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

[pkondz]

Then it sounds like an update might be imminent.

Just sitting down to write.

 

[pkondz]

Live in Glass Houses

Howdy folks!
Sorry for the delay,
but Photobucket was
giving me fits over
a period of about a week.
Suuuuper annoying.
But the problem
(for now...)
seems to be fixed,
so let's continue on,
shall we?


Shall we?


Hello???




I've met a few of you now
and each time I've met
someone new, it's been
a little leap of faith.
For both sides.

You never know when you'll have
that meet that just doesn't work.
I'm always at least a little worried
that the other side of the equation
just won't show up.
I've driven some fairly long distances
just to say "Hi".
(I'm looking at you @SoccerDogWithEars )
And if everything doesn't exactly align,
then it just won't work.


On the other side...
I'm worried that people
meeting me won't be overly
thrilled with the result.

"Huh. I knew pkondz was dull...
But I didn't know he was that dull!"


Plus... I do know that,
(sexism be damned)
for the women especially,
meeting a strange man
(oh... how very strange!)
alone can be.. well...
uncomfortable to say the least.

I've been extraordinarily fortunate
with my DISmeets.
I've met some wonderful people
in some wonderful places.


Today, I was meeting someones
for the first time.
And meeting someones for the second time.
Both meets were quite different as far
as locales, but both were wonderful
in their own right.

Okay, okay.
Enough prattling,
let's get headed in the right direction.



When I first "met" (online) Tracy,
(@Tracy161 )
she mentioned that she worked at
The Corning Museum of Glass.
A tiny bit of research and I saw
that it was located in Corning, NY.
Not too far South from Toronto.

I must admit...
When Tracy mentioned that,
and told me to come for a visit
sometime... I had visions of
countless displays similar to... this:

All together now.
"Oooohhhh... Ahhhhh…"

Yeah... right...

And, well... You'll see.


I had a time booked with Tracy
for 11am, which meant
I was up in Toronto at 4:30am.
I was packed and loaded and
on the road by 5:30.

A little under two hours later,
I arrived at the US border.
I was still a bit sleepy, I guess.
I didn't even think to put on
a completely neutral and
non-constipated expression.
The border guard asked me
his routine questions.
"Where do you live?"
"Winnipeg."
"Where are you going?"
"About as far South as Atlanta."
"Purpose of your visit?"
"Visiting some friends."
"Bringing any food, tobacco or alcohol?"
"No."
"Pop the trunk."
No problem.
I grabbed the lever and
the trunk popped open.
Heh. There was a bunch
of stuff back there he'd
have to sift through.
My camera, suitcase, cooler...


Cooler.


Oh, no.


I had bought a bottle of wine
and I had some chocolate bars...

I wasn't too worried about the
chocolates, but...
He specifically asked about alcohol
and I'd said "No."

Visions of being dragged into
a "secondary screening room"
flashed in front of my eyes.
"So, do you want to reconsider
your answers, sir?"

In the rear-view mirror,
I could see the guard
moving things around
in the cooler.
I got real worried, real fast.
I had a long few days of driving
and some people to see...
And I might not even make it
into the United States!

<Thunk!>
The border guard closed the trunk
and re-approached my door.
"Have a nice day." Is all he said.
I held my breath until I pulled away
and then let it out in a whoosh
of relief. <PHEW!>

I was on my way.


I now consider myself
an international crime lord.


When I originally set up
the DISmeet with Tracy,
she had PMd me directions
for parking at the museum.
"you'll likely pull into Museum Way
from Center Way/414."

Ummm… no?
I'll be coming from Riverside.

Wait...

The day before I left Toronto,
I double checked my GPS.

I had entered the
Corning Glass Center
instead of the
Corning Museum of Glass.
Whoops!
If Tracy hadn't sent that PM...
I'm not quite sure when
we would've met up.
Let's just hope I haven't
made any more mistakes!

As it is, I pulled into the
(proper) parking lot
around 11am.

Tracy was waiting for me
and...
From the moment we met,
we became best friends.
(Maybe I'm being presumptuous there,
I can say that she became
one of my best friends.)

We said our hellos
and she handed me a pin
to allow me museum access.

Thanks, Tracy. That was very
nice of you to think of that.

Let me just say that
she's an absolute sweetheart.
If you get the chance to meet her...
Do it.

For the next hour or two,
she indulged me as she
showed me around the museum.

