"I've Got Some Bad News and Some Worse News!" 11/14 Last chap!

[MEK]

Dawn - That story is MESSED up. I think the bus drivers must see so much of that that they just ignore it unless it gets really out of hand. I guess that sometimes it better to ignore it and hope the situation just diffuses itself.
to Shauna for speaking up. You know she said what everyone is thinking!

 

[Disney Geek]

Kizzy looks less than impressed with the boogie board attempts! This is totally something my DD would attempt with her toy poodle if we ever took her to the beach. The look Kizzy has on her face when she is on John's lap is priceless! She looks like: leave me alone all you *&^%##@%^)*&%#@%^&

Oh, and interesting new hairdo!!! Bet he'll never try and cut his own hair again!

 

[teedee]

Ohhhh, that story makes me so mad. I don't understand the feeling of entitlement some people have. I have had multiple foot, ankle and knee surgeries and at times have needed a scooter to get around, but I wait until my family is close to the head of the line before I go up to get on. I just don't think it's right to get ahead of everyone else. It's one of my big pet peeves, and sadly one that is not going to change anytime soon!

Loved the update though. Poor Kizzy definitely doesn't look happy. Especially in the one pic where Marissa is holding her and her tail is curled up under her. Never a good sign with our dogs.

I like Baylor's haircut. He looks more and more like Treynor the older he gets. That's definitely a good thing!

Terri

 

[scdisfan]

Awww poor Kizzy! It looks like ya;ll had a blast at Folly. We have also been to the Folly Beach park...it rocks doesn't it!!

What a Disney story! Yea for Shauna standing up for all of those people in line! I hope ol' double wide chilled out for the rest of her stay and didn't cause any more drama for others!

 

[ddstratton]

For the folks on the bus with the scooter/stroller -- Wow. The audacity of some people is just amazing. But of course, we forget that the universe is centered on them... (where's the sarcasm smilie when we need it??)

 

[YukiPhnx]

Baylor's new do makes him look a lot older too!

I completely agree! A very manly look indeed


That story really boils my blood. Especially since the bus driver didn't do anything either! Maybe he/she was just too tired by then too and didn't want to argue with double wide.

 

[eeyoresnr]

ok, I'm all caught up! good thing no one else is home cuz I was laughing so hard .....well we'll just leave it at that...
as for the bus and the double wide, last year we heard a guest complain about not being aloud to board the bus with kids in the stroller (also sleeping)they asked (ok demanded) to speek to a manager, at which point theyu were told it was a DOT regulation on a bus that all strollers "MUST" be folded while on the bus and there is actually a sticker at the front of each bus to this effect... needless to say the guest was NOT happy (I guess he was used to getting his way!) at one point he was shouting and the CM manager asked if he would like to speek with security as this could and would be arranged... needless to say the guest turned about face and headed for the elevator to go to his room... and thsi all happened in the lobby of the Contemporary!

 

[LisaKeys]

Thanks for writing more of your TR, Dawn. Your reports just make my evenings - ok, so it's 1:34 in the morning but I was sure laughing!

Pssst - how much longer till I find an answer to my question??? Not sure which is driving me more crazy - waiting to find out or waiting for Jan '11 for our next Disney Trip!

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

Ok, so I ACTUALLY commented last night, but apparently my computer decided it didn't need to show up.

I am just...appalled at that woman and her audacity. And the lack of certain men parts from the bus driver. I thought that was how they earned their wages...the more people you can pack on the bus, the more you get paid. But really, if it had been me, I would have reported the CMs. A rule should apply to everyone, regardless how scary their glares are.

I have been camping when it is that hot. It was called Canoe Camp 2009. Lots of fun memories, but hot as you know what. My poor friend Allie missed a spot on her face, and she was rubbing so much aloe into her nose on the way home that her skin turned green.

We have never taken our dogs to the beach, but I would love to see how they react. Kizzy is just the cutest thing ever. And Baylor's hair looked absolutely fine to me, but I'm no fashion expert.

 

[Whitleigh]

Love the Michaele Salahi reference. That is just so hilarious! That lady is seriously a little coo-koo though.

 

[DisneyJo]

Wow that sounds hot, I hope you got some cooler winds!

The beach looks gorgeous and poor little Kizzy

OMG about the bus, people really do amaze me sometimes

 

[Pollito916]

I just wanted to let you know that I made the green chili cheese dip tonight, and it's every bit as delicious as it sounds!

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

We had those same issues with the bus loading when we were there last year in December... Those people are NOT MAGICAL and need to stay away until they find some MAGIC!!!

 

[Dizneydawn]

Dawn - That story is MESSED up.

It is and it's true and that makes it even worse!

Kizzy looks less than impressed with the boogie board attempts!

