Stymied

I felt stymied in so many ways this week.  I knew I would still be dealing with the restriction of not being allowed to lift over 20 pounds, but figured I could still ride, get back into my weight workouts at a very light load, and start wearing off the added calories from the cruise by doing aerobic workouts.  But two big things resulted in what really was a crappy week; a lame horse and a bad cold.  Both also made it tough to focus on and get my cruise blog written.  But I am making progress and it will get done eventually.  Somehow, probably because my head has not been very clear, I deleted three days of photos.  Luckily my phone had saved them to the cloud so I could retrieve them.  But I could only figure out how to get one at a time by e-mailing them to myself.  A very slow process.

 Monday 2/18 - I lay in bed at 6:30 with a sore throat, feeling the side thrusters (or whatever they are) docking our ship in Ft. Lauderdale.  Soon I was dressed and on deck to take a little walk while my tea brewed.









The airport was already busy with flights taking off and flying overhead.  This was our next destination, but we didn't need to be there until noon, so took our time.


The dock was also busy with a few other cruise ships, many container ships, and some smaller vessels (yachts, tugs, coast guard etc.) coming and going or docked at various places.





This cool mural on the dock parking garage caught my eye.

We lingered in the Ocean View Café, waiting to hear our disembarking number to be called.  Patty had gone down to the theater to wait because she was too hot.  Well the front of the ship was off loading faster than the back so she texted us and we proceeded down and off to catch up with her.

Below is one last look at the busy dock area.  We caught our pre-paid shuttle the hotel provided and were soon dropped off at the airport.

During our wait for our 2:00 flight at the airport, we had lunch and I also got a call from Joe, that Amiga was lame, and had been since Thursday.  Back to reality and the worries that accompany everyday life.  I made a few more calls to get the complete story about Amiga and planned a trip to the barn as soon as I got home.







Once airborne, we gazed out the window at some ships below, and thought about others who would be off on their cruise as these two ships were heading out to sea.



It was quick and easy for Joe to pick us up.  Driving home, the full moon rising over the TN hills is almost as pretty as the one at sea the night before.

I was exhausted by the time we got home at 6pm, and too tired to mess with Amiga.  I knew she could wait till morning.  Joe went to Food City to pick up cold medicine and dinner while I got settled in for the night.

Bed shortly followed the bowl of soup for dinner.



Tuesday 2/19 - I woke with the head cold really taking hold, making me feel rotten.  These dear deer visitors had come after others had already cleaned up the corn.


I got to the barn at 7:30 and saw Amiga three legged lame, the worse I have seen her.  I soaked her foot in Epison salt for 20 minutes, and she did quite well keeping it in the bucket.  I fed her her grain during this process which kept her preoccupied part of the time.



Cookie, the puppy, supervised.
At 8am I called the vet and left a voice mail.  A little later he returned the call and planned to be out in an hour.








I put Zorro and Amiga in the pony pen with plenty of hay and water.  These two had been together in the pony pen all day Monday.  Zorro is good company for Amiga.
While I waited for the vet, I helped Ambrie clean stalls.  

As suspected, Dr. Perry found an abscess.  I was thankful it was nothing worse.  It was in the toe of Amiga's front right foot.  He had to remove her shoe and trim off some of her hoof to get to the abscess.  He lanced the abscess in one spot by cutting a hole into her hoof.



Next we soaked her foot for about ten minutes.

You can see the gases escaping, along with fluid, as he pressed on her sole.

The vet finished by squirting on a little Betadine and then put on one of Amiga's easy boots to try to keep the hoof clean and the drainage hole open.

I put Amiga back in the pony pen with Zorro, and will do so until she stops limping.  The vet said she was quite sore and it would be best not to put her with the herd where she gets pestered or would be trying to keep up.  He also said the abscess was about the size of his thumb and that Amiga will not be rideable for 3 to 4 weeks.

It was almost noon by the time I got home.  I unpacked, did laundry, and tried to work on my cruise blog.

