D-Day Invasion- "Strange"-ly Imminent!! TRIP REPORT IS UP!!

[All7OfUs]

Well, it was inevitable... the day we all knew was coming...


the computer had to be broken down last night, so we could get our final count for what needs to be packed. Of course, it was also inevitable that not everything was going to fit. And now we have to make the tough choice of either leaving some stuff behind (that had already made what we thought was the final cut) or leave behind our best suitcase, and switch it out for a bigger Rubbermaid. I hate this.

That being the case, we only have the laptop to work with, and DH is going to need it to finish up some last minute work related stuff. So, updates are going to be scarce, or even non-existent for a few days. Station KO is going silent. For a time. I still aim to get this, and one last question up bofore we actually leave our city on Sunday AM. We'll see....


So, now, (so I can get back to bed) the answer to Q #11 was:

JIKO: The Cooking, Eating, and Drinking Place. I hope it lives up to taking my 2 credits. Those are very precious commodities!!


Next Question: Name 2 things I want to do at DTD this trip. Answers will vary.

 

[praisehisname]

Next Question: Name 2 things I want to do at DTD this trip. Answers will vary.

1. Shop at Basin

2. Get a chocolate covered rice krispy treat

I really hope your daughter is feeling better!

 

[glennbo123]

In answer to question #12 I'm going to say:

1) Get Tate some accessories at Once Upon A Toy
2) Get a chocolate covered rice krispy treat from Goofy's Candy Co.

Oh, and in regards to DC....what restaurant are we meeting at for lunch, and what time are we trying to assemble?

Sorry to hear about your packing/sorting/discarding issues. I wouldn't do well with that. I tend to hang onto stuff.

 

[marvali]

hmmm... I wonder where she got that from?

Well don't look at me. I've been a half a world away ever since I "met" you!!!

I don't really like breakfast in general- and almost never eat it. BUT give me a dish of leftover lasange, and man watch out!! I'm in heaven at 9:00 Seriously, I would rather not eat, if it's not savory- hash browns, cheese toast, or last night's leftovers. Eggs are another gag inducing food.

I'm just the opposite. I can eat a big breakfast and be fine the rest of the day! But even if I get up really late for some reason, like being up late at night or not getting much sleep for a couple days, I can't handle anything else until I've had "breakfast" food! Doesn't have to be something huge, bowl of cereal or toast maybe, but I just have to get breakfast on my stomach first before hitting the "lasagnas" of the world! I'll withhold my favorite breakfast meal to spare your queasy stomach!

Yes!! Open flame is almost a requirement! The woks are pretty thin so they need that instant adjustment of temp. I assume you cook with electric. I'd do Chinese on a small 2 burner gas jobbie if all I had was electric. Camping supply store?

Actually, I could do a pretty good job with either of the electric versions. You just have to make sure they are really hot before adding the ingredients!

That's about right. 4 hours. Enlist the aid of small children. Pay them 3 cents per fold. Amazing how fast they get done!

Nice idea, but I guess I will have to wait for grandchildren. My boys are too old now to con, uh bribe, uh snow like that any more.

YOu know, I thought I'd see a lot of thick gloppy sauces- NOT EVEN ONE. American Chinese places seem to have a lot of these that use corn starch, but they didn't ever use any. Instead, I saw a bit more vinegar, MSG, (yes, I use it, and I'm not afraid of it either), TONS of ginger, and LawMa- a kind of pepper that leaves the mouth kind of numb.

There were a few I tried that had corn starch and were a little thicker, but the ones I liked the best were pretty much like you mentioned.

And now my guesses for the latest question. I did a lot of reading and searching, and came up with a lot of choices, but nothing extremely specific, so I'll just go with everything I saw. There was something about definitely hitting Basin for shopping, although I'm not familiar with that particular store. Then you said a trip to WGPE was a definite choice this time, but possibly a quick stop at Earl of Sandwich for something to eat on the plane. And finally you mentioned a treat at Goofy's Candy Store. And I guess actually, Cirque de Soleil is officially at DTD too, so maybe that counts also.

 

[that's nice]

I guess I am out of the game since I missed a few updates... oh well next time.



I wish you, Mike and the kids safe travels. Enjoy your time in Germany and you know I'l be following the TR when you get back. I do hope you'll be checking in from time to time either on here or FB. Tell your mom to be on the lookout for an envelope coming from CT. I'm sending the package either tomorrow or Friday. A few more weeks and you'll finally be in the WORLD!!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

I really hope your daughter is feeling better!

Alrighty, got your answer. Well, at least I saw it. I won't tabulate points again until the end of the game- and even then, maybe not until I get regular computer time back again.

In answer to question #12 I'm going to say:



Oh, and in regards to DC....what restaurant are we meeting at for lunch, and what time are we trying to assemble?

