Trip Report Two broke guys & a dog (for the last time.) (now with Christmas 2024!)

No, I’m not mad at Disney. We’ll be back (in fact, it can’t be soon enough.) But this turned out to be our last trip together as a family.

Who: Brian (R) Tony (L) and Kylie.

When: May, 2023.

Can’t tease this, so I’ll just come out with it.

We’ve posted TRs over the years under the “Two broke guys & a dog” banner (and other titles.) Our May trip was short, and we had already booked August for my birthday (complete with a planned meet up with @Tuvalu) so I thought I’d make one double TR after August.

I ended up with Covid mid-month and we had to postpone to December for Brian’s birthday.

In the meantime, Kylie, our 14 year old German Shepherd/Chow Chow was diagnosed with heart failure. That “heads up” turned out to be a gift and a blessing that allowed us to spend so much extra quality time with her.

Kylie’s 14th bday on Halloween:

She stayed with us through the holidays, rubbing on the Christmas tree when she walked past it, per usual (like a cat lol) and was really doing well - eating, going for walks, snuggling. I expected more of a slow, gradual decline…but she passed yesterday. Now my heart is failing.

I don’t know how far I’ll get with this today. It might actually be too soon. But I thought it could be therapeutic, and a nice tribute.

For some reason, since my 30s, if I cry even a little, my eyelids swell up and it’s hard to undo. Ice helps only temporarily. I fear typing all this out will continue the waterworks (it already has) and prolong that condition. OTOH, they’re already swollen, so WTH? I’ll play it by ear, if that’s ok.

This is my love letter to my pup.

 

[luvinthemajik]

OK, Brian is fully packed and off to work. I am barely packed (clothing-wise) but have to leave in about 10 minutes to stop at my nearby store (drop stuff off, pick stuff up) go to my hyperbaric sesh from 3-5ish, go to my other store (drop off, pick up) one more time at the nearby store (drop off) and then home to figure out what I’m going to wear.

I’ll have the car all packed when B gets home, and we’ll have the manageable drive to Fort Pierce ahead of us. He’ll never notice what’s in the back.

B was not so into the whole tree thing at home, but he didn’t have much time, either. We really couldn’t put the heavier ornaments on, except in a very few strong places.

As always, we included our newly bought ornaments from trips since last year - WDW, NOLA, etc.

It’s a different tree for sure - more compact, more Disney-centric except for a few meaningful faves, and of course, more Kylie.

View attachment 832289

A couple of heavy ornaments, while on hooks, had to rest on the boxes below.

And of course, being me, it had to be meaningful and make me cry, so where is Kylie’s new ornament? Lower left. And why?

Because she often slept in that hallway; and when she got up, she’d walk and brush against that part of the tree (like a cat lol.) We learned to put non-breakables in that area.

Close-up:

View attachment 832290

Angel above. Our hearts to the right (nearly impossible to see because of the way it turned - it’s a keychain with multiple heart and Mickey shapes that I bought when B and I had Valentine’s Day lunch at the Brown Derby. Kylie came with us and stayed at Best Friend’s Pet Care.

The BFPC pin is nearby, and the two Mickey tuxes, representing us/our wedding/anniversary.

I sat down right there and sobbed for a moment.

And now gotta run - took too long to type!

I love your sentimental, caring enough to feel it side, nice balance for your Jersey side! Your tree is everything a Christmas tree was meant to be.
Safe journey, and my best wishes for a joyous holiday.

 

[93boomer]

OK, Brian is fully packed and off to work. I am barely packed (clothing-wise) but have to leave in about 10 minutes to stop at my nearby store (drop stuff off, pick stuff up) go to my hyperbaric sesh from 3-5ish, go to my other store (drop off, pick up) one more time at the nearby store (drop off) and then home to figure out what I’m going to wear.

I’ll have the car all packed when B gets home, and we’ll have the manageable drive to Fort Pierce ahead of us. He’ll never notice what’s in the back.

B was not so into the whole tree thing at home, but he didn’t have much time, either. We really couldn’t put the heavier ornaments on, except in a very few strong places.

As always, we included our newly bought ornaments from trips since last year - WDW, NOLA, etc.

It’s a different tree for sure - more compact, more Disney-centric except for a few meaningful faves, and of course, more Kylie.

View attachment 832289

A couple of heavy ornaments, while on hooks, had to rest on the boxes below.

And of course, being me, it had to be meaningful and make me cry, so where is Kylie’s new ornament? Lower left. And why?

Because she often slept in that hallway; and when she got up, she’d walk and brush against that part of the tree (like a cat lol.) We learned to put non-breakables in that area.

Close-up:

View attachment 832290

Angel above. Our hearts to the right (nearly impossible to see because of the way it turned - it’s a keychain with multiple heart and Mickey shapes that I bought when B and I had Valentine’s Day lunch at the Brown Derby. Kylie came with us and stayed at Best Friend’s Pet Care.

