May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 5

[lillygator]

Kaylee what company do you use miles with? We have over 50000 miles with US Airways to use, but I haven't read all the rules since we hardly fly anywhere. I think Sunday is the big day to find flights for the 27th!! if I counted right.

 

[lillygator]

I just wanted to say hello to everyone.

Not long after we got home from our April 28th cruise, my DSis died suddenly. For several weeks I was either too tired from dealing with all the family matters, or too upset, to even look at the DISboards. But one evening last week I came onto the thread and read the latest few pages, and it really cheered me up just to read the general chat between people. It made me remember what a great cruise we have to look forward to next year. So much so, that we actually booked our flights this week - which means there's no going back now as they are non-refundable!

Since then I've spent time whenever I can trying to catch up with the thread, but I'm still about 300 pages adrift - although I'm determined to do it eventually.

I hope everyone has a good weekend, wherever they are.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss.....

 

[gydell]

I just wanted to say hello to everyone.

Not long after we got home from our April 28th cruise, my DSis died suddenly. For several weeks I was either too tired from dealing with all the family matters, or too upset, to even look at the DISboards. But one evening last week I came onto the thread and read the latest few pages, and it really cheered me up just to read the general chat between people. It made me remember what a great cruise we have to look forward to next year. So much so, that we actually booked our flights this week - which means there's no going back now as they are non-refundable!

Since then I've spent time whenever I can trying to catch up with the thread, but I'm still about 300 pages adrift - although I'm determined to do it eventually.

I hope everyone has a good weekend, wherever they are.

So sorry to hear about your loss. Glad you found us and we could help you if just a little bit.

 

[tigger137]

Thank you all for your kindness.

Cheri - my DSis was also my good friend. We didn't live close by or see each other often, but we chatted by e-mail about anything and everything, several times a week. She was often up late at night and would e-mail me so it would be waiting when I arrived at work. It is very strange not to have that any more, and not to be able to tell her about everything.

Marilyn - yes, it has been hard. Far more so than I think I would ever have expected, not that it was something I had thought about. She was 55 - of the 5 of us, she was the eldest and I am the youngest (42) - but somehow we became the closest over the last 15 years or so.

Thank you for 'listening'.

 

[HollyTyler]

I just wanted to say hello to everyone.

Not long after we got home from our April 28th cruise, my DSis died suddenly. For several weeks I was either too tired from dealing with all the family matters, or too upset, to even look at the DISboards. But one evening last week I came onto the thread and read the latest few pages, and it really cheered me up just to read the general chat between people. It made me remember what a great cruise we have to look forward to next year. So much so, that we actually booked our flights this week - which means there's no going back now as they are non-refundable!

Since then I've spent time whenever I can trying to catch up with the thread, but I'm still about 300 pages adrift - although I'm determined to do it eventually.

I hope everyone has a good weekend, wherever they are.

Oh no......I'm so sorry for your loss. How awful for your family. We're all always here listen or to chat to take your mind off your situation.

 

[tigger137]

Have you booked the flights from Birmingham? I am still waiting for the return flight to come available - tomorrow!!! Usually the first day they are more expensive, so will wait a few days. Virgin is our best option as it goes from Manchester.

I did wonder whether to hang on till there is a sale, but that may not be till next January, so cutting it a bit fine I think seeing as I want to book a one way from LA back to Orlando. So, will have to pay the premium rate!

Marilyn

We're flying Virgin from Manchester. Flying out Manchester-Orlando, returning LA-Heathrow. We will take the train to Manchester, then book an airport transfer taxi to collect us from Heathrow.

We explored every different option we could find, really not wanting to travel to, from or through London, but decided we had to do the direct journey back. Flying from Birmingham would mean either an overnight in LA and a very early start the following morning, or splitting the journey overnight in Newark. Flying back from Orlando would mean spending a day getting back there from LA. We don't really have that extra day to spare - we'd rather spend it in Orlando before the cruise.

The direct LA-Heathrow flight doesn't leave until 1825 so we won't be rushed for getting from the port to LAX. And hopefully, as it's a 10+ hour flight, we may manage to get some sleep on the way back and perhaps avoid the dreadful jet lag we generally suffer. Or maybe that's just post-cruise blues!

