April 2011 Newsletter

April 1, 2011

Hello Everyone ~

This month, I am going to divert a bit from our cruise to Canada/New England. Instead, I would like to share with you an article that I wrote several years ago about cruising with my parents. I’ve been thinking how much this trip meant to us and thought it would be nice to reminisce with you. This newsletter is dedicated to my parents—Harvey and Frances. I love you Mom and Dad.

Three weeks ago our lives changed dramatically. We think my Dad had a stroke. I say “think” because we do not have that definitive diagnosis yet – but all indications are that is what happened. During these past few weeks as I have sat at the hospital and at the convalescent care facility with my Mom, brother and my husband, I have been reminded how precious our time together is. And, it has reminded me that we never know what tomorrow will bring and to take advantage of every moment that we have together. Today is my birthday; and I got the best present of all – my Dad stood up by himself and took a step! It doesn’t get better than that! We take so much for granted and sometimes it is good to step back and remember.

Barb



Harv and Fran – Then and Now



Don’t Let Your Parents Tell You “No”Have you ever said to yourself that you wished you had asked your parents or grandparents more about what it was like for them growing up?

Several years ago, my husband and I asked my parents to go on a cruise with us. We thought that going on a cruise would be a perfect opportunity to get away for a few days and spend some quality time together. But, we had to sell them on the idea.

I’m a Baby Boomer; and if your parents are like mine, you have probably heard that they feel that they cannot travel anymore. My parents told me that it would be too difficult. My Mom has Parkinson’s disease and my Dad has every kind of arthritis known to mankind. Getting around is not easy for either one of them. But, Mom wanted to see Glacier Bay – and so it was, we booked a cruise to Alaska! Once we boarded the ship and unpacked, our wonderful journey began.

This ended up being one of the best cruises we’ve ever been on. Not because of the itinerary, not because of anything other than it was a chance to spend some quality time with my parents.
My Dad had done some genealogy research and so we had some basic information. We knew that there would be time during the cruise to bring this up in the conversation. And, so it was…Once we sat down and asked them the first few questions, we were greeted with smiles and all sorts of stories. One story would trigger another memory and another and another. They enjoyed sitting in their deck chairs; and I couldn’t write or type fast enough. We talked about their childhood, their memories of growing up during the Depression, and memories they had of their parents or grandparents. The stories we heard were fascinating. After the first time when we sat down they started asking us “What time are we going to do this again?

Think about doing something like this with your parents or grandparents before it’s too late. Don’t let your parents tell you “no”. Plan that family reunion or 90th birthday celebration! Dance one more time with your Mom or Dad or Grandma or Grandpa. Take one more picture. Live, laugh and love each other. Take advantage of your time together and find the time to sit down and ask them those questions that you’ve been telling yourself that you have been meaning to ask. Bring a thick pad of paper and plenty of pens and enjoy what is about to unfold before you.

Post note: In 2011 we started having Sunday is for Family Day. We lost Jim’s Dad last summer. Since then, we have tried to spend our Sundays with Jim’s mother, my parents or our children and grandchildren. We have heard fascinating stories of how our parents grew up during the Depression and World War II. We have celebrated the birth of our newest grandchild, Jacob (born on Super Bowl Sunday!), and we have made a point of being with our family on Sundays. Now, more than ever, we can see how precious our Sundays are. Please don’t wait to do this with your family. Get out your picture albums and laugh and reminisce – and enjoy each other. You never know what tomorrow may bring.

Believe me – you’re gonna love it; and so will they. It will be the memory of a lifetime!

Sunday is Family Day - February 6, 2011 - Welcome Jacob Morgan!

SUNDAY IS FAMILY DAY, February 6, 2011

Today was a glorious day and especially extraordinary because we welcomed the newest member of our family, Jacob Robert Morgan! Jacob was born while most of us were still asleep – 12:52 a.m. on Sunday, February 6, 2011. He weighed in at seven pounds and was 21 inches long!

It was foggy and a very cool 41 degrees in San Diego when I began my drive up to Monterey to meet our newest grandchild. With my Starbucks in hand, my day began. It was dark and foggy; I could barely see 100 feet in front of the car for quite a ways up the highway. The fog began to lift as I drove further north above Temecula. At about 6:15 a.m. the daylight broke, the sky was a bright baby blue with pink clouds lacing the horizon. It was beautiful. As the sun rose in the east, I couldn’t help but notice the top of Big Bear in the San Gabriel Mountains all covered with snow.

