P.O.T.C. On Stranger Rides! The Missing Chapter,,Final Thoughts,, Preview Thoughts.

[burly]

Hey we always seem to be on the Dis posting or reading around the same time. Must be that working in the restaurant/bar thing...

Hugs honey. Beautiful Eulogy.

KIM

 

[mrsksomeday]

Diane , I love the beautiful and loving words you wrote about your Dad, such an amazing post. Your love and respect for him just radiates through your words. Bill and I feel so blessed to have met both of you last year and we hope to do so again.

 

[Echo queen]

Steve you lost me..... So I could grab a tissue I'm back now
We all love disney but real life happens and you handled it and shared it with us. That's amazing.

Diane, thank you for the eulogy, I am glad you had a place to come and share some great details about your dad. I'm thinking this took a little weigth off your heart.

 

[pkondz]

You can listen to it on YouTube. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtXH4xllwk0

Thanks for the link. I was going to look it up but that made it easy. What a beautiful song. Kinda hard to watch the video, though. Some poignant images in there. Gave me goosebumps. And thanks to Thumper_Man's_Wife for bringing it up in the first place!

my heart is just so full with all the love, I think it's going to burst! thank you all.

Aw, Smidgy, I don't presume to speak for everybody, but it was my pleasure to help in any small way that I could. Any loss is difficult and if it helped you to read posts of support, I'm glad. Thank you so much for sharing some of your Dad's story. He sounds like a gentle, wonderful man.

 

[Thumper_Man]

I figure you're about a 22 hour drive from Chicago. It takes me 14 hours. So...

A lot of people are saying some pretty nice things about you and Smidgy, Nebo. Pay attention.

If I were to drive it, yeah would be about 22 hours. Only 3 hours by aluminum tube of death.

Thanks for the link. I was going to look it up but that made it easy. What a beautiful song. Kinda hard to watch the video, though. Some poignant images in there. Gave me goosebumps. And thanks to Thumper_Man's_Wife for bringing it up in the first place!

Sure thing. One of Mrs. T and I favorite songs. I'm glad she mentioned it also. I know what you mean about being hard to watch. I still get a little choked up when I listen to the second verse, being I lost my granddad 5 months ago.

 

[Thumper_Man]

my heart is just so full with all the love, I think it's going to burst! thank you all.

No, no. We don't want your heart to burst. We need future adventures of Nebo and Smidgy. Just know you are each loved very much.

ok, eulogy over. but, remember, I didn't get to give a eulogy....

Who says you didn't? You may not have gotten the chance to give one at his services, but you just gave a beautiful one here. Thanks for sharing with us.

I know we did the right thing, the only thing we could. it just felt weird.. esp. since both our sons were pallbearers. It was weird not to be there for them, too.

thank you all SO much for your kind words that thoughts. I love you all. your words have helped a lot, made me feel a lot better about how we handled things. I am glad to have such a large family!!!

You said it yourself. The only thing you could do. I'm glad we can help put a smile on your face. Just as you put a smile on ours.

I just will always remember him the last day I spent with him. sitting by the fountain.. it was a nice day ... telling him some of the old stories he used to tell me, and he had a BIG smile (with our overbite, it's a big smile) and his eyes get squinty just like mine do when he smiles.
I can't wait till I see him again, ....

I'm sure you see him everyday in your dreams, pictures and memories. Through those he will live on forever.

 

[Self_resqing_princz]

Maybe I'm dense, (don't answer that) but I don't get the Ken comment.

While we're on the topic... I didn't get it either.

 

[Self_resqing_princz]

Nebo:
And Dad?
If you can read this;

Smidgy is still your little girl.




Gees! Thanks for that. I was there with ya through the WHOLE thing until you said that... THEN I COMPLETELY LOST IT! I'm in tears at work... thank God the guys can only talk about sports and are paying no attention to me!

 

[Rozz]

Oh Smidgy, your words brought tears to my eyes! Your father has touched us all through you. Thank you so much for sharing, both of you. My heart goes out to you and your family. I have come to have a lot of respect for you two and am blessed by your sharing and big hearts. Love and comfort to you!

