The ABCs of a New 'Ohana Adventure-G is for: Greetings From Teppan, Good-Byes, and Good News!!! - COMPLETED 1/7

[Steppesister]

That was another fun update to read and I am glad you had an awesome AK day with your family. I am hoping to get to Ireland for the first time this summer and I would like to visit the Hebrides in northern Scotland as well. Other places on the list are the Azores, Banff/Lake Louise and getting back to Tofino.

Ireland sounds awesome!! And you might get to go soon too! Yay! I've been to N. Scotland and it was absolutely beautiful in a rugged, silent sort of way. Very remote feeling and quiet.

Your list is diverse and fun! Happy traveling. Susan!

I am so sorry to hear that the initial recovery has been rough. I am thinking of you, my friend, and sending many positive thoughts, prayers and healing vibes your way.

It has not been fun or expected. I guess I still just need more time to heal and rest. I'll take any prayers and good wishes that come my way!!

 

[Steppesister]

She must be there now...
And you must be so relieved!

Yes, been here since the 21st and has been a HUGE help. I ended up in the ER last night and she and my son Zach stayed with me while I was there. She's done a lot of cooking and general household chore-like things that has helped so so much. I'm just not strong enough or able yet to wipe floors, take out trash, etc.... I'm trying to sleep on the couch with varied success, but they've been helpful getting me set up at night in my little nest, bringing me pills, etc... Yes, even opening the pill bottles was VERY hard until a couple of days ago.

No so happy to hear that.
You wrote this a day ago... I hope it's improved, even if just a little bit.

It has. I can get in and out of bed now, take short car trips, even sitting at the table for a meal is a real blessing.

Interesting.
I can definitely attest to quiet in winter.
Love the Northern Lights.

I would love to see those someday. Maybe a trip to Iceland or something would be fun, or better yet a trip to Churchill to see those bears!

There was this one time... and this from a guy who used to see them a lot...
I steppe outside around 3am (I was working) and just stopped and gaped at the incredible display going on right above me.

I see what you did there.

I'm sure it was a breathtaking sight to see!

Chowder? Did someone say chowder???

A good chowder is hard to find; an excellent one extremely rare and to be savored!

Only AK? I thought you wore it to Epcot... and I'm probably wrong.

Pretty sure just to AK, but EPCOT is full of inspiring adventure as well and would be appropriate there too.

Not tooo bad, then.

Weirdo.

Only want 1/2 a day?

True... for a while, anyways.

I've found in my travels to developing areas, that folks are WAY more inventive and ingenuitive. They'll fix and fix and fix with whatever they can find, and when they can't they're happy to hoof it to find what they need making friends along the way.

I am exactly the same. Tokyo, while I'm sure it would be interesting, doesn't really appeal.
But that shouldn't overly surprise you, considering the gardens I visit...

No, it didn't. I can see you out in the countryside hopping from one village's garden to another and being completely content. Taking in local cuisines along the way.

 

[Steppesister]

I'm still woefully behind, but I hope by now you're feeling much better than what I just read. I saw your post about your gathering on FB, so typing must be a little bit easier. Hang in there!

I am feeling bettter in terms of surgical recovery. No real pain in my incision and the neck stiffness if getting better little by little. It's this darn nerve pain that's new all down my entire right arm that starts in my arm pit. Perhaps something was overly stretched while I was positioned on the table? I am hoping it just takes time to settle down; I MUST return to work in 3 weeks. I simply can't afford to be off any longer.

That could be why we get along so well!

I'm sure it is!! LOL!

At first I thought you said "Samoa" and I thought, "How do Girl Scouts get there?" And no, cause those are the ones with coconut.

HAHAHAHA!! I know those aren't for all, but I sure love those. Although, I hardly EVER order them, and when I do I like the peanut butter ones and the mint ones.

Well, it's not so much an adventure, but I would like to visit the Loire Valley and perhaps even take a cooking class.

It's not an adventure? I'd sure like to think it is! How FUN!! I can totally see you doing that, wine tasting, cooking, seeing the tasting rooms and countryside! LOVELY!

I thought you were kidding when you typed this. I didn't think they sent people home with Dilaudid.

