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

[pkondz]

I'm glad you said hemisphere cause I was going to point out that Dim Sum and Japanese Gardens come from totally separate nationalities.

Sum times I get it right.

Most times not...


But this time...

Can you do some research for me? I've been trying to find a good place in So Cal and have no idea.

For you I'd recommend Royal Garden.

While The Dim Sum Co. rates higher
it's just a stand and I think that wouldn't work for you.
And Great Seafood Harbor (no website) has a reputation
of having you run after the carts, so...

So it wasn't a place where they bring the little cars by and you pick from the carts? OK never mind. I'll have to wait until we go to SF. I have a recommendation there.

Oh, yes. It was the carts
with the steam tables.

But I understand ordering noodles. I like noodles.

I hope you didn't have to pay for them! While they may have been good, if you didn't order them you shouldn't have had to pay for them.

I don't recall for sure now,
but think if I didn't order it,
I didn't pay for it.

As one should be after Dim Sum.

Oh, yes.

I've wanted to see that, but not sure I'm going to get back to Seattle.

Be worth the trip.

Also if you traveled on the Wonder before 2014, his sculpture was in the lobby.

Interesting.
Was that hanging from
the ceiling?

Yup he was looking up at the ceiling that was reminiscent of the Bellagio.

 

[pkondz]

Not yet, but we got to see Chihuly art in a museum in Indianapolis once, and she's definitely a fan.

Then pictures are probably
not required at this point.

That's quite the endorsement!

Yes. Yes it is.

 

[pkondz]

It's sumthing I can do without being at a real computer. While I get to day world more often than sum, it leaves less time on a real computer. Trade offs.

I think I'll take the whole
"get to da world more often" part.

 

[docsoliday1]

I think I'll take the whole
"get to da world more often" part.

I'm trading computer time for da world time. As I said trade offs. I'm okay with it!

 

[missjackiemcg]

Nah. Nothing there.
It's like a park in any city in the US.

Pretty much. Jungles of Vietnam. City of Chicago. Same, same.

 

[pkondz]

I'm trading computer time for da world time. As I said trade offs. I'm okay with it!

I bet!

 

[pkondz]

Pretty much. Jungles of Vietnam. City of Chicago. Same, same.

Hmmm...
Back in "the day",
I'm betting Chicago would've
been the more dangerous!

 

[docsoliday1]

Hmmm...
Back in "the day",
I'm betting Chicago would've
been the more dangerous!

You are probably right although I'd say depending on which part of the jungle (in either location) is a huge factor.

 

[pkondz]

You are probably right although I'd say depending on which part of the jungle (in either location) is a huge factor.

 

[pkondz]

PNWMM

Hello peeps!
Rise and shine!

Which, admittedly,
is going to sound pretty
silly if you're reading
this in the middle of the day...
wait... did you just have a nap?
Then rise and shine!

Works...


Yuss.



In any event,
no matter the time you
read this, the events
surrounding this chapter
starts early in the morning
of July 14th.

One of the main reasons,
if not the main reason
I found myself in Seattle
this fine day, was because
this weekend was the PNWMM
or Pacific NorthWest Mouse Meet.

I read with interest when Liesa
(@Steppesister ) and Kari
(@Malia78 ) went the previous
year and thought it was a good
excuse to head out that way.
As you've already seen, I managed
to squeeze a few fun...

Well... fun for me at least.
YMMV.

...to squeeze a few fun things
into the trip over and above
the Mouse Meet.

Nevertheless, I was looking forward
to re-meeting Liesa and making
Kari's acquaintance as well.

As is my wont, I arrived fairly early.
Rope drop, people. It's not just
for Disney.
And considering this kinda was
Disney... I figured I wouldn't be
the only one exercising that...
er...

exercise.

When I arrived, the parking lot was
mostly empty, but for a small handful
of automobiles.
Within minutes of my arrival, however,
the lot began to fill and any doubts
I might have had that I was in the
wrong place were quickly quashed.

I mean if that doesn't scream
"We love Disney!" I don't know
what does!


Okay... People actually screaming
"I love Disney" would.


I really didn't have reservations
about the location since these
were parked outside already:

Can you even say that when
writing a Disney TR?
That may have had reservations?
Or do you have to say that
you may have had ADRs?


