EWP group?

[JoiseyMom]

Happy BIrthday Linda!! Hope it was a great day for you!!

Yes Lisa, it is hot hot here too. Not as bad today!! I had the hardest time keeping the house cool. It was just too hot outside for the AC to keep up!! My basement is really cool, not so much 2 levels up .

My little one just had a low grade fever so he was fine. He played in his room watched tv, and complained about missing camp. I tried to get him in the pool, but the water felt too cold for him. I was very happy when he went back to camp.

He was home again yesterday after being suspended from camp. Yes I am the mother of "that" child. My 5 year old was told to stay home because he wouldn't stay in his seat and stay buckled in. Oy! He was warned about this before. What is it about a bus load of kids (and it is a small mini bus) that just makes them all INSANE??? Only 2 more weeks of camp to go. We then have 1 week before WDW!!

We fly out around 6 PM on Friday the 25th, and come home Monday Sept. 4. I have all our ADR's set. I cancelled my extra ones. We land around 9:30 Friday night, and I originally had Saturday as an MK day, but switched it to Sunday. I hope that doesn't bite me in the butt! Sunday is an EMH night, so I am hoping it won't be too crowded. Yes we are doing free dining! That was the only reason I booked the trip (only reason I booked last years too!). The numbers were too good to pass up. We stayed last year at CSR also for 10 days, and we got 10 day non-expire base tickets. This year the trip is 1k cheaper, because I only had to buy the 1 day tickets for the package. We are staying at CSR again, it was a wonderful resort, and on the DDP the Pepper Market is awesome. I also got a full size rental car for about 220 for the 10 days. I booked the Pirate cruise at CBR after reading Janet2k's positive report. Thanks Janet!!

The kids still do not know about the trip. I haven't decided when to tell them yet. The fact that I haven't told them is incredible. No one else has let it slip yet either.

Linda, I wish I had tricks how not too gain weight in my everyday life. I need to lose lots!! On free dining I plan on leaving a lot of left over food!! I will probably skip the fries. I am also ususally to full for dessert. We took lots of desserts back to the room last year and put them in the fridge. They wound up on the trash. I think I will taste the desserts and leave them behind. Well except for the creme brulee... those are yummy and light!! I am sorry we aren't going during the same time also. I would love to meet up with other dis'ers at the parks.

I will be wearing lime green(a popular blouse color this year) alot, so I wonder if anyone will approach me?? No one did last year, and I had my Mickey heads on my backpack too!!

Oh well, I need to vacuum and mop today. I have to get something done, so a clean (ok semi-clean) house is it!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Meryll, at my age any birthday is welcome. All kidding aside, my grandmother died in her 40's and my mom in her early 50's and I am just two years away from making 60 so it is all good. Thank you for the good wishes. I have a cabinet full of cards and had many calls and even a party but not nary a card from child nor grandchild. Not the first year so you would think my heart would be hardened and not easily hurt but there it is.

It is awfully hard on a condenser if it runs and runs. Do you happen to have ceiling fans? I set my thermostat on a number that will not run and run and then use fans to blow the slightly cooler air around a bit. Luckily we do not get many such days. I hope they go away here and there.

You have one of 'those' kids? lol My youngest grandson is the same way. I work with kids at the Community Center who suffer from the same affliction. It seems that they are smart and easily bored and like attention. I tell them that they have a semi truck engine instead of a regular little engine and they have to learn how to drive it a bit differently. It works, sometimes. Is he sorry he is missing camp or glad to be at home? My Dalton wants to stay here instead of going to camp. Hope he does not think up this way to 'escape'.

Your trip sounds great and I can just see your little pirate. They need more things for boys to do for special activities although I think a lot of girls would like more action oriented things too. I made ADR's but fully plan to adjust if and when circumstances arise. I figure if we get an itch for something in particular we can call the night before or the day of and see what happens and if it is not to be at least we will have SOMEWHERE to eat. We are planning on trying the Pepper Market. Any suggestions?

I have lost vast amounts of weight but still have many more vast amounts to lose but Lisa is the Queen of Lean as she lost a much larger (ratio wise) amount than I and has not only kept it off but is going to make a career of helping others do the same in her future. She will be so good at it since she has suffered from the problem and can relate better than most.

I have loads of lime green clothes now too as the color is much more popular and easier to find now. Maybe you could make yourself a button or possibly have time to buy one from the site? I get more hits off my button than I do my t shirt with the DIS logo. Have you posted on some of the threads that gather people that are going at the same time?

Our planned trips next year will be in the summer (if dd and family go) and then again after Thanksgiving (our favorite time to go because of the decorations). Next year will hit the budget as it will be time for more AP's. I plan to use two of the one day tickets we had to buy this time but my credit card that I was getting all the rewards from is not doing as well since they have decided that Super Wal Marts do not qualify for the 5%. I had used those rewards to pay for most of our last AP's.

