Western Caribbean Cruise - Belize

Thursday

This sunset picture has nothing to do with the text,
but isn't it pretty? It's from Wednesday.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We turned in at a decent hour last night, because we had to be ready to board the tender at 7:30 a.m. We were taking an “all day” tour to the jungles of Belize, so we had to get off the ship without delay. It was still dark when I got up. I had kind of a hard time sleeping, because I was nervous about not hearing the alarm. And then I was nervous that our room service wouldn't be delivered in time. And then I was nervous because...well, fill in the blank. It was going to be a big day, and I didn't want to wake up with a start at 9 a.m. But, no worries. The room service tray was outside our door at the designated time, and we had no problems getting off the ship, and we arrived on shore in plenty of time to dash to our tour bus without looking to the left or the right. Shopping would have to wait until we got back.

The bus was an air-conditioned coach, which was a pleasant surprise. I was kind of expecting one of those used school-bus-things with open windows and chicken crates on top or something. After all, it was my first cruise, and also my first excursion. The one thing I had asked for was a visit to some Mayan ruins, if possible, and so we were on our way. So excited!

We passed lots of children in school uniforms, on their way to classes, and the town itself (Belize City) looked quite nice and civilized. Especially compared to what we'd seen the day before. As we left the city, the sky clouded up more and more the farther inland we went. And the homes grew farther and farther apart and also more spartan. I suppose the same can be said of a drive from one of our urban areas to more rural surroundings. Or not. Anyway, it was a pleasant enough drive, and comfortable, too. The fog on the windows told me there was a difference between the inside and outside temperatures, and also the humidity levels. This was confirmed when we got off the bus! Steamy jungle heat. And wetness. As the guide said to one of the folks who complained that it was raining, “Well, this is the jungle. It rains in the jungle. That's why it's the jungle.” Hilarious.

River cruise to Lamanai
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

From the bus, we walked to the dock, put on our Deep Woods Off (Don't forget your bug repellant when venturing off on an adventure like this one. The mosquitoes carry interesting diseases that keep on giving), and boarded an open boat for the jungle river boat ride to the ruins. Have you been to Disneyland? There's a “jungle cruise” there, and this reminded me very much of that. Crocodiles, tucans, monkeys, all manner of flora and fauna. We stopped here and there to examine termite abodes, birds, medicinal plants, floating logs that turned out to be crocodiles, and so forth. I kept hearing, “Oh, wow! Oh, wow! WHAT an adventure!” in my thoughts, which made me laugh to myself. Our “jungle cruise guide” at Disneyland the last time we were there was so entertaining, and he kept saying that at every turn, with a very dead-pan expression.

Gum. Yes, we made some. No, we didn't chew it.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We disembarked at Lamanai, where we were treated to a most delicious meal prior to hiking off into the jungle to the ruins. It was pouring buckets off and on, but we were actually quite comfortable. Off we went to the ruins, walking under the canopy of the jungle. It's a lovely walk, really, with lots of exotic plants and animals to see and hear. The howler monkeys were very loud and very high up in the trees. But nothing “extra” rained down on us, happily. Naturally, we were all wearing our hats and ball caps. You can't be too careful, you know.

Climbing up. Don't look down! See the tiny people at the bottom?
Photo by Harry (cute knees!). All rights reserved.

At this point in time, tourists were still allowed to climb one of the pyramids, which we did. I'm not sure if this is still the case. It's way, way steeper than it seems like it would be. Don't look down! There was a rope to hang onto, to keep your balance, and that's how we hoped to keep from meeting our end. If you slip and fall, well, you keep on going. And you're pretty broken when you reach the bottom. Happily, everyone survived the experience just fine.

At the top, we were rewarded with the most spectacular view. It's just above the canopy of the jungle. To the west, you see the cloud-covered mountains in the distance. To the east, you see the Caribbean. It's sunny there. But not here, where we were. It's interesting to see the micro-climates at work all around you. Apparently, for those who went snorkeling today, it was a perfect day. It was a perfect day for us, too.

