EWP group?

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda,

I'm so sorry to hear that Dorothea has not been well. But as Colleen said, she is fortunate to have wonderful friends, such as yourself, by her side, and to have her caring family around her. I pray that all will be well. And I hope that you are "hanging in there", too.

So glad to hear that the packing is in progress, Colleen! It's always so exciting to hear about your family's preparations for your trips! And it's great that you will have a few days at PO-FQ before you move over to OKW (it's also great that they happen to be practically next door to one another, for easy transit!)! I just know that you all are going to have a fantastic time! I know how much thoughtfulness and heart you put into planning and organizing your trips, to ensure that your entire family will have a wonderful time - and you all always do!

I'm sure that your parents have nothing to worry about - their current home is gorgeous, and there is no doubt that it will sell, soon! As I was saying, perhaps it's the season (maybe the market slows down in the winter, a bit, as people may not want to shop for homes in cold and bad weather? Or maybe people wait for their tax refunds before embarking on a major venture like shopping for a new home?). I'm sure that some serious buyers will show up on their doorstep in no time, so that they can proceed to concentrate on packing for their move to the Sunshine State!

We have a bit of Disney news of our own - Dreams Unlimited contacted us, a few days ago, to let us know that the final payment for our May trip is due. Now that it's paid, we are able to reserve our shore excursions for the DCL portion of our trip, and make reservations at the adults-only restaurant on the ship, Palo, as well - so we did! (In the past, guests had to wait to actually BOARD the ship before making Palo reservations - being able to make them in advance is something new - and great! Now, we won't have to run to wait in line, the second that we board, to ensure that we get Palo reservations! ) We're going to Palo on the first night of the cruise, and when we're in port in Nassau, we are going to "do" the Dolphin Encounter at Blue Lagoon, and get to hug and kiss some dolphins! That's something that I've always wanted to do, so I'm glad that we're going to have the opportunity to do it! They take professional photos and video, too - you know that I am going to have to "invest" in those, picture-freak that I am!

I actually have to have total silence when I am reading, writing, or studying, Linda! I wish that I was someone who could have music or the TV on, in the background, but I actually find it easier to concentrate with no noise at all! (Unless I'm working on something that I don't necessarily need to devote my "full attention" to!)

No medals for Bode, I'm afraid. I already miss the Olympics - we had fun watching them! Now, we're getting to see all the athletes appearing on the late-night and eary-morning talk shows, now that they're all back in the States! At least we have the Oscars to look forward to, this weekend! We failed miserably at our attempt to catch up on more of the nominated films - we just haven't had time to rent any. I guess that we'll have to catch up, after we know the winners!

Back to the grind! Hope that all is well with all of you, and hope that you're all having a nice week!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

My dear friend, Dorthea, passed away early this morning. She had been moved from the ICU to a private room so that all of her children could spend those last hours with her. It is a fitting end to her life and what she would have wanted. I am sad, but only for myself. She was a simple woman and did not have money, rank or prestige but she gave from her heart and was the most thoughtful person I have ever met and that is not small praise as I know many thoughtful and wonderful people, including you Suite Ladies.

Colleen, I love your attitude about your parents. Just gotta love people sometimes. lol I keep an extra set of glasses in our car for both Tom and I and they have come in handy. When we get new glasses the old set goes in the car and the ones in the car go to the Lion's Club. Division of work is the goal here also. I split it up 3 ways, between me, myself and I. You are going to be staying at my two favorite resorts. Since the current codes are not all that great I went over and checked out possibly renting points for our upcoming trip but it was 11 pts a night instead of the 8 I had thought so we will just stay at the AS and cut back on the food budget. It is not all that hard as I really cannot eat all that much anyway. Even last trip we opted out of several planned meals because neither one of us was hungry enough to justify the prices. Instead of dreading the trip to Florida you might just make it a goal to retire to The Villages yourselves one day. Might your hubby like that idea too? Would make working and saving a whole lot more fun if you knew what you had to look forward to.