At 4:15 I was back at the barn to do the same soaking routine all over again.  And I gave Amiga a Previcox to help with pain and swelling.

It was early to bed in hopes I could shake my cold.

Wednesday 2/20 - It had started raining during the night and continued to do so all day.  I was at the barn soaking Amiga's foot in Epson salt at 7:45.

Zorro heading out with the boys.

The same routine of Betadine and putting on a clean boot occurred.  Each time I remove the boot, it stinks from the drainage.

Amiga seems to be tiring of the soaking routine.

Also, Ambrie and I decided to keep Amiga inside today in an effort to keep the boot and foot clean.  

 Rain, rain, and more rain.












The creek was rising (video) higher than I've ever seen it.



Finally there was a break in the rain and I headed out with Maggie to get some exercise, check out the flooding, and hope she would take care of business.

I took several photos of the high water.

 

The pond was very full and water was rushing through the spill way.

The cattails are a swampy marsh now.  Probably great for the aquatic wildlife, if they hadn't washed down stream over the dam.

Amiga's evening foot care went as usual, but then I decided to let her roam around in the barn while I cleaned out her stall, that she had been in all day.  First stop was to go over and visit Zorro.









She worked her way around the barn visiting all her pasture mates and all the geldings.  Gov was the only one who quite clearly told her to move along, and I made sure she got going.

Cash, by far, was her favorite horse to visit and she came back to his stall three times, and lingered there. He is her man.

Poker Joe was gone for the night.

Rain made me reduce the evening to just one walk, and a quick one at that.

I hit the hay early again.

Thursday 2/21 - I woke early, coughing and not well rested.  I had a slight fever, accompanied by a worse headache, sore throat, and cough.

At the usual, designated 7:45 time I went to the barn.  Amiga seen in photo eating her grain while soaking her foot.  So far the boot has stayed on Amiga's foot and the hole remains open with continued drainage from the abscess.  Amiga's foot was feeling better, evidenced by how well she was walking.  She also was not as cooperative about keeping it in the bucket after she finished her morning grain. 

I put on her smaller, tighter fitting boot which actually is for the front feet (She wouldn't tolerate getting the small one pushed on when the vet tried because her foot was so sore).  She was getting rubbed on the bulb of the heel in the larger boot, and I wanted to be sure the boot stayed on in the mud.

I put her in the pony pen along with her brother Zorro to keep her company. 

When I got home I took a three hour nap.  I woke burning up, but think at this point my fever had broke.  After more cold meds., cream of wheat, and juice, I was feeling up to blogging some more.

Monita was sacked out in the hammock overhead.

At dinner time, Joe drove to Cookeville to switch vehicles with Daniel who needed the SUV to haul a trailer to bring home his car and other stuff from Chicago.  Again it was an early night for me after walking the dog in the rain.

Friday 2/22 - I was up at 4:00 coughing and sneezing.  It had rained much of the night and when it let up at 5am, I quickly took Maggie for a potty break.  Rain was in the forecast, basically nonstop, until Sunday; with a flash flood watch until then also.  This weather makes us all feel stymied!







I went to the barn early (7:00) and let Amiga out of her stall while I cleaned it.


Amiga made her rounds and eventually came back to eat at the hay bale.  I was glad to see that her foot was not bothering her very much.  After soaking while she ate her grain, I put Amiga back in her stall for the day (with plenty of hay and water), since the rain was not going to stop.

I came home for a third cup of tea and more cold meds.

I think, not only am I stymied by this cold I have, and a lame horse, but the weather has a big part in it too.  If I could lay out in the sun, and put my horse out on dry ground and good footing, what a difference it would make!  The continual gray skies and abundance of rain is oppressive.

I blogged some and tried to nap and then went back out to the barn at 2:00 to get Amiga out of her stall.  I let her walk around again while I cleaned out her stall.  Somehow she got past the wheelbarrow barricade at the big doors and went out front.  When I went to catch her, she kept running away and rearing a little.  She did not look lame.  Her mental health was more the issue.  And I get it.

