Belted Galloways

It isn’t often that you see cows that look like Oreos. I’ve only seen them once before. They are “Belted Galloways” and originally they are a Scottish breed. In 2005 most of the European herd was wiped out with hoof and mouth disease and they were put on the endangered species list. They are slowly making a comeback. They thrive in areas with poor weather and soil, and this area of Utah certainly fills that requirement.

Capitol Reef National Park

One of the little known national parks is Capital Reef. It’s a red rock wonderland of domes and castles and strangely shaped rocks.

We have taken a couple of walks gazing (staring) at the color. We’ve seen ancient petroglyphs and enjoyed fresh baked pies at the pioneer cottage in the tiny old town of Fruita, which is in the park. Capitol Reef is a “dark sky park” and last night we took out our telescope and found Jupiter and 5 moons shining brightly in the nighttime sky. We’re having a grand time.

Ogden

I took this picture outside of Soda Springs on our way to Ogden. The sky looked like it was getting reading to rain, but it just sprinkled. We drove all the way to Ogden, still no rain...then the rain came. A great thunderstorm that was deafening in the RV. The hail clattered on the roof and the thunder growled and then it was over. We plan to leave early tomorrow to avoid driving in afternoon storms. 

Traveling in June

We are “on the road” slowly wending our way to Capital Reef National Park where we’ll meet up with our family. We will be a group of 3 RVs traveling to 4 national parks in the western USA. It’s going to be some trip.

We are more or less recovered from bronchitis and now our only problems are getting used to the elevation —and recovering from a sprained ankle (I fell off a step today). Life goes on and we’re going to have fun despite the challenges that we are bringing upon ourselves.

Memorial Day

I’m remembering a Memorial Day when I was a youngster. Our family always held a backyard barbecue on Memorial Day. This time we were at my uncle’s new home. We had red, white and blue decorations and plans for grilled steaks, potatoes baked on the coals, and the rest of the fixings. There were plans for a game of croquet in the backyard and lots of ice cream for dessert. It was going to be a great day with all the family.

The only thing we could not plan was the weather. The day dawned cold and gray and then the rain came. The coals were started several times but it rained and somehow they would not stay lit. Finally, my uncle put the grill inside a covered hallway between the backyard and the basement. The potatoes were put in the coals, the steaks were started on time, the decorations were put up and all the time we were hoping the weather would change. Instead it got colder and wetter. The picnic tables that were set up in the backyard were abandoned to the warmth of the house. The croquet game was never played. Even with the bad weather, we had a great family afternoon in the house and for dessert we had ice cream. It was a memorable Memorial Day for all the wrong reasons. 

Alive and Almost Well

The last cruise really took a toll on us. Somewhere during the relaxing voyage we caught colds...and those colds escalated into bronchitis. Bronchitis is not any fun...and really not any fun when you’re over 25 (which we both are). We came home and we’ve been coughing and hacking.

The trip home was eventful. Airports are not friendly places with folks serving you smiles and short lines. The modern international airport is wonderful for all that it does; and it’s a nightmare for all that it does not do. We flew from Amsterdam to Seattle in a beautiful plane with a comfy seat that turned into a bed; it had a bunch of great movies for entertainment; and believe it or not the food quite good. The plane was the best part of international travel. The airports are the nightmare.

Getting to distant gates means navigating a maze of shops with people who are as frazzled and lost as the next person. Tensions are always high. Customs/immigration is a hurdle that has to be crossed. This time we had a young man, Joey, pushing the other DrC in a wheelchair through the busy airport.  He was wonderful since we had a small dilemma at passport control. That got settled, giving us time to walk over a mile to our gate. Joey was there the whole time.

Joey was beyond helpful. I asked him if he had was married, and he said he was and he had a 3 year old daughter. I asked him if she would like a blanket and I showed him a pink teddy bear blanket. His face lit up. We gave him a nice tip too. He did a lot of troubleshooting for us as he wheeled us through Schipol Airport.

