Saturday 7 March 2015

The Wanderer Returns

I am back from Florida, a mixed holiday of pleasure and worry.  As we reached our hotel we were contacted by our daughter to let us know that my Father had been rushed into hospital and was seriously ill.  We kept in touch constantly by phone but it is not the same as seeing the person, so I was quite relieved to get home and to the hospital to see him for myself.  He is now on the mend and we are hopeful he will be allowed home soon.

It was also a mixed bag of weather over in Florida, some really cold days, where coats and scarves were needed.  Not at all what we had imagined.  The sun however never let us down, it always shined through brightly if not warm.

Despite our worries we did manage to get out and about and enjoy some precious moments.  Several of our activities centred around Mount Dora one of our favourite places to be.  We enjoyed the antique extravaganza and had a ball looking for vintage buttons and patterns to add to my collection.


There was stall after stall with some real delights, a feast for the eyes.  I could have bought so much had I been able to get it all back.  I did manage to get quite a few bits and pieces, which I will share with you at a later date.

Mount Dora has so much to offer, with a beautiful town centre and lots of inviting shops to wander around.  The bench outside a craft/gift shop made my husband and I smile...
We also took a moment to step back in time and enjoyed the round trip between Tavares and Mount Dora on the Orange Blossom Cannonball steam locomotive, which has been featured in over 20 movies and TV shows.  It really was a thrilling experience!









We also managed to catch up with some friends and met at the English tea room for afternoon tea.  It was lovely to meet up and chat with Jan and Don.  Good food and good company, not enough time.


They are coming over to the UK in September so hopefully we will be able to catch up again, for a longer visit.  The tearoom was a real delight with some beautiful vintage cups/saucers and British memorabilia.  A feast for all the senses.
 
I will continue with my holiday update later as I must get ready to visit my Dad.  I will catch up with you all when I can.  Have a great weekend.
 
See you soon.
 
 
 

12 comments:

  1. I love Mt Dora! Our weather has been all over the board lately. yesterday it was 87 and today it is 55. I can't wait for spring.
    I'm glad your trip went well.
    Blessings,
    Amy Jo

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  2. I hope your Dad continues with his recovery quickly.

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  3. I'm glad that you had a reasonably good time. I hope that your Dad is much better and home again soon. Hugs. xx

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  4. Glad you had a wonderful visit, so sorry our weather wasn't a bit more cooperative. Hope your Father continues to improve. I love Mt. Dora, I have only been there once but loved it.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  5. I'm glad you were able to have some good times in spite of all the worry. I can only imagine how stressful it must have been and I hope your father is doing better now.

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  6. I am so sorry your father was ill - still ill and in hospital - while you were able to get away from winter grey cold and go to Florida. It's such a wonderful place to go. I about squealed seeing those amazing desserts - WOW! (And here I sit typing this with the biggest sweet tooth, too!) YUM!

    I will pray for your father. Keep us posted. Hugs.

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  7. I am so sorry your father was ill - still ill and in hospital - while you were able to get away from winter grey cold and go to Florida. It's such a wonderful place to go. I about squealed seeing those amazing desserts - WOW! (And here I sit typing this with the biggest sweet tooth, too!) YUM!

    I will pray for your father. Keep us posted. Hugs.

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  8. I am so sorry about your dear dad, my friend...please know he is in my prayers!

    It looks like you had a lovely time :) The "Husband" bench is too cute! Have a beautiful Sunday! Thinking of you....

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  9. Great pictures !!!! It looks like you had a wonderful time ! Great bench and yummy cake !
    I'm sorry about your dad...
    Hug
    Anna

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  10. I'm glad your Dad is on the mend and despite the worry you still managed to have a lovely holiday.

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