12/25/2016

Weekly Update 12/25//2016

I feel as if I've spent the entire week in the kitchen, not my favorite place to be. And that's really not true, because I baked some cookies weeks ago and froze them, and I made others on different days. Even so, I was in there much more than I like to be. Without owning an electric mixer, a rolling pin, or measuring spoons, and having only one measuring cup, one small cookie sheet, and not a lot of counter space, I think I did quite well. I made five different kinds, and packed them up as gifts. I saved some (ok, a lot) for myself. I won't have to do this again until next year. And then, only if I forget how much I hate doing this – Publix always has Russell Stovers for buy on get one free, and that does just fine.  

on your mark...

...get set...

...GO!!!

I met Donna at a restaurant in Savannah that we've been wanting to go to for quite some time – The Tap House. On Wednesday, the burgers are half price, so we wanted to try them out to see if they were any good. They were! In fact, they were so good that I went back again Friday night with Kay and Adam, and paid full price. This place is a keeper. The only downside is that Ben Roethlisberger is a part owner in the chain, and while I ate, I had to face a number 7 jersey. Other than that, everything was grand. After lunch, I went to Leopold's for my holiday fix of eggnog ice cream. That was the perfect dessert!

In the evening, since I hadn't put my pajamas on just yet, I went driving around the neighborhood a little. There was an amazing display not far from me that I visited a year or so ago with Charles and Sylvia, and it was even bigger this year. The house is on the corner, so they have a lot of curb area, and they use every bit of it! There is a box out front for donations to St Jude's, and I like that. I don't know what this family pays for electric bills in December, but it must be enormous. It reminded me very much of the display that Debbie and Kevin Cole used to have each year in Rochester. I always liked to see those lights. 

I'm getting used to the car little by little. This week, I taught myself how to set the buttons for Sirius radio. I have a 3-month free trial with the car. I know I'm going to continue to pay, because I love it - I wish I didn't know how good it is. This is what everything is now – you buy a tv for a price that's not too bad, and then pay a huge fee every month to watch. You get a phone that can do things no phone ever did before – take pictures, get email, pay bills – and then pay a huge fee every month to use it. And now, I'm going to be paying to listen to the radio in the car, just so I don't have to hear ads, and I can be selective about what I listen to – so far, I've chosen channels that play 40s music, and 50s music, NPR, NFL. I'm sure I'll find others.

I wasn't going to go to Coach's on Saturday, because I didn't have high hopes for a good game, but at half time, although the Bills were behind, I decided to go. What a great second half! I couldn't believe it when they took the lead with only a minute to go. I danced out of there, a huge smile on my face. I didn't think there would be any way they could lose this game. Well, I was wrong. I had to listen to the end of the game on the NFL station in my car while sitting in the parking lot a Publix. What a heart break! And that's the end of the season for the Bills – again this year, no playoffs. I hope whoever they get for a head coach next year (and surely they must fire the Ryan brothers, and maybe Carpenter, too), will do better. I've got my slim hopes for any post-season play pinned to the Lions.

Sunday hardly seemed like Sunday, since most of the games were played already. I very nearly began to launder the sheets on my bed (a Monday chore) before I realized that I could put that off another day. I opened the few presents that were under my tree, and ate KC barbecue ribs for my holiday meal. The weather was delightful, and I was downtown for a short time to wander around Jones Street to look at the wonderful wreathes, swags and red bows on the townhouses and in the squares. It is all so lovely.

Audrey, me, and the gifts

Merry Christmas to all! And a wonderful 2017!

12/18/2016

Weekly Update 12/18//2016

I spent a lot of time in the car this week, trying out new buttons and things that are not what I'm used to. Being technologically challenged, this was difficult. I even took it back to the dealer one day, because I couldn't figure out cruise control (and I NEED cruise control). It was very simple, and once it was explained to me, I got it. I drove one day in the rain, to see if the wipers would be easy – they were – and to test the defrost. I drove in the night to see how the lights worked – just fine, but I'm confused as to why I have no less than four settings; isn't ON or OFF good enough? That back up screen is going to be pretty handy, but I don't think I'll ever be able to back up without looking out the back window first – and that's not a bad habit to keep. I'm enjoying listing to my itune play lists through the phone or ipod – I doubt that I'll keep Sirius radio when the free trial is at an end in three months. I don't have a cd player in the new car, but I like listening to the phone. I'm still terrified to drive, but the car is nice.

I attended a lecture at DH one evening. That was my first chance to try to parallel park in the new car. I did ok, but it wasn't a very tight spot. I don't want to have to do that often. The lecture was very good, about slavery in Savannah in the antebellum era. Good people, who thought well of themselves, who were kind and caring, owned other people and were astounded when the Civil War came and they discovered that their enslaved people were not happy. 

