Pools and Power Cuts – Day 2

9:08 the red letters of the clock loomed large as I opened my eyes. Everyone else was up, apart from Zak who slumbered a further 2 hours. Hannah, we found later had already run 5 mile. We readied ourselves and Barb and I decided to run. Our objective possibly was to reach the beach from Kathy’s house it was either 3 miles or 3 minutes aways, she wasn’t sure which. So off we went. 2 things 2 note, Florida is flatter than Yakima and is also markedly more humid, particularly by mid morning. Our route was simple. Right, right, left. The right was negotiated, then about half a mile to the left and then a straight shot to the beach. It was farther than expected and after sweating a while we called a halt to our run and turned round at the lights across a bridge with the beach i n sight. There’s always tomorrow.

Back home we get on our beach stuff and head back to Bridgette’s to go swimming in her poll. I went first and remembered I needed a key to get in. Rather than walk back I chilled in the pool room only to be told by an officious 12 year old the room shouldn’t be open and costed $50 to rent, the little dear. So everyone arrived and the swimming began. It was like the dawn of the blonde women in the pool, with only Jean and I restoring some semblance of balance.

The opportunity then presented itself to head to Jean’s boss’s house. A multi million property on the waterfront. We’re there. Open plan, with boating motifs everywhere as befitting a man who sailed round the world. The pool was about 5 yards from the water with a hot tob joined to the pool and a huge boat and jet ski moored on the dock. How the other half live. Zak and Emma were straight in the pool and Hannah headed off with Jean to get some gas for the jet ski. There was a 3 man water bed in the pool which the kids shared. Sarah gave as good as she got with Zak and everyone took turns to jet ski.

Time flew and it was time for dinner. The consensus was I was to cook for 14. A daunting task. So we headed off to a ubiquitous Publix supermarket and loaded up on all the ingredients needed to make green curry for a biblical proportioned crowd. Hannah offered her help and Barb was there with advice as we tried to cook 6 pans of food on 4 plates. Ingredients were sliced, diced and blended and the cooking was underway. The beers were poured and the cooks lubricated sufficiently to provide a culinary delight of the requisite quality. All was flying along, the party were in the garage celebrating Wayne’s arrival from Pennsylvania when a storm appeared, with blinding lighting and deafening thunder appearing to be closer and closer by the second. “:Cool” everyone said and then, flash bang, righ over head and all the lights and needless to say the over go out. It was getting on so we were in semi-darkness wondering if we were going to have to throw a half cooked dinner for 14 in the bin. Opinions differed, sometimes the power stayed off all night. Green curry for breakfast anyone? So we sat and watch the storm batter the streets and hoped power would be restored. I walked forlornly back into the kitchen and the lights (and oven) came on!!! Wahey, we’ll eat. And we ate and ate. Then adjourned to chat. The kids played hide and sekk and I sat ate the dining table typing this and looking back on a memorable day.

Tomorrow’s a biggy. Up early to run, then to the beach to have photos taken, then back to Jean’s bosses house for a trip to the 20 mile distant sand island. Tis the life of the rich and famous for these Yakima socialites…aight…..

Getting to Clearwater – Day 1

4 something the day begins, bleary eyed I emerge from the bedroom to find Zak, dressed , ready to go and checking off the time, a wash and scrub and we manage to get all our luggage in the car and with 3 in the front and 3 in the back we’re on our way.

30 minutes later we’re at the airport and unloading our bags and checking them in. $15 per bag if you don’t mind, as the airlines gouge us. Zak is a stud packer his luggage weighed in at 9.5lbs! Still onward and after ordering breakfast from the rudest group of people in the world “WHAT YOU WANT?” we await departure. That happens without event. Me Barbra and Emma on one side and Zak and Hannah on the other. Hannah reads Cosmos, I read Brain “Head Welches autobiography and Zak picks his nose. We all sleep, me intermittently as Emma jabs me in the ribs or slams the tray down on my knee.

My one profound discovery today was that it’s hard to pee during turbulence. I’ll leave you to draw the mental picture.4 and half hours later we land in the ATL and now the family are sat on the carpet waiting for our flight to Tampa in an hour.

The flight in to Tampa was uneventful and luggage collection really fast. Kathy picked us up and we were on our way to Bridgette’s for a big get together. How big wasn’t apparent until we arrived as we had family from Clearwater, family from Dunedin, from Kentucky, from Yakima, the whole works, kids running everywhere, smiles on everyone’s faces, beer flowing and lots of catching up to do. The girls thought Zak was cute and Hannah looked like one of Brooke and Brianne’s sisters. After a while we made a batch of Pizza which tasted great and then just hung out chatting. I was amazed how tired I was given it was 3 hours earlier Pacific Time but I was beat. The kids played hide and seek for $2 bills and Emma and Zak were both enriched for their efforts.

