Cardiff and then home (sniff!)

So, I got out of the car, only to be told Merrill had just gone in - rats! However, I got more than my fair share of him later on, so all was not lost. A few weeks earlier Jenny, Merrill's European assistant, had announced that if it was your birthday at an event, then you'd have a little surprise - it was Janette and Shelley's that day and I saw them go in as I arrived. When they came back out again, after watching a bit of Merrill's sound check, we shared chocolate cornflake cakes which I'd bought with me (not made myself!). YUM! We all waited outside for ages, but it was very pleasant. The Point is in a very quiet (on a Sunday) part of Cardiff Bay and is a former church, decommissioned in the early 1990s, having been built at the turn of the 20th century. After a while, security came out and, given my tendency to not like being called names like 'love', 'dear', 'sweetheart' and stuff like that, when he asked me to wait at the other side 'my lovely', I was tempted for a second to deck him, but, actually, that's quite sweet! He was very nice too (if you know what I mean - haha!).

Anyway, eventually, after Mr Osmond decided that he'd checked his sound loud and clear, I went in first, joking that they could now shut the door on the rest of the crowd! Rather surprisingly, they didn't listen to me! BAD security people! LOL!

I was guided to my seat and it was at the end of the third/fourth row in the middle, right in the centre of the stage - very good view of anyone who happened to appear on it (and there was - when you adjusted your camera to not get anyone's head in the way - JOAN! HA!). We waited quite a long time, and I chatted to loads of people and just waited and looked at the venue - really lovely inside, they've kept a lot of the stained glass windows and the interior - really lovely. Music was playing a lot of the time in the background and it was very mellow! We were given a package about the Shiloh weekend and our ticket for the M&G which I promptly nearly lost! I met Jenny and got a hug and a thank you from her, which was sweet.

Merrill coming on was a bit strange - he just suddenly appeared, really quietly from the back of the stage, it was like 'Oh, he's there!' LOL! He then sang a few songs, interspersed with chat about the weekend, about his family, about working on Sundays (the guilt some may feel about being there, he said something about 'if you need to be here, then that's OK', or something like that), he talked about being away from his family (and given what he went back to, that had added poignancy for me later). The weekend in June became even real for me. He told us to prepare for it beforehand, because it will change us, take us out of our comfort zones, specially the creation therapy. He introduced some people who were going to help him with the weekend. He answered some questions, which I can't remember most of now! It was a very moving time, to hear him talk about what he wanted to achieve and then the songs interspersed with that. Let Me In got me going AGAIN - thank you, Janette, for the hand hold and the tissue - much appreciated.

All in all a lovely time with him, he did the first half, there was an interval where I decided to go and look at the merchandise - I had it all (am I sad, or what?! LOL!)! The second half was Mal Pope, a really lovely guy who has got to know Merrill very well - he talked a bit about what they've done together, he introduced himself by singing the theme song from Fireman Sam - which he wrote. All together now............... LOL! I love a man who can laugh at himself! Merrill came on for some of it and sat and watched him at work. They did some stuff together, even some Osmond hits (Mal needs to work at his Crazy Horses dance! HA! Tooooo funny!). All of it was a very lovely time.

Afterwards, I decided I needed a drink, so after recovering (!), chatted to people (I spent the second half sort of in the first/second row in the middle again) and went to the bar! I got myself a Coke, and was just casually loitering with no intent whatsover - honest - and Merrill suddenly (again!) appeared down the side, I was pointed out to him, got a HUGE bearhug and then 'Would you like my sandwich?!' Well, I didn't quite know what to say, really - WHY does he feel the need to give me his food?! LOL! Sweets last June, Chicken mayo sandwich today - hmmmm....... ha! So, I said yes! HA! And he gave it to me, and then came the dilemma of what to actually DO with it! So, I went to the merch stall, wrapped it in a Osmania Stateside booking form (SORRY Karens!) and carried it around with me for the rest of the day (it went in a plastic bag when I got to the hotel).
Next June I'd like a lovely Belgian chocolate please, Merrill! (I know it's supposed to be healthy eating, but one won't do any harm!). We also had a raffle, which I forgot to buy tickets for - sorry Karen!

Then came the Meet and Greet Time, I was 34 or something, and they were being pretty strict about going in order, so I waited a bit, chatting to people in line, or who were just sitting there, soaking up the atmosphere. I discovered that the M&Gs were taking place upstairs, and decided that I would go walk upstairs, I had my crutches with me, I could do it. I discussed (!) it with Jenny and one of the security guys and they said they'd help get me up. So, I waited in line and when it was my turn, I got up, walked up one step, two steps and then there was a third, MUCH bigger step - and my foot got stuck! No matter how hard I tried, I could not move it. It was gently (ish) put to me that perhaps I shouldn't go upstairs - I wanted to try, but my foot wouldn't move. So, extremely reluctantly, I stayed at the foot of the flight of stairs - and bawled my eyes out! I was annoyed with myself, embarrassed that all these people wanted to help me and my body just couldn't do it - grrr!

Elinor was brilliant, she gave me a hug and managed to calm me down, reassuring me that at least I'd tried. I was left for a couple of minutes to get my breath back and then Merrill appeared 'Now, Ms Gerry, dry those tears!' He then crouched down in front of me and gently admonished me, saying that I didn't need to go to him, he'd ALWAYS come to me. I told him that I wanted to do the opposite and felt frustrated that I couldn't. There then followed the most wonderful conversation I've ever had with him and I'm keeping it to myself, if you don't mind, but it was lovely. We talked about health issues, families (mine and his), Belgium, it was just absolutely wonderful. I've always said that I'm often concerned that people talk about what's going on in their lives to Merrill, just didn't understand it - but I do know now. May never do it again but I needed to this time, obviously. Then Mario appeared and we had our photo taken together on the little ledge by the stairwell. The background and setting may not have been what I wanted (and I'll probably look like death warmed up in the photo), but the atmosphere couldn't have been bettered. Absolutely gorgeous.

Eventually, he went back upstairs and I floated back out to the hall! (Why couldn't I do that up those flipping stairs!). Thank you to Elinor and Joan for all their help, you are stars!

When I got back out, I spent the rest of the time talking to people, watching people go in (and again, one or two!). We were eventually asked to leave, very politely, by the security guys, as they needed to get everything down. So we went outside, and waited for a VERY long time whilst everyone else saw Merrill. Had great fun, got told the history of the neighbourhood by Bernard - bit dodgy, kept being threatened to be thrown in the Bay if I was naughty! There was a pub across the way which was a bit noisy, and some lads were playing with this small bouncy ball which they promptly lost and at one point we were all looking for the stupid thing - in darkness, with not much lighting where it had gone!

Most of the evening was spent deciding which exit Merrill would come out, and we were sure that certain people were playing cat and mouse with us, so several people were eventually posted at each entrance - tooo funny. 35 years of experience of trying to locate an Osmond is not to be sniffed at - or to try and con them into thinking Osmonds are somewhere they are not, or vice versa! LOL! He eventually came out at 10.15PM, after asking to see Susan's children, who were as lovely as ever! There was only a few of us mad fools there, it was flipping freezing, I had no long coat with me, but I got a handshake (!) and a 'you take care, Gerry' from Merrill as he got into the car and went off to Holland.

I was a bit worried about my hotel, so Lesley offered to give me a lift back in her car (even though I wasn't sure how to get back to it - it was DARK!), but I couldn't get into her car. Bernard and Susan offered, and I knew I could get into his, and he knew vaguely where it was, so off we went, with the family, and eventually got back to the hotel. They waited to see that everything was OK, just in case they'd forgotten I was coming back! If I had problems, we would go find somewhere else (or a nice quiet spot on the water somewhere, apparently! LOL!).

But no, no problems, checked in properly, hugs all round and then off to bed! I hadn't eaten all day so wondered about room service, but quite frankly couldn't work out how to get it, so had a tea and a few shortbread biccies that were provided instead! The room was quite narrow, not really suitable for a wheelchair, although the bathroom was - it had a shower, which was no use, so I had a wash, went to bed. Slept quite well, and woke up the next morning, and realised I didn't know when my train was! HA! Checked and, luckily, had time for breakfast, which was lovely - scrambled egg and bacon. Not many people around, so good service. Oh, and the lights were the same as the Jurys at Newcastle, so I was an expert on them by now - although when you took the card out at night, they went out straight away - which meant it was an experience getting into bed!

Ordered taxi to station and then sat in foyer and read the paper. Taxi came, took me to the back entrance to the station, which was not exactly the right place to go, but they were very helpful in getting help to get me to the train - which came very promptly. He carried my bag for me, was quite chatty without being overly so, and eventually I got to the platform. Same little four carriage train, such a LONG journey. No famous people this time. Sat opposite two young lads who were going to Manchester, journey was uneventful, same stations, some with weird names! Raining in Manchester (!). When I got on the train in Manchester, I started to feel quite emotional, thinking about the weekend and looked out of the window a lot (if you know what I mean!), there were a couple of extremely weird people sharing my carriage a couple of times, one of them muttering under his breath something about stupid train companies, I'll get them! A little disconcerting, but he was quiet the rest of the way to Leeds. Then there were two businessmen who chatted very loudly about closing this company down (they may have been lawyers), and then spent most of the rest of the time emailling on their little hand-held thingies.

Got off train, was helped to the taxi rank - it was assumed that I would stay in my chair, so went down this very long line of cabs to find a wheelchair accessible one, who couldn't or wouldn't get out of the line, so I told them I could get out and the customer services guy apologised for not asking me! Eventually got home, tired but happy - and hungry!

Thanks so much to everyone who made the Cardiff day a really special occasion - it was a truly lovely day.

Next time - LONDON!

Bridgend to Cardiff

*Forgot to say that, now I knew how to work the lights system (same as the Jurys), was able to go to bed knowing I wasn't breaking anything! Woke up the following morning, bright and earlyish, packed and got down to breakfast. Really weird way of doing it - never done it like this before! LOL! I'd heard the receptionist tell someone else where breakfast was served and she'd said 'if there is room' at the end of it, so I thought I'd better be early just in case. There was a man and his son in there watching Match of the Day, but that was all. The breakfast was definitely a DIY job - the cereal on a highish shelf which I sort of had to launch myself at -too funny! There was a machine for the coffee - lovely! And then I had to find the bread for my toast - MUST have toast! I looked everywhere, and then decided to be nosy and look in cupboards - nope! I eventually found it in two plastic boxes right in front of my nose - doh!

