Canadian Buffoon's Sweet 16 Celebration - Update 01/28 - The End

[mustinjourney]

Question.
How does one get up there???

if I had to guess -- I'm assuming that room is just missing the same ladder that is in the picture two down from that one. If you look closely, there are a pair of metal things on the side of the bed that look like they could be used to hang the ladder.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

One thing interesting is that with it being a cruise ship, there was a pool, but it was down in the "hold" or a lower deck. We did go down there and it is supposed to be haunted by a boy that drowned. I think they said it was more of a health spa than entertainment, and men and women did not swim together.

 

[Tracy161]

Some saunter,
Some stroll.

I sashay.
It's just what I do.

I like a good sashay every now and again myself

Kids are expendable, right?

You have two, after all.

Heh.
I should have asked him
if he was on here.

What do you mean "hope for you"??

Don't you mean "hope for single men"?

Um, yeah... that's what I meant

 

[pkondz]

But everyone's way is right. Cuz, there is no wrong way to "do Disney".

Except, of course, my way
is just slightly better.

 

[pkondz]

You know...there's this thing called google. You can enter the store name in the search bar and it will typically spit out their operating hours.

Well... sure.
But, I know for certainty
that a store in a mall
will be open by 10:00.

No?



No.

So long as you wouldn't get injured or damage phone/camera, it would have made for a more memorable trip report. So I'll say yes under those conditions.

Geez, always a catch.

I recognized all of them without googling, since each picture had the name of the person there. Otherwise, I only recognized 2.

Which two?

You can't trust crustaceans because they are cannibals.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...0121203?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews

See??? SEE???????

A.
A.
B.
D.
C
D.
A.
c.

All noted!

Got your PM, too!

 

[pkondz]

if I had to guess -- I'm assuming that room is just missing the same ladder that is in the picture two down from that one. If you look closely, there are a pair of metal things on the side of the bed that look like they could be used to hang the ladder.

Yep. That was pointed out to me.
I'm stupid, but if you hit me
on the head with an idea long enough...


I'm still stupid.
And I have a headache.

 

[pkondz]

One thing interesting is that with it being a cruise ship, there was a pool, but it was down in the "hold" or a lower deck. We did go down there and it is supposed to be haunted by a boy that drowned. I think they said it was more of a health spa than entertainment, and men and women did not swim together.

I did know about the pool,
I noticed it on the ship plans.
Didn't know the rest, though.

Cool!

 

[pkondz]

I like a good sashay every now and again myself

I don't mind it on occasion,
but I've never had it
with raw meat.


Oh....

You said "sashay"... not sashimi.



Nevermind.

You have two, after all.

Gotta have a spare.

Um, yeah... that's what I meant

Of course it is.

 

[natebenma]

So, it's been awhile...

Merry Christmas!

Happy New Year!



And I'll throw in a Happy Halloween, just in case it's a few more months before I'm back.


So, I have not read ahead to the next chapter. Feel free to bestow points or not. I just can't leave questions unanswered.

Turns out, she had left her camera
in her rental car.

That she had returned.


Two days ago.



Her expensive camera.

Bonus points if you tell me
whether or not you noticed.

I did not notice anything out of the ordinary.

These look cracked. I would have returned them.

No, I wouldn't have.

Spectacular picture! Post Card Worthy


And the two pictures from Haunted... WOW!

I always secretly hope that Haunted will stop in front of the singing busts or some spot in the graveyard so I can take a picture, but so far no luck. I could say George, George, George, but I think that only works at Pirates.

Yes, I have heard of Ariane Grande, but I wouldn't be able to recognize her in a crowd, even if it is a crowd of teeny boppers and body guards.

******************************************************************************************************************

Questions next round:

1. We see an attraction.
What time do we arrive?
a. 9:00
b. 10:00
c. 11:00
d. 12:00

2. How long are we there?
a. 60 minutes.
b. 90 minutes.
c. 120 minutes.
d. 150 minutes.

3. We go to a second attraction.
How long do we stay?
a. one hour
b. two hours
c. three hours
d. four hours


Bonus: Did you see it? Yes
Did you see the other one? Yes

 

[pkondz]

So, it's been awhile...

Merry Christmas!

Happy New Year!

