5/27/06 "Il pochi il fiero i blabbermouths" We *will* sail again Part 10

[TiggerInNY]

Oh, Maria, you've hit on my softspot - scrapbooking gadgets! I didn't go the Sizlits way, I got a QuicKutz instead (more portable, not that I take it many places, though!), but the thought is the same. The classes are great. You can usually also find local company consultants (Creative Memories, Close to My Heart, etc) that have monthly scrap sessions and classes at their house. A friend of mine does that, and I'm hoping to start going to hers this month.

Of course, you're not that far from us in NJ... wanna come down for a scrap day? You can play with all my gadgets!

--Samantha

Sam - that is a very tempting offer. How far apart are we? I'm right near the Bear Mt. Bridge. Let me know when the next scrap session/class is. Thanks.

 

[TiggerInNY]

OK, this is my last post until much later in the day.

I'm up for an Eastern, but they're only 3 or 4 days, right? I want the 7-day. Maybe back-to-backers? Hmmm. Have to look into this.

Alright - I gotta hit the showers and then off to do some errands. We're having a surprise bridal shower for Anthony's teacher today at school. Sucker---I told her NOT to do it. But she insisted she WANTED to.

Have a great day everyone. TGIF!!!!

2 weeks ago we were at Typhoon Lagoon and on our way to the RAD to meet some great friends. Time goes by way too fast....

 

[sjtracey]

I bought a few from Castaway Cay - one of the girls has the Twice the Magic border on it. I'm going to try to scan this weekend, if I can find the time. I'll email it to you so you can remove the picture. Did you get the email that I sent the other day? Just wondering if I typed it in correctly.

Ang

That'll be great. I did get your email, I just haven't had a chance to reply yet.

--Samantha

 

[RachelTori]

Maria, the Eastern is a 7 nighter!!! THREE days at sea plus St. Maarten and St. Thomas!!! Oops! Forgot Castaway Cay!!!

Are you interested?!!!!!!!

 

[mickeymo]

I'm up for an Eastern, but they're only 3 or 4 days, right? I want the 7-day. Maybe back-to-backers? Hmmm. Have to look into this.

The Magic usually alternates 7 day itineraries between the Eastern and Western. The Eastern also appeals to us (me)- it would be new ports!

 

[BWVPam]

Well, looks like we are getting a good following for booking an Eastern in 2008. Our stupid school district does not come out with the school schedule until next spring. Don't they know I will miss my early booking window!!!!!

 

[CajunGirl2]

That'll be great. I did get your email, I just haven't had a chance to reply yet.

--Samantha

No problem. I was just making sure I didn't type something incorrectly.

Ang

 

[mickeymo]

Well, looks like we are getting a good following for booking an Eastern in 2008. Our stupid school district does not come out with the school schedule until next spring. Don't they know I will miss my early booking window!!!!!

Same here - tempted to book at 18 months and then push it back if the school schedule conflicts (at least we'd cruise again)- or fly grandma down and do an adults only - like that would go over well

 

[CajunGirl2]

We'd be up for an Eastern. Bruce has a co-worker that went on the Eastern in mid-May. I guess the week would all depend on the stinking dance recital. For the past 3 years it has always been the Sun. after Mem. day. It'll be Ashley's 3rd year in '08 and she'll be recognized on stage. But, if she didn't do it, that would save me $80 in costume fees, $45 in pictures, $4 for flowers, etc.

Ang

 

[justmestace]

Now that everyone has seen Kevin's pictures you might understand why I don't spend a great deal of effort taking them or fixing them. It's just not my thing and I can always steal Kevins.

However, I did get one picture that I have not seen anyone post.

I had a great trip parasailing and was pulled right in front of the ship. Thankfully I had my camera with me and was able to get some great shots of the ship.

The only reason I WENT parasailing was to get a picture like this. But our driver decided to take us all the way to Abaco to parasail. Not a lot to look at out there.

 

[RachelTori]

Well, looks like we are getting a good following for booking an Eastern in 2008. Our stupid school district does not come out with the school schedule until next spring. Don't they know I will miss my early booking window!!!!!

Are you sure they don't have a "preliminary" calendar somewhere you could take a peek at? Or, is there enough consistency to previous years that you can make a good guess?!

I say we shoot for the 1st Eastern that "starts" in the month of June 2008.

