Now although Jenny Gardiner (author of Sleeping with Ward Cleaver spent yesterday and today in Orlando, Florida, USA, it might have seemed a bit like the Third World. The good mom that she is, Jenny tells us — via Facebook and Twitter:

“What we do for our kids…long lines, plenty of heat, noise galore, all so she can do what she’s wanted to do for 8 years — have a go at trying out for Amer. Idol. Auditions are in about 6 cities this summer–they’re earlier than usual and maybe halfway done. Kim — we’re there till Thurs night (at the stadium all day Thurs).

“Icky stage mom desperate for lost youth cut in front of us to have face time w/ camera. Botox has frozen her face in a half-smirk/half-kiss look. Must not have gotten the memo on aging gracefully.

“Someone is drumming. A lot. Who brings drums to a singing competition?

“So registration went pretty well. We were done by 9 — yay! Just as the heat started getting oppressive. Info on what NOT to bring tomorrow, in case you had to ask: air mattresses, fireworks, hibachi grills, illegal drugs, weapons, including swords, forged or carved, from any of the middle ages. I’m wondering if someone once actually tried to bring a medieval sword in, and if so, why?

“Oh and the group song everyone will sing all day long at auditions on Thursday is one I already loathe, so after hearing it re-sung about 2000 times I will especially hold it in my heart fondly…It is Lady Gaga’s Poker Face. We’re supposed to know the lyrics by then, by the way. Right-o…”

With fingers crossed for Jenny’s daughter, our fingers are also crossed that a few of the characters the author “meets” in Orlando will appear someday in one of her books.