 

[akayek31]

Just started reading along. We live in Cartersville, Ga and my kids go to Adairsville high! We had an issue like that when we went to WDW in Feb 11 when about an hour from home we heard a noise under the car. I thought it was the frame so we just kept kicking it when we stopped. Turned out to be the CV axis. Now I am going back to page 34 to catch up.

 

[Thumper_Man's Wife]

Cool Beans!
Nebo invited to old time friend he hadnt't seen in while
Nebo get's ride to old time friend's house by nudder old time friend who can still see usefullness from car's headlights at night.
Nebo finds out old time friend has ways of actually making bets on Breeders Cup races, from hiome.

Nebo knows better than to spend his money on all the Breeder's Cup races.
Nebo didn't arrive until there was only two races left.
That's why Nebo doesn't spend all his money on races.

Nebo bets 5 dollah to win on Gio Ponti.

Gio Ponti,,,,, still running, maybe looking for the Western Way bypass.
Gio Ponti have huge future with Elmer's Glue.

Nebo bets on Breeder's Cup Classic.

5 dollah on longshot Drosselmeyer, people laugh at Nebo.

79 dollah later, Nebo happy man.

Do I have to claim these winnings now with my wife?

I mean the IRS? Oh, yeah, right.

Do you know how long its been since I've heard (or seen in this case) some one else other then myself say "Cool Beans."

Way to go on the races! Mr. T and his family love to go to the races...I had never been until I met him, so I'm slowly learning how it all works.

Mrs. T, I usually shorten the quotes for space reasons, but I dared not touch your post. That was just wonderful what you wrote, thank you very much, no, I never heard that song before and I'll have to ask Smidgy if she did when she gets home.

No thanks needed, I should be thanking you and Smidgy. For the last two and a half or so trip reports we have gotten to know you and you have shared with us not only your love of Disney, but also, your love for each other and for your family, and sharing that with us is a true blessing for me. So thank you. The least I could do was share a little part of me with you.

my heart is just so full with all the love, I think it's going to burst! thank you all.

yes, it was a tough decision.. even going on the trip itself was tough. we knew there was a chance of daddy' going home while we were gone, but I really didn't think it would happen then. we planned the trip before his fall, before his going into the nursing home.
we went to see him often.. It was a nice home (my grandma actually was there). they have a nice courtyard with tables, flowers, a foutnain, and I used to take him outside as much as I could.
I actually look very much like my dad, same long nose , same overbite. he still, at age 87, was not totally grey, must be the cherokee blood.
he served our country proudly in the navy during WW2, he was actually a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. (our ancestor, cprl. james Thompson, fought out of virginia in the Revolutionary war.) my maiden name is Cheely, and my ancestor, Thomas Cheely passed away in Virginia in the 1600's, so I guess we've been here awhile (and sometime in there, "met up with" some Cherokees, I guess!)
most importantly, my dad (George Williams Cheely, who went by the name Bill) was a Christian. he believed that Jesus died on the cross for his sins, and trusted that and nothing else (not good works, going to church, trying hard, etc etc,)for his salvation, so I KNOW he is in heaven right now with Jesus.
I don't think I will ever respect anyone as much as I did my dad. he was good, kind, fair, thoughtful(often volunteered, planting flowers at church, mowing the lawn, shoveing the snow there, fund raisers, helping out neighbors, driving them al over the place.) helped ME out more times than I could count.. never judgemental.
I NEVER heard him use a racial slur. he would flinch if he heard someone else use one. Didn't curse either. didn't yell or shout, or belittle anyone. only had nice things to say about anyone.

ok, eulogy over. but, remember, I didn't get to give a eulogy....

I know we did the right thing, the only thing we could.. it just felt weird.. esp. since both our sons were pallbearers. It was weird not to be there for them, too.

I just will always remember him the last day I spent with him. sitting by the fountain.. it was a nice day ... telling him some of the old stories he used to tell me, and he had a BIG smile (with our overbite, it's a big smile) and his eyes get squinty just like mine do when he smiles.
I can't wait till I see him again, ....
thank you all SO much for your kind words that thoughts. I love you all. your words have helped a lot, made me feel a lot better about how we handled things. I am glad to have such a large family!!!

