Something About Nothing............ #14

[schumigirl]

This is American football at the university/college level. My team is currently undefeated.
There are 6 bowl games played on New Year’s Day. Two of them serve as playoffs for the national championship, the others are highly coveted spots. It is huge that our team gets to play in one of these games.

Ah I see. Now is this your local team?

It's Taco Tuesday!!!! No tacos for us tonight - we did have that last night though. I have a taco salad for lunch with all the left overs from the toppings and meat crumble left over. Tonight I'm making french onion chicken. It was a hit the last time - so hoping it turns out again tonight.

Mild weather is in our area again - it is actually raining today So the roads are super slick. It is definitely an El Nino weather this year! I am NOT complaining. If I don't have to pull the big coat out of the closet - then it's a great day!


It is always sad when a trip ends - but it is always nice to get home as well. It's always bittersweet. Hopefully the jetlag doesn't hit you too hard. I'm glad you made it home safe and sound.

And your right about margarine vs butter. I just like to use butter for my Christmas baking as I give it away as gifts. No one will know the difference. I ran to the grocery store last night to stock up for my baking.

I would love to grill in the winter. It's too dark. I've asked my sparky dh to add more lighting in the backyard so I could grill in the winter - ummmmm that hasn't happened yet.

It sounds like a win either way!!!!!! Both would be a great little get-away!

We are eagerly waiting for Nascar to start again. Dh was aiming to maybe do three Nascar races this year. I'll have to wait and see what we can all figure out. He for sure wants to see the final race in Phoenix. He's also talking about Talladega or Atlanta speedways.

Well, I should go track down more papers to shuffle around.

Have a great day everyone!!!!

I agree I hate margarine and never have it in the house, but for baking my friends all use it and swear by it, but you should never mix them apparently. Most bakers wouldn`t do that according to the goddess of baking in the UK!!

Yes, it is bittersweet leaving and coming home, we have so many friends there but it`s nice to come back..even if it is freezing.....lol.......glad to hear you don`t have the winter coats out yet, I certainly had mine on today along with big fluffy hat, scarf and winter boots.

Have a great day too Pumpkin!!!






Forgot to say we had the nicest of meets with Ruth and her lovely daughter one evening in Strong Water Bar.....and Ruth did enjoy a Carole`s Punch!!! She very kindly presented us with two lovely hand crafted ornaments her husband makes with their daughter, they are beautiful. Once they are on the Universal tree I`ll post a picture of them, they are gorgeous.

Feeling rather full from dinner, it is nice to get back cooking again. Had large christmas mug with tea afterwards and now enjoying a fine bottle of wine watching Trading Places. Funny movie.

 

[Charade67]

I'm sure one day we will see a race there. For us to get there - it would be a milk run trip! From here - it would be 3 airports to get to Washington - then either drive or fly a cheap american carrier to Martinsville. Some day I know we will!!! Those areas that are not serviced great by Canadian Carriers, it will take us longer to get to.

Washington would be a bit of a drive. Actually, pretty much any airport would be a long drive. I don’t think there is much near Martinsville.

Ah I see. Now is this your local team?

It is the team of my University. I sent you a private message with a longer explanation. Do English universities have sports teams? At my office we have a client who is originally from England. She does not understand the purpose of our marching bands at football games. She thinks they are loud and pointless. I guess they would seem a bit odd if you didn’t grown up with them.

 

[schumigirl]

Washington would be a bit of a drive. Actually, pretty much any airport would be a long drive. I don’t think there is much near Martinsville.


It is the team of my University. I sent you a private message with a longer explanation. Do English universities have sports teams? At my office we have a client who is originally from England. She does not understand the purpose of our marching bands at football games. She thinks they are loud and pointless. I guess they would seem a bit odd if you didn’t grown up with them.

Thank you Charade.

Universities here have different sports that they excel in, but nothing like America, no college football leagues for example, it`s very different over here. However, I do enjoy the American way of celebrating American Football and I do get the marching band and everything else that goes along with it...it`s fun, maybe she doesn`t have that sense of enjoyment to appreciate the whole show. But, then, everyone tells me I was born to be an American!!!

Fingers crossed your team does well though....as an F1 fan I do understand that excitement when the favoured drivers do well....or the opposite!!




Well, thought we`d be asleep by now, two large glasses of wine have been enjoyed but we are both wide awake. Watched Trading Places, now watching some Christmas thing from 2018 with Stephen Merchant, it`s ok so far.

I might just hit that wall later though.....

