About this Blog: Bread making recipes, knit and crochet projects, wood working, gardening, digital imaging, travel, cruise ships, Labrador Retrievers, and more....

About the Header Image: Idlebrook Wendy Darling Evensen "Wendy" one of our four Labrador Retrievers.

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Serious Photographer

Good morning,


As I was taking my morning walk around the deck with my handy Canon PowerShot SX 260 HS 20 x zoom, I came across this fellow with his very serious camera and lens.  :)

I'm sure he got some excellent pictures on this glorious day on board the ship.  :)

I love people watching. 

All the best,
Lois

Friday, May 30, 2014

Grand Cayman Shoreline

Good morning,

I took today's images while on my regular walk around the deck of Freedom of the Seas.
We are anchored off the shore of Grand Cayman.
I didn't go ashore today.  There are always quite a few people who have been to many of the ports so they stay on board and enjoy the day on the ship. 

All the best,
Lois

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Kids Water Park - Freedom of the Seas

Good morning,

What a fun place for the kids!  This is the water park on board Freedom of the Seas

What is so nice is that this area is reserved just for the kids.  There are also pools reserved just for families and others just for adults.

:),
Lois

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Portofino Treats

Good morning,

Above is the seafood skewer, one of my favorites at Portofino's, the specialty Italian Restaurant aboard Freedom of the Seas.
These treats are brought after dinner for you to enjoy while you are reading the dessert menu.  *sigh*
A friend ordered this specialty coffee...
...and I ordered my favorite dessert, vanilla ice cream and berries.

Oh, yes, this is good!

Enjoy,
Lois

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Needlework and Wood Update - May, 2014

Good morning,

We have been very busy again this month and this post is about many of the things we have made.  Most of the month we have been home where we have enjoyed the wonderful Spring weather while seeing family and friends.   We've had time to cook and enjoy our favorite crafts, too.  There's no place like home! 

Above is a full size afghan featuring Royal Purple blossoms.   Very elegant.
Also completed this month to restock the shop are two more lap blankets.
These are great for anyone who wants to cuddle up with a good book.  They can also be folded corner to corner and worn across the shoulders.  They are chair and wheelchair size.
I've restocked the shop with more crochet lavender sachets, too.  These retro design sachets are lightly filled with lavender grown in France.  They bring lovely memories of the past, don't they?  They are pretty and useful.
They can be hung by the satin ribbon in your closet and are are perfect to scent your lingerie or stationery drawer.  Just lovely for yourself or a gift. 
Here's something new for baby!  It's a crown headband that is perfect to dress your little sweetheart up for a photo op or anytime.  :)  I just love this!  I will be making more of them for the shop, too.
Our Fashion Doll has two new spring ponchos and hats, too.  I have many different modest outfits for fashion dolls in our on line shop.
I added a few more chemo caps to the shop to restock those that have been sold.
I make a point to provide them at very reasonable prices...
...and in pretty styles...
...and colors for both men and women.  There are also children's sizes available in the shop.
My Honey has been very busy in his wood working shop, too!  I just love the seam rippers he makes.  They are warm to the touch and fit very comfortably in my hand.
Above is a turned wood keyring whistle with 24 kt gold hardware. This is something no one should be without to attract attention in an emergency. 
 This has been the month of the turned wood pen!
 These are very special Gatsby and Gatsby Grande styles...
 ...in various types of gorgeous wood.
 What an elegant gift or to use yourself!


 The pen above and the two below are very special, indeed.  They are made from Olive Tree Wood from Bethlehem.
 These would make such a beautiful wedding gift...
 ...and perfect for a wedding guest book.
My Honey made quite a few more gorgeous bottle stoppers, too.
Some of these...
...are bottle stoppers only...
 ...and some...
 ...are a combination bottle stopper and corkscrew.
 These are perfect hostess, groomsmen, wedding, yourself gifts.  ;)
 So, that is what we have been up since last month's update.

We are back at sea for awhile now.  Of course, I have my knitting needles and crochet hooks with me, but My Honey is away from his wood working shop until July.

What are you making, baking, and growing?  I love seeing what you are doing!

We now return to our regularly scheduled blogging.  ;)

All the very best,
Lois

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Most of the items in this post are available at
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Monday, May 26, 2014

Memorial Day - United States of America

Memorial Day - United States of America
The image above says it all.
It is on the shirt I am wearing this weekend.
Freedom is not Free. 

Sunday, May 25, 2014

The Main Pool - Freedom of the Seas

Good mornning,

I took this image while out strolling on Deck 12 of Freedom of the Seas. 

That is the main pool below on Deck 11 and where many activities and games occur.

It is so lovely to be out here enjoying the sea air!

All the best,
Lois

Saturday, May 24, 2014

To the Port!

Good morning,

We're on the way to Port Canaveral...
...on a gorgeous morning!
The morning pastels in the sky are just wonderful.

And, there she is!  Freedom of the Seas appears to be "parked" in the parking lot at the port.
 Here we go again!

Watch this space for more images from the high seas.  ;)

All the best,
Lois

Friday, May 23, 2014

Return to Viera Wetlands

Good morning,

If you are a regular reader you know we love to visit Viera Wetlands when we get to Florida.  The gate was open this time so we could drive through the wetlands.
On the left side of the image above you can see the map of the wetlands.  There are several lakes that can be managed by pumping water among them. 
We were very happy to be able to drive through this time.
I prefer not to walk too close to the lakes...

...since they are inhabited by creatures that don't like to be bothered.
 A little closer...
 ...and now we can see his head.  :)
 There are plenty of alligators this time.
 Sometimes we are here we don't see any at all, but are sure they are still here.
 The lakes are alive with waterfowl and water lilies.

 The island in the middle of one of the larger lakes is home to nesting birds. 
 Aww, the duck family.  I love ducklings.
 This is a huge brood.  I believe we counted 11 babies with one set of parents.  Mom is keeping her eye out for predators while the babies play and feed. 
 We love the wetlands.  Every time we go we find something different to photograph.

Enjoy,
Lois