Calling All 8/19/06 Special Western Cruisers! AKA "The Cruisin' Castaways" Part 2

[Verandah Man]

I have to make this quick, I'm on my way out the door to see the foot doctor. I have bursitis in my right foot and it's time to get another cortisone shot. It's been two years since the last one, so I'm due for another one.

No need to make my mom and I t-shirts as I made them for my family before our meet at WDW last August. I just have to find my shirt as it was stored away after we returned home so it wouldn't get dirty.

We have late dining, so Bev I guess I can send you my ressie number and get linked up again for dinner???

Mel, look for a large white envelope in the mail either Wednesday or Thursday, looking forward to meeting you and everyone else as well!!!

Did I mention I was a tad bit excited I will be sailing with y'all!!!

 

[castoff]

I just sat here and read all the posts from June 30th on. Not a small feat since you have all had so much going on in your lives. Congratulations for all the exciting and happy things and condolences for the stresses and unhappy things.

We have had our share of both.

HAPPY! I am a grandmom! Brandon Michael was born July 1st and he is doing really well. He was early and weighed in at 6 lbs 4 oz. I have not had the chance to hold him and tell him how much he is loved because he is in FL and we are in NJ. Sigh...

NOT SO HAPPY. We are trying to finalize everything from Stan's mom's death. Much paperwork and family drama.

My mom is selling her home of 35 years and buying a manufactured home in an over 55 community. More paperwork and family drama.

REALLY NOT SO HAPPY. Stan is being scheduled for surgery to resect his colon again. The chemo was not as successful as hoped. He also has an issue with his kidney and his prostrate is enlarged. He LOOKS great. Of course he is a very close cousin to the Energizer Bunny and the family resemblance is uncanny. They just keep going.

We will not cancel this cruise until the doctors have given their final word on surgery. It all depends on the date. Of course the surgeon is going on vacation for 2 weeks at the beginning of August. I really need this cruise to look forward to and am finding it difficult to talk about it knowing we may not go. Our cruises have truly been the best FAMILY TIME we have ever spent. So, we will be there, God-willing. FAMILY TIME is our priority.

My best to all our Cruisin' Castaways...
Darlene

Darlene: Congrats ! on your grandson. Continued prayers and good thoughts for you & Stan. I for one can understand when you say you need this cruise to look forward to and find it difficult to talk about it knowing we may not go. Feel free to talk here or PM me.

 

[castoff]

Terry: Sounds like you work for a great company ! What a way to start your first day with a gift !



Andy: Back Back Oh did I say Back ?
Couldn't believe it when I read it. Great news ! Sorry about Hazel & Angelina but I guess 2 out of 4 ain't bad?

 

[castoff]

Pen Update.............

O'BWV
Walsh Clan
Dizzyworld
SeaSpray
DisCrazzy
Kap158
Reenieny
Msdisney
Ct Tigger Fan
Famof8
Steve's wife
zack&alexmom
Princess crazy
About The Mouse
Mickeymom923
Verandah Man
Colestat

Last Call..............Anyone else???

 

[Ski-and-Sea]

Great news Andy!!!!!!! It was just too weird you making all the t-shirts/magnets but not being on the cruise yourself.

Now we definitely need a group shot of everyone wearing the t-shirts.

 

[Colestat]

Wow - Congrat's Andy! I thought it must be so hard for you to be making all those shirts and magnets and not be actually cruising with us. We look forward to seeing you again, sorry Hazel and Angelina can't make it.

Darlene - my prayers are with you and Stan. I hope all works out and you can cruise.

Not sure who the correct people are but I would love a couple bubbles and pens.

I can't believe how close this cruise is. I have to start packing.

 

[kap158]

Andy,

Boy are you sneaky!!!! I am glad we will finally be able to meet the "Veranda Man". I felt bad that you were making everything for us but not sailing with us. Now there is really something to celebrate!

Terry - How was your first day at work???

Can everyone keep Doreen and her family in your prayers, she needs alot of come here way this week. I will let her explain when she gets the chance. This cruise could not have come at a better time!

