The past 24 hours…Typical busy day while in Minnesota…

A photo we posted on June 7, 2013, as our ship pulled into port. See the post here.

Yesterday, Tom started early, getting up at 6:30 to prepare for his day. His sister Patty, 90 years old, had a doctor’s appointment at 9:00 am for a cardiac ultrasound, also known as echocardiography, which uses sound waves to create images of the heart and its structures. It’s a non-invasive and rapid diagnostic tool that provides detailed information about heart function and structure. According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s a standard procedure used to assess heart health and diagnose various conditions.

Patty lives about an hour from our hotel, so Tom left the hotel at about 7:30. He picked up Patty, and they easily made the appointment on time, as the clinic is located within minutes of her home.

Since Patty doesn’t use the internet, she was unable to access “My Chart” to view the test results. Instead, she’ll have to wait to speak to her doctor in about a week. I tried to set up a “My Chart” account for her, but since she doesn’t have internet access, I was unable to create an account using my phone or Tom’s phone. She seemed fine about waiting until next week for the results.

Tom returned to the hotel by 10:45, and he settled in, content with nothing to do for a few hours. In the meantime, I worked on the post, some financial tasks, and responded to email messages from our readers, a daily occurrence.

At noon, Tom took a nap while I quietly watched a movie, streamed from Hulu. I love those quiet times when I have nothing to do, with no cleaning, no cooking, and no travel-related tasks to attend to. I ventured outdoors a few times to walk around the building, since it’s easy to become lazy and inactive while staying in a hotel.

By 2:10 pm, we headed out to pick up sisters Patty and Margie, in their two separate locations, to take them with us to Billy’s Bar for the usual Friday siblings afternoon get-together, starting at happy hour at 3:30. After over an hour, we arrived at Billy’s and the typical big round table was waiting for us.

After drinks and food, when it was only 6:00 pm, we all headed back to Mary and Eugene’s home in Andover to play cards. I had yet to play cards. Buck Euchre is an exciting card game, and unlike traditional Euchre, it’s played individually, without teams. Players aim to be the first to reach or go below zero points by winning tricks and carefully choosing when to stay in or drop out during each round.

Whenever we’ve been around Tom’s siblings, whether in Minnesota or Arizona, we’ve always played this fun card game. Neither of us has ever become tired of playing. It’s such fun and we love every minute. I lost $8, and Tom won $10. The stakes aren’t high, $2.00 a game, nor are the winnings when finishing a game. But the laughter and fun more than make up for any potential losses.

We played cards until about 10:30 pm, and then we drove Patty and Margie back to their respective homes. By midnight, we were back at the hotel and went to bed shortly thereafter. Neither of us slept more than six hours, but we both feel fine this morning, ready to tackle another family event.

Tonight, at 5:00 pm, we’re meeting Vincent, 19, and his girlfriend, whom we’ve never met, for dinner at Dolittle’s in Golden Valley, about 25 minutes from our hotel. It will be fun to have a “double date” with a grandson. Tomorrow night, we’re meeting Maisie and her boyfriend, Dakota, at Maynard’s in Excelsior, our old neighborhood, for another double date.

I wish there was enough time to get together with each grandchild individually, but our schedule for the next week is packed with family and friends get-togethers. We’ll see most of our three kids who live in Minnesota, and six grandchildren at gatherings over the next week.

Gosh, the time is flying by quickly. We begin the return journey to South Africa, a week from tomorrow. We’ve loved being here and will love returning to the bush.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 7, 2015:

The previous night, we attended an invitation-only party on the 9th deck by the indoor pool. For more photos, please click here.

Safest places in the world for solo women travelers…

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.

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.

Canadian wildfires impacting air quality in Minnesota and other parts of the US…

When I visited Doc Theo regarding horrible asthma symptoms, once we arrived in Marloth Park. Within about three days after our arrival, I started sneezing with a runny nose, itchy eyes, and worst of all, difficulty breathing due to my lifetime issues with asthma.

