What a Fun Weekend

Yesterday, Meg and Nick celebrated their five year anniversary.  As they were talking, I realized that it's getting to the point that I almost don't remember when they weren't dating.  I was glad that they asked us to join them in Orlando as we had a lot of fun celebrating with them.  I was also thankful that we all decided to sleep in this morning.  Yesterday was awesome, but even with the mid-afternoon nap, we were all still tired last night.  I also stayed up later than Doug as Cameron wanted to order Cal's Christmas gift and it was after 1 a.m. when we got the confirmation email.

We spent most of  today at Epcot.  Nick rode Guardians of the Galaxy and Mission Space while Meg and I shopped.  Doug toured the Canadian side of the countries looking for festival dishes that he hadn't tried on Friday night.  Once Nick joined us, we each picked out foods to eat for lunch.  We also shopped in the England stores where I found the perfect gift for Alina.  The park was crowded, but nothing like Friday, so we were able to navigate it a lot easier.  Our last stop of the day was at the Mexico pavilion where the four of us rode Gran Fiesta Tour, always a family favorite.

Meg and Nick hadn't been to Disney Springs yet this trip, so we headed there next.  We did a lot of shopping and I found several more Christmas gifts.  Meg wanted to eat at Splitsville. There were plenty of tables outside, but as soon as we sat down, a storm hit the area.  It was still raining pretty hard when we finished our meals, but we were able to wait until it was only sprinkling before we headed to the parking garage.  I had an umbrella which Meg and I used when she wasn't able to duck under the store entryways.  I decided to walk barefoot as there were large puddles everywhere and I didn't want to ruin my Birkenstocks.  Thankfully, we weren't too wet when we got back to the car.

The drive to the airport was a quick one.  We had just enough time to download the pictures from Meg's photo pass before we arrived at departures.  I was very sad to see them leave.  We had had such a wonderful weekend and I wasn't ready for it to be over.  Thankfully, Christmas break starts soon and I will be able to see everyone again.  I can't wait.

Who Hates Mickey Mouse?

Doug and I were up early to catch Hollywood Studios before rope drop.  I wasn't sure that I would be able to make it as I was absolutely exhausted from yesterday.  I was glad that we did, however, as we were able to ride Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania and Runaway Railway before our breakfast reservation at Oga's Cantina.

Meg and Nick met us at the Star Wars themed restaurant.  They had slept in as they were up until 1 a.m. last night.  They had thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas party where they walked on rides, watched the parade and enjoyed hot chocolate with cookies.  This morning's drinks and snacks were delicious at the cantina.  We loved the atmosphere as well. 

Our next stop was back in Toy Story Land where Nick, Meg and I rode Alien Saucer Swirl.  It's meant for younger children, but it's one of my favorites.  The lines had been so long on our last few trips that I hadn't ridden it since 2020.  Meg then beat us all at Toy Story Mania before we ordered lunch at Fairfax Fare on Sunset Boulevard.  It was delicious and the first meal that I had eaten in four days that didn't make me queasy.  

After lunch, Nick rode Rock N Roller Coaster while Meg and I shopped for Christmas presents.  I found a great one for Cal and she picked out a few as well.  Doug wasn't in for shopping or riding and instead hung out at the Baseline Tap.  We were all exhausted by 2 p.m. and decided that resting at the hotel would be our next activity.  Doug and I both fell asleep as soon as we returned.  Nick went swimming while Meg rested in her room.

The four of us spent the evening at Magic Kingdom.  My feet hurt really bad, so I wasn't sure if I would be able to do much of anything.  Thankfully, I was still able to join everyone on Pirates on Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion and Mickey's Philharmagic.  All were a lot of fun and I was glad to finally see the new Hatbox Ghost.  We ate the best chili cheese dogs at Casey's Corner before Doug and I headed back to the hotel.  Meg and Nick wanted to ride several more rides and do some more shopping.  They were able to meet up with us at the piano bar before it closed.  It was there that Doug finally told us that he really didn't care for Mickey Mouse.  Meg and I laughed the rest of the night, questioning him over and over "Who Hates Mickey Mouse?"  Whether he does or does not like the main mouse, we were glad that Doug had agreed to spend the weekend at Disney World. 

A Weekend in Orlando

Meg and Nick were in Orlando this week to celebrate their fifth anniversary.  They asked us if we wanted to join them for part of the trip and we decided that a weekend at Disney World would be a lot of fun.  At first we planned on only staying Saturday night, but last night Doug said that he would be able to leave the office by 3:30 if we wanted to extend our stay.  Thankfully, there was still availability at Port Orleans Riverside and as an added bonus, we got a discount as well.

Doug worked through lunch today so that we could leave Ocala at 2.  I was very excited about that as we would be able to see Meg and Nick before they left for the Christmas party at Magic Kingdom.  They had spent the day at Animal Kingdom and were relaxing in their room when we arrived.  Doug and I unpacked and headed to the pool bar to meet them for a drink.  We enjoyed listening to them talk about all that they had done over the past two days.  

