Sister Stephanie's Golden Jubilee
Day One----Friday, June 28, 2013
Up at 4:15 AM, so that we could be on the road at 5:00 AM, and then at Denver International Airport by 5:30ish. Our flight, on Southwest Airlines leaves at 6:45, and boards a half hour before that. What all of that means is that after going to bed about 11 PM, it was a pretty quick night, no breakfast, and the makeings of a long day.
And what, might you ask, is the occasion and destination. This trip is not for the normal reasons of a vacation or business. This year Margo and I have the unusual and uplifting opportunity to celebrate the Golden Jubilee for my aunt, Sister Stephanie.
My Aunt Mary Ann became a Carmelite sister, 50 years ago. We, along with the rest of the extended family were invited to come out to witness the ceremony, and celebrate the occasion. Not all could Margo and I make it of; but the Schenfelds in general were going to have a good presence.
In addition to Margo and me, there is Pam and Jayme. They drove out, leaving last Tuesday afternoon, and are using it as a good excuse for a full fledged vacation. Uncle Donnie and Aunt Prim drove from Arvada. Uncle Jerry and Aunt Ned flew in. Their daughter, JeriLynn,who also flew, is turning this into a vacation as well. She is meeting a college friend (Kathy) Sunday night, and then Tuesday(ish) her husband flies in. They will head to Santa Barbara for five days. Aunt Min, Aunt Betty, and Aunt Vicky flew in together. Aunt Betty has two of her girls out. Patricia and her husband, Dan Carroll, plus there daughter Keira. Rounding out our group is Betty’s youngest daughter, Mary Ann, her son, Adam, and her boyfriend, Gary. If my count is right, that makes 19. There were doubtless many others who wanted to be their, but finances and scheduling conflicts prevented it.
Anyway, retreating back in time; our flight was uneventful and pleasant. It was only about 75% full, so Margo and I had a row to ourselves. The plan was to get our rental car and then drive to Little Flower Missionary House about half an hour away. Factoring in getting our luggage and the car, we anticipated getting there in the neighborhood of 9:30 AM
We were invited to attend the graduation ceremony for kindergarten class. When I told Margo about this, before we left, her face lit up. We had not seen a graduation for young children since our own baby move to elementary. Neither of us had ever seen a Catholic graduation, and wondered how it would be different from a secular school. I admit, and it should not have surprised me, that I did not expect it to be a mass, and held in church. They have a church on site, and while not large, I would not call it small either.
There were nineteen graduates and the proud friends and family filled the pews. The sisters set aside an area, for not just Margo and me, but for the entire Schenfeld clan, who had made the drive from Duarte. More on Duarte later. It was so cute watching the young ones bow or try to genuflect as they entered a pew. What they lacked in grace they made up for in enthusiasm.
It was evident that their teacher and the children had rehearsed the ceremony, going over how they were supposed to march and where to sit, and so forth. It all went very well, including several readings by the children. I thought they were all advanced in their ability to read for 5 and 6 year olds. Every child made at least one trip to the podium to read something. All showed courage doing it in front of the crowd, with none balking, and all doing their best.
When Margo and I had first arrived, most of the family was not to be found. Aunt Betty and Aunt Vicky, the least ambulatory of our group, were sitting in the office. They told us the rest were being taken on a tour of the grounds. I was sorry we had not gotten here earlier, because I was very interested in seeing what exactly the sisters, particularly my aunt, did here.
After the ceremony there was a small reception. Almost immediately Sister Gabriela, the school administrator, came around with drinks and an offer to take us on our own little tour. We were thrilled! Sister Gabriela is small woman, a bit under five feet, with a buoyant, infectious personality. She made us feel right at home, even honor guests, at Little Flower. She took us from class room to class room, were we saw the children. They were segregated by age, which started as young as six weeks, going up to the kindergartners that we had just watched.
Little Flower serves a both a school and a day care. Each unit was designed to teach the children assigned to it. Even the infants have a small area where they could be stimulated with bright colors and such. I did notice that the computers in one class room were old and not far from obsolete. But, knowledge is timeless, so as long as they work, they are useful, and in this age critical for learning.
Each classroom carried an aura of caring and love. I can’t put my finger on why I felt that way, but I did. They also carried a feeling of tranquility. That feeling was no mystery. It was nap time, and each teacher was creating a quiet atmosphere to coerce their pupils into slumber. Dim lights, rocking in the infant room, soft music, blankets, and their own piece of carpeted floor set the tone for the rooms. The teachers were mostly successful, with only one class free of slumbering children. But, none were actively resisting and I am certain sleep would win soon. Although I am equally certain, our presence set progress back a few minutes. Sorry.
We asked Sister Gabriela a number of questions, and she showed outside as well. I commented on the view, which would have been spectacular except for the haze. I imagine that pollution accounts for some, but I recall that Los Angeles mornings are normally hazy due to the proximity to the ocean and the weather phenomenal that causes. The view was still pretty nice. We could see the top of the light structures at Dodger Stadium and the famous HOLLYWOOD sign, in the distance.
Not long after our tour concluded, we were on our way to Duarte. Duarte is home to the Santa Teresita complex. The sisters don’t call it that, but it has the Retreat House, which is where we would be staying, an elder care facility, a convent informally called The Casa, a Medical Center (which I am still unclear if it is being used or not) and St Joseph Chapel.
We made a stop at Denny’s so we could eat lunch. Lunch was pleasant and the first time Margo and I had gotten to sit down and talk with everyone. Aunt Betty’s group had not been to Little Flower, so “we” were still not all here. Lunch went quick and soon we all piled back in the cars for the rest of the trip.
As we turned on to Buena Vista we could see the Santa Teresita Medical Building. I am sure Sister Stephanie told me the sisters no longer operate a hospital. The rules and regulations imposed by the state and federal government made it too much of a hassle and they gave it up. I wondered, but did not ask, if some of those rules included requirements to provide at least advice on abortion, which would conflict with church doctrine. I hope the sisters sold the hospital and it is still in operation, because it would be a shame to lose any hospital due to the over regulation by the government.
|
|
We turned in and drove behind the medical building and its parking lot. We parked under the shade of a tree and got out. We could not see much, as the Retreat House was protected by a concrete fence and an iron gate. We could, however, feel the heat of the day. Los Angeles was experiencing a heat wave which had snuck in while the meteorologists weren’t looking. Highs were expected to threaten the 100 degree mark. If you couple that with the humidity, then air conditioning moved from a blessing to a necessity.
We went walked through the landscaped and pretty grounds to the main building. The entry is through the kitchen and dining area, after passing through a patio. Margo and I were beginning to feel the early hour in which we rose, so our only thought was to ditch this luggage and sit down for awhile.
Through our lunch conversation the sleeping arrangements were explained to us. The Schenfeld clan were the only current guests, at this two story facility. There is a small courtyard in the middle, over which is looked by all the rooms. The place is used mainly by the sisters, but lay people stay here as well. That would explain the tennis court and swimming pool which we would see later.
The rooms are spartan, but very clean and well maintained. Each room is about 12 x 12, and shares a bathroom with one other room. Each room has a sink and mirror, two windows (One looking out at the courtyard and one outside), a closet, a chair, a small nightstand with lamp, and a twin bed. The frames of the twin beds were all hand made by some unknown carpenter. The frame is wood resembling fancy saw horses with wood planks laid across them. These are topped with a firm mattress and pillow.
We went walked through the landscaped and pretty grounds to the main building. The entry is through the kitchen and dining area, after passing through a patio. Margo and I were beginning to feel the early hour in which we rose, so our only thought was to ditch this luggage and sit down for awhile.
Through our lunch conversation the sleeping arrangements were explained to us. The Schenfeld clan were the only current guests, at this two story facility. There is a small courtyard in the middle, over which is looked by all the rooms. The place is used mainly by the sisters, but lay people stay here as well. That would explain the tennis court and swimming pool which we would see later.
The rooms are spartan, but very clean and well maintained. Each room is about 12 x 12, and shares a bathroom with one other room. Each room has a sink and mirror, two windows (One looking out at the courtyard and one outside), a closet, a chair, a small nightstand with lamp, and a twin bed. The frames of the twin beds were all hand made by some unknown carpenter. The frame is wood resembling fancy saw horses with wood planks laid across them. These are topped with a firm mattress and pillow.
|
|
Some rooms had two beds, while most had just one. Each room shared a bathroom with another. Margo and I were the last of the guests to arrive, so we ended up taking two rooms, as the two-bed rooms were all taken. That worked out very well, because having two twin beds in a room made things very tight. I can tell you that I had no trouble sleeping and felt rested (except for the very short first night) each morning.
We got our bags to the room and I went downstairs to visit. Margo decided to unpack and get everything hung up. She has her travel routine down through years of trial and error, so I don’t question or interrupt.
The interactions downstairs reminded me of the Carol Burnett show; a minute of monologue followed by 5 minutes of skits. We laughed, told stories, and caught up for the next few hours. Uncle Donnie and Uncle Jerry are particularly skilled at leading one or more of the group down some path of silliness. Each word out of their mouth designed to build the story to a new level of absurdity, until there is only one left being led down the path. The “mark” usually is identified early, as the rest either weren’t listening, saw a tell-tale impish glint in the storyteller’s eye, or caught on quickly.
Aunt Min was often being led by the hand to being laughed at, not because she is a dim bulb, but because she sees the good in everyone, and ends up dropping her guard. Aunt Betty doesn’t get caught so much, but when she does the laughter is more explosive. Aunt Vicky caught on years ago and believes nothing that her brothers say, without independent, trustworthy verification. So she rare gets too far down the path before rolling her eyes and shaking her head. But, she enjoys the show as much as anyone, so she watches with a grin.
Sister Stephanie was in on the foolishness as well. Being a nun did not exempt her from being a target, nor prevent her from needling a sibling or two. She has a bit of clown in her, which 50 years of nun living has tempered to an impish glean in her eye. She will string the others down a path of foolishness as far as they will follow. But, she is not as practiced as her male siblings, but still gets them. She relies more on her wit, which is easy to underestimate.
