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

[twokats]

Hey everybody! Important notice!

Disney has assigned NEW reservation numbers for all of our DVC reservations after the change over. Call MS to get your new reservation numbers emailed to you. The Vacation Details page still has the old numbers. You can find the new numbers in the Contracts page.

I guess I need to call. All my numbers still show as the old ones with nothing new mentioned.

Our 15 1/2 year old (as of yesterday) blue heeler is home only for the weekend and then we will take her in next Tuesday morning when our vet is back in the office to put her down. Her kidney treatment worked earlier this week but the liver is also very damaged and beyond repair. She is drinking, but not eating anything.

My sister is on her way from Minneapolis with my 12 year old niece to say good bye. She has her sleeping bag with her so she can spend the night with Topaz before they turn around and go back to Minneapolis tomorrow. The rest of the family will see her tomorrow at a previously scheduled family dinner.

She looks okay at this point although a bit thinner. We know she is ill though and don't want to make her suffer. She's been a good dog and deserves a good end.

I know you will miss Topaz dearly, I have lost several of my favorite pets. My black cat Oreo was 17 when she died (on my anniversary in '08) Our yellow lab (about 12 or so) seemed fine one day and went under the house and died. That was one of our best trained dogs we ever had. But yes, as everyone has said, they steal their way into your heart and are there forever.

Sorry it has taken awhile, just wanted to give it time for him to have some results.

Talkes with him yesterday, all is fine. He has to be on blood thinners, Cumadine(sp.?) to help his heart. But he is in great spirits about it. He says hi to all here.

He and Carolyn are looking forward to the Dec. meets and is planning on both Dec. 3 and 6, so for those who can make them, dont miss em!!

Coumadin, also known as warfarin, is a constant in our family also. Mom has been on again, off again and now on again for blood clots she has gotten since we have been fighting the cancer. It can be hard to regulate (at least it is for Mom).

Hi Groupies,

It's been several weeks since I posted here and I finally feel ready to write about what has been happening. As many of you know I had posted about my Mother's admittance to the hospital in Sept and I greatly appreciated all the prayers and well wishes. Very sadly after 9 days in the cardiac intensive care unit my Mom passed away at the age of 81. It was a battle that couldn't be won as anything done for her heart affected other organs and vice versa but Mom fought longer than the Dr's thought someone would. For the first 3 days I was at the hospital with her almost round the clock with a couple of brief breaks by DH. Then my sister arrived and one of us was with her at all times until she passed away late on the 27th. We held the funeral in MN the following week (no thanks to the Dr. that let the death certificate sit on his desk for 5 days!).

That was the week that we had a trip planned to WDW to celebrate my Mom's 82nd BD on Oct 7th. After much thought and back and forth decisions DH, my nephew and myself decided to go down for a few days. Just 3 days prior to Mom going into the hospital I asked if she wanted to still go on the trip I got a resounding "yes". Over the last couple of years WDW had offered many wonderful trips for us and the ability to do things that she otherwise couldn't do and she was ready to have another adventure. Somehow it seemed fitting for us to still go and while it was sometimes tough b/c she wasn't there we also had a chance to share memories about previous trips and to get some relaxation.

After that I was in Vegas for a conference and now am back to an emptier house. I had been caring for Mom for the past two years and she was pretty much constantly with me. It's a very sad time and I can't even say we're really beginning to adjust but I know that will come with time. We hadn't realized what a blessing the broken arm that she suffered that led to her coming to live with us would be. We're thankful now that we had the last two years of her with us although it's also more difficult b/c she was such a huge part of our daily lives.

Again - thanks to all who kept her and us in your prayers. Visiting the boards gave me something to do in the long hours at the hospital and now gives me something to take my mind off of it all. I just wanted to share a picture of Mom in April at our dinner at CRT. She did like the Disney trips!

Fay Larson - aka Mom

I also extend my sympathies for your loss. I know it is good to have WDW memories with her.

 

[eliza61]

Inkman, Hang in there sweetie. I know today is going to be hard.

Some famous dog thoughts.

We give dogs love we can spare, time we can spare and room we can spare. In return, dogs give us their all. It is the best deal man has ever made.

If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. ~Mark Twain

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.~ Ben Villiams

Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful~ Ann Landers.

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.~ Gilda Radner

 

[Inkmahm]

Inkman, Hang in there sweetie. I know today is going to be hard.

Some famous dog thoughts.

We give dogs love we can spare, time we can spare and room we can spare. In return, dogs give us their all. It is the best deal man has ever made.

If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. ~Mark Twain

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.~ Ben Villiams

Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful~ Ann Landers.

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.~ Gilda Radner

Thank you! All of those are so true.

I'm sitting here crying and watching the dog sleep peacefully. She's dreaming with her feet twitching like she is running.

I know we have to do this for her, but it is killing me. Part of me is dying today, too.

 

[twinklebug]

Thank you! All of those are so true.

I'm sitting here crying and watching the dog sleep peacefully. She's dreaming with her feet twitching like she is running.

