TKers Take the Fifth!

[M&N]

At least we do agree about Mark Martin!

The place at Hershey is under cover but you do have to get there first. The first show is at 2. I may go then and get a drink and have some popcorn! Monday I'm going to Reading---Vanity Fair Outlets.

 

[racetrack18kb]

Take an umbrella and you will be all set if you get there right before the concert starts.

We might go feed the fish on Monday. There is a fish hatchery a couple of minutes from here. You can feel the fish and/or take a walk through the "woods". It's a nice afternoon without spending a lot of money.

I'm outta here for tonight. Curt wants to get a new tattoo and I'm off to find something exceptable for my taste. I've pretty much picked all his tattoos so far so why should this one be any different. Maybe I'll post pics of the final options tomorrow and see what y'all think.

Night.

GO KYLE!!!!

 

[M&N]

Yeah! We can vote on it! He didn't let us see any fancy hair so it's the least he can do!
Night...

 

[Shmu]

Wow. What a week. My brain hurts.
One quiz, one exam (essay style), and having to start a research paper that is due next week.

Yesterday I actually turned on the tv specifically looking for cartoons so I could have a brain vacation from all the studying. Fred Flinstone did the trick.

One lady started crying before the exam and one lady left the room after the exam crying. First lady didn't know about the exam and had just lost her grandmother. Teacher is letting her take it Monday instead.

Don't know about the second lady but the teacher assured us she was fine. I wanted to jump up and run after her but after the teacher started telling us not to worry she was fine I was thinking maybe the lady wanted to be alone.

Wasn't able to go back and read everything but I did see that whgn is staying in a castle.My DH's dream is to go to Scotland or Ireland. Hope she posts pics when she's back. I'm sure she will. DH would love to see them.

I texted MagiKitty on Wednesday wishing her luck. Can't wait to hear how it went. I bet she had fun no matter what happened.

Well, I'm off for now. Going to try and just have some relaxed fun today. I can work on my paper tomorrow. I need to get my head out of the books for a while. I was so brain dead last night when I got home I looked like a robot. DH thought it was funny. I went straight to bed. Feeling better this morning but I hear the stores calling my name. Might be a good day for shopping. (Window shopping that is. We still have people that owe us A LOT of money)

Big Hugs to everyone.

 

[M&N]

Hey Prof! Glad Fred was helpful! I remember crying in grad school. The prof was loading us down with assignments and reading---it was adolescent lit. She was giving same assignments she gave during the regular session. We were in summer school. The hours were the same but our class period was longer so less days. The library wasn't open on Sat nights and only half days on Sundays. When I was asking a question, I started crying. Others did speak up too. She did reconsider and knocked some off. It was embarrasing but others were feeling the pinch too and I was the hero! It is stressful so watch Fred when needed!

I can't wait to find out when Kitty's show is on! I'm sure we will get some behind the scenes scoop from her.

And Whgrn is castle hopping!

Those of us in the east are just trying to stay dry!

 

[M&N]

 

[Pikester]

That was me walking around the track about a half an hour ago. It wasn't raining when I started but man when it did start...WOW!


Shmu: Hang in there girl!

Sometimes it's just one of those days.

Go do some of this

and then do some of this

 

[mariezp]

Morning ladies. DH took the dog in for her surgery this morning. I'm going to get to work finishing up the laundry and start packing. We should be leaving tomorrow morning unless DD can talk DH into hitting the road when he gets in this evening. She is ready to go! My camera got here in time to take so I will be sure to snap a few pictures and get in a little practice.... assuming I can figure out how to use it. Guess I will have to wait until Monday to hear how Kitty's taping went. Ya'll have a great weekend!

 

[DL55]

Pikester Sorry to hear of your loss.
Shmu Welcome to the joys of college. At least you didn't cry. I wanted to throttle the professor of my last math class.
whgrn How neat to stay in a real castle. Be glad you don't have to clean it.

Hi to everyone else.
I've lost one of the "stones" in my engagement ring. My DH asked if I knew where it was. I can barely see it without a magnifying glass. It's not the main diamond...I hope it won't cost too much to replace.

 

[M&N]

I just had a duh moment...I realize that's really nothing new but...I thought I fixed my siggie ok but today I could not see the bottom of it. I went to fix it but it looked ok there. Then it hit me......stretch out the window and there it was! Except now I cannot see the side to pop up the other screens I use for smilies and stuff...Oh well...can't have everything!