Well hi there! And right back atcha!

And I'll throw in a Happy Halloween, just in case it's a few more months before I'm back.

So, I have not read ahead to the next chapter. Feel free to bestow points or not. I just can't leave questions unanswered.

Points will be awarded.

Or not...
I don't know if you got any right.

I haven't read ahead either.

I did not notice anything out of the ordinary.

In that case,
did you notice anything
extraordinary?

These look cracked. I would have returned them.
No, I wouldn't have.

We did return them.
They completely faded
away over a disturbingly
quick period.
We returned the sticks.

Spectacular picture! Post Card Worthy

Thanks!

And the two pictures from Haunted... WOW!

Thanks again!

I always secretly hope that Haunted will stop in front of the singing busts or some spot in the graveyard so I can take a picture, but so far no luck.

I had that recently!
Except before I could get set,
it started moving again.

I could say George, George, George, but I think that only works at Pirates.

I did that... once.
I will never do that again.

Yes, I have heard of Ariane Grande, but I wouldn't be able to recognize her in a crowd, even if it is a crowd of teeny boppers and body guards.

Me too.

1. We see an attraction.
What time do we arrive?
a. 9:00
b. 10:00
c. 11:00
d. 12:00

2. How long are we there?
a. 60 minutes.
b. 90 minutes.
c. 120 minutes.
d. 150 minutes.

3. We go to a second attraction.
How long do we stay?
a. one hour
b. two hours
c. three hours
d. four hours

All noted!

Bonus: Did you see it? Yes
Did you see the other one? Yes

Noted.
And got your PM!

Now get cracking
on the next update!

 

[natebenma]

I love your gifts and love the story of the penguin Pez even more! I never realized how similar they are and I will never look at a formal chicken without thinking "Where's the KABOOM!?!"

My brother and I accompanied my dad on a trip to Long Beach. We saw the Queen Mary, but not up close and personal like you did.

Sounds like the tour didn't exactly go as planned, but at least you got to look around at your own pace.

It's cool that you got to witness an engagement.

So I know who all 10 of the celebrities were, but I didn't recognize them until reading most of the signs. I did know Walt right away, though.

A visit to the Aquarium seems to be right in Kays whale-house.

As far as crustaceans go, for a long time I didn't trust them because they are always suspiciously quiet. Turns out they are not sneaky, they are shy and just need to come out of their shell. I like them much better then.

Oh, and her is my favorite crab comic




And here is another applicable picture that cracks me up:





Your pictures of the sea jellies are awesome!




Questions next round:
1. Okay. Last try.
Do I manage to get
to an open Harley Store?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Just give up for God's sake!
d. Other. 'Cause there has to be an other.

I can't believe how many times you have unsuccessfully visited Harley Stores on this trip and were left Hog-tried.

Sure, when the chips are down, hopefully, you will get your chip.


2. What does Kay discover?
a. A small cat living outside our room.
b. Proof she saw Ariana Grande.
c. That she no longer gets car sick.
d. That Santa really is real.


3. We go see an attraction. Which?
a. Hollywood sign
b. Santa Monica pier
c. La Brea Tar Pits
d. Hollywood Bowl

4. How long does it take to get there?
a. One hour
b. Two hours
c. Three hours
d. We never get there.

5. What time is our flight out
the next day?
a. 8:30
b. 9:30
c. 10:30
d. 11:30

6. We have a connection.
Where is it?
a. Vancouver
b. Calgary
c. Edmonton
d. Minneapolis

7. How long is the lay-over?
a. 1-2 hours
b. 2-3 hours
c. 3-4 hours
d. 4-5 hours

8. What time do we get home?
a. 10:30pm
b. 11:30pm
c. 12:30am
d. 1:30am

 

[pkondz]

I love your gifts and love the story of the penguin Pez even more!

:
It was such a nice gesture
and an even nicer surprise!

I never realized how similar they are and I will never look at a formal chicken without thinking "Where's the KABOOM!?!"

My brother and I accompanied my dad on a trip to Long Beach. We saw the Queen Mary, but not up close and personal like you did.

Hey! I didn't make love to it, ya know!

Sounds like the tour didn't exactly go as planned, but at least you got to look around at your own pace.

I'll never know what I missed,
but we were both satisfied
with what we did see.

