Traveling Bells

Veendam Day 7 - At sea

2009-12-11T08:19:00.000-05:00

So today is a sea day, which we love.
Here is a photo borrowed from the internet of Montevideo. Uruguay was another new country for us on this fascinating adventure.

Veendam Day 6 - Montevideo, Uruguay

2009-12-10T03:28:00.000-05:00

Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America, but boasts of a healthy economy, impressive living standard, and the best social services in South America. One and half million people, or over ½ of Uruguay’s population, reside in the capital city of Montevideo, located at the mouth of the Rio de la Plata. Cattle and sheep estancias (ranches) occupy over ¾ of the land. The coastline, however, is one long sandy beach. A scenic riverside road starting near the port and ending at the city limits links the beaches. Within the city proper, the beaches lie along the river, so water quality is not the best. Montevideo is an architect’s delight, with styles ranging from colonial to art deco.

We’ll be docked here for the whole day. Janet has a cold and might stay in today...the plan is to go ashore and get on the local bus and do some sightseeing. We are late getting in by about an hour and a half. If you get behind a slow ship in the channel, you are stuck going slow. Oh well...stuff happens. We are not doing a tour, so it doesn't matter to us.

Yesterday, Dick and Jim did the HoHo bus while Janet and I shopped and had fun dodging the sidewalk shop hawkers. Lunch and a nap felt mighty good. The show was quite good last night. The guy was part of a group that we saw onboard a Costa ship in the Med back in '02 when there were three guys. Now he and his wife are the entertainment, offering more variety than the guys did.

Having fun in the sun...temps are about the same...then we'll have two sea days before arriving in the Falkland Islands. We'll be editing photos and uploading them very soon.

Ciao!

Veendam Day 5 – BA!

2009-12-09T07:15:00.002-05:00

Buenos dias! The plan for today, back when I was setting up these daily blogs, was to send a live photo today from BA using my crackberry, since we are here all day. Since I couldn’t get international data service down here, that idea went down the tube.

So here is a live update instead! Yesterday, Dick, Janet and I left Jim onboard nursing some hip pains (he had a replacement done recently and overdid using it, thinking he was good as new after so short a while…wrong!). We caught the shuttle in to town, then got on the Hop on/Hop off bus (HoHo bus for short). That took us all the way around and through the city, for well over two hours. Photos will follow later on the ivylog blog.

Today’s plan is for Dick and Jim to ride the HoHo bus, while Janet and I walk around the shopping district and poke our noses in the stores. Sounds like a plan to me!

Our onboard entertainment tonight is The Best of Argentina, Tango and More, so we’ll get our tango fix tonight after sailing. Another good plan! No worries that our two boys will be trying that out.

The weather is perfect—low 70s—and the sun is shining. Life is good!!!

Veendam Day 4 - Buenos Aires, Argentina

2009-12-08T08:34:00.001-05:00

We are here for two days in the capital and largest city in Argentina. It is considered the wealthiest city in SA. With 13 million inhabitants, it has a very European flavor, and is often referred to as the "Paris of South America."

Tango music was born in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, notably in the brothels of the Juníny Lavalle district and in the arrabales (poorer suburbs). Its sensual dance moves were not seen as respectable until adopted by the Parisian/wiki/Paris high society in the 1920s, and then all over the world. In Buenos Aires, tango-dancing schools (known as academias) were usually men-only establishments. Today there are many tango dance styles.

The language spoken is Spanish that is closer to the Neopolitan language of Italy. Tourism, manufacturing and agriculture are very important financial aspects of this area. The temperate climate draws visitors to the area year round, and with the relative low cost of living, many come here for a visit and stay!

Snow or sea?

2009-12-07T15:22:00.001-05:00

I’ll take the sea, thank you very much! Mayberry got about an inch of snow…as we were enjoying a bit of sunny sailing along the coast of South America. Ahhh, the Good Life! Hate to rub it in, kids, but at least the snow didn’t last long.

What a disaster it was trying to get onboard the ship on Friday. Apparently the Rio health authorities and the immigration authorities were having some power struggles of their own, and everyone from the captain, the crew and the passengers had to have EVERY passport inspected and NO ONE got off till they were completed. We were supposed to set said at 5p and instead, passengers were still disembarking at that hour when we were finally able to walk up the plank.

