Why Not Just Queue Up Another Disney Trip? Link to New TR 6/24 p136!

[DisMomAmy]

Originally Posted by MEK

Gorgeous pictures!! I love this one! I'm always amazed how small the castle looks from afar. It seems so huge when you are standing right in front of it.

[IheartDDuck]

I love fireworks pictures! You're right though, it's crazy how all over the place they are, isn't it? Perfectly placed so that if you're standing looking at the castle dead on from Main Street, they look perfect. I watched them in Fantasyland once. It was like "turn.....turn.....turn...."

[MaryAz]

Glad to hear your Mom's procedure went well.

Great GF and CR pics. Cali Grill looks yummy!!!

Love love all the fireworks pics!!!

[Poolrat]

Fabulous Fireworks photos

Glad your mom is doing OK.

[MEK]

Originally Posted by Stringbean&Wingnut

Gorgeous Wishes shots!!! I wish I could take fireworks pictures like that!!!

Thanks! I used the shutter speed mode instead of another of the other modes and it obviously worked the best. I'm learning, slowly but surely!

Originally Posted by Stringbean&Wingnut

I hope everything goes well for your mom today!!!

Thank you Sara. She did well and was able to go home the same day, which I was very happy about.

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

Beautiful pictures! They made me so excited to be staying at the CR in October!

Thanks Dawn. And I know you are both absolutely going to love the CR. It's in such a great location with such a wonderful view of the castle. What's not to love?

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

Prayers that everything goes well for your mom.

Thanks Dawn. She did really well, except she was such a nervous wreck. I wish she could relax a bit, but she is very uptight over everything medical.

Originally Posted by chloe770

I hope everything goes well with your mom.

:

Thank you! I know she is relieved that the test/procedure are behind her. I was happy I got to come home last night because it always snows a lot worse up there.

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

Not much to say other than great pictures! Thanks for the spectacular show

Glad you enjoyed the pics. Can't wait until your summer trip so I can see some of Julie's. I bet they are great!

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

Hope everything is ok with your mom.

Thanks. She is happy she went ahead with the cardioversion. She was so nervous, but now glad that is behind her.

Originally Posted by chloe770

Seriously, your pictures are beautiful. I think I might need to recruit you to teach me how to use my camera. I've had a Nikon D60 for a couple of years now and have no clue how to use it. I actually would love to upgrade but refuse to do so until I learn how to use what I have.

Thanks! Well, maybe we should meet up one of these days and get together and take pictures. I'm sure we can find some place scenic to go.

I really don't know that much about my camera. Jen tought me some basic principles so it helps me fool around with the settings, but its really all trial and error. I say start with your TV first and adjust that just so you can see the effect of speeding up and slowing down the shutter speed. Working that can definitely help with picture blur.

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Gorgeous fireworks photos!!!!!!!!!!!! What a view and what a great day!

It was a great view AND a great day. Considering I could have been at the party (and undoubtedly in someone's way), I thought I picked the best option - dinner and a free photoshot.

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Good luck with your mom, and dad today, I'll be thinking of you!

Thanks! I was relieved that my mom didn't have to stay in the hospital, but I also felt a little bad about leaving when I did because it was starting to snow. I was afraid it might be hard for me to get to work and my mom worries about stuff like that. My dad was also doing pretty well. They have help everyday, but he ended up leaving early too because of the snow.

[KatMark]

SPECTACULAR firework pictures, MaryEllen. I just can never seem to capture those very well. I actually had a tear or two looking at your pictures because Wishes is my favorite.

I am glad things went well with your mom.

[MEK]

Originally Posted by mickeystoontown

Fantastic pictures of the ELP and Wishes! We once watched Wishes from th behind the castle and it was so weird watching from there. Many of the firewords are set off back behind Fantasyland.

Wouldn't it be cool if they did a behind the scenes tour on how the fireworks are done? I would really like to understand how they create such magic but really don't have to keep the guests hearded in one area. I'm also curious how many people set up the show, restock it, monitor. It's cool stuff, that's for sure.

