The Meerkats and The Rabbit

That sounds like the title of a children's book.  But it actually really happened and I saw it with my own two eyes on our vacation to Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom last month.  I planned our trip around their Resort Early Opening Days, so Animal Kingdom was our last park day.  I of course love the fact that they have Meerkats and for the second time I planned to simply sit and watch them.  Of course I didn't know I'd be sick and running a fever by then or else I would have planned a shorter vacation, but my short time with the Meerkats was a treasure all the same.

We started out our morning leaving our hotel.  We stayed at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside on the off chance you were wondering.  That particular morning was yard work day, and all the wonderful mouse employees were hard at work mowing the grass, trimming bushes and so forth.  The resident rabbits were out in force and I think we saw three of them before we left the hotel.  But those aren't the particular rabbits I'm talking about.

The bus came and we were off, I was sick but I didn't care.  I was finally going to see my beloved Meerkats again.  Why mine?  Well I don't know, they aren't really mine, but all Meerkats especially Suricata Suricatta charm my heart.  The plan?  Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris and then take the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail of course, because the later is where the Meerkats are!

When we got to the Meerkats it was still nice and early.  Not cool weather but certainly not the sweat dripping temps of an afternoon in July and who cares anyway because the viewing area for the Meerkats is covered. Nice of Disney to plan that resting spot for me! The last time we were there it was much later in the morning and only two lone males (all the Meerkats in Disney's Animal Kingdom are boys) where out.  But this time more of the gang was visible.  I was surprised that while it was July and clearly hot Florida weather (Lake Buena Vista had Record breaking temps when we were there) yet the Meerkats appeared to have their winter jammies on and thereby looking a little shaggy.  What a charming change!  Now would you believe while these boys were on their guard watching the sky, a rabbit had hopped it's way into their enclosure?

Often when watching them on TV and/or having gone without seeing them eye to Meerkat in a while it's easy to forget they are only 2 to 3 pounds.  Small!  Tiny even, makes my Tiny cat look huge.  Now Meerkats are territorial.  There's no doubt about it.  They have to be coming from the desert as they do.  They spied that rabbit, who was truly as big as they were and so they set  about the business of chasing off the rabbit.  Now I'm sure Mr. Thumper was a bit frantic trying to recall how he/she got in there and more importantly how to get out!  But I was delighted - Meerkat mobbing behavior, what a treat!  Yes, Thumper got away safe and sound, why were you worried I told you the rabbit as big as the Meerkats!  So then of course Meerkats went back to being watchful Meerkats.

Of course while that was going on one fellow "guest" thought the Meerkats were going to eat the rabbit and disgusted herself so badly with her lack of knowledge that she had to leave the area.  Really.  I guess she missed Animal Planet's Meerkat Manor educating us all that a Millepede is an awesome and filling meal for a Meerkat or that they will eat ants in a pinch?

Maybe I'm awful but I think any animal willing to stand up to the most deadly snakes Africa has to offer deserves some respect, especially if they are only 10-14 inches when standing.  Would you stand up to a Cape Cobra?  When my pain is soaring I feel like I have a snake in my veins hissing, spitting, and sometimes even verbally striking out at my loved ones as I watch with my own eyes.  Wild Meerkats fight the literal battle while I fight the analogical one within my own skin.  But don't pity me, instead think of other people with chronic pain that have yet to find a mascot for themselves.  Trust me every little bit helps and I don't feel the breath of the snake as often as I used to anyway.

She was in Labor on Labor Day

My mother hates that joke.  I can just see her cringe as more than once I have said "my mother was in Labor on Labor Day".  Now over the years she's learned to pipe up with "and I never worked harder a day in my life".  Of course she and I know that's not true as I wasn't even a big baby, unlike another child she had... 

Butterfly near the Quiet Pool

So anyway Labor Day babies pay dearly for their birthdays all through early school years.  Why?  Because  if you celebrate early - you don't get to invite your friends from school as school isn't in session yet and if you celebrate Labor Day weekend only your family can come and if you hold it a week or two late, you still end up being best friends with the family that is trying desperately to have one last family getaway before settling into the grind.

But what is great about being a Labor Day Baby is that when you start dating you can tell everyone to remember your birthday is Labor Day weekend, and then they will hit your birthday about 50% of the time.   So that's better anyway. 

Did you know there is a Tron Monorail these days?  Not really a fan of the movie, but hey I've seen it.

But this year my sister took all those less than ideal celebrations and threw them out the window with a delightful trip to Walt Disney World.  Oh yes that's what I said.  DH and I rode all the rides in the Future World of Epcot before noon, no waiting - no joke.  It was awesome.  Then my sis and I enjoyed splendid shopping all over Epcot.  We had Cloud Creams in Norway (call them cream curls, cream horns or Cloud Creams I don't care they were wonderful).  Pizza in Italy, a boat ride in Mexico, fish and chips in the UK (okay my sister had Fish 'N Chips I had Bangers and Mash), and then capped off the evening buying perfume in Canada. 

