ABC's of Trip Planning (Oct 10-20), Vol. 2- Z is for: Zippidee Doo Dah!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[pkondz]

Got it now. Looks like fun.

 

[Steppesister]

I regularly read movie reviews by a critic with the last name McWeeny. I can only imagine what that childhood was like.

Ouch. That IS an unfortunate one. Yowza! Mine, sadly, was interjected with the same subject line.

I like your dresses that you have chosen. I'm glad someone else out there likes to wear dresses in the parks. You have made me realize that I definitely need to start thinking about my own wardrobe choices as well. While it's not time to pull out the suitcases just yet, it will be upon me any time now!

So, how is this coming? I am pulling out my suitcases tomorrow. 44 days is close enough, especially since in the next week or so, at least by historical standards we'll be switching to cooler, rainier weather. Time to put the Summer/WDW garb away.

I hope you're having a great time in the Bay area!

We sure did! Now if I can just finish up editing those photos.

Fashion show - excellent! My planning for my winter trip - not so exciting, especially since I will be on my own. Then again, it will be easy - who is really going to care when I recycle my clothing?
Glad your mini-break is going so well!

That is a a good point. But solo trips are all about being who you are with no holds barred. Be comfy and if you feel like gussying up, DO IT! We had such a fabulous time... more TR coming.

 

[Steppesister]

I love the idea of Keens, but they aren't the right shape for my feet. I ended up with Tevas - great for walking and getting wet, but don't have the toe protection of the Keens.

Well..... on the first day I had them, I walked quite a lot and wasn't sure if they were going to work. They felt pretty tight, and I was pretty close to trying to send them back. The next day, I wore socks, and they worked much better, HOWEVER, that was the day I took a 5 mile hike with them and I ended up with a small blister on one of my toes. Since I've been back, I've work them some more, but have not walked nearly as much as I will in the parks, so still not sure if they'll work or not. I will keep wearing them over the next few days and just see. I plan to take at least 3 pairs of shoes, and may end up in just my good old tennies the whole time. I guess that's ok too. Just not as cute or fun.

You guys need to get together and drink to forget.

@Leshaface - you name the time and place, Lady.

I'm assuming she'll join in on Saturday when she's off, but i'll continue sippin'

It's Saturday. I'm off. I'm here. Where's every one else? I'm already a Mango/Basil Bellini in.

I am finally back if not caught up at least BACK!!! I have been UBER buseeee!!! Have a new resident move in who is going to be a NIGHTMARE, she is soooo SLOW at everything and thinks we are her maids !! Left her towel ,washcloth and shirt just laying in the bathroom and when I said to pick them up and where am supposed to put them . I replied in your hamper till sunday when you do your laundry. Her reply was I don't do laundry , Just watch lady just watch be

All of us are too, Rosie. Seems like everyone's working like crazy these days. I guess if you play, you pay.

How is the new resident doing? I hope things are smoothing out with her and her 'tude.

 

[Steppesister]

Have fun for me. I've never been.... and it's on the bucket list.

It's definitely a place where there is a LOT to do. I think one could easily spend a week and not grow tired of the variety of things to see and do. We barely scratched the surface and were there 5 days. And were exhausted from our pace.

That's one of the things I don't enjoy about going to band practice in LA. We moved our rehearsal location about a year ago. While the facility is world's better, the neighborhood is not at all good. Luckily I am in the car and don't smell anything, but it just kills me to see the rows of tents on the overpasses and lightly traveled streets.

Yeah, I guess is just hard to see poverty and all. We all just have to do our part and carry on.

Yay! Enjoy your time... and then tell us all about it!

Working on it. Editing photos takes forever! (But I do love it!)

Welcome Home! I followed along on FB, but I am looking forward to your report here. Looks like you had a fab time!

HI Tammie! I need to step up the pace before the details escape this tiny brain of mine.

Welcome back! I look forward to hearing all about your tales!

Thanks, Alison! Hopefully another update this weekend before I head back to work.

Welcome home! (Doesn't that sound better when a Disney CM says it?)

Loved following the photos on FB!

Yes, it does. I'll make sure to relish it in 43 days.

Thanks, those were crappy cell phone photos; the better ones are yet to come.

 

[Steppesister]

Only about a month and a half to go!

43 days to be exact. But who's counting?

