Vandas Ramblings

Welcome Ewan Matthew

2012-01-26T22:00:00.000Z

He was born the earl hours of this morning and weighed 8lbs!!

Uwe's Birthday

2011-11-18T23:44:00.004Z

When the girls were little, we took in some foreign students for extra money. We made so many lovely friends but one stood out amongst the rest, a German lad called Uwe. He stayed with us 3 times in all and even after all these years, we still keep in touch with him. Today is his birthday, and through the power of Facebook we wished him many happy returns. His reply ... Uwe Reuter Vanda my dear. When babies would have the possibility to choose their parents you and Andrew would be my choice. Thanks for all. Things like that just swell your heart don't they.

Happy Birthday Mr Reuter from all of us. Come visit soon xxxxx

Underwater Sea Trek, X-Caret, Mexico

2011-11-13T17:33:00.004Z

The third trip included a coach ride back to X-Caret for a Sea Trek. It threw it down with rain again which we didn't mind as we were going to get wet anyway.

Our scuba diving guide showed us loads of stuff including a baby Octopus & a Sea Urchin. He had some food too that the fish went mad for. It's definitely one of the best things we've done so far. Especially for me as I can't snorkel and it's the first time I'd seen fish from that angle.

Waiting For Hurricane Rina

2011-11-13T12:01:00.002Z

The hurricane that never was. The first week at our hotel we had a piece of paper put under the door saying, "Hurricane Warning. On Thursday please stay in your room all day and don't come out until someone says it's safe to do so. Food would be provided & there are plenty of drinks & bottled water inside your fridge."

The drama of it all was brill. Windows were boarded up...

the beach was cleared...

& sunbeds were tied down & put in the pool.

Thursday morning we were told that the Hurrican wasn't due to hit Tulum until 1pm in the afternoon so breakfast was being served. Off we went, via the beach of course.

Later on we were told that the Hurricane was going to hit about 7pm so please come & have lunch. It was boring staying in for the evening but we found out the next morning that, at the very last minute, it had been down graded to a tropical storm so all was well.

Chichen Itza Mexico

2011-11-12T23:24:00.011Z

The second trip we booked on our holiday was a visit to Chichen Itza or Chicken Pizza as it's more affectionately known in are family. It's THE reason we went to Mexico and we weren't disappointed. I think it always helps to go to ancient ruins with a guide who can explain some of the history surrounding the place you visit. Otherwise it could end up just being a pile of stones.

It was quite a long coach ride so we stopped half way for refreshments and to visit a flea market where Mexicans were actually making the handycrafts they sold.

By the time we reached Chichen Itza it was lunchtime so we visited a local hotel for a Mexican Buffet.

Making Tortillas

Our first glimpse of Chichen Itza was through the jungle foliage.

3 Faces

All over Chicken Pizza, the Mayan people were trying to sell their wares. They weren't a nuisance & it didn't feel like running the gauntlet like it does in other countries, but it did detract slightly from the place we were visiting. Having said that, our guide said "at least they are selling something they have made rather than begging or selling illegal substances". There's always a bright side :O)

At the end of the road was one of the Cenotes that dot the landscape of the Yucatan Penninsular.

We visited another Cenote, Ik- Kil. This time we could swim in it, well after climbing down 94 steps!

The camera on full zoom.

If you look really closely you can see Elena & Andrew swimming. Yes I did go in, I walked down all 94 steps, swam, walked to the top, took some photos, walked back down with the camera and walked back up them again! What you have to do to get the photos you want .. phew!

Some ~~idiots~~ brave folks, were jumping in!

The top of the Cenote.

The next few photos were taken out of the coach window on the way back to the hotel.

XPLOR Mexico

2011-11-10T21:07:00.002Z

The weather the first week of our Mexican Holiday wasn't brilliant. It wasn't cold but it wasn't hot & sunny either so, undeterred, we booked a load of trips around the Riviera Maya. The first one was to XPLOR where we did 4 different activities, Zip Lining, driving amphibious vehicles, river rafting & cave swimming. It also included a wicked water slide, a ride in a hammock & a buffet lunch. We were wet all day which was a good job because it was chucking it down with rain for some of it.

Told you it was raining!

Nice Hats!

The queue to the first Zip Line

Elena all harnessed up & ready to rumble

If you squint you can see it's me lol

The Amphibious Car

Hammock Riding

The Caves

Underground river swimming

The other side of the waterfall

River Rafting

Relaxing after a brilliant day

Home again in the X-Caret Bus

To be perfectly honest, I was dreading some of the activities as I hate roller coasters and the like. But, I had a great time, no problem for drop-a-phobes like me but not sure if it's for the folks who are scared of heights?

Mexico, here we come!

2011-10-21T09:38:00.000+01:00

Today has finally arrived. It's my last day at work for a whole fortnight. Tomorrow, we go to Gatwick via train & ferry and stay in a hotel overnight before flying to Mexico on Sunday morning! I am sooo excited. I've got my camera packed with spare batteries & SD cards, a Gorilla Pod (small tripod) & battery charger. Hopefully I will bring back a myriad of photos to share. I'm going to try & use all the wonderful tips I've picked up from the camera club over the last few months. See you when we get back :O) Adiós Amigos!!!

Back to Borthwood

2011-10-16T16:42:00.000+01:00

Went to Borthwood again today to get another bag of sweet chestnuts. Met Pammy Wammy & Alan in the woods which was a surpirise! Had a chat and then went our separate ways. Ended up at the garlic farm for lunch. Another great weekend!

Some lads were biking over the mud mounds so we tried practising some action shots. Elena took the first one & I took the second.

Yarmouth

2011-10-15T21:17:00.000+01:00

Tracey organised a stroll around the Yarmouth Estuary this morning. The weather was stunning, blue skies, white fluffy clouds and unbelievably warm sunshine. We had a ball :O) This is our leader, Dick, he is amazing! He teaches us all we need to know about technology and the thing that makes him amazing is his age ... 80!!!

'T' found this name on one of the boats ROFLMAO ......

Pear Cider

2011-10-09T19:07:00.000+01:00

Sam has had a glut of pears on his tree at home so him & Andrew decided to make cider!

Andrew fashioned together a make shift press. Then cut up the pears whilst Sam minced them.

They put the pulp into some muslin & pressed it until all the juice was extracted.

Not sure what the folks from food hygiene would say but I'm hoping the alcohol will kill any unwanted bugs :O) While all that was going on, mother nature was painting the sky.

Sunset photos by Elena.

Sweet Chestnuts

2011-10-09T15:43:00.001+01:00

Yesterday Andrew& I went to Ventnor Botanic Gardens and walked down to Steephill Cove then along the sea front to Ventnor. We thought it would be a nice easy walk but OMG it wasn't. We were up & down like a yoyo!

Didn't take that many photos because some plonker didn't fetch a spare battery!

We sat outside the cafe at Steephill Cove eating mushroom soup & crusty bread. It was lovely & warm & the view out to sea was as stunning as ever. Two mugs of tea later we walked back up into the Botanical Gardens & wandered around the plants & paths. On the way home we stopped off at the Garlic Farm to get some freshly picked corn & the cob.

Today we went for a walk into Borthwood Copse. We took a bag & some thick gloves in the hope of finding some sweet chestnuts.

Not mushroom here

Andrew playing with his ~~nuts~~ chestnuts

Prickly little blighter's

Borthwood Copse

These should last us a few days :)

I'm sure this is the path we went down

The tree with the face

This little butterfly was sunbathing in the garden while we had lunch

First!

2011-10-04T22:17:00.002+01:00

Oooo I'm as pleased as punch tonight. It was competition time at the camera club, 5 catagories ...

Class A coloured print
Class B coloured print
Class A black & white print
Class B black & white print
Black & White digital print

An hour before I went I plucked up the courage to enter this one and got a 10 lol.

Must enter a few more next time :O)

Butterfly World

2011-10-02T19:55:00.001+01:00

We did our first camera club outing on Saturday morning to Butterfly World. It was hot & humid inside the greenhouse as well as out. The weather has been glorious, the hottest October since records began! It made the greenhouse visit less overpowering ... for me anyway :O) Here's a few pics. If I'd have listened to Dick our trusty instructor, they may not have been so blurred, you live & learn. So next time, I will do as he says and bump the ISO up to 400 & then hopefully the shutter speed should be fast enough to compensate for my wobbly hands!

And this is my partner in crime ... Tracey.

Never Sacrifice Who You Are ...

2011-09-29T09:50:00.002+01:00

Weekend Events

2011-09-26T21:42:00.000+01:00

On Saturday I met Dick & Tracey from the camera club at Bluebells on Briddlesford road for coffee. We discussed ideas about the new Saturday Social events. The first one being next Saturday at Butterfly World.

Sunday, Andrew & I did a 6 mile ~~crawl~~ walk from Merstone to Newport & back.

Luggage on the Old Platform

A gate to nowhere

The Weasley's car???

Social Secretary

2011-09-22T19:52:00.000+01:00

OMG I've been part of the camera club for 7 weeks and have been taken on as Social Secretary! Well, joint social secretary with Tracey, a lovely friend I've made. We're off out to "Bluebells" on Saturday morning for tea & cake and to discuss what we're going to do. The chairman, Dick, is going to join us and hopefully, by next Saturday we will be out and about the Island taking photographs. The objective of our Saturday morning camera rambles is to encourage club members & their friends to get out and take photographs. Quite a few of the older members want to come with us to help improve our photographic techniques. Pretty cool hey :O)

Brading to Bembridge

2011-09-18T17:16:00.001+01:00

Today me & Andrew joined the Ramblers & Steam Railway association on a walk along the old railway line from Brading to Bembridge. We were so lucky with the weather, it looked really stormy out to sea but it only rained for the last 10 minutes of the walk.

Paint The Whole World With A Rainbow.

