Traveling, but love to listen to music without paying?…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
There are endless rows of terraced gardens on the island of Madeira.

Over the past week or so, we’ve been posting some products and services we’ve been using that have added to the enjoyment of our worldwide travels over the past 12 years. An integral part of that enjoyment has been listening to music, especially at the end of the day when we’re sitting outdoors on a veranda or patio.

We’d often partake in a cocktail (for Tom) and a light wine (for me), making the simple activity seem like a night in the town. Dinner will have been prepped and ready for cooking to add to the pleasant evening as it progressed and the sun disappeared on the horizon.

While we are in the US right now, without a veranda or patio and in a public location where we can’t make noise, we’ve had to forgo this pleasant pastime. Once we can be on the move again, we’ll undoubtedly begin again, hopefully next year in South Africa.

Over the past several years, we have listened to music on our phones using a Bluetooth speaker with such clarity and sound quality that it’s been astounding. Recently, we had to replace a JBL speaker that stopped working (they wear out after intended use), but we found another for only $39.99 on Amazon at this link. Following is a photo of our new speaker:

Portable Speaker, Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, IPX7 Waterproof, 25W Loud Stereo Sound, Bassboom Technology, TWS Pairing, Built-in Mic, 16H Playtime with Lights for Home Outdoor – Black

When we made the above purchase, we wondered if it would be as high quality as the JBL speaker we had, based on the price. But the quality was equally good; we couldn’t imagine it would have been better. Since Tom is hard of hearing (his hearing aid appointment is coming up on August 1), having a speaker has been necessary for listening to music, podcasts, and streaming shows using our laptop as the broadcasting device.

When we’re streaming to the TV monitor, it’s easy to increase the sound using the remote, which is suitable for his hearing ability. But if we’re streaming a show on my laptop at the table during dinner, the laptop’s sound doesn’t get high enough or clear enough to use it exclusively.

Right now, during this waiting period, we are listening to or watching something for most days and nights: streaming podcasts during the day and streaming services in the evening. Of course, when we’re feeling better, we are out several evenings each week, such as this upcoming Friday and Saturday nights when we’ll be out with family and friends.

Undoubtedly, it helps our state of mind to stay distracted with interesting morsels in podcasts, movies, and series. In between listening, I head outdoors to walk, and so far this morning, I walked for 15 minutes in one session, which was the first since my legs hadn’t been working so well.

To avoid “paying for music,” we often use YouTube, not YouTube Music, which requires a membership. Type in the name of a favorite song, and you can play it for free. Eventually, your smartphone will remember the songs you picked, and your list of favorites will be readily available—there is no need to pay. In the worst case, if your list doesn’t build automatically, you can type in your favorites and hit “save.”

Also, if you are an Amazon Prime member, as we are, we have access to 100 million songs ad-free, the largest catalog of ad-free podcasts, and thousands of playlists and stations included with Prime at no additional costs.

Of course, there are many other music streaming services, some free and some with monthly or annual fees. By searching online you can find many different options you may prefer.

If any of this is unclear to you, please don’t hesitate to ask, and we’ll post the answers to our questions here.

Be well.

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

These unusual flowers hung from a short tree. For more photos, please click here.

Our lives are on hold…Staying upbeat through the process…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 4 Comments
Typical house in the Campanario neighborhood in Madeira, where we lived for almost three months in 2014. Excuse the tilted photo…we were on a very steep hill.

In the past two weeks since we’ve been sick, time has passed so quickly that one day folds into another, and we hardly notice. We are anxious to reconnect with family and friends when we are our “old selves” again.

In reality, we aren’t our “old selves” lately anyway. The waiting period until we leave for Cleveland in two months is dragging on, regardless of how busy we are. Typically, we love the anticipation of our lives, but this type of anticipation is hardly enjoyable or exciting. The sooner we “get this show on the road,” the better.

Days pass when I hardly think about it in an attempt to stay upbeat and not be dragged down by the eventuality of this gross surgery. When we are with our friends and family, we are cheerful, and they never know it is on our minds. When it’s just the two of us, we do very well. It’s not “doom and gloom” in our daily lives. We still laugh, talk, and enjoy our time together.

