Weird and Ninja’s Pre-Disneymoon [Completed!]

[Cat0727]

Sunday, April 4: Billboards and an Eyelash
We passed by a lot of random single houses. Those were similar to what I want! We then saw a lot of these cookie cutter houses. They were also enticing to some degree but slightly creepy!

They look like something out of the Stepford Wives movie!

 

[Brave teacher]

I'm guessing 3 more installments till I see Florida. Do I win something if I am right?

 

[HowWeird]

I'm all caught up! It's funny reading it over when I was on the road down to Florida with you not so long ago. We did have a lot of fun; I don't think it would've been as bearable if we didn't. I mean, looking forward to experiencing a Cracker Barrel, seeing wisteria (Thanks floridascgirl!), taking a million pictures, holding hands ...

As much as I enjoyed the trip down, I really can't imagine doing it again. Unless we're stopping every so often and staying somewhere, it wouldn't be fun at all. Although we don't get to see splashes of purple from an airplane, we'd get to enjoy WDW a lot sooner!

Even though I know exactly where we are in the TR, I can't even guess how many entries until we get to Florida! I say 73

 

[Jennifer48]

Rachel, its a good thing you don't wear contacts. Getting an eyelash stuck underneath is the worst!

I really need to do the drive again from MA to FL. Only did it once and most was in the dark because it was during the winter. During the day, it was cloudy the whole time. I didn't take any fun pics like you!

I'm going to guess there are about 3 more installments before FL

 

[stacy347]

I'm loving all of your road trip pics and stories (especially since our road trip to WDW starts in 8 days)!

We also stayed at a Country Inn and Suites on our last trip and thought it was great! The kids thought it was cool that there were warm cookies ready for us when we got there (we didn't have the silly towel though ~ that was a cute idea on someone's part).

Can't wait to read more.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hey Rae, I'm back and all caught up - I can't believe you aren't in Florida yet!

 

[RachelNinja]

your right i will drive down 1-95 and 1-4, look at the billboards and scenery and say to the family--rachel took a pic of that and that--that way i get to relive your report while on mine
where was the pic of the fish that was too funny for words--never have noticed it before--will have to look for it.
glad you got the lash out

Haha, and your family's going to be like, "Why did she take a picture of THAT?!?" Haha, and then if you start taking pics too, they'll be wondering if you're as much of a wacko as I am!

I think it's funny what we do and don't notice because I don't really remember that fish sign even though we must've passed by so many times as a child! And it had to have been there for a long time too if my brother looked forward to seeing it each year. I was all about the silly signs. This time I was all about the signs that advertised food ... hehe.

Well I somehow just found this TR!

I announced to my mother, "Oh look, Ninja's got another TR up." Which made her stare at me like I'm nuts! Oh well!

YAY, I'm glad you found me! Haha, I think all DISers are somehow a little bit nuts in general, don't you agree?

Well I'll stick around! I love the drive to FL from GA. When I come home I always fly into Jacksonville and my folks come and get me. It's cheaper than going to Atlanta.

I love the billboards! For a while I was thinking about doing that Troops to Teachers deal but I'm not so sure. Cooking is winning right now. I think DH is really thinking about it though. He always talks about how he wants to make a difference in the world.

Weird and I would appreciate the much shorter drive if we were to live in Georgia. Of course, we talk about it a lot, but it probably will never happen. As much as I want to be a Southern girl, I also really want to be near my momsicles!

I have to say, you and your DH are such wonderful people. It takes a lot of sacrifice to do whhat you guys do. And to think you and DH were/are thinking about being teachers! You guys must have huge hearts!

At least we're getting closer to FL! I love fun billboards-- definitely makes a trip go by faster!

Yup! It'll be a lot of fun finally getting to write about the actual parks.

Ummm...five? Can't wait till you get to Florida but in the mean time it looks like you had lots of fun on the way there.

I like the fish billboard that says "not quite actual size."

I think that if we didn't make the travel part fun, it would've driven us crazy! I told myself from the start that I would take a ton of pictures so I kept my eyes peeled for anything interesting.

I'd have to fun away if the fish were that size! Haha, I get too frightened with everything.

...eyelashes in my eye drive me crazy!

