The New Lizard Lounge

[Nancyg56]

Tammi, thanks for letting us know how your family ordeal has turned out. I really do not think that second thoughts are in order for any methods that you needed to use in order to follow thru with services for your Dad. I am sure that I never would have been able to practice the restraint needed in order to lay your father to rest. God bless you for that. I also agree with your DH about the insurance policy. He really did leave that woman well taken care of, and could have made changes to his existing policy. Perhaps he knew what would be needed at the end of his days.

My DH has family members who have gone thru a similar battle with their step from Hell, so we certainly can sympathize with you. In our case, she was left the family land. She made it clear that his daughters were no longer welcome on the property that their Grandmother and grandfather bought, and had raised a very large family on. Their father had never followed thru on wishes tp pay the siblings whenhis Mom passed, and then never provided for his own flesh and blood. TO make a long story short, she has just closed on the property that sold for 1.5 million and never gave one penny tp her stepchildren, even refusd them the opportunity to come up to say goodbye to their home. Our family believes in the Hereafter, so I think it will suck to be her when her day comes. I never met my DH Grandmother, but I hear that she was a matriarch to be reconed with.

Oh, well. I do hope that your family has some peace now that you have been able to pay proper respect to your Dad and his memory.

 

[minniesota]

Tammi - I'm glad you were able to find some sense of peace for you and your family. And don't feel one bit of shame - I think your dad was watching over all of you and guiding you along. He probably knew better than anyone what his wife could be like. I hope the service can bring you some peace and some joy as you celebrate your dad's life.

On another subject, I'm sorry if I confused everyone! I'm not in WDW yet but am leaving on Saturday! I was in NYC with DH and another couple for 4 days. Had a great time - it's a fabulous city - and I'm already planning a return visit.

Steph - I will be at the GF from Oct. 1 - 4, leaving Tuesday morning, so time is a bit more limited for me. I have Angel's cell number and if you want, you can PM me yours (and I'll do the same). Maybe we can see what happens? I know Angel is busy all day Sunday - her DH has a surprise planned for her! I could meet before dinner on Sunday or Monday. I'll send you a PM.

I've got to get to the laundry! And then start packing! Can't wait to get back to WDW!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Minniesota, girlfriend, we just can't keep up with all your travelling ! You are my idol . I was actually thinking of you this weekend. DH took me to the Seaport Hotel in Boston and I grabbed yet another guidebook. I wasn't sure if there was enough time to get it in the mail to you. Just let me know.

Tammi

 

[Steph H]

Tammi: I'm so glad to hear that you FINALLY got your dad's remains taken care of. I've been thinking about you all weekend. I know the ordeal was miserable, but I truly believe you did the right thing. Don't second-guess yourself or feel an ounce of guilt. He was YOUR dad.

To the rest of you I have only one thing to say:

FIVE MORE DAYS!!!!

Yes, I had to rub in it JUST a bit. GF concierge called me yesterday to confirm our arrival time and a few other things. That was a nice call to get.

Oh, and I had my ultrasound today and the baby is definitely a boy! Yay! A little brother for my son to play with. All measurements were normal and "perfect" according to the technician. That's nice to know.

Hugs to all, and I promise not to put up any more gloating posts this week.

 

[Nancyg56]

Oh Steph, gloat all you want! I wish I was 5 days out. My turn will come, and in the meantime, I'm thrilled to hear all of the vacation planning you all are doing.

A new baby boy? How exciting! So glad to hear that the ultrasound confirms that all is well. Wonderful news to celebrate.

 

[ead79]

Steph, congrats on your little prince on the way! I’m sure your son will enjoy his new little playmate! I can’t wait to hear your report of Sugarloaf Concierge. It’s on my list of places to try, so you can tide me over with your review of their offerings and service.

 

[Steph H]

I can’t wait to hear your report of Sugarloaf Concierge. It’s on my list of places to try, so you can tide me over with your review of their offerings and service.

I promise to take copious notes and pictures, too!

