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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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Wing Bridge and High Level Job - Freedom of the Seas

Good morning,

A few days ago I published images from the inside of the Wing Bridge aboard Freedom of the Seas.

Today's image is the view from the outside, ten decks above the seas.

If you take a closer look you will see a man with a high level job.  He is washing the outside of the windows on deck eleven.  Yes, he is wearing a safety harness.

;),
Lois

Monday, May 30, 2016

Memorial Day - United States of America

Memorial Day is Observed

United States of America

Freedom is not Free


Today we remember those who died to keep us free.  
We thank those who have returned from service and those still serving today.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Waves from the Bridge

Good morning,

Captain Toni is fantastic!  He's new to Freedom of the Seas just a few weeks ago and has brought such a wonderful spirit to the ship.  He is highly competent, of course, but also so much fun.

Here he has asked his senior officers and hotel personnel to wave turn and wave so everyone who wants to do so can take pictures. 

All the best,
Lois

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Children's Water Park - Freedom of the Seas

Good morning,

This is the children's water park area aboard Freedom of the Seas.

What I love about this area is that parents can bring their little ones to a pool away from the more active pool areas for some fun in the sun and water.  There is a designated area for very tiny children, seen in the lower center of this area.  With just a few inches of water and under the supervision of their parents, children can enjoy themselves safely.

I just love Freedom of the Seas.  This is such a wonderful ship for all ages.

Lois

Friday, May 27, 2016

Moonshine Still at Sea?

Good morning,

This structure to the right of the funnel on the Freedom of the Seas has been under construction for some time.
I overheard the Captain explaining what this is to a guest the other day. 
The Captain said, "That's the Chief Engineer's new Moonshine Still." 

Uh, no, The Chief Engineer isn't making white lightening.  That is a scrubber system for the exhaust gasses from the funnel.  The new equipment will eventually be enclosed and become a part of the funnel system.

;),

Lois

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Main Pool - Freedom of the Seas

Good morning,

This is the main pool complex aboard Freedom of the Seas.  Included are several hot tubs and that huge screen TV. 

The wood walk way/deck in the center of the two larger pools is often used for entertainment. 

This area is for the entire family, but no life guards are on duty so parents are responsible for watching their children carefully.

What a beautiful place to relax.

Enjoy!

Lois

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Jogging/Walking Track - Freedom of the Seas

Good morning,

Yes, this is the Jogging/Walking Track aboard Freedom of the Seas.

Yes, I should spend more time here.

;),
Lois

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Solarium Pool - Freedom of the Seas

Good morning,

This cozy pool aboard Freedom of the Seas is in the Solarium.
You can find sun or shade here, but you won't find children. 

This pool is for adults only.  ;)

Nice.

Lois

Monday, May 23, 2016

Preserving the Memories - Formal Portraits at Sea

Good morning,

One of the lovely things you can do at sea is have professional formal portraits taken, especially on formal nights when you are all dressed up. 

The images are taken without the commitment to purchase.  If you like them, you can purchase them. If not, you are not obligated.

I'm so glad we have done this over the years.  We have a lovely collection of images to go with some fantastic memories.

Lois

Sunday, May 22, 2016

National Maritime Day - United States of America

Good morning,

Today is National Maritime Day in the United States. 

The following is from Wikipedia:

National Maritime Day is a United States holiday created to recognize the maritime industry. It is observed on May 22, the date in 1819 that the American steamship Savannah set sail from Savannah, Georgia on the first ever transoceanic voyage under steam power. The holiday was created by the United States Congress on May 20, 1933.

On May 22,2002, the Military Sealift Command observed National Maritime Day with a memorial service held in Washington, DC. Rear Adm. David L. Brewer III, Commander, Military Sealift Command, and the Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy, tossed a wreath into the Anacostia River at the Washington Navy Yard in honor of fallen mariners.[1]

In 2013, National Maritime Day was celebrated with family picnics and boat tours at the Port of San Diego, and with maritime career fairs in Seattle and the Port of Baltimore, as well as with traditional memorial ceremonies.[2]

Hug a seaman today!   I hug one every day.

;),
Lois

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Pinnacle and Diamond Breakfast - Freedom of the Seas


Good morning,

It's time for another picture of food.  ;)  The fruit, granola, and yogurt pictured above were served at the Pinnacle and Diamond Breakfast aboard Freedom of the Seas.
This couple, Bob and Libby, are some of the top cruisers in the company and some of the nicest people you could know.  It's always good to see them on board.

Enjoy!

Lois

Friday, May 20, 2016

Bull & Bear for a Brew - Freedom of the Seas

 Good morning,

These images are taken inside the Bull & Bear Pub aboard Freedom of the Seas.
 The menu features brews from around the world.  You can get drinks other than beer here, too, of course.
The Bull & Bear is located on the Royal Promenade on Deck 5. 

This is one hoppin' spot at night - so I'm told.  ;)

Lois

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Freedom of the Seas Helipad

Good morning,

In case of emergencies, especially medial emergencies, Freedom of the Seas has a helipad. 

The week I took this image we did have a helicopter evacuation, but it was from our stop at Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean's private island.  For that evacuation, the helicopter landed on the island to remove the guest for medical attention. 

The ship has a medical facility staffed with two doctors and three nurses to provide care on board.  Only guests and crew who need additional care are evacuated during a cruise.

