July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days! Part 2

[jlawall]

The thanks really goes to Sallie. She's the one that tried it out and got the go ahead for all of us.


Three cheers for Propeller Sallie!!!

Hip, hip, Horray!!!
Hip, hip, Horray!!!
Hip, hip, Horray!!!

Thx Sallie!!!

 

[jlawall]

Ok, all of our documents have arrived........................

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hi guys,

I see I have a LOT of ketchup to do!!

Good news & bad news.

Kelly's passport came in (very happy).

Docs have not arrived yet (waiting patiently).

I checked the passport agency online system for Nick's passport (which had been mailed last week), and then checked the US Postal status - the passport was undeliverable to his dad's address in San Diego (Oh, so not happy). So after going through a very frustrating automated USPS phone line, I called the Passport people to find out the status. Bottom line, the passport is on its way back to the Passport Agency & will be sent out again so we would probably get it in about two weeks (this is where I started to tear up)... so I asked what could we do... We get to go AGAIN to get two pics taken ($), and then tomorrow we have to go to Downtown Los Angeles to the Federal Building, and stand in line so we can show proof that we're leaving on 7/24, and have a passport done right then & there. How much more is this going to cost me, I wonder. It opens at 8am-3pm, so we will be there super early so that we can get a good spot in line, even if we leave my house at 6am. He asks me, "Oh, so I have to miss work tomorrow?"

So, when you meet us, please disregard the marks where I wrung his neck.

I'll be able to read posts later when we get back from taking pics. Oh, and if you can spare a prayer, some pixie dust, and a few good wishes that all turns out well tomorrow, I'd really appreciate it.

mj

 

[Pixie Dust II]

Hi guys,

I see I have a LOT of ketchup to do!!

Good news & bad news.

Kelly's passport came in (very happy).

Docs have not arrived yet (waiting patiently).

I checked the passport agency online system for Nick's passport (which had been mailed last week), and then checked the US Postal status - the passport was undeliverable to his dad's address in San Diego (Oh, so not happy). So after going through a very frustrating automated USPS phone line, I called the Passport people to find out the status. Bottom line, the passport is on its way back to the Passport Agency & will be sent out again so we would probably get it in about two weeks (this is where I started to tear up)... so I asked what could we do... We get to go AGAIN to get two pics taken ($), and then tomorrow we have to go to Downtown Los Angeles to the Federal Building, and stand in line so we can show proof that we're leaving on 7/24, and have a passport done right then & there. How much more is this going to cost me, I wonder. It opens at 8am-3pm, so we will be there super early so that we can get a good spot in line, even if we leave my house at 6am. He asks me, "Oh, so I have to miss work tomorrow?"

So, when you meet us, please disregard the marks where I wrung his neck.

I'll be able to read posts later when we get back from taking pics. Oh, and if you can spare a prayer, some pixie dust, and a few good wishes that all turns out well tomorrow, I'd really appreciate it.

mj

Mary Jo---I will be thinking about you! Our friends that are going on the cruise with us sent for their passport renewal several months ago and still do not have their passports! . I am sure they may have to do the same thing you are doing. They live in Chicago. Good luck.

 

[Pixie Dust II]

Is anyone else planning to meet on Friday for drinks before going to the fountain? Please send me a PM. Thanks! This is the list I have so far:





MEETING FOR DRINKS AT GRAND MARINA

7:30 – IN LOBBY – 7-27-07


Pixie Dust II – Harole Ann & Garry
Friends of Pixie Dust II-Jan & Howie
Kyla- Jeanne & Jim
Sandaneli- Sandra & Gerry
Lynn Tarrant- Lynn & Keith (meeting to go to fountain)
JustJus Justine & Jon

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Oh, and if you can spare a prayer, some pixie dust, and a few good wishes that all turns out well tomorrow, I'd really appreciate it.

mj

MJ - and that things go smooth sailing for you! Sorry you have to go through this but at least its with 10 + days to go. Hoping the $$ isn't too much! We need you on this cruise!!!

 

[MrsG]

I'll be able to read posts later when we get back from taking pics. Oh, and if you can spare a prayer, some pixie dust, and a few good wishes that all turns out well tomorrow, I'd really appreciate it.

mj

and prayers. I am sure it will work out fine tomorrow. You can tell that they are really trying to fix all the passport problems to improve PR. The fact that they will do it right then and there for you is great. Then you will be able to relax. Good Luck!!!!

Maryann

 

[Sandaneli]

Hi guys,

I see I have a LOT of ketchup to do!!

Good news & bad news.

Kelly's passport came in (very happy).