My eight hour drive seemed to pass by quickly. I generally drive north on I-15 then take Interstate 210 west through Pasadena and the San Fernando Valley over to I-5. The portion of my drive north of Los Angeles over the Grapevine was so peaceful. The hills were covered with thick green grass from the winter rains with a yellow glow from the dandelions covering the ground. It almost looked like velvet.

I stopped a few times to get a warm refill on my coffee and continued my drive. I saw some herds of cattle grazing on the hillsides while others lay alongside the road as if they were not quite awake. When I drove by, they lifted their large heads as if to say “Good morning – don’t bother me I haven’t had my coffee yet”. I passed herds of sheep and Billy goats as well as pastures with horses meandering around. The world was waking up. Along Highway 46 from Lost Hills going over to Paso Robles and Highway 101, there were several large flocks of black crows sitting on top of the barren almond trees. Then, several times I saw something larger in the trees right alongside the highway, and there were several owls perched on the bare branches keeping a watchful eye out as the few cars that were on the road at that time of the morning, passed.

My drive up was really enjoyable with all the animals and birds that I passed along the way. I never knew what I was going to see next! During the next few days, little did I know that I would be greeted in the mornings by majestic blue herons and white egrets standing tall at the waters’ edge of the small lake near my daughter’s home.

When I arrived in Monterey, I met my daughter Jackie at her house and unloaded the car and within half an hour, we were off to the hospital to greet the newest member of our family. We walked into the hospital room and there was my daughter Steph, husband Jason and our precious new bundle of joy! I know I was as proud and happy as any other Grandma I know. And, like all of the rest of you, I think my grandson is perfect and beautiful in every way! That is our God given right! Jacob was wrapped all snug in a hospital blanket and had a tiny little cotton knit cap on his head. His tiny little hands were inside of the onesie t-shirt that he wore. His cheeks were rosy and glowing; and he was very content to be held by his Daddy. Steph looked beautiful; and it was hard to imagine that she had just given birth a few hours before I arrived.

Jacob – welcome to our family. You are loved.

SUNDAY IS FAMILY DAY – January 23, 2011

SUNDAY IS FAMILY DAY – January 23, 2011

Earlier this week my Mom showed me my Baby Album. Inside of it were some letters that my Dad had written to my Mom while he was out of town working on insurance claims right after I was born. In one of those letters, ironically, he talked about coming home and going out for a drive on Sunday afternoon “because Sunday is Family Day”. It really brought a smile to my face when I read that. So, this Sunday drive tradition has been a part of our family ever since I was born!

As we got Mom and Dad into the car this afternoon, their eyes were sparkling and they had already started reminiscing about some of their memories of growing up in San Diego in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Though they lived several miles from each other back then, they actually attended the same schools. Grammar school was at Central Grammar School which was located at Central and Polk. They both had Mrs. Harrelson as their 6th grade teacher. They both attended Woodrow Wilson Middle School and Herbert Hoover High School.

The weather here in San Diego this weekend was absolutely gorgeous. There was a Santa Ana wind blowing which cleared out the foggy marine layer and blessed us with an unbelievably clear view of the Coronado Islands off the coast of San Diego past Point Loma to the north and the Hotel del Coronado on Coronado Island to the south. The waters of San Diego Bay glistened as we crossed over the Coronado Bridge. There were dozens of sailboats out on the waters with their spinnaker sails full and gliding across the water. In the distance up towards where the USS Midway is permanently docked, there was a Carnival Cruise Lines ship in port. We could see the huge red fan tale from the top of the bridge.

Our first destination today was over to Coronado in hopes of finding my Mom’s grandparent’s home. Unfortunately, we could not find the actual address before we left home (we did find it later). So – we’re just going to have to go back and find it on another Sunday afternoon drive! We found a picture of the house after we got home today.

We took a leisurely drive back through Coronado and past the Hotel Del looking at all of the beautiful homes. There were many people out riding their bicycles and we saw several people playing golf on the municipal golf course as we headed back to cross over the bridge and continue on our adventure.

Our next destination was to go by the first house that my Dad lived in here in San Diego on Fairmont Avenue. The house still stands today. It is a nice looking two-story home north of University. He pointed out which room was his on the second floor and which one was his brother Carl’s. Dad does not recall having any pictures from this house when they lived here; but we’re going to go through some of the photo albums that he still has from his Mom (my Grandma Ro) and we’ll see if we can find one.