Anyway, eventually ate breakfast and went back to room to check out and wait for cab. Chose a company with accessible taxis - they came in a normal saloon car! lol!

Got to station in one piece and went on to platform - to find I was on the wrong side of the tracks (normal, I hear you say!), the station person asked me if I'd come with a local taxi firm - yes (where the heck did he think I'd come from?!), he then walked down the correct side, while I struggled with my bags on the OTHER side, and we met in the middle and he pulled me backwards across the railway line - ha!

I then waited for my train - went to see if the coffee shop was open - nope. Went to see if there was an accessible loo - nope. Sooo (and if you're of a squeamish disposition, do not read on!), put my bags down, got my crutches out, walked into the loo, left the door open so I could see my bags - did what I had to do and then got out of there as fast as I could - dumpy toilet!

More people arrived and, despite there being several signs on the station regarding the no smoking policy, these Danish people who'd come to see the fight insisted on lighting up and we, being the polite British people we are, let them get on with it, no staff in sight! Eventually the train came and, as I was only going to be on it for 30 minutes, it turned out to be a HUGE eight carriage inter-city job thing, rather than the four carriage jobby that I'd endured the day before - typical! Train comes to a halt - no help to get me on train, and I wait, and wait, and eventually he saunters up 'did you think I wasn't coming?!' Yes, you idiot! LOL!

Anyway, got on train and the journey passed uneventfully (I should think so in 30 mins!). Got to Cardiff and - waited for help to get off! This poor student thought he was going to have to carry me off - he was trying to be so helpful. I think he had someone with him and THEY went to find someone, but again it was this attitude of 'I'll get there, eventually!' It's not like the train was stopping there, for goodness sake!

I had to make my own way out of the station - luckily I know how to read (I seem to have said this before! LOL!) and got to the taxi rank. I love the way cabbies look at me as I arrive, specially when they have saloon cars - the look of horror of having to help me is too funny! However, as soon as I leap out of the chair, their blood pressure soon drops several points. He was very helpful and quite chatty, knew which Osmond Merrill was (always a Brownie point or two in my book), didn't talk about any other Osmond (nudge, nudge, wink, wink!), and got me to my NEXT hotel in quick fashion, and knocked 50p off the fare! Nice man, very very nice man!

I was a bit worried about this leg of the journey, as I'd rung the Future Inn a couple of days before and asked them if it was OK to book in early. They said no, as rooms would not be ready as they were full the night before (that flipping fight, remember), but I thought I'd give it a go. So, I went in, receptionists were lovely (as all receptionists are, of course!), I explained I had a meeting (!!) at The Point, but they said no, I couldn't book in, but I could leave my bags, so that's what I did, and they'd leave a note to say that I was coming back later to check-in properly (and it WAS later, MUCH later!). I then used the loo and then went back out to reception to book a taxi to The Point - as it was about ten minutes walking time. I actually think I MIGHT have been able to do it as it was well signposted, but if it had been raining - no chance! Also, the hotel had some interesting sculpturework outside it -one in particular!

Went outside to wait for taxi, met up with others who were coming to the GT as well,who had had an interesting journey! Three cabs came alone before mine, and caused huge confusion when they picked up two parties who were going to the same place. The guy I went with had come to take people to the station, he went to check where they were, saw that they'd gone and said 'I'm all yours' - oooo!

Then he asked me where I was going, I told him, 'Where's that then?!' Oh my goodness!

We went on our way and I scrambled in my handbag for my ticket and gave him the location - 'aaaah, thought it might be!' Idiot! He didn't have a Welsh accent, sounded Canadian or American to me, so maybe he'd just arrived, or something, anwway, he needs more lessons in how to inspire confidence that he knows where he's going! LOL!

The route to The Point was nice - past the Millennium Centre, and other interesting buildings and fountains and such stuff. I pointed out a sign that said 'The Point' - thought I'd be helpful, and he smiled (probably thinking 'idiot woman'! hehe!). We eventually turned the corner and there was a car coming in the opposite direction, and also there was this grey-haired bloke standing in the middle of the road.............

Eventually, the car moved back - it was going the wrong way down a one-way street, and we parked and I got out - only to be told that Merrill had JUST gone in. Now, looking back on the grey-haired bloke in the middle of the street with no road sense, and what Merrill was wearing, I'm not TERRIBLY sure they were one and the same, but if I'd had my wits about me, I'd have beeped on the horn (even though it wasn't my place to do it!) and said 'Get off the road, you daft Yank!' However, I just got out of the car and behaved myself - for a bit, anyway!

Bridgend or Bust

Soooo, there I am in Bridgend, with a female taxi driver, and we drove to my hotel. Never stayed in a Holiday Inn Express before - not bad. Checked in and went to room - nice and big, bathroom had a shower though, don't do showers (I know, I know, ecologically they are better, but I don't do them, OK!). I do wash though, so I wasn't completely mucky! HA! Arrived ridiculously early so spent the rest of the day texting people to say I was bored, watching the view out of the window (lovely Sainsburys and a MacArthur Glen designer outlet, which I could've gone to, I suppose, if I'd risked my life going across a very, very busy roundabout! Watched telly, relaxed a bit - which was a good thing, really. At about six I decided I needed to eat, and decided to go to the Harvester round the corner - not across the road, just down the path. I decided to go then as I thought it wouldn't be crowded - WRONG! Heaving! 15 minute wait for a table - so I did what any sensible girl would, I had a glass of wine - my second in a week, my goodness me!

Eventually my table was ready and I had a lovely meal of roast chicken, baked potato and salad - very healthy - ha! Decided against a pudding (my goodness, I must've been coming down with something), had a coffee, and then went back to the hotel. The path was very dark and I am very glad I wasn't tiddly, as it ran out and I had to go into the road of the car park, and nearly got run over by a taxi coming round the corner - eek!

Anyway, got home safely and went to my room, after investigating the breakfast room and whether there was computer access anywhere public - nope!

Spent the rest of the evening in my room, trying to find Merrill on the radio - he wasn't on mine - and I wasn't the only one who could find him either, apparently - where were you?! So, I watched telly some more - Casualty and Strictly (or vice versa!) and then I went to bed, and slept not too badly. Room was quite cold as I couldn't shut the window properly, so it was noisy from the fireworks and cars going by - couldn't hear the motorway though.

True Friends, Trains, Taxis, Taffies and Turkey Sandwiches

That intriques you, doesn't it! I seemed to have spent most of the last week or so either in a train or a taxi, so that seemed a most appropriate title! The turkey is slightly misleading, but it begins with T, so fitted more than - chicken!

Anyway, I'd spent most of the previous week washing for the weekend, or so it seemed. Went to mum and dad's for lunch on Friday and we had the most disgusting fish lunch - they cut a piece of small fish even smaller and shared it between mum and me. Complaints were put in and it won't happen again - better not do!

Anyway, Saturday arrived - I'd decided to go down on Saturday as train times would've meant getting down very late and not arriving until after the get together started, and I would've missed lots!

So, went down to station and said hello to customer services again - must get a season ticket soon! Arrived way too early again - this time, my taxi driver was not weird, didn't grip the steering wheel like the devil incarnate possessed and just kept his mouth shut - hallelujah!

So, waited a little bit and they got me on the earlier train, without any problems. The trains are new, peca-something or others (I was thinking of pecadillos, but I don't think that's quite the right word - LOL!). Really roomy, a bit like sitting in the guards van in that you don't really have a table, you're in a space where seats can be if you're not there, if you understand what I mean. Train took about 90 mins to get to Manchester (yes, Manchester), and I had a well-earned cuppa on the way and a packet of crisps! It was lovely in York, rained in Manchester (I'm saying nothing!) and when we arrived in Wales, lovely again - but I'm racing ahead.

Arrived in Manchester, undercover, so didn't get wet. Had to wait for assistance to next platform as I was early - and boy, did they let me know that I was early - wow, 30 minutes, what an inconvenience! Anyway, he came eventually and didn't offer to carry my bags, just LEAD me to the next platform!

Train hadn't arrived, but when it did, I was stunned! It was a tiny little four carriage thing and was going all the way to Milford-flipping Haven! How would we all fit in it?! Loads of people got off, my 'help' wandered off, and I rushed to follow him, with handbag, holdall and crutches all flapping about all over the place - dingbat! Got to the end of the train which, let's face it, wasn't that far away, and got on train. Had a seat space and a table - woohooo (simple things please simple minds, dontchaknow!). Then settled down - as it was going to be a longgggg journey - three hours or so, and we went through some very small places, stopping at every station known to man, woman and child! Have you ever heard of Church Stretton?! Me neither! Went to Crewe and Shrewsbury, Abergavenny, Newport, some tiny little place called Craven Arms (sounds more like a pub). A guy from the RAF stood opposite me - guarded my bag (he didn't know it was mine!), and we had great fun teaching people how to use the loo - not literally, thank you very much, but the door mechanics were a bit complicated for some people (if you know what I mean) so we had to tell people to keep their finger on the button, go in and press another button - talk about acrobatics, it was hilarious! He got off at Shrewsbury, as he was based at RAF Shawbury (I didn't know that at the time, I just looked it up!) and the train went on its way and eventually arrived in Bridgend - my first port of call due to some person called Joe Calzaghe, or however the heck you spell it, fighting some Danish bloke in Cardiff, thereby making all the hotels in Cardiff fully booked. What fun! I have a cousin who lives in Bridgend, but he wasn't around, so that's why I went to a hotel. Pretty easy to get off the train (getting on again would be MUCH more fun - not!), and I made my way to the taxi rank. Had to go to them as they were having a chinwag in the rank. I got a female driver, which I think is a first for me - can't remember having one recently anyway. She was great. Very helpful, chatty without being intrusive, but had a bee in her bonnet about some new rules the local council (or the train company) were bringing in about taxi dress code - not a happy bunny. We've been through this in York, and it seems to be working now. Personally, I think it makes them look very efficient, but can understand some of the practical and safety issues associated with it.

Adventures with Donny and Ian - continued

So, got back to the hotel and decided to relax a bit with a glass of wine (white, dry, country of origin unknown!), and chat a bit with those who were also staying at the same hotel. Chatted about the concert, and Merrill, who we were going to see the next weekend - more, MUCH more in my next blog, Branson, and gossip - LOL! Had a great time, but all too soon it was time I went to bed. So, went back up to my room, lights still refused to go back on, so went back down to reception at 12.30am and was told that you had to insert your card into this socket by the door and, hey presto, the lights would go on. And, do you know what?! They DID! Now, if they'd only told me that when I booked in - DOH!

