Seeing Rome

With everyone on board to tour the city, we headed to what was the Pope's Prison but is now a National Museum.  There is a large raised walkway that leads from the Vatican to this "castle."  The views of Rome from this vantage point were beautiful.

From there we went to the Coliseum.  The "technology" that went into the building and use of this Roman Theater is amazing.  We were taken underneath where things were staged and even saw the cages where the lions were kept!  The raised floor, use of water to flood the arena, etc. were all explained to us.  I found the hounds tooth tile flooring which is original very interesting.  I like to view things that remain as they were.

Here is a stone that had carving on it.  Something about the Theater and a date in Roman numerals.

We toured from top to bottom.  One thing in Europe is that you have to be able to walk a lot, watch for curbs and cobblestone streets and be able to climb stairs.  No American With Disabilities Act or Walt Disney to pave the way for you.

Our next stop was the Forum.  I asked to be in the first group because we were going to be split up.  I needed to use the restroom.  We didn't have enough time to make a pit stop and the smell from 20 feet away was enough to gag a maggot so I toughed it out.  Little did I know it would be three hours before I finally used a restroom in a restaurant where our guide bought the bus driver a sandwich!  There is a real serious shortage of restrooms for Rome's 30,000 daily visitors!

This is Constantine's Arch.  I found the Black Portal in Trier, Germany more interesting because it is still in use.

The second group to tour the Forum arrived late and had to scramble and split into two groups to join later tours which didn't make those tour directors happy.  Our guide just didn't have a good sense of timing when dealing with 34 people. 

I got a bit out of sync and missed some of the morning things so I will start another blog.  This one is starting to take long to upload because of all the photos in it.

Biting The Bullet

I have deleted photos and past blogs and still was getting the "Whoops you are over" message so I bit the bullet and bought more storage.  I hope everyone appreciates my blog and pictures!

We were gone for 21 days but one was traveling to Rome and 9 of those were at sea so this won't be as bad as it sounds.  Here we go!

Our first night we met Richard, the seminarian that is friends with our Pastor.  He showed us Rome from the university rooftop, had us join him for Vespers (evening prayers) and then walked us across the Tiber River to a small neighborhood restaurant where we had wonderful food and wine.  The dinner was finished with limencello, compliments of the owner.  We had hoped to get into the city before dark but didn't make it.  However, this is the only shot we have of St. Peter's after dark, the rest we took during the day from other vantage points.

The next day we traveled by bus to Orvieto.  Our first stop was to ride the funicular to the city high up.  We visited the castle that overlooked the valley and proceeded to St. Patrick's Well.  This was a circular stairway and only a few of us ventured down to the bottom and back up.  I think it was about 500 steps in all.  I was huffing and puffing a bit by the time I got done, but I did it!  We then visited the Dom (Cathedral) which was beautifully decorated inside and out.  There was no docent so it was up to us to use the brochure to appreciate the artwork and such.

After a nice lunch we went to the caves that have been under property for hundreds of years.  People dug their own spaces to use as work areas to make olive oil, escape from invasions and to raise pigeons for food and bartering.  Only two of the thousands are open to the public.  The views from some of the openings where the pigeons flew in and out provided some nice shots.

The next day didn't turn out well.  It was cool and rainy for starters.  But there is nothing anyone can do about that.  We originally had the afternoon scheduled at the Vatican but learned we were going in the morning because it was the 500th anniversary of the opening of the Sistine Chapel and the Pope was saying Mass so it was closing at 1 pm.  I don't know about you but I doubt that snuck up on anyone!

Instead of the "Front of the Line" 33 euro tickets, our tour guide stood in line alone and purchased 33 General Admission tickets for 15 euros each.  I figured she saved herself around $400 or so.  However, the guards would not let us go to the front of the line with her because she did not have the proper tickets and documentation so we ended up in a 1.5 hour line in the rain along with everyone else buying General Admission tickets.  Talk about not being a Happy Camper!  We paid for and requested Front of the Line tickets as part of our tour and I was madder than a wet hen.

This is what going through the Vatican looked like.  It reminded me of getting out of Reliant Stadium after a football game.  Here are a few photos but I can't tell you a thing about them.  It is disconcerting to be rushed passed Raphael masterpieces but that is exactly what happened.

