Oh Florida! An East Meets West Girl's TR: 8/9 p56 & 8/17 p57

[eandesmom]

I WISH! OMG - that would be so fun! Seriously tempting, but I have so much on the books (actually too much) for the next year that I would have to do some major, major modifications. Ugh - if only I didn't have a job and had the extra money. I would LOVE it!

I would love it too!!! I hear you though, it's a real drag to have to have the money to do all the things we want to do.

Your staycation sounded so fun! Wow - so much to do where you live. There's a lot to do here, but I think its a totally different experience. Anyway - you have me intrigued by the staycation and I think I will plan one of those for next year.

I suspect it's like anywhere. Even if you have all kinds of cool things to do where you live, it's another thing to take the time to actually do them and enjoy them. It was really neat to play tourist in our own town. When I think of the word staycation I always picture being stuck at my house for the week as I am too broke to do anything else and taking that time to do projects around the house. This week was definitely not that. I may actually post a few pics of the week here as it was such a pretty week pretty much everywhere we went (although we did move the schedule around a bit so that the weather would be in our favor for certain things). It did make us kick ourselves that we don't try harder to fit some of this stuff in during normal life. Despite the fact that I am quite sore today, we both are, from the hike yesterday it was an incredibly relaxing week even though it was pretty active. The question will be whether we can move do to our 9k tomorrow. That should be interesting!

Here is what we did

Saturday - day 1: Ferry ride to Race the Reserve 10K over on a nearby island (hilly, 5 different terrains, hard but stunningly beautiful), arts fest on the island afterwards, drinks on the beach with friends who live over there, dinner out at a new restaurant locally.

Sunday - day 2: Food poisoning from the new restaurant derailed this day entirely. Huge bummer.

Monday - day 3: Recovery run, hang by the lake, kayak on the lake. It was wild to be on the lake on a weekday, no one else was out there! Saw Hallie Loren (jazz standards) at Jazz Alley followed by dinner out at a favorite haunt and Seattle Classic.

Tuesday - day 4: Ferry ride to a different island and cute little town we hadn't been to in a long time for lunch. Checked out a couple of brewpubs, real estate (not seriously lol), seaplane moorage and beach options, came back a different route, ice cream at the pier, ferry home, steaks on the grill on our deck.

Wednesday - day 5: Long run on a new trail that we had to drive to, actual trail run which was kind of neat. Had hoped for 8-10 and came up a little short of 8 due to trail construction. Very pretty. Mission Impossible and dinner at a favorite movie location (the bar at Claim Jumper lol).

Thursday - day 6: Lazy morning and headed up to the cabin. Afternoon and evening at the cabin, by the river. It is ridiculous that it has been so long since we'd been. Spent the night up there.

Friday - day 7: Drove to trailhead from the cabin. Amazing 8.4 mile hike. Talk about lunch with a view! Stopped on the way back to skip rush hour traffic in a cute brewpub we never make it to and had appetizers. Home, cleaned up, hit a funky diner for a late dinner and then picked up the E's at the airport!

Vacation over.

The only bad part, other than the food poisoning, which SUCKED, was that Jeff's mom gave us a lot of grief for doing a staycation. She had wanted us to come to Denver for the week and that was the original plan. But the cost of flights and the fact that a week there would be quite expensive with activities, it was stressing us out like crazy to add that in and as much as we love them, it wasn't our idea of a relaxing week at all. I absolutely adore my MIL but she wants to entertain and always plans expensive activities while we are there. We would be happy sitting by her pool and going for hikes and bike rides but that isn't how they would want to spend their time. We probably spent less for the total week than just our plane tickets would have cost to go out there.

I am glad it went so well, we will probably be doing it again next summer.

But I would love to do the NYC thing and in the same week head down to DC. Speaking of which - let me know about that race in October.

Yes! I would like to do that, I'll try to get my act together soon.

It's been so long since I've been to NYC. Jeff keeps asking what I want to do for my birthday and NYC is tempting but I don't think it's in the budget.

