TKers Take the Fifth!

[D&DDisney]

okay... now I really have to go.

 

[racetrack18kb]

Woohoo! Bagpipes!!! I'll trade ya, Wendy. You take the sax, clarinet, and drums and I'll take the bagpipes. DD13 is obsessed at the moment with celtic music because of the violins in it.

D&D, Buenos noches. Hasta luego!

 

[racetrack18kb]

Maybe for next year's meet we should have all the kids perform for us.
Well either be or

No, we'll be and that ain't plain coke in that cup either.

 

[racetrack18kb]

Ok, now to go back and reply to everyone. I'm a little slow tonight.

pepper, yo where've you been?! Been missing you around here. How are you doing? You know, I think of you often. Keep in touch, either here to there or there or there. I'm always around somewhere.

Bopsmom, (see I can get the name right ), sounds like you had a wonderful time up in NYC. So if we can pull off a NYC tker meet next year, are you up for it? Do you have some pics to post for us besides the ones on facebook? I haven't been to NYC since I was 13 (many moons ago). Now you just need to post a trip report for all of us.

MK, I gotta ask you since you obviously played Millionaire at home. Did you find that while you were there, that you didn't know as many answers as compared to when you were at home? As we watched tonight, I found myself yelling out answers while the other contestants were using their lifelines. Just curious....if being there makes you panic and forget things.

Wendy, where the heck are my pictures? You know, the men in kilts? What's taking so long?

M&N, where are you? It's Monday and you have me worried.

 

[racetrack18kb]

Wendy, I totally forgot about this in all the excitement of DS possibly playing the bagpipes. We have Commerce/TD Bank. Curt has the newer/older Commerce card. The blue one with the big giant red C on it. I have the new green card that says TD Bank on it. Usually when we are out shopping together, he'll ask me what card to put it on. Most things go on the debit card since we try to stay away from the actual credit cards. I always tell him the "green card" since that's what I have. Poor man will look through his wallet trying to find the "green card". After that total look of confusion, I remember to tell him the bank card. Don't know what's worse, him not know what I mean when I say the green card after a year or so, or me not remember that he has the old blue card.

 

[Bopsmom]

OK, you guys want to talk about painful "music" from your kids? I brought DS a set of bagpipes from Scotland! Oh boy, I am in for a treat...

That's just CRAZY!Bagpipes!

Yeah, but that's just one kid. Add in the violin (she sounds good) but also the sax. And I know DD8 has mentioned both the clarinet and flute in passing. Do you know what my house is going to sound like. Know any good brands for those headphones that block out all noise?

I was concerned last year when DD started band. She had a choice but Thankfully chose flute. I was considering soundproofing the greenhouse for her.
Maybe you should look into getting a 8x12 shed for outdoors and making it their studio.

Well ladies...its been fun, but I've got to go fill out forms and write checks for kids school fees. Tomorrow is the day to take all this fun stuff into school.

Buenos noches!

Ouch! those checks can be painful.

DD has orientation (just putting stuff in her locker really) on Thursday.
She and I aren't ready for school to start. I added my name to the Elementary School Sub list this year along with the MS one.

I want to just work a few days a month and not burn out like last year. The secretary at the MS was a Bword and I really didn't like the way she treated me(resident)or the other subs.

No, we'll be and that ain't plain coke in that cup either.

Sounds like an idea!

Ok, now to go back and reply to everyone. I'm a little slow tonight.


Bopsmom, (see I can get the name right ), sounds like you had a wonderful time up in NYC. So if we can pull off a NYC tker meet next year, are you up for it? Do you have some pics to post for us besides the ones on facebook? I haven't been to NYC since I was 13 (many moons ago). Now you just need to post a trip report for all of us.

We really did have a great time-thank you. I would love to take DD back for her 13th bday next spring.

We will definitely be staying at that hotel again. Having a kitchette in the room was nice. There was a corner grocery just steps away. We had breakfast early in the room and could get out faster for tours, have luch out and could bring back leftovers(cheescake)for late night snacking after sightseeing until midnight.
We will be getting the city pass again too-it was great. One price (it was $95kids and 115adults) and admissions to 70 attractions and front of the line privileges to boot. It pays for itself after just a couple of tours and you don't have to fumble with money for admissions.

I decided to forgo the double decker busses it was too packed and slow for such a short trip. We rode the subway for transportation. I wanted to teach DD how to ride it and not be afraid-you hear such stories. It was an education for DM too.

