A three hour tour ....rather ....three weeks.

HE SAID: This was our home for three weeks while we toured from Miami to Vancouver on a three week cruise. I have always wanted to go through the Panama Canal and it was a dream come true this year. Pat and I got an inside cabin and were concerned,  but it was really spacious and we spent lots of time in the open decks and observation lounges. This cruise had lots of sea days but also had lots of ports. Our first port of call was Cartagena Colombia. Our first time in South America. We took a cruise excursion for the hop on hop off bus. We only got off the bus once, to tour the down town area. It was so hot and we did a lot of walking. All I remember was how thirsty I was and something about Sir Frances Drakes home. 

Colombia local

The next day we went through the Panama Canal.  It started really early in the morning and went all day going through all the different locks. It was nice that our cruise line had a local narrator that described the whole event. It was really spectular. Just wish it wasn't so cloudy. 

Panama Temple

After another sea day we arrived in Puntarenas Costa Rica.  I have always wanted to visit this country. Again we took a cruise excursion. This was a trip by Bus, Train and boat. The country side was stunning. Awesome to see howler monkeys in the trees while on the train. 

 We got to see lots of wild life on the boat part of the journey (lots of great looking birds and of crocodiles all of who were very active coming very close to the boat).

We then docked in our first of four Mexican ports. The first two were new to Pat and I - Port Chiappas we took an excursion to the Mayan tree of Life and Chocolate making (Pat really was looking forward to the chocolate). It was great . Picture below was how they treated the Catholic priests who tried to convert the natives - a good old knife to the head. Saw how chocolate was really made. Kind of disgusting, but a great finished product.  I also did some dancing with the locals. For those who missed it ...see below. 

 

 

This is a statue of a Priest who tried to convert the Black Mexicans to Christianity...that is a knife in his head...evidently they weren't interested.

Our next port was Hutulco Mexico. Pat and I took a two bay snorkelling excursion. The water was bathtub warm and we did some great snorkelling.

 On next to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.  Both Ports Pat and I had been too before. We did some shopping in Puerto Vallarta, but decided to take a chance and take a private tour of Cabo on our own. We got a great tour of this port, stopping by a glass factory first

  We watched them making these glass drinking turtles (had to buy one!!!)...then on to seeing some great beaches and a tour of the town near Cabo. 

 One more day at sea and then we finished our first leg of our cruise. All but 500 passengers got off in Los Angeles, but were quickly replaced with new passengers. While waiting for the newbies to arrive we took a bus tour of the city. Pat and I have been there lots but hadn't seen much of the "historic sites". It actually was a great tour, even if it included seeing Hollywood again. 

 

The unfortunate part of the next leg of this cruise, was that they had to start over with all new passengers which meant a repeat of all the same shows we saw the first two weeks, plus the chef specials and menus we the same (I know white whine). I was excited about our next port of San Francisco. The told us to be up early to see us go under the Golden Gate Bridge and we were.

We took a private tour of the city, 

accompanied by our two Aussie Trivia friends. I really loved this city and I want to definitely go back again.  After another day at sea, we arrived in Astoria Oregon. Not a really exciting city except having a great place to get some free Wi-Fi.

  Our last port of call was Victoria BC. A place Pat and I have both have lived and toured many times. It was a great time to be there though with all the spring flowers in full bloom. We also got to visit with Pat's sister Dusty, our nieces Peggy, Kimberly Stephanie and Catherine and her family and Peggy's daughter Megan. It was a beautiful day. We also said goodbye to Dorothy who got off to stay with her son. 

 Finally arrived in Vancouver where we got on a plane to fly back to Miami to get our Motorhome and the Dogs so we could head back to Canada. It seemed weird being in Canada for such a short time before heading back to the USA. It was all part of our adventure. Anyway, this was a great cruise. Lots to see and do and of course eat.  But as the sun sets on the day, it was time for us to move on!!!