Sorry to hear about your packing/sorting/discarding issues. I wouldn't do well with that. I tend to hang onto stuff.

He's going to love you.

We are meeting at The Daily Grill at One Metro Center in Bethesda areound 12:30. I am praying my flight isn't delayed!!! What a disaster that would be!! I'd miss out on my half sandwich combo!!

The next thing to go is my Zutter Bind It all. I'd be sad to see it go.

Well don't look at me. I've been a half a world away ever since I "met" you!!!

Must have been her mother then... The apples rarely fall far from the trees.

I'm just the opposite. I can eat a big breakfast and be fine the rest of the day! But even if I get up really late for some reason, like being up late at night or not getting much sleep for a couple days, I can't handle anything else until I've had "breakfast" food! Doesn't have to be something huge, bowl of cereal or toast maybe, but I just have to get breakfast on my stomach first before hitting the "lasagnas" of the world! I'll withhold my favorite breakfast meal to spare your queasy stomach!

Oh gross!! You eat bananas?!!

Cereal is for a late night snack- Lucky Charms for me!!! YUM!! With ice cold milk!

Actually, I could do a pretty good job with either of the electric versions. You just have to make sure they are really hot before adding the ingredients!

I hope my Father in-law has one he doen'st want anymore. Gosh, that really brings home the fact that we are going to have to basically start over!!! I've been so focused on getting out of here, that I hadn't looked forward into that kind of detail yet.

Nice idea, but I guess I will have to wait for grandchildren. My boys are too old now to con, uh bribe, uh snow like that any more.

Ah, the bliss of having 8 year olds- eager for ice cream money. I got my floor washed (well, it was a nice pre-washing anyway) for about $.60 the other day!

There were a few I tried that had corn starch and were a little thicker, but the ones I liked the best were pretty much like you mentioned.

They told me sweet and sour was not something they eat- ever.

And now my guesses for the latest question. I did a lot of reading and searching, and came up with a lot of choices, but

You were certainly thorough.

 

[All7OfUs]

I guess I am out of the game since I missed a few updates... oh well next time.



I wish you, Mike and the kids safe travels. Enjoy your time in Germany and you know I'l be following the TR when you get back. I do hope you'll be checking in from time to time either on here or FB. Tell your mom to be on the lookout for an envelope coming from CT. I'm sending the package either tomorrow or Friday. A few more weeks and you'll finally be in the WORLD!!!!

I guess you worked yourself too hard this week. Where've you been!?

All those late night parties- you have a tough job, that one.

Thanks for the traveling well wishes. I got an e-mail from Magdalene, and we're formulating some REALLY, REALLY wonderful plans- I want to share them with you, but am thinking I may keep it as a GIANT, AMAZING surprise for you all!!

I'll tell mom to be on the lookout. She's collecting all my stuff for me, and must be terribly puzzled as to who these people are! I'll tell her that you're all just the local fugitives who like to hang out in Yellowstone together.

 

[that's nice]

I guess you worked yourself too hard this week. Where've you been!?

Geez... Worked Friday and all day Saturday. Boat day on Sunday... went out to dinner for Mel's birthday Sunday night. Boat day Monday, worked Tuesday, out all day today.. Just been extremely busy.

All those late night parties- you have a tough job, that one.

Yea, but I miss a lot of parties too... like family functions.

Thanks for the traveling well wishes. I got an e-mail from Magdalene, and we're formulating some REALLY, REALLY wonderful plans- I want to share them with you, but am thinking I may keep it as a GIANT, AMAZING surprise for you all!!

Ohhhh... I can't wait to see what you got cooked up for us!

I'll tell mom to be on the lookout. She's collecting all my stuff for me, and must be terribly puzzled as to who these people are! I'll tell her that you're all just the local fugitives who like to hang out in Yellowstone together.

Should I write on the envelope that it is for you? Or will she just know?

 

[Millie12591]

Liesa, I'm so glad you had your day learning Chinese cooking, sooooo glad to hear they don't eat that nasty sweet and sour stuff! 9/10's of what we see in Chinese places aren't what they normally eat from what I understand, they Americanized most of their dishes or made up new one's to appeal to American's.

Mmmm, all these pics are making me want to break out my wok and start cooking chinese food. I have a few good recipes, I have one for fried rice that is OUTSTANDING!! The key's are cooking the rice the day before and using sesame oil and oyster sauce to taste like the stuff you eat in the restaurants, and yes I'm sure it's one of those dishes that was invented for Americans.

Well, lady I bid you a fond adieu. I will be looking out for your posts and happy travel updates. Hope the baby is feeling better, that's the last darn thing you need to deal with while traveling. Love! Love! Love! I can't wait to squeeze on your neck in person.

 

[Flossbolna]

Good Morning Liesa!

