A "Miracle" of a story!

Last Saturday (April 10), Debbie, had a terrible auto accident driving home from work just after 5:00p.m. (Debbie, is our neice and oldest daughter of Angela and Bill.) We now believe that she fell asleep and drove off the road into a tree. She was rushed to a local North Shore hospital where she was diagnosed with a serious enough injury to her aorta that she was med-flighted to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. After further scans doctors performed open heart surgery on Debbie to find out that her aorta was actually  severed. You read correctly. Her doctors, all of us (and anyone we tell this story to) cannot believe she could receive such truma to her aorta and survive. Af first it was thought that she had a tear to her aorta. The doctors explained to the family that her aorta was in fact severed but clotted in such a manner that she did not "bleed out", which would have resulted in death within seconds.  Her injuries include six broken ribs, a hairline crack in her ankle and many bruises.  As far as her family, doctors and friends are concerned, this can only be described as a true miracle. Debbie must've had an angel sitting on her shoulder.

After surgery, Debbie was in the ICU for several days and heavily sedated. Bill and Angela left for home the next day cutting their stay short. Debbie was in good company. Her sister and brother, Dawn and Bill, Debbies daughters, Ashley and Taylor and her husband were by her side.

Prayers made the difference. Offerings for prayers came from everyone far and wide. Darlene contacted her prayer group in Indiana and another couple in a prayer group in Oregon. All of Bill and Angela's friends here at the park offered their prayers as well.

The "miracle" continues. Debbie, with assistance, was able to sit up and talk with her family a couple of days ago. Please keep Debbie in your hearts and prayers as she progresses in her recovery.

Winding down... kinda!

Finally, spring is in the air. Temps are hitting the mid 80's, the sun is higher in the sky and many of our friends are heading north. Our bicycle group is clinging together inspite of the exodus. Our group planned a Monday ride before most of the members headed for home. Neither sleet, nor rain, nor whatever was going to halt our last "official" ride. However, a heavy downpour did managed to stop us on our mission this day... but not our bike ride lunch! 

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the "Winter Garden Pizza Company" along with many laughs, memories and expectations for next year.

A few days later our "party of six" headed for the new store at DownTown Disney, "RideMakerz".

The remote control toy car store was a treat for adults as well as the kids.

You pick the body, chassis, wheels and tires and then you can go crazy putting your own "details" on the car.

They provide "work benches" and even a few "technicians" to get your car road-ready.

But, they have a couple of real "eye-catchers" for every car lover....

Recently, we celebrated another one of our "party of six" member's Birthday. Darlene got to plan "her day" so we headed to Disney's "Cast Connection" for some shopping and lunch at "The Earl of Sandwich".

The day was perfect to enjoy being outside. After Darlene "hunted" for some Tee-Shirts and a (to die for) warm-toasted sandwich we made our way for a treat... or two!

Darlene's "Birthday button" and face clearly demonstrates the elegance of the Wetzel Pretzel's "Sinful Cinnamon" pretzel she just had to have!

But, we saved the best for last. Later in the evening, our "party of six" celebrated our youngest member's special day with...

With knife in hand, Darlene performed the honor...

After some laughs and Birthday wishes we did the next best thing.........

we ate it!!!!!!! (Well, not all of it, honestly!)

It ain't da tree... it's "De Vine!"

Walking around in "Africa" we stumbled upon the  most unique "vine" as we traversed the scorching streets of Harambe. (Actually, it was a beautiful 70ish degrees but jammed with "Spring Breakers" while walking in Disney's Animal Kindgom!) But, back to the "vine." Here's what it looks like.....

Why, it's none other than "DeVine!"

I introduced you to her a few blog posts back. This time we all got to see her as she "weaved" herself around her "tree friends" and our hearts!

Angela got "up close and personal."

Darlene got up close and tried to feed her!

If you are unable to see "DeVine" here is a better picture...

and if you still are having trouble picking "her" out, look again....

Pretty cool huh?

Now on to Disney's Hollywood Studios where Bill got his "15 minutes of fame" on Hollywood Blvd.

Bill took part in the "filming" of a trivia game on the Blvd. He was one of three contestents. The other two were children... do you think Bill was going to win!

Well, he did finish 3rd! It was a trick question of course!

Here, "Tululla Fruity" is pinning Bill's award on his shirt. Then, she got into this thing about Bill being so "cute" and everything fell apart!

The "players" had all they could do to keep her away from Bill! (Alright, this photo is all part of the show. Gotta keep Bill from letting his head get too big.)

We watched the "Block Party Bash," drew "Scrooge McDuck," and Buzz and Darlene waited in line for sixty-five minutes to ride "Toy Story Midway" and it was enough for the day.

Gentlemen (and Lady) Start Your Engines

We found out that WDW annual pass holders qualify for a free ride at "The Petty Experience" and that's all we needed to hear. We packed up (Gnorm too) and headed for the track. Buzz, Angela and Bill were "all fired up" to take their turn in line to suit up, strap in and experience the 140+ MPH ride around the 1 mile track.
Ah, what a fine looking crew:

Each in turn waited for their transformation into the epitome of the NASCAR persona!

In case you can't tell who they are, that's Bill on the left, Angela and Buzz! Oh Buzz did try to smile for the picture... his helmet "squeezed" his cheeks into a "frown!"