Holland America didn’t handle it very well from a public relations stand point either, not telling all the milling, waiting crowd what was going on. They moved us from one terminal where our hand luggage was scanned, to an adjacent terminal to sit and wait. At least they brought sandwiches and cookies to the masses. When we were finally allowed to board (how were they going to herd up all these unhappy folks?), they began running hand luggage through ANOTHER x-ray machine. Huh? That would have taken HOURS to re-do, and by then the crowds were getting larger and larger around the exit area. The folks herding the cattle finally gave up on that screening idea and let folks begin walking through the metal detectors.

And these are the same authorities that will be in charge when the Olympics arrive in Rio. You couldn’t give me a free ticket to come back and attend. Just sayin’. And the clerks, ticket takers and waiters we encountered did not speak/understand English, and I am not referring to fluency…I am referring to anything beyond the basics of hello, thank you and goodbye! I don’t expect other folks to be fluent in this international language, however, when they are in the service industry of dealing with travelers, they should have enough speaking ability to at least get by and assist their guests. Sadly, they have a long way to go, and while Dick and I can compensate and get by, not every traveler will be as adventuresome and understanding.

We are enjoying the digital workshop onboard and are huge fans of Windows Live Photo Gallery. Dick posted some Rio photos yesterday during class… www.ivylog1.spaces.live.com –check it out and leave him a message. I posted a few photos today… www.ivylog2.spaces.live.com . The class is mighty popular, and since we’ve had the classes before, we try not to ‘hog’ the computers.

Copacabana Beach…in the rain yesterday from the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain yesterday. Christ the Redeemer statue is off to our right…in the clouds. We did get a few peeks at that massive structure.

So today we are enjoying music, reading and napping. Ahhh, the good life! Did I mention that??? It’s off to class we go…ho, ho, ho…

With love from the sea…

Veendam Day 3 - at sea

2009-12-07T07:45:00.000-05:00

Colorful Veendam lobby...

Ship Facts...
Ship's Registry: The Netherlands
Passenger capacity: 1,350
Crew members: 580
Gross Tonnage: 57,092 grt.
Length: 719 feet
Beam: 101 feet
Maximum speed: 22 knots
Dedicated: January 1996, by actress Debbie Reynolds
　
Digital Workshop, powered by Windows®: offering fun, free learning about digital photography, videos, scrapbooking, blogging and social networking. Dick and I took this class onboard the HAL Eurodam last year and loved it! This version appears to have expanded info, so we'll definitely be in class learning new techniques. Maybe I can upload some new photos!

Veendam Day 2 - at sea

2009-12-06T06:38:00.000-05:00

This is what our outside stateroom should look like (y'all know these are pre-posts, don't you?), according to the HAL online photos. Looks like the one we had on the Eurodam last year, so it will be fine. More than fine, after all, we are on a cruise!!!

Today is a sea day (as is tomorrow), so we'll be doing lots of exploring and taking photos. There is a digital class onboard, so we'll check that out.

Happiness is being on a cruise ship! Happy Sunday, y'all...

Hello, ms Veendam Day 1 - Adeus, Rio...

2009-12-05T07:28:00.005-05:00

The plan for today: morning sightseeing in Rio if this rain goes away, then head to this beautiful ship for lunch on the Lido deck. Departure is at 5p, so we'll be outside taking lots of photos as we sail away from Rio.

Rain greeted us when we landed and stayed all day, so we just went to the hotel and napped, then went to dinner and back to the hotel. We are such party animals...NOT. The clouds were hanging so low that we couldn't see anything yesterday, so why waste time going sightseeing to see nothing but rain? Nope, the nap won out, although we did sleep just a little on the plane ride down here. And no crying babies!

Woohoo...let the new adventure begin! Stay tuned! Bon voyage (how do you say that in Portugese?)...

And a BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY today to Sarge Charlie. Love ya bunches!!! Sarge is battling demon cancer and winning, so please click over and leave him a little lovin'. He has earned it!

Friday update...

2009-12-04T18:55:00.003-05:00

Rain greeted us and stayed with us all day. Yuck! Oh well, the nap was good and we'll turn in early tonight to get caught up on our sleep.

By the way, Rio is 3 hours ahead of Mayberry time, not 2.

