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

[buzzrelly]

I think the big secret here is that you and Doc were separated at birth! You guys could definitely be brothers!

Great picture!

When I blew my nose,
I guess I... over pressurized (?)
the Eustachian canal in my
left ear.
And because I had a bit of
a stuffed nose, and perhaps
as a bit of residual effects
from the dive...
I gave myself a bit of a
case of vertigo.

Ouch! That's really scary!

I could tell right away that it
was going to roll out of my lane
and I wouldn't hit it.

But...

It would wind up under the
semi's wheels.
And I also figured what would
happen if I slowed down.

I accelerated and...
Sure enough, the pail
rolled under the semi's
wheels and shot out from
under them!
Right at my car!

I told you I hate driving? This is part of it. You just never know when something crazy like that is going to happen, or when a crazy drunk person may be driving the wrong way on the highway or something. I have a LOT of anxiety about this. When we go to HH, SC in the summer, I do most of the driving because even though I HATE driving, I don't trust anyone else to drive me

After chatting for about two hours,
I had to take my leave.
I had another DISmeet lined
up and a three and a half hour
drive to get there.

Another great shot and fun DISmeet

I made this for Nebo and he used
it for his Avatar here on the DIS.

That's adorable

After driving over 5,250 miles
(over 8,450kms), having several
wonderful DISmeets and
a few adventures along the way,
I arrived back home.

Wow! What a trip!

Did you see it in this chapter?

I did, for once!

 

[Tracy161]

We exchanged hugs.
Manly hugs, of course.
Like... really macho.

Clearly.

He freaking brought me
Zebra Domes!!!

What?!?!

(I expect an anniversary gift
for our 10th meeting though.
I believe that would be tin
or aluminum.)

You got it! It's a promise. Now... only 9 more meets to go before you get it.

Ariana is just about the sweetest
gal you're likely to meet.

She really seems to be! I was so hoping to meet @Pluto0809 last January at Disney, but it was so darn cold and miserable that my planned Disney day ended up being an unplanned something-else day

(Well... okay.
I played for honour,
they played for honor.)

(and apparently, today at least,
honour wins over honor...
but u already knew that

I gave myself a bit of a
case of vertigo.

OH NO! Glad yours went away quickly. My bouts with vertigo (which you may remember are rather frequent) usually last at least a week

Slightly disconcerting.
I don't recommend it as a hobby.

Neither do I!

Glenda or Rebecca blurted
out "You haven't taken a photo
of your food for the TR!"

#tripreportfail

I'm happy to report that
while his eyesight is poor,
his sense of humour is sharp.

And a sense of humo(u)r matters a LOT!

Diane had gone to the trouble
of baking me some chocolate
chip cookies!

Awwwww

But considering that there were no
roaches or lightning quick spiders,
I considered it an improvement.

"Oh, it's you again.
Go poop, for crying out loud."

The glass sculpture that
my mom gave me that
@Tracy161 wanted to see:

YAY! Thank you for posting a picture

Did you see it in this chapter?

But, admittedly, not in the last!

 

[pkondz]

And then as soon as I meet Doc, he goes and moves to Orlando!

Do you normally have this
affect on people?
I left town too.

Hmm...

This was just so awesome!

Very much so!

I have yet to try them but I'm a little hesitant to do so. I'm really not a fan of white chocolate.

There really isn't a white
chocolate taste to them.
I'd say the coffee flavour
is much stronger.
And I don't like coffee,
but love these.

Awww, I'm blushing.

And you would have won the third game too. I suck at pool.

Not necessarily.
I suck too.
I just was very lucky that night.

Corn is only acceptable to me if it's on the cob. You know, that weird pickiness thing I have going!

Yes, I know!
And I agree with you!
I can eat it like it was,
especially if you toss on some
salt (and butter too if available!)
But creamed corn is right out!

It definitely was a wonderful night! We will meet again in May for sure!

Yay!

Yikes, that sounds so scary!

It was. For a second,
I wondered what I'd do
if it persisted.

Pull over and wait for... days?

Man, you have all the bad luck with things jumping out at your car!

It's my magnetic personality.

I really loved reading his TRs. They were always so entertaining.

Yes! Very much!
Sure wish he still could.

You had one job....

Literally.
I don't think there was
anyone else there.

I'll take a slightly dirty carpet over spiders and roaches any day!