Originally Posted by mickeystoontown

I hope everything goes well with your mother. Sending prayers your way!

Thanks. She is thrilled her procedure is over and that is behind her. I am relieved as well.

Originally Posted by jeremysdisneymom

Hope everything goes well with your mom today.

Thanks. My mom did well and she is feeling pretty good today. Keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well.

Originally Posted by jeremysdisneymom

Those are some great Wishes pictures. Wish I could do that.

It looks like you had a wonderful evening. I have never eaten Cali Grille but will have to in the future. The view is worth it.

So glad you enjoyed the pictures. We had a wonderful evening. It was perfect. We could not have asked for a better time. I highly recommend the CG for the view, the food, and for the best waiters anywhere!

Originally Posted by jeremysdisneymom

Love your pictures of the GF at night. I can't wait to try the new DVC resort when it is done.

GF is so pretty, day or night. I hear ya on the DVC resort. I know its going to be point pricey, but I really can't wait to try it! What a treat that is going to be. I hope there are enough DVCers who really don't care to stay there. More rooms for you and me!

Originally Posted by jeremysdisneymom

You have me wanting to stay at OKW and it really was not at the top of my list. Jeremy would love that pool.

I think Jeremy would love the pool. I can definitely see the attraction for kids and there was also a wonderful play ground, which you haven't seen yet. It a very laid back, lovely resort.

Originally Posted by Queenofallthings

WOW! I never bother taking pictures of fireworks because I have a point and shoot and it never works and then I get frustrated because I haven't watched the show either....ok, I'm good now, rant over! But yours....once again, stunning!

Rant. I know exactly how you feel because I had the same problem for years and then I learned to adjust the shutter speed and stay out of all the other modes and - Woo Hoo - I got fireworks. Even a lot of the point and shoots have a shutter speed mode (TV). It's trial and error at first, but who cares how many bad pics you take when you can dumb them in the trash.

Originally Posted by Mndisneygirl

I was humming Wishes music in my head while viewing your fireworks pics! So much fun!!

Well if you were humming the Wishes music than I must have done a good job. I'm so glad you enjoyed the pictures. It was a great show and the red/green fireworks gave it such a festive feel.

Originally Posted by Mndisneygirl

I have no idea what a cardioversion is (I assume it has to do with the heart), but I hope all goes well for your mom today.

I probably should have explained that better. It is an electrical shock designed to put the heart back into a regular rhythm. She was in atrial fibrillation and her heart rate was pretty fast. It was starting to make her feel tired, breathless, and anxious.

Originally Posted by 15isto2

Hope the cardioversion is successfull.

Thanks! It worked and she is now in a normal sinus rhythm, plus she had a transophageal echo and her heart looked OK.

Originally Posted by Moira222

If you had heard him griping a few days prior about why they dragged Madonna out of "retirement" instead of someone "that people actually like" you can believe that he really was impressed. I did watch the show on youtube on Monday - it really was excellent.


[/FONT]

That's too funny. Madonna will never retire. She'll be out there on stage just like Tina Turner. "Someone people actually like".....that's also pretty funny. While I have never thought madonna is the greatest singer, she really is a good performer and her performance was not too over the top. It was done very professionally so I have to give her mad props for that. I did miss the whole "finger" thing by MIA. Never even saw it.

Originally Posted by Moira222

:Hmmm wonder if you would youtube one of your performances???Do you facebook your performances? ? I see you on Kathy's facebook (there are only 2 Mary Ellens!)- send me a friend request if you like.

No one is allowed to video tape at the shows. The center videotapes, but no audience members. I am most curious to hear how it sounds. I would like to do voice recordings of the songs I'm doing, but I would be playing alone plus a lot of people have covered both of the two new songs I'm playing. I have to make sure its a darn good cover before I post it.

I do have a cover of "Because You Loved Me" ready to post on youtube but I need to edit the pictures. I like to post the songs with my pictures instead of me. It's mostly christian songs on my youtube channel.

One of these days I will record not just the music, but me actually singing something. I prefer not to include my face.

