Fantastic night out on Tom’s birthday…Merry Christmas Eve…Tomorrow, our new itinerary and photos…

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Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah to all our family, friends, and readers worldwide.

Tom’s birthday celebration was such fun last night. We started with drinks at The Pub at the bottom of the steps from our building, chatting and thoroughly enjoying ourselves. About 90 minutes later, we walked a short distance to Luna Rosa for our dinner reservation.

A lovely white-clothed roomy table for two awaited us by a window overlooking the lake. It couldn’t have been more perfect. We ordered our drinks and continued our lively conversation. Then, we were served our delicious entrees. For his birthday, Tom was served a sizable portion of complimentary tiramisu.

We had a perfect table at Luna Rosa.

Uncommon for me, I took several bites of the delightful dessert, which was too delectable to resist. It’s a rare occasion that we order a dessert, let alone me partaking in its consumption. I’m no worse for the wear today after having several bites. An occasional indulgence is undoubtedly acceptable for me when I seldom eat anything with flour or sugar. It was worth every morsel. Tom enjoyed it, too!

A few hours later, we returned to our condo and continued the night’s festivities until we finally settled onto the sofa with our two fuzzy blankets to watch another fantastic episode of Landman on Paramount. What a great series! It’s another Taylor Sheridan show we highly recommend.

Tom’s Rigatoni Bolognese.

I slept poorly after drinking a few glasses of Pinot Grigio wine. I awoke at 3:45 am and never fell back to sleep. I kept thinking about getting up to make tonight’s dinner, which required several steps with lots of chopping and dicing. When I came out of the bedroom, showered, and dressed for the day, Tom suggested we have an easier-to-prepare dinner so I wouldn’t have to do all the work.

But I insisted I could get through it, especially when he stepped in and helped with a few steps in the process. Only moments ago, I sat on the sofa after 90 minutes in the kitchen to begin working on today’s post with the entire fantastic dinner in the refrigerator to be cooked 45 minutes before we are ready to eat tonight, along with a big salad consisting of fresh greens, celery, and grape tomatoes to be topped with homemade salad dressing.

This was my delicious salmon with steamed vegetables.

It will be a lovely dinner with plenty of leftovers for tomorrow’s dinner, to which I’ll add another fresh salad. We love leftovers, and this particular dish reheats well. Tom has his German Chocolate Cake for dessert, and I will have a few pieces of the homemade chocolate and white fudge I made a few days ago.

As promised, we’ll post our new itinerary tomorrow along with more photos from Tom’s birthday. Have a beautiful Christmas Eve!

Be well.

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

Nature abounds on the Hawaiian island. For more photos, please click here.

Today is Tom’s birthday!…A celebration is on the agenda!…Photo of us from almost 30 years ago!…

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Tom went through all of our photos of us and chose this one to post today on his 72nd birthday. This was taken almost 30 years ago.

How time has flown since the above photo of us was taken on July 4, 1995. He was 42, and I was 47. Oh, good grief! When we think back over the years since we met in 1991, as most of us can, so much has transpired, most of which seems as if it was only yesterday. Now, on his 72nd birthday, in many ways, he still feels and acts as young as he did then. I totally agree.

He’s still a kid at heart, with the maturity that years provide while maintaining a playful attitude and sense of humor that’s hard to top. He keeps me on my toes with frequent teasing and good humor while still being the adorable man he’s always been.  We are undoubtedly “glued at the hip,” as they say while being able to flourish in our own tastes, desires, and attitudes.

Ironically, we have little in common besides our lifestyle and passion for travel. Still, somehow, we blend our differences into a magical potion that remains fresh, entertaining, and interesting, never taking our lives or one another for granted. We couldn’t ask for or want for more.

I have no gifts or even a card for him today. Long ago, when we began traveling, we decided to forego gifts and cards, but on each occasion, we felt loved and appreciated. So, I baked him his favorite cake, German Chocolate, which he savored after dinner last night. He will do so again when we return from dining out tonight at Luna Rosa, a fantastic, elegant Italian restaurant a short walk from our building in Lake Las Vegas.