Docs have not arrived yet (waiting patiently).

I checked the passport agency online system for Nick's passport (which had been mailed last week), and then checked the US Postal status - the passport was undeliverable to his dad's address in San Diego (Oh, so not happy). So after going through a very frustrating automated USPS phone line, I called the Passport people to find out the status. Bottom line, the passport is on its way back to the Passport Agency & will be sent out again so we would probably get it in about two weeks (this is where I started to tear up)... so I asked what could we do... We get to go AGAIN to get two pics taken ($), and then tomorrow we have to go to Downtown Los Angeles to the Federal Building, and stand in line so we can show proof that we're leaving on 7/24, and have a passport done right then & there. How much more is this going to cost me, I wonder. It opens at 8am-3pm, so we will be there super early so that we can get a good spot in line, even if we leave my house at 6am. He asks me, "Oh, so I have to miss work tomorrow?"

So, when you meet us, please disregard the marks where I wrung his neck.

I'll be able to read posts later when we get back from taking pics. Oh, and if you can spare a prayer, some pixie dust, and a few good wishes that all turns out well tomorrow, I'd really appreciate it.

mj

MJ, We will pray for you and Nick tonight. I'm so sorry about the passport issues. I'm sure it will work out tomorrow. I always think that the more "stuff" that comes up the better the vacation is going to be. Maybe it's just because we are so relieved to actually get to actually get to the vacation. Either way I hope everything works out tomorrow.

Sandra

 

[Sandaneli]

Just a reminder to join the fish extender gift swap. I'ts not too late.

Fish Extender participants

MaryJo 6134
sandaneli 2017
Bellelinus 5020
PixieDustII 6550
IslandMom3 5634
LoveBeast 7501
SAllieP 7546
alexturner 2541
disneynutinlondon 8564
eeyorelvr10 More than one cabin
DisneySpirit 5648
4KittyMagic 6594
Kyla 6504
formerpcer
aurora1959 6030
bridegirl

Please PM if your room number is not listed or if you'd like to join us. You don't need a fancy fish extender. I've heard some people are planning on using a brown paper bag!

Sandra

 

[jlawall]

Hi guys,

I see I have a LOT of ketchup to do!!

Good news & bad news.

Kelly's passport came in (very happy).

Docs have not arrived yet (waiting patiently).

I checked the passport agency online system for Nick's passport (which had been mailed last week), and then checked the US Postal status - the passport was undeliverable to his dad's address in San Diego (Oh, so not happy). So after going through a very frustrating automated USPS phone line, I called the Passport people to find out the status. Bottom line, the passport is on its way back to the Passport Agency & will be sent out again so we would probably get it in about two weeks (this is where I started to tear up)... so I asked what could we do... We get to go AGAIN to get two pics taken ($), and then tomorrow we have to go to Downtown Los Angeles to the Federal Building, and stand in line so we can show proof that we're leaving on 7/24, and have a passport done right then & there. How much more is this going to cost me, I wonder. It opens at 8am-3pm, so we will be there super early so that we can get a good spot in line, even if we leave my house at 6am. He asks me, "Oh, so I have to miss work tomorrow?"

So, when you meet us, please disregard the marks where I wrung his neck.

I'll be able to read posts later when we get back from taking pics. Oh, and if you can spare a prayer, some pixie dust, and a few good wishes that all turns out well tomorrow, I'd really appreciate it.

mj

Sorry MJ, so nerve racking..............good luck................. Let us know how things go......................

 

[jlawall]

I've noticed that every time we go on vacay, all heck breaks loose to make the trip even more special.................thx to MJ's packing list, I've starting packing very early, it's been so helpful and thorough...................LET'S ALL SEND A PRAYER UP, THAT THE PASSPORT SITUATION GETS RESOLVED BY TOMORROW FOR HER....................

 

[AnnaS]

Hi guys,

I see I have a LOT of ketchup to do!!

Good news & bad news.

Kelly's passport came in (very happy).

Docs have not arrived yet (waiting patiently).

I checked the passport agency online system for Nick's passport (which had been mailed last week), and then checked the US Postal status - the passport was undeliverable to his dad's address in San Diego (Oh, so not happy). So after going through a very frustrating automated USPS phone line, I called the Passport people to find out the status. Bottom line, the passport is on its way back to the Passport Agency & will be sent out again so we would probably get it in about two weeks (this is where I started to tear up)... so I asked what could we do... We get to go AGAIN to get two pics taken ($), and then tomorrow we have to go to Downtown Los Angeles to the Federal Building, and stand in line so we can show proof that we're leaving on 7/24, and have a passport done right then & there. How much more is this going to cost me, I wonder. It opens at 8am-3pm, so we will be there super early so that we can get a good spot in line, even if we leave my house at 6am. He asks me, "Oh, so I have to miss work tomorrow?"

