The Week That Was

Saurday, October 22 was a day we had looked forward to for some time,

trying to hold loosely as we do these days, 

 but the day finally came!

We met in Long Beach, CA and boarded the amazing Discovery Princess, 

which would be our home, our floating hotel, for the week. 

Anticipation ran high as guests gathered around the pool deck for the sail away entertainment

that included the original cast from the TV series “Love Boat.”

The next day, being a day at sea, we had our first formal dinner.

How fun it is to see guests all over the ship dressed up, in essence, just to celebrate life. 

It is quite amazing how the waiters keep smiling and making it their goal to please,

one table and one cruise at a time!

On Monday we sailed into Cabo San Lucas under sunny blue skies

 and an introduction to our ship's musical horn. 

At this port the cruise ships have to stay away from the shore, so the distance to the dock from where we set anchor was covered with tenders, taking us in groups. 

We enjoyed a walk  around the marina, admiring the pretty architecture

and sat down for some nachos and drinks. 

The view back from our tender. 

Tuesday we woke up to open our curtains to another sunny day and a new port.

Our Mazatlan memorable experience was a tour through town with Humberto,

one that included some shopping, a visit to The Immaculate Conception Cathedral

and a tequila tasting. Such diversity!

But my favorite part was the place he dropped us off at for lunch,

a restaurant right on the beach with picnic tables set out on the sand. 

That is also my favorite photo of Bob and Monika.

Wednesday morning we woke up in Puerto Valerta.

This is where we took a taxi for the four of us to see an out of the way town called Sayulita.

The driver dropped us off near this interesting building.

I did not find out what it was. 

Cones were set up possibly due to clean up from a hurricane that had passed through just days before.

One could see the efforts quickly made to clean up. 

It was a nice place for another sister shot. 

Sayulita is a place my H had heard about and it did not disappoint. 

It is a quaint little town with brightly painted buildings, 

tree lined cobblestone streets with rustic cafe tables set up everywhere

 under straw roofs and trees that house iguanas. 

I loved the feeling that these people took pride in making their places beautiful

with sidewalk art and welcoming patios. 

On the beach we met a woman selling clothing and we were surprised at her good English. 

She told us that she had done this ever since she was a little girl, 

but had told herself that her children would not be doing this! 

With tears in her eyes she proudly told us about her daughter and son - 

soon to be a lawyer and a doctor.

Her daughter had promised her a house with a view of the beach 

where she had worked all her life to suppport her family.

She left a memorable impression on us. 

Back on the ship there was no end of things to do or be entertained by.

One day we got called off the pool deck to a dance lesson. A first for us!

Monika and I both love to read and share books. 

I don't even know how many pools and restaurants there were,

a big outdoor movie screen, a large theatre hosting comedies and musicals.

and live entertainment from pianists and game show hosts to cooking or towel art shows.

Everyone finds their place, whether it be at the gym, the walking track, the hot tub, 

the shops, listening to a live performance or just finding a quiet spot

and be amazed at the vast expanse of ocean.

We all looked forward to dinners! 

Although Monika and I both feel very comfortable in a kitchen, oftentimes seeing it as our happy place, it was such a treat to not have a care about what to cook, 

simply choosing from a fancy menu with no prices. 

I will never forget this time together

which we called a celebration of our anniversaries,

yet in some ways became a trip in memory of our mom.

There were times, unknown to Monika, 

I had tears in my eyes looking at her and seeing our mom in her beautiful face. 

Whichever way we look at it, 

it was a celebration of family and life. 

Reminder

In some ways we have had the summer of our dreams when it comes to sunshine,

however, the drought is beginning to be a big concern.

Our air quality is dangerous, due to smoke from accidentally lit fires.

Yet, I've noticed the birds, carelessly frolicking in the fountain,

bathing, splashing, drinking

and I wonder in awe at their delight.

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, 

they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. 

And how much more valuable you are than birds!

Luke 12:24

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; 

seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Luke 11:9

These words were spoken by Jesus. So simple, yet such a clear challenge to trust Him.

The fountain that satisfies our thirst and wells up to eternal life. 

I am forever grateful. 

Thanksgiving 2022

Thanksgiving has come and gone a number of times since I began to blog,

so by now it's no secret that I love to add a bit of something pretty to the table. 

I set it the night before, so that I don't feel rushed 

and I can enjoy looking at it and anticipate the time together. 

This year I set for eighteen, sixteen of our family plus two friends.

For the centerpiece I got out a silk Christmas arrangement 

and stuffed it full of cuttings from the yard,

adding some tiny pumpkins.

I made pies ahead of time, froze them unbaked and

baked them while the turkey was sitting. 

The kids are at the age now where they come in and look to see what's for dessert. 

They know the best is yet to come!

After appies, most headed outside.

It was such a beautiful day ... another day of summer! 

Some made bead bracelets,

others played lawn games. 

Finally dinner was ready! 

Natalie with two of her favorite cousins, 

Tehya and Paeton who have rarely celebrated this day with us! 

I loved overhearing Koen's comment, as he was filling his plate,

"I like Thanksgiving more every year!" 

(a twelve year old's way of saying he was excited about the food) 

To see the family (almost all) around the table is a feeling hard to describe.

It goes something like ...

"Why me, Lord? What have I ever done, to deserve all of these?"

How we love them all! 

I found some paper in my scrap box that was perfect for table doodling ...

everyone could jot down what came to mind and pass it on. 

Last week I read that gratitude means not taking anything for granted.

On this Thanksgiving day, 

I still feel like a lot of my gratitude was tucked within my heart,

treasured ... wishing I could find a way to express it. 

Maybe one day they will understand. 

🤍🤍🤍

One Who Stayed Behind

As I look out from my kitchen sink window, 

I see the most heart warming picture.

This boy, born eighteen years ago and whisked overseas as a newborn,

is part of our lives now.

Time has a way of sneaking up on us

when days are long, but years are short.

I think of first really getting to know him when he was already walking;

 a few years later, quickly reading one more book before heading  out to the airport,

and tears (his tears) because he woke up on the plane and 

realized he'd been sleeping when we hugged goodbye.

Those 2 am flights.

I think of the parcels sent, 

 exotic river trips to watch for orangutans

and delicious food wrapped in banana leaves.

I also think of missed family gatherings,

 time difference calculations,

long awaited furloughs

 and Christmas in July.

And now he's here,

"Papa, can I come and help you in the yard"

or "Grammy, I have some laundry ..."

And we enjoy a good meal,

and his dimpled smile is still the one

of that little boy that we've watched grow up from a distance.

How we love him!