Friday, October 30, 2009
OOPS
I had a senior moment in my last blog. I missed the stop at Puntertaras. We will be there two days before the Panama transit. Silly me. Good day at sea, and we dock at 1:00 pm.
More later
More later
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Acapulco - hualtco
Well! - we got rained out at Acapulco so we stayed on board. Mike and Gail had been there before and said there wasn't much to see anyway. Too Big and Busy. However, we did go into Hualtco; we signed up for a beach resort Las Brisas. It used to be a club med, 3 beaches, 3 pools and we had the run of the place for 4 hours. It was great to use the beach and get into the water. It is an all inclusive resort and it and Hualtco is highly recommended place to vacation, in our opinion. I have been making good use of my new movie camera. Too good, I am up to an hour of movies and the trip isn't half over yet.
The food has been great, fortunately both Mike and I are making good use of the gym to combat the calorie intake, plus a lot of walking, hope it is working. The entertainment has been nothing short of fabulous. The Celebrity band, singers and dancers are great and according to Carolyn much better than the troupe that was on this same ship when she went to Alaska on it in June. The specialty acts have been great too. Last night was a wonderful pianist and singer Stephan Kane, whom Carolyn particularly enjoyed.
The Celebrity Crew have been quite helpful and pleasant, from our cabin Stewards to the Waiters and such. Just super! We must admit Celebrity is becoming our favourite Cruise line. Of course, it helps to have Mike along as he is great at shmoozing with the staff, he gets things done. Everyone knows Michael.
Today we are at sea again prior to going into Panama and through the canals tomorrow, by tomorrow night we will be in the Atlantic. Whoooeeee.
Ciao
Monday, October 26, 2009
Panama or Bust
4am we woke to start our latest adventure. Travel arrangements to the airport were made by Michael, departing from his place. We were surprised when we arrived to find a white stretch limousine awaiting; a luxurious start to our vacation. The flight down was generally uneventful except for a 2 hour delay in San Francisco, which gave us 5 hrs. to cool our heels there.
Our hotel in San Diego was quite beautiful and unique. The Embassy suites Downtown is a 12 story structure with all suites facing both outward and inward to a a huge central covered courtyard. All hallways overlooked the courtyard and one could see all the suites and floor's from the vantage of their front doors. We could wave at Mike and Gail who were on the other side of the building.
The embarkation went smoothly. WE have all been on the Meercury before so we know the layout. Our table for 10 has 3 other couples and by coincidence we are all Canadian. Carol & Des;, Elizabeth and Donna, Joe & Maria, all from Vancouver except Carolyn who is from White Rock. Elizabeth is the oldest ( 80's +) and is quite a delight.
Our first Port of call was Cabo San Luca. We walked around town, did a little shopping (no kidding - Carolyn couldn't find a Value Village so she had to shop at real stores). Mostly we walked and gawked. Its' marinas are extensive and I haven't seen so many expensive yachts in one port ever.
Today we are relaxing at sea; Tomorrow Acapulco.
Ciao.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Mom sure enjoyed the Thanksgiving gathering back on Oct 12th. It was a great get together.Most of the family was there, we all missed Mike, Charlene and the kids. It was a good time to get everyone out since Carolyn's brother Lewis and his good partner Phyllis were in town. The 10 day visit with them went extremely well too. The weather cooperated which helped. We got up Island to Duncan one day, we took the motor home for a run as it has been too idle this summer. It made for a nice day. Of course we made a few trips to various restaurants and they got out to do a few touristy things and collect some drift wood for her pond she is building. Of course the drift wood is still here waiting for either us to drive it there or them to pick it up when the come again with a car.Mom is a little down with us leaving for our Panama Cruise and the fact that she is still waiting in the hospital for a care home placement. However, we will be back soon enough and hopefully the placement will happen soon too, tho, she doesn't want that to happen while we are away.
We went to see "the Invention of Lying" super movie, quite funny and original.
I have a Thanksgiving photo album which can be seen HERE. They are also on Facebook.
I'll try to post while on the trip.
Ciao for now.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Lewis and Phyllis arrived on Tuesday and we have been busy puttering about and stuff. We have walked and drove and visited. Took the motorhome for a run up to the NEW Walmart Supercenter just outside of Duncan. The RV needed some exercise and we had a fun day shopping and picnicking. Yesterday we found Phyllis in a flurry of baking, the results can be seen on the left, which is now my screen saver, mmmmmm. Dessert is ready for Sunday. Actually we ate the small pie yesterday with ice cream. It was the left over dough with left over butter tart stuff, apples, raisins, etc. It was delicious. I can't wait for the rest on Sunday. Speaking of which, Sunday will be a mass gathering of the clan. Lets see if I can get it all right.. Carolyn, Mom, myself, Lewis, Phyllis, Lyn, Alan, Colin, Ellie, Rachel, Saul, Adam, David, Tena, Megan, Ben, (Chris maybe), Noni, John, Chelsea, maybe more??? Mike and Charlene??? we're hoping. About 20 in any event. This will happen in the clubhouse, which fortunately Phyllis and Lewis are staying in so it is ours to use.
Mom still is patiently waiting, but no word yet on a care home. We were hoping that she would be in by now as Carolyn and I are cruising soon. She is in relatively good spirits, given her situation. She is used to the routine and the nurses and we take her out at least once a week. She will enjoy Sunday for sure.
Well that's about it.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Ciao for now.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Mom Weekly Outing
Well we had Mom out again for her weekly outing. We went to Costco because she wanted to try their Pizza. That has to be her favourite food. We brought her home where she again took advantage of the phones to call several relatives. She is so looking forward to her own place in a Care home, but when???? that is the question. We are hoping it is soon. Otherwise life goes on, not too much exciting. Still golfing, getting out to a few movies. Carolyn and I went to see Star Trek the second time. This time on the BIG SCREEN and IMAX, wow what a difference. It was great. Bathroom is about done. Rob finished the drawers, and now I am going to frame the mirror. Rather than replace the thing I am going to glue a frame on it. That should perk it up.
Tomorrow the Motorhome goes for a run, it needs its exercise you know.
Ciao
