Will You Chill Out if I Sprinkle You With Pixie Dust? The End p136 *New TR Link* p138

[MEK]

Mary Ellen,

I do believe you are getting friendly with Bo there...

I think I did get a little carried away. Maybe just a tad.

I'm so glad you got home safely and that you've just been busy and that your reentry into "reality" hasn't been too painful...

Reentry is always a little rough, but I'm adjusting. Thank goodness I have a June trip. I am already planning and plotting for that one.

OMG... and just in time for Sandy... the Frankenstorm... can you believe it...

DE, PA -we're right smack in the middle... but its a huge storm...

Can you believe this freaking mess? Sandy? What kind of name is that for a monster storm?

Good luck at the Markets...That took me at least twice at long as normal... I needed to go to 3 store to track down bottled water...

Oh let's hope the power doesn't go out for too long...

Ugh - I went early yesterday morning. I can't stand to stand in long lines and see people with four cases of water in their cart. Really? Do you drink that much during a normal week? Leave some for the other people who might really need it.

I am worried about the power and my fingers are crossed that it won't be out long.

We're all going to get through it just fine ...

I like the way you think girlfriend!

Welcome back, although I'm pretty sure you weren't planning on coming home to a hurricane! I hope you guys stay safe!

Thanks and NO - coming home to a hurricane was not in the plans. Imagine that? Gotta laugh about it, right?

 

[MEK]

Stay safe!!

Thanks Dawn, that is definitely the plan. I think we are pretty well prepared!

Stay safe through Sandy. Being in the middle of the state has kept us safe from that crazy woman.

Sandy really is shaping up to be a crazy "who know what", is she not? She better just mind her manners.

 

[MEK]

So, I decided to sleep in my office at work tonight. I thought it would be safer than driving in bad conditions tomorrow morning. I know the power will stay on here. However, as you all know, the computer here is a disgrace and I had all my replies done and the internet explorer froze. Now I am struggling to get them all done. It's torture this computer is so slow.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Hello there my friend....I have been thinking about you all day as we have been watching the coverage on CNN! We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Can't wait for you new TR too! Keep safe

 

[Poolrat]

Thinking about you. Stay safe and I hope Sandy turns out to be a big fat nothing.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Be safe and careful Mary Ellen! I hope it's not as bad as the media makes it out to be!

 

[annmarieda]

First, glad you are back...

Second, stay safe!!!

Third,

That sounds like such a fun half marathon. I would love that, but I am seriously not sure if I can still run a half marathon. I pretty much stick to 5K's. At my age a half marathon may no longer be in the cards. Still, something to consider

At your age? I am thinking we are pretty close in age.... if I can do it...

course, I am no longer certain I will be doing the phm even though I registered. Time will tell. I have about a month to decide if I am going to defer to next year. (but if I do I would be in the same boat as this year so I figure maybe why bother) That leaves forfeiting my registration or selling my bib. Neither are all that appealing.

 

[SunLuvr321]

Joining in. Can't wait to read more about this trip and your F&W trip.

But for now, hope you and your loved ones stay safe. We went down to the beach as Sandy was passing by Florida on Friday and it was pretty incredible.

 

[saintstickets]

Just curious (I live in MN so no hurricane knowledge) -

why do you fill the bathtubs with water?

One reason is if it floods and you lose water, you can still flush your toilet.

BINGO! Plus you can boil some if needed and after several days without power (usually in July, August or September) you begin to, well, to put it not so delicately, protrude an odiferous aroma not pleasant to the olfactory system. A quick sponge bath is most pleasing to oneself and others in your household.

 

[MEK]

Mary Ellen- Welcome back and stay safe!!!

Thanks and thanks. Made it through Sandy without a scratch. Decided to live at work for the last few days so I would have power. Home now!

Stay safe my friend.

Thanks for the good wishes! Made it through A-OK! See above.