Yes they do, frequently in fact. Well, for bigger surgeries like mine anyway. Some surgeons really prefer the oxy or they hydro, I hate them both. I get WAY too itchy on them. YUCK! Plus you can combine Tylenol with the dilaudid and that super helps too.

You didn't see her girlfriend there sitting next to her? Weird.....

LOL!! Creepy!

Oh, no! This is terrible news!

Yeah....

Wow! You must really have some serious pain. I hope that the sleep has helped and you are feeling better days later.

I sleep pretty well, when I take my muscle relaxant and a pain pill. The pain was actually very deblilitating but has become something I can cope with now.

You're not a whiner at all. That Frankenstein neck is serious! That's quite a scar. I hope when I read ahead you've had a positive solution.

Taking one day at a time. The stitches are out and it looks pretty good. No solutions, just time..

 

[Steppesister]

We had so much fun with that game when I was a teenager! I even had a birthday party one year when that was the entertainment!

Must have really been fun!! It's so weird I've never heard of it.

I'm pretty sure we had our version on a floppy disk, because I don't remember needing to use the modem in order to play the game. We did always have 2 lines, however, which came in handy when we wanted to use the modem for BBS's (Bulletin Board Systems), that were the precursor of forums like this.

That is a LONG time ago! I barely remember that technology jargon at all.

I hope the surgery finally kicks in and helps you recover so you can go on more hiking adventures!

One day at a time!

 

[Steppesister]

All caught up here. That makes me happy! The fact that I can even sit up at a computer is pretty amazing. Short spells only still.

My big Holiday affair is over and we're back to kinda normal foods, quiet sitting, visits to the ED, etc...

Oh, about that.... the pain in my right side (armpit, arm, hand, fingers) is still pretty bad, hence a trip to the ER for some imaging last night. It showed no NEW nerves being pinched or pressed that would cause this, so my only other guess is that I was overly stretched into a traction position during the procedure and got some sort of brachio-plexus injury or spinal nerve stretch. I just hope it only takes time for something like that to heal and it's a temporary thing. I am never very patient with myself for things like this.

Meantime, my folks are still here and have been a very big help. Mom is awesome with helping to cook a bit and keeping up with dishes, and dad has been helpful with taking trash down the 3 flights of stairs, etc.. Getting me set up in my little couch-nest set up each night, although I'm in a lot during the day too, is a chore in and of itself.

Anyway, enough of my whining. I have so many blessings to count- I had a wonderful evening with all of my kids under my roof last Saturday, they are all healthy, I have 3 beautiful, healthy grandbabies that I got to snuggle, I have a great job that I love, I have vacations planned and things to look forward to, the list goes on and on and on. This too shall pass, things will be better.

Now.... at some point, I'll be making the rounds to your threads and reading your lovely chapters. Slow and steady wins the race.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanakuah, Beautiful Holidays, Meaningful Celebrations....

 

[pkondz]

Yes, been here since the 21st and has been a HUGE help. I ended up in the ER last night and she and my son Zach stayed with me while I was there. She's done a lot of cooking and general household chore-like things that has helped so so much. I'm just not strong enough or able yet to wipe floors, take out trash, etc.... I'm trying to sleep on the couch with varied success, but they've been helpful getting me set up at night in my little nest, bringing me pills, etc... Yes, even opening the pill bottles was VERY hard until a couple of days ago.

Man. That does not sound like any fun at all.
Hope you start feeling better.

It has. I can get in and out of bed now, take short car trips, even sitting at the table for a meal is a real blessing.

Some improvement. Good!

I would love to see those someday. Maybe a trip to Iceland or something would be fun, or better yet a trip to Churchill to see those bears!

It's a pretty interesting place.

I'm sure it was a breathtaking sight to see!

That's putting it mildly.
I was rooted in place for at least 10 minutes.

A good chowder is hard to find; an excellent one extremely rare and to be savored!

Found one in Seattle.

Weirdo.

I've found in my travels to developing areas, that folks are WAY more inventive and ingenuitive. They'll fix and fix and fix with whatever they can find, and when they can't they're happy to hoof it to find what they need making friends along the way.

