A shocking delivery!…

This was everything in today’s Albertson’s grocery delivery order when we spent $192.10. Shocking!

When I placed the grocery order online from Albertsons in Henderson, I tried to keep the total around $200, knowing we’d be dining out tonight, tomorrow night, and Sunday at Richard’s. We had plenty of protein sources in the freezer to get us through the remaining four dinners until we shop again for next Friday’s grocery delivery.

Two packages of Italian sausage were the only meat in this order. I’ll use them to make a giant egg, mushroom, and sausage casserole, divided into individual portions that we’ll freeze and enjoy for breakfast over the next few weeks. Placing two servings in zip-lock bags will make it easy to defrost them in the refrigerator overnight as needed.

As a result, I ordered six dozen eggs, three of which I’ll use to make the big pan of this delicious breakfast dish. However, I was shocked by the price of the eggs: over $60 out of the $192 total. Due to egg shortages, Alberson’s only allows customers to purchase two dozen of each type/brand of eggs.

Subsequently, I purchased some more exprensive eggs to ensure I had enough. I prefer pasture-raised eggs over “free range” since many free-range eggs are raised as follows:

“The main difference between pasture-raised and free-range eggs is the minimum outdoor space provided to the hens. For pasture-raised eggs, each hen gets a minimum of 108 square feet of pasture for themselves.”

As a result, pasture-raised eggs are healthier. For us, that’s a good reason to pay a little more. But, I must say I was shocked when I totaled the cost of the six dozen eggs. Sure, we won’t have to buy eggs for a few weeks since we will have enough left for various other dishes.

I am always shocked by the price of Fage Greek Yogurt. Two 32-oz containers were $16.42 after a $.56 discount. Eight rolls of toilet paper were $7.69, when only a few years ago, we got 12 rolls for that price. Prices were reasonable for a few items, such as a package of Wholly Guacamole singles for $3.87 and a 24-oz bag of broccoli florets for $5.80.

Our grocery bill included a $2.23 sales tax and a $12 delivery tip. However, we purchased a month-by-month delivery program for $12.95 to avoid individual delivery fees each week, which was worth the cost. Thus, we’re not paying $60 daily for a rental car or incurring fees for Uber to take us shopping.

Plus, it’s much easier to have groceries delivered to our door than spending time in the market, bagging our groceries, hauling them out to the car, bringing them indoors, and then putting them away. All we have to do now is put them away. The prices are the same as those in the market, and with most grocery apps, we get points and discounts that we wouldn’t get shopping in the store.

A huge benefit is the lack of impulse buying, which can increase one’s shopping by 25% or more. This is especially important for us so we don’t have to deal with unused impulse purchases.

It will be interesting to see the menu prices when we head out for dinner the next two nights here in the Village. Tonight, we’ll go to Sonrisa Mexican Grill, and tomorrow night, we’ll visit The Speakeasy for the first time.

We’ll return with food photos and our experience dining out in the Village tomorrow.

Be well.

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

Lots of action on our last day on the Big Island. For more photos, please click here.

A great place to cook!…Preferred features in vacation/holiday homes…

This kitchen is much larger than it looks in this photo. We enjoy preparing meals here.

Nothing is more important to me while living in a holiday home than a good kitchen, fully stocked with ample space for prepping ingredients, cooking meals, and cleaning up. Most often, about 30% of the properties we rent don’t have what we’d consider a “good working kitchen,” while the others range from adequate to exceptional.

The kitchen at the condo here in Lake Las Vegas is, without a doubt, exceptional. Its two working areas, including the space near the stove and refrigerator, provide a good working area, and the center island where the sink and dishwasher are located, with the comfortable space between them, couldn’t be more perfect.

I spend most of my prep time using the heavy wooden cutting board on the island, close to the sink, and less time at the stove, actually cooking. Most meals we make are cooked in the oven or on the top of the stove using the amazing skillet I purchased from Amazon last year. That skillet will be joining my luggage, even at the cost of dumping clothing to remain in the allowed baggage weight.

I told Tom I’d give up clothes for that pan and my big sharp knife (and its sharpener), which means more to me than anything I might wear.

Over the years of world travel, we’ve learned what means the most to us is when we rent a holiday home. Here is the list of features that we and most travelers seek. When travelers look for vacation homes, their needs and preferences often vary depending on the purpose of their trip, the group they’re traveling with, and their style. However, there are several standard features that most travelers value:

1. Location, Location, Location

  • Proximity to Attractions: Near beaches, city centers, mountains, or other major attractions.
  • Safe and Walkable Areas: Walking safely to local cafes, shops, or markets is essential.
  • Scenic Views: Homes with stunning views of nature or cityscapes are always a draw.