So we adjourned to Kathy’s house while Hannah stayed at Bridgette’s and after watching a little TV turned in for the night. 9:15 Pacific 12.15 Eastern.

Day – 17 – Yawn Again Back To Yakima

4:20 no time to rise. 1:20 am in Yakima a shower and get dressed, haul bags in the darkness and drive to Tampa airport. Slight drama as our bag tired to make weight but the removal of the boppy pillow saw to that. 1 hour and we’re in Atlanta, one of my least favorite airports, so busy and narrow but at least our departure gate was near the arrival gate. Time for something to eat, Burger King, the breakfast of champions.

Of on the flight to Seattle, not much to report, no anticipation of anything but going home. nice in its own way.

We land a little early and get our bags and are off to Barb’s Dads for something to eat before driving home.

In Yakima it’s 103 degrees as we drag our bags out of the car and unpack. The holiday over. Work tomorrow. looking forward to next year.

Well it was a great holiday. Charleston was lovely and the hotel was great. We ate some great food and ewnjoyed out little evening trips to the supermarket. Florida was nice seeing the family and enjoying the bech. All in all just what we needed. See you next year!

Day 16 – er…The Beach

Barb was up at 8, me at 10:17. It was morning apparently, the was daylight and stuff and we were awake. Almost. The day was bright so the beach it was. Then just before we were about to leave it rained. Undaunted we headed out and the weather brightened.

Everyone was coming and Jean was brining one of his paddlers for us to try out. The weather was pretty nice when we arrived. So we got set up and headed into the sea. The interested thing was the water was colder and there were ripples that were colder still. You could feel them on your legs. The sea was calmer that in previous days so we made the best of it. The ladies had made a great lunch so we enjoyed sandwiches and chips before returning to the ocean to paddle. Now the thing about paddling is that if you can do it, it looks easy, if not, like me you tip the whole thing over when getting in and then again when getting out. Once going you lean left and paddle, controlling the rudder with your feet. We all did pretty well although I feel off getting in and out.

We made it through the beach pretty well but then the late night hit us and we were so tired. Manging to tear ourselves away from the excitement that was the 2 hours plus of the women’s marathon we went to bed about 8:30. Our last night.

Day 15 – The Beach?

Well 8:15 saw me awake and out with Emma walking by the pond at the back of Cathy’s house. The sky looked better and the sun was even trying to shine. For and Englishman in the face of an unfavorable weather forecast this was a cause for optimism and signified we were going to the beach. Can we get ready before the heavens open? We will see. Well we made it down to the beach. Windy and choppy seas, cloudy and threatening. 20 minutes in after the ladies had a water pistol fight and I swam the heavens opened and the beach trip was over. We grabbed our stuff and retreated to the car stopping off on the way back at a surf shop where everyone bought something. Kathy and Bri flip flops and for me and barb some sandals, Emma got some flip flops and a hoody for the winter.

Back for a quick lunch and then to a historic village, a collection of old houses from Florida. There was a lot there from log cabins to more modern looking houses. Emma played on an old kitchen just before we left. The weather all this time was getting better opening the door for more swimming. Yay!

Back home, quick change and off to Jimmy Guana’s again. The weather was OK and the water noticeably cooler than before allowing the grown ups to enter slowly while Emma played with a little boy from Chicago all the time were were there. Emma would have stayed longer had we not needed to go home for tea.

Barb was making so we stopped at Publix, and got everything we needed and more for enchiladas. They turned out great. You Tube was on again and the night passed. AT 10 o clock Bri suggested we could go out. Barb borrowed some of Bri’s clothes and looked gorgeous all made up. I change my shirt and put on my new sandals and Jean put on a surf shirt.

Off we went. Rub shoulders with the beuatiful people. The car park was packed and the club was really large. $10 got us through the door and the black suited staff. It was refreshingly cool inside. We headed to a bar at the right of the door where Bri and Jean knew the barman. Barb hit the Johnny Walker and I had Guiness then upstairs. The club was full of all sorts old guys down to young girls. Go figure. The music was a mixture of house and trance and the dance floor was pretty small and filled with groping guys. We stod near the private lounge though we weren’t exclusive enough to get beyond the yellow rope that the staff member so lovingly caressed at the apporach of every member of the public.