One of these days the EWP ladies are going to get together at the Poly beach. Lisa and I did it one year. Do you have it planned for this trip? At one time I was the only member who had not seen it.

Hope that all your cleaning was not in vain and your dear ones allowed it to remain clean for at least ten minutes.

I trimmed bushes again today. In my youth I could do them in a couple of hours but now I must work a half an hour and rest two etc. Old age is heck!!

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[JoiseyMom]

Yes, we have ceiling fans. One in the kitchen, family room, and each of the four bedrooms upstairs. We have a two story house, plus basement, so it is harder to cool the upstairs. Thankfully the really bad heat is gone, so my house is nice and comfy now. Also we are on the budget plan, so the summer bills are spread out all year round.

Paul, my 5 year old, was happy to be home, at least inthe morning. I did not let him play on his computer, I would not take him to McD's for lunch, so he didn't get what he wanted. He was also missing his sister by afternoon. He has 2 more weeks to go, so hopefully they will be without incident. (Fingers crossed, knocking on wood!!!)

I am really sorry your kids didn't send you a card. My dh never ever buys me a card, I am used to it. My 2 older ones buy me cards that will annoy me. We will see what happens with one out of town. I am sure he will forget, but we will see. I have until June to worry about it.

I would love to find a diet I can stick too. It is so hard. And we bought a new scale this weekend, it is digital, and not as nice as our old scale (the reason why we bought a new scale). What methods have you and Lisa used to shed those pounds? I lost about 20 pounds 2 years ago using Atkins, I was tempted to do that again. It is hard, I do like my carbs, especially the healthy carbs.

We caught the EWP last year, but I think we were on a ferry or waiting for the ferry. I do love it though!

Ok, suggestions for Pepper Market. Their Prime Rib was awesome, and so are the roasted veggies that go with it. The rib steak is a think steak, I would stick to the Prime Rib. The rotissere chickens looked great, but hard to pick chicken, when there is Primb Rib . I loved their quesidillas and fajitas. I had that for lunch a couple of times. The handmade pizzas are good, and the desserts looked good, but we only got the cookies. We will change that this year since they now allow other options. The breakfast there is good too. The TS there, Maya Grill, had excellent food too.

I have made it known on a few threads where we will be, and if they take breaks, we will be by the big pool most afternoons. We will see if I bump into Diser's. I didn't realize they sold pins, I will have to look into that. I do have my HD LIme Green Mickey Heads!!

And yes, my floor is clean, expcept for the doggie fuzzies!!

Merryl

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy Merryl, I'll tell you what you pm me with your birthdate and address and I will send you a card next year. Since I tend to send ornery cards you might not be pleased though. Not really bad ones, I just have a slightly goofy sense of humor. If your kids/dh are decent the rest of the year they can be forgiven a card or three. I got packages from two of the EWP group. I did not expect that and would have been just as happy with an on line HI, but it sure did make me feel awfully special. I have loads of great friends and I am glad for it.

It took me nearly 55 years to come to terms with my weight and actually do something about it. I even had stomach stapling surgery back in the early days. The only thing I lost was $7,000. I am doing it the boring way with eating less and exercising more but it is awfully hard now. I have been losing again, very slowly, this year but it is a constant struggle. What works for me is the low carb diet but that is because the majority of my trigger foods are carbs. Whatever you like to eat, give up. It works. Lisa has much better advice as she has done hers by eating healthy foods. She is the one who is going to school to learn how to do such and could give you much better advice. I have huge files of great recipes though. I love digital scales because they measure in increments of .10 pounds and it gives you some incentive on those slow to lose weeks or a small kick in the behind when you are slipping upward.

Sounds as if you have your son right where he does not want to be. lol I take the tv away from my grandson. He is addicted to the tv. Take what they like, it is sort of like the diet advice.



Did you catch the EWP on purpose or accidentally? I think the parades that you just happen upon are so special. I am the one who stakes out the parade seats for up to two hours before and really appreciate the happen upon ones although I have spent many a happy hour or two with new friends or fellow DISers. (Janet2K).

I will add your notation about the thin steak at the Pepper Market. Tom pouts when the steak is thin. I do not care too much for prime rib so he may get two and be a happy camper. We are also eating at the Maya Grill one night. I tried to put down every place that looked interesting that we had never eaten at for this trip. I am needing to switch two days because they went and moved the 2 parade night on me but will try again closer to time as I was not able to do that today. We are paid in full and ready to roll!!

They used to have a site on the Boards where you could buy DIS stuff. I am the proud owner of 2 t shirts, 2 buttons and some luggage tags. The buttons seem to get the most attention. They sell lime green sun visors at Wal Mart too. I got one and plan to put my button on it since I have not been able to convince anyone in charge around here to implement my idea of making lime green visors with interactive lights and sounds that will sound the alarm when two DISers are within hailing distance.

