Please Apply Brakes

Sometimes you wish for things to move quickly, sometimes a more steady pace. Right now I could do with a big red emergency stop button.

When I was a child, I used to love playing on the roundabout at the park, you know the one that you push to make it go faster and faster? Once I got flung off because someone made it go too fast and I couldnt hold on. I grazed my knees badly on the concrete. That's how I feel now, going too fast.

It was only a couple of months ago that the notion of buying the the house was just a thought and nothing else. A dot on the horizon. Now there is a possibility that we may be living there by Christmas. A daunting thought as the work between now and then is enough to bring on an attack of 'the vapours'.

Three weeks ago Father in Law had his house valued. Two weeks ago we had ours valued, a week ago we had a survey done, three days ago our house went on the market, yesterday two of three couples who have been to view ours said they loved it. They should do at the price we are selling it for!

So we wait to see if either of the 'we love it's' actually put in an offer. One is likely to be able to proceed quickly, the other has a house to sell. This gives me a huge headache as there is fifty years of 'clutter' and a huge amount of furniture to sort out at FIL's, the sorting and packing at this end and all on top of some major work on the house itself, that ideally should be done before we move in.

....And then there is the new job role on top of the old job role. In order to keep my sanity, I should be coming home at night, relaxing, doing things to take my mind off the list of 'Things to Do' that niggles at me constantly. - That's the 'Things to Do for Work' list by the way, not the 'Things to Do at Home' or 'Things to Do at Dads' list.

Instead, Im wide awake at 3:07am on a Saturday morning, a millon things flying round in in my head. Trying to decide whether to go and do more clearing at Dad's today or catch up on some work. That'll be after the new carpet is fitted in the dining room of course, and all the furniture put back.

Maybe I will go and have a massage or a walk along the beach.....just to catch my breath!

 

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We Must Be Mad

We are hoping to buy this...

This is the house where hubby grew up with his parents and two brothers. His father is now 84 and wants to sell the house - to us. We have been considering it for a while, but expecting it to be when circumstances meant it had to be sold. Now it seems FIL wants to see the sale go through without any complications and potential legal problems before he meets his maker, as MIL is now in a care home and things could get tricky.

Friday we have the estate agent around to value ours. We already know we have to practically give ours away if we want a reasonably quick sale. We know that FIL's needs a lot of modernising, including rewiring the 60 year old electrics! FIL will be living with us for as long as he feels comfortable there, which is good because its a big house for an 84 year old to be living in alone.

The other positive is that we know who has lived there the last 50 years, so moving in as it is isnt a problem. I wouldnt do that normally without a thorough scrub and bleaching first. It's the clutter that fills me with dread. There is 50 years of clutter to sort out regardless of if we buy it or not. Frankly, I dont know where to start.

This might be a good starting point

 

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The Longest Week

It now a whole week since we left Florida. It seems like a month ago since we were sitting on the patio at 10pm enjoying a drink and a cigar. (Hubby had the cigar by the way!)

I don't ever remember feeling this lethargic for so long. Im sure I usually felt fine after two or three days. Maybe it's because Im older, maybe its that we went back to work sooner, maybe it's that this week has been a bit of a challenge.

Normally the start of the first week back involves a barrage of e-mails, making calls and chatting about the holiday to everyone you meet. My week began with a drive to Redworth Hall in Durham, followed by a whole day of talking and presentations. I stumbled and stuttered during the 'introductions' when asked to state my job role. When I left for Florida that was still up in the air amidst a management restructure.' My response was "Er," and a shrug in the direction of the Operations Manager.

The next day I was asked to go into the office first thing to meet with the above. I came out an hour later with the title 'Quality Manager'.

The role sounds great, however, although I am itching to get started with sorthing out things tat need to be done sooner rather than later, I also have a caseload of learners to finish off, which means juggling two roles. It's going to be hard work for a while.

Now this has been announced, everyone is queueing up with complaints and things that need sorting. There has been a few weeks without anyone taking charge of the day to day centre operations other than the director, and you ony go to him as a last resort. I am ecxcited by the challenge but also aware that I need to have my family time too. I'm not prepared to let the role take over my personal life, well maybe a little at first.

Six months is not long to go from Training Advisor to Quality Manager. Feeling rather pleased with myself actually.

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The Bit Between

Had most of the bags packed last night so didn't have to rush around this morning, nice to sit on the balcony a while, have breakfast and leave the room with just a few minutes to spare. Of course the two boys were excited to be going home to their XBoxes, Scooters, friends and in Jordan's case his girlfriend. They were up with very little cajoling, unlike previous days. So we packed the car and set off up the I-475 towards Tampa and the airport. A quick stop off for some water and snacks for the airport - and beef jerky for my friend Suze! (Odd girl).