Lamanai
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We made our way past each pyramid, feeling somewhat like Indiana Jones or something. It was all very beautiful, in an abandoned, eerie sort of way. At night, when the wind blows through there, it must give the same shivers up the spine as you get at Hovenweep (cliff dwelling ruins in the southeast corner of Utah, near Monument Valley, near Mesa Verde National Park). The guide pointed out the Temple of the Jaguar, which he said has been featured in many Hollywood films.

The boat ride back go us all fully soaked, as it was pouring buckets. It's surprising how cold you can get, huddled together against the wind and rain in the tropics. It's also remarkable how an air-conditioned bus feels downright frigid when you're wet. Just a few observations. Once our clothing started to dry, the a/c felt good again.

On the last tender, pulling away from the dock.
Notice the beautiful sunshine!
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Back at the waterfront, in the beautiful sunshine and hot weather, we rushed through the souvenir stands and managed to catch the last tender back to the ship. Whew! You don't want to be left behind, because then it's up to you to make it to the next port on your own. And the next port? Houston, the day after tomorrow! Yikes!

Chocolate. Lots of chocolate.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

It was Thursday night, which means Chocolate Buffet night on this particular ship. Amazing ice sculptures. Stupendous chocolate creations. Incredible stomach aches, just to look at the tons of chocolate items on the tables. There's kind of an “open house” before the orgy begins. You can take pictures, but you can't eat any of the chocolate. What kind of torture is this? But it was well worth it to see the artistry of the wonderful chefs on this ship. And, yes, we did get to sample a few chocolate-covered strawberries and petit fours and other treats later on. 

I took some back to the room to share with my husband. It seemed like the appropriate thing to do.

Western Caribbean Cruise - Roatan, Honduras

Wednesday

Tropical lushness
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

After an beautiful and calm overnight sail from Cozumel, here we are, approaching Roatan. It is a verdant island, all green and lush, with homes dotting the hillsides. Some of these homes are palatial. They do not necessarily belong to the locals, just sayin'.

The sea here is absolutely fabulous and clear. You can see all the way to the bottom, and I keep hearing “Under the Sea” from “The Little Mermaid” going through my head as I look over the railing, straight down though the crystal turquoise to the fish swimming around in the coral way below. Wow.

The water was very clear.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Today, we've decided to get off the ship and wander about. We are greeted by the ever-present “special moments” ship's photographers who seem to be by the gangway all the time, snapping your photo as you arrive at your fabulous destination-du-jour. The photos will be displayed in the photographer's lobby on the Promenade Deck, where you'll also find a most excellent specialty Italian restaurant. There's a modest but worthwhile additional fee to eat there, which is a recommended “at least once” treat to enjoy on the cruise. Back to the pictures. Photos are taken of you at embarkation (where you'll look really happy but awfully tired from the flight), at each destination, on formal nights, at various activities. Obviously, the photographers want to sell their portraits. But here's a little hint: Don't buy them separately, because, oh, say, on Thursday, there'll be a special sale. That would be because, as I said, the photographers want to sell the pictures! But do keep track of yours so you can select your favorites to purchase. The charge, of course, will be added to your tab. Along with your bar purchases, selections at the ship's store, massages, haircuts, mani-pedis, off-ship excursions, and so forth. So, do keep checking your tab to make sure you aren't spending over your own sort-of-preset limit. We want to avoid unpleasant surprises, yes?

The welcoming committee.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We had our photo taken, watched the welcoming local musical group and dancers for a while...very exotic...and noticed an internet cafe just outside the gates. There were actually a number of internet cafes, at least one on every block. Not the most trust-inducing places, if you ask me, but if you must log on, you must log on. Or something.

Looks trustworthy, eh?
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We shopped for hand-made, local souvenirs (sarongs, pine baskets, bracelets) to help out the local artisans. Can I just say, the poverty I saw was appalling. In such a lovely place, rich in natural beauty, with plenty to eat, it's hard to imagine why there would be policemen dressed in camouflage and carrying automatic weapons everywhere, in twos and threes. 

Makes you want to adopt a family, doesn't it?
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

But it's easy to see that the people are exploited and poor. The smell of sewage and rotting things permeates the air, and there's a hollow look in the eyes. The look of despair and anger and bitterness. I understand that it's all completely different in the areas where the huge resort complexes are, on the other side of the island. You know, where these people work. For practically free.