 

[drenalin'junkie]

College football is typically on Saturday so you are free for the F1 Gran Prix on Sunday
MotoGP and F1 are typically on the DVR tho, along with baking shows.
We love Bake Off and American shows without the reality TV scripted drama.
We miss Mary so much, same for the original judges on GBM.

 

[schumigirl]

Well, F1 is over now till next year so not quite sure what Grand Prix you mean and no I don’t watch Great British Bake off…..I prefer real baking, not tv stuff which always seems too contrived.





Time for bed here…….after midnight so it’s now Wednesday, started watching The Christmas Chronicles but will watch second part tomorrow.

Wine we were given as a gift was beautiful, one of those classic bottles to cherish.

Janet, hope you’re still having an amazing time…….got a few friends heading to Orlando over the next few weeks……some even going to………(shudder) Disney……..

Sleep tight…….

 

[Charade67]

College football is almost a religion in some parts of our country. There are a lot of passionate fans.

Well, I got the travel information from the school
We will not be going on that trip. We could travel for about $1000 less if we booked the trip ourselves, but it would still be too pricey. So I just booked us a weekend at Dollywood for my birthday weekend.

 

[drenalin'junkie]

The F1 races are named after the location generally. Occasionally the city or track but usually the country.
Hopefully a little better racing next year, watching one team dominate like this year isn't as fun to us.
We'll see in March.
I agree the college football is like religion, seen families not talk most of a season if they went to competing schools. My family mostly went, coached or taught at ACC and SEC schools so we talk a lot of smack during the year. We had Jags tickets from the day they went on sale but live games on Sunday interfered with F1, vacations and day trips to the parks so the novelty wore off after a few years.

 

[schumigirl]

The F1 races are named after the location generally. Occasionally the city or track but usually the country.
Hopefully a little better racing next year, watching one team dominate like this year isn't as fun to us.

I’m very well aware, my first race was ZandVoort in 1973, not the best first race to see. I was brought up with F1 and we’ve always had a family member involved with the teams.






Been awake since 5am, which isn’t too bad, I popped downstairs and made a pot of tea then came back up into one of the spare rooms with my tea tray as Tom is sound asleep and I don’t want to disturb him. Once the tea is done, I’ll try to get back to sleep, but usually once I’m awake, that’s me up.

Woke to several emails from friends at the hotel, we miss them already but always nice to keep in touch with them all.

Going to be a very cold but sunny morning so I think we’ll head down to the shore front for a walk, blow the cobwebs off of us somewhat, not going to the Wednesday lunch today, we’ll wait till next week.



@macraven @keishashadow @disneyseniors

 

[schumigirl]

College football is almost a religion in some parts of our country. There are a lot of passionate fans.

Well, I got the travel information from the school
We will not be going on that trip. We could travel for about $1000 less if we booked the trip ourselves, but it would still be too pricey. So I just booked us a weekend at Dollywood for my birthday weekend.

That‘s a shame, but Dollywood will be fun to visit.

 

[Lynne G]

And what day do we have here? Hehe, camel’s got his gift ready to give.



Yep, he’s here to give his gift to all the homies, of showing that get over this hump of a day feeling Wednesday means Friday is then only a day away. Woot!

And so, two degrees above freezing, as I tossed that breakfast trash outside. Little brr. And will give that little brr tomorrow as commute in a 29 degree morning start. But happy not having to go into the city today, as will in less then a month. Sigh.

So, wishing all a most Wonderful Wednesday, and hope all have had or having a good morning.

And park fun instead of further away football game fun sounds perfect to me, Charade.

 

[schumigirl]

Gosh where is everyone.......I can see the tumbleweed rolling through, will be sending the search party out for the ladies!!!

Beautiful day as promised, we did a few jobs this morning then headed out a walk up into the woods behind us, everything does look bare now.

Not much wildlife around either, it was cold at 1c.

Found a new place to buy freshly laid eggs, our farmer has sold all his hen and won`t be doing them anymore, so we go about 15 minutes away to another farm, eggs were just as good as Tom had a couple for lunch, bright orange yolks as they should be.

I baked some boneless/skinless chicken thighs today, spicy honey garlic seasonings but doing it in a salad tonight but with shrimp too and avocado for me, will make a spicy dressing too with some rosemary bread I baked and one of the flavoured balsamics I brought back from Winter Park.

More tea coming up and a sultana scone that are not long out of the Aga......plenty of butter!!!

 

[Pumpkin1172]

Quick Wednesday stop in!!!!