Instead of playing Rummikub this week, June and I went out to visit Jimmy in the Rehab facility. Then we went out to dinner at a new place that was supposed to have good barbecue. It was ok. After that, we drove around a little to see if we could find some good outdoor decorations in some of the posh neighborhoods in Savannah. There were some, but many were not lit up. How can they do that? Why have all those balloons, and lights, and trees, and wreathes, and then not light them up? Isn't that the point? So, while that was disappointing, it was a nice change from the Wednesday routine. When I returned from a long day out and about, there was a big box at my front door – Dave & Kerry had sent Kansas City barbecue! I'll keep it all frozen in my freezer until after the holidays, and then enjoy a nice treat!

The Lunch bunch met for lunch on Thursday. Each year, the December “meeting” is an Ugly Sweater event. Some of the sweaters are not at all ugly, but it was fun to see what everyone wore. Mine became more ugly, and I dribbled shrimp and grits down the front of it.  

I worked hard on my Christmas cards all week. Each day, I would do something: printed labels, signed the cards, added letters where I needed to, sealed the envelopes, recorded the names and addresses on my spreadsheet. Finally, I was ready and I put the stack by the front door so that I could take them to the post office on my trip out. Well, you need to have stamps on them, or they won't go. All that work, and I forgot stamps! Luckily I noticed before I actually put them all in the mailbox.

The Bonaventure Historical Society board of directors Christmas dinner was at the Assistant Directors house on Thursday evening. It was way out on the southside, a part of Savannah I rarely go to. In the evening. When it's dark. I tried to get the google maps from my phone to the screen on the dash board of the new car, but couldn't get it. I was able to get close to where I imagined James' house was, and then followed the instructions on the phone. I had less trouble driving home.

 Friday of course was DH and The 90. Saturday was BC. And Sunday was Coach's to watch the Bills. Some things remain the same, even if it a holiday season.

12/11/2016

Weekly Update 12/11//2016

Big Happening this week – I BOUGHT A NEW CAR!

I knew it was time. I had taken the VW to the doctor last week, who told me that it would cost over $4,000 just to fix the things that were wrong with her. I feared that, because she's 12 years old, soon I would need new brakes, a new clutch, and maybe even I new transmission. It was time. I had been doing some research on line and had been asking people I trust and respect for opinions about models. Tuesday, although I didn't want to, I set out along Abercorn Street to all the dealership to look at cars. The Ford dealer didn't have any 2017s; the Nissan place also only had 2016s (but they tried really really hard to sell me a car I didn't want). Then I went to the Hyundai dealership – they had exactly what I was looking for. In fact they had many 2017 Elantras on the lot with various options and in several colors. I told the salesperson what I needed to have, he showed me a blue sedan, I drove it, I signed for it, and I took it home, leaving the VW behind. I didn't expect to go as quickly, but I guess once they have you on the hook, they don't want you to have a chance to back out. I hope this car becomes as good a friend to me as the VW was.

In other interesting events:

I attended a noontime lecture at City Hall. Because it was almost the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, the focus of the lecture was on WWII. One of the prime participants in having the City of Savannah B-17 bomber moved to The Mighty 8^th Museum, and involved in the restoration, talked about the plane and the process of getting her to the museum, and then getting her ready to display. There was also a brief biography about the first person from Savannah to die in the war. 21-year-old George Gannam died at Pearl Harbor. 

I went to a lecture at the Jepson that wasn't exactly what I thought it was going to be. It was advertised as a talk about photography and what the pictures of Civil Rights protests tell us about the times. But, it was maybe six pictures, and the speaker suggested that by altering the photos with enhancements such as cropping, the story can be changed. It was not what I expected, and didn't totally understand. There are many talks that I go to that I don't understand, so this wasn't unique. But I was a little disappointed.

I went to two movies and one play this week. I'd wanted to see Loving, but it was only showing at the cineplex out by the Savannah Mall. That made a good opportunity for me to drive the new car and try out some of the things I need to know – lights, wipers, MUSIC. I thought the movie was excellent – well written and wonderfully acted. On Saturday, I went to both the SCT performance of Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown – delightful, as always – and It's a Wonderful Life, the famous 1946 Christmas movie. It was shown at the Lucas, and the admission fee was a donation to the food pantry (which I forgot, so I gave a few dollars). I own that DVD, but it was nice to see it on the big screen, surrounded by lots of other people who enjoyed the movie. That gave me an opportunity to drive the car after dark. I'll get used to it someday, but I still miss not pushing in the clutch. 

My friend, Connie, hosted a surprised birthday party for her husband, Jim on Sunday morning. He was really surprised!

  

12/4/2016

Weekly Update 12/4//2016

I accomplished quite a lot this week.

