Oh Florida! An East Meets West Girl's TR: 8/9 p56 & 8/17 p57

[Wood Nymph]

I don't really remember the grits having cheese, but then again I DID have a turtle crawl, so perhaps that blurred my memory!

And I had a Sultry Seahorse.
I'm inclined to believe that the cheesy grits were a serving mistake. I've seen pictures of the shrimp and grits at Olivia's. and the grits weren't orange. After being out in that cold, rainy weather on that Saturday I was in no mood the question why the grits were orange.

Now I really need to get back to Olivia's and further research the shrimp and grits mystery.


Sultry Seahorse -
Disaronno amaretto, creme de banana, pineapple juice, orange juice and a float of cherry brandy.
Turtle Krawl -
Coconut rum, spiced rum and white rum with pineapple, orange and key lime juices.

After a bad experience with pina colata's back in college I stay away from drinks with coconut in them.

 

[Dugette]

Whew, finally all caught up here! It was like reading three TRs!

True Story - Denny and I actually met on a bike ride to Cape May. A friend and I had planned to ride from Dewey Beach DE to the Cape May Ferry and then into town and up the NJ coast. That friend invited Denny to join us and, well as they say….the rest is history.

That's really sweet. My dad and step-mom actually met on a bike ride too (a group one through their work at the time). Cape May looks really cute!

A got a text message at 10pm that Denny’s morning flight was canceled.

Not only annoying about the cancelled flight, but that it woke you up and you couldn't get back to sleep before such a big day!

Congratulations! Great job, both of you!

So the boat was fun. I’m not sure how efficient it was, but it was nice to see things from a new vantage point.

It is nice to just get off your feet for a bit in Epcot (so much walking there!) and enjoy a different view of World Showcase. So pretty from the water.

I would say we are pretty much unrecognizable! What do you think?

Wow, those are some messed up future pictures!

 

[eandesmom]

I think I’ll start here. AFTER we met up with Cynthia. AFTER the cronut.



After we met I think there was a lapse in picture taking for awhile. We walked back into the world showcase for awhile.



Then we decided to do something I’ve never done before



We decided to cross the World Showcase Lagoon on the Boat! Yup. I’ve never done that before!

So the boat was fun. I’m not sure how efficient it was, but it was nice to see things from a new vantage point.

I don't think I've ever done it either. It isn't as efficient as walking but it is kind of fun and something different.

You got some lovely pictures!

Group Shot!





Our next stop was here



Because, you know - you can NEVER have too many rides on Space Ship Earth!


Unlike my ride earlier in the day with Pat (where our faces photographed in their entirety), Cynthia and I suffered from what I call the “swiss cheese” effect.



I would say we are pretty much unrecognizable! What do you think?

Swiss cheese face for sure! No, you never can have too many rides on SSE. Jeff might beg to differ.

Our next attraction was LWTL. And we all know by now that this was actually Cynthia’s first trip on this infamous ride.
After LWTL we decided to call it an afternoon and head back to OKW. But not without a few Epcot pictures signaling our departure

Hey, it's good to have never dones, something to look forward to!

Once we got back to the resort I am sure Cynthia finished unpacking and we discussed dinner options for the evening. It was a pretty easy decision. We decided to eat at Olivia’s. Cynthia had eaten there before, but this was a first for me.

On the way





Naturally we started off dinner with one of my (and I’m sure Cynthia’s) favorite drinks. The infamous Turtle Krawl



If you have never sampled one of these little beauties before, I suggest you do. Trust me! What are you waiting for?

Dinner for me was Shrimp and Grits.



You see - I should really have been born in the south. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE shrimp and grits and its not something I can get in my neck of the woods. So having shrimp and grits is a real treat for me. And this was especially delicious.

I think I pretty much had the perfect meal!

I will do a short update but I think I had the same thing! Not sure. Olivia's is one of my favorites and is a must do for the kids. LOVE it! And I just love OKW.

Our plans for the rest of the evening - how about taking it easy and just chilling at the resort. After all, we had big plans for the morning. We were going to have breakfast with some princesses.

Well we tried to watch a movie but were technologically challenged! We could NOT get the DVR to work!