Mom and Dad were full of memories of the way things “used to be” back in their younger days. The Inner City Children’s Clinic used to be the home of Kerrigan Jewelers on University. The University Theater used to be where the Payless Shoe Store is now; and the building at University and Euclid was once a skating rink. There is a tall very vibrant colored building across the street. That was where the end of the street car line once was. The buildings back then were all one story. Mom recalled walking home from Hoover High and stopping to buy donuts – two for 5 cents! She said they had an orange long john that just melted in your mouth.

Dad told us that El Cajon Boulevard used to be Route 80; and that is what we drove between Tucson and San Diego when he got transferred to Tucson back in the late 1950’s. When he lived in the Fairmont house, he and his brothers would ride their bikes down to Adobe Falls to swim. Mission Valley at that time was not developed as it is today. Rose Toyota was at the bottom of Fairmont. John Rose was a friend of Dad’s; and he had the Rose Toyota was the first Toyota dealership in the United States.

We also drove by where my Dad lived on 56th Avenue just north of El Cajon Boulevard. Where their house used to be now stands an apartment building. My grandparent’s property was quite wide and had avocado trees in the back yard. It was one-story home with two bedrooms and a bath. Along the right side of the house was a single car driveway that sloped down to a detached garage behind the house. Along the driveway was a small pond with goldfish. We have been told that though the original house was moved away and replaced with the apartment building – the pond is still there behind the fence. We weren’t bold enough to try to peak over the fence today – maybe sometime in the future.

As we left Grandma and Grandpa’s Ro’s old neighborhood, we turned right onto El Cajon Boulevard and drove west. Mom and Dad would point out where certain businesses used to be.

Our afternoon continued with an early dinner at the Chicken Pie Shop. This is a San Diego tradition. It was once located on Fifth Avenue in downtown San Diego; but has been at its present location for years and years. When you step inside the glass front door, you are greeted with the smiling faces of well-seasoned waitresses. Mom and Dad recognized several of them as having been there for as long as they could remember. On the walls surrounding the large open dining room are large pictures from menus offering a chicken pie dinner complete with mashed potatoes and chicken gravy, coleslaw and vegetables AND pie for dessert for only 45 cents! You could have a cup of coffee or a glass of buttermilk for 10 cents! There were pictures on the walls from the early days of the Pie Shop as well as dozens of ceramic chickens and roosters lining he shelf near the top of the walls all around restaurant.

Our meals were served with warm rolls and butter. Mom and Dad and Jim all had the chicken pot pie dinners; but I had to order their fried chicken just to see how that was. My dinner came with a nice little side salad, vegetables mashed potatoes and gravy and three nice pieces of breaded fried chicken. It was moist and good – though I have to admit I’ve never had fried chicken dipped in bread crumbs before. We all had leftovers to bring home including our pieces of pie that were included with our dinners.

After that, we drove home and called my cousin and her husband and my Aunt Mary (Mom’s sister) who just live down the street from Mom and Dad. The three of them came down after we got back to Mom and Dad’s. We enjoyed a piece of pie and some decaf coffee. The best part of that was to bring out some of the old family photo albums and sit around the table and look at old pictures. Mom and Aunt Mary sat on one side of the table with Mary Jean and me on the other side. I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun it was to sit there with our Mom’s and go through pictures of when they were newlywed’s and new parents. The pictures are priceless to us. My Uncle Eugene passed on a few years ago; and oh how we miss him. But Mary Jean and I so enjoyed looking at the pictures and watching our Mom’s reminisce about how things used to be.

I cherish these times with my parents. It is so much fun for me to hear the enthusiasm in their voices when they talk about their memories and walk down memory lane. And, to be able to share that with my cousin and my Aunt was extra special. In the next few weeks, we are planning on all of us getting together for an afternoon picnic down on Harbor Island. We’ll sit and enjoy the stories because “Sunday is for Family”. Till next time…

