11/22/08 Thanksgiving 2008 cruise thread. Double Dipping Travelling Turkeys!

[love2travel]

Our friends arrived back in Louisiana yesterday. There home is fine, no damage, thank goodness. They had lost power for a few days, so they lost everything in there refrigerator. They are unable to drink the water, so they are using bottled water for now. She went to the grocery store to try and buy a few things but she said the shelves are empty. Now they are waiting to see what is going to happen with Hurricane Ike. Today here in NJ we are waiting for Hanna to arrive. The forecast is 2-4 inches of rain and anywhere from 30-50 miles per hour wind. Yesterday me and DH put some of our outdoor lawn furniture away in preparation of the storm.

Hope everyone stays safe from these terrible storms. The good thing about cruising Thanksgiving is that Hurricane season will be at it's end.

 

[disneypoor]

Good morning all, just 11 short weeks away and we will all be waking up to start our vacation on the Magic.

Awww! That sounds so good!

 

[disneypoor]

Well, we didn't watch our new washing machine do its thing last night. Instead, we listened to our dishwasher! When we bought our new washer/dryer, we also ordered a new LG dishwasher (that's what we went there to buy in the first place ). It came yesterday, so I was all excited to do dishes! Doesn't take much to entertain me.

I had kindof a rough day yesterday though. We decided to move DS to another school. I wasn't very happy with the way things were going with his 5th grade teacher, and I just decided that I couldn't let any more time pass without my son learning what he was supposed to be learning. It was a very tough decision--he's been at that school since kindergarten and I worked there for 14 years up until this year. So, we talked to DS and he decided he'd be okay to switch schools. It was a stressful and tearful decision, and I hope all is well on Monday. The great news is that I teach at his new school two days a week, so I'll be able to be more in touch with his education. Send some prayers our way--every time I think about it all I tear up. DS's best friend forever cried himself to sleep when he found out, and that makes me so sad. They'll be together in middle school though.

 

[love2travel]

Well, we didn't watch our new washing machine do its thing last night. Instead, we listened to our dishwasher! When we bought our new washer/dryer, we also ordered a new LG dishwasher (that's what we went there to buy in the first place ). It came yesterday, so I was all excited to do dishes! Doesn't take much to entertain me.

I had kindof a rough day yesterday though. We decided to move DS to another school. I wasn't very happy with the way things were going with his 5th grade teacher, and I just decided that I couldn't let any more time pass without my son learning what he was supposed to be learning. It was a very tough decision--he's been at that school since kindergarten and I worked there for 14 years up until this year. So, we talked to DS and he decided he'd be okay to switch schools. It was a stressful and tearful decision, and I hope all is well on Monday. The great news is that I teach at his new school two days a week, so I'll be able to be more in touch with his education. Send some prayers our way--every time I think about it all I tear up. DS's best friend forever cried himself to sleep when he found out, and that makes me so sad. They'll be together in middle school though.

I'm sure that was a very tough decision. Best of luck to your DS.

 

[TwoByFour]

Well, we didn't watch our new washing machine do its thing last night. Instead, we listened to our dishwasher! When we bought our new washer/dryer, we also ordered a new LG dishwasher (that's what we went there to buy in the first place ). It came yesterday, so I was all excited to do dishes! Doesn't take much to entertain me.

I had kindof a rough day yesterday though. We decided to move DS to another school. I wasn't very happy with the way things were going with his 5th grade teacher, and I just decided that I couldn't let any more time pass without my son learning what he was supposed to be learning. It was a very tough decision--he's been at that school since kindergarten and I worked there for 14 years up until this year. So, we talked to DS and he decided he'd be okay to switch schools. It was a stressful and tearful decision, and I hope all is well on Monday. The great news is that I teach at his new school two days a week, so I'll be able to be more in touch with his education. Send some prayers our way--every time I think about it all I tear up. DS's best friend forever cried himself to sleep when he found out, and that makes me so sad. They'll be together in middle school though.

Susan--School decisions are tough. You have to trust your instincts, moms know best. We will certainly keep you in our thoughts.

 

[TwoByFour]

Drydock is here in Norfolk, VA. It was scheduled to come in yesterday and the weather is holding out.

We should be able to see her from the ferry and around the shipyard. They bring her into a vault lock thingie (I have no idea what it's called), connect the stuff to lift her up and then drain the water. I've watched several on the travel channel, but never actually witnessed one. I missed seeing the Wonder because I was so busy catching up at work in preparation for our Magic cruise. We were lucky enough to be sailing on the Magic when the Wonder just came back from Norfolk in 2006. They serenaded each other and the Wonder staff waved us off. It was pretty cool. Oh, OT - Anyway, I'm super excited about going. The storm activity might not have any bearing since once she's in, she's in. She was scheduled in yesterday - right? I'm sure they can alter their schedule or whatever to make sure they get done what they need to. The weather held off so I know she's bound to be here. I just hope the storms lessen in intensity for all of us here. We just typically get this kind of stuff.