Next time, I think we will get a day pass for the busses just to see the city and still ride the subway for getting around fast.

We got DD a great string bag that had the subway map on it. We used her for our map. Even other people on the subway asked to look at her 'map'(a cute foreign teenage boy) it was funny watching her show him the stops/transfers-gonna haveta' watch that girl.

About pictures......
DD only got a few the first afternoon and then her camera battery died.
We charged it at home and didn't bring the charger along since it's usually good for a few days. We got home and wouldn't take a charge.

She did take a few with her camera and text them to her dad. Especially at the Am. History Museum (that's one of DH's favorite movies). She sent him a picture of Rexy captioned 'come play fetch' and one of the Easter Island head with the caption-'send more money dumdum'.

She used DM's camera but DM didn't leave the disk for me to copy. Hopefully we will have some to share soon. The evening Harbor cruise was great. I had never seen the Statue of Liberty.
We decided to go last minute friday evening instead of Saturday. We wouldn't have gotten to go Saturday because they closed the tours due to the search/recovery efforts of that terrible accident.

We went to Junior's twice! DD ate cheesecake the entire trip! She want to be a pastry chief and I bought her the cookbook.
We already have an idea for making a Junior-esque cheese cake of our own. While we appreciated their attempt to make a cheesecake for "southern' tastes-Red Velvet Cake. We HATE red velvet cake. Shhh don't tell we might get drummed out of the club.I won't tell you too much more because DD wants to work out the recipe herself. Let's just say, if it goes together as planned-it will be award winning!

Wendy, where the heck are my pictures? You know, the men in kilts? What's taking so long?

Yeah!


Well guys, I gotta go do laundry. I'll check back later.

 

[MagiKitty]

Good morning! Bright and sunny here, and I feel it! Even if it rains something terrible every evening, if it'll be this gorgeous during the day, I'll take it! Supposed to be another hot one today--woo-hoo!

Racetrack, honestly at the show, we all panicked. We had to be at the studio by 8:30am, but we didn't tape until 4pm. I think they do that to wear us down. By the time we were walking down to the studio, we were just beat and like, "let's just get this over with". We weren't allowed to bring anything with us, so no last minute cramming. Just a bunch of stranger thrown together for 8 hours, it really gets on the nerves. I totally blanked out on the first fastest finger question, but after that, I knew all the questions! It took a lot of restraint not to yell out the answers, or even murmur enough to give the hot seater a hint. It was tough emotionally more than mentally.

Despite my reservations about looking foolish on a national platform, eveyone has been so kind and generous towards me. I've been feeling fuzzy and loved since last night. I actually got teary about it. I am so so blessed to have people like this in my life! BF was like "why are you so upset?" Its not that I was upset, its just you don't realize how wonderful people are on a day to day basis. I really should work on that.

My laptop has been yelling at me lately and I just figured out its because the button on my wireless mouse is stuck. I banged it around some more and it seems to have fixed things. We'll have to see. I was really worried that my laptop was going to implode.....

Bopsmom....so glad to hear you had a wonderful time. I'll have to look up that hotel. And I won't tell anyone you don't like red velvet cake, if I can have your piece instead!

Let's have a good day everyone!

 

[M&N]

I'm home. Sorry I worried you Racetrack. Mom had a dr appointment Mon am and then we went to lunch at Bird-In-Hand...had to run ro get D&D's things and some yummy peaches. Mom's been having a tooth/jaw/headache so she made a dentist appointment for Tue am. It was sooo hat Mon that I decided just to stay with her so I could get her to dentist.

We were so excited at 8 but when that guy came on. I was worried that I had the wrong date. Then he got off and they started introducing the new contestants. Why was Kitty almost last? I just kept waiting and then there she was...I yelled to Mom---that's her! Mom said she's cute...she's one you met? Your outfit was very nice. I could not see the Mickey ears but told mom you had some on! We kept rooting for that silly girl to miss so we could have another try! When the question came up I said I know she'll get this one right! And I'm with Curt---why did they have to have the celebrity on and waste our time? Anyway Kitty---we're proud of you. I can imagine the stesss was high but you made us proud. My mom would not have watched it if you weren't on...she can't stand Regis.

I think the shed idea would be good for the budding musicians! remember that when you move Racer.

I was so worried when I heard about the crash on the Hudson this weekend! I remembered Bopsmom was doing a cruise on the river. I heard an eye witness that was on a boat report about it. I'm glad you had a great time.

HI Pepper! Come back soon!

