I Told You Driving Was Bad For Your Health! *2/2* NEW TRIP REPORT LINK P102

[MEK]

I am so sorry for your loss Mary Ellen. I am so glad that you have wonderful memories of Max and were able to share a good portion of your life with him.

Thank you Ashley. I do have wonderful memories of Max. I miss him terribly, but I'm happy he didn't suffer.

Your pictures are great of course!

Thank you!

I remember that! Wasn't there a baby tyrannosaur somewhere in there or am I imagining things? .

What? Pam - Are you having some very strange dreams? Doris will fill us in!

I hope your sons cat lives a while longer. My grandma had at least two Siamese that lived into their 20s.

Darn - 20's? That's totally amazing. I know that cats can live to be 18, but I can't imagine living to be 20. Astounding.

I have to laugh about drinking beer from a straw getting one drunk faster. One of the big urban legends when I was a teenager. A lot of us tried using straws for that purpose, but it doesn't really work. Another one was to put aspirins in a bottle of Pepsi, kids all had to try this one. Didn't make anyone drunk, all it did was to waste Pepsi & Aspirin!

Doris - Go back on read Pam's post. Something about a baby tyrannosaur. Please explain!

So the straw is an urban legend. Well, OK then. I guess that blows my theory. Now I am going to have to go with alcohol on an empty stomach as the reason I got so buzzed with that one beer. Fortunately, it was short lived!

The Aspirin and Pepsi sounds a bit more far fetched. Although, doesn't that make it fizz more?

Getting caught up, I'm so sorry to hear about Max. He looks like a sweet little guy in the pics you posted.

Thanks Danielle. He really WAS a sweet guy. Any cat that would let me prick his ears for three months straight was pretty special. I really miss him.

Glad you had your bucket list drink, that is definitely a unique one! I am not a beer drinker but it looks interesting.

Secret - it properly looks more interesting that it actually was, but I'm glad I tried it. The consistency of the foam was pretty cool and it's definitely impossible to drink it fast. More a sipping beer, hence the straw.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Before I start my next update I know that many of you are my Facebook friends, so you may know that I had to put my beloved Max to sleep on Thursday night. Thank you all so much for your condolences.

Just catching up, and I'm sorry to hear about Max. That's always hard.

Got it, but I was zoomed in a little too much to appreciate the detail.

OK, flame away but I still think they wouldn't put that there if they didn't want any photos. Right? Ok, Maybe not!

Me and &.wait&..what happened to Denny?

Are we buried in snow? And we're still laughing?


Hmmm - Is someone injured?

My leg's broken! Such wacky hilarity!

Any Guesses?

If you guessed Ellen's dream you are correct!

I'm going to guess that no one guessed that.

So, there goes another 42 minutes I'll never get back!

I actually don't mind Ellen's ride. And hey, it is air-conditioned.

Denny was a little perplexed when I stopped to take a picture of this for Pat and Cynthia.

We stopped in Italy for a bit.

Great pictures here!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I have to really think back to remember what happened on the Ellen thing before it was Ellen. I believe there was some story about the baby dinosaur being saved from predators. It's been since 1985 or 86 when I rode the ride, the next time was 2002. Boy was I surprised & disappointed by the changes as it was one of my favorites.

 

[khertz]

So sorry to hear about Max. It's so hard to lost a pet, they are really members of the family and it's hard to let them go. My mom always says that she thinks animals will let you know when they are ready to go. And losing 3 cats, 2 to very old age and the problems that go with that, and 1 to a sudden decline in health, I think that's absolutely true.

What a great photo of you!!

Although it looks really hot, in your pictures in WS look gorgeous! Everything is so rich and vibrant.

 

[Pinkocto]

At least 2 that I definitely remember were in their 20s and they treat their cats like royalty. Grandpa wakes up in the middle of the night to feed them if they want. Totally spoiled rotten!

I also remember a strange cave with lava or sulphur vents, and maybe some cave drawings? I was six the one and only time I rode the old version, things could definitely be imagined

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Google Lost Epcot, Universe if Energy. That site tells all about the old attraction.

There was sulphur pits & dinosaurs, was a lot more fun.