It was a quiet night last night. I was tuckered out. We paid bills, did one phone call to brother-in-law - loosely planned Xmas. I was voluntold I'm hosting Christmas day You gotta love family drama. I just roll with it - so yes I can and would love to host Christmas day. I love being able to do it - it's just that our house is small. We will make the most of it - and enjoy any family members who decide to come over

I have an inquiry to have someone come in a do a quick tidy and some general cleaning. I just won't have time to get it done before Xmas So I'm hoping that inquiry I put in with someone a friend recommended will be able to help out!

I did take out a roast to thaw. I'm not sure what I'm going to make with it yet- I'm hoping to be inspired and make a decision.

So I just booked us a weekend at Dollywood for my birthday weekend.

YAY!!!! That sounds like the perfect way to spend your birthday weekend.

I was hoping to be off sitting on a hot beach somewhere for my birthday ( in Jan) but dh has quite a few work trips he has to do in Jan - so that won't be happening. One year, I'll get to spend my birthday the way I dream of doing it.

Hehe, camel’s got his gift ready to give.

He has gifts to give too!!!! I'm glad it's Wednesday

Found a new place to buy freshly laid eggs, our farmer has sold all his hen and won`t be doing them anymore, so we go about 15 minutes away to another farm, eggs were just as good as Tom had a couple for lunch, bright orange yolks as they should be.

Those farm fresh ones are soooooo good. I go to our famer's market for the ones we cook up and eat. I use store ones for my baking and regular cooking.

The surrounding for your walk look amazing and so serene. You are definitely blessed to be surround by amazing landscapes!

Well, It's almost my lunch time - and I still have to get one spreadsheet sent off. I'm suffering from shiny squirrel syndrome today. I'm going to have to start making some lists for all the things I need to get organized for everything

Have a great day everyone!!!!

 

[Charade67]

I decided to wrap some Christmas presents after work today only to discover that we are almost out of paper. I used to buy lots of paper the day after Christmas when everything went on sale, but haven’t done that in several years. Time to go shopping.

My family mostly went, coached or taught at ACC and SEC schools so we talk a lot of smack during the year.

We are partially an ACC family. Dh has 2 degrees from Florida State.

That‘s a shame, but Dollywood will be fun to visit.

It’s sort of a makeup trip from last year. I am in charge of planning this time , so I think we are going to have a much better hotel room this time.

was voluntold I'm hosting Christmas day You gotta love family drama. I just roll with it - so yes I can and would love to host Christmas day. I love being able to do it - it's just that our house is small. We will make the most of it - and enjoy any family members who decide to come over

My family are all too far away for is to get together. I guess that can be either an advantage or disadvantage. We will most likely spend the holiday with friends.

I have started to nod off several times while typing this. I think I will give in and take a nap.

 

[schumigirl]

Quick Wednesday stop in!!!!

It was a quiet night last night. I was tuckered out. We paid bills, did one phone call to brother-in-law - loosely planned Xmas. I was voluntold I'm hosting Christmas day You gotta love family drama. I just roll with it - so yes I can and would love to host Christmas day. I love being able to do it - it's just that our house is small. We will make the most of it - and enjoy any family members who decide to come over

I have an inquiry to have someone come in a do a quick tidy and some general cleaning. I just won't have time to get it done before Xmas So I'm hoping that inquiry I put in with someone a friend recommended will be able to help out!

I did take out a roast to thaw. I'm not sure what I'm going to make with it yet- I'm hoping to be inspired and make a decision.


YAY!!!! That sounds like the perfect way to spend your birthday weekend.

I was hoping to be off sitting on a hot beach somewhere for my birthday ( in Jan) but dh has quite a few work trips he has to do in Jan - so that won't be happening. One year, I'll get to spend my birthday the way I dream of doing it.

He has gifts to give too!!!! I'm glad it's Wednesday

Those farm fresh ones are soooooo good. I go to our famer's market for the ones we cook up and eat. I use store ones for my baking and regular cooking.

The surrounding for your walk look amazing and so serene. You are definitely blessed to be surround by amazing landscapes!

Well, It's almost my lunch time - and I still have to get one spreadsheet sent off. I'm suffering from shiny squirrel syndrome today. I'm going to have to start making some lists for all the things I need to get organized for everything

Have a great day everyone!!!!

Doesn`t matter the size of your home Pumpkin.....spending time with family is always nice....unless you spend Christmas day in a home where the main front door opens up straight into the living room!!!!! We visited a cousin of mine on Christmas Day for an hour about 30 years ago.......holy moly, every time that door opened it chilled the whole place down.....I vowed then never to buy a place that didn`t have a large hall area!! But, in all honesty, you`ll be fine hosting and nothing wrong with getting some help in, you`re busy and it will give you time to focus on important things.

