A day in Michigan, a day with friends * DIS meet pictures *

[Dan Murphy]

<embed src="http://www.dmurphydis.com/music/mmclub.mid" loop="3" hidden=true autostart=TRUE height=0 width=0>
<p><b>Well, today would find me in central Michigan for another great DIS meet,
visiting with folks I have come to call friends over the years.  Stop by
here and say hello to a few.</b></p>

<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4721.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>About 7 AM or so, I left Chicago, headed on over to Michigan, via
Indiana.  As I was headed south on the Kennedy Expressway, most of the
pretty Chicago skyline was obscured in a low cloud cover.  Here you can
only see the Sears Tower visible up about half way.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4759.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>About 3 hours and about 190 miles later, I arrived at the Lakeview Square
Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan.  As I was coming into the Battle Creek
area, I was getting hungry with all the signs proclaiming the city as the home
of Kellogg's cereal, as I do really like cereal.  Cereal was not to be, as
I did have Chinese food from the food court a bit after I arrived.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4758.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4722.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>When I arrived, yepod (John) in red, Fire14 (Julie) in pink and coqui
(Luis) in blue, and Luis' DW, helenabear (Elaine), (not in this picture), were
all in heavy DIS/Disney discussion.  The table was covered with many pretty
lime green bags (surprises for later from John) and lots of Mickey stuff here
and there.  Kitty34, in white and her DH, Mike, in yellow, along with their
sons, Michael and Dan, were enjoying their lunch several tables over.  When
Kitty heard my apparently booming voice, she turned around and said, 'Hey, it's
my DIS buddies!!!!'  And with that, she and her family joined us at the
'DIS' area.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4723.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>While I was up getting my lunch at the food court, iluvdisney, (Mary), in
red, came to the meet.  Here is Elaine checking out a just taken picture in
her digital camera.  Her and Luis had driven up from central Ohio and took
the long distance driving award for the meet.  Brisully (Brian), in black,
made a surprise entrance shortly after we were all there.  He had not
indicated he was coming, but decided on the spur of the moment in the morning to
hop over (he lives near Chicago also) and enjoy a day with some of his fellow
Disney nuts.  My thought is that actually Brian took the picture, as he
often does on everybody's cameras, LOL, and Elaine is finding out what he took,
LOL.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4724.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Nativetxn (Katholyn) arrived about this time also.  She was hoping to
see some little DIS'ers there so she could play grandma, but alas, the only
'kids' there were Kitty's and they don't like to be called 'kids'.  Here
Kath's looking at a Disney photo album in interrupted as Kitty tells her DH,
Mike, that they are going to WDW 4 times next year, once at each of the four
Magic Kingdom deluxes!!!</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4725.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Brian and Mary can't believe their ears and come over to hear how Kitty
has it all planned out and explains it to Kath.  Kath can't believe it.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4730.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Here is one of those 'Brian takes pictures on other's cameras' deals I
mentioned above.  I had gone wandering the full length of the mall (felt I
was doing my 4 mile lake walk) while trying to buy a marking pen for some
writing at the meet.  As Elaine thought I got lost, she came looking for
me, accompanied by roving cameraman, Brian, whom I did not see till he was
shooting me here, and Elaine was LOL'ing to my side.  I was LOL'ing also,
fun guy Brian sure is.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4731.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Here Kitty is signing one of the greeting cards we had there, while Kath
is reacting to one of Brian's comments and Kitty's DH, Mike, is still holding
his heart from the earlier 4 trip announcement by Kitty.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4733.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>I had brought the 1971 WDW book I had purchased on E-Bay some time back,
which has great pictures and text about the early development of WDW.  Here
Mary is captivated by the great pictures in the book while Brian demonstrates
one of the methods he uses to bless people. </b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4734.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>John readies his camera, as Elaine keeps a watchful look out of the corner
of her eye, and has her own camera at the ready if things get into a battle of
cameras.  Luis, to the right, is still talking about Kitty's 4 trips to the
deluxes.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4736.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Mike is still having a hard time recovering from the earlier announcement
and tries to learn how Luis would go about doing 4 in one year.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4737.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Though he was good in not making an early announcement of his elevation to
chat host (reason for practicing those blessing techniques I guess), Brian was
reading a chat host rules manual during the momentary lulls in the conversation. 
He could not believe all the rules.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4738.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>A table view of most everyone at the meet...Elaine, John, Luis, Mike,
Katholyn, Kitty, Julie, and Mary.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4740.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Again, one of those Brian taking pictures with other' cameras, LOL. 
Here he takes a picture of both Elaine and Julie, who are, in fact, waiting to
take a picture of me exiting the restroom.  (Why oh why did I ever take
that first restroom exit picture of Buckalew and Hunter at WDW exiting near
Tomorrowland???)</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4741.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Thinking I may be subject of such shenanigans, I came out of the restroom
like I was applying for a job as a Bear's offensive lineman.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4744.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Kitty and Mike's sons, Michael on the left and Danny.  They got a bit
bored early on and decided to go see a movie at the mall theater.  They
came back a couple hours later.  They were two very nice young men and I
was happy to meet them both.  Nice boys, Kitty and Mike!!!!  In the
foreground are the array of lime green goody bags that John had brought with to
give to everyone.  It was like Christmas in August!!!  John's DW,
Jody, was the one who made everything so very pretty.  And we missed seeing
you, Jody, along with DD, Emily.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4746.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Our group shot, John, Katholyn, Kitty, Elaine, Mary, Julie, myself, Mike
and Brian.  Luis was taking the picture.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4748.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Mary, in a moment of contemplation of DIS-Con in December.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4755.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Elaine telling me she has had enough of the camera nonsense.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4760.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Alas, all good things come to an end.  A few folks left in the late
afternoon and the balance of everyone left about 7 PM.  As I headed back to
Chicago, a beautiful sunset overtook me and by the time I reached home, it was
night.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4762.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Another great DIS meet, more very nice folks we know from the DIS.  A
small world it is after all.   Thanks for the organizing of it, John,
much appreciated.  And thanks to everyone who was able to come and visit.</b></p>
<p><b>A special thought, as 6_Time_Momma, (Kristy) was going to be attending
also, along with her other five children.  With her baby passing away
earlier in the week, we seemed to almost dedicate this meet to Kristy and little
Gabrielle.  Kristy, you and Gabrielle were most assuredly in our thoughts
and prayers.  God bless.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/DISMeets/MichDISmeet/DSCN4764.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>As I returned to Chicago, I pulled off the Kennedy, and took a drive into
the Loop, looking for some lighting situations to practice a few nighttime
pictures using a hint that Brain had made me aware of on my camera.  Here
is Union Station.  Not too Disney or DIS-like, but I thought it was pretty
good, LOL.  Thanks much, Brian.</b></p>
<p><b>And thank you all for sharing.