I'm glad you were able to give your own eulogy of sorts. I'm sure that he's heard/read it as well and is smiling that big smile down on you.

We are glad to have you as part of our extended family too:

"I have a dream too, but it's about singing and dancing and making people happy. It's the kind of dream that gets better the more people you share it with. And I found a whole group of friends who have the same dream, and that makes us sort of like a family." -The Muppet Movie

Thanks for the link. I was going to look it up but that made it easy. What a beautiful song. Kinda hard to watch the video, though. Some poignant images in there. Gave me goosebumps. And thanks to Thumper_Man's_Wife for bringing it up in the first place!

You're welcome The video is a little tough to watch, I agree. But I love the words to the song. To me, it helps me know that those we have lost are in a better place and while we are the ones down here who have to learn to cope and adjust, we must carry on. It's good to know someone is up there crying for us, while we are crying for them.

 

[oilheadbob]

Nebo and Smidgy,

So sorry to read the last chapter. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. Lost my mother while I was too far away to be there when she passed. I was with my father for most of the last 11 months of his life. He passed away from AML.

I wish you nothing but the best. I am sure that Smidgy's dad is happy that you stayed.

Bob

 

[Thumper_Man]

"I have a dream too, but it's about singing and dancing and making people happy. It's the kind of dream that gets better the more people you share it with. And I found a whole group of friends who have the same dream, and that makes us sort of like a family." -The Muppet Movie

Click HERE for a little video to go along with the quote. Quote comes in at 45 seconds.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Hugs to you both, Nebo and Smidgy! I had a feeling that's what the "visitor" was about. I totally respect your decision, and may have made the same one myself. My Father-in law just passed away a couple of weeks ago, and we had considered cancelling our trip, because he was so sick, and my Grandmother has been ill as well. Well, Dad couldn't communicate very well towards the end, but basically told us that we had better not cancel on account of him. I feel that my Grandmother thinks the same way. We are going (need it more than ever now that Dad has passed) and are hoping for the best.

 

[orangecats2]

Definitely staying. Don't worry about it. Carry on...

 

[smidgy]

Just started reading along. We live in Cartersville, Ga and my kids go to Adairsville high! We had an issue like that when we went to WDW in Feb 11 when about an hour from home we heard a noise under the car. I thought it was the frame so we just kept kicking it when we stopped. Turned out to be the CV axis. Now I am going back to page 34 to catch up.

Hi new person, glad you can join us.
And I too have also enjoyed having Constant Velocity Joints go out, it was on my '82 Subaru that had 170,000 miles on it at the time.

Do you know how long its been since I've heard (or seen in this case) some one else other then myself say "Cool Beans."

I have no idea what made me say Cool Beans, I never say that.

Way to go on the races! Mr. T and his family love to go to the races...I had never been until I met him, so I'm slowly learning how it all works.

I used to be really big with the horse racing bit, Smidgy and I went as often as we could but that was back when we had money.



No thanks needed, I should be thanking you and Smidgy. For the last two and a half or so trip reports we have gotten to know you and you have shared with us not only your love of Disney, but also, your love for each other and for your family, and sharing that with us is a true blessing for me. So thank you. The least I could do was share a little part of me with you.


I still haven't gone and listened to that song and video yet, but I will. Right now I want to get a chapter up tonight.


I'm glad you were able to give your own eulogy of sorts. I'm sure that he's heard/read it as well and is smiling that big smile down on you.

We are glad to have you as part of our extended family too:

"I have a dream too, but it's about singing and dancing and making people happy. It's the kind of dream that gets better the more people you share it with. And I found a whole group of friends who have the same dream, and that makes us sort of like a family." -The Muppet Movie



You're welcome The video is a little tough to watch, I agree. But I love the words to the song. To me, it helps me know that those we have lost are in a better place and while we are the ones down here who have to learn to cope and adjust, we must carry on. It's good to know someone is up there crying for us, while we are crying for them.

Lady H, thank you again.