Welcome back!
Can't wait to hear about your trip and what else you might be up too.
!! less then 7 weeks to go!! Oh my!

Thanks, Shelly! I worked on finishing up my Trip Books today; now I just have to bind them.

The trip was fabulous! I really liked it a lot. I wouldn't want to live there (too urban for me), but it's definitely a great place to visit.

43 DAYS!!!!

Sorry I've been absent for a bit, I think I've been in a pre vacation slump. Everything's done...nothing to do now but wait. And wait. And wait

The waiting is so very hard. I've been SO busy at work, it's just really hard to sit and stew about my trip. I'm making progress on the little touches slowly, a little bit each day or week, but like you, if I were to have to leave tomorrow, all I'd have to do is pack. Which I'm going to start tomorrow and do a little each weekend. Only 6 of those left.

Loved the fashion line up!

Thanks!! That was only a representative sample of my style.

I haven't been to San Fran in ages, like 25 years. But I bet it's still a great city. The dim sum looks fabulous. Cool architecture photos too! Looks like the skies were nice and clear for your first day!

There's SO much to do there! WOW! I had not remembered how much there is to see. The girls loved every minute and we only scratched the surface of museums and walks. The weather was perfect for walking.

 

[Steppesister]

Watch out, Liesa! Truck backing up!

Ay carumba! I almost died.

Oh Gawd...... tell me about it.

No. On second thought. Don't.

I know. It's just hard. Vacations are just so sweet. And I do think now that I"m working I appreciate them far, far more. Of course, now I can actually take a few more. Especially since I took a per diem position.

Warm smell of tortillas, rising up through the air.

Well, you're closer to Mexico than I am.
And I don't know what colitas are.

I KNOW you're kidding about colitas. You are as friendly with Mr. Google as I am, if you hadn't already been familiar with Mary. Mary Jane, that is.

Reading? Watching?

Ok. Fine. 4 things. I did those too.

Allez y!

I'd forgotten how much of my French I'd... forgotten.

pffttt... I could've done that for you.

Repeat after me:
Eat my shorts!
Don't have a cow, man!
Ay caramba!
I didn't do it.
Ow! Quit it!

See? Simple.

Strangely, it was really pretty calm on the trains. I think with the advent of the cell phone people are more self-absorbed and in their own little worlds. One lady was putting on make-up, Most were on their phones. Some just stared out the windows, even under the tunnel into the blackness. It was... odd.

Yes!! I'd love to go there. Seriously.

If you just like to walk and see, and people watch, this is the place for you. It did actually remind you of your solo walks through Montreal.

Well... except for tripe. Did not care for tripe.

None of that on this trip. We ate enough for all time in Crapistan.

FYI, can't see the second photo.

Yeah, sigh. I need to fix that.

Ooooh... peer pressure on vacation.

She was adorable, and so hopeful we'd go to her restaurant. How could we not?

And you just stumbled on it????

Awesome!

Yeah, pretty much. This was destined to be a great vacation from DAY 1.

This is a truism of every person who's ever eaten dim sum.

So you've done it before. Am I the last person on earth (except Mark) who's not done dim sum?

I think there are several neighbourhoods that could meet that criteria.

OH, look. You threw a 'u' in 'neighborhoods'. How cute.

Ok, where was I? I rarely see that anymore, even in our rural areas. This photo screamed Asia, or the barrio.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say.... because they burn incense?

Where's my prize?

Man, you guys are quick on the uptake!

It's more rewarding that way anyway.

See response somewhere up there ^^.

Oh? Going somewhere?

Wait til you hear about this little place I found to go! It's called Disney World. Have you ever been? I hear it's amazing.

EVOO??

Glad Alison could clear that up for you.

Niiiice. You literally took the time to smell the roses (sans roses).

You know me and my penchant for flowers. (Never used that one before. Cool!)

There is one place where this doesn't seem to be the case....

Also happens to be the only place where Mickey wakes you up.

Too bad.
Still... You're off to a great start!

Yes, I'd say so! Hopefully Day 2 soon.

 

[Steppesister]

Glad there's a silver lining in there.
I mentioned this on another thread. I worked 11 hours yesterday (had tickets to take Kay to see Shrek the Musical (local production)) and then 16 hours today to help out a co-worker/friend. 16 more tomorrow, then (hopefully) just 8 hour shifts until September 7th when I go on vacation.
So I feel your pain.

