I OWE, I OWE

In the background of my mind, I hear a "funeral dirge" slowly playing to set the mood.  Time is up; the party's over; or however you want to say it - "It's back to work I go."  Y E S.  The day is Thursday.  I go to Traditions, for the fourth time.  I should be able to teach the class, but I'm getting paid to attend and if I answer the questions correctly, I get a small polymer character as a prize.  All is not lost.

I have finally worked my way back to the big "D" as my employer. I'm surprised, but I'm excited to be going back to work.  My days will be S,M,Tu.  Not sure about the hours yet, but it really doesn't matter to me.  It would be nice if Mock and I had the same hours, but Ween doesn't care, so I don't either.

Traditions Class, for those who are wondering, is a class of indoctronation about the company.  It is a full 8-hr day but it starts at 7:30 am, so we're done by 3, usually.  As a trainer, I used to pick newbies up from this class.  This will be a different role for me.  It's at DU and not bad at all, if I remember correctly.  I'm supposed to go to work on the next available shift.  I'll be working at the Poly inputting information for their two larger restaurants.  Hey.  It's a job and a new adventure.  And, you all know how I am about new adventures.  Wahoo!!! I get my magic pass back.

TIME FLIES...

 When you're having fun, it's hard to keep track of time and it truly goes too rapidly.  We have had visitors for the last week and a half. I am so tired.  I ache in places I didn't even know I had places. (Is that possible?)  I've slept for 2 days and thank heavens, so has Ween.  She has been so good.  It's a little scary.

Geosphere

Starting with Sunday eating dinner with Margaret and her family at the "Pepper Market."  The next day they went to MK for Evan's birthday.  "I am only wearing this 4 t-shirt one more day.  Tomorrow I get to wear a 5 t-shirt."  A direct quote from Evan. He was so excited he couldn't even stand still. Mock got them rooms at one of the resorts with "Pirate" rooms.  Evan was "over the moon."  We really enjoy making a "Magical" experience for anyone, but especially for kids and birthdays.

On Tuesday, Mock and Brandon once again helped them into MK.  I went to the airport to acquire our friend, Lucinda.  Using "a relative's car"; he took us back home to rest.  Lucinda had been up since 2am. Mock returned and we were off to "E".

Of course, the first stop is the geosphere.  It's always a nice "sit down, cool off" ride in addition to it being informational.  Soarin next with a "clinging" Lucinda.  That was not her favorite ride, suffice to say.  Test Track on the other hand was.

Off Kilter - UK

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First stop around the countries, UK.  We enjoyed the Scottish group - Off Kilter.  They are not only funny but talented musically.  On to Mexico for dinner.  Not my favorite place to eat on property.  The food is extremely expensive and does not agree with my stomach.  It is more Tex-Mex than straight Mexican.
Afterward, we were excited to see the fireworks.

Belle and Lucinda

If it's Wednesday, it must be Magic Kingdom.

Breakfast with PRINCESSES, Belle, Jasmine, Ariel, and a picture with Cinderella.  As always, they are very gracious and patient.  I believe it was one of the highlights of the trip.  Sometimes, you can even imagine being a Princess.  

We received wands and Mock got a sword. It's exciting to eat at the Castle, and even more special to celebrate birthdays there.

Rides-Jungle Cruise, Pirates, Big Thunder, and the train; Shows-Castle Show, (Tiki Birds was closed) and more during the day. We had another friend join us for dinner at Tonys; always excellent. Their calamari is unbelievable, not to mention the desserts.  Pixie dust, spaghetti, lasagna, and a birthday cupcake - WOW.  Another great meal.for dinner and the rest of the evening.  As I was worn out, I asked Cindy if she would bring Lucinda and Mock home after fireworks and I bailed.

Breakfast at Chef Mickeys is always a treat. Probably the favorite character is Mickey, but it's always good to see all the characters. Studios wasn't very crowded and we got to see most of  what we wanted to see. Fantasmic was great.  Each fireworks show is different.  I think Lucinda liked EPCOT'S best of all the shows.

Friday started a little later.  We were tired and decided to sleep in a little later.  Off to DAK and the Cavi, the Tree, Safari Ride, and the Lion King.  More shows; more rides, 3:00 parade which starts at 4:15.  (Inside joke)

Ft Wilderness - Hoop de Doo.  A real-live "Ho Down."  I'm not even sure how to spell that, but the food is served family style and as always, too much, too good, and too full.

As all things do, the week had to come to an end which for us was at DTD and lunch at HOB.  I soooo enjoyed having Lucinda here.  She seemed to enjoy her time and now has a better idea of how to help guests before, during and after their visits.

I think I can safely say - A good time was had by all.

Just Getting Through It

Being the pragmatic person I am, I suppose just getting through the day can be interesting to say the least.  We got through the "dates" of deaths, good Friday, Easter, and Cinco de Mayo without any major incidents.  Now we are coming up to Mother's Day.  This has always been an interesting day for me.  Any female of any species can have off springs.  It doesn't take any intelligence, education or really any preparation.  So why should we celebrate it?

I think it's more of an honoring or celebration of life.  I don't know how my mother felt when she found out she was pregnant with me.  I can guess, but it wouldn't be fair to her memory for me to "suppose" how she felt.  I DO know how I felt.

I had always known I would have a son, someday, AND I knew I would name him after his father.  From the minute I knew I was pregnant, his name was IRL THOMAS STOVALL, III.  I called him Tommy before he was born.  I spoke to him by name.  I loved him so much, and I now love him even more, if possible.  My second son, I felt was going to be a girl, so Tommy named "her" Cara Sue, partly after his grandmother and his Aunt Susan, both that he loved.  Along the way, I have "acquired" 3 more sons - by mutual adoption of love.  Bret is the oldest, and is married with 2 beautiful daughters.  I love them all.  His wife, Julie, is like the daughter I never had.  She is so talented and capable; with so much energy I'm sometimes jealous.

Then, there's Edward.  He became part of the family by friendship with Tommy.  He and Tom were even roommates for several years.  I miss not seeing him on Holidays.  Actually I haven't seen him since Tom moved to DC.  Mother's Day was a very special day when I saw them all.

This year I have an "added" son - Charles Mock.  I call him Mock, so as to not confuse him with my first Charles.  He is my roommate at this time.  I don't know how he feels living with me, but I appreciate him and his presence.  And, Ween loves him.  There are not many people who can adopt your dog and still be friends.

That is my crew, and a motley one they are indeed.  But, I love them all and wish them the best on the up coming holiday.