The BFPC pin is nearby, and the two Mickey tuxes, representing us/our wedding/anniversary.

I sat down right there and sobbed for a moment.

And now gotta run - took too long to type!

It’s beautiful!! Kylie would have loved it!
Have a safe trip and please do a live TR again.
Merry Christmas you two!!!

 

[mpaulam]

Beautiful tree! Have a blast!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Two hours! Still packing!!

 

[93boomer]

Two hours! Still packing!!

Keep at it! You'll make it!!

 

[Tiggerish]

Oh, it’s bad. Like it made me think, “Do you even know me at all?” And, “Stop buying sh…tuff on the internet in the middle of the night!”

I did not say either of those two things out loud.

Reasons why no one (even my beloved) is allowed to buy me any present that is not consumable (candy, cookies, wine).

…and you know you have to share the “what it was”

OK, Brian is fully packed and off to work. I am barely packed (clothing-wise) but have to leave in about 10 minutes to stop at my nearby store (drop stuff off, pick stuff up) go to my hyperbaric sesh from 3-5ish, go to my other store (drop off, pick up) one more time at the nearby store (drop off) and then home to figure out what I’m going to wear.

I’ll have the car all packed when B gets home, and we’ll have the manageable drive to Fort Pierce ahead of us. He’ll never notice what’s in the back.

B was not so into the whole tree thing at home, but he didn’t have much time, either. We really couldn’t put the heavier ornaments on, except in a very few strong places.

As always, we included our newly bought ornaments from trips since last year - WDW, NOLA, etc.

It’s a different tree for sure - more compact, more Disney-centric except for a few meaningful faves, and of course, more Kylie.

View attachment 832289

A couple of heavy ornaments, while on hooks, had to rest on the boxes below.

And of course, being me, it had to be meaningful and make me cry, so where is Kylie’s new ornament? Lower left. And why?

Because she often slept in that hallway; and when she got up, she’d walk and brush against that part of the tree (like a cat lol.) We learned to put non-breakables in that area.

Close-up:

View attachment 832290

Angel above. Our hearts to the right (nearly impossible to see because of the way it turned - it’s a keychain with multiple heart and Mickey shapes that I bought when B and I had Valentine’s Day lunch at the Brown Derby. Kylie came with us and stayed at Best Friend’s Pet Care.

The BFPC pin is nearby, and the two Mickey tuxes, representing us/our wedding/anniversary.

I sat down right there and sobbed for a moment.

And now gotta run - took too long to type!

Beautiful

 

[Tony the Tigger]

…and you know you have to share the “what it was”

I guess I’ll call this a sky blue tracksuit?

It’s more sky blue in person.

I have never worn a tracksuit in my life.

Are we at the senior home already?

Just about to leave the house. No big deal tonight, just getting halfway.

Wheeeeeeee!!!

 

[Swissmiss]

I have never worn a tracksuit in my life.

Are we at the senior home already?

You are if you are calling it a tracksuit

 

[Tony the Tigger]

You are if you are calling it a tracksuit

HE called it a tracksuit! I asked, “Is this pajamas?”

It’s also a medium.

It’s getting sent back.

Yesterday, he gave me the Disney popcorn tin you see under the tree…and the usual TJ Maxx gift card.

No room ready text yet. Lunch at G Flo Cafe at 1:25. 90 minute drive ahead. Woke up at 10am and missed breakfast buffet at the hotel. Beds were excellent. Got enough sleep for a change.

Should be on the road by 11ish. If no room text, will go to front desk with fingers crossed. Otherwise, may be slightly underdressed for lunch. Hopefully can leave our car in the lot bc I’m hearing it’s difficult to park at G Flo if you’re not a guest there.

 

[93boomer]

HE called it a tracksuit! I asked, “Is this pajamas?”

It’s also a medium.

It’s getting sent back.

Yesterday, he gave me the Disney popcorn tin you see under the tree…and the usual TJ Maxx gift card.

No room ready text yet. Lunch at G Flo Cafe at 1:25. 90 minute drive ahead. Woke up at 10am and missed breakfast buffet at the hotel. Beds were excellent. Got enough sleep for a change.

Should be on the road by 11ish. If no room text, will go to front desk with fingers crossed. Otherwise, may be slightly underdressed for lunch. Hopefully can leave our car in the lot bc I’m hearing it’s difficult to park at G Flo if you’re not a guest there.

Good luck!!!

 

[Swissmiss]

HE called it a tracksuit! I asked, “Is this pajamas?”

OK, so he’s the one ready for the senior center

 

[Tony the Tigger]

As soon as we walked out the door this morning, I knew it was going to be a gorgeous drive.

Sunroof down, Christmas (and other) tunes, singing and cruising with little traffic. Beautiful. Love it.