What a funny story about your brother & grandpa...even though it makes my finger hurt a bit thinking about it!

I don't know why I get them ALL the time! Weird says it's because I have eyelashes growing in the weirdest directions (like on the inner corner of my eye, they grow inwards toward my eyes). But even if they did that, I don't want they just keep coming out anyway!

It gives me the chills when I actually think about the hook in a finger. I once stapled my finger, but I was in such shock that I just pulled it out right away. I was a kid at the time, but boy, did that hurt afterwards! The hook isn't something that could just be yanked out!

I'm glad you got the eyelash out. I hate that. I always seem to get them only when I'm in the middle of teaching!

I'll guess 4 more installments til Florida!

Haha, my kids watch me when I take my mirror out to check my eye for any stray eyelashes causing irritation. They find it fascinating for whatever reason! Haha, I guess it's odd to see teachers have human issues.

Haha, let's see how long it takes!

They look like something out of the Stepford Wives movie!

YES, that's exactly what it looks like! I couldn't think of it. It also reminded me of this episode of Alias where Sydney and Vaughn have to pretend to be Russian so they can infiltrate a terrorist group. However, the group's training ground is a picture perfect neighborhood so that they can train the people to be American just so that they can infiltrate important cities!

I'm guessing 3 more installments till I see Florida. Do I win something if I am right?

Here's the teacher answer ... "You'll win the satisfaction of knowing that you were right." Hehe.

I'm all caught up! It's funny reading it over when I was on the road down to Florida with you not so long ago. We did have a lot of fun; I don't think it would've been as bearable if we didn't. I mean, looking forward to experiencing a Cracker Barrel, seeing wisteria (Thanks floridascgirl!), taking a million pictures, holding hands ...

As much as I enjoyed the trip down, I really can't imagine doing it again. Unless we're stopping every so often and staying somewhere, it wouldn't be fun at all. Although we don't get to see splashes of purple from an airplane, we'd get to enjoy WDW a lot sooner!

Even though I know exactly where we are in the TR, I can't even guess how many entries until we get to Florida! I say 73

I'm glad they have CBs in Florida so we can stop at one and eat when we go down again by plane instead of by car.

Hehe, 73's a good number.

Rachel, its a good thing you don't wear contacts. Getting an eyelash stuck underneath is the worst!

I really need to do the drive again from MA to FL. Only did it once and most was in the dark because it was during the winter. During the day, it was cloudy the whole time. I didn't take any fun pics like you!

I'm going to guess there are about 3 more installments before FL

I actually do have contacts, and I know exactly what you mean when it gets stuck underneath! I end up just looking at it for a while because it really just looks so ... like, haha, I don't know, I just can't stop looking at it. I hate when those things happen in public when my hands are dirty.

I should surprise everyone by finishing it in 1 entry, haha. But considering how time consuming it can be, who knows!

I'm loving all of your road trip pics and stories (especially since our road trip to WDW starts in 8 days)!

We also stayed at a Country Inn and Suites on our last trip and thought it was great! The kids thought it was cool that there were warm cookies ready for us when we got there (we didn't have the silly towel though ~ that was a cute idea on someone's part).

Can't wait to read more.

We missed out on the warm cookies! I think my dad ate one, but I was so full from dinner that I didn't go back to get it when he told me they had it out. I think that's the cutest thing though. It's the little things!

 

[RachelNinja]

Hey Rae, I'm back and all caught up - I can't believe you aren't in Florida yet!

Haha, didn't think that you'd come back from your trip and have me still in the southern states, didya? Haha, well, neither did I. I'll get there ASAP!

 

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, April 4: Life is a Highway

The last installment that was written about 73 years ago took place in ... um, a state. Haha, I'm going to say it's Georgia because I know Weird drove through most of it.

I would've liked to drive a bit just so that I could do something with myself, but it was a little crazy what with all the trucks! Some of the drivers were insane as they sped too much to try to get around others and they also cut other cars very closely. There were times when I had to close my eyes because they scared me so much!

At one point, there were 3 trucks in front of us. Um, come on guys, hurry up and get in the right lane! I know that some truck drivers didn't even want to drive behind other slower truck drivers so they had to go around.

