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

[JJ Tinker Wish]

Ooooooweeee, I'm all bouncy now!! Thanks Mpp I can't wait for those GEM's to show me how to do Disney RIGHT~~

 

[Sleepingbooty]

We started with a crisp vintage eau from the very excellent year of 2010. Clean on the front with slight hint of Florida sulphur, famous in the region. Iced well, it was a nice palate cleanser for the feast to come.

Oh, you're good.... you're very good!

You know what’s so hilarious about that picture??!!

I’m NOT EVEN IN IT!!! Yep, I rednecked me a photo that I’m not even in.

Oh that's so something I would do!!

Liesa, loving the updates. Take all the time you need - we are not going anywhere!

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Everyone!! What a summer it has been for us! Before I get to writing my next update, I wanted to separately give you an idea of what we’ve been up to for the last weeks that I’ve taken a bit of time off from here. First off, I must say, that I miss you all terribly!! I miss the fun and lively chatter we have here, the good-natured teasing and emotional support we offer to one another. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t’ think of you all. I long for the day when I can spend the time it takes to keep up on the threads and conversation- but sadly, summer I finding doesn’t afford that; there’s so many other things to stay on top of and enjoy.

For example, as you all know, we’ve become quite involved with a group that dances. Saturday was another “ball”, this one themed Sci-Fi- same style dancing (Regency) but with Sci-Fi costumes. Here’s what we came up with: The link is from a friend's FB album. so I don't know if it'll work or not for you...

I think you can find my kids: Andrew and Mikki are in Star Trek outfits, Bek is in fatigues as Samantha Parker from Stargate, and I am the green lady from the pilot episode of Star Trek (with a LOT more clothing on that she had!)

http://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.10150240604375270.335567.617255269


On top of that, it is canning season. I had canned for years before leaving for Crapistan, and now have an amazing, HUGE pantry to fill up with goodies. This year, I’ve gone berry picking twice and have put up about 40 jars of boysen, rasp, and strawberry jam. I also got some free cherries from a friend and have put up 11 quarts of those. A neighbor has a tree where they are rotting, so I hope to snag those too. Anyway, that is only the tip of the iceberg with canning season; we also do tomatoes, applesauce, pickles, peaches, pears, and plums, and if I can find a good source, green beans.

Believe it or not, our family is slowing climbing out of the “Lonely Zone” and has actually made a few local friends that we are beginning to do some things with. I had prayed for some good friends for my kids (and myself) and God is proving faithful once again. So a bit of our time is filled with enjoying their company. We’ve hosted a couple of airsoft parties here at the house, and we’ve done some lunch dates with antique shopping. Some days we are sewing our costumes for re-enacting (Civil War) or for the balls, and now the girls are wanting to enter their work in the fair. So this week we’ll be getting our entry forms filled out, touch ups put on their sewing, and all that.

Another thing that has taken my time away from writing as much here is my renewed inspiration for writing on my blog. I guess I’ve entered a new season in processing my experiences overseas, and feel like it is “safe” for me emotionally to start talking about the harder things we encountered while there. Most overseas workers generally don’t talk about how hard it is to live abroad for a variety of reasons, but now is the time for me. If you are interested in what our lives were *really* like in Crapistan, I invite you to read along on my blog, where you can find a link in my signature- the picture with that cute little camel on it.

Lastly, we are slated to go camping next week with extended family. I had forgotten how much work it takes to be out there. The tent trailer (remember that nifty little gift from my parents last year?) needs a thorough cleaning after having wintered over, the systems need to be checked and refilled (propane, batteries charged, etc….), and of course, all the gear has to be put in. Bags, aux. tent, tarps (it rains on campers in Oregon EVERY time), wine, and food (in that order).

Well, that is the scoop on our summer thus far. We have lots more “stuff” coming our way including getting my daughters registered at school and myself psyched up and ready to start as well. All three of us (Rebekah, 18, Michaela, 16, and myself (old)), will be at college this September, while my little ones go to the local school. It will be a massive life change for us, we’ve always been home. I’m willing to try this for a semester or two and if I can still manage to hold life and home together, I’ll continue on; if not, I’m willing to hold off another while. We shall see.

