Farewell - we're all packed to return to the mainland tomorrow morning. If all goes well, We'll be in Tampa - get our car from the long term parking garage which is away from the port of Tampa. We'll see. Something usually comes up. We're due to leave here (the room) around 9:00, but as I said, we'll see. We've really had a good time. Norwegian Cruise line is excellent. I would put it in par with Princess. So - you can still read my blog if you want. I am ready to get back to Venice and see everyone. Take care! I've enjoyed hearing from you all.

I'm not gaining weight. . .I'm retaining food.

Interesting sign on one of the stateroom doors. Of course, it's true! We're on our way back from Cozumel. We left last night, had a time change, I was tired, so I didn't write. We had a time change - turned the clocks ahead one hour, so we lost an hour. What a difference that makes! Kinda sad. I like it the other way. Much easier to take. I think the cruise is catching up with us! Cozumel, to me, was the nicest port (since I like to windowshop). The ship docked right there and they had a kind of rickshaw service that took you from the ship right up to the shopping area. That was very helpful to me because it saved my legs the extra walking. The cane has helped immensely. I'd been concerned about misplacing it in one of the shops or onboard ship, but I find I just have to walk a little distance and I am reminded that its service is welcomed. I walk out of our cabin and say "oh, no" and Paul immediately goes back inside and retrieves it! Cozumel - very colorful people and scenery. Paul just said there were three Norwegian ships in Cozumel on Friday. We were the first to dock and then The Norwegian Pearl pulled right up next to us - with both ships on either side of the dock. We had a "good look" at the other ship - and could see their cabins with balconies. Really nice. And below us the people getting on and off the ships. But, I'll talk about that later. Lots of nice shops right near the dock and some were air-conditioned. It was fun to walk through them. Did I mention that Paul got me two of the three "evil" monkies? In Costa Maya, not realizing there were three. See no evil, Speak no evil. . . I was missing the "hear no evil." So my dear began to windowshop for the third in Cozumel. He found them. In several stores but they gave him a hard time because they didn't want to break up the sets. But - they all would do it for a price. We finally realized that they all would come down to $10 for one. No difference from shop to shop. From $60. For three. So he got it for me. Escalators were very helpful. Large crowds everywhere. I can remember Bob's friend Mark, who lived on Grand Cayman for five years said that everyone wouldn't go near town when a cruise ship was in. Don't blame them. I thought of that. We were in Cozumel from 8 - 5:30. The cruise director told us that the Tequila was great, and lots of people would have lots of fun. Just remember to be back before we left . We were back waaaay before that. We stood outside on deck 7 and watched the people coming onboard below us. There were lots of loud caribbean music and people having a great time. The crew - made two lines which people had to walk through. There was a conga line. Face masks, sombreros, rattles, balloons, flags of nationalities. It seemed like each crew tried to outdo the other with being more exciting.. The Pearl crew had a big sign - We're glad to have you back! (or something to that effect). More than a hundred crew down there - including officers, chefs, cabin porters. You name it. Some crewmembers were up with us looking down or shouting across to the crew members they knew on the other ship. It was all very festive and fun. At dinner one of the young wait-staff asked if we'd seen him down below on the dock. We said - oh, yes. But of course it was hard to tell one from the other. Good entertainment in the Stardust theater. We saw some jugglers last night that had been on Jay Leno, David Letterman, had graduated from Ringling Brothers College - not sure if they were exaggerating when they said that 5,000 apply a year. 300 are accepted. 30 graduated and 15 are accepted by Ringling Barnum and Bailey Circus. They worked with them for 7 years. So they were good! Also The Second City from Chicago was on Wednesday night - they do improv comedy. Very good. I'm sure that my time is going quickly on my computer plan, so I'm going to close. If I have time tonight, and more minutes to spare, unlikely, I'll write again. We're not hopeful of getting off the ship in a timely manner tomorrow because of all the problems we had getting to the parking garage before the cruise. Cross your fingers. Offer a prayer. Thanks.