Years ago, in my 30s, I had weekly asthma immunization injections, weekly for seven years, which put an end to all of the above symptoms at long last, even if I was exposed to allergens. But now, 40 years later, those effects have worn off, and it’s impossible with our lifestyle to go through that process again.

My symptoms in Marloth Park were so bad at first that Theo put me on Prednisone for a few weeks, which eliminated all the symptoms. But, as many know, long-term corticosteroid drugs have many side effects and are only used for short periods. But that was our last resort if nothing else worked.

Then Theo prescribed a drug, Montair, which I’d never taken, with its own litany of side effects. I started taking the medication. After about five days, it began to work, although I have mild breakthrough asthma symptoms most days that can be controlled with inhalers. Overall, it’s under control.

Since I haven’t had severe allergy problems in other countries, including when in the US. After discussing this with Theo, I asked him if I could “test” how I do while we spend three weeks in Minnesota, to see how I do without the medication. This way, I’d only need to get a small amount of the meds to take with us when we leave Marloth Park in September.

Theo suggested I stop taking the drug once we arrived in Minnesota to see how I do, which is precisely what I did. (However, I brought along enough to last while here, if I had trouble). Within 24 hours after our arrival, I couldn’t breathe…the asthma was back, as bad as ever.

I lived in Minnesota for over 40 years. Although allergy season was challenging some years, I never had to take any asthma medication after completing the seven-year round of immunization therapy.

Then, the reason why I was struggling, even after restarting Montair, became clear as a bell. The smoke and ash from the Canadian wildfires were causing me and many others to have trouble breathing. Here is the story about the wildfires impacting the US:

“Air quality for Minnesota is near record unhealthy levels due to wildfire smoke

It smells like a bonfire outside on Tuesday due to another day of poor air quality caused by smoke from the wildfires in Canada.

Long-time Twin Cities meteorologist Paul Douglas posted to social media that Tuesday’s Air Quality Index was comparable to a record set in July 2021, which had a one-hour level of 260. Tuesday morning’s AQI in the metro was 264.

Matt Taraldsen, a meteorologist with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, joined Amy Hockert on FOX 9’s All Day streaming show to explain what it means. Much of Minnesota is in the orange or red level, which is considered unhealthy. Taraldsen explains it means that people should limit their time outdoors and under exertion.

Those levels affect people with asthma, COPD, children, the elderly, and anyone who spends an extended period outside. It also applies to pets.

Poor air quality on Tuesday due to wildfire smoke

Local perspective:

A batch of heavy surface Canadian wildfire smoke is pushing through Minnesota Tuesday into Wednesday, prompting the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to issue an air quality alert through noon Wednesday.

The wildfires in Canada have produced large amounts of smoke, which has pushed into Minnesota behind a cold front, the MPCA says. Concentrations of surface-based smoke are high enough for people to see and smell the smoke.

“The smell test is pretty good. If you can go outside and immediately see or smell smoke, that’s a pretty good indication that you’re likely in that red,” Taraldsen said.

FOX 9 meteorologist Cody Matz says the wildfire smoke from Canada is creating some of the poorest air quality for the Twin Cities metro in the past couple of decades. The Twin Cities is under a “very unhealthy” air quality category on Tuesday morning, which the metro has only seen a couple of times.

Tuesday’s overall air quality forecast lists the Twin Cities and much of south-central and northeastern Minnesota as having “unhealthy” air quality, while the southern and portions of central Minnesota have “unhealthy for sensitive groups” air quality. Northwestern Minnesota’s air quality is listed as “moderate” in Tuesday’s forecast.

As of Tuesday morning, the MPCA says the cold front has entered southeastern Minnesota, bringing smoke with it. The MPCA says thunderstorms have developed in the vicinity of the cold front, which have the potential to help clean the air. That being said, it is not expected to eliminate poor air quality.

