Easing Back In

It is never easy getting back into the usual routine after a vacation, but slowly easing back in helps.

Saturday 2/22 - At 8:30, we exited the Celebrity Equinox cruise ship that had been eased back in to dock at Port Cape Canaveral earlier this morning (internet photo).  We caught a bus to the Orlando airport which was 45 minutes away, got our bags checked, went through TSA and were at our gate by 11am.  Our flight was on time and uneventful.  Joe picked us and all our luggage up outside the Nashville airport and quickly drove us home.

Dorothy is right, there is NO PLACE like home.  I was so glad to be done traveling but not quite ready to ease back into my usual routine.  I was exhausted from travels and late night dancing the last seven nights. 

Joe went to poker and thankfully Karen had done cat care.  After feeding the dogs (Tango is with us while Dan's family is in Chicago) I walked them, got in my winter PJs, and downloaded cruise photos (the other four girl's and mine).  But I was too tired to do anything else, so read in bed for a short while before conking out.

Sunday 2/23 - Shirley and I had agreed we were too tired for Church, and I, in fact, stayed in my PJs all day long. 

My only two photos today were of these two canine characters.  Their laziness was exactly how I felt.  I walked the dogs at 4am because Tango had had an accident both nights Joe was in charge.  Later in the morning, I took a nap.

I spent time cleaning up the kitchen... it looked like a bachelor's pad with just Joe here all week.  I took care of a bunch of e-mails, reading and answering them and then started working on my cruise blog and also got this blog started.  I later took a long two hour nap in the afternoon.  I still had a lot to do to complete the cruise blog, and needed to unpack and do laundry.

Monday 2/24 - Tango had yet another accident (stained carpet in photo) overnight, even though I took the dog water bowl away at 6:30pm just before walking them both, and then Joe had walked them after poker at nearly 11pm.  By 6am when I got up, the deed had been done. 

Tango was also proving to be a challenge in other ways.  A couple of times I caught him stealing cat food in just seconds after I left the room thinking he was nearly asleep.

I blogged a few hours and then went to the gym.  I had gained three pounds during the cruise week, not bad.  My knees and hips were sore from dancing, so I went easy on them, but actually my arm strength had not decreased, although the usual pull-ups with the extra weight was not accomplished.   


I showered at the gym, hit Food City, unloaded groceries at home, grabbed a quick sandwich and was off to the ranch.

I fed the four horses from the lower paddock.  Planning to ride Amiga, I then set to the task of cleaning her up.  She had been in the pond so was wet and muddy, and had a scummy smell about her. 

I toiled for quite awhile, getting the dry dirt and a lot of shedding hair off of her.  She cleaned up some, except her sides and belly which were still wet. 
 


The cleaning job I did on Amiga was acceptable enough for riding her bareback.  I decided to throw on a saddle pad to help keep my jeans clean.  We went on a nice, slow relaxing ride since I was easing Amiga and I both back in to riding again (video).  She stayed at a calm quiet walk the entire time, notwithstanding the need to be reminded to just walk, as we headed back home and neared the barn.

I had taken the trail through the woods, but had to turn back because this big tree had fallen down and its branches were completely blocking the way. 

I got back to the ranch on Amiga, just in time for a planned meeting Charles had wanted with Joe and I.  His health has taken a 'turn for the worse' and since a subsidized housing unit was just opening up in Cookevlle (where his heart doctors are) he decided he needed to move there to be closer to them and take advantage of the lower cost housing.  He was very regretful and apologetic.  We accepted his termination of the rental contract and gave him our blessings.

Wanda loves Maggie.
I finished up chores in the upper paddock and scooted on home to feed cats and dog. 
Joe had stayed at the ranch to wait for, and take care of an overnighter who ended up being two hours late.  She was traveling with a horse, two goats, and two dogs.  And, it turned out she had to put the three ungulates in Zorro's stall because the goats went ballistic being left in the trailer without the horse.
Daniel picked up Tango just as I was going to bed. 

Tuesday 2/25 - It had been early to bed, and was way to early to rise, although I did take a predawn nap.  I  was so happy to be back to my woodland view and even my annoying cat Monita. 
By 9am, Joe and I were moving all 'movable' furniture off the carpet in preparation for the carpet cleaner, who arrived at 10:30.  Which was when I left for the ranch.





