July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days! Part 3

[Aurora1959]

Carrie - thank you for your wonderful words and I hope that I can do the same. Your right - family comes first so just worry about yourself and your MIL and that you manage to get onboard with us safely. Our vacation begins in 19 days.

Here's some and for you!

Thanks again - you know I normally am very nervous about doing new things. Especially going to countries where I don't speak the language, and I only took HS French. Without this board I think I would be a wreck. I'd be totally lost. I feel like this is going to be a great trip.

If you have a list of tags, I'll be glad to take a crack at it. While not even close to being a graphic designer, as I recall the idea I saw earlier (with mouse shapes between the tags) wouldn't be too hard to do. Do you have a linke to the original design?

I was going to PM you with the list, but I see Mary Jo did a great job.

We have just had the full season three, a Christmas special with Kylie Minogue is in production and a new series in 2008, with an Assistant Catherine Tate from Christmas 2006 coming back (Runaway Bride)

Martha with go to sister show TORCHWOOD and return later, this show makes shed loads of cash for the BBC and is one of the most watched programmes here so not cancelled.

That's so good to hear. I like the current guy playing the Dr. Don't know much about him, but he's rather nice.

Dan, thanks for volunteering to help out!!!!! It really would be nice to have a t shirt commemorating the cruise.

Carrie -

Maryann

Thanks - I think I need a vacation about now.

The fish extender is done!!!

Here are some photos. I'll write out a pattern and post it later.

Sandra

I love it. So colorful. I have some extra disney material I was going to use for mine.

Hi everybody,
Life is still very crazy. I have my mom settled at my brother's house and she now understands she will not be going back to live alone. I want to get though this trip and then we can make more definate plans. Right now, it looks good that I can come on this trip.

We got home yesterday at 6pm. I have friends that left their car in my garage while they were on the Disney 10 day Med. I picked them up at Reagan National at midnight (Sat night/Sun morning) and they crashed at my house for the night before their drive back to VA Beach today.

They had an awesome time. They had decided to cancel all Disney excursions and do it all on their own. They said they were really happy with their decision. They said the Disney groups were large and very slow moving. Many were complaining that they missed part of their excursion as time ran out. She siad the weather was perfect. The Med water is cold. She told me she is going to write out and e-mail me what she did at each port. I will copy and paste it here when I get it. She very much encouraged me to do the same. She said Disney had awesome information on the ship and in your room about where to catch the trains and taxis to get where you wanted to go. She said the shows were spectacular....

They bought in DVC while on the ship. She said the deals were out of this world.

I left for Blacksburg VA (VA Tech) for Daniel's orientation. We are at The Inn at VA Tech right now. Orientation is Monday and Tuesday.

I am exhausted. I am worried about my mom, the last several weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster and now I am thinking of sending my oldest out of the nest.

Take care all and as soon as Jane e-mails me, I will post it here.
Lisa

Lisa - Take care, we are all thinking about you.

Great work on your fish extender. Here is a picture of ours.

Now, I think it is way past my bed time!!!

Oh My! Is that all with plastic canvas? What a great idea!! Durable, easy to decorate, and holds form. So creative. And you wont need a wooden dowel. You can just use a long tie down to adhere it so that it doesn't swim away.

Mary Jo sent me an updated list of tags since I offered to help out on this (given that Carrie has a lot on her plate and the clock is, as we all know, ticking).

Here's a first draft of the tag list, formatted as someone (Carrie?) proposed earlier. Here's a link to the high resolution JPG version, and one the a PDF version (which is nice because it can scale larger with higher quality than a JPG).

I picked one tag per person, somewhat arbitrarily, so if you'd prefer a different tag, please reply or send me a PM. Also, anyone who still has the default "Earning my Ears" tag, I just included the name without the tag (to conserve space).
The name order is the one given to me by Mary Jo - I suspect it's somewhat arbitrary as well.

I did include the tags of teens/kids included in her list. I figure they'd enjoy having them there and the info is obscure enough so there are no real privacy issues. It does make the font a bit smaller though, so if people want them removed, that's fine also.

I'm open to suggestions on style, colors, etc. I chose a very simple bold font to make it as readable as possible. As it is, only people right behind you will have a chance of making sense of it.

If anyone would like to take a crack at a complete redesign, I'll be glad to forward them the original list, etc.

Links to the front pocket graphic can be found here (2 per page here).

Dan - you are great - thanks so much for doing this. I took a break from the web yesterday to spend time with the boys. As soon as I got Mary Jo's messages I was going to PM you.

BTW - For anyone who hasn't seen it - Transformers was really cool.

Spooky, we are just having an Ice thunder stom and its July???????

I wouldn't mind one of those right now. It was 106 this last week. We broke down and bought a pool for the kids from wally world. Mind you I have turned it into a sport, with them having to run around the pool racing each other. They get the current really going, then I make them stop and turn around. If they can make it all the way around against the current, they get a prize.

 

[danfromca]

As I understand everything on ship is in USA dollars.

