We’re on the road to Cleveland at long last!..

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If we could have cooked our meals in London, we would have purchased some items at this Farmers Market.

Often, we’ve been asked, “Why did we choose to go to the Cleveland Clinic rather than to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, a short 90-minute drive from our current location, which is also highly rated worldwide for heart treatment?”

For me, having already had open heart surgery 5½ years ago and with remaining severe cardiovascular disease (hereditary) and my age, I decided I wanted to go to one of the highest-rated valve disease cardiovascular surgeons in the country, if not in the world, regardless of how long I had to wait to see Dr. Gillinov. It’s been a four-month wait for my appointments, which are upcoming next Wednesday.

If I had to wait another month or two, it wouldn’t have been possible as my condition continues to deteriorate, as evidenced by the necessity of using a wheelchair to get around outside this hotel room, which I can maneuver if I frequently pause when moving about. But any trip outside, even to the car, requires using the wheelchair.

It’s helped make the past few days tolerable and allowed me to see family and friends. They even accommodated me to stay in the wheelchair during Friday’s pedicure.

Following are some of the reasons patients choose Cleveland Clinic for their procedures and surgeries.

  1. Reputation for Excellence: Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States and worldwide. Its reputation for high-quality care, particularly in specialties like cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics, draws patients seeking the best possible outcomes.
  2. Expertise and Innovation: The clinic is known for its cutting-edge treatments and surgical techniques. Surgeons at Cleveland Clinic are often leaders in their fields, offering advanced procedures that may not be available elsewhere. This expertise is especially appealing for complex or high-risk surgeries.
  3. Multidisciplinary Approach: Cleveland Clinic offers a collaborative environment where specialists from various fields work together to create personalized treatment plans. This approach ensures comprehensive care, addressing all aspects of a patient’s health, which is particularly important for those with multiple or complex conditions.
  4. Advanced Technology: The clinic invests heavily in the latest medical technology and equipment, allowing for minimally invasive surgeries, robotic surgery, and other advanced techniques leading to faster recovery times and better outcomes.
  5. Patient-Centered Care: Cleveland Clinic is known for its focus on the patient experience. From pre-surgery consultations to post-operative care, the clinic emphasizes clear communication, patient education, and support, helping patients feel more confident and comfortable throughout their surgical journey.
  6. Research and Education: As a major research institution, Cleveland Clinic is involved in numerous clinical trials and studies, offering patients access to the latest medical treatments and innovations. This research-driven approach means patients benefit from the most current and effective surgical options.
  7. Global Accessibility: Cleveland Clinic attracts patients from all over the world, offering specialized international patient services, including translation, travel assistance, and culturally sensitive care. This global reach adds to its appeal for those seeking top-tier medical care.
  8. Positive Outcomes: Cleveland Clinic’s high success rates and positive patient outcomes contribute significantly to its appeal. Patients often choose the clinic based on recommendations from others who have had successful surgeries there and its track record of excellence in complex cases.

These factors combined make Cleveland Clinic a top choice for patients seeking surgical care, particularly those with complex conditions or who want access to the latest medical technology and treatment advancements.

We’re moving along the road to Cleveland and will stop for the night, well before dinnertime.

Be well.

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

We had no trouble finding the distant Laundromat, Bobo’s Bubbles, in South Kensington, England. For more photos, please click here.

One day and counting…Packed and ready to go…

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Hertford Bridge, the “Bridge of Sighs” in Oxford, England, is similar to the one we saw in Venice the previous summer.

Yesterday afternoon, after I had a pedicure with my dear friend Chere at the beauty school in Hopkins, Tom picked me up at 2:30 to drive to Billy’s Bar & Grill in Anoka for our final get-together with Tom’s siblings for dinner and happy hour. It couldn’t have been more enjoyable to see everyone and visit with familiar patrons who stopped by.

But the highlight of the evening was when Tom’s long-time friend from the railroad, Tommy, stopped by to say goodbye to both of us and wish us well. Tommy has always been special to me, as well. This wasn’t the first time he stopped at Billy’s to see us. He has been reading our posts for 12 years and knows plenty about us, as many of our dear readers do from years of reading about our daily lives.