2011-09-17T22:52:00.001+01:00

Had a lovely day today. Got some curls put in my hair and then we took Gemma to the Garlic Farm & the chocolate shop in Godshill. This was the view from the window this afternoon after a quick down pour of rain. Luckily it didn't last long and the resulting rainbow was fantastic. Mother Nature at her finest :O)

Ewan Me :O)

2011-09-17T16:04:00.001+01:00

Gemma went for her 20 week scan yesterday and found out that she's having ... A BOY!!!
Say hello to Ewan

Technology is so amazing isn't it. They told Gem that he weighs 14oz! I think he's gorgeous and can't wait to meet him. I'm going to call him Ewan Me because we are going to be inseparable :O) Sorry Gem lol.

Usually you get a before & after picture but these are inside & out ones.

Photo Of The Day

2011-09-16T11:19:00.001+01:00

Everyday I have a look on the National Geographic photo at the day here. Yesterday was this one

Isn't it stunning! It's a photo inside one of the Cenotes at Chichen Itza in Mexico. I can't wait till we go :O)

More Steam Railway Photos

2011-09-11T17:34:00.001+01:00

Went back to the Havenstreet Steam Railway this morning with Andrew. Managed to stand in the right place this time to get a shot of the action as yesterday I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Not sure I was stood in exactly the right spot as you can't see where the water's coming from but it happened so quick lol

Had a bowl of soup & some crusty bread in the cafe. Well I had been twice and not spent a dime so I thought it was only right to help them out a bit. Called in to the Garlic Farm on the way home and bought ... a garlic! Plus some Isle of Wight fresh sweetcorn & a garlic door stop :O)

Critique ... Dam!

2011-09-11T17:04:00.002+01:00

My friend at the camera club, and a very competent photographer, adjusted my Derwent Dam photos in photoshop for me. He also gave me some constructive criticism, which is very helpful. I'm off to Google what it means lol.
Before ...

After ...

The critique ... The Derwent Dam pic. is fine. I might have ventured a little further down towards the water ( I take it you can swim ?) so that the turret cleared the skyline rather than being buried in it. ( Bad tangent ) It would make it look more impressive. Being me, if you let me loose on a picture in front of me on my computer I cannot resist playing with it so my adjusted version is a little chunkier.

Bestival Weekend

2011-09-10T21:53:00.005+01:00

The young ones have gone to the Isle of Wight Bestival this weekend at Robin Hill to listen to people like Ed Sheeran & Paloma Faith. Lisa & Liam went in costume as Katy Perry & Dead Mau5 lol.

They're all camping so me & Andrew have the whole house to ourselves, and although we love them dearly, it's bliss :O)

Last night we enjoyed a lovely meal at the Mexican restaurant, Dos Amigos in Ryde. It was very nice too.
This morning Andrew picked up his new car from the garage whilst I went to Havenstreet Steam Railway to practice my photography.

This afternoon we went to the Roman Villa in Newport. It's the Heritage Weekend this weekend so lots of places are free to enter. We ended up in the Fighting Cocks in Arreton for tea (not free though lol) and then had a drive through Carisbrooke to Shorwell and back home via Chale & Ventnor. All in all a great day :O)

Flamingo Park

2011-09-03T23:17:00.058+01:00

Had a brilliant time at Flamingo Park today with the camera club. I finally got the hang of DOF (depth of field) thanks to Peter, one of the club members. Today's challenge was faces so here a few including some photos that I thought would make nice pictures.

She told me to think outside the box!

Didn't leave Flamingo ark until 3:30pm ... woops!

Drove to Ryde to buy the train tickets to get us from Lake to Gatwick Airport next month. Only 6 weeks to go {{insert massive grin here}}

Got home and told everyone who would listen about mastering depth of field and just to prove it, took this one of my beautiful Elena :O)

Bank Holiday Weekend in the Peak District

2011-09-03T23:16:00.000+01:00

Had a brilliant bank holiday weekend with Claire & Chris in Derbyshire. Stopped off to visit Teresa & Nik on the journey up. Had a cuddle with Max & Emily.

Andrew took me to the Hanging Gate for tea. It's the first time we've had a weekend away without the girls since Paris and that was a long LONG time ago.

Spent Saturday morning walking down the "Trammies" with Andrew & Holly the dog. Had a look around Dorma where Andrew used to work, or what's left of it. Then went to Derwant Dam with Claire & Chris in the afternoon.

Had a lovely day on Sunday at Debra & David's house celebrating Debra's 50th birthday. Got to cuddle Oliver and it was great catching up with Lorna, Craig & Alistair.

Called on Jean & John on Ban Holiday Monday and had another fantastic day catching up. John bought us lunch at the Clubhouse in Buxton & then we did a ~~pub~~ cup of tea crawl around the gardens.

Girls, Girls, Girls

2011-08-24T18:44:00.000+01:00

These two lovely ladies, Abby & Becky, came to stay with us for a couple of days. They are Lisa's friends from Uni and they were a pleasure to have.

Ventnor Botanic Gardens & Steephill Cove

2011-08-20T22:18:00.000+01:00

Today was the 3rd photo field trip with the camera club. Had a another fab morning taking photos, chatting to Tracey and eating carrot cake. We were practising depth of field and using the Aperture mode on our cameras rather than Intelligent Auto.

Camera Club

2011-08-16T22:14:00.001+01:00

Went to the camera club again tonight. Couldn't resist stopping to take a photo of the hay bails in the field first.

We learnt about aperture priority mode & the way it was explained was brilliant. Everything I've read so far has made it sound complicated but tonight it was made simple & I actually understood it. Talk about a light bulb moment! We're off to the Botanical Gardens in Ventnor on Saturday to practice.

Andrew's had the last 2 days off work and finished decorating the hall, landings & stairs. I say landings because our house is on 3 levels. It's great having the space but has it's draw backs when it comes to painting & cleaning. He's made a great job of it and now the carpets down it feels like home again.

The cavity wall insulation has been done too. The guys were drilling holes in the walls around 9:30 this morning much to Elena's disgust :O) We should be all warm & cosy now this winter. Not that we're thinking of winter yet! Were dreaming of holidays in the sun ... only 68 more days until we go to Mexico!!!

Cowes Week 2011

2011-08-13T19:24:00.003+01:00

Week 2 of the photography course.

We went "down Cowes" as it was the last day of Cowes Week. Had a bit of a hiccup with my memory card, kept saying it was full! Apparently you're supposed to 'format' your card & not just delete the photos off it. If you delete the pictures without formatting it a small amount of stuff is left behind which clogs up your card. So I've learn't something today, in fact I've learn't two things ... format ones memory card & always, ALWAYS carry a spare one!

We were told to use the Aperture Priority Mode with a low ISO. Did I tell you I've actually found out how to change the ISO on my camera! Just click on the menu button and there it is, doh!

Well here are a few of the photos I took ...

The guy on the left is Dick, he's taking the photography course. He's quite amazing for an 80 year old :O)

As you can see, I must pluck up the courage to use my tripod.

Fireman Sam

2011-08-09T23:25:00.001+01:00

Guess what I did today!! I drove a Fire Engine lol.

I mentioned that I've always wanted to, to the HGV workshop manager today at work & about an hour later he told me to go with him. They had a Fire Engine in for a service so I got to drive it up the yard to the workshops & then reverse it back into the yard. Didn't get to play with the blue lights & sirens but hey, I drove it!!!

Osborne House

2011-08-06T16:17:00.000+01:00

Week 1 of the photography course ... Osborne House.

Spent 3 hours this morning wandering around the gardens of Queen Victoria's summer residence armed with a camera & an umbrella. The weather's been glorious all week, especially Wednesday when it was too hot to actually do any work, but this morning it decided to rain. The camera club met in the car park and Dick, the man who was teaching the course said, due to the weather, crank your camera's up (or down, I can't remember which) to ISO 400. I told him this bit of information went straight over my head but he said ... don't worry you'll learn about that later! So feeling a bit miffed, I put the camera on iA mode (intellegent auto) crossed my fingers and started taking photos. This is the result.

SSDCC

2011-08-03T10:19:00.002+01:00

A few weeks ago I enrolled onto a 5 week training course on Digital Photography. It had been organised by Sandown & Shanklin District Camera Club and last night was the first night. I hate walking into a room full of strangers but I did it and it wasn't so bad.

We had a 10 minute interval where I got to talk to 2 of the men about their photos that were on display. The evening was worth it, just to listen to them. I think the camera club would definitely be worth joining.

We go to Osborne House on Saturday morning to take photos. I love Osborne House :O)

Gemma 12 Weeks

2011-07-24T16:39:00.000+01:00

We've had a brilliant weekend. Gemma came round to show us her 12 week scan pictures. It's the first time we've seen her baby :O)

Those are from the inside so we took some photos of the outside too.

We went to Matalan to buy some new clothes so she modelled one of the outfits for us.

The other big news is Elena's new hair cut. Modelled on the lovely Lily Allen.

Oliver at 7 Weeks

2011-07-22T19:33:00.000+01:00

I've just pinched this photo from our Niece's Face Book page :O) Oliver at 7 weeks old. Isn't he handsome!!!

Ramses Hilton

2011-07-22T19:12:00.002+01:00

Andrew had the day off today to get on with the mammoth task of painting. Whilst I was at work he received a phone call from Travelsphere (the holiday company) letting us know that they have changed the hotel in Cairo from Saffir Hotel & Iberotel to the Ramses Hilton. From all accounts it's right on the edge of the River Nile & within spitting distance of the Egyptian museum. The people on Tripadviser are singing the praises of the pyramids at Dahshur which isn't to far away, so I was wondering if we could fit them in on our last day ...

Day 7 : Cairo

This morning we transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. On arrival transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Breakfast is included.

