Anniston 16 July 2024 - Lego build day 3 - completion

Today must be the final day of the build, or it will not be finished on time.

	At Timestamp: 20240716_102333 we look at the tasks to be completed today, the bags are laid on the table with the shuttle as it is built so fay.
	At Timestamp: 20240716_105442 more of the tail is built
	At Timestamp: 20240716_113306 the cargo bay doors from the unnumbered bag are installed. Time Taken: 70 minutes
	At Timestamp: 20240716_154424, bag 14 is started
	At Timestamp: 20240716_162811, bag 14 is complete, and the cockpit surround has been built.
	At Timestamp: 0240716_162844 bag 15 is started
	At Timestamp: 20240716_170101 bag 15 is complete, the tail is built. Time taken for these bags, 77 minutes
	At Timestamp: 20240716_171826 bag 16 is started
	At Timestamp: 20240716_175329 bag 16 is complete Time taken: 35 minutes
	At Timestamp: 20240716_214226 the final bags are started
	At Timestamp: 20240716_220633 the shuttle is complete! Time taken: 24 minutes

Time taken for all today's build: 206 minutes (3 hours 26 minutes).  This is an amazing effort, the focus and concentration dropped a little at the end, but we got there!

Lunch today was at 'Rocket', a BBQ restaurant.  The food was amazing and the portions typically American plus-sized.  While we were eating lunch, the storm briefly cut the power in the restaurant and at home.

Anniston 15 July 2024 - Lego build day 2 and a visit from friends

Today is primarily a Lego Build Day

	Timestamp: 20240715_100835. Stickers are something that Robbie does not like.  Neither do I, so he has decided to only apply the essential visible stickers.  We start today by building the stand for the shuttle.
	Timestamp: 20240715_104211.  The stand is complete.  Time taken: 34 minutes
	Timestamp: 20240715_112614.  Now we have built the first part of the wing Time taken:  44 minutes
	Timestamp: 20240715_114718.  After a short break, we begin work on bag 6.
	Timestamp: 20240715_121002.  Bag 6 has completed the base frame for the shuttle, and we now have a good idea of its overall size.  Time taken:  23 minutes
	Timestamp: 20240715_131853. After a break for lunch, we are about to get underway again.
	Timestamp: 20240715_140251. Some of the wing has been filled in. In a later bag, the fixings of these blue plates would cause us a problem, and the removal of them and some re-work to re-position pieces under them would make the wing more solid. Time taken: 44 minutes
	Timestamp: 20240715_140755.  Bag 8 had been opened in error earlier than it should have been.  We had attempted to separate out the pieces correctly, but this bag really had us holding our breath.
	Timestamp: 20240715_143606.  Bag 8 was completed without incident. Time taken: 29 minutes
	Timestamp: 20240715_173555.  Time for bag 9 - with a dot under the number to distinguish it from bag 6.
	Timestamp: 20240715_175918.  The wings are now completed, but one side does not sit completely flat.  The reason for this is noted above. Time Taken: 20 minutes
	Timestamp: 20240715_184255. Now the engines have been added. Time Taken: 42 minutes
	Timestamp: 20240715_204129.  The rear infrastructure behind the cargo bay has been added.  The start picture is missing, but this bag was not too difficult, so I am going to estimate 30 minutes. Time Taken: 30 minutes (est)

Total time building the shuttle today is 266 minutes or 4 hours 26 minutes. 

Other things that happened today:

Two of Karen's teacher friends visited us.  It was good to meet them and to know that she has already made some good friends during her short time in her new school.  Karen had made scones, and we discussed cream teas a little.  Jam first, or cream?  The answer is here https://www.seriouseats.com/british-cream-tea-correct-order-5225936 part of which is repeated below:

Devonians lay claim to the first ever cream tea being served in Tavistock Abbey in the 11th century. Following Viking raids in the year 997, the Abbey was damaged and had to be restored. Fragments of manuscripts written by monks from this time, and discovered by local Devonian historians, tell us that the Earl of Devon, Ordulf, rewarded his workers with bread, clotted cream, and a strawberry preserve. At some point down the line, the bread was replaced with scones and the cream tea was realized. This, according to Devonians, was the original cream tea and was served cream first and then jam, and still is today—the right way, if you ask me. Devonians say the cream is like butter and forms the base of the scone “sandwich.” 

