EWP group?

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

So glad to hear that you and Colleen had a nice day, together - I knew that you would! I'm sure that you both had a great time catching up with one another, and I can't wait to see your pictures - all of them! I'll bet I know who the 2 special people are, who are on the calendar, in front of Spaceship Earth!

I'm sorry to hear that the condo that you liked wound up being sold. But - as you said, it served a purpose - a good excuse to do research, to see what's out there, what you like and don't like, what amenities you would be willing to pay for, at what price, etc. I'm sure that you will find something that you like even more, now that you have started looking and comparing!

I barely survived my stupid exam, last night - took all 3 hours of class time to finish it, and I still ran out of time at the end! I'm going to try not to think about it - there's nothing that I can do about it, now - let the "chips fall where they may"! At least it's over with and I only have one more exam in that class before it's through! In the mean time, I have to gear up to study for my last mid-term (which is on Wednesday night), this weekend. But first, we are going to treat ourselves to dinner at our favorite French restaurant, tonight, which should be nice! Then I am going to make Artist Point's Cedar Plank Salmon for dinner again, tomorrow night - gotta love that "Cooking with Mickey and the Chefs of the WDW Resort" cookbook!

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you all have a great weekend!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, you poor dear. You fret too much. I am sure that you did just fine on your test. Bet not many, if any, others finished it either. It is better to get what you did get done right than to get all of the questions answered and some wrong. My dd refuses to finish her degree because she has all A's in everything else and could not replicate that in Algebra. I try to tell her that finishing the degree is what matters. You always do much better than you thought you did and I am betting it will be similar this time.

Both Colleen and I were in gastric distress, not the fault of Panera's, but we soldiered on and did not even devulge it until time for us to head to our own homes. I stopped at a new area store on my way home. It is called Tuesday Morning and seems to be an upscale discount store. I bought a couple of small things but a lavendar bud vase caught my eye. (did I tell you that I have very good taste?) It was $149. Scared me so badly that I nearly dropped it. I had not noticed that it was a fancy name brand. The thing would own me as I would have to worry about it. I will stick with my quarter yard sale vases. If one breaks, no biggie.

Truly the condo was out of my price range anyway. I must find something I could afford as I do not ever want to have to move again. Tom is much richer than I. SAHM do not accrue much in the way of material goods.

I do not much care for salmon but that sounds wonderful. The only salmon I have ever liked is that at H&V.

Now that you have the dreaded test over and done with you deserve a break AND a fabulous French meal!! Vive!!!

Hugs, Linda/SG

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

Thanks so much for your sweet and encouraging words. I'm just trying not to think about that test.........instead, I'm gearing up for the next one, that I have this Wednesday night (just a bunch of memorization of facts and definitions and stuff - NO MATH - yea! ), and trying to crank out a paper, too, so that I don't get stuck doing it next weekend, just before Thanksgiving. Fun, fun, fun!

We did have a very nice and relaxing dinner on Friday night, though. Frank and I hadn't just gone out to dinner by ourselves "for the heck of it" in awhile, so it was a nice treat. And they always treat us very nicely there, since we know the owners (my father went to school with one and my cousins are close friends with his son, the other). They always go out of their way for us, give us our favorite table in the corner, by the windows, know what we like to order (they say that they always know who an order of double spinaches is for, when it arrives in the kitchen - I am well-known in these parts for my spinach addiction! They even call me the "veggie lady" in our local diner, because they know that I am always going to order a double order of vegetables, when I come in! ), etc. So we took our time and had a nice, long dinner. We also ran into some cousins of mine (as we tend to do, there) - the ones with whom my father is going to Florida, in a few weeks - and they were saying how they're so happy that he's joining them, etc. So that was nice, too!

Not too much else to report, here - just getting some work done!

I'm sorry to hear that you and Colleen weren't feeling well, after you got together. Hopefully it was nothing that you both happened to eat - and hopefully you're both feeling much better! It's neat that you happened upon that new store on the way back! Sometimes, vases and other such things found at yard sales are even better than the things that you can buy new in stores. We recently had a bunch of lamps (of our own, my father's, and my uncle's) re-wired, and Frank brought along 2 lamps that he had found at a yard sale, years ago. Well, the professional took one look at them and said "what beautiful Lenox lamps"! Frank hadn't even realized that they were Lenox and that they were probably worth tons more than the few dollars that he paid for them! Even if they didn't happen to be a "brand name", they are still really nice, in general! So sometimes it's better to hold out for those "yard sale finds" - you never know what you might find, and the thrill of finding something at a great price is always more "satisfying" than just "regular shopping", anyway!

Well, time to get back to work, here! Just wanted to stop in and say "hi"! Hope that all is well with all of you, and hope that you're all enjoying the weekend! (It's 65 degrees and sunny here, today! Yea! I'm wondering how long our luck will continue to hold out - even though it's been going down into the 40's at night, we haven't gone below 55 degrees or so, during the days, yet - maybe we can hope for a relatively warm winter???? )

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, you have my sympathies. Math has always been the bane of my existence. In fact Math is the only thing that kept Dalton from the all A honor roll. It seems that some are word people and some are numbers people and very few are both. Hang in there and get through with all of this 'stuff' and the reward will be that you will not need much of what you are having to study and what you do you will learn to embrace as numbers that are tied to something we need are more interesting than those nebulous ones in assignments and tests.