Had a good night's sleep, woke up the next morning, train wasn't until 11, so had a leisurely breakfast of cereal, coffee, toast and scrambled egg (I never have this at home, just when I go away), yum!

Eventually came time for me to leave, taxi driver OK, bit animated about the Osmonds (and not particularly in a good way - never mind!), but we got to the station, and I went and waited for my train. Luckily Newcastle is also a GNER station so I knew where to go to get help, and they were really good, again they tried to get me on an earlier train, again the chair wouldn't fit through the door, so off we got again and I waited.

Eventually the train arrived, got on OK, and the train journey was pretty uneventful until we got to Darlington and then these three guys got on, and I racked my brains to see where I knew one of them from, and it suddenly dawned on me that it was Ian Botham (or SIR Ian Botham as he is now!), he didn't look particularly happy, but the previous day, some cricket manager's memoirs had been published in a newspaper and he didn't come out of it well. There seemed to be a lot of phone calls going back and fro, so I expect legal stuff! LOL! He was alright, and he was still on the train when I left at York (he lives near Doncaster). Anyway, had to make my own way to the taxi rank - good job I know York station well. Taxi was fine, home was still intact, but I had a hugely busy week ahead to prepare for my next adventure - and what an adventure!

Adventures with Donny and Ian - continued

Did I forget to tell you that the train stank?! If not, there you are - LOL!

After a little while Donny disappeared (and it all ended very quickly, one minute he was there and then WHOOSH - he was gone!), glad he did it though, seems to be a relatively new thing for him - good to see! We then decided that we would go back to the Jurys Inn for a bite to eat - had a steak sandwich which was lovely, and chips, and salad and - a coke! Spent the next three hours or so gossing, errr, talking about various things.

I then decided to make tracks for the arena again and, because of the big hill, decided to get a taxi, and reception ordered it for me 'for a lady who wants to go to the Donny Osmond concert.' How did they know?! I never mentioned his name! LOL!

Anyway, he came, was really nice in the short journey, and very helpful, so I gave HIM a tip (just a quid, remember I'm from Yorkshire!).

Waited outside for what seemed like ages, they only had one door open when they did open them, then two. Went straight to my seat (well, sort of, went through wrong door first! HA!).
And - I was the only one there for quite a while, right in the middle of the wheelchair area in Block 110. Looked across to see where I am in May - the other side, nearer the stage - woohoo!

The arena crowd took quite a while to get in - for ages it was about 3/4 full - Donny fans are like buses, none for a while, and then they all come at once! LOL!

Eventually this countdown appeared on the screen ten minutes before the show started, and at about 2-3 minutes, the floor started shaking, and there was this low rumbling noise - very effective, loved it!

I liked the show a lot - he did a lot of the Love Songs CD, some stuff from the 70s, 80s and 90s - major bits were Let's Stay Together (keep the growl to a minimum, D, let the experts do it!), the walkabout was astonishing, how he did what he did was amazing, and how he suddenly appeared somewhere completely different was baffling! LOL! He ended up about four or five rows back from us, and some fans didn't ingratiate themselves well by entering the wheelchair area and pushing past us to get to him - BAD people! I also didn't like people yelling out 'I love you, Donny' in particularly quiet moments - ruined the moment! Specially during Sacred Emotion - dingbats! During LMFAR I had a Merrill moment - during this, pics of the brothers are flashed on the screen and there, right in front of me, was one of my very, VERY favourite pictures of Merrill with his brothers (well, I think they were there, it got a bit hot!) - it's a picture of when he was about eighteen, and he's sitting on the floor, leg out stretched, other leg bent, and he just looks sooooooo sexy - mamma mia!

ANYWAY, back to Donny! I loved all the different versions of Puppy Love (personally, my fave is the country version!), loved Twelfth of Never 2007, loved Soldier of Love.

Now, Hold Her Tight - been looking forward to this, was a bit intrigued. Well - loved the music, did NOT like the singing, the two seemed, to me, to be in different keys, and it sounded icky.
But I will ALWAYS love him doing Crazy Horses live - although we can do without the giddyups - not that kind of horse, Dman, you should know that!

All too soon the concert was over, and it was time to go home. I waited outside for a bit, as I thought I was walking home with people, but when the doors closed, I thought 'hmmm - probably not!' So, I made my own way home, with the help of one of the stewards who got me through the traffic queue at the end of the road, and two lovely ladies who helped me the final way to the hotel - thank you! Turns out we had crossed wires and I was supposed to get a cab, never mind - safely back at the hotel!

A Date with Donny and Ian

That's got you wondering. I spent the morning packing (!) and handing in notes at church for people to do things (oh the power of a senior steward - NOT!). Then the taxi came at about 11.45. What a very very weird guy - hardly spoke and held the steering wheel at 9 o clock and peered very closely out of the window - and drove quite oddly too - I did wonder if I would get there - but I did! He was very helpful so I gave him a tip (btw I took £50 with me on this trip - all but £20 went on taxis - rip off merchants! LOL!

Anyway, went to check in and waited for train - two GNER guys helped me, Dave and Kevin - very nice. They tried to be very helpful and get me on an earlier train. Train came - wheelchair wouldn't fit through the door to the space, so off we got again! LOL! Next train came along, got me on, banged my wheelchair against the door frame - wheel frame came off! Reminded me of Wales (same thing happened on steam railway). Quick repair was done (still holding up) as they had to get off, of course). Had to spend about half an hour in the aisle as silly people had dumped their suitcases all over the flipping place! So the customer services lady had to move them - big suitcases, small lady. Eventually I got into my space - wish I'd taken a photo as the 'space' wasn't that spacious, well, I couldn't get the table to come down. If we'd crashed, I would've gone head first out of the window! She then made an announcement that, if you had put your luggage in the space opposite the disabled persons toilet (yes, they are on trains), then it had been moved to another carriage because, and I quote 'a wheelchair joined us at York' - what the ****?! What about the person in it?!

Anyway, arrived at Newcastle in one piece, and was taken to the taxi queue (see! LOL!), and the driver was helpful and we soon arrived at the hotel, which wasn't very far from the station (or the arena!), but you wouldn't have known it from the fare. Anyway, got into hotel, went to reception - room not ready, despite it being after check-in time, told to wait - so I did, and did, and did. Eventually, went back to reception and checked in properly. Given key card (this will become very important later on!).

Went up to room, bit dark so tried to turn lights off - wouldn't work. Was in a bit of a rush so decided to get ready to go out again and decided that lights only worked at certain times (they're a very environmentally friendly hotel!). Soooo - went out, found out where I had to go to the arena. Down ramp, crossed road, trying very hard not to get run over in the process!), and went down through tunnel to arena to................... a flipping great hill! Started to make way up hill, and saw a man getting out of his car and, because I can look pathetic when I want to, decided to play the gender card - and won! HA! He pushed me to the top of the hill, but then I had to make my way around the arena to find people. I was convinced Donny had already arrived, so was aiming for the box office but - found people hanging around a fence. Couldn't see anyone I knew at first, and they looked at me weirdly (are Brothers fans that obvious?! LOL!). Eventually found a friendly face in Irene and Janette and a few other people I knew - phew!

We hung around chatting and I was told that Donny was still in the bus - probably! Anyway, after a bit of time talking there was suddenly a huge surge to the fence - it was stunning to watch! Then I actually realised that I was missing out and got there myself! DOH! Thank you to those who helped to get me a bit of a view - it was fun watching through the bottom of the fence - I got a good view of D's shoes (shiny!), and then he came along, signing things and posing for photos and I got a handshake and a how are you (fine was my reply!). I also got a close up view of Tina so that I know what she looks like next time we meet (!).

Final Night and Home......

OK, so we got into a cab and it was decided that we'd head to the Bellagio first - I just did as I was told (I know, very hard to believe!). We swept up to this beautiful entrance and I felt decidedly under-dressed (don't get excited - I mean too casual!). This hotel was in a completely different league from the Orleans (and if you want to see it, go to: http://www.bellagio.com/ - crumbs! A beautiful lobby, very white, with lots of flowers, the slots weren't in your face as soon as you came in the door, and the smell of smoke didn't hit your face so much! We headed to have a look at the different things, and came across this Ferris Wheel - as you do! There was a bunch of things that, apparently, could be found (or were found) along the famous Route 66 - and this was one of the first Ferris Wheels - at 40 feet high. Nearby were different trees and bushes from various places - it was very pretty, and if I ever win the lottery........ HA!

After looking through here, we decided where to go to next, we thought about going to see different shows that were happening, but the timing was a bit off, so we decided against that. So headed to see the Dancing Waters (see link above!) as they were due to start soon - I'd heard about these and really wanted to see them. We headed down the slope and got into a good position to watch them, and then - it started to RAIN! Yep, rain, in Las Vegas (people I've told this to can't believe it, but it did, honest!). So we ran back and as we did, unfortunately Donna fell flat on her back and hit her head on the concrete. The rain, even though it had only been falling for a few minutes, had made the ground so slippy, and she was wearing sandals. Fortunately, she was OK, if slightly stunned, so we headed back in, and thought about whether we should wait for the rain to stop. Whilst we were thinking, Sara decided to do some gambling! There was this wheel thing (I am so technical) and you had to put counters on different numbers and guess which number it would stop at. I hadn't a clue what she was doing but gave a bit of advice - as I am wont to do - and she came out slightly on top (I think - as I say, haven't a clue! LOL!). Eventually, we decided that it wasn't raining that badly, so we'd walk to Caesars Palace. The walkway between the two reminded me a bit of Paris - which wasn't terribly difficult as across the lake and just up the road, was a mini Arc De Triomphe and Eiffel Tower - outside the Paris Hotel! Very bizarre.

Anyway, eventually got to Caesars Palace - damp, because it had decided to rain some more. Had to work out how to get in, went up and down in lifts (elevators!) and eventually got in. Again, wow! There are quite a few fountains to look at - we saw a couple. Funny thing is, we were met by the sight of a Roman Centurion, and some other characters standing there, but as soon as we walked in, they walked out. I'll never forget the sight of Sara walking after them, trying to get them to come back to have a photo opp - they were NOT having any of it!