Which ever way you choose does not affect the taste, and all of us agreed the scones were very good.  Other English topics were covered a little, as was our general family history, but I'm not going to repeat those stories here!

There was also a little discussion of ex-president Trump, as he was shot yesterday.

Anniston 13 & 14 July 2024 - A sporting day

13 July

We got Maiev back from the kennels, she had just been bathed and still had the classic repugnant 'wet-dog' smell.  Her damp fur stuck to your fingers when you stroked her.  She seemed happy enough.

Otherwise, a quiet day to recover from the long drive.

14 July

Well, a sport's watching day, mainly.  With the men's Wimbledon final, Alcaraz beat Jokavitch, the Euros' football final, Spain beat England, and the Americas Soccer final Argentina beat Columbia, it was a day spent largely in front of the TV.

We also went shopping for two Lego sets:

The space shuttle discovery, with the Hubble telescope for Robbie and I.  

A bunch of roses for Madelyn and Jo.

I will take a picture at the start and end of each bag, so that we can estimate the time taken.

Here's how we started:

	At timestamp 20240714_163301 we had the bags out of the big box and on the table, where construction will occur.  There are 17 numbered bags, one unnumbered bag and one bag with the same number as another.  The box is rated 18+.  Here we have the two children and all the bags, nicely sorted into their numerical order.
	At timestamp 20240714_165100, construction has begun.  So far, only the stand for the Hubble telescope has been assembled.  In the background, at the far end of the table, is a Lego heads puzzle that we bought at Lego land. Time taken: 18 minutes.
	At timestamp 20240714_174351, the Hubble telescope construction is complete enough to put on the stand.
	At timestamp 20240714_182201, the Hubble build is complete. Time taken:39 minutes

Total build time for today: 57 minutes

Florida 12 July 2024 - Purity

We were up early (5:30), packed and ready to go. There is a long drive back to Anniston, but we are stopping off at Silver Springs in Florida, to ride on a glass bottom boat.  So, the first part of the journey is about 2 hours.

We arrive the stated 30 minutes early and enter the park for another wait.  Finally, we are allowed on the boat - with Captain Reef.  The clue is in the name - always.

The water is clear, it rises from an aquifer, the water had been underground for a long time.  There is underwater grass growing in the stable areas, but in some places there is just rock.  This is where the water is seeping out of the rock, and that is constantly changing as paths are eroded and collapse.  As they do, new routes are opened up.

We saw manatees, who can only survive here because the water temperatures are high.  There are also alligators, lots of bird life at different times and lots of fish.  There are also some invasive species - tilapia have recently been washed into the springs and plans are being made to remove them.  

The rock is visible because the water has washed the vegetation away

10 feet log alligator, hiding in the vegetation

Ibis

One of three manatees

Statues of Zeus and other gods, below the water

There are also macaques, which were bought to the park and escaped, one ran along the roof of the visitor centre, he is, apparently, a reject from the troop. If they go outside the park they are dealt with by animal control, otherwise they are free to roam.

The water is 97% pure. There are even transparent kayaks so that visitors can see through the water as they paddle along.  The glass bottom boats are powered by electric motors to reduce pollution.

It is an amazing environment, and as usual, the infrastructure that supports it seems to work well.  State parks, everywhere I have been, are well maintained, and do not seem to suffer the vandalism and disrespect occurs so much in UK parks.

The rest of the journey (6.5 hours) was relatively uneventful., There was an accident on the interstate, so we travelled on lesser roads and saw some more of Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

The last stop was at a service station (8200 Williams Way), where the facilities were as awful as anything you will find on your way up or down the A1.  The restroom was dirty, partially functional and poorly supplied.

Orlando 11 July 2024 - The sunshine state and the surprise.

All holiday, the children have been teased about a coming surprise. This works better on Robbie than it does on Madelyn.  Robbie cannot stop his need to guess even though he knows he will not be told, there is always that small chance that he will cause a slip and get some more information, and slips there were, but I'm not sure he cottoned-on.

The surprise for me, this morning, is rain.  The forecast says it will clear up about 11:35, and it has stopped falling by 11:30.  That's great, because the surprise is intended for the afternoon.  Florida claims to be the 'sunshine state'.  We have had mainly cloudy days, which takes away a little of the excessive heat that I am so poorly adapted for.

We head for the surprise after lunch at the Lazy Dog.  This is a very nice restaurant, and I find something on the menu without salad - Chicken Teriyaki and wild rice.  Jo and I arrived at the same meal from different pages on the menu.