We do live in a beautiful area, sea in front of us and woodland areas behind us with some lovely walking paths through them. And if the sun shines....all the better in this cold!!

Our farm eggs have always been free from the farmer as their way of thanking us for helping them out, giving them all our fruit from the trees and it`s always been appreciated, however these eggs are still cheaper than the stores and so much better. I think we pay the equivalent of $5 for 30 of the freshest eggs around, so an absolute bargain.

Aim for that beach trip at some point.......you`ll do it one year!!

I decided to wrap some Christmas presents after work today only to discover that we are almost out of paper. I used to buy lots of paper the day after Christmas when everything went on sale, but haven’t done that in several years. Time to go shopping.



We are partially an ACC family. Dh has 2 degrees from Florida State.


It’s sort of a makeup trip from last year. I am in charge of planning this time , so I think we are going to have a much better hotel room this time.



My family are all too far away for is to get together. I guess that can be either an advantage or disadvantage. We will most likely spend the holiday with friends.

I have started to nod off several times while typing this. I think I will give in and take a nap.

Oh I do remember that trip you weren`t thrilled with the hotel. Was that the one where the bear was outside or was than another trip???

Friends or family work for Christmas, it isn`t easy living so far away from family for sure....well, as you depends on the family.....lol......






Had a nap last night around 7pm and worried I wouldn`t sleep at bedtime......lol....slept like a rock!! I think I`m over jetlag already, not too bad as we just got home on Monday. Tom however is still catching up a little.

Later breakfast this morning as sleeping beauty was catching up on some snooze time, so just finished poached egg on toast, he makes better poached eggs than I do and copious amounts of tea. It is cold outside today, so absolutely no plans to go out anywhere, it`s not icy or frosty, just a cold wind coming straight from Russia I think!!!

Hopefully Tom will upload the pictures from our trip over the next few days, then I can upload them to Smugmug and then hopefully get the TR started properly next week. It`s a shorter trip so shouldn`t take me 6 months to finish!!

Lunch today we`ll enjoy snack food, we have some duck spring rolls and some Indian bhaji`s and a couple of dips with some salad, dinner will be a winter warmer for sure tonight, going to make some spicy meatballs, will make a pepper sauce and enjoy them with creamy mash, buttered cabbage and leeks and cauliflower. Definitely that time of year for warmer dishes.

Catching up with some friends today too.....they all want their Tide Pens!! Told them, pop round anytime we`ll be in.

Happy Thursday......

​

 

[Lynne G]

Picture about 1/2 hour ago. Had to deliver cards to my co workers’ desks, and that took a little time, as we are spread out some. Commuting will be easier once back to it next year. Today, ugh, had to get up that much earlier. Wanted a long hot shower, knowing it would be freezing as I got out the door. And it was. Snow flurries my phone says soon. Yeah, it’s still cold enough. We are 5 degrees below average for today. But whatever. Heated car seat and 78 degrees said my car inside temp. And office is warm enough. With hot tea, of course.

And so, we are down to two sleeps, or at least some sleep tomorrow night. Ah yes, that before dawn flight. Like it, as then have a full day of fun. Little one is hoping we get our room earlier than later. I think she will nap, as want to do the night time show and maybe even the parade. Last time, she napped at the pool and got sunburned. Oops. Sun won’t be as strong this time. Though hoping dry days and full days of sunshine, 80’s would be perfect. Forecast says 80 when we arrive, and rest of time 70’s, with a low 60’s on this coming Monday. That is still 20 degrees above our low 50’s, we are to be this coming week. But today? Yes, 41 the high. Now phone says flurries in less than 8 minutes, for the next hour. Sigh. Hoping not when home commute.

Thus, almost at the end of the week days. Hope all have a wonderful Thirsty Thursday. And doing my part. Now to get more hot water from that bottle tap.

 

[Charade67]

Oh I do remember that trip you weren`t thrilled with the hotel. Was that the one where the bear was outside or was than another trip???

The bear trip was in 2020. I actually chose that hotel. It didn’t look like much from the outside, but the rooms were really nice. Last year dh picked the hotel. It was a very basic Econo Lodge. Nothing special, and the elevator kept breaking down. Dh and I have different opinions of what is considered to be a nice hotel. He once went to a football game in Orlando and stayed at some very sketchy hotels on the trip because they were cheap. He now admits that he won’t do that again. On this trip we are staying at a Hilton.
Speaking of hotels, there is one near Dollywood called The Inn at Christmas Place. It is Christmas themed all year long. I have always wanted to stay there, so I looked up rates last night. Unfortunately it is completely booked for most of December.

