30.04.07 - Jacksonville, Florida

New Shades (Any comments!??)

Lins and Duc's place

Hiya Everyone

Managed to recover from my exciting day in Disney, still buzzing from the sights and been great putting pics on the blog for you all to see. Ive edited it three times cos kept remembering stuff that happened!!!

Up later today, Lins and Duc not at work till 3.30pm, poor Lins migraine still giving her probs. Weird here you can go to docs but they charge you about $75 for consultation then you have to pay for pills too!!! I know we complain about the NHS but hearing from Yvonne and Lins about the health care here think weve got a really good deal for what we pay!! Given Lins some paracetamol and these helping but we cant seem to find them in the shops to buy here, Yvonne gonna email you for some advice!!

So today weather glorious again Danica (Ducs daughter due to stay this week) Lins and Duc only got one bedroom apartment so be bit of a squash so weve found studio down the road for $35 a night (17quid) so gonna book in tomorrow for rest of my stay to help keep us sane!!

Order of the day been to do some washing, a bit of shopping, sorted out some stuff that needs sending home cos couldnt not buy bits as going round, managed to get xmas decoration from everywhere been up to now so Mam parcel be winging its way soon for safe keeping. Updated blog and emails, then think spell round the pool and then got movie to watch (Clive Owen ooooohhhh my man in Children of Men). Lins & Duc at work till 9.30pm so Im home alone till then.

Tomorrow Lins off work so think we gonna go to beach for morning then get room booked and I can chill round the pool here till they home. Rest of the week not too sure but sure the tan will be making good progress. Lins Mam and Dad off to Shrimp Festival at weekend and asked me to go along, Lins and Duc at work so they gonna show me more sights in Florida, Im lucky I know.

Take care everyone and miss you all, keep sending the emails and comments please. Luv and hugs always xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PS Do you like the new shades??? Found them at Disney abandoned on the floor they apparently really good make - so if they yours let me know but till then I'll keep care of them for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

29.04.07 - Orlando, Florida - More Pics!!!

Me with my date Mickey!!!!

Chipmunks are go!!!!

'Sorry me not know what you say!!!'

Johnny Depp in a barrel?!!

'Splash Soaking Mountain!'

Possibly my new pad, Minnies considering my offer!!

Mickeys attempt at DIY in the Kitchen, defo a candidate for SOS!!

Me and Lins in Mickeys Garrrage check out the power tools behind us!

My Friends xxxxxxxx

The Little mermaid and Nemo

29.04.07 - Orlando, Florida - Date with Mickey Mouse!!

Just like the brochures but so much better in seeing is believing!

(The Man!!!)Walt Disney & Mickey

Woody(Toy Story) Parade

Minnies House (Fabulous details!!)

Mickey Mouse (Night Parade & Fireworks display) gave me goosebumps!

Pirates of the Caribbean (For our Dominic)
HELLOooooooooooooooooooo

Disney world - where dreams can come true!!!!!!!!!!!! This was more than what I thought it would be, I definitely stepped back a few years and became that little girl again!!

Early rise and a Starbucks later we were off for my date with Mickey!!! We arrived and got parked up and took the ferry across to the park I was so excited I just couldn't believe I was finally gonna be in Disney!!! The lady who gave us our tickets gave me and Duc badges with 1st timers in Disney badge (last time Duc was here he was 9yrs old) and Lins got an honoury member (she was our awsome tour guide) When we got through to Main Street and I looked up and saw the castle at the end I was just in awe and with goose bumps and full eyes I was so happy!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just wanted to jump up and down and go 'yeah Im here!!!' (Marie it is defo everything you said and more!!!! No wonder you love it here so much!!!) Lins could see from my face and was like ' Aw darling theres more to come!!!' I was like a mad person with the camera clicking this that and everything as you can see from next post, but hey I dont know when would be back so needed to make sure got what I wanted to remember such a fab day.

It was hot in the park but loads of places to eat and drink and not that expensive, if this was in England not sure how much they would have been charging!!!! We did the works, we went to everything and rode all the rides we could, fast pathed to some of the bigger rides but I was just soaking up the atmosphere and having so much fun!!!!! Splash Mountain was great, me and Duc and Lins sat at the back and thought we not get too wet, oh how wrong we were, as we were setting off round one car was coming down the big 50ft splash and we got the backlash of their water, we were soaked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So funny cos we didnt really get any more wet further on!!! Poor Lins been suffering day before with migraine and it came back with vengeance but she soldiered on for me, bless and stayed till the bitter end so I could see the parade and fireworks.