Then it's onwards to Universal.  The first impression is that the place is enormous.  The impression is spot on.  Not everything is enormous though, the parking spaces are average (for America), and the car door touches the car next to us. Cue angry American woman, who looks at her car and can't find a mark.  You're here to enjoy yourself, so do that, or if not at least get a life.   We have young children with us, so the activities we can take part in are limited - but not that limited.

Here are the activities we queued for:

Minions- Villiancon - shooting on a moving walkway.

I scored 277240, which I suspect was a very poor score.  There were at least another 2 digits available on the display.

Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon. 

This is a 'simulator ride', unfortunately for me the 3D glasses do not fit over my glasses, so most of the effect is lost. I did appreciate the New York shots and graphics though.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

The Wizarding World is amazing, it is open to the outside and yet remains cooler than the surrounding area. It is London, but it is not modern London, the feel of the place if just right. Gringotts is amazing, with each of the tellers doing their own thing. There is a dragon breathing fire, when it does, you can feel the heat. There are various shops, all beautifully themed, and Olivanders, where a wand can find you and extract your cash.

Butterbeer is made with Creme Soda and caramel, with whipped cream on top, and is a must-try drink when visiting the Harry Potter world. Below, Robbie has posed with the appropriate 'beer moustache'. 

KrustyLand - Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl - alien octopus ride

I sat this one out, but listened to the commentary from a number of rides during the 20-minute wait. I was impressed with how different each of the commentaries were, there were very few repeats. 

Trollercoaster

A traditional roller coaster for younger children, with a trolls theme. We sat and waited and watched as evening arrived. 

Towards the end of the evening, we ate in the 1960s diner.  They had run out of Cobb salads, but it was close to closing time, so was not really unexpected.

As we were eating, the finale display began.  Using the water fountains, fireworks and programmed drones, we have a spectacular light show that lasts around 20 minutes and summed up our visit brilliantly.

 A fantastic day enjoyed by all.

Orlando 10 July 2024 - I need more space

The view for lunch - in the Saturn V display

Early in the morning, we left the holiday home (villa) for the Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral).  This is the location of America's main launch pads.  It is where the Saturn V took a few very privileged astronauts to the moon, and one to go around it twice and never land.  Can you name him?

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor complex is operated for NASA by Delaware North.  That tells you a lot about the centre, before you even start.

This is my day.  Everything else on the holiday is for the children and others in the party.  So we start by visiting the Saturn V.  This iconic rocket 'is' the space program - well for me at least.  We board a coach, that takes us to the Saturn V centre.  The bus is like a guided tour and plays a video to entertain us on the 20-minute journey.  There is also plenty of wildlife - we are on a reserve, and we may see some.

Most of the interactive displays show the Activate Windows screen.

 

The bus arrives and there is a long wait outside some huge doors.  Every part of the trip is designed to enhance the dramatic.  We go through a launch 'replay' for Apollo 11, seated above the actual launch control room.  The presentation is well put together and helpful in understanding what happened.

Everywhere, the wild-life cleans up after the humans.  These two young birds fight over the scraps.

Immature Boat-tailed Grackles

Finally, we get to see the Saturn V, on its side. 

Manned Moon Landings

There is lots to do. I spend a lot of time marvelling at the technology, and the 2 million systems that must work together perfectly to get men to the moon and back safely.  NASA achieved this 6 times - a remarkable achievement, and completed in a very short time frame.

We also visit the Mars expedition talk, which is a little underwhelming.

The Space shuttle Atlantis display is very good.  You can get reasonably close, and a real feel for the size and complexity of the shuttle, whose original design is not that far from a paper aeroplane. 

There are many piloting simulations and other similar activities around the site. Many are only partially functional (BROKEN!).  This is not NASA, and gives a poor impression, but I guess things have moved on. Everything is outsourced. Yes, I know aerospace companies worked with NASA on this stuff, but WITH is better than FOR.  No longer are we in a world of excellence and exploration that the Apollo and Space shuttle programs exuded.  Now we are commercial, and it seems that today's space programs are closer to the laying down of the railways, than the development of the steam engine.

Never mind, for me the excitement has gone, and will only return when the headline is "Mission to Mars". I firmly believe we should be there by now.

The title of the blog entry "I need more space" is one of the advertising slogans in the various shops. It is intended to be ironic.

