FLORIDA!

"Where shall we go?" Samantha asked, when I suggested we were definitely overdue for our 'Mother-daughter' trip.  We had discussed it a few times, especially when she took off and left us with the dogs, several times!  It was about two weeks ago that I decided I needed to just 'up and leave'.  I needed a break in my daily routine, and the only way I was going to do that was to take a Monday to Friday away from the house!  I suggested it might be nice to just go to a beach, somewhere, anywhere, that required a plane journey, and a different state, just to feel like we were 'on holiday'.  "Let's go to Daytona!" she said.  I wondered why.  "They have a Bucees there, and one in Saint Augustine, which is about an hour away.  We can drive there!"  Now I knew why!

I cleared my desk on Monday morning, gave Grant instructions for the 'garden', although I was sure he did not need instructions, told him that anything in the fridge or pantry was 'fair game' as Dana will often say, "I didn't know if you were saving that", and then bid farewell to my husband and the dogs.  Samantha had been at work since seven, but went home to pick up Edward.  When he heard we were going away, he said that he needed a break, too, and he would love to go to the beach.  My initial reaction was 'and mother came too', but as my daughter said, "He is the tag along".

We checked bags, negotiated security, bought lunch and ate it. We boarded the plane in Austin, and landed in Houston with an hour to spare.  Our departure gate was right next door to our arrival gate, so we did not have to travel far.  We boarded the plane to Orlando.  

After an hour, the pilot told us that we had been cleared for take off. 

There was 'weather' in Orlando, and they were only letting in a few planes an hour.  We had the 'all clear' and headed out from the gate.  With twenty planes in front of us, and each one taking about five minutes to take off, we were going to be quite some time in a holding pattern.  Edward had managed to download the 'app' for the plane on my 'surface' so I watched a film. However, I was a little apprehensive, as we were now jeopardizing our car hire plan.  I had heard that there was a shortage of rental cars, and did not want to be left with a gas guzzling tank, or worse still, no car.  "Five minutes, folks", said the pilot.  Ten minutes later, we were told that there was now weather south east of Houston, and we would have to wait for that to clear.

Eventually, we were 'wheels up', and heading to Florida!  Everything from that point on ran like clockwork.  I watched the end of the movie, started another one, packed up my things, got off the plane, picked up my luggage, and headed to the car rental booth, which thankfully, was in the airport.  "I can upgrade you, free of charge", said the man at the counter.  "To a gas guzzler?  No thanks", I said.  "No, to a bigger sedan, or a Rogue?"  Samantha's Rogue, pre-truck days, was a lovely ride, so I agreed.  There were plenty of cars, and  my apprehension was unnecessary.  We completed the paper work, headed for the exit, plugged in the 'man' and he told us how to get out of the airport and on the road to Daytona.  

"It's the toll booth!" I said, as Samantha clicked away on her phone and I explained to Edward that back in '98, we had come here, as a family, and were accompanied by Samantha's friend Jodie, and her mum Bev, her dad and three siblings. We had driven through the 'Ezee pass' and realised that we should have paid.  We pulled over, and Jodie's dad jumped out of the car, and ran back to the booth, but no one was there.  We had just arrived in a foreign country, and were now worried we would be arrested!  Thankfully, nothing came of it! If we knew then what we know now...!

We drove for an hour.  The weather could have been kinder, and the windscreen wipers were not really very helpful! The 'man' was very thorough, and took us to the hotel without a hitch.  It had looked amazing from the pictures, but as we walked in, we all felt a little dejected.  However, it was nearing midnight, and we were all a little bit tired.  The room was 'adequate', but it had a balcony, a pool view, and a great view of the ocean.  Although I would have loved a swim, or a walk along the beach, I just wanted to go to sleep.  

