I have never been a coin collector.  However, on visiting one of Florida’s fleamarkets at St. Cloud in 1999, I discovered a stallholder dealing in various coins.  There were several colourful and interesting Albums on display, with information and pockets for each of the State Quarters, and that’s how my interest for the State Quarters began.

The  State Quarters Programme was launched in early 1999, and finishes at the end of 2008.

Whilst serious coin collectors are particular only to purchase newly minted ‘uncirculated’ coins from a bank or coin collecting establishment, you can  have lots of fun (it’s still not too late) to look for these interesting coins in your change.  Even the earliest ones, if slightly tarnished, can be gently cleaned with a jewellery cleaning cloth and will shine nicely in your album.

The programme began as a bill introduced by Delaware Congressman Michael Castle.  Congress members thought that by putting each state on a coin, it would teach people about the USA’s history and geography.  President Clinton was in favour of the idea and authorisation was given on 1st December 1997.

As a result, the US Mint releases (every ten weeks)  five new designs each year.  The coins are being released in the order in which the states became part of the US.  When the programme ends later this year, the American Eagle (on the reverse – “tails”) will again appear on the coins as previously.

The State Quarters are produced at two branches of the US Mint – Philadelphia and Denver.  This means there are two different versions.  A small ‘P’ or ‘D’ can be found under the words ‘In God We Trust’

The coins in order of circulation ……

1999 -  Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut.

2000 -  Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia

2001 -  New York, North Carolina, Rhoda Island, Vermont, Kentucky

2002 -  Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana, Mississippi

2003 -  Illinois, Alabama, Maine, Missouri, Arkansas

2004 -  Michigan, Florida, Texas, Iowa, Wisconsin

2005 – California, Minnesota , Oregon, Kansas, West Virginia

2006 -  Nevada, Nebraska, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota

2007 -  Montana, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah

2008 -  Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii

Each of the State Quarters have designs of interest to each particular state.  Also the Album I have lists each individual State’s symbols, i.e. State Flower, State Bird and State Flag, together with other details, such as the State’s nickname.

Florida as everyone will know is called ‘The Sunshine State’.  Florida’s State Flower is Orange Blossom, and the State Bird is the Mockingbird.  Florida was the 27th State to join The Union on 3rd March 1845.

There is also another coin ‘The Golden Dollar’ – it isn’t really made of gold, but if you have a special slot for it in your album, it is worth collecting too.  It is the first new one-dollar coin issued in 20 years.  The woman depicted on this coin is a Shoshane Indian named Sacagawea.  The reverse side shows the American bald eagle encircled by 17 stars.

I hope I have whetted your appetite to look through the coins in the purse or pocket.

Although eating out is cheap, we find supermarket food is on a par with prices at home. Be prepared for some surprises too. We find that U.S brands of tea are very weak compared to UK brands, so if you want familiar items such as Yorkshire tea or Marmite you’ll find them in the Ethnic Foods section or alternatively take your favourite tea bags or jar of marmite with you.

You will find that washing detergent is not as good as it is in the UK but will do just for the time you are on holiday.

You will also find that food items are much bigger than at home ie milk is sold by the gallon so be prepared to pick up a gallon of milk when you visit Wal-mart or Publix which will last for several days!

American food tends to be heavily processed and loaded with fat, salt and sugar. We’ve yet to find a decent cheese, cheese sections are unrecognisable from their UK equivalent, with the cheeses mostly looking as thought they’re made of plastic. Look for the health food section for slightly healthier food options. Located in Turkey Lake Road the first Orlando branch of Whole Foods Market is opening in 2008. It will be interesting to see if this does in fact offer healthier alternatives to the usual supermarket fare.

High quality meat and fish, both fresh and frozen are plentiful. You’ll find a lot less fruit and veg than you would at home and the quality is not always great. As an alternative look out for roadside stalls selling citrus and other fruit. We bought a huge box of strawberries for a fraction of the supermarket price. Keep a look out for farmers markets too. On Sundays from October to May there is an excellent one at Celebration.

Although you’ll find a great selection of beer and wine in the supermarkets you won’t find any spirits. Some supermarkets have a separate area outside the main store for this, otherwise look for an ABC liquor store. You mustn’t have opened containers of alcohol in your car and all alcohol must be kept in the trunk (boot). When driving round a supermarket car park, follow the arrows on the road and always stop for pedestrians even if they’re not on a crossing.

You’ll usually have your bag packed for you at the check out. Beware Wal-Mart, where the cashier puts your items into bags on a carousel. With the seemingly American fondness for using as many bags as possible for your purchases, it’s easy to leave something behind. Payment can be made with most U. K credit cards or cash.