Tonight, we’ll take photos of our meals and each other and the Christmas decor in the Village, which is breathtaking at night. Before heading to Luna Rosa, we plan to go to Happy Hour at The Pub at 4:00 pm, located at the bottom of the steps from our building. Drinks there are $5 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, while drinks at the expensive restaurant average $15 to $25 each.

By the time we get to the restaurant for our 6:00 pm reservations, I’ll be ready to drink water, having had my two small glasses of wine at The Pub. That savings pays for one of our meals.

I realize we sound overly frugal, but one can’t travel for over 12 years and is not be mindful of saving money here and there while still having a great time. We are never obvious or embarrass ourselves being frugal, and, above all, we are generous tippers, knowing how hard servers work to make their customers happy.

And, although we don’t give one another “tips,” we both still find ways to show our appreciation for the many things we do for one another each and every day.

It’s almost noon, and I just returned from my workout in the fitness center. I’m feeling good about what I accomplished.  I have a schedule: the fitness center on one day and the BetterMe yoga exercises on an alternate day. Daily, I get plenty of steps logged on my Fitbit watch, ranging from 5000 to 7500 steps. I feel I’m doing all I can without overdoing it.

That’s it for today, folks. We’ll be back tomorrow with more as we make our way into Christmas Eve with plans for a pleasant evening and Christmas Day.

Be well.

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

Yesterday, we spotted this humpback whale on the Big Island and got this shot from the lanai. We couldn’t have been more thrilled! For more photos, please click here.

What are we doing for Tom’s birthday tomorrow and Christmas?…

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All the shops and restaurants are decorated for Christmas.

We don’t have any big plans for the holidays. We’ll celebrate Tom’s birthday tomorrow by going to dinner at Luna Rosa, a short walk from our building. We spent my birthday there last February when our friends Rita and Gerhard suddenly appeared, having flown here from Vancouver, Washington, to surprise me. What a surprise it was!

There won’t be any surprises for Tom when he doesn’t even want me to buy him a gift when we have no room in our luggage and a need for so little. We gave up giving each other gifts for special occasions when we left for our world travels over 12 years ago. Our gift to one another has been the opportunity to continue to travel the world over all these years.

Yesterday, for the holidays, I made keto fudge and keto white fudge using recipes from several years ago when I first began eating this way. It’s wonderful to have a few treats for the holidays. Moments ago, I put two tin foil cake pans of Tom’s favorite cake, German Chocolate, into the oven to bake. Once it’s done and cooled, I’ll frost it.

The Village in Lake Las Vegas has multiple roads like this. Cars are not allowed. Over the next few months, we’ll walk these paved roads many times.

Each night, he’ll savor a piece of the cake that will last several days since I won’t eat any of it. Instead, I’ll have a few pieces of the fudge as a special treat this holiday season.

Usually, on Christmas Eve, we have steak and lobster tail and prime rib on Christmas Day. But after seeing the prices at the supermarkets in the area, I decided to make a seldom-made favorite dish, Keto Chicken, Sausage, and Cauliflower Bake, making enough to last to both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, along with a big salad and rice for Tom.

We’ll enjoy our meals with a glass of wine for me and a cocktail for Tom, Christmas music, and great conversation. No, we don’t have any Christmas decorations, but all we have to do is walk down that one flight of stairs to the Village, and the holiday spirit will surround us.

We are as cheerful as possible. We love our time here. We are looking forward to seeing family when they return from vacation after the holidays and enjoying every day during our remaining 69 days until we begin the long journey to South Africa on March 1. We’ll arrive on March 3 and then cherish the joys of seeing the wild animals and our many friends in the bush, including friends Kathy and Don, who will join us there from Hawaii a week after we arrive.

This area has many hills, making walking more beneficial for health.

On Christmas Day, we’ll probably take a walk in the morning and enjoy football in the afternoon, in between phone calls to and from family and friends. For us, living this peculiar lifestyle is as good as it gets. There is lots of love in our lives from family, friends, and readers, wonders awaiting us, and an itinerary we can’t wait to share on Christmas Day.

We will continue to post daily, even the trivialities of our daily lives, over the holidays and days to come in the New Year. May your holiday season be filled with love, faith, and hope for the future.

Be well.

