The New Lizard Lounge

[Nancyg56]

Tammi and Lovesdumbo: I saw your area again on the news, and worry about how your holding up. My Mom is originally from Lawrence, and we still have family in Methuen, so seeing the little waterfall that enchanted me as a child looking like Niagra Falls was a shock. I hope that you get a break soon and am sending some to you to keep the water at bay.

We have a lot of water here, but so far no flooding. DH has been home from work since Friday, he goes in, but only puts in a few hours before they call it a day. I now know that if he retires, I am going back to work.

 

[ead79]

Hello everyone!

I’m glad to hear that those of you in the areas getting so much rain are not having bad flooding at your homes. It’s unbelievable how much rain is falling!

lovesdumbo, long time no see! I’m sorry to hear that your trip last October was disappointing. I hope that you and your DD have a wonderful trip that more than makes up for the stinky one. I’ve had one bummer trip myself (it wasn’t Disney’s fault—it was just a big bummer because my DH had to leave halfway through because he couldn’t get the time off work, so my mom came to join me—it was very nice having her there of course, but I still missed DH), but the next one was great. I think when you go a lot it’s bound to happen sooner or later.

 

[Disbug]

I’ve had one bummer trip myself (it wasn’t Disney’s fault—it was just a big bummer because my DH had to leave halfway through because he couldn’t get the time off work, so my mom came to join me—it was very nice having her there of course, but I still missed DH), but the next one was great.

Hey, Elisabeth! I remember you planning that trip (seems so long ago!) I didn't know it was a a semi-bummer, though. SORRY, about that! I know statistically speaking one should be prepared for a little rain to fall in Disney... but I'm holding out for 100% SUNSHINE!

Speaking of rain... I'm doing the Seminole Indian rain dance down here hoping to draw a little of the liquid sunshine to the South! The weather has been great... but I can't take the guilt anymore! Our Northern neighbors have had enough already!

Bonnie! You go girl... You so Totally ROCK! I love a CAN DO woman! What doya think about planning the Lounge Lizard Camporee next year at FW? We could pitch a tent with a portable air conditioner (fan and a block of ice) for the "Lounge"... complete with piped in music (boom box). Cute lighting (pink flamingos and red hot chili pepper light strings)Campfire boys for fetching wood, ice, Pine Cone punch!

TammiMcMan! I can't think of where... I just seem to know your name! lol

Waving hello to everyone for a great day! And BTW, Angel that WAS a beautiful Mother's Day tribute! I am not a "misty monitor" kind of girl (usually) but I must say there was quite a bit of fog in front of my screen Sunday! Thanks so much for the decaf! Not sure I can drink it... but I'll try! THE chocolate is gone.. Not sure how many pieces = one serving, but I think I'm covered for the next two months!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Elisabeth-no fault of Disney on my trip either. My DH was a real downer the whole trip. My friend who travels with us to help out with the kids watch the kids so we could celebrate our 21st anniversary at Citricos one night. I had ordered a special cake. DH knew the dinner was to celebrate our anniversary. I got dressed up (that's a big thing for me at Disney). My 4 year old son told me I looked pretty. DH said nothing. After dinner the waiter brought out the cake and said to DH "I hear you're celebrating something special." DH says "no". Waiter says "an anniversary?" DH says "that was a month ago." Then he asked the waiter to wrap the cake up. Unfortunately this was typical of DH's behavior the entire trip. He barely ate and dragged himself around the parks. I tried to get him to relax in the room or go off by himself but he wouldn't. The only time I saw him actually enjoying himself was on the Illuminations cruise. Then we got home and the kids & I all got sick and I missed paying my HUGE credit card bill and get hit with late fees and lots of interest charges so I just overall had some serious buyers remorse after that trip. I finally got DH to go to the doctor and it turns out he had a thyroid problem. He's been on meds for 6 months and just now feeling better.

I went to POFQ with 2 adult friends May 1st for 3 nights and we had a great time. I really enjoyed POFQ and am planning a family trip for late August. I asked my DH if he wanted to stay home but he said he'd miss the kids too much which I understand. I think he's actually ready to give Disney another try. He now realizes that there is much more there than he was aware of so I'm hopeful he'll find something he'd like to do. I think he'll really like POFQ and I think it is a place where he could just relax while my friend & I take the kids to the parks. That way he won't miss the kids yet he doesn't have to go the parks if that doesn't interest him. His thyroid problem was even creating anxiety problems and that has improve so I think he may actually trust my friend & I with the kids.