Wow! That is quite a haul! Do you have a specific way you display them all? I'm picturing a bunch of the framed together and hanging on a wall for some reason.

No.
I considered it, but...
Some are nice on both sides
or the nice side is opposite
from the location side.

Plus I like that you can just
pick them up and look at them.

But... funny you should ask.
With that haul (and from the
previous trip that I'm about
to write about...) I need a
bigger container.
Right now they're (some of them)
are in a large-ish wine glass.

I finally did find that one but it took me about 10 times through the photos. I think it was just my old eyes.

That was a tough one.

Yep! But surprisingly not till the second time through. Guess I was concentrating too much on reading the text the first time around.

Or maybe you were too
busy looking to make sure
you didn't have anything
in your teeth.

 

[pkondz]

In a pool, shoot some pool. Make up your mind!

How about I put some money
on the Rams for tomorrow?
Then I'd be in a betting pool.

The cool thing is it was a double Dismeet for me also. Although Ariana lived only minutes from me, we hadn't been able to sync up prior to that. I think she had her reservations about me. Rightly so, but usually it's AFTER people meet me I have problems.

Well, I had a reservation
after meeting you.
It was in Bowling Green.
At the Country Inn & Suites.

Like chewing nails and spitting them out macho.

Yeah!
(Said with grunting, and snorting.)

Normally I'd try some witty (or in my case half witty) response here, but it was a great visit from the get go. I already felt like I knew you well enough from your TRs, but was really glad to get the in person opportunity.

Feeling's mutual!

I felt it only fitting for someone going out of their way to meet up with me and fitting me into their p0ker ch1p collecting agenda.

#priorities

Seriously, I appreciated the opportunity to meet up with you. Just wish it could have been longer, but I knew you had a long drive ahead of you.

Yes, almost all my meets
have to be short due to
travel demands.
Sometimes I can squeeze
a little more time,
sometimes less.

I know I already told you sorry for their appearance, but I had transported back to GA and then put in freezer. I was more concerned with preserving their taste so the looks suffered a bit.

I sure wasn't complaining!

There's a big difference in thinking it's expected vs. WANTING to treat a friend. Again, with our interactions on the Dis, I already considered you as a friend and wanted to show you Southern hospitality.

And you did!
And I was very touched.


Well, I've always been
a little touched...

I wasn't a big fan of the ketchup chips. They weren't horrible, but not fantastic either.

I don't like them.
But... some really do.
It's a Canadian thing,
you like 'em or hate 'em.
And I'm not offended
if you fall in the "hate 'em" camp.

Some of that chocolate, though. Wow!

Glad you liked them.

I'm glad I finally got to meet her. I just was a tad disappointed she waited until after the football game was over when we were literally surrounded by TVs.

You can't speak for me either, but essentially you just did...agreed and ditto.

I sir, played for embarrassment.

You sucked that night!

I'm actually a good player, but that day...not at all.

No. But that's just what happens
sometimes.
I'm not that good of a player,
but I was clicking that night.

Y'all whupped me. That's Southern for whipped in case you were wondering.

We prevailed in our quest.
That's sissified for whupped
in case you were wondering.

Glad it didn't taste like either version of carrion.

No, it certainly did not!

Wait, could you repeat that???

The pot roast was
really good.

As with the gifts, that was truly unnecessary, but thank you again PK.

You're welcome.
And I invited you.

Sad thing is, we'd been there long enough (or just the correct time) so the bozo taking our picture wasn't actually our server. Our server (She was pretty good) had left.

That's right!
I completely forgot that!

He on the other hand seemed more worried about getting a certain sign in the background behind us than the picture of us. That's why I have the look on my face...I was thinking really??? We want a picture of us, not the stupid sign.

Sign of the times, I guess.

At least there's two good looking people in that photo.

Yeah, I shoulda stepped aside.

Was expecting you to photoshop me out so as not to scare your readers.

Actually, that's one thing
I'll never do.
At least not without someone
asking me to do it.

Oops sorry. Didn't realize you didn't want me to give it out.

It was you!!!!

It was fantastic meeting you both as well. Give me a shout any time you're in Orlando.

May! See you in May!

Glad I called it quits when I did. I knew you had a long drive in front of you, but I hadn't known about your ordeal the previous night. As much as I wanted to keep visiting, I wanted to let you get on your way. Still kicking myself that I forgot to take you for ice cream first. It was literally 5 minutes down the road.

