August 13, 2011 Med - Mickey's Marauding Mates

[west&east]

Dark, dreary, rainy day here... DH has a home Redskins game - he picked up some bright yellow rain suits for his crew to wear so if anybody watches the game & sees a shot on TV of the end zone crowd with 4 bright yellow rain suits, pants & all that would be him!! He is crazy IMHO! They suck (again) this year...but he's such a fan.

Annie, I'll tell DH to be on the lookout for the yellow crew when he is glued to the Redskins game. I probably said this before, but DH will be psyched to talk Redskins football with your DH. It takes a special person to stick with that team. Then there is our local team, the Charlotte Panthers. Pathetic. It is way easier to enjoy football when you have a good team to cheer on and good weather to watch them in. We lived in Tampa the year the Bucs went to the SuperBowl and got to go to some games in awesome weather. Yes, I am a fair weather fan.

Gearing up for our trip to WDW. The forecast looks decent right now but not fabulous. Guess that's the best I can hope for in December. Just got to keep the kids focused this week and hope everyone stays healthy. Trying to tweak our ADRs which is not easy when you are booking for 8. Thinking about whether I should start a pre- trip report to help the time go by...

 

[Anal Annie]

Annie, I'll tell DH to be on the lookout for the yellow crew when he is glued to the Redskins game. I probably said this before, but DH will be psyched to talk Redskins football with your DH. It takes a special person to stick with that team. Then there is our local team, the Charlotte Panthers. Pathetic. It is way easier to enjoy football when you have a good team to cheer on and good weather to watch them in. We lived in Tampa the year the Bucs went to the SuperBowl and got to go to some games in awesome weather. Yes, I am a fair weather fan.

Yes, special as in touched in the head!!

Gearing up for our trip to WDW. The forecast looks decent right now but not fabulous. Guess that's the best I can hope for in December. Just got to keep the kids focused this week and hope everyone stays healthy. Trying to tweak our ADRs which is not easy when you are booking for 8. Thinking about whether I should start a pre- trip report to help the time go by...

(Where are you planning to eat?!)

 

[west&east]

(Where are you planning to eat?!)

The most important meal is our ADR at the Queen Victoria Room at Victoria and Albert. Our anniversary is next Saturday, the day we arrive, so we are having a special night out on Sunday. Our kids will hang out with the other family.
We also have ADRs at Cape May both for the character breakfast and dinner, Biergarten, and the new Mexican place at Epcot. I thought the family we are traveling with wouldn't want to do a lot of full service restaurants but now they are saying they do, so I have to try to hustle some more ADRs!

 

[Anal Annie]

OMG!! Did you SEE that?! OMG!! 9 seconds to go for the extra point to TIE the game and they blew it AGAIN!! I just hope DH doesn't get sick from standing out in the rain for 4 hours!! Stoooopid game.....

 

[west&east]

Agghh! Was so psyched for DH's team the Redskins when they beat the Cowboys at the beginning of the season. Of course they couldn't keep it going. Pathetic.

5 more sleeps before we leave for WDW!! Added Restaurant Marrakesh one night...

Hosting book club tonight. I hate the book and only read half of it. Food courtesy of Trader Joes tonight because that is all I have in me right now.

Did any of you get an email from Disney Cruise Line today about the DCL DVD? Life is soooo good that we are all going on a Disney cruise next year!!!!

 

[jd99]

we are also heading to WDW later this month! It's our annual post-Christmas trip using DVC at our favorite home resort - BCV - so it's "free." Looking forward to some ADRs at places we love plus the new pizza place at Epcot. We have Tutto Italia booked, as well as Narcoossees, Yachtsman Steak House, Kouzzina and O'Hana. Along with a breakfast at Cape May Cafe.

Hoping the weather warms up by the time we get there. It is brutal here right now and looking at Orlando weather it's pretty darned cold down there too. Last Christmas trip, it rained a lot and was pretty cool as well. We could use some 70s (dare I ask for 80?) when we are there.

 

[Anal Annie]

It is downright miserably cold here...back porch says 23 + with the wind Mr. Weatherman on the 6:00 news says it's 7 degrees with the wind chill!! DS & I are gettin' ready to head out for swimming! Brrrrrr!! We got DS one of those long swim parkas for Xmas...I picked it up from the embroidery shop today - it looks good with his name & logo & all on it...it's soo freaking cold right now I am tempted to give it to him to wear tonight! BUT I won't!! He has a blanket in the car that he's been using over his legs for after practice.

So the ornery cat, Cricket, found her way into the tree. It fell today. LUCKILY it fell backwards, into the corner and not across the room. Nobody was home when it happened but I am sure it was much less of a crash!! No ornaments broke this time. (WHEW!) DS is convinced she will bring it down again. I sure hope NOT!!