Interesting observation. I like that.

No, it didn't. I can see you out in the countryside hopping from one village's garden to another and being completely content. Taking in local cuisines along the way.

 

[pkondz]

My big Holiday affair is over and we're back to kinda normal foods, quiet sitting, visits to the ED, etc...

Oh, about that.... the pain in my right side (armpit, arm, hand, fingers) is still pretty bad, hence a trip to the ER for some imaging last night. It showed no NEW nerves being pinched or pressed that would cause this, so my only other guess is that I was overly stretched into a traction position during the procedure and got some sort of brachio-plexus injury or spinal nerve stretch. I just hope it only takes time for something like that to heal and it's a temporary thing. I am never very patient with myself for things like this.

This sounds just awful. Thoughts and prayers for continued healing.

Meantime, my folks are still here and have been a very big help. Mom is awesome with helping to cook a bit and keeping up with dishes, and dad has been helpful with taking trash down the 3 flights of stairs, etc.. Getting me set up in my little couch-nest set up each night, although I'm in a lot during the day too, is a chore in and of itself.

I'm sure you're quite glad they're there and will miss them all that much more when they leave.
Perhaps they'll stay for an extended period now?

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanakuah, Beautiful Holidays, Meaningful Celebrations....

Merry Christmas to you too, Liesa.

 

[Steppesister]

Merry Christmas to you too...

Even Roz is in the spirit!

But don’t forget your paaaaaperwork!

 

[Steppesister]

This sounds just awful. Thoughts and prayers for continued healing.

It has been less than I’d hoped. Carrying on one day at a time.

I'm sure you're quite glad they're there and will miss them all that much more when they leave.
Perhaps they'll stay for an extended period now?

I am, but company, no matter how well loved can be tiring in and of itself. Finding I’d treasure more downtime with no pressure to have conversation. If that makes sense.

Merry Christmas to you too, Liesa.

I am blessed. Much of the “Yuletide” and “merriment” was stripped this year. Perhaps that’s given space to focus on that which is truly important. It it’s also been sad a bit at times. Change is always hard.

 

[thumper*]

Merry Christmas Liesa and hope your issues resolve quickly and your back to your ole self soon.

 

[aboveH20]

Anyway, enough of my whining. I have so many blessings to count- I had a wonderful evening with all of my kids under my roof last Saturday, they are all healthy, I have 3 beautiful, healthy grandbabies that I got to snuggle, I have a great job that I love, I have vacations planned and things to look forward to, the list goes on and on and on. This too shall pass, things will be better.

 

[pkondz]

It has been less than I’d hoped. Carrying on one day at a time.

I am, but company, no matter how well loved can be tiring in and of itself. Finding I’d treasure more downtime with no pressure to have conversation. If that makes sense.

I completely understand that.

I am blessed. Much of the “Yuletide” and “merriment” was stripped this year. Perhaps that’s given space to focus on that which is truly important. It it’s also been sad a bit at times. Change is always hard.

Completely understand this. My Christmas has... had its moments this season.

 

[Steppesister]

F is for: Friends in France and Fun with Figment, with a Side of FoodFest​

“Fun was had by all.” Cliché at its worst, and yet, looking back, I’d take the worst cliché fun over most anything when it comes to our vacation last Fall. We had an absolutely marvelous time together, of course with its ups and downs as any family vacation ever does, but overall relationships were being built, newness was being established, we were having more fun than not.

Over the 9 days, we spent at least 3 separate times dipping into EPCOT for Food and Wine Fest fun. We also spent a fair portion of our time in WS seeing what skeleton attractions were left. Most, if not all, were a one and done for all of us. With the 3 days of FPs, we were able to knock all of them off and be able to move on to the food. Priorities and all. I’ll be the first to say, I’m really happy that EPCOT, once my favorite park, is getting a major overhaul. Like a 50-something, it was long overdue for that needed facelift. Wish they’d kept the Fountain though. THAT makes me sad, but I digress…

One thing that does make me content is the no-touchy of Figment. He’s curious, child-like, energetic, fun! Everything I so long to be. Aside from that, he is one of Anara’s longest-standing memories of WDW. She still has her plush after all these years and he still makes her smile. So, it went without question that we’d have to pay the little imp a visit.