I decided to calm myself down by having part of a chocolate chip cookie. With the warmer weather, some of the chocolate chunks melted! Haha, it was just a huge glob of chocolate. Though it was really yummy, Weird and I were wishing that we could have some Lactaid with it at the same time! Mmm.

We knew we were getting closer to Florida once we started seeing the palm trees!

This sign was fun because as I've mentioned it before, Georgia is definitely on my mind (and on Weird's!). Of course, we may never actually move even though we want to just because it's easier to stay where we are and because my momsicles is here! I think even Weird would miss my momsicles because she's just that cool.

We also found this to be entertaining ... construction machinery grazing on the green grass!

Right after the grazing machines, there's a "hair-pain." Weird and I use that word for airplane. I think it was from one of the kids from Jon & Kate.

Weird forgot to bring the wire that connects his iPod to the car, so we had to search for a radio station. This was the only good one that we could find. It was called "the Surf" or something like that.

Mickey enjoyed sitting in the front of the car. He had a bit more ear room.

Mickey was able to look out the window and see what the world has to offer! He does, however, still like hanging out at home. Just like I do!

Eventually, we stopped to get lunch a little after 2pm. We had that yummy breakfast (mmm, biscuit and gravy memories) so that's why we were able to eat later. We stopped at a KFC first where Weird and I decided on what we wanted, but then my dad changed his mind and decided he wanted McD's instead for the fish sandwich. They said they'd wait for us to get our food before we went down the road to McD's.

Well, we ordered and got our food and walked outside and they were gone! Haha, leaving us in the middle of nowhere. It ended up that they went across the street to get gas for the car, so we walked on over. It was a silly moment for us because we held our thumbs out as if we were hitchhikers, and mom said, "It's your luck today; we have 2 seats available!"

Matt said that we'd have to pay him in fries, but I said that I already did! That first night when we had CB, I ordered the steak fries as one of my sides, if you remember. I had one left that I was saving, and when I looked down again, it was GONE! He had eaten it! Haha, I was so disappointed that he ate my last fry so I told him that from that point on, I would somehow take his last fry without him knowing it, haha.

Anyway, my family got their food, and I sat down to have my KFC chicken snacker. I ordered 2 of them, but I was actually too full and I ended up saving the 2nd one for a snack in the car. I never ate it then either, but thankfully we had the cooler. I actually ate it at night after we returned home from one of the parks when I was starving!

The thing I really love from KFC is the potato wedges. Mmm, all that potato goodness! There was a lot though since we ordered the bigger box not knowing how much it would really be. But we ended up having some of the leftovers on the morning of one of the park days as well with our eggs.

When we got back in the car, Weird and my dad switched places. We were ready for a nap at that point, and nap we did! We were excited that the next time we would wake up would be at the Florida Welcome Center for some orange juice!!!

 

[floridascgirl]

What's this about OJ at the Florida Welcome Center? Is it for sale or complimentary? My parents live in Florida, so I go through this WC several times a year, but I don't know a thing about OJ. Hmmm...

 

[klacey1]

Mmmm love me some KFC wedges! You're lucky your family didn't actually leave you-- my mom left me at a Borders when I was 12! Even now, whenever she comes somewhere with us, I threaten to ditch her at a rest stop!!

 

[dellasgirl]

c

 

[wdwgirl03]

Oooh, orange juice at the Florida welcome center? That sounds yummy! You are almost there!!!!!

Aww, your momsicles is cool, I liked talking to her when we met up!

 

[RachelNinja]

What's this about OJ at the Florida Welcome Center? Is it for sale or complimentary? My parents live in Florida, so I go through this WC several times a year, but I don't know a thing about OJ. Hmmm...

They have complimentary OJ at the Florida Welcome Center! And Florida OJ is just the best because it's smooth and not too acidic. Love the freshness!

Mmmm love me some KFC wedges! You're lucky your family didn't actually leave you-- my mom left me at a Borders when I was 12! Even now, whenever she comes somewhere with us, I threaten to ditch her at a rest stop!!

I could go for some wedges right now. Wish we could split an order!

WHOA, how did that happen?!? When did she realize that she had left you???

