Canadian Buffoon's Back to Front Vacation - Update! 05/18 - Falling Down

[pkondz]

Now I did!

Well….errr…

The resemblance is stunning!

 

[franandaj]

First though, we must decamp
before we depart.
I had to get dressed,
deflate my sleeping pad,
roll up my sleeping bag,
take down and pack up
the tent fly and tent,
and then pack it all up
and stow it in the trunk
of the car.

Decamp? This implies you were camping!!!! And you said the word tent?



I'm too old for that $%@!

Besides... I didn't really want
to dawdle too much,
as the skies were looking a tad...

Tornado-y.

I wouldn't know enough to recognize it, but it does look ominous. Did you photoshop that lightning in that picture or did you really capture that?

I was slowly catching up
to a car that was...
how shall I say this...
Extremely stupidly, illegally,
and dangerously driving
in the left-hand lane.

Is this a Canadian law? In the US, it is not illegal to drive in the left lane, but it is a matter of courtesy to only drive in the left lane when passing on roads like I-5 or Highway 99.

What?
You've been reading these
things for how long
and this surprises you???

Who are you?

Not me!

Can you find all fifteen
"islands"?

I think I did!

I must admit to a little photoshop
trickery in the preceding photo.
In the spirit of full disclosure,
there is a bench that sits
alongside the path.
But there were two people who
were sitting there with several
items of clothing and other
bric-a-brac littering the ground.
It really detracted from the photo,
so I removed it and them.

I do that all the time. In fact in a future update, I removed a cell phone from a picture that looked unsightly.

"Are you constipated?"

OH FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!
STOP! JUST STOP! ENOUGH!

I just don't understand this running joke.

Excuse me?
They have gelato?
Well, I'll have to get...
Wait... chocolate chip cookies?

What is a man to do?
Gelato? Or a cookie?

I did what any sane
individual would do
and got both, of course.

You passed the test. That is the correct answer.

Time to relax and call it a day.

But it's still light out. What are you going to do?

 

[pkondz]

Again!? <--- only in hindsight did I realize the appropriateness of the swirls above the head...

It was very disconcerting.

Oh I don't. I've endured a couple years of training on this very thing...

You did not oversell this! Wow!

Right???

Wise man. Always knew you were smart!

I think you've confused
me with someone else.

What a great update! Your photos were gorgeous.

Thanks Tracy!

 

[pkondz]

Decamp? This implies you were camping!!!! And you said the word tent?



I'm too old for that $%@!

I am too...
But I wanted to try it for a bit.
I didn't camp more than two
nights in a row, though.

I wouldn't know enough to recognize it, but it does look ominous. Did you photoshop that lightning in that picture or did you really capture that?

Not a tornado.
Just a cell moving through.
Yes, I did capture the
lightning in that shot.
It was frequent and I kept
tryping until I got one.
Took about 8 or so tries?

Is this a Canadian law? In the US, it is not illegal to drive in the left lane, but it is a matter of courtesy to only drive in the left lane when passing on roads like I-5 or Highway 99.

It is a Canadian law and...

It is also the law in the US.
In some states.
Alabama
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Michigan
Missouri
Nevada
New Jersey
Oklahoma
Oregon
Tennessee
Virginia

California is not there,
since all lanes are at
a dead stand still anyways!

Not me!

Knew I could count
on you.

I think I did!

I'll point it out
in the next chapter.

I do that all the time. In fact in a future update, I removed a cell phone from a picture that looked unsightly.

I just don't understand this running joke.

That's okay.
Ask me when we
meet up again.

You passed the test. That is the correct answer.

Phew!

But it's still light out. What are you going to do?

Not for long.
Sunset was at 8:47pm
that day.
It'd already been a long day.
I relaxed and watched a movie
until I went to sleep.

 

[Steppesister]

Work, come home, eat, go to bed, get up, rinse, lather, repeat.

I was gonna say
that I wasn't sure...
But I'm thinking you
would know much better!

Perhaps....

I can hear Dame Judi Dench...
"Blacksmithing is invented
and the world is never the same."

I keep telling you... I should have been an Imagineer!

I've never read them,
nor have I seen the series.

So I'm just going to have to
take you guys' word for it.

Kinda makes me wanna watch them again.

I was on the road by 6:10am.

Um, did you brush your teeth?

Those are GREAT shots!

I accelerated and left her
safely, and probably quaking,
behind me.

Idiot.

Not too far off, right??

WHOA!! Nice one!

I made two quick pit stops.
One in Medicine Hat, Alberta,

I've been there! Briefly.