Good luck with all the preparations today, Mary Ellen!!! Are you up a little higher in case there is flooding as far as four miles inland?

Our house is up on a hill and it looks like a lot of the heavy surge all went north of us. It even went north of Cape May NJ. I feel so bad for the folks with beach houses under water.

Love the picture of Bo!!! Too cute!!!

I thought of you as it was being taken.

From someone in south Mississippi who experiences hurricanes most every year, we are 60 miles inland and although we do not get storm surge, we get plenty of rain and wind...so expect the unexpected. Gas up the vehicles; stock up on water, bread, canned goods, ice and batteries; fill the bathtubs with water; make sure generators & chain saws are in good operating condition; get all patio/outside furniture indoors and make sure your BBQ equipment is ready to go (fill propane tanks or buy extra charcoal). Saying a prayer for you and yours. Stay safe MEK.

Thanks for the good wishes. We actually did all those things. Well, all except for the generator and I won't go into that right now. Let's just say we were supposed to have a generator, but thanks to a little snafu that did not happen. Fortunately, we never needed it.

Just curious (I live in MN so no hurricane knowledge) -

why do you fill the bathtubs with water?

I see you already got your answer!

One reason is if it floods and you lose water, you can still flush your toilet.

Gotta love a flushed toilet!

Ah, thank you. I was wondering if it had something to do with extra water needs. I didn't figure it would be for drinking. Unless of course you could still boil water.

I have filled a lot of bathtubs, but really never needed to use the water. Usually when the water goes out here, its unexpected, so I wish I had that water.

Stay safe in the storm!!

Thank you! We were very blessed to make it through the storm without any major problems.

Hello there my friend....I have been thinking about you all day as we have been watching the coverage on CNN! We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Can't wait for you new TR too! Keep safe

Thank you! I really appreciate the positive thoughts. Watching the weather on the news was really starting to freak me out. We are very lucky to have made it through our second hurricane/tropical storm/ noreaster without any real damage.

Thinking about you. Stay safe and I hope Sandy turns out to be a big fat nothing.

Thanks. Well, she was big and fat, but she left our power alone and didn't cause any damage to our house. I wish the people along the coast had been so lucky.

Be safe and careful Mary Ellen! I hope it's not as bad as the media makes it out to be!

It never does seem to be quite as bad, although the Jersey shore got hit really hard. I hate to see that many beach houses underwater and that much boardwalk gone. It's really tough. The Delaware beaches faired much better.

First, glad you are back...

Second, stay safe!!!

Thanks and thanks! We came through Sandy in really good shape. I am grateful!

Third,

At your age? I am thinking we are pretty close in age.... if I can do it...

course, I am no longer certain I will be doing the phm even though I registered. Time will tell. I have about a month to decide if I am going to defer to next year. (but if I do I would be in the same boat as this year so I figure maybe why bother) That leaves forfeiting my registration or selling my bib. Neither are all that appealing.

I think I've got a few years on ya, but I like to pretend I'm younger than I really am.

Please tell me you won't have to defer or sell your bib. It sounds like such a cool experience and it really gives me inspiration to think that maybe I could do it. The last time I ran a half marathon I couldn't walk up or down stairs for 3 days. But that was a super hilly race, so I guess I can blame it on that.

Please keep me posted on what happens!

Joining in. Can't wait to read more about this trip and your F&W trip.

SunLuvr. Thanks for joining in. I hope to get this TR wrapped up soon and then the F&W trip will start. what a blast that was!

But for now, hope you and your loved ones stay safe. We went down to the beach as Sandy was passing by Florida on Friday and it was pretty incredible.

Thank you. We all made out fine and were very, very fortunate to not even lose power or sustain any damage other than a damp basement. I bet you have seen your fair share of weather events living on the coast of Florida. I know my Daytona friends certainly have some stories to tell.

BINGO! Plus you can boil some if needed and after several days without power (usually in July, August or September) you begin to, well, to put it not so delicately, protrude an odiferous aroma not pleasant to the olfactory system. A quick sponge bath is most pleasing to oneself and others in your household.