Oddly, if I keep going, keep working, keeeeep standing on my feet and plugging away, I can. It's really not until I get home that I instantly feel kaput. By the way... nevermind, I'll PM you to ask. Was wondering about something work related. Mine aren't even close to 16 hours. Sometimes 10, but that's enough given it's all brand new stuff and so mentally taxing. The last time I felt like this was when we were in full time language learning mode having 4-6 hours/day of lessons, then having to go out and "do life" and actually use it for another 4 or so.

Dim sum...yum!

So you've done it too! How was I so late to get on this band wagon?

I sympathize with the feeling like an idiot while figuring out a new transit system. I used to know Chicago's pretty well, but they changed to Ventra cards a while back and now I'm a clueless newbie if I need to use it!

If I'd booked the the trip a bit further out, I'd have had time to YouTube some tutorials and stuff, so started from absolute scratch. I"m sure you could to if the need arises. You estrike me as a smart cookie; I'm sure you'd figure it out quickly.

Niiiiice. Not the old part, 'cause I don't believe that part, but the bed early. Wow. What's that even like??

Vacation is coming. Just don't burn the candle at both ends so you come home even more exhausted. I did from this last one, not taking into account the next weeks' schedule. Probably should have had a day to just be at home do decompress, unpack, and go to bed early. Yeah, coming home at midnight was probably not the smartest thing to do.

Oh. That explains my current condition then.

I could hypothesize some others if you'd like other diagnoses.

Too late to say night, so I'll say Morning!

I missed you too this time. So I'll say the same.

 

[Steppesister]

Well I still have yet to try it. Waaaa.

I knew I couldn't be the only one who'd not tried this yet! When I finally get meself down to SoCal, we'll have to go, k?

(By the way, as a completely, well, almost completely, off topic subject, I am gleefully listening to the MSEP soundtrack as I type and really can't wait to get back to DLR to watch it, and finally get to Carsland.)

We used to do that on our elementary school field trips. The "under the bay" thong was new back then so it was a huge novelty.

I don't usually chuckle at typos, Alison, but that was is actually pretty funny! I'm trying to picture an "under the bay thong".

Interesting philosophy. Did you develop that in Crapistan?

No, it's actually a life lesson my dad taught me. Shooting for those kinds of places has never steered me wrong.

Good sign right there. Glad you found an old staple.

Sounds like a nice day being pampered by family and such.

Me too! Yummy stuff in there! Thanks for following along!

3:30 should only come once a day.

I agree! And it should only have PM as its suffix.

Whew. I thought you could tell I visited Taco Bell for lunch.

This may be a shock to you, but...I TOTALLY agree!

We agree on quite a lot. I'm glad it includes important stuff like this!

I dunno. Probably all the incense they're burning in there.

ETA: Dang it! @pkondz beat me to the obvious joke.

I knew at least one of you would take the bait on this one.

Hey, now! This vacation is getting more fun!

And this...

Oh. Less fun.

You guys are so predictable. I love that.

No problem! Calories don't count on vacation!

You should have told my waist size that a week ago.

I can see you don't "Rachel Ray" much. It's too much trouble for her to say Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Thanks, Alison. And yes, it is. That's a lot of typing.

 

[Steppesister]

What?!?!?
No! No no no no no no no no!

<exits. slams door behind.>

Sorry.

I'm mentally buying!

Too bad Disney doesn't buy that line of thinking. (see what I did there?)

Your scenario patients are undead???



cooooool...

We joked about them being cats in people's virtual bodies.

Don't worry about it. It'll get done when it gets done.

You're a very gracious reader.

Sounds good.
And I won't hold you to it.

Got it now. Looks like fun.

 

[pkondz]

It's definitely a place where there is a LOT to do. I think one could easily spend a week and not grow tired of the variety of things to see and do. We barely scratched the surface and were there 5 days. And were exhausted from our pace.

Probably why I want to go so much.

43 days to be exact. But who's counting?

Not me. It's not like we put tickers in our signatures or something.

Ay carumba! I almost died.

Lucky I warned you.

I know. It's just hard. Vacations are just so sweet. And I do think now that I"m working I appreciate them far, far more. Of course, now I can actually take a few more. Especially since I took a per diem position.

