The Mill Hotel, Sudbury: our bedroom overlooked river and meadows.
Unseasonably warm and sunny day: we have just been sitting out by the river at the Mill Hotel, Sudbury, on one of those wonderful still, clear evenings that usually happens in late summer or early autumn, drinking white wine. We arrived at about 4.30pm and walked up to look at the school Dot is inspecting tomorrow. Our room is small (as advertised) but pleasant and right by the riverside. We have booked a meal for 7pm.
Earlier today we had a long chat with the Murrays on iChat after Dot had gone into the city and bought a new watch under the pretext of picking up her restrung necklace from Dipples. I confess I had put the suggestion into her head and was delighted she went for it.
Yesterday I attended another Paston library session, this time at Mundesley. I gave Lucy a lift. The new maps website has come online (http://historic-maps.norfolk.gov.uk/) and this makes a big difference to to our researching Paston because of the much improved detail. Took Lucy home and discussed what we needed to do for the weekend exhibition on March 3/4: it now seems remotely possible that we may have enough material for people to look at. But can we get it ready in time? It all depends on whether Lucy’s health holds up.
We’ve eventually got Dot established in the the office, and it seems to be working OK, though we may get Gary to move the filing cabinet by removing an unnecessary sliding tray. I’ve written most of my sermon for Sunday and chosen the hymns, but I have quite a lot of writing to do for various things.
Unbelievably, it’s warm enough here in Cedar Mills for Dot to sunbathe on the deck, with a nice snowy background while drinking a mimosa. We’ve just been for a “half-hour walk” (B Murray) around local roads and have also toured the garden, which is quite a jaunt in itself. Yes, we’re back in Canada, relaxing. The past few days went something like this.
Evening of Thursday, March 4
Because of language difficulties and different customs, found ourselves in an embarrassing situation at Traders, where we had booked in and (apparently) arranged to meet the Murrays’ French friends (Valerie & Co), should they care to drop by. They did drop by, and were under the impression that Roger had booked a table for nine so that we could all eat together. Happily the restaurant was able to accommodate us all, but of course our own meals were already ordered, and it all got a bit chaotic. Still, it was a fun evening, and we continued the trend of chaos in France by watching Day of the Jackal when we got home.
Friday, March 5
Our final full day in Florida, which dawned sunny and apparently warmer. We went for breakfast at the Lighthouse, and then Barbara and Roger decided to walk to Redfish Pass. It then emerged that it wasn’t as warm as it seemed, and we were glad we decided not to join them. Even though they went out by the road through the resort so that the wind was behind them on their way back along the beach, they still got very cold. Dot and I meanwhile visited the dock briefly before going up to Starbucks, where we had drinks out of the wind, then went into a gallery, where we met photographer Ted Myerson, who was part of an arts collective. He was interested in my poetry, and I gave him my website addresses. Saw Barb and Roger walking past, and Roger came in and talked to Ted about photography. Meanwhile Dot bought a kind of bracelet made locally. Back at the house, Dot decided to go into the pool while Roger and I had a brief game of tennis. Played much better than last time. Roger and Barb went up to Mucky Duck to order meal for 5pm, but Dot and I got there late, so we eventually had the meal shortly before 6pm. Window seat, fantastic sunset, fish and chips. What more could you ask for? Certainly not broccoli. After packing for the journey, we watched You’ve Got Mail, starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. A feel-good movie.
W Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, with its unique shot at a toilet/shower room/basin combination. At least, I hope it's unique
Saturday, March 6
The journey home began in bright sunshine, which was to last for just about the whole three days. We left at 9.15, and I did my only driving stint from near Gainesville, Florida, across the border and well into Georgia. It then emerged that Roger actually preferred driving, and I didn’t mind either way, so I became a passenger. Pretty uneventful drive, with constant temperature – only dropped below 10C as we got to the W hotel after dark. Roger and Barb hated the hotel, but Dot and I thought it was just trying to be too avant garde and get as much of your money as it could, which I suppose is not good. Had room service – an excellent chicken club sandwich with egg and avocado, but lukewarm chips. Dot’s caesar salad was on the vinegary side. But tea and coffee were first class, and so was the bed. The bathroom was peculiar, to say the least, a sliding screen leaving you in full view of the rest of the room while you were on the loo. There was no bath and a kamikaze shower. OK, I can see what they meant, especially as Roger arrived with a bad headache. Had a very small breakfast before leaving, because they charged excessively for that too.
