The ABC's of Trip Reporting- PLEASE JOIN US ON THE NEW THREAD!

[englishrose47]

Hi Friends,

I just got back from the hospital - my step-father went in to have his pacemaker battery changed. He had been out of breath the last few days but we thought it was because he needed the new battery. They were going to send him home today but he still was not breathing well and I insisted they bring in a pulmonary team. They discovered he has fluid on his lungs and said he has congestive heart failure. He has emphysema which doesn't help matters. I will know more tomorrow when I talk to the team, but I was given the news by a Resident who seemd to make things sound somewhat dire. But I know people can live with congestive heart failure, right? I'm sorry I'm writing a novel here but I've come home to an empty house and I'm ridden with fear. My mom just passed away in February and my father passed away last Easter. I just can't bear to lose someone else.

Could you please say a prayer that my father gets better? Thanks.

Tracey I am soo sorry !!I am praying for Dave and for you my friend

 

[englishrose47]

Liessa what a nail biting , sit on edge of seat installment !!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

I was a bajillion pages behind.
I've heard of Zumba but haven't a clue what it is....gotta Google!

...

That looks like fun! I have almost no coordination, so I'm sure I would look like a doofus as well!

Oh my goodness - the whole stamp ordeal. Seriously. The adventure never ended right up until the very last second, did it???? Good thing you have the Force on your side through all that!

And some money in your pocket.



Love how the security officer told you how to copy the stamp too. Surprised he didn't try to get $5 off you for that tidbit.

Glad you're caught up! I'm finally feeling a LITTLE bit caught up on others' threads as well- a good feeling for sure.

Zumba will get better as I learn the steps. First few classes will be dorkville though. At the very least, the music is great! This lady throws in a lot of Indian stuff that we actually KNOW from Kaz. FUN! And it makes it more fun because there are actually first generation Indian ladies in the class!

Hmmm... time to ask one over for an Indian cooking lesson...

I think the entertainment value for the guy was enough. He was smirking the entire time.

Liessa what a nail biting , sit on edge of seat installment !!!!

Lots of memory making stuff for sure!

 

[burly]

sheesh....all caught up. Even with all the banter.
Goodness! Who knew that a little ole' egg shaped stamp would cause such a sitcom moment!!!

Loved it, as usual, looking forward to more, as usual, at least until i go to WDW in 7 more sleep!!! woot woot


KIM
P.S. Tracy my prayers are flying to you and your family...

 

[All7OfUs]

sheesh....all caught up. Even with all the banter.
Goodness! Who knew that a little ole' egg shaped stamp would cause such a sitcom moment!!!

Loved it, as usual, looking forward to more, as usual, at least until i go to WDW in 7 more sleep!!! woot woot


KIM
P.S. Tracy my prayers are flying to you and your family...

7 more sleeps!!! How totally exciting!!!

Now that we've come through it, and can look back, it was rather funny, if you look at it!

 

[maroo]

Strangely, me neither. Finally got over to ZzubWorld. Thanks for the link.

I am stunned you have never read his stuff...

It is RIGHT up your alley!!

First, Mary. I enjoyed your introduction. But I am so sorry for all the stress you were under with the money, the Bakers needing extra cash, etc.

Liesa, I don't how you do it. I would have been taken away and locked up as I would have totally lost it when told we needed a stamp and was taking off shortly. You have the patience of a saint.

It is all good! It all worked out fine in the end!!

I was a bajillion pages behind.

Maroo - Buster is the perfect name for that kitty due to the situation! Rick is a buster isn't he?! Awfully cute though, and looks like not only the Buster took a liking to Lauren, but Lauren to Buster.

Muffin looks awfully put out in that picture though!

Poor Muffin...she really has sorta had a hard time lately...

I left for 10 nights and left her with the babysitter (where she shares the house with another little dog), then came back and she immediately went to Lauren's house and met Buster. And now I am spending a week hanging out at Rachel's house with their two dogs. But she is fine. Well, maybe not with the cat at Lauren's...but it won't be a kitten forever.

Lauren loves that cat!!

And Rick lived to tell about it and is no longer in the dog house.

 

[All7OfUs]

I am stunned you have never read his stuff...

It is RIGHT up your alley!!

I have read a few of his TRs- pee your pants funny stuff. Poop cramps. But he was "off" before I actually came "on".

 

[Millie12591]

And there's far worse things than motown in the minds of our readers. Well, ok, maybe not.

Speak for yourself woman!

