Sew much to do, sew little time - but it was worth it! New PTR link posted! ~~~~~~~~~

[cogero]

I want to live in a neighborhood with progressive dinners.

I am home from taking C to dance and am going to relax for a bit before working on orders.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Hello stranger! I've had limited Dis time as of late, but I am caught up.

I'm so glad your dad and brother are okay!

Thankfully, Benedryl is a super drug for dogs too!

Your tour of WS looks awesome. Yummy food and happy girls. Oh, Happy Belated b-day to Alli! My girls wanted DCs last year...my mom bought them for them. UGH. My girls legs are the width of a woman's arm and they have women's sized feet (6 and 7). Not. a. good. look. So I feel for you.

I understand the being sick of the rain situation. Our first trip (the trip of a lifetime- that turned into another trip six months later) was during Tropical Storm Faye. I didn't even want to get into the shower anymore.

Hope Josh gets answers for his arm.

Maybe you should go on Shark Tank to create a company for your bags!!

 

[blessedmom4]

D~Sounds like a wonderful neighborhood you have mentioned that before..I long for that... and mentioned about it being hard to be short (like Bandit)...you don't go around watering the bees do you?? Poor guy was outside a few minutes ago MINDING his on business and got stung on his front leg, poor sweetie. I hope you are having a marvelous day!

Marianne, finally saw your PM and posted here to let you know as you requested.

 

[mphalens]

I had a really nice day yesterday. V and I went to town to do some grocery shopping... Yikes! I wasn't planning to spend that much.

I also had to buy supplies for the progressive dinner we are doing with our neighbors on Friday night... I am really looking forward to that! I am planning to make sausage won-tons and reuben dip... Not sure what we are serving for drinks at our house??? I need to Google some good adult drinks to serve... The rule is - you have to drink what is served at each house. LOL So, I'd like something creative and fun... I am willing to take suggestions.

I finished up a bag set yesterday morning... I need to wait for the person to receive it (again - sorry - it's my last one like this for a while) before I can post pictures. Hopefully by Tuesday or Wednesday I can post those.

I am also uploading photos for my final update on Day 6.

D~

First - my suggestion for drinks (we're talking alcoholic drinks, right?) are:
Pineapple Mojitos
Grown Up Rootbeer Floats

Pineapple Mojitos
1 bunch fresh mint, stems discarded
2 limes, each cut into 8 wedges
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup canned crushed pineapple
1 cup light rum
4 cups ice cubes
1 cup 7up
Directions

In each of 8 highball glasses, crush together one-eighth of the mint leaves, 2 lime wedges and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir in 2 tablespoons pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple and 2 tablespoons rum until the sugar is dissolved. Add 1/2 cup ice cubes and a splash of club soda to each glass. Serve immediately.

Adult Rootbeer Float
Root beer, vanilla vodka, dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

I want to live in a neighborhood with progressive dinners.

I am home from taking C to dance and am going to relax for a bit before working on orders.

I want to live in a neighborhood like that too! I remember at one point in college my friends & I were all dating guys from the same fraternity - we talked about all buying houses in a cul-de-sac and all the fun we would have. . . I'm the only one that married her college boyfriend and we're all spread all over the country now

Marianne, finally saw your PM and posted here to let you know as you requested.

Yay! Off to read your pm!

 

[blessedmom4]

First - my suggestion for drinks (we're talking alcoholic drinks, right?) are:
Pineapple Mojitos
Grown Up Rootbeer Floats

Pineapple Mojitos
1 bunch fresh mint, stems discarded
2 limes, each cut into 8 wedges
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup canned crushed pineapple
1 cup light rum
4 cups ice cubes
1 cup 7up
Directions

In each of 8 highball glasses, crush together one-eighth of the mint leaves, 2 lime wedges and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir in 2 tablespoons pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple and 2 tablespoons rum until the sugar is dissolved. Add 1/2 cup ice cubes and a splash of club soda to each glass. Serve immediately.
I am coming to your house!
I want to live in a neighborhood like that too! I remember at one point in college my friends & I were all dating guys from the same fraternity - we talked about all buying houses in a cul-de-sac and all the fun we would have. . . I'm the only one that married her college boyfriend and we're all spread all over the country now
Glad for you, sad they are so far away.


Yay! Off to read your pm!

It was epic...

In other news, Come to my TR and see Rachel play the guitar...

