CCIntrigue...aka Gwen

Big update!  Construction began today on a new playground between Crockett's Tavern and the Trading Post.  Beside the golf cart parking lot.  I put a few pics on my FB page.  We hadn't heard any rumors or seen any announcements about this.  

Yes, it closed this morning.  A large chain-link fence is being constructed from the old Clementine's Beach past the playground all the way to the water at the marina.  I have a picture I took this morning and another one this afternoon with my phone.  Just posted them on FaceBook,  The sign says to use the playgrounds at 300, 1300, and the Meadows recreation area.

On 9/26/2019 at 1:22 PM, twiceblessed....nacole said:

We may just observe these, from the ground 

I'll be on the ground beside of you!

Really enjoying your trip report!  Especially liked the picture of you on Buzz Lightyear!  😃

Good to know.  Thanks for the info.

So sad!

Great video!

Great pictures!

18 hours ago, Ivy said:

Wow, how exciting for him!  Congratulations to him and the team.

Thank you, Ivy!

Gabe posted this picture of his locker at the arena on his Instagram account a little while ago:

1 hour ago, AC in A2......Aaron said:

That is very cool stuff!

Thanks, Aaron!

Gabe's team won the Big South tournament and is heading to the NCAA Tournament this morning!  This is the first time Gardner-Webb has made it to March Madness. While their chances of beating Virginia on Friday are slim, just being there is exciting!

I'm in too!

Already booked!  Hopefully Okieatheart will be with us.

On 1/2/2019 at 10:11 PM, LONE-STAR said:

Nice photos, we have never taken the time to watch the show.

It's not worth special effort to see it, but if you happen to be in the area, it's good enough to see once.

On 1/2/2019 at 11:01 PM, Littleolwoman.aka.Kristie said:

So beautiful 

Thank you!

On 1/2/2019 at 11:06 PM, Beckers said:

Sorry your back is still bothering you!! These pictures are beautiful 

Thanks!

On 1/3/2019 at 10:49 AM, Travisma said:

I looked at that 1.4 for my camera but was reluctant to spend the big $$$ since I just have an older Nikon D3200.

After some research I settled on an F1.8 that was a better match for my camera and a lot less $$.  It was about 1/2 the cost and had some really good reviews.

Seems to work pretty good.  Have to get use to the lack of zoom and relying on moving forward or back to frame the pictures.

Used it inside at ICE and the pictures came out good.

Did you know that Nikon never changes their mount?  I have lenses that I bought in the '80s that I can use on my new camera.  That makes the expense a little more worthwhile.

Sometimes when I can't or don't want to move back or forward, I shoot my photos on the highest file size.  Then I crop the picture down to what I want on the computer.  

Glad you like your new lens!

On 1/4/2019 at 8:04 PM, twiceblessed....nacole said:

As always Gwen, your pictures are amazing!❤️

I agree with David on this one... we too thought that show was just okay.

Thank you, NaCole!

It's time to get this TR back on track!  My back is still out of sorts, but at least I can sit and focus on editing my photos.

This trip, as always, we planned to do several "firsts."  One on my list was seeing Rivers of Light.  I had read a lot of negative things about it, so my expectations were low.  David's were even lower since he dislikes anything about Animal Kingdom.  I was pleasantly surprised.  David was okay with it.  I wouldn't make a special effort to see it again, but I'm glad I saw it once.

2 hours ago, momof3kids-Yvonne said:

Sorry to hear about his ankle. How far is the college he chose from home? What about from you? 

He's less than 2 hours from us and about 4 hours from home.

Being redshirted does have its advantages.  He will be on full scholarship for 5 years instead of 4 and hopefully will get started on his Master's degree.  Thankfully he isn't too upset about it. 

I haven't posted about Gabe in awhile.  He started his college career at Gardner Webb University this past summer and is very happy with the school and coaching staff.  Unfortunately this fall he had an injury during practice -- a badly sprained ankle.  It was almost healed when he sprained it again.  So he's been redshirted for the year.  His ankle is much better now, and he is again practicing and working out with the team.  He just can't actually play in a game, or he will lose his redshirt status.  