 

[jenseib]

Somehow I missed your last update.
I am so sorry to hear about your cat. At least he is feeling no pain now.

I never knew that the Ellen ride ever had a version before Ellen. You learn something new everyday.

 

[MEK]

Just catching up, and I'm sorry to hear about Max. That's always hard.

Thanks Mark. He really was my little buddy and I miss him but he was never the same once he was diagnosed with diabetes.

Is that your way of saying "no comment"?

I hate when that happens. I'm sure Denny didn't like it too much either.

My leg's broken! Such wacky hilarity!

Wait - I thought it was my arm? Maybe it was my leg? or both? No matter, in the future my bones will be healed right on the spot!

I'm going to guess that no one guessed that.

No one guessed that.

I actually don't mind Ellen's ride. And hey, it is air-conditioned.

I kind of like it. Actually, I always think its going to be better than it actually is. There's always so much anticipation and it never quite lives up to it.

It wasn't even worth trying to explain it to him. I mean - how could I even start THAT explanation!

Great pictures here!

Thanks!

I have to really think back to remember what happened on the Ellen thing before it was Ellen. I believe there was some story about the baby dinosaur being saved from predators. It's been since 1985 or 86 when I rode the ride, the next time was 2002. Boy was I surprised & disappointed by the changes as it was one of my favorites.

It sounds like a cute ride. I wonder if it would be impossible to find a copy of it somewhere. Probably. I mean, nowadays you can find anything on youtube, but this might be a little too early.

So sorry to hear about Max. It's so hard to lost a pet, they are really members of the family and it's hard to let them go. My mom always says that she thinks animals will let you know when they are ready to go. And losing 3 cats, 2 to very old age and the problems that go with that, and 1 to a sudden decline in health, I think that's absolutely true.

I think your mom is right. Max has been sick so many times that I sort of wondered if he would think I could fix him. I have always been there every time he was sick. I almost feel like he got used to going to the vet. But this time was different. He just looked so terrible. Nick asked me to take a picture of him. I want to delete it because he looks so bad. Yet the day before he looked great.

What a great photo of you!!

Thank you!

Although it looks really hot, in your pictures in WS look gorgeous! Everything is so rich and vibrant.

It was hot when we first got into the park, but it later turned out to be a lovely evening. Just the right temperature outside.

At least 2 that I definitely remember were in their 20s and they treat their cats like royalty. Grandpa wakes up in the middle of the night to feed them if they want. Totally spoiled rotten!

Wow. That's pretty amazing and what's even more amazing is that they get mid night snacks. That would never happen in this house!

I also remember a strange cave with lava or sulphur vents, and maybe some cave drawings? I was six the one and only time I rode the old version, things could definitely be imagined

Well, I like your imagination Pam and your description sounds pretty similar to Doris'. So I think, despite your vivid imagination, your memory maybe be spot on.

 

[MEK]

Google Lost Epcot, Universe if Energy. That site tells all about the old attraction.

Did you just read my mind or what? I am going to do that.

There was sulphur pits & dinosaurs, was a lot more fun.

Pam's description is exactly the same and she was 6 years old at the time. It actually sounds really cool. I think I would like the old version better, too!

Somehow I missed your last update.
I am so sorry to hear about your cat. At least he is feeling no pain now.

Thanks Jen! Fortunately he was not in pain very long. He got sick very fast even though I had a foreboding feeling that something was wrong with him. I will always miss him but I could never stand to see him suffer.

I never knew that the Ellen ride ever had a version before Ellen. You learn something new everyday.

I remember Doris saying it once before, but I totally forgot about that. You're right - You definitely DO learn something new every day!

 

[MarlaSingersLaundry]

I am so sorry about Max. Hugs to you. I've lost two of my babies to kidney disease. One went very fast the other (another black kitty) held on for about 6 months before we let him go. It's never easy. I am a freak about my other black cat. Due to his family history, I take him to the vet and have blood and urine run every 3 or 4 months. He's just turned 11 and still healthy. Again, I am truly sorry.

April

 

[MEK]

I am so sorry about Max. Hugs to you.

April. Thanks so much for joining in and for offering your condolences about Max.