You can go to guest services and they will debit your shipborad account in dollars and give you Euros that their company rate. Their rate is not as good as banks.

Actually, I read somewhere that they don't debit your shipboard account - rather, it counts as a cash advance against a credit card (with associated high fees).

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Actually, I read somewhere that they don't debit your shipboard account - rather, it counts as a cash advance against a credit card (with associated high fees).

That's what they told DH - they will have a separate time for exchanging $$ to Euros. Also, any excess of the shipboard credit will be returned to the card or cash depending on your method of payment.

DH tried to put a credit down and take from there but the DCL rep said they couldn't do that. So the $$ went back on the card.

Meanwhile, our business bank told us that the best way to get the highest rate is to use the ATM's. Travelers cheques are obsolete and may cause trouble. This from the bank that returns any ATM transactions fees.

HHMM? Wonder if they'll reverse that policy after we come back. DH will probably be going every day we are in port!

 

[danfromca]

Dan - you are great - thanks so much for doing this. I took a break from the web yesterday to spend time with the boys. As soon as I got Mary Jo's messages I was going to PM you.

BTW - For anyone who hasn't seen it - Transformers was really cool.

No problem - I know the last thing you need in your life right now is more stress.

I hear Ratatoui is great also, but I'm holding off seeing as I expect it will be showing on the cruise.

 

[danfromca]

Our road has been flooded in a few minutes of thunder ! Ice on the roof.

Whoa....

We're planning a few days in London after the cruise. We're expecting rain... but weren't counting on cold as well. Do we need to bring parkas as well?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Whoa....

We're planning a few days in London after the cruise. We're expecting rain... but weren't counting on cold as well. Do we need to bring parkas as well?

Well its been rather hot all day, but for the last two weeks we get these thunder storms and they have hail and ice in them, i have never seen it before.

I bet very soon though we will be in a heatwave!!!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Actually, I read somewhere that they don't debit your shipboard account - rather, it counts as a cash advance against a credit card (with associated high fees).

-Very possible.

Even more reason to take cards

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

That's so good to hear. I like the current guy playing the Dr. Don't know much about him, but he's rather nice.

David Tennant he is a very good actor!!

 

[danfromca]

Well its been rather hot all day, but for the last two weeks we get these thunder storms and they have hail and ice in them, i have never seen it before.

I bet very soon though we will be in a heatwave!!!

Summer ice storms in London, killer heat waves, droughts....

Good thing there's no such thing as global warming, otherwise I'd start to get concerned...

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Summer ice storms in London, killer heat waves, droughts....

Good thing there's no such thing as global warming, otherwise I'd start to get concerned...

London is taking all the rain off Europe!!!

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Wait a minute!!!
WE heard from a very reliable feline source that you have been spending lots of time at the beach, using your Iphone and hiding certain toys from deprived felines. So someone has their story mixed up here.

Sandra

Well, you know what they say about a cat - sneaky sneaky sneaky!

I have a serious question for all of the dog lovers on the Dis. Our neighbor is away and DD is taking care of their dogs. One of them, Frosty, is quite old and in failing health, he is an Eskimo Dog about 14+ years old.
Saturday he couldn't get up the stairs to the porch where they spend the night. I carried him up and got him settled. Well most of yesterday he didn't move and DD sat with him to keep him company. He soiled himself and didn't even move. THis morning when I went over to let them out he hadn't moved at all from where he was last night. He does not seem to be in pain and is quite alert. I tried to help him up to see if he could stand and his legs won't hold him up.
Cristin, my neighbor knows he's failing but is in denial about how bad he is. They don't plan on being home until late tomorrow night. I don't feel right about having him just lay there and I'm not excited about cleaning mess out of tons of thick white fur again either.
My question, do I call and let them know how bad he is or just take care of him the best I can until they get home?

I know how hard it is to let a pet go. My 16 yr old cat had to be put to sleep last year and I'm still heartbroken over it.
I know many of you love your pets so please let me know what you think?
Sandra

Being both a dog and cat owner I fully understand the anguish you must be going thru. If it were me, I would contact the owners imediately and take the poor guy to the vet. Dogs do not show pain in the way we feel it. They are very stoic when it comes to pain unless it becomes a major factor in their quality of life, and it seems to have reached it with this guy. The fact that his owners are away could also be a contributing factor. He is not well and he misses his family. Call the owners, take him to the vet, and hope for the best.

I was going to reply but it seems like you have it taken care of! Good Job!

OK Andrew - I just realized that DH is a Dr Who fan. He has missed some ok a lot but I found out on Friday when I came home to my Tivo all filled up with parts of some Dr Who. Once I tell him that you have already seen season 3 - he may just be stalking you! Should I tell him you are an avid fan?

 

[bridegirl]

What is a fish extender gift?

I did the family gift bags, I am ready to do the kids gift swap gifts, but what is a fish extender gift? Are the fish extenders all swapping with each other?