SHE SAID:

 I think that John put up a sunset picture prior to my part, to keep me short worded.  He gave a good synopsis of our trip.  I agree that it was an amazing trip, seeing lots, learning lots and meeting some great people.  On the ship we played trivia daily.  We teamed up with Mom, Aunt Dorothy, Bev and Julie (from Sidney, Australia).  It was great fun and we did well as a group, as we were different ages and interests.  Bev and Julie were good sports and patient with all of us...even through our family dynamics :) - just imagine the conversation when John, Aunt Dorothy and I disagreed on an answer and then double it, after the second week.  It worked well, however, so no complaints here.  

On our day at the Panama Canal, I was sitting in the observation lounge enjoying the process while John was somewhere taking pictures, or sleeping and struck up a conversation with the lady sitting by me.  We did the usual cruise conversation - "where are you from?" Canada - "me, too, where?"  Alberta - "me, too, where?" Lethbridge - well could have blown me over - then...the woman on the other side of here "I'm from Lethbridge, too!"  Of course it shows what a small world we live in!  The woman on the other side of the original woman was Cindy Sallenbach, who's in-laws live in the same building as Mom - she was travelling with her husband Dean (of course) and her sister and brother in law.  (They are also related to friends in Lethbridge and Vicotria)  I must say it was very bizarre to have the three of us randomly sitting in a row...or...was it random????

I did love the cruise, but after the 3rd week, I was ready for a change...we have been in a mad dash since walking off the ship, having travelled from Vancouver, to Miami and now in Toronto.   We have  a few days here, then heading West again.

They call him Flipper (or Mitzi)

HE SAID: 
I  can't believe it has been a week since we picked up Pat's mom from the airport. We have been very busy running around Miami. The highlight of the week though was visiting the Dolphin Research Station in Marathon on the Florida Keys.

Where Flipper AKA Mitzi is buried

I wanted to tour this place when we where in the keys, but I was too sick. This place is totally dedicated to the dolphin. You can swim with the dolphins, have an encounter, and watch a show. I was excited that this is where all the Flippers where trained for the show in the 60's. I loved that show and was a huge fan of Flipper....(a lassie of the sea)

We also took a bus/boat tour of Miami. They really gave us a great trip of the city, pointing out a lot of the history of the city. It was a two story open air bus, that was great in the morning, but by 4 in the afternoon, we were all melting in the sun. It didn't help that I forgot my hat, so even though I been south since December, I still got a bad burn on my head. It was fun getting a tour of the all the "rich and famous" homes. For example the home below belonged to Elizabeth Taylor. The rabbit statute in the yard was given to her by Michael Jackson.

One of our favourite activities was driving down "Ocean Drive" in the evening. This is in South Beach and it is where the movie "Bird Cage" took place. There are a lot of restaurants along this strip and of course lots of beach bunnies.  Parking is hard to find. We thought we would be smart and park in a  parking building one night and had to pay a flat fee of $30.00....ouch!!

Pat was really good at finding us some great restaurants in the city and we loved eating outside if it wasn't too hot out. 

SHE SAID:

We have had a lot of fun in Miami.  I am surprised John didn't review the hotel we stayed at for a week - Design Suites at Castle Beach!  He went as far as registering a complaint to the Hotel and to RCI who put us up there on a certificate that we had.  If you know us well, usually I am the one that will move from hotel room to hotel room, at times leaving a hotel if I can't get it right.  I was in more of a Hakuna Matata mode, this week and left the fussing to him.  It didn't start out strongly to start - we lined up in a valet parking line (the ONLY way to park here) for about half an hour.  John decided to get out and get the check in process started.  He went to what looked like the desk and was told the check in was in the basement - yep, the basement of the hotel.  He joined a long line, which was being help up by a lady who was having a major problem and all three of the desk personnel were talking to her, with the line up growing by the minute. (the maids also shared the office space as we watched them bring their carts out while in the line up) Meanwhile I was inching up the parking line, and finally was able to tell them I was checking in, so I had to put the car to the side until check in was done.  I finally made my way to the nether regions of the building, and joined the waiting line.  We finally finished, and were given our key to the room - a real key - which I haven't seen in years.  I will digress to the origin of the building as the original Playboy Hotel in Miami - it has seen better days, but you can get a glimpse of the opulence that once was there.  Lots of oak panelling, marble floors, arched ceilings and chandeliers.  It is now condos and about 5 hotels sharing the building, with no one really taking ownership.  We made our way in the elevator, which was scary (kind words) with broken walls and no ceiling panel to our room.  The room was OK, until the bathroom - no toilet paper roll, and the tap didn't move to turn the water on - it spun...back to the basement to discuss this.

