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

[Verandah Man]

Hi Dori--it sure was great hearing from you again, at least we know you are ALIVE and WELL!!!

Take Care Kiddo!!!

 

[Ct_TiggerFan]

Dori,


Thanks for the update. Take care

Ed

 

[Reenieny18]

Hello Everyone.. WOW quite week here... Where did everyone go??? Oh yeah. you all went to WDW!!!

We are back from KAREN's and had a great time. Its good to have DANIEL home again.. of course.

We went to Virginia Beach for the past 3 days and boy are we dark.. I think darker than the cruise... Jaclyn was in her glory,... it was the NATIONAL LIFEGUARD ASSOCIATION swim competion for the 3 days we were there...On FRIDAY however.. we got to the beach at 945AM.. at 950 or so a wave crashed over me and and ripped my right knee out. I head it snap and tear.. The life guard came over to me and tried to help me up and then another wave wiped me out back ward again... Of course I was riding a "BOOGIE BOARD" when it happened... Who said you cant be a cool 40 something mom!!!!...

We stayed there and I tolerated the pain the day..but at night.. OOCHHHH!!!
So ANDY... when your done with your chair and ice.. can I borrow it!!!! My ankle is so swollen,.. I have KANKLES,,lol

LYNN so glad to see BOB has a date.. perhaps this can persuade you to still come with us one last time.. HINT HINT HINT....

DARLENE.. you are so sweet.. you need this vacation..
I hope the 3 of you have a grand time and I am so glad SANDY'S tests were negative...

TERRY.. keep the count down going... JACLYN was going to call CRAIG from the ocean, and let him hear the waves crash.. but didnt want to be mean..The waves were vicious this week. We saw the surfers and then saw our lives pass before us..lol One minute we were in waste deep water...next thing we were tready in 10 ft of water...with white caps...
It was great..

DORI.. hey. you think you can get some excitement in your life. Its to boring!! I cant beleive your brother would do that to your own mother!!! Good thing he is gone.. Did you ever get the ring back though???

Ok off to get JACLYN to work... and we have a family reunion today... HAve a great day everyone..

DOREEN

 

[Verandah Man]

Doreen--I felt your pain as you were expalining what happened, ouch indeed child!!! Take care of that knee and ankle!!!

I have the house all to myself for a few hours. Angelina spent the night at a friends house and Hazel just left for church, then has a Bridal Shower to attend this afternoon. I just finished getting all the bills paid for the rest of the month as I finally started receiving my WC checks. What a hassle those people have been, last time I was on WC I didn't have any problems, I don't know what happened this time around, and it's the same insurance company, go figure. At least it is now resolved, and the checks have started coming in!!!

I think after I finish checking some more messages, I'm going to pop a DVD into my laptop, and rest up for PT tomorrow.

 

[ElliotFan]

Doreen -

No, we never recovered Mom's ring. I'm just glad that she is finally starting to see him for what he really is. Now you guys can understand why I was so upset about her letting him camp out in the pasture next to the barn in the first place. I had been holding my breath since he arrived, just waiting for something like this to happen and unfortunately, I wasn't disappointed. But I'm not as upset about the ring as I am about the drugs. He was only hurting my Mom with the ring, but the other was affecting multiple families. (I was worried about having my property confiscated too. Since they had to come down my driveway and cross my property to get out to the barn, there was a chance that I could have been implicated as well. So much for 'brotherly love', huh?)

The one good thing that has come out of all this has been some long, deep discussions with Devin about drugs, honesty, integrity, work ethics, etc. (Yes, Devin knows about everything that has happened.) As his godfather (George) pointed out to me one time, "A bad example is still an example". (He should know, he's got a sister that is just like my brother.) I'm pleased to say that Devin is totally offended and disgusted by the whole thing. He's such a good kid! I only hope that it continues as he becomes an older teenager.

Well, I totally blew off the domestic scene and shopping to relax yesterday, so I better get off my butt and start getting something productive done.

Take care everyone!

Dori

 

[sandygirl]

DORI!!!! My gosh, you have had a time of it. I kept wondering where you were but knew you would check in when you had time. Family can be trying at times. Glad your mom is ok and your brother didn't cause any more trouble than he did. And that was enough. Devin is a smart kid, I think you were right not to shelter him from what happened. You're a good mom.


DOREEN I did some awesome boogey boarding myself this summer. Glad you had fun, sorry you got hurt. Being in your 40's isn't sooo old when you are having fun...but it sure hurts more! Take care.

Now...back to packing! I have stuff all over my bed and suitcases waiting to be filled. Thank goodness Stan packs himself, but right now he is in my way. My goal was to be packed by today. The problem is I still have to have something to wear Mon, Tues, Wed and travel day. And I am packing for 18 days! I don't have that many clothes. I do plan to wash but don't want to spend that much time at the laundry room. Plus there are all the airline restrictions to deal with for weight and size of luggage. OK, I got that out, now back to packing.

Darlene

 

[mickeymom923]

Hi everyone,

I am definitely in the vacation mode but can't seem to get packing yet.