The four of us caught the bus together and rode to Magic Kingdom.  While they left for the party, Doug and I walked over to the Grand Floridian.  I really wanted to see the Christmas tree and gingerbread house in their lobby.  It's always the hit of social media over the holiday season.  They both were definitely impressive.

Afterward, Doug and I caught the monorail for Epcot.  We had decided that dinner would be trying the different booths at the Festival of the Holidays event.  It was very crowded, but we were able to try several foods and drinks while walking the countries.  Doug was impressed with how many booths had salmon as their main dish.  My favorite of the night was the pizza dough bites in Italy.  

With everyone in the countries waiting for the fireworks, we were able to walk right on Soarin' before leaving.  I was very happy about that.  We stopped at the piano bar once we returned to the hotel.  Their infamous piano player was in full swing.  We both enjoyed him until we could no longer keep our eyes open.  It was a great way to spend an evening at Disney World.  

It's a Stomach Bug's Life

Yesterday I woke up in the middle of the night and didn't feel the best.  My stomach and lower back were absolutely killing me.  I thought that maybe it was from sleeping in my chair.  I tried some ice and eventually fell back asleep.  

I didn't feel much better when I got up in the morning.  My joints started to ache and overall I just didn't feel well.  I still went out for a walk as I thought that might help.  The weather was a little bit cooler than normal, which I actually preferred at the time.  Later in the day, not so much.  Doug arrived home from work and asked what I thought about dinner.  By that time I couldn't even thing about food without becoming nauseous.  I did my best to eat rice and saltines.  Afterward, I spent the rest of the evening on the couch, freezing cold and miserable with a mild fever.  Fortunately, Survivor and Amazing Race were on, so the entire evening wasn't a complete waste.

I didn't even set an alarm for today.  I woke up several times in the middle of the night sick, but was able to catch up on my sleep finally getting out of bed at 10 a.m.  Doug came home at noon so that I could have the car.  I had planned on going Christmas shopping but wasn't sure if I could make it.  Thankfully, I was well enough to spend the afternoon out and about.  I even found some great gifts for the Heinisch family.  

Doug and I went to McAlister's once he got home from dinner.  Their chicken and dumpling soup was perfect for tonight's meal.  As we were talking I realized that I hadn't been sick since July of 2022.  That may have been why I was so caught off guard this time.  Either way, I was glad that today was a lot better than yesterday and I hope that soon this stomach bug will be a thing of the past.  

Dancing With The Stars

In September, Meg told me that she was watching the new season of Dancing with the Stars.  She had never really followed the show before, but she was excited about the fact that Barry Williams, aka Greg Brady, was one of the contestants.  After finishing the first two episodes, she strongly encouraged me to watch it as well.  It was perfect timing as I had just finished the newest Star Wars series, Ashkor.  

I didn't know what to expect when I started Dancing with the Stars, but I was quickly hooked.  I loved watching all of the celebrities compete, even when I didn't know who they were.  Barry Williams was my obvious favorite.  He wasn't the best dancer, but he was very likable.  Every week, I felt bad for those that were voted off of the show, but as long as Barry continued both Meg and I were happy.  

I talked about the show all of the time and soon I had Doug watching with me.  He was a big fan of the Brady Bunch, but hoped that Alyson Hannigan stayed alive as well.  I didn't agree at first as she was one of the weaker dances, but as she improved, I also started cheering for her.  Another big draw to the show for Doug was having Alfonso Ribeiro as a host.  We both had fun watching YouTube clips of his own performance on the show when he was the celebrity winner.

Soon it felt like everyone in our family was watching the show.  We turned it on at my mom's when we were there in November and Cal followed along as his girlfriend was a fan.  Brett and Cameron didn't watch the show, but they would listen when I talked about it to them weekly.  Brett even voted several times upon my suggestions as he like both Alyson and Jason Mraz.  

Last night was the three hour finale and I was glued to the television the entire time.  Sadly, Barry had been vote out several weeks ago, but both Jason and Alyson were still alive.  I was ok with Alyson winning, but knew that it was a long shot.  Even though she was a fan favorite, the other four dancers were a lot better.  Jason was hands down my pick for the "Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy."  After a fun night with a lot of great dances, the final vote left Jason in second place.  I was disappointed, but was extremely happy that we had all had so much fun this fall bonding over Dancing with the Stars.  

December with Jeanette

December was always Jeanette's favorite month.  It wasn't just because her birthday was today, but also because she absolutely loved Christmas.  She would decorate her house with a tree on every level and hang lights and garland inside and out.  She carved wooden Santa Clauses to add to her holiday collection and she would bake everyone's favorite Christmas cookies.  Doug told me that when he was younger, they would deliver giant homemade gingerbread men that she made to their family and friends.  Jeanette also planned a get together every year in December with her mother's family and Aunt Betty's complete with delicious food, small presents and a lot of Christmas cheer.

