Today dawned warm (OK so other people may say hot but we have just come back from 93 degrees so 73 is just warm) and sunny and so we decided to get back into the English groove by doing a treasure hunt. We do love them and it was a glorious day. Packing my new picnic hamper we headed off to the Tarrants, a series of beautiful villages in our home county of Dorset. It was nice to go out and remember what we love about England.
The treasure trails always take us to many churches, often very old, and this one at Tarrant Crawford was ancient and beautiful with old frescoes.
We stopped to admire the beautiful fields of grain and maize.
It was also a perfect day for making daisy chains and being utterly stupid!
and acting our shoe sizes not our ages
I was sad when we had to investigate the churchyard at Tarrant Keynstone. I had just been telling Nigel about visiting here before in 1984 or 1985 to go to the house of a colleague – Judith. She had invited lots of staff over when we broke up from school to go and have afternoon tea after picking strawberries in a nearby field. Nigel remembered me going round to his house after with the fresh strawberries. I was saddened to see the headstone below in the churchyard. Judith had passed away in 2003. I hadn’t appreciated she was more than 20 years older than me when I worked with her but she was still awfully young to have passed away.
I have been scrapping but sadly it is new stuff I cannot share at this point!
Today I am thankful for
a lovely English day out
laughter
a picnic
Wednesday 15th July
The forecast said it would be cloudy in the morning … it lied … but we were not worried as we had a shopping day planned. Shopping for us is like going to another theme park. Even if we don’t buy much we love looking.
We headed first to Hobby Lobby – always worth a visit. Apart from the craft stuff, I could happily furnish a lot of my home from there and the only sadness is that much is too big to get home. They had amazing offers on wall art and pictures and stuff … much of which we loved.
I did buy some craft supplies but the biggest haul was in felt. Sheets of felt – better quality and larger sheets than at home – were 4 for $1 (approx. 18p a sheet) making them way cheaper than at home where they are 50p a sheet. Boy did I buy a lot of felt.
We went to other stores too like Beales, Walmart (don’t knock it – we bought pool shoes at $4 each, more flip flops, some trainers and lovely cool towels to keep us cool in the parks and me in bed when I get home!) We also went to Joann and to Michaels. I had printed coupons for both before I left (yes I am a savvy shopper) and I also had a $50 gift card for Joann that Mike had sent me. I bought some lovely fabric things at Joann and then an amazing load of stuff at Michaels. I always leave Michaels feeling the police are going to arrest me for theft. The prices are so cheap anyway, much of what I bought was on sale plus I had a 25% off coupon off the whole lot. I couldn’t believe what I bought for less than £70 including 3 new albums, a mess of paper, Tim Holtz dies and stamps and inks, sizzix dies, punches, stamps and flowers and washi tape.
Sadly I felt poorly whilst shopping though. Travel often doesn’t agree with me and my insides get easily upset by stress and by a change of diet and I had terrible tummy cramps. We went back to our room for a while then went to Epcot as we had various things we wanted to do. We rode Spaceship earth, always one of my favourites, and then had dinner in the Electric Umbrella.
We used our fast pass for Soaring - which was great but I cannot see why the lines are so very very long all day. We had planned to stay and see the fireworks but I was feeling too poorly to stay so we returned for an earlier night.
I thought we coped well with the jet lag this trip but last night proved me wrong. I was tired int he evening and dropped off to sleep at 10 but when Nigel came in from speedway he woke me up and I stayed awake until 1 am and was shattered this morning. He quite rightly made me wake up at 8 in the hopes I would be tired and sleep tonight - we'll see!
I have spent the day being Mrs Laundry lady again and also putting away everything. My task for the rest of this holiday is to do some serious de-cluttering of our home. Serious!
I have another page made with Dawn's amazing new salvaged templates to share with you. I also used her Peace and Frozen collections.
I have a real thing for Frozen and was so pleased that they were again doing all sorts of Frozen things at the parks - most of which were at the Studios. More about that later.
Today I am thankful for
having my cats relaxed and settled and happy at home.
sorting stuff
clean clothes all done
time to sift through photos.