One of the problems we have experienced a few times this holiday was the fact that the POI (point of interest) on the Co Pilot GPS App on the iPhones sent us to the wrong place, even though the zip code was correct. E.g. Legoland and unfortunately Tampa Airport, which wouldn't have been such a problem had we not been running on fumes and had Alexander not been feeling car sick. We were sent to some small housing estate that didn't even resemble a small airstrip. Hubby was stressed and so was I when Alexander began shouting for a bag to be sick in. US city roads are not the places you can easily pull over on, so the snacks were thrown on the floor and a Target Carrier bag used as a receptacle. He felt much better afterwards he said.

We pulled into the car rental garage and hastily wiped the seats down, while emptying the car. Hoping that they didn't notice a slightly acrid aroma in the back. US airports seem to be able to manage the checking in bit of flying better than us, we simply went to the desk, handed over the bags and wandered off into the main concourse. Being an internal flight to Atlanta, we just had to go through security, with minimal fuss. Hopped on the flight, which was about an hour late due to a storm, and began the journey towards the UK.

Delta was quite good on the way to Florida, and we had no complaints other than the fact that a snooty hostie snapped at me for trying to open a closed locker. The Americans take on so much hand luggage that they use all the overhead space. She got a sharp "Don't like the tone of her voice" comment from me! Was given a very quick drink on the hour long flight, but it felt like we just got up there when we were coming back down again. Atlanta was again very efficient, had a few minutes on a shuttle to the international terminal and had a bit of a snack at the food court, mainly for Jordan's benefit as he won't eat airline food. An hour later we boarded the Manchester flight.

So we paid extra for the Economy Comfort seats, knowing that the way home is overnight and if we don't get some sleep its not very pleasant the following day. We boarded after the ones who turn left of course and settled into our seats. Noticing there were a few empty ones around us. We sat a bit longer as take off time approached. The Captain announced that the delay was due to waiting for 15 late passengers. One of which was an American man who unfortunately sat in front of hubby. Obviously a frequent flier and not of a mind to follow the rules. Was up and down, asking for a drink, while making a phone call, as the last passengers came on board. After take off, and before the seat belt sign went off, he decided to fully recline his seat.

We appear to have a rather odd plane today too. The Captain kept the seatbelt sign on longer than usual, delaying the serving of drinks because it wasn't safe to do so, was "a bit bumpy" according to the announcement, however, it wasn't quite as 'bumpy' in the front section, so they were being served theirs they said in the next sentence. Really???

When the drinks came round, the man in front put up his seat while drinking his, then dropped it back making hubby's drink almost fall off the tray. Hubby made a point of whacking his tray back into place rather sharply when getting up to the toilet. I sense a few more similar 'incidents' as the flight continues.

To my left I have a family of four. The mother is sitting with the young daughter who is playing on a DS game that makes a lot of noise, and when talking are practically shouting at each other. Just behind them are a couple of young lads. The one by the window is very nervous of flying, and is fidgeting and fussing all the time. There's quite a lot of turbulence over the Atlantic so this could be a long flight if I don't sleep after the meal.

I did sleep, for all of about 20 minutes, as long as Alexander let me between wriggling and fidgetting as he tried to settle into a comfortable position. I decided to watch 'Bridesmaids' on the iPad. What a funny film. Not usually my kind but it did while away a few hours over the dark Atlantic Ocean. Wasnt long until the smell of breakfast warming up filtered along the rows, and the lights came on.

What followed next was what I call the 'worst time ever'. The three hours drive is like hell. I get irritable, achey, tired, twitchy and could happily punch someone. Hubby starts driving after collecting the car from BIL's, but I often end up driving the last hour or so. Even a stop off for a coffee didnt perk me up much. The relief when I get home is indescribable.

The car empty, I go off to collect Keesha from the kennels. She looks fantastic! I always get her groomed as three weeks in kennels has her looking rather unkempt and a bit smelly. Once we have her back, the family is home and the unpacking can start. Did we really buy all that stuff??? FOURTEEN pairs of shoes/sandals, one pair of football boots, three handbags, two footballs, lots of Fossil jewellry, too many to count T-Shirts, five refillable drinks containers, a souvenir cocktail glass from Universal, and two large Despicable Me cuddly toys (Jordan's girlfriend loves them). One laptop, one iPad keyboard case, five days worth of freebie Aveda toiletries, and a large bag of Tootsie Rolls.