We had lunch after our Vatican fiasco at a restaurant that was fine but it was not the one listed on our itinerary.  I've moved groups around and leading by the seat of your pants is no way to do it.  By the time we got to Trevi Fountain I was ready to push a certain someone in the fountain and was not at all interested in throwing a coin to be sure I returned!  I had promised my friend I would throw a coin for her so I had Ted do it.

It was getting late into the afternoon so our bus headed back to the hotel.  After a lot of posturing over the days events, we all decided we would not go to Tivoli outside Rome on our last day.  There was way too much in the city to see and we intended to see it.  Thursday was a bit better but not without its challenges.

Accomplishments!

We only had five days for Keith and Steve's visit.

Monday we spent doing laundry, and Keith got all my Christmas things down from the attic. This will be only the second time since 2001 that we have spent Christmas at home so most things were stuck in the attic when we moved into this house where they have remained.

Keith's goal, besides helping me decorate, was to get things organized so I could store it all in the garage and not have to climb the attic stairs. We made lots of headway on both fronts.

Tuesday we drove to Blue Bell in Brenham to visit the ice cream factory. We also had lunch at the airport diner with the waitresses in poodle skirts and did a little shopping. The fellows and we enjoyed the day.

The next day we spent in Old Town Spring and checked out every store but no one bought anything!

Thursday Keith and I continued with the garage and decorations before meeting Carol & Terry and Jody & Dave for Thanksgiving dinner. The eight of us had a delicious meal at the country club courtesy of Terry. What a nice surprise and a kind and generous gesture.

Friday Ted was fighting a cold so the three of us traveled to Lynchburg to take the ferry to the San Jacinto Monument. After our visit there we had lunch at the Monument Inn then proceeded to visit the Battleship Texas. The guys really enjoyed climbing all over the ship with me bringing up the rear. I was being very careful going up and down the very steep steps!

Their flight is around 9:00 in the morning so we will be leaving very early. Steve worked on our computers and connected our Wii to the internet and Keith's contributions are so very much appreciated too. We will be sorry to see them go.

Google has told me I have used my capacity for photos and I have been unable to publish any from our trip. I intend to print out my first year in its entirety and then delete it to make room. Hang in there!

Smooth Sailing

What a terrific crossing! We didn't have wave one crossing the Atlantic.

We spent a beautiful, sunny day in Nassau and then entered the Gulf of Mexico after rounding the Florida Keys. Disembarking was the normal chaos but our bus arrived just as the last of our 14 passengers cleared Customs. It was an easy ride home and it was great to get here.

We started laundry and popped the lasagna I had in the freezer into the oven. It didn't take long for our bedroom to look as if a bomb went off!

We all had our noses in our computers trying to get caught up. Thank goodness for wi-fi that allowed us all to be on line.

Today we ran some errands and toured a bit of the area. Tomorrow we will try to do something touristy for Keith and Steve's enjoyment.

I hope to get some photos posted tomorrow .

Land Ho!

This morning we will dock in Nassau. We had two cloudy, misty days before a gorgeous day yesterday. A great treat for Tom, Ted and me at breakfast was a spectacular full rainbow ending in the water next to the ship. It left as quickly as it came. I told them it was God saying good morning.

The pools and deck chairs were all filled when I did my five laps around the walking track. Ted was shooting hoops and played miniature golf while I walked. Later we all played two tables of Shang Hai and I won finally. All my dimes had been depleted so it was good to get some back.

I made an appointment for a pedicure between playing cards and having dinner. The spa on board is quite impressive. There is always something to fill your time. Knowing 33 people on board plus the new people we have met makes for many opportunities to just visit.

Ted and I have spent a little time in the casino. I was in the Crown and Anchor slot tournament and out of 80 people made it to the final 10 but didn't win. We each have a chit with money on it so we will play some more and use it up or maybe we can cash them in for some bug bucks!

The time has passed quickly and Sunday we will dock in Galveston. With Keith and Steve coming home with us for Thanksgiving week our busy time will continue.

I do want to post some photos so please be patient and check back..

