A simple mixup resulted in a day-long annoyance…What to do?…

Although this whale didn’t breach, we were thrilled to see this first whale while we were seated on lawn chairs in the yard at our vacation home on the Big Island.

After over three months since we arrived in Cleveland, I am truly at a loss for topics to write about. As a result, I have been posting one less post per week. Today, when I sat down to begin, I scanned world news, searching for a travel-related topic that may appeal to our readers.

Alas, I was unsuccessful and ultimately decided to write a post unrelated to travel, perhaps not as unrelated as I thought. This topic could be relevant anywhere in the world and is significantly more likely to occur when traveling away from your familiar restaurants, coffee shops, and establishments.

Every morning in the past three-plus months since we arrived in Cleveland, Tom has brought back two cups of decaf coffee for me to enjoy with my breakfast. I add one tablespoon of unsweetened Nutpods creamer to each cup and a few drops of my favorite sugar-free sweetener for what tastes like a perfect cup of” joe” by my standards. I gave up caffeine several years ago.

Decaf coffee generally has a mild taste, nowhere near as strong tasting as regular coffee. Yesterday morning, I had one cup for about 30 minutes before heading downstairs to the fitness center. I noticed the coffee tasted somewhat bitter when I took the first sip, but I assumed whoever made it in the restaurant used too much coffee, which resulted in a bitter taste. How wrong was I????

Oddly, before I headed downstairs to the fitness center, I felt as if my blood pressure was high, and I used my device to check it before I headed down the elevator. It was higher than it has been since I stopped all the awful Afib drugs, 130/88, certainly not a concerning reading.

Once I started on the treadmill and increased the elevation, I felt my heart rate go through the roof. Then, it dawned on me, especially when I had to slow down the pace far below my usual settings….I was reacting to caffeine in the coffee! My senses were correct when the taste was off.

I had to slow down throughout the entire workout and cut it short by about two minutes because I was uncomfortably breathless and feeling out of sorts. Back in our room, I drank a few glasses of water, hoping that would help. And even last night, I slept horribly, tossing and turning all night.

After not having caffeine in any products or beverages for so long, I had this awful reaction. That’s not to say caffeine in coffee or tea is bad for most people in moderation. But, for those who’ve abstained for years, a single dose can have a profound effect.

This reminds me of how, when we’re traveling, I almost embarrass myself (and Tom) when ordering food and drinks, and I’m not given anything that may trigger a reaction. It’s not that I am allergic to many foods. It’s due to the choices I have made to avoid blood sugar spikes, which may be dangerous for those with heart disease and other inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes. If I didn’t eat a low-carb diet, I’d be a diabetic. I’ve avoided taking diabetic drugs by changing my diet over 13 years ago.

However, traveling presents some problems when servers, cooks, and chefs don’t fully grasp the significance of my requests. I attempt to be discrete in my description of how I’d like my food and drinks, and now, with lots of experience, I can express my desires with grace and ease.

But what about travelers who may become deathly ill from certain foods containing gluten, sugar, nuts, and other ingredients/ How are they supposed to protect themselves?

The most straightforward answer is to carry cards listing illness-inducing foods and beverages that can be handed out to servers, cooks, and chefs in restaurants, on cruises, and at other dining venues. For as little as $14.95 for 100 cards at VistaPrint, for example, or any other business card company, you can hand out a card to be delivered to the cooks/chef at any venue, having made sure to include your name, phone number and a little space to write your table number to ensure maximum safety.

Nothing horrible happens to me when I eat a serving of gluten, starch, or sugar. But, my preferences are essential to me over the long haul. But, for those who could have a life-threatening reaction, it is crucial to define your allergies clearly.

When we cruise, I have a single sheet with the restrictions I give the chef(s) to peruse each time they make a dish for me. So far, that works. Please remember that translating this list into the language of the country you are visiting is crucial. On cruises, generally, the chefs/cooks speak English. In those cases, you may prefer a printed page instead of business cards in various languages of countries you visit on a specific trip.

This morning, I visited the front desk to request decaf coffee for the little coffee maker in our room. I am not willing to risk losing an entire day feeling awful from drinking coffee with caffeine.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today,  December 4, 2014:

 

At the first of our two neighboring vacation/holiday homes on the Big Island, we paid special attention to this sign in the driveway. One must park carefully to avoid coconuts hitting the roofs of the rental cars and, more importantly, one’s head, which could be dangerous. For more photos, including the interior of the first house, please click here.

