Jabofi

Category :
I will finish this eventually, really.

Now remember, this is the day before BLT opened, so we really couldn’t get in.  We were basically pressing our noses up against the window and oohing and aahing.  This next picture is the front lobby.  Excuse the flash.  I’m photographically challenged at times!



This is what it looks like at dusk from the front of the lobby.  Love the peak of Space Mountain there.  But does anyone notice anything else about this picture?  Look at the cloud formation to the right and what do you see?  I’ll give you a moment.



Mickey!  Or maybe it’s just us, but I swear I see Mickey there.  What a great start!

I tried to capture Mickey again, but not as good this time.  Maybe old-style Mickey?  Or maybe my imagination is just a bit too, um, Mickeyfied for my own good.



Here’s a better picture of the lobby.  Finally figured out how to turn my flash off.  Still not a great picture, and there are a lot of them out there now (thank you guys who are showing us those great pictures!)  I do love the artwork.  I wouldn’t mind having this in my home.



Oh, this one is cool.  Temp Fountain, without the water turned on.  We were just dying to see our tile!  Even DH with his super nice Nikon can’t get a shot of that from here.



I don’t know why, but this one just about made me tear up!  A nice big Welcome Home for us DVC members.  That was sooo exciting to see.



Even the rug in front of the door is cool.  Disney is welcoming us all over the place.



And finally, the Bay Lake Tower sign over the door.  With neon, of course.  It IS contemporary.

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 8:49 PM Location Home Office | Permalink | Comments (0) |      

Category :
We took the noon flight from Pittsburgh to Orlando, non-stop.  Hopped off the plane, went down to the not-so-magical express, found our line to the Contemporary and waited.  And waited.  Who knew that Monday afternoons were a busy time for ME?

After we finally were on the bus, we did our usual routine.  Pull out the iPhone splitter and earbuds, loaded up iTunes, and played Wishes, followed by Spectromagic.  Usually this is enough to get us to the resort we’re staying at, but we had to play a few additional tunes this trip.  The not-so-ME stopped at the Polynesian and Floridian first.  Darn!  We were so excited we didn’t want to wait anymore!

So, we got to the Contemp, but our eyes went straight to BLT.  Beautiful, and to think in a short time we would be there.  We went to the registration desk and checked in.  Of course, the first thing we asked was how early we could check into BLT.  I wanted to go down at 12:01 and check in, but the folks at the desk said the earliest we could check in was 6:00 am.  Bummer.  So we went to check out our room in the Contemp, dump stuff, have our Owners Lockers and groceries delivered to the room.  We were in 4677, which I think was a great room.  Right off the elevators so not a far walk.  And a gorgeous view of the lake with Epcot off in the distance.  I can’t believe we did not take pictures.  Duh.  We just weren’t thinking I guess.  Too focused on BLT.

After we got all of our stuff delivered we decided enough is enough, it’s time to go snoop at BLT.  First we stopped at the registration desk again and asked a different person, what time can we check into BLT?  Told the same thing, 6:00 am.  Sigh.  We’ll ask again, never fear.

So we walked over to BLT and the first thing we noticed were all of the birds hanging out on the building.  I've got to admit, it was a little scary.  Like they were all there keeping an eye on the place, making sure we didn't get too close.  Weird.

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 1:44 PM Location Home Office | Permalink | Comments (0) |      

Category : WDW
So, leading up to our trip....I felt a lot like that little boy from the Year of a Million Dreams add campaign, “I’m too excited to sleep!”  

We initially had our reservations for the official opening day (my gods, I can’t remember when it was supposed to be.  September?) then when DVC changed the date on us we changed our dates too.  Which is fun, because we already had a reservation for August 14-16 for DH’s BD celebration at the VWL.  Which we kept.  I mean, we couldn't not be there for DH's BD, could we?  Oh well, the sacrifices we have to make for our DVC.  

(BTW, anyone else notice that the original dates were during the “Adventure” season and the new dates just so happened to fall in the “Magic” season?  Coincidence?  I don’t think so.)

We then decided that we wanted to be the first to check into BLT, so we thought we would be clever and fly down the day before.  Some original idea that was!  There were lots and lots of other people that had the same idea, LOL.  We didn’t even try to get into a DVC room for the night.  We decided that we would use the AP rate at the Comtemporary just so we could be right there for all of the action.  We chose a Tower - Bay Lake View.  I guess we really wanted to see how that would compare with BLT.  We've never stayed there before so this would be a good time to try it!  So here's our first, and maybe last, reservation at the Comtemporary.

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 3:19 PM Location Home Office | Permalink | Comments (0) |      

Category : WDW
What a wonderful week we had at the opening of the new Bay Lake Towers at Walt Disney World.
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Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 2:01 PM Location Traveling | Permalink | Comments (0) |      

Category : Irony

I thought this was so funny, and so strange, I just had to share.  
 
