We begin our tour of the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT!

Good Morning Walt Disney Maniacs!! Your Trivia Tidbit for Friday March 30, 2012 is: EPCOT-World Showcase-MEXICO~

Yes, can you believe it? We have made it counter-clockwise all the way around World Showcase.....(and you didn't even have to take a step!) We have really covered a great deal of ground, and information. Here we are at the end of our journey at EPCOT. We will begin Disney's Hollywood Studios next week....but for now, let's see what Disney has to say about Mexico!!

The Mexico Pavilion is an indoor and outdoor cultural area within Epcot theme park where Guests of all ages can savor the spice of Mexico.

Enter a towering pyramid modeled after an actual Aztec Temple of Quetzalcoatl at Teotihuacan, Mexico and discover a gallery of artifacts from different periods in Mexican history. Continue into a colonial plaza for festive music and savory dining in a bustling marketplace. It's always twilight at the indoor Mexico Pavilion. Buenos Tardes!

Attractions: Be sure to take the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, a delightful boat ride in a shady lagoon at the foot of a smoking volcano.
Dining: Experience the romance of old Mexico while enjoying authentic cuisine. For zesty traditional dishes, stop at La Hacienda De San Angel for Queso Fundido (warmed cheese with poblano peppers and chorizo) or a succulent Pescado a la Talla (grilled red snapper). San Angel Inn offers grilled Mahi Mahi and Tacos de Ribeye for a relaxing sit-down dinner. At La Cava del Tequila, enjoy tapas-style dishes while the resident tequila ambassador educates Guests 21 and older about the history of this unique Mexican libation. For a quick service menu, try La Cantina De San Angel for nachos, tacos and margaritas!
Entertainment: Don't miss the fascinating collection of colorful Oaxacan woodcarvings, "Animales Fantasticos," in the Mexican Folk Art Gallery or the brilliant live performances by the illustrious Mariachi Cobre.
Shopping: Discover a variety of authentic Mexican goods such as baskets, pottery, blankets, crafts, toys, clothing, leather wallets and handbags, silver jewelry, candy, tequila and more!

EPCOT Food and Wine Festival dates announced for 2012!!

Dates Announced for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Thursday, March 29, 2012  

Disney has released the dates for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This year’s festival will be held from September 28, 2012 to November 11, 2012. So start making your plans now to attend this food and wine lovers paradise!

Kalua Pork Slider, Hawaii Booth

The festival allows you to enjoy everything Epcot has to offer plus additional kiosks in the World Showcase that feature food and drinks from around the world. Last year’s festival included offerings from Belgium, New Zealand, and more. Each country in the World Showcase also has special offerings just for the festival. Last year my husband loved the Kalua Pork Slider from the Hawaii booth and the dessert trio from the Desserts & Champagne booth was amazing.

Dessert Trio, Dessert & Champagne Booth

The Food & Wine Festival also has special cooking demonstrations and dining events, mixology classes and wine tastings, and live music from the yet to be named artists that will be a part of the Eat to the Beat concert series.
This is one Disney event I would definitely make plans to attend. Just make sure to come hungry.

FLOWER POWER CONCERT SERIES at EPCOT's Flower and Garden Festival!

FLOWER POWER CONCERT SERIES

Wish I was able to attend.....Would love to see The Turtles with Flo and Eddie!!  Loved them!!

Musical entertainment pairs perfectly with botanical beauty during the nightly Flower Power concert series. Enjoy a varied lineup of performers throughout the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, March 7 through May 20, 2012.
Location: America Gardens Theatre at World Showcase
Show Times: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

Jose Feliciano

March 9 to 11
Known for Light My Fire

Starship Starring Mickey Thomas

March 16 to 18
Known for We Built This City

The Guess Who

March 23 to 25
Known for American Woman

The Spinners

March 30 to April 1
Known for Cupid

Chubby Checker & The Wildcats

April 6 to 8
Known for The Twist

Paul Revere & The Raiders

April 13 to 15
Known for Good Thing

The Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie

April 20 to 22
Known for Happy Together

NEW! CHUCK NEGRON Formerly of Three Dog Night

April 27 to 29
Known for Joy to the World

NEW! THE ORCHESTRA Featuring Former Members of ELO and ELO Part II

May 4 to 6
Known for Don't Bring Me Down

Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone

May 11 to 13
Known for I'm Henry VIII, I Am

THE MONKEES Lead Singer MICKY DOLENZ

May 18 to 20
Known for Last Train to Clarksville

Please note that Epcot theme park admission is required. Entertainment is subject to change without notice. All songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the playlist.