This was being written in the sky while it was just DH and I,
how sweet!

We stayed at the Polynesian which was wonderful.  I think the humidity is lower there, as it felt so nice to feel the sun's warm rays. 

The morning sun filtering through the Kukui Nut Tree imported from it's native Hawaii

I do hope that you too enjoyed your Labor Day weekend.

Happy Turtles

Just this very morning I finished up the Hawaiian Appliqué Turtle quilt I was working on. This quilt went fairly quickly taking about 24 hours from start to finish. This quilt is a Linus Blanket and will be headed off to the Linus Project just as soon as I wash it. No shopping time required for this quilt as I worked to only used items from my stash. Threads on hand, fabrics on hand, and yes even batting.

I considered adding detail to the turtles but I wanted to give it some thought first to ensure anything I added would child friendly. Now that everything else is done I think the turtles are great just the way they are and need no embellishment.

I even stitched in a bit off luck. If you look at the quilting lines on the side with the gray stripes some of those gray stripes have little four leaf clovers quilted down them.

Now I'd like to take a moment to point out that this is a Give a Day Get a Day Get a Disney Day Project that Disney is sponsoring. As a handicapped individual it would be impossible for me to help out on site at a habitat for humanity home for example. But this I can do and so can you. There are many projects on the list that do not require standing for long periods of time. I was doubtful myself, but I found that by entering my zip code in the link provided above a variety of home based volunteer was available. Granted not the places I have done charity quilts for in the past, but it's good to share the love around. If don't think you'll use the park ticket you can even donate it to children in the community.

I love the concept of this, as I think it can unite families in teaching children about helping others. The only thing I don't like about this project is it is ONLY for children 6 years and older. As my four year old helps me quilt on a regular basis I find this limiting, both while working on the projects and also when I take her to the theme park as children over 3 require theme park tickets to enter the park. I'm certain there is a good reason for this apparent oversight. 

Don't forget if you're going to participate:

1. Select what you'd like to do and make the commitment. You Must Sign up BEFORE completing your time.

2. Complete your time within two months. That is the time limit set by the two projects my husband and I are participating in, but the time limit for your selected project may be different. If your project like mine requires you to ship something be sure to complete your project and mail it in plenty of time to allow for delivery within your time.

3. For those doing at home volunteer follow the information in your provided packet. Most of the at home jobs I looked at required a photo of you doing the work.

Tinker Bell Costume Update

Now it's not done, but it's to the point where Jessica can wear it without pins. I still need to add elastic to pull in the waist and sew the petals together for modesty. Instead of the bloomers that came with the pattern (that I just know she wont like) I'm going to use a completely different pattern to make matching shorts so she will be nice and comfortable.

In case you're interested the pattern is Simplicity's Disney Fairies pattern number 2872, which I purchased from Joann's on sale for $1. I altered it to completely remove a tulle underskirt that I personally found ugly. I also made the petals in a larger size to make sure I had enough coverage in lieu of the underskirt. Also instead of the plain belt, I'll be using Rosetta's belt which I feel will be more flattering in a "Tinkerbell" sort of way. OH, I nearly forgot I'm planning to make shoe covers with little poms so that my daughter can wear them over her regular shoes.

Money Can't Buy Happiness

But it sure can buy tranquility and relaxation!

My sister, daughter, husband and I just returned from a short trip to Walt Disney World, where we stayed two nights at Disney's Boardwalk Inn Resort. All of my planning paid off as I found a deal on a concierge room that we couldn't pass up.

We arrived about 2 pm, upon pulling in for valet parking, we were greeted with a smile. The valet checked on our room (which wasn't ready) helped us unload the car and found someone to take us directly up to the Club Level.

The club level has wonderful things. The Innkeepers Lounge for one as well as the concierge desk where my husband checked us in. The ladies in our party were whisked off directly to the Lounge, where we sipped on the best tea my lips have ever touched as well as light snacks. I had read about crowds in the reviews (we never encountered them) as well as the tv - which was off every time I was there, except on morning visits. It was not at all loud, being merely the morning news I didn't feel the pull to distract Jessica from watching it.

While I could have spent my entire vacation there with the peacefully, happy, and helpful CM's, we had plans. My sister was off to Muscles and Bustles Health Club for an aromatherapy massage my husband and I planned for her (which she enjoyed so much she dozed off).

...Meanwhile my family and I played down by the Luna Park Pool. It is the big pool on the Villas side. It was loud and enjoyable. The Luna Park Crazy Play Area is right next to the kiddie pool. I sat in the shade and could easily watch Jessica and her daddy play in both areas. Jessica dearly wanted to go down the water slide, but it was clearly labeled as swimmers only, so keep that in mind if you're planning a trip.