Well.... shoot!!

Pretty sure all mornings come too early. Wish someone would fix that.

Yeah... <sigh>

Wow...p0ker ch1p is a banned word now??? Tried to post and it wouldn't let me because of those words.

And yet...
If you put a hyphen
in between them...
It works!

poker-chip

 

[Steppesister]

Well... twist my arm...
Good food and a chance to relax
and shoot some pool?


Heck yeah!

I 100% approve! LOVE a good game of pool. I suck, but still love it.

Except when I lose.

Right away, we hit it off.
I won't go into details,
but there are certain aspects
of both our lives that we have
in common. Almost eerily so.

It was very... comforting
to find a kindred spirit.

Yes. It is.

He freaking brought me
Zebra Domes!!!

What a nice surprise!!!

Ariana is just about the sweetest
gal you're likely to meet.

Awww, sounds like you really hit it off.

The rings were quite good, but...

.... they are not as good as fries.

Nice looking trio AND... @Pluto0809 I'll get to meet you in May!! WOOT!

I was just outside of Bowling Green

Hey! I've been there before!

When I blew my nose,
I guess I... over pressurized (?)

I thought were going to say you farted, but sounds like you took care of some other cooped up air.

I accelerated and...
Sure enough, the pail
rolled under the semi's
wheels and shot out from
under them!
Right at my car!

What is it with you and stuff in the road?!

Awww, poor baby.

And another nice looking trio!! @thumper* I get to meet you TOO in May!

And I had one last surprise gift.
Diane had gone to the trouble
of baking me some chocolate
chip cookies!

Now I have a hankerin'. Thanks.

When do I get to leave again??

Sounds like May, if I'm not mistaken.

 

[thumper*]

ZEEEEBRRAAAA DOOOOOMMMMEEESSSS people!!!!

Second poker-chip of the day
acquired I drove on towards
Indianapolis.

OH I know where this is going.

I'm really sorry to have kept
both you ladies waiting.

It wasn't a long wait and you kept us updated. I was happy to finally get to meet you, even if my common sense was saying don't meet a strange man (and you are very strange JK) you met on the internet, he might be a killer. LOL but my gut instinct said you were a sweetheart and it was right. It was nice to meet Rebcaa@self_resqing_prncz

And, I suppose in a way,
we were.
Friends we have yet to meet.

I'm glad I took her advice
as it was very good!

Their fish is exceptional but also with an exceptional price tag. Glad you enjoyed the Chicken Teriyaki.

I really like this picture

After chatting for about two hours,

My how time flies when your with friends.

Ladies?
So very nice to have met you both!
I very much enjoyed spending
some time with both of you
and hope to see you again
maybe sometime in the future.

SO nice to meet you and Thank You for the wonderful chocolate bars and the Ketchup potato chips, MArk and I both enjoyed them.

Oh yum

And another nice looking trio!! @thumper* I get to meet you TOO in May!

I can't wait.

 

[pkondz]

I think the big secret here is that you and Doc were separated at birth! You guys could definitely be brothers!

It's the mustaches, right?

Great picture!

Thanks!

I take all the credit.

Ouch! That's really scary!

It kinda was.
I don't want that to happen
ever again!

I told you I hate driving? This is part of it. You just never know when something crazy like that is going to happen, or when a crazy drunk person may be driving the wrong way on the highway or something.

I've had some incidents
in my life...
But so far, no one's gotten hurt,
so I consider that a fair return.

I have a LOT of anxiety about this. When we go to HH, SC in the summer, I do most of the driving because even though I HATE driving, I don't trust anyone else to drive me

Ah. I understand that, actually.

Another great shot and fun DISmeet

That's adorable

Thanks.

Wow! What a trip!

It really was!

I did, for once!

Not quite so hidden this time.

 

[pkondz]

Clearly.

Extremely manly.
Extraordinarily manly.

What?!?!

Right???

You got it! It's a promise. Now... only 9 more meets to go before you get it.

Yay!
Now reconsider not coming down in May.

She really seems to be! I was so hoping to meet @Pluto0809 last January at Disney, but it was so darn cold and miserable that my planned Disney day ended up being an unplanned something-else day

Dancing.
It ended up being a dancing day, right?

OH NO! Glad yours went away quickly. My bouts with vertigo (which you may remember are rather frequent) usually last at least a week

A week????




It was bad enough for the few
seconds that I had it!!