It's cool that you got to witness an engagement.

I know!
Right place, right time.
Never done that before.

Maybe it was a sign?

So I know who all 10 of the celebrities were, but I didn't recognize them until reading most of the signs. I did know Walt right away, though.

I recognized all of them.

A visit to the Aquarium seems to be right in Kays whale-house.

Niiiiiice.

As far as crustaceans go, for a long time I didn't trust them because they are always suspiciously quiet. Turns out they are not sneaky, they are shy and just need to come out of their shell. I like them much better then.

Me too!
With drawn butter.

Oh, and her is my favorite crab comic

I have seen that one.
I like it.

And here is another applicable picture that cracks me up:

That's hilarious!

Your pictures of the sea jellies are awesome!

Thanks!

Questions next round:
1. Okay. Last try.
Do I manage to get
to an open Harley Store?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Just give up for God's sake!
d. Other. 'Cause there has to be an other.

I can't believe how many times you have unsuccessfully visited Harley Stores on this trip and were left Hog-tried.

Sure, when the chips are down, hopefully, you will get your chip.


2. What does Kay discover?
a. A small cat living outside our room.
b. Proof she saw Ariana Grande.
c. That she no longer gets car sick.
d. That Santa really is real.


3. We go see an attraction. Which?
a. Hollywood sign
b. Santa Monica pier
c. La Brea Tar Pits
d. Hollywood Bowl

4. How long does it take to get there?
a. One hour
b. Two hours
c. Three hours
d. We never get there.

5. What time is our flight out
the next day?
a. 8:30
b. 9:30
c. 10:30
d. 11:30

6. We have a connection.
Where is it?
a. Vancouver
b. Calgary
c. Edmonton
d. Minneapolis

7. How long is the lay-over?
a. 1-2 hours
b. 2-3 hours
c. 3-4 hours
d. 4-5 hours

8. What time do we get home?
a. 10:30pm
b. 11:30pm
c. 12:30am
d. 1:30am

Noted!
And got your PM!

 

[mustinjourney]

Which two?

Walt and the martian.

Liz Taylor looked familiar -- but I couldn't think of her name at first. Same with Costello...I recognized him, but wasn't able to put a name with the face. Admittedly, I didn't spend long trying since the names were at the bottom of each picture though.

 

[pkondz]

Walt and the martian.

Ah!
Of course.

Liz Taylor looked familiar -- but I couldn't think of her name at first. Same with Costello...I recognized him, but wasn't able to put a name with the face. Admittedly, I didn't spend long trying since the names were at the bottom of each picture though.

Hmmmm...
Now you've got me wondering.

Did I recognize them all?
Or did I walk up,
quickly glance at the name
and then look at the photo?

Elizabeth Taylor especially
would fit that.

 

[mustinjourney]

I never would have gotten Hitchcock or Heston.

 

[pkondz]

I never would have gotten Hitchcock or Heston.

Kids these days!

 

[pkondz]

Fair warning!

Next update coming soon!

 

[pkondz]

Falling In Love

Whelp! It has to happen.
Every holiday ends.
And we were upon
our last full day on ours.


Every day leading up to this one
was full of things to do,
places to be and see.

Today we were going to
take it a bit easy.
Originally, we'd had nothing
planned, but...


Not sure how many of you
remember the (very) brief
glimpse we got of the
famous Hollywood sign?

Just a quick glimpse
between buildings.

Well, seeing the sign
had been very high on
Kay's list of wants.

So I promised her that today
we would go back and see it.


We slept in and didn't rush.
While she got herself ready,
I Googled the best place to see it.

Turns out, one of the places to see it...
Was exactly where we were when
we first spotted it.
Hollywood & Highland Center

But there was a better place.
According to a couple of websites,
the best place was on
Mulholland Drive.

Once Kay was ready,
we jumped in the car
and zipped over to see the sign.


Not so fast!


You know what time it is?
Well, admittedly, neither do I.

But I do know it was after noon.
Which means.....

A certain store is open now.

We made the two minute journey
over to Garden Walk.
Kay stayed in the car while I
hustled over to the store.
I knew where it was, you know.


In just a minute or two,
I came upon this sight.

Open, by Jove!