However, the surf city half marathon is ON my birthday...and that might be in the budget. Is that totally weird if I decide that is what I want to do? I'm not sure how to work that so the kids don't feel I ditched them again. But I mentioned it and Jeff suggested all on his own that we could combine that with DL and I figure if you add in a spa treatment or two that it sounds like a pretty perfect 50th to me. But..GCV is already gone for those dates. I really don't want a party.

We will see.

I could see me just spending time at the pool and Epcot. I would be totally happy!

Me too!

I am just wondering how hot its going to be for running next week. I have been doing a lot of my runs late in the evening here at home. Now I'll have to switch to morning. I have a feeling I will be taking a lot of short runs. I wouldn't mind going over to FW one morning to run. We shall see. I also desperately need a new pair of running shoes. I called the Delaware running company to get in a pair of 8 wide glycerins. I hope they come in before we leave. I really need them. I am not crazy about the color they come in, but hopefully it won't be that bad when I try them on in person.

Have you ever looked at Running Warehouse online? They have free 2 day shipping and often good sales. RRS, which is where I usually get stuff, is much slower on the shipping but can have good prices.

I've had my own shoe drama (of course, right?). Finally went to a new podiatrist, a sports med guy this time. LOVE him. Anyway, turns out there are a few things with my feet we didn't know about (finally got images) and it's completely changing the approach we will take regarding orthotics/shoes, all that. Also did a different assessment with the PT and Chiro (they went to a semianar and wanted to use me as a guinea pig lol). The good news is I don't have arthritis or narrowing joint space in the ankle and that was a real concern. But I am going back to a stability shoe with a completely different kind of modified insert that they are making for me. Also doing some very different things on the PT/Chiro side. We picked up my new shoes on the way to the cabin, I'll wear them tomorrow, probably with the (gasp) stock insert for the race and see how they do. My modified inserts still aren't ready which is pretty annoying but I'll call them on Monday. Major departure on the shoe, I'll be trying the Nike Structure 18's...in an 8W. LOL!

 

[Leshaface]

Hi guys. I really don’t feel much like doing an update. I had to take my cat, Kismet, to the vet today. She was straining to urinate and I thought she just had a simple UTI, but she has an abnormality on her Xray that the vet thinks might be a tumor in her abdomen She is having further testing and spending the night there. I am really worried about her and me, because it may be time to make hard decisions again. Kismet is 14, so she’s an old lady, but I was hoping she would have a couple years left

Sorry you had to go through that. But i'm glad she's feeling better! That's one thing I HATE about having pets, is knowing you're going to lose them sooner than later. I look at my dog and see what once was a black face, is now graying. It's either from him getting older or it's from DS chasing him all over

At some point that morning we reconsidered our plans for AK and both decided we were going to skip it this trip. I know *GASP* No AK.

But I understand because...

But we both wanted to close out our trip in Epcot. It didn’t matter that we had been there almost every day of this trip. It just felt like the right thing to do.

...this is literally the best park ever! Good decision.

I've never seen this sign before

Wow - I obviously totally broke THAT rule. Sorry! I guess I saw it too late.

Good work MEK!

 

[saintstickets]

MEK....glad Kismet the Kat is doing better! I swear...sometimes pets are worse than kids!!

Love the pics from OKW. I LOVE staying there. It is by far the quietest DVC resort and a great place to chillax!

Skipped AK, huh? We did the same thing last October!

I think your breakfast at Olivia's might have been their Banana Bread French Toast! Yum, yum, yum!!!

 

[englishrose47]

Reading along !! Living in Niagara Falls , I know what is meant by not doing the touristy thing. I do drive around the Falls on Goat Island and occasionally get out and walk onto 3 sisters Island , but as for the Maid of the mist or Cave of the Winds or any other tourist trap seldom if ever !!

 

[MEK]

Love your pics of Illuminations! And Jelly Roll's looks like so much fun, maybe I'll check it out since I'm staying there in a month! (Sorry, I just can't believe I'm FINALLY staying at the Boardwalk! AHHHH!!!!)

Thanks!

Jelly Rolls was a lot of fun! I definitely recommend it.

You are going to LOVE the Boardwalk. It's awesome. The perfect location!