Nebo and Smidgy,

So sorry to read the last chapter. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. Lost my mother while I was too far away to be there when she passed. I was with my father for most of the last 11 months of his life. He passed away from AML.

I wish you nothing but the best. I am sure that Smidgy's dad is happy that you stayed.

Bob

Hi Bob, nice to see you again, and thanks for your nice thoughts on the subject, sorry you had to go through a similar situation.
Hey, check in soon when things are bit cheerier over here.

Click HERE for a little video to go along with the quote. Quote comes in at 45 seconds.

Thanks Mike, I'm falling behind on my own report! I still havent' gone to Boston and had dinner yet at the Nebo restaurant so I can let Jay know how it is!

Hugs to you both, Nebo and Smidgy! I had a feeling that's what the "visitor" was about. I totally respect your decision, and may have made the same one myself. My Father-in law just passed away a couple of weeks ago, and we had considered cancelling our trip, because he was so sick, and my Grandmother has been ill as well. Well, Dad couldn't communicate very well towards the end, but basically told us that we had better not cancel on account of him. I feel that my Grandmother thinks the same way. We are going (need it more than ever now that Dad has passed) and are hoping for the best.

Boy, I can't believe how many of us have lost family members recently, our condolences go to you, too.

With that, I think it's time to move on now, not much more to be said about it and our decision is finalized in this next chapter which you know what it was anyway.
C'mon, let's have some fun at DisneyWorld, shall we?

 

[nebo]

Hey, how did Smidgy post when she's not even here?

Dang, she's good!

 

[nebo]

Let's get started with a comlete waste of time since I saw how much you all loved the last one:

Knock knock

Who's there?

Sam and Janet

Sam and Janet who?

(this is gonna hurt, go ahead, try to see it coming)

Sam and Janet evening......

___________________________________________

I need to clean some things up here before I jump back into the timeline so to speak.

Saturday night when we went back to Epcot to walk around in a daze for a couple hours they pulled a gotcha on us we didn't need at the time.

After walking the mystery math route from BLT to the CR and then up to the monorail platform, we got up there only to find the monorail closed.

Really, unbelievable.

At first they were reluctant to tell us why, but after showing our frustration they explained it was because they had to add another train to the line for later on due to Night of Joy that again starts at the Magic Kingdom at 7.
They said it will be down for just over a half hour right now.

Once again, it just baffles us how little the cast members seem to know about what is going on where they work.

First they told us at check in that the monorail will shut down one hour after MK closes, which means that according to them it's only running till 8 o'clock last night and tonight.

Now, at 5:30 they are shutting it down so they can add XTRA trains to the system, so we have to go back down and walk over to the bus stop and catch a bus to the TTC where we can board the Epcot train that isn't shut down.
If they know they are going to do this wouldn't you think they could send a robocall to your room phone at the least to warn you? Shoot, they sent us a robocall to tell us they may shoot some fireworks off around one in the morning experimenting something so if we hear them not to be alarmed. At least put up a sign by the escalator downstairs so you don't waste your time going up there.

I thought for sure we were going to last the entire stay here without once having to use a bus but we need one now.

And the bus stop was packed with people needing to get there, wasn't this one of the main reasons for staying at a monorail resort and paying so much? You know, to use the monorail? There was a lot of folks cussin' because they are trying to make dinner reservations at Le Cellier, one family for Coral Reef and a couple needing to get to the Yacht Club for the Steakhouse, I believe.

and,,,,,,,

Let's see, like I said, Sunday we did go to Magic Kingdom
but it, too was a walk around in a daze time. I know I took pictures, but I guess I'm going to post them as if we had taken them all on Monday, when we did go back after making our finall decision on what we were going to do.

I guess that' s about it,,,,,,,,, resume.

Monday, September 12

Sunday had been very stressful on us, and I'm sorry to say that the next morning neither of us were feeling to great because the decision wasn't totally official yet, still waiting to see about the car, but also because we had too much to drink sitting on our balcony talking it over, at least I did, the night before.

The last thing either of us felt like doing was getting up early, but that's what we did, to make sure we were one of the first to be at the Car Care Center when they opened at 7 in the morning, and they didn't take reservations, it was first come first serve.

