Celebrating my birthday today…So grateful for this life…

Posted by worldwide-admin on February 20, 2025 with 0 Comment

Pretty flowers by the sea in Kauai, Hawaii.

If anyone had asked me what I anticipated as my life as I turned 77 years old, I’d never imagined I’d be getting ready to pack to leave for Africa in nine days.

Instead, I imagined living in Minnesota, perhaps in a retirement community with Tom, surrounded by seniors like us, socializing, visiting the doctor once a month, cooking for guests, and frequently visiting family. Sure, I may have been active with hobbies, various activities, girl’s lunches, dining out with Tom, and frequent walks in the neighborhood.

We’d entertain frequently, and I’d try new and interesting recipes and prepare beautiful place settings for our guests, as I’d done in our old lives. We’d attend various events for our teenage (and older) grandchildren, four now over 18, and make a fuss over holidays and birthdays.

It would have been a good life.

But this life??? It’s made of dreams I never understood or fathomed in decades past.

First, I never expected to be in love at 77 years old. How odd that sounds! But I am as attracted to Tom today as I was 34 years ago when we met in 1991. The magic is as alive today as it ever was, if not more, when we’ve filled our hearts and minds with a plethora of outstanding, unique, and adventurous experiences in the past 12-plus years of world travel, which began when I was 64 years old (four months shy of 65). Tom was almost 59 (two months shy of 60).

After a one-hour break from posting to chat with our dear friends Rita and Gerhard, who called to wish me a happy birthday, it’s time to work out and get on with my day. We’re heading to Richard’s home around 4:15 and then to dinner with him and his girlfriend. There’s nothing I’d rather do to celebrate my birthday!

Thanks to our dear readers and friends who’ve wished me a happy birthday. You all mean the world to me!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 20, 2015:

Upon entering the state park, we still have several miles to drive to the lookout point. The fog was dense, and we couldn’t see much. For more photos, please click here.

Major flight discounts…

Posted by worldwide-admin on February 19, 2025 with 0 Comment

Today’s flight discount information is from today’s Travel and Leisure online magazine, which can be accessed from this link.

“Southwest Is Giving Away Its Coveted Companion Pass—But You Have to Act Fast

The deal ends February 20. By Michael Cappetta

Published on February 19, 2025

A low-cost carrier still spreads love while Valentine’s Day may be over.

Southwest Airlines recently announced the “bring a friend for free” promotion, which provides travelers who complete several tasks with a coveted Companion Pass or free ticket for a second passenger.

The airline offers a limited-time companion pass for travelers who register on its website and purchase a roundtrip or two one-way flights by February 20, 2025, at 111:59 pm CST. The flights must be completed by March 31, 2025. Once the two criteria are met, the companion pass will be issued and available between August 7, 2025, and October 8, 2025. Travelers can book the flights with either cash payments, Rapid Rewards points, or the new Cash + Points option.

Southwest says it will email qualifying passengers to notify them they have completed the tasks and add the companion pass to their Rapid Rewards frequent flyer account. The companion fare is free when the primary traveler books a ticket; however, the companion is still responsible for paying taxes and government fees.

While the travel period is limited, it could help passengers save on late summer vacations or early fall getaways. The companion pass period is also during the travel industry’s ‘shoulder season’, an off-peak time when hotels and attractions offer discounted rates for travelers.

Southwest’s website mentions, “Traveling is more fun with a plus-one. “Take a friend or Family Member with you on your next Southwest flight when you earn a Companion Pass.”

Southwest offers a full-year companion pass to travelers who fly 100 one-way flight segments or have earned 135,000 points in a calendar year. The airline also offers the companion pass through certain spending thresholds on their credit card.

Frontier Just Launched New Routes to Miami, Las Vegas, Austin, and More—With Deals From $19

By Michael Cappetta, Published on February 19, 2025

Booking a summer vacation just got cheaper.

Frontier Airlines recently announced 14 new or expanding routes, including the Boise, ID (BOI) relaunch and Spokane, WA (GEG). The airline will also expand service in Austin, TX (AUS), Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (BQN), Las Vegas, NV (LAS), Miami, FL (MIA), and other markets.

In celebration of the new fares, Frontier is discounting one-way tickets as low as $19 on bookings made before 111:59 pm on February 24, 2025. The tickets can be purchased for travel from May 15, 2025, to August 18, 2025. Travelers should be aware there are several blackout dates, and the tickets do not include perks such as seat assignment, carry-on luggage, or checked baggage, all of which require extra fee payments.

From Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Austin, TX, the airline will begin service to Miami International Airport (MIA) and Philadelphia Airport (PHL) on May 22, both operating three times a week. In Music City, Nashville International Airport (BNA) will also begin service to Cleveland, OH (CLE), three times a week on May 23.

On the West Coast, Frontier will begin a new route from Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Tucson, AZ (TUS) on May 22, 2025, and also a new daily service connecting Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

“With new affordable travel options across the continental U.S. and Puerto Rico—which join our already expansive network—budget-savvy consumers will be able to do and see more for less with Frontier this year,” Frontier Airlines’ Vice President of Network Operations and Design, Josh Flyr shared in a statement to Travel + Leisure.

The flights will begin service gradually, rolling between May 15, 2025, and May 24, 2025. The airline shared with T+L that they expect these to be full-year routes, with seasonal adjustments as needed. The May takeoff makes them perfect for travelers looking to book a summer vacation or early fall trip.

Australia Flights Are on Sale for Less Than $800 Roundtrip With American Airlines—How to Book

The deals end on March 2. By Brandon Withrow, Published on February 19, 2025

American Airlines is making getting to Australia more affordable with a new deal.

A flight to Australia is a long haul, so it’s nice when it isn’t a long haul on your pocketbook. For a limited time, American Airlines is making a roundtrip flight to Sydney, Australia, from the US starting at $899 and one-way flights starting at only 30,000 miles.

The promotion from American’s deal advertises a roundtrip starting price of $899, but T+L spotted some even lower flights. For example, a flight booked from Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney on March 1, 2025, came in at $796 per person, and a roundtrip flight from Chicago (ORD) to Sydney came in at $852 per person.

There are some important restrictions for this deal. Flights are valid for reservations between February 17, 2025, and March 2, 2025. Travel must be from the United States to Sydney (SYD) and booked for the following dates to get their special prices:

January 15 to July 13, 2025 F
July 24, 2025, to December 5, 2025
December 23 to December 25, 2025
January 15 to July 13, 2026.

If you redeem miles for their one-way, 30,000-mile offer, availability is limited, and only valid fUS US flights to Australia are available in the 48 contiguous states. The offer is only for those reservations made from tUS.S. between February 17 and April 17, 2025, and for returning to tUS.S. between February 17 and April 1, 2025. Travel dates from tUS.S. should be between March 10 and April 17, 2025, and returning to tUS.S. between March 5 and April 1, 2025. Stopovers cannot be combined with this offer.”

Although we won’t be taking advantage of any of these deals due to our pre-existing itinerary, we felt it was important to share them with you. (We do not earn any compensation for promoting these airlines).

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 19, 2015:

This was as far as I could get to the edge at the Queen’s Bath in Kauai, Hawaii, without slipping off. For more photos, please click here.

Ten best Spring Break destinations in the US…

Posted by worldwide-admin on February 18, 2025 with 0 Comment

This was the terrain on the treacherous walk down to the Queen’s Bath in Kauai, Hawaii, ten years ago.

We’ve never posted a specific article about Spring Break, although we’ve mentioned it from time to time. As young adults and families start planning their Spring Break vacations, here is an article from Travel and Leisure that may help determine locations that appeal to you.

We are uninterested in crowded venues, so we’ve never chosen to visit popular Spring Break locations. But many others love the excitement and fun of this festive time of the year and can’t wait to arrive at their chosen locale. The following are all US-based locations, but many other countries offer similar venues.

“10 Best Spring Break Destinations in the U.S.

From the South Carolina coast to a Utah mountain town, here are the best places to go for a spring vacation.

Patricia Doherty

This Canadian Resort is the Ultimate Wilderness Escape

Hilton Head, South Carolina — Photo: Margaret W/Getty Images

Depending on your travel style, defining the best spring break destinations in the United States is a personal choice. Whether you’re a family with one week to make the most of or a couple looking for a sunny reset after a dreary winter, we’ve got spring break vacation ideas for everyone in almost every region of the country.

Best for families: Destin, Florida
Best for a quiet spring break: Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Best tourist destination: Palm Springs, California
Best for couples: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
Best beach destination: Hilton Head, South Carolina

Read on to see the 10 best spring break destinations in America.