Beginning on Monday, I did some walking this week. On Monday, I walked with Jane Lewis, from the Lunch Bunch. I connected with her at Thanksgiving, and we decided to walk at Daffin Park Monday morning. It was nice to chat with her, and, although I don't really want to go for walk, to be in Daffin Park again. I used to go there all the time when I first moved to Savannah, but haven't done that loop in over a year. Thursday, when my VW was at the spa for a treatment, I walked over to Oglethorpe Mall. That's pretty much my idea of hell – being at the mall for hours – but I didn't have any place else to wait for the more than half a day that it took them to check out the car. I did find a wonderful, soft, warm throw on sale at Steinmart that I just couldn't ignore. I take a nap nearly every day, so this will be great for the colder winter months in the condo. Saturday, Donna and I were downtown, and we walked a lot to see some of the holiday decorations. Unbelievably, I did not ache after all this exercise this week. 

Friday was a busy day. DH, of course, and the tours were large and filled with interested visitors. My tours lasted almost the entire hour because there were so many questions. I love it when people seem to listen and take in what I'm telling them! After that, was The 90. It was the customer appreciation Christmas party, when they set up a (free) tasty buffet in the bar area and we can all help ourselves to the marvelous hors d'oeuvres that Jim prepares. Everything was so good, and I wasn't surprised. I had to leave early because the Methodist Church on Wilmington Island was presenting a theatrical production, and my friend, Charles, was starring. The play was I Hate Hamlet, and it was very well done. My very good friend, Pat Hoffman, was remembered, and the play was dedicated to her. She began this group in 2010, and was the director and creative catalyst for the group until she became too ill. She died in September this year, and we all miss her so much. It was a wonderful tribute to her. I've been to plays at this church before, because of Pat and Charles, and always enjoyed them. One of the very nice things about the performances is that they are always preceded with cookies (baked by the church ladies – how great is that) and punch. So, although I was stuffed from eating at The 90, I was able to get a few good cookies down.

Charles, as John Barrymore in I Hate Hamlet

Saturday was busy as well. When I got up, I FINALLY finished decorating the condo. I'd put the nutcracker out earlier in the week, but just couldn't get motivated to finish everything. Well, what's the rush? - it's Dec 3rd! But because I had all the stuff thrown everywhere in the blue bedroom, I wanted to get it all organized and put the empty boxes back in the closet.

some of my nutcrackers

some of my decorations - this is my recliner where I spend a LOT of time. my new blanket is draped there, and my crossword puzzle book, ipad, and iphone are within easy reach

Audrey, dressed up as a Christmas tree

In the afternoon, I picked Donna up at the airport; she was returning from spending some time at Thanksgiving with her family in Boston and Maine. I'd missed her, and it was wonderful to see her walking down that long hall at the airport - you know, where us terrorists are not allowed to go. We didn't even go home, but instead went downtown. We saw the big tree on Bull Street, the lights along Broughton Street, and took the water taxi to the Westin to look at the Gingerbread display. I was a little fearful of the water taxi since the ramp collapsed a week or so ago, sending tourists into the cold Savannah River water. That taxi stop is now closed, so we needed to walk to the Waving Girl to be picked up there. The gingerbread was wonderful of course, but both Donna and I thought that there was not as many as there have been before.

gingerbread City Hall, Westin Hotel, and Talmadge Bridge

I liked this one, and so did the judges

not as many as other years,but still a lot, and all wonderful

We were still in the historic area when the DH party began, so we went there. The food there was amazing. Everyone was to bring something to share, and since I'm no expert in the kitchen, I contributed a bottle of wine. But what some of these other docents and patrons shared was amazing!

Sunday, I relaxed in the morning. It seemed to be a while since I've just been able to get leisurely out of bed, and then sit by my window with my coffee and do a crossword puzzle or play a computer game. It was delightful especially since I snuggled under my new blanket and was in the glow of Audrey. In the evening, Donna and I joined downstairs neighbors John and Dave for a drink before going to the Victorian Society Christmas party. I don't know why groups such as this schedule parties when they know the Bills are playing the late game, but they did. As much as I wanted to be at Coach's, this party is only once a year, and it's a chance to enjoy some friends that I would perhaps not see another time of year. It was very nice, too. Allen and I had bets on the game, since he's been a Raiders fan for a very long time. It seems that the Salvation Army Bucket in Savannah will be $20 richer, thanks to the Bills loss.

at the Victorian Society party

 

11/27/2016

Weekly Update 11/27/2016

I hope everyone had enough to eat this week. I did!