The rest of the day was a blur, so tired but forced myself to stay awake. FIL came round to see us, he loves ro hear what we have been doing and look at the photos, reminding him of the days he and MIL went there sometimes twice a year. Finally, about 11pm I couldnt stay awake any longer and snuggled into my own bed. Nowhere on earth like your own cosy bed!

The End.

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In Search of Sunshine Day 19 - St. Petersburg

Bright sunny start to the day and not so humid on my balcony as I had my first coffee of the day. If only I could start every day this way rather than rushing around making packed lunches, ironing, emptying, tidying etc etc.

Hubby and I went down to have breakfast as usual, leaving the boys happily snoring away. We were shown to our table and eventually our less helpful server who announced himself as 'Sean' turned up. He had an arrogant air about him and when we said we had continental breakfast included, practically dismissed us with a snort. We asked what pastries there were and his response was "what do you want". I was given a coffee filled cup, rather than a jug of coffee on the table and then he took our order and disappeared only to be seen rushing around elsewhere.

It was twenty minutes before anyone came to ask if we wanted more juice or coffee, and it wasn't 'Sean'. The lady at the table next to us was brought the wrong breakfast, and left without eating it. The table behind us had been given drinks, but like us had not got any food. The other tables were being served in the normal efficient fashion. When after thirty minutes, despite catching 'Seans' eye twice, we still had nothing to eat, we decided not to bother and went to the desk to inform them we were leaving. Within seconds, the restaurant manager came over, apologised profusely and asked what he could do to make up for the poor service, then offered to have breakfast sent up to our room, and a complimentary dinner in the restaurant tonight.

After indulging in a grander than expected breakfast, (should have taken a photo), we set off to an Outlet Mall further south which meant a drive over the Sunshine Skyway bridge. The sky was really blue which meant the sea looked fabulous as we crossed the keys.

It was scorching hot at the Outlets, but we managed to buy a few last minute things, mainly presents for Brother and Sis in Law, who look after our car and taxi us to and from the airport. It was their two kids birthdays while we were away too, so they asked for things from Florida. We don't buy for anyone else, but always leave it to the last minute. I did sneak in another Fossil bag too. It was one I had seen when we first arrived, but was full price, however, today for the first time it had 40% off making it a bargain! Hubby just rolls his eyes and indulges me.

Black and Tan Fossil Bag

The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing in the room and by the pool. Im slowly putting things in 'places' ready for packing in the morning. This time has to be a proper pack, ie everything has to go in cases and holdalls and get weighed etc. Im very particular about rolling things up, and using shoes as side protection. My Dad used to pack for family holidays, telling me what to put where and why.

We had our complimentary meal too, but in the room as Alexander and Jordan didnt want to go down, and also hubby didnt have appropriate 'dress' for fine dining. A rather splendid last meal was had, concluding with my favourite, Creme Brule with berries! So it's off to bed to awake bright and early, and say farewell to Florida.

 

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In Search of Sunshine Day 18 - St. Petersburg

At 7am this morning it was 80 degrees on the balcony while I sat and drank a cup of Starbucks Via. The 'weak as watter' coffee hotels leave for you just doesnt do it for me. I bought some sachets of Via early on for the moments when I needed a decent cuppa.

I could tell by the haze and the sweat running down my brow that it was going to be another hot and humid day. I wanted to go to Egmont Key and Fort Desoto, a place we went to last time and really enjoyed, but was outnumbered and we ended up going on a convoluted Walmart dot to dot journey on a quest to find a bit of IT kit for hubby, that he didnt get. We finally got to Indian Shores on the Gulf Beach road, and began a very familiar drive south towards St. Johns Pass, where we have spent many an hour wandering round the 'tat' souvenir shops full of shells, photo frames made of shells, ashtrays made of shells and the odd sharks tooth.

St. Johns Pass

View of The Boats

The Boardwalk

We took some photos here for Father in Law who used to love to stroll around here when he and Mum in Law came on their spring holidays. He still asks about the cheap Gold Store that hasnt been there for a decade, and the trolley that takes people up and down the beaches all day. He also likes to see what we have been eating, so we have also got lots of photos of plates of steak and other delicacies.

The Bridge

Baby Bubba

Hubby and I also had a walk around the area close to the hotel to check out the restaurants and other things that were within walking distance. We both agreed that this area is so quiet, none of the busy touristy hustle and bustle, almost like half the inhabitants had gone away for the summer, maybe they had. Its a. ery affluent area, so perhaps they have summer homes in cooler places.