We’re back!…Repost of a story 10 years ago…Lava coming…

Photo, not ours, of lava flowing onto the road in Pahoa, Big Island, where we were staying, waiting for our kids to arrive for Christmas.

Here is a clarification of the name of the Big Island of Hawaii: The Big Island is the nickname for the island of Hawaiʻi, the largest and youngest island in the Hawaiian chain.

Ten years ago, our adult children (except the eldest son), their partners, and young children came to the Big Island to spend Christmas with us. We rented two oceanfront houses next door to accommodate 14 of us.

A few months before we arrived on the island, we became aware of the lava possibly approaching the town of Pahoa, where the houses were located. Still, with everything booked for Christmas, including their flights, we decided to take our chances. Lava tends to move slowly, and we’d have ample time to relocate if necessary.

We never had to move when the lava flow stayed away from the neighborhood, but it was close enough for us to see the lava flowing in Pahoa. Who has an opportunity to see lava flowing in their lifetime? It was an interesting and unusual experience we’ll all remember.

When checking our post from ten years ago today, I’ve reposted what I wrote since many of our readers may never have seen the post so long ago. Here it is, and here’s the link:

“Lava is on the move again, faster this time…Closer this time…

This morning’s news announced that the lava flow from Mount Kilauea has escalated in speed and is advancing toward the strip mall where we shopped on Monday afternoon.

Apparently, the gas station owner at that strip mall will be selling off the gas at discount prices so that he can drain his storage tanks to fill them with water to avoid explosions when the lava arrives.

Oh, my. We’ve yet to see the lava since it’s illegal to go into the area where it’s flowing. A viewing area is being set up at the Pahoa Transfer Station that will soon be open to the public. As soon as that is available, we can share photos here. This is a phenomenon one most likely would never have the opportunity to see in a lifetime.

Now that we’re in the first house, we’re surprisingly less anxious about the lava flow than we were from afar. We’ll figure out if we must leave when our family arrives. All that matters is the safety and well-being of our family and the area’s citizens.

At this point, the lava is several miles away. At its current flow rate of 1200 feet per day, considering how many miles we are from the current flow, it could reach the ocean where we are located in about 30 days.

In 30 days, most of our family members will be on their way back to the mainland, leaving only two remaining: our daughter-in-law and one granddaughter, who will stay until January 9th. If there is a risk, we’ll send them home earlier than planned and find other accommodations for Tom and me.

Of course, the flow rate could change at any time, making our calculations irrelevant. We’ll continue to watch the local news for daily updates.

However, we can’t speculate any further than that which we know at this point. We choose not to worry or fuss over this. More so, we’re fascinated with this amazing fact of nature over which no one has control.

As for the house, we’re content. With screens on the windows, everything is wide open for the fantastic ocean breezes. Last night, we slept with the window open for the first time in so long I can’t recall. It was so cool that we left and cuddled up under the comforter. There’s no AC in the house.

Yesterday, at high tide at 11:48 am, we spent considerable time outside in the rear yard of the house watching and taking videos of enormous waves. Neither of us had ever seen anything like it. With the windows open, we can feel the ocean spray inside the house when standing near the windows.

The wear and tear on houses this close to the sea and surf is unreal. The house is well maintained, but apparent signs of the destructive nature of the salty sea air are everywhere, especially on the house’s exterior, where there are no metal or wood surfaces.

On the inside of the house, the curtain rods, shower rods, faucets, and some window handles show signs of corrosion due to the salty air and spray. We’re sure this is a major concern for owners of properties in such proximity to the ocean worldwide.

After the steps collapsed under our feet on our anniversary in Belize on March 7, 2013, during which we were injured, we hesitated to step out onto the lanai in the upper-level main bedroom. Click here for the story and photos we posted on March 9, 2013.

The lanai upstairs looks sturdy, but then again, so do the steps in Belize. We’ll proceed cautiously and advise our family members to do the same.

