Friday, December 21, 2018

Friday, December 21, 2018

Tonight's picture was taken in December of 2004. This was Mattie's third Christmas. By this point, Mattie understood the significance of the holiday, the notion of decorating and taking photos. Mattie wasn't thrilled to pose, but this charmer was on the cover of our Christmas 2004 card. 



Quote of the day: It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. ~ W. T. Ellis


Today we visited Dominica. Christopher Columbus named the island after the Latin word for Sunday, because that was the day he landed on its shores. The Country is now independent from Britain and France, though the french roots are alive and well on the Island. English is their primarily language, followed by French Creole. 

My mom and I are pictured in front of the Crown Princess, with Roseau in the background. 

Dominica's sassy and colorful capital, Roseau (rose-oh) hugs the southwest coast of the Roseau River. It is the hub of this small island of volcanic terrain, sparkling waterfalls, beaches and lush national parks set against a backdrop of emerald mountains. Roseau's dense town center boasts historic buildings made of wood and stone that line the streets with a unique architectural style that borrows from the Spanish, English and French. 

Dominica is known as the "nature island." Which is quite appropriate as it is 29 miles wide and filled with cascading waterfalls and lush tropical rainforests. 

A short, flat and easy walk will take you to a spectacular viewing point of a tropical, thundering waterfall tucked away in the rainforest greenery of Dominica.

Here's the funny thing. Peter and my mom told me I have visited this waterfall twice in the past. I have NO recollection of it what so ever. To me it was like the first time I walked down these steps to the Falls. 

Despite how they are advertised, it isn't an easy or flat walk to the bottom platform to see the falls. We did it! The temperature difference by the falls was noteworthy. It was much cooler by the water. The legend is that taking a dip in Dominica water makes you youthful! A regular fountain of youth. 















The foliage around the Falls was beautiful! In addition on the way out of the Falls, there was a woman selling jewelry she created with her family. I bought several pieces, and what I loved about the jewelry was that it was made from natural plant materials like seeds. 

Dominica's main economy is tourism and agriculture (sugar/rum, fruits). In the winter season, around 2-3 cruise ships visit the island a week. Sometimes more. Ours was the only one in port today. 

When our 3,000 passengers came off the ship and into the Island today, it truly produced a major traffic jam. Traffic like you'd see in a big city in the USA. The only difference is in the USA we have alternative roads and routes to take to avoid traffic. That isn't the case in Dominica. 

Doesn't this look like a scene from a Monet painting???

This 40-acre oasis is the largest swath of green space in Roseau and is considered one of the botanical gems of the Caribbean. Established in 1891 by order of the British Crown, these botanical gardens are home to over 50 indigenous species of plants and trees and home to an aviary for Sisserou parrots, the national bird of Dominica. The wide lawns are used for national parades, celebrations and cricket matches. 

In 1979, the garden was ravaged by Hurricane David, and evidence of this can be seen in a large bus that is crushed beneath a toppled bapbob tree. 

My mom and I pictured in front of a 200 year old Banyan tree. 

Dominica was ceded to Britain by the Treaty of Paris in 1763. To keep the island under her rule, Britain had to defend it from the French. Some small forts were started in 1765. Military engineers were commissioned to produce plans for the defend of the colony. Captain James Bruce, Royal Engineer, was head of that project. In March 1770, he dispatched a report to London giving his proposals, maps and designs for major fortifications needed for the island. 

Where we were standing served as the main garrison on the island. A garrison named after Captain Bruce. The cliff and steep slopes served as an excellent form of security for Roseau.

This was a sample of the mountainous roads we drove on with a tour bus to see the waterfalls and botanical gardens. I can't tell you how narrow this one lane road in both directions was..... with a mountain on one side and cliff on the other. I took this photo while on the bus and could see cars coming right at us.

We had an outstanding tour guide, Lorna, and bus driver, Baron, today! They were knowledgeable, kind, and fun!

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Tonight's picture was taken in December of 2003. This was Mattie's second Christmas. Taking a photo of him for our Christmas card that year was a bit more challenging. Mattie was a whirling dervish and rarely sat still. So I came up with the idea of dressing him in a Christmas sweater and taking him to Lowe's. Mattie liked three stores ONLY... Target, Lowe's and Home Depot. When we put Mattie in the cart, he was intrigued by the decorations and lights, so we tried to capture the moment. A moment that went on the cover of Christmas card 2003. 


Quote of the day: Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind. ~ Valentine Davies

Peter took this photo of us during our first formal night. The ship is all decked out for Christmas. I truly believe that the movies have glamorized Christmas to be about snow and the cold. When in all reality, that has nothing to do with the true meaning of Christmas. 