With all that's happened so far on this trip I'm sure you see why I came up with The Beast as a euphemism for the entire trip, and guess what? He's not done with us yet!

We got there about ten minutes after but there was somebody already ahead of us, and they were still having to finish up cars from the day or two before so it will be a short wait before they can look at the Santa Fe.

I also made sure to tell him about the tire valve, and that Goodyear themselves had just sold me the tires so I don't expect to be charged for it.

What I really didn't like was once again, we are in a waiting room, waiting to either be called or for someone to give us information on something. With all the eye crap going on these last 9 months I feel like my new hobby is sitting around ugly rooms waiting for somebody to call my name.

I just never thought we'd be doing that, here, in DisneyWorld.

We sat there for about 45 minutes and the waiting just killed me. I kept going out to see if the car had been moved into the bay, then I did a quick walk over to the Hess station and got a paper for Diane, then I'd check the parking spot again. Finally, a guy was pulling it into the ER for triage.

My mind had to try and come up with an estimate for the exhaust, kind of like making a sick game out of it, but it has been years and years since I've had to have something like this fixed. I know if it's definately the converter we can be talking around 900 bucks or so.
Ok, my little guesstimate to myself was 925, that way if it IS this ungodly number I can say to myself, "well, yeah, that's kind of what I thought it would be."

Sometimes semantics can be extremely usefull tools when needing the brain to rationalize and accept something.

Any guesses? Go ahead.

It's a strange feeling sitting there waiting in the lobby, it's not unlike being in a hospital waiting for the doctor to come out and give you the news on your loved one.

It's when the doctor himself comes out into the waiting room that you know it's usually good news, they send the RN out when it's bad news that needs to be delivered.

But here it's just the opposite;
they come and get you just to bring you to the patient.
Oh yes.

It's when they come and tell you to follow them back into the service area that you know it's going to be bad news.

Smidgy had just set off in search of a bathroom, when as I was staring out the window I got a tap on the shoulder;
"Mr. Nebo? Please follow me."

He brought me back in the operating room, where the Santa Fe was up on the gurney with all the tubes and monitors hooked up to it and people standing around it looking grim, my heart was just breaking, it looked so sad and pathetic.
In the bed next to it was a Cadillac Escalade complaining that one of it's tires needs balancing because it keeps getting the shakes but I can tell that all this thing really needs is to lay off the synthetic 40 weight for a while and it will be fine, but that's just Escalades, they think the Atlas revolves around them.

Then this guy passed me off to another guy who brought me underneath and started reading from a chart as he was pointing things out to me. Ever notice how they will have to vehicle raised on the hoist, but just high enough so you will still bash your head at least a couple times underneath as he's pointing things out to you. This is by design, I guess they need some fun having to deal with greiving owners all day long.

I didn't let them down, but I refused to say "OW."

We started under the engine, then worked our way back.

The bottom line was:
The catalytic converter was indeed shot,,,,,,along with just about the rest of the entire exhaust system. There's no way you should even think about trying to make it back to the Chicago area without risking major engine damage or much worse if it comes down at 70 miles an hour.

I asked if there was any way it can by just wired up for now but they said stuff like that never holds for long, and I've found out myself in the past that's true.

Besides Mr. Nebo, don't think that because you are in Disneyworld that our rates are going to be through the roof, our prices are very competitive to local repair shops and much cheaper than dealers.

"How much?"

"Parts and labor, about 1260 dollars!"

I gasped, said "Move over," and I climbed into bed with it. "You may start an Early Times IV now."

But I couldn't see an alternative so I gave him the go ahead. He told me he'd order the parts right away, but it won't be done until sometime tomorrow, I have a driver who will take you back to the TTC where they drop off everyone, it's not policy to take customers to individual resorts like BLT in your case.

He'll call us on our cell phone tomorrow when the car is done, it will be worked on ASAP, with TLC, even though it came in DOA and was ready to RIP. Then, a driver will meet us back at the TTC and bring us back to the CCC.
After an Ok he said 10-4 and had to go and recharge his acronyms for the next guy.

He was like listening to an audio Tom Clancy book, "The Hunt for Red September."