Anyway, in addition to blocking rooms for our group (rates are guaranteed not to go up) and I also making arrangements with a limosine company for our group for anyone that wants to take a limo from the airport to the Radisson. I was also thinking if some of us are getting to the airport around the same time, we could share a limo so we can all save money that way too.

Okay everyone, let's party.

 

[lynr]

Now...back to packing! I have stuff all over my bed and suitcases waiting to be filled. Thank goodness Stan packs himself, but right now he is in my way. My goal was to be packed by today. The problem is I still have to have something to wear Mon, Tues, Wed and travel day. And I am packing for 18 days! I don't have that many clothes. I do plan to wash but don't want to spend that much time at the laundry room. Plus there are all the airline restrictions to deal with for weight and size of luggage. OK, I got that out, now back to packing.Darlene

Darlene:

18 Days Wow you are going to have a really great time. Are you spending any time in Disney when you get back?

Have a fabulous vacation. You all deserve it

Lyn

 

[Verandah Man]

We are probably going to come in a few days early and spend them with my mom. On Friday we will most likely stop at Dixie Crossroads for lunch in Titusville, then after lunch, drive to the Radisson.

 

[castoff]

Hello Everyone !

Dori: So nice to see you back on the boards posting again. Sorry about your brother. I believe everything in life happens for a reason even if we aren't meant to know what that reason is. Sounds like this experience has brought you and Devin a little bit closer. Which sometimes can be hard with a teenager.

Doreen: All my best to you and Marty. Did you still want to get together on the 28th?

Lyn: That is an awesome picture ! Something to think about when we go there next year. I have always heard of that place but never went because we had the kids with us and we were busy doing other things. So does the frog legs really taste like chicken? Good luck to finally getting some closure this November.

Andy: How's the knee? Still taking turns with the ice and warm method? Did you give someone your cell number so we can call you on the 19th?

Bev: Are you all packed yet? What are you waiting for?

Terry: Just wanted to say "Hi" How are things at your end?

I will be posting some more patio pictures later today.......

 

[Verandah Man]

Just arrived home from PT and I was given two more exercises to do this morning. More of the swelling has gone down and I'm starting to walk better. Yes, I'm still switching between ice and heat.

I have Ed's and Bev's cell phone numbers, and they have my number. So, one way or another, I will be in touch on Friday evening.

 

[castoff]

Here are more patio photo's.........
You can see where the landscaping will be going and the entrance to the patio will be.

The patio itself is pretty much done. We still have to do behind deck where the meter's are. Sure Andy can relate to that.

Notice my water fountain came in, and the patio really needs to be cleaned up a bit now.
I will have more tomorrow as I have been working hard on the landscaping today. All the timbers are in now ! Yeah

 

[SeaSpray]

Hi everyone

It was a busy but fun weekend Last evening Craig had a bunch of his buddies over for a party. One of his friends is moving to Florida TODAY, so they had a going away party for him. They asked me to write "Good Riddance, Mike!" on the cake, so I did. Hey, what do you expect from a group of 17-18 year old boys?? lol

Dori: So good to hear from you! I'm so glad you had fun in California. And relieved to hear that your brother is finally gone. Sorry you had to endure all those problems while he was there though.

Lyn: I LOVE the picture in your signature! You can just tell how much fun you all were having I'm really going to miss you next year on the cruise.

Doreen: *ouch* I'm sorry about your knee! But I'm glad you had a good time at the beach anyway, and a good visit with Karen It's funny that you mentioned Jaclyn thinking of calling Craig because just yesterday John and I asked Craig if he's spoken to Jaclyn lately. I guess they've both been busy enjoying their summers! But I know they'll have fun on the cruise, along with all the kids, next year!

Andy: I'm glad that the PT is coming along. Hang in there.

Darlene: I hope you all have the most wonderful vacation. You more than deserve it! Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!

Bev: What limo company are you dealing with? What are the rates for a stretch limo?? John always insists on a stretch limo when we're on vacation and so far we've used Tiffanry Towncar with no problems. But we're open to suggestions!

Tina: The patio is looking great! Your hard work is really paying off!

To all of the Mini Meeters: Have a wonderful time Friday night! I would love to talk to all of you, Bev you have my # right??

 

[Verandah Man]

Yes Tina, please don't hide any meters, I really don't like that when people do additions to their house and forget to either have their meters moved, or cover over it, that's not a nice thing to do to the meter man!!!


Your patio is shaping up nicely though, thanks for sharing the photos.

 

[castoff]

Terry: Thank you, I did alot today as you will see in next photo.

Andy: Our meter guy will really appreciate walking on the brick for sure. Felt bad after they way it use to be.

Here is what I did today. I don't think I will be able to do much more for awhile. I have to get ready for my trip and I am running out of money. How come these plants aren't on sale yet?

 

[florida sun]

Hi Guys

Well the nerves are kicking in good and fast now, I am always like this before I fly, Vicki just takes it like a pinch of salt, me I have un upset tummy for about 3 days lol.