 

[ead79]

I promise to take copious notes and pictures, too!

Woo Hoo! Pictures and a review are even better! I’m such a cheeseball—I like to take pictures of the food offerings so I can remember what they had.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Tammi-you've been in my thoughts and prayers. I really do appreciate the role you oldests play. My poor sister! I think I'll have to bring her back something nice or fun (or both) from Disney. My Mom is still in a nursing home though she's showing new signs of determination since she found out my Dniece (only 16 ) is pregnant. She knows she won't see much of the baby if she's in a nursing home. So seems like something good is coming of something bad.

Steph-congrats on the boy-they do like to show it off in the ultrasounds don't they? Both my girls were shy but not the boy. Take it easy on your trip. Can't wait to hear your SL review. Maybe I'll consider that if Poly isn't complete with renovations.

I made a few changes to my ADR's after my August trip (added a 2nd CP breakfast and changed a lunch) and asked for an updated itinerary which came today and they got me an Illuminations cruise. For the date I wanted. I had asked before the 90 day mark but they missed it due to some glitch. I'm very excited to try this for the first time. AND...I have a coworker who will be at WL the same dates so I think they will join us too.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Hey everyopne, Tammi, I'm so glad that you are finally getting things straightened out for your father. I hope after he is buried this woman stays out of your lives.

Quik update. We had a wonderful two days at AKL. Oour room looked at the Giraffe feeding pens which was not so great at first but in the mronign we realized that we got to see how well organized the facility really is. If you listened carefully you would hear a series of clicks, whistles, or bangs. Suddenly an entire group of animals would appear and go into the pens. It was really great for my DD to get to see all of the animals that way. The parks weren't crowded at all and we had a wonderful Birthday Dinner for DD at Liberty Tree Tavern. All in all a great trip.

Then at 4:00 monday morning I flew up to PA and faced all here. I can't even tell you how bad the house is. My sister has been here for five weeks and I know that she is incapable of doing anything but causing trouble yet I didn't expect the filth that she was leaving me. The only thing she did was drive my parents around and even that was an expereince as her drug propblem reared it's head and they never knew until it was too late if she was on something or not. There were actually maggots in the sink of dirty dishes that hadn't been washed in over two weeks. It was a disaster. My mother tried to do them but she is not very stable on her feet for long periods and my sister had her 165 lbs. dog with her who would rub against my mom and knock her over so she was afraid to move. My father had a diarhea attack and didn't make it to the toilet and she left it sit there for over a week. The stench was unbearable. Oh well the house is no clean and livable again.

My father's doctor appointment went well. He's done two sessions of chemo, he ended up in the hospital both times with white blood counts of 0.4, red blood or 3 and platelets of 45 the last time. He should have died. They did a blood transfusion and he's as good as new. The doctor was amazed at how quickly he bounced back. ANyway. The two sessions worked as the tumors shrunk considerable. My father has decided to wait two months before he does anymore chemo unless he starts to have symptoms. He just doens't feel like spending more time in the hospital again. Hopefully he will be alright.

Anyway, I've got to run. Hopefully I'll be able to check in later.

Pixie dust to all.

Pam

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesummer: First let me tell you that I'm so glad that you enjoyed your trip with your family. I cannot wait for my first glimpse of the AKL and reading about is almost as good as being there. Okay, I'm lying, but reading about your experiences adds to the anticipation. It was nice to start with a family get-away before facing your family situation.

I was thinking about your Dad, and am happy that the treatment helped him. He must be a man of faith, to bounce back the way he did. I know that it is hard to watch him push back treatment for a while, but I believe that if he is feeling better, it helps his overall health. Thank God you were able to help your Mom! I cannot imagine how your sister could leave them in the condition that you found them, but having a family member that is not always reliable, I know that anything is possible. Anyway, I bet you felt better now that you were able to take care of them. God bless you and your family. I continue to include your Mom and Dad in my prayers.

 

[minniesota]

MinnieSummer - Glad you had a great trip and birthday celebration. You have a great attitude - rather than find your view a disappointment, you found the advantages! Good for you!