 

[granmaz]

Marilyn

We're flying Virgin from Manchester. Flying out Manchester-Orlando, returning LA-Heathrow. We will take the train to Manchester, then book an airport transfer taxi to collect us from Heathrow.

We explored every different option we could find, really not wanting to travel to, from or through London, but decided we had to do the direct journey back. Flying from Birmingham would mean either an overnight in LA and a very early start the following morning, or splitting the journey overnight in Newark. Flying back from Orlando would mean spending a day getting back there from LA. We don't really have that extra day to spare - we'd rather spend it in Orlando before the cruise.

The direct LA-Heathrow flight doesn't leave until 1825 so we won't be rushed for getting from the port to LAX. And hopefully, as it's a 10+ hour flight, we may manage to get some sleep on the way back and perhaps avoid the dreadful jet lag we generally suffer. Or maybe that's just post-cruise blues!

When are you flying out? We are thinking the Tuesday or Wednesday. Hopefully staying 4 nights in LA before flying back. I would love to fly straight back from LA, but that transfer up to Leeds, or worse still Manchester and then driving back to Harrogate is a nightmare.

I have just booked our nights at the Candy Cane Inn, Anaheim.

 

[fourmcds]

Kaylee what company do you use miles with? We have over 50000 miles with US Airways to use, but I haven't read all the rules since we hardly fly anywhere. I think Sunday is the big day to find flights for the 27th!! if I counted right.

We use Alaska Airlines for the most part, but we have tons on American as well. The other option that US Airways might have V is the 1/2 and 1/2...you use a lesser amount of miles and then pay a discounted ticket rate. Worth looking into if you don't use your miles often.

 

[MrsMork]

With reference to our bomb threat this morning. They are now saying there was an ordinary policeman who reached into the car and took out a mobile phone that was the trigger to detonate it and ran in the opposite direction.

What a brave man.

I continue to be amazed at all the true heros living among us who will put our safety before their own lives. For that brave policeman.

 

[fourmcds]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO


Not sure if anyone remembers me talking about this house that we have been trying to get since October. Well, it went to auction today and.........
WE GOT THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone else there to bid on the houses knew our story and let us go for it. I guess everyone was rooting for us that the bank didn't show up and.....they didn't! We got it for 1.00 over the opening bid Just what we had hoped for.

Here is a picture of the house...

The view of Mt. Rainier from the house is amazing, but of course, it is raining today so no view
I'm sure I'll bore you all with more as we get it fixed up. It needs a lot of work and TLC before we can live in it, but we are ready for it. The girls were so excited to see the inside (they had never seen it since it went into foreclosure before we could show them).

Just had to share!

 

[granmaz]

Wow Kaylee, that looks stunning. Congratulations on being successful.

 

[lillygator]

oh my.....our dear Gov....just approved a 40% tuition for FSU and UF and a 30% for USF....to take effect over the next couple years. Thankfully Samantha has 4 years paid tuition (which we just paid off recently thank goodness!) and we were just notified by the FL prepaid plan that this increase as promised by the plan and Crist that it would not effect those currently enrolled. We do have 529 plans for both girls as well with a very very minimal amount going in, but we hadn't started Haley's plan yet. I planned to do that when Samantha went to K, as I would have her daycare money to spend on it. I do think the schools need it, but wow, it sure hits the pocketbook. And here I want to get my MBA.


Why is everything so expensive? I mean they increase our property tax by a lot, drop our insurance forcing us to be completely raked over the coals and yet we get 3.5% raise each year??! Now with another bright idea by our Gov, they are reducing prop tax which is going to force layoffs by a large amount at most public and government entites. Good for me as a homeowner, bad for me as I am employed by an entity who receives tax millage. They are already laying off big time with the county....and of course in a hospital the first positions to go are the support departments. I am not worried about my job, if I get cut so be it, I will get another job, but there are many others who may not be able to find a job making what they are making.


can I just move to the islands already and be done with it? I am so sick of forecasting and crunching the numbers but I can't help it.


ok, enough vent....


this weekend is the Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix....come on over you can hear the boats all day long at my house! The boat parade started already, hence my need to leave work early as they closed down main st at 4pm. The races are always over 4th of July weekend and WITHOUT FAIL, for the 10 years I have been in Sarasota it has rained, it is raining now! There are lots of parties and things to do though and I can't wait for Wed....FIREWORKS! We get to see three from our beach! Siesta, Longboat and Venice, can't get better than that!