 

[mommy2mrb]

First - my suggestion for drinks (we're talking alcoholic drinks, right?) are:
Pineapple Mojitos
Grown Up Rootbeer Floats

Pineapple Mojitos
1 bunch fresh mint, stems discarded
2 limes, each cut into 8 wedges
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup canned crushed pineapple
1 cup light rum
4 cups ice cubes
1 cup 7up
Directions

In each of 8 highball glasses, crush together one-eighth of the mint leaves, 2 lime wedges and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir in 2 tablespoons pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple and 2 tablespoons rum until the sugar is dissolved. Add 1/2 cup ice cubes and a splash of club soda to each glass. Serve immediately.

Adult Rootbeer Float
Root beer, vanilla vodka, dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.




I want to live in a neighborhood like that too! I remember at one point in college my friends & I were all dating guys from the same fraternity - we talked about all buying houses in a cul-de-sac and all the fun we would have. . . I'm the only one that married her college boyfriend and we're all spread all over the country now



Yay! Off to read your pm!

Jim and I never lived in a neighborhood like that was mostly apts and our CA neighborhood was less than friendly, most never even came by when Jim died or when Megan and I moved....I did grow up in one though was fun!

I love the mojitos recipe.....happy Judy saw them too, thinking they will make a nice cool cocktail when I'm visiting I'll buy the rum!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

Ah no worries D, I figured you were probably booked up. I'll just have to order something next time
Thanks
Erin

I am so sorry Erin... I always feel bad when I don't have the time to make something for someone.

I want to live in a neighborhood with progressive dinners.

I am home from taking C to dance and am going to relax for a bit before working on orders.

Yah - I like my neighborhood - most of the time... There are a few of us that get along really well. And there are a few that don't. It's not always easy - but we watch out for each other and each other's kids, and we have fun.

This summer, we rented a half acre of land from another neighbor and we are doing a community garden... We divided it in half and that portion will be sweet corn and pumpkins for the kids to sell - basically to fund the garden for next year... Of course, we'll hold back a few pumpkins for each family for Halloween. Then the other quarter acre, we divided equally (as equally as we could) between our families, for our personal gardens. I have a rather large brown thumb - so the garden will mostly be Josh and the girls' responsability. I do more of the canning/freezing work in the late summer and fall.

Hello stranger! I've had limited Dis time as of late, but I am caught up.

Hi Deb!!!! I am so happy to see you... I am sooooo far behind on your PTR - I stopped by the other day, intending to read - and then I got called away from the computer, and I never got back to it. It's my goal for the week.

I'm so glad your dad and brother are okay!

Thank you.

Thankfully, Benedryl is a super drug for dogs too!

I know, we got really lucky with that one.

Your tour of WS looks awesome. Yummy food and happy girls. Oh, Happy Belated b-day to Alli! My girls wanted DCs last year...my mom bought them for them. UGH. My girls legs are the width of a woman's arm and they have women's sized feet (6 and 7). Not. a. good. look. So I feel for you.

OK - I am not sure what DCs are... Gonna have to go Google that... I just did - as soon as I saw them, I know exactly what you are talking about. LOL Do they still wear them?

I understand the being sick of the rain situation. Our first trip (the trip of a lifetime- that turned into another trip six months later) was during Tropical Storm Faye. I didn't even want to get into the shower anymore.

Awww... That sucks... At least you got a second trip out of the deal...

Hope Josh gets answers for his arm.

Me too!

Maybe you should go on Shark Tank to create a company for your bags!!

LOL Excellent idea!

D~Sounds like a wonderful neighborhood you have mentioned that before..I long for that... and mentioned about it being hard to be short (like Bandit)...you don't go around watering the bees do you?? Poor guy was outside a few minutes ago MINDING his on business and got stung on his front leg, poor sweetie. I hope you are having a marvelous day!

Marianne, finally saw your PM and posted here to let you know as you requested.

Yes, I do like my neighborhood... but I say that very loosely - since it's more of a "town" rather than a "neighborhood" - LOL... Our town is only about 4 city blocks big. We are very fortunate.

First - my suggestion for drinks (we're talking alcoholic drinks, right?) are:
Pineapple Mojitos
Grown Up Rootbeer Floats

Pineapple Mojitos
1 bunch fresh mint, stems discarded
2 limes, each cut into 8 wedges
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup canned crushed pineapple
1 cup light rum
4 cups ice cubes
1 cup 7up
Directions

In each of 8 highball glasses, crush together one-eighth of the mint leaves, 2 lime wedges and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir in 2 tablespoons pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple and 2 tablespoons rum until the sugar is dissolved. Add 1/2 cup ice cubes and a splash of club soda to each glass. Serve immediately.

Adult Rootbeer Float
Root beer, vanilla vodka, dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

OK - I seriously WANT the rootbeer float drink... I could see where that would be my new favorite adult beverage. I think I am gonna do that one for sure.