Another Medical Emergency

I spoke of our group and their need for medical attention. We have had a kidney stone, a broken finger, a broken foot, an ear infection, infected recurring dog bite, seasickness, sore throat and two bad backs.

Last night, a young girl in our group collapsed at the dinner table. Ted and I had skipped dinner and were in the theater watching "Chicago" when we heard the code for our dining room. I was concerned about our group but was stunned to learn it WAS someone from our group and in their 20s. Last we heard she was in her cabin and doing fine. I will never travel without insurance. I have seen too many things happen from having to cancel at the last minute to getting sick or injured.

I am starting with a cold but have OTC meds with me and some ampicillin if it decides to turn into something more. We wash our hands constantly and Purell stations are all over the ship but with 5000 people in close proximity, germs are bound to be passed.

We played games yesterday and so far have a key chain, flashing ring, highlighter and a document holder for around your neck. There was a second performance of an amazing pianist in the afternoon and a hypnotist in the evening. Add our movie time in and we had to skip playing cards and eating dinner.

Even the buffet was closed when we came out of the hypnotist show so we grabbed a piece of pizza from the Cafe then listened to passengers sing with the band followed by a jazz party on the Promenade.

Today I hope to work a pedicure in. We also need to sign up for our Nassau excursion. We have had calm seas and warm weather except for a cloudy damp day yesterday.

And people worry about getting bored while at sea for six days!

Days 7-10

Our last stop before crossing the Atlantic was in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. We visited the pyramids which included a lot of info on Thor Heyerdahl's expedition to the area and his excursions to prove that man could follow the trade winds in reed boats and that pyramids found throughout the regions of Peru, Mexico, Spain, Egypt, etc. could all be connected. We also drove to overlooks to view the coastal town from high up.

Our weather has been sunny and pleasant. Thus far we have had extremely calm seas. We passed the Rock of Gibraltar in the middle of the night so we took the captain's word for it. At times we were just off the coast of Africa.

We keep ourselves busy eating, playing cards, eating, playing ship games, eating, playing miniature golf, eating, playing shuffleboard, eating, attending Mass because a priest is onboard, eating, taking Spanish lessons, eating, attending cooking classes, eating, learning origami, eating, etc. After dinner (eating again), we have had fabulous entertainment in the nightly shows.

Traveling with an older group has been challenging. A half dozen have been to the ship's doctor and I have seen many spills both in Rome and on the ship. We have both managed to stay upright so far! The ship has been met by an ambulance at several ports. I hope they all had travel insurance.

We have 3.5 more days at sea. Today we were about 900 miles south of the Azores. This evening we saw our first ship on the horizon. Not much traffic out here. We arrive in Nassau on Thursday.

I will get some photos published once we get home. I need to download my camera onto my computer to post them. We will have Steve and Keith with us until after Thanksgiving but I will try to get them posted quickly.

Days 1-6 of 16 Day Cruise

Finding our way around the ship was our first order of Day 1. There was a snafu with our dining table but by Day 2 it was fixed.

Our first stop was Ajeccio, France. We took a tour to the top of the mountainous island of Corsica to Prunelli Gorge. There were very few villages and most people live on the coast. It reminded me of the road to Highland, NC.

In town we visited the statues of Napoleon and viewed the beautiful palm trees that line the coast.

Day 3 was Palma, Mallorca, Spain. We visited a castle built to defend the city which is now in a city park. It had a terrific view of the city. Our next stop was the bullring. There are not as many bullfights anymore but they are not completely gone in Spain.

Continuing our walk we viewed the cathedral, castle and boulevards that grace the coastal area.

Day 4 found us in Categena, Spain. What a beautiful city! It's cleanliness, order and lovely people reminded me of Singapore. There wasn't a speck of paper on the ground anywhere.

We took a walking tour of the modern part of the city and then visited the Theater that was discovered by excavations about 35 years ago. It is mind boggling what has been uncovered and now open to the public. Amazing pictures to follow later.

Today's port was Lanzarote, Canary Islands. We had a great tour of this volcanic island that looks like Hawaii's Volcano National Park. We visited Jameos Del Agua, the home of the architect who returned to this island to develop it. You will have to wait for some extraordinary photos of this house built into the volcanic rock.