on another note, my dad went to Idaho for an Ironman qualifier, not sure if I mentioned it on this thread. He is a big time triathelete and this was the year he really wanted to qualify and go to Hawaii for the big race. 78 miles, (78 MILES PEOPLE!) into the bike portion he wrecked, breaking several ribs, fracturing facial bones and a punctured lung.....unable to finish, which I think was worse to him than the wounds. His spirit is a bit down as I guess now he can't qualify for the Hawaii Ironman until 2009 - (something re what he is already registered for next year)

Ok, enough about me me me...hope all is well with everyone. Happy Friday night!

(sorry to be a complainer)

 

[lillygator]

Kaylee, THAT HOUSE IS GORGEOUS!!!


When is the housewarming PARTY!!!???????

 

[lillygator]

and is that a Norfolk Island Pine tree?

 

[granmaz]

V, I don't understand much of your problems there with being from the UK, but it does sound like you are being financially hammered. Things are done differently here, but everything goes up and up all the time. Where does all the money go?

 

[MrsMork]

Vanessa, I was going to say give your Dad a hug for us, but with the broken ribs he probably would not want that, so....please give him our best.

 

[ibouncetoo]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO


WE GOT THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just had to share!

Congratulations! What a GREAT house and a FANTASTIC view!



Tigger137, I am so sorry for your loss. I just can't imagine losing one of my sisters. It makes me ill to even consider it.

Remember we're here for you...weather it's to cheer you up or share your sorrow. Perhaps, after you meet her on our cruise you can take my little sister off my hands once and a while (KIDDING PEG!) OH WAIT, you're in the UK....you can take ME of her hands then

 

[birkner]

Thank you all for your kindness.

Cheri - my DSis was also my good friend. We didn't live close by or see each other often, but we chatted by e-mail about anything and everything, several times a week. She was often up late at night and would e-mail me so it would be waiting when I arrived at work. It is very strange not to have that any more, and not to be able to tell her about everything.

Marilyn - yes, it has been hard. Far more so than I think I would ever have expected, not that it was something I had thought about. She was 55 - of the 5 of us, she was the eldest and I am the youngest (42) - but somehow we became the closest over the last 15 years or so.

Thank you for 'listening'.

My deepest condolences to you and your family. I lost one of my sisters 3 years ago to cancer and know just what you are feeling about how strange it feels not to be able to chat with her. She and I were the closest in age of my siblings and talked daily. My heart just goes out to you.

 

[HollyTyler]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO


Not sure if anyone remembers me talking about this house that we have been trying to get since October. Well, it went to auction today and.........
WE GOT THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone else there to bid on the houses knew our story and let us go for it. I guess everyone was rooting for us that the bank didn't show up and.....they didn't! We got it for 1.00 over the opening bid Just what we had hoped for.

Here is a picture of the house...

The view of Mt. Rainier from the house is amazing, but of course, it is raining today so no view
I'm sure I'll bore you all with more as we get it fixed up. It needs a lot of work and TLC before we can live in it, but we are ready for it. The girls were so excited to see the inside (they had never seen it since it went into foreclosure before we could show them).

Just had to share!

Kaylee, that's like a DREAMHOUSE! Congrats! You'd better be careful.....this whole cruise group just may want to come throw you a GIANT housewarming party some weekend! ROADTRIP! DISmeet! But seriously, that's a truly amazing house......and the scenery! I'm about to faint just imagining how beautiful it will be for you and your family every day!

 

[HollyTyler]

...on another note, my dad went to Idaho for an Ironman qualifier, not sure if I mentioned it on this thread. He is a big time triathelete and this was the year he really wanted to qualify and go to Hawaii for the big race. 78 miles, (78 MILES PEOPLE!) into the bike portion he wrecked, breaking several ribs, fracturing facial bones and a punctured lung.....unable to finish, which I think was worse to him than the wounds. His spirit is a bit down as I guess now he can't qualify for the Hawaii Ironman until 2009 - (something re what he is already registered for next year)

Ok, enough about me me me...hope all is well with everyone. Happy Friday night!

(sorry to be a complainer)

Your poor dad! How disappointing for him....not to mention: OUCH! for him!