Now - feel free to skip the next bit - it's holiday round up time!
Tuesday 14th July
We did remarkably well from a jet lag perspective, staying up until 9.30 (which our bodies believed was 2.30 am) and not being awake stupidly early. We knew we would be awake early-ish and so had planned to maximise the opportunities by hitting a park early. We had debated going to the Magic Kingdom in time for the welcome show at 7.40 but in the end decided ‘seen that let’s not bother’. We would get there when we got there.
We were sat breakfast by 7 am and enjoyed the first of many adult bounty platters. The Disney Dine Plan, thrown in as part of our deal, is brilliant. We get two meals and 2 snacks each per day and we added up what we had most days and it came to roughly $48 each per day, totalling an incredible $1344 over the stay. Yes we had possibly paid a little more for the accommodation as the deal was on, but not $1344 more plus it was the convenience of it all. Anyway – I digress. We had the bounty platter which comprises scrambled egg, bacon, sausage, biscuit, hash browns and French toast. We do a good deal as I don’t have the sausage or hash browns and Nigel doesn’t have the biscuit – trading is good!
I wanted to experience the Magic Kingdom as it was intended. When Walt Disney built Disneyland space was so limited that you arrived in the parking lot and it was right there. One of the things he wanted with Disney World was to make the journey part of the adventure, so you didn’t see the park too early. We usually go to the Magic Kingdom one of two ways. Either we take the resort bus or we go to Wilderness Lodge – more on that another day – and take the boat. Today I wanted to do it the way Walt intended. Drive to the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Centre) and then take the boat over to the Magic Kingdom. It is a beautiful trip over and we hadn’t done it for years and years.
We drove under the gateway to the Magic Kingdom which was still a thrill, and then, in glorious sunshine with no humidity, boarded the boat across. The views were lovely as the Poly and the Grand Floridian were bathed in light. I really enjoyed the trip across. And as the parking booth shows - staying on property saves $17 a day parking either because you use the free transport or you don't pay if you take your car in. One of the many many benefits.
As we were still early the Park was relatively quiet.
We had three fast passes booked for the day and figured we would do whatever else there was time for and that we could be bothered to wait for. As it happened we hit at a really good time.
We enjoyed some photo ops down Main Street with Pluto as there was no wait, and then we wandered into Tomorrowland.
The Peoplemover was empty so, just because we could and we hadn’t ever done it (shocking I know) we went for a very pleasant ride. It generated its own breeze, which was welcome, and gave great views over Tomorrowland.
By then it was time for Fast Pass #1 … Space Mountain. I never had any intention of riding this … Nigel loves it … I don’t. I like coasters, but I prefer to enjoy them visually not in total darkness so he headed for Space Mountain and I headed for Carousel of Progress.
Yes I know it is dated and old but it is a classic. It is an original Walt from the World’s Fair and I love it for that. I confess I am also a sucker for the song. I make no apologies for the video.
From there we did Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger spin which we had never done before and was good fun. You can tell from the photo how competitive it was! That look of sheer determination!
I love taking pictures that remind us there ARE quiet spots in the parks - always - you just need to know where to find them ... and when.
Another thing we hadn’t ever done – and will never do again – is the Walt Disney World Speedway. We figured it would be kind of fun – and again just a ten minute wait. It was kind of fun except we couldn’t drive the things. I thought it was just me but Nigel had the same trouble. It just made you over-compensate all the time so it was jerky and bumpy and just not great fun to be honest. Still, if you don’t try you never know.
We sat and listened to Sonny Eclipse with a diet coke whilst we cooled off a little and then headed into new Fantasyland.
There were minimal waits for many things and so we did The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – which we had only ever done once before. It was very cute and even the line area was cute.
Then we did the Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid which was very pretty and beautifully themed. It was great to do them with no waiting time.
We even did the Carousel – an important ride as it was a carousel that really drove Walt to create the parks – having watched his daughters on a carousel and thought there ought to be a place where children and adults could have fun together.
And – as there was no wait for that either, we had to pop into Mickey’s Philharmagic because it is fabulous – and cool!
