Day 13, Sea days continue…Update on the cruise cough…Tamiflu benefits…

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When that familiar ache settles deep into the bones, the chills start creeping across your skin, and the world suddenly feels like it’s been wrapped in fog, most of us know that dreadful feeling—it’s the flu. Not just a little sniffle or a passing sore throat, but the real thing, the kind that knocks you flat for days. That’s where Tamiflu, or Oseltamivir as it’s known generically, comes into the picture. Over the years, it’s become a trusted companion for those of us who’ve faced influenza’s wrath and wanted a fighting chance at shortening the misery.

Tamiflu is what you reach for when you can feel the flu tightening its grip, especially within the first 48 hours of symptoms. That timing is critical. The medication doesn’t work like a magic wand; it can’t eradicate the virus, but it can slow its multiplication in the body. What that means for most people is fewer days of fever, body aches, and exhaustion. In some cases, it can shorten the illness by as much as one or two days, which doesn’t sound like much until you’ve been bedridden, staring at the ceiling, wondering if you’ll ever feel normal again. Those two days can feel like a gift.

For travelers like us, constantly moving between climates, continents, and crowded environments like airports and cruise ships, the risk of catching the flu is always lurking. We try to be careful, washing hands frequently, eating well, and staying rested, but exposure is inevitable when you’re surrounded by people from all over the world. Having Tamiflu on hand provides a layer of comfort, almost like carrying an umbrella when the forecast looks stormy. You might not need it, but when you do, it’s invaluable.

One of Tamiflu’s greatest benefits is its ability to help prevent complications, particularly in older adults or those with underlying conditions. The flu is more than just an inconvenience for people with heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues—it can be life-threatening. By slowing down the virus’s ability to reproduce, Tamiflu helps reduce the risk of the infection spreading deeper into the lungs, where it could lead to pneumonia or other severe complications. For many, it’s a way to stay out of the hospital and on the path to recovery at home.

Another important aspect is its use as a preventive measure. When someone close to you comes down with the flu, a spouse, a cabinmate, or even a fellow traveler on a long cruise, it’s often only a matter of time before others follow. But with Tamiflu, there’s a possibility of stopping that chain reaction. When taken as a prophylactic, it can reduce the likelihood of developing the flu even after exposure. It’s not foolproof, but it can make the difference between staying healthy and joining the ranks of the feverish and coughing.

What many people appreciate about Tamiflu is how relatively easy it is to take. It’s available in both capsule and liquid form, and when started early, the side effects are usually mild, sometimes a bit of nausea or a headache, but nothing compared to the agony of full-blown influenza. It’s a reminder that while modern medicine doesn’t have all the answers, it has given us tools that can ease our suffering and speed our return to normal life.

There’s also a psychological benefit that shouldn’t be underestimated. Knowing there’s something you can do, some form of defense, can ease the helplessness that often comes with getting sick far from home. We’ve learned that having a small supply of Tamiflu in our travel medical kit brings peace of mind. When you’re in a foreign country or at sea, where access to medical care can be limited or delayed, that little blister pack can feel like reassurance in tangible form.

Ultimately, Tamiflu doesn’t promise perfection, but it offers hope. It reminds us that even when illness finds us, we’re not entirely at its mercy. Whether taken to lessen the flu’s severity, to prevent its spread, or simply to bring comfort during an uncertain time, Tamiflu remains a valuable ally in the traveler’s arsenal, and for anyone who wants to feel just a little more in control when the flu comes calling.

No words can express how grateful I am that Doc Theo prescribed Tamiflu in the event we started coming down with a virus on the ship. It has, without a doubt, prevented me from a long-term bout with the cruise cough and flu, which started several days ago and is significantly improved.. Please check with your medical professional for assistance with this drug.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 8, 2015:

In Fiji, Badal, the neighbor Sewak’s beloved dog, visits us almost every day, checking out what may be on the menu. We never fail to give him a plate of something delicious. After he does, he sits on the veranda looking at me with his legs crossed, hoping for second helpings. He looks fit and healthy compared to many dogs we’ve seen in the village. For more photos, please click here.

Day 12…Sea days continue…The world of cruising, including an array of demographics…

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A towel crab on our bed last night.

In 2025, the world of cruising continues to evolve, and nowhere is this more evident than on the ships of Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. These two lines, while under the same corporate umbrella, attract somewhat different guests, each with distinct motivations and expectations. Yet, they share one powerful commonality: the magnetic pull of the sea and the desire to escape the ordinary. Walking the decks of either line, one quickly senses the diversity of today’s cruising demographic, an ever-expanding tapestry of ages, backgrounds, and stories from around the world.

On Royal Caribbean, the atmosphere is lively and intergenerational, a microcosm of modern travel where families, couples, solo adventurers, and retirees coexist under the same expansive sky. The average age of passengers hovers in the mid-forties, but that number barely scratches the surface of the real story. Parents travel with children, sometimes even with grandparents in tow, making these voyages multi-generational gatherings unlike any other. The newer, larger ships, floating cities in their own right, offer endless opportunities for fun and excitement, attracting thrill-seekers and those seeking a new experience every day. There are rock-climbing walls, surfing simulators, ice-skating rinks, zip lines, and Broadway-style shows. These ships are designed for those who see travel not as an escape but as an adventure.