The hotel is supposed to have wi-fi, but I couldn't connect. I think their router is down. Fortunately they have a cable connection here in the lobby, so here I sit...and tomorrow I go on the ship's service.

WX forecast is more rain tomorrow, and if so, we'll just take a taxi to the ship and not do any sightseeing.

That's it for now...sweet dreams!

Ola, Rio!

2009-12-04T06:20:00.003-05:00

Rio de Janeiro is a bustling international tourist city on the NE coast of Brazil. Unfortunately, we will only be here for this one night, but we will make the most of it for sure. And probably find that we want to return and stay longer.

Will we see Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain up close (named one of the Seven Wonders of the World)? Ride the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain? Or see the permanent parade stand used during Carnival? Visit the famous beaches? Wow...what choices!

Brazil is the fifth largest country by geographical area, occupying nearly half of South America. The population is made up of many racial and ethnic groups. Portugese is the official language, and the Roman Catholic Church is the dominating religion, making Brazil the largest Catholic nation in the world!

Football is the most popular sport here. Rio is proud to host the 2016 Summer Olympic games for the very first time in South America. No way would I want to attend that chaos, but I am happy they will have this distinguished honor!

A very big happy birthday today to Dick's brother Bob! We'll lift a toast to you tonight at dinner. Cheers!!!

We're leaving on a jet plane...

2009-12-03T08:08:00.001-05:00

But we DO know when we'll be back again, unlike the lyrics from that song that will now be playing in my head all day!

I had to promise Missy that I would look at her picture every day, so she is reluctantly letting us go. We know Brian will take good care of her while we are gone and give her lots of lovin'.

Bummer on international data plans from AT&T for this trip. They don't have data coverage in the areas of South America where we are going, except for Chile. Well, by the time we get there, we are almost ready to go home. I can get text messages, so the kids know to text me if they need to. Of course I'll get internet on the ship, but that is slow as molasses and expensive, but if we wanted to save money, we'd stay home, right? I am not complaining...just stating facts. But it doesn't mean I have to like it.

We have an overnight flight to Rio...nine hours worth and that is just from Miami, so that means we arrive tomorrow morning. Can you say tired? Will the crying baby be behind us or in front of us? Hmmm...we'll be tolerant.

Enjoy your day. Ours will be a long one. Life is good! And yes, Julia, there are some undies and socks in those bags...that are NOW packed and ready. Well, except for that rolling computer backpack.........oh.............I guess it's time to shut this thing down. I'm having withdrawal symptoms already. Oh no!!!!!!!! Does that Rio hotel have wi-fi???

Bag check...

2009-12-02T06:08:00.000-05:00

Purse. Check. Dick's backpack. Check. My rolling computer backpack. Check. And two bags for clothes. Check. Filled up and ready. Not checked!

This was the scene when we left home in June for the last cruise. We have this packing business down to a pretty fine science, so everything has a place and everything we pack gets used. We'll be in spring/summer/fall climates on this journey, so we have to pack clothes that can be layered. Yep, we can handle that. Basic black pants, and a variety of tops, throw in a few scarves, a sweater, jacket, my two wad-up 'formal' outfits, and I'm good to go. The fashion police won't be cruising with us.

And Dick? A couple of pairs of jeans, grey dress pants, blue blazer (for dressy nights -- tux stays home), khaki pants for all other nights, some shirts and a windbreaker. Oh yes, and a tie (he hates those). That'll do for him. Simple.

I'm checking my list...and marking things off as they either get done or get packed. I like doing that...then nothing gets forgotten.

Future blogs set up. Check!

Marinated Roma Tomatoes

2009-11-30T14:07:00.003-05:00

Since Amy and I are busy doing paperwork today, here is the recipe for something that is mighty tasty. I don't really like jalapenos nor spicy hot foods, but these have the seeds removed so this is a tad spicy, but not too hot. If you try it, let me know what you think...

Marinated Roma Tomatoes

Mix everything together and marinate overnight in a glass container (not plastic--it will stain big time!). Add chopped scallions to the top when served.

20 plum tomatoes, quartered lengthwise
5 jalapeno peppers, chopped fine
3/4 c white vinegar
3/4 c olive oil
1/4 c light brown sugar
1 tsp fresh ginger (I used powdered)
1 Tbs mustard seeds
1 Tbs black pepper
1 Tbs salt
1 tsp turmeric
2 Tbs chopped garlic
1 Tbs cumin

We will finish up the last of these babies tonight. They are good chilled or at room temperature. Yummm...