Hi Friends,

I just got back from the hospital - my step-father went in to have his pacemaker battery changed. He had been out of breath the last few days but we thought it was because he needed the new battery. They were going to send him home today but he still was not breathing well and I insisted they bring in a pulmonary team. They discovered he has fluid on his lungs and said he has congestive heart failure. He has emphysema which doesn't help matters. I will know more tomorrow when I talk to the team, but I was given the news by a Resident who seemd to make things sound somewhat dire. But I know people can live with congestive heart failure, right? I'm sorry I'm writing a novel here but I've come home to an empty house and I'm ridden with fear. My mom just passed away in February and my father passed away last Easter. I just can't bear to lose someone else.

Could you please say a prayer that my father gets better? Thanks.

You know we will! Tracy let us know when you can.

Now that I am finally keeping up, wouldn't ya know my surgery is scheduled for Tuesday...don't want to even think about how far behind I'll get then!!

Must figure out a way to have the laptop on something besides a lap so I can spend all day time reading the rest of next week.

Christine, we'll be praying for your surgery to be a good one and as for the idea of where to put your lapt top, how about a t.v. tray, or a one that sits straddled over the top of your lap but not touching it?

Well the stars and the miracles lined up right for you guys this time! I knew that you got the stamp since Mike made it back too, but I didn't thinkit was going to be that 'easy'.

Love how it cost you to get a stamp that should of already been on there anyways.

Note to self: travel with eggs... just in case.

Tim, your such a nut!

WAY TOO close!! Honestly, even though I had this TR in mind as I went, I didn't get nearly enough photos- especially of this part of the journey. Too much other "stuff" going on. Where the pix are lacking, I'll try to make it up in words.

Your doing an amazing job on here! Don't worry about the not so many photos, we know you'll come through for us later...gator.


Has anyone talked with Tracy to find out how she and her step-father are doing?

 

[eandesmom]

I thought, you might know that defunct Dutch company. I understand they DO still make parts to keep their planes in the air. Good to know! Do they make a sea plane?? Why did Fokker come up?

Well, even more random, we were watching a Canadian show called The Aviators, and the first episode is based on the annual AirVenture show in Oshkosh. We were streaming the first episode. It really was more that Jeff was commenting of how the Canadian guy pronounced Fokker, which is different than how we'd both always heard it. No seaplane. In fact Jeff was whining about what planes they were choosing to show.

I mean there is a lot of plane talk around my house but not typically about Fokkers! Or Tiger Moth Bi-Planes for that matter...but I digress.

Yes. Like voter registration, property tax bills, and Safeway cards.

Don't get me started on the safeway card. Some idiot uses our phone number all over the place and so I can't use my own number on a safeway card. Tried to get a new one with my cell, and someone kiped it too. So instead I have to listen to them say "have a nice day Mrs. Boyer" on the rare occasions I go there.

Poor Joan Boyer, who I think is old and confused as we also get a lot of doctor and pharmacy calls for her. It does confuse the kids though!

Zumba will get better as I learn the steps. First few classes will be dorkville though. At the very least, the music is great! This lady throws in a lot of Indian stuff that we actually KNOW from Kaz. FUN! And it makes it more fun because there are actually first generation Indian ladies in the class!

It's amazingly different by instructor, I've been to 3 different instructors classes, at 2 different gyms, and all are completely, and I mean COMPLETELY, different.

Depending on the instructor, it gets better. I had one who did ALL different songs/routines each week so you couldn't really learn the steps, ever. It was crazy. But she made it work. I'm adjusting to my new class, yesterday was a TON better. Then again a lot of it was positioning myself better so I could see and so didn't get run over by those who were even more lost lol.

so...did you like it? was it a decent work out? new gal works us a lot harder than the last 2.

 

[Flossbolna]

On the Big Brother issue: I know what you mean and I can assure you that Germany has one of the strictest data privacy protection laws. In my opinion Germans are a bit obsessive about that. For example Google has a lot of trouble with implementing its Streetview featuer here. They now have agreed to take out any building where someone who lives in this building does not want it shown. And the media write nearly weekly about the dangers of facebook... But nobody would question the necessity of our official residenc register. To a certain extent I think people are less critical of things they have known for a long time. For example in Sweden most of your data is available to everyone, you can look up what your neighbor paid in taxes last year!! And the Swedish people think that this is normal...

So Zach has started at a real school, how does he like it? And are you still homeschooling your two younger daughters or are they starting school as well?

Fokkers used to be not so uncommon here in Germany as well for flights from smaller airports. But now they all seem to have been replaced by Canadair Jets...

 

[jenb1023]

If you only knew the truth. I am sitting with Zach and his first day of homework. Toenail plucking would be far more enjoyable. Margharitas anyone?

Yes - send one my way!!!!

Getting Jordan to focus on homework is tough (though I've learned for her that earlier in the evening is better) and then her school is doing some new math that tells you to make a ten to add 8+6. Why on earth would you make a ten to add those two numbers - just seems like an extra step?!?