I've lost two of my babies to kidney disease. One went very fast the other (another black kitty) held on for about 6 months before we let him go. It's never easy.

You are so right. It IS never easy. Kidney disease is terrible. 5 weeks ago he had normal kidney function and was examined by two different vets. At that time no one found an enlarged kidney. I couldn't even bear to have his kidney function checked at this point.

I am a freak about my other black cat. Due to his family history, I take him to the vet and have blood and urine run every 3 or 4 months. He's just turned 11 and still healthy.

So you are a black cat lover, too? I absolutely LOVE black cats and I already want another one. My DH thinks I'm crazy. There is just something cool about a black cat. They are so striking.

I am glad your 11 year old black boy is doing well and I can't say I blame you a bit about being obsessive. I started stalking Max's litter box and actually carrying him down there just to see how much urine he was making with his diabetes. I also started to worry about his FUS kicking up and him getting an infection. I think I knew he would eventually die of kidney/urinary tract problems.

Again, I am truly sorry.

April

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it!

Oh - and VGF vacation coming up? NICE!!!!!!

 

[chattadisser]

So sorry to hear about Max. I had a diabetic cat, Joe Paw, that we had to say goodbye to in February. His last days sounded a lot like Max’s. We could never get the diabetes under control, despite monthly vet visits and twice daily insulin shots, and I’m sure that shortened his time. Like, Max he always had some sort of issue and was especially prone to bladder stones. He was fourteen so he wasn’t exactly a youngster. Even when you know the day could come at any time, you’re still not really prepared for it. Hugs to you and all the animals above.

I loved the Ellen ride before Ellen was inserted into it. It used to be a serious & realistic depiction of dinosaurs. I can remember the steamy air & the smell of brimstone.

I’m with Wicket’s Mom, the Universe of Energy was a lot better before Ellen was inserted in it. It did smell but the smell added to the attraction. Not that I don’t like it now, I just remember when Epcot was a “learning” park. You learned something at every pavilion without feeling like you were at school. As a kid I loved that and now, as a parent, I wish there was more of it. The area above Journey Into Imagination was a wonderful creative playground.

Christine

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I'm sorry that I got so behind, but I'm all caught up now!

First, I want to say that I am so sorry for your loss of Max. Pets are family too and it is so hard to lose them

I love your Vera Bradley purchases! Her bags are so gorgeous and getting them at the outlet is always a great deal.

Spaceship earth is one of my favourites, and I won't flame you for taking some photos in there! How funny what happened to Denny's picture! I've never seen that happen before. Your picture looks great though - I love how happy you look

Great photos from WS as well, so pretty!

 

[afwdwfan]

I'm sorry about Max, but at least he isn't suffering from his illnesses anymore.

OK, flame away but I still think they wouldn't put that there if they didn't want any photos. Right? Ok, Maybe not!

I don't think anyone will get too bent out of shape over a couple of flash pictures.

Now if you were taking 20 of them at each scene, then you'd better have your fire extinguisher handy.

Beyonce!

I'm pretty sure he was sitting right beside me in the ride, but not according to the camera!

Yup, he's gone!

Maybe your flash photography got him kicked off the ride.

If you guessed Ellen's dream you are correct!

Funny. Ellen's dream usually turns into my snoring.

This Ellen is so NOT Ellen looking!

I think it was a repurposed Caveman from Spaceship Earth or something.

So, there goes another 42 minutes I'll never get back!

I'd ask if you at least got a good nap, but it looks like you were too busy. Did Denny get a good nap at least? And was he even there? We haven't seen him since he vanished on SSE!

How did it taste? Sort of mild without much of a taste. I think I expected it to be sweeter because most things with foam are sweet.

I agree. I thought it tasted like a very well chilled light beer. Not much to it, but it was very cold and a nice treat.

But I did find it refreshing and I don't know what it is about beer in Disney, but it always goes right to my head. I had to sit for a bit before I could finish our journey through the world showcase, because I was down right dizzy!

