At Sea

 During the six weeks we were gone, sixteen of the days were spent at sea.  Most of those were during the first cruise as we crossed the Atlantic.  We like the sea days.  We both bring things to work on during those days.  We read (I read six book while on this six-week trip,) we relax, we nap, we eat.  Ken walks on the top deck and rides a stationary bike for exercise. We enjoy eating in the dining room in the evening, then going to good entertainment.  After the show, we can go to a lounge to listen to musicians or play games. They are relaxing and fun days.  They are the essence of cruising.

Our room on the first ship.

We loved our balcony.  We are sold on balconies on cruises.  Most days, even while we were sailing, were quite pleasant out there.  We saw beautiful scenery when going by land, dolphins, fish, other ships, windmills, and lots of birds.  Ken was thrilled to see many birds as we sailed- many of which were new life listers for him.  Some birds are sea birds and you must be on the water in a boat or ship to see them.  Our balcony was the perfect place for that.  He spent quite a bit of time out there with his binoculars.

One day, I was working at the desk in our room (on the 14th deck) when a fighter jet flew right past our window.  I saw it; then came the deafening roar.  It was way too fast to even think of getting a picture.  I had just settled down, when, about ten minutes later, it came back, flying right past our window again.  We never did find out what it was about.  I overheard others talking about it, but never got the details.  Of course, we did a lot of speculating.  It was loud and exhilarating.  

I got this picture off the Internet.  I don't know if this is exactly the same kind of jet that I saw.  

The delicious meals are always a highlight of a cruise.

Donna, our waitress from the Philippines.  She was very good.  Notice that every employee always wore a mask.

On many of the at sea nights, we went to a lounge and listened to Daniel Oliver, a big black guy, sing and play the piano.  He was very talented, singing many familiar songs.  He performed almost every night.

Following are some pictures of some of the entertainers we enjoyed:

This guy was great.  He was a concert pianist and a comedian- a rare combination.  He really put on a good show.

Before the show both nights, he visited with people in the audience.  Then, when they announced him, he leapt on the stage to start his show.  That's a unique entrance! Ken took my picture with him before the show.  He said, "Let's pull down our masks, 1-2-3!"

This was one of my other favorite entertainers.  Elaine Gray was a soprano from Scotland.  She had a beautiful, flawless tone.  

She did two shows.  Both were excellent.

As you can see, the first cruise was not full and the shows had more empty than full seats.  That was not true on the British Isle cruise, which was more full.

This guy, Phil Baker had a beautiful voice.  He has starred on London's equivalent of Broadway and even won the Laurence Olivier Award for his role in Taboo.

He did two shows.  During the couple of days between the shows, he fell going up into his bathroom in his room and broke his arm in three places.  He had to wait until the next port to get it cast properly, and I'm sure he was in pain.  But he said the show must go on, and did his second show with his arm in a sling.

I really liked this guy who did Phil Collins tributes.  He was really good.

On the sea day evenings, we enjoyed playing games together.

On Easter, our room steward left us treats- a far cry from the chocolates they used to leave!  We missed the chocolates.  Princess has discontinued that.

This little animal greeted us just inside the door when we came in one evening.

We bought some of the professional photographs:

Kevin, Melanie, Kay, Ken, Ada, Don

Ken is writing his autobiography and wanted a professional photograph for the cover.  I think all three of these are nice handsome dude!

We saw many other ships from our balcony as we sailed.

Many, many windmills out in the sea.

We saw so many incredible sunsets.

We really enjoyed our days at sea.

Six-Week Trip to Europe and the British Isles

 

April 8th through May 21st, we, along with Don and Ada, went on a monster trip.  We boarded the Enchanted Princess in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on April 9th.  We sailed across the Atlantic, visiting a few ports along the way.  We then stayed onboard for a second cruise visiting many places in western Europe, finishing that cruise in Southhampton, England on May 4th.  We then spent five days in London, England, then boarded the Emerald Princess on May 9th for a cruise of the British Isles, finishing on May 21st.  We then flew home from London's Heathrow airport.  It was an amazing experience.  I plan to post about each port and place we visited.  I will post them in the order we visited them over the next several weeks.  I also plan to intersperse posts of many stories and experiences we had along the way. I have been busy preparing these posts and sorting through hundreds of pictures.  I expect this will take me weeks to complete.

