VWL Groupies & Lovers Thread (Special Collectors Edition 2.5) updated 2 February 2025

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Birthday Dynaguy!


Yay Kathy! Happy for you that you got the all clear to go on your trip and that you are all done with the weekly therapy visits.

 

[eliza61]

So every once in a while it seems my fellow country men kinda of lose our way and every thing in the news seems ugly and mean...

But I never really lose faith because I've seen us at our best when times were really dark, so with no redeeming value at all, here are a few pictures of small things that make us uniquely, weirdly, happily, crazyingly American.



I work for DuPont, we develop most of the paint for Nascar cars and sponsors the Jeff Gordon car. He always stops by when a race is in Delaware.



Mudrun for charity. God bless these people. LOL



Vintage fire truck show I ran across.



Can't have "happy" without the mouse world


Took me a long time to go to the 9-11 memorial. If you have a chance to visit, go.


Captain America. LOL



Now where would this be?

Stay Happy my friends.

 

[sleepydog25]

Eliza, you have a way of putting smiles on my face and I'm certain on others, as well. You're absolutely right that we face so much tragic news every day that we often tend to lose sight that so much in our lives (for the majority of us, anyway) is tender, thoughtful, caring, funny, and transcendent. Thanks for reminding me again.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Happy Birthday Dynaguy!!!




Jimmy.....SOOOOO exciting about your daughter's upcoming wedding! Having gone through this just a few short months ago, I can't wait to hear all about it.

 

[Corinne]

Happy Birthday Dynaguy!!

 

[twokats]

Yea Kathy! Keep up the good work! At 'our' age, those 'ole bones don't heal as quick as they once did. You should be in pretty good shape for your cruise, right?

We leave in 28 days for a quick stay at WDW and then on to the Fantasy for a glorious week in the Eastern Caribbean. I had really expected by six months that I would be almost healed. I know the arm took the worst of the breaks, and since there was a risk of more surgery I am extremely lucky to be as far into the healing as I am.

twokats
I too have thought how much of a trooper you have been through it all, and how much you have inspired so many of us. Keep on the sunny side as its way better than the alternative for sure...as you have done

Thank you. I have taken lessons from my absolutely amazing daughter. She is almost always so bubbly and with her disability has to work doubly hard to accomplish even simple tasks. I will admit I have had at least one pity party, but with bad bones and all, I have to admit, I may have some achy joints, but I can walk without help and even though my arm is still very weak, I can accomplish some cleaning and cooking on my own. The Lord takes care of me.

Kathy[/B]! Happy for you that you got the all clear to go on your trip and that you are all done with the weekly therapy visits.

I let them all know that I was going on this trip no matter what and my therapists really helped me towards that goal. Having to give up the original trip in April was really hard (not to mention expensive), but I knew I would not be able to do anything with the limitations that were placed on me at that time, so the trip coming in September will be so much better. And the icing on the cake is the October trip with my darling husband. Hopefully when we are in WDW after that cruise we might be able to have a couple of meets with some that are there at the same time.

So every once in a while it seems my fellow country men kinda of lose our way and every thing in the news seems ugly and mean...

But I never really lose faith because I've seen us at our best when times were really dark, so with no redeeming value at all, here are a few pictures of small things that make us uniquely, weirdly, happily, crazyingly American.



I work for DuPont, we develop most of the paint for Nascar cars and sponsors the Jeff Gordon car. He always stops by when a race is in Delaware.



Mudrun for charity. God bless these people. LOL



Vintage fire truck show I ran across.



Can't have "happy" without the mouse world


Took me a long time to go to the 9-11 memorial. If you have a chance to visit, go.


Captain America. LOL



Now where would this be?

Stay Happy my friends.

Eliza,
Thank you so much for the pictures and the sentiments.

 

[jimmytammy]

Eliza
Love the way you put things in perspective. I believe if we gave media less of our time, and gave people more of it, and give them a chance to let us know a little more about themselves, we would all be better people. We as Americans are a resilient bunch, for sure. And we tend to come together when the need arises.

I have to share a little of myself that my folks taught me growing up that I remind myself of, esp. when I find I am thinking the wrong way. My parents, from when I was very young told me to never group people together...in other words, take each individual as that. Each person has something to contribute to make life better, each person has the ability to be somebody, to make a difference. So I found at a very early age that friends were just that, friends, no boundaries were there, even when others looked strangely at me. I have been told by a fellow groupie and very dear friend for many years that I tended to befriend those who were not popular in school, who were the outcasts so to speak. I never thought that way, but rather I befriend those who are genuine, those I knew who would be by my side even in the tough times, not the fly by nighters.

And these type of folks to me are part of the American Spirit that Eliza shows us in pics. Like so many of you folks who I call friends

 

[Corinne]

Eliza and Jimmy thanks for your posts!

 

[ottawagreg]

Took me a long time to go to the 9-11 memorial. If you have a chance to visit, go.