We are heading to our last port of Tenerife, Canary Islands before we spend six days crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

I am heartsick about the results of the election. We are developing a citizenry that is dependent on the government for the basics in life instead of feeling a sense of responsibility to provide for themselves and their family. The best helping hand is still the one at the end of your own arm. We could really help those in need if we didn't have so many who are willing to sit back with their hand out instead of trying to stand on their own two feet.

Arrivederci Roma

Our trip to Civitavecchia was uneventful and boarding the ship was quick and efficient. After a quick lunch we were allowed to proceed to our cabins. It took awhile to get unpacked and then it was time for dinner. We were too tired to attend the evening show and turned in early. Tom had arrived from Arizona. He came through Newark so we all were relieved to see him.

Our first port was Ajaccio, France on the island of Corsica. We took a bus ride to the top of the mountain to Prunelli Gorges and then spent time walking through the coastal city.

Back on board we took a nap. Our busy time in Rome and early rising had caught up with us.

After dinner we enjoyed a tremendous performance by a four man group singing Motown tunes. We have yet to hit any of the bar or music venues on the ship. Once again it was an early evening.

Today we docked and toured Mallorca, Spain. This is a beautiful tropical island and we visited the castle, cathedral and bullring. After dinner tonight we saw a lady violinist we had seen on a previous cruise. She is amazing playing Bach to Dixie.

Tomorrow is Cartagena, Spain followed by a day at sea. Then we have two stops in the Canary Islands before our six trans-Atlantic days. My wifi is spotty and I won't have it while at sea so stand by.

The 15 Hour Day

Our group ditched the trip planned for Tivoli and opted to stay in Rome and cover lots of ground. We started at 7:30 on a driving tour of the city passing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Spanish Steps (that I climbed), the Supreme Court and stopped to tour Castle Sant' Angelo, a former prison of the Vatican but know owned by the country of Italy as a national museum. The view of the city was spectacular from this vantage point.

Next was a guided tour of the Coliseum followed by a visit to the Forum. It started to drizzle and was late afternoon so we had to make a choice; go back to the hotel and come back for our 7:30 dinner or make a cocktail stop if we could find a spot for 33 people. Our guide was able to get the glass enclosed outdoor cafe opened for us at the Hard Rock Cafe and we all rested up and unwound for a bit.

We then went to a fabulous 6-course dinner complete with wine at the top of the Spanish Steps that had an outstanding view of the Vatican.

Friday we were up early once again to be at the beginning of the line at St. Peter's Basilica. The lines at the sites in Rome are unbelievably long with an excess of 30,000 visitors a day. We timed it right and were in quickly.

It is absolutely beautiful inside and out. We were able to attend Mass in a side alcove and receive Communion. It was emotionally touching. I kept thinking of Jesus' words to Simon Peter: "Thou art Peter (which means rock) and upon this rock I will build my church."

And then it was time to leave. We bid farewell to our tour guide and our bus headed to the port of Civitavecchia and our ship.

Give me Gay Paree!

Our third day was not pleasant. It was to rain all day but we were scheduled to tour the Vatican. A Vatican tour guide boarded our bus to take us to meet up with our guide who had purchased our tickets "in advance."

We arrived at the entrance after walking past massive lines waiting in the rain. To make a long story short, our guide, in an attempt to save herself a lot of money I guess, went in the early morning and bought 33 general admission tickets, the kind all those people waiting would eventually purchase.

When we tried to go to the entrance to meet her, we were stopped and told we had to go back to the end of that l-o-n-g line to use our general admission tickets. Those cost 15 euros, the "don't stand in line" tickets cost 33 euros and is what we told our guide long ago were what we wanted. Her little scheme didn't work. I was fit to be tied but Ted said we were in Rome and he wanted to see the Vatican so we stood in the rain for about an hour and a half before getting in.

It was the 500th anniversary of the opening of the Sistine Chapel so the museums were closing at 1 pm for a Papal Mass that would be said in the Sistine Chapel in the afternoon. We had a whirlwind tour of a scant part that included the Sistine Chapel and we were out the door.

