VWL Lovers & Groupies thread: It all started with a Moose

[stopher1]

Hello friends! It's been a few days since I was last on here! It seems a lot longer, though. So much going on.

But first - what fun memories you all have posted. I am the baby of the bunch, as I was born the year before Walt Disney World opened - Disneyland was just a teenager then! And of course growing up in Southern California my earliest Disney memories are from Disneyland. My first times in the park were in 1971, but I really don't remember those times. I DO remember though, enjoying the MSEP, sitting high atop my dad's shoulders in the summer of '74 before it went on hiatus for the "America on Parade" bicentennial parade that ran through '76 (with those awful over-sized dolls on both coasts). I didn't get to first experience WDW until I was 21. But there's been no looking back ever since. I have so many fond memories of years and years of going to Walt's wonderful playground. I'll post some old pics soon myself.

Welcome back Granny - looks like it was a nice relaxing trip!

And eliza - those are some nice shots of the Falls! I love it there.

I spent the past weekend at a Scouting training course for adult leaders - Wood Badge. This was weekend 1 of 2 (the next one is in a month) - in the woods, far from any internet connections and poor cell phone service. It was awesome. Very busy, intense kind of training - full, long days, sleep quite elusive - but I had a blast. And it helped to refresh me to come back home and deal with the family stuff going on and better support my wife as well. Her dad does indeed have cancer. He has a form of lung cancer. He is within the approximate 10% of lifelong non-smokers that have it and the docs, while unsure, are estimating it's been there growing for the past 2-3 years. It's affecting his lungs, liver and kidneys, as well as numerous ones around his hip, pelvis and back. The docs are saying without chemo he probably has about 4-6 months. With it he might have 1-3 years. But they don't yet know if he will be able to do the chemo, because the tests for his strain of the cancer he has aren't back in yet. One strain responds to chemo, one doesn't. So my DW will be on a plane 2 weeks from tomorrow heading west to spend a couple of weeks with him, I made the reservations Friday right after she got the diagnosis report. She didn't want to disappoint our DD and ask me to postpone our Daddy Daughter Adventure - so we'll actually pass in the airport as we land at 1 on the 8th coming back from FL, and she'll take off at 3:30 heading west. At least DD will be able to hug mommy before being separated for a couple of weeks. Sigh.

Lots going on, that's for sure. Thanks for the pics of the Lodge and all of the fun memories... it does help lighten things up.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Awwww Kathy, those pictures are precious.

Thanks, JT, for this stroll down memory lane.

On a personal note, I got a call from my friend today who lost her husband and is on the cruise.
They are having a wonderful time.
She is loving having a butler! And I love that she and her daughter are having a good time, finally.

We just need to keep our fingers crossed that hurricane Danielle does not interfere in any way!

Thanks Muushka! I just love the ones with my Dad and I. There are next to none with Mom and I - guess who was always taking the pictures?!?!

I'm glad your friend is enjoying her cruise. A butler sounds like a dream! I've missed the news recently and didn't know there was a storm going on but hope it misses them.

Kat

Thanks for sharing those pics. What great memories from everyone.

And thanks JT for the idea - I enjoyed looking back thru pictures today and recalling my Disney background.

Lots going on, that's for sure. Thanks for the pics of the Lodge and all of the fun memories... it does help lighten things up.

Enjoyed hearing some of your memories stopher and am looking forward to the pictures. I'm glad to hear you had an enjoyable weekend to get you revived for the family crisis you have going on. Continued prayers for your FIL, your wife and your entire family.

Granny and Eliza - those are great vacation photos. I want to go visit both of those places now!


And now - one more Disney movie I thought of and can't believe I missed. The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes!!!! Kurt Russell. Sigh. My first crush

 

[jimmytammy]

I agree with Kat, I want to go to Mexico and the Falls too. Man, what great shots!

Stopher, I am so sorry that you folks are going through all this stuff. Will continue praying.

 

[Muushka]

Stopher, I am so sorry about your father-in-law's diagnosis.
I pray that the Lord will guide you and the doctors in what course to take.

 

[horselover]

At year or two later I learned to drive at DL.