Destin, Florida

Destin and Miramar Beaches 2022 Florida July Drone Aerial Beach Gulf of mexico — WanderDrone/Getty Images

Destin (along with Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island) is a popular spring break destination for families on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Daily high temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s make the beach town a prime spot for boating, fishing, and relaxing on the fine white-sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle. Henderson Beach State Park is the perfect place to enjoy the calm waters and thirty-foot-high dunes. Still, you can take the adventure further with a snorkeling or parasailing excursion with a local company like Pelican Adventures. Bring the kids to the boardwalk to try out the zip line or rock-climbing wall at HarborWalk Adventures if they still have energy.

Where to stay: Choose from a variety of accommodations, from campgrounds in the state park to one of Destin’s best resorts, such as the luxurious and kid-friendly Silver Shells Beach Resort & Spa, which offers multi-room condos perfect for week-long stays.

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

One of the best beaches in North Carolina, Wrightsville Beach offers water sports like surfing and kayaking, beautiful nature, and coastal history. Even if it’s not swimming weather just yet, you can still enjoy being on the water with a sightseeing cruise with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours. Fishing is also popular on Johnnie Mercers Pier, where you’ll find a tackle shop and restaurants, or take a day to learn more about the area at the Cape Fear Museum in the historic district of nearby Wilmington.

Where to stay: You could rent a beach house or get an ocean-view room at an iconic local hotel like the Blockade Runner Beach Resort.

Palm Springs, California

Warm weather arrives early in the Southern California desert, making Palm Springs an attractive destination for spring breakers. Go to the top of Mt. San Jacinto on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway before visiting The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Take a day to get out in nature with a hike along the Araby Trail, or stay in town and try some of the delicious dining options like Spencer’s, with its award-winning terrace, or Trio, an upscale Italian restaurant in the Design District.

Where to stay: A newly updated hotel with a strong midcentury modern aesthetic, Life House Palm Springs offers an incredibly stylish setting that embodies the classic Palm Springs vibe.

Valley of the Sun, Arizona

“The Valley of the Sun” is a well-deserved nickname for the Greater Phoenix area, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and Chandler. Even in the spring, this part of the Sonoran Desert sees temperatures in the high 70s and 80s. Lounge by the pool, take a kayak or stand-up paddleboard on the Salt River or go for a romantic hot air balloon ride with Hot Air Expeditions. Couples can make time together at one of the fantastic spas at Scottsdale’s best hotels.

Where to stay: In Scottsdale, the Mountain Shadows Resort is a hotel with stunning views, large rooms, and a historic guestbook, as seen in vintage photos of celebrity visitors like John Wayne and Elizabeth Tayor.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island attracts beach bums from all over the Midwest and East Coast with its 12 miles of Atlantic shoreline. Its waters are ideal for spotting sea life with Dolphin Discoveries or collecting shells at Driessen Beach Park. There’s rarely a shortage of things to do in Hilton Head, thanks to multiple golf resorts and over 60 miles of cycling trails. The weather is warm, with highs in the 60s and 70s, but not too hot to spend entire days outside visiting the family-friendly Coligny Beach or picking up a pole and going fishing at Fish Haul Creek Park.

Where to stay: Consider The Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa, a grand hotel with multiple pools, private beach access, and the Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club right next door.

Park City, Utah

Not everyone is looking for a beach vacation, so for the powder seeker or mountain lover, Park City charms with its artsy city center and silver-mining history. Ski season typically lasts through mid-April at Park City Mountain and Deer Valley. But with spring temperatures in the 50s and 60s, it should also be warm enough — if you’ve got the right layers — for hiking, mountain biking, and strolling along Main Street. Families with kids will be happy to know there’s bowling, ice skating, zip lining, tubing, and more to keep little ones entertained.

Where to stay: Depending on where you decide to ski, you can splurge on a room at one of the resorts the Waldorf-Astoria Park City for Park City Mountain or the St. Regis Deer Valley, two Utah resorts most loved by our readers.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Early spring weather is in the chilly mid-50s at Cannon Beach, but it’s still a fun time to explore tide pools and watch seabirds. Every April, the resident puffins return to their roost on Haystack Rock after about eight months away. The beach is dog-friendly so your pet can enjoy playing on the sand or joining you for a hike. When you want a break from the chilly shore, you shop the boutiques in the charming town. Secure your restaurant reservations for the waterfront Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge or pop into the tap room at Public Coast Brewing Co.