At six thirty on Tuesday morning, I made a cup of coffee, put on a pair of shorts and t-shirt, and Samantha and I headed up the beach.  It was glorious.  I was explaining to her that I was here, in Daytona, in 1980, and there was nothing on the beach, save a very, very tall building, called King Arthur's, or something similar, with a restaurant on top.  It was very plush, but at the time, the pound was getting 2.4 to the dollar, and as the cost of living was so much lower than at home, we thought we were getting a great deal!  We walked for two and a half miles, taken pictures of us jumping in the air, as the tide rolled out, and then back to the hotel.  Edward had responded to her phone call when we were half a mile out, and was dressed and almost raring to go when we arrived back.

Things did look better in the morning, although Edward was still dubious.  We were a little tough on him.  We had a nice balcony where we could watch the world go by, and although the room was a bit on the small size, with the bathroom being slightly cramped, it was a 'beach' hotel, and we had not gone to a 'luxury' option.  Years ago, this would have seemed like luxury!  It is funny how quickly you get used to the finer things in life!  'Us' girls laughed at the situation, and pretty soon Edward was making jokes too!  The 'Best Western', Aku Tiki, in Daytona was nicknamed, 'The Best Western Ever!'.

We were all rather hungry, as we had not stopped for anything to eat on the way to the hotel the night before.  Off to Bucees we headed.

Smaller than the one we frequent in New Braunfels, which apparently is the largest, it was still a fair size.  We browsed the aisles, and stands, and I was less than mesmerised.  Apart from the odd t-shirt that had either 'Florida' or 'Daytona' on it, everything else seemed the same.  It was Bucees!  Samantha, however, was in her element. Her and Edward were wearing a shirt that is not available either anymore, or at the Florida locations.  They were being told by staff that they had 'wanted' that shirt!  Everyone was not only Bucees friendly, but Florida friendly too!  So, everyone had big smiles!  That is almost everyone.  There is always one member who lets the team down!  I avoided her!

Although I had not wanted to frequent chain restaurants, unless of course they were not available in our area, we ended up at the Cracker Barrel for breakfast.  We were starving and it was a good option.  The food was good, and we felt much better as we headed back for an afternoon on the beach.

I sat on the beach cover that Samantha had brought with, on a towel, and had my umbrella open to protect me from the sun.  I was most uncomfortable, but I was at the seaside, so that was a good thing!  I took a picture to send to Dana.  "Why aren't you smiling?" he asked. "Are you not enjoying yourself?"  I responded that I was having a lovely time, but 'selfies' take effort, and this was my 'concentrating' face.  I would try better next time!  I was actually really enjoying myself!  

There are few times I have seen my son-in-law as animated as when he was on his 'conference' call, with his team.  He was giving a motivational speech that made me want to work for the company! His attitude, manner and inspiration was amazing, and I sat in awe at his presentation.  He congratulated them on their efforts, encouraged them and lifted their spirits, which if were dampened would now be bone dry, and if not, would have them on cloud nine.  I felt as if I had wings, and I don't work there!

We sat and watched the clouds roll in, the storm break and eventually, after the rain ceased a bit, we headed back to the hotel.  A short walk up the dry sand took us to the 'deck' and then to the pool area.  Happy hour was between four and five, where complimentary cocktails were offered.  I had a fruit punch as did the swarm of kids that arrived at the same time as us, all shouting to each other, "Happy hour".  How did they know about 'Happy hour'.  Edward and Samantha partook of the alcoholic options.  I then swam a couple of widths before heading up to the room, to give my roommates a chance to get themselves sorted!