Orlando 9 July 2024 - British in a foreign land

I received the Wi-Fi code for the holiday home, courtesy of Karen's 'hotspot', overnight.  Now we are properly up and running.  

The first task, for today, is to pay for the pool heater. This will be by electronic transfer.

First Bank - I select the international payments page - "Something went wrong, clear your cache and try again - you can call us".  I re-tried, with VPN in my country - no difference.  Of course, I can't call them, that would cost me more than the pool heater, because calls from America to UK are stupidly expensive - 25p / minute, with my provider.  This is just profiteering.

Second Bank - No problem, I just need all these details - and on and on, which I don't have.  I send the request for details to the owner, who wants to try another way.

So, both UK banks (I only have two with me) and my phone provider have conspired to make this IMPOSSIBLE.  This is typical of my experiences with banks when I'm oversees.

I have been travelling to America for over a decade now, and these simple things are still just as difficult - nothing changes.

Finally, Karen paid the fee, and I paid her in Sterling.  That may sound OK, but it has transferred the currency conversion risk to an innocent third party.

We had lunch in the British Pub, which also had a British food and drink section, where we, at last, get some proper tea.  The food was very good, and served by a lady from Bishop Aukland.

The main event of the day is Legoland.

The entrance to Legoland

It was a good time, although tiring and hard on my limited legs.  The children bough Lego brick keychains with their names engraved on. We went on various rides - them more than me, of course, and got a little damp as the rain started to fall gently.  A good time was had by all.

In the evening, I stated to catch up with my blogging.

Anniston 7 July 2024 - British GP

In the morning, I watched the British GP.  It did not produce the result I hoped for, but Lewis Hamilton won, creating yet another record - 9 wins at one track. A result I am pleased about, though.

I trimmed Maiev's claws, especially her dew claws, as she was about to go on holiday.  In the afternoon, Karen and I took her to the Kennels, where she will stay until Saturday.  When she saw her lead, she was very excited.  Keen to come with us, and extremely nosey at the kennels, she definitely likes new places.  She was much less happy when Karen left.  We all hope she will have at least an acceptable time there, and look forward to seeing her soon.

Now we must pack, as tomorrow we travel to Florida.

Anniston 6 July 2024 - Conversation & Cars (and a little football)

Another quiet, recovery day, but also a 'sporting festival'.  I watched Formula 1 Qualifying, which produced a grid led by three British drivers, which hasn't happened since the 1968 South African Grand Prix. Then England beat Switzerland (5-4 pen), in the Euros

Just before lunch, as we were about to leave to pick it up, I fell down the stairs.  I already have an injured left leg, which is now considerably worse.  No other damage was done.  The house has some lovely wooden floors that have been uncovered when the carpet was removed.  The steps though have uneven depths.

Lunch was catfish, but I can't remember where it came from.

We watched the next football game, which Spain won.

There was also some spectacular rain, which I tried to record:

For Dinner, we went to Effinas (https://effinas.com) where we met Derek and Leanne, who Robert knows from a long time ago.  We had a nice meal and good conversation. Derek is soon to be the pastor of a local church, it would be nice to visit him and attend one of his services.

I drove back from the restaurant, through the lovely country road. We saw turkeys on the way out, and a deer on the way back. 

Anniston 5 July 2024 - The sickness spreads

I am feeling somewhat better today, but Jo is not, and Karen and Robbie are also sick. Not much happened - which is a good thing for all of us.

Lunch from Chick-fil-A. Dinner was cooked by Robert - he is a good cook, and I always enjoy the meals he cooks.

The general election has produced the promised Labour Landslide, although with the lowest turnout in recent years and also the lowest vote share for the winning party. This makes the government less than legitimate, but that is not how they will see it.  Reform (a right wing party) has split the Tory vote in many seats so our 'First-past-the-post' system has delivered a labour (left-wing) government, when the will of those who voted was for a more right-wing government.

Anniston 4 July 2024 - Fireworks and other wasteful things

The world in America is different today, shops have limited opening hours. The place we tried to go to for lunch was heaving. So we headed to Whataburger. This was one of three choices offered by our host.  It was his least favourite, but democracy has a role to play in every family, so off we went - 3 votes for, 1 against and 2 abstentions.  It was nice enough, but there was a huge amount of plastic waste. The trays containing the food are great quality and just dumped in the rubbish (trash) after use - maybe 'whatawaste' instead of WhataBurger.