I am so looking forward to my trip Friday with my oldest. I work full time (DH is at home with the kids) so I'm really grateful to have this special time with her. We are staying at Pop and I'm anxious to try that out. It looks really fun.

It is raining again today but the water near us has gone down quite a bit. I think we'll actually get a break on Wed & Thurs.

 

[ead79]

Disbug, even though my trip wasn’t perfect, I just remember the parts that were really fun and focus on those. Plus, I can always go back! I do have some wonderful memories of that trip like sitting outside at the WL with my mom and watching the Electrical Water Pageant, taking her to her first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and laughing with DH about not even using half of our 1 BR villa at OKW (I think we only entered the kitchen/living room to photograph it, LOL!). It’s funny that if I had gone with my mom from the beginning, I don’t think I would’ve missed DH nearly as much as I did having him leave halfway through the trip. I’ve gone on several girls trips since getting married, and none of them were hard like that trip was.

lovesdumbo, I’m sorry to hear that your DH has a thyroid problem, but I’m glad to hear that they were able to get it figured out. A couple of my relatives have similar problems, and the medications really do help. It just stinks when you’re down and you don’t know why. I’m sure he’ll enjoy himself now that he’s feeling better and that will make him a more fun traveling companion.

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Nancy, I'll reserve a nice stateroom on the ark for you...

Count me in, TammiMcMan... I'm ready to quack! I figured a little concierge service on that ark wouldn't hurt!

We've been crazy busy on mission "get-this-house-ready-to-sell", so needless to say my kids offered me the perfect gift for Mother's Day this year... their time! I've been a wreck with all this rain, given we had roofers here till yesterday, the flooring guy, a few painters, etc. At least I got a really good test run of that new roof!

It was fun to read about the variety of other celerbrations. Thanks for sharing, everyone!

 

[Angel16]

Just dropping in with an invite for all who are back east getting this horrible rain. You are all welcome to head out west. I have two guest suites and extra space on the main floor. I am a pretty good cook and we have a hot tub in the backyard. It isn't GF but it is dry and comfortable.

TammiMcMan, Nancy, VAGal-Bonnie and all. I am so concerned about you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending pd for all to have a "no rain day" tomorrow.

Angel

 

[Steph H]

{coming out from under my rock}

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth, ladies! But the new baby has been very time consuming, and then I went back to work two weeks ago and have been trying to catch up. And THEN I had my son's baptism on Mother's Day, with my husband's mother, father, and maternal grandparents all in the same room for the first time in about 30 years! Well, let's just say they didn't talk to each other--and that was a GOOD thing.

I was happily surprised to see I had about 10 pages to catch up on this morning! So great to see all the new and old folks here in the lounge. Minniesota, let me say first that I am so sorry to hear of your parents' problems, and I'll definitely keep you in my prayers. Minniesummer, I'll also keep you in my prayers. I apologize if I've missed anyone else, but ten pages was a lot to catch up on.

Bonnie--it's wonderful to "meet" you! LOL, you seem like a lot of fun!

Debbie/Hockeymom: Oh my gosh, your DH and mine must be related! We bought a tractor last summer, and I swear that thing is nothing but a money pit. It worked fine last year, but this year it won't mow the law without stallling out CONSTANTLY. And with two acres to mow...well, let's just say if it weren't for the Craftsman riding lawn mower we originally bought when we moved in, our yard would look like it was trying out for a spot on the Safari ride at AK!! (Oh, I forgot to mention the tractor we bought is THIRTY YEARS OLD!!!)

Tammi, Lovesdumbo, and other New Englanders...I'll add you to my "no rain" dance. We've gotten 7 straight days of it here in Michigan, but it is finally letting up today. It hasn't been nearly as bad as it has been for you ladies, though.

"Ladies of the Lounge": I love it!!!!

Oh, here's a picture from Sunday's baptism for those who are interested:

I promise not to be such a stranger. I've missed you all, and I miss Disney!! As a matter of fact, DH and I spent some time on Sunday trying to convince our first son's godparents that they NEED to come to Disney with us on our next trip, tentatively planned for December 2007. They are our best friends, and the ONLY people I would willingly take a trip with. The only problem is...the wife (my best friend) is afraid of flying. The husband (my DH's best friend) suggested that he, his wife, and two girls (ages 3 and 2 months) could drive down to meet us there, but I told him he didn't know what he was getting into...that's a LONG trip (Detroit to Orlando) by yourself, much less with two young ones!!! I'll keep working on them, though.