MaryRose - can you add my sister Elaine to the list for a pen if it is not too late? Also, you are more then welcome to join Marty and me at Serenity Bay while your husband parasails. The last time I cruised I did have a cabana massage and it was "AWESOME"! I am thinking about it again but I would also like to enjoy just lounging at the beach!

Talk to you later!!!!

 

[Verandah Man]

That's right, with two stops at Castaway Cay, maybe I'll actually get to Serenity Beach this cruise!!! With four prior cruises under my belt, I still have not made it there.

Just got off the phone with Bev. I gave her my ressie number and she is calling DCL to have my mom and I added to the large group at 8pm for dinner. I know we are going to have a "BLAST" on this cruise.

Hazel is sad to be missing it, but she and her sister are in charge of a family gathering on their side of the family (it's a baby shower thingy) that's why Hazel can't make this trip.

I did get my cortisone shot and my foot is aching like crazy, hopefully by tomorrow it will start feeling better.

Terry, I was happy to read your post earlier today, sounds like everything is working out real nice at your new job!!!

 

[Verandah Man]

Bev, your PM box is full and overflowing, the PM I just sent you came bouncing back to me, LOL!!!

 

[sandygirl]

ANDY
It's wonderful that you and your mom will make the cruise!! Maybe we will finally cruise together. Hugs to Hazel and Angelina, who will be missed.

TINA
Thinking of you.

TERRY
What a great first day! It is always nice to feel welcomed. I'm sure tomorrow will be just as nice.

MARY ROSE
I can't wait to see you again. I saw a photo of the Peter Pank brunch and the kids are so grown. Your hair is longer, too. Nice.

For now, I am trying to switch our plans around to include the cruise but going home directly instead of staying at WDW the week after. We may be able to spend the week before the cruise. Of course it means changing all kinds of reservations: DVC points for VWL, 2 nights at Shades of Green, not to mention airplane and ground transportation. And that is all contingent upon surgery being scheduled for 8/28 instead of 8/7. If it is 8/7 then all plans are off. And Stan is still scheduled for a procedure on 7/21 that has to go well. Sound confusing? And this is the FUN part!

Talk soon,
Darlene

 

[Verandah Man]

Our group is growing!!!

Grills Meet Friday 8/18 5pm:

Andy - 2 Verandah Man
Tina - 4 castoff
Bev - 3 mickeymom923
Mark - 7 Mark & Sandra
Mary Rose - 6 O'BWV
Diane - 4 allshookup
Denise - 3 Denise W

Grills is only about a five minute drive from the Radisson. It is along the shoreline of the Port Canaveral channel where the ships sail from. Here is Grills website link: www.visitgrills.com

 

[zack&alexmom]

Andy - How exciting!!! I was trying to catch up on the posts and I noticed your ticker and I thought that it was strange but it didn't click until a few posts later when I read the good news. Sorry that DW & DD can't make it but we are all glad that you and your Mom will be with us.

Darlene - Congrats on the baby, post some pictures when you can. So sorry to hear about Stan. Hopefully the surgery will be after the cruise and you guys can have some good times before the recovery begins.

Tina - How are things going. Please PM me if you need me.

Doreen - Hope everything is ok. PM if you need to talk.

Terry - this sounds like a really great place to work. I have never heard of anything so sweet.

I finally watched POTC last night. Now I can't wait to watch the second one on the ship.

Hope everyone had a good Monday!!!

Linda

 

[PoohJen]

Darlene, a belated CONGRATULATIONS on your new grandson!!!! HOw exciting!!! I hope all goes well for your husband, and that you two are able to enjoy your wonderful little grandson!!!

 

[Verandah Man]

Angelina and her friend Trish went to see POTC 2 today, they both said they enjoyed the original POTC more than POTC 2.

 

[SeaSpray]

Good evening, everyone...

Karen: Please let Doreen know that we're thinking of her and sending good thoughts. Also, please let her know that I have some good news to give her.