Lisa, you are so right in that Colleen's parents home will sell soon and even if it takes a bit more time they might get top dollar and be able to add an endless pool to their Florida home. I saw a lanai with one when we were there and while I am not a pool person I liked that idea. Great exercise and not all that bad pricewise either. Might not have nearly as much upkeep either. I grew up in a large family so I guess I just am used to background noise and have learned to filter it. While I am not a cruise person I do enjoy hearing about your plans. I can just see both of you doing all those things and having a ball. I will be watching the Oscars with you tonight. I enjoy that. I am thinking of treating myself to an Indianapolis weekend to see some of the movies as I will not have a grandchild this weekend. It is sectional time here and since we had a winning team this year the whole town will be front seat and center. Yea Jets!!!!

I am staying home today. I had planned to go to the hospital and do some shopping but am not in the mood. I am finding far more smiles than tears as I am lucky enough to have many happy memories of the lady. Since most of the people I watch over have no family or family that acts like one it has been wonderful seeing her well taken care of and loved.

Hugs and thanks for all the kind words and thoughts, Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda,

I finally had a chance to get back to the Suite, so I just saw your post. I am so sorry to hear about Dorothea. I know how much she meant to you and how important your friendship has been. She sounds like an extradordianary, special person, and I'm sure that she will be sadly missed. Thank God her family was there with her, and for each other. And I'm sure that you know how much everything that you did for her and gave to her meant to her, throughout the years. I'm sure that she was grateful for your love and friendship, every day, and I'm sure that her family feels the same. You are a wonderful and outstanding person and friend, and they are lucky to have you in their lives!

Hope that you are hanging in there, and hope that all is well, otherwise. We are thinking of you! Take care.

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to stop by and say "hello" even though I really have no big "news" to report!

I also wanted to invite everyone to the gala BON VOYAGE party, to be held in the Suite tomorrow evening, as we wish Colleen and her family a safe, happy, and Magical trip to WDW!!!!! (And we'll also be celebrating her DS Ian's Birthday, as well! And hey - while we're at it, we can celebrate Frank's 45th Birthday, too - it's on Thursday, Colleen's departure date! )

All is well, here - just getting through my last 2 classes (tonight and tomorrow night) before my spring break, next week. It won't be much of a "break", though - I have a mid-term, a paper, and a presentation to work on, for the following week, I still have to do our taxes, and I have to help my father with my uncle's Birthday party invitation, too..........but at least I will have my nights to myself, with no classes, next week!

Anyway, my break will start off, nicely - I'm taking Frank out to dinner for his Birthday at a fancy-schmancy restaurant that we've always wanted to try, on Thursday night. Then we are heading down to "pseudo-South Jersey" (a Turnpike exit or 2 north of where Frank's family lives) for the wedding of a friend of mine from college (this is the gay wedding that I had mentioned, awhile ago - should be neat!). We're going to the rehearsal dinner on Friday night, staying over at a hotel that looks really nice, and then the wedding is on Saturday. We'll come back on Saturday night, then celebrate Frank's Birthday with my father and uncle on Sunday!

Anyway, hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're all having a nice day! Take care.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa, I thought of Frank on Thursday but I was not near my computer all day long. I am so sorry to have not been more on top of it. I think I will be home for a bit tonight so maybe I can find something to make him smile and forgive me for being so remiss. I hate it when I miss out on something so special.

I have been busy with many details regarding Dorthea and another friend, Betty. Betty is being transferred to Hospice and it seems to be helping her that I know the people who run the place. The son of my friend, Mary, who had been put in the nursing home and is now living with her brother in Florida, is being evicted from the house that they bought with the proceeds of her, fully paid for, home. The moving van is being packed but they cannot find a place to move to because of their reputation in past cases. While it does seem like just desserts it is also very sad and I am greatly concerned for him as I feel his wife will soon leave him and all will have been for naught and the only person who could get him out of this jam is not in any situation to be of any help as they totally destroyed her and she has nothing. My mind is whirling with it all.

You and Dalton will have Spring Break at the same time!! Our school won all their games this week and are headed to semi state so life is quite exciting around here. The grandson of my next door neighbor was the hero of the night with a 3 pointer that won the game.

You do the taxes? So do I and mine are presently spread out over the dining room table as I find a minute here or there to get them together. I have the hard part, organizing the papers, done and now just have to plug in the numbers and see if our refund will cover our planned spring trip. I hope you guys are getting a big refund as well. Even though it is OUR money it sort of feels like a gift.