We went through to the area where the shops were (for a look at what's there, visit http://www.harrahs.com/casinos/caesars-palace/hotel-casino/property-home.shtml). And - wow again! LOL!

When you go through there, there are rather posh shops on either side (with posh prices to match - even the food ones!), and then you come to this area where there is a scene like in Athens, and above you is a sky - even though you're inside - it's wonderful! We had a look round the shops (definitely just a look!), and as I was getting quite tired, and had to pack, and get to the airport in the morning, it was decided that I'd go back to the hotel. We all did - had another very helpful driver. As we were driving past all the other hotels - Circus, Circus, New York, New York), I noticed that the waters had started, despite being told over the phone that they'd been cancelled for that evening, so our driver drove very slowly past them (wasn't difficult, the traffic was quite heavy), absolutely fantastic to watch -never seen anything like it, even in Butchart Gardens, and those are really, really great!

Anyway, got back to the Orleans and went straight up to my room and packed all except what I needed for the morning, and went to bed!

Next morning, got up, dressed, packed everything else. Decided to take my case down to where it could be stored, got downstairs on my own with it (for those who didn't see it, it was a BIG pink thing - couldn't miss it! LOL!), but the carpet downstairs didn't like it, so this very kind bellhop put it on his trolley and took it to where it needed to go for me!

I also decided to use the Business Centre for a bit - went online to check my emails and check in to Spottie - see if they were behaving themselves, and to see if everyone had got home). It helped while away an hour or so, and really helped a lot, so thank you Spotties for that.

Eventually it was time to leave and I got my case (or another very nice man got it for me - but this time he wanted paying! LOL!), and he guided me to a cab. The taxi driver was wonderful. He'd lived in Britain about 30 years ago, and was a bit of a Manchester United fan (he actually had tix to go see them play and was so busy messing around with a friend of his that he forgot to go!). He was at Uni in Brighton apparently. He was lovely! Very helpful at the airport as well. The first check in desk for Delta was outside and again I met a very friendly person who helped me to the inside check in, and when I tipped him, he told me I'd given him too much - that was a first! HA!

I was a bit early, so I had to wait for some assistance, but not for long. Soon, a very helpful lady came and helped me through to security, MUCH better than New York, I even had a bit of a joke with the person who checked me over - much more of a sense of humour!

She took me through to the Departure Lounge and I waited there for the plane to come. One plane came in before ours and two rather 'merry' young ladies got off it -just - LOL! Spent some of the time 'talking' to a little girl of about 18 months and her mum. There was an announcement that we were overbooked (AGAIN - what is it about Delta?! LOL!), but it was soon sorted, or someone didn't turn up, as we were all soon on the plane. Was helped onto the plane, my seat was on the end of the row, and I had to move to let a couple into my row, but they were really, really nice. Whilst we were waiting to take off, the captain suddenly announced that we were too heavy, so had to wait for permission to take off from another runway. If we got permission, we'd be OK, if we didn't, it would mean offloading - eek! Prayers were offered, as I had a very very tight turnaround at New York, I got a bit worried at this point! I bet Elinor and Joan did too - they were on the same flight, with Elinor's family).

However, we soon got permission - although we were running about 20 minutes late. As I said earlier, the couple I was sat next to were really nice, they lived in Newark (New Jersey, not Nottinghamshire!), unfortunately though, the husband suffered a bit from claustrophobia so he spent a lot of the flight standing up elsewhere, poor guy. On approach to New York, they pointed out various landmarks to me (not that I could really see but it was nice of them to do that!). On landing, people were told not to stand in the aisle and let people through who had 'tight' connections - ie me, Joan and Elinor! But - they all stood up! Eventually, I found a gap to get through the people and got off the plane, Elinor and Joan had gone ahead, and one of Elinor's sons had to BEG them to keep the gate open for us.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, I was met with a very insistent 'helper' who insisted I get in the chair provided (not mine, hopefully it had been put on the plane ahead of me!), and put the foot pedals down (I don't wear them normally), I was panicking and telling him we had to GO - but Mr Jobsworth was more worried about insurance than me getting on a blooming plane! And then - he walked particularly casually down to the next plane - grrrr!

EVENTUALLY, we got to the plane, and I was the last one on, jet lag was setting in, and as I was walking through business class, exhausted, I cut myself - so there was blood pouring from my finger - which I had to deal with myself. Then my shoe fell off again, the flight attendant asked, eventually, if she could help, so I gave her it! I am so so glad I had a row to myself (well, two seats), as it meant I could spread out, and I slept for quite a bit of the flight (most of it, I think). Arrived back in the morning at about 8.15am (according to my mum, who'd been watching on Teletext! LOL!). Walked MILES to get to Customs. Again they were peaches, really helpful, and I was then handed over to someone who took me to my train to London. Took me to the wrong platform at first, but it was OK, as my train was not for a bit, eventually got to London and was taken to a taxi. Journey through London was OK, went past the Churchill Hotel (can't remember doing that on the way there, but we did do the same route), and also passed the soldiers going to the Changing of the Guard, which was a sight to see - they looked very very smart, very British institution.

Got to Kings Cross, and the driver almost dumped me in the middle of the road! Luckily a very nice Spanish couple took pity and helped me with my case, but then had to leave me when I got in there, as it was their first day in London and they had no idea of where I needed to be. I started to head for Customer Services and another lady, a British student, again offered to pull my case and we followed a long path to CS. I waited in there for assistance to the train, which came pretty quickly, and he was Canadian! He put me on the train (wrong carriage, but it didn't matter), and I was the only one on the train for about 30 minutes - nearly thought it was the wrong one, but it wasn't!

Train journey took about two hours, the guard offered to get me some food, and then forgot me! Some guy offered to get the Chelsea Pensioner opposite me something, but ignored me, and I was too tired to argue. Arrived at York - wooo hooo!

GNER staff were, as always, very very helpful and the lady who helped me actually walked to a wheelchair accessible cab and told him I was there. He was great, he was an Elvis fan (you could tell!), and when I told him I'd been to Vegas, he asked me if I'd seen him - errrm, nope! Got home to find flat still present and correct, tidy, lots of post, and I went to bed (after ringing my mum to say I was home). Slept until the following day.

I had a lovely time, met some wonderful friends who I'd met before, and LOTS who I hadn't met before 'live' as it were. You all rock! Thanks to all who helped in any way to have a good time, can we do it again some time?!

Next - Newcastle to see Donny, and then Cardiff to see his lovely big brother!

Final Full Day

OK, so got up the following morning, and knew that many people were leaving for home, so had breakfast early and then went to park myself near registration. Spent most of the morning there saying goodbye. Lots of tears - but not from me - heartless witch that I am! I just know in my bones that I'll see people again - so watch out! Spent the rest of the time chatting to Karen P - VERY interesting! LOL!

Also knew that various members of the Osmond family would be leaving that morning - Merrill wasn't one of them as he'd left after the show to get back to Utah as his daughter Sheila was going on a mission - best wishes to her! I think those type of events are really good for young people, whether it's a mission, or a gap year, or a shorter thing like a sabbatical - it's good for the soul and grows you up and helps you see the world from a different perspective - wish I could do something like that.

Anyway, we saw Kandilyn and the boys leave (but they didn't actually leave, leave, as we saw the boys later!), then in the corridor (yes, the stalking corridor) we saw Michelle and the children. Funny thing - Jay was also there, almost hiding behind a clothing rail (empty - so, if he was hiding, it was about as much use as a chocolate teapot!), and he turned to say hello to me and nearly got rammed into the wall (he wasn't pushing it), we both grinned at each other, and he went on his way.

Jimmy eventually came out and went to registration and talked, and talked, and talked and - went in the opposite direction to me - charming! Just kidding, he was obviously still very busy.

One of the goals of the time I was there to meet Alan - and suddenly, he was there! Sooo, Karen said 'go for it' - and I did! LOL! We had a short chat about the celebrations, and then he went on his way - wonderful to meet him.

Eventually Jay came out and he told us that he was helping Jimmy to load up a U-Haul to take back to Utah. Soooooo - we followed him and waited for him to come out. Jimmy came out first, and on his shoulder he had this great big long pole thing - he was carrying it with someone else. Hard at work............!

Anyway, eventually Jay came out with a trolley laden with boxes and he chatted with us for a bit. He put his arm round my shoulder (I was just at the right length!) so I put my arm round his waist (ditto!), and he posed for a picture (didn't really have much choice!). Anyway, he then decided that he really had to get on with loading the trailer, so we went with him, he loaded the first lot, and then went back into the hotel, so we waited outside (not for long, it was flipping hot!), and after a while, I went to see where he was, and had to do a kind of detour around this parked van, one of the workers very kindly moved a barricade, and I went through and then changed my mind as Jay was coming towards me in the opposite direction! He was trying to get through quite a narrow gap near a new car - just made it (he'd be good to drive with! LOL!), and as we went back to the others, we chatted about where I'd come from, and the pretty parts of the UK! When we got back, me being me, rather than watch him put them all into the trailer, I decided to see if they were heavy and suggested that we help! He was a bit reluctant, but it was much better than us sitting there watching the poor fella do it all on his own! I supervised - and took pictures! LOL! He was very grateful and said Jimmy would be pleased it had been done so quickly! HA - now he knows why!

We had a great time, went back inside, and eventually he was joined by his boys and one of Jimmy's and they went off back home.

I did actually manage to get some lunch - with Betty and Nicole, just before their flight home. We went to TGI Fridays and I just had the yummy appetiser, Betty taught me about Cobb (?) Salad, and we had a great time, and then I went with them to pick up their bags before they left.

I'd made arrangements earlier to go to see the Strip with Sara and Donna, after all, I hadn't managed to see anything of it, other than what we'd seen on the way in from the airport. So, we made arrangements that I'd meet them at 7.30, well, with a little bit of Osmond-time added, we did eventually meet, and took a cab - the cab drivers I met were really helpful, btw, very impressed indeed.

More later!

Show 3 and beyond.....

OK, so I eventually got outside and waited for show three to begin, as expected it started in Osmond Time not our time, but getting that amount of people OUT of the theatre and then getting them back IN again in time for the official start time, after the theatre was cleaned a bit was a bit of a tall order. I'm not sure if I mentioned this at the beginning, but when I went to get my ticket for this show, the box office person hmmmmed and haahed when he saw that it was an aisle seat - and asked me three times would it be OK - yes, yes and YES! LOL! He strongly suggested that if I needed any help then I needed to ask an usher.

