Canadian Buffoon's DISmeet vacation - 09/14 - Bowled Over

[pkondz]

A little less scandalous than your initial telling of this story, but still good!

I was surprised to find this out, too! Canadian things, man. (Our chocolate is also much better, I have to say! I read something a while ago about why, scientifically, it's creamier, but now I have no idea what the reason was. But...like, it is. Just much better. I'm biased.)

Our chocolate is better.

This from a quick Google:
"British chocolate tends to have a higher fat and cocoa content. American-made chocolate typically contains a larger dose of sugar. "

Love this! What a good-looking group!

Except for the funny-looking
dude dead center.

This made me laugh, but also take pause. Interesting thought here...

Wouldn't work with politicians.
They can smile and shake your hand
while stabbing you in the back
with the other.

When you folks eat together it gets dangerous!

Sounds like a typical meal with Nathan's entire immediate family. *shudder*

Whoops! Uh, oh!

I have no judgement because I take great interest in some things that would be an absolute snooze to most people I know. But I never could get excited about racing. My step father was into NASCAR and rarely missed a televised race. Nathan's got friends of the family who are mechanics and build their own cars and race in local events as a hobby. But I never quite got the appeal.

That's okay.
I can't stand NASCAR.
Or most other forms
of racing.

I like watching a race
that has actual passing.
You know... something to see.

COOL! And what a neat view to watch a race. The track with the palm trees and buildings in the background...it almost looks like a work of art!

It was a really nice area.
Totally get why Fran & Alison live there.

Exactly!! I put almost everything on my credit card because I get pretty good cashback incentives, and I'm usually good about keeping it all paid off in a timely manner. But I can imagine on vacation how things could pile up quickly, and you suddenly wouldn't have that kind of wiggle room to just eliminate $3000 credit from your limit.

Wow. Yeah, Nathan's done that drive a few times now. It's quite a long haul!! As much as I'd like to see the prairies—west of Ontario, the only place I've ever visited was Edmonton, and that was a quick trip—I don't think I'd want to do that drive...like, ever. Maybe with lots of stopping to smell the roses along the way.

Well, I've been known to drive a bit.

Gee, thanks for that. Now it's in my head, too.

Whoops! Sorry!


(not really. why should I
have to suffer alone?)

Holy smokes! Good luck! I'll never envy my mom for how she managed to balance her own stuff, and still get to all my big performances and events when I was in school.

That's called being a parent.
I never really got it until
I started doing it myself.

 

[mustinjourney]

I grabbed a mallet and
smartly wrapped her knuckles.

The knife would have been more effective.

I hit her with my mallet.


Food and mallets flew once again.

Again -- if you started with the knife, it would have been over immediately. Will you ever learn???

Fran stabbed me with her skewer
when I tried to sample "their" fondue.

See -- Fran figured it out!

I don't recall exactly what
Fran and Alison ordered
as they created their own (I believe)
but the three of us decided on
a S'mores fondue.

S'mores fondue is soooooo good.

I think that in their enthusiasm to
grab the shirt, a couple of guys
jumped up... someone pushed
another and... he...
Landed on me.

it's quite amazing what people will do for a free t-shirt.

And... did you see it?

hard to miss. Not sure why he's not watching the race though.

So.... which one do you pick?

this question caused me to go down the internet rabbit hole for about 2 hours. Holy hell. Started looking at exotic cars and then there was a story about car collectors, which included a prominent Houston attorney, which then prompted other houston attorney stories, and then I was looking at slideshows of expensive houses and somehow stumbled upon a couple that lost 470 pounds together.

After all that -- I guess I'll go with the Lambo.

 

[MHSweb79]

So the most dangerous part of the road trip was the T-shirt cannon? Yikes. That sounds scary.

Reminds me of the time, many years ago, Bill and I went to Fenway to see the Sox play (he’s there with our DD right now, actually) and a foul ball came shrieking down towards my head. Did my Lancelot make any attempt to save me? NO-OOOO. Fortunately the guy behind me reached over and plucked it just before it smashed into my brain.

