A special birthday, a diamond anniversary and a west coast adventure UPDATED 9/7 About This Page:

[chezp]

Originally Posted by taylan1

Great update! Your plans are all coming together. I believe the photopass card for Memory maker is just that, a card. We purchase it on our last trip and they sent us a photopass card that says memory maker on it. I brought it with us but since it was linked to our Magic Bands through DME, we never had to use it. But I had it just in case.

Full details of what turned up in terms of the Disneyland Photopass in the morning... it's worth seeing.

Fingers crossed the Mark does indeed get to see an Orca!

Oh me too!

[chezp]

Originally Posted by cubfancolleen

So happy my TR has been both reminding you of things you're looking forward to, and giving you some info on new places to try! I am embarassed that it's taking me SOOOOOOOO long to get through it, though! I was honestly thinking that I should work to get through the cruise, or at least the first few days, before you leave on your trip. But, doesn't look like that's going to happen. The universe seems to be conspiring against me. I did just post another update an hour or so, ago, and I have the next 2 written up. So, you'll at least see us onboard before you board!

Yay! I just read your latest update and will eagerly devour any other updates before we leave!

Wish I was heading to breakfast at De Dutch in a few days! And I really hope you love it as much as we did, and as much as I've now talked it up!

I'm sure we will.

[cubfancolleen]

Forgot to say, I Hawaiian Olaf! He looks exactly like the Olaf on Castaway Cay!

[KMB733]

I love Hawaiian Olaf!!

[DMA]

Your plans are coming along nicely. Sounds like a great idea to try De Dutch for breakfast! I was drooling over Colleen's pancake pictures too! And I love that you make sure to plan a Bath and Body Works stop whenever you are on this side of the pond!

[chezp]

Originally Posted by DMA

Your plans are coming along nicely. Sounds like a great idea to try De Dutch for breakfast! I was drooling over Colleen's pancake pictures too! And I love that you make sure to plan a Bath and Body Works stop whenever you are on this side of the pond!

Well, despite the fact they have opened some outlets in some Eastern European countries, sadly there's no sign so far of them coming to the UK. Sigh.

[taylan1]

Originally Posted by chezp

Full details of what turned up in terms of the Disneyland Photopass in the morning... it's worth seeing.

I can't wait to find out! I totally forgot this was Disneyland and it seems that Disneyland is a totally different ballgame when it comes to planning and everything. Which also seems to be very frustrating with everyone. It is amazing how there can be such a vast difference between Disneyland and Walt Disney World when they are the same company. Ugh!! I hope that improves over the next few years before we head to Disneyland . Fingers crossed.

[Cam22]

Your plans are moving right along. Hawaiian Olaf is so adorable. Lots of luck for an orca sighting on Mark's 50th.

[chezp]

Originally Posted by taylan1

I can't wait to find out! I totally forgot this was Disneyland and it seems that Disneyland is a totally different ballgame when it comes to planning and everything. Which also seems to be very frustrating with everyone. It is amazing how there can be such a vast difference between Disneyland and Walt Disney World when they are the same company. Ugh!! I hope that improves over the next few years before we head to Disneyland . Fingers crossed.

It is completely and utterly different. Mind you, so is Disneyland Paris and Disney's now taken a much bigger share of ownership there, so I keep hoping things will change there and become a lot more like WDW.

[chezp]

Pre-trip report – part fifteen: I’m really torn about whether to go and miss you guys…

Sunday 16 August

Well, we didn’t have to wait long to get details of where Star Wars Land will be in Disneyland, it’s all over the Disney Parks Blog this morning. It’s apparently going to be in Tomorrowland, and I’m not sure how I feel about that. I hope it’s going to be an expansion in the true sense of the word, as I’d hate to lose Tomorrowland, because to me, that’s an essential component of the main park (be it Disneyland Park or Magic Kingdom or any of the others around the world) and I can’t imagine having one without it.