Rico was enjoying a nap in the sun when I arrived. 
I stripped the guest bed in the house and cleaned the bathroom and bedroom. 
Then I headed down to the barn to clean up in Zorro's stall.  I disinfected the two buckets and wiped down the metal gate.  Joe would do the mucking. 



As soon as Joe arrived, I helped him re-install a board that had popped off the coral fence (not because of the overnighter's horse, which was never put in the coral).  Then I headed out on the trail with big lopping shears in hand.  I cleared all the big branches from the downed tree, breaking off many and cutting several.  I also picked up a lot of sticks and branches from off the whole (almost ¾ mile long) trail. 

Karen was doing chores when I got back to the barn so I chatted with her and did some stuff around the barn yard.  Up at the house, I stretched an extra hose to the stock tank and filled it while Karen fed Rico and Dorado.  Then we sat and chatted while drinking a beer we had split (it was warm out and we had both gotten hot).  Besides, I was in no hurry to get home because the carpet needed until 8pm to dry. 

I finally loaded up Maggie and we got home close to 5:00 dinner time.  The carpet was indeed still wet.  And the dinning room and my office were a mess, filled with furniture from the living room, mancave, and bedroom.  I kept Maggie closed in the laundry room during dinner. 






I moved the dog to my office for the rest of the night.  She was a bit confused, but settled on her bed while I was here at my computer and eventually figured out this was her new hangout.  
Joe got home from poker just before I was fixin' to hit the hay, at 7pm.  I couldn't keep awake at my computer and then was too sleepy to read my book.

Wednesday 2/26 - Just a cowgirl on her horse, setting her riding app. before we headed out on a ride.

Before meeting Patty and Betty at the ranch to go for a ride, I went to the 8:30 FFG board meeting at The Center and then did mostly an aerobic workout at the gym. 






I like this photo and wanted to use it, but for some reason it appeared real bright and very yellowy.  The only way I could fix it (edit it) was to change it to a black and white and reduce the brightness.

The three of us ladies had a nice ride on a beautiful day (video).  We took the Lake Kirkstone loop, the road we're on below being part of the hiking trail. 


However, about 40 minutes into the ride, Zorro made up his mind to turn around and head home.  He was giving Patty so much attitude, spinning and throwing little bucks when she tried to turn him back around, that she decided to head home with him.  We escorted her part of the way because he was being such a stinker. 

Betty and I then turned back around and rode all the dirt roads in the the center of the Lake Kirkstone hiking loop.  By the time we got back, 2½ hours after leaving the ranch, we had gone 7.4 miles.  Betty and I were very pleased with the willingness and effort of our horses.  
We feed Rico and Dorado after un-tacking and let them graze in the barnyard for a little bit.  Then I took clean towels and sheets into the ranch house and made the guest bed, so it would be ready to go when needed. 

Poker Joe has been on a winning streak, so wasn't home when I arrived at 5:30 and went to bed at 8:30.

Thursday 2/27 - I was up at 1:30 and unable to get back to sleep.  I was thinking about Monique (Moe) a potential new lessee for the room at the ranch house.  She works at the gym but is living in a women's homeless shelter due to unfortunate circumstances mostly out of her control.  I learned of her 'predicament' the day after we had made the rental agreement with Charles.  So I inquired about her situation and found out she was still looking for suitable housing and that her 'stay' at the Avelon Center was up March 3rd (they have a one month limit to emergency shelter).  Moe has a border collie (makes renting difficult) that sleeps in her car at night (not allowed in the shelter) and goes to work with her every day.  My mind was mulling over the logistics of renting to Moe (and her dog) and whether this was a judicious choice.  Yet, I couldn't help but wonder if the timing of all this was an intervention from God and a sign to us, to help Moe out.

Anyway, I never did get back to sleep (although I tried napping on the couch before sunrise).  So I felt tired or “off” all day long.  I worked on my cruise blog much of the time, finally unpacked my suitcase and did two loads of laundry, and wiped down and cleaned some furnishings to put back out on the well dried carpet.  Photo of what my office still looked like.
  





