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

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Sunday, November 30, 2014

Wild Cab Ride - Cozumel, Mexico

Good morning,

Sometimes it is the "getting there" that is more exciting than wherever you're going!
Today's images were shot from the window of a cab while we were being whisked to downtown Cozumel, Mexico, from the port.
The cab driver knew the faster he got us where we were going, the faster he could pick up his next fare and earn the next dollar (yes, they deal in US Dollars). 
We were in a cab that looked very much like this one racing in the opposite direction.
Some years ago My Honey and I walked this route from downtown back out to the ship.  It's a long walk, but on a pretty (not too hot) day, quite lovely.  It is wise to stay as far from the road as possible while walking.
There are plenty of places to spend money, but we were here for an appointment.

This was a pretty wild ride, but nothing will compare to the cab ride we had in Naples from Pompeii back to Splendour of the Seas many years ago.  On that ride, the driver got tired of waiting in dead-still Naples traffic so he pulled onto the train tracks and drove a few blocks there.  Scary!   Then there was the cab ride in Morocco....

Next time in Cozumel, I'll just stay on board the ship.  ;)

Lois

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Parasailing - Labadee

Good morning,

This is the gorgeous view from my stateroom window while we were tied up in Labadee, Haiti, aboard Freedom of the Seas.
One of the things I absolutely adore about cruising is waking up each morning in a different beautiful place or even just looking out on a sea day and watching the show Mother Nature provides. 

Enjoy,
Lois

Friday, November 28, 2014

Needlework Update - November, 2014

Good morning,

The knitting needles and crochet hooks have been flying here as I prepare for the holidays.  This Needlework Update edition includes what I've finished during the past month.

Above is my original cables and lace design of a classic aran (off white) sweater.  This unisex sweater fits adult sizes 34 - 38.  At this writing, it is available in the shop.
This deep pink hat and cowl set in basket weave knit has already found its home.  I so often come back to this stitch which provides great texture and warmth for a variety of different projects.
I'm having a wonderful time designing hats using Nordic Intarsia knit methods.  I love grouping yarns together, then watching the designs grow as I knit.
I published this image of a recently finished hat on my Facebook page and it sold immediately.  It has already been delivered to cold Ohio.
Since the first one I made in these colors is sold, I made another and it is in the shop as I type this.  :)
Here's another with a rearrangement of colors and designs.  This one is already taken, too.  I'm making more for the shop, though; they're available now and more will be available in the next few days.  I'm knitting as fast as I can.  ;)
In keeping with my scarlet and gray, I made a lap blanket, too...
...and a cloche hat that can be used as a chemo cap to restock the shop for the one recently sold.
I was asked to design a wine bottle cover dress with a full skirt and a matching hat.  I've made this one available in the shop, too.  These make lovely table decorations that can be given as party favors.  It is gift wrap that won't be thrown away!
And, finally for November, these are a few luggage identifiers that have already found their happy home.

While you're shopping for the holidays, I hope you'll take a look in our little shop of more than 200 items and see if you find the perfect gift that we will be happy to ship to your front door.

I love seeing what you're making, baking, and growing.  There are so many talented people out here!

All the very best to my creative friends,

Lois

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Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving and Sailboats in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. Harbor

Good morning,

Today's images were taken in the harbor of St.Thomas, U.S.V.I.
It's just so pretty out here with all of this blue.  :)

Enjoy,
Lois

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Tender to Coco Cay, Bahamas

Good morning,

I took today's pictures from a window in our suite aboard Freedom of the Seas.  That little boat out there is tendering guests from Freedom to the private island of Coco Cay, Bahamas.
Viewed from the ship it doesn't appear much is going on over there, but don't miss it if you take a cruise that stops here.

There's a water park, snorkeling, diving, picnic lunch, bars, swimming and sun bathing on a white sand beach, and so much more.  There is also a special area for iguanas who just love to hold still for their pictures to be taken.

Enjoy!

Lois

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Sunrise

Good morning,

We are blessed with another beautiful day. 

