EWP group?

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

ELAINE!!!!!! So great to hear from you! Thanks so much for coming by and checking in! And it sounds like you definitely made the right move for yourself by quitting your job. You knew that it was the right time to move on, and as Linda said, hopefully you will have some more time to yourself, now, to accomplish the things that you want to do and to decide the best next "plan" for you. I hope that you are enjoying having a break and that all is well with you and Luis!

Glad to hear that you enjoyed the beginning of our Anniversary celebration, Linda! And hope that everyone enjoyed our "Around the World" dinner in the World Showcase, last night, featuring foods from each of the represented countries - YUM! Since we've already hit each of the theme parks, the next part of our celebration will be taking place in Downtown Disney, starting with a private showing of La Nouba! It was very nice of Cirque du Soleil to honor us with the offer of a private show!

Would love to see the rest of your footage, Linda - we really enjoyed the video and photos that you sent! Great job! Would love to see the "music videos", too!

We've been having a nice (if rainy!) weekend. We had fun at the Somerset Patriots game on Friday night (even though they lost ) - it was nice to see the old ML pals, whom we went with, and it's always fun to see a ball game so close to home! Then we had a great 79th Birthday party for my uncle at my father's house, yesterday. My father has been loving having the opportunity to do some entertaining, lately, since he hadn't been able to do so for so long (even before my mother got sick - she never really liked people coming to the house, since she was rather agoraphobic), and he does a great job, too! There were unbelievable amounts of food, there - lots of good deli stuff! And Frank baked his world-famous Peaches and Cream Pie, for the occasion, and it went over very well! My uncle had a good time and he enjoyed seeing the relatives who came, and it was nice to see my father enjoying the company of others, too. We're off to take them both out to dinner, now, since today is my uncle's actual Birthday.

Hope that you're all having a great weekend!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Excuse me but all that great food has me a bit off balance. I think that chocolate cake at the Norway Bakery was the best part of the evening. I am so glad that along with the no limit credit card we got a Free Pass on Calories as well. I may just move into the Suite permanently and forget all about the Real World. Doubt it would forget about me though. (sigh)

My sister is back in the hospital with the staph infection. Very scary and since she is not the type to follow doctor's orders, or anyone else's it is very scary.

Just learned that one of my younger sisters is going to be a grandma for the first time. Her 20 year old son's 14 year old girlfriend that he has lived with for 3 years is pregnant. Can we spell Appalachia?? For obvious reasons she cannot state who the father is so we will all be pitching in to support this newest life. May he/she prosper in spite of the circumstances. Because of the age difference between my hubby and myself I have been a great aunt before but did not expect it from this side of the family too soon. I may be a great great aunt someday soon as my great niece is now 19. I am now the oldest person in my family. I am 56. Odd.

Lisa, they have the La Nouba DVD at Target for under $30. I am thinking of getting it. Netflik has many of the other shows on DVD too. My sister saw the one in Las Vegas. It was R rated and she said it was awesome. Guess it will not be coming to DW any time soon. LOL

I am somewhat agoraphobic but I enjoy people coming in just do not like to go elsewhere. I am glad that your dad is enjoying himself. He was a good husband and deserves some time to do what he wants and is blessed to have such a loving family too. Peaches and Cream pie? Frank cooks??? Is a mitzvah. (is that right?)

I am watching the Gleason show on tv right now. The guy from Raymond is awesome in the part. I have seen it before. I grew up watching Jackie Gleason. You youngster would not know this but once upon a time, even after there WAS tv, it was in B&W AND there were only a few hours of programming a day. Even my daughter remembers the bullseye and the dreadful noise it made when the network shut down for the night. I am always shocked when, even with all the channels on cable, I cannot find anything worth watching.

I am glad you liked the videos and I will try to send some others. Takes a long time on this end. When my contract is up if they still have that great deal on SBC broadband for $15 a month I am trading up. Not worth $50 or more for me though.

Pardon me while I go lay down on the lounge on the lanai and watch the Wishes fireworks scatter across the sky. Did anyone else see the post where someone taped the music from Wishes to play while her daughter watched the 4th of July fireworks so she would not be scared? Moms sure are special.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

I loved that story about the Mom who played the Wishes soundtrack so that her daughter would not be frightened by the 4th of July fireworks, Linda - that is so sweet! We didn't get to see any 4th of July fireworks "live", this year, but we did watch NYC's (amazing!) and Boston's (also great!) on TV, and I got all choked up when part of the Boston fireworks' soundtrack turned out to be "We Go On" from the finale of IllumiNations! I was so surprised - it wasn't even ABC that carried the Boston fireworks - I'm surprised that Disney let Boston use that piece of music as part of the soundtrack, especially since IllumiNations is still running!

Anyway, congratulations on your soon-to-be new member of the family! Even though the circumstances are a bit "non-traditional", your nephew has obviously been with his girlfriend for several years, so it seems that they are committed to one another and perhaps are wiser than their years? No matter what, the baby will surely be born into a warm and loving family with lots of support and caring!

I hope that your other sister will be all right and that her infection subsides quickly - I can imagine how scary that must be - I assume that you are speaking of your sister who recently had surgery? I hope that everything will be all right!

I also saw the Jackie Gleason TV movie with Brad Garrett (I think) from "Everybody Loves Raymond" - I think that he did an amazing job with that role! It was a great TV movie - I love those films about classic TV and movie stars! And hey - I remember when the TV networks used to sign off for the night and then have a test pattern all night long.........and then sign back on with the National Anthem, around 5:00 AM! I remember thinking it was so cool when regular (as opposed to cable) TV stations started broadcasting 24 hours a day! It still seems odd to me that other countries' TV networks do not broadcast all day and night long and that they have to pay a "broadcasting tax / fee", too.