I am looking forward to hearing about the upcoming wedding. Being that it is not exactly a tradional couple they are freer to have a ceremony that fits them. I think it should be so for all couples. Pseudo South Jersey? Since I know so little about South Jersey at all I have no preconceptions to be corrected. All the Jerseyites I know are wonderful people so maybe I do not need to be corrected.

Enjoy your fancy smancy meal and slip your shoes off under the table so that you will have even more fun. Almost everything is better barefoot.

Your Dizzy, but not blonde, Friend, SG/Linda

Bet Colleen and family are having a ball but they will miss their new Mickey Bathroom. I told her how to snag a few extra Mickey soaps to complete the room though.

 

[twinscandc]

Hello everyone!!

I'm sorry that it has been a while since I've reported in. It seems like I have barely enough time to get my regular stuff done. I'm exhausted and usually in bed by 9pm, after I get the girls in bed!! No real changes for me, except for some minor swelling...I have 4 weeks and 3 days left!! My actual due date is 4/12. I am hoping to at least go to my due date, I would mind even going over a few days. The reason being is I will be taking 8 weeks off and I want the last two weeks to be once the girls get out of school. Which, brings me to my next announcement.....

Okay, I give you permission to tell me we are crazy, stupid, obsessed, fill in the blank with whatever you feel.....We just made reservations for WDW for the first week in June....that's right we will be going to the "holy land" with a 7 week old!! We have rented points again and are reserved for a 1 bedroom at BWV, but on the waitlist for BCV. We have one day left on old passes along with one water park day. We probably won't go to the water park, unless we can talk my mom into flying down for a few days to help us with the baby. Our plan right now is to spend 5 nights at WDW and then head over to Siesta Key to stay in our friend's beach front condo for 3 nights. Since we only have one day left on our passes, it's going to be just a relaxing time and try to go with the flow especailly with a newborn!! Yes, I know we are crazy!!!!!

I hope Colleen is having a wonderful time on her trip....I missed the bon voyage party!! We have never stayed at Port Orleans, but friends of our stayed there last summer and raved about it! It sounds like the weather will be beautiful for them!! I can't wait to hear all about it!!

Linda....how about those Jets!!! It's so exciting for those boys!! I hope they go all the way!! I'm so sorry to hear about your friends Betty and Mary. I know you must feel overwhelmed these days. Please remember to take care of yourself!! Are you staying dry out your way? As we were heading out to church this morning, lightening struck in between our house and the house behind us. The jolt was so strong that it set off our car alarm. Somehow it caught our furnace on fire!! Mark had to call the fire dept. to get the fire out, etc. We had the furnace people come out and look at it. Luckily it was just the gas pipe and not any of the wiring or anything else. The house behind us didn't fair as well. Although they didn't have any fires, they lost all of their appliances. It fried them all!! They are hoping that their home owners insurance will cover the costs.

Rider....how was your fancy dinner? I love getting all dressed up and going out to try nicer restaurants!! Mark is not as fond of it as I am!! He's a country boy at heart....and feels out of place.

Well....it is way past my bedtime so I'm going to sign off for now!!

Take care!!l

Becki
aka twinscandc

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

LOL, Becki. You are soooo organized. I have no doubt that you will deliver just as you wish so that all your other plans will be on track. If anyone can, YOU can!! I doubt that you will have a hard time talking your mom into flying down to hold the baby and play with the girls. I have been known to drive down, in the winter, no less, to be there for my boys. Grandmas are like that.

Furnace fire? That is frightening. I have often thought that as tall as our house is we are spared because the churches that surround us are much higher. Do you know that our electric company has something called a whole house surge protector? I think it costs around $100 and is installed between the meter and the house. For a small monthly fee it insures you against damage. It might be something to check into since you have had it happen at least once. I am glad that you did not get more damage and you are all safe though.

In today's paper there is an obituary of a Betty Lucas. That is my friend. The picture on the website is better, to me, than the one in the paper. She was an amazing broad. She would love the fact that I used that word but that is what she was. Gutsy, full of life and piss and vinegar. She was blessed to have been healthy until the last month or so but she went fast and in terrible pain. I had hoped she would go to Hospice where they could have managed her pain better than Silver Oaks but since I did not know her family I do not know why they decided what they did. We often do not know the options available. I have a friend that runs the local Hospice so I know a bit about it.