I walked Amiga out into the yard and gave her 30 minutes of grazing time.  But after soaking her food and giving her grain, she did not want to go back into her stall.  

I was feeling a little better by the time I got home, and think the fresh air and light exercise helped.  Soon I was showered and ready to go to dinner.  Shirley picked up Brian, Karen, Joe, and I, and we met Judy at the Grinder House.  Unfortunately, the night's entertainment wasn't that good.  But it was nice to get out of the house and socialize some.

Saturday 2/23 - The rain Just Won't Stop!

I took this selfie at the barn while Amiga's foot soaked.  Also got a (video) of her walking around while I cleaned her stall.  I did not give her the Previcox yesterday, so was glad to see she does not appear to be in pain.  Again, Amiga was kept inside, in her stall.  We are going NUTS!






I worked at blogging when I got home, but may have had a slight relapse with this cold.  The headache and dizziness with ears ringing was accompanied by periods of feeling hot and then cold.  I turned the space heater off and on to get comfortable.  Stevie kept me company as I sat, mostly staring at my computer or at the rain out the window.  I took more cold medication and waited to feel better.





Finally giving up on blogging, I took a nap on the couch.  But that too was stymied by a playful cat, bouts of coughing, and blowing my nose.  I must have slept because in no time at all, two hours had passed.








My phone went off as I was waking from my cat nap... it was an alarm cautioning of a flash flood warning.  The creek in back has looked like this all day.



I went to the barn early (2:00) so I could let Amiga out to walk around and get some exercise.  Joe and Maggie came with me so they could get out of the house for awhile.  Cookie really liked our dog, except when Maggie stole her new toy and wouldn't share.  It was a great way for the dog to run off steam during all this rainy weather.





Joe was great help with Amiga, assisting me by cleaning her stall and helping soak her foot.  We returned home in a little over an hour.






Once we got home, the sun didn't actually come out, but the rain stopped and the skies got lighter for about 15 minutes.  I knew it wasn't going to last long, but it still gave me hope for a brighter tomorrow and a nicer week to come.

By the time we were done with dinner, the wind had picked up and it was raining again.  The news indicated that there was flooding, mud slides, and strong winds throughout middle Tennessee.

Sail Away

What better way to heal from gallbladder surgery, than to go on an Eastern Caribbean cruise.  I was ready to sail away, relax, lie in the sun, work puzzles, and nap.  I was also hoping my body would be able to swim, snorkel, do a Segway tour, horseback ride, and dance every night.  

This year's Caribbean cruise was a ten day excursion, again on the Celebrity Reflection, sailing from Ft. Lauderdale to five different ports (itinerary below).  Five of the six of us were going again, (Shirley, her brother Rick and his wife Darla, and Joe's sister Patty).  But this time we had Shirley's friend Marci (instead of Teresa).  Joe stayed home to tend the house and pets since he had just been to Florida for a week and had been on a poker cruise in December.

Date / Time	Port
08 Feb 16:00	Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades, Florida
11 Feb 09:00 - 16:00	St Johns, Antigua
12 Feb 10:00 - 18:00	Bridgetown, Barbados
13 Feb 08:00 - 18:00	Castries, St Lucia Island
14 Feb 08:00 - 18:00	Basseterre, St Kitts Island
15 Feb 07:00 - 17:00	Philipsburg, St Maarten Island, Dutch Antilles
18 Feb 07:00	Arriving in Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades, Florida

Here is a map of our route.  It is missing St. Kitts, which is basically right by Antigua.

The party rooms

Patty and I roomed together in cabin 9152, an inside room on the 9th deck, towards the front of the ship, with Shirley and Marci right next door.  Rick and Darla were around the corner and a few doors down in a Veranda Stateroom.

Thursday 2/7 - At 11:15am our adventure began as we piled suitcases and people into the SUV.  Joe drove and first we picked up Shirley, then Patty, and then Marci.  We were dropped at the airport in Nashville where Shirley had wheelchair assistance and we followed her for a quick jaunt through security, to our gate.  After lunch at a nearby food court area, we sat here for a bit before boarding.





