We did it. We came to Blackpool and danced at The Tower Ballroom in our jeans and walking shoes. Did the cha cha cha, our waltz and the samba. We couldn't believe our eyes or our feet.

Jimmy had today off so the plan was since it was such a fabulously sunny day we headed for the beach at Blackpool, a picnic lunch made, we were set and the hope we might get a glimpse at the ballroom there.
First impression was The Tower, 2nd impression was the cheap accommodation real real cheap, 3rd impression the huge chocolate eclairs, blackpool rock, Pleasure Park, B I G ferris wheel, the horse and carts and cinderella horse drawn coaches, donkey rides, Irish sea which like much of this trip has reminded me of my dad.
The seaside was a sandy toffee colour, groomed smooth and Tia & Steve tested the water - just right, nice and tepid then the next few steps revealed the chilly truth.
Halle and Jimmy looked on. Halle content licking her dads ice cream and when Steve and I were dancing in the ballroom Halle made her own discovery at the seaside, the feel of the sand playing with her tooties, such indescribable pleasure.

Earlier in the day whilst Halle was discovering sand between her toes, Steve and I were gliding around the dance floor in our all purpose walking shoes to the sound of the pianist tinkling the ivories for the modern waltz, having the time of our lives. You can't imagine how we felt dancing at Blackpool inside the beautiful Tower Ballroom and you know, we didn't care we were in our jeans and walking shoes - we were enjoying the moment. There were other couples on the floor as well, some in wheel chairs whirling around by their dance partners, and some couples only bearly managing to rock gently in each other's arms, doing pretty well, as there bodies were not as willing to move as their minds were. It was a touching scene.

We also visited the Winter Garden's and could only glimpse the Empress Ballroom where they hold the famous Blackpool Dancing Competitions every year, attracting the top professional dancers from all over the globe.

Alas, like all good things - we said farewell to Blackpool and thanked God for providing such a glorious day. Aha - not finished yet - we returned to Bradford - Halle had picked out a pretty pink dress for her evening out. She certainly outshone us all. So much so, that when we reached the restaurant the waiter was most attentive and adoring of her.

Halle put a special request in for a window seat with a view, and that's exactly what we got. That baby has taste.

Pleasantly seated and we are preparing to order - the delicacies just keep coming and coming; pompedoms with an array of sauces - my fav was the mango, not the "hot" one. All the while Halle's personal waiter ever attentive to her requirements.

Giggle, giggle, Tia and Jimmy want us to order the family naan (garlic of course) and astonishingly the Tower of Naan arrives, gracing our table as it drapes it's ample circumference around the tower, defying us to eat it in entirety. Halle to the rescue - she had a turn - and between us all we nearly managed it. We left Akbars amply filled and satisfied a most gratifying day.