Worth a thought don't you think :O)

2012 Holidays & Days Out

2011-07-20T21:58:00.000+01:00

Last weekend Andrew & I were having a chat about what we wanted to do next year. I was cleaning the bathroom, Andrew was painting the landing. We've run out of holidays for this year hence 2012. We're going away to Egypt in March and hopefully going somewhere hot at the end of the year. Andrew suggested 2 other places he wants to visit, The Eden Project down in Cornwall

and Leavesden Studios near Watford. Warner Brothers have bought the studios so they can turn them into a museum dedicated to Harry Potter. You can read more HERE

Well, for one, I can't wait :O) Me, I still want to go and have a wander around Oxford!

Colours

2011-07-17T17:45:00.001+01:00

Andrew's been painting the hall landing & stairs. What a mammoth task it is too. I realise the colours aren't everybody's cup of tea but they make us happy :O)

Since Andrew's painted a bit more we're having second thoughts about the colour. It's supposed to be purple but it's looking more & more pink. To be honest I think it's a bit 'in your face' and needs toning down a bit. Watch this space :O)

Sometimes Your Luck's In & Sometimes It Isn't

2011-07-16T17:54:00.007+01:00

It's time I updated my blog me thinks :O)

I've got over the shock of becoming a grandma. Now I can't wait until our little bundle of joy arrives. Gemma's got her 12 week scan on Friday so will hopefully see our first photo of Ewan/Edee soon :O)

Andrew & I were supposed to go away in June. Had the week booked off from work and everything. Unfortunately we had to cancel our plans as Andrew was stuck doing Jury service for 2 weeks. It wasn't the best experience in the world I can tell you.

I couldn't change my week off that I'd booked so Monday I took Elena & Jack to Gunwharf Quays for the day. We wandered around the shops and had lunch at Bar39.

My gorgeous Elena said she would go away with me to see my best friend Teresa. So we drove up to Oxcroft on the Tuesday & back again on the Saturday. The journey was easy as Elena was the best Sat Nav anyone could wish for. She is now very competent at reading maps! We stopped off at Warwick service station for a Starbucks Latte & some Kentucky Fried Chicken, yum.

On the Wednesday we went with Teresa & Emily to Clumber Park and then went to pick Max up from school.

Thursday was spent at Ikea & other shops around that area. Bought an Ikea High Chair for home (recommended by mother of 5 ... Tree)

& treated myself to an Owl doorstop from Laura Ashley, which I'm in love with.

Had a walk around Cresswell Crags on the Friday with Tree, Nik, Jake, Max & Emily.

3 days soon came and went & we both had a brilliant time thanks to the Cooper family ... love you all squillions :O)

Andrew did have a bit of good news. He won tickets to the Premier of Harry Potter on the 8th July.

A full week before anyone else saw the film. We went over to Gunwharf Quays from work, presented our tickets, walked up the red carpet and watched the live streaming of the event in London. The film was brilliant. We had an evening meal in Frankie & Benny's before catching the 11:15pm Catamaran back home.

The following weekend (last Saturday) Andrew & I had a day trip to Christchurch to spend the day with some more special friends, Jean & John.

They took us on a walk around Henngisbury Head & then into Christchurch across the river to the Old Water Mill.

We had another brilliant day and will hopefully call when we finally get to see Claire & family at the end of August.

Went to Newport last night to watch The Deathly Hallows again. This time with Elena, Jack & Gemma. Well, I needed a pair of these {{grin}} Harry Potter 3D glasses :O)

Gemma couldn't wait to try hers on lol.

OMG I'm Going to be a Grandma!!!

2011-06-20T22:59:00.007+01:00

Flip me, I'm in a state of shock lol. Gemma came round to see us after work tonight & told us she's expecting a baby in January next year!!! How exciting. Lisa ran straight upstairs shouting, hold on, I've got something for Dad. She came downstairs with these.

A couple of years ago she bought them for Andrew as a Father's day present but didn't realise they said 'Grandad' on them. We all fell about laughing :O)

Elena & Jack

2011-06-19T20:37:00.003+01:00

Spotted this one on facebook :O)

And this one of Michael (left) & Jack (2nd from right). Michael had been sucking helium out of one of the balloons and was trying to get the attention of the waitress lol.

Barton Manor

2011-06-19T20:34:00.001+01:00

Every year Barton Manor opens it's doors to the public for a day, in the hope of raising a large amount of money for the Island Hospice. So, Elena, Jack & I paid them a visit. We arrived about 2 o'clock and luckily the sun was shining. It was a bit of a 'King's Speech moment' when we walked through the entrance (the place was full of old people lol). Jack & Elena spotted a maze in the grounds so we had a bit of fun in there.

We found Hagrid's hut.

It looked so small from the outside but inside it was huge!

Elena said it was the 'Boat That Rocked' lol. She's all there with her cough drops!!

Anyway, this is Barton Manor :O)

Elena & Jack

2011-06-18T17:11:00.000+01:00

Well I've tried to scan Elena's Prom photo but it's made her slightly orange??? It doesn't look like this on the original ... hmmmm!

Get A Grip #7 of 7

2011-06-18T11:37:00.000+01:00

Made it :O) A weeks worth of photos!

Elena's hair grips from the Prom.

Prom Night #6 of 7

2011-06-18T00:12:00.001+01:00

One good thing about working is that you have the money to buy sparkly grips & prom dresses. The downside is that you don't get home until 5:30pm & your daughter has to be in Shanklin for 6pm. Luckily for Elena she has 2 fantastic sisters who helped her get ready for the prom.

It was chucking it down with rain (it had been all day) and we were in such a rush, these are the only photos I managed to get. We drove like the clappers to Shanklin where the Stretch Limousine was picking them up, when we realised Elena hadn't got her ticket! (Told you it was a mad rush). So Elena asked the driver if he would stop at the bus stop at the end of our road on they way through to Cowes. In the meantime, I ran to the bus stop with the ticket in one hand & an umbrella in the other, to meet them.

All's well that ends well :O) Thank goodness there's a professional photographer at the Prom!

#5 of 7

2011-06-16T20:40:00.001+01:00

Still on track :O)

Tomorrow is Elena's High School Prom, so we picked up her dress from Shanklin this morning and tonight she tried it all on. Lisa is going to do her hair tomorrow. Can't wait. In the meantime here is a pre-prom photo :O)

#4 of 7

2011-06-15T10:44:00.001+01:00

The fourth photo this week (doing well aren't I) is of my gorgeous Elena. Last night I found this amazing website called KelbyTV.com which has at least 75 TV programmes about Digi Photography. A picked up a couple of tips about portrait photography so I tried them out. Problem is, now the background isn't blurred lol. Back to the drawing board :O)

#3 of 7

2011-06-14T18:18:00.002+01:00

My third photo this week is this one. Most days at work I have to walk to the bank to pay in the days takings. I love it, as everyone else is stuck inside, I get to go out for a walk in the sunshine.

Newport is the largest & most built up town on the Isle of Wight but there are so many hidden gems to see if you know where to look.

#2 of 7

2011-06-13T19:46:00.001+01:00

My second photo this week is of Andrew, working in his shed. He's helping Sam & Liam make their costumes for the Bestival. Liam is going as Dead Mau5 & Sam as Daft Punk.

Now for anyone who doesn't know what I'm on about, this is Dead Mau5 (pronounced mouse)

And this is Daft Punk :O)

#1of 7

2011-06-12T15:43:00.003+01:00

I've been neglecting my camera for a while now. It may be down to my job and all the new things I've had to learn or just because of laziness. What ever the reason, I've decided to rectify the situation.

I've joined an online forum for Lumix FZ28 users and with their help, I've been reading up on DSLR camera techniques. A few days ago I experienced a Eureka moment when I found out how to blur the background of a photo. It has inspired me to carry on.

One of the things they suggest to improve your photography is to at least one photo every day. Some do 365 day challenges but because I know what I'm like, I have started small. I've decided to try an take at least one photo everyday for a week.

Today had the potential for being such an amazing day, but you know what happens to 'best laid plans' and all that. Instead of spending the afternoon on Gemma & Matt's boat listening to the Script & Plan B at the IOW Festival this afternoon we are all stuck indoors while it blows a 'hooley' outside. Coupled with that & being up all last night with a bad head/shoulder which made me sick, photo opportunities are a bit scarce today.

#1 of 7 Now you can see what I see :O)

IOW Festival & The Reef.

2011-06-11T22:31:00.002+01:00

Elena & Jack went to Newport yesterday to spend the night on the boat with Gemma & Matt. They sailed along the river Medina to listen to the Kaiser Chiefs & the Kings of Leon at the Isle of Wight Festival. This afternoon I went to pick them up.

Tonight Elena babysat for Val's son Lewis while we went with Kerri to the Reef in Sandown. We had a lovely meal & spent ages talking and laughing about the ups & downs of our new jobs.

Thanks girls, I had a great time :O)

Oliver William Beswick

2011-06-06T11:27:00.000+01:00

How gorgeous is he !!!!! And I'm lucky enough to be his great Auntie :O) OMG how old does that make me sound lol.

The Old Gaffers

2011-06-05T11:54:00.001+01:00

What a brilliant day we had yesterday. After calling in at the opticians to order new lenses for my glasses & doing the weekly shop at Tesco, we drove to Yarmouth to the Old Gaffers Festival. We'd never been before. The weather was hot & sunny & the drive through the countryside was brilliant. You forget just how beautiful the Isle of Wight is until you get off the beaten track. We saw a life size Mr Fox sat on a chair at the end of someone's drive, a Trap being pulled by a couple of Shire horses and signs that said 'scarecrows' which I'm sorry to say, we didn't follow.

We parked in a 'park & ride' field just outside Yarmouth & caught an old open top bus into the town.

A very nice man offered to take a photo of me & Andrew

We looked around all the plant & food stalls on the way to the boats (the gaffers)

The flags were all really colourful

And while we watched the inshore lifeboat rescue

we could here Spanish type music coming from the marquee.

The atmosphere was great. We treated ourselves to drinks & a Jerk Chicken Patty from an African Caribbean stall.We looked around the old part of the town

and saw loads of people dressed up for the occasion.

