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WHAT IS THE "NEW NORMAL"?

Written by Captain Mary on Sunday, February 21, 2021

 NEW NORMAL???????

What does that even mean? I am not really what would be called a normal person, in the big scheme of things. I tend to be a little abrasive, which only means people don't know how to react to the truth or a statement that doesn't include consideration of their delicate feelings. Yuk!!!

I am certain that I am more abrasive with the things around me impeding in my happiness. As a retiree I am excited about new directions that will fill my life with adventure and happiness. I got the opportunity to take a little vacation with sister. I found myself acting normal except for all the masks and the social distancing. It still feels like a plague is in our mist. I can't help, however, the feeling that people will never be able to embrace each other again. 

My generation is awesome and we wish that all the following generations can find the peace and happiness that we enjoyed in the past. We worked for everything we got, it was actually the whole point.



  I did enjoy my adventure to Colorado with sissy and my niece. This is just one of things that we saw.

Since my travel has been greatly reduced, the new plan is to rediscover our beautiful nation. Can fly to so many places here in the states. I need to enjoy this opportunity even though I have been to every state in the U.S.. Years have passed since my original discovery of the States, time to do something with the rest of this life that I am so lucky to have.

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2020 IN REVIEW

Written by Captain Mary on Friday, December 18, 2020


    January arrived and I was filled with excitement. My grandchildren would arrive and fill my home with sounds of youth and curiosities about life and the world around us. This year, the year of my official retirement and boy do I have travel plans for this year. I have planned an amazing trip to the other side of the world. Starting in Singapore and circling around Malaysia and Indonesia and then go to Japan perhaps. My grandchildren and myself, experiencing what Asia has to offer.

      Perhaps that last sentence was a bit of a give away, what did Asia have to offer after all? As, it happens, the trip of amazement and wonder was cancelled 20 days before we were to arrive at our destination. This trip was to be a gift to my grandson, Samuel, a way to show my grandchildren other parts of the planet. Shyanne, was already gifted such a trip, but to Europe, and now I have created a monster, she finds herself on many of my excursions. When a person breaks out of the box of our mundane existence and begins to explore, something explodes in our life. The world gets bigger and better as we reach beyond our familiar surroundings and actually get to be part of it. So much better then watching the Discovery Channel. 

    The world as we knew has just changed with the onset of this world-wide virus. I can't say that I get involved in the hype and panic that the news and propaganda want us to hear. I can't stand looking into peoples faces and can no longer see smiles or frowns, an absence of expression makes life around me very depressing. As things progressed into quarantines things got worse. Just when you think it can't get worse it does. I don't want to get into so many of my conspiracy theories, although there are many, but it is hard to overcome an overall feeling of sadness everywhere I go. To see so many friends and family in fear, as if living with the fear of death is the new way of life. Should anyone live their life this way as if we all had terminal illnesses, and afraid of the person next to them giving them the plague. I wish that it was over, this virus that is not just killing people but destroying our happiness down deep in the depth of our souls. I am a staunch believer that life should be filled with as much happiness and love you can muster. With so much damage done to our lives, will we ever recover?

    I am lucky to have work when I want it, so I don't have the additional worries of not making ends meet on top of all the short comings and restrictions of today's lifestyle. I would have never guessed that I wouldn't be able to hug people that I love. This year I lost my little friend Bogey, my Maltese dog. I had to wait in the car while the vet assistant carried my little man to his death. I sat waiting in tears for them to bring him back to me, so he would get his proper burial at home. As I looked inside the cardboard box which they so carefully posed him and covered him like a sleeping beauty, I became hysterical over my loss, because at that moment I found myself more alone then I had ever been. I found at that moment that there are people in this world, pandemic or not who knew I needed a hug. My friends from the office came out and gave me a hug. Don't want to give names but I have the best veterinarian team in the world. 

    The months are slowly passing by, hope dwindling at each corner. The safe places are being replaced with violence, racism, and pure hate for our fellow man. My earlier predictions came true when the election began to heat up and the way we treated each other only declined more. I hate to say it, I also noticed that so many people have become clones following masses into stupidity. I guess this is what it feels like just before a civil war breaks out. I can only hope that it doesn't turn into World War 3 and we can see the errors of our current thought process before it's too late. 

    The holidays this year have come and gone, they just didn't have the happiness a family waits all year for. Most were cancelled just because I didn't have to think about all the people I miss, instead of enjoying them all I could see was the masked, social distanced people I use to see smile.

    So much has happened to crush my soul, yet I will always have my family who picks me up when I am having a hard time standing. I am smothered with hugs when I am with them, if I go to jail or die from a plague for this, then so be it. What has happened, getting in trouble for loving? 

    

    

    

    

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JUST ANOTHER STORY

Written by Captain Mary on Wednesday, March 11, 2020

As I grow older, I wonder if I have told all the stories there are to tell. I loved listening to my mom as she told stories about the old days, but her stories of adventure were few. I asked if she had dreams of traveling the world and such, what she said was that her life was her family and that was the dream that came true.
 
As the years passed I realize that I have out lived my mother and that is a gift, I also guess that her dream of a family is also my dream. I still can't get that travel bug out of my system, getting ready to go on another adventure to the Eastern Caribbean, with daughter and granddaughter. This is my way of sharing my life, instead of telling stories of continents and adventures.
 
The trip now a memory of beautiful locations and amazing landscape. The island people are wonderful and seem to figure out the simple life is the happy life.
We visited St. Kitts, Antiqua, Barbados, Martinique, St. Thomas. V.I., and Grand Turk.
Ten amazing days of perfect weather and local cuisine, hopping around the island to see the sights. Taking cruises is just like a tasting at a wine bar. So many flavors and never enough to bore you. I find it the greatest way to explore where I want to stay longer in the future.
 
St. Kitts
 
Traveling with family is always a way to share life long stories. It is proof that I am not exaggerating, which my family thinks I do. They become a witness to my amazement and I become a witness to theirs. Enthusiasm should never be confused with exaggeration.

 
   

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FAMILY CANOE TRIP 2018

Written by Captain Mary on Saturday, March 31, 2018

PEACE RIVER
 
 
We have tried and tried to gather the family together for an adventure. We have come up with ideas and each one had failed because of one reason or another. Thanks to Monica who put together an idea that everyone could manage to come together. A canoe trip along the Peace River in central Florida, camping in that primitive way. Tents and pee pee in the woods, washing in the river, living out of coolers and limited supplies. A central location for everyone and a weekend in nature.  The weather was just perfect, except maybe the first night that dropped down into the 40's, it took awhile for me to crawl out of my very cozy sleep bag and my tiny tent the next morning.

 
We canoed up river to find a spot to support all 20 of us. Canoes were stacked with supplies and people, because our primitive still included steaks and sausage and or course a generous supply of alcoholic beverages. The daytime was jumping into canoes, paddling up river to go fishing or hunting down the fossilized shark teeth that are all over the river. The kids found ropes hanging out of trees to swing into the cold water for a splash. Definitely fun to watch, as some of the landings didn't go as perfect as they had anticipated.  

 
In the evenings we shared laughter and stories, and some warmth. The kids seem to embrace the adventure, from climbing trees, gathering firewood, knocking each other out of the canoes, and just paddling around. It was so nice to see everyone away from electronic devices, even though we still had service they stayed away from their social media and embraced the wilderness. There was three of the group who had never tent camped and they were great, I think they would do it again.
 
Still close to civilization, yet far enough away to enjoy the hawks fishing along the river, bats hanging in the Spanish moss waiting night time and, of course, those cute little alligators peaking out of the waters surface. A weekend of personalities and peace along the ancient river.
I think we are all in for next year.


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28 DAYS, A SOUTH PACIFIC ADVENTURE

Written by Captain Mary on Saturday, January 27, 2018


While fresh in my mind, even though my mind isn't so fresh anymore, I want to tell you about my last trip. A big one, 28 days at sea, crossing the Pacific Ocean with my sister Cheryl and her husband Joe. Planning for more than a year this trip was already paid for and only needed money for the fun stuff. This is the way to do it. Boarding "The Emerald Princess" after my flight to LA., excited and yet only a couple of hours away from departure. Cutting it close my friends is the way I go. As all great adventures, it starts with a thought or should I say a dream. I have a Bucket List, which has gone through a lot of completions in the years. I put down in my mind where I would love to go and basically I go. On my list I wanted to complete all 50 states of the USA, this trip would allow that check mark on the Bucket List and Bora Bora was on my list also. Check and check again.

I started by what is always an opportunity in my book. In the mail I got the specials for upcoming trips with Princess Cruises. As I looked through the specials I see, for an amazing price, the destinations on my Bucket List. I proceed to call my favorite travel agent, Cheryl, and tell her to check out this special and book me on it. I didn't care about anything at the time but going on the next adventure. A couple hours later my sister calls back and announced that "WE" are booked. Much to my amazement, WE, she told me "That one of the destinations was also on her list, like hell I was going without her". Much to my happiness I now have a couple of partners in the adventure of a life time, once again. I keep saying that and I am blessed to have it happen time and time again. After 14 months or so of planning the trip is here.

Now standing on the deck of my ship, for what will be my home for nearly a month. It starts to sink in, I am on my way. Finding my sister and our room was the first part of business and the days ahead is the next. Thinking this is great, 4 days at sea to find my way around the ship and see what she has to offer. I don't know about you but time always speeds up when you are on vacation! Finding my favorite spots to hang out and finding the Casino were well established after our sea time.

On Friday the 13th, October 2017 we land in Hilo, Hawaii. Our 50th state on my list, check! Just coming into port your eyes, ears and senses are on overload. Off on our first excursion, I am going on a separate place, which I had hoped was going to end with a Helicopter ride, the weather ended that little dream. Oh well, too much to see in meanwhile.
 
 
Much of the foliage was familiar, yet because of the rich soil and beautiful weather the plants looked like they were on steroids. Enjoying the splendid landscape and some mushy trails, the group stopped along the Cliffside to enjoy a BBQ of native foods. Special in everyway, I had no idea at the time that each location the ship embarked would be better than the last. Our next destination was only a short cruise away, by the time we wake up in the morning we will be in Honolulu, Hawaii. From here on in I will be joined with my cruise partners on excursions. Cher and Joe selected this hike up to Diamond Head Crater, much to my surprise, the difficulty would earn us a certificate of completion.
 
 
Atop the summit of Diamond Head the city of Honolulu looks so small. It was a brutal climb but well worth the amazing vistas. Back to the ship, minus my reading glasses, somewhere in the crater lies my glasses and my vision of seeing anything close. Finding another pair will be part of my future adventure. Getting old sucks. Our next stop close by is Maui,(Lahaina) definitely a place to enjoy the water.
 

morning was a snorkel trip, but due to rough weather we had to go to plan B, which was in a cove protected by the waves, the underwater world was a bit murky, but the trip back gave us an opportunity to see whales and dolphins, which was an unseasonal gift. A great crew and despite the discomfort made us feel right at home. The evening was a delight of dancing and traditional Luau, we ate and loved getting together at a social event much like the native Hawaiians do. I do understand why people love going to this destination, the people are amazing and the scenery is never ending. Formed by volcanos it's hard to imagine that such turmoil of Mother Nature could turn out so beautiful. The next destination on our route will bring us to Kauai, (Nawiliwili), like I said each spot gets better and better.
 

 The beauty of this place is breathtaking. We traveled around the island from one beautiful spot to another. Mostly with our mouths wide open. Waterfalls, cliffs, landscape, blowholes and lookouts beyond our dreams.

 The next day will be on the far side of the big island, Kona. Another location full of beautiful landscape, river cruise, fern grotto and always local entertainment.
 
 
  The destination after 4 days at sea will be Pago Pago, American Samoa. While waiting to arrive at our next destination we enjoyed the art actions and my countless hours in the Casino, not doing too bad. I am a light weight when it comes to gambling, some people we met spent a fortune in that place. In the casino the noise and excitement is a special place even if your loosing, to live where possibilities are abundant. So much to do on the ship, it didn't seem like there would be enough time, between my visit to the spa (which were countless) and casino, art sales and just hanging out with the amazing people we met. The parties on the ship and just relaxing under the stars watching movies on the deck, time flew. Of course, trying not to miss the crazy drinks and happy hours that become part of our days at sea was part of this well rounded itinerary.

Gentle breezes and blue skies, almost daily dose of rainbows, how does it get better? Did I mention the food on the ship, well, I had no complaints and I am picky. The specialty restaurants were amazing and diverse, from steaks to pots of crabs, yum was the word of choice.

The beautiful small island of Pago Pago, was a treat in spite of it being a Sunday. In general the people do not participate in work on this day, that is their family day and church. Since they only get about 4 ships a month to their port, they were so gracious to give us the privilege of welcoming us in spite of their customs.
 
 
The people never worry about tourist taking over their island, for all the land is owned by family groups. They have their own gardens and each enjoy a life of peace and serenity. Only in dreams we wish this could be like America. This American island, isn't anything like America. A couple more days at sea before I get to check off yet another place on my list. You guessed it, Bora Bora, French Polynesia.
 

Snorkeling with sharks and rays who sometimes get under foot. The waters were crystal clear and the temperature was pretty good once the afternoon sun warmed it.
 
 
Who wants to leave this place, or you kidding me!  They will have to grab me kicking and screaming to get me back on the ship. Up steep roads to the top we made our way around by 4X4 vehicle. Each panoramic view better than the last. A couple more days at sea for me to savor the beauty that is now burned into my brain. Time for us to tell stories and have more fun with our friends, drink and dine till we drop. The next location on our tour through French Polynesia will be Papeete, Tahiti. The next morning we cross between beautiful reefs before we come to a stop. Hanging over our balcony rail, seeing a busy, bustling city. Perhaps a bit surprised at how commercial it was, yet there has to be a hub for supplies to the other islands.
 
 
Once we boarded our 4x4 vehicle we moved away from the hustle and bustle to see the interior of this beautiful island, with waterfalls, rock stacking, eels and so many other amazing sights.

Our last but not least stop along the islands of the Pacific lies a small gorgeous island called Moorea.
 
 
Cruises are definitely a place to see and get a taste of your dreams. Hoping to come back another day and spend all the time you can. Last of our on shore port of calls we begin our 8 day sea voyage. A little sad, but excited because now we can get ready for Halloween, spend time with friends and melt away any stress we might have. Personally I don't think I can find any stress. Catching up on those things I want to do on the ship, shows, trivia and so much more. Couldn't get bored without making an effort to do so. Sorry no effort just go with the flow.
 
Halloween now on the horizon, Cher and myself decide to make a day of it. We brought our costumes with us. So much fun to see the whole ship decorated the staff in costume. There was dancing and fun beyond fun. 
 
 
The mood on the ship was one of joy and our home away from home was virtually perfect. We traveled 11,531 statue miles in 28-Days. It seemed like a blink in time once we landed and we had to say good-bye to our wonderful friends. As the motto of Princess Cruises says "Come Back New". A trip of a life time over and now I feel so renewed I can't wait until my next adventure.

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WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

Written by Captain Mary on Saturday, January 27, 2018

I can't believe it has been more than a year and a half since I posted anything to my precious blog. So much has happened and I don't know where to begin. So perhaps I should start with my last vacation.

A trip to Europe with family. I love so much traveling with family, in the end they will always be the most important. My travel agent sister, Cher, hooked up the family with a cruise around the Mediterranean. In attendance was my son Jason, my granddaughter Shy Anne. My sister Cher and her daughter Elise, and my brother Charles and his family, Mel, Connor and Haley, along with some friends.

As all trips begin, we start at the airport and begin the adventure there. All the family members were on different flights with us meeting up cruise day in beautiful Barcelona, Spain. My granddaughter was a bit nervous, her first overseas flight, that she managed to use up all her barf bags and some. I felt so bad for her, after we landed first in Portugal, each flight after that was a breeze. It was so exciting to get the opportunity to have so many of us together for a week.

My life is about travel and experience. When I get the opportunity to share this with my family it only makes it better. My granddaughter, Shyanne, wanted to go to Europe as her gift from me for her graduation. It took awhile to get there, but this was to be her first trip out of the country. Shyanne got to experience people, places and things that changed her life. I now have this in common with her and enjoy sharing these stories and experiences with her. My son, on the other hand, did not want to go to Europe, he thought it would be without our usual adventure. My son, Jason and I tend to go on more nature based trips, this one is out of the box. It didn't take long for Jason to see what I was so excited about. Now when we talk about this experience its a different story. We fell in love with people and the sheer social experience of a culture that is without the crap we have in the USA.
Our trip began in Barcelona, Spain, then on to the cruise ship, that would take us around the Western Mediterranean. Our first stop would be Sicily, a little island from which our heritage began. So much to see and do, and we wanted to do it all.
From ancient ruins to the amazing food. We tried to get it all. Our next stop Naples, Pompeii, where the sheer age of everything and the volcanic remains of a once thriving metropolis was exposed for us. We were lucky enough to catch a taxi that took my group and my brothers group everywhere and anywhere we wanted to go. We spent what seemed like hours in Pompeii, I imagined what it would be like back then in ancient times. Basking in the bath houses, walking along the cobblestone streets gazing into the shops and being part of this historical place. Which now lies under tons of volcanic dust, still waiting to be unearthed.
The Amalfi Coast and Sorento was breathtaking and one of those places that you have to be there to explain what it was like. The beauty and feeling of this seaside village was what dreams are made of.

We walking through the beautiful shops and took pathways, whose never ending turns would lead us to this beautiful view and beach. A little seaside place where your imagination would take you away. The town of Sorrento offered up the same magic, with streets full of the gathering of Italians speaking with their hands. Maybe I didn't understand the words but I understood the smiles and beauty of everything this place offered. There are so many beautiful pictures that were taken there I would need another blog to fit them all.
Our next destination would be Rome. The place where we experienced the most ruins and historic places. The size of the Gods and what they built showed in what we could only imagine. Our group shuffled off to see just a taste of this vastness they call Rome.
 
Florence and Pisa is next on our itinerary. We got on a train and began our adventure.
The white marble of the Tower of Pisa was much more beautiful than any photograph that you will see. We had to almost run to catch the last train to our ship. It was exciting and stressful at the same time. It was definitely worth the effort.

Our time on the ship wasn't without a ton of fun. That was the time we could spend with the rest of our group of family and friends. Each time we hit a port, our group went in different directions. We had fun, maybe too much fun while on the ship, talking about the adventures of the day. Everyone with a different tale of their excursion around beautiful Italia. Another excursion is in our future before we venture back to Barcelona, Spain. Our next stop is the seaside village in France, Marseille.

We began walking the streets into the open fish market, where the days catch was displayed on tables. The live octopus wriggling about on the tables, along with strange species of fishes I had never seen. The language as people spoke was so beautiful. I found while traveling if you learn a few words of the language, the local people are much more receptive to your presence. I also learned that most places don't really like Americans, so the thing to do is not act like an arrogant American and just be part of the fun. We sort of lost our group and myself, Jason and Shyanne ended up off the beaten path away from all the places that the tourist visit. Sitting along the streets under our umbrella we ordered our meal. Knowing what ever we ordered would be grand, I noticed that food without chemicals and additives never left me bloated, everything was always made fresh. While here there is never a rush to get away from your table, because the table was yours for the day if you wished.
 There was one last excursion and my small group decided to stay on the ship and relax. The rest of our gang would be heading toward America and we needed a day of rest for our next week. Me, Shy and Jason were heading to Ireland, for a little taste of rest and drunken debauchery. Sad to say good-bye to the beauty of what we had just seen our trip was only half way over.

We stayed the night and another day in Barcelona so that we could really enjoy this city. It would be the first experience for Jason and Shy staying at a hostel, and it was not a good one. Without getting into too many details, we were glad when it was over. Off to Ireland on a short plane ride, arriving in Dublin and into our next shot at a hostel. Which ended up being fantastic, with friends and fun. We walked and walked. It's just what the natives would do!. The most fun about Ireland is definitely the people. The weather is wet and cold, but ignored by the big smiles you see on every face you pass.
 The Malahide Castle was beautiful and we had complete access, because it was closed, but they don't lock the doors. We laid on the grass, we explored the queens garden and chased rabbits all over the place. A beautiful day. Another day we enjoyed cliff walking in the rain and eating at amazing restaurants along the waters edge. Watching sea lions as they begged for hand outs when the fishing boats unloaded their catches. Shopped at fish markets, just to see what it is we would be eating. We enjoyed days in Ireland and mostly enjoyed each others happiness. So much to see and we only touched a small part of this part of the world we call Ireland. Our adventure soon to end still gives us a bit of a layover in Barcelona once again. We went to our favorite little restaurant and found a friend we met previously on our trip. Just enjoying the last days of this journey, I wish that my life was full of these journeys, especially when I get to share them with the people I love most in this world, FAMILY!

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Costa Rica

Written by Captain Mary on Monday, August 10, 2015

Costa Rica mother and daughter trip. My last trip for the summer the last of three that is, and I thought it would be great for a mother and daughter to go on a trip and adventure. We started out by renting a car and heading out towards the big Blacksand beaches of  Costa Rica.  It took us forever just to find our little hotel but it was worth it, a cute little bungalow nestled in the back of town.  It was great to have our own car, we explored on our own and pretty much did whatever we wanted to.  From wandering around the beautiful beaches to standing atop cliffs just enjoying the view to an evening out ladies night only.   We zip lined in the forest we repelled waterfalls and enjoyed ourselves even though the rain began to come  and the river began to swell.  We made it back to camp just in time.
 We took a great excursion to the Hot Springs that were heated by volcanoes amazing is the only thing I can say to describe it.

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AMAZING ALASKA

Written by Captain Mary on Monday, August 10, 2015

I started this post a couple of years ago on my first trip to Alaska, and never finished it. Even though I only scratched the surface of our 49th state, Alaska was the most amazing place in the USA. I have seen the other 48 by the way. July 20th, 2013, I set off on yet another adventure. First our non-stop flight to Seattle, Washington where our ship the Star Princess was moored.
After shuffling through lines and security we finally made it to our state room. A room for four, yet we were only three. The first thing we did was thank Margo, my sister-in-law, for this great idea, that unfortunately she could not attend. My sister, Cheryl and my son, Jason would be my companions for this once in a life time adventure.
The weather was good, yet a bit chilly for what I am accustomed to. We viewed the city of Seattle from the port, in the distance was mountains just visible through the mist, covered in snow, just beyond the city, so it seemed.
The excitement mounted as I anticipated what I was about to see. We would have to wait as our journey would take us over 1,000 miles to our first destination. We did not have to wait as long as we though before seeing land. The sea was mostly calm and that feeling and the smell of being on the water never changes for me, it is always like my first time. The first glimpse was distant snow capped mountains, in the middle of summer no less. We all stood on deck bundled up, looking out in the distance for a glimpse of what may be lurking inside the waters of the North Pacific. We could see, spray from porposie and whales, yet we could hardly make out what it was. The longer we watched in the chilling winds on the top decks, we finally got a good glimpse of a Humpback Whale taking a breath right next to the hull of the ship. We all screamed out, "Whale", but only a fraction of a second had passed and the whale too had dissappeared into the depths. Schools of doll porposie followed the ship as if they could not pass up an opportunity to play.
 That was a couple years ago and now the anticipation was still great.  This time my friend Margo would attend  for her trip of a lifetime, the 14 of us began our adventure.  Not unlike our previous trip we departed Seattle and the scenery began to change, yet the beautiful weather that we had experienced on our prior trip was not the same. A annoying mist traveled with us almost the entire time. We wouldn't let that ruin our trip though.
 Our beautiful trip was not without drama, I  guess that's what comes with traveling with different personalities.  The clouds obstructed our views to a certain extent it was like traveling in a black-and-white movie without the sun shining down on us.  Although our photographs would not show the colors from the previous trip I had the memories.  Glimpses of humpback whales were  abundant and made  me smile each time I saw them take a breath, we saw sea lions, otters and bald eagles  which were  also in abundance.
 Our excursions off the ship were helicopter rides, whale watching tours, hikes in the woods, train rides,  salmon fishing, there is so many things to do in Alaska.  I could talk endlessly about our journey, I do want to say that this is a trip that every person should go on.  Exploring our 49th state is something every person should indulge in.

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JUST RIGHT

Written by Captain Mary on Monday, July 08, 2013

How do you know when something is just right? Well, I imagine it is the feeling you get deep inside your soul. I have always thought that living in the Bahamas would be my ultimate destination for my retirement, or sooner if possible. The thought of it has stepped back into my mind lately and I havn't really thought about it until my son took me on vacation to Paradise Island, Bahamas.
As soon as I walked out the doors of the airport after a 35 minute flight, the smell of the air, the smiles on faces, everything inside of me just relaxed so that I could take it all in.

Now, I can't get that smell out of my brain. The beautiful waters and smell of the ocean, like being put in a dream that felt so real I never wanted to wake up. It wasn't a dream though, it was me standing in the pink sands of another country, a country that called to me for years and is still calling me. This trip was yet another confirmation that I have selected the right place.
Atlantis is a bit of a tourist location, yet still finding the local places isn't so difficult to do. We always seem to attract the local people, I don't know exactly why, maybe it is the look on our faces, it shows all the way to our core how much we are enjoying our little place under the sun.
My son and my grandchildren get that same look, as if something deep in our soul has be revised, and brought the best of us out.
Even though there is quite a lot of people, it seemed we got lucky the first four days of our vacation, we had most of the place to ourselves. Our days were spent walking the beautiful grounds of Atlantis and watching the enormous amounts of marine creatures all around us. The food was delicious and the pools were like magic waters, nourishing our bodies and the sun carresing our skin as if the ancient Gods had planned it that way. The theapudic environment can take the evil out of anyone.
So much to do on our days that by the fall of the sun we were exhausted, but still had time for a little adult entertainment.
 Can you imagine putting your camera and belongings on a lawn chair and going away for most of the day to return and find everything untouched. A feeling that you are safe and the people are always watching out for you, because they care. Who wouldn't want to live that way, even amoungst all the crowds of people I felt safe and without a care in the world.

I seized every moment of this vacation to re-boot my system and enjoyed each second as if were my last. We had so much fun, we did so much and yet never enough. The kids enjoyed a day with the dolphins on Blue Lagoon Island, a 20 minute boat ride from Paradise Island. They got to touch and love these creatures, which are my favorite animal. I actually think that in a previous life I lived among them. One dolphin was very interested in me when I first arrived, he posed for me until I was moved off the platform.

I am convinced that the Bahamas is where I want to be. To be in a place without prejudice and government interferance, a place to live life like a human and not property used to generate income for the fat cats in politics. A place where people help their fellow man, without being asked, because it is the right thing to do. A life of smiles and sunshine, the perfect combination to easy living. A way of life that is "Just Right"!


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Aerojet Facility and Family Fun

Written by Captain Mary on Sunday, February 24, 2013

Today we planned a bike ride, with my son, Jason, daughter, Monica, her beloved, Jeff and grandson, Max. We headed out on an amazing adventure to one of Florida's Abandoned Past. A place that is far down into Homestead, passing the farmers fields and just before the Everglades National Park. Down an almost abandoned road lies a facility that has long been forgotten.

The road access is limited, at the end of access are signs "Keep Out", but there is no one to tell us otherwise. It is a good place to explore. Along the roadways are many abandoned buildings. Most doors are welded shut and mounds of rock and soil are piled up, so that no one can access the buildings, but there are many ways in. It reminded me so much of my teens, when it was so much fun to find and explore abandoned houses, farms, fields and what ever else we could find. We would then explore, as if we were on an adventure or perhaps some place in the future where we were looking back into the past. Into the ruins of civilizations that have long past.

The Aerojet Facility has a long past, in the mid 1960's it was testing rockets for NASA, mixing solids and liquid fuels, experimenting until they got it right. After the 3rd launch the facility was forced to close after the toxins from the launch poisoned much of the Everglades, farms and ruined peoples homes and property. The Aerojet 260 rocket still remains at this facility over 100 feet below the ground, sealed off from most on-lookers.The history of the place was just a plus, the environment of the area is what has the most interest. I climbed over mountains of rubble to look at what remained. Darkened corridors made my mind wonder about what it was like some 45 years ago. Like a detective we all looked at gauges and hoses, each building had it purpose and our purpose was to figure out what it once was. Almost every wall was adorned with amazing graffiti, we all spoke of how these artist were wasting their talents on something only a few people will ever gaze upon.

We went into each building, some made sounds that made them very creepy. It was so interesting to see how nature eventually takes over these man-made structures. As the building crumble, they leave behind remnants of asbestos and who knows what other toxins. We looked deep into holes, that are now filled with stagnant water, only wondering what lurks beneath our view. Light fixtures still hanging from the ceiling and attached to the crumbling walls. Canals run along the back of the buildings, where once barges could transport rockets to the Space Coast.

As we entered one of the buildings we were delighted to see a very large Owl take flight, he had a very large wing span and was light in color. As we explored that building we found where he had his meals, little skeletons of rodents remain. The air was so silent I could hear a fly, literally. The only sounds we heard were the creaking of metal and the leaves moving in the wind. So far from civilization, looking at a once bustling facility, now abandoned and virtually forgotten. What remains is a nature trail now and a look into a past that very few will ever see or know about.

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A DAY IN A DAZE

Written by Captain Mary on Sunday, February 10, 2013



A Saturday that was delightful in store for me. I was asked by my son if I was up for a bit of fishing along the canals near the Everglades. As always, I never say no to an adventure, no matter how small or large. If I think about the alternative of staying home watching T.V. or putting around the house, this seemed like a great alternative. Actually, I don't think that I really pondered on it too much at all.

Gathering up some fishing equipment and a backpack with some necessary supplies, I headed to Homestead for the days adventure. Not much of a drive toward our destination of a tree-lined canal. The day was perfect for a bit of a hike. The trail down the canal seemed endless and amazingly remote. It is great to live in South Florida, with a bit of a drive you can be alone without a soul around and immersed in nature. No sounds of traffic or people, just the creaking of branches and the ripple of the water. Some how a peace comes over me and I don't think about the walk or anything else. 

Casting lures over and over hoping for a bite or even a nibble. The water was clear enough to see the fish chasing the bait, but nothing big enough or hungry enough to make into the cooler. It didn't seem to matter much, as we watched buzzards circling and listened to the sounds in the swamp that surrounded us. Imagination getting into our heads as we thought about what could be lurking beyond our sight. Virtually alone down this abandoned road we enjoyed the day with its riches and surrounded by the sounds of nothing. Hours seemed to pass and without a thought in my head, it seemed like the perfect way to spend a day. 


Eventually, it was time to head down the road back to civilization. Instead we drove down some roads that had abandoned tree farms and canals, perhaps looking for another chance to throw a line out. We found a rickety old dock, down a rocky road, and an abandoned missile base. Another road to try on another day.  

Making another attempt at heading home, hunger struck me as we passed the "Gator Grill". We have passed this little hole in wall a bunch of times and never stopped. We walked in to this little place with this very pleasing menu. We ordered gator bites and frog legs as our starters. Ordered a couple of sandwich's and picked out or hot sauces among the counter full of them. Sitting outside on picnic tables we chatted and enjoyed the meal that was amazing. Perhaps the best tasting frog legs and gator that I ever had. 

Every time I hang out with my son, I find that I don't get home until after dark. I was surprised that we had arrived at his house while it was still daylight. We went outside to enjoy the late afternoon breeze and started playing word games and sudoku. Before I knew it the time was nearly 10 PM, an effortless day has passed before my eyes. I think everyone should spend a day clearing their head and enjoying what is really important.

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WALK IN THE WILD....

Written by Captain Mary on Sunday, February 03, 2013


Working on sharping my photo skills and the fact that my son just got a new camera, we headed out with the kids on a family photo competition. We headed to the Everglades for some wild photos. I worked on some special effects and trying to capture a scene with my eye. The most unusual photo of my day was caught in a gators eye.
If you look you can see my family in the reflection of his eye. This was not planned, but it was a great effect.

The day was beautiful, nice and cool, we had hours and hours of good light for taking pictures and as always an opportunity to spend with the family. Once we got away from the crowds we could be more creative and take our time.

My camera has a setting called color accent, which I selected the blue of the sky in the reflection of the water. I think it brings something special to a normally boring photo.



I do like black and white, and took several photos, this one was one of my favorites.


This alligator was inches from the path, and I couldn't resist zooming in on his wonderfully white teeth. We all took photos, some with the same subjects, and then there were photos that surprised us. The kids were outstanding in their composition and their macro skills. Everything was done without a tripod and good timing.


It was extremely difficult to decide who pictures were the best, because everyone had an outstanding photo. Much to my surprise I would have to admit that the over-all winner of our family photo challenge had to be Jasmine. Max and Jonathan had some amazing photos and I hope to see them posted somewhere. Jason, by far had the most detailed and sharp photos, he had a definite advantage with his new camera.

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SIBLING WEEKEND

Written by Captain Mary on Wednesday, January 30, 2013

An opportunity was posted to me, and I believe that a person should never pass on an opportunity. My sister June was heading toward Orlando for a convention of sorts and asked if I would like to ride along. I had so much fun last time, even though I was alone during most of the time, I figured that my other family members were close by and I could fill my time with them.

