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…..

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.

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!

]]> http://ourhols.wordpress.com/2008/08/24/day-17-yawn-again-back-to-yakima/feed/ 0 thehols http://ourhols.wordpress.com/2008/08/16/day-16-erthe-beach/ http://ourhols.wordpress.com/2008/08/16/day-16-erthe-beach/#comments Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:35:19 +0000 thehols http://ourhols.wordpress.com/?p=111 ]]> 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.