The Two Really Old(ish) Happyhaunts Go South. Alone... But With ECVs!

[AshClan]

O.M.G. Melly, Melly. I am, along with many others, THRILLED to "see" you again! I have a very strong inkling that many more friends will be stopping by. (Hi NM!)

A of all, my dear sweet girl, I am so sorry about the General's struggles and all the heartache that entails. BUT I am not at all surprised to see that you've stepped up big time for her in her time of need. Not surprised at all.

Number 2, I'm sorry, but you must be mistaken. There is no way Beth, Calvin and Tommy are that old. Then again, kids seem to do that. Still. Wow.

5. Woo Hoo! Mel and her man went to Disney World and she's going to tell us about it! Can't wait to read every little detail.

62(b): This is gonna be fun.

 

[jamal]

Look what the cat dragged in.

It is about. Time.

Mel, truly, I am heartsick and choked up about The General. The lump in my throat only grew as I read about your loving care for her. Very few mothers and daughters get to share such a lifelong relationship. I know you know that. Right now I hate your pain. Love. The fact that you are here reassures me of the vacation's success.


I can't decide which is funnier: Susan's picture of her boys or the fact that you are shocked about the Maelstromers (RIP Maelstrom). Dorkapalooza #10 will convene this year. True fact.

And. We are still leeches so we are all in.


I can't wait to read about your adventures with your Mellyman. Disney adult trips are fantastic. There is no more festive way to drain the college fund.

No one brings the funny like you do. I am thrilled see you.

 

[AshClan]

Jami, my love, those with super old TR links and pictures in their signatures shouldn't throw stones.....Just sayin'

 

[1000thhappyhaunt]

Wow! I can't believe all the familiar faces! Just...WOW! I will respond to some ol friends after this lil bit of trippie because as surprised as I am right now... y'all just KNOW I'm never speechless! heheheh

Day 1 Part 2 aka Still In Buffalo

Ok I left off before with Mellyman and Me(l) just having crossed the border into the U.S.A. successfully, despite my fears of getting busted and denied entry due to the existence of my ever-present orange/cantaloupe body spray. And the first order of business was to find a bathroom because by this point I had to pee so bad that my bladder felt super-sore and bigger than Kardashian/Jenner fake lips. And also. Prettier. Plus... I really had to get all the duct tape off of my upper thigh so that I could get to my body spray bottle to give myself a lil spritz. I was feeling sweaty.

NO!

I did NOT both duct tape the body spray AND declare it to the border/customs guard guy.

I only did one of those.

So there.

Where was I?

Oh yes. I had to pee. Real bad. Like an Ultrasound-Pee. Yes. I know you ladies out there can relate. heheheh

So with a little urging and a lot of whining I got Mellyman to slightly...slightly... break the official speed limit on our way to The Walden Galleria Mall in Cheektowaga.

(Hummmmm. errr. Hold on. one sec... "Cheektowaga"!!!!!!! Oh God! New favourite word!!!!!)

We got a good spot in the parking garage right beside the stairwell and headed down to the closest restaurant so that I could use their washroom. Really, tho, I could have just gone right there in the actual stairwell. Because it was very clear that I wouldn't have been the first to. Do you catch my drift here?

Well we ended up in Bar Louie and decided to both sit down and have a beer. Because those are Mellyman's two favourite hobbies. And to get the trip off on the right foot we had to stick with tradition. And what that tradition entails is this:

1. Sam Adams times 2. (Boston Lager times 1 and the Seasonal beer ... of this the summer season... times 1)
2. Checking that I still have our passports.
3. Checking that I still have our American money
4. Counting the American money
5. Mellyman telling me the current exchange rate
6. Mellyman starting to explain money stuff
7. Me telling Mellyman to stop. Oh please stop. I can't care. At all.
8. OHHHHHHH CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9. Going back up the pee-reeking parking garage stairwell... walking at a bit of a clip tbh... to click the van lock three more times.

