Saturday, February 18, 2017

A fun day with Mr. 19.....

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending the whole day with my middle son, Mr. 19.  He goes to school in Orlando, FL and lives very near Universal Studios.  I have not been for years, actually when he was about 11 so it was time for me to see the sights.  I was really only interested in the Harry Potter attractions as I am a huge fan of both the books and the films.  Even though I live so close I had yet to see any of it.  I drove over Thursday afternoon, we had dinner and then I stayed in a hotel room all by myself.  Now I don't want you to be proud of me for staying alone, rather just imagine a few uninterrupted hours all to myself.  It was bliss I have to say.  I was in charge of the remote, my crochet and my time.  I would not want this in my life everyday but for a few hours it was bliss.


We arrived in time for the park to open, it was already very crowded.  We did all the rides that my son wanted to go on in the main park, well let me say that he went on most of them alone but I did ride on a few.  We finally made it towards the Harry Potter area, oh my I was so excited.  We saw the Knight Bus, and 12 Grimmauld Place.  


We walked around and saw all the places they talk about in the books including the Leaky Cauldron and Borgin and Burkes, located in the dark and sinister Knockturn Alley.  It was amazing I have to tell you, I felt like I was in the film, well minus all of us thousands of Muggles walking around.   We rode Escape from Gringotts and I was thrilled.  It was exciting and such an incredible experience.


We made our way to the train station where we went to Platform 9 3/4.  There is a bit of magic there to walk through the wall just like in the books.


Once through the platform there was the Hogwarts Express.  How many children, and adults have wished they could catch this train and enter the wonderful world of magic at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.   I know I have!  


The train ride was fun and took us to Hogsmeade, the town near Hogwarts.  It also takes you into another park, Islands of Adventure. 


Hogsmeade is covered in snow as is seen in many of the Potter movies.  It looks just like you would imagine it, well minus the fact it was 80 degrees out and many of us Muggles had on shorts and t-shirts.   You can get a Butterbeer or a Pumpkin Juice and walk around the shops, many of which have lines to get in. 


The main attraction is the Hogwarts Castle where the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride takes place.  To get to the ride you have to walk through the castle, and you can see many places that are familiar like Dumbledore's office,  There are paintings that move and a dragon skeleton hanging from the ceiling.  The detail was amazing.  This was my favorite ride of the day, just so magical and fun.  I loved every minute of it.

Now fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you look at it I had to go on steroids this week because my neck was such a mess.  I can't take regular anti inflammatories so a round of steroids occasionally is the only way to get things calmed down.  This allowed me to go on some of the rides that would normally have been off limits for me.  It was worth it, being with my son on those rides was so much fun.  Memories made, lots of laughing and having a great time.  I will be paying for it when those meds wear off, but for now I am just thrilled I was able to do it.  And how excited am I that my son, who has a pass to go to this park all year long wanted to go with me.  

Other news.....

Thank you for all of your comments on my last post.  I appreciate each and every one of you, and that includes all of you who chose to abstain from commenting.  

I just finished Year of Yes by Shonda Rimes.  Incredible book my friends, I would suggest it to everyone.  I listened to it on audiobook and was very happy that Shonda read the text.  I loved hearing her say her own words with her own voice.  I think I might have to start saying yes more, especially when it is uncomfortable and not easy.  That is how you grow. 


I did say yes to new bedding this past week.  I have been looking for quite a while since I had my bedroom walls painted several months ago.  Suddenly everything was so beige and boring I could not stand it.  I headed over to Bed, Bath and Beyond this week when I had ten minutes to spare and found this duvet cover on clearance.  It was the only King size they had so I snatched it up.  The shams were also on clearance so that was a bonus.  The next day I bought a bed skirt and the cheapest duvet they  had and here it all is.  I love it and I love it even more being on sale.  I am not a full price gal if I can help it.


Here is the pattern up close, isn't it fun?

Today I am recovering from sleeping on the hotel pillow, and all that bumping around on those fun rides, plus getting loads done around the house.   It is amazing all that has to be done when you are just gone for one night. Hope you are having a great weekend.

34 comments:

busybusybeejay said...

LOve the duvet set.Just my kind of colours.The son of our closest friends worked on the Harry Potter films in the UK.He is an expert in special effects in films.Ome weekend he had the owl at his house.He was responsible for looking after it.In the Harry Potter museum on theUK there is a room full of scrolls with the name of everyone who worked on the films is there,including Philip.

Una said...