Hugs to all!!! I've already had my cappuccino this morning, but I'll have another if no one minds. It's nice to be able to drink caffeinated coffee and good old Diet Coke again.

 

[ead79]

Steph, what a precious picture! Your kids are so cute, and I think the christening gown is beautiful. In my denomination we don’t christen babies, and it’s always bummed me out since I think that the christening gowns are such wonderful traditions. We have family friends that have an heirloom gown that they get monogrammed with each baby’s name and birth date. It’s really such a wonderful tradition. I decided that I might just start it up for our family. We do have baby dedication Sundays, so when I have kids they’ll just be very dressed up for the occasion. LOL!

 

[Nancyg56]

Steph: What a beautiful family you have! I am glad that your little one's christening went off so well. I hope tht you get to travel to Disney with your froiends, you will all have so much fun! Thanks you again for sharing such a lovely picture.

Thank you for the dance...I think it worked!
My DH buys old Farm Alls and I think they average 50 years old. Thank goodness my BIL is a master mechanic. One is always disappearing after it limps like an old iron horse, and then reappears bright and shiny. Well as shiny as old iron can get.....

Elizabeth: I agree that it is nice to have a tradition regarding a christening gown. In my faith we do, and I was lucky enough to have one passed to me by an aunt. She was not going to have grandchildren, so I was happy that we could keep it in the family. I was old fashioned, so even though it was a gown, all of my children wore it, and it will be passed to a grandchild if one of my children would like to carry on the tradition. Now I am the Godmother to my niece, and bought her christening gown, and my niece is my DGD Godmother. She passed her gown to Kady. Either way, your children will especially beautiful on their most Holy Day.

Angel: Thanks for the invitation! You almost had another dinner guest, but the rain stopped and the sun is shining!

 

[Angel16]

Lovesdumbo, It is wonderful to see you in the lounge. You are leaving for the world in just a couple of days. Woo Hoo I hope you have a super wonderful trip complete with extra dustings of pixie dust.

I am so sorry that you had to go through you DH being difficult for over six months. You certainly deserve a special reward. (maybe an extra trip to Disney World?) I am glad he is now feeling better.

Steph- How wonderful to see you, and you are looking wonderful. Hard to believe you had a baby just a couple of months ago. The baby is so cute and your little guy, what a great smile. Thank you for sharing this special day with us. In our faith like Elizabeth's, we do not baptize, we dedicate. However, when my GD was dedicated she wore the family christening gown that has been handed down through the generations. It was hard to believe that Tim was ever that small. He is 6'4" now.

VAGal, Hope you and your family are doing ok? Have not seen you on the boards in the last couple of days. I hope you are only busy and not moving the last of your stuff into the ark. Drop a line if you have few minutes.

I have some exciting news: Tim and I are going to San Diego the middle of July. I love San Diego! We are going to stay at a little boutique resort right on the ocean. They have all concierge rooms with daily breakfast, cookies and drinks during the day and a wine and appetizer hour each evening. We are going to a family reunion, which was organized very quickly. I hope we get a good turnout. Tim’s family is HUGH, they live all over the world, but most are in California, Arizona, Alaska, Nevada and Indiana. Neither of our girls or their DH will be able to attend. Our SIL is coming home from Iraq the end of July so it is out of the question for them. Our other daughter is going to her husband’s family reunion the week before. You just cannot do it all! I need to get some pictures together of our girls, their husband and the children. Both two legged and four.

I know that San Diego is not a big trip, but after the last 6 months. I've got cabin fever. All we have been doing is doctors, hospitals, I go to work, and we have been to one movie. (RV - It is so funny, go see it if you can) so San Diego is a big deal for the two of us.

I have to get this posting picture thing down. I just cannot seem to get it right. I have some super great pictures of our GD Emily. She was invited to a princess birthday tea party at a Tea Room last week. She will be four in June and is so cute. She was able to wear the Cinderella gown I gave her for Christmas the year before last. She looks so pretty and really is into all the girly stuff. My DD said Emily insisted on bringing the purse, which is part of the outfit. It is Cinderella’s coach all done in sequins. Anyhow, Emily put her lip balm which is a Disney lip balm (is there any other kind?) in the purse. During the tea party, she opened her purse and proceeded to put on her “lipstick” then offer all the other princesses some. I have pictures to post as soon as I get this dunce hat off my stupid head.

