SNOWY RIDE HOME TO ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA

WEDNESDAY
On the Road
10 a.m., Virginia
35F, slush on road, fog in places, some precipitation

As I write, we are on I-77 Northbound, headed for gas at Wytheville, Virginia

Thankfully we had a good night’s sleep and found our winter clothes so we were better attired today, boots, gloves, winter coat!  TK says the driving is not bad, but I feel like we are at the mercy of how well other drivers handle the weather conditions. Our worst drive home was a few years ago when we were traveling from New Orleans to Erie, a route we had never been on. Icy, snowy conditions in Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, and southern Ohio made for some scary situations, all states that are not really equipped for icy, snowy roads.  I begged TK to stop, but he is such a good driver and he persisted. We saw semis, RVs, cars, and trucks off the road, but we made it through without issue.

Another issue along the way is eating. We are notorious for driving many many hours without eating—it always seems like the next exit will have better restaurants. so I resolved to do a better job this year. We did not succeed yesterday, hence we went about 9 hours without stopping to eat.

My recommendation was to eat in Virginia because West Virginia has difficult on and off ramps and few choices. One year we almost tangled with a semi as we tried to find a Cracker Barrel that had very poor roadside directions. I even called that Cracker Barrel when we got home and mentioned that fact.

TK says we will find something along Rt 19 in WV, so we will get gas in Wytheville in about 5 minutes and proceed right along.

10:24 a.m. Stop for 20 minutes-gas and Dunkin Donuts. That helps!

Gasoline along the way: This is an interesting study in how gas prices differ in various states. We keep track of our receipts so here is a brief rundown. TK likes to keep the tank full, by the way.
This list does not reflect every fuel stop we made———
Jan 23-Grove City, PA.         $2.40/gallon (Sheetz)
Jan 23-Wytheville, VA.         $2.02/gal. (Flying J)
Jan 24-St. George, SC.          $1.97/gal (Flying J)
Jan 29-St. Cloud, FL.            $2.21/gal (Shell-turnpike)
Feb 10-Ft. Myers, FL.           $2.19/gal (RaceTrac)
Feb 14-Zephyrhills, FL.         $2.14/gal (Wawa)
Feb 19-Wildwood, FL.          $2.11/gal  (Pilot)
Feb 19-St. George, SC.          $2.13/gal (Flying J)
Feb 20-Mooresville, SC.        $2.07/gal. (Sam’s Club)
Feb 20-Wytheville, VA.         $2.06/gal  (Pilot)
To be continued...11:06 a.m.

There is more snow on the ground north of Wytheville, but the roads are fine and the fog hangs just above the hills. The GPS indicates we have 6 hr 12 min, 402 miles to go.

Welcome to West Virginia, the GPS calls out, right in the middle of the Blue Mountain Tunnel! This is the 10th year of my blog, Exploring the World. I wasn’t going to write this year, but several friends said they were looking forward to it, so...another year! I did not say our sons said that, but I know they have read along. It certainly is a good way to keep track of us. The best part is that I have a log of what we did every year and it helps both TK and I remember certain places we visited. This was a good trip and it seems like the time went very quickly.

It is 11:14 a.m. and I am going to keep a careful watch for the best restaurant along the way in West Virginia on Route 19–we are still on I-77–35F

UPDATE: 1:56 p.m. About noon we stopped at the friendliest IHOP in Beckley, WV.  TK was wiser than I because he had eggs, bacon, and pancakes. I love pancakes. At least we ate before 6 p.m.! We have traveled over I-77,  Route 19, and now we are on I-79 with 4 hrs, 23 minutes to go and 295 miles. We have passed t though snow, rain, and now sprinkles. The roads are good and the temperature in Mount Lookout WV is 39F.

UPDATE:  4:15 p.m. For some reason the iPad is not totally cooperating and I cannot see what I am typing. About 2 p.m. we stopped in Flatwoods, WV, a tradition, to see what they have in the Fiesta shop.  It was 55F and felt very warm!

We have just passed into Pennsylvania with 2 1/2 hours to go. We see about three inches of snow on the ground, but the roads are dry.

UPDATE:  5:50 p.m Zelienople, PA. 31F
A snow/rain mixture, heavier traffic and about 77 miles to go.  We stopped at a Pilot station for gas—$2.52/gallon.   About an hour left, ETD 7 p.m. TK can do this!!