Everyone was having a really good time

We met some friends who live in Yarmouth, Mick & Sue and went back to their house for a cup of tea. They asked if we wanted to take the dogs for a walk with them. We walked through the marshes & into the Copse to see the wild orchids and back along the river.

In the evening we went over to Ryde Castle to Kate & Mark's wedding (Andrew works with Steve, Kate's Dad). Had a lovely time even though we didn't know many people there.

Last but not least Andrew became a great Uncle for the first time yesterday! Lorna & Craig had a little boy or should I say not so little at 9lbs 1oz!! They are all doing well (being updated via facebook) but they haven't named him yet ... watch this space :O)

Hall Landing & Stairs

2011-06-05T10:53:00.000+01:00

We reluctantly decided to start decorating the hall landing and stairs. I say reluctantly only because it is a mamouth task. Stairs on 3 floors, dado rail etc. you get the picture. Here is the 'before' shot ...

and I'm hoping the 'after' shot wont be to far away.

Whilst I had the camera in my hand I took photos of what everyone was doing :O)

Andrew

Elena

Gemma

Liam

Lisa

Fisherman's Cottage

2011-05-15T15:28:00.001+01:00

Had the most gorgeous walk along the seafront with Andrew today. Been to the Old Village in Shanklin and had a Ploughman's lunch at the Fisherma's Cottage with Stilton & crusty bread. Sat in the sunshine looking out to sea & thought how lucky are we.

Andrew & I have a week off work booked at the end of June & one of the things we've planned to do, is to meet up with some friends in Christchurch for the day. I've know Jean & John since I was 14 & it will be so nice catch up with them. I've been racking my brains what we can take & today it came to me. A picnic lunch ...

Crusty Bread
Salad Leaves
Isle of Wight Blue Cheese
Grapes
Baby Plum Tomatoes
Isle of Wight Rhubarb & Pear Chutney
Magners Pear Cider
J2O
Photobook
Picnic Chairs

Good idea or what :O)

Prom Dresses!

2011-05-14T21:11:00.001+01:00

Elena's High School Prom is on the 17th June. So today we had a girlie day out with Gemma & my adopted daughter Naomi. We had our hair cut first and then after a shower & a cup of tea we went to Shanklin. The first shop was no good at all, unless you were 50 plus. Next on the agenda was Cinderella's Dress Hire. The lady took us to the back room where there were rails of dresses in every shape, size & colour imaginable. Within an hour, not only had Elena chosen a dress for the prom with shawl & necklace to match but so had Gemma. At the end of August Gem has been invited to a renewal of vows ceremony with meal & party afterwards. You should have seen them both, they looked so beautiful.

We drove to Newport, had lunch and wandered around the shops. On the way home we took a detour to the marina so Gemma could get her keys from the boat. We had a look around and viewed her handy work. She'd spent the last few days painting and she'd made a good job of it too. Fingers crossed it will be ship shape in time for the Ise of Wight Festival in June. Apparently the river Medina is an excelent vantage point for the centre stage :O)

After dropping Elena & Naomi off at Naomi's house on the way back (TC's disco tonight) Gemma & I watched the King's Speech on DVD. It's now the 3rd time I've seen it and it's still superb!!!

The Little Things Mean The Most

2011-05-13T22:14:00.003+01:00

Things like this really makes you smile when you come home from work :O)

Today's the Day!

2011-05-04T22:46:00.002+01:00

Gone Potty

2011-05-02T13:47:00.000+01:00

Another Bank Holiday weekend for us in the UK. I could get used to working 3 days a week & getting paid for 5! The weather has still been good so whilst Andrew has been sprucing up the garden I've been giving the flower pots a new lease of life :O)

Before

After

Great Britain!

2011-04-29T15:31:00.002+01:00

Today Prince William & Kate, put the Great back into Britain! I watched it all & I loved it :O)

In 1981, a year before Andrew & I got engaged, I watched his Mum, Diana Spencer, marry Prince Charles. We had the day off work, although it was a bit of a fight to get it & I sat in the front room and watched the whole thing on TV with my Mum.

Can I just say WTF were Princesses Beatrice & Eugenie thinking?

Spectacular Sunday

2011-04-24T23:26:00.001+01:00

The last couple of days have been wonderful, it's amazing how much the sunshine can affect your life. Today was no exception. Andrew asked if I wanted to go for a walk, so we set off to the Squirrel Hide in Adgestone. The woods were blanketed with Bluebells. There were no squirrels about which was a shame as Andrew really wanted to see them.

We walked to Alverstone and then carried on to Langbridge. Andrew had the brilliant idea of walking to the Garlic Farm for lunch. I've never been before & was quite impressed. We sat outside in the garden with a bottle of Magners Pear Cider each and ate a 'sharing platter' of crusty bread, Isle of Wight blue cheese, salad & home made pear & rhubarb chutney. Now me & Andrew don't usually drink so the cider went straight to our heads lol. We must have spent a good 10 minutes giggling as we paid the bill and walked around the shop. We bought a clove of garlic & a jar of chutney and walked home.

We walked back the way we came and called in at the squirrel hide again. I'm so glad we did as one of the squirrels came down to feed :O)

Superb Saturday

2011-04-24T22:47:00.002+01:00

Superb Saturday started when we decided to have a trip to Portsmouth, just me & Andrew! We headed to Gunwharf Quays & the Spinnaker Tower. We have wanted to go up the Tower for ages now so took a lift to the 1st floor viewing platform and the walked up the stairs to the 2nd floor. Then up again to the Crow's nest. The views were amazing.

We had to take our shoes off to walk over the glass floor.

We could see the Isle of Wight in the distance.

We could see HMS Warrior below.

The sun shone all day, it was just glorious.

Afterwards we ambled around the shops. It was like being on the French Riviera with people sat at outside tables eating & drinking. We had fish & chips at Bar 38 and drank shandy whilst watching the world go by. It was great. We bought Krispy Kreme dohnuts for everyone and got home just before tea.

Good Friday

2011-04-24T21:05:00.000+01:00

For the first time in years I had the Bank Holiday weekend at home with Andrew. I can't tell you how lovely it is to be normal :O) Gemma came round to see us and we all exchanged Easter Eggs. We couldn't decide what to do for lunch so drove to Ryde to get a Subway. We parked up in Puckpool & sat on the beach. It couldn't have been better. The sun was shining, the food was great & the company even better. Had '99s' for pudding and strolled along the revetment. Yes, it was a "Good" Friday!

Mother's Day

2011-04-11T10:59:00.000+01:00

Had a lovely Mother's Day last weekend thanks to Andrew & my gorgeous girls. I had flowers and DVD's galore. Jewellery & home made key rings it was just fab. Thank you, I love you all millions :O)

Mr Blue Sky!

2011-04-06T13:03:00.003+01:00

Today was only my second day off work since I started my new job last November, (as long as you don't count weekends & bank holidays of course). The first being the wonderful weekend away in London.

I listened to a bit of Wave 105 (the best radio station in the world) whilst I eat my breakfast & did my usual jobs. After deliberating what to do with all this time I decided to take my new Harlan Coben book & a fold away chair into the garden to read.

The sun was glorious. There's something wonderful about the warmth of the sun on your back, makes you feel heavenly. Whilst I sat there, the dried pampas grass fronds swayed gently in the breeze & the birds sang their little hearts out. There was a slight hint of salt in the air from the sea & every now & then the seagulls screamed at the top of their lungs. The odd 2 seater plane flew in the beautiful blue cloudless sky above, ripping through the peace & quiet like a chain saw. Then it would all settle down again until you could hear the bees buzzing round the last of the spring flowers. It made me realise how lucky I was to live in such a beautiful place :O)

The pampas grass fronds no longer sway in the breeze because I spent all afternoon cutting them down lol!

Amelia Withington

2011-04-06T12:47:00.003+01:00

Found this comment on my blog today from Ian. I have no idea how long it's been there so Ian, if you read this thank you for the information :O) Let me know if you want to get in touch.

Came across you by accident.Interested in your information on the Withingtons.I am researching my grandmother Amy Withington who married Amelias husband William Bennett in 1915.Like yourselves I have drawn a blank on trying to trace Amy through the Withington side of the family and trying a different approach by tracing the grandson John.All I can tell you is that Amelia did die in childbirth and is buried in Lowton St Lukes churchyard.William Bennett died in 1916 in ww1 in Basra.Alice Ann must have died between 1911 and 1916 as young John was living with my grandmother Amy and John Withington at 161 Church Lane.Lowton.Amy left Lowton and returned home to her parents house in Hindley where she gave birth to my dad in Jan 1917.Although I carry the Bennett name as did my dad he was not Williams son.Your research has given me some valuable information. I wondered what had become of William and Amelias son.It now looks like he remained with his grandfather in Lowton.Although Amelia and Amy have the same surname we do not think they were related.Good hunting for the information you are looking for.

Ian Bennett. Chorley.Lancs

Happy Birthday!!

2011-03-07T10:13:00.006Z

Yes March is here again and this month is packed with birthdays. I have a theory! March is 9 months after June and we all know it's 'Father's Day' in June. I'll let you think about that one ;O)

It was Lisa's birthday on the 1st and we all went out to the Bargeman's Rest in Newport to celebrate. It was a double celebration, because after nearly 12 months of working very hard as a volunteer at Sandown High School, she managed to gain a GTP. So come September, she will have a job as a teacher! Proud isn't the word :O)

Gemma's birthday was Saturday and we all went out to the Dairyman's Daughter in Arreton. We had a lovely meal and caught up with all the news. Gemma's working on her NVQ at the moment so again, I'm a very proud Mum :O)

Not sure what happened to the camera but it didn't seem to want to take any photos? Nothing's wrong with it, it's the person pressing all the buttons that has a problem at the moment??? Here's a photo of Gemma & Lisa in March 1997.

We treated them to a trip to London to see HeathCliffe & then went back stage afterwards to meet Sir Cliff himself.

