How Do You Think We Stay So Happy?*Final Thoughts & Farewells* 10/7 p100

[MEK]

Christine, somehow I missed your update. I just went back to read it.

Beautiful pictures, so much color and sharpness and of course they scream Disney! Thanks for the HM pictures, can't wait to see it myself.

That's probably my fault. I have been a little slow in getting the links up when we have multiple updates.

I feel the same way - those pictures DO scream Disney!!!!

MEK, since our kids are grown, just about all of our travel is done during school days. Our next Disney trip is the day after Labor Day, as is all of our Disney trips now. My GDs will miss a few school days this trip, but also will miss the crowds!

I would love, love, love to go right after Labor Day. And believe me - its tempting since I will stay have an active AP. I think you are going to have a wonderful time with those low crowds.

Lovely updates. Cynthia, your pictures of POR were beautiful and your pictures of the boat to MK were pretty good, too! Sounds like you had a wonderful, relaxing morning.

I agree. Cynthia's pictures are stunning!

I have to say Cynthia, as much as I love going to WDW with my mum or my best friend, I love spending time alone there! Having that freedom sometimes is very liberating and relaxing I usually spend mine just wandering around and taking photos! Having friends to meet for lunch is always wonderful too!

It really is the best of both worlds - solo time and lots of girlfriend time for food and drink. It doesn't get any better than that - does it!

I
I love the sherpa shot of Mary Ellen! She must pack like I do...I also love the story of the awesome CM at POR! That makes me happy to hear - I'll have to look for him when I'm there in September! I love CMs like that who just love to chat with everyone and have a genuine "Disney" attitude.

I see my reputation is spreading. Thanks for that - Cynthia. It's my cooler. I always pack water and a little something else. Bags fly free and all that. I can't waste it.

The boat ride to MK is absolutely one of my favourite experiences and I have to do it more often! Watching kids as you get closer and closer is very magical too. I've teared up more than once myself! It is also like a little break before you hit the park, which certainly looked mighty busy!

I was thinking how it would be nice to drive to MK in December and take the boat in. It always reminds me of my first trip there, because that's exactly what we did. It was perfect! Even in the heat it feels so wonderful!

 

[eandesmom]

December ADRs

are done.

And they look great!

Great updates ladies! I do love the sherpa picture

I love that picture, especially the thumbs up and the fact that when I commented on needing to take a sherpa picture she was all for it!

Trying to get caught up...
The headache sounded very unmagical. Glad you got better later in the day!
I'm really enjoying all the photographs, you girls do a very nice job with your cameras!

Very unmagical, I can't believe I slept through it, it sounds like a hideous night. Poor Jeff, I do it too him too so at least Mary Ellen is in good company.

Cynthia, I loved your little kick up your heels moment when you realized you could do anything you wanted! I know in truth you would have been thrilled to have Mary Ellen with you, but I love how you seized the moment and rolled with it!

Thanks for the boat ride along! We always take the boat in - seems like so much less crowd, and just enjoyable.

I really enjoyed the boat and will definitely do it again!

Looks like you had a fun morning Cynthia It seems that you adjusted to solo traveling just fine

I did! And can't wait to do it again I did like the combo of solo and group time, it was perfect.

Eandesmom-How neat to experience Disney by yourself! While I love being with my family, I think it would be great to be solo for at least a while doing what I want at my own pace. Too cute that you got a solo picture too. Love your pictures coming into MK. We have never taken the boat and I hope to write that wrong real soon!

Well I'm never IN any of our trip photos as I'm always taking the picture so figured I ought to fix that. It was a perfect combo of solo and group time. One of the most relaxing and rejuvenating trips I've had in years.

Cynthia - BEAUTIFUL pictures!!! What a wonderful morning - visiting with MEK, having some quality time together and then being totally free! The only time I ever got close to that was when I went into a store and the rest of the family waited somewhere else and we met up! Of course, I would have stood around going, okay, what should I do? I'm not a good decision-maker when left to my own devices!

That's my normal alone time too. It really was odd at first but I acclimated.

Great update Cynthia! I am so glad you took the boat as all the pics from the distance look great and I loved the 'castle' story - think that will be me in September!

Oh those kids were so cute I could hardly stand it!

More lovely pictures of POR....nice job taking them Cynthia. Cairo was in the news some this past spring with all of the flooding...it's the southern-most city in Illinois, where the Missippi and Ohio Rivers meet.

Ah....makes sense now. You can tell I'm from the PNW!