Love the pics Kat, especially this one. I have the same pic of me & my Dad from my 1st trip in 1975. Brings back wonderful memories. Thanks for sharing.

 

[eliza61]

And now - one more Disney movie I thought of and can't believe I missed. The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes!!!! Kurt Russell. Sigh. My first crush

I must have missed that one! LOL

Hello friends! It's been a few days since I was last on here! It seems a lot longer, though. So much going on.

And it helped to refresh me to come back home and deal with the family stuff going on and better support my wife as well. Her dad does indeed have cancer. He has a form of lung cancer. He is within the approximate 10% of lifelong non-smokers that have it and the docs, while unsure, are estimating it's been there growing for the past 2-3 years. It's affecting his lungs, liver and kidneys, as well as numerous ones around his hip, pelvis and back. The docs are saying without chemo he probably has about 4-6 months. With it he might have 1-3 years. But they don't yet know if he will be able to do the chemo, because the tests for his strain of the cancer he has aren't back in yet. One strain responds to chemo, one doesn't. So my DW will be on a plane 2 weeks from tomorrow heading west to spend a couple of weeks with him, I made the reservations Friday right after she got the diagnosis report. She didn't want to disappoint our DD and ask me to postpone our Daddy Daughter Adventure - so we'll actually pass in the airport as we land at 1 on the 8th coming back from FL, and she'll take off at 3:30 heading west. At least DD will be able to hug mommy before being separated for a couple of weeks. Sigh.

Lots going on, that's for sure. Thanks for the pics of the Lodge and all of the fun memories... it does help lighten things up.

Absolutely no thanks necessary. We're are more than glad to do it and gladder still that it makes you smile. Please give your wife all our love and support. encourage her to take care of herself and enjoy your daddy adventure.

If you think about it Stopher, you guys right now, kind of represent what life is all about. You are spending time with your daughter, making memories and bonding, giving your daughter the one thing she will need to sustain her, unconditional love. Your wife is begining to mourn the man who did the same with her. and at the bottom of it all there is simply the love we exchanged with each other. That's what we leave our kids, that's what we remember.

 

[wildernessDad]

stopher1, sorry to hear about your wife's Dad. My wife's Dad passed away a few months ago. He use to come over every Saturday for crepes, which I cook and serve. He was my buddy and I miss him very much.

 

[horselover]

Stopher - I'm so sorry your received such bad news about your FIL. Continued good thoughts & prayers being sent your family's way.

 

[Nicoal13]

Stopher - prayers for your FIL.

Loving all the Disney memories. I first went in 1996 when I was 17 on a school trip. We performed in the afternoon parade for Magic Music Days at MK. I did grow up watching all things Disney and after my first visit I was hooked. I'll have to search for some pictures sometime. I believe they are packed away since we are supposed to be moving soon.

Last I posted we had an offer on our home and had found a new home. But about a week and a half ago, the offer on our house fell through because the buyer was fired from his job. He has since gotten a new job but it's commission based and the mortgage lender won't give him a loan without 6-12 months of pay history. So now we wait and hope for another buyer and hope that the house we want is not sold to someone else. We had packed a lot and now actually need to unpack some things in order to get by. Bummer

 

[Muushka]

Stopher - prayers for your FIL.

Loving all the Disney memories. I first went in 1996 when I was 17 on a school trip. We performed in the afternoon parade for Magic Music Days at MK. I did grow up watching all things Disney and after my first visit I was hooked. I'll have to search for some pictures sometime. I believe they are packed away since we are supposed to be moving soon.

Last I posted we had an offer on our home and had found a new home. But about a week and a half ago, the offer on our house fell through because the buyer was fired from his job. He has since gotten a new job but it's commission based and the mortgage lender won't give him a loan without 6-12 months of pay history. So now we wait and hope for another buyer and hope that the house we want is not sold to someone else. We had packed a lot and now actually need to unpack some things in order to get by. Bummer

I am so sorry your buyer won't be able to buy your house. You have a great attitude. I hope your wait is a very short one.

 

[Nicoal13]

I am so sorry your buyer won't be able to buy your house. You have a great attitude. I hope your wait is a very short one.