In the interim, we’re mesmerized by the roaring sea out the door. The roaring sound of the surf is almost earsplitting, and we love every moment. The house is relatively shaded by coconut and palm trees, but there’s a perfect spot in the yard where we can languish during our usual hours in the warming sun.

As we lounged yesterday, we had a clear view of the house next door, to which Tom and I will move on December 20th in a mere 17 days. We will then move back to this house again on January 3rd, when the contract on the second house ends, as most of the family departs. Thus, we must pack three more times (including the day we leave this island).

Tomorrow, we’ll post interior photos of the house. We have been a bit sidetracked with Mother Nature’s antics. She’s quite a gal, isn’t she?”

It’s interesting to reread a post from so long ago. Ironically, our views and perceptions have remained essentially unchanged. Not only did we enjoy having our family with us, but the unique experience offered by Mother Nature added another element.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 3, 2014:

That morning, ten years ago, I slept until 7:45 after awakening several times during the night while getting used to the sounds of the sea. This was what I saw the moment I stepped out of bed. For more photos, please click here.

Flight delays during holidays?…What are your rights and options as a traveler?…

Hawaii is a treasure trove of unusual flowers and plants.

This morning, we encountered this article that may impact many of our readers as they go home after the Thanksgiving holiday.

“Is my flight delayed? Here are Sunday’s flight delay cancellation numbers
Zach WichterKathleen WongJosh Rivera, USA TODAY

Early reports signal little travel disruptions nationwide as millions of Americans hit the road or take to the skies post-Thanksgiving.

According to FlightAware’s flight-tracking website, only 43 U.S. flights had been canceled by 8 am ET, and another 568 had been delayed. It is worth mentioning that Saturday saw 6,357 flight delays, while today is expected to be the year’s busiest travel day.

Airlines have urged travelers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport, and a few have issued waivers for changes or cancellations due to weather concerns.

TSA reminders
Today, TSA projects are one of the busiest travel days.

Enjoy your worry-free vacation: Best travel insurance policies.

“Many members of the TSA workforce will be on duty throughout Thanksgiving Day and week, and I am immensely grateful for their selfless dedication and professionalism,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a news release. “I encourage travelers to plan, follow TSA’s travel tips, and take advantage of programs like TSA PreCheck – simple steps that will make everyone’s journey smoother, our skies safer, and TSA’s job easier.”

As a reminder:

The TSA advises passengers to start packing with an empty bag to reduce the likelihood of bringing prohibited items through a checkpoint. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be 3.4 ounces or less when packed in a carry-on bag.

Certain foods—considered liquids or gels —such as gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam, and preserves—must be packed in a checked bag if they exceed 3.4 ounces.

“If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, it is a liquid, aerosol or gel and must be packed in your checked bag if it exceeds the 3.4-ounce limit,” TSA said. “As always, passengers may bring solid foods such as cakes and other baked goods through the checkpoint.”

And yes, breast milk is an exception to the liquids rule.

What day will be the least busiest one to fly?
Today will be the busiest day for air travel, while the least busy days were Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28; Black Friday, Nov. 29; and this coming Tuesday, Dec. 3.

What is the DOT Dashboard?
The Department of Transportation created a dashboard so travelers can easily access information about U.S. airlines’ services in case of cancellations or delays.

Click here to access the DOT Cancellation and Delay Dashboard.

A new DOT rule that went into effect at the end of October requires airlines to refund passengers if their flight is significantly delayed for reasons within the carrier’s control. The rule also makes airlines more responsible for following their own customer commitments in those cases.

What is a significant delay?
The DOT defines a significant delay as a departure or arrival three hours late or more for a domestic flight or six hours for an international flight.

What is a controllable delay?
According to the DOT, an airline-caused delay is controllable. Controllable reasons include maintenance or crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading, and fueling. Weather or air traffic control flow programs do not count against the airline.

What am I entitled to if my flight is delayed?
If your flight is delayed significantly for a reason in the airline’s control, you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel. If you decide to stick it out, you may still be entitled to some compensation or accommodation, including rebooking on another flight or airline at no cost, meal and lodging vouchers for qualifying delays, and other benefits.

No U.S. airlines currently offer cash compensation for delays. Still, the big four (American, Delta, Southwest, and United) all offer hotel and ground transportation vouchers for overnight stays due to a flight cancellation.