My advice on the floor is this, get a new floor the color of whatever is spilled most often. I am ashamed to admit that I have done this and only mop my floor once a week now. I used to do it daily and it still looked awful. I am getting smarter in my old age. In another year I will be a genius.

Have a great evening everyone!!

Slightly Goofy

 

[JoiseyMom]

Well, my birthday is June 1, I take cards where I can get them. I am easy!! I do the goofy cards too...my older boys do that...they got that warped sense of humor from moi!! Bites me in the butt at times though.

Well I am 45 and have had weight issues my entire life. We also just got a new digital scale, and it is about 15 pounds heavier then our other scale. OUCH!!! I lost about 20 pounds on Atkins, but not sure I want to do that again. I am trying to do portion control, and calorie counting. I discussed eating on vaca with dd10, since she is an adult this year. Well she loves shrimp cocktail and steak, so we are going to try to share at non buffet restaurants.

As far as the PM goes, they have lots of other food then the Prime Rib. If you don't like that they have rotisserie chicken that looked yummm. THey have pasta, chinese, excellent Mexican, and Chinese. The also have handmade pizza and soups. You can find something great to eat there. I am looking forward to the Mexican!! They Maya Grill is good too. We got the special which was ribs, mahi mahi and filet mignon. It also game with veggies and a potatoe. Oh my gosh!! There was so much food, and it was all soooo good. Ok, now I am hungry lol!!

DH is considering the band sugery...they don't operate they put a band around the stomach. He has a sweet tooth and likes to nosh. I am trying to cook heathier for him too. I made him grilled salmon tonite, and he was good, he didn't eat the entire fish!! I put some away for tomorrow. Last night I made grilled chicken, and some stir fry veggies. I had two salads today when I got hungry. I am a good salad eater, I don't like dressing, and I don't eat tomatoes . I do like cheese, bacon and croutons though!

We caught the EWP's by accident, it was awesome, because it brought back memories from the 3 times I was there as a kid. I watched parades then with my mom and friends, but back then the only park was MK. My kids wouldn't have the patience to sit and wait for a parade. The are too hyper!! The last time we watched a parade, Rachel was 5 and Paul was 8 months and we were in AK outside the baby center. It was a nice time. Ok, I take that back, DH and I watched the afternoon MK parade when we took the 3 park back stage tour!! We did it in August 2004, when he suprised me! We went sans kids, stayed 4 nites and resort hoppped. We stayed at Pop, Poly, GF and AKL. That was a fun trip. I love the trips with the kids, but I really want to go back with just me and DH, and do some more tours and some quiet dining!!

I have told DH I don't want a 50th bday party that I want to go on a trip. I need to give him Janet's trip reports!!

Have a great nite all!!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Since I sort of lost a day yesterday because I slept over half of it my mind is still wandering, more than usual. I had not slept in over two whole days and after my company left yesterday I sort of collapsed into a heap. I did two things that I NEVER do. I declined a grandchild who wanted to spend the night and left a candle burning. Luckily neither one did any permanent damage.

Merryl, you have to pm me your address in order for me to send you a card. I sent one out to Angelina the other day. She is a long lost member of our group but since she has a beautiful daughter that my grandson pines over I feel compelled to keep up with her, that and the fact that she is a sweetheart. Hopefully next June I will be having a good day as sometimes I am not and the cards arrive late. I have long ago given up on being perfect and settle for being 'different'. It sorta makes MY cards stand out from the crowd. I get bit once in a while too. I have come to the conclusion that you cannot suit everyone and it is best to be true to yourself as long as you are not hurting anyone.

I feel that the food is an important part of a DW vacation. I am lucky in that I can just eat a bite of something and that satisfies my curiousity most of the time and I have a 'junkyard dog' for a hubby who will gladly eat the rest and not suffer the consequences that I do. I will skip the rotisserie chicken as I almost live on that right now. I pick one up at the WM each week and use it for many of my meals, either as a portion or use the cut up bits in my salad.

I have a sister and a friend who have had the lapband surgery. It is very important to know that it is not a quick nor easy fix as you must exercise and diet AFTER the surgery or it will not work. OK, it might if you have complications and get too sick to eat but I would not reccomend that to anyone. That was not explained to me when I had my surgery and it came as an unpleasant shock when the pounds started coming back on. My sister had plastic surgery after losing over 100 pounds and nearly died from infections. There is always something. I am neither for nor against the surgery but I am for patient education in advance. You always see the success stories but do not hear much about the other ones. The Beach Boy daughter is now on a reality show trying to lose what she gained back. I hope that helps a bit. (Carney Wilson, I could not think of it a minute ago) IMO, any diet that you can stay on is a good one. Pick your poison and go with it. Mine is chocolate.