Disney Store 25th Anniversary - Be a part of 25 years of magic and memories!

Disney Store 25th Anniversary - Be a part of 25 years of magic and memories!

Here I am with my Mickey Ears from the Disney Store 25th Anniversary celebration!!

Disney Quick Tips: Rules and Etiquette for Pin Trading

Disney Quick Tips: Rules and Etiquette for Pin Trading

Our tour of Norway at World Showcase begins!

Today on Walt Disney Maniacs, we started our entries for the Norway pavilion at EPCOT World Showcase....here is what we covered today!


"The Norway Pavilion is a cultural area within Epcot theme park where Guests of all ages can experience the character and atmosphere of Norway.

Welcome to the Age of the Vikings! Enjoy the simple picturesque landscape of this mini Scandinavian village square with its stone and wood elements and authentic Norwegian architectural style. Discover ancient Norse art. Dine on authentic Norwegian dishes and visit shops filled with wonderful Norwegian wares. But watch out for the trolls!

Attractions: Ride the Maelstrom adventure cruise, where the spirit of adventure reigns!
Dining: Dine inside a castle at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, including Princess Storybook Dining, and delight in fresh baked goods and coffee at the Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe.
Entertainment: Explore the exhibit "Vikings: Conquerors of the Seas," a collection of authentic Norse weapons and artifacts, at the gallery inside the Stave Church.
Shopping: Discover Norwegian books, fragrances, candy, hand-knit woolens, trolls, glass, porcelain, pewter, toys and more!"

The buildings throughout the Norway pavilion mimic the architectural design styles traditionally found in Oslo, Alesund, Bergen, and the Setesdal Valley from rough and rustic to a neat, tidy style that would not seem out of place along the New England coastline. Even better, this is one of the only two World Showcase pavilions that has a boat ride...the other located in Mexico that we will be covering toward the end of this week.

WDW Refurb/closure Schedule via Chip & Co.

Disney World Refurbishment Schedule for April 2012

Saturday, March 24, 2012   Chip   4 Comments

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Here is the Refurb and Closure Schedule for Walt Disney World for March 2012 and beyond. Refurbishment/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at the Disney World Website.
Current

• Bay Cove Pool Slide (Bay Lake Tower at Contemporary Resort) closed through 3/16/12 for refurbishment. The pool will remain open.

• Typhoon Lagoon closed through 3/17/12 for annual refurbishment.
• Piano Pool (All-Star Music Resort) closed through 3/23/12 for refurbishment. The Calypso Pool will remain open.
• Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (Magic Kingdom) closed through 3/27/12 for refurbishment.
• Feature Pool Slide (Contemporary Resort) closed through 3/30/12 for refurbishment. The pool will remain open.
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Magic Kingdom) closed through 3/31/12 for refurbishment.
• Nanea Volcano Pool Slide (Polynesian Resort) closed through 4/1/12 for refurbishment. The pool will remain open.
• Tutto Italia Restaurant (Epcot) closed through 4/27/12 for refurbishment.
• Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom) closed through 5/20/12 for refurbishment.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom) closed through 5/27/12 for refurbishment.
• Innoventions: House of Innoventions exhibit closed through late April 2012 for refurbishment.
• Grand Floridian Spa (Grand Floridian Resort) closed through mid-2013 due to construction at the resort. The Grand Floridian Fitness Center will remain open and guests may use The Spa at Saratoga Springs Resort.

