May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 9

[gydell]

Gydell, how do you plan on telling your husband about the cruise? Does he have any inkling at all?

He doesn't have a clue, but with final payment due then he will know that I am going. I don't think he will put it together because he usually doesn't go on vacation with us. He also is not allowed to take 2 weeks off at a time from work. DGS has it all planned out. We are going to have a scavenger hunt using a large picture of the ship which we are cutting up and writting clues on the back to find each piece. When found he will put it together and I don't know how he will react. April 9th is the big day!

 

[granmaz]

He doesn't have a clue, but with final payment due then he will know that I am going. I don't think he will put it together because he usually doesn't go on vacation with us. He also is not allowed to take 2 weeks off at a time from work. DGS has it all planned out. We are going to have a scavenger hunt using a large picture of the ship which we are cutting up and writting clues on the back to find each piece. When found he will put it together and I don't know how he will react. April 9th is the big day!

How about the work situation then? Is this already planned?

 

[GatorFamily]

V- I must say that the make ahead mashed potatoes and cranberry chutney was awesome Everyone loved them Thanks tonz I loved the idea of making homemade mashed potatoes ahead...I made the cranberry chutney ahead too and cranberry sauce. Something I do with my turkey that people might think weird is I start cooking it upside down and loosly covered in foil so the juices go to the breast and doesn't dry and flip it over half way through cooking and remove foil about the last hour to brown. I also marinate it the bird the night before after I clean it in vinegar and water and then lemon juice and water. It's the way my mom always made it so it is juicy and tasty...wondered if you ever heard of that? You are a great cook...love you recipes...my DH will thank you when he sees you too...I gave you all the credit Thanks

 

[granmaz]

V- I must say that the make ahead mashed potatoes and cranberry chutney was awesome Everyone loved them Thanks tonz I loved the idea of making homemade mashed potatoes ahead...I made the cranberry chutney ahead too and cranberry sauce. Something I do with my turkey that people might think weird is I start cooking it upside down and loosly covered in foil so the juices go to the breast and doesn't dry and flip it over half way through cooking and remove foil about the last hour to brown. I also marinate it the bird the night before after I clean it in vinegar and water and then lemon juice and water. It's the way my mom always made it so it is juicy and tasty...wondered if you ever heard of that? You are a great cook...love you recipes...my DH will thank you when he sees you too...I gave you all the credit Thanks

I have seen recommendations over here to cook the turkey on its breast for that reason. Glad to hear it works. I must look back for the cook ahead mashed potato recipe as it is always a rush last minute.

 

[GatorFamily]

He doesn't have a clue, but with final payment due then he will know that I am going. I don't think he will put it together because he usually doesn't go on vacation with us. He also is not allowed to take 2 weeks off at a time from work. DGS has it all planned out. We are going to have a scavenger hunt using a large picture of the ship which we are cutting up and writting clues on the back to find each piece. When found he will put it together and I don't know how he will react. April 9th is the big day!

Can you plan something with HR to allow him to take additional days? Maybe they could be more accomedating and give you options?...just a thought

 

[GatorFamily]

I have seen recommendations over here to cook the turkey on its breast for that reason. Glad to hear it works. I must look back for the cook ahead mashed potato recipe as it is always a rush last minute.

Glad to hear that you've heard of that...I've done it that way for 10+ years and it does work and it makes it extra juicy and not dry but my in-laws insisted not too this year and unfortunately I listened to them(I wasn't sure since I usually only make one turkey a year) and it was the worst turkey I've made in 10+ years usually its juicy and tasty and pretty brown...not this year it was average

the make ahead mashed potatoes were great (and the chutney)
I peeled and boiled 5lbs of potatoes and prepared it two days before....so much less to do the day of since I make everything the turkey, the honeybaked ham, and all of the trimmings. Try it...it will be a staple every year for me from now one....thanks to V

 

[GatorFamily]

disneylover5- happy to hear DFIL is doing better

Holly -loved your Christmas day pics...Tyler looks so happy

Nannete- thought it was funny when you were talking about what DS got for Christmas and the "silly stack cups"...my DS got those too and loves them they use them in PE class here ...I guess on rain days when they can't go outside.

 

[HollyTyler]

I vote we wear name tags for John's benefit. (okay for mine too, but I'm blaming John tonight)

Let's get this party started.....

John did ya get the bedazzler for Xmas? ok true story, my MIL has it. She thinks those cute little flashey stones make everything look marvelous

 

[granmaz]

I always do our roasties a day or so before. Parboil them for 10 mins, then turn over in hot fat on oven top till fully coated so that they don't turn black. Can stay in tin, covered in foil in the fridge once cold. Much easier.

 

[HollyTyler]

Nooooooo . . . .

But Sophia DID! Not as a joke either - her aunt got it for her.

She is at Grandma's tonight with her cousins.

Maybe I should try it out on some of Amy's panties . . . you know, a kind of trial run . . .