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

We spotted the Hawaii Snake Plant on the Big Island, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

We’re back…Feeling as if we have returned to our nomadic lifestyle…Today’s the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere……

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The embellished staircase in Once Upon A Nail Salon. The salon is only steps away from our condo.

Ah…the simplicities of life now that we are back to our lives of travel. Nothing hinders us: no worrisome health issues, no concerns over being close to a hospital, nor our fears and apprehensions over whether it’s safe to travel or not.Yes, I still struggle with my legs, but I have resigned myself to the fact that this is how it will be. I can walk for about 15 minutes uninterrupted, only requiring a short break to continue again. It’s painful, but I am adjusting to this reality. At times, for moments, I forget about the discomfort and can enjoy my surroundings in full.

This morning, I started working out in the fitness center here. Although I wasn’t quite back where I left off a week ago, today, I could add several exercise machines that weren’t available in the hotel in Cleveland. Thus, I will head to the fitness center every other day, and on alternate days, I’ll do the yoga exercises in the BetterMe app, giving me a balanced workout.

The nail area in the salon.

Some days, we’ll walk in the hilly Village to the shops and restaurants, which provides even more exercise. Plus, in this excellent condo, there is plenty of walking back and forth to perform various household tasks. In the hotel in Cleveland, we had a daily/weekly cleaning service. Here, we have none.

Tom will do the floors, while I’ll dust and clean the bathrooms. The clothes drying rack we purchased when we moved here last year was in the closet. Since there is only a washer in the unit, we can use the rack to dry clothes instead of hauling wet laundry down the long corridor to the laundry room. This system works well for us.

The pedicure area in the salon.

The refrigerator is a large double-door side-by-side unit with plenty of space for everything we use. It was easy to put away the $300 of groceries we had delivered yesterday morning. There’s a large storage closet with shelves for the non-perishables. Everything was spotlessly clean and perfect for our arrival. We couldn’t be happier.

The bed is comfortable, and much to my delight, there’s no top sheet; it’s a nice, easily washable comforter. I don’t like top sheets when I get all tangled up in the sheet. Tom prefers a top sheet, so I snickered when we got into bed the first night. Sleeping is good now that we’ve adjusted to the three-hour time difference between Ohio and Nevada.

I’m enjoying preparing meals again with plenty of space in the kitchen, and we both can move about without bumping into one another. We’re loving it all. We’re making baby back ribs that I will sell well, but don’t use commercial barbeque sauce with all their sugars and chemicals. Tom will have rice with his ribs, and we’ll both enjoy a big fresh salad with homemade dressing.

This is the salon’s ceiling showing the second floor railing. The photo is deceiving.

The photos I am sharing today are from yesterday’s pedicure. I walked down one flight of stairs and crossed a paved walk to the salon. I had a great time with the nail tech, a 19-year-old with whom I shared many interests. We both love watching videos of talking parrots, and we howled with laughter when we realized we were watching the same videos.

He offered me a glass of champagne, which I refused since it was so early in the day. If it had been three or four in the afternoon, I might have accepted, but I don’t drink wine until happy hour, and then after a glass or two, at most, I’ve had my fill. By discontinuing wine drinking after dinner, I find I sleep better.

In the past few days, I’ve spoken to several friends on the phone, and catching up has been outstanding. Over the holiday week, we’ll talk to our kids, grandkids, and other family members and friends.

That’s it for today, folks. We hope you’re enjoying preparing for the upcoming holidays, if you celebrate.

Be well.

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

View from the new house next door, where some of our family will stay during the Christmas family get-together in Pahoa, Big Island, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

We made it to Lake Las Vegas…Total expenses for almost five days on the road…

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Snow-capped mountains as we entered Nevada.
No words can express how thrilled we are to be in Lake Las Vegas while being unpacked with groceries ordered, coming tomorrow, and finding everything in the fabulous condo precisely as we remembered it a year ago. We couldn’t be more content.

The four-and-a-half-day road trip was a breeze. Tom moved along at a good clip, pushing the limits of the posted speed limits and making good time each day. The latest we ever arrived at the hotel for the night was 4:00 pm, giving us plenty of time to get settled for the evening with various plans for dinner.