Neither do I!

#tripreportfail

I know, I know...

<hangs head in shame>

And a sense of humo(u)r matters a LOT!

U got that right.

Awwwww

YAY! Thank you for posting a picture

You're welcome!
What did you think of it?
Pretty sure it pre-dates... me.

But, admittedly, not in the last!

That one was a tough one.

 

[pkondz]

I 100% approve! LOVE a good game of pool. I suck, but still love it.

I'm exactly the same.

Except when I lose.

Yes. It is.

What a nice surprise!!!

"Nice"? Now there's an understatement!

Awww, sounds like you really hit it off.

We did!
It was a very nice evening.
I've yet to meet a DISer
that I haven't liked.

.... they are not as good as fries.

I'm pleased to find out that
if I ever eat with you again
that I can safely order rings
and not worry about you
stealing them!

Nice looking trio

Thanks.
I bring the group down
from "Fabulous" to "Nice".

Hey! I've been there before!

I actually thought of your folks,
but doubted they'd even remember me.

I thought were going to say you farted, but sounds like you took care of some other cooped up air.

What is it with you and stuff in the road?!

Objects are just naturally drawn to me.
It counteracts the way people
are naturally repelled by me.

Awww, poor baby.

I was vewwy sad.

And another nice looking trio!!

Thanks again!
Nice of two pretty ladies
to submit to posing with
the one who brings
the average down.

Now I have a hankerin'. Thanks.

I saw that, over on your TR.

Sounds like May, if I'm not mistaken.

 

[pkondz]

Correct.

OH I know where this is going.

Nah. You had to be there.


Wait...

It wasn't a long wait and you kept us updated.

I felt bad for being late.
I hate being late.

But... considering the distances
that I drive... I suppose I should
be happy when it's only 10 minutes.

I was happy to finally get to meet you, even if my common sense was saying don't meet a strange man you met on the internet,

I'm sorry.
That actually is a concern of mine.
I don't like making people
uncomfortable.
It kinda defeats the purpose
of having a DISmeet.

I really don't know what I
can do about it though.

and you are very strange

This is correct.
Very astute of you.

he might be a killer.

You are assuming I'm not?

LOL but my gut instinct said you were a sweetheart and it was right.

Awww.... shucks.

It was nice to meet Rebcaa@self_resqing_prncz

Isn't she sweet?
I enjoyed meeting you both.

Their fish is exceptional but also with an exceptional price tag. Glad you enjoyed the Chicken Teriyaki.

Hmmm...
I think I would've paid
and exceptional price
for exceptional fish.

Next time.

I really like this picture

You took it, right?
I wasn't positive.

90% sure...

My how time flies when your with friends.

I was surprised to find
that two hours had gone by
so quickly.

SO nice to meet you and Thank You for the wonderful chocolate bars and the Ketchup potato chips, MArk and I both enjoyed them.

You're welcome!

Oh yum

Oh yes!

 

[Steppesister]

Oh, that's easy.
Get off behindedness and go to store. Buy needed ingredients. Bake cookies. Place on plate or in container of choice. Place them outside. Close door. Open door! Surprise! Cookies!

But, but that takes work.

I'm pleased to find out that
if I ever eat with you again
that I can safely order rings
and not worry about you
stealing them!

Oh fine. I'll just spill my drink on you.

I actually thought of your folks,
but doubted they'd even remember me.

And yet oddly, they ask how you are on occasion.

Objects are just naturally drawn to me.
It counteracts the way people
are naturally repelled by me.

OH please.

I saw that, over on your TR.

I'm blaming this week's extra pound on you.

 

[Tracy161]

Extremely manly.
Extraordinarily manly.

My thoughts... exactly!

Now reconsider not coming down in May.

I would LOVE to reconsider! But I graduate on May 10 and am making the trip to Ohio to walk for graduation. Plus... I think I'll make that weekend into a mini-vacay, with a trip to see the Indians play, and maybe hit up the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

Dancing.
It ended up being a dancing day, right?

Yep, definitely a day of dancing!

A week????




It was bad enough for the few
seconds that I had it!!

Yep. And in May 2018 (when it ruined my Disney trip), I couldn't drive for nearly 2 weeks and didn't full recover for a month Vertigo is the worst!!

What did you think of it?
Pretty sure it pre-dates... me.

Super interesting! I don't know that I've seen anything like it, actually! Pre-dates you? I'm sure you'll have a joke about that...