Upcoming

• Boardwalk Inn leisure pool closed 3/19/12-3/22/12 for refurbishment. The feature pool and villas leisure pools will remain open.
• Test Track (Epcot) closed April 2012-September 2012 for transformation to the Chevrolet Design Center.
• Stormalong Bay Pool (Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) and slide closed 4/9/12-4/23/12 for refurbishment. Only a portion of the pool will be closed. Guests may use the open parts of the pool and the pool and slide at BoardWalk Inn Resort.
• Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom) closed 4/16/12-5/20/12 for refurbishment.
• Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show (Hollywood Studios) closed 4/29/12-5/2/12 for refurbishment.
• Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed 5/7/12-5/17/12 for refurbishment.
• Magnolia Golf Course closed 5/14/12-5/23/12 for refurbishment.
• Palm Golf Course closed 5/29/12-6/8/12 for refurbishment.
• Oak Trail Golf Course closed 5/29/12-9/28/12 for refurbishment.
• Cape May Cafe (Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) closed 7/9/12-8/3/12 for refurbishment.
• Hoop Dee Doo Review closed 8/5/12-12/31/12 for refurbishment.
• Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) closed 8/27/12-9/14/12 for refurbishment.

200 days!!

200 days from now, we will be boarding the Magical Express at Orlando International Airport, to take us on the first part of our land/sea vacation!!  I feel as if I am crawling out of my skin already!!  So glad I am a Disney Travel Specialist...I get to live vicariously through my clients, one trip at a time until we get to go!!

New Garden addition!!

My new Disney garden addition!!

Disney Free Dining offer!

Are you hungry? How about some FREE DINING* at Walt Disney World® Resort? Bookings are opening for travel dates August 25 - September 29, 2012! Must be booked by May 18th, minimum three night stay, two day park admission is required, and availability is limited, so don't waste a minute and contact us now to take advantage of this highly anticipated and awaited offer! info@mickeytoday.com

*Guests who book a vacation package at one of Disney's Value Resorts will receive Disney's Quick Service dining plan. Guests who book a vacation package at Disney's Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villas resorts will receive Disney's Basic Dining Plan. Guests can also upgrade to other dining plans for an additional cost.

Do you have an existing reservation that you booked directly with the Walt Disney Travel Company? Transfer it to us and you receive our signature concierge level planning services along with our client incentives and gifts! We will even continue to monitor your reservation for discounts to see if you qualify for a better savings. Your reservation number remains the same, payments are still made directly through the Walt Disney Travel Company, and you receive Walt Disney World® Resort travel documents as well. All at no cost to you!
Contact me today!  kris@mickeytoday.com!!

The Disneyland Rose

http://www.jacksonandperkins.com/rose-disneylandreg-floribunda-pp15114/p/v1222/

Look what I just ordered!!  The Disneyland Rose from Jackson & Perkins!!  Beautiful, huh???

I have a new Travel agency home!!

Please give a pixie dust welcome to our newest Travel Planner, Kris Banas!

Kris is a native of northwestern Indiana, and now lives in the southern suburbs of Chicago with her husband of almost three years. She has been a huge fan of Disney ‘everything’ since she was a young girl watching the Mickey Mouse Club and Wonderful World of Disney on TV with her Dad. Then, seeing the Jungle Book and Mary Poppins in the theater made Disney seem bigger than life!

She became a Disney travel fanatic at the age of 18 when she went on her high school senior class trip in 1976. She says the minute she walked through the turnstiles she felt the most overwhelming sensation of “I belong here”, that she has ever experienced. Her next trip to a Disney location was to Disneyland in 1978, and since then has made nine trips to Walt Disney World with number ten coming in October, which is her favorite time of the year to visit. This will be followed close behind by a four night cruise to the Bahamas aboard the Disney Dream.

Kris has many fond memories of traveling to Walt Disney World when her two sons were young. Her favorite attraction with them is Pirates of the Caribbean. It was the first attraction she took them on when both were old enough to appreciate it, and it was ‘their ride’ from that point on. Her favorite trip of all though, was her honeymoon trip in 2010. She and her husband had a very special trip, and Kris was his private tour guide. His last trip to Walt Disney World had been in 1975. Kris had a great time showing him all around, and filling him in on everything that had changed!

