July 6, 2010 - 7/6/2010 ~ Pounds to Rubles ~ Mickey invades the Baltic Sea

[scottishwee35]

We still have a heat wave over in the UK, but the weather is set to change with rain coming through for a couple of days. It may not affect London, but anyone who's heading there at the end of this week, have your rain coats handy for when you get off the plane, you may need them.

Scottishwee35

 

[Deb T.]

So my morning is just getting worse. I have solved my minor crisis, dad came and fixed the overflow pipe, 20 mins is all it took, thankfully. Now I have a major crisis which I can't do anything about. Shaun's dad has been rushed into hospital with breathing difficulties. We was diagnosed last year with lung cancer, they operated but found they couldn't remove the tumour safely, so he underwent chemo. He recovered fine and has been getting better all the time. He's had his up days and his down days, but the up ones have been out weighing the down. This is a major setback. I'm hoping it's nothing serious, perhaps a reaction to the heatwave, who can say. I've got everything crossed.

Prayers are going out to you, Shaun, and Shaun's Dad that he quickly goes back to having "up days" again.

 

[babybear42]

A big thank you to all of you for your good wishes. The news isn't too good I'm afraid. Shaun's dad has got a blockage near his heart which is making it difficult for him to breath. They are going to operate sometime this afternoon to try and remove it.

 

[OurDogCisco]

Thank you. I haven't heard anything other than they are waiting for the results of some blood tests. I'm going on the theory that no news is good news. I really should be packing, but I just can't get myself going.

(((HUGS)))... you'll be in my thoughts. I hope it isn't anything serious...

 

[Rora]

A big thank you to all of you for your good wishes. The news isn't too good I'm afraid. Shaun's dad has got a blockage near his heart which is making it difficult for him to breath. They are going to operate sometime this afternoon to try and remove it.

I'm so sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[DW2DH&DS]

prayers to you Jill and Shaun!!!!!

 

[Deb T.]

A big thank you to all of you for your good wishes. The news isn't too good I'm afraid. Shaun's dad has got a blockage near his heart which is making it difficult for him to breath. They are going to operate sometime this afternoon to try and remove it.

Well, not quite the news we all hoped for, but Shaun's Dad is in very good hands. Once that blockage is removed, he should feel much, much better.

 

[sharper_fin]

Hi all. I've not been on here recently, but believe me, Jill's been keeping me up to date with all your news!

Thanks so much for the kind comments and thoughts & prayers about my Dad. He's staying in hospital at the moment, and is relaxing more as they look after him. They postponed the procedure til tomorrow; they're saying now that he won't need an operation, they can get to the blockage via a catheter in his leg. If all goes well he should be released late tomorrow or Wednesday. Then we just have to get him settled at home, get through the rest of my working week, and get a taxi for our journey South next monday. Easy. Oh, and let Jill repack everything again at least three times

Those were great pictures Beth, thanks for those; and Wee, it simply won't be the same without you and your Scottish clan!

Looking forwards to seeing you all next week. Have a safe journey all,

Shaun (sharper_fin, partner of jill -babybear42)

 

[goingsouth]

I had such good intentions... I was going to pack light..one bag each
and yet there are five stuffed suitcases for four people sitting by the front door. Our baggage allowance is 2 per person so it won't cost us extra but still..I feel defeated. I even took out some shoes...so frustrating.

Shaun~~ thanks for the update. It seems as though your father is getting very good care. We will still keep him in our thoughts.


joanne

 

[scottishwee35]

Hi all. I've not been on here recently, but believe me, Jill's been keeping me up to date with all your news!

Thanks so much for the kind comments and thoughts & prayers about my Dad. He's staying in hospital at the moment, and is relaxing more as they look after him. They postponed the procedure til tomorrow; they're saying now that he won't need an operation, they can get to the blockage via a catheter in his leg. If all goes well he should be released late tomorrow or Wednesday. Then we just have to get him settled at home, get through the rest of my working week, and get a taxi for our journey South next monday. Easy. Oh, and let Jill repack everything again at least three times

Those were great pictures Beth, thanks for those; and Wee, it simply won't be the same without you and your Scottish clan!