Shirley and Marci sat two rows behind Patty and I, and it was a quick two hour flight to Ft. Lauderdale.  Again we had a brisk wheelchair escort to baggage claim and in no time were on the curb waiting for our shuttle to the hotel.















The mini-bus was full, but on the interest of time, we packed ourselves in, with I standing in the luggage area with two chaps from Canada.  The joking, fun, and making new acquaintances had begun. 





Check in went much smoother than last year and we were soon in our room.  After a quick fresh up and organization session we went to the hotel restaurant.








Great food and a complementary drink was enjoyed by all.  We were full and relaxed upon returning to the room and it wasn't long before lights out and I think we all quickly fell asleep.

Friday 2/8 - I got up at 6:30, tried to quietly get my tea started, and took it and my laptop to the restaurant.  While sipping my warm brew, I started this travel memoir.  And this was the last I worked on it until I got home from our ten day cruise Monday 2/18.

Seen left, Shirley, Patty and Marci eventually joined me for breakfast.





We caught the hotel shuttle to the dock, met up with Rick and Darla, and got checked in with Celebrity.  Then we had to wait for the ship to be cleared and the 'OK' for passengers to load.  Shirley used a wheel chair which helped get her through the long walks and waits.




Finally our group was given the go-ahead to board.  We gave up waiting for the cruise line wheel chair pusher and Rick took the 'helm,' having way too much fun maneuvering Shirley up the gang plank and over the speed bumps.


Our first destination was the Ocean View Café to eat lunch while waiting for our rooms to be ready.





We designated this area (seen in photo) as our meeting spot for breakfasts and lunches during the cruise.  And then we started making trips to various buffet lines.  The Ocean View (one of the ships many spots to eat) has so many different choices and areas to go for food, that there is rarely a wait, except for the ice-cream.

I must say, I made a pig of myself throughout the cruise, and found I was able to consume anything I liked (even mass quantities of bacon) without ever getting a belly ache.  I am so glad I got my gallbladder out!

I caught a nap in this hammock up on the quiet and secluded Solstice deck (#16).  I am not sure what the others were doing.  Soon our rooms were available and we all got unpacked and many put on swimwear.


After our muster drill, we went to deck 15 to watch our ship leave.
  

And in no time we were heading out to sea.  

None of us swam, but we did enjoy sunning on deck 15 for a bit.

Rick had gotten us moved to be at one table together and we all enjoyed the first of many great dinners as a 'family.'  We did find that it was a little noisier on this lower dinning hall deck, sitting out in the open rather than by a window.


This photo was actually taken on the second night, when we were more dressed up.

Rick and I went to the Sky Lounge to listen to Karaoke while the girls shopped.




Then we all met down in the Grand Foyer to dance with the House Band, but everybody soon hit the hay, tired from surviving the rigors of getting to the ship, on board, un-packed, and acclimated.  I went back up to the Sky Lounge for more dancing to the 80's with DJ Alessio and got connected with some ladies who love dancing.

I was back to my cabin by 1:00 and went right to sleep.

Saturday 2/9 - was our first full day at sea.  (Actually our first three nights and two days were at sea, as were our last three nights and two days.  Our middle five days were in ports and each night the ship moved to its next port.)
I missed sunrise but was soon up on deck walking the track while my tea brewed (I did this almost every morning).  After breakfast we were back in our swimsuits enjoying lounging.  During all our days at sea, I spent most of my time lounging in the sun by the bandstand and pool, and working puzzles (mostly Sudoku).  I also enjoyed many of the poolside activities and entertainment. 


Seen here, the girls preferred the quieter, shaded areas.  I would sometimes go visit them or try to meet up for lunch.  We did meet in the Grand Foyer for a Cha Cha lesson around 3:00.












This is our cruise director Eddy, who always looked kind of dorky but was actually hilarious.  He has traveled the world, lived and worked on twelve different cruise ships, and has a genuine love for life and people.