My primary concern is that I’ll start getting severe symptoms of valve disease before we get to Cleveland and have to seek medical care in Minnesota on an emergency basis. I’m hoping I can hold out for two more months. I have mild symptoms, but nothing I can’t live with for now.

It’s been a little more difficult while we’ve been sick these past few weeks. This Friday will be two weeks since I got sick and three weeks for Tom. Tom is still feeling tired and out of sorts. I don’t feel weak or tired but cough quite a bit, although it’s not a dry, hacking cough.

In any case, it’s been dull and uneventful these past few weeks. Hopefully, we can go to Billy’s Bar and Grill in Anoka this Friday to get together with Tom’s siblings and other family members for happy hour and dinner. Gosh, I haven’t had a glass of wine since Vincent’s graduation party on June 7, not that I’ve missed it.

Often weeks go by, and we don’t drink any alcohol. For us, adult beverages are more about socialization and ritual than “getting a buzz,” which rarely happens for either of us. Based on my heart situation, I am very cautious about drinking wine, sticking to small portions when I imbibe. Tom, always the driver, also keeps his consumption to a minimum.

The walking is going OK. Yesterday, I walked for a total of 3500 steps, which is the most I’ve been able to do for quite a while. I set my phone’s timer for once an hour or less, depending on how I feel that day. My new goal is to stretch the time I am walking instead of a specific number of steps while keeping the end-of-the-day step count in mind.

Today is another beautiful sunny day, making the walking all the more enjoyable. But, the struggle to walk causes me to concentrate on not teetering while walking to avoid falling. My gait is not consistent and steady.

We wish a fantastic summer day for our friends and family in the northern hemisphere and a pleasant winter day for our friends in the southern hemisphere.

Be well.

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

A papaya tree in the house’s side garden in Campanario, Madeira. For more photos, please click here.

Walking again…Bread?…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
In Madeira, we encountered several of these pine trees.

With my cough improving daily, I started walking again yesterday. The heart medication I am taking prevents my heart rate from getting high, and it’s a strain on my body to do anything that raises my pulse. Yesterday, I set the timer on my phone to go off once an hour and then head back outside to walk around the building again.

This morning, I started differently. Instead of walking around the building once, I am pushing myself to walk continuously for five minutes six times a day. Right now, a combined total of 30 minutes a day is all I can muster. I was pleased to walk the first five minutes this morning.

I set out my earbuds, and next time I go out at 10:00 am, I will bring my phone and listen to podcasts, hopefully getting my mind on something other than the strain of walking. Today is a beautiful sunny day with only a few clouds in the skies for a chance. The temperature is expected to be a high of 84F, 29C, a perfect day. Rain isn’t expected until Friday.

Yesterday morning, I made all the fixings for taco salads for both of us. I chopped onions, grape tomatoes, celery, olives, romaine lettuce, and grated cheddar cheese. For Tom, I cooked three pounds of ground beef, and for me, two pounds of lean turkey breast. I like spicy food, but Tom doesn’t, so making two batches makes sense.

You’d think five pounds of meat would last several days, but we’ll only get three of four dinners out of it. There isn’t much left once the meat cooks, and we drain it. Once drained, I put each batch of meat back into their respective pans, add one can of sugar-free tomato sauce, and season the beef with keto taco spices from Amazon and other herbs and spices, such as Himalayan salt, garlic and onion powder, and pepper. To add to the Mexican flavor, I add quite a bit of cumin to my meat.

When we had dinner, I made myself a tortilla with all the vegetables, cheese, Wholly guacamole, and Pace Picante sauce. I found the keto coconut flour tortillas on Amazon at this link.

An important point if you buy these is to fill the tortilla with hot meat and vegetables, but do not microwave it after filling it. Otherwise, it falls apart. It holds up well when not heated after filling. Finding a tortilla I can use to make wraps was a delicious treat.

Once the taco meat is gone, I will make shredded chicken wraps for me and grilled chicken breasts for Tom. He won’t eat the keto wrap and has never enjoyed wraps. He prefers plain white bread, which we don’t buy. So, it’s rare for us to make any sandwich. He enjoys burgers with the bun and Reuben sandwiches when eating out.

