The Chit Chat Chit Chat Thread

[StarWarsGirl]

Opinion: I think that the Boarding groups don't work particularly well. I think too many people rush to get in there first thing and then the Boarding groups are gone within minutes. It turns the park into a madhouse first thing in the morning and then in the afternoon it was getting to be a ghost town. Disproportionate crowds.

I think the no FP for a new ride thing is good. I mean, Smuggler's Run didn't get to 10 hour waits on opening day. Today it ran about 60 minutes. I think for a new ride that's reasonable. But this whole Boarding group thing was ridiculous. Not to mention it completely stressed B out.

B and I may do it again on Saturday. I have a slightly different plan for then. Not being morning people, it's not ideal for us in the least. My dad had to wake me up this morning. Apparently, without me and my phone (I have a newer one and more data than my mom does) the operation would fail. He complains that I spend too much time on my phone...but he sure likes it down here.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

So I just wanted to check room prices for Universal since we still have AP's there. It will be very tempting to renew considering it will cost about $1800 for 6 of us with blackout dates. Cannot even compare that cost with Disney AP's. Dh still has a Disney AP that we renewed last year to take advantage of Disney discounts. For the heck of it I saw Disney has AP hotel discounts out for May. Fort Wilderness Cabins are sold out for the offer, and the only thing reasonable (reasonable ) is AoA for $371 a night plus tax. Saratoga Springs is over $700 a night. That is just insanity pricing. I then checked out Universal and for 8 nights same time period in May, we can book Cabana Bay for $1500 with our AP discount. No brainer. Going to Universal.

Saratoga would be cheaper for you guys to rent points. Or to do two rooms at a value like Pop.

Unfortunately they can charge that much because they get so many people. I mean, it's the beginning of February and the parks are all crowded. Plus with AofA they just opened the Gondolas and that's one of the resorts served.

I wouldn't mind doing Uni for a day or two, but their passes basically price is out since we already have WDW APs. I looked and it was like $250 for a three day ticket. $119 for a one day. Plus since Disney is our base thanks to DVC, it would mean either finding transportation or an extra hotel cost, and since B is now 18, there's two extra adult fees. So it goes both ways. Not to mention since none of us have an attachment to Uni's characters, minus maybe Shrek, like we do Disney, it doesn't really hold too much appeal.

Thankfully I can get Disneyland tickets through work at a discount, so that will help.

Oh, and my dad decided to tell me today that the reason he doesn't want to go to Hershey is because he doesn't like rides. Yeah, the man went on RnRC and Everest this week, but apparently doesn't like rides. So no way we'd talk him into it.

 

[donaldtoo]

Update on the fire at mom and pops home...
I found out Monday night from my next youngest bro that the whole house will most likely have to be raised (torn down) to the slab, as the presence of asbestos has been detected. The house was built on the cusp of the asbestos revelations. We, of course were hoping otherwise, as we wanted to try to save much of the front of the house, but, it is what it is. As a result, I got about 2 total hours of restless sleep Monday night, and took the day off from work yesterday. I can function fine on as little as 4 hours of good sleep, but, with only 2 hours of restless sleep, I woulda’ been worthless.
Again, that home has always been our “Family Central”, our refuge from the craziness of the world, and our loving family home base.
Also, there is no concern regarding asbestos-related heath issues, even though myself and all of my sibs lived there for different spans of time, and my folks for almost 44 years. Since it was used only as a binding agent in the popcorn ceiling and the mud used to float the sheet rock, and was sealed, there would have been no appreciable exposure.
The concern is that when they start tearing certain parts of it down, other parts will be contaminated.
None of this is carved in stone, as of yet, but, it’s likely what will happen. Needless to say, much disappointment and sadness all around regarding such.
Mom, and pop (especially mom - she’s vocal about it, pop not so much, but, we know he feels the same) want it back to as close as it can be (sans a few minor changes) to before the fire...materials, finishes, ceiling heights, and all.
With the variety of materials available these days, we’re pretty sure they will be quite pleased with the end result.
Also, it looks like about 50% of the contents of the home will be salvageable, and almost all of them are the more sentimental items, plus others.
They’ll be moving into another home in our neighborhood (where their home is too) down the road on Monday. It will be staged with all new furniture and such, as what of theirs that is salvageable will be out of commission for a while, as it is all going to be cataloged, cleaned, and stored, until such time as needed once again.
Even though this whole process will take many months, mom and pop are taking great comfort in the fact that DWifey and myself, my sibs and there spouses, the grandchildren, and our SonIL are, of course, all doing what we can to support them through it all, make sure it all runs as smoothly as possible, and all turns out the way they want it to.
I feel so very beyond blessed and thankful that we are such a close family, and we never take that for granted.
As this could all be one seriously interesting adventure, I’ll keep y’all posted...!!!