After our formal dinner we went to the Entertainment Court for the 8:00 Battle of the Sexes and then we moved to the Theatre for the 9:00 Hard Day's Night Show.











At 10:00 it was to the Martini Bar for the Silent Disco Party.  

I was proud of my travel companions for staying up so late for this fun event. 

I ended upstairs (the routine for every night) in the Sky Lounge with Late Night Dancing with DJ Alessio until 1:00.




  

This is Karen from Canada, one of my late night dancing friends.  I didn't get a photo of Meshia from Paris who was more of a dancing 'go getter' than I.

Sunday 2/10 - It was another day at sea with the same types of activities up by the pool... different bands played, there was line dancing, and various guessing games (Name That Tune, Question of the Day, and Scattergories).

After another nice dinner, there was a singalong with the house band in the Grand Foyer followed by more live entertainment in the theatre.

Then it was back to the Foyer for the Beatlemania Dance Party.  Marci enjoyed dancing quite a bit also.

I ended the evening on my own up in the Sky Lounge as usual, but hit the hay at midnight because the dancing ended early.

Monday 2/11 - We were in the process of docking in Antigua while I had walked several laps on the track.  By the time we were all finished with breakfast we were docked and cleared for entry onto this island.  There was also another ship at dock with us.








Getting off the ship was quick and easy, and we made our way to the shop where we waited for our tour guide.  We brought the wheelchair for Shirley not knowing how far we would be walking.


We were plenty early, so killed time by watching the locals at work and the tourists shopping.  And of course we took photos.











We also got a tourist to take a group shot of us.

We had been in contact with our tour guide and while we were waiting for our taxi, a talkative mute man (I know, that is an oxymoron) befriended us.  He could understand us but only communicate to us with verbal noises, hand gestors, and some sign language.  He was able to sort of say his same, Leroy.  He was such a sweet heart.

When our tour guide finally came, she whisked us away on a brisk walk to the taxi stand near the King's Casino.











After a bit of a drive, we reached our Segway tour building.

We each signed a waiver and were suited up with helmet, knee, and elbow pads.  And were given a device with ear phones so we could hear our guide while we rolled along.

Next came a Segway driving course.  Patty and I just needed a refresher but Shirley and Marci were new at this.  They caught on quickly.

Soon we were off.

Our guide lead the way, and a new trainee employee followed at the end of the line of us four ladies.  Behind her was the 'paddy wagon' van that brought food and water and could rescue Shirley if she got too tired.  But she held up great!


We 'segwayed' our way (video) through sandy, rocky, grassy and flat surface terrain, listening to our guide through the headset.  She gave information about the island or warnings about speed bumps and other hazards that were coming up.  We were given breaks throughout our trip to rest our legs, get water or refreshments, and to photograph sights and each other.

Our first stop was at the Governor's house.  We parked near this old structure in his front yard, that had been used to grind sugar cane.

Our next stop was at the beach.  We were given the opportunity to buy a beer and swim, but we didn't have suits on and chose to drink the complimentary water.

We enjoyed the island music and it was good to rest and chat.

It wasn't long and we were on our way again.  Our last stop was Fort James which stands at the entrance to the harbor of St. John's in Antigua.




We navigated our Segway's over rough terrain, up a steep hill, and through this archway into the fort.  If you look closely, you can see our ship (one on right) in the background.






We had a chance to walk around awhile and take photos.














We were offered plenty of water while we enjoyed a lovely fresh fruit kebab on a stick.

One last photo opportunity before we headed back towards our starting point.


We had to go past the beach again, and this time I saw some horses being ridden on the beach.

When we arrived back in town, while walking to the port, I saw the group of motorcycles that were from our ship.









What a fun cruise they must be experiencing, and a great way to see each of the islands!

Once back on board, I laid out on deck where I could watch our ship leave dock and take a little nap.  Then I got cleaned up for dinner and went down to the Foyer to listen to the Jazz Band until dinner time.


Dinner was relaxed, tasty, and wonderful as usual.