Our top tips are read the contents labels but be adventurous and try new foods and brands. A stroll round a supermarket gives you a great insight into how another country lives and eats and is always a highlight of our trip.

Happy shopping!

That’s the good news now it gets complicated. The main difference between the UK and the US is that in the UK fuel is paid for after it is dispensed, in the US it has to be paid for before it can be dispensed.

Most pumps offer a credit card / debit card pay at pump service. Unfortunately in an effort to prevent fraud one of the first things you will be asked for is your ZIP code which even if you know it, unless it is dedicated to your card it will not work and your post code certainly will not. That means you have to go into the shop and pay up front, either in cash or with a card. If you pay cash you have to guess how much fuel you will need, if you pay for too much it will be necessary to revisit the shop to get the credit. It is easier with a card if you do not use as much fuel as you have paid for, the credit is automatically credited back to the card. As a guide most vehicles will take about 12 gallons from empty, larger SUV’s about 15 gallons.

That’s the easy bit done, following the transaction there is sometimes a time limit for commencing fuelling, often 3 minutes. If you do not start the pump before the time limit expires the payment will be cancelled and you have to start again!

At the pump remove the nozzle from the holster and place in the fuel filler, select the grade of gas required, for the vast majority of vehicles this will be 87 unleaded. On some pumps it is necessary to lift the holster to start the pump. On US nozzles the trigger can be latched open by pushing the spring loaded lever down and engaging it in the ratchet track on the bottom of the hand guard. It is an offence to leave the nozzle on auto fill, you must be in attendance. The auto fill will switch off just before the prepaid quantity of fuel is dispensed, it will be necessary to complete the filling process manually. On completion simply return the nozzle to the holder.

Gas is much cheaper than in the U. K, $45 will fill an average SUV!

Surprisingly Hess gas stations in Walt Disney World are among the cheapest in the area, as is Wal-Mart on SR535 (Vineland Rd). RaceTrac also tend to be cheaper. Avoid gas stations in Lake Buena Vista (just outside Disney) as they are incredibly expensive.  

Happy travelling.

There is a selection of 3, 4, 5, and 6 bedroom spacious homes to choose from, either one or two storey, with varying interior floor plans and private swimming pools. Most homes overlook either one of the 2 lakes, or the conservation area. Many of the two storey 4, 5 and 6 bedroom homes have 2 Master suites, one on each floor, which make them ideal for 2 sets of family of friends travelling together.

The community is gated and also offers a communal swimming pool and tot lot/playground – great places to meet and say hello to your neighbours.

The lakes and conservation are home to much local wildlife, and you may be lucky enough to see our family of sand cranes, a racoon and even a friendly otter in the lake. The lake itself is home to many ducks and fish including bass and carp – villa guests are welcome to fish in the lake during their stay – fishing rods and bait are available at your local Wal-Mart store.

Within five minutes drive is Formosa Place. Here you will find a Winn Dixie Supermarket, ideal for essential supplies when you arrive, restaurants including TGI Fridays, The Outback (for delicious steaks and ribs), Giordano’s, Carrabbas, a Chinese Restaurant, beauty salon and a new mini golf. Further along the 192 you are spoilt for choice with restaurants to suit every taste and budget.

The close proximity to the parks makes Sunset Lakes the ideal retreat for spending the morning at any of the numerous attractions, returning to your villa for a rest and swim before returning later in the day to watch the fireworks or enjoy an evening meal. Alternatively, what better way to spend your evening than dining al-fresco at your villa while enjoying the spectacular sunsets the community is named after?

Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld are an easy 20 minutes drive away, while Busch Gardens in Tampa is approximately 1 hour away. For some retail therapy a selection of Outlet Malls can easily be reached within half an hour.

For golfing enthusiasts you will be spoilt for choice with the many top-class courses in the area.

Sunset Lakes, with its beautiful, tranquil lakes and close proximity to the many attractions and activities the area has to offer is the perfect, relaxing haven to come home to at the end of another busy day.

On Manors North there is a clubhouse, with wireless Internet access, a newfitness gym and a community pool with a maximum depth of 8ft, provided FREE for use by the residents and guests of Manors South and North. At the far end of the entrance road to Westridge is a childrens play area

The Manors South at Westridge is an ideal location for your stay in Orlando. It is conveniently positioned off highway US 27 approximately 3 miles south of the western end of highway 192. Approximately one mile north on US 27 is the local shopping plaza with a Publix supermarket, pizza parlour and other shops.

Highway US 27 also provides quick and easy access to major routes to both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.