You asked about dragon fruit....so I hope you or Cynthia don't mind me posting pictures on your TR. If you do, let me know and I'll come back and delete these.

Dragon fruit is the pink, green spike fruit in this picture. (The one on the bottom is mangosteen, one of my favourite fruits).




You would cut the skin off and find the fruit inside to be flesh with black spots/seeds. This one has white flesh; although there are some that have red. There is a row of dragonfruit cut up at this buffet picture.





The texture is like watermelon and it can be a little tart at times.

Thanks for the pictures! I love it! I have had dragonfruit before but I don't think I'd ever actually seen the plant.

I don't really remember the grits having cheese, but then again I DID have a turtle crawl, so perhaps that blurred my memory!

Fairly sure there is cheese in there, part of what makes them creamy.

Thanks. When I think back on my pacing 15 years ago its a little disappointing, but I just thank God I was healthy and did not have any injuries to deal with. Once again - it was a great experience.

ah but 15 years ago you weren't thrilled with you pace were you? We are our own worst critics.

I meant CAPES. Typo! When the sun came out I put my visor back on for several miles, but I took it off again near the end. It is hard to start in the dark and then have the sun come up. It's really a shock to the eyes. I really, REALLY wanted a pair of sunglasses.

I was so grateful for the visor when that sun came out but yeah, would have liked the sunglasses

It really stinks that shoes are such an issue for you. It's got to be SO frustrating.

I feel so high maintenance and I hate that!

I did end up with a black toenail after the 1/2. I am sure the injury started well before that but only became evident in the week of the 1/2. Now that the toenail is dead there is no pain at all. Gotta love it!

Ow! I have never had one. That's no fun.

OK, how about if I say - You have very respectable race times!

lol, thank you.

So why did this all change to a different font????

Ahh - new DIS you are SO unpredictable!

For some reason the new DIS seems to do some funky formatting things all on its own. If you go into the code editor you can see see it and delete fix accordingly but it can be super frustrating.

Cynthia looks very happy in that picture, leading me to believe it was definitely taken after the cronut.

I haven't eaten at Olivia's in quite some time! I really want to eat there again soon. It's a really good place. Pop and I are trying to get OKW for the Half Marathon in January, so if we do I'm going to put it on the list.

Food makes me happy!!!

Cynthia- Congrats on the PHM! You had a great time! Your miles were great. I think I have a good day when I do one mile in under 10...I can't imagine running 13 of them in or around that time!

Thank you

 

[MEK]

I feel your pain MEK. Another in a long line of issues with this wonderful new DIS upgrade. It makes me sad to think that a place we all loved to come hang out with friends has become this continuously frustrating.........

It's only certain things that are frustrating for me, but sometimes I feel really lost. Like after I post a reply and it ends up on the same page as the one I was reading and not that last one - and then it moves. It's just weird.

Are you sure? When I have updated my title, somehow it still works, I updated the title on my DL report last night and then went and checked my links in the TOC after and everything "took" the update. I realize it looks like it is a new URL but there is something in there recognizing it and updating it. Same thing on my reluctant runner one with the last update. I don't think you should have to update them again but the only way to know is to change the title, and then retest the links.

I'll post a reply on your fabulous update later!

I checked all the links before I made the change to the title and they were fine. Then afterwards they had changed. I have to look at that permalink again. Is it possible I am copying the WRONG permalink????

I don't take the boats in Epcot often, but it's a nice change of pace sometimes. And on days when my legs just can't walk another step without dying and we still have a dinner reservation on the other side of the lagoon Great pictures too, I love that different prespective

I've always thought taking the boats was being super lazy. I never considered that it would give me a whole new perspective on the world showcase. Well worth the wait and the extra time to get to the other side.

And I love LWTL! I don't know what it is about plants that make me happy.

I love it too. I love the plants, the soil, the sun warming everything. It's just a cool place to be in the moment.

Some down time at OKW sounds magnificent. Beautiful sunset too

It was just what we needed that night. It was perfect!

Beautiful pictures around Epcot! I really loved the ones from the boat. I've taken that boat a time or two when my feet are tired and I don't want to walk all the way back to the front.