The night parade was magical and the floats and music transported you back to being little again, watching the little ones faces was so lovley they were in awe, so was I like too!!! The fireworks around the castle with the voice of Jeramey Cricket and music was so moving and again those eyes filled up and goosebumps rose!!!

Set off back about 11pm, just want to say BIG THANK YOU to Lins and Duc for a day I will always remember and treasure. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PS Peter (PTS driver) thanks for your texts made me smile, think you should release the song could make number one by the time I get back!!! Miss you all loads, but still having a rocking time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

27 & 28.04.07 - Jacksonville, Florida - Meeting the locals

Derek, me and Paul (loves his booze and women!!)

Leo(Chris), Lins and Duc

Drinking Game 'Stuntman 1'

Drinking Game 'Stuntman 2'

Hiya Everyone

As you can see from the pics Ive been out and about meeting the locals!!!! I had chill day on Friday, explored the complex and found the pool and hot tub so chilled here for while. Lins back from work and we headed off for food while we waited for Duc to finish work. We met her Mam and Dad in parking lot and we went for Cuban food, really nice slightly different to mexican. Me and Lins got samples of all the dips from cool to hot hot hot!!!! Some were vile but thought our Steven would have like some of these defo he got mouth of steel when comes to hot stuff!! Lins Mam and Dad are so cool and really chatty, her mam just wanted me to talk and talk cos loves the accent. You know me I obliged ha ha!!!!!

Friday night after Duc and Lins (first pic they on the right) finished work, they had arranged to meet up with few of Duc's friends down the local beach bars. Duc was in the Navy but now a civvy, Leo (Chris real name) and Paul still in the navy and Derek now works with Duc in a luggage store. We went first to Irish bar and band on, they were really loud and there was a few locals doing there thing in there (dancing that is!!!) Paul bit of a ladies man, has overheard two english girls at the bar and was like ' Kaye come with me need you as my secret weapon to get to talk to these girls as they were surrounded by other men and Paul thought I was his way in!. Me and Lins just laughed as said 'Yeah like me being from England gonna give you a head start!!'

Cant believe I couldnt get into one of the bars cos I didnt have ID - big thing over here regardless of age you need some photo ID, was bit shocked when guy on door said, 'No ID you cant come in!!'. Luckily for me we went to two other bars and the guys at door were great, they let me in without ID, one guy did say 'Yeah you do look over 21 you can go in!!!' So photo ID a must for any future travellers out there if heading to these sunny climbs!!! The choice of alcohol not too bad here and was about $6 (3quid sos Duc laptop not got english sign), so I partook of a few shandies!!!. During this time Duc had been talking to us about the English Navy and how they can drink (Yep Dennis (My step-Dad) you good example of this tradition and Daniel (our Kellys boyfriend) continuing it ha ha) He told us about drinking game above 'The Stuntman'. You take a line of salt and sniff it up your nose, then take shot of tequila, then squeeze lemon into your eye!!!! (Not my idea of fun but hey the guys were up for it as you can see from pics!!!)
This was good to watch but Leo did say not too good for the eyes later!!!! A lady who walked past our table was like ' Hey these guys are doing coke!!!' Bar man said ' No lady its salt, I gave them it honest!!!' I was thinking holy s*** here we go again crazy americans and Im gonna end up in jail for the night for doing salt in a bar!!!!

Left about 1.45am and we had to go to 'Corner Store' for more alcohol as a poker game was the next item on the agenda. Back at Paul's and Leo's game set up I aint played before and thought, wish Julie UCC had taught me then I could have whoooped ar**, so I chose to be observer. Lins played well and took the pot, hey us girls can rock!!!! Home about nearly 4am, crashed in pit!!!

Saturday, Duc had to work, me and Lins headed off for some retail therapy and to meet her Mam and Dad who were at an art fair in town. Weather glorious and just cant believe three weeks ago I needed thermals now I dont need much clothing at all!!!!!! Had lovely day, saw some fab art work (Stephen and Tracy E you would have loved this!!!) Lins Mam and Dad make wooden puppets they are fab and really colourful. Night time we chilled out cos had to be up early to go to Disneyworld Orlando about two half hours away, Im soooooooooooooooooooooo excited to go, dont think I 'll sleep, be like that advert we have back home with the kids and mam and dad before they leave !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take care folks and Mickey Mouse here I come. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PS - Big Navy Base here so hey could be 'Officer and a Gentleman II' happening soon, stay tuned. Thanks to Dawn, Doug and Big Brother for your comments. Congrats to Sunderland, Comon the lads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

26.04.07 - America - Greyhound Bus Trip, Jacksonville Florida

Lindsays Hot Tub !!!!!!

