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

[glennbo123]

But I have to ask... did anyone else notice that ODD green glow by my legs in that picture?? Can it be photoshopped out?? What is it from??

It's either:

A) A problem with the camera's flash, or

B) It's from radioactive toenails, caused by using nail polish from less-than-reputable countries of origin. Definitely a risk of the high-fashion, glam and glitz crowd you're running with now. You didn't by chance paint your toenails within a couple of days before that picture was taken, did you?

Did you tell the lady who took the picture about your trip report and where she could find it?

 

[that's nice]

B) It's from radioactive toenails, caused by using nail polish from less-than-reputable countries of origin. Definitely a risk of the high-fashion, glam and glitz crowd you're running with now. You didn't by chance paint your toenails within a couple of days before that picture was taken, did you?

I need to get me some of that nail polish, it'd go great with my whip!

 

[glennbo123]

I need to get me some of that nail polish, it'd go great with my whip!

Trying. to get. the mental picture. out of my mind.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I was starting to get ready for some time to be pampered and indulged, and I know stars have to watch their waistlines, but I was in a mood to throw caution to the wind, and ready to consume a fair amount of calories!

Plus, that's what liposuction is for!

It was going to require a bit of plan changing that I just hadn’t counted on. GGGRRRR!!! Yes, I was about to throw a star-studded Lindsay Lohan-style hissy, but refrained myself and regained my on-camera composure.

Well, that's a relief. You don't want to go full Lohan right away. It's best to build up to it. Maybe start with an Alec Baldwin-level fit. Going full Lohan (or, heaven forbid, Charlie Sheen) is a dark, dark place to be.

I would have thought, given my amazing rise to fame that they would have gotten me in sooner, but rather it took another 25 minutes or so to show me to my table!!!!

Don't they know who you are??!! NOW it's time to break out Lindsay.

Can I get a bit emotional and sappy here? A few of you might have guessed this was coming.

For those of you who followed my pre-trip report, this was supposed to be a meal that was a tribute or “memorial” to my grandma who passed away the June before my trip. She was the epitome of loveliness in every way. The quintessential grandma who doted on me, but only just enough to make me feel loved- when discipline was called for, it was there. She was elegant, well-mannered, and VERY 40s. Bing or Frank was always playing on the wireless in the kitchen as she cleaned. Every summer, she was my world. We went to Dodger’s games, sushi bars before they were chic, she taught me how to prune roses, made homemade peach ice cream with me, dressed the quail my grandpa came home with, hemmed my jeans (I was a midget then too.), and watched me do backflips off the diving board for hours (THAT’S love!).

This seems like a good spot to say that this entry is a beautiful, loving tribute to your grandma. Being very manly, I read this is stoic fashion and did not cry. But in a strange coincidence, I must be having an allergic reaction to something in the air here, because something is irritating my eyes.

For me, it was too heavy on the blue cheese- a little of that goes a long, long way, like tarragon and dill.

Most definitely. I've been saying this for years.

(Ok, fine. I have no idea what tarragon is)

Truly, it is another of my favorite pictures from my whole trip. I was happy, I was sad.

Very nice.

(this is the translation for people who mostly communicate in smileys)


Lovely update. This felt like a special time, and thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

It's either:

A) A problem with the camera's flash, or

B) It's from radioactive toenails, caused by using nail polish from less-than-reputable countries of origin. Definitely a risk of the high-fashion, glam and glitz crowd you're running with now. You didn't by chance paint your toenails within a couple of days before that picture was taken, did you?

Did you tell the lady who took the picture about your trip report and where she could find it?

I was going to say it was a big gas bubble, but that didn't seem appropriate given the nature of the update. Then again, when have I ever been appropriate?

 

[glennbo123]

Well, that's a relief. You don't want to go full Lohan right away. It's best to build up to it. Maybe start with an Alec Baldwin-level fit. Going full Lohan (or, heaven forbid, Charlie Sheen) is a dark, dark place to be.

This made me think of "Tropic Thunder".

I was going to say it was a big gas bubble, but that didn't seem appropriate given the nature of the update. Then again, when have I ever been appropriate?

I think you're right! Mystery solved. Sometimes these "unexplained" phenomena like UFO sightings and picture apparitions have the simplest explanations.

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi Liesa, I just came across this article with the title "The Disneyland of the Steppe" about Astana (for anyone else besides Liesa: Kzakhstan's capital) and how it was built up since 1997. In Germany the term "Disneyland" is very often used for any artificially created environment...

 

[PennyLane1084]

She LOVED it!!

I love Liesa's face in the first picture!!!

Mary the shirts are awesome!!!

You are a Saint lady You do so much for other people, especially wish families. Baker and his family couldn't have asked for a better tour guide. He really seems like he's enjoying himself at Pop!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

This made me think of "Tropic Thunder".

+1

Definitely a mild Tropic Thunder reference.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

enjoyed the update and that was a special moment at the restraunt.

but is your server taking some of your salad away because you asked for a half size, or is he trying for a bit?

or is he just stiring it for you?

is this common practice.

not being a big salad eater not sure what he is doing.