Well, I wasn't terribly happy that he'd done that, BUT - when I went in, I understood why. I could get my wheelchair most of the way down, but then a barrier appeared, cutting the aisle in half - why, I have no idea. But, my chair wouldn't go any further, so I had to walk to my fifth row seat. Someone very kindly stowed the chair up a corridor. Got in my seat and waited, I'd got my Lynnie fan before the show, and looked at all the faces of people who weren't there in person, sad but happy that they'd been included somehow. A very excellent idea Ms Roberts! (((((hugs)))))

Whilst we were waiting for the show to start, a bunch of people suddenly surged to the front, and a frantic usher or two seemed to usher them back. Waited a bit more, and then the intro music started, and then there was an almighty surge again, no ushers this time, but boos from quite a few members of the audience. I've said all I want to on this subject, but do people really need to act like lemmings and do what others do?! It caused at least one disabled person to leave, another to be very claustrophobic, and if you'd done it to me, I would've battered someone! The show passed off relatively well, but I do wonder what the Osmonds thought was going on - well, now they probably know. I have my opinion on who started it, having witnessed some 'stuff' before the show, but let's leave it at that, shall we. What works in the UK doesn't necessarily work in the US.

Having said this, I did go down to the front - got confetti blown into my hair as I was near the blowing thingie (that was fun! LOL!), but decided to go back after a few minutes as, quite frankly, the view was better (even if the brothers were still in 'only half the audience is there' mode). Merrill and Donny did briefly look over to our side, and I was waving my Merrill scarf at that particular moment, they did look like they saw it, but how can you really tell? The look between them was a bit, errm, odd - but I don't care, I was having fun!

Anyway, show finished, and I've got to say this - the show was wonderfully produced (well done Jimmy!), but I've seen better performances, and I really do think that lack of rehearsal was a key in this. All that time spent in interview, despite us being told that it was for the future as well as now, was, IMHO, a waste of time, in that all we seem to have been informed of in the interviews was that they are like shepherds' pie (pardon me?!), they do 200 performances a year (hmm, not sure about that) and they REALLY love each other (my emphasis) - well, interesting stuff (I was going to say that all we learnt was that they are shepherds pie eating, 200 performances a year family who REALLY love each other, but not sure about the eating bit! LOL!), more interaction with fans would've been more productive. I was also surprised at how young most of the PBS crew were, I hope they knew what they were doing - I'll reserve judgement until the special comes out (ITV apparently, in the UK).

Anyway, after the show ended, I struggled back to my chair, no ushers in sight, so no-one to ask, shoe fell off (!), but again, someone very kindly got my chair for me, and someone retrieved my fan from the stage (whoops!). Eventually got out and met up with a bunch of Spotties and we decided we'd go and have something to eat. After waiting for a bunch of stragglers, you know who you are heehee, we eventually ended up at the Courtyard (I swear that I now have shares in that place!). I had Eggs Benedict, simply cos I've never had it before - didn't finish it, not sure I'll have it again! LOL! We did have a fun time together though - very special.

Anyway, after this I went to bed and, again, slept really well. I'd been told the beds were not the best but, for me, they were fine - which is a miracle!

My final full day - sadness at seeing people going home, but I also had a good time - Jaytime! LOL!

Later...........

The day after the night before......

OK, so I went on my walk around the hotel, hadn't really appreciated how big the flipping place was - LOL! First of all I went out to look at the car park (parking lot!), not that I have a particular interest in car parks, but I just wante to see where cars were from - all Nevada. I also wanted to check that those people who were in the disabled parking places should've been - old habits die very hard! All present and correct (minor flipping miracle!). I took a picture of a sign for them as well (I can hear the 'sad person' comments from here!), and I also took a picture of the front (or side - I had no idea where I was!) of the hotel, and a picture of the big Stars and Stripes at the entrance, and then I wheeled, and wheeled, and then wheeled some more around the hotel, peeking round corners 'just in case' (no sensible person, let alone an Osmond, would've been up at that time, dontchathink?!). Anyway, I was checking out the dropped kerbs (that's my story, and I'm sticking to it!). I only had to go on the road once (and I was aware that I was, technically, facing the wrong way, should a speeding car come towards me - but none did, so there!). I rapidly noticed that I was getting a little bit tired, so decided to find the next entrance - only trouble was, they were all fire exits, no proper entrance. Soooo, I'm rapidly dehydrating and couldn't find the entrance, until - eventually, there it was! Thank the Lord. My hair was slightly damp and I needed a drink - fast. Soooo, I headed towards somewhere (as I've said before, I tended to just head somewhere and hope for the best! LOL!), and ended up near the Showroom - I think I was headed for either the Gift Shop, Coffee place (which is near the entrance) or Liquor Store, or I might've been trying to find where Jay's Film Festival was going to be held - I don't know!

ANYWAY, I'm minding my own business, passing the Showroom entrance when....... 'Gerry!' is whispered loudly! LOL! I turn my head pretty sharpishly to my left and, who should be standing there, talking to a couple of ladies, but - Merrill! LOL! I smiled and said hello, but then waited for him to finish his conversation with the ladies, and then said that I hadn't expected him to be up that early (see earlier comment!), we hugged, and chatted for about five minutes, posed for a picture (or two!) and then Ms Security Guard came along as if to say 'get away from him' (she didn't), he apologised for his hair being all squiffy (looked alright to me!), and I told him I'd been out for a walk - without a hat. He LAUGHED this time (told me off in Wales!), and it was just lovely. I then said that I needed to go and get a drink so we said our goodbyes, but when I came back a few minutes later, he was still there, so we had another little chat, and then he DID go into the showroom, escorted by Ms Security Guard. Met several people who were a little bit miffed that they'd missed him - get up earlier, I say! LOL! I also announced that I was a Merrill fan again - HA! Got called transparent (in a good way) and I don't care!

Decided to go upstairs to the Film Festival as mine was the first timing, there were already a couple of people there. It was actually a nice time to be quiet and think things through (oooo, deep stuff!). After a while, the door we were expecting to be opened, wasn't, the one behind was, and some people refused to let those who were there first in first, some people were kind to me and let me in before them, and I got a seat in the front row, next to Trissa. When I'd settled (moved several chairs as is my wont!), a lady came up to me and asked me if she could put two chairs in front of me. Now, I'm normally a front row is sacrosanct person and was a tiny bit miffed, but reluctantly agreed. It turned out that she was Terri Shoemaker, and that the other chair was for Kandilyn - whoops! I wasn't rude, just a bit concerned that I wouldn't be able to see, but it was fine in the end.

Kandilyn was fantastic, there was a bit of a technical hitch, but she carried on talking about herself and how she'd met Jay, and she was a lot of fun. I was a bit underwhelmed when I saw we were looking at the OFT videos, which I have, but the stories behind certain aspects of them were excellent, the story about the children appearing on stage singing All I Want for Christmas was so sweet! And the story of Jimmy and the pyrotechnics was scary (even more so when I realised during the concerts that he was now next to Merrill, whose hair is a lot, shall we say, finer - bless him! LOL!). I loved it, Jay didn't come, unfortunately, as he was busy doing interviews. We were told at the end that we had to leave pretty sharpish as the next lot had to come in, but you know, some people will take any chance to speak to an Osmond, and they did - I don't think they did it for long, though, so it was OK.

Afterwards spent a bit of time chatting to people in the corridor and then went for lunch (goodness knows where, Courtyard Cafe, French Buffet - haven't a clue! LOL!).

Later on that day were the two other shows - I loved the second one the best, it had more country in it, songs like One Way Rider, Heartache Tonight, but the highlight for me was Merrill doing Impossible Dream - wow, wow, wow! The applause when he does the long note, and at the end went on and on - and I cried! I love him doing that song. To be honest, I do think that the second show had more Merrill solo in it, so I'm probably a bit biased. We'd spent quite a while earlier waiting for Osmonds to come out, they didn't, and had heard that Donny had 'popped' a vocal chord - ouch. Merrill appeared at one point, but didn't stop, saying that he had 'something to do.' Marie came out at one point and I completely missed her - didn't even see her amongst the people she was with - how observant is that, I ask you?! Donny had actually strained his vocal chords, but it still meant he couldn't do as much, but he was still the real pro and did really well, considering. This time my seat was the other side, second row in from the back - couldn't see much again. One thing bothered me about this one again - the amount of talking amongst the crowd whilst everything was happening - I wanted to yell shut up! Soooo rude! I mean, you expect a 'wow, that was great!' (or not), but constant talking - shut up! LOL!

All too soon the second show was over and we were told to get out so that they could prepare for the third one. My shoe had fallen off during the show, so I had to stay behind to put it back on, delayed a couple of the staff cleaning, but I'd rather I was comfortable walking back than anything else. They were OK about it. So, we went out, and queued up again! Saw lots of Osmonds going in whilst we were waiting, and I was not impressed, again, by one Osmond relative, who rather rudely asked me to move, I very nearly said 'say please and I will!' but didn't - hmmm, rather sad, as I'm always told this person is elegant and refined (that gives you a clue as to the gender!). Just goes to show that the Osmond family is made up, like ours are, of people who are nice and not so nice - my goodness, they're normal people - eeeeek!

Anyway, show three next time!

Vegas

Can't think of anything else to say about the meet and greet, all my pictures came out very dark (thank you so so much to those on Ebay who've put theirs up for sale - I love you!). Oh, I do remember one thing - just as everyone came on stage, this nutter of a photographer orcameraman came and stood right in front of me - the dork! I said 'excuse me' - no movement, and then COUGHED really loudly - he looked down at me, as if I was something the cat dragged in, and then moved - hmm, I paid for the privelige of going to that event, Mr, you didn't - so sling your hook! He wasn't the only one who got in my way, but was the only one I had to say something to.

Anyway, after the M&G/S&S, I got in my chair and started up the slope - had to get a push - so so steep! LOL!

Decided to go and get something to eat and we decided to try TGI Fridays. Halfway through eating, I suddenly started to get the shivers - badly. It was really, really odd, like I was having a fit - but I wasn't. We thought it was the air conditioning at first, but as I was being pushed towards my room, it still continued, and I was scared! I managed to get into bed, cried a bit, because I was terrified I'd miss the concert, and then slept for a good couple of hours. I think the travelling finally caught up with me - which is weird as it didn't the reverse journey. I'm just a strange person! LOL!