The lobby at Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona.

We arrived in Las Vegas earlier than planned, at 11:30 am. The condo was being cleaned after the last guests moved out yesterday morning. With the cleaner coming and the owner needing to change the code on the door, we couldn’t check in until 2:00 pm.

We took advantage of the three hours we had to kill and headed to our mailing service to collect our mail after Tom got an excellent haircut at Great Clips. We stopped at a liquor store for wine for me and beer and brandy for Tom. We grocery-shopped for a few items to get us through two nights of breakfast and dinner until our Albertson’s delivery arrives tomorrow morning between 9:00 and 11:00 am. The extra time worked out well.

The beautiful hotel room’s bathrooms had two separate sink areas.

It’s comforting that we are entirely unpacked, and everything is in order, with the luggage tucked away in closets and no clutter except for various electrical cords for our devices in a few easily accessible areas.

This morning, we headed to Dollar Tree for a few household items and made a quick trip to the bank. Once back at the condo, I got back to work on this post and compiled our expenses from the road trip, which I will share with you today at the end of this post.

We dined at the Silver Pine Restaurant at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff.

We thought sharing what we spent during the almost five-day road trip would be fun for our readers, considering that we may have used reward points in some cases. As we list our expenses, we will include the costs after credits from the reward points.

Tom has Chicken Alfredo, which is reminiscent of the dinners he ate for ten months while we were in lockdown in India in a hotel room during the pandemic.

Fuel: $192.77

Hotels: $205.69 + various rewards points for hotels. (One hotel was $7.17 with tax after using points; others were $0 using points)

Food: $266.66 (We used rewards points for the last meal in Flagstaff, also covering the room charge at a charming resort).

Rental car for seven days: $803.31

Total Trips Cost (out of pocket): $1468.43 (includes two extra days for the rental car after we arrived)

Average cost per day: $293.69 

My salmon dinner is reminiscent of the dinners I ate for ten months while we were in lockdown in India in a hotel room during the pandemic. We laughed over the irony.

Tomorrow, my much-needed pedicure downstairs at a salon in the Village is at 11:00 am, and Tom will return the rental car at noon.

We won’t have a car for the next 73 days, but we’re sure we’ll be fine using Uber or Lyft as needed to join son Richard for dinners or go out for any other reason.

The salad was served with my salmon instead of potatoes or rice.

Stay tuned for more folks. Thanks for all of the thoughtful wishes we received along the way.

Be well.

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

With lave flowing in Pahoa, Big Island, toward the shopping center where this salon was located, the boys decided to get haircuts before it closed. Tom is on the far left. TJ is in the middle, and Jayden is on the far right after they decide they also need haircuts. Three generations of Lymans were having their haircuts simultaneously. Too cute! For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…Traveling with pets…Potty breaks…Two days and counting…

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While standing on a dock on the Big Island, we spotted a sea turtle.

Yes, we will begin our road trip to Nevada in two days. Yesterday, I packed my clothes, and today and tomorrow, I will pack the leftover non-perishables and our various kitchen gadgets. Tom will do laundry in the morning and then head to the airport to pick up the rental car.

To finish the topic of traveling with pets/support animals, please review the following:

If your pet needs to go potty during a flight, it can be a bit tricky, but there are some strategies you can use to handle the situation:

“Before the Flight

Plan Ahead:

Ensure your pet can relieve themselves before heading to the airport and boarding.

Some airports have designated pet relief areas—use these before your flight.

Limit Food and Water:

Feed your pet several hours before the flight, and limit water intake to reduce the need for bathroom breaks during travel.

Training:

If possible, train your pet to use pee pads or disposable litter boxes in advance.

Select the Right Carrier:

For longer flights, consider carriers with absorbent liners or those designed for in-flight bathroom needs.

During the Flight

Use Pee Pads:

Bring a few pee pads and line the carrier with one. If your pet seems distressed or signals that it needs to go, place a pad on the floor of the airplane restroom (if allowed) or in a discreet spot.

Communicate with Cabin Crew:

Explain the situation if you’re traveling with a small pet in a cabin. The flight crew might allow you to use the restroom for privacy.

