[Just Jacquie]

Just thought I would let you guys know what's been going on with me and my family lately, in case you've been wondering. On Tuesday, Jan 24th, my husband and I will be going to Indiana to visit his Mom and brother, whom we haven't seen in several years. Actually, we are flying into Louisville, KY, which is the closest airport to Southern Indiana, where they live. They actually live in Madison, Indiana, which is bordered by the Ohio River. It will be nice to get away from everything for a little while, and get a break from cooking and constantly cleaning up after a family of six!! My m-i-l is very anxious to see my DH, as they weren't able to come out and visit him while he was hospitalized all those months.

Then, in late March, we are ALL going on an 8 day cruise from NY to the Bahamas. No, not on the Costa Concordia (what a mess that was!), but on the Norwegian Gem. It's going to be a big, fun, bunch of us, including my son and his family, and my d-i-l's parents - 8 of us all together. We have 3 cabins in a row, and are really excited about going!

Needless to say, my husband is doing well. His meds are pretty well stabilized, he has a therapist, as do I, and he is happy, well fed, and relaxed. The first half of this year will be a busy one, what with our trips and also the addition we are having built onto our house sometime within the next several months. We are building a master suite on the main level for my husband and me. We are really looking forward to that, as well.

I probably won't be able to get online at all next week, but we will be coming home next Sunday.

Jacquie, the world traveler

[bizi]

hugs to you.
(((((HUGS)))))
bizi

[waves]

Hi Jacquie,

glad to hear you upbeat (if a bit exhausted?) and that hubby is doing well.

I hope your trip is relaxing and have a great time on the cruise. Do not be tempted to underestimate the Bahamian sun even if it's "just" March. or you will all be lobster-like in a matter of hours. word! i speak from experience. many sightings of unwary tourists with acute lobsteritis , in both the uniform coloration as well as the striated form (bikini/clothing lines). very funny to look at... hehe. - not funny when you're inside that hide!

(((hugs)))

~ waves ~

p.s. clouds do not offer protection.

[Dmom3005]

Not sure if you have been warned the louisville bridge is out.

Find out the best way to get across.

And have a great time with both.

Donna

[DiMarie]

Oh Jacquie how wonderful.
The change and different scenery, seeing his family. WOW.
Another parellel we have. Last year after all the litigation was settled, we took our first cruise ON THE GEM!!!!!

What fun, there is a great cruise director Sinan that is to return in March. He is having knee surgery from a woman falling on his leg during a game show. I remember the triperdation I had to go, but what a wonderful time it was.

There were some anxious moments, but on the whole, there was nothing more relaxing, so free, just to relax, eat, be entertained. We are going back again in the Fall this time if income tax refunds are generous.

When you take the cruise, it is less costly to go off the ship into the port and walk or take the little lokie shuttle to activities. The on board ressies are so much more. The only one I would take is the last day a trip to Horse shoe bay because the ship will not sail until you are back on board.

I did the farie into Queens Town I think it was called. Did suvenier shopping and booze. For Horseshoe bay we took a taxi there and back, non traffic time, with traffic delays that gets $$$. There are buses. The walk back up the hill would be too much for me, so taxi was great. Although there is a shuttle for $2.50 each way. My KT swam with the dolphins for 1/3 the cost of on board ressies.

For no travel, there is a lovely beach behind the Frog's N Onion right across from where you port. A must is the Frog n Onion even if it is for Root Beer or Lemon aide. Loved sitting outside had a pint with the husband and two boys.

Take a white outfit for White hot nights, dancing and great time to watch awhile. Get up and see the sunrise. THere are virtually no one on deck at that time.

In the Blue Lagoon, you can get a wonderful breakfast afterwards. The Pacific room is a grand supper. I did not care for the Italian that you paid an additional fee for. It was not all that great. I did very much enjoy the Steak house, the meal was fantastic, I think $25 more.

OH, take any immodium, pepto, that you may need. DS and I are lactose intollerant. The first day we arrived in Bermuda he complained at the med center for something to stop diarehea.....NOT ON A CRUISE. OMG, they put him in isolation for 24 hrs and missed an entire day on the island. THey did comp him the dinner at the Steak house, bottle of wine for the family for the inconvienance. The problem was at the Blue Lagoon, he thought the Buffalo Wings should have been cooked more. Me I thought it was the Blue Cheese after two days catching up. He had the winges every single day...taking the chewables I brought after the incident.

There is no laundry, Not much on TV. Great reading areas, loungers to relax in sun or shade. Hot tubs. Most of the time is causual, at the most no jeans. The Pacific room was pants, nice jeans okay, no shorts. The one Oriental dining was nice shorts no jeans? For men that is. I had capri's I took, shorts, one long island looking dress for the group night we had for the gang I went with. Take your bathing suit and change of clothes in your carry on, the next you see your suitcases could be after supper.

Oh, if you meet Sinan, let him know that you are a friend of Dianne that lost her diamond from the engagement ring, The GEM kept my Gem.
I had just replaced the setting because when I had it cleaned the prongs were worn down and I did not want to lose it...they put the stone in too small a holder, and the prongs were spread too far. THe shop tried to tell me it was the hot tub and pool.
Not a brand new ring for a few dips could do that though.

OH< the pool is about 6 ft deep, but even my non swimmer KT, could not sink and had the best time. Oh, they drained the pool to look for my ring.

I would have booked again for March and almost did, but remembered the rates so low in Sept and the younger kids want a Fl. trip. Annual passes to Disney means the trips this year we would have taken over a few years.
Air fare was $800 for the 4 of us.

I am excited for you, I know that this will be such a wonderful time. Healing, loving, beauty soul filling.
Di

[bizi]

thank you di for sharing and for the memories, I am sure you enjoyed recounting the trip too.
(((((HUGS))))
bizi

[Just Jacquie]

Thanks for the reminder about the sun, waves! I am usually pretty careful in the sun, and my husband is going to really have to watch it because of the burns to his hands, ears and neck.

Di, sounds like you had a great time! This will be our third cruise, but the first with a bunch of family! It should be great fun!

Well, must go finish packing for our trip tomorrow!

Hugs to all, Jacquie

[DiMarie]

Have a wonderful time, safe travels,
Di

[waves]

(((hugs))) and since you mention hubby's condition it just occurs to me,

another thing to consider too - a lot of meds ALSO cause increased photosensitivity ... quicker to burn... hubby may need to keep light, loose long-sleeved clothing on for the most part, and stay in shaded areas. you'll figure it out. have a great time!!!

Hey, would you consider packing me as a stowaway? ... then you can buy souvenirs and take those back instead ... i'll stay behind on the islands

ahhh... those luscious turquoise carribbean waters.... sigh...

ahh, now where'd i set my Bahama Mama...

Hey, if you guys drink - you have to order one of those. that and a Pina colada someplace they use FRESH coconut milk (ask before you order) - you can even have that virgin... just pineapple and coconut is wonderful (i like mine with the rum spike though ).

~ waves ~ wishing you smooth sailing

[Just Jacquie]

Thanks, Donna for the info about the bridge. My b-I-l mentioned that, and he will be picking us up. He can't use Google - believe it or not, no computer, and no GPS, so I hope he got good directions!