HEAT WAVE IN FLORIDA, TRIVIAL PURSUIT, AND FLEA MARKETS!

On the Road Again—GMC Sierra with WiFi
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Cloudy, 60s

SATURDAY—Breakfast with a side of antiques

We sure enjoyed the warmth and sun of Florida this past week. I am grateful that Mary Lou and Scorchy have wanted to do so much with us again this year. They are talking about selling the RV at TRR and that will be a big change for them, but they enjoy life to the fullest no matter where they are.

This morning we sat on an outdoor porch as we ate breakfast at Florida Cracker Kitchen in Brooksville, Florida.  This cute little restaurant has expanded and has plenty of regulars. The owners purchased several shops next to them and now have a bar and a gift shop nearby. I was hungry for pancakes, but their syrup had a spice in it that just did not provide that original maple syrup flavor that I love. TK’s specialty omelet was filled with sausage, green peppers, bacon, onion, and cheese. He opted for grits, a dish he has developed a taste for.

Florida Cracker Kitchen, a restaurant that the locals love

The Woman's Club of Dade City, founded in  1906

Dade City was having a sidewalk antique sale so we spent considerable time there wandering in and out of familiar antique shops. By now readers probably think the truck is full of antiques, clothes, shoes, and odds and ends. In reality TK and I are both lookers. I have certain items I look for, but other than some summer clothes and shoes, I have not purchased much.

On the way home we stopped at Kumquat Growers, Inc. to purchase a frozen kumquat pie. After church we had Pizza Hut pizza and the delicious pie. Kumquats can be eaten whole, rind and all, but they are tart. They do make a delicious pie!

Kumquat Growers Inc. 

TK snapped a photo of a kumquat tree--the trees do get larger, but kumquats do not. 

Look closely and you will see the orange gems on this tree!

SUNDAY—Family reunited!

Scorchy golfs on the TRR 9-hole golf course most every day. While he golfed, TK and Mary Lou drove to Dade City’s Jersey Mikes for sub sandwiches. I stayed home to spiff up the cabana and sweep up the live oak leaves on the patio and sidewalk.  By a little after 11 a.m. we were all happy to see Tim’s brother and sister in law, Tom and Carol, drive in from Estero.

Front, L to R: BrothersTK and Tom

Back, L to R: Janie, Carol, Mary Lou, Scorchy

We commandeered the next door neighbor for a family portrait! 

It wasn’t long before a game of Trivial Pursuit was begun, a family favorite. Fortunately I was on Team TK and Tom, and after an hour or so we won, with a few laughs and catching up with family news along the way. Carol brought one of her delicious strawberry pies for dessert after the sub sandwiches. A June wedding and a June baby will be anticipated!

MONDAY—Webster Westside Fleamarket and Marguerita Grill
Despite the heat, TK, Scorchy, and I headed to Webster, about a half hour away, for another day of hunting for bargains. Webster is known for both acres of antiques as well as new items, fresh fruits, and vegetables. It took four hours for me to become acquainted with each and every booth.

Just  a tiny glimpse of Webster Flea Market and Antiques

Before we left, we bought a half crate of fresh strawberries to take home 

to Erie as well as some Honey Bell oranges

Mary Lou was ready to go to lunch/dinner when we returned to TRR. TK wanted to go to Dan's Crab Stand in Crystal River but it was closed on Mondays--their seafood is ultra fresh as they own their fishing boats. Second choice was The Freezer in Homosassa. TK, who has been our only driver, patiently drove the hour to The Freezer only to discover there was an hour wait. The third choice was Marguerita Grill nearby and still in Homosassa. We were able to get a seat outdoors on the deck overlooking Crystal River and the docks. This restaurant was busy too and even though we were quickly seated we waited over an hour for our dinner.  My shrimp basket was excellent, and Mary Lou liked her Greek salad and spinach pie, but TK only had a burger and Scorchy is very particular about fish. 

Back at TRR we packed for departure on Tuesday.

TUESDAY--the long road home and Charlotte's traffic...
Fairfield Inn
Mooresville, NC
33F, rain

Obviously there is not much exciting about driving for nine hours, especially since the drive turned into over ten hours because of CHARLOTTE, NC. Especially since we chose to eat our one meal (except for a Dunkin Donut at 9 a.m.) when we reached Mooresville--we thought at about 5 p.m. since we started out at 8 a.m. Haha on us.  We pulled into Cracker Barrel at 6:30, starved and frustrated by traffic. One of the two of us is especially impatient in traffic.