It was important to do something serious too – and we had time before our next fast pass – so we caught a show in The Hall of the Presidents – always one well worth doing.
We headed off to Adventure Land as we had a fast pass booked for the Jungle Cruise … one of our favourite rides. It was a great trip with a super guide. I know it is corny as hell – that’s the beauty of it.
We stopped at Aloha Isle and – I am ashamed to say this – we had our first ever dole whip float. Lovely pineapple dole whip and pineapple juice – YUM! It wouldn’t be our last.
We then headed off to what is one of our favourite rides in the park … in fact in the World ... Splash Mountain
We almost …. Yes almost … rode Splash Mountain. We had a fast pass, there was no line, we were at the loading dock before we knew it and then – over the speakers – as we were the very next people to be getting into the boats – came a message that due to some adverse weather coming over they were closing the ride temporarily. We had seen far far worse weather. There were a few Florida black clouds but no rain, no thunder, no lightning. We waited for half an hour before giving up (we were visiting 2 other days anyway) and left. There never was any rain and as we walked away it was blue sky above. However, I know how carefully they do monitor the weather and how they have to ensure safety. Splash is a very long ride and so it took ages to get everyone back to the dock already on the ride (we know … we counted) so they have to be extra careful with weather alerts. It was irritating but we knew it was done with safety in mind.
You may have noticed ... from the photos ... we were also both proudly wearing our 10th visit anniversary pins! YEY!
We headed back on the boat and decided to investigate the marketplace. It was not something we relished as last year it had been carnage down there with the work going on, but we had a $100 gift card to claim so we needed to go to World of Disney to collect it. Last year they had been building the first parking garage. This year they were onto the second. There is construction all around but actually the traffic moves very smoothly and it is essential work to complete this area. We braved the parking garage and – oh my! It became a new favourite. It was beautiful – big wide spaces, all clearly shown on the signs which said how many spaces on each level, how many spaces in each lane and then had green lights over the available spaces. All carparks should be like this. We were impressed. Plentiful free parking. Easy. Clean. Brilliant.
We collected our gift card and then decided to try Wolfgang Puck for dinner. Another firm favourite. The food was delicious – we had fresh baked pizza and carrot cake, all on the dine plan and thoroughly enjoyed it.
By now it was early evening and we were pretty pooped. We had walked over 14000 steps and were a little jet lagged so it was back to our beautiful resort to chill and download photos and relax. What an amazing first day we had had.
Well - it's been a while since I have blogged properly. I set up posts in advance but I have been away for the past two and a bit weeks.
We returned yesterday afternoon from Florida - so my body is still on Florida time.
It was an amazing holiday and we loved every minute - though it was good to get back t the fur family and it is always nice to be home.
Today has been about catching up on sleep, washing - the dreaded ironing to come - and trying to put everything away that we bought.
Normal scrap blogging will resume tomorrow and please be aware that each day will also include a holiday day write up so feel free to skip if you come by just for the scrapping.
I always say the blog is primarily for me and for family to record what we get up to so please do just skip the holiday bits at the end of each post for the next two weeks.
However, after two weeks away it would be awfully rude not to share some new scrapping and here it is.
Dawn Inskip has some amazing new tenmplates out today and as you know her templates are like no others.
I couldn't resist making this ... using the new templates and also Dawn's kit A Sprinkle of Fairy Dust. The photo was taken on my birthday in the Magic Kingdom. Yup - a sucker for those mice!
Monday 13th July 2015
I don’t think any holiday had been more eagerly anticipated than this one. It had been a hard year at work for all sorts of reasons and, whilst we went to Florida in 2014 too, I hadn’t been in the right place to look forward to that trip with all the health worries. This year we were both so excited and so looking forward to our trip and the day finally dawned. And dawn it was! We were up at 5 am ready for collection at 5.45.
Our new suitcases were very swish. I had wanted a new set of cases with 4 wheels as they seemed to be much easier to manage. I had looked for ages but they were so dear and I finally saw a set of lush black lightweight cases in Matalan at just under half price at £35 instead of £75 each. They packed a dream and it was exciting using them for the first time.