It's nice that the boat is there as an option. I am usually not patient enough to wait. Glad you like the pics. It was fun seeing everything from a new perspective.

I'm glad you had a great meal at Olivia's. Mom and I ate there in October and we weren't all that impressed. Our food was kind of bland and our waiter not the best.

Really? Bummer. I have generally heard all good thing about Olivias. Bad waiter and bland food is not very memorable - that's for sure!

It's weird that you are having trouble with the links. I've been changing the titles on my TRs without any problems. I actually just went back and checked because I was worried they were messed up.

I must be doing something wrong. I need to look at the perma link again and figure out what I am doing well. So NOT cool!

 

[MEK]

Great pictures at Epcot, Mary Ellen! We've taken the boat a few times and it does give you a totally different perspective.

It really does and in a very cool way!

Oh the shrimp and grits at Olivia's! That's what I ordered when we went there on our last trip and probably what I'll order when we go back.

I think I fell in love with shrimp n grits when I was in Savannah. Now whenever there's a chance to order them, I usually do!!!

What a Fantastic idea! I always skip the boat ride because I know I can walk it faster. I just love to new perspective you get from the boat. I've already added this as something to do when I get there next month.

It was really neat. I do recommend it - at least once. I hope you have a wonderful time on your trip. What a great time of year to be visiting!

You know what... neither have I!

It does make for an interesting vantage point on everything. I might need to do it sometime!

I would definitely recommend doing it at least once. It was cool!

They were all great pictures!

Thanks!

Wow... how'd you ever manage to pull that look off?

Just lucky, I guess?

I hope you used the restroom before you rode. Speaking of which, I'll be right back.

That was A LOT of running water, wasn't it?

Ok, I guess I'm going to have to try one of these sometime since they're so legendary around these boards.

You must! That drink is really super yummy. It's the right combination of everything good!

That is so weird. I've found even after a title change the old links still somehow work. I'm only really now finally starting to get used to all the changes.
.

Well, it seems like I am the only one having trouble with the links. I must be doing something wrong.

Amazing. I too just rode the WS boat for the very first time. It was kinda weird to realize... wait, I've never done that before? I agree. It is really cool to see the Showcase from a different vantage point. And trust me, when your feet are screaming at you... it's efficient, lol.

I can definitely see it being wonderful when you feet need a rest. When Your feet are sore everything stinks. But more importantly, I just loved the view. It was awesome!

Mary Ellen - Hello busy lady! SE and LWTL never get old. Nice waterfall pictures. Also, you are making OKW look so inviting. Those drinks look delicious too. Feel like I should get over there during our May trip just to walk around.

Rebecca

I agree - the classic NEVER get old! That's for sure!

OKW is a really pretty resort. I know its not for everyone, but I really love it there. It's private and relaxing. You should definitely take a ride over there if you have time.

Oh wow! Updating the thread title stuffs up the links in the first post? That is sooo annoying. Have you gone to the tech board to check if the webmasters there can provide any insight?

I did. I posted the question on the tech board and I got no response. I feel like I am somehow messing up the permalink, but I don't understand how or why. It's frustrating. I am SO not tech savvy, so that just adds to it.

Great pictures, @MEK .

Thank you!

You asked about dragon fruit....so I hope you or Cynthia don't mind me posting pictures on your TR. If you do, let me know and I'll come back and delete these.

Dragon fruit is the pink, green spike fruit in this picture. (The one on the bottom is mangosteen, one of my favourite fruits).




You would cut the skin off and find the fruit inside to be flesh with black spots/seeds. This one has white flesh; although there are some that have red. There is a row of dragonfruit cut up at this buffet picture.





The texture is like watermelon and it can be a little tart at times.

Thanks for posting all those cool pictures of the dragon fruits. It looks and sounds delicious. I would love to try it someday.

 

[eandesmom]

I checked all the links before I made the change to the title and they were fine. Then afterwards they had changed. I have to look at that permalink again. Is it possible I am copying the WRONG permalink????

Well here's the thing, I suspect that the permalink is actually now a dynamic link. So what it looks like before you change the title, and then after SHOULD change so that it works correctly. You shouldn't have to change anything again on your end.