2. Comfortable Living Spaces

  • Spacious Layouts: Space for everyone to spread out is key for families or groups.
  • Cleanliness and Hygiene: A spotless home is non-negotiable.
  • Quality Furnishings: Comfortable beds, cozy sofas, and appealing decor enhance the stay.

3. Well-Equipped Kitchens

  • Travelers often prefer to cook meals to save money or accommodate dietary preferences. A kitchen stocked with essentials is a big plus.

4. Reliable Wi-Fi and Connectivity

  • High-speed internet is crucial for remote workers, digital nomads, or families with tech-savvy kids.

5. Entertainment Options

  • Streaming services, smart TVs, board games, books, or even gaming consoles for indoor fun.

6. Outdoor Spaces

  • Balcony, Patio, or Garden: Ideal for morning coffee, evening relaxation, or outdoor dining.
  • Pool or Hot Tub: A luxurious touch many travelers seek.

7. Laundry Facilities

  • Long-term travelers or families especially appreciate a washer and dryer.

8. Family-Friendly Features

  • Amenities like cribs, high chairs, toys, or safety gates are highly valued for families with kids.

9. Pet-Friendly Options

  • Increasingly, travelers are bringing their pets along, so homes that allow pets and have fenced yards are in demand.

10. Transportation Convenience

  • Access to parking or proximity to public transportation.

11. Sustainability Features

  • Eco-conscious travelers may look for homes with solar panels, recycling facilities, or energy-efficient appliances.

12. Local Recommendations

  • Hosts providing a guidebook with tips on local attractions, dining, and activities add a personal touch.

13. Safety and Security

  • Features like secure locks, alarms, or a safe for valuables give peace of mind.

14. Unique Experiences

  • Unique architecture, historic charm, or a quirky theme can make the stay memorable.

Travelers want a home-away-from-home that enhances their experience, offering comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury or local charm. The order of preference may change for us depending on the uniqueness of any given property, allowing us to forego some requirements.

Be well

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

A picnic area in Lava Tree Park on the Big Island wasn’t busy. For more photos, please click here.

Happy New Year!…A new day…A new dawn…Final posting of our new itinerary…

It’s a New Year for worldwide travel and adventure.

It is a new year for all of us, but it is significant for Tom and me because we will soon commence our worldwide travels after a long health hiatus. Nothing could please us more as we enter the New Year with renewed health and hope for the future.

We wish you health, well-being, and opportunities for new experiences, big or small, and a better year on the horizon for all of us.

We are saddened by the horrific events in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve, killing 15 and injuring dozens of others. We offer love and prayers for the victims, their loved ones, the police, and healing for the magical city of New Orleans, which will feel the ravages of this heart-wrenching event for years to come.

Again, here is our new itinerary, first posted on Christmas Day. Today is the last day we will post it, but we will post it again as we add more bookings.

 Location or Ship  Days Dates
 Road Trip to Nevada 4 12/14/24 – 12/18/2024
 Lake Las Vegas, Nevada Condo 73  12/18/24 – 3/1/25
 Flight – Las Vegas to Nelspruit/Marloth Park, South Africa 2  3/1/25 – 3/3/25
 Marloth Park Holiday Home 90  3/3/25 – 5/31/25
 Flight – Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 5/31/2025 – 6/3/2025
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 14  6/3/2025 – 6/17/2025
 Flight – Minneapolis to Nelspruit/Marloth Park 2  6/17/2025 – 6/19/2025
 Marloth Park, South Africa Holiday Home 90  6/19/2025 – 9-17-2025
 Flight to Barcelona to Spain Holiday home 40  9-17-2025 – 10-27-2025
 Cruise – Barcelona, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa  18  10/27/2025 – 11-14-25 
 Cruise –  Cape Town, South Africa to Singapore  17  11-14-2025 – 12-1-2025 
 Cruise – Singapore to Brisbane, Australia  12  12-1-2025 – 12-13-2025 
 Flight – Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand 0  12-13–2025 – 12-13-2025
 New Zealand Holiday Home 60  12-13-2025 – 2-12-2026
 Flight –  New Zealand to Tasmania 0  2-12-2026 – 2-12-2026
 Tasmania Holiday Home 60  2-12-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Flight –  Tasmania to Brisbane, Australia 0  4-13-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Cruise – Brisbane, Australia, to Seattle, Washington  24  4-14-2026 – 5-8-2026 
 Flight – Seattle, Washington to Minneapolis, Minnesota 0  5-8-2026 – 5-8-2026
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 38  5-8-2026 – 6-15-2026
 To be determined…
Total Days 546

Today will be a quiet day for us. It’s cool today with a high of 53° and a low of 35°. With our limited warm clothing, we’ll undoubtedly stay indoors today.