And now you know why I’m sittng at home reading trip reports instead of sitting in the bleachers with my family....

 

[Malia78]

No dinner among friends is complete without some deadly weaponry.

Those were the best recaps

 

[pkondz]

The knife would have been more effective.

Again -- if you started with the knife, it would have been over immediately. Will you ever learn???

Ah, to be young again.
With age comes wisdom, grasshopper.

If you use a knife, you are likely
to inflict a fatal wound.

And then you would have to
pick up the cheque.

Leaving 'em alive leaves
them able to pay.

See -- Fran figured it out!

That's a skewer, not a knife.
She knows if it caused a mortal
wound that it would be a slow
death.
Plenty of time to pick up the tab.

S'mores fondue is soooooo good.

I found that out!

it's quite amazing what people will do for a free t-shirt.

I think the word you're looking for
is "painful."

hard to miss. Not sure why he's not watching the race though.

He was trying to decide
whether or not to
obliterate me.

this question caused me to go down the internet rabbit hole for about 2 hours. Holy hell. Started looking at exotic cars and then there was a story about car collectors, which included a prominent Houston attorney, which then prompted other houston attorney stories, and then I was looking at slideshows of expensive houses and somehow stumbled upon a couple that lost 470 pounds together.

After all that -- I guess I'll go with the Lambo.

Just think of all the knowlede
you gained!

 

[pkondz]

So the most dangerous part of the road trip was the T-shirt cannon? Yikes. That sounds scary.

It wasn't the most
pleasant part of the trip.

Reminds me of the time, many years ago, Bill and I went to Fenway to see the Sox play (he’s there with our DD right now, actually) and a foul ball came shrieking down towards my head. Did my Lancelot make any attempt to save me? NO-OOOO. Fortunately the guy behind me reached over and plucked it just before it smashed into my brain.

Holy crap!

Ya gotta keep your eyes
on the ball!

And now you know why I’m sittng at home reading trip reports instead of sitting in the bleachers with my family....

Yes, I suppose I do!

 

[pkondz]

No dinner among friends is complete without some deadly weaponry.

Weapons-free meals are dull.

Those were the best recaps

Thanks!
And all highly accurate!

 

[paradesintherain]

Joining in on the fun, a little late!

Plying her with irresistible gifts
didn't hurt either.

Okay... so she didn't agree
to marry me.

Love this progression of photos. What will happen next with Ariel?!

But just for fun,
do you pronounce it
data or data?

I have no idea how I pronounce it now.

And no matter how many times I go
or how honest I am...
It's always a little unnerving.

I feel the same way about handing over my ID to buy alcohol. I'm 10 years over the legal drinking age and I STILL feel guilty.

(Look. I'm Canadian.
Anyone with a gun is imposing.)

Not Canadian but I agree.

That's quite the haul for one day! I think I read in a previous TR I lurked on that you like to pick up your poker chips yourself? If not, there's a few in Kansas City I could send your way!

What's your best
or favourite breakfast recipe?

I'm really skilled at peeling bananas. Let me know if you want that recipe!

This 1919 Army issue bike.

Reminds me of Captain America, though a bit before WWII

Like this Captain America bike,

Oh wow the REAL Captain America bike! I'd go just for this, though the museum itself looks really cool, even for someone not particularly interested in motorcycles.

Since then, Nebo's eyes had failed
and he was pretty much blind,
he'd had or was about to have
surgery on both wrists and his spine.

I'm sorry to hear that your friend's health isn't doing so well

Grand total time spent looking
at sign I'd spent one year
trying to see.

It's cool to see, but really not much to it!

The attendant thanked me and wrote on
my ticket that it was good for tomorrow.

That worked out great! Parking in LA is bananas

It's so beautiful! I was lucky enough to attend a concert there. Such a lovely concert hall.