Our issue was put on 'the list for the maintenance guy' to be taken care of the next day, as he had just gone home.  Oh...also...THERE WAS NOT WIFI!!!  If you read our earlier posts you will know what state of mind John goes into over this situation.  The quest for connectivity comes on - perhaps this is why he became hyper sensitive to the place.

I won't go on much more on the state of the room - parts were great - the marble floor - parts were abysmal - the bathroom, but it kept on everyday for five days, as every time we made our way to the dungeon to report that the maintenance man had not visited our room, only to discover that 'he had just gone home'.  On day 3 quest for WIFI was solved and on day 5 the water in the bathroom was fixed - by the way, I had my own temporary fix by taking off the spinning tap and we turned the shower on by twisting the metal on the pipe.  

The best part of this hotel was the pool - warm, big, not overcrowded and the proximity to the ocean - it was on the ocean - the beach was beautiful white sand, with warm water.  I guess you can't have everything.  We will let you know the result of Johns complaints as we find out.

John has covered much of the week with Mom, great weather, keeping busy and smart dolphins - it's been wonderful!  We picked up my Aunt Dorothy yesterday (Saturday) and tomorrow we board the Norwegian Sun for our 3 week cruise through the Panama Canal to Vancouver.  We then hop a plane back to Miami to get the dogs and the Motor home.  I am sure there will be some adventures coming!  We even get to stop at the magical cruise port of Victoria - family, hope to see you - I have Noni with me :)

Can't keep still in Florida

HE SAID: Since we left Ruskin we have been on the go so much, we kept putting off our Blog update. Had a great time in Titusville after Ruskin. It was a beautiful RV park, but it really lacked trees and was hot and muggy. The view of the beaches, Cape Canveral, Cocoa Beach and the manatee will be well remembered. We have trying to see manatee in the wild for years, but have only got glimpses of their backs, or noses. We came across a great national park that had a perfect viewing spot of them. They are truly ugly. We are finally glad to have seen them, especially in the wild and not a zoo.

Our next stop was Orlando where we dropped of our RV for much needed repairs while we enjoyed a week in one of our time shares. (The dogs went to a kennel). The resort was beautiful. Pat loved having a real bath (even a jacuzzi) again and I loved the free internet and cable tv (my small comforts). 

We have already posted our pictures of Disney. Thanks to someone we met on our last cruise we got in free. It made the day less stressful and we had a lot of fun. Pat and I always say this is our "happy place".

Unfortunately we had to wait for an RV part which delayed us leaving for south Florida a day. At least we were able to get a free hotel room thanks to our points.

Next stop - Miami Florida Everglades RV park.   Located near Homestead (a suburb of Miami)...a former KOA campsite. I loved the park, but again, it was so hot and muggy here when walking the dogs after dark, it was like having a outdoor shower.

Didn't have time for much sight seeing , as we had to prep to RV for getting new furniture, which meant removing the old stuff. I am happy to report that I got it all out without breaking anything. Pat and I had to sit on the patio furniture for a few days which really freaked out the dogs.

Back to Pompano beach where after three hours, our motor home was refurnished with a new couch, a lazy boy chair and a new captains and co-pilots chair. The RV looks so much better now.!!! 