Often, I long for a sandwich or avocado toast. But I haven’t found any bread that works for my way of eating. I’ve seen a few possibilities, but at $24.99 a loaf, there is no way I’d pay that much. A few years ago, I could buy keto bread in South Africa for one-third of that price. But most keto bread in the US is made with wheat, and I don’t eat any grain, including wheat.

The only other alternative is to make my own keto bread using healthy ingredients. But right now, I don’t feel like baking anything. I don’t have the proper pans and ingredients to make keto bread. Once buying everything needed, the cost can be as prohibitive as the expensive loaves described above.

For now, I’ll be happy with the coconut tortillas. There are two packs of five to get me through ten meals since I’d never eat more than one per meal. Again, I’m looking forward to tonight’s dinner, mainly due to that tasty tortilla.

Right now, Tom is taking a nap. He had a fitful night with little sleep, and hopefully, he’ll feel better soon. He’s still coughing,  along with me, and neither has fully recovered. Hopefully soon.

Be well.

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

This worm was several inches long. It’s a larger version of those we’ve found in our produce when washing it. No pesticides are used in farming on this island, which we like. After trash pickup, we found this worm on Tuesday’s bottom of the outdoor garbage bin. We set it out on the grass to continue its life. For more photos, please click here.

What streaming services do we use?..Can you end your cable contract for TV?…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
It was often foggy in the hills in Madera.

Yesterday, we wrote about listening to podcasts, and today, we’re covering streaming services for those unfamiliar with using any services other than Netflix.

We use many streaming services, frequently switching back and forth based on certain movies and TV series we’d like to see.

Currently, we use the following services:

  1. Netflix (permanently): See this link for various plans
  2. Hulu (permanently): See this link for multiple plans. (Available with LIVE TV for a premium price of $76.99…we don’t use this premium feature).
  3. Paramount Plus (temporarily, depending on what we’d like to watch): See this link for various plans.
  4. Apple TV (temporarily, depending on what we’d like to watch): $9.95 monthly
  5. Amazon Prime (Prime Video is included with a Prime membership and other benefits such as pricing and free shipping on Amazon… A Prime membership is $14.99 per month or $139 per year if you pay annually.

Based on varying prices and plans (and the country in which you reside), we are paying less than $50 per month for the above. Some plans include ads, and some do not. We prefer plans without ads when the cost is not prohibitive.

In our old lives, 12 years ago, we paid over $200 monthly for cable TV.

Our occasional add-ons:

1, Max (includes HBO)

  • With Ads: $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year
  • Ad-Free: $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year
  • Ultimate Ad-Free: $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year
  • 4K: $21 per month

2. Paramount Plus with Showtime

  • The Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan costs $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year, plus taxes. This plan includes content from Paramount+ and SHOWTIME and is commercial-free except for live TV and a few shows. It also includes everything in the Paramount+ Essential tier, plus additional benefits like a live feed of your local CBS affiliate.

3. Britbox

  • Free 7-day trial, then just $8.99/month or $89.99/year

Many streaming services offer a one-time 7-day free trial. You can cancel at the end of the seven days, but most likely, you’ll be asked to include a credit card if you don’t cancel on time. I always make a note on my digital calendar to cancel a service if we’ve been able to finish watching a show we were interested in in the seven days.

Some services make it tricky to cancel the service and may offer you special pricing if you stay with them. We handle these on a case-by-case basis.

There are many more streaming services, but we’ve found the above most useful for our interests. For more information on additional streaming services, see this excellent article here.

For those unfamiliar with streaming services, here is a link with an excellent explanation of other streaming services I haven’t mentioned above.

What happens to the regular network TV shows when you end cable TV? 

You won’t have ABC, NBC, or CBS (unless you sign for Paramount Plus, which includes CBS) and many other networks. You can find many of your favorite networks on various streaming services. You will no longer watch shows when they are on TV. You will stream them at your convenience.

How will I find the streaming services on my device?

You will add the app from the usual location where you download apps, entering the username and password you created when you signed up, where your credit card information will be stored for future automatic payments. You do not send in a check for payment as you may have done with your cable service.

Once the app, its service, and your account are entered, it’s a one-click process to open the app and use the streaming service. You will not have to log in each time since your device will remember your information. We keep all the services on my phone, taskbar, and desktop on Windows. You will add the icon for Apple users as you usually add apps to your device.