I did a little more packing today – I have all my T-shirts ready for Alaska now, have checked that my long sleeved tops still fit (next layer up) and know which vest tops I’ll be taking for San Francisco, Vancouver and Disneyland. I’ve added another dress to go, although sadly I’ve had to give up on the formal dress I was hoping to fit into. In fairness, I have now lost 10 pounds, but it’s still not enough. If I can lose another 10 pounds, and heck there’s no reason why not, as I’ve got rid of that in three and a half months, then hopefully I can get back into it for our Baltic cruise next June… now there’s an incentive.

Monday 17 August

I was reading Pam’s (pamcarey) comments about the 60th anniversary celebrations, and if it’s possible, I’m even more excited than I was before about both Paint the Night and the Disneyland Forever fireworks, as they both sound absolutely amazing. I’m not including World of Color in here, although I know there is a special 60th anniversary version of it, as I thought that was amazing anyway!

I heard back from Jeannie today, and sadly none of our dining plans work for her, as she’s got responsibilities with her kids, which I completely understand, so she won’t be joining us for any meals. However, she’s said she’s looking to join us for hopefully at least one evening in the park. We have each other’s cell phone numbers and will stay in touch and hopefully arrange something.

I also had a message from Mari, saying that there was going to be a birthday party for her aunt, who’s 95, on 8 September, and she was really torn, as she wanted to fly up there to be with her. Of course, if she did that, it would take her out for our trip for at least a day, probably two, and they were the two nights that we could do Club 33. Very selfishly, I didn’t want her to go, but I could completely understand it. After all, 95 is quite the landmark. I sent her a message saying how much we’d love to see her, but I completely understood and I hoped it would all work out…

Tuesday 18 August

Well it has all worked out with Mari! I got a message from her this morning. Apparently when her aunt found out about the birthday party idea, she immediately said and that put an end to that, so at least Mari had no decision, which was good – phew!

I was reading Cam’s trip report this morning and she had some excellent advice on where to watch the Disneyland Forever fireworks. Thank goodness she’s more detailed in her research than me! she pointed out that as well as Main Street USA and the hub around the castle, you can also see it from along the Rivers of America, and near It’s A Small World. I have added that detail into our itinerary, so I have a handy reminder now.

When I went into my emails, I had one from Disney Cruise Line, saying that our cruise is almost here! Hmmm… yep, I did kind of know that! It was essentially a reminder that we need to complete all our forms and sign them before the cruise, which we’ve done, and they’re ready to go already, so that’s one thing less to worry about.

This evening, we were watching a magazine show (it’s called the One Show and is on BBC1 on weekday nights), and they were focusing on things that are half a century old. I’m sure you can all see this coming… I immediately looked at Mark, and I think both of us burst out laughing! The guy they were interviewing, who’s also turned 50 this year said that when he heard the introduction, it was only then he thought about it realised he’d reached half a century. I have to say I know where he’s coming from, as I hadn’t thought of it like that before either.

I went through the weather for our vacation again this evening, and no huge changes again. The temperatures in Alaska are still looking surprisingly mild for most days, generally in the low to high 60s. Considering the appalling weather we’ve had over here (continuous rain today and chilly ) I still think that’s good going. Anaheim is still looking pretty hot, although at least one day is saying cloudy, which may help to save my skin a bit…

While there, I noticed there was footage of a weatherman reacting to an earthquake in San Francisco yesterday morning. Wow – he almost gets knocked off his feet, and you can tell he’s visibly shaken. It was 4.0 magnitude, if I remember right. Let’s just hope we don’t get one of those when we’re there…

Wednesday 19 August

T minus 10 days and counting! I must admit I didn’t realise that until I saw the countdown in my signature on the boards in the evening, as my day was a bit hectic, let’s just put it that way.