Yeah - her poor little legs were running in mid air to get back to Mama from the evil big brother!!

I just don't think it's right to get ahead of everyone else. It's one of my big pet peeves, and sadly one that is not going to change anytime soon!
They should restrict the busing amounts just like they do the guest access card (GAC) entrances for people with handicaps. I also think it could be looked at in each situation. For example if a child is handicapped, and the rest of the party is the child's immediate family - then boarding people is a non issue. Letting 5-6 people who are siblings and parents on is fine since you will not leave a 5 year old alone on a bus or a bunch of kids in a line.

****Now for example with my Dad, who is an amputee and in a wheelchair or would have a scooter if he went to WDW, he would only need one person with him to make sure he gets where he needs by himself. He lives on his own, drives etc., so if we ever did a Grand Gathering, there is no reason 17 of us need to move with him on a bus.

I highly doubt at home, 17 people accompany many of the scooter people to their bedroom every night so at WDW, IMO, it is used primarily as a bonus for many. On rides, it is an experience you want to share together, so I understand why GAC have more than just the handicapped guest but riding a bus and getting there 20 minutes faster is about convenience.

Again, just my opinion but when Baylor was hurt, we used a GAC because that is when he needed it. We never used it to get on buses faster because it would have only been what we wanted not needed and that is 2 different things.

Awww poor Kizzy! It looks like ya;ll had a blast at Folly. We have also been to the Folly Beach park...it rocks doesn't it!!

LOOOOVE IT!!!! Carsyn is seriously thinking of Anderson, BTW now, so it looks like at least 2 of my kids will live in SC before I get to!

(where's the sarcasm smilie when we need it??)

Yeah, we only have the wink and the whistle smilie but we need a better Smart @ss smilie!!!

I completely agree! A very manly look indeed

His hair has grown out so much - I should post a pic of what it currently looks like!

ok, I'm all caught up! good thing no one else is home cuz I was laughing so hard .....

Hmmmm...do you have a phobia of laughing in front of strangers???

Thanks for writing more of your TR, Dawn. Your reports just make my evenings - ok, so it's 1:34 in the morning but I was sure laughing!
Anytime before I go to bed is morning!!!

We have never taken our dogs to the beach, but I would love to see how they react.

We take them to the lakes and river around here often and Ace swims like a fish but gets ear infections a ton so he has had to cool it in the water as of late. The waves were what freaked her out...at her height, I am sure they looked enormous!

Love the Michaele Salahi reference. That is just so hilarious!

Real Housewives is like crack on the tube! I mean just when you think you may be a little nutsy, it makes you know you are nowhere near an asylum!

Wow that sounds hot, I hope you got some cooler winds!

Not so much...

I just wanted to let you know that I made the green chili cheese dip tonight, and it's every bit as delicious as it sounds!

Glad it was a hit!!!
Ok - I will try and get in a post this morning quick - we are working in the yard and garage today, need to rope off sections of the yard that will help us figure out the big project for next spring.

Plans:

2 decks, one above ground pool, garden, fire pit will be moved and refigured, and landscape design.

Inside re-done for Treyner's grad, outside for Carsyn's. Found furniture and a patio set we loved at the MN State fair, now we just need to know how much room we need for what!
The pool will be a big one - like 36 feet long by 24 wide and 5' deep. I would love a inground pool but since we will be moving in a few years, I am not spending $40,000 on something that might make it hard to sell to anyone else. An above ground will be like $8,000 installed that size and we will put a deck up around it.

At least that is the plans...

Now the pocket book just need to match!

 

[Dizneydawn]

Those people are NOT MAGICAL and need to stay away until they find some MAGIC!!!

Or a boot in their keester like Toby Keith would say!!!

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

Or a boot in their keester like Toby Keith would say!!!

Honestly, I think those kind of un-magical people only come to Disney for the FREE food!!!

 

[Dizneydawn]

Day 4 Part Tres:

Upon leaving the beach, we did 2 things before making our way back to camp.

#1 Really noticed some beautiful beach houses and began to speculate what the cost might be to rent one for a week. Being on the beach was very alluring!

#2 We drove into downtown Charleston to have our first glimpse upon the city. So much rich history and it showed through the magnificent buildings that were everywhere. The cobblestone streets were just as I had pictured them.

We saw Rainbow Row also and knew that tomorrow, we would hit the streets of downtown and not go to the beach. A day out of the sun would be good for us and there was so much to see and do downtown!

Soon it was time to head back to:

Again, the trees here just wind and wrap with moss and vines. Breathtaking and I will tell you that we all talked about the images of slaves, trying to run barefoot, through this dense vegetation, to escape to the North and we had an understanding of the lay of the land so to speak that without seeing first hand, would not give you the same awareness as simply reading in a book.