Colleen and I both were sick to our stomachs before we met, at least I was. Sure hope the sight of my face did not maker her sick. LOL The food was excellent and neither one of us overate. I hope she is feeling better today. I am.

It is wonderful to go where 'everyone knows your name". I used to have a restaurant near DW that treated me that way. It is a long story how we came upon the place. It is gone now. Francisco's. I fear the owner probably passed away as it was the force of his personality that kept the place going long after the quality of the food had deteriorated. I wish I had a spinach addiction. I add veggies to nearly everything I cook to bulk things up but I do not like cooked veggies very much. How do you like yours prepared?

Lenox is a brand name. I used to have a set of dishes of theirs. I like simple classic lines in things and that is generally a sign of expensive. Tom likes anything that is shiny. (smile) Our house is furnished mostly in his taste but the upstairs rooms that I have been renovating are much simplier to appeal to more people. Lots and lots of off white paint.

Dalton is due here in a couple of hours. Both boys were here last night. I got home earlier than expected from my trip to Cincy because, believe it or not, my brother did not show up. I drove 2 hours to get there, another sister drove about 1.5 and yet another 3.5 and we all managed to find the right place (amazing). We waited nearly 3 hours and called our brother's cell phone a few times and got no response. I called him when I got home and he says he was in the hospital. Sad thing is that I cannot be sure it is true or not. Not sure which way to hope either. I will probably never see him again. I am sure we will talk though as most of the family does not talk to him and I listen, albeit with a lot of frustration. VENT< VENT (sigh)

Anyway I got home early and the boys were thrilled as they did not want to go with their parents and they rushed over here. We had a lovely time, good food, good company. We played Blackjack, Crazy Eights and made plans to learn how to play Texas Hold 'Em. Tonight we are going to open my Disney Monopoly game that I bought last year. Dalton loves to count money and beat grandma. (smile) We also played Millionaire last night and Austin came up with an answer that neither Dalton or I knew. That is the good news, the bad news is it concerned an Old Navy commercial. He has turned into a dandy and a major clothes shopper and is driving his mom crazy. I told her that boys only came in two categories, that and the ones who will not take baths and she should calm down. LOL

Lots of cooking going on for next week, very busy week.

Are you all getting some rest this weekend? Might as well, the work will never get done anyway. I know from years of experience. Go play! Dust will wait and even invite friends.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Well, I'm FINALLY done with this round of exams, so I will be able to come by and visit more.........at least for a few weeks, until finals begin (after Thanksgiving)! Anyway, I'm glad that they're all done for now. Now I just have 2 more classes and a paper to finish before a nice 6-day break!

I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving, in a way, 'cause it was always one of my favorite holidays. But Thanksgiving has always been the one holiday that Frank and I spend apart (because if my father and I went down to my in-laws' with Frank, that would leave my uncle alone, and he is not well enough to make the long car trip to my in-laws'. So Frank goes down to his Mom's and I "make" Thanksgiving in my house, for my father and uncle, every year), so that kinda stinks. And he usually stays down at his Mom's for the entire weekend - Wednesday - Sunday, too (he might come back a day early, this year, to catch up on his school stuff, though). And this year, although my father will be here on actual Thanksgiving day, he is going to Florida from Friday - Sunday, so everyone is leaving me, that weekend! That's OK, though - I know that my father will have a great time and he definitely needs and deserves that trip. And I always like to catch up on things like getting our holiday cards written and organized and any gifts that we've already purchased, wrapped on Thanksgiving weekend. So I will certainly be keeping myself busy! And I don't mind some time alone - I'm used to it - "only child thing" - and I'm used to it from all of the years when I lived alone. I just kinda worry that if something happened to my uncle while both Frank and my father were away, I would panic and not know what to do. (Not that I have any reason to believe that something would happen - my uncle was fine on a weekend over the summer when my father, Frank, and I were all away - my father was in upstate NY visiting relatives and Frank and I were in PA at the DIS Meet - and he was fine on his own. But I worry, anyway.)

Fortunately, I just found out that my best pal, Gary, and his partner are spending the entire holiday weekend in NJ (they usually just come for Thanksgiving at Gary's parents', then go back to NYC on Friday). So I'll get to see and spend time with them, and it makes me feel better, knowing that they are close by, when both Frank and my father will be so far away!

ANYWAY, so how are you all doing, out there?

Hi Linda!

Glad to hear that you had such a fun game night with your boys! It sounds like you played everything in sight! How did you like the Disney Monopoly game? I have thought about getting it, many times (I think that there are a few editions - some that are "general" and some that are specific to certain Disney "genres" - like I think that there is one specific to the Pixar movies, etc.), but never got around to it! There are so many neat Disney games, out there - like the Scene It games, and I believe that I saw some other new ones out there, somewhere - maybe in the catalog or online? Anyway, it sounds like you all had fun! And I'm sure that Austin is quite the fashion plate and that his myriad lady friends are quite impressed! I guess that's what being a teenager is all about!