T minus 4 and counting...

2009-11-29T07:19:00.001-05:00

T is for THURSDAY...departure day. Another *new* adventure is about to begin very soon. Friends Jim and Janet join us on Thursday to fly overnight to Rio, by way of a plane change in Miami. Long flight, but it's a long way down there!

We'll spend one night in Rio then board a cruise ship. I think I posted that earlier, but there you have it one more time. I am busy setting up future posts and will add to them LIVE as I am able, so come along with us and learn a little about South America.

Life is short...make fun of it! Go cruising...

Gingerbread houses

2009-11-28T11:09:00.000-05:00

Beautiful to look at, but don't touch. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Four little turkeys...

2009-11-27T21:34:00.002-05:00

The Thanksgiving feast was fabulous...we had enough food to feed a small army...
...so they all came back tonight (minus Dan and Joan) to clean up the leftovers. Now these little turkeys have gone to their homes and it is bedtime all around here in Mayberry. So I'll say good night and sweet dreams on this Black Friday.

Oh yes, sister Nan has a new granddaughter, as of about 4p today. Autumn made her appearance in South Georgia. Welcome! I have a pink surprise waiting for you.

Did anyone go out shopping today, besides Barb? Not me!

May your stuffing be tasty...

2009-11-26T07:22:00.001-05:00

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS.
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE.
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS!!

The smoker got fired up at 6a, so now all it needs is to be checked periodically to refill the water pans. Check. That will be my job. Dick is off mowing. That is his job until it is time to carve. Check.

Count your blessings today. They are abundant! And remember our troops who are not home with their families. God bless them all!!!

Thanksgiving feast with friends and family...

2009-11-25T11:29:00.003-05:00

So what is on the menu? Well, Dick will be smoking the turkey and ham. He discovered quite by coincidence that putting the ham above the turkey and having all those juices drip on the bird makes for the bestest turkey you have ever tasted! Trust me on this one.

We expect 14 here all total, and this is what is arriving:
appetizer
dressing & gravy
corn pudding
green bean casserole
green beans
yams
cauliflower with cheese topping
yeast rolls
pecan pie
pumpkin pie
cake

Notice I said ARRIVING. We could quit right there with all that food, but there are still a couple of things missing.

I will of course have cranberry sauce. It isn't Thanksgiving without that, but I am making two of my own T'giving staples: Marinated Roma Tomatoes and Glazed Carrots and Parsnips. And I plan to make some cranberry bread this afternoon after I put on a big pot of chili for tonight's dinner.

And that turkey carcass will go in the crock pot on Friday to make a big pot of soup. My mouth is watering already. Come join us!

Life is (VERY) good! That's the news from sunny Mayberry.

Thought for the day...

2009-11-24T07:24:00.000-05:00

Live today because tomorrow is not promised...

So what happened at the meeting yesterday, you are wondering. I know you are. Did the votive stand get approved or not? Yes, but with conditions...that have to be first approved (or not) by the vestry. Nothing is ever SIMPLE, but it will work out as it should work out.

Today is hair cut day; go to the grocery store; clean house...and get ready for the feast on Thursday. There are just a FEW folks coming for dinner, but everyone is bringing something, so there will be many cooks involved.

We have a few Thanksgiving food traditions that I'll reveal tomorrow. Now that you are thinking about your own (aren't you?), please share some of them...and maybe a favorite Thanksgiving memory.

Our kids even remember the many times we had Thanksgiving dinner at the 'hunt camp' in central Florida with all the clan, dogs included. It was always a grand celebration, ending with everyone sitting around the fire roasting marshmallows...........and smelling of smoke! Good memories of happy times. And of so many family members no longer with us.

Make the most of today. That's all that we have. Life is good!

Gentle thought for the day...

2009-11-23T08:25:00.003-05:00

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

OK, so I need to remember the above at a church committee meeting this morning. To approve a votive stand or not approve it...That is the question. Some folks are in favor and some are against it. Some want a wooden stand; some want metal.

We'll see what the committee says. Oy...and this isn't the only issue to be discussed. There's no business like church business!