The nigh wore on we went to a rooftop terrace and recommended sock colors to one woman and discussed immigration issues, as you do. Barb got groped on numerous occasions. Not surprising really as she looked so good. I danced in a tall man in a phone box kind of way and as the night ended we were on the rooftop. 2am a time rarely seen. Back home by 3 to find Emma had woken a few minutes previously. 3.30 were were asleep ahem.

Day 14 – Rain Rain

Well it was raining and it still is raing. In between it has been raining. So the enduring htem of the day is rain. Later it will be raining.

We took a luxurious bath in Kathy’s tub. Barb first then me, with loads of bubbles and finally Emma.

It was still raining. Did I mention that? We went to an outlet store and Emma purchased more crowns and princess related stuff to go with her crown and princess related stuff she got the day before. Time for lunch a nice sarnie to eat while watching the rain. Briget arrived and the ladies started cooking I think today will be slowpaced because of the rain.

Then it happened. You Tube took off the ladies went down memory lane, with woodstock and a bunch of old songs. I had a nap and they were still going when i woke and it continued long after that. Was nice to see the sisters just having fund and making a great day out of a rainy afternoon. They had a great time sharing songs and bands they like. Eminen, Michael Jackson, U2…scary stuff.

For the evening? An Indian restaurant I believe. It’s 6:20 and it’s stopped raining for the 20th time today every other occasion it has started again with a passion. Stay tuned.

Off we went about 15 miles into Largo to the Raga restaurant. We were the only diners. The food was really good, we had starters of pakora and paneer and main courses of Panner and lamb. The flavors were really good and we left feeling stuffed. Emma was noisy which is not like her but she was really tired. On returning home we picked some aloe and covered Emma with it, then Barb and then Dad’s head before getting Emma off to bed.

We had time to watch a movie so took in Fool’s Gold which was a fun holiday film before heading off to bed.

Day 13 – Clearwater Beach – On The Move

9am is a nice time to start the day. We had decided on the beach, come what may. We rose, had some poop juice and packed away our stuff as we are moving to Kathy’s later in the day. The day was overcast again but warmer than yesterday. We called Bri and by 10:30 were on our way to Clearwater Beach.

The wind was blowing hard again but it was warm. We got parked and put out our towels near the pier. Life guards were whistling kids away from swimming near the pier as the tide was so strong. Emma pleased herself making sandcastles and I took a swim only to be buffeted by the wave. The salt water made me feel better, sharply stinging my sinuses as I got swept under the waves. Barb joined be and we enjoyed the waves breaking on us. The water and weather were still warm so even though it was blowy and dull we had to guard against getting sun burned. Emma just dug and dug and then played with us jumping over waves.

By about one were were done and left the beach to shower off. Brianne picked us up and we returned to Bridget’s to finish packing and have some lunch. We’re leaving for Kathy’s a few miles away in Largo this afternoon on the final leg of our trip.

Kathy picked us up and we travelled across town and got situated. After a quick trip to the store I cooked and italian themed dinner which went down pretty well and Emma enjoyed the pet iguana. Then Babr and Kathy watched one of my favorites Jon and Kate plus 8 before we had a chat and adjourned for the day.

Barb fell asleep. Enough said.

Day 12 – Tuesday and Thai

“Wake up – it’s nearly morning” were Emma’s words and indeed it was. I woke to find the Mexican meal was ready to leave and thus purged began my day, a day of shopping, drinking and cooking with a little beach thrown in I hope.

Well I have a cold or something runny nose and not feeling great. But we have a slow start today doing some shopping. I have a hard time with this but with Barb’s encouragement I hit the sport shops and end up with Bucs, Rays and USF stuff, hats, ts and so on so I feel pretty happy. I get Barb a shirt and we get Emma some clothes so we’re in good shape.

We stop to pick up Bridget and then head home for lunch. It’s a dull cool day so the beach doesn’t look a great option. We decide the aquarium is the best bet but by the time we get there it’s too late to justify the cost so we park up buy Emma some flip flops and walk along the beach front in what is fast becoming a howling gale. The wind is whipping in off the sea and down the streets and we worry if we walk away from the car too far we’ll get caught in a downpour.

Finishing up we walk out on the Clearwater pier. The sea is choppy and the wind is too strong to fly kites.

TIME FOR TEA. I cook by smell so the fact i can’t smell anything is a bit of a downer. We’re having sweet and sour tofu, green curry, boiled rice and spinach flash fried in soy and garlic. Kathy came round and it turned out well. We had bought Emma a coconut earlier in the day and Mark drilled a hole in it for Emma to drink the milk. She took a sip, grimaced and said “I don’t love this.”