Thanksgiving was nice for me. I had been invited to join a group of friends at (where else?) The 90 for an amazing buffet. It had all the traditional Thanksgiving menu items – turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry, green bean casserole – plus southern favorites – mac and cheese, collards, okra, honey biscuits – and both green salad and waldorf salad, plus cake and pies for dessert. Since I was already at The 90, I watched the last quarter of the Lions game in the bar there, the only game of the day that I was happy about.

a full plate

friends at Thanksgiving outside The 90

Saturday evening, I joined Connie downtown for the lighted Boat Parade. This is an annual event. Sometime I go; sometimes I don't. But Connie had invited me to join her since Jim was still at work. We saw the huge tree on Bull Street that is going to become a tradition (so I'm told), and then wandered to the river. We thought we might see best from Rocks on the Roof, a bar that's on top of a River Street Hotel. The weather was perfect, and Connie found friends that had seats overlooking the river. We joined them and had great views. My picture-taking ability did not shine, and most photos were blurry.

the tree on Bull St

a few private boats, all lit up for the parade

the Delta Queen dinner cruise boat

 

11/20/2016

Weekly Update 11/20/2016

Not much going on this week. I went on an (unsuccessful) mission to the outlet mall to find a pair of Clarks that I could wear to DH now that it's turning too cold for my flip flops. I need a wide width, and in the whole store, there were only 5 pair, three in my size, and none that I liked. The search may continue, or I may just go to the Goodwill and find something for $4. If' I'm going to “settle”, it won't be for a $40 pair of shoes I don't want anyway.

Tuesday I attended a lecture by one of my favorite speakers. Luciano Spacher gave a talk about newspaper field artists during the Civil War. Photography was new and it was used for getting information to the public through print media for the first time in the war, but the artists were still valuable tools for allowing readers to see what was happening on the battlefield.

The Lunch Bunch met at Rancho Alegre on Wednesday. It's a Cuban Restaurant that I had not been to before. I had a wonderful frozen white sangria, and the food was good, too.  

Thursday I didn't go out. I finally wandered up to the mailbox after the football game ended, about midnight. Imagine my surprise when the gate in the fence around the pool was propped open! I went in, and no lights flashed, no sirens went off. I went up to the clubhouse door to see if anyone was in there, and I couldn't see anyone because the lights were off except for the computer room. I hadn't taken my access card, so I thought I wouldn't know if there was someone on the computers or not (it's a separate room, not visible from the door). But, I tried the door, and it wasn't locked – I walked right in. Again, no sirens, no alarms. I had been led to believe that if someone was inside the gate, or in the clubhouse, after 10 pm, the security alarms would go off. But I guess that's not true. I turned off the lights, locked the door, went out the gate and removed the trash can that had been used to prop the gate open. I emailed the Board and Management, but I'm still upset that someone could just walk right in! We have computer equipment, a tv, small kitchen appliances, all sorts of things in there that could have just been stolen in an unsecured building.

Friday, I didn't have to go to the DH because someone else wanted to work on Friday afternoon this week. That did not stop me, however, from going to The 90.

Saturday and Sunday, I was back at BC for the first time since the hurricane closed the cemetery. It's open, but only for limited hours. The gates were to be opened at 10 am and locked again at 2 pm (the usual schedule is 8 am – 5 pm, but the visitor center is only open for 10 – 4). On Saturday, when I arrived at 10, the gates were locked and I couldn't get in to set up. They opened at 10, but then I had to hurry around to get all the signs placed and the desk arranged. Sunday, expecting the same, I didn't even show up until almost 10, and the gates were open, tourists were everywhere and the BHS volunteers were patiently waiting for me on the porch. I couldn't win! I had a chance to wander through the cemetery a little, and some of it is still very sad. Not Little Gracie, however, as she greeted me with the same shy smile she always does.  

11/13/2016

Weekly Update 11/13/2016

I will not comment on the election.

The week for me was about Medicare. I had been made aware that the coverage I have through the City of Rochester and the NYS retirement system might not be the best for me. I asked friends for advice, I went to insurance company sales talks, I got advice through the counselor at the Senior Center. And I finally made the decision to change to a plan that is better suited to my needs, which are few. I may have made a mistake, but at least I will no longer pay $100 a month for coverage I don't use, so there's that. And I'm quite proud of myself. For most of my life, someone else has made these decisions for me – in fact, the NYS retirement system pretty much made the decision for me with the coverage I have. But I made this choice myself, and it feels good to take control for what I think is best.

Since getting back into my normal routine after the hurricane, and then Europe, I attended a interesting lecture on Monday this week. As part of the DH Fall Lecture Series, I had an opportunity to hear Dr LeeAnn Caldwell speak on Women in the Early 19^th Century. I enjoyed that very much, especially as we were on the eve of perhaps having the first woman president.

Donna and I went to the St John's Episcopal Church Bazaar on Wednesday. I look forward to this every year because they make the best chili. We had lunch there, with neighbors John and Dave. I didn't even bid on anything at the silent auction, as it was mostly works of art, but I did buy two used books.

