ABCs of Trip Reporting, Pt. 2-Life Can Be Crappy and Then You Move On (3/7)

[burly]

I am so glad you are doing a little DLR trippie.
Your Mom and Aunt look like super ladies and they sound awesome!
We thank them for raising such a wonderful woman such as yourself.


Shopping for what food? What did your family do while you were gone, slackers!food shopping was the very first thing i had to do when we came back too!


Looking forward to all of it, and will attempt to keep up...


KIM

 

[pinkxray]

I am so happy you decided to post your tr here. I can't wait to hear all about your trip. Your aunt and mom look like lovely ladies who are ready for some Disney fun.

I am so happy you are going to share your story with us

 

[marvali]

A trip to Disneyland, at least for me, is so much more than just a day to ride on rides and eat a bag of popcorn; our family is steeped in Disney history from almost the year it opened in 1955, and our collective memories run deep with not only countless trips to the parks, but also with animators, and the studios. Join with me on an epic tale of one last trip to a magical place for a very special woman, who loves these parks as much as I do. It was my pleasure and privilege to be a part of making some special last memories with 3 other beautiful and dear ladies. Some of what we experienced together I have chosen to keep to myself; some memories are just too precious to be shared.

Oh I can already tell from the passion in your writing there were many of both types! So happy for you with the former, so happy for us with the latter!!!

But there were many, many things that I am delighted to bring to you with hopes you can be touched and moved as much as we were. Even as I sit typing this I am misting up at knowing this is the end of a golden era…

I don't care what you tell us, this MAN is NOT going to be misting up!!! (okay, maybe a little.....)

The star of our show (Walt always had his mind on presenting a show) is my dear, and always in my mind, incredibly beautiful Aunt Cherrie. She was my “idol” for as long as I remember; her gift of gracious hostessing, making her home a luxurious, inviting place, and her impeccable attention to detail in fashion and presentation of self were things I have always admired in her. In short, she always “had it together”. Given that, I find it incredibly ironic that she is now entering the advanced stages of ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Here is a link if you are interested in learning more about this horrible affliction.

Official Website of Lou Gehrig's Disease

She still “has it together”. Even with her body falling apart, she gives glory to God every day for the time she has, has more joy in her life than most people I know who have a working body and all the money they could ever need, and she still wouldn’t be caught dead without looking like a million bucks.

What a precious, special lady!!!

She does look like a Million or more! It is so ironic (but still so perfect) that she is sitting there with every little detail in place, and that small amount of powdered sugar on her mouth. You probably took that picture knowing the contrast there, but I'm guessing that will be one of those super lasting memories you will cherish forever!!!

Next is my mom. I love her more than life itself. She is my confidante, and another woman of great faith that I admire greatly. Aside from her mother (my grandmother for those of you who are keeping score), she was the one responsible for passing on her love for all things Disney.

Well I see where you get IT from!!!

As you’ll see in this little TR, there was a BUNCH of reminiscing of Disney memories. Mom and Aunt Cherrie figure that they have been coming to Disneyland regularly since 1956. I hope I can pass along some of the conversations I overheard during our 3 days together.

Oh, so THAT'S what you meant about 1956......

Of course, there is also myself. I give you warm greetings.

(that was pretty random, but I think some of you will find it at least a little amusing)

Well, I saved the computer screen, but my nose will never be the same!!!

I like to take my time in the story telling, so hope you will bear with me as I try to re-create for you, [/SIZE]

Oh, I love it when you use a different style with your TRs!!!

But funnier than that, it was actually a line my aunt blurted out as we were on our way to ride Pooh. Once again, for the dozenth time that morning already, Cherrie slurs out- “So, let’s pee before Pooh!” It was instant belly laughing, as we all looked at each other hardly believing she actually said it, knowing full well the pun she had just made. It was hilarious, and maybe you had to be there, but seriously, I still snort laugh when I think about it.

Puhleeeze!!! Make it stop.......

She's a darling! She'd give you the shirt off her back if needed! hey! maybe that's where I got that from?!

I knew EXACTLY what I was going to do with that the second I saw it!

Oh, you meant the mirror! For a second there I thought you were flashing back to those young girl days when you realized your body was changing!!!

Oh very funny- I was NOT born in 1956, Mr. Hilarious!

Love ya Liesa!!!

It IS great to have a role model who I can look up to- even now as I watch her life ending- such grace is hard to find these days!

True Dat!!!

