It's Labor Day in the USA, the day we celebrate our wonderful work force.
It's a day of rest for all as we celebrate the unofficial last day of summer, too.
Back when I went to school in the cave man days, the new school year started right after Labor Day. Of course, back then we didn't have snow days, many, if any, teacher in service days, etc.
I hope you enjoy your holiday!
All the best,
Lois
Our friend Erica sent us these images of critters at the Anchorage, Alaska, airport.
Thank you, Erica.
All the best,
Lois
More food!
Johnny Rockets is a specialty restaurant on board Royal Caribbean ships.
I must say the milk shakes are just wonderful.
It's the onion rings... Oh, yes!
If you sail aboard a Royal Caribbean ship, don't miss Johnny Rockets!
All the best,
Lois
We celebrated Kjell's birthday yesterday. In addition to bigger presents that we give each other throughout the year, we have a tradition of fun T shirts that are part of our retirement uniforms at home.
Above is the shirt Wendy, Elsa, and Lily "picked out" for Dad. Of course, they love his cooking.
Back to our retirement uniforms. They consist of T shirts, comfy pants, and comfy shoes. That's it.
We also went out for a lovely dinner last night to celebrate Kjell's birthday.
Birthdays are not only fun, they beat the alternative!
All the best,
Lois
This lovely image of the Midnight Sun was taken from the plane arriving in Alaska by our friend Erica when she and or daughter, Catherine, were on their way to an Alaskan cruise aboard Ovation of the Sas.
How lovely!
All the best,
Lois
Ah, yes, Red Velvet Cake. This is a favorite ending to meals in Chops Grille aboard Royal Caribbean ships.
I can just imagine the sugar high now....
:),
Lois
The title for this image is self explanatory.
Portions are very generous. The steak is served with appetizers, sides, and dessert.
I'll have mine rare, please....
Lois
Photo credit: Our friend Erica
Another beauty bloomed this morning.
These are just so lovely!
Enjoy.
All the best,
Lois
Erica sent us another picture.
This Goat Cheese Salad with Craisins and Walnuts looks marvelous!
Yum!
Enjoy,
Lois
We were delighted when our eldest son, Les, was in town and invited us to dinner at Seasons 52.
The Cedar Plank Salmon was delicious! The service was tops!
Les was very careful to request a table with chairs with arms for me when he made the reservation in advance. I'm a little (ha!) older now and appreciate the arms on chairs more than I ever knew I would. The restaurant took his reservation request without telling him that there are no arms on any of their chairs. Guest comfort is so important to make the dining experience a positive one. Yes, I enjoyed my meal and especially the company, but restaurants should be honest about confirming reservations with such requests.
Thanks, again, Les. It was wonderful to see you!
Love you,
Mom
That title will surely bring in some lookers. ;)
Our girls love to soak up Vitamin D on sunny days. Above is Elsa.
The pups have a hard life around here, don't they....
They are precious!
:),
Lois
Here are more images from our friend, Erica, from Independence of the Seas Izumi Restaurant.
Above is Goyoza...
Oh, how I wish I could order delivery!
Thank you for sharing the images, Erica!
All the best,
Lois
This is today's summer blossom that greeted me on the patio this morning.
I love flowers.
Enjoy,
Lois
The house smells wonderful today.
These two loaves are just out of the oven. They're made with brown sugar and sour cream.
Oh, so good!
Sorry I can't sent you some through the Internet....
Lois
Note: My bread recipes, etc., are here on this blog. Scroll through the Bread posts to find recipes, tips, and tricks.
Our friend Erica sent us this image of the Junior Suite she and Catherine shared on board Independence of the Seas. They enjoyed back to back cruises but had to change suites between the first and the second cruise.
This looks quite comfy to me!
Ah, yes, cruising....
Enjoy,
Lois
Kjell makes yummy meals. This is a healthy brunch he made: two poached eggs, toast, cheese, and a banana. The chives were grown locally - just a few feet from our back door. :)
Thanks, Sweetie, it was delicious!
