Bunnies and mooses and groupies, Oh my!!! The Wilderness Lodge groupies thread. 4.0

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . but as of this past THursday, I've joined the millions of people who are unemployed. . . . . . .

So sorry to hear this Inkmahm. We're in the same boat. DH's last consulting assignment ended a week ago & he's back on the unemployment line. . . . . .

So sorry to hear this type of news. DiznyDi & I send our concerns to all without the income stream that keeps stress at bay.

Horselover - We were wondering how Anniversary Guy was doing in that new position. Our DS worked for a temp agency for a while. I have always been amazed at how companies treat folks from temp agencies. DS really struggled with that system.

Our prayers interupt heaven for the both of you.

 

[eliza61]

I haven't been around in awhile but thought I'd stop back in to say "hi" and "Happy Halloween!"

Now I'm looking foward to a month from now when we are on our way to Disney for our few days at the lodge and then our 1 week cruise. I'll really need the break again by then. The whole trip is paid for already so we are still going, but as of this past THursday, I've joined the millions of people who are unemployed. We'll be okay financially but emotionally it is rough to know I don't have a job and likely will not have one again for a very long time.

Pixie dust, please?

You got it Inkmahm,
It is very interesting emotionally isn't it. I've had my hours majorally wacked but for a gal who has worked in some form or fashion for the last 30 years, many times 2 jobs, it took a while to get my lips around the fact that some things were pretty much out of my control.
Take all the time you need, come back here often to vent and try to enjoy your upcoming vacation.

 

[Happydinks]

So sorry to hear this Inkmahm. We're in the same boat. DH's last consulting assignment ended a week ago & he's back on the unemployment line. His boss has nothing in the works for him. Sigh. At least we have our trip to look forward to. Mostly all paid for except for the food. Pixie dust to you that you'll find a new position quickly!

Good Monday afternoon Everyone!

We're back - not happy about it - but all good vacations come to an end sometime.

DizneyDI and Dad - great pics from the wedding, we especially love the chauffer. Oh yea - and the bride and groom look so great and happy! Hope that they have had a marvelous time on their honeymoon at the World.

Inkmahm So sorry to hear about the job loss. It's tough out there - I know. It does seem like things are opening up a bit, so perhaps your search won't be too long. I hope so!

Horselover Here's some that a new assignment comes through for DH soon! At least your upcoming trip is a positive to focus on.

Just a quick report until I have time to download and play with the pics - but we did want to let you know about our visits with Ranger Stan. We were so very privileged and honored to be able to do Flag Family with him on Thursday morning - his second to last day. Suffice to say, it was a very emotional morning for him, and consequently us. He is such a dear dear man, and jimmytammy, he couldn't say enough about you guys in particular. Everyone on the concierge floor was in tears as soon as they saw him walking us through, and so was he. I think that because there was a huge reception for him Thursday afternoon, he was particularly emotional that day. We chatted with "our favorite bartender" that night and she said that she went to the reception, and couldn't get close to him - that between 150-200 people had showed up for the big send off. She showed us the photo that someone else had mentioned (sorry, brain is still on vacation) in the thread, and it truly is an amazing pic. She said that they currently use it behind the scenes for employees, but believed that they might use it in advertising to the public. I tried to get one of the photos, but they were gone. Ranger Stan spent 45 min. with us Thursday morning, reminiscing and talking about future plans. We got to spend a little more time with him on Saturday morning, just after he gave his final Lodge tour and gave him a card and pin that we felt might have some meaning to him - and saw him the final time as we were leaving to catch our plane and he was getting ready to leave for the day. We have pics of him on his last day that we'll post. He is so looking forward to the get together in December that jimmytammy have planned. He actually seemed much better on Saturday than he was on Thursday -- our CM friend said that he'd cried himself all out at that point so no more tears. It's a shame that they have not hired someone who he could train to be in the position - although no one will be able to take his place and do the job the way he did it.

Anyway, just wanted to fill you all in on Ranger Stan. As soon as we have pics downloaded and resized, we'll post.