I'm afraid the bandana would fly off my head. How long was the ride? I didn't realize they make you jet ski like little marching ants.

Thanks for explaining it. I rememer seeing it on the Travel Channel but I couldn't remember how they did it and I couldn't explain it to DD.

You do have to follow in line with the jet skis but like I said they go at a pretty good clip. They give a little speech before you get on, and there's about a five minute stop in the middle, the rest is riding time. DH and the kids rented jet skis at the beach in Cozumel last time and they had a lot of fun with that. They just turned them loose to do whatever they wanted.

 

[seadooken]

I was in Walgreens doday picking up some stuff and noticed the Holloween Decorations out. THen stacked way up on top of the shelves, they are starting to stock up on Christmas decorations. Normally, I just roll my eyes about this, but it kinda shows how close the cruise is.

 

[love2travel]

I was just on the Traveling Turkeys Website and I am interested in getting into better shape and I noticed on the website that GotDisney set up a site through the PresidentsChallenge website. I went on an registered and put our group information in but it didn't list anyone else. Has anybody signed up for this from our cruise? If so, can you give me a little information, thanks!

 

[seadooken]

I was just on the Traveling Turkeys Website and I am interested in getting into better shape and I noticed on the website that GotDisney set up a site through the PresidentsChallenge website. I went on an registered and put our group information in but it didn't list anyone else. Has anybody signed up for this from our cruise? If so, can you give me a little information, thanks!

I thought I had signed up, but never ended up using it. It takes away from my time at the gym!

 

[VAgal76]

I'm actually in Central Virginia between Richmond & Fredericksburg. It takes me about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to get Norfolk depending on traffic. We love Williamsburg and Busch Gardens.


I'm going to hunt around to see if I can find one of those snug doo-rag thingies. If it doesn't look completely ridiculous then I'll sign up for jet skiing. I don't think I'm brave enough to try making a fashion statement.

Hannah just went through us and all is well in these parts. Thanking God for answered prayer.

 

[lexandme]

Ken - When I was shopping today I went into a Christmas store and thought the cruise is coming soon and all of the holiday decorations will be up! 11 weeks doesn't sound that far away.
VA Gal. We could all get doo rags and decorate them and wear them to the side like pirates. That way there would be strength in numbers! If it means you'll have a good time then wear what you need to wear. We're all beside you!
Ahhh. Fredricksburg. I love it there - the Wilderness and Chancellorsville. And Guinea Station where Stonewall died and his arm is buried! You are surrounded by such wonderful history.
I tried to log on to the President's fitness thing but gave up. I walk the bridge over the Monongahela River to work and walk downtown during the week, walk at the mall and the outlets for exercise. I should do more but time is a problem.
I take the stairs at work instead of the elevator - does that count? (I'm on the second floor!!!)
Just found out a Disney Outlet store is coming to the outlets. Hooray!!!

 

[Zandy595]

Susan ~ for you DS. I hope he has an easy transition to the new school.


It looks like Ike is going to miss us. I was a little scared there for a couple days. Doesn't look good for the Gulf coast though. When are these darn storms gonna give us a break?

 

[Mean Queen]

Susan ~ for you DS. I hope he has an easy transition to the new school.


It looks like Ike is going to miss us. I was a little scared there for a couple days. Doesn't look good for the Gulf coast though. When are these darn storms gonna give us a break?

Rats! The models all show it's headed right where Gustav went.

 

[rlcook]

judy,

We're having Heritage Days here in Romney this weekend. There is always CW reenactments. Considering we changed hands more than they did underwear back then It is usually a pretty nice weekend.

You need to come and check it out. It is always the weekend after Labor Day.

Ran out of supplies for FE gifts again. Had to get on ebay again and need to make a trip to Micheals or JoAnns.

Stacie--are you going to list everyones activities on the site?

We have a 74 day countdown going on. Our vacation gets to start on Thursday. However, I'm planning on working Sun-Tues that week and then starting the vacation so I can finish the packing. We are already working on our schedules up to the week before. That's how I know we're getting closer.

Lora

 

[HerrQSmee]

Hey fellow cruisers! Been gone for a couple of days and was catching up on all the posts. Two comments- Last time we did the jet skis and we wore swim goggles. It kept the saltwater out of our eyes. At each stop, we just washed them off so we could see better. Question about the observeration tower on CC. We took the bike ride around the island with the kids last time. There was an observation tower on the hill but it was closed to cruisers- staff only. Is this the same tower or did they build another one? My kids were really disappointed they couldn't climb to the top. I am sure the view is great from there.