Post dinner was spent watching American at the Olympics. Are there any other countries participating? We have yet to find out.

Day 11- Monday – Shopping and Swimming

8.30?! What time is that to wake up? I have no idea. I stagger out of the bedroom and people are waiting. It’s Monday and we’re going to shop. Where I have no idea but that’s what we’re going to do.

I have a clear idea of what I’m after so we head for TJ Maxx first. A good selection of local sports gear but not feeling it. Then to the local mall where Emma plays in the play area while I walk round the sports stores. Barb gets Zak a great T shirt and some socks and I see lots of stuff but have no idea what to get. Then off to Hooters to get Zak and Jesse T shirts and that accomplished off to Marshalls where ditto: lots of stuff but no purchases. I wanted a hoody but cos it’s 95 no-one is selling them. Bah. Anyways we’re heading back tomorrow so I may be more positive.

For lunch we enjoyed vegetarian fatburger and fries. They went down very well thank you. And then Brianne our chauffeur for the day suggested we go to Jimmy Iguana’s on Indian Rocks beach. A hotel with a pool attached, there was a kid’s slide and wtaerfall and it was really shallow and fun for Emma. She’s in her element swimming everyday since we have been away and her confidence has grwon in leaps and bounds. Swimming in her lifejacket and swimming underwater without between me, Barb and Bri. She didn’t want to leave.

We bought an ice cream on the way back and enjoyed the drive through the beach front of Clearwater.

Evening and we’re off to Casitinas in Dunedin, a small town near Bridgets. It was really good. Lots of vegetarian options. I had chocolate and enchiladas along with Sangria and some really hot jalapenos. Barb had enchiladas and Emma picked from our plates. A good night all round.

Back home we watch the USA centric olympics before turning in.

Day 10 – Sunday – The Boat Ride

Last year we had enjoyed sailing out 20 miles to a sand island off Clearwater so we were going to do it again. Mark had just got his boat fixed so wanted to try it out. Jean had got his boat too so all the family could come.

11am saw us buy the water buying essential supplies like beer and getting the boat afloat. Emma, Barb and I sat at the font and off we went. I was mindful that last year I had been burned to a crisp so was wearing a long sleeve t shirt and big hat, Barb was a little more prepared too. We flew along the water, slowing only at the bridge which seem to be the gateway to more open water. After about 45 minutes we could see a line of boats that were moored off the island.

Finding a space where we could pull in 2 boats side by side was tricky but we managed to pull it off and got into the picnic we had brought. Emma got off the boat and started to make sand castles. There was a steep drop off from the beach so the water was deep for her.

Where we landed the island was only a few yards wide with hundreds of yards of shallows on the far side, a channel to the right which led to more shallows and another island. Barb sat there with her sisters while Emma amused herself and I sat off the boat.

After a while we all ended up sat in the shallows. We found a crab and a sponge and there were sea shells all over the place including ones with hermit crabs inside. We chatted and drank beer while Jean had Emma standing on the body board surfing. It’s really beautiful out on the island and really makes us feel we are on vacation. The water is so warm and the other islands are fringed with palm trees. There were a lot of people that had made the trip and lots of kids were playing together.

At 3:30 we headed home, another fast boat ride where I caught the sun and having got home we went to the pool for a dip. This was notable for Emma wearing a life jacket finding she could swim with it on. She went from swimming a couple of yards between people to swimming lengths and venturing out on her own.

Next up tea and Bridget had a lot of veggies in house so I made and Italian thing with tomato soup and cheese. Asparagus in butter almond sauce and pasta in red wine and garlic, went down pretty well.

From the we watch the Olympics til Barb hinted at an early night. It was not business time however. Thank you and good night.

Day 9 – Saturday – The Beach and The Long Wait

Having watched the Olympic opening ceremony it was a slow and late start. Totalitarian regimes will do that to you. I made a jug of Liquid Plumber to get things working throwing in Chard, Kale, Carrots, Celery, Bananas etc etc.

On the agenda a trip to the beach. Our slow start was to our benefit as we were able to weather the sharp rain showers from indoors before heading out with the sun shining. It was windy but with temperature hight that was a blessing. The beach was quiet and we unloaded our stuff and set up camp near the water before decamping to the restaurant for lunch. One the way I found a bunch of guys playing football so passed on lunch to join them. They were from Haiti and got tired remarkably quickly. So sweaty I made for the restaurant for lunch.

Heading back to the beach we found some great waves and made our way into the warm water to enjoy them. The rough seas had kicked up a huge amount of seaweed which disconcertingly brushed our legs as we waded out. About 50 yards out was a sandbar that was about knee dep and the waves were breaking hard there. We were out there for ages while Emma was happy on shore to make sandcastles.