Have a safe and Happy New Year.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 1, 2015:

On this date, there was a high surf warning. For more photos, please click here.

.

Happy New Year, Everyone!…New itinerary reposted…

Two dear friends we met in South Africa 11 years ago sent this graphic to me early this morning. Thanks, Kathy and Linda! I couldn’t resist posting this appropriate photo with Africa only two months away. Whoever designed this should have written: “Happy New Year.” In any case, Happy New Year to our family, friends, and readers!

Although not a long post today, we wanted to wish each and every one of our family members, friends, and readers/friends a very happy New Year’s Eve. Whatever you’ve decided to do, please do so safely, staying alert in crowds, public places, and on the roads, many of which will be snowy, icy, and slippery.

Also, please exercise caution when setting off fireworks and other celebratory observations. If you drink alcohol, please do so sensibly to avoid trips, falls, health issues, and potential altercations. Nothing is worse than awakening with a hangover on New Year’s Day.

Forty-eight hours from now, the holiday season will have ended, and we all can return to “regular life,” finding purpose and meaning in any resolutions we may have made for the new year or any promises we’ve made to ourselves for personal growth, good health, and improved relationships.

A new year is almost like a new lease on life, motivating many of us to make changes we’ve considered over the past year. Although many of us are “always a work in progress” and don’t make resolutions, we may have a list of what we’d like to accomplish in the new year. I certainly know how I can improve in many ways, some monumental and others infinitesimal.

For example, on the infinitesimal side, this morning, I told Tom I’d work harder on cooking his eggs better. He likes a runny yolk, and I often overcook them. I prefer a firm yolk, and when I cook our eggs in the same pan, it’s tricky for me to get them right. It’s not that I don’t know the “how” of it…it’s my easy distraction when I am constantly multitasking and not paying enough attention to what’s happening in the pan.

That’s all I am sharing about my resolutions for now. Feel free to share any of your with us by commenting at the end of this post.

Again, here is our new itinerary, first posted on Christmas Day. We will continue to post it until New Year’s Day and then repost it as we make additions:

 Location or Ship  Days Dates
 Road Trip to Nevada 4 12/14/24 – 12/18/2024
 Lake Las Vegas, Nevada Condo 73  12/18/24 – 3/1/25
 Flight – Las Vegas to Nelspruit/Marloth Park, South Africa 2  3/1/25 – 3/3/25
 Marloth Park Holiday Home 90  3/3/25 – 5/31/25
 Flight – Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 5/31/2025 – 6/3/2025
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 14  6/3/2025 – 6/17/2025
 Flight – Minneapolis to Nelspruit/Marloth Park 2  6/17/2025 – 6/19/2025
 Marloth Park, South Africa Holiday Home 90  6/19/2025 – 9-17-2025
 Flight to Barcelona to Spain Holiday home 40  9-17-2025 – 10-27-2025
 Cruise – Barcelona, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa  18  10/27/2025 – 11-14-25 
 Cruise –  Cape Town, South Africa to Singapore  17  11-14-2025 – 12-1-2025 
 Cruise – Singapore to Brisbane, Australia  12  12-1-2025 – 12-13-2025 
 Flight – Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand 0  12-13–2025 – 12-13-2025
 New Zealand Holiday Home 60  12-13-2025 – 2-12-2026
 Flight –  New Zealand to Tasmania 0  2-12-2026 – 2-12-2026
 Tasmania Holiday Home 60  2-12-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Flight –  Tasmania to Brisbane, Australia 0  4-13-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Cruise – Brisbane, Australia, to Seattle, Washington  24  4-14-2026 – 5-8-2026 
 Flight – Seattle, Washington to Minneapolis, Minnesota 0  5-8-2026 – 5-8-2026
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 38  5-8-2026 – 6-15-2026
 To be determined…
Total Days 546

Have a wonderful New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 31, 2024:

Numerous beaches line the shores of the Big Island, attracting sunbathers and picnickers. For more photos, please click here.

End-of-year travel news…Reflections and adaptations…New itinerary reposted…

The countdown begins…

As the year winds to a close, I find myself sitting with a warm cup of tea, reflecting on the ever-evolving world of travel. For nomads like us, this time of year holds a unique rhythm. While others may be decorating homes and planning holiday gatherings, we are contemplating new destinations, deciphering visa rules, and embracing the reality of spending the festive season far from family yet close to the heart of adventure.

This year, the travel landscape has brought its fair share of surprises. Some airports bustled with energy as travelers embraced post-pandemic wanderlust, while others bore the weight of delays, labor shortages, and an unpredictable winter season. It’s a mixed bag for those of us who have chosen the path less traveled. Yet, isn’t that part of the charm?