How do I get the streaming service from my device to the TV monitor?

Most US TV monitors are “smart TVs” where you can “cast” a show from your device to the TV. This is the easiest method; your TV may already have all the streaming services available through a one-click on the TV monitor. If this isn’t available on your TV, or you have an older TV, you can use an HDMI cord from your device.

The Cast button resembles a small TV screen with a WiFi signal. Depending on which app you choose, you’ll find the Cast button either in the top right or left corner of your screen once you open the app. Choose the device you’ll cast to, then tap Cast.

While in hotels, we find it tricky to cast all of our streaming services since they aren’t included as a default. In those cases, we use an HDMI cord. If your device doesn’t have an HDMI outlet, you can usually find an adapter that will work on your device. However, your TV must have an outlet for various HDMI cords by accessing the INPUT on the TV’s remote. Generally, you’ll select HDMI 2 since most TVs work best with that option.

“I see several free streaming services. Why would I pay for a service?”

Many of these free services collect your information and sell it. Also, there usually is a poor signal from the servers, and many ads pop up during the streaming process. However, some networks have free viewing for some of their shows, which may be worth checking out.

I realize this information is cumbersome and complicated for those unfamiliar with streaming. If you have questions, please write them down, and I will post the answers in another post. Often, unfamiliar users end up paying for a service rep to set up streaming services. This is an easy option if you can afford the service fee.

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

As it began to rain, little puffs of clouds dotted the hills in Madeira, Portugal. For more, please click here

How to listen to podcasts, if you don’t already…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 2 Comments
Old abandoned house in the hills of Madeira.

When we tell some family members and friends that we listen to podcasts, they shake their heads in astonishment, uncertain of what we’re talking about. Many understand why we do this and are avid followers of podcasts themselves covering various topics that appeal to them, as in our case.

Podcasts are described as follows from AI:

“Podcasts have been steadily increasing in popularity since their invention in 2004, but some say they really took off after 2014. The term “podcast” was coined by Ben Hammersley, a journalist for The Guardian, in 2004 by combining the words “iPod” and “broadcasting.” The medium began to gain traction with the advent of broadband internet access and portable digital audio devices like the iPod. Adam Curry, a former MTV VJ, is considered the first big-name podcaster, starting the popular podcast The Daily Source Code in August 2004. In 2005, Steve Jobs introduced the idea of subscribing to podcasts through the iTunes interface, and George W. Bush became the first US president to deliver his weekly address in podcast form.”

The first podcast we started listening to was, at first, in the format of radio, specifically Garage Logic. Tom had been listening when it first began broadcasting in 1993, most often on the radio in his car if he happened to be on the radio during his drive to and from work, about 45 minutes from our home.

Over the years, I became interested in the show as well. We could listen to it while it was on the radio, at home using our computers, and were directed to the KSTP radio broadcast. It was in 2018 that the radio broadcast ended, and months later, the first Garage Logic podcast began.

As mentioned above, podcasts became popular beginning in 2004. At that time, we both began searching for other podcasts that appealed to our tastes, interests, and current topics of the day. Tom’s and my interests differ in many ways. He can listen to podcasts about sports, history, and politics. My interests revolve around health and wellness, cruise facts and news, science, and technology.

We both enjoy Garage Logic and listen to all five weekly episodes together, along with several others revolving around politics and the state of the economy. Also, we always enjoy the Bachelor TV series, and weekly, we listen to Chris Harrison, the former host of the show’s fun and lighthearted podcast, “The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever’ which may be found here.

But, for those who don’t listen to podcasts and would like to do so, here’s how to find them below:

“There are several ways to find podcasts, including using podcast apps or listening on a web browser:

  • Google Podcasts
    This app allows users to browse popular and trending shows on Android phones and tablets, explore recommendations, and customize their listening experience. Users can search for podcasts by category, such as comedy, news, or history.
  • Apple Podcasts
    Available on iPhones and iPads, this app allows users to search for podcasts by name and select them from the search results. As users type in a search term, suggestions will help them find what they want.
  • Web browser
    Podcasts can be listened to on a web browser like Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge.”