On Saturday, I walked to the clubhouse because there was to be a Neighborhood Garage Sale at MP. I don't need any more STUFF, but as so often happens I did discover that I needed a pizza stone (and another book). Then I walked across the street to the Farmer's Market that's held every Saturday at the school. There was more baked goods there than fresh produce, and I find that annoying. I didn't buy anything there.

the farmers market

MP neighborhood garage sale

In the afternoon, I went to the SCT. I haven't been there in quite a while, but I was not disappointed with the performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The cast was entirely children and young adults, and they all did a wonderful job with the musical. Since the Bills played last Monday night (and I won't say anything about that either), and had a bye week this Sunday, I didn't need to go to Coach's again this week. I sat home to watch other games and didn't even stick my nose out the door.   

11/6/2016

Weekly Update 11/6/2016

Back to normal. Almost. I'm still having trouble with my internal clock. And I'm still trying to get organized with all the photos and papers from the trip.

There were no Trick and Treat beggars on Monday but I didn't expect any.

I broke my shredder while trying to get rid of docs from the trip that I thought might contain some info that I wouldn't want in the wrong hands (like my flight schedule? The address of the Radisson Blu? The insurance docs? - what good would those do to anyone?). It didn't cost that much to begin with, and I wanted to get everything done at once, so I abused it and inserted too many papers at once. It couldn't handle it. I guess I'll have to get another cheap one, but another day.

I met Kay for supper Tuesday night. I was great to see her. We compared notes on our trips since she'd been to UK recently with her sons, and had also seen Dave and Lisa. And it's just wonderful to spend time with her. I've still got some people that need to be bored with my stories of the FYW airlines and the lovely European cities.

I did something on Wednesday that surprised me – went for a walk. I had promised myself that I would try to get back into a routine after Europe, but that's a promise I didn't keep. On Wednesday, I needed to go to the library, and I can't justify getting in my car to drive across the street. So I walked. And since I was already out there, I went to the path at the YMCA where I used to regularly walk. There are still a lot of trees and debris around the trail (as there are in many places around Savannah) but the path was clear. I didn't walk again.  

Did everyone watch the final game of the World Series? I'm not a baseball fan, and I seldom watch any games. But when I was in Lincolnton, during the hurricane evacuation, I did watch some playoff games with Charles. I have met a great group for friends in Savannah who come from Chicago, so I felt I had to watch the final game of the Series. I really didn't care who won, because each team seemed to be an underdog, who hadn't won in a very long time. But when the Cubs prevailed, after an exciting and and on-the-edge-of-your-seat game, I was glad that their curse seems to be at an end. It was a wonderful game, a championship game, and the Indians have nothing to be ashamed of. Good sportsmanship, and a great battle.

Thursday, I got up early to go to a seminar given by Aetna Insurance about enhanced Medicare insurance. I was told by my finance guy when I met with him that I may be in for some very large hospital bills if I don't have the coverage that picks up what Medicare itself doesn't cover. It's the enrollment period now so I need to make some choices – or not. It's so confusing. I have more appointments for more information coming up, and then I suppose I'll just have to blindly pick something. This should not be this hard! All the little things you need to know (if you go out of network for prescription drugs, is that a bad thing? Yes and no. what you need to make clear about treatment, and by whom, before a procedure begins. And put it in writing. how you can be taken advantage of when you're very sick and most vulnerable). I pay a lot – why can't I be covered for what I need?

The Bonaventure Historical Society had it's annual meeting / dinner on Thursday night. A slide presentation was given about the damage at BC, and explanations about why it is taking so long to re-open after the hurricane. There still is no date set for when the gates will be open and tourists and/or family members will be allowed in again. Issues include safety and the inability for large machinery to get down the narrow lanes of the cemetery to remove fallen and uprooted trees. 

Friday I was back to DH and The 90. Now I think I'm REALLY home!

Saturday, I had a couple of things to do. In the afternoon, I went to a memorial service for The Lady Chablis at the Lucas Theater. She died in September, and the service was originally scheduled for October, but the hurricane forced those plans to be canceled. Finally, her friends got together to host a very nice remembrance for her. Say or think what you want about her, but she lived her life exactly as she wanted, was comfortable with herself, and made no apologies to anyone for who she was. And she was wonderfully entertaining

I also went to the annual Old Fort Jackson fund raiser on Saturday evening. I've been telling Donna for years that this is the best low country boil I've ever had, but it's always been held in August, when she's in Maine. This year, they changed the date because it was too hot in August, and they decided to try something different. There was the silent auction (I bid on a couple of items, but didn't win) and the buffet. It did not disappoint. 

I had to set my clocks on Sunday to revert to EST. And then, I spent nearly the entire day at the club house working on organizing the photos from the trip. By the time I was done, I never wanted to see another castle or cathedral again! It was an amazing trip. But it took a long time to get the arrangements done.

