Sun, Sea, Sand & ..... Tracy

Newport Beach not Newport Pagnell

Isn't it just beautiful!
So yesterday we headed out to the beach, not a typical day at the beach though, you know with sun loungers and umbrellas and sun screen for the few hours your going to spend there. No this was a quick trip to the beach where we rolled our trousers up and paddled a little. It was just so lovely and hardly anybody there which was fab. A guy was with his kids and took a picture of Me and T and I told him how lucky they were to live by the sea, he said he knew and felt bad because they take it for granted.

We were first going to go to Laguna Beach but the night before I had emptied Tracy ashtray out in the car, it had $20 in it, but of course I didn't put it back and we hadn't got and change for the parking. I though T was going to lose the plot but she kept her cool. (I'm the plot loser!) Anyway we had a drive round and discovered this cheap little place overlooking the sea, I'm thinking of buying it as a weekend place, what do you think?

What are they trying to say!!!!

Make the most of this guys, Tracy doesn't get her legs out for just anyone you know.

Read the bag, that's how I'm feeling right now, I have had a wonderful time here in California, Tracy has been the perfect host, I won't want to go home on Wednesday.

A Day to remember!

Well, Tracy, Kimi and I headed of to Universal Studios today and had a fab one.

Welcome to Universal Studios, Los Angeles.

You know the one thing I Love about California is the weather, OK we've had a couple of bad days and it's been cold, but when it's dry and sunny it's not humid so I don't glow (sweat) like I do at home.

Tracy hates it when I wear white, I Love white, what's wrong with it, and how often do you get to wear white in Blighty with all the bad weather. She says it gets dirty, but HELLO there are such things as washing machines you know!!! (lol)

So anyway I don't like the fast and wet rides so whilst Kimi and T went on them I just hung around, I Love to people watch it's educational.

Tracy will just talk to anything in a pair of trousers!

Girls just want to have fun!

Sisters..................

So as you can see, we have had an amazing day a day I will always remember, the Carruth Sisters are such good company (yes that includes you T!) I have a really lovely time, it's been calm, easy and fun, just what a girl needs.

Just a little something for you Jordan and Lolly, I know you like the Simpsons, perhaps one day we'll come here with Uncle Manny and meet them in person?

I can't say I'm a Desperate Housewives watcher, but just look at this house, the American dream and I could so live it!

So as you can see we have had an amazing day, tomorrow T and I are maybe going to the beach, so watch this space!!

Missing my Man!!!!!

I'm missing my Man!!!

I haven't seen him now for 15 days and I miss him soo much. It's silly I know but it's going to be another 12 days before I see him!! My goodness I'm PATHETIC!!!

Anyway the weather here is still the same, COLD COLD COLD, at least it seems to be dry today but I'm not going to be sunning myself again. It's Memorial Day here so a holiday like in Blighty, apparently people like to bar-b-q but I don't think it's going to be happening today. So I'm going to have a walk over to the mall and maybe watch a movie.

I think we are going to Universal Studios or Disney on Wednesday, Tracy likes the rides, I don't mind the old lady ones, but I ain't getting wet and won't do fast or dark, she wouldn't want me to throw up and it would happen trust me. When I was younger a gang of us went to Alton Towers for the day and I went on every ride and swore I would never do those again!!!!

So guys that's it for today, I'm going to have another cup of tea and some scrummy toast.

Ciao for now. xxx

Snow in California, it's just not right!

Yes that's right, if you look closely that is SNOW on the mountain tops. This is freaky, I just can't get my head around it, snow in California!

So yesterday I had an easy day, caught up with some laundry then went over to the mall and had a wander around. I am so pleased I got Manny his 35" jeans, you can't get them at home and 36" are falling off him.

I then took myself to the movies and watched 'What happened in Vegas', what a cute movie and so funny I really enjoyed it, you've got to see it when it comes out!

Tracy and I then had Mexican for tea which was really good, the lady made the guacamole at the table, I was very impressed.

So today well as it's too cold to sit by the pool AGAIN I am going to watch as many of T's Sex In The City dvd's, she's an addict and watches them over and over. I need to watch them because we are going to see the movie when it's released.

I guess we'll be eating out tonight, I just love this country. I fancy Red Robin if anybody's interested (hint hint!).

When it rains in California!