EandEsmom- I would like to try being alone in WDW at least once. I like to do a lot of things alone.I do love having company, but alone time like that is hard to beat!

Your pictures are very nice, I need to start taking more pictures. Photography was one of my hobbies, but I sort of stopped taking photos.

I loved the combo of solo and group time, it was perfect. Thanks on the pictures, I had fun taking them and playing with my new camera.

Lovely updates. Cynthia, your pictures of POR were beautiful and your pictures of the boat to MK were pretty good, too! Sounds like you had a wonderful, relaxing morning.

Thanks tina, it was a lovely relaxing morning!

I have to say Cynthia, as much as I love going to WDW with my mum or my best friend, I love spending time alone there! Having that freedom sometimes is very liberating and relaxing I usually spend mine just wandering around and taking photos! Having friends to meet for lunch is always wonderful too!

It was a perfect combination, group, solo, group, solo, group...just wonderful!

I love the sherpa shot of Mary Ellen! She must pack like I do...I also love the story of the awesome CM at POR! That makes me happy to hear - I'll have to look for him when I'm there in September! I love CMs like that who just love to chat with everyone and have a genuine "Disney" attitude.

I didn't think she looked that sherpa like considering I knew what was in the cooler

Edgar was an absolute doll.

The boat ride to MK is absolutely one of my favourite experiences and I have to do it more often! Watching kids as you get closer and closer is very magical too. I've teared up more than once myself! It is also like a little break before you hit the park, which certainly looked mighty busy!

It was a fun way to go in, I will do it again. I've done it from resorts before, in the smaller boats, but not the big one from the TTC.

What I did like about our trip was that everyone felt comfortable to do their own thing when necessary. I knew she wouldn't have any problem wondering off without me. In fact, she was the last one back for happy hour or, should I say, therapy?

Well.... I did start happy hour before I got back as you may recall. I did a lot between lunch and jumping in the pool.

I'm surprised it took her right up until 1200 to get there. Phew - just in time for food!

That will happen when you dawdle for photopass, twice, take the longer boat ride route and enjoy main street entertainment.

If you ever get the opportunity to go off solo - go for it. It really is fun. You get to indulge yourself, but I also think you appreciate you family time more as well. It makes you realize how many little things you want to share with your family.

I totally agree, so many times I went "Eric would love that, oh Evan would love that", and on and on and on!

Well, all this talk about the Plaza made me add to my ADRs. That will be an OOP meal.

You will love it

We've been updating fools, but Cynthia has been updating her other TR like crazy. Her pictures turned out great. I think she took more than I did and that can be hard to do.

Well on that day I did, there is a reason I'm doing two updates and you all are already in the pool. It's funny, I took a TON more pictures on my solo outings than when we were together as a group or just a few of us so my days area bit lopsided to say the least.

 

[MEK]

So here's the Deal......

I really wanted to do an update last night, so I tried to upload the rest of my May 1st pictures to photobucket. ...... and then all hell broke loose. I clicked the wrong method of uploading, couldn't get out if it, finally got back into the bulk uploader and it wouldn't work.

My Mac asks me to trust the certificate when ever I use the bulk uploader. I am thinking I may have hit "don't trust" somewhere in my haste to get into the bulk uploader. Now it won't run. It keeps giving me an error message. It keeps saying that I must "trust" the site, which I obviously already clicked on that button. It asks me to refresh the page and click trust - but I can't refresh the page.

The long and short of it is, I spent two very frustrating hours trying to troubleshoot this. I googled it a bagillion times, did all the stuff I was supposed to like refresh safari, empty the cache, check Java for any new updates, zap the PRAM, shut down and boot up the computer too many times to count, AND I still can't fix it.

I have an older mac so without the bulk uploader I have to take pix out of iphoto - put them in a folder - then upload to photobucket. That results in me having no idea which pictures I am actually clicking on to upload AND it gets the photos all out of order. That is the most frustrating part. There's dinner pictures mixed with morning pictures. WHATTTTTTTT?????

I am totally frustrated and don't know if there is a fix for this.

So finally, with all my pictures in random order, I started an update. Then I went to save it and - YUP - deleted the whole thing. I could just I have plans tonight and tomorrow, so it will probably be Friday before I do another update. And if I can't get this bulk uploader fixed before Day 4, I am going to

I am open to any and all suggestions!!!!!!!!

And - oh yeah - I forgot to mention that my dishwasher also broke! $350 to replace the circuit board or buy a whole new dishwasher. It's only 5 years old. Sheesh!

 

[eandesmom]

So here's the Deal......