Pikester: What else is going to happen to you? Poor thing. I think that's something we all are afraid of doing...I know I've almost done it. Thankfully you have a great dh!

Glad you are back on east coast time ok Whgrn. we are waiting for those kilt pics!

I see D&D was is rare form---great jokes!

I need to get off...poor teacher friends have computer class inservice and are calling me for lunch...

 

[D&DDisney]

Was all set to go to school this morning, but office doesn't open until this afternoon. School fees aren't too bad this year - $80 for both kids. Not sure where all this money goes at a public school. They do get assignment notebooks, but we still have to buy all the other supplies like crayons, pens, markers, etc. That is one expensive assignment notebook.

Fresh veggies are starting to come out of the garden now. Woo hoo! Nothing like fresh cukes, tomatoes, onions, beans and corn. Mmmm! I'm even freezing some this year. It's not like me to be so Martha Stewart. However, I am enjoying the fresh salads for lunch each day. And soon I will have enough tomatoes for fresh salsa.

No, we'll be and that ain't plain coke in that cup either.

I'll toast to that!

we went to lunch at Bird-In-Hand...had to run ro get D&D's things and some yummy peaches. Mom's been having a tooth/jaw/headache so she made a dentist appointment for Tue am. It was sooo hat Mon that I decided just to stay with her so I could get her to dentist.

My mom would not have watched it if you weren't on...she can't stand Regis.

I see D&D was is rare form---great jokes!

Welcome back M&N. Thanks for picking up that stuff. I hope you didn't go out of your way to get it. Mom comes first and my childish souvies can wait.
Hope mom is feeling better.

I was having fun last night. Very rare that I get on the ol computer at night so I was enjoying it. Plus, I was talking to my favorite people.

next to my immediate family of course.

Bopsmom - Glad you are taking it a little easier this year. Elementary subbing is fun. Tons of work with those little ones, but fun.
Did you ever translate that one sentence for me????
Maybe you can post a few words, sentenses each day to help my Spanish???

 

[DL55]

Oh I can't believe I misssed the first half of Millionaire. I'm so mad at myself.

Glad to see almost everyone is back from their busy weekends.

 

[Bopsmom]

Bopsmom - Glad you are taking it a little easier this year. Elementary subbing is fun. Tons of work with those little ones, but fun.
Did you ever translate that one sentence for me????
Maybe you can post a few words, sentenses each day to help my Spanish???

I'm sorry, what/which sentence? was it one I wrote?

I copied one of DD's worksheets from SPI (and filled it out) for you......hope it helps...


Frases Útiles-Useful Phrases
De la maestro (From/Of the Teacher)

1. Abran el libro – Open the Book
2. Cierren el libro - Close the Book
3.Levántense – Stand (or get up)
4. Siéntense - Sit
5. Levanten la mano(s) - Raise your hand(s)
6. Bajen la mano(s) – Put down your hand(s)
7. Escuchen - Listen
8. Repitan - Repeat
9. Saquen una hoja de papel Take out a sheet of paper.
10. Silencio, por favor. Quiet Please
11. Miren la pizarra Look at the board
12. ¿Qué significa…? What is the importance…..
13. ¿Qué dije? How did you work that?
14. ¿Puedes leer…? Can you read (this)/Could you read….?
15. Dime….. Tell me…….
16. ¿Hay preguntas? Any Questions?
17. Pásenme… Pass…….(Turn in/hand out)
18. Entreguen la tarea Do this assignment
19. Quiten todo de la mesa Take Everything off the desk(table)
20. Estamos en la página… Everyone turn to page…..
21. Está bien. That’s good.
22. ¿Cómo están? How are you(class)?

De los estudiantes (from the Students)
23. Buenos días Good Morning/Day
24. Buenas tardes Good Afternoon
25. ¿Cómo se dice…en español? How do you say ______in Spanish?
26. ¿Cómo se escribe…? How do you spell …
27. Más despacio, por favor. More slowly, please.
28. ¿Puedo ir por mi cuaderno? May I get my binder?
29. No entiendo. I don’t understand.
30. No sé. I don’t know
31. ¿Puede repetir? Could you repeat(that)
32. Perdón. Pardon/excuse me
33. Tengo una pregunta. I have a question.
34. ¿Puedo ir al baño? May I go to the restroom.
35. lo siento I get it.
36. ¿Puede ayudarme? May you help?
37. ¿Perdón? Pardon?
38. ¡Claro que sí! I understand!


also a saving grace.... http://translation2.paralink.com/ but don't count on it too much-it defeats the purpose and doesn't translate too well.

