Thursday, January 9, 2014

Really Random Thursday, 1/9/14

Fellow Randomeers, welcome to the first installment of 2014.

Is it cold where you live? I got these pictures from Mark's brother this morning. Leon lives in St. Paul, MN, and he works at the science museum. Even though schools canceled classes throughout the state at the beginning of this week, the weather didn't keep Leon home from work. He has made a contraption that allows his nasal passages and lungs to keep from freezing.

In fact, to quote him, "...........because I have waited years to go out and do a bike errand below -10ºF.  And most important because I still can!   No I didn't get cold. This morning it was a beautiful Winter day, Bright sun, No wind, -10ºF, I wanted to stay out and enjoy the day." 
Alrighty then...While we desperately need rain here in California, I'm pretty happy with our daily highs in the 60s. 

We spent last weekend as a family in Disneyland. Even though our actual 40th anniversary was last June, we deemed this the official family anniversary celebration. That decision being made, we stayed at the Grand Californian, a five-star hotel that is very similar to the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite. Here are some of my favorite photos.

Our room:
Our view (you can barely see the Matterhorn in the distance). The Disneyland monorail ran right below our balcony about every fifteen minutes.
Shirt-sleeve weather:
A little boy waiting to see Lightning McQueen:
Mark's favorite ride--the park bench. And he even got two people to "ride" with him.
Anniversary dinner. Italian. Yummy.
Small Small World lights. Fantastic.
The deal Charlotte and I made with each other: I would go with her on California Screamin', a rollercoaster that has a loop where you go upside down. Gulp. She would go with me on Space Mountain, a rollercoaster that is pitch-black inside. She looks like she is just enjoying the scenery in Space Mountain (I think she has her fingers in her ears) and yes, the pink arrow covers my face on purpose.
The addition to my collection of wine glass pictures. Maybe I should start a separate tab at the top of my blog to document them.
One final picture before we headed home (sniff, sniff). We thought that staying at the Grand Californian would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We are already saving up for next year. 
Next week I'll have some thoughts on the new year, including some favorite quotes I have seen lately. Hope your new year is starting out well.

Your turn.


27 comments:

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Susan at TheBoredZombie.com said... #

I love Disney! Never been to Disneyland, but have enjoyed the Grand Floridian in Disney World. A real treat for sure! Wanna hear something that is going to get my Disney fan card taken away? I hate Space Mountain. I'm a big time roller coaster nerd and I think it is one of the worst! Putting a roller coaster in the dark was a novel idea, but dang, if you cant see the turn coming you can't brace yourself and it hurts like hell! The last time I rode it, I swear I thought I had a concussion!

Grandma G said... #

I noticed you're the only one hanging on in that ride... and your knuckles are looking pretty white! ;) Good for you for even going on it! I'd have been on the bench with Mark. :)

Celtic Thistle said... #

Pitch black or upside down, not really much to choose between the two of them is there! Sounds like you all had a wonderful time :)

Brenda said... #

I would so go on that park bench ride!

pcquilter said... #

I won't make that roller coaster deal with anyone! Those are NOT for me...not even Thunder Mountain!!

Val's Quilting Studio said... #

I"m on my way to work and quickly dropped by...so glad I did!! Your posts always make me smile! I always love seeing your wine glass updates...a tab would be fun....or a label..be funny to see all the posts together!!! PS: My knuckles are always gripping tight on those rides too!!!

Val's Quilting Studio said... #

PS: I've being saving salvages for you! Will let ya know when I have a bundle to send.

Debbie said... #

Love your brother in law - how funny! My son lives in CA now after several years in Minneapolis. He is SOOOO thankful! ;-)

Terri said... #

How nice to see green grass and palm trees on your family trip. We woke up to MINUS 16 degrees this morning.

Jan said... #

I was born and raised and still live in SoCal, so I don't usually stay in a hotel within driving distance of home. Your report on the Grand Californian, may make me change my mind.

Vicki said... #

So glad that you had such a great time and such wonderful weather. I am ready for some cold and rain myself!

Cathy O said... #

Leon is quite a hoot! Terry will love this! I also love your new blog picture. You are beautiful and sweet at the same time! We have not been to Disneyland for years and your post about the Californian makes me want to go.

Mrs Flying Blind... said... #

Looks like an awesome trip; as for the brother-in-law... I have no words!

Sara said... #

What a great trip to take with family!! And beautiful weather to top it off!

Lorna McMahon said... #

It has definitely been abnormally cold here. Thank God for the wood stove! Glad to see you and your family enjoyed some sun and fun. Thanks for sharing!

Lucy | Charm About You said... #

Sounds like a truly wonderful time and that room looks beautiful :) Looking forward to your thoughts and quotes!

Needled Mom said... #

It looks like it was a perfect family trip - fun for everyone. I can understand why you are already saving up for the next trip.

Carla said... #

I haven't been there since I was 16. Just a few years now : ) I've been saving air miles like crazy so one day I can take the family for a once in a lifetime trip. Looks like you had a great time

Rene' said... #

Fun trip. Our Disney has a Grand Floridian hotel. Don't know why I thought it strange there is also a Grand Californian. Hope you get to go every year!

Sweet Woodruff said... #

Your tag line is a hoot. I know that feeling. I don't remember ever running across you before, but I'm so glad I did. I linked up for the first time today. I can't wait to look around and see what others shared. I love quilty/fabric/thready inspiration. :) Have a good weekend. Thanks for giving us a place to be a quilting community online. I have no quilty friends in real life.

Deb@asimplelifequilts said... #

I love Disney - we have been to Orlando several times and I think my husband and I enjoy it even more than the kids! Thanks for sharing your fun!

Katy Cameron said... #

I lived in Canada in what I discovered this year was the last big freeze (as a teen I was apparently oblivious lol) when it was -100 C with the wind chill factor a few times, and pretty much all winter it was -40 C without taking wind chill into account. I'm with Mark's brother, if it's a nice sunny day it didn't feel that bad (although my host family hauled me back in a few times to add more layers lol)

Looks like you had fun at Disney, hope you have a great trip next time too!

I'm getting random withdrawals now, but I cunningly arranged for the FAL to end on Friday so I didn't have to miss it again next time ;o)

Michele said... #

I'm so jealous. It looks like it was a great trip. The warmer weather alone would have made me very happy.

Anne / Springleaf Studios said... #

Happy very belated anniversary Cindy. Looks like you all had fun. I hope to join you here on Random Thursdays more often this year.

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