Whew. Time to relax. We are officially... ON VACATION!!!!!

oh no

I miss the kids. And the dog. My mom. And even Canada. And all things Canadian. Except for Jim Carrey.

How is this going to go alright? Will Mellyman and I be able to have fun by ourselves at Disney? Will Mellyman and I be able to do this?

Well folks...spoiler... YES!!!! We had a great trip and it was funny that I was worrying about it on Day 1... but not surprising. It was a completely different trip than with the kids along but it was equally magical. Fun. And silly.

Anywho. We sat in the sun on the patio at Bar Louie and enjoyed our beers. Mellyman also enjoyed the view of the very attractive server we had. Although he claims he didn't. But I KNOW he did. The dude was soooooo hot!!!! heheheh

At this point I told Mellyman it was time to eat. Because when I have to eat I have to eat STAT. Pronto. Or I get really cranky. It is widely referred to as the state of "Hangry". Well I get super hangry. And everyone likes to head it off before I go all Genghis Khan. Calvin even says that I start to look like Genghis Khan when I'm hungry. But that's only because I love to say "Oh Herro Mongorians!" a lot. Randomly. But it's from South Park. Specifically.

I hope that's not racist. I'm not. Nor meaning to be.

Ok. Time to eat at P.F. Changs!!!!!!

Oh no. I hope that's not racist.


Hehheheh.


We walked across to P.F. Changs and got a nice little booth inside. A booth for two. Mellyman doesn't like booths for two. He's more of a bigger booth kinda guy. It's because he's fat. Anyway I was quite comfortable and I already knew what we were going to order but had to wait for our server to come over. Introduce herself. Go and get two waters and two more beers and then come back. Then. Take Mellyman's beer he ordered away because he didn't like it at all then bring him a new one while I waited on the edge of my seat to see if this new beer would be acceptable to my precious ghost orchid.

Thankfully it passed Mellyman's test and we ordered. We got a bowl of hot and sour soup for Mellyman and that was all his. I don't care for it. It recalls the strong note of vomit. To my palate. I had the egg drop soup instead and was happy. Then we shared the chicken lettuce wraps. Omg! I love these. I love the crispy white rice sticks and the sauce it comes with sooo much. I love wrapping them up and taking a bite and then watching them fall completely apart and onto my plate and the table. I love eating them hunched over like a hyena on a bloody carcass. Well I don't. They are really messy but good. And you gotta do what you gotta do for really good food. So I ate them all messy but so did Mellyman. He wasn't much better. But for some reason it seemed kinda sexy to me. Then onto one of my other favourites here... we also shared an order of the Lieutenant Dan Dan Noodles.

Which you prolly refer to as just "Dan Dan Noodles".

You ALSO prolly don't say "I never thanked you for saving my life". Either. When you tuck into a good P.F. Changs meal.


Cheers, Mel.

Be back later. I'm suddenly hungry. Mildly irked.

 

[NAB]

A little late to the party but so glad to see you back.

If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have found great friends on here or even know where the Community board was when they made you go there after your long, long trip report thread.

Nice to see some of them back too! I missed all of you.

Can't wait to read more.

(Fellow Canadian -- exchange rate really sucks right now, I hear this from my own hubby since we are going at the end of August)

 

[1000thhappyhaunt]

Ok. A few replies...

Nicole Marie: Just... WOW! I remember Flat Stanley too! Yes it's been quite awhile. But. To see you again... well... amazing! Your post made my Grinch heart grow three sizes today!

Ash!!! ASH!!: Thank you and I'm so glad to see you again! Why do you still look the same??? In your signature???? Heheheh. I have been lurking the boards for years. Never stopped btw. And I was always so glad to spot a post from you. Cheers!

Jami!! : Well YOUR post got me all choked up. Too. I appreciate and even super appreciated your kind words. Nice to see u again bud! Stay tuned!

NAB: Oh gosh I remember you too. This is really nice. Stay tuned my fellow northerner!!!!

Cheers all! Mel

 

[Frickles]

Mel!! I brought purse meat and pop tarts to welcome you back! I was so excited to see you are writing a trip report! You can bring the funny like no other!!