Today was spent in Costa Maya, Mexico

Instead of having to anchor out, like we did in Belize yesterday, the ship was able to dock right there. We've had hot weather and today wasn't any different! There was a beach at the end of the long pier with lounge chairs, umbrellas. We walked up to the port stores and enjoyed window shopping and getting some silly things. One of the main buildings was a huge restaurant/bar with a big swimming pool that extended into the shopping area. That's the first time I'd actually seen a "water bar". We didn't have our suits on, though. There were lots of esting places under cool trees. There was a breeze, if you waited long enough. We took the tram back to the ship. lots of people on the trams because there was another ship docked there also. Interesting note -we were looking over the rail when a small Mexican army vessel came up really close to both of our ships, and Paul noticed an official looking gentleman standing at the corner where people went for the other cruise ship. Paul seemed to think it probably had to do with drugs. It was a little disconcerting, since this small boat (compared with ours) was going in and out between their ship and ours and looking very official. Guns and everything. I guess I've lived a very naive existince. I had my fancy drink today. Yes. My request was that it be orange flavored, lots of ice. It did. Plus about four kinds of liquor and wine. . . oh, my. It was delicious. Glad I had it in the afternoon before I did a catnap. Tonight we decided to have our dinner in one of the specialty dining rooms. I picked the French one. I thought it would have a lot of nice ambiance, and it did. Soft lighting, candles, lovely french type background music, linen table cloths, napkins (just like the others but more exclusive). The food was good! The desserts were heavenly! Got to see some great pictures of Gracie on Facebook today when Bill and Epril took her to the Doggy Beach. Looks like she (and they) had a good time! So- we're enjoying ourselves still. Tomorrow on to Cozumel. Hope they have a tram too! I know we will dock, not anchor out.

Day at Belize

This morning we took a Tender to the island of Belize. We'd been there once before, but enjoyed getting there this time also. We spent a good deal of time at the dock area which had many many shops - so many more than Roatan. It was hot, of course, but most of the shops were air-conditioned. We looked at a lot of Chotchkas (sp.) which I think is jewish for things that take up space, but are easily not necessary in the scheme of life. Another word for "junk." Things that can be easily "thrown out." It was fun and we managed to spend a couple of dollars on some coffee mugs (2) and some other unessential items. There were three ships (one more Norwegian, and a Princess) anchored out. (Sounds silly doesn't it. A Princess Ship and a Norwegian ship.) Belize does not have a port for cruise ships. It's too shallow. We all were out five miles. It took fifteen minutes for the Tender to get to the island, and there were many many Tenders from all the ships. We got back to the ship in time for lunch - Today we didn't want a fancy lunch like yesterday, but a hamburger cooked out on the pool area, and a custard style ice cream. We sat in the air-conditioned buffet room and watched the Tenders come in and out. We looked around the ship for a good place to read our Kindles and discovered the library - quiet, comfortable chairs. . . however, some workers came in and decided to clean the place. Looked fine to me. Oh, well. We came back to the cabin and relaxed. Paul took a walk around the deck (three times, he said. It's not as big a ship as the Princess we were on last time.) He needed to get some exercise, he said. Fine with me. I found a nice Pub - the Red Lion Pub - done in Old English style. It looked out on the ocean, and he met me there. All the public rooms have big windows overlooking the sea. We have an inside cabin, so no view. Completely dark, if the lights are out. We're toying with the idea of possibly going up a step or two and getting a balcony next time. We dressed for dinner - pictures were taken afterwards. Then we had a show in the theater. The 1980's music. Really good. I was surprised at how many songs I recognized. (all?) Wonderful show. All the shows have been good. Paul had his hearing aid in but it wasn't necessary. All songs - one led into the other. So here I am. We're really really having a good time. Bill - thanks for your message on Facebook. Glad all is well. Time to close. Tomorrow we're docking at Costa Maya, Mexico. No more Tenders - we'll be able to walk off the ship.

