Day 504 - Curaçao

Humming right along with my sprouts, I planted the wheatgrass, peas & sunflowers. The other sprouts continue to be rinsed & some will be ready by tomorrow night! I don’t have the proper trays & I couldn’t get stockings to cover the trays with, so I’ll attempt to use the spray bottle again this time around. Hopefully I won’t get any mold & will get a nice even growth. I sprouted more seeds than previously, although I did spread them out over 1.5 trays apiece. Here’s hoping!

Jaco & I went out in Curaçao today. He had never been ashore there, so I was happy to show him around, although we only had 1.5 hours. He had always looked out from the ship & didn’t think there was much to see. Truthfully, in town, unless you’re shopping or going for a meal, there isn’t a whole lot to see. Out of town, there are plenty of beaches & great diving! Sadly, we didn’t have time for that! We walked past the new hotel that has gone up since I was here in 2007. There are plenty of typical ship shops – Diamonds International, Columbian Emeralds, etc, etc. We then walked into the Old Fort, with more shops & little cafés – it has a nice ambience to it.

Exiting the Fort, we came to the swing bridge, but it was closed to let ships pass by. We waited for quite some time & finally took the ferry across – about the time the bridge swung open. We visited with one of the locals, took a quick stroll down the main pedestrian street & a few souvenir photos before it was time to head back to the ship! Jaco had a hankering for ice cream, so after we’d walked across the swing bridge we stopped for ice cream in the Fort.

We made it back with 3 minutes to spare! Here’s hoping we can get off a little sooner in Grand Turk! We were both commenting on how hot it was & how nice it would have been to be in the water today!

I went up to the gym (day 2!) & decided to do yoga out on deck. Bad decision. I used to do yoga outside all the time when I was on the Sun Princess. This is a sister ship, so the layout is pretty much identical. Well, something must have changed. I was in the exact same spot as I used to be & it was disgusting. There were bits of carpet, hairs, dust, dirt, passenger receipts & paper towels whirling around in a wind tunnel in the exact spot where I’d chosen to do my workout. Gross. I blew the bits off my laptop about 6 times when I finally decided it might just wreck my laptop, so I went inside. I had to compete with the loud dance music playing in the gym, but I managed to fumble my way through the remainder of my workout. I’m pretty out of shape. My poor arms were buckling & shaking like crazy on a few of the poses. My balance is also a little lacking. It will be a few weeks before I can handle crow pose – that’s for sure!

This evening, I had the pleasure of dining with Larisa in the pizzeria. I met Larisa when I sailed with Jaco on the Star Princess in South America. She is a Photographer from England & has a passion for travel. So much so that she only spent 9 days at home on her last break! That’s impressive! She’s making plans to travel to Costa Rica, Barbados & Thailand for this holiday coming up. We had a wonderful visit – in fact, we were talking so much that I didn’t even realize we were the last two left in the restaurant! Whoops! I haven’t laughed that much in a long time!

She recently took up running, so I took the pleasure of introducing her to Lululemon. When we came back to the cabin, I showed her half my wardrobe. I think I’ve piqued her interest! She’s also an avid diver & was my buddy last cruise in Dominica. She’s leaving at the end of this cruise & I’m going to miss her terribly. I’ve really enjoyed seeing her again! But that’s the beauty of ships. It’s never goodbye. Only goodbye for now. You always bump into each other again somewhere down the path.

Jaco was already in bed by the time we came back to the cabin, so we didn’t visit for too long. I’ll see her again before the end of the cruise…

But for now, it’s bed time. Tomorrow is a sea day & Jaco has asked me to join him for the Captain’s Circle Luncheon. I’ll fill you in shortly!

xxxxMaria

 Swing Bridge

Day 503 - Bonaire

This morning I did my best to create some raw food. I made ice cream! Well, actually, the ice cream maker is hopefully making ice cream, but I made the milk to go into the ice cream! I misread the recipe & instead of getting 12 cups of milk, I only got 6.5 cups. Minor detail! It smells delicious, so here’s hoping it will taste as good as it smells!

I also made another liter of almond milk. I made a protein shake to go along with it. Unfortunately I found out yesterday that the Sunwarrior we ordered got missed & hasn’t been shipped yet. I think it should go out tomorrow, so hopefully it will meet us in Barbados, otherwise, I’m not sure we’ll ever see it! It’s $50/bag in the US & $95/bag in South Africa, so I’m REALLY hoping it shows up!