I am always amazed that anyone can get their kids to sit still to wait for parades. I am the minority in thinking it is fine for one family member to hold down a blanket etc. while the rest of the party wanders or even goes on a ride or two instead of sitting and arguing and being miserable before a parade begins. Heck, I have even been known to save spots for strangers. They seem rather shocked when they come back and I have really done that. (ducking while some readers - none of the EWP Suite Ladies- throw their glow in the dark bracelets at me). It warms the cockles of my heart.

Janet would surely be able to give you an agenda for your 50th anniversary but you might want to start buying lottery tickets NOW as you will need it. Her imagination knows no bounds. She thinks up things I would never believe possible, even at DW.

I still have a lot of cleaning up to do after yesterday so I had better get with the program. It is just over a month until we leave and my 'to do' list grows each day. School starts again next week so back to the Community Center with me. A friend donated a bunch of new books so I have to read and rate them for my traveling library. I hope I have many of the kids I had last year.

Linda

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hello dear Suite Ladies!!

Since we are going on an extended trip to DW soon I have been searching high and low for new experiences. Not having Janet2K's wallet or imagination has hampered me a tiny bit but I have come up with a list of quite a few surprises for our 34th Anniversary Tour.

I have arranged for us to be in the AK parade one of either two days.

We will be eating at a whole lot of new restaurants including going to the Luau at Lisa's favorite resort. Afterward we will head for the beach to see our favorite EWP and catch the fireworks afterward. It will not be the same without Lisa and Frank but we will enjoy the memories of that get together.

Riding the monorail in the front cab is a dream that surely can be fulfilled with a bit of luck and a whole lot of perserverance.

If we do not get a whole lot of rain we shall surely manage to fit in that game of mini golf that we have often contemplated. I read that if you plan it right you can see the fireworks from Fantasmic.

If time permits an all day game of Bus Bingo is on the list. Someone on the board invented this game. Basically you leave your resort and get on the first bus to wherever, explore and repeat as often as needed. Sounds like a lot of fun to me.

I think I just scored the Grand Slam of all surprises a bit ago though as I have been invited to join a group for an Illuminations Cruise.

Tom never wants to be part of the planning and does not care what we do as long as food is involved but I think I have his curiousity piqued.

It is awfully quiet around here lately. I miss you all. Now that school has started maybe we can get together for a party one night. Of course our student, Lisa, has even more to do and not so much time for all the wonderful trips she has been taking this summer. It was Angelina's BD the other day.

Love and hugs, Linda

 

[JoiseyMom]

Linda your trip sounds fun! I can't believe I leave next Friday nite!!! I have been very busy working this past week, and the kids are done with camp tomorrow. I know have to search and get all the things for our trip. I need to find our pin lanyards, mugs, and oh, man I need to make a list!! I have been looking for an oversized bag that was light weight so I didn't have to carry the back pack. I bought this kinda ugly cotton bag from Old Navy, but I think it is going back. I got the mickey tote from disney shopping (for a great price), but it won't sit comfy on my shoulders. Today I was in Kmart and I saw this canvas type bag with a zipper, it is beige and pink and green, has umm...frogs on it. It cost 6 bucks, sits nice on my shoulders, and I can fit pal mickey and a water bottle and little things, and zip it for water rides!! It can also handle what I need on the plane, since I don't want to carry my back pack there either!! It will even fit the cameras, if I decide to ditch the camera bag!!

I got a rental car from Alamo, full size, for 10 days for under 168!!! I used a code that allows an extra driver for free also. Our schedule is set, now I just have to hope that the thread I read about being at MGM at 6 AM for Wiggles tickets is wrong! I want to see them, and am willing to run across the park, but not at 6 AM!!! Our first park is MK, on SUnday (our second full day there), it is an EMH PM nite, and the extra Magical Beginings hour in the morning. I hope the kids get up, because I hear the character interaction is awesome in the morning. I am so excited!!!!! I am also hoping the park won't be too nuts, it being EMH. I don't see us staying past Wishes. I am hoping my little one stays awake for Wishes this year.

This is also the first time we are going sans stroller. He is too big for ours, so I have to get rid of it. We figure if he gets tired, we will rent one.

I have no surprises for my bunch. I was considering ordering Cindy's Slipper dessert when we dine at 1900 Park Faire, but I want milk/dark chocolate not white chocolate, and I don't think they do that. I can't believe it is 8 days away!!

How is everyone else doing??

Is anyone from EWP going to be there while we are there??

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Meryll, I am so happy you are leaving so soon and not JUST because you will be able to report back and give me tips on our upcoming trip (1 month).

It sounds as if you have everything figured out but you just might want to reconsider that stroller thing. Even older kids do better with stroller, not just for their legs but it makes it so much easier for the parents to keep up with them and you have storage space for your stuff without having to tote it all. My daughter got a stroller on one of her trips and I think I used it more than the grands as I have breathing problems.

