30th October 2016

This morning was a lot less rushed as have taken the morning off so that we could visit Celebration, a pretty town about 20 minutes away from here. They hold a Sunday Farmers Market which I thought the others might enjoy for a change. The journey there is along the uninspiring 92 road which is fairly awful but Celebration itself is lovely.

Before I left I rang my Mum and had a great chat and then rang Allan's Dad who told me he couldn't talk as he was just about to eat his dinner... I had misjudged the time as forgot the clocks had changed in the .U.K. last night as they don't until next week here. Seems he has been fretting about it all day so have just rung him again to put his mind at rest!

We arrived about 10.35 and made our way to .Starbucks for a coffee and even more importantly to meet up with Ted, Marilyn's husband who have driven down the scenic route from Boston in his Porsche. He has booked into a hotel for two nights as I think the thought of spending too much time with the four of us might make him crazy! A stroll around the craft market followed where
Lolly bought a coupl of bits of jewellery and Pauline and Marilyn had a BIT of fn and games with some melons. Photos will follow.

I had booked a table at a The Colombia restaurant where I have had two very good meals before, it was.okay. This time was slightly disappointed but it was edible and of course the company was great.

Dessert was taken up the road a little at an ice cream parlour, very nice it was too.

Not long returned from tonight's shift which was Candyland, basically it was let the children play games, solve riddles and fill their bags with as many 'candies' as possible. We had fun as always

The best moment of tonight when a returning family, that means their child has had a wish granted previously and the village welcomes them back anytime to use the facilities but not stay at the village. They had with them some printed cards which they gave to Marilyn and myself,... it had a picture of their child, who was a twin, that said.... Make A Wish, Thank You for making Mr T' s Wish Extra Special... it was a hug moment and wash my eyeball moment too.

I think at this point it might be pertinent to tell people that it may sound that we are having a good time, we are but we are also helping to make memories for families. Mr T is a fine example of this.

It is difficult to explain our feelings to be honest but we are 4 ladies who are both having and making fun and that is giving us an enormous amount of pleasure. 

29th October 2016

Yet again an early start for both Marilyn and myself as we both had an early shift.....or had we? Well after a very bleary eyed  visit to the bathroom  this morning I was doubtful she would make the morning shift, but no, Marilyn is a trooper and she was showered, dressed and ready to go in time to leave for our 8 am start.  Just before we were about to leave a little plaintiff  voice could be heard from her room " oh no, I haven't got a shift this morning, and I checked last night as well"

Can I apologise most profusely Marilyn for my shockingly unkind laughter at your error!!! A decision was then made that we would both go as we were sure something could be offered. Velvetann was in volunteer services and a job was found in the Castle of Miracles where Stellar the Star Fairy resides and where she places the wish children's star in her tower where it stays  for eternity. Marilyn loved this and enthused about the stars and Fairy Stellar all day

My shift was as the photographer,s assistant (no change there then) at Keaton's  Korral. Twice a week, Larry and Pam bring their horses and skill plus lots of cowboy hats so that every child has the opportunity to ride on either JoJo or Ginger for two laps around the Korral and receives a cowboy hat. Larry, it is said where's his dark sunglasses so that no one can see the tears that sometimes fall. Pam will sit behind the saddle holding very carefully  any child who needs support. Children in wheelchairs can ride too, it was wonderful watching their smiles and at times, their giggles! Not that I had much time as  I had to take down each child's vill number and then the number of the shots that had been taken by Billy, my photographer. It did need a lot of concentration and my brain hurt by the finish, but I did it, I hope correctly.

Returning to the villa we sat by the pool for a while with Pauline and Lolly before going to Walmart for a few BITS ( that is for Marilyn as she finds my use of the word very amusing, seems I use it quite a BIT) Another lovely lunch, a bit of quiet time and then it was back for the evening shift.

Tonight we were all together and along with Papa Bear and Mama Bear we were the only volunteers for the show which is a new one one called Ready, Set, Think.  We had such fun, even though we outnumbered the contestants and audience for the majority of the time. It was a press the buzzer game answering questions from film and music. One lad, a wish child, knew most of the answers and when I spoke to his lovely Mum she told me he had a photographic memory and attended a top Art and Drama school. He was great!