We hope the weather allows us to reach Erie tomorrow!!  We did not think it would be this cold in NC and TK was still in shorts. Brrr!

Traffic southbound on I-77. 

Northbound on I-77

We never time this right, no matter when we get to this area. 

TK's Takes: He is too tired, "I'm beat up from driving today. Charlotte is the worst city ever to drive through."

RENNIGERS ANTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA!

FRIDAY, February 15, 2019

Travelers Rest Resort

Dade City, Florida

80F, sunny

What a beautiful day! Sunny and warm right from the start. Mt. Dora was a one hour and fifteen minute drive and we happily paid the $10/pp entry fee for the Renningers Antique Extravaganza.  I have never been to Brimfield in New England, but this antique show sure suits my needs! I spent four hours hunting for World War I, Franciscan Apple dishes, Depression glass sherbets, linens, buttons, a plant stand, and so much more.  That said, I only made a few purchases. TK and I met briefly at noon at the Arepa stand for our favorite corn meal and mozzarella cheese “sandwich.”  Two hours later we found each other again and he had a taco salad—the vendor makes the taco shell on site. TK’s other purchase was kettle corn—I do know that he was on the lookout for WWI for me, but his greatest quest was kettle corn!

Renniger's Antique Extravaganza, Mt. Dora, Florida

Buy Gran Arepas here!!

More antiques!

TK’s Take: There were the most people he had ever seen at the Extravaganza, but the parking attendant did not agree.  TK did say that the kettle corn was the best ever. His standard is Cowboy Kettle Korn in the Erie area.

TK and Janie on Valentine's Day 2019

I could not post this yesterday

PANERA BREAD, VALENTINE'S DAY, AND A FASHION SHOW!

THURSDAY, February 14, 2019

Travelers Rest Resort

Dade City, Florida

58F, sunny

Happy Valentine’s Day!! As a special treat my Valentine TK drove me to the Panera Bread in Zephyrhills this morning so I could write and post with photos with no frustration.

Today is supposed to warm up considerably, but this morning at 10:30 a.m., it is 58F, which is far better than the 32F in Erie!

Some observations: Apparently speculators are buying farm land around the Dade City, TRR area. It is rumored that another campground will be built next to TRR. Land is available because orange groves are being chopped down, mostly because the trees are suffering from greening.

From the Internet website https://www.floridacitrus.org/newsroom/citrus-411/citrus-greening/what-is-citrus-greening/, Citrus greening (also known as Huanglongbing or HLB) is a disease spread by an insect called the Asian citrus psyllid. The psyllid feeds on the stems and leaves of the trees, infecting the trees with the bacteria that causes citrus greening. Greening impairs the tree’s ability to take in nourishment, ultimately resulting in fewer and smaller fruit over time. Once a tree is infected, there is no cure. 

This is a sad situation—the farmers are selling their land, and few are chopping the groves down and replanting. We have seen areas where more building is going on—the Dade City area is mostly rural, but that has been changing since we have been visiting the last couple years. Besides orange groves, the area is known for cattle farming (mostly beef) and horses.

In the afternoon Mary Lou and I went to a fashion show in the TRR community building. The theme was "Calendar Girls," and I was truly impressed by the planning. Each month was represented by a model, and a holiday or two for each month. Appropriate music accompanied each model. 

Miss Fourth of July

Miss Thanksgiving

The finale--from right to left: Miss St. Patrick's Day, Miss May, Miss June, Miss Father's Day, and Miss Mother's Day

Each outfit came from a thrift shop, friends, their closet, or on sale. 

Most cost between $2 and $30.  I loved the concept.  

TK and Scorchy grilled steaks for dinner and Mary Lou made a salad, baked potatoes, and shrimp cocktail. A fine dinner for Valentine's Day!

Sandhill cranes visit our backyard. They have been quiet this year--usually they wake us up early in the morning!

Here is an outline of the next few days in case Internet access is unavailable.

Friday: TK and I will drive to Mt. Dora for the largest outdoor antique show—Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza—1000 booths! And, my favorite—arepas! https://renningers.net/index.php

AREPAS--From Wikipedia: The arepa is a pre-Columbian dish from the area that is now Colombia and Venezuela.  Instruments used to make flour for the arepas, and the clay slabs on which they were cooked, were often found at archaeological sites in the area of both countries.

