Metro New Orleans DISers - check in!!! - 03/2009

[lori1043]

We stayed at Silver Shells. Its a good location, right on the beach.

A few things I would definitely reccomend:

Emerald Grand, a new development right when you cross the bridge over Crab Island. A band was playing live reggae music and a wonderful breeze was blowing off of the beautiful blue/green water there. We bought some really pretty artwork that was set up on the sidewalk there and had lunch at Camellia Grill. The same people who own the one in N.O. own this one too. Best chocolate pie I think I've ever had.

Big Kahuna waterpark is a lot of fun.

Destin Commons is really nice too. Beautiful movie theatre with some restaurants and lots of nice little shops.

Maguire's Pub has really good food and your DD will get a kick out of the place. They have dollar bills hanging from the ceilings. Lots of dollar bills, I'll see if I can find a picture and post it.

Lori, you don't know how much I've been hoping the other thing would work out for ya'll

IMHO- we thought the Emerald Grande was completely obnoxious. Thier beach that people staying there get shuttled to, by a boat taxi, is on the bay, north of the jetties,south of the harbor, in a little nook they hollowed out. Paul and I felt that was sad for the probable expense of the place. But we enjoy the beach, the waves(no waves behind the jetties excpet from boats and bad weather), and nothing higher than 3 stories(2 is good).

The boardwalk in front of it is really cool to visit though- there was a cool shirt there that Ashton wanted, it said, "scars are tattoos with better stories" or something like that. She gets asked a lot about her scar from her port a cath, esp in summer when tank tops and bathing suits are common. We liked this one.

If you go to Big Kahuna, go after 3pm, when it is cheaper. We are so glad we went late in the day and since they closed at 5pm, we were done by 4:30. All in all, if you have done a WDW waterpark, you will be disappointed-esp when the cost is almost as high. For the 4 of us, it would've been over $150, but at 3pm, it was right at $100. My girls decided that we weren't coming back here-but we did have fun. We'd rather save the money for a really good waterpark.

Destin Commons is a nice outdoor mall-it was soo cute and village like.

I hope you do mind my opposing opinion Mary, it is just that we would NOT recommend Emerald Grande. We think it is an eyesore on Destin's harbor. It looks like it should be in Orlando or Vegas. The locals hate it. You should have heard the lifetime local that was the captain of the boat we rode out on give his opinion. It was funny. Lil ole guy, just exasperated by it all, but mostly that "thing".

I guess it depends on what type of place you like to stay and everyone is different.

Thank you so much about prayers for the other thing. He has an appointment tomorrow and we will know more. I am trying not to have pipe dreams about quitting my job completely.

Lori

 

[rie'smom]

IMHO- we thought the Emerald Grande was completely obnoxious. Thier beach that people staying there get shuttled to, by a boat taxi, is on the bay, north of the jetties,south of the harbor, in a little nook they hollowed out. Paul and I felt that was sad for the probable expense of the place. But we enjoy the beach, the waves(no waves behind the jetties excpet from boats and bad weather), and nothing higher than 3 stories(2 is good).

The boardwalk in front of it is really cool to visit though- there was a cool shirt there that Ashton wanted, it said, "scars are tattoos with better stories" or something like that. She gets asked a lot about her scar from her port a cath, esp in summer when tank tops and bathing suits are common. We liked this one.

If you go to Big Kahuna, go after 3pm, when it is cheaper. We are so glad we went late in the day and since they closed at 5pm, we were done by 4:30. All in all, if you have done a WDW waterpark, you will be disappointed-esp when the cost is almost as high. For the 4 of us, it would've been over $150, but at 3pm, it was right at $100. My girls decided that we weren't coming back here-but we did have fun. We'd rather save the money for a really good waterpark.

Destin Commons is a nice outdoor mall-it was soo cute and village like.

I hope you do mind my opposing opinion Mary, it is just that we would NOT recommend Emerald Grande. We think it is an eyesore on Destin's harbor. It looks like it should be in Orlando or Vegas. The locals hate it. You should have heard the lifetime local that was the captain of the boat we rode out on give his opinion. It was funny. Lil ole guy, just exasperated by it all, but mostly that "thing".

