Adventure (and Food) is calling our names – 10/2010 PTR - Six More Hours!!! 10/1

[KathyRN137]

It’s a Project Linus group in San Jose (about 1 hour away), but we can make the blankets at home...

Congratulations!

Just make sure you don't "make sport coats" out of them....

(I do believe that I could recite the entire Charlie Brown Christmas script if I had to...)


Kathy

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Good Job with getting back on the weight loss wagon again Jane! Journalling is a tough thing for me too. I hate it hate it hate it but it is a necessary evil. There is a fantastic online site that is free -- let me know on FB and I can get you the link. I am trying as usual and am realizing that until I seriously change my eating habits, it won't come off......no matter how much exercise I do.

Sonya -- looks like you aren't coming at Christmas time after all? Have all the wedding plans been arranged?

I am still trying to figure out what to do with Sabrina. I promised her DL but after looking at prices, WDW is the same price and no need for transportation from the airport in Orlando so leaning that way. Now to figure out when. If everyone will be there in October, I just may make it but it depends on when we go to Italy. So many decisions!!!

Jane -- let me know if you look into Universal. We (ok, really me) are looking at that as our potential family trip for the year. We would go for at least 4 days. I am just not sure if Kai is old or tall enough yet to enjoy it. Anyone have any experience with that?

Ok, time for bed. Good night everyone!!!!

Tracking has been going really well - I'm on day 5 of tracking everything. I went to WW on Saturday and I'm FINALLY back down to my pre-Christmas weight. I'm so happy that its only January and I'm back to November's weight. I'm tracking online on a free tool (is your's sparkppl?) I really like how I can see if I need to boost my protein and lower my carbs (its pretty much that way every day). The points thing on WW was just not working for me lately. I went to the gym on Saturday, but I just do not have the motivation these days.

I totally understand your issues with DL vs WDW. I don't know how much DCA is torn up, but I know that they are working on remodeling a lot of it, so I'd check into seeing how much might be open. It would really be terrible to come all the way to CA and not be able to see 1/2 of the parks. I don't understand why they don't do ME in CA. I guess it would be difficult with all the different airports that people can fly into.

Where in Italy are you planning on visiting? I have some really good restaurant suggestions if you need them. I LOVED Florence.

At this point I don't think we will be doing Universal. I think we will wait till after HP opens and see what the word on the boards are to know if its worth it. I just don't know if there will be enought time this trip. Normally we go for 10 days, this trip is just 8 days and we are pretty much booked for three of them with the ConGaloosh event.

Back to reading trip reports!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Hello Fellow Adventurers!

This is trip related since I need to find something to wear to the ConGaloosh events and its the one thing that I can do now that helps pass the time till we can book ADRs and Airline tickets.

Last year Jim & I put together pretty easy outfits. People thought I was Amelia Earhart when I wore the same outfit to our Halloween celebration. I was going for Aviator, so that worked for me. The problem was the outfit was EXTREMELY hot to wear in Florida. I had long pants, boots, long sleeve shirt and leather bomber jacket in addition to the aviator fur hat and leather gloves.

Can’t believe I’m posting this picture. I put everything on and stepped out on the balcony to test out the full effect in the heat. I knew I wouldn’t be wearing the full outfit for very long. I probably lasted 30 minutes at the cocktail reception then had to ditch the leather jacket.

Jim decided to be a “general adventurer” so he had it easy, shorts, camper shirt and pith helmet.

Sorry his eyes are closed, but this is the best shot I could find of his outfit.

Anyway, we’ve been trying to figure out “characters” for our trip this next year. I thought in honor of the venue (the Indy Cairo set at DHS) Jim should go as a Sr. Professor Jones type of character. I thought of doing a “Cub Reporter” type. I happened across a dress that I thought looked “kind of” like a 30s style dress at Target. I bought it, but I’m not quite sure. I went out shopping today and ran across a huge 75% Clearance Sale at Penney’s. I was able to find a couple of suits for work and came across a suit (with a skirt) that I thought might work as well. As soon as the battery in my camera is charged up I’ll post pictures and let you all tell me if you think they would work.