Thanks! My attitude wasn't so great for the first few days after we got the news. I'm coping now. It's not the end of the world, but we really were looking forward to moving into our new house.

 

[Muushka]

Thanks! My attitude wasn't so great for the first few days after we got the news. I'm coping now. It's not the end of the world, but we really were looking forward to moving into our new house.

Like I said, you have a great attitude. Keep it up! Let us hear the good news when your house can be marked SOLD!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

On a personal note, I got a call from my friend today who lost her husband and is on the cruise.
They are having a wonderful time.
She is loving having a butler! And I love that she and her daughter are having a good time, finally.

We just need to keep our fingers crossed that hurricane Danielle does not interfere in any way!

Glad to hear this Muushka! Fingers are crossed!

Last I posted we had an offer on our home and had found a new home. But about a week and a half ago, the offer on our house fell through because the buyer was fired from his job. He has since gotten a new job but it's commission based and the mortgage lender won't give him a loan without 6-12 months of pay history. So now we wait and hope for another buyer and hope that the house we want is not sold to someone else. We had packed a lot and now actually need to unpack some things in order to get by. Bummer

Sorry about that. I hope you find another buyer soon.


Eliza - Thanks for the pictures. It looks beautiful!

Stopher - So sorry about your FIL. My prayers are with you all.

Kathy - Love those pictures!!!!!!!!

 

[franandaj]

Stopher,
So sorry to hear about your diagnoses. We went through 5-6 years of parental illnesses and mishaps with my DP. My parents are just about to enter their 70's so we're hoping for a few more years until we're back in that situation. I know how it feels to have aging and ill parents. Best wishes that everything goes as best as possible, it's always difficult as they get older.

 

[wildernessDad]

Well, I got it! Called right at 7 am today, my time, and was put on hold for about 40 minutes as it turned out.

But at the end of it all, I booked Le Cellier for the Candlelight Dinner Package on December 8. Jodi, here we come! (hopefully, she'll still be the narrator).

 

[KeepSwimmingDory]

Groupies--I am missing y'all terribly! Just saying a quick hello. Wedding was great! So much fun and they were a beautiful couple! Oshkosh EAA Air Venture was amazingly wonderful (my first time to go with DH). Came back to football practice, then school starts early for our little school. Immediately became busy with volunteer stuff at school. We are trying to win a Kohl's contest that awards the top 20 schools with $500,000 each. We only have 275 students so it has been a challenge to have a chance. We're staying around #8 but it is taking lots of work & prayer every day to be out getting votes. When the contest ends Sept. 3 I hope to be back regular on the DIS. Missing everyone and I hate not knowing what is going on with you all. I don't even know how many days until my December cruise. That's insane! Hugs to everybody.

 

[horselover]

Well, I got it! Called right at 7 am today, my time, and was put on hold for about 40 minutes as it turned out.

But at the end of it all, I booked Le Cellier for the Candlelight Dinner Package on December 8. Jodi, here we come! (hopefully, she'll still be the narrator).

Congrats WD! Sounds wonderful!

Groupies--I am missing y'all terribly! Just saying a quick hello. Wedding was great! So much fun and they were a beautiful couple! Oshkosh EAA Air Venture was amazingly wonderful (my first time to go with DH). Came back to football practice, then school starts early for our little school. Immediately became busy with volunteer stuff at school. We are trying to win a Kohl's contest that awards the top 20 schools with $500,000 each. We only have 275 students so it has been a challenge to have a chance. We're staying around #8 but it is taking lots of work & prayer every day to be out getting votes. When the contest ends Sept. 3 I hope to be back regular on the DIS. Missing everyone and I hate not knowing what is going on with you all. I don't even know how many days until my December cruise. That's insane! Hugs to everybody.

Dory! Welcome back. So glad to hear the wedding went well. Good luck with the Kohl's contest. I hope your school wins. Good to have you back.

 

[Granny]

Just back from a great trip to Niagara falls. To say they are gorgeous is an understatement. The falls are actually 2 distict set of waterfalls. One called the American falls, the other called "Horse shoe falls or Canadian falls"

The Canadian falls are the bigger falls but that causes alot of "mist" to collect at the bottom, which can obscure the view. The American falls are more picturesque IMO.