SUNDAY IS FAMILY DAY - January 16, 2011

SUNDAY IS FAMILY DAY
I wrote an article in 2007 entitled “Don’t Let Your Parents Tell You No”. It was about spending some quality time with my parents. Since that time, my parents’ health has been declining; my Mom has Parkinson ’s disease, my Dad had to have a rather sudden quadruple bypass, and as of last week they have given up driving. This past summer we lost Jim’s Dad. His Mom is still with us and we are blessed that at 90 years young, she is in relatively good health and doing well. We visit her in Huntington Beach as much as possible and are grateful for our time together.
One thing that has become increasingly important to me is to make sure I ask those questions that I’ve always said “someday I have to ask my parents about that”. Well, now is my “someday”. We have decided that “Sunday is Family Day”. Having said that - we decided that we will make plans to do something with either Jim’s Mom or my parents every weekend.
Our weekend began on Saturday when we drove up to Huntington Beach for a Celebration of Life for one of Jim’s longest friends. We picked up his Mom and the three of us were on our way to a wonderful afternoon of memories. In addition to hearing some touching stories about our friend Jan who left us all too soon, we also enjoyed our time with Jim’s Mom and talking with her about some of their early days in the Navy. We talked about their homes in Newport, Rhode Island – Taiwan and Charleston, South Carolina as well as Long Beach. She also shared with us some family history about the silver tea set she proudly displays on the sideboard in her dining room and a couple of chairs that were in her family home in Washington, D.C. She told us the story of a small covered chair that sits in her entry-way. It is now upholstered in a soft pink stripe fabric. It is quite a short chair and has no arms. In this small chair, she began to knit a baby blanket when she was pregnant with Jim. She said she didn’t finish the blanket but that her mother did and presented it to her so she could keep her baby warm when he came home from the hospital. She also told us the history about a couple of tables in her living room. We have many more questions about things in her home and other memories that we will pursue on another visit. We spent time with her for a little while after we returned from the Celebration of Life; and then we had to be on our way home. Driving back home to San Diego, both of us kept remembering things she had mentioned during our day with her. Off to the west, just after 5:00 p.m. the sun was setting. As the brilliant, flaming sun set on the horizon, the reflections on the glassy Pacific Ocean waters was breathtaking. The water was so calm, there was hardly a ripple. The colors of the sunset were amazing bright pinks, oranges and purples. What a fabulous way to end such a nice day!
On Sunday, we began our “Sunday is Family Day” with my parents. We got Mom and Dad into the car and off we went down the road in search of some of their early homes in San Diego and some of our relatives’ homes. Before we got too far down the road, Mom began telling us that their first apartment was on 30th Street here in San Diego. They were newlyweds; and Mom put an ad in the San Diego Tribune that read something like “Veteran just married looking for place to rent”. The apartment on 30th Street in North Park still stands today. Their apartment was in the back of the main house. It was hard to see their apartment in its entirety – but we could see the corner of the back building where they began their life together. Their toilet had a pull chain. They had an “ice box” where the ice man delivered a 25 pound block of ice once a week to keep their food cold.
Our next stop was to go by their apartment on Iowa Street which is also still standing today. It is much the same set up as the first apartment on 30th Street with the apartment behind the main house. The main difference with this apartment is that Dad’s Mom, my Grandma Ro, thought this was a much nicer place and she “approved”. I was born when they lived on Iowa Street. Mom and Dad have a picture of both of these apartments in a frame of pictures along with pictures of all the homes they have lived in.
After Iowa Street, Mom and Dad really took a giant leap and bought their first home on Hannah Street here in San Diego. My Dad worked for a large insurance company; and his territory covered all of San Diego County as well as El Centro and down to the border in Tijuana. I remember the dress he brought me from Mexico that had the white top with ruffles on top and the multi-colored ruffled skirt. My brother was born when they lived here.
Our afternoon continued by driving by the Columbia Street home that my Aunt Cassie and Uncle Ralph used to live in. It was a small house on a hillside that had an absolutely breathtaking view of the planes, trains and ships in San Diego harbor. On a clear day they could see out to the end of Point Loma and out to Coronado Island. Their house had one very distinctive feature – they had one of the first elevators in San Diego. I remember as a young girl going to visit them. The entrance to their home has a small courtyard. The back of the house is a plate glass window with this stunning view. But my brother Rob and I were fascinated with that elevator; and we couldn’t wait to visit Aunt Cassie and Uncle Ralph just so we could go in the elevator!
¬My Mom is a San Diego native. Her Dad was a master printer. His first shop was in the Hotel del Coronado where he perfected his craft. He then moved to a shop on the first floor in the building at 5th and Laurel. This is the same building that is the home of the famed restaurant Mr. A’s that is on the rooftop. Back in the early 1930’s Mom’s family lived on 10 acres of land on Rosecrans Blvd. Her Dad had the opportunity to buy this land for $865 in back taxes. But, it was during The Depression. It was all her Dad could do to pay the rent – there was no way he could scrape together enough money to buy the property.
That property today would be worth millions upon millions of dollars. They actually had two houses back then – a day house and a night house. They had their meals in the day house and slept in the night house. Mom tells stories of her and her two sisters, knowing every inch of that property. They would run and jump down the hill right down to the waters’ edge. Today, this area is known as Playa Point Loma. Where their two small houses once stood on an empty ten acres of waterfront land, today there are hundreds of private residences with San Diego Bay as their backyard. They have views of Point Loma, Shelter Island and Harbor Island as well as out to North Island and Coronado.
We actually found the location and address of the original two houses, but standing there today is a very modern two story stucco home that must be well over 5,000 square feet. We drove down to the street below Rosecrans (which was not there when Mom’s family lived there); and at the end of the street we found a waterfront access and walking path along the waters’ edge. Mom wanted to get out and go down so Jim got the wheelchair out of the trunk and while Dad chose to stay in the car, the three of us walked down to the path and meandered down a ways. Mom was telling us stories about how she and her sisters knew every inch of that property and would jump down to gather clams. They would stomp down the tall weeds that filled the property and would pretend they were in a huge house. As we were going down the path, we came across a lady whose Golden Retriever was romping in the water as she walked on the path. When our paths crossed, she said hello and Mom asked if she lived in the area. She said yes, and Mom told her she used to live there back in the 1930’s. The woman knew some of the names of the people that used to be nearby neighbors; and amazing as it was, she said some of those families still own homes there. Before we parted, she took Mom’s name and was going to show it to some of those people. Mom was thrilled and you could see the pleasure of the afternoon in her face.
Our day continued as we proceeded to Anthony’s Fish Grotto on Harbor Drive for an early dinner. They seated us at a wonderful window table where we had a view of the Bay. Because it was an incredibly clear day today, we could see all the way out to Point Loma where The Old Point Loma Lighthouse proudly stands. Mom’s mother’s sister, Aunt Nel, married Rollie Israel – the son of the last lighthouse keeper of The Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
While Mom and Jim and I enjoyed our soup and salad, Dad enjoyed his Huevos Rancheros and the conversation continued. Dad talked about only paying 5 cents to take the passenger ferry from San Diego over to Coronado back when he was a young boy. He also recalled riding his bicycle down to the Bay when Old Ironsides – yes the U.S.S. Constitution – was in port. He was about 11 years old. He and his friends who were in the Boy Scouts together would go to the Postmaster and have envelopes stamped “Old Ironsides” on special holidays such as Washington’s Birthday and Lincoln’s Birthday. He also used to come down to the Bay to go duck hunting.
After Pearl Harbor was bombed, Dad told us he joined the Navy at the 11th Naval District offices at the base of Broadway in San Diego. The building is still there. He said that his Dad had taught him the Morse Code; and because of that, he did not have to go to Boot Camp. Once his enlistment papers were signed, he reported directly out to Point Loma.
Sunset was just after 5:00 p.m. While we were getting ready to leave, a rowboat with about 8 scouts and their parents passed in front of the windows of Anthony’s. We imagined these young boys were out earning their “Rowing Badge”. The waters of the bay began to calm as the sun set in the West. The wispy clouds in the sky above began to turn yellow and orange, then pink and purple. The waters shimmered with the beautiful, colorful reflections from above; and the small scouts rowed away and became just a silhouette on the water.
It was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend. We talked about where we were going to go next Sunday as we drove home. We have lots of possibilities; but nothing was determined. But you can rest assured that I’ll be writing about our adventure – because “Sunday is Family Day”.