So, until things come to a more sane level of activity, I will be in and out, writing as I can. I WILL finish this TR; you’ll just have to be patient with me  I’m taking the entire day off just to write, so updates on both TRs will be up later today. I’ll also catch up on replies and say hi too.

Love you all, Liesa

 

[All7OfUs]

Great DLR pictures! The New Orleans Square theming looks amazing. Can't wait to see more.

Hey Mark! Are you still with us?? My apologies for being the absent TR Writer!! I really do want to be here, but am not. More posts coming up soon to fulfill your wishes!

It does just gets better and better!!


(hmmm try to post yet again - is there a password to post in this TR?
this time I copied the post BEFORE hitting submit reply!)

Nope, no password! everyone is welcome anytime But it sounds like you had to reset, correct??

Great update, Liesa. Mark REALLY misses the original Tiki Room and can't wait to see the changes to the one at DW when we get there.

Thanks, Kathy!! I have no idea why they went and messed with a good thing? The new one is just plain odd; a couple of funny one-liners, but a dud in general.

Mary - you traitor! How dare you pick broccoli! As a person that has shared several meals with you, I thought I had this one in the bag!

Love the photo of the two of you - really shows the joy and camraderie (sp?) shared on this trip!

I couldn't believe it either. Veggies over meat is just not like her!! Like many other things on this trip, we got a few good laughs over it!

Getting it all on paper helps with your Pee before Pooh in your mind.

Sorry, but I have to say this before one of the boys sees it - chalk it up to living too many years with only boys in the house

Seriously, that's why I like to do a TR - it is fun to relive the moments, and sometimes you file something away in your mind that you might have forgotten otherwise.

THAT WAS RICH!!! Good one, Tammie!!!

By the way, how was the airshow??

Yep, nothing like a trip report to energize and feed the Disney addiction.

 

[All7OfUs]

Civil War Money???? I thought it would be beads and wampum!!!

You guys never stop, do you?

I love hearing you ramble! Isn't DL great?!? It's so magical there, I love WDW, but DL will always have a special, magical, place in my heart. There is nothing like New Orleans Square, it such a beautiful part of the park, I miss it terribly when I'm in WDW.

Me too. I had, in fact, forgotten just how much I really like it there. Its familiarity and charm are so nice!


Ooooh, I see. Your so busy with life there in OR that your confusing me for Tammie now. The funny thing is.....she answered!!

Yeah, that was pretty funny!!


I feel like I just saw a rare bird sighting or something.....MARY!!! I can't believe your here! Call me soon!

I don't know if she'll be a lot...

This picture is so great! Yeaaaaah Mary ate the veggie!! It's tough to find veggies there in the world without adding a salad to a meal, so I know just what you mean. And yes, their broccoli is pretty dern good!


I didn't even know she had that picture!!!! I cracked up at that one- and it I had my mouth open any bigger, I think you could all see my spleen.

well didnt the english come and help out in the war, im sure they took a few b**bie prizes home with them.

Hey, I know what that word was supposed to be!!

 

[jenb1023]

Hey JJ and MPP - back! glad to see you here and planning a trip! We really should meet up some time since we are all local.

Liesa -
No worries! We all know how busy life can be! I wondered if you would get sucked into the vortex of crazy busy American lives when you came back.

Did you say Mikki is going to college too? Is she done with HS already?

Love the Sci-Fall ball costumes! I am a bit of a Sci-Fi geek myself - I love ST:TNG and Star Wars.

I say the longer you can drag out this TR the better - where will we chat without your TR?

 

[All7OfUs]

Nifty updates you have written. Behind in my reading I was.

An now, some thoughts.

Loved the morning in The Land. The photo you took from the balcony was especially cool as it showed the seats we were in when I took my pano pic. It brought back memories of that morning with the girls. (Our first full day of our trip.)

Also enjoyed the DLR update.

The foot skewering made me slightly woozy.

Not to be confused with slightly boozy. (NoLapuLapu)

Funny you should mention Yoda, I was just at a Sci-Fi themed dance this weekend, and many Jedi there were.