After Gnorm made for a "lively" commotion in the pit, our intrepid riders headed for their race car on the track.

First, Buzz twisted himself into the passengers seat......

Then, Angela...(eat your heart out Cody!)

Oh, and just for the record, that's Derek driving Angela's car.

I'll include this photo of Angela..... and Derek! I think they were talking about what to "touch" and "not touch." I think this was the moment that Derek was explaining what to pull in case of an emergency. I thought I heard him say, "No, don't pull that now!" I'll let Angela explain!

And just about that time, Angela mumbled something about cute and then Oh S.....t, as they roared off!
 

And last but not least, Bill...

Their three laps around the track seemed to fly by, but at least we have one picture of each of them as they sped by.

First Buzz......

Then Angela.......

Actually, I have to confess, I didn't pan too well as Angela flew by so I settled for a photo as she returned to the pit!

And then of course, Bill.......

It turned out to be a fine day for all, even the "spectators!"

....and that was our day at the track! Don't forget to check out Gnorm's day at the track as well.

What's been happening!

Time is zipping by! We've been busy inspite of lousy weather and we just can't seem to slow the clock down, and now we've just "lost" another hour to Daylight Savings Time! So, I'll forge ahead and catch you up-to-date.
To begin with our Monday morning bike ride always seems to be a surprise at every turn. Our intrepid bikers are never at a loss when riding with Darlene! Here, at half way point in our ride, Darlene let everyone know we need to make a "bee-line" to our favorite restaurant in downtown Celebration when she dawned her "feed bag!"

We headed over to Disney's Hollywood Studios to kill some time and Pat became a "target" of one of the "Hollywood Blvd" players.

A couple of nights later we were entertained by a local singer who literally took the audience "to another place." Jimmy Smith stepped on stage in our clubhouse and left all of us clamering for more.

Jimmy, (as a woman in the audience said) was "eye-candy!" He sang many Elvis songs and many other older hits that had all of us tapping, or singing along. He perfected all the right moves and has outstanding stage presence. He "tweaked" everyone's funny bone as he teased the women and performed all his show with class and talent.

You can bet we're all looking forward to seeing him next year!

Then we had to check out the Flower Show at EPCOT!

It's difficult to comprehend the work that Disney takes on to put on these amazing displays.

Here's one for every dog lover...

We're itching to visit the show in a week or so when the warmer temps and (hopefully) sunnier days bring out the brilliant colors even more. As beautiful as the Flower Show is, we actully headed to EPCOT for the "FLOWER POWER" show. Each weekend Disney features talent from the 60's. This weekend we waited in line to see Paul Revere and the Raiders!

We know many of you remember a few pictures in our blog of his show (and Gnorm) when we passed through Branson, MO. The half hour show is fast moving and filled with Paul's wit. The 72 year old performer still makes great music and pokes lots of fun at his age, and his younger troupe.

Well, it may not seem like we've done very much since our last post, but I assure you our daily routine is dotted with activities that keep us wondering where the time goes.

Pat and I did attend the Central Florida Winnebago Rally (in the pouring rain and flooded parking area). We had a great time inspite of the weather.

If you think time flies now, wait until you retire! You'll wonder how you ever got anything done while you were working!

Till next time!

A new family friend!

Our best friends George and Judy have a new family friend! Their new bundle of fur is quickly becoming a wonderful companion to add to Casey's memory and jumpstart all the fun and friendship a pet brings to any family. George and Judy have always been dog lovers and like so many dog lovers, they've owned dogs nearly all of their married lives. Their new puppy will help fill the "paw prints" Casey has left behind.
We wish George and Judy speedy "paper training," quiet nights and chewing (only) dog toys!
I know you're all waiting for those "puppy photos" so, thanks to George and Judy they proudly sent along a photo or two of their new nine week old Chocolate Lab, "Koda" (translated: friend)...

"Koda" is "introduced" to George and Judy's son Michael's dog, "Deeney"...

P.S. By the look of "Koda's" paws, "Deeney" better enjoy being her bigger "nephew"... at least for a little while!

A tribute to a family companion.

One of our Blog followers and best friends, George and Judy, said goodby to their long time family companion, Casey. Casey shared George and Judy's home for many years. Casey, a breed mix rescue dog became their "sidekick," protector and "friend."
I became quite fond of Casey and Casey came to know me for "doggie sitting" her, taking her on long walks, letting her soak (longer than I should) in the Lake near their summer home  and "roughing" her up from time to time. When we visited with George and Judy, each morning Casey had all she could do to keep her control as we played "hide and seek" with her dog bones.
Casey was unique as dogs go. Her love of ice cream was legendary. Her tenacity to investigate and "hunt" down animals in the woods never dimmed. Once when an errant black bear wandered through the woods near George and Judy's summer home we all had our hands full trying to keep Casey from vaulting off the two-story deck to chase after the bear! Like all pets, Casey was always at the door to excitedly greet George and Judy no matter how long their departure.
Casey will be missed by all of us who enjoyed her antics and her special loyal companionship. Those of us who knew Casey will always hold a special place in our hearts for her. This past Saturday, George and Judy bid farewell to their beloved pet.