The New Lizard Lounge

[MinnieSummer]

The return trip to PA was actually very interesting. It started out fine but my DM, who usually is asleep in the first 10 minutes of any drive, stayed awake the entire trip -- all 16 hours of it. I like to drive and think and contemplate all the things I want to do but this trip was a talk fest. I understood that she was excited about going home so I just let her chat when she wanted. We had one big snafu on the trip -- I did something soooo stupid, but it was 3:00 in the morning and I was tired and just wanted to get home. Depending on who I talked to my little mistake could have cost me over $1000.00 but thanks to the truckers, who know more about cars than any mechanic, I was able to make the trip without incurring any additional expense. And no I'm not going to tell you what I did because it is just way to unbelievable, impossible according to my husband who I didn't even tell until two days ago.

I was worried about pulling up to the property as we had sold part of it, the first part you see when heading down to the house, and they put a big house on it. I wasn't sure how my DM would feel about that but it's a beautiful house and she thought it looked really nice there so that was OK. However, when she saw her home she started to sob. She really didn't think she would ever see her home again.

All went well that first day. We got everything in, I ran out and bought groceries, then rearranged some furniture. The woman we hired to stay with DM at night showed up and --- not at all what she had portrayed herself to be. I tried to give her a chance but when I got back to FL and realized I couldn't sleep worrying about this woman staying with my DM I went into gear and found the man who had been staying with my DF prior to his death and begged him to go back (we had let him go because my DM wouldn't let him help her with anything him being a man and all). He agreed and that has worked out wonderfully. In addition to being an emergency room nurse, he is also a great cook, and knows his way around a lawn mower. So he is mowing the lawn (much cheaper than hiring someone else), cooking (no more eating in restaurants every night) and taking great care of my DM.

Overall things are looking up.

 

[Nancyg56]

OKay, I won't ask, but I am going to wonder...because I am a quizzy gal.

I'm glad that the return trip went okay. I worried because it could have been traumatic for your Mom, but she is one strong lady, isn't she? I would not mind a handyman who is a nurse and a cook around my home .

Now you enjoy your summer, you need a little time for yourself.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Nancy: Hint: Just think of all the things you would do in a service plaza at 3:00 am that involve a car. Then add the belief that a trucker would know what to do. You may just figure it out.

 

[ang38]

ok. Now you have me wondering too!! Please tell us!!!
So glad your Mom is back where she belongs

 

[Nancyg56]

MinnieSummer- Now I'm afraid!

I am trying to think of things my DH would not believe and I am getting some crazy visuals!

 

[MinnieSummer]

My DH was seriously scared when I told him that I just walked up to a couple of truckers -- "What were you thinking? Do you realize what could have happened?.." I told him my DM was watching and had her cell phone ready which was really a joke as my DM hasn't quite mastered the use of a cell phone. Then I told him it would have cost me $1000.00 if I hadn't talked to the truckers and he decided that those truckers were his new best friends.

Hint: It really shouldn't have been possible as it didn't fit my van but I used it anyway.

 

[minniesota]

Minniesummer-
I didn't think those diesel pump handles could fit either! How much went in and how did you remedy the situation? I love a mystery - am I right?

 

[MinnieSummer]