Lindsays Pool !!!

Hiya Everyone
Well where do I begin here, talk about an American Experience to ride the Greyhound I tell you somat mine was one I aint gonna forget!!!! Was to set off from Winston Salem 1.20pm due to arrive in Jacksonville, Florida 12.10pm 10 n half hours with four rest stops, great easy got my MP3 player, book and can take in the scenery as I go along and people watch too!!!! Bus arrived on time got on and seat sorted waved bye to Yvonne. There were a few characters on the bus, I was in the minority being white but there was a girl sat near who asked if I was English she recognised the accent, said 'Dont meet many English be great to chat'. Set off and bus was silent I thought ee are we not allowed to talk so just sat back and chilled, got to Charlotte for rest stop had to get off bus, for it to be refuled and change of driver, I chatted to Manchester girl, she was waiting for friend to pick her up. She was working in Virgina on one of the camps, she had done Camp America and decided to come back after finished Uni and still here and enjoying life, we shared what we missed back in England, crips and chocolate top items cos just not the same out here!!! Grabbed some food and headed back for bus.
Due to leave at 3.40pm, new driver lady who took ages to get sorted, by the time we left was 4.20pm she said this was only her second time doing this trip!!!! I thought aw she joking, how wrong I was, she then proceeded along but got lost and had to ring for directions into Columbia about hour half late and had a 5 min rest stop back on bus and she then told us she had to do detour to Orange and was following the bus infront cos didnt know how to get there!!!! As you can imagine us on the bus were like oh no are we gonna get to where we need to be on time, some had to catch connections at Jacksonville and knew they were gonna miss which meant night spent in the bus station itself!!! So pleased I wasnt going to have to do that, tried ringin Lindsay to let her know but couldnt get hold of Lindsay, thought I could be joining them!!!
Next stop was RS Walterborough, again directions had to be sort but eventually we got there and thought great 15 min rest stop but werent allowed off the bus, few people started to talk and get bit aggitated and one lady really upset about this and had a bit of a go at the driver!!! (Im sat thinking this could only happen in America to me, a bus driver who has no sense of directions!!!)
By this time its dark and we are about hour and half still behind schedule and off we go for Savannah, see sign 42 miles to go, great we gonna make up bit of time, then heard driver talking saying oh yeah need to drop off at Beaumount (SC) but wed passed that sign about 20 mins ago, so we had to come off the highway turn back round and head opposite direction. Well by now you can imagine some of the passengers really annoyed!!!! I just sat thinking sh** sh** Lindsay gonna be waiting and I cant get hold of her to let her know 2 hours later gonna be till can get to call box!!!!! My mobile sods law was low battery!!!!! One guy who I had chatted to came and sat next to me and said somat about being mature about the whole thing as others kicking off, I just said 'what can I do nothing its just one of those things but sure as hell will fly next time!!!'
Beaumount found eventually and dropped off young guy who was left standing in this desolate bus stop !!!! I thought thank goodness not me!!! Passengers still kicking off twisting and comments flying to driver, one lady infront of me was on the phone to Greyhound in Savannah and kept passing the phone to driver saying they wanna talk to you and she said I dont wanna talk to them Im talking to someone else for directions!!!. After bit bus driver sort of stopped bus and shouted at us all, 'Look if you dont stop making comments you can wait and ride the next bus just let me know and I'll drop you all off here!!!' I was like sh** this lady is stressed and means business!!!!! (Two nails lost during this time chewing!!!) Everyone sorta shut up a bit but still chuntered under breaths!!
Finally in Savannah by 11.10pm only nearly two hours late!!!! We all trundled off the bus and one lady asked bus driver for her name and gonna ring Greyhound. Bus driver said no problems will give her it, then the guy who gets luggage off came along and told us all who got off to get back on now, so we did, then they boarded and asked the lady who had asked for her name to get off bus, she was like 'No way'. Next thing we know police come on and ask the lady to get off and this woman from Greyhound Desk - outside chatting, time ticking on now 11.45pm!!! Lady gets back on and Greyhound Desk lady gets on and says to us all "Hear me now, you all gotta look after this bus driver and help her with directions to Jacksonville and get along as friends, you hear me!!!' I was like I dont believe this I just dont, other passengers who just got on at Savannah were like what the hell been goin on on this bus!!!!
Finally at 12.05pm we set off for Jacksonville, passengers chilled out now and sleeping mostly finally got to Jacksonville at 2.10am!!! I just thought, right all I need now is my luggage not to be there cos they open the sides of coach at each stop and thought my luck someone will have nicked it but hope they get a bad back from weight if they have ha ha!! Luckily it was there and set off to find Lins and Duc - how happy I was to see them waiting for me, Lins gave me big hug and was like what happened to you guys, when telling they were like, no no way!!!
Woke this morning and thought eee was that a nightmare or for real my trip but hey dont think I will be doing the bus even though cheap, flying is my way forwarded from now on!!!
Moral of the story is dont do the Greyhound unless you wanna have somat to remember!!!