My Wish for You -

I hope you open up much happiness on Christmas morning. And my wish to the New year ---- may the best day of your 2010 be the worst day of your 2011.

This year as with all years, we are enjoying our time with family and friends. It seems that sometimes we get so caught up in our everyday lives that we don't keep in touch as much as we should to let those we care about truly know that they are special in our lives.

We have been very blessed through the ten + years that we have been together. Our families have grown and our families have blended well. Though we lead separate lives here in San Diego, in Huntington Beach, Monterey, San Francisco and Vancouver, WA, we do our best to get together during the year and enjoy each other.

After losing Jim's Dad this summer, it made me stop and realize how lucky we are to have had him as long as we did. He was 90 yrs. old! What a grand life! And, Jim's Mom, who is also 90, is still with us and going strong. We will drive up to Huntington Beach the day after Christmas to be together with his Mom along with his sister and brother and sister-in-law and their exchange student from Germany, Leoni.

On Christmas Eve, we will enjoy babysitting Katelyn and Ryan during the daym then spending a wonderful family evening together at their house for our Christmas with them. On Christmas Day, we will pick up my parents and bring them back over to the where we will enjoy a good pork roast, with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, apple sauce and cranberry sauce and some good pumpkin pie for dessert!

After we visit the family in Huntington Beach, we will head north to Monterey where we will have Christmas with my daughters and son-in-law and two grandsons, Joseph and Landon.

