-8 to 28 in a day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUFFLE

I didn't sleep so well last night. I never do in a strange bed. I didn't feel the pea under the mattress so either I am not a princess (which is slightly unbelievable) or there was no pea there! As soon as Huffle and I were up we were looking out of the window checking to see if we could see Barry (the Gator). We saw lots of ripples in the lake but nothing popped up. The boys we're looking too. We did see a Heron.

Mr & Mrs Gator left the boys a puzzle each so this morning we started them. Smallest's was a toy story one which he did mainly by himself but with a bit of help for the larger one (we are still putting it together).

Small's was a much harder one with 1000 small pieces. We have got the edges out but that's about it.

We started the day looking for a place to eat breakfast. Mrs Gator told us about a place but we ended up in a drive through Mall (yes you heard correctly). I felt like we were in a film set or an empty theme park. The boys loved running around and hollering. There was absolutely no-one around and it was past nine (only just).

Mr Gator rang us and we asked him where to go. He pointed us in the right direction. Wow. Smallest had his usual (usual when we go out for breakfast which is quite unusual really) sunny side up egg and a slice of bacon. Smallest had two choc chip pancakes and Huffle and I had two Blueberry Pancakes. We didn't need two. They were huge. We all left some because they were so big and so filling. They weren't the kind of crepey pancake that I make but the big fat fluffy American Pancakes. Ummm ummmmmm. I thought I wouldn't be able to eat again for the rest of the day!!!!

Then we went off in the car to Grandad Pete's Beach which was about an hour away. We popped into a shop on the way and bought buckets and spades. We took Mr & Mrs Gators beach chairs and an umbrella. glad we did, the sun was H O T!!!!

The beach was amazing. Awesome.

The sand was white. It wasn't overcrowded (I guess people are working or at school and it was mainly older people there. I think we scared off the ones around us.

 

The boys had so much fun. Running around. Running into the sea. Swimming in the sea. Making sandcastles (a birthday one for Hiffle).

We actually got time to sit and relax. I read a bit of my book. Took lots of photos. Awwwwww it was lovely. Just the right kind of thing to do today. It was hot (have I said that?).

There were parasailers to watch

The boys had so much fun swimming in the sea. It was so strange to think that yesterday we were coming out of the house in hats and gloves, snow on the drive and it was -8. Temperatures here got to 28*. Phew.

This is just to prove I was there and I was in the sea. I did get a bit further in (I didn't have my swimming costume so I couldn't swim but I did get my bum wet because a wave took me by surprise.

We sat on the beach till about 5pm and then left for home (well the Gator's home).

These birds had a wing span so wide - wider than my arm span! It was very interesting watching them fly last and diving into catch fish.

Smallest swimming in the sea - the waves kept going over his head, he would run out, coughing and spluttering, grab a bottle of water, laugh, then run back in again. This happened over and over but he loved it.

Small was swimming really well. He loved the way the waves moved him back in.

This was a wonderful place. We came home, had dinner and put the boys to bed.

Huffle and I opened a bottle of wine. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

 

Toronto to Tampa

Did I say yesterday that it was Huffle's birthday today? Well I was wrong. It is tomorrow (Monday).

 

{Last night I dreamt that I took the family on a hairdressing bus. You got your ticket to your destination and while you were travelling got a haircut. You did have to wait in line though so some people only got half a haircut because they got to their stop before the cut was finished. Huffle and boys were getting their hair cuts while I loaded towels into the washing machine which I then had to take off the bus and home!! I was getting worried that the washer was getting heavier and heavier!}

 

Sunday 26th February (in case it doesn't post in time)

Anyway, back to reality. We woke up early. We got changed, turned everything off that needed to be turned off, packed the car and headed off for the Airport in plenty of time.

For the journey we wore tee shirts, fleece, coat, hat, gloves and trainers. (oh and trousers). When we arrived at the car park we took our coats off and Small couldn't believe we were walking in the freezing -4 without our coats etc. we tried to tell him it would be too warm to carry coats once we got to Tampa.