We had made an online purchase of a few items.  I received an email informing me that our items had shipped.   With a link to the UPS tracking information.  Wooho.  So of course, I immediately clicked on the link to see when our package would arrive.  Here's what I saw:



So, as you can see, although today is only 4/4/2008, the package has already been delivered!  On 4/13/2008.  Wow, now that's service.  Of course, it was (will be) delivered to Media, PA, wherever the heck that is, and was (will be) delivered to someone else's front door.  I hope they do (will) enjoy it!

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 10:16 AM Location Hookstown | Permalink | Comments (2) |      

Category : Apple Stuff

I've been drooling over the new Macbook Air since MacWorld.  And we've also been eyeing Apple TV, which seemed like it would be a very good fit for us.  After playing with the idea for awhile, I decided to go online and start an order, just to see how much all of this cool stuff would run me.  I put everything in a shopping cart and saved it to think it over.

In the meantime, I thought that maybe I should be a bit more practical and buy something like the DR Trimmer/Mower instead.  We've got about 7 acres of land here and can really, really use it.  Let's see, practical or fun, practical or fun?

Coincidently, I was online at the DR site checking out the DR Trimmer when I received a phone call from Erica at Apple.  She received my saved shopping cart info and wanted to know if she could help in anyway.  I explained that I was trying to be practical and she mentioned financing.  Well, that's not an issue for us (being DINKS and all).  Then she started asking me some questions, where I work, etc.  Long story short, Erica was able to give me a fantastic discount on everything!  So, I went for the MacBook Air, Apple TV, Time Capsule, and assorted and various other sundry pieces and parts.

So, if anyone is interested in getting fantastic service and a great discount with Apple, let me know.  Erica has said that she would give anyone I forward on to her the same great discount.  And don't worry, I'm not getting anything out of the deal.  Just want to pass on my good fortune....

Next up, my new Macbook Air!!!!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 10:48 AM Location Traveling | Permalink | Comments (0) |      

Category : Tribute

It is with a heavy heart today that I sit here and write about the passing of a beloved Pittsburgh legend, Myron Cope.  For anyone who hasn't heard of this wonderful man, I'll try to explain.

Myron Cope was the color commentator for the Steelers for decades, on radio and TV.  The man had passion for his team.  He would shout and scream and yell during the game, and it was a blast to hear.  He started during the glory years in the '70s and continued until he retired in 2005.  I am not the only person in Pittsburgh, or the world for that matter (just ask Dec) that would watch the game on TV with the sound turned down and turn up the radio just to listen to Myron.  One of the greatest things to me about the invention of the internet was having the ability to listen to Myron on a Pittsburgh radio station via the internet for Steelers football no matter where in the world I was living.  He always, always made me smile.

Myron did a lot of the corniest, cheesiest commercials you have EVER seen on television.  They were too funny to watch, and what made them so great was you could tell Mryon was having a ball doing them.  He sang, he danced, did stunts.  Hysterical!  Do a google search for him.  You won't be disappointed.  There are also some great tributes on youtube.

Do you know the terrible towel?  That yellow towel (black and gold) that Steeler fans wave around?  The one you either love or hate?  Yep, that was created by Mryon Cope.  He was smart enough to patent the idea and all proceeds for the sales goes to the Allegheny Valley School for children and adults with mental retardation.   So, he gave a lot to the community.  Myron also coined the name for the Immaculate Reception.  Anyone who has followed football for a few years knows what that is.  He was honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame by winnng the 2005 Rozelle award.  His article on Howard Cosell was included in Sport's Illustrated 50th anniversary magazine as one of the 50 best articles written.  His article on Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) won him the E.P. Dutton prize for "Best Magazine Sportswriting in the Nation".  He was the only American football commentor to be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.

Myron was a real character.  If you heard him speak just once you would have thought that his voice was the most irritating thing you ever heard.  High-pitched, screechy, so "Pittsburgh" he was almost non-understandable.  But my, if you listened to him after awhile you grew to love him.  He created lots of terms that you won't hear around the country.  Yoi, double-yoi, hum-hah, okel-dokel, garganzola, Cleve Brownies, Cinci Bungles.  He gave the Bus his name.  Slash too.

And sadly, I went to CNN online just to see if he was mentioned.  I thought, passing of a legend, etc., he would get some sort of reference.  Instead, in the sports section they have "Watch a swimsuit model get her body painted".  Myron would have laughed his ass off on that one....

Mryon, the Terrible Towel is waving at half-mast for you today.  You'll be missed.

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 6:56 PM Location Hookstown | Permalink | Comments (0) |      

Category : Eclipse and Technology

We are demonstrating the utlimate in technology and partnership tonight.  Right now, the lunar eclipse is starting.  It's very cold out.  16 degrees F.  About 3 inches of snow on the ground.  And Dec is standing outside in the freezing cold taking lots of lovely pictures on his good camera (on the tripod) and instantly uploading them to Flickr via Eye-Fi.  And I am sitting inside where it's nice and warm.  Hitting refresh on Flickr.  Watching the eclipse from the comfort of my couch.  With the dogs.  Poor Dec....

