Let's Go!
/Adventures By Disney Destinations = Africa, Asia Pacific, Central & South America, Europe, North America
I do all the work… you make all the memories
Adventures By Disney
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Welcome Aboard an "Adventures By Disney" river cruise following the Rhine River through 4 countries, hundreds of photographs, and countless magical memories.
Has your family outgrown theme parks? Let’s talk about your next great adventure. Adventures By Disney is worldwide hassle free travel. I do all the work and you make all the memories. AbD is adventure with a Disney stamp of excellence, but not a rollercoaster, character, or long line in sight.
Do you need other reasons for a travel adventure? Keep reading.
Exploring the hidden gems, embracing diverse cultures, and creating unforgettable memories!
Wanderlust: A contagious feeling that fills our souls, compelling us to seek new horizons.
From breathtaking landscapes to bustling cities and quaint villages, each place holds its unique charm and story waiting to be discovered.
Lost in Wanderlust, Found in Adventure!
Embracing the vibrant colors of the world, painting my own travel canvas with moments of pure joy and inspiration.
Letting go of the familiar, stepping out of your comfort zone, and embracing the unknown with open arms.
Traveling is not just about the destination; it's about the journey and the incredible people we meet along the way.
Learning from different cultures, broadening our perspectives, and collecting stories to treasure for a lifetime.
Traveling: the antidote to routine, the key to self-discovery, and the ultimate source of inspiration.
Capturing the World, One Destination at a Time! So, here's to the road less traveled, the adventures yet to come, and the magic that awaits us!
Let’s go!
Disney Old School
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Are you tired of the crowds and long lines at Disney World? Are you looking for a more relaxed and nostalgic experience? Then it's time to go old school! Here are some tips for doing Disney World the old-fashioned way.
Visit during the off-season
If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to visit during the off-season. This typically means going in May or September, when the weather is cooler and kids are back in school or not out of school for the summer. Not only will you have shorter lines, but you'll also get to experience the park without the heat and humidity of summer.
Take advantage of the classic attractions
Disney World is known for its state-of-the-art rides and attractions, but don't forget about the classics. Take a ride on the Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, or the It's a Small World ride. Don’t forget the People Mover, Carousel of Progress and the actual Carousel aka The Merry-Go-Round. These classic attractions are still just as fun as they were when they first opened.
Meet the characters and new friends
One of the highlights of any Disney World trip is meeting the characters. While there are plenty of newer characters to meet, don't forget about the classics like Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy. Take some time to snap a photo with your favorite character and get an autograph. While waiting for fireworks or food, introduce yourself to a new friend or family. Ask them to take your family photo and return the favor. Share your bench.
Enjoy the shows
Disney World has some of the best shows around, so be sure to take in a few during your visit. Watch the fireworks show at Magic Kingdom or catch the Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom. These shows are not to be missed!
Take breaks
With so much to see and do, it can be tempting to rush around the park from one attraction to the next. However, it's important to take breaks and enjoy the atmosphere of the park. Take a seat on a bench and people watch, or enjoy a snack and soak in the atmosphere. The architecture is amazing!
Stay until the end
After you take an afternoon break, at your resort or a restaurant, stay until the very close of the park. Most of the more popular attractions are “walk on” the last hour or two of the day. Did you know you can get in line for an attraction one minute before the park closes and you’ll be able to ride no matter how long the line. What fun to watch the fireworks from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?
By following these tips, you can have a more relaxed and enjoyable trip to Disney World. So, put away the apps, and put the Genie formerly known as the ‘fast pass’ back in his lamp! Embrace the nostalgia of an old-school Disney experience.
Once Upon A Time...
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I did not visit Disney World until I was in my late 20's. (Disneyland was my first). Here's a short story from my first trip to WDW.
Once upon a time, in the early 80's, we took our kiddos to Disney (tent camping at Ft Wilderness). The first night, it was raining so hard we could not put up our tent. We made an executive decision to abandon the campgrounds and opted for a Garden Wing room at The Contemporary. Could we afford it? Probably not. Did we enjoy ourselves? Our grown children talk about it to this day, and I have vivid memories of them jumping on the bed and asking if they could go to the pool.
In the morning, we headed out to the Magic Kingdom then took a break in the afternoon to set up our tent! We jumped in the Contemporary pool, ate "supper" at Trails End Cafeteria, and lived happily ever after.