Thank goodness we gave ourselves plenty of time. It takes ages to go through checks and customs if you are flying from Canada to US because you actually go through customs at the Canada end which then makes it plain sailing the other end.

The check in assistant was very friendly (maybe just a bit too friendly if that is possible), we wanted to get through because we hadn't had breakfast and the boys were getting restless, but she wanted to talk and told us next time to come earlier so she could play with the boys!!

We only had one bag to check in (the others being hand luggage) and it weighed too much so we had to transfer stuff into one of the flight bags. Then we had to traipse around the Airport with the heavy case, four bags and two moaning, hungry kids.

We had to put our own luggage in. Then we went through customs. A woman who looked similar to Whoopi Goldberg checked our passports. "where is Mr Smallest" she said. Smallest looked at her and pursed his lips together, he was not going to speak! She showed him his passport photo (probably taken over a year ago) and asked him if it was him! He nodded. Then she did the same with Small and he did speak to her. Huffle and I had to have our fingerprints scanned and a photo taken. This was a slow process again.

We finally got through there and had to go through the scanner. Smallest was randomly selected to have his hands tested (for drugs?!). They swabbed both of his hands and sent him on his way. I set the bleeper off twice. Once with my sunglasses and once with my hair slide. Everyone else went through okay.

Then we grabbed a quick bite and went to our gate. They called families on first so we went forward in the queue. One man tutted at us and told me they hadn't called anyone yet. Another woman said "oh they make babies big these days" (I asked if that is what they called - people with babies, she said yes). I said Oh we'll we're here now we'll try and they let us on. Yaaaay.

Me and the boys were together and Huffle got to sit with an old lady behind. Not sure who had the worst deal really. I think she kept asking him questions and wanting him to undo packets and organise her table for her. As we landed (which was very bumpy by the way) she was singing a song about moving this left and moving that right - apparently it was her flight exercises!). I just had Small commentating on everything he did whether it was looking out of the windows, playing his DS, drinking his water, eating his sweets. Smallest happily played on his DS for the most part but did want to show me everything he was doing. I tried to watch the new footloose film but only got to watch about twenty minutes. Then I sat and wrote some of this post!

The food wasn't complimentary but we did get one drink. The sweets we bought yesterday were awful. I picked up 50% sugar and they weren't good. The flight was quite bumpy. One of the air hostesses got grumpy because someone called "hey hey hey" and she took umbridge! And told them she didn't like the way they spoke to her. We thought she was a bit over the top!

When we landed we went straight through, picked up bags, picked up the hire car (took a while) but we ended up with a huge automobile that has automatic closing back doors. Ooooooohhhhhh.

We drove to Mr & Mrs Gator's house and were welcomed by Mrs Gator's brother, Perry, who was lovely. He showed us around, told us where to go for shopping, told us about the cats and the alligator. He was very helpful, in fact we have already had to ring him for help with the wi-fi. We met Eric the dog who was very excitable. The boys loved him and I think he liked playing with them. Perry said it was a shame he was going with him and not staying with us.

Eric the dog - very excited which is why the picture is blurred.

We went off for dinner and came back. The boys watched Aladdin on Mr Gator's very very large TV, while Huffle and I found some British blend tea bags and made ourselves a cup of tea.

Small said "I love this house, it's like ours but better". High praise from one so Small. There is a house cat that we have to feed. It doesn't matter that Huffle is allergic to cats and has trouble breathing (he has his inhaler, he'll be fine). The house one doesn't like people so she just hides. The outside cat stays outside with the Gator, I'm hoping they are friends.

We have seen a heron in the garden so far. When the boys went to bed they complained about noises that they didn't like. They thought the gator was going to crawl up to their window (1st floor) and climb into their window. I had to put their pillows at the other end of their beds so they weren't next to the window.

Huffle has found a new TV show he wants to keep watching when we get back called "My Redneck Vacation". Some 'rednecks' move into a top exclusive New York residential area and invite some of their neighbours round for a party. We watched this on the really big TV too.