OK Minniesota, you guessed it. I filled up my tank with deisel. This is what happened. The last time I drove that stretch of road in the early am hours there were no gas stations open so I planned on stopping at this service center regarless of how much fuel I had. I was only down about a half a tank but I didn't want to risk it. I pulled, put in my card, and grabbed a hose and pushed a button. The hose didn't fit. I looked at the pump and atop the hose I was holding it didn't say anything but atop the other hose it said diesel. So I tried again. If I held it just right it went in far enough so I just figured the heck with it. Only problem nothing came out. I pushed a different button and same thing. Third button, it worked. So I filled up my tank, returned the hose to the slot and choked. There was a sticker right beside the handle that said diesel. OK now what do I do? I went into the center and asked if there was a siphon I could use. I figured I would buy two gas cans and siphon the gas into them. The man said I couldn't do that -- they didn't have a siphon anyway. He called there manager who connected me with roadside assistance who informed me: They would tow the vehicle to an authorized contaminated waste removal facility where they would remove the gas tank, drain it then clean it. I couldn't drive the vehicle as I would freeze up the engine. The tow truck wouldn't get there until around 7:00, the facility was about 1/2 hour away, and the process would take about four hours. I told her I had my mom and her cat in the car and she said we couldn't bring the cat (yeah right). I asked her what this would cost and she said aprox. $1200.00. I said I would call her back. I walked out the door, went to the van and told my mother what had happened and what I was going to do -- talk to the truckers. The truckers, after getting a really good laugh at my expense, informed me that they weren't allowed to carry siphons on the truck. However, after much discussion between them, and the determination that I definitely only put about a half tank in, the truckers decided that I should DRIVE IT They said I would have no power going up the hills, it would sputter and pop, feel like it was going to stall and spit lots of black smoke out but if I kept refilling it with premium every time I got down a 1/4 of a tank I would be alright. One of the truckers was going the same route as me and leaving in about 10 minutes. He siad he would keep his eyes out for me and if he saw me he would pull over andhelp. Guess what -- I didn't think I was going to make it up the first hill. I couldn't go any faster than 4 mph. It was terrible. Think W VA hill country and you'll understand what I was up against. Anyway, the pinging was terrible and I thought for sure I was going to stall every time I put my foot on the gas, but we made it home.

And that ladies, is the latest saga in my thoroughly abnormal life.

 

[Nancyg56]

OMG! You did what my DH has nightmares about! Every time go get "FUEL" he is a basket case until I get home and if I dare call it "GAS" he makes sure to correct me. I heard it was impossible but that goes to show "Where there is a will there is a way."

Seriously, I am glad it worked out for you, you must have been worried!

 

[MinnieSummer]

Terrified is more like it. I just kept thinking that if I broke down I would have a serious problem. Not about the van but about my mom and the cat. What would I do with them? I could never get my mom into the cab of an 18 wheeler. I had to use a step stool to get her into the van. And the cat is a 25 pound ball of muscle, stronger than any cat I've ever had, who doesn't do what he doesn't want to do -- but is also afraid of strangers, loud noises and the dark. I said alot of prayers those last four or five hours.

 

[minniesota]

MinnieSummer-
You certainly do lead an exciting life! I would have been scared to death. I'm glad there were some decent human beings out that night who at least gave you some sense of well-being. Hope the vehicle is ok now!

Note to self- always check the FUEL pump!!!

 

[MinnieSummer]

I hope the van is OK too as it was a rental, and since it was running normally when I returned it I didn't say anything. I drove it for three days after that happened and once I had replaced the gas there didn't seem to be any residual effects.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Hey Lizards. I just thought I would share with you that I am back from another imprimptu trip to WDW. Yes I know I said we had to cancel the last one but did I mention here or on another thread that my DH decided to reschedule it for this past weekend, and upon hearing my New Years Resolution, he decided we should try OKW. So I just spent Sat and Sun at our favorite place. It was a quick trip but it was nice. We left early Sat morning and arrived at OKW about 10:00. CHeck in took all of 4 minutes and we were off to find our room -- the furthest possible from the main building. But it was a nice room, clean with plenty of room. My DD loved that there was a microwave there so she could heat up her Pop Tarts while we carried in the luggage (She definitely is a Princess in Training). We then drove over to the main pool which is really kind of cute but definitely not very big. By the time we left around 2:00 it was getting packed -- I can't imagine what it must be like during peak season. We returned to the room and DD and DH got dressed to head over to MK. I walked over to the quiet pool and spent a relaxing 2 hours reading a book and listening to a seriously drunk couple harass their kids. Saw Illuminations Sat night but the audio didn't seem to be working too well. Returned to OKW and did some shopping (the Gift Store is really pretty sad) then went to bed -- those beds were really comfortable, much nicer than the ones at the Mods. Sun morning I went to get breakfast stuff only to find that nothing opens before 7:30. Not pleasant. And the fast food place was seriously limited in what they offer anyway. Ended up just eating cereal. We went to AK after breakfast and then headed home. I would stay at OKW again but the Gift store and the food court really put me off.