Where to stay: There’s a great selection of hotels here, including luxurious oceanfront properties, vacation home rentals and campsites. The Stephanie Inn is a lovely property with rooms overlooking the beach, and guests can come together for afternoon wine tastings.

South Padre Island, Texas

One of the best towns in Texas, this barrier island resort town off the southern Gulf coast is popular among college students and families alike because of its warm weather, water sports, and nature. Paddleboards, kayaks, and Jet Skis are available for rent from various shops or you can try kiteboarding with Air Padre Kiteboarding. Kids can learn about some of South Padre Island’s most-loved residents at Sea Turtle, Inc., a sea turtle rehabilitation and education center, while the college-student party crowd will be found dancing and drinking to DJ sets at bars like Louie’s Backyard.

Where to stay: There are many large resorts at this sring break destination, but if you want something cozier and maybe a little off the beaten path, you can try the Lighthouse Boutique Hotel.

New Orleans

The Big Easy is known as a party destination, but families with kids should keep New Orleans on their spring break radar, too. The historic city has an aquarium, zoo, and several standout museums like The National World War II Museum that mix entertainment and education. In the French Quarter, you can get an education in cocktails at the Sazerac House and even though you might miss Fat Tuesday by a few weeks, you can still see the floats year-round at Mardi Gras World.

Where to stay: Among the best hotels in New Orleans, the luxuriously quirky Maison Metiér puts hospitality first with an outstanding breakfast spread and unique design touches.

Atlanta

With so much to do in Atlanta, you don’t need a beach to keep you busy when the pleasant spring weather rolls in. The Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the United States and features sharks, dolphins, sea lions, seabirds, and more. The World of Coca-Cola offers tastings and other experiences in the city where the soda company is headquartered. The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame will delight university students, and there’s a Lego Discovery Center for kids.

Where to stay: After exploring the city, the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta is an excellent hotel to retreat from the bustle with its heated saltwater pool and fantastic Italian steakhouse.”

Whatever location you choose, it is imperative to be on guard, protecting your safety and security, as you would in any country. When visiting pubs and nightclubs, guard your drinks with sealed lids with a straw if possible since, especially during this time, many people are drugged unknowingly while their drinks are unattended. Pickpocketing is rampant. Do not leave a public venue with a stranger; always remain in public areas. Observe fire exits and easy access to the outdoors in all public places.

In any case, have a safe and wonderful time wherever you travel.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 18, 2015:

Queen’s Bath in Kauai looks relatively innocuous but is known to be deadly. Many swimmers have died here because of the unexpected surf sweeping them away, especially in the rougher winter months. Getting down to the location we tackled is a very rough walk. This is the only photo we “borrowed.” All other photos are ours. Tom didn’t take the camera with him when he went down the final steps to the water while I waited behind. For more photos, please click here.

Getting things done…Gratifying, as departure time nears…12 days and counting…

Posted by worldwide-admin on February 17, 2025 with 0 Comment

There are almost a million feral chickens and roosters in Kauai. They are everywhere!

We are on a mission to complete as many tasks as possible before departing for South Africa in 12 days. This included completing our tax prep, which I forwarded to our accountant in Las Vegas today. Our mailing service will snail mail the tax documents to him today. No doubt, our taxes will be filed within a week, and this task will be entirely out of the way after we pay whatever tax sums we owe for this year.

I always dread doing tax prep but knew the sooner I got it done, the better, leaving my mind free of procrastinating. I am generally not a procrastinator, but “paperwork” such as this can send me on a tailspin.

Also, we found a home for the wheelchair I no longer need. The front desk staff at the Viera condo building said they could easily use it for disabled guests arriving for a visit. After checking, Goodwill had so many wheelchairs that they didn’t need more, nor would they be willing to pick one up.

We’ll have a few more loads of laundry before departing, after which we can pack. We will save that task for next week when we leave on Saturday. If we had to pack in a hurry, we could get it all done in about two hours. We’re thrilled to have so much in order already.

I placed our final grocery order for $150 this morning, which will get us through this week and next. We’ll be dining out this Thursday and Friday and thus have only six dinners to make using what we’ll have on hand, considering I have designated meals for the balance of this week. The night before we depart, we dine out in the Village if all the meat in the freezer is gone. Otherwise, we’ll make one last dinner.

