Let's see if this works, with the double-quote. Thanks for the birthday greetings; I had an amazing birthday experience! We went to Boma the first night at Disney and it worked out well. I had gastric sleeve surgery last fall and was worried about not being able to enjoy my favorite dining experiences, but it was fine. I just paid attention to only taking a tablespoon-sized serving of my favorite dishes and remembered to chew thoroughly and eat slowly, and I was fine. Was it cost-effective? Of course not, but I had tastes of everything I love most at Boma, DH had a terrific meal, and we both were happy. On my birthday itself, I took my coffee out to our balcony at AKL to watch the cattle and birds. I wasn't out there for more than 5 minutes when 2 zebras and a giraffe entered our savanna! That is exactly what I was hoping for and made the whole trip worthwhile!! Talking to CMs later, they said it isn't common for the giraffe to come into the savanna in the mornings, so I was feeling doubly lucky! Around 11am DH and I moseyed down to the pool for awhile, which quickly turned into a visit to the pool bar (DD23 says it's mandatory to visit the pool bar on your birthday). We stayed for 2 drinks each and the lovely bartenders treated us to snacks and a cupcake in honor of my birthday! We went upstairs with enough time to change for the Boma/Jiko tour. It was fine. Didn't really learn too much, but the CMs were really friendly and excited (or so it seemed) to tell us about their restaurants, their home countries, the significance of architecture, etc. in the restaurants, and how the food differed from WDW and home. Turns out some is pretty authentic, some not so much. They also fed us several dips and breads at Jiko, and carrot/ginger soup and zebra domes at Boma, which was enough to tide us over until dinner at California Grill. When we arrived at CG, our table was ready. They'd decorated it with Mickey-head glitter, and there was a card waiting for me. Once we said we'd like to look at the wine list, they brought the list AND 2 glasses of champagne to help us celebrate! Our table was right along the windows, so we had an amazing view of the Magic Kingdom, and no need to get up or go outside to see the fireworks. The food was very, very good (I had grouper with handmade gnocchi, which are NOTHING like the ones we buy in the grocery store, and DH had the filet) and well worth the cost, I felt. Drinks were pretty good, too! Our waitress was lovely, gracious, and really knew her stuff when it came to food/beverage recommendations. Just before the fireworks started, she presented the birthday cake with candle, then took it away part way through to cut and box the remainder. I ended up with the almond cake with amaretto crunch filling. It was delicious, and just light enough to eat some after a very filling meal (although the next night, back in the hotel room, I was wishing it was chocolate with PB filling... oh well). It was a lovely meal, and I'm glad I decided on CG. After dinner, we rode the boat launch around 7 Seas Lagoon for awhile, then got off at the Contemporary again and rode the monorail over to MK to pick up a bus back to AKL (we had a rental car but I decided not to drive that night, because I knew I'd want to have a few adult drinks). I'd hoped to go out after, but DH was having issues with his leg, so we went back to AKL and had a nightcap at the lounge there. All in all a lovely birthday celebration! ALSO... I'd never understood how people would go to WDW without park tickets, just hang out at their resort, but now I get it. Of course, it helps to be at AKL and not All-Stars, right? I'd do this again, though; we had a truly lovely time!
Yes, this is also winter in Maine... except maybe more snow...
= under the weather
My playbook taking on a mind all it's own. Earlier on it posted the Quote x3... sigh. It's time to replace it but, like a comfortable pair of shoes. Fwit, I did buy another replacement a yr or so ago but, I love the size of this one. It fits perfectly in my beach cover up, and my cruise wear. Dh likes it because to replace it means a whole new wardrobe... Hey.. wait!
But, truth be known I. Hate. Shopping!! It's not likely I'll send him out with a list, for clothing purchases for ME any time soon.
Hey - I'm going to make just a teeny-tiny, very small, minor rule violation and ask, because i just gotta know - what happened to your profanity thread?
for me, so... 
is me. Suffice to say I was in violation of the policy regarding Politics.
But it is pretty hard to drive by a train wreck without looking at it. 
Hon, take my word for it - if you can still mow your lawn you are simply NOT doing winter right. 