Our daughter Jennifer will be in Vancouver, WA enjoying a turkey dinner with friends and will notbe able to get down for Christmas this year. But, we have enjoyed several good visits with her during this past year and will definitely do the same in 2011.

I know there is no Santa Claus in reality - but, like Virginia, his spirit lives in me and always will. The spirit of giving and doing for others makes me happy. "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" is one of my favorite books of all time.

And so, this holiday season - I hope that spirit will find a place in your heart as well.

I hope you open up much happiness on Christmas morning. And my wish for you for the New year ----

May the best day of your 2010 be the worst day of your 2011.

December Newsletter

Hello Everyone!

The Holidays are upon us once again! I don’t know about you, but this past year has gone by incredibly fast. We were able to travel a lot this year and visit family and friends along our way. Those moments are really special to us; and, as many of you know, I usually share those times in my Travelogues. Some of you receive them via email and then I post them on my website and on my Blog. I started writing the Travelogues when we were away so that our parents could know what we were doing and seeing.

December greeted me with a wonderful surprise. I have been named one of the “Top 50 Travel Agent Bloggers in the United States”! Here is the link to the website. I am one of the Travel Agents Who Love to Travel - that’s me – Enthusiastic Cruiser! http://www.onlinemarketingdegree.org/the-top-50-travel-agent-bloggers-of-2010
As I often do at the end of the year, I reflect back and think about how lucky I am. Sometimes when the world is so busy around us, we forget to take time to thank those who have made a difference in our lives. This year, Carpenter Travel has grown because of all of you. If I have not told you before, I will tell you now – I realize that you have many choices today when it comes to making your travel plans; and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to help you with yours.

The holidays are a very special time for many of us as we will be traveling near and far to spend time with family and dear friends. Many of us have special traditions; and this month I thought I would share some German family traditions that I’ve learned about from the German exchange student that our brother and sister-in-law have had the pleasure of having join their family for this school year.

Leoni is 16 years old and her family lives in a small village about 200 miles south of Frankfurt. She is quite a talented young lady who not only sings but also plays the flute and the piano. She speaks excellent English and has blended into our family very nicely. She has beautiful rosy cheeks and her eyes seem to light up when she speaks about Germany and her family. Jim and I have been really enjoyed getting to know her and learning more about Germany and their culture and way of life.

In Leoni’s family, their holiday celebrations begin on December 5th when each of them sets one of their boots outside their bedroom door. When they awake in the morning, their parents have filled their boot with special treats including some candy or something sweet. On December 6th, the neighborhood children will walk door-to-door and either say a poem or sing a song and the neighbors will give them a treat (very reminiscent of our Halloween except they do not dress up in costume).

Leoni has told us that her family does decorate for the holidays, but not nearly to the extent that people decorate here with all the lights and festive garlands and trees. Their decorations will be a beautiful table setting that will always include four candles – one to be lit each week during Christmas. They celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve.

We have talked about special foods that her family prepare s for the holidays and she mentioned red cabbage or Rotkraut. My Grandma used to make this for every holiday – and my Mom has continued with that tradition. The recipe we have is over 100 years old from my Great Grandmother Hoffman. So, I thought I would share that recipe with you this month. If you have any recipes you’d like to share with me – I would enjoy receiving them and giving them a try in my kitchen. I know that you will all be cooking some wonderful things in the kitchen – and your holidays would never be the same without them. Those special aromas and flavors are distinctly familiar and make our holidays very special.

Grandmother Hoffman’s Red Cabbage –“Rotkraut”

1 – large head of red cabbage – shredded fine
2 – Tablespoons Crisco shortening
2 - Tablespoons Canola oil
1 – Red apple cored, skinned and shredded
3 – Tablespoons light brown sugar
½ - Teaspoon salt
¼ - Teaspoon pepper
3 – Tablespoons Vinegar

Stir well. Simmer at least 2 hours. Put lid on tight. Stir often. Serve warm.

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May your holidays be filled with special memories.

And, As Always,

Safe Travels

Barbara
Your “Enthusiastic” Excursionist

P. S. Whodunit?

Whodunit?
You all know I LOVE cruising! But did you know that I love a good mystery as well? Ever since my childhood when I read the Nancy Drew books (“The Secret of the Old Clock” – “The Hidden Staircase”), I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery. When I came across a company called Whodunit Mystery Cruises, my curiosity was peaked. In 2011, I am becoming a “Partner in Crime”!