While I'm in the complaining mood...the DIS keeps sending me notifications and they go in my regular box. Yesterday and before they went to the spam box where they should go. I checked and the DIS isn't listed in my mail address box. I went to options here and said not to notify me of responses but still getting them!

Shall I complain about the weather too? Getting things together to geet to mopm's before the storm gets here.

Trying to send you the pic Racer...it's taking 15 min so far for 1 pic! I did not make it smaller. Hope it's the right one. When I upload to Photobucket, should I do it to a larger size? I thought you could change the size there but guess not???

Gotta get going as soon as pic finishes...Have a great one...Keep dry!

Can't wait to hear about Kitty's adventure!!!

 

[M&N]

I feel better. The pic was sent..hopefully the right one! Plus I think I stopped the notifications from going the wrong place.

See what a little complaining can do?

 

[Pikester]

M&N: So what are your official dates that you will be at Disney? I will be there from 11/29--12/6. I believe that Marie shows up a few days after my arrival date. Are we going to be able to meet?

 

[whgrn]

Greetings from Glasgow!

Well, you all spent the night in a castle last night, how did you like it? And some of you went with me to afternoon tea today--I got some funny looks from people as I was taking the photo!

Pikester, my sympathies on your loss. Sukie too.

Right now I am doing laundry and thinking about making dinner. Yeah, I get to cook tonite!

Daily trip report will be posted after dinner....

Still no word from Kitty??? where IS that girl???

 

[D&DDisney]

Good Afternoon,
Mom is closing on her house(s) to day. Hope it went well, cause dear sis insisted that she just go to help Mom out and I am not one to get into a fight about it, so I let her go. Will have to check in with Mom later to see how it went.

I'm outta here for tonight. Curt wants to get a new tattoo and I'm off to find something exceptable for my taste. I've pretty much picked all his tattoos so far so why should this one be any different. Maybe I'll post pics of the final options tomorrow and see what y'all think.

Can't wait to see pics. Hope its not in an "unmentionalble" place.

[
Hi to everyone else.
I've lost one of the "stones" in my engagement ring. My DH asked if I knew where it was. I can barely see it without a magnifying glass. It's not the main diamond...I hope it won't cost too much to replace.

I had that happen once. Luckily I saw it come out and was able to find it (with the help of a ) and take it to the jewelers. Good luck!

D&D: Sisters can be a pain sometimes!--Well I guess DS11 did have a good time after all. I'm glad he enjoyed himself on those scary looking rollercoasters!---Since we are staying at POP we got the QSDP. We were given the option to upgrade to the BDP but since we had planned on getting the QSDP and trying it out we decided to stick with it.---And no, you do not sound like one of those people.

On a sad note, DH's grandmother (Grammy C) passed away Tuesday afternoon. DH and DS11 were at a concert so I wasn't able to tell DH until very early Wednesday morning. We went to the funeral today at noon and then the whole family met at a local bar for a "Celebration of Life". Everything was done the way that Grammy C wanted it. Short service, only close family members and a couple of friends, no muss, no fuss.

We got the regular dining in the PIN code, so I am excited to actually make some ADRs this time.
So sorry to hear about Grammy.

I'm going to Florida!!!!! In December!!!! Getting plane tickets!!!! Mom said she would go so I have to get on AirTran for tickets. I can go nonstop from Harrisburg with them...and they are cheaper than USAir right now.

So jealous that you, Pikester and Marie will all be at WDW about a WEEK before me. Maybe Marie will still be there when we arrive.

Marie - How long are you staying at Disney??? What are your dates?

Kitty - So, are you a millionaire?????

 

[whgrn]

Friday, July 31 Fintry to Glasgow

Well, my night in a castle was just great! Slept well but woke up really early, so I just lay in bed thinking about my day until it was time to get up! I had a nice breakfast in the dungeon. I am getting so used to porridge and yogurt every morning, don’t know what I will do if I can’t keep it up while on the tour!

I drove down to Glasgow and returned my car. I did decide that having a car in the city was just silly, so I saved the money by turning it in a day and a half early, and promptly spent half of that money on a taxi into town! (I’ll spend the other half tomorrow getting back to the airport to meet my tour group)

My hotel was hard to find, so I had to call and ask “where are you?” Turns out we were right outside their door, it just wasn’t marked at all. It was only 11 am, and checkin was at 3, so I was delighted to learn my room was ready. I headed up to my room, dumped the luggage and my coat (it was warm and sunny out), and had a look around. This is QUITE a difference from last night’s lodgings! All very modern, one full wall of windows for the bedroom and living room. It really is more of an apartment than a hotel. It has 2 separate rooms plus a bathroom and entry. The living room has a full kitchen, complete with stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher, and washer/dryer! The furnitures are sort of Danish modern, which I hate, and the walls are stark white with nothing on them. But the place is immaculately clean, well lit, and in a great location, and the price is right, so I will not complain about the décor!