If I can't do 2nd grade math what are we going to do when she is in high school?

Do you feel Zach will get what he needs from the new school?

 

[maroo]

Yes - send one my way!!!!

Getting Jordan to focus on homework is tough (though I've learned for her that earlier in the evening is better) and then her school is doing some new math that tells you to make a ten to add 8+6. Why on earth would you make a ten to add those two numbers - just seems like an extra step?!?

If I can't do 2nd grade math what are we going to do when she is in high school?

Do you feel Zach will get what he needs from the new school?

Yeah, me too...And I am about ready to send some Margaritas to Lauren's teachers.

They do their Math so different now anyway...they don't even multiply "right"...so it is almost impossible to help them at all, because they just tell you that you aren't doing it right.

Lauren's teacher sent her home with homework to read the last 19 chapters of Pride and Prejudice and answer pages and pages worth of questions on Tuesday night and Wed night. Insane. Lauren can barely hold her head up. I finally had to help with some of them on Tuesday. There is NO way she could do that much. Her school will let her "out" of some homework...but then it is all on the test...so Lauren wants to do it all. No way. There is just no way.

Anyway...rant over.


How did Zach do with the first couple of days of school?

 

[Flossbolna]

and then her school is doing some new math that tells you to make a ten to add 8+6. Why on earth would you make a ten to add those two numbers - just seems like an extra step?!?

I have no idea how I was taught, but this is just the way I do additions in my head, so it sounds pretty good to me!

Mary, reading 19 chapters sounds an awful lot!! I actually just checked and Pride and Prejudice only has 19 chapters???? Does she have to read the whole book????

 

[maroo]

Mary, reading 19 chapters sounds an awful lot!! I actually just checked and Pride and Prejudice only has 19 chapters???? Does she have to read the whole book????

Just part 3...

The book has 3 parts all bound in one book and the part she had to read was part 3. All 19 chapters.

Even the "regular" kids in the class were freaking out.

 

[All7OfUs]

Speak for yourself woman!

What I had to wipe of Anara's shoe in the next installment...

What we ran the German high speed train out of ....

What happened when I laughed too hard in the POR parking lot.....


Trust me... ALL far worse than MoTown.

Your doing an amazing job on here! Don't worry about the not so many photos, we know you'll come through for us later...gator.

I hope so... crocodealio.

Has anyone talked with Tracy to find out how she and her step-father are doing?

Yes. I talked with her yesterday afternoon, and she seems to have gotten a bit better of news as per the "real doctor" who saw him the next morning. She is more encouraged by his news, but nonetheless would still appreciate your prayers until he is released- they do NOT know when that will be- is depends on how he responds to his meds.

Well, even more random, we were watching a Canadian show called The Aviators, and the first episode is based on the annual AirVenture show in Oshkosh.

Ok, now it makes sense, that a defunct airline came up. There is a GREAT annual airshow here in Hillsboro every year- wanna come down next summer??

Very large to very bi to very fast- it's all there.

Don't get me started on the safeway card. Some idiot uses our phone number all over the place and so I can't use my own number on a safeway card. Tried to get a new one with my cell, and someone kiped it too. So instead I have to listen to them say "have a nice day Mrs. Boyer" on the rare occasions I go there.

Same. With. Us. Drives me nutz!! but now I got a brand new card with a brand new number- so am hoping it cuts to the right name now. My old one was tied to "Mildred"- sounds like we shared the same Happy Safeway shopper.

It's amazingly different by instructor,
Then again a lot of it was positioning myself better so I could see and so didn't get run over by those who were even more lost lol.

so...did you like it? was it a decent work out? new gal works us a lot harder than the last 2.

I would have loved it more if I hadn't been the one who was "more lost" and running people over. So, next week, I'll position myself so I can SEE her better and be able to follow more carefully.

Despite my deep-seated feelings of Zumba inadequecy, it did give me a great workout, which is the point. But I"m not sure I'll continue, there are other good workouts that are free.

 

[All7OfUs]

On the Big Brother issue: I know what you mean and I can assure you that Germany has one of the strictest data privacy protection laws. In my opinion Germans are a bit obsessive about that. For example Google has a lot of trouble with implementing its Streetview featuer here. They now have agreed to take out any building where someone who lives in this building does not want it shown. And the media write nearly weekly about the dangers of facebook... But nobody would question the necessity of our official residenc register. To a certain extent I think people are less critical of things they have known for a long time. For example in Sweden most of your data is available to everyone, you can look up what your neighbor paid in taxes last year!! And the Swedish people think that this is normal...