After lunch, we were driven around JSU, and some of Robert's childhood / student haunts.  It is fascinating to hear his stories.  Then we drove out to Chimney Peak Lookout tower.  On the way saw deer and turkeys on the ‘country’ road.

The view from Chimney Peak Lookout tower

We then went out again to see the fireworks at 9pm. As we have in previous years, in other places, we watched from well away from the main display. We are in a car park (parking lot) near a church, and have to select our spot carefully to see through the trees. There are quite a few others around, the atmosphere is jovial and friendly.

In the UK, the general election is going well. The exit poll is predicting a labour landslide.

The video is 20 seconds from the middle of the display. The finale is truly amazing, but by then I was 'in the moment'.

Now, I am suspecting that my illness was not from the vaccination, as Jo has stayed in the house and is sleeping because she is not feeling well. 

4 July 
Just this year, I have heard of Native Americans, in particular, who do not celebrate Independence Day, because it did not give them independence.  There are others, too, who find themselves in that category - descendants of slaves, for example. This is just another one of those things that divides us. In my earlier life, the complaint against fireworks was always the waste of money - which in one sense it is. Of course, we do need something to bring us together as our society seems more fractured every year.

Anniston 3 July 2024 - Pools and Guns

After a poor night's sleep, I am not feeling great today.  I have a fever, a headache, a groggy throat and am beyond tired.  My assumption is that the cause is the recent Pneumonia vaccination.

Nothing much is planned, and even less happens.  Karen gets lunch from Panera Bread.  The soup is lovely.  The Crosby's arrive soon after we finish eating, and everyone gets ready to visit the pool, which is part of the 'estate' Karen and Robert live on.  I retire to sleep.  Later all of us go to Longhorn Steakhouse for dinner.  I have salmon, (I don't eat cow), with rice and a side salad that is covered in too much blue cheese dressing.  Rarely if ever will I complain about blue cheese anything.

I spoke to the waitress a little when I got the 'credit card protocol' wrong, and explained that I was English.  England is a place she has always wanted to visit, and was asking about the differences. I mentioned guns, that we don't own them, and she said most of the people in the restaurant were probably carrying a gun.  That was not a comfort - it did not make me feel safer.  I was glad to be out of there. 

Anniston 2 July 2024 - look for the good

Anniston, AL is the destination, this is how we got there:

5:00 Get up, eat and complete the on-the-day packing.

6:10 (0:10 at destination) depart from home.  Extra time has been allowed, and is needed.  The M25 is getting worse, I wonder how much all these delays are costing the economy?  How much unnecessary CO2 is being put into the atmosphere?

8:25 We arrive at London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 3.

Booking in failed on auto machine because it's a delta flight, not a virgin flight, but has a VS flight code. The first machine had half the screen white, so I tried another.  Then I spoke to someone who did it manually and reprinted the boarding cards.

Something is different every time we fly, this time there is an extra security check - we needed proof of return booking, this was only on my Google Drive, so it took a while to find. 

Jo was stopped and put through the body scanner.

9:11 We are through security, second breakfast is next - porridge & coffee from Pret-a-Manger.

10:40 We arrive at the gate after crossover delays for toilets.
I am asked, “Have you enjoyed your stay?” then she spotted her mistake.

Jo is again asked for proof of return. When I said it was checked already, they misunderstood and the other lady said she had checked it.

The Flight is full, they are asking to put bags in hold.

While we are waiting, a nice young couple offer us their seats (that's how you know people think you are getting old!).  We accepted (that's how you know the people are correct!)

10:48 Boarding started.

11:18 Seated.

Flight time 8 hours and 36 minutes is displayed on the monitors on the seat in front.

11:29 We are pushed back from the gate.

Jo is helping an even more elderly Indian lady who is trying to contact her daughter to give a message to her granddaughter.  Inevitably, I am asked for help also, but neither of us succeeded. The cabin crew later helped her.

13:28 Lunch is now complete - it consisted of:

Couscous
Diced Chicken in pesto sauce, dough balls (not nice) & spinach.
Gouda & crackers
tiramisu
Coffee

I watched "Oppenheimer" (but also did some dozing)

16:15 A warm cookie and decaf coffee is served

I watched "Tom & Jerry" it is a live action and cartoon mixed presentation.  Not bad, but the story was about the humans.

18:47 We experienced moderate turbulence for about 2 mins - enough to delay the final meal and ask the cabin crew to sit down.  It was an OTT reaction from where we were.