I'm sorry to hear about your mom. You will never regret the time you took to be with her. I know it is super hard - hang in there. xoxo

roll tide! not

 

[tonga]

I remember you! And the koala! Glad to see you back.

 

[ZZUB]

I also found a red t-shirt with Roll Tide on it. That made me laugh and also sad. Cause I had forgotten about it. But then remembered why it was funny.

It's disturbing how every 8 years some bad news shiksa re-appears. I'm looking right at you Hillary Clinton. And apparently you, as well, Mel of Green Gables.

No one here believes for a second that your weren't already wearing your red Roll Tide shirt. You probably also have a hat, or four, shorts, ties, desk signs and car decals.

It's great to see you back, although I'm fairly certain you'll disappear again before I take the opportunity to remind you that Canada always was, and remains, our creepy cousin. The one who's vaguely funny but also seems slightly touched. And needs to take Valtrex periodically.

Because it's about suppression. Still.

I was said to hear about The General. But it's entirely likely she's faking it just to force you to spend more time with her.

And that alone proves she's touched in the head. Who purposefully would spend more time with you? I mean besides meth heads and handsy Walmart greeters?



Did we just flashback to the summer of 2006?

 

[1000thhappyhaunt]

ZZUB!!!!!!

MY WUBBY BUBBY!!!!!!!!!!


Oh my gosh! I'm so excited to see you!!!! Holy CARP!!! How I've mi...


Err.


I. Mean.




Hello, Newman





Reason for editing: Initial stages of Peladophobia attack

 

[AshClan]

Now it's a party. But where is LaLa? NM, c'mon and get your girl over here!

Mel, I wanted to comment on your last chapter. Because it's a trip report and that's what we (are supposed to) do. Love the lettuce wraps, but have never had the Lt. Dan Dan noodles. I'll have to try them. (But if you think for a second that I am calling you "Sir", you got another thing comin'.) My youngest son (who is all of 21 now) loves him some PF Chang's, so I do find myself there from time to time.

I love reading about the giddiness of the first day. Travel day beers are the best tasting beers in the world (despite Mellyman sending his first one back). Looking forward to the rest of the story. I am anxiously awaiting to hear if you guys ever did get into BOG. And if the delicate flower fit on 7DMT. My men (husband and #1 son) did not. Fit. Freakishly tall people, TFI, don't do well on that ride. Tougher on the knees than Space Mountain. I'll leave it at that.

Edited to add: Way to steal Frick's thunder, Z.

 

[Aimros]

Love your TR so far - very amusing!

 

[1000thhappyhaunt]

A few more quick replies and I'll be back tomorrow to update this thing.

FRICKLES!!!! : Hey Hey girlfriend!!! Welcome back!!! It's a BEAUTIFUL MOMENT. To see you again. I'm glad you packed some food for this report. It should most likely take a bite of time. Mad love!!!

(if anyone knows who "Frickles" is can they PM Me(l) stat?)




Tonga. Tonga. Tonga-tongatron: Hello!!! Yes that was Calvin the Koala. But he can't koala anymore. He's too big. Legs are way to longish. Welcome!



Ash!!!!: You will have to wait and see about both BOG and 7dmt. I can't get there yet. It'll be months prolly. Tbh. And... ZZUB did NOT steal Frick's thunder. Not at all. Why would I care?????? Stay near baybee!!!!



Aimros: Thanks! Glad to hear you're in!!




Cheers, Mel



Edited to add: Yah. That annoying blowhard magpie TOTALLY stole her thunder. Hehheheh.

 

[team weasel]

The return of Mel with an appearance of ZZUB. OMG - it smells like home in here.

Welcome back. I'm in.

 

[brandt79]

Woo hoo! Mel is back with a trip report!!

So sorry to hear about your mom, Mel. Lots of us have been just about there, lately. I'm in awe of the way you've dedicated yourself to taking care of her and am taking that to heart.