And BTW, those four trips of Kitty's......just kidding. </b></p>
<p> </p>

 

[glo]

Thanks for posting these Dan!!
I love seeing some of my old friends and new faces!!!

Hi Mary!!! Can't wait to see you again!!!

Looks like you guys had a blast!!!

 

[jldriscoll]

Neat Dan! Thanks for sharing!!!

Wish I could have been there!

I love that I can put faces with some of the names I know and love here now!

 

[nativetxn]

Great photos, Dan. That was a great meet. I had a ball talking with everyone. It was wonderful seeing you again.

We need to do this again soon

 

[helenabear]

Wow that was fast Dan!!! Thanks for getting these up so fast! It was a great day and I am glad that I made the drive up there so I could meet a few new people and see a few I had met before. That sunset you took is beautiful as is your final shot. Hopefully we can have another Michigan meet soon and this time I'll learn to sleep in a bit more in the morning now that I know how long it really takes to get to Michigan

 

[Kama89]

Beautiful pictures Dan!! You guys look great! Hi to John, Katholyn, Kitty, Elaine, Luis, Mary, Julie, Dan, Mike, and Brian. I'm so sorry I missed your phone calls yesterday, Elaine, I would've loved to have had the opportunity to say hi to everyone.
Dan, that picture of Union Station is beautiful!