Nigel made the proper introductions with the appropriate fair warnings as well.



“Hello? This is Figment.”



“This is Disney’s Customer Service calling to tell you that you’ve been selected to receive a lifetime of free Annual Passes for your entire family!”

“Hey Nigel, phone’s for you…! My imagination is telling me this is actually a legit deal!”



Hey, here’s a game of “Pull my Finger” for the adult, slot-loving crowd. I wonder how this would actually go over in my local casino? Then again, Figement's game is more appetizing than the food I saw on the buffet when I stopped in to pee this weekend on the way to the beach. See that smile on his face just before he pulls the trigger? Yeah, that’s every dad, everywhere with this one.















Someday, I’m going to actualy count the number of Figments on the attraction; I think I left off at 14,302.

There was really no rhyme, reason, or rationale to our roamings, but I did make a few playdates that were an absolute delight. Delightful, but also short-lived, because first and foremost this was a family trip that I needed to focus on most. I snuck away as I could and felt was appropriate, but did my very best to shift back inwards when I sensed the need. Coincidentally, most of my little DISMeets did happen in EPCOT and started with getting some face painting done with Billie at the Outpost (Africa) in WS. It’s the first time I’ve done face painting and I LOVED IT!!! YES! It made the Festival more festive and it was super fun hearing the complements. I’d absolutely do it again in a heartbeat. It lasted me 2 full days, you can get touchups in the same park for 2 days with your receipt, and it just added some zing and sparkle that is out of the ordinary. Thank you, @Elevationist for giving me the nudge and inspiration to do this!



After a spin through the eras of human communication, the kids and I headed to start making our way through the kiosks. It did not disappoint. Dish after delicious and expensive dish was consumed. I threw caution to the check-out statement and pulled money out my account like Mary Poppins pulls spoonfuls of sugar from her bag. Move over, Mary, the new bag is a band.







The very first dish I got this year, because it’s been a consistent favorite for years now, was the Loaded Mac and Cheese. It was just as phenomenal as always, and yes, I’d still say, it’s one of my top 3 faves.



A FULL run-down of all the Eats I got and a ranking will happen in its own chapter. But, let’s just say, a VERY close 2nd, if not tie for first, was this:

Baked Shrimp and Scallop Scampi Dip with Sourdough Baguette $6 (not my image)



Seems that first dip into the Fest for lunch also included:

IMPOSSIBLE™ Cottage Pie: IMPOSSIBLE™ Ground Meat with Carrots, Mushrooms, and Peas topped with Mashed Cauliflower, White Beans, and Mozzarella (V) $5



And,

Lump Crab Cake with Napa Cabbage Slaw and Avocado-Lemongrass Cream $5.50



It scored a resounding... meh.

Later that day at some point, a group of us met up again in EPCOT and hung out a bit. We did a little Food and Wining and rode LWTL together too. It was awesome meeting Lindsay and her hubby, Billie, Steve and Ariane! (@ariane37 ) Thanks for letting me hang out with you while my kids were off doing whatever they were doing!! (My notes do say this did happen the same day, but I have no idea if my kids went back for a rest and we met later or??) Either way, I had my own adventures to do and see, so said my good-byes over a Bloody Mary from the Refreshment Post and took off to find stuff. Remy’s to be exact, but that’s for another chapter.





During my solo adventuring, I continued my Alphabet Quest, and found myself in France for Letter F. Yes, I also have selfies from Fantasyland, but that also is for another day. Today, I found myself one sweet friend richer. Because F is for Friends!!!

It was hot. I know, riveting writing considering this is Florida in Fall. Face paint, deodorant, and ice cream all have one thing in common, and while I couldn’t do anything about the melting first 2, I could get an ice cream and make sure it was being eaten while it melted. Hitting up L’Artisan, and debating on the ice cream martini, but deciding I was too far already in the red for the day with an $$$ dinner coming up, I stuck with a single scoop of berry-something gelato.