Tired now so off to bed in the really high bed. It's lovely but I feel like I'm in the Princess and the Pea. I wonder if Mr Gator hid a pea under the mattress to test if I was a princess or not. I hope not because it will end up as a mushy pea!

 

Gifts, Gator and a Grumpy Hairdresser

Last night Huffle and I went through all the clothes and finally decided what we were taking on holiday (vacation). I know I had all week to do it but as is the tradition in this house before holidays we like to leave it till the last minute and rush around like headless chickens.

This morning we decided to celebrate Huffle's birthday because we are travelling tomorrow and won't have time for presents and cards. We sang to Huffle while making breakfast. The boys thrust their presents at him quicker than he could open them.

They had made him lovely posters to say Happy Birthday, both very different, both very artistic. He was very pleased.

Some of the presents he had were, sweets and chocolates, some Canadian and some British (ahhh more comparisons). A fiat car (not to drive just to look at and to remind him of our Italian trips). Hair clippers, oh and he got some Liquorice Allsorts from Harrison Ford.

Yesterday I bought him a tree face from the boys to put it on one of our trees and when I sent him to Dollarama to reclaim my lost items he picked up, and bought, a tree face and two other items I also bought that day. It's nice to know we are still so in tune with other. So now he has two tree faces. The funny thing is the one he bought was the one I first picked up but I put it back because I thought a more subtle one would be better.

He also got a Canadian Drinking Glass, Cinamon spread, mushy peas (of course), some pasta, some of Britains finest John Lewis Boxers, some sweeteners and a stud finder. I thought he already was one! (I read this out loud to him and he said "don't write that it makes me sound like a wufter" sorry Huffle are you from the 1970's show Are you being Served? Actually a story from Huffle's trip to Philadelphia that I forgot. A very 'flamboyant' man there said "oh I love keeping up appearances and what's that one called in the department store - oh yes Are you being served! I love that one". Whenever people realise we are British they have to tell us which English shows they watch. One asked me about Benny Hill!!!????

What a lot of loveliness. I also owe him a fire pit.

He put his new solar lights out.

I told him they were wonky!

Grandma skyped us with a wonderful rendition of Happy birthday (well, I say wonderful, what I meant was, as only Grandma could!!!!!) with guest appearances from Grandad, Cousin E and Cousin D. We have had several telephone calls from Mr Gator keeping us up to date with how his Dad, uncle Dermott is doing. He had to have another tricky op today which went well and was successful. It's still early days but we wish him a really speedy recovery. Mr Gator also warned us not to let the boys (Smallest especially) to go too close to the Alligator that lives in their back garden...............more about him tomorrow and the rest of the week.

I took this photo when the train came past for Moo because all the time she was here she tried to take a photo of the front train as it said Canadian something or other. It was the best I could do Moo. We skyped Moo and she sang Happy Birthday.

Small had a Skype call from his friend Miss K. They are so funny talking to each other. There are so many silences, where I have to ask a question to keep the conversation going. She asked how many friends he had now and he said about ten. I said that of course none of them were as nice as her. She laughed and Small kind of nodded!!! She told us how some of Small's old school friends were going to meet the Queen and Princess Kate. How exciting, I know Everett's son is going too. You wait till I tell my new Canadian friends that some people I know are meeting the Royal Family. Ooooh they will be sooo jealous. They love the royals here.

We all got into the car. We had a fair bit of snow but the wind was blowing really hard. It was making it really blizzardy across the road.

Oh well. Fun in the sun tomorrow. Yaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy? ClownRose just rang and said her friend was in Florida at the moment and it is really hot. Woohoooo. Come on purple legs..........

Small and I went to get his haircut today. This is the conversation the hairdresser and I had..........

Hairdresser: "what would you like"

Me : "Just a good trim all over but not shaved". She got the clippers out. "oh you are going to shave it!"

Hairdresser: "it's not shaving it's 1/2 inch all over"

Me: "Oh no! I don't want that" So she got another attachment

Hairdresser "what about 3/4 inch all over?"

Me: "not really happy no"

Hairdresser : "would you like me to cut it with scissors?"