 

[Dan Murphy]

John (yepod) emailed me several pictures to post in addition to those above.

Also, just wanted to again thank John for the great Disney beanies (Marie liked hers also) and the nice Disney pins too. And thank you also, Brian, for the neat pin.

Kitty and Kath, with an array of gift bags behind them.

Mary, trying to get Brian to understand her point of view.

Myself, in a contemplative moment, tring to understand what Brian just told me about a camera setting.

Thanks, John.

 

[Lars624]

Thanks so much Dan, I knew we could count on you for some great pictures!

I really wish I'd been there it looks like you guys had a lot of fun!

 

[SeaSpray]

Thanks for sharing your pictures, Dan! I love seeing pictures from DIS meets. I'm really getting excited about the upcoming DIS meet at Webmaster Alex's house in a couple of weeks!!!

Dan, if you start driving now, you'd be here in plenty of time!!!

 

[Brisully]

Thanks Dan!! Great pictures as always! Mary is going to kill you for posting that picture.

Hope that we see a lot more of the nighttime pictures!!!!

No pictures from me, since my brother was using my camera this weekend.

A great DIS meet.

 

[CRB#33]

It's so nice to see all of your faces. Some new friends I never "met" before!

Looks like you had a wonderful time!

Are you serious about the chat book for Brian ????

Four times in a year doesn't seem to bad to me!

Thanks for the pictures Dan!

 

[bfeller]

Thanks for the pictures. As always they were great. I really enjoyed seeing some familiar faces.

 

[iluvdisney]

Yesterday was a lot of fun - it was great seeing everyone - meeting new friends is quickly becoming a passion of mine! There's nothing like sitting down with people you have never set eyes on before and feeling like you've known for a long time. I usually don't like to see pictures of myself up here but found myself laughing and remembering all the fun I had - so glad I was sent a message alerting me to this meet. And, I hope to see many of you again soon - there will be a meet at 12 Oaks in Novi in Sept 14th (I think).

 

[yepod]

Thanks for the great pictures & excellent commentary, Dan!

Thanks also for posting my pictures, since I'm still technically challenged

I actually thought Mary was practicing levitating Brian's pinbook (learned from Dopeygirl's magic school Dopeywarts I think it's called)

It was great meeting familiar & new faces & glad we got Kitty hooked BWAHAHAHAHA

Now do you see why I had a hard time spotting your lime green ribbon (on Kitty's hat, over her left shoulder)


And Kitty, the vote so far is the next MI meet will be a Kitty-Con for sure!

Thanks to Mike (Michael) & Dan (Kitty's very well mannered young men) for helping with the door prizes

Dan's fast at pictures Elaine, but others are faster at .................. let's just say she puts the likes of Nicholas Cage to shame The sequel will be called "gone in 3 1/2 hours"

 

[#1 Disney Fan]

Thanks for the pictures of a great looking meet, Dan. Nice to see both familiar and new faces!

As I heard about the Battle Creek mall meet, I thought to myself... "hmmm... I wonder... I think I might have been to that mall before" and now that I see you pictures posted I am almost positive in fact that yes, I've been there!

 

[Blondie]

Thanks for posting the pics of yet another great DIS meet!

 

[Patrick IL.]

What a great group of people Thanks for the pictures Dan

 

[skuttle]

Great pictures, Dan!
Are you sure you should be driving and taking pictures at the same time?!?

 

[Kitty 34]

Loved the commentary, Dan!!! Still getting used to seeing MY pictures plastered all over a DIS Meet photo thread, tho!!!


We had so much fun!! The boys feel like celebrities now especially after seeing the pics. Of course, Dan they were especially interesed in the possible 4-trip excursion to Disney deluxes the most!!!

John, I noticed the lo-o-o-ng lime green streamer right away!!

Thanks again everyone for a wonderful afternoon!!!
However, I think I need to get a few more of these types of Meets under my belt before trying a Kitty-Con!!!!

 

[6_Time_Momma]

Wow! What great pcitures! You guys look like you all had a great time. My kids are looking at the pics with me. They knew we had been planning to go and wanted to see what went on there. I really wish I could've been there!