It sounds like you have a real production studio going on, on your computer, there! It's so neat that you are making DVD's and setting them to music! Hey - any footage that you'd like to e-mail or send over is wonderful with me! Once I have a chance, I'll have to figure out how to do the same with our computer - I haven't quite gotten to that point, yet - we copied CD's for the first time (for Colleen!), just a few days ago - I haven't "graduated" to video production and editing, yet! And I'd love to see Austin's cow footage, as well!

I don't have the "La Nouba" DVD, but I did tape the entire show when it was broadcast on Bravo, a few months ago! And we do have a pre-recorded video tape - sort of a documentary about the "making of 'La Nouba' " - that we bought at the Cirque theater in Downtown Disney, when we saw the show, several years ago. I haven't seen any of the Vegas shows, but Frank saw "Mystere" when he was there in the early 90's and loved it! I haven't seen the R-rated one, "Zumanity", but since I'm on the Cirque e-mail list, I get information about it - it sounds very interesting, as do "O" and the new show, "Ka"! "Varekai" is back in NJ, again - we saw it when it first premiered in NY, 2 years ago, and it was great!

Yes! Frank does cook (although I do all of the cooking on a weekly basis) and he does a great job - but he is an especially skilled baker! He loves baking and trying new recipes for cakes, pies, breads, and cookies!

Speaking of baked goods, I'm also glad that we got a Free Pass on Calories for the weekend, for our Suite Celebration, as well! I certainly seemed to overdo it at the Norway Bakery, but it was worth every bite! Too bad they don't still have the buffet there........but I'm going to see if our Suite Boys can conjure up some "room service" from Norway for me, and have Akershus send over some more great fish and cheeses, while our Free Pass on Calories is still in effect!

Have a great night, Everyone!

P.S. Colleen is leaving for WDW in less than a week, that lucky Lady! She has all sorts of great plans - including a quick mini-vacation to Disney's Vero Beach Resort! Hopefully she'll have a chance to stop in and tell us all about her plans, before she and her family blast off for real, next weekend!

 

[colleen costello]

Hi everyone! Extra special hi to ELAINE, so glad to hear from you... Welcome to the world of the jobless! Join Linda, Lisa and I... although Lisa is a grad student so maybe she won't really qualify? Linda and I keep awfully busy and I bet you will, too. I have decided to start teling people who view my unemployment with suspicion that I am a special Disney-oriented travel agent. It would hardly be a lie... My "expertise" is known locally and now a lot of people ask me to consult on their trips... So much fun to oblige.

Linda, don't sweat the gall bladder surgery. It seems to be the prize you get for losing a lot of weight, yes? Mom had it a few years back and sailed through it beautifully. Despite having a "Pooh shape" as the folks on the parks Board so nicely put it, she was able to have the laparoscope. She felt perfectly well after the procedure and enjoyed missing work for a few weeks. I am glad the surgery is coming with "kennel" priveleges. Shame on me for suggesting it... But if all goes well with Tom staying at brother's place, perhaps you will schedule tummy tuck, facelift, **** job, etc? I know, I am bad for even suggesting such!

Glad it went well with your grandsons at the fair. We will miss our County Fair for Mickey, but I am sure I come out ahead in that deal. The kids love the animals but the crummy rides scare the life out of me... Put together in a hurry with duct tape and chewing gum they are, and then the kids want to climb aboard and be hurled through the air. Not on my watch! We had a great time at Holiday World where the rides are clean and in great repair. Linda, I thought of you because we did take a few minutes to watch part of one show. It was karaoke and two women were having at it, singing a Donna Summer song from the 1980's no less. Funny!

I will certainly report back on our Vero excursion, as well as the rest of the upcoming pilgrimage. Today we went to Walmart and bought packaged rain ponchos ($.87) and big tubes for the pool ($1.37) Mickey charges too much for things! I am going to show up PREPARED! We are most excited about Vero and will try to post pictures from there or French Quarter, if service is available. At the very least I can give reports on the trip home.

Love to everyone. I am now going to find my Harry Potter book and re-read the last two chapters for clues as to what will happen in the next installment. I spent the weekend reading it and am DYING that it will take 2 years to find out how it all finishes up!

Linda, I will pray for your sis and keep my eyes peeled for anyone fitting Tammy's description. I have lime-green ears on my bag but no one ever notices them

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy Colleen, I am right with ya on the local and small fairs being dangerous places. Those rides are scary enough but when you look at or talk to many of the workers it is downright frightening. It is seasonal work and you do not ger many who are sober or clean. I trust DW and Holiday World. I was heartbroken for them when that one lady died a couple of years ago. I knew from the start that she had done something dumb. I do not know what else they could do to keep people safe unless they conduct a mental health consult before allowing admittance.

If you and I got paid for all the Disney trips that we help to set up each year we would easily be able to afford to go on one or two extra trips ourselves. I say we should hire ourselves out as personal tour guides so we get paid AND get to go!! The DIS green button gets me more notice than anything else including my lime green t shirt with big purple DIS letters on the back. Lime green is popular right now so that makes it a lot harder to spot DISers now.