Walt Disney was a storyteller. Have things changed at Disney? Not really! The magic is there, if you want to find it. Find the silver lining behind a long line. Go "Old School" ... forget Genie + and grab a paper map. Ride "Carousel of Progress" and the "Peoplemover." Get the Mickey shaped ice cream bar. Meander Main Street. Wave at the passing parade. Pay attention to the castle details and all the architecture. Buy a balloon. Watch a guest, who is a veteran, help take down the flag late in the afternoon. Strike up a conversation with others. Let the park(s) tell you a story.
You and I are storytellers. We are telling a story everyday to the people we meet, friends, family, and the generations to follow.
What's your Disney story? If you do not have one, I can help you write one. ºoº
I'm Old School
/I love old school.
Last night, at the “Field of Dreams” in Dyersville IA, baseball was old school. I used to want things to change. I wanted the kiddos to learn to walk, I wanted them to start school, I wanted them to finish school…
But, now I want to slow down time… and “Old School” does that for me. I almost cried when Kevin Costner walked thru the corn rows (and I’m not talking about a hairstyle) and shook the hands of the current White Sox and Yankees.
I did cry when Maddie Poppe sang the National Anthem. And I cried again as a pitcher who was 16 when “Field of Dreams” burst onto the baseball movie scene, spoke of playing catch with his dad.
I love old school. I’m tempted to pay for the whole family to go to Disney World during the 50th anniversary and reenact our photo in front of Cinderella’s Birthday Castle. I want to ride the old school rides, “It’s A Small World, Carousel of Progress, Country Bear Jamboree, Peter Pan’s Flight, Wedway People mover. I want to climb the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House and take the raft to Tom Sawyer’s Island.
I loved everything about that MLB game last night. Loved it.
I loved everything about Disney World in 1996. Loved it.
It’s Friday August 13, 2021. May have to watch me some “Old School Movies”
I hope they make this MLB game a yearly thing.
I hope we can all come to realize what that movie was all about.
Is this heaven?
No, it’s _______________! (fill in your own blank)
Cinderella’s Castle Circa 1996
Grandma Does Disney
/Hello!
Welcome back to Grandma’s Getting Healthy aka Grandma Does Disney. (In the process of changing my site name & address)
Bookmark this site and/or fill out the sidebar form for everything Disney, I will help you plan and implement a Disney vacay, be it World, Land, or Cruise.
Please feel free to email/text/call, when it comes to Disney, I’m all EARS!!!
ºoº
Two Three One-Two Zero Six-Two Seven Eight One.
Julee@vacationeer.com
See you real soon…
My Best Life
/Three Little Words blog has been sorely neglected. But there are lots of great excuses why.
A New Story
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I have always loved stories.
When I was growing up my favorite hobby was reading. I would curl up on my bed or out on a blanket in the lawn and read for hours.
Today, I’m starting a new story…in a new place…in a new home…with a new attitude.
I’m letting go of my old story. The story that plays over in my head and messes with my heart. A story of old habits and mind games.
It’s been a crazy two months since I’ve updated this (and the personal) blog. We’ve helped welcome two new grandsons, sold and bought a house, and somehow filled everyday with cleaning, sorting, organizing, rocking, changing, eating, drinking, playing, and praying.
So, will the new story be different than the old? Not really, and totally. I’ve loved my story thus far. Most of it, anyway. There is some work to do. There are some habits to change. It will take me a tad longer to connect with old friends. There will be some new friends. There are churches, doctors, dentists, and coffee shops to find. There are walks to take, strollers to push, and bikes to ride. I’m determined to get healthy mind, body, and soul.
And so I begin, again.
A new story.
Dreams Come True
/I wrote a children’s book. It’s been a dream of mine since I had children in the 1980’s. There’s some work to do yet, but it is closer than it’s ever been.
Indiana, the farm, being raised in a large family, church and the bible will always be a part of my story, so I’m positive this will morph into a children’s book series. I can only dream.
So,
Keep on dreamin’
Write the book
Travel the world
Start a business
Sell the business
Lose the weight
Build the muscle
Sell the house
Buy the truck
Audition for Survivor
See the northern lights
Publish the book
Dreams come true
Lessons I've Learned
/Some of these are Winnie-the-poohish, kindergarten-ish, pinterest-ish and some are tongue-in-cheekish, but lessons learned despite the simplicity.