Well what can I say, rain rain go away come back another day!!! Have I bought this from home, I think so, everyone I speak to says it's so unusual to have this much rain over here and a TORNADO! Oh my god what's going on am I cursed or what! I thought it was the air conditioning on Thursday morning and got up and saw this, Tracy couldn't believe it. We had planned to go to the beach but that went for a burton, so instead we went to the movies and watch iron man, it's a must I really enjoyed it and Robert Downery Jnr has still got it!

Oh before the movie we went to Cheesecake Factory for some lunch, we had the nicest meal, I had pasta and Tracy had lemon breaded chicken and mash, it was really good, although the service was not. Then we had cheesecake to go, WOW, I had banana cheesecake, it was absolutely fantastic. They have got to bring that place to Blighty!!!!

Meet the Sturgess kids (and there crazy Aunty Carruth).

Well Tracy and Kimi had a tupperware party at Kimis house. I had to get up at 7am so Tracy could drop me of at Kimis on her way to work, (has she forgotten this is my vacation!). Anyway Kimi and I went to her friend Jenn's house then the 3 of us went to a winery to taste wine. I know I don't drink but you know it wasn't half bad, I don't think I could take wine up permanently though, I'll stick to Pepsi, somebody has to drive when Manny and Me to occasionally go out after all.

We then popped into Costco to get a few nibles for the party, then Jen and Kimi treated me to a lovely lunch which was so kind of them, we had a good old chin wag, they are such lovely people.

We dropped Jenn back off at home and headed back to Kimi's and watch a bit of TV, (I was dropping of, well I mean I had had an early start on my VACATION!) before picking CJ and Maya up from school. They are lovely kids polite and socialable, and CJ just loves to help out all the time. He's just like my little man Jordan very independant, which I think is great for boys to be. Maya is just like my little Lauren, a little Princess, I know they would get on great together, I hope one day they get to meet each other?

So then the tupperware party began. Oh my goodness I have now seen it all, a cake made with a box of cake mix and can of pop, girls you have got to try this at home.

Get a cake mix just plain old sponge will do then add a can of pop, lemonade, sprite anything really and you can use diet. Mix it together in a microwaveable dish, cover then cook in microwave for 9 minutes on high. Take out of microwave and let it stand for at least 15 mins. You will not believe how good it tastes, especially with some cream, this is a definate regular when I get home I can tell you.

I think tupperware is pretty much the same as it is in England, I have just checked out the website but at home you can not order on line, and the prices are almost the same as in the States, you'll be glad to know I didn't buy anything.

So T and I got back home around 11pm, way past my bed time as you know, so I am now officially kanackered, so today I am taking it easy, the weather is looking dodgy again, there is just enough blue in the sky to make a sailor a pair of trousers, but that is being followed by big black clouds again!!! I hope I leave this horrible weather here when I go home I tell you! I guess 3 days out of 21 isn't bad really I mustn't complain.

So guys and gals I'm going to make myself a cup of tea and sit in front of the TV for a bit and just chill out.

Catch you again soon, I hope you are enjoying my blog I'm having great fun doing it. You know you can leave a comment at the bottom for me if you wish, please do!!!!!

Shamu Shamu

For anyone who's never been to Seaworld, please meet Shamu. What an amazing creature he is, how they train killer whales to do what they do is just beyond me, I sit there with my mouth wide open in total amazement. What an absolute joy it would be to do that job, I guess a white badge in the doggy paddle just wouldn't cut it!

So today was just the best day ever, well eventually! Good old Tracy wasn't keen on going to Seaworld but being the good pal she is took me coz she knew how much I love it. I promised I'd go on a ride with her and when I saw which it was wished I hadn't. It was the rapids, well I thought not too bad, the one at Alton Towers doesn't get you too wet most of the time. Silly me I forgot this was the Amercan version, I was still drying out 4 hours later! We did laugh though, Tracy kept grabbing my arm as if there was something going to grab her, I told her 'grabbing me won't keep you dry!' (lol)

I just adore the Sea lions Clyde & Seamore, what a hoot they are. My face was aching after watching them, I just smiled all the way through, I just love watching them interact with there trainers.

We didn't actually get to Seaworld until 2pm, with one thing and another (Tracy's hair to be precise! Oh go on then....and me needing brekkie) we left home late on and it's an hour and a half drive from here, so we had 4 hours in the park. The great thing is the ticket we got let's us in again throughout '08 for free, so I think we'll go again next week then I'll leave the ticket for Kimi to go with Tracy and the kids.

So we left Seaworld at 6ish and our bellies were rumbling, so Tracy suggested we go for Persian food, I have to admit I was a little apprehensive, but WOW! It is very similar to kebabs as we know it but all fresh and not processed meat, it came with rice and was really very good, I would definitely go again. So thanks T for introducing me to something new. x.