The Pineapple Mojitos sound great, but a little confusing to make - especially since I'll have a couple under my belt at that point. I am stop #2 on the list, and we have a 1 hour timer for each house, so....

I want to live in a neighborhood like that too! I remember at one point in college my friends & I were all dating guys from the same fraternity - we talked about all buying houses in a cul-de-sac and all the fun we would have. . . I'm the only one that married her college boyfriend and we're all spread all over the country now

That would have been fun! Sorry that everyone is all over the country though.

It was epic...

In other news, Come to my TR and see Rachel play the guitar...

I'll be over shortly!

D~

 

[solana131]

Yum Marianne! That rootbeer float sounds so good! Must try soon

My favorite "cocktail" is also really easy to make. I take Pineapple Malibu Rum and mix it with gingerale. So easy and so yummy! And its not frozen, so you don't have to keep it from melting. The flavors of pineapple and ginger are classic and the Mailbu gives it a light coconut flavor. Yum...you guys are turning me into a lush

 

[DMGeurts]

When we last left you - it was still raining... And we were trying to make our way out of WS... Just to show you how low the crowds were in WS mid-day...

We decided to stop at Mouse Gear on our way to SSE. While we were in MG, we ran into 2 of my coworkers. We knew we would be in WDW at the same time, and we had been making plans of having a Dismeet while we were there, but once we were down there, it kind of slipped my mind. So, it was kind of nice to "bump" into them.

We got into a long line for SSE

It moved quite quickly, and before we knew it, we were on the ride.

The girls and I really enjoy the ride up... but we very much disliked the ride down in 2003, and I can say with confidence - my thrill ride junkies (and I) did NOT enjoy the ride down this time either. Alli was nearly crying in the back seat by herself. I have serious doubts that we will ever find the desire to ride SSE again.

Once we got off of SSE, the girls played in the exit area for a little while... It was dry in there, so it was a bit crowded. We didn't stay long though, despite the fact that we were quite early for our ADR, we were anxious to get there anyways, eat our meal and go "home".

We checked in just as soon as we got to the Garden Grill - requesting a booth on the lower level... There was already a huge line of people checked in, in front of us - I think everyone had the same thought we did. Eat, and get out of the park.

We waited about 15-20 minutes for the restaurant to officially open, but we had a nice padded seat outside - so we were fine with relaxing a bit, we were probably about the 5th party called in, and they did seat us as we requested.

Our CM brought our food right away, I didn't write it down, but I think our food came just as the characters were coming by.

First we got to see Chip:

Then Dale:

Mickey too:

So, now that we've had some food... I will say that both the character and food experience wasn't anywhere close to being as good as it was in 2008. I think, once kids get older - they characters just "skip" by them - so I was a bit disappointed. The characters stopped at our table, took a picture, gave a hug or two, and then they were on their way... No fun and games this time. Kind of sad.

The food... Well, it sucked. I think they changed their menu since the last time we were there... The only thing that we all really liked was the beef and potoatoes - however - those things were really good. We just weren't in the mood for turkey - and unless it's Josh's/Grandpa's fish from the lake or from the local fish fry - we just don't get into it. The dessert was scrumptious.

In the end - I think we will eat somewhere else next time... Really wanting to try France and maybe R&C.

We did manage to eat a lot of what we liked though...

At the end of the meal... Alli accidentally spilled a huge/full glass of chocolate milk all over herself - and our waiter helped clean up - so he earned himself a BIG tip.

Victoria was tired, and tried to take a quick cat nap:

And - at the very end - just as we had given up hope - Pluto stopped by.

I thought the rest of this day would fit into one update, but too many pictures...

Link to Day 6 Part D

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Once we finished at Garden Grill, the girls and I were anxious to leave the rain and Epcot.

We were cold, and we were tired. Tomorrow is our day off - and we were all looking forward to it.

On our way out of the park, the girls spotted the interactive fountains in front of the Nemo area... and well - my girls are totally attracted to water (but not rain - I don't get it ).

Meanwhile - I was texting Marianne about our Photopass card that we received from the AK parade, and I was asking her how it would work because I had already prepurchased the CD. The wonderful friend she is, she looked up the location of the PHotopass store with in Epcot, and told me where I needed to go...

I just have to say a big THANK YOU to Marianne... If it wasn't for her, almost, forcing me to go to the Photopass store, I never would have known that we were given the wrong PP card at the parade, and we had NO photos of our Pixie Dust in AK. Thankfully, the CM at the PP store in Epcot was able to search for our AK Parade photos and add them to both cards (my personal one, and the one from the parade) - and totally SAVED THE DAY!