Jimmytammy, muushka and all others who are under the weather - hope you feel better soon! Bob came down with a cold (we think) on Monday, but fought it off with the "wonder drug" Muscinex - so only felt really bad for a day. Lots of handwashing and sanitizer use, I think, saved me!

More later!

 

[DVCGeek]

The whole trip is paid for already so we are still going, but as of this past THursday, I've joined the millions of people who are unemployed. We'll be okay financially but emotionally it is rough to know I don't have a job and likely will not have one again for a very long time.

Pixie dust, please?

Sorry to hear about that and best of luck to finding something quickly! Hope you still have a great trip, but the 'Lodge should make that easier.

Best of luck in job hunts also goes to everyone else dealing with un- & under- employment and also to shake whatever sicknesses you and family or friends might have! Jeez, seems like a Monday for a lot of people, doesn't it...

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Well I think I unofficially had H1N1 or some sort of flu. Poor Mr Muush. Picture of health yesterday. By 6 he had chills and a little achie. No fever. Checked it again at 8, 101.7.

God bless our primary care practice. They had a doc on call, told her what was happening and she called in some Tamiflu for him. Hopefully his illness will be short lived.

I hope Mr. Muush feels better soon! Send him my best!

Now I'm looking foward to a month from now when we are on our way to Disney for our few days at the lodge and then our 1 week cruise. I'll really need the break again by then. The whole trip is paid for already so we are still going, but as of this past THursday, I've joined the millions of people who are unemployed. We'll be okay financially but emotionally it is rough to know I don't have a job and likely will not have one again for a very long time.

Pixie dust, please?

Sorry to hear this. I sure hope this all gets better soon for all our groupies.

Good Monday afternoon Everyone!
Just a quick report until I have time to download and play with the pics - but we did want to let you know about our visits with Ranger Stan. We were so very privileged and honored to be able to do Flag Family with him on Thursday morning - his second to last day. Suffice to say, it was a very emotional morning for him, and consequently us. He is such a dear dear man, and jimmytammy, he couldn't say enough about you guys in particular. Everyone on the concierge floor was in tears as soon as they saw him walking us through, and so was he. I think that because there was a huge reception for him Thursday afternoon, he was particularly emotional that day. We chatted with "our favorite bartender" that night and she said that she went to the reception, and couldn't get close to him - that between 150-200 people had showed up for the big send off. She showed us the photo that someone else had mentioned (sorry, brain is still on vacation) in the thread, and it truly is an amazing pic. She said that they currently use it behind the scenes for employees, but believed that they might use it in advertising to the public. I tried to get one of the photos, but they were gone. Ranger Stan spent 45 min. with us Thursday morning, reminiscing and talking about future plans. We got to spend a little more time with him on Saturday morning, just after he gave his final Lodge tour and gave him a card and pin that we felt might have some meaning to him - and saw him the final time as we were leaving to catch our plane and he was getting ready to leave for the day. We have pics of him on his last day that we'll post. He is so looking forward to the get together in December that jimmytammy have planned. He actually seemed much better on Saturday than he was on Thursday -- our CM friend said that he'd cried himself all out at that point so no more tears. It's a shame that they have not hired someone who he could train to be in the position - although no one will be able to take his place and do the job the way he did it.

Anyway, just wanted to fill you all in on Ranger Stan. As soon as we have pics downloaded and resized, we'll post.

More later!

I am soooo glad you got to be a flag family with Ranger Stan! I'm getting weepy enough just reading this. I would have been bawling! Glad you had a great time and thanks for letting us know about RS!!! Looking forward to pictures now!

 

[blossomz]

Happydinks..how fortunate you got to spend that special time with our favorite ranger.. What will we do without his smiling face to greet us?!

 

[Inkmahm]

Thanks, everyone. I've been through downsizing before although it's been many years. At least I know what I'm facing at outplacement starting next week. I remember hating job hunting but because a lot of it was organization skills, I did pretty well at tracking and networking. I think having the skill to network and find the jobs isn't going to help me as much this time because the jobs just aren't there! It will be a game of waiting for the market to improve and a job that fits me to open up. I'm not a patient person by nature so I know it will drive me crazy after a few months.