I see all kinds of 'wild life' down back.  This guy comes every two or three weeks, with his border collie, and 'hunts' for golf balls.

I did finally get to the gym at 1:00, but my workout was kind of punkie.  And I also briefly talked with Moe while there, giving her a copy of our ranch rules and what the rental contract would be. 
 

Moe's excitement to have a place to live was contagious so it was hard to remind her that we hadn't yet totally decided on renting to her.  Joe needs to meet her and has several questions.  Plus, she hasn't even seen what the room she'd be renting (or even the house) looks like.

I had showered at the gym.  After an early dinner, when changing into my PJs, I found a tick (that had just bit me) under my sock on my leg.  WTHeck?  I wasn't even in the woods today, and had showered.  So packing tape will now be on the bathroom vanity until 'tick season' is over.  Ugh!  Also notice all the clear bags of toiletries and jewelry I still need to unpack.  I guess taking all week to unpack is my way of slowly easing back in to home life. 








I was falling asleep at my computer, so told Joe TV time had to happen early.  We started the two hour episode of season 48 of Survivor.  I was in bed with lights out by 9pm. 

Friday 2/28 - Wow, the last day of February! 
I dedicated all morning to working on my cruise blog.  I made great progress but still had a few more days to complete before I could get it posted.  I wanted to post it before this one so that they would be in order chronologically as they were read. 







By 11:30 I was getting lunch and soon out the door, headed for the ranch.  Today Judy joined Betty and I and it was such a pleasure to have her along.  I put her on Rico thinking I could turn back early with Zorro if needed. 

It was a pleasure riding with the best Cowgirl (Judy) I know.  Her knowledge and experience are tremendous.  I also always enjoy riding with Betty, my usual riding buddy, and one fun Cowgirl.  Actually, I love all the ladies at the ranch, and riding with them.

Judy gave me several good tips and pointers and was quicker to figure out Rico than I have been. 


The weather and horses were fantastic.
 

We did a lot of gaiting, and even Zorro kept up fine.  He did cop an attitude two times, but quickly calmed down for me.  We ended up going 3½ miles in about 90 minutes.  Betty shutting & locking the back gate. 




Once back I fed the four in the lower paddock.  Betty took care of Rico and Dorado, which helped speed things up for me and I got home by 3:30.

After evening chores, including dinner, I sat back at my computer to try to get more blogging done.  I am still not back into my usual routine and it hasn't been easy for me, but I'll get there.

Cruise Squad

Shirley, Judy, Patty, Teresa and I made up the Cruise Squad this year. 
In the past, these have been our Cruise Squads:
Feb 2016  Shirley, Judy and I
Aug 2016  Shirley, Patty, Joe and I  
Feb 2018  Shirley, Patty, Teresa and I
Feb 2019  Shirley, Rick and Darla, Patty, Marci, and I
Feb 2020  Shirley, Rick and Darla, Patty, Judy, Marci, Billy, Joe and I
Feb 2023 Shirley, Patty, Therese, Judy, and I
All of these were Caribbean cruises, except August, which was Alaskan.

Friday 2/14 - Happy Valentine's Day
Whether I had it all packed, or not, I had zipped up my suitcase, and then hoisted the bag up into the truck bed, and climbed in for the two hour drive.  First we (Joe driving) picked up Shirley, and then Patty and Judy, before heading to the Nashville airport. 

This photo was taken from where I sat in the middle of the back seat.  Early in the drive I'd gotten a text message from our neighbor Carol... Allen had passed away during the night.  That explained the two police cars and ambulance in her drive seen very early this morning. 

This, and the fact that the funeral for Kent's brother Ben was today, gave me cause to pause.  I was feeling melancholy and yet was especially thankful for my life and this opportunity to go on a cruise with the girls.

Here we are in the airport, waiting at our gate. 


The lady in this costume was waiting for her friend to come off the plane we would be taking to Orlando. 

It had been smooth sailing in the airport as we 'flew' through check-in and TSA because we had two ladies in wheelchairs and the people pushing the chairs walked fast. 





