Middle of the week already

Well it's the middle of the week already. Monday's trip to BG was great. We started out early, eight a.m. to Tampa and a relatively easy drive. We were there when the gates opened and got set up for our safari. Mike and I went in one direction and the Doreys went in the other with plans to meet up at eleven to be together for the planned adventure. We saw such interesting animals, particularly the kangaroos who can run/hop at an unbelivable speed. Almost too fast to really see. The highlight of the trip was the safari which was only a half hour long but it was the first oppoirtunity I have ever had to feel a giraffe and to be close enough to look one of these creatures in the eye. Of course they know that when the truck comes with 20 people standing in the back, that they have lettuce in their hands and it's snack time. They love to eat out of your hands and will slobber over you if you aren't careful. Additionally they are so elegant!! We were told to scratch behind their ears or rub their necks but not to touch their faces because they don't like that. There were several giraffes who came immediately to the truck and some that stood off and watched. Of course we saw many other animals on this sarangheti (sp?) but the highlight was definitely the giraffes. After lunch we separated again and Mike and I took the train around the park twice and he had a nap...on the train. We also took the sky train across the park and got to see things from quite a high vantage point. My acrophobia was under control except for one stretch where the cable car went up quickly and steeply and I sat with my eyes closed for a few moments just to regain my comfort level. We left the park at three thirty and it felt good to get home.

Tuesday morning we headed over to see Bonnie and Peter in Wesley Chapel. I kept a dentist appt first thing that morning and had a check up of my jaw.After some poking and digging I find that it feels much better. No need to go into that. Anyway Bonnie and Peter are wonderful hosts and of course, Bonnie is a great cook. She fed us a most interesting and delicious lunch and then we played some bridge just to say we did!! Home in time for supper which we didn't need and in fact didn't eat!!

Then today...the middle of the week. We headed to Claremont to play golf, about an hour's drive. Nice course but more difficult than Royal St Cloud. Of course the weather is wonderful and with the low humidity, it was a great day to be outdoors. Teed off just around nine. We picked Chris up after  work and headed to 4910 and after a brief visit, went to a new dining locale...The Pub at Pointe Orlando. What a swell place!! The appetizers were delicious: Laura wanted to try a scotch egg; we had deep fried pickles which were SO GOOD and also a goat cheese dip which was yummy. This pub is an English style eatery so three orders of bangers and mash and an order of fish and chips came next. The bread pudding with whisky sauce polished it all off and of course, there were interesting and unusual drinks and beer. I would go back tomorrow! I have pictures and in the next day or so I will get them included here. The decor is appealing as is the food.

We are all pretty tired tonight. On our way back from The Pub, there was a mammoth traffic jam between here and Orlando. A notice was flashing that there were completely blocked lanes 16 miles ahead and we didn't think that we would get caught in it as we were only eight miles from our exit but we were right in it for sure. The last few miles were totally stop and go. It took us just over an hour for a drive that can take 25 minutes on a good day. Very Very Ugly. NOnetheless we got back safe and sound. Played some bridge and it's now time for bed.

Tomorrow over to see Roger and Maureen. The Smith Kids are at the beach so we will probably see them as well. Supper with the Pictou County vacationers around 5 and then back here. I am not doing anything on Friday. Will get the pictures up and caught up at that time.

Thanks for stopping by and I will be back!!!