While the rain moves out on Tuesday, the clouds and smoky skies persist. Wildfire smoke from Canada will be noticeable at ground level in the Twin Cities metro area, with an air quality alert in effect through Wednesday morning. The smoke is expected to shift eastward gradually in the evening and overnight hours.

The MPCA says poor air quality may linger from Tuesday into Wednesday across areas in and around Lake Superior. Closer to the metro, smoke should clear out between 7 and 10 p.m. Taraldsen says the wildfires in Canada will likely be an ongoing issue most of the summer.

“It’s safe to say that these fires are going to be around for the summer. While we have been experiencing rain here in Minnesota, central Canada has not been receiving rain. As long as those wildfires are burning, there is risk,” Taraldsen said.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 4, 2015:

Sunset over Tahiti. For more photos, please click here.

Volcanos erupting…How do volcanoes impact travel plans?…

This was my favorite shot of the evening with our family in Hawaii, with the backdrop of the glow from Mount Kilauea on The Big Island in Hawaii on December 27, 2014. See the post here.

One of the most exciting adventures of our nearly 13 years of world travel was our visit to The Big Island, Hawaii, in 2014, when we all, for the first time in our lives, witnessed lava flowing. We are still in awe of the stunning experience, one that few people will experience in their lifetime.

For details of our experience, check out the list of our posts depicting this experience in our archive from December 2014. We captured the above photo while at the observation area for Mount Kilauea on December 27, 2014. See the post here.

Now, as we read the news about the recent eruptions of Mount Kilauea in Hawaii and Mount Etna in Italy, we are reminded how erupting volcanoes can impact travel plans. For us, as precarious and dangerous as it was when we were so close to the lava flow, we all treasured the opportunity to experience this once-in-a-lifetime experience…seeing lava before our eyes.

Volcanic eruptions can significantly impact travel in several ways, affecting air, land, and sea transport. Here’s how:

Air Travel

This is often the most severely affected:

  • Ash clouds are the biggest threat. Volcanic ash can:

    • Damage aircraft engines, potentially causing them to fail mid-flight.

    • Reduce visibility and scratch windshields, making navigation dangerous.

    • Corrode metal and clog ventilation systems.

  • As a result, airspace is often closed over and around eruption sites, sometimes for hundreds or thousands of miles. Example: The 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland grounded over 100,000 flights across Europe, stranding millions of passengers.

Hawaii's Big Island has latest volcanic eruption at Kilauea
Mount Kilauea’s latest eruption was a few days ago.

Land Travel

  • Roads may be closed due to lava flows, heavy ash fall, or landslides triggered by the eruption.

  • Visibility drops, making driving hazardous.

  • Air quality can be hazardous, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions.

  • Mount Etna in Italy erupted a few days ago.

    Emergency evacuations may disrupt public transport or local travel networks.

Sea Travel

  • Underwater eruptions or tsunamis triggered by eruptions can make maritime routes hazardous.

  • Floating pumice from eruptions can clog boat engines.

  • Ports near the volcano may shut down due to safety concerns.

Tourism and Long-Term Travel

  • Tourist destinations may be closed or evacuated, which can significantly impact local economies.

  • Travel plans are often canceled or rerouted, sometimes with little notice.

  • Insurance claims may increase, and travelers may face long delays or additional costs.


Summary of Impacts

Mode of Travel Disruption
Air Travel Flight cancellations, airspace closures, and aircraft damage risk
Land Travel Road closures, poor visibility, evacuations
Sea Travel Hazardous waters, pumice damage, and port closures
Tourism Site closures, economic loss, and itinerary changes

If you’re planning to travel to or near volcanic regions, it’s wise to:

  • Check alerts from volcanic observatories or geological agencies.

  • Purchase travel insurance that covers natural disasters.

  • Have flexible travel plans and backup routes in place.

Many travelers book plans to visit the area of erupting volcanoes to have such an experience as ours, and we certainly appreciate that enthusiasm. Of course, the utmost of caution and research must be a prerequisite to arranging such a travel adventure.

