Just flew to Mars and back.

Just flew to Mars and back., originally uploaded by eblackwell.

What did you do this morning?

I obviously rode Mission:Space and sat with a family of a dad and 2 kids.  I joked that they got stuck with me, but the father said it was the other way around. (And can someone get Gary Sinise a better hair piece?  Lieutenant Dan shouldn't have that 3 dollar special. Thank you.)

We went over to Test Track and got in the Single Rider line.  When we got to the front, the guy said "You will be separated."  John said: "You're going to cut me in half?!:  We thought it was funny. 

I had to call my sister Terry, but it was a little rough inside the building, so I told her I'd move outside so she can hear me.  As I walked out, one of the cars roared over head.  So maybe not on the whole hearing me thing!  Since I had to wait for John to come outside, I spoke in between cars: "Terry, when you were here" pause/roar "in October, did you get the" pause/roar "Mickey ice cream" pause/roar "atennae topper you wanted?"

We got one of our favorite lunches: nachos at the Mexico cantina, but had a big disapointment: no more black beans.  Without that, they were just the boring chips and toppings that a kid makes at home.

But inside my favorite pavilion, Mexico, we rode the updated ride: I love this ride!  I fell in love with the 3 Cabilleros on the House of Mouse, and it's the perfect pick up for this place.  And I got a 3 Caberello shirt that they had stopped offering after the first few months, but brought it back.  John made a face because it's old and distressed looking, but I like it a lot.  As we left, 3 women were waiting for the new taquila place to open.  John joked: "Something to be said for being first in line for the tequila bar." snicker!

We did the Kim Possible experience, going through Norway first.  We headed for Mexico, but since John didn't eat his nachos other than a few bites, we made the World wait to be saved while we enjoyed the new Goat cheese, Vegetable, Potato tort and blood orange custard at the Norway bakery.  MMMMMMM!

Then on to Mexico where the main KP villain appears and we got to erupt the volcano. Cool!

We started heading out and caught the new Joy gospel choir. FANTASTIC!  I highly recommend this with its traditional music style, plus a variety of others with Christmas classic songs.

We saw Monorail Teal twice; the impact of remembering what it represents -- the 2 monorails from the fatal crash -- was poignant.  We'd get quiet as it went by.

Back at Fort Wilderness, we took the dogs to the dog park; we met wonderful people including little girl going through dog withdrawal.  All the dogs played and had a great time with each other, and more importantly, tired themselves out!  We drove around in the cart for a bit, then back to switch pins, type up notes, relax, and download pictures.

We returned to Epcot where we really miss the Lights of the Season archways.  John told me to imagine them as we walked along.  I hope they find a way to bring them back.

We finally saw the Legend of the Monkey King holiday piece at China and then met John's friend Gary from high school.  We had a lot of laughs together and the food was better than we had before.  I got a Coconut Rice Pudding for dessert, and it was dark, like a chocolate color.  Apparently they used a black rice; odd to see, but delicious.