I watched "Wonka", or the part that was available.

19:30 cheese pizza and chocolate biscuits are served. This time I drink tea because they'd run out of decaf coffee.

20:22 We landed (73 miles away according to the tracker)

20:32 We were at the gate, the seat belt sign goes off, the mania starts.  I controlled my claustrophobia and sat patiently.

20:55 In the passport line.  The Border Protection official is possibly the friendliest we have had, and is asking where we are going.  I say "Anniston, Alabama".  "Why would you want to go there?" He clearly doesn't have a high opinion of the place, but when I tell him it's to see our grandchildren, his demeanour changes.  We joke about English Tea. Jo is fingerprinted again, I am not.  We are sent on our way.  It was so nice to feel like a welcome visitor, rather than a criminal.

21:13 At baggage claim, the bags arrive quickly, and we are gone.  Outside Robert, Karen, Robbie and Madelyn are waiting.  We say our hellos - both the children ran into the arrivals area to welcome us - that made the whole experience worthwhile. Now we go to the car park. 

21:28 Karen has a Nissan Armada with plenty of room. It is easily big enough for the six of us and our luggage.  On the way to Anniston we stop at the original Chick-fil-a for a meal. It's nearby, so the journey has hardly started, but while we eat the traffic will clear a little.

When we arrive in Anniston, about 90 minutes later, there is some shopping to do. Finally, we are at the house, unload the car, and make a cup of tea.  It is soon time for bed, but in the meantime, Robbie's job is to stop me sleeping too early.  It's infuriating, but if it works, it will be worth it.

I'm not convinced it worked at all, when I wake in the night to Jo snoring and leave for the lounge, getting Maiev (their dog) off the sofa, so I can sleep there.

It's been a long day, we have been awake nearly 24 hours, but it has been a good day, with w few considerate and friendly people making it easier.

Alabama 2019 - Days 7 & 8 : Speedy and Dirt Cheap

Thursday 28 November - Thanksgiving

Breakfast is pancakes and bacon, which makes a change from porridge.

All is quiet, on the walk this morning we saw more people than we have seen on any previous morning.  It is like Christmas day, lots of people out walking. After breakfast, I took Robbie and Mady up to the end of the road on their bikes.  Robbie is just learning and seemed to enjoy it, although every time he stopped he took his helmet off.  Mady was having fun some of the time, but I don't think she really understood why we were 'going nowhere'. Karen and Robert are busy preparing for the evening Thanksgiving meal.  Most of the stores are closed today.

Lunch is rice, beans, and salad.

After lunch, Robbie takes us for a walk around the lake.  He is a good guide.  There is a bird that he calls 'Speedy', we haven't identified it for sure yet, we saw one of his 'cousins', we also saw a turtle, and spent a while watching a Grey Heron fish.

Grey Heron Hunting

Turtle

Speedy

Jo + Robbie watching the Heron

Robbie in front of the Park sign.

---

We bought an acorn back from the walk that Robbie really wanted to open.  When he did, with Robert's help, all he found was grubs.

Too much food is kind of a theme for Thanksgiving.  Robert and Karen worked hard to provide an over the top meal.  Robert has a smoker and smoked a turkey — it was delicious.  Karen had prepared other traditional dishes and made two pies — pumpkin and peanut butter, both in gluten-free bases.  We were all soon very, very full.  As ever there was lots left over, so more of the same for dinner tomorrow — can't wait (weight?).

Friday 29 November — Black Friday 

We went to a store called 'Dirt Cheap'.  Boy did it live up to its name.  We were looking for a Christmas Tree (fake).  There were loads, most of them too tall. All the boxes were open, all had either mixed content, missing content or broken content.  We did not find one that was complete and working.  All they have at the store is salvaged goods, which they presumably get for next to nothing.  There is Christmas that all over the store, all for a dollar or three.  It's hard to work out the prices because the label says $2, then you have to find the discount code — typically 60%, so the price is $0.80.  Then there is extra discount if you shop between certain hours. I hope I never go back.

Then onto the park with two very nice play areas.  Here we are 'selfie style' enjoying the park, but one of us not enjoying having our picture taken, which is why I am pointing, so that he will look at the camera.

We were not there long when Karen got a message that her parcels had been delivered.  She was worried that it would be left on the doorstep, and sure enough it was.  Delivery is no better in the USA than in the UK, perhaps it is even worse here.