Me: "yes i would thank you"

Then she started saying to Small. "When you come back in the summer you can have it shaved then to keep you cool" I thought No he can't excuse me, I'm his Mother and I'll decide what he will have, not you! When she finished cutting she said "maybe when you're a bit older you can choose your own haircut!" cheeky mare. She asked how old he was and when he said eight she said "oh you've some time yet then!" I said "Yes I think I am entitled to choose for him for a few years yet!!!!" Well I'm not sure if I will be taking him back there. Not sure about the attitude! The only good thing about this place is you don't get the same person each time!

We bought sweets for the plane whilst Smallest and Huffle went off to get some Amercian Dollars. Then we all met up, got dinner and came home.

We packed our suitcases. The boys cleared the basement of all toys, played, fought and generally got on each others nerves. I cut Huffle's hair so he can have a nice tan on his head, he he he he. I did use the clippers (birthday ones thank you Moo) on his hair because that is what he wanted and that is how he always has his hair NOT BECAUSE SOME JUMPED UP HAIRDRESSER DECIDED THAT WAS WHAT HE SHOULD HAVE!, there, feel better now!

This evening before bed, we counted the marbles in the jar! Small had earned exactly the right amount and earned the right to go to Disney as long as he doesn't lose any before bed and in the morning. Smallest, however was about six short. For a slight moment Smallest nearly burst into tears, then he sprung into action and started 'doing'. Cleared the table. Put his clothes away. I asked Small if he would be willing to give Smallest a marble should he get any extras and he said no. I said I was disappointed that he didn't want to help his younger brother so that could all go as a family! He earnt himself a spare one and I put it in his jar and then he said "actually he can have it". With that act of kindness I gave Small's marble to Smallest and then gave Small another marble for being thoughtful. Are you still following this? So with only one marble now to get, they are both in bed being read a story. Small just said that he gave Smallest a hint on how to get an extra marble in the morning. Oh Please try little Smallest, try really hard, this is your last chance. If I don't get to see my favourite Winnie the Pooh, I will cry.

Right. Bags are packed. Toes about to be painted a lovely blue that Alligators don't like. All bathed or showered. Ready to go. See you in Florida.

 

P.s. it was suggested that I took some time off from writing this blog whilst on holiday, but you know me, I don't think I can do that. I may not write everyday though. I will see. Maybe I won't write at all. Maybe I will write a bit or a lot. Who knows. But one thing I will do is, I will definitely get a photo of the Gator and Winnie the Pooh, possibly not in the same photo.

 

 

 

Tomato Thumb!

We didn't have as much snow as was originally expected but I did see Huffle clearing the car furiously and the drive had a good covering. The morning started off reasonably well. The boys did as they were told and were exceptionally helpful. Could this be because we had a chat last night and I told them that if they didn't earn enough Marbles for Disney then the alternative would be shopping with me day after day after day in the big Malls. Oh they were pleased!!!!!!

The bus appeared so that was good, although the boys couldn't get through the back gate of our house because a part had fallen off and the wind had jammed it shut so they had to parade through the house with their snow paraphernalia on (not normally allowed but time was limited). Then of course, because it is 'Trash Day' I had to go backwards and forwards collecting the bags and compost bin. Got some mopping to do later!

I actually got to read my book at breakfast. Not a huge amount, but managed 15 pages (half a chapter) - I'll take that!

This morning I went off to a Mall near Huffle's work to try and find him some Birthday Presents. I am buying him a Fire Pit but we haven't found the right one yet. So in the meantime I had to find something for him to open. The reason I was going near his work is because his secretary, Cleopatra, set up a Surprise Lunch for him today (I'm not really sure how he feels about surprises, married 11.5 years and I don't know if he likes surprises!). Anyway, he thinks he is going to lunch with just his Cleopatra but all the people who directly report to him were invited and me, however the people who directly report to him didn't know I was going. His secretary said "oh a double surprise!". (cringe).

Well I found the Mall and it's a good one (so all you visitors will get to go there). I picked up a few things for Huffle and a couple of Christmas presents (I know it's only February but I like to be organised). Then I drove 15 minutes across town to a restaurant called Frankie Tomattos. All you can eat Italian Feast.