What to do if your flight is canceled
Your best bet is to know your airline’s policies before your trip and be your advocate. Get in touch with the airline however you can, whether through the app, social media, phone, or at the airport help desk if you’re already on your way. It’s usually a good idea to have some alternative flights in mind when you speak to an agent, and be sure to ask for any accommodation or refunds you may be entitled to if you plan to take advantage of those policies.”

Hopefully, the above information may be helpful for you during the busy holiday season. With more and more travelers after the end of the pandemic, the entire scenario has changed, and it’s imperative to stay up-to-date on your rights and options. Although “reading the small print” is irritating and time-consuming, it may be a good resource for transportation issues.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 1, 2014:

The bananas in the yard in Maui grow bigger each day and are soon ready for picking. For more photos, please click here.

Replay of our podcast on Garage Logic….

On our last day on the island, we said goodbye to Maui. Next, we were flying to the Big Island for a family holiday.

11/29 BEST OF GL: The Traveling Lymans

Our niece Kristi emailed us yesterday that Garage Logic posted a replay of our visit to their show in May 2022. If you haven’t had an opportunity to see and listen to this podcast, please click the above red GL link. Once you land on their page, click the arrow at “Listen Now” on the right side of the page. You will be able to listen to the podcast.

We were both still recovering from Covid-19, and it’s evident in our voices. We’d tested negative for and felt comfortable being on the show, although we still felt under the weather. As it turned out, it took months for us to recover while I suffered with long Covid for another 18 months.

At that time, we’d been traveling for ten years, and recently, on October 31, 2024, we celebrated 12 years since we left Minnesotan to begin our journey. Wow! It’s even harder for us to believe we’ve been living this lifestyle for so long.

Tom replayed the podcast this morning, and we chuckled over our responses. We were excited to share it with their over 2 million listeners worldwide. Much to our delight, the show has had quite an impact on our readership. The guys on the show, mainly Joe Soucheray, mention us and our website address every day (five days a week) when Tom continues to submit “This Year in Minnesota History” the night before each broadcast.

We’ve been offered other opportunities to appear on shows and podcasts, but this hasn’t necessarily worked out based on our location at any given time. Nor are we interested in “celebrity status,” As much and as detailed as we share our lives, our worldwide readership fulfills all of our needs in that area.

We never intended posting our stories and photos to feel like a “job.” We love the simplicity of only having to write a new post most days and taking photos when we are in an area with photo ops.

I saw Louise’s Facebook post this morning with a video of our beloved nyalas in their garden: Norman, Nina, and the family. My heart flip-flopped in my chest with sheer joy. I can only hope they will continue roaming the exact location of our upcoming holiday home, which is only a few doors away from Louise and Danie.

We’ll be there in 93 days. It can’t come soon enough. Sure, the journey to get there is daunting, especially with my awful memories of having Afib for 12 hours on a flight from Johannesburg to Atlanta. I don’t have any Afib symptoms now, but that bad memory lingers in my mind from the last time we crossed the Atlantic on a 16-hour flight.

But it will be different now with my newfound improved health and improved level of fitness. By the time we leave for South Africa, after continuing my workout routine for the next three months, I should feel fit and optimistic when we board the long flight again. The total time from airport to airport is over 30 hours, which is a long time to go without sleep since neither of us can sleep on the plane other than occasionally nodding off.

Nonetheless, we are excited about leaving here two weeks from today and then leaving the country again for more international travel.

Have a lovely weekend!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 30, 2014:

The Maalaea Marina as we made our way out of the windy bay for what proved to be unsuccessful whale watching. For more photos, please click here.

Recovering After a Thanksgiving Feast: A Journey of Gratitude, Rest, and Reset

We boarded a whale-watching boat for a 90-minute excursion. Although we didn’t see whales, we enjoyed the dolphins.

We hope our American friends/readers, and family had a fantastic Thanksgiving Day. Ours was atypical when this year, I made Tom several dishes he enjoys, along with two roasted turkey breasts. He asked for mashed potatoes with gravy, bread sausage, onion and mushroom stuffing, and the usual green bean casserole, none of which I eat.