 

[disneyseniors]

Hi Everyone: We have been back home since this past Friday, almost a week, and I am still recuperating, LOL.
I caught a cold, which I never do, and am just now starting to get over it.
Our trip was a mother/daughter trip with my daughter, Robin. We had a marvelous time laughing, getting lost every day, and eating delicious meals.
We got to meet up with Carole and Tom one evening at the Hard Water Bar in Sapphire Falls. We, of course, got lost on the way over. There were long, long hallways which were completely deserted! It was kind of spooky to be honest. I'm glad I had Robin as a guide because she has a better sense of direction than me I'm also thankful that Tom and Carole left with us and led us safely back to RPR. We probably would have ended up completely lost without them. It was so much fun chatting with Tom and Carole and the night ended too quickly. I also tried Carole's Punch and it was delicious. I don't drink much, but when I do I like fruity/rum type drinks. Just perfect!

The weather could have been warmer, with one cool day on Wednesday. But that didn't stop us from enjoying the parks. IOA was beautiful and colorful and just a fun place to wander. And we did wander into a lot of gift stores! Our favorite park turned out to be the Studios side. We loved MIB and had a daily competition going on - which I lost in a big way .
Also, the Bourne Stuntacular was fantastic. We saw it twice, as was the Horror Makeup show and the Animal Actors.
Of course, the HP lands were wonderful. Robin actually rode on the Velocicoaster and when it was over, she said that it was a one and done!!! I admit to being a big chicken, so I didn't even try. I about had a heart attack just watching the riders. We rode Hagrids and Robin loved it. For some reason, I got queasy on it, so didn't ride it again even though I did like it. Some of the rides that I used to do made me feel queasy for some reason this time.

Our absolute favorite was the Raptor Experience in IOA! The photos are hilarious. It was all it's supposed to be. Blue actually touched our shoulders, which was a surprise, to say the least, LOL, and then he roared and we took off, LOL.
I also took pictures of all the trees in the stores. Some of them are so unique. I will try to upload some of these pictures later.

Our flight back got us into the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport at 4pm and we had a 4 plus hour drive to northern Mn. in rush hour traffic in the cities. We got home about 9pm and I went right to bed! Since then, the cold got worse and I have been really tired, so have been resting and am late posting.

Things are getting back to normal now and I need to start decorating and putting our tree up soon
I think I am behind all of you guys on this site as far as Christmas decorating goes

It's nice to be back home and to get back in the groove, But I really miss Florida!

I hope Robin and I can do a trip like this again, maybe every year???

ruth

 

[schumigirl]

The bear trip was in 2020. I actually chose that hotel. It didn’t look like much from the outside, but the rooms were really nice. Last year dh picked the hotel. It was a very basic Econo Lodge. Nothing special, and the elevator kept breaking down. Dh and I have different opinions of what is considered to be a nice hotel. He once went to a football game in Orlando and stayed at some very sketchy hotels on the trip because they were cheap. He now admits that he won’t do that again. On this trip we are staying at a Hilton.
Speaking of hotels, there is one near Dollywood called The Inn at Christmas Place. It is Christmas themed all year long. I have always wanted to stay there, so I looked up rates last night. Unfortunately it is completely booked for most of December.

Crikey, didn`t realise it was so far back that trip with the bear!

A nice hotel is essential for us, glad your DH won`t do the other type again.

That`s a shame you can`t get booked at that place, sounds lovely.

Hi Everyone: We have been back home since this past Friday, almost a week, and I am still recuperating, LOL.
I caught a cold, which I never do, and am just now starting to get over it.
Our trip was a mother/daughter trip with my daughter, Robin. We had a marvelous time laughing, getting lost every day, and eating delicious meals.
We got to meet up with Carole and Tom one evening at the Hard Water Bar in Sapphire Falls. We, of course, got lost on the way over. There were long, long hallways which were completely deserted! It was kind of spooky to be honest. I'm glad I had Robin as a guide because she has a better sense of direction than me I'm also thankful that Tom and Carole left with us and led us safely back to RPR. We probably would have ended up completely lost without them. It was so much fun chatting with Tom and Carole and the night ended too quickly. I also tried Carole's Punch and it was delicious. I don't drink much, but when I do I like fruity/rum type drinks. Just perfect!