When our room #4222 was ready we called to have our luggage brought up. We booked a Standard Club Level Room. The balcony overlooks the Courtyard and relaxing pool. Off to your left is a direct line to Epcot's France. While the outer most edge of the fireworks view is obstructed, it was simply divine watching them with the "Eiffel tower" in the foreground. This is an East facing room, and the summer morning sun doesn't beam through the heavy curtains, but anyone stepping out there to enjoy the morning view is sure to gain murmurs of discontent from anyone still in bed. While the 4th floor does not require a room key to get to, our room was behind the locked door where the concierge desk is located just past the Innkeeper's Lounge. Also not all club level rooms are on the aforementioned "club level". The Club Level of Boardwalk Inn is the 4th floor.

Half way

I just realized I am halfway to having all the blocks I'll need for the Row Robin this month. Somehow I had it in my head that I needed 7 blocks, but that's not until next month. Here is my most recent addition. It's called Prickly Pear and is a 14" block. Of course if you're looking for this pattern look no further than Quilter's Cache.

I had a couple of photos printed from when we were at Disney in September, and added them to Jessica's autograph book. If I'd been thinking I would have made sure to print a photo so every autograph would have one, but I was printing them out for something else. After all this time of having only baby Jessica with the characters she's so excited for the changes. She keeps looking at it over and over again. The blissful joys of being 3.

I have two confirmed RSVP's for Mum's the Word and one "I'll be there", with those three it will be a party even if no one shows up. One guest even complimented me on the invitations.

Today I blog.

In color! Today has been a good day. I started out my morning with my daughter telling me that her "clothes had grown up" because she had a growth spurt this Winter and has shot up out of the 12-24 month outfits she was wearing. While she's whining about it I hurry her off to her room.

Me: Do you want to go shopping in your room?
DD: (Whining badly) I don't want to go shopping in my room.
Me: Come on let's go shopping in your room.
DD: (near laughter from my silly behavior but still whining) I don't want to go shopping in my room.

Once in her room I start going though her dresser. As that's where I stash all of the "when she grows clothes". Poor me, she hasn't done much growing so it had been a while since I'd been digging in there. Then it happened, my fingers touched the bag.

DD: (in awe) What's in the PRINCESS BAG mommy?!?!?!?! (packing something away in a Disney Princess bag is a sure fire win no matter what is in it!)
Me: (Dumping it out on our laps) I don't know, let's see! (I buy what is cute and whatever hand-me-downs that aren't so ugly that I climb the walls (there was one dress... Hounds tooth... oh it was awful but that is another story) Most of the time what I have put up and away is as much of a surprise for me as it is for her. After going through (and passing over a beautiful purple hoodie with flowers for "later" she settled on this mock tank and dress. Not what I'd have picked for her, but she added a necklace and I'm here to tell you I spent the rest of the day thinking how pretty she is. I know I'm biased, but I only get one child so I'm allowed.

Then she wanted to work in her dearly beloved "workbook". My child loves working in her workbook. She makes sure we do one page a day, but sometimes demands a second one in the afternoon. We've been working out of her preschool book for about a month now, and I am really surprised at her progress. Today we started the "Get Ready to Write" chapter (I skip around depending on where she is at, and what looks good at the time). This chapter begins with those dashed lines and progresses to curves, ect. all for tracing. When we started it was a war trying to convey what "to trace" even meant. Today she buzzed through it like the wonderfully smart child I know her to be.

Then my sister and I tried to run an errand and failed, but still had a great lunch with an AMAZING waitress, at one of our local haunts. A mom and pop place called "Gringo's" where the food is yummy, the service comes and goes, and doesn't cost much.

When we arrived home Jessica wanted to play outside and it was so beautiful outside I couldn't resist her. I took care of my roses and had Sunny out on the leash. There is nothing funnier than watching a 12 pound - nearly five year (OMG!) old Maine Coon Cat with one eye PLAY. He looks like a kitten trapped in a huge furry cat body. After a while daddy came out and joined us, doing a bit of "housekeeping" around the yard. When he found a volunteer tomato plant from last year. It might look scrawny now, but with a bit of love and care I'm certain I'll me photographing it's tomatoes for you this summer. I even picked up a little sun while we were outside. On the craft front, I read that when a knitter is very poor they can go to Good Will and look at the sweaters. Picking carefully they can find a yarn that they like and take the sweater apart for the yarn. Well I found a maternity sweater that I just loved (super nice cotton) with a stain, and started attempting to take it apart. I didn't have much luck, so before to long DH took it from me. Once he found out that I had started taking it apart from the wrong end (FYI start at the top) he made short work of my beloved sweater, and it became 14 oz of yarn! Since DH has taken all of my Christmas yarn to make a mat for the cat water bowl, it's nice to have a bit of yarn for myself to work with. Since it's white yarn I wasn't quite sure what to do with it at first and have settled on another scarf for Soldier's Angels. I will make it as white and then dye it later into a nice co-gender color. Most likely green as I have a pair of curtains in the front bedroom that used to be Sage green and have "sunned" to a strange peach. There is just the right nip in the air. My shorts fit and aren't riding up, my $5 Sam's Club organic (I know! Who knew you could buy organic cotton for $5?!?!?!) tank top makes me look cute, and it's an all around nice day.