I'm so sorry about your kitty, but at least she's doing better now, right? You've been updating on FB about her and I remember being happy that she was feeling better!

Yes - she is doing much better. I am so glad it was nothing serious, but she was really feeling poorly for a couple of days.

Those prints are so pretty, I love Disney art!

Those prints are all lovely. It was really hard to decided which one to get.

This may have been about points maybe. If so then I feel your pain. I am so points poor right now.

It's an epidemic. It actually bothers Denny more than it bothers me. He doesn't like to borrow and I figure that's why they are there - to be borrowed!

I know I did walk through once. It was EMH but maybe a 3 hour one. I don't think I was trying to end at the last minute but I was within the last half hour.

I guess we really were within the last 10 minutes. I probably should have asked them what time they actually stop letting people in.

Oh Marv!

Great News. Like you I lost 2 of mine close together and have 1 left. She is about 10 years old now but still very much kitten like.

10 is still young - I think. It's once they hit 12 or 13 that they are really seniors. I am very happy that Kismet is on the mend.

Nice shots of Illuminations from Japan. I think Norway is my favorite spot.

Norway is my "go to" spot, but this was kind of neat for a change. I'm glad I tried it. I really should mix up my viewing spots a bit more.

Hey your last day should be what you want. You will be back and AK will be there.

I agree - and when we went back in October our first day was AK! I couldn't wait to get back there to my favorite photography park.

Good deal on the hotel for the next trip.

For one night its going to work out really well - I hope. I just didn't see the purpose of staying DVC or Disney when we are getting in so late. It's sort of a waste and all circles back to the "points poor" thing.

We also got to see Larry Dotson in EPCOT. I was able to get a couple autographed as well.

That's such a nice feature. It really makes you want to buy more prints. He is very talented.

The orchid display at Longwood looks really pretty and you got some excellent shots as well.

Thanks! that was a lovely display and the first time I visited then, so it was fun. I actually took all those shots with my phone. I left my camera at home. I know - shocking!

 

[MEK]

Well, it's not AK, but that still looks like an enjoyable day.

It was a great way to end a trip. Missing AK was not horrible because I knew I would be back in the fall. That's the nice thing about being a frequent flier.

Those shorts are .

They are a bit short, right?

Glad that you guys finally got your breakfast at Olivia's.

Me too! It was super yummy! I would definitely head back to Olivia's again for breakfast. Definitely a winner in my book!

I am so happy that Kismet is doing better and I hope she has many more years of health and cuddles. Our cat is about 15 and I can certainly imagine how worried you were with her being so sick at this age.

Thank you! I don't know who much longer she has, but I am very thankful that it was nothing serious. It's so hard when they are elderly, isn't it? They can go for normal to sick almost overnight.

I'm sorry you skipped AK (I love that park), but glad you did NOT skip Olivia's a second time. We had breakfast there last month and it was very yummy as always.

I loved breakfast at Olivia's. It was so yummy!

I didn't feel too bad about AK because we had been there in February and I knew we would be back in October, but I love that park too. And I love taking pictures there. It's awesome.

Beautiful pictures around Epcot, and I love the print that you bought and had signed.

Thanks! I love that print, too! I wish I could have bought 10 more. He's such a talented artist.

Ummm...yes, lady, you need longer shorts!

Cute mugs.

Aren't they? I love them!

 

[MEK]

I would love it too!!! I hear you though, it's a real drag to have to have the money to do all the things we want to do.

It makes you really want to be independently wealthy, doesn't it? I'm happy I get to do as many as things as I do, but that really would be fun!

I suspect it's like anywhere. Even if you have all kinds of cool things to do where you live, it's another thing to take the time to actually do them and enjoy them. It was really neat to play tourist in our own town. When I think of the word staycation I always picture being stuck at my house for the week as I am too broke to do anything else and taking that time to do projects around the house. This week was definitely not that. I may actually post a few pics of the week here as it was such a pretty week pretty much everywhere we went (although we did move the schedule around a bit so that the weather would be in our favor for certain things). It did make us kick ourselves that we don't try harder to fit some of this stuff in during normal life. Despite the fact that I am quite sore today, we both are, from the hike yesterday it was an incredibly relaxing week even though it was pretty active. The question will be whether we can move do to our 9k tomorrow. That should be interesting!