Looking forwards to seeing you all next week. Have a safe journey all,

Shaun (sharper_fin, partner of jill -babybear42)

Shaun and Jill

I am so sorry to heard about your dad and I hope your dad will be speedy recovery and hope you both enjoy your cruise and I know we won't be on baltic as we wish to...we hope towin the lottery but none as I know lady won 2.8 lottery two weeks ago in our area, wish us so enjoy it and plenty relax too... take care

Scottishwee35

 

[Deb T.]

I had such good intentions... I was going to pack light..one bag each
and yet there are five stuffed suitcases for four people sitting by the front door. Our baggage allowance is 2 per person so it won't cost us extra but still..I feel defeated. I even took out some shoes...so frustrating.

You need to attend the "Deb T. School Of Packing"! I finished packing this morning and met my goal of two carry-ons each! We each have the following packed in the two roll-aboards: 3 dress shirts, 7 casual shirts, 2 pairs nice slacks, 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of shorts, 3 sweatshirts, 1 waterproof/windproof jacket, 2 sets of pjs, various pairs of socks, and all our underclothes. Still debating swimsuits... 9 Disney cruises and never stepped foot in a pool or hot tub. Crazy, I know. DH's roll-aboard also contains 2 ties. Our carry-on duffels have everything else.

 

[slg]

Deb:

No dresses for you? Or skirts? I find it easy to pack light for my three boys and hubby, its me that's the problem.

Not only clothes, but nylons,bras, makeup, female stuff...,hair product, straightener, ugh.

Its after two and we have been going at it for 4 hours and we're not even half-way done.

Torture.

 

[Deb T.]

Deb:

No dresses for you? Or skirts? I find it easy to pack light for my three boys and hubby, its me that's the problem.

Not only clothes, but nylons,bras, makeup, female stuff...,hair product, straightener, ugh.

Its after two and we have been going at it for 4 hours and we're not even half-way done.

Torture.

Nope - no dresses or skirts this time. I've found it's a hundred times easier to mix and match with slacks! Plus, it's much easier to figure out shoes, too... one pair of tennis shoes and one pair of black heels! I tend to feel chilly most of the time even in the Bahamas, so I know I'll want warmer clothing in the Baltics, and slacks fit that bill!

I have all travel or sample size hair products and bath gel. Instead of a straightener, I'll blow-dry my hair straight with a small round brush.

When our luggage was lost for 5 days during our 11-night Med cruise, I learned that we could get by on very little clothing. Granted, doing laundry every other day was a pain, but it was doable considering the circumstances. I plan to do laundry twice on the ship this time.

 

[DW2DH&DS]

HOORAY!!!!!​

We leave in 24 hours​

 

[nzdisneymom]

Today I updated our blog oncluding posting the currency conversion charts which I also printed in index cards. I printed a map for my door at work. I found Garys backpack that he couldn't find.

 

[goingsouth]

You need to attend the "Deb T. School Of Packing"! I finished packing this morning and met my goal of two carry-ons each! We each have the following packed in the two roll-aboards: 3 dress shirts, 7 casual shirts, 2 pairs nice slacks, 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of shorts, 3 sweatshirts, 1 waterproof/windproof jacket, 2 sets of pjs, various pairs of socks, and all our underclothes. Still debating swimsuits... 9 Disney cruises and never stepped foot in a pool or hot tub. Crazy, I know. DH's roll-aboard also contains 2 ties. Our carry-on duffels have everything else.

trust me- I would be expelled from Deb's school of packing. So- after several agonizing hours ( and let's face it, almost 2 years of preparing for this trip) I am packed. sort of. I ended up with the 5 suitcases instead of 4-
The packing cubes? not sure I'm a fan. When I put them into a suitcase, it's like placing bricks in there. Makes the suitcase heavier than I expect and not balanced.
I'm hoping today is like the wedding rehersal dinner- where everything goes wrong so that the wedding goes off without a hitch.
We started with the packing struggles-
then- picked up Avis car rental to drive to Boston tomorrow- the agent told DH he could upgrade to larger, roomier car for $23.00 more- turns out the amount was almost $100.00 more- arghhhh.
can't find my American admirals lounge passes that I bought- they have disappeared.
finally- checked in myself, and both DD online with American- tried to check in DH? um -no- documents do not match name on itinerary. what???
So- I am sitting here with a lovely cocktail- trying to get back my vacation vibe, which is hard when I still have items left on "THE LIST".
Does anyone else keep lists? They are evil helpers. I couldn't live without them-but I am reminded of all the items not checked off "THE LIST" yet.