Cleanup Supplies:

Pack pet-safe wet wipes, sealable plastic bags, and extra pee pads or absorbent materials for accidents.

For Service Animals:

Service animals may relieve themselves on a pee pad in the cabin. Check airline policies in advance.

Post-Flight

As soon as you land and exit the airport, find a pet relief area or green space where your pet can comfortably relieve itself.

Staying calm and prepared can help you and your pet navigate this situation with minimal stress. Safe travels!”

We’re wrapping up today’s short post since we have plenty to do to prepare for our departure in less than 48 hours.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 12, 2014:

Tom and Jayden walked to a secluded scenic spot we stumbled upon on the Big Island. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…Flying with pets…Three days and counting…

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View from the living room of the first house we rented on the Big Island for the Christmas family gathering in 2014.

Today’s story is about flying with pets, a topic we’ve never covered in past posts, from what I can recall. More and more travelers are hesitant about boarding their beloved pets in the luggage hold where the conditions are not conducive to the health and safety of the animal. Countless pets have died while in less-than-desirable conditions.

As a result, fewer and fewer passengers were willing to place their pets in the luggage hold and began booking extra seats for the larger dogs that wouldn’t fit in an animal carrier that fit under the seat.  Soon, more and more airlines accepted this reality, and pets were allowed in the cabin if the passenger purchased an adjoining seat or seats, as needed, based on the size of the pets.

Here is more information about flying with pets:

“Flying with Pets: A Journey of Patience, Preparation, and Unwavering Love

Traveling with pets is a unique adventure, blending meticulous preparation with heartfelt companionship. Whether you’re relocating, vacationing, or chasing a dream of nomadic life, bringing your furry, feathered, or scaly friend on the journey adds complexity and joy. Flying with pets can be nerve-wracking and rewarding, requiring patience, adaptability, and lots of love.

The Emotional Undertow

Flying with pets is a commitment to care and connection. Our animals are not just passengers; they’re family. Their welfare takes center stage, and with it comes a flurry of emotions: the excitement of shared experiences, the anxiety of keeping them safe, and the satisfaction of seeing their curious eyes light up in a new environment.

For many pet parents, the stress of flying is magnified by the responsibility of ensuring their companion’s comfort. Are they warm enough? Cool enough? Will they feel scared or disoriented? The weight of their trust can be humbling, but it’s also what makes these shared journeys so meaningful. They rely on you to make decisions in their best interest, giving you unconditional companionship in return.

The Practicalities of Preparation

Flying with pets begins long before takeoff. Researching airline policies is essential, as regulations vary widely. Some airlines allow small pets to fly in the cabin if they can fit under the seat in front of you, while others may require pets to travel as cargo. The maze of vaccinations, health certificates, and customs forms can be overwhelming for international flights.

Choosing the right travel crate is equally crucial. It needs to be comfortable, well-ventilated, and meet airline standards. Many pet owners opt to acclimate their companions to the crate weeks ahead, turning it into a safe space filled with familiar smells and soft bedding. This small preparation can make a huge difference in reducing their travel anxiety.

Packing for your pet feels a bit like preparing for a toddler. Snacks, toys, collapsible water bowls, and cleanup supplies are essential. But there’s also a deeper layer: the familiar blanket that smells like home, the calming pheromone spray, or their favorite chew toy can provide reassurance in the chaos of travel.

In the Air

Flying with pets can be nerve-wracking, especially during security checks and boarding. For those traveling with pets in the cabin, navigating TSA screening requires removing the animal from its carrier while the crate goes through the X-ray machine. This moment can be particularly stressful, especially if your pet is skittish.

Once aboard, the sounds and vibrations of the plane can be unsettling. A calm demeanor and soothing voice can help reassure your companion. Some pet parents use natural calming aids, like CBD treats or vet-recommended sedatives, but it’s vital to consult a veterinarian before making this choice.

For pets traveling as cargo, the experience is more detached but less emotional for the owner. Seeing your pet’s crate being whisked away can feel like a test of faith. Many airlines have improved their pet travel services, offering temperature-controlled holds and direct communication about their status, but it’s still a leap of trust.