I hope yours is as beautiful as mine.

All the best,
Lois

Monday, November 24, 2014

Allure of the Seas Departure from Cozumel, Mexico

Good morning,

As the time neared for Allure of the Seas to depart Cozumel, Mexico, I went out on the deck of Freedom of the Seas one more time to take pictures of her.
These ships are huge! 
I love this picture.  I took it from the bow of Freedom of the Seas.  Until Allure of the Seas (right) and her sister Oasis of the Seas were launched, Freedom of the Seas (left and where I am standing to take this image) was the largest cruise ship in the world. 
This is the view of Freedom's bridge from the bow.

 The final two images were taken from our stateroom of Allure as she was preparing for departure to sail off into the sunset.

Gorgeous!

Enjoy,
Lois

Cozumel, Mexico

Good morning,

I took these images while taking a stroll around the outer decks of Freedom of the Seas while we were tied up in Cozumel, Mexico.
Of course, Senor Frog is right here at the port.
There are also many hotels where you can come and stay longer than just one day. 
I'm happy with just a daily visit once in awhile, though.
 Down the shore line to the left is downtown.  Here at the port you can take a taxi downtown.  The last time we did it, it was $5 per person.
 As I walked around the outside deck of Freedom, I spotted a crew member pausing to look at the huge Allure of the Seas tied up beside us.
 People were going ashore from both ships.  That's quite a large influx of shoppers and tourists all at one time to this port!
 Of course, you can stop and get your picture taken by the ship photographers.  ;)
 Enjoy!

Lois

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Splash Area - Flow Rider

Good morning,

This is one of the entrances to the Splash Area on board Freedom of the Seas where you will find the Flow Rider.
This is located on the Sports Deck. 
You can safely ride the waves, get exercise, and have lots of laughs as you challenge the fast moving water.  The water usually wins!
This is the view from the top side. 

Lots of fun!

Enjoy,
Lois

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Glass Art in Boleros

Good morning,

I walked through Bolerlos Lounge on board Freedom of the Seas when there was no one else there so I took the chance to take this picture of the glass art on the wall.  There are three other walls in this huge area with similar art.  Those are three dimensional glass flowers.  Just Gorgeous!

Although the glare from the outside light didn't help the quality of the picture, the image still gives you the feeling for the size and beauty of the art.

This cruise ship is just incredible!

Enjoy,
Lois

Friday, November 21, 2014

Celebrity Ship in St. Maarten, Dutch West Indies

Good morning,

While in St. Maarten, Dutch West Indies, aboard Freedom of the Seas, one of our sister company ships was in port with us.
Celebrity Cruise Lines is owned by Royal Caribbean and operated as a separate brand. 

Our two ships were the only ships in St. Maarten this day.  Very nice!

All the best,
Lois

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Allure of the Seas in Cozumel Mexico

Good morning,

Every once in awhile changes in the weather brings us very good changes.  Above you see the Allure of the Seas' wing bridge in the upper right.
When we arrived in Cozumel, Mexico, aboard Freedom of the Seas we found Allure of the Seas was also here for the day.
I took these images of from the deck of Freedom of the Seas as the two huge ships were tied up on opposite sides of the same dock.
It is amazing to feel the size of these ships.  Until Allure of the Seas and earlier her sister Oasis of the Seas were launched, the ship on which I am standing, Freedom of the Seas was the largest in the world. 
The weather was slightly overcast with a little rain, but that didn't stop me from getting some great pictures of these huge ships side by side.
Freedom is on the left...
...and Allure is on the right.
 I'm often asked if cruise ships can get any larger.
 Yes, it is possible, but as the ships get larger, there are fewer and fewer ports that can accommodate them.
 Above you see two sister Viking Crown Lounges side by side.
 And, up there at the top of Allure are some very, very special suites.
 The ship canyon formed by two huge ships tied up to the same dock provide for some very interesting sound and echoes.
 The gentle rain continued...
 ...but blue skies were on the way for a beautiful day in Cozumel.

Enjoy!

Lois