And so. . . . . the deep clean is done (check) all marks magic sponged /repainted (check) all maintenance issues have been addressed (check) any stray items returned to their correct home (check)
Oh, Goody! Now time to have some fun.
Well the shopping is fairly fun (compared to cleaning and maintenance)
My preference is to head up to The Florida Mall area and work back. Having seen what Penneys and Dillards have to offer we move on to Marshalls, Ross and Beds Baths and Beyond.
Many hours later with sore feet and protesting credit card we head back to our villa and unpack the booty.
What have we got?
T Towels (always) bedding (always) Pillows (always) replacemnet glasses and china (mostly) cookware (mostly) DVDs and games (usually) and curtains (sometimes)
If we have pieces of furniture then it has been a comedy getting it in the boot and a farce getting it out again. Deliveries are expensive in Florida so if at al possible bulky stuff comes with us.
Now for the bliss of putting all the smart new stuff into use and my, how it lifts the look of the place!
Now with that out of the way it is time for fun! We usually buy tickets for at least one park each year so that is to be looked forward to along with a day at the beach.
The State Parks are absolutely wonderful and cost only a few dollars at most. There are several within easy reach of our home. Big favourites are Kelly Park, Lake Louisa and De Leon Springs.
Most owners are friendly with each other and if there are any fellow owners over at the same time as us then we like to spend time with them. We exchange ideas and tips and groan at the workload owning a villa presents and spend equal time being grateful of the opportunity to spend our holidays in such a wonderful place.
And then all too soon it is time to go home. So we spend a tranquil last morning before leaving for the airport with time to spare. . . . . . . . . . . or do we?
No, the truth is that the last day brings a shop for stuff you forgot (often loo brushes for us) then you spot a few last minute things that really must be done and people drop in. So before you know it you are hurling stuff in the cases and skidding out of the door a good half hour after your final departure time.
Just time for a last backward glance wishing yourself a speedy return and an even more fervent wish that your incoming guests have the holiday of a lifetime!
Oh, Goody! Now time to have some fun.
Well the shopping is fairly fun (compared to cleaning and maintenance)
My preference is to head up to The Florida Mall area and work back. Having seen what Penneys and Dillards have to offer we move on to Marshalls, Ross and Beds Baths and Beyond.
Many hours later with sore feet and protesting credit card we head back to our villa and unpack the booty.
What have we got?
T Towels (always) bedding (always) Pillows (always) replacemnet glasses and china (mostly) cookware (mostly) DVDs and games (usually) and curtains (sometimes)
If we have pieces of furniture then it has been a comedy getting it in the boot and a farce getting it out again. Deliveries are expensive in Florida so if at al possible bulky stuff comes with us.
Now for the bliss of putting all the smart new stuff into use and my, how it lifts the look of the place!
Now with that out of the way it is time for fun! We usually buy tickets for at least one park each year so that is to be looked forward to along with a day at the beach.
The State Parks are absolutely wonderful and cost only a few dollars at most. There are several within easy reach of our home. Big favourites are Kelly Park, Lake Louisa and De Leon Springs.
Most owners are friendly with each other and if there are any fellow owners over at the same time as us then we like to spend time with them. We exchange ideas and tips and groan at the workload owning a villa presents and spend equal time being grateful of the opportunity to spend our holidays in such a wonderful place.
And then all too soon it is time to go home. So we spend a tranquil last morning before leaving for the airport with time to spare. . . . . . . . . . . or do we?
No, the truth is that the last day brings a shop for stuff you forgot (often loo brushes for us) then you spot a few last minute things that really must be done and people drop in. So before you know it you are hurling stuff in the cases and skidding out of the door a good half hour after your final departure time.
Just time for a last backward glance wishing yourself a speedy return and an even more fervent wish that your incoming guests have the holiday of a lifetime!