The New Lizard Lounge

[Angel16]

Sorry Nancy, I have been home ill the last three days and did not get back on yesterday after I posted.

MinnieSummer has given you excellent advise. The buses do not go from resort to resort. In fact they don't go to a Park then to DTD. We had gone to MGM for a early morning, planning on going over to DTD in the afternoon to shop. The bus driver said we had to take a bus to a resort first, then get a bus to DTD.

The sunrise safari starts early, but Animal Kingdom closes at 5:00 PM. perhaps earlier in the winter. You should have time to get over to WCC for 7:30 dinner. However the logistics of getting back may be more difficult. You could call a cab. They were waiting at all the resorts and parks we went to. The bus service at AKL is so great that I just don't think I would spend the money to rent a car. As I said before we hope to return in November 2006. We will save the money for a car rental because we are going to stay at AKL. And it will be slow season after Thanksgiving but before the middle of December. Some resort I would not consider without a car. Hope this helps! Happy planning....it is as much fun as going!

Angel

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesummer: Thanks for the info on WCC. We would have been wandering around like a band of lost souls. I didn't realize that the busses do not travel from resort to resort. I am glad that the busses are there though, because the whole rental car thing is a pain this time around.

Angel: I'm sorry to hear that you have been ill. 3 days is a long time. There is so much going around right now. Hope that you feel better soon.

 

[Angel16]

Hi Lizards, How is everyone doing? I have been home with the crud. Yuck. But at least I didn't get sick on my WDW trip The lounge seems kinda loney lately. How is Elizabeth doing these days. I have been keeping her in my thoughts and prayers for her husband and a new job.

Tammi Mcman - How are you doing? Has everything settle down in your family? Do you have trip planned?

Minnisota and Steph - I am sorry we did not get to meet while in WDW. Time seemed to fly by. My DH had several surprises for me, that my time got taken up really quickly. Plus, he had a fall one night at Epcot and we missed the Illuminations dessert party we had been looking forward to. He is fine now, just needed to head back to the resort and get him off his feet and ice on. Poor guy.

For everyone I have forgot, I am sorry. I send pixie dust and prayers for all in need.

I am working on my trip report, but it has not been easy between being sick and work you may be reading it in November. Guess better late than never. I will give you hint and tell you my DH swept me off my feet and put tears in my eyes for our anniversary. Wait until you hear what all he planned and pull off. I was totally surprised!

Well, it is 4:30 PM in the West. So I am putting out Shrimp kababs, grilled pineapple, flat breads with dips and a selection of fresh fruits and cheeses. There is a nice group of red and white wines as well as some imported beer for our beer lovers. Have a good evening everyone

Angel

 

[Nancyg56]

I'll enjoy a nice white tonite. My contribution is an incredible blueberry liquer that I made this summer with fresh picked blueberries with some baby brie and raspberry sauce. Enjoy!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Hi Angel. Thanks for thinking of me. Yes, things have pretty much settled down. After finally having his remains placed in our name, we were able to pay the funeral home bill and he was returned home to be buried next to my mother. His only requests were for a graveside ceremony with a bagpipe player. With the help of the cemetary, I was able to hook up with a local bagpipe group and the gentleman who came was amazing. His wife has called me a number of times and she called my brother so much that he had his phone number changed. She is still very mad about the insurance policies not being in her name. What really got her going though, was that a very small policy that he had in my younger sisters name is through his former employer. He was receiving a pension from them and when we asked for the insurance paperwork upon his death, that stopped his pension. She went through the roof when she heard about that. Again though, this was his choice when he retired 10 years ago. He could have gotten a smaller monthly pension that he could will to his wife, or a larger monthly payment that would die with him. Because my mom was in the late stages of lung cancer, he chose to take the higher amount. I honestly think that she is a little bit crazy. When we received his death certificate, she actually had them put down that for his occupation, he was an aeronautical engineer with a masters degree. My dad finished high school and was a facilities manager when he retired.

On a brighter note, I'm happy to report that my son and his dance partner are the 2005 New England juvenile dance champions . They finished their competition this morning and did great. Now it's off to Denver at the end of November to compete for the national title.