Another rapidly moving wheel chair parade also occurred when we landed in Orlando.  Here we are on the tram from the gate to the main terminal. 






We met up with Teresa, who had landed an hour earlier (our Cruise Squad complete).  We grabbed our luggage at baggage claim and then waited for our transportation to the hotel. 




It was not too long of a bus ride to our evening accommodation.  Other riders had been dropped off at other hotels as well. 

Patty had found a great hotel where we stayed in a very clean and spacious suite.  It had a kitchenette and sitting area with a couch that Shirley slept on, in addition to the bedroom with two queen beds.

We got settled in, freshened up, and walked to Hooters, just five minutes away.  And yes, Teresa and I started out with a Hooter Shooter of Fireball and a beer.

Dinner was enjoyed by all, and my week of 'over eating' and consuming two drinks a day, had begun. 








The walk back was not enough to aid my digestion or relieve my discomfort, so I went into the hotel 'gym' and did the elliptical (slowly) for fifteen minutes. 
Bedtime and a sound sleep soon followed.

Saturday 2/15 - We all slowly arose, dressed and went to the breakfast buffet.  We sat there for well over an hour, enjoying our coffee, tea and a variety of breakfast items while talking away.  Teresa and I killed some time out at the pool before packing up and waiting in the lobby for the shuttle. 






We took some photos during our hour + wait before catching the shuttle bus.






It was a little overcast and one short pop-up sprinkle drove us back inside the lobby for a bit. 

The bus was quite full, having picked up 'boat people' at other hotels first.  It took us to Port Cape Canaveral, which was nearly an hour long ride. 





Our luggage was taken care of right off the bus so we didn’t even have to lug it through the loading process to get on the ship.  Judy getting 'frisked' going through port security.  She has metal knees, a shoulder and two forearms... one hell-of-a-tough cowgirl!  Every scanner she goes through, she gets set aside for a pat-down. 







Our Cruise Squad was on board and in our state rooms on deck nine (circled in red) by 2:30.  Teresa and I had an inside room and right across the hall the other three had a room with a balcony and various views as we traveled by ship all week.

We hit the lunch buffet and afterwards, returned to our staterooms.  Our bags were in the hallway outside our doors, so we all got unpacked and situated.  Then we were off to explore the ship which we were well familiar with, but had to reacquaint ourselves with the location of our favorite spots in reference to where our rooms were.  None of us took many ship photos since we have been on this vessel, so many times before. 


The view from the girl's balcony.




We decorated our doors with magnetic decals Shirley had bought.  This makes it easier to find when returning 'home' late at night.







We did select seating for dinner and quickly  befriended our waiter Raj and his assistant.  Also, it was announced that the ship was turning around to take a passenger (medical emergency) back to Port Cape Canaveral.



We thoroughly enjoyed our first dinner, but it took longer than expected so we missed the start of the comedian only catching the tail end of his show. 

Coming out of the theater, we walked right into The Entertainment Court where they did a game each night.  So we played True or False. 


It started with a large group and you stepped to one side or the other to answer the question, getting eliminated if your group guessed wrong.


We then made our way mid-ship to the Grand Foyer for the Silent Disco.  These are always a big crowd-pleaser and a lot of fun.





At the end of the silent disco, my four lady traveling companions went up to go to bed, and I proceeded to the sky lounge to get in a little more dancing.  It was kind of a flop because the live band was already done and the DJ was playing music for all these young girls who were screaming and dancing (gyrating).  I guess I should have been happy they were having a good time, but it wasn't my cup of tea, so I went to the room about 11:00.  Teresa wasn’t there.  The ladies across the hall didn’t know where she was, and so I was a bit worried. 

I listen to more of my Alex Cross audiobook and just as I was turning out the lights Teresa got home from the casino having hit a jackpot and gaining $100 for the night. 

For whatever reason, I was then unable to get to sleep.  My brain was dancing in my head and I couldn't turn it off. 
I got up at 2am, took a sleep aid and then slept till nearly 7:30am

Sunday 2/16 - Unlike all other cruises, I did not make a point to get up early and out on deck walking at sunrise.  I usually ate first (with the Cruse Squad) and then walked. 