Gonna go and chill round pool now, Lins and Duc at work but we off to Orlando on Sunday only 2half hours away and Duc driving so should be there quicker!!! Take care and catch up soon, thaks for comments from Lorraine, Sarah and Steve (Fireman) luv and hugs xxxxx

25.04.07 - America, Winston Salem - Ducks & Donuts!!!

Krispy Kreme Donuts - Established 1934!!!
Staff switch on the sign when donuts are hot!!!!!!!

Ducks on Salem Lake missed the babies!!!

Hiya Everyone

BIG Happy Birthday to Yvonne (Lorraines Sister) (50 today!!!!!)

Had lovely couple of days chilling out!! Didnt get to lay round the pool on monday (aww!!! I hear you all say!!) it was closed for maintainence, but did manage to get round yesterday after I had done some research on internet for hotels\hostels in San Fransisco and Memphis. Think will be heading there later today too!!!!!

Finally found a public pay phone near Yvonnes at the garage, took life in hands crossing the road like, cos they dont really have public paths here everyone drives everywhere even 5mins up the road for a pint of milk!!!! Spoke to my family and friends back home, its always really nice to speak to home and was nice to speak to my mam, I know she misses and worries about me but honest Mam Im doing good!!!

We went to Salem Lake last night and saw the ducks but I managed to miss the baby ducks with my camera David Balliey Im not!!!! We had to leave park as it closes at 8pm and the warden was in his 4x4 making sure we all left!!!!

We then went to Taco Bell (mexican place takeaway) the lady struggled to understand me but Im getting used to that they look at you really strange then say, are you from England?? Doh!! Yes!!!! Beginning to think I should just have pen and paper and write everything down!!!! Our next visit was to Krispy Kreme Donut shop, apparently these are the most sort after donuts in America. This is the original shop and they light up the signs to let everyone know that the donuts are hot and this is when best to buy. We got a dozen mixed box, they were scrummy but Im not a massive donut fan would rather have bag of crisps but hey have to go with the traditions when in that country!!!!! Ive had Tim Hortons (Coffee and cake Shop in Canada) and I thought theirs were on the same level as Krispy Kremes!!! We need a Tim Hortons in England defo cos their coffee is the best Ive tasted, you never know this might be my venture when I get back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Must go and sit in the sunshine luv and hugs. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

22.04.07 - America, White Water Rafting Picture

Me, Yvonne and Robyn White Water Rafting!!!!!!!

Heres the picture I promised, proof that we defo did it and rode those Nantahala Rapids!!!!
xxxxxx
PS Thanks for the comments from Julie, Martin, Daniel and Amy, met loads of nice people on the way but no nice men for me only been three weeks sure got plenty of time, but having too much fun at mo. Thanks Adam my nephew!! Got your email address too will drop you a line. Take care. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

22.04.07 - America, Winston Salem - Back Home

My haven for today!!!

Hiya Everyone

Its monday morning and you all most likely back at work, I do feel bit guilty that Im not there but it is hard work being a traveller honest!!!! Up pretty early after great weekend in the Smokey Mountains, updated the blog and replied to your emails just got. Beautiful sunny day again, I need to do bit of washing, have some breakfast come dinner then think rest of the day will be spent round the pool reading and listening to some music (told you its a hard life!!!) Think will be chilling tonight cos Yvonne and Robyn back at work and school so they will be ready for early night after our little road trip!!!. Only got few days left, leave on thursday for Jacksonville, Florida to stay with my friend Lindsay havent seen her for four years so be great to catch up on all the gossip!!! Ive booked the Greyhound bus for my next leg and it takes approx 10 hrs to get there so sure you will get few texts along the way!!! Keep your emails coming and comments its really lovely to read them and find out whats going on back home in sunny Bishvegas!!!!