My only indulgence was homemade keto pumpkin pie topped with real whipped cream. Otherwise, I had turkey breast and salad, after which I was still hungry. Subsequently, rather than wait a few hours, I had my pie shortly after dinner. Tom enjoyed his Costco pumpkin pie a few hours later.

When I made Tom’s side dishes, I made extra for several future meals. I froze several portions. When the turkey runs out in a few days, we’ll buy other meats he can have with the leftovers. I am having a salad with lots of veggies, diced turkey, and gorgonzola cheese tonight and may repeat this tomorrow night.

Although I didn’t make all the usual side dishes, I still spent considerable time in the little kitchen, chopping and dicing. It’s a relief not to cook for a few days.

Here are a few comments about recharging after the big event for those who indulged in the entire Thanksgiving dinner feeling stuffed and bloated today:

Recovering After a Thanksgiving Feast: A Journey of Gratitude, Rest, and Reset

Thanksgiving dinner is more than just a meal. It’s a glorious, belly-filling celebration of abundance, family, and tradition. But let’s be honest: after the turkey’s been carved, the mashed potatoes demolished, and the pies devoured, we’re often left in a state of culinary aftermath. It’s not regrettable, exactly. After all, we live for these moments, but the sensation of overindulgence is real.

So, how do we recover after eating Thanksgiving dinner? The process isn’t just about soothing an overstuffed stomach; it’s a chance to reflect, reset, and gently guide ourselves back to equilibrium.

1. The Art of the Digestive Pause

First, let’s acknowledge the truth: digestion is work. After a Thanksgiving feast, your body is like an overbooked restaurant kitchen—working overtime to process that mountain of food. One of the kindest things you can do is pause and give it space to catch up.

For a reason, a slow, meandering walk after dinner is a time-honored tradition. While you might feel like collapsing into a couch cushion, a gentle stroll can help stimulate digestion without taxing your body. Bundled up against the November chill, this walk offers a perfect opportunity to share laughs and stories with loved ones or savor the quiet glow of the evening.

2. The Hydration Reset

Thanksgiving feasts are notoriously salty, such as gravy, stuffing, and casseroles, and even turkey brings its sodium A-game. While that’s part of their irresistible charm, it can leave you feeling bloated and dehydrated.

Water is your best friend here. Sipping warm water with lemon or herbal tea like ginger or peppermint can work wonders. These liquids soothe the digestive system, combat the meal’s richness, and gently rehydrate your body. Plus, a mug of something warm feels like an extension of the meal’s comfort without the weight of another slice of pie.

3. The Nap Dilemma

Ah, the infamous post-meal nap. Turkey often gets the blame for our sleepiness due to its tryptophan content. Still, the reality is simpler: when you eat a large, carb-heavy meal, your body redirects blood flow to your digestive system, making you drowsy.

If you must nap, make it short—a 20-minute power nap can help you feel refreshed without plunging into the groggy depths of a sleep cycle. For those who stay awake, embrace the cozy magic of Thanksgiving evening: sink into the couch with a favorite movie, engage in board games, or scroll through family photos while nursing your food coma.

4. Reflecting on Gratitude

As your body works through its turkey-and-stuffing to-do list, take a moment to reflect on the spirit of Thanksgiving. Gratitude is like a balm for the mind, helping shift focus from feelings of overindulgence to appreciation for the meal and the moments surrounding it.

Think about the effort that went into the feast—whether you were the chef or savored the fruits of someone else’s labor. Consider the laughter across the table, the traditions upheld, and the love shared. These thoughts, light as they are, can make the fullness in your belly feel a little more bearable.

5. The Gentle Morning After

The morning after Thanksgiving can be a mix of sensations: lingering fullness, slight sluggishness, and a fridge filled with leftovers calling your name. Starting your day gently is key.

Begin with something light and hydrating, like a piece of fruit, a smoothie, or yogurt with a sprinkle of granola. While leftovers are tempting for breakfast, saving them for later in the day gives your body a chance to reset.

Movement can help too—whether it’s a yoga session, a brisk walk, or even stretching on your living room floor. This movement doesn’t have to be about “working off” the meal; it’s about restoring energy and helping your body find its rhythm again.

6. Revisiting Leftovers with Intention

Speaking of leftovers, let’s give them the respect they deserve. Thanksgiving leftovers are not just food but an extension of the celebration. But instead of diving headfirst into another heavy plate, approach them with balance in mind.

