September 22, 2007 -- WESTERN

[Bareacuda]

Mike... How many of the big Mickey's did you get to see? My favorite is from Willardson!
Short story...
I read the artical in some Disney news all about them. A few months later I was hooked up with a guy that wanted to do a city wide art statue event. I instantly thought of the 75 Mickeys! I called Hart Johnson the next day.Hart and his sister Randi own Tivioli Too.They made all the Mickeys. Many of us see their work everytime we eat at the Rainforest Cafe! The big sign with the tiger and alligator... it's Tiviloi's work. They also did all the Peanuts Gang in Mpls, MN.
We never did the event, the main guy backed out of the contract at the last minute. Insert BIG sig here!

 

[papa]

We saw almost all of them there in Washington DC. We have had catfish and guitar statues here. Mike

 

[eva]

On page two, so I guess I better give us a bump.

Mike, I understand about the car finances too. DH bought a new crossover SUV last year. But I have a feeling that my "new car money" just went to DVC. Not a big problem with me. As long as it gets me where I am going, has cruise control and XM radio, I'm good to go. The cruise and XM wouldn't normally be important to me. But I am on the road for work about 10 hours or more a week.

 

[CustardTart]

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a good weekend. The weather's been amazing here for April - very warm with hazy blue skies. Trouble is all the blossom's out and I'm prone to hayfever which this year has turned into terrible sinusitis - I'm really not a happy bunny! I'm not getting any relief from my array of drugs - that means a Dr's appointment which is so dull!

On the bright side, I've found a very nice lime green top - it has 3/4 length sleeves and 'interesting' palm trees on so I am going to be UNMISSABLE in the port terminal! My advice is to make sure you're all wearing these!

We're all out this evening - first for pizza and then to the cinema to see Blades of Glory, a crazy Will Ferrell comedy...

 

[scottrob]

Hi everyone! Trouble is all the blossom's out and I'm prone to hayfever which this year has turned into terrible sinusitis - I'm really not a happy bunny! I'm not getting any relief from my array of drugs - that means a Dr's appointment which is so dull!

I can sympathize. I am going on my 3rd week of dealing with something that coincided with the current pollen peaks. Could it be that I am getting older....

Naw! That was just a rumor started by my kids.

Are we there yet?

 

[brady961]

ok guys we are on the second page. and that just won't work <G>

allergies here have been awful too. we did get some rain but of course that means it may have washed little pollen away, but also means more blooming of other things <G>

 

[papa]

Hope that everyone is doing well. I am mad What part of budget and affordable payment do car salesmen not understand. Don't tell me one thing and then the payment turns out to be a 50% increase over current payment. Mike

 

[Lucky Penny]

Hope that everyone is doing well. I am mad What part of budget and affordable payment do car salesmen not understand. Don't tell me one thing and then the payment turns out to be a 50% increase over current payment. Mike

That's a shame, Mike! I can totally relate - what's worse, I read this great book on how not to get 'taken' by car salesmen, and I fell for all their "stuff" anyhow ...

If you haven't heard of it, I highly recommend www.edmunds.com for really great information on buying cars - real (invoice) prices, which have little relation to 'sticker' prices, and this section: http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/42962/article.html
which is called "confessions of a car salesman". Edmunds sent one of their writers to work at two different kinds of car dealers - high pressure and no pressure - and then write about it. The guide tells you how to get around all of their tricks. These pages were recommended to me by one of the best car-buying negotiators I've ever seen - my stepson, who always gets exactly the car he wants for the price he intended to pay, and never pays a nickel more.

Maybe next time I buy a car I'll remember some of it

 

[ThreeSmiths]

I know exactly how you feel, Mike. We recently bought a new car and at one dealership when they started pulling the "bait and switch" on us, we walked out. Next thing we knew, the finance manager was sticking his head through the driver's side window of our car, and the saleswoman was standing behind our car so we couldn't back out of the parking space. They were so aggressive!!! Lucky for the finance guy DH was in the driver's seat, because he is more patient than I! I would have rolled the window up right on his head and drove off. I had to finally be very rude to him to get him to leave. I have told everyone I know not to go to that dealership!

 

[knotyscot]

Sandi: Looks like you are busy Dis-gal. Drinks are on the way
Watch out taking the DVC tour! You will never be the same.

Karen: You do it so beautifully! Help! I want to be able to quote several people in one 'post reply' without the whole quote! How to do???

Penny: The little boats around the Seven Seas sounds relaxing. I think we will do that this time. No down pours though!

Eva and all,

...and I thought I was the only one who got all teary eyed when I walked under the train bridge into the entrance to Main Street USA! Funny, but we we approach the Wilderness Lodge either by bus or by my favorite, boat, I get that way too? Go figure? I am not sure what provokes this emotion? I don't think it is hormonal! I guess for me it is cuz I feel that I am finally in a place where I can let go and truly be a kid again. Feels liberating.

5000 points! What a great goal!

Mike: We have a Saturn Vue. I drive it mostly. I love it!

Lack of Sleep? Me too! Life's worries, etc... I don't sleep well at resorts/hotels either. I bring Tylenol P.M. Although on our first and only cruise thus far, Mexican Riviera, I recall sleeping very well most nights. I think I was totally exhausted each night from the drinking, um, I mean the sun, sea, food and fun.

Mike: Car Stuff, When we bought our long time gone mini-van years ago, I remember the sales guy pulling out his check book and showing my DH just how little he had in his checking account so that my DH would feel sorry for him and make the deal then and there so the sales guy could get his commission! Can you believe it!!!!! I hate car shopping. We had absolutely no problems buying the Saturn Vue. It was easy, low pressure.