Funny how in a slow process of things being more intrusive it does seems normal. And yes, totally agree with being comfortable with what is known or has been around for a while. Unfortunately, we have that too. You can find out what the taxes are on a certain property at any time, and then just match it to a name from the internet, or even phonebook! OR heck just opening their mailbox and taking a peek. THe hot topic now (or actually was a couple years ago) was groups being able to find out to what political campaigns and how much people gave. Then the idea was for that to be published and those people or businesses boycotted or hurt (mostly financially) according to whether they gave to pro-life causes or other issues. It really is sick.

I will now step down.

So Zach has started at a real school, how does he like it? And are you still homeschooling your two younger daughters or are they starting school as well?

He did. And his first day was met with varying success. One particular boy seemed to take him under his wing, but he was very frustrated at PE because he had never seen or heard of American football. Can you imagine him playing football (NOSoccer) with kids 2ce his height?? No wonder he was frustrated. But we did his homework last night, and although it took a while, he was able to do it- with a LOT Of help!

Fokkers used to be not so uncommon here in Germany as well for flights from smaller airports. But now they all seem to have been replaced by Canadair Jets...

I think Kazakhstan is buying them all...

Yes - send one my way!!!!

Getting Jordan to focus on homework is tough (though I've learned for her that earlier in the evening is better) and then her school is doing some new math that tells you to make a ten to add 8+6. Why on earth would you make a ten to add those two numbers - just seems like an extra step?!?

If I can't do 2nd grade math what are we going to do when she is in high school?

Do you feel Zach will get what he needs from the new school?

Yes, he was required to do it before I took the kids out for dinner. Mike is out of town for the week climbing VERY near Cynthia's gang on Mt. Baker, so we needed a night out. I think tonight, IF homework is done, we'll rent and watch Alice in Wonderland. I SOOOOOOOO wish I could have seen it in 3D!!! I digress... Since he doens't go until afternoon at this point, he also has the AMs to work on things.

He won't start his math or reading until a couple weeks from now, as we really want to ease him in. We'll see how it goes when we get there. So far everyone there seems to be on the same page with me. Time will tell...

Yeah, me too...And I am about ready to send some Margaritas to Lauren's teachers.


How did Zach do with the first couple of days of school?

Sounds like they need one.

He did fine yesterday, mostly. It will certainly be a very large adjustment for him on every level.

 

[eandesmom]

Ok, now it makes sense, that a defunct airline came up. There is a GREAT annual airshow here in Hillsboro every year- wanna come down next summer??

Very large to very bi to very fast- it's all there.

We will be there, likely July/early Aug. I don't have dates yet. May hit the coat before or after. Oshkosh is THE show. Biggest Fly-In, in the world. Jeff has been once and will go again, but of course he is pretty much always up for any airshow!

Same. With. Us. Drives me nutz!! but now I got a brand new card with a brand new number- so am hoping it cuts to the right name now. My old one was tied to "Mildred"- sounds like we shared the same Happy Safeway shopper.

I think Mildred and Joan have been hanging together.

I would have loved it more if I hadn't been the one who was "more lost" and running people over. So, next week, I'll position myself so I can SEE her better and be able to follow more carefully.

Despite my deep-seated feelings of Zumba inadequecy, it did give me a great workout, which is the point. But I"m not sure I'll continue, there are other good workouts that are free.

Free is good. For me it's part of a gym membership. So..not free but all the classes are included, Zumba and other.

Some running people over is expected lol! Part of the fun. We've all done it, and will continue to. Glad you enjoyed it.

He did. And his first day was met with varying success. One particular boy seemed to take him under his wing, but he was very frustrated at PE because he had never seen or heard of American football. Can you imagine him playing football (NOSoccer) with kids 2ce his height?? No wonder he was frustrated. But we did his homework last night, and although it took a while, he was able to do it- with a LOT Of help!

Yes, he was required to do it before I took the kids out for dinner. Mike is out of town for the week climbing VERY near Cynthia's gang on Mt. Baker, so we needed a night out. I think tonight, IF homework is done, we'll rent and watch Alice in Wonderland. I SOOOOOOOO wish I could have seen it in 3D!!! I digress... Since he doens't go until afternoon at this point, he also has the AMs to work on things.

He won't start his math or reading until a couple weeks from now, as we really want to ease him in. We'll see how it goes when we get there. So far everyone there seems to be on the same page with me. Time will tell...

that all sounds really really encouraging!

 

[All7OfUs]

that all sounds really really encouraging!

will quote more in a bit, just wanted to say that Alice is now out- Back to School night impends.

 

[oregonmommyof2]

I am SO glad you were able to get the highly coveted stamp!!

From the looks of things, we are suppose to get some nicer weather the next week... I don't know about you, but we have seen nothing but rain...

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hi Liesa,

I've finally caught up.

I am SO glad that you were able to get the stamp! I was on the edge of my seat trying to speed read this morning to find out before I left for work if you were able to get the stamp!