Highway 20: a beautiful mistake
Sunday, March 7
Around freezing at 9am, but soon warmed up, and we were around 15C for much of the day. Went wrong out of Atlanta and found ourselves heading for the Carolinas on I-85. Made the mistake of pointing this out, so we missed the chance of adding two more states to to our list. Instead detoured across country on Highway 20, which as it approached the I-75 proved to be a beautiful route. Very enjoyable, though it cost us about an hour and a half. It’s those pesky traffic lights. Dot started taking pictures of the many churches that dotted the roadside. Back on the I-75 we listened to a couple of Garrison Keiller tracks as we entered Tennessee – “The Radio Announcer”, which was hysterical, and “The Young Lutheran’s Guide to the Orchestra”, which was more gently funny. Reached Cincinnati Cheesecake Factory about 6.20 and had about 20 minutes to wait for a table. Very nice steak. Waitress a bit dozy, but quite sweet. Only a few miles from there to our LivInn hotel at Sharonville, where we had a goodnight’s sleep in a basic but comfortable room with a bathroom that was quite separate and could not be seen from the bed.
Monday, March 8
Last day on the road. Again sunny and warmish. North on the I-75 through Dayton, where it was 8C, and the temperature contrarily increased the nearer we got to Canada, despite occasional snow at the side of the road. Clear run to Detroit, where we missed the bridge turning because of a blocked ramp and so experienced the tunnel, thanks to directions from a large black man who pulled up conveniently alongside at traffic lights and gave us directions. Equally genial was the female border guard, who chatted to us for a while and then waved us through. Dot and Barb were desperate for a coffee, so we stopped at a Tim Horton’s. Needless to say the Starbucks they were looking for was 50 yards further down the road. Still, I like TH. While I was in the restroom Dot tried to send my doughnut back, but she retrieved it when I told her it wasn’t a mistake. From there a long run on the 401 – everything looking so much more cared for than in desolate Ohio, but with the disadvantage of very few rest stop options. In the end one of our party got desperate a few miles before our turn-off, and we detoured to a MacDonalds on a side road, where we ruthlessly made use of their restroom without even holding the burger. From there it was only about 20 minutes to Chrissy’s house in Waterloo, where we had superb roast chicken with yorkshire pudding and great mashed potato! Chrissy on good form, and the children keen to see their grandparents – even keener to see their presents. Chatted to JD quite a bit, and we all got on really well. Very spacious and well located house. Glad we were able to stop. Back in car about 9pm for 90-minute drive back to Cedar Mills / Palgrave by back roads, this time intentionally. By the time we got there and unpacked I had pretty much had it and collapsed into bed. At one point during that short trip the temperature dropped to -1C, but it was back up to 3C by the time we arrived. When Roger turned the house water on there was a slight leak, but he fixed it by tightening a nut.
We’re now safely in Captiva, at 15098 Urchin Court, the place we stayed last time. Very comfortable and relaxing – at least I would be comfortable and relaxed if the cold I’ve been fighting off since the plane flight hadn’t eventually broken through. I was coughing a lot in the night, and I’ve persuaded the others to go off to breakfast at the Lighthouse Cafe and leave me here. The temperature is warm, but not as warm as last time.
The journeying has gone well. We left six days ago at 10am in much different weather conditions: around freezing, but not unpleasant. Took the train to Liverpool Street and then decided on a cab to Paddington, which was the right decision, though it cost $20 (that’s pounds, but I’ll sort it out eventually). The Heathrow express was brilliant, landing us very quickly at Terminal 5, with which we were extremely impressed. Dropped bags and got through Security with no trouble. The flight was uneventful, though a bit chilly, and the food was surprisingly good. Curry for main meal, egg and spring onion sandwiches just before Toronto.