That rain was something but it did not affect us much. It has to rain just right for us to get any water in our basement and even then it is just a touch of damp. We are lucky. I was able to get the bushes all trimmed before the rain and snow hit. Do you have water problems there? It used to flood in that area quite a bit.

Go, Jets, Go!!! My sil bought a ticket for my hubby to go to the game. I guess it was in appreciation for all he has done for the family. (not) I was lucky enough to find someone to drive him otherwise I would be sitting in the parking lot at Conseco listening to the radio. (shakes head and smiles, what ya gonna do?)

Dalton and I had a great week. Did you hear him yell for joy? He made it to the million dollar mark on our kid's version of Millionaire day before yesterday and again yesterday. He is so much like me it is truly frightening. I am hoping for an improved version though, for his sake. How many 8 year old want you to teach them 3 digit multiplication for fun? He got a bag of books from the library, all on military subjects, and vegged out on the couch for hours while he watched favorite movies. He managed to stay 4 of the 5 nights. Not a record but he tried. We are making plans for the summer and hope to join you guys for a picnic and program at Donner.

I am a bit under the weather today so I am going to stay home and possibly get some of the leaves out of the front gardens. I have two (possibly three) sisters coming to visit sometime in April and so it gives me some incentive to "git r done".

I hope you are reclining on the couch while your family waits on you hand and foot as the pampered princess you are. (I know this is unrealistic but hey, I can dream)

Hugs and Smiles to all my Suite Friends, Linda/SG

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Just popping in to wish you all a great weekend - so sorry that I can't stay, longer! Things are crazy, as usual!

So sorry to hear about your friend, Betty, Linda. I'm sure that she was grateful for all that you did to help her, trying to make arrangements with the hospice, and as always, for being such a special, kind, and thoughtful friend. I'm so sorry to hear of this loss.

Congratulations to Dalton on making it to the Million Dollar mark in "Millionaire" !!!! You're right - he is certainly very much like his brilliant Grandma!

Hope that you are feeling much better, very soon! Try to relax and take it easy (I know that's not easy for someone as active and accomplished as yourself)! Feel better, soon!

CONGRATULATIONS, Becki!!!!! I had no idea that your little one was due to arrive SO SOON!!!! Time really flies! That is so exciting - you and your family must be THRILLED! And it's wonderful that you will be providing an "early education" (in Magic, Pixie Dust..........and Mickey Mouse - the important things in life! ) for your family's newest member, with your upcoming WDW trip! I'm sure that your DD's are very happy, as well!

Thank God the fire in your home wasn't worse and that no one was hurt! That must have been so frightening! So glad to hear that you and your family are all right and that your home did not suffer any substantial damage!

WELCOME BACK, COLLEEN!!!! Can't wait 'til you drop by to tell us more details about your fantastic WDW vacation!!! The Suite eagerly awaits your report!

Hello to Everyone else out there, too!

So sorry that this is a quickie, but Frank and I are just about to blast off for a weekend in Jim Thorpe, PA (to continue his month-long 45th Birthday celebration! ). This getaway was part of my gift to him. Tonight, he will find out about the "big gift" - his choice of vacations for next year! And wouldn't you know, just yesterday, I learned via e-mail AND snail mail that Disney and Disney Cruise Line are offering new vacation packages to some of the places that I know Frank has dreamed of visiting, like Italy, Hawaii, or the Canadian Rockies! Here are the links, in case anyone is interested:

www.adventuresbydisney.com

www.disneycruiseline.com/europeanvacations

Will let you know what he chooses! (......of course, I still insist on spending at least a long weekend in WDW, next year........to celebrate my 40th Birthday! )

Frank's Birthday dinner was wonderful, Becki - thanks for asking! The restaurant was beautiful, the ambience was very cozy, and the food and service were fantastic - it sort of reminded us of a more "colonial-looking-version" of Victoria and Albert's! We also had a wonderful time at our friends' beautiful wedding, that weekend! The ceremony was very personal and touching, and the reception was a lot of fun! Plus, I had a chance to see many of my college pals, whom I hadn't seen in years!

Anyway, so sorry to "stop by and run"! Will answer your kind e-mail, when we return, Linda!