Update, Dec got his remote for his camera out so he can keep his hands in his pockets and still take pictures.  If any of you out there are friends or family you'll be able to view these at his Flickr account here.

Ok, I'm feeling guilty.  Time to go brave the elements....

8:55 pm eastern.  Crap, got out there just in time to have the camera battery die.  Not to worry.  Put another battery in.  Oh, double crap!  That battery lasted long enough to take one picture.  All batteries dead.  Groan.  We're doing a quick charge and hopefully we'll get more pictures in half an hour or so.  I'm going to go back out and watch.  It is so beautiful out there....

9:30 pm eastern.  Well, got a few more shots off before the freshly charged (kinda) battery died.  Time to switch batteries again and warm up.

10:03 pm eastern.  14 degrees F.  The eclipse is total.  Wow, a truly awesome sight.  Dec has got some great pictures out there.  The night is crystal clear.  The snow on the ground and in the trees is making everything glow.  And the moon is this orange-red color and just a fantastic sight to see.

Oh gods, I can't feel my fingers.  I need to go back out in a bit and watch it move.  Note to self:  buy a good telescope before 2010...

10:20 pm eastern.  Still 14 degrees F.  Still f*cking cold.  Ok, when the camera freezes and you can't change settings it's time to call it a night.  But what beautiful pictures.
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Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 8:56 PM Location Hookstown, PA | Permalink | Comments (2) |      

Category : Restaurant Reviews

I've decided that Houston is a great place to visit, but if I stayed here I would gain a whole lot of weight, very fast.  Oh my, so much good food, so little time.....

Today for lunch I took a couple of folks from where I've been working these past couple of weeks to celebrate one of the guys birthdays.  Happy Birthday Justin!  Anyhow, we are working in downtown area where there is  tunnel system running all around under the city.   6 miles worth of tunnels.  Good thing I had a couple of tour guys or I would have definitely gotten lost quickly.  There are many many choices for lunch here, most of the choices some version of a fast food place.  I asked them where the best place to go would be and they both said Treebeards.  Specifically, The Tunnel Treebeards.  Which is quite close and meant we did not have to go outside in the torrential downpour that we got here today.  (Not that I'm complaining.  Poor Dec has to deal with at least 7 inches of snow and freezing rain on top of that.)

Treebeards is an interesting place.  It's like a cafeteria.  You walk around the counter and point at food and they slap it on a plate for you.  Oh, but what food they have.  I decided on the chicken-fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a jalepeno cornbread.  Low calorie choice as you can see....oh, but so good.  The chicken was lovely.  Mashed potatoes, ymmm.  Definitely a thumbs up for someone who is not interested in the weight, arteries, or blood pressure!
 
I like Houston.....

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 9:35 PM Location Houston, TX | Permalink | Comments (0) |      

Category : Travel

Isn't technology grand?  I've just checked into my Continental flight.  I was able to have my boarding pass sent to my PDA.  No more printing boarding passes.  Just show the security drones my crackberry, they scan the boarding pass on my screen, scan my ID, and I'm ready to go!  Talk about nice and easy.  I wish more airlines offered this service.

Also, I've got to say, this is the absolute easiest time I've had going through security in years.  Terminal B TSA guys at IAH, you guys have your act together.  Plus you are very nice.  Which is quite unusual with TSA folks anymore.  There was a nice little old lady in front of me that had absolutely no idea what to do.  A TSA guy came out and walked her through the process, and last I saw them he was personally escorting her to her gate to make sure she made it ok.  Now that sort of thing I have not seen since TSA got involved with the whole security debacle we've all come to know and love.  Way to go Houston TSA!

So, I'm sitting at my gate now at what appears to be a run down bus station.  Somehow I've managed to get a direct flight from Houston to Pittsburgh on one of those teeny tiny regional jets.  It's going to be a long, uncomfortable flight, even for a short one like me.  I am riding in one of those small ERJs that has rows with 2 seats on one side, 1 on the other.  I've got an "A" seat, meaning I'm sitting by myself.  Woohoo!  No sitting beside a GEBS guy this flight!  Which is good, cause it's been a long week and my temper is a little short right now.  Sitting for 4 hours fighting for my spot on the armrest would not make Terri a happy camper.....

I can't wait to get home, but it is quite beautiful out today in Houston, sunny and 74 degrees (F).  And I just checked weather.com and the weather at home is currenlty 37 degrees and cloudy with a chance of snow.  Brrr.  Oh well, I'll be back here next week so I'll have plenty of time to enjoy some warm sunny days again.  

Oh, and I'm so happy.  I'm going to hook up with Libby next week (I hope).  That will be fantastic.  Gee, I'll get spoiled seeing her again after just getting to see her at Lotusphere.  Any other Notes folks in town?  We can make it a mini Lotusphere celebration.

Now, if only my flight takes off on time........

Posted by Terri Sciolla-Lynch At 4:17 PM Location Houston | Permalink | Comments (0) |