I'm so excited for what will most likely be a months-long trip report

 

[luvvwl]

Hail, Hail, the Gang's all here. Ish. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Or do they?? Maybe they really do change but we're all so decrepit now we just haven't realized it??

Oh, sorry Z. ((big grin))

Mel. Firstly let me say, I'm sorry to here about the General. I remember well how you two loved to hate it other. Or was it hated to love each other?

VI) Love me some PF Chang's but when in Asia (ish) I do Singapore Street Noodles. But I eat them at the table. Not on the streets. I save my street eating for chocolate chip cookie ice cream sammies on Main Street.

Okay, order me boiled chicken and some pasta. Nothing like a meeting you have to carb up for. Or chance to catch up with old friends. Masquerading as a trip report.

 

[1000thhappyhaunt]

Hey!!!

Team Weasel: Welcome! Glad to have you here! Does it smell like home now? Here? Cause... it suddenly smells like the bathrooms near Canada at Epcot to Me(l). No offense (aka NO) ZZUB.

Actually I was honestly pretty impressed by that. Tbh (just for emphasis). Still. To. This. Day.

And... I know old people.



Brandt79! : I menember you too! In my head I pronounce your name really heavy on the "dt" part. Just a lil sumpin sumpin for you.



luvvwl: Who are you? Who who who who? I woke up in a Soho doorway a policeman knew my name...

But... I don't know yours. Or do I? idk. But THIS I do know: Somehow. Somehow you knew my least favourite word in the WHOLE WORLD is "sammies".


Shudder.


Welcome. Then.


You have one strike.


Cheers, Mel.

 

[ZZUB]

Okay, order me boiled chicken and some pasta. Nothing like a meeting you have to carb up for. Or chance to catch up with old friends. Masquerading as a trip report.

Whoever this is, they're quoting the right show.

This trip report is this most beautiful thing these eyes have seen.

FWIW, we love us some Phineas and Ferb Changs. Which is what PF stands for.

Ashclan! Still my favorite screenname!

Mel, I always pronounce your name with a silent x. And a #. There's a little sumpm sumpm for you.



Edit back words is Tide. Roll.

 

[AshClan]

Just had to stop in to tell you all that, inspired by the happyhaunts, my son and I hit PF Changs for dinner last night. I had the chicken lettuce wraps. No Lieutenant Dan Dan noodles on the menu, though. No plain old Dan Dan noodles, either. We got shrimp lo mein instead. Not barbecued shrimp, or coconut shrimp, or shrimp kabobs, or shrimp on the barbie. Just shrimp lo mein.

I do enjoy Chinese food. And Chinese opera. Like most people I'm an absolute nut for Chinese opera.

Mel, are we going to get another chapter today? Because I really want you to take us to Disney World soon.....

Are we there yet?

 

[1000thhappyhaunt]

Day 1 Part 3 aka YEP... still in Buffalo

So after Mellyman and I had our PF Changs lunch we decided to go check into our hotel and do a little bit of shopping. You see, our plane wasn't due to leave till the next day (Monday July 13th) but at 5:30 a.m. And that meant we would have to get up at like 12:00 a.m. to be at the airport for 4:30. So we decided to spend the night at a Park and Fly across from the airport. We've done it lots before. Takes the pressure off of worrying about traffic and crossing the border in the middle of the night. And, also, some people can actually get some sleep that night. Before the flight.

Just not me.

Mellyman had booked our Park and Fly and he said it was a great deal. Like the cheapest one online.

Errr. Huh? Hummmm. That kinda worries Me(l). But whatever. We were going to Disney!!!!! All was right with the world and I wasn't going to worry for a second about our Park and Fly hotel near the airport. I was just going with the flow and being stress free. And care free. And gluten free.

Ha!!! I'll NEVER be gluten free!!! I love me some gluten. In fact I should have noted a "high gluten diet" restriction on all of our ADRs.

And so. Because I wasn't worrying. I immediately asked Mellyman if our hotel was Hampton Inn and Suites? Cause that one is nice. I like that one.