Ya'll are making me hungry with all these ADR's not to mention JEALOUS of your upcoming trips that are so close!! We tried out Marrakesh last March when we went...got a seat right on the dance floor which was fun...but the food was just OK for us. We REALLY, REALLY like the little Tangerine Cafe CS place so we expected more I guess. LOVE BCV...but didn't get to try Cape May...next time maybe...

Did not get an email today from DCL... I got a hotel recommendation from a neighbor for a hotel in Paris...the Hotel du Pantheon in the Latin Quarter... It is near the RER D line (although not the line we need for DLP) and near a metro...faces the Pantheon & is within walking distance of a lot of places. It is rated #25 on Trip Advisor & a "triple" runs 180 Euro right now - but that is a non-refundable rate so I'm not booking anything until we find flights!! Does anybody know how difficult it is to switch lines on the RER in order to get to the A line for DLP?!

OK, must run for now - time for practice!!

 

[west&east]

Ya'll are making me hungry with all these ADR's not to mention JEALOUS of your upcoming trips that are so close!! We tried out Marrakesh last March when we went...got a seat right on the dance floor which was fun...but the food was just OK for us. We REALLY, REALLY like the little Tangerine Cafe CS place so we expected more I guess. LOVE BCV...but didn't get to try Cape May...next time maybe...

!

I actually had planned to just do Tangerine Cafe because I always heard good things about it but haven't yet tried it, and because I thought my friends didn't want to do a bunch of drawn out dinners. I am going to keep it in mind as a back up plan. I have heard a lot of mixed things about the food at Marrakesh although that is true of lots of restaurants at WDW. Honestly, since we are going to V&A I figure the rest of what we eat this trip is more for the kids.

Stay warm! It is quite chilly here too although my gas fireplace nearly created a sauna during book club.

 

[Anal Annie]

So I suppose a book club would tend to read something insightful & thought provoking?! I don't read anything like that. I only read whenever I am at the pool waiting on DS so it takes me a long time to finish something - esp. if there's another swim mom around to talk to instead. I just finished The Girl Who Played With Fire this evening (the 2nd book after The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo). Did you happen to read those? I would kind of like to see the movie when it comes out... I thought the first book was sheer TORTURE to get thru the first 200 or so pages. It took me like 2 months to get that far. Then once it picked up it was really good...I thought the 2nd book was fantastic cover to cover & found it hard to put down. I hear the 3rd book is a let-down tho. It wraps stuff up 'cuz there's a lot left hanging at the end of the 2nd book so I HAVE to read it but I heard it's not as exciting & lacks the same suspense... It's not out in paperback yet tho so I won't buy it until it is - I hope it's not THAT disappointing!! I don't like dragging big hard cover books around. I am a John Grisham fan - I have Ford County sitting here waiting for me and Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. Those should hold me over until The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest is out in paperback!

 

[Kels Sem]

It has warmed up slightly here in NI but apparently another very cold snap will land with us on Thursday so not looking forward to that! I can sympathise with you all!

I'm really jealous of those with upcoming WDW trips. I wish I lived closer! I know DLP is not that far but it is very expensive, especially with the pound/euro exchange rate. I hope you all have a great time.

I'm going out for my work xmas lunch tomorrow and I'm also going to try and finish my xmas shopping! If I don't get it done tomorrow I don't know when else I'll get the time as we're so busy in the next week and I'm working right up to xmas eve!

Annie - I have read Angels & Demons and it had me gripped. Much better than the movie.

 

[west&east]

So I suppose a book club would tend to read something insightful & thought provoking?! I don't read anything like that. I only read whenever I am at the pool waiting on DS so it takes me a long time to finish something - esp. if there's another swim mom around to talk to instead. I just finished The Girl Who Played With Fire this evening (the 2nd book after The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo). Did you happen to read those? I would kind of like to see the movie when it comes out... I thought the first book was sheer TORTURE to get thru the first 200 or so pages. It took me like 2 months to get that far. Then once it picked up it was really good...I thought the 2nd book was fantastic cover to cover & found it hard to put down. I hear the 3rd book is a let-down tho. It wraps stuff up 'cuz there's a lot left hanging at the end of the 2nd book so I HAVE to read it but I heard it's not as exciting & lacks the same suspense... It's not out in paperback yet tho so I won't buy it until it is - I hope it's not THAT disappointing!! I don't like dragging big hard cover books around. I am a John Grisham fan - I have Ford County sitting here waiting for me and Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. Those should hold me over until The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest is out in paperback!

Our book club actually read Girl with the Dragon Tattoo this summer. We just appreciate well written books. I agree that the beginning of that book was really tough, I now tell others to just skim it til you get to the good part. The 2nd is definitely the best in the series although the 3rd is pretty good. I got it straightaway on my Kindle because I just need instant gratification!

