Shopping in Cozumel

 Good morning,

When Kjell and I were docked aboard Mariner of the Seas last Spring, we did not go ashore.  It was the old "we've been there before."  Actually, we were on board for the ship, not the ports.  The ship could have gone anywhere and it wouldn't have mattered to us. 

It's nice to have Catherine's images, though, for those who may not have visited this port before.

Back in the old days, when ships visited Cozumel, Mexico, unless they docked or anchored "downtown", it was a long walk into town to sight see and shop.

 More than 20 years ago, the powers that be in this port decided to build a shopping area right at the dock where most of the large ships are tied up.

 Of course, that makes it very easy to step off the ship, shop, and have a little refreshment.

 I've been in this shop when it was so crowded it was impossible to turn around.  It was obviously a slow day when Catherine and Erica were there.

Thank you, Catherine, for sharing your images with us.  It brought back memories of going ashore in Cozumel, Mexico.

Enjoy,

Lois

All Tied Up in Cozumel

 Good morning,

Here's a classic dockside image of a cruise ship.  Catherine took this one and shared it with us.

When Kjell and I were on board Mariner last Spring, we didn't get off the ship in any of the ports so missed getting this one.  

Mariner is a lovely ship with a great crew and wonderful food.

Ah, yes, what a lovely place to enjoy a relaxing time at sea, eat well, and not do any dishes.  

;),

Lois

Outer Bands of Helene

 Good morning,

We were so lucky compared to those who suffered terribly from Hurricane Helene.

 We had one full day of very high winds and heavy rain from the outer bands of Helene.  We've already lost most of our large trees in storms of recent years so we didn't have tree damage this time.  But, in our area there were tens of thousands of people without power for days because of trees bringing down power lines.

Our back yard was rearranged by the storm, but that nothing was permanently damaged.

We were lucky.  Our hearts go out to those who lost family members and homes.

Hopefully, we won't see another one this bad in our lifetimes.

Lois

Life Boat Drill - Mariner of the Seas

 Good morning,

This is another image courtesy of Catherine.  She took it while sitting on the deck of Mariner of the Seas while they were in port and the crew was engaged in a lifeboat drill.

It is fun to watch the routines of the crew while maintaining high safety standards.

More cruising fun to come....

Lois

Port of Galveston, Texas, and Memories of Delta Queen

 Good morning,

Here's an image of the Port of Galveston from the port side of Mariner of the Seas.  Of course, the expansive cruise terminal is on the other side of Mariner.  We sailed out of  Galveston regularly many years ago when Kjell was Chief Engineer aboard Freedom of the Seas.  We loved the people at this port.

Galveston is one of the ports shut down during the dock workers strike that started October 1.  We understand passenger ships/ cruise travel will not be impacted by the strike.  

An interesting side note:  I took my Dad on a cruise on the Delta Queen from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh for his 80th birthday back in 1984.  The Delta Queen was both a passenger vessel and a US Post Office.  Either of those designations gave her priority over other vessels going through locks, etc.  It was interesting to sit on the deck and watch as we passed numerous barges while going through locks.  Even at 3 AM, the calliope player climbed up on the back of the ship to play, all ship lights were on, and local residents lined the dock to watch the Delta Queen pass through.  I understand the local papers published the ship's schedule so residents wouldn't miss it passing.  It was a different time....

Due to bad weather, we didn't make it all the way to Pittsburgh on that trip, but we had another great experience.  As the bad weather set in, the captain pulled the Delta Queen to the southern side of the channel and we tied up to large trees hanging over the riverbank.   It was dark outside, just after dinner, and passengers were dressed up (those were the days!) and on the deck watching.  The Delta Queen was all aglow with lights on all decks. A young boy about ten years old came down the river bank, eyes wide, and all excited.  One of the passengers called to him, "Go tell you Mom you have guests for dinner!"  The young boy ran back up the hill and disappeared.  Of course, no one left the ship, but what a memory it must be for that young boy as well as for us.

Sadly, the Delta Queen is no longer in service.  It will take another act of congress to get her back on the water and that is unlikely to happen, but is still a dream.  

Such good memories, though....

Our Delta Queen has had an extensive, fascinating life.  Those interested in a more complete history of the Delta Queen can find it here:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Queen

Lois

Needlework and Wood Working Update - October, 2024

 Good morning,

Welcome to this month's Needlework and Wood Working Update where we pull together images of all of the items we have completed in Kjell's Wood Workshop and my Needlework Studio since the last update.

Above is a truly one-of-a-kind Flying Eagle Jewelry Box that Kjell has designed and made.  Be sure to take a look at the listing that includes video to see all of the interior shelves and a surprise secret compartment in the bottom.  $145.  Lots of images and video here.

 The Whisper Pink flowers are blooming on this lovely new Large Afghan Blanket. Such a lovely gift for yourself or some other special person.  $185.  Only one here.

 Our Toilet Tissue Toppers are a popular item for yourself or to take along to your host.  The Christmas Colors are a fun, easy way to decorate for the season.  This one is here.  This one and many more colors are available for $8 each.

 This Royal Blue and White Tissue Topper is here.  $8.  School colors for a dorm room?  Hanukkah decoration?  Add a red ribbon for Patriotic Holidays. 

Amethyst Topper with a Lavender Ribbon here.  $8.

Gray with a Black Satin Ribbon.  $8.

Here's a cloche hat that will keep your head warm on a cold winter's night (or day!)  This also is a great Secret Santa or Christmas Stocking gift.  $8.

As soon as I listed a set of cherry red set of Luggage Identifiers last month, they were sold.  So, I made another set of six and they are here.  $5. When looking for your luggage at the airport or cruise terminal, these are priceless!

Here's another great stocking stuffer!  This mohair-type washable acrylic yarn poncho and hat set for your favorite little girl's fashion doll is only $8.  Here are more images and information.

As you shop for yourself and others for the holidays, we hope you'll take a cyber stroll through our shop, Evensens Productions.  Combine orders from our shop, to save on shipping. Free shipping on orders of $200 or more to your USA address.  No coupon needed.

 Thank you.  We sincerely appreciate your comments, likes, shares, pins, favorites, and purchases, too!

Until next month, all the very best,

Lois

The Drink Package

 Good morning,

If you enjoy drinking while on vacation, the "drink package" can be a good option.  A plus is that you don't have to drive home.

Catherine doesn't enjoy alcohol, but she does enjoy the fancy drinks without the alcohol.

 The "virgin" drinks can be quite tasty!

:),

Lois