After the game finished we had almost as much fun helping get set up for tomorrow's Ms Merry's Tea party. Pretty cups and saucers, plates, Tea Pots, tiaras all mismatched but all very pretty were taken through to the .Tearoom, we sang  lots of  'cuppa ' tea songs and laughed a lot.

I do have photographs but have not worked out how to add them on here yet but there are some on Facebook.

Back to villa for our evening wind down over a drink, not tea, and cheeses and biscuits before bed. I did not manage any of the blog last night but woke at 438 am to write this, might have a cup of coffee now and then try to get back to sleep for a BIT as we are all taking the morning off to go to Celebration to the Farmers market, have a spot ( that's like a bit Marilyn) of lunch and then meet up with the lovely Ted for lunch at the Columbia restaurant. Ted is .Marilyn's husband who thinks he is going to whisk her away from us tomorrow afternoon, but we are not going to let her go!

28th October

Continued

5.10 am now but continuing blog unfinished last night as sleep was needed.

Party tonight was called Once Upon A Village but to me it was almost identical to the
Pirates and Princess party of previous trips so I must confess to choosing what I thought was the best job on the previous evening as Derek was the host for both parties, think it was called gentle persuasion, alright it was begging! The four of us were doing make-overs, Marilyn and I worked on Princesses, Pauline on Pirates and Lolly on Mermaids.. . I think the prize for the best artist has to go to Lolly with Pauline a very close second, amazing work with the equipment we had available. Myself, I think might put my hand up for a different job next week! This year my tattoos were fine and I did not have to put one on a Mums chest as I did last year.

I missed seeing some of the volunteers that were usually there on this shift. 2 of the fantastic pirates were not there, they did really make it fun, but things sometimes have to change I suppose.

Pauline and Lolly tonight were awarded their ' official ' volunteers lanyard so it is official that we are all now official! Much to celebrate

Once back at the villa we sat outside talking and laughing  about all sorts of things for a couple of hours and I am so delighted that my three companions love this place as much as I do and feel the magic of it as much as I do.

Another day to look forward to now.

28th October 2016

Another early start as Marilyn and I were on breakfast in Nancy's Kitchen, both Marilyn and I put up our hands for hot food servers thinking we might be together, that didn't happen we were told where to go and what to do in no uncertain terms - funny how the different days shifts doing the same jobs are still very different. Today serving the hot breakfast was fine as far as the families were concerned but at one point I had to turn my face away as I was very close to tears - partly I guess due to anger but suspect it was more  due to a release of different emotions that you come across while at the village.

Now breaking news for Debbie, a gentleman of diminutive stature came into breakfast..... yes Tito was there and after I said hello and reminded him of our meeting last year he said 'yes', I do remember you. He also said he couldn't wait to see you next week Debbie. Now just how excited are you! shuffle, shuffle xxx😂

Early afternoon we went off shoe hunting and for a diblunch ( dinner/lunch). Unfortunately my blood sugar had a bit  of a dip so the shoe hunt went out of the window for me and we went back n search of diblunch. We went to Applebee's where Marilyn and I ate the other other evening  and enjoyed, but today in  3 words " it was rubbish , We waited far too little long  and 2 of the meals were absolutely dreadful . They were sent back but the replacements weren't a huge lot better. Ah well, you win some, you lose some...we lost?

This evenings shift was a re evolved version of Pirates and .princess party .

Okay more in the morning as sleep is need xxx

27 th October 2016

Another early start as had to finish yesterday's blog off before showering and washing my hair ready for our 8 o'clock start at the village. Had a good sleep too.

Today was Carousel operators for Marilyn and myself. P & L  were not on shift this morning but Pauline dropped us off so that she a Lolly could go and investigate helicopter flights.

We were fairly busy this morning as well probably due to the fact that Mickey, Minnie and Belle were in to meet the children,  One slight disappointment this morning was that we could not get one child onto the ride so his wheelchair was too big, we tried really hard but it wasn't safe, he apparently has a smaller chair with him so hopefully he does get his ride. The grandma of the little girl who sang 'my mothers broken heart'  was there with two of her grandchildren and we had a chat as the little girl had a fever and had been taken to the hospital, hopefully just for some antibiotics. I was told that last year had been very traumatic for the older two children as their mummy had passed away, literally overnight and their sister has a grade four cancer...... we hugged as words were not enough. Grandma had moved in with them and ckearly they adored her as much as she did them.