The arepa is a flat, round, unleavened patty of soaked, ground kernels of maize, or—more frequently nowadays—maize meal or maize flour that can be grilled, baked, fried, boiled or steamed. The characteristics vary by color, flavor, size, and the food with which it may be stuffed, depending on the region.  My favorite and what they make at the antique show is filled with cheese.

 

Saturday: unplanned-but breakfast at Florida Cracker Kitchen, “A place to come feed your soul and belly at the same time and a lifestyle that brings you to your roots. The Florida Cracker Kitchen located in Brooksville Florida is a Figment of the Blair and Ethan Hensley’s Imagination that has become a reality bringing you to our kitchen table. Come see who we are and please come join us for a meal or two and enjoy our lifestyle.”  http://www.floridacrackerkitchen.com/  I have been “hankering” return there for several years, but we haven’t had the time.  This year we do!

 

Sunday: TK’s brother and sister in law are driving up from the Naples area so the three siblings can be together for the first time in two years. The traditional Trivial Pursuit game may ensue.

 

Monday: Webster Antiques and Flea Market—this is TK’s favorite—old and new, 35 acres of exercise! https://websterwestsidefleamarket.com/

We may start home on Tuesday or Wednesday.

LIVE OAKS AND THEIR ACORNS, OH DEAR!

WEDNESDAY, February 13, 2019

Travelers Rest Resort

Dade City, Florida

60F, rainy day, but the sun is trying to peak out from the clouds

We forgot about the acorns. A large southern live oak (Quercus  virginian) tree casts a shadow over the cabana and every two years it sheds its acorns. Guess what. Whether raining or not, the acorns fall and fall and fall on the cabana. The sound is inescapable at night despite earplugs. I am sure any reader of this blog gets the idea of what that sounds like on a metal roof. Even the raindrops cause a not so gentle sound. TK and I are in great moods when we don’t sleep. Ha!  I did learn that they are called live oak because their leaves remain green throughout the winter, but that reminds me, the leaves make a noise when they fall on the cabana too—believe it or not.

Perhaps the sound will eventually lull us to sleep over the next six or so nights, who knows?

Since it was raining and cool, the four of us decided to go to Ybor City in Tampa for lunch at the Columbia Spanish Restaurant (www.columbiarestaurant.com) established in the Cuban community since 1907. The tiled exterior with twisted columns were exquisite details that beckoned us inside. Because the restaurant is known for its authentic Cuban food, I ordered a half Cuban sandwich, ham, roast pork, salami, swiss cheese, and yellow mustard, and the Cuban black bean soup. TK ordered the same sandwich with Columbia’s original 1905 salad (pork, ham, lettuce, tomatoes, Swiss cheese). Before our order was delivered, each of us was given a big hunk of fresh Cuban bread, toasted, with butter. Thank goodness carbs are my friends because I easily polished that bread off –so did Mary Lou, Scorchy, and TK by the way.

Mary Lou and Scorchy at the Columbia

The sandwich and soup were delicious but I should have asked for the mustard on the side—not a fan of yellow mustard. This is a Dijon mustard kind of girl! For dessert TK and I shared the best bread pudding (thick La Segunda Central Bakery Cuban bread)—the serving was so large I do not see how one person could eat the whole thing. My all time favorite bread pudding is served at Oceana Restaurant in New Orleans, but this dish is my 2^nd all time favorite!!

1/2 Cuban Sandwich and Cuban Black Bean Soup

Columbus arrives in the New World, exterior, Columbia Restaurant

Bar area, Columbia Restaurant

Front of the menu

Exterior

It wasn’t hard to convince TK to stop at the Tampa International Mall—his sister wanted to go too. Dillards, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and so much more—what’s not to like? I made two rounds, while TK walked with Mary Lou and Scorchy. Lots to see, but only a few purchases.

Back at TRR, it is quite cool, more like 54F. We took a quick walk around the garden area, but hopefully tomorrow we can take a more leisurely stroll.

A small section of the TRR garden

And I thought cruise ship Internet was bad. I have been on a neighbor's signal as well as TRR and it is painful. Photos will have to wait another day.  I can always buy TK a tank of gas and sit in the truck with his wifi!

FORT MYERS TO DADE CITY, SHOPPING ALONG THE WAY!

On the Road--I am writing this in the truck as we travel, but will not finish....