I'm sorry to hear about what happened with your brother, though. I hope that he really WASN'T in the hospital and that everything is all right with him. But then again, if that's the case, it was so bad of him to inconvenience the rest of you, who all traveled so far to meet with one another. Well, I guess at the very least, you all spent time together, which is a good thing........but I'm sure that you were all very worried about your brother. May I ask - were you all getting together just to meet and see eachother in person, or was there a particular reason that you were all getting together at that time?

I like my veggies any way - raw, cooked - I suppose that I prefer them cooked, unless they are in a salad! And I also add tons of veggies to things to bulk them up - that's where most of my "spinach consumption" comes in - when I add it to things! I also like to sautee spinach or broccoli rabe in olive oil (I try not to use TOO much) and tons of garlic! I know that you're not "supposed" to eat a lot of oil, but that olive isn't the "worst" of the oils - but I always order similar things in restaurants - anything with a lot of garlic is fine and dandy with me! I also like the vegetables that come pre-cut in plastic bags, that you can just pop into the microwave and serve - very handy - we eat a lot of broccoli and cauliflower, that way!

Have you done any more work in your house, or any more looking at other prospective homes, lately?

Are you hosting Thanksgiving in your home, next week, or visiting with other family or friends?

Hope that all is well with all of you, out there! Will try my best to make it to the Suite more often - I miss all of you! Hope that all is well with all of you, and hope that you're all having a great week! Take care.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

It seems to me that worrying and thinking about doing a paper or project is harder than actually doing it. When I finish something of the sort I enjoy taking a deep breath and relaxing a bit. Is it the same with you Lisa? I hope your oxygen levels are at their highest peak and you are enjoying your well deserved break. Have you gotten your grades or do you have to wait until after the holidays?

I am sorry to hear that you and Frank have to be apart during the holidays but you have such good reasons and I am sure his family loves you extra for your being willing to share him for Thanksgiving. Sounds as if you will be surrounded by lots of loved ones and how wonderful that your friends will have time to share with you on their visit. When I go back home I do not tell many that I am coming because I never have time to see everyone and I hate hurting people's feelings.

The reason for our gathering was the fact that Steve will be leaving for N.J. (not far from you) next Wednesday and the chances of us meeting again in person are very slim. He is not safe to drive and I do not drive in cities very well. He calls quite often. He has few people willing to listen to his political retoric. It helps that I cannot hear much of what he says.

Dalton has been hinting for a Scene It game. I may consider it as I usually buy one new game. It has been a long dry period since I had anyone to play board games with. I used to play with my kids but Tom does not do games, or much of anything else.

Have you ever bought the broccoli slaw? I like it and read somewhere that you can spray it with cooking spray and have a nice side dish. I am thinking that adding some shrimp would be tasty as well. 3 weeks of losses so far. I was up to 4 but faltered so I am starting all over again. If only the losses were larger and the gains smaller. LOL

I quite liked the condo but it was out of my price range so I will continue to look and consider. My plan is to do the last big bedroom upstairs after Christmas. Dealing with COPD makes me awfully slow. I have the paint upstairs so that is a large part but that room is where I have stored all the junk from the other rooms so it will be daunting sorting through it all. The hallway will be hard and expensive as I will have to hire some of it done. I did the stair carpeting last time but I am not able now.

I am having Thanksgiving here with two of my bil's and my niece, who is going to England with me next year. I like my bil's. One called this morning and told me that if I did not feel well a plate of White Castles would do just fine. I was touched. I am planning a traditional meal but fixing bits and pieces in advance. I think my daughter and family are coming by also.

Wal Mart has some great bargains in prepared veggies. I love their green beans so much that I did not plant any beans this year. They have mixtures as well and are great time savers.

Let the cobwebs gather a bit and rest while ye may.

Linda (who sends hugs)

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda! Sorry that it took me awhile to get back here, again, but here I am!

It sounds like you are going to have a very nice Thanksgiving, with your BIL's, your niece, and hopefully your DD, DSIL, and your boys, too! But your BIL is right - take it easy - it's good that you're making some of the dishes ahead of time (I plan to do that, too, and start cooking tomorrow night after Frank leaves to head down to his Mom's. That will save me a little time on Thursday, anyway!). I'm sure that everything will come out wonderfully! The most important thing is that you'll all be together on the holiday!

Don't worry about "faltering" - 3 weeks of straight losses is fantastic! Every once in awhile there is that "odd week", but you know that you'll be back on track in no time! Besides, there is that weird phenomenon that seems to happen - when one eats more than usual during the holidays and then expects to gain all this weight.........just to actually get on the scale and find that they actually LOST weight, instead! That's happened to me, a few times - I don't really understand how that happens, but sometimes I get lucky and it does! I'll bet that you'll actually be down a few pounds, after the holiday weekend!

I have tried the broccoli slaw - but I've only ever had it raw, before - for some reason, it never occurred to me to cook it - I will have to try that!

I believe that Colleen has the Disney Scene It game - I'm sure that she can give you some good reviews about it!