On our formal night, we went to the ship's specialty restaurant, the Crown Grill. It was highly over rated and I can see why the restaurant was practically empty! 

We arrived in St. Thomas this morning. St. Thomas is the gateway isle of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. It's known for its beaches and snorkeling spots. The capital is Charlotte Amalie, which was founded by the Danish in the 1600's. It is quite a busy cruise-ship port.

I can't tell you how many sailboats dotted the waters. It is an unforgettable sight. As many of the other Caribbean islands have great poverty, it is clear that there is a great deal of wealth within St. Thomas. 

The island is lush and mountainous. 

The view as we were pulling into port this morning. We have visited St. Thomas numerous times. The Island is known for its shopping and thousands of tourists disembark cruise ships daily to venture to the main street of Charlotte Amalie. 

All the stores on the main street are super expensive. In addition, the sales people are aggressive, as they have no problem coming out and coaxing you to come inside. We tried going into one store, but the whole experience was tiring. Fortunately, we know of Jackson's jewelry. Which is located just off the main street. The store is owned by Sheila and Nick Jackson. We have visited their shop for at least three years now. You can always fine something lovely there without breaking the bank! Not to mention that this family owned business is lovely to support. Ironically Sheila's two sons live in Virginia! Peter captured my mom and I talking to Sheila. 

Sheila gave me this wonderful butterfly plaque that was made on the Island. She doesn't know the significance of butterflies to me, nor does she know Mattie's story.  Which is why I feel that Mattie was sending me a sign today. 

My mom and I on one of the side streets in St. Thomas. 

The side streets are very charming. It is about a ten minute taxi ride from the port to the heart of the city. A ride that is only $4 a person. 

 This is a photo of us on Main Street. 

A close up of Dronningens Gade Street. 

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Tonight's picture was taken in December of 2002. Mattie was 8 months old and experiencing his first snow fall. This cute little Santa endured being photographed for several minutes while in his entertainment saucer. After about 100 photos, Peter and I selected this photo to go on our first family Christmas card. 


Quote of the day: What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. ~ Agnes Pahro

It was an at sea day today. Check out what we saw when we looked outside our window.... a Norwegian Cruise Line ship passing us by! Quite a composition against the blue waters and amazing clouds. 









We had a full day of activities. We started at 8:30am with Zumba. However, we were supposed to set our clocks forward an hour last night. I forgot, so when my alarm went off at 7am today, it was really 8am ship time. Zumba was at 8:30am, and literally I scrambled to put myself together so we could meet my parents. Here's today's agenda:

8:30am - Zumba (with instructor: Song, from Korea)
10am - Ship board $10 sale
Noon - lunch
2:15pm - Merengue class (with instructor: Alex, from Russia)
3:30pm - Origami making class (with instructor: Lorenz, from South Africa). I took a photo of my final products.... a heart, sailboat, and a hat. Mind you I have never done origami before. 

While my mom and I were doing these activities, Peter and my dad were in the ship's sanctuary. It was a feat that we got seats in the sanctuary during this cruise. But we achieved this only because on embarkation day we got on the ship early and went straight to the sanctuary to book seats. On past cruises, we never got lucky enough to get seats in this private area for each day of the cruise. This area is crucial on a Princess cruise, especially if you don't like noise from music, movies on the deck, and competing for space and a deck chair with passengers. 

After running around today, my mom and I joined my dad and Peter for about 15 minutes. During that time I had a cup of tea and a scone. A lovely setting and a few minutes of peace. 

Tonight is a formal dress night. So after a full day of activities, I am headed to get dressed up. I know Princess' tag line is "Escape Completely" or "Come Back New." I have yet to ever achieve either!!!

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Tuesday, December 18, 2018 -- Mattie died 483 weeks ago today.


Tonight's picture was taken in December of 2008. Mattie was in the hospital and friends brought him a Christmas themed Dunkin Donut. The food of choice for Mattie while on chemo! Friends also dropped off two Christmas stockings. Mattie decided not to decorate his room with the stockings, but rather have me put them on his legs!!! You truly had to love Mattie's whimsy, fun, and antics. 






Quote of the day: Christmas gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the important things around us. ~ David Cameron

Our first stop on this 10 day cruise was to the Bahamas. We anchored off the coast of Eleuthera.  Which is the southern most portion of the Bahamas.












Princess Cruises has their own private resort called Princess Cays on the Island. Princess Cays is 30 acres and you can do every kind of water sport, pet string rays, shop, dine, and enjoy the beach. From the ship to the shore.... we took a ferry which held about 280 passengers at a time. 