Pat had no where to sit to get back to Pompano beach so she had to follow me in the car. This meant though she had to follow me to our next RV park to save time.  This time we stayed for three nights on the Florida Keys (Marathon).  Both of us had never been there before and on our drive to the RV park we both got the same idea that we just had to have sea-food the first night. We found a perfect place with Snow Crab legs for the dinner special and the place even had live music. It was  a fantastic evening............

....until I woke up a two in the morning with major pain while trying to go to the bathroom. The next day was spent in urgent care where I was treated for a bladder/prostate infection. Didn't enjoy the fever that went with it.  Was hoping to see more of the Keys (I highly recommend it) but i spent the whole time there in bed....I felt bad for Pat. .....

We have now parked the RV, trailer and Dogs as we spend a week in Miami Beach, then our three week Panama Cruise.

She SAID:

It has been some time since writing.  We really have been on the go, and life has become a bit of a blur.  Lots of driving around Florida, and checking out different spots.  As John said, Orlando was a highlight, enjoying our day at the Magic Kingdom.  We took it easy, taking in more of the events and parades, and going on a few less rides - not as hectic, other than the millions of people around us!  Spring Break time = lots of children and very tired parents.  Use of Express Pass got us on the rides we chose and out of over 70 minute waits in line!  We left the dogs with a private dog sitter found through Rover.com.  I think that they has at least as much fun as we did, perhaps even more.  We received numerous pictures of their activities while in the Orlando area.  

We did find wild Manatee, near Titusville.  I also spotted a wild dolphin playing along the shore there.  It was so beautiful.  We had the dogs with us, they didn't bark, but were attracted by the movement in the water.  Thank goodness for leashes!

The Keys were gorgeous - I've never been there before, and will deserve a return trip, if that can be arranged.  John getting sick certainly put a crimp into what we had planned.  The first evening was like being in Paradise, with great food and music at dinner, perfect weather, but that changed.  Poor John was very sick with a fever over 40.  He got chills in the waiting room, and I felt bad for others that were waiting - I am sure they thought he  was extremely toxic, no way to let them know they were highly unlikely to catch what he had. I realized he was very sick when he got extremely chatty with the nurse, cracking jokes, offering his opinion - he had her in stitches - this is not John on an ordinary day.  While he was relegated to sleep and recuperation, I stuck pretty close by as it was very hot, and the dogs needed to be walked.  This kept me pretty occupied - I did find a beautiful dog friendly beach - Coco Plum Beach and the girls and I explored there.  They found more burs, and I think Kiri got a tick, and rolled in a lot of sand and seaweed.  Cleaning them up kept me busy for the rest of the day.  Thank goodness for modern drugs as John was out for only a couple of days.  I wasn't sure how I would get two vehicles to storage before our Miami/cruise time, without two drivers.  

We got the motor home and tow trailer stowed away, the dogs to their temporary home, and made it to Miami.  The hotel - Design Suites at Castle Beach is another blog...trust me...

While I am appreciating not experiencing the Canadian winter this year, as we get later into the year, I am finding the 40 degree weather (with humidex) quite warm!  There, I really did complain!

It is beautiful here, with flowers, green grass, leaves on the trees, birds, blue green ocean, the list goes on.  How blessed we are to be able to experience this!

The picture below is southern most point in USA...grabbed the shot as we drove by after the Dr. appointment.

Drive Ins and a vacation from Retirement??? Who'd thunk?

HE SAID:

We have been dying to see a movie since we have been in Ruskin, but the nearest theatre is in St Petes or Tampa which makes is too far to be away from dogs that long. But finally the local theatre here, which is a drive in, had a movie we hadn’t seen yet….Muppets Most Wanted. It has been a long time since Pat and I went to a drive in. This drive in swears that it is one of the last “original “ family drive ins. They still have the speakers from the 60’s that I remember that are in good working condition.  It was a good movie but forgot about how many mosquitoes you get at a drive in and the new cars have an annoying flashing blue or red light in the front window to deter car thieves. This light never goes out.