And before you know it, we were here!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

As soon as we pulled into the Old Key West main building lot, the room ready text came! So we went directly to our room in building 42.

As I walked up the path to our building in the sunshine, I thought, “Best idea ever.”

I. Love. This. Balcony.

But we had to hustle for our 1:25 ADR. I called a Lyft, and it was 8 minutes out. That gave us just enough time to get most of our things out of the car.

We got into the Lyft at…1:25. Uh oh. Scheduled arrival time was 1:39, now 1:38. I hope this works out.

 

[93boomer]

As soon as we pulled into the Old Key West main building lot, the room ready text came! So we went directly to our room in building 42.

As I walked up the path to our building in the sunshine, I thought, “Best idea ever.”

View attachment 832515View attachment 832516View attachment 832517View attachment 832518View attachment 832519View attachment 832520

I. Love. This. Balcony.

But we had to hustle for our 1:25 ADR. I called a Lyft, and it was 8 minutes out. That gave us just enough time to get most of our things out of the car.

We got into the Lyft at…1:25. Uh oh. Scheduled arrival time was 1:39, now 1:38. I hope this works out.

Pixie dusted!!
Loving that room. The balcony!!
Hope you made it!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Checked in for lunch: 1:38
Seated: 1:58
Served Gingerbread and maple-vanilla-espresso martinis fairly quickly.
Nicely buzzed before the food arrived just now 2:36! The wait time doesn’t seem as long as it really is. Just in a great mood.

The reindeer. ^

Emphasizing gorgeous day.

The reindeer again from our table. ^

The ratio of butter to biscuits! To be fair, they served 3 biscuits.

We both ordered the Florida eggs Benedict (with pulled pork) which I’ve enjoyed before, and we both loved today. It was like 2:30 when they came out. Not super warm - imagine if I was one of those people who complains about everything. I’d make a separate “no magic! All down the tubes!” thread. It’s a choice to take things in stride, doesn’t even phase me.

Hidden Mickey in B’s.

Boy did that drink hit before the food came! (!!)

 

[93boomer]

Checked in for lunch: 1:38
Seated: 1:58
Served Gingerbread and maple-vanilla-espresso martinis fairly quickly.
Nicely buzzed before the food arrived just now 2:36! The wait time doesn’t seem as long as it really is. Just in a great mood.

View attachment 832527View attachment 832528
The reindeer. ^
View attachment 832529
Emphasizing gorgeous day.
View attachment 832530View attachment 832531
The reindeer again from our table. ^
View attachment 832532
The ratio of butter to biscuits! To be fair, they served 3 biscuits.
View attachment 832533
We both ordered the Florida eggs Benedict (with pulled pork) which I’ve enjoyed before, and we both loved today. It was like 2:30 when they came out. Not super warm - imagine if I was one of those people who complains about everything. I’d make a separate “no magic! All down the tubes!” thread. It’s a choice to take things in stride, doesn’t even phase me.
View attachment 832534

Hidden Mickey in B’s.

Boy did that drink hit before the food came! (!!)

My DD says “magic gone”! Every time she and her hubby would see something bad or wrong—magic gone! It was quite hilarious after awhile how many times it was said.
That food looks delish, and so do the drinks!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

If you’ve been following, I’ve been here I think twice in this report, and always wanted to order the bananas foster oats appetizer - but it sounds like too much with an entree.

At the end of our meal, I asked for it to go. Our server said the kitchen closed at 2:15, but she’d check.

She brought it out in a to-go box - Yay!!

But I was right - it’s a frickin’ brick!

This thing is heavy! I’ll taste it when we get back to the room.

It was almost 3:15 as we wandered, and I talked Brian into waiting in line for the Enchanted Rose lounge. This could be dangerous because I’m already buzzed.

Turns out you don’t have to wait in line. You have to wait until 3:30, and jump into a VQ! Will I have fast fingers?

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Will I have fast fingers?

I think I did! 3:30 at the second! Text says estimated wait time 10 minutes, they haven’t called anyone in yet. Let’s see how fast I was compared to the rest of these people lol.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

We waited 5 minutes. The CM was escorting us to a table. I asked if we could at the bar. She responded quietly, with a thick foreign accent something about the bar and “fooo.”

I said, “It’s OK, we’re not worried about food.”

“No, not “fooo,” fooo.”

Ooooh, she was saying the bar may be full.

How?

She came back and seated us at the bar. Oscar made us these lovelies:

That’s my lavender fog (tasted like a vanilla milkshake with a hint of violet. Made with Twining tea, gin, vanilla, cream.

And another espresso martini.

It was Oscar’s very first day. His drinks were perfect. He was quick and attentive (and easy on the eyes. )

May return tomorrow if we can get in before/after dinner.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Last time we were here, Brian liked the idea of an ornament with a picture frame. He wanted to put a pic of Kylie in it, but it was pricey. This time, I bought one.

And it’s now…wait for it…