Our fun, separate day with family…Three days and counting…Off we go, back to South Africa…

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Tom and his son TJ were at the Minnesota Twins game yesterday.

Yesterday, Tom joined his son, Tj, and grandson, Jayden, for a Minnesota Twins baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis. TJ was able to get tickets for the event that included “all-you-can-eat” snacks, including drinks, but not alcoholic beverages.

Tom, undoubtedly, was on Cloud 9 about the “free” snacks, most likely more so than the game itself. However, he was excited to go with the boys, including Jayden’s friend Thomas. They had a fun evening. It rained a little during the game, but not enough to make spectators uncomfortable or cancel the game.

Tom and grandson Jayden at the game. The Twins won!

When Tom returned to the hotel by 11:00 pm, he got a kick out of explaining to me what he ate, listed below, all of which is not shown in the photo below. (He didn’t eat the potato chips):

  • 3 hotdogs
  • 1 hamburger
  • 2 large chicken filets
  • 1 bag of popcorn
  • 2 ice cream sandwiches
  • 2 Pepsi

    Only a small portion of what Tom ate yesterday was at the game.

But, even worse, was the fact that he walked in the door with a plastic bag, as shown in the photos below, which made me cringe… 11 pounds of his favorite jelly candies from Fleet Farm, as a Father’s Day gift from his daughter, Tammy. He’ll regain ten of the 15 pounds he’d lost when we were in South Africa.

He’s already gained a few pounds while here before eating this batch of candy. It’s so unhealthy for him to eat this, but as Food Police, I have to keep my mouth shut. However, with all the clothes, shoes, and items we purchased here, our two bags were maxed out at the allowable 23 kg, 50-pound limit each.

Here’s the 11 pounds of candy Tammy gave to Tom for Father’s Day! Yikes!

The 11 pounds of candy could require us to purchase another suitcase at around US $125 and pay an additional US $100 in extra baggage fees. The candy will have to be carried in a plastic bag as a carry-on item, and he’ll have to haul it through four airports, along with the two carry-on items we each have to haul with us. Oh, good grief.

“Zip it up!” I tell myself.

Nonetheless, he had a great time at the game, which was the last time he would see TJ and Jayden before we leave in three days.

As for my afternoon, my three grandchildren, Maisie (18), Miles (17), and Madighan (15), picked me up in Miles’ newly purchased used car, and we drove to the local AMC theater complex nearby to see the movie “Karate Kid: Legends.” I had pre-purchased the tickets in advance, and I got a kick out of paying for three adults and one senior! Gosh, they’ve grown up!

Target Field is located in downtown Minneapolis.

I had planned to spend a fortune on snacks in the theater inside the Eden Prairie Mall, but they were worth it. However, knowing how expensive the food is in the theater, they all suggested getting a bite to eat at the food court, which was about half the price of what I’d pay inside the theater. Once they finished eating, we headed inside the theater, and I suggested that they each order a beverage.

We had a great time! I love being with those kids! Our seats were the recliner-type with raised footrests. I had a bad night’s sleep and thought I might nod off during the movie, hoping the kids wouldn’t notice. But, as it turned out, the movie was so much fun, I never closed my eyes. We all loved it! I was so distracted by our good time that I forgot to take photos. Maybe I will tonight, when we all meet (including Greg and Heather) at a Mexican restaurant for dinner, our final time together before we go.

Back at the hotel, I spent time on the phone with my dear friend Karen, who, along with her husband Rich, will be arriving at Marloth Park to stay with us for a few weeks. We are all so excited for their visit, let alone our enthusiasm to return to the bush to see our animal and human friends.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 12, 2015:

The early morning lights of Luna Park, Sydney. For more photos, please click here.

Safest places in the world for solo women travelers…

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During our visit to Dubai in May 2013, where we stayed for several weeks, Tom took this photo from the 124th-floor observation deck of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which has a total of 163 stories. For more photos, please click here.

This morning, I stumbled across the following story from Travel + Leisure online magazine, prompting us to share points vital to women travelers. With our friend Lisa, as a solo woman traveler, we felt this topic was timely.

“This Is the Safest City in the World for Women Traveling Solo—and It’s Not in Europe or the U.S.

Dubai, the most populous emirate in the United Arab Emirates, is also one of the best destinations in the world for women.