Also, it’s as easy as typing a topic in the search bar of your device’s browser: “podcasts…” followed by your favorite topic or name of a person who broadcasts via podcasts. Many options will appear. You can select any you prefer, and if you enjoy a particular podcast, you can bookmark it or save it as an icon on your device for easy future reference.

The fun thing about podcasts is that you can listen to many live or save to listen to later at your convenience.

You may ask, what app do I use to listen to podcasts, and do I have to pay for them?

Here is an excellent list of several apps suitable for listening to podcasts, but there are many more. When you search for a podcast, you’ll often encounter the app you will use to listen. Many are free. We do not pay for any of the podcasts we listen to.

Podcast app Best for
Spotify Music and podcasts
Player FM Android users
Castro Customized listening
Pocket Casts Simple app interface
Audible Audiobooks
Google Podcasts Google ecosystem users
Apple Podcasts iOS users
SiriusXM Flexible listening options
Overcast Social sharing
Why do podcasters have their broadcasts in an app? 
The answer is logical. Through the specific app, the podcasters receive compensation from advertisers. This is all set up by the app, making it easier for the producer to get their podcast up and running quickly and easily. Plus, being affiliated with certain podcasting apps lends to the credibility of the content provided. The more listeners the podcasters entertain, the more revenue is generated.
In the case where no advertisers are associated with the podcast, the presenter may ask for a monthly fee for a subscription. For free podcasts, don’t be alarmed if you are asked to “subscribe” to the podcast. It doesn’t necessarily mean you must pay If you particularly enjoy it. Subscribing to the podcast allows you easy access each time you return, and some offer notifications to your email or text. To avoid paying, if asked, research to see if there is an unpaid option.
You can easily “unsubscribe” anytime by simply unchecking the “subscribe” button on the app page.
We hope this article helps those less familiar with podcasts get into the groove of this entertaining and formative means of topics in your wheelhouse.
Be well.

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

More Christmas holly was growing in the Campanario, Madeira neighborhood. For more photos, please click here.

“Home Alone”…On the mend…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
A beautiful lily in the garden at our holiday home in Madeira.

This morning at 8:30, Tom left to go to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds to meet up with his kids, Tammy and TJ, to participate in the “Back to the 50’s Car Show,”  as described, “Back to the 50’s Weekend is celebrating their 50th annual event at the fairgrounds! Stop by for classic cars, some fair food favorites, and more!”

TJ has a “classic” car, as shown in the photo below. Tom last attended this event with TJ on June 24, 2017. We wrote about it in this post here.

TJ’s 1954 Buick Special was next to his canopy at the Back to the ’50s annual event at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

It has rained almost every day since arriving in Minnesota in early May, and today is no exception. He’ll likely return before the next expected rainstorm around 2:00 or 3:00 pm. We’re scheduled to pick up our groceries at the local Cub Foods store when he returns.

We haven’t been scheduling delivered grocery orders at the Cub Foods store in Eden Prairie—the delivery cost here is $8.50 plus a tip, usually around $10. It makes no sense to pay $18.50 in extra charges when the grocery store is less than a mile from here. I place the order to be picked up at a specific time.

We drive up to one of the specific pickup parking spots, text our arrival to the number on the sign, and bring groceries to the car. They put together the order for the designated pickup time, so there is little waiting. It’s worth doing it this way, saving us almost $80 monthly instead of having the groceries delivered.

On another note, I am feeling better each day. My coughing has lessened in the past 48 hours since I started taking antibiotics and Prednisone. The only problem is that Prednisone has a severe impact on one’s ability to sleep. I’ve slept less than five hours the past two nights, making me sleepy during the day. But I make a point of not napping to possibly aid in sleeping better at night.

Taking the two tablets early in the morning is recommended, but doing so hasn’t helped. I only have to take them two more mornings until my five-day course ends.

As mentioned, we didn’t meet with Tom’s sister at Billy’s. In the afternoon, Tom drove to Chanhassen to pick up an online order for dinner from our favorite Chinese restaurant, Happy Garden. Their food is fresh and not overly processed. I ordered a dish with shrimp, chicken, scallops, veggies with sauce on the side, and pan-fried (not deep-fried) egg foo young, enough to last two nights.

