The Carnival Breeze, Day 6, Halloween

So okay I might have sat on the piano while Ben sang "Let it Bee".  Well, okay, I did but I didn't mean to do it, Laura made me.  Honest.  Plus I only did it once so it barely counts.  My bee costume was lots of fun, the perfect thing for me to buzz around in.  Y'all.

Now there are two sea days left and then back to Miami and home.  Will I make it?  Oh yeah...

Empress Bee

The Carnival Breeze, Day five, Curacao

C

Curacao was colorful.  The end.

Today is a bit odd, port time is 2:00 - 11:00.  So I swam in the morning and took an open air bus tour with Princess Laura.  Let me just say it's not one I would do again but we did see lots of stuff.  Some was even nice.  

When we got back on board we were already late for dinner but we went anyway and they served us.

Now it's time for the theatre so off I go.   When I get back I know I am going to crash.  Life is wonderful.   It really is.  

Empress Bee

The Carnival Breeze, Day four...

I don't usually let the ship's photographers corner me but they all had a line of people except for this one guy so I let him photograph me because I felt sorry for him.  

La Romania from my balcony.  Not many people left the ship here so the pools were crowded but I still managed my hour.  It's harder in the salt water pools because you float up so you have to push harder.  At home I am tired after the workout but here I am exhausted.  My routine has been to grab a box of cereal and a carton of milk and head back to the cabin after my swim, eat that, shower, and nap!  I am trying very hard to not slip too far off the bee bandwagon but it's hard.

Still having a great cruise!  Later gators...

Empress Bee

The Carnival Breeze, Day four...

I don't usually let the ship's photographers corner me but they all had a line of people except for this one guy so I let him photograph me because I felt sorry for him.  

La Romania from my balcony.  Not many people left the ship here so the pools were crowded but I still managed my hour.  It's harder in the salt water pools because you float up so you have to push harder.  At home I am tired after the workout but here I am exhausted.  My routine has been to grab a box of cereal and a carton of milk and head back to the cabin after my swim, eat that, shower, and nap!  I am trying very hard to not slip too far off the bee bandwagon but it's hard.

Still having a great cruise!  Later gators...

Empress Bee

The Carnoval Breeze, Day three part deux

Our own Adam got to play in the piano bar last night for three songs!  He was fabulous too.  And I might have closed it down.  Again.  Not sure but I sure did have a good time.

And this is where I'll be today while everyone else is off the ship in La Romania.  The pools are so nice, warm and clean and not crowded, at least when I go they're not.

I am seriously having a wonderful cruise.  I won't be afraid to go by myself any more.

We all had dinner in the Italian restaurant last night, it was so good.  Everyone went, 26 of us, and we had two big tables.  It was not on my Bee bandwagon food though.  I must swim extra today!

Havea lovely day y'all.  I know i will...

Empress Bee

The Carnival Breeze, Day Three

For those of you interested in Roche's antics, when we got ready to leave the cabin last night for formal night he insisted on wearing hair.  He's a pistol but he's mine and he gets his way.

This is Captain Massimo Marino.  He's cute but not much personality.  Sorry Carnival.  

I went to the piano bar last night with Princess Laura and we had an interesting time.  The piano player is Ben and he is very good, lots of jokes and fun stuff.  I might have missed the show.  And other stuff. Possibly.  Not completely sure.  I am pretty sure I did good in the casino though, at least I had chips in my bag this morning.

The end.  Carry on.

Empress Bee

The Carnival Breeze, Day Two

Roche' is ready for his first formal night.  He said he's going into the casino tonight but he's too young - - - or is he?  Come to think of it, maybe he's not!

I went in the aft pool today with Judy C. from Canada for my hour.  The pool is salt water and really warm. There is no "adults only" pool on this ship but there were mostly adults and we got a good workout.  Then I walked and walked and then I walked some more.  And then I had a NAP!

And then for lunch I had a Guy Fiere burger, no cheese, no bun.  Really good!