December is a peculiar month for long-term travelers. Flights often have inflated prices, accommodations fill up quickly, and the typical chaos of the holidays seeps into even the most remote corners of the globe. Still, amidst this bustle, there’s a sense of solidarity. Fellow travelers exchange knowing smiles at crowded airports, and the kindness of strangers becomes a constant reminder that the world is smaller—and more connected—than we sometimes realize.

For us, this end-of-year travel season has been a lesson in flexibility. Plans that once seemed set in stone have shifted, reminding us that adaptability is not just a skill but a necessity. It’s not always easy. Sometimes, it means trading the comfort of a familiar routine for the thrill—and challenge—of the unknown. Other times, it’s accepting that a missed connection or an unexpected change of plans is simply part of the journey.

One of the highlights of this year has been witnessing the resurgence of local cultures welcoming visitors with open arms. As countries continue to reopen and recalibrate their tourism industries, there’s an undeniable energy—a celebration of resilience and recovery. It’s heartwarming to see small businesses thriving again, meet locals eager to share their stories and experience the authentic essence of places often hidden beneath guidebooks and itineraries.

Looking ahead to the new year, we’re excited to explore lesser-known destinations and continue seeking out those moments of human connection that make this lifestyle so fulfilling. It’s easy to get caught up in the logistics—the bookings, the packing, the endless checks of weather apps—but at its core, travel is about so much more. It’s about growth, perspective, and the incredible privilege of seeing the world through a lens of curiosity and wonder.

As the final days of December unfold, we remain grateful for the places we’ve seen, the people we’ve met, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. The end of the year may bring closure, but for travelers, it’s also a reminder that every ending holds the promise of a new beginning.

Wherever you find yourself this season, whether gathered around a roaring fire, watching the snow fall outside your window, or soaking in the sun on a distant shore, may the spirit of adventure be with you. Here’s to embracing the road ahead with open hearts and endless curiosity.

Again, here is our new itinerary, first posted on Christmas Day. We will continue to post it until New Year’s Day and then repost it as we make additions:

 Location or Ship  Days Dates
 Road Trip to Nevada 4 12/14/24 – 12/18/2024
 Lake Las Vegas, Nevada Condo 73  12/18/24 – 3/1/25
 Flight – Las Vegas to Nelspruit/Marloth Park, South Africa 2  3/1/25 – 3/3/25
 Marloth Park Holiday Home 90  3/3/25 – 5/31/25
 Flight – Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 5/31/2025 – 6/3/2025
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 14  6/3/2025 – 6/17/2025
 Flight – Minneapolis to Nelspruit/Marloth Park 2  6/17/2025 – 6/19/2025
 Marloth Park, South Africa Holiday Home 90  6/19/2025 – 9-17-2025
 Flight to Barcelona to Spain Holiday home 40  9-17-2025 – 10-27-2025
 Cruise – Barcelona, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa  18  10/27/2025 – 11-14-25 
 Cruise –  Cape Town, South Africa to Singapore  17  11-14-2025 – 12-1-2025 
 Cruise – Singapore to Brisbane, Australia  12  12-1-2025 – 12-13-2025 
 Flight – Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand 0  12-13–2025 – 12-13-2025
 New Zealand Holiday Home 60  12-13-2025 – 2-12-2026
 Flight –  New Zealand to Tasmania 0  2-12-2026 – 2-12-2026
 Tasmania Holiday Home 60  2-12-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Flight –  Tasmania to Brisbane, Australia 0  4-13-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Cruise – Brisbane, Australia, to Seattle, Washington  24  4-14-2026 – 5-8-2026 
 Flight – Seattle, Washington to Minneapolis, Minnesota 0  5-8-2026 – 5-8-2026
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 38  5-8-2026 – 6-15-2026
 To be determined…
Total Days 546

Happy travels, dear friends.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 30, 2014:

Had I been there seconds earlier, I could have taken the rays from the sun reflecting on the ocean. This was the view by the time the camera loaded. For more photos, please click here.

Travel news tidbits…Repost…day 5, our new itinerary…

The backside of our condo complex.
It’s a quiet day here in Lake Las Vegas. Subsequently, we’re posting a few morsels about recent travel news. Please let us know if you’d like more information on these and any other topics, and we will research and provide more data.
Here are some recent travel and tourism news stories:
  • ThailandThailand is expected to welcome over 35 million visitors in 2024. 
  • Digital passportsDigital passports are expected to replace traditional travel documents. 
  • Music tourismMusic tourism is driving economic growth and travel in the US. 
  • Hawaiian and Alaska AirlinesThere has been an increase in travel on Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines. 
  • “Cowboy core” tourism“Cowboy core” tourism is expected to gain popularity in 2025. 
  • Wellness travelWellness travel is embracing community-centric experiences. 
  • AirbnbAirbnb is using anti-party technology to crack down on guests. 
  • New Year’s Eve travelersLas Vegas, NYC, and other popular US cities are preparing for New Year’s Eve travelers. 
  • NYC’s Hotel WeekNYC’s Hotel Week is back with 25% off stays at iconic properties. 
  • Gas pricesGas prices across the US are the lowest they’ve been in 3 years. 
  • Mexico TaxThe Mexico Tax for cruise line passengers has been delayed. 
  • DisneylandDisneyland is preparing to celebrate its 70th Anniversary with hotel deals, new attractions, and more. 
  • JetBlueJetBlue is cutting routes from NYC, Miami, and more. 
  • Air CanadaAir Canada is adding 3 new US flights next summer.