Our problem is we don't take long enough vacations. I could (and am!) take more time, but Ruby can never seem to get away. Even getting her to take one week off took some doing.

I KNOW you're kidding about colitas. You are as friendly with Mr. Google as I am, if you hadn't already been familiar with Mary. Mary Jane, that is.

Actually... I wasn't! I just figured "flowers... done". And only now did I Google it after your cryptic (at the time) MJ remark.

I'd forgotten how much of my French I'd... forgotten.

Out of curiosity, how many languages do you speak?

If you just like to walk and see, and people watch, this is the place for you. It did actually remind you of your solo walks through Montreal.

Oh?
Awwww.... you were thinking of me.

None of that on this trip. We ate enough for all time in Crapistan.

We (Kay & I) ate enough the one time we had it. Blech. Did not sit well at all and ruined our appetites.

She was adorable, and so hopeful we'd go to her restaurant. How could we not?

You could not if her restaurant was crap.

Yeah, pretty much. This was destined to be a great vacation from DAY 1.

So you've done it before. Am I the last person on earth (except Mark) who's not done dim sum?

Three times actually. Twice in Chinatown and once at a place closer to home (all in Winnipeg). It's a fun way to eat.

OH, look. You threw a 'u' in 'neighborhoods'. How cute.

Of course. Or, as you Yanks spell it, "Of corse".

Ok, where was I? I rarely see that anymore, even in our rural areas. This photo screamed Asia, or the barrio.

Don't see it much is right. But I remember seeing it quite a bit in Venice.

Man, you guys are quick on the uptake!

Hey.... prizes are at stake.

Right?





Right?

Wait til you hear about this little place I found to go! It's called Disney World. Have you ever been? I hear it's amazing.

No! Amazing? I think I'll go in a couple of weeks to check it out.

Glad Alison could clear that up for you.

You know me and my penchant for flowers.

Indeed I do!

(Never used that one before. Cool!)

I haven't either. Didn't even remember it was there.
Well... uh.... here!

Also happens to be the only place where Mickey wakes you up.

Not true! You could wake up with a Texas Mickey anywhere.

I could hypothesize some others if you'd like other diagnoses.

Fire away!
(But be kind.... ah... skip the kindness.)

I missed you too this time. So I'll say the same.

Sorry.

Too bad Disney doesn't buy that line of thinking. (see what I did there?)

I did, and... yes.

We joked about them being cats in people's virtual bodies.

You're a very gracious reader.

I am, aren't I?

NOW GET WRITING!

 

[Steppesister]

After a mediocre night's sleep, I was ready to embrace the day of exploring new territory I'd not seen in a very long time. But first coffee. I don't generally do the filtered variety and I certainly don't dispose of my grounds in a double plastic wrapped bag either, but deferring to my host's utter abhorrence of even the tiniest scent of it, I did what was asked by his SO. I thought it a bit odd. I mean what does he do every time he walks by a Starbucks? And I know she drinks it, so what does he do when she imbibes? I'm at a loss.

Nevertheless, it tasted great. I tried in vain to find a veranda, porch, or any other suitable outdoor seating venue, but came up dry. I was resigned to sitting alone with Alberto the Cat who detested my very presence in his personal castle to enjoy my bowl of polenta, a fresh pear and my morning coffee. I like to ease into the day slowly, and will almost always get up with plenty of time to spare before leaving for work for checking in here, and on FB, and reading a bit of news. And it was vacation. I had time to sleep in a bit AND get up and have a leisurely morning.



I met up with the girls by walking the 12 or so blocks to Susan's which afforded me more time to savor the Californian landscape varieties, the 4 million dollar homes (with one toilet), and the fresh Bay air.

The girls, who were staying with Susan, had finished their breakfast and were ready to hit the day walking, and training, and Uber-ing. We called an Uber ride to the BART station, boarded a train, and headed into San Fran again, this time with the goal of walking the entirety of the Embarcadero. The weather was a teensy bit on the cool side, but we had, for the most part, dressed appropriately. I had my shirt on. (And before you post that I was missing my pants, I had those on too.)

From the station, we went downhill from there, (I am 39, you know, so this could only mean in geographical terms.) and got to the water's edge. But there was no water to be seen. Yet. There were WAY too many multi-storied buildings, docks, ports, etc... in the way. Neat ones like this:



I have no idea if they are original or historical in any way, but they were pretty cool nonetheless.