I know we have to do this for her, but it is killing me. Part of me is dying today, too.

I'm crying with you. Hold her, pat her and tell her you'll meet her at the rainbow bridge. Although I'm 99% sure my springer spaniel never found his way there and is still walking up and down the hallway & looking out the windows at my childhood home (from an experience several years back when I was stranded at the house... I swear I heard a bump against the door in only a way he could do when laying down outside my bedroom door - actually it very comforting to know he was there with me)

 

[cheer4bison]

Kat...so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Inkmahm...wishing you strength and peace on what I imagine is a terribly difficult day.

 

[stopher1]

Kat, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Prayers for you and the rest of the family.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thank you Groupies for all your kind condolences, good wishes and prayers. Today was a bit better until I went grocery shopping and kept running into things that I normally would have picked up for Mom. It's crazy what can bring up the hurt at the moment. I managed to get control though before people started wondering who the crazy lady was crying in the middle of the fruit aisle.


On a good note I've been planning our trip to WDW for May. This morning I set my alarm for 5:55 am to make my call to try and get a couple of rooms at AKV. I had miraculously gotten 2 treehouses scared1 a couple of days ago but started changing my mind. I am attempting to plan a trip with my brother's twenty something kids who haven't been since they were 3,5 & 7 and had been back and forth on where to stay. I finally decided I wanted something a little more in the action than in the woods and after reading that 2 of the main pools at SSR were going to be closed it sealed the deal. So this morning I managed a switch to a Concierge room and a 2BR Value! I couldn't get the full 7 nights I wanted but 6 ain't bad at 7 months! Now fingers are crossed that all 3 will be able to get off from work etc. If not then at least DH and I will settle into our Concierge room and enjoy a nice relaxing trip. VWL was at the top of my list but I thought they'd enjoy the animals so we'll be at the other east coast lodge. The next trip though - it's THE lodge - all the way!

One interesting thing I learned when making the switch. The CM's can now pull up your existing reservation and then look for the new room you want. If it's available they can then switch the reservation without having to go out to cancel and back in to try and retrieve the new room again. The way it was explained it should eliminate losing an available room as long as you start out telling them you want to switch the reservation. I hadn't done that right away so there was still a tense moment while the CM pulled up one of the treehouse reservations and then the Concierge room again. Sounds like they may actually have an enhancement!

 

[Inkmahm]

Thank you Groupies for all your kind condolences, good wishes and prayers. Today was a bit better until I went grocery shopping and kept running into things that I normally would have picked up for Mom. It's crazy what can bring up the hurt at the moment. I managed to get control though before people started wondering who the crazy lady was crying in the middle of the fruit aisle.

That isn't strange at all and will continue to happen at the weirdest times. We had a new Woodman's grocery store open in our area about 10 days ago. My husband and I were exploring all the aisles being amazed at the selection. We walked past the ice cream section and my eye caught Neopolitan ice cream in a half gallon container. My mind immediately thought to get it for my grandma. Only thing is, my grandma died in 1995. For a split second, she was still with me while I considered grabbing her favorite ice cream for her.

One interesting thing I learned when making the switch. The CM's can now pull up your existing reservation and then look for the new room you want. If it's available they can then switch the reservation without having to go out to cancel and back in to try and retrieve the new room again. The way it was explained it should eliminate losing an available room as long as you start out telling them you want to switch the reservation. I hadn't done that right away so there was still a tense moment while the CM pulled up one of the treehouse reservations and then the Concierge room again. Sounds like they may actually have an enhancement!

Very cool! I hope that is the case and that there will be no more horror stories about rooms being lost when trying to switch resorts or room sizes. You should start a whole new thread on this! I haven't read about it before seeing the news here.

 

[Inkmahm]

I'm crying with you. Hold her, pat her and tell her you'll meet her at the rainbow bridge. Although I'm 99% sure my springer spaniel never found his way there and is still walking up and down the hallway & looking out the windows at my childhood home (from an experience several years back when I was stranded at the house... I swear I heard a bump against the door in only a way he could do when laying down outside my bedroom door - actually it very comforting to know he was there with me)

Thanks to all for the good thoughts today. I did relatively okay up until we actually started to drive to the vet. Topaz knew something was up with both me and my DH crying. She went peacefully once we actually got her there, but it was very very hard to watch her be put down.

I've read the rainbow bridge poem before but it really doesn't fit Topaz. She HATED other dogs, especially golden retrievers. If she saw another dog, she pulled so hard on her leash to get away so she could go eat the other dog. She was even known to break windshields in cars throwing herself against them when she spotted another dog outside. I can't see her running in any field playing with other dogs. My version of the rainbow bridge has Topaz playing with my dad and his dogs in heaven, waiting for the rest of us to get there. My sister had the same vision and said she hoped Topaz wasn't there barking at the other dogs!