OH, I'm sure Amy would just be every so grateful for your thoughfulness and would wear them with pride!

 

[GatorFamily]

DH2DW&DS -Welcome...it'll be Scott DH(34) me Brenda(35) DS Tyler (7) and DD Madison(5) ages all at time of sailing. WELCOME!!!

Kaylee- I'm sorry that one of your girls didn't react the way you expected with the cruise ...but happy she is getting excited now You never know how kids react to things....I thought it was a great idea and was kicking myself for not doing that with my DK too...great idea Sometimes I don't understand why they want for Christmas my DD wanted luvables to make mini teddy bears and accessories and webkinz and accessories....she has tonz of teddy bears yet still asks for them I personally would be okay with getting rid of most of them to a 5 year old I guess that giant pony was really cool I'm glad she's come around...she'll appreciate it long term

 

[gydell]

How about the work situation then? Is this already planned?

Can you plan something with HR to allow him to take additional days? Maybe they could be more accomedating and give you options?...just a thought

The story is that we are going to Myrtle Beach. We are going to drive to Raleigh to pick up my dad(who doesn't drive) and visit with relatives, leave Sunday morning and go to MB. Stay a week and drive Dad home on the following Sunday and come home on Monday the 19th. That was really stretching it to get the company to let him take 7 days off. He will be flying home from Aca. He has already been to the other ports so I figured at least he will be able to do the PC crossing. There is still a chance that something will happen to prevent DH from being able to take the time off but at least for now it is on the schedule.

 

[GatorFamily]

OH, I'm sure Amy would just be every so grateful for your thoughfulness and would wear them with pride!

You are sooo funny ...I missed all this...guess I have lots to catch up on

 

[GatorFamily]

The story is that we are going to Myrtle Beach. We are going to drive to Raleigh to pick up my dad(who doesn't drive) and visit with relatives, leave Sunday morning and go to MB. Stay a week and drive Dad home on the following Sunday and come home on Monday the 19th. That was really stretching it to get the company to let him take 7 days off. He will be flying home from Aca. He has already been to the other ports so I figured at least he will be able to do the PC crossing. There is still a chance that something will happen to prevent DH from being able to take the time off but at least for now it is on the schedule.

I hope it works out Hint on how important this vacation is for you and DGS...maybe that will make it a lock

 

[lillygator]

V- I must say that the make ahead mashed potatoes and cranberry chutney was awesome Everyone loved them Thanks tonz I loved the idea of making homemade mashed potatoes ahead...I made the cranberry chutney ahead too and cranberry sauce. Something I do with my turkey that people might think weird is I start cooking it upside down and loosly covered in foil so the juices go to the breast and doesn't dry and flip it over half way through cooking and remove foil about the last hour to brown. I also marinate it the bird the night before after I clean it in vinegar and water and then lemon juice and water. It's the way my mom always made it so it is juicy and tasty...wondered if you ever heard of that? You are a great cook...love you recipes...my DH will thank you when he sees you too...I gave you all the credit Thanks

glad you liked them!

Come on 5:30!!

 

[GatorFamily]

So the ballroom dancing under the stars...does that mean we should wear a ballgown? Any ideas?

 

[GatorFamily]

glad you liked them!

Come on 5:30!!

Loved them

what's at 5:30pm? Are you back at work already?

 

[gydell]

I hope it works out Hint on how important this vacation is for you and DGS...maybe that will make it a lock

Once he knows then he can let the company know and they have let him out of things when it has been so important. I will know when his 2008 mandatory meetings are by the end of Jan. He's missing one going to WDW next week.

 

[granmaz]

The story is that we are going to Myrtle Beach. We are going to drive to Raleigh to pick up my dad(who doesn't drive) and visit with relatives, leave Sunday morning and go to MB. Stay a week and drive Dad home on the following Sunday and come home on Monday the 19th. That was really stretching it to get the company to let him take 7 days off. He will be flying home from Aca. He has already been to the other ports so I figured at least he will be able to do the PC crossing. There is still a chance that something will happen to prevent DH from being able to take the time off but at least for now it is on the schedule.

I do hope it all works out.

So the ballroom dancing under the stars...does that mean we should wear a ballgown? Any ideas?

Well I won't actually be getting a ballgown as I would look all wrong , but something nice and dressy. I'm thinking a black skirt and a couple of sparkly tops, but who knows as yet? I might feel so won derful that I will get a slinky number, but somehow I doubt it!!!

 

[GatorFamily]

I do hope it all works out.



Well I won't actually be getting a ballgown as I would look all wrong , but something nice and dressy. I'm thinking a black skirt and a couple of sparkly tops, but who knows as yet? I might feel so won derful that I will get a slinky number, but somehow I doubt it!!!

I'm going to look for something after new years eve...for specials need to figure out what to get though. I have formal dresses but don't think any of them as a ballgown?!