We went out to get our hair cut before we go away at one of Mark’s sisters, and when we got back, I was telling Mark how I’d read about the Pan Pacific having a rooftop hot tub. He just sat there and said “we went up there last time”, and I’m afraid I was like… If we did, I genuinely do not remember. I brought it up on their website, and it still didn’t ring a bell with me. I was pleased to see that as well as the pool and hot tub, which is open from 6:00am to midnight (nice long opening hours ), there’s also an indoor sauna. Hmmm, I may have to try and squeeze in some time in at least one of those during our all-too-brief stay there…

Mark was asked by someone at work about getting a Star Wars T-shirt while we’re at Disneyland, so he checked out the Disney Store website. Well, of course I just had to have a little look too… and guess what came up first when I logged in? Disneyland 60th anniversary celebrations! I liked the look of the Duffy costume, so maybe the May the moo cow will get that. I’ll see what I think when I see it in the “flesh” as it were. The throw however were appallingly priced at $75! I don’t think so! I didn’t see anything for women that I liked, which was a bit disappointing, and I didn’t see a Christmas ornament, but that’s definitely going to be on my shopping list, along with a fridge magnet of course!

There are some nice tops for women, some of them Disneyland and some of them Disney Cruise Line, so I’ll keep an eye out and see what I find on the Wonder and in the stores in Anaheim, but it’s looking promising so far at least…

Thursday 20 August

We’re officially in single digits as of today!

I was listening to a WDW Radio podcast on the way over to one of our offices, which is about an hour’s drive away, and this one was with Lee Cockerell. If you don’t know him, then you need to do some serious swotting up, as he’s got a heck of a history with Disney, as his website explains. I mean, let’s face it, you have to be pretty darned special to get a window on Main Street USA, right?

Anyway, I haven’t read any of his books, but the one he’s just done on Time Management Magic sounded pretty cool, so when I got home, I went on to Amazon, and ordered it, along with a Doctor Who DVD I’d had my eye on for a while, and a book for my dad that my mum wanted me to order for his Christmas present. It’s a long story, but essentially, my mother doesn’t believe in going online. It should all be here on Monday – fingers crossed, as we don’t have long to go now! The book is definitely going in the hand luggage or the suitcase (I haven’t decided which yet), as I figured it would be quite appropriate to read on the cruise, given I’ll be carefully managing my time while on board!

I’ve also printed off my faithful packing list – the best PassPorter personalised worksheet ever, trust me! Well, heck, we will be packing this weekend…

Friday 21 August

Well, I now have Mark’s 50th birthday present, but I’m saying no more than that, just in case wandering eyes are reading this… I promise you will hear all the details on his birthday, and it will be worth the wait.

Today’s trip report instalment was all about the must-do rides at Disneyland, and I said that I didn’t think we’d do Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, as it’s a spinning ride, but I’d take people’s views on whether they felt we’d be Ok on it. Well, the overwhelming view was that we’d be fine with it, so that one’s now on the list, and we’ll try and give it a go for the first time.

Saturday 22 August

Sadly today hasn’t panned out as I expected it would. My best friend Debbie, who just happens to also be one of Mark’s cousins, was due round for dinner tonight, and we were going to sit outside in the garden. Sadly, her father in law was rushed into hospital last night, so she can’t make it, which I completely understand.

What it does mean is that I don’t have to wait until tomorrow to do some things, like proper packing, and by that I mean bringing the suitcases downstairs, and actually getting stuff in them. We discovered a while ago that this is the most sensible way to do it. Previously, we had packed the suitcases upstairs, and I think you can see where this is going – then it meant nice heavy suitcases for Mark to bring downstairs. There’s also more space downstairs, so it’s a much better way to do things.

It also means I can get the things done that I want in the garden. Some of the plants are sadly now looking past their best, and there is no way they’re going to be looking good when we get home, so I may as well just take those out, and then it’s done with. I’ve also made it clear to Sara, Mark’s sister, who’ll be looking after the house while we’re gone, that I don’t expect her to have to come round and do any watering. I figure either the remaining plants will make it or they won’t, but whatever happens, they’re coming to the end of the season anyway. It’s not like our Med cruise last year, when we were away for the first two weeks in July, and she had to be on hand constantly watering everything, and making sure it all survived for the rest of the season.