 

[Nermel9]

Cynthia, thank you so much for your PHM recap! Sounds like you had a great race! I can't believe you didn't stop once to use the bathroom though, that's impressive! I can't wait to do the PHM myself someday!

Mary Ellen, what a lovely Epcot day! I have never taken the boat across the lagoon either, and now that I've seen your pictures, I kind of want to try it! It might be nice on those hot days in May when I know I want to be at a country wayyyy on the other side but don't feel like walking!

I have to get to OKW at some point and try a Turtle Krawl, it looks so pretty and tropical! And your dinner looks awesome too! And OKW is just so beautiful, I love the colors there! You know, I should really stay there someday!

 

[MEK]

She looks very happy after the cronut!

As she should!

Yikes! That's just a little creepy.

Um...the funds to go back to Disney World?

Gorgeous sunset photos!

Thanks.

I am finally all caught up! I am loving the updates. Congrats to all of you on the Half-Marathon! Seriously, wonderful job!.

Glad you are enjoying the updates and thank you! The PHM was really a great experience. I'm so glad I did it!

Really though, it may as well be changed to this.

I agree because does it have another name? I know it does, but to me it will always be known as the Cronut Kiosk!

I can't believe how delicious this darn things are!

I know I keep saying this - but I really need a do-over. I just didn't love it as much as I thought I would. Next time I'm having it with ice cream!

Good picture!

I love our group shots!

I'm so so sorry about Jewel. She's such a pretty kitty. Big hugs.

Thank you! She was a really sweet cat. We all miss her a lot.

Ha this is pretty cool!

I thought so too! Seriously, I have never seen a bike before with shells all over it.

Aw that's so sweet.

I almost forgot about that little factoid until I was done writing about Cape May.

Very awesome that they offered to let you stay! I wouldn't be comfortable staying offsite by myself either.

You have NO idea how much I appreciated that. Totally a life saver. I think I would have been OK going off site earlier in the day. I would have just stayed in my room, but I couldn't handle it at night. It was a huge stressor.

I can't believe this! Did he actually come out onto his balcony and say something?

He sure did. Something to the effect of "Thanks for the wakeup. People here are sleeping". I did feel bad and I get it. People do want to sleep at 6am, but on the other hand there was a race going on.

Yay!!!

Reservation is made for 4 nights at the VGF. I'm not sure where I am going to stay the first few nights. I've run out of DVC points and can't decide if I want to borrow more.

Oooh, somehow you made this shot look creepy!

Instagram filter.

I bet she loves doing this! And she sounds so personable and sounds like such a motivator, I bet that helped ease the nerves a tad.

She really was amazing. I so regret that I wasn't able to keep up. I wanted to run with that group so badly. dumb water stops. They did me in.

Awesome!

The 12th mile was just so amazing. I needed that SO BAD!

Perfect picture!

The best part is I actually look like I'm running. I was getting pretty tired by then.

You look so determined right here, love it!

Determined to get that darn race over with.

You did amazing, congratulations!!!

Thanks. I still want to do 2:30. I've just got to keep working at it, but realistically I am probably only going to get slower from this point out.

You choose, quite possibly, the best post race meals EVER!

Breakfast is always welcomed after a long run. I needed that food BAD. And then the beer...well, that goes without saying.

Love Danielle!

I know! She cracks me up! Buy one get one free tequila shots.

That means you guys were having the best time!

We really were. We could have stayed there quite a bit longer, that's for sure.

Yikes

That flight was crazy. But it all worked out and that's what really matters.

Of course you had to post your fav chairs. It wouldn't be an MEK TR without one!

You know I like to freak people out - at least a little.

I didn't know they had this either. I'd probably check it out knowing this!

I love the new DTD and I am definitely going to hit that outside bar at the Rain Forest.

Yuck indeed.

It was SO nasty when we got home and all the cars in the parking lot were frozen solid. It was crazy.

Okay, slowly catching up. Forgive me!

[/QUOTE]

No apologies necessary (said the DISer who is still ridiculously behind)

 

[MEK]

What a fun day at Epcot! Those ride photos are making me so want to pull the trgger on rebooking our trip!.