Take it easy when working in that remaining bedroom, too - take your time organizing everything and don't push yourself to do it more quickly than you'd like to! You know that it will get done and that it will come out beautifully, like all of the other rooms in your home that you've renovated! But you have to take care of yourself, first - especially during the upcoming busy holiday season!

I have gotten 2 of my mid-term grades, thanks for asking! I did much better than I thought I would on one and very well on another, and I anticipate doing very well on the 3rd, since the only grade I'm waiting for is for the class that's in my concentration / "major". So I'm in pretty good shape, going into finals........I just can't wait 'til the semester is over - I could use a few weeks' break! But I'm not complaining - I don't have another class until next Monday, and I have just one homework assignment to complete, this week, so I can let my brain rest for a few days, anyway!

Well, I just wanted to wish you all and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday weekend! Looking forward to another fun holiday season, here in the Suite! Talk to you soon, Everyone!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hello everyone wherever you may be!!

After a week of shopping, cooking, baking and cleaning the Thanksgiving meal is now over. It went better than usual because the bil's were here. Everyone arrived at noon and left by 4. They took Tom home with them so that I could have a chance to get everything back in shape before his return. (read my mind) Sad thing is that is the most help I could have expected from him anyway.

I am so sad at not being at DW for our planned November trip. I got on the site to check for availability this morning and found that there are rooms to be had but the thought of having to pack as well as prepare the house, car and all for the trip is enough to wear me out, just the thought. It is such a terrible waste of drugs that I cannot do it as I am on my steriods and they always help so very much.

I now have 4 weeks of losses but the aforementioned steriods will add a quick five pounds so unless I pull off a Biggest Loser miracle it ain't gonna be five. How is this for a choice, breathe or lose weight?

Lisa, you always do better than you think you will. When will you understand that you are a super star? I am glad you are getting a bit of a break from your studies. Not that I think you could ever be a dull girl but one should not take chances. (Hey, my smilies are back!)

Never fear my doing too much on the bedroom. At my age and in my shape God sits me down mighty hard should I get carried away. There is a bed in the room I am planning on lots of rest in between coats of paint. I am painting over wallpaper (very well secured and far too difficult to remove). I have never done such before. The ceiling and walls will have to be the same color as I am no longer able to get up and down a ladder to cut in. At least it will be clean looking.

I doubt that I would buy yet another game as Dalton is the only one I have to play such with and his parents insist on having him some of the time. Austin does not like games much. A bit of poker is about it.

I bet you managed to fix the dinner and do it all with aplomb and style. What did you make? I did the traditional thing as my bil do not get much home cooking. I sent the homemade bread and pies home with them so I would not need to be tempted.

I have to be in town at 5 am as a store is selling 512 SD cards for $9.99. I had thought I would escape the madness but this is just too good a deal to pass up. Maybe I will find a few other bargains as well?? Anyone else hitting the malls in the dead of night?

I have to go switch loads of dishes. I am very thankful for dishwashers.

Love, your grumpy but still goofy friend, Linda

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

OK, a gal can only take so much. I have been so depressed since we did not get to take our planned, right after Thanksgiving Day trip to you know where, because of health and other problems. I went to the doctor last week for a routine checkup and found out that I was more sick than I had thought. Was not a bad thing though cause he gave me some of my favorite drugs and I can now breathe and my legs are moving once more. My magic pills are very dangerous to take all the time and they pack on the weight like nobody's business but they give me a blast of life and for that I am grateful. They are cheap, if not free also. Magic, indeed.

I have been going round and round in my head wanting to go so very bad and thinking of all the very logical reasons why I could not. I could not sleep last night for all the Disney dreams tromping through my brain.

At 1:00 am on the Food Channel what should appear but an hour long show on Disney food and Christmas decorations. It was too much for one poor tortured soul to stand. No sleep for me.

You all have to know where this is headed.

I'm going to Disney World!!!!!!

First thing this morning I called. Put myself in the hands of the powers that be figuring that if it is meant to be it WILL be.

Ten nights at the AS Sports from the 10th through the 20th with my code rate of $64 a nite.

I have a feeling that Tom will be happy about it when I tell him too. He is still asleep. If only I can get him excited enough to actually do a bit of the work that needs to be done before leaving. My poor grandchildren might well get their presents put in a brand, spanking new pillowcase instead of wrapping paper but hopefully they will not mind if Grandma is happy.

I just wanted you all to know first. Now could you all arrange good weather down and back?? Yes, I want it all. I am so greedy (and grateful).

Linda

 

[colleen costello]

How wonderful! Nothing like a "last minute" trip to Mickey! My parents will be there one evening during your stay. Look out for them, riding the monorail and doing XMas shopping and eating all their favorites at BOMA.

I am so happy for you. I have to wait 'til March... $64 a night sounds awfully good and you will head north just as the crowds get unbearable. It will be so nice for you to be there when it is cool and not crowded. A friend from PTO went two years ago at the same time and they loved it... They actually wore shorts one day. She said sometimes they would be on a little path in the MK and no one else would be around -- just them! They had privacy! As a veteran of the summer crowds (and 114-degree heat index) I am a little jealous. So happy for you. Is Tom up yet?

xoxo

 

[twinscandc]

Oh Linda!!!!! I'm so jealous!! I'm hoping you have a wonderful time and that your energy holds up for the time that you are there (and of course once you come home)!! How is Tom with the news? Are you going to get the dinning plan? I can't wait to hear all about it. Mark's brother and his family just went to WDW in the beginning of November. It was their first time and they planned the vacation in about 2 weeks. They didn't want much planning help from us....long story, but I don't think they fell in "love" with Disney like we have!!