By Stacey Leasca
Published on June 4, 2025
  • Travel insurance site InsureMyTrip recently conducted a study to figure out the safest destinations for women traveling solo.
  • After evaluating 62 destinations across various metrics, including “feeling safe walking alone at night,” it named Dubai the safest place for women traveling alone.
  • Other places that made the list include Kraków, Poland; Madrid, Spain; Munich, Germany; and Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Everyone deserves to feel safe when traveling around the world.

However, women traveling solo often have to take additional precautions to ensure they can enjoy a trip without worry, and that can sometimes include considering some destinations over others. If you’re a woman who plans to go on a trip alone this year, InsureMyTrip has a few suggestions.

In March, the travel insurance comparison site updated its list of the best cities for solo female travelers. To identify its top destinations, the company conducted a study of 62 cities, evaluating them across various factors, including safety for women and other tourism statistics, to create a list of the best cities for solo female travelers. It also sourced statistics from the online database Numbeo and examined metrics such as “feeling safe despite gender” and “feeling safe walking alone at night.” Additionally, it referenced info sourced from the World Economic Forum and the Georgetown Institute’s Women, Peace, and Security Index.

After looking at the numbers, the team named Dubai the safest city for solo female travelers.

____________________________________________________

Not only is Dubai designated as a safe country for solo women, but the following countries may also be safe, keeping in mind that regardless of the country, solo women travelers visit, safety precautions must be exercised, as they would be in their home country. No country/city is entirely safe. Please exercise the utmost caution when traveling alone, regardless of one’s gender.

Travel safety for solo women depends on various factors, including local culture, infrastructure, gender equality, and crime rates. While no destination is entirely risk-free, the following countries and cities are widely recognized as some of the safest places for solo female travelers, based on global safety indexes, personal freedom, and traveler reviews:

Other Safe Countries for Solo Women Travelers

1. Iceland

  • Why: Lowest crime rate in the world; gender equality is high; locals are friendly.

  • Highlight: Natural wonders like the Northern Lights, waterfalls, and geysers.

2. Japan

  • Why: Spotless, polite, efficient, safe public transport and walkable cities.

  • Highlight: Kyoto temples, Tokyo culture, cherry blossoms.

3. New Zealand

  • Why: Easy to get around, friendly people, stunning landscapes, low crime rate.

  • Highlight: Adventure travel in Queenstown, Maori culture, Hobbiton.

4. Portugal

  • Why: Relaxed vibe, welcoming locals, low crime in tourist areas.

  • Highlight: Lisbon’s old town, Porto’s riverfront, and the Algarve’s beaches.

5. Canada

  • Why: Safe cities, helpful people, well-developed infrastructure.

  • Highlight: Banff’s mountains, Vancouver’s cityscape, multicultural Toronto.

6. Finland

  • Why: High levels of trust and safety, gender equality, quiet and peaceful.

  • Highlight: Lapland, lakes and saunas, Midnight Sun.

7. Switzerland

  • Why: Clean, punctual, safe, well-organized transport system.

  • Highlight: Swiss Alps, Geneva, Lake Lucerne.

8. Slovenia

  • Why: Small, clean, under-touristed, very low crime.

  • Highlight: Lake Bled, charming capital Ljubljana, and alpine hiking.

9. Netherlands

  • Why: Liberal, bicycle-friendly, English widely spoken.

  • Highlight: Amsterdam’s canals, tulip fields, and art museums.

10. Austria

  • Why: Safe and clean, with rich culture and scenery.

  • Highlight: Vienna’s music scene, Salzburg’s Sound of Music charm.

Safest Cities for Solo Female Travelers

  • Copenhagen, Denmark – Progressive, walkable, and welcoming.

  • Singapore – Ultra-safe, high-tech, excellent public transit.

  • Reykjavík, Iceland – Friendly and compact, ideal for solo walks.

  • Helsinki, Finland – Calm, modern, and gender-equal.

  • Melbourne, Australia – Cultural, youthful, and safe for late-night exploration.

 Tips for Choosing Safe Solo Destinations

  1. Look for gender equality indicators (Global Gender Gap Report by World Economic Forum).

  2. Read recent traveler forums and reviews for real-life experiences.

  3. Avoid areas with political unrest, high gender-based violence, or weak legal protections.

  4. Check local laws and customs about clothing, behavior, and women’s rights.

Although solo travel doesn’t specifically apply to us, we have come in contact with many solo travelers, and one must not take for granted that safety is ensured anywhere in the world.