Sending wishes for a dry evening followed by a beautiful day tomorrow. Elizabeth, you can have rain if you wish, just not too much.

Angel

 

[VAgal76]

Good morning!!!!!! Didn't mean to drop off the face of the earth. Let me see if I can get caught up here. I don't know why I can't seem to get it together. I have list about other lists to remind me of the original lists. I get to grocery shopping tonight. Yeah for me! Of course, DS has a project due so I guess I have to head to Wal-mart for craft supplies. May the clothes, towels and sheet packing commence this evening. Plus, we decided to celebrate DS's b-day while at the campground this weekend and invited SIL and my parents out for the afternoon for dinner and cake. DH's mom is camping with us anyway. Again, leave it up to my little booger to pick a cake theme that no one has kits for. Pirates of the Caribbean. Geez! You'd think they would've had the license rights and cake kits for these already. I went to the bakery in another town because they were at least willing to scan the picture (other places here in Richmond wouldn't). So that's done. ~whew~

Disbug - I'd LOVE to do a lizard meet at FW. I wonder if we can get the other lizards to "rough" it? *I am woman. Hear me ROAR!* DH and I were in it together so I wasn't doing it all by myself.

Tammi & Nancy - I'm glad to see the floodwaters are receding.

Tammi - What time can I go to the spa to make a reservation? We plan on being there to check-in between 10:00-10:30. I know it's early but we want to be one of the first group on or close to the first if we can. Yet another reason I wanted a suite - boarding priority! I'm really hoping I can get an appointment for one of the villas. The one I want has the wrap and full body massage which you can only book once you are onboard. It sounds like heaven. If I can't get it then I'll just keep the wrap I originally booked. I think I'm going to need some PD to get it. The boat is pretty full from what I can tell.

Steph - Hi! You do have a beautiful family.

Angel - I'm going to jump in with you for your happy dance. About posting a picture - just register for an account www.photobucket.com. It's free. Then you will upload them there. There is a IMG address under each picture. Copy the address there. Come here and Paste it. If you copy the URL address line then you would type this -

. It's really not too bad once you do a few. I did find out from the other thread that Webshots doesn't host pics so they won't show up here. It's a bummer as I have mine over there so I'm saving them back to my hard drive to move over to photobucket as time allows. I hope this makes sense. Technical explanations are not my strong suit.

Lovesdumbo - Long time no "see." I'm so sorry your DH didn't enjoy himself. Thryoid problems do wreak havoc on your emotions as well as your body. It sounds like he may be willing to give it another try. That's a good thing! Sending you and hope that the next trip will be a smooth, fun filled one for you all - especially for your DH.

Big wave to Hockeymom, Ead79, Minniesota, Minniesummer, Goofy's Muse!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Quick good morning to everyone before I head into work. The sun is shining and life is finally getting back to normal.

VAGal, yeah, that priority boarding and booking was a nice amenity with concierge. When you check-in, they'll give you a Navigator. Check it to see what time the spa reservations will open. On both the cruises I took, it was 1pm. You should have time to enjoy a nice lunch before heading upstairs. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

 

[Disbug]

You know I just realized that I started posting over here without being properly introduced.... I hope no one out there is going... "Who the heck??" Bonnie, Debbie, Elisabeth, Alice, Tamby, Ferris.... would someone make the introductions? That would be the proper way to begin by meeting the "LADIES OF THE LOUNGE"!

Disbug - I'd LOVE to do a lizard meet at FW. I wonder if we can get the other lizards to "rough" it?

Bonnie! I'll bet we COULD! lol! We could try to get the campers next to one of the loops that has the CABINS! Then all those who consider the Cabins "roughing in" could come, too!

 

[ead79]

Lounge ladies, this is Disbug, and she’s a cool chick! As you can probably already tell, she’s a hoot and she’ll fit right in!

I had to LOL about the Ft. Wilderness Cabins, as that’s my idea of roughing it! This city gal isn’t much of a camper.

Angel, enjoy San Diego! I’ve never been to California, but I’ve heard it truly is a beautiful state.

 

[VAgal76]

Tammi - Thanks for the heads - 1 p.m. - I'll clear my schedule.