Originally Posted by Moira222

[FONT=Century Gothic]:Your wishes photos are awesome!!! We were on Dumbo last year during Wishes one night - it was cool but strange to literally be in the middle of the fireworks. It was like watching a tennis match - first we'd look one direction, then the other. Joe tried to video tape it but Ithink he was getting disoriented going back and forth
!

I bet that was fun! I bet videotaping was next to impossible. I have riddent BTMMR during the fireworks and I have always enjoyed that. So beautiful to see the fireworks bursting in the night sky.

[podsnel]

CRAP!!! I have too much to catch up on!! Where are the cliff notes?? Did I see someone say you booked a cruise? WOOOHOOO!!!!!

Please have patience with me- it may take me a while to read!

[podsnel]

There are people withoput EZ pass?

WHY????????

And-

I can't BELIEVE you ate at South of the Border. Where's the food porn???

[manntra]

FABULOUS fireworks pictures as always I love watching Wishes from there too......such a good perspective of the park up high like that

Dinner looked wonderful....glad you are lovin' the Conundrum. I buy it often The cheapest I have found it is for around $22 a bottle I think. Not too bad considering what you pay for a glass/bottle there Happy you had such a good waiter....it was weird in October with my niece and C...our waiter was ummmm not so good. Like he shouldn't have been at a signature restaurant...maybe a counter service

Happy everything went well with your Mom

Tracy

[MEK]

Originally Posted by Nermel9

Amazing fireworks pictures!

Thanks. So glad you liked them. I hope I can get some of Illuminations from BWV this summer!

Originally Posted by Nermel9

And I'm glad to hear everything went well with your mom today!

Thank you! She is feeling much better today!

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

Glad to hear things went well for your mom

Thanks! It's such a relief that everything went well. I know she is very relieved.

Originally Posted by Wicket's Mom

It's good that your mother is doing well.

Thanks! I'm so glad everything was uneventful yesterday. I just hope her heart rhythm stays normal. Fingers crossed.

Originally Posted by Wicket's Mom

Did you use a tripod? Those pictures of the fireworks were very sharp & crystal clear.

Nope. No tripod. I may have used the ledge a bit for some stabilization. Instead I use a fast shutter speed so I don't have time to get camera shake. I probably should get one of those gorilla pods. They sound pretty cool.

Originally Posted by Wicket's Mom

I have pictures of the ELP from back when. I used 1000 speed film, remember film?!

I do remember film and I rarely took pictures back in the film day because of the cost. But remember the anticipation of getting that envelope of pictures back. Unfortunately, the pictures were never as good as you hoped they would be. Digital is so superior.

You should scan your ELP pics and post them. I bet they are pretty cool.

Originally Posted by DisMomAmy

Gorgeous pictures!! I love this one! I'm always amazed how small the castle looks from afar. It seems so huge when you are standing right in front of it.

Thank you! I do enjoy seeing the whole perspective of the castle in relationship to the rest of the park. You're right - it does look small, but I really was trying not to zoom so I could still see the fireworks.

Originally Posted by IheartDDuck

I love fireworks pictures! You're right though, it's crazy how all over the place they are, isn't it? Perfectly placed so that if you're standing looking at the castle dead on from Main Street, they look perfect. I watched them in Fantasyland once. It was like "turn.....turn.....turn...."

It really is an art, isn't it? I'm curious as to how a firework display like that is planned and implemented safely. I have never seen Wishes from Fantasyland. Sounds interesting. I wonder how it will all change when the new Fantasyland opens. Interesting!

Originally Posted by MaryAz

Glad to hear your Mom's procedure went well.

Thanks! We are all very relieved and really hope she doesn't have to have it again for a long, long time. My mom tends to be very anxious, so it was stressful for her.

Originally Posted by MaryAz

Great GF and CR pics. Cali Grill looks yummy!!!

It was SO good. I love that place!

Originally Posted by MaryAz

Love love all the fireworks pics!!!

Thanks! Being up on the observation deck was such a great alternative to being at a sold-out Christmas party.

Originally Posted by Poolrat

Fabulous Fireworks photos

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed. It was a great show. I bet it was fab on NYE!