Aw, too bad! There is a ton to do here! Even just sitting in the sun on a patio rocks my world. You can always encourage him to work on a transfer...

How could anyone have ever thought differently?? You're special!!!

Special is definitely one word you could use to describe Rosie!!!

Well, TECHNICALLY, yes, they were all different... if you want to get "technical" about it.

Us? Technical???

oh gosh....you know what....I'm going to have to pay attention to where the potties are now. The last few years it hasn't been much of an issue, but now that I have some working replacement parts....well, I imagine it will be more important!

Yes, I guess that IS one of those A-HA moments!!!

And there are definitely a few of us who can steer you in the right direction...

AND the wrong one!!!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

It's all about form...

She has been a beautiful woman for as long as I can remember! Every accessory was perfectly matched and her smile never fades!

very true.

hmmm.... this sounds like mantalk to me... I'm steering clear!

well even though it is man talk we still let marv join in.

Nope, never heard that word before, but have seen them of course. Never used one though. Maybe I should pick up a couple for our summer camping trips.

they are a must for hot days, and i also hear that they keep pop cans cool

Oh very funny- I was NOT born in 1956, Mr. Hilarious!

i thought he was refering to the year rosie celebrated her bicential birthday.



sorry rosie

"My Pretty - My Pretty - you can't have my pretty" (or something like that)

its actually my precious, but i knew what you were talking about.

Holy cow, it's getting thick in here! Everyone get your shovels out... on my count.

i actually just put that up there, because i didnt get my prize when i typed that,but it came the next day after that.

Well, TECHNICALLY, yes, they were all different... if you want to get "technical" about it.

did anyone get the thing you sent me?

which by the way parker has taken from me.


i dont mind he loves it.

thanks

I'm just starting to read your trip report - and...

LOVE IT!!
Glory to God every day

thanks, hope the links are helping you out, but if you are reading through all the comments as well...good luck



and make sure you end up commenting when you are caught up so i know when to continue.

 

[All7OfUs]

Oh, I can't wait to hear about this, what a great beginning!

Thanks, more coming up very soon!

Aunt Cherrie looks fabulous! Love the ring You can see 'zest for life' written all over her face!

She wore several of those over the days! I love them too!! That's a great word for it! ZEST!! I likey.

Oh wow - I can really see you in your mom! What a lovely lady!

She is pretty, inside and out.

Nice. A double Liesa greeting

In this case, more is better!

Reminds me of the kind of good times and laughter my mom, aunts and cousin and I had on our girl trip this winter. Man, I have to get back to my all but abandoned TR one of these days!

Have a safe trip home Liesa!

yes! You need to get busy!! I know you had lots of good times, and I do want to hear all about it!

Great intro to your mini TR! I for one am very glad you embedded it. It is slower over there in general, but even slower compared to a TR that moves as fast as yours does!

Pee before Pooh



I think you'll be laughing about it for years!

HI Cynthia!! I am too- I know for me, it's pretty tough to get off the WDW TR Forum to much anywhere else. Even the PTRs are sometimes hard to remember to get over to- not that I don't love them, but I just forget!!

Yes, it's odd how slow things are over there!! WOW!! By now, I'd have 4 or 5 pages- only 2 there. Huh.

I'm sure it will be a one liner that goes into the family vocab.

Yes nice thinking however the spelling:scared1


It isn;t Camel Poo ,tolled to look like something is it !!!I still have the "snack" from DC , I haven't eaten it and it hasn;t exploded just sits there !!
Seriously I will love what ever it is !!!

I think you will! It will be perfect for letting your camel poo petrify in.

A million bucks indeed. I can tell she is a special lady.



Everyone else beat me to it but


Round 2 has been received. I was very surprised when I came home late last night. It is on my Mickey purse right now. Thank you very much.

Glad you liked the Liesa greeting! It was a gem I couldn't pass up!

You're welcome!! A purse is a good place for it!

I'm just starting to read your trip report - and...

LOVE IT!!
Glory to God every day

Hi Sandy!

ah... thought you posted more than 1!! Not that I'm greedy - but 4 pages? My life is too complicated, so glad I can run in here and escape!

Nope, just one! But another is coming soon It's your escape route from a hectic life. ha!

and your mom IS gorgeous - and I love your Aunt! So thank you for sharing them with us, I know from reading your earlier posts, that you wanted this, but putting it all together and making that magic happen - just from ONE post - can I say

Mission Accomplished?