I moved quickly from dinner to the Sky Lounge to catch the Hot Latin Dance Hour at 7:15.  But, nobody was there.




The Masque Interactive Theme Party began at 8:00 and within 15 minutes guest were invited to join the singer and dancers out on the floor.

Marci and I didn't hesitate, and were having fun with many from the crowd, including a few my dancing lady friends.







I decided to skip the night's show in the theatre and walked around a bit and went back to the room to prepare to come in after lights out as usual.  Each night I tried not to wake Patty.

I went up to the poolside at 10:00 for the full moon dance party.  The mermaid swam in the pool at the start and there were a few line dances, but it never got very crowded, nor did the crowd fully get into dancing.  But there were about 30 of us who were having a good time.  Several of us proceeded up to the Sky Lounge at 11:30 and I stayed up until almost 1:00.  I don't get photos when I am by myself.

Tuesday 2/12 - I watched our ship near Barbados as I walked the track for an hour.  When the tug came out to drop off the port captain who helps park the ship, I knew we were getting close.














After breakfast we all met to disembark together for our catamaran, snorkel, and beach adventure.





Leaving the dock for our three hour voyage.








On the catamaran, headed out to sea past our docked cruise ship.

Our first stop - swimming with the turtles.  Patty, Rick, Marci, and I took the plunge.  Shirley took these photos from on board.

Our guide had food and our group was able to see 4 or 5 turtles in our area.





Then we sailed to another spot where we snorkeled above two different ship wrecks.  One was too deep to see very well, but the other was about 15 feet down.  It looked just like these two photos I got off the internet.  A guide from a different boat actually swam down into one hole and came out a different hole.  He was an oyster diver and had incredible lung capacity.

 

Once we were all done snorkeling, the bar was open and the rum punch was flowing.  

Our last stop was at the beach.  We had to swim from the boat to it, so I think it was just Rick and I from our group who went in.  I think the rum was 'talking' because I might have had a little too much fun jumping and diving off the catamaran.






We had a female captain who motored us back to the dock and soon we were back aboard our larger vessel.







I went right up to the pool and hot tub to enjoy both while listening to two different bands and then a nap in the sun occured.








We opted out of formal dinning so took our time getting ready for dinner as the sun made its way towards the horizon.






We all met in Rick and Darla's state room and watched the sun set as our ship pulled away from port.

We had a nice dinner up in the Oceanview Cafe.  It was quite empty so there were no lines and it was quiet.











Our evening activities included Karaoke, followed by the show Elyslum.



Then we went up to the Sky Lounge for another Silent Disco Party.




My clan turned in around 11:00, but I stayed a little longer, dancing to the tunes the DJ had coming, one after the other.

Wednesday 2/13 - During my morning walk I watched us get docked in Castries, on St Lucia Island.  I was excited about my day's activity yet a little nervous about making all my connections.







After breakfast I was off on my own, to get to Holiday Riding Stables.




I was well ahead of schedule and called Fidel to let him know.  So he sent his taxi to come early.  Ten minutes later when this vehicle pulled up, I opened the door and asked if this was my ride to the stable and the driver said yes.  Long story short - as you can see, it was the wrong riding stable.  Fidel called to ask where I was and I said "with your driver."  Nope.  So this driver turned around, took me back to the dock and I eventually found the correct driver, actually before this driver found his correct rider.

The rest of my shore excursion went fantastic, without a hitch.  After a 30 minute taxi drive I got to Holiday Stables, paid Fidel in cash, and then he introduced me to my guide, 'Magic,' the 36 year young man who trains the horses (how he got his nick name - like horse whisper sort of).  I was put on Only One, a mare who is the only one of her color.


Just Magic and I rode through local neighborhoods on the narrow streets.

As we arrived at the beach, we passed this very large, slow moving riding group.  It was great being a one person group.  During my whole ride it seemed that I got to set the pace.  It was very relaxing and fun.

We rode along the beach until it ended and then went up onto a bluff for some photos.














We continued our journey through some brushland and along the coast, with many breathtaking views of the Atlantic.