I scooted in,
did a quick reconnoiter,
grabbed a shirt I liked
and headed for the till.
I grabbed a poker chip,
paid for my shirt
and headed out.

And was immediately brought
to a standstill.


Not far away,
practically across the street
was the Anaheim Convention Center.
And Comic Con was going on.
If you've never been to one...
Go!
They're a ton of fun.
People dress up in costumes
ranging from silly to
breathtakingly elaborate.


I walked out of the store
and saw a couple of parents
with their kids in tow.
Or maybe it was theirs
and their kids' friends.

All I know is I saw four
or five Jawas running about.
And they even had pre-recorded
Jawa-speak!

It was hilarious!


No time to dilly-dally, though.
I quickly headed back to the car
and Kay asked to see my shirt.

I kinda like this one.
It says where it's from
and it ties in the
Pirates of the Caribbean
theme too!

Before we had left our hotel,
I had programmed Betty
to take us to Mulholland.
She'd gotten a bit confused
when I'd pulled into the
parking garage,
but once I exited she
quickly regained her footing
and steered us in the
proper direction.

Do not ask me how we got there.
I have no idea.
All I know is....
Even in the middle of the day,
Los Angeles traffic... sucks.
We crawled along slowly
towards Mulholland.
We would stop occasionally
(and when I say "occasionally"
I mean "frequently")
to admire the line of cars
stretching out in front of
and behind us.

I was driving,
so I couldn't take photos.
And Kay was surfing, mostly,
so she didn't take any photos.

Except for this one:

I have to admit...
that's pretty good marketing.

and...

I may have mentioned this before
(and I recently did on the DISdads thread)
that until this trip,
I'd always thought Chick-fil-A
was pronounced "Chick fill-ah".

I didn't get it.
Then I heard a radio ad for it.

"Oh! Chick Fill "ay"!"
As in day or say.



It only took being stuck for hours
on a freeway to reveal the truth.
Totally worth it.

Bonus points if you agree it was worth it.
(Or not. Bonus points either way)


After driving for approximately
three days, we finally arrived...
At the exit for Mulholland.
Yay! We're finally here!

And... I didn't see the sign.
Well... of course not.
It's not beside the highway,
it's up in the hills!
Sheesh!
Any doofus knows that!
Well... maybe if by some
miracle, you've never seen it...

But most have,
and most know it's on a hill.


I turned onto Mulholland
and started to climb.
The road was kinda fun to drive.
Lots of twists and turns.
I imagined how fun it would be
on my Harley.
Hmm.... future planning....

We continued to climb
and we caught up to a slower
moving car.

Tourists... always in the way.
But.... tourists also would be
looking for the same thing
we were.

So we followed them up
an even steeper side street.
We came to a dead end....


Stupid tourists.


We backtracked to Mulholland
and continued onwards and upwards.

Eventually, we arrived at what
looked like the highest point.
There were plenty of cars parked
on the side of the road.

I wasn't quite sure
where the overlook was,
so I told Kay to stay put
and I'd reconnoiter on foot.

I climbed a bit more
and there were more cars up ahead.
Hmmm...
I trotted back to the car
and told Kay that I thought
it was just a bit farther.

We drove up a bit more
until we reached the peak.

At that point, you have two choices.
Either continue on Mulholland... down.
Or get out of the car and walk,
as any further progression
was off limits to cars.


Um.... Where's the sign?


I asked a couple of guys
who were getting in their car
if this was where the sign was.

"The Hollywood sign?
No, it's nowhere near here."



I tried to get directions,
but they didn't seem
too sure where it was.

By now, it was getting later,
and we had a dinner date
to get to.

I had arranged to have one
last meal at Naples
in Downtown Disney,
with @Steppesister .


Disheartened and disappointed,
we set out for the long journey
back to Anaheim.

At least the drive back
wasn't quite as bad.

That only took us two days.

Again... totally worth it.


ahem...


We eventually got back
and I dropped Kay off
at the Grand Californian.

I sped off back to the Annabella,
and dropped off the car.
I quickly sent Liesa a PM
asking her to meet Kay
in the lobby, which she
was kind enough to do.
That taken care of,
I jogged back to the GCH.

So... total time it took
to essentially go one block
from our hotel to Downtown Disney.