It's not overly large,
but it is one of my favourite gardens.
I've seen it three times now...
And expect I'll see it again
at some point.

That's a lot of stops at the same place! Testimony to how much you must love it.

Moving on...
One can sashay on and
over the bridge to get
a different perspective
of the gardens.

If you'd done it properly, you'd have had a better, more accurate perspective.

Exude that.
Go.

I wish by now you were exuuuuuding something altogether different. Gets uncomfortable after a while.

"Go" being the operative word.

Certainly an interesting
looking structure.
The support beams alone
make it stand out,
let alone all the windows.

It IS interesting! I love what they did to it!

I was glad of the escort

Um, exactly what kind of "camping ground" IS this?

 

[Steppesister]

California is not there,
since all lanes are at
a dead stand still anyways!

 

[pkondz]

Work, come home, eat, go to bed, get up, rinse, lather, repeat.

I'm glad you had the
rinse/lather part in there!

I keep telling you... I should have been an Imagineer!

And... I'm kicking myself.
I should have said:
"See the metal around you?
Thank the Blacksmiths!"

Um, did you brush your teeth?

Yep. Didn't shave, though.

Those are GREAT shots!

Thanks!

Idiot.

Hey!
While you may be right,
it's not nice of you to
call me that.

WHOA!! Nice one!

Thanks, again!

I've been there! Briefly.

You have???
When? Why?

That's a lot of stops at the same place! Testimony to how much you must love it.

I love the way it's laid out
and the way they designed
it to borrow distant elements.
It's a very calm oasis
in the middle of the city.

If you'd done it properly, you'd have had a better, more accurate perspective.

Now, listen lady!...

I wish by now you were exuuuuuding something altogether different. Gets uncomfortable after a while.

"Go" being the operative word.

It IS interesting! I love what they did to it!

Better than tearing it down.

Um, exactly what kind of "camping ground" IS this?

All inclusive.

 

[KathyM2]

And thanks for the very
nice compliment, Kathy.

I really did mean it as a compliment lol

And everyone will nod
sagely and she will
go on driving in the
passing lane, secure in
the knowledge that she
is an excellent driver.

That's just nuts. And it's always the worst drivers who really have no clue and think everyone else is at fault.

 

[pkondz]

A Dream Within a Dream

I'm going to interrupt this TR
very briefly for a slightly
more time sensitive topic.

I don't do PTRs.
I like to present my trips
as a fait accompli.
Just my style.
You do you.

But...

I do have an upcoming trip
with my eldest DD, Elle.
She's graduating with her
first degree this spring and
as a reward... well...
This is how it went.

"Dad. Elsa and I want to go
to Disneyworld. Can you come
too and show us around?"

Twist my arm!
I happily agreed.

Then it was:
"Dad. Elsa can't go anymore.
It's too expensive. Can we
go just the two of us?"

Twist my arm!
I happily agreed.

Then it was:
"Dad. I don't think I can
afford to go. Too many expenses."

I quickly glanced at Ruby (DW)
and said.
"How about I pay for your
airline ticket (I had enough points
to cover us both), and you
room with me, so that won't
cost you anything and you
just pay for your ticket and food?"

Twist her arm!
She happily agreed.

Besides... if I didn't get her
to go... then I might not
get to go!


She has a narrow window
of time that she could go.
She had to go after her classes
were all done but before
summer employment ramped up.

As of this writing, we leave in
just under two months.
(See ticker for deets.)

This just happens to coincide
with a group of you who happen
to be going about that same time.

So...

If any of you wish to meet,
please send me a PM.

Fair warning!
Elle is not into meeting
people she doesn't know.
At all.
So any DISmeets will be of the
"Hi! Nice to meet you. Bye!" variety.

Well... maybe enough time to eat
a Dole Whip or something.


So... here's our plans.

April 30th.
We arrive at MCO a little after noon.
We plan on taking it easy until we
can check in then head for MK.
We have FPs and an ADR for dinner there.

May 1st.
Rope drop DHS and spend
the morning there.
Then we hop over to AK
where we have FPs and ADRs
starting at 3pm.

May 2nd.
Epcot. Rope drop.
All day long.
'Nuff said.

May 3rd.
MK. Also all day long.

May 4th.
<sigh>
I messed up big time.
I reasoned that we would
not likely be able to ride SDD,
even with rope drop on May 1st.
At least not without a significant
period of standing in line.
(I could be wrong)
So... I stupidly made FPs for
DHS on May The Fourth.
I can't even imagine how
stupidly crowded it will be.
We may not do this,
but that's the plans as of now.
We have to check out that day
as that will be our last Disney day.


So there you have it.

