May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 7

[Jhalkias]

There is probably no way I will catch up here.

Busy weekend for us. DD#1, Mom, Sis and our very dear friends had a "surprise" 40th anniversary party for us last night. We found out it was happening, so not a surprise, but fun. We had about 70 some guests, renewed our vows with a minister we love, had a karoke/DJ, danced, ate and Dennis sang. A few tears, many hugs. Best friend came from Idaho and he took photos for us. Dennis' sis and hubby came from Southen Cal, nieces and nephews from Washington and local family and friends.

Our anniversary is not until next weekend, but we plan to take the MH out for a couple of nights to celebrate so the group decided to party the week before.

21 of us went to breakfast this morning, unannounced at our local fav breakfast restaurant. They had us seated within 30 min on a busy Sunday morning, got the orders correct and did it with a smile.

Sounds like a fun weekend Angie!

Happy belated anniversary Deb and John.

Hope your mom does better soon Nan.

Know I forgot some stuff, but tried to catch up quickly.

 

[katypop]

December. We have a big group meeting at WDW, then doing the 3 day cruise 12/6. There are four of us ladies staying together, so we decided to try the DDP, since we would all be doing sit down dinners anyway. I like the 'pre-paid' aspect of it too...kind of like being on the ship and having the meals already paid for there. The 2008 plan doesn't look as good (tips no longer included among other changes).

Sounds like a lot of fun! I haven't tried the DDP because I have had the DDE card each time, for the last few years. How long is your stay at WDW? I think for me it might work for a short stay (I agree, it doesn't look as worthwhile in 2008) but I usually go for 12-15 days and I don't think I could eat that much for that long! Yes, I know I wouldn't actually HAVE to eat that much but when it all comes "free" with the plan Have you decided which restaurants you're eating at yet?

 

[Jhalkias]

V . . . Amy told me to tell you we did not even have the Ohio State Voodoo Candle burning . . .

 

[pjpoohbear]

There is probably no way I will catch up here.

Busy weekend for us. DD#1, Mom, Sis and our very dear friends had a "surprise" 40th anniversary party for us last night. We found out it was happening, so not a surprise, but fun. We had about 70 some guests, renewed our vows with a minister we love, had a karoke/DJ, danced, ate and Dennis sang. A few tears, many hugs. Best friend came from Idaho and he took photos for us. Dennis' sis and hubby came from Southen Cal, nieces and nephews from Washington and local family and friends.

Our anniversary is not until next weekend, but we plan to take the MH out for a couple of nights to celebrate so the group decided to party the week before.

21 of us went to breakfast this morning, unannounced at our local fav breakfast restaurant. They had us seated within 30 min on a busy Sunday morning, got the orders correct and did it with a smile.

ANGIE and DENNIS,

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!

 

[katypop]

There is probably no way I will catch up here.

Busy weekend for us. DD#1, Mom, Sis and our very dear friends had a "surprise" 40th anniversary party for us last night. We found out it was happening, so not a surprise, but fun. We had about 70 some guests, renewed our vows with a minister we love, had a karoke/DJ, danced, ate and Dennis sang. A few tears, many hugs. Best friend came from Idaho and he took photos for us. Dennis' sis and hubby came from Southen Cal, nieces and nephews from Washington and local family and friends.

Our anniversary is not until next weekend, but we plan to take the MH out for a couple of nights to celebrate so the group decided to party the week before.

21 of us went to breakfast this morning, unannounced at our local fav breakfast restaurant. They had us seated within 30 min on a busy Sunday morning, got the orders correct and did it with a smile.

Happy Anniversary

So glad to hear that the party was such a success! And 21 for breakfast the next day At 40 yrs you deserve to make this a week long celebration

Kathe

 

[disneylover5]

First, thank you for the kind words over the past few days. I was glad to see my NYE 2008 group was able to pass along my emailed info to you guys so you knew what was going on. Brenda , LYMI (yes I'll have to give you that whole sotry soon)

As you all know my mom had her surgery on Thursday and wonderfully we learned that her lymph nodes were not involved.

She is now staying at the skilled nursing section of her retirement community. She is unable to keep track of what is needed thru out the daily care routine post-op due to her dementia, so until her drains are removed and she is back to “normal” we feel safer knowing she is under 24 hour care. We expect her to move back to her apartment toward the end of the next week.