Last night, we headed to Tom’s sister Mary and brother-in-law, Eugene’s, lovely home in Andover for a small family gathering. This morning, Tom left early to pick up his sister Patty for her doctor’s appointment. Later today, we’ll pick up sisters Patty and Margie on our way to Billy’s Bar & Grill in Anoka for the weekly siblings and other family members’ gathering, starting at 3:30 PM.

Thanks for stopping by.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 6, 2015:

The police department marching band entertained our ship as we came into port in Fiji. For more photos, please click here.

Risks of buying a home in a country other than your own…Fantastic evening with friends…

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This is one of Louise and Danie’s holiday homes in Marloth Park. Tourists often visit Marloth Park and end up purchasing a house such as this. To see rental details for this property, click here.

As we spend time with family and friends while here in the US, we are often asked if we’d buy a home in another country besides the US. At this point, we have no interest in doing so and doubt we will be interested in the future. We’re not getting any younger, and the thought of the effort and costs associated with home maintenance doesn’t appeal to either of us, especially considering some of the risks listed below of undertaking such a task.

Besides, we still have a lot of interest and stamina to continue traveling, and buying a home anywhere in the world would impact our ability to continue paying the costs of travel, along with the costs of home ownership, which continue to escalate.

Buying a home in a foreign country can be a rewarding adventure, but it comes with significant risks that require careful consideration. Here are the key risks to be aware of:

1. Legal and Ownership Issues

  • Land ownership laws: Some countries restrict or prohibit foreign ownership of land or property (e.g., Thailand, Mexico’s restricted zones).

  • Title and Deed Concerns: Verifying a clear title can be challenging. Fraud or unclear ownership history is more common in some countries.

  • Zoning and building codes: You may unknowingly buy a property that violates local laws or cannot be legally used as intended.

2. Currency Fluctuations

  • Exchange rate volatility: A weak local currency may make buying cheaper, but long-term ownership costs (such as taxes, maintenance, and repatriating profits) can fluctuate dramatically.

  • Financing issues: Mortgages for foreigners may be rare or come with high interest rates and strict conditions.

3. Political and Economic Instability

  • Property rights risk: In countries with unstable governments, properties can be seized or heavily taxed with little notice.

  • Policy changes: Visa rules, ownership rights, or taxation laws may change quickly and without warning.

4. Bureaucracy and Corruption

  • Complex procedures: Legal paperwork, permits, and registrations may be slow, confusing, or require bribes.

  • Unethical agents: There may be little regulation of real estate agents or attorneys, which can lead to scams or misrepresentation.

5. Taxation Surprises

  • Double taxation: You may owe taxes in both the foreign country and your home country.

  • Inheritance laws: Local inheritance rules may override your will, leading to property disputes or forced sales.

6. Property Management Challenges

  • Maintenance and oversight: Managing property from afar can be costly and unreliable without trustworthy local support.

  • Rental restrictions: Short-term rentals (like Airbnb) may be banned or heavily taxed in tourist-heavy areas.

7. Cultural and Language Barriers

  • Miscommunication: Contracts, negotiations, and legal processes can be misunderstood due to language or cultural norms.

  • Local customs: You might be unaware of social expectations or informal rules that affect the property’s value or use.

8. Resale and Liquidity Risk

  • Limited buyer pool: Properties in remote or less desirable areas may be challenging to sell.

  • Lower appreciation: Real estate markets in some countries don’t grow as steadily as in more developed nations.

How to Reduce the Risks

  • Hire an independent, bilingual real estate attorney.

  • Research the country’s property laws for foreigners.

  • Visit multiple times to gain a deeper understanding of the local market.

  • Never buy sight unseen or rush into a deal.

  • Use a reputable escrow service and verify all documents.

On another note, last night we had a lovely evening at the home of our dear friends Chere and Gary, who live nearby in Eden  Prairie. The food was fantastic, mainly when Chere, a highly educated nutritionist and life coach, eats like I do, so she had many options for us, along with more carb-heavy foods for Tom and Gary.

The conversations centered around world travel, of which they’ve done frequently, especially with their trip last year to Tanzania and Kenya. Our shared love of wildlife generated many great stories.

With most of our days and nights booked over the next ten days until we embark on our return trip to South Africa, we won’t be able to see Chere and Gary again. But we will return to the US again next May for Miles’ graduation and then two years later for Madighan’s.