I am thrilled to know that your mom was able to have the surgery the easier way. Had she had previous stomach surgeries? I have had 4 others so far and scarring can deter the surgeon. BTW, I think my feelings are very hurt and not sure if I have the right or not. I am told that I am a delicate creature and see slights when there are none (dd). Anyway I called my dd and sil two nights ago and asked if they would donate blood to me as they had years ago and I sort like to know where my blood is coming from. They donate regularly to the Red Cross. Anyway I just got a message from my sil that he is at the RC van and is planing on donating. He cannot donate again for 6 weeks is my understanding. I guess I will have to do a Blanche Dubois and depend on the kindness of strangers.

If I had all that surgery done I would be far too good for Tom and heavens knows we would not want that. Would be a waste of good amunition anyway. LOL

Do you think I do karoke? I am a lover of mankind and would never perpetuate such a serious injury upon the ear drums of anyone. I do love to watch it though. Takes bravery or a lot of gall imho. Very few have the talent.

I got my rain ponchos for 50 cents each. I like to take several as you never do get them wrapped up right after using and it is so handy to have those tiny packages to toss in the corner of your purse. Seems to keep the rain away I think. Do you buy regular autograph books for your kids? They have Disney pens at WM but they are the skinny ones and look kind of flimsy. I am still kicking myself for not buying more of the big fat ones at Deals a few years ago. They were great to give out when you ran across a kid celebrating a birthday or something at DW. Do you do the fanny pack and canteen thing with your family to save big bucks? For a Disney bargain make sure to stop by the China counter serve and get the bag of wonton ribbons. They are fabulous and enough for the whole family to share. Forget the price but it was under $3.

I buy my Harry Potter books closer to the holidays when the prices go down a bit as I buy several copies for different libraries. They just increased our late fees at our library from 2 cents a day to 10 cents. About time I think. Funding is decreasing and it is important to keep the libraries open. Best bargain for the buck I know of. I have read all the rest of the books and greatly enjoyed them. I love to read the book and then when the movie comes out is so interesting to see how they manage to show the scenes.

Tammy was at Holiday World when you were so you have missed her. Maybe next time??

I bought a shirt at WM that has a giant map of Indiana on it. I had thought to mark my town with a red heart until I found that it was on a place that I did NOT want to draw attention to. LOL I wore it the other day and all my friends were pointing out places on it in a kidding way cause I were blushing then I went to Big Lots and a guy in there asked me where my town was. I blushed some more .

I talked to my sister this morning and she sounded as if she felt better. I hope they keep her until she is totally well. I take good care of myself after surgery but she does not like rules.

Announcement!!! I hearby apologize to anyone whom I offended with my statement about Appalachia. I knew better. I am from there. I was just aggravated that yet another generation in my family seems to want to flush themselves down a sewer and I know who they are going to turn to when they get in dire straits. I was wrong about that statement though. I know many back home who do NOT live that way.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[colleen costello]

Linda, I about laughed myself into a seizure picturing you getting picked up at Big Lots because Indiana happened to be on a nipple! Hope that word gets past the DIScensors! Anyhow, Scott pokes fun at me for wearing my green ears on my bag when no one notices them anyway. Too much to see at WDW to be looking at me! Perhaps if the ears were "up front" on either side of my chest they'd be noticed?

I bet I saw your pal Tammy at Holiday World. I enjoyed sitting in the "surf" of the wave pool watching the world go by. I love the place because I always note that NO ONE there is a supermodel. Lots of cellulite and body parts long since ravaged by the forces of gravity. I like this as after two kids I blend right in!

Yes, I am happy with my stash of Walmart cheap stuff to haul to Florida. While I love Mickey dearly I do think he is awfully close to geting out-of-hand with some of the charges. If people shell out $300 or more per night for a room at Beach Club (not me, thanks DVC!) you'd think he could LOAN them a pool tube, no? I guess I am not a smart enough business woman because a lot of people sure do pay the $10 per day rental.

Linda, I know your birthday is approaching and I am hoping in a big way you are not locked up in the hospital while they remove the offending organ. I know your grandsons will surely want to honor you on that day, and not in the hospital,either. I will be en route to Florida and plan to yell out "Happy Birthday Linda" as I cross the Florida state line. Perhaps the new waiters in the suite will prepare a special feast for the big day?

I admire your restraint in waiting for Harry Potter #6 to go on sale. I got ripped off $23 at CVS because I was too lazy to drive to Walmart. Silly me! As I had it read by the next night I had time to consider my evil ways.. But boy it was good!

Love to all.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Colleen, how in the heck did you get that word past the censors after getting a much less delicate word that can also mean stupid starred out? Me thinks the censors were asleep on that one. I do not believe in censorship anyway. Even things that greatly offend me are safe from my wanting to restrict them. Good will out and censorship tends to take over until nothing is left, good or bad. IMO Actually, my hometown (which I carefully do not mention) would be much further south and on the 'backside' of my shirt. LOL

We are twins!!! I find it appalling to spend $300 a nite or more on a room to sleep in. Maybe if I were much richer and had more money than I need I would feel differently but I fear I would not fit in with the fancy people anyway. Lisa is the rare exception in that she loves the Poly but is real people. I do not think she ever met a stranger (at least not one any stranger than I) We eat at places we enjoy, regardless of cost, but find few such places worthy of depleting our retirement bank account. This year alone I have had repairs on BOTH furnaces and a/c, family problems out the wahoo which require bucks to keep their utilities and such going, and now I need surgery and finally the truck needs an emergency room. I would quote Queen Elizabeth but fear I would mispell the phrase and incur the censors wrath. (I am awful, but then you knew that) My heart goes out to those who are trapped on site with no transportation and are at the mercy of whatever the costs are on site. I have been known to make shopping trips for them. Not brave enough to let a stranger into my car though. Maybe if they had a DIS t shirt on I might.

