Author Archives: Sparky
Carnival Liberty Day 2: Embarkation in New Orleans LA
The Econolodge was just 4 miles from the Carnival cruise terminal, but, as I have mentioned, it is Mardi Gras season in New Orleans, so getting a taxi is more difficult – and more expensive – than usual. This became an issue when we checked out at 11am. We took our bags to the office … Continue reading
Carnival Liberty Day 1: Lehigh Acres FL to Gretna LA
Unlike every other cruise we have taken, this one started with an all-day drive to the port. It was 805 miles via FL 884, I-75, I-10 and US 90. It included a short detour to drop off Becky in Ft Myers where she will be cared for by a friend (and will socialize with another … Continue reading
Carnival Liberty preview
We are going on a cruise next week. That isn’t exactly earth-shattering news to those who know us. This one will be special because it is Marlene’s “milestone” cruise – her 25th cruise on Carnival Cruise Lines. It will be on the Carnival Liberty, out of New Orleans. That port will also be special – … Continue reading
28
Degrees, that is. Yes, we had a low of 28 on Monday – 4 degrees below freezing. There was frost on our windshields. Plants froze. Pipes didn’t. And it didn’t snow. But it could have. Not Florida weather. And not weather I like. Too damn cold for anything outdoors, including softball. It is supposed to … Continue reading
2025 blog booklets (Carnival Venezia, NCL2, TN_11, TS_11, ATW, NCL3)
2025 was a HUGE travel year with a lot of blogging. It is documented in 2 volumes. Both are over 100 pages.
“The Chase” by Clive Cussler
Copyright 2007 by Sandecker, RLLLP. Published by Penguin Group, an imprint of G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York. Cussler writes adventure/mystery books featuring Dirk Pitt, the Special Projects Director of the National Underwater and Marine Administration (NUMA), a fictional government agency. I like his Dirk Pitt books. Totally ridiculous plots, but a lot of fun to … Continue reading
Eyelid surgery recovery
I had the stitches from my eyelid surgery removed yesterday. The scars continue to heal, but this minor ordeal is pretty much over. My sister was alarmed by my day-of-surgery photo so I feel compelled to post this updated photo, to show her that I am recovering.
Eyelid surgery
Marlene had eyelid surgery earlier this year and was very happy with the results. She recommended it to me and I had to admit to myself that my eyelids were drooping. Apparently the doctors agreed and the insurance company said they would pay for it, so yesterday, just to finish the year with a bang, … Continue reading
Cellulitis
Marlene’s “double whammy” health issues on the NCL3 cruise – flu-like symptoms and a swollen and discolored leg – has been diagnosed as a single problem – cellulitis, probably from a scratch she got while giving her dog a haircut before the cruise. She is on antibiotics now and the flu-like symptoms that subsided before … Continue reading
“Birds of Prey” by J.A. Jance
Copyright 2001 by J.A. Jance. Published by Avon Books, an imprint of Harper Collins, New York. This is the first J.A. Vance mystery I have ever read. This one features J.P. Beaumont, a retired Seattle homicide detective. I guess I jumped into the middle of the series as this is #15 of the 23 Beaumont … Continue reading