Our Celebration in Disneyworld

April 29, 2025

Friday was spent in EPCOT

Wednesday - Lulu taught her last class at FSU for the semester. When they ask the famous athletes after the Super Bowl - what are they going to do - they all say - I am going to Disneyworld. So Thursday morning we woke up early - piled into the red car - and drove to the happiest place in the world.

Lulu always wanted to stay at the Grand Floridian Hotel - so now she had her wish. With the Florida resident 30% discount - we spent two nights there - and enjoyed a day in Epcot.

Lulu was considering retiring as a professor - her problem is - she loves her job. Thanks to FSU - we have been able to travel all over the world. So many doors - including China - Australia - England - Germany - have been opened for us. In Africa - it has been Egypt and Morocco - in Asia - it has been Japan - Hong Kong - Vietnam. In South America - Brazil - and Columbia. In Europe - Norway - Sweden - France - Italy. Don't forget Australia and New Zealand. You can see why she is so hesitant to pull the plug.

Lulu taught 8 years at Tamaqua - 8 years at Freeland MMI - 10 years at St Johns University in NYC - 22 years and counting at FSU. Throw in teaching 8 summers in Hawaii - 8 summers in London - 2 summers at the Univ of Ariz - 1 summer at UNC - 1 summer at UGA - the girl has over 50 years under her belt. Top that off with raising two fine sons - and building two special homes. She was also a life guard at the Bungalow where we met. You may be wondering what she does in her spare time.

She has decided to take a leave of absence for 16 months. Then she will decide at that time to retire or go back to work. We are all taking bets on which one it will be. So we are celebrating a milestone.

We honeymooned in Florida in 1971 - the same year Disneyworld opened. I think we have been there almost every year since. One time we owned a bus and we would take groups of students to Disneyworld and Cape Canaveral. What joyous memories we have!

We loved our room in the Grand Floridian - but most of the time was spent at the attractions. When Epcot was being built in 1980 - I was employed as a cop at Disneyworld. Lulu was getting her masters at UCF in Orlando. In 1988 - we lived in Tallahassee for a year while she got her doctorate. So this was indeed the place for us to celebrate.

Weather was perfect - warm and low humidity. Crowds were moderate. Lots of nice things to eat - and plenty to do.

Lulu was invited by a former student to visit the Disney Employee Store. It was a highlight for my bride - she loves Goodwill Stores - and this one is very exclusive.

We stopped in Gainesville - both ways - to charge up the red car. While I charged it - she shopped - we ate. Saturday evening we were home.

Another big adventure is commencing in the Everhart household. Lulu is a dreamer - and you don't stop believing. All options are on the table.