Last time I was unemployed it was before the internet was in common use and I remember feeling so isolated without a job to go to and people to talk to. I can already see that the isolation isn't going to be such a big deal this time around. Being able to vent online and keep in touch with email is a huge difference from last time around. The support does help. Thanks again to all of you!

 

[jimmytammy]

1st, let me say that I am praying for all you folks who are dealing with job loss and sickness. I pray that He will grant you the strength to recover and to push forward.

Happydinks and Blossomz, I am so glad that some groupies got to share Stans final days at WL. It makes me feel good knowing we, the groupies, were represented in those days.

Spoke with Stan, he told me a couple things that took place, and wants to share all he can remember at our Dec meet. He said on his final day of doing Flag Family, which was Sat., he took a fellow from Penn. up who apparently provides a new American flag every year from a company that makes said flag in his hometown. Stan never told me about this, but apparently its an annual thing for he and this family. Anyway, after performing his duty, the flag removed was presented to Stan, folded and put into a showbox made of oak that a FW carpenter made especially for him. Stan said it was the 1st time in his life he was speechless.

After going back inside, he saw his old boss, Kevin who was the 1st manager of WL. He knew something was amiss and asked Kevin what the heck he was doing there. Kevin replied he was going fishing and Stan was coming along. So Stan spent his last day on Bay Lake bass fishing. He was so proud cause it was the 1st time he ever caught more than Kevin!

I asked if he got to keep his hat. He said the bellmen insisted to the powers that be that he be able to keep it.

He said tell all hello here, that he will miss seeing us, but will always be fond of the groupies, and a proud member. He is looking forward to the Dec meet, seeing some familar faces, and meeting new ones.

 

[blossomz]

Inkmahm..we are here for you!

JT..thanks for the Stan stories. They made my eyes water...

 

[horselover]

Just a quick report until I have time to download and play with the pics - but we did want to let you know about our visits with Ranger Stan. We were so very privileged and honored to be able to do Flag Family with him on Thursday morning - his second to last day. Suffice to say, it was a very emotional morning for him, and consequently us. He is such a dear dear man, and jimmytammy, he couldn't say enough about you guys in particular. Everyone on the concierge floor was in tears as soon as they saw him walking us through, and so was he. I think that because there was a huge reception for him Thursday afternoon, he was particularly emotional that day. We chatted with "our favorite bartender" that night and she said that she went to the reception, and couldn't get close to him - that between 150-200 people had showed up for the big send off. She showed us the photo that someone else had mentioned (sorry, brain is still on vacation) in the thread, and it truly is an amazing pic. She said that they currently use it behind the scenes for employees, but believed that they might use it in advertising to the public. I tried to get one of the photos, but they were gone. Ranger Stan spent 45 min. with us Thursday morning, reminiscing and talking about future plans. We got to spend a little more time with him on Saturday morning, just after he gave his final Lodge tour and gave him a card and pin that we felt might have some meaning to him - and saw him the final time as we were leaving to catch our plane and he was getting ready to leave for the day. We have pics of him on his last day that we'll post. He is so looking forward to the get together in December that jimmytammy have planned. He actually seemed much better on Saturday than he was on Thursday -- our CM friend said that he'd cried himself all out at that point so no more tears. It's a shame that they have not hired someone who he could train to be in the position - although no one will be able to take his place and do the job the way he did it.

Anyway, just wanted to fill you all in on Ranger Stan. As soon as we have pics downloaded and resized, we'll post.

Happydinks and Blossomz, I am so glad that some groupies got to share Stans final days at WL. It makes me feel good knowing we, the groupies, were represented in those days.