For example, my sister-in-law Pam was lamenting that Sister Stephanie was going to leave us, going to into her day of prayer, reflection, and practice on Saturday. Pam continued that Sister Stephanie was needed to protect us from the Boogeyman, should he come around. My quick thinking Aunt pointed to the list of numbers posted on the wall and told her to “Call Security”.
I’m almost never singled out to be buffaloed. I’d like to think it’s because I’m too wary, but likely it’s just because they are not as familiar with me, to know exactly where my weaknesses lie. But, Uncle Donnie, the Clown Prince of the Schenfelds is vigilant and always looking for an opportunity.
Around the 7’o clock hour we decided on the Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner.This restaurant was housed in the building which once served as Duarte’s first school. They retained a lot of the furnishings and flavor of the old place. I thought the food was good, but Jayme and Dan Carroll did not care for it. We have one back home, and Dan had eaten there before. Jayme ordered meat sauce, but would have been happier with the marinara, I think. I order lasagna and thought it good.
We got our bags to the room and I went downstairs to visit. Margo decided to unpack and get everything hung up. She has her travel routine down through years of trial and error, so I don’t question or interrupt.
The interactions downstairs reminded me of the Carol Burnett show; a minute of monologue followed by 5 minutes of skits. We laughed, told stories, and caught up for the next few hours. Uncle Donnie and Uncle Jerry are particularly skilled at leading one or more of the group down some path of silliness. Each word out of their mouth designed to build the story to a new level of absurdity, until there is only one left being led down the path. The “mark” usually is identified early, as the rest either weren’t listening, saw a tell-tale impish glint in the storyteller’s eye, or caught on quickly.
Aunt Min was often being led by the hand to being laughed at, not because she is a dim bulb, but because she sees the good in everyone, and ends up dropping her guard. Aunt Betty doesn’t get caught so much, but when she does the laughter is more explosive. Aunt Vicky caught on years ago and believes nothing that her brothers say, without independent, trustworthy verification. So she rare gets too far down the path before rolling her eyes and shaking her head. But, she enjoys the show as much as anyone, so she watches with a grin.
Sister Stephanie was in on the foolishness as well. Being a nun did not exempt her from being a target, nor prevent her from needling a sibling or two. She has a bit of clown in her, which 50 years of nun living has tempered to an impish glean in her eye. She will string the others down a path of foolishness as far as they will follow. But, she is not as practiced as her male siblings, but still gets them. She relies more on her wit, which is easy to underestimate.
For example, my sister-in-law Pam was lamenting that Sister Stephanie was going to leave us, going to into her day of prayer, reflection, and practice on Saturday. Pam continued that Sister Stephanie was needed to protect us from the Boogeyman, should he come around. My quick thinking Aunt pointed to the list of numbers posted on the wall and told her to “Call Security”.
I’m almost never singled out to be buffaloed. I’d like to think it’s because I’m too wary, but likely it’s just because they are not as familiar with me, to know exactly where my weaknesses lie. But, Uncle Donnie, the Clown Prince of the Schenfelds is vigilant and always looking for an opportunity.
Around the 7’o clock hour we decided on the Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner.This restaurant was housed in the building which once served as Duarte’s first school. They retained a lot of the furnishings and flavor of the old place. I thought the food was good, but Jayme and Dan Carroll did not care for it. We have one back home, and Dan had eaten there before. Jayme ordered meat sauce, but would have been happier with the marinara, I think. I order lasagna and thought it good.
|
|
We got back and both Margo and I decided we had reached our limit. We had been up very early and had spent a significant part of the day traveling and another part laughing. That and the heat take it out of you. Plus, we were going to Disney’s California Adventure park in the morning, and another early rise waited for us. It had been a quick, fun, and enlightening first day.
Day Two---Saturday, June 29, 2013
I slept well, but 5:30 AM got here way too fast. But, it’s necessary. The one overriding thing you have to do to succeed at any Disney park is to get there when it opens. You have little hope of riding all the big rides if you don’t. You greatly increase your line standing time, and you will complain the whole day about how crowded it is. Margo and I heard plenty of Orlando stories, in which a vacationing family shows up 11ish and is told the park is at capacity and they can’t even get it.
I use a website called touringplans.com to help me make a plan of visiting which rides in which order. It’s not a guarrentee, but Margo and I have never waited more than 40 minutes in any line, at any Disney Park. We have been to every one in America.
Anyway, we (plus Pam and Jayme) all met in the kitchen at about 6:30 and were on our way just minutes later. The drive was projected to be about 40 minutes and there were no delays. We parked at the Mickey and Friends lot, on the very top, took two escalators down, and boarded the tram. It dropped us off just a short walk from the entrance. We went through the green tents to have our bags inspected, had our tickets scanned at the gates, and were soon waiting in the line to get it. It was about 7:40 AM. They let us onto Buena Vista Street, which is just inside the park and has nothing but shops, at about 7:50 AM. From there we headed towards Condor Flats, so we could be among the first to ride Soarin’ over California, one of the headliner rides. This was step one in our plan.
I should note that I have heard many times 'If you want to make God laugh, just tell him you have a plan'. I don't actually believe that. I'm more a "God helps those who help themselves kind of guy" So when on vacation I have a plan and a back up plan and a contingency plan, and enough electronic aids to keep NASA happy. So when just after 8:00 AM the rope dropped and we walked over to Soarin', I thought we were off to a good start. It could have been my imagination but I thought I heard God snicker.
I use a website called touringplans.com to help me make a plan of visiting which rides in which order. It’s not a guarrentee, but Margo and I have never waited more than 40 minutes in any line, at any Disney Park. We have been to every one in America.
Anyway, we (plus Pam and Jayme) all met in the kitchen at about 6:30 and were on our way just minutes later. The drive was projected to be about 40 minutes and there were no delays. We parked at the Mickey and Friends lot, on the very top, took two escalators down, and boarded the tram. It dropped us off just a short walk from the entrance. We went through the green tents to have our bags inspected, had our tickets scanned at the gates, and were soon waiting in the line to get it. It was about 7:40 AM. They let us onto Buena Vista Street, which is just inside the park and has nothing but shops, at about 7:50 AM. From there we headed towards Condor Flats, so we could be among the first to ride Soarin’ over California, one of the headliner rides. This was step one in our plan.
I should note that I have heard many times 'If you want to make God laugh, just tell him you have a plan'. I don't actually believe that. I'm more a "God helps those who help themselves kind of guy" So when on vacation I have a plan and a back up plan and a contingency plan, and enough electronic aids to keep NASA happy. So when just after 8:00 AM the rope dropped and we walked over to Soarin', I thought we were off to a good start. It could have been my imagination but I thought I heard God snicker.
On the tram from the Parking Garage to park entrance
|
|
Immediately upon arrival, the Disney guy at the front of the ride announces that the ride is down and that he does not know how long this delay would last. Furthermore we are welcome to wait at our own risk. Dandy. My thought was that it’s likely something trivial and that it will probably be open in a few minutes. We waited about 5-10 minutes, and they let us in through the queue, but advised us that the ride was still not open yet. Another 5-10 minutes waiting at the actual boarding area, and the ride opened! Yeah!
Ten minutes later the ride was over. This was Pam and Jayme’s first Disney ride, and they both thought it was pretty good. It’s a virtual hang gliding tour of the major areas of California, complete with piped in smells. Things like oranges over an orange grove, salt over the ocean, and pine over a forest. We chattered as we walked to entrance, and then we all headed towards Bug Land to get in line for our FastPass for Radiator Springs Racers; step #2 in “The Plan”
First, a FastPass is a way to wait in line virtually. You are given a ticket that tells you to come back to a special go-to-the-front of the line area, at a particular time. That way you can ride other rides and not waste time in line. Only the most popular rides have a FastPass, and there are other rules governing them. Second, Radiator Springs Racers is a Cars (Pixar animation) movie based ride where you tour through Radiator Springs and then race another car. It is THE most popular ride in the park and waits routinely get to an hour and a half. They were at an hour by the time we were done with Soarin. Getting a FastPass was important for our plan to work.
When we got near Bugs Land, the line had already reached well back onto Buena Vista Street, which was to be expected. At this point I was sure I was hearing God laugh. Another Disney guy was nearby making the announcement that the FastPass system for Radiator Springs Racers was down and not issuing FastPasses. He did not know when it would be up, but it was likely not going to be quickly. My heart sunk. We had to have a F/P and we did not want to wait all day for it. We might as well wait in the hour line. So we decided to put our faith in the Disney Imagineers and hope for the best.
Fifteen minutes later and the line had moved some, but only because people ahead of us were getting out. I suggested the rest go look at the Buena Vista shops and I would hold our place in line. Jayme stayed with me and girls wandered around for 15 minutes and came back. We had heard rumors of 45 more minutes. But, who knew? I took a look at my TouringPlan app, and noted that the waiting time for the Toy Story ride, Step #3, was only 11 minutes. It was not one of my favorites, so I talked the others into riding that, while I waited. I figured it would kill 30 minutes.
It did that, and many more people had gotten out of line, so now we were within a hundred yards of Bug Land. About 5 minutes before the Margo, Jayme, and Pam got back, a Disney guy came around with good news. The system was up, and they would begin to issue the F/P soon. They were taking a count of the people in line and would be issuing TWO FastPasses to those who had waited! That does not happen. Maybe it was just Jayme that I heard snickering earlier, because this was a minor miracle.
The gang was reunited and 15 minutes later we had the official FastPass with a Noon to 1 PM window and an Anytime F/P. We were pleased with this setup and decided to continue with The Plan, and alter it as we saw fit. Step 4 was to eat. So off to Flo’s V-8 Café in Cars Land. The food was surprisingly good. All of us except Margo had the American Breakfast; scrambled eggs, biscuit, bacon and hashbrowns. Margo had the Carmel-Banana French Toast. It was all very good. Really. The eggs were not runny. The bacon was crispy. And the biscuit was moist. I wanted more. I got to finish Margo’s breakfast, as she rarely finishes any dish.