I read so much and so quickly that I long ago decided that the free library was the only way to go and since mine is just a few steps from my back door I have no overwhelming need to rush out and buy any book. They put my name at the top of the list for books they know I want. I keep them supplied with baked goods and such. I am supplying the goodies for the Bandstand Read this weekend. Bribery works.

I am surprised that you and Tammy did not strike up a conversataion as you are both the type who would gravitate to each other. She dated my son for a brief moment in time and I had hopes of her for a dil but it was not to be. She has expressed the idea that she would have liked to have me as a mil IF she did not have to take Tommy into the deal.

Being a control freak and German I am going at this surgery thing in a orderly manner. Since I am used to being wheeled in the emergency room with no chance for making any decisions I am overplanning this. I have a list of what foods to prepare to take to my bil's to feed the guys while I am incapacitated and what foods to buy for the house so I wil not have to cook much AND a list of chores that need to be done first etc. etc. I have asked it to be scheduled after school starts (Aug 16th) which will also be after my BD. Speaking of birthdays I am buying my present today. I have decided that I deserve that copy of La Nouba that I saw last week. Will give me something to watch while bedridden.

I wonder how Luna is doing. I hope her family is spoiling the heck out of her. She surely do deserve it. I am in awe of all that she does and does so well. Where would the world be without wives and mothers like she? Heck, just for NOT beating her hubby over the head for the prolonged bathroom remodel she deserves a medal.

I have to complete my shopping list so I do not forget anything. The good thing about living in the Boonies is that you cannot spend much here BUT if you run out of something it is too hard (and too expensive now) to run to town just for a loaf of bread or something. Tuesday is my big shopping day and I attempt to get all chores done that day. Will be a bit easier today as I do not have to drive my friend on a walker. When I have her I have to take her lunch, drive her home and then drive back to town to do my shopping. Sometimes do not make it home until nearly 9.

SG/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda! So glad to hear that your surgery is scheduled for well after your Birthday, this weekend! (You know that we will be having a party for you in the Suite on Sunday, your Birthday Eve - and a Bon Voyage party for Colleen on Saturday night, too! ) It's great that it gives you time to plan everything as carefully as you are doing - having the forethought to ensure that you have all the things that you need on hand, and that Tom will have everything that he needs, too. And I think it's wonderful that you are treating yourself to "La Nouba" in honor of your Birthday! You can pretend that you are in WDW seeing it, as you recover!

Just to clarify - we don't actually spend $300 per night to stay at the Poly - we always "did" those trips with one of the Disney packages, so if one was to break down the hotel rate by night (as part of the package) it does come out to be less than $300!

I also find that people notice my lime green DIS button more than any of the lime green ribbons that I have attached to my video camera case or any of my DIS T-shirts, either! Even people who don't know what the DIS is seem to ask about it when they see my button!

I'm sure that you and your family are totally getting psyched to blast off, this weekend, Colleen! Your trip is coming up so soon - you all must be beside yourselves with excitement! And it sounds like you found some amazing deals on your rain ponchos and tubes for Stormalong Bay - that is wonderful! It always makes me feel "accomplished" and "satisfied" when I come across great deals like those!

Not too much to report from boiling hot, humid NJ today! Just wanted to stop in and say "hello"! Hope that you're all having a great week!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi ya Lisa! I hope you took my comments about staying at the more expensive places the way I meant it. I tend to spout off without thinking but I had the best of intentions. If the Poly had been where I stayed as a child I would have fond memories also and want to stay there all the time. For where I came from it is enough for me to be able to go at all. I am having an overwhelming urge to be there NOW!!! Well, maybe not in the heat but ASAP!!! It is 96 here today and I did not wash my filthy car because I thought it would not be good for me and DW would not be good for me right now either. I worry about some of the people who post on the DIS who insist on staying at the expensive places and then in another post complain about how high their bills are. I would not enjoy any trip if I had to come home and face big bills. On the other hand if it were a rare occasion and I was not likely to go but one time I would probably 'go for it". I know that you and Frank are wise so I do not worry about you, or anyone else on the EWP either. Ever notice what a grounded group we have here? I have.

I bought my La Nouba video today and picked up a copy of The Glen Miller story also (only $5) too. I saw a copy of Jospeh and the Amazing Technocolor Dreamcoat but it was very expensive so I am going to wait that one out. My rule of thumb is that it has to be worth watching at least once for each dollar it costs. LOL I videotaped a whole bunch of old movies off AMC this week in preparation for my week of self indulgence.

Lest anyone thing I am nuts for "vanting to be alone" you must know that I live less than ten feet away from my nearest neighbor, have a phone in nearly every room and the Emergency Squad is less than 100 yards from my house and I know most everyone in the whole town AND they are known for being the best neighbors anyone could want. I bought some disposable containers to fix several heat up meals and only have a few feet to get to bathroom or kitchen. Everything a woman could want. I am so darned German that they let me keep my own records when I am hospitalized so I am well able to keep track at home as well. Been there, done that and this time I have no hubby or children to care for at the same time so life is good.

I honestly believe that my (joking) idea of a lime green sun shade hat with DIS logo and a beeper/light that flashes when one hat is near another is a great idea. Not sure how much they would have to cost since there are a limited amount of DISers and how many of them would want to buy though. The folks in charge are free to use my idea without fear of a lawsuit but if they would like to give me the first hat, or a lifetime pass to DW I would be grateful.

Dalton's version of the story of Cleopatra - She wanted to meet the king so she wrapped herself up in a carpet and they delivered her to the king. She unrolled herself, jumped out and said "How do you like this, Sugar?" She killed herself with an asP (make sure you get that P in there). LOL I hope his teachers have a sense of humor. I loved it but I am warped.