    While on the walk to Season’s Market in the Village.

Again, here is our new itinerary, first posted on Christmas Day. We will continue to post it until New Year’s Day and then repost it when we make additions:

 Location or Ship  Days Dates
 Road Trip to Nevada 4 12/14/24 – 12/18/2024
 Lake Las Vegas, Nevada Condo 73  12/18/24 – 3/1/25
 Flight – Las Vegas to Nelspruit/Marloth Park, South Africa 2  3/1/25 – 3/3/25
 Marloth Park Holiday Home 90  3/3/25 – 5/31/25
 Flight – Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 5/31/2025 – 6/3/2025
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 14  6/3/2025 – 6/17/2025
 Flight – Minneapolis to Nelspruit/Marloth Park 2  6/17/2025 – 6/19/2025
 Marloth Park, South Africa Holiday Home 90  6/19/2025 – 9-17-2025
 Flight to Barcelona to Spain Holiday home 40  9-17-2025 – 10-27-2025
 Cruise – Barcelona, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa  18  10/27/2025 – 11-14-25 
 Cruise –  Cape Town, South Africa to Singapore  17  11-14-2025 – 12-1-2025 
 Cruise – Singapore to Brisbane, Australia  12  12-1-2025 – 12-13-2025 
 Flight – Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand 0  12-13–2025 – 12-13-2025
 New Zealand Holiday Home 60  12-13-2025 – 2-12-2026
 Flight –  New Zealand to Tasmania 0  2-12-2026 – 2-12-2026
 Tasmania Holiday Home 60  2-12-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Flight –  Tasmania to Brisbane, Australia 0  4-13-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Cruise – Brisbane, Australia, to Seattle, Washington  24  4-14-2026 – 5-8-2026 
 Flight – Seattle, Washington to Minneapolis, Minnesota 0  5-8-2026 – 5-8-2026
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 38  5-8-2026 – 6-15-2026
 To be determined…
Total Days 546

It’s funny how today doesn’t feel like Sunday. In a few hours, we’ll be watching the Minnesota Vikings football game using Tom’s DAZN app, enabling us to watch all US football games and other sports regardless of where we are. However, it requires the use of a VPN. If you’d like more information on how to use this app, please let us know, and we’ll share a post on how to use this app.

One of a few streets (no cars allowed) in the Village.

Later, after watching the games, we’ll watch CBS’s Sunday Morning, which, without any local channels on this Dish network, we will stream from Paramount+, one of several streaming services we use regularly.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 29, 2014:

The road on the Big Island was long and desolate. For more photos, please click here.

A goofy error….A daytime walk in the Village with photos…Repost, day 4, our new itinerary…

The view over a portion of Lake Las Vegas with a flock of birds overhead.

Thanks to our reader, Vikki, for commenting on a typo in our itinerary. I listed a date as 13/13/2025 when, in fact, I meant 12/13/2025. It’s easy to make mistakes when typing such comprehensive information and preparing a post daily.

I use an app called Grammarly to correct typos and grammatical errors. However, it often misses something, even the spelling of some common words. It’s frustrating that it isn’t perfect, but I suppose, with AI advancements, it will soon become more proficient.

Yesterday, I wrote that I’d try to encourage Tom to head to the local Season’s Market with me when I forgot to add celery to the grocery order from Albertson’s. Much to my surprise, he didn’t hesitate to join me, and off we went. This was to be the walk to test whether all my exercising had paid off, walking to the market up and down hilly paved roads in the Village.

Partial view of Lake Las Vegas.

Need I say, I was disappointed when I struggled, not out of breath but with awful pain in my legs after a short distance. I didn’t complain to Tom. What good would that do? Instead, I toughed it out and made it up and back, stopping a few times to take photos and once to sit at a little table to look out over the lake.

After two months of working out vigorously, the situation with my legs hasn’t improved. This is my fate, and I have accepted the reality. I will continue to work out daily for muscle strength, endurance, and cardiovascular benefits. Other than the limitations with walking distances, I feel good and am grateful for that! I have no bouts of Afib or irregular heartbeats, no shortness of breath, and my blood pressure is controlled. What more could I ask for?