Anyone interested, send me a PM
and we'll see what we can do.



Coming up: Back to the past.

Chapter 15. The Dullness Rubs Off​

 

[chunkymonkey]

I've been a bit behind in responding although I am pretty sure I am all caught up with your TR.
But we're FINALLY going to be in the same place at the same time so it's only fated we meet up, right?
Looks like our schedule overlaps quite a bit!

Our schedule:
April 30: arrive at night staying at CSR
May 1st: move to Swan, FPs over at DHS from 10:45am to around 2pm, was going to hit Epcot for some F&G booths before going to MK for after fireworks dessert party at night (looks like we can meet up here!)
May 2nd: Animal Kingdom, Lunch at Tiffins, and probably pool time during the afternoon then storybook dining at WL with Snow White.
May 3rd: MK pretty much all day! Ohana dinner at night (more than enough opportunity to meet up here. We can get matching Hei Hei cones)
May 4th: We're at DHS too and our FP for Slinky Dog is at 10:40am, we have lunch at Sci Fi before we head over to Epcot for our EPIC eat and drink around the world session which you are more than welcome to join. I am going to post about it on the PTR soon.
May 5th: Brunch at Cali Grill then MK FPs, HDDR at night
May 6th: FPs at DHS during the day, and then tea at GF. Our flight leaves that night. I hope it's cancelled

 

[laura74]

That's great! When are you guys going?
Technically, we're (DD22 and I) there
the last day of next month... but still...

We're going April 13-20. Staying at AKL first three nights and then BLT last 4. I'll have a Zebra Dome for you!

Pretty excited since we haven't been in a few years. We haven't seen Pandora or Toy Story Land yet.

 

[laura74]

OH.

Oh! That'd be great!
If you do decide to write
another TR, let me know, okay?

I suppose deciding to write a TR would ensure that I try to do interesting things and not just sit around the pool reading books and talking about how cute my swimsuit cover up is. Because I couldn't write a whole chapter about that!

 

[KathyM2]

"Dad. Elsa and I want to go
to Disneyworld. Can you come
too and show us around?"

Twist my arm!
I happily agreed.

I'm so excited for you!! A trip with your DD AND you will likely get to meet some Dispeeps from the epic trip that I wish I could go on lol

Sounds amazing!!!!

 

[franandaj]

I don't do PTRs.
I like to present my trips
as a fait accompli.
Just my style.

I understand. I don't have time to do a formal PTR. So I just give hints on my current TR.

"Dad. Elsa and I want to go
to Disneyworld. Can you come
too and show us around?"

Twist my arm!
I happily agreed.

This totally confused me, somehow I got confused thinking Elsa was Elle and that it was Kay who was going.

Then it was:
"Dad. Elsa can't go anymore.
It's too expensive. Can we
go just the two of us?"

Twist my arm!
I happily agreed.

And I knew it was just you and Elle, but somehow this made me think even more that it was you and Kay again.

Then it was:
"Dad. I don't think I can
afford to go. Too many expenses."

No!

Besides... if I didn't get her
to go... then I might not
get to go!

Exactly!

May 1st.
Rope drop DHS and spend
the morning there.

My birthday!

May 4th.
<sigh>
I messed up big time.
I reasoned that we would
not likely be able to ride SDD,
even with rope drop on May 1st.
At least not without a significant
period of standing in line.
(I could be wrong)
So... I stupidly made FPs for
DHS on May The Fourth.
I can't even imagine how
stupidly crowded it will be.

You never know. SWGE isn't open yet.

 

[eskskick]

Tourtiere

1 double crust of your choice
1 1/2 pounds ground pork (traditional, but you could also substitute beef, chicken, or turkey)
1/2 pound diced potato
1 large chopped onion (1 to 1 1/2 cups)
1 cup of water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon savory
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
egg wash made by beating 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water

Prepare whichever pie dough you choose and chill it while you make the filling

Place the ground pork, onion, water and spices in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Turn down to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir it frequently to keep it from sticking. You want the liquid to cook down to prevent the filling from being too soupy.

While the filling cooks, roll out two rounds of pie dough. Line a 9-inch pie plate with one. Brush the bottom with some of the egg wash to keep it from getting soggy while it cooks.

Pour the filling into the pie shell. Cover with the second circle of dough and crimp the edges.

Cut vents in the top and brush with the egg wash to give the crust a bronzed appearance.

Fifteen minutes before you are ready to bake your pie, preheat your oven to 500 F. Bake for 10 minutes at 500; then turn the heat down to 375 F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes more.