It’s been wonderful spending quality time with family and friends, with much more to come in the next several days.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 5, 2015:

There was no post on this date ten years ago, as we lost a day due to crossing the International Dateline.

Summer Airline Deals in the USA…

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When I stumbled across this article this morning, I felt it was imperative to share it with our readers today, rather than focusing on family events, while we’re here in Minnesota. There is plenty of time to continue to share what we’re doing with our family and friends.

From Travel + Leisure online magazine, seen here:

This Budget Airline’s ‘All-you-can-fly’ Summer Pass Is On Sale for $399—What to Know

Get unlimited flights for the entire summer while only paying taxes and fees. By Michael Cappetta Published on May 15, 2025

  • Frontier Airlines has officially started sales of its annual and summer “All-You-Can-Fly ” pass.
  • The pass provides unlimited flights on the discount carrier. 
  • Travelers are responsible for paying taxes and fees. 

The ultimate summer vacation just got cheaper.

Frontier Airlines announced the return of its GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Annual Pass and Summer Pass, and both passes are now on sale. The subscription provides access to unlimited flights on the discount carrier with no extra charge for airfare. However, passengers are responsible for paying the taxes, fees, and a $0.01 processing fee for each segment of the booking.

The annual subscription pass has become popular with spontaneous and frequent fliers who value a variety of low-cost travel adventures.

“Turn your flexibility into unlimited flights,” Frontier shares about the pass on its website.

The annual pass is valid from May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026, at a rate of $599 annually. The summer pass is valid from May 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2025, at a rate of $399.

For travelers looking to try the service, Frontier is offering a limited-time monthly pass for $99 the first month and $149 thereafter. All plans automatically renew, so travelers should carefully review the terms, conditions, and renewal dates before subscribing. Travelers can purchase the pass on the Frontier website at flyfrontier.com/deals/gowild-pass.

While the pass can be helpful for flexible travelers, there are certain restrictions, such as blackout dates. For the remainder of the 2025 calendar year, for example, blackout dates include: May 22-23, 26; June 22, 26-29; July 3-7; Aug. 28-29; Sept. 1. Oct. 9-10, 12-13; Nov. 25, 26, 29-30; Dec. 1, 20-23, 26-31. Popular holidays such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Eve are excluded from the program.

The fares also do not include seat assignment, carry-on suitcase, or checked luggage, which means the cost could grow if travelers select these extras.

The budget carrier also notes on its website that both the annual pass and seasonal pass “will automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless you cancel.” For potential destinations, Frontier has been on the move, adding new routes that travelers could visit. The airline has expanded operations from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) with service to San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP) and Aruba (AUA).”

Yesterday, we attended granddaughter Maisie’s graduation party at her mom, Camille’s, home. The house was filled with friends and family members intent on celebrating Maisie’s graduation from Chanhassen High School. The decorations, the food, and the photos of Maisies scattered throughout the house were delightful and made grandpa and grandma proud.

Photo of our granddaughter, cheerleader Maisie, the graduate.

We had an excellent time at the party that started at noon and ended at 4:00 pm. However, we lingered until after 5:00 pm and then headed back to our hotel. We’d had plenty to eat from the fantastic array of foods and didn’t have dinner. Instead, we parked ourselves in front of the TV while we streamed a few shows on Netflix.

By 10:00 pm, I was ready for bed and ended up having a good night’s sleep. Soon, at 10:30 am, we’re leaving to meet daughter Tammy and family for brunch at Dolittle’s, where, last week, we’ve already enjoyed a lovely dinner for Greg’s girlfriend Heather’s birthday.

The rest of our day is free, but we’ll see how it rolls out after brunch with Tammy’s family.

We’ll be back with more.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 1, 2015:

We are on the bridge overlooking the sea in French Polynesia. For more photos, please click here.

Safari luck prevails, even in the USA… Shocking event…

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Mariucci Arena at the University of Minnesota campus.

Last night, when we returned from a fun evening with Tom’s family at Billy’s Pub in Anoka, Tom saw a shocking story on the local news. I had gone to bed and dozed off, but he awoke me to share what he’d seen.

At Mariucci Arena, where we attended Maisie’s graduation the previous evening, there was a shooting, details of which are continuing to emerge on various news sources.