Pair rich dishes with lighter fare—think a salad with shredded turkey or roasted veggies alongside a smaller slice of pie. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving without overwhelming your system all over again.

7. A Reminder to Be Gentle with Yourself

It’s easy to feel a twinge of guilt after a Thanksgiving feast, especially if you ate more than you planned. But here’s the thing: food is meant to be enjoyed, and Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate abundance in all its forms. A single day of indulgence doesn’t undo your health or habits; it often reminds us of the joy and connection that food brings.

Instead of dwelling on how much you ate, focus on how much you enjoyed. Thanksgiving isn’t about restraint. It’s about embracing the fullness of life in every sense of the word.

8. Carrying the Spirit Forward

Finally, as you recover, think about how you can carry the gratitude and warmth of Thanksgiving into the days that follow. Small acts of mindfulness can extend the holiday’s magic, whether it’s sharing leftovers with neighbors, calling a family member you missed, or simply journaling about the day.

In the end, recovering from a Thanksgiving feast is less about undoing the meal and more about embracing it fully—its flavors, emotions, and memories, and finding your way back to balance with gratitude and care.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 29, 2014:

I walked across the lawn of the neighboring condo building a couple of times each week to the local grocer, Tradewinds. For more photos, please click here.

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate..

A Thanksgiving dinner with a turkey, orange slices, and a glass of wine
Happy Thanksgiving to our family and worldwide friends who celebrate. Every day, holiday or not, is a time for thankfulness. Join us in that sentiment this holiday season as we pray for worldwide peace and harmony.

Today’s post is #4477 after writing to each of you over the past almost 13 years (as of  March 15, 2012). Yes, we’ve missed posting a few days, especially at the beginning of our world travel when we didn’t post daily, on travel days, on sick days, and mainly on days with a poor WiFi connection.

Confidently, we can say we haven’t discussed politics, sex, or religion (other than worldwide cultural observations) or made any effort to impose our beliefs on our loyal readers. Based on our personal experiences, we’ve made endless suggestions about world travel, safety precautions, locations, venues, travel-related expenses, and health and food-related topics.

Sometimes, our suggestions have proven wrong, outdated, or biased. We apologize for any inaccuracies or unintended misrepresentations. We’ve overwhelmed our readers with my health issues and resolutions, endless exercise and fitness routines, and continuing passion and dedication to a low-carb/keto way of eating, suitable for me but not for all.

Above it all, through it all, and beyond it all, we are thankful. We are grateful for our loyal readers who’ve continued to read our posts during outrageously boring times when we haven’t posted interesting photos and experiences, even during the ultra-dull ten months we spent in lockdown during the pandemic in a hotel in Mumbai, India, in 2020/2021 or after many months of recovery after my open heart surgery in South Africa.

And, most recently? Where do I begin? You’ve read about my unrelenting fear, expressed here, of having another open-heart surgery after being misdiagnosed with valve disease by three cardiologists in three countries, including the US, only to discover after coming to the leading cardiac center in the world, Cleveland Clinic.

Ultimately, they discovered that I didn’t need surgery after all. I developed Afib the day I tested positive for COVID-19. Later, I took drugs for Afib, which resulted in side effects with symptoms indicating I had valve disease on tests.

Once off the drugs, these awful symptoms are now gone, and although I still have heart disease, I don’t need surgery now or in the near future. The Afib, from Covid-19 has ended. We’ll have spent 3½ months in Cleveland, staying longer than expected when only weeks ago we were given the “good to go” by the cardiac doctors saying, “You can return to your life of world travel with peace of mind.”

No, this isn’t a guarantee that something won’t change in the future, but I’ve let those thoughts waft away as we’ve begun planning our future travels with hope and joy. Thank you for hanging in there with us. We leave here in 16 days, heading to Nevada, and then flying to South Africa in 93 days.

The bottom line is that we are thankful for my newfound good health, safety in our travels, the love and acceptance by our family, the friends we’ve made throughout the world, the opportunity to continue to travel the world, and for each and every one of you who have shared this at-times-unusual and more often enchanting journey with us.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate this US holiday and to those readers worldwide that we thank today and always.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 28, 2014:

The top of a mountain peeked through the clouds in Maui as our time there was coming to an end. For more photos, please click here.