But Tommy has always been very special to me and Tom, and it was delightful to spend some time with him yesterday. Tom had pulled my wheelchair close to the big round table where we all sit every Friday, and when Tommy arrived, he sat between Tom and me while lively conversations ensued. When he left, we immediately continued our discussions with his family, and the time passed quickly. Thanks for stopping by, Tommy!

Before we knew it, it was time to go, and we headed back to the hotel, only stopping to fill the rental car with fuel for today’s drop-off. Tom left a short time ago to go to the airport to drop off the rental car and pick up another larger vehicle, preferably a roomy SUV. He’ll pack the car before we head out tomorrow and then shower afterward.

I just received a text from Tom informing me that he requested an upgrade for a large SUV. It was an extra $35 a day, but since we’ll drop it off in Cleveland on August 27, it will be well worth it. Once we know how long we’ll be staying in Cleveland, we’ll arrange for another rental car or not, depending on how close we’ll be to Cleveland Clinic at whatever hotel we book for the extended period.

This morning, we packed everything we own and were done in less than two hours. It proved to me, once and for all that I don’t need to start packing days ahead as I’ve often done in the past. Even in my current condition, where I run out of breath from walking across the room, I packed all the household items, my clothes, and the toiletries. Tom packed his clothes, and now we can relax for the remainder of the day.

Greg’s lovely girlfriend Heather will stop by within an hour to say goodbye since she could not join us and Greg’s family at Pizza Luce at 3:00 pm. She is driving from a location an hour from here. No words can express how much I appreciate this remarkable woman. I’m so grateful she and Greg have found each other. Heather has three children, who are a little older than Greg’s three, and together, they form a perfect blended family in which everyone gets along well.

These past three months in Minnesota have been a fantastic opportunity to spend valuable time with family and friends. It’s sad to say goodbye. God willing, everything will go well in Cleveland, and we’ll be back many more times.

That’s it for today, folks.

We’ll return with more tomorrow while I post “from the road.”

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 24, 2014:

The varying colors of the row buildings created a charming feel in the village of Oxford. For more photos, please click here.

Part 4…Suggestions from readers…Two days and counting…

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This is the famous Radcliffe Camera Building at Oxford University, UK, one of the best-known buildings on the 38-campus site.

Continuing our posts from the past three days, our dear readers and long-time cruise friends Judy and Gary suggested topics for future posts. Yesterday, we covered the first, second, and third items on the list below. Today, we’re covering the fourth item, “best and worst meals we’ve cooked.”

Here are a few topics to consider;
Favorite cruise lines
Favorite ports
Best and worst cruise ship excursion you’ve taken
Best and worst meal you’ve cooked
Favorite and least favorite country you’ve visited
Favorite and least favorite city you’ve visited

Regarding the “best meals we’ve cooked,” there are countless favorites we’ve enjoyed over the years. To keep this post within a reasonable size, we’ll review the meals we’ve cooked since we’ve traveled the world for almost 12 years.

In many countries where we’ve stayed for months and cooked most of our meals, we’ve had the glorious opportunity to enjoy locally-grown produce, chicken, eggs, and meat. When we arrive at a new location, we often search for the best local foods to purchase to prepare our meals.

However, most of these ingredients are used to prepare recipes we already know we like. Although we often try new recipes, we find them online or stored in one of my clouds. Overall, I have about 3000 recipes to reference at any time. As a result, we can’t recall a meal we prepared that we didn’t like.

As for those meals we’ve especially enjoyed, the list is infinite. We had favorites of, course, all of which are suitable for my keto way of eating, which include:

  • Pizza with Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, sliced green olive, homemade pizza sauce, mozzarella and parmesan
  • Chicken Pot Pie made with an almond flour crust
  • Unwiches – similar to lettuce-wrapped unwiches at Jimmy John’s
  • Meatballs with homemade red sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese
  • Tuna patties
  • Chicken bakes (keto copycat from Costco)
  • Stir fry with chicken or beef
  • Steak, salad and veg
  • Chicken salad with a side salad
  • Taco salad (no shell, keto spices)

The above ten items are staples we frequently make with various changes to some ingredients that satisfy our taste buds and create a pleasant menu for a few evening meals. We often make enough of each dish for two to three meals. If we go out to dinner for several evenings, we can quickly freeze any of these dishes, except for the unwiches we make fresh each evening.