The Reward

After the flight, seeing your pet bounding out of the crate or peeking from their carrier is a moment of pure joy. Their wagging tails, soft purrs, or curious chirps remind us why we undertake this effort. The opportunity to explore new places strengthens the bond between humans and animals, turning every layover or destination into a shared adventure.

Flying with pets isn’t always easy, but it’s a labor of love. The challenges teach us patience, resilience, and the importance of preparation. And in return, we get to share our world with the creatures who bring us comfort and joy. The rewards far outweigh the hurdles for those who embark on this journey. After all, home isn’t just a place—it’s the companionship of those who journey with passengers.”

In tomorrow’s post, we’ll cover what to do when your pet has to go to the bathroom during a flight, a significant source of concern for the pet owner.

Of course, as world travelers, we don’t and never will have pets. We get all the “animal fixes” we need as we travel.

Be well.

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

TJ enjoyed swimming in a tide pool on the Big Island. He and the kids mentioned they spotted tiny fish through their swim goggles while swimming in the pool that had entered through the opening to the ocean. For more photos, please click here.

Our new itinerary will be posted on Christmas Day…Four days and counting…

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The 442 feet Akaka Falls on the Big Island.

We are thrilled to be wrapping up work on our new itinerary. I can’t recall the last time we posted an itinerary. After searching older posts using the search filter at the top right of our homepage, the most comprehensive itinerary I could find was here on our 9th travel anniversary on October 31, 2021.

The cruise lines canceled five of the cruises listed on that itinerary due to the war in Ukraine, and we canceled the sixth when we were sick with COVID-19 and could not travel. What a challenging time! We were refunded all the money we paid except for the cruise, which we had to cancel only days before embarkation across the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the late cancellation, we lost that entire cruise fare.

We’re hoping the four new cruises we’ve booked will sail as planned, but after the events of the past several years, one never knows. The most exciting aspect of our new itinerary is the number of days we’ve planned thus far. We still have to book a few flights and venues, but overall, the plan is set. We don’t expect to be making any changes.

I will no longer say “good health providing” in our posts. As all of our readers know, all of life’s activities and planned events are subject to health being sufficiently good to participate. We’ve put that phrase to rest after all this time dealing with health issues. If something comes up, we’ll let our readers know.

Packing is on my mind, but we’re still using a lot of items we have out right now, with four days remaining until we begin our road trip. Tom has enough takeaway food to last until Friday, and I will finish most items left in the refrigerator, mostly cheese and eggs. Tonight, I have my last Bibibop salad, and starting tomorrow night, I’ll make omelets with cheese and onions for myself. Easy peasy.

We’ll only have one more load of laundry, which Tom will do on Friday, at which point we’ll pack some clothes for the road trip. If we each wear our shirt twice and wear the same jeans during the four days, we’ll only have to pack one extra shirt each, four pairs of underwear, and, for me, my comfy pajamas.

Then, at night, when we check into each hotel, we’ll only need to bring in the computer bag, one small bag, and one bag of toiletries, leaving everything else in the back of the SUV, covered with my blanket. Hopefully, the vehicle’s alarm system will serve us well.

Once we’re on the road, the feeling of freedom, at last, will surface, making us excited for times to come. We have much to look forward to as we continue our year-long worldwide journey. And, of course, we’ll enjoy the 2½ months stay in Lake Las Vegas as we did a year ago, at the same time of year.

Once again, we’ll celebrate Tom’s birthday, Christmas, New Year’s, and my birthday in Nevada. Again, we won’t have a rental car since everything we need is down a single flight of stairs from our condo, including shops, salons, restaurants, and a grocery and liquor store. When we go out to dinner away from The Village, we’ll use Uber as we did last year.

Car rentals in Las Vegas, especially over the holiday season, are about $1800 a month. We never spent more than $300 a month on Uber round trips to anywhere we wanted to go. Plus, we never felt confined or trapped in the fantastic location, especially on New Year’s Eve, when we had fun at the celebrations by the lake in The Village.

That’s all for today, dear readers.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 10, 2014:

A type of Hawaiian tropical plant. Tom said it looked like a lobster cocktail instead of a shrimp cocktail. For more photos, please click here.