What better way to get the best of both worlds than on a Whodunit Mystery Cruise! Enjoy an elegant experience at sea, while MYSTERY and MAYHEM LURK all around you, and even INVOLVE YOU! As the clues unravel, you try to solve the spectacular mystery of "whodunit" - before it's too late! Whodunit creates a Live Mystery aboard the most beautiful ships in the world that you become a part of ... as well as try and solve. There are times during the mystery cruise that you will be following the deadly saga and other times when you are free to just enjoy the cruise ... They don't want you to have to look over your shoulder for the entire time aboard the ship.

If you book the cruise and choose to be a part of Whodunit, when you board you will be given your own deadly role to play. Don't worry, if you are on the shy side you can just sit back and watch the plot unfold. But if you are not shy, then you can use your character to find out as much as you can. You see, the actors will be mixing among you and in character for the entire mystery cruise!!! The hilarious story begins to unfold on the opening night where you will first meet all of the very M Y S T E R I O U S Characters. Then during the week there are mysterious notes slid under your cabin door, secret rendezvous set up for you ... all kinds of suspicious happenings!

On the days we are in port, nothing will happen aboard the ship at this time, so you won't miss any important clues. But be careful.... Captain's Night is bound to be a beautiful, elegant but- a D E V I L I S H night, for sure!

Just think...mutiny and...mayhem... gambling...all the grub you can handle...intrigue...laughter...star laden skies...and Mystery on the High Seas!!!! On May 20, 2011 Jim and I will be on Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas sailing out of Seattle to – where else? ALASKA of course!! (Now, come on – you knew that was coming didn’t you?)

So - Supersleuths! Grab your magnifying glasses, deerstalker caps, and life vests as Whodunit heads from Seattle to Alaska on a 7-Night Alaska Sawyer Glacier Cruise! There are bound to be clues around every iceberg as we cruise the inside passage to Juneau, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord and Victoria BC.

In addition to the May 20, 2011 sailing on Rhapsody of the Seas for 7 nights from Seattle to Alaska – there are other mystery cruise opportunities for 2011:

1) September 3-8, 2011 on Enchantment of the Seas for 5-nights from Baltimore to the Bahamas

2) October 28-31, 2011 on Monarch of the Seas for 3-nights from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas

3) December 3-10, 2011 on Voyager of the Seas for 7-nights from New Orleans to the Western Caribbean.

Pricing starts from $997.53 including taxes, port fees and Whodunit Murder Mystery per person based on double occupancy.

Silversea Cruise Lines Ship Inspection

Ship Inspection December 4, 2010 – San Pedro, CA

Our ship inspection was scheduled for 11:30 a.m. for the Silversea Silver Cloud in San Pedro, CA. We left San Diego mid-morning under cloudy skies after stopping by Starbucks for a yummy and warm eggnog latte’. Yes, this is one of my favorite holiday indulgences!

Driving up I-5 was an easy commute this morning as the traffic was light with no traffic back-ups at all. After we merged onto the 405 Freeway in Orange County and proceeded north to the Long Beach Freeway, the heavy clouds above us began to drop large rain drops on our windshield. As we drove along the water’s edge, Jim commented that this was where his Dad was stationed and they lived in naval housing. What was once an active Naval Base is now redeveloped and none of the old buildings remain. Now, tall palm trees and landfills and huge cranes for loading cargo stand where the Naval Officers’ Club and other buildings used to be in the 1950’s.

We continued on over the Vincent Thomas Bridge and turned off to get to the port. The Sapphire Princess was in port and majestically took her position at the end of the inland waterway. Up a bit further, we could see the top of the Silver Cloud, but there were several tents in the parking lot that blocked our view of the entire ship. This was disappointing as I only could get a picture of the top insignia on the stack of the Silver Cloud.

It was still raining when we parked the car. We proceeded across the street and through the Port Authority security check-in to an area inside a building where folding chairs were set up in several rows. Our guide for the day, Iona, greeted us and introduced herself as the Cruise Consultant on the Silver Cloud. She guided us to the gangway where we climbed the steep, steel steps and were greeted at the top by several very well dressed crew members. They were dressed in business attire of Navy blue and off-white.

The central lobby of the Silver Cloud is a circular designed area with offices in the area housing Guest Relations, the Silver Shore Concierge available for booking your shore excursions; and the desk of the Cruise Consultant (our Ivonna). A table was set up in one area full of champagne glasses waiting to be filled from the bottles of champagne two young men had waiting on ice for the new guests when they arrived.

The décor is elegant with navy blue and gold carpeting and finished with subtle wallpaper and trimmed in brass. There is a wide variety of art work on board the Silver Cloud ranging from paintings to bronze statues and incredible, intricate tile mosaics.