When we’re in a pinch and don’t have something delicious on hand, we can always make mushroom, bacon, and onion omelets with bacon on the side, all of which ingredients we tend to keep on hand.

I have undoubtedly written about these meals over and over again. But for our new readers, we decided to reiterate our choices, following along on the list suggested by friends/readers Judy and Gary, whom we thank one more time for providing us with these helpful ideas.

Yesterday, I had a wonderful day with lunch with my dear friend Karen, who happened to be in Minneapolis on business. Tom picked me and my wheelchair up at 5:30, and we headed to another restaurant in Hopkins to meet up with Tammy and Tracy for our final goodbyes. Again, we had a lovely dinner with the two of them. I had a small appetizer for lunch with Karen and a Caesar salad for dinner.

That’s it for today, folks. Soon, Tom will drive me to Hopkins to meet my dear friend Chere for our pedicures. She and her husband Gary returned from three weeks in Africa yesterday. I can’t wait to hear more about their adventures, although we connected via WhatsApp during their three-week vacation. She sent me photos almost every day!

After the pedicures, Tom will pick me up, and we’ll head to Billy’s Bar and Grill for our final visit with his siblings. We’ll get together with Greg and the three grandkids tomorrow afternoon for an early dinner and say goodbye.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 23, 2014:

At Oxford University, UK, there were a few streets where no cars were allowed to make getting through the crowds easier. For more photos, please click here.

Part 3…Suggestions from readers…Three days and counting…

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The altar inside the church where Mary and Matthew were married is Downton Abby in Bampton, which we visited on a cruise tour.

As a continuation of yesterday’s posts, our dear readers and long-time cruise friends, Judy and Gary, sent some suggestions on topics for future posts. Yesterday, we covered the second item, “favorite cruise lines.” See that post here.

Here are a few topics to consider;
Favorite cruise lines
Favorite ports
Best and worst cruise ship excursion you’ve taken
Best and worst meal you’ve cooked
Favorite and least favorite country you’ve visited
Favorite and least favorite city you’ve visited

Today, we’ll discuss the second point on Judy and Gary’s suggested list, “best and worst cruise ship excursion you’ve taken.”

Ironically, the above photo and the photo below, along with yesterday’s photos, are from one of our favorite cruise tours over the past 12 years. As fans of the TV series Downton Abbey, seeing the stunning Highclere Castle where the series was filmed was a sheer delight.

Ironically, this tour transpired ten years ago, almost to this date. Most often, when we booked tours with the cruise line or on our own, alone or with others, we avoided those that required riding on a full-sized bus. But this particular tour required riding on a bus when the location was too far from the port to ride in a taxi or private tour shuttle.

In this case, the cruise tour was less expensive and more convenient than if we had planned something independently. We weren’t disappointed by the long drive or the service. The only disappointment was that the owners of the magnificent castle didn’t allow photos of the interior, which we would have loved to share here,

However, we were allowed to take photos of the exterior, and there were many fantastic photo opportunities on the gorgeous grounds and gardens. Since it was August, few flowers were blooming, but we can easily imagine how beautiful it would be in the spring.

We loved many other cruise ship tours. Still, another favorite was the many Zodiac boat rides, twice a day, that we took while cruising in Antarctica to various islands to see wildlife and icebergs at the end of January and beginning of February 2018. There were no added costs for these tours. Please check our archive, which is noted for Antarctica, for those dates to see the fantastic sights during this once-in-a-lifetime 16-night cruise.

Tom particularly loved the cruise tour to Normandy, France, which was again on a small tour van, independent of the cruise line, although the cruise line offered a similar tour on a bus with more passengers. I had no idea how meaningful it would be for me as well. We highly recommend this tour.

We were at a loss to choose the least enjoyable cruise tour. Many small island tours in the South Pacific offered little other than for those interested in buying trinkets. Even the tours in Hawaii mainly involved stopping at various sites. We enjoyed Hawaii more when we stayed there for eight months and were able to tour on our own.