I gave Smidgy the bad news, and we sat down on a bench at the TTC to talk it over again.
That's when we decided there was nothing we could really do, it's official, we are staying here and that's that.
In a way it was kind of a relief now, we could look at this in an entirely different light now and we were determined to enjoy ourselves. It was a strange feeling at first, to be sure, and it is going to take a little bit at first to completely accept it, but the sense of relief for him and that he won't have to suffer anymore grew, more and more and that was the most important thing.

"Hey look, this aerial train ride goes right to the Magic Kingdom, would you care to join me?"

I'm not going to tell you who said that, mainly, because it doesn't matter, our feelings were interchangable.

Took the monorail to the Magic Kingdom and just missed the Welcome Show out in front of the train station.

Once inside we did our trick that worked so well for us before;
We went right up the stairs to the train station.
You have to wait for the train that brought Goofy and Mickey and them to leave, then another train pulls in and loads.

Took this while waiting;

At 9:08 this then pulls out and goes to Frontierland, where it pulls up behind Splash Mountain just as the fastest walkers are leading the vanguard all the way from Main Street. We have done this 3 times now, and it's worked to a charm every time, maybe only a few of the fastest teenagers will get to either SM or BTMR ahead of you.

It also saves a LOT of energy at teh beginning of the day.

One problem today though;

just as our train arrived, there was an announcement on the train that Splash Mountain will have to delay opening due to a big bird that has gotten inside and they are trying to catch.

"Coool, Big Bird is with Br'er Fox and Bre'r Rabbit."
"Maybe Br'er Gonzo and Br'er Kermit will show up too."

Smidgy added, "Or S'ter Piggy."
No, I can't tell you which is Sesame Street or Muppets or Electric Compay,,, was that it? The Electric Company?

When I think big bird, I'm thinking Nigel!

She went for fastpasses for Splash, I went and waited at the entrance to Big Thunder for her.

Even in here I had a hard time seeing.
I was ok at first, but when you turn to go down the ramp and then choose a row I'm in "wifey mercy" mode.

She went right for the last seat in the last car, but I stopped her just as a train pulled up and we got in the front seat of the last car, same car just about 3 feet forward.

Yes, there is truth when they say coasters are better in teh afternoon and evening. The grease on the tracks is still thick in the morning and it's not as fast. But after it's heated up from friction and the sun all day, you can really see a difference, but BTMR is just a fun ride anyway, no matter what, especially if you sit close to the back where you get more air time.

Now, at the end of the ride let's see if my seat changing decision worked out:

Sure enough, when the train pulled back into the station, there were people waiting to get in the last seat, but nobody was for our seat right in front of them, second row from the back.
I glanced at a cast member standing on the exit side of the train who caught this and nodded his head in appreciation and gave us the thumbs up sign.

At least I THINK that was the finger he used.

We didn't even have to get out and went around again!
Oh, the little tricks you learn, heh.

Splash was still down but we are really in no rush for anything and went and visited our favorite smoking area, I still have to have the rocking chair picture taken, smoking or not.

Splash Mountain screwed up our plan, so we headed back to Fantasyland.
Over there we saw the new interactive line for the Pooh ride, it's pretty clever but I can see it causing problems with people getting our of line or others behind you now passing you up. I think they could have really used this better at Peter Pan where the line seems to move much slower.
It's hard to describe what the stuff was here, maybe Diane can do that for me.

So far today I've been doing all right with the hangover, but one thing I didn't need was Tigger telling me to ,
"Come bounce with me."
Noooo, "Come puke with me," is more like it.

What I was interested in though was the construction behind the wall. The wall isn't blocking too much now and the new castle over there is a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be. I also saw what I thought were the tracks for the new mine ride there and that seems on a bigger scale than I thought it would be. I never had too much interest in the Fantasyland expansion but I've got a lot more now.

I think, the sequence then was to hit the Jungle Cruise, I wanted to maybe try this one at night again so let's get a fastpass for it and after we did it was, "Oh what the heck, only a ten minute wait now so might as well ride it.