Anyway, got up, changed my top and went downstairs, feeling quite a bit better, met up with Nicole who was my helper for the evening. We all lined up and eventually were allowed in - quite orderly this time! We were on the back row (didn't mind, I was there!). Sat in our seats for a while, and then decided that it was a bit boring waiting, so I suggested to Nicole that maybe there should be a bit of 'We Want the Osmonds', she was a tad reluctant, it has to be said, but others in our row weren't - soooooo, for the first time in my life, I counted to three and - we started it! Soon, the whole of the theatre started up and I was 'WOW! We started that!' LOL!

Unfortunately, we peaked a little too early, and it petered out, but someone started it again and we joined in this time!

A lot's been said about the shows, but I have to say that I enjoyed Marie's segment, thought it was really cute when Donny did the dance with her (a little hint about DWTS maybe?!), couldn't see much, Nicole was very sweet and moved out of her seat so I could go to the edge of the row to get a better look (we'd swapped places at the beginning, and she knelt on her seat for a better look, we're only tiny (height wise!), and it was hard when others were standing - never believe it when a theatre says there's no bad seat for viewing - that's for when everyone sits down! LOL!
I loved it when Donny motioned everyone to sit down - good for you, Dman!

What I did NOT enjoy was the Brothers tendency to only play to one part of the theatre, they do this all the flipping time, and it irritates the heck out of me! The first show they played to the left hand side of the theatre (when you are looking towards the stage), the middle one the right, the third one the left again. It was like the rest of the audience didn't exist, why not stick them in the middle of the stage and be done with it?! They do this to upper tier level (or balcony) audiences on their UK tours, and my mum got extremely irritated when Merrill totally ignored the balcony at Manchester Opera House - what are we, fried liver?! Very weird.

Donny and Marie, in both their sections used the whole of the stage to interact with the whole of the audience - kudos to both of them. I thought Donny's section rocked, in all shows, I didn't like the D&M bit (and Jimmy told us later that that was NOT what was agreed, and it wouldn't happen again (and it didn't! LOL!).

I'd told Nicole that, when it came to the last song (He Ain't Heavy - fast version, ick), I would make my way to the aftershow party, so I walked to get my wheelchair, past several second Generation Osmonds who saw me struggling to get my chair out, but didn't help, but never mind, I am woman, I can manage!

Went upstairs to the ballroom (actually, I thought initially they meant the Mardi Gras bar, so it's a good job I got clarification on this otherwise I would've ended up in the wrong place, and I would've ended up on my own (and probably slightly merry - LOL!).

Anyway, got upstairs, met a few people and went to the ballroom, already quite a lot of people there, who hadn't gone to the first show (or had the same idea and had come out slightly earlier than me! LOL!). Got to a table at the front because, silly me, I thought I'd have a good view as there was a little stage area, and then got a drink. There was lemonade and some other strange concoction which I never got to know the name of, but it was definitely non-alcoholic! People milled around for ages, and then the people from the first show came in, and then Osmond kids came in, and I sat people-watching, and watching from afar the table dancers (the usual suspects! LOL!), waited until the crowds had got a little thinner around Justin, and then went and said hello, had a lovely little chat - he is such a sweet and kind person, I enjoy meeting him very much. Went back to my table, and chatted, and then someone said that Merrill had come in - surrounded by a bunch of people. My immediate reaction was, 'NOT AGAIN! What is it with that man these days?!' However, they then said it's just the PBS people, sooooooooo, I thought, right, this may be the only opportunity you get to say hello to him, missy - go for it! And I did! I did a handbrake turn around the corner and sped down the side, and Karen P said she'd help (I think this was very wise, as I meant business!), she managed to get Justin's attention, and he motioned his dad to turn round, well, Merrill and I looked at each, grinned broadly and then I got a looooooooooong, bigggggggg ((((((((HUG))))))). We said a few things to each other - NICE things - and, I wasn't a Jay fan anymore (well, not until Thursday! LOL!).

Eventually (!), I backed off, well, tried to, and he went to the stagey bit, where he was joined by Jay (who I also managed to say hello to, and Jimmy - ditto). All the kids who were there joined them on stage and they were introduced. Couldn't see much, it was very tightly crammed, and even if I'd wanted to move, I couldn't - did manage to get out a bit near the steps, so I had a bit of air, but it wasn't easy. They said a few words and then Jimmy left first, with his kids (two of them I think), and Merrill and Jay stayed for a bit longer, managed to say bye to all of them, and then went and got some cake (priorities straight!). I managed to take a picture of the intact cake before hand, and it was delicious - even if it did leave my mouth very blue with the icing! Too funny.

After a while, I decided to make tracks for bed and went to sleep for a good six hours (after I'd managed to find the telly and watch it to wind down a bit). Got up, went to Courtyard Cafe for breakfast, and then decided, for some inexplicable reason to get camera, go outside and go for a walk - around the hotel. And did, and then what happened...................................................

wait and see!

Vegas

I'm going to go onto the day of the Meet and Greet now - or the Sit and Stare, or Sit on the Spit. Prior to this, as there were so many rules about what we could and couldn't do at this, we were convince d that each Osmond would be put on an individual podium and be rotating so we could all get a good look - wasn't quite like that (shame, would've been fun!).

Okayyyy - in the programme it said 'no line before 12.30pm, but being not-so-good Osmond fans, one or two people had been there since 4.30am apparently (I kid you not! LOL!). I must admit that I joined at about 10am (ish - time stood still in this place with no clocks and me no watch!). This was because, and I think it was a very good reason, it said 'first come, first served, and to a person in a wheelchair that is bad news! LOL! Sooooo, my philosophy was get there early, and wheel like hell!

However, we were threatened (too strong a word, but hey!) with security being called, and they did come, and looked, and looked, and did nothing - at first. Then this female sergeant came (men - wimps!) and yelled at us to all move - and most people did - to the slot machines about six feet away - toooooo funny! THEN - it was suggested that perhaps we could have numbers on our wristbands (the too tight yellow stiff plastic ones - where, or where were the ones like we had at Osmania in Feb?!), OK, so we all lined up (well, again, most of us) and had a number put on our wristband - I was 7o-something. And so we went away, came back a bit later to find that the number thing wouldn't be honoured - can't remember the reason but it's not important in the grand scheme of things.

Then, I was told that the people in wheelchairs would go in first, THEN I was told that, even though we would be taken in first, we'd have to sit in the wheelchair spaces at the back - sod that for a lark, I thought (and probably said, but not loud, that sergeant lady looked mean!). Anyway, we waited, and waited, and then I was asked to move forward, so I did (didn't need asking twice). I had a strategy that said that, if I was asked to stay at the back I would immediately wheel myself down the slope and woebetide anyone who tried to stop me! HA!

It got VERY hairy outside, and I am told that PBS encouraged people to stand closer together and cheer and do all sorts of idiotic things (for that crowd). If that is true, shame on them for nearly causing a riot (looks good on telly though, I suppose, she says drily). Anyway, one of the other ladies in chairs nearly had a panic attack, and asked to move forward, and the people behind her thought the doors were opening and crowded even more closely round her - not helpful, people!

Eventually, we were allowed in and led to the front - but we had to get out of our chairs (one woman actually didn't, but that's OK). I sped down to the front (couldn't help it in the end, it was so flipping steep and I didn't realise it until it was too late! LOL!) and sat in the left hand side of the aisle. This turned out to be a fairly bad mistake, and I now think that, sometimes, front row is not the best place to see things - never mind, I was there!

We waited quite a while, Jimmy came out a couple of times and chatted to us, made a joke about redheads (AGAIN!). Lots of people milling about, putting wires in sockets, trailing wires across wheelchairs (tough if we wanted to leave for ANY reason!), coming off and on stage. At least two Osmond assistants were there, but I only recognise Teresa as a rule, so, sorry about that, but......, errm, never mind! LOL! I noticed the stage set up and immediately thought that I was in the wrong place, as the seats all were facing towards the right hand side of the stage - this was a beef of mine about that stage set up all the time I was there, so be prepared!

Anyway, eventually, people started to come in - and I was amazed at how calm it all seemed, having been out there earlier, but maybe some of it had to do with the fact that Virl and Tom had gone to the door to greet everyone (it would've been VERY nice if they'd said hello to US, btw, but I managed to do that on my own later on - alone - which was lovely).

Anyway, we waited, and then this PBS woman came on - and what a, yes, well, I'll be polite - one of the first things she said was 'I must be the luckiest woman alive' - errm - why?! I hate simpering 40-something women who do this, puts US in a bad light - just be professional, woman! Anyway, she wittered on and on about PBS, wanted to know where we were from (well done the British contingent for being the loudest - Brits rule! HA J/K!).

Then - they came on, to huge cheers of course. I've seen the seven of them on stage once before (my first concert, which was lucky) so it perhaps wasn't as moving for me as it may have been for some others (I didn't do much crying the whole time I was there, to be honest, I'm obviously a cold hearted female dog!), but it was lovely to see them onstage again. Merrill looked towards me, but looked right through me - no matter, I am a Jay fan now! I loved the banter, but I did NOT like the Q&A session, if people have gone to the trouble of asking a question, then I expect the Osmonds to answer them, and I could see whatsherface's piece of paper, and it looked to me like it had at least eight on it, and she only asked 2-3 (if that) - I would suggest that the remaining questions are sent to the family and answered - it may take several months (Osmond time is, as we know, something you have to get used to when you go to things like this!). I loved Jimmy's 'organising' (normally, he's got up my wick because he's so 'organised' but I'm glad someone was in charge!). Loved seeing some of my friends getting their photo taken, some were a bit hmmmm - and I loved Donny's comment about one of the names (your writing's not exactly clear sometimes, either, Mr Osmond!). Thought, how the heck am I going to get up there if my name is called - do I climb up the steps on my bum, or do I beg for Jay to help (you know, being a Jay fan now?!), or do I just stay where I am, looking all sweet and innocent, and let them come to mam - errrm, me?! Luckily, or not as the case may be, it didn't happen, but it would've been interesting to find out!

I like them singing in seven-part harmony, but it reminded me of my dad, who doesn't like it when they do that!

More later (I have to do some research ;-))

Vegas - continued

As I've said before the hotel was HUGE, rows and rows of slot machines, all playing different games which I hadn't a clue what to do with. At one time I watched Debbie and Becky play and I just was like 'huh?!' - hadn't a CLUE - so it was a very good job I didn't even try and win anything, I'd have been bankrupt!