So we made it back to the campground and many had left since it was a Sunday. This opened up a spot under some trees that I thought would provide more shade.

We moved our refugee campsite. Just pulled up the steaks and hauled the tents and all on the tarp! Then carried the rest. It was never going to be cool but the shade was bound to help right?

The boys threw around a football, the girls showered, Kristi and Marissa stopped by to get their things because after driving all over, they indeed had found a cheapish hotel. Not as close as they would have liked but better than the hard ground for them. We munched on food a bit and just tried to stay cool.

The plans for that evening involved heading back to Folly Beach area, walk the pier and see the shops. Maybe grab something to eat depending on everyone's appetite.

Here is one pic of our site after we moved things. You can see the bathroom trailer to the very left of the pic.

Once everyone was showered, we were back in the air conditioned van, ready to hit the road!

Pretty Carsy!

I ran into Walmart to get a pair of shorts and some ice on our way. Carsyn, found something to do after the boys kicked her outside because of the fumes!

The boys...after hijacking the girls spot. Notice Treyner drinking out of the water jug! Some things will never change!

We found a spot to park in the shade, brought Kizzy with us on the walk and one of the first stops was a tourist shop.

Now outside this shop was a lemonade stand. The girl running her million dollar enterprise was the best sales lady you have ever seen. As we approached, she said, "It sure is a hot one today. I bet you would like some cold lemonade."

I smiled and told her that sounded nice but I would get some on our way out, after we shopped inside.

Well "Miss. I Will not Let a Sale Get Away," found me inside after about 4 minutes. She said she wanted to make sure that she had our glasses ready and waiting because again, we would be just parched in this heat, and would I by chance know what flavors we would care to partake in.

I told her that we were not sure yet, butt I promised we would be outside in a few minutes and would buy at least 3 glasses so would probably enjoy a variety of flavors.

She raised her eyebrow at me, as if to question my intent and if I would actually follow through on said promise. I felt like I was meeting Punky Brewster in the flesh.

I explained that I too was in sales and as such, hold close to my heart the importance of the sale and I would not leave her high and dry.

She seemed satisfied with that answer and retreated to her stand. We never did buy anything inside that place from her parents, but outside, the little racket she had going was booming.

She had a bevy of pitchers lined up on the table and I asked what flavors she had. She went through them all and I asked her how her Strawberry Kiwi tasted.

"It's fantastic! I mean it is the best tasting one I have. I have not yet tasted it of course, but I it looks great doesn't it?" She exclaimed like a infomercial on QVC.

Well she had everyone wrapped around her pinky at that point and she was going to get a sale she would never forget.

We asked her what her name was and Miss. Jacobi Alexis became our hero. Carsyn said she loved her name and Jacobi said, Thank You, while batting her baby blues.

I asked if each glass sold for $5 and without missing a beat, she said, "Sure!"

Seriously, if I could bottle her enthusiasm and personality, I would be a millionaire.

We ended up with 4 glasses of lemonade, various flavors and indeed, the Strawberry-Kiwi did taste fabulous!

Carsyn took her pic with who Leah and she has called, "The best Darn Lemonade Salesperson on the planet."

Seriously, it is those spontaneous moments of vacation and life, that make this planet worth living on. Carsyn swears she is naming her daughter that name BTW.

Dan and I were settling up the bill and the kids had walked ahead when laughter erupted.

Seems Baylor had not paid attention to how he was holding his glass, and spilled half of t down the front of him. Typical Baylor and it looked like he wet himself.

2 stores down, Leah found the perfect signage to go with his dilemma.

While Carsyn and Leah found some shops to explore, Treyner found his perfect spot!

Right outside the pier, we saw a sign that showed intent and no follow through. Typical government. I mean how much money was spent on making up signs that say, "We would like to promise to clean up litter but we are really not that committed to even 1 mile."

Carsyn and Leah on the pier before Carsyn was kicked off because of Kizzy.

The view of the beach outside of the Holiday Inn.

Treyner looks homeless here!

Possibly the worst pic of Dan and I ever - it was sooo windy up there!

They had a guy playing music on the pier!

On our way back to the van, we asked where we could fins great burgers and the security lot attendant at the pier pointed across the street to Rita's!

So that is where we headed!

They had outdoor dining and allowed dogs on the patio so Kizzy rested at our feet. They even brought out bowls of water for the dog guests!

The food was fabulous and we all agreed they had the best french fries we had ever had!!

Up next: Would we survive another night?

 

[MEK]

Honestly, I think those kind of un-magical people only come to Disney for the FREE food!!!

Ok - Now THAT's pretty funny!

Going back to read now!