So it's time to get ready for tonight.  Hope you are havng a great day,  I sure am!

Empress Bee

The Carnival Breeze, Day One...

Well so far it's a lovely trip.  Below are two photos from earlier today.  Sunday is a sea day and I will be in the pool with another one of the gals below.  My cabin is wonderful and so is the cabin steward, he is taking very good care of me.

I am tired though, lots and lots of walking and I decided to go to bed a bit early and get up early in the morning and start fresh.  There are tons of activities on the sea days so I'll be doing lots of stuff and it is formal night too.

There are some group activities planned but nothing Sunday, everyone came from far and wide and we are having a day of just doing what we want.

Most of the group is at the piano bar now but I'll catch it next time.  

Sleep good my friends, I will too, the ship is (very) gently rocking and I will love every minute of it.

Empress Bee

Well today is the day.  And I got upgraded!! To a balcony from an oceanview!  Nine o'clock last night.  I drive to the Port of Miami and meet up with my friends.  Eight days of wonder on the beautiful Carnival Breeze.  I have to tell you it really was harder to pack for myself instead of for Sarge and me.  I had that down pat and now it's just me going and I sort of feel lost.  But I am going forward and not looking back other than for the wonderful memories when I want to let them envelop me. (And no, not envelopE me, ha!)

Yesterday I have to tell you about the pool.  It was really hard but I did do a bit over my hour.  It was so windy it was like trying to go upstream and then when I went the other way it shot me across the pool.  It was lots of fun but tired me out quite a lot.

Then I came up and got my shower and headed out to do some last minute errands.  I went to Target to pick up some wine for the cruise and you can tell I don't buy much liquor because I got carded and laughed so hard.  I guess they do that now for everyone?  Anyway it was quite funny to me.  I showed them my Medicare card when they wanted the ID!!  

So come along with me on this newest adventure and hopefully we'll both have some fun!

It's almost time.  Today I have to make the final choices on the clothes.  I have started the process but have not finished, and I have to get it all into one suitcase.  I will, have no fear.  I'm an old pro at this now but I am not used to only packing for me yet.  It feels very strange not to be getting Sarge's things ready.

Hopefully it will be warm enough to swim today, a cold front is coming through and it's pretty windy and the high may only get to 82°.  If you've been here a while you know I don't get in the water if it's less than 80°so I am hopeful that it will happen.

Roche' said to tell you that I won't let him have his own blog and he is upset about it.  The fact is when he can type it himself he can have it.  Not before.  Gosh, what a pistol that one is.

Have a lovely Friday y'all.  I sure will too!

Well my game got canceled yesterday because one of the gals was sick so I got to swim in the pool and then someone said they were going to grill at 5:00 and did I want to grill too so I took my chicken down at 5:00 and cooked it, enough for tomorrow night too.  I wouldn't grill for just me but if someone else is firing that big thing up I'll cook my dinner too when possible.

Today I have canasta and then packing stuff to do.  I have everything already laid out except for the actual clothes.  I am still deciding what to take and what to leave.  I keep changing my mind.

Roche' is all ready to go, his little pink suitcase is packed and of course he wants to take everything but I culled it down to just what he needs.  Some thongs and some costumes and ribbon.  And his makeup of course.  And jewelry of course.  He can use my Wen and I won't have to pack his little bath products.

One thing I forgot to tell you about the Vitamix ice cream, you can't really put it in the freezer for later, it gets icy.  But if you eat it right away it's fabulous.

And that's all I have today folks.  Hope your Thursday is as good as mine will be!

Well this one I did take yesterday.  It was so nice out there.  I listened to music, read, and swam for an hour.  I was there almost three hours total but was in the shade most of it.

So I was watching Dr. Oz (I know, I know) and he had a guest saying how to lose weight.  She said she can never have a cupcake or carbs again.  