And even though I was one of the first to arrive,
I let my place in line be taken by others
so I could snap a few photos.
I really didn't need to be in the first
half dozen or so inside, so I was
fine with letting others stand while I sat
and took a few snaps of the line forming.

I noticed that while most of the
attendees were not in costume,
there were a few that were.

They ranged from the modest...

To the amusing...

To the elaborate...

It was around now that I finally
got in line... oh, about 20 deep or so.
Not long after, I was joined by
Liesa and Kari.
I hadn't met Kari before, but soon
enough we got to know each other
a little bit and we got along fine.

Liesa and I on the other hand
fought like cats and dogs.

I still have the scars.
If we meet, ask me to show you.


She fights dirty.


Kari's my witness.
She'll back me up.


Eventually, the doors opened
and we trooped inside.
We all got a loot bag with a few treats.
(Sorry. Non-edible. Tragic, I know.)

I spotted this on the wall by the
table where we signed in
and got our schtuff.

I don't recall exactly why,
but Kari was a bit behind us.
I'm pretty sure she came with
Liesa, so not sure why she
wasn't with us.

I suspect it was to stay out
of range of Liesa and her
flying claws of death.

I could be wrong.


But I'm probably right.

Once we had our packages,
we trooped down the hall.
I paused to snap this photo.

Hint: I'll do that a few more times.

The hallway took a 90 degree
turn to the left and entered
into another, wider hallway.
That hallway had doors leading
into the large room where the
Mouse Meet presenters/speakers
would speak as well as the
various venders and silent auction
tables.
Outside, in the hallway, were displays
set up for our perusal.

I liked this one of Coco:

And this little diorama of
Cars Land.

There were also people that you might
recognize, posing for photos.

So how long did it take you
to notice (if you did at all)
that Chewie was wearing
mouse ears?

I can tell you it took me
two hundred and sixty-one days.
I took the photo that day and only
noticed it when I was uploading
them for you to view!

After wandering out in the hall
for a bit... we wandered inside.

Well, Liesa sauntered (an inferior
method of locomotion, to be sure),
I sashayed (far, far superior),
and Kari swept into the room.
(Far more elegant.)
Or perhaps she breezed.
I wasn't taking notes, remember?

I saw more attendees in costume.
I especially liked these bell hops
from TOT.

Sorry, I didn't get them from the front.
I'm still a little shy about asking
people to take their photos.
Probably stems from the last
comic-con I went to back home.
I asked a bunch of people and
they were all very happy to pose.
Until I met up with a woman who
flatly said "No".
Um... then why are you all
costumed up?

Shy, I guess.

But then... so am I.

This woman dressed as a
Pizza Planet delivery truck
was pretty creative.

And this guy!
I was very impressed.
Yes, the arms moved.

There were lots of venders
hawking their wares.
I only bought one item...
A book about HM.
(Signed by the author. )

We listened to a few presentations/speeches.
The most interesting (IMHO)
was the one by this one guy (or were there two?
No notes!) who made props/figurines
for Disney.
Eventually he/they branched out,
starting his/their own company.

They had the draws for the silent
auction, and if you read her TRs,
you'll already know that Liesa won
a really nice poster of all of Disney's
transportation/ride vehicles.
It was pretty cool.
I didn't bid on anything,
but if I had... it would've been that.
I was very happy (jealous) for her.
I didn't try to steal it from her.

Remember the claws?


The day wound down and
we started to head out.
Kari took one last opportunity
to give Baymax a squeeze.

And then just before we left...
Some little guy tugged on
my sleeve and pointed up.
I looked up and started to laugh.
Okay... I had to take a photo
of this sign post.

We left the show and
headed out in search
of sustenance.
Being the only foreigner
in the threesome, it fell
to me to find a suitable
locale.
I suggested The Keg.

I believe we carpooled,
and I left my car behind.
Pretty sure.
Or maybe one of us
navigated and the other
followed.
I seem to have a memory
of going back to the place
where the PNWMM was, later.

Anyways, in one way or
another, we went to The Keg.


It's always good back home, so...

And it was... pretty good.
It wasn't as good as back home
(No, not bragging. Maybe slightly
different ingredients?) but still
good enough.