After that set, we went to the props building.
It's filled with actual props that have been
and will be used in various productions.

Prop houses are my favorite! Really miss them at DHS.

OH wow, that's so crowded! But Disney crowds prepare you for anything, eh?

I got a "Cuban".
(oven roasted pork, mustard, ham,
provolone cheese and pickles)
It was very tasty.

This sounds DELICIOUS.

Such a beautiful drive, wow!

California is the only State
in which lane splitting...
Well, it's not exactly legal...
but it's not illegal too.
They'd defined it...
just haven't said what to do with it.

That makes me sooooo nervous when I'm in California. Car drivers are so unaware of motorcycles, and the motorcycle drivers there are so bold!

My kind of meal, yum!!

 

[Self_resqing_princz]

Off To The Races


My second favourite driver's car.
(Scott Dixon)
I was too late to see my
favourite's come back.
More on him in a bit.

This one belongs to another
favourite driver.
(James Hinchcliffe)
But he's more my favourite
because he's Canadian.
Although, he is a fan favourite.
He's very personable.

The view of the cockpit.
Not a lot of room in there.

This is Josef Newgarden's car.
Easy to tell that he is the
reigning Indy car champion.
How?
The champion always gets
to have the number one on the car.

I wandered around some more,
just taking in all the sights
and sounds of the paddock area.
I did spot my favourite driver.

A Couple of things... first OMG... YOU SAW TK!
Second, you may remember (or know... or whatever)-- that I live just outside of Indianapolis and have lived in Indiana my ENTIRE life. I've never actually BEEN to the Indianapolis 500, but it is a bucket list item of mine. If you're ever in town for a practice, bump or carb day, look me up, I'll be happy to go as I hardly ever get to go to the track and my husband doesn't like racing.
Next, I used to work for a local tv station and I've met SEVERAL of the drivers. Hinch is a GREAT guy, I've met him. Dixon is super nice as well (met him)... Danica is a whole other can of worms... I've met her twice and she wasn't very nice either time. When I was a senior in college, I was aquiantances with the editor of Motor Trend magazine (at the time) and he got me a media pass for media day and I've never been able to repay him for his kindness for that- but anyway- I've met and interviewed several of the Indy drivers and owners (all of the Ganassi team and nearly all of the Rahal-Letterman team (except for Dave himself- which is odd because we are alumni of the same college and he's known for coming back to campus) and all of the Andretti boys (whom I adore)... Marco is SUCH a sweetheart. So, PLEASE- if you decide to come to Indy look me up and we'll tour the pits together and go up in the pagoda (which I've never done) and kiss the bricks!

 

[pkondz]

Joining in on the fun, a little late!

Nope! I don't subscribe to
the "late" theory of joining.
As long as you're here,
you're always right on time!

to the TR, Kara!

Love this progression of photos. What will happen next with Ariel?!

I'm afraid it might be a while
before I see her again.
Not even sure if she'll remember me.





Just kidding! Of course
she'll remember me!

I have no idea how I pronounce it now.

As long as it's not
"duh-tay."

I feel the same way about handing over my ID to buy alcohol. I'm 10 years over the legal drinking age and I STILL feel guilty.

I wonder if that ever
goes away?

Not Canadian but I agree.

That's quite the haul for one day! I think I read in a previous TR I lurked on that you like to pick up your poker chips yourself? If not, there's a few in Kansas City I could send your way!

Thanks!
And yes, that's right.
I want to point to my collection
and be able to say
that I've been to every one of
the places they're from.

Maybe this fall I should swing
by KC and pick some up.
Don't think I've been there yet.
Certainly not to a Harley store.

I'm really skilled at peeling bananas. Let me know if you want that recipe!

Oooohhh.... a skilled banana peeler.
Those are hard to find.

Reminds me of Captain America, though a bit before WWII

Wait for it.....

Oh wow the REAL Captain America bike! I'd go just for this, though the museum itself looks really cool, even for someone not particularly interested in motorcycles.