I would have been beyond bummed to get home and find that all of our AK parade pictures were missing.

We boarded the first bus back to POFQ, and went straight to our room. We were toast.

All of us changed into dry jammies... And I decided to take pictures of the Hidden Mickeys around our room...

I LOLed when I walked out of the bathroom area a few short minutes later, to find Alli...

V and I weren't far behind her.

Link to March 11th Now n' Then photos

D~

 

[mommy2mrb]

sorry your dinner at GG wasn't what you remember....looks like the girls had some fun with the characters though....we never ate there and probably never will....
thank goodness for Marianne, we would all of been heartbroken for you if you didn't have all your AK PP pics!

 

[Pluto0809]

Oh man, I love Epcot, rain or shine! Can't wait till November when I get to be there.

Just dropped my mom and brother at the airport. I hate when they go but I'll see them again in July when I go up there to visit. I sure am tired now, my mom never stops! I did invite her for November but she wasn't sure if she could get off work. So my trip may be solo or just the two of us.

You've got it exactly right Andrea... I hate to say this - but I do think I am going to have to up my prices for next year. I won't adjust anything that's already been ordered, but I will have to re-evaluate.

D~

As someone who just ordered a bag, (I'm getting a Pluto bag ) I was actually expecting almost double so the prices were a pleasant surprise. I would have to say that you will find customers even if you have to raise prices.

 

[DMGeurts]

Oh - and I forgot to add...

Yesterday, I was going through my Carry-on (I know, bad me, I still haven't unpacked it...) and I found Disney GC in there from our trip, the receipt wrapped around it said that there was $20+ on there... So I logged on to the website and double checked... Sure enough - there's $20+ on there. Whoot! So now, I have $41 saved towards our next trip... I'll get really excited when I have $250 - since that's what I need to book. LOL

OK, back to your regularily scheduled TR...

D~

 

[mommy2mrb]

Oh - and I forgot to add...

Yesterday, I was going through my Carry-on (I know, bad me, I still haven't unpacked it...) and I found Disney GC in there from our trip, the receipt wrapped around it said that there was $20+ on there... So I logged on to the website and double checked... Sure enough - there's $20+ on there. Whoot! So now, I have $41 saved towards our next trip... I'll get really excited when I have $250 - since that's what I need to book. LOL

OK, back to your regularily scheduled TR...

D~

BONUS we did that from our April trip....was going through all my left over info and found the GC I had given to Megan at CRT, still in the card....she used it in October!

so have you decided to stay at POFQ again or are you trying somewhere new>>>

 

[DMGeurts]

BONUS we did that from our April trip....was going through all my left over info and found the GC I had given to Megan at CRT, still in the card....she used it in October!

so have you decided to stay at POFQ again or are you trying somewhere new>>>

Oh Lisa... You know, the girls and I had the opportunity to visit many resorts on this last trip... Each and every resort we went to - all they ever said is that they liked our resort the best.

I am not sure if it was because of our supurb location (because it really was perfect)...

Or if it was the beignets...

The atmosphere...

The room...

But they have no desire to stay anywhere else - ever. And honestly, I loved it enough to feel the same way. I think it will always be our first choice.

D~

 

[solana131]

Wow, I'll take rain at Epcot anyday if it clears out the crowds like that! Sorry you didn't enjoy GG. We loved the interaction and the food (just not the service) and will definitely go back again. I'm sure its because our little guy is much younger. I hate how they seem to ignore the older kids. Not looking forward to that for this trip. I want Dani to have some good interaction!

Congrats on the bonus GC We had a moment like that. Though we were lucky enough to find it before we left. I was packing up my stuff the last day and I found it. I thought I had used it, but we took it to Captain Cooks and sure enough, we had a brandy new $100 giftcard to use up that last day

Love all the hidden mickeys at FQ. Didn't have many at the Poly, or I didn't see many.

 

[IheartDDuck]

I do really dislike the fact that character meals get less interactive the older kids get. I'm an adult and I would like some interaction thank you very much!

I'm sorry your meal wasn't great. Nothing's more disappointing than looking forward to something to have it disappoint you.

 

[mommy2mrb]

we feel the same way about POFQ and will probably be staying there next Nov....Megan does want to try the Poly, maybe a night or two for that though, can't see spending all that $$ to stay a whole trip

 

[DMGeurts]

sorry your dinner at GG wasn't what you remember....looks like the girls had some fun with the characters though....we never ate there and probably never will....
thank goodness for Marianne, we would all of been heartbroken for you if you didn't have all your AK PP pics!