Today was a sea day (as were Tuesday and Friday), so it was a slow relaxing breakfast with all my travel companions and then a walk on the track to digest.  It had been a late breakfast and there were already tons of people out sunning and strolling around the track, so my walk was impeded by lots of pedestrian traffic.  This internet photo, showing the darker orange track with people walking around, gives you an idea. 

I proceeded up to the gym which was also quite crowded.  I rowed and then did primarily an arm and leg workout.  I had eaten too much to do a lot of abdominal work.    

I was out on deck 14 just after noon, joining the rest of the Cruise Squad.   It was a beautiful day at sea.  When the 'dance session' started I went down to the deck 12 dance floor by the pool, and got my boggie on. 

Yup, that's me in the center, wearing a white ball cap. 

During the duration of this cruise, I did all of the line dance or exercise sessions they had by the pool, when I was out on deck. 

My four travel companions had gone to lunch and then to shop/do a game, so I laid out by the pool, and enjoyed the different activities.  I had grabbed a bit to eat (small salad and ice cream) at some point, but really wasn't that hungry. 



It was formal night and we were running a little late for dinner.  Knowing the evening show was one none of us were all that excited about, we took our time eating.  The french onion soup was available every night, and a favorite of the Cruise Squad. 








We watched the sun set from our dinner table every night. 

Teresa got nice photos of them. 

During 'down' time (especially after dinner) I walked around the ship, looking for action.  I wanted to dance off my meal, but was a little frustrated because it was mostly couples during a good part of the evening, slow dancing.  But it was a formal night, so I understood.  There were very few independent ladies dancing. 
 

Monday 2/17 - We had easily made up lost time at sea, and docked in Key West, FL right on time, 8am. 

After our hearty breakfast, we disembarked from the ship, and made our way, walking to the 'Hop On & Off' trolley stop. 

As we walked we took in the sights and even stopped by this street musician's stand and joined in, playing various percussion instruments with him. 





This is what vacationing and traveling together with others is all about... the experiences and fun you have with the locals. 



We hopped on the trolley for the 90 minute tour, deciding to do most of it before getting off because we had a schooner sailing excursion to get to by 1:00.  The trolley  tours the whole island with 13 stops.  The conductor of each trolley narrates the tour with a fascinating and fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. 





We saw lots of sights and photographed many. 



This is the most decorated house in town, doing all the major holidays... just recently changed from Valentine's Day to St. Patrick's Day. 

And below is the most decorated bicycle. 








This guy used to drive the most decorated van around town, but it 'died' and couldn't be repaired, so now he pedals a bike all around. 

People lined up to go see Ernest Hemingway's house and maybe see a six or seven toed cat. 






I am not sure if this is the original Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.  Apparently he spent time at several places in Key West, including the Chart Room Bar, Crazy Ophelia's, Howie's Lounge, and Shrimpboat Sound. 








We saw numerous other places where famous people resided: Mel Fisher - The Treasure Hunter, Tennessee Williams - The playwright, and other actors and singers. 

According to our tour guide, there were loads of people, from literary giants like Tennessee Williams, to music legends like Kenny Chesney.  The roster of famous Key West residents is as diverse as the island itself. 


We saw and heard about other interesting things (not just famous people) while riding the trolley.





I wasn't quick enough to take this photo, but we went past Mile marker 0 of Highway One, that starts at Ft. Kent Maine.  We did get the fascinating history of the building of the bridges which was originally the Over-Sea Railroad, built by Henry Flagler, connecting the Florida Keys to the rest of the country. 







We hopped off the trolley at stop 11 and walked to the famous 1400 Whitehead Street, the Southernmost Point of the Continental US, just 90 miles from Cuba. 


And of course we all had to get our photo there. 

The line to get a photo right by the marker was way too long.  So we, along with many others, walked down the street past the line, and got our photo shots form the wall keeping us at a distance from the marker. 





There were tons, and I mean tons, of chickens walking the streets, in the open air restaurants, and all over the place. 


