Double, Double, Toil & Trouble: a Halloween-inspired trip of “two’s” – an October 2016 TR

[dancin Disney style]

I only got close enough to take the picture, then I ran.

It totally calls your name.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Or.....somewhere in the 43-ish range .

Jake's agency is on strike right now, so he's been doing picketing shifts rather than his customary support shifts with his clients. He called me the other day on his way home, and he was telling me that he was picketing with a group of people whom he doesn't normally work with. He made mention of this "older woman" who was there and with whom he shared some good conversation. As he was describing her, I was picturing a pre-retirement grandma. Turns out, when I asked "She would have been in her early 60's then, right?" he says "OH NO! More like your age".

"Older woman"!?!?!?! Ouch .

Since we are all telling our ages.....I'm somewhere between 30 and a Walmart greeter

 

[pattyw]

Since we are all telling our ages.....I'm somewhere between 30 and a Walmart greeter

Ok- I'm closer to WalMart greeter. 30 is a fairly distant memory!

 

[dancin Disney style]

Ok- I'm closer to WalMart greeter. 30 is a fairly distant memory!

30 is a somewhat distant memory for me but I will never cave and be closer to a Walmart greeter (unless it pays well)

 

[EveDallas]

I just realized my son and I will be at Universal the exact same week in April/May! I'll be sure to say hi if I see you

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

It totally calls your name.
View attachment 230157

Since we are all telling our ages.....I'm somewhere between 30 and a Walmart greeter

I was actually thinking that I'd apply for a greeter position at one of the Walmarts here once I get my Employment Authorization Card from customs and immigration. No stress, the ability to talk to people all day long (and get paid for it), and the employee discount as the icing on the cake .

Ok- I'm closer to WalMart greeter. 30 is a fairly distant memory!

30 was actually a pretty good age. While I wouldn't really want to go back to my 20's, I'd take 30 again in a heartbeat.

30 is a somewhat distant memory for me but I will never cave and be closer to a Walmart greeter (unless it pays well)

I had an aunt who was a Walmart greeter for more than 10 years. We always found it kind of funny (the ironic kind of funny) because the greeter is supposed to be welcoming and pleasant, and she was probably the least social and most curmudgeony person we knew .

I just realized my son and I will be at Universal the exact same week in April/May! I'll be sure to say hi if I see you

If you see us, absolutely make sure you flag us down and say hi! I was actually even kind of toying with the idea of getting us matching Disboards shirts for one day in the parks ... just to see how many people from the boards that we might be able to meet!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

My apologies for another lull in the trip report this weekend: we were blessed with some unbelievably fabulous weather yesterday and today here in SE Michigan and we took full advantage of it while it lasted. We detailed Steve's vehicle inside and out, put out the patio furniture, assembled the new fire pit, hung out more feed for the birds, purchased new moonlights for the front and back yards (and got them all placed where we wanted them) and enjoyed some long walks in the fresh air. We had ice cream at the little shop just down the street that has (finally!!) opened for the season, and did a little shopping for our upcoming trip (yes, I may have bought us matching shirts

... but just for one day, and with Steve's full blessing .

The highlight of the weekend, though, had to be our first visit to the Detroit Zoo: tons of fun!

They had a fabulous new penguin exhibit. It helped to make up for the fact that there will be no SeaWorld on this coming trip!

Tomorrow, its back to the grind . Why is it that weekends always pass so quickly? But, I should be back tomorrow afternoon with the balance of the Discovery Cove installment .

 

[mandas08]

So thoughtful of you to get their plane tickets . I'm sure you made their day. Your weekend sounds great, we also mixed productivity with a little bit of fun. Today consisted of a trip to the zoo, lawn edging and yard work, two miles of trail walking followed by finishing up edging until another free day. Easy to say I'm absolutly exhausted haha.

 

[bankr63]

I was actually thinking that I'd apply for a greeter position at one of the Walmarts here once I get my Employment Authorization Card from customs and immigration. No stress, the ability to talk to people all day long (and get paid for it), and the employee discount as the icing on the cake .

I couldn't do this. I would very quickly become the fashion police.

30 was actually a pretty good age. While I wouldn't really want to go back to my 20's, I'd take 30 again in a heartbeat.

oh carp! I just realized I'm closer to 70 now than I am to 30...

If you see us, absolutely make sure you flag us down and say hi! I was actually even kind of toying with the idea of getting us matching Disboards shirts for one day in the parks ... just to see how many people from the boards that we might be able to meet!