The weather could have been warmer, with one cool day on Wednesday. But that didn't stop us from enjoying the parks. IOA was beautiful and colorful and just a fun place to wander. And we did wander into a lot of gift stores! Our favorite park turned out to be the Studios side. We loved MIB and had a daily competition going on - which I lost in a big way .
Also, the Bourne Stuntacular was fantastic. We saw it twice, as was the Horror Makeup show and the Animal Actors.
Of course, the HP lands were wonderful. Robin actually rode on the Velocicoaster and when it was over, she said that it was a one and done!!! I admit to being a big chicken, so I didn't even try. I about had a heart attack just watching the riders. We rode Hagrids and Robin loved it. For some reason, I got queasy on it, so didn't ride it again even though I did like it. Some of the rides that I used to do made me feel queasy for some reason this time.

Our absolute favorite was the Raptor Experience in IOA! The photos are hilarious. It was all it's supposed to be. Blue actually touched our shoulders, which was a surprise, to say the least, LOL, and then he roared and we took off, LOL.
I also took pictures of all the trees in the stores. Some of them are so unique. I will try to upload some of these pictures later.

Our flight back got us into the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport at 4pm and we had a 4 plus hour drive to northern Mn. in rush hour traffic in the cities. We got home about 9pm and I went right to bed! Since then, the cold got worse and I have been really tired, so have been resting and am late posting.

Things are getting back to normal now and I need to start decorating and putting our tree up soon
I think I am behind all of you guys on this site as far as Christmas decorating goes

It's nice to be back home and to get back in the groove, But I really miss Florida!

I hope Robin and I can do a trip like this again, maybe every year???

ruth

We enjoyed our evening with you both immensely, it was a lot of fun, I haven`t seen the pictures yet, Tom hasn`t uploaded them......guess why.......he has a cold!!!

But, an older man in the farm store the other day coughed openly and would you believe he then laughed when the woman beside us yelled at him to cover his mouth, ignorant. So when he`s back to normal he`ll upload them, but I`m so glad you enjoyed Carole`s Punch!!! I had a few of them over the trip.....lol......

You did well on your trip, you did a lot....I still think you`d have loved the Velocicoaster

I agree, I think you should make it a yearly trip with Robin. And yes, get those decorations up!!!!





Yes, my husband has a cold, thankfully he`s not too bad and isn`t the manflu type of guy, but I do like to take care of him when he`s not 100%. I had planned to go out with some girlfriends tonight but called it off, so they came round here instead. We stayed in the kitchen so we wouldn`t disturb him. Just gave him a rum and sent him to bed.

Weather is foul, raining and cold out there and it`s been like that most of the day, so it`s been nice spending time mooching about today and snoozing too!! Nice evening with a few girlfriends, wine and snacks of course with lots of laughter and chatting.

No idea what we`ll do tomorrow, will see what the weather is like first I think.

Almost bedtime for me now.....

 

[nighttowll]

Hi, everyone. I use to be on here a lot way back years ago, but mainly on the Disney side of things. I recognize a few of you from back then. I didn't realize there was a general chat thread, so Hi!

 

[nighttowll]

The bear trip was in 2020. I actually chose that hotel. It didn’t look like much from the outside, but the rooms were really nice. Last year dh picked the hotel. It was a very basic Econo Lodge. Nothing special, and the elevator kept breaking down. Dh and I have different opinions of what is considered to be a nice hotel. He once went to a football game in Orlando and stayed at some very sketchy hotels on the trip because they were cheap. He now admits that he won’t do that again. On this trip we are staying at a Hilton.
Speaking of hotels, there is one near Dollywood called The Inn at Christmas Place. It is Christmas themed all year long. I have always wanted to stay there, so I looked up rates last night. Unfortunately it is completely booked for most of December.

We haven't gone recently, but we used to do Pigeon Forge regularly as it was a stopping point between where we live in TN and some family in NC. Your story about the bear reminded me of a VRBO I booked one year that ended up having a snake living in the mattress which we discovered one night when he moved underneath us while in bed!

I'm not sure how it is now, but we used to stay at a very nice Home 2 Suites (no snakes) that is right behind The Island. I know you mentioned Hilton. That hotel was always our go to hotel to stay in if we didn't rent a cabin. It was very nice, and you have the full fridge and freezer. Plus, it was a very short walk across to The Island, and it kept you off the main parkway which was always a goal of ours. I'm not sure what is worse I-Drive or the Parkway.