Roatan, Honduras

We docked at Roatan before breakfast. The weather was 78 degrees this morning! We'd been here before on a Princess ship, but we docked at another area then. What a beautiful island this is. Full of coves and mountains. The ship is right at a shopping area, (naturally!) so we could walk off and do some window shopping. From our buffet breakfast on the 12th floor, we got a beautiful window seat overlooking the shops - lots of colorful buildings with deep red, purple bouganvelia hanging from window boxes. When we walked, we'd been here before so we didn't gotoo far away from the ship. I am taking it easy and my legs are doing fine. I see a lot of canes around so I bet some are doing what I'm doing! I wanted to go ziplining, but Paul didn't think it was a good idea. We had lunch at the buffet also and will stay on board from hereon. The ship is supposed to leave at 5:00. Perhaps we'll go up to the buffet area then and watch the stragglers hurry to meet the ship! On to Belize tomorrow.

We're on a cruise!!!

This is our first full day at sea. We're onboard the Norwegian Star, out of Tampa, one night away from Honduras, (Roatan) one of their islands. We had a quick car trip to Tampa - which we wanted! And then we got within 200 yards of the Parking Garage and waited two hours to get in there and on a shuttle to the ship. Which right now doesn't matter, since we're here. We're connected to the internet, and we're having a great time. It's a nice ship - smaller than we're used to, but still very nice. I'm using Alice's cane to get around, and it's made all the difference in the world. It's nice to be on a smaller ship! Last night we had steak, corn on the cob, chicken - grilled outdoors. and then we went into the dining room for lobster tail. Pretty good. There are two main diningrooms and we've enjoyed both. We are on what is called free-style dining. We go when we want, to wherever we want, and wear what we want (within reason.) Today was at sea. Very relaxing and enjoyable. I'll write again soon. Hope you're all well.

Miscellaneous photos

My first photo may have been in one of the last Gainesville posts, but it really shows the size of the azalea bushes to people. Unfortunately, I can't tell if Greg is holding Gus or Gracie.

The next picture is obvious!

The next pictures are of Bob, Carol O., Paul when we went to Venice Theatre in February to see Capital Steps and we made a side-trip to view the sunset over the Gulf.

Below: Mark made his annual visit to see Bob. He took me out for an early birthday dinner at Pineapples, a "new" restaurant on the island. Ages ago, it used to be called Smitty's. Bob and I can remember taking our families there with Grandma. Their prime rib was mouth-watering delicious. Now, it isn't even on the menu! BUT - it's still such a nice place to eat. . . It's just different. We really like it!

My last one is of Bob, Epril, Bill and Paul - not sure when it was taken, but not sure if I'd posted it yet.

Enjoy! More pics.

I

Here are some more pictures that Paul took this weekend at Greg's home.  It was cloudy when he took them, but it's rainy today, so it doesn't look like we'll be adding any more.  Maybe tomorrow before we leave for home. 

I made home-made brownies, my grandma's recipe, that we'll have tonight after dinner.

Lots of news from this end of the woods. 

We're presently in Gainesville visiting Paul's son, Greg, daughter in law Noi and teenage grandchildren NeeNee and Brenan.  We made a spontaneous decision Thursday night to come up for the weekend.  This is the first time I've taken my laptop with me, and I must say it is exceedingly nice to have it!

Greg and family have been living in Gainesville since their kids were little.  Greg is a structural engineer and he designed their four-bedroom house they were living in.  It was beautiful - inside and out, plenty roomy.  We enjoyed visiting them there.

 As some  people do, however, there were things they still wanted.  So - he designed another home to build on  a lot in Gainesville they'd purchased several years past.  It was really another great design.

 Late last summer,  they discovered an older home that fit the "wants" of the newly designed plans.  But this one had all the landscaping done.  (Wow.  That's an understatement.) Much less expensive.  They fell in love with it and after careful thinking, they bought it.