And thus began a long walk... a very, very long walk.

Ok, whatever. It was only 1.2 miles. But for some reason, possibly because my feet were screaming in the new shoes, it felt like 12.1 miles. But the sights and sounds somewhat eased my personal bubble of distress; there was the usual buzz of tourists' chatter, the bright lights of chain restaurants, and the smell of salty, fishy air mixed with hot dogs and cotton candy. There was, however, a distinct lack of public bathrooms. I mean it took some looking, and at last relief was found in the coolest 21st century has produced. Self-locking, time minimizing, single use, potties. I was SURE I had taken a photo of the one I used (because I'm pretty sure y'all wanna see where I took a leak), but I am struggling to find a few of the photos I thought I took, and struggling even more today to upload them onto PB. This could take a while.... (Ok, going back to rant about PB. Seems they will no longer let me upload there as I've reached 85% of my free storage. No way in you-know-where I'm going to pay to store, so I'll have to find another place for my photo storage. This update literally took me all day. )

A few more views along the way:





I'm kinda diggin' the next one:





We left the less touristy area of the Embarcadero and entered...

The Touron Zone.

***Warning, you are about to enter an area fully devoted to charging exorbitant prices for cheap foreign junk, bland, greasy food, and specializing in catering to hordes of people who probably should have walked 4 more blocks for better food, better souvenirs, and fewer people. I can neither confirm nor deny that a certain walking party fell prey to the tyranny of the urgent.

Exhibit A:



B:



and C:



WAIT!

That's not a bunch of people and kitschy tourist stuff. Well, no, actually it's not. Here's the story:

One of the things we had REALLY wanted to do on this trip was take the audio tour at Alcatraz. Mikki had done this when she visited last and insisted we go with Anara. Alas, because this was a very spur of the moment trip with no time to really plan, we'd have to take what we could. Which was nothing in this department. There were exactly ZERO tickets available until August 25th (5 days from then) for ANY trips to the island. Sad day.

BUT

there was a very cool exhibit at the dock where the ferries launched from set up by the US Parks Service. If you don't have time to actually go to the island or want just a tiny taste of it, this little haven is for you. They have a really nice diorama set up of the buildings and a very nice exhibit on the horticultural and native plants on the island. All of the families of the guards lived on that island, the kids were ferried over to the city for school each day, and the moms did what most moms in that day and age did- gardening, cooking, caring for their families. And what they did with the gardens was amazing! They propogated many native and non-native plants and made a barren rock landscape into a pretty nicely habitable place. We spent about 30 minutes looking at the displays and promising to go back someday and get our tickets online ahead of time.

Next time, Alcatraz:



(Yes, I realize I need to straighten this photo. Too bad. Been at this all day; not going back now. Just pretend the whole Pacific Ocean is sliding off towards Japan.)

Not going to Alcatraz, but still looked fun:



Further along, we fought the 4,000,000 tourists from all over the world to see these:



I'm not sure why. We see them several times a year on our own docks in Newport, and they are vile creatures. They stink, fight viciously, and wreck docks and eat all the fish. I suppose if you're from "out of town" they'd be fun to watch, but we moved along quickly from here.

We could see our target in the distance (NO! to the left of the frigate (or whatever type of Naval ship that is)):



NO, not him either. Clearly, this dock is his entire target. THIS, was where we honed in:



A few more hundred yards and we'd be eating "where it all started". Soup in a bread bowl, that is.

But not until after my girls finished watching a guy doing some pretty cool art entirely with spray paint. It wasn't this guy, but he was doing the same thing. It was fun to watch for about 3 minutes when my head started to pound from the fumes. These guys face brain damage every single day. I'm positive.

They finally met up with me where I stood watching this:



I watched the baskets go around and around. Maybe it is me who has brain damage, because, seriously, it amused me for far too long. These amused me too:



After checking out the "real" restaurant and determining I am too few tax brackets low to eat there, we settled on the cafeteria-style counterpart. Which had the exact same chowder and chili bowls. Just no one to carry it to your table for you, which obligates you to a 50% increase in price and a tip on top of that. Oh, and we did not have the option of oysters. Which is seriously fine with me. They remind me of loogies, and I've made a personal commitment to never try them.