On a sad note: I just heard the news about the shootings at Virginia Tech. Life is uncertain isn't it?
I wish you all a great work week. Stay safe.

Wendy

 

[Bareacuda]

Hi All...

Just checking in for the day.
I hate what went on at Virgina Tech. I feel so sorry for the injured and for the families that lost a member.

Look...... we're one day closer to the vacation of 2007...

Are We There Yet?

 

[CustardTart]

Hope that everyone is doing well. I am mad What part of budget and affordable payment do car salesmen not understand. Don't tell me one thing and then the payment turns out to be a 50% increase over current payment. Mike

Mike, that sucks! Car salesman are just the same over here too - say one thing, mean another and then try and convince it'll all work out! My DD is looking into getting a new car and it's my job to do the legwork over the next few days. My favourite part is when you go into certain dealerships and they ignore you because you're a woman! I'm looking forward to giving those guys a hard time, believe me...

Karen: You do it so beautifully! Help! I want to be able to quote several people in one 'post reply' without the whole quote! How to do???

Ah, Wendy, it's a gift! OK, OK, you wormed it out of me - it's just copious cutting and pasting! I click on 'Quote' to reply to someone and, if necessary, edit their post so I reply to a relevent section. I then 'cut' the edited post and my reply, return to the thread and click 'Quote' on someone else's post. I 'paste' the original post and reply at the top of the page and start again! Is that as clear as mud now?!

...and I thought I was the only one who got all teary eyed when I walked under the train bridge into the entrance to Main Street USA! Funny, but we we approach the Wilderness Lodge either by bus or by my favorite, boat, I get that way too? Go figure?

Come to think of it, I get that way walking into the Poly's Great Ceremonial House and the GF Lobby! Maybe in WDW, familiarity breeds contentment, rather than the usual contempt? I'm looking forward to a whole new dimension on the teary-eyed thing, when DS and I go to SSR in December and the CMs say Welcome Home - now I just know that's going to get me going!

I'm pretty sure it's going to be like that when I board the Magic too - such a baby!

 

[CustardTart]

I hate what went on at Virgina Tech. I feel so sorry for the injured and for the families that lost a member.

Same here. I've just caught up with the news - what a terrible story! I can't imagine how those involved must be feeling. A very sad time for everyone...

 

[American Scrapper]

Hello Everyone!! I am back... So much has happened on the boards since I last posted.

Welcome to all of our new cruisers! Threesmiths, I am so glad you decided to join us!! Peyton will be so excited!!

Mel - congrats!!! A new baby, how wonderful!! We will keep our fingers crossed for you that all goes well.

Scrapperjill, I know exactly how you feel - I have felt like I have had Pumpkin head since getting back from Las Vegas! There has been so much going on and work has been kind of busy, so when I get home at night I just could not bring myself to log onto the computer. The kids were on spring break last week as well as yesterday and today, so we have been kind of busy. I took the last two days off to spend sometime with them and we have been running around. Las Vegas was a BLAST!! I have decided that I am going in August for my birthday (a girls only weekend). I was thinking about exchanging my DVC points to stay, but have not yet looked into it. You have to use them for a week there, but what I was thinking was that I can use them the first half of the week and then my DH could use them the second half. When I get home, the kids & I are going to head out to Cedar Point in Ohio for a couple of days. All of you DVC members, have you had any luck exchanging your points in Vegas? Just wondering if it is worth it or even possible. By the way Sandi, definitely go and tour the DVC, it really does not take too long at all.

I am not sure if we are going to do any Spa treatments this time or not. I guess I will decide later on for sure.

Sandi & Stacy - count me in for the Captain Marvins! Oh, and I am still in for Margarita Mondays!!

Well, I better get going, the weather is going to be beautiful today so I want to get the kids out to enjoy it before they are off to school tomorrow!

Kathy

 

[Bareacuda]

Kathy...
Going back to Vegas in August???
I try to go then too... just to cool off ! It's about 105* to 110* there.
It's still a blast hot... that's when those fru fru drinks are the best. Just make mine the virgin fru frus

Glad to see you around again

 

[American Scrapper]

Yeah, I know it is pretty hot in Vegas in August, but I figured what the heck, it is going to be a girls only trip so I am sure that there will be alot of hanging out by the pool during the day (or sleeping!). And going out in the evening. I will just have to tolerate the heat from the car or cab to the casino or club!

 

[papa]

Remember Kathy, "What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas!" Mike

 

[eva]

Oh No! Back on page two again. What is our problem this week? We must be way too busy.

 

[voyager9]

My husband and I will be on the 9/22/07 Western for our 1st anniversary. We leave the exact night. My second Dis cruise and 6th cruise all together and his first cruise ever. I was able to talk him into it very easily. Hope to see you all there.

 

[eva]

Oh No! Back on page two again. What is our problem this week? We must be way too busy.

Well, Mike beat me. So now you know how long I had the reply window open before I typed in something to post.

Welcome voyager9!

I was in Vegas for a conference in the middle of August 3 years ago. I was extremely surprised. The highs were over 105 degrees every day, but I didn't feel very hot at all. And believe me, I was outside a lot. Remember, I used to be a smoker.

Let's see, what cruise topic should I bring up? We've talked about excursions, what to wear, WDW stays before and after, tastings (don't forget Margarita Monday), to spa or not to spa, and DIS meets. (I'm sure I've missed some topics.) Hmmm, how about we move to the topic of the kid's clubs. I know that I don't have any kids on the cruise with me, but a number of you will. Those of you that have brought children before, do your kids like the clubs? How much time do they spend there? Do they ever eat dinner in the clubs? Do the teens enjoy the Stack? It's a good thing for me to know as a grandparent too. I am sure that I will be taking my darlings on a cruise in just a few years.