Well, supposedly drinking beer through a straw is supposed to make it "work" a little better/quicker. :rolleyes

 

[MEK]

So sorry to hear about Max. I had a diabetic cat, Joe Paw, that we had to say goodbye to in February. His last days sounded a lot like Max’s. We could never get the diabetes under control, despite monthly vet visits and twice daily insulin shots, and I’m sure that shortened his time. Like, Max he always had some sort of issue and was especially prone to bladder stones. He was fourteen so he wasn’t exactly a youngster. Even when you know the day could come at any time, you’re still not really prepared for it. Hugs to you and all the animals above.

Thanks Christine. Joe Paw does sound a lot like Max. His glucoses were under good control for awhile and then the bottom dropped out and I'm not really sure what happened. All I know is that I got this sick feeling that something was wrong a couple days before he got really sick. You're right - you are never really prepared for it, but honestly I was about the best prepared I could be because I walked on eggshells for weeks waiting for something bad to happen.

I’m with Wicket’s Mom, the Universe of Energy was a lot better before Ellen was inserted in it. It did smell but the smell added to the attraction. Not that I don’t like it now, I just remember when Epcot was a “learning” park. You learned something at every pavilion without feeling like you were at school. As a kid I loved that and now, as a parent, I wish there was more of it. The area above Journey Into Imagination was a wonderful creative playground.

Christine

I just found a cool youtube video that's a tribute to Universe of Energy. It's 55 minutes long so I haven't watched the whole thing, but I intend to. It's very interesting. I'll post a link with my next update, but here it is

http://youtu.be/O4NK0ePoBo8

don't look at it until you have serious free time!

I'm sorry that I got so behind, but I'm all caught up now!

First, I want to say that I am so sorry for your loss of Max. Pets are family too and it is so hard to lose them

Thank you so much Kyrsten! Max was really part of the family and Denny and I really miss him. Things are a bit less stressful without him and we don't have to watch everything we leave on the kitchen counter for fear that it will be automatically consumed, but we really miss him.

I love your Vera Bradley purchases! Her bags are so gorgeous and getting them at the outlet is always a great deal.

Thank you! I bought the one back for Nick's GF, but the overnight bag and wallet are mine and I am really enjoying them. I look forward to going back on my upcoming trip.

Spaceship earth is one of my favourites, and I won't flame you for taking some photos in there! How funny what happened to Denny's picture! I've never seen that happen before. Your picture looks great though - I love how happy you look

I had to try to get the hieroglyphics, even though my picture stunk. I figured it was a good time since it wasn't crowded.

I think Denny must have been a victim of swiss cheese head or he must have moved from outside the view of the camera. I tried really hard to look happy so our pictures would be fun and then Denny disappeared!

Great photos from WS as well, so pretty!

Thank you!

I'm sorry about Max, but at least he isn't suffering from his illnesses anymore.

Thanks Andy. I am happy that he never really suffered until that last day and I was not about to let him suffer much longer. I will always miss him.

I don't think anyone will get too bent out of shape over a couple of flash pictures.

Now if you were taking 20 of them at each scene, then you'd better have your fire extinguisher handy.

Well, she DOES look like Beyonce, don't you think?

Maybe your flash photography got him kicked off the ride.

That is a definite possibility. Poor Denny. Hate to see him victimized like that.

Funny. Ellen's dream usually turns into my snoring.

I have suffered the same fate from time to time. It's a given if I go in there after lunch.

I think it was a repurposed Caveman from Spaceship Earth or something.

OMG! I think you're right! That thing has GOT to GO!

I'd ask if you at least got a good nap, but it looks like you were too busy. Did Denny get a good nap at least? And was he even there? We haven't seen him since he vanished on SSE!

I THINK he was there, but I didn't pay attention to his level of consciousness during the ride. But come to think of it, I have never seen him fall asleep during an attraction. He saves it for every evening when he's watching TV.

I agree. I thought it tasted like a very well chilled light beer. Not much to it, but it was very cold and a nice treat.

I agree. It was a nice treat. I would definitely have another. Of course, with food and wine there are so many other beers I want to try. It might take me another trip or two to circle back. I can't wait to have the grapefruit beer again. That was so yummy!

Well, supposedly drinking beer through a straw is supposed to make it "work" a little better/quicker. :rolleyes

Doris says that's an urban myth, but I'm not completely sure judging by how I reacted to it.