Yeah, maybe I should have gotten boozy before my woozy-inducing mini-surgery?

I remember your pano pic well from that vantage as well as your nice day with the girls. Glad I could bring you some warm fuzzies

Your picture of the Mickey phone had me wanting to switch to the Poly. Thank goodness it was just a test. An extra $1000 for a weekend stay in a room with a Mickey phone? Maybe DH is right, maybe I do have Disney issues

Kona looks yummy as it always does and I love the shirts everyone is wearing.


Your DL update is great. I love seeing what is different over there and what is the same.

I know I replied to this before,but just wanted to add that I'm so happy you're still with us! I know we're losing more than a few readers by being away so long... I promise I'll be more regular after the summer rush! Anway, thanks for sticking with us!

I think we had 4 shirts made for our trip; they were all super fun!!!!

Why is this on the bottom of page 2?

Hope all is well - just trying to stay cool - dratted heat!

Awwww, you're so sweet Sandy for giving us a bump!! Without frequent updates, things tend to slip.

We are NOT hot here in Oregon- in fact, we are all begging to have even just a few 80 degree days!

Hey Liesa!! Just thought I'd check in on ya as I was thinking about you I have read all your updates just don't have time to catch up on all the banter. Hope all is well!

You're ever so sweet!!! I am good, just ridiculously busy right now with all kinds of fun stuff! There is very little banter right now, so you should be able to keep up on those updates no problem

 

[jenbear123]

Awwww Liesa I miss you lots! I know life keeps us so busy. I hope you'll be around a bit more maybe next month when I start my TR. Contests will ensue with REAL prizes Take care of yourself! I would love to try some of that jam of yours.

 

[All7OfUs]

'Tis true! It will no longer be under new management! I really hope it opens on the 15th since I'll be there!

Light/dark meat! That's hilarious!!! Love it!

And the #1 picture made me laugh out loud - it really shows how much fun you all were having!!!

YYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAYYY!! The new one just plain stinks. I hope you get to a soft opening too!! That'd be great!!!

There were a ton of newer (or perhaps different) jokes on this version. I really liked it!!

Can you see my tonsils??

It's been a VERY long time since I've said hello to you all -- Liesa, Glenn, Rose, Tracey and the Jen's -- so long, in fact, that I had to reset my password after many failed attempts last night to do so!
I just wanted to let you all know that I may have a chance to earn my ears next Sept/Oct (date TBD) and My_Pal_Pluto will be returning to the DISboards to start a new PTR (I'm sure I'll find out what/when/how we're doing Disney on here at the same time you all will!!) so I may chime in from time to time ...
Hope this HAWT as Hades summer finds you all well and excitedly reporting of your trips past or near future~~take care all and I look forward to reading of you soon!!

I am so happy you're back, Jamie!!!! WAAAAAAAAAAAHOOOOTY!!!!

Glad you talked Rob into joining us again!! It's been way too long since he's yucked it up here!! Yes, of course you both need to chime in and hang out with us- although admittedly, I'm not around as much as I desperately want to be the last few weeks. I think things will normalize though soon, and I'll be "regular" once again (God, please don't let the tag fairy get a hold of that one!)

Luckily, for us in Oregon, we are not hot!! We are all begging for anthing above 80- and have yet to see one stinking tomato ripen. It's sad, really.

We will be watching for you....

Thanks Tammie!! But it looks like the trip is off for now. They did the services on 7/19 and didn't notify any of us so now we're talking about just going up to visit sometime in the future.

Well, that was rather rude of them not to notify anyone. Unless they intended to just not have anyone come?? Odd.

Good Day to ALL of my DISboard friends.

Thank You Liesa for reaching out and inviting me back into the family ... I've always been somewhat of a black sheep (or maybe more aptly a mischievious breed )

There's much to say and OH so much to catch up on. I'm planning to start a new thread in the coming weeks to recall the fond memories from our sojourn to the "Promised" land last May ... even as I begin to DisneyDream again (is it EVER too early to begin getting the Fever ... even when the trip lingers some 15 months away?)