Colleen, if it cools down you just might find me at the 65 intersection trying to hitch a ride with you guys. Hey, I can pay my own way and I babysit so how bad could it be?

Back to the saltmines for me. Have a bush to trim. Sure glad I do not grow as fast as the shrubbery.

SG/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

I think that your plan for your recuperation and recovery sound great! You've mapped everything out wonderfully (right down to ensuring that you have lots of good movies and other fun things to watch on TV!) and it's so nice that you have such great neighbors, friends, and resources so close by that you can rely upon! I don't blame you for "vanting to be alone", at all - you'll probably be much more comfortable that way and have a chance to get the proper amount of rest. You'll probably heal much more quickly, too, taking your time and doing things at your own pace. I'm sure that Tom and your boys will miss you very much, but it will be no time before you're all better and back to being able to spend time with them, again!

Of course I took your comment about staying at more expensive places the way that you meant it! I also hate to hear about people who go into debt over things like vacations or other "luxury purchases". I could never do that with a good conscience - I wouldn't be able to sleep at night! When we used to do our 1 week at the Poly trips, we always planned it well in advance and knew that we could "handle it" (besides, as I said, the packages that we used to "do" - which also included Ultimate Park Hoppers and transfers to and from the airport - actually worked out to have lower room rates than the regular ones quoted, anyway). Plus, since we only take one "real" vacation per year, we figured that we could treat ourselves to doing it the way that we wanted to. The trips that we took the past 2 years - the land / sea packages and staying at a Moderate resort for 4 days - do work out to be a bit less expensive than our 7 days on land at a Deluxe resort. Next year will be around the same amount, since we'll be traveling home on Memorial Day weekend. Anyway, I agree with you - it's not worth it to plan a very expensive vacation, when it can be done more modestly and when one can "get more bang for their buck"! I'm not saying that we'll never stay in a Deluxe Resort, again, but we certainly had great times at POR, over the past 2 years and from all of the great information that Colleen has been giving us, we know that we are going to love CB next year, too!

That's so neat that you got "The Glen Miller Story" along with "La Nouba"! Frank and I went to see one of the more recent incarnations of the Glen Miller Orchestra in concert, several years ago, and they were just wonderful - we love the music of the 1940's! We always tell my father that he is so lucky to have grown up during that time of great music, films, culture, etc. OK..........there was also a major World War going on at that time, too.........but the music was wonderful!

Well, time to get some productive things done before my class, tonight! Hope that you're all having a great day!

 

[IASW Rider]

P.S. I loved Dalton's version of the story of Cleopatra - that is hilarious! Very creative - maybe Dalton should consider writing some short stories - his accounts of various historical figures or historical events - with illustrations! That would be adorable!

And that's a great idea about those visors with the blinking lights to alert one to the presence of another DIS'er in WDW! You should patent that quickly, before someone comes along and steals it! You should make up some prototypes to test on your next trip, too!

 

[lunabkat]

Hi All!

Well, that was quite some party the other night, i think the new guys will come along very nicely. I am so glad it was credit card and calorie free, they are too good to us.

I am hobbling along nicely, and no, Linda, those darned people never did show up to adopt the little one, who has since forgotten about it...for now.

Now for my wacky weekend before surgery...

Picture this, Friday night, its quiet...too quiet...

The two (yeas, two) buses arrive with the guests for our party, trouble does, indeed, come in twos

Of course, the bridal party comes packed with assorted alcoholic beverages because a 5 hour open bar is never enough, so first things first, I must confiscate the offending coolers and place them in the locked coat closet because they keep coming in to the office and taking bottles from under the desk.

After cocktail hour, when waiting to have the bridal party introduced, the upstairs bar is stormed, seven people deep for the length of the bar, where they proceed to reach over the bar, open the beer coolers and help themselves to brewskies, honestly, it was like watching the Lemings swarm over a cliff. For the first time since i began working there the bars (yes, they had to have three bartenders and a "beer tender" (says is all right there folks) that night (only 180 people) were opended before the introductions and toast were made because these people couldn't wait.

Now, among all this, my boss has my friend "M" held aside for being a personal cocktail waitress for three tables of elderly aunts and uncles, as per the Groom. Now, one of these tables has been given to one of the waiters "C" who is a horses butt, arroogant, rude to the waitresses, quick tempered, smarmy and basically trouble which i have pointed out to my boss (lets refer to him as the big "BH") but BH states he is so very good with the "patrons" he is worth the trouble (HAH!)

So, I hear "C" complaining to another male worker about "M" (whose honesty is impecable, i would trust her with my last penny) having his table and that he had been looking to make $60 off that table to put in his pocket. I tell hime that it wasn't "M"'s of "BH"'s choice to have her serve cocktails, but the grooms and that the groom hadn't told "BH" which tables it would be until he arrived that night.

Fast forward, end of night "someone" told "C" that "M" made 80$ off his table (i know this to be untrue, which I tell C, becasue M and i always and only talk to each other about our tips because as we work head table together we pool our tips and share, she had made $23 and I had made $50 and she had me hold the money because she was afraid of it falling out of her pocket). BH tells be to have them discuss this after the party, but C will not, he smiles as me and says she will "do the right thing" if she wants to. So now M goes to him and asks hime who told him she got $$ from his table, he of course will not tell and an argument insues where she finally walks away as he calls her basically a liar and a thief and she tells him to go ****.