Our trolley driver said many Cubans migrated to Key West bringing with them the sport of cockfighting, which was later outlawed in the late 1970s.  So breeders abandoned their hens and roosters, and it is now illegal to kill any of the island birds.  So the rooster has become a symbol of good luck, wealth, good fortune, and hope, thus becoming an unofficial mascot for Key West. 




While eating an early lunch so we'd be ready to sail, we got notification from the schooner folks that our sailing cruise had been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.  Well shoot, but it might’ve been just as well because Shirley had gotten sick overnight and Judy had a close call on board the ship before taking her next dose of Dramamine. 


Since there would be no sailing, I ordered a local beer and really enjoyed it.  Lunch was very tasty, and a relaxing time. 










We hopped on the trolley and returned to the first stop where we did a little more sightseeing and junk shopping before heading back to our ship.

The ship was late leaving port because the captain was busy with another medical emergency.  Time could easily be made up at sea Tuesday.
It was another night of fine dining, and again I ate too much.  But every night, whenever possible, I was in the grand foyer, listening to music and dancing.  I always danced when a live band was playing lively music. 

I had a fun night of dancing and was happy the ladies joined me for awhile down in the grand foyer after the hour show at the theatre.

Once the band completed their set (usually only 45 min to an hour long each time), the ladies headed up to the rooms but I went in search of more dancing.  There was another band and later some DJ music up in the Sky Observation Lounge.  I also meet several fun fellow dance loving ladies whom I hit the dance floor with several different remaining nights of our cruise.

Tuesday 2/18 -  It was another sea day and very similar to our first day at sea.  I walked the track before it got busy, then met the ladies down for breakfast, then hit the gym after digesting for a bit.  I did arms, abs, and aerobic work.  By noon I was in my suit sitting out at the poolside deck, listening to Caribbean vibes, Jimmy Buffett music, dancing and singing along with others.  I dunked in the pool several times, sat in the hot tub, and again got a little more sun than I probably should have. 

Each afternoon I got back to the room before Teresa, showered and dressed for dinner and then would go to the Passport Bar for a beer and to listen to the band in the grand foyer.  Occasionally there was music I could dance to.  Then I'd meet the girls for dinner.

We watched another beautiful sunset from our dinner table while enjoy more fine dinning.  Sitting around the table each evening was always a time of chatter and laughter.

Wednesday 2/19 - We docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a private island owned by Celebrity Cruises, located in the Berry Islands of the Bahamas, measuring less than 1 mile long by 1/3-mile wide.  There is an island tram that runs all day, leaving from the Arrivals Plaza and stopping every 15 minutes at four different beaches or water parks. 










A second ship (Odyssey of the Sea) had also docked for a day on the island.  Looking back at the dock as we waited for the tram. 


We took the tram to South Beach to set up camp there because it was supposed to be the quieter beach.  But so many people must have got the same message, that it was actually fairly crowded. 

The first order of business was to take our Iowa Hawkeye photo.








There is a University site that post photos of Hawkeye fans vacationing from all over the world. 


Of course we had to get a photo in the water...
Yikes, was the water cold!

And so... Here are three Hawkeye fans on South Beach at Perfect Day CocoCay.

I walked the beach and saw some cool sights, including a ray out in the water, which I couldn’t get a picture of.  I tried to be 'artsy' with this photo of these gulls, but it just doesn't look as picturesque as the real thing. 








We took the tram and got off at  Breezy Bay at Chill Island, and walked over to the Skipper’s Grill for lunch.  It was a complimentary all you could eat buffet like the Ocean View Café on the ship, and actually the food all came from the ship.  We ate at a picnic table in the shade.

I went for a long walk after lunch while the ladies hit the straw market.  We met up at Harbor Beach to relax on lounges, get a little more sunshine, and maybe nap.

I swam in the nearby Oasis Lagoon - Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, while the ladies went into the salt water (sand between your toes) of the harbor.  

I did not have my camera/phone with me, but this internet photo shows the swim-up bar that was this crowded when I went into the water to cool off. 








We got back on board before 4pm.  I showered and dressed for dinner and then went up to the Sunset Bar to listen to the steel drum performer (video).







I took these photos looking back at where we had spent the day.  It had been a perfect day at CocoCay.
  


The ladies from their state room balcony, waving to the passengers on Odyssey of the Sea, that was still at dock as we backed out. 