Heading to the mall was not really the plan, but we did!  We wandered around the shops for a bit, and then to a restaurant.  I had wanted to try to go to one of the German restaurants, but as they closed at eight, we did not have the option tonight.  Instead we headed to Bahama Breeze, which was opposite the Daytona race track.  I was telling the story of how my parents, their friends, with their son, and my sister were here in 1980, and the place was empty. It was November, and it was a little on the chilly side.  A man had come out of a restaurant to talk to us, and said that we were here 'out of season'.  He told us that during the peak season, he was an opera singer, and started to serenade my mother. Just as she thought he was finished, and started clapping, he started up again.  We stood there, shivering, for the longest time!  I had no idea where the restaurant was, but it was by the beach.  It was one of a handful that was scattered along the shoreline.  Now, you could not see the shoreline! Restaurants were abundant!  We were seated, and our waiter was quite tickled with our accent.  When we said we were from London, but now live in Austin, he got very excited.  He told us that the couple at the table opposite were from Belton, (two counties over from us,) and he was from South San Antonio!  A free appetizer was offered and accepted!  Dinner was fun!  Samantha and Edward enjoyed cocktails, whilst I drank water!

A walk along the shore at midnight was just what the doctor ordered. I then sat on a lounge chair and spoke to Dana.  He had walked the dogs and was settling down for the night.  I told him that I had enjoyed a wonderful day, and was exhausted.  The sea air, along with a very long day the previous day, had managed to 'knock me out'!

Another early morning walk was enjoyed, only this time Edward did not respond to the 'wake up' call. We took more pictures of us jumping off the sand, and lots of the rip tides that were forcing everyone to be careful.  I swam whilst Edward was getting ready, and enjoyed every minute of an empty pool.  It had been quite busy during the previous day, and it appeared that early morning was prime time to get my laps in.  So much for breaking with routine!  We headed out of the hotel, and stopped at Dunkin Donuts.  Samantha's memory of Florida (or one of them) was stopping at a Dunkin for lunch one day.  She remembered me not being happy about having donuts for lunch, but we were on holiday, and we were in 'America'.  I think I had a bagel!  I know I had a bagel this time!  I also had an iced coffee, with lots of caffeine, and with half a dozen of their finest, we headed up the coast to Saint Augustine.

The 'man' knew exactly where Bucees was!  "Where you guys from?" asked the woman at the counter.  We told her.  She was surprised to hear an English accent reply "Austin", but told us, "They have Bucees there!"  Samantha responded that she had been to several near our homes.  "So what brings you to Saint Augustine?"  What a silly question!  "Bucees.  That is why we made the trip to Florida, specifically Daytona, and here".  "But they have Bucees in Texas. Don't they?"  The poor lady seemed rather confused.  Clearly, (obviously,) she had never met my daughter!  "Love the shirt, man. I wanted that one!" said one of the staff to my son-in-law, who had worn the same shirt over a different Bucee T-shirt today!

One other 'must' for our trip was to get some souvenirs.  I am not sure as to why, but it seemed as if we were on a typical seaside holiday, and we had to 'do' what is 'done' on a typical seaside holiday.  Sit by the beach, go to souvenir shops.  Eat donuts!  One thing about Bucees is that you can get everything here!  We picked up sandwiches, and packs of snacks, and headed back, via the scenic route.  Saint Augustine is the oldest American town.  Founded in 1565, it is the oldest continuously occupied settlement, being established forty five years before Jamestown  and fifty five years before the Pilgrims came to Plymouth Rock!  I found this to be a 'purpose' for our trip!  

Having purchased folding chairs, from another Texas Start Up, Academy, at $5 a piece, and a clip on umbrella, I was now much more comfortable on the beach.  I took a smiling selfie, and listened to another motivational speech!  I was ready to take my place in the call center and give it my all!  Samantha was playing in the sea!  I joined her for a while, but came back to move the furniture as the tide comes in rather quickly and unexpectedly!  I was handed my fruit punch around five, and we sat on the beach until a little after six, and watched as the waves rolled over the sand.  It had been another wonderful day, and we were now deciding on where to go for dinner.  