sorry- panic ramble--

can't wait to meet you all!


joanne

 

[OurDogCisco]

Denise... be happy you are not at home it was 112 in my car this evening. UGH very hot and it appears that my A/C went out. Not going to get it fixed now.

Then, my dd was complaining of an ear ache. So, I quickly got an appointment at 4:40 pm this evening and got her checked out. It appears she has allergies.

So, we went to target to stock up on toiletries and stuff. Bought some clartin, etc.. Stocked up on tynelol and motrin for the kids. Plus, our Target was remodeling so it too forever to find stuff.

So, I can't wait to go to England because I think the weather will be so nice and lovely...

We leave in 48 hours and 23 minutes. Not that I'm counting... LOL...

 

[OurDogCisco]

A big thank you to all of you for your good wishes. The news isn't too good I'm afraid. Shaun's dad has got a blockage near his heart which is making it difficult for him to breath. They are going to operate sometime this afternoon to try and remove it.

Oh, no... I didn't see this post earlier. I'm sure the surgery will help.

 

[fabumouse]

trust me- I would be expelled from Deb's school of packing. joanne

Oh, me too!!

I have now packed twice for the 9 year old, because she's the easiest (the most clothing, the least fussy) so it's more fun.

Next is the 4 year old. She's fussier and has less clothing. Hmmmmm.

I already assumed 1 checked bag for each of us, plus 1 carry on for each of us (and of course, the "personal item"). The extra copies of the passports are in the carryons, plus jackets to wear in London, and of course, my pillow. I've put my foot down on that and will no longer sleep on cement disks.

 

[Deb T.]

trust me- I would be expelled from Deb's school of packing.

So- after several agonizing hours ( and let's face it, almost 2 years of preparing for this trip) I am packed. sort of. I ended up with the 5 suitcases instead of 4-
The packing cubes? not sure I'm a fan. When I put them into a suitcase, it's like placing bricks in there. Makes the suitcase heavier than I expect and not balanced.
I'm hoping today is like the wedding rehersal dinner- where everything goes wrong so that the wedding goes off without a hitch.
We started with the packing struggles-
then- picked up Avis car rental to drive to Boston tomorrow- the agent told DH he could upgrade to larger, roomier car for $23.00 more- turns out the amount was almost $100.00 more- arghhhh.
can't find my American admirals lounge passes that I bought- they have disappeared.
finally- checked in myself, and both DD online with American- tried to check in DH? um -no- documents do not match name on itinerary. what???
So- I am sitting here with a lovely cocktail- trying to get back my vacation vibe, which is hard when I still have items left on "THE LIST".
Does anyone else keep lists? They are evil helpers. I couldn't live without them-but I am reminded of all the items not checked off "THE LIST" yet.

sorry- panic ramble--

can't wait to meet you all!

joanne

Bummer about the rental car. That sure sounds like some sort of bait and switch trickery. I do hope you're able to find the American lounge vouchers. Any chance you have an email confirmation for purchasing them? We have a similar issue with DH's flight info... the airline website keeps asking for his personal info, I input it all, and then it never shows up in their system. I figure we'll just take care of it when we get to the airport.

I'm a compulsive list maker. I keep a lot of them on my computer, like packing lists. For this trip, I also broke down my lists into what I wanted/needed to accomplish each day. It helps to keep me calm when travel panic sets in.

Deeeeeeeep breathing.... deeeeeeeeeep breathing..... Close your eyes and imagine... soon you will be completely pampered on the Disney Magic, soon you will be waited on hand and foot, soon you'll have at least two weeks of no cooking, cleaning, or working, soooooooon, soooooooon, sooooooooon. And another deeeep breath. Ahhhhhhhhh, feeling a little better yet?