Special deals with Uber!…Five days and counting…

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We encountered this waterfall while on a walk on the Big Island.

It’s hard to believe that five days from today, we’ll already be on the road beginning the approximately 2300-mile road trip from Cleveland, Ohio, to Lake Las Vegas, Nevada. I’ve started getting organized to pack, which I’ll begin on Thursday for our Saturday departure. We’re excited to be on the move once again!

In the meantime, we can’t help but share deals and discounts we find online. The following Uber deals may work for you and your family during the holiday season. Most of these only apply to US customers, but you may want to check online if you live in a country with access to Uber promotions that may be available near you. Here’s the article:

“Uber Is Offering Savings on Rental Cars, Expanded Car Seat Access, and Even Carolers on Demand for the Holidays

From Travel & Leisure at this link.

by Alison Fox

 Published on December 8, 2024

Uber is making it easier to travel for the holidays with discounts on rental cars, expanded car seat access, and more festive options to celebrate in style.

The company shared with Travel + Leisure that customers who rent a car with Uber and choose the valet option over the holidays from Dec. 11 to Dec. 25 will receive $50 in Uber Cash as a bonus. Drop-off services are available in Washington D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, New Jersey, Miami, and Boston.

In addition, travelers nationwide who rent a non-valet car with Uber will also receive $50 in Uber Cash when they choose the “Pay now & Save” feature. Uber Rent is available across the United States and partners with popular rental car companies like Avis, Hertz, and Sixt.

Uber is also making it easier for families to travel by expanding access to car seats. Travelers in New York City, Los Angeles, Orlando, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Miami, and San Francisco who reserve a car seat in advance will be set up with a Nuna RAVA seat. To make things even easier, Uber offers $20 off two car seat rides with the promo code “FESTIVESEAT20” until Jan. 2.

But the festive cheer doesn’t stop there. Customers can celebrate the holidays with a toast of Don Julio, Casamigos, or Bulleit Bourbon when ordering carolers on demand. The singing service is available to book for one special day on Saturday, Dec. 7, in New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, and Washington, D.C.

Last-minute decorators can order Christmas trees or wreaths for delivery to their door through the Uber Eats app anywhere in the country, or they can tap the gingerbread icon to see a curated list of available gifts.

“Uber is thrilled to bring some holiday magic directly to your doorstep this season,” a spokesperson said in a statement shared with T+L. “Whether it’s the joy of Carolers singing to your family, the effortlessness of getting your Christmas tree delivered, or the convenience of finding the perfect gift with a few taps in the app, we’re making it easier than ever to focus on what truly matters — spending time with loved ones.”

The holiday offerings come as Uber is making an effort to be more sustainable. It is rolling out a new “EV Preference” option, which allows travelers to automatically be matched with an electric vehicle when ordering a ride if one is nearby, and offering a shared airport shuttle service.”

As for today, the laundry is done, and takeaway dinner is ordered, arriving before 5:00 pm. We won’t be cooking anymore as we use leftover eggs, cheese, and perishable odds and ends. We can bring the non-perishables with us. As mentioned, packing will be easy since we don’t have to be concerned with the weight of our bags.

Ah, it’s so good to think of the future after so long focusing on health and medical issues. We are both feeling well. I still have trouble walking, but using the treadmill has helped, especially since I can hold on. I can now do 20 nonstop minutes, a third of which is using the elevation feature, increasing daily. I’ve also started using the BetterMe app for indoor bodyweight exercises. I work out every day, hoping to experience great results soon.

On our four-day road trip, I’ll do the indoor bodyweight exercises in our hotel room at night, hoping to maintain what I’ve accomplished so far.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 9, 2014:

We spotted a billy goat on our long drive on the Big Island, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

Beware of Cruise Scams on Facebook…How to Avoid Being “Taken for a Ride”…Six days and counting…

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An exquisite sunset on the Big Island.

This morning, while preparing for the day, I was listening to a cruise podcast on my phone; the main topic was a couple who purchased a cruise from a person on Facebook who claimed to be a cruise travel agent. They were told to pay using CashApp, an online app that allows the sender and receiver to deal with cash, not credit cards.

