Hotel: Sheraton Park Hotel, 714.750.1811 

AAA Rating: 3 stars

TripAdvisor: 8 out of 101

Disney: Good neighbor - Superior

Our experience …

Check-in/checkout: Both were a breeze. I requested a non-connecting room, with a full balcony overlooking Disney, and the front desk staff did everything within their power to ensure my request was fulfilled (despite a last minute booking, I might add). As a matter of fact, she apologized for not being able to find a room higher than the 5^th floor.

The day we were set to checkout, an itemized bill was under the door including additional charges (drinks by the pool, don’t-ya-know). I had only to approve the charges. And that was checkout.

Our room: Our room was small, with enough room for two queen beds, television, desk (which included a cupboard that held a small fridge), small side table and chairs, and room to get around. Seeing how it was just the two of us, and we were there to see the mouse, it was perfect. However, if you need room for a crib, for instance, you will want to make note of the fact when making the reservation, as rooms do vary in size.

The beds … sigh … the beds were quite lovely. And with a variety of pillows, chances are you can find one that will at least come close to your preference.

The vanity area is right outside the bathroom. Personally, I think this layout is preferable for us girls. One can take a shower, while the other is putting herself together – without the mirror fogging, or getting in each other’s space. And we did so love the Bliss bath products.

And a nice perk – you receive two complimentary bottles of water each day. It is, after all, the little things …

Note:  The fridge conserves energy; so if you want something truly cold - say, your water bottle - hit the quick cool button.  Instructions are on the refrigerator.  

The pool: Here’s the funny part. I booked this hotel because of the pictures I’d seen of the pool. Seriously, the pictures made it seem like the pool area went on for miles. I was SO excited I could hardly stand it. And then I saw it in person. I kept looking for the rest of it. Finally my mom had to say, “Amy, this is it … let it go … “

Still, it is larger than most, with plenty of loungers, a few tables and chairs, and all well maintained. And with a poolside bar, what’s not to love? We had a mango colada … with fresh pineapple and umbrella I might add … and it was simply divine.

Restaurants: The hotel boasts 2 restaurants – Molly’s Kitchen (open for breakfast and lunch) and the Overland Stage Southwestern Grille (open for dinner) – and Cafasia (full service snack shop). We never made it to a restaurant, but we took advantage of the Cafasia. Upon arrival, we were so famished we could go no further, so we ordered a turkey sandwich. Very tasty. The cup o’grapes revived us every afternoon … and the coconut mocha frappe [whimper] … oh yeah, it was good.

Getting around: The hotel is one block from Disneyland – a straight shot, with only two lights between the two. Simply exit the front doors of the hotel, head left on Harbor Boulevard and take a left when you reach Disney! It’s actually a pleasant jaunt in the mornings; after traipsing thru the parks all day, it’s a bit more harsh, but still totally manageable. You can also pay to ride the shuttle; there’s a pickup stop right outside the hotel property. We, however, walked.

In a nutshell: We truly enjoyed our stay at the Sheraton Park hotel. It was a perfect “home base.” We would head for the parks first thing. Come back around 2:00 or 3:00, swing by the snack shop, pick up our grapes, and by the time we got to our room, it was clean. We’d head down to the pool for a wee dip; and once revived, we’d head back to the parks.

When it was finally time to sleep, we could rest in the fact that it was a relatively quiet hotel. There was construction going on at a neighboring property and we barely heard a thing. We were also right next to the janitor’s closet, never heard a thing. Every once in awhile we would hear the conversation of people who seemed to be camped outside our room – or the people above us moving the chairs about on their balcony, but otherwise, peace and quiet.

Last, but certainly not least, the hotel staff was courteous and efficient.

We would recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Anaheim – for business or pleasure…

For those of you who have been hearing horror stories of delayed and canceled flights every which way but up, I'm hear to tell you, it's not always the case.  We flew Alaska/Horizon Air and all four flights departed on time and arrived ahead of schedule. It was AMAZING!

Now the flights themselves were interesting ...

The first plane was a prop plane.  My first experience, I might add; and I was not feeling the love.  Now I'm usually the one keeping petrified fellow passengers calm.  But in that plane, every time the call bell would ding I would jump about ten feet in the air.  Okay, so there wasn't ten feet to jump, but you get the idea.  And who could blame me?  There's something unnerving with a whirly-gig keeping you afloat.   