Oh boy, it is Monday in Mayberry and a new week begins! Lord, please watch over my head, my heart, and my mouth. Amen.

Religious truths...

2009-11-22T07:59:00.001-05:00

Show and Tell

A kindergarten teacher gave her class a "show and tell" assignment. Each student was instructed to bring in an object to share with the class that represented their religion. The first student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is Benjamin and I am Jewish and this is a Star of David."

The second student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is Mary. I'm a Catholic and this is a Rosary."

The third student got in up front of the class and said, "My name is Tommy. I am Baptist, and this is a casserole."

The Best Way To Pray

A priest, a minister and a guru sat discussing the best positions for prayer, while a telephone repairman worked nearby. "Kneeling is definitely the best way to pray," the priest said.

"No," said the minister. "I get the best results standing with my hands outstretched to Heaven."

"You're both wrong," the guru said. "The most effective prayer position is lying down on the floor." The repairman could contain himself no longer.

"Hey, fellas," he interrupted. "The best prayin' I ever did was when I was hangin' upside down from a telephone pole!"

~~So yesterday was a busy day. Joy, Joan and I shopped at the local Christmas market in the morning, which was fun...then Joy and I spent the afternoon at Haley's house with 3 other gals making two scrapbook layouts and six (count'em--6!) cards. Of course there was food and laughter involved. Haley is a great instructor.

Then Dick and I were having two wee boys for the evening, so Haley and her girls joined us for dinner and cousin time. I think today will be a day of REST! May your Sunday be filled with only good things.

Too true bumper sticker...

2009-11-20T15:11:00.002-05:00

Something to ponder.

Life is good in Mayberry, y'all! Enjoy your Friday, whatever you do...

Thursday travel...

2009-11-19T08:08:00.000-05:00

No, this isn't an exciting trip. We just have to go to the Brazilian Embassy in Atlanta to apply for a visa to their country (and it took FOREVER to get this appointment). All they want is money, but we have to present our passports, driver's licenses, visa forms...whatever. This is for our upcoming trip...VERY soon. Yikes--two weeks from today! Stay tuned for those details.

And Dick needs to pick up some parts to repair some of his equipment, so we'll get lots of things accomplished today.

It will be a long day, but that is OK. Enjoy your Thursday. If you see someone today who doesn't have a smile, give them one of yours.

Life is good!

Greek Chicken...that's what's for dinner!

2009-11-18T10:45:00.002-05:00

Amy requested this for dinner tonight, so I thought I would go ahead and post the recipe. Thanks to all the tasty comments yesterday:

Greek Chicken with Onions, Oregano, Olives and Feta

3 T olive oil
1/3 c. flour, seasoned w/S&P
1 (3 ½ or 4 1/4 lb.) chicken, cut into 8 parts
2 L yellow onions, cut into L chunks
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 c. chicken broth
Grated zest and 4 T fresh lemon juice from 2 lemons
1 (28 oz.) can of chopped tomatoes w/juice
½ c. kalamata olives, pitted (I use more)
Kosher S&P to taste
½ c. feta cheese, crumbled (I use more)

In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Dredge the chicken in the flour, using a resealable plastic bag. Brown the chicken in the oil for about 5 minutes per side. Add the onions and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the broth, lemon zest and juice, tomatoes and juice, and oregano. Bring to a boil, add the olives, reduce heat to low and cover. Allow to simmer on the stove for 45-50 minutes til the chicken is very tender. Adjust the seasoning w/S&P as desired. Serve from the pot or in a shallow bowl with crumbled feta on top.

It cooks up within about an hour, and is even better if made a day ahead. Serve w/orzo, rice or a loaf of country bread and a bottle of red wine. Serves 4

My mouth is watering already. Happy hump day, y'all! If you try this, let me know what you think, OK?

What's for dinner?

2009-11-17T08:02:00.003-05:00

The young couple invited their elderly pastor for Sunday dinner. While they were in the kitchen preparing the meal, the minister asked their son what they were having.

"Goat," the little boy replied.

"Goat?" replied the startled man of the cloth, "Are you sure about that?"

"Yep," said the youngster. "I heard Dad say to Mom, 'Today is just as good as any to have that old goat for dinner."

Lord, keep Your arm around my shoulder and Your hand over my mouth.

Happy Tuesday, y'all! What's cooking?