There ya go!

I'm sorry to hear that your friend's health isn't doing so well

Unfortunately, his health got
much worse after that.
Fortunately, he's been
on the mend since then.

It's cool to see, but really not much to it!

Nope!

That worked out great! Parking in LA is bananas

It's so beautiful! I was lucky enough to attend a concert there. Such a lovely concert hall.

You did!
What's it like on the inside?
Just as nice as the outside?

Prop houses are my favorite! Really miss them at DHS.

Yeah, me too.
Tragic.

OH wow, that's so crowded! But Disney crowds prepare you for anything, eh?

This sounds DELICIOUS.

It was good!

Such a beautiful drive, wow!

Oh, yes.
I really want to take the time
to do it right.
Over a few days instead of
a couple hours.

That makes me sooooo nervous when I'm in California. Car drivers are so unaware of motorcycles, and the motorcycle drivers there are so bold!

I noticed the entire range.
Some drivers are oblivious,
others are aggressive,
yet others are helpful.

My kind of meal, yum!!

Oh, Lord it was soooo good!

 

[pkondz]

A Couple of things... first OMG... YOU SAW TK!

Not the first time.
But it had been a while.

Second, you may remember (or know... or whatever)-- that I live just outside of Indianapolis and have lived in Indiana my ENTIRE life. I've never actually BEEN to the Indianapolis 500, but it is a bucket list item of mine. If you're ever in town for a practice, bump or carb day, look me up, I'll be happy to go as I hardly ever get to go to the track and my husband doesn't like racing.

Didn't know you'd been there
all your life. Now I do.
I'm compiling all the data
I can find so I can more
successfully stalk you.



I was in Indy last year,
shoot.... could've met up.

Not sure about this year, though.
Maybe?


I have been to the Indy 500.
Twice, in fact.
It's.... an amazing experience.
Even if you weren't a race fan.

Next, I used to work for a local tv station and I've met SEVERAL of the drivers. Hinch is a GREAT guy, I've met him. Dixon is super nice as well (met him)... Danica is a whole other can of worms... I've met her twice and she wasn't very nice either time. When I was a senior in college, I was aquiantances with the editor of Motor Trend magazine (at the time) and he got me a media pass for media day and I've never been able to repay him for his kindness for that- but anyway- I've met and interviewed several of the Indy drivers and owners (all of the Ganassi team and nearly all of the Rahal-Letterman team (except for Dave himself- which is odd because we are alumni of the same college and he's known for coming back to campus) and all of the Andretti boys (whom I adore)... Marco is SUCH a sweetheart. So, PLEASE- if you decide to come to Indy look me up and we'll tour the pits together and go up in the pagoda (which I've never done) and kiss the bricks!

Hmmm... be interested to hear
why you say Danica isn't nice.
She doesn't come off as being
all that friendly, but... that's TV.

And... thanks for the offer!
That's very generous of you!

 

[Kiotzu]

I know that feeling.
I just came off...
17 shifts in 16 straight days.
I have today off,
then two shifts tomorrow.

Feeling it.

Gah, that is horrible. I have picked up extra shifts at work lately so I can feel the grind. The girlfriend took me away for 3 days though this week for my birthday so that was a nice break. Now off to read your update.

 

[pkondz]

Gah, that is horrible. I have picked up extra shifts at work lately so I can feel the grind. The girlfriend took me away for 3 days though this week for my birthday so that was a nice break. Now off to read your update.

1. Happy belated birthday!
2. Where did she take you?
3. Three days! Nice!

 

[Kiotzu]

So.... which one do you pick?

The first McLaren...drooling commences

...all of our food had been dumped
in the middle of the table!

That looks like an amazing feast...for one or maybe two people.

Bloodied, but chastened,
we settled in for the next course.

If I was looking for this kind of violence I would expect in a Van Damme movie not a friendly TR.

I can't talk about the Melting Pot
and not talk about the bus boy.
I have never seen anyone clear
a table with as much alacrity
as this gentleman did!