We took a break before heading out again and Emma joined us this time standing on a body board and having a great time. Then off to the surf store where I bought Emma here 48th purse and home to ready ourselves for the night out.

I thought we were going to a Mexican but we ended up at Fishtail Willy’s a new restaurant. It had a busy and bustling atmosphere and we got seated in the bar and started chatting away. The witress arrived bouncily and introduced herself and took our drinks order. 25 minutes later they arrived and she took our food order. Nothing. A manager come sand asks how were doing: not well, the waitress then submits our order, 25 minutes later the food arrived. The food was good and plentiful but the service was a shocker. The Sangria took the edge off the wait but we had to keep Emma entertained and we did so by walking her outside to enjoy the reggae band.

Then back home to watch more Olympics while Barb and Bridget enjoyed some French wine with a woody bouquet. Good night.

Day 8 – Dunedin and Honeymoon

The day started early with Emma waking me and then late as I went back to sleep. I took a bit of waking up but was ready to go when Brianne, Emma’s cousin arrived to take us out. First stop the small town of Dunedin and a New Age cafe for a wrap and some pie, pretty good but the new age is a bunch of crap. Believe anything but the truth.

We looked at a few other shops before going to Brianne’s to get changed and get some beach toys for Emma.Honeymoon was the nearest beach and after a cloudy start the sun was starting to shine. Last year a shark had sum close to us on this beach.

We parked near to the water and although it was really windy it was still warm. There was a sand bar about 50 yards out so Barb, Brianne and I spent most of our time in the water while Emma built sand castles. Brianne went ashore to look for shells with Emma while I went back to build sand eggs (don’t ask).

We sat and chatted in the warm water, the first time we’d been in the sea on our travels. Wary of not overdoing it we left after a couple of hours and came home just as the thunder started.

Day 7 – Charleston – Tampa – Bittersweet

Well the last day here, woke early, worked out and swam. Felt great. We had a great time and a lovely room, superbly situated. I broke mid morning to see Barb and Emma having such great fun swimming. We finished the course and are now sat in the hotel lobby waiting for our taxi to the airport.

We leave behind a week of great memories. We saw a lot of downtown Charleston, the history, the restaurants, the supermarkets and apart from the dramatic thunderstorm yesterday the weather was great. We’re looking forward to spending time with Barb’s family so here we come!

We checked out at 12 and were taken to the airport in a swank Navigator, all leather seats etc and picked up the plane to Atlanta. On the runway we stopped. Bad news, thunder storms in Atlanta, we’d be delayed for a few, then we were told and hour, then an update in an hour and fifteen. Looked like we were going to miss our connection. The all of a sudden were were told we were good to go. It still looked unlikely we’d make it in time but having taken off an hour late we arrived only 20 minutes late. Still we had to sprint across the airport, change terminal, take a train only to find our gate was the most distant. Breathless we made it in time and an hour later were in Tampa airport waiting for our bags.

Barb’s siter Brigette picked us up and we enjoyed the sunny evening crossing the causeway with the sea on either side. It was humid but not as much as Charleston. We got our bags down and enjoyed a great spaghetti dinner with wine before chatting and drinking the evening away. Barb and Brigitte enjoying a few in the garage before a late night.

Day 6 – Wednesday – More Course and The Long Walk

Quiet as a mouse only having to return 3 times for stuff I forgot, water, key etc I left the room at 6:30 to work out, sweating and reading while the masses consumed the brain numbing crap that is early morning American TV. People mistake trivial information overload for news. Having got a sweat on I adjourned to the pool floating for 15 minutes prior to my shave and shower. I felt a million bucks heading to the course and enjoyed 2 bagels before the ensuring 7 hours of web discussion.

Out at 4 and off to the pool, in for 15 minutes and thunder lightning and torrential rain derailed the plan, we gave it a while before heading back to the room while Barb worked out. The rain was torrential and after about an hour the sun re-appeared so I suggested to Emma we head back. And we did and swam some more.

Barb suggested eating at the Five Loaves for variety said it was just past the Children’s Museum she visited yesterday. It was an more, we sweated and walked and before we knew it we were in the hood. The restaurant was on a corner and busy, friendly kind of place with great soups and large main dishes. We needed our energy for the way back so we ate well. Corn and Blackbean soup and Stir Fry for me, spaghetti for Emma and Ravioli for Barb.

The guy advised traveling by car as the area was dodgy so we walked half way back to the hotel before getting a rickshaw to take us to our favorite supermarket. We stocked up for breakfast and headed home in the dark. The end of another day. Time to pack and leave tomorrow.