The really sad thing is people were still standing in those long lines. I saw one small sign advising people they were closing at 1:00 pm but no one bothered to bring it to their attention. The attendants were "snarly and snarky" and most unhelpful and unpleasant. I doubt I will ever return.

We next had lunch at a place different than what was listed in our itinerary but it was fine. Our next stop was the Capuchin Crypts where bones of all the monks have been decoratively displayed. It was a great place to spend Halloween. I am not sure many in our group understood the artifacts displayed in the museum because they all pertained to this Catholic order of monks.

Last, in a driving rain, we visited the Trevi Fountain which is beautiful and impressive. Legend has it if you turn around, place your right hand over your heart and toss a coin with your left hand over your left shoulder, you will return to Rome. Obviously I was in no mood to even contemplate that so I gave my friend Jacque's coin to Ted and had him throw it. He will have to come back without me!

We all gathered in the hotel bar and after a bit of letting off steam and unwinding, we had a fun night. Instead of visiting Tivoli today we joined ranks and requested we spend the day in Rome to see more of the famous sites. I'll let you know how that goes!

Orvieto

The time change caused us to be awake very early but it gave us time to have a leisurely breakfast and meet the rest of our traveling companions.

After breakfast we boarded a bus to spend time in the hilltop city of Orvieto. Our first adventure was to ride the funicular, an incline car, up to the top of the city. We walked to St. Patrick's Well commissioned by Pope Clement VII in 1527. It is an example of perfect integration of engineering audacity and architectural decor.

Not completed until 1537, the well is a vast cylinder 53 meters deep and 13 meters wide. It consists of two spiral staircases down, one for descending, the other for ascending, totally independent of each other. There are 248 steps large enough to accommodate donkeys used to carry the water. Seventy windows cut into the wall light the stairs from the central shaft.

Several of us braved the challenge of the total 496 steps to see the well at the bottom. I am unable to post pictures but when I return home I will post them in sequence with a bit of a reminder for you all.

Next we toured two of the thousands of caves under the city. For over 3000 years, a labyrinth of caves and cavities were dug by the inhabitants.

There are artifacts indicating these were used as work areas to make olive oil, walls with niches where pigeons roosted and were used as food and to barter. Another area connected to the "hospital" indicating it was used as a safe escape place for those unable to leave in a time of siege. Two caves were opened to the public in the 1970s and the rest remain privately owned by the homeowners who live above them.

We had a typical Italian mid-day meal that was a total of five courses accompanied by wine and water. Water is purchased here in bottles served at the table. No free glass of water as you are seated. It also comes still or sparkling.

Our next stop was to visit the Duomo (cathedral) of Orvieto. The first stone was blessed by Pope Nicholas IV in 1290. It was completed in 1619. It is beautifully decorated outside and inside but without a tour guide we were left to our own devices to use the brochure to identify the importance of individual artwork.

A bus ride home found most of our 30 companions sleeping but I stayed awake so I could sleep at bedtime which turned out to be 8:30!

Travel Day

Dave and Jody took us to the airport Sunday afternoon. There was a big crowd at check-in so I asked Ted if his Delta status would work for the Elite line ... and it did! His boarding pass for both flights was stamped Elite so we used it at security, when boarding and in the special line at Passport inspection. We had no waiting. Our flights were on time and we were the first to arrive at the hotel in Rome though the big group left 10 hours before us. But they arrived about an hour after us and all was OK.

That night we had dinner with Richard, a Seminarian at the National American College. Our pastor spent time here with him on sabbatical and put us in touch so we could get together.

After a tour of the lovely facility, including a breathtaking view of Rome from the rooftop, we joined the 250 seminarians and staff for Vespers. After that we walked to a local restaurant for dinner. Our route included crossing a bridge over the Tiber River!

The five of us enjoyed a terrific meal, topped off by a nightcap of Limoncello compliments of the restaurant. Fact: lemons grown in Italy must be used to make Limoncello though a lemon you might buy in the market here probably came from Spain.

We took a taxi back to our hotel and went right to bed. The six hour time change was catching up to us.

Arrivederci !!