Yah for palm trees
We also stop at the Florida Welcome Center and love the orange juice.
Is that the plane at one of the GA Welcome Centers?
I think i have pictures of the kids with it if it is the one i'm thinking of

I never really cared much about the palm tress beforehand, but after many DISers obsessed about it, I know connect it to going to WDW!

I zoomed in on the picture and it says "Mighty Eighty Air Force Museum." I checked the times of my pictures and the plane one was taken 8 minutes after the Georgia sign. I just looked at the website (link here), and it looks like a fun place to stop!

Oooh, orange juice at the Florida welcome center? That sounds yummy! You are almost there!!!!!

Aww, your momsicles is cool, I liked talking to her when we met up!

Now since Weird and I are sitting in the back and approaching Florida, there are 2 sets of pictures I need to organize! That's why it takes a little longer sometimes; I feel I need to put our pics in correct time order on top of resizing them!

She'll be glad to hear that! She had a good time meeting you and your dad too (as did I, of course!). Now I can say "Sarah" and she knows who you are instead of my saying, "Sarah from DISboards."

 

[TokyoDina]

Oh! since I know my folks will be in GA forever you should let me know if you guys ever move there!

Did you guys here the song playing in your head when you passed the GA state line? Georgia on my mind. Hah! I love to the peaches I'm not going to lie! We my parents live like 45 minutes or so away they have the best peach packaging place ever! The make tea from peaches, wine, BBQ sauce, pie, cake, bread, everything. It's just great! You get to see how they pick them and package them up too! It's awesome!

Oh Salmon and Dill Waffle recipe~~~!!
What you need:
1 3/4 cups of all purpose flour. (I use organic!)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups milk any kind you want
2 large eggs
3 oz of smoked Salmon make sure it's finely chopped
1 medium red onion
1/4 cup of snipped fresh dill
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
softened cream cheese and finely chopped dill or sour cream for topping.


Preheat a standard square or circle waffle iron.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk all the dry ingredients together. In another bowl whisk the eggs, and milk until blended. Mix the eggs and milk with dry ingredients until combined. Then fold in the salmon, onion, dill and melted butter.
Lightly butter or spray the waffle iron's grids.

Spoon out 1/2 cup or whatever size waffle you want onto the waffle iron. Use a metal spatula or wooden spoon to take the waffle off once it's done cooking. A plastic on will melt!

Put the waffles on warm plates and top with a scoop of cream cheese and sprinkle with dill or sour cream.

Thanks Rachel! I wanted to be a teacher for a while. I wanted to teach art. But since I got married, I found I love cooking. DH is still tossing around teaching or becoming a cop. I don't know which one he wants more. Being a cop worries me but...if that's what he wants to do then I'm all for it. But I think your the stronger person for actually teaching! Your actually making or breaking the future kids of America! You are impacting everyone's life everyday. I'm just making sure my fellow workers are safe.

 

[Cat0727]

oo yum, I love it when the chips in my chocolate chip cookie melt. I just love choc chip cookies in general and french fries- I agree, the KFC ones are sooo good! I'm craving some right now.

Can't wait to hear about the FL Welcome Center! I've always wanted to go there to get OJ after reading about & seeing it on MeMom's TR.

 

[Jennifer48]

I haven't had KFC in ages! Good to know they still have those delish potato wedges. I could make a meal out of them alone!

I love that you are able to save the food and eat it later. One of the perks of having a cooler and a fridge in your room!

 

[jenbear123]

Hi! I'm coming over from Sarah's (wdwgirl03) TR. Lots to catch up on but I'm subbing

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

um....

are we there yet? I have to go potty. she's hitting me....

Yay for palm trees! I love the KFC wedges too. MMM.... You're almost making me want to drive to Disney... almost....

 

[RachelNinja]

Oh! since I know my folks will be in GA forever you should let me know if you guys ever move there!

Did you guys here the song playing in your head when you passed the GA state line? Georgia on my mind. Hah! I love to the peaches I'm not going to lie! We my parents live like 45 minutes or so away they have the best peach packaging place ever! The make tea from peaches, wine, BBQ sauce, pie, cake, bread, everything. It's just great! You get to see how they pick them and package them up too! It's awesome!