I went out with Leana & Becky to a little café near the ship. We enjoyed mango smoothies & did a little internet while we were there. After the girls left for the ship, I found a little health food shop & bought Jaco some snacks. He was half impressed. Better luck next time!

I returned the laptop to the ship & then went out again on my own. Jaco was napping, so I looked in the shops (didn’t buy anything!) & strolled down the waterfront. The water is so crystal clear. It’s absolutely beautiful! I picked a few pieces of water worn coral – one shaped like a heart & the other to use as a pumice stone for my cracked feet!

Back onboard, I visited the Medics for a bit & then I actually found my way to the ship! Believe it or not, I had a great workout! I have missed my friend, the treadmill! I only did 3.5 kms, but I wandered outside on deck & did a few stretches. It was really peaceful. Not a soul in sight, so I think next time I will take my yoga mat with me & do a session outside on deck. I used to do so when I was working on the Sun Princess, but that was back on 2006/07, so it’s been awhile! I’ll keep you posted!

On the way back to the cabin, I swung by the Photo Gallery & visited Larisa for a few minutes. She had a brilliant dive today, but the crew on the dive boat were horrible. Too bad!

Lastly, I made fettuccini alfredo! I made the fettuccini from zucchini & the alfredo from macadamia nuts! It was pretty good if I do say so myself! Although the garlic toast was missing!

Tomorrow we’re in Curaçao & Jaco & I will actually go ashore together! Here’s hoping we have a great time!

xxxxMaria

Day 477 - Adieu West Palm Beach

Well, I’m back home. If only for a few hours. I was up early this morning, packed up the rest of the bags, and hitched a ride to the Hall. I hugged goodbye to all the wonderful people I met these past few weeks & Charlie & I shared a cab to the airport.

I managed to receive my discreetly wrapped package before I left. The ice cream. Ooooh! I was so excited when I unwrapped it! It must have been half a litre! Delicious! Quite possibly the best ice cream I’ve ever eaten! Some little old ladies sat down beside me at the airport & asked me a few questions, but I couldn’t really answer, as my lips & tongue were numb from eating so much ice cream! Brilliant!

The flights home weren’t anything spectacular or tragic. I’m happy I’m flying WestJet for the next few flights!

Mom2 met me at the airport with the girls. Valentina certainly knew who I was, but Oceana couldn’t have cared less! Mom2 knows where to park & where to pick me up, so we’ve got the airport down pat! I was delighted to see the girls & of course, Mom2. It would be a short visit, as I was flying to Saskatoon tomorrow to see Granny.

Mom2 & I stayed up until midnight talking about the past three weeks. She’s very excited to learn what I’ve learned & has been doing her best to eat raw while I’ve been gone. I’ll be excited when I’m back on Valentine’s Day when I’ll have more time to sit & tell her more about my experience.

And then there’s Jaco. My poor husband! I haven’t spoken to him since Tuesday! I’ve been away in the evenings for the past near week! He won’t be able to reach me in Saskatchewan, so it will be a week before we speak! I’ve sent a few emails, just to let him know I’m still alive – but still!

Goodnight all… with love from Alberta

xxxxMaria

Mr. Muscles - you can be vegan & buff!

Ice cream. 2 cups of it. Healthy. Delicious. My lips went numb. Highly recommend it!

West Palm Beach airport. Oh how I love sunny blue skies.

Day 301 - Shermanators In The Elbow & Oh Baby(s)!!!!

It was a quick zip over to the mechanics to pick up the car & then to the grocery store... We were having company in a few short hours & we were supposed to be having a picnic! As my timing would have it, we arrived home, only to have our company call - they were 3 minutes away! Oh dear! Panic! Thankfully they were patient enough to wait while we finished getting lunch ready.


Kerry & Shawn, Alina & Mason were coming for a visit today. They have an Aunt & Uncle in Calgary & would visit them after our time together. Doing the traditional 'Tour', we headed down to Elbow Falls & of course, as luck would have it, the weather turned cold as we drove up. That didn't stop Mason! He ran around & raced Alina up & down the paths. Kerry, Shawn, Jaco & I enjoyed more lunch while the kids burnt up energy! We walked the path around the falls & I managed to find a few raspberry patches to share a few bites with the kids. 