 

[pkondz]

But, but that takes work.

And yet...

Oh fine. I'll just spill my drink on you.

And yet oddly, they ask how you are on occasion.

They do?
That's nice that they
remember me.

OH please.

Yes. That's what I say.
"Oh please... won't someone
not avoid me?"

I'm blaming this week's extra pound on you.

...and yet...
It sounds like you maybe
did make them after all?

Hmmm???

 

[pkondz]

My thoughts... exactly!

Phew! Good!

I would LOVE to reconsider! But I graduate on May 10 and am making the trip to Ohio to walk for graduation. Plus... I think I'll make that weekend into a mini-vacay, with a trip to see the Indians play, and maybe hit up the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

Meh. Ohio, Florida...
Practically the same spot.
I know I've driven it.
(Well... close.)

Yep, definitely a day of dancing!

I knew it!!!

Yep. And in May 2018 (when it ruined my Disney trip), I couldn't drive for nearly 2 weeks and didn't full recover for a month Vertigo is the worst!!

Oh, man.



Don't do that again. Okay?

Super interesting! I don't know that I've seen anything like it, actually!

Oh really! I'll take a look and see if there's
any kind of writing on the bottom.

Pre-dates you? I'm sure you'll have a joke about that...

Nah.
I am far too cultured
to stoop to such
abysmal levels.



Ha! Right.

 

[Terra Nova guy]

We exchanged hugs.
Manly hugs, of course.
Like... really macho.

Was it something like this?


I joke of course. Doc seems like a great guy and I would be happy to get a hug from him one day.

Doc went above and beyond in making
me feel welcome.
He had brought a few gifts and
even colour coordinated the gift bag
in Marvin the Martian colours.

Well done @docsoliday1!
And what a nice surprise with the zebra domes!

I don't know how it got my number.

Maybe Jenny gave it out.
You should call her to complain. You got her number, right?

It was made a little better
by having Zebra Domes to eat.
I didn't eat them all
on that drive... but I did
put a serious dent
in my stock!

I must admit that I have never had one. I have certainly heard of them and they look great. I just have never gone to AKL before. One day I hope to correct that.

When I blew my nose,
I guess I... over pressurized (?)
the Eustachian canal in my
left ear.
And because I had a bit of
a stuffed nose, and perhaps
as a bit of residual effects
from the dive...
I gave myself a bit of a
case of vertigo.

So, I have a story about something similar. This goes back almost 20 years - and it has never happened since. I simply had to sneeze one day at home and went to cover my nose. But this was before bird flu and all the warnings about sneezing into your elbow. So I covered my nose with my hand, but that time pinched too hard and sealed my nostrils. I heard a pop and then the room started spinning, to the point where I had to stumble to the bed and lie down. It lasted a good 5 minutes, then gradually went away. I presume it was something similar to what you described. I have learned since then to never pinch your nose if you have to sneeze. And always carry a tissue.

Luckily, I'd sped up and
instead of taking the bucket
through the front windshield
or driver-side window,
it just nicked the body-work
behind the rear window,
above the gas cap.
It was a glancing blow
that only left a slight mark
on the car.

Wow, very lucky. I can imagine how much worse it could be had it hit the window head on.

Did you see it in this chapter?

Yes I did. Not sure how to say it without giving it away. But I did.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I walked in and Doc was
already there.

We exchanged hugs.
Manly hugs, of course.
Like... really macho.


Seriously macho.

Ah, the bro hug. Glad you guys could get together.

Doc went above and beyond in making
me feel welcome.
He had brought a few gifts and
even colour coordinated the gift bag
in Marvin the Martian colours.

Lots of thought put into this!

He freaking brought me
Zebra Domes!!!


ZEEEEBRRAAAA DOOOOOMMMMEEESSSS people!!!!

(I expect an anniversary gift
for our 10th meeting though.
I believe that would be tin
or aluminum.)

Empty beer can. Got it.

Ariana is just about the sweetest
gal you're likely to meet.

I can't speak for her,
but I know that I was
immediately delighted
to meet her.

Cool meet-up!

Honour!
(Well... okay.
I played for honour,
they played for honor.)

What is the exchange rate there?

... Doc was right.
The pot roast was
really good.

(Not as good as mine,
but... yes, very good. )

Well, how could anyone hope to compete?

The server brought the bill.