Our next stop was Seattle and we had 2 wheelchairs pushers navigating the vagaries of the airport, and there were many. The passport control room was filled and a second line had formed outside of it. Lucky for us, we have Global Entry which by-passed passport control. From there we collected luggage; had it inspected; sent luggage back; then went thru a TSA line which was long and crowded. After the TSA agent broke one of my costume jewelry bags during her “inspection” we were free to find the gate for our next flight. Our two “pushers” wheeled us as fast they could to the train, then to the gate. I kept looking at the time as we were supposed to board our next flight by 1:08 and at 1:08 we were still making our way to the gate. We got there to hear an announcement that the flight had been delayed. We boarded about 20 minutes later only to wait some more as the runways were overcrowded.

By the time we left Seattle both of us were frazzled and thankful we had help navigating that really dirty airport. We finally landed in Sacramento and things became a bit easier. We got our luggage, went to the rental car area and started the drive home. 

Needless to say, there was a traffic jam on the freeway, so we took an alternate/ route. By now, we were exhausted. The 2 hour drive home was extra long and something I got to do.we stopped for fast food for dinner, and got home in one piece. We were beyond tired but we went to bed. That’s when we knew we had two problems: jet lag and a cold. We saw a doctor 2 days later and discovered bronchitis and we’ve been trying to recover since then. We are close to being well. A new adventure will start soon.

Oslofjord

Travel is always full of surprises. You never know what you are going to get. You can make plans, and they work as long as reality does not set it. Reality set in on this trip about 4 days ago when the other DrC came down with an “ugly’ and 3 days ago I got it. While we are coughing and sputtering beautiful Norway is floating past our balcony window. To add to the problem is the weather (another “thing’ that cannot be planned).  Yes,  it’s cold,  drippy and wet too. The skies are foggy and gray giving the phrase  “scenic cruising” a whole new meaning. We have seen beautiful Oslofjord in the sunshine, and it is a sight to behold. Today it has an “impressionist” feel. We are staying onboard our ship, in the comforts of our cabin with room service a call away. Not what we planned. When I teach photography courses, I tell my students to take the weather you get, not wish for something else. We are doing that today.

Hearts

As you know, I like to make Teddy Bear blankets, but sometimes I just have to mix things up. This time I made a Heart blanket. I’ve only made this blanket once before ...but that time I made it in a 4 x 4 pattern...this time I crocheted 5 rows with 3 hearts per row. Silky is giving the blanket his hug of approval. I’m giving this blanket to my acupuncturist on the ship as she has worked some serious magic on back. 

Amsterdam

We’ve been onboard the Nieuw Statendam for 2 weeks. During that time we’ve sailed 4,507 miles in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship has 993 crew members from 39 nationalities. While we do not travel quickly, we have an average speed of 15.6 knots per hour, hour after hour. We made landfall at 2 islands in the Azores, Cherbourg, Zeebrugge, and Amsterdam. For the next leg of the journey, we will have 3 stops in Norway. 

On a personal note, the farther north we go, the colder it gets. Today it was 38 degrees, with rain and wind. Yesterday we had rain, hail and wind. Of course I did not pack for super cold weather as I brought one jacket of the “not cold weather” variety. Life and learn. We did not plan to take many shore excursions as we’ve been to every port of call several times. We planned to enjoy the cruise, and to that end, we’ve had a good time. 

Today we landed in Amsterdam. Since we’ve been here several times before, it was the perfect day to use the sauna, mineral hot tub, horizontal shower, and the heated lounge chairs. I had a great time in the spa. Come to think of it, I’ve been enjoying the spa a lot on this cruise. Since I don’t have a warm coat with me, I might as well enjoy the spa. At the end of the day, I want to bring the spa back home. Sadly, I don’t think I can. 

We have another week on the ship as we the sail the North Atlantic in the spring. So far, it’s been a good cruise. 

One More Blanket

This cruise has a had it’s share of sea days. We had 6 days to get to the Azores, and another 3 to get to France. We are in the last day of that set for France. So aside from acupuncture and the thermal mineral spa, I’ve been crocheting. This time, I made a pink teddy bear blanket and I don’t know who I’m going to give it to.

