Prescient!  That is Commodore Georgio Pamata’s decision to abort our Fiordland cruise day and sail north turning west through Cook Strait and towards Tasmania.  Seas and winds increase dramatically, the bow of the Ruby Princess raises 10 meters or more … Continue reading Prescient!

Birthday girl, Cindy, spent New Year’s Day welcoming in 2020 on the Ruby Princess Sun Deck and then swirling her skirt on the runway in the Princess fashion show.   New Year’s Eve was a formal dress night on board … Continue reading Fashion Models

Yesterday we docked at Port Chalmers, entry to Dunedin and a train ride through Taieri Gorge up to Pukerangi station then returning to the Ruby Princes with a stop at Larnach Castle.  Here we are in the highlands at Pukerangi … Continue reading Pukurangi

Weather is hampering a view of the New Zealand mountains.  Yesterday during our trek into the high country east of Picton the clouds hid Mt Tampuaenuku as we visited a sheep ranch.  Today ocean swells of 2 meters or more … Continue reading Weather Permitting

She says she’s going to jump.  I pleaded with her to reconsider.  After all we mean to each other—our love for each other, our kids, grandkids, great grandkids.  So much to live for—our plans and bucket list.  After all, i … Continue reading She Jumped

Something about rainbows predicting your future—good luck. Yesterday morning, oh now it is two days ago since we are in Auckland, New Zealand and it we lost a day.  No that is not bad luck—it was planned as we embark … Continue reading Lucky Us

Three trees embrace the altar: One stretching heavenward, verdant, magnificent, proud; The second, the shorter One, clinging mother earth; The third, floating above, The Cross, The Constant Reminder. Trinity: Things come in threes, The great mystery, Three trees on a hill. … Continue reading The Tree of Life

Peas. There were peas. Green peas and onions, little white onions. Creamed, sweet and delicious, fresh vegies in those days. Mm, mm, most scrumptious. Bacon too. Why do I remember bacon? What was it in or with or was it … Continue reading A Vivid Holiday Memory

He was wizened, old and maybe wise.  We were entering a restaurant and he stood just outside the door plying his wares to tourists.  In each hand he held a simple angel, wooden, carved, unfinished, raw.  I did not appreciate its value at … Continue reading For Behold

So I tried dating!  First I had to invent an event worthy of asking her out I had to steel my nerves and make the call   She said yes!             Yes! then I had to make the date memorable             I bought … Continue reading Our First Date