The Church

2011-02-24T23:51:00.005Z

Last weekend Lisa & Liam went back up to London for Abby's birthday party.

Lisa had spent the previous week making a couple of buns to sew onto her clothes as a Katy Perry look alike costume :O)ROFL, it looks like they had an amazing time :O)

Ann Summers

2011-02-18T18:45:00.005Z

I love my new job, but I miss my friends from the Holiday Park so much. So when I got an invite to Val's Ann Summers party on Tuesday night, I couldn't wait to go. It was so great to see everyone & catch up with all the news. Kerri even remembered her camera (thank you Kerri).

Yes Collie, Loz is pregnant!

Kerri didn't believe her lol.

I'll give you 3 guesses at what Collie's got in her hand ;O)

Thanks Val, we had a great evening. Can't wait until we go to yours Kerri at the end of March! xxx

Talking of all things Ann Summers. I've had such a laugh at work today. I was typing up the Service Schedule for Pam. It's a list of Vehicles and the dates of their safety inspections & MOT's. Not funny in the slightest until you come across S&M & lube!! I kid you not. S&M (just in case you didn't know) stands for service & maintenance and apparently some vehicles need lube!

We had such a laugh, as my colleagues explained it all to me. Rob even wrote in the diary ... S&M oooo lovely .... just for a laugh. Then (you just had to be there) a customer came into reception and asked if we sold Grease Nipples!!! OMG it took every ounce of strength not to laugh. To make matters worse I had to go & ask the boss (who was in a funny ha, ha mood this afternoon) if we sold them. The look on his face was priceless. With a glint in his eye and a grin from ear to ear he said, yes, what size? We all fell about laughing when the customer left. They are so used to using all these words & phrases that it takes someone like me, who has never worked in the motor trade, to make them realise how funny they are :O)

The New Front Room

2011-02-15T22:58:00.002Z

Just a few photos of the new front room.

The newly recovered 3 piece suite.

The new Billy Bookcases from Ikea. Putting the TV on the wall & getting a new fire has made the room look enormous.

The new ceiling light.

London (Part 2)

2011-02-13T10:25:00.011Z

Sunday in London was great. After an eventful night at the Travel Lodge with no sleep between 2:30am & 5am we felt surprisingly good. (Lisa always warned us to always dodge Travel Lodge and from now on we will).

It was the Chinese New Year celebrations in Trafalgar Square so we went to have a look at what was going on. It was packed! I don't think I have ever been in a crowd so big. We managed to get a glimpse of the the dragon by holding the camera above our heads.

We got out as soon as we could. Kung Hei Fat Choi! (Happy New Year).

We walked from the Square to the river, passing lots of landmarks

including the Cenotaph, Horse Guards and Downing Street.

There are huge guarded gates at the end of Downing Street now but in the 70's, you could walk right up to No. 10 and have your photo taken with the police man :O) I have no idea who the people are on the right. But me, my brother Jon & Mum are supposed to be posing lol.

We reached the Thames and took Gemma on the London Eye. She was much younger the last time she went.

We didn't have much time, as we needed to get back to Roehampton to pick up the car and then drive back to Southampton to catch the ferry. So we walked along the river bank to the Millennium Bridge. You see such random things in London like this guy pretending to be a statue.

Rather him than me, it was a bit chilly when the wind blew. We warmed ourselves up with Latte's & Hot Chocolate from Starbucks.

We spotted this old police box near the tube station.

And Andrew surprised us by doing some pole dancing on the tube!

London (Part 1)

2011-02-08T20:11:00.014Z

What a lovely weekend we had in London. We decided to take 2 cars in the end, as Lisa, Liam, Sam & Steve were staying in Wimbledon with Abby. Whilst Me, Andrew, Gemma & Elena were

staying at the Travel Lodge in Kingston.

After an all you can eat Chinese at the Rotunda, we travelled into the heart of London by tube, hoping that Westminster Abbey was still open.

It wasn't, which was a shame, so we walked around the gift shop & bought a street map so we could see where we were going.

We walked around Westminster for a little while until it was time to go to the Adelphi Theatre on the Strand to watch "Love Never Dies".

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber said it wasn't a sequel to Phantom of the Opera but it was.

It was well worth seeing & we thoroughly enjoyed it. It always amazes me how they can do so much on stage. At some points in the show, there was so much going on you couldn't watch it all.

The music was fab, but I love opera anyway.

Saturday morning we met up in Russell Square with Lisa, Liam, Sam & Steve.

We had booked to see "The Book of the Dead" exhibition at the British Museum. The lecture was really interesting, 3/4's of an hour seemed like 5 minutes, but I doubt Elena would agree lol. We walked around the exhibit looking at Egyptian Mummy's, Amulets & Canopic Jars and books made from Papyrus which were thousands of years old. Ani's Book of the Dead, the most famous one, is over 3 thousand years old.

I can trace my family history (one branch anyway) back 500 years, which is amazing in itself, but 3500 years ago is just mind blowing! Andrew & I loved it.

Afterwards, we headed to the London Dungeons stopping on the way for a Krispy Kreme doughnut ... yummy!

We parted company again as Lisa & the gang were going out for the evening with their Uni friends. Me, Andrew, Gemma & Elena indulged ourselves at the Bella Italia in Leicester Square. Feasting on pizza, pasta, Tirimisu, sorbet & the biggest bowl of ice cream ever ... the Godfather :O)

Yes we ate outside ... in February!!

Facebook & the Internet

2011-02-01T20:54:00.003Z

How amazing is Facebook!

We are off to London at the weekend and yesterday I got a friend request from a cousin who I haven't seen since I was about 12 years old. Her name is Vanda too. She was named after me :O) The funny thing is, she has just moved to London from the North of England.

Then today, Gemma phoned saying she had found one of our German students on facebook, Uwe. He stayed with us a couple of times in the 90's and kept in touch with us until he moved to New Zealand. We were thrilled to hear from him again.

Unfortunately we haven't been so lucky trying to get in touch with Brian, Andrew's Godfather (& Mum's cousin). Andrew & Brian have stayed in touch for years until recently. We found out why today. Gemma found this obituary online on the Boston Herald website ...

Brian Marriott

MARRIOTT Brian of Boston formerly of England Private services have been held. SPENCER FUNERAL HOME 617-268-0855
Published in Boston Herald on January 11, 2011

Good news or bad, isn't the internet an amazing phenomena :O)

Mexico

2011-01-16T15:02:00.005Z

The holiday to Egypt has been booked :O) I can't wait!

We've got Mexico to look forward to first. A facebook friend lives on the Yucatan Peninsular, 2 hours drive from Chichen Itza and has been giving me information on the sites not to miss.

Ist is Uxmal Mayan Ruins

2nd Xel-Ha

Looks fab doesnt it.

Photos from the internet

I Love Holidays

2011-01-15T17:09:00.005Z

I know I've only just booked a holiday to Mexico but I really, really fancy this holiday by Travelsphere ...

You will stay in the Saffir Hotel and Iberotel in Cairo and the Basma Hotel in Aswan. All rooms feature private facilities, TV, telephone, air-conditioning and minibar. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar.

Your cruise ship will be the MS Jasmin or similar. It is well appointed with comfortable cabins with bathroom and shower. The spacious public areas include a restaurant, lounge area, bar, swimming pool and sundeck. The vessel is fully air-conditioned.

Day 1 : UK/Cairo

Depart on your scheduled flight to Cairo. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a two night stay.

Day 2 : Cairo

Today we include a fascinating full day tour to the legendary Pyramids and the Sphinx. The great Pyramids of Giza stand on a rocky plateau on the western bank of the Nile. They are the most famous, intensely measured, studied and debated monuments in the world and stand as an imperishable landmark to the geometrical accuracy and technical skill that went into their making. As you stand at the foot of any Pyramid, you can’t help but gaze up in awe at their size and stature, as they tower up towards the sky. The Great Pyramid of Cheops alone is constructed from two and a half million hand-carved limestone blocks and reaches a point at 450 feet above the ground. Close to the Pyramids lies the magnificent Sphinx, a huge statue of a recumbent lion with a human head believed to be fashioned in the likeness of the Pharaoh Chephren. During the afternoon we include a trip to the worldfamous Egyptian Museum, which houses the richest store of remains including the treasures from the tombs of Tutankhamen and other Pharaohs. Breakfast included.

Day 3 : Aswan

Early morning transfer to Cairo airport for your flight to Aswan – described by many as the most beautiful of Egypt’s river

cities. During the afternoon you will sail by traditional Felucca around Elephantine Island and past the Mausoleum of Aga Khan. Breakfast included.

Day 4 : Aswan & Abu Simbel

Early this morning, why not join our optional trip by air to Abu Simbel, one of the most spectacular man-made features on earth. This magnificent temple boasts four seated figures of the Pharaoh Ramses II carved out of the rock and standing 60ft high. To avoid being flooded when Lake Nasser was formed by the opening of the Aswan High Dam the temples were moved to higher ground by UNESCO between 1968 and 1972 in an incredible feat of engineering.

Included today is a visit to the Aswan Dam, constructed when Egypt was still a British Protectorate. The 364 foot high walls hold back the 300 mile long body of water that is Lake Nasser, the world’s largest reservoir. You will also visit the Unfinished Obelisk and the Philae Temple, silhouetted against volcanic rocks, and built in honour of the Goddess Isis, who was worshipped by all.

