The Magic of Monaco

I have always wanted to visit Monte Carlo and Monaco.  People used to tell me that I looked like Princess Stephanie.  I had seen pictures of this beautiful place where the glamorous actress Grace Kelly lived.  I wondered if someday I would finally get there.

I was thrilled to see it listed on our cruise itinerary on The Norwegian Epic. I immediately loved the charm and beauty of the location.  Everything was so clean.  The buildings are pristine and perfectly cared for; nothing is dirty or rundown.  I didn't see any graffiti.  The plants, buildings, park, sea, and people fit together harmoniously.  It was an inspiring setting to experience.  I felt a sense of wonder and awe.     

I had booked a tour through NCL, our cruise line.  Time was limited, and there was tight traffic getting into the little city.  It's only a mile long.  Our tour guide's name was Pam, and she was very knowledgeable and passionate.  I broke off from the group at one point, and ventured out on my own.  She had already set a meeting point and time for us to return.  She was very clear, and explained how to get back a few times.  That was so helpful.

I found a small shop that sold incredibly delicious pizza.  I bought a slice of pepperoni for just 4 Euros.  It was the most tasty pizza that I have ever eaten!  As I was sitting on the stool,  munching happily, I heard a familiar voice.  Our tour guide was coming down the narrow street, explaining the history of the area to the travelers.  I smiled sheepishly at her and waved.  She giggled and waved back when she recognized me.  I prefer not to be part of a large group when I am overseas.  I like to blend in and people watch.  

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Happy to be Back Home from Europe

the view from my window at Hotel Colon in Barcelona

Yesterday afternoon I arrived back to LAX after taking a gorgeous Mediterranean cruise on NCL.  We went to so many incredible ports: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Naples, Rome, Florence, Cannes, and Palma, Mallorca.  It was a magical journey by sea.  Traveling by air now is very different than it used to be.  I found it challenging, but strived to remain positive. I made a concerted effort to focus on the beauty and charm of Europe.

the bedding and wallpaper were exquisite

I had a magnificent room at Hotel Colon.   Imagine my excitement when I pulled open my curtains and saw this view of Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia.  It took my breath away; I spent hours gazing at it and soaking in the majestic energy that it emanates.  What a masterpiece.  I was absolutely thrilled with my good fortune in the positioning of my room.

a carriage in Mallorca, Spain

My flight didn't leave until 6:00 a.m.  To be on the safe side, I had booked an apartment in Barcelona to stay in the night before the cruise, and this luxurious hotel room at Hotel Colon for the night after we got back into port.  I decided to splurge on a boutique hotel, since I love old Europe and the charming buildings and decor.  I was so impressed with the detail, beauty, and impeccable staff there.  It ended up being a highlight of my trip.  I didn't do much outside, since I was exhausted from twelve days of sailing on The Epic and sightseeing.  I did sit on the Hop On Hop Off bus thorough the city.   My room had an espresso maker that was quite impressive.  It was a huge relief to soak in the relaxing bathtub after showering for the last fourteen days.

I will be posting photos and information about the vacation in the next several days.  I had some interesting experiences as a solo traveler.  As always, I was so happy to return home to my affectionate dog, comfortable cottage, and healthy garden.  Today I am making soup, winter tea for a cold that I contacted, and catching up on mail.  I'll also be paying bills online, and catching up on blogs.

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.         

A Short Blogging Break and Personal Stories of the Tick Fire

Grassy Hollow picnic area in Wrightwood, Californa

I just wanted to let you know that I will be taking a short blogging break.  I plan to be back on November 24th.  I have been pushing myself too hard, and decided to close my Etsy shop for a few weeks, too.  It will be good to relax, read, knit, and do yoga.