Thanks again so very much for all y’all’s prayers, well wishes, and kind words...it is all so very much appreciated...!!!!!

 

[donaldtoo]

OK, so we had highs in the low 80’s just a coupla’ days ago...and lookie here now, @MinnieM123 , we’re havin’ snow flurries again this year way down here in Austin, Texas...!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[donaldtoo]

OK gang, I’m out for tonight...!
Sweet, snowy, dreamin’/mornin’ to all...!!!!!
See yalllllllllll...!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cesar R M]

Kirk Douglas has passed

and thats the third shoe x_x

*edit*
103 is one hell of a life full of accomplishments!

 

[Santa Raccoon 77]

Throwback Thursday.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Update on the fire at mom and pops home...
I found out Monday night from my next youngest bro that the whole house will most likely have to be raised (torn down) to the slab, as the presence of asbestos has been detected. The house was built on the cusp of the asbestos revelations. We, of course were hoping otherwise, as we wanted to try to save much of the front of the house, but, it is what it is. As a result, I got about 2 total hours of restless sleep Monday night, and took the day off from work yesterday. I can function fine on as little as 4 hours of good sleep, but, with only 2 hours of restless sleep, I woulda’ been worthless.
Again, that home has always been our “Family Central”, our refuge from the craziness of the world, and our loving family home base.
Also, there is no concern regarding asbestos-related heath issues, even though myself and all of my sibs lived there for different spans of time, and my folks for almost 44 years. Since it was used only as a binding agent in the popcorn ceiling and the mud used to float the sheet rock, and was sealed, there would have been no appreciable exposure.
The concern is that when they start tearing certain parts of it down, other parts will be contaminated.
None of this is carved in stone, as of yet, but, it’s likely what will happen. Needless to say, much disappointment and sadness all around regarding such.
Mom, and pop (especially mom - she’s vocal about it, pop not so much, but, we know he feels the same) want it back to as close as it can be (sans a few minor changes) to before the fire...materials, finishes, ceiling heights, and all.
With the variety of materials available these days, we’re pretty sure they will be quite pleased with the end result.
Also, it looks like about 50% of the contents of the home will be salvageable, and almost all of them are the more sentimental items, plus others.
They’ll be moving into another home in our neighborhood (where their home is too) down the road on Monday. It will be staged with all new furniture and such, as what of theirs that is salvageable will be out of commission for a while, as it is all going to be cataloged, cleaned, and stored, until such time as needed once again.
Even though this whole process will take many months, mom and pop are taking great comfort in the fact that DWifey and myself, my sibs and there spouses, the grandchildren, and our SonIL are, of course, all doing what we can to support them through it all, make sure it all runs as smoothly as possible, and all turns out the way they want it to.
I feel so very beyond blessed and thankful that we are such a close family, and we never take that for granted.
As this could all be one seriously interesting adventure, I’ll keep y’all posted...!!!

Thanks again so very much for all y’all’s prayers, well wishes, and kind words...it is all so very much appreciated...!!!!!

I am sorry that the beloved family home will not be salvageable, but better safe than sorry. We all know in the end that all will work out as intended. I hope you had enough sleep last night.

 

[MinnieM123]

I was truly confused for a moment...what is better than Star Tours?

I've got Disney brain. Ignore me.

I'm sorry, but you're having just too fun down there. Knock it off!

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Saratoga would be cheaper for you guys to rent points. Or to do two rooms at a value like Pop.

Unfortunately they can charge that much because they get so many people. I mean, it's the beginning of February and the parks are all crowded. Plus with AofA they just opened the Gondolas and that's one of the resorts served.