The house itself is situated back several hundred feet from the road on a circular driveway.   It's on four-acres of park-like grounds with pathways, gardens, huge old live oak trees, situated here and there throughout, with spanish moss, fruit trees, rose gardens, and flowering bushes, and a sprinkler system that hadn't been used in five years (the man died several years ago. His wife sold the house to Greg) that encompassed the entire property.  Paul and Greg tackled the sprinkler system in January when I was in Chicago visiting Nancy. 

 Anywhere you sit outside, it's very quiet.  When I was sitting on the back deck, I told Paul it reminded me of Jurassic Park.  The only thing missing are the dinosaurs lumbering  through.  Not the dangerous kind, just the vegetarians!  There's huge massive live oaks with their spanish moss, long green lawn stretching down the middle, interrupted by plantings, brick walksways, palm trees, fruit trees, olive trees, figs,  arbors vines going back, way back as far as you can see.

 Right now the azaleas are in bloom, and I'm so excited because on Long Island my favorite time of year was when the azaleas were out.  Whites, reds, pinks, raspberry, multi.  You name it.  The rhododendrons look like they're ready to pop.  Like everything else, these colorful azaleas are old and spread out. 

 I was very pleased with myself that I brought my camera.  BUT forgot to charge it, so of course when Paul tried to take pictures, hardly any came out. He was sad.  And to add to it, I didn't bring the charger, but NeeNee came to the rescue - she has the same camera, newer model,  and we were able to use her charger!.  So he got some great ones.  As you can see - all is okay, as far as the pictures are concerned. Thank you, NeeNee!

I couldn't resist putting that picture of Nancy and Evie in there.  It's my favorite.  Of them.
So how're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
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Showtime was last weekend and it went very well.  We had sold-out seating for two nights - and we're contemplating whether to have another show added on next year.  During the pizza party, we were to vote, paper ballot, for or against the idea.  I know that a couple of years ago we had a Sunday matinee included, or people could watch the dress rehearsal. (for a nominal fee of a can or two of food for the food pantry. )  Sounded like a good idea to me.  

I know I was very tired after Saturday evening's performance, but I could have done another one.  

So - I was complaining about a sore throat and cough  in my last blog.     I continued to self-medicate  myself until Monday when I discovered I probably had a tongue infection.   So I made an appointment to see my doctor.  He checked me out - and took a throat culture.  I had strep throat. I've never had strep.  Plus now thrush. . I am now medicated and seem to be on the mend. 

Monday, Paul's daughter Sharon, achilles tendon was operated on.  The tendon was so degraded that they had to use an allograft. It requires more healing time. Don't feel bad -  we didn't know what that meant either: It means they replaced it with a freeze-dried tendon from a cadaver.     Dave joked that they used a basketball player's. So. . . . if Sharon wanted, she ccould be a great player!

If needed, we're available to come back  at a moment's notice.   However,  Charles and Lee are really very self-sufficient teenagers, and Ida is growing up.  But - hey - we're here if needed.

Paul's on his computer and he just said it was 57 degrees in Elmira and clear.  What happened to winter?  We're glad for them, and we all hope that the Spring continues to be good weather!

Cousin Alice's daughter Sue, son-in-law Craig, and granddaughter, Becky, have been here in the states for three months  from Peru.  They're missionaries from Araquippa.  They're on their way back and spending some R and R with Alice after traveling continuously throughout the northeast.  Somehow "forty congregations" ring a bell.  They arrived Friday and came to Showtime on Saturday night.  We've been invited to dinner tonight to see them again before they leave tomorrow for Peru.

Sue will be addressing Alice's Bible Study groups today.  One at 11:00 and the other at 1:00.  I am picking up Cousin Carol for the 1:00 group. 

We keep in touch with Lue and she seems to be slowly mending. . . with the emphasis on slowly.  We talked with her on the phone last weekend.  She sounded well.

Life's busy down here.  Good. 

So - how're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?