We checked in smoothly and hit the duty free. We both bought new fragrances, Hugo Boss this time, and even had a free bag to go with it. Mmmmm – more to carry. It was then to the Virgin Lounge for breakfast and champagne. A great way to start the trip.
The flight was on time and very smooth with good food and great comfort .
That was my main course - the most wonderful fillet ... so tender I am so glad that with all the changes at Virgin they haven't done away with the salt and pepper pots. They are way too cute and I have my own set. I didn't steal them ... honest. I asked a couple of years ago if they sold them and the crew member said no they didn't butt hey did give them away and gave me my own set!
and dessert was wonderful too
and room for afternoon tea
We arrived spot on time, but had to wait on the plane a while as apparently, despite knowing that from Virgin alone 6 planes arrive daily from the UK, they didn’t have enough immigration officers on duty to cope. It turned out to be a short wait and we were through immigration and baggage claim quickly.
All went smoothly – even the car rental where Nigel used the self-check. Having touched down at 3.35 we were thrilled to be in our Chevrolet Mailbou and on the road by 5.00.
Funny isn’t it when thing go well, you just don’t see the problem around the corner.
We had travelled about 5 miles out of the airport when, for some unknown reason, I asked Nij if the rucksack he had used for hand-luggage was on the back seat. We both looked and no – no rucksack – and Nigel said it definitely wasn’t in the boot. We stopped to heck. Nope. Such a horrible sick feeling inside. It contained all our duty free, two ipads and 2 cameras. Nigel remembered where he had left it – at the self check in terminal for the hire car. And because I had rushed him he had left it there. It had been so hot in the garage collecting the car as we had had to wait as they didn’t have our size available, we had rushed putting everything in to get out of the heat and not checked.
We both felt sick. It would have been a huge loss and for me, no cameras was a disaster. We u turned and headed back.
Sometimes life isn’t simple. The only way we would get back was to go to rental return. There were two terminals – A and B. thought B, Nigel thought A. We went to A. We had to go into rental return and explain we were NOT returning. That took precious minutes of explanation and we both knew the longer it was the less chance we had of getting the bag back. Eventually, leaving the rest of our luggage in a car we hoped would not get put back in the car pool, we ran to the terminal – me to the rental office in the garage and Nij to the rental desks in the terminal. As soon as I saw the office I knew we were in the wrong place. Different office. Tried ringing Nigel. No joy. He didn’t realise for a while he was at the wrong terminal then he spoke to a manager who was our saviour. The directions to the terminal were complex and he could see I (I had caught up with him by then) was in a state so he took Nigel the staff way to the other terminal to the Alamo desks. The man who helped at the self check was there and said yes Nigel had left a bag there but it had now gone to lost property. Th manage helping took Nigel to lost property and it was there. Praise be. However he needed ID to reclaim it. Identifying the contents was not enough. Our new friend even offered to use his ID. Nope. They ran back to the terminal where I was waiting, collected the passport for ID, ran back to terminal A and finally reclaimed our bag. We were so grateful for the help of everyone. It took a further 15 minutes to explain why we were NOT returning the car, why we were leaving through the employee exit (the only way we could get out) and get on our way again – but we did.
All told it was probably only an hour from realising we had lost it to being back on the road, but it was a horrid hour and very stressful. However, the Florida sunshine worked its magic instantly and we both calmed really quickly and enjoyed being ‘home’ in our favourite state.
We stopped at a Publix for water, diet coke, nibbles etc and then went and checked in at The Caribbean Beach Resort, passing through our 'home' gateway
We had requested, if possible, Jamaica 43 and we got Jamaica 43 (4363 this year)
Our room was as lovely as ever. We were near both the parking and the pool. We had a great view.
We unpacked and went to Port Royal to collect our mugs and browse the stores, buying the largest keyring ever so we didn’t lose the hire car key, and we finally began our holiday in earnest!
Today I am thankful for
a wonderful holiday - the perfect mix of relaxation, fun and excitement
This is the time of year when my thoughts - as much as anyone else's - turn to holidays.
For me holidays mean one place only.