I love playing tourist whenever I travel, but I never approach the area I live in the same way. Which is normal, but weird too. I have my favorite spots that I like to visit and that's what I stick with. I do need to branch out more. Other than going to sporting events, I haven't played tourist in Philadelphia in years. I really want to, but I keep putting it off because I know it will always be there.

Here is what we did

Saturday - day 1: Ferry ride to Race the Reserve 10K over on a nearby island (hilly, 5 different terrains, hard but stunningly beautiful), arts fest on the island afterwards, drinks on the beach with friends who live over there, dinner out at a new restaurant locally.

Sunday - day 2: Food poisoning from the new restaurant derailed this day entirely. Huge bummer.

Monday - day 3: Recovery run, hang by the lake, kayak on the lake. It was wild to be on the lake on a weekday, no one else was out there! Saw Hallie Loren (jazz standards) at Jazz Alley followed by dinner out at a favorite haunt and Seattle Classic.

Tuesday - day 4: Ferry ride to a different island and cute little town we hadn't been to in a long time for lunch. Checked out a couple of brewpubs, real estate (not seriously lol), seaplane moorage and beach options, came back a different route, ice cream at the pier, ferry home, steaks on the grill on our deck.

Wednesday - day 5: Long run on a new trail that we had to drive to, actual trail run which was kind of neat. Had hoped for 8-10 and came up a little short of 8 due to trail construction. Very pretty. Mission Impossible and dinner at a favorite movie location (the bar at Claim Jumper lol).

Thursday - day 6: Lazy morning and headed up to the cabin. Afternoon and evening at the cabin, by the river. It is ridiculous that it has been so long since we'd been. Spent the night up there.

Friday - day 7: Drove to trailhead from the cabin. Amazing 8.4 mile hike. Talk about lunch with a view! Stopped on the way back to skip rush hour traffic in a cute brewpub we never make it to and had appetizers. Home, cleaned up, hit a funky diner for a late dinner and then picked up the E's at the airport!

Vacation over.

That sounds like the perfect staycation. Especially the running, kayaking, hiking and brew pub parts. I didn't realize you had a cabin. That's awesome.

The only bad part, other than the food poisoning, which SUCKED, was that Jeff's mom gave us a lot of grief for doing a staycation. She had wanted us to come to Denver for the week and that was the original plan. But the cost of flights and the fact that a week there would be quite expensive with activities, it was stressing us out like crazy to add that in and as much as we love them, it wasn't our idea of a relaxing week at all. I absolutely adore my MIL but she wants to entertain and always plans expensive activities while we are there. We would be happy sitting by her pool and going for hikes and bike rides but that isn't how they would want to spend their time. We probably spent less for the total week than just our plane tickets would have cost to go out there.

I am glad it went so well, we will probably be doing it again next summer.

ugh - sorry about the food poisoning. That sounds horrible.

And sorry about Jeff's mom. I get it from her perspective, but when a trip to see family ends up being as expensive as a regular planned vacation - well.... And it definitely shouldn't be a stress to have to worry about the extra expense. And, yes, sitting by the pool, hiking, and biking sounds perfect. I hope she forgives you.

Yes! I would like to do that, I'll try to get my act together soon.

Well, you ARE transitioning back from vacation mode.

It's been so long since I've been to NYC. Jeff keeps asking what I want to do for my birthday and NYC is tempting but I don't think it's in the budget.

I went up in March for the day to see Book of Mormons. It was SUCH a tease having absolutely no time in the city but lunch and the play. It was super fun, but my next trip needs to be much longer.

However, the surf city half marathon is ON my birthday...and that might be in the budget. Is that totally weird if I decide that is what I want to do? I'm not sure how to work that so the kids don't feel I ditched them again. But I mentioned it and Jeff suggested all on his own that we could combine that with DL and I figure if you add in a spa treatment or two that it sounds like a pretty perfect 50th to me. But..GCV is already gone for those dates. I really don't want a party.

We will see.