I don't know why restaurants
do that.
You're supposed to have
a nice meal, and a pleasant
time out, but...
Then they go and ruin it
by making you pay.

What a buncha jerks. Gotta dine and dash next time. That'll teach 'em.

You'll note that while my plate
is completely clean,
Ariana's plate has all the corn
left on it.
This is because she is a bad girl.

And everyone I've talked to
about her agrees with me.

I can't believe someone would ignore the vegetables on his/her plate. It boggles the mind!

I still had a four-hour drive
ahead of me and the
road was calling.


I don't know how it got my number.

Rest assured, you're already blocked.

It was made a little better
by having Zebra Domes to eat.
I didn't eat them all
on that drive... but I did
put a serious dent
in my stock!

Attaboy.

I gave myself a bit of a
case of vertigo.
All of a sudden, my brain
was telling my eyes
(or vice versa)
that the highway that
I was driving along at
around sixty miles an hour,
was tilted forty-five degrees
on its side.

Um....what??

I accelerated and...
Sure enough, the pail
rolled under the semi's
wheels and shot out from
under them!
Right at my car!

Geez, this is the most dangerous drive in America, apparently.

So this year, when I followed
my trusty GPS to Southside Harley...

I wound up at...
Cheeseburger in Paradise.
Again!

What the...

We were led to our table
and... like what happens
with so many DISmeets...
We all started chatting
like we'd been friends
for years.
And, I suppose in a way,
we were.
Friends we have yet to meet.

I know exactly what you mean!

Well, there certainly was food there at one time.

I'm very sorry for the
trip reporting fail.
Glenda documented
my apologetic pout.

I'd yell at you, but I only have a 50/50 success rate at this myself.

At one point, they asked me
if I'd stopped at Southside Harley.
I told them that Southside Harley,
as far as Betty, my GPS knew,
was actually a closed up
Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant.
They told me that it's across the street.

I foresee a third attempt at this elusive
poker-chip some time in my future.

Hope you at least end up with a better cheeseburger.

After what seemed like a long wait,
we asked the server if it would be
much longer.
The server admitted that he forgot
to put in our order.
Pretty understandable since the
restaurant was almost empty.

Must be something with Chicago pizza joints. This happened to me once as well.

And I have no recollection of
eating it.
I don't know if I left it behind,
or left it in the hotel or what.
I may have eaten it...
but I think I would've remembered?

Old age. It's a killer.

And I had one last surprise gift.
Diane had gone to the trouble
of baking me some chocolate
chip cookies!
She's such a thoughtful person.

Wow, very cool!

I rolled up to the first booth
and handed the attendant
the requisite cash.
"Would you like a cookie?" I asked.
The attendant laughed and said
he was trying to diet.
But he thanked me anyway.
The second attendant also
laughed, but accepted the offer.
She seemed pretty pleased
with her prize.
The third attendant declined,
but thanked me for the offer.

It's nice of you to at least try and brighten their day.

The hotel that night wasn't
on my top ten list.
The carpet hadn't been vacuumed
and there was no soap or shampoo.
But considering that there were no
roaches or lightning quick spiders,
I considered it an improvement.

So you had that going for you, which is nice.

Even the border crossing
was uneventful.
"Oh, it's you again.
Go poop, for crying out loud."

Yep, average border crossing.

After driving over 5,250 miles
(over 8,450kms), having several
wonderful DISmeets and
a few adventures along the way,
I arrived back home.

I'm exhausted just reading the numbers.

When do I get to leave again??

I know that feeling, too!

Nice haul!

Did you see it in this chapter?

Hope you followed directions.

Coming up... First day of...
My road trip west to the
Northwest Mouse Meet!

Cool! I'll have to look for anything I can add to our Pacific Northwest itinerary.

Day 1... Trip almost ends the first day.

That sounds...sub-optimal.

 

[docsoliday1]

Was it something like this?
View attachment 380702

I joke of course. Doc seems like a great guy and I would be happy to get a hug from him one day.

No, nothing at all like that! Great scene though.
Well, Randall isn't the only Disdad hugger. I was raised that way and while I shake hands in business, among friends and family, it's hugs.

Well done @docsoliday1!
And what a nice surprise with the zebra domes!