America.
We have had some lovely holidays in other parts of the world - we loved Brugges, we loved Paris, we liked Austria and we were fascinated in Israel, but America always feels like going home.
we have a huge affinity for the country - from the beauty of the coastlines, the quaintness of New England, the majesty of the National Parks and the buzz of the theme parks.
Of all of the parts of the States, Florida is still the major draw for us. Last year we had an amazing holiday there and this year we plan on repeating it.
This page was our trip home last year on our Virgin flight. We had the chance as we were on the tarmac, to wander into the cockpit and meet the pilots. They were so nice and friendly and even told us to grab a seat for a while. It was kind of nice to know who were flying us safely home.
Hopefully this year will be equally as good.
I used a collection called Across the Miles by LouCee Creations.
Today I am thankful for
the wonderful country of America. Maybe one day we will get our dream and live there for at least part of the year
pilots - they literally do hold your life in their hands
I was dead chuffed today to have a proper commission to work towards.
Nigel is involved in a couple of weeks time with the Cycle Speedway World Cup and has been involved in the programme.
He wanted a special page made about the world cup winner and knew what he wanted but left it to me to designs and I was so proud as he was really pleased with what I had made.
I met Nigel when he was very much actively involved in Cycle speedway.
He had been a rider
and a presenter
and Irish team manager
It is good that he has been involved with the upcoming prestigious event and I was proud to have been able to help him.
Cheap commission though - I think I might get paid in pizza later!
Today I am thankful for
Nigel being so good at everything he turns his hand to, but still being able to do some things he can't
Nigel and I are both Marmite lovers. I am not sure if my readers across the pond know what Marmite is. It's a gorgeous yeast extract that is so salty and yeasty and yummy. Defied description really.
Just as well we are compatible on that front really.
Marmite sandwiches
Marmite nibbles like twiglets
Marmite chocolate - I kid you not
and one of our favourites ... marmite crisps.
Sadly 'the boy cat' loves them too. I don't know what it is with cats and marmite. Pebble would do anything for a twiglet. She used to twitch and shake her head as she ate one - almost as if she didn't like it, but would beg endlessly for them.
Fiki smells marmite crisps a mile off.
I am sure they must be bad for cats so he is allowed the teeniest little nibble, but he is obsessed if we are eating them.
This page tells the story of a busy day last November - a quick dash from work to get changed, feed the cats and go out. Food on the go. Marmite crisps. I stupidly left the empty packet on the bedside table.
result ... a page!
He looked so funny wearing the packet on his head. Not great pics as it was getting dark and I only had my phone, but it tells a story and THAT is what scrapping should be about.
The holidays have a lovely gentle routine to them.
You wake up when you want ... well OK so that is not strictly true. We wake up when Fiki wants and we can stand the crying no longer.
He has got a little better since we finished work. He knows that on work days the alarm goes off at 6am and so his alarm (I wish we could find it because we would smash it to pieces) goes off about 5.15 am so he is at the door in good time to wake us at least half an hour before the alarm does.
The trouble is he doesn't get weekends.
His 'clock' is 5,15 no matter what the day.
However, by a couple of weeks into the holiday he has started to learn that we ignore him for longer and then are days when we can even sleep until 7 before we cave and let him in. Seriously - until 7!
The nice thing, though, is not getting up when you wake up. Well, nice for me. Nigel gets up when we wake as he feeds the beasts and then feeds us.
I know I am blessed ... apart from when we are away I have had breakfast in bed for pretty much my entire life. When I was little my Dad liked peace and quiet to have a cup of tea and a cigarette without Mom and I around so he would feed us both to keep us out of the way first thing. When I was growing up my day started with Daddy whistling 'charlie charlie lash up your hammock' I would then shower and get back into bed and he's bring my cereal. Four years at University were a real eye opener I can tell you!
Now Nigel does the same. Ok so he doesn't whistle ... he is not a morning person ... but I shower and he brings porridge back for both of us. Yes ... I am spoilt.
Anyway I digress. A nice rythm of lazing in bed readingt he paper then a little walk, a frap, a little scrapping, a little reading, a little chilling.