Spoke with Stan, he told me a couple things that took place, and wants to share all he can remember at our Dec meet. He said on his final day of doing Flag Family, which was Sat., he took a fellow from Penn. up who apparently provides a new American flag every year from a company that makes said flag in his hometown. Stan never told me about this, but apparently its an annual thing for he and this family. Anyway, after performing his duty, the flag removed was presented to Stan, folded and put into a showbox made of oak that a FW carpenter made especially for him. Stan said it was the 1st time in his life he was speechless.

After going back inside, he saw his old boss, Kevin who was the 1st manager of WL. He knew something was amiss and asked Kevin what the heck he was doing there. Kevin replied he was going fishing and Stan was coming along. So Stan spent his last day on Bay Lake bass fishing. He was so proud cause it was the 1st time he ever caught more than Kevin!

I asked if he got to keep his hat. He said the bellmen insisted to the powers that be that he be able to keep it.

He said tell all hello here, that he will miss seeing us, but will always be fond of the groupies, and a proud member. He is looking forward to the Dec meet, seeing some familar faces, and meeting new ones.

Thanks for posting this!

And here it is. THE 30 DAY DANCE!!!! WOO HOO!!

 

[Muushka]

HappyDinks, GOOD JOB!! As JT said, it is so sweet that the Groupies were represented at Ranger Stan's final week. I loved reading both JT and HD's posts this morning. You both made my day and I thank you.

PS JT, I had absolutely no luck on my post (for pictures) either. I think it is 'just a Groupie' thing.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Spoke with Stan, he told me a couple things that took place, and wants to share all he can remember at our Dec meet. He said on his final day of doing Flag Family, which was Sat., he took a fellow from Penn. up who apparently provides a new American flag every year from a company that makes said flag in his hometown. Stan never told me about this, but apparently its an annual thing for he and this family. Anyway, after performing his duty, the flag removed was presented to Stan, folded and put into a showbox made of oak that a FW carpenter made especially for him. Stan said it was the 1st time in his life he was speechless.

After going back inside, he saw his old boss, Kevin who was the 1st manager of WL. He knew something was amiss and asked Kevin what the heck he was doing there. Kevin replied he was going fishing and Stan was coming along. So Stan spent his last day on Bay Lake bass fishing. He was so proud cause it was the 1st time he ever caught more than Kevin!

I asked if he got to keep his hat. He said the bellmen insisted to the powers that be that he be able to keep it.

He said tell all hello here, that he will miss seeing us, but will always be fond of the groupies, and a proud member. He is looking forward to the Dec meet, seeing some familar faces, and meeting new ones.

That is so touching! Thanks for sharing it! I sure wish I could be at the meet in Dec. For those who are going any ideas on how us who can't go can be a part of it?

And here it is. THE 30 DAY DANCE!!!! WOO HOO!!

WOO HOO!!!!!

 

[Granny]

Hey Groupies, howzit going?

OFF TOPIC ALERT!!!

We've been here at HH resort since Sunday evening and I have to say that this is a place where I think many Groupies would be at home. The laid back atmosphere, the room decor (the couch isn't as cool as VWL but other than that quite similar decor) and the overall look and feel of the resort is really similar to VWL. Outside our balcony we view mostly a number of trees and other villa condo buildings through the trees (there are four villas per building).

The entire resort has fewer rooms than VWL and because it is Hilton Head they really don't have a ton of amenities. The mercantile is a small store that shuts down at 6:00 p.m. and there are no on-site restaurants. That's because almost everyone flies into Savannah and rents a car (like we did) or drives here. With about 250 restaurants on the island, there are no shortage of food options!

We rented bikes and generally have really been enjoying our laid back vacation. Tomorrow we go into Savannah to do a walking tour and get a bite to eat.

Sorry to be off topic, but this place really does feel a lot like our beloved Lodge. I'm sure during the summer it is much more crowded but we really like the laid back aspect of this resort.


Back on topic, I'm sorry to hear about Inkmahm's job troubles and hope that all goes well in the job hunt. Same for your DH, Horselover.

And thanks to all for the Ranger Stan updates. We will surely miss him.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks for posting this!