 

[Anal Annie]

Oh brrrrr. I am SICK of winter already! I really hate to think about it lasting another 3 months!! It is snowing a little today but it has been sooo freaking COLD!! I tried to talk DS into going to swimming last night rather than tonight 'cuz of the weather forecast but he wanted to wait for tonight so now I really dread having to go out this evening. I should've just played the Mom card and SAID we're going tonight. I should've gone with my instinct.

I went out shopping early today, trying to get DONE...I have lost my list but I think I am almost done. I don't have anything for MY parents yet.... Did MIL, BIL, SIL, DH's stepbrother & my nephew this morning. I THOUGHT I was done with my DB & his GF but now not so sure. They are DIRT POOR (live in a trailer up a holler in WV) and they WERE expecting a baby in early Feb. This was totally unplanned - in fact they both have grown children from previous lives (youngest is 18) so they really are starting over with the baby thing...so I'd just planned to get them a bunch of baby stuff...WELL, she went & HAD the baby last weekend!! 2 months early!! It was about 3 Lbs so it should be OK but will be in the hospital for awhile yet... So I think that people back home are rushing around giving them stuff so that they'll be ready.... Which means I may need to return some of what I bought & re-shop. I am waiting on my Mom to find out more for me.

Karen - are you packed?! How exciting! I hope it warms up for you...do you drive or fly?? I guess your schools are out next week since you're going now? Our kids go to school thru next Thursday. They only get Xmas eve off & that week between Xmas & New Years.

OK, I need to go start wrapping....DS is getting concerned that there is NOTHING under the tree yet!

 

[Anal Annie]

Hello? Hola!! Bonjour!! Anybody!?

Karen - will you be checking in while you're in the World? (Just to rub it in & make us jealous?!) I hope your suprise goes off well this evening for the kiddos!! Have a safe trip! When do you come home?

LUKE?! Hellooo!! Where ya been?!

Kelly....busy working or internet problems?!

NJ.Ohana? TOTALLY MIA!!

Jeff...snowed in?!

 

[west&east]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We leave tomorrow and I'm going crazy!!!!!
Got DS pretty much packed. DD just needs a few more things. Have to go figure my stuff out now. Heading from WDW to Arkansas for Xmas so we have to make sure we have everything. Our friends who are driving down offered to take our suitcases so we won't have to check luggage this leg and can just do carry ons! That will save us some $ to spend at Disney. I may check in here and there while we're at Disney and definitely from Arkansas when things will be way slower.

Take care everybody!

 

[Anal Annie]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We leave tomorrow and I'm going crazy!!!!!
Got DS pretty much packed. DD just needs a few more things. Have to go figure my stuff out now. Heading from WDW to Arkansas for Xmas so we have to make sure we have everything. Our friends who are driving down offered to take our suitcases so we won't have to check luggage this leg and can just do carry ons! That will save us some $ to spend at Disney. I may check in here and there while we're at Disney and definitely from Arkansas when things will be way slower.

Take care everybody!

BYE! Have a wonderful time - safe travels!

I am freeezing again...I can't wait for summer already!!

 

[Kels Sem]

I've been working and busy with the kids the last few days.

We woke up this morning to a blank of snow. It was really pretty site looking over the fields and even better that it's saturday and no work to go to! It actually snowed yesterday as well and I had to go to work in it. Yuk. I haven't seen as much snow here in a long time. We had great fun this morning building a snowman but it has made me long to go skiing!

Karen - Hope you have a brilliant time at WDW and enjoy your christmas.

I have quite a hectic week ahead and I'm even working on 23rd & 24th but after that i'm off until 6th Jan! I wish we were going somewhere but I'm really looking forward to catching up with family and friends.

Kelly

 

[Anal Annie]

OY!! So tired of being cold already!! We all got up at 2:25 am to got outside in our jammies & coats, hats & gloves to watch the start of the lunar eclipse!! It was 25 degrees out so I didn't mess with trying to take any pics... I am paying for the sleep deprivation now (had trouble getting back to sleep at 3:00 am)!

I finally finished my shopping (I think). Not sure if my final decision for my parents is the best idea EVER or the WORST! I was drawing SUCH a blank for ideas for them. I ended up getting them one of those Keurig coffee maker things + an assortment of coffees & a little stand that goes under it that has a drawer to store the coffees in. My Dad currently has a pot that grinds etc. so I am not sure this is going to be something they're interested in or not. We had one of these at my old office & it WAS convenient...but I think the coffees are more expensive so I don't know. Anyway, NOW I need to start wrapping - I am sooo behind! We had a busy weekend - swim practice both days, baked cookies for the coaches on Saturday & had DH's extended family get-together on Sunday. Our weather forecast is NOT looking good for travel on Xmas so I don't even know if we'll get to GO to my parents. Calling for "accumulating snow" Xmas eve and through Xmas day - that is NOT how I want to drive 225 miles!! So we shall see...but I'm not getting good vibes for travel.