And... let me tell you...
WOW!
You guys! This place is awesome!
They have glass collected from all
over the world spanning centuries
of glass making.
From ancient to modern.

I loved it!!

Maybe it's not your thing
(Philistines!)
but it sure as heck is mine!

Tracy let me wander and
take photos to my heart's content
and occasionally would point
out things that I otherwise
would have most likely missed.

Here's a small sampling
of the amazing glass on display:

Tracy turned me around
and pointed me towards
these racks of glasses:

She asked me what they looked like.
I immediately thought they kinda
looked like trees, but didn't want
to sound stupid.
She then told me they were
supposed to look like trees.

Umm...
Shoulda gone with my gut.

She then showed me this guy:

Does that remind you of anything?
Tracy's convinced that they used
that as the basis of the
Crystal Foxes in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Judge for yourselves...

I'd say she's got a case.


One of my favourite glass artists
is Dale Chihuly.
I've seen a few of his exhibits
and I was happy to learn
that the museum had one
of his works on display.
Specifically, this chandelier:

Gorgeous, don't you think?
Just... keep that piece in mind
for a little bit, okay?
I'll come back to it in a while.

Tracy was the perfect hostess.
She showed me around
the entire museum.
She even pointed out
the bowl she uses to soak
her feet in after a long
day of walking around Disney.
(She brings it with her.)

When you work at a glass museum,
you get certain perks, ya know.

We continued to explore.
I liked this engraving set.
So many tools!
And I'm sure they each
have a very specific purpose.

This window caught my eye
as well.
Not sure why, it just called to me.

After we had seen all
the exhibits
(and... I must say...
I want to go back
and spend a lot more time there.)
Tracy brought me "backstage"
to where she worked.
The archives.

As beautiful as the glass
works and displays were,
this was (to me, at least)
really cool!
I'd never seen museum
archives before.

Row upon row upon
row of collections.
All carefully preserved
for future (or present)
researchers.

Everything in these large
roll-away "cabinets"
was related to glass.
I found it fascinating.
There was a collection
of about 2,000 rare books.
All about glass or glass making.
So cool!
I wonder if I ask really nicely
if I could "borrow" one or two?
No?


Shoot.


One of the coolest things
Tracy pulled out to show me
was this poster:

This was the drawing Chihuly
made as a template or guide
for the chandelier that I
pointed out earlier.

Looks nothing like the final
product other than the pink
colour, right?
Amazing how an artist's
mind works.


It was time for lunch
and Tracy offered me a choice
of cafeteria or a nice place
not far away.

Um... easy decision!
Before we left, Tracy mentioned
that it looked like rain.
I didn't think so and said so.

And with that, we walked off.

It was a really nice place.
I liked the ambiance
and the food was yummy!

I saw a bottle of
root beer that I didn't recognize.
That's an automatic "Yup!"
from me.
(Saranac, if you've ever heard of it.
I hadn't, until then.)

I ordered a honey ham
and cheese panini.

Not sure what Tracy had.
I tend to not take photos
of other's food.

While we were eating and
chatting up a storm
(I love when that happens)
it started to rain outside.
(see what I did there?)
And then it started to pour.
And then an arc sailed by.

Always trust a local when
it comes to weather.

Luckily, it stopped raining
as quickly as it started
and we were able to
walk back without
becoming drowned rat-like.

We returned to the museum
and watched a glass blowing
demonstration.

It was soooo cool!
I wasn't even sure what was
being made until closer to the end.

After several steps involving
several different techniques,
the artisan produced a
glass (duh!) bowl with
a stem (or base.)
(Sorry. I didn't get a photo
of the finished piece.)

I gotta say, I thoroughly
enjoyed my time there.
My only regret...
is that it was too short.
I plan to return
at some point.


As I was about to leave,
Tracy gave me some gifts.

People? This really isn't
necessary.
I'm here to see you
(and possibly some
awesome glass displays. )
Gifts are not required.

But I very much appreciated
the thoughtfulness.
Tracy had gotten me some
Chihuly sketch books and
note cards as well as a
museum magnet
with (what else?)
a Dale Chihuly masterpiece
on it.

Tracy?
Thanks again for being
a wonderful and patient
guide as well as a truly
good friend.


Around 3pm, I took my
leave of Corning,
and continued south.

I had already hit two
Harley shops and had
planned to hit four more
before my next stop.
But traffic and time
conspired against me
and I had to chose between
the last two Harley shops
or my scheduled DISmeet.