Ten minutes later the ride was over. This was Pam and Jayme’s first Disney ride, and they both thought it was pretty good. It’s a virtual hang gliding tour of the major areas of California, complete with piped in smells. Things like oranges over an orange grove, salt over the ocean, and pine over a forest. We chattered as we walked to entrance, and then we all headed towards Bug Land to get in line for our FastPass for Radiator Springs Racers; step #2 in “The Plan”
First, a FastPass is a way to wait in line virtually. You are given a ticket that tells you to come back to a special go-to-the-front of the line area, at a particular time. That way you can ride other rides and not waste time in line. Only the most popular rides have a FastPass, and there are other rules governing them. Second, Radiator Springs Racers is a Cars (Pixar animation) movie based ride where you tour through Radiator Springs and then race another car. It is THE most popular ride in the park and waits routinely get to an hour and a half. They were at an hour by the time we were done with Soarin. Getting a FastPass was important for our plan to work.
When we got near Bugs Land, the line had already reached well back onto Buena Vista Street, which was to be expected. At this point I was sure I was hearing God laugh. Another Disney guy was nearby making the announcement that the FastPass system for Radiator Springs Racers was down and not issuing FastPasses. He did not know when it would be up, but it was likely not going to be quickly. My heart sunk. We had to have a F/P and we did not want to wait all day for it. We might as well wait in the hour line. So we decided to put our faith in the Disney Imagineers and hope for the best.
Fifteen minutes later and the line had moved some, but only because people ahead of us were getting out. I suggested the rest go look at the Buena Vista shops and I would hold our place in line. Jayme stayed with me and girls wandered around for 15 minutes and came back. We had heard rumors of 45 more minutes. But, who knew? I took a look at my TouringPlan app, and noted that the waiting time for the Toy Story ride, Step #3, was only 11 minutes. It was not one of my favorites, so I talked the others into riding that, while I waited. I figured it would kill 30 minutes.
It did that, and many more people had gotten out of line, so now we were within a hundred yards of Bug Land. About 5 minutes before the Margo, Jayme, and Pam got back, a Disney guy came around with good news. The system was up, and they would begin to issue the F/P soon. They were taking a count of the people in line and would be issuing TWO FastPasses to those who had waited! That does not happen. Maybe it was just Jayme that I heard snickering earlier, because this was a minor miracle.
The gang was reunited and 15 minutes later we had the official FastPass with a Noon to 1 PM window and an Anytime F/P. We were pleased with this setup and decided to continue with The Plan, and alter it as we saw fit. Step 4 was to eat. So off to Flo’s V-8 Café in Cars Land. The food was surprisingly good. All of us except Margo had the American Breakfast; scrambled eggs, biscuit, bacon and hashbrowns. Margo had the Carmel-Banana French Toast. It was all very good. Really. The eggs were not runny. The bacon was crispy. And the biscuit was moist. I wanted more. I got to finish Margo’s breakfast, as she rarely finishes any dish.
Now, what to do? We were way behind on our touring plan, and we had an extra Radiator Springs Racer ticket to use. Well, as we were in Carsland and the free pass was good for whenever, we decided to use it right now. We walked down the street made a right and were in line in five minutes. The regular wait line was about 70 minutes by now. But, the FastPass got us to the front of the line in about 10-15 minutes. The ride itself was well done. We rode in a replica of Lightning McQueen and saw all the characters of the movie, taking a night tour through Radiator Springs. Then we lined up for an actual race with another car full of guests. I have no idea how fast we really went, but it was plenty fast, with some tight turns and roller coaster style whoop-di-dos, which you caught air with. The computer determined who won. We didn’t, but it was close.
Mind Your Speed-----
As You Go---Sherriff's Old
|
But He's----Not Slow----Rust Eze
|
On the big drop towards the end, they took our picture. We didn’t really like it when we looked, so we passed on buying it. The next item on our touring plan was to be the Little Mermaid ride. I checked the wait time, and it was about 10 minutes. So, what the hell. We rode that. It was not as good as I was hoping, but with the short wait, I was not complaining. You ride in a clamshell that takes you though the movie. The musical piece with Sebastian doing “Under the Sea” was probably the best part.
|
|
Next up was to get a FastPass for California Screamin. This is the big rollercoaster in the park and should have a wait of at least 45 minutes by now. I checked and the wait was listed at 20 minutes. Huh? That can’t be right. As the FastPass location was right by the ride, we headed that way. Along the way was their Rocket Ship ride; the Golden Zephyr. It’s kind of like the Swinging Chair ride, except you and about 20 friends are in a rocket ship. So it swings you out.
It was kind of tame, but ended up riding better than it looked. The cool breeze was a big benefit. Yesterday had been close to 100 degrees with humidity and we were expecting the same. It was in the 80s by now. Not terrible, but you looked for shade and welcomed every stray puff of air that came your way.
It was kind of tame, but ended up riding better than it looked. The cool breeze was a big benefit. Yesterday had been close to 100 degrees with humidity and we were expecting the same. It was in the 80s by now. Not terrible, but you looked for shade and welcomed every stray puff of air that came your way.
The wait time had not changed, so instead of a FastPass, we just got on the ride. We, being just Jayme and me. The girls chickened out. They were happy to plop down on a shaded bench and wait. Jayme and I got in line. The wait was nothing. We walked right to the front of the line. They boarded one set of three cars and then us. We stood there on the platform for less than a minute. It took us longer to walk from the front entrance of the ride to the top of the stairs.
We had not watched the ride very closely. We noticed a loop and the requisite big hill and drop. So the start of this ride took us both by surprise. The cars moved about 50 feet from the platform and stopped. Then a voice told us to prepare for blast off. Blast off? That unspoken question was answered when the car when from zero to 1000 miles per hour in the next instant. We rocketed up the hill and then dove down. I just held on for dear life for the rest of the twists, turns, dives, and the loop (which wasn’t bad at all).
When we were done, Jayme and I got out and discussed the ride all the way back to the girls. They were surprised to see us back so quickly. Much more surprised because they were both finishing off their ice cream. They had intended to not tell us they had indulged with out us, but the ride had been so quick we were able to catch them chocolate handed.
We had not watched the ride very closely. We noticed a loop and the requisite big hill and drop. So the start of this ride took us both by surprise. The cars moved about 50 feet from the platform and stopped. Then a voice told us to prepare for blast off. Blast off? That unspoken question was answered when the car when from zero to 1000 miles per hour in the next instant. We rocketed up the hill and then dove down. I just held on for dear life for the rest of the twists, turns, dives, and the loop (which wasn’t bad at all).
When we were done, Jayme and I got out and discussed the ride all the way back to the girls. They were surprised to see us back so quickly. Much more surprised because they were both finishing off their ice cream. They had intended to not tell us they had indulged with out us, but the ride had been so quick we were able to catch them chocolate handed.
This is where the ride pauses to launch you. The girls were in the covered area eating ice cream
Our regular FastPass for Radiator Springs Racers told us to be back between Noon and 1 PM. It was about 11:30 and we were fairly close so we headed that way. As it turned out, at 11:30 in the Paradise Bay, which we were walking right by was to be a water show, similar to the one at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. As part of California Adventure’s renovation, they added a few hundred water nozzles to the bay. At night they have a huge water and light show called World of Color. During the day they have periodic water shows, and we had stumbled into one of them.
I was going to walk right past it. I don’t really don't know why. We had 1 ½ hours to get walk ¼ mile and get in line. Maybe it was because we actually had a shot at getting in all the rides we had planned on, that I was unwilling to add something else. But, Jayme stopped and looked interested. Neither he or Pam had ever been to a Disney park before. On glance at my watch told me there was no point rushing to wait for our Noon time. Let’s watch the show. It was conducted by Goofy, who got up on a podium. But, we stayed close to the water, hoping to catch some overspray and cool down a little. We were mildly successful, and it was fun to watch the water dance to the music.
I was going to walk right past it. I don’t really don't know why. We had 1 ½ hours to get walk ¼ mile and get in line. Maybe it was because we actually had a shot at getting in all the rides we had planned on, that I was unwilling to add something else. But, Jayme stopped and looked interested. Neither he or Pam had ever been to a Disney park before. On glance at my watch told me there was no point rushing to wait for our Noon time. Let’s watch the show. It was conducted by Goofy, who got up on a podium. But, we stayed close to the water, hoping to catch some overspray and cool down a little. We were mildly successful, and it was fun to watch the water dance to the music.
Note all of the nozzles in the water
I think the show only lasted about 20 minutes or so. We still got to Radiator Springs just about exactly at noon. Once again we waited only a few minutes and once again we had a great time on the ride. This time we were in a replica of Sally’s Porsche. We still lost the race. We were going to try to all do a “Thumbs Up” for the picture, but the hill kind of took us by surprise, so we all just had our own version of surprise/hold on face. This time we bought the picture.
Next up was “It’s Tough to be a Bug”. We, meaning Margo, me, and our girls had experienced this theater show back in Animal Kingdom, in Orlando. So Margo and I knew exactly what to expect. This is what is becoming known as a “4D” show. This is a 3D show, complete with the glasses, plus some sort of other sensory stimulation. A normal 3D movie uses your eyes and ears to get the story across. A 4D show uses Smell and Touch as well. For instance when the movie has one bug spraying with acid, you actually get a spritz of water. In another scene a stink bug lets fly with his smell. At that moment the theater fills up with a stinky odor. It dilapidates quickly, but the point is made.
So as the movie starts and progresses through all the various scenes Margo and I are listening and only half watching to catch Jayme and Pam’s reaction. We had not spelled out what was going to happen. I distinctly remember hearing Pam squeal in surprise when the water got her. But, after that they were both hip to what was happening. The final act is at the very end, after the 3D portion is over. It is announced that we should all remain seated so the small bugs could leave first. Each seat was rigged so you could feel something crawling underneath your butt. I expected more squeals of surprise, but was disappointed. Still when we asked, they both said they enjoyed it and thought it was fun.
Once again we had walked right to the front of the line for the bug show. The Disney employee who directed us, told us to pick a row and go at least 2/3 of the way down. I distinctly remember when we did this show in Orlando, we were told to go all the way down to the end and not leave any seats open. This confirmed what I had suspected ever since the roller coaster; the crowds were actually pretty light today. They had been predicted to be very heavy. None of us were complaining.