That sounds like a great birthday present. I don't think its weird at all. Sometimes sports activities are what makes a great b - day present. But you definitely don't want the kids to feel ditched. I hear ya on the whole party thing.

Me too!

My goal is to hit ALL three boardwalk pools in one stay. I never seem to accomplish that.

Have you ever looked at Running Warehouse online? They have free 2 day shipping and often good sales. RRS, which is where I usually get stuff, is much slower on the shipping but can have good prices.

No, I haven't. I used to order shoes on line all the time, but stopped after I failed to return a pair that really didn't fit. But now that I have found the right shoe I should really just get back to that.

I've had my own shoe drama (of course, right?). Finally went to a new podiatrist, a sports med guy this time. LOVE him. Anyway, turns out there are a few things with my feet we didn't know about (finally got images) and it's completely changing the approach we will take regarding orthotics/shoes, all that. Also did a different assessment with the PT and Chiro (they went to a semianar and wanted to use me as a guinea pig lol). The good news is I don't have arthritis or narrowing joint space in the ankle and that was a real concern. But I am going back to a stability shoe with a completely different kind of modified insert that they are making for me. Also doing some very different things on the PT/Chiro side. We picked up my new shoes on the way to the cabin, I'll wear them tomorrow, probably with the (gasp) stock insert for the race and see how they do. My modified inserts still aren't ready which is pretty annoying but I'll call them on Monday. Major departure on the shoe, I'll be trying the Nike Structure 18's...in an 8W. LOL!

Oh my! Well, I am really glad you don't have any arthritis because that would suck. And I hope the new insert is just right for you. And Nike's - Wow! They are way too tight on me, although its good to know they have wides. I have a feeling the wide would still be too tight. I hope the combo of the insert and the shoe works perfectly for you. Sounds like you are really on to something.

 

[MEK]

Sorry you had to go through that. But i'm glad she's feeling better! That's one thing I HATE about having pets, is knowing you're going to lose them sooner than later. I look at my dog and see what once was a black face, is now graying. It's either from him getting older or it's from DS chasing him all over

Probably a little bit of both....

I know exactly what you mean. I used to think about how all three of my cats were the same age and that sooner or later I wouldn't have them anymore. I think if I had to put Kismet to sleep last week I would have to take a hiatus on animals for awhile. And with Denny retiring there is really a part of me that wants a dog, but I just can't do that to Kizzy now.

I am very thankful she is better!

But I understand because...



...this is literally the best park ever! Good decision.

Of course it IS!!!!!!! That's why I am very excited to be staying at the Boardwalk again. Epcot. Boardwalk. No brainer.

Of course there WILL be AK this trip and we have been back since last May. Definitely an advantage to being a frequent flier.

I've never seen this sign before

I honestly don't think I had ever noticed it either, which is probably why I took the picture.

Good work MEK!

Yup - so much for reading the sign the FIRST time I saw it. Majorly oops!

MEK....glad Kismet the Kat is doing better! I swear...sometimes pets are worse than kids!!

They are definitely worse for out of pocket medical expenses when they get sick. Let's just say I am totally get pet insurance after THAT last visit to the vet. Denny told me not to even show him the bill.

Love the pics from OKW. I LOVE staying there. It is by far the quietest DVC resort and a great place to chillax!

It really IS! I love it there and I'm a more than a little sad that I don't have any upcoming stays planned there.

Skipped AK, huh? We did the same thing last October!

Really? Well, of course you did. It was food and wine. Who needs any other park that time of year?

I think your breakfast at Olivia's might have been their Banana Bread French Toast! Yum, yum, yum!!!

I think you are correct. I'm actually surprised I picked that. I must have had a hankering for carbs.

Reading along !! Living in Niagara Falls , I know what is meant by not doing the touristy thing. I do drive around the Falls on Goat Island and occasionally get out and walk onto 3 sisters Island , but as for the Maid of the mist or Cave of the Winds or any other tourist trap seldom if ever !!

Have you ever done the Cave of the Winds? We did that on our last visit. It was so AMAZING! I loved it. I totally understand avoiding the tourist trap things when you live there. I love the 3 sisters island. It's so pretty there. You are lucky to live so close to some magnificent sights.