OH thanks!! Yes, it's something we had looked forward to for quite sometime! I'm so glad we were able to pull it off and make it happen!

dont mind me - get the shopping done - you might want to pick up some ready to eat meals tho...

PS Hope you made it home safe and sound - and you get a GOOD Night's sleep!!

Turkey sandwiches and cranberry sauce for dinner! Easy and light! I did sleep well last night- thanks for aksing! My own bed never felt so good!

Great start to your DL TR, I'm looking forward to hear more about the trip and your mum and aunt!

We acquired a similar approach to visiting bathrooms on a trip to Scotland years ago. Magdalene, our friend Barbara (who went to DLP with us) and me went on this youth trip. One week in host families in Glasgow, one week bus trip in the Highlands. The simple rules:
- when in habitated areas: if one has to use the facilties, all three must use them to prevent another visit in just 15 minutes or so
- when in unhabitated areas, like the Highlands, use EVERY facility, even if you don't think it's necessary.

That's pretty much how it went- generally we all did "go", but sheesh it was often!! And with a wheelchair and having to help her sure took its toll on touring time.

This is for my own reference, due to how grossly behind I am on your TR:

Hey Brook. You are on page 116. Read faster.

Yes, Brook you need to read faster, cuz more is comin'.

 

[All7OfUs]

Oh shoot! You got in the boat with the sign. Next time get in the other boat.

Oh shoot, that was the problem!! I needed a boat with no sign!!

That sounds like a Pull-Ups commercial!

I missed my calling! I needed to go into commercial making!

Oh, good. That will make the boys happy!

gotta keep the menfolk happy, they bring a fun addition to the threads!

I, the sweet and innocent one, didn't even get the mirror joke until everyone else started splainin' it.

See I told you to come back quick because it was getting deep!

Have a great flight!

Luuuuuuucy....!

 

[All7OfUs]

I am so glad you are doing a little DLR trippie.
Your Mom and Aunt look like super ladies and they sound awesome!
We thank them for raising such a wonderful woman such as yourself.


Shopping for what food? What did your family do while you were gone, slackers!food shopping was the very first thing i had to do when we came back too!


Looking forward to all of it, and will attempt to keep up...


KIM

Hi KIM!! You're so sweet to say so! I love them both very much, and it will be fun to bring you a taste of our antics!

yeah, they could have shopped just a little, but I do have to say, for the most part, the house was picked up- not clean but picked up, dishes done. Laundry is up to the ceiling, but that's not so tough to catch up on.

Next post coming up!!

I am so happy you decided to post your tr here. I can't wait to hear all about your trip. Your aunt and mom look like lovely ladies who are ready for some Disney fun.

I am so happy you are going to share your story with us

Yes!! they were totally ready for Disney fun- and surprisingly, we crammed a lot in!! At least my pix prove it!

Oh I can already tell from the passion in your writing there were many of both types! So happy for you with the former, so happy for us with the latter!!!

Happiness all around!! YAY!

I don't care what you tell us, this MAN is NOT going to be misting up!!! (okay, maybe a little.....)

The dust and pollen can be awfully thick in Anaheim this time of year- how about NC?? Or are you in the other one?? Sorry can't keep those straight!

What a precious, special lady!!!

isn't she a doll?!

She does look like a Million or more! It is so ironic (but still so perfect) that she is sitting there with every little detail in place, and that small amount of powdered sugar on her mouth. You probably took that picture knowing the contrast there, but I'm guessing that will be one of those super lasting memories you will cherish forever!!!

Yes, I purposely took that photo with her 'messed' up! We were laughing hard as we were remembering a family trip to Cafe du Monde in NOLA where were were buried in powdered sugar from beignets!! FUN stuff!

Well I see where you get IT from!!!

Stop IT!!

Oh, so THAT'S what you meant about 1956......

Now you've got it!

Well, I saved the computer screen, but my nose will never be the same!!!

You mean you might have to get those hairs out?

Oh, I love it when you use a different style with your TRs!!!

Is variety not the spice of life??

Puhleeeze!!! Make it stop.......Oh, you meant the mirror! For a second there I thought you were flashing back to those young girl days when you realized your body was changing!!!
Love ya Liesa!!!

Yeah, yeah, it was the mirror!

Us? Technical???