So as the movie starts and progresses through all the various scenes Margo and I are listening and only half watching to catch Jayme and Pam’s reaction. We had not spelled out what was going to happen. I distinctly remember hearing Pam squeal in surprise when the water got her. But, after that they were both hip to what was happening. The final act is at the very end, after the 3D portion is over. It is announced that we should all remain seated so the small bugs could leave first. Each seat was rigged so you could feel something crawling underneath your butt. I expected more squeals of surprise, but was disappointed. Still when we asked, they both said they enjoyed it and thought it was fun.
Once again we had walked right to the front of the line for the bug show. The Disney employee who directed us, told us to pick a row and go at least 2/3 of the way down. I distinctly remember when we did this show in Orlando, we were told to go all the way down to the end and not leave any seats open. This confirmed what I had suspected ever since the roller coaster; the crowds were actually pretty light today. They had been predicted to be very heavy. None of us were complaining.
The next showing of the Aladdin show was at 12:40. It looked like we had time to make it, so that ended up being our next destination. The Aladdin show is in a big theater and is a stage production. It was listed as a show not to be missed. The thought of another 40 minutes or so sitting in an air conditioned theater appealed to all.
The show mirrored the movie really well. It was well done, with lots of stage magic, instead of movie magic. I liked it and the guy who played the Genie would have done Robin Williams proud. All though I could have done with fewer politically left leaning jokes. Everyone enjoyed it, but I think the break was enjoyed most of all. We had been going pretty strongly all morning.
The show mirrored the movie really well. It was well done, with lots of stage magic, instead of movie magic. I liked it and the guy who played the Genie would have done Robin Williams proud. All though I could have done with fewer politically left leaning jokes. Everyone enjoyed it, but I think the break was enjoyed most of all. We had been going pretty strongly all morning.
I checked the wait time for Tower of Terror, and it said 20 minutes. I had originally planned to get a FastPass for this ride, but with a post wait time of 20 minutes, that would have been a waste of time. We walked over and waited 10, maybe 15 until we went in. Margo and I had been as vague as we could about this ride when we talked to Pam and Jayme about it. They knew it was a free fall kind of ride, but the other details we gave them did not do the ride justice.
The ride is in a tall building built to look like a luxury 18 story hotel that is now a dilapidated shell of its once glory. The inside of he building follows the same theme. It looks like it was abandoned 50 years ago, in a hurry. Things are just left in place to rot, decay, and be covered with webs and dust.
The four of us were in this part of the queue for about 5 minutes, before we were let into the library area. Here the lights went out, a TV came on and Rod Serling of The Twilight Zone gives us the back-story on this ride. Back on Halloween 1939 four hotel guests, plus a hotel bell hop got into the elevator to ride it up. The hotel was struck by lightening and somehow the five people disappeared never to be heard from again. They were evidently sent to the Twilight Zone. Serling tells us that there is still and elevator, a service elevator in operation, and those conditions are very similar to that Halloween day, 75 years ago.
The TV show concludes, and a door opens, to lead us to another queue. It looks like we are in the basement of the hotel. It’s dark and you see pipes and ducts, plus the service elevator. We only wait a few minutes before we get to board, with another 7-8 people. This elevator is more like a section of bleachers, with seatbelts. We get buckled in and off we go.
They do a nice build up, where the whole bleachers move forward and back, with the five 75 year old spirits making an appearance and Rod Serling giving you a constant narration. The doors open and close a time or two, and the elevator has traveled up, adding to the suspense. Then Serling tells you to wave goodbye to real world and the damn bottom falls out and you drop.
When this happened people screamed and I grabbed my seatbelt to hold on. Margo is giggling the whole time. There are two or three small drops and one last big one, and finally the ride is over. Margo is still giggling. I’m looking on the floor for my stomach. We head to the gift shop and buy the picture they snap right after Rod tells us to wave. I have my eyes shut and look like I am anticipating death. Margo is smiling brightly and has my arm like I will be escorting her to Cinderella’s ball. Jayme is about to break into a smile, like someone just cracked a joke. I guess he thought Rod was kidding. Pam has a slightly nervous smile. I am sure that a second later, all of us, except Margo, would have been smileless.
The ride is in a tall building built to look like a luxury 18 story hotel that is now a dilapidated shell of its once glory. The inside of he building follows the same theme. It looks like it was abandoned 50 years ago, in a hurry. Things are just left in place to rot, decay, and be covered with webs and dust.
The four of us were in this part of the queue for about 5 minutes, before we were let into the library area. Here the lights went out, a TV came on and Rod Serling of The Twilight Zone gives us the back-story on this ride. Back on Halloween 1939 four hotel guests, plus a hotel bell hop got into the elevator to ride it up. The hotel was struck by lightening and somehow the five people disappeared never to be heard from again. They were evidently sent to the Twilight Zone. Serling tells us that there is still and elevator, a service elevator in operation, and those conditions are very similar to that Halloween day, 75 years ago.
The TV show concludes, and a door opens, to lead us to another queue. It looks like we are in the basement of the hotel. It’s dark and you see pipes and ducts, plus the service elevator. We only wait a few minutes before we get to board, with another 7-8 people. This elevator is more like a section of bleachers, with seatbelts. We get buckled in and off we go.
They do a nice build up, where the whole bleachers move forward and back, with the five 75 year old spirits making an appearance and Rod Serling giving you a constant narration. The doors open and close a time or two, and the elevator has traveled up, adding to the suspense. Then Serling tells you to wave goodbye to real world and the damn bottom falls out and you drop.
When this happened people screamed and I grabbed my seatbelt to hold on. Margo is giggling the whole time. There are two or three small drops and one last big one, and finally the ride is over. Margo is still giggling. I’m looking on the floor for my stomach. We head to the gift shop and buy the picture they snap right after Rod tells us to wave. I have my eyes shut and look like I am anticipating death. Margo is smiling brightly and has my arm like I will be escorting her to Cinderella’s ball. Jayme is about to break into a smile, like someone just cracked a joke. I guess he thought Rod was kidding. Pam has a slightly nervous smile. I am sure that a second later, all of us, except Margo, would have been smileless.
We exited the gift shop and a glance at my watch told me that we were essentially right back on schedule. We had made up all lost time and had barely waited in any line, since getting the Radiator Springs Racers FastPass. I had planned to do the Bakery Tour and then lunch. It was about 2 PM and we were all hungry, just as I guessed we would be.
The Bakery Tour is sponsored by Boudin Bakery. They specialize in sourdough bread and are from San Francisco. The Bakery Tour is in the Pacific Wharf area of the park. That area is kind of San Francisco themed. The Bakery Tour was OK. We were literally the only ones taking it, and it started with samples of the sourdough bread. Yummy. Rosie O’Donnell and some other comedian gave a digital tour of the baking process; while we watch actual bakers go about making bread on a large scale. The bread they were baking is used in the park.
Anyway, we finished the tour in about 15 minutes, and coincidently (I’m sure of it) the exit for the tour was right by the entrance for the Pacific Wharf Café which sells the sourdough bread that had our stomachs growling. I knew this in advance and had planned lunch for here. So, there, Disney.
We all had bread bowls filled with soup. Margo had baked potato soup and I had tomato bisque. Margo usually does not like sourdough, but she really like this stuff. I had no trouble finishing all of my soup and the breadbowl. I don’t remember which soup Pam and Jayme, but they agreed that it was a good meal.
The Bakery Tour is sponsored by Boudin Bakery. They specialize in sourdough bread and are from San Francisco. The Bakery Tour is in the Pacific Wharf area of the park. That area is kind of San Francisco themed. The Bakery Tour was OK. We were literally the only ones taking it, and it started with samples of the sourdough bread. Yummy. Rosie O’Donnell and some other comedian gave a digital tour of the baking process; while we watch actual bakers go about making bread on a large scale. The bread they were baking is used in the park.
Anyway, we finished the tour in about 15 minutes, and coincidently (I’m sure of it) the exit for the tour was right by the entrance for the Pacific Wharf Café which sells the sourdough bread that had our stomachs growling. I knew this in advance and had planned lunch for here. So, there, Disney.
We all had bread bowls filled with soup. Margo had baked potato soup and I had tomato bisque. Margo usually does not like sourdough, but she really like this stuff. I had no trouble finishing all of my soup and the breadbowl. I don’t remember which soup Pam and Jayme, but they agreed that it was a good meal.
|
|
At this point in time we were basically just following the original touring plan, mainly because it was designed to eliminate a lot of walking. Pam had broken several bones in her foot a few weeks back. She was toughing it out, but the less walking, the better off she would be. We were pretty close Carsland, so next up was Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree.
This was a ride kind of like the Tea Cup ride. There wasn’t as much spinning, but the ride was designed so you moved a lot like a square dance. In truth it was kind of tame, but Margo and Jayme had a grand time. They spent the whole ride trying to take a picture of each other. It was a camera war. My job was to find out where Pam and Jayme’s tractor was. We all ended up laughing, which made this ride a lot more fun. Margo ended up with about one good picture.
This was a ride kind of like the Tea Cup ride. There wasn’t as much spinning, but the ride was designed so you moved a lot like a square dance. In truth it was kind of tame, but Margo and Jayme had a grand time. They spent the whole ride trying to take a picture of each other. It was a camera war. My job was to find out where Pam and Jayme’s tractor was. We all ended up laughing, which made this ride a lot more fun. Margo ended up with about one good picture.
|
|
There was only one ride that we were all thinking would be a great idea; Grizzly River Run. Grizzly River Run is California Adventures water ride. And it was still hot as hell. A good dousing sounded kind of good. Wait time however was well over an hour. Maybe this where all the people were at. There was little enthusiasm for waiting an hour in a line, as spoiled as we had been today. But, luckily, Grizzly River Run is a FastPass ride. So while the girls rested and checked out the shops in the area, Jayme and I buzzed over to Condor Flats to get FastPasses.
