Yesterday, I was up at the crack of dawn again, had a quick breakfast, down 7 flights of stairs, on to the tender, in to the waterfront of St. Thomas, onto a truck/taxi, over the mountain, down to the other side of the island, in to a marina, on to a catamaran and off over the waves on a snorkeling adventure. Only I didn't snorkel. It was cloudy and cool and I really just wanted to sail. The weather was such that we couldn't go over to St. John as planned but instead went to Christmas Cove, a pretty little place. Here is where the snorkelers swam. It was quite entertaining to watch the newbies. Men are such crybabies, aren't they? Especially the old ones; shame on them for treating their wives like mommies. But I digress.

Christmas Cove

Our skipper's name was Ocean (yes, his mother named him that) and I think he took pity on my solo status so I sat with him and his little dog, Maximus. I spent my snorkel time chilling in the trampolines but got up when the memories of the sailing days with my husband began to overwhelm me. It is still a stab in the heart when I think of everything he threw away. But anyhoo . . . 

Captain Ocean

and Maximus, fast asleep at his feet

We sailed for about an hour and a half on the way back, around the islands, with a stiff wind, oh it was wonderful. There is nothing quite like turning off the engines and feeling the wind take the sails and the pure silence of traveling on the wind. Well, except for the dozen or so drunken sunburned tourists trying to dance to reggae.  sigh

My latest towel animal from Arnel upon my return to the boat.

Leaving St. Thomas

 So, St. Thomas is kind of the armpit of the Caribbean, smelly and crime ridden; my husband and I were here many years ago, like 20 maybe? I had bought a trip at the NPR auction. We had a wonderful time - well I did anyway. It hasn't changed much, just a bigger tourist trap than it used to be. Still, it has that Caribbean flavor, as evidenced by this road sign below. Gotta love it.

This is the view from my stateroom this morning where I had to hustle to get to class by 8:30am. 

The seas picked up during the day as we cruise south and I just want to say it's a freaking miracle nobody slashed themselves or anyone else with their rotary cutter. I was working on tracing to a transparency in my art quilt class and my straight lines came out a bit wavy here and there. Well, maybe a lot.

This was my teacher today, Michelle Kincaid, with her "beach rose". She is a wonderful teacher, funny and patient, and I am not even close to finishing either of the projects I started today. Had a great time though!

Off to dinner and a show . . .

We cruised off the coast of Cuba most of the day - took an alternate route inside the Bahamas over night because of heavy seas. Today's are "moderate". Doesn't bother me a bit. 

Nose to the grindstone all day at my first quilting class with Michelle Kincaid (and she is fab). There were two classrooms operating at a time - I think there are about 25 of us from all over. I won't show you my work in progress yet as it needs a little more time before it is recognizable. There is open sewing in the evening but what the what?? We're on a cruise!!

We have been supplied with these Janome machines and they are AWESOME. The rep is Aaron and he threads our machines and helps us out whenever we need him. I think he's sold a few - great onboard deal - and I have to keep reminding myself that I will not be unfaithful to Miss Elna, who is patiently waiting for me at home. But would ya look at the throat on this thing! OMG!

Came back from dinner with friends I met in Bali last year to find this from my steward, Arnel. I was hoping for an Indonesian crew so I could practice the language but Arnel is Filipino and I am not YET fluent in Tagalog. Oh well.

And, here we have the two story stained glass art above the dinning room door. See the mermaid? The sail reminds me of a quilt (I mos def am in quilting mode).

So, having a lovely time and wish you were here! Haven't really relaxed yet, with another 9 to 5 class tomorrow, but those of you who know me will amazed to know that I slept for 11 1/2 hours last night!  Woohoo! A once in a decade event. No little wet noses to wake me up and no nightmares about he who shall remain nameless. I could have slept 11 more but needed to get to class.

That's all for now. Cheers!

I woke up this morning and kissed my girls, told them that Florence was coming to stay. They said Woohoo! and Seeya! and I drove to the Port of Miami. Guess why. Yes! I am on a cruise. And not just any cruise; a quilting cruise!!!  Oh, I am so excited. 

Port of Miami

Out to the ocean thru Government Cut

good times!

From my room a few minutes ago. Beauty

So happy and just a little melancholic. My husband and I loved cruising. We never thought we would but one trip to Alaska made us huge fans. I didn't think I would go again after he left and I have to admit to a few tears when we pushed off and it was  hard seeing the couples on board as we sailed away, a reminder of how it used to be. So, I can be a little sad tonight, but tomorrow? A whole new fabulous wonderful day and 9 more days of adventures and - excuse me? Did someone say Quilting?? Cruising and quilting. OMG, it is the ultimate good time. What a wonderful life it is.

Bon voyage!

Voices

Well, I don't have any pictures to show you because I don't know how to get them off my phone but I will tell you that Mom and I went to the Voices for Florida Keys Children luncheon yesterday. I don't usually feel much of a sense of belonging anywhere but yesterday, I looked around our table of ten and I felt such a powerful connection with the strong beautiful women there. And, you know who you are. Just wanted to say that.

Today I am off on an adventure. I'll tell you all about it later - with pictures!

Woman escapes grizzly attack with small pistol

This is a story of self control and marksmanship with an itsy bitsy shooter by a woman against a fierce predator.

What is the smallest caliber you trust to protect yourself?

      Grizzly                            The Beretta Jetfire:

 

“While out hiking in Alberta Canada with my husband, we were surprised by a huge grizzly bear charging at us from out of nowhere. She must have been protecting her cubs because she was extremely aggressive. If I had not had my little Beretta Jetfire with me I would not be here today!”

Just one shot to my husband’s knee cap was all it took…….the bear got him and I was able to escape by just walking away at a brisk pace.

I wanted to show you the little mug rugs I made for a swap in the Quilting Gallery (see my fave places). And I know they need a good pressing. I am going to send them out to my secret pal in Michigan. Soon, I will get two in the mail as well from a different secret pal. Cute, right?

 We went out to Pilot House for dinner the other night. We've been eating out so much, I am sick of it! Here is my mom with her piece of key lime pie, made all the sweeter because it was free!

 I found this picture of my Mom and Dad and Rose the other day. I got in trouble when I was a kid for mugging for the camera. Well, I guess the apple didn't fall far from the tree. Here's my bad influence right here!

And, this is a picture of the girls begging Sue not to leave. She is flying back to Maine today. It's been fun!