Her ‘bucket list’ consists of a trip to Disney’s resort in Hawai’i, Aulani, and also an Adventures By Disney vacation to Ireland.
Kris has really found her niche in life in becoming a Disney travel specialist helping couples and families plan their special vacations. It gives her reason over and over again to get excited about planning Disney travel, and her clients tell her it gets them even more excited about their plans!

You can contact Kris at kris@mickeytoday.com for all your Disney vacation planning needs! Book a trip between now and June 15, 2012 for travel during 2012 and receive a $25 Disney gift card with your travel documents! In addition, a portion of our proceeds will go to SPEEDWAY CHILDREN’S CHARITITES as well, so this is a great time to contact Kris!

By: It's All About the Mouse Travel™

Free Dining Plan at Walt Disney World!!

Free Dining Plan Offer at the Walt Disney World Resort!!

Now through May 18, 2012, buy a non-discounted Magic Your Way Base Package for 5 nights and 6 days at select Disney Moderate, Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts at the Walt Disney World® Resort for arrivals most nights Aug. 25 – Sept. 29 and get the Disney Dining Plan FREE!*

Or, buy a non-discounted Magic Your Way Base Package for 5 nights and 6 days at select Disney Value Resorts for arrivals most nights Aug. 25 – Sept. 29 and get a FREE Quick-Service Dining Plan.

Booking Window:
March 5 – May 18, 2012

Travel Window:
For arrivals most nights Aug. 25 – Sept. 29, 2012



If you book your trip with me, you will get a $25.00 gift card with your travel documents!!
Contact me at kris@mickeytoday.com

Temple of Heaven @ China Pavilion

From AllEars.Net,

"The three-tiered, circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest is a one-half scale reproduction of its counterpart inside the Temple of Heaven complex near Beijing. Many of its architectural details, both inside and out, have important significance to the Chinese people. Inside the hall, there are 12 outer columns supporting the roof. They represent the 12 months of the year and the 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar. Closer to the center of the room are 4 columns representing the four seasons. These columns support a beam, representing Earth, which is topped by a round beam, signifying Heaven."

Kingdom Keepers V coming!!!

Into CHINA at EPCOT!

From Germany, we have traveled to Asia! We see the China Pavilion's Temple of Heaven, a true one-half-scale representation of the Beijing Temple, is filled with symbolism. Built as a place of prayer for a successful harvest, each element has meaning, with a surprising secret in the heart of the temple. Look at the floor as you walk through the front doors. The concrete circles move inward in multiples of three (3 symbolizing living or giving life, and also the trinity of Heaven, Earth and Man in Chinese numerology) until they reach the center circle. Stand with your feet directly over the circle and say something. The building is acoustically perfect, causing your voice to vibrate directly back into your ears. If you step outside the center circle, and you will notice a big difference. Step back in, and you can just whisper and you still have the effect of hearing your voice bounce back to you. Interesting stuff!

207 days and counting!

207 days til I get to see one of my buddies again!!

Dumbo soft opening March 12, 2012!

Can't wait to see this!!!!!!!!

Walt Disney Mainacs page on Facebook covers CHINA starting today!

We start our coverage of the CHINA Pavilion at EPCOT today on the Walt Disney Mainacs page on Facebook.  It didn't occur to me, that I would like to start posting these entires on here as well.  So, we have worked our way counter clockwise ('cause that's the way I roll...) around World Showcase.  We are at China now.    This following is from the Walt Disney World website, and this is what they have to say about CHINA!

The China Pavilion is a cultural area within Epcot theme park where Guests of all ages can experience the art, architecture and traditions of China.

Enter one of the world's oldest civilizations and discover the wonders of China. Visit the Temple of Heaven and relax in serene gardens with tranquil reflecting ponds. Discover authentic tomb sculptures from Ancient China that date back 2,000 years. There is also a miniature recreation of the tomb of China's first emperor.

