Finally, back to the Boards. Christmas preparations are well underway. We took a short trip this weekend to see Candlelight Procession which was as glorious and moving as ever. Steven Curtis Chapman was our narrator. We missed mark and Mary (and Bear), although with their time schedule I have no clue where they would have found even an extra 5 minutes
Mary - thanks for the trip reports, how do you manage to post while on vacation???? Glad that you enjoyed the Florida weather.
We drove up Friday mid-afternoon. Sam drove and I wrote Christmas cards. About 2.5 hours later I was not finished with cards, but I was ready to start the holidays with the Mouse. We opted for Pop Century, can't beat those Florida rates. We checked in and the room was ready so we unloaded the champagne and headed for Disney Studios (fka MGM). We rushed to see the Harlem Gospel Choir, wow - talk about enthusiasm, and spirit. We then strolled through the Osborne lights - the dancing lights and "Florida snow" gets me every time. That night we ate at Ragland Road - after a brief walk through Downtown Disney - no shopping - alas, too crowded.
Saturday it was up to visit Epcot. The lines for Soaring were already 40 minutes when we arrived at 9:15 - we took a fast pass, but did not use same. We enjoy the Land boat ride so saw the Mickey pumpkins and Rosemary trees instead. The morning was spent wandering the countries and listening to story tellers. Lunch was at the new Tokyo Dining - we were seated overlooking the Lagoon in the window seat and were treated to such service. As we had reservations for Chef de France (as part of our Candlelight Package at 5:40) we only had sushi - a good choice. I like the revamped areas, although the sound is a bit noisy with the high ceilings.
We returned to Pop for a rest, actually Sam had a rest, I went Christmas shopping and wrote a few more cards. Then it was time to drive (yes drive) to Epcot for Chefs - perfect - and Candlelight - what can I say, if you ever get the chance, please see it. Mary, we had the 8:15 Candlelight.
The fireworks are extra that night - they provide a display following illuminations. EVER WONDER IF THE ISLAND CATCHS ON FIRE? Well, it does. YUP
.We were standing with a few folks and saw the embers fall on the island. It started to burn quite a lot - 10-20 feet and getting close to the trees. So here comes the boat. Yeah claps the crowd
.and the fire is getting larger and taller
.and the boat tosses one (yes one - that is 1) bucket of water on the fire. You have got to be kidding, the crowd laughs (guffaws is more like it). So the boat trys to back the propeller up to the shore to toss more water on the flames. Nothing doing. The fire is to far from shore and is getting larger and taller
.Here comes boat number 2 - a "2 boat alarm fire". It tosses a bucket of water - ok folks, now this is getting serious, (but also hilarious). No one is leaving, we are all watching the drama unfold. (Hi GaRRy, where were you). Finally, the boats get enough water on the shore so that a fireman can hop off and start using a chemical compound to extinguish the fire. By that time, it was pretty large
.and serious. All is well that ended well.
We walked out of Epcot remarking that the ducks were swimming peacefully on the lake, what fire? What fireworks? What bangs? We missed much of the crowds. And drove to the Kingdom - we were able to park in VIP parking and entered the MK at 10:30 -
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, the castle is awesome, beautiful, wonderful, magical, enhancing, exciting, words fail me. I am so grateful to Mary for posting the picture (4 weeks ago) otherwise we would not have taken the time to head to the MK - main street was pretty, we had not seen it for a while, but the castle
.Remarkable, just stunning
.
The lines were long for the Haunted Mansion but we did see Pirates, and I like the new effects of adding Jack Sparrow. We headed back at 11:50 to beat the rush and were home in time to catch the re-run of the Heisman Trophy award.
Sunday, sigh; time to pack up the fake red Christmas tree. The Shrine had the life size naivety set up - another Christmas tradition. And rather than more parks, we took the monorail around to see the gingerbread houses in the hotels
..(I don't wanna leave) but we must.
The ride home was uneventful, more cards were written. And when we arrived, we lit our own beautiful tree
.
Whew, so that is what we have been doing
.and here is to a massive catching up on the news.
Jim, it is warm again, at least down here
Stop hogging all the cool air, we need a little. And Banfi with running?
Laura - your comment on the castle, it is more that you can imagine - honest.
Mary - thanks for the trip reports
and we wore our Disney Christmas t-shirts. Of course during the day I had a long sleeve on -for the sun, not for warmth. There have been years we have been wearing sweatshirts and wool hats, not this time.
the future travels, Ang, Sandi, (May 23) hum, well we need a date to rebook on board when we take our Pre-Christmas Cruise - perhaps we will crash your party. But then there is that land and sea Alaska info Sharron sent
.?????
Karen, the cookies are so cute
..I bet everyone was glad you raised your hand
I am with KikiKaren, I don't do Christmas cookies either
.
Monica (and all the parents of our Diskids) how do you keep up with them? Without teaching them a few choice words? uh huh - And congrats on getting your dates for the family cruise
wehee
.
Grocery Shopping???? what is that?
Diana - congrats to Alicia - we did that production when I was in Jr College
.
Now that I am caught up for the moment - I can get back to work so I can get back to Christmas preparations
oh yes, and I need to pack for the pre-Christmas cruise
.and something about books - cave diving - anyone out there understand???
PS. I work with engineers, to take a seasonal phrase - You'd better watch out, Lisa!
That's awesome that you got an SPH!!! 
(we'll be in one of the connecting ones, but that's OK - the savings is well worth it!)