The chowder was mediocre, whereas the prices for even the cafeteria menu were not. We paid too much and could have gotten a FAR better (looking at least) bowl had we walked 4 more blocks. And paid the same price for a sit down meal (with oysters, should you care to poison yourself with them- (really Alison, I'm kinda just (mostly) joking here) ). Which makes me sad. There were a crapton of REALLY great looking seafood places all along the Ebarcadero past Pier 39 which looked amazing. Oh well. Live and learn. At least I can say I've been to the Original Boudins which is featured in California Adventure.

After our family style meal with a German speaking family, we set foot once again to finish our tour. And every good tour should end with dessert. At the far end of the Embarcadero where it peters out at the Maritime Historial Park, is Ghiradelli Square, where according to our local experts, the chocolate was never really mass produced, but had a micro operation for the Tourons. Most of it was made in San Leandro, I guess. Whatever, chocolate is chocolate and the only REAL chocolate is dark chocolate. Do not try to argue with me, your point is pointless.

So naturally, we went with a sundae made with butterscotch.

Blame it on poor upbringing. My daughters chose it. It did a small layer of hot fudge which somewhat appeased me; the price though put me in a bad mood.

It looked exactly like this (plastic cup and all) for $8.95:

I could have made that for $.75 at home. With homemade hot fudge. But what really put me in the bad mood was throwing half of it away. Like I've said a million times, we just aren't big eaters; we split it 3 ways and walked away on sugar overload. We knew what was coming tonight and overdoing it now, wasn't going to be worth it.


A few from Ghiradelli Square:

The time for touring was quickly coming to a close. We'd had other things on our plates today.

Things like enchiladas, chili rellenos, chili Colorado, and that luscious jalepeno marg I showed you earlier. In case you've forgotten, here it is again:

See that fresh slice on the side? See the sugared rim? I really like that spicy sugar! So much that I used my finger to dabble at it; I also picked that pepper up and ate it. My name is not Peter Piper, but I picked my peppers.


On the way home, I also accidentally picked my nose . There was an immediate volcano eruption right there in the car; hot lava foamed through my nostrils. Tears of anguish flowed from my eyes and my brain nearly melted on impact. Boys and Girls, let this be a lesson to you: Do not pick your peppers and your nose all in one evening.

One can never be too careful with a jalepeno marg.

Okay, with that story out of my system, among other things, I need to backtrack for one more photo.

On the way to the restaurant, in a once very small farming community called Fruitvale, I spied a REALLY cool old building still standing from the glory days of that community. Perhaps it was a saloon, maybe a hardware store, a warehouse... who knows. But it was sagging and tilting at just the right angle to speak of its age, yet also to its resilience. The windmill still standing next to it was such a cool added touch. Wish I had had quite a lot more time here to do my subject justice... and with a camera not a cell phone.



During dinner Matt and Susan told us the story behind the location we were dining at. The restaurant was directly across the street from the Fruitvale BART Station where the infamous Fruitvale shooting took place in 2009. A subsequent movie was filmed about the story in 2013 and you are welcome to read the account in Wiki or your other favorite source. In addition to political discussion, we were also treated to authentic mariachi by a duo playing guitar and accordion. One guy was enjoying his job, the other was clearly not thrilled to be there and had a crappy voice. Regardless, we went home and played some Balderdash and ended the evening on a great note with another 3 days of vacation yet still ahead of us.

Until next time,

Adios, Amigos!!!

 

[Steppesister]

Not me. It's not like we put tickers in our signatures or something.

Your is better than mine.

Our problem is we don't take long enough vacations. I could (and am!) take more time, but Ruby can never seem to get away. Even getting her to take one week off took some doing.

No, your problem is you work too much. AND don't take long enough vacations.

Then again, maybe it's you AND Ruby who work too much.

Actually... I wasn't! I just figured "flowers... done". And only now did I Google it after your cryptic (at the time) MJ remark.

See, we are two peas in a virtual pod.

Out of curiosity, how many languages do you speak?

2 fluently. American (so as not to offend Rosie) and Kazakh. I can understand a bit of French, despite having taken 3 years of it in high school, and a lot more Spanish. Learning Spanish better is a really high priority for me as I will really need in my job. And I want to go on our company's medical missions trips which will help lot too. I can also understand a bit of Russian.

