2020 Feb - Florida holiday......

This is a bit of a brief "jot it down quick" diary of our wonderful holiday, not so many photographs but hopefully enough, and I've added links when I can, so if you need to know more then you'll have to do it yourself 😉

Tuesday 4th
Alarm at 4:30am and driving away at 5am. Gatwick to Orlando was uneventful (inflight movie Aladdin helped pass some time) and car pickup was easy too. Arrived at friendsL&K about 5.30pm to a very warm welcome and a lovely dinner. The evening was non stop catchup chat 😆

Wednesday 5th
Lazy leisurely start for us although friendK had to do a little driving for a friend to see their doctor urgently. Then it was a wander round Brownwood Paddock town square and in and out of a few shops then to Scooples Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant for lunch. The evening was in Spanish Springs town square to see the band Hooligans and meet up with lots of friends and have a dance. Then eight of us to Thai Ruby Restaurant for dinner.

Thursday 6th
Today was a late breakfast and friendA joined us. He left to join his Pilates class.
The four of us then drove out to Winter Park.

Cafe first for drinks and a very light lunch. Really nice looking restaurant and quite expensive menu. First disappointment was the dirty toilet. Second was the very very slow service and even slower delivery of the food even though none of us had dishes that needed cooking! FriendK had a little confusion with getting change from his bill, after we'd left he noticed he'd been given too much and even though she chased after us down the street to correct her mistake and K willingly gave her back what she asked for, she still left him with more than it should have been......so he considered it compensation. We are all still laughing about it.

Down to the lake and took the Scenic Boat Tour of three of the lakes. We were totally windswept but loved it.

Too much me and not enough him, 

I'll never get the hang of selfies 😂

Evening meal was in McAlisters Deli, travelling there and back with all the sides zipped down on the golf buggy as it was so windy. Later back home around 11pm onwards was a massive storm. Hubby slept through it hahaha.

Friday 7th
Lazy day with the men going to the hardware store then coming back and getting all their little repair jobs done. The evening was in Brownwood Square to hear a band as their friend Cathy was singing with them and she was just returning to the stage having been ill for quite a while. Such a shame it was a really cold evening so we gave up sitting outside shivering after their first set. Dinner for five of us at TooJays

Saturday 8th
Supermarket shopping this morning and a late lunch at Evans Prairie Country Club. A more substantial lunch as tonight will be mostly nibbles.
This evening was at home with friends and Mexican Train a domino type game. We played with nine of us, food, drink and a lot of laughter!

They may look like they are concentrating, don't be fooled, the blurred photos are because I was laughing and I was being shouted at to take my turn!

Sunday 9th
This afternoon was a good mooch around the Arts and Crafts market at Spanish Springs

Meeting friends in World of Beer

Listening to American Martian at Spanish Springs

Dinner tonight was for seven of us at Outback Steakhouse. An Australian themed steak house. Yummy!

Monday 10th
L&K wanted to check out the newly built Village of Fenney and the even newer building work in progress, which is the furthest point of the villages away from them, so much easier done in our hire car than their golf cart. Testament to the successful way of life here that the whole city keeps growing so rapidly.

On our way back they wanted to show us Baker House but it wasn't open so we are planning to do that Wednesday.

On to Lake Sumter as friendL needed to have her necklace repaired in the jeweler she bought it from, however the cost quoted seemed very high, so we left and joined our men in Panera for coffee and cake. Hubby had already bought me a Bear claw and it would have been ungrateful not to eat and enjoy every last mouthful mmmmm.

We managed to walk off a few of the zillion calories along the boardwalk around the lake. It's so beautiful there.

From there we came back to Brownwood for L to check out what the jewelers there would charge, but unfortunately they couldn't do the repair at all.

Next onto The Sunny Pint a new tap room business. So many beers to choose from (I had water).

Back again to Brownwood to dance to Second Slice and we met a few more of L&K's friends

Then to Square 1 Burgers. I didn't think I was hungry but it was so good I ate it all.
And finally home. A very busy day and as we were all yawning we all retired quite early.

Tuesday 11th
First stop I-Hop for breakfast.
Then about an hour drive to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. All the wildlife are here for their good not just our interest. They are rescued or recovering from injuries or just couldn't have survived in the wild. And all the rangers appear to be volunteers.

There were turtles

Birds of all sizes and colours

Underwater for us to watch fish 

 and fish to watch us

There were manatees but I didn't get a photo. 