10/30/2016

Weekly Update 10/30/2016

The journey began with a huge headache! I got to the airport with what I had believed would be plenty of time, but NO! No bags were accepted by the Jet Blue check in sooner than 40 minutes before boarding (scheduled for 9:34 am for a 10:10 flight); I was there with 37 minutes to go. I was not allowed to board, and they would not send my checked bags on a flight I wouldn't be on. I was rescheduled for a 4:40 flight. I wasted the whole day watching the clock in the Savannah terminal. And then the flight was delayed! Shit. And I couldn't check my bag before 6 hours before boarding. When I finally was able to check the big one (at 5 hours and 50 minutes before boarding), I didn't remember to get a claim check, and I never watched her put a JFK sticker on the bag. That haunted me later. We finally took off about 5:30. I texted to Allen, because he was already at JFK. Not certain that I would make my connection for the 10:40 pm flight to Amsterdam, I went right to the baggage claim area as soon as I got off the plane, but I was so sure my bag wouldn't be there, I was making plans to wash out my underwear nightly and buy new sneakers. But there it was! floating down the slide! a miracle! So I dragged it to the air train, to the next terminal where, thanks to many texts and Allen's patience with me, I finally met up with Allen. Our overseas flight was delayed an hour, so we went to get a beer. Never has an Angry Orchard tasted so good! Or been so expensive! We finally boarded and were on our way. 

I hardly slept on the plane. I tried, but the seat was too small and I couldn't get comfortable. I'd paid extra for more leg room, but even with my short legs, my knees were crowded against the seat in front of me.  Food sucked, but I expected that. I watched two movies: Finding Dory and Elvis & Nixon. The real fun began when we landed. We deplaned, went through customs, got our bags, exchanged dollars for euros, then went looking for the Viking rep. After waiting for about 45 minutes, we went to the free shuttle for the Radisson Blu hotel.  But it was the wrong one!  Apparently there are several Radisson Blu hotels in Amsterdam – who knew? After an €80 taxi drive, we were at the right place.  There was a Viking concierge desk in the lobby, so I told them our story and they said the people on the boat would make an adjustment. We'll see about that. But they got us settled. We went to our room where I tried to electrocute myself with the adapters - only got two to work. I took a shower, Allen took a short nap, then we met Dave and Lisa. It was wonderful to see them!  We walked around the red light district and found a place for a beer, then walked around a little more and found a place for supper that was really nice. 

relaxing at the Radisson Blu

the number of bikes in Amsterdam in unbelievable

Allen and I went to breakfast at the hotel - pretty good. Allen had never seen baked beans for breakfast, so that was fun. By the time we'd finished there, Lisa and Dave were already in the lobby, and we took off for our walk to the 11 am appointment at the Van Gogh museum. Then we went to a restaurant for lunch. Dave ordered a little beer, and he got about a shot glass worth. Funny. I had a peaches and cream Dutch pancake. Good. Next we took a canal boat tour. My belly was full, we were on the water moving slowly, it was a cloudy day, and it was nap time - but I only nodded off a couple of times.  Then we headed to the Anne Frank House. The queue was down the street and around the block, but because we had already purchased our tickets, we went right in at 5:30. There was an interesting background talk, with photographs, before we went into the house. Except for the actual rooms in the annex, everything was different than when Ishy and I went years ago. This museum does marvelous job of moving so many people through and keeping it interesting. Very nicely done!  (If only US customs could do as well!) The whole experience was sobering and moving. We all went to the same pub and restaurant for dinner as we'd been to last night, and again it was great. We ended the day at the bar at the hotel. When I got back to the room, I packed up and got ready to check out early tomorrow. Another long (but good) day. 

Allen at the Van Gogh museum

on the canal boat ride

Anne Frank House with the long,long lines

Allen, me, Lisa ant Dave at dinner

After we finished breakfast, we checked out of our room but left our bags at the hotel. Dave wasn't going to the Rijksmuseum, so we left him with fond farewells and hopes to meet again soon. Lisa led the way to the museum. When we got there it wasn't at all crowded, so we walked right in. It was wonderful, with old masters' painting – Vermeer, Rembrandt, others. Then we left Lisa with hugs and thanks and promises to meet again soon in Savannah. Allen and I took a leisurely walk back to the hotel, and I got nervous that we didn't know where we were. But we returned with plenty of time to spare. We sat in the bar with beer and wine, then reclaimed our bags and got ready to board the shuttle to the ship. We explored the room (that took about 15 seconds as it is TEENY!), unpacked, and took naps. We had a "meeting" in the lounge to meet the staff and get some information.  Dinner was very good, and Allen liked it. We were tired, so we settled into our teeny room and went to bed. 