It was refreshing, and tasted great, but that’s not what made it a really special cup of gelato. It’s what happened while I was eating it that made that 10 minutes and extraordinary piece of my day.

As most of you know, seating is usually at a premium back in that area. But, I’m not one to be daunted. I spied a little table with 3 or 4 chairs next to it, 2 of which were occupied by a father and son of perhaps 12? 13? I made a bold move and politely asked if they might be open to me sharing their table for a few minutes to rest my feet.

Most people are pretty amenable and thankfully, the dad said, “Sure!”

Sitting, I expressed my gratefulness and began to eat my ice cream when the boy began to ask me questions. It became very clear, very quickly that he was autistic and struggled with communication, but was unbelievably friendly, engaging, and wanted to interact. I could sense moments of frustration in our conversation, but it was… magical. His dad let him lead the questions and answers and let his son and I have a very natural, sweet talk about Figment, Remy, ice cream, Disney… Time melted along with my ice cream; it wasn’t about gelato anymore. It was all about making this 10 minutes of my day matter and connecting with another human being on a more than passing level. And it was clear who was more blessed by pausing, allowing, inviting. Disney has had more than a few existential moments for me; this was one in the top few I will not too soon forget.

After about 10 or so minutes, Mom returned to the table with Grandma and attentions were once turned to their own family and I suddenly realized I’d lost my almost completely filled out Remy Hunt Map!!! CRAP!! $7.95 down the toilet! I said a hasty good-bye to my new friends, wished them a completey magical trip, and raced into L’Artisans with the dismal hope I’d find my map.

It was there.


Right by the register where I’d left it when I paid. You can stop counting now how many times I had already lost something on this trip and would find it. There will be more.

As I picked up my pace to hightail it out of France, I glanced into the windows of Chefs De France and spied Billie and Steve sitting at a table ready for their dinner. Surprise!! Gotcha!!



Also, at some point during the day, I met up with Coni and Doc (@docsoliday1 )who were gracious enough to meet me that day for a short spell. At least I think it was this day? We met up a couple of different times and things are more-than-usually blurry right now given that I’m hopped up on more meds than I’d like to admit to. Anywho, Doc, Coni, and I shared a few minutes over a Grand Marnier Slushie also in France (lots of fun to be had in France!) and a nice photo opp. (ETA: referring to my notes, it looks like this was a different day, but was no less special to get to see them). We also spent a fair amount of time in the Japan Pavilion later and then had a nice dinner at Teppan Edo later. Reserving a whole chapter for that too. My guess is that it’ll be for Letter T, but that’s just a guess. LOL!



It had misted a few times throughout my afternoon causing no stress or issue (although I did try to protect my facepaint a little at one point) but it kept the air manageable and me able to keep on trekking on until I met the kids at the Mexico Pavilion for our dinner at San Angel- a surprisingly, bright shining spot in our vacation dining along the way. But, if you are willing to stick with me, Dear Reader, I do have more material to share, more memories made, more stories to pass along. I know this TR has REALLY, tragically bogged down with my surgery, the Holidays, and a general lack to oomph. I have, at a minimum, 3 weeks still off of work and would like to keep focusing on writing and posting. Maybe, I can earn a few of my readers back. If you’re still here… roll call time. Encourage me and tell me so. A simple, “Hi there!” would be amazing.

***And now, a few words about my recovery: ***

I do believe I've turned the corner of the hardest work of my recovery. I'm able to be up and about for a lot of the day with frequent breaks to sleep, rest, sit, and lounge. But, each time I'm up I can go a little longer. I'm able to go more than 4 hours between Norco now, but am definitely still on the muscle relaxant, ATC Tylenol, and the Gabapentin for the nerve pain. My entire body feels like it has been in a bad car wreck; every single muscle from my legs torso, shoulders, arms, neck is sore or downright painful. Turning over in bed to change positions is, in simple terms... hard work. I struggle with headaches and my range of motion is still pretty limited. Having said all of that, every day I see and feel improvement. The immediate concerns of every post-op recovery (getting backed up, pneumonia, blood clots, etc...) are all long past me now and the discomforts I have now will begin to resolve and fade. There was a very real concern earlier this week that the surgery itself had caused some damage not expected on my right side, but that too is subsiding. In the end, I now believe that I was somehow over-stretched (for this surgery, they put you in a prone position in traction) and I received a brachio-plexus nerve injury in the process. While excrucitating enough that it landed me in the ER, I am confident it will resolve over time. I'm grateful I can use my arm at all. All this to say, my recovery is taking a LOT longer and taking a LOT more out of me than I ever anticipated, but as recovery room nurse, I also now have a very VERY real insight as to the scope of the recovery that some may face with this procedure. And nothing is a better teacher than personal experience. I love that I have new tools and knowledge to offer my patients moving forward!