(Steamy camera lens.)
Doing our bit for local economy.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

It was hot in Cozumel, but it is stinking hot and humid here. My camera lens kept fogging up. Quick! A cold drink! And, indeed, it was possible to purchase a local beer and sit on a little dock overlooking the beautiful sea and lovely scenery for very little money. If you stay in the designated tourist areas, you'll be fine. Truly, the folks appreciate your patronage and will do everything possible to help you and your cash to separate. But do stay in the designated tourist areas. If you wander off (as I did), you may not feel comfortable with the looks you'll get. Half a block off the beaten path was all it took to make me turn around and go back. Things may have changed and improved, but...be safe.

This is the grocery store.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

I'd love to see Roatan again and explore the other parts of the island. It truly is beautiful, with amazing snorkeling and diving and lush vegetation. Cozumel was in a foreign land, but Roatan felt like a different world entirely. It's exotic. If you're looking for a place to go on your next good-will mission, you might consider Roatan.

We returned to the ship, where we were welcomed by the crew, went for a quick swim, and prepared for dinner and a show. You get used to the service very quickly, I noticed. At least, I sure did. The way the ship's crew caters to you is just like having servants or something. At least, I imagine so, as I wouldn't actually know. “Yes, madame.” (That's “madame” pronounced the French way, not “madam” or “ma'am.”) “Madame desires [fill in the blank]?” “Please, madame is not eating enough. Would madame like something different?” [Not eating enough?! Are they kidding?! I'm using the stairs instead of the elevators in hopes of not gaining 50 lbs.!] The service is really a “wow” experience. I could get used to this, but I'd better not.

Do I look relaxed yet?
The sarong was a gift from Karen when she
and Bob went to Bora Bora. I take it on every
trip, until I get to see Bora Bora myself.
Flip flops? Aruba trip gift from Cathy K.
Shell necklace? Gift from Hawaii.
Coral bracelets? Gift to self from a woman
combing the beach for tiny bits in Aruba.
Photo by Harry. All rights reserved.

Part of the fun of cruising, I may have mentioned once or twice already, is the nightly entertainment. The revues are excellent and not like local theater or high school musicals at all. It's really more like Vegas, and it's all included in your fare! The auditorium is always full, and you do have to show up a little early if you want a prime seating location.

Wait staff come by every few minutes to make sure you are provided with your libation of choice. Alcohol is not included, don't forget, and that bar tab to your room can add up pretty quickly. Sodas are also not included, but you can purchase a “soda card” at the beginning of the cruise that'll cover all the soda you can drink, if that's what you want to do. Coffee, tea, and juices are all included. I became an avid juicer.

So, on board, we met Ms. Marian Kelly, a truly hilarious and self-deprecating (the best kind) comedienne. She made us roar with laughter, whether she was on-stage or sharing our table in the dining room. Marian was always “on.” Especially fun for us at her first show was a sarcastic bit about high-school cheerleaders and their “Go, team!” attitude, which she said she couldn't stand and made her sick. Well, Cathy and I were both, you may have guessed, high-school cheerleaders. So, every time she would mention the “Go, team!” bit, Cathy and I would shout, “Go, team!” in echo. Naturally, it cracked everybody up, and Marian used it to her advantage in her routine. Every time we would pass her on the ship, we would smile and cheer “Go, team!” as we passed her. She loved it, and so did we, and so did the others nearby. So, it was a whole lot of entertainment for everybody, and we made a friend.

If you're curious about Marian's sketches, you can check her out on YouTube, where you'll find quite a few bits. You'll roar with laughter, too.

About a year ago, a tornado ripped through the town where Marian lives. It destroyed every home on the other side of the street from hers, and it caused a lot of damage to hers, as well. She was home at the time and took shelter in her crawl space. Thank God she was not harmed. We love you, Marian. Go, team!

Western Caribbean Cruise - Cozumel

See that line of white between the sea and the sky? Cancun.
Told ya it looked tiny.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Tuesday

We sailed across the Gulf of Mexico, and the temperature got warmer, as promised! Hurricane Wilma having done a number on the Yucatan, we were unable to visit Cancun, but we saw it as we sailed by. Off in the far distance, the resorts beckoned white in the bright sunlight against the blue sky and azur sea. I know they are large, but they seemed so small and forlorn. The sand had all been washed away, and the new cruise dock had been completely demolished. It's hard to imagine that a storm could tear up concrete like that, but the storm stayed over the area for a long time, and the wind and water ripped it to shreds.