The unwary couple sent the entire cruise cost over some time, even receiving a cruise confirmation number and documents. When they arrived at the departure port, they were informed that no such confirmation existed and that they had been scammed and were turned away. Fortunately, they got their luggage back, which they’d turned over to a porter at the pier, and were left to find a way home.

Unfortunately, Facebook, a hub for connecting with friends and discovering new opportunities, has become fertile ground for scammers. Cruise scams have gained traction among the many schemes circulating, preying on the dream of an affordable luxury vacation. These scams are more sophisticated than ever, often disguised as giveaways, contests, or too-good-to-be-true deals. Understanding how these scams work and how to avoid them can save you from losing money, personal data, or both.

The Allure of a “Free Cruise”

One common tactic is the “free cruise” giveaway. These posts often feature enticing images of luxurious ships, serene ocean views, and extravagant amenities, promising a dream vacation at no cost. To claim your prize, you just have to “like,” “share,” or fill out a short survey. It sounds simple, but the goal is far from innocent.

When you click on the link, you’re typically directed to a site requesting personal information like your name, phone number, and email address. Some sites ask for credit card details to cover “processing fees” or taxes. Instead of earning a cruise, victims deal with identity theft or unauthorized charges.

Fake Cruise Line Pages

Another strategy involves creating fake Facebook pages impersonating legitimate cruise lines. These pages often mimic the branding and style of well-known companies, complete with logos, professional-looking images, and engaging posts. Scammers lure users in with promises of last-minute deals or heavily discounted cruises. Clicking on the links leads you to counterfeit booking sites where you may inadvertently provide sensitive information.

Group Scams and Influencer Fraud

Some scammers infiltrate travel-related Facebook groups or create their own, posting as travel agents or influencers. They share “exclusive deals” with group members, asking for deposits or full payments via untraceable methods like wire transfers or apps like Zelle and Cash App. The scammer disappears once the money is sent, leaving victims without their cruise and out of pocket.

Signs of a Cruise Scam

To protect yourself, it’s crucial to recognize red flags:

  1. Too Good to Be True Deals: It likely is if a deal looks unbelievably cheap or claims to be free. Legitimate cruise lines rarely, if ever, give away free trips without significant eligibility criteria.
  2. Urgency and Pressure: Scammers often pressure you to act quickly, claiming limited availability or time-sensitive offers.
  3. Suspicious URLs: Always check the web address of any link. Fake sites often have slight misspellings or extra characters in the domain name.
  4. Unsecured Payment Methods: Requests for payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or untraceable apps are significant warning signs.
  5. Lack of Direct Communication: Legitimate companies provide clear contact information and never hesitate to verify details over the phone.

Steps to Protect Yourself

  1. Verify the Source: If you see a cruise deal on Facebook, visit the cruise line’s official website to confirm its legitimacy.
  2. Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Be wary of surveys or forms asking for sensitive data. Reputable companies don’t ask for personal details through social media links.
  3. Report Suspicious Activity: Use Facebook’s reporting tools to flag scam posts or pages. This helps protect others from falling victim.
  4. Check Reviews: Before booking, research the deal and the seller. Look for reviews and complaints on trusted platforms like the Better Business Bureau.
  5. Use Credit Cards: If you make a purchase, always use a credit card. These offer better fraud protection compared to debit cards or other payment methods.

Why Scams Work

Cruise scams succeed because they exploit human emotions: the thrill of winning, the urgency of an exclusive offer, and the desire for a luxurious experience. Scammers rely on victims acting before thinking, so it’s essential to remain vigilant.

Final Thoughts

While the dream of a perfect cruise vacation is appealing, don’t let it cloud your judgment. You can protect yourself and enjoy genuine travel opportunities by staying informed and skeptical. Remember, the ocean may call, but scams are just noise—don’t let them steer you off course.

Have you encountered a cruise scam or know someone who has? Share your story—it might help others avoid the trap.

We usually book through Costco, the cruise line, or Vacations-to-Go to book cruises, comparing prices and perks before we commit.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 8, 2014:

Apparently, these plants withstand saltwater on the Big Island and flourish in their constant moisture. For more photos, please click here.