Isn't it amazing how a trip report can really make you want to go back to Disney PRONTO!

I've only dined at Olivia's once and we were so tired I don't think we really got the full experience.

That's too bad. It's really hard to enjoy a meal when you are that tired. At that point you are only eating because you need to and not to enjoy the experience.

Cynthia looks very happy in that picture, leading me to believe it was definitely taken after the cronut.

Good observation. She definitely isn't hangry in that picture, is she?

Truthfully, I don't think I've crossed the lagoon in the boat either. There's always something new to do.

There really is and sometimes even the simplest things can be the most fun and unique.

Those shots from the lagoon turned out really well. You only catch the reflection in some pictures, leading me to believe that the glass was really clean!

Once again - your observational skills are right on. I think it also had to do with the direction the sun was shining. I'm glad the pics turned out as well as they did.

I haven't eaten at Olivia's in quite some time! I really want to eat there again soon. It's a really good place. Pop and I are trying to get OKW for the Half Marathon in January, so if we do I'm going to put it on the list.

Nice. I love OKW. Such a great resort and such a yummy place to eat.

Cynthia- Congrats on the PHM! You had a great time! Your miles were great. I think I have a good day when I do one mile in under 10...I can't imagine running 13 of them in or around that time!

You'd be surprised what you could do with the right training. She did do great!

Mary Ellen- Great photos of the WS. I didn't think about the boat giving you a new perspective of the pavilions, but they really did.

Thanks. I agree - the perspective from the boat was really cool. I loved it!

And I had a Sultry Seahorse.

Sultry Seahorse -
Disaronno amaretto, creme de banana, pineapple juice, orange juice and a float of cherry brandy.
Turtle Krawl -
Coconut rum, spiced rum and white rum with pineapple, orange and key lime juices.

After a bad experience with pina colata's back in college I stay away from drinks with coconut in them.

That sounds yummy!

Boo! on the coconut aversion. It's that coconut rum that really does help with the taste of the TK, so that's a bummer.

I'm inclined to believe that the cheesy grits were a serving mistake. I've seen pictures of the shrimp and grits at Olivia's. and the grits weren't orange. After being out in that cold, rainy weather on that Saturday I was in no mood the question why the grits were orange.

Now I really need to get back to Olivia's and further research the shrimp and grits mystery.

Hmmmmm - maybe it was a mistake because I seriously don't remember the grits tasting cheesy, but once again - who knows. I hear ya though - sometimes when you are wet, tired, and hungry its easier just to eat it up.

 

[KatMark]

I'm too far behind everywhere to comment on everything. But gorgeous pictures as always, Mary Ellen! Love the group pictures of you, Cynthia and Pat and Marv and then with Rosie and Carol.

Oh...my favorite drink. The Turtle Krawl. I must tell Nicki that we need to try to get over there for one in May; and that's where Mary and the girls and I are staying in July so there will be plenty of them then.

 

[Poolrat]

Good memories, even though parts of it sound a little sketchy. It's like the trip I took to Acapulco in 10th grade. We never saw the chaperone. He totally disappeared and we were completely on our own. I would die if one of my kids was in the same situation.

Absolutely sketchy. They were always so crazy about chaperones and all "my kids" never got lost.... well except my child but that doesn't count right???

That is NOT good! You poor thing. Are you going to try to get desensitized to anything?

I did all the venoms for a while since I had that testing first and reaction too) . But I just don't have the time or the inclination to be back to the allergist 3 times a week. At least witht eh venoms I felt awful for a couple of days after each one. I am much better since the dogwoods bloomed.

I honestly don't understand how you spectators even got anywhere. Are there special buses and transportation for spectators. Did you guys drive? I really want to know for next year.

Monorail.... That pretty much gets you everywhere. Except of course on the road between MK and EPCOT. I was able to spot Cynthia from the monorail though..

I haven't eaten at Olivia's in quite some time! I really want to eat there again soon. It's a really good place. Pop and I are trying to get OKW for the Half Marathon in January, so if we do I'm going to put it on the list.

Just don't try to get it to go. I wanted breakfast in the room so I could basically be horizontal but they do not do to go. But they will serve it and then let you pack it up to go....