And if you haven't flown out of Orange County in awhile, apparently there is a noise ordinance in effect.  Now you know it's a bad sign when the captain comes on and informs you that takeoff is going to be a bit different.  But it's a takeoff approved by the FAA.  And it's totally safe.  It's just a little different.  But totally approved by FAA.  And safe.  Totally safe.  Just different than you're use to.  Approved by FAA.  And completely safe.  Here's the drill:  you sit on the runway, gunning the power, with the breaks on.  Then you take off to 1,000 feet, pretty much straight up ... like a jet.  Good times really ... except maybe for those poor passengers who looked like they could hurl. 

Oh, and we were lucky enough to get a woman-hating-steward on the last leg.  Seriously.  We were so envious of the cute young guy sitting across from us.  He got extra treats, an Esquire magazine, smiles even.  But the smiles quickly disappeared the minute he laid eyes on eyes.  He practically threw the bag-o-treats at us.  If only WE had been cute boys ... oh, cruel fate ... sigh. 

Well, I've just returned from the Happiest Place on Earth ... actually, I returned yesterday evening, but other than a few hours of sleep, this is the first time I've had to just sit and type. 

We had a splendid time, by the way.  Rest assured, you will hear bits and pieces ALL week ... please, do try to control your excitement ...  

I must admit, I could have used a couple extra days.  Yes, I'm older; yes, my bones and muscles are exceedingly pitiful.  But it was just so wonderful to get away from the world world for a bit. 

Thankfully, I had a day to ease back into reality.  Spent nearly the whole day with friends; just finished the 5th annual Fall Extravaganza (celebrated every year with a friend who loves Autumn just as much as I do - we eat, we chat, we exchange fall-ish gifts).  Now I'm going to wash my face, brush my teeth, snuggle up to a good book, and desperately try to adjust my attitude ...

OH, and for those of you simply DYING of curiosity... no, I did not meet the man of my dreams.  I did, however, meet Mr. Incredible ... if that helps at all ...

Well, it's nearly time to head off for fun and frivolity ... itineraries have been passed to those who might need them, receipts/vouchers have been printed, cell numbers have been added for those who have requested to live vicariously with instantaneous pics, the bags are packed (mostly), munchies and books are in my carryon (clean underwear, food, and something to read ... really, what more do you need?).  All that remains is closing up the suitcase, painting my toenails, and checking in!

To the girls of Veritas Literary Society: I've packed my copy of Graham Greene's The Human Factor.  I will certainly miss the discussion tomorrow evening, but know I will be thinking of you as I lounge about the pool, reading.  Sigh. 

To the rest of my faithful readers: my handsome computer has not been invited on holiday.  Our hotel has late check-in ... I simply could not take the pressure of leaving it with strangers or lugging it EVERYWHERE for however many hours.  Guess I'll just have to find something else to do ...

Of course, this means no new posts for a couple days.  GASP!  Pain and suffering!  I know.  But think of it as an early weekend.  AND think of all the material I'll have when I return.  Return from where, you ask?  Certainly something to ponder between now and then ...

I would like to say I have something deep, moving, and profound for my post this morning, but alas, I've got nothing. 

My mum and I decided to take a wee holiday this week in celebration of our birthdays.  True, they aren't for another couple months, but this was the only time we both get time off.  Now we must face the whirlwind of activity that is preparing to go ... work, work outside of work ... my eyeballs are actually bleeding from looking at a computer monitor for 13 straight hours! Okay, slight exaggeration, but they're crying out all the same. 

Woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning at 3:00 a.m. with the realization that I haven't mailed all my bill payments yet  - those stragglers that don't arrive with the rest always throw me off. 

So there you have it.  No impressive posts for me today.  I'll be doing good to concentrate on bills, work, running to the credit union, running home, pedicure, printing off itineraries and vouchers - oh, and I guess packing would be good too. 