Thank you Jeff. I had known from his TRs, he really liked them and I had thought about shipping him some....until I found out shipping cost to Canada from the US. Since his trip worked out where I was home (initially it was going to be while I was at Disney), I decided it would be a great treat. I honestly can't say if he re-arranged his schedule so we could meet up, but I was pleased I'd finally get to meet him. It was half thanking him for the act of re-arranging his schedule and half a ploy to prevent him from running away screaming when he saw me.

Maybe Jenny gave it out.
You should call her to complain. You got her number, right?

8675309?

I must admit that I have never had one. I have certainly heard of them and they look great. I just have never gone to AKL before. One day I hope to correct that.

Next time you come down, it will be remedied good sir.

Yes I did. Not sure how to say it without giving it away. But I did.

It was so obvious this time (I think).

 

[docsoliday1]

Paradise Lost

After I swam with the fish

Just glad you didn't end up swimming with the fishes

and didn't wind up swimming
with the fishes,

See?

I made a quick couple of stops
at some Harley shops,

I didn't realize those were on the way. I remember looking them up when I first thought you might be coming to Atlanta.

I was just outside of Bowling Green
when it happened.
I don't know if I had the beginning
of a very mild cold, a slight allergic
reaction to something, or just the sniffles.
In any event, I reached over for a
Kleenex and blew my nose.

So... when you dive, water exerts
pressure on your body.
Really there's pressure both
inside and out.
You're breathing compressed
gasses that have to expand
at some point.
If a diver ascends too quickly,
the gasses expand just like
when you open a bottle of pop.
This is preventable by slowing
your ascent. Sometimes a lot.

When I blew my nose,
I guess I... over pressurized (?)
the Eustachian canal in my
left ear.
And because I had a bit of
a stuffed nose, and perhaps
as a bit of residual effects
from the dive...
I gave myself a bit of a
case of vertigo.
All of a sudden, my brain
was telling my eyes
(or vice versa)
that the highway that
I was driving along at
around sixty miles an hour,
was tilted forty-five degrees
on its side.

I don't know if it has an official term, but I've had divers nose/ears many a time. I don't know I've ever given myself vertigo, but many an uncomfortable sneeze or ear pops or both.

I quickly worked my jaw
and it went away fairly soon.

Slightly disconcerting.
I don't recommend it as a hobby.

Been there, done that...didn't want the T-shirt.

I arrived at my first stop,
a Harley store, a little after 9:00am.
I was pleased to find myself
ahead of schedule.
As opposed to upside down in
a ditch as a result of trying
to drive up a slanted highway.

I think the same people you need to speak to about mornings also handle the highway slant issues. Two birds with one stone.

Last year, when I went to get a
poker-chip, my GPS took me to...
Cheeseburger in Paradise.
No Harley shop in sight.

But Buffet > poker-chip, no?

I wound up at...
Cheeseburger in Paradise.
Again!

Obviously Betty was hungry....or thought you were.

I was running late for my next stop
so didn't waste too much time moping.

So only about 15 minutes of moping, then?

I arrived at Rick's Café Boatyard
about ten minutes late.
Glenda (@thumper* ) and
Rebecca (@Self_resqing_princz )
were already there waiting.

I'm really sorry to have kept
both you ladies waiting.

See, if you'd limited the moping to only 5 minutes, you would've been on time!

We were led to our table

Hopefully not like lambs to the slaughter...

and... like what happens
with so many DISmeets...
We all started chatting
like we'd been friends
for years.
And, I suppose in a way,
we were.
Friends we have yet to meet.

That's what's cool about the Dis...we kinda are friends before we meet.

We ordered I food and I had
a raspberry sweet tea,
which actually tasted like Canadian
iced tea, so that's a plus.

So, you mean a little tea with the sugar?

At Glenda's suggestion,
I ordered a teriyaki chicken
with tomato rice.
I'm glad I took her advice
as it was very good!

We were all happily chatting
and eating away when all of a
sudden, Glenda or Rebecca blurted
out "You haven't taken a photo
of your food for the TR!"

Dang it!

So... this is all you get:

(There was a crooked man, who had a crooked fork, so took a crooked photo...)

Epic trip reporting fail.

I'm very sorry for the
trip reporting fail.

That's what I said.

Glenda documented
my apologetic pout.

Sorry, not buying it. Looks more like your border crossing look.

At one point, they asked me
if I'd stopped at Southside Harley.
I told them that Southside Harley,
as far as Betty, my GPS knew,
was actually a closed up
Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant.
They told me that it's across the street.