 

[teekathepony]

You know, now that you mention it, I don't think I've ever crossed the World Showcase Lagoon via boat either! It certainly did make for some gorgeous photos!!

Because, you know - you can NEVER have too many rides on Space Ship Earth!

Agreed!
And WOW that's a really bad swiss cheese effect there. You can kind of see how you were talking to each other. Hehehe
Olivia's sounds lovely! And what a GORGEOUS evening, wow.

 

[Steppesister]

I sadly too had issues with my Chapter Links, and just spent about an hour re-working them all, AFTER having to find them all again. What a massive PITA!

Now, I'm paranoid about even thinking about changing my Title!

I have never taken the boat either. WOW! I need to do that. The perspectives were totally different- love your photos from down lower.

No, you can never have too many rides on SE. Nor LWTL. Dragon fruit is yummy! We ate it while living in Thailand pretty often. Mmmm!

Never been to Olivia's. This needs to be fixed.

 

[eandesmom]

Sadly, I do not have all that much to add here!

I do have this PP version of the muppets pic, which I don't think I posted yet. Although, you never know. I just realized TODAY that I need to buy easter dcandy. And the only reason I realized that (even though I've made plenty of easter plans) is that someone put some in the office kitchen. I went DOH!

And this one

Our "official" schedule looked like this, or at least I think it did since I saved a picture of it lol. The Land had not been a FP.

However, we did not go on Figment, nor would we have needed a FP had we done so. That would remain a never done for that trip.

I think we got the PP pic before SE but am not positive. Here is the PP versions

After our fun afternoon in the word, and a slow boat across the showcase, we did head back to OKW. I unpacked and we went for our leisurely stroll to dinner. I love walking around OKW and enjoy the walk from where we were to the main area. Rarely does it/did it appear that a bus is actually faster but that's just me.

I adore Olivia's. It is one of my family's favorite spots and had really been looking forward to it. My kids have gotten the grits twice. The first time Evan got them with something else and absolutely couldn't make a dent in it, they are so rich. Second time he learned and he and Eric split a salad, some onion rings and then the grits.

I've had bites of theirs but had never ordered my own before, always opting for crab cakes I think. Which, for those who know me is right up there with fish tacos as a go to item if it's on the menu. Generally I don't eat a lot of shrimp. I like it but there are just other things I like better. I do however, LOVE grits and the reality is I really ahdn't eaten all that much over the course of the day (for me anyway lol) and I was hungry!

So my meal was identical to Mary Ellens!

pretty view

And I DID eat the whole thing!

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good! There generally is cheese in grits, it's kind of like making risotto

After dinner we did go to the community center and pick up a movie (or 2?) however once we got back we could not, for the life of us, figure out how to work that darn DVD player and had some general tv issues. We gave up, just settled in and chatted and caught up. It was perfect! A great day all around.

 

[afwdwfan]

I just realized TODAY that I need to buy easter dcandy. And the only reason I realized that (even though I've made plenty of easter plans) is that someone put some in the office kitchen. I went DOH!

Yep. I've been there. Sometimes you just get so busy that you lose track of time!

However, we did not go on Figment, nor would we have needed a FP had we done so

Well, the lack of need for an FP goes without saying!

Looks like a good time and a good dinner at Olivia's. I'd say it was just as well that you couldn't get the DVD to work. A laid back evening of catching up looks like a great alternative.

 

[scottny]

Thanks Scott and CONGRATS on the condo and upcoming trip. SO happy for you guys!

Thank you.

Thanks. Living in NYC - have you ever visited? If not, you really should before you relocate. It's such a lovely town. I'm definitely heading back in the warmer weather.

I have been there awhile ago but not recently. Maybe I will next month before we head out.



MEK -

Love taking the boat across the lagoon but I think walking is faster. LOL.

LOL, your faces on Spaceship Earth.

Love riding through LWTL.

Nice pics walking out.

We are staying at OKW in 3 weeks so I will try a Turtle Crawl when we get there.

Love the shrimp and grits there.


Cynthia -

Nice pics of the remainder of your day.