Today is an easy day. Soon, I’ll start chopping and dicing for dinner, after which I’ll do my daily exercises. I am pleased to have committed to doing these daily with little need for added motivation. I can go downstairs more easily since the workouts have improved my knee flexibility. This alone is sufficient motivation. Yes, walking long distances is still challenging, but shorter distances are a breeze compared to what they were only months ago.

We have been in the US since December 2023 when we returned for medical care. Now, 15 months later, we are anxious to be on the move once more. It will be fun to rerun in June for Maisie’s graduation and to see everyone once again. However, when we leave, we won’t return until June 2026 for Miles’ graduation. From there, only time and good health will determine the future.

We hope you have a good week.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 17, 2015:

Tom was in deep thought while gazing at the sea in Kauai, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

Latest world travel warnings from the US State Department…

Posted by worldwide-admin on February 16, 2025 with 2 Comments

A blowhole in lava rock in Kauai. A blowhole or marine geyser is formed as sea caves grow landward and upward into vertical shafts and expose themselves toward the surface.

Before we commit to traveling to a country that may be questionable for safety, we check the US Department of State for any new travel warnings we may not have known. Often, countries that have the perception of safety for traveling may be in the throes of political unrest or increased kidnapping, murders, and other heinous crimes.

Pickpocketing must be considered a possibility in every country since offenders are seldom apprehended by police or suffer minimal consequences, thus increasing the risks for tourists.

From time to time, we check the State Department’s current information for countries we’ve already planned to visit in the distant future. We may not be able to cancel plans we’ve already paid for unless the war has commenced or escalated since we made the booking, such as when we booked a cruise to Ukraine and the war recently escalated. In that case, we received a refund from the cruise line when we weren’t interested in the alternate ports of call.

Please do not assume that a cruise port of call is safe simply because the cruise line included it in its itinerary. Many crimes have been perpetrated against cruise passengers when they visit various ports of call.

Many travelers also choose to visit various well-known resorts in Mexico. However, proceed with caution when deciding to travel to many of these popular resorts, based on countless reports of serious crimes committed against tourists at these resorts and nightclubs.

As of February 16, 2025, the US Department of State has issued the following travel advisories:

Visit travel.gov for detailed information on any of the following warnings:

Level 4: Do Not Travel

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Travelers are advised against visiting due to ongoing armed conflict and civil unrest.
Manzanillo, Mexico: The city has experienced high rates of violent crime, including murders and kidnappings, leading to a Level 4 advisory.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Guinea-Bissau: Political instability and crime have prompted a Level 3 advisory.

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

China: The advisory level was recently downgraded from Level 3 to Level 2 following the release of three American citizens. Travelers should remain cautious due to the potential arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
Ghana: Increased caution is advised due to crime.
Republic of the Congo: Travelers should be cautious due to crime and civil unrest.
Greenland: Exercise increased caution due to environmental hazards.

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba: These destinations are considered safe for travel with standard precautions

For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of travel advisories, visit the US Department of State’s official website.

Additionally, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) can provide timely updates and assist in emergencies abroad.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 16, 2015:

A closer view of the pods growing on the above Hala Tree. In a way, it resembles a pine cone. For more photos, please click here.

Photos from Valentine’s evening…

Posted by worldwide-admin on February 15, 2025 with 0 Comment

The view from our table at Luna Rosa in the Village in Lake Las Vegas.

It was a lovely evening. First, we headed to Speakeasy for happy hour and then made the short walk to Luna Roa for dinner. As always, the ambiance was inviting, the service was impeccable, and the food was fresh and delicious. We perused the Valentine’s Day menu for $125 per person, deciding it was way too much food for us when everything on the menu, as shown below, was included.

Luna Rosa offered a Valentine’s Day menu for $125 per person.

With my dietary limitations, especially since I am working on losing weight, and Tom’s picky taste buds, spending $250 when neither of us ever orders appetizers or desserts makes no sense. We often see diners enjoying multiple courses, but we don’t care to eat that much food.

Instead, Tom ordered the lasagne, a dish he knew he’d like, and I ordered the salmon salad, as shown in the two photos below.

On the other hand, Tom chose this delicious beef lasagne with bread and butter on the side.