Cozumel when it is brown.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

The end of the dock was ripped off (see left).
The building doesn't look so hot, either.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

So, our ship went to Cozumel, which had also been hit hard by the same storm. There was major damage to the dock and so the ships were at anchor while the people were ferried in. The buildings were also damaged, and the tops of the palm trees were gone. It was all very...brown. New, small trees had been planted, and the rebuilding process had begun.

L to R: Fred, Cathy, Harry
Notice the tall trees and sandblasted buildings.
And the stuffed shopping bag. Go, Cathy!
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We cheerfully bartered and spent some tourist dollars, doing our share to bolster the economy. Those who had been here previously were shocked at the lack of vegetation and sand. Apparently, it's normally quite lush here. But it wasn't on this day. There are lots of cute shops and little boutiques. And Senor Frog's. But we didn't go there. My purchases included some lovely white gauze skirts and shirts. And lots and lots of vanilla. So smooth, such delicate flavor, and colorless. Delicious!

Count the ships. This is good for business.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

There were lots of cruise ships in port, which was a surprise to me. I don't know why I was surprised, except that I didn't really know what to expect. Everything is surprising and delightful to me at this point. I love new experiences. Especially if they're good ones.

On board, there's food and more food. And the buffet is always open, except between 5 and 6 in the morning. There are dance lessons, contests, games, activities galore. Off the ships, there's snorkeling and diving and exploring and shopping and hanging out. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy and cheerful. Except for those who are used to working 12 and 16 hours a day and find that their cell phones, miracle of miracles, work way out here! Turn the thing off, already. And stop checking your messages. Notice, not naming any names in my attempt to protect the innocent.

It was clouding up as we sailed away.
Beautiful shades of gray.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We opted for anytime dining, which means you can eat at the buffet or you can go to a number of different dining rooms to eat dinner whenever you want within the hours of operation. So, you don't have to worry about missing your assigned seating time. Very easy and wonderful. And we never had to wait more than 10 or 15 minutes for a table. The wait staff? Awesome. Attentive. Obliging.

The modest daily tip amount is added to your tab automatically and is split up among all the folks who are serving you. So, you'd think their attitude would be more along the lines of, “Hey, whaddya want?” But, no. You're free to leave them an additional tip towards the end of the cruise, and they work very hard to make sure you're going to want to do that. The service is superb.

I love sunsets. Don't you?
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

In the evening, there's entertainment in the theater. There's a casino, if you like that kind of thing. There are various lounges with live music of different sorts for every taste. There's dancing. There's so much going on all the time, it's hard to decide what to do, and you can't possibly do everything. So, you might as well put on your bathing suit and go soak in the hot tub. Or get a massage. Or whatever you want to do. You're on v-a-c-a-t-i-o-n, and you don't have to worry about a thing.

When you go to bed at night, your room steward has turned down your bed and placed a chocolate on your pillow, and the itinerary for the next day has been placed in your room so you can decide what to do next. When you wake up in the morning, you'll be at a new destination, or sailing up to one. When you return to your room after breakfast to freshen up for your day, your bed will already have been made, fresh toiletries will be available for you, and all will be in readiness. Even if you've only been gone for 15 minutes. I don't know how they do it, but they do it like clockwork. Magnificent. Feeling grateful!

Western Caribbean Cruise - Texas Real Estate...and the cruise begins!

Saturday

Our bags are packed, and we're ready to leave for the port. Woohoo! Harry and I have never been on a cruise together, so this is a “first” for us.