And here it is. THE 30 DAY DANCE!!!! WOO HOO!!

We're doing the 3 DAY DANCE!!! I guess it's closer to 2 by this time!!!!! Maybe I should think about packing?!?!?


It's nice to hear about HH Granny. I've been contemplating planning a trip there and think it will have to become a definite thing. Just have to figure out a time.

 

[horselover]

Hey Groupies, howzit going?

OFF TOPIC ALERT!!!

We've been here at HH resort since Sunday evening and I have to say that this is a place where I think many Groupies would be at home. The laid back atmosphere, the room decor (the couch isn't as cool as VWL but other than that quite similar decor) and the overall look and feel of the resort is really similar to VWL. Outside our balcony we view mostly a number of trees and other villa condo buildings through the trees (there are four villas per building).

The entire resort has fewer rooms than VWL and because it is Hilton Head they really don't have a ton of amenities. The mercantile is a small store that shuts down at 6:00 p.m. and there are no on-site restaurants. That's because almost everyone flies into Savannah and rents a car (like we did) or drives here. With about 250 restaurants on the island, there are no shortage of food options!

We rented bikes and generally have really been enjoying our laid back vacation. Tomorrow we go into Savannah to do a walking tour and get a bite to eat.

Sorry to be off topic, but this place really does feel a lot like our beloved Lodge. I'm sure during the summer it is much more crowded but we really like the laid back aspect of this resort.


Back on topic, I'm sorry to hear about Inkmahm's job troubles and hope that all goes well in the job hunt. Same for your DH, Horselover.

And thanks to all for the Ranger Stan updates. We will surely miss him.

Thanks for posting Granny! DH & I would like to try HH some time. If we can ever tear ourselves away from Disney! Hope the rest of your trip is wonderful.

We're doing the 3 DAY DANCE!!! I guess it's closer to 2 by this time!!!!! Maybe I should think about packing?!?!?

Oh sure rub it in! Yes you should probably think about packing soon. Have a great time!

 

[eliza61]

Hey Groupies, howzit going?

OFF TOPIC ALERT!!!

We've been here at HH resort since Sunday evening and I have to say that this is a place where I think many Groupies would be at home. The laid back atmosphere, the room decor (the couch isn't as cool as VWL but other than that quite similar decor) and the overall look and feel of the resort is really similar to VWL. Outside our balcony we view mostly a number of trees and other villa condo buildings through the trees (there are four villas per building).

The entire resort has fewer rooms than VWL and because it is Hilton Head they really don't have a ton of amenities. The mercantile is a small store that shuts down at 6:00 p.m. and there are no on-site restaurants. That's because almost everyone flies into Savannah and rents a car (like we did) or drives here. With about 250 restaurants on the island, there are no shortage of food options!

We rented bikes and generally have really been enjoying our laid back vacation. Tomorrow we go into Savannah to do a walking tour and get a bite to eat.

Sorry to be off topic, but this place really does feel a lot like our beloved Lodge. I'm sure during the summer it is much more crowded but we really like the laid back aspect of this resort.


Back on topic, I'm sorry to hear about Inkmahm's job troubles and hope that all goes well in the job hunt. Same for your DH, Horselover.

And thanks to all for the Ranger Stan updates. We will surely miss him.

Off topic? Never!! It's sort of like that "6 degrees" game. Any vacation that is cool can be traced back or connected to the lodge. That definitely includes good feelings.
Thank you for the check in. Hilton Head is one of the many "places to see" on our list and "The old guy" and I love Savannah. We were considering that as one of the places we'd like to retire some day, eventually, ok before I'm 92

Enjoy friend and be safe.

 

[Muushka]

Thanks, everyone. I've been through downsizing before although it's been many years. At least I know what I'm facing at outplacement starting next week. I remember hating job hunting but because a lot of it was organization skills, I did pretty well at tracking and networking. I think having the skill to network and find the jobs isn't going to help me as much this time because the jobs just aren't there! It will be a game of waiting for the market to improve and a job that fits me to open up. I'm not a patient person by nature so I know it will drive me crazy after a few months.