I don't think this is realistic and I think I am proof of that.  I eat cake.  Occasionally.  And not a lot.  But yes, I eat cake.  Perhaps I would lose faster if I didn't but I don't think I could spend the rest of my life not eating something I love.  Nor do I want to.  (Y'all.)  So the answer realistically is moderation and exercise and eating mostly healthy foods and (much) less unhealthy foods.

Lifestyle changes worked for me.  I don't like to be hungry and I do like a lot of food on my plate.  I use a smaller plate and have (usually) 1/2 vegetable, 1/4 starch, 1/4 protein.  Very little fat and only healthy fat (olive oil, coconut oil, smart balance).

Even thought I am losing (really) slowly now my shape is changing.  

Okay I was asked a couple of questions yesterday.  What fruit do I like for the "ice cream" I make in the Vitamix.  Strawberry is my favorite and peach is my next favorite.  I do not like the mix with banana as I think the texture is "ookie" and the mixed berry has too many seeds.  The Vitamix will grind them up but I stop earlier because I like little bits of fruit in it, not totally smooth.

Next I was asked about a Halloween costume for the cruise.  YES.  I have the perfect one.  Stay tuned... I will post photos here and on facebook.  We are having a costume contest.  Roche' thinks he'll win but I don't know, I love mine too.

Then finally last night I won $156.00 at poker.  Yee Haw!

Have a great Wednesday.  I sure will too.

First off this photo was taken a while ago, right now I have the "whale tail" toe, remember?  Anyway the pool was wonderful again yesterday and today shall find me there as well.  

And then I'll be at poker tonight where I hope I don't give back all that loot I won last week!

I am really enjoying my "ice cream" each night.  I take 2 cups of frozen fruit and add 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of Nectress and process it in the Vitamix and voila'!  Frozen treat.  About 200 calories (with a dab of whipped cream) for a good sized bowl.  And healthy!

Hope your Tuesday is as good as mine!  And that's all I know for today.

I had a great time yesterday.  First I went shopping and to lunch with the duck and then I went to the pool for over an hour.  It was so warm and lovely.  There were four of us water jogging and I really could have stayed all day I think.  It feels like sinking into a warm comfortable lush safe place.  Does that sound weird?  I think it does but that's what it feels like.

I got the suitcase out yesterday.  As soon as Roche' saw it he started whining to get his little pink one out too so I did.  

I also did my laundry yesterday so today I shall iron.  And swim.  And get started deciding what to take with me Saturday.  

So that's my day, what about yours?

Roche' says he feels "nekkid" in this photo and he doesn't like it.  He likes to dress up.  And change clothes.  I told him to have a nap and let it go.

Yesterday a gal came up to me at the club and asked to see my toes, she saw them on facebook and loved them.  

So Covert Affairs and White Collar started back up Thursday and I didn't know it but I was able to catch up with the on demand thingy.  Both are really good again this season.  

Today will find me out with the duck for a bit and then in the pool in the afternoon.  And then watching Homeland tonight.  What a great day, lots of things I love.  I also have to nag, prod, beg, wheedle, convince the duck to go to the concert with me.  I'll be starting that campaign today for sure.

Hope your day is as great as mine, if so you are a lucky bug!

In case you didn't see it on facebook yesterday I got my cruise pedicure.  It's a whale tail!  (Carnival's logo for you non cruising people.)  See it?

  

So today finds me back in the card room in my (not favorite) Saturday game.  Don't know how long I'll do it though, I know I said that last week too.  At least I like the gals in the game, I'd just rather be at the pool.

Speaking of the pool it is just about perfect.  The heater is on and it's sparkly clean and the air has been in the mid 80's, couldn't be better.  

Hope your Saturday is wonderful.  Mine shall be.  For sure!

Gosh it's the end of the week.  I am getting my hair done this afternoon but will swim before I go.  