So, when you meet us, please disregard the marks where I wrung his neck.

I'll be able to read posts later when we get back from taking pics. Oh, and if you can spare a prayer, some pixie dust, and a few good wishes that all turns out well tomorrow, I'd really appreciate it.

mj

Oh My God Mary Jo. I would not want to be in your position. Good luck and sending pixie dust your way.

 

[funluvin]

Hi guys,

I see I have a LOT of ketchup to do!!

Good news & bad news.

Kelly's passport came in (very happy).

Docs have not arrived yet (waiting patiently).

I checked the passport agency online system for Nick's passport (which had been mailed last week), and then checked the US Postal status - the passport was undeliverable to his dad's address in San Diego (Oh, so not happy). So after going through a very frustrating automated USPS phone line, I called the Passport people to find out the status. Bottom line, the passport is on its way back to the Passport Agency & will be sent out again so we would probably get it in about two weeks (this is where I started to tear up)... so I asked what could we do... We get to go AGAIN to get two pics taken ($), and then tomorrow we have to go to Downtown Los Angeles to the Federal Building, and stand in line so we can show proof that we're leaving on 7/24, and have a passport done right then & there. How much more is this going to cost me, I wonder. It opens at 8am-3pm, so we will be there super early so that we can get a good spot in line, even if we leave my house at 6am. He asks me, "Oh, so I have to miss work tomorrow?"

So, when you meet us, please disregard the marks where I wrung his neck.

I'll be able to read posts later when we get back from taking pics. Oh, and if you can spare a prayer, some pixie dust, and a few good wishes that all turns out well tomorrow, I'd really appreciate it.

mj

Mary Jo,

I hope everything goes well tomorrow.

Sending pixie dust your way.

 

[funluvin]

Hi guys,

I see I have a LOT of ketchup to do!!

Good news & bad news.

Kelly's passport came in (very happy).

Docs have not arrived yet (waiting patiently).

I checked the passport agency online system for Nick's passport (which had been mailed last week), and then checked the US Postal status - the passport was undeliverable to his dad's address in San Diego (Oh, so not happy). So after going through a very frustrating automated USPS phone line, I called the Passport people to find out the status. Bottom line, the passport is on its way back to the Passport Agency & will be sent out again so we would probably get it in about two weeks (this is where I started to tear up)... so I asked what could we do... We get to go AGAIN to get two pics taken ($), and then tomorrow we have to go to Downtown Los Angeles to the Federal Building, and stand in line so we can show proof that we're leaving on 7/24, and have a passport done right then & there. How much more is this going to cost me, I wonder. It opens at 8am-3pm, so we will be there super early so that we can get a good spot in line, even if we leave my house at 6am. He asks me, "Oh, so I have to miss work tomorrow?"

So, when you meet us, please disregard the marks where I wrung his neck.

I'll be able to read posts later when we get back from taking pics. Oh, and if you can spare a prayer, some pixie dust, and a few good wishes that all turns out well tomorrow, I'd really appreciate it.

mj

Is anyone else planning to meet on Friday for drinks before going to the fountain? Please send me a PM. Thanks! This is the list I have so far:





MEETING FOR DRINKS AT GRAND MARINA

7:30 – IN LOBBY – 7-27-07


Pixie Dust II – Harole Ann & Garry
Friends of Pixie Dust II-Jan & Howie
Kyla- Jeanne & Jim
Sandaneli- Sandra & Gerry
Lynn Tarrant- Lynn & Keith (meeting to go to fountain)
JustJus Justine & Jon

Mary Jo,

We willnot be ableto join you. Would love to but 8 members of our travel party are flying in from Dondon Friday night. The remaining 5 members will arrive Friday morning so maybe they will join you.

 

[kidcoos3]

Congratualations to everyone who has received their documents.

TA called DH to say Documents arrived, after he left the city!!! And it would have taken an act of God to get him to turn around once he's started his way home. THe traffic is brutal at that time of day and he was already on the highway. But at least they are here in MA.

Picked up the Euros today, and started making the copies, then realized I don't have a certified Birth Cert. for DD. Not ususally a problem but she is adopted from China and getting a B.C. is not the same as someone born here. I thought I ordered lots the first time but we must have had to submit them for different things, the last one went with her passport application. Now I have to start the process to get one of those. Oh well, better to find out now than next week. My mom is taking her to Canada while we are gone and getting her over the border is always and ordeal.