I can’t believe I’m thinking of wearing TWO dresses for the weekend (Friday night and Saturday’s Banquet). Anyone who knows me knows that I only wear dresses if I absolutely HAVE to for work and if I can get away with wearing nice pants then that is what I’ll do. Thinking back in fact the only time that I’ve worn a dress in the last 10+ years was to surprise Jim on our 25th anniversary in May (and then again at our Palo brunch on the cruise). To say that Jim was surprised when I showed him the dresses and skirt is an understatement. To accessorize the outfit I bought a hat and I have an old camera from my parents that I can take along. The biggest issue I’ll have is finding some shoes that will work with my Flinstone feet (short and wide) that I’ll feel comfortable wearing for the number of hours that I’ll be on my feet.

The diet is still going pretty well. Went to WW last week and I’m very close to my lowest weight ever. I’m still tracking everything and falling within my calorie range. I haven’t made it to the gym since last weekend since I’ve been working like a madwoman getting ready for our big meeting next week. I figure all the lifting and moving of furniture that I did yesterday should have burned off a couple hundred calories. The reason I was out shopping today was to see if I could find some new pants. Darn it if I’m not right in between sizes. DANG. Oh well, at least I’m not going up in sizes.

Tomorrow we hit 250 days out (and it's Jim's BIG birthday so we are going to the Cheesecake Factory to celebrate). I'll have to be REALLY carefull with my menu selection because I absolutly HAVE to have some cheesecake for dessert. Hmmmmm......

 

[KathyRN137]

I thought of doing a “Cub Reporter” type. I happened across a dress that I thought looked “kind of” like a 30s style dress at Target. I bought it, but I’m not quite sure. I went out shopping today and ran across a huge 75% Clearance Sale at Penney’s. I was able to find a couple of suits for work and came across a suit (with a skirt) that I thought might work as well. As soon as the battery in my camera is charged up I’ll post pictures and let you all tell me if you think they would work.

Will do! I spent a lot of time agonizing about my Pirate costume for MNSSHP, so I understand what you are going through!


Would this help??

http://www.fashion-era.com/stylish_thirties.htm

Kathy

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I finally finished packing for the meeting next week, so I had time to take some quick pics of my options. Please be honest and let me know if you think either of these options would work for a 1937ish outfit.

Option #1

Option #2

I just realized that we have WAY too much dark surfaces. It was hard to find a surface that was light enough to show the dresses. #2 option has a ruffle down on the bottom hem that doesn't really show up that well.

I have to get ready for a conference call I'll try and post pics of the hat and camera after I'm off.

Jane

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Ok, here are the options that I have for accessories:

I actually think the hat is more 20s than 30s, but it is an option.

I have to research to see when Brownies were used.

Once I have the outfits figured out, I'll need to work on shoes.

Ok, readers... what do you think?

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

It’s been a crazy couple of weeks but I finally had a chance to call DVC and book our room at Old Key West. We want to stay at The Beach Club but since we can’t book that till March I wanted to make sure that we had someplace to stay. Since it will just be four of us we’ve decided to book a one bedroom villa instead of the two bedroom villa. Since we went to WDW twice last year I had to borrow points to have enough to book this trip so not dipping into the bank for the additional 72 points will make it so we can vacation in 2011. I’m just crossing my fingers that we can switch to Beach Club or even Boardwalk Villas. We just love being close to Epcot but since we’re planning on being there during the Food and Wine Festival it might be difficult to switch.

I’m going to go out and buy the fleece material tomorrow so we can make the blankets next week for our Give a Disney Day donation. Steven is coming over to watch the Olympic Opening Ceremonies and Charlotte is coming up to visit for the weekend so we’ll finally be all together and can create the blankets. I’ll try to remember to take some pictures of the creation and finished products.

I was listening to an old WDW Radio Podcast and they were talking about Owners Lockers. I want to do some research to see if it might make sense to get one. The thought of not having to lug some of the “essentials” that we take on each trip is very appealing. I’m just not sure if it is worth it for the once every other year that we normally travel to WDW. If only we had known in May that we were going to be going again in October of 2009 and then again in October 2010 it probably would have been a good deal. Since Jim hates to check bags we end up having to buy things in Florida that we then have to ditch before we head back home. Anyone have any experience with the service?