Just under five hours.


When I got back to the GCH,
Liesa had met up with Kay,
and had a surprise for her.
Apparently, she had tracked
down Gaston and gotten him
to do a little video for Kay.
Kay was very pleased
and even used a video still
as her home screen for a while.


We made our way over
to Naples.

Liesa had called ahead
and reserved a table for us,
which was very nice of her.

We were led out to the patio
and to our table...
that was covered in what
looked like bird poop.


"Um... could we sit
over there?" I asked.


We sat at the new,
poop-free table
and began to look over
the menus.

All of a sudden...
<thwack!>
Something fell out of
the tree above us.

"What was that?"
<thwack!>
Again!

Some kind of.... nuts,
or seeds, were falling
out of the trees.
No idea, really.
But it wasn't bird poop,
so I consider that a win.


I took a couple of photos
of my dining companions.
Can you guess which
one didn't mind having
her picture taken?

It's subtle... but maybe
you can figure it out.
Lemme know. Bonus points.

I know we ordered food.
And I know we ate said food.
And I even know that said food
was at the very least, passable.

But that's as far as it goes.
The "what" aspect is long forgotten.

I do remember that Kay kept
making us laugh with her quips.
She asked me how much
I normally tip. (20%)
But every time the waiter
didn't do something quite right,
she would comment.
I think Liesa asked for a glass
of water with lemon.
He forgot the lemon.
"He's down to 10%!"
But he did bring pepper
or parmesan to the table.
"He's back up to 13%."

We finished our meals...
at least I assume we did...
and headed to Haagen Dazs
ice cream shop.
I know Kay had something.
I don't remember if I did.
I do remember that Liesa didn't.

And with that, our last day
in California came to a close.


The next morning,
as the time for Liesa's flight
and ours coincided,
we gave her a lift to the airport.

I was a little sad to be leaving.
I fell in love there, and later,
I learned that they
tore down the Anabella.
So many fond memories.
A lot of firsts, and now it's gone.


We picked up Liesa in
front of the lobby and
headed off to LAX.
She was kind enough
to buy us treats for
breakfast on the way.

We were flying WestJet
and Liesa was flying Southwest.
As a result, we were departing
from different terminals.
I dropped off Liesa,
and helped her with her bags.

When I returned to the car,
Kay was being reamed out by a security lady.
When I hove in sight,
she started to ream me out too.
I nodded to whatever she was
going on about
"You can't park here! You can't leave
a vehicle unattended!"
and drove off.
What's she going to do?
Wave her fist at me?



I really didn't care.
A friend needed a hand
and that supersedes you, lady.


We returned the rental car
and took the shuttle
to our terminal.
I do recall that security
was a bit long, but not bad.
Our flight was also on time
or close enough to it.
We were off around 11:30am.

Bye bye, LA!

I was really sad to be leaving.
Possibly more so than I'd ever
been on any other trip.
I'd met some wonderful people
and had the time of my life...
And I didn't want to go back
to my life back home.
At home I work and watch TV.
In LA, I felt alive.

Ah well.
I guess I'll just have to go back, right?

Around 2:30pm, Vancouver
appeared through the clouds.

And within minutes,
we were touching down
back on Canadian soil.

See?
Doesn't it look Canadian?
(Tell me why. Bonus points.)

Our connecting flight
wasn't scheduled to depart
until 7:00pm.
Four and a half hour wait.
Well... at least we didn't
have to worry about how
long it would take to clear customs!

Eventually, the time rolled on
and we were on our way home.
We arrived in Winnipeg
around 11:30pm.

The following day,
Kay showed me this
from Instagram:

I guess that proves
that Kay really saw her then.



Contest


For those of you who
had trouble "seeing it":

Marvin in the mural
above the bar.

pkondz airlines
engraved at the bottom.

Boy... if you missed that one...

Saw 1 - 10 points.
Saw 2 – 40 points.
Saw 3 - 75 points.

Answers to previous questions:

1. Do I manage to get
to an open Harley Store?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Just give up for God's sake!
d. Other. Cause there has to be an other.
Answer: A. Yes – 20 points.

2. What does Kay discover?
a. A small cat living outside our room.
b. Proof she saw Ariana Grande.
c. That she no longer gets car sick.
d. That Santa really is real.
Answer: B. Ariana Grande – 30 points.

