April 17, 2004 -- anyone going with us?

[rae519]

I saw a truck with a "long horn steer" horn on the front of his "pick'em up" truck. Pretty weird. Now on the East Coast, I've been people with Christmas wreaths and lights on their grills - but not here in the Midwest. So antlers on the hood sound pretty good to me, so long as there is venison in the freezer!

I am really enjoying "Raisin Butt"!!!!!!

We are having a heat wave today - supposed to be up to 29!! Imagine that!

Steroids for my asthma have added 15 lbs to my already overweight body - so I am going to be Richard Simmon's-*** it til we cruise so I can fit in my "cruise clothes".

By the way, I NEVER wear loud flowery outfits, but on the cruise - I just let my "wild" side show and have all these outrageously loud and colorful outfits!!! So if you don't want to be seen with me, that's okay - my family also tends to avoid me! (only kidding!)

Rae

 

[ehtpnt]

Rae-- Good Luck tomorrow with the surgery. Remember NPO after midnight. Hope the surgery is early. That waiting is such a pain. The worst is people who insist upon talking about food. The morning that I had abdominal surgery the orderly taking my husband, daughter and I to my room carefully pointed out the cafeteria to them, along with some comments on various food items. Of course even stranger was the surgeon and the anesthesiologist discussing (read arguing) over what music they were going to listen to in the OR. I suggested the Beatles,( I'm lying on the stretcher at this time) and was told that was too mellow. I asked the surgeon the next morning and was told they listened to the Grateful Dead!! Prayers and Pixie Dust are coming your way from Eastern Pa.

Raisin butt...now I know why I don't like Raisin Bran.

Weather brite and sunny here still cold. NO news on Paxatuny ( or however you spell it.) DH says it is in the paper. But I didn't see it so will wait until the official day (tomorrow). And let everyone know , in case it doesn't make some paper somewhere.

I knew it the day care people are back. Somehow they sense when I am on the thread. Talk to you later. Estelle

 

[rae519]

DEcided to start no food at noon - and of course, NPO at midnight. Will be a good way to lose an ounce or two! Maybe I could suggest that he remove a few extra pounds of fat while he's working!!!!!

Saw my horses today!!!! HURRAH! And Michael got his new horse - he's a beautiful strawberry roan with a white blaze down his face. He is 5 years old and was born at the stables/raised by the owners. His name is "Scooter" and he's the most gentle horse!! I even rode him after Michael and he's got super neck rein and actually will do most anything for you. I rode bareback and now have a lot of respect for the riding ability of the native Americans - whew!!

Of course, I had my new digital camera out and ready to go and it's still sitting on the desk - so no new pictures for a while!!

Thanks for the prayers. I'll e-mail when I get home (maybe as late as Tuesday noontime). I started coming around once during surgery and heard the doctor talking to the nurse about playing golf. Okay. I do remember the music selection being "oldies" most of the times when I have started going under. I never get past telling them "thank you for everything and God bless" before I go OUT, don't imagine it will be much different tomorrow.

Take care all and God bless!

Rae

 

[JLSE50]

RAE: Keep us posted on the surgery and how you are doing! PRAYERS and PIXIE DUST coming your way.

Originally posted by rae519
You should see what I do to my pal Mark because his birthday is Groundhog's Day - last year I got him a dancing groundhog. I always TRY to do something!!! He's got a good sense of humor and I love that connection! Rae

Can you find the TY Beanie Baby PHIL?? They have them at my Hallmark. Need me to get you one and mail it?

New picture of Kayla! Pretty.

The highest we saw today was 28 degrees. Compared to the 11 degrees when we walked into church--it was great! How about a cloud cover in Puxatawny for Monday??? then we get less winter, right?

Jan

 

[dianthus]

Good luck with the surgery tomorrow Rae! Thoughts & prayers are with ya!

GO PATRIOTS! Yeah! New England!!! Ok, now Im going to start that low carb diet.... It was so hard being at a super bowl party & not eating any carbs! So we start with a renewed perspective tomorrow!

Our eBaying efforts are working out well. In the last 3 weeks, we've made net of fees about $500! We are very pleased! Our goal is to cover the onboard spending budget we've worked out. So far, we are doing very well. And I'm getting rid of a lot of unwanted/outgrown stuff, which is making me happy!

Have a great week! Let's hope it's cloudy tomorrow when that Puxatawnee Phil makes his appearance- no more winter! PLEASE!

Have a great week everyone! Rae~ Check in with us when you get home!

~ Linda

 

[ehtpnt]

SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER...sorry guys the little (actually huge) rodent saw his shadow. Nasty beast.
Rae- hope all is well and you will be home tomorrow and soon get back to those horses.