But of course it wasn't. Mellyman said it was called Quality Inn Buffalo Airport. It was a great price. And right across from the airport and would take us in a shuttle with our luggage to catch our flight. Bright and early.

Ok. Fine.

We got from Walden Galleria to the airport area with no problem and I spied the green Quality Inn sign down the road. Ok we're here. Parked and went in to check in. So far. It's alright. Like clean enuff. And it looks fine. Mellyman checks in and that takes a bit of time and then he comes back to where I'm sitting. Impatiently reading the "Discover Buffalo" magazine. (I discovered that I don't ever WANT to discover Buffalo btw)

That's not how that's supposed to work. I think.

Mellyman looks kinda crabby. Staring at the bill in his massive hand. And he tells me that they overcharged him for the room from what he was supposed to pay with the online deal. How much??? I ask. It's Five Dollars. $5. So... no biggie then. Let's just go and get our stuff and get rolling. NO Tide. But... OF COURSE we can't. Because Mellyman always says that if you take care of the pennies the pounds will take care of themselves. And yada yada blah. I honestly am not sure what he's talking about. Pounds??? Cause we have dollars here. Or loonies. To be more precise. We do not have pounds. But...then...again maybe I'm not listening well enuff to Mellyman.

What he's probably is saying is this: If you take care of the beers the pounds will take care of themselves.

Yep.

That's gotta be it. Heheheh. Poor Mellyman. Mean Me(l).

So he got his huge butt refund and we headed to our room at The QUALITY INN.

Opened the door. Stepped into the room and back into time. Somewhere in the late 1970's to early 1980's. I know this because there was green fuzzy textured wallpaper. At least I hope it was wallpaper. And thick fuzzy velveteen curtains. And a really big thick tv. Yeah baby. Not a wide flat screen. But a big thick square box tv.

Oh boy.

I hope it's a COLOUR TV!!!! I hope Happy Days is on!

Mellyman:

I actually started to laugh cause Mellyman looked really bummed out too.


Mellyman: Oh man. This place is a dive.

Me(l): Yes. We're definitely getting bedbugs tonight.

Mellyman: Sorry Mel. This sucks.

Me(l): Don't sweat it. Just let me do two things.

Mellyman: Wipe down all surfaces with Lysol Wipes in the handy travel pack size? Twice?

Me(l): Ha! But no. This: HEY KOOL-AID!!!!!

And the second thing was I did The Hustle. The Van McCoy Hustle.

(don't youtube that or you'll be sorry. Stuck in your head all day long. Trust Me(l)!!)

No.

Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. Do the hustle. Do the hustle. Doot doot doot do doot doot do do do. Do the hustle.

Anywho... Yeah. Room was gross, dirty and depressing. So we left to find a liquor store. Heheheh. But we actually did. Because Mellyman wanted to pick up a couple bottles of his favourite premium tequila that is like less than half the price of what it sells for in Canada at our L.C.B.O. And I wanted to tag along and marvel at how ugly American liquor stores are. Like the ones we have in Canada are actually beautiful. Nicely decorated. New. Tasteful. Like a Whole Foods. But for lushes. Then again. Our prices are like double or thriple what yours are. Thus. Maybe we don't. Got something going on.

Then we got gas.

Again. Way cheaper. dam nit!

And headed to my preferred shopping spot. Which was WEGMANS!!!!

Oh sweet Wegmans!!!! Home of all my lil treatsies that are not available in Canada: Chiavetta's marinade, Good Seasons Italian Dressing, Combos, these pretzel cheese sandwich thingies I forgot their name, Flipside crackers, oyster crackers, Campbell's Cream of Shrimp soup, dried meat in a jar, Nutter Butters, Fluffernutter, oh man!!!! Especially Nutter Butters and Fluffernutter to make homemade Fluffernutterbutters.

As you can see: I am a true foodie. Highbrowish. Even.


a la Homer Simpson


Cheers, Mel.


Edited to add: We still got one more chapter in Buffalo. Sorry. I can't like to rush things.