Category: Retirement

Back to Alaska part eight

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Our next stop was Skagway and we took one of their most popular excursions, the Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion

You board the train in Skagway and travel 20 miles from tidewater to the Summit of the White Pass – a 2,865-foot elevation.

Traveling in vintage passenger coaches you retrace the original route to the White Pass summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. We enjoyed viewing mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles, and historic sites along the White Pass Railroad. The railroad cars are each heated with a potbelly stove and we were comfortable.

Beginning
Great restaurant for lunch – food & service were superb
We were at the back of the train

Back to Alaska part seven

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Arriving in Juneau
Sea plane taking off
Skunk Cabbage
Glacier Gardens Rainforest
The views
One of many waterfalls
These parasols adorn the ceiling of the greenhouse
There’s a great gift shop here as well

Our second port was Juneau where we took a tour of Glacier Gardens Rainforest and the Whale Park.

Glacier Gardens Rainforest, a local gem established in 1998. Nestled within the heart of the Tongass National Forest is a floral sanctuary boasting a vibrant Alaska botanical garden. Aboard a covered tram we took a guided journey into the ancient splendor of Thunder Mountain’s old-growth rainforest at an elevation of 580 feet above sea level, overlooking Juneau.

Overstreet (Whale) Park, photographing the life-sized breaching whale statue and fountain, named Tahku, and the stunning views of the Gastineau Channel.

Whale Park

Back to Alaska part four

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This cruise I booked a full suite which came with so many perks – including a Concierge Lounge. It was literally across the hall from my suite. Over two weeks I was there every day at least three times as they change out incredible food offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner bites of deliciousness.

Every Happy Hour my sister, brother-in-law and I would have drinks and enjoy the ambience, often including live music, before heading off to dinner. We played games there many afternoons, often as the only guests in the lounge.

The staff was exceptional, accommodating and fun. I already miss them.

The Suite life was sweet indeed.

Yes – it’s a Grand Piano
Prosecco for me
3 x a day – set up the most enticing snacks
Twice on the cruise after embarkation sweet guests get a complementary platter of canapés
Some days I made a little breakfast plate to eat in my room looking at the ocean

Back to Alaska part two

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My two week Alaskan cruise embarked from Vancouver, a city I’ve never been to. After a long day of flying across multiple time zones, I had a fabulous meal then crashed out. I wanted to show up for my first day on the Discovery Princess well rested.

Pre-flight at the Delta Sky Lounge in Detroit
Approaching Vancouver
Free birthday drink from the hotel staff
Prosecco please!
This dinner was fresh and delicious.
Corner suite
My corner suite
Crab Scotch Eggs
Just on board, I stopped at Crooner’s for a welcome drink
Leaving Vancouver

And just like that we sailed away at sunset, the first of many sunsets……

Spring Flowers

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We’ve had a very warm spring so far with lots of rain and I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to buy plants to add to my garden of 2026.

If you know you know. 🌺🌹🌸

I bought 5 new perennials – Delphinium, Bleeding Heart, Champagne Bubbles Iceland Poppy, Columbine and Dianthus. After a heavy rainstorm last night I got them in the ground this morning while it was cool and damp. It felt good to put my hands in the dirt.

Delphinium
Bleeding Heart
“Champagne Bubbles” Iceland Poppy
Columbine
Dianthus

The next time you see these beauties they will be in full bloom, stay tuned…

Caribbean Cruise 2026 part three

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The moon over the ocean is pure magic. I make it a point to get up before daybreak to catch sunrises when on a cruise.

One morning well before daylight, I got to enjoy the moon reflecting in the sea below. Mesmerized, I sat on my balcony with a steaming cup of tea and watched the sky until sunrise. I’ll never know if any other passengers were up that early to see it.

It might’ve just been me and the moon enjoying each other‘s company, sharing a moment…

As the sun came up, the moon hung over this cluster of clouds for a while longer. Stunning.

Caribbean Cruise 2026 part two

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For a foodie, cruise food is always a treat and this trip was no exception. From hearty breakfasts to salads, appetizers and dinners, the offerings were beautifully plated and delicious while the desserts were decadent and (almost) too pretty to eat.

Lindsey Stirling Snow Waltz

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This Christmas performance at the Venetian in Las Vegas was beyond what I expected. I knew Lindsey was a violinist who danced while playing but she’s also a vocalist, an aerialist and a charming storyteller. This first video clip was one of the finale numbers but deserves first position in this post. Watch and you’ll see why!

Lindsey Stirling, suspended upside down while playing the violin was breathtaking. What a talent!

Multiple numbers with her band and dancers were Christmas themed with many costume changes and were very creative. How she can play violin while dancing – including high kicks, sometimes attached to a harness, is hard to imagine.

Lindsey has an angelic voice.