Day 183 - Sea Day

Well, I suppose I had my share of sun, sand & sea these past few days, as I slept quite late today! I do love a good sleep-in! Even more exciting was the fact that Valentina used the potty box! I got her started (expressing her bladder) & then she finished up the job! Sadly, she didn't go again & there was no #2 involved, but tomorrow's another day! She's pretty much on the ship all week, so she had better get used to it!

Her & Papa are bonding wonderfully. They cuddle & play all the time. It makes me laugh - Jaco & I will share a kiss or two & as soon as her little ears hear the smooching noise, she's right in there, licking our faces! Every time, without fail! :o)

Today, I also finished my last & final expense sheet for bankruptcy! I am official finished with my bankruptcy! YAY! Celebration!!! If all goes as planned, I shouldn't be hearing from the Insolvency company again! Let the rebuilding begin! I also found out I had a parking ticket… You remember the post right before I left for Mexico this last time? I was running around downtown Calgary trying to pay my speeding ticket? Well, those little turkeys tried to ding me with a ticket! I had Mom's truck & accidentally entered in one of the incorrect numbers on the license plate. I entered 'RXY 221' instead of 'RXY 721'. You'd think they would pick up on that, as it's only a one block section with only a few parking spots. Nope. They sent me a ticket. Luckily I had printed receipts both times I paid my parking. We scanned them tonight & sent them off to Mom. Hah! Take that Parking Authority!

I am also pleased to report that the eczema is pretty much gone from my forearms, bicep & belly. BUT. I am NOT pleased to report that I have a far more intense case of eczema breaking out on my feet, calves, wrists, chest, back & knees. Ugh. It is brutal! I'm quite sure it's the chlorinated water on the ship, but it's pretty hectic itching! I had a good sand scrub yesterday in Aruba, but I can tell it's going to need a whole lot more to get rid of it!!! The old stuff was patchy & scaly. The new stuff is bumpy & blistery - like pickle skin. How sexxy! 

I called the Oncologist back home today, but unfortunately he is away until Monday. I also called Mom. Still no Annie in the picture, but she did tell me about a nearby kennel. Why would you need a kennel when you don't have a dog? That's like having braille on a drive through ATM. No really, it seems to be a recurring joke in my life these days. And it's seriously true! How many blind people drive? I get they need money, but really? 

It's been a little 'queer' these past few days. As I sit in this beautiful big cabin, typing my long overdue blog posts, I glance over at the 'Officers Telephone List'. It reads - 'Staff Captain - Nick Boon' & 'Seco (Security Officer) - Jane Boon'. What's so queer about that? Well, Nick was my first 'ship boyfriend'. He's now married to Jane, a former ships Assistant Shop Manager/Former Bobby (Cop) now Security Officer. They are no longer on the ship anymore, but it just seems weird that they were here shortly before I arrived. I haven't spoken to Nick in 3+ years. I thought we were good friends, but one day he emailed me & asked me to never contact him again. Bizarre. I think his fiance/now wife had some control issues. Anyhow… Thank goodness that is part of the past!  

Tonight we watched sports. Yawn. Then we watched The Hangover. Or rather, I watched the Hangover while Jaco & Valentina slept. They are both so adorable when they sleep. Did I mention my husband is a dead ringer for Christian Bale? Only Jaco can save your life too! :o)

Okay, I better stop tooting my horn & get to bed… Love & hugs… Tomorrow is Montego Bay. Man, this cruise is like living that Beach Boys song - Kokomo… 

xxxxx

Maria, Valentina & Jaco (Yaah-ku)

Beach bums catching up on zzz's

Looooooong day at sea!

Papa keeping an eye on Tweet Pea

Day 153 - Loooooong Day! Loooooong Drive!

This morning I was woken up by a cold nose & paws on my cheek. Thanks Tweet Pea. I got up & packed up my things. Dad & I had some lunch & cancelled the ride, as it was FREEZING cold outside! Brrr! What a wind! It certainly didn't feel like Spring time out there!


We hopped over to Glen & Lynette's after dinner & found Glenn in the barn pulling a calf. Of course, I spent the first 5 minutes trying to keep their 4 lab puppies outside of the barn. It was a challenge! With the baby calf on the ground & soon up sucking from Mama, we left the 2 to bond & headed to the house for some tea & coffee. 


Glenn is the kind of person who won't take no for an answer. You eat there & even if you say 'No thank you', you're bound to have a 2nd burger, 2nd cup of tea or what have you. You never go hungry/thirsty at their house! Hospitality is definitely their forte! 


We visited long enough for their daughter, Delaine, to arrive home from school. Oh my goodness. I feel old. She is in grade 9 & gorgeous! I babysat her when she was about 1 or 2!!! CRAZY!!! We chit chatted about school & who the teachers were... Some are still the same as when I was there, but most are new. Again. Old. 


We finished up the tea & coffee & it was time for me to leave. I hugged Dad goodbye & sped off for Medicine Hat. I was stopping in to see Stella on my way to Lethbridge. It was so wonderful to see her! We had a great visit & again, several cups of tea! We talked about a lot of different topics & I sure do wish I lived closer. I'd swing by for tea all the time! Stella has a heart of gold & I hope I can get back to see her again this summer.


I left for Lethbridge & started down the old familiar highway. I used to live in Lethbridge (twice) & also drove to Cranbrook to see my first 'serious' boyfriend when I was in College.  In fact, I also drove the opposite direction a fair bit when I worked as a surveyor's helper for one summer. I'll never forget the early morning drive to 'The Hat' from Lethbridge. Another old flame I was seeing called me early to tell me to watch the road on my way to work. Confused & thinking he was crazy, I was looking & looking & looking, when finally I saw it. There on the middle of the busy highway were the words:
Ryan
-
-
Loves
-
-
Jill
Awh. I felt a little like a bit of Jeff Foxworthy's 'Redneck' lyrics, as no one had ever used spray paint to declare their feelings towards me, but looking back, it was pretty sweet. Certainly made the drive more enjoyable! :o)


Anyhow, enough of ex's. I was just about to Coaldale when this black Acura sped up & drove alongside me. The car swerved close to my car & then sped ahead. I watched it for awhile & noticed it crossing the centre line a little too much. When it carried on with this behaviour for a little too long, I called 911. The car eventually turned off the main road & I didn't follow it. I left that in the hands of the trusty RCMP. It felt good to report it! I didn't tell them I'd been speeding the whole time though! :o)


I pulled into Dave & Collet's about 2330. Ezra was up & patiently awaiting the arrival of 'Nini'. He was so excited! They played & played & played until they were both tuckered out! I was tuckered out too, but Collet & I stayed up & had a little chat. 


Bedtime came way too late, but the end is in sight! Have a great sleep & see you soon!
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Valentina's 'bed head' ears.

She loves mornings as much as her Mama!

Sleeping on Mama's knee to get close to the heat vent