Tuesday, February 12, 2019
76F

SUNDAY, February 10, 2019

Hilton Garden Inn

Fort Myers, Florida

84F, sunny

Sunday morning we were easily off the MSC Divina and in the truck with all of our bags. Since the ship started its docking process at the Port of Miami at about 4 a.m., it was a little difficult to sleep. In the past we had forms to fill out for U.S. customs, but that has been discontinued—one only fills out the forms if one spends more than the allowed amount. That makes disembarkation much easier.

Driving along Alligator Alley from Miami to Fort Myers is spectacular—wild life abounds, white wading birds (not herons) stand sentinel about every four feet along the waterway that parallels the highway.  White Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Ibis, Osprey are all easily spotted. Alligators are the most dramatic sight and we counted at least thirty of varying sizes in a twenty mile stretch—all lazily sunning themselves. Since we only travel this route about once a year, we do not always see the alligators—so this was our lucky day!

Our drive only took about two hours and we arrived at Fleamasters Flea Market, SR 82, in Fort Myers. (flea mall.com)  With over 400,000 square feet, it is a shoppers’ paradise.  Our first stop was the donut shop—the grand glazed donuts are made right there—five inch radius and circles of sweetness!

Grand Donuts for two!

I checked out my favorite shops—shoes,  clothes, cell phone cases, and made a few purchases.  In another area I checked out the used books— an area as large as several used book stores I know in Erie. The owner told me that books about World War I and the Korean War are snapped up as soon as he puts them out.  I found a few thrillers and made the purchase at $1book. While shopping we listened to a terrific live jazz band.

MONDAY, February 11, 2019

Hilton Garden Inn

Fort Myers, Florida

80s, sunny

TK allowed me an hour this morning at Miramar Outlet Mall before we needed to head to North Fort Myers to Pinchers, a fine waterfront restaurant, for lunch with one of TK’s good firefighter buddies, Kevin and his wife Jan. They moved to this area of Florida several years ago after he retired from the Erie FD, but just bought a house in Tennessee near Kevin’s daughter and family. Jan is most anxious to leave after their experience with Hurricane Michael in 2018.

This is the firsthand account she shared with me: Jan and Kevin were required to leave their double wide home and community because of the hurricane warnings, so they headed to the Orlando-Tavares area to find lodging. Traffic was horrendous and the hotel they finally found that would accept their cat was third rate and charged $1400 for four days. When they returned to their community in Fort Myers, it was a shambles, although their double wide survived. Roofs, debris, palm trees, all strewn everywhere, no electricity. They had loaned their generator to the American Legion where Jan works because that facility was now taking in homeless overflow. Because it was summer, the Florida heat was stifling. 

Jan waded through water to get into the nearby Publix grocery store, but there was no produce, no bread available. She bought hot dogs, meatballs, and tomato sauce and with one other family who had a generator, they were able to make meals for the community for several days until the electricity was restored. She said she has had enough hurricane experience.

Pinchers is a great spot for lunch, on the water, boats docked, a sunny, verdant area.  After a leisurely lunch, we said our good byes and told them we would see them in Tennessee next year. We drove south to the area of ___________to visit TK’s old neighborhood buddy Mike and his wife Maria. What neighborhood stories they reminisce about and how fun it is to listen. Mike and Maria stay in their Florida condo for six months and their Erie home for six months—an ideal situation.

After that visit TK took me to Coconut Point Mall and back to Miramar—it really is a good opportunity for walking, but if anyone has followed the shopping on this blog, you must know by now this is really a shopping trip for Janie—like I am a buyer for a boutique shop in Erie, ha!

 .

TUESDAY, February 12, 2019

Travelers Rest Resort at MaryLou and Scorchy's
Dade City, Florida

78F, sunny, then rain

I forgot about the wi-fi issue at TRR--every year it is supposed to be fixed, every year is the same, SO right this minute TK has his truck turned on and I am writing in the cabana---this was an experiment, but obviously I cannot do this for long. I will write the rest, then post later today (Wednesday, February 13, 2019)

We left the Fort Myers area early this bright sunny morning to drive to Dade City. We made a stop in Lutz (near Wesley Chapel), for gas and the Tampa Outlet Mall. It is amazing how my favorite shops in different malls have different merchandise! After a walk around, we ate at the nearby Cheddars and were on our way to Mary Lou and Scorchy’s Travelers Rest Resort.

I guess this is a reason to buy a Lexus! Complimentary valet parking!