Well... That's a no brainer.
I was meeting Mark's family
for the first time.
I'd met Mark ( @Captain_Oblivious )
and one of his sons last year,
but now I was meeting (most)
of the rest today.
Unfortunately, Sarah was working
and couldn't attend.
That's what they said, anyways.
I suspect she's possibly just a little bit
wiser than the rest of them.

"Hey! I'm meeting pkondz! Who's in??"
Julie: "Me!"
David: "Me!"
Scotty: "Me!"
Drew: "Me!"
Sarah: "Meh"

We agreed to meet
not far from Philadelphia
in northern Delaware
at the Claymont Steak Shop.
Mark figured if I was coming
to the area, I had to have
a famous Philly cheesesteak.


Who was I to argue???


As I neared my destination,
lightning began to flash
in the nighttime sky.

By the time I arrived,
the sky was almost constantly
lit by bright flashes and
fat drops were beginning to fall.
I quickly hustled inside.

Mark and fam were already there
and I said my hellos.

And then it was time to get serious...

Food.

I liked the look of the place already.
No nonsense. No fluff. Just food.
And lots of it.

We ordered our meals
and I, of course,
ordered a Philly cheese steak.

Oh. My. Word.
The thing was huge!

I did manage to eat most of it,
except for what landed on my pants
of course.
With something like that,
there will be spillage.
It's expected, you know.

And just like in Corning,
while we ate, the Heavens
opened and cats and dogs
tumbled from the sky.

At some point, I had the presence
of mind to ask to take a photo.
I could have set up my good
camera with the tripod and
taken a timed photo, but...
1. It was dumping rain outside
(the camera was in the car) and;
2. I didn't feel like it. That's what
cell phones are for.

So I held up my phone
and told everyone to smile and...

I really suck at these things.
But I was happy enough
with the results.
As I turned back to my meal,
Drew hopped off his chair
and ran over to me.
"I wasn't ready!" He cried out.
"Oh." I said. "Then we better
take another one."

I told everyone to smile
(again) and made sure Drew
was ready.
(He assured me he was) and...

Much better.
Thanks Drew.
I owe you one, buddy.

Again, as in Corning,
by the time we finished
eating (and chatting)
and it was time to go,
the rain had eased off
considerably.

Mark's family is easily
one of the nicest
I've ever had the pleasure
of meeting.
I enjoyed chatting with
all of them,
including Drew.
We had a few very serious
conversations, he and I.


Too soon, it was time
for us to part.
Time always flies at
these DISmeets.
I'm always shocked
when I look at the time and...
"Where did the time go????"

And again... I was given a gift.
(And again! Not necessary!)
And again, so thoughtful.
Mark (or Julie... or both)
provided me with a little taste
of Delaware for the road.

Whoa...
Those things are good!

I cannot confirm or deny
that they made it out
of the State intact.

Ahem.


Today's map:

In case you didn't see it:

Did you see it in this chapter?
Did you see them both?

Coming up... A hit and a miss.

Chapter 8. Hit and a Miss​

 

[Tracy161]

But the problem
(for now...)
seems to be fixed

Great!

so let's continue on,
shall we?

Shall we?

I said yes!

Both meets were quite different as far
as locales, but both were wonderful
in their own right.

Awww, shucks...

A tiny bit of research and I saw
that it was located in Corning, NY.
Not too far South from Toronto.

Just a hop, skip, and a jump, no?

I didn't even think to put on
a completely neutral and
non-constipated expression.

But you've worked so hard on the neutral, non-constipated expression in the past...

Tracy was waiting for me
and...
From the moment we met,
we became best friends.

YES!!! Agreed 100%

See? The smile says it all.

Let me just say that
she's an absolute sweetheart.
If you get the chance to meet her...
Do it.

Awww thanks pkondz

I immediately thought they kinda
looked like trees, but didn't want
to sound stupid.

Hey, hey, hey, you may occasionally look constipated, but never have you sounded stupid

Tracy was the perfect hostess.

And you, the perfect guest

She even pointed out
the bowl she uses to soak
her feet in after a long
day of walking around Disney.
(She brings it with her.)

Not sure why, it just called to me.

I wonder if I ask really nicely
if I could "borrow" one or two?
No?

*crickets*

Looks nothing like the final
product other than the pink
colour, right?
Amazing how an artist's
mind works.