Gota girl for a skipper, which usually makes me sad, we always think that most guys are better, heck, one time we even got a female Japanese mime for a skipper, (go ahead, ask me how that worked out), but most skippers are girls nowadays, but this girl was Allll RIIIGHT!

My goal here is always try to here one of the headhunters say "I love disco" which I read in a guide book, but even with the hearing aids I still haven't heard it for sure, and right now I'm on the wrong side of the boat.

Then, our first port of call was in Agrabah.
They said they had some excellent duty free rum there but we didn't find any.
While over there I took a picture of the carpets, and the throw rugs are not cheap here:

Kind of funny how it's a more interesting ride than Dumbo, what with the squirting water and such, but it only gets about a third of the crowds.

Then I said something stupid and I don't mean with Frank and Nancy, (neeb, you know darn well most people are too young to get that, why do you do it?), I suggested getting POTC our of the way now rather than wait for tonight when I'll be able to see it better.

Oh my goodness is it dark in there following the cavern passages to the boat dock!
I think they have removed all lighting now and replaced them with punks and a few trained fireflies.
With Smidgy tugging me I just ricocheted off of the railings and stone wall the whole way there.

At least I didn't try to get in row 3 and a half this time.

When I took this photo, his face was really clear in the mist, now I can't really see it at all though.

There was one thing left we wanted to do now before we head on back, and that was the new Tiki Birds.

Yeah, it's different all right, but I don't think in a good way, although Walt would probably like it more now.
I liked when the added Zazu and Iago to it ten years ago, but I didn't like Iago screaming the whole time, his voice really rubbed my nerves raw, but I liked the singing totem poles or spirits or whatever doing things like In the Still of the Night.
Now, all it really is is a song and dance show, with many songs that more than likely only your grandparents would recognize. Without the humor, and no violent thunderstorms, less special effects, it's about as exciting as the Hall of Presidents practicing to be Amway salesmen.

With that we headed back up Main Street to see the Halloween decorations which we missed by taking the train.
It's September 12th, Halloween isn't exactly right around the corner yet, but they were really getting you in the Autumn mood allright.

They do this very well, get you in the mood, make you want to go smash pumpkins and throw eggs at a house.

We walked back to the resort.
Yes, this is very convenient for these split days like this.

In the room Diane made us sandwiches and cottage cheese and we went back down to the Contemporary pool since we still haven't tried the slide there.

( ok, she didn't really make the cottage cheese, no, I wasn't getting the cow costume out to do that either.)

Once again we had to settle in by the lakeside pool but we did try out the slide there so it was a small feeling of accomplishment at least.

The slide is nothing special here,, better than FQ and Riverside and CBR, but one thing it has going for it is at least it doesn't hurt and rip your back up.

Eating also made us tired, and after Yellow shirt started up again, when Smidgy said a short nap would be really sweet right now, I agreed with her and we went back up.

Tired as I was, it took a bit to fall asleep;
kept thinking about this little 1260 dollar payment we weren't planning on.

Hey, I know how we can bring the cost of the trip back even and where it should be at this time:
to make up for this unexpected bill we will just have to skip the Mai Tais at the Top of the World Lounge we were going to get tomorrow night!

Heyyyyyyy,,,,

The Bears are about to start,,,,,
don't have too much hope thought tonight,,,
they are 8 point dogs.


But they can't do too much worse than the Pats did yesterday though, can they?

a d i o s

 

[mmeb144]

To make you cringe, price out your repair at home, with your favorite mechanic. For our radiator, with a warranty, at home, $320. At Car Car Center, $642, no warranty. Thanks, CCC!

 

[nrod]

But they can't do too much worse than the Pats did yesterday though, can they?

Awwww, you just had to say it didn't you??? Had to talk my husband and son down from the ledge last night. Hope your Bears fare better!

Sorry about the unexpected expense. It's never good, but especially not when your on vacation and you want to enjoy yourselves. Glad you didn't let it ruin what looks like a nice day. I think BTMR is our favorite ride. During our last trip we went on 4 times in a row on our last day - there were no lines and we just kept running back around. My favorite memory from that trip. Sure hope the "surprises" on this trip are over now.