Off we went to the mall, and then to Bucees before deciding where to eat!  "Why would anyone go to Starbucks?" I asked my daughter, when I found out that I could actually make any sort of coffee I wanted.  For $1.59, I could make an iced coffee with caramel and chocolate syrup, snickers coffee-mate, and different flavours of coffee to add a boost.  I cannot tell you what I put in there, but it was magnificent!  I watched as a child, probably no more than ten, squirted chocolate into her cup that had no more than a drip of something in the bottom.  I did not envy the mother later when the kid would either be running around with a sugar high, or over a bowl being ill!  I felt like I was a kid at an ice cream stand with a hundred options and no rules!

Dinner was at Bone Fish.  It was lovely!  Although another chain, it is not in our area, and it was something different!  As we were eating, dozens of police cars were making their way along the road.  We counted four or five at a time, and the sirens were whirring continuously.  We left the restaurant, and they were heading in one direction, but as we drove along the road, there were several heading along the opposite way.  As we came up to our turn, five pulled around the corner in front of us.  "Whoop, whoop, whoop", said Samantha, imitating the sirens. "Someone's on the run.  They have to be", I said, thinking that it could be the only reason for dozens of cars going in different directions.  We got back to the hotel and checked out the news. Sure enough, a policeman had been shot, and the assailant was being chased.  They knew who they were looking for but it appears he had a bit of a head start.  "Whoop, whoop, whoop", I heard, followed by "Someone's on the run.  They have to be!"  I was told, "If you don't want to be in my video, don't talk".  I had no idea she was recording.  Of course, the next hour was spent trying to make this into a 'ring tone'.  Needless to say, the task was accomplished!  

We walked the 'other' way on Thursday morning.  I saw the tower that was the only building on the beach back in 1980, and was amazed to see that it was dwarfed by several large hotels.  It was no longer the only building on the beach.  We walked for about two and a half miles and turned back.  I spotted a man on the beach with a t-shirt that read "Daytona 2002".  I stopped and asked him if he was here before 2002.  "1978 to 79", he said.  "So you remember this being the only building on the beach?" I asked.  "Yes, ma'am.  I do!"  We chatted for a bit and I thanked him profusely, for the nostalgia!"  I did not mention the opera singer! 

Thursday morning took us to several souvenir shops, and a traditional diner! We ate french toast, waffles, and Samantha and I shared a milkshake.  "Do you remember they used to bring up the glass with the cream and cherry on top, then give you the silver cup, and put cream and a cherry on that too", she asked.  I did.  "I always had the silver cup, because there was more in it!"  I knew that too!  Richard had always been happy to have the more authentic looking milkshake, not realising the left over cup contained more.  Samantha had not realised that the staff at the Dennys we frequented every morning whilst we were in Orlando, had put the cream and cherries on top so she could have the same experience as her brother!

After lunch, we waddled down to the beach, where we pitched the

Bucees windbreaker tent, our chairs, and umbrella.  We were all set! It was a shame we were leaving the following day!  Samantha took her bucket and spade and build a sand castle.  We then made a boat in the sand.  Then we went body boarding!  Well she did.  I fell off!  Several times!  I drank so much sea water, I was surprised there was any left!  As the wave came in, I held on tight, kicked as instructed and promptly turned onto my back and over again.  As I got up, I was hit by another wave which knocked me over again!  More water was swallowed, but I was not quite ready to give up.  After another couple of disastrous attempts, I decided enough was enough.  My daughter found the whole thing to be rather hysterical, and my son-in-law captured it on video!  Perhaps he can use it in his motivational speeches.  "If at first you don't succeed....don't do what she did and give up!"  

The manhunt was still going on during Thursday, with all signs asking people to watch out for....!  After three bottles of hotel conditioner, I managed to untangle my silver locks.  It took slightly longer to get al the sand out of my teeth!  Guess where we went before dinner!  Both Bucees and the mall!  Our bags didn't quite fit in everything.  Although I had thought I might leave the chairs and umbrella, we found they would fit into Edward's case, but we needed a little more space. Samantha only had one carry on bag, so she was entitled to a handbag.  Dinner was quite delicious.  We ate at a local restaurant, Stonegrill, and were ready for our walk when we headed back. 