We also rode into and alongside the wild horses near Donkey Beach.  This is an open range land.  You can see the horses in the distance as we approached.













Magic was checking on some of Fidel's horses, these three came right up to greet us.

He was also working on befriending the wild horses.  This stallion was quite interested in meeting Pretty Boy, but then got a little aggressive so Magic shooed him away.

We turned around at this point, and headed back to Cas en Bas beach.  There was lots going on but the horses feel right at home here.









And finally, the moment I had been waiting for, a swim in the ocean.  I slipped out of my jeans and t-shirt with my swimsuit underneath.


Magic's brother was there and took all these photos (he kept telling me to pose).

And then he got this (video) of me riding Only One, while she swam.  She was very comfortable in the water but this was the first time Pretty Boy had swam so he did not want to go.  So I took the lead on Only One.  Once over her head, you could feel her floating.  As the waves lifted and lowered her, it felt like being on a carousel ride.  Every now and then I could feel her feet touch bottom.  Swimming is tough work for the horses so we did not stay out too long.  What a great experience this had been.










Once out of the water, we got dried off, Magic saddled the horses back up, and we headed down the beach.




Magic had been a fantastic tour guide, helping me off and on the horse.  He had pointed out sights, provided local history, as well as he gave me insight into his personal life on the island and as a horse trainer.





We cantered a long ways along the beach on the way back to the ranch.  It was exhilarating.  This was an excursion I will never forget.  Thank you Only One and Magic.


I don't really remember the evening nor did I take any photos.  I am sure it included dinner, listening to music, live entertainment in the theatre, and dancing till late.  Guess I was still dreaming of my day's ride.

Thursday 2/14 - Valentine's Day.  I was up walking the deck earlier than usual as the sun came up and we neared St. Kitts.  The Sunset Bar at the stern of the ship was empty this time of day.  Actually, there were few people up and about.














There were some Valentine decorations around the ship, and the breakfast pastry area had these.








We got docked during breakfast and shortly after, this other ship pulled in next to us.

I enjoyed watching the motorcycles being driven off our ship.

(side note - I can't get these photos to be placed where I want them.  Blogger's obnoxious mind of its' own has taken over and I give up!  I wish programmers could mend this problem.)

Us four ladies had a beach day excursion that we soon headed out on.




We were early and not exactly sure where to wait, so looked around, and then sat on a bench, befriending this dog who was sleeping right by it.


We kept taking turns getting up and looking around for where our guide might be coming to find us, and it got later and later.



I paid a few bucks to visit these two little monkeys and get my photo with them.  They liked playing with my hair.


We gladly shared our bench with others passing by.

Finally, 40 minutes late, our tour guide found us.

We hopped into his very clean car and were given a little tour of one side of the island, getting out at a few spots for some photos.  As you can see, it was a sunny but windy day.









In less than an hour, we were dropped off at the beach of our choice.  We had to pay for chairs and umbrella, in addition to what we had paid for our beach day tour, which I was not happy about, but later found it was an okay deal.

We laid out and rested.  Patty had come down with a nasty cold, so this was a good activity for her.  We also walked the beach and wadded in the water.  And an adult beverage was enjoyed by each of us.  Beer was the same price as pop.







It had been a very relaxing few hours here.  On the way out, we spotted our motorcycle group.




Each of us ladies got a rose at dinner time.








Much of the evening, the music venue was love songs, so dancing for us 'single' ladies was at a minimum.  I got back to our cabin earlier than usual, at midnight.

Friday 2/15 - Our last port was St. Maarten's, an island Joe and I visited for a week with Jim and Debbie.  I was excited to see some of the familiar places in Philipsburg we had gone too, and it was cool to look at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort from the ship's point of view.






I was also curious to see what had changed because of the damage from hurricane Irma 16 months ago.

We all stepped foot on St. Maarten's as a group, found our way to the water taxi station, and took it across Great Bay to Captain Hodge Wharf, to shop and then sit at the beach. 