Having obtained a map of the city, I was delighted to see that my hotel was in walking distance of the Underground, as well as some of the things I wanted to see. So I set out to the Underground first, bought a day pass for about $6.50, and headed towards my first destination--the Scotland Street School Museum.

What a cool place! The school was built in 1906, and was in use until 1979. The classrooms held SIXTY students each!! They had rooms set up the way they would have been in Victorian times, during WWII, and in the 50s-60s. It was just fascinating. Lots of information about how the kids had to evacuate to the countryside during the war, too. I can’t even imagine.

When I came out of the museum, it was raining and had turned cold. I took the Underground back to my starting point, and headed to the Willow Tea Room for afternoon tea (today’s lunch). I had to pass the hotel, so I stopped in and grabbed my coat, which was much better. I then walked the 2 blocks to the tearoom. This place is quite famous and was highly recommended, so I put it on my list of things to do. I was not disappointed. The sandwiches were yummy--cucumber, ham, egg mayonnaise (egg salad), and a smoked salmon one (yuck) that I skipped. The scone was outstanding, with cream and jam. I had selected carrot cake for my sweet choice, but the frosting was just toooooo rich, so I only had a couple of bites. The peppermint tea was warm and delicious, very nice in the cold weather.

Following tea, I walked up the road to the Tenement House. This was the thing I most wanted to see in Glasgow. The woman who lived there for over 50 years never threw anything out, so her entire life was documented in minute detail. It gave an intimate look at life in the early to mid 20th century in a tenement. Now, I always though of tenements as slums. But apparently there are different kinds, and this was more of a working-class place. Most assuredly not a slum. There were 4 rooms and a “lobby”--a bedroom, a parlor, a kitchen, and an indoor bathroom! But they had to use a wash-house out in the back for their laundry. The stone steps would have been a trial, especially in wet weather. But 6 people could sleep there, 2 in the bedroom, and 2 each in the kitchen and in a closet-like area that was apparently outlawed at one point due to no circulation of air! It was really interesting and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Next I took the Underground to the other side of town to see the Museum of Transport. This place was cool. It looks at all different sorts of transportation in Glasgow from the l1800s to now. Tram cars, subways, trains, carriages, cars, boats, even a hearse! It was really interesting seeing how people got around years ago. Makes me appreciate my nice cushy Toyota, and the modern plane I flew here in!

After taking the underground back to “my neighborhood” I went in search of an ATM, as funds were getting low. I rarely use cash at home, but here I have been using a lot more. I was delighted to find a Marks and Spencer across the street from the ATM, so I decided to get something there for dinner. That way, I could eat while the laundry was going. So I got a Cottage Pie (like Shepherd’s Pie, but with beef instead of lamb), some lemonade, and a chocolate croissant. I am really impressed with M&S in particular, and with Scotland in general. There is no high fructose corn syrup in anything I’ve seen--it all uses sugar. And no trans fats either! Makes it so nice for me, since I don’t eat those things. I also got some stuff for breakfast so I won’t have to eat out--yogurt, fresh squeezed OJ, and another chocolate croissant. On the way back, I noticed a long line of teenagers that wound around the block. I have NO idea what they were lined up for, but apparently Glasgow has its own version of Slut Night, becuase the way these girls were dressed was obscene! One girl looked to be wearing no more than a bikini top and a tutu!!


Back at the hotel, I put in a load of wash, which at this time has taken nearly 2 hours and is not finished! I will be doing laundry all night!! I cooked my dinner, a nice change from going out to eat all the time, and just relaxed, checking email, watching TV, and finding info on a city sightseeing tour for tomorrow. Since I saw all the places I wanted to see today, I have free time tomorrow until about 1 pm, when I have to head out to the airport to meet my tour.

I wonder if this wash cycle will EVER end????

 

[D&DDisney]

Whgrn - How many hours ahead of ET are you??? Funny how your day is done while ours is only 1/2 over.

 

[whgrn]

D&D, I am 5 hours ahead of ET. It's just about 9 pm here.

BTW, that wash FINALLY finished after 2 hours 10 minutes! I did notice a "quick wash" setting which I will use for the next load. Right now it is drying, which is also taking forever. After 30 minutes its pretty much as wet as when it went in! I am gonna be doing laundry until midnight...