The sink was blocked when we got back to the hotel.  It was full of brown water.  Samantha was quite sure it was sand.  We called maintenance, who arrived in the shape of the security man.  He brought his plunger and then muttered something and went away.  He returned with some tools and seemed to be satisfied.  He left again, taking the parts to 'the shop' which presumably was on the premises, and came back again. The cuss words that emitted from the bathroom told us that all was not well. "Sorry folks. I know it's a bit inconvenient, but y'all will have to wait till the morning to get this fixed".  Par for the course!  Oh well!  At least we had the bath and toilet.  Didn't we?  Yes!  Thank goodness. Best Western Ever!

Our last morning took us on a walk along to the pier.  It was a long walk, but worth it. We went to a small souvenir shop to which we would return when we had some money!  We returned to find the sink bubbling, and I was pleased that I had placed the rubbish bin underneath, as it was quite full of water!  It subsided slightly, and a residue of sand was left around the edge.  I was quite sure it was not just us who blocked it!  

After packing up, loading and unloading the cases to make sure everything fitted in, we departed from the Best Western Ever, and headed out towards Orlando, with a stop at the souvenir shop.  We then headed to Bucees one final time to get some coffee.  I can't tell you what I put in mine, but there was a lot!  I can't wait until we go again!

Storms hindered our progress, but we finally made it to International Drive, and Kirkman, upon the corner of which stands a Dennys that was frequented on the four times we visited Orlando.  We recalled Richard asking if he could have a burger for breakfast, and the waitress saying, "You can have anything you like, Honey.  If it's on the menu, you got it!"  He did, day after day, after day.  Our current waitress had been there during the time we were there. In fact she had worked there, on and off, for more than thirty years.  We ordered breakfast, and the smile on Samantha's face made it worth it!  It was her turn to reminisce.  We saw a hotel in which we stayed.  It was now owned by a different chain, but it still stood.  "Remember it seemed so tall" we both said.  Now, too, this one was dwarfed by others surrounding it.  Nothing stays the same, except the memories.  I was so happy I could bring her back to a place she visited as a child and where she had such happy memories.  

Heading for the airport, I thought of all the times we had left Orlando, and all the times I remember not wanting to go home!  The night flight was always packed, the people were less than polite at the baggage claim, and kids were always tired and irritable.  None of the passengers had any patience, and then there was always a pile of washing to do!  We used to go in October, or November, so when we returned it was cold, and damp, and .... well, let's not go there!  This time, we did not have to sit at the airport for three hours, waiting for our flight.  We ran in, took forever to get through security, ran to the train, ran off the train, and ran to our gate.  The plane was on time, and off we went.

Arriving back in Austin, I asked the kids what their favourite part of the holiday was.  "Best Western Ever!" said Edward.  I said mine was seeing Edward's face the first night when we walked into the room at the Best Western Ever.  Samantha said hers was the sink filling up with sandy water!  It was a great week, and I enjoyed every single minute!

Saturday was routine, but it didn't matter.  I had just been to Florida, and returned home refreshed, after a relatively short flight!  I swam and sat by the pool for a while.  Dana came down too!  We enjoyed a lovely dinner together and I was happy to be home.  Home, in Austin.

Sunday morning I picked some vegetables.  Grant had tended to the garden very well!  I made breakfast, and then went for a walk, as is the norm.  Samantha had sent me a message to say they had heard police sirens.  "Do you think they are after him?" she said.  I checked it out.  The policeman was showing signs of recovery, and the perpetrator, (or suspected perpetrator) had been caught, in Atlanta!  

I enjoyed my Sunday afternoon, and although I am not looking forward to returning to work, I feel like I have had enough of a break to recharge.  I shall not be jumping much this next week, nor body boarding, nor going to Buccees!  Instead, I shall be wondering how on earth I can compete with last week for ............ another story!