I set out on foot on my own because I was on a mission and walking at a fast pace.  I was trying to find the saxophonist I had so loved listening to two years ago.

 

 

The water was still as pretty as before, a magnificent color of beautiful turquoise and azure blue.  But so many trees were missing from the beach.  I walked for nearly an hour, seeing old familiar places yet noticing still plenty of damage left from hurricane Irma.

I never found the lady sax player.  Wanting internet, I chose an outdoor hotel bar right on the boardwalk  The nice lady bartender helped me get connected to their internet.  I sat enjoying a beer and touching base with folks back home.

I met up with the group, by chance, as they were getting in line to catch the water taxi back.  This view of our ship, with the prettying landscape near the dock in the fore ground, shows just how massive the Reflection is.

I hadn't had lunch so grabbed a quick hot dog up by the pool and enjoyed it as I listened to live music.



We had extra time before dinner because we weren't going to the formal dinning room, so sat and listened to more live music in the Grand Foyer before our planned dinner time.

We got to watch the sun set from the Oceanview Café which was a little busier this night than the last time we had dinner here.  But it was nice.

We enjoyed the comedian Dan Wilson for the nights showtime and then went to the Grand Foyer for the third and last night of the Silent Disco.






As usual, we all had a great time dancing.  It was a battle of the DJ's, with Brittany, Ed, and Alessio trying to get the majority of the crowd on their music 'station.'





I think Ed (with the red station) won.

I did not retire with the rest of my group, but went up to the Sky Lounge for more dancing.  I stayed up till 1 am because I had nowhere to be in the morning since we would be at sea for the last two days.

Saturday 2/16 - I was later than usual to 'rise and shine' and it was raining when I got up to the track, so I went to the gym and did the elliptical for 30 minutes.  Eventually it stopped raining and I went out to walk a few laps and enjoy some fresh Caribbean air.  You can see the clouds breaking up in this photo I took.

It was another two days of fun and relaxation on board this ship where I spent most of my time by the pool.  Music, games, line dancing, dips in the pool, and soaking in the hot tub happened for several hours both days, as did a nap each day.

This was our last formal night and meal in the dinning room.  We enjoyed complementary drinks (champagne and curacao).  It was so good, we asked for seconds.





We had time for part of the dance party in the Grand Foyer before going to the nights fantastic show 'Euphoria,' a Cirque du Soleil type production.


The show was spectacular, mesmerizing, thrilling, and very well done.
















Then Marci went with me to the MTV dance party in the Martini lounge.  It was a crazy and fun time, dancing while watching dance videos, and trying some new moves.

I proceeded up to the Sky Lounge on my own as usual, but ran into dancing friends as usual too.

Sunday 2/17 - Our last day at sea.  It was a day like the previous one, only with calmer wind and seas and sunnier skies.  One of the day's poolside activities was the ship building one.  These two guys (the only entry) built a fantastic little cardboard ship with many details added.







And when it was time to test her in the open seas, it floated.  Peter had us kick our feet at the pool's edge to make waves to simulate high seas, and the little ship did not capsize.

We all got our suitcases packed and were dressed for a last night, casual dinner, because we were wearing our travel clothes.  Our suitcases were put out in the hallway after dinner and then we were ready for one last night of fun.  As an end of the cruise 'gift' and to get us into the Casino, we were each given $5.00 worth of tokens to spend.  We hit the slot machines, some of us lasting longer than others, but none of us winning anything.





I don't recall what the show was (a singer) but know after the show I had the girls go for a little walk up on deck 15 to look at the moon.









We also wanted to get our photo in the large lawn chair.  I didn't have much luck with the selfie, but we had fun trying.






Music was playing in the Grand Foyer much of the night, and DJ Alessio kept the tunes coming.  There was an interactive theme party but the crowd was not that large or the dance floor very crowded.  The music in the Grand Foyer lasted till 11:30 and then the DJ moved up to the Sky Lounge.  I had been getting a sore throat so decided to call it a night.  It had been a fun cruise with five great excursions and lots of sun, swimming, eating and dancing.