I haven't been, almost went but girlfriend decided we should eat somewhere cheaper. Drats to her for thinking about our finances but I have always heard they have consistently great service.

All I know is that a great weight
(Maybe a couple hundred pounds?)
suddenly crashed down on top of me,
bending me double and forcing my neck
to bend my head into my chest.
I might have blacked out for a second.
I certainly saw stars, was very dizzy
and felt like I was going to vomit
for a while.
I felt better after a few minutes
and was (mostly) back to normal
after about half an hour.

ah I hope you are okay with no lasting repercussions.

1. Happy belated birthday!

Thank you thank you. I only feel a day over 27...possibly because I am a day over 27.

2. Where did she take you?

Sunshine Coast, BC. Specifically Gibson's. You ever watch Beachcombers? That took place there, we actually ate the restaurant featured in the show, Molly's Reach.

3. Three days! Nice!

It's no full on vacation but it was a very much needed and appreciated getaway.

 

[pkondz]

The first McLaren...drooling commences

That looks like an amazing feast...for one or maybe two people.

You know?
I kinda wondered a bit too.

But by the time the meal was done,
there was still some left over.
Not much... but some.

If I was looking for this kind of violence I would expect in a Van Damme movie not a friendly TR.

Never underestimate
a hungry woman.

I haven't been, almost went but girlfriend decided we should eat somewhere cheaper. Drats to her for thinking about our finances but I have always heard they have consistently great service.

Next time... GO!!!!

ah I hope you are okay with no lasting repercussions.

Yup. Fine.

Thank you thank you. I only feel a day over 27...possibly because I am a day over 27.

I only feel like a day over 27 too!
(multiplied by three.)

Sunshine Coast, BC. Specifically Gibson's. You ever watch Beachcombers? That took place there, we actually ate the restaurant featured in the show, Molly's Reach.

I remember watching it.
Didn't particularly care for it, though.

Bruno Gerussi's cooking show
was more my thing.

It's no full on vacation but it was a very much needed and appreciated getaway.

I bet!
I know how burned out
you said you were feeling.

 

[Kiotzu]

You know?
I kinda wondered a bit too.

But by the time the meal was done,
there was still some left over.
Not much... but some.

I guess eyes are bigger than stomach.

Never underestimate
a hungry woman.

After meeting my girlfriend, never.

Next time... GO!!!!

I told her next time we have the chance she doesn't have a choice.

Yup. Fine.

I'm glad to hear it.

I only feel like a day over 27 too!
(multiplied by three.)

You don't look a day over 25, if you ask me.

I remember watching it.
Didn't particularly care for it, though.

Bruno Gerussi's cooking show
was more my thing.

Was that the Celebrity Cooking show?

I bet!
I know how burned out
you said you were feeling.

Yes, but now I am recharged and ready to go.

 

[pkondz]

I guess eyes are bigger than stomach.

No.
The average eye is one inch wide.
The average stomach is
eleven inches long and six wide.

Unless of course..

After meeting my girlfriend, never.

I told her next time we have the chance she doesn't have a choice.

Yeah! You tell her!
Unless she picks something else.

You don't look a day over 25, if you ask me.

I'd say you're almost half right!

Was that the Celebrity Cooking show?

Yes, but now I am recharged and ready to go.

Good!

 

[cinderkelly]

I’ll be starting and the back and working my way forward. Again.

And hi! Hope all is well! I was in Canada ( Victoria) for my first time ever a couple of weeks ago. Thought about you. Went to Tim Horton’s in the Vancouver airport. Amazeballs.

 

[Steppesister]

So.... which one do you pick?

This isn't even a serious question.

The Lambo. Duh.

when I got a text from
@Steppesister that she was
in the lobby.

Ogling at the Lambo.

She hit me with her purse.

<WHACK!>

and had Liesa act as navigator
and co-pilot.

I'm a much better pilot.

There was a lot of laughing.