I wouldn't mind doing Uni for a day or two, but their passes basically price is out since we already have WDW APs. I looked and it was like $250 for a three day ticket. $119 for a one day. Plus since Disney is our base thanks to DVC, it would mean either finding transportation or an extra hotel cost, and since B is now 18, there's two extra adult fees. So it goes both ways. Not to mention since none of us have an attachment to Uni's characters, minus maybe Shrek, like we do Disney, it doesn't really hold too much appeal.

Thankfully I can get Disneyland tickets through work at a discount, so that will help.

Oh, and my dad decided to tell me today that the reason he doesn't want to go to Hershey is because he doesn't like rides. Yeah, the man went on RnRC and Everest this week, but apparently doesn't like rides. So no way we'd talk him into it.

For us to renew our AP’s at Uni will cost us $371 plus tax per person, and it will provide an extra 3 months if we renew this year. That is almost like 3 of us getting one Disney AP. I know you are DVC so it is a little different. You are right in that if there are people willing to spend what Disney is charging, they can charge whatever the heck they want. For us, we never needed to save for a Disney vacation. I would plan a year at the most out and it was paid off before we went, even with a dining plan. We could even go 2 or 3 times a year. I managed to keep finding ways even when hotel prices seemed to be getting higher and the family got larger. We did AoA after just going to Boardwalk for years, then FW Cabins, then renting an RV for FW. A campsite alone in May will cost over $100 a day. If you can rent DVC in Saratoga for what would cost less than $184 a night, which is what the weekend rate at Cabana Bay is costing, I would totally be all ears for that. I know there was a whole thread on the increase cost of going to Disney so I don’t want to rehash it. I was just in shock yesterday at the price difference. Maybe Disney is just more affordable for families of 4 or 5 where you can stay in Pop or a value. For 6, nope.

 

[MinnieM123]

I am sorry that the beloved family home will not be salvageable, but better safe than sorry. We all know in the end that all will work out as intended. I hope you had enough sleep last night.

@donaldtoo , X 2 above!!!

What amazed me was that there was actually an available space close by for your parents to live in, while their house is being rebuilt. Talk about luck on that one! And yes, they are fortunate to have a great supportive family in the area as well, to help them through this.

 

[John park hopper]

I love WDW but in order to continue to go we have to down grade our vacation plans (where we stay, where we eat, etc etc) due to ever increasing cost. We spend more on an upcoming visit than we spent on the previous visit. Add to that retired and on a fixed income so save longer visit less

A couple down the street last year their house burned completely down due to faulty chimney from the fireplace (not masonry -metal flue pipe) as with your parents all got out safely things can be replaced people can't. In the end the house was rebuilt and it was better than the original. I know what it is like to loose a home hurricane Hugo took ours and though it was hard to deal with all worked out in the end. With family support your parents will get through this

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

@donaldtoo Will your parents be able to put solar panels on the new home? A house in our neighborhood had a fire damage it about 3 years back. It was about 15 years old at the time so no asbestos issues. They had it rebuilt and got enough from the insurance where they could put solar panels.
I also hope the insurance is covering the rental for them so they don’t need to worry about the cost of it.

 

[Goofyernmost]

Update on the fire at mom and pops home...
I found out Monday night from my next youngest bro that the whole house will most likely have to be raised (torn down) to the slab, as the presence of asbestos has been detected. The house was built on the cusp of the asbestos revelations. We, of course were hoping otherwise, as we wanted to try to save much of the front of the house, but, it is what it is. As a result, I got about 2 total hours of restless sleep Monday night, and took the day off from work yesterday. I can function fine on as little as 4 hours of good sleep, but, with only 2 hours of restless sleep, I woulda’ been worthless.
Again, that home has always been our “Family Central”, our refuge from the craziness of the world, and our loving family home base.
Also, there is no concern regarding asbestos-related heath issues, even though myself and all of my sibs lived there for different spans of time, and my folks for almost 44 years. Since it was used only as a binding agent in the popcorn ceiling and the mud used to float the sheet rock, and was sealed, there would have been no appreciable exposure.
The concern is that when they start tearing certain parts of it down, other parts will be contaminated.
None of this is carved in stone, as of yet, but, it’s likely what will happen. Needless to say, much disappointment and sadness all around regarding such.
Mom, and pop (especially mom - she’s vocal about it, pop not so much, but, we know he feels the same) want it back to as close as it can be (sans a few minor changes) to before the fire...materials, finishes, ceiling heights, and all.
With the variety of materials available these days, we’re pretty sure they will be quite pleased with the end result.
Also, it looks like about 50% of the contents of the home will be salvageable, and almost all of them are the more sentimental items, plus others.
They’ll be moving into another home in our neighborhood (where their home is too) down the road on Monday. It will be staged with all new furniture and such, as what of theirs that is salvageable will be out of commission for a while, as it is all going to be cataloged, cleaned, and stored, until such time as needed once again.
Even though this whole process will take many months, mom and pop are taking great comfort in the fact that DWifey and myself, my sibs and there spouses, the grandchildren, and our SonIL are, of course, all doing what we can to support them through it all, make sure it all runs as smoothly as possible, and all turns out the way they want it to.
I feel so very beyond blessed and thankful that we are such a close family, and we never take that for granted.
As this could all be one seriously interesting adventure, I’ll keep y’all posted...!!!