Hope everyone is staying warm!!

 

[jd99]

OY!! So tired of being cold already!! We all got up at 2:25 am to got outside in our jammies & coats, hats & gloves to watch the start of the lunar eclipse!! It was 25 degrees out so I didn't mess with trying to take any pics... I am paying for the sleep deprivation now (had trouble getting back to sleep at 3:00 am)!

I finally finished my shopping (I think). Not sure if my final decision for my parents is the best idea EVER or the WORST! I was drawing SUCH a blank for ideas for them. I ended up getting them one of those Keurig coffee maker things + an assortment of coffees & a little stand that goes under it that has a drawer to store the coffees in. My Dad currently has a pot that grinds etc. so I am not sure this is going to be something they're interested in or not. We had one of these at my old office & it WAS convenient...but I think the coffees are more expensive so I don't know. Anyway, NOW I need to start wrapping - I am sooo behind! We had a busy weekend - swim practice both days, baked cookies for the coaches on Saturday & had DH's extended family get-together on Sunday. Our weather forecast is NOT looking good for travel on Xmas so I don't even know if we'll get to GO to my parents. Calling for "accumulating snow" Xmas eve and through Xmas day - that is NOT how I want to drive 225 miles!! So we shall see...but I'm not getting good vibes for travel.

Hope everyone is staying warm!!

I hear you. We have been behind from the beginning this year and can't catch up. Seems like the kids are really enjoying the season so all the work we are doing is worth it but I don't think I can do this late November cruise again AND enjoy the Christmas preps again. I must be getting old. Oh that's right. I am. Could have used a week more to prepare so these last few days are not so nuts. Trying to get a huge amount of work done as well so that I don't have to work so much while we are at WDW next week. Weather is looking decent while we are there -in the 60s and low 70s mostly - and while that's cool for Florida, it's a whole lot better than the 13 and 15 degrees we have "enjoyed." Hoping we get at least one warmer day in the 70s so we can enjoy the pool and waterslide at BCV. I suspect the kids will do so no matter what - but I just hope it's not on a 59 degree day!

We are going to tell the kids while we are WDW about this cruise. They know we are going to Greece and my oldest keeps asking "Italy is close- why can't we go there for a bit too?" so they are going to be very excited about this.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my DISboard compardres.

 

[Kels Sem]

I watched the lunar eclipse this morning as well but fortunately it was 7.40am and I was able to stay in the warm and watch it from my lounge window!

The snow has been mad here. Travelling is not good. I only just got my car out of the drive today. Yesterday the kids had a party to go to and since I couldn't get the car out I decided to get the bus! Turned out this was a mistake as the buses were cancelled later in the day and after waiting 15 mins in the freezing cold I gave up and decided to walk and try and get a taxi. DD cried the whole time as she was so tired, cold and wasn't feeling very well. DS was very brave and didn't moan even though he was so cold. Eventually got a taxi (cab) and we got home safely. I couldn't even ring DH to come and get us since we couldn't get the car out if the drive.
we're due to go and see a pantomine tomorrow in Belfast and had planned to get the train. Public transport is not running very well at the moment and I'm not sure about driving. Nightmare.

Anyway - Jeff - enjoy WDW!

Chat soon.
K

 

[Anal Annie]

I watched the lunar eclipse this morning as well but fortunately it was 7.40am and I was able to stay in the warm and watch it from my lounge window!

The snow has been mad here. Travelling is not good. I only just got my car out of the drive today. Yesterday the kids had a party to go to and since I couldn't get the car out I decided to get the bus! Turned out this was a mistake as the buses were cancelled later in the day and after waiting 15 mins in the freezing cold I gave up and decided to walk and try and get a taxi. DD cried the whole time as she was so tired, cold and wasn't feeling very well. DS was very brave and didn't moan even though he was so cold. Eventually got a taxi (cab) and we got home safely. I couldn't even ring DH to come and get us since we couldn't get the car out if the drive.
we're due to go and see a pantomine tomorrow in Belfast and had planned to get the train. Public transport is not running very well at the moment and I'm not sure about driving. Nightmare.

Anyway - Jeff - enjoy WDW!

Chat soon.
K

Oh Kelly what a nightmare!! DON'T BE GOING ANYWHERE in a snowstorm!! Poor kiddos! I was actually thinking about you when I heard about all the snow in the UK this week - I was hoping your DH could stay home & not risk getting stranded someplace over Christmas!! You tell him your American DIS peep said just stay home this week!!!