I guess it depends on what type of place you like to stay and everyone is different.

Thank you so much about prayers for the other thing. He has an appointment tomorrow and we will know more. I am trying not to have pipe dreams about quitting my job completely.

Lori

The Emerald Grande is built right on my great grandparents property. They lived there all of their married life. It's where my Popi grew up with his 3 sisters. After my Nan and Papa passed, the family sold the property to the company that built the EG. 2 of my great aunts were still living when it was finished and they hated it. My granddad and his sister did not live long enough to see it.

I guess you'd have had to know my Nan and Papa. They were very simple people. Papa, Odum Melvin, had a charter boat for years, the Marathon, and he took people fishing every morning. After he got too old for that, he was the channel monitor. I laugh when I remember him standing up yelling at people who were driving their boats too fast. He was a little guy-5'8 and maybe 140 lbs. He always reminded me of Poop deck Pappy, Popeye's father.

Nan, Ellen Destin Melvin, was his wife and the granddaughter of Leonard Destin who founded the town. She kept an immaculate house and was a genteel lady. Manners were VERY important to her and she made sure we minded ours. She made the best blueberry pies.

My younger brother lived there the summer he died. He drowned in a scuba accident on a night dive.

We were supposed to go to the EG this summer on a family vacation but 1 of our sons was too busy with work, so we'll go another time.

We were going to stay there this summer

 

[lori1043]

riesmom- well I hope I didn't offend. It sounds like you have lots of Destin history in your family. The ole captain, who I really appreciated all the history from, was the captain of the Hannah Marie. He gave us the history of how Destin was named and the bridge, what is named after his friend. He told us about how Holiday Isle was formed and closed in and how they used to swim out there.
I guess, after going at least yearly for about 25 years now(but I missed years 2005 till this year), it just sits so out of place on the harbor. We still stay at Sandpiper Cove, which is one of the smaller , older condo places there. I am totally sure that it was even more quaint before that and people complain about how big it had gotten then. But I do not like the high rise places that litter the beach. Holiday Isle, before Ike, I think, used to have a few moderate rise condos, but mostly rental homes and personal homes. Even Sandpiper Cove is being threatened to be knocked down and add like 2 or 3 high rises-it has about 30+ acres,I think that is what they said.

My family went to the area b/t the jetties and the harbor that used to have 3 tall white crosses and nothing but white sand to take pictures and ran into pre-construction of another high rise set of condos and a littel area with cute umbrellas and a shuttle boat that had "Emerald Grande" on the side. I event ook a picture. The area they shuttle them is a little alcove of beach. While it is nice, the water was very full of debris(like maybe it all gets caught up in there) on one side, and like I said, was in the bay, so ocean breeze, no waves. It would be great for kids b/c there is no wake. It sorta is like a big pool of shallow water. We, personally , just felt they were getting ripped off beach wise. But , also like I said, we go for the beach, and this is not on the beach, and it is MASSIVE, like it belongs on the side of a mountain. It is the biggest thing I have ever seen, for one never having been to Vegas.
It is beautiful, we went in to check it out. It is very high scale.

If it was on previous family property, well i guess I'd feel like I should honor that too.
I am very sorry to hear about your brother.

Please let me know how it really is. I know we'd never stay there just b/c it is not on the beach,or even across the street from the beach, but it'd be cool to hear it from someone personally.

Thank you for sharing that very cool Destin history-I LOVE history!

Lori

 

[portocall]

We are going to see "Up" today. I am not sure I want to since I have heard that it is a tearjerker and I don't like those usually. I don't know what I have against crying, but I hate it. (for myself...others can cry just fine)

Today is my oldest birthday. We aren't doing much for it, since he is getting his wish... going camping for 4 days without us. I am so nervous about it, but he sure is excited. Aside from paying the camp fees, we got him a hydrating backpack... might also be good in WDW during a hot day! He has been asking for that all week so I am hoping that he likes it.