Finding the right bag to carry in the parks is so important. I have an old one that looks awful but it has just the right amount of pockets and is so lightweight that I can carry it. I had to start having my husband carry by bag when my lungs started going south and felt it was not fair so I switched to the small bag and it works so well. If only I could do so in my real life. lol

If you are into character interaction you might consider eating at the Garden Grill. The food is very good but the characters as well as the scenery (get bottom row seats) is fabulous. It is a welcome respite from the hot and crowded parks. Go on Soaring before you eat though. The Garden Tour is nice too. Even as rural folks we enjoy it. We are planning on taking the walking tour of that this year. I cannot do most tours but think I can handle this small one.

Janet just got back and I think I am the next to leave from the Suite. Colleen will be going again this holiday season I think and Lisa is not due again until next year as she has already done her allottment for the year. I am thinking that we will go back right after Thanksgiving next year.

I went car shopping again yesterday and have come to the conclusion that a new car will not be in the cards this year as the one I want is far too popular and they insist on sticker price. Since I have a perfectly good car it is not too much of a burden. It has 73,000 miles which is about when we usually trade but Toyota's have a rep for lasting much longer. Tom's truck seems to be behaving, right now. The thought of having to buy TWO vehicles at once is a budget buster!! We also seem to have a leak in our roof. Many people are getting new roofs because of recent hail damage so that might be it and then it would be a good thing. (sigh)

Do you plan to the nth degree or loosely? I do wish I could be there when you are as I could make some of your lines so much easier as well as play with your little ones and hold seats for parades. I am very good at that. Just ask Janet. Everyone has to have a skill.

How many times have you been? If you have any questions this is the place to ask as we all are frequent guests.

Great rate on the car. That will make those late night returns from the parks so much easier. I can drive to every park except MK and sometimes EPCOT. I tend to end up on the interstate when leaving EPCOT. I am going to do some practice runs this time and see if I can figure out where I am going wrong.

I have painting to do today. I am doing some small moldings to make my bathroom remodel a bit more unique. Since the strips will be at the doorway going back toward the far wall it might even make the teeny bathroom seem a bit bigger. I love my house but the bathrooms are all so small that I cannot even change my mind in them let alone my clothes.

I was able to do some clothes shopping in my storage closet where I keep my smaller sizes and I think if I can get rid of another 5 pounds I will be able to fit into a smaller size. Still big but not gigantic as it used to be.

I am to pick up my oldest grandson from school today as he wants to spend the night. Lest you believe that this 15 year old is far too attached to this old woman you should know that there is a houseful of good looking girls who live across the street and they are friends with all the cheerleaders. I will see little of him but he calls and lets me know where he is and always comes home when I tell him I am ready for bed. Luckily for him I am a night owl.

Enough ramblings for the day, I must go do some actual work. I am going to make two of my diet strawberry pies as a reward for all my hard work.

Linda

 

[JoiseyMom]

Well, if he fit in our current stroller, I would take it. But his legs are just toooo long. He is almost 50 pounds. The recommended stroller for his size are the Mac's, and well they are just too expensive to purchase for the trip. That is why we will rent if need be. When dd was 5 and ds was 8 months we went over Xmas, this was 2001, and we had ds in his stroller of course, and we rented for dd. We will also only need it for the 5 park days.

We ate at the Garden Grill on our first family trip when dd was 18 months old. She got really really sick after eating there. It wasn't the food though it was the communal crayons they used to have in a bucket on the table. Since then, dh hasn't wanted to go back!! We did have great interaction, Minnie was a big flirt with my bil!! We had a blast.

We usually do both Princess breakfasts when we are there, but not this year. CRT isn't worth the 2 TS's to us. Here is a list of our current PS's: WCC, Maya Grill, Beirgarten (new), Mama Melrose, H&V, Concourse, 1900 Park Faire (new), HDD (new). We have one more TS, so we might do something in MK, or maybe Planet Hollywood. DD and I are also sharing, so we will see where else we will eat .

Hmm..how many times have I been to WDW, lets see, first trip was in 72 or 73 with mom, and the only park there was MK. The senior trip in HS, 78, and that was only MK and River COuntry (great waterpark). Then I went for a quickie trip with friends when I was 19, so that was in 80, still only MK. Then I didn't go back until we took dd18 months and ds who were 13 & 14 at the time in January 98. Then we went in 2001, 2003 (in laws included), 2004 (sans kids), 2004 (some in-laws), 2005 and now this will be my 10th trip!! My dh has been there lots more time though!! Thanks to the DIS, we have had lots of great tips for the trips. My mil was shocked by how much money we saved using the old breakfast vouchers and vkl vouchers a few years ago. She was like, are these legal?? It was funny, she is such a doubting Thomas!

I am really sorry you aren't getting a new car right now! Dh had to pay sticker price (our first time ever) for his Camry, but he did get the hybrid.