One more thought. The new soap products they are putting in the rooms is wonderful. I wanted to buy some at the resort but they were out (had been for about 2 weeks) and they suggested I go to the spa to get some. I didn't make it there so I'm going to try to order it through Guest Relations. Think I'll have any luck?

 

[Angel16]

Hi everyone! It sure has been empty here in the lounge. I am sorry, I have been off for sometime due to my computer being in the shop, mother board died on our home computer. But all is fixed now.

Who all are planning a trip "home"? I will have to get my fix from all of you, no disney trip this year. I do hope for one next year, but we will have to see. We are talking about Alaska.

Bumping up to catch DISers who are lost.

 

[Nancyg56]

Good Morning All!

I'm glad to see you Angel. We are planning a trip in October to celebrate my DGD 6th birthday. She does not know but has been talking about going back at least twice a week since we got back in January. We went back and forth trying to decide where to stay, and finally decided on CBR. We looked at the price difference and would have gone with AKL but even a few months ago it was difficult to get good information regarding the construction. I am not good with glitches so we decided to wait, but honestly with the upgrades going on.... oh well, I think Kady will like CBR, and she is going to love MNSSHP on her birthday. We did not plan anything other extras, she got overwhelmed the last time so the money was not well spent.

Just an update on my two nephews. Both are Marines, Chris reenlisted and was training in Force Reconnaissance. He was injured and somehow, I still can't figure out how, was transferred to Quantico and is assigned to the helicopters on the Presidential Wing. He is in the process of obtaining security clearances, but he very happy there. My sister is ecstatic...no deployments for the next four years.

His brother is assigned to a transportation unit out of Hawaii. He was to be driving a HumVee, but somehow got assigned to a heavily armored vehicle that is part of a protection detail for some battalion commander. He deploys this month for up to 15 months. Again we are so grateful for this favor, I think the it is going to get worse before it gets better over there, so anything that helps them is a blessing. I really believe that my Mom has a lot to do with this, she always watched out for her family and I think she continues to do this. If you can, just a little prayer for his safety would be appreciated. I picture him surrounded by Angels and know that he and the rest of our troops need all of the help that they can get.

I know that everyone is busy, and I hope that all are having a safe and happy summer. If you have any trips planned, I would love to hear about them.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Welcome back Angel, you have been missed. Actually it's nice to see people back in the lounge. I was convinced my thread killing knack had finally hit the lounge as well.

Nancy, as always your family is in my prayers, especially those members serving in the military. My nephew in law was deployed in March to Afghanistan. He has 6 kids ranging from 17 to 4. His wife has moved back home so she has help with the kids. I really don't know how families survive this kind of stress. Noone thought he would be deployed as he had a stateside job that kept him busy but I guess it happens to everyone at some point.

I'm not sure what I have planned for the World for the rest of this year. I have reservations for DD's bday in sept at Beach Club but I haveread some pretty negative reports about the BC going way down hill in recent months so that scares me. I also have tentative reservations at AKL for Christmas but with the construction going on, I like Nancy, just don't know if it is worth the risk. I really want to do a great trip this Christmas as they are changing the rate structure next year and I'm not sure if we'll be able to afford to go if we don't get the AP/FLR discounts that we have gotten in the past, at least we won't be staying delux. We were also supposed to go to WDW and renew our Wedding Vows for our 15th anniversary (in 9 days) but that got shoved to the side with with the chaos that has been my life so the World is totally up in the air for me. I'm almost thinking a year off might be a good thing but I'd have major withdrawal symptoms within the first three months.