As we were walking by the ride to get to the FastPass booth we noticed that the ride wasn’t running. I wondered if this would somehow affect the FastPasses. I did. They don’t distribute FastPasses if the ride is not operating. Oh, well. We could check back later. Jayme and I walked back, told our story to the girls and made our way to the next stop on our list; Muppet Vision 3D
Margo and I have seen the Orlando Muppet Vision 3D twice before, so we had a real good idea of what to expect. I enjoyed their preshow in the queue. They have a series of TVs in which various clever skits are done. My favorite involves Sam Eagle doing an impromptu introduction of Mickey Mouse, only to have Rizzo the Rat appear in Mickey ears. When Sam calls him on the impersonation, Rizzo responds by telling him “They’re tourists. What do they know?” I laughed for the third time. Jayme thought it was funny, too. But, evidently not quite as tickled as I was.
The show itself is a 3D movie, augmented with animatronics and one live Muppet, Sweetums. Waldorf and Statler, the curmudgeonly old Muppets have their place in the balcony, and there is a penguin orchestra. The Swedish Chef is running the projector in back and later operates a rifle and cannon. The 3D is done well and the story is Muppet fun. When we went to Disney World, I confess this was my one guilty pleasure. I really like it and was most pleasantly surprised by both in and “It’s Tough to be a Bug” back then. The only downside to this showing was it wasn’t new and pretty much knew what was coming. But, I still enjoyed and it would see it again.
As we were walking by the ride to get to the FastPass booth we noticed that the ride wasn’t running. I wondered if this would somehow affect the FastPasses. I did. They don’t distribute FastPasses if the ride is not operating. Oh, well. We could check back later. Jayme and I walked back, told our story to the girls and made our way to the next stop on our list; Muppet Vision 3D
Margo and I have seen the Orlando Muppet Vision 3D twice before, so we had a real good idea of what to expect. I enjoyed their preshow in the queue. They have a series of TVs in which various clever skits are done. My favorite involves Sam Eagle doing an impromptu introduction of Mickey Mouse, only to have Rizzo the Rat appear in Mickey ears. When Sam calls him on the impersonation, Rizzo responds by telling him “They’re tourists. What do they know?” I laughed for the third time. Jayme thought it was funny, too. But, evidently not quite as tickled as I was.
The show itself is a 3D movie, augmented with animatronics and one live Muppet, Sweetums. Waldorf and Statler, the curmudgeonly old Muppets have their place in the balcony, and there is a penguin orchestra. The Swedish Chef is running the projector in back and later operates a rifle and cannon. The 3D is done well and the story is Muppet fun. When we went to Disney World, I confess this was my one guilty pleasure. I really like it and was most pleasantly surprised by both in and “It’s Tough to be a Bug” back then. The only downside to this showing was it wasn’t new and pretty much knew what was coming. But, I still enjoyed and it would see it again.
Next up was Monsters, Inc, which was like the Little Mermaid ride, in which Disney relives the movie for you. Both this and Little Mermaid were good, but I wouldn’t wait in a long line for either one. As had been our day, we didn’t. We waited maybe 10 fast minutes. Being in the air conditioned inside made those 10 minutes of wait seem like nothing. We were thankful, rather than annoyed at the wait.
After finishing up Monsters Inc, I figured it was time to try for our river ride FastPass. Margo and Pam stayed to look at the Monsters shop. She was looking for something for some sort of Boo item. I had called my youngest, Boo-Boo when she was little, because she always seemed to be getting a bump or bruise. It was eventually shortened to just Boo. As she got older, the nickname went unused. When Monsters, Inc came out the pleasant surprise of hearing the young lady’s character name was Boo, brought back a flood of memories. I, and Margo, have always had a soft spot for the toddler ever since.
Anyway, FastPass. We looked anxiously to see if the ride was operating, long before we got to the F/P booth. It was, so we figured we would be in luck. And we were! Yay! We love FastPasses! The regular wait time was still an hour. I guess all of these people in line either had ridden it already (one FastPass per ride) or did not want to wait until 8:00 PM to ride. That was the window we were given. Not ideal, but with it being late afternoon already, we were still game.
Margo had no luck with a Boo doll or other merchandise. The next item on our list was to do the three things in the Disney Animation Academy, which was just around the corner from Monsters, Inc. But, we had been watching and dodging the Red Car Trolley all day and thought that maybe we would take a ride on that.
After finishing up Monsters Inc, I figured it was time to try for our river ride FastPass. Margo and Pam stayed to look at the Monsters shop. She was looking for something for some sort of Boo item. I had called my youngest, Boo-Boo when she was little, because she always seemed to be getting a bump or bruise. It was eventually shortened to just Boo. As she got older, the nickname went unused. When Monsters, Inc came out the pleasant surprise of hearing the young lady’s character name was Boo, brought back a flood of memories. I, and Margo, have always had a soft spot for the toddler ever since.
Anyway, FastPass. We looked anxiously to see if the ride was operating, long before we got to the F/P booth. It was, so we figured we would be in luck. And we were! Yay! We love FastPasses! The regular wait time was still an hour. I guess all of these people in line either had ridden it already (one FastPass per ride) or did not want to wait until 8:00 PM to ride. That was the window we were given. Not ideal, but with it being late afternoon already, we were still game.
Margo had no luck with a Boo doll or other merchandise. The next item on our list was to do the three things in the Disney Animation Academy, which was just around the corner from Monsters, Inc. But, we had been watching and dodging the Red Car Trolley all day and thought that maybe we would take a ride on that.
We walked over to the stop near the Tower of Terror and grabbed a seat on bench against the wall by the trolley stop. The Red Car Trolley runs on rails and is electric. It has just four stops; Buena Vista Street Cathay Circle, Hollywood Blvd and the Tower of Terror. The trolley arrived shortly and we got on. But, we had to wait for a few minutes. The trolley operates in pairs, but uses a single track for most of the run. There is a single spot on the route with two pair of tracks for the trolleys to pass. So they have to time to where they get there at the same time.
We didn’t mind the wait; our conductor broke out his Disney trivia cars and went about asking them of us. The one I remember is asking about a certain number of Disney (not Pixar) movies that had a single word title. Margo got several of them. I might have come up with one. The few minutes passed quickly and we had our short ride. We asked the conductor where to get off for Animation Academy, and he told us Cathay Circle was the closest. He turned out to be part right. If we had ridden to the end, the park entrance at Buena Vista Street and rode back, the stop at Hollywood Blvd is at Animation Academy. But, it doesn’t stop their riding this direction. No matter it wasn’t a huge walk, as the Red Trolley only operates in Hollywood Land.
We didn’t mind the wait; our conductor broke out his Disney trivia cars and went about asking them of us. The one I remember is asking about a certain number of Disney (not Pixar) movies that had a single word title. Margo got several of them. I might have come up with one. The few minutes passed quickly and we had our short ride. We asked the conductor where to get off for Animation Academy, and he told us Cathay Circle was the closest. He turned out to be part right. If we had ridden to the end, the park entrance at Buena Vista Street and rode back, the stop at Hollywood Blvd is at Animation Academy. But, it doesn’t stop their riding this direction. No matter it wasn’t a huge walk, as the Red Trolley only operates in Hollywood Land.
The “big” thing at Animation Academy is Turtle Talk with Crush. Crush is the surfer dude sea turtle from Finding Nemo. This is an interactive attraction. Crush actually talks to the audience. He can see and hear them and the whole show is a conversation between him and the kids in the audience. It is cute and whoever does Crush does a great job. He gives each kid a nickname and answers each question patiently and humorously. He calls on them to ask a question not by name, but by describing the color of their “shell”, which is their shirt.
But, the best part, and I can’t take credit for it, because I didn’t remember it that way from Florida, is that the adults all were sitting in comfortable chairs, in low light, and air conditioning. I think it lasted for about 15 or 20 minutes and then it was time to move on.
I don’t really remember which of the attractions were in which area of the Academy. But, in one area you could learn to draw a Disney character. None of us were interested in that. In another there was a zoetrope. This one is a small, about 4-5 feet, and looks hind of like merry-go-round. You press a button and it begins to spin. A voice tells you about it. Basically, each of the little sculptures on the merry-go-round is a little different. When the thing gets to a certain speed, a strobe light is turned on. When it flashes, it kind of freeze frames an image in your mind. Then another and another and another as the strobe quickly flashes. Then your brain strings them together.
Hearing the clinical description was one thing, but when it actually was put into practice the result was impressive. You were captivated as the little Toy Story characters did their thing.
We walked through an area of the Sorcerer’s Workshop and did two things. First we, except Pam the Big Chicken, each sang a Disney song that was then played over the Disney movie it belonged to. We all sucked, but it was fun laughing at each other.
The other was an interactive display that asked you questions and then told you which Disney character you were most like. Again Pam declined. Maybe she was afraid it would tell she was the Wicked Witch of the West. But she shouldn’t have worried. The Wicked Witch of the West isn’t a Disney character. I can’t remember what any of us ended up being. But, it was Disney, so they weren’t hard on anyone.
But, the best part, and I can’t take credit for it, because I didn’t remember it that way from Florida, is that the adults all were sitting in comfortable chairs, in low light, and air conditioning. I think it lasted for about 15 or 20 minutes and then it was time to move on.
I don’t really remember which of the attractions were in which area of the Academy. But, in one area you could learn to draw a Disney character. None of us were interested in that. In another there was a zoetrope. This one is a small, about 4-5 feet, and looks hind of like merry-go-round. You press a button and it begins to spin. A voice tells you about it. Basically, each of the little sculptures on the merry-go-round is a little different. When the thing gets to a certain speed, a strobe light is turned on. When it flashes, it kind of freeze frames an image in your mind. Then another and another and another as the strobe quickly flashes. Then your brain strings them together.
Hearing the clinical description was one thing, but when it actually was put into practice the result was impressive. You were captivated as the little Toy Story characters did their thing.
We walked through an area of the Sorcerer’s Workshop and did two things. First we, except Pam the Big Chicken, each sang a Disney song that was then played over the Disney movie it belonged to. We all sucked, but it was fun laughing at each other.