Here’s the story from Fox 9 news:

“Shooting outside Wayzata HS graduation at Mariucci Arena: 2 victims, suspect in custody

By Nick Longworth
Updated  May 30, 2025, 11:02 pm CDT
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 9
Photo from ten years ago, May 31, 2015:
More huts in Moorea, Society Islands, above the water, often for rent for higher prices than regular hotel rooms. For more photos, please click here.

We’re off to the US!…

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Right up to the last minute before our departure, our little mongoose friends came to call. There are about 75 of them in this band.

We are packed and ready to go. I am dressed in all black, which is easy to wear for a long trip to avoid showing any potential spots or stains.

My compression socks are in a ziplock bag in my handbag, along with a long cord for recharging my phone, the cord to charge my Fitbit, and two sets of earbuds, one for watching movies on the screen at my seat and another for my phone. I’ll share the long cord with Tom when he needs to charge his phone.

We’ll be seated across the aisle from one another, allowing us each to have easy access for getting out of our seats and only sharing one armrest with another passenger.

The short flight on Airlink from Nelspruit to Johannesburg is very short, taking about 30 minutes. Once we’re in Joburg, we’ll have dinner during the 2½ hour layover, if time allows. If not, we’ll have no choice but to eat the less-than-healthy meals served on the 11-hour flight to London.

I no longer fuss about what I am served. I pick at the food I can eat and leave the rest. Tom shares anything that works for me, and I share the bread, starches, and dessert with him. Going a day or two with little food is no big deal. Besides, sitting in the narrow, cramped seat without a full belly feels much better.

We rarely drink alcoholic beverages on these long flights, even though they are complimentary on Virgin Atlantic while seated in coach. It seems we can rest easier without having had a beer or wine. If we can somehow manage to get three hours of sleep, we’ll feel fine. But that’s highly unlikely since I can’t sleep sitting up. But, here again, missing one night’s sleep is no big deal in the realm of things.

We arrive in Minneapolis, Minnesota, around 3:00 pm, Sunday. When we collect our bags and get the rental car, it will be 4:00 am, Monday to us. With traffic on a Sunday of Memorial weekend, arriving at the hotel may take about 40 minutes. We’ll probably order GrubHub for dinner after we get unpacked and settled.

Then, the challenge will be to stay awake until 10:00 pm. At that point, it will be 5:00 am to us, approximately 39 hours after we left. But after missing an entire night’s sleep, staying awake is tough. It’s essential to immediately get into the schedule of where we are, instead of where we were.

We aren’t certain at this point about posting each day over the next several days. A short post may be possible during tomorrow’s almost six-hour layover in London. Please keep an eye out.

Thanks for all the well wishes and support from our readers/friends/family.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 24, 2015:

We spotted a banyan tree in Waikiki as we rode the bus to the mall. For more photos, please click here.

The expat or the world traveler route?…Which is better for you and why?…

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The red dot on this map indicates where the island of Madeira is located.

“There is a difference between being an expat and traveling slowly to see the world. Each path offers unique experiences and challenges. An expat’s life revolves around settling in one place and becoming part of the local community. On the other hand, slow travel is about taking time to explore each destination deeply.”

In an increasingly interconnected world, the concepts of “expat” and “world traveler” have become more prevalent, reflecting different ways people choose to live and explore. While both groups share a love for experiencing new cultures and environments, their lifestyles, motivations, and experiences differ significantly. Understanding these differences can help clarify the nuances of these two distinct paths.

Definitions and Basic Differences

Expat is short for expatriate, a term used to describe individuals who live outside their native country for an extended period, often for work or personal reasons. Expats typically settle in one country for months or years, integrating into the local community to varying degrees. Their stay is usually characterized by a semi-permanent or permanent relocation, influenced by employment, family, or retirement plans.

On the other hand, a world traveler moves from one place to another, often for shorter durations, driven by a desire to explore, experience, and enjoy diverse cultures and environments. World travelers may stay in one location for days, weeks, or months before moving on to the next destination. Their journey is often continuous, with no fixed home base, emphasizing exploration over settlement.

Motivation and Purpose

Expats often relocate due to job assignments, career advancement opportunities, or company transfers. They might also move for personal reasons, such as joining a spouse or family member, seeking better living conditions, or pursuing retirement in a more favorable environment. Their primary motivation is usually practical and long-term, focusing on stability and integration into the new country.