I really wanted to do an update last night, so I tried to upload the rest of my May 1st pictures to photobucket. ...... and then all hell broke loose. I clicked the wrong method of uploading, couldn't get out if it, finally got back into the bulk uploader and it wouldn't work.

My Mac asks me to trust the certificate when ever I use the bulk uploader. I am thinking I may have hit "don't trust" somewhere in my haste to get into the bulk uploader. Now it won't run. It keeps giving me an error message. It keeps saying that I must "trust" the site, which I obviously already clicked on that button. It asks me to refresh the page and click trust - but I can't refresh the page.

The long and short of it is, I spent two very frustrating hours trying to troubleshoot this. I googled it a bagillion times, did all the stuff I was supposed to like refresh safari, empty the cache, check Java for any new updates, zap the PRAM, shut down and boot up the computer too many times to count, AND I still can't fix it.

I have an older mac so without the bulk uploader I have to take pix out of iphoto - put them in a folder - then upload to photobucket. That results in me having no idea which pictures I am actually clicking on to upload AND it gets the photos all out of order. That is the most frustrating part. There's dinner pictures mixed with morning pictures. WHATTTTTTTT?????

I am totally frustrated and don't know if there is a fix for this.

So finally, with all my pictures in random order, I started an update. Then I went to save it and - YUP - deleted the whole thing. I could just I have plans tonight and tomorrow, so it will probably be Friday before I do another update. And if I can't get this bulk uploader fixed before Day 4, I am going to

I am open to any and all suggestions!!!!!!!!

And - oh yeah - I forgot to mention that my dishwasher also broke! $350 to replace the circuit board or buy a whole new dishwasher. It's only 5 years old. Sheesh!

UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't help with the Mac and bulk uploader part but I can help with the out of order on photobucket part. Click on "my albums" and then you'll get a lower tab menu. Click on "organize". then find the album you want and you will get a "sort current album by" drop down menu. You can choose to sort oldest first or whatever (I do oldest first) and for the most part, it will get it right. Where mine gets wacky is if I have my time settings off (not changed to EST) and then put phone pics or photopass in the same folder as their time stamps will be different). You can also sort by name so for numbered photos that works well too.

UGH UGH UGH on the dishwasher. At that point it's tough to know what to do, new or fix. I despise appliances.

You should be able, somehow, in your internet security settings, add in Photobucket as a trusted site but I'm not sure how best to do it on a Mac, if it's different. On a PC, in your browser it would be under Tools/Options/Security and the click on exceptions and add the site as an exception (I think).



I'll get my update up today maybe, I have a feeling I'll run away early anyway, it's been a bit of a brutal week. 4 doctors visits between the E's, one more today (me) plus my review. I'm worn out.

And broke from co-pays

 

[MEK]

So I can reorder them right in photobucket? I need to check that out!

And, yes, I need someone to tell me how to make the computer recognize photobucket and the bulk uploader as a trusted site. I just have NO idea how to do it.

As my friend Jen says - Macs are great - until you have to fix something. Then it takes 5X longer than a pc for a regular person like me to figure it out. I guess that's why they call those Apple people geniuses.

 

[KatMark]

Sorry to hear about the dishwasher. Ours is 18 years old, but I never use it (that's what I have a huband for ). They are coming to check our air conditioner tomorrow and I am praying they can figure out why the circuit keeps tripping as I don't have $3000 for a new central air unit.

Hope you figure out your photo problem.

 

[eandesmom]

So I can reorder them right in photobucket? I need to check that out!

And, yes, I need someone to tell me how to make the computer recognize photobucket and the bulk uploader as a trusted site. I just have NO idea how to do it.

As my friend Jen says - Macs are great - until you have to fix something. Then it takes 5X longer than a pc for a regular person like me to figure it out. I guess that's why they call those Apple people geniuses.

Yes, you can reorder. I do it all the time, it drives me nuts otherwise!

Definitely try your internet browser settings, it's easy to check and couldn't hurt

Tools/Options/Security/Exceptions

Also I burned the CD's finally last night, now just need something to send them to everyone in!

 

[saintstickets]

Sorry to hear about the dishwasher. Ours is 18 years old, but I never use it (that's what I have a husband for ).

HEY!!! I resemble that remark!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Ughhh how frustrating with your photo problems!!! I hope photobucket believes you trust it soon!! Is there a different computer you can try using?

And the dishwasher on top of that! Sending lots of good (and patient!) vibes your way!

 

[MeMom]

So I can reorder them right in photobucket? I need to check that out!