I've been thinking about you a lot lately!! I've not been in your area for a while, but I did see artical in the newspaper about the "Men's Calendar". I got a good laugh from it. I knew a few of the men who were elected! Are you going to purchase a calendar?

We had a great Thanksgiving holiday. We were around town on Thursday, but then got a hotel room in Indy (great priceline price) and let the girls swim, etc. It was a fun time for them. We even went duckpen bowling. The girls loved it!!

My pregnancy is going fine. I feel like I've gotten bigger over night and started to really "show". We did have an ultrasound last week and the baby looks great. There is a slight problem because my placenta is too close to the opening of my uterus. The doctor says that ithe placenta can move as the baby gets bigger, but if it doesn't move, then we will have to have a C-section due to the risk of severe bleeding during delivery. Boy, am I glad for technology!! I guess I have been thinking about women before ultrasounds, etc and the risks of childbirth to Women. (ie: Little House on the Prairie)

Oh, I also watched that Food Channel show on the Disney Christmas decorations, etc. I saw it around 10pm last night. I remember thinking to myself....I need to get to WDW during Christmas time to see all these wonderful things. Wasn't that Gingerbread house amazing!!??!! So many details!!

Anyway....let us know all the planning details!! Mark and I were talking that we will probably not be able to go until 2007!! YUK!! We need to save all my sick and vacation time to be off after the baby comes.

I justed to let you all know that I keep up on the posts, but I struggle to find time to sit down and write for pleasure....it seems like I only write reports about my clients...not fun at all!!

Take care everyone!!

Becki

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Becki, how wonderful to hear from you. We miss you but surely do understand that you have so much going on in your life and family.

Jealous?? This is our first trip this year and I believe you had your chance so now it is MY turn! It is just sheer luck. I do not drive on ice and snow so I am hoping for yet more luck. One year I was just ahead of the snow all the way home and it literally started down for real as I pulled into my driveway. Hope my luck continues. It sounds as if you will have family members to take on your next trip. It will not be worth returning until the new one is able to enjoy it any old way.

Now you just know I had something to do with that calendar. Kurt is my best pal's (Dorthea) son and I nominated him. He is such a close friend that he actually has his own icon on my computer and I am currently trying to set him up with someone. I call him my half brother. LOL Tom is probably sad he was not nominated but I do not think he even knows about the calendar yet. He is still brooding because his name is NOT on the war veteran's memorial at the Moravian graveyard. I told him that the entry requirements were "stiff" but he does not quite understand.

It is so wonderful to watch the DW videos and tv shows and recognize every place they are. I saw a music program the other night and knew exactly where they were (American Stage) as I have been there many, many times.

No worry about writing about your cases. I know you cannot write about them but feel free to stop by to unwind and that includes complaints as well as compliments. That is what friends are for.

I brought home a lovely picture of the Teletubbies that was drawn by one of my students. She is the little girl whose mom was killed in that wreck a couple of weeks ago. Breaks my heart. It says to The (picture of a book) Laby. They call me The Reading Lady.


I am so nervous over it all that my heart is actually pounding like crazy. It will not abate until I enter the Hallowed Grounds. Then I will relax until it gets near time to come home and I have to start worrying about the Real World one more time.

Take care of yourself and I will be hoping that all goes easy for you and you do not have to have a Casearan. If you should need help in any way please call. I am available to come to your home or the girls can visit me if necessary. I have books and toys.

Your friend, Linda

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Tom is thrilled.

No dining plan. The steriods have already done enough damage weight wise and since I plan to continue them on my trip I will be packing at least an extra ten pounds without eating too much and making it worse. I am not happy about that but that is how it is.

The decorations will feed my soul, the rest of me can starve.

SG/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda! So glad to hear that your medications are helping you to feel better, and I'm ESPECIALLY happy to hear that an upcoming trip to "THE PROMISED LAND" will DEFINITELY make you feel better! I'm so happy to hear that you and Tom are going! And so happy to hear that he was thrilled with the news (I knew that he would be!)! Just think - in just a few weeks, you will be there, with all of the wonderful festivities and holiday cheer, all around you! That will be fantastic, and it sounds like just what you and Tom need, after the past few months -I'm sure that you will feel completely energetic and rejuvenated, the second that you see Cinderella Castle! We're so excited for you!!!!!!!

Hi Colleen! March is right around the corner.........coming sooner than you think! And in the mean time, your parents will have a great time at WDW (and the Villages!) and I'm sure they'll have great stories to tell about their adventures, when you see them at Christmas!

Hi Becki! Great to hear from you and so glad to hear that you and Baby, your DH and your DD's are all well and happy! And so glad to hear that you all had a nice holiday, too!