Again, here is our new itinerary, first posted on Christmas Day. We will continue to post it until New Year’s Day and then repost it when we make additions:

 Location or Ship  Days Dates
 Road Trip to Nevada 4 12/14/24 – 12/18/2024
 Lake Las Vegas, Nevada Condo 73  12/18/24 – 3/1/25
 Flight – Las Vegas to Nelspruit/Marloth Park, South Africa 2  3/1/25 – 3/3/25
 Marloth Park Holiday Home 90  3/3/25 – 5/31/25
 Flight – Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 5/31/2025 – 6/3/2025
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 14  6/3/2025 – 6/17/2025
 Flight – Minneapolis to Nelspruit/Marloth Park 2  6/17/2025 – 6/19/2025
 Marloth Park, South Africa Holiday Home 90  6/19/2025 – 9-17-2025
 Flight to Barcelona to Spain Holiday home 40  9-17-2025 – 10-27-2025
 Cruise – Barcelona, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa  18  10/27/2025 – 11-14-25 
 Cruise –  Cape Town, South Africa to Singapore  17  11-14-2025 – 12-1-2025 
 Cruise – Singapore to Brisbane, Australia  12  12-1-2025 – 12-13-2025 
 Flight – Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand 0  12-13–2025 – 12-13-2025
 New Zealand Holiday Home 60  12-13-2025 – 2-12-2026
 Flight –  New Zealand to Tasmania 0  2-12-2026 – 2-12-2026
 Tasmania Holiday Home 60  2-12-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Flight –  Tasmania to Brisbane, Australia 0  4-13-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Cruise – Brisbane, Australia, to Seattle, Washington  24  4-14-2026 – 5-8-2026 
 Flight – Seattle, Washington to Minneapolis, Minnesota 0  5-8-2026 – 5-8-2026
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 38  5-8-2026 – 6-15-2026
 To be determined…
Total Days 546

Today is a quiet day. After I work out, all I have to do for the rest of the day is prepare tonight’s T-Bone steak dinner with rice for Tom, veggies, and salad. It will be quick and easy.

The Lake Las Vegas Marina.

We hope you are all enjoying the holiday week as we wind down to New Year’s Eve in three days. What plans do you have to celebrate, if any?

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 28, 2014:

It was exciting to spot whales from the lanai in Pahoa, Big Island, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

Posts to expect over the next two months….News about us from Garage Logic…Repost, day 3, of our new itinerary…

Luna Rosa is our favorite restaurant in the Village of Lake Las Vegas, Nevada. It would be fun to dine outdoors here, but it is too cold at night during winter.

Over the next 64 days, while we live in Lake Las Vegas until we head to the airport to make the almost two-day journey to Marloth Park, South Africa, we won’t have many new photos and exciting stories to tell. Without a rental car, which we don’t need here, we’ll have few opportunities to see much other than our immediate surroundings.

Thus, this fact leaves little fodder for our new posts. Subsequently, we’ve decided to post five times a week instead of seven. Of course, we’ll post on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, but we may skip one or two of the next few days. Once we arrive in South Africa, we will post daily as we had in the past, with a daily influx of exciting photo ops.

No, we won’t have many photos to post while we’re here. However, we’re excited to post photos from New Year’s Eve, with the party beginning after dark with decorations, music, fireworks, and a boat parade.

Occasionally, we’ll take an Uber for dinner in Henderson and possibly even the Las Vegas Strip. Last year, Richard took us to the Sphere on my birthday in February, a fantastic one-time experience for which we shared many photos. Since we don’t gamble, going to the Strip is unimportant. After all, we’ve been coming here for over 30 years and have seen and done so much.

On Christmas Day, we posted our upcoming itinerary and will continue to do so for seven posts in the event some of you may have missed it over the busy holiday season. Here it is, once again:

 Location or Ship  Days Dates
 Road Trip to Nevada 4 12/14/24 – 12/18/2024
 Lake Las Vegas, Nevada Condo 73  12/18/24 – 3/1/25
 Flight – Las Vegas to Nelspruit/Marloth Park, South Africa 2  3/1/25 – 3/3/25
 Marloth Park Holiday Home 90  3/3/25 – 5/31/25
 Flight – Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 5/31/2025 – 6/3/2025
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 14  6/3/2025 – 6/17/2025
 Flight – Minneapolis to Nelspruit/Marloth Park 2  6/17/2025 – 6/19/2025
 Marloth Park, South Africa Holiday Home 90  6/19/2025 – 9-17-2025
 Flight to Barcelona to Spain Holiday home 40  9-17-2025 – 10-27-2025
 Cruise – Barcelona, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa  18  10/27/2025 – 11-14-25 
 Cruise –  Cape Town, South Africa to Singapore  17  11-14-2025 – 12-1-2025 
 Cruise – Singapore to Brisbane, Australia  12  12-1-2025 – 12-13-2025 
 Flight – Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand 0  12-13–2025 – 12-13-2025
 New Zealand Holiday Home 60  12-13-2025 – 2-12-2026
 Flight –  New Zealand to Tasmania 0  2-12-2026 – 2-12-2026
 Tasmania Holiday Home 60  2-12-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Flight –  Tasmania to Brisbane, Australia 0  4-13-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Cruise – Brisbane, Australia, to Seattle, Washington  24  4-14-2026 – 5-8-2026 
 Flight – Seattle, Washington to Minneapolis, Minnesota 0  5-8-2026 – 5-8-2026
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 38  5-8-2026 – 6-15-2026
 To be determined…
Total Days 546

Also, while listening to yesterday’s Garage Logic podcast from Minnesota this morning, Joe Soucheray spoke about us. If you’d like to hear it, please click here and scroll forward 1 hour, 20 minutes, and 48 seconds to where they began. It’s always such fun when they share information about our lives and world travels. Thank you, Joe Soucheray and the guys!

Our Albertson’s grocery order will arrive at our door in a few minutes. Once we put everything away, take the trash down to the trash room, do some prep for tonight’s dinner, and tackle my exercises, we’ll be free for the remainder of the day. I’ll see if I can convince Tom to go for a walk, but there’s no guarantee. In any case, it will be another good day.

Be well.

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

This was my favorite shot of the evening when the family visited the overlook for the flowing lava on the Big Island with the backdrop of the glow from Mount Kilauea. For more photos, please click here.

Happy Boxing Day, Happy Chanukah to those who celebrate…Again, our itinerary, in case you missed it…

The Village is festive at night.
Christmas decorations at Luna Rosa.

We hope all of you had a delightful Christmas day. Our day was all we could ask for while away from family and friends. We savored our delicious leftovers as an early dinner, and later, Tom ate cake while I had some homemade keto fudge. During the day, we watched the colorized version of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Tom and his complimentary birthday tiramisu.

We’ve likely seen it 20 times or more, but we notice something we missed each time we watch it. This movie truly epitomizes the perfect Christmas movie. After several phone conversations with family and friends, the remainder of the day passed quickly, and before we knew it, we were off to bed for a good night’s sleep.

Tom’s large portion of tiramisu. He shared it with me for a rare sweet treat.

We washed the bedding and laundry this morning, hauling it all to the laundry room way down the hall while wet. There’s a washer in our condo but no dryer. I love the online laundry app that doesn’t require cash. With only a few clicks on the app, the $2.00 fee for each dryer is taken from our preloaded funds. Easy peasy.

Here’s our new itinerary:

 Location or Ship  Days Dates
 Road Trip to Nevada 4 12/14/24 – 12/18/2024
 Lake Las Vegas, Nevada Condo 73  12/18/24 – 3/1/25
 Flight – Las Vegas to Nelspruit/Marloth Park, South Africa 2  3/1/25 – 3/3/25
 Marloth Park Holiday Home 90  3/3/25 – 5/31/25
 Flight – Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 5/31/2025 – 6/3/2025
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 14  6/3/2025 – 6/17/2025
 Flight – Minneapolis to Nelspruit/Marloth Park 2  6/17/2025 – 6/19/2025
 Marloth Park, South Africa Holiday Home 90  6/19/2025 – 9-17-2025
 Flight to Barcelona to Spain Holiday home 40  9-17-2025 – 10-27-2025
 Cruise – Barcelona, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa  18  10/27/2025 – 11-14-25 
 Cruise –  Cape Town, South Africa to Singapore  17  11-14-2025 – 12-1-2025 
 Cruise – Singapore to Brisbane, Australia  12  12-1-2025 – 12-13-2025 
 Flight – Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand 0  12-13–2025 – 12-13-2025
 New Zealand Holiday Home 60  12-13-2025 – 2-12-2026
 Flight –  New Zealand to Tasmania 0  2-12-2026 – 2-12-2026
 Tasmania Holiday Home 60  2-12-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Flight –  Tasmania to Brisbane, Australia 0  4-13-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Cruise – Brisbane, Australia, to Seattle, Washington  24  4-14-2026 – 5-8-2026 
 Flight – Seattle, Washington to Minneapolis, Minnesota 0  5-8-2026 – 5-8-2026
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 38  5-8-2026 – 6-15-2026
 To be determined…
Total Days 546
It was delightful to be out to dinner for Tom’s birthday, relaxed and having a good time.