Are you speaking from first-hand experience? I can't imagine being without power during the summer months. But I know it happens down there in the south.

 

[annmarieda]

Please tell me you won't have to defer or sell your bib. It sounds like such a cool experience and it really gives me inspiration to think that maybe I could do it. The last time I ran a half marathon I couldn't walk up or down stairs for 3 days. But that was a super hilly race, so I guess I can blame it on that.

Please keep me posted on what happens!

I will keep you posted. I have moments where I can't imagine not going. Then there are other moments were I can't imagine actually going.

determining factors will be if airfare is bearable and if I decide I am ok going alone or if I can find someone to go with me.

 

[MEK]

I will keep you posted. I have moments where I can't imagine not going. Then there are other moments were I can't imagine actually going.

determining factors will be if airfare is bearable and if I decide I am ok going alone or if I can find someone to go with me.

I know exactly what that feels like. So conflicted. When is the phm? I'm not even sure, but it really sounds cool and I hope everything works out that you can go. Here's keeping my fingers crossed and wishing you much pixie dust!

 

[Poolrat]

Sandy took her wrath out on Jersey this time.

Thoughts and prayers out to those affected and wishes for good weather to clean up and restore power.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Glad you made out OK there! We got some wind & rain but overall made out well. Frankenstorm certainly wasn't very nice to NY & NJ though!

 

[MEK]

I Ain't Going to No D@^^% Gatlinburg!

Hi DIS Friends!

I am finally ready to do an update. This is actually an update I should have done BEFORE I left for F&W. I've been home for a week and I am still not caught up on a lot of TRs. Please forgive me. I am slowly getting caught up. I just go in random order. If I have missed you, don't worry, I WILL get caught up!

So, as you guessed, we all survived Sandy. I decided just to stay at work for the last 48 hours, which would be torture except that I have a very private office with a bathroom and shower (it used to be a family waiting room). I also can walk to the surgeon's office whenever I want and there is a TV and frig there. I also have this wonderful leather recliner in my office that was donated by a former patient. It was obviously an expensive chair and this patient bought it during their recovery from heart surgery. Then this patient had their family room remodeled and the chair "didn't match". So said chair was donated. I freaking love this chair and I can assure you that I can barely afford such a chair (unless I want to give up a Disney trip), let alone donate it.

So, bottom line, despite being a little bored, I was quite comfortable the last couple nights. Here on the homefront we received no storm damage and our power never went out. Yeah!!!!!!

So back to Day 9 of my June TR. Just to refresh your memory, Denny and I were now residing at the Boardwalk and we were at Epcot. We actually waited to collect Soarin FP's for later that evening, so we could come back and ride before our dinner ADR.

It was hot, the park was crowded, and we were staying at the Boardwalk, so we didn't feel the need to power through the day. We decided to walk back to the World Showcase and spend a little time in Canada before leaving for a pool break.

Playing with the camera

It was right about here that we ran into a big family group with matching T shirts. One member of the family was complaining about the heat and the crowds.

The matriarch of this southern family simply stated, "Next year I am going to take you all to the mountains so we can get some fresh air and exercise. Maybe Colorado. We can hike and fish".

One of the grandkids said, "I don't want to go to the mountains".

To which one of the dads replied, "Great idea mom. How about taking everyone to Gatlinburg?"

The southern matriarch, clearly exasperated that her son missed her intention, snapped back, " I ain't going to no d@^^$ Gatlinburg!!!"

Well, it probably was one of those moments where you really needed to be there, but Denny and I had to walk away as fast as we could because we couldn't stop laughing. We just found the whole conversation so comical.

Here's a picture of some of the Gatlinburg clan (note the pink T-shirts) taken later that evening.