I was able to get the tickets to Andrea Bocelli yesterday and I think I have talked the duck into going with me.  When I first asked him he said (insert swear word here) no.  But after a bit I tried a bribe.  I told him if he'd take me and afterwards could say he did not like it that I would treat him to a concert or game of his choice.  He's thinking about it now.  I am absolutely sure he'll like it.  Who wouldn't?

Last night on the news they did a lead in about a popular hair product that now has class action law suits and big problems and all I could think of is "don't let it be Wen, please don't let it be Wen" and then of course they didn't do that piece until last and, phew, it wasn't.  It was Suave of all things.  I was so relieved.  I never want to give up my Wen.  Never.  My hair is so soft and healthy people stop me and ask me what I use.  And my hairdresser still doesn't like it but I take it with me when I go and she does use it on me.  

Roche' wants to go with me to the hairdresser.  She likes animals but I don't know how she feels about rocks.  Guess I'll find out.  He has a way of getting what he wants.

Have a great Friday y'all.  I will to, it's warm and sunny and I get to swim!

Well it's Thursday already so that means lunch and canasta at the club.  This is a pretty good game with some nice gals.  Then tomorrow I get my hair done.  

It's almost time to get the suitcase out.  Yee-haw!  I still can't believe I am doing this.  But I am.  

I got some great music downloaded into the car for my "big" drive to Miami.  I mean it's about an hour on a Saturday morning but it's a big deal for me.  He's coming to our area in February and I am thinking of going if I can find someone to go with me.

My paint arrived for a project.  More to follow on this (thanks Barb for the idea!).  

And that's it for today y'all.  Hope you have a great day.  I will for sure.  I always do!  

This is the (self appointed) governor (of the pool).  I took this yesterday to put on Match.com to help him get a date.  He wants a tall thin blonde with blue eyes preferably not too old.  He's a very nice guy.  Know anyone?  I want to help him get a date.

Boy howdy I did good at poker too!  I more than made up for last week and then some!  I just couldn't do anything wrong.  I even played 2/7 offsuit and won (the worst hand in poker!).  And there was cake!  One of the players had a birthday.

Today I have the new maj game again.  Last week I lost five cents there so let's see how I do this week.

Have a lovely Prince Spaghetti day y'all.  I sure will too!

Well the dental consultation yesterday went just so/so.  I want to get some implants but it seems I don't have enough bone to get the kind I want.  There is another option and I am considering it.  We'll see.  They are still implants but different.  I have to talk to my dentist and see what he says.

So onward and upward to better things... Today I'll be at the pool and then at poker tonight.  Hopefully I won't have the loss that I had last week!  Of course I won a buck and a half at canasta, lost five cents at maj, and lost a hundred bucks at poker so I guess I'm even.  Even steven, right?

Last night I looked in the fridge to find something new and low cal and tasty to make for dinner.  I already had chicken cooked so I took 1/2 head of cabbage, one large red pepper, and one sweet onion.  Chopped everything and put in a skillet with a small amount of salt and a good amount of pepper and a tiny bit of water.  I cooked this on low for about 20 minutes and then took off the lid and added a tiny bit of olive oil and cranked up the heat to brown it all a bit.  Delicious!  Extremely healthy and low cal.  It's going to be a staple in my house now.  

Hope your Tuesday is totally tits y'all.  Mine sure will be!

Well now October is about half over.  How is this happening?  Time is spinning out of control and getting away from me.

Today I am having a CT scan of my head for some dental stuff.  I already told you I was having some stuff done, well it's starting.  It's about a five month process I am told.  We'll see.  I'll keep you posted.  Today is to see if it is possible for me to do this.

Do you remember I told you some months ago that my some of friends told me to watch out, people would start telling me I was doing too much and not looking right?  Too thin or too tan or too something?  They told me that they were not my friends.  Well it's happening again.  I was told I was too dark and didn't look good.  