There was one tour we despised, although it wasn’t from a cruise ship. When we stayed in Marrakesh, Morocco, for almost three months, living in a “riad” in the souk in the Big Square. Our “house man” arranged this tour, which was encouraged for all guests renting the riad. It was an extensive tour of the Atlas Mountains by car with a guide and driver who stayed with us during the entire tour.

The tour was awful for many reasons:

  1. The driver drove very fast through the mountain roads, swerving at every hairpin turn. For the first time in years, I became very carsick for the entire drive.
  2. The hotels booked for the overnight stays were equally awful. They were sparse, without any amenities or good air conditioning.
  3. The meals at the various restaurants along the way did not have options for me. There was no plain meat and vegetables or anything Tom liked. Since I didn’t dare eat salad, there was nothing I could have.

Several times, we stopped to see villages, religious sites, and mosques, most of which were abandoned with few photo ops. On the second day, we told the driver we wanted to return to Marrakesh, but it required another day of speeding through the mountains and becoming carsick. We couldn’t get out of there quick enough. Tom felt the same way. It wasn’t fun.

We hadn’t done 60% of the tour, and when we returned, our “houseman” got us a partial refund. That was the only horrible tour we can recall.

When booking tours, it’s important to research the tour details online, including the time of the tour, the time the tour will return to the ship, the cost, the number of other passengers joining the tour, the means of transportation, and safety guidelines. We strongly discourage arranging tours on rickety and worn vehicles since so much can go wrong.

Plus, we must add that if you book a tour on your own, not sponsored by the cruise line, if you don’t return on time for a sail-away, the ship will leave without you. You will face a fiasco trying to reconnect with the ship at its next port, incurring visa issues and additional costs.

That’s it for today, dear readers.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 22, 2014:

This is St. Mary’s church in Bampton, known as the Church of St. Michael of All Angels, as shown on the series Downton Abbey. Here, Mary married Matthew, Edith was jilted at the altar, and eventually, Matthew was buried. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…Suggestions from readers…Four days and counting…

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There is a massive field of wildflowers on the grounds of Highclere Castle. We can only imagine how beautiful this would be in full bloom in spring. See the front view of the castle in the “ten years ago photo”  below.

As a continuation of yesterday’s posts, our dear readers and long-time cruise friends, Judy and Gary, sent some suggestions on topics for future posts. Yesterday, we covered the first item, “favorite cruise lines.” See that post here.

Here are a few topics to consider;
Favorite cruise lines
Favorite ports
Best and worst cruise ship excursion you’ve taken
Best and worst meal you’ve cooked
Favorite and least favorite country you’ve visited
Favorite and least favorite city you’ve visited

Today, we’ll discuss the second point on Judy and Gary’s suggested list, “favorite cruise ports.

Regarding the top cruise ports in the world, several destinations come to mind for their unique charm, cultural significance, and breathtaking landscapes. Here’s a list of some of the best cruise ports globally that are worth visiting:

  1. Barcelona, Spain – Known for its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and rich history, Barcelona is a key Mediterranean cruise port. Visitors can explore Gaudí’s masterpieces like the Sagrada Familia and stroll through the Gothic Quarter.
  2. Sydney, Australia – This iconic port offers a dramatic backdrop with the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Beyond the city, you can explore the Blue Mountains or relax at Bondi Beach. This is our favorite port.
  3. Santorini, Greece – Famed for its whitewashed buildings and stunning sunsets, Santorini is a favorite stop on cruises through the Greek Isles. The island’s volcanic history and crystal-clear waters make it a must-visit.
  4. Alaska, USA – Cruising through Alaska is like stepping into a nature documentary, with its towering glaciers, majestic mountains, and abundant wildlife. Popular ports include Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, all of which we found fascinating.
  5. New Zealand – With ports like Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand offers diverse landscapes ranging from geothermal wonders to serene fjords. It’s a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. We loved this port!
  6. Cozumel, Mexico – This port is a gateway to the rich history of the Mayan civilization, with ruins like Chichén Itzá nearby. It’s also a haven for diving and snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters. We were there in the early part of our travels.
  7. Bimini, Bahamas – Bimini is a tropical paradise perfect for beach lovers. Known for its luxury beach clubs and vibrant marine life, it offers a laid-back yet luxurious experience.
  8. Piraeus (Athens), Greece – As the gateway to Athens, this port is steeped in ancient history. Visitors can explore the Acropolis and other historical sites, making it a top destination for history enthusiasts.
  9. Malaga, Spain – This port in southern Spain offers access to the Andalusian region, with its beautiful beaches, historic sites like the Alhambra, and vibrant culture.
  10. Portsmouth, UK – Less famous than London but rich in maritime history, Portsmouth offers a charming mix of old and new, with historical docks and modern attractions. We also found Harwich, UK, to be a lovely port.