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

I mean - here we are in the happiest place on Earth. We've been to Gatlinburg - the most crowded place on Earth and we've skied in the Rocky Mountains - one of the most majestic places on Earth. The humor was clear to us and we just lost it and then, like two little kids, we couldn't let it drop.

So for the next 36 hours we would suddenly find ourselves having this conversation.....

Denny: "Hey, let's go to Gatlinburg".

Me: "I ain't going to no d@^^$ Gatlinburg".

Denny: "NO, I ain't going to no d@^^$ Gatlinburg"

Me: "NO, I really ain't going to no d@^^$ Gatlinburg"

Denny: "NO,..........."

You get the idea.

Even though our sides hurt from laughing so hard, we continued to make our was towards Canada.

Once in Canada, I decided to take some pictures of the falls

Fooling around with shutter speed and filters

We stopped in here

It was time to watch a film about Canada


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

Tell Us all about it Martin


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr


Continued in Next post..........

 

[MEK]

Continued from previous post


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

I always enjoy the film in Canada. I walk out wanting to plan a trip to Canada. Happens every time!


Here's a few more pictures on the walk back to the Boardwalk

Cynthia - this picture is for you since you commented about how you think the Mary Poppins characters always have that special something that makes them kind and compassionate. I don't know if its the filter I used, but I think this picture captures that essence.

It looks like we are getting some dark clouds in this picture.

More filter effects

Good bye Epcot. We'll be back

I want to rent one of these. It looks so fun!

This picture makes me really homesick for the Boardwalk, since our room had the best view of the Swan and Dolphin. So cool

Continued In Next Post.......

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post.......

So funny, because I know I took this exact same picture last week

I popped in the Boardwalk Bakery because I was trying to figure out where to fill my mug

We passed the Clown pool on our way back to the room

When we got back to the room I wanted to take some daylight pictures of our room location

To the extreme left

To the extreme right

Straight ahead

Towards the left again looking at the front entrance

Our door

To the right again

Bird poop

chair back

So, as you can see, really not an unpleasant view at all. Probably a great location if you had a little kid who you wanted to run around outside for a bit. I just would have liked the location better had I been up 3 or 4 floors!

Before we took our pool break I had to make one more stop. My dear friend K had actually given me a bass guitar during our visit. But I was challenged with finding a way to send it home.

So I went to the business center in the conference center to see if they could ship it home

Here are some pictures from the conference center


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

The business center with Fed Ex was actually up the hall on the right and they ARE opened on Sundays until 2pm


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

On my way back through the lobby I took this picture of the horse chandelier. I can never get a good picture of it with my regular camera. I love this. It so reminds me of my trips to the Steel Pier in Atlantic City with my cool grandmother.


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

Here's some more information about the Steel Pier The diving horses were stopped because of animal cruelty


Here's another article

I look back with great fondness on my chance to see the diving horse. I was probably about 10 years old. It's a great memory.

Up Next. Bistro de Paris and more Illuminations

 

[MEK]

Sandy took her wrath out on Jersey this time.

Thoughts and prayers out to those affected and wishes for good weather to clean up and restore power.

You are not kidding. Now I am home watching the news and Long Island really took a major hit too. It's so devastating. So sad.

Glad you made out OK there! We got some wind & rain but overall made out well. Frankenstorm certainly wasn't very nice to NY & NJ though!

I am glad you guys got spared this time, since you took such a hit from Irene.

Yeah - the pictures from NY and NJ are really remarkable. It seems so surreal.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Great update and really cool pictures Mary Ellen!! They are so - I want to say "artsy" but that's not quite what I mean. They are cool and different, pretty and unique... maybe you get my drift.

Glad to hear you've survived the storm well. I feel so bad when I see such horrible images from NY/NJ/Conn areas. We of course, are enjoying really nice calm weather stalled here because of the storm, so I feel a bit guilty, and of course, very lucky.

What a nice office set up you have - I'd have stayed there too!

 

[jenseib]

I agree you got some great "artsy" shots. I'll have to try some more of that.