Today, I am having lunch in Blaine with two dear, long-time friends. Tom will drop me off at 12:30 at the restaurant and pick me up after his eye doctor appointment. From there, we head back to our hotel in Eden Prairie, where we’ll spend the remainder of the evening, dining on more of the items we’d purchased from Costco for exactly such evenings.

Tomorrow is a busy day with lunch plans with Greg and dinner plans at friends Chere and Gary’s home in Eden Prairie, not far from our hotel.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 3, 2015:

The waterfall in a park in Tahiti is a popular tourist attraction. For more photos, please click here.

The time is going too quickly..

A starling at the birdbath at our holiday rental in Marloth Park. Before we know it, we’ll be back!

We left Marloth Park nine days ago and will begin our return trip in 13 days, on June 15, arriving two days later. At this point, our calendar is almost completely packed with get-togethers with family and a few friends, leaving only a few days to add more events.

However, this is the way we prefer it, with plenty of time carved out to spend with family members and friends, as time allows. It’s all been exceedingly enjoyable, and we’re looking forward to the upcoming plans on my phone’s calendar app.

Last night, we stayed in, eating some of the food we’d purchased at Costco, pre-made meat-based meals that have proven to be excellent. With those, we’ve had sauerkraut and dill pickle, both suitable for gut microbiome. At this point, I am primarily focusing on eating foods known to improve resistance to colds, flus, and gastrointestinal issues that often occur on cruise ships.

We have three months to work on our health in an escalated manner, which will be easier to do once we return to Marloth Park. Eating out with family and friends as often as we’ve has made it challenging to maintain an ultra-healthy diet.

For Tom, he’s still on his candy frenzy, and I doubt he’ll stop until we leave in almost two weeks. He’s nearly finished two big bags of jelly-type candies, Chere and Gary brought him last Wednesday. However, every afternoon, he heads to the hotel’s reception area, where, daily, around 2:00 PM, they put out three bowls of various candies and snacks.

They have 6-oz plastic cups for the guests to use to carry the treats back to their respective rooms, and Tom returns with at least one, if not two, cups filled with these calorie- and sugar-rich confections. He’s particularly enjoyed the chocolate-covered peanut M&M’s. So far, he has regained 5 pounds, or 2.3 kg, of the weight he’d lost in the past few months.

I can only act as Food Police so much, and I try hard not to remind him to stop eating this junk, along with all the less-than-healthy restaurant meals he’s been eating. For a picky eater, he certainly savors many foods that are only found in the US.

For me, it’s same-old, same-old. Plain Greek yogurt with ground flaxseed, topped with Everything Bagel seasonings, which is very good, and of course, accompanied by meat and vegetables. Neither of us ever has a drink, other than coffee, water, and iced tea, in the hotel room.

When we dine out with family or friends, I may or may not have a glass of wine, and Tom may have a beer, although he’s picky about which brands of beer he likes, and if they don’t carry his preference, he’ll only drink water.

We were scheduled to play cards with Tom’s family tonight, but they had to cancel due to unexpected issues, so we are staying in again tonight. Soon, we’ll head out to go to the bank and stop at a local liquor store for beverages to take to friends Chere and Gary’s home for dinner on Wednesday night.

That’s all I’ve got today, dear readers.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 2, 2015:

There wasn’t a post published on this date ten years ago.

Summer Airline Deals in the USA…

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…

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

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.

Maisie’s graduation…Fantastic family time with the graduate…

Maisie, center photo, was heading to her seat as the graduation ceremonies were about to begin.

Greg picked me up around 2:30 pm, and we headed to Mariucci Arena, where the rest of the family was also headed to attend Maisie’s Chanhassen High School graduation beginning at 4:00 pm. I brought our camera on this trip, hoping to take good photos using the zoom for closer shots when Maisie was handed her diploma. We are so proud of our girl.

It was exciting to see her in her cap and gown.