Your post reminded me of a trip to the train station that was used for the Harry Potter films. So many people try to run through the wall between platforms 9 and 10 that there is now a big metal fence to stop them. Spoilsports!

Hubby and I know only half of each Harry Potter story. Daughter was too young to read when they were first published. So we took it in turn to read them to her...one chapter at a time. She couldn't read but she certainly knew if we tried to miss out anything!

Babajeza said...

The duvet is perfectissimo! It's sleeping heaven! I wish you wonderful dreams. Regula

Jo said...

Nice bedding Meredith and what a fun day out. My girl is nine and the first Harry Potter book is next on her reading list. Jo x

CJ said...

The Harry Potter place looks absolutely amazing, I'm glad you had such a good time with your son, and that you went on lots of rides, well done you! A night away in a hotel does indeed sound like complete luxury, I should enjoy it very much as well. Love your new bedding, gorgeous colours. I had to google shams - it's all pillowcases and valences over here. I put a new quilt on my bed recently, all purples, black, white and pink. Still haven't photographed it, but it's really made a difference to the room, which is otherwise quite pale. I must try and take photos but it's a north-facing room so the light isn't brilliant. Love all the gorgeous light in your room, two windows, lucky you. Hope you have a good Sunday. CJ xx

gigi knits said...

A little get away from our everyday life is a good thing. Glad you could spend it with your son..
Loving your new bedding . Always a nice pick me up to do the bedroom.

Anonymous said...

Can you believe that I have NEVER taken a trip by myself. Really, I SHOULD do that sometime.

Glad you had a good time with Mr. 19. I didn't realize he lived so far from campus. We used to live in an apartment that is now right in the same block of Kirkman as Universal. I remember when that was all just woods!! (Yes, I am OLD!) LOL

Love your bedding. It reminds me of Beatles Yellow Submarine colors.

Mac n' Janet said...

What fun! Would love to see Harry Potter's World, just don't know if I could deal with all the crowds. Love the duvet.

Caffeine Girl said...

I love your duvet! And how awesome that it was on sale. I try to avoid full-price, but I've also realized that I am happier if I buy fewer things but splurge occasionally on a full-price item that I love. It's all in the balance -- and the budget!

What a wonderful day with your son! I am not a huge HP fan, but I think I'd like to go to the partk sometime. It does look amazing. I did make it through the first three books, but the fourth is just SO long. (I've heard that the series gets really good at that point, too.)

I love traveling alone. I think some of it is a reaction to my job, where someone always wants something. And with all four of our parents here in Madison, I don't have enough alone time.

Wanderingcatstudio said...

so jealous! one day I will make it there!

Judy S. said...

Sounds like a great weekend! Hope you got to sleep in, too. Love your new decor. I'd say you scored! Have a good weekend.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

It is always so much fun to spend special time with one of your children. Sounds like you had a great time. Now to recover! Hugs!

Pradeepa said...

Seems like you had lots and lots of fun. I have never read any Harry Potter books, not a fan but this place looks amazing. Love your new bedding.

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

I'm glad you had fun with your son Mr 19! Good memories! I'm not a Harry Potter follower but the buildings and train look so intriguing. Your duvet cover is so pretty. I've yet to find one I like that will fit ours. I enjoyed my son holding his sleeping baby girl this afternoon at our house while his wife finally got to eat cake and ice cream at our party. I think he fell asleep too. We had a good time today. Hope your neck gets better soon. That can be painful!

Araignee said...

I've GOT to go there! As soon as the Grands are old enough we're going!!!!

Blondie's Journal said...

You had a few handful of dreams fulfilled this weekend. The best...time with your handsome son!

I love the duvet cover. The pattern and color is 'happy'! Funny, I have a pair of curtains that are very similar and I like to put them up in our bedroom in January for the pick-me-up. I have to look for them.

Hope you're having a great weekend. We are at 65 degrees and loving it! :)

Jane x

Teresa Kasner said...

Oh my goodness! I love that you and your wonderful son got to spend the day doing something so fabulous! I'd love to see that place! And bravo on finding such a fun and colorful duvet cover and shams.. I adore paisley.. to be honest it reminds of of some of the psychedelic patterns and colors of the 60s! *LOVE* -- I imagine you did enjoy your hotel room all to yourself for a night. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Betsy said...

I love your new duvet and shams. So colorful and happy! Would you believe I just watched all of the Harry Potter movies this week? I watched them years ago as they were released, but with being down with my back I had the opportunity to watch them all in a row. So every day I watched one video. I really enjoyed doing that. The continuity of the story was so much better than waiting a year in between the movies. Ha ha! I would love to go to Orlando and visit all of the places in the books. I'm glad you had such a wonderful time with your son. Memories were made. As a mom I understand that you feel that It was worth any amount of pain that you have to endure.
Blessings,
Betsy

handmade by amalia said...

