Setting up new laptop today…More tasks before departure…

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Two years ago today, this scene at La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires particularly caught our eye. For more photos, please click here.

Today is another busy day. This morning we started transferring files from Tom’s current laptop to a flash drive which, once I am done here, I’ll begin loading his new Chromebook with his files.

We’re going to do it a little differently this time. He’s placed most of his essential files into online Dropbox. He’s had some issues with some of his files, creating problems when they’re transferred over. This time, we’ll go for simplicity and only transfer the bare minimum.

If we both like the new Samsung 12″ Chromebook, much smaller than our 15.6″ Acer’s with Windows, we’ll head back to Best Buy to purchase another identical or similar model for me. The weight differential is substantial enough that this transition to smaller, lighter laptops is a big plus for us.

Today we’ll spend the bulk of the day at Colleen and Gene’s house playing the card game Buck Euchre. This morning, Tom got out a deck of cards and re-introduced to me how to play the game. In only a few minutes, it all came back to me.

Years ago, he and I played this fun card game with my sister Susan while she lived with me when Tom and I were dating. It will be fun to play once again.

We’ll rotate playing the four-person game. In between my playing, I’ll work on Tom’s new laptop, getting everything set up and transferred to his liking. He’ll play the game while I’m working on the laptop. Then, I’ll step in and play for a while. 

Over the next several days, we’ll continue to work on other projects we have in the works as we prepare to leave the US in 13 days. We’d hoped to be able to spend time while we’re still in the US, booking properties to rent while in the UK and Europe this upcoming summer. 

But, as it turns out, we’ve decided to see if we’ll have some downtime while in India during our two months in the country. If not, we’ll book everything while we’re on the 29-night cruise before we arrive in the UK and Europe. 

We aren’t worried at all about getting this task completed on time. We have flexibility on dates, and in the worst case, we can always find a bed and breakfast or several hotels within the budget.

Tom just left to walk down to Colleen’s while I wrap this up. I need to stop at the rental office to print a return label for a belt we purchased at Amazon that didn’t fit Tom. Tomorrow, I’ll run it to the post office to return. This morning I ordered the replacement in his size. So many little things to do.

When we’re outside the US, we can’t do any returns, and generally, we’re meticulous in ordering the correct sizes and items that won’t require a return. We erred in this case and have to handle a return.

Off I go, folks. I’ll pack up the laptop and cord, my bottle of Crystal Light lemonade, and a few more items to take with me for card-playing day. 

Gee…I’m looking forward to sharing “BIGGER,” “BETTER,” and “MORE INTERESTING” events in our daily lives.

Stay tuned. We’re only a few weeks away from that transpiring!

May your day be pleasantly eventful and exciting!

Photo from one year ago today, January 16, 2019:

One year ago today, Little was lounging in the water in the cement pond. For more photos, please click here.

Day 20…Circumnavigating the Australian continent…In the Navy?…Another era…

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The seagull is scanning the sea for lunch.

“Sighting on the Ship in Australia”

Artistic rendition in the ship’s art gallery.

With a one hour time change last night, surprisingly, we ended up having had enough sleep for a change. After dining with friends last night, we played a few games of billiards. I lost another one, but it was close. Maybe I will catch up to Tom’s skill level by the time this cruise ends two weeks from today.

After playing pool, we miraculously found two seats at the railing, allowing us to look below to the Centrum where the ship’s staff was performing songs from the 70’s. 

Pristine beach in Perth.
The highlight of the evening’s entertainment was the cruise director and his dance team dressed in appropriate costumes performing Village People’s “In the Navy” which certainly brought back memories for us old timers.  Click this link to jog your memory if you don’t recall this song.
A historic street in Perth.

We were literally dancing in our seats as we leaned over the railing to easily view the hour long show. It would have been an extra bonus to be on the dance floor with the mass of dancing passengers, but our two games of pool, left us too late to find space on the dance floor for us to gyrate along with the others.

The energy of the ship was electrifying, as passengers and staff danced instead of walking while singing along with the plethora of memorable songs from an era most of us recall with endless stories to tell. 

Sushi making demonstration in the Centrum.

It’s amazing how loud music can set the pace if the music elicits memories of another time and places we associate with good times and great experiences. Although Tom and I didn’t meet until 1991, we easily combine our love of old music and dancing that takes us back to another time.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have the camera with us and with the crowds everywhere, we didn’t feel like heading back to the cabin to retrieve it. I’m sure you all “picture” the activities of the loud and wild festivities. It’s one of those things that makes cruising such fun.

Our shipmates, Lois and Tom.

This morning the passengers are quietly commiserating in a wide array of seating areas with little thought of last night’s crazy fun, now sipping coffee and tea instead of last night’s dance-inducing cocktails, beer and wine.

And, here we are once again comfortably situated in Latte tudes Café,  lucky to have found a table which somehow we’ve managed to accomplish each and every day, while many staff members and passengers stop by to chat as they pass. It couldn’t be more pleasurable. We never mind the distractions always taking time to engage in idle conversation with whomever happens to stop by.

Our shipmates, Cheryl and Stan.

Today is another day at sea along with tomorrow while we sail toward Adelaide. We plan to get off the ship to tour the historic city. A few days later we’ll arrive in Melbourne (pronounced “Mel-bun” by Aussies) which we also plan to visit.

The days and nights seem to blend into a mishmash of delightful pastime events. We’re never bored. We spend little, if any, time in the cabin other than for sleeping and dressing for dinner. 

Somehow, as is our collective style, we’re easily entertained, while our mutually gregarious natures ensures we’re never lacking in making new friends while relishing in the companionship of those friendships we’ve already made.

Happy day from this side of the world! Hope it’s a happy day in YOUR location, wherever that may be.


Photo from one year ago today, November 19, 2015:

The bright blue sea in Fiji is indicative of a coral reef of which there are many in this part of the world. For more photos, please click here.