Luv and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

22.04.07 - America - Mini Road Trip to Smokey Mountains

Our Hotel room ($57 for three + brekky) BARGIN!!!
View from our Hotel (8am)
Me and Yvonne on 'Smokey Mountain Train'

The famous 'Smokey Mountain Train'

Fontana Lake (just one of pics)

Famous Bridge from Sandra Bullock film

Nantahala River (our quest !!!)

Hiya Everyone

We travelled up to 'Maggie Village' got there about 11.30pm checked in to our hotel we booked on line couldnt believe how lovely this was for only £30 for three of us and breakfast was included, room was clean and big and we had fresh waffles for breakfast, plenty of choice really great value for money!!! We set off about 8.45 am half an hour to Bryson City where we had to pick up the train. The great smokey mountain train was great defo recommend, the day was glorious sunshine which definately helped, we were in the open carriage and the veiws were great as we climbed up the mountain and they told you the history as we went along. You could buy food and drinks on the train and in the brochure they had various trips during the year where you can have meal and party. There is a 'Ploar Express' in the winter where they encourage the kids to come in pj's and they get to meet Santa I thought how much the kids back home would love to have done something like that!!! We were on train for about 2hours then we got off at NOC (outdoor centre) given our lunch (which was really good!!) then we changed ready for our 'white water raft experience'. Robyn had never done this before and was little bit nervous but we reassured her they have to show you safety stuff incase you do fall out, 'you wont fall out we said'. Katy was our guide who steered the raft, we were with another family from Georgia, Jeff, Val, Rachel(8yrs) and Morgan (7yrs). Me and Yvonne got the short straw and sat in the front of the raft, Robyn and Jeff behind, then came Morgan and Val and at the back Rachel and Katy(steering). We had bit practise at top of river with instructions from Katy, our feet wet straight away and you thought bit cold like that water (42F). Then we were off on our first rapids, it was such great fun and wet wasnt in it, me and Yvonne got the brunt cos at the front but travelling down the river we all got wet, eeee it was so funny, Katy was really experienced raft guide and she was taking us over these bumpy parts and rocks which the other two rafts werent going and at one point I just saw Yvonne go flying and plop she was in the river, so funny I couldnt help here back in for laughing!!!! Katy then sent the two little ones to the front to kneel down cos said needed extra weight in front so boat didnt tip for this one rapid, poor littleuns they got soaked, mind u so did me and Yvonne again!!!!! Water was cold like but cos lovely day you did seem to dry off a bit!!! We had splash fights along the river with the other rafts and the final rapid a grade 3 which is canney biggish, was so much fun I just wanted to go back and do it all again, I cant wait now to go and do this again when do west coast tour and again in New Zealand and Australia, think Ive found a new hobby!!! When we got off like all our bums were numb from the cold water and ya legs didnt want to work properly cos been lodged in the raft to make sure ya didnt fall out!!! Katy was a fab guide and told us her brother Tad Dennis is hoping to be at the Olympics doing kayaking - so watch out for him!!!!!! Not got our photo as yet cos the shop was closed when we finished but should be online soon will put link on blog so you can have a look. We had a fab day, got back to the car about 5.30pm then set off home, called at Ashville for food in the Applebee chain, the portions here are enourmous but I found room for a chocolate delight pudding which just finished off the day!!! Pounds will be creeping back on!!!!!

Thats my adventures up to now so look forward to hearing from you all soon and take care, luv and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PS Sue saw them mountains and thought of you, Dawn Graham would have been in heavan with his kayak!!!!! Thanks for your comments, Theresa, Emma n Kate, sos not seen any hot men as yet that could get good photos, you know what you can do with ya c card returns too .............. send them to Carl to keep him busy (lol)!!!!!!!!!!!!