Hope that all is well with all of you, and hope that you all have a great weekend! Lots of love to Everyone!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hello everyone!

I just had to drop by to tell you all that our team won the State Championship. They whooped butt too. The boy next door is on the team and made many assists and baskets so it was more interesting for me to watch. It was ALMOST as much fun as watching Dalton play ball.

Lisa, I did not do much for Betty. I wish I could have but the situation was not one where I could. I am not nearly as great as you seem to be deluded into thinking I am. Maybe one day.

Disney and Europe? Keep still my heart!! I am sure it is more than my budget could stand but I will enjoy reading about it any way and then, if Frank chooses that and I bet he will, I will live vicariously through you. I know the most interesting people. lol

I saved my sil and others big bucks as I was able to make dvd's of the basketball team. There were people at the game who were charging $50 for each. Ridiculous IMO. If they were more reasonable they would sell more. The teams get nothing from the tapes to boot. I figure it costs me about $1 for the dvd, case and cover. $10 would be plenty.

What did you guys eat at the Fancy Smancy restaurant? Did you slip your shoes off under the table? I would but then I got no class.

We will wait patiently for the next installment of Frank's Fabulous Fortysomething Festivities. HB2U HB2U!!

Back to work for me. (sigh) I need to get something done before the honking begins. The semi state parade was about a mile long. I figure this one will be at least 3 miles long and we live on a main street so I will have a lot of cars to wave at.

Linda/SG

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Welcome to our newest member of the Suite!! I received this email today and plan to visit mom and baby tomorrow.

"CARSON ANDREW WILLIAMS said hello at 5:21 p.m. weighing in at 8lbs even and 21 inches long. Mommy is sore but ok and Carson is breathing better and battling a low sugar count right now. Will keep everyone up to date and thanks for everything that you have done for us."

Becki is just too efficient with EVERYTHING!! I will take my camera and try to get a picture of our newest member and look forward to him(?) visiting us really soon.

Linda

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

This news is not nearly as exciting as my last report but here goes anyway.

We are booked into AS Sports from September 20th thru October 10th. This will beat our previous record of 16-17 days. With all the big bucks we were saving by getting the free food it was just too good to pass up. I gave Tom the choice of 10 days in April or 20 at this time.

I am sad to be missing the Flower & Garden Show and the concerts they have then and in the fall but since we will return again, probably next year, it is not too big a thing. I am planning lots of little things that we had not gotten to do before since we have so much time.

Hugs, Linda

 

[twinscandc]

Hello!! Just thought I send you a quick note to tell you all about our newest addition!! We came home from the hospital yesterday. The first night went well, with feedings at 11:30pm, 3am and 6:30am. Not too bad for the first night. I tried to sleep in between feedings, but I think I'm still a little excited and just watched Carson sleep!! I'm still amazed that we have a son!!

Mark is pretty proud of his little boy, but according to our pediatrician (who is also a friend of ours), Carson is not so "little". He had to use the biggest clamp when he circumcised him yesterday. I think Mark walked a little taller after hearing that news....but, size doesn't matter to me!!

You can look at pictures of Carson on our hospital's website. The link is here. You just type in our last name "Williams" as the password.

I go to have my staples removed tomorrow at the OBGYN. Not looking forward to that!! Everyone says it's not so bad.

Well, Carson is calling my name because it's about that time to feed!!

Take care everyone and I will try to post more when I have a free minute!!

Becki
aka - twinscandc - I guess I need to change that since we've added another "C"

 

[twinscandc]

Oops....forgot the website link:

https://www.growingfamily.com/webnursery/babylogin.asp?URLID=7B4L0J0H7D

 

[IASW Rider]

CONGRATULATIONS to Becki and Mark - and the entire Williams family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much for sharing your VERY SPECIAL news with us! And thanks to Linda for informing we Suite-Mates as soon as she learned that Carson had arrived!!!!! Wishing all the best to all of you, and lots of happiness, always!

And thanks so much for sharing those absolutely BEAUTIFUL photos of your adorable son! I'm sure that your BEAUTIFUL daughters are thrilled with their little brother!