Though this is a private resort devoted to a cruise ship, it was amazing to see the infrastructure. Not to mention the countless jobs this resort provides people who live on the island. 

There were cute little cottages at the resort that people could rent. Literally every cottage was occupied today.  

My mom and me, with the Crown Princess in the background. 

Peter and me!

The beauty of the island. The water had so many amazing colors to it. When we ferried over, we sat next to a couple with their two young girls. One of the girls was named, Victoria. The mother reflected on how she met her husband in school and now 24 years later they are still married and have two children. 

A nice story! Though Peter and I have a similar story and know each other for more years than this couple was married, our story isn't as cheery as theirs. It doesn't make for light conversation (childhood cancer), so clearly we don't discuss it. Because we don't discuss it, doesn't mean that it doesn't bother us, or that seeing parents with their children is easy for us. 

The beauty of the clouds, palm trees, and beautiful blue skies. 

Monday, December 17, 2018

Monday, December 17, 2018


Tonight's picture is a follow up from the one I posted last night. It was taken in December of 2008. Though this was a sweet photo of Santa and Mrs. Claus coming to visit Mattie, it took great effort for Mattie to lift his head and smile. He was truly exhausted, in pain, and dealing with a fever. Which was why I posted the reality of this scene last night. Without last night's photo, you can't put this one into context. After seeing last night's photo, you have a better appreciation for Mattie's strength and resilience. 






Quote of the day: Let us keep Christmas beautiful without a thought of greed. ~ Ann Garnett Schultz

We opened our window this morning of our hotel room, and could see our ship, The Crown Princess in port. 

Despite the fact that they say you can't board the ship until 1pm, we were on the ship a little after 11am. We got my dad a wheelchair, to make boarding go smoother. In all reality, this made the whole process much easier for all of us, as we by passed the hoards of people waiting to get on board.

We had the wonderful opportunity to listen to the "holly" singers in the atrium. They sang all the classic Christmas songs. It was a highlight of the day!

At around 4:30pm, we set sail for the Bahamas. I got a photo of one of Mattie's drawbridges in motion. He would have absolutely loved this sighting. Naturally, being a Christmas cruise, I see a lot of parents with their children. Several of whom are Mattie's age, and it once again reminds us who is missing from this trip. 

Peter snapped this of the three of us!

The beauty of Fort Lauderdale!

There is a person who lives in this condo! Whenever he sees a ship leave the port, he rings a cow bell. He was on his balcony today, waving, and ringing his bell! He never disappoints. 

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Tonight's picture was taken in December of 2008. Mattie wasn't feeling well. He was in pain and running a fever. We were in the clinic and waiting to be admitted to the hospital. While waiting, Santa came in to visit Mattie. Mattie wanted to lift his head up to greet Santa, but it took great effort. 

Quote of the day: Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won't make it 'white.' ~ Bing Crosby

Peter and I started our day at 5am. In order to catch two flights to get to Florida. I prefer non-stop flights, but American canceled our flight and reassigned us to Florida through Charlotte, NC. Which made a three hour flight, into a full day affair. 

I happen to love the Charlotte airport. They have this beautiful light filled atrium that is decorated in a very festive way. 

The atrium is lined with white rockers. It is a very inviting space, and you have to keep in mind that I don't like flying or airports. 

I think flying through Charlotte was actually good for us because we had a lay over that allowed us to sit down and have lunch and try to decompress from the hectic pace we keep in Washington, DC.

This is what the atrium looks like and the rockers line the entire space on the right by the windows.

The view flying into Fort Lauderdale. I can't tell you how happy we were to see the sunshine and experience 70 degrees. 

The airport was an absolute ZOO. Having 7 cruise ships in port helps to explain this, as each ship has about 3,000 passengers. Doing the math... that is 21,000 people coming off these ships and another 21,000 embarking onto the ships in the same day. 

We are spending the night at a local Marriott. When I looked out the window, I could see a cruise ship leaving the port and heading out to sea. 

This is Fort Lauderdale at dusk. Do you see the lights that are arching from the tall building in blue to the other building in blue on the right? This arch is a drawbridge. I can't look at any drawbridge without thinking of Mattie. He loved Fort Lauderdale and was in awe of the bridges going up on the half hour. When we visited this area with Mattie, we would always walk up to a drawbridge to watch the cars stop, so the bridge could go up and boats could pass underneath. 

My mom and me with Patrician (pianist/singer).

Tonight's we went to Serafina. It is an Italian restaurant with a charming waterfront view. It is a neighbor secret and gem! Each Sunday, the restaurant features Patrician. She is an incredible pianist, singer, and performer. She grew up performing with her dad. There is no song that she doesn't know and she can play for hours. Diners love her, as she takes special requests too.