 

[All7OfUs]

Ok! Where do I start this morning??

I am sitting here busting a gut, (or is it another gigantic gas bubble?) laughing at where this has gone. OH MY WORD, you are putting on the funny.

I have to share a story that would be amusing here:

One day in Kazland, we went swimming in a lake. To my knowledge it was a natural lake that has been there for ages just on the edge of a small village where our largest water project was. All around this village were small veggie fields of melons, rice, cucumber, tomato and such.

So, here we are (I was with a group of college kids who had come over for a short-term work- we were their team leader/hosts) having the time of our lives, splashing, floating around, and eh, hemmmmm, washing our hair. We hadn't had showers all week (don't go too far with that imagery- it isn't pretty!).

All clean (as clean as one can get after bathing in a lake that cows do also) we got out and dried off, and I noticed that my 2 toe rings that I always wear had turned to a brass color!!!

THEY HAD ACTUALLY GONE THROUGH A CHEMICAL CHANGE ON THE SURFACE!!!

So did everyone else's silver jewelry!!! It was VERY bizarre!!

I vowed I would NEVER swim in that water again.

Here's what I do know... They use fertilizers around the lake in all the fields, AND there is uranium mining nearby as well. Quite obviously, someone is dumping some kind of crap in the water, and my lifespan has possibly been shortened by several years? Let's just say, I am very thankful I am done having kids!! But perhaps that would explain the green glow.

Within 24 hours, our silver was all back to being silvery. But nevertheless, it was shocking and so odd. My DH, being Mr. EngineeringPants tried to look up what might have given that sort of chemical change, but was unsuccessful.

 

[glennbo123]

So...you very well could be radioactive!

Or, in need of some Brasso.

 

[All7OfUs]

So...you very well could be radioactive!

Or, in need of some Brasso.

I guess so. But I rarely set off the alarms at airports and I drove by the CIA headquarters with no problem. (Did you know they have censors to detect radioactivity around there?- My aunt had a radioactive dye test once, and was chased down as her bus went by, and they asked everyone on the bus who it was....)

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

hmm what could your superhero name be


something that mixes all the great things together.

like hairy feet/flashing friends/2 month TR to get to disney/imm thinking thinking

nope got nothing.

 

[All7OfUs]

hmm what could your superhero name be


something that mixes all the great things together.

like hairy feet/flashing friends/2 month TR to get to disney/imm thinking thinking

nope got nothing.

I'm sure you'll come up with something. And please, include the radioactive part! kryptonite something-or-rather....???

 

[glennbo123]

I guess so. But I rarely set off the alarms at airports and I drove by the CIA headquarters with no problem. (Did you know they have censors to detect radioactivity around there?- My aunt had a radioactive dye test once, and was chased down as her bus went by, and they asked everyone on the bus who it was....)

No, I didn't know that they detected it that sensitively. That's wild.

 

[All7OfUs]

Liesa, that was a great update, I cried along with you. Now I can't wait to try that drink!! What was it called again? An apricot sour. Mmmm, sounds really good.

It was a VERY cool evening- no matter how you look at it.

I think the drink is a good one! Here's what I found about the company who distibutes the apricot brandy- the main ingredient in the drink (recipe below).



"Lucas Bols B.V. is a privately held Dutch company in the business of production, distribution, sales and marketing of alcoholic beverages. It is the oldest Dutch company still active and the oldest distillery brand in the world. Its brand portfolio consists of Bols, Galliano, Vaccari, Pisang Ambon, Goldstrike and a large group of Dutch genevers and liqueurs. It produces about 3 million cases a year, with yearly revenues exceeding 95 million euros.[1][2]"

Recipe- really pretty simple. And, you get what you pay for in brandy!

•2 oz apricot brandy (Brown Derby used the Bols)
•3 oz sour mix (you can do this homemade with far better results!)
•maraschino cherry for garnish

Aw, what a great chapter!

I love how Keith is there working on your Cobb salad while you're enjoying your Apricot Sour.

Remember that picture of Magdalene with the bottle of wine? I"m not saying that all the great pix have alcohol, but in both of those shots, there is just so much going on- big smiles, action, color; some pictures just speak such a story, they have to go into the "GREAT shots" category!

This picture is fantastic on many levels. The obvious adoring fan. The servant Keith cutting your salad...and of course, the tribute to your Grandma.

When you mentioned us possibly meeting up-and then you spoke to Joe about it all - I laughed out loud. What in the world was I doing that I made Joe answer the phone??? LOL! Probably dealing with Henry or something...who knows!

And I LOVE those shirts!!! Great job Cynthia! And Maroo...the ECV cover - WOW! That is awesome, nice work!

Keith had offered to toss it himself, or let me do it. Since I was in the mood to have all things pampering- I had him do it. I was enjoying my drink too much to risk flinging it across the room. Really, that is something that would totally happen to me.

NO, no, I didn't talk to Joe, I talked to you. Silly goose. You had explained to me, that Joe needed some downtime, and wanted to just hit up dinner at EPCOT, I think, and have some resort time. With the stress of him traveling later and alone, and the hurricane vigil we all stood, you all needed to jsut relax that evening.