And so happy to hear about your upcoming vacation, Linda! I'm sure that you and Tom are going to have a fantastic time at AS Sports, this fall - and it's so wonderful that you will be able to stay for so long, as well! That is definitely something to look forward to! And it's all right that you're missing the Flower and Garden Festival and the concerts, this time around........you'll just see them, NEXT year, that's all! And in the mean time, September and early October is one of the most beautiful and pleasant times to be in Orlando, and I know that you will have wonderful and pleasant weather!

I just wanted to drop by, very quickly, and wish all the best and lots of happiness to Becki and her family (so sorry that I didn't get here sooner, to do so! ) and lots of happiness and excitement / anticipation to Linda and Tom, about their upcoming vacation............and lots of love and happiness to Colleen and her family, as always..........and happy greetings to all of our other Suite-Mates, out there!

I won't bore you all with how inundated I am, at this point in the school semester (which has kept me from being here more often - sorry It will all be over, in just a few weeks!). Instead, I will tell you all that Frank is absolutely thrilled with his "big" 45th Birthday gift - I booked us on the 10-Night Mediterranean Cruise on the Disney Magic, next summer - July 18 - 28, 2007! We'll be visiting Italy (including Palermo, Sicily - the birthplace of Frank's father's side of his family!), Spain, and the South of France! We may plan to arrive in Barcelona a few days before we set sail, so that we can explore! But even though we'll be meeting Mickey in Europe, next year........we still plan to celebrate my 40th Birthday at WDW, in 2007, as well!

Hope that all is well with all of you! Will write a longer post, as soon as I have a chance - I promise! Can't wait 'til May, when I'll be "free" for the summer! (..........and when we'll be going to WDW! Right after you do, Becki! ) Take care and have a great weekend, Everyone!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Becki, I imagine you are sure glad to be back home with all of your children and hubby. The staples are not so very bad. I had a doctor once who told me slightly risque jokes while taking them out to distract me. Nowadays he would be arrested for harrassment or something. What great pictures of Carson. I love that name by the way. It is different but not odd and he will not have to spell it over and over again as it is pretty straight forward. LOL on Mark's pride in Carson's 'size'. Men are that way. Is Carson pretty easy going? When you get rested up maybe we can get together for a lunch and I can get to hold the feller. Babies love me, I am like an overstuffed couch, comfortable.

Lisa, it turns out that I will be there for the F&W festival and some of the concerts the last week we are there. Tom is already planning on saving his snack points for a trip around the WS. I may even let him have some of mine. I am having a blast figuring out which fancy smancy place we are going to eat now. It is not that we do not have the money to eat at such places but it just goes against my midwestern grain to spend that much for food. Around here $10 bucks is a high price to pay for a meal. We usually eat at Golden Corral for $5 each including a drink, if we get there before 4. Now, all I have to worry about is keeping Tom from reaching over to another table and swiping their silverware or something.

Dalton wants to know if you are going to see Pompeii and if you want to know anything about it he will be glad to fill you in on the details.

When I get them I will send you all pics of Austin's big date. His friends were in awe when he walked in with his date. They were both beautiful. I bought the tie for him. I think that is what did the trick. (grin)

Take care and do not stress yourself out too much. Learn to say no sometimes. We hearby release you from the Suite for the next couple of weeks, even though it saddens us, so that when you ARE able to return you will be worry free. Love is doing what is right for the other. (wise words a friend one told me)

I had better go get some work done as I have had a small boy the last two days. He tried to stay again tonight but failed. I get no work done but we sure do have fun. Keeping up with him is a full time job.

Love and hugs and a silent lullaby to Carson (is better that way) Linda

 

[colleen costello]

Hi Everyone! Becki, Linda sent me pics of your family and the bunch of you sure are cuties. Good luck with nursing and sleeping, the two most important challenges for a new Mom. I hope Carson lets you get lots of rest between sessions! Congratulations and best wishes.

Linda, I read back a few posts and WOW! 20-plus days with Mickey? Sounds great. What will be interesting to hear upon your return is tales of 20 days of you and Tom loose in the World and living together in a smallish hotel room. This will test your LOVE (or is it patience?) Family togetherness is a wonderful thing, especially at WDW when there is so much to do that you are not in the room together much anyway. I could spend 20 days in a hotel with hubby no problem, but toss in the two kids (who fight an awful lot) and I would need serious tranquilizers. It will be wonderful to hear all about your trip.