You will then transfer to your river cruise ship for a magical stay on the Nile. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 5 : Kom Ombo

After breakfast we include a visit to the Temple of Kom Ombo, set high on a bluff on a bend in the Nile and dedicated to Sobek the Crocodile God and Horus the Hawk God. The walls of the temple are covered with amazing hieroglyphics and carvings, which show the Egyptians knew much about medicine, used a 30 day/12 month calendar and produced perfumes. You will then sail to Edfu to see the 2,000-year old Ptolemaic Temple with its incredible frescoes, dedicated to the god, Horus, and perhaps the best preserved in Egypt. Work on the temple began in the year 237 BC and there is a spectacular view across the site from the top of 118 foot high, intricately carved pylon. Rejoining the river cruiser, you will sail on to ancient Thebes, known today as Luxor, where your ship will berth overnight. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 6 : Luxor

Luxor is a huge open-air museum set on both sides of the Nile. Here you will find an awe-inspiring collection of ancient monuments. During the afternoon you will visit the Temple of Karnak and the Luxor Temple. Dedicated to the creator god Amun, Luxor was originally linked to Karnak, the oldest, largest and most imposing Pharonic temple complex famous for its complex of pillared halls, one of which has 134 gigantic columns. Highlights include the Avenue of Sphinxes, monumental

Great Hypostyle Hall and Queen Hatsheput’s pink granite obelisk. According to legend, a wish made beside the sacred lake is certain to come true.

You will also visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, dedicated to the cow-eared goddess Hathor and the highlight of today, the fabulous Valley of the Kings. So far, 64 Pharaohs’ tombs have been excavated, including Tutankhaman’s burial chamber discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. Vivid carvings and paintings depict the religious rituals and earthly goods needed by deceased Pharaohs in the afterlife. Breakfast is included.

Day 7 : Cairo

This morning we transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. On arrival transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Breakfast is included.

Day 8 : Cairo/UK

Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK. Breakfast is included.

Elena doesn't fancy it at all but said that Andrew & I could go without her as it's only for a week :O) Andrew said book it, so that's what I'm hoping to do tomorrow. There's an optional excursion to Abu Simbel which we have always wanted to see.

Do you think it's a bit much booking 2 holidays in the same week?

Mexico!

2011-01-12T22:03:00.004Z

Good news :O) After weeks of deliberation I booked a holiday this morning. We're off to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. Half way between Playa del Carmen & Tulum. We want to visit the Mayan Temples in Tulum and of course Chichen Itza, one of the seven wonders of the world.

The hotel we've picked has a lazy river for me, an ice cream parlour for Elena and plenty of snorkelling at the beach for Andrew. What more could you ask for.

Pablo Basset Well, you will stay in the Riviera Maya, so then I recommend you 3 nearly archeological zones: Chichen Itza, Cobah and Tulum. And if you can go to Uxmal, I think it is the most beautiful.
And acuatic parks I recommend you Xel-Ha and Xcaret.

PhotoPass Photos from Florida

2011-01-07T22:37:00.014Z

Yay! My photopass photos arrived today. So here they are, in no particular order :O)

Christmas Past

2011-01-04T11:03:00.004Z

Well another Christmas has come & gone. We've all had a lovely break although I did have to work 3 days between Christmas & the New Year. Hard life isn't it :O)

The Christmas festivities started off on Christmas Eve with the usual debate of what time we were getting up on Christmas morning. I've done my stint of being woken up at 5am so I decided we would get up no earlier than 9am. It is a holiday after all. Elena wasn't very happy but still she put out a plate of goodies for Santa & Rudolf lol. It is tradition. We went to bed and by 8am on Christmas morning Andrew & I were wide awake. I crept up to Elena's bedroom and woke her up. At last, after all these years I got my own back ;O) She found it highly amusing.

Gemma arrived and we all sat in the front room and opened our presents. I was spoilt rotten with chocolates, perfume, gift vouchers, slippers and a scanner/printer from Andrew that works remotely. I had a beautiful necklace from Gemma, Toy Story Mania for the Wii from Lisa & Liam & a Mirror of Erised photo frame from Elena. It was so lovely to print off a decent photo to go inside it :O) As well as all that Andrew treated me to quite a few Musical DVD's. Les Miserables, Moulin Rouge, Chicago & Phantom of the Opera.

Liam had spent the night with his Mum so came back after lunch. We opened our stockings and had a laugh with Andrew & Lisa when they exchanged their 'sprout' presents. Lisa had made a sprout from Fimo and decorated it with a hat & some holly leaves. She'd even written on it 'Happy Sproutmas' lol. Andrew & trawled the internet & found a bar of chocolate for her with a wrapper covered in sprouts that you could personalise.

Andrew made us all a delicious buffet tea and that was that.

Andrew & I stayed in on New Year's Eve and had a marathon Musical DVD night. The rest went out with their friends. Gemma & Elena went to a fancy dress party in their PJ's, Gemma took a top hat & umbrella & Elena had her dressing gown & teddy bear. They went as the children from Peter Pan.

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T22:58:00.004Z

I have some very funny facebook friends (funny ha,ha not funny peculiar).

One of them wrote on their status ... may the fleas of a thousand camels infest the arse of anyone who f***s up your new year and may their arms be too short to scratch it.

On that note HAPPY NEW YEAR xxx

2010-12-26T15:44:00.002Z

Finally finished the post for Universal :O)

And the last day at Magic Kingdom :O)

No Blue Lights For You!

2010-12-22T20:29:00.003Z

I've done some things in my life but today takes the biscuit. Picture the scene. I'm sat in my little office listening to 'Enola Gay' on the radio whilst verifying some invoices, when Andy (the boss) pops his head round the door and asks, "do you fancy driving an ambulance?"

I kid you not lol. Of course I jumped at the chance. The mechanic who was going to be driving the 2nd vehicle was a bit wary of letting a middle aged woman loose at the wheel of an ambulance. I think he knew what was going through my head. 80 miles an hour, blue lights flashing & siren whaling, yes please, I'll have some of that !!! He asked me if I could drive such a big vehicle? Well I've got a Nissan Serena, does that count? He was worried that my licence didn't cover that type of vehicle. Quick check, yes it does. He walked with me just to make sure I could find the indicators & lights & believe it or not I found them, all by myself. Funny that. When you've been driving since you were 18 it's amazing what you pick up over the years :O)

We set off, it was fab. I loved every minute of it although both he & Andy told me in no uncertain terms that I was not aloud to press ANY buttons and I HAD to keep to the speed limits, I still had a great time.

The reason for the outing, well one ambulance had to go to the garage in Wootton to have some sort of work done & the other had to have a road test. So when I got to the garage I reversed into a parking space (because the grounds were too small to turn it round) picked up the mechanic & drove him back to work.

I always fancied being a delivery driver but if I go for another job, I'm going to apply to the NHS :O)

It's Christmas!!!

2010-12-20T20:25:00.006Z

It's official, we are all ready (at last) for Christmas! Cards have been posted, presents bought, the freezer's full and the house has been decorated in twinkling lights and everything that glitters. Lisa's made the 2010 bauble for us this year using Fimo & we couldn't resist buying some fun Disney baubles from America to go with the mountain we seem to already have :O)

I've decided I love Christmas shopping. The girls give me a list of things they would like and I sit at my laptop & buy them online whilst drinking tea & listening to Christmas songs on the music channel. No queues, no hustle & bustle, no headache and the postman does all the hard work :O)

Andrew's been working hard putting all the finishing touches to the dining room. Not only that he has come up with a new soup that beats the socks off any soup I've tasted before. Last week it was mushroom soup which really had the wow factor, but this week it's vegetable soup with sweet chestnuts. It's absolutely delicious & the envy of all my workmates as the smell wafts through the gap of my office door into the corridor.

The weather outside is frightful so it's a good job that inside is so delightful ... Happy Christmas!!!

Another Snow Day

2010-12-02T23:00:00.006Z

We woke up this morning to 6 inches of snow! Twice in one year OMG! Andrew & I decided not to go to work as the roads were pretty bad but both Gemma & Liam braved the weather and drove to work.

We had a great day at home, putting up the Christmas tree and generally tidying up.

The Deathly Hallows

2010-11-23T09:42:00.004Z

I know Gemma, I really need to finish my blog posts from America :O)

Just a bit of a catch up today. On Friday, Andrew & I ordered the new carpet for the Dining Room after weeks of deliberating about the colour. After work, we met Liam, Lisa, Gemma, Elena & Sam at Pizza Express in Newport and had a lovely meal with them all. The reason Andrew didn't cook tonight was this

as every Harry Potter fan knows, it's the symbol of the Deathly Hallows. Part one was just amazing, so dark but with lots of funny moments to lighten the mood.

And yes, I hold my hands up, I cried when Dobby died, even though I knew it was going to happen, it still made me sad. I love Dobby!

Andrew spent the weekend painting. He's done a fantastic job. I can't wait to take some photos of the finished room and put them on here.

Gemma spent the day with us on Sunday, and then on Monday she drove one of her clients to Yorkshire for a funeral. Brave isn't she. She is such a great driver I wasn't worried at all, I did feel sorry for her though as it's such a long way. She phoned last night to say she was safe & sound.

I went out with Kerri & Val (from the holiday park) last night for a Chinese. It was great to see them again and we talked for England. I didn't realise quite how much I'd missed them. Elena babysat for Val's son and had a ball. She is so good with kids.

Lisa's been working hard at school and at Newchurch rehearsing for the pantomime. It will be like old times when we go to watch her in February.

Haven't done anything about another holiday yet. We can't make up our minds whether to go to Kenya to do a safari or Mexico to look at the Mayan Temples? Some more research is needed I think.

My New Job

2010-11-08T21:48:00.003Z

Started my new job today. Everything went well & the people are very friendly. They all seem happy & are always ribbing each other & having a laugh. I share an office with Nicky who works in the mornings. I think we'll get on really well :O) Our paths cross for about half an hour at lunch time & then I have the office to myself for the rest of the day. Once the door is shut it's lovely & quiet so easy to concentrate on work. People having been popping in all afternoon asking if I'm all right. How lovely is that. I had an induction this afternoon for about 2 hours so the time went really quickly. I feel happy & I'm positive I'm going to love working there :O)

Jet Lag

2010-11-07T23:42:00.005Z

Flippin' heck we are really suffering with jet lag this time, not sure why? It's self inflicted of course so not after any sympathy. It's just weird not being tired at midnight, waking up at 5am and not being able to get back to sleep & then being really, really tired at 10am. On top of that we could eat a 3 course meal about 11pm lol. It doesn't put me off doing it again but I just wonder how the pilots cope with it? Beats me :O)

Start my new job tomorrow so best set my alarm ;O)

Holiday Blues!

