corrections... Vancouver, and we board ship

First... a correction.  Stanley Park is not in Seattle, but in Vancouver, Canada.  I got our first few days mixed up. We only visited the Needle, Pike's Market, and a friend's house for supper that Friday. We left early Saturday morning to catch the train to Vancouver (beautiful new Amtrack station, lovely train... lots of room, very comfy).

our luggage

This was the amount of luggage we dragged around with us from plane to hotel to train to hotel to ship, etc. And happy to say that none were lost or mislaid along the way...














When we arrived in Vancouver, we went directly to our hotel to settle in, then Stanley Park where we ate at the Fish House and then walked around the park. Lots of Blue Herons nesting in the area.  Weather was wonderful - cool but sunny. Went to the Aquarium and then the Granville Market (very nice market... although I think I liked Pike's Market best). We all wish we had more time to spend in both Seattle and Vancouver.  I would have loved to see some of the islands. But we were grateful for the things we did get to see and do in the little time we had.

Beluga whale show at the Aquarium in Vancouver

Statue of woman on rock in water by Stanley Park, Vancouver

Totem Poles in Park, Vancouver










We went early to the boarding dock for the Cruise Ship, but had to wait a bit due to the fact that the Canadian Coast Guard was doing an inspection since it was the first time this ship (The Miracle) had been in this port this year. Once we were allowed upon the ship, we were told to go to the Lido deck to wait and eat while the rooms were being readied.   The Lido deck restaurant is 'cafeteria style'... with buffet tables everywhere. There is Asian, Italian, Deli, Carving, Salad, Dessert,  Coffee, etc. bars.  The food here was good... but we only ate here the day we arrived and the morning we left...  as the food in the Bacchus Dining Room was so-oo exceptional.

This is our room aboard ship with the birthday decorations for my friend hanging over the bed. They also supply you with a leather blanket to put your luggage on to unpack. You can see the balcony beyond.

This was a better picture of our room in the evening. My journal and book sat ready and waiting...








Due to some minor complications with the Canadian Coast Guard we didn't disembark until 7 or 7:30 pm.  We were never sure exactly what was going on, but eventually we did leave the port of Vancouver and headed out.  We went to supper in the dining room and had both Chocolate lava cake (they called it chocolate melting cake) and creme brule' for dessert that first night.  Later we walked the ship and ended up at the Cafe Espresso bar where we both ordered an Irish Coffee and took it to our room.

Awoke the next morning to beautiful mountains outside our balcony doors...  This was our first 'day at sea' and we used it to check out the ship, listen to a talk on shopping in Juneau, ate lunch in the dining room, had tea at 3, then a nap, and a late supper.  There are shops on board ship, and a casino - among other things... and always something going on. However, we neither shopped nor gambled.  We did check them out and watch others at these activities...

This item is an Alaskan Billiken... good luck charm.  They are made of ivory, or jade, or walrus or antler horn, or the kind I bought... made from  silt from the Mendenhall Glacier.

"Rub his tummy or tickle his toes,

You'll have good luck... so the story goes"

Alaskan Cruise... and teddy bears

Squiggles, Grand daughter's squirrel

I'm beginning to think about this Alaskan Cruise coming up in April. If any of you have experience with this particular type of vacation, I would definitely appreciate any input... as to what to bring, things to consider, etc.

DH and the boys will be home to take care of the cats.  My friend and I will fly to Seattle, take a train to Vancouver - where we will have one day to visit before the Carnival Cruise Ship sails.  Yes, it is Carnival Cruise Lines.  Does that make me nervous... a little?

Things I'm concerned about:

1. The cold.
2. Seasickness
3. Incident at sea

Things I'm excited about:

1. Seeing Vancouver
2. Sharing my friend's 'dream trip'.

Teddy bear (for Dee to see)

Recently Dee at One Foot Out of the Box posted a blog about having a teddy bear.  I commented that I had one too. DH gave it to me when we were dating in college at LSU Baton Rouge.... and it's sat in our bedroom for 45 years now. Does Teddy look that old?  (He doesn't, but we do... oh well)  He is great for cuddling, but I find that the cats have taken over in the comforting department. They are great for that... and seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to knowing when comfort is needed.

Have to put this *teatime* picture up here.  I found it on another website just recently and hope she won't mind my sharing it.  It was just too cute...

found at Deb's blog

Here's a hint...

Anyone get the hint?

Today I went shopping for a few things.  Actually I went shopping for long johns. Figured that since it was almost the end of January, possibly they would be on sale... and they were... 50% off!  But the coat was on sale too, so I hemmed and hawed for a bit, then decided that even though I never buy anything red, that perhaps it would be good (I mean, if by some chance I was floating in the water next to an iceberg, surely they would see the red coat??)

So yes, the decision has been made. I am going on the Alaskan Cruise. My friend, my family, and even DH advised me that it was the chance of a life-time and that I really should go (the "if not now, when?" philosophy). I was told that the only things I would really need to have are a warm coat, long johns, boots, hat, and gloves. I have most of those things already... well, not the long johns or hat.  And I do have a coat, but it's about 15 years old... and not red.

Anyway, decision has been made. My friend was so excited. I guess I might be too when the realization hits me.  It's just that I don't like being cold (my kids are already teasing me, saying "You're going to Alaska??? You, who walks around the house freezing when it's below 70 degrees??") And then there's the seasick thing (I really don't want to ruin anyone's trip), but I've been assured that this cruise really isn't out in the ocean that much, it stays close to land and therefore shouldn't hit rough seas (and there's always Dramamine). But the real cincher for me was that the ship leaves from Vancouver, British Columbia - a place that would be on my bucket list if I had a bucket list... (and it's also featured in the blog, Island Rambles with beautiful photos!). 

And there's another reason Vancouver has a special attraction for me, when my paternal grandfather moved his family from London to the US around 1918, his brother also moved his family...  from London to Vancouver. I never met my great uncle, but through the Internet and Ancestry.com, I have learned that he had six children and probably most still live there.  Now, I'm not interested in visiting them.  They have their own lives and don't know of my existence, but it's kind of nice knowing that there's family in the area.  

Let's see... any other news.  Well, DH and I babysat our new little grand daughter Saturday so our son and DIL could get out of the house for a little bit.  She is a little doll.  Here's a pic of her waking up from her nap... yawning.

Oh, and today is DH and I's 45th Anniversary!