Day 17: Saturday 25 January

Well, the party's almost over and we're about to become refugees again for the best part of 24 hours.  

Although the weather hasn't always quite lived up to expectations, we've had a great time, especially with Marion and Mike and we now look forward to getting back home and catching up with people and domestic matters.

But, as Arnie says, "We'll be back"!

A sad sight at the end of every stay as the pool safety fence goes back into place

Day 16: Friday 24 January

At least the weather had finally returned to what we always expected and this was the photo I had hoped I could take almost a week ago.

These things have appeared in the woodland behind the villa.  What on earth can they be and who might have put them there?

Early evening saw the 6 of us with Larry and Dottie at Longhorn Steak House and we had a lively and noisy time sharing jokes and anecdotes on our last evening together.

Day 15: Thursday 23 January

According to the weather forecast today was supposed to be the sunniest day of the week so we set off bright and early to Epcot.

Entrance to Spaceship Earth

First stop was Spaceship Earth which seemed a bit darker than usual. We then headed to Soarin' which we all thoroughly enjoyed. 

Mickey's ears in flowers

Part of the Epcot Arts Festival

We then made for Norway and joined the massive queue for the Frozen ride. After an hour's wait we finally boarded the mini Viking ships for the 3-minute ride. It was good we did this early as Marion heard that it broke down later in the day.

In the China Pavilion

Apologies to any buddhists reading this if this in an image the Buddha, but I don't think it is

Panda coat for dogs!

Sadly it then started to rain and turned into a good old fashioned wet day. The weather forecast couldn't have been more wrong.  

After 4 hours it finally stopped and we were able to watch the musical theatre performance on the main stage which was good.

The Show at the American Adventure

The day ended with the new firework display which didn't disappoint. New features included flying Catherine wheels and lighted kites towed by jet skis.

And this is in January!

Day 14: Wednesday 22 January

Well, this was definitely not part of the plan and it's the coldest night I've ever had in Florida.

When I was on one of the visits to the Benjamin School at West Palm Beach, our hosts did apologise to us for the weather one morning as the temperature went down to 3C the night before!

At home this temperature would mean a ground frost, but I haven't looked out at any grass yet today so don't know ....

Today saw us with an appointment at our new accountants followed by some shopping at Walmart.  In between times we went to Summer Bay, a timeshare complex next to where Homes of America have their office and where Mike and Marion have been when using their timeshare vouchers.

Then it was lunch at Olive Garden and back to the villa.  Larry called in during the afternoon to update us on progress regarding the plot of land behind the house.

The overnight low tonight is due to be around 12C rather than the 2C we had last night and things will start to warm up again tomorrow.

Day 13: Tuesday 21 January

We had a lazy get up and then Mike and I got to it for the last lap of the construction of the table tennis table.

It took us about an hour to finish off and then the four of us heaved it on to its side and then upright.  e were disappointed to find that that screws provided had just penetrated the playing surface a little but we loosened them off and then gently hammered the small bulges back into place.

The it was time for the inaugural match!

After that we had a run round to Posner Park where we visited a few of the stores there before coming back for a late lunch of pancakes, strawberries, cream and more maple syrup.

Then it was time for a little relaxation before setting off for Bonefish Grill for our evening meal which Marion and ike have kindly said they would treat us to as a thank you for their stay here.

Photo kindly taken by another diner ....