We did some more exploring in St. Petes Florida. Took Pat to Treasure Island where she went to as kid when she came to Florida to visit her grandparents. What a great beach. It was nice to take a walk on a beach without the dogs too!!

Treasure Island Florida

Last week we went on our first cruise of the year. We had a three-day certificate that I was able to use to get a five-day cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale to Grand Turks and Princess Cays.  It was a very relaxing week. Good food and entertainment, and we had a good week of Trivia competitions. We are now tied with Norwegian Cruise Lines and Princess for the same number of cruises. Still not sure what line we like better.  I just like them all as long as they have a great buffet!!!

Grand Turk

Princess Cay

Grand Turk Hop on and Hop off

SHE SAID:

It's hard to concentrate on what to write, right now - we have an old TV channel on, and the Partridge Family is currently on...talk about a blast from the past.  That Keith Partridge was a hotty, or so I thought.  It's been fun being in Florida, not on a schedule or rush to fit in everything in a few days.  As we had been to visit the St Pete's area, as John loves to drive over the bridge, things were feeling pretty familiar.  After my checking with Mom - we went to Treasure Island, and my memories really come back.  I could almost see my parents and grandparents around the picnic basket, with Dusty, Wally (sorry Norm, but that's the memories name) and me, bouncing on the waves, with the hunt for treasure in the huge sand dunes.  I really do love the ocean, the feel of the warm waves, and the sand in my toes.  The sand in my toes, until it's time to put on shoes, that is.

On Sunday we drove down to Fort Lauderdale to leave on the cruise.  I thought I'd booked a 'park, cruise' package, however on arrival I was told that parking was extra - I'd booked incorrectly.  Anyone that has had the experience of checking into a hotel with me knows that I can be a tad fussy.  Well...John had to keep holding me down at this one.  I only booked there due to the parking - when I realized that wasn't part of the price I very nearly lost it...here we were in a hotel that normally I wouldn't even consider...kids...remember The Happy Host...I wasn't a very happy camper.  John was able to talk me down, and we did stay - ick!  Breakfast was included and as part of the package the staff was dressed in cruise staff attire, with microphones, cracking bad jokes and singing bad songs...it didn't help.  We were there less than 12 hours, but what a 12 hours!  We caught their shuttle to the port, leaving the car parked, vowing that things would be more carefully checked and not sure exactly where I blew that one!

The cruise was great.  With only one 'real' stop at Grand Turk there was lots on onboard time to relax, read and play trivia.  We joined with a couple of men for trivia and we didn't exactly rock on this trip. It's funny that on occasion we have been the winners - this time we weren't.  We all felt we should have done better as our partners were a school principal and a retired teacher.  Each of us had our strengths, which complemented each other - oh well it boils down to smarter people on board for this cruise.  It was hard to take for this slightly competitive gal.  We did a hop on hop off tour of Grand Turk, but didn't find anywhere we wanted to hop off to see.  The island used to have a salt factory, but it is now closed.  It was hit hard by a hurricane in 2008, with not a huge amount of rebuilding after the storm.  A few celebrities have property there but the beaches are the BEST part of this island.   There are no property taxes in Grand Turk which is a plus, however the state of the roads really testify to that fact.  After our grand tour we spent some time on the beach and did some snorkelling - saw some beautiful fish, as well.  We stopped at the Princess Cay as well, we went to the beach there and did more snorkelling - no many fish there, so we returned to the ship for the rest of the day.

We are now back in Ruskin for a few more days, then heading over to the East coast, and will be near Cape Canaveral, where the space shuttles were sent from.  Still having fun :)

We're here for a good time, not a long time...