I just wanted to check in, while taking a little homework break. Not too much to report, here! We had a nice Thanksgiving - my father and uncle enjoyed my "feast" (I just made turkey breasts and all of the traditional side dishes - very simple - nothing too "exotic"! ) and Frank had a nice time at his Mom's - he and his sister put up her tree, as they do every year on Thanksgiving weekend. I had dinner and got to spend some time with my friends, Gary and Stephen, on Friday night, and that was a lot of fun. Then I treated myself to seeing the movie version of "Rent" on Saturday, and that was wonderful - I felt like I was seeing the Broadway version from the front row of the orchestra, all over again! And then I just went to visit some old ML pals, to catch up and watch football on Sunday, until Frank came home (then we had a belated Thanksgiving dinner, together)! That's about all the news from the Garden State!

Sorry that this is such a quick one, but I just wanted to say "hi", and to let you know how excited we are for you and Tom, Linda! Please have some huge 'Ohana shrimp and watch the EWP on our behalf! And so glad to "run into you" here, too, Colleen and Becki!

And hope that everyone else, out there, had a wonderful holiday weekend!

I'll check in again, as soon as I can (things are starting to get hectic, again, with final exams right around the corner - UGH. I will stop by as often as I can, but please forgive me if I'm not around very much, over the next 3 weeks. I'll be around more, over my "winter break", thereafter! )! Take care, Everyone!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Ahhh, yes the Promised Land , replete with Dole Whips and Won Ton Strips and the miracle of the Fish and Pretzel Bread. LOL (smiles have gone away yet again, darn it_

We leave on the 9th so it is not weeks away. Just barely one week but who is counting. If you do not receive your Holiday card you will know why. I fear that much will not be done before we leave. I figure my friends will forgive me especially those who love Disney as I do. BTW, those wonderful jumbo shrimp are no more at O'Hana's. Would be the only reason to return for me as that was my meat of choice.

I think that turkey breasts are better than a whole turkey but then I like white meat the best. There are about five movies I want to see right now and Rent is on the top of the list. Maybe when we return all my movies will be at the discount theater and I can make a day of it and see them all. I will take a nice soft pillow so that I will be comfortable. LOL

I hear that you and Colleen are planning to retire to The Villages one day. Wise choice. It is the perfect place for Disney maniacs. I like it better than Celebration frankly. Celebration is a bit too Stepford like to suit me. The Villages has something for everyone and if you are miserable elsewhere you can be so there too I guess but there are so many choices of things to do and learn.

They are going to be taping Millionaire shows again in January and I have been asked, by a few friends, to be their Phone a Friend should the need arise. Scares the living daylights out of me.. I am not one to think I know something I do not but there is a good chance that they will ask something I do not know. All my trivia friends are on line so I do not have the option some take of inviting friends over to help me out. Scary.

Your winter break is after the Holidays and not before?

It is always wonderful to hear from you. A boring day in your world is more exciting than a wild one in mine. LOL Never fear the Suite will always be here, waiting for you to drop by and put your feet up. The spa will be kept warm and your beverage cold in hopes of a visit.

Take care and I hope to get back in once or twice before I leave. The weather reports are a bit worrisome as it is getting colder and there are some reports of snow, here and there.

Love, Linda

 

[colleen costello]

What's this about the 'Ohana shrimp? I hear all sorts of nasty rumors about that place lately... Potatoes replacing the rice, no fresh pineapple anymore... Yikes... I never cared for the shrimp, but my Dad LOVES them. He ate so many on our first visit to the place, that he was up sick in the night, groaning. You'd think that would have put him off the place, but no way -- we went back again next visit! For me the atmosphere was always even better than the food, but with no pineapple I may have to boycott... There is no explaining to a 7-year old boy who loves it, why the big finish is gone!

Linda, I too am very excited about your trip. Really it is an extra surprise for all of us, because whenever a Suite member is in Orlando, the rest of us go vicariously. I think your week will be a perfect one, with all the holiday decorations up but none of the holiday crowds. You'll be heading back north before all the hullabaloo. Make certain to visit the Wilderness Lodge because those decorations sure are special! My family also loved the gingerbread house in the Grand Floridian lobby, as well as the seas of poinsettias outside on the GF grounds.

Ladies, Linda and I have agreed to a swap of sorts. I told her about the giant new Walmart just off of Disney property. It is chock full of the kind of bargains our dear Slightly Goofy loves, and she has promised to visit if there is time. In return, I am headed in March to her favorite bargain spots, the Ale House and the Golden Corral, also just off property. If we keep exhanging info like this, we may yet come back home with a dollar in our pockets! It's always nice to have a little bit of money to start saving for the next trip.

My parents head to the Villages on 12/7, and on a nice-weather day they will head to Orlando and spend the day with Mickey. I couldn't convince them to do Mickey's Xmas party; Mom fears the cold night air would cause her asthma to flare up. Instead they will wait for a day on their trip when the weather is extra nice and then they'll drive down to Orlando. They want to have an early lunch at Olivia's, my Dad's favorite (at Old Key West) and then spend the afternoon resort-hopping and ogling the decorations. They will have dinner at Boma. My Mom is particularly looking forward to it now that my Dad has sworn to her this is his LAST winter working. She has been after him to retire and it would seem he is finally realizing "the good life " is waiting for him in Central Florida! I am thrilled because the MINUTE they move I will start planning my visits... The kids and I have it all planned out for our first Florida Christmas.