Playing a little catch-up, here are a couple of things we did between the last post (Wednesday) and now:

If you live by the water, you have a dock for
your boat(s). Of course.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

On Thursday, we went to look at houses in Kingwood (a very nice suburb), just for grins. These were houses I saw on the internet but thought they were too cheap to be true. But, guess what? They are absolutely fabulous! And they're 1/2 – no, 1/3 – the cost of houses in my neighborhood back home [Note: This was before the housing bubble burst...]. Or even less than that. Unbelievable. And these homes are in beautiful neighborhoods, with large lots, all the amenities, and nice touches – terrazzo, granite, stainless steel, bathrooms the size of...Texas, polished wood galore, closets you could live in comfortably. Ridiculous, palatial square footage AND backyards with flagstone patios, built-in BBQ's, and perfectly placed vegetation. Makes you want to cry. Or buy, whichever.

Cathy and I ran a bunch of errands and delivered “flat rate box” packages to the 24x7 post office, and then we went to Cathy and Fred's church to help set up for the Sunday school class Christmas dinner, which was that evening. All of this pitching in and poking around made me feel very “at home” and part of things, so you know I loved it! The dinner was BBQ, of course. Delicious!

There's a place called Harwin where there are the most amazing bargains to be had. That's where Cathy and I went on Friday to go shopping. Wow! Marvelous shops, incredible prices, the biggest costume jewelry shop I've ever seen. Okay, so I picked up a couple of things that I really, truly needed and couldn't live without. We might have to send out some more of those “flat rate” boxes, as my bags are in danger of being overweight for the flight home already (and we haven't even purchased cruise souvenirs yet).

Cathy's neighbors and friends knew we were coming for a visit, and so we went around the neighborhood to say hello. They would have been hurt otherwise, and they are universally charming, friendly, and hospitable.

For dinner, we ordered pizza, which we ate at the dining room table following mimosas. We used the good silver and had a nice salad in Cathy's special burl wood bowls from Alaska. Oh! And, naturally, we also used the good china. Why not?

NCL's Norwegian Dream
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

After dinner we had some “Blue Bell” (Fred is very serious about his ice cream. It must be Blue Bell brand, and there must be lots of it. Also, it's called “Blue Bell,” not “ice cream.” Makes you smile, yes?) with pumpkin squares. We drank herb tea and listened to classical music until 2 a.m. Bad idea. The 2 a.m. part, I mean, not the music part. That's three super-late nights in a row. Oh, well. We're on vacation!

And so we're up to date, and off we go to the port of Houston and the ship. So exciting! The last time I was on a cruise was a trans-Atlantic crossing with my mom and brother when I was 11 years old. That was some time ago. And this ship is so much bigger. Back then, there was a Great Divide between regular passengers and “first class.” I remember sneaking into the first class sections so I could see how the “other half” lives. And first class was way, way nicer than “our” class, may I just say. But now I'm all grown up (kind of), and nobody is going to stop me from exploring. I feel liberated.

The Gulf of Mexico from our window.
Harry's napping while I'm unpacking. One of the nice things
about cruising is that you're going to a bunch of places, but
you'll only have to unpack once.
Photo by Chris.

We left Houston, passed Galveston, and sailed into the Gulf of Mexico. Within 4 hours of arriving on board, we had already eaten twice. The first meal was kind of a snack/salad/pizza buffet, and the second meal was the “Bon Voyage” BBQ on deck, complete with a pretty good calypso band. Just hearing the calypso music puts you in a relaxed mood in this party atmosphere. I don't know if I can eat dinner later, though, and I'm positive I don't need it!

Our cabin is really nice, with a queen-sized bed, sitting area with loveseat, chair, table, television, and picture window. It is on the “port” side. I don't know what that means yet, but I'm sure I'll figure it out. There are a lot of oil rigs out there, and we are sailing between them. The waters are a little choppy (not bad). It has been unseasonably cold in Houston these past few days.

It's kind of an eerie feeling, sailing off toward the Caribbean. And thrilling. It's very cold on deck tonight, but I hear it'll be warmer tomorrow, when we're closer to Cozumel. Bon Voyage!

Western Caribbean Cruise - Houston & Galveston

Time for another retrospective adventure! Our friends Cathy and Fred invited us to join them for a Western Caribbean Cruise aboard the Norwegian Dream (Norwegian Cruise Lines). We also spent a few days exploring their "neck of the woods." It was December, 2005, and here we go!