16 lessons learned and a video montage from the Senior Living Trailer Park ‘19. (Even tho they were, at one time, manufactured, it’s still a trailer park. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)
In no particular order except I liked the “less-wordy-to-a-bit-more-wordy” style.
Goodbye Palm Village Residents
Never underestimate ripple effect.
Make new friends but keep the old.
You can’t do “Key West” in one day.
There ain’t nothin’ gonna steal my joy.
Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.
Give it away, put it away, or throw it away.
Remember, we’re seniors, but not high school ones.
Do more things that make you forget to check your phone.
If someone says, “We’ve always done it that way!” Let them.
When you stop talking to someone stop talking about them.
Smile and be nice to everyone. Karma never loses an address.
If you have a dream, pursue it … we’re runnin’ out of runway.
Love your neighbor as yourself. It’s as simple and difficult as that.
Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about.
In our family we don’t hide crazy, we put it on the porch and give it a cocktail.
Ask people questions and listen to their answers. Aka, stop talking about yourself.
In life, it’s important to know when to stop arguing with people and let them be wrong.
It’s like saying goodbye after a great week of summer camp…we love you all and miss you already. Make it a great spring, summer and fall. We’ll see you in 2020.
Let's Do This
/We only have a handful of days to enjoy our time in Florida, this year. I’ve decided to tackle each day with a bit of friendship, quiet time, reading, writing, sunshine and a renewed vigor of eating healthy.
Let’s do this.
Yesterday, I landed on the beach with Rachel Hollis’ book, “Girl, Wash Your Face.” I was sold before the 2nd chapter. Sometimes I start things and don’t finish them. Here’s her take on the lie, I’ll start tomorrow…
“We talk about the things we’d like to do, be, try, and accomplish, but once we get to the moment of actually doing it, w fold faster than a card table after bunco night.”
I love her style and will give y’all more of a review when I finish her book. And I will finish it.
So, here’s what I’m gonna do.
I’m gonna stick to the plan.
I’m gonna read and write.
I’m gonna find adventure.
I’m gonna love on the family.
I’m gonna smile and be nice.
I’m gonna be happier.
I’m gonna keep on minimizing.
I’m gonna delve into a deeper relationship with my creator.
I’m gonna get more honest and personal on this blog and on social media. It won’t always be pretty.
Let’s do this.
Let's Get Healthy
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Spring and summer are coming. We’re on the backside of winter. There are lots of decisions and plans to make. This grandma is getting two more grand babies, right around April 19 & 20!!!! I want to be healthier than I am now when they arrive AND I want to dance at their weddings in 25 years or so.
Let’s get healthy … they say it only takes 30 days to make a new habit. Start one today and stick with it for 30 days.
When the dark of winter closes in around you, find your light and let it shine. When light enters the room the darkness scatters. Always.
There’s always hope.
If you’re in the middle of a storm, hang on.
If you are distracted, refocus.
If you are thinking it’s all just too hard, hold onto hope.
If you need to, once and for all, care for yourself first, do it.
If you feel overwhelmed, make yourself a daily schedule and stick to it like your life depends on it.
If you’ve run out of steam, take a day or even an hour to rethink what you want.
What do you want?
Spring is 30 days away. The flowers will bloom. The snow will melt. The sun will shine.
Use today as a turning point. Decide what you want and go for it. Make good choices. Smile and be nice.
Hope springs eternal.
Quiet My Space
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How and when do I quiet down? Mind, body, and soul?
Here I am at Sunday in week one of 2019. I’ve got a van load of “goodwill” waiting to be dropped off.
I sorted dishes, decor, and desktops.
I purged clothes, clutter, and accumulations.
I scaled back the refrigerator and the recycle tub is at the curb.
Books and photographs are next. Delete, delete, delete.
I’m 12-stepping my social media addiction.
I’m making a menu, a schedule, and a reading plan. Starting with my friend’s book “Life Is Good, Fragile, Precious.”)
I will quiet my space … mind, body, and soul.
I will choose to fall in love with simple … in my home and my health.
Here I Go
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What must I do to get healthy, aka, lose weight?
Let’s throw it all out and start over. What happens in 2018 stays in 2018! I’m convinced we’ve made getting healthy way too difficult. We talk about it, talk about it, talk about it, think about it, think about it, think about it, and we try this and try that. Some say, nothing works.