We will see you after Italy, France, Spain, Canary Islands, Bahamas and then home. There are 34 in our group. Six are already in Europe, 19 depart Texas at 7:00 am tomorrow and meet four more at JFK, we leave tomorrow afternoon and will meet everyone in Rome and two more arrive the next day. The last one meets us on Friday. Lots of planning went into managing a group this size from all over.

We have dinner plans with Seminarians from Texas in Rome Monday night before we start our tours on Tuesday.

After 3.5 days of tours we will board our ship for 16 days cruising along the southern coasts of France and Spain before venturing across the Atlantic.

Let's hope Hurricane Sandy doesn't cause any delays. This is a carefully orchestrated event!

Bon Voyage to my fellow travelers.

Countdown

Last Friday we met Gerre and Barry for dinner before we went to see The Odd Couple. It was our first play of the season since we had given away our tickets to The King and I. It was very good and the fellow playing Felix Unger was sensational.

We had a quiet weekend at home attending church on Saturday and meeting the Dining Out group for dinner on Sunday. One of the couples at our table is new and were so interesting. They have lived in 33 countries and had wonderful stories. I had met my friend Jody on Sunday afternoon for shopping and lunch. We had such a fun time and I bought several things. She will make a shopper out of me yet.

I didn't get the Christmas cards I was making finished last week at Merry's so I went back on Tuesday to finish up. Walking home I stopped to visit Wanda who is starting another round of radiation. She is a wonderful neighbor and I hope this ends her problems.

I worked at the Northwest Assistance Ministry senior luncheon on Wednesday. I have worked 23 hours so far this fiscal year. I hope to have 37 hours in by the time we leave for Mission. That will leave me 13 to finish up my 50 hours by the end of May.

As soon as I got home I left again to get my nails done then came home and made pumpkin squares because I was hosting Canasta Thursday afternoon.

Today I played Shang Hai and then we met Tommy and Susan for dinner and a visit before we leave. Tomorrow is the hairdresser. We are going out for dinner after church and will zip that luggage up on Sunday and hit the road!

Two Weeks And Counting

We had a tremendous visit with Gus and Melissa. After our dinner we walked around Market Street and then headed to the waterway to see the dancing fountains and lights. We sat outside eating gelato, catching up on friends and family. It was late when they headed back into town and we came home.

Saturday when we went to church it appeared that Hawaii had exploded inside. A wedding was scheduled for after our service and the entire altar was bathed in real orchids. By the time we were leaving, flowers for the aisles were being brought in and a Pierce Arrow was parked out front. A well known, very philanthropic family had a member getting married. We learned later the reception was at an exclusive country club and included fireworks. Those from our area would recognize the "mattress" connection.

We had a bite with Terry & Carol then headed over to Dave & Mary Ann's to play Canasta. Ted came in first! That has never happened before and he was pleased.

Another skeet league ended and Ted prepared his BBQ for their lunch on Sunday. He brought all the leftovers home and Rick and Brenda were here to help us finish them off. They are workamping at Lake Livingston and had been visiting family for the weekend in the area.

We taught them Shang Hai and Ted got his very first Shang Hai. He had a good card weekend.

When we finished, I started getting the tables ready for Monday's bunco and Brenda helped. Lora lives in an apartment so was just using my space. She brought all the food and drinks so it was easy for me.

I worked at Lakewood Seniors on Tuesday and had to get up in the dark to get there by 8:30 with Suzy and Judy. We had a nice turnout but we were all tired afterwards.

Ted had left for Dallas by the time I got home and I was due at Merry's for a Christmas card making party. We were to make 20 cards but we only got 10 finished so I am going back on Monday.

I stayed home yesterday and today will resume juggling my clothes as I decide what to pack for our trip. I am also getting some cooking done so when we return there are a few dinners in the freezer.

Things are winding down but I will still be busy until we go "up, up and away."

Whirlwind Week

I am going to be so ready for our next trip. I am meeting myself coming and going.

A couple has joined the Boomers and realized from the roster that we lived about a mile apart. They wanted to meet us so I invited them over Saturday evening after church for pizza. Cynthia is still working so their camping will be limited to weekends but Boomers will give them many opportunities. Right now we are not signed up for any upcoming outings with the Boomers. It was a pleasure meeting them and we look forward to a camping trip including them "down the road."

