Okay, let me first put out this disclaimer...
If I suddenly disappear from this thread at a time when I would normally be expected to make an appearance (like on Mondays, when it's time for a new Theme Week!), it probably means there was a technical disaster of some kind on my end.
Last night I was typing up a short reply to someone in the Halloween Superthread and I was just about to come to this thread to post more of the "Treasures" (Merchandise/Souvenirs) photos for this week's Theme (I already posted most of my Treats photos earlier in the week). All of a sudden, there was a crazy power surge of some kind (not the first one in recent weeks, strangely) and my PC, TV, DVR and cordless phone charger all turned off and on again.
When my PC restarted itself, it was not recognizing my keyboard...and eventually not my mouse either. I couldn't type anything. I was plugging and unplugging things, turning the computer on and off, to no avail. I wasn't sure if the surge had shorted something out on the CPU, because I didn't think that both the mouse and the keyboard would die at the same time. I had a different keyboard and mouse that I could use if need be, but I had a feeling the issue was something else.
I finally gave up and decided that I would try it again this morning to see if everything was working. As you can see, it is (same keyboard; same mouse) and I got in to my computer. But I have no clue if one of these mysterious surges will happen again and what will happen after that. I don't know if I will suddenly not be able to get to any of my documents or my threads or anything!
I must admit, when I saw that my keyboard and mouse were not working last night and I couldn't type anything, my first thought was, "NooooooooooOOOOOOOooooooooo! I have another Theme Week to do on Monday! I have to get to Photobucket! I have to get to my Christmas thread!!!!!!"
Anyway, in the event that some fluke occurs and I cannot get here at any point (and no, my current cell phone cannot access the DIS, in case you're wondering), I can send a message through another source! I can text message Liza/funatdisney and tell her what happened, at which time hopefully she can come here and tell you. Or, I can access Facebook from my phone and send a message there through one of my DISboards Facebook friends.
One way or another -- even if I have to use a carrier pigeon or the Pony Express -- I will let you all know that I didn't suddenly get hit by a bus or abducted by aliens, and abandon the Countdown and Superthread midstream.
Let me also take this moment to say -- it's supposed to be 90 degrees today 
headache
but 66 degrees on Wednesday, and 67 degrees on Thursday! Wheeeeeeeeeeeee! Fall is finally here! 
Now, on to other business...
Luisa -- It's good to see you back here! I wondered what happened to you. You've got another entry into the random draw. I actually contemplated a solo Carnation Cafe meal last year and I would have just walked up to be seated if I had chosen to eat there. I ended up not eating there, but if I do a solo meal there in the future I will not make reservations. Others like to make the reservations, though, so I guess it just depends on your preference.
I think I forgot to mention that
PHXscuba has another entry into the draw as well (for her post a while back).
Kathy -- You now know that as you plan for your first trip to DLR you have to keep an eye on the PPH (to be sure of what they are doing with your gift cards and what they are charging to your credit or debit card) and on Earl of Sandwich!
I'm sure that most of the time the PPH and EOS get things right, but given my luck in recent years/months, I don't trust either of them!
Janet & piratenightmares -- I can't remember how Goofy's used to handle its guest checks in the old, old prehistoric days. Like, for example, I can't recall if they were making us pay up front back in 1992. I think they were bringing the check to the table during the meal way back then, but I could be wrong. However, certainly in recent years Goofy's has been having everyone pay before entering the restaurant, including gratuity.
Interestingly, though, when I ate at Surf's Up with Mickey last December they brought the check to the table during the meal. We did not have to pay up front. We also walked up, without a reservation, so maybe that had something to do with it?
The last time I did the Storytellers Critter Breakfast (in 2009) at the GCH, we chose the small buffet over the menu items and our check was brought to the table during the meal. We did not pay in advance or before sitting down (I'm guessing that's because you have the option of ordering from the menu or getting the buffet).
I booked the Carthay Circle for lunch. WOC is at 8:15 that night according to the CM on the phone and #1 I didn't want to pay the dinner prices and #2 since there is only one show I want to make sure we get a ticket for the prefered viewing!
!(Love the apples!)
(The fried pickles are delicious