These ports offer a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and historical significance, making them some of the top cruise destinations in the world. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, each has something unique

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 21, 2014:

We held our breath as we approached Highclere Castle, home of the famed BBC Downton Abbey TV series. No interior photos were allowed. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…Suggestions from dear readers…Five days and counting…

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Women today can’t wait to leave their bras after a long day. Can we imagine how women felt wearing these types of corsets all day?

Our dear readers and long-time cruise friends, Judy and Gary, sent some suggestions on topics for future posts, including the following:

Here are a few topics to consider;
Favorite cruise lines
Favorite ports
Best and worst cruise ship excursion you’ve taken
Best and worst meal you’ve cooked
Favorite and least favorite country you’ve visited
Favorite and least favorite city you’ve visited

Firstly, thanks to Judy and Gary for making these good suggestions. It was kind of you to come up with ideas for us, and we will consider each for future posts. As many of our years-long readers know, we have touched on these topics in one way or another, except for the “best and worst meals we cooked,” which we’ll have to think about for a day or two.

We will address the first of these points in Part 1 today and continue with the balance over several future posts.

Favorite cruise lines and why… We were big proponents of Celebrity Cruise and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines for many years, preferring their cruises over many others. When we first started cruising, we made a mistake in attempting to experience several cruise lines so that we could select a favorite. In doing so, we missed out on acquiring many loyalty points, which could have escalated us to a position where more perks were offered by working one’s way to various tiers. Realizing this, down the road, caused us to focus on two cruise lines, Celebrity, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean, both of which we enjoyed for many years.

Why did we like these cruise lines? They were slightly more perk-orientated than other cruise lines, providing a modicum of elegance with exceptional service and perks we eventually received as we climbed the ladder of tiers. As time passed, we enjoyed more benefits as we sailed on more and more cruises worldwide.

What cruise line eventually became our favorite? During the pandemic, everything changed. We had many cruises booked during this outrageous period, and we had eight canceled cruises, most of which were on the Azamara Cruise line, which Celebrity owned at that time. Only one cruise remained that we booked before the pandemic, Azamara, although we booked several cruises after the pandemic ended. During this time, we finally went on the one remaining Azamara cruise and decided it was our new favorite. It was about 25% more expensive than Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, but tips and drinks were included, almost compensating for the price difference. Also, there was an added level of elegance we appreciated. But most of all, we enjoyed the smaller size of only 600 passenger occupancy as opposed to Celebrity and Royal Caribbean from 1800 to 8000, sizes that don’t appeal to us.

Azamara doesn’t have all those activities that appeal to children that we’d never use, such as theme parks and rides. If we wanted such activities, we’d go to a theme park. Although children are allowed on Azamara, their ships are geared toward adults, making the environment quiet and low-key, which we prefer.

No doubt, with my current health issues, we haven’t been on a cruise since last October, ten months ago. Since the onset of our travels in 2012, we have sailed on 34 cruises and look forward to cruising in the future once I am fully recovered. We’ll see how it all goes.

A special thank you to Judy and Gary for their thoughtful suggestions. We look forward to covering each topic as we continue.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 20, 2014:

Tom is getting used to visiting museums. In this case, we were at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, within walking distance of our hotel. For more photos, please click here.