I found a Facebook group that are fans of Photopass and have found a couple of other people that are going to WDW at the same time so we are going to share a Photopass CD. We did this in May and LOVED being able to get pictures together without having to assault someone to take our pictures. I’ve got my favorite one as my desktop wallpaper. Plus if Brendan and Charlotte want to get pictures with characters, they can both be in the pictures. Plus I really like having the options of adding frames to the pictures.

Well that is all that has happened vacation wise – lots of dreaming, but not much planning. I think I’m going to dig out our schedule from last year (hoping that the park times stay pretty much the same) I think I’ll try and figure out parks so we can make some ADRs.

Jane

 

[kangaand2roos]

Subbing. We're headed down in October too, but the last week of the month. We're booked at AKV, but might try to change to BWV or BCV later, when the window opens. We're booked in Concierge, so I might just keep it and try for an Epcot area Villa next year. Can't wait to hear more details.

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Subbing. We're headed down in October too, but the last week of the month. We're booked at AKV, but might try to change to BWV or BCV later, when the window opens. We're booked in Concierge, so I might just keep it and try for an Epcot area Villa next year. Can't wait to hear more details.

Welcome!
October is a great month to visit. We there at the end of September beginning of October and we loved it. Being able to hit the F&W, MNSSHP and ConGaloosh all in one trip will be a action packed trip but I'm really looking forward to it.

Concierge sounds so fantastic! I'd keep that and do Epcot next time. I'm going to jump over to your PTR to see what you have planned.

 

[kangaand2roos]

Welcome!
October is a great month to visit. We there at the end of September beginning of October and we loved it. Being able to hit the F&W, MNSSHP and ConGaloosh all in one trip will be a action packed trip but I'm really looking forward to it.

Concierge sounds so fantastic! I'd keep that and do Epcot next time. I'm going to jump over to your PTR to see what you have planned.

Yeah, I did a solo trip last Halloween weekend and I just LOVED that time. MNSSHP was amazing and I LOVE F&W festival. CAN't wait, but first the May trip!

 

[swwake]

I'm subscribing too!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I'm subscribing too!

Welcome to my report!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

It has been a busy week and finally had some trip related action. We got Disney Mail on Wednesday with out confirmation from the DVC of our reservations!

I’ve been in contact with a couple of people via a facebook page and we are going to share a Photopass CD. Since they are staying off property I wasn’t sure that I’d get a discount code (since I booked through DVC and we’ve never gotten a discount code offer before). I contacted the DVC and they said I just needed to wait till 45 days prior to our reservations to request the code and then I could get it. Added it to my calendar to make sure I send them an email.

On Thursday I knew I would have some time at work when I would be able to listen to last weeks DIS Podcast. I was stuffing certificates into frames (don’t I have a glamorous job?) so I popped my iPod on and was just getting into my groove when Julie asked my question on the show! I had posted it on facebook and when she said my name I was shocked! The question was: What cast member costume would you want to wear, or which one would you NEVER want to wear? Woo Hoo!!! I finally made the Podcast! Can’t wait to get my t-shirt – definitely will be packing that in October!

On Friday, Charlotte came up for the weekend and while Brendan was at work today we went to Joanne Fabrics and selected our fleece fabric for our no-sew blankets. They had the fabric on sale and last week there was a coupon for 10% off the entire purchase (for the 12th and 13th only) in the ads that I saved so we were able to buy the material for all the blankets that we need to make for a little over $75 (that’s for 5 people). We had a great time listening to Disney Park music and talking to Charlotte about our ideas for the trip, discussing possible restaurant ideas and telling her about the PhotoPass card. She is really looking forward to getting pictures of her and Brendan meeting all the characters. I told her she better give him the heads up that characters will be met and pictures will be taken. We also wanted to make sure that they both understand that we don’t expect them to hang with us the entire time. We will plan certain days just so we can make ADRs but if they want to go off on their own and explore we’ll just meet them at selected times (thank goodness for cell phones).

In just a couple hours I was able to finish both of my blankets, Charlotte and Jim both finished making one each. We had to share my good sewing scissors so it took us a little longer than it would have taken if we could find another pair of good scissors. I took some pictures, but want to get a couple of Brendan and Charlotte making them tomorrow and then I’ll post them.