HOW BOUT THOSE PATRIOTS!!!! I watched the first half then a bit of the third quarter, then I went off and managed 13 minutes on the treadmill and missed the big finish. DH was rooting for Carolina, and I was rooting for the Pates. I won! Normally we don't bother to watch because no one in the house is a football fan. But DD had to watch the commercials for Management class at college. We loved the Bud ones. They were LOL.

Got to go. Going to AAA to pay off the cruise. Estelle

 

[dianthus]

Happy Cruise Payoff day Estelle! I'm going to do that next week.

Somehow I knew winter would be around for a while....

That was such a good Superbowl! Both teams played so well. My DH was routing for Carolina too. I was surprised the PATS did so well, as it wasn't snowing! We love the commercials too. The Pizza Hut one with Miss Piggy & Kermie was so cute!

It's almost 30 degrees today- WOW! Snow for tomorrow again! It's a Tuesday cycle this year. Last year it was Friday. If it's 6 more weeks, I'll be happy. Winter seemed to stretch in April last year...

Rae~ Hope your in recovery by now & doing well!

~ Linda

 

[ehtpnt]

Why do I always miss the good stuff? As half time approached I went off to do my 15 minutes of treadmill. And of course I missed the breast and the streaker. Just my luck. Oh well I think Phil (ground hog) is cuter.
We tried to pay off the cruise but got to AAA just after our agent went to lunch. Should have called first. So tomorrow in the snow/sleet/freezing rain/rain we will try again. They are forecasting 1 to 3 of snow and then all bets are off. For Wednesday they say...clear sunny and 46. Yeah right and the ground hog ate Wisconsin.

Rae--hope all went well. The time and day for Palos are great with us. Take care of yourself.

Off to placate the dog. She wants out NOW! Estelle

 

[DisneyDmom]

Thank you Rae, Estelle, Jan and Linda for such a warm welcoming. My DD has researched all the cruise has to offer teens, and I was a bit concerned that as a solo adult, I wouldn’t have as much to do, such as enjoying Palos. Now, to find four seasoned travelers who seem to enjoy life and cruising, I see there is hope for me to have some fun too!. Rae, I’ll PM you our cabin info (once I figure out how to do that . And, yes, I do have many questions.

I’m afraid my questions may seem silly to you, but just remember your first cruise. What does a late 40’s mom wear on a cruise? It sounds like I won’t need a little black dress (probably wouldn’t fit in little black dress anyhow), but how nice do I go and how casual do I go? Do I carry a purse around with me on the ship? Or do I lock everything in room safe and just carry a key? EBaying for extra spending money is not possible, so what’s a range of spending $$?

We've also reserved via AAA. Anything special I ought to ask them?

Oh, and about Rae being the shrimp scoundrel…I might just give you a run for your money. Linda, I have been on low carbs for a few months, with success, and shrimp just happens to be highly recommended. So, may the longest arms (or is it the fastest reach) get the first bite!

Thanks all.
DEBBIE

 

[dianthus]

Debbie! I'm doing the Mom/daughter thing this trip too. Taylor will be 13 the day we sail, however she's been going on 17 since she was 11, as evidenced by the Mr. Raisin Butt story... PM me for Taylor's email address & your daughter can email her with any questions. She knows the ship well. She's looking forward to going to the Stack this time. The adult caberet shows are fun & I love the rainforest room. You will not be bored at all.

You don't have to carry a purse on the ship, just your KTTW card, as everything is charged to it- no cash on ship. Some people like the lanyards to carry your card in... I'm not a fan... I use pockets. We use motorolas on the ship to keep in touch if we are apart.

Dress on the ship is very casual by day & dressy casual for brunch and most dinners. Formal nights you see a range from Ultra dressy to ... The winter cruises seem to be a bit more formal than the Spring ones. I usually pack a black dress for formal night & another outfit for semi formal. Sundresses, skirts, and pants are fine for the dining rooms- cruisewear. They just don't want jeans, or shorts in there for dinner. I am going to try to keep packing light this time. There is a laundry so you can wash clothes if you need, or want to. They have caribbean night in St. Martin. Pack something tropical, or buy something in St. Martin. They have good tropical wear there pretty cheap.

AAA issues soda mugs/stickers for their clients, so you don't have to shell out $35 for them- that's good! Onboard spending can be a little or a great deal... Budget for tips, pics, drinks, souveneirs. Excursions can run up the bill. The rainforest is $50 for a week's pass, spa treatments can do your budget in. Palo brunch is $10- the best deal on the ship. Bingo is fun on the ship too. I think the jumbo packs run about $35. Taylor loves She-She. I hope she's back by our cruise! She sends "bingo love" around the room!