 

[MEK]

Leaving the World Behind

Hey Everyone! Thanks so much for the well wishes for Kismet. I am happy to say that she is doing great. She does not have a tumor or any other terrible thing wrong with her. Hopefully this is not TMI but she got very constipated when I changed her food by adding some dry food to her wet food. Of course, the fact that she is long haired and has hairballs didn’t help either. As a result she ended up with a urinary tract infection. She spent the night in the animal hospital and had to get an enema. Can you imagine? A cat enema? She also got an antibiotic injection. When she came home she still wasn’t interested in eating, but within 24 hours her appetite started to pick up. She is pretty much back to normal now. I hate to leave her for our upcoming vacation, since this will be her first time alone without another feline companion. Sigh.

I can't believe our family trip is right around the corner. I really should be packing now, but instead I finished all my replies and have my final update.

So let’s get back to this TR, shall we?

I left off here.



We were heading around the world showcase to a special destination and a special DIS meet. We walked past Canada.



I thought this man’s Vera Bradley bag went really well with his outfit. Don't you agree?



We continued walking by England





Love this topiary



Close Up



I have tried on many occasions to get a seat under those umbrellas, but the tables are always full. It’s still on my bucket list.



Japan in the distance….and, wait……what is that gathering ahead????



Whaaaaaaaaaaat????? Could that be a paparazzi’s dream? Another wedding?



Turn around bride. Please.



No - I didn’t mean to turn around behind the flower pot!



There! That’s better!





Cute



One more glimpse of the bride



So - random thought - When I look back on this picture that I took over a year ago I can’t help but wonder how the happy couple is doing today. Are they still a happy couple? Are they still healthy? Do they have or want kids? And, perhaps most importantly - Are they still together? I mean, you never know, right?

Our final destination was HERE



Spice Road. Morocco.

And our final DIS meet of the trip - Pam and her mom! Yay! Finally!



The tables across from us.



The light fixture



The view



Despite a very ample breakfast we still dug into some small plates





Tasty!

We had such a lovely time getting to meet and chat with Pam and her mom! They are two lovely ladies and I think its great that they travel together so much and always seem to be having a blast. They were fresh off the ship from their Mother’s Day cruise and had they had just settled into the Beach Club for the next several couple days.

Oh - here’s the bar.



Continued In the Next Post...

 

[MEK]

Are there seats at the bar here? I really don’t remember. Anyone?



Outside seating. Denny and I sat out there in February and that is the only time I ever remember being in Orlando and freezing. Brrrrrrr.



We sad goodbye to Pam and her mom and started our trek out of the park. Hello Moroccan belly dancer.









Looks like we actually had time to complete the world showcase loop











It’s funny how I always feel compelled to take tons of pictures when I know I am leaving in a few short hours.



























Continued In the Next Post...

 

[MEK]

Love him!









Home stretch





I’m sure by now I was getting sadder by the minute that it was time to go.







One quick exit picture



And then before long we were here and waiting for the Magical Depress



Cynthia’s Magical Depress left about a half hour before mine. So after we said our farewell, I still had some time to kill. Little did I know that Cynthia and I would meet up again in February for the Princess Half Marathon. We honestly thought it would be at least a couple of years before we could make a girl’s trip work again.

Random OKW pictures









Ugh - I always hate leaving the pool areas on the last day because Disney pools are the BEST!!!!!

















I popped my head in the Gurgling Suitcase not for one last Turtle Krawl, but for a picture of this.



Bye OKW. It’s been real.

Continued In the Next Post...

 

[MEK]

And before I knew it - I was on the fake monorail heading to my flight home









I don’t have any pictures from the airport or my plane. I really have no recollection of the flight, so it must have been uneventful. I know that my flight arrived fairly late at night. I think it was scheduled for a 9:30 pm arrival, but realistically, it had to be later than that. Denny was kind enough to make the trek all the way down to BWI to pick me up. Thank you Denny.

So that’s it - Another trip in the books!

Thanks for following along with me. I will probably write about our October Anniversary trip, but skip the Feb trip since I did a mini report on it here. We’ll see.