Barb’s Stuff

Well we stayed in bed until we got woke up!!!! then had nite nites…..breakfast and found an old movie on the tele….”barefoot in the park” we both enjoyed watching that…..Em’s kept laying on me calling me her boppy pillow…..then we got cleaned up and headed out to find a bit of lunch. We stopped at the concierge (sp) and she recomended a cafe close by called “cafe cafe” we had a breakfast wrap and grit w/cheese which was great……we took pictures of our meal! and us!

Then off in the heat to the waterpark……Em’s played there for a while and we chatted with other people getting cooled off in the water.

It was blazing hot today…..I was just melting as we walked back to the hotel. We went to the Market on meeting…..I bought two dresses then we checked out nine west…..decided no on the purses…..and we then went to the hotel for a quick change into swimming gear and off to cool off in the pool……………….

Day 5 – Tuesday – Training, For The Kids and Bloody End

Funny day today, crap night’s sleep, sorry Barb and up at 6:30 to go to the gym and swimming pool and then to my course by 7:45. Sad to be leaving Barb and Emma, it stressed me out. So I swam and worked out, showered and arrived at the course a sweating wreck, lovely. Similar format to last year lots of good web talk. Lunch was good and I got away to see Barb and Emma a couple of times. Got back and had time for a quick swim with the family before a reception. Johnny Walker doubles never tasted so good.

Then off for southern cooking at Jestine’s of Okra Gumbo, Collard Greens, Beans, Corn Fritters, Fried Green Tomatoes and Palmetto beer. Nice.

Then off to our favorite grocery store via a different street with beautiful brick houses. I was admiring them and pointing them out to Barb and I stubbed my flip flopped toe on an uneven paving stone. Barb laughed, I split my toe open and blood spread over my shoe. The nail was hanging off and my toe was numb. Not good. We made it to the store and got some band aids. We bough breakfast stuff and Emma rode Harry The Happy Dragon and headed back to the hotel.

Barb’s Bit: The part of the day I missed.

Well….we woke about 8ish…..hung out in bed, had nite nites…..drew pictures…..cuddled and watched curious george, clifford……super y,had a banana and croisant with OJ for breakfast, picked up the place and headed off to the pool for a short swim…..

then back to the room to clean up a bit, after a bath we were out the door to starbucks then off down King st to the children’s museum…..just a couple blocks past where the market was on saturday. We started off in the art room, made some turtles……team work……then off to play in the castle room for a while…..then to the waterworks room and shrimp boat….lovely and cool with lots of children enjoying all there is to do…Em was having a blast……then we went to the market, she shopped and worked in the Deli…..then we had a bit of a mishap…..after a tidy up we played a short while longer then headed back to the hotel……stopped for some dippin dots……a bit of a shop at 9 west…..then home to change and head for the pool.

Day 4 – Monday – Temperature and Tattoos

Today started much as yesterday although Emma having woken me then allowed me to sleep some more while she colored. Barb had jumped ship in the middle of the night and was in Emma’s bed.

We started slowly as has become habit. Fruit salad a la bedroom being the order of the day for breakfast followed by a slow gathering of our thoughts before heading to the pool. There were some kids in there and Emma got to play with their diving toys while also having fun on the floats. It makes a nice start to the day having a swim. The sun streamed through the retractable roof as we swam.

Our goal today was the waterfront park and we boldly headed off to achieve that aim. The temperature was stifling and by the time we had walked the 3/4 mile to get there we were beat. Thankfully they had a pier which was covered and had large swings on. There was a wonderful breeze off the water and we stayed there a while buying another Palmetto Rose for Hannah. The park had lovely shaded walkways that lead by manicured lawns and past a pineapple shaped fountain. Squirrels ran up and down the trees.

At the entrance to the park were large fountains that kids could play in. Of course Emma was game for this even though she had no swimming costume. She ran around for about an hour making friends and getting wet. Having drawn the water fun to a close we decided to head back and stopped at an English pub. It was interesting in that there was nothing English about it apart from the flag outside. Quesedilla’s anyone? We had a Guinness (Irish) and were on our way.

The time was right for another swim and hot tub so we took advantage of that before dinner. We hit the Mexican restaurant again combining fine food with refreshing drink. And of course Harris Teeter was next to buy breakfast and wine for the evening. What a great store it is. Pleanty of free samples and discounts all round.

We’re looking for souther cooking, grits and fried okra. There’s a place near the hotel but it’s really busy, maybe tomorrow night. Tomorrow is going to be a bit different as I have a course from 8 until 6 so we’ll see how that goes.