[/QUOTE]

 

[vamassey1]

oh gosh....you know what....I'm going to have to pay attention to where the potties are now. The last few years it hasn't been much of an issue, but now that I have some working replacement parts....well, I imagine it will be more important!

You could even give them grades like Jordan does.

 

[All7OfUs]

Throughout my flight I was full of angst at what this trip might be. I had been warned that DA’s health has recently been quite rapidly declining,g and I expected to see her totally unable to do any care for herself whatsoever. That ended up only being partially true.

The travel itself was completely uneventful, so I won’t bore you with the details of my microbag of 5 peanuts, the chatterbox next to me, or the toilet that didn’t work in the rear of the aircraft. Suffice it to say, I landed safely and was good to go.



Enter The Villian.




Villians take on many forms-this one takes the shape of a step uncle whom our family lovingly calls “DonkeyMan” in code. Without taking up pages and pages of rant, let’s just say he is toxic on every level. He is the kind of person who thinks you are a complete idiot and totally unable to live up to his expectations or knowledge base. He preaches to the choir all day long, publically berates anyone he can, and is simply irritating. Here is one example: About an hour before I was ready to leave for on the 28th, he says, “When will the real Liesa show up?” I asked what he meant, and he replied, “I see someone else in there, and I just wondered when the real you would shine through.” Ummmmmmm, okaaaay. I again said, “What do you mean by that?” and he said, “Well, you just think about that.” Whatever, dude.

Before we left he called up my mom and reamed her out over how little we knew about the handicapped, how incompetent we were going to be at caring for her, the car we had rented is WAY too small (only to offer theirs after we paid another $100 to upgrade), we knew NOTHING about handicapped rooms, blah, blah, blah… The morning we left, he made sure to suck up over 2 hours showing us how to put a transport chair in the trunk, how to roll out her shower mat, telling us to make sure her Ensure was cold, etc..., etc…, etc… Generally, I consider myself a pretty intelligent woman, and I understand he just wanted her to be well taken care of, but this tipped the scale into just plain offensive. I’ll stop there. It was great to roll out of the driveway at 8:45- a half hour ahead of our original goal of 9:15!! Good riddance.

McDonald’s coffee with added senior discount, was a welcome breakfast, and we made pretty good time racing down up I-5 at nearly 80!! Holy CRAP they drive fast in So. Cal!! I was seeking thrills, but wanted the safer variety. On a track. With reliable brakes. I did earn the bragging rights of NOT being flipped off once though, nor did I have any accidents along the way. Yay for me!

Soon we entered Anaheim proper which looked absolutely NOTHING like it did in 1986 when I worked there as a CM at the Blue Bayou. I may as well have been on the moon. In some ways it was rather nice, as it was kind of like being in a brand new place, at least to me. Gone was the sign of my childhood- you know the huge, iconic “DISNEYLAND” one? I was a teensy bit melancholy at that, but quickly brushed it off as I almost creamed a few peds trying to cross Katella. Dang, no points today. But I did find the Anabella after having to flip a U-turn because we didn’t Google before we left. And that sounds like a rather good jingle, does it not?

Check in was flawless and our hotel was WAY above and beyond what we had ever hoped for. It was completely perfect for all of our, and most importantly, Aunt Cherrie’s needs. The shower was truly a roll in, the toilet was higher where she needed it (you are now about to enter a crash course on all things handicapped- does this remind you of someone?), and glory be! there was a fridge to keep the Ensure cold. The only beef I have with this place is the $12 parking charge. I had just paid a flipping $150 for a hotel room and they want to exact more? Oh brother! We dumped our stuff, and made our first of 4 million “visits”. I think we made it all the way to Harbor Blvd. before someone said, “Guess what…” again.

What we didn’t anticipate was a LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG walk to the park entrances. Past here:

I had asked repeatedly about walking distance to and from the hotel, but this was pretty far while pushing a chair. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful walk under the jacaranda trees

and we marveled that we were actually here together

about to embark on a journey of a million smiles.

Up next: Hey! That’s a $15 savings!

 

[vamassey1]

Oh boy a new update!

Sorry your Step-Uncle was such a pain. Sounds like the kind of guy who would complain about all the little things he has to do, but doesn't want anyone else to help to make it an easier for him. In general he sounds like a "Debbie Downer". Good thing it was a girls only trip.

Looking forward to "seeing" the parks.

 

[glennbo123]

"DonkeyMan" sounds like a barrell of laughs. I'm glad you left him back at the ranch! I guess everyone is aware of how he is, since you all have a code-name for him. That always helps, so you don't have to ask yourself, "is it just me?"