 

[All7OfUs]

No, I didn't know that they detected it that sensitively. That's wild.

It IS wild! And that's from reliable, first-hand witnesses. My uncle (her husband) was an astronomer with the US Naval Observatory (he co-discovered Pluto's moon, Charon) who had top clearance and lots of upper Muckity Muck friends whom he confirmed it with. Big Brother is far, far more reaching than you ever thought possible!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I have to share a story that would be amusing here:

One day in Kazland, we went swimming in a lake. To my knowledge it was a natural lake that has been there for ages just on the edge of a small village where our largest water project was. All around this village were small veggie fields of melons, rice, cucumber, tomato and such.

So, here we are (I was with a group of college kids who had come over for a short-term work- we were their team leader/hosts) having the time of our lives, splashing, floating around, and eh, hemmmmm, washing our hair. We hadn't had showers all week (don't go too far with that imagery- it isn't pretty!).

All clean (as clean as one can get after bathing in a lake that cows do also) we got out and dried off, and I noticed that my 2 toe rings that I always wear had turned to a brass color!!!

THEY HAD ACTUALLY GONE THROUGH A CHEMICAL CHANGE ON THE SURFACE!!!

So did everyone else's silver jewelry!!! It was VERY bizarre!!

I vowed I would NEVER swim in that water again.

Here's what I do know... They use fertilizers around the lake in all the fields, AND there is uranium mining nearby as well. Quite obviously, someone is dumping some kind of crap in the water, and my lifespan has possibly been shortened by several years? Let's just say, I am very thankful I am done having kids!! But perhaps that would explain the green glow.

Within 24 hours, our silver was all back to being silvery. But nevertheless, it was shocking and so odd. My DH, being Mr. EngineeringPants tried to look up what might have given that sort of chemical change, but was unsuccessful.

I guess so. But I rarely set off the alarms at airports and I drove by the CIA headquarters with no problem. (Did you know they have censors to detect radioactivity around there?- My aunt had a radioactive dye test once, and was chased down as her bus went by, and they asked everyone on the bus who it was....)

Wow, 2 awesome bonus stories! That's really wild stuff. When you emerged from the lake, did you notice if you suddenly had the ability to fly? Super-human strength? The sudden desire to run in 5K's?

 

[All7OfUs]

Liesa, yet another amazing update. You carried the theme through beautifully! And the end packed an emotional punch! Well-played. It is amazing the emotions that Disney can bring out in people, in so many different ways. I am so glad that you had such a lovely evening. I sometimes fantasize about the chance to be alone for awhile...

Awww, thanks! I have to admit, it wasn't planned that way, some things sort of just nicely work out. I have one more park update for my first day- then a few thoughts and "housekeeping" posts to finish up DAY 1.

I can't really think of any other place that does the "emotional level" thing for me. Maybe going back to the Anza-Borrego desert camping, as we did that a lot while I was growing up.

Being alone to do the many, many things I had wanted to do in the parks (and beyond) was utterly wonderful in every way!! I really would recommend it to anyone who just needs to get away to think, play, laugh, and re-discover!!

Awww That was such a great update. Your grandma sounds like she was one cool lady. What great memories and what a lovely tribute to her. Isn't funny the small things that you remember and take with you for the rest of your life. One of my memories of my grandmother was making homemade ravioli. I remember pressing the fork all around the corners of he homemade dough. I still can conjure up that vision clear as a bell.

Apricot sour eh? Sounds delish. to the Cobb Salad. I love the BD. I have always had delicious food and wonderful service there.

Fun BD pictures. Bummer to the dying battery. You had such a great first day!

mmmm.. your grandma had good taste too!! It's funny that some memories are fuzzy and vague, and others can be so crystal clear! Some you might even just call feelings?

All my food- save that creme was great! I'd go back again, and choose an appie instead of dessert- or go for dessert somewhere else.

Yeah, that dying battery was a massive bummer!! For the next 2 days it really diced up my plans some. I'll let that unfold as it does....

something about my camera battery dying .... that I just erased (stupid tiny keyboard!)

Yeah, LeeAnn saved the day, but not until 2 days later...How this played out, I'll tell you in later....

LOL Was this before or after you went on a drunkin jewelry caper?

I'm not sure what you're talking about, but being so random, it's kinda funny.

What a great tribute to your grandma!

I thought the world of her!

How nice of a perfect stranger to take the picture and send it to you!!! I love this picture too!!!!!

It was great! I had it happen a few months ago too. I saw some really cool mushrooms in a Taco Bell parking lot and another person was standing there admiring them also. I asked if she'd want to snap a pic with her cell phone and send it to me. Most people are very willing to do this kind of thing, I've found.

hummmm.... this coming from someone who doesn't drink? It must of been a good drink!

Huh?? I DO enjoy a GOOD cocktail or a GOOD glass of wine. Now and again.

Can't wait to see what is next on your agenda, you Diva.

How about a post-dinner show??