Six days and counting..Will we post during the road trip?…Did my wheelchair arrive?”…

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We often take photos of nearby restaurants and later look up reviews on TripAdvisor. In this case, in South Kensington, London, it ranked #1572 out of 17,134, making it in the top 9%, perhaps worthy of a visit.

Although, at this point, I struggle to prepare a post daily, we both appreciate your continued readership. The problem is more about deciding on a topic for the day, rather than putting it all together. Once I have a topic depicted in the heading, I can breeze through the post in a few hours with relative ease.

Right now, I don’t have the oomph to tackle a complicated topic requiring research and planning. As we have over the past many months since we’ve been in the US, the topics are most light and lacking major content, except for a few unique posts here and there with travel information.

With the road trip in six days, I’ve decided to continue to post using the app on my phone during the two-day drive. Most likely, I won’t add photos unless we encounter some interesting sightings along the way, nor will we include the “ten years ago photo.”

We have a lot to do to prepare to leave next Sunday, but we will try to continue posting over the next several days until we hit the road next Sunday.

My wheelchair arrived yesterday from Amazon. We were pleased that it was mostly put together. It only took Tom about 10 minutes to add and set the footrests. To my surprise, it’s very sturdy and comfortable, and it costs only $115 at Amazon with one-day shipping with Prime. It folds and unfolds easily and will travel well.

I now accept that buying a wheelchair was a practical and sensible decision. We tried it yesterday when we had to go to the office to print a document, and Tom carefully wheeled me over a few bumps and uneven pavement. But it worked well. It felt odd to suddenly appear at the reception office, sitting in a wheelchair when everyone at the desk was used to seeing me walking. But they were friendly as usual. No doubt, they were curious why I was in the wheelchair, but I didn’t say a word.

We have no social plans today through Tuesday but will go to TJ’s home for a barbecue on Wednesday. On Thursday, my dear friend Karen will be in Minnesota for business, and we’re planning a late lunch at Jimmy’s Kitchen and Bar. On Friday, I am having a pedicure with my dear friend Chere.

In each case, Tom will transport me both ways while I am using the wheelchair. In the late afternoon on Friday, we’ll head to Billy’s for our final get-together with Tom’s siblings. We’ll most likely see Greg’s family on Saturday. Two of the five of them have had COVID-19 these past weeks, and we’ve been avoiding getting together with any of them. We’ll see how they’re doing by Saturday before planning anything.

This morning, I made a batch of chicken salad for tonight’s dinner, and yesterday, I made shrimp salad. I can easily stand on my feet to cook in the small kitchen. We’ll have both salads tonight and tomorrow night, with a green salad on the side. Easy peasy.

That’s it for now, dear readers.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 19, 2014:

We walked past Christie’s in South Kensington, London, where we stayed for two weeks. The world-famous auction house occupies almost the entire block. For more photos, please click here.

One week and counting…Making simple meals during this challenging time…

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This was my delicious Sunday lamb roast at Andover Arms Restaurant in London. The food was fantastic, and the service was exceptional. However, the taxi from our hotel cost more than the dinner and drinks in this lovely pub.

We often mention in our posts how we prepare quick and simple meals with leftovers for one or two additional dinners. Doing so may sound easy, but overall, it is. However, a fraction of planning makes the process seamless and enjoyable, let alone delicious and gratifying.

The secret to preparing easy meals lies in a few key strategies: planning, simplicity, and flexibility.

  1. Plan Ahead: Take a few minutes at the start of the week to plan your meals. Choose recipes that share ingredients to minimize prep time and waste. A well-thought-out grocery list ensures you have everything on hand, reducing the stress of last-minute decisions.
  2. Keep it Simple: Focus on recipes with minimal ingredients and steps. Dishes like stir-fries, pasta, salads, or one-pot meals can be both nutritious and quick to make. Use pantry staples like canned beans, frozen vegetables, and grains as the foundation of many meals.
  3. Prep in Batches: When you have time, chop vegetables, cook grains, or prepare sauces in bulk. Store these in the fridge so they’re ready to go when you need them. This cuts down on prep time during the week.
  4. Embrace Versatility: Learn a few basic recipes that you can easily adapt based on what you have on hand. For example, a simple frittata can include any combination of veggies, cheese, or meats. Similarly, a bowl can be customized with proteins and toppings.
  5. Use Time-Saving Tools: Invest in tools that make cooking easier, like a slow cooker, instant pot, or a quality knife. These can reduce your time in the kitchen and make cooking more enjoyable.
  6. Mindful Leftovers: Cook larger portions so you can enjoy leftovers. Repurpose them into new meals—yesterday’s roasted chicken can become today’s chicken salad or a filling for tacos.
  7. Minimal Cleanup: Choose meals that require few pots and pans. Sheet-pan dinners or one-pot dishes simplify both cooking and cleaning.