 

[tinacaplan]

Really neat to see pictures of Disneyland. Thanks for sharing such amazing updates.

 

[marvali]

The dust and pollen can be awfully thick in Anaheim this time of year- how about NC?? Or are you in the other one?? Sorry can't keep those straight!

SC, but we used to live in NC when I lived about a mile or two from Glenn.........and didn't know it!!!

Oh, and lots, lots, lots of dust and pollen this time of year! I'm pretty sure it is the peak season for it, from now until about the time this mini TR comes to a close.......

You mean you might have to get those hairs out?

Why? Did you stick your toe in there?

Wow, you are "OFF" to a great start on your DL trip!.........
Ticked OFF by DonkeyMan.
Not Flipped OFF by Southern California drivers......and,
Brushed OFF the melancholy feeling of change with time.

I think when I attended a computer convention in Anaheim a few years ago we stayed in a hotel on Katella Ave. Fun trip with an evening at Disneyland! I made the round trip drive to San Diego just to eat at Olde Town Mexican Cafe.....

 

[englishrose47]

Special is definitely one word you could use to describe Rosie!!!
Us? Technical???
:

Why do I detect a little sarcasm there For your information I got a letter from one of the Lake George Crew saying how very SPECIAL Carol and I were

 

[englishrose47]

Great Start Liesa !! Just tell Donkey Man that you have an on call expert available anytime !!Believe me what I don't know I;ll invent just to make him look like a Total "Donkey"

 

[Poolrat]

This is for my own reference, due to how grossly behind I am on your TR:

Hey Brook. You are on page 116. Read faster.

I know the feeling, but I am caught up. For now.

Well, I saved the computer screen, but my nose will never be the same!!!

no drinking and scrolling.

The dust and pollen can be awfully thick in Anaheim this time of year- how about NC?? Or are you in the other one?? Sorry can't keep those straight!

I'm in NC.

Oh, and lots, lots, lots of dust and pollen this time of year! I'm pretty sure it is the peak season for it, from now until about the time this mini TR comes to a close.......

Allergy season in NC is every month EXCEPT August ( believe it or not ) and from hard freeze to Feb.



Great way to arrive in style Liesa. Donkey man sounds a little scared of losing his wife and maybe overwhelmed by it all. But if he was always like that then well ..... the name fits.

 

[PirateKate]

The drive into Disneyland looks nothing like what I imagined. There's so much non-Disney stuff around there. I'm glad the room met everyone's needs.

Were you really a CM at Blue Bayou? That must have been fun.

 

[KatMark]

Liesa, I was a little bit behind, but I'm caught up now. Your Aunt and Mom are truly beautiful ladies. You had me cracking up at the P....before Pooh...I could hear my darling hubby saying that.

Doesn't every family have one of those "donkeyman"? I know mine does (probably more than one!).

Can't wait to read more.

 

[ladylyons]

Just wanted to share my excitement here - Mini DISmeet happening here in my town on Thursday! Sandra(LadyLyon) is coming to visit her parents, and we are meeting up for coffee! She'll be posting her pic so I can recognize her Anyone else want to come to podunkville and meet us?

I can't wait to meet you!! I'm excited to finally have my first DisMeet!! I've uploaded a pic. It's from our May trip to Disneyland.

Maybe they would let me parachute out of the plane and "drop" in for a cup?

Have a super, wonderful time, Ladies!!!!! Wish I could be there!

Well the base is right there!! lol I'll hopefully get to meet you too sometime in the near future!!

 

[ladylyons]

Glad to see your trip has hardley begun and your already making some magical memories!!

No, don't get me wrong!! I do actually really love the ride!! Just not for an hour. I like to find all the different ethnicities and listen for the different languages, but enough was enough! I found soemthing sort of very cool and very related that I am dying to share- coming up later!!

As for your trick! Too funny!!!! Love that!

Yeah an hour straight would drive me a little batty too!! lol

My sister is a Disney fan but nothing like me!!

It was tough to catch both unless, of course, you have PHs, and time it exactly right. They time it just wrong for you to easily do both without running.

That's why we do them on different nights. We'll normally do Fantasmic! and Fireworks on one night and World of Color another night. I've got to see my shows!! That's part of the Disney experience.


Tammie - We've made it safe and sound to Oregon!! See you tomorrow!!