As it turned out, the camera battery went dead at precisely the time she was approaching the stage for her diploma. Fortunately, other family members took good photos of the event using their phones. People don’t use stand-alone cameras as much as they did in years past, as cell phone cameras have improved significantly.

After the students were all seated.

We observed this fact when we noticed that very few tourists were using cameras, as they felt comfortable using only their phones. I haven’t gotten to that point yet, when I prefer to have a more proficient means of zooming in for close shots of whatever may be our subject of the moment.

Maisie and her boyfriend, Dakota.
Maisie and her dad, my son Greg.

When looking at the graduation program, which featured over 500 students receiving diplomas, we assumed we’d be there for hours, perhaps as late as 8:00 pm. However, after the music, various speeches from school staff and students (which were both interesting and inspiring) followed, and the diploma process began, with the staff starting to address the 500-plus students on the list.

Maisie, her mom, Camille, and her dad, Greg.
Maisie and Heather, Greg’s girlfriend and dad, Greg.

We were all surprised how quickly the list advanced, and finally, Maisie’s name came up. Wouldn’t you know, the camera battery died, and I couldn’t get the second battery in place in time for the perfect photo ops. Alas, Greg managed to take several good photos of Maisie as she received her diploma.

Maisie and her brother, Miles, and sister, Madighan, are our grandchildren.

I am waiting for Greg to send me a few of those photos, as he’s currently working. In the meantime, I decided to prepare this post using the pictures I took before and after the battery failed.

Maisie and her mom, Camille, and her aunt, Penny, Camille’s sister.

After the ceremonies ended by about 6:00 pm, considerably earlier than expected, we all met outside, waiting for Maisie and her boyfriend, who would meet up with us. Unexpectedly, it started pouring rain, and we all got soaked. I ended up placing the camera under my shirt and somehow managed to take the included outdoor family photos in the rain.

Maisie and I, grandma and her dad, Greg.

After we finished the photo session, we all headed to our respective vehicles to drive to Texas Roadhouse in Shakopee, about a 30-minute drive from the arena. The rain had stopped by the time we reached the restaurant, and all 11 of us had a wonderful dinner, hosted by my ex-daughter-in-law, Camille, Maisie’s mom.

Sitting across the table from my grandson Miles, age 17, Maise’s brother, we had our usual entertaining conversation. Oddly, even with a 60-year age difference, we have so much in common, it’s uncanny. We love technology, the same movies and series, and have a passion for science, health, and fitness. The conversation, so thoroughly enjoyed by each of us, made the time fly by in a blur.

Maisie and I, grandma.

All of a sudden, it was time to go, and we all took off, with me, Greg, and Heather in their respective vehicles. They brought me back to the hotel where I changed into my pajamas and settled in for the night. I called my sister, Julie, and we spent an incredible two hours on the phone, talking and laughing as we often do.

By midnight, I crawled into bed, and a short time later, Tom called to let me know he was on his way back to the hotel after spending the evening with his family. I stayed awake to greet him, as we shared our stories of our evening apart.

All of the above are in this group photo.

On Saturday, Maisie’s graduation party begins at noon at Camille’s house and ends at 4:00 pm. We don’t have plans for the remainder of the evening, but we’ll see what unfolds. On Sunday morning, we’re meeting Tammy and family for brunch at 11:00.

Our calendar is filling up quickly, but we’re enjoying every moment of this special time in Minnesota.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 30, 2015:

The huts for rent along the shoreline in Moorea. For more photos, please click here.

House fire in Marloth Park!…Graduation Day for Maisie!

A fire almost completely destroyed this house in Marloth Park, the source of which is not available at this point. Neighboring houses were safe.