Met by strange waving couple who turned out to be Barb and Roger. They drove us back to Palmer Circle. Not much snow on the roads, but a nice aesthetic covering there. To bed after small supper at 10pm (3am UK). Not a good night – in fact sleeping proved to be quite a problem for several days – but went into Bolton with Roger in the morning. Sunglasses had got broken on the way, so replaced them with $9 pair from Walmart, much to Barb’s disgust. She and Dot were elsewhere. Not quite sure exactly where that was. In the evening we watched Mr & Mrs Smith, which was clever, funny and pseudo-violent. Just managed to stay awake for denouement.
Next day was just above freezing, and there some early swirls of snow. Drove into Toronto for lunch at Serra (goat’s cheese followed by pasta special) and then to the King Tut exhibition. Pretty impressive, especially the huge statue of Akhanatem, his father. Wrote poem about it. Three most ridiculous items in King Tut shop: 1 Tutchoo tissue box cover; 2 inflatable mummy; 3 baseball. Two most ridiculous rules: Roger had to go back and queue up to get the tickets redated, which then proved to be unnecessary; we weren’t allowed to sit on the steps. No, really. Back home through rush-hour traffic, then packed ready for 9am start the next day (Thurs 18th).
Left almost on the dot. Weather dull, but it brightened up as we neared Detroit. Stopped at Windsor for quick refreshment, then were held up for 40 minutes or so at border, but everyone was very pleasant. Then headed south through Michigan and Ohio to Cincinnati, where we stopped for a delicious lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. On to Williamsburg, Kentucky where we arrived after 10pm at the Columbia Inn. Splendid setting, but the room was a bit noisy (facing highway), and they seemed a bit understaffed. In America, everyone assumes you drink coffee.
Getting a bit warmer as we headed south again on the I75 through mountainous country (the Columbian Plateau), with spectacular icicles on the rocks, but not much snow. Lunch at the Buckhead Diner in Atlanta, Georgia: again superb food (veal meatloaf and mashed potatoes) and service. Very long last leg south after this. Barbara drove out of Atlanta in heavy traffic, and I did a three-hour stint taking us from south of Macon into Florida – the last part of it in the dark. Roger then took over, and we arrived in Sarasota after 11pm. Superb hotel – room was a suite, and it was quiet. And I could get a cup of tea.
Better night, and after a leisurely breakfast we left just after 10am. Temperature really warm now, and we watched it creep up to a maximum of 24C as we neared Captiva. Dropped away from that slightly, but very pleasant as we arrived at the house around 1am, but found it wasn’t quite ready for us. So went up to Starbucks and did a very little shopping. House excellent as expected: unpacked and Barb and Dot disappeared down the beach. Roger and I went to American Realty to get an extra key, then walked along the beach and over to the dock. In the evening we went to Traders, and I had the filet mignon special, which was special. Bought a baseball cap and called at video shop on way home. Watched State of Play, interrupted by frequent coughing from me. Had very disturbed night.
OK, it’s still 30 July, but we’re going to carry on pretending. Here we are in Legoland, Windsor, where we went on 16 and 17 July with the grandchildren and their parents. Oliver and his father are featured on the Safari ride, with Amy almost visible in the car behind. This was Vicky’s birthday present!
I was impressed with Legoland, which I would have thought was not really my sort of thing at all. There were a few queues, but all the rides were free – and short – which meant the queues moved quickly. We went on too many to list, but we really enjoyed the Fairytale Brook, where you went round in a boat and saw models of bits from fairy tales, mainly Little Red Riding Hood. The Lego models are all brilliant, even the ones you just stand and look at. Nearly all of them do things. Oliver and Amy had a great time: Oliver showed what a natural driver he is when he outmanoevred all the other children on the cars.
The food was quite reasonable too, though that wasn’t free. We were lucky to catch a big goody v baddy drama by the pool, and took in a big wheel, helicopters, etc. Some Dot and I went on, and some we watched. On the first day Oliver and Amy went in the water feature and got pleasantly wet, after the usual nervous start.
On the way to the hotel at Reading (which was part of the deal) Dot and I lost David and drove round for a while before re-establishing contact. Both our phones were out of order (details in Square One article): an amazing series of coincidences. But eventually we got back together at the Holiday Inn, which was excellent, although the bar prices were extraordinarily high.