A recurrent them of the day was Barb’s new tattoo, admired by posh businessmen, and bums alike, store workers and random passers by as well as shock by older folk. Apparently tatooing has only just been made legal here. The girl’s causing quite a stir!

As for today it’s business time. Ahem!

Day 3 – Sunday – Breakfast and Carriages

Sunday always starts earlier than you’d like and today was no exception as Emma bopped me on the head and said “Hi Dad.” in a way that suggested I had woken of my own accord. We then laid in bed a while and watched TV while Emma colored. At a decent hour say 10:30 I suggested to Emma we walk the 25 yards to the swimming pool for a morning dip. We had a great time discovering 5 floats and using them as a boat for Emma.

Barb came in and hurried us along and we went to the aforementioned supermarket for breakfast. Hotel breakfast was a lusty $25 a pop so $11 got us fresh fruit, drinks and some great flax bread with cream cheese thank you very much.

It was on Barb’s agenda to take a guided tour of the city in a horse drawn carriage so we walked towards the market in town to find a suitable mode of transport. We found a booking agent and were set to leave in about 40 minutes. Time enough for a look through the market, high spots: expansive baskets and old house brinks with paintings on them.

After a slightly cooler start it was another hot one and we were sweltering although Barb was feeling better in the dress she had purchased the previous evening and I was somewhat better in a wife beater. On arrival the horse drawing our carriage had shed its rubber show so was somewhat off balance but we pressed on loading the passenger by the market and venturing forth around the high spots of Charleston.

Charleston as inevitably all good things are was founded by the English who saw off the Spanish and French in the process. It has old buildings unlike the west coast, some dating back to the 1700s. The ENglish came over and made the 4th most notable city in America from a swamp and then the yanks had the temerity to kick us out because we taxed them.

The streets were narrow and very English with narrow pavements and houses built close together. The gardens were lush and green with interesting flora and fauna from around the world. A lot of the architecture was similar to that of other English colonies and were both attractive and welcoming. Trees fringed our ride and ducking out of the way just in time of a flicking branch it caught a lady behind in the eye which was unfortunate. We saw the sea and a fort out on the water, old gaols and churches all to the accompaniment of a limping horse. After and hour we were back at the market and said farewell to the horse before grabbing an ice cream on the way back to the hotel.

The humidty and heat is huge in Charleston, about 4 hours on the move is all you can take so the cool of the hotel was welcome. We collected ourselves a little before heading off to the pool again, Barb exercised to start and Emma and I played in the pools.

Time to freshen up for dinner. Earlier tonight I dressed up a little, putting on a collared shirt. Our destination The Mellow Mushroom pizza joint, a buzzing place near the hotel. It was lively and informal. The garlic bread and salad to start were great, the fact they had Guinness a bonus and the veggie pizza excellent, great crust, not too much cheese and sauce and a great selection of vegetable. A winner thank you very much.

Then off to the supermarket to buy some wine and breakfast. Raspeberries, blackberries and blueberries to have with bread and cream cheese. On the way back we got collared by a time share guy offering us the world to look at a presentation. It involves being there by 9 which isn’t going to happen. Onward.

Back to the hotel and get Emma off to bed. We have the ice room next to our so Emma and I got 4 buckets to put in the sink to keep everything fresh then I hit the keyboards and Barb falls asleep.

Ahead tomorrow the Waterfont Park and doubtless more swimming.

Day 2 – Saturday – The Market – Cooler Wear

Early to bed err late to rise…10am to be precise oh well it feels good to lay in and to be in a cool room felt great.

We got ourselves together and headed out to the farmer’s market. Exiting the hotel it felt like we had walked into a sauna, the streets were bright and busy and having spoken to the concierge we had our bearings. The market was set up around a park and looked great but man the heat. We had some water bottles stocked up but they wouldn’t last long for sure.

There were some great crafts, woven baskets, pottery and so on and some raggedy looking vegetables at really high prices. $7.50 for raspberries anyone? We retreated to the shade of a tree and Barb went off to buy breakfast. We ate some strawberries and a crepe before Emma got her wish and rode on the bouncy castle and slid on the slide after which she was baking.

Barb met up with her Friday night boyfriend and bought some granola from him and we also stopped at whole food stand before finishing up with Emma being given a pony ride by the most disinterested woman ever, $2 and she walked twice round a tree with a horse and that was it. Whatever we were done anyway so beat by the heat. Back to the hotel.

As I mentioned our room was ideally situated. So getting to the pool was easy. I ended up laying in the penthouse 1 foot deep baby pool with Emma and 2 ladies from North Carolina, while Barb exercised.