(I like the guy photobombing us. Way to join in, dude. )

You'll notice Liesa's menu
overlapping mine.
That meant I couldn't
read everything.
I wasn't going to mention it.

Remember the claws?


We had a nice dinner.
We chatted about this
that and the other thing.
And then we called it
a night and went our
separate ways.

I wasn't quite done with
Seattle, though.

But I'll leave that
for the next update.



In case you didn't see it
in the last chapter:

I know you saw it in this chapter...
But did you see both of them?
All three of them?

Coming up: Seattle, the wrap up.


Oh. One last thing.

Liesa was wonderful and I
consider her a good friend now.
I highly doubt she has claws,
and even if she did, she wouldn't
use them.







much.

Chapter 19. Passive Aggressive Market​

 

[natebenma]

I'm already several miles behind on your latest report.



That was a pretty impressive and eventful first day of your trip!

The RCMP museum is really well done. Beautiful tributes to fallen officers, gorgeous building and what seemed to be informative and interactive displays. Did they have any exhibits about Mounties in popular culture- Dudley DoRight and Due South come to mind. Or did they totally gloss over any parodies?

Loved your visit to Moose Jaw and that you shared Stephen Colbert's hilarious observations. That's pretty rude of Norway to horn in on Moose Jaw's big draw, makes your visit somewhat antler-climatic.

The tunnel tour sounds incredible, pictures or not.

I'm no expert, but I will go out on a limb and say that driving under a funnel cloud must have been terrifying!!!

The campground looked nice, for a campground.

 

[docsoliday1]

PNWMM

Hello peeps!
Rise and shine!

Which, admittedly,
is going to sound pretty
silly if you're reading
this in the middle of the day...
wait... did you just have a nap?
Then rise and shine!

Works...


Yuss.



In any event,
no matter the time you
read this, the events
surrounding this chapter
starts early in the morning
of July 14th.

One of the main reasons,
if not the main reason
I found myself in Seattle
this fine day, was because
this weekend was the PNWMM
or Pacific NorthWest Mouse Meet.

I read with interest when Liesa
(@Steppesister ) and Kari
(@Malia78 ) went the previous
year and thought it was a good
excuse to head out that way.
As you've already seen, I managed
to squeeze a few fun...

Well... fun for me at least.
YMMV.

...to squeeze a few fun things
into the trip over and above
the Mouse Meet.

Nevertheless, I was looking forward
to re-meeting Liesa and making
Kari's acquaintance as well.

As is my wont, I arrived fairly early.
Rope drop, people. It's not just
for Disney.
And considering this kinda was
Disney... I figured I wouldn't be
the only one exercising that...
er...

exercise.

When I arrived, the parking lot was
mostly empty, but for a small handful
of automobiles.
Within minutes of my arrival, however,
the lot began to fill and any doubts
I might have had that I was in the
wrong place were quickly quashed.

I mean if that doesn't scream
"We love Disney!" I don't know
what does!


Okay... People actually screaming
"I love Disney" would.


I really didn't have reservations
about the location since these
were parked outside already:

Can you even say that when
writing a Disney TR?
That may have had reservations?
Or do you have to say that
you may have had ADRs?


And even though I was one of the first to arrive,
I let my place in line be taken by others
so I could snap a few photos.
I really didn't need to be in the first
half dozen or so inside, so I was
fine with letting others stand while I sat
and took a few snaps of the line forming.

I noticed that while most of the
attendees were not in costume,
there were a few that were.

They ranged from the modest...

To the amusing...

To the elaborate...

It was around now that I finally
got in line... oh, about 20 deep or so.
Not long after, I was joined by
Liesa and Kari.
I hadn't met Kari before, but soon
enough we got to know each other
a little bit and we got along fine.

Liesa and I on the other hand
fought like cats and dogs.

I still have the scars.
If we meet, ask me to show you.


She fights dirty.


Kari's my witness.
She'll back me up.


Eventually, the doors opened
and we trooped inside.
We all got a loot bag with a few treats.
(Sorry. Non-edible. Tragic, I know.)

I spotted this on the wall by the
table where we signed in
and got our schtuff.

I don't recall exactly why,
but Kari was a bit behind us.
I'm pretty sure she came with
Liesa, so not sure why she
wasn't with us.