And lots of alligators 

From there we headed to Monkey Island but we didn't actually find the island itself and were happy to stop at  The Shed Tiki Bar for some food and drink. Seems to be a popular place for Harley bikers.
Another busy day so all content to have a relaxing evening at home.

Wednesday 12th
Up and out early for Pilates, them not us! We lazed around, well we are on holiday 😂
We all headed out in plenty of time for a Wednesday only Baker House  guided tour.

We waited on the porch as instructed and was soon greeted by a couple of women who were very chatty and welcoming.
Next we were passed to our tour guides, an elderly married couple who were volunteers, not only volunteering as guides but undertook so much of the restoration and repairs the house has constant need for.
We started with the wife and when the husband was free he took over, insisting she go rest and have refreshments. They were both so knowledgeable and so so proud of the house they felt custodians of.

Apart from what you can read on their website they told us of all the furniture and accessories that has kindly been donated. In the dining room they had set the table with what they thought was English china of a suitable era. We told them that Minton is high quality and Hubby looked up the design and told them the age and current value which pleased them.
We were there for about two very enjoyable hours.

We needed refreshments ourselves so into the nearest Panera, but AARRGGHH no bear claws!!! L went for soup but three of us went for vanilla cinnamon roll, oh it was sooooo sweet, men were ok but I'll not have it again.

Home for a very quick change and onto friendsM&G. We had been invited along with friendA for a scrabble evening. But first they had made us a lovely dinner of pizzas and salads with all the trimmings followed by apple pie and ice cream. Then this.....

Thursday 13th
Another leisurely day doing not a lot. While relaxing in their lanai this pretty cardinal bird came to visit. Not the clearest photo as the lanai is mesh covered.

We headed out late afternoon. For Hubby and K it was shopping for K to buy a new iPad. L and I had a wander round different shops and they found us afterwards. Next stop was Cracker Barrel for their gift shop and dinner in their restaurant. There I tried what they call biscuits which look just like our scones but are much fluffier and are somewhere between a sweet/salty bread and a cake. I also had what they call gravy for the first time, because it was already on top of my fried chicken. Definitely not gravy as we know it, L was right with a nearest description as similar to English bread sauce.

Friday 14th
Today is Valentine's ❤ and Hubby's birthday 🎂
L&K went off for their early morning pilates, we were still in bed but I don't feel guilty at all hahaha.

I'd been warned in advance that this 

was tonight's entertainment. 

So we came prepared, and this 

is how the four of us left the house. 

The square was highly decorated and 

many people there were dressed up too. 

 The band were throwing out 

glow sticks and flashing rings etc. 

Everyone was in a great party mood and I had so many compliments on my wig it was well worth the itchy head hahaha.

L had managed to book our table for nine people at Cody's  for dinner, not easy on valentine's night to get a table anywhere, well done L. Dinner was great and the laughter never stopped.

Lots of hugging and kissing goodbyes then the four of us managed to catch the end of the party on the square and headed home still giggling about a great night.
A birthday Hubby won't forget.

Saturday 15th
All up, breakfasted and out by about 10:30ish and about 90 minute drive to the pretty city of Mount Dora for mooching round shops, light lunch and walks by the lake where we met this fella

Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille for dinner. Beautiful sunset.

Sunday 16th
All up but relaxing in pajamas then L and I had to rush and get clothes on when friendA called to say he was popping in to see us before we left. He stayed for a very long chat which was lovely. K and Hubby excused themselves to watch English match of the day on tv. Later when we were getting ready to go out neighbours and friendsJ&F came to wish us a safe journey home. L&K's friends are so warm and caring.

Then heading out for our last evening here, and last ride in the back of the golf cart hahaha.  To Sumter square and we had only just started to watch the band when it started raining again, so headed to the restaurant a little earlier than our booking so had drinks at the bar first. Dinner tonight was at Chop House Dining and it was yummy. Table cloths and sparkling chandeliers and our treat to say thank you to our perfect hosts.

Monday 17th
Out for breakfast to Darrell's Diner and there we bumped into friendsM&G so we got to say our goodbyes in person to them too. Filled the car with fuel (so cheap here) then a last relax in the lanai before loading the car and big hugs and away around 1pm to Orlando airport.

The usual long hanging around but no problems giving the hire car back, or check in or security etc and the flight took off on time. My choices of films were The Greatest Showman and the new Lion King.