I say everything works.
Keto, Paleo, Noom, Weight Watchers, Vegan, Slimfast, Isagenix, Trim Healthy Mama, Low carbs, Protien shakes, Pink juice, Cleansing, Fasting… yada, yada, yada. They all work!
Follow me on a journey this year to simplify our getting healthy goals.
Use this blog to stop thinking about it and talking about it and just do it. I challenge you and me (gonna try to write in 1st person to keep it real) to get motivated by “Three Little Words.” Follow along on Instagram for the latest TLW’s.
So, Here I Go.
Today, Dec 31, 2018, write down what the scale says, take a selfie, and then repeat these three little words to yourself all week. Here I go.
Don’t wait until the clock strikes twelve tonight.
While heading to the store for last minute items … here I go to the produce aisle
While preparing our appetizers for the party … here I go without taste testing.
While partying … here I go starting up conversations.
While adult drinking … here I go with watering down and drinking water all evening.
It’s my turn. I’m focusing on results not resolutions. I can do this. I will do this. Grandma’s getting healthy.
Here I go.
Take The Day
/Most want to hear the words… “Take the day off!” but that’s not how to get where you want to go.
Everyday is a gift.
When does a gift become yours?
It’s only when you accept the gift, that it actually becomes yours!
Take the day. Accept it. Open it up and do with it what you will. It’s yours.
It’s the middle of December, and my challenge to us today is, walk intentionally through the next 15 days. Let the adventure begin right now.
We can find all kinds of excuses why this will not work. These next two weeks would be the perfect time to float. It would be so easy to let the adventure begin on Jan 1.
Let the rebel in you laugh in the face of New Year’s resolutions.
Take the day to plan some menu’s. (Failing to plan is planning to fail)
Take the day to go for a walk. (It’s gonna be 40 as high as the 44th parallel)
Take the day to give back. (Find a cause and feed it)
Take the day to make a friend. (I’m looking for some tribe members to walk with me … sign up on the sidebar.)
Take the day to keep the “negative” at bay. (Watch yourself, what is in your heart flows out through your speech)
Take the day and own it.
Today is a gift.
Open it.
Enjoy The View
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I just made the above photo my desktop photo. It’s my virtual view, because, even in Michigan, a white Christmas possibility keeps dwindling. We’re all on the slippery slope to Christmas Day and I’d like to challenge you to slow down and enjoy the view.
Maybe your view is Tuscany, maybe it’s another day of laundry, work deadlines, or overwhelm.
Find the good in every thing.
Don’t let the mundane take you down.
Take a look at your schedule and rearrange and readjust until you see some good.
Change your mindset to see the beauty in your view.
Think of others and brighten their day.
Look through old photos and reminisce.
Write a letter of encouragement to yourself.
Dream about future adventures.
Plate your dinner and change your screensaver.
Don’t let yesterday’s choices affect today’s possibilities.
Live intentionally. Make smart decisions. You can do this.
There is beauty everywhere, find yours today.
Now's The Time
/Stay with me now. January 1 will be here before you know it, and everybody will jump on the “lose weight” bandwagon. And I mean EVERYBODY. Don’t be one of them. Do it now. Stay on course or get on track. Today is the day!
I was going to title this post, “Deck The Halls,” but I couldn’t really see us repeating those words all day or week long to help us get healthy. Besides, I’m positive most of us have already hauled out the holly and the halls have been decked for a few weeks, now.
Now’s NOT the time for Christmas decorating. That time has passed.
Now’s the time for making memories and cookies (to give away).
Now’s the time for cozy evenings, gathered ‘round the hearth with family and friends.
Now’s the time for planning and preparing healthy recipes and ways to get thru the season without overindulging.
There is coming a time when it’s too late to send out those Christmas packages (Dec 14 according to the USPS) and make that final Amazon order (Dec 17 for Standard shipping Prime according to Amazon)
This week, while doing what needs to be done…repeat these Three Little Words to yourself.
Now’s the time to stay on track.
Now’s the time to eat whole foods.
Now’s the time to start over.
Now’s the time to pass on the empty calories.
Now’s the time to make a festive dark green salad with some wine red cranberries.
Now’s the time to drink more water than wine.