Safety first!

Lois

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

All Access Tour - The Bridge of Freedom of the Seas

Good morning,

Another part of the All Access Tour aboard Freedom of the Seas is a visit to the Bridge.  All visitors must pass security and sign in for both the Bridge and Engine Control Room portions of the tour.
The Chief Engineer is giving this lady the tour of the wing bridge.
Most people are surprised to see how big the Bridge of a large cruise ship really is.  On the wall to the left are plaques received upon first visits to ports around the world.
While we were visiting, the ship was tied up so there was no one sitting in the this chair.

If you cruise on a ship where there is an All Access Tour, you may find it very interesting.  There is a charge for the tour and the tours fill up quickly, so be sure to sign up as soon as you get on board.

Enjoy!

Lois



Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Liberty of the Seas - Up Close and Personal

Good morning,

I took today's images from the wing bridge of Freedom of the Seas. The ship docked next to us is our sister, Liberty of the Seas.
The two ships form a "ship canyon" when tied up on opposite sides of the same dock.
Liberty of the Seas is to the left;  Freedom of the Seas is to the right.

What a beautiful sight!

Lois

Monday, May 16, 2016

All Access Tour - Control Room

Good morning,

One of the tours you can take while aboard many of the Royal Caribbean ships is an All Access Tour.
There is a charge for the tour, but you are able to see the Engine Control Room (shown here) and other parts of the ship behind the scenes.

The lady in this image is former military so was especially interested in what she saw here.

More to come on these tours....

Lois

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Luncheon View - Grand Cayman

Good morning,

We enjoy eating lunch in the Windjammer aboard Freedom of the Seas.
Not only is there a wide selection of good food, the views are spectacular.  Today we are anchored off Grand Cayman.
This is the section of the restaurant where we are sitting.  What a lovely place for lunch with a view.

Enjoy,

 Lois

Saturday, May 14, 2016

All Roads Lead to the Casino

Good morning,

There are many ways to get to the Casino Royale on board Freedom of the Seas

This is the top of the stairway on Deck 5 that leads to the center of the Casino Royale on the deck below.  Of course, you can hear the casino sounds from Deck 5, too.  :)

Good luck!

Lois

Friday, May 13, 2016

Captain's Corner Kids

Good morning,

As I've shown you before, each week there is an event called "Captain's Corner" aboard Freedom of the Seas.

The entire Executive Committee, including the Captain, Staff Captain, Hotel Director, Chief Engineer (with microphone), and Human Resources Director are here to answer questions about the ship and ship life.
The three young men in the center of this image are cousins on board for a family reunion.  All three of them had excellent (and continuous!) questions for the ship's Executive Committee. 

This was a very enjoyable, special week at Captain's Corner.  These young men will go far.

Lois

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Waffle Cakes and More!

Good morning,

Somewhere hiding in that pile of goodness are two Norwegian Waffles. 

Of course, they are hiding over and under ice cream, chocolate, strawberries, and whipped cream.

Yes, I ate this. 

;),
Lois

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

A Place to Meet for a Brew

Good morning,

Although I drink much more coffee than I do anything else, the image above is of the Bull & Bear, a great place to meet for a brew when you are on board Freedom of the Seas.

This establishment is designed as a British Pub and features many different brews from around the world.

Enjoy!

Lois

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Needlework and Wood Update - May, 2016

Good morning,

It has been a busy month of knitting, crocheting, and wood working once again.  This month's update includes sweaters, afghan blankets, wood boxes and more. 

The pink Baskets Braids and Bobbles sweater is an original design custom order that has been delivered.
Leg warmers and ...
... bands were also included.
New to the shop is "Bumble Bee Baby" in size 12 months.  The set includes a sweater, hat, and bumble bee toy.
 And, here is a "Lady Bug Baby" set also in size 12 months.
 This purple tunic sweater was a custom order.
 Also to restock the shop we added the afghan blanket in "sea spray" colors and...
 in warm browns that remind me of a chocolate caramel sundae with cherry topping.
 Quite a few wood items were also added to the shop including this note holder...
 ...two beautiful boxes...
 

 ...and two sets of salt and pepper shakers.

 These two sweet turtles were a custom order.  The turtle on the left was made to match the colors of the customer's real turtle pet.
 Back in the shop this month are warmers for your hands, arms, and wrists.  We've been told these are great for sleeping, too, for those who have arthritis.
 Every month there are more hats!  Those above were a custom order...
 ...and this wool hat is to restock the shop.
 And, hats always lead to more...
 ...hats!  ;)

 These gray toilet tissue covers were a custom order that has been delivered...
 ...and, I restocked the shop with a few more.

 I haven't made glasses cases for awhile.  This one is to restock the shop after I sold the last one listed there.
 And, finally, it is never too early to work on Christmas items.  Etsy has a "Christmas in July" promotion so I have gotten to work on a few ornaments.  I once made about two dozen of these for a small table top tree we had while we were at sea.  It was fun to have hand made ornaments that were easy to pack even while we were away for the holidays.  These make great package decorations, too.

So, that's what we've been up to since last month's Needlework and Wood Update.  I hope you enjoy seeing what is new flowing from the needles, hooks, and out of the wood workshop.

All the very best,
Lois

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Original and Traditional Designs
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