 

[MrsJobba1]

Way to go, Helen!! Hope you are feeling better---bet you just need some peanut butter!! I have a really good peanut butter fudge recipe for that Jif peanut butter that would make you feel good really quick!

Take it easy, and we will be seeing you soon!

Thanks - peanut butter fudge sounds wonderful mmm I think you'll have to email me the recipe for after the cruise. At the mo I am panicing in case my new cruise clothes wont fit! im feeling better today about 90%. Theres a lot of bugs going round school. I think a holiday is called for!

Thanks for advice. I called them and they are coming home to spend some time with him and they have an appointment to take him to the vet tomorrow. THey want the kids to have time to get used to the idea and to say goodbye to him.

It was a difficult call that I know I had to make. Thanks for your encouragement.

Sandra

Sandra, I believe you've certainly done the right thing. sorry I wasn't around earlier to give support

 

[MrsJobba1]

Well, you know what they say about a cat - sneaky sneaky sneaky!






I was going to reply but it seems like you have it taken care of! Good Job!

OK Andrew - I just realized that DH is a Dr Who fan. He has missed some ok a lot but I found out on Friday when I came home to my Tivo all filled up with parts of some Dr Who. Once I tell him that you have already seen season 3 - he may just be stalking you! Should I tell him you are an avid fan?

I can do a deal - DR Who info for CSI or Greys anatomy info

 

[MrsJobba1]

Hi have you checked the manage my booking page recently?

Just a heads up!

I checked mine this morning - and it had a new space where you have to put in the passport numbers of those travelling with you. It says you have to do this before travelling and it will save time at the airport.

 

[MrsJobba1]

Sallie,

Your cat looks adorable, those big eyes - and thats coming from a dog person !

 

[kidcoos3]

That's what they told DH - they will have a separate time for exchanging $$ to Euros. Also, any excess of the shipboard credit will be returned to the card or cash depending on your method of payment.

DH tried to put a credit down and take from there but the DCL rep said they couldn't do that. So the $$ went back on the card.

Meanwhile, our business bank told us that the best way to get the highest rate is to use the ATM's. Travelers cheques are obsolete and may cause trouble. This from the bank that returns any ATM transactions fees.

HHMM? Wonder if they'll reverse that policy after we come back. DH will probably be going every day we are in port!

My bank tells me that my debit card won't work - although it is a Visa Debit card that is part of the Plus and Interlink systems. Anyone know any differently? I was planning to use my Paypal credit card - but now I'm not sure I can count on that. I will purchase Euros in advance, but I don't know how many I will need and I wanted to be able to get some on the boat if need be. Do you know if they would let me write a check instead? I was so proud of myself for getting this taken care of back in May, but now it is still not resolved and I'm starting to get seriously stressed out

 

[Aurora1959]

No problem - I know the last thing you need in your life right now is more stress.

I hear Ratatoui is great also, but I'm holding off seeing as I expect it will be showing on the cruise.

that is what I told the kids - wait and see if it is on the ship first. Of course we missed meet the robinsons. And it looks like BA is showing it on the flight. I hope it doesn't change and we will get to see it

BA's list for movies from SFO to London right now.

1.MovieMeet the Robinsons2.MovieLonely Hearts3.MovieThe Lookout4.MoviePremonition5.MovieGhost Rider6.MovieAre We Done Yet?7.MovieReign Over Me 8.Family movieThe Last Mimzy9.TVCartoon Network10.TVFamily Comedy11.TVSport12.TVExplore: Obsessions13.MoviePractical Magic14.MovieTwo Weeks15.MovieMaster and Commander16.TVComedy17.TVFabulous Food18.TVBusiness Life TV

 

[Aurora1959]

Hi have you checked the manage my booking page recently?

Just a heads up!

I checked mine this morning - and it had a new space where you have to put in the passport numbers of those travelling with you. It says you have to do this before travelling and it will save time at the airport.

Yep - did that about a month ago when they emailed me asking for it. Maybe they started requiring it here in the US first.

 

[danfromca]

My bank tells me that my debit card won't work - although it is a Visa Debit card that is part of the Plus and Interlink systems. Anyone know any differently? I was planning to use my Paypal credit card - but now I'm not sure I can count on that. I will purchase Euros in advance, but I don't know how many I will need and I wanted to be able to get some on the boat if need be. Do you know if they would let me write a check instead? I was so proud of myself for getting this taken care of back in May, but now it is still not resolved and I'm starting to get seriously stressed out

Hmm... I'm not certain about this, but I believe a Visa debit card is NOT the same thing as an ATM card. A debit card charges like a credit card, but pull money from your bank account. At ATM card is.. well, it's an ATM card. Some cards can be used either way.

The big difference would be that if you use it as an ATM card, you get a good exchange rate and relatively low ATM fees. If you use it as a Visa card you pay an extra 2-3% foreign exchange fee (depending on bank), plus cash advance fees.

It's very important that your PIN number for your ATM card be 4 digits. Most European ATM's don't yet handle longer PIN numbers.

As to whether your particular card will work in Europe, this I cannot say.