Part 4…We booked 4 cruises!…Here are prices, itinerary and details…Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate…

The skeleton of a humpback whale at the Whalers Village before it was destroyed by the fires in 2023.

This morning, I prepped the stuffing for tomorrow’s turkey. What a lot of work! Without a fully equipped kitchen, it was incredibly challenging. We have one large tinfoil roasting pan and not a single oven-safe casserole dish. Instead, I placed the stuffing I had prepared in three tinfoil pie pans, lining them with parchment paper and covering them with tin foil.

I’ll bake one pan of dressing each day, leaving the other two pans for the leftovers we’ll have after roasting two whole turkey breasts. Since I don’t eat any of the carby sides, only turkey, veg and salad, Tom will be on his own, eating all the leftover side dishes. He won’t mind a bit.

We’ll have plenty of turkey breast meat to last for several days, and I’ll freeze any leftovers we can eat in the next two weeks. With 17 days until we depart, it will all work out well, and I won’t need to order any more meat during our remaining days. We’ll use whatever we have left in the freezer.

To continue with the information for the four cruises we booked with Royal Caribbean, please see below:

Royal Caribbean_map

royalCaribbean_Logo

24 Night Cruise from Brisbane to Seattle

Royal Caribbean
Voyager of the Seas

24 Night Cruise

Departure Date: Tue, Apr 14, 2026

Embarkation Port: Brisbane

Return Date: Sat, May 09, 2026

Disembarkation Port: Seattle

Non-Refundable Deposit

Date Port Arrive Depart
Tuesday, April 14 Brisbane, Australia 4:30 pm
Wednesday, April 15 At Sea
Thursday, April 16 At Sea
Friday, April 17 At Sea
Saturday, April 18 At Sea
Saturday, April 18 Cross International Dateline (Cruising)
Sunday, April 19 At Sea
Monday, April 20 At Sea
Tuesday, April 21 Papeete, Tahiti 7:00 am 11:59 pm
Wednesday, April 22 Moorea, Society Islands 7:00 am 8:00 pm
Thursday, April 23 At Sea
Friday, April 24 At Sea
Saturday, April 25 At Sea
Sunday, April 26 At Sea
Monday, April 27 At Sea
Tuesday, April 28 Honolulu, Oahu, HI 7:00 am
Wednesday, April 29 Honolulu, Oahu, HI 8:00 pm
Thursday, April 30 At Sea
Friday, May 1 Kona, Hawaii, HI 8:00 am 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 2 Hilo, Hawaii, HI 7:00 am 5:00 pm
Sunday, May 3 At Sea
Monday, May 4 At Sea
Tuesday, May 5 At Sea
Wednesday, May 6 At Sea
Thursday, May 7 At Sea
Friday, May 8 Seattle, WA 6:00 am

Cost for two $6947.66   $495 Digital Costco Shop Card

Tomorrow, we’ll be back with a short post with Thanksgiving wishes.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 27, 2014:

Restaurants line the boardwalk at Kaanapali Beach, Maui. For more photos, please click here.

Part 3…We booked 4 cruises!…Here are prices, itinerary and details…Excitement for the future..

Sadly, the formerly beautiful Whaler’s Village in Lahaina is no longer operational after the 2023 fires.

The days are flying by. In only 18 days, we’ll be on our way to Nevada, arriving on December 18. It will be Tom’s birthday only five days later, which we’ll celebrate by heading out to dinner. A few days later, it will be Christmas, which we won’t do much to celebrate. We don’t mind at all.

This will be our 13th Christmas since we left Minnesota in 2012. We don’t put up a tree or decorations since it’s neither practical nor necessary in our unusual lifestyle. The meaning of Christmas is always in our minds, and we have been able to observe the holiday season in our hearts.