You get the picture.
If I ever retire .... if .... I think I will become a slob in record time. Nigel tells me I won't, I will get bored. The jury is out!
Another page for the treasure trails album. This time from the gift trail Jakki bought us - the Puddles trail. This one is of Briantspuddle.
Today I am thankful for
gentle days
being spoilt
Fiki occasionally making it to 7 am
and been surfing on Bored Panda again This time some really funny clothing labels. I am so glad I live in a world where people have a sense of humour.
I received an offer a little while ago for a reduced cost photo book.
I don't know how many of you have photo books printed and I am probably not an impartial judge as I have only ever used Photobox for mine, but I am thrilled with the quality of the books they produce.
I had a special offer for a 60 page square photo book for £20.00 which was about half price and I knew that one I broke up I would be able to get it sorted and order it.
I only use Photobooks for my digital pages. I didn't used to get them printed and then I went through a phase of printing them myself but that was quite costly with high quality paper and the ink and all. So once I had had my first book printed I was pretty much hooked.
I now usually have two a year printed and I still think it is a lot cheaper than the paper scrapping I do.
I print pretty much all of my digital pages off and as we speak I now have everything printed off apart from the last couple of pages I have made.
I uploaded the last of the pictures and ordered the book on Thursday last week and it came today! That's pretty quick, it is great quality and I am really pleased.
This is the cover of this one
I used a photo taken in May on a treasure trail and all papers and elements are Pickleberrypop. (I think they are all by Fanette but I couldn't swear to that)
If you want a photo book I don't think you could do much better than one of these. Although I do wait until they are on special offer as I wouldn't pay almost £50 for one!
Today I am thankful for
my new photo book
Wowcher - where I got the deal from
digital scrapping ... whilst I would never give up my paper and glue I do love the digital stuff.
Harry Potter ... Nigel and I are 'in training' and watching the films and re reading the books before we get to go and see Escape from Gringotts.
This month the colours are so pretty - pink and citrus tones and so much fun with a very definite summer feel.
Remember you can pick up massive bargains. The packs go for just $1 a piece and often have free with purchase goodies too. This month I worked with Vero The French Touch gorgeous collection called Charmingly Sour
I had the perfect pictures to scrap of Alice munching slices of watermelon.
In fairness I used to spend a long time organising my real pictures - when we used to get photos printed. Now it is digital organisation.
I am actually quite organised in that they are all in named folders etc but I which I had also tagged them all as there are times when you want a particular photo that you really want but you just cannot find it. It is OK if it is time specific as I know I can find it in the right month of the right year. It is the odd pictures that you have taken of something everyday and you just cannot find it.
Anyway I am a little better organised now.
However I did come across various photos that are 'favourites' and I am going to do an album ... one day ... when I have time etc ... of my favourite photos. Trouble is I think it will need to be a big album.
It is a lush collection and this is what I made using the photo I love of Nigel at Hollywood Beach (cannot wait to be back in Florida again)
The photo of Nij is also my screensaver on my phone. I love that his shirt looks like a tropical Hawaiian shirt ... its not ... it is actually just dappled in the sunlight from the shadow of the palm.
But ... funnily enough - he now has a shirt that colour that really is Hawaiian that he bought yesterday int he Fat Face sale.
He loves Fat Face and has a fair few items but they are quite pricey. They are worth the price though as they are good quality fabric and well made. However they are even better when they are on sale and he bought two tshirts which were each less than half price and really thick quality fabric, and also two shirts. They are both Hawaiian print ... one is blue and one is pink. I love it that he said 'should I get both, the blue and the coral?' I laughed and he wanted to know why I was laughing and I said it was pink nor coral. He looked quite indignant and said he wouldn't wear a pink shirt. It was coral. So he now has a lovely coral Hawaiian shirt ... which is pink of course! Happy shopping day yesterday.
I am Scrapdolly - frequently answering to just Dolly. I live with my soulmate Nigel and two new kittens and I love to scrap. Scrapping is my creative outlet, my daily therapy, my sanity restorer and where I meet my friends. Come share it with me.