Hope all is well with everyone. We should all say a little prayer for dear Rider, who is in the special hell that is graduate school finals week. Her Chrismukah should be a jolly one, indeed, once all that homework is handed in.

Love to all.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Now, I understand. When I peek into my rear view mirror I will see the grinning ghosts of my Suite Mates looking back at me. Sounds delightful to me. I cannot think of better company and especially since you all seem to remember things that I forget. I will depend on your gentle pushes to steer me in the right direction. It seems I only figure out where to go at the end of each trip. MK is the worst for me. I can handle the other parks pretty easily but I get all turned around there. I break parks up into segments and concentrate on one segment or more each day. LOL

From what I have read on the boards and from checking Deb's menus the jumbo shrimp is no longer. They do have shrimp but they seem to be the mundane kind. Lisa can tell you that is about all I ate there. They have bread pudding instead of the fresh pineapple as well. I liked that as well. We are thinking Kona this trip. We went there once when we could not get into O'Hana's and even though the atmosphere is not nearly as good the food was excellent. I do not mind paying for quality and it was worth the big bucks. I met the most 'delightful' woman there also. She was irate because one of her children had helped themselves from someone else's plate and they were not pleased. While I have great sympathy and understanding for a young child's natural impulses I was less than impressed with the mother's plea that said child should be allowed to do whatever whenever. Poor child, never had a chance.

Colleen, as you know we plan at least 4 evenings touring the resorts. Tom does not like to be rushed. Lisa knows this one. LOL We will eat wherever we are when we get hungry. Beaches and Cream is a must. Hope I do not get sick this time. Was not the food's fault but my eyes were bigger than my stomach (sounds odd but is true). Nothing like meeting a fellow DISer for the first time and having to have them hear you in the midst of your misery. What a great first impression that had to be. Just grateful it was not Lisa I did that to.

Both the Ale House and the Golden Corral (not a regular one but a prototype and prone to all sorts of wonderful surprises) were big hits with Tom last time. The Ale House has a fantastic low carb menu, not that it matters since there is little chance I can keep to it in the land of the Mouse.

I have amassed a delightful collection of small gifts to hand out to youngsters I might meet, whether they are swiping food from my plate or not. LOL I even have Mickey's and Minnies with magnets in their hands and feet so they can twist into the funniest positions. For some reason people appreciate free items far more at DW than elsehwhere.

I cannot wait to hear Colleen's parents view on The Villages. I am betting that they will be putting down roots there and Miss Colleen and children (who would never steal food from another's plate) become semi permanent Floridians.

Our Lisa ensconced in Hades? Nah, they would toss her right out as a GOOD influence. She would ruin the place with smiles, hugs and witty patter.

My file has finally downloaded so I am ready to go to bed.

One cavet, beware if you should get an attachment from me. I got two returned email notices tonight and I did not send either one. I have run 3 scans so far and cannot find anything on my machine. Maybe something grabbed my email addy off the web somewhere. Is scary. Hope it is a false alarm. I am running yet another scan and will see what I see tomorrow. Too tired to wait up and see.

Good night friends, Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Thank you both for thinking of me, Linda and Colleen! I'm "in the midst" of it all, but hopefully I'll be back to being a "normal person" by the time that Linda returns from WDW!

Colleen couldn't have said it better, Linda - having one of our Suite-mates in Orlando is always like a vicarious trip for the rest of us, so we are almost as excited as you and Tom are, about your upcoming trip! You both are going to have a wonderful time, and it's extra special that you will be down there at this joyous, festive time of year!

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT THE MENU CHANGING AT 'OHANA???!!! I must REALLY be behind the times! I haven't had time to peruse the Resorts / Restaurants / Rumors or other Boards, lately, and I'm behind in reading my AllEars newsletters, too - but how could I have missed this news?? Different shrimp? No rice? No pineapple? I DON'T GET IT!!!!! We've always preferred the Kona Cafe to 'Ohana (in fact, I am drinking Kona coffee right now, as I type! ) - it's our favorite WDW restaurant! But we have a sentimental place in our hearts for 'Ohana too, of course - since we dined there right before Frank proposed to me, had our first honeymoon and anniversary dinner, there, and of course shared a special evening there with Linda and Tom! I would hate to think that they've changed anything, there - everything is always so good!

That's so neat that the 2 of you have exchanged some tips about great places to dine and shop at, off property! We would join you in your "info swap", but since we never rent a car, when we're there, unfortunately we don't have access to such places. I could get access to some information, though, and ask my pals who live down there to recommend some other good restaurants or shopping venues that we "tourists" might not be familiar with, and share it with you all!

Between Linda and Tom's upcoming trip and Colleen's parents' upcoming trip, we'll have a lot of vicarious "trip experiencing" to do, very soon! OK, Linda - give us the itinierary - have you planned out which parks / resorts you will be visiting on each day of your trip, or are you going to be spontaneous and just see what you and Tom are in the mood for, every day? I know that you will be playing Millionaire, at some point - I'm sure that you will be back in the Hot Seat, in no time - you are our resident Champ! (And I think it's nice that you have been asked to be so many people's Phone a Friend - you will do a GREAT job, when called upon, as always!)

