Because You Asked

Now. About my long weekend, for those curious friends down south. I can report that a good time was had by all. (I'm not posting pics now, because most of them are quite hideous, but I'll think about it for later.) I took full advantage of my long overdue three-day weekend.

On Friday, I went to see Dr Craig and had my two temp crowns replaced with two permanent crowns. That didn't take long. My second stop took me to a new "puppy" store in St Cloud that Brooke had seen earlier in the week. (She didn't think the conditions were up-to-par, so I was nosey.) The storefront looked like a puppy-mill to me. The puppies didn't have their own spaces, but were crammed about a half dozen at a time into stalls in the front window. The place reeked and one little puppy was coughing. I decided to make a friendly call to our county Animal Control folks to inquire about a welfare check on the place. I left my name and phone number in case they needed more info from me or wanted me to sign a complaint. (More on this aspect of the day later.)

Next, we (Brooke, Caroline and the mother-of-the-bride) were off to a bridal store in Orlando to look at a designer that's captured Brooke's fancy. I don't have any pics, because we weren't permitted to take photos. Brooke looked lovely in all of the dresses, but one was complete perfection and made me a little teary. We took copious notes and she'll probably go for that one.

While Brooke was in the fitting room trying on wedding dresses, I got a call on my cell. I didn't recognize the number, so I let it roll into voicemail, thank goodness. The OWNER of the puppy store left me a message, calling me by my name and for some unknown reason my maiden name saying the Animal Control people had just left his store. He thanked me for filing a complaint against his business but wanted me to know that he had their full approval. He said "God bless you and have a good day." Totally non-threatening, but a little unnerving nonetheless. What the dickens? Turns out, Animal Control gave him my name and phone number, as it's a matter of "public record." They said it's routine when someone makes an inquiry or files a complaint. For the love of Pete!

When I expressed my dismay that they gave out my personal information to the store owner they said it was SOP to give out that information, but that I could contact my city, county or state representatives if I didn't like the law. I was so ticked-off. I asked the Animal Control employee if I had made the complaint anonymously, would they have been so jolly-on-the-spot about sending an inspector by the business. She assured me that they would have gone out right away. Note to self: when making complaints, do not give name or phone number. I'll do my good deeds and keep my personal info to myself next time.

After a good lunch at Firehouse Subs with the "girls" I headed home. Dwain and I checked into Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was kind of funny because we were assigned a room with a queen bed and bunk beds. That's not really the kind of upgrade I had in mind. I'd have preferred a Savannah View instead, but there are so many viewing areas we were sure to see plenty of animals.

We drove over to Disney's Polynesian Resort to have dinner at O'Hana's restaurant. It was quite good. They feature four meats, grilled kabob-style and served straight from the open fire at the table. The grilled turkey was especially tasty. Initially they brought out appetizers with dipping sauce, but the entree followed so quickly we were soon chowing down. Grilled vegies and potatoes au-gratin. The dessert was bread pudding a-la-mode with a Bananas Foster sauce. Words fail to describe the bread pudding, which is one of my favorites.

We didn't even need a winch to extricate ourselves from our seating O'Hana's and decided a walk along the lagoon was in order. We walked over to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and back. By that time, the fireworks (Wishes) were exploding over Magic Kingdom; made especially delightful because of the reflection off the lagoon. We found chaise loungers and watched the fireworks from afar. The breeze off the water was a little cool, but it was worth it to stick it out. It was a cloudless night and it was good to be outside under the stars.

Luckily, AKL was peaceful and we had a good stay for the night. We woke-up fairly early on Saturday and we spotted zebras, giraffes and some wildebeest-kinda animals grazing in the Savannah areas. Brooke met us at the lodge and we went for breakfast at Animal Kingdom at Donald's Breakfast-A-Saurus. It was a buffet and again--waaaaaaaay too much food, dozens of choices. (I'm not a real breakfast person, with a bagel being my usual fare, but Dwain and Brooke wouldn't need lunch after their feast.)

We didn't spend much time in the park because Brooke was suffering from a rip-roaring bladder infection and didn't feel like driving herself home. The rest of the day was spent at home, watching television and napping. Wonderful.

Sunday was chore day for the many household duties that have gone undone around the homestead because of OT and comings and goings. Laundry and spending time with Lucy and Dixie highlighted my Sunday. Reading, blogging and more napping.

I'm reminding myself why work is necessary when NOT working is so much more fun.