Oh Salmon and Dill Waffle recipe~~~!!
What you need:
1 3/4 cups of all purpose flour. (I use organic!)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups milk any kind you want
2 large eggs
3 oz of smoked Salmon make sure it's finely chopped
1 medium red onion
1/4 cup of snipped fresh dill
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
softened cream cheese and finely chopped dill or sour cream for topping.

Preheat a standard square or circle waffle iron.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk all the dry ingredients together. In another bowl whisk the eggs, and milk until blended. Mix the eggs and milk with dry ingredients until combined. Then fold in the salmon, onion, dill and melted butter.
Lightly butter or spray the waffle iron's grids.

Spoon out 1/2 cup or whatever size waffle you want onto the waffle iron. Use a metal spatula or wooden spoon to take the waffle off once it's done cooking. A plastic on will melt!

Put the waffles on warm plates and top with a scoop of cream cheese and sprinkle with dill or sour cream.

Thanks Rachel! I wanted to be a teacher for a while. I wanted to teach art. But since I got married, I found I love cooking. DH is still tossing around teaching or becoming a cop. I don't know which one he wants more. Being a cop worries me but...if that's what he wants to do then I'm all for it. But I think your the stronger person for actually teaching! Your actually making or breaking the future kids of America! You are impacting everyone's life everyday. I'm just making sure my fellow workers are safe.

I'd love to have Georgia peaches and all those items you mentioned! The peach BBQ sauce sounds yummy. How far is that peach packing place from I-95? If Weird and I ever drive down to Florida again, we'd make more stops and have things planned during the travel days.

Mmm, thanks so much for the recipe! I'll have to save that for future use!

I always wish that I loved cooking. I love watching shows like Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. I am always drooling over the food that Guy Fieri gets to try! And then he talks to the people who make it and they just have this extreme love for cooking! I don't have that drive, but I wish I did!

Thanks for the teacher encouragement! It's a frustrating job, especially when so many people these days don't respect people in education anymore. There are so many parents who question what teachers do that it's just unbelievable, in my opinion. If I tell you that your kid isn't behaving or isn't putting in the effort, don't immediately defend your kid just because you think he/she is angelic. Why do you think we got into the profession? We're not out to "get" your kids; we truly want them to learn and succeed! Believe us every once in a while, haha. (Of course, that's not all of them; I do have some very supportive parents! It's just that those few students/parents spoil the bunch.)

oo yum, I love it when the chips in my chocolate chip cookie melt. I just love choc chip cookies in general and french fries- I agree, the KFC ones are sooo good! I'm craving some right now.

Can't wait to hear about the FL Welcome Center! I've always wanted to go there to get OJ after reading about & seeing it on MeMom's TR.

When I was a child, I hated cookies. For real! I don't know what was wrong with me. I think I'm making up for lost time.

I wanted to see the cardboard cutouts at the Florida Welcome Center and take a pic where Brooklynn took one! Haha. DIS celebrity

I haven't had KFC in ages! Good to know they still have those delish potato wedges. I could make a meal out of them alone!

I love that you are able to save the food and eat it later. One of the perks of having a cooler and a fridge in your room!

I like any fries. I'll purposely order meals that come with fries. Haha, it sometimes helps me decide what entree I'll have.

Yup! I especially need the fridge because I can't eat that much in one sitting. I have a "sluggish stomach" (it doesn't pump as quickly as it should), so my GI doctor told me I'm to eat smaller meals more often. Of course, it's difficult even now to get used to that (it's been a couple of years) when going to restaurants. The take-home bag is definitely my best friend!

Hi! I'm coming over from Sarah's (wdwgirl03) TR. Lots to catch up on but I'm subbing

YAY! Thanks for joining! I clicked on your "The End of an Era" TR and I'm up to Day 4. I love it!!! How fun it must've been for your sister to be a CM!

um....

are we there yet? I have to go potty. she's hitting me....

Yay for palm trees! I love the KFC wedges too. MMM.... You're almost making me want to drive to Disney... almost....

We're almost there! Stop fighting! Don't make me turn this car around! Hahaha, can you imagine?!?

I think that if Weird and I were to ever drive to Florida again, we'd make the drive part of the vacation instead of just the journey to the vacation spot. I'm sure there are a LOT more things to do and see on the way. We'd probably love stopping at museums and such, like the Air Force Museum that was in a picture in the previous installment.