I suspect it was to stay out
of range of Liesa and her
flying claws of death.

I could be wrong.


But I'm probably right.

Once we had our packages,
we trooped down the hall.
I paused to snap this photo.

Hint: I'll do that a few more times.

The hallway took a 90 degree
turn to the left and entered
into another, wider hallway.
That hallway had doors leading
into the large room where the
Mouse Meet presenters/speakers
would speak as well as the
various venders and silent auction
tables.
Outside, in the hallway, were displays
set up for our perusal.

I liked this one of Coco:

And this little diorama of
Cars Land.

There were also people that you might
recognize, posing for photos.

So how long did it take you
to notice (if you did at all)
that Chewie was wearing
mouse ears?

I can tell you it took me
two hundred and sixty-one days.
I took the photo that day and only
noticed it when I was uploading
them for you to view!

After wandering out in the hall
for a bit... we wandered inside.

Well, Liesa sauntered (an inferior
method of locomotion, to be sure),
I sashayed (far, far superior),
and Kari swept into the room.
(Far more elegant.)
Or perhaps she breezed.
I wasn't taking notes, remember?

I saw more attendees in costume.
I especially liked these bell hops
from TOT.

Sorry, I didn't get them from the front.
I'm still a little shy about asking
people to take their photos.
Probably stems from the last
comic-con I went to back home.
I asked a bunch of people and
they were all very happy to pose.
Until I met up with a woman who
flatly said "No".
Um... then why are you all
costumed up?

Shy, I guess.

But then... so am I.

This woman dressed as a
Pizza Planet delivery truck
was pretty creative.

And this guy!
I was very impressed.
Yes, the arms moved.

There were lots of venders
hawking their wares.
I only bought one item...
A book about HM.
(Signed by the author. )

We listened to a few presentations/speeches.
The most interesting (IMHO)
was the one by this one guy (or were there two?
No notes!) who made props/figurines
for Disney.
Eventually he/they branched out,
starting his/their own company.

They had the draws for the silent
auction, and if you read her TRs,
you'll already know that Liesa won
a really nice poster of all of Disney's
transportation/ride vehicles.
It was pretty cool.
I didn't bid on anything,
but if I had... it would've been that.
I was very happy (jealous) for her.
I didn't try to steal it from her.

Remember the claws?


The day wound down and
we started to head out.
Kari took one last opportunity
to give Baymax a squeeze.

And then just before we left...
Some little guy tugged on
my sleeve and pointed up.
I looked up and started to laugh.
Okay... I had to take a photo
of this sign post.

We left the show and
headed out in search
of sustenance.
Being the only foreigner
in the threesome, it fell
to me to find a suitable
locale.
I suggested The Keg.

I believe we carpooled,
and I left my car behind.
Pretty sure.
Or maybe one of us
navigated and the other
followed.
I seem to have a memory
of going back to the place
where the PNWMM was, later.

Anyways, in one way or
another, we went to The Keg.


It's always good back home, so...

And it was... pretty good.
It wasn't as good as back home
(No, not bragging. Maybe slightly
different ingredients?) but still
good enough.

(I like the guy photobombing us. Way to join in, dude. )

You'll notice Liesa's menu
overlapping mine.
That meant I couldn't
read everything.
I wasn't going to mention it.

Remember the claws?


We had a nice dinner.
We chatted about this
that and the other thing.
And then we called it
a night and went our
separate ways.

I wasn't quite done with
Seattle, though.

But I'll leave that
for the next update.



In case you didn't see it
in the last chapter:

I know you saw it in this chapter...
But did you see both of them?
All three of them?

Coming up: Seattle, the wrap up.


Oh. One last thing.

Liesa was wonderful and I
consider her a good friend now.
I highly doubt she has claws,
and even if she did, she wouldn't
use them.







much.

Had to pull up the laptop REAL quick before heading to work. Yep, saw all three.
All those cars with the same sun shade, that's kinda cool, but also kinda creepy. Was that row reserved for only people with cars eyes sun shades?

 

[natebenma]

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.

​

Thanks for sharing your recipe!

My family's recipe does not include potatoes and doesn't use any seasonings other than salt, but I love allspice and nutmeg, so I will have to try a spicier variation next time I make this.