We had a marvelous spring break. The weather was STUNNING... no real way to describe how gorgeous Florida seems after living in Indiana winter since the leaves dropped in late October. I literally walked around in a daze, kind of a 1960s hallucinagenic-induced sort of state, just looking at all the color. I took some pictures of the kids at the Polynesian, and I noticed later that on the path behind them, there are coral-pink flowers strewn all over. They were dropping from the trees that week, just gorgeous. There were azeleas in many colors, and fields and fields of pink geraniums, plus lots of beautiful pansies. I LOVE flowers, and all the varieties with their wonderful scents floating around put me into a real nirvana that didnt lift 'til I hit Indiana and a day later the SNOW fell! I think March is my most favorite time to go. Everything is so beautiful and when I do have to come back home, I know spring is only a few weeks off so I can HANG ON! Sure enough, between tornadoes, hail, and tree buds, I know it is finally spring here.

We stayed for 2 nights at Port Orleans French Quarter then had 6 nights at Old Key West, a favorite of mine. We spent a day at the Poly boating and swimming, had breakfast at Kona Cafe and our last night's dinner there, too. That night we went out to the beach after dinner, and the EWP was gliding by as Wishes began overhead. VERY cool! The Volcano pool was lit up so beautifully, and two little ducks were taking a dip. The kids played in the surf and we just hung out, enjoying the warm night. Heaven!

We went to the MK twice, MGM and Epcot. Had fun at each. It was not too crowded, at least not to my July-visitor senses. We used Fastpass a lot and the kids got to ride everything they wanted. We saw a ton of armadillos, which is something we really enjoy since they are not in Indiana yet. On one bus trip from OKW to the MK we counted SEVEN of the little guys, a family record!

We did the Hoop Dee Doo and LOVED it. Even my cranky hubby (who was anti-Hoop) enjoyed it. We ate a ton and the silly show was really a lot of fun. We also did the character dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern, which was wonderful. The food is like Thanksgiving dinner but you don't have to clean up any mess! That night we stayed late at the MK because it was open til 3am for resort guests. We made it 'til about 1am. It was still warm out and being up that late at the MK (back at home it would have been 10 degrees at that time) was a real treat. We watched Wishes from the bridge to Tomorrowland and Tinkerbell flew practically over our heads. I will never stop feeling amazed that they actually get a woman willing to jump off that castle! She waves her wand, and kicks her legs, and I just GAPE like a 5-year old. Truly magical! Wishes always gets me all misty!

We saw the stunt show at MGM and my 8-year-old son was in his glory. From there we headed to Sci-Fi for a fun meal, also a favorite of Ian's. The waitress kindly took a great picture of the four of us in the car. We spent a day at Epcot, too, and my crazy hubby actually braved Mission:Space. He enjoyed it, and did not vomit, so hearing all the details was a lot of fun (since I will NEVER go on it!) We met our friends from Indiana one evening for dinner at Chef Mickey's, and that is ALWAYS fun. After the dinner (and zillions of photos) we rode the monorail and the kids ran around in the Contemporary Concourse. It is so much fun to share WDW with friends... And now my dear pal Tammie says she "gets" why I love WDW so much!

Did lots of swimming, lots of walking around, lots of riding boats and monorails and buses. Such a busy, wonderful place. I swear WDW ruins everything else I can imagine as a vacation destination because where in the world could so much fun and beauty and POSSIBILITY be right there? Of course I spent the whole drive north planning my eventual move to FLorida. I feel in my heart I really am meant to live there. Lisa and Frank are coming with me, by the way.

Sorry this got so long -- there is always so much to share. Every trip is so special and there are always so many special memories. I can't wait to go back to Beach Club in July!

Love to everyone.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Gee, I am sure glad that I stopped by. I missed Colleen's post and what a wonderful post it is. You summed up my feelings exactly.

Never fear about possible dire consequences of Tom and I being stuck in the same small room for all those days. Unlike at home we are seldom in the room when we are at DW and when we are we are far too tied to do any bodily harm to anyone let alone each other.

There is a thread on the DIS that discusses how come us DISnuts can go over and over again. Each and every trip is different. What time of year you go, who you go with and what you do makes each experience unique and when you consider the cost of other vacations as well as the hardship of driving from one place to another to participate in different activities it is a pure joy to be there and know that you can leave the driving to 'them'.