Love you,
Lois
We made another trip out to Jungle Jim's International Market for Kjell to pick up some flavors from his home country, Norway.
In Norway, the peas are mashed, the potatoes are boiled and served with sour cream.
It is a delicious meal! Kjell always makes enough meat cakes to freeze some for quick meals in the future.
Enjoy!
Lois
Our friend Erica enjoyed this Tagliatelle from Giovanni's Kitchen aboard Independence of the Seas.
That looks go good I wish I could get some carryout for dinner here at home tonight!
*sigh*
Lois
Catherine and Erica were traveling during the World Cup Games last month.
The chefs on board Independence of the Seas prepared a beautiful display of cupcakes for guests to enjoy. It seems Erica got there in time to get a picture before the cupcakes were consumed by hungry guests!
Fun and yummy, too!
Enjoy,
Lois
This is a steak salad that our friend Erica enjoyed aboard Independence of the Seas.
I'm so impressed with how much steak is on that salad!
Yum!
Enjoy,
Lois
This the view of the Wing Bridge of Independence of the Seas that Catherine and Erica could see from their balcony.
How fun to be able to watch the action!
Lois
This is the main course Lamb that Catherine enjoyed aboard Independence of the Seas.
Of course, there was a lovely salad, veggies, and dessert too.
I was never hungry while on a Royal Caribbean ship!
Yum!
Lois
Today's blossoms are just beautiful! These are from seeds I sprinkled in a pot a few weeks ago.
Enjoy!
Lois
Last night the "kids" borrowed Dad's keys to make a Midnight snack run.
They selected steak and whipped cream for themselves and picked up some Pop Tarts for us. We don't eat Pop Tarts, but it's the thought that counts.
;),
Lois
Erica sent us this lovely image of the huge chandelier in the main dining room of Independence of the Seas. She noted that it was carefully constructed to keep from moving and swaying as the ship moved.
So pretty!
Thank you,
Lois
Catherine and Erica visited Bremuda aboard Independence of the Seas.
I didn't get any more information about the sail ship. Maybe next time.
All the best,
Lois
Today's image is from Catherine. She and Erica made DIY breakfasts in the Independence of the Seas Windjammer the morning she sent this image. It looks yummy!
When Kjell and I cruised as guests, we enjoyed room service for breakfast so we could enjoy our coffee on the balcony.
Either way, we didn't have to do the dishes. I love cruising!
:),
Lois
I was recently asked about the menu at Izumi Restaurant aboard Royal Caribbean ships. Catherine sent me this image of the menu on board Independence of the Seas.
Enlarge the image to see the details.
There are several specialty restaurants aboard. This one is a favorite!
All the best,
Lois
Catherine sent me this image from Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, a restaurant in Greater Cincinnati. I looked it up and there are two of them nearby.
This looks delicious! Kjell and I will have to try it! Well, I guess we'll wait until after my implant is complete. I'm in the middle of an eight month process of getting a dental implant since Lily knocked out my front tooth. Lily's side of the story is here.
Yes, I still love her.
:),
Lois
For some time we've had one "doggie deck chair" (left) on our patio. The pups share, but sometimes it gets a bit crowded.
Catherine ordered a second deck chair (right) and the pups are quite happy now. If we had room for a third deck chair (we don't!) we would get one. In the meantime, two pups fit on the chair on the left, but now it's rare that all three want to stretch out at the same time.
It's a dog's life here....
;),
Lois
It is more and more common to see other cruise ships at sea. Of course, there are more and more cruise ships out there!
When close enough, they often exchange greetings of three long blasts of the ship's horn, returned by the other ship, followed by a short blast from the first thip, then returned by the other ship.
Lovely.
All the best,
Lois
Giovanni's Table is a favorite of ours. These images were taken recently aboard Independence of the Seas by our daughter, Catherine.
This is visible on a desktop screen. If you're seeing it on your phone, I hope you can enlarge it.
Oh, yum!
:),
Lois