Tomorrow is Valentine's, and DH will be working. I don't have any plans, shoot I don't even think I have any chocolate in the house. I did not get the top of DH's surprise apple quilt done. In fact it's so far from done as to still be mostly pieces. I tried working on the last blocks the other day, and I'm finding it quite hard to get motivated. Perhaps I'll just email him the photo and say "Happy Valentine's Day" I know, I'm such a shlub!

While the quilts aren't talking to me the wheelchair bag I'm making is coming along swimmingly. This bag is made up of three canvas bags that I have taken apart and sewn back together - once again on my reusing mission. One was a Disney Trademark bag so it will have the Disney date emblazoned on it. I'm even planning on making it with a little something special so it will be able to hold shopping bags. A nice feature I'm sure I'll be glad I included in years to come. I'll post that when it's completed.

So get out there and have a great Valentine's Weekend!

The hunt!

Oh where have I been, and what have I done being away so long? I'm awful sorry. I've been sucked into the world of new sewing machine lust.

It all started on a hot summer day, when I was making a "tail feather" for Jessica. Which is to say the the way I accidently messed up the skirt on my Pj's that Jessica loves, because it makes a little "tail feather" out the backside. So there I am sewing a nice hem stitch on the bottom of dd's skirt when BANG! BANG BANG BANG, my sewing machine starts knocking. Apperently it doesn't like making the few decorative stitches anymore.

I'll admit it scared me. The sewing machine banging under my hands was a bit much for me. You would think it was because if my sewing machine breaks, it will leave me without a sewing machine, for all my happy quilting projects. No that wasn't the scary part for me. It was the noise and the vibrations in my hands. So I started sewing machine shopping. All the time, if I was online I shopped, if I was at the quilting store I shopped.

I researched and now know about so many machines, my head feels about full with the knowledge. Then I had a conversation with my husband. He seemed to think that if I got an embroidery machine, I would want it to have the Disney features. So that changed everything, all my research went up in a puff of nothing. Poof! And I started looking at the Brother Machines because Brother has an exclusive deal with Disney, they are the only emboridery machine company liscensed to make Disney stitches... But not all their machines will/can. Only the ones labeled "D" for instance nearly everyone knows about the $250 Walmart special the Brother 270D, that does Disney, but it doesn't have many designs, it has a cassette system that can break and leave you stranded, ect. So that was the least of what I wanted. I would have completely forgone an embroidery unit, rather than have that machine.

So the hunt was on. I found TWO top of the line Brothers, okay, so they were top of the line in 2001 and in 2003. One is the 2001 ULT, and the other was the 2003D ULT, note the first one doesn't have that telltale "D" for Disney. And I watched them on ebay. They were set to end about the same about of time. So I watched with baited breath. (that would be stinky!) Researching and hoping.... and hoping. All the while keeping DH up to date on the current auction prices... Days pass and I watch... Then finally the fateful day arrives. Both auctions are up to $810, and while it's not the top limit DH gave me I feel as though it's passed the point of no return and I'll have to keep looking.

But what I didn't know is that my husband had been researching machines behind my back. Yep. He knows at least as much about those two machines as I do, and I wonder if he knows a little bit more... The auction on the 2001 ULT ended first, it's right up on the wire and I have told him flatly to stop it's all over. But being the man I love to hate, he doesn't listen. We won the auction by $10, I'd hate to have been the other bidder, as we took it in the last 6 seconds. With my DH counting down in his head. So while this one doesn't have the trademark Disney package it's still an amazing machine, I have spent the past three days reading the 300+ page manual. (note the other auction went much higher and went up $1,000 in the last two hours, which I was happily enjoying raving about instead of worried that we wouldn't win). Never have I been more grateful not to have to watch an auction than the one I saw the next day for the 2003D, scary stuff!

So now the 2001 ULT is on it's way to me safely packed via ground transportation, all set to arrive here on Thursday. Funny that's the day the local embroidery club that I'd like to join meets, oh well there's always next month, and what a joy to wait! :D

Where oh where can you get a sneak peak at this wonderful machine that will be turning out beautiful things like butterflies and delicate lace snowflake ornaments? Right here

Til next time I wish you all every happiness!