Attractions: Reflections of China is a remarkable film presentation in Circle-Vision 360 that takes you on a breathtaking journey to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. The House of the Whispering Willows gallery exhibit, "Tomb Warriors Guardian Spirits of Ancient China," is a replica of the famous excavation in Xi'an, China where you can explore Chinese tomb art from the Schloss Collection.
Dining: Sample authentic Chinese cuisine at the Nine Dragons Restaurant or the Lotus Blossom Cafe.
Shopping: Visit bustling shops with genuine Chinese goods, such as House of Good Fortune.

 

EPCOT Flower and Garden Show 2012

OK, so I would love to have one of these clay pot people for my own garden at home!  I was trying to figure $$ and cents here.........and this would cost close to $100.00 or more to make!  Clay pots are not cheap like they used to be!!  Anyone have any suggestions on how you could make this for less, and still have it look nice???  Maybe yard sales to find used one???

Sassagoula River Cruise

Paul and I look forward to this part of our stay at Port Orleans!

 

One of the unique features of the Port Orleans resorts is that they were constructed on the banks of the Disney-created Sassagoula River, a gentle 2½ mile waterway which winds its way through the woods, past the Treehouse Villas and the Saratoga Springs Resort, to Lake Buena Vista and the Downtown Disney shopping, dining and entertainment complex.
The fictional Sassagoula Steamboat haulage company which plies the waters around the Mississippi delta also operates a range of very real water craft in Florida. Some are available for hire — see the rentals page — but the biggest gem is the “Sassagoula River Cruise” ferry, a free service which takes guests from the Port Orleans resorts all the way down the river to Downtown Disney. The twenty minute boat trip is a very pleasant and relaxing alternative to road transport and shouldn’t be missed.
The fleet consists of 15 boats spread out over four routes, all decked out in a lively brightly-coloured yellow and blue livery, with suitably fitting Southern names:

1. Memphis Miss
2. Louisiana Lady

3. Sassagoula Sunset
4. Bayou Princess
5. Crescent City Queen (spelled “Cresent City Queen” on the boat’s name plate)
6. Magnolia Blossom
7. Florida Queen
8. Buena Vista Queen
9. Saratoga Queen
10. Blossom Queen
11. Jazz Lady
12. Delta Lady
13. Azalea Bloom
14. Southern Breeze
15. Jazz Queen

As from the end of May 2009, the boats run four separate ferry routes from two Downtown Disney dock areas, so be careful to catch the right service. The Port Orleans “Sassagoula River Cruise” service and the Saratoga Springs ferry both currently depart from the original Downtown Disney Marketplace dock, next to the Rainforest Cafe. The service for Old Key West now operates from the newly reopened dock behind Paradiso 37 on Pleasure Island. There is also an internal shuttle boat service which runs between the three Downtown Disney locations.

• Yellow Flags, departing from Downtown Disney Marketplace dock (left-hand queue line): Sassagoula River Cruise service for Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort.
• Blue Flags, departing from Downtown Disney Marketplace dock (right-hand queue line): Service for Disney’s Saratoga Springs DVC Resort & Spa, including the new Treehouse Villas dock.
• Green Flags, departing from Pleasure Island dock: Service for Disney’s Old Key West DVC Resort.
• Red Flags: Internal Downtown Disney water taxi, running from the Marketplace dock next to the Rainforest Cafe, via the Pleasure Island dock behind Paradiso 37, over to the West Side dock opposite Cirque du Soleil. Note: some boats may shuttle directly between two of the docks, while others serve all three locations.