P & L came to pick us up  at 11 when me returned to the villa, they had been doing some research on helicopter rides and we all decided to give it a go in the afternoon. We left to go to the helipad at 3  where we had to go through the indignity of being weighed, fortunately nothing was announced! $35 pp didn't seem too bad and I did look to check their safety records first. Our trip was over Old Town, Disney, when Pauline asked how old was it, the pilot wasn't sure but guesses it must be as long ago as the 60's. Pretty ancient then.,!!  It wasn't a long ride... 7 minutes in fact.

It was just Marilyn and myself for the evening shift so as we left P & L sipping their gin and tonics, we went off to Winter Wonderland for another fun party. A shortage of volunteers tonight which was a shame because both Pauline and Lolly had asked if there was a shift available and were told no, I mentioned this to Shaun, who was running tonight's party and he said in  future just turn up. My job tonight was  the Igloo Game, hm yes I am still not sure what that meant but there were a ton  of blue rectangular boxes and the children built them to resemble igloos as snow was expected tonight. The best was done by a Mum, it was brilliant and when I told her so she said she had spent a lot of time playing lego with her boys. Marilyn was on Frames... the children used lots of glue and sparkles to make pictures in an made up frame, she was very busy but very successful. We had a lot of snow too tonight, made for a lot of custard pie type of fun and lots of laughs.

My usual job as Santa's big elf was no longer as they had changed the format of the party and Santa was in a different place and started at 430, fortunately I have managed to change Debbie and my shift to this for next week as Leidy insisted. I did have on my reindeer ears today and snowman earrings which the children seemed to enjoy.forgot my tinsel though, feel a trip to Target coming on.

Got back to the villa about 10 I think and we all sat outside round the pool to wind down before bed. Fully intended to write my blog before sleep but afraid this is a 530 am one. Must do better.

26th October 2016

It should have been an early start as my alarm was set for 545am but for some reason it did not off and I was woken at 620 by Marilyn tapping on the door, thank goodness she did! We made it in time, it was breakfast today, Marilyn was on waffles, which made me keep wanting to break out into song............ Birds Eye Potato Waffles, there waffelly versatile!! I was on trays which was lovely, helping the families to their tables which was great as there was mostly time to chat to the lovely people. Service started very slowly but by 9.30 it all picked up with a few stragglers still arriving just before10 as we closed.

There were a few birthdays today, one in particular choked us up. A little girl in a wheelchair with no obvious signs of understanding actually smiled as we sang to her it wasn't only me that noticed it either. Eye ball washing time again Debbie!

I showed Marilyn around the Castle of Miracles and a few other places before we made our way to Walmart to get more supplies and then back home to the villa where we sat round the pool and had a really tasty lunch made by P & L

Our shift tonight was the fabulous Village Idol which we all loved! The new venue for the show was so impressive, previous years it has been held in Julie's Safari theatre but now we are in the Town Hall which has a  very professional looking stage and even more professional  beautiful lighting. The children who performed could have their ' make-over' done, tattoos and spray hair colours using stencils- these last two points were a seller for a couple of reluctant young lads while we went round trying to recruit contestants and judges, they immediately signed up. The children could also make their back stage pass.

Every act was wonderful, how brave they all were! We only had the one Let it Go  tonight, there was also a hoopla Hooper, 2 bongo drummers, a couple of gymnasts, a dancer, and a couple of singers. One little girl sang a song called ' My Mothers Broken Heart,  no backing music because it was a song she had made up herself, seems she is always doing that. It was brilliant, it had words that flowed and a melodious tune, she couldn't have been more that 5 or 6..

P & L were stage ushers, getting the children on and off the stage safely and calming their nerves. Pauline told of one little girl who was very worried but she helped her by holding her hand and walking her up to the stage, it worked a treat too. Marilyn and I were also stage persons, we held up the prompt signs which had on them- Applause, Standing Ovation and Laugh, not that they were needed as all the audience did that anyway!! As always, everyone was a winner and I had the important nod of pressing a button to set off the streamers when this was announced. One young lady on the stage almost jumped out of her skin when this happened as it was right behind her.

A brilliant evening we all agreed and when we got back to the villa we sat outside with some cheese and biscuits and a glass of something and chatted away about all our feelings, not just from the evening but about how we all agreed that despite our fears that the village might be too sad, we were wrong, it really is one of the happiest places ever.