Thanks again so very much for all y’all’s prayers, well wishes, and kind words...it is all so very much appreciated...!!!!!

I look at it this way.... If it was built once it can be built again. That is the first half, the second is that closeness, security and love is not emanating from an inanimate object such as a building. Emotional security comes from within and is generated by the human element that fills the space. It is the family that makes a house a home. Familiar, yes that is important to nostalgia, but I have found that after the keepers of the establishments pass on, a whole lot of that magic is gone and what was once warm now seems empty and just a little colder. Don't put to much concern on that part of it. If the group is there, it is still warm and inviting no matter how the front looks, that is superficial and only important if it is attractive and welcoming. As an architect it seems like you have that power to advise and give design advice. Seems like that would be a help to them.

I have one sister, she is still living in the last house that my parents owned. Even though it might be nice to see again the feel is so much different now even though it looks exactly the same as it did when I still lived there. My father never seemed to mind where he lived as long as it was warm, dry and solid. I, probably by example, feel the same way. My sister doesn't, she will die in that house because she is attached to the box with windows. To me it is now just the place where she lives and I once did, but, it was never the house to me it was the people in it. It took me way to many words to try to convey my thoughts on the matter which are just mine, I realize. You are fortunate to still have your parents around and everyone seems healthy and prosperous both in the emotional and physical sense. That is what makes that house a haven and refuge from craziness. As long as those key fillers are there the feeling will be the same.

I hope that they can find a way to isolate the damage and just rebuild the areas that were damaged. If that is possible that is wonderful. If not it can be built like it was visually and emotionally it will still feel the same. Sorry for the unsolicited thoughts on the matter. I truly hope it works out in a positive way for everyone.

 

[MinnieM123]

I look at it this way.... If it was built once it can be built again. That is the first half, the second is that closeness, security and love is not emanating from an inanimate object such as a building. Emotional security comes from within and is generated by the human element that fills the space. It is the family that makes a house a home. Familiar, yes that is important to nostalgia, but I have found that after the keepers of the establishments pass on, a whole lot of that magic is gone and what was once warm is now seems empty and just a little colder. Don't put to much concern on that part of it. If the group is there, it is still warm and inviting no matter how the front looks, the is superficial and only important if it is attractive and welcoming. As an architect it seems like you have that power to advise and give design advice. Seems like that would be a help to them.

I have one sister, she is still living in the last house that my parents owned. Even though it might be nice to see again the feel is so much different now even though it looks exactly the same as it did when I still lived there. My father never seemed to mind where he lived as long as it was warm, dry and solid. I, probably by example, feel the same way. My sister doesn't, she will die in that house because she is attached to the box with windows. To me it is now just the place where she lives and I once did, but, it was never the house to me it was the people in it. It took me way to many words to try to convey my thoughts on the matter which are just mine, I realize. You are fortunate to still have your parents around and everyone seems healthy and prosperous both in the emotional and physical sense. That is what makes that house a haven and refuge from craziness. As long as those key fillers are there the feeling will be the same.

I hope that they can find a way to isolate the damage and just rebuild the areas that were damaged. If that is possible that is wonderful. If not it can be built like it was visually and emotionally it will still feel the same. Sorry for the unsolicited thoughts on the matter. I truly hope it works out in a positive way for everyone.

