- Joined
- Jul 7, 2000
This time last year we were getting ready for our trip. A year on, I still haven't finished my trip reports, but I'm determined I will!
Friday, 14th November
Were off shopping today as we want to get something for our daughters and grandson, but before we head out, Matt phones to make a dinner reservation for A Land Remembered, the steakhouse at Rosen Shingle Creek. [When we stayed at the resort in October 2006 shortly after it opened, this restaurant was on the cards, but there were no signs of any work underway. As wed loved Bella Cala, the Italian offering there, wed been keen to try the steakhouse and this trip, with no-one to convince but ourselves, provided the ideal opportunity.]
Our favourite shopping venue, the Mall at Millenia, is the obvious choice and we arrive around 11am. Our elder daughter, George, has asked us to get some pyjamas from Gap for grandson Lou. Apparently they have some new winter ones, but we just cant work out which shes after. We do manage to buy him the cutest of Christmas outfits in Janie & Jack. The sweater Matt and I both like isnt in stock in his size, so we have to settle for a reindeer adorned tank top to go with the corduroy trousers, checked shirt and reindeer socks. Matt has a paddy because they dont have reindeer socks in his size.
We spend a while in Urban Outfitters, but despite my conviction that well be able to get quite a few bits and pieces for younger daughter, Harriet, we leave empty handed. Juicy Couture opposite seems a likely candidate and, as we head in that direction, Matt greets an unassuming young guy in shorts and bermudas strolling arm-in-arm with his wife. He acknowledges Matt and carries on his way. Who was that? I query. Justin Rose he replies, nonchalantly. (I'm sure I caught Justin Roses wife ask, Who was that? and him replying, I don't believe it! That was Matt Churchill!!!)
Its now approaching noon, so we make our way to Brio Tuscan Grill where we have our usuals from the Lunch Plates menu of Pranzo Sausage, Pepperoni & Ricotta Pizza & Caesar Salad (Matt) and Chicken and Butternut Squash Risotto and Bistecca Insalata (me), along with a Moretti and White Oaks Chardonnay respectively.
Whilst sitting at our regular spot at the bar, we discuss our plans for tomorrow. Neither of us is desperate to go back to any of the parks, so I suggest that Matt plays golf. Its something weve toyed with on and off for the past week or so. I didnt want the hassle of bringing clubs this trip and neither did I want anything cast in stone as far as the itinerary was concerned, but I know Matts been hoping he might be able to get a round in somewhere. Lake Buena Vista would be ideal as were staying at Saratoga Springs, but its closed, so thats out and, in any event, Matt fancies playing at a course hes never tried before. (And theres the small fact that we need to avoid the ones where he has played before because hes not welcome ). We whittle it down to Orange County National, Falcons Fire and Celebration with the final decision to be made once weve had an opportunity to check prices and availability.
We decide that were going to have to resort to the staples of perfume for the girls, so our next stop is Bloomingdales. On our way in, a top which Id seen on our first day catches my eye and I end up buying it along with a pair of nip and tuck jeans. I dont really do jeans my figure just doesnt lend itself to them and I find them uncomfortable, but I let myself be convinced that they could somehow transform me from a Mr Blobby looky-likey to a sylph-like apparition. Downstairs at the cosmetics counter, I immediately spot some fragrance which I know will be right up Harriets street. George is a much more tricky proposition and, after circumnavigating the department several times trying virtually everything, I begin to feel Im being a nuisance. That, coupled with the fact that Im becoming bamboozled by it all results in a purchase Im not at all sure about. I also buy some make-up staples which are difficult to get hold of in the UK Lancome High Defincils mascara and Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. Im low on both having last stocked up during our trip in January this year.
We stop off at Banana Republic where I buy a sheer vest to wear under my newly acquired top and we then check out Tommy Bahama for one last time, but dont buy anything.
After leaving the mall, our next stop is Golf Galaxy, the store at the junction of Sand Lake and Turkey Lake roads which we attempted to visit last week before discovering it was yet to open its doors to the public. Its okay, but no Edwin Watts very mass-market and not unlike Golfsmith for those who are familiar with that. Edwin Watts has the feel of an independent and its staff are hugely attentive and knowledgeable. I do take a shine to the Darth Vader, Yoda and Chewbacca driver covers, though! Anyones whos seen me play knows I definitely dont have the force with me. Matt needs some balls and a glove for his impromptu round tomorrow, so we make the short trip to Edwin Watts. Hell hire clubs and shoes and buy a shirt from the pro shop of wherever he chooses to play.
Next up is a revisit to Corona Cigars where Matt picks up a box of Oliva Serie G, considered as being amongst the best value on the market, along with a presentation box of Cao Americas.
We return to the resort with our booty and get ready for our 7:30 reservation at A Land Remembered. Matt checks out the options for golf tomorrow and settles for the Orange County National, partly because its the cheapest and partly because its raved about by many, not least my brother who is a pretty accomplished amateur. Its $89 for the round, $45 for the clubs, $11 for the shoes and $27 for a rider (me). He books a tee-time for 8:45am and is warned that they have a very strict cancellation policy, so to be sure to call back before 7pm this evening if he changes his mind. He spends the next half an hour practising his very strict cancellation speech.
