Now We're Off to See the Wizard or Husky if That Counts

 

Saying goodbye to our Disneyland adventure was hard. Although I loved every second of it, the time has come when my exhaustion outweighs my desire to see the big mouse. By the way, I never did spy the mouse in the crowd nor his big girlfriend. Not one princess. Not one character besides Pinocchio and Geppetto. Was there a party we were not invited to?

We woke up around 9:00 AM and began to prepare to load stuff up. Our morning consisted first of meeting with Rick and Brenda to have some breakfast and say our goodbyes. That was such a quick meeting that I feel like we missed so much in terms of spending time with each other. Now was our chance. 

Terry and I fixed our plates in the hotel dining area, sat and ate while we chatted about the day before. Each time one of us had to stand up, we moaned and groaned from the pain. The night's rest had not been sufficient enough to calm the muscles. Let's face it. We're old and we hurt. Although spending about 11 to 12 hours walking around, standing in lines, and cramming our bodies into small spaces to ride the rides could have been some of the issue. 

People sitting around us stared at my Yoda ears and Disneyland shirt. I guess you just have to ignore others who can't handle you having fun. I ate my breakfast, chatting with my sweet man, and continued on with my day. 

A few moments later, two welcomed faces entered the dining room. Brenda and Rick sat down at our table. Rick looked at my ears and giggled. Brenda and I began to chat while the boys did some chatting of their own. We all finished eating. Terry and I had to check out before the check-out time was upon us, so it meant saying goodbye now. 

We had to get some photos of each other for the final part of the visit. Brenda and I posed. Then it was time for the men to do the same. 

I would miss these two. Our first meeting was awesome. I do hope they enjoyed themselves as much as we did. But it was time to give hugs and move on to our tasks. 

Through the heavy lines of traffic we drove, battling our way out of California. I feel like a salmon, swimming upstream. Once we were far enough out to spread apart traffic wise, it was smooth sailing. After about four hours of travel, we saw a place that looked great to eat. Pea Soup Andersen's is a Danish restaurant that is famous for split pea soup. 

The building was very unique and interesting to look at. We loved the large windmill. 

Inside was thousands of collectibles you could purchase from the gift shop. 

With beautiful Danish design, this restaurant was really interesting and unique. I love it. 

Our meal began with salad and rolls. 

And the main course was a hot bowl of Andersen's split pea soup. Heavenly!

After eating, we walked around to the side of the building to see the attractions. 

We had to play our parts as "Hap-Pea" and "Pea-Wee." I mean, the show must go on.

After eating, we returned to the road and finished out our drive to the hotel room for the night. Another night's sleep, and here's hoping it will calm the muscles in our bodies. 

***

The final day of our trip was spent, once again, driving home. Thoughts of our Togo and the two kitties made me smile. I could not wait to see them all, along with Terry's daughter, Mallory. They beat being on rides, hands down. 

The second day began with our usual of climbing into the car and getting buckled in. Here we go. Another six hours to return to our own castle, the best castle of all. 

Poor QTE (cutie) needs to be scrubbed from one bumper to the other, inside and out. It is such a mess. Bug splatter everywhere on the outside, along with husky hair, little bits and pieces of garbage, and bags, cans and snack wrappers shoved anywhere considered garbage bags. Ah, traveling. What fun. Do we ever actually go on a real vacation that is not a bunch of work when we return?

I will miss the castle, the rides, the fun, and the park in general. But we are taking with us the best experience I've ever had, and memories galore. Terry has been to Disneyland many times, but he now has different memories and was able to take one last ride on the rides he loves, as this is a one-time trip for us. 

As with every trip, we got hungry eventually and decided to stop, get gas, and eat. This time we chose a Chinese food style buffet. Yum. 

It was a nice place with about 10 buffet tables or so filled with various foods, including desserts. 

I had my favorites of noodles, fried rice, and coconut shrimp. Terry had noodles, rice, and other foods. It was good and the ambiance was fun, including a large fountain and koi pond. 

I enjoyed watching the koi move around and come to the surface, begging me for food. Hey, it's the simplest of things bringing pleasure in my life. What can I say? I'm a rebel and a bit odd.

Back on the road again. 

***

Mallory remained home with the babies, so I knew they were in excellent care. The lines for everything are something I won't miss. Even on the way home, we stopped in so Terry could get coffee and I could use the bathroom. A line to order coffee and a line to the bathroom was in order it seemed. Our sore bodies could not take much more.

Our dream was almost complete. Once we can get the car off the road and feel safe and comfortable in our home filled with fur babies and love, it's time to wake up. We will return to our lives, our reality, whatever that may bring. The dream will continue in another form, with Terry and I being together, with our babies and our family. 

***

I pulled the car into our gravel driveway and with our unkempt grass standing tall. A smile came to my face, and a sigh of relief relaxed my body. We were home. It might be slightly messy but it's home. 

Our fur babies missed us. Our home missed us. Can a house be sad?

I unloaded some stuff from the car as did Terry. With every last ounce of energy we had, we walked into the house and greeted Mallory and the pets. Mallory left and went home a few moments after watching the videos of all the rides and receiving her gift we got her for staying with the babies. 

It did not take long for me to grab my stretch-out section of the couch, and for Terry to put his feet up on the ottoman. The TV came on and we spent time together watching our show. Wow, what a dream we had just experienced. The perfect, happy, silly, fun dream of being in childhood once more. For that, I am grateful. 

Terry headed outside to smoke a cigar and read his books. I heard sounds from the videos of the trip being played on his phone, time and time again, and loved it. It brought my heart joy that he could see his family again and that he had a wonderful time in Disneyland.

Keeping that joy close to my heart, I was ready to go face first in the bed. Our own bed, the one we are used to. I curled up, turned on my anniversary Autzen Stadium light my wonderful hubby gave me. With the soft glow of colorful lights, I closed my eyes and smiled. Such a magnificent trip. I passed out and dreamt of Mickey and the gang, the rides we took, and the fun we had with family. A beautiful trip it was, leaving us a bit grumpy, very sore, but also filled with magic, happiness, and memories of fun times. Excellent all the way around. Now, please excuse us while we enjoy another dreamland. Goodnight, friends. 

Vicki & Terry Macrae

Two dreamers

"All of your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them." 

-- Walt Disney