HE SAID:
Some of you may remember a few years ago, Pat got this fantastic deal on burial Urns through E-Bay (Pat wanted to leave this world with a deal!!!). When Pat's dad died, we used one of our Urns after seeing what they were going to charge my mother in law at the funeral home. We gave the other one to Betty (MIL) to match her husbands.  We remembered the Urn company was in Florida (in fact a 1/2  hour from our RV park) so we took a drive to see if we could save money on shipping this time . We were happy to find out it was indeed the same company on Ebay (they had Pat's name in the computer). The owner gave us another great deal on the above which will be our final resting place. Pat really liked the matching hearts.

Today we also made a trip to Port Charlotte, where Pat's Granddad is buried. We made sure we brought new flowers after our last experience coming here. Sure enough the flowers had been removed from our last visit. (maybe the get too dusty or dirty looking????)

Came back to Ruskin in a torrential downpour. The TV says there are now Tornado warnings near our  RV park...woot woot!!!

SHE SAID:

Reading Johns comments above I must seem like a cheapskate, with a morbid mind...perhaps I am.  I feel the need to remind John that when I purchased the Urns, which we used for Dad, were purchased as he was going through a 'need' to have something for his final resting place.  Every time we entered a department store he would point out baskets and other containers and ask what I thought about it as a container for his final remains.  I have been married to this man for 36 years, and I will ask you to flash back to the quest for satellite - when he gets an idea about something it becomes something like trying to get a bone from a dog - almost impossible.  I figured that I would be looking at possible final resting places, until something had been decided.  That is when ebay came into the picture.  I am a deal hunter as he is an 'obsessive' searcher for things.  Many times this is a pretty good match, he can get and I can find the 'best' deal.  I was able to get the original urns at a fantastic price - one that a co-worker also saw the value of - and we purchased 4 - 2 for us, 2 for them.  I don't think her husband ever looked at me the same way after this particular  purchase, though.  Flash forward to the use of both urns for my parents - one used, one in waiting - John having a hole in something he felt was important - on to the shopping trip.  I just recalled shipping was from the Gulf coast of Florida, and voila - 2 more urns.  The owner was very excited to meet a customer, and in her words...she often doesn't get repeat customers :)

This may seem morbid to some, however I have no issues with death or dying - at least not yet.  I have a very strong belief that we will go on after the death of our bodies.  We are spiritual beings, having an earthly experience.  From the moment we are born we are moving towards death.  It is a good thing we don't know the time when it will happen, but it will happen to all of us.  I also know some who don't feel cremation is the 'best' way to deal with our mortal body after death.  After some long discussions with my father, mother and husband it was interesting to hear what issues about death that bothered us - such as embalming - I wasn't really concerned, as I figured I wouldn't feel anything, but there were those in the group that it was a big issue.  I personally have huge issues with the Funeral Home business and the giant costs associated with them, now - cremation is simpler, cheaper, and isn't such a huge burden to the family - this is done throughout the world, the law in smaller countries, so I figure we will be forgiven for this choice.  

On to the rest of the day - it really was one where I had the opportunity to think about mortality - we drove on to Port Charlotte to visit the niche where my Gaga is.  We took some new flowers (3rd time I've done this in 6 years).  Guess he may have some of the same issues discussed above.  He is in a wall, which is now a part of a chapel of chimes -we got there around 4, and the chimes played for about 15 minutes, a very pleasant place. 

As I said earlier - seems pretty morbid today, but it is grey, overcast and raining, so a perfect day for contemplating our mortality.

Who put SALT in the Water!!!!!

Jupiter Beach - Atlantic Side

St. Petersburg - Gulf Side

HE SAID:
Can't believe it has been almost two weeks since we last blogged. We have been really enjoying Florida, seeing both the Atlantic and Gulf side. The weather here is fantastic. So much more moisture in the air.  It feels great. We were anxious to get to the beach so in the first week  we took the dogs to their very first time in Ocean water. We carefully located "Dog Friendly beaches"..(thanks to a "Bring Fido "app- an app for everything). On their first try they were so excited to see the water. The both ran up to it and quickly got wet. They are used to however to being able to drink the water they play in. It was quite funny to see their reaction when they had their first taste. Like what the heck!!!.  Fortunately the two beaches they've been to have a great washing station. They get so full of sand and of course sea water. Kiri is the much more adventurous one in the water. Libby now just stays on the beach. I love walking along the beach and the water has been so warm.