 

[disneypoor]

We cruised last September and rode bikes to the observation tower and were able to climb to the top. I didn't notice another tower, but it was open to everyone. We took a LONG bike ride last time and saw parts of the island we hadn't seen on previous bike rides while at CC. In fact, my favorite family picture was taken at the end of the bike trail with the beautiful ocean in the background.

 

[lexandme]

judy,

We're having Heritage Days here in Romney this weekend. There is always CW reenactments. Considering we changed hands more than they did underwear back then It is usually a pretty nice weekend.

You need to come and check it out. It is always the weekend after Labor Day.

Ran out of supplies for FE gifts again. Had to get on ebay again and need to make a trip to Micheals or JoAnns.

Stacie--are you going to list everyones activities on the site?

We have a 74 day countdown going on. Our vacation gets to start on Thursday. However, I'm planning on working Sun-Tues that week and then starting the vacation so I can finish the packing. We are already working on our schedules up to the week before. That's how I know we're getting closer.

Lora

Lora -
I would love to see your heritage days. I love reenactments. I own a CSA cavalry sgts jacket in butternut. I love reading and researching about John Mosby. Isn't Romney where Mary Tyler Moore's great grandfather was an MD during the war? Or am I confusing it with another WV town? You're really not that far from me!
You really have me puzzled as to what you're up to with your FE's!!!! I had an idea for ours but wasn't sure I could pull it off. I was surprised yesterday when I could get my supplies at a little Pittsburgh based specialty store.
Teresa - 1:00 PM EST today - I'm glued to my TV! I've been watching Tomlin's press conferences and we are ready to rock!

Any gamblers out there? I've got a bet for you. Today is DH and my 23rd wedding anniversary. My money is on he forgot. If he does forget, this will be the 3rd year in a row! The anniversary date was our bank card pin number. We changed it 3 years ago and since then he can't remember. He cracks me up. He'll get all flustered then blame it on the stress of having to go back to school etc. Then he'll tell me he didn't know what to buy me and he was planning on taking me to the mall today so I can pick something out. I'm telling him I want a tatoo for my present! He will never buy me flowers because he thinks they're a waste of money because they die. Guys just don't get it, do they?

 

[VAgal76]

Ken - When I was shopping today I went into a Christmas store and thought the cruise is coming soon and all of the holiday decorations will be up! 11 weeks doesn't sound that far away.
VA Gal. We could all get doo rags and decorate them and wear them to the side like pirates. That way there would be strength in numbers! If it means you'll have a good time then wear what you need to wear. We're all beside you!
Ahhh. Fredricksburg. I love it there - the Wilderness and Chancellorsville. And Guinea Station where Stonewall died and his arm is buried! You are surrounded by such wonderful history.
I tried to log on to the President's fitness thing but gave up. I walk the bridge over the Monongahela River to work and walk downtown during the week, walk at the mall and the outlets for exercise. I should do more but time is a problem.
I take the stairs at work instead of the elevator - does that count? (I'm on the second floor!!!)
Just found out a Disney Outlet store is coming to the outlets. Hooray!!!

You're so sweet. You're right about one thing - it could pull some double duty for Pirate Night.

Ooooh, the goggles are a good idea. I might have some already here in the house, too.

I do agree about being surrounded by history. We love the Charlottesville area, too. We like the apple festival they have at Carter's Mountain and eating lunch at Mitchie Tavern. We toured the historical homes there. Charlottesville is about a 50 min drive from us where Fredericksburg & Richmond are both about 40 mins. I really am in a quirky location surrounded by nothingness yet able to get to where I need to go in a relatively decent driving time.

We'd really like to go to Gettysburg. It's not too bad of a drive for us. It's just scheduling the time to go. I think a fall weekend camping trip would be in order.

I'll have to go see if any jet skiing is still available.

 

[Happy4Disney]

VAgal76, I just noticed you are going on Oasis of the Seas in June 2010, we are going in April!

Glad it is so far away, I will need all that time to pay for it!

 

[rlcook]

VAGal,

I think that I had PMed you before, but I don't remember. We are 40 minutes west of Winchester and both of us work at Winchester Medical Center. We used to live in Winchester, but moved back to my hometown 3 years ago. I used to do pediatric home care and had a case in Fredricksburg, an dwhen I worked with the agency, I taught CPR to the nursing staff there. I love the drive from Winchester to Fredricksburg. So where exactly in the middle of nowhere do you live?

Judy,

If you weren't on your diet I would suggest an arrangement from Edible Arrangements. All fruit and dipped in chocolate even oranges and bananas YUM-O They just opened one in Winchester and when Mackenzie was in the hospital we got her one. My favorite was the choc covered Granny Smith apples. Kenz liked the choc oranges. They also do choc covered grapes. OH and I almost forgot the choc covered strawberries. Fits right in with my addiction. You know--you would be getting your servings of fruit for your diet.



Lora