I guess I can’t say I’ve actually made it to my Golden Wedding Anniversary as it is December 31st at approximately 3:00 pm. But that’s another long interesting story about two young sweethearts far from Ohio in Missoula, Montana as struggling students. Poor as church mice we decided to tie the knot and the university pastor encouraged us to use the flowers and candles already lit from a 2:00 wedding. All the folks from that wedding were in the church basement toasting the newly wed couple. The pastor snuck upstairs in his regal robe and married us with all of their beautiful decorations. The snow was coming down heavily and in our little Opal Cadet we just barely got married and out the door braving the weather and roads to find an inexpensive diner where we could have dinner with the couple that stood up for us. Anyway, I feel humbled and fortunate to have had my best friend and sweetheart by my side all these years. I’m hopeful that we will have good health to enjoy more adventures holding hands and sneaking a hug or two.
For two years we haven’t traveled other than our camper: no flights, no cruises or train trips. With the COVID virus turning the world topsy turvy and making travel rather fearful we hope with our triple vaccinations (booster) and a negative COVID test before we embark we will be better protected. We will wear our masks, social distance and stay away from large crowds. Our cruise is a fully vaccinated cruise. Masks must be worn everywhere except for eating or drinking.
Our ship is the Holland America Zuiderdam and she is now in San Diego waiting for our arrival. We were supposed to be on her two weeks prior to our December 23rd departure on a Hawaii cruise but they cancelled it due to the State of Hawaii asking for fewer tourists during high numbers of COVID. I will post our 10 day itinerary and a map too.
Like many of you I have packed, unpacked, tried on clothes to see if I can still wear them and then re-evaluated the weight of the suitcase. One of my newest purchases for this cruise….wait for it….. new UNDERWEAR!!!! Ha ha. It seemed important to me that after 50 years I could splurge on some things! I’ve got a new cut and color and soon getting a pedicure and a manicure with the dip nails. I’m hoping Dan will notice my beauty but it’s doubtful!! Some things never change but he seems to have always liked me for who I am.
So there you have part of the story. Two very good friends of ours will be joining us in this cruise, Chuck and Betsy Story, and yes we both splurged on balconies!! That way we have good ventilation ( that was my ploy to get Dan onboard). We leave December 22 and fly to San Diego staying at the Best Western Yacht Club hotel. We will be tested 48 hours before boarding here in Buckeye and take our results to the ship. We board on the 23rd at 2pm. A group of Arizona folks will be meeting at the sail away party to get acquainted which should be fun.
Whatever you do for the holidays be genuine, be safe and be humble. Give when you can and count your blessings. Think of us in New Year’s Eve and give us a toast if you feel like it.
Stay tuned for more on our celebration. Happiest of holidays my friends and bless you.
Here is our itinerary. We have never sailed up into the Sea of Cortez so these ports are all new for us. We have some interesting excursions planned but I’ll share that later.
Here’s our map round trip from San Diego, CA a short flight for us from Phoenix.
Here is our ship at present docked in San Diego. Isn’t she a beauty and looking festive?
Dans suitcase!!
My suitcase… much more organized!!
Here we are at the altar the day of our wedding 50 years ago….
And here’s our 18 year old kitty Frazier oblivious to it all. I will miss him but my sweet daughter Tessie will make sure he’s loved and fed every day.
And in parting our two good friends in their funny Halloween outfits!!! They will add some humor and goodwill to this trip!!