Both Terry and Ted were scheduled to play cards this week so we set up practice time. We met Terry and Carol and John and Irene Sunday at the country club for a bite and then went back to their house to play some Shang Hai.

I hosted afternoon Canasta at my house on Monday and that evening Terry and Carol came over to practice Canasta. Both fellows know both games but needed refresher courses.

Tuesday I rode with Cathy and Suzy to "Operation Independence." This is a non-profit that sends goodie bags with encouraging messages to the military. We packed 19 boxes containing almost a thousand bags. We were putting Christmas cards with greetings that are written by people from pre-school to adults in each bag . I turned one over from a boy named Mike and on the back he had written "kick some butt."  We all laughed at that one. I am sure the soldier receiving it will too.

With my "funeral deviled eggs" in hand I made my way to church on Wednesday for the funeral of Rose, our own funeral luncheon director. She was 5 days shy of her 62nd birthday when she died of brain cancer. It was only six weeks from beginning to end. I have only seen one other lay person given the pomp and circumstance that Rose was given and that was Ted's uncle who worked at the Cathedral in Chicago. What a wonderful tribute to a life well spent.

I met my neighbors for our monthly birthday luncheon on Thursday. We discussed the election, the water bills, the flyover scheduled for construction and some new info on a commuter train. We are all in agreement that we don't want to become a city. We are fine as a township. Jeanette brought birthday cupcakes for Gracie and me and I was able to celebrate one more time!

Just to be sure I didn't starve, we were off to Macaroni Grill to play Shang Hai. I ate my salad and one piece of my chicken parmesan. Ted ate another piece and I brought the rest home.

No one can sit with their spouse when playing cards but Irene said Ted did fine at her table. We had two fellows that were really slow at my table and we ended up playing only 5 of the 6 games in more time than it took all four other tables to play all 6. We chose not to play the last game. We only were subbing so it will be up to Irene to figure out how to correct this.

Tonight we are meeting the fellow I worked for at Celanese and his wife for dinner. They are in town from Michigan visiting their son. If my week hadn't been so busy I would have cooked dinner but they want to try the New Orleans Kitchen restaurant.  Works for me!

We have plans for the weekend and it includes cards, food and church. This is all sounding repetitious.  We need a change of scenery.  My November blogs will be way better as we do our five days in Rome, visit the ports along the southern coasts of France and Spain and throw in the Canary Islands and Bahamas.  There should be lots of pictures too.

It is sad when someone you know becomes someone you knew ~ Henry Rollins

Rest in peace, Rose.  You will be missed.

My 67th Birthday

Ted worked Friday and Sunday at the gun club and then left for San Antonio on Monday for The World Skeet Shoot so I had a lot of time to myself ... and that ain't all bad!

I took the opportunity to evaluate what I was taking on our trip. We will go from cool/cold, possible rain in Rome to hopefully the sunshine and balmy breezes of the Bahamas and everything in between. With no self-service laundry available and 22 days staring at me, I figured a little pre-emptive planning was in order.

On Tuesday I played cards and Shang Hai'd. That is laying your whole hand down in the proper configuration using all cards with no discard.  It is only the second time I have done that this year. I was ahead for five games but got caught with several face cards on the last hand and ended up in second place.

My friend Gerre's birthday is the day before mine so we went out to dinner since both husbands were out of town. It is so much fun stretching celebrations out over several days.

I spent the morning of my birthday working at Regent Care Nursing Home. A mother and her six children are a performing group and they entertained everyone. It is so much fun to watch the residents join in singing lyrics of songs from way back when. I took Jacqueline's hand and swung it to the Tennessee Waltz and she didn't want to let go. I sing terrible but she was loving every minute. And I played Name That Tune with another lady who "knew that song" but just couldn't place most of them. She was delighted when I would identify tunes such as Bye Bye Blues and Simple Melody. After the performance the children were so polite and went around and greeted all the folks before they left. What fine young people.  David, a gentleman at my table played his harmonica during the performance.  The children complimented and thanked him when I'm sure they would just as soon he hadn't done it. 