Minniesota and I were going to try and get together for a glass of wine while they are in Boston, but I'm not sure if we'll be able to squeeze it in. She has my cell phone number in case they need anything, but hopefully they are having a good time exploring our city.

 

[Nancyg56]

Tammi: It is good to see that you were able to folow your Dad's wishes, and lay him to rest with your Mom. As for his wife, can you imagine what it is like to live in her skin? Your Dad knew what he was doing with every choice that he made to protect his family from her, and I'm glad that all of you had the strength to stand up to her! I make it a practice to never wish that something bad happens to nasty people, but I know that "what goes around comes around" so she will spend her days living with the choices that she made.

Congrats to your son and best of luck in November!

 

[Frankiesmom]

Hi to all! I'm new here to the lounge lizard site-we have our 1st conceirge visit coming up this weekend 10/28-10/31. we'll be staying @ the GF in sugar loaf. Haven't made any real arrangements yet;this was a last minute idea of mine as we are going with extended family in Jan. for a land/sea. We'll be staying @ the Poly conceirge in Jan. and I've been really busy planning all that for everyone involved! Well Sunday we'll be going to MNSSHP and I ordered the stitch baskets for the kids to be delivered on Sun. Any ideas or tips would be great!

I was reading back a few pages and Tammi I just have to say what a horrible experience you have been thru with your father's wife and I'm glad it worked out in the end.

Thus sounds like a really nice group you girls have here! It amazed me to see that there was another Angel here; most of the time it's men with the name Angel...I can always throw away the mail that comes addressed to Mr. haha.

 

[Nancyg56]

Hi, Frankiesmom! I'm new here also, but have enjoyed every minute I spend. Everyone is very nice and welcoming, and the advice is great. Welcome

Nancy

 

[MinnieSummer]

Hi everyone, just thought I'd check in before the hurricane hits me. We are due to start receiving the feeder bands in the next couple of hours and the tropical force and, if it stays on track, major hurricane force winds mid morning. I originally thought I was going to drive up to WDW but then decided it wasn't going to be that bad so I didn't leave. Now I wish I had gone because this is going to be a lot worse than what the hurricane center said yesterday. Oh well. Wish me luck and if I still have power tomorrow I'll check in. Have a nice Chianti on me.

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesummer: Please keep safe!!!! I thought that because there was no evacuation called it would be okay. My DS and DDIL live on the east coast, and also say that it is worse than anticipated. They have sustained winds of 45 MPH and gusts to 85 MPH. I am glued to the news, and wish that they had just come home. Now you know that this was my suggestion. My prayers to all in the path of Wilma. Please check in to let us know that you are safe.

On a side note, we are getting ready for a nor'easter after 10PM tonitee and into tomorrow. We raise a small amount of broadleaf tobacco, and this summer has been a nightmare. After babying it along, and after cutting a pretty nice crop.....RAIN forever it seems. Not good for farmers. Now this hampers the curing process. We were able to take down one shed yesterday, and are hoping that the second shed is ready tonite. My DH says probably not, so I 'm not sure it will survive the wind. I know that all things considered, this is a minimal consideration, but would appreciate a little sent up north.

 

[Steph H]

Hi, all! Just checking in for my concierge fix.

Tammi: I'm SO glad to hear you finally got to perform your dad's wishes. Thank goodness! I can't believe that woman, but so glad you're free of her. But it sounds like you have some GOOD news with your son and his dance partner. That's so exciting!

Angel: Sorry we missed each other, but can't wait to hear what your DH did for you!!

MinnieSummer: Sending ~~steer clear of the hurricane~~ vibes to you!

Still working on finishing up the pictures for my full trip report. If I could just get caught up on the reading for this darn Flash class!! {grumble, grumble}

Hugs to all! How about I set out some scones, tarts, and coookies for tea since it's 2pm my time?

 

[ead79]

Welcome to the lizard lounge, Frankiesmom! We’re glad to have you join us. The GF is such a wonderful resort. I’ve never stayed in the Sugar Loaf, but Steph just returned from a fabulous trip there. It’s on my list of places to try. Enjoy your spur of the moment trip!

Tammi, I’m so glad to hear that you were able to get everything settled with your father’s funeral. It sounds like a very moving service. It does sound like his wife has some issues of her own. I’m glad that he could be laid to rest according to his wishes. Also, congrats to your DS and his skating partner!