This is the before dinner band playing slower music during my 'cocktail' hour (actually 30 minutes and one beer).

It was another nice night of fine dinning and some dancing.  I think we might have even made it to the show, but don't remember for sure.

Thursday 2/20 - Our ship docked at Nassau in the Bahamas at 8am.  We had breakfast together and left the ship at 9:30.  We spent our day at the Finns Up Water Park at the Margaritaville Beach Resort.

We arrived at the resort a little after 10am because the water park didn't open until ten.  It was already quite full, (no group of five lounge chairs available) so one of the pool/beach workers (Lakeisha) gave us an up-grade.  She escorted us to the beach and gave us our own private cabana. 

(Lakeisha) brought towels and pillows and got us all set up.  And then took this (video) and tons of photos. 

Here is just a few of the photos our lady attendant took. 

Lakeisha also brought over the cabana boy and made sure he kept a good watch on us.  He too was very good, bringing us food and drink as needed.

My view that morning. 


Notice what menu (beside Teresa's leg) we had been pursuing. 

And yes, we all had a before noon (it's 5:00 somewhere) Margarita, or two. 

Some extra photos of Teresa, the only non-retired, hard working Cruise Squad member, who really needed this vacation. 


















It was such a relaxing time laying in our cabana, watching people and looking out at the beach and ocean. 






We even had beach chickens...
were they here vacationing from Key West?

And like the sea gulls, it wasn't a wise idea to feed them.
 






As I recall, we all took a nap after lunch.  Then I went to try out the lazy river, one of the main reasons we chose this destination.  Eventually most of the ladies joined me. 

We had a fun time.  The 'river' got quite exciting in some spots with various things squirting water at us and getting drenched going under (through) water falls.  There was no way anyone was going to keep their head dry.

None of us took our cameras, not worth the risk, so these are internet photos of the 'lazy' river we enjoyed.

Teresa, Judy and I also gave the water slides a try.  The blue tunnel one was the most fun. 



By the time we got out of the water, I was freezing.  Lakeisha brought me two dry, warm towels and wrapped me up in them.  So nice. 






After a rest and recovery time, and another drink, some went to swim in the ocean, but I went to the pool to relax and cool off while watching music videos of Jimmy Buffett on the big screen. 








Then I took a walk around and found some dancing that was even too wild for me... teenage drunks. 

My walk continued out onto the pier where I took some photos and then up and down the beach. 








Look at all the cruise ships in port.

Alas, our time was nearing its end and we were tuckered out from sun, swim, drinks etc.

But we still had it in us to be silly and pose for photos on our way back to the ship. 

















Our trip to and from the ship did include a quick taxi ride.


Too exhausted to dress for dinner, we chose casual and went to the Oceanview Café.  It was nice to be able to go whenever we wanted (were cleaned up, dressed, and ready) and to pick whatever food and quantity we wanted to eat. 

Our ship left dock after dinner and the ladies got several photos from their balcony. 

To end my day, I hit the dance scene as usual and the full moon dance party up on the pool deck.

Friday 2/21 - It was a very windy and much cooler, overcast last day at sea.  Very few people were at poolside when I got there after a good gym workout.  I sat out for a little bit, watched the volleyball tournament of the guests versus the officers, and tried to hold on to my hat and towel. 

I didn't make it to lunch, but the ladies reported they had a bunch of food art.  Here is an example of the flowers done with fruits & veggies. 






We all had to pack our bags and get them ready to put out in the hall right after dinner.  Raj took photos of our Cruise Squad, both serious and goofy. 

I had wanted to try to get a photo like this of us five while on a beach, but totally forgot.  I can just imagine this as us, the 2025 Cruise Squad. 

I took this photo while crossing deck 14 while out and about on my own.  The distant ship was heading the same direction we were.

My travel companions were tired or having difficulties dealing with the rocking ship, so I went to the silent disco in the Sky Lounge by myself, but had fun dancing with others.  I had made friends with several women that also enjoy dancing.  With Saturday being a travel day, and this our last on the ship, I wanted to make the most of my night, but I was back to the cabin by 11pm.