The Silver Cloud carries approximately 296 guests with a crew of 222. This is a “luxury” liner with all staterooms being “suites” (not cabins or staterooms). This stop in San Pedro today was their only stop in Southern California for the rest of 2010 and 2011; so we were very lucky to have the chance to visit her while she was in port for such a short time.

Ivonna took is to a “Verandah Suite” first. It is 295 sq. ft. including the verandah. I would compare this to the size of a mini-suite on the Sapphire Princess. This suite was beautifully appointed with plush Egyptian linens on the bed and in the bath. There was a bottle of champagne on ice wrapped neatly in a white towel in an ice bucket on the coffee table along with two champagne flutes waiting to be filled. Each suite is also graced with stunning fresh orchid plants. Each bath has a tub and shower and a fabulous walk-in closet with tremendous storage space. The bath is large and had plenty of mirrors above the elegant marble counters and sinks. All suites have internet access and flat screen TV’s. You also have your own personal Butler at your service 24/7. The Butler can arrange your dining reservations as well as make your shore excursion reservations. They are also available to run any errand you may need them to such as picking up your laundry or purchasing a candy bar from the store.
Each suite has a teak verandah with nice patio furniture. The size varies depending on the type of suite you have and your location on the ship. As you can imagine, if you have booked one of the larger suites, you will also have a larger verandah.

Our next visit was to the Owner’s Suite which is mid-size with Bedroom #1 being approximately 829 sq. ft. and Bedroom #2 being approximately 587 sq. ft. With the two separate bedrooms, there is also a living area with a couch and chairs and coffee table with champagne waiting; a writing desk and mini bar with table. Again, the bath was quite large with a larger walk-in closet. This suite bath also had a toilet and bade.
The Grand Suite was the largest suite that we visited with Bedroom #1 is 1019 sq. ft. and Bedroom #2 is 1314 sq. ft. The bath in this suite had a whirlpool tub. There was a very large living room area with couch and chairs along with two other round tables, a mini-bar and an antique looking writing desk in the corner. There were two entrances out to the verandah. Every suite offers the luxurious, plus Egyptian linens in the bedrooms and baths.

We visited the handsome Library furnished with over-stuffed dark brown leather chairs and hard cover books behind the glass doors of the bookcases. There were audio listening stations. You could also find your favorite magazines or newspaper here.
The Card Room had several square tables suitable for playing card games or table games and could also be used for a conference room if necessary.

La Terraza (The Terrace Restaurant) was one of my favorite areas on the ship. It offers an ala carté menu with a buffet breakfast in the morning or al fresco dining on the outdoor patio. In the evenings, La Terraza becomes an ala carté Italian Restaurant. The outdoor patio is on the aft of the ship and would be a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the scenery as you sail along.

Another great gathering place would be The Panorama Lounge where you can enjoy the scenery as well as complimentary cocktails. There is a piano in here along with nice tables and comfortable chairs. At the Pool Bar¸¬ you can enjoy your favorite cocktail by the pool during the day; and in the evening it turns into Dining Under the Stars offering grilled steaks and fish and fresh pizza.

Le Champagne would be an intimate place where you could indulge in a six course meals including fine wines paired with every course.

We passed quickly through the Salon and Spa where you can make arrangements for facials, body wraps or massages and afterwards enjoy some quite time in the men’s or women’s steam and sauna rooms. The Casino is small, but has a roulette wheel, blackjack table and about 15 slot machines neatly placed in cubbies along the port side of the ship. We did not see the Fitness Center, but understand it is equipped with treadmills, elliptical machines and free weights. They also offer aerobics classes, as well as yoga and Pilates – which are all complimentary.

Our tour ended in The Restaurant (dining room) elegantly set with silver and crystal and candlelight. We had a fixed menu with an appetizer of a small crab cake topped with a guacamole and garnish. Our “salad” was a base of steamed spinach topped with sliced artichoke hearts and a nice piece of grilled swordfish. The main course was a serving of Polenta topped with two small slices of veal. Dessert was also served which consisted of a fluted pastry shell filled with fresh blueberries and crème freshe. Two different wines were also served during lunch – both Italian, one white and one red.
The Silver Cloud was the flagship of Silversea Cruise Lines and was launched in 1994. She was renovated in 2004 and again in 2006. This luxury liner offers personal service at every point and being “all inclusive”, a passenger feels they are receiving true value for their vacation experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our time on the Silver Cloud and thank Silversea Cruise Lines for giving us the opportunity to visit her.