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.