have been cool to have a picture of Tibber taken by you.

Hey Mary Ellen,

Gorgeous Gorgeous Wishes pictures from the Poly Beach... (hmmm didn't see Wishes this trip... have to do next summer...)

You can't do everything, especially when you are trying to hit up all the Holiday / Christmas activities in a short trip. At least that's what I found last December on my short trip. But I did manage to sneak in Wishes after eating at the Cali Grill!

Not to sound like I just fell off the turnip truck... but is flying out of the Lehigh Valley a better deal... than Philly or is it just less hmmm... stressful?

Last June I got $185 (I think, I kind of forget now) out of ABE on AirTran. It was the absolute best rate I could find. We had to pay for two checked bags, but when you factor in that we parked for free (thanks to Denny's brother), it was the clear winner. The flights were just ridiculous last summer.

We had never considered flying from there because of judging it too far from our house, but honestly, it was a great experience. Unfortunately, once air tran pulled out (thanks SWA for that), I think its hard for them to find a regular carrier. If they did, I would use that airport again with no hesitation. I just loved the low key, laid back, and on time experience.

It's too bad that more people didn't take advantage of the service. I could definitely see if you live in middle or north Montgomery county or Bucks county - it would have to be a winner.

I am truly sorry about your Mom's cat... not only do I just really love animals but they truly do become companions... (and especially as people get older... It will be hard on her and you as well...)

You hit the nail on the head. She was their companion and that's what makes it so sad. She was therapy. And, honestly, they really won't outlive another cat. So they will never have another one.

I have the Girl w/ the Dragon Tattoo... I started to read it... but I didn't get into... I'm going to give it another go...

Give it 100 pages. I'm serious. Then it just takes off and is an excellent read.

Hmmm... I'm really thinking about trying the Boardwalk next summer... it is gorgeous and it could save us a few precious DVC points...

The standard view rooms are definitely a bargain. I was surprised standard view was available, that's why I decided to snatch it up. However, in comparison to the preferred view that Cynthia and I had in October - well, that was just fabulous. I could live in that room.

Just checking in so I am not a Lurker ,this is such a busy time of year at work !! Co ordinating Christmas shopping for 15 people , house parties, and LOTS of other parties, carol singing , bellringing etc etc !!! Then I have my own family stuff to doWhile it is a lot of fun , it is a VERY hectic time !!

I hear you Rosie. I haven't been on the boards since Wednesday due to a busy work schedule and home schedule.

Bell ringer? For the salvation army or for a bell choir? I am intrigued.

I've been off the boards for a couple days - just wanted to say how sorry I am for your mom. Losing a pet is so sad and difficult.

Thank you so much Sheree. Losing a pet is the worse because they are so innocent as they suffer. It breaks your heart and now my parents lost their little ray of sunshine. It's going to take them a long time to get over this because my dad is basically home bound.

I told DH I'd like to try the Boardwalk on one of our next trips. And Wilderness Lodge. Ideally I'd like to try them all!

Having now officially tried them all, I have to say that BWV is definitely a favorite. I love them all and each one has its own uniqueness. I know I wish I was at VWL right now for Christmas. A girl can dream, right?

 

[MEK]

There's a lot going on in your life right now! Wow! And then add Christmas into the mix, you've got a lot on your plate. LOVE Snow White on your new computer so cool!

Christmas is always a crazy time, for everyone. But isn't it funny how we manage. It's ironic that we got really busy at work when I am trying to use up the rest of my vacation. That didn't go so well last week. I took vacation, but ended up working OT. OK then.

I do love Snow White, so thank you. She's pretty cool.

Thanks Pam! I hope you are having a fabulous time and loving OKW!

So sorry to hear about your mom's cat. So sad.

Thanks Marissa. Sometimes with elderly parents things just don't go the way you hoped they would and this is definitely one of those things.

What a beautiful cat! Bless your parents for giving her a loving, wonderful home for so many years. My condolences go out to all of you.

Thanks Dee. I really appreciate that. She was a sweet cat. She has such a pleasant disposition. That can be hard to replicate in cats.

That is quite a lot you have going on.

Actually, probably no more than anyone else. I don't feel stressed. I am more in the "go with the flow" mode and what gets done will and what doesn't won't.

Sounds like Nick has some really decent options. My husband graduated with a an electrical and computer engineering degree and has done very well in the software development industry.

Good to know because I think Nick does seem very interested in the electrical engineering and it sounds like the possibilities are pretty extensive. That seems to hit home with him more than some of the other areas. He knows he doesn't want bio or chemical engineering and he really doesn't seem keen on civil. But, really, I think he will figure it out his first couple of semesters. He may find that he doesn't even want to do engineering all together. He is being advised to go in that area since he has a heavy science and math background right now. That's where all his AP courses are. We shall see.

Tibber was adorable, and again I'm so sorry for your parents' (and your own) loss. Animals find such a special place, it's just about impossible to let them go.

Thank you so much. It is impossible to let them go. So, so hard. Ugh. I hate thinking about it. I was actually starting to get very upset when my mom waited a couple days to put her to sleep. I couldn't stand the thought of her suffering.

Love the macbook decal. I want a mac just to get that decal.