I just realized that this will be that last time typing this sentence on my morning with any hope for you to see it - next time you will be able to get regular DIS time, you will be 9 hours behind me, not 4 hours ahead... I guess I will "see" you around much less!

What a bummer about your luggage, I hope you will still be able to rearrange things so that everything fits!! Giving up your nicest suitcase would be really annoying.

My guesses for Question 12 are:

You want to try to cram as many accessoirs for Tate into a box.

You want to browse the Basin store.

Have a safe trip to Germany! I will mail the restaurant recommendations to the Hotel Elch, so you don't have to worry about packing that as well!

But for your first day: sausages can be found either at the craft yard (Handerkerhof) at the place we already talked about, but also at two nice places next to St Sebald: Bratwursthäusle and Goldenes Posthorn, one is below St Sebald at the corner of the market square opposite the Beautiful Fountain and the other one is just a little bit further up the hill. You can't miss them. Do try them with horseraddish, much better than mustard! But be careful, it is very hot!

I am looking forward to meeting you in less than a week's time!

 

[carissanboys]

WOW!! Hi there!! I've been patiently waiting to hear from you lately! How has Chuck been settling in?? I'll bet it's wonderful to have him back again.

I know. I hope to be around more now.

Chuck is settling in just fine. His first day back was a bit off because he wasn't feeling well. It felt like he wasn't happy to be home and I was disappointed because homecoming wasn't what I'd been hoping it would be. But, then I realized he was still feeling sick. Since then, everything has been great. There haven't really been any issues with all of us adjusting to him being home. Well, besides the fact that we've all been fighting for his attention.

 

[marvali]

Must have been her mother then... The apples rarely fall far from the trees.

Well........that was my second guess!

Oh gross!! You eat bananas?!!

Where did you get bananas in all of that??? But yes, I do......and they don't require chocolate and being rolled in nuts either.

Cereal is for a late night snack- Lucky Charms for me!!! YUM!! With ice cold milk!

I used to like Lucky Charms, but after Jordans reference to them, I just can't look at them the same.

I hope my Father in-law has one he doen'st want anymore. Gosh, that really brings home the fact that we are going to have to basically start over!!! I've been so focused on getting out of here, that I hadn't looked forward into that kind of detail yet.

And reality sets in....... But hey, that just means more shopping at Disney so you can have Disney "with you" all the time!!!

Ah, the bliss of having 8 year olds- eager for ice cream money. I got my floor washed (well, it was a nice pre-washing anyway) for about $.60 the other day!

For someone who doesn't like bananas......



It would probably take $60 before I could talk my kids into doing that...

They told me sweet and sour was not something they eat- ever.

Not a big fan of sweet and sour either, although DSs are.

You were certainly thorough.

Does that mean bonus points so I can catch back up with Glenn???

Liesa, I'm so glad you had your day learning Chinese cooking, sooooo glad to hear they don't eat that nasty sweet and sour stuff! 9/10's of what we see in Chinese places aren't what they normally eat from what I understand, they Americanized most of their dishes or made up new one's to appeal to American's.

So true! If I get to know the owner's at a Chinese restaurant really well, I will ask them to make the food more authentic. The really good restaurant we ate at this past Sunday when we happen to be in that area, we were very late in the lunch time getting there. While we were finishing up, the cooks brought out a lot of huge platters of food to one of the empty tables in the back of the restaurant for the staff to eat. Didn't look anything like what I've seen when eating in there, but looked really delicious!!!

 

[praisehisname]

Gosh, that really brings home the fact that we are going to have to basically start over!!! I've been so focused on getting out of here, that I hadn't looked forward into that kind of detail yet.

Somebody should throw you a homecoming shower!

 

[glennbo123]

We are meeting at The Daily Grill at One Metro Center in Bethesda areound 12:30. I am praying my flight isn't delayed!!! What a disaster that would be!! I'd miss out on my half sandwich combo!!

Got it!

The next thing to go is my Zutter Bind It all. I'd be sad to see it go.

I had to google what that was! Bummer.

 

[englishrose47]

I am totally guessing for DTD!!
1.Goofys Candy
2.WPE

 

[englishrose47]

Liessa I will see you on the 29th at the Daily Grille !!

 

[jenbear123]

We are meeting at The Daily Grill at One Metro Center in Bethesda areound 12:30. I am praying my flight isn't delayed!!! What a disaster that would be!! I'd miss out on my half sandwich combo!!

You better not be delayed! You tell that pilot of yours that you have a very important meeting to get to and cannot afford to miss it! If you miss out on lunch, that means I won't get to meet you

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm sure you are currently battling so many mixed emotions...excitement, nerves, maybe a bit of fear of the unknown, sadness...many, many hugs to you my friend! A new adventure awaits you, what it will bring you can only imagine, but I'm certain it will be better than you can think of with blessings from above!!