They tried to have fun with the characters, but it almost became awkward, since they were trying to be playful, but the characters really weren't interacting.

I know - Marianne totally saved our vacation.

Oh man, I love Epcot, rain or shine! Can't wait till November when I get to be there.

I'd say that Epcot is probably our 3rd or 4th favorite park... And that's not saying that we don't like it - it's just that we LOVE MK and AK... I'd say it's really a toss up with DHS.

Just dropped my mom and brother at the airport. I hate when they go but I'll see them again in July when I go up there to visit. I sure am tired now, my mom never stops! I did invite her for November but she wasn't sure if she could get off work. So my trip may be solo or just the two of us.

I'm sorry that it's so hard when they leave. I hope your mom is able to go with you in Nov.

As someone who just ordered a bag, (I'm getting a Pluto bag ) I was actually expecting almost double so the prices were a pleasant surprise. I would have to say that you will find customers even if you have to raise prices.

Awww... thanks - I get a lot of mixed opinions on this. But if it comes down to it, I think I'd rather be much less busy and take my time making the bags.

Wow, I'll take rain at Epcot anyday if it clears out the crowds like that! Sorry you didn't enjoy GG. We loved the interaction and the food (just not the service) and will definitely go back again. I'm sure its because our little guy is much younger. I hate how they seem to ignore the older kids. Not looking forward to that for this trip. I want Dani to have some good interaction!

Well, the last time we went to GG - it was AMAZING... so it was such a disappointment this time, probably even more so than any other. And most of it was because my girls were older and we didn't have any young'ns with us... And let's face it - Alli looks much older than she is.

Congrats on the bonus GC We had a moment like that. Though we were lucky enough to find it before we left. I was packing up my stuff the last day and I found it. I thought I had used it, but we took it to Captain Cooks and sure enough, we had a brandy new $100 giftcard to use up that last day

That is super awesome! I plan to go through my GCs at some point, just to make sure. After a few days at WDW, it became very puzzling as to which GCs were used, and which weren't... So, the ones that were empty, I started bending them in half. I kept them though, because Alli had to return a shirt while we were there, and it was such a mess, because they had returned it to a card that had already been tossed - so they threw a fit that they had to void that transaction and give it to her in merchandise credit instead. It worked out in the end, but it was annoying. I also tried to write the balances on the front of the cards as we went along, so I kind of knew what we had.

Love all the hidden mickeys at FQ. Didn't have many at the Poly, or I didn't see many.

There were a few more that I didn't take pictures of at this time (I know I took some later).

I do really dislike the fact that character meals get less interactive the older kids get. I'm an adult and I would like some interaction thank you very much!

I'm sorry your meal wasn't great. Nothing's more disappointing than looking forward to something to have it disappoint you.

I agree about the character interaction... There is something to be said for going to Disney with a child.

Yah - the meal wasn't that great this time - oh well, we have a few other restaurants we are wanting to do in Epcot, so it just pushed us to want to try something new.

we feel the same way about POFQ and will probably be staying there next Nov....Megan does want to try the Poly, maybe a night or two for that though, can't see spending all that $$ to stay a whole trip

Yah, a split stay would be fun! I didn't think of that. We might try to do something like that some day.

The girls and I had a nice day yesterday...

We went to the mall with my BFF and her dd, it was a lot of fun - we haven't gotten together in a while, so it was really nice to see them.

She ended up getting Alli her birthday gift... The yoga pants she has been wanting desperately from Victoria's Secret - and a big cropped T-shirt to match. It's a super cute outfit and very nice of her.

I also got Victoria a Hollister sweatshirt as an early bday gift... and she purchased a pair of Hollister shorts with her own $$. Normally, I don't let them wear shorts from Hollister, because they are way too short - but they came out with a "mid-length" version, which is a little less revealing - so I did allow her to get those. They are very cute.

Then, I got myself some hand soaps from Bath and Body Works... Since we were almost out.

That's about it.

It was the girls' last youth group at church last night, they were so sad to say good-bye to their leaders... Most of them are from Canada, and they are going back home next weekend. Allison became very good friends with her leader - so I suspect this might be extra hard on her.

I work all day... but I do have my next update ready to go - I am going to try to post that before I got to work.

I am ready to get this TR finished up and start on another PTR.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Oh, and I forgot to mention...

I will have to wait a while to do the Now N' Then photos from this day, since ALL of my "Then" photos are in my Photobucket account that has exceeded it's bandwidth... I will post them when my acct is unlocked though.

So, I'll be starting on Day 7 shortly.

D~