3. We go see an attraction. Is it:
a. Hollywood sign
b. Santa Monica pier
c. La Brea Tar Pits
d. Hollywood Bowl
Answer: A. Hollywood sign - 40 points.

4. How long does it take to get there?
a. One hour
b. Two hours
c. Three hours
d. We never get there.
Answer: D. Never get there – 50 points.

5. What time is our flight out
the next day?
a. 8:30
b. 9:30
c. 10:30
d. 11:30
Answer: D. 11:30 – 30 points.

6. We have a connection.
Where is it?
a. Vancouver
b. Calgary
c. Edmonton
d. Minneapolis
Answer: A. Vancouver – 30 points.

7. How long is the lay-over?
a. 1-2 hours
b. 2-3 hours
c. 3-4 hours
d. 4-5 hours
Answer: D. 4-5 hours – 30 points.

8. What time do we get home?
a. 10:30pm
b. 11:30pm
c. 12:30am
d. 1:30am
Answer: B. 11:30pm – 30 points.


DonnaBeeGood – crab - 20 points.
Captain_Oblivious - D, A, C, B, B, B, C, C, fall, recognize, crab, saw 3 - 165 points.
Canadian Harmony - A, A, B, B, B, B, C, C, fall, recognize, crab, saw 3 - 185 points.
rndmr2 - C, A, B, B, D, B, B, C, fall, recognize, saw 3 - 175 points.
Steppesister - B, A, A, D, D, D, B, D, fall, recognize, crab, saw 2 - 255 points.
franandaj - A, C, C, C, D, A, B, A, fall, recognize, crab, saw 3 - 215 points.
Terra Nova guy - A, A, B, D, B, A, C, C, fall, crab, saw 3 - 245 points.
MeghanEmily – B, C, B, B, C, B, B, D, fall, recognize, crab, saw 2 – 100 points.
juniorbugman - D, A, B, A, D, A, C, D, fall, recognize, crab, saw 3 - 195 points
Mrs T 2009 - A, C, C, B, B, D, B, C, fall, recognize, saw 3 - 165 points.
mustinjourney – A, A, B, D, C, D, A, C, fall, recognize, crab, saw 3 - 235 points.
natebenma – B, A, B, thinks I'm stupid, Grande, saw both (from previous update) – 110 points.
natebenma - A, B, B, A, A, D, B, B, recognize, crab, saw 2 - 130 points.

Bonus points:
You were hoping I really had
fallen in the water, weren't you.
Bonus points if you say
whether you were or not. 20 points.

For bonus points,
How many do you recognize? 20 points.

I never trust crustaceans.
For bonus points,
tell me why you don't.
(Or if you do.) 20 points.

As usual, if I've made any mistakes,
either above or below, let me know.

Score
Steppesister - 1,130
Captain_Oblivious - 1,005
franandaj - 1,000
juniorbugman - 970
MeghanEmily - 945
Terra Nova guy - 935
rndmr2 - 885
Mrs T 2009 - 820
mustinjourney - 815
Canadian Harmony - 755
Princess Leia - 650
GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes - 600
natebenma - 565
CyndiLouWho - 555
vamassey1 - 555
Mac Brew - 510
QueenJen - 505
DonnaBeeGood - 500
Chrystmasangel - 495
afwdwfan - 410
Kiotzu - 370
lisaviolet - 295
Curiouser&curiouser! - 245
chunkymonkey - 125
SoccerDogWithEars - 125
Crashbeckycoot - 105
orangecats2 - 80
cindianne320 - 60
queenbetsey - 60
Jaina - 55
cinderkelly - 10
irene_dsc - 10
MAGICFOR2 - 10


Bonus: Did you see them?
PM your guess.
Posting will result in deductions.

Final contest results and wrap up
in a week or two.

Chapter 11. The End​

 

[juniorbugman]

will come back with my answers later but I am making a comeback woo hoo

Score
Steppesister - 1,130
Captain_Oblivious - 1,005
franandaj - 1,000
juniorbugman - 970

 

[pkondz]

will come back with my answers later but I am making a comeback woo hoo

Yes you are!
Last chance, though!
Make it a good one!