He now jumps up an follows her, screaming, until she is backed up againts a wall where he is bent over into her face, screaming and wagging his finger in his face. I am standing about 50-100 ft away and as he is yelling some of the guys are telling hime to calm down, he raises his hand above his head and i yell "HEY, HEY, HEY" at which time he starts to lower his hand and turns around to me laughing. I proceed to tell him that if he hits her i will knock him into next week and he gets in my face yelling"Oh, but she can call me *****? and i reply, "you don't raise your hand to her" followed by his asking me again if she is allowed to call him names to which i reply their discussion is between them, you do not raise your hand to her. Now, all of a sudden comes bossman BH and takes them inot the back room where the shouting continues until they both come out and we finish reset. At the end of the night, C quits and walks out of the building.

Two days later BH has the owner calling this guy back because he is such a good worker, after talking to me and my telling him i don't want to work for him. M calls up and talks to the owner about that night, the owner states BH didn't tell him the details and that the guy is gone. Later that week BH (owner's bro) puts C back on for next weekend, after telling M and me he won't be back because he doesn't want to lose us, and the owner takes him back off the list and that is where it stands now.

I feel like BH has been dishonest and disloyal to M and myself, we have worked for him for three years and he was going back and forth to each of us (M and I) telling us different stories and telling us not to speak to anyone else about what he was saying (which we did of course, he had already proven he was lying thru his teeth). I told him i wouldn't work with C because he was dangerous and i wasn't looking over my shoulder or walkinig on eggshells at work because of him. BH couldn't have cared less, he wanted(wants) this guy back anyway even tho he threatend and disrepected both M and Myself. Can you belive that garbage?

Needless to say BH is an @@@ and i will no longer give hime my trust or loyalty but will play the game accordingly. No more consideration for if he has a big party, it i have plans (or not) too bad. For all his talk of loyalty and teamwork, he didn't have the goods when push came to shove (literally). Oh well, i have at least gaioned some knowledge.

Otherwise, the operation went better than expected, the lump was benign and the bones was normal so all was not badness and if i had to pick something to go right, it would have been that.

talk soon, LL

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi ya LL. Since you are the voice of experience I will bow to your assessment of our new staff members. We always let Rider pick them as she seems to pick the best of the best and nothing but the best will do for the Suite Ladies.

Whew, you sure had a good send off for your mini vacation. You have reminded me why I hated being a waitress (other than the fact I was very bad at it). I never did like having to pool my tips. To this day I am loathe to walk away from my table until my waiter/ess picks up the bill for fear that someone will either steal or lose the tip. I know how hard earned those dollars are and how important they can be. (a tip from me to you - I used to wear a picture of my kids on a button so people could see who I was working for). I have never understood why management, anywhere, would allow one or two individuals to make it miserable for everyone else. Just not worth it IMHO. I think that the employee's should have some say over who they work with and it would benefit everyone involved. Your friend is lucky to have you there to keep her from getting hurt. I know she would do the same for you. BTW, if you ever do decide to let any of your kids be adopted out, wait until they are teenagers. Will be well worth the wait. Are you able to hobble around very well? Great news on there not being worse problems. Yeah!!!

Lisa, I told Dalton that you thought his Cleo P story was good. There used to be a cartoon on when I was younger, cannot remember the name of it but there was a nerdy looking boy and a dog and they did episodes on famous stories and they were fractured and funny as all get out. Dalton is learning abut inventors but he has his own twist. He says that Thomas Edison GATES invented the lightbulb and Benjamin Franklin GATES invented bifocals etc.

Way back when time was more precious than money because we did not have that much vacation time we used to go into debt for vacations. It was a sore point with me because I remember not having a working bathroom but we HAD to go on vacation.

I am thrilled that you enjoyed POR, used to be our favorite resort. I know it was hard for you to not go to the Poly with all its memories. I read about people who stay at 4-5 resorts in a week and it boggles the mind. No way do I want to do that much moving but they love visiting the other resorts. My Disney loving friend who lives up the road absolutely loves CBR and would not go elsewhere. I hate it there but then I could not find my room cause they all looked alike but you are better at directions than I am. LOL If the circumstances should permit I am going to stretch the budget to the hilt and go to England if my sil makes a short trip. Is there any resort that you would like to stay at that you have not ?

I grew up listening the the music of the 40's cause my grandma and mom were singers. I love the movie's and music of that era and younger people who watch and listen might not realize how tough things were then as the movies and music were designed to divert attention away from the problems of the day. Tom tells of his milk being stolen from the doorstep if his mom did not get up early enough to wait for the milkman. I bought a copy of Delovely and enjoyed it more for the music.

I had better go put the laundry in the dryer and dream that I am at the resort cabana rather than my perfectly lovely ,and without coin slots, laundry room. LOL

SG/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Lauralee! I'm so sorry - I didn't realize that you had had an operation - I know that Linda referenced something about your recovering, but I didn't realize that you had had that procedure! So glad to hear that it went well and that you're recuperating well, too!

That was some story about that wedding that you worked, before your surgery! I also think that you did the right, brave thing by standing up for your friend / colleague - I can't believe that your boss is allowing that jerky (if this wasn't the Boards, I'd use stronger language) guy to continue working there, after having threatened your friend, like that! And I can't believe how your boss told you both 2 different stories and essentially lied / "casually omitted" information, that way. As you said, you are wiser, now, and you know whom to trust (or not!) and to always sort of "be aware". I'm sorry that you and your friend had to go through that horrible, stressful, unfair experience, though.

I'm telling you - Dalton needs to write a book, Linda! In addition to the story of Cleopatra, he can tell the tales of the great inventors / pioneers, Benjamin Franklin GATES and Thomas Edison GATES!