 

[Pikester]

whgrn: I am just amazed how much walking you are getting done! Glad to hear that you are getting to see everything that you want.

marie: Any updates on your doggie?

DL55: Sorry to hear about your ring. DH came home a couple of weeks ago after taking the kids swimming to tell me that he had lost his wedding band while his hand was hanging out the window of his car. He's lost some weight over the years since we got married so his wedding band was loose. He plans on replacing it sometime this Fall when he has more time to go looking.

D&D: Sorry to hear that DSis has been giving you grief.

 

[mariezp]

I am still hanging around wasting time until we leave in the morning. I never could get in the mood to pack but I think I have tossed the bare minimum in ye old suitcases. Lord knows we shouldn't need much for such a short trip. I just hope I don't leave out anything important. It would be rather embarrassing to be running around half naked! I did get all my laundry done today!
The vet called DH who went on and on about what a wonderful vet we have. He had called to let us know that our dog, Tess, had made it through the surgery fine. They spayed her and got the tumor out. He said it was pretty nasty looking but thinks we got to it fairly early. Now just have to wait for the tests to come back. He said they were going to give her some meds to keep her calm and restful while we are gone. I think even if we had not been going out of town I would have rather her stayed at the vet a few days so she did not come home sore and grumpy. Probably the best way to keep DD away from her and let her recoup a bit.

Shmu, I hope you get a chance to rest your brain this weekend.

Pikester, so sorry to hear about Grammy C. Try to be comforted by the fact that she will suffer no more.

DL55, too bad about losing one of the stones in your ring. Here's hoping it doesn't cost too much to get fixed. I had a beautiful set made when we first got married but the stones kept coming loose. All the diamonds were prong set and I guess I kept knocking them out. I eventually had it reworked and ended up getting all the stones channel set but even that didn't work. I think maybe just I had a crappy jeweler because I don't think I could have been that rough. Anyway, I gave up and put the ring away. Now I just wear a band.

M&N, I just noticed your ticker! Looks like we will be arriving at WDW the same day! For some reason I thought you were going later in November. So Pikester will be there 11/29-12/6 and I will be there 12/2-12/16. Could there be a possible mini TKer meet on the horizon?
D&DDisney, You are arriving on the 16th, right. We will be leaving that day. So close! We may just end up passing each other in the airport.

Hi whgrn! Cool! I really was in a castle last night! Too bad it was only the flat me. Probably the only chance I will ever get. Also, very cool dining in a dungeon and having afternoon tea. You are going to be real disappointed when you come back to the regular old dull stuff at home. It sounds like you are seeing some very interesting stuff. Well, except for the obscene teens.

Where is Kitty? Wonder if she is off spending her million?

Oh, I took a few test shots with the new camera that got here just in time to take this weekend. I thought it looks to take some pretty clear photos. What do ya'll think?

Guess I better get to bed. DH says we are leaving EARLY in the morning. We will see if he is singing the same tune in the morning. I figure if we hit the road by 8:30 we will be doing good. Talk to everyone when we get back! Have a good weekend!

 

[racetrack18kb]

Hello everyone!!! I had a nice relaxing day by myself. Curt took the kids with him down to Philly to pick up some checks he had down at the office. What should have been a 2 1/2 hour trip turned into 4 hours with a stop for lunch and horrendous traffic. It was so nice to veg out on the computer without having to play referee all day.

marie, hope you have a wonderful birthday trip. And that picture you posted looks great. On a side note, DD13 has that same exact shirt your DD is wearing. Marie happens to be one of her favorite characters and she was so thrilled when we saw that shirt for the first time.

M&N, WOOHOO!!! Another trip to Disney and it is looking like you all could pull off a mini-meet. Ok, who's taking the flat tkers to WDW? I'm due for a trip since by then it will be over a year since I've been there.

Pikester, I don't wear a wedding ring and neither does DH. In fact, his is sitting on the desk right in front of me. I haven't worn mine since I had DD6. I need to get it resized but just never got around to it. I've actually seriously thought about getting one tattooed on my finger.

Oh, and I wanted to ask you about your suggestion a while back about having a tker meet in NYC. How possible would that be for you and Sukie? I'd love to do it. I haven't been to NYC since I was a kid and I know Curt wants to go there with the kids.

D&D, no tattoos in unmentionable places. We have a working idea right now and have to see if the girl who did his last tattoo is working anywhere. She did great work last time and we would like for her to do the next one.

Wendy, trip report is great. I wish I were there. Did you take a picture of flat me and some hottie in a kilt?