Tuesday 18th
It was an overnight flight and we landed a little early at 6:45am GMT. Outside was cold but dry which was a pleasant surprise after hearing about all the dreadful UK weather they've had while we were away.
Home about 10:30am with lots of lovely memories and photos of a great holiday with our special friends......and two suitcases of dirty washing of course!
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Noah saved the day.........

Wednesday I had to be at the hospital for 11am for surgery, nil-by-mouth of course from the night before. I was prepared for an overnight stay and warned it could be a little longer. 4:20pm I was told my op had been cancelled. So messaged Hubby to come and take me home.

While I was waiting for him I messaged some of the people that needed to know starting with my children. After all the expected conversations Daughter suggested that the next day we do something extra "as it's a day you didn't expect to have free" she said, and suggested Noah's Ark Museum  which has been docked on the Ipswich Waterfront for three months and we've never found the time to visit before. Ideal!

We all loved it and it gave us plenty to admire and discuss. I adore all wood and the craftsmenship was wonderful. We are not religious as a family but mostly understand the bible stories and were amused by the narrative boards a little by some of the translations from Dutch. The dialogue was all done in a humorous way and very entertaining.

Then a walk along the Waterfront in the sunshine and a cuppa in a cafe.
My spirits were lifted.
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Packing........

Oh my it certainly has felt like a full on fortnight! We've been catching up with friends that we didn't fit in around the festive season, so a couple of lunches out and an evening out as well as our usual evenings out.

I've had a theatre night and we've had the cinema which I've already told you about.

For SERVSC Bloodrunners there was an evening at The Rosie Neonatal Hospital in Cambridge where they showed us around and fed us well with pizzas and cakes to say thank you for the milk runs that supply their premature babies when mum can't.

And a quiz night held in Ipswich which was good fun and also raised over £400 for the SERVSC charity

I'm out again tomorrow, lunching with friends but today we were home, catching up with ourselves, doing some much needed housework and thinking about packing for two weeks in Florida starting 4th February but first I've another short stay in hospital starting this Wednesday to pack for, plus we did have a visit from Daughter, R, O and the dog, a very welcome distraction! 

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Date Night (part 2)......

As mentioned before, this is our Christmas present to each other.

I'd received another 50% discount at Beefeater which expired Thursday and as we were busy every day of the week before that, then Thursday was decided to be our cinema Christmas date.

It's quite a long film and as we had Daughter, R and O here for lunch and the dog for the afternoon too we decided to go and eat first film second. This time the Tesco Clubcard voucher worked and we learned that you register your car in the cinema and don't pay the parking meter.

I'll not paste the story outline here as those who love Star Wars know it already and those that don't, don't care and to me it is far too confusing.

Seems there are 18 Star Wars films which started in 1977 with Episode IV and this most recent is Episode IX.

So story and maths aside, it was the usual mix of clever film making, loud dramatic fighting scenes both in spaceships and hand-to-hand light sabre battles, familiar music and the occasional very witty line in amongst the dialogue packed script.

As expected there were some amazing "other planet" creatures and they brought back many of the original cast in cameos or hologram messages and they even included the late Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia even though she'd died before this film had been written.

I didn't hate it and Hubby loved it.........now what on earth do I get him for his February birthday?
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Theatre: Sherlock........

​     "Who'd be interested in this old relic, Holmes?" murmured Watson, one morning at the breakfast table of 221b Baker Street. "Nonsense, Watson. A splash of cologne and a trim of your moustache, & I’m sure someone would have you". "Be serious, Holmes. Look here - in the Morning Post!"
     Thus began the case that Dr Watson dared not share with the public, till now. A case that, were its full facts to be known, would shake the nation to its very core, and beyond.
     Ancient artifacts are disappearing from museums and private collections all over Europe,. A pre-Christian effigy one day, a shamanic totem the next, a pagan fetish at the weekend. Either someone's on their own personal antiques road trip, or they're trying to summon dark forces. and gain mystical powers. But to what end…and why?
     The ensuing adventure takes Holmes and Watson from the wharfs and alleys of East London, to the icy wastes of the north and the hidden temples of the east (changing at Peterborough), as they pursue "The Warlock of Whitechapel"

     Julian Harries and Dick Mainwaring once again don the deerstalker, plus fours and travelling capes of Holmes and Watson, & are joined by Common Ground regulars Joe Leat & Emily Bennett in this classic Xmas comedy thriller.
     Common Ground have been bringing their distinctive brand of  music theatre - with strong narrative, strong emotion and just a touch of the surreal – to venues across East Anglia, since 2008.