Since I am still losing weight, I opted for this low-carb salmon salad.

I’d brought my homemade salad dressing since restaurant dressings are often made with oils I don’t consume. Perhaps at Luna Rose, a more fine-dining establishment, they had dressings made with olive oil, but sugar is often added for flavor. I filled a small plastic container with my dressing and used it discreetly to avoid drawing attention to myself while using it.

Tom at Luna Rosa on our Valentine’s Day dinner.

Tonight, when we dine out again at Speakeasy, where they have a good salmon salad, I’ll do the same and bring a batch of my homemade salad dressing that I made this morning. We had a hearty breakfast this morning of thick-sliced bacon, which we baked in the oven at 375F for about 18 minutes for perfect doneness, and organic pasture-raised eggs fried in my amazing skillet sprayed with ghee spray.

It was fun to celebrate Valentine’s Day dinner at Luna Rosa.

Once I upload this post, I will do my exercises and begin working on our tax prep document for our accountant. I plan to have it completed by Monday and forward it to him, along with the documents we received at the mailing service, which they will forward to him per our instructions. It will be a relief to do this before we leave two weeks from today.

That’s it for today, folks. We hope you have a lovely weekend.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 15, 2015:

We took this video of the albatross interacting with one another in their beautiful dance. For more, please click here.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all!…Fun news about a dear friend to share…15 days and counting…

Posted by worldwide-admin on February 14, 2025 with 2 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day to our readers/friends and world travelers. May your day be filled with love and adventure.

We don’t make a big fuss about Valentine’s Day other than to go out to dinner. We stopped giving one another cards and gifts like we did in our old lives. I’d usually decorate a cake in my heart-shaped baking pan, befitting the occasion. We’d either go out to dinner at a special place, or if time allowed, I’d make a special dinner.

Tom was often working on the railroad in those days, and we may have had to celebrate on a different day when we knew he’d be home. Celebrating all special occasions was predicated on his work schedule, which often changed by the day. Now, as world-traveling retirees, we can do whatever we’d like, which usually consists of dinner at an incredibly lovely restaurant.

We’re going to the fabulous Italian restaurant in the Village in Lake Las Vegas tonight, a short walk from our condo. We enjoy the candlelight ambiance, white linen tablecloths, black-and-white-dressed Italian servers, a view of the lake, and fantastic food to celebrate this day together. That’s all we need besides the joy of being together on this day and every day.

On another note, our dear friend Lisa, whom I met in the 1980s in Minnesota and with whom I have stayed in close touch over the years, is coming to Marloth Park for an entire month at the end of March. Tom and Lisa have also become good friends, and it will be delightful to share the wonders of the bush with her soon.

A few days ago, I was on the phone with Lisa when she booked her flight from Orlando, Florida, to Nelspruit/Kruger/Mpumalanga (MQP), arriving on April 2, the same day Tom has to return the rental car to the small airport. That way, Lisa could ride with Tom on his return drive and then again for her return flight when she leaves on May 1, and he returns the rental car again.

Lisa and I are like sisters, with endless stories to remember of our friendship over the years. We never run out of conversation and treasure our time together. It will be fun for all of us. Of course, sharing the wonders of the bush with a dear visitor is beyond exciting. Her visit will only enhance the time we will spend in the bush.

We’re also waiting to hear from our dear friends Rich and Karen, who live in Florida and plan to visit sometime during our second stay in Marloth Park from June to September. We should hear from them soon.

As of tomorrow, February 15, it will be two weeks until we depart Nevada to begin the long journey to South Africa. It’s been almost two years since we left in April 2023. When we left, we thought we’d be returning in 13 months and now, after dealing with medical issues, we’re returning in 23 months. I’ve missed it so much.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you. We hope you have an opportunity to share your love with those special people in your lives today and always.

Be well.♥

Photo from ten years ago today, February 14, 2015:

This Laysan Albatross parent and chick sit close to one another until the chick becomes more confident and the parents feel more at ease. In time, the chick will likely be left behind on its own in June or July. For more photos, please click here.

Scary emergency in the middle of the night!…See our video!…

Posted by worldwide-admin on February 13, 2025 with 0 Comment

The above video is from last night, around 3:15 am, when a loud announcement and evacuation warning came over the loudspeakers in the condos and hallways.