Tom ordered his usual favorite, two orders of sweet and sour pork with fried rice, enough to last for two nights’ dinner. We’ll enjoy the delicious meals again this evening. We had a lovely evening streaming two shows on Apple TV, “Slow Horses,” a British spy MI6 spy thriller, and afterward, on Netflix, season two of Bridgerton, both of which we thoroughly enjoy.

As I continue to recover, we’ll do the same tonight. Hopefully, by tomorrow, I will feel well enough to make plans with family and get out and about. Tom is still coughing but is also considerably better than a week ago. He’s had the virus for two weeks, and it’s been one week for me.

Be well.

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

An unusual type of cactus in Madeira. For more photos, please click here.

Fun lunch date today…..

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 2 Comments
The craggy shoreline in Madeira, Portugal.

Two of my three grandchildren have driver’s licenses and can pick me up. Today, grandson Miles, 16, and I have a lunch date, just the two of us. I’m flattered that a 16-year-old boy looks forward to lunch with his grandma. I didn’t want Tom to have to drive 20 minutes each way twice to handle my transportation, so this works perfectly. Plus, he is still recovering from the virus, and although not contagious, it’s best he stays in and continues to rest.

Today, while at Champps Bar and Grill with Miles, I’ll order a to-go meal for Tom for tonight’s dinner, which he can reheat later. After the big Cobb salad I always order at Champps, I’ll make myself an omelet for dinner with a green salad on the side.

I am still coughing but feel fine otherwise. But the coughing is outrageous, although it’s not as bad as it was. Hopefully, we’ll both be better in a few days and go to Billy’s on Friday afternoon with Tom’s siblings, whom we haven’t seen in a few weeks since our last buck euchre marathon.

The weather in Minnesota has been awful since we arrived six weeks ago. Most days, it’s cloudy, rainy, and humid, if not cold and drizzly. We’ve hardly had time to enjoy the outdoors. Yesterday, there were tornado and heavy storm warnings all day and evening.

Is it 66F, 19C, with rain starting at 2:00 pm? Rain is predicted through Saturday, but next week, if accurate so far ahead, is supposed to warm up into the 80s. Hopefully, by the 4th of July, the weather will improve for many outdoor activities planned on this date every year. We have no plans for the 4th, but we shall wait and see what our kids plan for the holiday weekend.

If they have no plans, we’ll be fine, as we’ve been for several years. We can easily entertain ourselves regardless of the occasion. Neither of us is interested in fighting traffic and crowds to watch fireworks unless a family event warrants it. We shall “play it by ear” as always. Our adult kids tend to plan things at the last minute, which is OK with us. But old-timers like us tend to make plans well in advance.

It baffles me why most retirees like us prefer to plan well ahead of any occasion. Then again, Tom and I have always been “planners.” In part, I love the anticipation of an upcoming event. The perfectionist Tom finds comfort in knowing the schedule well in advance.

We all have our unique peculiarities that make us who we are. It is the acceptance of one another’s preferences that provides for harmonious relationships. Tom and I are very different in many ways. We see the world differently but accept these differences as part of how this relationship works.

“They” say “opposites attract,” which is so true in our case. We are often shocked by how our opinions may vary in countless situations, but somehow, over the years, we’ve learned to get along when discussing differences to avoid frequent disharmony. In most relationships that don’t last, each party fails to accept the differing views in many aspects of life, which may sometimes be as insignificant as how to load the dishwasher to such significant issues as managing money.

We both cherish harmony, and with that in mind, we can negotiate or, in some cases, merely agree to disagree.

That’s it for today, folks. I am off to lunch with Miles.

Be well.

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

Judite, our cleaning person in Madeira, told me this morning that this is “pera abacata” which translates to avocado. For more photos, please click here.

Great service by Marriott and others…Tipping in today’s world…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 2 Comments
Billowing cloud view from the Madeira house, overlooking the sea.

Yesterday afternoon, I received an email from a Marriott manager asking if we needed anything during our extended 70-night stay at this Residence Inn. If we think of something, we’ll let her know. She also asked why we are staying so long, requiring a lengthy explanation.

It made me realize why we like Marriott hotels so much. After all, we spent ten months in lockdown in Mumbai, India, during the pandemic and have stayed at many other Marriotts worldwide, never disappointed by the facility or the quality of the service. We are members of their rewards program, Marriott Bonvoy, and it was through that program that we got a better price for this current two-month stay.