I plan our trips, but I have built in flexibility. I currently have us flying in on the 25th (late). Saturday the 26 is a down day, either a water park or the pool, and maybe some outlets, depending. I know dh is gonna want some soda for the fridge. We are eating at WCC that night. Sunday the 27 is MK!! I can't believe that one week from right now I will be in Fantasyland!!! YES!! I love Mickey's Philamagic, and can't wait to see the new Pooh playplace!! Monday the 28th is Epcot, Tuesday is the kids CBR Pirate Cruise and Disney Quest and DD. Weds is MGM, and I hope the Wiggles (I want to see them!!). Thursday is a down day, and a waterpark. Friday is AK, Saturday is MK, and Sunday is a down day, and either Pool or WP. Monday is fly home, but we don't have to be at the airport until 1:30, so we might hit DD again, we will see.

These days are based ADR's, so we can't do too much switching because of the potential non availability of dining. We have certain things the kids want to see, ds loves Test Track, and the "golf ball", BTMRR, Splash, Pirates, etc. So we hit our populars. We also get to the parks early, and try to get as many fast passes as possilbe, save them and ride the short line rides! We take a lunch pool break and come back after dinner and do whatever else we missed. It worked well for us last year. Last year the kids wanted to go back to TL, so they have up AK. We also did Universal last year, which we are skipping this year.

Well I am off to clean, we are having unexpected guests today, and I also need to pack!!!

Have a great week, I will try to pop in this week!! Kids are home from camp, so it should be hectic!

 

[lunabkatnap]

Hi all

It s been a long time since i got into the group, hope all are well and hello to anyone i haven't met before. I had to get a new address since they wouldn't recognize my old one to get in but recognized it to keep me from using the same name again - go figure

Time to start planning the next trip (Oct. of 2007), check back soon,

LL

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Welcome back dear Luna!! lol I have had to reregister on sites before and know what you mean. It has never happened here, yet. I do not know what name I would pick if I had to pick again as SG just seems to fit soooo very well. No trips until Oct 2007? Have you been this year? Would you not know that we are thinking about going back after Thanksgiving next year (or very favorite time) and will miss you by a few weeks. We are headed back from Sept 20th thru Oct 10th this year. Free Dining caught us!!What have you been up to? Please catch us up. So much has been going on around here but maybe you will have time to read some of the back posts.

Lisa is headed on the Disney Cruise to Europe next year. Colleen's parents bought a retirement home near DW. Becki took her brand, spanking, new baby boy with her on a trip recently and we met Merryl and have been getting to know her. I will let you introduce yourself to her.

Merryl, I read on a thread that they are now selling umbrella stollers for only $40 (as opposed to renting one for several days). Fifty pounds would be stretching it a bit but I have found that those things always are stronger than advertised. If you get there and find that you need one that might be an option, even for short trips here and there. I am not sure what time the entertainment starts at the Biergarten but I think it is after 1 pm. It provides a nice diversion for the kiddos and they can get out on the dance floor and blow off some steam. I hope you are going then, for all your sakes. lol I wish I had my PH vouchers and I would mail you a couple but maybe you have your own?

I was given a heads up about another dealer, a bit away, and when I checked the website I found that they have dozens of cars listed including many 2006 Camry's which would be my choice. I am not impressed with the interior of the 2007"s. If I hear that they have some with SC/TC I may go up tomorrow and look. I once bought a new car the day before we left for DW but it is not something I want to replicate.

I can attest to the fact that sitting toward the back is the best for the Philharmonic. The effects are much better from there. I have ADR's for all but one day and figure that if we do not feel like eating where I have planned we can call from a phone and see if anything else is available and if not we have a guaranteed place. I have a feeling that it will not be as bad as some would have us to believe though.

It sounds as if you have more than enough expertise and great plans for your trip. Have a blast! Looking forward to your experiences so that I can tweak my plans.

Lisa, we are missing you so very much. It is alright since you are having fun though.

Love, Linda Lou

 

[JoiseyMom]

Hey all! Hi Luna, nice to meet you! I can't believe I will be in WDW 24 hours from now!! I currently have 1 child packed, my stuff is 1/2 packed, dh isn't packed at all and my dd is not packed. I will be busy tomorrow! We take off at 6:30, we we want to get to Newark at 4:30, since we don't know how long it will take to get through security.

I picked up a dispsoable waterproof camera for the pool and the waterparks. I hope I don't forget anything. I have the kids perscription meds packed (there is alot of them, dd has epilepsy, and ds has asthma).

DH is working from home tomorrow, DS 22 is planning a week of partying. I hope my house is intact when I get home!!! Thankfully his previous parties have gone well. The second he finds out we are going on vacation, he starts party planning.

Linda, I read that thread about the umbrella stroller in Epcot. I wonder if they have them at MK too, that is our first park. Sunday is MK, Monday is Epcot. If I feel it is sturdy enough for him, I will buy it for $40.00.

I have 1 PH voucher, not sure if we are going to use it or not. I was going to get 4 of the Universal dinner/movie vouchers, but decided against it, that we would be too busy to head over there. I have 1 of them, and my mil would have been able to get me some more if I wanted them.