Oh, and my Pepere (dad's dad) refused to eat onions so Memere had to tell him they were celery pieces.

Merci!

 

[natebenma]

Festival du Voyageur

Cool update!

No, seriously, thanks for sharing. This festival looks awesome.

The "catch phrase" of the
Festival is Hé Ho (let's go).

Also the catch phrase of The Ramones.

Kay, posing for the camera
at the top of one of the
guard towers.

Cutest guard ever! Great picture.

GO!!!

Fun!!!

Then you roll it up
and eat!
Yumm!!

Sweet!

 

[missjackiemcg]

So how long did it take you
to notice (if you did at all)
that Chewie was wearing
mouse ears?

I actually noticed it immediately!! I love when I notice some detail in my own pictures long after I've actually taken them

The Mouse Meet sounds like such a fun event!!! Glad you got to go, despite Liesa's claws LOL

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Hello peeps!
Rise and shine!

It's Groundhog Day!

Sorry, that's the first thing I think of when I hear "rise and shine".

As is my wont, I arrived fairly early.
Rope drop, people. It's not just
for Disney.

Truth.

Yeah, I'd say you're in the right place.

Can you even say that when
writing a Disney TR?
That may have had reservations?
Or do you have to say that
you may have had ADRs?

You know, that's a great question. I think I'd have to go with ADR's.

Liesa and I on the other hand
fought like cats and dogs.

I still have the scars.
If we meet, ask me to show you.


She fights dirty.

Oh, I believe you.

I suspect it was to stay out
of range of Liesa and her
flying claws of death.

I could be wrong.

You can never be too careful around Liesa. She's vicious.

So how long did it take you
to notice (if you did at all)
that Chewie was wearing
mouse ears?

Saw it right away!

I can tell you it took me
two hundred and sixty-one days.
I took the photo that day and only
noticed it when I was uploading
them for you to view!

Maybe you should borrow my user name.

I'm still a little shy about asking
people to take their photos.
Probably stems from the last
comic-con I went to back home.
I asked a bunch of people and
they were all very happy to pose.
Until I met up with a woman who
flatly said "No".
Um... then why are you all
costumed up?

Notice me! Give me attention! But not too much.

This woman dressed as a
Pizza Planet delivery truck
was pretty creative.

I think that's my favorite. Nice work there.

Okay... I had to take a photo
of this sign post.

I mean, yeah. It's so you.

Being the only foreigner
in the threesome, it fell
to me to find a suitable
locale.

(I like the guy photobombing us. Way to join in, dude. )

Gotta recognize the skillz.

You'll notice Liesa's menu
overlapping mine.
That meant I couldn't
read everything.
I wasn't going to mention it.

Remember the claws?

Man, Liesa is really taking it on the chin in this chapter. Watch out for the retaliation.

I know you saw it in this chapter...
But did you see both of them?
All three of them?

I caught 2 of 3 the first time through. Had to go back to find the tire salesman.

 

[Malia78]

Not having luck quoting on my phone...

I would say I got your back but I am sharing a room with Liesa in a few weeks and well...safety first

The reason I was lagging behind is because the two entry lines were separated by the alphabet--the L-Z took FOREVER

 

[Steppesister]

Man, Liesa is really taking it on the chin in this chapter. Watch out for the retaliation.

Duh-duh, dunnnn....

 

[natebenma]

Turning Japanese

Six a.m.

I was on the road by 6:10am.

YIKES!

(and great shot)!

When I was directly beside her,
she decided that it was finally
time to change lanes.

I spotted this Windows XP
background wannabe.

Outstanding picture.

Outstanding in the field.

The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden.

Who knew there were so many Japanese Gardens in the world to tour?

Not I!

But apparently, you.

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.

Don't ya wish you could photoshop people out in real life. Like the woman driving in the passing lane above?

"Are you constipated?"

I hate it when the border gets backed up.

The Cedar Street Bridge Public Market

Looks like a neat place. I love the Dudley Moore Doublebill.

Little Diamond lake.

Beautiful spot.

I thoroughly enjoyed this update!

 

[docsoliday1]

Duh-duh, dunnnn....

I think that should be
Da dum
Da dum
Da dum
Da da da da da da da du dum.