Gater Lady

Elephant Man

We strolled through a few of the streets and saw some lovely real American style houses, old and new, large and small and some in need of TLC. One in particular made me smile.

Happy House

There were some lovely parks along the bayside, lots of trees and walks, all very well kept. Many runners, cyclists and walkers passed us, goodness knows how they do that in this heat, I can barely walk! This park, had two huge trees in it, obviously been the a long, long time.

Huge Trees

Our evening was spent partly beside the pool, partly in the Guest Laundrette - which was obviously rarely used. Normal guests probably pay $3 a sock or something to have the minions do it for them. I had two carriers of smelly boy clothes, and was not putting them in my suitcases, so I self serviced my laundry. Now it will just need ironing when I get home, leaving just a couple of days worth of washing to do.

The boys asked for pizza in the room rather than go out to eat. They both enjoy having wifi so they can go on Facebook and play games on their iPads. Have to say they have been a Godsend this holiday, they had films, music and games on there, and instead of having to buy action figures, or toys that they don't really want as treats, we have just let them download a new App or film. No missing stylus's either!

While they ate pizza and behaved themselves (?) Hubby and I went out to eat at one of the local restaurants called 400 Beach. Great food and excellent service. Fillet Minion was cooked ro perfection, and the Chocolate Torte was heavenly - real proper cream too! We strolled back to the hotel and sat for a final beer on the patio, discussing the holiday, what we enjoyed, wouldn't do again and what we are doing next year!

We have already booked a bargain 2 weeks in The Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney with dining plan included. We have stayed there before and are now thinking that two weeks there, without the moving around might be the thing to do. Jordan has already said he isnt coming with us, and a fantastic pool with the parks will keep Alexander entertained. Oh well, we have a year to decide!

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In Search of Sunshine Day 17 - St. Petersburg

Was rudely awoken by a phone ringing in the middle of the night. Totally confused for a few minutes while my brain tried to work out what it was. Turns out it was hubby's phone and some debt company offering their services. How rude, we had saved up for this holiday for months! Otherwise a very comfy bed, with a stupid amount of pillows that ended up flung all over the room.

Hubby and I have a free continental breakfast included, so we got ready, leaving the two boys fast aslep in their bed. A very grand affair. Lots of smart, well dressed businessmen and women, a few older couples and us. You know when they show you to your table and it is in an area away from the rest of the occupied tables and you wonder if they did that deliberately??

Breakfast in Marchand's

Lovely table setting

Ham n Cheese Omlette

My Healthy Bagel

 

On the way back to the room I took a pic of the main lobby area. Still not sure if the photos thing applies to us guests or those who wander in off the street for a look round.

The Lobby Area

I also stupidly popped into the Spa and Salon reception, just to see what was on offer and what the chances were of having a bit of a pamper. Pretty slim, nay impossible I reckon. Check out the price of a pamper package! Pity hubby didnt wangle some discount on that too!

The drive up to Busch Gardens was a little eventful, but I have been told not to mention it. So I havent.

We arrived, bag containing water, wipes, and other necessary items that an OCD person like me would carry with them 'just incase'. It also contained poncho's as we were afraid we might get some rain at some point. Of course 'Sod's Law' came into play and we didnt need them. I just carried a heavy rucksack round for the fun. However, had I not taken them.....well we all know what would have happened.

Sheikra

It was a really hot and humid day. The worst we have had. It made us all tired and weary. The boys went on 3/5 rollercoasters but couldnt be bothered to stay out and do the other two, so we headed off home. The one above is Sheikra. I swore I would never go on it again. It's the dangling over the edge for hours seconds bit that I hated. I did get some cool video of these pretty young things. I really think I may have missed my forte!

Hotel Pool

While the boys played tennis, hubby and I decided to sit out on the patio at the front of the hotel, have a couple of beers and a snack. It was still 86 degrees out there and very sticky, but the patio was too enticing.

Evening drinks on the patio

Charcuterie Platter

 

All pretty

 

Hotel all lit up

The Pier

 

Boys Pizza - Room Service

When tennis was over, we ordered a pizza to be taken up to the room for the boys while we finished off our drinks. This is what we found when we got up to the room. I fear we are spoiling these two!

Home Alone Style

In Search of Sunshine Day 16 - St. Petersburg

Awoke to the sounds of a loud American walking along the corridor, clapping and singing "Good Morning". A hard punch in the face would have soon sorted him out. Idiot. The rude awakening was followed by the room charges bill (pushed under door) that stated we had been charged $60 for one day's internet in the room. Yes, you did read that correctly. It seems that the rate of $10 applies to each device used in that room. We have 7 devices. Yes, you read that correctly too. (Gadgets Galore in this family). Not at all amused, hubby went and got it 'sorted' by way of one of those 'good will gestures'. That often apply in these cases to get them out of a 'ripping off their customers' situation.

