For as long as I can remember, I’ve nearly unconsciously made up nuanced songs about every pet or family member. For some reason, I called my daughter by the name “Bob” in an early ditty about her. Later versions included “Busy Bob” and then “Buttery Bob,” referencing her hair Continue reading “Buttery Bob’s Best-Ever Chicken Pot Pie and the Songs in My Head”
Surviving a Disney Vacation with an Introvert
Disney World is an extrovert’s paradise. Every day, the Magic Kingdom alone hosts an average of more than 50,000 guests, making it the most-visited park in the world (disneyorlandandbyond.co.uk, 2017) Extroverts are fed a never-ending buffet of stimulation in the form of rides, parades, and fireworks. For the introvert, however, the constant togetherness, technicolor desserts, and blinding noise quickly lead to sensory overload. And this turns the kind princess into a surly and vile fault-finder. Can you not put your glass down on the table without it making a sound? Why do you have to provide a narrative on every turn of the PeopleMover? Continue reading “Surviving a Disney Vacation with an Introvert”
Where the Dogs Go: Best Foodies Bets Outside of Disney World
Other than eating at our campsite, there really aren’t any dog-friendly dining options in Disney World. Even Disney Springs, to my amazement, does not allow our four-legged friends to stroll its bustling vistas or lounge on its romantic patios. Most nights during a trip to Disney’s Fort Wilderness, I take almost too-much pleasure in cooking or grilling our meals. As W.C. Fields said, “I cook with wine. Sometimes, I even Continue reading “Where the Dogs Go: Best Foodies Bets Outside of Disney World”
Mr. Rogers, Change at Fort Wilderness, and Being a Good Camping Neighbor
Our favorite neighbor, Mr. Fred Rogers, would have been 91 today (March 20). Born under the sun sign of Pisces, the children’s television star is the portraiture of a person who is unselfish, relentlessly compassionate, and able to rise above ego to resolve conflict. Among his most famous of quotes is “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind.The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” Had he not passed away in 2003 – prior to the social media explosion, I imagine that his wisdom would have helped to offset or heal some of today’s rampant relational aggressions and Continue reading “Mr. Rogers, Change at Fort Wilderness, and Being a Good Camping Neighbor”
(Quiz) Survival 101 for the Ordinary Camper/RVer: Test Your Knowledge
Just because you have a Class A motorhome or camp only on concrete, doesn’t mean that you don’t need the most basic of survival skills. Even though we are at our best when we are one with nature – nature is not always our friend. Go back and read Jack London’s Call of the Wild if you need a reminder. Let’s have some fun, and see if you are prepared. Continue reading “(Quiz) Survival 101 for the Ordinary Camper/RVer: Test Your Knowledge”
Salvation Biscuits from the Farmhouse at Serenbe
These biscuits go beyond soul food. I believe that they potentially lead to salvation, and I can try to explain why. With only four ingredients, they take only minutes to make. And after you eat one, you will know what heaven must taste like. It was a spring day several years ago, when I first visited the Farmhouse at Serenbe, which sits at the edge of a utopian, nature-focused community south of Atlanta. Continue reading “Salvation Biscuits from the Farmhouse at Serenbe”
Fort Wilderness Vocabulary: 10 Useful & Useless Words to Learn Before You Go (Part 1)
Whether it’s your first time or 40th time to Disney’s Fort Wilderness, you’re bound to have a more successful trip if you know the native language. Some of these are well-known by Fort old-timers, and other are just beginning to emerge into the daily Bay Lake dialogue. Next month, we’ll add another 10 useful and useless words to the list. Continue reading “Fort Wilderness Vocabulary: 10 Useful & Useless Words to Learn Before You Go (Part 1)”
What If Disney World Added A Campground and It Looked Like This . . .
A welcoming of a new DVC resort (Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge) brings with it the angst of the unknown. Long-time Disney campers at Fort Wilderness wonder how it will change the walking path (temporarily closed), the sense of privacy, and affordability. Currently, rumors abound, with many of them quite inaccurate (no my dear, a parking lot will likely not back all the way up to Pioneer Hall, as the stakes are marked for buffers). With Fort Wilderness often at near capacity, we often wonder about Walt’s original vision for two campgrounds at Walt Disney World. As long as we are dreaming, Continue reading “What If Disney World Added A Campground and It Looked Like This . . .”
Post Disney Syndrome and Six Ways to Find Joy after Fort Wilderness
It starts with me after the very first night when I realize that one day of our Disney Fort Wilderness stay has moved into Historyland. I remember feeling something similar when I turned ten years old, and realized that my life was at least 10 percent over. The anxiety deepens and starts to show on my face and in my body as we approach the midpoint of the trip. As we enter the final 48-hour lap, my blood pressure rises as I am overcome with a very blue sense of impending gloom. Is this our last boat ride across Bay Lake? Our final swim at the Meadows? The last time we will hear the constant roar of the buses? “No! We cannot stay another day!” I tell our pitiful children, feeling as though I am channeling Cruella De Vil. Continue reading “Post Disney Syndrome and Six Ways to Find Joy after Fort Wilderness”
An Epcot International Dip Board
In spite of my fondness for Soarin’ and Listen to the Land, my favorite part of Epcot is walking around the countries, relishing the architecture and the cuisines. I tried to drink around the world when I was much younger, but tended to get stuck in beautiful Mexico, then usually ended up skipping everything else – heading to France for some wine to top off the tequila. These days family has a hard time choosing the country where we will dine in Epcot – so many choices. Such is the case even at home, when I feel like exploring cooking outside of my southern roots (and that’s pretty often). So, I thought why not have a little international dip night at home, using our beloved Epcot as a guide.