I think the crowds for next week, won't be so bad. We are doing Beirgarten for dinner, but I was able to get a Teppanyaki for lunch. The in-laws took the kids last week, so now my 5 year old loves shrimp!! So we might do it. I have 4 TS's to play with, and wasn't sure how we were going to use them.

The kids are booked on the CBR Pirate cruise, thanks the thumbs up from Janet's dd. They are looking foward to it.

Linda, good luck with the car choice!! No rash decisions now!!

If I can I will log in on dh's laptop, if he lets me!!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Meryll, (I know I keep misspelling your name, sorry??) How is life in the land of Mickey bars and stunt cars?

It sounds as if you are well prepared for any possible eventuality. I have found that if you are ready nothing happens. Works for me!! (my smilies are not working, darn it)

I would be more worried about the 22 year old party animal. lol I left my 18 year old (I thought responsible) son home alone one time and he met his first wife. Not a pretty sight. Luckily no issue was produced. Would have thought he would have learned his lesson but he did not and is currently on number two who actually makes number one look pretty good and I would have never thought that possible. What can a mother do? Love 'em and pray.

I would bet they would be even more likely to have the strollers at MK than any other park.I hope it is sturdy enough. I think it is a great idea for DW and am looking forward to them providing roller skates next. (grin) I need a stroller just to hold my purse. I have asthma as well. (puff, puff)

I am taking my PH vouchers over when we eat at Raglan Road and hand them over to the first people I see who look like they are going to eat there anyway.

Shrimp huh? Teaching the youngun's some mighty fancy tastes? lol I fear I have been guilty of such transgressions myself. I had my first shrimp when my dh took me out to eat before we were married. He has lived to regret it ever since. lol He loves far more expensive food than I do so he deserves to suffer a bit.

I cannot wait until you report on the Pirates Cruise. It sounds like a bunch of fun. They need more things for boys and adventerous girls.

I might find my way over to the Crossroads Kinko's and see if I can email you all while I am there. Might not be possible though as, with the free dining, we will have little need to wander off site. Bet that is what DW has in mind. (grin)

I am taking my venerable and well running vehicle with me. I am taking it in for a go over at the mechanics tomorrow just in case though. 73,000 miles is the new 30,000, right??

I am sorry for taking so long to respond but it has been an exciting and scary week here. My sil, who has been on the liver transplant list for some months, was called to the hospital a few days ago. Two other people were ahead of her on the list but they were not matches. She was doing so well but took a turn for the worse yesterday. The news is some better today but she is still in the ICU. She is a few years younger than I am and a tough person so I am hoping that she will bounce back soon and be in good health for the first time in many years. She is not a drinker but has a genetic disease that makes her body produce too much iron and that killed her liver. She had been going in to have blood taken every two weeks to keep it under some control. I, on the other hand, need transfusions to get iron. The world is an odd place.

Becki, Lisa, Colleen, Luna and Meryll= Good night and sleep tight, your friend, SG/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

I cannot believe that it's been OVER A MONTH since I've had a chance to visit the Boards! (When I pulled them up, just now, it indicated that my last visit was on AUGUST 1st!! That's a new "record" for me - I have NEVER been away from the Boards for that long!)

So sorry that I haven't had a chance to stop by the Suite since then - the month of August was very busy for us! Please know that I've been thinking of you all, though! It will take me awhile to catch up on everyone's posts and with everyone's news, but I will do so!

We also have to plan Linda and Tom's BON VOYAGE party, as they prepare to embark on another Magical Disney vacation!

All has been well, here. My "summer vacation" is officially over today, as I start back at school, tonight. I guess it couldn't last forever! But it was a great and fun summer! Frank took a week off in August and we took lots of day trips - to the shore, to New Hope, PA, to the Perth Amboy (NJ) waterfront (since there are so many "Jersey girls" in the Suite, now, they know where I'm talking about! ). We had a friend in from Michigan 2 weeks ago and spent every day that week engaged in group plans with lots of friends to entertain him, and that was a lot of fun, too! We had a nice Labor Day weekend - went to a close friend's 40th Birthday party and a BBQ at my SIL's, and then just spent yesterday relaxing on our deck.

The friend who turned 40 (Fred) is a very sweet guy, and another friend (John), Frank, and I gave him a very special birthday gift. Fred is always joking that his life plays out like one long episode of "Seinfeld" and that there should be a sitcom based on his life, with all of his eccentric friends and family members, etc. So..........Frank, John, and I spent the summer making Fred's dream come true.........we literally wrote a script for a half hour "sitcom pilot" episode of a "show" about Fred's life - including all of us and his other friends, etc. We put a lot of work into it - we got together every week, over the summer, to work on it - and we finally presented it to him on Saturday night. He was very overwhelmed, touched, and thrilled! Can't wait to hear what he thinks, once he has a chance to calm down and read it - it was truly a "labor of love" for us - and a lot of fun to work on, too!