I haven't seen mention of the Lime Green Mickeys for a long time. Is that still a DIS thing?
I put one on the back of the car when I'm in Orlando. That way I like to think that any of those people who honk and wave (sometimes with only one finger!) are fellow DISers saying hi!

BTW - I LOVE Steve's Keep Calm shirt! Gift from the team down there in Michigan?

 

[tgropp]

Although all my family are Wolverine fans, I purchased a Michigan hoodie for my grandson for Christmas (along with a Florida Gator jersey, and I attend a Michigan football game every year I will still accept Steves membership for the "Gator Nation" . I am sure that you will both get caught up in the football frenzy that occurs in your new area of residence. Remember......Michigan and Florida will meet in the season opener in Dallas on the Labor Day weekend. Always open to a friendly bet

 

[Ruthie5671]

Turns out, when I asked "She would have been in her early 60's then, right?" he says "OH NO! More like your age".

And with that you told your darling, misguided son that you're re-routing his inheritance and will never buy him anything from the Nike outlet again??

They had a fabulous new penguin exhibit.

I saw your penguin pictures last night on Facebook. Mom LOVED all things penguin. Her guest room was floor to ceiling in penguin everything. Our one trip to Sea World gave her the back stage penguin experience where she got "up close" with them - penguin poop and all. She would have loved that exhibit.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I couldn't do this. I would very quickly become the fashion police.

oh carp! I just realized I'm closer to 70 now than I am to 30...

I haven't seen mention of the Lime Green Mickeys for a long time. Is that still a DIS thing?
I put one on the back of the car when I'm in Orlando. That way I like to think that any of those people who honk and wave (sometimes with only one finger!) are fellow DISers saying hi!

BTW - I LOVE Steve's Keep Calm shirt! Gift from the team down there in Michigan?

We actually bought the shirt ourselves, online from Teespring. When Steve was first transferred here, there was one of the maintenance workers who had put an upside down Canadian flag on his work station. Steve told the fellow that he had the flag upside down, and he replied "I know. It's our symbol for needing help" . He laughed and said, "Well, your help has arrived, so fix the flag, would you please?". This "Thank goodness you're here!!" sentiment has been echoed by many since he officially assumed his new role in December, even if his coworkers tease him mercilessly (all in good fun) for saying "Eh!" and his other Canadianisms. His company has 'casual Fridays' every week, so when I saw this shirt, I showed it to him and he HAD to have it.

Although all my family are Wolverine fans, I purchased a Michigan hoodie for my grandson for Christmas (along with a Florida Gator jersey, and I attend a Michigan football game every year I will still accept Steves membership for the "Gator Nation" . I am sure that you will both get caught up in the football frenzy that occurs in your new area of residence. Remember......Michigan and Florida will meet in the season opener in Dallas on the Labor Day weekend. Always open to a friendly bet

Neither one of us have ever been football fans (I know absolutely NOTHING about the game) but boy, it sure is big here in Michigan. I guess I'll have to start paying a little attention, just so I don't stick out too badly. When in Rome, do what the Romans do, right? I do have to laugh at the Michigan/Ohio rivalry and even the Wolverines/Spartans rivalry.....people are PASSIONATE about their college sports here!!! I was just glad that I found matchy-matchy clothes that Steve was happy to wear with me .

And you will be happy to know that our Michigan t-shirt purchase spurred the comment "We'll have to look for some Gators shirts once we get to Florida, and wear them one day at the parks too" from my Steve . So the Gator Nation membership is still in good order!!

And with that you told your darling, misguided son that you're re-routing his inheritance and will never buy him anything from the Nike outlet again??

Ha ha! You think quicker on your feet than I do .

I saw your penguin pictures last night on Facebook. Mom LOVED all things penguin. Her guest room was floor to ceiling in penguin everything. Our one trip to Sea World gave her the back stage penguin experience where she got "up close" with them - penguin poop and all. She would have loved that exhibit.

Aw, bless her heart . Your momma had good taste. I could have honestly spent all day in that beautiful exhibit, watching them swim and play. They are such captivating little creatures!!

So thoughtful of you to get their plane tickets . I'm sure you made their day. Your weekend sounds great, we also mixed productivity with a little bit of fun. Today consisted of a trip to the zoo, lawn edging and yard work, two miles of trail walking followed by finishing up edging until another free day. Easy to say I'm absolutly exhausted haha.