Overall, we’ve had considerable success with quality service from all the rewards programs we use for credit cards, cars, vacation homes, and hotels. Even as Costco Premium members, we recently received a check for almost $200 for Tom’s upcoming hearing aid purchase.

Another recent example is that we used some reward points on a credit card to pay for the expensive hotel in Milwaukee this past weekend. During those times, it’s easier to digest paying premium rates using rewards points when few other options are available.

Speaking of good service, overall, we’ve found that service in the US has been excellent in most situations. That’s not to say that the service in other countries is inferior. It is not. We’ve had excellent service throughout the world from country to country, but we’ve noticed a variance in the expectation of servers receiving tips.

We have no problem tipping for good service. We consider ourselves good tippers, but we investigate what tipping customs and expectations are before heading to a new country. In Australia, for example, service people are paid a fair wage. Early on, when we embarked on numerous cruises in Australia, Tom attempted to tip the baggage handlers at the cruise terminal. In each case, they refused the tips, saying, “Sir, in our country, we make a living wage and don’t accept service tips.”

We spent two years in the South Pacific and found this true throughout Australia, including Tasmania (part of Australia) and New Zealand. In some tropical islands, the expectation for tips was comparable to the US, especially when wages were low in many island nations. We understood and complied accordingly. Then again, prices were low in many venues, whereas prices are higher overall in Australia.

In the past five months in the US, we’ve observed that tips are not only expected but often added to the bill with suggestions for the amount of tips based on the bill. But, on bills in some restaurants, we’ve also observed add-ons for the following:

  1. Credit card use fees as much as 3.5% of the total or more
  2. Health insurance and employee welfare as much as 3.5%
  3. Employee retention fees as high as 3.5%
  4. Tips are expected on the tax on top of the the basic food and drink items

We don’t calculate the tip amount on these extras. We only tip a percentage for the food and beverage amount, not these add-ons, nor do we tip on the sales tax or VAT. For instance, when dining in Minneapolis and other cities, there are city taxes, stadium taxes, and others. We don’t tip on top of these amounts. Why pay a percentage twice?

We may seem tightwads, but living on a fixed income that allows very little for cost of living increases with the current inflation rate, we must consider what works best for us. Of course, if one is wealthy and money is no object, they may never question this process.

This is not to say we don’t appreciate excellent service for food and beverage and the hard work of many servers throughout many fields of endeavor. We tip generously when the service is good, but only, as mentioned, for the service, food, and beverages provided to us.

Be well.

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

When we went for a walk in Campanario, Madeira, we took this photo of the back of our holiday home. It was a fantastic home. For more photos, please click here.

Packing day…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
Angel’s Trumpet flowers…Brugmansia is a genus of seven flowering plants in the nightshade family Solanaceae. They are woody trees or shrubs with pendulous flowers and have no spines on their fruit. All parts of Angel’s Trumpets are considered poisonous and contain the alkaloids atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. Ingestion of the plants can cause disturbing hallucinations, paralysis, tachycardia, and memory loss and can be fatal.

The laundry and half the packing are done, as I write here now. I do it in short spurts. We picked up luggage tags from the front desk and will use them on the three bags we’re leaving behind. The only reason we have so much stuff is in preparation for the many months we’ll stay in Cleveland for many months. Once we’re ready to fly again, we’ll have used or will unload the excess “stuff.”

Also, over time, I’ll dispose of some old clothes but keep them to wear here and then in the coming months. Right now, getting new clothes is unimportant to me. I have enough to get me through. As mentioned, once I know the surgery date, I’ll order some items to get me through the recovery period.

We just returned from breakfast in the hotel, which is marginal at best, and fortunately, yesterday, I made a batch of chicken salad, which we’ll have for tonight’s dinner. Easy is of the utmost importance at this point. We’ll most likely have breakfast here tomorrow morning before we leave so we can get on the road and not be concerned about stopping except for restroom breaks and refueling the car.

The distance to the hotel is 344 miles and should take about five hours of driving time. We plan to be on our way by 9:00 or 10:00 am, arriving in plenty of time to see the other family, four of whom are also staying at the same hotel. Most likely, we’ll all have dinner together tomorrow evening. Then, on Saturday, the Jubilee festivities, mass, and luncheon will transpire throughout the day.