And now, to close things out, I was able to get out for half a day a couple days ago and go with my folks to the Oregon Coast- a place they really treasure. The day was typically gray and misty until just as we were finishing up lunch. I noticed a break in the cloud cover and got myself in position to take advantage of the impending light. What happened next was ethereal! This may very well be my most favorite photograph I have EVER taken. With limited time, equipment and even in a state of impairment, luck found its way.

I present... Glowing Seascape- Taken at Depoe Bay, Oregon on December 26th, 2019



And now, your tip for the day:

Friends are like cheese, some are salty, some are sharp. Some can be smooth and others clean and soft. Choose wisely.

 

[Steppesister]

Merry Christmas Liesa and hope your issues resolve quickly and your back to your ole self soon.

I am slowly getting there. It's been a much longer process than I'd hoped, but progess, any, is a great thing!

 

[Steppesister]

Completely understand this. My Christmas has... had its moments this season.

I hope it's been more good than bad. Hugs!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I left for my Israel trip via Portland right after Declan was born and I haven't checked in. It has taken me 2 weeks to feel human again! So worth all of the travel to experience the Holy Land! I'm glad you seem to be recovering well. Sorry it will take longer than you would like. I'm sure you will be glad when it is all over. Oh, I forgot to take carpet selfies at the airport! I mentioned it to DSIS and then we got our bloody mary and coffee and it was all over. LOL

 

[juniorbugman]

HI I am still reading along. Glad you are feeling better everyday. Can't wait for the rest of your trip.

 

[Steppesister]

I left for my Israel trip via Portland right after Declan was born and I haven't checked in. It has taken me 2 weeks to feel human again! So worth all of the travel to experience the Holy Land! I'm glad you seem to be recovering well. Sorry it will take longer than you would like. I'm sure you will be glad when it is all over. Oh, I forgot to take carpet selfies at the airport! I mentioned it to DSIS and then we got our bloody mary and coffee and it was all over. LOL

Hey Tammie!!

I'm SO happy you had a good trip!! My folks lived in Israel a couple of times for 6 months at a time and LOVED it. We even had the opportunity to go on their dime, and just... didn't. I'll always regret that. But, I DO understand how travel can knock the puddin' out of you. And it often does take a while to get back into the swing of a normal routine and life again.

NO carpet selfies?! It's just not done! LOL! But... well, bloody marys. Buhahahaha! Yeah, those muddy everything.

Now, how about posting a few of your favorite photos here of that trip?

 

[Steppesister]

HI I am still reading along. Glad you are feeling better everyday. Can't wait for the rest of your trip.

YAY!! You're still here! Each day is a small improvement, and I can't ask for more than that!

Loads more coming along... with time off.... you just never know!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Kinda funny...I was the opposite.

I thought the decorations/theming were top notch, but once you've gone around and seen it, it's kinda just so much eye candy. I enjoyed SR simply because (as the pilots) you actually have some control over the flight. The gunners can have an impact on the overall score, but trying to target manually is TOUGH. The engineers are kinda just along for the ride. Again, I thought the theming was well done...it FELT like I was on the Falcon. Would be interested to hear your thoughts. PM if you prefer.

Sorry, just seeing this now. I understand the whole interactive thing, and understand the attraction for that. Jim says that he enjoyed that part. I was a gunner, so I spent the whole time looking at the buttons to push, it felt, so every time I tried to watch the screen and actually get into the ride, either the game or another rider were prompting me to do something, and I would look at the controls. Never really got to experience anything except random button pushing! LOL