Now’s the time to forgive yourself for eating that sugar cookie, having one too many adult drinks, and letting the conversation turn to politics. Ooooops, did I say that outloud?
Now’s the time.
Fast away the old year passes.
See Ya Tomorrow
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When my daughter traveled the world with “The Young Americans” we coined the phrase, See ya tomorrow. It did not matter if she skyped from across the globe, we ended our conversations with, See ya tomorrow.
In today’s world you can take this literally. Google the world’s longest flights. Within 24 hours, one can fly almost anywhere in the world, depending upon connections.
As I began an Advent reading in She Reads Truth I discovered the “O Antiphons.” These are seven prayers based on biblical prophecies about Jesus. Each prayer begins by addressing Jesus with one of the titles used for Him in Scripture. When read in reverse, the first letters of each of these Latin titles spell “ero cras” which means “Tomorrow I will come.”
Even tho, we’ve lost some of the meaning and traditions (I did not know about the “O Antiphons” until this morning) this season is all about relationships and the anticipation of reuniting, gift giving, and reminiscing.
We’ll book flights and take the shortest route over the river and through the woods.
We’ll put on our santa hats and wait at baggage claim while keeping an eye on the stars and rooftops.
We’ll stay up way too late wrapping presents which will take a nano second to tear open.
We’ll exchange gifts, keep the receipts and roast the chestnuts.
We’ll trim the tree and sweep up tannenbaum needles.
We’ll tell all the old stories on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere.
A hush will fall over the earth and the bells will peal more loud and deep.
God is not dead, nor does He sleep!
With all the partying, shopping, reunions, eating and stressing, let’s remember the Reason for the season and tune our hearts and souls to others and most importantly, to the baby who was born to die, so that, we could live.
As I write this post, I’m not sure how I will draw weight loss conclusions, but the tagline reads Grandmas Getting Healthy mind, body, and soul. So stay close and follow along, because I’ll …
See Ya Tomorrow.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~ The Old Testament
Do One Thing
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I went for a walk yesterday in my small town hometown. When I started out, I noticed several families on their porches and yards untangling light strands and getting ready to decorate for the season. For some people it’s an all day tradition. As with any project or task you start out by doing one thing. You can’t just throw the lights up on the porch willy nilly. You must do the do. Untangle. Replace bulbs. Measure out. Wrap around.
Do one thing.
I did some early decorating before heading down to help my parents … It was cold and I used the basement as my work station to separate all the lights, wrap them in the garland and attach the red bows. Then I bundled up to wrap the new porch columns and call it Christmas, because what goes up must come down. I took my “Do One Thing” advice literally.
Today, I debated not taking my walk. The temperature was 10 degrees cooler than yesterday. The sun was not out. The wind had picked up and the weather app notified me that “Bruce” was on the way. So I grabbed my winter coat and headed out the door.
Do one thing.
I’ve cut out wine. Yup. I’m not saying I’ll never have another glass but what I did was stop drinking one (or two) every day.
Do one thing.
I’m writing a book, because one thing I know for sure, a book cannot write itself. I am writing/tweaking a chapter a week, so I’ll let you know when preorders are available.
Do one thing.
I’m limiting my carbs. You know, I know, we all know… we eat too many carbs. I am not going crazy here, just cutting out a potato, some rice, and mainly the bread.
Do one thing.
Is your task at hand overwhelming? Do you get discouraged in your weight loss journey? Have you given up? Today…
Do one thing.
When I finished my walk today, some displays were already twinkling in the almost dusk afternoon hours and I’ve already had two out of three kids send me a photo of their decorated tree.
“Is your house on fire, Clark? No, Aunt Bethany, those are the Christmas lights.” ~ A Christmas Vacation
Tune My Heart
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I love music. Especially Christmas music, namely, Christmas carols. Not to mention, hymns. {One of} my favorite hymns, is “Come Thou Fount” which features today’s blog post title. {Listen below}
Come thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing your praise …
Three more little words in this song haunt me: “Prone To Wander” and I’m preaching to the choir today.
I may need this post more than most, so going to go with the “my” pronoun.
Tune in today.
Fast and pray.
Guard my heart.
Listen to the small still voice.
Stay on track.
Play music.
Feel the feels.
Live in the moment.
Feed my soul. Now reading She Reads Truth
Encourage someone.
Tune up time.