The four family members will be leaving to return to Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon, but we’ll be staying overnight on Saturday to spend time with Sister Beth on Sunday morning for a few more hours. It will be good to spend time with her. She’s fragile with health issues and will appreciate any time we can spend with her.

Years ago, Sister Beth was in a horrible auto accident while in the car with three other nuns. Two of the nuns were killed in the accident, and Sister Beth suffered severe injuries, including a broken neck, which significantly impacted the quality of her life today.

However, typical of the Lyman family, they don’t complain or feel sorry for themselves. They all forge ahead with smiles on their faces. Seeing their strength, determination, and resolve inspires everyone who has the privilege of knowing this fine family.

It’s time for me to get back to packing. Most likely, there won’t be a post tomorrow. We’ll take photos of the festivities and post the story and photos of Sister Beth’s 70th Jubilee, 70 years since she became a nun. Numerous nuns are honored this weekend, including 14 other nuns celebrating 70 years, like Sister Beth, four nuns celebrating 75 years, four nuns celebrating 80 years, and two nuns celebrating 85 years. That’s amazing!

Be well.

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

Last night’s view of the moon and the lights from our veranda over Campanario, Madeira. For more photos, please click here.

Birthday party last night…Heading to see granddaughter at 11:30…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
Time was winding down as we prepared to leave Madeira to sail to Australia and the South Pacific, where we’d stay for several months.

Again, I am rushing this morning to leave for Chaska to go see Maisie. With Tom feeling better and no longer contagious, we feel confident visiting her and seeing Miles and Madighan. Most likely, Greg will be working, but we won’t see him. I’m glad Tom will drive there after my driving experience to Target on Sunday for cough medicine for Tom. I am not a good driver, and it’s best I don’t get behind the wheel.

Last night, we headed to Champlin for DIL Tracy’s 60th birthday party at a festive bar and grill, where 11 of us sat at a big table and had a good time. Tom wasn’t feeling 100% yet but could interact and enjoy the few hours with everyone. The limited meal options made it tricky to find something I could eat.

I ordered a relatively plain diced chicken salad when I’d left out some ingredients I don’t eat, such as tortilla strips and bottled dressing. It was okay, but I was still hungry when we got back to the hotel, and I had a big bowl of Fage plain Greek yogurt with added frozen berries, my go-to snack when I’m hungry at night.

Tom insisted on sleeping on the sofa last night, although I pressed him to let me sleep there while he had the bed. It’s a queen size, and if he’s facing me, he could end up coughing in my face, so we knew we’d have to sleep separately until his coughing is gone.

It’s hard to believe I didn’t catch what he had. He is often the one to start with a cough or flu, and I catch it from him. But his symptoms started a week ago, and so far, I’m OK. Most likely, this time, I dodged a bullet. This is a big relief since we’re leaving in three days to head to Milwaukee for Sister Beth’s 70th Jubilee celebration. Five of us from the Lyman family will attend the mass and celebratory luncheon prepared by the nuns.

We’ll all spend time with Sister Beth, but her health has been challenging, and she can only visit for short periods without becoming exhausted. That’s why we planned to spend two nights in Milwaukee, enabling us to visit with her over two days. The others are staying one night; we can be with her again on Sunday.

We’ll return to this same hotel but most likely will be staying in a different room.  We didn’t want to pay for two hotels simultaneously, so we’re checking out on Friday and back in on Sunday. The hotel will keep our excess luggage so we don’t have to leave it in the car while staying in the Milwaukee hotel.

As a result, on Thursday, we’ll do laundry again and then pack the one bag we’re taking with us and store the rest in the storage area in the hotel. We’re glad we’ll get a different room when we return since there are some problems with the TV for streaming shows, and there’s an issue closing the door. Maintenance has been here twice for each issue but hasn’t been able to resolve them. We haven’t pressed it since we figured out workarounds, as we often do.

That’s it for today, folks. Again, thanks for all Tom’s well wishes. He surely appreciated all the kind and thoughtful comments.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 11, 2014:

Tom’s photo is at dusk, as we spent our last night in Madeira, Portugal. For more photos, please click here.