For those that are new to the lounge:

My name is Bonnie and I've aspired to never grow up. I live by one rule - Laugh Often.

See, then there is Disbug - Denise. She's a crazy whacky lady that stays at DVC but her heart is at FW. Only true campers are disorganized packers. Oops! I'm in the boat too.

K&A&C'sMom - Alice - Another sweet lady if I say so myself...still agrees we need to watch for whacky Denise. I'm finding out that she's one of the most organized.

Hockeymom - Debbie - Goof Patrol in the flesh.

Anyone else need to dish out on the "Who's Who?" Am I missing someone?

Elisabeth - RV camping isn't roughing it like you think. I have A/C, heat, Fridge, Microwave, Stove & Oven...I don't think that's exactly roughing it. Tent camping is roughing IMO. Though I'd rather tent camp then not at all. But I'm glad you'll take a cabin. Just think of us making s'mores around the campfire with a cool adult beverage in the other....laughing until our sides hurt. Camping gives you an experience just like Disney does. That's why I take our family as often as possible. I don't even have a TV so we can focus on each other. Although being in the rain has me leaning towards getting one for when we are stuck inside. It's very relaxing. I get to FISH. Yeah, baby! I caught a citation large mouth bass. I'm working on a catfish citation, but it keeps eating my bait (cheap, red hot dogs work great). I figure if he's that sneaky I'll just keep fattening him up until I get him. See all the fun you can have while camping? Oh! Shadow puppets - DH's all time favorite past times. He's pretty good at it. This to proves to be entertaining when one has had too many s'mores and is hyped up on sugar.

 

[ead79]

Not to worry Bonnie, I think I could handle camper camping too (at least with one like yours with all those nice amenities). But this gal ain’t sleeping on the ground!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Debbie = hockeymom = afraid to rough it at fort wilderness but NOT afraid ot rough it at Pop! Although, I've had phone calls from Disbug's campsite on occassion and that lady does not rough it!

I need more time to DIS!!!

Big wave to everyone! Both old friends and new!

 

[Angel16]

Bonnie![/B] I'll bet we COULD! lol! We could try to get the campers next to one of the loops that has the CABINS! Then all those who consider the Cabins "roughing in" could come, too!

you mean we would stay in trailers.....er...hm... I mean "cabins" at WDW? I will just keep telling myself that they are cabins, yes cabin. Ok, I can do that.

I have done the tent, ground, air mattress experience and really had a really good time. I love to FISH Bonnie. A perfect day to me is catching a nice 45 pound silver in Alaska, or a Pike in Wisconsin.

I think this would be a hoot to all get together and spend a few days camping, singing around camp fire and not wearing any make-up. THEN we can scoot our bottoms over to one of our loved resorts for a few days concierge stay to rest up. Just let me know the dates.

 

[Disbug]

Thank you so much for the kind introduction, Bonnie, Elisabeth, and Debbie! Wacky? Me? Who's been talkin'?? Just another normal, hard-working, middle class mom who refuses to take the 12 Step Withdrawal Plan for WDW!

Angel! They are cabins, they are, I say! "I believe, I believe..." (No fair peeking under the artificial wood siding...) I remember when they changed over from the Fleetwood "homes" and I thought we were getting "real" wood cabins! There is real wood in there, somewhere! WooHoo! A split trip... first the woods, then the SPA! Sounds divine! My idea of a perfect trip combo. Let me know the dates, I'm ready!

Bonnie... sounds like we need to start looking at dates? My favorite time is either in the Spring or the Fall. F&W Festival comes to mind here. And don't forget the Hoop de Doo! That would be a scream for us to do.

All right, Elisabeth sounds like you are on board... how does Colin feel about the big "C"? I hear ya on the ground thing. I have graduated to a cot, with about 12" of Memory Foam... sort of like the Princess and the Pea effect. I have to be careful when I roll over so I don't knock over the fan, clock radio, cell phone charger and coffee pot on a timer! (This I fit into a 2 person Popup tent!) In fact, my tent looks like a Big Yellow and Black bumblebee. Complete with indoor outdoor carpet.

Debbie? No sleeping with the alligators for you, huh? I'm telling you... they are NOT that smart! Until they figure out how to get the zipper open on the tent you are SAFE! (*Umm, any UF Gators may disregard that previous statement relative to IQ....)

BTW, Steph... I forgot to say what a beautiful picture of your family! (I thought it, though!)