On our way home I talked T into taking me to Walmart, I just love the place and always get kitted out in there. Tracy doesn't like it in there she prefers Target which to me is OK but for what I like shopping for which as you know is clothes Walmart rocks for me. (Yes OK I got a couple of things!) We stopped of at Starbucks then and I got a hot chocolate which after spending half the day feeling like I'd wet myself I think I deserved!

We have both had a nice bath, well actually Tracy is still in hers, she'll probably finish reading the book she has with her, she has like 3 on the go at once, I don't know how she remembers the different stories. I'm off to my bed now my eyes are falling down as my gorgeous Husband would say, so guys I will bid you goodnight and catch you all again tomorrow.

OH MY GOD!!!

Well today was spa day and what a day!

I had a small lady do my hot stone massage, she was no taller than 4 feet, she was so small, but MY GOD she was as strong as a man. I have never had such a good massage, she went from the top of my head to the tip of my toes and didn't miss a bit (apart from the ovbious of cause, it was a classy joint), she even did the inside of my ears, the best bit was the head, she kinda pulled my hair in a strange way and did it send a shiver down my spine, it was heavenly. It last 90 mins and cost around 55 quid ( there's no pound sign on American pc's, how come there's a dollar sign on English pc's, HOW RUDE!)

Then I had a facial, what a lovely girl did that for me, she was only 20 and so sweet and did the most amazing job, between facials works she gave me another head massage and arm and hand massage, (where are we going wrong in Blighty, everything is so basic?) That cost me around 35 quid and was worth every penny.

We went and had a bite to eat in Black Angus, if you can call it a bite that is, everything is so big in food terms over here, that's why I like it so much!

We came home and I just had to have a nap, it ended up being an hour and half nap whilst Tracy read one of her Harlequin novels, she is addicted to them, I've told her that that Man just does not exist, I guess we all wish he did.

So then Tracy decided we should go gambling (don't you dare shout at me, I see people lose every day, I know my limit!). We went to a casino only 20 mins away, we had buffet whilst we were there which was good then hit the machines. OK I lost $60 but Tracy broke even, she's got the luck of the Irish you know, even though she half Japanese!

So tomorrow, well I guess today, we are going to Seaworld, I really love it there, I really enjoyed it in Florida, I can't wait to watch Shamu again and the Sea Lions are so cute (no I'm not becoming American, OK maybe a little bit!)

So my dear friends I will bid you good night, I need my beauty sleep and it's way past my bed time. Have a good one, I intend too!

xxx

American Visa

I nearly forgot, how could I?

Manny has had a letter from the American Visa people, it looks like it could take years for us to be considered for a visa. Apparently there are only so many visa numbers to fill and more applicants for them. I'm not going to hold my breath, but at least the application is in, we can't do more than that can we.

I had to laugh the other night, I think Tracy & I followed the oldest car in the States.

A day by the pool.

I though I'd better blog before Tracy gets to work she'll shout at me or else like she did yesterday!

The view from my patio/balcony, a mall within walking distance, I've died and gone to Heaven!

Well yesterday I took it easy, I think the day before at the mall took it out of me and I had one of my tired days. I spent most of the day on the computer and watching CSI. I did think about going and lying out at the pool but it was Sunday and there were far too many kids for my liking, you know me guys only good at being an Aunty, don't do kids apart from that.

As they'd say over here in the U S of A, isn't this outfit so CUTE!!! I thought I'd pose in front of the mirror to see what it looks like and I have to say I'm impressed. I wore this to the Indian place we ate at last night, they do a buffet at lunch time which sounds great to me I wish they did them at home.

So today I'm going to sit out at the pool, Tracy has put some sun cream on my back for me as I can't reach myself, I can hear the guy tidying up out there and rearranging the chairs just for little old ME!

I can't wait for tomorrow, we are going to a spa for the day, we are having a 90 minute hot stone massage and 60 minute facial, we'll be like new women!!

Shop Shop Shopping!

Entrance to Victoria Gardens Mall

Can you see the choo choo train behind the car that got in the way of my piccie!!!

The perfect place to have a quiet read, in front of the library.


Well Hello there again.

So yesterday I walked over to the Mall, what a fantastic place, it makes Merry Hill look old and dirty!