The hotel had two entrances, one from the cabs, and one for the shuttles - so I was told. Very organised. Reception was to the right of the main entrance and then you went towards your room, past the Gift Shop (aka Stalkers Corner, affectionately - hey, it had a seat, use it, and if an Osmond happened to come by, good for you! LOL!), and then onto the swimming pool, gym etc. and then you turned either left or right depending on where your room was. There was a very nice security guard who said good morning or afternoon everytime you passed (he was also supposed to check your keycard, but I am, I suppose, once seen, never forgotten!).



Anyway, also downstairs were loads of places to eat, a liquor store, the gift shop, the hotel also had a cinema and a bowling alley, which I didn't investigate - darn! It also has an arena (where the concerts SHOULD'VE been, but that's just my little old opinion). There were also lots of tables for roulette, canasta and all that stuff, and a bar, where you could also play games of some sort (as well as a get a drink - I spent a LITTLE time here, as you will hear later on!).



I ate at the breakfast place, TGIs, the French Buffet (all you can eat place) - and only ate one full meal other than breakfast all the time I was there! I got addicted to Iced Tea and Canada Dry (both of which we can get in the UK, but it's just not the same....).



From 12.30pm on Sunday was Registration. Well, with over 800 people attending, what on earth were we doing in such a small room?! No air conditioning. Three round tables in the middle. I don't fault the people doing the registering, or the merchandise. But I ended up joining the merchandise line four times because it just wasn't going anywhere. And, bless his heart, but it wasn't exactly helped by Jared coming in part way through the afternoon and placing himself (or being put more like - he's such an amenable chap!), where he was, it slowed everything right down, as he likes to chat - well, he IS an Osmond! LOL! It was a very stuffy room and many people found it uncomfortable, so I left a couple of times to go and find a drink - in the liquor store - exciting stuff - LOL! I ended up buying some tomato juice, Canada Dry and Coke! Went back upstairs and shared my CD with Gina, who was feeling the heat. Whilst I was away, she'd been sharing my programme with people - didn't mind! Ended up joining a line and eventually buying the 50th programme, which I think was worth the $40, but I didn't buy anything else - I'm not the best person to try and tempt into buying things, but there were some great things - bags, t-shirts, all kinds of pictures, DVDs, all sorts of stuff. There were different auctions from the seven performing chi.... Osmonds (sorry!), and I thought that several people were going to win each of the items (but one person won all), and I put one ticket in the picture with the Osmonds thing as I thought that was fairest (which was I probably didn't win a flipping thing!).
The 50th bag had nice goodies in it, but not earth-shattering, and they are still in my suitcase. I will use the mousemat. The bag will be useful too. I wasn't too sure what one or two things were, to be honest!


On my fourth time in the line, jumping in because someone took pity on me (Noriko had tried earlier but the line just didn't move, so I left!), I managed to talk to Jared and had a picture taken with him (another reason it was slow - people like me doing that! LOL!). Paige was with him and she was really cute. Apparently, she had a little play area under the table (probably the coolest place to be - in both senses of the word!), and every now and again this little hand would come up to hand her daddy a CD for him to sign! Too funny. She sometimes popped up and sat on the chair, but, for her, underneath the table was best!



Now, I'm not sure if it was this day or not (they all kind of run into each other!), but, some of you will know that I've been a bit 'concerned' (you can use other words if you like!) about a certain Mr MDO not making himself available to people as much as he normally does. Well, someone came up to me and said that he'd been seen sneaking out the back way from the showroom with three of his younger siblings, and I'd also had reports of him 'hurrying' through the doors of the casino, not stopping to talk to anyone, looking very, well, I don't know, as I wasn't there! And I decided 'right, that's it, no more Ms Nice Gal' and then stormed off down the corridor, and ended up in the bar. Jackie Gray took advantage of a poor, harassed Merrill fan and plied me with drink (that's my story and I'm sticking to it!). I had a not too large glass of wine and ended up announcing to the world 'I AM A JAY FAN!' Why poor Jay I have NO idea, but he was IT!

Oh, prior to this, I also chose my Film Festival time, and chose the first one - this was on the Tuesday.

Can't remember what I did after the Registration but at one time, Janette, Sheridan and I went to the all you can eat French Buffet (which didn't actually feature ANY French food - hmmmm...), and Janette saw Jimmy ahead of us, and we debated whether we should still be there. Consensus of opinion was, yes, it was a big place, he could go his way, we could go ours and never the twain meet. You could choose from BBQ, Chinese, US, Salad, Indian (which looked Italian to me, but never mind), and a couple of other choices. Sheridan bumped into Jimmy at one choice, and they briefly chatted, but we wanted to eat (so did he, obviously, duh!). He ended up choosing US btw - not that we were spying!). Very patriotic.

Vegas - Part 7345555!

Well, after that 'wonderful' experience flying, we got to the hotel - and it IS big, bigger than even I expected. We got out of the cab and that heat hit us again - and remember, it was very late at night! Gathered our luggage and went through the door - to be met by a reception committee! I remember KJ and Wilma, and possibly Sharon, but I was so tired and fraught that if there was anyone else there (Georgie?!) I've forgotten who they were. Lots of hugs and kissy mwah mwahs! LOL! Joined the line for checking in - harmless. Someone very kindly went and got a bellboy for me - and I followed him to my room. Couldn't find my key (FIVE minutes after I got it!) so he opened the door for me, and put my case in the room and then left - without me tipping him. He was lovely - Steve from LA - I liked those name badges - he missed out, I got a bit generous towards the end of my stay! LOL!

Anyway, looked around my room a bit, and then decided to put the case on the extra bed - well, it was a bit like tussling with an elephant (the case or me?! Not sure!), but I eventually got there, and got essential stuff out.

Looked out of my window to see what the view was - mountains in the distance (which I saw in the morning), and lots of lights. Air con kept coming on - didn't actually manage to control it until the day of the first concert, but that's me for you. Also, didn't notice where telly was, ditto!

OK, came time to get into bed. Now, please do NOT laugh! Because the bed was a Queen size, I had a little bit of difficulty and thought I would end up sleeping on the floor! After about half a dozen attempts, I had to LAUNCH myself at the other side of the bed, doing a semi-backward flip, grabbing onto whatever I could! Oh heck, even I'm laughing, so go ahead!

I had a pretty good night's sleep, must have been REALLY tired! Woke up at 6.30am - could've done with maybe a little longer but hey ho! The bed was not as bad as I thought it was going to be and the pillows were nice, I only needed one and the other I laid at the side of me (the non-falling out side). Got up, and looked out of the window, could see the view, mountains were lovely, other bits not so, but I took a picture anyway!

Got dressed - I had brought with me, in my suitcase, an inflated balloon with '50th' on it (I was rather pleased to see an identical one in Corrie last night for Jack and Vera's), and so I attached that to my wheelchair handle and went downstairs and looked for something to eat. I knew about all the different food outlets from the website, and headed for the Courtyard - this was really nice, and I lived in it practically for food.

The balloon attracted attention - but the number of people who said Happy Birthday to me was amazing! After a while, I said the next person to wish me a happy birthday gets SHOT! (Luckily it wasn't an Osmond - I think they understood! HA!). Ended up having breakfast with Angela and had cereal and toast - very British! LOL! I liked they way they served the toast, four slices, two on top of the other two - but I did nearly ask for butter - whoops! It was pointed out that one of Alan's sons was in the restaurant too, but as I didn't know many Osmonds from my elbow, I didn't take much notice (it was Scott, who I DO recognise, but I thought he deserved to have his breakfast in peace from loony tunes like us - well, me!).

After breakfast I went to see where everything was - the room for the registration, the showroom, where the loos were, important things! Met up with lots of people throughout that time, getting up to date on people, having a good old gossip, got given a Spottie name tag even though I didn't book one - thanks Linda! Seeing if I could find Mr Elusive (more of THAT later!).

Vegas - Part 3

OK - we arrived in New York (minus seeing the Statue of Liberty, but I have absolutely no idea where that is in relation to JFK, my geography is soooo rubbish! LOL!). I was last off, which I expected, and I had to go in one of the airport wheelchairs - which was very uncomfortable. We were wheeled through to Baggage reclaim - and waited, and waited and waited, and I started to panic as neither mine or Janette's luggage seemed to be there! Eventually, Janette's appeared and FINALLY - mine. Nightmare over - not!

We then were taken to Customs, the first fellow we saw looked bored out of his mind, he checked our passports, took our thumb prints, and I think he took an eye thing - well, he certainly pointed in the direction of my face, but I'm not sure!

Went on to go through security. Now, I know that it has to be done, but there are ways and ways of doing it. I was surrounded by three people, one of them with his arms folded, legs astride looking down at me with a stare. I decided not to do any eye contact whatsover (what, me, submissive?!). It was horrible. My shoes were taken off me, and then I was briefly helped, before she left me to my own devices. She swabbed my wheelchair and I slightly panicked as I saw a black dot on it and thought 'oh (sugar), something's come into contact with it!' but it came back OK. It didn't last ages, but it felt like it, and I have never felt so threatened in my life! I really don't think I needed three people watching over me.

The guy who was pushing me kept saying as he was pushing me that British people were very nice - nothing like being subtle about getting a tip!

Anyway, FLED from customs to go to the loo and get something to eat - our first attempt at passing on money - went well, I only had a bag of pretzels and a drink. We then decided to get to our departure lounge, only to find it had changed, so we had to get to another one, not so far away. Weren't quite sure which part of the lounge as it was big, so two of us went to find out whether we were in the right place. And then waited......................

Janette and I went near the front as we needed the 'helpers' to see us so we could get on first, I was expecting a slope like before, but it was a bit different!

Lots of people milled around, and then eventually some people came to board us - or so we thought. There seemed to be a lot of confusion, and so there was - the plane was overbooked.
We watched as confusion reigned, people would go away, come back, go away again, with the minimum of explanation. Eventually an announcement went up that the plane was overbooked and that $400 would be offered if people would change flights. We kept well out of it!

Eventually this vehicle arrived at the gate, a bus thing that could attach itself to the plane. We were allowed on and waited whilst it filled up. We saw some of the people we'd come with get on, but not others. We later found out that they had not got paperwork, apparently, so they couldn't be allowed on the plane. However, I've since heard that, miraculously, as soon as the gate closed, the paperwork was 'found'. They had to wait for another flight, to Atlanta (which I'm sure is very nice, LOL!), and then wait for a connection to Vegas - and missed about a day of their holiday.