We were startled out of bed when we heard the sirens going off in the middle of the night.I heard the alarms before Tom since he doesn’t wear his hearing aids to bed. When I heard the sirens, I immediately woke him up while we each scrambled to get out the door.

Before opening the door, we felt it for warmth and then bolted down the hallway to the stairway leading to the building’s lobby. When we arrived, a few dozen residents, many with their dogs, were gathered in the lobby, as shown in the above photo.

I felt exceptionally safe since Tom is a former volunteer fireman. I couldn’t have been in better hands. Unable to find my zippered sweatshirt, I put on my shoes and head to the lobby with Tom, wearing my full-coverage pajamas. There was no time for fashion conscientiousness.

Once in the lobby, when we hadn’t seen or smelled smoke, we felt comfortable staying indoors to wait for the fire department staff to arrive. We waited only about 30 feet from the front door. At least two dozen people had the same idea, waiting indoors when it was cold outside, around 50F, 10 C.

Another few dozen residents waited outdoors wearing heavy coats and jackets. Previously, we had no idea how many people were staying in this condo complex in Lake Las Vegas. There may have been under 40 people, not very many, for this good-sized, 178-unit building, many of which are privately owned by many who only live here part-time.

After about 45 minutes passed and no fire trucks had arrived, I decided to call 911. (The building is not overseen by staff during the night.) As soon as I connected to the 911 operator and she saw where I was calling from, she explained that the fire trucks would arrive any minute.

As soon as I hung up, the fire trucks pulled into the driveway, and several firemen scoured the building for about 20 minutes, checking every floor and every condo for specific issues. Apparently, none were found, and eventually, they turned off the alarms and gave us the “all clear” to return to our units.

By the time we returned to bed, it was about 4:30 am. Being awake like that during the night made it challenging to fall back asleep. It wasn’t until after 5:30 am that I finally drifted off, awakening at 9:30 and feeling sluggish. Tom was up and about by 9:00 am and I entered the kitchen to make breakfast at 10:00 am, showered and dressed for the day, finally feeling energized to tackle another day.

We had a tasty breakfast of bacon, eggs, and toast for Tom, and bacon and eggs (topped with guacamole and Picante sauce) and Greek yogurt with ground flaxseeds for me. I’ve already completed my exercise routine, talked to our friend Lisa on the phone, and am just about to complete today’s post.

We are grateful to have caught up on sleep, ultimately been safe after the false alarm, and grateful for another day in the life…

Be well.

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

As we approached this unusual plant, we were reminded of sweet corn, which appears to be covered in a velvety cloth. It is called Zamia Furfuracea. For more photos, please click here.

Today is my six-year “heartaversary”…What is life expectancy after open heart surgery?…

Posted by worldwide-admin on February 12, 2025 with 0 Comment

It was six years ago today that I had emergency open-heart coronary bypass surgery in Nelspruit, South Africa. Although it was a long and painful recovery, no words can describe how grateful I am to have come out on the other side now feeling well and thriving.

One might say, why celebrate such a dreadful experience? But, the celebration isn’t over the procedure itself but more about having survived and, in my case, the ability to continue to travel the world now, six years later. Sure, there have been some setbacks, most recently requiring the visit to the Cleveland Clinic with excellent results after three previous misdiagnoses in three countries by three cardiologists. There, I had many tests and the elimination of a dangerous drug.

After this extensive surgery, one can’t help but wonder about potential life expectancy. Here’s some information in that regard:

The life expectancy after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery varies depending on several factors, including the patient’s age, overall health, lifestyle, and the presence of other conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. However, here are some general trends:

Average Survival: Many patients live 10 to 20 years after bypass surgery, especially if they adopt heart-healthy habits.
10-Year Survival Rate: Around 70-80% of patients live 10 years post-surgery.
15-Year Survival Rate: About 50-60% of patients live beyond 15 years.
20-Year Survival Rate: Some studies show that about 25-30% of patients reach the 20-year mark.

Factors That Influence Lifespan After CABG:

Lifestyle Changes: Patients who eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise, quit smoking, and control their blood pressure and cholesterol tend to live longer. (My lifestyle is ideal in this regard).
Underlying Health Conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, and severe heart failure can shorten life expectancy. (I have none of these).
Age at Surgery: Younger patients have longer survival rates than older patients undergoing the procedure. (I was 70 at the time of this surgery).
Success of the Surgery: If the grafts remain open and blood flow is maintained, the heart can function well for decades. (One of my grafts has failed, but my heart is functioning well without that graft based on a recent angiogram at Cleveland Clinic).