It's only a 6 minute walk over the road from Tracy's and such a lovely place to hang out. I had a bite to eat then just browsed around the shops. Ok I didn't just browse I did buy a couple of tops and a pair of trousers for 99cents, that's like 55p to us brits. I am convinced I was born in this country and shipped over you know, I just feel so at home here. I did sit outside the library and read a bit of my book, it was so peaceful and relaxing.

Tracy and I then went out for dinner to a place called Vinces, it's a spaghetti diner, it was wonderful, check it out...... http://www.vincesspaghettirc.com/

Tracy loves me in this outfit, check out the lilac birkies on my tootsies!!

A really pretty Californian Sunset over the mountains!

Me and T posing in the car of course!!

Sun Sun Sun!!!

Well Good Morning! What a beautiful day!

Tracy and I went to PF Changs last night for chinese, we had the best ever fried rice, the sweet & sour pork was OK but a little too much ginger for me. I said I wanted Yuk Sung, Tracy hadn't a clue what I meant. It turns out they call it a lettuce wrap and it's chicken or vegetable, we had the chicken and it was nice. We then had a shot of desert, what an amazing idea, just a shot glass of desert, we had a banana split and tiramisu between us, just enough.

Well today I am going to have a wander around I think, THEN I am going to christen my new swimsuit (isn't it great, covers a multitude of sins for a real woman like me!!!) The one thing I like about being over here is that I have great ease in buying clothes, they cater much better for us buxom brunettes!

Now don't shout at me, I have discovered QVC U.S, it's fab I just love the way the Americans get so excited over things, us Brits are so highly strung and take thinks just too seriously, we need to lighten up and enjoy life more, I certainly intend too!

I have to tell you about the bread in this country, it's like trying to break into Fort Knox trying to get into it. I've never really liked the bread over here, English is the best but the one I have bought is not bad. They pack it the same as us in plastic but then it's wrapped again inside, I thought I was going to starve to death before I got into it!!

Tracy is going to book us into a spa today for next Tuesday, we are going to have a massage, facial and wax, I can't wait for a treat. Tracy says the hot stone massage is amazing so I'm going to try that. I've talked her into a facial, she's never had one before, she doesn't know what she's missing! You all know how obsessed I am at the moment with my skin, my birth mark just has to go, I can't believe how it bothers me so much all of a sudden I've had it all my life and it's never bothered me before, I'm obviously feeling OLD!!

Not a clue where we are going to eat tonight, I quite fancy pasta I think (hint hint T)!

Well I might blog again later, I think I'll take my camera out with me later so look forward to sunny pictures.

Ciao for now. xxx

Taking it easy!

Well I've had an easy day! It's nearly 5pm and I'm still in my P.J's, I know lazy lazy lazy! I'll have you know I have done laundry, washed dishes and vaccumed around a bit, and cooked myself breakfast and lunch!

There are people at the pool and some kids are having great fun pushing there Dad in, the weather is beautiful. Tracy & I keep emailing each other, she can't get messenger at work, she doesn't like the heat so has the air-con turned right up and won't leave the office, she is funny!

We are going out for dinner later, I think we are going to either the Cheescake factory or PF Changs (a chinese). You know me I like my food so keep checking there websites to see what I am going to eat. A GIRL HAS TO GET HER PRIORITIES RIGHT!

I would do anything to live over here, I really like Houston where Manny's family live but Rancho is fantastic!! I wonder if Tracy could handle a permanent house guest? (lol)

Well I better go and get dressed, well iron them first. Tracy didn't have an iron, I know who the heck doesn't have an iron! She bought the cute pink one pictured above for me to use, I'll have to give her some lessons!

Toes glorious Toes!!

Well, here I am with Tracy in Rancho, California. It's like we've never been apart, we just gel together well, I hope she thinks the same? We are so different that we understand each other so well! And the biggest plus is she like the house to be freezing aswell!!!

As you all know I've been having a bit of a rough time at the moment, so my Mum & Doctor thought it would be a great idea to come out here to blow the cobwebs away!!! The best idea ever if you ask me!

We are having a ball. Tracy has had to work today which is fine with me, I can occupy myself, I think I'm just going to chill out in the house I'm still recovering from the flight with an annoying Dutch couple next to me that talked for a whole 8 hours, so sleep was out of the question, I was up for a total of 30 hours so you can imagine how I am feeling.

Isn't this blog thingy fun, I'm starting to get into it, don't know what I will talk about when I get home?

Well as you can see I have my long awaited pedicure, OH MY GOD it was amazing and only cost $47, it is so cheap in this Country! They used hot stones which was fantasic, I guess it's to get the circulation going in your legs, I wish they did it in England for such a good price!