And what is going to seem like a really stupid question... how do you determine when 90 days out is... I know I am looking at sometime in August... I know they had a calculator out there somewhere... but I lost it. I think that it is August 23...but I might be a day off.

Are we still doing a meet in July?

.
I guess, after going at least yearly for about 25 years now(but I missed years 2005 till this year), it just sits so out of place on the harbor. We still stay at Sandpiper Cove, which is one of the smaller , older condo places there. I am totally sure that it was even more quaint before that and people complain about how big it had gotten then. But I do not like the high rise places that litter the beach. Holiday Isle, before Ike, I think, used to have a few moderate rise condos, but mostly rental homes and personal homes. Even Sandpiper Cove is being threatened to be knocked down and add like 2 or 3 high rises-it has about 30+ acres,I think that is what they said.

Thank you for sharing that very cool Destin history-I LOVE history!

Lori

I agree, thanks for sharing... I am a history buff myself

Lori... I do know what you mean, however. I grew up on the barrier islands that make up Florida's Space Coast. Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Indian and/or Banana Rivers on the other... The Raddison came and built the ugliest and huge hotel beachside and I still am mad when I see it... 25 years later. I can remember when we would drive up A1A and actually see the ocean... there are fewer and fewer glimpses each time I go back.

Hey, got back late last night from Destin. Got a flat tire when were were about 2 miles outside of Destin. Could've been worse, it could've happened on that long stretch between Diamondhead and Slidell.

We had a great time, now its back to reality.

I'm going to have to go back and read up what I've missed.

love your silver lining to what had to be a huge pain in the neck! Welcome Back, I am glad you had a good time

For those of you on facebook, y'all know I posted last night that I was depressed. What's going on is I'm just going through a rough time right now financially. Trying to keep up with insurance, taxes, utilities on Mom & Dad's house and budgeting for Kyle going away to school is killing me. I've been steadily draining my retirement account and I'm not sure how much longer I can continue to do that. May need to cancel vacation this year.

I have a friend coming over tomorrow to help me figure out student loans. I'm also pondering renting M&D's house, not what I want to do but may have to.

so sorry Kat!

 

[FloraFauna]

Ok, I've been missing for so long...it's so hard to catch up! But when I saw this I had to post...is your son looking at Spring Hill? Not sure if i told you this before, but I graduated from there in '96. I'd be happy to give you any info you need. I LOVED the school & living in Mobile.

Thanks Kim, this was the first campus we visited. I was very impressed as was my husband and son. I probably will have lots of questions for you.

 

[FloraFauna]

Julie, I am so sorry about your brother.

Lori, we stayed at Silver Shells, but we visited Emerald Grand. I've never stayed there so I can't give my opinion on the accommodations, but we did enjoy the restaurant, artwork, live reggae band, shops and coffee place.

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Good Morning NOLA.

I just had a nice long post I was typing and my darn computer froze and now it's gone. I tried to insert a smilie for Cara's son's birthday and my post went poof. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The short version and I'm sure I'm forgetting something.........Kathy I'm so sorry you're going through a rough time right now. I'm keeping you in my prayers that everything will work out.

Lori I know how badly you wanted your sister to be able to buy your house. I'm still holding out hope that you guys won't have to leave the area at all.

We are going to visit SLU today. It's the first of many colleges that we will try to see this summer. Southeastern would really be only an hour away or less from me but Kelsie would still stay on campus if she goes there. Another step closer that my baby is growing up.

 

[Terry36]

Happy Monday gang.

We dropped DD off to LSU camp yesterday and our home is so quite.

We stayed at Silver Shells. Its a good location, right on the beach.

A few things I would definitely reccomend:

Emerald Grand, a new development right when you cross the bridge over Crab Island. A band was playing live reggae music and a wonderful breeze was blowing off of the beautiful blue/green water there. We bought some really pretty artwork that was set up on the sidewalk there and had lunch at Camellia Grill. The same people who own the one in N.O. own this one too. Best chocolate pie I think I've ever had.

Big Kahuna waterpark is a lot of fun.

Destin Commons is really nice too. Beautiful movie theatre with some restaurants and lots of nice little shops.

Maguire's Pub has really good food and your DD will get a kick out of the place. They have dollar bills hanging from the ceilings. Lots of dollar bills, I'll see if I can find a picture and post it.

Thank you so much!

Kathy - girl I do understand...same here. to you and anyone else going through this rough patch.

Happy birthday to Cara's son!!!!

 

[FloraFauna]

Cara, I hope your son has a happy birthday I saw"Up" this past week while I was on vacation. I liked it a lot, but there was definitely some sad parts.

Tricia, I'm right there with you with letting go of your "baby". My son will be a senior this year too. I love the person he is growing in to, but I will miss him when I don't see him everyday.

 

[rie'smom]

riesmom- well I hope I didn't offend. It sounds like you have lots of Destin history in your family. The ole captain, who I really appreciated all the history from, was the captain of the Hannah Marie. He gave us the history of how Destin was named and the bridge, what is named after his friend. He told us about how Holiday Isle was formed and closed in and how they used to swim out there.

If it was on previous family property, well i guess I'd feel like I should honor that too.
I am very sorry to hear about your brother.

Please let me know how it really is. I know we'd never stay there just b/c it is not on the beach,or even across the street from the beach, but it'd be cool to hear it from someone personally.

Thank you for sharing that very cool Destin history-I LOVE history!

Lori

I'm not offended at all!! I wanted to share that my aunts were also upset because they felt that it looked out of place. In fact, my mom and dad went to Destin last week to bring some of my grandfather's navigation equipment to the museum and they said they think the EG is a horror.

We are going to see "Up" today. I am not sure I want to since I have heard that it is a tearjerker and I don't like those usually. I don't know what I have against crying, but I hate it. (for myself...others can cry just fine)

Today is my oldest birthday. We aren't doing much for it, since he is getting his wish... going camping for 4 days without us. I am so nervous about it, but he sure is excited. Aside from paying the camp fees, we got him a hydrating backpack... might also be good in WDW during a hot day! He has been asking for that all week so I am hoping that he likes it.

Lori... I do know what you mean, however. I grew up on the barrier islands that make up Florida's Space Coast. Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Indian and/or Banana Rivers on the other... The Raddison came and built the ugliest and huge hotel beachside and I still am mad when I see it... 25 years later. I can remember when we would drive up A1A and actually see the ocean... there are fewer and fewer glimpses each time I go back.

so sorry Kat!

I don't like to cry in public either. If you can reach your son tell him HAPPY BIRTHDAY from me.

Julie, I am so sorry about your brother.

Lori, we stayed at Silver Shells, but we visited Emerald Grand. I've never stayed there so I can't give my opinion on the accommodations, but we did enjoy the restaurant, artwork, live reggae band, shops and coffee place.

Thank-you. He was an awesome guy.

Good Morning NOLA.

I just had a nice long post I was typing and my darn computer froze and now it's gone. I tried to insert a smilie for Cara's son's birthday and my post went poof. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The short version and I'm sure I'm forgetting something.........Kathy I'm so sorry you're going through a rough time right now. I'm keeping you in my prayers that everything will work out.

Lori I know how badly you wanted your sister to be able to buy your house. I'm still holding out hope that you guys won't have to leave the area at all.

We are going to visit SLU today. It's the first of many colleges that we will try to see this summer. South Eastern would really be only an hour away or less from me but Kelsie would still stay on campus is she goes there. Another step closer that my baby is growing up.

My husband is on his way to bring our daughter to South Eastern as I type this. She's attending cheerleader camp there this week.

Happy Monday gang.

We dropped DD off to LSU camp yesterday and our home is so quite.

While I miss our daughter already, I am looking forward to a little peace and quiet.

DH and I decided to cancel the Natchez trip because I'm not feeling well, so hopefully with some rest, I'll feel better.

 

[TigerKat]

Y'all have been quite chatty, hope I didn't miss anyone.

Cara - Hope your son has a Happy Birthday!!!!! Here is a link to a neat ADR calculator:

http://pscalculator.net/pslist.php

Julie - I'm so sorry about your brother.