For Valentine’s Day I bought Steven a new Disney CD and I got Brendan and Charlotte matching Mickey t-shirts. I hope they fit. I’m also giving Brendan and Charlotte Disney Gift Cards that they can use on the trip.

I hope everyone has a Happy Valentine’s day!

Jane

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Brendan and Charlotte are spending some snuggle time watching Disney's Atlantis so Brendan is going to work on his blanket this week when Charlotte isn't here so I figured I'd post the pictures of the blankets that have been finished (before I forget).

Jim cutting the salvage edge off his material (he liked the ducky fabric and made two with that same fabric). If anyone has any doubt that the blankets are too difficult to make this is a sure indicator that it is a very simple project. Jim has never sewed anything in his life and he was able to do this project easily.

Charlotte cutting her fabric. Since we were all working at the same time we had to spread out to all the flat surfaces in the house.

All the completed blankets so far. Charlotte was able to finish her second one last night while watching a movie (they do that alot) with Brendan after he got home from work.

I just have to get Steven over to make his blankets (even though he isn't planning on going with us I had signed him up and figured we have him make the blankets, if he changes his mind we can get the ticket or if he makes it down to Disneyland this year he can use it there) otherwise we will donate the ticket back.

This was a great weekend project! It has helped with the pre-trip wait time. We just have to figure out when we will make it down to San Jose to drop off the blankets. They have to get them by March 14 (the deadline that I selected when I signed us up). So it will have to be soon.

Coming up next - I've been working on a little more detailed itinerary to help figure out our ADRs (using last years October calendar).

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Don't know if anyone is still hanging around to my ramblings, but I've committed to keeping this up, so here's the latest...

Jim and I went out for dinner on Valentines Day (we’re such an old couple – we went to Applebee’s at 5:30pm to beat the crowd). Anyway, I had pulled last years October hours so if this years dates/times are similar we put together a possible itinerary.

October 2 - Saturday
Fly to MCO – rent a car (already booked) go shopping, grab dinner at Tejauana Flats. Check into OKW (hoping we can change to BCV next month, but right now we are at OKW). Go Swim or maybe DTD if we want to do some shopping.

October 3 - Sunday
Sleep in (try and get adjusted to the time difference)
Breakfast in room
Epcot in the AM
Lunch at Food and Wine Festival booths
Afternoon back to room to rest or swim
Dinner in room
Magic Kingdom for EMH

October 4 - Monday
Breakfast in room
Animal Kingdom for EMH
Switch to DHS
Lunch at either Sci Fi Dine In or 50’s Prime Time (Charlotte’s choice – or depending on where we can get ADRs)
Afternoon at park – either stay at the park till EMH or hit Epcot till EMH start at DHS

October 5 – Tuesday
Sleep in
Breakfast in room
Non-park day either DTD, Mini-golf or Water Park
Lunch in room
4:00pm MNSSHP

October 6 – Wednesday
Breakfast in room
Epcot Day – our favorite park
Biergarten for lunch
Room for dinner

October 7 – Thursday
Breakfast in room
Free Day – what ever park strikes our fancy
Late afternoon at Wilderness Lodge to explore and relax
Hoop De Doo Review for dinner

October 8 – Friday
Sleep in
Breakfast in room
1:00pm ConGaloosh Meet at DHS
Brendan and Charlotte on own for rest of the day. Jim and I’ll probably be helping set up stuff for the ConGaloosh event this evening.

October 9 – Saturday
Breakfast in room
ConGaloosh meet at (?)
Jim and I’ll leave this day open for ConGaloosh meets and prep for the evening function at the hotel.

October 10 – Sunday
ConGaloosh meet at (?)
Jim and I’ll leave this day open for ConGaloosh meets any clean up from the previous events.

October 11 – Monday
Relax and take it easy – leave around noon to fly back home.

I'm sure things will change around a bit once the hours come out, but we had to start somewhere. The one item that may change things a bit would be the shows at AK. Does anyone know when the shows start? If we get in the park at 7:00am what time is the first Nemo and Lion King shows? We normally don't spend a ton of time at this park since it isn't Jim's favorite, but we want to make sure that Charlotte and Brendan are able to see the shows.

On the Blanketters front - Steven came over on Wednesday and made one and then completed his other one today. We will be dropping them off tomorrow (as soon as Brendan finishes making his). I took some pictures but will wait to post them until I get some of Brendan.