Celebrity Cruises, by contrast, appeals to a slightly older, more refined demographic. The average age of passengers leans closer to the fifties and sixties, and the pace is gentler, more contemplative. These guests appreciate fine dining, art, culture, and conversation over cocktails at sunset rather than karaoke or game shows. Couples celebrating anniversaries, seasoned travelers who’ve already seen the world, and professionals taking a break from demanding lives fill the elegant spaces onboard. The design of Celebrity’s ships, sleek and modern with thoughtful touches of luxury, mirrors the preferences of its clientele: sophisticated yet not pretentious, polished yet never sterile.

Still, the gap between the two lines is narrowing in fascinating ways. Royal Caribbean’s younger guests are aging into Celebrity’s demographic, bringing with them a love of technology, connectivity, and wellness that is reshaping the luxury cruise experience. At the same time, Celebrity’s efforts to attract a younger audience, through social media outreach, wellness programs, and modern cuisine, are paying off. Millennials and Gen X travelers, many of whom once thought of cruises as something their parents did, are now embracing the ease, value, and quality these voyages offer. Couples in their thirties and forties are booking suites and spa cabins, appreciating the balance between relaxation and exploration.

Both lines are seeing an influx of international passengers. North Americans still make up the majority of guests, but travelers from the UK, Europe, Australia, and Asia have grown significantly. As the world becomes more connected and the cost of long-haul flights continues to stabilize, cruisers are venturing farther afield to join itineraries in the Mediterranean, Asia, South America, and beyond. For many, these cruises serve as floating hotels, offering a familiar comfort while exploring foreign ports. For others, they are a social experience, an opportunity to meet like-minded travelers who share a passion for the world.

Flash mob practice in the Star Lounge.

Another emerging trend in 2025 is the increasing number of digital nomads and remote workers who choose to sail for months at a time. High-speed internet, once a luxury, has become a lifeline, enabling guests to work from anywhere, even in the middle of the ocean. Celebrity’s quieter, more luxurious setting appeals to those who crave both productivity and tranquility, while Royal Caribbean’s bustling energy suits travelers who prefer to balance work with play. It’s not unusual now to see laptops open at a café overlooking the sea, where someone types away between ports, turning a stateroom into an office with a view.

Cruising has also become more inclusive and accessible. Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are welcoming guests from a broader range of economic and cultural backgrounds than ever before. Special promotions, loyalty programs, and flexible itineraries have opened the doors to travelers who once thought cruising was out of reach. Solo cabins, a relatively recent innovation, have also changed the face of the passenger mix, encouraging those who travel alone, by choice or circumstance, to join in the experience without paying the traditional “single supplement.” This shift has added a vibrant new energy on board, as solo travelers bring fresh perspectives and spontaneous friendships.

In the end, the demographics of 2025 tell a story of transformation. Cruising is no longer the preserve of retirees or the wealthy. It has become a reflection of the global traveler, curious, connected, and craving experiences that blend comfort with discovery. On Royal Caribbean, the laughter of children echoes through the promenade while couples dance under the stars. On Celebrity, the clink of wine glasses mingles with the soft hum of conversation in elegant lounges. Together, they capture the full spectrum of modern travel, where age, nationality, and background blur into something shared, a love of the sea, of new horizons, and of the gentle rhythm of life aboard a ship.

Be well.

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

After recently watching a David Attenborough documentary on the in-depth life cycle of caterpillars, we gained a new perspective on these amazing creatures, with two distinct life cycles as they eventually morph into butterflies. We spotted this one on the veranda a few days ago. For more photos, please click here.

The Challenge of Stairs as We Age: A Traveler’s Reflection…

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Not our photos, but an example of the stairs here in Barcelona, which are much narrower and have three flights.

The Challenge of Stairs as We Age: A Traveler’s Reflection

Living a nomadic life around the world, we’ve come to realize that stairs are far more than just a way to move from one level to another. They often define how comfortable a stay will be, especially as we grow older. In my younger years, I hardly noticed them. I bounded up and down stairs with a suitcase in hand, never giving it a second thought. Each steep climb, especially when going down the stairs, feels like a quiet reminder that time and circumstance have their own agenda.

I don’t get out of breath or become tired. It’s my legs that simply don’t work properly, especially since the two surgeries on both legs after they became infected post-cardiac bypass surgery in 2019.

Our current apartment in Sant Martí, Barcelona, has 30 narrow, uneven tile steps leading to our door. There’s no elevator, and the tiles are slippery even when dry. Each time we go up or down, I grip the handrail tightly, one deliberate step after another. It’s the uncertainty of footing, the awareness that a misstep could mean a painful fall. I’ve learned to take my time, to place both feet firmly on each step before continuing. Tom always goes down in front of me to break any potential fall.