Tricia & Mary - I'm with y'all on the college stuff. I'm going to be a wreck when Kyle leaves.

We sorted through the student loan stuff and I now have a handle on that, looks like our best option. Thanks for all the support and encouragement.

 

[rie'smom]

I'm glad y'all were able to wade through the college loan stuff! That can be a challenge sometimes.

 

[FloraFauna]

Julie, sorry you had to cancel your trip. I hope you feel better.

 

[kmores]

Good Morning NOLA.

I just had a nice long post I was typing and my darn computer froze and now it's gone. I tried to insert a smilie for Cara's son's birthday and my post went poof. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The short version and I'm sure I'm forgetting something.........Kathy I'm so sorry you're going through a rough time right now. I'm keeping you in my prayers that everything will work out.

Lori I know how badly you wanted your sister to be able to buy your house. I'm still holding out hope that you guys won't have to leave the area at all.

We are going to visit SLU today. It's the first of many colleges that we will try to see this summer. South Eastern would really be only an hour away or less from me but Kelsie would still stay on campus is she goes there. Another step closer that my baby is growing up.

my cousin is an RA at SLU....

 

[Sinderelli]

Thanks Kim, this was the first campus we visited. I was very impressed as was my husband and son. I probably will have lots of questions for you.

Ask away- anytime!! I loved SHC and I talk about it all the time- most people's eyes glaze over when I get on my kick, so I would love to talk!!! I still have lots of friends in the area, also- so if I don't know the answer I can find out for you!

 

[rie'smom]

Julie, sorry you had to cancel your trip. I hope you feel better.

Thank-you. We've decided to take a trip later this summer because today I started having bladder spams.

 

[TigerKat]

Hey guys, I may be MIA most of this week, auditors will be with me at work.

Hope everyone is well!

 

[shovan]

Morning Y'all,

Sorry I haven't checked in for a while. During the week, I'm busy keeping A busy! Today I'm taking her for an singing "audition" with Louisiana Kids.


Kat, Sorry you're having auditors in again! I hope you get everything set for Kyle & LSU!

Julie, I'm very sorry that you had to cancel your trip! I hope you start feeling better very soon!

Kristina, I pray things are improving for you!

Gosh, How did these kids grow up so fast! So many looking into college already!

How's our brand new NOLA baby Erik doing? Lorie, I hope you are all settling in very well!

Have a good day y'all!

 

[rie'smom]

Morning y'all! Kat, I hope everything goes well with the audditors.

Tima nd I are going to Houma today to seea movie. I'm also going to the bakery shop to get things to make my niece's birthday cake on Saturday. I slept late, so I have to hustle and get ready.

Hope you all have a great day!!!

 

[lori1043]

Hey guys, I may be MIA most of this week, auditors will be with me at work.

Hope everyone is well!

awww, auditors ain't so bad.......................

I been making tons of icing for this wilton class at Michaels-and it is so nasty. I am quite sure I will skip icing on cakes from now on after this. I ahve made this kind before but I made 6 cups today and still need to make more for next week. And then we make these clown cupcakes-I cannot tell you how much I do not like clowns. I asked if I could make something else LIKE the clown on the cupcake and she said no. I am trying to thing of a way to make them goofy or just totally off the wall. I have to pic my colors for him and his head is like Bozo. The examples are primary colors. Ughhh- so ugly. Maybe I will make a black clown.

I have nothing new going on and am keeping all of you in my prayers. DH refuses to talk about the jobfront- he needs a break. Maybe clarity IS right in front of us and we are not seeing it b/c we are too close.

Where's that neon sign???

Lori

PS- did Corks n Canvas last night, here's is my lighthouse painting....

And I didn't know how else to do this , but i took pics of my Make a Wish scrapbook pages to have it digitally saved, no matter how bad the quality.....Here was morning 1 when the limo picked us up-look how little my babies are! Haley was 2, Ashton was 4. This limo driver had the biggest heart- we eventually used him for my in laws 35th anniversary party...