When Jeanette became a Grandma, she added one more tradition to the holidays.  She would set aside a day to open presents with her grandchildren.  She would enlist her daughter-in-laws help in picking out the perfect gift for each one.  Those gifts were always special.  She would add to their Thomas the Tank Engine collection, or clothes for the American Girl Dolls.  She would have fun watching her grandchildren open their new Blue's Clues toys, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Bob the Builder sets ready to use the toys with them as soon as the holiday paper was unwrapped. 

Jeanette's love of Christmas did not change once she was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  The gifts that I helped her pick out for the grandchildren did, however.  Instead of a toy, I started looking for items that were more memorable - a craft that they could make together, a game that they could play together, a book that they both loved, clothing, pillows and blankets with a beloved sports team on them -  a Chicago Bears pillow pet for Meg, Fighting Illini shorts for Cal, Mario pajamas for Cameron and countless books for Brett.  Those gifts meant the world to our children and they held on to them long after their Christmas celebrations with her ended.  

After Jeanette died nine years ago, our Christmas celebrations with Doug's family changed dramatically.  One tradition that I decided to keep alive was the gifts.  Every year, I would take the Christmas money that Carl gave Doug and spend a portion of it on our children.  I would still pick out a memory gift and we would open "Grandpa Heinisch's" gifts on Christmas Eve.  I don't think that Carl even realized that we did that, but in my heart I knew that Jeanette did.  No, our children didn't need the gifts or money that they received, but it was one more way to keep Jeanette's tradition alive.  Doug had told me that he hoped that when his mom was diagnosed with cancer that she'd live long enough for Cameron to remember her.  Thankfully, she did and from the moment of her death, I continued keeping her a part of our lives in so many ways.  The Christmas gift tradition was always at the top.

This year when I opened Carl's Christmas card, I cried.  There was just a short sentence letting us know that he had moved to DeKalb permanently.  Doug had told me earlier in the year that his dad was no longer going to give him Christmas money.  It wasn't until the moment that I saw the empty card that I realized how sad it made me feel.  It wasn't about the money or the gifts, but that it was the permanent end of our tradition with Jeanette.  

I have always been happy for Carl that he found love again and enjoys his life with Marina.  I know, however, that Jeanette's death has left a hole in our family that can never be filled.  In honor of her birthday and her love of the holidays, I will just have to come up with a different way to help keep her memory alive that doesn't involve opening gifts.  

It's a Bug's Life

When we moved, I knew that Florida animal life would be very different from Indiana.  I realized that we would encounter snakes and lizards at our home.  If we went to the springs, we would also see alligator and manatees.  I had learned from my previous visits that there would even be wild monkeys. 

What I wasn't expecting to have to deal with was all of the bugs.  When we first moved in, I noticed ants in the driveway.  I asked our realtor about a pest service, but she said that most people just take care of it on their own.  We didn't do anything at first, but after a few days of cleaning we found more bugs and bigger ones at that.  That's when we tried our realtors advice and bought traps for the inside of the house.  They helped, but didn't completely solve the problem.  One night while Doug was sleeping, a Florida carpenter ant bit him.  That's when he decided to try a heavy duty spray.  It definitely made a difference and he slept well that night.

We kept up with our routine of changing the traps once a month and applying spray as needed.  I had read that bugs were worse in Florida if there was a lot of landscaping around the house, especially with pine needle mulch.  That was exactly what we had, so I mentioned to Doug the idea of taking it all out and putting down rock.  It didn't take much convincing as what we had looked pretty bad.   We hired someone to remove the landscaping for us this summer.  The house definitely looked better without the heavy vegetation, but the ants that were hiding underneath the bushes came in our front door.  By the time we moved down here in August, there were hundreds of dead ones lying on the tile in the foyer.  It was nice to know that the Ortho spray was working, but it put me over the top.  I knew that we had to do something else.

As I was vacuuming up the ants, I remembered that the person who cleaned our dryer vent also owned a pest control service.  I dug out his business card and Doug called him right away.  We set up an appointment for a lawn treatment and house perimeter service for Labor Day weekend.  It was more expensive than we had planned, but we had to try something.  I didn't want to fight bugs for the rest of our life in Florida.  

Fast forward three months later and we couldn't believe the difference.  The amount of bugs that we saw was reduced by 90% and those that we did see were usually dead or dying.  I called our pest guy last week for another service and to add us to his quarterly schedule.  He was pleased that we were happy with his business and offered to come out today.  I was relieved that we had an answer to our problem.  Even when I found a wolf spider in our garage after he left, I didn't freak out too much.  I knew that it was just trying to get away from the spray and would die soon.  Cameron made fun of me for helping it along the way and trying to convince him that I was going to somehow die along with it.  Thankfully, I survived and our home remained bug free.