 

[MagiKitty]

M&N...please thank your mother for suffering through an hour of Regis on my behalf. Tell her she's quite cute herself! And that I hope she feels better right away....

been tooling around on target.com....

Have to make my final payment for September trip sometime this week. gave the BF one last chance to get out of it! He says, we're on, just have to figure out what night to do La Nouba. I've also convinced him to attend a sneak peak at the new Tinkerbell movie for AP holders. Not too interested in the movie, but anytime Disney wants to give me something, I'm taking it! I thought it would be a neat thing to do, and get out of the afternoon heat....but boy do I hate putting such a large purchase on the card! At least I'll get some Disney rewards out of it.

 

[M&N]

....but boy do I hate putting such a large purchase on the card! At least I'll get some Disney rewards out of it.

YEAH for those Disney rewards! It does make spending feel a little better knowing you'll have a little more to spend when there. I am going to try and get Mom to get one just to get the $100 gift card she can spend this trip.

 

[MagiKitty]

Go Sloan! I watched Millionaire again tonight....I was with these people on my taping day. Sloan was really nice, he was the one person who I really had a conversation with. I hope he continues to do well tomorrow.

I found out you could play at home versus others and although I came in late, I finished 409 out of 5,286. Gotta keep sharp if they call again.

Well, I made my final payment. I'm mostly glad I don't have deal with this wingnut again. She called me and said that she'd charge the rest of my vacation---$688. I asked, are you sure? She said, yes you're staying 9/30-10/7. I said no, the last time we spoke, I had told you that we were arriving on 9/27. She goes, "well, there were so many changes to this reservation." I told her, "and you're supposed to stay on top of these things.". I was so disappointed in her. I just hope she doesn't screw up my final paper work.

M&N....the reward card is $100 now? It was $40 when I signed up. Go get your mom to sign up for it if she'll use it. That's a lot of Mickey bars!

 

[racetrack18kb]

MK, congrats on paying off your vacation! Did you use a TA?

 

[whgrn]

OK, drumroll please..... here are some of the pictures. I will start with the ones of you guys enjoying your trip to Scotland!!

The Disney Store, Princes Street, Edinburgh

The promised picture of all of you with a kilted bagpiper!

You're spending the night in a castle!

The Hershey gang joined me for hot cocoa and goodies (MK, Racetrack, D&D, M&N)

The gang in my Glasgow flat, overlooking the city

LITC, Shmu, Lighttech, Marie, and DL55 taking high tea with me at the Willow Tea Room

Pikester, Sukie, Pepper, Ev, and Bopsmom (with DD) relaxing by the fire at the hotel on Loch Lomond

 

[M&N]

You rock, Whgrn! Way creative! I hope none of us got sick in your Glasgow flat so high up! They really turned out great. Did you tell us what the bag piper had to say about the Flat TKers?

 

[whgrn]

I don't know why the pix are posting so huge. I did put them on Photobucket in the smaller size. Hmmmm....

Anyway, here are a few more. If you want to see all of them, check out my Facebook page.

Mel Gibson has a twin! On the Royal Mile near Edinburgh Castle

Me at the Edinburgh Castle

Some strange folks from the Fringe Festival

Edinburgh Military Tatoo

Some Heiland Coos relaxing in the field

Me with a bagpiper at Neptune's Staircase

A clan chief at the clan parade

Clan Johnstone preparing for the parade

A braw bonnie lad at the pageant.

The Devil's Beeftub--where the Johnston's (and other clans) hid the cattle we stole!

Scottish traffic jam!

The castle we all spent the night in

Wedding party at our hotel

Me at Stirling Castle

 

[whgrn]

OK, here are the pictures you've REALLY been waiting for!

High Tea at the Balmoral--all this food for TWO people!!

A bakery window in St. Andrews. One of everything please!

"Timbale of Roasted Vegetables"--at the hunting lodge. It tasted as good as it looked!

Scotch Pie with baked beans and chips (pub meal in Castle Douglas)

My dessert one night--I think it was some kind of mousse. it was YUMMY!

Some sort of chocolate cake thing, with marmalade ice cream

I think this was lemon mousse with rasperries.

Haggis!!! (yes, it DOES look like a loaf of bread...)

So...are ya hungry yet??

 

[whgrn]

M&N, the piper thought the whole thing was hilarious!