It’s humbling, really. Stairs, something so ordinary, have become a symbol of how we must adapt as we age or after injuries. I often think about seniors who live in multi-level homes, especially those who’ve spent decades there, surrounded by memories on every floor. How difficult it must be to decide that the staircase they’ve climbed thousands of times has now become an obstacle, something to be avoided, or even feared.

I remember visiting a friend’s mother in Minnesota years ago, who proudly showed me how she’d converted her living room into a bedroom after taking a nasty tumble down her stairs. “I don’t go up there anymore,” she said, gesturing toward the upper level. “But I’ve got everything I need right here.” She spoke with quiet dignity, accepting her new reality with grace. That small act of adaptation, creating a safe haven on the main floor, was her way of preserving independence.

In our travels, we’ve encountered countless variations of this same challenge. In Italy, we stayed in a charming 300-year-old stone house with a winding staircase so narrow that we had to carry our luggage one piece at a time. The steps were uneven, polished smooth from centuries of use. Beautiful, yes, but I couldn’t help thinking how treacherous they’d be for anyone with aching knees or uncertain balance. In Madeira, Portugal, the hills themselves feel like endless staircases, each one steeper than the last. Locals take them in stride, but I often wondered how older residents manage in those picturesque but unforgiving neighborhoods.

Today, many modern homes are designed with aging in mind, featuring gentle ramps instead of steps, subtle railings seamlessly integrated into the architecture, and thoughtful lighting that reduces shadows. Many cultures respect aging, not as something to hide or resist, but as something to accommodate gracefully. I’ve often thought the many other parts of the world could take a lesson from that quiet practicality.

In the United States, where homes tend to be larger and more spread out, many older adults are choosing to “age in place.” They install stairlifts, grab bars, and brighter lights, or relocate bedrooms to the main floor. But even with all these modifications, there’s still a bittersweetness to it. For many, giving up the freedom to use the whole house feels like losing a part of themselves.

For travelers like us, the question of stairs comes up often when booking accommodations. Does the building have an elevator? How many steps to the door? These are details we never used to consider. But after years of navigating steep staircases in old buildings, we’ve learned that such questions aren’t just about convenience, they’re about safety. This apartment was advertised as having only a “few” steps to the unit. We’d never have rented it if we’d known the reality.

On our upcoming cruise, we won’t have to worry about stairs. Elevators glide effortlessly between decks, and everything is designed for accessibility. It’s one of the reasons we find cruising so comfortable. It offers a sense of freedom without physical strain. Yet even so, I find myself reflecting on how something as simple as going down stairs has become a small metaphor for life itself.

Aging doesn’t take away our ability to experience the world, but it does change how we move through it. We adapt, we slow down, and we learn to respect our limitations. Every careful step becomes a quiet victory. And in those moments, pausing halfway up a stairwell, feeling the weight of these limitations, we realize that gratitude grows where effort exists.

I’m grateful for the strength to still climb, for the balance that still holds, and for the patience I’ve learned along the way, albeit with extreme caution. There may come a day when stairs are no longer possible at all, but until then, each step is both a challenge and a reminder: life, at any age, is still about moving forward…One steady step at a time.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 13, 2015:

The Captain Cook cruise ship, which tours the Fiji Islands, is based in the main island of Viti Levu. For more photos, please click here.

Buying hearing aids at Costco…The process, details and pricing below…

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This monitor lizard found himself in the veranda rafters. Tom helped him jump down uninjured.

Note: The content of our posts often has little to do with the photos we add. This way, we can continue to share pictures of our surroundings.

Our long-time dear reader Pam wrote requesting details about Tom’s experience buying hearing aids at Costco. Other readers have written in the past inquiring about this topic, but with many worldwide readers without a Costco store, I hesitated to share the detailed story.

However, when Pam wrote an email yesterday requesting information on the Costco procee, I decided it was time to delve into it. What do hearing aids have to do with world travel? Quite a lot based on Tom’s experiences since we began traveling in 2012. Here are some reasons why those with hearing loss may benefit from hearing aids after struggling to hear for years.

Five zebras stopped for a treat.

Senior travelers with hearing loss need hearing aids to stay connected, safe, and fully engaged in their experiences. Traveling—solo or with companions—relies heavily on communication, environmental awareness, and adapting to new situations. Hearing aids can make a significant difference in several ways:

1. Enhanced Ability to Communicate

Travel often involves talking with locals, fellow travelers, hotel staff, and tour guides. Without a hearing aid, conversations can become frustrating, leading to misunderstandings or missed opportunities to connect with others. Being able to hear allows senior travelers to immerse themselves in their journey without constantly asking people to repeat themselves.

Oh, oh, a few pellets fell to the veranda floor.

2. Safety and Awareness of Surroundings

Hearing loss can pose serious safety risks, from crossing busy streets to navigating unfamiliar train stations. Announcements in airports, train stations, or buses often include crucial information about gate changes, boarding times, and delays. With a hearing aid, travelers can hear these updates clearly, reducing stress and the risk of missing important details.