I couldn't agree more! After over a decade at that museum, I still can't figure them out

While we were eating and
chatting up a storm
(I love when that happens)
it started to rain outside.
(see what I did there?)

I did!

My only regret...
is that it was too short.
I plan to return
at some point.

It was far too short, though I'm grateful for every minute. If ever you decide to come back, you have a best friend eagerly waiting!

Tracy?
Thanks again for being
a wonderful and patient
guide as well as a truly
good friend.

I can't thank you enough for making the trip! The pleasure was all mine and I look forward to the time when we meet up again!!!

I told everyone to smile
(again) and made sure Drew
was ready.
(He assured me he was) and...

He really was that time - awesome picture!!!

YUM! Yeah, those babies wouldn't have made it out of the state if they were in my hands either.

Did you see them both?

Yep!

Now that your update is... well, up... I'm going to post our day on my own TR, as soon as I get settled. I moved yesterday... three days after Christmas and less than 2 weeks before I fire up my final semester of school. But hey... priorities... which is why I'm DISing right now and not unpacking Thanks again for such a lovely update. It was truly wonderful to meet you, something I'd looked forward to happening for years. I mentioned before that your TRs were some of the very first I read when I made my DIS comeback several years ago, and they haven't disappointed since. I consider you a friend both on and off the boards

 

[QueenJen]

All together now.
"Oooohhhh... Ahhhhh…"

My mom had that set

He specifically asked about alcohol
and I'd said "No."

But...wine is just crushed grapes......

"Have a nice day." Is all he said.

see....nothing to worry about.

She even pointed out
the bowl she uses to soak
her feet in after a long
day of walking around Disney.
(She brings it with her.)

shhh....all of us royals have one we travel with.

Not sure why, it just called to me.

I wonder - something just doesn't quite fit.

While we were eating and
chatting up a storm
(I love when that happens)
it started to rain outside.
(see what I did there?)

slow clap

We returned to the museum
and watched a glass blowing
demonstration.

Sounds cool. hard to see from the left side of the stage

Well... That's a no brainer.
I was meeting Mark's family
for the first time.

So....you picked up the poker chips..gotcha

Mark and fam were already there
and I said my hellos.

Oh - you did make it to the meet.

It's expected, you know.

If it's expected, why didn't you have a napkin on your lap to protect your pants?

Drew hopped off his chair
and ran over to me.
"I wasn't ready!" He cried out

How cute....love it. He must have been really fond of you by that point.

Sounds like you had two great meets. That is awesome.

 

[Kiotzu]

but it doesn't feel so busy
that you can't enjoy yourselves.

Sort of like WDW HA

The cow that the milk
came from to craft this
ice cream must have been
divinely blessed.

Okay, if you are into ice cream, next time you come to my great city, try Earnest Ice Cream. Side note: I am also ready to eat copious amounts of ice cream.

I didn't quote all that I could of because it became a daunting task as I was 3 or maybe 4 chapters behind. My laptop died one of my nights in camp...sigh only 14 months old. Luckily the charger just decided I spent to much time on the computer. I just got it replaced the other day so I am doing my best to catch up!

 

[Steppesister]

Today, I was meeting someones
for the first time.
And meeting someones for the second time.
Both meets were quite different as far
as locales, but both were wonderful
in their own right.

So glad they were all you hoped for and more.

Visions of being dragged into
a "secondary screening room"
flashed in front of my eyes.
"So, do you want to reconsider
your answers, sir?

Waterboarding never sounded very fun.

I held my breath until I pulled away
and then let it out in a whoosh
of relief. <PHEW!>

If he had been in a bad mood, you might have had an altogether different sort of "whoosh".

From the moment we met,
we became best friends.

Well, that certainly escalated quickly.

She asked me what they looked like.

I actually prefer the piece in the smaller case.

My favorite of all of it.

it started to rain outside.
(see what I did there?)

Yes, you made sure to note it generally rains outside.

It was soooo cool!
I wasn't even sure what was
being made until closer to the end.

You can do this in the little town I'm going to on Tuesday. Always wanted to blow a glass float... maybe I will.

As I neared my destination,
lightning began to flash
in the nighttime sky.

Ominous!

except for what landed on my pants
of course.

Heh, that's my superpower. I practice everyday.

WONDERFUL photo of you all!

 

[buzzrelly]

Looks like you had two amazing Dismeets!