In contrast, world travelers are driven by curiosity, adventure, and a passion for discovering new places. Their motivation is more about experiencing diversity, learning about different cultures, and seeking personal growth through travel. The purpose of their journey is exploration and enjoyment rather than settling down or establishing roots.

Lifestyle and Daily Routine

Expats often lead lives similar to those they had in their home countries, though adapted to their new environment. They might rent or buy homes, enroll their children in local or international schools, and establish work, social activities, and community involvement routines. Over time, they may develop a deep understanding of and connection to their host country’s culture, language, and traditions.

For world travelers, the lifestyle is more transient and flexible. Depending on their preferences and budget, they might stay in hotels, hostels, short-term rentals, or even camp out. Their daily routine is less structured, often dictated by travel plans, sightseeing, and spontaneous adventures. They are constantly on the move, with no fixed abode, leading to a more fluid and unpredictable way of life.

Integration and Interaction with Local Culture

Expats have the opportunity to immerse themselves deeply in the local culture. Over time, they may learn the language, understand societal norms, and build lasting relationships with locals. They often become part of the community, participating in local events and contributing to their host country’s social and economic fabric.

While they may make meaningful connections and gain cultural insights during their short stays, world travelers generally do not have the same depth of integration. Their interactions with local cultures are more superficial and fleeting, often limited to tourist attractions, short-term acquaintances, and surface-level experiences. However, their exposure to various cultures can lead to a broad, albeit less deep, understanding of the world.

Financial Considerations

Expats often have stable income sources through employment, savings, or pensions, which support their long-term stay in a foreign country. Their financial planning includes considerations for housing, healthcare, education, and other long-term needs. The financial stability provided by employment or other steady income allows them to establish a more permanent lifestyle abroad.

World travelers may have more varied and uncertain income sources. Some work remotely, freelance, or take up short-term jobs to fund their travels, while others rely on savings or travel on a budget. Their financial strategy often focuses on cost-effective travel, accommodation, and daily expenses, allowing them to sustain their nomadic lifestyle.

Emotional and Social Impacts

Expats can experience a range of emotional and social challenges, including homesickness, culture shock, and the difficulty of integrating into a new society. However, the potential for building a new support network, forming deep friendships, and feeling a sense of belonging can be highly rewarding.

For world travelers, the constant movement can lead to feelings of isolation or disconnection, as they rarely stay in one place long enough to build strong relationships. The excitement of new experiences and the freedom of a nomadic lifestyle can be exhilarating, but the lack of a stable support network can also be emotionally taxing.

Conclusion

While both expats and world travelers share a love for exploring new places and cultures, their lifestyles, motivations, and experiences are markedly different. Expats seek stability, integration, and long-term living arrangements in foreign countries, often driven by career or personal reasons. On the other hand, world travelers prioritize exploration, adventure, and the thrill of constant movement, driven by curiosity and a desire to experience as much of the world as possible. Understanding these differences can help in appreciating the unique journeys of both groups, each enriching the global tapestry in their own distinct way.

As our long-term readers are well aware, from the beginning of our travels, we have chosen the world traveler lifestyle rather than becoming expats who choose to live in one location. Will this change in the future? It could depending upon the outcome of current medical concerns, which will be addressed over the next several months. We will keep you updated.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 8, 2014:

Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas is a larger capacity ship with cabins for 3835 passengers than yesterday’s posted Celebrity Solstice at 2850. We prefer smaller ships, but it’s not always possible to find both the preferred size, itinerary, and dates. The ship’s size is near the bottom of our criteria list. For more photos, please click here.

A lovely Mother’s Day and into the evening…Thanks for all the warm wishes!…

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A gorgeous pink rose in the garden at our new Campanario, Madeira (Spain) location.

Somehow, Greg and Heather found a lovely restaurant for Sunday’s Mother’s Day Brunch at Cosmos Restaurant in the Lofton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis, close to the Target Center. With all the bad press about downtown Minneapolis being dangerous these days, this location was safe, and we felt comfortable.

The beautiful location had ample seating and no waiting, which is odd for Mother’s Day, as waiting to be seated and served on this busy day can be tedious. The food was fresh, hot, and well prepared, and our table for eight worked out well. In attendance were Tom and I, Greg, Maisie, 17, and Miles,16, whose birthday is today (Madighan was at work), Heather and two of her four children, Megan, 15, and her son, Doug, 23.