After 23 years of home ownership, we are both finding it SO strange to have property management coming to do all of our exterior yard work now that we have moved. With the lawn care folks coming and raking leaves, edging, mulching, and doing all the spring trimming, its making us feel very lazy but sure is leaving a lot more time for exploring. I am going to do up some of my own flower pots and other personal touches, though: while I don't have much of a green thumb, I would like to have a little bit of gardening to help pass the time.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Wednesday, October 26th (continued)

After I was done touring around the aviary and feeding the birds, I headed back to where I had left Steve on the lounger. He was still semi-snoozing in the warm morning sun, but I didn’t have too much trouble rousing him from his after-breakfast slumber. I asked if he was ready to join me for a tour (or two, or three) around the Wind Away River and he was happy to oblige .

We entered at the caves, and lounged there in the warm water for a little while before embarking on our ‘cruise’ around the river path. The cave is beautifully crafted, and can be a wonderful spot to grab some shade on visits when the sun is searingly hot.

As we approached the aviary waterfall, we decided to grab life jackets so we could forget about the need to swim (the river has varying water depths, some of which are well over even Steve’s head, so swimming becomes a necessity versus a preference at some points), and we coasted and floated along at the leisurely pace of the current.

Passing through the section of the river that cuts through the aviary, we saw lots of birds sunning themselves in the bright sun of the morning. They are completely at ease and not at all afraid: rarely did one choose to fly away as guests floated by.

The Wind Away River was the place we spent most of our day on that second visit: it’s hard to tear oneself away from the captivating combination of beautiful scenery, exotic birds, tranquil atmosphere, warm water, and sparkling sunshine.

It’s these kinds of moments where you just wish you could suspend the passage of time: while days at Discovery Cove are slow and relaxing, the hours still manage to tick by on the clock far too quickly.

When we tired of the river, we transitioned to the Freshwater Oasis. There were more warm cookies as we basked on the sunken loungers…….

…..and Steve returned to his “snoozing spot” for a siesta under the lush green leaves.

The otters were not particularly active on this specific day, but we did manage to catch one of them out frittering around while his siblings indulged in lengthy cat-naps in the far corners of the exhibit.

We returned to the Laguna Grill for light meals throughout the day (preferring to eat smaller quantities more often versus fewer, larger meals……we find that so much easier on the stomach when we’re in the water all day), and Steve took an afternoon siesta in this beauty:

It was a peaceful day. It was a relaxing day. And we savoured every single second of it, as we were keenly aware that we only had one more full day in Orlando before returning back to Canada on Friday evening.

We stayed, once again, right through until the park closed: knowing our SeaWorld annual passes would be expiring in a couple of months, it was unknown when we’d be back to enjoy another day at Discovery Cove. Eventually, though, as the old saying goes: “all good things must come to an end”…….and it was time to grab showers, turn in our wetsuit vests, and collect our complimentary 6 x 8 print from Adventure Photo:

It had been a perfect day .

Back at the Vistana, we stretched out and relaxed for a few hours before the inclination for dinner kicked in: a day of water and sun can suck the energy right out of a person . Eventually, though, Steve’s belly started to rumble, and we decided to head out for a nice but casual meal at a restaurant that had come highly recommended to us by friends…..so we were excited to try something new .

The conclusion of our Wednesday is next.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Wednesday, October 26th (the conclusion)

As all of you know, Steve LOVES meat: given his choice, he’d take a juicy steak over a his favourite dessert without question (silly boy......men can be SO weird sometimes ). Meat just isn’t one component of a meal for my Steve, it is THE component of the meal .

Friends of ours had learned of his meatatarian tendencies, and encouraged us to visit Sonny’s BBQ Pit: as native Floridians themselves, they assured us that we wouldn’t be disappointed. We both love barbecue (and had enjoyed a GREAT meal at Bubbalou’s Bodacious Barbecue near Universal on a previous trip) so we were eager to see how Sonny’s would compare.

We intentionally ate lighter at Discovery Cove that day, knowing we would be seeking out Sonny’s for dinner later that evening. Around 7 o’clock, we popped the address into our GPS and noted that their location was near to the Florida Mall, so we hopped into the car and that’s where we headed.

It was an unassuming building.....neither flashy nor particularly eye-catching and nestled alongside a whole street of nondescript-looking retail and commercial businesses. In fact, we may have almost missed it had we not had the GPS guiding us expertly to the parking lot. Definitely off the general tourist path, we suspected this was a place where the locals liked to dine: that’s generally a good thing!

Inside, we were greeted warmly by the staff and escorted to a large and comfy booth. Our server took our beverage orders and set off to gather our drinks while we perused the menu offerings. She returned with the most MASSIVE cups of strawberry lemonade that we had ever seen : while refills were complimentary, we wondered aloud who on earth would need one with cups that large .