Here's what you need. First you need the Apple decal and then get snow white. Then you are set. Much cheaper, too!

I'm so sorry to hear about Tibber. It sounds like she brought a lot of joy to your family over the years.

Thanks so much Sara. I appreciate your condolences. She was a special cat because she was so gentle and loving. And she really kept my parents company no that they are so limited in what they can do.

Sorry to hear about the cat...he was beautiful!

Thank you Tina! Tibber was a wonderful cat and great company for my parents. They miss her tremendously right now.

As for Nick and college...so glad that's a decision that's fifteen years in the future. I'd do for a smaller school. That's what I chose for myself for highschool and college and I never regretted it. I just like the more close-knit atmosphere and always loved that people knew who I was. A lot of people don't want that, though, which I get.

I think a smaller school would be good for Nick because that's what he's used to and I think there are so many advantages to that close knit atmosphere. I think because his high school is so small (about 85 graduating) he feels the need to go someone bigger. Bottom line - in a big school you still have a small circle of friends.

Good luck and always looking forward to more MEK pics!

I hope to get my picture review update up tonight. I better. I am starting to get irritated with myself, but its alot of pictures to go through.

 

[MEK]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear about your mom's cat. The loss of any pet is hard, especially one who has been part of the family for many years. And I understand what you mean about them being a ray of sunshine. My grandfather was heartbroken when he lost his cat, because she was his only companion way back in the boonies. At least Tibber spent many years in a loving home.

That's exactly how it is for my parents with them being so home bound. My mom goes out, but not a lot because my dad doesn't. she just sees Tibber everywhere. Ugh. I can't even think about it without getting choked up. Thanks so much for the condolences, Alicia.

I love your MacBook decal. That's so ingenius.

I'm pretty sure I have seen that decal on someone else's mac, so I started searching out decals on Amazon. I wanted Eeyore, but he didn't hold the apple.

Good luck on the continuation of college tours and picking a school. It can be a tough decision for a person. And it sounds like your life has been very busy lately! I bet you're already looking forward to next year's cruise.

Picking a school is going to be a tough choice, so thanks. And YES - I will be very ready for the cruise by the time it gets here. I have my Disney stay already reserved pre and post cruise.

What a beautiful cat Tibber was. It's so hard losing a pet when it's become such a large part of your every day life.

Thanks Lisa! She was a good girl and such a great companion! She will be sorely missed by my parents.

You've got a lot of stuff going on in your life right now. I hope that it slows down a bit so that you can enjoy the holidays.

I am sure it will. It's really not that bad. I am sure I am not any busier than anyone else right now! Hope you holiday planning is going well and not too hectic.

I am reading your report and just finished the part where youtalk about the diving horses. Did you know that Disney made a movie about them? It is titled Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken It used to be one of my favorite movies when I was teenager. Going back to read more now.

pooh'smate! Thanks for joining in! I have heard of that movie but I did not know it was about the diving horses. Well, you know I am going to have to check it out now. Thanks for the tip! And - I'm impressed that you got so far with my TR.

Finally getting around to commenting. I had looked at your pictures earlier in the week, but I haven't been home much- I was shackled to a book fair at the middle school.

Haha - they had the book fair at our school this week, too. Glad I don't feel like I have to help with that stuff anymore.

I think you made a fantastic call for the last moments of your Disney trip! That is what I did on my family's last night. The guys were pooped out after our dinner at 'Ohana, but I went down to the beach by myself watched the Electrical Water Parade, the fireworks show (Nightastic) and just relaxed!

Isn't it a great way to spend the evening? I loved it. It's weird, I remember that it was actually cool that night. Cool? Can, you imagine that in June? Perfect evening!

Your fireworks pictures are beyond fantastic!!! I love how every single one of them is different- the color or shape of the fireworks, the color of the castle, the ones with the boat.

Thank you! I tried to pick the best one because I must have taken about 75 or more I had many, many similar ones.

Bummer about your missing book, and the end of the trip, but on the plus side, I can't wait to join in on your October trip!!!

I'm think I will probably start that around Christmas. I have two more updates for this TR and its just taking me forever. Hopefully tonight!

Thanks for the great report!!! Love your writing style and your pictures were an important inspiration for me to ask Santa for a big girl camera this year. I have been a pretty good girl, so I think there will be one under the tree on Christmas morning!

Thanks so much for the wonderful comments. I really appreciate that and I really hope that you get that camera. This is the time of year that I got mine and I really enjoyed taking it out and practicing with winter scenes. That winter is snowed a ton and I had plenty to work with. Enjoy!

 

[natebenma]

Thanks so much for the wonderful comments. I really appreciate that and I really hope that you get that camera. This is the time of year that I got mine and I really enjoyed taking it out and practicing with winter scenes. That winter is snowed a ton and I had plenty to work with. Enjoy!

Spoiler Alert!!! I actually purchased a Canon EoS Rebel Ti on Black Friday- it really helps when you are the one playing Santa!!!

The only thing that concerns me is that I don't want to be held back by the idea that I have to babysit my camera. Right now with my waterproof point & shoot, I take it everywhere with me. I will have to be more careful with the new camera. We are taking a beach vacation to Mexico in Feb, and although I will bring the camera, I will probably only pull it out during "picture walks" and dinner, etc.