From a Facebook post on May 21, 2025:

“MARLOTH PARK – Around 16:45 this afternoon volunteer members of the Marloth Park Fire team supported by all the Security companies, CPF and rangers managed to contain a fire that started in a garage in Hyena street, due to the quick response and having the necessary equipment available to them, the fire team managed to save the house and only the garage was lost.
We thank all who readily give up their time to ensure minimal property is lost or damaged due to fire.
Marloth Park Fire & Rescue NPO management
A word from Vaughan Potgieter :
Guys, we want to extend a huge thank you to our CPF for always being there to assist us. I forgot to thank them as I see them as part of the Fire team, but thank you to each one of you who are always available to assist.”

As of May 29, 2025, there are no confirmed reports of active wildfires in Marloth Park, South Africa. However, the region remains at high risk due to a combination of dry weather conditions and the proliferation of invasive plant species that significantly increase fire hazards.”

A serious house fire occurred in Marloth Park a week ago, and today’s photos illustrate the damage. The occupants were rescued but experienced some injuries and were taken to the hospital. Reports on their well-being haven’t been made public at this point.

Thatch roofs burn quickly and often facilitate the spread of fire. In this case, the hard-working fire response team prevented such an event.

Fire Risk Factors in Marloth Park

1. Invasive Plant Species

Marloth Park is grappling with several invasive plant species that exacerbate fire risks:

  • Parthenium hysterophorus (Famine Weed): This aggressive weed grows rapidly, reaching the flowering and seeding stages quickly. It spreads easily and can cause allergic reactions upon contact.

  • Lantana camara: Known for forming dense thickets, Lantana is highly flammable and can outcompete native vegetation.

  • Chromolaena odorata (Triffid Weed): This plant grows rapidly into dense thickets, especially in damp areas, and is highly flammable.

  • Solanum seaforthianum (Potato Creeper): This vine climbs into trees, smothering them, and contributes to the fuel load for potential fires.

These invasive species not only threaten biodiversity but also increase the intensity and spread of fires due to their high flammability.marlothparkhonoraryrangers.co.za+6marlothparkhonoraryrangers.co.za+6overbergfpa.co.za+ 

You can see how quickly the thatch explodes with flames.

2. Dry Weather Conditions

Current weather forecasts for Marloth Park indicate consistently high temperatures and low humidity levels:

Currently 88° · Sunny
Marloth Park, South Africa

Very warm with plenty of sun

Today
88°
50°
Very warm with plenty of sun

Very warm with plenty of sun

Friday
90°
56°
Very warm with plenty of sun

Partly sunny

Saturday
83°
55°
Partly sunny

Clouds to start, then sunshine returns

Sunday
84°
53°
Clouds to start, then sunshine returns

Very warm with plenty of sunshine

Monday
87°
51°
Very warm with plenty of sunshine

Plenty of sunshine

Tuesday
84°
55°
Plenty of sunshine

Episodes of sunshine with a stray shower; cooler

Wednesday
71°
50°
Episodes of sunshine with a stray shower; cooler

Such conditions dry out vegetation, making it more susceptible to ignition and rapid fire spread 

3. Human Activities

Human negligence has also contributed to fire risks. For instance, a recent incident involved hot embers from a braai (barbecue) being dumped into dry brush, nearly causing a major fire. This highlights the importance of proper fire management practices among residents and visitors. WorldWideWaftage –

Fire Prevention and Management Efforts

1. Removal of Invasive Species

The Marloth Park Honorary Rangers, in collaboration with the Nkomazi Municipality, are actively working to remove invasive plant species from the area. Property owners are legally required to eradicate these plants from their stands. Efforts include manual removal and the use of biological controls, such as the cochineal bug, to manage prickly pear infestations 

A few hours later, a pile of rubble.

2. Community Engagement

Community involvement is crucial in fire prevention. Residents are encouraged to:

  • Avoid introducing non-native plants into the environment.

  • Properly extinguish braai embers and dispose of them safely.

  • Report sightings of invasive species to the Honorary Rangers.