Anyway, here are some shots of the garden – it’s not looking bad, and the fact it was a beautiful sunny day did help with getting good photos!


Some of the final fuchsias I think I’ll see this year, as they’re starting to die off

The view into the garden as you come out from the kitchen

Looking over towards the buddleia tree

My marigolds are putting quite a show this year…

The geraniums aren’t doing badly either

The kitchen flowerbed is starting to die off – I think these geraniums will be coming out when we get back

Still my favourite of all my pots…

The begonias are beginning to die off a bit too…

Looking over to the patio from underneath the shade of the buddleia – it was a blistering hot day (in the high 80s)

And from the same spot, looking up towards the shed

One of our miniature roses

One of the flowers on Grandmere’s fuchsia – when she had to move out of the home she’d lived in for many decades, we found a fuchsia and it was in a bucket, but so heavily rooted into the ground beneath, it took three of us to get it out. We planted it out into our garden and it thrived. This bush, which is about two foot tall, is actually a cutting from the original

My favourite wall basket – again, those double begonias are just stunning!

The hibiscus bushes we have are now in full bloom
Hard at work pollinating the buddleia

More stunning double begonias at the front of the house

In the evening, I was looking for something light and fun to watch, and I happened on the Disney Movie channel and Toy Story 3. That is such a good movie, although the ending breaks my heart when Andy finally hands his toys on. I told Mark he was braver than me, as I still have a number of mine. Some went, but let’s just say that was my mother’s choice, not mine. However, the special ones are still in our bedroom to this day, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to bring myself to get rid of them, not when some are nearly as old as me!

After I was finished with my weeping I checked the long range forecast again, and the temperatures in Alaska are now closer to what I was expecting, either low 60s or low 50s, rather than the high 60s I had previously been seeing. Vancouver’s a lot cooler now as well, although still pleasant, but Anaheim remains steadfastly hot, with sunny days and around 90 degrees, so I guess that factor 100 sunscreen will be coming in handy…

In Priscilla’s (Pris) trip report tonight, she was covering the Frozen party on their cruise in Norway, and I have to say it really excited me to see photos from it, as I don’t think I’ve seen any photos of it so far.

Next: packing time!

[lauriep]

Glad Mari can join you and I know Jeannie is looking forward to seeing you again!

I leave tomorrow morning, and you won't be far behind. I'll be home long before you are, though, and I'll see you in about a month in Boston. Bon Voyage, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARK!! Have a whale of a birthday!

[lindawdw]

Your plans sound like things are moving along nicely and your trip will be here before you know it! The flowers in your garden are just stunning Cheryl and it was so nice that you were able to transplant a flower from your grandmother's garden! I did that with some bulbs from my grandfather's garden and I always think of him when they bloom!

[Colexis Mom]

It's almost time! Glad everything is coming together and that Mark's gift arrived in time! Great pictures of the garden!

[cubfancolleen]

As I've said on FB, your garden is stunning! And makes me wish I had a sunnier yard.
Glad to hear you've got Mark's gift all taken care of - can't wait to hear what it is!
We had such hot weather in Vancouver - I had planned for low 70's!
Sorry I won't be to the Frozen Party yet when you sail, or I'd have a few more pictures to send your way. But maybe it's better that you've not seen much? This way it's all new and exciting!

[chezp]

Originally Posted by lauriep

Glad Mari can join you and I know Jeannie is looking forward to seeing you again!

I can't wait to see her again.

I leave tomorrow morning, and you won't be far behind. I'll be home long before you are, though, and I'll see you in about a month in Boston.

And I can't wait for that too! I didn't think you were home much before us - if I remember right, you're home perhaps the day before us? We get home our time on the afternoon of 12 September.

Bon Voyage, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARK!! Have a whale of a birthday!

Very good!