She is having moments that are not so good. (she called me yesterday at 7am claiming all around her were crazy and she was packing up and leaving if I helped her or not, then hung up on me) Of course she doesn’t remember this when I and my sisters (#3 & #1) arrived within the half hour to make sure she was ok.

Next week she will have the drains removed and move back home.

With in the following 2-4 weeks I’ll meet with her cardiologist to try to sort out what we will do for the heart issues. Most likely Cumadin but that has it’s downside too for someone who is prone to falls, as she is.

I think I’ll need to continue to be involved with her care issues daily for the next period of time (who knows how long that is) and frankly I’m fatigued thinking about it. But such is my place and role in our family.

I’m reading along with you, but still finding it hard to join in the daily chatter, but I’m here so don’t forget to say hi when you think of me.

Nan

Nan, I will keep you in my prayers. My mom has been with us for 6 weeks now and we had a very difficult summer with her.

She is not very happy to have lost her independence and I have no idea how to deal with that.

She does not want to be with us.....she is not very happy.

She will not go into assisted living, so this is ot for now,

Nn, I guess we are offically the "sandwich" generation

 

[disneylover5]

Sounds like a lot of fun! I haven't tried the DDP because I have had the DDE card each time, for the last few years. How long is your stay at WDW? I think for me it might work for a short stay (I agree, it doesn't look as worthwhile in 2008) but I usually go for 12-15 days and I don't think I could eat that much for that long! Yes, I know I wouldn't actually HAVE to eat that much but when it all comes "free" with the plan Have you decided which restaurants you're eating at yet?

I am doing the dining plan this time...I have no idea where do eat. Can you guys tell me?
Lisa

 

[Jhalkias]

I am doing the dining plan this time...I have no idea where do eat. Can you guys tell me?
Lisa

If I remember correctly, you are going soon Lisa - may not be too many options available for an ADR. What kind of food do you like?

Several restaurants have had good reviews on the DIS podcast lately.

Yachtsman's Steakhouse got a very good review, but it is two credits.

We like Le Celier in Canada and Askerhaus (sp?) in Norway at Epcot, Liberty Tree and Crystal Palace in MK, Kona Cafe at the Poly, Boma at AK Lodge, 50's Prime Time at MGM, and others I cannot think of after a long day . . .

 

[katypop]

Nan, I will keep you in my prayers. My mom has been with us for 6 weeks now and we had a very difficult summer with her.

She is not very happy to have lost her independence and I have no idea how to deal with that.

She does not want to be with us.....she is not very happy.

She will not go into assisted living, so this is ot for now,

Nn, I guess we are offically the "sandwich" generation

Lisa How sad,I can only imagine how hard this must be for you and the rest of your family

I am doing the dining plan this time...I have no idea where do eat. Can you guys tell me?
Lisa

Lisa, what kind of dining experiences are you looking for? Will you be dining in the parks or at the resorts? Character dining? There are so many different opportunities that it is hard to recommend sometimes as we all have different expectations.

 

[nskjerven]

My dolls were my children. I had been in that attic so knew how hot it was in the summer and how cold in the winter--UPSTATE NEW YORK!!. BUT I was not afraid that the doll would melt or crack, I was afraid she would DIE of heat stroke or hypothermia.

Jan

What do you mean, they aren't alive???? Of course they are They also have a rank and order. When I was away (as a child of course) Ragedy Ann was in charge, Snoopy her back up, the monkeys (yes I had 2) were the trouble makers, Woodstock just flew around and did nothing productive....need I go on??? My mom would sometimes place them doing funny things for me to find when I came home. I often think I need to do that with Molly's children (dolls) but too much time surfing the web instead.

Another endorsement for Airborne. I took it on both adoption trips to China and never so much as a cough while nearly everyone else in the group picked up coughs and other bugs.

China babies???? We have a dear friend who adopted from China. If you don't mind would you share the stories of your children with us?

Happy Anniversay Deborah Hope you have a great day tomorrow.

Happy Belated Anniversary Deb and John Sorry this is late, just trying to catch up again. I'm glad you had a nice relaxing day

Kathe

Ditto, sorry I missed you before, but the thoughts were and are with you for another happy year of wedded bliss.