2010-11-05T07:25:00.006Z

Warning!!! If you're feeling slightly depressed, don't read any further.

The plan was to go back to Hollywood Studios today for a few hours before taking the car back to the airport hire car centre. We were so late last night getting back to the hotel, we had a lay in this morning. We checked out of the 'Not Much Quality Inn' by 10:30 and headed to Downtown Disney to check in our suitcases at the Virgin Desk next to Cirque de Soliel.

We wandered around the shops and restaurants and had lunch at Paradiso 37. Well Gemma & Elena did. The music was making my headache worse so Andrew & I left the girls and wandered around outside for a while.

I woke up this morning with the headache from hell, or more like we were all woken up 3 times at something silly o'clock, which was the cause of my bad head. Andrew's phone went off, which stuck us all to the ceiling. The last thing you need when you're fast asleep is Yoda shouting in your ear "message from the dark side there is". It was Sandown High School texting about some 6th form meeting being postponed! Then, if that wasn't bad enough, Gemma tried to get a drink & knocked the bottle onto the floor. We had all got back to sleep when she turned over and knocked it off again. Love you really Gem :O) So sleep was not the order of the day, oh well. I'm not really moaning, I just think the holiday blues have started early. I hate going home.

At the airport and to kill some time I asked everyone 5 questions and here are the answers ...

1) What was the best bit about the holiday?

Andrew ... Harry Potter

Vanda ... Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Gemma ... Meeting Eeyore

Elena ... The food

2) What was the worst bit about the holiday?

Andrew ... Dinner at Quality Inn

Vanda ... Quality Inn

Gemma ... Quality Inn

Elena ... Quality Inn

3) The nicest food?

Andrew ... Bahama Breeze

Vanda ... Bahama Breeze / Hard Rock Cafe

Gemma ... Olive Garden / House of Blues

Elena ... Chinese at Epcot

4) The best theme park ride?

Andrew ... The Forbidden Journey (Islands of Adventure)

Vanda ... Toy Story Mania (Hollywood Studios)

Gemma ... Tower of Terror (Hollywood Studios)

Elena ... The Hulk (Islands of Adventure)

5) The best theme park?

Andrew ... Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure

Vanda ... Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure

Gemma ... World Show Case at Epcot

Elena ... Typhoon Lagoon

After that we did some people watching. Now Andrew doesn't usually come out with funny stuff, but when he does, it's priceless. A big fat lady was stood talking to some other people and when I say she was big, she was huge. Her arms were covered with tattoos of cup cakes. I'm not kidding, there was a picture of every kind of cake you could imagine. Well we all wondered if she had got cake rash due to eating so many. Andrew said, "I wonder if she can get fresh cream for that?"

Weather ... doesn't matter because we're going back to the wind & rain tonight.

Nothing else to tell you apart from 9 & 1/2 hours & no sleep later, we landed at Gatwick. Caught the train & boat & train back home and got in just after 1pm ... shattered. Would I do it again? Hell yes, give me a couple of hours to pack my bag :O)

When You Wish Upon A Star

2010-11-05T07:23:00.016Z

Tuesday 2nd November

It's our last day today so we had to go back to Magic Kingdom for the Wishes fireworks. On the way, we called in at Wallmart, so Gemma could buy her 4th Generation iPod Touch. She was so disappointed when they didn't have any left. We promised her we would try again later.

We arrived at Magic Kingdom just in time to catch the midmorning street parade.

The Halloween decorations have been so pretty, even down to the themed flower beds.

We walked around to the Harbour House Cafe to see what time it stopped serving food, as Andrew was fancying some more Clam Chowder soup.

By then it was time for our reservation at Crystal Palace. The home of both Gemma & Elena's favourite Disney Characters, Eeyore & Piglet.

There was a huge 'all you can eat' buffet, with everything you could think of from soup to strawberries.

As we ate, the characters from Winnie the Pooh came round to see us.

It took us a while to realise it had started raining outside. By rain I mean throwing it down :O)

After lunch we ran into the shop to buy ponchos, which was no easy task with a full belly. In Great British tradition we carried on despite the weather & headed for Tom Sawyer Island. I'd love to say it was unmissable, but it truly wasn't. We made our own fun though by jumping in puddles and bouncing on the rickety bridge made of barrels. Andrew was so enthusiastic he actually broke his shoe lol and Elena nearly landed in the lake she was laughing so much.

We escaped from the island by boat. We caught the train to Toontown to see where Mickey & Minnie live. First stop Mickey's House.

It didn't take us long to find Andrew some new shoes ;O)

Donald had been helping Mickey decorate his kitchen.

Mickey's garden was much tidier.

We had our photo with them before exploring Minnie's House.

The rain had just about stopped as we entered Toontown so I could get my camera out again.

After a good look round we headed back to Fantasy Land to have one last go on Gemma's favourite ride, Peter Pan.

We walked over to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin as we 'd enjoyed it so much the last time.

And then it was back, past the castle to the Harbour House cafe for tea.

We just had to go back into the Christmas shop to stock up on baubles & right opposite was the Hallowen shop for Elena :O)

After tea we watched the Electrical parade. We were really lucky as the earlier one had been cancelled because of the rain.

Then it was time for the Wishes fireworks which were quite spectacular.

We left around 11pm & programmed the sat nav for a different Wallmart where, I'm happy to say, Gemma found her iPod touch.

Weather ... 26 degrees today with rain, rain & more rain. Not complaining though, it's the first time we've seen any since we've been here.

Shuttle Launch

2010-11-05T07:20:00.012Z

Monday 1st November

We were really disappointed today as, a few weeks ago, there was a shuttle launch planned at Cape Canaveral. On the internet last night it said it had been delayed for a few days, so unfortunately we won't get to see it. This called for a change of plan so Universal Studios was decided upon. Not in the league of 'once in a lifetime events' but still better than being at home in cold grey England.

At the entrance a very nice man asked if we could take his photo and in return he would take one of use with the famous Universal Globe in the background. Of course we obliged :O)

1st Stop, Hollywood's Rip Ride Rocket!

Someone had to stay on the ground to take photos, so I volunteered again. I'm good like that :O) It's one of those rides where you can choose your own music. Andrew made us laugh, he chose 'I Will Survive' by Gloria Gaynor lol.

We tried a corn dog! A deep fried sausage covered in what can only be described as doughnut batter ... very healthy! We wouldn't have another.

The brave ones went on 2 more rides, Twister & the Mummy.

And then it was into the Ben & Jerry's ice cream parlour to cool down.

Ben & Jerry's is our favourite ice cream & it didn't disappoint ... yum yum!

Round the corner was the train from Back to the Future and then we waited for the Blues Brothers show to start. It was fantastic. We were all stood up in the street clapping and dancing along to the music. It was my favourite part of the day :O)

The boys arrived in style too.

We made our way to Jaws stopping on the way to watch Beetle Juice. Sort of wished we hadn't lol, but it meant half an hour sit down in the shade so couldn't complain.

Look at Andrew's face. Don't think he was too impressed with Beetle Juice either lol.

Jaws was a bit pants but it's one of those things you have to do when you visit Universal. I was surprised that Elena had never seen the film. Weird what you learn.

Made it round to The Simpsons just as the sun started going down.

Had a quick spin round Men in Black before the park closed and then we went back to Olive Garden for another amazing meal.

Weather ... 28 degrees again today, can you believe it can be this nice in November!

Halloween at Downtown Disney

2010-11-05T07:19:00.011Z

Sunday 31st October

It's Halloween today. Usually back in England, it's freezing cold, grey skies and dark early but we were at Blizzard Beach where it looked freezing cold but was gorgeous and warm.

The water wasn't quite as warm as Typhoon Lagoon, which was a shame, but we had a brilliant time never the less. The themeing made up for it and some of it was so funny. These ski tracks on the top of this roof

were directly opposite the shop. That is a proper hole in the side of the shop lol.

It's no surprise that most of the day was spent floating around Cross Country Creek.

I adore lazy rivers, there's something so peaceful & calming about floating around in a rubber ring watching the world go by, heaven.

Halfway round is a house that talks. Every so often it pretends to sneeze, just like you do when you're a kid, emphasising the achoo.

At the end of the sneeze, it squirts really cold water out of the chimney on unsuspecting guests as they float by. There's enough of a delay that, if you're quick, you can get passed without getting squirted. If you have just your backside poking through the middle (like me) you rely on your friends & family to propel you through this obstacle. BUT if you have a daughter like Gemma, you get held under it whether you want to be there or not. Wouldn't you think that if you were squealing for help, your loving husband would rescue you? Nope, not a helping hand in sight. I wanted a Knight in Shining Armour and all I got (according to Elena) was an idiot in tinfoil lol.

In between lazy rivering (if that is even a word?) we rode lots of the water slides. The easiest way to get up the mountain to Teamboat Springs & Summit Plummit, was to use the ski lift.

This was at the bottom of teamboat springs.

And this was at the bottom of Summit Plummit ... Gemma

& Elena!

Let me tell you a bit about Summit Plummit. It's a 120ft high water slide that drops riders down the mountain side at 50 - 60 mph & is the most scariest thing you have ever seen. It starts off just under the triangular roof you can see at the top of the photo & ends up at the bottom.

OMG ... needless to say, Andrew & I didn't venture on it. I take my hat off to the 2 brave ones though.

We left the waterpark just before tea and drove to Downtown Disney to the House of Blues.

The music was fab & so was the food. Then joined in with everyone else trick or treating. It was heaving with people but everyone was in good spirits and the atmosphere was brill.