You reminded me that I wanted to rent "Delovely"! We hadn't rented anything in so long that there are now tons of films out that I would love to rent! I'd better do so, over the next month, before my full school schedule starts up again in the fall and I'm in class 3 nights a week, again! We also need to get to the movies, as we haven't done so since seeing "Star Wars" in May! Hopefully we'll see "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" tomorrow (unless Frank has his way and we see "War of the Worlds" - I'm a little nervous about seeing that one!).

We are looking forward to staying in CBR next year - it will be neat to try something new! And Colleen and her family really enjoyed it and had a positive experience there, so along with your great review, I'm sure that we will love it! In terms of other places that we've never stayed but would like to.........I would love to stay in ALL of the WDW resorts at least once, at some point in my life! I would love to try them all out (........I know, I know - we really need to join DVC!). But if I had to pick one or 2 that I would want to try out first, it would have to be the Wilderness Lodge and the Animal Kingdom Lodge!

I'm off to buy shoes to wear and have dyed for my friend's wedding in September, now - have to have them before I can schedule my dress fitting, next month!

Hope that all is well with all of you! Have a great weekend!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi ya Lisa!! I have visions of a perfectly organized rainbow color closet. I bet you have nearly every pair of dyed shoes that you have ever gotten and I know that you have had dozens of pairs decorated perfectly to match each dress.

Dalton says thank you for the kind words and he also knows that he deserves each and every one. LOL He suffers from stage fright, fear that he will NOT find a stage to perform on. He wants to go see Shark Boy and Lava Girl but with his family schedule it is doubtful he will make it. If I could have a wish for my birthday it would be to go see Willie Wonka as a family. My grandson Willie so loved that movie that I bought him his own copy. Danny loved it as well. I love Dahl's quirky and bit sinister sense of humor.

Delovely was not quite the movie it might have been and basically only interested me because I loved Cole Porter's music (he were a Hoosier also) and know his story. It was very pretty to watch. I used to be into science fiction movies big time, I tend to change categories every decade or so. I was telling Dalton the story of the radio version of War of the Worlds and had to stop to explain how radio worked back then and all sorts of arcahic things. Gosh I feel old even tho I am not sure I was alive when all that happened.

I would choose the Animal Kingdom Lodge over the Wilderness Lodge cause Bomba's is there. LOL Of course the other does have the best view of the EWP. Decisions, decisions. The only place I have a hankering to try is OKW and with Colleen's help I might manage it sometime soon.

Yes, you do need to join DVC or at least try renting points and see how you like it. It is made for people just like you and Frank. Will save you big bucks in the years to come. Check into buying a 'used' contract as it will save you some money and you will have the same amenities.

I am fixing lunch as Dalton has dropped by. He was not supposed to be here today. (he is a bit sneaky but I love it and him) The tow truck came and got the truck. It is nearly 16 years old and looks great and has always worked great until this. I suspect that my dh ran it low on gas, against my instructions, and something ancient from the depths of the fuel tank has worked its way into something. Always something but it could be so much worse. LOL

SG/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda! You are surely way too young to remember the original radio broadcast of "War of the Worlds"! My parents remember it, though! It must have been so scary - if I had heard it back then, I would have been totally freaked out!

Actually, the pair of shoes that I bought today is my only existing dyed pair, at this point (unless you count my mint green Bat Mitzvah reception shoes, that were dyed to match my mint green dress - will never wear them again, but of course I saved them - and the dress! ). I've long since gotten rid of all of my bridesmaid's dresses of the past - some of them, I'm sure I never would have worn again (and for a long time, I wasn't sure that I would ever fit into them again, anyway - and then there was one that I'm GLAD that I will never be able to fit into again, because it was so HUGE!) - and I got rid of their accompanying matching shoes at the same time. Hopefully whomever the recipients of those dresses were also found the matching shoes (I donated everything to charity), so they could have complete outfits! I will definitely keep the bridesmaid's dress for this wedding, though - it's the nicest one that I've ever worn in a wedding and it's something that I would have chosen for myself as a "regular dress", even if not for a wedding. I'm hoping to bring it along on our cruise, next year, since it's such a nice nautical blue color!

I'm sorry to hear about your truck - I hope that it's able to be fixed! It's hard when you've had a vehicle for that long, and it usually works perfectly (like my father's former 18 year old car) - and then it breaks down, out of the blue, for seemingly no reason! It's nice that you had a surprise lunch with the great future historian and author, Dalton, though!

Wish that I had something interesting to report, but things are pretty quiet around here! We'll go to a movie of our later choosing, tomorrow, have a BBQ for ourselves tomorrow night, and then we're heading out to Queens on Sunday to see the Mets (hopefully) clobber the Dodgers! We'll be stopping by the 1964-65 World's Fair Grounds at Flushing Meadows park, again, to pay homage to the birthplaces of IASW and CoP (and Mr. Lincoln and PeopleMover)! I just love that place - I find it so fascinating. It's amazing to me that just 41 years ago, the park was filled with buildings, rides, shows, and attractions, and now it's just a nice park with athletic fields, gardens, a zoo, and some remaining relics of the Fair. A friend of mine got me an actual ticket from the Fair on e-bay, recently. He said he wondered what would happen if we brought the ticket to the Fair site and held it up in front of the Unisphere........maybe we would somehow be "beamed back" to 1964 and the entire Fair would reappear before our eyes! Now THAT would be a great plot for a fantasy / science fiction film!