I'm sitting here, procrastinating for a change...........I have a big presentation to work on (to give on Wednesday night), and I just can't get myself started, today. (Hence the Kona coffee - I'm trying to fuel myself appropriately for the long drag, ahead! ) I wish that I had something more interesting to report than boring school stuff, but that's basically what's been going on, around here!

Frank and I did have a nice evening, last night, though - we watched "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" (my favorite holiday special!) on TV, listened to some holiday music and put up all of our Chanukah and Christmas decorations (our new Mickey Chanukah wall hanging looks very nice! )! Then we went through another round of torturing ourselves, trying to think of what gifts to buy for most of the members of Frank's family! So glad that "my side" of the shopping is just about done!

Hope that you all have a wonderful weekend! We'll start planning Linda's Bon Voyage party, now - maybe Colleen's parents can stop by the Suite for some Bon Voyage cheer, on their way to The Villages, too! Talk to you all, soon!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Lisa, how could we help but think about you and often? By 'normal' I sincerely hope you mean YOUR normal self as we would not want you to be anything else. I so admire how hard you are working to get to where you want to be. It is hard and even harder when you have grown up responsiblities to attend to as well. You are an inspiration. I bet that Frank is proud as well and a great help to boot.

I use the DIS as a rest stop in amidst my other duties so I read many of the forums and often. Colleen was feeling sorry for me as she thought that I was missing out on all the fun of planning this trip but the fact is that I am always planning a trip. LOL

I sleep with a Eurorail pass book and have for years so I have had an England trip planned for decades. LOL A girl has to dream you know.

I am afraid that while I have mastered Buena Vista Drive I am hopeless to get on and off property via the interstates and such. I have read that I can go past AKL and easily reach some places but have not tried it as yet. I figure it is probably true as I have run into many locals who say they live in that area. I may drive up there and check it out this trip.

I sent all the Suite Mates a copy of my agenda. Not that I necessarily follow it all the time. I am thinking of just getting a ten day MWY ticket this time since we would probably only be able to go once next year and that would be two ten days trips so it would be a bit cheaper. One never knows.

My friend who was the head housekeeper at AS Sports might be able to come over to visit. She is seriously ill but I am hoping that she is better now. She is a dear person.

I have arranged for some expert back up on the Phone a Friend thing. I will have some of my trivia buddies to back me up. No one knows everything and I certainly do not for sure.

I love Miracle on 34th Street but have never been able to convince any of my grands to watch it with me. I may borrow a child this year.

The kids at the Community Center got a Schoolhouse Rock DVD and personalized bookmarks, made by moi, complete with their picture for Christmas this year.

The neighbors are in shock cause they got small baskets with store bought candy instead of home baked goods. Just not enough time to do it all. Dorthea and our other friend are going out for our annual celebration on Wednesday. Some things you HAVE to make time for.

It sure does look as if DW has messed with success at several places. Maybe if enough people are disappointed in O'Hana they might change back as they did at the Garden Grill?? Sometimes I just plain do not understand why they do what they do. I am afraid that for the price of O'Hana I would have to have something special. The huge shrimp was worth it. Kona's food is some of the best I have ever had. I know quality and am willing to pay for quality but refuse to pay big bucks for less and feel cheated.

The weather reports look as if it will be very cold when we leave but should get warmer the further south we go. I am checking each day and will be prepared to leave a day early if necessary. The long range report for the ride home is much better.

Sure glad you have your shopping either done or organized. You have to have time to actually enjoy all the festivities.

Tomorrow is the day I work on wrapping presents that have to be mailed. Sure hope I manage to get them done before I leave.

I am looking forward to the Bon Voyage party. I imagine it will be a doozy. Not sure where I am going to catch the EWP from this trip, guess it will be wherever we happen to be on our Decorations Tour. Sometimes the things not planned are the most special. I could not bear to watch it from the Poly without a Suite Mate though.

Love and hugs, Linda

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

How in the world did I miss the fact that a major snow storm is headed this way? I have been checking Accuweather etc. and saw it was going to be a bit cold but just now saw that snow is coming in.

Now, for most of you normal people a few inches of snow is no big deal but I do not drive on any white stuff at all. The last time I drove on snow I had an accident. Seems my way of coping with a sliding car is to shut my eyes and scream. Very ineffective so I have avoided the stuff ever since. Comes with not learning to drive until I was about the age of what you guys are now.

I just dropped by to see if the party could be moved up. I will be leaving very early Thursday morning. I would leave tomorrow but I have a lunch date with two dear friends and one is very frail and I would never forgive myself if I did not see her before I left. You never know what might happen.

Prayers and good wishes are urgently requested as I will need devine help to get south before terrible things befall me. From what I understand the poor denizens of Atlanta freak more than I with cold weather as evidenced by some of their 60-70 car pileups. (shaking in my boots)

Underwear is packed. Everything else is easy.

See you all when I get back, which will hopefully be before Christmas. I will be even more cautious on the trip home.

Love, your cowardly friend, SG/Linda