 

[scuba diver]

Now that explains a lot about the way Molly has been acting since she got home from VIP. What did Gretchen do to her at VIP?

Molly was very 'pleasant' to me the last time I saw her... maybe because the dog at the other end of MY leash was much bigger than her?

 

[scuba diver]

Yes.

Did you see the Splendid Toad Fish pics?

 

[kikipug]

Now that explains a lot about the way Molly has been acting since she got home from VIP. What did Gretchen do to her at VIP?

Gretchen is a total chicken... she is even afraid of the neighbor's FAKE black cat that they put on their lawn at Halloween. She is petrified of other dogs... but actually gave Molly a "You're OK" sniff in the parking lot... I was really surprised!!!!

 

[mickeymo]

Are you sure they don't have a "preliminary" calendar somewhere you could take a peek at? Or, is there enough consistency to previous years that you can make a good guess?!

I say we shoot for the 1st Eastern that "starts" in the month of June 2008.

Living in Texas, I bet Pam's school district is like ours - no hints or peeks until spring, usually revealed in March. There was one year we did get out the Friday after Labor Day which was the last Friday in May. Which may be our problem in 2008. The last May Friday is May 30 after Memorial Day.

which would put the 1st 2008 June sailing on June 1... do-able for Texas school families unless they decide to officially start after Labor Day as they've threatened for the past two years...sigh...

Just checked the 2006-2007 calendar...It notes in bold - Texas Legislatures approved a mandatory start date with the 2007-2008 calendar...sigh...So what does that mean??? Labor Day start??? June Finish???? Then there is the varied starts waivers which the school districts can apply for...Then there is the rumors of no approved early start waivers...sigh...

Guess I'm going to have to drive myself insane waiting until the calendar comes out next spring...

 

[CajunGirl2]

Living in Texas, I bet Pam's school district is like ours - no hints or peeks until spring, usually revealed in March. There was one year we did get out the Friday after Labor Day which was the last Friday in May. Which may be our problem in 2008. The last May Friday is May 30 after Memorial Day.

which would put the 1st 2008 June sailing on June 1... do-able for Texas school families unless they decide to officially start after Labor Day as they've threatened for the past two years...sigh...

Just checked the 2006-2007 calendar...It notes in bold - Texas Legislatures approved a mandatory start date with the 2007-2008 calendar...sigh...So what does that mean??? Labor Day start??? June Finish???? Then there is the varied starts waivers which the school districts can apply for...Then there is the rumors of no approved early start waivers...sigh...

Guess I'm going to have to drive myself insane waiting until the calendar comes out next spring...

We may be in the same situation then. I didn't realize that the last Fri. in May would be AFTER Memorial day. I can't see them letting the kids out on the 22nd.

Ang

 

[RachelTori]

Monica,

You'd better do a little sleuthing and see what the Texas Legislature has been up to!!

We'll have to see what itineraries DCL releases when the 2008 rates come out. Maybe the 2nd Eastern in June will be the lucky one!!!

 

[RachelTori]

We may be in the same situation then. I didn't realize that the last Fri. in May would be AFTER Memorial day. I can't see them letting the kids out on the 22nd.

Ang

That's what Gwinnett County is doing - May 21st is the last day with 5/22 listed as a make-up day if needed.

 

[whnim64]

Maria -- unfortunately for us, we can't do it in May. Dale will be graduating from High School and that usually isn't until around May 31. We will be booking for probably 1st week of June, any cruise that is an Eastern

We've done 2 Westerns and would like to do an Eastern next time, also.

 

[mickeymo]

In a desperate attempt to forstall cleaning I did a bit of research...ANYTHING is better than cleaning...

The Texas Legislature approved 2007-2008 school start date as the 4th Monday in August - no waivers. (August 27, 2007) - 2 weeks later than the current start date...

The end date will depend where there is more political, tourism, parent, and/or educator pressure

-End in May: cutting vacation and teacher institute days - which would lengthen summer vacation which would lead to less student learning retention, less opportunity for teacher continuing ed etc...etc...

or keeping the school year vacation and institute days pushing the end date into June - sticking with the traditional 10 weeks of summer vacation. Less opportunity for loss of learning retention - less time spent on review, etc...etc...

OK really do need to get something accomplished...besides wishing and dreaming for a do-over cruise

ETA Laura, Great minds think alike!!!