I'm sorry you are having your problem, but I did learn something new from your questions. I didn't know you could organize the pictures by different ways. Nice to know in case mine ever does that. I hope some computer expert here on the boards can help you out.

They are coming to check our air conditioner tomorrow and I am praying they can figure out why the circuit keeps tripping as I don't have $3000 for a new central air unit.

I hope it's a quick fix. My central unit went out Christmas Eve morning, and it was cold! I didn't have $3000+ either, so I am making monthly payments. It's nice to have heat and air, but it is dipping into my Disney money, don't ya know?!?!?

 

[TanzUnited99]

Oh no on the photobucket and dishwasher situation! Hope you get things sorted

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Dang, Mary Ellen!!!



Maybe this will help!

 

[tinacaplan]

Sorry about the computer problems (Maryellen) and the doctors' visits (Cynthia). It has been a brutal week. Its our last week of school and the next forty-eight hours cannot pass quickly enough...so I'm right there with ya.

And what is it with electronics that just don't last anymore? So frustrating!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Sorry about your computer woes, ME! Wish I could help but I am useless on this stuff...

 

[Nermel9]

Ugh, sorry about your computer! I'm useless with this kind of stuff, wish I could help! And I'm sorry your dishwasher broke! Ours broke a while ago, and we never got it fixed our bought a new one, so now I'm used to not having one!

 

[glennbo123]

I googled it a bagillion times, did all the stuff I was supposed to like refresh safari

, empty the cache

, check Java

for any new updates, zap the PRAM

, shut down and boot up

the computer too many times to count, AND I still can't fix it.

Sorry about your computer troubles MEK!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Appliances are not made to last very long anymore. I would buy a new dishwasher rather than fix it. They have a life span of about 7 years. Fridge is about 5 years.

I just about burned my kitchen down when fixing dinner this afternoon. I turned the wrong burner on & was waiting for the water to boil when I heard a whoosh. I turned around & a skillet of bacon fat was afire with a two foot high flame. I managed to get it outside where it burned a hole in the grass. Then I remember to use baking soda to put it out. The upstairs smoke alarm was going off & the house was full of smoke! I got it all aired out but it was a few tense moments I can tell you!

I need another vacation soon!

 

[sunny_stace]

Sorry to hear about all of your woes Mary Ellen That is super frustrating....I'm sorry I can't offer more help!

 

[eandesmom]

While poor Mary Ellen is dealing with her puter and photo problems I'll get myself caught up to the rest of the girls (and we still need Melissa to update!)...apparently I felt the need to fill in for my ill feeling roomie and overcompensated with a LOT of pictures.

After a delicious, if a bit slow, lunch and filled to the brim with ice tea we all left the Plaza. Everyone had slightly different missions but a plan to meet back at the pool. I’d now been in the world for a good 30+ hours and still had yet to go on a ride. Decisions decisions! I’m so used to being overscheduled that when faced with free time like that it can be a little overwhelming and almost paralyzing. Which often means on a truly truly free day, I get absolutely nothing done! This was no exception, so I decided to stroll.

First, of course, I swung by Space Mountain for a Fast Pass.

Since I was in the area, I checked out some cars. I haven’t made it onto this ride since…I’m not sure when. Probably 2004. This trip would be no exception.

Just past the Indy cars was something far more interesting to me and it drew me in.

I love Dumbo, the E’s love Goofy, Jeff loves Pete, I can’t wait to see how this turns out. Heck, I just liked the signs

Moving on…more signs

Here is what I was REALLY excited to see and so much farther along than I could have imagined

This should be fun

I’d never seen this guy out before so took a picture just because

I kept walking, it was nice to stroll with no agenda but taking pictures of random things for no particular reason. Lines seemed long at places I wanted to go in FL (It’s a small world, Pooh, Snow White) so I just kept going, I didn’t have time for lines today.

That line looked way too long for me

This looked restful though (not that I needed the rest having done nothing all day other than eat)

I contemplated a visit but having just been to TSI in August, wasn’t all that interested, much as I love it.

I did keep thinking about this place

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

But instead…for my first ride of the trip, decided to go here

Any ideas?

Oh wait, here are the other people with me!

Yes. My first ride of the trip was on the Liberty Belle! An odd choice I’m sure but she’d been closed on every single trip I’d been on that I could remember. In fact, I’m honestly not sure if I’d ever been on the WDW version or not before. As I walked by she was doing her final boarding and so I snuck right on. Hence the no pre-boarding boat pictures.
This had to be a separate update as…I got a little carried away taking pictures. Ride with me.

Continued in next post