Happy New Year's Eve

I did a blog and lost it.  Dropped anchor at Bequia one of the Grenadines.  Nine miles from  St. Vincent.  There are about 100 islands in his chain, most are uninhabited. Took the tender ashore and found a diver who showed me around the island in an hour.  Island is only 7 miles long with 6000 people living here.  KI had the driver drop me off at the Bequia Beach Hotel.  It is a resort right on the water.  Beautiful spot,  I found a padded lounge, walked the beach, had a brief nap and watched people - some unfortunately forgot to look in the mirror before they ventured out.

I then had lunch at their beach restaurant and then at the bar a pina colada.  Everything was great and the setting spectacular.  My driver returned at 2pm and brought me to the pier for the tender.

Tonight being the evening it is, everyone thing is formal with a special dinner.  I can not image what is up.  Every meal has been great.  At 11:15pm there is a party planned to ring in the New Year.  The party will be on the outside main deck.  I may be asleep by then.  New Year's celebrations have never been my favorite "thing."

It is hard to believe this will be 2015.  I will celebrate my 50th anniversary.  Where has the time gone?  It has flown.  I was to thank family, friends and the many people I have worked with and served.These have been exciting days for me.  I must thank the Lord for His constant presence and His many graces.  It has been his constant help that walked me through trying times and so many joyful times.  Thank you one and all for your love and care.

Have a great New Year.
 
             Love,
                   Bill

Happy New Year ! ! !

What a day yesterday was !  St. Lucia is very mountainous and beautiful.  I have driven in the Swiss alps, I felt I was visiting them again.  The mountains are no where as high, but the twists an curves are the same.  There is very little straight road.  Sharp curve after sharp curve either going up or down.  I started on this adventure around 9:30am and got back to the ship at 4:30.  There is very little of the island I did not see. The pitons, the water falls, the sulphur baths, the Jade Mt. Resort, various beaches, great views and on and on.  Full day, only complicated by the fact that the ship Aida was in port with 2000 Germans on board, guess what 8 of them traveled with me on the tour.  Fortunately they were multi lingual and could converse in English, but their side conversation was German.

When I got back on board and settled I called my butler, Arni for a reservation at the Grill.  I went for dinner by the pool and had a great experience.  Once seated the wine arrives, then a menu.  The selection is  simple, beef, fish, chicken.  The reason for the  simplicity is that you cook your own choice.  Fantastic experience, start with salad, then comes a platter with baked potato, veges on a skew, and in the center of the platter is this large rock which is very hot and sitting on the rock is my filet mignon.  You cook each piece to your liking.  The meat was spectacular to taste and it was so much fun cooking each piece.  The rock is very hot and it keeps the meat hot.  It was a great treat, I will do this again.  The setting is picturesque six tables at one end of the pool,on the upper deck, overlooking the pool are tables as well.  Candles are everywhere, artificially lighted, but beautiful.  It was a great time.   I then wandered to the outlook lounge for a night cap.  The perfect ending to a full day.

Today, we are in Barbados, Bridgetown to be exact.  I have been here a couple of times, so I am staying on board and will relax.  We will be in town to 11pm.  It is a full day of sight seeing and beaching.  There is plenty for one to do on the ship, not the least being the pool and all that food and liquid refreshment.  I still find it hard to believe that as soon as you stop, sit and relax there is someone to take a drink order and I do not have to sign for it.  I wonder how large the wine cellar is on board, it flows like water.   As I have said before, this is one of the best travel experience I have had this year.  For me every trip is a blast and this measures up among the best.

      Love,

          Bill

HAPPY NEW YEAR ! ! !

Yesterday we were in St. Maarten.  I took a 3 hour tour of the island.  It was scenic, I could see in the distance Saba, St. Kitts, and Nevis.  I have been to Kitts and Nevis.  I know Saba has a medical school there, because I know a doctor from there.  After the tour I came back to the ship and took a nap.  While we were in St Maarten we were surrounded by ships.  There was the Wind Surf a ship with five masts. looked like fun, but not very stable.  Behind the Silver Spirit was a black hulled yacht; I was told it sold for  $199million.  There are 22 staff on board, what a ship.  It gleamed in the sun.

The water began to act up, so we left port at 7:30pm in stead of 11pm.  There were a few guests in town so we pulled out to the harbor and left a tender to bring them on board.  The ship and lines were pulling and the captain was concerned for the safety of those who still needed to board.

Today we are in Antiqua.  I got off this morning and wandered through the colorful and i mean colorful shops at the end of the pier.  There was an extensive number of shops.  Parked next to us was the  Ventura a P&O cruise line.  It is gigantic; I was told it holds close to 5K passengers.  A little much for me.  I am truly spoiled by this experience on the Silver Spirit.  I can not get over the size of my suite.  I even have a walk in closet with a dresser in the closet with soft close draws.