Operating Hours

The river cruise service linking Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter and Downtown Disney commences at 10am daily. The service runs approximately every 20 minutes until 4:30pm, and then every 10 minutes until 11pm. After the boats finish operating you will still be able to use the free bus service which runs until approximately 2am.
The Downtown Disney local water taxi (red flags and signs) operates from 10:30am until 11:30pm with stops at Downtown Disney Marketplace, Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney West Side. The service runs every 15 minutes until 4:30pm and then every 10 minutes thereafter.
The journey time between Riverside and French Quarter is about five minutes and the onward trip to Downtown Disney takes another 15-20 minutes. The boats have a limited seating capacity and are very popular, especially later in the afternoon, so please allow plenty of time for your journey just in case you don’t manage to get onto the first boat that comes along. Wheelchair guests can be accommodated and the boat pilot will attach a ramp to help you embark and disembark safely.
Please remember that the boat service only operates subject to local water and weather conditions, and will cease operating if lightning storms are forecast or water levels are too high.

Flower Power Concert Series 2012

2012 Flower Power Concert Series Featuring music from the 60's and 70's (America Gardens Theatre): Show times 5:15 pm, 6:30 pm & 7:45 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Flower Power Concert Series photos 3/09 - 3/11: Jose Feliciano 3/16 - 3/18: Starship starring Mickey Thomas 3/23 - 3/25: The Guess Who 3/30 - 4/01: The Spinners 4/06 - 4/08: Chubby Checkers and the Wildcats 4/13 - 4/15: Paul Revere & The Raiders 4/20 - 4/22: The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie 4/27 - 4/29: Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night (new in 2012) 5/04 - 5/06: The Orchestra, starring Former Members of ELO (new in 2012) 5/11 - 5/13: Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone 5/18 - 5/20: Micky Dolenz Note: The concert schedule is subject to change without notice.

New Countdown added!!

Hello all! I just added a new "gadget"! It's the countdown for the day we leave Walt Disney World, to go on our "DREAM" cruise!! Just wanted to share! I finally figured out how to do these things without messing them up! LOL!!!

Be Our Guest!!!

Disney songwriter Robert Sherman dies, at 86

Disney songwriter Robert Sherman dies, aged 86

Published Tuesday, Mar 6 2012, 5:17am EST | By Mayer Nissim | 3 comments

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Songwriter Robert Sherman has died at the age of 86.

Robert's son Jeffrey confirmed the passing of the Disney songwriter yesterday (March 5) in a post on Facebook.

© Rex Features / W. Disney/Everett

"I have very sad news to convey," he said. "My Dad, Robert B Sherman, passed away tonight in London.

"He went peacefully after months of truly valiantly fending off death. He loved life and his dear heart finally slowed to a stop when he could fight no more."

He added: "He wanted to bring happiness to the world and, unquestionably, he succeeded. His love and his prayers, his philosophy and his poetry will live on forever.

"Forever his songs and his genius will bring hope, joy and love to this small, small world.  I love you, Dad."

Together with his brother Robert, the New York-born songwriter penned a number of songs for Disney, including 'It's a Small World (After All)' and 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'.

The pair were given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1976 and won two Academy Awards in 1965 for their work on Mary Poppins, picking up Oscars for 'Best Original Song' for 'Chim Chim Cher-ee' and 'Best Original Score'.

Jeffrey also posted a home video on Facebook titled: "Robert B Sherman - a poet. From my Dad to all of you out there." Watch it below:

Talking.....Disney!

This just about covers it in telling my story!!!  ;-) 

Have a magical evening all!!

Fulton's Crab House

Has anyone eaten at Fulton's??  We are going to make rezzies here for our first night on our next trip.  Last time I had a meal there, is was a character Breakfast when it used to be called The Empress Lilly.  (Yes, that was a long time ago!!)


Fulton's Crab House at Downtown Disney Marketplace serves fresh seafood flown in daily from ports worldwide for your lunch and dinner. Set in an authentic riverboat replica docked right on the waterfront, this restaurant features over 50 fresh seafood selections, as well as a variety of non-seafood specialties.

Try a speciality like Alaskan Crab Legs or Filet Mignon and Australian Lobster Tail. And pair your meal with a perfect wine from the 2,000-bottle wine cellar. Menus are changed daily to highlight fresh fish selections chosen by the award-winning chefs. There's even a menu for children, with their own favorite foods.

Kris is 54 today!

I can't believe that I am actually 54 today!  Man, that used to seem so unbelievably old!!  Happy birthday to me!!