From there I picked up Carol and she treated me to a wonderful lunch at the new New Orleans Kitchen restaurant. Then we shopped for a bit before I took her home.

Ted offered to take me to dinner but I wasn't hungry. I so enjoyed all the birthday greetings sent to me from far and wide. All in all, it was a great day.

Another Day, Another Dollar (or 65 cents after taxes)

Ted and I attended Wind Down Friday night and saw lots of people we hadn't seen since last Spring.  I made some mini ham/cheese cups and they were all eaten so I guess that's a good sign.  By Saturday I was ready for dinner out and Terry called and asked us if we wanted to go after church so we did.  All of us get so busy that we hardly have time to get caught up with each other and about family.  We had a very nice evening.

Monday I subbed in a Mexican Train group at Suzy's house.  She is my Junior Forum "Cupcake," the name given to this year's Provisionals.  She is doing a wonderful job and enjoying the organization as much as I am.  Of course she is making friends from her class and it was a delight to meet them.  I came in third overall in Mexican Train so I guess my games while out camping have taught me well.

It was back to the thrift shop to work four hours on Tuesday.  We have two new members to our families (one Ted's side, one mine) and one baby is so small that NB and Preemie clothes are dwarfing her.  We got in a lot of excellent condition and new baby clothes, some of which were NB and 0-3 months.  So I bought a dozen to send back to Ohio for Lily. 

They had us all dress in something we had purchased there so I took my Chico's brand new denim jacket I had bought last year.  I have no idea just where the photo will be used.  It was fun getting everyone dressed.  Then I forgot to take my jacket and fretted once I got home and realized it.  I was afraid they would resell it!

The gal who runs the shop is named Donna, the gal I work under for Junior Forum is named Donna and then there's yours truly.  Donna #2 gave me Donna #1's phone number and she found my jacket.  Donna #2 took it home and I picked it up yesterday after Canasta.  So that's the answer!  It takes 3 Donnas to get a jacket to the rightful owner.

I got my nails done on Wednesday and played Canasta on Thursday.  I lost each game at my table and then 3 of my 4 partners all won!  My score was dead in the middle.  I'm still scratching my head over that one.  I started a Wild Card Canasta really late in one of the games because so many wild cards were still out.  My partner Kathleen drew the last two cards, both of which were wild and we made our Wild Card Canasta!  She thought I was crazy starting it so late but I figured "no guts, no glory" and it worked.  I'd be eating crow today if it hadn't.

Yesterday was also Ted's birthday.  He heard from all the kids, received many cards and I ordered a bike rack for the back of the trailer (that has a receiver) so he can take his bike to the valley.  They have wonderful wide asphalt walks that you can ride on for miles and miles.  I know he'll enjoy riding there this winter.

He is working at the gun club for a First Responders outing this weekend.  He helps out the owner and in turn receives free rounds of shooting.  However, I know he enjoys himself immensely at these affairs and would do it even if there wasn't that small reward.  He checks that everyone is handling the gun safely, pulls the targets, keeps score and probably has to load birds in the houses from time to time.  It's a fun day for him.

We are meeting Barry and Gerre tonight for dinner and to see their new pool, patio and outdoor kitchen that is nearing completion.  I have seen some of it but Ted has not.  The pictures look awesome. 

“Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.” ~ Vince Lombardi

Where I Volunteer Besides My Church

Many people are unaware of Junior Forum organizations. I like to say it is the older gals' answer to Junior League. I am asked constantly why I keep so busy with this organization so I want to share some information with you. And by the way, I don't give near the hours the rest of the other 300+ members do.

At our meeting Friday we were given these statistics for last year:

Lunch served to 3,873 seniors
School supplies for 3,372 children
Books for 850 Title One school children
Interaction with 670 developmentally delayed adults
Christmas gifts to 72 Women's Shelter families
Immunizations for 1,282 children
Meals on Wheels served - 2,576
C-Ration bags packed for the military - 9,900
Scholarships to high school seniors - 41
$20,000 grant money to four organizations for equipment
10,994 Volunteer Hours of service

I don't know about you but I am impressed ... and very proud all at the same time.

There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow man. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well. ~ Walter Reuther