There was also a hot tub and a large mineral swimming pool which we enjoyed. I cought more sun than I thought and mid way through the afternoon we switched places and Barb swam and I rode the stationary bike and read.

The shower rooms at the spa were pretty fancy stocked with shaving foam and every manner of man item you could imagine.

Dining that evening was Thai and it was OK. A nice change though my Pad Thai was rather like boiled rubber bands with soy sauce on it. Emma was getting tired and boisterous so we walked back just after 9.

On the way back Barb got a couple of dresses from Loose Lucy’s a hippy trippy shop near the hotel. They look really nice and hopefully will be a lot cooler than shorts.

We also discovered a great supermarket with much better produce than the market at a third of the price. Nor firdge in the hotel room so one sink is filled with ice and used to chill everything we need.

Good night.

Day 1 Seattle – Atlanta – Charleston

So the day arrives, booked for 4 months and we’re off. Thursday we head from Yakima to Bellvue, Washington to spend (part of) the night at Barb’s dad’s place. We decide to buy stuff for sandwiches as that’s going to be cheaper. Somehow we turn this in to $30 expense but that’s life.

The horrible wine we left after our last visit must have matured as for some reason it tasted better.

10 o’ clock off to bed, 4am I am rudely awakened as we have to be at the airport by 5 to check in with nationally know carrier AirTran. We find their desk and hang around while the check clerk weighs everyones bags with a passion and gleefully informs those who incur a penalty. We scrape through unscathed and head for departure.

It’s good to see the TSA being so motivated to perform their jobs. The guy checking our tickets went through the motions of comparing our driver’s license photos to the names on the tickets and even looked at our faces. We proceed.

Having paid the princely sum of $56 to ensure we could sit together we find the airline has us in seats that don’t permit baby seats so we disturb a disgruntled geezer eating a sandwich and force him to move back. And we’re on our way!

As a point of reference we fly over St Louis and 5 hours after take off land in a humid Atlanta for a 2 hour stopover.

Atlanta’s airport is big and very crowded and we have to navigate from one side to the other to get our connecting flight. We make it and I sit down and play baseball computer games while Emma befriends a small boy and plays with his collection of toy cars. I end up talking to some teachers from Washington about the merits of the English educational system and Bar visits the bathroom a lot. We are told our flight hasn’t come in but all of a sudden we are loaded on and off we go again, Emma singing and coloring as we go. We get free drinks and can even use the lavatory on the plane. I read and Barb goes to the bathroom a lot.

Charleston – 1st impressions? Lots of military aircraft on the runway and humidity as we leave the plane. Airport is pleasant and cool and off for the drama that is collecting your luggage. Only 43 other passengers had the same red cases Barb did so that eased identification, my army duffle bag made it unscathed and looking like rabid pack ponies we headed outside to get a taxi. It was hot and humid and we were ready to be at the hotel. The taxi arrived and after off we went, clanking down the freeway with a monsyllabic driver, into the hotel and $40 later we were unloaded.

The hotel was imposing and attractive with a huge bronze of 4 horse playing in a water fountain out front. We checked in and found the room, 4th floor near the gym and pool and the ice room, biggest balcony in the hotel, a result. Nice big bathroom, two sinks, 2 beds, internet access tv and Bob’s yer uncle.

We unpacked and wandered into town. We saw guys selling roses made out of palm leaves, restaurants with no veggie options, a market with very expensive baskets, horse drawn carriages and a tourist information place that told us we were in the wrong place for food.

So back past the hotel we turned left and not much there wither but high end clothing stores. As we sweatily despaired of finding food and faced the prospect of more of our expensive sandwiches Barb spied 3 people drinking wine in a clothes store. She asked if they knew any veggie places and bingo the geezer was a vegan chef, the store was having an open night and they had food if we just wanted to come in. So there we were, Emma ate 27 strawberries, I ate bean balls, rice wrapped in cabbage, eggplant dip and barb got chatted up by the chef while I ran round after Emma. AFter Barb had exhausted conversation with the culinary linguist we headed the right way down the street and 10 blocks later found a Mexican restaurant. A welcome change from the kind of food one can find in Yakima. The had chips and a big pitcher of beer so it was all good.

Tired we retreated to the hotel where Barb used the bathroom and I surfed the web, the time difference messing with my body clock. I had been reading A Fighter’s Heart on the journey and got into that when I finally got in the bath. It felt good to soak, relax and get the sweat off after a long day.

The room was great and the air conditioning was refreshing as my mind whirled before going off to sleep.