Lou...

The rest of that sentence is, to feel the magic that is WDW.
I guess this rant would fall under the warm and fuzzy side as opposed to the usual Snarky side.
I'm so fortunate to be in the position I'm in. I'm actually retired and I get to select how much or how little I work and even the days I work. But work is too strong a word for what I do and where I do it on average of four days a week.
Today, while at lunch at one of the CM cafeterias, I thought, I miss the MK even though I was right there, in the middle of MK, but it felt like I had been far away for too long.
Being there all the time, you become callused and forget where you are.
I instantly got up and instead of walking back to the the bus area the way I normally do, which is by Tony's Town Square restaurant, I decided to exit by the Fire House side.
I walked about half way, stopped, and just looked up Main St. towards the castle for a few minutes. The castle at the opposite end never looked more beautiful.
That's all it took, I was OK after that.

We're happy you're here Eric.
The online thing is just a part of FF.Net. It goes way beyond virtual bantar.
There are real people that you can meet, get to know, and in a lot of cases, become friends with.

I think I win the bragging rights.
Photo taken on 3/24 with a crappy Apple IPhone, so the quality stinks.
Of course it's not mine.

They know exactly, and no, they don't want your impostor wannabe, where the real Melvin is.
He's fifteen minutes from the Fort and living the good life.
We have the best conversations and Buddy just loves him.

They know exactly, and no, they don't want your impostor wannabe, where the real Melvin is.
He's fifteen minutes from the Fort and living the good life.
We have the best conversations and Buddy just loves him.

I agree that Lisa is a special women, but I was the lucky one to have her and Bruce get on my bus. It just doesn't happen. I think the odds are about 1 in 6000. It's extremely rare to pick up a Fiend.
I did have another person that was on the other board that was staying at the Fort ride my bus, but we hadn't met previously. So Lisa is the first Fiend that I actually knew ahead of time to ever ride on one of my buses in almost four years.

Are you saying that I have to put up with someone from Mass for 42 days?
Sorry, but I can't do that.
So I just went in to the WDW reservation system, yup, I have that power, and changed your res. to a long weekend in July.
I think I can tolerate you for that long. Besides it'll be so hot that you won't leave the RV.
BTW, don't bother checking. It won't show up until you check in.

Oh... ha ha, I'm sorry, I forgot... we're drinking root beer now! Same kind of thing, different name. Well, that's progress for you.

I had my first and only bus load of the girls last Thursday. They were conscious of the other riders and were quiet, but once it was just them on the bus, they were off and running. So I put the bus in neutral, pulled the parking brake, got up and walked to the back of the bus and politely told them that I wouldn't be able to hear the radio with all of the singing, yelling, and clapping going on. They apologized and were very quiet.
A few minutes out from the destination, I announced over the PA that I wouldn't need to be able hear the radio and they could let loose, which they did.
They were terrific.

I'll be there, if it's a New England Patriot that is.

BLC, how many kids and what are their ages?
How long will you be at the Fort?
If you haven't noticed, Fort Fiends love families large and small.
Keep us in the loop leading up to your visit.

If we have anything to say about it, it will be.
The FHF gears are turning.

If we have anything to say about it, it will be.
The FHF gears are turning.

If we have anything to say about it, it will be.
The FHF gears are turning.

If we have anything to say about it, it will be.
The FHF gears are turning.

Do you have a spy at my house Monique?
Yesterday morning, for some reason, Gail decided to call the company that issued Buddy's RFID tag, or what is normally called the microchip, to update the contact info associated with the chip.
We later went to the pet store and got him a nifty new tag for his collar.
In addition to putting his name and our phone number, we added the ID number of the chip, and the phone number for the microchip registry. That way even if they can't reach us, if whoever finds him isn't able to scan him, they'll still be able to get the ball rolling.

I'm glad you asked.
Due to the special, "Rock the Night Spectacular" event this Thursday at Hollywood Studios, CMs were made aware of the information attached, can't show you that, regarding updated operating information for this week.
Also that updated guest collateral will be delivered to operational areas beginning Tuesday evening. A in-room letter is being placed in occupied Disney Resort Guest rooms starting Tuesday morning.
The CM website is being updated to reflect the info regarding any changes due to the event and Channel 19 on the in-room TVs will be updated daily to reflect these changes.
What the heck is the "Rock the Night Spectacular"?
Guests will enjoy a backstage pass to the place "where showbiz is" and entertainment comes to life.
They will salute the world of showbiz from the Hollywood classics of yesteryear to the best in popular entertainment. They will be able to take center stage as the star of their own adventure: from rock 'n' roll fantasy to Broadway style stage spectaculars, from the silver screen to the TV screen to behind the scenes.
Special fireworks will be part of the event.

Six won't know what FW is, two won't know what wifi is, and the rest won't be able to speak English.