I have been talking with my neighbors about their experiences in the fire.  One woman told me that our street was completely black. The power had been shut off; and the whole area was evacuated.  She said that people were trudging down the street, from different neighborhoods.  She described them as looking like zombies.  It's so important to have flashlights and battery powered radios.  Solar lights are excellent for California, too. I have a few hurricane lamps, and the flame inside of the glass gives off a tremendous beam.  I used them during the last power outage.  I heard people noticing and commenting, "Stephenie..." when they walked by my house.  I put one lamp by the window.   You could see it through the light colored curtain.

One lady's house burned down because her driveway was too ornate and narrow for the fire trucks to enter.  She was crying on the news.  I had always noticed that house. It has a long, winding drive with intricate brick work.  It made me evaluate about how easy it is for the firemen to reach my cottage.  They have to be able to get to you to do their job.  Nobody thinks it's going to happen to them, but it can, and it does. 

An elderly couple on our street had the sheriffs knocking on their door as they were announcing on a megaphone to evacuate.  Their middle aged son wasn't home, and they needed assistance.  The officers escorted them to the shelter.  It's so important to check on parents and grandparents who are living on their own in these situations.  They might not  realize the magnitude of the situation.  When fires start at night, sometimes people are  sleeping.  I know of a young woman who died of smoke inhalation during a cruise ship fire.  She had gone to bed early.  We need to call each other, and to check and double check.

I learned about the last fire through Anita, who comments on my blog.  She knew about the fire before I did!  She saw it on television, and I was up at the cabin.  I don't have t.v. or Internet there, and was reading blissfully by the fire.  She was called me and asked frantically, "Are you okay?"  I hadn't seen the images on the news. 

Facebook is an easy and fast way to reach people, too.  You can mark yourself as safe, or post an announcement to your group.  

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I hope you will continue to read some of the other posts here until I start up again.


I appreciate your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.               

Ann Miller Rehearsal and show

A Back Up Phone

I realized yesterday that I still have my very first cell phone.  It was tucked away in my nightstand dresser drawer.  The charger looks brand new.  It still works!  I charged it fully.

I use my dad's bedroom set from when he was a little boy growing up in San Francisco.  I love the wood, and shine it carefully with Old English furniture polish.  That's what my mom always used.

my neighbor's photo of the Tick Fire, when it first started

She ordered this phone for me as a birthday present many years ago.  It was for safety; I had a land line.  She was concerned about me teaching dance and yoga at night.  I think it was so sweet and thoughtful of her.  There is nothing like a mom's concern.  It's designed  for seniors, and I was only in my thirties.

It's funny how it just has the three buttons.  I had forgotten that they used to make them this way.  Who knew that the Smart Phones were coming and all that they would be able to do...Thanks Mom. 

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them. 

The Power of Organization

Being organized increased our energy and our confidence.  When we finish our paperwork, plan our days, and have what we need on hand, we feel stronger and more in control.  Before computers came along, I used to make a list of what I needed to do each day.  I have returned to this practice.  It is such a positive feeling to cross things off  once they are completed.  I like the direction and focus that it gives me.  

When we have loose ends, appliances or gadgets that don't work, or when we can't find something, we lose energy.  Being disorganized can make us feel incapable and forgetful.  I will be so relieved when my new phone from Great Call arrives.  My old one till works, but it's iffy.  I am thankful that it is still functioning, though.

The other night I spilled hot apple cider onto my keyboard pad.  Now several of the keys do not work.  I am blogging at the library today.  I unplugged the keyboard, and am on my way to Best Buy today to replace it.  I should have known better; I have been very lucky with my hot coffee until now.  At least I didn't ruin something more expensive, like the hard drive.  

I have been reconnecting with my neighbors back at the pink cottage.  It is fun to catch up with them, and to hear all of their experiences while I was gone.  I have been here for 23 years, and have made strong connections with many of the people in this area.  I can see now why many older people don't want to move as they age.  I'm glad that I found something in the mountains while I am still in my fifties.  Both places have so many qualities that I appreciate.  The weather down here is so mild, and I can ride the bike all year.  That's a plus.  Do you think you will ever move from where you are now?  What are your plans for the future?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.          

“Satori” Russian tour | St. Petersburg & Moscow