One thing that won't get done is my legs.  I had good intentions to apply a bit of tan-in-a-can this morning - at least attempt to dim the glare.  Couldn't do it.  It was much too chilly.  Seriously.  The five minutes it takes to dry is like a lifetime in frigid temps.  Guess I'll just have to live with pasty whiteness.  We can only hope this is not the weekend I meet the man of my dreams.  Although, perhaps that's how he'll find me ... he'll be lounging about by the pool, when suddenly, he'll be blinded!  He'll search for the cause of that ridiculous glare ... and there I'll be ... [insert angels singing here]  White legs may not be such a bad thing after all ... do stay tuned ...

It's the first day of Autumn.  My favorite time of year.  Sigh. 

William Allingham once said, "Autumn is the mellow time."  If it isn't so, at least it should be.  It is, after all, the time leading into those hectic-days-of-holidays.  It's only right we breathe in the brisk fall air and glory in the rich hues around us. 

So this year, let us make an effort to enjoy the gifts of autumn - light candles, stoke a fire, snuggle up to a good classic, brew some tea, sip some java, bake some homemade goodness, and spend countless hours enjoying the company of friends ...    

Nothing's as big as your first love.

Rating: PG

Genre: Comedy-romance

Verdict: Can’t help falling for this one

The gist: Ten-year-old Gabe (Josh Hutcherson) has it all together.  He has his loving -albeit dysfunctional - parents Adam (Bradley Whitford) and Leslie (Cynthia Nixon), his friends, and his sports.  He's living the good life.  Then Rosemary Telesco (Charlie Ray) walks into his karate class - and everything changes.  Sure, he's known her since kindergarten, but suddenly he sees her with different eyes.  In a blink he feels the awe and misery that is first love.  And New York will never be the same ...  

My take: I’ll be honest. Renting this movie was not my idea. After all, who wants to watch 11-year-olds get more action than you? EXACTLY. But from the moment the movie began, I was hooked.  Jennifer Flackett (writer) and Mark Levin (director) display a fine talent in capturing first love and all its complexities.  This film is much like a time machine - taking you back to those days of innocence.  It beautifully conveys the humor, exhilaration, and complete-and-utter despair of first love.  And suggests to those who have found true love: despite the hardship, disappointment, and sorrow it may bring, love is worth fighting for ...

A cat-lady-in-training must post many a picture of her kits - like this one, of Shakespeare doing yoga ...

Grab your best girls, hire a sitter, empty that rainy day fund, throw some clothes in a bag – some food in the freezer, and hop a plane to London. Why London, you ask?! Well, let me tell you: this week is one of Anita's Vintage Fashion Fairs.

Just imagine spending your Saturday surrounded by high fashion of the 30's, 40's and 50's.  For six-and-a-half GLORIOUS hours you can peruse treasures of old - vintage stage and film costumes, buttons, trimmings.  After a few hours, kick back with treats from the Vintage Cafe.  After all, you deserve to lounge about, sipping coffee, nibbling cakes - flaunting your very own vintage Biba, Vivienne Westwood, Zandra Rhodes, YSL, Chanel...  

At the very least, a girl can dream ... 

So, the HR director calls my office the other day, seeking guidance on spelling. The conversation went something like this:

HR: I’m trying to send an email and I cannot get the spelling of one word.

Me: What’s the word?

HR: Well, here’s how I’m using the word [insert sentence example here], and here’s how I’m spelling the word [insert spelling here].

Me: Haha. AHAHAHAHAHA!

HR: Silence.

Me: Oh. You’re serious.

Nothing quite like writing your own pink slip. Naturally, I felt my hole wasn’t quite deep enough; so I went on to tell him that he was close to spelling a word … it just wasn’t the correct usage. Helpful? I’m thinking no … especially since every time he sees me now he shakes his head and looks dejected. Sigh. Yeah, those spelling conundrums – they’re not easy on any of us…

Well, this is it - the end of our tour of Magpie and Muttonfly's Fantastical Finds.  Please, do try to be brave.  After all, you may visit the store anytime you like by simply clicking the link. 

Until then, what better way to bid a fond farewell then on a sweet note ...

Click here to visit the Film Fanfare page.

Click here to visit the Soundtracks page. 

Or, click one of the items above to navigate directly to the product page. 