What a treat for both of you, Meredith. I love Harry and the weather looks excellent.
Amalia
xo

Anonymous said...

I have to say I'm not a big fan of Harry Potter, but when I see your pictures... that looks amazing! I'm almost tempted to read the books :-)
And oh yes, a few hours on your own on a hotel room can be pure luxury!
Lovely to read that you had a great time with your son.
Have a nice day,
Sigrid

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

How wonderful that you were able to spend time with Mr. 19. My mom and brother used to live in Orlando. Last time I was there was when Yusef was about 9 months old (he's 21 now). I'm definitely not a rides kind of person. And never read the Harry Potter books or saw the movies. It sounds like you just missed the rollicking rally in Orlando. :) Have a super Sunday!

Between Me and You said...

Never been a Potter fan but your day out certainly looks like a lot of fun was had. I am a Paisley pattern fan so obviously love your duvet cover. It looks great on your bed and best of all it was a bargain! Getting away from it all, even for a day, can recharge your batteries with vigour. Sorry about your sore neck. The book looks interesting. Was she the lady who wrote and sang the theme tune to Ally McBeal?

AnnieOBTextiles said...

How wonderful to spend special time with your son and escape the normal routine for a day. Love the colours of your new bedding, so bright and cheerful. Best wishes and I hope your neck improves soon.

kristieinbc said...

Okay. I am seriously jealous! I am a huge Harry Potter fan, and this looks like the ultimate Harry Potter experience. Well, aside from reading the books of course. And a double treat since you got to spend the day there with your son. I hope it's not too rough going off the steroids.

kathy b said...

I am thrilled you and your son got the day together . Meredith, I love all things paisley so i love your new bed look. Allison would love the harry Potter land. Can you believe I've never read the books?

When we get that precious one on one time, no matter how it goes, it is a treasure. I like that you met up at a fun place. I think that' s our next plan for vacation with Al. Find a cool fun destination and meet there. Living apart is so difficult on Fireman and I ; we so wish our kids could drop in for coffee or a nice dinner. We struggle with it mightily . WE hope it isn't for always....

mamasmercantile said...

What a great day, creating lots of lovely memories. Love the new bedding and like you a great fan of items on sale. I love the stunning colours and the paisley pattern, a real delight. Hope you feel better soon and the steroids do their thing.

The Well Fed Wheel said...

Love the new Duvet.....paisly is my favorte print! And what a fabulous trip! That bus is amazing!

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

It sounds like you and Mr 19 had a wonderful time, I'm a big Harry Potter fan too. Beautiful bedding, quite exquisite xx

Lisa said...

Harry Potter world sounds like so much fun. Oh to get lost in the magic of Harry Potter. Your new bedding is lovely. It's even better knowing it was on sale.

Jo said...

That sounds like so much fun, a wonderful day spent together with your son. It's lovely when they get to that age and still want to spend time with their mum. Love the bedding set.

Jodiebodie said...

Hi Meredith,
I love paisley too and the folksy colours of your duvet cover are fabulous - the perfect antidote for 'beige'
What a lovely mini break you had. That 1:1 time is so important at every age; special memories that only you two will share.
One of my close friends went to Universal Studios in Orlando just for the Harry Potter attraction. They loved it too. The children all got wands but the wands choose the children instead of the other way around! I'm sure it will be magical for LB when he gets older.
Watch out for that 'butter beer' - the ingredients frequently cause allergic reactions! That's what my friend was told by the first aid office when the family struck trouble with a bad reaction to the butter beer.
I hope your neck is recovering well and you aren't suffering to many side fx from the steroids. The weaning is always the hardest. Take it easy. Xx

Melanie said...

What a wonderful day you spent with your son! And I'm glad you had a chance to finally have a few hours of alone time. It's blissful, isn't it? Love your new bedding - the colors and pattern are beautiful and cheery. What happened to your neck?

Toni said...

Oh my goodness!! Your adventure sounds so magical! We're total fans--we have the movies, the books, AND the audio books because the only thing that makes the books better is Jim Dale. Hope your neck is feeling better!!!

Chris said...

So happy to see you had such a great fun with your son! What s magical place! And so interesting!! It must feel like you've been transported into such a different world . I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing neck pain. No fun at all. Your duvet cover and shams are so pretty! New bedding just cheers me up!!