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We try to fit in one of these every Christmas, so it's almost our pantomime. This time it had to wait till January and performed in a different venue but just as good (apart from hard seats).

It's very predictable. Makeshift costumes, deliberate overreacting, mistakes and trips which I'm not convinced weren't scripted anyway, and an abundance of rude innuendos. Total nonsense that makes us laugh out loud and come away smiling.
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Date Night (part 1).......

Hubby and I are definitely finding present buying for each other almost impossible so this last Christmas I suggested we just didn't. It certainly took the pressure off me while I'm having to come up with good ideas for what to buy everyone else, however, I'm the only person Hubby has responsibility to buy for and he seemed a little unsure and did quietly mention occasionally "so would you like this/that/the other".

I made another suggestion "what about giving each other a cinema date night?"
We go to the cinema very very rarely as we don't actually have the same taste in entertainment at all. So I said I'll watch the new Star Wars with him, with a smile on my face, and he can watch Cats with me, with a smile on his face.

It should have been free as Hubby had claimed on our Tesco Clubcard vouchers, but armed with the email complete with QR code we still struggled at the cinema ticket machine and then carried on struggling with a real person and two of her superiors! We gave up and paid for our tickets.

It was an early evening showing which may account for the sparse audience or it may have been the very poor reviews!

I enjoyed it, the clever visual effects, the London's West End surroundings, brilliant computer generated fur coverings on all cats with active tails and twitching ears, and such talented dancers! It had the most amazing star studded cast, which distracted a bit from those that could actually sing and dance.

Some of the songs weren't songs at all, just dialogue in a sing song voice and the story was almost non existent. But overall it was a short time of complete escapism.

Hubby said "It was ok but not purrrrrrrr-fect!" hahaha

We rounded off our date night with a meal in our local Beefeater.....because we had a 50% off voucher. Then home for a cuppa as it was still only 9:30! A couple of old cheapskates but we did hold hands 😉
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Doesn't have to rhyme, does it?........

Tis the night before Christmas

Food's prepped but not cooked yet

Presents bought, wrapped and ready

Hope they like what they get

All day I've sent wishes

Facebook, whatsapp, messenger and more

Words, emojis and gifs

Spending time telling people you care

So just before I go to bed

Cos tomorrow will be too busy

My special wishes are just for you

To have festive fun and and next year through! 

The Fun Season Has Started......

Well December has started with a big party, sisterS celebrated her big birthday with a party. Hubby and I did the nearly three hour drive to Twickenham and got there early enough to help set up the hall, covering tables with gold banqueting roll and setting out the food etc. Her son is a party DJ so he took care of that. Her daughter had the cake made. Then with some family and lots of her friends we had a great night.

We slept over in our usual bed in their house and Sunday the four of us went out to dinner, then we drove home. 

Got home in time for Hubby to go out again with Rudolf and the Round Table sleigh, this year they are collecting for SERV Bloodrunners and SARS Emergency Medical Charity.  Hubby is out with them every evening we aren't booked to be elsewhere. 

Daughter is working all this week putting on an adaptation of The Tailor of Gloucester as part of the Layer Marney Tower Christmas Event. She had asked us to have O and the dog and maybe the girls too while she's working. I said yes to every day bar their first on Monday.......as I'd booked tickets for Hubby and me to be there without telling her. 

We arrived at 11:30am and started with coffee/tea then a warm greeting by the owner and divided into four groups for a very amusing/informative guided tour, then escorted into a full Christmas dinner. I think there were about 100 diners. As we were finishing coffee Daughter arrived in costume to gather us all outside and play us across to the church. She was very pleased to see us. Their play was magical and clever with audience participation and carol singing too. 

After the play we all went back to the tower for mulled wine and a mince pie and the performers followed us in and sang traditional carols. We came away smiling 😀

Our usual Wednesday gang had our Christmas meal, except we had to have it on Tuesday

Shame we never think about taking the group photo until we've all got our coats on over our party clothes and friendH had already left.

The children (and dog) have been here this week while Daughter has been working, and they've put the decorations up. Leaving plenty for me to finish. 

My third Christmas dinner was at Acorn Village with the monthly crafting group. Think there were 17 of us and I'd taken a silly group game in case it went quiet at any time, but lively conversation and laughter never really stopped so we didn't need it. Forgot to take a photo. 

And all this before the 13th with two more Christmas dinners to go to and then cooking our own.  

So just in case I don't make it back to the blog before the 25th I'd like to wish you all a happy, healthy fun festive season 🎅🎁🎄  Ho Ho Ho

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