When people ask me why I love cruises?
Why is a balcony so important?
This represents the ocean on May 11th and 12th. The ocean is the attraction with ever changing views that take my breath away.
I’m mesmerized……












Living the Dream in Retirement
When people ask me why I love cruises?
Why is a balcony so important?
This represents the ocean on May 11th and 12th. The ocean is the attraction with ever changing views that take my breath away.
I’m mesmerized……












Our first stop was Ketchikan, Alaska where we took a Waterfront & Wildlife Cruise. We saw a lot of eagles and these are some of my favorite photos from the day.
It started off cool but by the time we returned to the ship I was barefoot on my sunny balcony sipping prosecco!
















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.























One of the activities on our first sea day was a wine tasting done by the ship’s Sommelier. Wine was paired perfectly with delicious bites which we enjoyed as he gave us a wealth of information about each wine. Good times!






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.














And just like that we sailed away at sunset, the first of many sunsets……
I recently traveled back to Alaska to celebrate my birthday and my sister and her husband‘s wedding anniversary.






I was celebrated with a group singing “Happy Birthday” in our concierge lounge, then on the elevator and again in the dining room after dinner. There were cards in my room from staff members and chocolate covered strawberries delivered as a gift from my cruise specialist.

The towel art was such a fun surprise and remained with me for the duration of the cruise. I felt very loved and this trip will remain a cherished memory of my 70th birthday.
Stay tuned for part two…..
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.





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
































It’s difficult to choose the “best of the best” photos from my cruise but I did it! The sea is ever-changing from daybreak to sunset, at sea and in ports. It’s magical.





