Houston and Galveston

Come and sit by the fire...
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Here we are in Houston, at Cathy and Fred's, and it feels cozy and comfortable. Their home is lovely and reflects their personal charm and style, with gas fireplaces (always on for ambiance) in the living room and master bedroom, which is a loft room overlooking the living room. The house was designed to be open flooring, which it certainly is – vastly spacious, with beautiful hardwood floors. It says, “Come on in and make yourself at home. How about right over here, on the cushy sofa by the fire?”

The guest room is on the main level down a little hallway from the living room, very private, with its own bathroom that connects through to the laundry room off the kitchen. Cathy has thoughtfully supplied it with everything we could possibly need. She sets the hospitality bar pretty high and couldn't be more gracious.

Grab ya some sweet tea and sit awhile.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Situated right by the water on a peninsula between the San Jacinto River and the bayou, it is in a flood zone. So, it's up on pilings and is about 20' in the air. That way, when the water starts to rise and reaches a particular tree, Cathy and Fred can get in their car with their pooch and a few belongings and safely leave the vicinity for higher ground farther inland, knowing that their house will probably be just fine while they are gone. Or not. But judging from what we saw in Galveston yesterday, it's normal for homes near the water to be up on pilings. It's also harder for swamp creatures to make it all the way up to the deck, I imagine. But there I go with my imagination!

Galveston is flat. And, on this day,
it was grey, too.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Yesterday, when we arrived after an uneventful flight from Oakland on Southwest Airlines, we all drove down to Galveston to the sea wall that was built to protect the city after the hurricane in 1900 that killed 6,000 to 8,000 people. With all that water around, and with everything at sea level, it was easy to see why folks were freaking out at the possibility of a direct hit by Hurricane Rita. Galveston is built on an island, and there's basically one bridge and the ferry for getting out of Dodge. I imagine the traffic could back up in a huge hurry if everybody was in a panicked hurry to leave. And once the bridge and ferry shut down, there would be no easy way to get out. I guess you'd have to hunker down in your palatial beachfront home.

The beach at Galveston goes on for miles, and the water is very shallow quite a distance offshore. Glen Campbell, get out of my head with that song, already! Sheesh!

Watching the ships (large cargo ships and oil tankers) sailing in and out of the harbor, we were treated to some pretty entertaining antics by the dolphins. They love to frolic in the wake and jump ahead of the bow. It makes my heart glad to see these creatures having a blast, too.

We took the ferry to the Bolivar Peninsula (east), where we stuffed ourselves with soft-shell crab – BBQ'd, fried, boiled, fired – at the Stingaree Restaurant at Crystal Beach. Very delicious! And the frozen margaritas were pretty spectacular, too, as we sat our table, watching barges navigating the intercoastal waterway just outside the window. There's a bait farm at Stingaree, too, for the fishermen. There are cement block tanks with fresh live, live dead, and dead baits (Interesting classifications, eh? Not being a fisherperson, these may be standard designations, but I wouldn't know!).

View from the deck. Very private.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Upon our return to Houston, we went to the post office and to Target. Yep, just like home. I noticed that flags are at half-mast everywhere, as it is Pearl Harbor Day. Texans are seriously patriotic, and such observances are not overlooked lightly.

The weather is unseasonably cold. In fact, it's freezing. Fred had hoped to BBQ for us on his patio boat, but that may not happen. Maybe we can have a BBQ on the deck if it warms up a bit.

Christmas in New England - Portland Head Light, Victoria Mansion, and home

December 27

Portland Head Light
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We're on the plane at Portland Jetport, getting ready to take off – and I just realized that my camera is not I my bag!! A woman in the next row up said an announcement was made at the check-in area that a camera had been found, but we were long gone from there by then. So, on the good side, I had to switch memory cards today, and most of my pictures are on the card that isn't in the camera. And I have that card. Yay! However, the pictures of the stunningly Christmas-decorated house...gone... I bought a souvenir guidebook, but that doesn't replace my photos. The flight attendant helpfully suggested that we call the airport to claim it, but, really, what are the odds? We'll see. And here I thought I was going to make it through this trip without a single major mishap on my part. Sigh.

Backtrack. So, this morning, Harry didn't want to get up, though it was the only morning on this trip when it was important for us to do so. I admit it, I was a tiny bit irritated and started taking the linens off the bed while he was still in it...heh heh...

