I'm New to Northumberland........

 

One week after my fall and some bruising has come out on my foot and it's quite a bit easier to walk on. Thankfully I managed to convince Hubby I was fine to leave so he could meet up with his old school friends which had been planned some time ago. 

Sunday Daughter sent a message and Son popped over both giving their love this father's day. Daughter is performing all day in Kings Lynn and I hope it's not as wet there as it was here. While on our second cuppa conversation between father and Son moved to finding Daughter a replacement car (all three have been looking for a long time) and as luck would have it Son then found one that not only looked ideal but it was in one of our local dealers. Last mouthful of tea and off they went. Unfortunately it wasn't on the forecourt as it had only just come in and still in their prep area which isn't open on a Sunday, so Hubby put it on reserve and booked to view as soon as we get back together with Daughter who is away again till then too. 

Monday 8am we set off, heading north. One stop at Rutland Water for a cuppa and loo and the weather was warm and sunny enough to comfortably sit outside (which was lucky as the little tea shop didn't have inside seating. 

We had a varied journey of clear runs, traffic jams, road works and at least three heavy downpours to drive through. We reached Seahouses at 3pm. FriendsL&K were already there. We had a good catchup in the bar and eventually friendsL&M arrived. We had booked to have dinner at the hotel and it was all good. 

Hubby and I decided to have a little walk after dinner. This is the view from our hotel bar and restaurant areas as it's opposite just across the road. 

Only disappointment was discovering my misunderstanding of checkout day. I was told 17-23rd so assumed we checked out on Sunday 23rd, however we have paid for 23rd and therefore checkout 10.30am 24th! We could rearrange next week's coffee morning but Hubby has also booked to view a car with Daughter Monday afternoon and our new boiler is being delivered Monday too, plus next Tuesday also has important stuff booked. So we will head home a day earlier than the others.  

Tuesday after a good night's sleep and very good breakfast we sat for a while in the lounge and debated what to do as it was raining. We decided to have an easy day after all the driving done the day before. So after the rain stopped we walked into Seahouses main high street to see what they had. I managed the short walk there (about 20 mins at my slow pace) and we stopped in a tea shop when I really needed to. After our break we set off again looking for information about the local boat trips. Hubby could see I was struggling so told the others he was walking me back to the hotel while they went down to the harbour. Back in the bar/lounge they told us there was only 4½ hour boat trips at £45pp. So they had checked with the coastguard and have the tide times and planning on driving over the causeway. 

Our evening meal was in a local Italian restaurant we had seen earlier, we all enjoyed everything we ordered. FriendsL&K had walked and Hubby drove the rest of us, I couldn't have walked it again. 

Wednesday we had breakfast and friendLW said she had been ill all night but felt a lot better now. As planned we drove across to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

This is us crossing the causeway about 11:30am. 

FriendsL&M came in our car and so did their wheelchair which M wasn't using so I did as my foot had suffered from doing too much the day before. FriendLL had her disabled parking badge so we parked for free, then visiting the museum and priory I got in on the concession and Hubby was free as my carer. 

The Museum was interesting and fully wheelchair accessible as was this church. I love stained glass windows. 

Pushing me over the grass areas within the priory ruins was a little more challenging. 

We had a pub lunch and then another walk/push around. We headed to the castle, however when they all saw the downhill road and then the steep rise up as the castle is on top of the hill it was decided not worth the effort for FriendM's healing knee replacement and Hubby pushing me. So we chose to head back towards the carpark stopping at another cafe for a cuppa and cake ready for heading back about 4:30 pm when the tide had cleared the causeway again. 

Once back they all went to their rooms to rest and I stayed in the lounge reading. Hubby joined me soon after and then we heard FriendsL&K were not coming down again as LW was unwell again. So four of us had dinner in the hotel again. It was turning out to be a bit of a geriatric trip and I could see that Hubby couldn't relax. 

Thursday and although we were both very nearly awake we had to leap out of bed about 7:20am when the fire alarm went off. Hubby got clothes on first and while I was dressing he opened our door just as the alarm stopped and heard it was now under control, panic over but no going back to bed after that. Obviously the thought of needing to evacuate when I'm hobbling worried him and that helped Hubby decide and he told me he thought we should go home, I agreed. So we packed then went down for breakfast and to tell the others. 