Rijksmuseum

amazing original paintings

acting like tourists

Amsterdam version of Big Foot

We took the tour of the Kinderdijk windmills on Saturday. It was really interesting and I liked that. Back on the ship, we had our safety exercise. In the afternoon, following a little nap, we went to the 'excursions' sales talk. I'm thinking we should do the restaurant tour in Rudesheim, but I didn't sign up. I'd signed up yesterday for the captains tour of the pilot house, but there was no announcement and I missed it (and made Allen miss it too). It was the captains cocktail greeting, so we went to the lounge for a glass of champagne. Dinner was wonderful again. After dinner, we back to the cabin. Allen stayed there, but I went back to the lounge for trivia. I didn't do any better than I've done at other trivia games, but I met some other fellow travelers.

On Sunday, we docked at Cologne, Germany. We got off the ship and took a bus into the city where we met tour guide and had an interesting (but quite cold) walking tour of the Old City, including the cathedral. The city was inhabited even before the Romans invaded about 100AD. There are many Roman ruins (the city gates, tiles from the floor of an ancient residence, gravestones) that were quite interesting. It was a major trade route in the Middle Ages. The cathedral was begun in 1248. It houses the remains of the Magi, which were brought to Cologne following a war. Because it was Sunday, we weren't able to go inside, but outside was impressive. We took the bus back to the ship after the tour, and I took a long nap. We attended the Germany Today talk - economics, politics, etc. then got ready for the excursion to the beer tasting. In Cologne, there is a beer that is only brewed there (we were told this, and we believed it; whether or not that's true, I don't know) – Kӧlsch, so we were at three different bars to test that. We had a wonderful German dinner at the first place we tried, and that was special. We couldn't get wifi in any of the bars, so I didn't know the Bills had lost until I got back to the boat. Wifi was quite consistent and good while we were on the ship, and I liked that. 

Cologne Cathedral

Allen enjoying a Kolsch on the pub crawl

the cathedral at night (taken from the ship)

We had to be up early because the excursion to Marksburg Castle was at 9 am on Monday. I was stunned when I picked up my ship "passport" (the little card that we must take when we get off the ship and return when we get back, so they know that all passengers are aboard) that they had 80 euros to repay me for the taxi to the hotel!  I didn't think that would happen!  Marksburg is the only castle on the Rhine that has not been destroyed in war, by fire, or by neglect.  It was really interesting (and quite hazardous for old, walking-challenged, fat ladies, but I made it).  It rained most of the time, so cobblestones were damp and slippery, and I had to carry my wet umbrella.  During the afternoon, when we were all back on the ship and relaxing, our ship cruised down the Rhine, and our director gave a running commentary about the castles we were seeing.  It was still raining, and although I tried to sit on the ineptly named Sun Deck, I soon gave up.  That  worked out all right, as I would simply go to the small landing by the stairs to take pictures whenever George began "...and now coming up on the right...".  It was foggy, too, so many pictures aren't that good.  There was a small walk scheduled late that afternoon at our next docking station. I was going to skip it, but joined at the last minute, and I'm very glad I decided to go.  We went into the town or Rudensheim.  It reminded me a little of Durnstein, a town I'd loved when I was on the Danube River cruise many years ago, one of my favorite stops on that trip.  Allen and I had a beer and glass of wine in town, then walked back to the boat.  We went past a few Christmas shops, but I didn't see a nutcracker I liked.  

Marksburg Castle

on a rainy day

Some of the castle we cruised past:

Tuesday was Heidelberg. We didn't dock very early, but eventually got on our bus and headed to Heidelberg castle. This castle is HUGE, and the town was quaint and picturesque.   We had time in the afternoon to wander around, and I was determined to get a nutcracker. I found one (but not a Steinbach; the store only had a few) but a German one that I thought was cute. Allen and I walked to the Old Bridge for pictures, then found a cafe for beer before heading back to the boat. Viking had set up a small buffet with soup, salad, sandwiches and quiche, so I went there. Allen stayed in the room to catch up on some journal writing. I meant to go on the walking tour into Speyer, but missed it. Tonight for dinner was German night. But it was also full-buffet-all-over-the-boat night, so I got to see the kitchen. That was pretty interesting.

Heidelberg castle

the bridge across the river

the Christmas store where I bought my nutcracker

having a brr in Heidelberg

Wednesday was Strasbourg. We had to get off the ship before 9, and then had a 2 hour walking tour. It was really quite lovely, with little canals meandering through the old town, and lots of half timber buildings. Allen and I stayed in the city after the tour ended. We took the canal cruise, which I thought was very interesting especially the locks and swing bridge. We ate at an outdoor cafe and I had a marvelous cheese / ham / onion crepe! It was called The Alsatian, so perhaps it was a local favorite. We wandered around looking for two churches New St Peters and St Thomas. We found them both and I really liked St Peters.  I did some souvenir shopping. My feet were begging for relief by the time we got back on the bus. I decided Strasbourg is my favorite city. After dinner, we went to the sky deck and watched as we went thru a lock. That was pretty interesting.