Awwww.... you were thinking of me.

Yes, I was thinking about how much a doof move you pulled paying for parking and then... not parking. Among other things.

You could not if her restaurant was crap.

But there were too many telltale signs that it was going to be GREAT!

It's a fun way to eat.

If you have not tried tapas, and you like to nibble your way through dinner over a bit of time, that might be something to try. Spanish food with potatoes, cheeses, nuts, olives, and other yummy bites. Always, at least in my opinion paired best with fruity sangria on a hot summer evening on a sidewalk cafe.

"Of corse".

At first, I read that "corpse".

But I remember seeing it quite a bit in Venice.

OH yes, a ton there. I am so beyond sad I've lost all of my photos from my European Tour in high school.

Speaking of something related. My son tripped on my puter cord about an hour ago, and right after my heart started pumping again, I did the appropriate amount of scolding, then kicked my own butt for not having backed this baby up. Ever. I about died. Tuesday I'll look into how to even do that. I have no idea?

Hey.... prizes are at stake.

One never knows...

No! Amazing? I think I'll go in a couple of weeks to check it out.

<glares at computer screen>

I haven't either. Didn't even remember it was there.
Well... uh.... here!

That one is from Oregon. He'll be driving through Taco Bell shortly.

Not true! You could wake up with a Texas Mickey anywhere.

And now it's my turn to Google.

I think I might like to wake up to one of those. I'm liking Canada more and more. After this election we'll see
if I like it enough to move there.

Fire away!
(But be kind.... ah... skip the kindness.)

You might have:

1) Gotten stung by a wasp between your 1st and 2nd toes?
2) Accidentally mistook the mustard for caramel sauce and died of woeriavlkmaoein- the fatal syndrome that occurs when you combine mustard and Twinkies.
3) You tried a raw oyster
4) Maybe your mind is on a permanent vacation with your knees deep in the water somewhere (you don't listen to country, so that one was likely lost on you.)

I am, aren't I?

NOW GET WRITING!

You're so convincing that I did.

 

[Steppesister]

And now, so I don't get busted for too much NON-Disney stuff, I'll give a wee little update on my productive weekend. My weekends, to say the least, are EXTREMELY precious to me as I only have 6 more before our trip! EEEEEEK! That's not a lot of enough days off in a row to get much done. We have packing, some shopping, and BIG house projects to get done in that amount of time still.

Nevertheless, I made good use of this one, while my hubs is away on the firelines, getting some nagging projects done. Really, really done. Wanna see a picture of the completed books?

I also finished up my gift bags for my DISMeet buddies. They aren't much, but they were pretty fun to put together. No, I won't be showing you any photos of those. Some things are best left as surprises.

What? Did you say something?

I got a ton of work done on figuring out our RD strats as well. These are important things, ya know! Can I run a couple of them by you guys??

Here's my RD plan for our AM at EPCOT in this order:

1) TT
2) Soarin'
3) S:E
4) M:S
5) Crush
6) Frozen at 11

Does this sound reasonable? We are fast walkers and burn rubber in the valuable first hours of park time. After that we know we can goof off doing the games and stuff.

At our AK AM:

1) EE x2 (2nd one with Single Rider
2) Safari
3) Dinosaur

MK AM:

NEED HELP!!!

Photos? Oh yes!! That's right. I have a couple of photos of the finest Trip Books you'll ever lay eyes on. 3, 2, 1...





One has all the plans, numbers, checklists, etc...

The other has a lot of blank pages for writing down our stories and dining reports. I am pleased with how they turned out!

Tomorrow starts another busy week, but less so than last week. Kinda glad about that.

 

[mom3sonstt]

I started getting ready for the trip too...kinda. I don't see any overnight trips scheduled before the WDW trip, so today I got out my, as I believe you call it, ditty bag and took stock. I topped off my shampoo and conditioner bottles, moved a partial deodorant out and put a new one in. Took the body wash bottle to the shower to use it up so it can be filled with new that is the same scent as the deodorant. And I filled my little mouthwash bottles. I felt very productive.
(Said shampoo and conditioner bottles, fully loaded)

 

[Steppesister]

I started getting ready for the trip too...kinda. I don't see any overnight trips scheduled before the WDW trip, so today I got out my, as I believe you call it, ditty bag and took stock. I topped off my shampoo and conditioner bottles, moved a partial deodorant out and put a new one in. Took the body wash bottle to the shower to use it up so it can be filled with new that is the same scent as the deodorant. And I filled my little mouthwash bottles. I felt very productive. View attachment 190569
(Said shampoo and conditioner bottles, fully loaded)

Good night! You were a busy little bee! Those bottles are super cute.