Loads of people were dressed up in costumes and Elena had a ball. We walked in & out of nearly every shop including the biggest Lego store I've ever seen

with a full size 'Nessie' outside in the lake :O)

Photos taken on the waterproof camera.

Weather ... 28 degrees, warm & sunny!

Kissimee Swamp Tours

2010-11-05T07:17:00.020Z

Saturday 30th October

We drove down to Kissimee Lake today to visit Capt. Rob at Kissimee Swamp Tours. One of the things we wanted to do on holiday was have a go on an airboat. (Upload picture later) It took just over an hour to drive there. I can't believe how flat Florida is (or the parts of it we've seen). Don't think I've ever seen anywhere as flat before.

(Photo taken from the car out of the front right seat! Look, no steering wheel lol)

At the end of what seemed like an endless road we found the lake & the airboat station. We donned headphones & climbed aboard the airboat with Captain Mike. Gemma & Andrew sat on the top seats with Me & Elena at the bottom.

The tour lasted 90 minutes which in reality seemed like 10. It was brilliant, and we saw so much wildlife, from Bald Eagles to Aligators, (some only a year or so old)

to Day Lillies and long grasses & lily pads.

At one point we were sat on just 4" of water! It was fab & even Gemma said she thoroughly enjoyed herself even though she hadn't been looking forward to it.

We drove back to Orlando and stopped for afternoon tea at Bahama Breeze. Carried on to Universal to see Harry Potter (for the 3rd time :O)) and managed to get to Universal before the main park closed at 5pm, so queued up for Shrek 4D.

It was brilliant and well worth doing. We walked back into Islands of Adventure so Elena could have another go on the Hulk Roller Coaster with Gemma, while Andrew & I grabbed a drink. Then it was off again to see Harry Potter. I don't think the photos need much explanation if you are Harry Potter mad (like us). The frog box opened and closed to reveal the chocolate frog inside.

Sirius Black's picture was moving.

As were the Bludgers in the Quidditch box :O)

I think this wizard must have lost his owl?

Gilderoy Lockhart stood preening himself lol.

Hogwarts.

New member of Beaubatons & Durmstrang. (May need to lose a bit of weight first!)

My favourite roof tops

This way to Hogwarts.

Slytherin & Gryfindor wizards :O)

Hogsmeade station.

Zonko's

The post office.

Some of them are a bit pants because of the light and the glass but I did my best :O)

This is what your feet look like after a day wearing flip flops around the parks ... eek!

Weather ... 28 degrees again today, blue skies & sunshine. Another perfect day.

Epcot Again

2010-11-05T07:13:00.014Z

Friday 29th October

Went back to Epcot today.

We love Epcot, especially World Showcase. We decided to explore Future World a bit more today so while the 3 Musketeers went on Test Track I walked over to Soarin to get Fastpasses for them. We explored an area called 'The Land' with a boat ride through some space age greenhouses that were growing hydroponic fruit & vegetables . Disney says ... A relaxing 13 minute boat ride takes you on an informative journey through a tropical rain forest, an African desert complete with sandstorm, and the windswept plains of a small, turn-of-the-century family farm. Guests experience the struggles of the past and plans for farming in the future including Hydroponics, Aeroponics and Aquaculture. It's not just about fruits and veggies, fish farms are on display. Since The Land is a Disney restaurant supplier, You could very well be seeing your entree. Wonder where those Mickey shaped cucumbers in your salad came from? This is where they're grown.Very interesting (Elena was snoring lol). Then we strolled over to 'The Seas' where these little fella's sat saying 'Mine, Mine, Mine'.

If you've watched Finding Nemo you'll know what I'm on about. We also watched the Turtle talk with Crush & rode the seashells on the Finding Nemo ride. By this time we were feeling hungry (not the country, we needed some food). We sauntered round World Showcase trying to find something to eat. Le Cellier in Canada was full and nobody fancied the food in France. We continued walking until we got to Morocco, with a bit of persuasion from Me & Gem we eat lunch at the Marrakesh Restaurant.

We ate lots of lovely food like cous cous and some other delicious bits which the names escape me. I really liked it & so did Gemma. Elena was a bit unsure but Andrew wasn't impressed at all. You win some, you lose some. We were entertained by a belly dancer & 2 Moroccan men playing musical instruments.

The thing I think I love the most about the theme parks, apart from the cleanliness, is you never know what you're going to see next. This chap was balancing on stacked chairs??!!!

We explored France and watched the motion picture. We weren't fed up waiting we just posed that way.

The motion picture surrounded you, 360 degrees, so when it showed you parts of France from an aeroplane, it actually made you feel motion sick.

They had a similar show in Canada too but Me & Elena stood outside while Andrew & Gemma went to watch.

Then it was back to Mexico to have a go on the hilarious boat ride with the 3 Caballaros, called the Grand Fiesta Tour.

Went to China for tea and ate some gorgeous food there too.

By the time we got out the sun was setting. We watched the fireworks again & then went back to the hotel. For the first time this holiday, I could have done with something over my shoulders at night time.

Weather ... a bit cooler today with a maximum of 28 degrees. I hope it gets hot again.

Hollywood Studios

2010-11-05T07:07:00.014Z

Thursday 28th October

Went to Hollywood Studios today because we wanted to see Fantasmic. At the moment it's only being shown twice a week so the place was packed with people all wanting to do the same thing. First up was Rock & Roller Coaster followed by the Tower of Terror!!! Eek! Guess what I was doing? Taking these of course :O)

Next up was the Beauty & the Beast Show. I love Beauty & The Beast.

I remember watching it in Disneyland Paris years ago when Gemma & Lisa were little.

We just made it over to Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular in time to get some of the last seats.

Then it was time for lunch. Another ADR booked at the 50's Prime Time Cafe.

Disney says, Be welcomed into Mom's family and feel at home in her kitchenette. But Mom expects you to mind your manners, so don't be surprised if she tells you to keep your elbows off the table. It's all part of the old-fashioned fun and gentle ribbing that's served up along with the food. It was great fun & yes, Andrew did get told off for having his elbows on the table ROFL.

The sweet menu was this ...

but how on earth are you supposed to eat a Turkey sandwich with this much turkey in it?????

Leaving the air con inside the cafe we headed out into the baking sun just in time to catch the Block Party Bash Parade.

I think Elena's suffering with the heat a bit today so we bought her a water fan. Looks like a water spray bottle that you use in the garden with a fan attached. It sprays a cold water mist over you so she found it helped a lot.

Gemma was just happy to try on more silly hats :O)

I love Disney, everywhere you look there's some quirky bush or statue that catches your eye.

We walked around to the 'Journey Into Prince Caspian's Narnia' and out the other side (not very impressed) and looked at some film props including the organ from Pirates of the Caribbean.

We did the Backlot Tour

and then the best ride ever ... Toy Story Mania.

By then it was time for Fantasmic.

It was so busy trying to get out we spent an hour looking round the shops until the crowds died down a bit.

Weather ... another 32 degree high today. You can keep the British weather, I want to move somewhere that's hot.

Islands Of Adventure

2010-11-05T07:04:00.025Z

Wednesday 27th October

On my plan today, I had another rest & relaxation day pencilled in. I thought that getting out of a theme park at midnight would be enough, but no, the troops decided otherwise (which was OK by me).

We chose to go back to Islands of Adventure to see Mr Potter :O)

It was extremely hot so getting soaked to the skin on the Popeye & Blutos Bilge Rat Barges & Dudley Dorights Rip Saw Falls was no problem.

We walked into the Jurassic Park area where the 3 brave ones rode the River Adventure. Again I chickened out because of the 85ft plunge at the end :O)

Well someone has to make sure the camera doesn't get wet!

Then it was back into the Wonderful World of Harry Potter, my favourite place in the whole of Universal.

The queue for Olivander's Wand Shop was quite small so we got in line. They only allow about 20 people in the shop at anyone time. It was (for me) the best place in the whole park. It was just magical (and much darker in side than the photo shows). The only thing that could have made it better was he could have picked one of us instead of the lad he did pick lol. It was definitely worth queueing up for. Olivander gave the lad 3 or 4 wands to try as everyone knows the wand chooses it's owner & not the other way round! Different things happened when he tried out his wand until eventually the right wand was found. It was brilliant :O)

Andrew & the girls wanted to go back to Hogwarts Castle & ride the Forbidden Journey. I wandered round the castle taking photos. The hall with the living oil paintings was fantastic with Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff, Salazar Slytherin & Godric Gryffindor all talking to each other.

The best was the entance to the Gryffindor Common Room where there was a huge painting of the Fat Lady (Dawn French) talking to you. The attention to detail is really amazing.

Outside the castle is the Flight of the Hipogriff ride.

And near the toilets where Moaning Mirtle lives, an ATM machine.

By this time we were getting really thirsty so decided on Butterbeers in the Three Broom Sticks/ Hogs Head Pub.

We walked round the quaint little shops again.

It's amazing how much more you see when you look again.

We loved it :O)

Just outside Hogsmede in the Lost Continent is the Mystic Fountain. It was hilarious to watch. Someone's either inside it or watching (and listening) somewhere nearby. It spoke to everyone who went past & tried it's hardest to wet them through. Just youtube it, it's so funny.

The next part of Islands of Adventure is Suess Land where The Grinch & The Cat in the Hat hang out.

We rode some of the kiddie rides which was amusing and then called into the Christmas Shop at the entrance. After a few photos with the props laying around outside the shops

we walked to the Hard Rock Cafe.

Gemma just couldn't decide what she wanted to drink & Andrew couldn't decide what pudding he wanted to try :O)

Luckily me & Elena new exactly what we were having.

I had the most fantastic salad I have ever tasted in my whole life. Amongst the leaves (smothered in a citrus dressing) were sultanas, cranberries, orange segments, pecan nuts, blue cheese & chicken. My mouth is watering at just the thougt of it :O)

Weather ... 32 degrees & sunny OMG how lucky are we!