Check out that cute lil JJ Tinker Wish ... she's right about her post though ... she'll find out the trip plans at the same time as all of you!!

Say there JJ ... any thoughts on where you might like to go for your inaugural Disney dinner our first evening?? (anyone have thoughts on WHERE you'd recommend I take her?)

Ahhhhhh ... it's SOOOOO good to be back!!

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE!! MPP is back!! Rob, I'm so glad you are back to hang!! I swear it's like Christmas today! Okay, now that that's out of my system, no, it's never too early to get all giddy inside for a trip. I'm pretty sure my PTR started 15 months out.

I am so looking forward to at least some stories and pix from your trip last year! Those 3 little piggies of yours are just hte cutest things EVUH!! And I'll never forget your snack post- I'm dying to know which ones you sought out and consumed!

Ok, carry on.

Oh wait: Inaugural Dinner. My 2 choices would be Ca. Grill or Narcoosees. Not been to the latter, but hear it rocks.

 

[All7OfUs]

I know what you mean! I am hoping for a "soft" opening....I leave on the 15th.

Sorry this is out of order, Tanya! I lost half the code when I was typing <stupid teensy weensy keyboard!>

Anyway, your trip is coming up so soon!! Hope you get this softy and so much more!!

Ooooooweeee, I'm all bouncy now!! Thanks Mpp I can't wait for those GEM's to show me how to do Disney RIGHT~~

You sound VERY DisneyExcited, and ready to get to planning!!! Looking forward to being part of that!

Oh, you're good.... you're very good!





Oh that's so something I would do!!

Liesa, loving the updates. Take all the time you need - we are not going anywhere!

glad you found it funny, Rebecca!! I'm enjoying all the writing that comes with the territory of a TR!!

Liesa -
No worries! We all know how busy life can be! I wondered if you would get sucked into the vortex of crazy busy American lives when you came back.

Did you say Mikki is going to college too? Is she done with HS already?

Love the Sci-Fall ball costumes! I am a bit of a Sci-Fi geek myself - I love ST:TNG and Star Wars.

I say the longer you can drag out this TR the better - where will we chat without your TR?

Yup, been sucked in hard! EEK! But things should normalize soon, or at least when the rains come again. Not much to do then.

Mikki is going to do the early college program just as Rebekah has been doing. She'll be getting dual credit for both HS and college that is all transferable after she gets to 100 level courses and higher. She's pretty excited about it.

Jean Luc Picard... be still my heart.

Hahaha! yeah, not much banter right now. I'm afraid folks have gone to livlier pastures for now.

Awwww Liesa I miss you lots! I know life keeps us so busy. I hope you'll be around a bit more maybe next month when I start my TR. Contests will ensue with REAL prizes Take care of yourself! I would love to try some of that jam of yours.

I am wondering how your Italy trip was!! Do you have pix up somewhere??

Yes, but please, I ask a favor... PM when you start it- or I'll likely miss it!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Sounds like you are having a great summer and I am glad that you have made some local friends.

Your regency balls always sound like so much fun!

 

[jenbear123]

I am wondering how your Italy trip was!! Do you have pix up somewhere??

Yes I do! On FB and on my PTR

Yes, but please, I ask a favor... PM when you start it- or I'll likely miss it!

Promise I will!

 

[All7OfUs]

Sounds like you are having a great summer and I am glad that you have made some local friends.

Your regency balls always sound like so much fun!

We are having a great time for sure!! Lots to do!

They are a lot of great fun! The next one isn't until November, but it is EXTRA fancy with live music, gigantic hoop skirts required, men in tails, etc....

Yes I do! On FB and on my PTR



Promise I will!

Ok, I'll have to go have a peek!

 

[KatMark]

Liesa, you certainly are one busy lady! I'm tired just reading about what you've been doing all summer.

One of these days I have to get over to your blog...I just never seem to find the time.

 

[All7OfUs]

Liesa, you certainly are one busy lady! I'm tired just reading about what you've been doing all summer.

One of these days I have to get over to your blog...I just never seem to find the time.