3. Hearing the Sounds 

Traveling is about experiencing the world—whether it’s the sound of waves crashing on a secluded beach, a tour guide explaining ancient ruins, or a street musician’s performance in a bustling city square. Hearing aids help senior travelers fully absorb these moments rather than feeling disconnected from their surroundings.

Hal was contemplating approaching the veranda railing.

4. Reduction of Travel Stresses

Travel can be overwhelming, especially in noisy environments like crowded airports or foreign cities with unfamiliar languages. Struggling to hear can add to the stress and fatigue. Modern hearing aids with noise reduction features help filter background noise, making it easier to focus on essential sounds.

5. Maintaining Independence and Self-Confidence

Many seniors value their independence, and hearing loss can make them feel reliant on others to repeat information or assist in understanding what’s happening. Wearing hearing aids allows them to maintain confidence while navigating new places, ordering food, or asking for directions.

Mongoose scrambling for bits of paloney.

6. Communicating with Travel Companions

If traveling with family or friends, being unable to hear correctly can create a sense of isolation. Conversations during meals, long road trips, or sightseeing become more challenging. Hearing aids ensure senior travelers remain active in the group rather than feeling left out.

Hearing aids aren’t just a convenience for senior travelers—they are essential for making the most of every adventure. They allow people to connect, stay safe, and enjoy the world in all its richness. For those who love to travel, investing in good hearing aids means fewer limitations and more unforgettable experiences.

Mongoose preparing to tackle an egg.

Over the past twenty years, Tom’s hearing has gradually worsened from 42½ years of working on the railroad, mainly from being in the locomotive’s cab up to 16 hours a day, eventually 12 hours a day, from the diesel power plant’s steady roar. The railroad provided many hearing tests to determine his hearing loss over the years.

Since we’ve been traveling, his hearing loss seems to have escalated, and I often repeat myself in a loud tone for him to hear what I am saying. He struggles to listen to conversations in social settings, especially when there is background noise, but he learned to read lips proficiently.

Norman and a piglet. Right now, Norman stops by daily. We are always happy to see him, as he seems so glad to see us.

He was stubborn and refused to consider it for years when I suggested the prospect of him buying the devices. Hearing loss and blindness are hereditary in his family, and he didn’t like the prospect of wearing clunky-looking hearing aids and dealing with batteries while we’re traveling.

When COVID-19 hit, he struggled even more with everyone wearing masks. It was at this time that he came to realize how severe his hearing loss had become.

Norman and Mom with two piglets.

While we were in Minnesota last May, he finally bought hearing aids after many expressed satisfaction with Costco’s service, process, and pricing. We made the appointment after being Costco members for many years and happy with their products and services.

Once he made the appointment, he received an email stating he needed to stop by the store to determine the amount of wax in his ears, if any, since a doctor would have to remove it before taking the hearing test. This made sense. He has no wax and is waiting for his hearing test, which was a few weeks later.

Little Daddy snapped his neck to check out a sound.

The test took less than an hour, and when he came out of the hearing aid area in the store, where I waited for him, he immediately told me how impressed he was with the audiologist’s skill and the detail and complexity of the test, more than any test he had in the past.

After the hearing aid test, he was presented with two brand options for the hearing aids: Phillips and Jabra. They were almost equally priced and could be operated by an app on one’s phone. He chose the Phillips. It took about a month for his order to arrive at the store, and he immediately made an appointment for the fitting that he’d made earlier.

The fitting appointment lasted about 30 minutes, during which the audiologist made adjustments and set up the app on his phone, which he’s been using ever since.

Either brand of hearing aids does not require batteries. They are charged daily by an included electric plug and an easy-to-use charging station. The charge usually lasts all day and evening, so he recharges them during the night.

\He makes any necessary adjustments while wearing the hearing aids using the app on his phone. There are options for different environments.

The total cost for the Phillips product was US $1700, ZAR 30995.27, and, according to Tom, was a worthwhile investment. He did not have health insurance that paid any portion of this. We charged the cost on our Costo Citibank Visa card, for which we got reward points. He was given the necessary easy-to-use cleaning supplies, which he’ll replenish when we return to the US in May/June.

He’s thrilled. I’m thrilled he can now hear, and our lives of world travel have been enhanced.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 22, 2015:

Cloudy days have a certain appeal in Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

Warning for all senior citizens (and others) regarding online scams…

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Al Bacio Cafe on the cruise ship offered a complimentary slice of delicious-looking cake. Tempting? Yes, but we both resisted.

Yesterday, we watched The Beekeeper, a free movie on Amazon Prime Video starring Jason Stratham. The fight scenes were unrealistic and ridiculous, but the movie’s message was profound about scams perpetrated on seniors and others that wipe out all of their bank accounts, investments, and savings in one fell swoop.

This occurred when a message popped up on the victim’s devices warning that a severe virus had infected them and that they needed to call a specific number to correct this problem. When the perpetrators gained access by the victims providing passwords and access (or even without passwords), the accounts on the device were immediately wiped out to $0.

For this reason, I’d suggest everyone watch this movie. Yes, it’s bloody and gory with Jason Stratham, as is typical for his films, but the message is imperative for each of us to grasp fully. Even if you have to pay a streaming service to watch this movie, it will be money well spent. If you find the movie offensive with its violence, you’ll have seen the most critical part once you get through the first 40 minutes.

Don’t follow the instructions if a similar screen pops up on your PC, laptop, phone, iPad, or other device! Do not click on any of the links or call the phone number on the screen.

If you receive a virus scam message on your device’s screen, the most important thing is not to panic. These messages are designed to scare you into taking hasty actions that could compromise your device. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:

1. Don’t Click on Anything

Avoid interacting with the message. Don’t click on any links, pop-ups, or buttons, and don’t call any phone numbers listed. These actions can lead to more severe issues like malware downloads or scams.

2. Close the Browser or App

If the message appears in a browser or app, try closing it immediately. If the app or browser is unresponsive, force quit the app. On mobile:

  • For iPhone: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold, then swipe up the app.
  • For Android: Tap the recent apps button and swipe the app away.
  • For PC/Mac: Close the browser using Task Manager or force quit the app.

3. Clear Browser Cache

Sometimes, closing the browser alone doesn’t remove the scam message. Clear the cache to get rid of any remnants:

  • On Chrome (Desktop): Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
  • On iPhone/Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Select your browser > Clear Cache.

4. Run a Virus/Malware Scan

Run a scan with trusted antivirus or anti-malware software to make sure your device is not infected:

  • For Mobile: Use trusted apps like Avast, Malwarebytes, or Bitdefender.
  • For PC/Mac: Use antivirus software such as Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, or other reputable solutions.

5. Reboot Your Device

Restarting your device can sometimes help reset it and stop any suspicious activity.

6. Stay Calm and Don’t Call “Tech Support” Numbers on the screen!

These scams often include fake phone numbers to trick you into providing sensitive information. Ignore them. If you’re unsure, contact the official support channels for your device or operating system.

7. Change Important Passwords

If you’ve accidentally interacted with the scam (clicked on a link or downloaded something), immediately change your passwords for important accounts (email, banking, etc.) as a precaution.

8. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

For extra security, enable two-factor authentication on your key accounts. This adds an extra layer of protection even if your password is compromised. Most importantly, trust your instincts. If something feels off about a pop-up or message, it probably is. Keeping calm and following these steps will help keep your device and personal information safe.

If these instructions intimidate you, your next best option is to contact the manufacturer for help by phone (verify that the phone number is a valid number, not one you’ve seen on the screen!) or visit a manufacturer’s authorized service center with your device.

Although it’s frustrating to incur costs for removing the malware, they are nothing compared to what you could have lost.

Be well.

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

Tom, deep in thought in the Member’s Lounge, listening to his favorite Minnesota radio podcast, Garage Logic. For more photos, please click here.

In awe of all of the love and birthday wishes…

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Here we were with Doc Theo, who saved my life, and his lovely wife, Myrtah. We were so happy they came to my party along with the other two doctors in the practice, Doc Mel and Doc Philip, and their lovely wives.

Today’s photos (except the post from ten years ago) were from last year’s birthday party held on February 25, posted on the 26. More photos will be posted tomorrow.

What a day it has been so far, and it’s only close to noon! Family, friends, and readers have been flooding my inbox and on Facebook with heartwarming messages that mean the world to me! How did I get so lucky? Based on the number of wishes I receive, I doubt I will have time to walk today.

It’s okay to take a day off while responding to all of the warm wishes that surely will keep me busy. Exercise for the heart, in another way.

Delicious welcome drinks, including Bloody Marys, topped with a slice of crispy bacon and non-alcoholic vegetable juice. We caught a kudu eating off the wooden board.

Tom is off getting a haircut, and soon, I’ll head to the kitchen to make my favorite keto pancake, which I will thoroughly enjoy with sugar-free syrup. Then tonight, as mentioned, we’ll be off to dinner at Luna Rossa, which we’ve come to love, especially with it’s inviting ambiance and overall excellent food. Sure, there was one miss on one meal last week, but we are loyal fans and will continue to enjoy it during our remaining five-plus weeks in Lake Las Vegas.

Many people say they prefer to ignore their birthdays as they’ve gotten older, but I have always been a die-hard fan of celebrating mine and the people that I love on their special day. Just because one is older, it doesn’t mean that a birthday is less significant. One should celebrate each year of one’s life when they are young, for the growth and joys the new year can bring, and when old, for the opportunity to live yet another year, cherishing every morsel life has to offer.

A beautiful gin and vodka bar was set up in the dining room, where everyone could make their welcome drinks.

As I’ve gotten older, I find myself reveling in gratefulness for every gift bestowed upon me. These past years, physical gifts have not been a part of my birthdays, but the words and kindness of others have been cherished more than any gift-wrapped package.

Last year, when we had my 75th birthday in the bush, catered by Louise and Danie, and celebrated at their beautiful holiday home, Khaya Umdani, I was very specific that no one brings me gifts. A few couldn’t resist the temptation, and of course, I appreciated their thoughtfulness.

In the back row from left to right, Lorne and Sydney. and Tom. Sinndee, Leon, and Dawn are in the front row from left to right.

But the presence of those 25 guests celebrating the milestone year with me meant everything. And, although today will be a quiet day and evening, I feel equally blessed for the memories that fill my head, with more to come, celebrating tomorrow at an extraordinary event, details of which we’ll share in Thursday’s post.

Yesterday, I promised to re-post some of the photos from last year’s party, which some of you may have missed. or those that easily recall those photos, please excuse the redundancy.

Amid all the rain, Louise and Danie beautifully set up the house and the garden. It rained briefly but never caused issues with the guest’s enjoyment at the party.

Memories are the gifts that life bestows upon us to reflect upon as time passes that fill us with warm feelings of joy and gratefulness. My heart breaks for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease who are unable to recall events of their lives. All they have to reflect upon is the moment, however short and fleeting in their minds. That’s why it is so important to love, cherish, and visit those seniors (or younger) who are unable to recall the past. May we all take the time to make those precious moments for every person in our lives who cannot recall the precious moments of their lives.

Thank you, everyone, and be well.

Photos from ten years ago today, February 20, 2014:

We had a get-together at our bush house for my birthday in 2014. We were all thrilled when many zebras came to call in the dark. Our friend Kathy got up close and personal with him, hand-feeding him pellets. As a hostess gift for our dinner gathering, Kathy and Linda brought us a big bag of pellets instead of the usual wine, flowers, or candy. Nothing could have been more appropriate when we were running low. How did they know we needed pellets? For more photos, please click here.

Day 11…Norway Cruise…Last night’s fantastic “White Night”…Today…Alta, Norway…

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Note: I cannot add a single photo today due to the poor WiFi signal aboard the ship. Once we arrive in Nevada in early September, we can post our photos from Edinburgh and this cruise. Of course, we’ll continue to try to add photos each day! We are sorry for the inconvenience. Perhaps, when this cruise ends, we can start posting photos while on the upcoming Celebrity cruise in 7 days. We’ll continue taking photos and writing text daily, if possible.

Ah, if only I could load last night’s photos of White Night! It was spectacular, most likely the most decorative, well-planned food, drink, and music event we’ve ever attended on a cruise ship. It truly was indescribable! It was incredible!

The evening began at 6:00 pm when the most extraordinary buffet was set up on Deck 9 poolside. It was amazing how the staff rearranged the entire pool area, removing all the chaise lounges and other poolside equipment to create a festive and decorative environment in white with balloons, lights and white tablecloths, and formal place settings on each of the many tables.

The area could easily accommodate all 567 passengers with plenty of space for the fantastic band, singers, and dancers and a sizeable dance floor. As soon as we arrived, dressed in our all-white outfits, we found many sharing tables already filled with passengers. We found an empty table for six, plunked ourselves down with drinks in hand, and prepared for the exciting night ahead.

In no time at all, our table filled up with two more couples, both of whom we’d met along the way, and lively conversation and laughter ensued through the remainder of the evening while we all dined on the epicurean delights and danced to our favorite tunes.

Nothing was spared in presenting a beautiful evening. The food was over-the-top, the most varied and delicious buffet we’d ever experienced, with tons of seafood, meats, and exotic dishes from many cultures. The vegetables and fruit were aplenty, and any way of eating could easily be accommodated.

At one point, early on in the evening., I approached the many stations of the buffet, happily taking many photos we’ll share in the future when we’re able to upload photos again.

After the festive outdoor party ended, during perfect warm weather, many of us gravitated to Deck 10’s  Living Room, where the party continued with live music and again enthusiastic dancing on the dance floor.

We approached the North Cape of Norway close to midnight, where we all witnessed the extraordinary “Land of the Midnight Sun,” where we couldn’t stop smiling while taking photos of this fantastic phenomenon of the light sky at midnight. It’s hard to believe how light the sky is at midnight in this part of the world.

BY 12:30 am, we wandered back to our cabin on Deck 7, giggling over our fun night, hoping we wouldn’t have trouble falling asleep with the excitement of the evening still flooding our minds. But, an hour later, we dozed off, not awakening until 9:00 am, ready to begin another new day.

With little to see in Alta, Norway, we decided to stay on the ship and feel less rushed in completing today’s post’s text. We have almost a week until this cruise ends, and surely, we’ll continue to enjoy every moment.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 11, 2013:

There was no post on this date ten years ago.

Three days and counting…Getting things done…

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Locals were walking on the steep roads during the procession last night. The woman on the far left in navy blue is our own, Santina, our precious cleaning lady.

Note: Today’s photos are from this date in 2013 while living in Boveglio, Tuscany, Italy. For more details, please click here.

It is so busy around here. This morning we finished your order to have the suitcase shipped to the hotel in Minnesota, waiting for us when we arrive on September 9. I contacted the hotel’s general manager that the briefcase will arrive in a few days, asking him to store it for us until we arrive. I also included a photo of the bag with the message.

As we stood on the road outside our house, the procession stopped for a few minutes for prayer. There’s Santina again in navy blue. Notice the heels on her shoes!

Then, we headed to the postal station, but three items I ordered from Amazon weren’t in the mailbox, nor was anyone at the postal station, so I could inquire if they had the packages. Now, we’ll have to return later on Wednesday or Thursday. There’s a huge rainstorm occurring right now with lots of wind, thunder, and lightning. We’re not going out in the golf cart in this weather.

Tomorrow is my much-needed pedicure appointment at 11 00 am. While I’m busy with that, Tom will fill up the tank on the golf cart at Walmart and buy a dozen eggs to get us through the remainder of the week.

This patio is where we suntan a few times a week. These impatiens attract the bees, as do most flowering plants requiring us to pay special attention during our hour in the sun, quite close to the planters.

Once back at the house, I’ll finish the post, upload it, and then return to packing. We already arranged transportation through Groome from The Villages to the Orlando International Airport, which picks up for the international flight at 5:50 pm for our 10:30 pm international flight. It’s over an hour-long drive, especially with rush hour traffic at that time of day.

We’ve gone through all our remaining food, and we need one more dinner to wipe out everything we have. Thus, after my pedicure tomorrow, we’ll stop at the Mexican restaurant in Colony Plaza and order food for tomorrow night’s dinner.

The second of the two planters. As you can see, the giant leaves belong to the zucchini. We’ll see more zucchini over the remaining summer as well as the abundant herbs we’ve been using.

For Thursday evening, we have frozen burger patties for Tom with bacon, cheese, onion, and canned tuna for me, which I’ll make into tuna salad using the remaining eggs, onions, and celery, using sour cream for the salad dressing. This will be the best we’ve ever used up our remaining food. In the past, we were happy to leave food for the household staff but with no household staff here, there was no one to leave it with.

Speaking of household staff, yesterday I got a wonderful message from one of our housemen in Marloth Park, Vusi. When we left, I had reformatted my old laptop, which worked well except for one key on the keyboard. I cleaned the exterior, screen, and keyboard so it looked brand new. Vusi was thrilled, hugging me several times, saying, “Oh, thank you, Madam.”

A zucchini that grew in the garden box on the patio.

Thus, yesterday when checking my email, there was a sweet message from Vusi that warmed my heart. He wrote:

“Morning, madam, hope everything is good there, I just wanted to say we (the animal, us) miss you, have a great day🍹🙏may God bless you

And thanks for the laptop. It’s still working good. I really appreciate 🙏Vusi.”
Immediately, I wrote back to Vusi, thanking him for his thoughtful message and how much we’re looking forward to seeing him in less than 11 months from now. We have so much to look forward to.
That’s it for today, folks. We have lots to do and look forward to being on our way soon.
Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 25, 2013:

Here’s a Ziplock bag half-filled with water and a few Euros to ward off house flies. See the story for the results of using these well-placed bags over the past 48 hours. (BTW, it didn’t work). For more photos, please click here.

Winding down…Two fun videos…

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This video was posted at this post on this date in 2018. It was such a joy to see this again! Also, see the video below from ten years ago today, in 2013.

In speaking with friends Linda and Ken yesterday (it was Linda’s birthday), she explained they are also going to be in Marloth Park in a few months; around the same time, Rita and Gerhard will also be visiting, who will be staying in our old house  It’s too bad we won’t be there to be with our friends  If it were one year later, we’d also be there.

Instead, we’ll enjoy the photos and experiences they will share with us during their time in Marloth Park. During that period, we’ll be in South America, having experiences of our own that we’ll share here in photos and posts with them and all of our worldwide readers.

With “White Night’ upcoming on the Azamara cruise beginning on August 1, I ordered a few items, including a pair of white jeans and a white top that fit without trying them on. I ordered the jeans directly from Levi’s since I have two pairs of Levi blue jeans, figuring if I purchased the same size, the white jeans would work, and they did, much to my relief. The shirt also worked, and I am ready for that special event.

Tom is all set, too. While in the US a few years ago, when we knew we’d be going on Azamara cruises, he also purchased a pair of white jeans.

Speaking of clothes, I went through the closet yesterday to see what items I could donate to the Salvation Army. Since I take good care of my stuff, I feel comfortable donating some of my used items. Going online to the Salvation Army’s local site, I was able to schedule a pick-up for this coming Friday. I am hoping to lighten my baggage weight substantially.

No longer, in this life, do I ever get attached to clothing items since most can be replaced. Although, in many foreign countries, I can’t find anything to fit me based on my height, I am much taller than most women. Here’s a small sampling of the average heights of women in various countries from this site.

“Country Average Height for Women

The Netherlands 5 ft  5.5 in. (168.7 cm)

Barbados 5 ft  4.2 in (165.5 cm)

United States 5 ft  3 in. (161.5 cm)

China 5 ft  2.4 in. (159.8 cm)

Iran 5 ft  2.3 in. (159.7 cm)

Nigeria 5 ft  1.3 in. (156.4 cm)

Guatemala 4 ft. 8.8 in. (149 cm).”

As a result, it’s difficult for me to find pants and tops that work for my frame. Most of the items I can fit into are from stores in the US that offer tall sizes. These items can often only be purchased online when most shops don’t carry tall sizes due to lack of need. Thus, I rarely have an opportunity to try something on, so I must buy the same brands over and over again to ensure they’ll fit.

Usually, while in the US making some purchases, I have no interest in buying things to try on and potentially return. Paying extra for return postage is foolish, so I am cautious about what I buy. For Tom, it’s a lot easier, as it often is for men.

In any case, I’m thinking about packing, although I am not putting anything into suitcases yet. That process will begin next week as we prepare the suitcase we plan to send to Minnesota to avoid taking everything with us and incurring added baggage fees, far exceeding the cost of shipping the bag.

This morning was stormy again. We haven’t walked in days due to inclement weather. Once we leave, we’ll get plenty of walking in, even when walking back and forth on the ship each day and going on excursions. I am considering working out in the fitness centers on the two upcoming cruises and again in the hotels in Nevada and Minnesota. It’s been a long time since I’ve worked out in a health club, and I will do so carefully.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 17, 2013:

A video (not ours) of a motorbike ride through Boveglio, Tuscany, Italy, on this date ten years ago. For the text, please click here.

A look back to ten years ago today…Wow! What a great memory!…Company’s coming again!…

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The further we walked toward “The Treasury” in Petra, Jordan, the carved stone became more and more detailed and interesting. The balance of these photos will be shared in tomorrow’s post. See the post here.

Note: Today’s photos are from this date in 2013 when we embarked on the long walk to see “The Treasury” in Petra, Jordan. It was a long walk in the heat but well worth it, and we wanted to share the photos with all of our newer readers who may have missed the original post ten years ago.

It was a lovely Mother’s Day. Hearing from my two sons with lively conversation and quality time spent with Tom made it a special day. Then again, most days are special. At sundowner time, for the first time in a few weeks, we enjoyed an adult beverage while seated at the table on the lanai.

It was hard to believe the two-thousand-year-old craftsmanship.

It was warm outdoors, but not as warm as we’d become accustomed to in South Africa, and we chatted for quite a while until it was time to go indoors and make dinner. Having prepped most of the meal ahead of time, in no time at all, we sat down for dinner.

After dinner, we lounged in the living room to stream a few shows, and by 9:45, I was off to bed while Tom stayed up watching Shark Tank. My Fitbit informed me this morning that I’d slept nine hours. Wow! I could tell I’d slept well when we walked as soon as I was up, showered, and dressed.

The passageway became narrower and narrower the further we walked.

Tom gets up earlier than I do but often naps at 2:00 each afternoon, only sleeping for a short time, if at all. I’m not much of a napper until at night in front of the show we’re streaming, usually around 7:30. I guess I need the sleep, especially after my recent health crisis. I am feeling much better.

We haven’t been out much lately to take photos, but today, we’re sharing photos of Petra from ten years ago. Tomorrow, Karen and Rich will return to pick us up to drop them off at Orlando Airport. They’d offered us the use of their car for the two weeks they’ll be gone for Karen’s son Jack’s wedding in Minnesota. This will allow us to drive around The Villages and take photos to share here.

The raw beauty of nature and artistic skills made the walk exciting moment by moment.

We don’t have any shopping other than a quick trip to a CVS for a few toiletry items I haven’t found at Kroger’s online shopping. Today, when placing a Kroger order, they had a problem with their website, and my order wouldn’t process. I called and am awaiting a response when they resolve it. Even in the US, not everything works as smoothly as expected.

We have been busy planning menus for our upcoming company, including dinner for new guests on Wednesday and meals for friends Carol and Mark, who arrive on Saturday and stay for three nights. While Carol and Mark are here, we’ll be going out to dinner on Sunday and dining in on Saturday and Monday. Having company’s undoubtedly enjoyable, and I am pacing myself to ensure I don’t run out of steam.

Tom carried our heavy bag with water and supplies during the entire three hours of the journey.

They leave to return to their home in Boca Raton on Tuesday. It’s almost a four-hour drive depending on traffic on the freeway. We haven’t seen Carol, a retired airline pilot with Delta, since we came to the US in November 2017 to board a cruise out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It will be fun to see her again and meet her boyfriend Mark, whom we’ve never met.

It’s certainly been fun seeing friends while here in The Villages. As it turns out, we have many more opportunities to spend time with old and new friends while we’re here for the next few months. It will be a fun and busy time.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 15, 2013:

Here we were yesterday, in front of the world-renowned “Treasury” in Petra, Jordan—a fantastic day for both of us. For more photos, please click here.