If you had headed a little East, maybe you could have had three. Though, if you came to my work you wouldn't see glass, it'd look more like this…

We returned to the museum
and watched a glass blowing
demonstration.

It was soooo cool!
I wasn't even sure what was
being made until closer to the end.

Mike makes me watch the glass blowers on Main Street in the MK. He could spend the whole day in there. It is pretty amazing to see though

We ordered our meals
and I, of course,
ordered a Philly cheese steak.

Oh. My. Word.
The thing was huge!

Looks good! I love all the pickles!

Today's map:

Holy moly! That's a lot of driving in a day!

Did you see it in this chapter?

Yes, yay!

Did you see them both?

Wait, what?

 

[pkondz]

Great!

For now!

I said yes!

Okay! Okay!

Awww, shucks...

I ain't lyin', lady!

Just a hop, skip, and a jump, no?

For me?


Yes.

But you've worked so hard on the neutral, non-constipated expression in the past...

It was a shame not
to whip that puppy out.

YES!!! Agreed 100%

See? The smile says it all.

Well... that's what I thought...
But I didn't want to presume.

Awww thanks pkondz

You're very welcome!

Hey, hey, hey, you may occasionally look constipated, but never have you sounded stupid

Huh...

1 + 1 = turtle


There.
Mission accomplished.

And you, the perfect guest

Nah. I'm sure there was
room for improvement.

*crickets*

poop.

Guess I'll have to
learn to make my own.

I couldn't agree more! After over a decade at that museum, I still can't figure them out

I believe you!

It was far too short, though I'm grateful for every minute. If ever you decide to come back, you have a best friend eagerly waiting!

Awww!
Thanks, Tracy!

I can't thank you enough for making the trip! The pleasure was all mine and I look forward to the time when we meet up again!!!

Hope to again, some time!

He really was that time - awesome picture!!!

Worth the second shot.

YUM! Yeah, those babies wouldn't have made it out of the state if they were in my hands either.

Right????

Yep!

Not too hard this time.

Now that your update is... well, up... I'm going to post our day on my own TR, as soon as I get settled.

Oh that should be interesting.
Can already think of some
differences we might have...

"So I was having a great day
at work, when this guy shows up.
Story of my life. Take! Take! Take!
"Show me around!" He demanded.
"Take me to lunch!" He insisted.
Just what I wanted... To play
museum guide for the next
four hours. And to make things
worse, he always looked constipated
and walked funny, too."

I moved yesterday... three days after Christmas and less than 2 weeks before I fire up my final semester of school.

Good grief, girl!

But hey... priorities... which is why I'm DISing right now and not unpacking

Thanks again for such a lovely update.

You're more than welcome.

It was truly wonderful to meet you, something I'd looked forward to happening for years. I mentioned before that your TRs were some of the very first I read when I made my DIS comeback several years ago, and they haven't disappointed since. I consider you a friend both on and off the boards

Such high praise!
I hardly think I'm worth it.
Thank you again for taking
all the time and patience
to show me around your
corner of the world.
It was much appreciated.

 

[pkondz]

My mom had that set

All our moms
had that set!

But...wine is just crushed grapes......

This is true!

see....nothing to worry about.

Yep.
And yet...
I kinda felt like my
constipation issues
were soon going to be
behind me.

So to speak.

shhh....all of us royals have one we travel with.

This does not surprise
me one iota.

I wonder - something just doesn't quite fit.

The frame, right?

slow clap

Yussss....

Sounds cool. hard to see from the left side of the stage

Best seats in the house!

So....you picked up the poker chips..gotcha

Oh - you did make it to the meet.

If it's expected, why didn't you have a napkin on your lap to protect your pants?

Just because it's expected,
doesn't make me smart.

1 + 1 = turtle.

How cute....love it. He must have been really fond of you by that point.

Nah. Almost certainly not.
He's too bright a kid for that.

Sounds like you had two great meets. That is awesome.

They were both wonderful!
And... more to come!

 

[pkondz]

Sort of like WDW HA

Exactly like WDW.

Okay, if you are into ice cream, next time you come to my great city, try Earnest Ice Cream. Side note: I am also ready to eat copious amounts of ice cream.

I would earnestly eat
good ice cream.

And... I'll keep that in mind!
I've no plans to get back
there anytime soon, but...
Ya never know!