The other was an interactive display that asked you questions and then told you which Disney character you were most like. Again Pam declined. Maybe she was afraid it would tell she was the Wicked Witch of the West. But she shouldn’t have worried. The Wicked Witch of the West isn’t a Disney character. I can’t remember what any of us ended up being. But, it was Disney, so they weren’t hard on anyone.
Toy Story Zoetrope
We still had an hour to kill before our 8 PM window. I debated internally about skipping it and going home. We did have a 10 PM curfew. The security that checks on the nuns’ compound locks the gate then. There is a key, but it was inside the retreat house. On the other hand, it was still plenty hot. So we decided to browse the shops.
Margo and I looked for Boo stuff and Pam looked for Eeyore stuff. She collects everything Eeyore and has quite an assortment. I don’t recall is she found anything worthy of the price tag, but Margo was blanked. I asked one of the clerks and she said maybe there was something at Downtown Disney, the shopping complex between the original Disneyland and California Adventure. We had passed it on the trolley first thing this morning. I had a feeling we would end up there later.
So we quickly tired of looking for things that we could not find. Someone suggested we just head over to the ride and see if they would let us in early. Then we would call it day and go home. That was universally accepted and we walked over to Condor Flats. The guy at the FastPass booth waved us through as Margo admitted we were half an hour early. We got to the front of the line quickly, again in just a few minutes. Then the ride stopped. I’m not sure what was going on, and it was down for 5-10 minutes, but it started back up.
We, plus another family got in one boat. This, like most river rides, has the potential to get you any where from a few sprinkles or a little splash, to saturated, just-got-out-of-the-swimming-pool wet. It was still plenty warm, but I was no longer hoping for drenched.
The ride itself was probably the best river ride I have been on. It seemed a little longer than most, with lots of turns and white water. No one from our party ended up getting really wet, but we all got sprayed enough to make sure we knew that we had averted being baptized.
But, it was over. And so was our day at California Adventure. There was nothing left we wanted to ride, and we were two hours from curfew, with a 40 minutes drive ahead of us. We would have liked to see the World of Color show, but it started at 9:30. Oh, well. Maybe next time.
But, wait. We could still go to the shops at Downtown Disney. Pam and Margo thought that a great idea. Jayme and I, not so much. Our wives and shopping are akin to a force of nature, and we had no energy to swim against the tide. So off we went. I looked for the biggest store I could find, hoping to make this a quick trip. Right in front of us was World of Disney, and it looked huge. It took no more than pointing it out to set the girls on the scent. We had mixed results.
Again, I didn’t really pay much attention to what Pam and Jayme were doing. I think Pam might have ended up with something, but fatigue and my focus on helping Margo find a Boo doll was limiting my brains ability to take in knowledge. After finding the Monsters, Inc section and being completely shut out, I sought out a clerk. She was surprised that I couldn’t find a Boo doll. She went to check inventory and informed us that there as not one in the whole park.
Bummer. But, Margo was not dissuaded and continued to wander. She ended up at their Precious Moments display. And it was here that our quest ended. In the display case was the Precious Moments girl dressed up in Boo’s monster costume created by Scully. Margo asked the price and it was $70. But, there was no way I was going to let this pass. I told Margo; “If you want it, get it” She did and was very happy. My job was done.
By now we were all exhausted. Pam had been walking slowly the whole last two hours. She couldn’t be blamed for that, she was doubtlessly in pain, but never complained. Now she led our pack to the trolleys. We were having trouble keeping up with here. But we were all very grateful for seats and another moment to catch our breath. We were dropped off at the parking garage, took the escalator to the very top (Yeah! No stairs!), and admired Disneyland’s fireworks as we walked.
We were back at the Retreat House 40 minutes later. It was 9:50. But, Aunt Prim, Aunt Min, and Uncle Donnie were waiting up for us. They were planning to let us in, had we not made it. That was really nice and thoughtful of them. We told them we had a great time, and now we were going to bed. I had no trouble dropping off. Tomorrow would be the bid day.
Margo and I looked for Boo stuff and Pam looked for Eeyore stuff. She collects everything Eeyore and has quite an assortment. I don’t recall is she found anything worthy of the price tag, but Margo was blanked. I asked one of the clerks and she said maybe there was something at Downtown Disney, the shopping complex between the original Disneyland and California Adventure. We had passed it on the trolley first thing this morning. I had a feeling we would end up there later.
So we quickly tired of looking for things that we could not find. Someone suggested we just head over to the ride and see if they would let us in early. Then we would call it day and go home. That was universally accepted and we walked over to Condor Flats. The guy at the FastPass booth waved us through as Margo admitted we were half an hour early. We got to the front of the line quickly, again in just a few minutes. Then the ride stopped. I’m not sure what was going on, and it was down for 5-10 minutes, but it started back up.
We, plus another family got in one boat. This, like most river rides, has the potential to get you any where from a few sprinkles or a little splash, to saturated, just-got-out-of-the-swimming-pool wet. It was still plenty warm, but I was no longer hoping for drenched.
The ride itself was probably the best river ride I have been on. It seemed a little longer than most, with lots of turns and white water. No one from our party ended up getting really wet, but we all got sprayed enough to make sure we knew that we had averted being baptized.
But, it was over. And so was our day at California Adventure. There was nothing left we wanted to ride, and we were two hours from curfew, with a 40 minutes drive ahead of us. We would have liked to see the World of Color show, but it started at 9:30. Oh, well. Maybe next time.
But, wait. We could still go to the shops at Downtown Disney. Pam and Margo thought that a great idea. Jayme and I, not so much. Our wives and shopping are akin to a force of nature, and we had no energy to swim against the tide. So off we went. I looked for the biggest store I could find, hoping to make this a quick trip. Right in front of us was World of Disney, and it looked huge. It took no more than pointing it out to set the girls on the scent. We had mixed results.
Again, I didn’t really pay much attention to what Pam and Jayme were doing. I think Pam might have ended up with something, but fatigue and my focus on helping Margo find a Boo doll was limiting my brains ability to take in knowledge. After finding the Monsters, Inc section and being completely shut out, I sought out a clerk. She was surprised that I couldn’t find a Boo doll. She went to check inventory and informed us that there as not one in the whole park.
Bummer. But, Margo was not dissuaded and continued to wander. She ended up at their Precious Moments display. And it was here that our quest ended. In the display case was the Precious Moments girl dressed up in Boo’s monster costume created by Scully. Margo asked the price and it was $70. But, there was no way I was going to let this pass. I told Margo; “If you want it, get it” She did and was very happy. My job was done.
By now we were all exhausted. Pam had been walking slowly the whole last two hours. She couldn’t be blamed for that, she was doubtlessly in pain, but never complained. Now she led our pack to the trolleys. We were having trouble keeping up with here. But we were all very grateful for seats and another moment to catch our breath. We were dropped off at the parking garage, took the escalator to the very top (Yeah! No stairs!), and admired Disneyland’s fireworks as we walked.
We were back at the Retreat House 40 minutes later. It was 9:50. But, Aunt Prim, Aunt Min, and Uncle Donnie were waiting up for us. They were planning to let us in, had we not made it. That was really nice and thoughtful of them. We told them we had a great time, and now we were going to bed. I had no trouble dropping off. Tomorrow would be the bid day.
Margo's Precious Moments Boo figurine
Day Three---Sunday, June 30, 2013
Sister Stephanie’s Jubilee mass was not until 2 PM, so there was no reason to get out of bed real early. On the other hand, considering where we were at, I didn’t want to risk being accused of Sloth either. So I was up, showered and dressed by about 8:30 AM.
I had slept well again last night, but I kept having the feeling that I was making too much noise. The beds were made of wood and a simple design. This meant that when I would turn over or shift, the bed would creak. But, Margo says she couldn’t hear a thing. Later Margo would talk to Aunt Vicky, who I think had the room underneath us, said she didn’t hear me either.
|
|
There were plenty of people up. Aunt Betty must sleep about four hours a night, because she is always up. Aunt Min is another early riser. They had coffee going, but I never devolved a taste for coffee. I generally use the shower as my pick-me-up in the morning. We just kind of snacked for breakfast. Everyone had bought so much food, that it was easy to just take something out of a bag and pop it in your mouth.
Aunt Prim mentioned that she wasn’t happy with her hair and Margo volunteered to cut it for her. It took a little convincing on Margo’s part that she wouldn’t be put out to do it, and finally Aunt Prim acquiesced. But, not this very minute.
Aunt Prim had other things she needed to get done, and Margo decided that she wanted a pair of hair shears for the job. We also needed a thank you card for Sister Rosario Therese. We definitely needed to acknowledge the sisters’ hospitality at the Retreat House. Adding to our list of things to pick up, Aunt Min told us we needed a beach ball.
Yes, you read that right; a beach ball. The Retreat House has a swimming pool. I saw part of it through a window, so I can confirm it is there. However, I do not know, nor do I want to know, if the nuns use it. I am going to tell myself that is only used by the secular guests who sometimes stay there and remind myself that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and ignorance is bliss.
Yeah, but why do you need a beach ball, you ask? Well, several of my aunts were playing with the ball, out by the pool and hit it into some sort of thorny plant. The score was Thorny Plant -1; Beach Ball -0. Our group was not about to pop the nuns beach ball and not replace it.
Aunt Prim mentioned that she wasn’t happy with her hair and Margo volunteered to cut it for her. It took a little convincing on Margo’s part that she wouldn’t be put out to do it, and finally Aunt Prim acquiesced. But, not this very minute.
Aunt Prim had other things she needed to get done, and Margo decided that she wanted a pair of hair shears for the job. We also needed a thank you card for Sister Rosario Therese. We definitely needed to acknowledge the sisters’ hospitality at the Retreat House. Adding to our list of things to pick up, Aunt Min told us we needed a beach ball.
Yes, you read that right; a beach ball. The Retreat House has a swimming pool. I saw part of it through a window, so I can confirm it is there. However, I do not know, nor do I want to know, if the nuns use it. I am going to tell myself that is only used by the secular guests who sometimes stay there and remind myself that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and ignorance is bliss.