The training program is horrible. I couldn't believe how poorly trained I was when I started driving and the process hasn't changed. It's pretty much on the job training after the formal training.
That explains why there are so many mistakes and inconsistencies with the new drivers and some of the veterans as well.
You can't be trained for that. That's a talent that's acquired over time.
My signature move when people are clogging the aisle, something about staying with their family, is to stop boarding, open the rear door, walk outside to the rear door because that's the only way to get back there, and tell people, I don't ask, to move all the way back. I think families can stand to be apart for 15 minutes. The people who couldn't get on because other selfish people wouldn't move to the rear when asked, show their appreciation when I return to the front because they won't have to wait for the next bus. Most other drivers pack the bus, but I don't think they exit the bus and walk to the rear.

Someone just sent this to me and it may have already been posted here.
Consider this a bump if it has and here it is if it hasn't.
As I do qualify, I guess I'm going to ask if a store has a senior discount from now on.

108 Stores with Senior Discounts

Restaurants
Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby’s: 10% off (55+)
Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan’s: discount varies by location
Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Captain D’s Seafood: discount varies on location (62+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)
Chili’s: 10% off (55+)
CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Culver’s: 10% off (60+)
Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+)
Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+)
Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter (55+)
Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off (55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+)
Long John Silver’s: various discounts at participating locations (55+)
McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney’s: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off (55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy’s: 10% off (55+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)

Retail and Apparel
Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+)
Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)
Big Lots: 10% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
Clarks: 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 10% off (55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 20% off (50+)
Kohl’s: 15% off (60+)
Modell’s Sporting Goods: 10% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)

Grocery
Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)
Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55+)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+)
Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 5% off (62+)

Travel
Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+)
Alamo: up to 25% off for AARP members
American Airlines: various discounts for 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Best Western: 10% off (55+)
Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Clarion: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off (50+)
Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members
Greyhound: 5% off (62+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hertz: up t0 25% off for AARP members
Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+)
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+)
Motel 6: 10% off (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+)
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members
Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50 and up
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

Activities & Entertainment
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off (55+)
Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 30% off
Ripley’s Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket (55+)
SeaWorld Orlando: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)

Cell Phone Discounts
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service (50+)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+)

*Check out our Secret Cell Phone Discounts to view all cell phone discounts available to you!

Miscellaneous
Great Clips: $3 off hair cuts (60+)
Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+)


Since many senior discounts are not advertised to the public, our advice to men and women over 55 is to ALWAYS ask a sales associate if that store provides a senior discount. That way, you can be sure to get the most bang for you buck.

Looking for a printable version of our list of discounts for seniors? We’ve got you covered! Click this link to view, then just hit “Print” in your browser: 108 Stores with Senior Discounts (PDF, 141 KB)

Great photos Dave, except for a few really unnecessary ones.
I'm sure Andrew will really like the one below. It's a shot he could never take.
And although honorable mention in a TCD TR is a good thing, your years of service and nearing retirement is what is most honorable, a huge thanks.

Great photos Dave, except for a few really unnecessary ones.
I'm sure Andrew will really like the one below. It's a shot he could never take.
And although honorable mention in a TCD TR is a good thing, your years of service and nearing retirement is what is most honorable, a huge thanks.

All I have to say about that is, hockey doesn't belong in the south. It's blasphemy. Keep it where it rightfully belongs.
If you don't live in a place where water can freeze outdoors, you don't deserve to have an NHL hockey team. Hockey in the south, that's nuts.
As proof of this, Lightning, 4th place, Bruins, 1st place.
Oh, and who were the NHL champs last year? I rest my case.
Can you guess where I'm from?
And I don't want to hear the argument that Florida is in 1st place. That's a fluke.

I suspect you're refering to me. That's ok, I like it.
I'd like to take your post as tongue in cheek trash talk, but I'm not sure that's the case. Fell free to correct me if I'm wrong though.
Assuming, for now, that I'm right, I recall a while back you took a post I made tongue in cheek as serious. This last post I made was just kidding around, stirring the sports pot.
There is something about me that makes you think I'm being serious. Maybe it's me. I'm hardly ever serious, it's trash talk and you shouldn't take it any other way. Maybe it's because we've never met, don't know.
Anyway to set the record straight and to maybe change how you look at me, I lived in the Tampa Bay area for a long time after leaving New England. We raised kids there. Had a successful law practice in Clearwater.
I was very active in the community and am solely responsible for forming the first high school robotics team in Florida that competes in a national competition. That high school is in St Pete and the team still competes.
We were there when the Devil Rays were formed. We were there when the Lightning were formed. We've gone to numerous Rays games. Supported the Bucs. Attended Rays and Bucs practice sessions. I was there for the Bucs Super Bowl victory.
To put it in perspective, if Jacksonville had a baseball or hockey team and there were Fiends that were fans, I'd trash talk them too.