What is astonishing is how close you are to them. There is literally nothing separating you from the falls except one little measly stone fence.

Eliza...thanks for sharing the great photos and information. Those falls are really magnificent, aren't they? I went to them one time, with my sister. Lots of jokes about that through the years since Niagara Falls used to be such a hot honeymoon spot and I went there with my sister!

Her dad does indeed have cancer. He has a form of lung cancer.

Prayers out to you and your family at this very challenging time.

Last I posted we had an offer on our home and had found a new home. But about a week and a half ago, the offer on our house fell through because the buyer was fired from his job.

So sorry to hear this but hang in there. In parts of the country the housing market is getting better and I hope your house sells soon.

Well, I got it! Called right at 7 am today, my time, and was put on hold for about 40 minutes as it turned out.

But at the end of it all, I booked Le Cellier for the Candlelight Dinner Package on December 8. Jodi, here we come! (hopefully, she'll still be the narrator).

I was on hold about 35 minutes today and Le Cellier was completely gone for the two days I was looking at. So I ended up with Chefs de France on December 2. Narrator is TBD, but we know it will be great regardless of who narrates.

Groupies--I am missing y'all terribly! Just saying a quick hello. Wedding was great! So much fun and they were a beautiful couple!

So glad to hear that the wedding went so well. Sounds like a very nice time.

 

[stopher1]

Stopher - So sorry about your FIL. My prayers are with you all.

Thank you!

Stopher,
So sorry to hear about your diagnoses. We went through 5-6 years of parental illnesses and mishaps with my DP. My parents are just about to enter their 70's so we're hoping for a few more years until we're back in that situation. I know how it feels to have aging and ill parents. Best wishes that everything goes as best as possible, it's always difficult as they get older.

Thanks! He is slowing getting a bit more encouraged and is slowly starting to change his attitude, which is so important in these situations.

Prayers out to you and your family at this very challenging time.

Thanks!

Groupies--I am missing y'all terribly! Just saying a quick hello. Wedding was great! So much fun and they were a beautiful couple! Oshkosh EAA Air Venture was amazingly wonderful (my first time to go with DH). Came back to football practice, then school starts early for our little school. Immediately became busy with volunteer stuff at school. We are trying to win a Kohl's contest that awards the top 20 schools with $500,000 each. We only have 275 students so it has been a challenge to have a chance. We're staying around #8 but it is taking lots of work & prayer every day to be out getting votes. When the contest ends Sept. 3 I hope to be back regular on the DIS. Missing everyone and I hate not knowing what is going on with you all. I don't even know how many days until my December cruise. That's insane! Hugs to everybody.

Good luck Dory! I hope your school is the winner.

I was on hold about 35 minutes today and Le Cellier was completely gone for the two days I was looking at. So I ended up with Chefs de France on December 2. Narrator is TBD, but we know it will be great regardless of who narrates.

Well, I got it! Called right at 7 am today, my time, and was put on hold for about 40 minutes as it turned out.

But at the end of it all, I booked Le Cellier for the Candlelight Dinner Package on December 8. Jodi, here we come! (hopefully, she'll still be the narrator).

Wow, lucky you WD. I was trying and trying and trying starting in the car on the way to the office at 7:10. 42 attempts before hitting the office. Then 2 more hours of attempts before finally getting through at about 9:45...(thank goodness for the redial button!) ... only to hear "the approximate wait time is 35 minutes." Ugh. But I got it. Show 2 on 12/7. Jodi for me too! But as much as I love Le Cellier, I was in the mood for chinese food (hopefully I will be again on the 7th). So I went Nine Dragons myself.

 

[wildernessDad]

I was on hold about 35 minutes today and Le Cellier was completely gone for the two days I was looking at. So I ended up with Chefs de France on December 2. Narrator is TBD, but we know it will be great regardless of who narrates.

Chefs was our second choice as well! Great minds think alike. Sorry you didn't get Le Cellier, but Chefs is nothing to snoot about.