Well, the lobsters are waiting in the car. DH birthday dinner is tonight, BDay is tomorrow so we have to go and cook the little crustaceans Yum Yum

I'll try to catch up later.

Sandra

Is your mom driving them? I heard that you don't need passports to drive to Canada, just to fly, at least for now.
Everyone is having such last minute issues, wonder what mine will be???

Well, for the least creative person on the planet I am so proud of myself. I can't believe I actually made something and it looks pretty good (just don't look too closely). Anyway, Sallie and I were talking on the phone yesterday about the trip, flashes, etc. and we're really concerned about covering knees and shoulders in churches as we are trying to avoid being arrested by jumping in fountains. So....... I decided I was going to make a wrap-around skirt that I could velcro on and off during the excursions. (It is really tacky to step in and out of a skirt on the church steps.) So Sallie told me where to buy the material. I bought a yard and 3/4 and voila (4 hrs later) I made a wrap skirt AND with the left over material - a scarf for my shoulders!!!!!! Actually, all it is (for you seamstresses out there) is like a large square with a couple of tucks at the waist. It is a really lightweight material and it is just below the knee so it should be fine.

PROBLEM SOLVED!! Now if I can just figure out how to make a personal airconditioner..... hmmmmmm.......

Maryann

congratulations - that was a great idea. I must admit that I am a bit worried about the shoulder thing too. Guess I'll just bring extra clothes with me on excursions - just in case.

What up?????????????????????????

Congrats!!!

Hi guys,

I see I have a LOT of ketchup to do!!

Good news & bad news.

Kelly's passport came in (very happy).

Docs have not arrived yet (waiting patiently).

I checked the passport agency online system for Nick's passport (which had been mailed last week), and then checked the US Postal status - the passport was undeliverable to his dad's address in San Diego (Oh, so not happy). So after going through a very frustrating automated USPS phone line, I called the Passport people to find out the status. Bottom line, the passport is on its way back to the Passport Agency & will be sent out again so we would probably get it in about two weeks (this is where I started to tear up)... so I asked what could we do... We get to go AGAIN to get two pics taken ($), and then tomorrow we have to go to Downtown Los Angeles to the Federal Building, and stand in line so we can show proof that we're leaving on 7/24, and have a passport done right then & there. How much more is this going to cost me, I wonder. It opens at 8am-3pm, so we will be there super early so that we can get a good spot in line, even if we leave my house at 6am. He asks me, "Oh, so I have to miss work tomorrow?"

So, when you meet us, please disregard the marks where I wrung his neck.

I'll be able to read posts later when we get back from taking pics. Oh, and if you can spare a prayer, some pixie dust, and a few good wishes that all turns out well tomorrow, I'd really appreciate it.

mj

Oh Mary Jo - good luck with all of that!!

 

[Sandaneli]

Is your mom driving them? I heard that you don't need passports to drive to Canada, just to fly, at least for now.
Everyone is having such last minute issues, wonder what mine will be???

They don't need their passports but they need their birth certificates which went with their passport applications. And because they have foreign birth certificates and certificates of adoption it's not as easy to get birth certificates. I didn't realize that they would take their old passports. Because they are both under 16 it's as if they never had passports and is a completely new application so I didn't copy the old ones before we went. Then they wanted both the old passports and the certified birthcertificates so now we don't have either one for them to get back into the US. It's not a big problem just an inconvenience when there isn't a lot of extra time in the schedule.

We are continuing to pray for MJ and Nick's situation, that it would get straightened out quickly tomorrow.

This cruise is going to be so much fun. What a pleasure it will be to meet all of the friends we have made on this board. Two weeks from now we will be taking off from Boston for Paris. It's been so long in coming and now it will be here in no time.

Good night,
Sandra

 

[kidcoos3]

They don't need their passports but they need their birth certificates which went with their passport applications. And because they have foreign birth certificates and certificates of adoption it's not as easy to get birth certificates. I didn't realize that they would take their old passports. Because they are both under 16 it's as if they never had passports and is a completely new application so I didn't copy the old ones before we went. Then they wanted both the old passports and the certified birthcertificates so now we don't have either one for them to get back into the US. It's not a big problem just an inconvenience when there isn't a lot of extra time in the schedule.

We are continuing to pray for MJ and Nick's situation, that it would get straightened out quickly tomorrow.

This cruise is going to be so much fun. What a pleasure it will be to meet all of the friends we have made on this board. Two weeks from now we will be taking off from Boston for Paris. It's been so long in coming and now it will be here in no time.