Last week both Pat and I flew home to Calgary from Orlando. We left the dogs with a kennel right next to the RV park here in Ruskin. Pat was originally going alone but after hearing my brother Ray was home in Calgary and that I wanted to see my brother Chris who hasn't been well, I went along for the ride. It was nice to be with my brothers and sister for few days, then to be able to see Heather, JayDee and the Lethbridge grandkids was an added bonus. It was weird being back in Canada. It is still winter there, but lucky we got a Chinook while we were there. It felt weird not having the RV (our home) with us. I felt homeless, and was happy to get back to Florida and the motorhome.

Bridge into St. Petersburg

Loving our current RV site in Ruskin Florida (Gulf Side). Not much of a town nearby, but Tampa and St. Petersburg are very close. I'm in love with this bridge above so we spend more time in St. Pete's as the locals call it. We have more exploring to do in the next week and it has been fantastic having the RV stay put for a month.....and hey,  free internet never hurts.



SHE SAID:

I REALLY LOVE FLORIDA!!! There's something about the climate and being by the ocean that really calls to me!  It has been very relaxing since finally getting here - we came at such a fast pace from Phoenix, perhaps it's just being able to 'be' for a while that I appreciate.  Both sets of my Grandparents spent winters here, on the Gulf side, so I have a few childhood memories - checking with Mom, I am amazed at the accuracy of some of them - including digging for buried treasure on sandy beaches - I guess near St. Petersburg - Mom said Treasure Island - saw the sign for that going into St. Pete's to the Dog Park today :)

The trip back to Alberta was a lot of fun...after my Dr. appointment and getting the Avastin shot in my eye (certainly not my favourite activity), however the injections and laser treatments over the past couple of years really showed improvement on this visit.  After getting that done, Heather and I went to Edmonton to see Air Supply.  SO MUCH FUN!!  After shopping and having a long lunch (enjoyed the company, service sucked) with Mike, Mariam and their children (who are such awesome kids, by the way), it was time for Air Supply.  We started chatting with another mother/daughter team.  Turned out they were sitting right beside us, and they also had a meet and greet with them.  At the meet and greet during pictures, I made the comment about Russell putting his arm around me for the shot, he told me that I could even squeeze his a** - so I did,  but only got a handful of microphone - probably for the best.  This started an enthusiastic evening, I must say, with great music, some dancing and singing along with well loved music.  I am glad we went and got to spend some time together.  Sunday we went to Lethbridge and I loved seeing Mom and the grandkids there.  We also had supper with Tanners having Carolynns awesome roast.

We slept in on Tuesday morning so were about 45 minutes behind in our race to the airport - always love that mad dash, but we made it in plenty of time and got back to Florida without any hitches.   The dogs were happy where they stayed - evidently there were chickens they could watch through a fence, so they were able to ensure no wayward hens got past them.  Time has become somewhat fluid and days are going so fast. I am not sure that we are really accomplishing much of anything, but have really wound down on stress levels.  We have heard some of Scotiabank changes, but that has become another life.  I am not even sure I would know how to manage a branch, audit or coach right now.

Mardi Gras - Two Thumbs Up.!

or rather one thumb up!!

HE SAID:It was a short drive from Lafayette to New Orleans which allowed us most of the day to visit the city. After we parked in our overnight spot in another Casino along the river in an area across the river from the city (and by the way behind a cement wall that would work great  in a zombie attack), we took the car into the city. On the way we had to get the car washed and stupid me stopped in a place right under the freeway where they washed and dried it by hand. I felt sad for them as they looked so poor, but they did a great job of the car. Somehow I made a wrong turn and the GPS ended taking us the scenic route, which was nice seeing we were able to see a lot of the city, including many areas that were brand new and many that were ready to be demolished or destroyed. We first went to the visitor centre just beside the French Quarter. They gave us a map and a place to park to visit the downtown area. Before we went to park we stopped by the oldest cemetery in the city.