I have packed and repacked and I am sure will repack once more just for luck, I thought I may have too many tops and tshirts so I took them all out tonight just to see. I am ashamed to say that there were about 50 tops in there, so anything with a duplicate colour has got left behind, so Im down now to a more respectable 20 tops. I always take far too many.

Really looking forward to seeing a lot of you on Friday. The boards have been so quiet this week. I cant quite beleive on Thursday I start my day at 5.00am in the morning, my flight is at 8.30 and I land in Sanford at 12.50 lunchtime, that is going to seem like one very very long morning lol.

I am looking forward to the flight as nervous as I am because of my primeum seating,extra large seats, free drinks,seatback entertainment units, extra luggage allowence and first to board and deboard if theres such a word lol. For a flight as long as this 91/2 hours I am sure it will be worth the extra.

Had a right old day today, my best friend and her family left Cardiff this morning to travel to London to catch a flight to Bermuda for 2 weeks, I had a phone call off her at 9.30 this morning to say that they had left all of their travellers checks at home in a safe place.(too safe I guess). I then had to find the cheques, contact Visa to tell them what had happened and see if they could cancel them and supply them new ones at the airport, but she had pre warned me that I would have to pretend to be her mother(a bit hard shes only a year younger than me) anyway at one stage the guy at Visa had the three of us conected on one call, her at the airport, me at her house and the visa guy at his office, it was so funny because I kept referring to her by her name and she kept saying, yes thats right mum, lol. I'de aged by about 30 years after the phone call which took just over an hour, when my friend then hung up, the guy at visa told me to stay on the line and let me know what to do. At the end of the conversation he said "Kids eh! I bet you told her to make sure she had all her money before she went did'nt you mum". Oh yes I replied. Still we got it sorted in the end and she is picking up her new travellers cheques tomorrow in Bermuda.

Oh well thats it for today, I'll catch up with you all tomorrow.
Tina your patio is looking lovely,hows the packing going, bet you dont need 50 tops eh!

Suexx

 

[SeaSpray]

Sue, I didn't realize you hadn't left yet, I am sorry!!

Your story there is making me laugh! You did an excellent job helping our your "daughter" there, Mum!

I get very nervous before a flight too, so I understand how you feel.

 

[Verandah Man]

Tina--the patio is looking very nice, looks like you worked hard on it today.

"Mum"--that was a funny story about the travelers checks, I bet you didn't knew you aged so well!!!!!

I had my "first" big test this afternoon. I took Hazel and Angelina to Applebee's for dinner, the stopped at Best Buy and Target as Angelina was looking for an adapter for her iPod. We were gone a little over two hours, but boy was my knee aching when we got home. I have me knee on ice right now. Both Best Buy and Target were sold out of the adapters, but when we got home I had Hazel call Radio Shack and they had what Angelina needed, so Hazel went and picked it up. Now I have a happy teenager in the house again!!!!!

I did pick the DVD "The Incredibles" up while we were at Target. Hazel and I saw it during our cruise this past January, but Angelina hasn't seen it yet. That will be the next movie we watch during "Walters' Night at the Movies" on Wednesday night.

 

[Mjasp]

Tina...Your patio looks BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Enjoy it

Andy...Our family movie night is Friday nights. We do blockbuster on line, but now I am going to cancel it because I just ordered IO, so we will find something on the over 180 channels they offer OR go to the library for FREE.

Joanna

 

[SeaSpray]

John surprised me last night with a trip to Disney World this fall!! Just he and I this time, leaving the kids home.

If you look down, you'll see that I've added a new countdown timer! We'll be staying at Pop Century. So those of you who are staying there soon, please take pictures! We've reserved a room in a preferred location which is the 60's section. This is due to my rheumatoid arthritis, and it also puts us closer to the food court which is good for John's diabetes. He needs to have access to food before bed and also first thing in the morning.

I know that the Pop Century will be a huge change from our last few resorts but I am actually looking forward to it! It'll give me the chance to check out, report on, and take pictures of, another type of Disney resort, and add to my web site. Also, since we do have OUR cruise next summer and Craig's graduation and party, and then college right after the cruise, not to mention the fact that we just got back from a fairly expensive Disney vacation, we are doing this one budget as much as we can! Hey, I am an expert Disney planner, I am looking forward to the challenge! LOL

I got a pretty decent deal on airfare last night. $190 per person, but then I was able to get it down to $160 per person because we had $30 vouchers from Delta from our last flights (I always call for vouchers when I see my airfare go down!). They also had a AAA discount for the room at Pop Century too. We'll be using Disney's Magical Express instead of a stretch limo like we usually have. lol But hey, I figure it'll be fun, and gives me a chance to check this out firsthand

We're going for 4 nights, over a weekend, so John will only miss 2 days of work. Craig will stay home here since he'll probably be working most of the weekend and then going to school, but Robby will stay at a friend's house while we're gone.

Have any of you stayed at Pop Century before? How did you like it? What section were you in? Do you have any pictures?? Thanks!