For new readers, Scorchy (John) was a red head in his youth and a professional welder by trade. This beloved Korean War veteran says his grandmother was the first to call him “Scorchy” and the name persisted. Travelers Rest Resort is a large “campground” and residents own the land their camper sits on. For ML and S it is more reasonably priced than paying $800 a month fee as most communities require (or much more), to say nothing about a  mortgage on whatever home, condo, etc. one chooses. 

Mary Lou and Scorchy live in 34 ft. Presidential by Holiday Rambler RV that suits them fine. Next to the Presidential is their cabana with a 6x9 ft. separate dining area, a 27x9 ft. living space with pull out bed, TV, lamps, two comfy chairs, desk, small refrigerator, toaster oven, microwave, a closet, and assorted end tables, and a small bath with shower. It is quite comfortable for us.

The TRR community is a “thriving 55+ resident owned financially stable RV and manufactured home community which provides an exceptional living experience.”  Based on our experience of visiting for the past ten years, we agree completely. There is Branson quality entertainment twice a week as well as an 18 hole golf course (Scorchy golfs just about every day, not bad for an 88 year old veteran!), every club one can imagine (cards, genealogy, garden, sewing, woodworking, etc. etc. etc.).  Check it out at www.travelersrestresort.com. 

TK and I are settled in!

Mary Lou and Scorchy call this home. So do we!!

SUDSY BATHROOMS AND PEACEFUL SEAS

MSC Divina / At Sea

Saturday

76F, sunny

Another peaceful day reading on our shady stateroom balcony. Conversely, the port side of the ship, Donna’s side has sun all day and that is what she likes—it all works out!

Another book bites the dust. Yesterday I donated the three 

Baldacci novels to the ship's library-today all three are gone!

Photo taken on the balcony overlooking the sea--

Last night’s party after dinner was a thank you for sailing with MSC as priority guests.  Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and nonalcoholic beverages were served and we had our photo taken with the captain.  This was our third party aboard this ship. MSC does not seem to do art auctions like the other cruise lines, but there are daily mimosa and champagne offerings at the jewelry stores to entice people to buy.

Other daily activities available included spa and hair consultations, assorted trivia games (6/day), Pilates, bingo, chess, yoga classes, dance classes, even arts and crafts. Music is played at many venues from 12:45 p.m. on.  Despite the variety, I prefer the sound and the peaks and valleys of the waves as I read. TK noted shore birds following us, diving into the water to catch flying fish.

We did have some excitement last night, sudsy bubbles poured out of a drain in our bathroom and covered the floor just before we were going to bed. A call to the front desk brought a plumber who cleaned it up and that was that.  Thankfully we turned our clocks back to EST so we had an extra hour sleep anyway.

This was a satisfying cruise. TK has decided he prefers Princess cruises, but we both agree we have had a good time. The food is good, desserts are very good, and the basic beverage package is the best yet. We have had access to Coke Zero all day every day.  The coffee is good, and TK can find Splenda most of the time. I think MSC ran out of cream two days ago, but I drink coffee black and TK has settled for milk.

There are not too many children on board. Two, about five  years old, live next door to us and I enjoyed hearing them on the balcony today as their dad pointed out the flying fish. There are activities for children aboard, including a large water slide.

Packing on the last day is a chore, but TK loves his cubes and he is almost ready. I even packed three of my cubes, but I still do not believe in packing until after dinner.  Luggage must be outside our door by 11 p.m. TK has mapped out his strategy for leaving me with the luggage, picking up his truck, and then swinging by for me. I hope this step goes smoothly—we are in the 4^th level of passengers to leave the ship, at 7:30 a.m., so that should help.

Donna and Lawrence are flying back to Wisconsin tomorrow afternoon—we will meet them in April in Las Vegas, perhaps with California friends, too.

I saw Granddaughter B1’s name in the Erie paper last night for her varsity bowling—her high game was 169. Granddaughter B2 is a swimmer and competes in New York State. I miss my girls!

Next stop: Fleamasters Flea Market, North Ft. Myers!

TK’s Take: The weather will be 78F in Miami tomorrow and possibly 86F in Fort Myers. He loves his packing cubes!

A QUIET DAY AT SEA ON THE ATLANTIC

MSC Divina / At Sea--Atlantic Ocean

Friday

76F, sunny

The last two full days of the cruise are very lazy without a lot to report. TK and I had breakfast with a couple from Cincinnati, Ohio who stay the over the winter in Marathon Keys on their boat. I would be willing to do that if the boat looked like the one we saw yesterday with the helipad. The couple said that they were dissatisfied with the cruise, the food, and so on. This cruise does have a European flavor and I do prefer simpler food, but I think the crew is friendly and tries to please. Several nights the show has been an opera or operatic singing, but we enjoyed the Queen tribute immensely. There are many things to do on the ship other than the main show.