Night xx

25 th  October 201
Well as I said it was an early start this morning,  I checked in at volunteer services and then went straight to the dining room to see what was in store for me. We were very short of volunteers today it seems, a few regulars of which I was classed as one as did not need trading, the others were even to told to ask the regulars if they needed help.!

My job this morning was serving the delicious looking hot food, delicacies included....cheese omele, they lay in the dish slightly overlapping but it is not easy to separate them. Scrambled egg also proved popular today. Other accompaniments include salsa, a very orange cheese sauce, peppers with onions , mushrooms, pancakes with hot or cold syrup, biscuits with or without gravy, French toast fingers, fried potatoes, sausages, bacon and grits. Portion size was recommended and mostly adhered to but there were a few people who asked for and got extra.

Afraid I caused a bit of a stir when I accidentally sent a few melamine bowls crashing to the floor, it created quite a loud noise and people turned in my direction.... well what could I do apart from smile, wave and curtsy... this caused them to applaud me so I think I got away with it. Thank goodness it wasn't something that would smash into pieces as that would have made a mess.

Got back to the villa just before 11 and am now waiting (well as I am writing this at nearly 2 pm) for Marilyn to arrive. Marilyn and I met at the gates of a safari park in Zimbabwe and both Allan and I enjoy hers and Ted's company very much. We have had several get together s since, twice in the Uk and once in Boston MA. I know Marilyn will enjoy her week here volunteering with us and looking forward to seeing Ted also when he arrives here next week by car. Marilyn has flown down.

Now where have Pauline and Lolly gone this morning, answer is, off in search of some tonic water. What good is their 2 litres of gin without tonic water?? We did look the night of our arrival but maybe we were too tired to see it. Pauline, having mastered the art of getting the key out of the ignition of the hire car is in charge of the driving, the sat nav is set up for where they are exploring and the address of the villa is in there too, so fingers crossed they make it back .

Up date on a very successful trip by P & L , tonic water purchased and they had a great trip to what looked like a delightful park in Orlando, Lake Eola, saw their pictures of beautiful sculpture too, looked amazing.

Marilyn has arrived and it was like we see each other every day, slipping very comfortably into chat and friendship. How lucky are we 🤗

All four of us went to the village for our shift at Mayor Claytons surprise birthday party. P&L were on the skittles game, it looked a lot of fun and the children loved it. Marilyn was helping the children make  birthday cards for the mayor and I was on throwing ping pong balls in to the fish bowl, a bit backbreaking stuff as I had to keep picking up the balls off the floor for the children. Good fun though for us all. There was a fairly large group from Hasbro toys, who already do a lot to support the charity. A lot of toys are donated to give to the children, not just with the daily toy each child receives in their villa but also a large part of the weekly Christmas event. They came laden with goody bags filled with gifts tonight too.

My highlight tonight was meeting a 22 year old Japanese guy, who has taught himself English since he arrived at GKTW 10 months ago. He has a vision and dream to build a village like at GKTW back in Japan. He was so enthusiastic that I truly believe he will one day achieve his dream.

Marilyn and I went off in search of something to eat after we finished our shift, trouble was I knew not of where to go, we ended up at Applebee's and had a burger which was quite tasty. We, however went a little than was necessary on our way home as I missed the Walmart turning! Sorry Marilyn.

Right, almost midnight now and Marilyn and I need to be out of the house a little after 7 for our breakfast shift,  so I shall say goodnight. Apologies for all the mistakes as too tired to check through.

24th October 2016


A brilliant day today!

We all woke fairly early, I was wide awake by 4 am so in essence I have slept 4 hours since 4am Sunday morning.

We left the villa to do the grand tour of the village just before 10am and to iron out Pauline and Lolly's shift. I think both the ladies loved the village and have just asked them did it meet their expectations or did exceed... Pauline thought it was very clean and beautifully maintained and better than she had expected, not at all tacky. Lolly it was lovely as she had expected. I am delighted as  always as bit of a worry that people won't enjoy it as much as I do.

Now this morning P&lL were going to drive back to the villa while I did my shift in the beautiful ice cream parlour but, guess what, they were asked if they could do the same shift too. We had a great time, slow patches but then all of a sudden there was a crowd. The Oreo Cookie machine is still not functioning properly, last year Debbie and I tried to fix but only managed to swamp the flooring with  Oreo crumbs, so today I didn't even try!