Hope this helps you! You will have a great time! Are you coming in the night before? If so, where are you staying?

Estelle~ I was so glad we have Tivo. When we got home from the party we replayed the "costume malfunction", as I wasn't sure what I saw. I was the only one who caught it at the party & I wasn't sure about it, it happened so fast. Doug completely missed it( he was really glad we have Tivo! LOL!). Sure enough, I did see what I saw. YIKES! Taylor is such a funny one- She says after seeing this~ Did you see the way he tore away at her dress? Forget about her "hanging out", she's lucky she's still got "righty" attached! LOL! I think she has been subjected to far too much nudity in her young life( raisin butt was enough for many lifetimes )& I think she's a bit jaded now! She cracks us up!

~ Linda

 

[ehtpnt]

I can't figure out what is up with the "c" word. Anybody know?
It isn't just the meet thread it is also the main "c" thread too.

A bit weird...

Our weather is good today. We have 40 and sun. Actual melt is occurring. Of course we have huge puddles...size of small lakes in our drive. And unfortunately tomorrow we will be having... SNOW! Please bring on Spring. We aren't due to hit 40 again until Sunday.

We are only 72 days out...I think. That's if I counted right. I am ready NOW.
Off to iron the flannel shirts... that I won't need in 72 days!

Estelle

 

[rae519]

Hi all! First, thanks for the prayers and good wishes. Surgery was longer than expected, and ended up staying from 9AM Monday til 1:30PM Tuesday in the hospital. Came home a bit sore, very tired and just not able to sit for long stretches of time. But that's the way it goes.

I have short arms, but I'm quick - so much for the shrimp. Right now, NOTHING sounds good to either eat or drink.

Waiting for "wintry mix" this afternoon/evening here - I won't be able to ride til St. Patrick's Day (6 weeks) - so I'm not too concerned.

Gas just jumped 20 cents to $1.73. Can we say "Price Gouging"?
OUCH!!!

Going to lie down for a while - so take care and remember the keyword is "VACATION"!

Rae

 

[ehtpnt]

Welcome Back Rae!!!

Glad it all went well even tho it took longer than expected. I understand about the wintery mix. They are calling for snow 1-3 then sleet/ freezing rain and then either back to snow or all rain. This is due tonight into tomorrow morning. Just when I was beginning to see a little of the brown grass around the edges. We did get a nice day yesterday but aren't due to get another one until Saturday at the earliest. Our AAA agent has a daughter who lives in Maine. They have less snow than we do and are experiencing a draught. Go figure.
We did finally get to AAA this morning so the bill is paid and now the only expenses left are the excursions and getting to Port Canavarel and the night before sailing. Just the little ones.LOL

Have to return to the ironing. Which means chasing the cat out of the basket and using a lint brush on the shirts before I can iron them. Darn Cat... Estelle

 

[ehtpnt]

Well as usual the weatherman was off. We never got the one to three. Just sleet, freezing rain, ice and rain. Our roads are a wash in some places with several inches of water. We may have a sink hole in the parking lot of the day care center. And all this will probably freeze tonight.

Just think the seven day cruisers were at CC today. Probably enjoying the warm sun and water.

I am thinking our first documents could arrive about the 16th, that's only 10 days from now. Things are going to move right along once they arrive.

Off now for my nightly treadmill experience. Talk to you all later.

Estelle

 

[lsutigger2]

Estelle, newbie question

what first documents?? Our cruise is paid for, we'll we be getting something. Do I have a reason to run to the mail box everyday??

Thanks for the information

 

[dianthus]

Hi lsutigger! not Estelle, but I can answer your question! The excursion listings will be sent to you @ the 60 day mark. You can prebook any excursion DCL offers. You can go on their website to preview, but the listing that comes @ the 60 day mark has the prices. You should receive your cruise docs anywhere from 2-3 weeks before. I wouldn't start running to the mailbox, ours came by Fedex in November- right to your door. Did you decide to go with Budget, or Avis for your rental car?

Hi Rae! Welcome back!Glad to hear your recovery is going well & you'll be "back in the saddle" soon again. Start lifting weights & get that shrimp arm moving. Sounds like your gonna need it in shape with this crew... They are going to give you a run for it at the buffet table. Maybe we should alert DCL to order more shrimp for this cruise?! Lotsa hot sauce too!

Estelle~ we've been having the lovely weather you sent us from PA. We did get 3 inches,then sleet, then rain... It's a soupy, foggy wonderland of ice out there. Lovely, with the driveway we have... It looks like a bobsled run! Gotta get runners for the Jeep- watch out Jimmy Shea! It'll be my luck those furry, antlered friends of mine will be in the way, so maybe I'll have antlers on the car yet..