Good night,
Sandra

Got it
We are also looking forward to meeting our "new" friends. Time sure is going quickly.
Hope it is/was a good bday for DH. How was that wine that you opened the other day?

 

[alexcturner]

Wish we were going to CC on our trip!

Someone asked me today if we had a private island to go to while in the MED!!

Hi guys,

I see I have a LOT of ketchup to do!!

Good news & bad news.

Kelly's passport came in (very happy).

Docs have not arrived yet (waiting patiently).

I checked the passport agency online system for Nick's passport (which had been mailed last week), and then checked the US Postal status - the passport was undeliverable to his dad's address in San Diego (Oh, so not happy). So after going through a very frustrating automated USPS phone line, I called the Passport people to find out the status. Bottom line, the passport is on its way back to the Passport Agency & will be sent out again so we would probably get it in about two weeks (this is where I started to tear up)... so I asked what could we do... We get to go AGAIN to get two pics taken ($), and then tomorrow we have to go to Downtown Los Angeles to the Federal Building, and stand in line so we can show proof that we're leaving on 7/24, and have a passport done right then & there. How much more is this going to cost me, I wonder. It opens at 8am-3pm, so we will be there super early so that we can get a good spot in line, even if we leave my house at 6am. He asks me, "Oh, so I have to miss work tomorrow?"

So, when you meet us, please disregard the marks where I wrung his neck.

I'll be able to read posts later when we get back from taking pics. Oh, and if you can spare a prayer, some pixie dust, and a few good wishes that all turns out well tomorrow, I'd really appreciate it.

mj

Hi Mary Jo,
That is unbelievable!!! Lots of prayers for you (and Nick's neck) tonight and tomorrow. Looking forward to good news posted by you tomorrow night.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hi everyone,

Thank you for the good wishes. They really warmed me, and I so needed it. Nick is properly contrite, and it's hard for me to remain upset at him. So, we'll go first thing in the morning & wait for the Passport Agency to open. I have his old passport (the one he couldn't find when we renewed the passports in spring & so had to use his birth certificate -- yup, that one), so we'll use that & his drivers license for ID, and we took the two pictures this afternoon, so we're set.

Well, enough of that. Again, thank you so much. You guys are the BEST!

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Happy Birthday, Laura! Enjoy your new phone. I am betting you give him gifts early! My dh can never keep a secret. He gets too excited with himself when he buys something and hints around until I know what it is so he might as well just give me the gift!

I think all men must be like that - I tell you they're all kids in a candy store. BTW, I still haven't opened it - DH just started bugging me to open it. I am so mean sometimes!

Have you designed that man hole cover yet?? See you soon!

This one was quoted about 5 hours ago and just turned up now??????

HINT for the day.

If you have prescription medicines order them now and have enough for a week or so after.

If using your credit/debit cards, tell your bank one week in advance of travel that you are going and where to cut down on security checks.

Just took DD14 to the doc - she has this recurring problem with her lymph node not draining right and she blows up in the neck like a blowfish. Poor child had to take her 8th grade picture looking like a blowfish - so she is forever in eternity AKA The Blowfish!

Anyway, Doc agreed to give us about 60 pills for her problem based on the fact that we will be gone so long. I would hate to have to rush off to the ER in Europe. So hopefully CVS won't give us a hard time and deny the total amt. But she is covered. Also, just a reminder, when I mentioned to 2 nurses where we were going - they all told me - make sure you have her get a Hepatitis A shot. Which she did - she'll be ready for the 2nd shot on the day after we come back. So, the meds, doc also recommended that we give her a Centrum Jr. Multivitamin and her tetanus and Hep A shot - God Willing, she should be set. Now to worry about the oldest one who has asthma!

THANK YOU


Thank you for that everytime I go to a meeting now I am going to this of this and get sacked for my smile, I have a name for him, but wont post it!

Could that name be Boss?

I must admit though - this picture is a bit disturbing. Not because I know he's a monkey, chimp or the correct name which I don't know but because I would swear I've met him somewhere. The face looks familiar? Am I crazy?????

Congrats on Doc's


Sorry missed this

this is called a
PIRATE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Thanks everyone for the wishes but my b-day is actually on the 23rd. Our anniversary is on the 21st.

But I think I may have won this game. I found the perfect gift for DH. He is continually working on his laptop but has to sometimes used a gel pack to cool off the bottom. Well, upon visiting a friend, I noticed that her laptop was sitting atop a "Chill Mat." I thought this was the neatest thing and practical. This is one present he will DEFINATELY use!

Score this round to me!