Anyway, eventually this 'thing' moved to the aircraft, it was absolutely crammed full of people, but I was let on first. Got on, got to my seat, and was told I could sit in the window seat as it would be easier for the people next to me. I wish!

This woman eventually came along, told me I was in her seat, I tried to tell her that the flight crew had put me there, she told me I was a mean person for sitting in someone else's seat, and to MOVE! So, I did, or at least I tried. She then changed her mind, told me to go back, and sat down next to me. The next few hours were a nightmare - everytime I moved, or coughed (which I did quite a lot because of the air), she glared at me. She sat next to another woman and talked to her all the time in some Asian language, occasionally glaring at me. I spent most of the time looking out of the window, trying not to cry. I hated it. The only thing I liked about that flight was the lightning storm over Arizona, and the fact that the flight attendant came along, asked us what we'd like to drink and then handed me a coke, which I took, and then spilt hers all over her coat!

She kicked up such a fuss, wanted it dry cleaned there and then - hmm, at 35,000 feet, I don't think so! She then was pacified with a dry cleaning voucher, but it didn't need dry cleaning, it was just a cheap coat. She then spent the rest of the flight trying to wipe the seat down, and I actually didn't realise until I got out of the plane that some of it had gone down me as well, but - it dried. As soon as the plane came to a halt, she stood up and left. My parting shot - see you, wouldn't want to be you!

We were helped through the airport, I was tickled to see the slot machines in arrivals - nothing like starting as soon as you get there, LOL! We had to wait for our luggage again - the carousel seemed to be a bit jittery. Met Sheridan - really lovely to see her again, we were two hours late, so she'd been waiting a long time! The shuttle wasn't working so we had to get a cab, we got a Handi-cab - brilliant, I wheeled up the back up a ramp (with Sheridan's help, not the cab driver!), and slotted myself in, and the luggage went in the front and back. We asked to get to the hotel the quickest way and he got us there quickly. We really noticed the heat as we came out of the airport - phew! Well, had to get used to it........

Journey to Vegas - Part 2

We got off the train, with assistance, were guided to somewhere in the station, and then given instructions about where to go (now, now!). Then, we were abandoned. Now, normally, as women, we are the ones who don't have to ask for instructions, because our brains are capable of taking in a lot more than mens, aren't they?! (Yes, is the answer to that question, in case you're a bloke thinking about it!).

Sooooo, we follow the instructions....................... and then get lost! LOL! We're not really sure how to get out of the place, so ask a cleaner - who speaks German only and is new anyway! I then remember a vital piece of information, like the stop number, and we go towards it - on the other side of the road. WRONG one! Sooo, we go back across the road (are you keeping up?!), find the right stop, and discover a 50-seater bus, he says we should be further up the road. We go up the road, Janette being very capable with the trolley - but I then have an uncontrollable attack of the giggles watching her ahead of me - no idea why, she was doing very well!

We get to the stop, and the bus comes, his ramp doesn't work. So, I walk on the bus (again, shush!). We eventually get to our hotel, but as he's stopped on the pavement, I have to launch myself off the pavement, as he's over the dropped kerb - DOH!

Large line at check-in - Janette guards luggage outside. Eventually check in and get key - meet Trissa (nearly ignored her, but never mind - and where was my cider, missy! LOL!). Have a bit of a chat, but really want to get to room to settle in. Room is just perfect - apart from bathroom which is small, but it's only for one night. We put the telly on - to find that we were probably the last train to get through the East Coast Mainline as there was an engine fire, and people had to be taken off the train and led along the line - that would've been fun - not!

We decide to have something to eat and join the others, I order pizza and it is HUGE! I couldn't eat it all - this became a recurring theme throughout the holiday. Eventually we decide to go to bed, and we sleep OK, fitfully, through the night - I never sleep a full night on the first night.

In the morning, I wake up about 6.30am and wait a bit, we decided to set the alarm for 7ish (I think) but I opened the curtains with a bit of a flourish before then - and Janette wasn't happy! Well, we were both awake, why waste a minute?!

Got up, packed everything away, and went for breakfast. The waiter was a little 'attentive' - telling the others where their breakfast was and said 'I'll get yours' pointing to me - no you will not, sonny boy! I managed to get it with the minimum of spillage - slope included (if he'd said that existed, I might have said OK, you can help me, but as he was so insistant, I got defensive!

Anyway, we chatted so much that I was the one who broke up the party and said we'd better go and get this plane. The shuttle arrived really quickly, got on OK, ramp included, was told I was free (after paying £2 the day before - tightwad that I am, I was happy!), and we went to the terminal - the poor driver having to deal with someone on the way who'd been told he was on the wrong bus, but didn't take any notice. Some people!

Anyway, we got to checkin - meeting lots of other people on the way who were going somewhere similar (VERY similar - LOL!), and joined the line - after going the wrong way. We were asked the security questions twice (probably because we (OK, I) was behaving a bit weirdly! We got to the desk and it took forever! First he ran out of paper for his machine, then he rang up for me to get assistance - and they wouldn't answer (no wonder, given what we experienced later!). Eventually he got through, and gave us instructions on how to find the place for getting help (dearie me - here we go again!), by the time we'd finished, there was NO-ONE at any of the check-in desks - very spooky! Where did you all go?! We went through customs with the minumum of fuss (I decided to behave), got my crutches and hand luggage scanned, didn't have to take my shoes off (well, one of them, the other sort of fell off!), was patted down and went through and found, with the minimum of getting lost, the info point. And discovered LOADS of people there, and a bunch of 'helpers' who were looking as though their passengers had all the time in the world. We were told we were early, and were told to come back at a certain time, so we went window shopping. I accidently spilt Fahrenheit on myself (it smells a bit strong when you put it, errrm, spill it the first time, but gradually it smelt quite decent). Can't think what drew my attention to it at all - HA!

Anyway, we eventually looked at the time and decided we'd better head back to Customer Service - and were told we were still early (even though our plane left in 45 minutes!), so we waited, and waited, and I eventually decided that, if they didn't come in five minutes - we'd walk it. They came - with a better buggy than before, and it was fun scattering people out of the way!

Got to the plane and got on. We had bulkhead seats so didn't have a window. As I've said before I am not the best taker-offer in the world, so sat back and breathed deeply (thanks for the hand-hold, Janette!). Once we got up though, we had fun because we were all more or less near each other (some our side, some the other). We started off with 15 - that did NOT continue for the whole of the journey.

I'm not sure I will fly with Delta again - the only member of staff who was remotely human was one of the captains, who stood in the galley near us eating a chocolate mousse and delighted in the fact that we hadn't got one! His name was Mike and he was rather nice - if you know what I mean! LOL! But the rest of the staff were, not exactly rude, but they didn't smile, didn't look like they were enjoying their jobs at all! We watched the movie without a soundtrack because we didn't want to pay (or I didn't!) for the headphones - even though you could take them with you. The food was OK - chicken, veggies, cheese and crackers. The flight was long - and I should've done some updating of my journal then, but didn't!

Anyway, we eventually arrived in New York - and the 'fun' began!

Vegas - The Journey to........

My friend Janette and I decided a few days beforehand that we would go down to London the night before because of some weird rumour about checking in four hours beforehand instead of the three we expected. With the trains being a bit, errm, late sometimes, we got the times and the assistance booked changed. Train was at 4ish, but I arrived about 3.15, due to the taxi and traffic being very late - which was not the usual thing for York!

I managed to drag my case to the Customer Service place, and eventually managed to talk the guy who'd been gabbing with his colleague, ignoring me. He looked at his list and said, 'Oh yes, you're the lady who's going to Berwick.' Errrrm, no, I'm going in the entirely opposite direction to London, you dingbat! (I didn't actually call him that, but certainly felt like it! He quickly corrected himself, showed me the slip of paper (he'd actually read the one below it), and he then took my case to the customer lounge, with me following behind. Waited in lounge for Janette. Our train was a little late (this would be a recurring theme throughout the time I was away! LOL!), so it gave Janette more chance to get up and get to the station (sorry, J!). By her own admission, she is NOT a morning person! LOL!

Eventually she arrived, with family in tow, she's got two lovely boys and a really nice hubby, so we chatted for a while, and then the customer services guy came back again and led us to where we were getting on the train, then was told it was a longer train and we needed to go elsewhere, so off we all trooped, and waited. Then - a train came in, everyone said goodbye to each other - wrong train (wrong train company as well - LOL!).

Then, whilst we were waiting for the right one, there was a bit of a kerfuffle and the police arrived. Apparently, someone had caused a bit of a stir either on the platform or a previous train - not sure - and they'd been called. They had a word with this lad, and took him away, he started resisting, so the handcuffs went on! It was all very discreet, but quite exciting as well!

Eventually the right train arrived and we got on. Janette's sons started to run alongside the train, we hoped and prayed they wouldn't meet a lamp-post! Unfortunately, they misunderstood one of the porters who they thought was saying stop, but by the time they realised, we were getting faster and out of the station.

The train journey was pretty average, but we made friends with a cute little baby, which passed the time. We passed the bridge near the Rainbow on our way in, but couldn't remember which way it was, so missed it!

Got into Kings Cross, and then made our way to the taxi rank. The easier way would've been to use the Thameslink, but when I booked my assistance, he said that Kings Cross staff weren't insured to take me across the road! TRUE story! Sooooo, we got in a cab and drove all the way to Victoria. Interesting experience, but quite expensive! We weren't quite sure of the time we'd booked assistance from, so asked a very nice Railtrack worker, who radioed for help, which was already on its way - we were early (makes a change I hear you say!)! I then had to CLIMB into this contraption thing, which had very narrow ledges to sit on (and I don't have the pertest of bottoms, thank you VERY much!), and a very narrow place to put your legs (ditto to previous comment!). I ended up with one leg sort of hanging out, hoping my boot wouldn't fall off, and I'd have someone either running after me trying to give it me back, or running off with it! LOL!

We eventually got to the platform and I decided to be Miss Independent and walk onto the train (shush!) - there was no step and the seat was next to the door, so it was fine. Met up with cute baby no 2 and then had cyclists come on board who were told, along with this other bloke that they were probably in the wrong end of the train - but did they move?! Nope! They were actually quite helpful, eventually, when we stopped, but it took time.