Following is the information on the third cruise we booked:

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12 Night Cruise from Singapore to BNE

Royal Caribbean
Voyager of the Seas

12 Night Cruise

Departure Date: Mon, Dec 01, 2025

Embarkation Port: Singapore

Return Date: Sat, Dec 13, 2025

Disembarkation Port: BNE

Non-Refundable Deposit

Date Port Arrive Depart
Monday, December 1 Singapore 4:30 pm
Tuesday, December 2 At Sea
Wednesday, December 3 At Sea
Thursday, December 4 Benoa, Bali, Indonesia 7:00 am 10:00 pm
Friday, December 5 At Sea
Saturday, December 6 At Sea
Sunday, December 7 Darwin, Australia 9:00 am 5:00 pm
Monday, December 8 At Sea
Tuesday, December 9 At Sea
Wednesday, December 10 Cairns, Australia 8:00 am 5:00 pm
Thursday, December 11 Airlie Beach, Australia 9:00 am 6:30 pm
Friday, December 12 At Sea
Saturday, December 13 Brisbane, Australia 6:30 am

There’s not much on the agenda for today. The workout is going well. Each day, I increase either the time on the treadmill or the elevation. Today, I did 17 minutes on the treadmill with 7 minutes of elevation. Once I get to 20 minutes, I’ll focus more on time and elevation rather than increasing the time.

I’ll miss five days while we travel to Nevada, but once we’re situated in the condo in Lake Las Vegas, the next day, I’ll start up again, hoping to pick up where I left off. If not, it should only take a day or two to return to my previous level. I keep track of each day’s workout stats on my phone’s calendar app, attempting to improve daily.

Thanks for staying with us through this long and less exciting period.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 26, 2014:

At the Whalers Village Museum, destroyed in the horrific Lahaina fires, ship masthead rings held the sailors to the mast. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…We booked 4 cruises!…Here are prices, itinerary and details…Excitement for the future..

A cattle egret at a local golf course. These birds are frequently seen in Hawaii.

The following is information on the second leg of the triple back-to-back cruises on which we’ll embark beginning next October. We are thrilled to be able to do back-to-back cruises, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get the same cabin for all three of these cruises. The fourth cruise we booked is at a later date, which we’ll share in Part 4 in a few days.

We’ll have to change cabins twice, but the crew usually helps with this process. We don’t unpack everything when we cruise; we only unpack those items we know we will wear during the cruises, plus necessary toiletries. We’ve moved to other cabins in past back-to-back cruises, and usually, we can accomplish this in less than an hour, including packing and unpacking.

There were a few options to stay in the same cabin, but none were balcony cabins, and the cost was at least another $2000 per cruise. It wasn’t worth the added expense to us. We are comfortable with what we’ve chosen.

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17 Night Cruise from Cape Town to Singapore

Royal Caribbean
Voyager of the Seas

17 Night Cruise

Departure Date: Fri, Nov 14, 2025

Embarkation Port: Cape Town

Return Date: Mon, Dec 01, 2025

Disembarkation Port: Singapore

Non-refundable

Date Port Arrive Depart
Friday, November 14 Cape Town, South Africa 7:00 pm
Saturday, November 15 At Sea
Sunday, November 16 Port Elizabeth, South Africa 7:00 am 8:00 pm
Monday, November 17 At Sea
Tuesday, November 18 At Sea
Wednesday, November 19 At Sea
Thursday, November 20 At Sea
Friday, November 21 Pointe des Galets, Reunion Island 7:00 am 5:00 pm
Saturday, November 22 Port Louis, Mauritius 7:00 am 7:00 pm
Sunday, November 23 At Sea
Monday, November 24 At Sea
Tuesday, November 25 At Sea
Wednesday, November 26 At Sea
Thursday, November 27 At Sea
Friday, November 28 At Sea
Saturday, November 29 At Sea
Sunday, November 30 Singapore 6:00 pm
Monday, December 1 Singapore Disembark

It’s been a busy morning. I worked out first and then started prepping for tonight’s dinner of Keto Tuna Patties, which I made enough to last through Wednesday. Then, on Thursday, like most people in the US, we are having a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, mainly for Tom, since I’ll only eat turkey, veggies, and salad. Tom doesn’t like cranberry sauce or sweet potatoes, but I’ll make the remaining traditional items. More on that later.

We hope those who celebrate have a safe and pleasant Thanksgiving week. In tomorrow’s post, we’ll be back with Part 3 Cruises.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 25, 2014:

Sadly, this is no longer there due to horrific fires in Lahaina, Maui, with considerable loss of life and property. For more photos, please click here.