We went to Sue's for some quiche left-overs for breakfast, and Harry and Jim and I waited for Melissa and Sue to come back from taking care of some business at the notary public. We settled in, expecting the transaction to take a while, but they were gone for maybe 20 minutes total! They said they drove there, walked right in, had the notary witness the signatures, and drove right back. No wait, no hassle. I love this place.

[When we arrived at the airport, there was no line at the check-in counter. There was no line at the TSA checkpoint. The airplane went straight to the runway and took off – no wait. Things are how they used to be. As I said, I love this place.]

Sue decided not to go to Portland with us because of Jim's injury. Jim, by the way, is taking the calls for his son's “side” heating oil business for a couple of days. As I said, Jim hates to just sit around. Business is good, and the phone is ringing off the hook.

Jim went to the orthopedist today and will be having surgery tomorrow. His Achilles tendon is torn all the way through, and he won't heal up properly without the surgery. [The surgery went well. Several months of physical therapy should help him to recover completely.]

We said good-bye, which is always so very hard to do, especially with such lovely, kind, generous, hospitable people. Parting is such sweet sorrow, eh?

Portland Head Light
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We loaded up the car, turned the heat down in the duplex, locked up, and off we went to the Portland Head Light, which I've heard is the most photographed place in Maine (if not on the East Coast). Who can blame anyone? It is entirely stereotypical and photogenic. The cute cottage front, the add-ons and (presumably) storage areas in back, all connected to the lighthouse in an inverted “T” so you don't have to go outside to get from the house to the lighthouse. Which is a good thing, because I imagine it gets rather chillsome on a blustery winter's day. Such as today, for instance. The wind is reaching right through my jeans with its glacial fingers. Brrr.

You've got your rugged coastline, your boiling waters frothing over the rocks, and your wintery gray skies with pink on the horizon and the faded sun hiding behind clouds. Altogether, it is a picture-perfect winter scene by the seaside. It looks like a postcard at the gift shop, which it is. And the homes on the waterfront are enviable.

Portland, Maine
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We then drove in to Old Portland, which reminded me of Boston's North End, and we had lunch at The ThirstyPig, an Irish pub with one employee on hand for the busy lunch hour. The poor fellow was the greeter, waiter, bartender, cook, busboy, dishwasher, and checker. Harry had a bratwurst sandwich, and I had chicken-apple sausage. I asked for it to be served on greens, but it came on a roll. I didn't have the heart to send it back. And I gave the guy a huge tip, 'cause he totally deserved it. He was doing every job in the place. [I later learned that my credit card had been compromised, possibly here. I hope it wasn't you, dude.]

Beautiful Victoria Mansion
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Melissa's high school friend Michelle joined us at the pub for lunch, and then we all went to the Victoria Mansion, which was unbelievably decked out for Christmas. Every room. Every corner of every room. Every surface in every room. And there were many, many rooms. The ceilings, which are always of great interest to me, because my grandfather was a craftsman who did the fancy ceilings, were amazing. They were plaster, painted with frescoes to look like inlaid wood, with little cherubs and things – very impressive. The woodwork and paneling in the home? Impressive. The fireplaces, mirrors, and mantles? Impressive. The carpets? Impressive. The furniture? 90% original...and impressive.

Over the top? Maybe.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

The house had forced-air heat, hot and cold running water, gas lighting (now converted to electric, of course) with chandeliers that pulled down or pushed up, depending how much light you needed for the leisurely task at hand. Very advanced for its time, ca. Civil War. They even had indoor bathrooms. The water pipes wrapped around the chimney to warm the water. Smart use of energy, eh? Those Mainers have been “green” for a long time.

Leaving is always a bummer.
Photo by Chris.

And then we headed to the Jetport, and here we are, flying to (shudder) O'Hare, where we'll change planes. Harry's been pointing out some cool stuff in the Sky Mall magazine...always shopping, that one. The “special edition” humidor with a Blu-ray copy of “Scarface” for $729.99 is a must-have, no? Well, it does come with 100 cigars...