We originally signed up for the transatlantic cruise and the Baltic cruise for April of 2020. We would cross the Atlantic, with a few ports, then stay on the same ship for a Baltic Sea cruise. When that cruise was canceled because of COVID, they gave us cruise credit for what we paid plus half again.  So, we rescheduled for 2022 and decided to tack on a British Isle cruise as well.  As the date grew closer, Russia attacked Ukraine and Princess cruises decided we obviously would not be going to Russia, but then the decision was made to not go in the Baltic Sea at all.  So, our Baltic cruise became a Western Europe cruise.  New ports were hurriedly added and our ending destination became London instead of the originally planned Copenhagen.   We still are trying to get money back on flights, etc, Full of changes and frustrations, it was still a nice cruise- cruises.  Melanie, our niece and Don and Ada's daughter , and her husband, Kevin joined us for the second leg of the journey.  They were a delightful addition to our party.  

Ken wrote this in his journal about the trip:  

On April 8th we flew from St. George to Fort Lauderdale, Florida and stayed overnight in an Element Hotel that Princess cruises arranged for us.  Princess provided our transfers from the airport to the hotel and then from the hotel to the Enchanted Princess cruise ship the next morning.  We spent the next 25 days on that ship, visiting the following ports of call:  Ponta Delgata, Portugal; Brest and Cherbourg, France; Copenhagen, Denmark; Oslo and Kristiansand, Norway; Hamburg, Germany; Brugges, Belgium; Falmouth and Portland, England; and ended that double cruise in Southampton, England.  We then spent five days in London before going back to Southampton to board our last cruise line, the Emerald Princess.  On that ship we visited the following ports: Guernsey Island, England; Cohb(pronounced Cork), Dublin, and Belfast, Ire land; Liverpool, England; Orkney Islands, Invergordon, and Edinburgh, Scotland; and finished once again in Southamptom, England.

Although we both felt that this vacation went too long, we also were thrilled at the chance to visit so many places we had heard and read about all of our lives.  It was indeed a vacation of a lifetime.  

We hope you enjoy our journey!

The Sabbath is a Delight

  I have been asked by our Relief Society presidency to prepare a short article for each month's Relief Society newsletter on spiritual preparedness.   I thought I might just as well publish those articles here as well. They publish on the first day of the month.  This is June's article.

One of the most important things we can do prepare ourselves spiritually is to keep the Sabbath day holy.   Our prophet taught
that our Sabbath Day activities are a sign between God and us.  He suggested that when we are trying to decide whether an activity is appropriate for the Sabbath, we should ask ourselves, “What sign do I want to give God?”  That question will make our choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear.

Swans are Fat Too

 

Swans Are Fat Too by Michelle Granas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this contemporary fiction novel set in Poland. I loved Hania, the protagonist. She was so real, as were all of the characters. This author has a gift for characterization. Because Hania’s job is editing a history of Poland, the history of Poland is woven throughout the exciting story. I really hope there is a happily ever after sequel to this book. I want to know what happens to the characters and that the horrible parents get theirs! 4 + stars from me.

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To the Land of Long Lost Friends

To the Land of Long Lost Friends by Alexander McCall Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another funny, calming book in the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series. I enjoyed it, but didn’t like this one quite as well as many of the others. It didn’t seem that the cases had quite the intrigue. It was exciting that Charlie got engaged, though. These books are always a good read.

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Cosy

 

Cosy: The British Art of Comfort by Laura Weir
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this book that analyzes what it means to be coxy while in England. It is about finding the art of “cozy” in our lives: warm fires and drinks, sweaters, socks, and friendships, et. The English know how to do cozy and so do I after reading this book.

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The Flight of Gemma Hardy

 

The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Though this book is an obvious retelling of Jane Eyre, I enjoyed reading it. I liked it because I read it while traveling in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. The author describes in perfect detail the things I was seeing and experiencing. The first of the book was very hard to read as Gemma was so abused by everyone. But it is a story of perseverance and overcoming obstacles and eventual triumph. It is a book of seeking one’s roots and, of course, romance. I think it’s worth 3 stars.

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Geraldine Verne's Red Suitcase

 

Geraldine Verne's Red Suitcase by Jane Riley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a simple, but powerful, book dealing with grief. It was sad, funny, and full of loveable, caring characters. I am missing my daily walk with them. They taught me how to patiently care for someone going through the grieving process. I highly recommend this novel.

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The Daring Girls of Guernsey

 

The Daring Girls of Guernsey by Gayle Callen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Because we are headed toward Guernsey on a cruise ship, I read this book. In my opinion, it is not as good as the more famous Guernsey book, but it is good. These three women are patriotic and brave and choose to make a difference instead of just surviving the German occupation of their beloved Island. I appreciate their courage. I pray I never have to prove my loyalty and courage in a similar way.