 

[Dizny Dad]

As I read of the pains and sorrows of our group, along with the joys shared, I can't help but reflect on Walt and Roy Disney who promoted our experiences well in the Circle of Life. For those that "get it", Disney offers a place to experience many of the trials we face and joys we share. I think maybe that is the underlying foundation of the Magic. We are indeed in a Circle of Life.

So then, it becomes our job to extend the magic that is easy to see in The World, to the rest of our personal worlds, because we are the ones that “get it”.

Blessings to all who need them; joys to those that appreciate them; and Dole Whips for all!

 

[jimmytammy]

As I read of the pains and sorrows of our group, along with the joys shared, I can't help but reflect on Walt and Roy Disney who promoted our experiences well in the Circle of Life. For those that "get it", Disney offers a place to experience many of the trials we face and joys we share. I think maybe that is the underlying foundation of the Magic. We are indeed in a Circle of Life.

So then, it becomes our job to extend the magic that is easy to see in The World, to the rest of our personal worlds, because we are the ones that “get it”.

Blessings to all who need them; joys to those that appreciate them; and Dole Whips for all!

Wonderful thoughts, Dad!!

 

[Granny]

I agree with Jimmy...those are some good thoughts, Dizny Dad.

 

[AirGoofy]

We just returned from VWL last week for our first ever stay there. It is an absolutely wonderful resort. We had a beautiful room up on the 5th floor where we could see some of Hallowishes. Of course, we found this out on our last night, but still, that was just an extra special treat. The location and ease of transportation to the parks was terrific. The lodge and theming were beautiful. It was nice having the 3 different dining options there as well. I did miss a community hall - it was just more spread out - and had fun playing checkers and ping pong. Thanks for letting us stay and we may return in the future.

 

[Muushka]

We just returned from VWL last week for our first ever stay there. It is an absolutely wonderful resort. We had a beautiful room up on the 5th floor where we could see some of Hallowishes. Of course, we found this out on our last night, but still, that was just an extra special treat. The location and ease of transportation to the parks was terrific. The lodge and theming were beautiful. It was nice having the 3 different dining options there as well. I did miss a community hall - it was just more spread out - and had fun playing checkers and ping pong. Thanks for letting us stay and we may return in the future.

Welcome AirGoofy! Please, pull up a rocking chair and join us.
We are out on the porch this beautiful morning.

KAT4 You are in our prayers.

 

[Muushka]

And today is a special day.......

Happy Birthday Berta!!


Where shall we go for lunch???????

 

[Muushka]

What a whirlwind visit to RI/MA. I saw my entire X husband's family at a wedding. It had been more than 24 years since I had seen many of them. I am very glad I went. Then I spend time with my friend who lost her husband this summer, again, very glad I went. Then I spent time with my sister and cousin. Saw old friends down there. Lots of reunions, hugs and old memories. Glad I am home!

 

[Dizny Dad]

AirGoofy - Welcome to the Lodge; come again, come often!

Muushka - Sounds like a refreshing return to what once was, updates on what is, and a chance to wish a good luck to the future!

 

[jimmytammy]

Air Goofy, 1st, love your name, fav character hands down for me. 2nd, welcome to our band of brother and sister hood known as lovers of the Lodge. Come by anytime!

Muush, glad you got back home and sounds as if you had a great reuniting of your past

 

[horselover]

Kat - again I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sending you a PM.

Muushka - welcome back! How did you enjoy the wind up in these parts over the weekend?!

Finally the promised pics from our trip. I won't get into a full TR since we weren't at our Lodge. But regardless of that we had a fantastic time. We did a split stay between BCR & BWV. Really enjoyed BWV much more this trip than I did on the last one with just DH. Not sure exactly why, but could be because DS12 & I enjoyed the boardwalk performers more & also the community hall. SAB was awesome too.

But you want to see the Lodge! We had a dinner ressie at Ft. Wilderness one night so being the good groupie that I am we took the boat from WL to get there. Didn't get a lot of pics, but here are a few.

Good timing on this shot.

Not exactly WL, but DS12 posing with one of the decorated golf carts at Ft. Wilderness. They take their holiday decorations very seriously over there!

Not the best shot, but I still like it.

Last, but not least me modeling the latest in Halloween fashions at the Mercantile.

 

[stopher1]

Finally the promised pics from our trip. I won't get into a full TR since we weren't at our Lodge. But regardless of that we had a fantastic time. We did a split stay between BCR & BWV. Really enjoyed BWV much more this trip than I did on the last one with just DH. Not sure exactly why, but could be because DS12 & I enjoyed the boardwalk performers more & also the community hall. SAB was awesome too.

But you want to see the Lodge! We had a dinner ressie at Ft. Wilderness one night so being the good groupie that I am we took the boat from WL to get there. Didn't get a lot of pics, but here are a few.

Good timing on this shot.

Not exactly WL, but DS12 posing with one of the decorated golf carts at Ft. Wilderness. They take their holiday decorations very seriously over there!

Not the best shot, but I still like it.

Last, but not least me modeling the latest in Halloween fashions at the Mercantile.

What wonderful shots HL!! Thanks for sharing.