 

[Tracy161]

Sounds like a lovely afternoon and evening! Your meal looks and sounds delicious! I, too, am a huge fan of grits! Although I typically eat mine as a breakfast option with brown sugar or maple syrup! But who doesn't love them with cheese! YUM!!!

Chatting and catching up... sounds like the perfect way to end the night.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Cynthia - lovely pictures! The DisMeet ones always makes me smile. I love seeing Dis-sers having fun.

 

[Pinkocto]

Great pictures Cynthia a nice day at Disney is something I'm longing for. I've been so spoiled the last couple years that five months in between vacation is just killing me!

Sometimes those TVs are just the worst. I've finally figured out the input and DVD buttons, they better not change things anytime soon!

 

[MEK]

Whew, finally all caught up here! It was like reading three TRs!

That's what happens when you have two writers. Thank goodness we are going slow. I am such a DIS slacker right now.

That's really sweet. My dad and step-mom actually met on a bike ride too (a group one through their work at the time). Cape May looks really cute!

Yeah - I always forget that's how we met and we really did go to Cape May. It was a fun day. Cape May is adorable. I need to go back when the weather is nicer.

Not only annoying about the cancelled flight, but that it woke you up and you couldn't get back to sleep before such a big day!

Ugh. That was like the perfect storm. I am terrible at sleeping when I have to get up really early. I have always had a problem with that. AT least I now know I can run a 1/2 marathon on NO sleep.

Congratulations! Great job, both of you!

Thanks!

It is nice to just get off your feet for a bit in Epcot (so much walking there!) and enjoy a different view of World Showcase. So pretty from the water.

I just love that little spot in england. It's one of my favorite places to just sit and relax.

Wow, those are some messed up future pictures!

I know, right?

I don't think I've ever done it either. It isn't as efficient as walking but it is kind of fun and something different.

You got some lovely pictures!

Definitely NOT as efficient, but I did love the pictures I got! So worth it!

Swiss cheese face for sure! No, you never can have too many rides on SSE. Jeff might beg to differ.

OMG - those are the WORST swiss cheese effect faces I have seen to date.

Hey, it's good to have never dones, something to look forward to!

I totally agree. That's why I keep the speedway on my "never done" list!

I will do a short update but I think I had the same thing! Not sure. Olivia's is one of my favorites and is a must do for the kids. LOVE it! And I just love OKW.

Loved your update. I have an update ready to go for today once I get all my replies done. But I also need to do a decent run this morning and get my hair done and go to Costco, so I might have to post later tonight. We'll see.

Well we tried to watch a movie but were technologically challenged! We could NOT get the DVR to work!

I remember that, but I couldn't remember which night it was. Yeah - I can't even work my TV and DVD player at home so there's no chance that I could work it somewhere else. Sad. If I ever live alone I will totally be screwed.

Well here's the thing, I suspect that the permalink is actually now a dynamic link. So what it looks like before you change the title, and then after SHOULD change so that it works correctly. You shouldn't have to change anything again on your end.

I have checked out some other people's links on random TRs and the same thing seems to be happening. It's very annoying because I really want th links to work properly. I don't completely understand the problem. But once again, I am technologically challenged.

Cynthia, thank you so much for your PHM recap! Sounds like you had a great race! I can't believe you didn't stop once to use the bathroom though, that's impressive! I can't wait to do the PHM myself someday!

Jen - You really should. It's a great experience. I understand the bathroom situation can be hairy, so I am thankful I didn't have to stop either.

Mary Ellen, what a lovely Epcot day! I have never taken the boat across the lagoon either, and now that I've seen your pictures, I kind of want to try it! It might be nice on those hot days in May when I know I want to be at a country wayyyy on the other side but don't feel like walking!

Hey Jen! I definitely say to give it a try. It was a really neat perspective and I'm glad I had my camera in hand!

I have to get to OKW at some point and try a Turtle Krawl, it looks so pretty and tropical! And your dinner looks awesome too! And OKW is just so beautiful, I love the colors there! You know, I should really stay there someday!

OKW is an awesome resort. I love it. It's also perfect if you have a car. And the TK is a great drink. Denny and I stopped there on our departure day in February and enjoyed one. So yummy. And Olivia's is a great little restaurant.