So sorry about finding the terrible conditions at your parents' home. Bless your heart for taking such good care of them. I'm sure they were so happy to see you. You certainly earned some heaven points...

Tammi - Yes, I've been racking up the miles lately. I love to travel!!!
Our trip to Boston is Oct. 19 so if you have any other info that might be helpful, send away. Maybe we'll be able to meet for a glass of wine or something when I'm out there.

The weather looks a little steamy this weekend in WDW. We have a very "fluid" agenda (in more ways than one!) so we'll take it all in stride. I can't wait to get back to the GF!!!

Steph - Got your PM - thanks! Monday might work. We were planning to do Epcot in the morning and we have a ressie at Le Cellier at noon. Our plan was to head back to the resort for the evening but we may end up hanging around Epcot, especially if we find it to be too crazy on Saturday afternoon and evening. Hope it works out. We'll probably pass each other a dozen times at the GF and not even know it! If you see two women hanging out (one blond, one brunette - both 5'2"), say hello!

Only 3 more days!!!

 

[ead79]

Pam, I am glad you were able to spend some quality time with your family at the AKL. It really is a wonderful resort! I know you needed the break and enjoyment.

I’m so sorry to hear about the condition you found your parents’ house in. I can’t believe your sister would leave it in such a mess. I’m glad you were able to get everything cleaned up, but I know it must’ve been so difficult to get it all done. That’s great news that the chemo is shrinking the tumor. I pray that the treatments will remain successful and that the side affects your dad is experiencing will go away.

 

[Steph H]

Pam: I'm so sorry to hear of the conditions you found when you got back--but at least you were able to get away for a little while.

Minniesota: Hope to see you real soon!

 

[Steph H]

Less than 24 hours to go!!!!!

I don't think I'll be back here before I leave. There's just SO MUCH to do.

But I did want to stop in and say THANKS to all my Lizard Lounge friends for all your help while I planned my trip. I am so excited--I just know this is going to be the best vacation ever!

Thanks everyone! I promise to make a full report when I get back.

 

[Nancyg56]

Steph: I hope that you have a wonderful trip! Stay safe and have fun. Looking forward to hearing all about it when you return.

 

[minniesota]

I'll join Steph and wave good-bye!!! ANd I promise to tell you all about it when I return. Looks like it's going to be a little hot, but nothing we can't handle. See you all when I return!

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesota: I'm a little jealous that you're going and I'm home cleaning. Have a great vacation, and be safe. I can't wait to hear all about it. A big wave goodbye!

 

[MinnieSummer]

Thanks everyone. I needed your encouragement during last week. I'm home now (and appalled at my spelling in my last post but I was tired and frustrated and typing in a hurry so I didn't read it before I posted it). Leaving my parents was very hard but I know that I left them in a much better situation. I cleaned everyday I was there. I made arrangements for a cleaning woman to come in every two weeks. I found a laundry service that will pick up and deliver if it gets to be to much for mom and dad and I found a taxi service through the area on aging that will take them anywhere they need to go for only $0.50. My dad is driving now but if something happens to him they have to use this as my mom hasn't driven in over 10 years. I think they might come to Florida for the month of November which would be wonderful. My dad is thinking that this might be the last holiday to spend with us and he and my mom like it down here. If they do come it would mean a trip to WDW for Thanksgiving -- hopefully there is something still available. We would make it a combination Thanksgiving/Christmas celebration. Of course, it all depends on how my dad does in the next month.

Minniesota and Steph: Hope you have a wonderful trip (are you still there?). I'm so glad I got to go before I faced the trip to PA. It's amazing how a trip to the World can relax you and put a smile on your face no matter what is going on in your life.

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesummer: I am amazed at all that you were able to accomplish for your Mom and Dad in such a short period of time. You gave them plenty of assistance , yet you also left them their independance. What a balancing act!

I hope that they can join you in Fl and you can enjoy a family vacation together.