 

[MEK]

Dawn - another great update. Thumbs up to moving the camp site under the trees! Looks like so much fun on the pier. That darn Jacobi, aka the best darn lemonade salesman on the planet. Way to go Jacobi.

I just told Denny that I have officially decided I am retiring to Charleston. He told me I might need to work on my southern hospitality a bit more in order to be socially accepted down there. touche'!

I really want to go there!!!!! More Charleston pictures please.

 

[Dizneydawn]

Day 4 - The end & Day 5 The beginning

That night we tried to lie down and enjoy the comforts of our new digs.

Minus the cicadas that were driving us batty in the trees above and the fact it was still as warm as an oven. No breeze at all.

Treyner was in the 2 man tent solo. The girls and I in the big tent. Dan and Baylor in the Booger.

Yup, the Booger.

It was too hot for Dan and Baylor jumped ship to sleep in the comforts of a cushioned back bench.

I swore I would make it. I would not leave the original plan.

I sweated.

I folded my queen air mattress in half when it gave out from heat exhaustion.

I wanted to go to the Booger so bad it was not even funny but I swore I would not quit yet.

Then, when the sun arose on a sleepless night. I called truce.

It was day 5.

My white flag was in the air and I waved it like I just didn't care.

I was tired and I was beat down. I wanted a bed and I wanted air conditioning.

Nuff said.

So I called the hotel where Kristi was at and begged for a room. They indeed had one and did not mind if we came straight away, no need to wait for check in times.

So I woke the boys in the Booger and the boy in the tent and told them to get a move on...we were heading to civilization.

That campsite was packed as fast as booger sugar up Paris Hilton's beak.

We were packed before the welcome house was open at the campground to see if we could get our money back that we had pre-paid for the rest of our stay.

In fact, when we saw the boy scouts cargo hauler, we were down right giddy to see a sign of home.

That's right - Ely, MN where we had just been to Burn Camp!!!

We waited for about 5 minutes in the parking lot for someone to open up the welcome house and when they did, I was in there.

Explaining we had a family emergency and would be checking out early.

Technically it was not a lie. It was urgent we get to cooler accommodations and she did not verify indeed what constitutes an emergency.

Then she explained since we were in the open field, no reservations area, no big deal and we would get the remaining nights refunded.

With my refund slip in hand, we were heading to the hotel, not caring that North Charleston is not the nicest part of Charleston. Quite frankly, I could care less what the crime rate was as long as I had air conditioning.

The hotel was clean and friendly and the only drawback was it was 20 minutes farther away from the beach than we would have liked. But they had room openings so we were good to go.

The front desk person said the heat did not bother her too bad. She was used to it.

Then she said she went from work, to her air conditioned vehicle, to her air conditioned home. That only fools went outside in the weather this time of year. She did not cook or anything when it was this hot.

So really what she meant was the heat did not bother her because she refused to be in it!

We all showered and just laid back and enjoyed the fact we were not sweating at 9 a.m.!

In fact, we were looking forward to moseying through the city.

Just as we were about to depart...

Baylor went into the bathroom and did not come out.

For ever.

Then we heard a slamming of porcelain sound.

Ya know what it sounds like when you try and quietly remove the tank lid but it slams into the lower tank anyway?

Yeah.

This was not going to be good.

Then we hear more bumping sounds and some mumbled swears and Treyner is in the corner, laughing, asking if Baylor is wrestling with himself and if so, who was winning?

Then Baylor emerges, closes the door quickly behind him and says, after a deep inhale....

"I got some bad news and some worse news."

Sweet.

Can I have what is behind door number 3 please?

I mean bad news and worse news does not sound like a winner is to be had.

We all start cracking up because he is delivering this as if it was the roll call for an execution march and we were indeed, dead man walking.

"I have just taken the biggest dump of my life and now the toilet won't flush."

I mean I tried to negotiate around that statement but anyway you slice it, it was not pretty so I figured the best way to write it was exactly how it was said.

Dan, through tears explained that it was not us who was impacted by this bad and worse news, but the plunger baton had been passed on to him, and he must figure out what every man will have to do at some point in their life.

Welcome to manhood little grasshoppah!

So he and Treyner explained to Baylor, how to plunge and Baylor went in, mouth and nose in his shirt, shaking his head in disbelief at his exciting vacation adventure.

The noises that proceeded were some of the funniest I have ever heard. I am not sure if he was one arm wrestling with the plunger or if indeed, Baylor was listening to Treyner's coaching calls from the main room, and leveraging his body against the tub for more power in the plunge. Either way, it ended about 3 minutes later with Baylor triumphant and Leah happy to get the photographic evidence for his senior grad party pictures!

I know it is disturbing we would laugh at him but rest assured, it could not have happened to a nicer kid!