Today is Sunday and I am saying Mass at 5pm.  Everyone is due back on ship at 4:30 with a departure at 5pm.  It is another gorgeous day with a temperature of 82.  Could not ask for better weather. Tomorrow we are in St. Lucia.  I am getting confused as to where I am.   The islands tend to blend in together.  Today we were greeted by a steel band.  They were nice and loud.  My suite was on the side of the band and they were about 50 feet on the pier from my room.  Nice welcome, but at 8 in the morning.   Right now there is a gentleman playing a wooden drum up the pier, but I can hear every beat.  Aren't I blessed ! ! !

Time for me to get ready for Mass.  I'll be in touch.  Take care.

       Love,
              Bill

Happy Boxing Day

Spent the day in Old San Juan.  The city is colorful and a lot cleaner and brighter since my last visit of 20 years ago.  Vast improvement, upbeat and inviting; I enjoyed my day very much.  I actually found a Polo Factory Story, could not resist.  I then found a bar/grill and had two pina coladas, which were great.

Took a nap when I got back on board.  The guests were informed that we will not be going to St. Barts.  It seems the weather would unnerve the tenders, so we are off to St. Marten.  We will be there from 8am to 11pm.  Will be a full day.

Had dinner with some outstanding people.  One was the woman I mentioned the other day with whom I had lunch.  The other guests were a broadway produce who is giving a series of lectures on the ship.  And the other is a French professor from the University of Wisconsin.  The professor is a friend of the producer.  All of them well traveled folk, outgoing personalities, great story tellers, and great dinner company.  I missed this evenings show.  Going to turn in.  I have ordered breakfast for 7:30am.  I am taking a three hour tour of St. Marten beginning at 9am.  Looks like tomorrow will be another great and full day.  Night All

    Love,
          Bill

M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S

I  pray your day was great.   Mine was a little busy.  I had Mass last evening beginning at 11:30 and this morning I had an interdenominational service at 9 and then had Mass at 10.  I then had lunch with a very gabby woman who is very much in love with herself,  She was fun, well traveled, oh did I mention gabby, and with a few bucks in the bank.

I then retired to my veranda and relaxed in the sun as we sailed along by the Dominican Republic.  Tonight was scheduled as a formal evening.  I decided to stay home and ordered in - great idea and very relaxing.

Tomorrow we are in San Juan for the day.  It promises to be colorful, especially during these days of Christmas.

This afternoon I called Bon to wish the family a Merry Christmas.  I just got the words out of my mouth and I had shouted in my ear - I am going to be a grandmother ! ! !  Obviously she is thrilled.  She could not have had a better Christmas present.  The entire family is thrilled, not to mention the great uncle - yours truly.  The precious gift is due 5/28, one day before my 50th anniversary.  Talk about a busy time in our lives.  I am thrilled for Joe and Abby.  I know they are overwhelmed and very happy.  Talk about a great Christmas gift.

Merry Christmas one and all.

    Love,
         Bill

M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S

    It is hard to believe that this is Christmas eve.  It has been 80 degrees all day and very sunny.  I spent time on the veranda soaking in a little sun.   We are at sea today and tomorrow on our way to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

     I went to a cooking demonstration and enjoyed the samples.  Delicious to say the least.  Had lunch on the pool deck in the shade with a couple from Kent, England.  Pleasant folk in a great setting.  I often wonder if people look at themselves before they wander out the door.  The bathing suits and many bodies do not belong together.  Did mention a number of young people on board not hard on the eyes.

   Went to a lecture on space travel, given by the man next door to me, felt I had to go.  I was not disappointed.  He did a great job and added some laughs.  He is scheduled to give a total of four lectures, one down three to go.

    There is a Christmas sing a long scheduled before dinner.  A Christmas show and then Midnight Mass at 11:30pm in the theater.  It will be a full evening.

     My thoughts are with you all.  Enjoy tonight and the joy of Christmas.  My prayers are with you as we remember the birth of our savior.  Make the most of the peace he brings and enjoy your family and friends.

           Merry Christmas everyone !!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS  o e and all

Great day at Key West.  The morning began with breakfast on the veranda.  My waiter, Arni brought breakfast, set up the table on the veranda and I ate.  It was fantastic as I consumed everything delivered as I watched the various boats sail by.  I then met with the cruise director to go over Mass schedule, midnight, 10 am on Christmas and a non denominational service at 9 am.  Set up Sundays and News Year, which he had forgotten, such is the life of a cruise director. After this meeting I took off for Key West.

I boarded the "Conch Train" for an hour and a half tour of the island.  It was good; offered a great insight to the make up of the island and its history.  I then toured the markets at the square. Then made my way back to the ship and had lunch on deck 9 on the aft of the ship.  It was shady, overlooking the harbor.  I was joined by a couple who do a significant amount of traveling.  Conversation was pleasant.  The husband is a space   engineer.  I am not sure what that means. I will have to go to his lecture.