After our visit at Elbow Falls, we headed for Forget-Me-Not Pond. We strayed off course to the river & Alina & Mason had a blast hopping over rocks & trying (somewhat successfully) to stay dry. We picked a few wild strawberries along our way & they were deeee-lish!


Naturally, the Tour ends at the Scoops & Snacks for ice cream. Everyone enjoyed a big dip of the good stuff before the Shermans were on their way...


When we returned to the house, I discovered that Collet had her baby! A boy! We were supposed to visit for the birth, but the newest Stephan wasn't going to wait any longer in there! He made his entry swift & there would not have been time for us to get there! Mom was exhausted, but tickled pink with her newest son. 


After my chat with her, Jaco & I skyped with Ross & Krystle & Baby Dash... Awwwh!!! What a cutie pie! I'm excited for all of them! But yeesh, I'm going to have to watch what I eat/drink, all these babies... only means trouble!!! Valentina is enough for now!


Lekker slaap
xxxxx
Maria, Jaco & Valentina 

Elbow Falls!

The Shermans

The Happy Couple

Great to see you!!!

Mason burns off some energy!

Alina strikes a pose

The boys talk shop

Our little monkey for the day!

Mason chases Shawn

Throwing rocks in the river

Mason walks on the water

Blowin' in the wind

Flower feathers

Yum yum on the ice cream cones!

Day 285 - Death By An Ice Cream Cone.

Oh there is nothing like an alarm clock ringing at 0600 to bring your peaceful slumber to a screeching halt. Ugh. I think I must have been a koala or a sloth in a previous life, as I am NOT a morning person. Apparently neither is my dog. I let her sleep with me last night & when I woke up this morning, I couldn't see her. Usually she is curled up under the covers with me. I lifted the covers & she wasn't there. 'Valentina?' I called. The pillow next to me started to move. I lifted up the corner of it & there she was, completely outstretched the length of the pillow! What a girl!


I didn't have a very pleasant sleep. I had been up until 0130 frantically looking for my requisition sheet & also the little card with the time of my appointment on it. No luck. I couldn't find it anywhere! I looked through all my papers, my binders, appointment books, books I was reading (in case I'd used it as a bookmark!), the car, everywhere! I finally resigned to the fact that it was gone. Of course, as soon as I laid my head on the pillow, I had the 'flash' in my mind that Mom had it. She did. It was in a pile of papers in her office. (From 2 weeks ago!) ARGH! 


Naturally, after I finally decided to go to bed, I couldn't fall asleep. My feet were FREEZING! I don't like to wear socks to bed, as I get too hot. But tonight was an exception. I turned on the light & put on a pair of fuzzy socks. Ahh, much better. 


As I laid in bed, trying my best to get the most out of the 5.5 hrs I had left before I had to wake up, I hear this little 'Brrzzzzzzz' noise. It's a mosquito. ARGH! I turn on the light & try to find the pesky little critter. I find him, but I can't reach him. So, I spray him with my room freshener. Apparently they don't like lavender or peppermint (so Yahoo! News tells me) which is perfect because my spray has both of those in it. Sure enough, he disappears. I don't know if it's the heavy coating of spray on his wings or the smell, but either way, I can peacefully go back to bed. I turn out the lights & settle back in, warm under the covers. I'm starting to get sleepy, very sleepy, when... BRRZZZZZZZ... AGAIN!!! Another pesky mosquito, or the other one dried off! Lights back on & spray in hand, I find him. I douse him in more room freshener, cursing with every spritz! Ahhh... Silence. NOW I can finally get some rest. I turn on the fan to deter them from landing anywhere near me. Yes, I'm still freezing cold, but rather cold than bitten. Priorities, you know? 


I finally fall asleep, only to wake up half an hour later dripping with sweat. Yes, dripping. Running down my back, shirt soaked sweat. Gross. Is this what menopause looks like? Have I hit the chemo induced menopause? Great. Apparently night sweats are one of the symptoms of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, but why would I START getting them after I have started treatment? Whatever the case may be, I'm not excited about that! (Yes, I took the socks off after that!)


Now you understand why I wasn't tickled to hear the alarm! Regardless, I get up & into the shower, dressed & out the door, only a 1/2 hour late! We made it to the hospital in record time - 45 minutes - and we even took 16th Ave! It's shaping up to be a great day!


I head straight for the lab, nervous that I'm going to get the same 'Fisherman' to take my blood today. Luckily it's a gal & she was great! I only waited about 10-15 minutes today. They're getting better! 