After breakfast I read for hours on the balcony. Because of the ship’s direction, it was shady all day and the sound of the waves was musical to my ears.   TK returned from his exploring and observations and reported that he thought all 4000+ passengers were on Deck 14 by the pool and buffet area. That convinced us to have lunch at the pizzeria outside the Eataly Restaurant on Deck 7. No one else seemed to be there and we happily paid $8 for a handmade, brick oven baked four cheese pizza.

Pizzeria near Eataly

Four cheese pizza

Tonight is another elegant night and we are invited to a Divina party afterwards. Party people that we are!

TK’s Takes: He can tell it is toward the end of the cruise as he is seeing more injured people. I am going to include a photo he took while wandering around the ship this morning. I think it speaks for itself.

SINT MAARTEN, ST. MARTIN, AND DUCKING AIRPLANES!

MSC Divina / St. Maarten and St. Martin

Thursday

87F, sunny

Since our stateroom is near the thrusters, we feel the port arrivals as the ship is backed into its dock space. That is how we awoke at 6:30 a.m. today. TK likes to head up on deck and check things out and every day he has brought me back coffee and croissants. This ship does not have room service at our level—that is a first for us, but I have TK!

Port of Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles (N.A.)

We walked off the ship about 9:30 a.m. Since St. Maarten is a shopping port, that was my original plan. Since I knew TK wanted to go to the airport and the French side, I found a taxi that would take just the two of us to both for $60, a very reasonable price.  Sammy, our driver, said the French side was devastated even more than the Dutch side of the island during Hurricane Irma. He said that the Dutch side is finally recovering, because the people depend on tourism.  The French side is still suffering because they did not receive much aid from France until recently.

The border between France and Netherlands/Saint Martin and Sint Maarten

As we crossed the border between the two countries (no checkpoint), we started seeing a big difference. Both sides had piles of rubble and houses and apartment buildings with no roofs, but the French side had so much more. We had been to Marigot twice before and I tried to find familiar sights, but much has changed. Huge store fronts were gone and a pile of crushed sail boats rested near the port. There were plenty of people around and Sammy could not find a parking spot. He let us out and returned a short time later.

Marigot, St. Martin

On the sea, Marigot, the worst hit from Hurricane Irma

Last year I did not take photos of the damage, but this  

year I feel compelled to do so, as a witness to history

Since St. Martin (French side) uses euros as its currency and we spent all of ours yesterday, I could not buy anything at the straw market. We walked along for a while and then Sammy picked us up and we headed for the Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side.

TK has wanted to go to this beach for years. This is the one that is within about 25 feet of the airport fence and people stand on the beach near the fence and watch the airplanes fly overhead and land. Depending on the size of the airplane, the jet blast can be quite strong. People are warned that they can be knocked around. A few years ago a tourist was killed as she was thrown upward by the jet blast and she hit her head on a cement wall across the road when she landed. 

Warning!

Twin engine coming in!

TK is living the dream!

Closeup!

Maho Beach across from the airport

Thankfully nothing dramatic happened while we were there, but we saw four different planes land and one take off in the short time we were there. The beach is very narrow with no palm trees/shade, so it would not be enticing except for the spectacle of the planes landing.  TK got some good photo shots and so did I!

Back in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, we headed for our   favorite, Greenhouse Restaurant, for a burger and a pulled pork sandwich and fries. We needed energy for shopping. I bought TK a super bamboo T-shirt in Cariloha that had an airplane and “St. Maarten” in the design. Perfect!

Beachfront hotel in downtown Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Philipsburg has come a long way   from last year when we were here. Most of the hotels and shops are repaired and the bustle of tourists has returned.

Five behemoths were in port today, plus the black luxury yacht in the foreground

Another luxury yacht with a heliocopter on the heliopad. Count  me in!

This is a lively ship at night, lots of entertainment. We will miss the Frank Sinatra show tonight, but we enjoyed the singer in the Atrium, Latin music, very flavorful. People line the rails overlooking the Atrium on two floors, and the Atrium area itself is packed.

TK’s Takes: The desserts on this ship are better than any other.