Hi Kathy!! I'll have to say, if you're tired reading the post here, you'll be doubly tired reading the blog- the topic I/we are covering right now, is the hard work it was living there. Yep, I'm giving up all the dirt that we normally didn't talk about. It'll be there when you have the time.

GREAT that you got to have lunch with a few of my favorite people!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Who doesn’t like the thought of traveling around the world? Who wants to pay the tens of thousands of dollars it costs to do that? If you’re in the majority, that would include you, so how about a whirlwind tour around the world with a lot less packing, flying and spending.

Let’s start by taking a unique entryway… the International Gateway, which provides a lovely view of The American Pavilion across the wee sea in the middle. I left the expanse of the sky for a reason….

We knew we only had a limited time to hike around the loop, as we’d have to leave to get changed no later than 7 to make our ADR at dinner, and it was already 4:45! So let’s get moving!!!

First off on our tour, I bring you “greetings” from Mexico. I hear they have fantastic music there!!

I absolutely don’t remember if we rode Donald’s Boat Ride or not- apparently, if we did it was unmemorable.

Next we stopped in Norway, where I gave LeeAnn her inaugural ride on Maelstrom. The trolls did not consume us:

I got the requisite HM picture:

I can’t remember if we watched the movie, but it also must have been memorable, had we. I think in light of our limited time, we skipped it and moved on.

Without entering the China Pavilion, but pausing to take a couple photos:

We breezed on past and on into Germany, where we spent a good bit of time looking at the model train village:

I love the few shots I did get!

Rounding the bend a bit more, we found ourselves eyeing that sky and dreading our future. Mary had long since departed, and one of her main reasons, aside from feeling rather punky, was that it was already starting to drizzle and her chair couldn’t get wet. The blackness was building, so we cranked up our speed and kept moving…

On into Italy, where I got some pretty decent shots:

For some reason the camera was then put away all the way until here:

I was rather liking this destination quite a lot! It wasn’t the nectar of the gods as I was hoping it might be, but was refreshing and sweet. Like most of the other drinks I’d had so far, it was FAR less boozy than it should have been for $9! And now, for those of you who are counting… that is 5 in 5 days. A drink a day, keeps Disney all play.

And then it happened. Our day at EPCOT was over. Done. Finito!!

The skies opened up with a downpour only Noah has ever seen. When it started, we didn’t care a whole lot- we had decided to make our way to the front of the park, and had our trusty ponchos on to cover most of us. But that glib feeling of “ain’t nothin’ gonna touch us” lasted until about Canada. It was raining so hard we could have had donned the raingear of The Morton’s Fisherman, and still been soaked through.

When we arrived back “home” I looked like this:

And so the all-important question is how is a girl to go from that, to great, for our first signature dinner in an hour??

 

[glennbo123]

Take your time Liesa. You're busy, and family takes precedence. (And I'm having trouble keeping up these days too, so it works out for me. )

Promise I will!

I'd like a PM too jenbear!

 

[glennbo123]

I'll let Marv make the maracas joke. That sure is a big hat though.

Where is the hidden Mickey in that picture....I'm missing it.

Ah yes, the drowned rat experience. Every Disney trip needs at least one of those!

 

[shannn]

Those are some WET pants. I'm hoping a change of clothes was first on the agenda!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Take your time Liesa. You're busy, and family takes precedence. (And I'm having trouble keeping up these days too, so it works out for me. )



I'd like a PM too jenbear!

I think in general it's been a busy summer for a lot of folks. That's good on more than one level.

I think once we settle into the routine of school (myself included) life will be a bit more predictable and easier to get on here.

I'll let Marv make the maracas joke. That sure is a big hat though.

Where is the hidden Mickey in that picture....I'm missing it.

Ah yes, the drowned rat experience. Every Disney trip needs at least one of those!

Well, SOMEONE'S got to!

The Mickey ears on the ship. Look more closely.

We only had one, if I remember correctly...

Those are some WET pants. I'm hoping a change of clothes was first on the agenda!!

I just so love having you back here, Shannon!!!

Yeah, it was too bad we had just finished laundry that morning.

And I can't wait to show you all our really awesome, fancy dinner!