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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

 

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love, love, love this book. Because we are on our way to visit Guernsey Island, I rewatched the movie and reread the book. I love Juliet and how the entire book is letters written to and from her. I can’t wait to forget the details so I can read it again. If I had a top ten list of my all-time favorite books, this one would definitely be on it (Maybe I should try to compile such a list?) Read it! You will love it! 5+ stars!

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The Royal Treatment

 This is the kind of movie I enjoy watching with my granddaughter, Brielle.  But Ken and I watched it together and he said he liked it, too.  Cheesy, yes.  But feel-good and uplifting and clean.  We watched it on Netflix.

Clinique Happy Heart Perfume

 This is kind of a sweet story.  Several years ago, while we were on a cruise, Ken and I went into one of the lounges to hear a musical performance.  While we were waiting for it to start, I left to go to the restroom.  While I was gone, one of the cocktail waitresses walked by.  Ken was taken with her perfume.  When she walked by again, he was bold enough to stop her and ask her what scent she was wearing.  She told him it was Clinique Happy Heart.  He wrote it down.  I came back from the restroom, and he never mentioned a word of it to me.  When we got home, he went to Dillards to buy me some.  The clerk at Dillards showed it to him, but suggested he wait a couple of weeks as Clinique's free gift promotion was coming up.  So he did.  He went back a couple of weeks later and got me the perfume and free gifts.  He then surprised me with it.  I have three perfumes I really like.  This is one of them. I really do like the scent, but even more I like the thoughtful, sweet gift from my husband.  It is one of my favorite things.

Clinique Happy Heart Perfume

Munich The Edge of War

 This was a powerful movie.  One scene plays over and over in my mind:  A young man in the confidence of Hitler has a chance to kill him, but is unable to bring himself to do it.  With what is happening in the world right now, I hope that if someone, who has a similar chance with Putin, will have watched this movie and will learn from that young man's mistake.  Think of the thousands upon thousands of lives that would have been saved had he been able to pull the trigger.  You should watch this one.  

Remember Lot's Wife

 After teaching this story from the Old Testament, I decided that this is a great mantra.  

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explains why it is so important that we remember Lot's wife:

“It is possible that Lot’s wife looked back with resentment toward the Lord for what He was asking her to leave behind. … So it isn’t just that she looked back; she looked back longingly. In short, her attachment to the past outweighed her confidence in the future. …

“… I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone nor to yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. …

“… [Lot’s wife] did not have faith. She doubted the Lord’s ability to give her something better than she already had. Apparently, she thought that nothing that lay ahead could possibly be as good as what she was leaving behind. …

“… Dwelling on past lives, including past mistakes, is just not right! It is not the gospel of Jesus Christ” (“The Best Is Yet to Be,” Ensign, Jan. 2010, 24, 26–27).

Let's look forward; not back.  Let's remember Lot's wife.

Hampstead

 A completely unlikely romance between two people who really need change in their lives.  We watched it on Netflix.

Hiking and Backpacking

 On each second Friday I do a "fun for me" post.  Sometimes it is something that is fun for me.  Sometimes it is something that is fun for Ken.  Sometimes it is something that is fun for both of us.  This is something that is fun for Ken- backpacking and hiking.

Ken has loved backpacking and hiking since he was a young boy.  He has so many stories to tell of his adventures through the years.  Here are some pictures from our "hiking" picture file:

These from his youth:

From adulthood:

A group of hikers from our ward.

Ken hiked the Grand Canyon with the Cameron family- Blake, his dad and brothers.

Our dear friend, Kurtis, a frequent hiking buddy.

Ken and I did a little hike on Prince Edward Island through the famous Haunted Woods in Anne of Green Gables.  It was so beautiful.

We went on a hike with our entire family on the Riverside Nature trail by the Logan river.  We had so much fun.  There were a lot of Water Snakes.  The kids had so much fun picking them up and holding them.

Resting on a bench

So, from youth to Grandpahood, Ken has loved hiking!

The Beach House

 A moving story based on a book by the same name.  We watched in on the Hallmark channel.

Just Like Heaven

 I always like Reese Witherspoon, and she is really good in this movie.  It was an interesting plot and has a good twist at the end.  We really enjoyed it.  We watched it on Netflix.

Who Needs Me Today?

 I have been asked by our Relief Society presidency to prepare a short article for each month's Relief Society newsletter on spiritual preparedness.   I thought I might just as well publish those articles here as well. They publish on the first day of the month.  This is May's article.

 Sister Bonnie Oscarson, general young women president, challenged us to pray each day and ask this question, “Who needs me today?”  We can ask our Heavenly Father each morning for an opportunity to serve someone.  That opportunity may come in our family, our neighborhood, our ward, or our community.  Serving others helps them, but also strengthens and blesses us.  Service is spiritual preparedness.