  • Participate in local conservation initiatives 

3. Adherence to Bylaws

Strict adherence to local bylaws is essential. These regulations prohibit the introduction of exotic plants and mandate the removal of invasive species. They also outline guidelines for fire safety and environmental conservation. Marloth Park Honorary Rangers+1mppoa.info+1marlothparkhonoraryrangers.co.za+3Marloth Park Honorary Rangers+3marlothparkhonoraryrangers.co.za+3

While there are currently no active wildfires in Marloth Park, the combination of invasive plant species, dry weather conditions, and human activities poses a significant fire risk. Proactive measures, including the removal of invasive species, community engagement, and strict adherence to local bylaws, are crucial in mitigating these risks and protecting the unique biodiversity of Marloth Park.

For more information and resources, please visit the Marloth Park Honorary Rangers website.

The fire response team acted quickly.

As for today, here in Minnesota, Greg and the family are picking me up at 2:30 to head to the arena where Maisie’s graduation will take place. Afterward, we’re all going to dinner, after which they’ll drop me off at the hotel. Tom has plans with his siblings and nephew Kevin today, whom he hasn’t seen since we arrived four days ago. He will attend Maisie’s graduation party with me on Saturday at her mom’s home.

That’s it for today, folks.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 29, 2015:

Rough seas have necessitated the closure of the swimming pool. Walking about the ship has been challenging over the past 24 hours, as the rough seas have intensified. Neither of us suffers from seasickness. For more photos, please click here.

We finally booked an accommodation in Barcelona…Fun birthday party with family last night…

I took this photo as we were leaving the restaurant last night, celebrating Greg’s girlfriend Heather’s birthday, including Heather’s four children, Hannah, Doug, Megan, and Andi, and Greg’s three kids, our grandchildren, Maisie, Miles, and Madighan.

Although we were still a little tired from traveling, we both felt an urgency to book our future stay in Barcelona, Spain, from September 15 to October 27, when our cruise sails out of the port of Barcelona. Initially, we’d planned to stay in a hotel to avoid the necessity of grocery shopping and making meals.

However, after considerable research, we had to change direction and book a holiday home which was much more affordable and overall convenient, especially when booking for  42 nights. We booked it through Capital One Travel, using our credits and points, and saved hundreds of dollars.

The jacuzzi tub is located in the spacious en-suite bathroom of the beautiful apartment.

The following are some photos of the apartment in Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain. This place will be perfect for us at a little over $114 a night, after all our discounts and credits were applied. Grocery stores, the beach, restaurants, and more are within a five-minute walk, which I can now do.

The lounge room looks comfortable and suitable for our needs.

My legs seem to have improved, and I can walk without pain. I only have problems when I walk too far for too long. However, I can easily manage short distances and find myself walking with more confidence and feeling steadier on my feet. This makes me so happy.

The property is situated in a high-end neighborhood, conveniently close to numerous attractions and plenty to keep us engaged and busy during the 42 days.

The kitchen and dining room are perfect for us.

On another note, last night, we attended a birthday party at Dolittle’s Restaurant in Golden Valley for Greg’s girlfriend Heather. Her four children, who were in high school or older, were in attendance, along with a niece and Greg’s three children, our grandchildren. There were 11 of us and we had a fantastic time.

There are two bedrooms. We’ll sleep in one and keep our bags in the other.

It was especially fun to think that this lovely group of individuals is now “our family” since Greg and Heather are a solid couple, making many plans for the future. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have this excellent relationship with this lovely woman and her family.

With seven young adults between them, they certainly are busy. It’s special for us to be a part of their plans while we’re here.

We’ll spend many hours sitting on the veranda overlooking the area. The weather will be in the 70s and 80s in Barcelona during our stay.

We’re also busy making plans with Tom’s kids, grandkids, siblings, and other family members. It certainly will be a busy three weeks. I can’t believe we only have 18 days left until we begin the return trip to Marloth Park, back to another area of our lives that we love and find fulfilling.

That’s it for today, folks.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 28, 2015:

Tom refused to partake in the “Sexiest Man Aboard Ship Contest” that transpired the prior afternoon. We both got a kick out of watching the contest poolside. For more photos, please click here.