Wait! So Betty was right both times, just on the wrong side of the street???

Ladies?
So very nice to have met you both!
I very much enjoyed spending
some time with both of you
and hope to see you again
maybe sometime in the future.

Pretty ladies and since they put up with you, obviously nice also.

Three and a half hours later
found me mired in Chicago
rush hour traffic.
I finally arrived at my destination
one hour late.

This isn't my first time
experiencing Chicago traffic.
But you'd think by now,
I'd factor it in.

Ya know, since you've experienced Chicago traffic before, I would think you'd factor that in.

I eventually arrived at
Nebo and Smidgy's house.
As some of you may know,
Nebo has had some serious
health issues over the past
little while.
I'm happy to report that
while his eyesight is poor,
his sense of humour is sharp.

I've heard you (and others) speak fondly of them. Maybe if I get up there for a Cubbies game, I can visit them. Unless of course, you've told them what you really think of me.

I made this for Nebo and he used
it for his Avatar here on the DIS.

I was actually pretty excited to
pile into that very vehicle
as we drove off to the restaurant.

Very cool!!

After what seemed like a long wait,
we asked the server if it would be
much longer.
The server admitted that he forgot
to put in our order.
Pretty understandable since the
restaurant was almost empty.

I would hope he got a rightly deserved minimal tip. Seriously, you've got ONE thing to do...really?

And I had one last surprise gift.
Diane had gone to the trouble
of baking me some chocolate
chip cookies!
She's such a thoughtful person.

They're not zebra domes though! I'm totally joking! In all seriousness, that's better...I didn't make the zebra domes and homemade chocolate chip cookies are the best.

As I drove off in the night,
I came upon the first of
three toll booths that I
needed to stop and pay.
A thought occurred.
Being a toll booth attendant
must be a lonely job?
I mean... sure you "meet"
people all day long, but...
you don't really interact
other than to say
"Have a nice day", right?

I rolled up to the first booth
and handed the attendant
the requisite cash.
"Would you like a cookie?" I asked.
The attendant laughed and said
he was trying to diet.
But he thanked me anyway.
The second attendant also
laughed, but accepted the offer.
She seemed pretty pleased
with her prize.
The third attendant declined,
but thanked me for the offer.

They're probably thinking there ain't no way I'm taking a cookie from a constipated looking Canuck. I do wonder though if they're a bit suspicious when people are nice to them...I'm sure it's rather rare and catches them off guard. Think of the upside...more for you!

When do I get to leave again??

Not sure if you'll be doing another trip before, but looking forward to seeing you in May!

Poker-chips collected on this trip:

[/quote]
What's your current total? I seem to remember you were close to 100, so this shoudl put you over.

 

[docsoliday1]

It's the mustaches, right?

That's got to be it.
Glasses probably help too.

I will say I have more hair though.

 

[pkondz]

Was it something like this?

Yes! Almost exactly.

I joke of course. Doc seems like a great guy and I would be happy to get a hug from him one day.

He's really nice.
I'm glad I got to meet him.

Well done @docsoliday1!
And what a nice surprise with the zebra domes!

I was so surprised!
And so pleased!

And so full, later.

Maybe Jenny gave it out.
You should call her to complain. You got her number, right?

867-5309.
I should call her up
and ask her.

I must admit that I have never had one. I have certainly heard of them and they look great. I just have never gone to AKL before. One day I hope to correct that.

You should check out AKL,
just to see the resort.
They really did a beautiful
job on it.

So, I have a story about something similar. This goes back almost 20 years - and it has never happened since. I simply had to sneeze one day at home and went to cover my nose. But this was before bird flu and all the warnings about sneezing into your elbow. So I covered my nose with my hand, but that time pinched too hard and sealed my nostrils. I heard a pop and then the room started spinning, to the point where I had to stumble to the bed and lie down. It lasted a good 5 minutes, then gradually went away. I presume it was something similar to what you described. I have learned since then to never pinch your nose if you have to sneeze. And always carry a tissue.

Holy crap!
Not fun at all.
Betcha you were
plenty worried there
for a while.

Wow, very lucky. I can imagine how much worse it could be had it hit the window head on.

I just knew that would happen
if I didn't speed up to get
ahead of it.
Braking hard would've worked too...
but then I might've gotten
rear-ended.

Yes I did. Not sure how to say it without giving it away. But I did.

Not too hard this time.