the rose window and pipe organ in the cathedral

the astronomical clock

a cheese shop in Strasbourg

Allen by the boat we took for a canal cruise

The last day of the tour was Thursday. I was dragging more and more. After breakfast, we boarded buses for the optional tour to the medieval city of Colmar. It was another very quaint, old, lovely town. If I had known how much like Strasbourg it was, I may have insisted that we do the WWII excursion instead. But this was very nice. We went into the cathedral even though there was a funeral going on. And I took photos! Classy, Wilma. We bought some chocolates at a little shop. The day was sunny and warm, finally. We had lunch on the ship, and then got back on the bus to go to the  Black Forest. It was a long drive and I slept. The traffic was horrific - apparently there had been an accident on the autobahn in the morning which tied things up for hours, and coming back thru the city of Freiburg at rush hour was bad, and then we passed two accidents and two construction delays. But we finally made it back. It was the Captains farewell dinner, and very nice. I drank too much.

the cathedral in Colmar, which was closed

lovely flowers everywhere

one of the canals

one booth at the market

Allen in the candy shop (yes, we did buy something!)

on the bus ride to the Black Forest

the cuckoo clock factory

Allen and I got up about 5:15 am to pack, get dressed, and put our bags outside the door. Then we went back to sleep. We got up again to go to breakfast. I felt like Santa Claus, delivering €10 to favorite servers. Then it was time to get on the bus. We got our boarding passes and went thru security. The flight from Basil to Amsterdam was uneventful. We played a few games of backgammon. Then we had to go thru customs and walk to another terminal for the second flight - the long one!  I exchanged the few euros I still had at the airport. The flight was probably the best overseas I've ever had. It seemed that the seats were bigger with more leg room, the individual monitors had games, movies (I watched Dumbo and Hitchcock), and tv shows, as well as a map of our flight and info. The main meal was teeny but the cream puffs and pudding dessert was lovely and they gave us ice cream for a snack and quiche for breakfast.  There were USB ports at every seat, and we even played a few more games of backgammon. Back on the ground, it was a long wait to get thru passport inspection, then customs. But on the plus side, our baggage was already waiting when we got to the claim area. Allen walked with me for a short way, then we hugged and said goodbye.

I wasn't quite sure about my connections,since I had booked them separately from the Viking package. But I made it to my terminal in time for the next leg of the ride home. I was tired, hot, and annoyed at the idiot customs agents who seem to think that everyone does this every day and therefore knows exactly what to do and where to go, when the reality is that many of us travel – especially to a foreign country – infrequently,and the rules have changed since the last time we did this. Pardon me if I'm in the wrong line, or can't quite get my passport to scan, but to be rude to me is inexcusable. So, I'm mad, tired, hot and still have two more flights until I can get home. I lost my neck pillow, which I didn't want to do, but hey! I didn't lose my wallet, or my passport, so how bad can that be? I got to Savannah just after midnight, and was home again by 1 am. Very tired, but what a wonderful trip I had!

In Europe, I'm always amazed at many things. How clean everything is! In JFK, when they call for your flight to board, you just leave your McD paper cup and half finished burger on your seat, even you have to pass three trash buckets on the way to the gate. Not so in Europe. Even highways seem to be less scattered with litter that Americans feel it is their right to just toss out a car window and leave for someone else to pick it up (or not). I saw many more bicycles that Ford F150s, by a large margin; in fact, not many pick up trucks at all and few vans. The flowers in window boxes and in street-side planters add so much to the beauty of the city. No one, and I mean not one person, in any of the cities we visited did not have a scarf wrapped around their neck. I saw no street people in Germany, and the first beggars I encountered were in Strasbourg, France. Tipping is not something that

is expected in Europe; if your taxi fee is €70, that's what it is, and the same is true in restaurants and bars (the Viking ship has another policy altogether, however). Everyone is blond, and the children even more blond than the adults. It was like being in another universe.

Saturday, I spent unpacking, doing laundry, checking my mail, generally getting caught up with what I'd missed. When I did get into my car to go to the Publix for a few things, I was immediately reminded of how much I dread driving – it's been a pleasure not to have to back up for more than 10 days Sunday I didn't have to go to BC (still closed due to the hurricane), or Coach's (the game as on local network tv, and I didn't really want to watch anyway). So I didn't have to go out. I'm a little confused about what I should wear - Halloween pj's or Buffalo Bills t-shirt. I should have stuck to Halloween!

It took me nearly as long to do this update as it did to travel to Europe. I hate this Dell laptop and Windows 10. The picture file is a nightmare – can't edit my own photos because I don't have permission, and I'm the administrator. What's that about? The word processing imports pictures when and how it darn well feels like it. And even if I'm not touching the mouse, I seem to fly all over the document. I finally created the doc page by page, and printed when I had one page done. Then updated on the internet carefully, one paragraph and photo at a time. This is ridiculous; I want my old Toshiba back!