The time went quickly, and before we knew it, the brunch ended, and Tom and I were on our way back to the hotel with no plans for the remainder of the day. We arrived at 1:00 pm after stopping and picking up a Chicken Bowl from Chipotle (not as good as I remember) for me for dinner. Tom had Panera Chicken Wild Rice soup that he heated in the microwave in the hotel’s kitchen on the main floor, along with plenty of crackers.

In no time, evening rolled in, and we had dinner and streamed a few movies while settling in for the night. It was all pleasant and relaxing after several busy days in a row. We’ll celebrate Miles’ 16th birthday at dinner at Pizza Luca, a short walk across the hotel parking lot. Today, Miles goes for his driving test and hopefully passes, adding all the more cause for celebration.

This morning at 8:00 am, we headed downstairs for the included breakfast at the hotel. It’s not a big deal breakfast as is the case for most included breakfast at any hotel, usually consisting of premade scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausages, cereal, fruit, coffee, and tea. Fortunately, they have hard-boiled eggs, and I don’t eat premade scrambled eggs since they contain wheat and chemicals.

Dining out frequently creates a few issues for me, but I always find something suitable for my way of eating. Tonight at Pizza Luce, it’s easy when they serve gluten-free meatballs with sugar-free sauce topped with mozzarella. I love this dish and often order it when we go there for dinner.

This morning, I called a well-known physical therapy clinic nearby to see if my insurance would pay for services. Lately, as my heart issues have escalated, I’ve had more difficulty walking and using my arms. As much as I try to exercise on my own, I need professional help and monitoring to build my strength for surgery over the next three months.

I am waiting to hear back from them after they check with my Medicare and Plan G to ensure I am covered. If I can build my strength and stamina before the surgery, I will do better after it’s over. We’ll see how this goes.

In the interim, we should get a call back for an appointment with Costco’s Hearing Aid Center for Tom. He’s finally decided to buy correctly adjusted and fitted hearing aids when his hearing has worsened over the past few years. It will be great for him and for me to have a conversation with him without raising my voice. If he can’t read my lips, he can’t tell what I am saying.

That’s it for today, dear readers. Thank you for countless and thoughtful Mother’s Day wishes from many readers, family, and friends. I am very grateful.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 13, 2014:

We couldn’t imagine that tourists would visit during the peak of summer due to the heat. For more photos, please click here.

Happy Mother’s Day to all!…We’re off to brunch with the family…

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Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and grandmas!

This morning, we’re rushing to get out the door to go to Mother’s Day brunch at a fabulous restaurant downtown Minneapolis, Cosmos, with Greg, our three grandchildren, Heather, and two of her children, whom we’ll meet for the first time. We would have been just as content to go to a Perkins or other casual restaurant, but on this day, it would be impossible to get a table without waiting for an hour or more in the crowded lobby area.

I am making this a short post since we’ll have to get out the door in about 20 minutes to arrive at the venue for the 10:45 reservation. Parking downtown will be at a premium, so we want to ensure we arrive on time.

Since we arrived here last Wednesday evening, we have been busy every day and evening with family and have had a great time. Knowing this will continue over the next few months, making the time pass more quickly until my upcoming appointments at Cleveland Clinic on August 28, gives me peace of mind while we both thoroughly enjoy ourselves.

We thought last night would be quiet, spending time in the hotel room while we munched on items we’d purchased at the grocery store for light meals when we didn’t feel like dining out. This hotel room has a refrigerator but not a microwave or stove. However, we can use the microwave in the main floor kitchen whenever we’d like.

As we settled in for the evening, Tom noticed a message from nephew Kevin asking if we wanted to come to Mary and Eugene’s home to play cards. We jumped at the chance, and by 4:00 pm, after stopping for food to bring, we were situated at their table, ready to begin playing Buck Euchre. We had a great time and returned to the hotel by 11:00 pm.

We move to another nearby hotel with a kitchen on May 23. We’ll decide whether to stay there through the long wait or return here during that period. The determining factor will be determining how important a kitchen is to us. We like this Hyatt hotel but will try a Residence Inn until June 11. We shall see how it goes.

It’s time for us to head out. We’ll be back tomorrow with more.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 12, 2014:

The jewelry prices were very reasonable in the souk in Marrakesh, Morocco. For more photos, please click here.