Andy: I was really hoping you'd find a way onto this cruise, whether in a cabin of your own or smuggled in one of our suitcases!!!! Congrats on booking this cruise, again!!

Oh, I have some news regarding the Palo private dining room: The dinner that was scheduled for Sunday night might have to be switched to Tuesday night. Tuesday is Costa Maya day. Will this be a problem for anyone? Please let me know, I am in contact with the Group Specialist this week, and waiting to hear back from her.


Work today really flew by! I'd work a little and next thing you know they were sending me on a break or lunch I left my Welcome present at work, I'll make sure to bring it home tomorrow.

 

[DisCrazzy]

DH & I just got back from seeing Pirates 2. While I did enjoy the movie, I must say that I liked the first one better. I definately did not like the ending of this one. It just left me hanging. However, I did like the views of Orlando Bloom. He is a hottie!

Jennifer

 

[O'BWV]

ANDY!!! YIPPEE!!!! What absolutely FANTABULOUS news! And what a great wife & daughter you have too! Tell them will miss them both. Looking forward to meeting you and your Mom. Also, what a great rate too!

Terry - Sounds like a good first day. That's a good sign! I have to check, but if I'm on the Sunday dinner then Tuesday would be fine also. Thanks

Karen - Hi Pal! Tina is the one with the pens and I'm sure she saw your post. I am glow necklaces, pins and magnets which I will include you all in. Our group is growing so I need to order more pins I think!

Darlene - You such a doll! My kids are definitely much more grown up in the two years since our last cruise (Sandy too I bet). My son, who was 11 and 5'1" on our last cruise is now 13 and 5'10"! Nine inches in two years Yikes! I am keeping up high hopes that you guys will be joining us! Love to Stan.

Bev - I want to switch to late seating, I fear I'll be too rushed at the early seating. Can I link ressie with you guys? Can you tell me what I need to do. Thanks Bev!

Doreen - Hang in there friend, things are bound to get better soon!

Tina - How are thing on the homefront? How's Chuck and your MIL? Hugs to all of you!

Hi Ed & Moira & Diane & Jen & Jennifer & Linda & Lori & Sue & Susan & the Denises & Andrew & Jeff & Ski & Shirley & all my other friends! Can't wait to meet you all next month! We are getting to be a sizeable group now aren't we?

Mary Rose

 

[O'BWV]

Jennifer - So you like Orlando Bloom, so does my daughter. Although I do think he's cute, it's Johnny Depp that I think is dreamy (weird, yes, but sooooo handsome) I especially like his look in Pirates. I like the eyeliner thing. What the heck that means or what it says about me I don't know! My daughter thinks he's awful looking. Go figure, must be that ole' generation gap. Thanks for the review!

Mary Rose

 

[castoff]

Sue: I have you on the list for some pens.



Karen: I told Doreen some pages back I had Elaine told for a pen. She isn't showing up on list because I have her counted as a number in her traveling party. Does that make sense? If it would make her feel better what's her screen name again and I will put her on the list. Please let Doreen know sending much PD and good vibes.



Andy: Thanks for the link to Grills. Looks like a nice place to eat and GOOD company to boot.

 

[castoff]

Thanks for those asking about my MIL and Chuck...............Chuck is already back on the road. He brought home some gifts from his Mom to me. A beautiful personal card that I will treasure always. She gave me a heart pendant with a 2 tone rose that she wore every Mothers Day. She also gave me what's called a smiley Angel pin that's 18k gold with diamond glow wings. On the bottom of the card it reads " Brings a smile every day, and happiness to light the way. " In her card she told me that she would always be looking down on me with a smile on her face. On the angel it has a HUGE smile on it. I have never seen anything like it and I decided to get both peices put on my charm bracelet.
My MIL is on Morphine and Hospice light will help her go to the light when ready. She is now wheel chair bound. I talk with her on a limited basis so other loved ones can talk with her because she is not up alot of the time. Chuck feels like that was the last time he will see his Mother alive and is not dealing with things well since he came back. My friends here are WONDERFUL and I keep busy.