Tuesday and Wednesday

Tuesday was very restful -it's been so hot that all we've done is sit by the pool, walk on the beach (showing off Gary's new tango orange crocs!!) and read books on the balcony. Sorry to hear the sad news about Uncle Howard. Lovely to speak to Mum and Dad and to Gill today.

Today (weds) morning was spent by the pool (quel suprise!) and then this afternoon Dad watched the Man Utd match and then we went sightseeing in Naples to see how the other half lives, and stroll along the beach. Did a bit of shopping too. Dinner at Perkins and then an early night.

Monday

Today the gang got up earlyish and after breakfast we headed of to Sanibel Island [about sixty miles north of Marco.] We took the coastal route to take in the views, via Bonita Springs and Fort Myers beach town. We spent about three hours on one of the beaches fronting the Gulf of Mexico. Gary's dad holds special memories of times spent on Sanibel Island, he took us to cafe that he had visited with Gary's mum. It was a good lunch then followed a drive to the lighthouse point to watch the pelicans diving for fish. Afterwards we all had ice creams before setting off back for Marco. A really enjoyable day was had by all!!

Sunday

Another hot and sunny day. We had a couple of hours by the pool in the morning and then headed off to "a Taste of Marco", a sort of charity food tasting event held on the Esplanade. We won small prizes on the tombola (in Mart's case, very small..) and sampled different local restaurant dishes, which was fun. We then went to Goodlands, where the local bikers and hippies gather to listen to live music on a Sunday afternoon. As you will see from the photos, Mart and I let our hair down too!!

In the evening, we all went to a fab seafood restaurant on the Isle of Capri and then came back to the apartment to watch Slumdog Millionaire.

Friday & Saturday

Friday was yet another lazy day culminating in an evening spent with Janet & konrad at the club on hideaway. The theme was Italian, which proved to be a very tasty buffet. predictably we all ate too much!!! Sadly no Italian stalions present for enhanced scenery!!

Today {saturday} Gary and I got up at 3.30am to take Janet & Konrad to Fort Myers Airport. Needless to say I was knackered but surprisingly cheery considering the early hour!! Gary & I went to Perkins for breakfast which was massive. We did our best but couldn't quite manage it all. Got back at 7.30 I went back to bed and Gary went walkabout. poolside sunbathing commenced 9am. Then laze laze laze ,walk on beach ,more food and also nice phone calls with family. ok time for brew and a look in the fridge for something sweet and sticky!! byee

Wednesday and Thursday

A lovely relaxing couple of days. Yesterday we spent the morning by the pool reading (both of us went to the gym!!) and then spent the afternoon on the balcony, relaxing more!! We had a very pleasant evening with Janet and Konrad, who took us in to Naples for a mooch round millionaires row and then we had dinner in the olive garden =- fab strawberry and mango magaritas for mart and I. Dad slipped up and ate a whole jalapeno pepper in the salad and has drunk his own body weight in Gaviscon through the night!

Today we sat by the pool again this morning, and then the three of us went out shopping for shirts to escape the sun for a bit. Told Dad about the brain tumor this evening, and although he's very concerned, I think it went well and don't think it will spoil the holiday.

Glad to hear you are having good weather at home and that Logan is having a great holiday of his own. Thank you for all your messages.

Another Lovely Day......

Spent the morning shopping in Naples - very expensive window shopping at the waterside (just how many pairs of Gucci thongs does a guy need) and also the big computer shop - no bargains to be had and nothing really any different for home, but fun to look.

Lazy afternoon by the pool and Dad cooked steaks in the evening. Bliss.

Sunset was fab tonight:-

2nd Day

Up early and in the gym and pool before breakfast (Gary only!!!). Sunbathing by the pool in the morning followed by lunch on the balcony, a trip into town to get Dad's Daily Mail and a big ice cream for Mart at the marina.

Lazy reading on the balcony, with dinner in and a movie this evening. Lovely to chat to Phil and Jackie tonight. Loads of love to all.

Hope Logan is behaving!!!

Apartment Photos (as requested by Phil!!)

First Day

Hi folks, well had a lovely first day hear in sunny Marco. After breakfast on the balcony big Gary and I went downtown to the store to buy groceries and drugs etc.!! [american slang mum] It sure is hot here and set to get hotter!! After shopping, Roy [gary's pop] was spending his morning watching united [yawn yawn] whilst Gaz and me went and sat by the real cool pool and had a dip in the warm water. After lunch the three of us dudes went for a walk on the awesome beach which looks like white sand but is actually made up of finely crushed shells. Big Gaz went for a swim in the sea and us dudes went for a paddle like real tough guys!! after the beach we all sunbathed for an hour and came back up into the Condo for a rest and shower before going out for dinner with Janet and Conrad at their private club on hideaway island.

Anyway just a little taste of our luxury lifestyle. I bet your all so jealous!!! What a plonker I looked in that wheelchair !! Only got one complaint about this place and that's the sea breeze, it keeps messin up my new hairstyle!! [lookin for a wig on E-bay!!]

buy for now lots of love, Mart.

Gaz says Hi, pop says Hello.

Journey Pics

Got here safe and sound, and knackered. Picked up a nice car and were pleased to see Dad. apartment is great with fab views. These are a few pics taken on the journey.

Nearly there!!

Sat in Atlanta airport waiting for the connecting flight.
Transatlantic flight was fab watched quantum of solace, Marley and me
( hope no one noticed Gary sobbing - was not expecting a doggy snuff
film) the day the earth stood still and spooks and Benjamin button.
Smooth transit through airport with mart in a wheelchair to save his
back standing in long queues.

Our ride awaits ......

All Set!!!

At the airport now, all checked in and ready to go. Nigel very kindly brought us to the airport, no queue at check in and got the seats we wanted, so happy bunnies.

Mobile Blogging from here.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Our Accommodation

WE are staying in rented accommodation with Dad. The address is

380 Seaview Court

Marco Island

FL

34145

and the phone number from the UK is 001 239 642 7842. Gary's usual mobile phone number should work also for both text messages and calls. Please don't use Martin's mobile number for the duration of our holiday.

Our Flights and Itinerary

We are flying with Delta Air Lines from Manchester to Fort Myers via Atlanta.

.

Sat 18th April MAN to ATL 10.50am DL65

Sat 18th April ATL to FTMy 5.55pm DL1785

We arrive in Fort Myers on Saturday evening at 7.30pm to pick up our car for the drive to Marco.

We leave Florida on Saturday 2nd May and land back at Manchester at 8.50am on Sunday 3rd May.

Sat 2nd May FTMy to ATL 4.00pm DL1136

Sat 3rd May ATL to Man 7.30pm DL64

Florida time is 5 hours behind the UK.

Welcome to Our Florida 2009 Holiday Blog

Hi there friends and family. This is our first attempt at a holiday blog. We thought it would be a good idea to post pictures and updates on here rather than keep sending you all individual emails. You can check in when you like to see the latest updates, or subscribe to or follow this blog to receive email notifications when it has been updated. You can also leave comments on the blog which we will receive when on holiday - Oh the wonders of modern technology!!