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Enjoying a VERY short lull so trying to get caught up a little.

Before I start my next update I know that many of you are my Facebook friends, so you may know that I had to put my beloved Max to sleep on Thursday night. Thank you all so much for your condolences.

Mary Ellen, I'm not really a cat person but Max looks like a real cutie, and definitely tugs at the heart strings! So very sorry for your loss!!!

Was it that hot or did Denny spill something on his shirt?

What is it about Disney that makes it so easy to "spill things" on your shirt??? That happens to me often too........

Hard to resist a ride on SSE when there wasn't much of a line!

True Dat!

Hey, how did you manage to jump off of SE and take a quick side trip to ride CoP???

Me and &.wait&..what happened to Denny?

I'm pretty sure he was sitting right beside me in the ride, but not according to the camera!

Yup, he's gone!

I guess Denny just lost his head over you.......... Oh wait, maybe you left him behind when you took that quick side trip to CoP? Or maybe he was off cleaning that spill off his shirt???

So, there goes another 42 minutes I'll never get back!

I can certainly relate to THAT!!!

You got some great pictures around World Showcase. You obviously look in place I seldom take the time to direct my eyes. I think I need to slow down some the next time I get that chance!!!

 

[MEK]

Enjoying a VERY short lull so trying to get caught up a little.

Yay for a lull! I have to work a 24 hour shift today - noon to noon, so I am enjoying a pre work lull. Actually, I need to get my you know what in gear and get some chores done but between the DIS boards and Candy Crush I am useless.

Mary Ellen, I'm not really a cat person but Max looks like a real cutie, and definitely tugs at the heart strings! So very sorry for your loss!!!

Thanks! I know a lot of people don't like cats and never will, But Max, in his younger years, could definitely sway a few converts. He was very personable and just great to be around. He never scratched or tried to swat at you. He was just so docile and lovable. Oops - I think I just had a moment.

What is it about Disney that makes it so easy to "spill things" on your shirt??? That happens to me often too........

I seriously think they MAY be sweat. We did have a fairly long walk, not having a super wonderful AAA parking pass for this trip.

True Dat!

Hey, how did you manage to jump off of SE and take a quick side trip to ride CoP???

Mmmmm - now that you mention it there is a distinct similarity. Definitely both from the same era!

I guess Denny just lost his head over you.......... Oh wait, maybe you left him behind when you took that quick side trip to CoP? Or maybe he was off cleaning that spill off his shirt???

I can certainly relate to THAT!!!

So many moments in life like that, aren't there?

You got some great pictures around World Showcase. You obviously look in place I seldom take the time to direct my eyes. I think I need to slow down some the next time I get that chance!!!

That is one of the reasons I love taking pictures. I am TERRIBLE at noticing detail. I always tend to look at the big picture, literally and figuratively, and it makes it hard for me to notice the nuances. When I go back to look at my pictures I always notice something new. Guess that's why I need to take a stack of memory cards on every trip.

 

[rentayenta]

A 24?



I can't get past level 65! Help!!!! What am I missing? I know to get rid of the chocolates then x's then jellies but always seem to end up with a few jellies.

 

[MEK]

A 24?

I can't get past level 65! Help!!!! What am I missing? I know to get rid of the chocolates then x's then jellies but always seem to end up with a few jellies.

Candy crush has certain levels that are designed to stump you. Once you get past that you'll fly through the next 10 or 15 and then get stuck again. I've been stuck for over a month but its soooooo addictive.

 

[natebenma]

Thanks for sharing Max's story with us. What a handsome cat and a beautiful friendship. My heart goes out to you




I enjoyed your EPCOT update. Love, love, love Space Ship Earth. Great pictures. I had read about the hieroglyphics but never saw the evidence.

I remember Ellen's ride before Ellen. From our first visit to EP in 1983, to a few more trips before our boys came along, my husband and I always visited the Universe of Energy. The dino part of the ride was better, no people and as others have mentioned, great smells- swampy and brimstone.

But the movie at the end was a real snooze-fest. The addition of Ellen, Bill Nye, Jeopardy and of course, Stupid Judy, is a HUGE improvement.