Me in my new top!
Friday, 14th November
Were off shopping today as we want to get something for our daughters and grandson, but before we head out, Matt phones to make a dinner reservation for A Land Remembered, the steakhouse at Rosen Shingle Creek. [When we stayed at the resort in October 2006 shortly after it opened, this restaurant was on the cards, but there were no signs of any work underway. As wed loved Bella Cala, the Italian offering there, wed been keen to try the steakhouse and this trip, with no-one to convince but ourselves, provided the ideal opportunity.]
Our favourite shopping venue, the Mall at Millenia, is the obvious choice and we arrive around 11am. Our elder daughter, George, has asked us to get some pyjamas from Gap for grandson Lou. Apparently they have some new winter ones, but we just cant work out which shes after. We do manage to buy him the cutest of Christmas outfits in Janie & Jack. The sweater Matt and I both like isnt in stock in his size, so we have to settle for a reindeer adorned tank top to go with the corduroy trousers, checked shirt and reindeer socks. Matt has a paddy because they dont have reindeer socks in his size.
We spend a while in Urban Outfitters, but despite my conviction that well be able to get quite a few bits and pieces for younger daughter, Harriet, we leave empty handed. Juicy Couture opposite seems a likely candidate and, as we head in that direction, Matt greets an unassuming young guy in shorts and bermudas strolling arm-in-arm with his wife. He acknowledges Matt and carries on his way. Who was that? I query. Justin Rose he replies, nonchalantly. (I'm sure I caught Justin Roses wife ask, Who was that? and him replying, I don't believe it! That was Matt Churchill!!!)
Its now approaching noon, so we make our way to Brio Tuscan Grill where we have our usuals from the Lunch Plates menu of Pranzo Sausage, Pepperoni & Ricotta Pizza & Caesar Salad (Matt) and Chicken and Butternut Squash Risotto and Bistecca Insalata (me), along with a Moretti and White Oaks Chardonnay respectively.
Whilst sitting at our regular spot at the bar, we discuss our plans for tomorrow. Neither of us is desperate to go back to any of the parks, so I suggest that Matt plays golf. Its something weve toyed with on and off for the past week or so. I didnt want the hassle of bringing clubs this trip and neither did I want anything cast in stone as far as the itinerary was concerned, but I know Matts been hoping he might be able to get a round in somewhere. Lake Buena Vista would be ideal as were staying at Saratoga Springs, but its closed, so thats out and, in any event, Matt fancies playing at a course hes never tried before. (And theres the small fact that we need to avoid the ones where he has played before because hes not welcome ). We whittle it down to Orange County National, Falcons Fire and Celebration with the final decision to be made once weve had an opportunity to check prices and availability.
We decide that were going to have to resort to the staples of perfume for the girls, so our next stop is Bloomingdales. On our way in, a top which Id seen on our first day catches my eye and I end up buying it along with a pair of nip and tuck jeans. I dont really do jeans my figure just doesnt lend itself to them and I find them uncomfortable, but I let myself be convinced that they could somehow transform me from a Mr Blobby looky-likey to a sylph-like apparition. Downstairs at the cosmetics counter, I immediately spot some fragrance which I know will be right up Harriets street. George is a much more tricky proposition and, after circumnavigating the department several times trying virtually everything, I begin to feel Im being a nuisance. That, coupled with the fact that Im becoming bamboozled by it all results in a purchase Im not at all sure about. I also buy some make-up staples which are difficult to get hold of in the UK Lancome High Defincils mascara and Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. Im low on both having last stocked up during our trip in January this year.
We stop off at Banana Republic where I buy a sheer vest to wear under my newly acquired top and we then check out Tommy Bahama for one last time, but dont buy anything.
After leaving the mall, our next stop is Golf Galaxy, the store at the junction of Sand Lake and Turkey Lake roads which we attempted to visit last week before discovering it was yet to open its doors to the public. Its okay, but no Edwin Watts very mass-market and not unlike Golfsmith for those who are familiar with that. Edwin Watts has the feel of an independent and its staff are hugely attentive and knowledgeable. I do take a shine to the Darth Vader, Yoda and Chewbacca driver covers, though! Anyones whos seen me play knows I definitely dont have the force with me. Matt needs some balls and a glove for his impromptu round tomorrow, so we make the short trip to Edwin Watts. Hell hire clubs and shoes and buy a shirt from the pro shop of wherever he chooses to play.
Next up is a revisit to Corona Cigars where Matt picks up a box of Oliva Serie G, considered as being amongst the best value on the market, along with a presentation box of Cao Americas.
We return to the resort with our booty and get ready for our 7:30 reservation at A Land Remembered. Matt checks out the options for golf tomorrow and settles for the Orange County National, partly because its the cheapest and partly because its raved about by many, not least my brother who is a pretty accomplished amateur. Its $89 for the round, $45 for the clubs, $11 for the shoes and $27 for a rider (me). He books a tee-time for 8:45am and is warned that they have a very strict cancellation policy, so to be sure to call back before 7pm this evening if he changes his mind. He spends the next half an hour practising his very strict cancellation speech.
Me in my new top!