By the time our waitress had returned with our drinks, we had decided on our entrée selections so we placed our orders and kicked back to sip away on our beverages while we waited for our food. We took note of the inside décor, which was equally as non-descript as the outside: nothing flashy, nothing noteworthy. It was comfortable and casual…..even a bit plain……but the scent of smoked meat hung tantalizingly in the air, and if the smell were any indication, we had high hopes for the taste of the food .

It couldn’t have been much more than five minutes from the time we ordered that our appetizer was brought to the table. A meal at a barbecue pit just wouldn’t be the same without a hot, crispy order of onion rings to start things off: and these were done absolutely perfectly.

We had literally just remarked on the good size of the order (very much enough to share between two people) and dug in to munch the first of the rings when our server appeared apologetically with a second pan in hand. She noted that the kitchen had prepared a half order in error…..apparently they used to offer half orders of various menu items, but that had been discontinued a short time prior …..so she was bringing us the balance of the full order as per the menu description. Our eyes almost fell out on the table: like the strawberry lemonade, the portion was MASSIVE . We could have eaten nothing but onion rings and left full.

We were not even halfway through the rings when our entrees came out from the kitchen. Steve had ordered the all-you-can-eat ribs with macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob (hidden underneath the bread…..you can kind of see the tin foil to the bottom right), and two thick slices of Texas toast garlic bread.

I selected the chopped beef brisket with baked beans, mac ‘n cheese, and Texas toast (corn bread was also an option for the bread side).

A trio of sauces was located on each table so you could dress your own meat with the sauce of your choosing. We sampled both the sweet and the mild, and both were finger-lickingly awesome. Not a huge sauce girl myself, I liked the fact that I had control about just how much (or how little) was on my meat.

Our server made regular stops by our table to check on Steve’s progress and bring him more ribs as he made his way through each portion. A fresh, hot plate of ribs was brought out to him within minutes of giving our server the green light for more……and she was quite surprised when he called it quits after just 3 refills.

Weary from a day of fresh air, sunshine and swimming, we didn’t rush through this meal at all: we savoured the food and savoured each other’s company. The restaurant, while steady, wasn’t anywhere near packed so we didn’t feel badly about occupying a table for a little longer than usual and the staff encouraged us to stay as long as we liked. The sheer size of my entrée was way too much for me to eat in one sitting (and while Steve enjoyed sampling my brisket, he preferred to fill his available stomach room with ribs) so before leaving our server kindly packed up our left-overs so we could take them with us for late night snacks back at the villa.

Eventually, it was time to get moving and return to the resort. With our doggy bag in tow, we covered the check and waddled our achy legs and bloated bellies to the car, vowing to return again on a future trip. While the décor was nothing to write home about, the food was fabulous and the portion size was crazy good for the cost. We would be thanking our friends for the recommendation for sure!!

Back at the resort, we didn’t even bother to hit the hot tubs before calling it a night: we just didn’t have any gas left in the tanks . Tomorrow, however, would be our last night at the Vistana, so hot tubbing before bed would be an absolute must.

Our Thursday…..our final FULL day in Orlando…..is coming up next.

 

[pattyw]

Sonny's looks great! Have to put that on the list for our other trips this year! Looks like another local favorite - and a little less touristy! Looks like I'll easily get two meals out of that portion!

Also, went to take another look at the Keep calm shirt- I don't see the picture anymore?

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Wow that's a lot of food. It looks delicious too! Next time you'll need to go earlier in your trip since you have a nice villa to heat up the leaf over food in.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

I think you might have sunk in the hot tub after all that lovely food

 

[dancin Disney style]

No...just not giving up on trying to convert you. My in-laws need to enjoy a little cheese cake. I may consider letting you slide on the carrot cake issue.

I was actually thinking that I'd apply for a greeter position at one of the Walmarts here once I get my Employment Authorization Card from customs and immigration. No stress, the ability to talk to people all day long (and get paid for it), and the employee discount as the icing on the cake .

Please don't. I have no idea what minimum wage is in MI (going to go and Google that in a minute) but I'm quite sure that the work and that money don't jive.

I couldn't do this. I would very quickly become the fashion police.

peopleofwalmart.com

oh carp! I just realized I'm closer to 70 now than I am to 30...

Well you're out of the club then. This is the #foolingyourselfintobelievingyouareyoungerthanyoureallyareclub

 

[chicagoshannon]

That looks so good! I think we'll have to add it in next time we're down there.

 

[pattyw]

This is the #foolingyourselfintobelievingyouareyoungerthanyoureallyareclub

Hey- I want to join! On second thought, I am much closer to 30 than I previously thought! My AARP membership is in the American Association of Reallyyoung People!