Just a few things before I sign off. Here is a link for the extremely frugal for travel within California.

http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-tr-megabus23sep23

Saw that bus on the way to LA last weekend, glad you mentioned it, I was so wondering what the deal was. $1 SF to LA great prices for the young and footlose traveler. I would have loved that 20 years ago....

Hi

Just want to say something about Pillowcases.

If you are thinking about embroidered pillowcases.

Please don't order from www.doodlesdotsndimples.com for pillowcases.

I ordered two embroidered pillowcases from them last May and I pay for it by paypal. I pay nearly 30 dollars!!

No pillowcases for my childrens for Meditterrean Disney Cruise - I was very disappointed with them.

That was two months ago and I got her email that she refused to refund my money. Her freind email me and told me that she send it to me at England?? I don't live in England that why I realised.

Now 5 months and still waiting

I pay by paypal so maybe I contact them.

Scottishwee35

Such a shame, wonderful looking totes.

Protest thru Paypal, but soon. They have date limits. Keep all email corspondence. I have done it before and won all my money back from a slimy vendor.

Thanks to all who offered support and more hugs and prayers.

Nan, I will keep you in my prayers. My mom has been with us for 6 weeks now and we had a very difficult summer with her.

She is not very happy to have lost her independence and I have no idea how to deal with that.

She does not want to be with us.....she is not very happy.

She will not go into assisted living, so this is ot for now,

Nn, I guess we are offically the "sandwich" generation

Lisa,

I so hear ya. When my dad died my mom bounced back and forth between me and my sis #3 for about 4 months. We finally forced the other sisters to help and they found an apartment (not so nice) until her retirement application was completed and apartment became availble.

My advise is, if you are thinking of moving her to a care facility. DO IT!!!! My mom's doctor told me that mom would be happier with her own kind and it is really true.

I love the place we have mom in. It was a bit of $$$ to get her in ($225K) and we have a monthly fee/rent of +$3K ongoing but fortunately mom and dad had enough in savings/IRAs to cover these costs. It's a staged living place. For her now, she lives independantly, as she needs she will move to assisted living, and then if needed (like now) for spot care or more she can be in skilled nursing.

http://www.theterracesoflosgatos.com/home.html

It was rotten when she was living with us and we even knew it was for a short time, but every adult needs to feel like they have control over their own home regardless of what that home is.

ok, going to zone into the tv tonight. DH on yet????

 

[katypop]

I am doing the dining plan this time...I have no idea where do eat. Can you guys tell me?
Lisa

MK-Liberty Tree Tavern-Character Dinner- food is okay-not great, but not bad, service and characters have always been great
Crystal Palace-character lunch and dinner (pooh and friends) good food and service but loud and always have to wait to be seated, even with ADR

Epcot- Le Cellier-great breadsticks, food and service, but hard to get a ADR
San Angel Inn-this is the Mexican restaurant, and a lot of people don't like it, but I do The ambiance can't be beat The food is okay mexican food and it is loud and the tables are close together, but I have always had good service and did I mention the ambiance
Coral Reef-definately overpriced but you're on the DDP right? I have had good service and the aquarium is really neat, especially if you get a table right up beside it The chocolate wave is wonderful!

AK-Unfortunately the new restaurant they are building is not completed yet, and my fave place is still in rehab. I am not a rainforest cafe fan, if I had a full day at AK then I would finish the day with dinner at the AKL, either Boma or Jiko , either one is fantastic.Boma is a buffet, Jiko is a sit-down and a little bit fancier.

MGM Studios- Brown Derby- I've only been for lunch and have only had salmon and another fish can't remember now, but both were great, and their Margaritas are fantastic

Prime Time Cafe-seems it is getting mixed reviews lately, but I have had good food and good experiences in general here. It is a fun environment !

Hope this helps a little.
Kathe

 

[BubbaGrump]

Hello everyone! Here's a cool Pirates ride video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTQ5eWBlApY

 

[woody73]

So what are you most looking forward to on this repo cruise, being that you've done one already? Just curious!

I'm looking forward to visiting Cabo San Lucas. Missed it on the 2005 PC due to Hurricane Hillary.

Woody

 

[BubbaGrump]

I'm looking forward to visiting Cabo San Lucas. Missed it on the 2005 PC due to Hurricane Hillary.

Woody

Very cool you get another chance. Just walked around Cabo last time we were there. Would like to do a tour this time.