Yeah, but why do you need a beach ball, you ask? Well, several of my aunts were playing with the ball, out by the pool and hit it into some sort of thorny plant. The score was Thorny Plant -1; Beach Ball -0. Our group was not about to pop the nuns beach ball and not replace it.
|
|
Finally, we were given a quest by Aunt Ned and JeriLynn. They both collect postcards from cities they visit. It was hoped that we could find one from Duarte, CA, where we currently reside. I was not hopeful, but we promised to look at the grocery store.
With our mental list ready, Pam, Jayme, Margo and I piled into their truck and traveled the block or so to the local supermarket, Ralph’s. In less time than it took to walk to the truck, we were at shopping center. There was a Dollar Tree in the same strip mall, so while Pam and Jayme went to Ralph’s, Margo and I went to the Dollar Tree is search of the beach ball. It took just a minute to find them. Two dollars later we had a suitable replacement for the holy one back at the Retreat House.
Margo and I went over to Ralph’s, in search of her stuff. Pam and Jayme had a quest of their own, here at Ralph’s. In addition to Sister Stephanie’s Golden Jubilee, today was Aunt Prim’s 60th birthday. They had made their way to the bakery as soon as we arrived to get a cake.
When I discovered there were no post cards at Ralphs, I let Margo know I was going to go across the street to the Duarte Inn to see if they might have one. No luck. I walked back and recrossed Huntington, and looked down the street. There was a Quality Inn a block away. Why not? Strike Three. I guess post cards are a dying art form. I went back and met everyone at the truck.
Margo had no luck at Ralph’s, but we remembered there was Target just down the road. About two minutes later I was at strike four looking for the non-existent post cards. Margo on the other hand found some suitable shears and whatever else she needed.
So, with a cake, shears, and a beach ball we went back at the Retreat House to smuggle in our contraband cake. I went in first to try to get Aunt Prim out of the way. She was in her room, so that made that easy. Pam and Jayme quickly brought in the cake and stashed it in the kitchen.
When Aunt Prim came back from her room, she was ready for her haircut. She and Margo went to Margo’s room, and I stayed downstairs in the dining/kitchen area which had become the defacto common room. I visited for a bit, but needed to go get ready for the ceremony. So I went up to my room and got ready. Aunt Prim was very happy with her trim, and Margo got ready herself.
1:30 rolled around and as the distance was only about a quarter mile and on the grounds, we walked over to St. Joseph Chapel. We were told that we had reserved seats, so we did not have to hurry. It was a good thing we did, as the church ended up being packed. We had three rows of pews reserved for us. Each row sat 6 comfortably. There were nineteen of us. I will pause while you do the math. The row that Margo and I sat in had 7 and I was kind of squished. But on the other hand I had an aisle seat and was able to catch my Aunt’s eye as she walked in during the entry procession.
With our mental list ready, Pam, Jayme, Margo and I piled into their truck and traveled the block or so to the local supermarket, Ralph’s. In less time than it took to walk to the truck, we were at shopping center. There was a Dollar Tree in the same strip mall, so while Pam and Jayme went to Ralph’s, Margo and I went to the Dollar Tree is search of the beach ball. It took just a minute to find them. Two dollars later we had a suitable replacement for the holy one back at the Retreat House.
Margo and I went over to Ralph’s, in search of her stuff. Pam and Jayme had a quest of their own, here at Ralph’s. In addition to Sister Stephanie’s Golden Jubilee, today was Aunt Prim’s 60th birthday. They had made their way to the bakery as soon as we arrived to get a cake.
When I discovered there were no post cards at Ralphs, I let Margo know I was going to go across the street to the Duarte Inn to see if they might have one. No luck. I walked back and recrossed Huntington, and looked down the street. There was a Quality Inn a block away. Why not? Strike Three. I guess post cards are a dying art form. I went back and met everyone at the truck.
Margo had no luck at Ralph’s, but we remembered there was Target just down the road. About two minutes later I was at strike four looking for the non-existent post cards. Margo on the other hand found some suitable shears and whatever else she needed.
So, with a cake, shears, and a beach ball we went back at the Retreat House to smuggle in our contraband cake. I went in first to try to get Aunt Prim out of the way. She was in her room, so that made that easy. Pam and Jayme quickly brought in the cake and stashed it in the kitchen.
When Aunt Prim came back from her room, she was ready for her haircut. She and Margo went to Margo’s room, and I stayed downstairs in the dining/kitchen area which had become the defacto common room. I visited for a bit, but needed to go get ready for the ceremony. So I went up to my room and got ready. Aunt Prim was very happy with her trim, and Margo got ready herself.
1:30 rolled around and as the distance was only about a quarter mile and on the grounds, we walked over to St. Joseph Chapel. We were told that we had reserved seats, so we did not have to hurry. It was a good thing we did, as the church ended up being packed. We had three rows of pews reserved for us. Each row sat 6 comfortably. There were nineteen of us. I will pause while you do the math. The row that Margo and I sat in had 7 and I was kind of squished. But on the other hand I had an aisle seat and was able to catch my Aunt’s eye as she walked in during the entry procession.
|
|
Early in the ceremony my aunt made the first scriptural reading and had to sing part of it. She was just a little nervous at first, but it was only barely noticeable. She recovered and nailed the singing part. It is very hard to sing scripture, because there is no rhythm to the words to keep you on time. It’s like try to sing a conversation. It took a lot of discipline not to break or lose your place. I was impressed.
The ceremony seemed to go quicker than the hour and a half it lasted, and with no hiccups save a crying baby. The father saying the mass just smiled in the direction of the child. He was eventually quiet. Sister Stephanie sat or knelt with her back to use most of the time, save for her reading. There was a moving part when each sister received a crown of flowers. My aunt’s was gold, symbolizing her 50 years. When it was over, and all of the sisters walked (save the oldest sister, celebrating 75 years who was in a wheelchair) back down the aisle, they looked a bit relieved.
There was a reception afterwards in Madonna Hall. It was packed, and this was not a small hall. There were over two hundred people at least. Finger sandwiches, punch, a light salad, and fruit, followed by cake for dessert, were served. It was not really a meal, but I didn’t leave feeling hungry. My aunts knew a few of the sisters from their visits to see Sister Stephanie, plus a few of them had traveled to Denver for assorted reasons. So, they were all anxious to spend time visiting. I mingled some, talked with my cousins, who mostly felt as out of place as I did. The sisters had many things to tend to with the crowd that showed up, so keeping us entertained was well down the priority list.
One sister had the duty of being the official photographer of the ceremony. At the reception, she also shot pictures of our entire clan together. We all had our own camera up there and she used them as well, or someone else helped out. With my eyes and those small screens I couldn’t tell how they turned out, so I was anxious to get back home to see them on a big screen.
The ceremony seemed to go quicker than the hour and a half it lasted, and with no hiccups save a crying baby. The father saying the mass just smiled in the direction of the child. He was eventually quiet. Sister Stephanie sat or knelt with her back to use most of the time, save for her reading. There was a moving part when each sister received a crown of flowers. My aunt’s was gold, symbolizing her 50 years. When it was over, and all of the sisters walked (save the oldest sister, celebrating 75 years who was in a wheelchair) back down the aisle, they looked a bit relieved.
There was a reception afterwards in Madonna Hall. It was packed, and this was not a small hall. There were over two hundred people at least. Finger sandwiches, punch, a light salad, and fruit, followed by cake for dessert, were served. It was not really a meal, but I didn’t leave feeling hungry. My aunts knew a few of the sisters from their visits to see Sister Stephanie, plus a few of them had traveled to Denver for assorted reasons. So, they were all anxious to spend time visiting. I mingled some, talked with my cousins, who mostly felt as out of place as I did. The sisters had many things to tend to with the crowd that showed up, so keeping us entertained was well down the priority list.
One sister had the duty of being the official photographer of the ceremony. At the reception, she also shot pictures of our entire clan together. We all had our own camera up there and she used them as well, or someone else helped out. With my eyes and those small screens I couldn’t tell how they turned out, so I was anxious to get back home to see them on a big screen.
|
|
|
After the pictures Margo and I decided to use the time more productively and we took pictures outside. We walked back over to the chapel and asked a sister about taking some shots inside. She said it was OK, but it was locked. We settled for outside shots.
We noticed that outside the chapel entrance there were bricks set in the ground with many sisters’ names on them. When we read the granite tablet it said that these commemorated those sisters who had given their life in the service of God. I immediately took the military meaning of that and thought all of these sisters had passed away. Then I noticed the name of one of the nuns who was celebrating her jubilee. That made no sense; if she was dead, she couldn’t have been up by the alter, could she?
Then Margo and I noticed that some of them had a rose above their name and some did not. We guessed, and later Sister Stephanie confirmed, that those sisters who had passed, were marked with a rose. Those without, were still with us. With that assumption in mind we search for a stone with my aunt’s name. We found it in just a few seconds. As it turned out, these stones are new; only about three years old, so none of my aunts or uncles had seen them either.
We noticed that outside the chapel entrance there were bricks set in the ground with many sisters’ names on them. When we read the granite tablet it said that these commemorated those sisters who had given their life in the service of God. I immediately took the military meaning of that and thought all of these sisters had passed away. Then I noticed the name of one of the nuns who was celebrating her jubilee. That made no sense; if she was dead, she couldn’t have been up by the alter, could she?
Then Margo and I noticed that some of them had a rose above their name and some did not. We guessed, and later Sister Stephanie confirmed, that those sisters who had passed, were marked with a rose. Those without, were still with us. With that assumption in mind we search for a stone with my aunt’s name. We found it in just a few seconds. As it turned out, these stones are new; only about three years old, so none of my aunts or uncles had seen them either.
|
|
|
Margo and I walked back to the reception and it began to break up shortly there after. Those of us who had walked over to the church, walked back. Aunt Betty had ridden over in Uncle Donnie and Aunt Prim’s Impala. Uncle Donnie had driven for two reasons; to give their sister a ride, and because Sister Stephanie would have some of her stuff to move back from the convent to the Retreat House, after the jubilee mass. I mention this because Aunt Betty had made a bit of a joke out of riding over. When she had passed us going to the church, she did the little politician wave, we had all seen so many times on TV and on Bridge Street back home, during the annual Adams County Fair parade. Well, on the ride back she not only did the wave, but now tossed out a few pieces of hard candy to complete the parade joke. It did get a couple of chuckles.