I hope that everyone is prepared for a weekend of fun in the Suite! We'll be kicking it off with a gala BON VOYAGE celebration for Colleen and her family, on the eve of their trip to WDW, tomorrow night! Then we'll be moving on to the festive and wild celebration of Linda's Birthday Eve on Sunday night! Keep the champagne (or non-alcoholic, carbonated, bubbly grape juice, for those who prefer) flowing!

Have a great weekend, Everyone!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

It is sometimes hard to know what you actually remember and what you just read or heard about. I am fairly sure that I was not present at "My American Cousin" at the Ford Theater the night that Abraham Lincoln was shot though. LOL I have orders from my young man, if I get to heaven, IF??? - to send him back an autograph from George Washington. I swan that babies are just like computers, they come preinstalled with programs. Austin and his ghosts and Dalton and his presidents are a wonderment. Luckily I am well versed in either subject. LOL

I am shocked and amazed that you do NOT have closets full of your finery. I am absolutely sure that you have shelves of albums though. I went to a wedding a bit ago and thought that I had found the fabled bridesmaid dress that could be worn again. I am looking forward to seeing yours as well. A friend of mine won a grand champion ribbon for a dress she made for her granddaughter's prom. It was orange, not a color I would normally think of as pretty. When you got closer it was in various shades and hues, very delicate and so beautifully put together. It takes an artist to do that kind of work. You might have kept one of your old and much bigger dresses to remind you just how far you have come and how proud you should be.

I will not tell Mr. D. your plans for the weekend as the mere mention of Mr. Lincoln would send him into fits of jealousy not to be borne. Did I ever tell you about him shaking hands with the Great Emancipator? It was a moment not to be forgotten for either one of them.

Time travel? I knew that there was something missing from the Suite. Might I ask, in honor of my natal day, that we have that feature installed immediately? Imagine being able to go to any of the parks on a certain day in history and ride some of our favorite but defunct rides once again? Figment could be our guide.

Lusianne iced tea, no sugar please. It is my drug of choice. I will tend bar for the rest of you. If I cannot remember the recipe I do have a copy of the Barkeepers Bible nearby.

SG/Linda

Lisa, as always I am delighted that you do not have anything exciting to report. Means you are having a delightful bit of calm in your life. I seem to be able to write volumes about my less than exciting life though. More credit to you guys for putting up with it all rather than my skill as a writer.

Yes, it was hard to see our red pickup ride away but since it will be getting first aid and will come back better than ever it is a good thing. The thing runs like a scared jack rabbit and until the other day we had not had any trouble (well the time Tom managed to wreck the transmission was bad but that was many years ago). It is worth an investment of money because a new one would cost nearly $20,000 and since I have been looking around, would not be nearly what we want. Two more years and I will be ready to let it loose if it must go. It only has 100,000 miles on it.

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda!

How are you doing, today? So, of all the Presidents, who is Dalton's favorite? Washington? Lincoln? Someone else? No, you never told me about his encounter with The Great Emancipator!

Just got back from seeing "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". Though it was enjoyable and Johnny Depp was amazing, as always (I wonder what our old pal, Depply, thinks of the film?), both Frank and I preferred the original (which we are planning to watch tonight, on tape). We thought that the original "drove home the point of the film / 'moral of the story' " more clearly and that the characters were more defined, too. We also liked the original Oompah Loompahs and their songs / riddles better than the new ones!

Hope that you're all having a great weekend!

 

[IASW Rider]

BON VOYAGE COLLEEN!!!!!!!

Wishing you and your family a fantastically, wonderful and MAGICAL vacation! Can't wait to hear all about it when you return............if not before! We know that you are going to have a GREAT time at Beach Club, French Quarter, AND Vero Beach! And we're sure that you and your family will enjoy the parks, pools, and beaches, and that you will have a great reunion with your friends from home, down there! ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY!!!!!!!

And don't forget to come by the Suite for your giant sendoff party, later! We'll be partying all night.........right into tomorrow..........in time for Linda's Birthday Eve Bash!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa, please say it is not so - Willie Wonka is less than stellar? I fully trust your view of it but I am so disapponted. I usually hate remakes of anything,especially a classic, but I had such high hopes since Johnny Depp was doing this one. I was counting greatly on the morals, especially the tv watching kid getting 'tuned' up. Was hoping it would get Dalton to see less tv and do more interesting things.

Dalton's favorite president is Lincoln, mine too. Once at a street fair Dalton (age 3) and I were walking back toward my house when we came upon "Abe" himself sitting in a corner. Dalton walked right up to him and held his hand out to shake. Both of them were very impressed with each other. "Abe" was amazed that such a young man knew who he was and was obviously in awe of him. I have a nephew who memorized the presidents and could recognize them by face when he was but three. Must run in the family.

I had a fun day. I found a whole bunch of really nice clothes, in my size, at a sale. I bought 2 dresses (one a designer) 1 skirt and 12 tops for only $8. Since I had recently sold a huge batch of my bigger clothes for $10 I felt it was Karma that I came upon them. I should have asked the lady for her phone number in case she loses more weight.

Colleen, have the Fellers showed up at your door yet? I asked them to come over, clean the house and pack the bags, wash the car and prepare a nice dinner for you so that you might start off your trip in a magically frame of mind. (if they did not show up please do not sweat the small stuff and get some sleep).

I just found out that my sil had her name drawn to appear on the Hoosier Millionaire show on August 10th and will try to win a Million Dollars!!! I always wanted a rich relative. I am rooting for her. Bout time the luck changed for this family, far too much bad stuff going on, gotta balance it out somehow.

SG/Linda