You could barely get me to eat at the Castle (I did one time for my kid's sakes and nearly expired from fright) let alone jump off the top. My suicide plan, should I ever need one, is to ride Splash Mountain. That would be more than enough to finish me off. (I should not joke about this as I heard a blurb that yet another person has died at DW. I do not know any other details yet)

The stunt show was so good that we went three times and plan to go many more times on our upcoming trip. Hoop de Doo is on the list too even though Tom was unimpressed with the food offerings (as well as the ones at the Aloha show). I told him to suck it up as it was FREE and would be the only time in his life he would get to do it and we were going to do it. This trip is all about NEW experiences.

There is a good chance that my bil and sil as well as their daughter (who lives in England now) and her family might be joining us. It would be the perfect opportunity as we would be able to keep up with some of their spendthrift habits. If they were paying cash I would not be such a harsh critic but they have much more income than we do and are so far in debt it is not funny. They want to spend a month AND want to rent somewhere fancy, on property, while they are there. Not being a fool I am steering them toward OKW or Boardwalk so that we can visit them. I would try the Poly but getting back and forth from there can be daunting from the AS's.

I am currently planning 3 trips for local families. It is sure fun. Wish I could make a living off doing so. Dream job.

I hope that Becki is getting some sleep. Thankfully school is still in session so hopefully she and her wee one are resting up while they can.

Dear Lisa, I hope these few weeks go fast and productively for you so that you can get back to the important things in life, planning your next vacation.

I may send you all a copy of my agenda and see what you think. With so many days we are surely hitting just about every dining choice there is. A couple of our favorites but mostly new ones, even ones that do not look all that great just for the ambience. (Coral Sea) Tom is afraid of any place that is NOT a buffet but I have promised him that there will be many leftovers on my side of the table so he need not worry.

I will close with my latest Dalton story. I had to take him for a haircut yesterday and he told the hairdresser that grandma never goes to DW in the summer because "she loves me more than DW". True, but I also do not like the summer heat.

Love, Linda Lou

 

[IASW Rider]

Yea! I love hearing about everyone's WDW trips and upcoming vacation plans! Thanks so much for sharing the wonderful memories of your recent trip, Colleen, and the fantastic plans for your upcoming one, Linda! And I'm sure that Becki and her family are gearing up for their trip, which is coming up very quickly!

Just wanted to stop by and wish you all and your families a very Happy Easter! We've been very busy with Passover, over the past 2 days, and are now heading down to my in-laws' for Easter weekend. Just 3 more weeks of school..........coming into the home stretch..........then I will be able to post more regularly and with more depth / detail!

Just wanted to let you all know that I am thinking of you and wishing you all a very Happy Holiday! Lots of love to you all!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hello everyone~!

I am echoing dear Lisa's emotions in wishing you all a fantastic Easter Sunday.

I finally got the tree all trimmed. You would never believe how I managed to get it done. When you do not have ability you have to use brain power. Hey, it worked and I am still standing so it must have been a GOOD idea.

Happy Easter, hope the bunny is good to you all and you are still able to hop when it is all over!!

Slightly Goofy sends you all hugs, smiles and loads of love

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Have any of you caught the new show "Shalom in the Home"? It is sort of a Jewish version of the nanny show. I love some of the reality shows. The one with the family where the parents and one of the kids are dwarfs is fantastic. The only reality shows I cannot stand (Anonymous etc.) are the ones where you win by being mean and nasty. Some of the other shows give you a chance to know people that you might not otherwise get to meet. (sort of like the Internet)

Gee, things are boring when all I can think to talk about is television. Must be a good thing as nothing really bad is going on, at least in my home. A friend was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I have been through this a few times and know the way to the radiation lab all too well and all the friends who went through it have come out on the other side just fine so it is comforting.

Seems like everyone is busy right now and doing such worthwhile and wonderful things (college, babies etc.) so this would be a good time to have the fellers do their spring cleaning. Ya know how I hate dirt.

Take care and know I am thinking of you all and hope to have the new and improved Suite up to your standards. Adding a nursery is at the top of the list.

Hugs and Smiles, Linda Lou