Until then, Silky, our resident travel bear, has laid claim to it. Since this is a pink blanket, it’s perfect for a little girl. 

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.

Equinox

Today is the first day of spring. The time of the year when the night and the day are the same length. To celebrate the day, the trees are blossoming. Blossoms are fleeting, so enjoy them while they are out.

Camp Fire Aftermath

This afternoon we drove thru the ruins of Paradise, CA. The Camp Fire devastated much of the town and folks are desperately trying to clean up the mess and move on. I took a few pictures. I don’t plan to make many comments...please look at them.

Blossoms

The skies are gray, the rain continues to fall

...but the trees think it’s spring. The blossoms are glorious.

Daffodils

The daffodils are blooming! That’s a big deal because we’ve not had many daffodils the last few years. Daffodils need a lot of winter water and this year we’ve had the winter water. 

I apologize to my friends in the snowy parts of the US.

Not only are daffodils out, the hillsides are covered with emerald green grasses. It sure is pretty this time of year.

The Eighth Blanket

Tonight I finished the 8th blanket of the season. My fingers have been busy.

The colors are not true as this blanket is shades of green...a mint green, medium teal green and deep teal green, separated by a variegated yarn of all those colors. I have no idea why the colors are not true in the picture. Because it’s green, I’ve been calling it Patrick. I started this blanket twice, once with another pattern that did not look right after  12 rows. I tore it out and started all over again. The end product is great and I think a youngster will like it. 

WiFi Names

You can name your personal WiFi network anything you want. At the park where we are staying the WiFi networks have some fun names:
Bear’s iPhone
Not My Cousin Vinnie’s iPhone
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Zombie Emergency Response Team
Mine
Not Yours
It Belongs to Her
Not Free WiFi
GeekSpeek
... and the not very creative Winegard WiFi and Park Free WiFi
It’s humorous to see the titles people name their network. I think we try to top one another. Now, for the big question, can you guess the name of my WiFi network? I promise it’s on the list.

Sunset

We’ve not had pretty sunsets for a few days, but last night was different.

This morning, the rain has returned.

A Fun Name

I’ve been going by this coffee shop for years as it’s next to the Post Office. Only yesterday I figured out the name. I guess I’m slow. It’s really cute play on words.

72 Years Old and Still Strong

I like old cars and I saw a gem of an oldie the other day. A 1947 Ford Woodie

Woodies are not very common, and one that is really pretty is even more uncommon. I talked to the owner and he said the car had 60,000 original miles. It is not restored, but in original condition.

During the 72 years since this beauty rolled off the assembly line, she has had only 2 owners. The first owner lived in Colorado and used her only for summer camping trips. The current owner bought her 5 years ago, and he told me he takes her around town. 

After the Rain

This winter has been pretty wet. When we arrived the lake was 31% of capacity and it looked it. It’s still low, but it’s now 56% of capacity. The lake has 1/4 more water in it now, than when we arrived.

This is the entrance to Harvey’s Cove. While there’s no water in the cove, the water is getting there.

One of the many places where you can sit and look at view the lake is getting more scenic with more water. Don’t get me wrong, the lake has room for more water. The boat ramps are still high and dry and there are many acres of the lake that are filled with bushes and small trees. More rain is needed, but I fear the folks down here have had enough for awhile. 

Happy Valentine’s Day

48 years ago, I became engaged to the other DrC. Happy Valentine’s Day my love!

Crochet Time

Can you spot the newest blanket? It’s the teddy bear one. So far, I’ve made 5 blankets while camped this winter...and I started another one last night. These will go to “Sacramento Blankets for Sacramento Kids” the spin-off chapter of Project Linus. 

Snow in the North Valley

While Southern California has had a lot of rain, Northern California has had more. No matter where, the state needs the water. In the north, the snow level was below 200 feet. That’s very rare. The last time there was snow in the north valley was 2011. Baby it’s cold outside!