By the way, I found the website for the salon products that they put i the rooms at WDW now (H2OPLUS.com). I ordered a great big box full of stuff and absolutely love all of it.

 

[minniesota]

Hi to all of you!
Life sure has been busy, hasn't it? I'm glad to see some familiar faces in the lounge and hello to those of you who just have time to run in and check things out now and then.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of our solidiers as we recently celebrated our freedom as a nation. I hope and pray all of the lounge's "special soldiers" stay safe.

I'm busy preparing for our city's Relay for Life - a lot of our family plans to walk this year in memory of my dad. We'd like to raise awareness for melanoma cnacer as it is one of the fastest growing cancers out there. It is especially dangerous for our young girls who still think a tan is a badge of beauty. If they only knew the dangers behind all that sun!

We are also planning a trip to WDW in October! My DH and I are taking our 2 kids and two nieces/goddaughters. It's the first time we will be traveling with three teens and one twenty-something. We have two RPC rooms at the GF and have been working with Calvin in IPO who has been absolutely wonderful. Our plans include the MNSSHP, a Wishes cruise (possibly with Private Dining involved), a couple of cabana rentals and lots of yummy-sounding ADRs. The kids are planning lots of time at the parks as the twenty-something has only been to WDW once for 3 days! My DH and I are looking forward to some relaxing time after a very hectic year.

As some of you may remember, we had a GF trip planned last Dec. with my mom and dad but had to cancel due to his declining health. DH and I never made it in January as my dad was nearing the end of his journey - so this is a trip in his memory. He loved WDW so much! We are really looking forward to it!

Well, that's it for me. Hope all of you are having a wonderful summer!

 

[MinnieSummer]

Hey everyone! Has anyone here recently stayed at BC? We're going through with our DD's birthday trip and staying at BC but I'm not sure I like what I'm hearing (reading). Several people have complained that they had no hot water their entire stay no matter how much they complained. I've also heard that Mousekeeping is spotty at best. It seems like the bad is starting to outweigh the good at BC. I'll only be there for three days so it shouldn't be too bad but I can't live without hot water.

 

[Angel16]

pokes her head in and waves* Hello all! I know I haven't been active, but I wanted to poke my head in and say hi! I haven't forgotten you all ! Things have been so busy here that I sometimes don't know if I am driving to work or home.

MinnieSummer - I haven't stayed at BC ....sorry. I certainly would NOT pay for a deluxe hotel without hot water. For that matter I wouldn't pay for any hotel without hot water. I certainly hope this is not an issue for your stay. Are you staying at AKL for any part of your trip? I seem to remember you were looking forward to staying there.

Perhaps you are going to in the future. I am going to wait until after they are done with all the building. I love, love AKL, but there are many resorts I have yet to visit. Does anyone know if there is a possibility to stay in the Villas without owning one?

Minniesota- I am so hapy to know your town is doing a relay for life. How wonderful to have your family walking together in memory of your dad. So many people have no idea how deadly melanoma is. We Praise God that Tim has 2 1/2 year of being clear of any spread.

Sending prayers and hugs to all. I have to run, I have a call from friends in Germany.

Angel

 

[MinnieSummer]

Hi Angel! It's great to see you around again. My plan is to stay at AKL for Christmas but I was hesitating because of the construction. I've read reports from people who have stayed there are they haven't noticed any problems because of it so I might go ahead and book just so I know I'll have a room. I think this DVC will work like all the others so even if you don't own there you can still stay there. I'm hoping that is the case because I love the DVC rooms. My only problem is that I'm not going to make that New Years Resolution if I stay at AKL for Christmas. I still have Poly and Yacht Club to stay at. I might be able to squeeze in one trip between DD birthday in September and Christmas to stay at Poly but then I would have to stay at YC for Christmas and I really prefer the AKL for Christmas -- that lobby is breathtaking over the holidays. I'm just so confused.

Have a great day everyone.