Last time I was unemployed it was before the internet was in common use and I remember feeling so isolated without a job to go to and people to talk to. I can already see that the isolation isn't going to be such a big deal this time around. Being able to vent online and keep in touch with email is a huge difference from last time around. The support does help. Thanks again to all of you!

That;s what Groupies are for.

We're doing the 3 DAY DANCE!!! I guess it's closer to 2 by this time!!!!! Maybe I should think about packing?!?!?


It's nice to hear about HH Granny. I've been contemplating planning a trip there and think it will have to become a definite thing. Just have to figure out a time.

WooHoo! Have a wonderful time!!

Granny, I agree about HH. I think it has a lot to do with the color green.
AND I caught that comment about the couch.

Enjoy!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hey Groupies, howzit going?

OFF TOPIC ALERT!!!

We've been here at HH resort since Sunday evening and I have to say that this is a place where I think many Groupies would be at home. The laid back atmosphere, the room decor (the couch isn't as cool as VWL but other than that quite similar decor) and the overall look and feel of the resort is really similar to VWL. Outside our balcony we view mostly a number of trees and other villa condo buildings through the trees (there are four villas per building).

The entire resort has fewer rooms than VWL and because it is Hilton Head they really don't have a ton of amenities. The mercantile is a small store that shuts down at 6:00 p.m. and there are no on-site restaurants. That's because almost everyone flies into Savannah and rents a car (like we did) or drives here. With about 250 restaurants on the island, there are no shortage of food options!

We rented bikes and generally have really been enjoying our laid back vacation. Tomorrow we go into Savannah to do a walking tour and get a bite to eat.

Sorry to be off topic, but this place really does feel a lot like our beloved Lodge. I'm sure during the summer it is much more crowded but we really like the laid back aspect of this resort.


Back on topic, I'm sorry to hear about Inkmahm's job troubles and hope that all goes well in the job hunt. Same for your DH, Horselover.

And thanks to all for the Ranger Stan updates. We will surely miss him.

Wow, Granny! We left HHI on Sunday and we fell in love with it, both of us! We're in the process of adding on at SSR (for the treehouses, something else I think that would appeal to Groupies!) and at one point, while we were enjoying the view from the boardwalk, we both looked at the other, and we knew what the other was thinking!

Fortunately, I think, our DS's family is most likely moving to Jacksonville, FL. and I think DH and I will be happy if we could get some nights in January, as we travel from Cape May to Jacksonville, and maybe in March when we go back to Cape May. I hope these are not high interest times at HHI, so we may not have to add on there!

Continue to have fun, we also loved Savannah. Ate at Uncle Bubba's Oyster House, and Lady and Sons...delicious, both!

Bobbi

 

[wildernessDad]

Wow, Granny! We left HHI on Sunday and we fell in love with it, both of us! We're in the process of adding on at SSR (for the treehouses, something else I think that would appeal to Groupies!) and at one point, while we were enjoying the view from the boardwalk, we both looked at the other, and we knew what the other was thinking!

Fortunately, I think, our DS's family is most likely moving to Jacksonville, FL. and I think DH and I will be happy if we could get some nights in January, as we travel from Cape May to Jacksonville, and maybe in March when we go back to Cape May. I hope these are not high interest times at HHI, so we may not have to add on there!

Continue to have fun, we also loved Savannah. Ate at Uncle Bubba's Oyster House, and Lady and Sons...delicious, both!

Bobbi

Bobbi, just add on at all of the resorts! It's only a matter of time.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Oh sure rub it in! Yes you should probably think about packing soon. Have a great time!

Thanks! Don't worry - in Dec. I'll be sitting here and so many of you will be seeing and I'll be .

I am so happy to learn that they are starting the Osborne lights while we're there rather than after Thanksgiving. With that and the MK decorated we'll kind of feel like we were there for Christmas. Now I have my fingers crossed that the lodge might get up their decorations before we leave!