Focusing on these strategies can make meal preparation less of a chore and more of a pleasure, fitting seamlessly into even the busiest schedules.

Especially now, since I am not my usual energetic self, the easier the meal, the better. I have been making many salads, such as tuna, salmon, and chicken salads, served with a lettuce salad, rice for Tom, and a vegetable for me. I often make a protein-based salad with diced celery and onion and sliced hard-boiled eggs, all seasoned with Himalayan salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.

For the dressing, I mix equal amounts of unflavored Greek yogurt, sour cream, and Primal Kitchen Avocado mayonnaise with a spot of keto sweetener for a light sweetness, if preferred. Mix all the ingredients and enjoy a batch of one of these tasty salads for a few dinners.

I have been buying coconut keto wraps from Amazon, which I stuff with the protein salad. They are delicious!

That’s it for today, folks. We’ll be back for more.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 18, 2014:

When we arrived at Andover Arms, one of our favorite all-time restaurants in our world travels, the second night in a row, this sign was placed on the same table where we’d sat the previous night. This was special to us, making us feel welcomed when we were warmly greeted at the door. For more photos, please click here.

I gave in!…Accepting the reality…How to live with this major life change…

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Tom was finally smiling again when I told him we wouldn’t have to “walk” the bags down the steep steps at the Eurostar station.

Last night, when Tom returned from Patty’s 90th birthday party, which I didn’t attend due to my current lack of mobility, I told Tom I needed to order a wheelchair from Amazon. Many of our readers wrote with this suggestion, to which I cringed for the reasons listed below. In my mind, doing so was “giving up.”

But I am not giving up. I am heading to Cleveland to hopefully resolve this breathlessness issue once and for all. This is not giving up. It’s moving forward with the utmost will and determination, especially after all these five months of waiting for the upcoming appointments beginning on August 28.

This breathlessness has occurred over the past three weeks, and I couldn’t wait another day. I’ve been unable to go anywhere to see family and friends since I can’t walk more than 20 steps before I have to stop and catch my breath. With only eight days remaining in Minnesota until we leave on August 25, I wanted to be able to get out.

I only need a wheelchair that is light, foldable, and easy for Tom to push me. We’ll be fine if we can fit it into the SUV we’re renting to get us to Cleveland. Once we’re at the clinic, we won’t have to wait to get a wheelchair, and we can use it at the hotel where we’ll stay during the first week.

Hesitancy to use a wheelchair can stem from a variety of emotional, social, and psychological factors. For many, the decision to use a wheelchair can feel like a significant and sometimes daunting step. Here’s a closer look at why someone might feel hesitant:

  1. Loss of Independence: Using a wheelchair might feel like a loss of independence or a symbol of decline. People often equate walking with autonomy, and the idea of relying on a wheelchair can challenge that perception.
  2. Stigma and Judgment: Society sometimes holds misconceptions about wheelchair users, associating wheelchairs with severe disability or a lack of capability. This can make individuals hesitant to use one due to fear of being judged or viewed differently.
  3. Identity and Acceptance: For those who are new to mobility challenges, using a wheelchair may feel like an admission of a new identity as someone with a disability. Accepting this new aspect of their identity can be complex and emotional.
  4. Emotional Adjustment: The need for a wheelchair can be sudden or gradual, and the emotional adjustment to this reality can take time. It involves processing feelings of grief, loss, or frustration about changes in physical ability.
  5. Practical Concerns: People might worry about navigating environments, especially in spaces that are not fully accessible. Concerns about logistics, like transporting the wheelchair or managing it in various settings, can contribute to hesitancy.
  6. Impact on Relationships: Some may worry about how using a wheelchair will affect their relationships, fearing it could change dynamics with family, friends, or romantic partners.
  7. Denial or Optimism: Hoping that mobility might improve or that a wheelchair won’t be necessary can delay the decision. This optimism can be both a source of strength and a barrier to accepting current needs.
  8. Financial Considerations: The cost of wheelchairs and potential modifications to living spaces can be a significant factor in the decision-making process.