Amazingly, my camera had indeed been found...and turned in to lost-and-found...at the airport, complete with memory card. It was retrieved by a friend of Sue's, and Sue shipped it home to me. Would this happy ending have happened in most places? No, it would not. And so, it's just one more reason for me to love Maine and the people in it. Thank you so much!

Our arrival in San Francisco was delayed just enough that we missed the last BART train by ½ hour and had to take a cab across the Bay and back to Zack and Mel's. It's a toss-up between the getting there and the coming back as to which is the least enjoyable part of travel; but, on the plus side, the getting there has the benefit of anticipation. What do you think? Do you most dread the getting there, with all its accompanying nerves and unfamiliarity and tantalizing promise of new adventure, or do you most dread the bittersweet separation from a new-found love and the long road home that, at least, ends in the comfort of your own bed?

Christmas in New England - Sebago Lake and Dinner in Gorham

December 26

We slept very late this morning. It's great to be able to sleep in! I started the day with a Captain Eli's blueberry soda, which I found downright tasty. Thank you, Pat and Heather!

We had a quiche brunch at Sue and Jim's, where we discovered Jim camped out on his recliner in the living room, sporting a fetching, brand-new cast on his lower leg and foot! And Sue was at her sewing machine, whipping up a fleece “cast sock” to cover Jim's toes and the cast. What a great idea for keeping his toes warm!

Sebago Lake
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Here's what happened: He was in the woods, feeding deer, when he snagged and wedged his toe under a partially-buried stick or tree root. His momentum brought him down, and the result is that his Achilles tendon is torn. Just how badly, they'll know when he gets the MRI. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, eh?

Jim's a person who absolutely hates to sit around. Since he does all the snowblowing at the main house and at the duplex, which has two driveways, and winter has just begun, who will take over this chore while Jim is incapacitated? I heard a lot of sure-hope-it-doesn't-snow-anymore-type comments. Good luck with that, right?

The railroad tracks by the boat ramp at the lake.
But don't get in the water.
Photo by Chris.
All rights reserved.

We (except for Jim) left to go to Oggie's (Mel's grandmother, Sue's mother), which is by Sebago Lake, about a 45-minute drive away. At 45 square miles, with 105 miles of shoreline, it is the deepest and second largest lake in Maine and is the water supply for the city of Portland. It's beautiful, and I imagine it's pretty busy in the summer. There are signs up that you can't go swimming, but you can go fishing and boating. In the winter, when the lake is frozen over (which hadn't happened yet), you can drive your pickup truck on over to your fishing hut on the ice, presumably driving your pickup truck right back to the shore to find a restroom if you need to relieve yourself. But, whatever you do, don't get in the water. You might pollute it. Things that make you think.

The sun sets behind the pond.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Oggie lives outside the picturesque town of Gorham, on lots of beautiful, rolling acreage that houses the gentle slopes where Melissa went sledding and the pond where she went skating as a child. And the woods where parties were held when she was a teenager. But maybe I'm getting stories mixed up, and it was someone else having the parties.

Mel's gram has a Pug dog and a Cairn terrier, and those pooches rule the roost. And why not? They are adorable and sweet, and they are great watchdogs. Harry had a good time playing with them, as he has done with Dudley at Sue's.

Where Mel grew up.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

The frozen landscape is so lovely – undulating hills and stands of leafless trees interspersed with evergreens, a country road with only a very few other homes visible (even with the leafless trees). What a great place to be a fearless kid. This is where Melissa grew up, in the house on a knoll across the lane from her grandma and grandpa's. How wonderful is that? Sue still owns most of the land across the lane, having sold the house and a couple of acres.

For dinner, we went to the home of Mel's “Uncles” and wife Robyn for a dinner of lasagna and salad that Sue made and brought along. Robyn had prepared cheese appetizers (and some post-dinner brownies and ice cream!). Robyn's daughter, Andrea, made chocolate chip cookies as well as peanut butter cookies with a mini-Reese's peanut butter cup in the middle for more dessert. Come on! Stuffed, once more! 

We all visited for a while, and again it was hard to pull ourselves away from new friends. What a treat it is to meet all these wonderful people.

Then it was time to head back to do some laundry and pack our bags for the trip home. I can't believe we're leaving tomorrow! These past few days have zipped by so quickly.