​

Notes- I do usually use ground beef just because that is what I have on hand, we like it either way (pork or beef). If I plan ahead I use pork if I don't I use beef lol. I just use premade crust View attachment 385228 because I just don't make a good pie crust. I also let it set for 5 min before I slice it. When I first started making this could not find savory anywhere so I just left it out now my grocery store sells it so I use it but to be honest I don't taste much difference lol. Let me know if you have any questions.

​

My Mom made this growing up all the time. Instead of a pie crust on top she would do mashed potatoes. And we would always get lemon merengue pie for dessert because the pie crusts came in 2 packs and the second needed to be used up!

 

[eskskick]

If you are perhaps getting
the feeling that this is
a major peeve of mine.

Omg I dislike people who cruise in the passing lane too. I worked with a guy a few years ago here in Texas and he got pulled over for driving in the passing lane. I'll admit I was thinking, yes, justice!

I made two quick pit stops.
One in Medicine Hat, Alberta,
(People? I can't make these
names up, I promise you.)
an hour and a half down
the road.

I've been to Medicine Hat and Lethbridge. I grew up in Calgary and we were supposed to go to Disneyland with band in grade 8. Unfortunately, 9/11 happened that fall and no air travel was allowed for school trips. Then we were supposed to go to Vancouver, but the band teacher dragged her feet on the paperwork and we couldn't leave Alberta. So we went to Medicine Hat and Lethbridge. The only reason I joined band in the first place was to go to Disney. I quit the next year. My next time back was 10 or so years later and much more fun. I was following Alexisonfire to all of their Alberta tour dates.

The Japanese gardens looked so nice and calm.

 

[pkondz]

I've been a bit behind in responding although I am pretty sure I am all caught up with your TR.

You've been a bit behind
but for a very good reason!

But we're FINALLY going to be in the same place at the same time so it's only fated we meet up, right?

Right!

Looks like our schedule overlaps quite a bit!

Our schedule:
April 30: arrive at night staying at CSR
May 1st: move to Swan, FPs over at DHS from 10:45am to around 2pm, was going to hit Epcot for some F&G booths before going to MK for after fireworks dessert party at night (looks like we can meet up here!)

Look at that.
Right out of the box
we're in synch.

May 2nd: Animal Kingdom, Lunch at Tiffins, and probably pool time during the afternoon then storybook dining at WL with Snow White.
May 3rd: MK pretty much all day! Ohana dinner at night (more than enough opportunity to meet up here. We can get matching Hei Hei cones)

Thanks so much for the
info on the Hei Hei cones!
I'd not heard of that
and immediately showed
it to Elle.
We want one each!

May 4th: We're at DHS too and our FP for Slinky Dog is at 10:40am, we have lunch at Sci Fi before we head over to Epcot for our EPIC eat and drink around the world session which you are more than welcome to join. I am going to post about it on the PTR soon.

Unfortunately, we'll be
gone from the World
by late afternoon or
early evening.
But thanks for the offer.

May 5th: Brunch at Cali Grill then MK FPs, HDDR at night
May 6th: FPs at DHS during the day, and then tea at GF. Our flight leaves that night. I hope it's cancelled

 

[pkondz]

We're going April 13-20. Staying at AKL first three nights and then BLT last 4.

Shoot! Missing you by just
a few days!

I'll have a Zebra Dome for you!

Thanks!
I don't think I'll have
a chance, this trip.

Pretty excited since we haven't been in a few years. We haven't seen Pandora or Toy Story Land yet.

Okay... I can't stress this
enough...

Make sure you see Pandora
at night. I'm not kidding.
Seriously. Go.

I suppose deciding to write a TR would ensure that I try to do interesting things and not just sit around the pool reading books and talking about how cute my swimsuit cover up is. Because I couldn't write a whole chapter about that!

Oh, I think you could.

And... your new avatar!
Look how much Monkston's
grown!!!

 

[pkondz]

I'm so excited for you!! A trip with your DD AND you will likely get to meet some Dispeeps from the epic trip that I wish I could go on lol

Sounds amazing!!!!

We're both really looking
forward to it!

 

[pkondz]

I understand. I don't have time to do a formal PTR. So I just give hints on my current TR.

This is probably the closest
I'll get to a PTR.

This totally confused me, somehow I got confused thinking Elsa was Elle and that it was Kay who was going.

And I knew it was just you and Elle, but somehow this made me think even more that it was you and Kay again.

Whoops! Sorry!
Shoulda picked a
different name.

Bob.

No!

That just won't do!

My birthday!

You never know. SWGE isn't open yet.

True. Maybe the true SW fans
will wait until it opens
before descending en masse.