I swear I wear SPF 70 sunscreen every single time I go to the pool, I put it on 20 minutes before I go, I use the kind for being in the water, and I get out of the sun as soon as I am out of the pool.  This is just how dark I get.  Sigh, I have decided that I am swimming for me, not for them and I'll just do what the h-e-double-hockey-sticks I please.  

This photo is only one day old and this is how tan I am.  

Oh, and it was not the same lady that told me (at the poker table in mixed company!) "oh look, you're flat chested now that you have lost weight!"  Yeah and you have a big a$$ but I won't mention it dearie.  Bless your heart.

Do I sound sarcastic today?  I don't really mean too, I guess it's just a mood.  I'm fine really.

Have a lovely Monday y'all.  I will too.

Paul and his new car...

yowza!


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You know bougainvillea fascinates me.  The flower is the tiny white part, the pink petals are actually leaves.  They have thorns too.  In the Florida Keys there is a hedge of them in all colors.  It is just beautiful.

I won a buck and a half yesterday at canasta.  The game was just okay though.  Not my favorite.  As I was going to the club I passed the pool and my friends were there and asked me why I was not swimming.  I would have much rather been in the pool.

It's official.  Two weeks to cruise day.  Since it's an eight day cruise and I will be by myself I am debating how light to pack.  I know how to really pack light but I may take a bit more this time.  Why not?  

So today is once again lunch with the duck and grocery shopping.  He calls it "our time" and I think that's sweet.  He's a good son and I am very lucky.  Both of my children are so good to me.  

That's about it from paradise for today y'all.  Make it a great day.  I will too!

The pool was lovely yesterday.  The heater is working nicely and the air was a balmy 83*.  Just about perfect for everyone.  I think I may be the only one that loves it at 90* but I'll take it lower like today as long as the water is warm enough.

The luncheon with my old boss was really nice too.  He's like my brother, I could tell him anything and he would be there for me always.  It's so nice to have someone like this in your life.  Sometimes months go by with no contact but it doesn't matter.  And he loved Sarge too.  And no, I am not going back to work!  I did love working there though, it was a wonderful position for many years.

Today I'll be at my new Saturday canasta game.  I think I said this before but it bears repeating, it's not my favorite game of the week.  We'll see how long I stick it out.

Hope your day is wonderful.  And that you get to do something fun!  Me too...

The temperature has dropped here as has the humidity.  I opened the sliding door!  I almost never do that as it's damp and hot most days.  It is just beautiful.  Of course it's not warm enough to swim at this temperature which I do not like but still I shall enjoy it while it's here.  Maybe later this afternoon it will be hot enough to swim.

Roche' has now decided that he wants to go on Survivor and try to win a million dollars.  I don't think he'd make it a day in the wilderness but he says he can.  He is busy trying to make a video of himself to send in for the next show interviews.  He's changing clothes all day long too.  What a little pistol.  I told him to concentrate on the upcoming cruise that I was taking him on and he said he was already ready for that.  And he wants to know if I know why he isn't getting a tan.

And so it's Friday already.  Here's hoping you have a great day and a wonderful weekend.  I will too.

Gosh the week is mostly over already.  Today is canasta and lunch.  Yesterday I lost five cents at maj.  That's right.  Five cents.  After Tuesday's poker fiasco it felt like a win!

I don't know why I don't reach out to people more often.  I have free long distance and I don't call people very often.  Well last night I called a dear gal that has been around the blog for a long time, not always commenting but always there.  Anyway I completely enjoyed talking to her.  

I got a card in the mail that it's time to get my eyes checked again.  Remember when I went last year and my eyes had turned blue?  Anyway it's time again and they are still blue.  I think they are fine though, Dr. Wacks tested me with the eye chart and I can see fine.  I only wear readers, nothing else.  Well sunglasses too but not prescription ones.

I need to clean out my jewelry drawer again.  I had it so neat for a while but slowly it got all jumbled up again.  Maybe that will be my weekend project.

Well that's all I have today.  Hope your Thursday is as good as mine, if so you are a lucky duck!