Waxing Poetic about Acupuncture

I started this trip with a hurt back. To alleviate the pain, I’ve been going to acupuncture — and it has worked. No pain. So...here’s my poem to the little silver needles that are making life better.

As slender as a blade of grass, as straight as a tall pine tree, as gentle as a breeze, as strong as Atlas...all tell a story of a simple gleaming silvery needle. A needle without an eye, yet when played by one who sees, an instrument that brings peace and harmony.

A tiny sliver of silver relaxes the body, stirs the soul, calms and soothes. Pores open. The muscles let down their guard.  The blood finds the natural ebb and flow of life without stress or noise or thought. The mind unfolds to its essential being. Without cognitive knowledge, healing happens. The mind becomes one with the body and soul.

Praia de Vitoria, Terceira, Azores

We made landfall today on a tiny island in the Azores that does not get visited often. The island is Terceira and the port of call is Praia de Vitoria. There’s not much to do here because it’s Sunday and everything is closed. That fact does not stop intrepid travelers though. The passengers came out for shore excursions to a volcano which is used by a local restaurant to heat food. There was the usual church and market place too. I took the less adventurous route and rode the shuttle into town and looked around.

Our ship dominates the shore...but as you can see, not everything on the island is traditional. I have no idea what the oddly shape building is used for, yet I think it is important as it stands by itself.

Tidy streets with white washed homes

The country side is dotted with neat homes and fields. There are cows in the field nibbling on green grass. The fields are bordered with low stone fences that look like hedgerows from a distance. The town is clean. I talked to a gentleman who said there is graffiti but only in one place and it gets painted out regularly. 

My Happy Space

Welcome to the mineral pool and relaxation room at the Spa on the Nieuw Statendam. It’s the most magnificent place on the ship. It’s quiet, restful, soothing...just plain wonderful. I’ve been spending an hour or so here everyday and I’m loving it. 

I Think It’s Thursday

I think it’s Thursday, at least that is what it says on the rug in the elevator. I’ve lost track of time and days on this crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. The water is smooth and blue. The ship is quietly making 20 knots per hour, hour after hour, and we are 2/3 of the way to the Azores, our first stop.

You might ask what folks do on sea days. The answer is a lot of nothing. There are some lecturers on board (but none of them are as good as we were). An America’s Test Kitchen Chef makes a few delectable goodies each day. There’s music, there’s food, there’s folks to talk to...and for me there’s the mineral water hot tub. I’m in love with that tub. The tub is limited to 40 people on the cruise so it’s not crowded, and it’s so relaxing. 

After I have my soak, I’m ready to meet the day. I’ve listened to lectures on pirates, I’m ready to cook a fancy meal,  I’ve been crocheting and I’ve been chatting to a lot of very nice folks. I’m trying not to eat all the time, but there’s an ice cream bar that is really tempting.

This the first time we have crossed the Atlantic from the US. Normally we start the crossing from Europe. It feels different to go this direction. I’m not sure why, but I’ve been mixing up my directions because I feel like we’re going the wrong way. So far, life is good on the Nieuw Statendam.

Nieuw Statendam

We are at sea! Yes, I know that’s not news, as we’ve been at sea many times. This time, we are on the newest Holland America ship, the Nieuw Statendam. (BTW, “nieuw” is pronounced “new.”) In the past, Holland America has boasted about their collection of small and mid-sized ships. About 3 years ago, that changed, and the company decided to go big and the NS is their second big ship. At 2600 pax it’s good sized, but not nearly as big as Royal Caribbean’s “Oasis of the Seas” or “Harmony of the Seas” which hold over 5000 pax.

For a large ship, she feels cramped. The buffet seems crammed together as do some of the other larger venues. Our balcony stateroom is tiny with enough room for a king sized bed, a teeny sofa, and a small desk. The bathroom is small too, but very well laid out. Given the cramped space, they made two areas extra special. The main showroom and Spa are huge. This morning I delighted in the best mineral hot tub on the sea. I’m going back to that hot tub every day. It’s a private affair, offered to the first 40 people who sign up (and pay) for it. I was lucky to be among the first 40. Definitely worth the price of admission. The main showroom is built on the round, not encumbered by posts and boasts 3 enormous screens. The dancers will perform tonight and we can’t wait to see what it will look like.

As of now, I have not taken any good pictures of the ship...they will be coming when I get around to it. In the meantime, we are enjoying being “at sea.”

Harry Potter

The DrCs are avid Harry Potter fans. We have read and listened to all the books. Not only have we  seen all the HP movies, we own them too. We vacationed at Universal Studios in Florida and California in order to visit “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” We have read related books written by JKRowling that expanded the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts. We have also seen the 2 latest wizarding world movies that take place in the 1920s long before there was a Harry Potter, but lay the groundwork for Harry Potter.

We like the story a lot. Just recently we were given the above portrait of Harry Potter. It’s a custom piece of string art created by our friend Sam. With just 3 elements, Sam captured the true essence of Harry Potter. Thank you Sam. Sam, your Harry is an excellent addition to our collection. 

In Time For Easter

This is my Bunny Blanket, and it’s finished in time for Easter. I’ve been working on this blanket for almost two months. I have no idea how many times I’ve started it, only to find a mistake, tear it out, and start over again. Finally, it’s finished.

I chose to make the blanket 2 toned, using Easter colors of yellow and white.

This picture shows the detail. It’s a “fillet stitch” blanket which can be difficult to make because every stitch needs to be counted. If you lose your place, you’re doomed to start all over again. I’m pleased with the end result. It’s a nice baby blanket that I’ll donate to Sacramento Blankets for Sacramento Kids.

Spring, Maybe?

An after the fire update. The grasses are still green and now the flowers are starting to return. Right now the rock roses are blooming, as are the lantana, ceanothus and African daisies. The poppies are not here yet, but I’m hopeful they will bloom soon. 

Sous VIde

Sous Vide is changing the cooking world. In March I was given a Sous Vide unit and I’ve been trying it out. It’s some of the easiest cooking I’ve ever done.

All you have to do is seal your meat in a air-free plastic bag and immerse it into the water bath. The machine, the black probe, circulates water to the exact temperature you need to get the meat done. Last night I made pork chops and they were cooked to perfection. Very tender, very moist, and tasty too. The finished product looked wonderful. 

America’s Test Kitchen had a program on Sous Vide cooking. If you are interested in learning more about the process, click here.

Not a Bug...

I saw this classic Volkswagen the other day and I’ve been trying to figure out her age. She’s at least 50 years old. Isn’t she pretty?

Believe it or not, she’s a little camper van. Inside there’s a small kitchen area, and the back folds down into an uncomfortable bed. 

They just don’t make cars like this any more. While she is as cute as a bug, she’s not a “beetle.” Based on her California license plate, I’m guessing this is a 1963. If you know her exact age, will you please tell me.

Anniversary

A long time ago, we said “I do”  on this day

I love you DrC

It’s Green Outside

It has been a very rainy spring. So rainy in fact that the grasses and meadow foam are growing at breakneck speed. Meadow foam is a collective for the pretty yellow flowers that are popping up in all the empty fields. This year there seems to be more. In November, after the fire, the fields were black.

Scientists who studied the fire were concerned that the blaze was so hot, it had sterilized the soil and it would take years for vegetation to grow back. Well, they were wrong!

The fields are green and yellow and more verdant than they have been in years. Apparently the fire rejuvenated the soil. 

The deer are liking the new greenery too.