With dinner prepared, laundry done, clean bedding back on the bed, and my workout completed, today will be another easy day. Since we keep the kitchen and bathrooms clean daily, we’ll only vacuum and dust every other week.

That’s it for today. We hope you are enjoying the holidays as we approach New Year’s Eve, which we will celebrate in the Village like last year.

Be well.

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

The prior day, daughter-in-law Tracy took this underwater photo using their GoPro camera. She said he was much larger than appears in this photo. For more photos, please click here.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!…Itinerary Day!…

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

This morning, I awoke with a smile on my face. After a good night’s sleep, I knew I had an easy day. Dinner was prepared, and I had only a salad to make. This made me almost leap out of bed.

I couldn’t get showered and dressed quickly enough, although I spent a little more time on my hair and makeup than usual. Although it’s only the two of us today, I felt festive and determined to embrace this day enthusiastically. Of course, part of my excitement was knowing I’d be posting our new itinerary today, indicative of our renewed hopes for the future.

No, we don’t have a Christmas tree, decorations, gifts to open, ham to bake, or family coming to see us. My son and his GF had vacation plans and won’t return until after the New Year, but we are frequently in touch with our four kids, grandchildren, siblings and friends and feel the love and holiday spirit nonetheless.

Without all the hoopla, we can revel in the meaning of the holiday spirit in this new way over the past 13 Christmases we’ve been away since beginning our worldwide journey.

Christmas wishes have flooded our email, texts, and social media this morning, leaving us feeling special and loved. How blessed we are today and every day of the year!

No doubt, I miss the Christmas mornings with the family, opening gifts and drinking hot cocoa with Christmas music and a roaring fire in the background. But those days are past; we left them behind with love and grace for this new life.

The above main photo of a Christmas-like warthog signifies, in part, what our new lives have brought over the years. This year, after spending months working on my health, we are extending the feeling of a new life. This renewed status enables us to continue our passion for worldwide travel, as indicated in our included new itinerary.

I often wonder if it is a passion for worldwide travel as much as a desire for new experiences, new surroundings, meeting new people, and… spending time with those we’ve met and come to love. It’s no longer about visiting old historic buildings and world-famous sites as it is about the little things we encounter along the way, so clearly illustrated in our 4505 posts (as of today).

Many of our posts have been about the infinitesimal events of our quiet days and nights, uneventful yet meaningful to us in one way or another. Many of our other posts have been enriched by unique experiences that one might only live in a dream we’ve been blessed to experience in real life. We are truly blessed.

Our gifts today consist of the love of one another, the love of our family and friends, and our endless love and search for those moments that fill our hearts and minds with the magic surrounding us, whether we’re in Lake Las Vegas or Africa…fa la la la la…in 68 more days…

Here’s our new itinerary:

 Location or Ship  Days Dates
 Road Trip to Nevada 4 12/14/24 – 12/18/2024
 Lake Las Vegas, Nevada Condo 73  12/18/24 – 3/1/25
 Flight – Las Vegas to Nelspruit/Marloth Park, South Africa 2  3/1/25 – 3/3/25
 Marloth Park Holiday Home 90  3/3/25 – 5/31/25
 Flight – Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 5/31/2025 – 6/3/2025
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 14  6/3/2025 – 6/17/2025
 Flight – Minneapolis to Nelspruit/Marloth Park 2  6/17/2025 – 6/19/2025
 Marloth Park, South Africa Holiday Home 90  6/19/2025 – 9-17-2025
 Flight to Barcelona to Spain Holiday home 40  9-17-2025 – 10-27-2025
 Cruise – Barcelona, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa  18  10/27/2025 – 11-14-25 
 Cruise –  Cape Town, South Africa to Singapore  17  11-14-2025 – 12-1-2025 
 Cruise – Singapore to Brisbane, Australia  12  12-1-2025 – 12-13-2025 
 Flight – Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand 0  12-13–2025 – 12-13-2025
 New Zealand Holiday Home 60  12-13-2025 – 2-12-2026
 Flight –  New Zealand to Tasmania 0  2-12-2026 – 2-12-2026
 Tasmania Holiday Home 60  2-12-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Flight –  Tasmania to Brisbane, Australia 0  4-13-2026 – 4-13-2026
 Cruise – Brisbane, Australia, to Seattle, Washington  24  4-14-2026 – 5-8-2026 
 Flight – Seattle, Washington to Minneapolis, Minnesota 0  5-8-2026 – 5-8-2026
 Hotel – Minneapolis, Minnesota 38  5-8-2026 – 6-15-2026
 To be determined…
Total Days 546

Merry Christmas!

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

The next-door neighbor’s chair gives a good perspective of the massive size of these waves as we spent Christmas with family on the Big Island, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

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