CABG is not a cure for heart disease, but it significantly improves the quality of life and survival by reducing the risk of heart attacks and other complications. Regular follow-ups with a cardiologist are crucial for long-term success.

After the complete workup at the Cleveland Clinic, I feel comfortable waiting a few years for another review while we’re visiting family in Minnesota. At that time, I’ll go to the more conveniently located Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, 90 minutes from where we’ll be staying.

In the interim and the future, I will continue with my healthy lifestyle: a healthy low carb unprocessed-foods diet, daily exercise, quality sleep, low stress, frequent socialization, and positive relationships. Of course, being with Tom Lyman is always a boost for good health with his upbeat demeanor, loving support, and playful nature.

For me, I’ve found that the fewer prescription drugs I take, the better I feel. For my age and history, I only take a few medications and supplements that support heart health.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 12, 2015:

The Kauai Path was a lot longer than it appeared when we first started walking. For more photos, please click here.

Fantastic evening with family…Gosh, I’ve missed this!…

Posted by worldwide-admin on February 11, 2025 with 0 Comment

My two sons and I were together for the first time in years, with Richard (left) living in Las Vegas and Greg in Minneapolis. (I should have opened my eyes!)

It was a lovely evening with my two sons and their girlfriends. The last time I was together with both of my sons, as mentioned, was in 2009 at Greg’s 40th birthday party.

Of course, I wanted the dinner to be perfect and the dessert they requested, bread pudding, to be equally delicious. I was pleased to know they all liked the food. It was the first dinner party we’d had in almost two years, and as an experienced cook and foodie, it was easy to do, although time-consuming.

I’m glad I prepped the food as much as possible the prior day, making yesterday relatively easy. I don’t stress when preparing meals for guests. Instead I focus on getting everything done on time, seasoned well, and cooked to perfection. Even Tom, a picky eater, loved the bread pudding.

Fortunately, I made an extra pan of bread pudding for dessert, which he’ll savor over the next few evenings. As for the pot pie, enough servings are left for the next few nights, when I’ll have barramundi, scallops, and salad, making the next few days easy. The fish and scallops will be cooked together and seasoned well in my excellent skillet. The heavy pan I’m insisting on will accompany us to Africa in my luggage.

At the moment, I’m doing laundry to hang on the indoor rack. Tom cleaned the kitchen after breakfast, which he especially enjoyed with two pieces of toast, bacon, and eggs. It’s a rarity that we ever have bread on hand, but when we do, such as this occasion, leftover from making the bread pudding, he’s on Cloud 9.

Speaking of Tom, he was so helpful with all the dishes last night. After everyone left, I wiped down the island’s granite countertop. This morning, we did a little more cleanup, and we’re back to our usual tidy and organized household.

As for the evening, the conversation was lively and animated, telling stories from my son’s childhood and many current stories and experiences. Tom and the two lovely girlfriends were easily included in the conversation. It couldn’t have been more fun and filled with laughter.

With Greg and Heather’s early morning flight, they all left by 9:00 pm. We’ll see them in less than four months, and we’ll see Richard and his girlfriend for dinner on my birthday, February 20.

A few minutes ago, I booked a Valentine’s Day dinner reservation at Luna Rosa, a gourmet Italian restaurant in the Village in Lake Las Vegas.

Our 30th wedding anniversary is on Friday, March 7, which we will celebrate at Jabula in Marloth Park. How fun that will be. We have many celebrations ahead of us, but most of all, we celebrate good health, which enables us to continue our travels. We are so grateful.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 11, 2015:

Tag: vacation homes

“Southwest Is Giving Away Its Coveted Companion Pass—But You Have to Act Fast

Frontier Just Launched New Routes to Miami, Las Vegas, Austin, and More—With Deals From $19

By Michael Cappetta, Published on February 19, 2025

Australia Flights Are on Sale for Less Than $800 Roundtrip With American Airlines—How to Book

“10 Best Spring Break Destinations in the U.S.

Destin, Florida

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Palm Springs, California

Valley of the Sun, Arizona

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Park City, Utah

Cannon Beach, Oregon

South Padre Island, Texas

New Orleans

Atlanta

Factors That Influence Lifespan After CABG: