We left Acajutla, El Salvador yesterday afternoon after an interesting tour inland to see the volcanoes and several of the inland villages. The countryside doesn’t seem to be quite as lush as Guatemala but still very fertile. Our guide was very free with his political opinions which were mainly that any and all problems we might hear about in El Salvador are either a product of the media reporting only negative news (not sure why he thought that was unique only to his country), corrupt politicians who refuse to spread the money as they should, Los Angeles took the rap for all local gang violence, large corporations who care only about their profits – not the people or the environment, industrious El Salvadorians who go to other countries to work and send money back to their families causing them to become lazy and unproductive, etc, etc. As I said, interesting.

Simply do not recall the name of the village we stopped at but it was a quaint little farm town. Took a number of pics of the street vendors. When we were first entering the town square, a funeral procession was just coming from the Church. Following the “hearse” were two men carrying a small white casket and then probably 30 or so mourners. Very somber.

In the market was a basket filled with the largest radishes you can possibly imagine. They were as fresh as they were big. Still afraid to eat the local food, I didn’t buy any but they looked wonderful. Certainly larger than any I have ever seen at the local HEB. A testament to our previous guide’s statement that if you stuck a stick in the ground here it would grow. Learned a Guatemalan saying from that guide. As we were nearing the ship and thus the conclusion of our tour he rattled off something in his native language then translated, “This rice is already been cooked.”

Had yet another fantastic dinner last night with our newest friends, Jerry & Monica Hall from Minnesota. We were having such a good time our server, Eric (by far my favorite), asked how long we had known each other. He couldn’t quite believe we weren’t life long friends. Unfortunately they are not on for the whole ride.

In an act of abundant caution, our China destinations have been eliminated. It seems we are now going to be allowed to travel to South Korea as previously scheduled. It was a little unsettling yesterday as we disembarked, masked officials (from where is unclear) took each persons temperature. One passenger was not allowed to go ashore. Still would rather NOT climb the Great Wall than contract coronavirus!

An observation. Cruise ships might want to rethink playing the theme from The Titanic in their Spa where they are trying to create a relaxing environment. Just saying.

Windy this morning so hit the treadmills. Not as much fun without my gossip buddy, but still must work off some of the thousands of calories we consume daily. Tommy also did some exercises for his shoulder. Had a breakfast of fruit and juice. No bread, no bacon. Did some more knitting but as yet have not seen one single skein of yard outside my stash brought from home.

Still attending the beginning bridge class. Wish I could say I was now a whiz at it but alas that would be a lie. Also have not yet mastered posting the many, many pictures we’ve taken. Hang in there with me, I still have almost 5 months.

By the time I learn to post pics here you will probably already have seen them from Tommy’s Facebook and Whats App posts.

This IS someday. Live it to the fullest!

Today, Monday the 3rd is a beautiful day at sea which has given me time to figure out a bit more about how this blogging works. Communication has been slow to impossible. Not sure that is because of the operator or the shipboard internet. Still haven’t learned how to send pictures which I’m sure you are all much more interested in than my musing, but this is what you get today.

Upon arrival at the beautiful Fairmont in San Francisco we were given a $92 voucher for breakfast the next day. Trying to hide my shock at such a ridiculus sum for a mere breakfast, I thanked them and then told Tommy, “No way I can eat $46 of breakfast!” I was right on that, the tab the next morning was $93.86 without alchol OR tip. Welcome to San Francisco prices. It was a delicious breakfast. Following breakfast, we strolled the grounds, took some pictures, and got ready to board our ship. Our boarding was delayed due to the fact that the ship was being ever so carefully sanitized. It seems, due to the coronavirus CDC has suggested extra sterilizing process which Oceania has implemented fleet wide. It’s really no inconvenience to us and greatly appreciated by me.

First stop was Santa Barbara which we chose to sit out. Took some pics from ship but didn’t take the tender to shore. Second day was San Diego which we did explore. Took a bay sightseeing cruise, then a cab over to Coronada to the grand old hotel there for lunch. They have captured much of the history of the hotel in photos on display in one of their shops as the lobby is being refreshed. Stolled along the beach and then back to our beautiful home away from home.

Next excursion was my infamous Camel Ride! What a hoot! It was a 1 hump but 2 people seater. Got on from a platform supposedly making it easier to mount. Haven’t attempted anything remotely resembling the splits since probably high school until then. Wasn’t easy, but after calling on Jesus for help I finally made it AND, I didn’t fall off and break anything. Yay, Me! They of course would not let you take pictures so that you would have to purchase theirs – which I did. Two that will be sent along when I learn to do that on this blog. After a stroll thru the dessert accompanied by a lesson on local vegetation, a nice meal, a lesson on how to make tortilla’s (thanks just the same, I’ll buy mine at Bayside because that is just too much like work), a tequilla tasting which I passed on, watching the sun set over the beautiful Pacific, dark fell and we were told it was time to leave. Dario, our guide who had been quite enjoyable up to that point, ruined any hope of a generous tip when he took us to our ride. It was an open wagon pulled by a tractor. Remember, it was dark and getting chilly. Had doubts whether Dario was actually going to be drawn and quartered at that point. As it turned out we simply had to ride in that contraption for about a mile to the highway where a nice warm comfy bus awaited. All in all another fantastic day.

Next day was a perfect day at sea. I took advantage of my very thoughtful Christmas gift and had a pedicure, the other usual pursuits of eating, exercising, bridge, eating, a little dancing, a lot of nothing followed by more eating. I’m trying to still think rainbow, but must admit, I’ve slipped a few times. Is lobster high in colestral?

Then we arrived in Ixtapa. Went in to town on our own, shopped a very little, had a beer, sat by the sea and watched the world go round. All this activity could be habit forming. Just saying.

Yesterday we were in Acapulco where we went to see the cliff divers. Spectacular show. The divers must be in the same blood line as the original fishermen who started diving off that cliff for “fun” sometime mid-century. They generally start at about 12 to 14 then retire at about 48-50. We were told that there had never been a fatality. Broken bones, yes, but no deaths. Women aren’t forbidden, but due to structural differencies, adult women find it more difficult. There was one young girl who dove from the lower cliff, but rest were men. Interestingly enough, they crossed themselves before diving. Following was some typical Mexican dancers preforming. Really neat. Next came an informative, delightful tour of beautiful Acapulco. Never been before, but certainly a place to consider in future.

We arrived back on ship in time for the big Super Bowl game watching party. To say there were technical difficulties is an understatement. “It’s 3rd and goal from the 8. . . blank screen and no sound for two or three minutes. Then it seemed to always come back on for the stupid commercials. You do understand it wasn’t the cute expensive ones, it was for the movie about Michael Vick, The Masters, etc, etc. Oh well, glad the Chiefs won and another Longhorn now has a Super Bowl ring.

Tommy just returned from the lecture on immigration so I’ll log off for now.

This IS someday. Make it count.

Okay, I’m really illiterate in this process. I had typed and entire paragraph on Saturday that simply disappeared when I hit post. This adventure would not be possible without the encouragement, excitement and enthusiasm of our families: related, Hill Group, Knit Group, Church, work and Community. Thank you for understanding to say nothing about all your efforts on our behalf while we are away. We love and cherish each and every one of you more than you can possibly know!

We arrived in San Francisco Saturday afternoon for an overnight in the beautiful Fairmont Hotel, had a scrumptious dinner at Scoma’s on Fisherman’s Warf, explored the Hotel gardens and caught up on some of the sleep we had missed due to a really bad case of nerves Friday night.

If the remainder of the trip is as wonderful as the first day, it truly will be the trip of a lifetime.

Remember, this IS someday. Make it count.

When I first started thinking about this trip, it seemed so very far into the future that I didn’t really needed to worry about all the little details just yet. Well time flies by and here it is – D Day. Awoke well before 5 to attend to all those last minute details that I hadn’t needed to worry about just yet. Shutter to think what I have forgotten.

Taylor, give those precious babies hugs & kisses from me daily. Love you all.

In finishing my packing, I found there was one more garment that simply would not fit into that already over-stuffed bag. Oh well, it’ll be new again when I get back.

More from San Francisco!

As it turned out one of the not quite 50 pounders was filled with vitamins, health aides, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc. Definitely needed but not clothing. My clothing bag weighed 48.8 lbs. My second bag was loaded with knitting projects. At last count there were six projects to be completed during the trip. It was suggested several times that there was no need to pack that many that if I ran out I could just buy additional ones along the way. To which I replied “I don’t pay retail, when I have all this yarn here.” We will be visiting several areas well known for their yarns, but since this isn’t a knitting oriented trip, I’m not sure how much yarn will cross my path. Will, of course, keep you posted on that as well as all of the amazing sights we encounter along the way. We will miss all of you and wish you could be with us, this seems to be the next best thing.

Remember, this IS someday!

Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.

— Oscar Wilde.

This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right.

You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.

Why do this?

• Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog?
• Because it will help you focus you own ideas about your blog and what you’d like to do with it.

The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish.

To help you get started, here are a few questions:

• Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal?
• What topics do you think you’ll write about?
• Who would you love to connect with via your blog?
• If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?

You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas.

Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later.

When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too.