May 4 - Disney in the wet

It wasn't raining here when we left, but was raining steadily along 528.  I got off the highway to stop at a Home Depot to pick up two of their big $5 umbrellas, figuring that anything at Disney would be much more expensive, and smaller.  Sandy had brought ponchos, they also saw a lot of use.

We arrived a little after noon and found the Brown Derby for lunch.  We lingered ... it was raining outside ... unbeknownst to Sandy, I had an anniversary card which I signed when she was using the restroom.  The waiter caught on and brought us two cute little chocolate mousse thingys ... surprised the heck out of her ... the card stayed hidden until dinner.

She was even more surprised when two little cakes and a "Happy Anniversary" chocolate disc were brought to the table at the conclusion of our dinner.  I'd arranged that through Kim Davies, who had contacted the restaurant.  I don't usually do anything, prompting Sandy to say "I'm stunned".  Score one for me :).

It's been 35 years.  Naturally there have been some bumps in the road; it wouldn't be life without some bumps; but they've been good years. The card was perfect; it said it all; the love of my life.

We did take in a couple of Disney things before meeting up with Jason and the gang.  After dinner, in mostly heavy rain, we did an indoor roller coaster ride and then caught the late night show and fireworks.  Jason was right -- these are the best Disney fireworks.  Score one for Disney Hollywood Studios !

Our first trip to the early incarnation, then called Disney MGM, was the year that it opened, with Jeffrey and Nathan.  That was in '89 or '90.  MGM obviously broadened the appeal; perfect for that time.  Pixar and Lucasfilms have made it huge, in terms of appeal; mucho smart business moves considering the theme park business.  Back in '89 or '90, what the park would become was just a dream. It's been through several iterations since then and is still changing.

We had a great time; a good day.  We were home around 11:30 to our very anxious Cassie.

Cassie had seen Lisa, of course, at lunch and dinner.  She'd also seen Jim Brendel and others working here, as they tore out the two doors and partially bricked up the empty space. They'll be back fitting windows, drywall, stucco outside; then I'll have work to do with some taping and inside finishing work.  We don't have much time !  It'll be rough at best.

Her incision looks clean but she's certainly not acting like a dog who has recently had surgery.  Good dog !

Today we go boating.  Our Marina has repaired our motor, replacing the water pump and thermostats.  Mark called while we were at Disney to say that the port side temperature sensor also needed replacing but that he would disable that until he got the new one in, so that we could use the boat today.  Whether we get out again remains to be seen; ... I may take the battery with me today ... or not.

Onward !