Our shift finished at 3 so well so we made an executive  not to return to the villa but to find instead the Longhorn Steak House to have a meal there, it was absolutely delicious  mainly because we were so hungry. A very quick turnaround happened and we were back for our evening shift for 455 pm.
Tonight was Halloween for me but helping with family's meals in Nancy!s Kitchen. I went over to say hello to Nancy too, the real one after whom the restaurant was named,.

One of the highlights  for me today was seeing lots of people who remembered me and who seemed pleased  to see me as well.

 My job this evening was as a greeter, it was very busy outside and all the families were delightful. I didn't recognise any of the entertainment staff that were made n tonight, think there has been a big change over time of staff.  Bumped in to a few from last year but they now have different roles at GKTW

We got back to the villa at around 930 and sat and talked through the day for ages, I was quite tired so went to bed around 1030 with the aim of finishing the blog but my eyes kept closing so I gave n a went to sleep so am finishing it this morning. Apologies for the delay xxx

We all shared  a few stories of the day

Pauline:- loved the ice cream parlour as the families could have whatever ice cream they desired . A lady asked her what the sweetener was in the sugar free ice cream.  Trying to find out from the big tubs labels was unsuccessful and worried the lady might have an allergy..but no, she went for the sugar free ice cream and then had whipped cream, caramel fudge sauce and chocolate sauce with M &M sprinkle on top.  Reminds me of the person who went into McDonalds , oredered. Big Mac with double fries  and a DIET coke

Lolly:- amazed at how many families were reluctant to accept help with carry their trays in Nancy's  kitchen. One lady protested that she could manage and when told, no that's what the volunteers were there to help, said back to her with a tremor in her voice......."but no one ever helps me".

When I was to,d that  I washed my eyeballs  Debbie!

Both the ladies loved the Castle of Miracles and the villa importance of the stars around the tower and ceiling

Well I am sure I have missed but still out but I need to get going as am on breakfast duty this morning and need to get a wriggle tomorrow on.

23rd October 2016

An early start this morning with a 545 pick up from Ian to drive to Uppingham to collect Pauline and Lolly, an easy trip down to Gatwick and fairly straightforward journey through to departures, time for coffee and toast and a stroll around before going to the lounge where we boarded straight away.

Upstairs again on the plane with myself in the emergency exit row by the window. Great as not always only plenty of legroom but also a convenient compartment by my side which took my bag full of bits and bobs. Pauline and Lolly 3 rows behind. Immediately on boarding I had a word - as I always do - to the stewardess and told her what we were travelling for and would of be possible for a glass of bubbly. It turns out that the young lady had a wish granted herself when she was 12 years old and went to Disney, Paris for her wish, she had a kidney disease but seemed very well now, must be to pass the medical to be an air stewardess. Small world isn't it!

 Sitting next to a guy from Essex who is travelling with his 3 children, wife, brother and in laws, they have been saving for 4 years to bring the children to Disney. Seems he comes from West Ham and knew the school I had taught at there, he also said he went to the next school which was for bad boys as he was one of those!!! Seems lovely now though as did his children, just goes to show, never tar a child as being a problem child.

Oh dear, just hit an air pocket while I was holding a glass in my hand, poor bloke and I got soaked in lager! Fortunately we both laughed, it was quite a dip though!

5 hours to go andI might just scream a little and possible throw the 3 children out of the plane! I have feet one side of me and I am being kicked to death, the little girl is crawling along the window locker space and the other child is spread on the floor using the leg space I paid extra for...... grrr, I do like children really but.........

2.00 am UK time now, have arrived, villa seems fine  been to Walmart for some food but by the time we got back decided we could not be bothered, a cup of tea for Pauline, a glass of wine and some bread a cheese for Lolly and some crisps and a glass, or maybe two of prosecco for me.

Major catastrophe though, I seem to have come without a lot of my insulin, have been in a state of panic but think I have a solution as am hoping the girls can post it to Debbie who is coming out of the 2nd so fingers crossed she will bring it for me.

My biggest worry was how could I possibly have made such a mistake but I think I have now worked how it may have happened, I had my bag searched at Heathrow, seems I should have put my mascara in my clear plastic bag. He threw my stuff around and I think that can be the only explanation because I would never have made a mistake like that.

Well truly tired now, so goodnight.off to the Village for first shift at 12  at the Ice  Cream Parlour.