Eliza,

I visited the towers a few times. I was on the roof twice and rode the elevator down to the shopping mall that was where the "tub" is now. I also walked around the train station a bit. I don't think I could get through the museum with out crying like a little school girl. When I was in Dallas at the Book Depository (JFK museum) there was a man crying while watching an old black n white of Cronkite reporting the passing of Kennedy. I can only imagine how moving the site and experience of going thru must be. How long does it take to get through the exhibits? I have wondered how tall the structural cross is. What struck you the most when you visited? Is it very quiet and respectful? I sure hope so.

I have been to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier many times. On a few visits I was appalled at the disrespect and the ignorance on display. Other times it was a very somber and proud reminder of how great the U.S.A. truly is, despite these troubled times.

 

[eliza61]

Eliza,

I visited the towers a few times. I was on the roof twice and rode the elevator down to the shopping mall that was where the "tub" is now. I also walked around the train station a bit. I don't think I could get through the museum with out crying like a little school girl. When I was in Dallas at the Book Depository (JFK museum) there was a man crying while watching an old black n white of Cronkite reporting the passing of Kennedy. I can only imagine how moving the site and experience of going thru must be. How long does it take to get through the exhibits? I have wondered how tall the structural cross is. What struck you the most when you visited? Is it very quiet and respectful? I sure hope so.

I have been to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier many times. On a few visits I was appalled at the disrespect and the ignorance on display. Other times it was a very somber and proud reminder of how great the U.S.A. truly is, despite these troubled times.

Dude, you are so asking the wrong person, LOL. I cry at commercials.

I love the Unknown soldier tomb, I love DC in general but it's one of my favorite along with Arlington.

Memorials and monuments have a really tough task. How to remember and celebrate the past without becoming weighed down by it. The memorial host school trips etc, so remember for an 9-10 year old while they know about the day, it's "history" so I'm sure you'll get the occasional goofball there.

What strikes me most about the memorial and this is going to sound a bit weird for non city folks is how bright and airy it is. I grew up in Manhattan and one thing you really do get use to is the feeling of "tightness".
It's just part of your daily existence living in NY. on trains, buses, streets you are just dodging "bodies". I remember when my college roommate from Ga first visited she kept saying "pardon me" to everyone she bumped into. Are you kidding me? In times square? by the time we got 3 blocks I told her to knock it off, she'll pass out after the first day if she tries to say "excuse me" to everyone she bumps into. lol

Then of course I went to Georgia and kept breaking into my "kung fu, ninja,karate" stance because folks kept saying "good morning" to me. I think Maria, had it right when I first told this story. I probably would have passed out the first time some one offered me pie or a drink.

The "park" area where they have the waterfalls and names is very spacious and even on dreary days the lighting makes it look bright.

One thing that moved me is that folks take tracing paper and trace names just as they do on the Vietnam vet wall and they will be perfect strangers. I asked a women about it once and she said she simply wanted them to know they were not forgotten even up in heaven.

We really are a great bunch.

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Friday All!!

We are headed to the mts. for the weekend, up near Boone, NC to do some hiking and eating and sightseeing. Our DDs fiance hasnt been to the mts. before so he is looking forward to it. Sorta the last hurrah before the Big Day

And can I say, I am really wishin I was in WDW right now...just sayin

 

[twinklebug]

Happy Friday All!!

We are headed to the mts. for the weekend, up near Boone, NC to do some hiking and eating and sightseeing. Our DDs fiance hasnt been to the mts. before so he is looking forward to it. Sorta the last hurrah before the Big Day

And can I say, I am really wishin I was in WDW right now...just sayin

Hope you and the rest of the groupies have a great weekend!

I'm on board with you re:being in WDW, specifically at one of my 2 favorite resorts, but find myself wishing we were able to bring our fur-babies along (not that I'd want our DVC rooms scented and torn up from all varieties and behaviors of critters (of which some humans fall into that group ) I just miss the little ones while we're away, and having lost the one that has been with me through all times good and bad this week I can't bear the thought of leaving the others home with a sitter in the future. Not too worried though, positive I'll be ready to go on vacation to when the time comes.

Between this, and the promise I made myself years ago that I'd move away from the snow and cold, and with my youngest now a senior, it's finally time to scope out homes near the magic, even if he makes me stay up here for another few years as he commutes to school. It's amazing how much house you can get in FL for the same price as around the Boston area. A lot of homework to do learning how to tell good ones from bad) Pulling up maps and university surveys... anyone know how to predict where those infamous sink holes open up? Even Disney has problems with them. Hmmmmm...

 

[jimmytammy]

twinklebug
Updating, I tend to miss things when reading and I realized your loss just now, I am so sorry you are going through this. I struggle when we leave our furry ones behind and so wish we could carry them along for the fun. I hope your pain and loss is followed soon good memories.
I need to get you up with our friend Tearsa who lives in that area. She has some very good info on housing in the area. She lives in Clermont. Let me know if you are interested and I can make the connection.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hope you and the rest of the groupies have a great weekend!

I'm on board with you re:being in WDW, specifically at one of my 2 favorite resorts, but find myself wishing we were able to bring our fur-babies along (not that I'd want our DVC rooms scented and torn up from all varieties and behaviors of critters (of which some humans fall into that group ) I just miss the little ones while we're away, and having lost the one that has been with me through all times good and bad this week I can't bear the thought of leaving the others home with a sitter in the future. Not too worried though, positive I'll be ready to go on vacation to when the time comes.