If you’re hesitant about using a wheelchair, it’s essential to give yourself time to process these feelings. Reaching out to others who have gone through similar experiences, speaking with a therapist, or joining support groups can be helpful. Transitioning to using a wheelchair can be a positive step toward greater mobility, comfort, and independence, even if it initially feels challenging.

It was not an easy decision for me, but I was inspired by many of our readers’ suggestions (Thank you! You know who you are.) and my recent inability to spend time with those I love before we depart a week from tomorrow.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 17, 2014:

Taken from our seats, which were more comfortable than airplane seats. I had pictured four-seat configurations with a table in front of us, which was not the case with our seats. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…Pros and cons of the top ten most affordable countries for retirement living and travel…

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We boarded the Eurostar train, which travels under the English Channel, as we made our way to London for the second half of August 2014.

This morning, on the news, we repeatedly heard about the top ten states in the US for retirement. Since many of our readers live outside the US and can’t afford the high cost of living in this country for the long term, we decided to research the top ten countries worldwide for eventual retirement.

Adding the pros and cons is as important as listing the locations since many factors may be a deterrent for some. Thus, we’ve compiled this information with pros and cons in order to assist in the important topics for further research, which you may do on your own.

Tomorrow, in Part 2, we’ll list the second batch of the top ten countries for retirement or vacation/holiday again with the pros and cons.

In 2024, finding affordable countries to live in or travel to depends on several factors, including cost of living, safety, quality of life, and accessibility. Below are ten countries that are generally considered affordable, along with their pros and cons.

1. Vietnam

Pros:

  • Very low cost of living, especially for housing and food.
  • Rich culture and history with plenty of scenic landscapes.
  • Great street food and vibrant local markets.
  • Strong expat communities in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Cons:

  • Language barriers can be challenging.
  • Infrastructure in rural areas is less developed.
  • Pollution and traffic congestion in major cities.

2. Portugal

Pros:

  • Relatively low cost of living compared to other Western European countries.
  • Beautiful coastline, historic cities, and mild climate.
  • High quality of life with good healthcare and public transportation.
  • Friendly locals and a welcoming expat community.

Cons:

  • Bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating.
  • Language learning is necessary for full integration.
  • Wages are relatively low compared to other EU countries.

3. Mexico

Pros:

  • Affordable cost of living, particularly outside of major tourist areas.
  • Warm climate and diverse landscapes from beaches to mountains.
  • Rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine.
  • Proximity to the U.S. for easy travel.

Cons:

  • Safety concerns in certain regions.
  • Language barrier in rural areas.
  • Bureaucratic processes can be cumbersome.

4. Thailand

Pros:

  • Very low cost of living with affordable housing and food.
  • Excellent healthcare services at a fraction of Western prices.
  • Warm climate year-round with beautiful beaches and mountains.
  • Strong digital nomad community, especially in Chiang Mai.

Cons:

  • Air pollution can be an issue in some areas.
  • Visa regulations can be complex and require careful planning.
  • Cultural differences may take time to adapt to.

5. Colombia

Pros:

  • Affordable cost of living, especially in cities like Medellín.
  • Beautiful landscapes, from beaches to mountains.
  • Vibrant culture with festivals, music, and dance.
  • Improved safety and infrastructure in recent years.

Cons:

  • Safety concerns remain in certain areas.
  • Language barrier, as English is not widely spoken.
  • Healthcare outside major cities can be limited.

Please check back tomorrow for more.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 14, 2014:

The other tiny room in Bistrotters in Paris with seating for 12.  Total seating appeared to be available for 24 diners. For more photos, please click here.