Then made my way to the suite for a little nap.  Great !   Tonight is formal attire, with an intro to the Captain.  I plan on having dinner in the restaurant and then see tonights show.  There are five young folk on board with great voices, they have a show with a tribute to motown music planned.  The show is in the same room in which I will celebrate Mass.  Seating is unique.  Each seat is a love seat for two.  I can't wait to see how this plays out.

Observation, there are a significant number of people from Germany, France, GB,  and Canada taking this trip.  There are a number of young people sailing with us.  I have  met people who go away every year for Christmas.  We are all different.  There is a very festive spirit on the Spirit.  At this rate New Year's should be quite a ,party.

Take call and enjoy your Christmas.  I will be thinking of you as I celebrate Mass at midnight and at 10am.  Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year one and all

What a  day this has been . . . I spent last evening at the Riverfront Hotel, Ft. Lauderdale.  It was a great, clean comfortable with a good location overlooking a "river," with lots of boats - yachts.  I got a cab and sped off to the docks to board the Silver Spirit.  I felt I was boarding a private ship. There were people everywhere to help, but I was the only being helped, at least it felt that way.  I was directed to the registration desk to sign in.  Bright young woman with santa clause hat on helped me and directed me to a number of dining facilities on board. I chose the dining room.  I was greeted most warmly by the head waiter and directed  to a window table overlooking the harbor.  I was introduced to Luis my waiter, who asked if I wanted red or white wine.  It got even better after that.  Lunch was great and my suite is spectacular.  I am on the 8th deck, room 807.  I have a  "marble"   bath, BIG glass shower with a rain faucet, BIG tub independent of the shower, king size bed, lining room with a full couch and reading chair, two TVs, one in the living room, the other at the foot of my bed "in" the wall surrounded by mirror.  I have a wall in mirror and beautiful wood shelves and cabinets.  I have a veranda, just what I need. on which there are two reclining chairs and a table - on which breakfast will be served tomorrow, which is already ordered.  I believe that I have been transported to another planet, world, whatever it is it is spectacular.

The rest of the day has been spent scouting the ship.  I know where the bars are, the comfortable chairs are, where all the eateries are, and the unique people are.  Took lots of pictures and stopped for some liquid refreshment, while on tour.  By the way ALL beverages are included in the ticket as are all tips.  I tested a few bars, so I had scotch, bloody mary, diet coke and smiled at the bar tender or waiter.  Great way for one to live.

With so heavy a lunch, I skipped dinner and drank, with a few little snacks and did one of my favorite things watched people.  There are only 550 on board, but they are all ages.  There are a couple of families with teens, others with little ones.  There are a diversity of couples around and of course the faithful seniors.  As I spoke to some they are Silversea faithful.   They know the staff.  At 6pm as we were pulling out of port, there  was entertainment, drinks, finger food and a few intros.  Beautiful sailaway, comfortable and colorful.

I was gong to see Jersey Boys (movie), but decided to hit the observation lounge.  Met a man my age from Long Island, as a matter of fact we were the only two in the lounge beside the bar tender.  Nice conversation, till his wife came looking for him and he was yanked into his "silver suite."  Such is life, for some !

Time to call it a day.  Tomorrow is Key West.  Should be fun.  We dock right in town.  I am told it is a five minute walk to where the action is.

Enjoy the hours till Christmas.  It is a strange feeling, knowing Christmas is here, but this segment of the world is elsewhere.  Though it was announced there will be a Christmas eve Mass and Mass on Christmas, I think that is me.  There was a Jewish service tonight for the gang,  I peaked in and only saw about 20 people in attendance.
We'll see what happens in our world.  By the way Santa will be here.  At least that is what the cruise director said.

Take care - will be in touch

MERRY CHRISTMAS  everyone and a year filled with the Lord's peace, love and joy.

It is Friday December 19th and I am getting ready to take off - again !  I fly to Florida on Sunday the 21st. and I board the Silver Spirit for a 15 day tour of the Caribbean.  I have 10 island stops.  This will be another great adventure, I am sure.  The ship is small and beautiful.  There is room for 564 passengers, four restaurants, a few bars, theater, etc., etc. and so forth.  This is my first trip on this line of ships.  The line is known as the Silver Seas, with 7 ships ranging in size from 220 to the one I will be on.  The line is owned by an Italian family and enjoy a great reputation. The trip is all inclusive, meaning liquid refreshments and gratuities are included.  What more can one want on a tour of the Caribbean.  I look forward to the days ahead.

I will be in touch on a regular basis.  I hope you enjoy, my joys of sharing the sights and sounds of the winter warmth that is mine and yours through my eyes.  Make the most of the hours till Christmas and enjoy the warmth and comfort found in family and friend gatherings.   The Lord came to call of us home to the Father.  We have heard his call and now we respond in joy and love for all that He has done for us.  Enjoy these days and His love found in each other.

    Merry Christmas