BEEN THERE, DONE THAT!

I think we got the Disney experience out of our system - it wasn't really on our bucket list, but turned out to be a lot of fun.  I had been there several times back in the 80's, but Rick had never been.  We opted for the one day pass and added the hopper option which allows you to jump around between the four parks. 

It was looking to be a gorgeous day - so off we went to meet up with friends, Wayne and Carol at Hollywood Studios.

The first characters to greet us where that adorable twosome Donald & Daisy

Daisy was busy working the crowd signing autographs - she's a very popular girl. 

Goofy just hanging around.

And, of course, Mickey giving us a big" hey thanks for coming" wave.

Carol and I were definitely NOT doing the Tower of Terror - but we did.  Turns out we got talked into doing several rides that we should of not agreed to go on.

Wayne and Carol were on a three day pass so after Rick and I saw as much as we wanted to see at Hollywood Studios we hopped over to Epcot.  

And, once again, talked into a couple of rides that they claim four year olds can handle - really?

And, of course, in London we ran into Ms. Mary Poppins and a couple of her fans.

The town they selected to represent Germany turns out to be the town I spent a year and a half of my life hanging around in during the early 70's - I can guarantee you I never paid $12.00 for a beer while living there - not even for a boot of beer.

Complete with the Wurzburg Castle on the hill and a line for those $12.00 beers.

So after we toured the rest of the countries and had our fill of Epcot, we hopped on the Monorail, jumped onto the paddle boat and landed at the Magic Kingdom just in time for their fireworks display.

Got to admit - it was spectacular.

And then Jiminy Cricket sings "When you Wish Upon a Star"and you are, once again reminded,  that "Dreams can come true".

I am a sucker for fireworks - so it was a race back to the Monorail and  a sprint thru Epcot to see their fireworks show.

It was all magical.

In project news - the TV cabinet is done and the teak, stain and varnish make it a perfect match to the existing cabinets.  Gotta say, Rick, you have out done yourself on this one.

Oh, yes, forgot to tell you - after ripping out the birch ply, the teak ply we installed turned out to be way too dark to get a stain to match and an aggressive dark vertical wood grain did not match the existing at all- we were suspicious during installation, but...  So, again back to the drawing board.  We had some teak veneer that we had originally planned on using but thought it would be too much work.  Hah!  So in the end that is what we did - glued the veneer over the teak ply we had just installed and the wood grain, stain and varnish worked.  Exact match, grain and color! Seems the third time is the charm.

With that project checked off the list we decided to join Wayne & Carol for their last day at Disney and do the Magic Kingdom.

The Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin  - let the games begin. 
Yikes Rick looks determined to win this
 game.

We did it all and enjoyed the day.  We didn't stay for another
 round of fireworks, but we did stay for the Celebration Parade.

The parade turned into a dance party in the street - 

Even Woody was busting a move.

  And my girl Jessie kicking up her heels.

They really make it happen here - you do feel the magic.
We were lucky to be here before the spring break starts. Crowds were down and the lines for the rides were manageable, but those double wide strollers are a challenge to deal with.  Like I said, Been There, Done That - Back to Broulee projects.
  

Perfect ending to a perfect day.  

Son Brad surprised us with a quick visit this past weekend.  He was in the Ft. Lauderdale area for a press check (which got delayed) so he decided to drive up and spend a night on Broulee.  We were very happy to see him - especially Izzy.  

Catching up on work related emails - at his "Florida Office".

We're going to Disney World!

Just a preview of things to come

Downtown Disney  before the big Disney World experience.

Candied apples - oh my.

The balloon ride with the moon in the background - awesome and the view is free.

Everything here is larger than life and get your credit card limit increased.  

Taking a break from projects - Disney World to follow.

Fits Like a Glove

Last week we found a compact washer and dryer set (GE) after several trips to Lowe's to confirm measurements, we finally decided to purchase - but still not totally convinced that it would fit.  Delivery was scheduled for last Friday and then the prep work began.  New electrical outlets, plumbing and extension of the floor where the washer would sit.  Rick took the opportunity to clean up and remove some of the old wiring and by Friday we were ready.  The old washer/dryer combo has been sitting in the back cockpit since it was determined that it was not going to be fixed.  Our first problem on Friday morning was figuring out how to get the old unit off (delivery was supposed to be drop new units at dock and remove old unit from dock). 

Hooked up the hoist that we use to raise and lower the dinghy, wrap a couple of dock lines around the washer, lift it up to a platform the captain built between the dock and the boat and slide it onto the dock - so far everything is going ok (except for the unscheduled rain).

The Lowe's delivery guys insisted on manhandling the units rolling the dolly over the platform and then lowering it into the cockpit- no hoist required.

Thanks guys!  They actually wanted to install them for us - they said they had never installed units on a boat before and thought it would be an interesting story.  We knew a lot more was involved than what they were thinking so we invited them to see where the units would be going....Oh, well,... they agreed, they would pass on the offer. We heard them talking as they left. Something about a tight fit and "I could live on a boat".

Our friends, Wayne and Carol are heading over from Kissimme to help with the installation.

I'm so excited. I hope they fit.

Turns out they fit like a glove - like they were made for the cabinet.  Wayne & Carol were here by noon and we were doing a test load by 3:00.  Not to say it was eazzy peazzy, but we were all pleased with how well things went.  The step in front of the washer door is now on a hinge and flips up (rough unfinished version).

For anyone interested, here's the back side of the new units; the stabilizer actuator below, wiring, plumbing and venting accessible through two hatches in the head. Another one of those tight spaces on a boat.

Saturday, Sunday and Monday have been picture perfect days - temps in the 80's and no rain. Record breaking temps for the rest of the week - feels good. 

Back to the TV cabinet remodel.

Stay tuned