I'll also pop back it with some final thoughts and, of course, some firsts.

I hope to get replies done this week and I know Cynthia will still be posting updates so check back frequently.

Thanks for following along!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Last few hours are depressing.

But how cool to meet up with Pam and her mom! Looks like the DisMeet was a blast at Spice Road.

Thanks to you and Cynthia for sharing this trip with us. Here's to the next trip and enjoy! I'm totally envious. Wish I could go often.

 

[rndmr2]

Sad to see the last day of your trip, but I bet you are excited about your upcoming one, can't wait to hear about your October trip.

So glad your kitty is doing better. My little guy had that constipation issue once too a few years ago and had to have an enema. They sent him home with Lactulose for us to give him, what fun that was trying to get that into him! We had it all over him and us the first few times, and actually eventually gave up when it seemed like he was doing better. We also had to mix pumpkin into his food for a while. Luckily he seemed to like it.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I've enjoyed your trip report and all the pictures of OKW. Our February trip to OKW turned out to be one of our most enjoyable trips in spite of the cold and rain. It is a great place to relax.

I hope you have a nice trip with your sons.

 

[dizneeat]

One lucky lady - a WDW wedding to take pictures of.

You really made the best out of your last day - wonderful park day and DISmeet, back to OKW ...... but going home ....... no fun at all.

Thanks for sharing your trip. As always I loved coming along and seeing ALL your photos! Can't wait for the next TR. And have a great trip to WDW - I wish it had been possible for us to go this year as well to meet up with you. But well, I hope there will be another year.
Thanks again!

 

[Dugette]

Thanks for sharing your trip and all of your wonderful photos! Looking forward to following along on more of your trips!

 

[Steppesister]

Loved your wrap up, MEK! All the way around the Loop is fun! I was seriously considering Spice Road Table, but not sure if making an ADR is even practical when F&W is going on. Hmmm...? I love the decor and the options, but F&W calls. I'll have to think on that. It was either Via or SRT.

Cynthia- your staycation sounded amazing. Well, all but the food poisoning part. YUCK! I am in Bowling Green, and while I normally just hang out at Mom and Dad's just visiting, this time we're doing all the fun touristy stuff. At home, in the PNW, we RARELY EVER say get up to Timberline or St. Helens, or even Portland's zoo or OMSI. Just trying to take care of work and school when I'm home. So glad you felt refreshed!!

 

[jedijill]

Catching back up! Sad that the trip ended but you got a great Dismeet! Glad Kismet is doing so much better.

Jill in CO

 

[MEK]

Last few hours are depressing.

Always. No matter how often you visit it is always depressing to leave. You wonder how you will ever make it until the next visit.

But how cool to meet up with Pam and her mom! Looks like the DisMeet was a blast at Spice Road.

So glad we got to meet Pam. She's been on the boards for such a long time. So many people have left the boards so its nice that an oldie is still hanging around.

Thanks to you and Cynthia for sharing this trip with us. Here's to the next trip and enjoy! I'm totally envious. Wish I could go often.

It was our pleasure. I know Cynthia has more to add and I want to do final thoughts. I do feel very fortunate that I am able to travel to the world as frequently as I do. Being geographically close and having DVC and an AP make it too easy. I hope I never take it for granted.

Sad to see the last day of your trip, but I bet you are excited about your upcoming one, can't wait to hear about your October trip.

My October trip was very fun because it was our first cruise.That was an awesome trip. I hope I can remember enough of the details when I write that TR. I look at my pictures and think "hmmmmm....I don't remember that".

So glad your kitty is doing better. My little guy had that constipation issue once too a few years ago and had to have an enema. They sent him home with Lactulose for us to give him, what fun that was trying to get that into him! We had it all over him and us the first few times, and actually eventually gave up when it seemed like he was doing better. We also had to mix pumpkin into his food for a while. Luckily he seemed to like it.

I actually brought a couple of syringes home from work and that has made the laxatone easier, but its still an ordeal. Plus I can't ask my cat sitter to do that next week so I'm not sure how that is all going to shake out.

I've heard about the pumpkin trick and maybe I should just try that now.