It had the most bizarre thing attached to the outside of it.

I sat in my car awaiting the message to say I could go in. I got the message and walked in. Huffle was sitting at a table with his Cleopatra and about eight others. His secretary shouted surprise, your wife is here. I got introduced to everyone and I am supposed to rename them all here (as is the tradition on this blog) but for now I will just call them the 'colleagues'. They were all very nice and welcoming and curious about all sorts.

The place was an Italian Buffet and we all wandered around picking up things we wanted to eat. There was a huge array of food. Pasta, pizza, gnocchi, meats, fish, salads, vegetables, everything. It was really nice too.

Some of the colleagues

Most people got up for seconds and then some people arrived at our table with a hat, a tomato shaped balloon and a board with a painting of Frankie Tommato on it. They placed a cake with a candle and a chocolate in the shape of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in front of Huffle, placed the Tomato balloon on his thumb and the hat on his head and started singing. It was hilarious. Huffle, being Huffle, played along with it of course.

His birthday cake and chocolate

Tomato Thumb

When it came to the desserts there were little tiramisu cakes, red velvet cupcakes, ice creams with sprinkles, pastries, fruit, all sorts. Ummmm ummmm.

I would like to mention that this bowl belongs to an adult. A professional. Someone responsible for other people. Also she had a meeting that afternoon. Waahaaayyyyyyyyyyyy.

 

When we finished the meal and took lots of photos (as evidence) Huffle had to spin a wheel to claim his 'prize'.

......and he won......

 

...................A pack of spaghetti. How funny. He thought they were going to pour cooked spaghetti on his head. That might have been funnier!

We had a fun time and are definately going to take the kids there..... Maybe we will take our visitors there too.... Maybe we will pretend it is their birthdays when we go and make them have the silly hats and tomatoes etc. now that would be funny. BEWARE ALL YOU WHO VISIT FROM NOW ON..

On the way home I followed a snow plough for ages. It kept chucking snow at the car and depositing grit and salt all over the place!

 

I popped into Dollarama because a birthday isn't a birthday without a Dollarama present or two. I filled my basket with 'loveliness', drove home, skyped Moo who showed me that she had FINALLY sewed up the cardi I knitted for her and she was wearing it. Lovely. Apparently I have put the button hole on the wrong side so it is now a man's cardi. I don't think anyone will think it is a man's cardi (even if the the button will be on the wrong side). Actually I have lost the button. Whoops so it is buttonless at the moment.

Doesn't she look pleased!

Then, while I waited for the school bus to arrive I cleared the snow off the drive. Hard work. Although it was wet and slushy it was tough going. When the boys got off the bus, Smallest picked up a shovel for approx two minutes and then ran inside and I didn't see him for ages. Small stood around looking useful but doing nothing till I threatened to take a marble away. Then he helped me.

The boys played together nicely and then not nicely for a while as dinner was being made. They ate dinner later than normal and were "starving"!

I looked through my purchases and realised I was missing a bag from Dollarama. I tried to ring them but none of the numbers listed worked so I asked Huffle to pop in on his way home from work and pick it up (even though one of his presents was in there - not an important one though!). They couldn't find the missing purchases. I am flummoxed. Where did they go? I have a receipt saying I paid for them, they don't have them there, there is nothing in my car and I went straight to the car after buying them.

The boys played on one DS together, well I think Small played and Smallest watched. They had to charge it at the same time so I made them a little cushioned, blanketed place for them to sit. Sweet.

We had some 'not so great' news today about Uncle Dermott. He has not responded as well as the hospital hoped and is having to have another procedure which means that Mr & Mrs Gator will not be back when they originally hoped. They have very kindly offered their house to us whilst they are away and roped members of Mrs Gators family in to welcome us and show us around etc. We feel helpless all the way over here and wish we could help. We want Aunty Plant and the Gators to know our thoughts are with them constantly and we have all our fingers crossed and hope for better news soon. Come on Uncle Dermott, please get better soon.