Anyway, hope that all has been well with all of you and hope that you all had a great Labor Day weekend!

Welcome back, Lauralee! And nice to see you again, Merryl!

Hi out there, Colleen!

And hi again, Linda!

Have a great day.........I'll start catching up on all of your posts, right away!

 

[IASW Rider]

Hope that you are having a wonderful, Magical vacation, Merryl! So sorry that I missed YOUR Bon Voyage party..........we'll just have to have a "WELCOME HOME PARTY" for you, upon your return, that's all! Then you can tell us all about your wonderful adventures and your great trip! Enjoy!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Lisa! We have really missed seeing you around but as long as you were having fun we wil forgive you.

What a wonderful gift to do for someone! I had a friend from way back in first grade who spent considerable time making me a scrapbook when they tore down my family home and I burst into tears when I saw it. The time spent is so precious. Bet your friend was teary eyed as well. I wish I could read it.

I always thought I would be a good sitcom writer as I have lived an interesting life and have much material to work from. Maybe science fiction would be more fitting.

Look for a package as that envelope that has languished on my desk lo these many months has finally been taken to the post office. Do not expect much as my mundane life does not give to many truly interesting items but I tried.

I had a dear friend come by this afternoon and we spent it reading a certain book that another friend gave me. Naturally it was all about Disney World. She and her husband have a second home at The Villages and we will be visiting them on our return home but they are also going to come over and spend a day at EPCOT with us. We saw the Beach Boys together a few years ago. She is the daughter of my dear friend, Dorthea.

I do not think that I have reported that Tom has cataracts and is going to have surgery when we get back from vacation. I am now doing all the driving. He had only been driving about 30 miles a week before. Just more reasons why we need to move to town. Need and want are two different things though. Not to mention the effort involved.

Have a great night gals, see you all soon!

Linda

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Six days to go!!


Nuff said. (no time to say anything anyway lol)

Linda

 

[JoiseyMom]

Hey guys I have been back almost a week, and have been pretty busy. I am working on a Trip Report, lets see if I can finish it!! Trip was really good, kids had some melt downs, but heck, heat, sugar, sugar, sugar, and you get melt downs! Weather was hot, and wet, but not as hot as last year. We had a bunch of overcast days, and that wasn't too bad. Had to change our itinerary a bit, but we all survived. Free dining was awesome, had only 1 oop meal for DS, and we used all our dining credits plus some extras (long story). Hit the former Belz outlets and spent a small fortune! Good thing we didn't go there last year! Had lots of magic. Kids played ball and tag with Peter Pan, Wendy, Minnie Mouse, Capt. Hook, and Donald Duck. Both kids rode Peter Pan with Wendy (have pics!!). Kids both got lolly's from the lollypop lady in Japan again. Somehow our seats of 45B were changed to 25 at HDD and we were in the front row right behind the piano and banjo player!!! The kids got to test that new Kim Possible game in Epcot. Lots of great stuff!!! They loved the CBR Pirate Cruise too!!

Any questions???

Merryl

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Welcome home Merryl!! What a lot of fun you guys had. Did you leave any for me?

If you get your report written before I leave please be sure and let me know as I might get some more ideas. I have booked an Illuminations Cruise and a few other surprises but still have not figured out what to do for our last night's stay. Usually I have to get up early the next day and this trip I am taking an extra day going down and back so we could actually stay out late. Seeing Spectro would be our first choice but there is none that night. Did you guys get to see it while you were there??

So much pixie dust for your trip and deservedly so!!! I cannot wait to see the pictures with your kids and the characters (or is that just plain 'characters"??)

I had a fellow DISer PM me the other day thinking we might meet since we are both going to be there at the same time. Turns out she lives just up the road from us. IASW!!!

I am packing one small suitcase with every imaginable medicine I can think of. I have found that if I plan things do NOT happen. I am going to try to go cold turkey medication wise so that I might manage to keep off the few pounds I have managed, at great pain, to discard. Steriods tend to plump one up. I am going to do a bunch of walking so that the Free Food does not do me in.

Reading day went well Friday and several of the students and I were already friends so we were all delighted to see each other in a setting outside of the CC. I was so pleased with all the news reportage of "Put your nose in a book" day. They passed out red noses to all the readers. It was a simple but great idea. I had to stay in the car while my family went into Sam's Club today because my youngest grandson was engrossed in a book and did not want to stop reading. I love it!!

Yardwork and CC for me tomorrow. I have to take my moving library out of the trunk when I get home as it will be my last day at the CC until we return from WDW. One boy wants me to take pictures of Buzz Lightyear so I bought a 2 gig SD card, it takes 2500 pictures or about 8 hours of video or a combination of both. Along with my other 2 512 cards I should be well set. I already have videos of so many things and pictures that there is little need for a lot more.

Good night Suite Ladies, Linda