22nd October 2016

Well what a busy day today and  yes, I finally managed to get packed, albeit not until about 2pm, finished by 3 pm though and my case is actually lighter than Allan's!

Can someone please explain to me why I cannot go away and leave anything unwashed or dirty.
This morning I got up early and cleaned the cooker, did some ironing. Allan changed and remade the bed for me, all washed and ironed now as well. Tonight we are in old clothes and everything has been washed and is ready for ironing

10.15 we met up with Lucy and our three beautiful granddaughters in Costa before I went off for,  a first for me...... a manicure with gel nail varnish, compliments of Hanna, thank you darling! I had such a great time in there as well. As usually happens in Oakham there were several people I knew in there so we talked a lot, difficult to imagine me doing that I know as I am so shy, I was so delighted with my nails that I popped in to a shop and got some nail gel base, gel and top coat that matches my nails perfectly so this evening have had a pedicure courtesy of Allan 😘❤️😘👍

An early start tomorrow, pick up for airport at 545 am for a great three weeks for both Allan and myself. Bhutan for Allan and Florida for me. 8,500 miles and 10 hours difference time wise apart but we will both have an amazing time of that I am sure .

Night

21st October 2016

Okay, two days before we are off and no, I still haven't packed!

I have however had my haircut...thank you Lindsay. Martha came around and had hers done too while Edith and Hattie both smiled their approval watching from their view points on the kitchen table

A trip to Costa was next on the agenda to meet up with Hanna, Mark and Evie as they were going away for the weekend  and I wouldn't be seeing them until my return.

Yes, I should have returned home to pack then but I didn't , I needed to get a letter from Make A Wish, thanking the people who donated the fantastic sum of £563 last weekend in my bucket collection as I wanted it displayed in Tesco's before I left- it should be up on Monday

Lots to do tomorrow, have a list and packing is on it somewhere, honestly!

20th October 2016

Still a couple of days left to pack so thought I would tell or remind those people who read this of the reason I am off to Give Kids The World - my fourth year in fact.

The title of my blog is not that I think I am an Angel - far from it in fact, but that is the name given to the people that volunteer at this wonderful place and probably the only time I can be referred to as an Angel.

Give Kids The World - from now on GKTW is a place where there has now been 30 Years of Happiness and Hope. A special place where whole families with a child suffering from a life-threatening illness can stay for 1 week.

I could write lots and  lots  but have a look at their website to find out lots more, its worth it!

 www.givekidstheworld.org

Give Kids The World Village is a 79-acre, nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides weeklong, cost-free vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

The Village and its community partners provide children and their families accommodations in fully-furnished villas, transportation, tickets to theme parks, meals, daily entertainment and much more.

Each year 27,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Half of all children eligible for a wish through a partnering wish-granting organization choose to visit Central Florida and its collection of theme parks and other attractions.

Our goal, quite simply, is to provide everything these deserving families need to make their trip the vacation of a lifetime. Since 1986, more than 146,000 children and families have had their dreams fulfilled in a whimsical Village unlike any other place on earth.

19th October 2016

Here I go again, yes that's correct, in 3 days time I will be back at Give Kids The World. My fourth year and Allan has likened me to the Pied Piper because this year I have 3 new people joining me.

On the 2nd June at 733 am   I had a question about a post I had put on my Facebook page that I was returning and did anyone fancy joining me as I had a four bedroom villa.  About 8 am I had a private message from Pauline,  a lady I barely knew, we had daughters in common as my Hanna and her Danielle had both gone to the Stamford High School  together and having finished their degrees had returned to Oakham and shared a flat and then a house together.. Within  a few hours, Pauline had not only booked her flight but had also booked for her friend Lolly to come too, both staying the full three weeks. Like me, impulsive so hopefully that bodes well for a fun time together!

My lovely Debbie is returning again this year for 12 days and also Marilyn for a spell too! Debbie I met on a cruise 9 years ago, we reunited last year when she joined me at GKTW and was big trouble so I know we will have a great time again. Marilyn and I met on a safari in Zimbabwe in 2012, have met several times since and are indeed kindred spirits, Marilyn is a US citizen and lives in Boston, Massachusetts . More about these two in their days with me to come! 

Can't wait........... just the packing saga to go yet.

More tomorrow, just wanted to check my blogging skills still worked