20.04.07 - America, Winston Salem

Amish horse and buggy

Amish Store (Apparently gorgeous fresh bread)

Hiya Everyone

Friday night after Yvonne finished work we set off to find this famous Amish Store. Amish is a religon and there are many colonies here in North and South Carolina, they live and try to keep their lives if possible seperate to the outside world. I dont know if you remember the film 'Witness' with Harrison Ford and the Amish people. Cant remember the womans name who was in it but she had child who had witnessed a murder and police wanted him to be witness at trial and in the end woman fell in love with Harrison Ford. Anyway this is the same religion. The woman and girls all wear dark coloured bottoms and white pinney and mop hat thing and the men if not married are clean shaven and usually in black suits and white shirts with black large hats and if married they all have beards. Driving to find the store was a nightmare Yvonne had got directions from lady at work but they were not right, we ended up driving about an hour or more when we got there in both directions then finally in the totally opposite direction to what she had said we found the store and saw one of the horses and buggys they use as transport and the guy driving had a massive beard so he must have been married ages!!! The shop was shut but apparently they have the most gorgeous fresh produce so we gonna go back this week and sample it so will let you know what it is like. We laughed about how the Americans give directions and say its only 10 mins down the road when really it is about 30mins they seem to drive everywhere no matter how far it is compared to how far we would drive in England. I cooked tea (spag bol!!) for us all with soya mince and was surprised was nice, I did add canney bit of garlic like!!! (smelly breath for us all)!!!

Saturday was glorious weather and I sat round the pool listening to Robbie and reading book and got chatting to lady who lives here, Yvonne said 'Im getting to know more of the neighbours than she does with her being out at work all day'! We popped to shops later they have stores similar to TK Max's and managed to get pair of sketchers (trainers) for $29.99 (£15) and DKYN Top for $8 (£4) bargins, I cant believe how cheap clothes and stuff is here, Kathryn you would love the sports gear it is so cheap compared with back home and all good names.

We are off to the Smokey Mountains later tonight about 3 hours away and staying over then up to go on the old railroad to the top and then white water raft down the river !!! Cant wait should be great as weather due to be glorious again!!!!

Take care and catch up soon. PS keep sending your comments and emails its lovely to hear from everyone back home what theyve been upto and latest gossip!!! Sarah hope the leg is better!!! (LOL) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

17.04.07 - Canada, Vancouver - My diet!!!

My afters!!!! $14 (£7) bit expensive but well needed!!!

Pizza, salad and diet coke!!!! ($9 (£4.50)) Bargin!!!

Thanks for your comments Penny from Spenny, Shirley, Shahla too, Penny send me your email address so I can let you know about Benidorm on 4th April for your big bash!!!! (notice I didnt say how old!!!!!!!)

PS Thanks for comments from Sue, Martin, Julie, Daniel & Amy and Elaine at ucc. Keep them coming. xxxx

19.04.07 - America, North Carolina, Winston Salem

'The Pool' area - fab but cold water!!!!

The putting green (how posh eh!!!)

Yvonnes pad!!

Hiya Everyone

Had two flights yesterday from Vancouver to Toronto in big 767 then from Toronto to Raleigh Durham in a little jet plane!!!! Sarah you would have been so proud of me, Im sure Im curing my flying phobia!!! Arrived late last night and Yvonne picked me up and we drove to hers about couple of hours away, so late night for us all. Today had catch up on some emails to you all and updating the blog with some pics for you to see. Had a wander out and the area looks lovely where Yvonne lives. I have put some pics on of the house and they have a golf training green, gym and pool and tennis court. You never know I might go in the gym tomorrow!!!! Weather bit overcast, but warm.

Take care and catch up soon. xxxxxxxxxxx

16 & 17.04.07 - Canada, Vancouver Pictures

Crab sculpture (moves in summer time!)

English Bay (beautiful but weather not!!)

The 'Trolley Hop on Hop off ' Bus

Downtown Vancouver Sky line

Lions Gate Bridge - to Grouse Mountain

Only Steam clock in the world

This is a few of my pictures have more but dont want to bore you will do that when I get home (LOL!!!)

14.04.07 - Pictures from Rodeo!!!!!!

The team challange rounding up the bulls!!!

Trish and Amber

The rodeo was great Ive got a couple of short videos of the bucking bronco and bull riding but cant download them onto the blog. After the rodeo we went to the Saloon for a drink or two and Amber above got me a dance with a real live cowboy Yeehah!!! I was old enough to be his mam like but hey at least I can say I did the 'Cowboy two step' with a proper cowboy!!!! Few more drinks followed in Trish and Ambers local drinking hole, jugs of vodka and lemon for only $12 £6 our money, girls we must visit there again, met loads of people while outside getting councelling(having a tab!!) all from Canada but cos my accent so different all asking where from and what doing. Had bit of a sore head the day after and me and Trish had to drive to Calgary (2half hours away) for my flight to Vancouver, we had to stop for water but managed to get there ok. Thanks Trish my taxi driver supreme!!!