CC is looking really good right about now. Konk cooler anyone?

~ Linda

 

[rae519]

CC is looking even better now that I am able to be more "alert" and see all the snow and icy mess we have in our yard - and the snow is still falling. Welcome to Winter...

Sure could use a shrimp bowl and some "mango tango" or even a Konk Kooler! All are sounding so much better than what's in my freezer/refrigerator. Part of that is the fact that someone else is making them and the weather is better where we are having them! ; )

I found a good source for Italian charms and pendants (Disney designs) on ebay - Pugster Inc. Bidding is usually .99 and shipping is reduced on multiple wins. Might want to check it out if you are into these charms.

We are putting more schoolbooks on line and so far only one winner has failed to pay us for her purchase from early January. So after numerous attempts to reach her, we alerted Ebay to her "scheme". I could understand if she was in an emergency situation, but when I checked her out she is still bidding and paying for those wins - so she's just ignoring us. Maybe she doesn't realize that this will affect her ebay status, but after 6 weeks, we've waited long enough. (Tom is more patient than I am!)

Nothing new on the "wedding" - I was going to buy Michael a tux on ebay, but Mom keeps saying, "Maybe Chris will come to his senses!" I highly doubt that. BUT if they do change their mind, then since I paid for his cruise, I'm to use it myself!!!!!! Always thinking, aren't I?

10 Saturdays to go -

Rae

 

[ehtpnt]

Got our excursion docs today!!! DH says NOW he'll get excited. Of course unfortunately they came with the price list. Have to get hold of the other couple going with us and see which ones they might be interested in doing.

Our world looks like a lake. The drive has 2 inches of water and the foot prints in the snow have standing water in them too. You can imagine how the dog feels about all the water. She has been very carefully stepping where there are no prints. And of course it will be well below freezing tonight and all that will be slippery and therefore very nasty in the morning.

By the way when can we actually call to make our excursion reservations? I figure it is probably the 17th of this month. Am I correct?

Dinner time, oldest isn't home so guess who has the dog for the evening? Ah well I can always iron and keep her company that way. Talk to you later. Estelle

 

[dianthus]

I bought a few Disney italian charms for Christmas from Pugster. Very nice quality. Beats $7 to 15 a charm on the ship! Another good one is Bargain charms unlimited on eBay. I think I got 5 million charms for $20- non disney charms, but great quality. Taylor made bracelets for all her friends for christmas presents.

Here's some ways to deal with NPBs on eBay. I only accept Paypal for payment & I expect payment in 5 days. Put it in your auction page. I send one reminder notice on the 6th day, then I file an NPB report on the 7th. Usually the email they get from eBay motivates them to pay. After 10 days, I relist & recoup my fees from eBay. I used to wait, but a non payer usually surfaces quickly - 5 days is sufficent.

Taylor & I have found some great bargains lately we have begun ebaying & turning a pretty good profit on. We bought a bunch of Abercrombie shirts on sale. So far, the profits made have covered the ones she wanted to keep! Free Abercrombie- I'm loving it...We also bought these cute valentine spa slipper & flip flop sets with Betty Boop/Sponge Bob embroidered on them & they flew out the door! We bought 17 sets, kept 3 for us/gifts & sold all but 4 in a week, making a great profit. This has been a great experience teaching Taylor about enterprise. She is highly motivated to make enough money to go "power" shopping in St. Thomas. She really wants that little "Louie". She's bound & determined to come home with one.

Rae~ Buy Michael the tux. If Chris' plans fall through, he can still wear it on formal night on the cruise. Get a formal family portrait done! Little boys look adorable in their tuxes! He'll have it for the wedding, if it comes to pass & future cruises too.

~ Linda

 

[jeanie]

Wow has this thread grown!! I have been popping in every once in awhile but it looks like I have a lot of catching up to do!


I just made final payment and I am ready to bust!!! I can't wait any longer......The ice on the driveway and walkways had melted enough that we could scrape it up yesterday, I am so sick of winter!!


We are a family of 4 from MA and my kids are DD12 and DS10.
We have been looking forward to this for a very,very long time!!!
598 days to be exact!! I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to do the cruise since I work for a company that is continually laying off....so far I am still employed, so we cruise!!!

This will be our 2nd cruise but first Magic cruise...

We are going to sign up for the Rhino Riders on St Martin's with the Golden Eagle as our second choice...


We are also going to St John on our own...head to Cinnamon Bay and try one of the hikes and if time a little shopping in Mongoose Junction...

What is everyone else doing? Which excursions book quickly? Should I call right at the 60 day mark?


No Palo or massages this time, we are just going to enjoy every moment and relax!!