All of the gravesides were above the ground. Some of the tombs were nothing but rubble. The shot below is where Nicolas Cage will be buried.  (awesome!)

We then toured the French Quarter. You haven't lived till you walk two Scottish terriers through the heart of the French Quarter. (We tried to get a doggy day care but had no luck). The streets are really narrow and we often had to walk on the road. The dogs were a hit though, so many stopped to talk to us. Finally got to see Bourbon Street which was the busiest.  Didn't think I would see a women expose herself in the middle of the afternoon, but she was a few drinks passed 5 pm and was encouraged by some men on a balcony to get some beads. They gave her lots and I got some for Pat and I. 

We also managed to walk along the river front. After two hours of walking we went back to the car and drove to Garden district to watch a parade. (We left the dogs in the car though). There were three parades planned that night and we had agreed to a see at least the first one. We found a great place to watch the parade. We had to buy some parade lawn chairs from Walgreens (like a London Drugs), and Pat wasn't warm enough so she got some throws and even a hat from one of the vendors walking along the parade. We met a really nice couple from the area who explained Mardi Gras and what to expect in the parade after we told them it was our first time. We had a blast. It was so much fun! The parade was the best I have seen in a long time. I wished we could have stayed for the other two parades, but I wasn't sure my neck could have handled all the beads. Pat and I definitely want to go back again!!! 

SHE SAID:

I can now check New Orleans at Mardi Gras off my bucket list!  It was SO MUCH FUN - even strolling through crowded streets with 2 dogs.  I really need to start thinking ahead and planning some things better, that being the care of 2 dogs. I had originally thought the Casino we were parked at was closer to the action, but quickly realized we'd be away too long to leave them behind, so along they came.  They were well behaved, and got a really long walk so we could leave them int he car while we attended the parades.  It really was cool, so so worries that they would be overheated.

In addition to the French Quarter, we had a quick tour of the Garden District.  It was absolutely beautiful.  We have been watching American Horror Story, this season is set in New Orleans in that area - we are both sure that we walked by the house they use for the show - it was decked out for the season - however all beads and bows were in white - very pretty, but somehow a bit creepy as well.  In the past I went through a Vampire Chronicle phase, reading all Anne Rice had to offer - there are many references to this part of the city, so it brought things to life for me (haha - vampires - to life).  Most of the decorated houses were in yellow and purple - very festive!

The parade was great fun! I started chatting with a couple who were both disabled veterans, very nice about our age - it was their first, as well. The couple John refers to are experienced Mardi Gras people - he was decked out in a purple top hat with a feather boa fringe and a big gold "pimp" chain around his neck.  She had a boa, mask, corset (over her coat) and a pink tutu. I will admit that I was a bit (?) judgemental about them at first, but as we got chatting and they discovered that it was our 'first' they were great, giving a history of what different things being thrown from the floats represented.  I can't remember some of it, but it was a ton of fun!  I guess I figure that judging came too quick, as during the evening coming on, and the cooler temperatures coming on I realized I was not dressed properly and I got to where I didn't care what I looked like - picture below proves that.  My hat is a two headed panda, with mittens attached (purchased from a street vendor), but I chose to use the attached mitts as a scarf.  I also wrapped myself in two blue throws the John picked up for me.  It was time to stop wondering about what others were wearing, and look at myself (there's a lesson here somewhere, I know).  It all worked as I finally was warm enough.  When the parade started, I added numerous beads to my new ensemble and John acquired his Jester hat.  We only stayed for one of the three parades - probably a good thing as I can't imagine what I would have looked like with more 'stuff' from the floats!

As we were parked at a Casino, we only stayed one night, with a promise to each other that we would return, much better prepared for the occasion!