Jill- end of first week

Hi everyone - thought the next instalment was overdue.

After my husband (Chris) arrived on Saturday we decided to eat nearby and the closest for us is Cracker Barrel on the 27. We arrived there pretty early for us, around 7pm, and the place was heaving. Not sure why that was, so had to wait for a table for around 20 minutes. Enjoyed some biscuits with steak, mushrooms and jacket potato. Back to the villa by 9pm and unfortunately Chris decided to give me some bad news regarding our 8 year old dog - a miniature schnauzer. I had taken her to the vet before I came away because she seemed very thirsty all the time, so had an idea she may be diabetic. Unfortunately, it's a bit more serious. She has something called Cushings disease, which can't be cured, an infection in her uterus and a small cancerous lump on her chest. I never thought for one minute she was that ill and was obviously shocked. Chris has arranged for my mum and dad to stay at our house with her. The strange thing is, she is quite happy, and the vet said to talk to her once I'm back home. Not nice news but I know she is in good hands[msnsad]

Sunday - decided to head for Seaworld, we needed to pick up our annual passes and thought we would spend most of the day there. The sky was very overcast, so jeans and jumpers were called for. However, by the time we arrived the sun came out and it ended up being the hottest day so far. Fortunately we'd dressed in layers and some of them came off. Headed straight for Blue Horizons - brilliant as usual - and then for the free beer. Had a trip around Wild Arctic and some coffee and cakes before we left. Back to the villa for a drink around the pool and later we went for chinese at Chris' request.

Monday - a cloudy/partly rainy day had been forecast and unfortunately it was correct. Headed for Florida Mall. After a few hours there and parting with copious amount of money - Macys, Victorias Secret etc. we left. The rain had stopped so decided to go to Downtown Disney, we hadn't been there for a number of years and thought we'd see if anything had changed. We were feeling hungry by now and decided to try 'The Earl of Sandwich', it was quite chilly and we fancied the hot beef sandwiches. These were really delicious, good value and I highly recommend them. We started to walk around but the heavens opened again so we headed back to the car and villa. Tonight we decided to try Outback and were very pleased with both the food and service. I had chicken and Chris had ribs and chicken platter.

Tuesday - woke up to clear blue sunny skies, thank goodness[msnsmile2] We were waiting to see the MC today to talk over some details so the morning was always going to be by the villa. Chris decided to cut some trees and plants back to a reasonable height. Had some sandwiches and drinks by the pool for lunch. Headed out to seaworld for the afternoon to see Shamu - the stadium was packed. Unfortunately, the show was nowhere near as good as usual, we have seen it many times but unless you found people getting wet entertaining then you would have been disappointed. They are organising a new show, called Believe, starting in May and are making a lot of changes to the stadium. Think this may have something to do with it. Consoled ourselves with more free beer and had pictures taken with the Bud donkey and horses. As we walked back across the lake there was a music and water show that we hadn't seen before - again think they may have been trialling this. The sun was still high in the sky, so back to the villa to soak up the last few rays. My 16 year old son rang to let me know all was OK with him, his grandparents, and the dog.[msnsmile2] Decided to try Houghlihans(sp?) tonight. I ordered the shrimp and scampi, which was a pasta dish served with garlic and cheese. It was quite tasty but the shrimp was overcooked and I never did find the scampi[confused] Chris had a burger - which was OK but nothing special. We intend to head for MGM and Epcot tomorrow - early start, late finish

You've packed a lot in to your week Jill!

I hope your dog's condition improves.

We've normally had good food and service at Houlihans, disappointed to hear they didn't hold up to their reputation.[msnoo]

We looked at the Earl of Sandwich but ended up going elsewhere but might give it a go next time. Where did you go for your chinese?

It's great to hear news from someone who's in Florida, it brightens up our day.

ALR

great to hear from you Jill, and very sorry to hear about the dog, love hearing about the shopping and seaworld especially as its our favourite park!!!
keep it coming!![msnwink]

Nice reading Jill,

Hope your dog is alright!!

Outback...love it[msnwink][msnwink]. cant wait to go back there[msnsmile2]

Sorry to hear about your dog Jill [msnsad]

Great report - looking forward to more [msnsmile]

Love the trip report - thanks for sharing.

So sorry to hear about your dog Jill.

You sound like you are having a great time, nice to read your reports.

Karen

Another great instalment Jill, sorry to hear about your dog though.