:yes

Liesa and Karilynn weren't far behind,
clothes flying everywhere.

Lies!!


I neatly folded up my clothes and put them on the table.

I think for the most part, people enjoyed it.

For those of you that I tagged earlier,
weigh in and let us know what you thought.

Very much! So much that I had another just yesterday.

I don't remember whose idea it was,
but we decided to pose for a selfie.
I shamelessly stole this photo
from Liesa's TR.

Mine. And steal away.

And if you haven't been reading hers,
why haven't you? She's a much better
writer than I am!
You can find her TR here:
The ABCs of Another Steppe Into Adventure!

Awww, thanks!! And of course- any and all are welcome. I can tell people for sure that it's going at a snail's pace right now due to lack of spare time. But, there are adventures being told and everyone's welcome to come along!

Jenny? It was really nice
meeting you and Mike.
Wish we could've had a bit more time.
Maybe on a future visit?

I really enjoyed their company a lot! @rentayenta

Don't we all look deceptively
calm and peaceful?

Just a quick photo pause before the mayhem ensued.

And it was gooooooood.
Yum!

sooooo good!!!

As a peace offering,
Alison suggested we order
the "famous" strawberry rhubarb cake.
So we did.
And it was good.
And we behaved.

You forgot the ice wine!!!!!!

I can say that I didn't eat too much
on Friday as I had another dinner
date that evening.

Good idea. Cuz that too was a lot of food!

I arrived a few minutes early
and found Liesa in the bar.
She was working on one drink
and by the time the others arrived
had started on her second.

You make me sound like a lush. But those lemon drops I had were seriously the BEST I have EVER had. No really.

I assumed that later that night
she would be buying clothes
as that's what she's known for,
getting tipsy and buying clothes.
Then I remembered we weren't
at Disney, so all bets were off.

Beats leaving my camera in a car.

Oh wait...

I do that too.

The cheese courses came with
breads and vegetables.
The latter took me by surprise.
I hadn't considered anything but
breads for a cheese fondue.

Good Lawd, that cheese was good. Nom, nom, nom....

Liesa laughed at my yelp of pain,
so I poked her in the hand.

I have the scars to prove it too!

A nice thing happened while
I was snapping photos.
A dad and his young son
(maybe 8 years old?)
were standing nearby and watching.
Maybe the boy asked his dad something,
or maybe the dad was telling
him something.
A crew member removed the
steering wheel (they detach)
and handed it to the boy.

Awwww, this warms my heart.

What a neat story!

I'll admit....
it was really cool!
Highlight for me.

I can see why!

There they ensure all the cars
meet stringent height, weight,
angle and other criteria.
It was really quite fascinating
to watch.
(Yeah, yeah... paint drying. I know.)
It was fascinating for me.

So, like how? They measure things or, ???

All I know is that a great weight
(Maybe a couple hundred pounds?)
suddenly crashed down on top of me,
bending me double and forcing my neck
to bend my head into my chest.
I might have blacked out for a second.
I certainly saw stars, was very dizzy
and felt like I was going to vomit
for a while.
I felt better after a few minutes
and was (mostly) back to normal
after about half an hour.

OUCH!!!

You poor thing! Glad there wasn't more long-lasting, or even permanent damage/injury!

So, you were basically right in front of the cars!! Nice!!

The race was a blast to watch.
The seat I'd picked was great.
I got to see some good racing
with at least one crash
right in front of me
and one of the most spectacular
passes I've ever seen.

Cool!!! I'd go to a race to see a crash. Especially if junk food is involved!

 

[Steppesister]

So, this is a photo of my favorite medical word: exophthalmos. I love saying it.

Carry on....

I’ll be starting and the back and working my way forward. Again.

And hi! Hope all is well! I was in Canada ( Victoria) for my first time ever a couple of weeks ago. Thought about you. Went to Tim Horton’s in the Vancouver airport. Amazeballs.

KELLY!!!!! HI!!!!