I did not notice a very nice moment between Uncle Jerry and Aunt Ned, but Margo did. They were walking hand in hand in the parking lot. It was really touching and sweet. But, you don’t get to nearly 59 years of marriage without being in love with each other. Luckily, Margo got a picture of it, so we could all enjoy the moment.
I did not notice a very nice moment between Uncle Jerry and Aunt Ned, but Margo did. They were walking hand in hand in the parking lot. It was really touching and sweet. But, you don’t get to nearly 59 years of marriage without being in love with each other. Luckily, Margo got a picture of it, so we could all enjoy the moment.
On the way back Jayme and I were asked to help carry a few boxes for a couple of the sisters. They had celebrated their jubilees as well, and needed to get their things into a car, so they could go back to their normal quarters. Each of the sisters celebrating their jubilees had stayed at the convent, to prepare for their ceremony. It was kind of like checking out of hotel, and we were the bell hops. Jayme and I were happy to help.
Once back we found out that we were all invited to have dessert at the convent with the sisters. We were not allowed inside, but the courtyard made an excellent oasis. It was pretty and the nuns served ice cream. The sisters went out of their way to make us feel welcome, with a number of them making special efforts to talk with each of our little groups. I wish I could recall all their names, but only Sister Patrice, from South Dakota, was able to penetrate my thick skull and have her name stick. I would suggest name tags for the next event. I am sure they would have liked us to have them as well.
We finished up there and went back to the Retreat House. It was time for Sister Stephanie to open the cards and presents that we had all got for her. Any cash that she received would be donated to the church and most of the gifts were in that form. I decided that I wanted to get her something more symbolic, so I found a copy of the book that she told me inspired her to become a nun. It was called “St. Thomas Aquinas: The Dumb Ox “ by C.K. Chesterton.
Margo and I both tried to read this, but in truth this was the most difficult book I have ever tried to read. It was filled with references that I did not have the background to understand, and was nearly devoid of dates and anecdotes. But, Sister Stephanie both confirmed that this was the book. She must have been very advanced at age 16. We had also included a bobby pin with our card.
When she was a youth Aunt Mary Ann (Sister Stephanie) had a knack for picking the lock, with a bobby pin, of her brother, Mike’s car. She would then raid his Juicy Fruit stash in the glove box. So everyone of us, accompanying our deeply serious card of congratulations in her 50 years of service to God, included one or more bobby pins, plus we stashed a pack of Juicy Fruit in her card box.
Once back we found out that we were all invited to have dessert at the convent with the sisters. We were not allowed inside, but the courtyard made an excellent oasis. It was pretty and the nuns served ice cream. The sisters went out of their way to make us feel welcome, with a number of them making special efforts to talk with each of our little groups. I wish I could recall all their names, but only Sister Patrice, from South Dakota, was able to penetrate my thick skull and have her name stick. I would suggest name tags for the next event. I am sure they would have liked us to have them as well.
We finished up there and went back to the Retreat House. It was time for Sister Stephanie to open the cards and presents that we had all got for her. Any cash that she received would be donated to the church and most of the gifts were in that form. I decided that I wanted to get her something more symbolic, so I found a copy of the book that she told me inspired her to become a nun. It was called “St. Thomas Aquinas: The Dumb Ox “ by C.K. Chesterton.
Margo and I both tried to read this, but in truth this was the most difficult book I have ever tried to read. It was filled with references that I did not have the background to understand, and was nearly devoid of dates and anecdotes. But, Sister Stephanie both confirmed that this was the book. She must have been very advanced at age 16. We had also included a bobby pin with our card.
When she was a youth Aunt Mary Ann (Sister Stephanie) had a knack for picking the lock, with a bobby pin, of her brother, Mike’s car. She would then raid his Juicy Fruit stash in the glove box. So everyone of us, accompanying our deeply serious card of congratulations in her 50 years of service to God, included one or more bobby pins, plus we stashed a pack of Juicy Fruit in her card box.
The cards and gifts were soon opened and thoughts turned to dinner. We had spent the day snacking and eating mostly sugar. I don’t think anyone was terribly hungry, but we felt like we should eat a real meal. After much debate and back and forth, we settled on Mexican. But, as our local guide was Sister Stephanie, who doesn’t quite get the restaurant experience of a Zagat reviewer, it was left for us to guess where to go. I took a stab at identifying a Mexican restaurant, in the area, using only my GPS and phone. I can not remember what the name of the restaurant was, but I would say my efforts earned a C grade. The food was decent, the portions large, the tab fair, but it was dark, and the service a bit spotty. I think they screwed up Uncle Jerry’s order, but he didn’t say anything. No one went hungry or got sick. The bar was not set very high on this meal.
We went back to the Retreat House (how many times have I written that sentence?) and we sang Happy Birthday to Aunt Prim and had cake, even though no one’s heart was in eating something else. The cake was good, anyway. Aunt Prim both appreciated that her birthday was remembered and wished we hadn’t. She insisted that this was Sister Stephanie’s day. But, we did anyway.
That was pretty much it for the day. It had been a long one. Tomorrow we would be going home.
We went back to the Retreat House (how many times have I written that sentence?) and we sang Happy Birthday to Aunt Prim and had cake, even though no one’s heart was in eating something else. The cake was good, anyway. Aunt Prim both appreciated that her birthday was remembered and wished we hadn’t. She insisted that this was Sister Stephanie’s day. But, we did anyway.
That was pretty much it for the day. It had been a long one. Tomorrow we would be going home.
Day Four---July 01, 2013
Again there was no reason to get out of bed early. And, again, we were up and ready by 8:00 AM. But, we had help this morning. Installed, to either summon the sisters for prayer or other scheduled gathering, or to annoy the devil out of secular guests, was a large dinner bell, complete with clapper and rope. At about 8 AM the bell was rung. Just a couple of clangs, but with authority. Margo and I were up, so we went down stairs. As it turned out, instead of the prank-loving Uncle Donnie, who I was told had rang the bell on many occasions, it was Sister Stephanie. Her motivation was to call us to breakfast.
Margo and I went down and found that most of the remaining Schenfeld clan was already up. Our numbers had been dwindling since shortly after the mass yesterday. First to leave was JeriLynn. Her friend from college, Kathy, had driven down from Santa Monica (?), to pick her up. The two of them were going back to Kathy’s place, while her husband and son were out in the Gettysburg area. That gave us something to talk about for a few minutes, as Margo and I were heading out for the reenactment on Friday.
Next to leave were the Urban girls. Mary Ann and her boyfriend and son, Patricia, Dan and Kiera all left Sunday night right before dinner. They said they had an hours drive and it was nearly 7 PM by then, so they left.
When Margo and I walked into the common area we were greeted by not only the family, but the smells of cooking breakfast. Jayme was trying his luck with hash browns, while one of my Aunts filled the kitchen with the aroma of bacon. Jayme’s hash browns were not turning brown. I’m not sure why they weren’t getting the right color, as I didn’t look to close. I called them “hash whites”, but they still tasted good.
We visited for awhile, covering topic that I can’t remember. I think California living, pros and cons, came up. I think the consensus was it’s nice place to visit, but if we lived there, we’d have to kill someone. Thoughts eventually turned to lunch. It was decided that we would have sandwiches. Me, Jayme, and Uncle Donnie all piled into Jayme’s truck. We headed for the supermarket down the street.
Both Aunt Nedra and JeriLynn asked if we would look for a post card from Duarte. They collect post cards from where ever they travel, so I said I would look. We ended up getting too much meat, cheese, and bread for our sandwiches, and after looking at the Supermarket, another store down the street, and two different hotels, I admitted defeat on the post card front. People just don’t send them anymore, so there is no reason to stock them.
We had a nice lunch, and after a little more visiting, it was time for Margo and me to leave as well. It had been a nice little trip. We got to experience a small slice of my aunt’s life, and help to celebrate a major milestone with her. It was nice to visit with everyone, and it was certainly fun to go to the Disney park. Now it’s on to Gettysburg!
Margo and I went down and found that most of the remaining Schenfeld clan was already up. Our numbers had been dwindling since shortly after the mass yesterday. First to leave was JeriLynn. Her friend from college, Kathy, had driven down from Santa Monica (?), to pick her up. The two of them were going back to Kathy’s place, while her husband and son were out in the Gettysburg area. That gave us something to talk about for a few minutes, as Margo and I were heading out for the reenactment on Friday.
Next to leave were the Urban girls. Mary Ann and her boyfriend and son, Patricia, Dan and Kiera all left Sunday night right before dinner. They said they had an hours drive and it was nearly 7 PM by then, so they left.
When Margo and I walked into the common area we were greeted by not only the family, but the smells of cooking breakfast. Jayme was trying his luck with hash browns, while one of my Aunts filled the kitchen with the aroma of bacon. Jayme’s hash browns were not turning brown. I’m not sure why they weren’t getting the right color, as I didn’t look to close. I called them “hash whites”, but they still tasted good.
We visited for awhile, covering topic that I can’t remember. I think California living, pros and cons, came up. I think the consensus was it’s nice place to visit, but if we lived there, we’d have to kill someone. Thoughts eventually turned to lunch. It was decided that we would have sandwiches. Me, Jayme, and Uncle Donnie all piled into Jayme’s truck. We headed for the supermarket down the street.
Both Aunt Nedra and JeriLynn asked if we would look for a post card from Duarte. They collect post cards from where ever they travel, so I said I would look. We ended up getting too much meat, cheese, and bread for our sandwiches, and after looking at the Supermarket, another store down the street, and two different hotels, I admitted defeat on the post card front. People just don’t send them anymore, so there is no reason to stock them.
We had a nice lunch, and after a little more visiting, it was time for Margo and me to leave as well. It had been a nice little trip. We got to experience a small slice of my aunt’s life, and help to celebrate a major milestone with her. It was nice to visit with everyone, and it was certainly fun to go to the Disney park. Now it’s on to Gettysburg!