AMEN.

 

[Rista1313]

Update on the fire at mom and pops home...
I found out Monday night from my next youngest bro that the whole house will most likely have to be raised (torn down) to the slab, as the presence of asbestos has been detected. The house was built on the cusp of the asbestos revelations. We, of course were hoping otherwise, as we wanted to try to save much of the front of the house, but, it is what it is. As a result, I got about 2 total hours of restless sleep Monday night, and took the day off from work yesterday. I can function fine on as little as 4 hours of good sleep, but, with only 2 hours of restless sleep, I woulda’ been worthless.
Again, that home has always been our “Family Central”, our refuge from the craziness of the world, and our loving family home base.
Also, there is no concern regarding asbestos-related heath issues, even though myself and all of my sibs lived there for different spans of time, and my folks for almost 44 years. Since it was used only as a binding agent in the popcorn ceiling and the mud used to float the sheet rock, and was sealed, there would have been no appreciable exposure.
The concern is that when they start tearing certain parts of it down, other parts will be contaminated.
None of this is carved in stone, as of yet, but, it’s likely what will happen. Needless to say, much disappointment and sadness all around regarding such.
Mom, and pop (especially mom - she’s vocal about it, pop not so much, but, we know he feels the same) want it back to as close as it can be (sans a few minor changes) to before the fire...materials, finishes, ceiling heights, and all.
With the variety of materials available these days, we’re pretty sure they will be quite pleased with the end result.
Also, it looks like about 50% of the contents of the home will be salvageable, and almost all of them are the more sentimental items, plus others.
They’ll be moving into another home in our neighborhood (where their home is too) down the road on Monday. It will be staged with all new furniture and such, as what of theirs that is salvageable will be out of commission for a while, as it is all going to be cataloged, cleaned, and stored, until such time as needed once again.
Even though this whole process will take many months, mom and pop are taking great comfort in the fact that DWifey and myself, my sibs and there spouses, the grandchildren, and our SonIL are, of course, all doing what we can to support them through it all, make sure it all runs as smoothly as possible, and all turns out the way they want it to.
I feel so very beyond blessed and thankful that we are such a close family, and we never take that for granted.
As this could all be one seriously interesting adventure, I’ll keep y’all posted...!!!

Thanks again so very much for all y’all’s prayers, well wishes, and kind words...it is all so very much appreciated...!!!!!

That's good/bad news, but I'd like to think that having a brand new house versus an asbestos filled house is a better option. I know people hate insurance, but this is when insurance companies are needed the most. I hope your parents insurance is being easy to work with and that they are helpful.

I feel you on the no sleep... I am on a big project here at work, as Michigan has changed their auto insurance laws and all needs to be changed in our system by 7/2/20. Sounds like a reasonable date, but when there is tons of I.T. work, it isn't. Especially since peoples renewals legally have to be sent out 2 months prior, so back that date up to 5/2/20. All that to say I've been stressed out and am running on no sleep this week. I really wanted to call in this morning, but I dragged my happy in anyway.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

That's good/bad news, but I'd like to think that having a brand new house versus an asbestos filled house is a better option. I know people hate insurance, but this is when insurance companies are needed the most. I hope your parents insurance is being easy to work with and that they are helpful.

I feel you on the no sleep... I am on a big project here at work, as Michigan has changed their auto insurance laws and all needs to be changed in our system by 7/2/20. Sounds like a reasonable date, but when there is tons of I.T. work, it isn't. Especially since peoples renewals legally have to be sent out 2 months prior, so back that date up to 5/2/20. All that to say I've been stressed out and am running on no sleep this week. I really wanted to call in this morning, but I dragged my happy **** in anyway.

Is there a quick way to describe what has changed?

 

[Figgy1]

When will you be able to vacation again? Soon I hope.

With luck in 2 more years

 

[Figgy1]

 

[Rista1313]

Is there a quick way to describe what has changed?

HA! Not really, no... But part of the change is that Personal Injury Protection is going from 3 options to 12 options, some require that you have medicare in order to choose them, some do not, even I don't understand the options really, right now I'm just focused on getting the necessary IT changes into the system, then I'll have to really read about it to make my own informed selection. We are a no fault state, and the state was trying to simplify things, and they just made it 10x worse!