June picked me up around one and we got on the road shortly afterward. The drive toward Orlando is about 4 hours, and it seems that we never run out of things to talk about. We were going to meet our other sister, the baby, Cheryl, in Orlando for dinner. As time passed we exchanged phone messages with Cheryl who arrived very early in Orlando. Cheryl passed the time by walking the mall, and June and I, made an effort to get there as soon as we could.

Arriving at the hotel, with Cheryl standing there with a big smile. The three of us together again, the feeling of all the pieces together, our different personalities somehow making one crazy family unit. I can't ignore the warm fuzzy feeling I get when I am with my siblings. Family, to me, is far more important than anything I could ever think of. Nothing even comes close to making me feel this good. I am always reminded of the times we had together, the adventures, the turmoil, and mostly the funny stuff. While Cheryl was waiting for us to arrive she located a great Italian restaurant for us to have dinner together. First, we got June checked into to hotel, and she introduced us to some of the members of the club. I stood there very proud to be part of this sisterly trio as June introduced us to her friends.

Off to dinner we went, a bit of a walk, but we laughed and talked the entire way. The restaurant was a bit unusual, we were asked if we would like a table in the kitchen. I said "No", right away. We walked through the kitchen like a mini tour before heading toward our table, stopping by a table with the revolving head of the "Pope". The atmosphere was joyful and had a great aura about it. Our server, a good looking young man, made us feel welcome and part of an Italian family. The festivities began and my voice tends to get loud, Cheryl says, "inside voice, Mary". Now, with my inside voice, my mouth runs on as I flirt with our good looking server, June says, "Catholic voice". Now, I am talking with my inside Catholic voice, yeah right, that lasted a couple of minutes. A couple of friends of June's showed up at our table because they heard we would be there. I felt like a celebrity, or maybe a freak show at a circus, no matter, we had a great time. The dinner was fantastic and the conversation was ours.

Time to depart each other temporarily, June remaining at the hotel for her meetings and I was to follow Cheryl to her house. A couple hours down the road ends and we make our way to Beverly Hills, Florida. Still talking, we finally had to end the evening, Cheryl had to work the whole weekend, although we have limited time together, it is special and we make the most of it.

I feel asleep on the couch watching T.V., I couldn't help going outside to try some night time photos before bed. It seemed as if my sleep went so quickly, before I knew it, the smell of coffee woke me and an opportunity to talk with sister before she went to work. I noticed it was still very dark, it wasn't even 5 am, but with 2 cups of coffee in me now, going back to sleep would be insane. A couple hours later my dad called and it was time to go and spend some time with my much cherish parent. This would be a time to spend alone with Daddy. We went out to breakfast spending our time reminiscing about the times we had together. The stories of our adventures together that were only ours. The hours passed so quickly and it was time to return to Cheryl's house.

Before Cheryl could return home, I got a call from my brother, who said he would pick me up and that after Cheryl got a bit of rest she could join us. I am certain that wasn't in her plans, but she is such a trooper, she came by and we talked and talked. After the evening Cheryl and I spend some girly time together, but the time again flew by and it was time to sleep, our last evening together. Again, falling asleep on the couch I was awoken with a kiss on my forehead. I got a warm feeling of love that made the rest of day full of joy. Got packed up and headed to my brothers house, upon my arrival the gate opened welcoming me. Hugs from my nephew is always a good start to the morning.

Charles and Mel had afternoon plans, a bridal shower, with friends. I was going to go along and meet their friends and crash the party. The morning we spent at what you would think as mundane errands, was a time for me and my brother to spend together, laughing and enjoying each other. Nothing serious in our conversation, just time to catch up and be brother and sister. Like the day with my Daddy, my chance to be his little girl again. Each moment with my sisters, brother and father warmed my heart, and filled that space that becomes a void after not hearing from them for any period of time.

Ready now for our afternoon out, being introduced to Charles and Mel's friends, I felt like a celebrity all over again. A great group of people and watching a young couple in love make the plunge to the next stage. Hope in their eyes and love in their hearts, I wish for them a life time of joy. I went outside the little wine shop to sit down and give my feet a break, camera in hand I couldn't help taking some pictures of the old little town, big city Crystal River. I was playing with some of the setting on my camera and took some really fun pictures. The evening just beginning we made our way to the Ale House, a place on the river surrounded by beauty, the sun just beginning to set, another opportunity for pictures and to meet new friends. Sitting outside on the rivers edge, the people here may be accustomed to temperatures in the 40's, but I would have to drink a lot to warm up enough to do this on a regular basis. The evening now over after much fun.

Morning once again, and time to pick up June in Orlando. She was really ready to go home and couldn't get out of there fast enough. Once we were on the road hours flew by and we were home in no time at all. Never running out of things to say my weekend filled with enjoyment and family was over until the next time. I am so happy, needed a break and sibling loven.

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