I headed for the Outpatient Area & waited with Mom. About 5 minutes after we sat down, the Nurse came & took us to the appointment room. Iny (eenee) came & took my height, weight, blood pressure & oxygen saturation. I find it funny that they take my height, as if I'm going to have a growth spurt half way through my treatment! I always wanted to be 5'10". Sigh. I somehow managed to lose 1.5 lbs in the past 2 weeks. I would have sworn I had gained at least 10 lbs. Things are feeling slightly out of place these days! 


Dr. Daly wasn't at the hospital yet & my bloodwork wasn't back yet, so Mom & I waited. While we were waiting, I thought I better jot down what I needed to ask him about. At the top of the list was Michael Buble. I have tickets to his concert & it falls on chemo day, so I wanted to know if I could bump my chemo by a day. I told the Nurse, Michael & Dr. Daly both give me 'fever', but it a very different way... :o) I was asking Mom what else I needed to ask (don't worry, I had other priorities besides Michael!) & Mom mentioned the tongue thing. After my last round, I had this bizarre sensation at the back of my tongue. Every thing I drank or ate made my tongue pucker. Much like I'd been eating a lemon. It was really strange. I hadn't been able to accurately describe it up until now. I rattled off about 6 adjectives of what it was like. I said I'd better write it down or I'll forget. I grabbed my notepad & said to Mom, 'Now, what did I say?' She couldn't remember. Nor could I! I was mad she wasn't listening & I was even more made that my brain let me down! I went to the car to get my iPod & use the thesaurus (why is it named something like a dinosaur, btw?). I don't have a thesaurus on my iPod. So I dig out my laptop. Not much help. Tingling was the only other word I could find besides the puckering & pins & needles words I was able to remember! ARGH! (I still haven't thought of them 24 hrs later!)


Dr. Daly finally came in & we had a chat. He liked the haircut. I told him 'You guys are onto something. Now, can I keep it?' He just smiled. I asked a few of my questions & then, with a knock at the door, my blood work is delivered. My Neutrophils are 0.7. They need to be 1.4. No treatment today. WHAT?! But what about the shots? They were for nothing? I got eColi for nothing?!? ARGH! So, we wait another week. I asked Dr. Daly if this would affect my success & he said there haven't been any studies done on it. Hmm. That was very vague & nonspecific. Great. Oh well... I've kicked butt this long... Why not a little longer!? :o)


So, we had the day off! Actually, the week off! It kind of messes things up, as now I'll be picking Jaco up the day after treatment & now it will put me finishing treatment on the 15th of December (Merry Christmas to me!), Sylvia is visiting next week & well, I guess Chemo would pretty much cramp anyone's style! :o) So, I'll just roll with it!


We headed over to Chestermere to visit Mom's friend. We stayed for an hour or so & then decided to head home. While we were leaving, Mom commented that she felt like a drumstick. I said, 'Gross!' She replied, 'No, not the chicken kind, the ice cream kind.' I still said gross. There was a Cold Stone Creamery inside the Tim Horton's, so I told her to stop there & I would treat her to an ice cream cone. We both got waffle cones with French Vanilla & Key Lime. Away we go...


And then... It was a near death experience. Thanks to the ice cream cone. Mom wolfs down her cone & I'm slowly enjoying every creamy, cool spoonful of mine. She's gnawing away on the cone when she turns to me & says, 'Remember when I used to tell you kids to never eat the bottom out of your ice cream cone?' 
'Yes' (truthfully no, but anyhow...)
'Well, look what I just did!'
Great Mom, do you want a gold star? I said that in my mind, not out loud. What's the big deal about eating your cone upside down? And then I found out.
'Oh crap!' Mom exclaims, as ice cream drips on her chest, somehow hitting her skin & not her necklace, seatbelt or shirt. 


Then she realizes she needs to lick quick. Both hands are on the cone/wheel, mix in a spoon, napkin & plenty of oncoming traffic on a very narrow road in the industrial area (think Mack trucks) and it was one scary experience! I nearly died in a head-on handsfree dairy collision! This will officially be the last time I treat Mom to an ice cream cone! Additionally, lest we forget the decision to use the other lane, without realizing it ends & we're nearly sandwiched between to big trucks! It was close! 