We bid farewell to Universal Studio's, International Drive and Orlando in general and headed West towards The Gulf Coast for our last leg of the holiday. Stopping en route at a fast food place called 'Five Guys Burgers and Fries' . Gets fantastic reviews and scores way above the usual burger chains. We were impressed, not just with the 'hand pressed patties' but the list of free additional toppings you could add as you wanted, the home style fries and choice of drinks. The place was run by an uber efficient woman who barked out orders, built each burger with care, wrapped neatly in foil and stuck a number sticker on top to seal it. Each burger ordered was numbered on the reciept so you knew which burger belonged to which person. The staff were really helpful and cheery - Gordon Ramsey would be so proud!

Five Guys, Burger and Fries

Back on the road, we drove across one of the many bridges over there that cross the inlets betwen teen the mainland and keys. It was a bit grey today, but when sunny the sea is a beautiful shade of blue. As we approached St. Petersburg, the place reminded me of St. Augustine with its built up areas with small Floridian house, painted pretty colours in-between. The city consists of the typical 'block' road systems so it was fairly easy to find the hotel - and it is rather conspicuous as it is a very old grand building painted pink!

We checked in and were given our room in The Vinoy Renaisance Hotel A very splendid, and historic hotel that was closed for 18 months and renovated, and is now one of the top hotels in Tampa Bay. We were originally booked into another hotel further up the coast in Treasure Island, but hubby got a bargain when he saw an offer for this place for the same rate! Certainly nothing like the rate quoted on the website.

We were surprised to see this room though. Luckily ours is across the coridoor!

This place is haunted too!

 

Of course Alexander always wants to be first in to explore and see what there is. However, I insist on all bags being left by the door until I have taken photos of the room in pristine condition. I cannot comprehend why people take photos of hotel rooms and post on various websites with clothes and personal belongings draped everywhere. I have enough problem keeping my OCD in check in my own room, it just makes me squirm seeing how untidy some people are in their rooms.

So here are the initial room pics.

Beds and Polo Lamp

Technical Area

Big Telly and Expensive Bar

Hidden Coffee Tray

Dressing Area and Bathroom

Harry Potter Been Here?

Double sinks Theirs and MINE

Aveda Freebies

Not a hope in hell of these staying out - off into the suitcase within seconds! Got a soap from the last hotel out to wash hands with. Hope we get them replaced daily.

Shower (obviously)

Bathroom

Shower (obviously)

 

Inside the wardrobe

Balcony and View of Tampa Bay

View of Tennis Courts

At this point in the afternoon the sun was shining and although there was a few clouds, it wasn't too bad. Hubby and the boys left me to unpack, knowing how I hate them interfering. I looked out when I had finished to see them playing tennis on one of the courts, however, the sky was getting black and it had started to rain. Within minutes the rain became torrential. They managed to get 10 minutes played. This is a video of the storm as it came in. Taken from our balcony.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0tGxsqY8QE&w=500&h=305]

They all came back in, got out of wet clothes and did the necessary to get hooked onto the wifi in the room. Hubby and I decided to go and have a walk around the hotel. The place is fabulous! I did take one photo, before noticing a sign that said "For the privacy of our guests please refrain from taking photographs or asking for autographs". Hubby said he didnt care what they said he would happily sign his autograph for anyone who asked. (Funny Guy). Of course I will take photos, but discreetly, and not if anyone else is in the picture, but the decor and features are too beautiful to ignore.

One of the lobby lounge areas

 

Outdoor Terrace - Wet

The storm didn't seem to be going anywhere, and Jordan wasn't hungry so we took Alexander out to one of the Malls for a wander around out of the rain. When we got there, about 9 miles away, the ground was dry, but as we parked the tell tale wind started and the rain came down there too. We had a quick meal in the food court and bought Alexander some new clothes, despite his lack of enthusiasm. A quick stop off at Walmart for water and other snacks for the room and then back to the hotel.

I have been blogging now for over an hour, with one eye on the Olympic coverage. We are going to Busch Gardens tomorrow, fingers crossed the weather is mostly dry. I also want to go to Egmont Key (Island off Fort Desota) but needs to be a good day or the boats wont go. We only have 3 days to do these two things, and also want to see more of St.Petes. We are now wishing we had had less time in Miami and More here.

Better make sure we take the Poncho's with us tomorrow!

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