Between this, and the promise I made myself years ago that I'd move away from the snow and cold, and with my youngest now a senior, it's finally time to scope out homes near the magic, even if he makes me stay up here for another few years as he commutes to school. It's amazing how much house you can get in FL for the same price as around the Boston area. A lot of homework to do learning how to tell good ones from bad) Pulling up maps and university surveys... anyone know how to predict where those infamous sink holes open up? Even Disney has problems with them. Hmmmmm...

I'm so sorry to hear about you losing your special fur-baby this week Twinklebug! They leave little holes in our lives when they go away but what would we have done without them?

I have the same thoughts as you on leaving them behind - especially since my heart dog is currently with me. He hates when I go away and I hate to leave him which is so conflicting because I love to travel. Of course he's always ready to go and sees zero need to be left at home. Since I have to travel for work fairly frequently it's worse to choose to go without him. We've had an incredible pet sitter the past few years that eased it a bit because I know he liked her so well but she retired at the end of June. He's my bud - almost always with me and I don't like to think about how much longer that will be. I'd definitely buy our guys seats on the airplane and bring them along if I could! Maybe the next DVC should have a Pluto and Friend's section. I know it's an idea filled with problems but I can dream anyway.

 

[DiznyDi]

Twinklebug, our 4-footed family members leave paw-prints on our hearts. Thinking of you as you say good-bye to your fur-baby.

 

[Corinne]

Happy Saturday Groupies!

twinklebug thinking of you

Eliza thanks for sharing your thoughts on the memorial....and your roommate story made me smile.

DH and I have a 1br at the BWV in a few weeks. I scored a standard view, so the points are low, but I booked it when I thought our son and gf would be joining us. He got a job pretty quickly after graduation and he decided he would skip September. Now they are coming in December! I only have a studio booked at the VWL! Wish I could just a make a quick call and make changes.

And to think, the 1BR was available at the VWL when I booked months ago! I actually was on waitlist for the studio! I don't want to give up the VWL for this trip, but fear a waitlist for a larger room may not come through.

 

[eliza61]

Hope you and the rest of the groupies have a great weekend! I'm on board with you re:being in WDW, specifically at one of my 2 favorite resorts, but find myself wishing we were able to bring our fur-babies along (not that I'd want our DVC rooms scented and torn up from all varieties and behaviors of critters (of which some humans fall into that group ) I just miss the little ones while we're away, and having lost the one that has been with me through all times good and bad this week I can't bear the thought of leaving the others home with a sitter in the future. Not too worried though, positive I'll be ready to go on vacation to when the time comes. Between this, and the promise I made myself years ago that I'd move away from the snow and cold, and with my youngest now a senior, it's finally time to scope out homes near the magic, even if he makes me stay up here for another few years as he commutes to school. It's amazing how much house you can get in FL for the same price as around the Boston area. A lot of homework to do learning how to tell good ones from bad) Pulling up maps and university surveys... anyone know how to predict where those infamous sink holes open up? Even Disney has problems with them. Hmmmmm...

I am such a bonehead, twinkle. Sorry about your fur baby. Amazing how they get in our hearts.

Stay we'll friend.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Saturday Groupies!

twinklebug thinking of you

Eliza thanks for sharing your thoughts on the memorial....and your roommate story made me smile.

DH and I have a 1br at the BWV in a few weeks. I scored a standard view, so the points are low, but I booked it when I thought our son and gf would be joining us. He got a job pretty quickly after graduation and he decided he would skip September. Now they are coming in December! I only have a studio booked at the VWL! Wish I could just a make a quick call and make changes.

And to think, the 1BR was available at the VWL when I booked months ago! I actually was on waitlist for the studio! I don't want to give up the VWL for this trip, but fear a waitlist for a larger room may not come through.

Perhaps waitlist both a second studio and a 1BR at VWL? And check the website - you might also be able to get individual days and then have MS link them together.

Good luck!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Twinklebug....so sorry for your loss. As a fellow pet mom I know how heart-wrenching losing one can be. We lost 3 (each 30 days apart last year). Took us a full year to recover and we just got two puppies in late April. Hugs to you!!!!
We are also amazed at what we can get with our money in Florida. Planning a move there in next 2 years. We are looking around the St Augustine general area---or a tad south of there. My daughter and her new husband live there and we want to be close to them. What I see, equivalent to homes in my general 10 mile radius, are on average $100,000 more!!! It's crazy.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Happy Friday All!!

We are headed to the mts. for the weekend, up near Boone, NC to do some hiking and eating and sightseeing. Our DDs fiance hasnt been to the mts. before so he is looking forward to it. Sorta the last hurrah before the Big Day

And can I say, I am really wishin I was in WDW right now...just sayin;)

We can all certainly appreciate that statement Jimmy! Have fun up the mountains!

Corinne....hoping your waitlist comes through!!!! F&W and most of December are really tough times to secure DVC. We have SSR for Nov 2-6. Cannot find a DVC room anywhere....any size.....for Sat Nov 1. Fingers crossed for both our waitlists!!!!