I'm just going to use resort shampoo, but, like you, need to get cracking on my ditty bag. The kids got fully stocked brand new bags for their birthdays, but mine is devoid of anything.

So, you're ahead of me in his dept for sure. Good job!!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I knew at least one of you would take the bait on this one.

You guys are so predictable. I love that.

Well, we're the experts on the Dad jokes. By their nature, Dad Jokes are meant to be predictable.

But first coffee. I don't generally do the filtered variety and I certainly don't dispose of my grounds in a double plastic wrapped bag either, but deferring to my host's utter abhorrence of even the tiniest scent of it, I did what was asked by his SO. I thought it a bit odd. I mean what does he do every time he walks by a Starbucks? And I know she drinks it, so what does he do when she imbibes? I'm at a loss.

Weird. Most people, even if they don't like coffee, enjoy the smell of it.

I was resigned to sitting alone with Alberto the Cat who detested my very presence in his personal castle

Yep, sounds like a cat.

(And before you post that I was missing my pants, I had those on too.)

Aw, now you're just pre-empting the Dad Jokes.

I have no idea if they are original or historical in any way, but they were pretty cool nonetheless.

Any building with a clock tower is automatically cool.

Nice one!

Which was nothing in this department. There were exactly ZERO tickets available until August 25th (5 days from then) for ANY trips to the island. Sad day.

(Making note for future trip to San Fran.)

(Yes, I realize I need to straighten this photo. Too bad. Been at this all day; not going back now. Just pretend the whole Pacific Ocean is sliding off towards Japan.)

Nah, it's fine. I like the composition of that one.

I'm not sure why. We see them several times a year on our own docks in Newport, and they are vile creatures. They stink, fight viciously, and wreck docks and eat all the fish. I suppose if you're from "out of town" they'd be fun to watch, but we moved along quickly from here.

It's funny to read your take on this after reading @Flossbolna 's perspective!

NO, not him either. Clearly, this dock is his entire target.

I was going to say, that dock looks like it's suffered multiple strafing runs.

I watched the baskets go around and around. Maybe it is me who has brain damage, because, seriously, it amused me for far too long.

I'd love that! It reminds me of a place we went in Kansas City...(tease)

Oh, and we did not have the option of oysters. Which is seriously fine with me. They remind me of loogies, and I've made a personal commitment to never try them.

I love Jim Gaffigan's take on oysters: "Who was the first person to actually try one of those? 'Hey, I found this rock with a snot in it...I think I'll eat it.'"

Whatever, chocolate is chocolate and the only REAL chocolate is dark chocolate. Do not try to argue with me, your point is pointless.

My wife would agree. Please feel free to pass on your milk chocolate to me.

I also picked that pepper up and ate it.

Living dangerously!

On the way home, I also accidentally picked my nose . There was an immediate volcano eruption right there in the car; hot lava foamed through my nostrils. Tears of anguish flowed from my eyes and my brain nearly melted on impact. Boys and Girls, let this be a lesson to you: Do not pick your peppers and your nose all in one evening.

Yikes. You can pick your friends, and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friend's nose. Especially after she's had jalapenos.

I agree, cool building!

My weekends, to say the least, are EXTREMELY precious to me as I only have 6 more before our trip! EEEEEEK!

They're just going to go by faster and faster now!

MK AM:

NEED HELP!!!

You can never go wrong starting at Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain. Or getting the Mine Train overwith.

 

[afwdwfan]

Enjoying the tour. Every time you mention BART though, I think of a yellow kid on a skateboard.

 

[Steppesister]

or Big Thunder Mountain

More when I do proper replies (getting ready for work), but this one




is closed during our trip.

 

[Steppesister]

Enjoying the tour. Every time you mention BART though, I think of a yellow kid on a skateboard.

I have a funny story about that... I'll type it up tonight.

 

[Steppesister]

...... there be trolls around these parts. Reporting now.