Our Second Day at Sea

Our day began with coffee and juice on our balcony. The day was sunny and warm. After our buffet breakfast, we spent a few hours lying on deck reading (and napping) – in the shade. During this time we also had lunch at the buffet (or in Graham’s case, at the hamburger stand).

All day today we have watched other ships go by – 2 freighters in the distance and the Royal Caribbean ship Jewel of the Seas passed us shortly before dinner – we suspect that we will see her in Aruba.

Dinner in the dining room was spent with a group of 6 friends from all over the US – they now all live in Florida. Believe it or not, 2 of the other lady’s were also Nancy – it tended to be a little confusing at times.

Before dinner, we spent some time in the casino and came away winners again. Back to the casino after dinner to win again. I must say that winning is a lot more fun than losing!!

Before heading to bed, we stopped for a while at the Wheelhouse Bar where we were able to dance part of a waltz before my back said “enough”. I miss our ballroom dancing very much!!

First Full Day at Sea

Breakfast on our balcony this morning – how decadent and how wonderful. After breakfast I had a hot stone massage booked – one of my Christmas presents from Graham. I came out of there extremely sore – Alma managed to find every knot and sore spot and worked away at them. Sore as I was, it was pure heaven.

The rest of the day was spent reading and napping – I think that our 2 day trip to Florida caught up with us.

Tonight was our first formal night. We always love “dress up” nights.  Our dinner companions were a lovely couple from Florida, Tom & Faith and we enjoyed their company very much as well as enjoying the marvelous dinner.

After dinner, it was a trip to the casino where both Graham and I won. In 2 days we have used $100.00 each – that was the first night. Tonight we used last night’s winnings to play – tomorrow we’ll be able to use tonight’s winnings. That is the “right way” to play blackjack. 

The dining room hostess took this picture for us.

Aboard the Grand Princess

Unbelievably today, we were not only aboard ship by 1:00, but we were inside our stateroom – and a lovely stateroom it is too. Since the Grand Princess is going into dry dock for refurbishing at the end of this cruise we got a really terrific deal on a mini-suite. This may absolutely spoil us for simple balcony cruising in the future. We took some pictures of our mini-suite for you to enjoy. Since we have a walker and a wheelchair to accommodate, having the extra room is wonderful.

We are truly hoping that this captain is talented at driving around the rain – it has poured rain for a good part of today with lots of thunder and lightening. Finally tonight, the rain has stopped although there is still a lot of lightening around us. If we sit outside long enough, we are able to catch fleeting glimpses of stars.

Today was spent exploring the ship, meeting some wonderful people and relaxing after all that driving. We are now on our way to Aruba, our first stop. In the meantime, we have 2 luxurious, relaxing days at sea and we plan to enjoy them.

Fort Lauderdale

When we left London yesterday, the temperature was -13C. When we reached Charlotte last night, the temperature was 5C. By the time we reached Savannah, Georgia today, the temperature was 32C – can you believe a temperature change of 45 C in 2 days. Everything here is beautifully green and growing, The blossoms are spectacular. Today we’ve seen cactus and palm trees.

I have never been down the east coast of Florida before and was very surprised to see vast areas of trees that have been burned, but their outlines remain standing.  Graham tells me that these are the result of “muck fires”. These stands of trees are located in peat-like bogs. The vegetation is full of water which means that everything becomes singed on the outside, however, the core remains standing. 

The fires are started by lightening strikes and are spread through the peat. Amazingly, these trees are still alive inside and many of the palm trees are sprouting new growth.

So, we are here at our hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, organizing everything in preparation for tomorrow. I can’t believe that finally, 24 hours from now we will be on the ship, on our way to Aruba.

On Our Way ... Finally

We are on our way!!!!!

It has been a long time since we booked this cruise in September. There were times for both of us when we didn’t think that March would ever arrive. March has, however arrived finally.

Up at 5:00 this morning and out of the house by shortly after 6:00. Once we had made the obligatory stops at McDonalds and Tims for breakfast and coffee we were on our way.

Today’s leg is to Charlotte, North Carolina – 825 miles. Smooth sailing all morning. We stopped at about 1:00 in Washington, Pennsylvania for lunch – Red Lobster (yummy). Since then, we’ve been motoring on without incident until Galax, Virginia. We are stuck in a traffic back-up. There is an accident ahead (in the right lane). There was a clear warning about 2 miles back that the right lane was closed. What lane do you suppose that everyone is in??? I don’t understand people – if everyone got into the left lane and simply drove on in the left lane I suspect that we wouldn’t be in this back-up. Oh well – I guess that everyone has to be first!!

Now, having finally reached and seen the actual accident site - it took us an hour to get there - an 18 wheeler appeared to have caught fire. There wasn't much left of the cab or the van. We couldn't imagine that the driver managed to make it out alive. It was pretty sobering.

We finally arrived at our hotel around 10:30 - we are safe and snug in our room and ready for Day 2 - the Fort Lauderdale leg. It is getting closer and closer!!

Getting Old Really Sucks!!!!!!!

As you all know, it's been just over three years since my very successful back surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery apparently only comes with a three year guarantee.

Sometime last November, I began to experience some back pain again - uncomfortable, but I was still able to function. Staring about 3 weeks ago, I started experiencing BACK PAIN!!!!~!

This pain has gradually worsened over the three weeks. It started out as back pain that prevented me from getting comfortable in bed at night. Every time that I tried to change position, it would wake me up. Then the real problems began - the pain started going down my left leg. Now, I am unable to stand, or to walk without this vice-like pain circling my left leg just above my knee. I am virtually unable to walk or stand. We had to put a bar stool in our bathroom so that I could dry my hair in the morning - can't stand long enough to do it. The only position that is half-way comfortable is sitting and that is completely dependent upon the chair that I am sitting in.

I was finally able to get in to see my family doctor this week - he thinks that I have spinal stenosis. This is a narrowing of the spinal canal which results in pinching of the nerves that run through the canal and is generally an age related problem.

So here I am, three weeks before our cruise, waiting for an MRI and unable to walk. I'm back to spending my cruise in a wheelchair and I am right royally pissed off. We're going to have to cancel 2 of our shore excursions because they require far more mobility than i can manage.

Sometimes life really sucks!