I didn't quote all that I could of because it became a daunting task as I was 3 or maybe 4 chapters behind. My laptop died one of my nights in camp...sigh only 14 months old. Luckily the charger just decided I spent to much time on the computer. I just got it replaced the other day so I am doing my best to catch up!

14 months???
That's... ridiculous.
Glad you got it solved.

No worries about being behind.
Jump in at any point.

How's camp life treating ya?

 

[pkondz]

So glad they were all you hoped for and more.

I had nothing but wonderful
meets with all those I met.

Waterboarding never sounded very fun.

Funny.
I never thought of it as being
that bad.
They put a towel over your face,
they pour water on you.
How bad could it be?

Not in a rush to find out.

If he had been in a bad mood, you might have had an altogether different sort of "whoosh".

Well, that certainly escalated quickly.

Sometimes, relationships
over the internet blossom
into even better ones
after you meet.
I've been very fortunate
to have had that happen
to me on more than one
occasion.

I actually prefer the piece in the smaller case.

And yet... that's not what Tracy
pointed out.
There were many more items
both that I noticed on my own
and ones that Tracy pointed out
that didn't make it either into
the update or into my camera.

My favorite of all of it.

Beautiful, no?

Yes, you made sure to note it generally rains outside.

You can do this in the little town I'm going to on Tuesday. Always wanted to blow a glass float... maybe I will.

No way! That's so cool!
I foresee a return trip
to Oregon in my future.

Ominous!

And it certainly lived up
to its own billing.

Heh, that's my superpower. I practice everyday.

I believe you!
Knocked over any cocktails, lately?

WONDERFUL photo of you all!

Thanks to Drew!

 

[pkondz]

Looks like you had two amazing Dismeets!

I absolutely did!
And there's more coming!

If you had headed a little East, maybe you could have had three. Though, if you came to my work you wouldn't see glass, it'd look more like this…

I wouldn't have had a problem
with that.
Been a while since I've changed
a diaper, though.
Might'a needed a refresher.

And if you'd said...
It would've only added
four hours (or so) to the trip.
So do-able.

Mike makes me watch the glass blowers on Main Street in the MK. He could spend the whole day in there. It is pretty amazing to see though

I've watched the Main St
glass blowers, but...
Let me rephrase that.
I've never seen them
blowing glass.
Just taking glass rods
and bending and shaping them.
And that isn't the type
of glasswork that really
interests me.

You've seen them actually
blowing glass, there?

Looks good! I love all the pickles!

I loooooove pickles!

Holy moly! That's a lot of driving in a day!

Nah. One of my easier days.

Yes, yay!

Wait, what?

Look again.
Neither is particularly
well hidden.

 

[MeghanEmily]

I'm always at least a little worried
that the other side of the equation
just won't show up.

Me, too! But you've put a lot of miles in to get to some of your meets, which raises the stakes a little.

I now consider myself
an international crime lord.

Whoops!
If Tracy hadn't sent that PM...
I'm not quite sure when
we would've met up.
Let's just hope I haven't
made any more mistakes!

Oooh close call!!

Let me just say that
she's an absolute sweetheart.
If you get the chance to meet her...
Do it.

I sincerely hope I have the opportunity!!

And... let me tell you...
WOW!
You guys! This place is awesome!
They have glass collected from all
over the world spanning centuries
of glass making.
From ancient to modern.

I loved it!!

This place looks soo cool! You're really making a meet with Tracy seem very appealing! Soon she'll have Disers from all over the place crashing at her museum.

Does that remind you of anything?
Tracy's convinced that they used
that as the basis of the
Crystal Foxes in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Judge for yourselves...

Awesome!! I can definitely see it.

Judging by the organization, creativity, and content of the board, it looks like a good place to me!

Always trust a local when
it comes to weather.

Well... That's a no brainer.
I was meeting Mark's family
for the first time.

Nice!! Looks like you had an excellent time.

So I held up my phone
and told everyone to smile and...

Great shot!

Much better.
Thanks Drew.
I owe you one, buddy.

Even better!! You definitely owe that one to Drew.

Mmmmm. The best gifts are definitely the ones you can eat. Especially the ones that are handmade and can't be purchased at home.

 

[pkondz]

Me, too! But you've put a lot of miles in to get to some of your meets, which raises the stakes a little.

Perhaps.
And yet...
If I drive somewhere
and I'm told "Sorry!
Can't meet after all!"
I still wouldn't regret it.
I'd regret missing out
on the DISmeet...
but not the travel.