In the past two weeks GWU has defeated two ACC teams -- Georgia Tech and Wake Forest!  Here's a pic of Gabe during the WF game.  And yes, the guy in front of him is a teammate.

On 12/30/2018 at 8:52 AM, twiceblessed....nacole said:

I think this one is my favorite thus far!!

Mine too!

On 12/9/2018 at 12:32 PM, LONE-STAR said:

Dinosaur can be hard on the back there are several in my family that have quit riding it for that reason.

I won't ride it again either.  Also never again for 7DMT, BTMRR, Safari, A.S.S., Star Tours.

On 12/11/2018 at 12:59 PM, Ivy said:

Gwen, so sorry to hear about your injury.  Hope you continue to improve and get to enjoy the rest of your vacation.

I look forward to seeing your photos and reading about the rest of your visit.

Thank you, Ivy.  Will eventually get more posted.

On 12/12/2018 at 10:35 AM, momof3kids-Yvonne said:

Gwen, I am sorry to hear about your back. Please never worry about keeping a trip report going constantly while you are at Disney. You're on vacation. One that you so needed after all you have been through these past couple years. We appreciate the time you take to share your photos and thoughts, but never feel obligated to do so.

 

Thanks, Yvonne.  It will be awhile before I can post more.  My back still has a long way to go before recovery.

We finally got home yesterday afternoon.

7 hours ago, Beckers said:

Gwen I’m so sorry to hear about your back. Do you know what specifically triggered it?   A few years ago we rode the safari and were in the last row and the guy I swear intentionally hit everything he could, as hard as he could to make it miserably bumpy and it messed my mom’s back up. 

I hope you are feeling better ASAP!

Thanks, Beckers.  I don't know for sure, but I think it was either the safari or Dinosaur.

Fiends are the greatest!  I received a wonderful surprise from Littleolwoman.aka.Kristie and her family a few days ago:

I only have to look at them to be happy.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Meanwhile I apologize to everyone that I haven't been able to keep up with this TR.  It's just been too difficult to sit in a straight chair long enough to get my photos processed.  I promise to finish it up, but it's going to be after we get home.

12 hours ago, twiceblessed....nacole said:

Getting older, really stinks.  I pray that you'll have peace, strength, joy and many blessings over these last couple of days at the Fort.  Safe travels home and Merry Christmas, my friend.

Thank you, NaCole!

11 hours ago, rtguy007 said:

Really sorry to hear you are having so many issues between you back and the meds. Hope things start to improve for you soon.

Today has been a little better.  Pain level is overall more tolerable.  Thanks!

11 hours ago, Okieatheart said:

I just returned home after being at the Fort with Gwen and David for a week.  Let me tell you, Gwen was in terrible pain, but - like the trooper she is - she didn't let that stop her.  She and David were such wonderful hosts, going with me to the parks, fancy restaurants, and sharing a memorable evening at Crockett's Tavern.  I have never seen such gracious hospitality under such dire conditions - and I so appreciate the efforts they made to make my visit so special.  Gwen and David are wonderful people - the "salt of the earth" kind - and if you're at the Fort now, try to meet them.  They are very special people!  Love you, David and Gwen!!!

Oh, Jean Ann, you give us way too much credit!  We loved having you here with us, hated to see you leave, and really miss you!  Love you too, my friend.  I just regret that my injury put such a damper on our plans.

On 12/6/2018 at 8:41 AM, twiceblessed....nacole said:

Oh...sorry to hear that, Gwen!  I hope it heals soon.  Enjoy those lazy days at the Fort ❤️

Thanks, NaCole.  I spent another day in the ER having tests run.  Doctor changed my meds, and I'm slowly improving.  But I'm having a bad reaction to the muscle relaxer and probably will discontinue it.

Sorry I've been AWOL for a few days.  I have a back injury from something I rode and ended up in the ER two days ago.  Still not doing great.  But I'd rather be feeling bad at the Fort than at home.

12 hours ago, rtguy007 said:

Got back about 2 hours ago. Long drive straight through but we got home safe. Going to bed and unpacking later.

Thanks for letting me know!