I often lament about my mother's driving & she jokes by saying she always asks her Angels to keep her safe. I told Jenn about it one day & then shortly after, Mom was driving her cargo trailer on the #2 to Nanton when the trailer came unhitched. It was a 7 minute freebie fix & she was back in action. Jenn said she must have a thousand Angels keeping her safe. Today was no exception to the 'Thousand Angel Rule'!!! 


SAFELY back at home, I managed to catch Jaco on Skype before he went to bed & then I had a nap. I woke up to Mom slamming the doors & then the car driving away. She had a meeting in town, so I was home alone. I chatted with a few friends (5 messages during my 2 hour nap!) and played with the dogs. Mom came home & we tried & tried & tried to get Oceana to play with the laser pointer. Nope. Nada. She wasn't the least bit interested in it. I thought maybe she was colour blind? Anyhow, I let Valentina out of my room to chase the laser & it was like letting a barrel horse into the arena - she went crazy! She runs so fast! Pretty soon her tongue was hanging out & it was time to call it quits. What a girl. 


And what a day. Here's to a smooth, timely remainder to my treatments. Let's just get on with it!


Lekker slaap!
Maria & Valentina
xxxxxxx

Adios & the deer have a stand off. Seriously! They walked circles around each other for a good 20 minutes.

Lazy way to exercise the dog!

My 'Bright Light' Psychopath!

Day 181 - Bonaire

Bonaire is part of the Dutch Antilles. Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao make up the Dutch Antilles, quite often abbreviated into the ‘ABC’ islands. I have previously visited Aruba & Curacao, but never Bonaire. I was quite anxious to see what this little island was all about!

We arrived at noon, which suited me fine, as I could have a nice lie-in! Eddie, Jaco, Valentina & I headed off the ship around 1300. Eddie knew of a resort close by that we could spend some time at.

We headed down the street alongside the ocean. The water was BEAUTIFUL! Gorgeous shades of aqua, turquoise & teal – it was very inviting! We stopped along the way to let Tweet Pea make a deposit & then it was off to the resort. We paid our $5 entrance fee & found a few lounge chairs in the shade.

Jaco took off for a swim – he’s a very good swimmer & isn’t afraid to venture off & explore. He found a section of rocks with a lot of colourful fish. I didn’t bring my snorkel gear, so I was apprehensive about swimming out into deeper water. Valentina shared my appreciation for shallow water. She still didn’t enjoy the water. Eddie took her on his back & swam a little ways out. Pretty soon she was bailing off & swimming towards me. She had enough. She was done. Finito! There was NO chasing toys or swimming to & fro, she was done. I took her out of the water & it was then that she entertained the crew.

There were several shop staff around & they were quite enamoured with her! I’m sure I won’t have much trouble finding a dog sitter if need be! Jaco came out of the water shortly after & it was nearly time for us to go. I thought I’d pop into the water for a quick minute one last time. As I went into the water, Valentina looked at me wistfully. She was quite worried I was going to leave her behind! She became extra nervous when my head went lower & lower into the water. It was quite sweet. It’s always nice to know you’re loved & wanted!

Eddie & Jaco headed back to the ship for duty & I took a gander around town. The buildings were brightly painted, much like Aruba & Curacao. However, the town was a lot smaller than the main towns on the other islands. I was told that Bonaire isn’t quite as built-up as Aruba or Curacao, but it is quickly gaining popularity. I can see why! Beautiful water & a quaint little village… It stole my heart! Everywhere I turned there were diving shops. I am already praying that my lungs will heal quickly & there will be no permanent damage from the Bleomycin. I WILL DIVE AGAIN!!!!

Anyhow, on my exploration of the town, I did indulge in an ice cream cone. I had Rainbow Sherbet & it was even better than I remembered! Oh my word. There was tangy sweetness & cool refreshment in every lick. I’d say it took me somewhere far, far away, but wait! I’m already far away! :o)

What a fun day & how fantastic that Valentina was allowed ashore! Here’s to a wonderful day tomorrow & hopefully she’ll be allowed off in Aruba too!

Sweet dreams & sunshiny kisses!

Maria, Jaco & Valentina

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Good morning Bonaire!

No Mama please! Not the water again!

Daniela, Eddie & Valentina

Hitchin' a ride on Eddie's back!

1 Fish, Blue Fish

2 Fish, Funky Fish

Papa & Tweet Pea apres swim!

'I'm so NOT lovin' it.'