Originally Posted by Poolrat

Glad your mom is doing OK.

Thanks! My mom is feeling much better now that her cardiac rhythm is straightened out.

Originally Posted by KatMark

SPECTACULAR firework pictures, MaryEllen. I just can never seem to capture those very well. I actually had a tear or two looking at your pictures because Wishes is my favorite.

Ah Kathy - that is SO nice! Thank you! I think Wishes is my favorite too. Especially seeing the whole display from up in the air. It's so impressive. I did miss some of the show, but I did stop taking pictures in the middle so I could soak it all in!

Originally Posted by KatMark

I am glad things went well with your mom.

Thank you! It really did go as well as possible, so I am thankful.

Originally Posted by podsnel

CRAP!!! I have too much to catch up on!! Where are the cliff notes?? Did I see someone say you booked a cruise? WOOOHOOO!!!!!

Cliff notes? NOT! But at least I have links. I hope that helps.

Actually, we didn't book yet, but I did get green light for an October 2013 cruise for just Denny and I. I wanted to take Nick on a cruise next summer but he really isn't interested. He would rather rent a beach house for a week. So Denny and I will wait until after he leaves for school and then we will cruise away on the Dream. I'm very excited!

Originally Posted by podsnel

Please have patience with me- it may take me a while to read!

Hey - I'm just glad you are back. Take your time!

Originally Posted by podsnel

There are people withoput EZ pass?

WHY????????

That's what I said! Pure insanity. You have no idea how I panicked when I thought they were really going to suspend my account. I just wish they would extend EZpass down the whole east coast.

Originally Posted by podsnel

I can't BELIEVE you ate at South of the Border. Where's the food porn???

I know. It was actually pretty funny and my friend L felt so bad after she suggested it and we got inside. But then it just seemed really rude to leave. I think that's why I didn't take pictures. I was afraid they might interpret it wrong. But don't think I didn't consider it.

Originally Posted by manntra

FABULOUS fireworks pictures as always I love watching Wishes from there too......such a good perspective of the park up high like that

Thanks! I agree that its a total bonus watching Wishes from the observation deck. What a great way to cap on the evening.

Originally Posted by manntra

Dinner looked wonderful....glad you are lovin' the Conundrum. I buy it often The cheapest I have found it is for around $22 a bottle I think. Not too bad considering what you pay for a glass/bottle there Happy you had such a good waiter....it was weird in October with my niece and C...our waiter was ummmm not so good. Like he shouldn't have been at a signature restaurant...maybe a counter service

$22 a bottle - that's a great price. I found it on line for $30. Yikes! I love it, though. It's soooooo good!

I am so shocked you had a terrible waiter. That stinks because the server is really part of the experience. I wonder how they slipped that guy in.

Originally Posted by manntra

Happy everything went well with your Mom

Tracy

Thanks! She was a nervous wreck, but the procedure was success for so we are grateful!

[rndmr2]

Glad your mom's Cardioversion was successful. That's good she was able to go home.

Great Fireworks shots!

[MEK]

Originally Posted by rndmr2

Glad your mom's Cardioversion was successful. That's good she was able to go home.

Thanks. I am very glad it is behind her!

Originally Posted by rndmr2

Great Fireworks shots!

Thanks. So glad you enjoyed them! It really was a great show!

[tinacaplan]

Glad to hear that the procedure went with your mom.

...and those pictures. WOW! They are certainly frame-worthy and some should probably be appropriated by MK as postcards. I felt like I was there. And, indeed, what an great way to end the day.

[MEK]

Originally Posted by tinacaplan

Glad to hear that the procedure went with your mom.

Thanks. She was relieved to have it over.

Originally Posted by tinacaplan

...and those pictures. WOW! They are certainly frame-worthy and some should probably be appropriated by MK as postcards. I felt like I was there. And, indeed, what an great way to end the day.

Thank you! That's such a nice compliment!

And you will be there.....In one week sister! Can you say jealous?

I just noticed that you have 4 tickers going for the next 8 months. Whose queueing up the Disney trips now?