MinnieSummer, stay safe! According to the internet it should be past you now. I hope there was no damage!

 

[Frankiesmom]

Thanks Nancy and Elisabeth for the warm welcome! I sure can't wait for Friday am to get here. We are having some nasty weather up here;although it doesn't compare to what anyone affected by the hurricanes has to bear. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Can't believe I'll be seeing the GF for myself after always wanting to saty there; I really believe that it will be magical! Hope everyone has a great day!

 

[minniesota]

Good afternoon, Lizards!

It's nice to see a little action in here. We just returned from a fabulous trip to New England - my Dh and DD and DS - and had the best time!

Tammi - Thanks for all your pre-trip info and so sorry we couldn't get together for that wine - next time? We loved everything about our trip. The Wentworth by the Sea outside of Portsmouth was beautiful and our accommodations were superb. We ate lots of lobster and chowda! Toured Salem and drove up the coast as far as Kennebunkport, Maine. The Boston Harbor Hotel was to die for. I think we were upgraded because our harbor view room was huge. The service there was unbelievable - I'm spoiled for life when I come to Boston. We walked so much I ended up with shin splits - ouch! I thought of you at Finale one night! Glad your dad is resting at peace and congrats to your son!!!

Angel - It would have been fun to meet but I totally understand the schedule thing. I was reeling from my fall the night before I arrived at the GF (and I looked like a domestic abuse victim!) so I kind of took it easy. Our trip to GF and the F&W Festival seems like a million years ago!

Minniesummer - Hope you are safe and sound!

Frankiesmom - Welcome to the lounge and let me know if you have any GF questions!

StephH - Looking forward to that trip report - you're a better Lizard than I am!

Nancyg56 - Hope your crops survived. We were lucky to get out of the storm before it hit.

ead79 - It's good to see you in the lounge. Any upcoming trips?

I'm counting points (after all these trips this fall!) so I'm putting out fresh fruit, a decanter of chilled water with lemon and another with cucumbers, and some slightly salted almonds (but I'll only eat 10 -promise!) Now where the heck did I put that step counter thingie???

 

[ead79]

minniesota, I myself am in the points counting club as well. I just started a few weeks ago and have a long way to go, but one day at a time is what I’m focused on.

I do have a trip coming up this December 15-21 at Old Key West (1 bedroom villa) and the Wilderness Lodge CL. Sometimes it seems so far away, then other times I can’t believe I’m so close! It is amazing how quickly time passes once the trip is over though—I always feel like it’s been months since my last trip, even when it’s only been 2 weeks!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Minniesota, welcome home (again ). I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip to Boston. I was thinking of you Sunday. Did you make it over to Harvard. We were there, but it was crazy with the regatta going on. DS was near your hotel Friday night when he went out on the birthday cruise. Isn't Finales wonderful?? A glass of champagne and their molten chocolate dessert is a New Years eve tradition with my family. You'll have to fill me on all the details when you get a chance.

I'll just edit my own post, as it was the last one anyway. DD's first pop warner cheer competition was today and it will be one we won't soon forget. They were the first team to compete in their group and everything looked great until I noticed DD crying when she came off the floor. It only took a few minutes for one of the team mom's to come and get me. I guess when they all did their tumbling sequence, one of the girls next to her rolled right over her wrist. They had the EMT for the team take a look at it and he didn't feel any breaks, but she was an emotional mess. Luckily, they were competing about 100 yards from the local childrens hospital, so I brought her right over for x-rays. Nothing broken, just a tendon sprain. She's in a splint for a few days. We asked her if she wanted to go back to the competition to see how her squad did, but she just wanted to go home and cuddle with dad. We found out a few hours ago that they came in 3rd place and are moving on to the Eastern Mass finals. That made her wrist feel alot better. So, one competition down and two to go before I may become a dreaded Disney pop warner parent . I promise that I'll be good though..... I just don't know if I can convince them to let us stay at the GF. Oh and it has snowed here all day today. None of our leaves have changed or fallen off the trees, so the weight of the snow has some of the branches in my backyard actually touching the ground. Tomorrow it's going to be in the 60's and then on Monday it might hit 70. I just can't believe this crazy weather we're all experiencing.