I did book our rental car this week. I was able to get a mid-sized car through an online discount with National that was cheaper than an economy car using my corporate discount with Budget.

I keep checking out prices for flights. The prices are just NOT coming down. I just want Southwest to open up their flights for October!!

 

[disneydawn6]

Hey Jane!! Been a long time... I miss you at the store... We went last year to WDW in Oct and went to the Halloween party so already made reservations for Nov this year to bring the new Grandbabies for first Xmas Party, end of F&W and Osborn lights.... It sounds like so much fun, I'm tempted to change it to Oct....

We signed up for a thrift store in Vacaville next Tuesday for the Give a Day.....

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Hi Dawn!!!

I miss the store as well - ok, I miss the people at the store. I love the grandbaby pics on FB. They are adorable.

It would be fantastic if you switched to October. If your hubby is a big AC fan he would have a blast. Have him check out the ConGaloosh site to see all the details. Ask me if you have any questions.

I'll try and stop into the store more often and hope to see you there!

 

[kangaand2roos]

Sounds like a greet start on the itinerary. I can't wait until October hours are released, as we're going the late part of the month!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Brendan finally made his blankets last night so we were good to drop them off today. Here are the pictures of Steven and Brendan working on their blankets. I believe Steven is thinking of making a blanket in the future for a present for Jenny. He was really proud that he was able to make a blanket all by himself and now that he knows the process he can do it without any assistance next time.

Steven cutting the salvage edge off the fleece. I used painters tape so he could cut a straight line without having to draw on the fabric. We had marks every 1" to cut the strips. I didn't have to worry about cutting my measuring tape and we were able to reuse the painters tape on all the blankets.

Jim and Steven tying knots while watching TV.

Brendan finishes off his dino inspired blanket.

We had an errand to run to return the stovetop that we bought that didn’t fit our counter (a long story and while the stovetop fit the hole in the countertop it was about 1” too tall for to fit in on top of the oven underneath). Anyway the appliance store was sort of on the way to the blanket drop off location (or at least both were south of us so we did a triangle drive). We were able to return the stovetop, find another one that should fit in the spot and order a new overhead vent for and come out about equal. Now we just have to wait for the new appliances to come in and schedule the installation. Maybe we will get our Christmas present to each other installed by St. Patrick’s Day. We stopped for lunch and then we were on our way to drop off the blankets.

We made great time and were about 45 minutes early. We decided to burn some time at the Target down the street. I was trying to find some Ear-Planes for Brendan. The last two times that he’s flown he gets excruciation pain in his head and it doesn’t stop till decent. I’m hoping it is just an air pressure thing and I plan on pumping him full of decongestants and the ear-planes in hopes that it is a problem with the air pressure. After searching high and low I couldn’t find any so I’ll have to keep looking. After wandering around and getting a couple of items, it was time to go and drop off the blankets.

We drove to the drop off location (a volunteer’s house) and were surprised to see a line up of cars. We got in line and found that we needed to have tags on each blanket. Got the blankets tagged and turned them in. I was amazed at the number of people that were dropping off blankets. The lady in front of us had about 20 blankets and the volunteer’s house was stacked high with blankets. She said that due to the Disney program they were able to add a lot of homeless shelters to the list of organizations that they are able to support and the stories that they’ve heard back from have been heartwarming. We also picked up a SHARES card and when we shop at Lucky’s we scan the card and this Project Linus Group will get a 3% rebate to help them purchase supplies for more blankets.

It started pouring rain on the drive home, but we were able to make it home in about an hour. All in all a very productive day!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Sounds like a greet start on the itinerary. I can't wait until October hours are released, as we're going the late part of the month!

Thanks! I don't know why they can't release the hours. It's very frustrating. I keep checking and nothing past August yet.

I did ask the question about AK shows on the Parks board and they directed me to a website: http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/tabs.htm its a website that has park and show times listed per week. It at least gives me a good idea of what show times are generally.

FYI, Lion King generally has a show at 10 and Nemo starts at 10:30. I think we will shoot for the first Lion King show and then head over to the second show of Nemo (getting pictures with Characters while waiting for the shows to start).

J