As for the lack of computer, I'm sure you are feeling one feeling: frustration! I hate being without mine!! (Now I have a fancypants phone, so I don't need to worry about that!)

I really hope you can somehow make all the stuff fit, or find something easy to leave behind! Packing STINKS. (Unpacking on the other side is kinda fun though!)

Next Question: Name 2 things I want to do at DTD this trip. Answers will vary.

My answers: 1) Shop at Basin. It smells so very nice in there! I want to get some of the scrubs this time! 2) Stay OUT of the World of Disney. I TOTALLY understand this one! I get overwhelmed quickly and easily in that store. We've gone in there almost every trip, but more than once we've had our hands full of stuff and I just had to set it down and LEAVE due to the madness in there. We have also been in there when it was empty, and while it was annoying trying to find Joe after we got split up, the shopping experience actually ended in a purchase because I could navigate the store! So you are NOT alone!!!

 

[maroo]

Hmm...

Let's see if I can remember any without looking......

I know you wanted some clothes for our potato friend!

You were also going to purchase something with chocolate on it?? Can't remember. ... Or was that ME with the chocolate purchase?

In case one of those are not right...You were also going to shop at Basin!

 

[maroo]

I have some trip news...

But I really wanted to tell Liesa first before I announced to the DIS. But I think she has "gone dark" ...so she is reading this at some point too....I am so, so, so, so, so sorry, Liesa!


I went to my foot doctor the day before yesterday and here is what he said....

I was HOPING he would allow me to get a cortisone shot in both of my feet. They say the shots hurt really bad, but I figured it would help me to be able to walk in Disney and not use an ECV (which I have feared for a while).

But instead he said that he doesn't want to "waste" the injections by giving them right before my big trip. And he said that is not his normal next step in treatment either...

He does stretching, anti-inflammatories with PT, cortisone infusions at PT, night splints, then day splints, then cortisone shots and then surgery.

I started doing the stretches before I ever went to the dr and continue to do those every day, multiple times a day.

I have been taking anti-inflammatories, have done PT and the cortisone infusions (directly into the foot with an ultrasound sort of machine). I have also been using a night splint for almost two months....

So...I guess you can deduce what I have to do now - I am now on "day splints" -

He is very particular about his day splinting and it means I have to walk in a stupid boot for 6-8 weeks. What is worse is that this boot is much larger than my old boot. He thinks the small boot does not provide enough immobility.

So here is what I am going to look like in Disney...I even put on a SOCK with my Croc so that you can get the full idea.

That HUGE, ugly, and gargantuan black thing on the end of my left leg is the "boot"....

Can you say HOT...

So my instructions for the next 6-8 weeks - which INCLUDES 14 nights in flippin Disney World! - include not being able to walk long distances. He actually said I could walk as much as I want, but that this boot will make my gait uneven and that he would not suggest that I walk throughout the parks.


I was really upset after the appt, but have come to terms with this a bit...It is what it is and I can't really do anything about it except take care of myself so that I can participate in future trips and even a half marathon again at some point. And I can control my attitude about it - which is going to be upbeat and trying to look at the bright side.

So...what does that mean for our trip??

Well, one thing to note is that my foot actually does feel a lot better in the boot. It has not really hurt since I put it on - which is really nice! Not hurting when I walk is a major bonus - and that part will help our trip, because I won't be in pain the whole time - pain tends to bring on the cranky. We don't want Grumpy Butt to show up!

So, I have to have an ECV. I am trying to figure out (and maybe you guys will help me) how to make that work. Renting an ECV for 11 days is really expensive, so I am going to rent one offsite because it is a lot cheaper overall.

I am really concerned about slowing the troops down. I did rent a heavy duty ECV that goes 25 miles before the battery dies. That will help me avoid any low battery issues. It also goes fast! It was pretty expensive, but I think the investment is worth it to make sure I don't slow us down with any malfunction. (My rented ECV died on my last trip and left me in Tomorrowland for two hours to plug in - not going to let that happen on this trip! I also was not allowed to walk more than 100 feet on my last trip, which required me to use the ECV all the time - what a bummer)

Here is what I am sorta thinking...

My solo days are going to be fine with the ECV, because Baker has to use a wheelchair, too - so I will be just part of the gang on that leg of my trip.


I figure I will use it going to and from the parks - but any time we are just going to dinner or Cirque or HDDR or YeeHaw Bob or anything like that - I plan to just walk and leave the wheels in the room (or in the hall charging).

Hopefully that will allow me to keep up with the troops.

Anyway...I am pretty discouraged, but trying to stay positive! And hopefully Liesa will see this at some point - she knows it was a possibility for me to need an ECV - but doesn't know it is a need at this point.