Have a good rest of the weekend. I just hosted a Halloween party for DS and his friends, so I'll leave out some hot apple cider and cupcakes for everyone to enjoy.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Thanks everyone for the safe wishes. Unfortunately, my neighborhood looks like a war zone. God was watching my family as we are the only house in a three block area with no damage. We lost a few tree branches but that was it. Other people have no roofs, lost chimneys, lost whole rooms and roofs. We are very lucky. We still have no power and our phones didn't come back on until saturday. My DD and I went to Disney for three days (thursday through saturday). Did laundry and enjoyed taking hot showers. We actually went to the Halloween Party on Friday night -- no costumes but my DD decided to where her clothes that had rhinestones all over them and pretend to be a model. She definitely made the best of things and we had a blast.

We made our reservations on Wednesday night and could only get one night and only at POP but when we got there Thursday morning I asked for a second night and they verified that I was from the hurricane zone and extended our stay. Apparently they were holding rooms for this very reason -- go Disney. POP actually came through again later. I took DD to Typhoon Lagoon and she was diving into the waves and went face first into the bottom of the pool. I carried her to first aid where they cleaned her up and gave her some motrin (which knocks her out) I had to carry her all the way to the bus and then back to the room. Where she decided she was hungry so I put her in bed and went back to the food court. Unfortunately, all she wanted was Mickey Waffles and it was already 2:00. I explained the situation to them and they fired up the waffle iron just to make her four waffles. (It takes 20 minutes to heat up that iron). They were so good to me I was thoroughly impressed. That's the kind of treatment I expect at the delux hotels not a value. Cheers to POP. The only bad thing is that I felt like a really bad mom as I left my DD in the room alone while I went to get the waffles. I couldn't carry her anymore and her knees were so cut up as well as her face that she just couldn't walk. Thankfully, I was able to keep talking to her on the cell phone so I knew she was safe. I'll post more later but I just wanted everyone to know we're ok and to thank you for your wishes.

 

[Steph H]

MinnieSummer: So sorry to hear about your experiences with the weather! And believe me, I completely understand about feeling awful about leaving your daughter in the room alone. But using the cell phone to keep in contact with her was a great idea! And I'm sure she appreciated those waffles.

Hope you get back to normal soon!

 

[Nancyg56]

Oh, Minniesummer, what an awful time! Thankfully, you are safe, and your home is okay. So sad for the others who have so much to deal with. It's always good to hear that Disney came through for your family, as they really needed a little break.

Your poor baby! I hope that she is feeling a little better after her spill. Cuts and scraped knees are painful! I know that it was hard to leave her in the room, but as long as she was safe, and could reach you, how else could you gey her food?

God bless your family, and thank God that you are all as well as can be expected.

I am happy that my DS and his wife are fine. They also have no water or power, but came through without damage. They saw a lot to homes and vehicles near them, though. We are very thankful. Dan workd for teh city, so he has access to electricity and hot water. I wanted them to come home, but he feels that they are fine and have plenty on hand (not his mothers son for nothing) so they will tough it out. I do think that my DDIL wants to come home, but she won't leave DS, poor thing.

Anyway, Minniesummer, keep us posted, please, and thank you for letting us know that your family is okay.

Nancy

 

[MinnieSummer]

TAMMI: Congrats to your DD's team. Hopefully they will make it pop warner competition in WDW. I think it might take a lot of fundraising to get them all to stay at GF.

NANCY: Please let us know how your crops made out. This weather is playing havoc on everyones lives.

FRANKIESMOM: Welcome.

Everyone: WE STILL HAVE NO POWER AT HOME!!! I need to do my towels and sheets (I think I'm out of clean washcloths). I really want to wash my hair in hot water not cold. My DD starts school tomorrow and I can't find any of her uniforms -- I hope they're not in the dirty cloths. When I went to POP last weekend I only took the essential laundry and now I'm regretting not taking everything. Oh well.

At least my office is up and running although we had major water problems. The carpets are soaked and everything stinks. Thankfully I have a large supply of Baking Soda (really works) and Fabreze antimicrobial spray.