 

[LisaG520]

Mine is pretty much just interested in chicken and eggs...an offering must be made of those. She has been known to steal popcorn also. Oh, and ice cream, of course, but those last two items haven't been in the house lately. She occasionally insists that I add shredded cheese to her cat food. Honest, she comes and gets me, stands by the fridge then goes and looks at her uneaten food. She has me very well trained. (Though I don't bring home her own bag of Cheetos any more!)

.

.

Our one cat wants anything meat, cheese, dairy, or baked good - she's not too picky. The other likes junk food - potato chips, pizza goldfish, cheddar popcorn, etc. - would probably enjoy cheetos too!

 

[BubbaGrump]

Whats with cats and popcorn? Ours likes popcorn too!

 

[calmom]

Looking forward to watching CSI tonight.

Did you like it? I thought it was good, but not the best.

Just John and I in are cat. 3 and I think the deck is pretty large. Maybe we can have a small cocktail party on the deck.

You will know which room Noel and Karen's are because you will see me picking up my breakfast outside their door and tiptoeing away! I LOVED ordering full breakfast when we were in the suite.

I just got back from Blacksburg, VA and the VA Tech game!! (about 8 hours round trip drive time....left at 5 this morning) VA Tech won!! (ACC game, verse North Carolina) We had a wonderful time. I miss my son so much and the few hours I got to spend with him today on this beautiful weekend day were very special!! I guess the laundry and housecleanding will wait.

Sounds like so much fun! Glad you had time together.

Well the Browns played an awesome game today against those dirty bird Ravens!

It was a great day at the stadium, beautiful sunshine, and an 27-13 victory!

I took three of the boys to the last A's game. We had a great time - it was a great game.

Regarding Ebay, if you know anyone that already has an established account, it would be to your benefit for them to post for you. I think buyers are sometimes hesitant to buy event tickets from sellers with no feedback (because there are so many fake tickets out there). I agree with Noel that perhaps Craiglist would be the first spot.

Noel - I said "hi" to the Del for you! It was great. I can't wait to go with the boys.

Karen, the Caymus was 1997. And I meant "wonderful" not wondering duck!

Happy Anniversaries!

Loved the Champange girls photos!

Prayers to all those with loved ones that are suffering.

V, keeping fingers crossed about the job front.

One of the speakers at my conference was just incredible - his story was so heartbreaking and inspirational. http://www.jimmaclaren.com/ There is a great video on his site that tells it. Anyway, he said the best definition of success is this: to be loved or to love.

With that, I say good-night and wish us all a very successful day tomorrow!

 

[been2marceline]

Well the Browns played an awesome game today against those dirty bird Ravens!

It was a great day at the stadium, beautiful sunshine, and an 27-13 victory!

Ohio State rose in the standings because of all the upsets, and we are now number FOUR!

Indians won today too, and tied with Boston for the Best Record in Baseball!

Thursday, we play the dreaded Yankees at Jacob's Field - Hate, Hate, HATE those Yankees!

The Indians have the lowest payroll of ANY of the teams in the AL playoffs - unless you are a fan of those other teams, root for the Indians! I am planning on going to the Thursday game, and I gave Alex the tickets to use for the Friday game. Can you believe we don't know what time the games are yet?

I HATE, HATE, HATE the Yankees!! Absolutely my least favorite team in baseball, followed closely by the Red Sox (American league) and the Dodgers in the National league!!

Will be rooting for the TRIBE!

Karen

 

[MrsMork]

Saw that bus on the way to LA last weekend, glad you mentioned it, I was so wondering what the deal was. $1 SF to LA great prices for the young and footlose traveler. I would have loved that 20 years ago....

I'm so glad to see this article on the Megabus. I have our son booked on it from LA to Phoenix (Tempe) this Thursday! I got his ticket for a buck!! plus the 50 cent booking fee. We flew him here for our party, then to Burbank to see his wife and child (they are there taking care of her ill dad, have been for 4 months - he FINALLY got a transfer with Verizon and will join them on Oct 16, but I digress). He hates, hates, hates to fly so he told me about this bus he heard about that could get him back home to Phoenix. I booked it, but we were not sure how it would be. Sounds like it will be a good ride for him!

 

[been2marceline]

I'm looking forward to visiting Cabo San Lucas. Missed it on the 2005 PC due to Hurricane Hillary.

Woody

DITTO!!