You, uh... want me to
get you a little something
there, Meghan?
I can arrange it.

Oooh close call!!

Yup.
And would've been totally
my fault.

I sincerely hope I have the opportunity!!

She's super nice!

This place looks soo cool! You're really making a meet with Tracy seem very appealing! Soon she'll have Disers from all over the place crashing at her museum.

"Gentlemen, I'd like to say
that this year has been the
best year yet for our museum.
Attendance is way up and we
have Tracy to thank for that."

Awesome!! I can definitely see it.

Right????

Judging by the organization, creativity, and content of the board, it looks like a good place to me!

I really liked it!

Nice!! Looks like you had an excellent time.

We did!
Or at least... I did.

Even better!! You definitely owe that one to Drew.

Drew saves the day!

Mmmmm. The best gifts are definitely the ones you can eat. Especially the ones that are handmade and can't be purchased at home.

I love it when I go somewhere
and people say:
"You have to try _____"

 

[Tracy161]

shhh....all of us royals have one we travel with.

Exactly

Well, that certainly escalated quickly.

Nah. I'm sure there was
room for improvement.

My only complaint was how fast the time flew!

Oh that should be interesting.
Can already think of some
differences we might have...

"So I was having a great day
at work, when this guy shows up.
Story of my life. Take! Take! Take!
"Show me around!" He demanded.
"Take me to lunch!" He insisted.
Just what I wanted... To play
museum guide for the next
four hours. And to make things
worse, he always looked constipated
and walked funny, too."

I guess you'll have to wait and see what I come up with...

Good grief, girl!

I know! My timing is always impeccable...

Sometimes, relationships
over the internet blossom
into even better ones
after you meet.
I've been very fortunate
to have had that happen
to me on more than one
occasion.

You sure have, and I've enjoyed reading about them. That's why we DIS... we bond over a mutual love... and then we become friends for real

I sincerely hope I have the opportunity!!

Aww shucks I sure hope we do too

You're really making a meet with Tracy seem very appealing! Soon she'll have Disers from all over the place crashing at her museum.

I'd welcome it!

"Gentlemen, I'd like to say
that this year has been the
best year yet for our museum.
Attendance is way up and we
have Tracy to thank for that."

 

[MeghanEmily]

You, uh... want me to
get you a little something
there, Meghan?
I can arrange it.

Ooh, this reminds me! I went across the border to pick something up yesterday, and as the border guard reached out to take my passport, I heard him joking with the woman in the booth with him: "You know you're supposed to seize that stuff, not smoke it, right??"

I love it when I go somewhere
and people say:
"You have to try _____"

You really are getting the authentic experience when the locals can tell you where you should go and what you should eat

 

[buzzrelly]

I've watched the Main St
glass blowers, but...
Let me rephrase that.
I've never seen them
blowing glass.
Just taking glass rods
and bending and shaping them.
And that isn't the type
of glasswork that really
interests me.

You've seen them actually
blowing glass, there?

I think she did?? I thought I could look back at my pics to see but of course I cut the poor girl out of my pic. I think if you look close at the top of this pic, there's a rubber tube or something she was blowing into…

It sill might not be what you like, but we watched it for a good long time

Look again.

Got it! Jeez, I'm so bad at this!

 

[pkondz]

My only complaint was how fast the time flew!

It sure did!
What happened?!?!?

I guess you'll have to wait and see what I come up with...

I know! My timing is always impeccable...

Well... it was certainly
impressive.

You sure have, and I've enjoyed reading about them. That's why we DIS... we bond over a mutual love... and then we become friends for real

Aww shucks I sure hope we do too

 

[pkondz]

Ooh, this reminds me! I went across the border to pick something up yesterday, and as the border guard reached out to take my passport, I heard him joking with the woman in the booth with him: "You know you're supposed to seize that stuff, not smoke it, right??"

So that's where it goes!

You really are getting the authentic experience when the locals can tell you where you should go and what you should eat

 

[pkondz]

I think she did?? I thought I could look back at my pics to see but of course I cut the poor girl out of my pic. I think if you look close at the top of this pic, there's a rubber tube or something she was blowing into…

It sill might not be what you like, but we watched it for a good long time

Yeah! That's it!
So they do blow glass.
I'm going to have to go
back and take another looksie.

Got it! Jeez, I'm so bad at this!