*For those of you new to this blog, Mapgpie and Muttonfly's Fantastical Finds is an Amazon "store" tied with this site.  Basically, I've search Amazon high and low for the fun and fantastical.  For the past SEVERAL Tuesdays we've started at the top and worked our way thru, perusing the wares.  Today, we've reached the end; now back to our regularly scheduled programming ...  

We have a neighbor-cat who has adopted our backyard as his own private retreat.  He strolls back there and lounges about as if hasn't a care in the world.  To thank us for our hospitality, he has begun to offer certain gifts - Les Morts variety.  A few weeks ago, it was a dead squirrel; this last week it was a dead bird. 

I was actually chatting with my aunt and uncle who were visiting, when I looked down and noticed feathers strung about.  Never a good sign.  Sure enough, a few feet away there he was.  Poor fellow. 

Of course, with visitors I didn't exactly want to rush out, grab a shovel and bag, and  commence with the burial proceedings.  So I did what any good hostess would do in such a situation - I ignored it - and then promptly forgot. 

I was reminded, however, the next day when I arrived home from work and the darn thing was in the front yard.  It was a bit alarming to say the least.  I began to think dead birds were falling from the sky - but, alas, it was one and the same. 

If I thought it through I would have disposed of the body at that very moment.  But no ... being the efficient person that I am, I decided to water the flowers first, so I could get the sprinklers going.

There I was, watering flowers, enjoying the hint of autumn in the air, when something crunched beneath my step.  I figured it was merely a twig.  And then I looked down.  A bird leg.  I had stepped upon a bird leg!  I have never moved so fast in all my life.  It's a miracle I didn't injure myself.

Needless to say, I'm hoping we've reached the end of that cat's thankfulness... 

Oh, that's right ... it's only Thursday.  Sigh.

I've been a day off all week.  Monday I thought was Tuesday, Tuesday/Wednesday, Wednesday/Thursday, Thursday ... well, you get the idea.  And the days have seemed longer than your typical 24-hour period.  Navin R. Johnson (The Jerk - 1979) explained the phenomenon perfectly: the first day seemed like a week and the second day seemed like five days. And the third day seemed like a week again and the fourth day seemed like eight days...

Wretched luck really. 

I guess I have one thing going for me - I'll be all the more happy when the weekend finally arrives in another day ... or ten ...

Like any professional, I try to keep abreast of the latest trends in my field; recently, I came upon something quite disturbing:  agents are backing away from anything labeled “literary.” GASP! What the…?!

Literary works, you see, simply are not fashionable.  At first, I could not grasp how this could be.  I know I am always searching for a new literary treasure; certainly all readers/writers must be the same.

Alas …

I have since realized many readers of literary fiction do not bother with modern works. It is, apparently, beneath them. Now I certainly understand the complete-and-utter-disappointment of reading a book so full of promise, yet so full of poppycock. But that certainly does not hinder my search - if anything, it strengthens my resolve!  After all, if we must kiss many a frog to find a prince, or unearth many a stone to uncover a diamond, certainly we must read many a dreadful novel to happen upon a classic.

Granted, it would be lovely if novels brilliantly penned would sing or glow or twitter. Physical cues would certainly help ensure our eyes would only alight upon words that dance upon the page. Words that enliven the spirit and expand the mind – words that make us laugh, or cry, or simply stop and think – words that stand the test of time.

But such is not the case.

Instead, we are relegated to sifting through drivel to find goodness. And when we find it, we must share it with others.  After all, someone did it for us. Because they made the effort, we do not have to read centuries upon centuries worth of bad works - we have only to read our own.  And when we tire of nonsense, we can always return those classics discovered by readers of old. 

The least we can do is return the favor for generations to come...

Okay fine. I’ll admit it – I’m a movie buff. I love films of all sorts and varieties; here are a few of my all time favs …

Click here to visit Film fanfare.

Or click on one of the pictures, above, to learn more about that particular item.

*and my disclaimer: in case you are new to this site and wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into, rest assured, I do not usually sell things. Actually, I never sell things. Magpie and Muttonfly’s Fantastical Finds is an Amazon “store” that I’ve put together just for fun. Basically, I recommend items on Amazon.com. Since the start, several have requested a way to see what’s out there without having to peruse every dadgum page. So here it is – and will be – every Tuesday…