We all gathered in the lounge after breakfast and said our goodbyes and we left with them at the window ready to wave as our car went by. 

When we fancied a stop we followed a brown sign which actually took us further off route than expected but we did find Ripon Walled Garden which supports the Help For Heroes charity and had this amazing knitted tank! Hope you can zoom in and see it's all knitted! Tea and cake was good too. 

We didn't make anymore stops and listened to the England v Denmark game on the radio and arrived home at half time. After that it felt like a normal Thursday at home and even did our usual online quiz. 

Friday I'm back to sitting with my legs up and resigned to the fact this healing is going to take time. 

We both liked what we did see and all the countryside we drove through so Northumberland is still new to me but I'm sure we will go back and try again. 

See you (probably still sitting here) next week.

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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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Six Go Back to Spain.......

13th to 19th October

Sunday
We started with the 2:30am alarm and picked up by friendsM&P at 3:30am. Southend Airport and met up with friendsT&F. This is another holiday to friendM's apartment in Riviera del Sol on the Costa del Sol. 

I'll not do a detailed account, let's just say there was a lot of drinking (not me) and eating, men playing pool and very late nights with plenty to laugh about. 

We hired a car this time and friendP did all the driving, so we were out and about every day.......hopefully the photos show what a great time we had.

Cabopino to La Lonja Bar to see Stelvis then across the sand to Andy's Beach Bar for more live music.

Benalmadena marina and cable car

Ronda

There were markets and beaches but I was obviously having too much fun to take photos. And our grand finale evening was also friendT's birthday, so silver service dinner with Soul/Mowtown/Jazz singer and birthday cake dessert with candles and giant sparkler! 

A week goes very fast when you are enjoying wonderful weather and great company. 

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A Quick Break in Norfolk.......

For Hubby's last birthday in February I gave him a two night's hotel voucher from Buy-a-gift and we needed to use it before it expired in August and actually hoped to use it before the school holidays started as most venues won't accept the voucher at peak times anyway. We managed it this week.

Not wanting to spend hours and hours travelling Hubby chose The Orangery B&B near Holt in Norfolk. This turned out to be in the middle of nowhere, so lots of driving down tiny country lanes while concentrating on the sat-nav (well done Hubby). It was a rebuilt farm plot with a stable and five buildings. The owners live in one and the others are all holiday rentals. Ours had two bedrooms, we had the downstairs one and although someone stayed in the other upstairs room on Tuesday night we never actually saw them. There was a lounge diner and kitchen as shared space. The continental-style breakfast was laid out on the table each morning to help yourself.

We did lots of walking and unfortunately right at the start I must have had a bit of sand or something in my shoe so caused a big blister grrrrr, thank goodness for blister plasters which was the first thing I applied when we got to the place and unzipped our case!
As well as walking there was ice cream and lunches and regular pots of tea in the following places.

Monday
Stiffkey
Holkham
Burnham Overy Staithe

Wells-Next-the-Sea

There was a film I wanted to see and we never managed to fit it in before so we found the Cinema in Dereham online and booked our tickets (this meant Hubby wouldn't back out last minute hahaha). Lovely small cinema with two screens and small auditorium.

The film was brilliant and we both enjoyed it. Highly recommend it.

Tuesday
Sheringham Park, National Trust, but only had to pay £6 to park the car.

Cromer, this was by the lifeboat station

We are English Heritage members and have been for many years but rarely get our money's worth. So looking through the book we found Baconsthorpe Castle but it was a free entry place anyway hahaha.

Wednesday
Started with a lovely walk around Sheringham, such an interesting town centre as so many small independent shops. By mid-morning it was already feeling quite hot.

Felbrigg Hall next. A National Trust property. Lunch first as you can always rely on NT for their cafe. So nice to walk around inside as these big houses are always nice and cool.

Home about 5pm-ish and out again at 7pm!
So just the two of us for a change and our first holiday this year!