Snow Joke!

 Several years ago, I wrote about getting snow in March (click here). It was nothing compared to this. 

 Note the pear blossoms on the tree to the left and the leaves on the bush in the front.

 The birds were clearly frustrated---and were taking it out on my bird feeder---I filled it three times in 24 hours.

 I measured 5" this morning, but it's all gone now.

 The daffodils are hardy and will bounce back.

Although some say they are on a Groundhog hunt, I know Spring will be here soon. . . or maybe after Tuesday when we are expecting more. . .

Cozumel and Home

We reached Cozumel, but the wind was so strong that many of the dive excursions were canceled. We tried to leave the ship, but we returned after a few steps because of the wind.
We hadn't really planned to do much since we knew 6 ships were going to be there (pictured above are 4 ships---two Carnival and two Royal Caribbean including ours)
We were on the Voyager on the right next to the super cruise ship Freedom of the Seas.

Soon, we were headed home. . . .
With me as the navigator: Triptik (Dave likes to pick it up and see it), the map (for the big picture), GPS (to double check AAA and to hear the voice give directions) and my ipad (to show traffic patterns). The ipad also told us where to get cheap gas. . .if it learns to talk, the GPS is history.
We arrived home to COMPANY! Rebecca and Roman came to visit.
Eli and Anna couldn't resist stopping by to see their handsome cousin. . .

Roman.

Oh, sorry, Anna, did you expect souvenirs? Maybe next time!

Whimsical Art on the Ship

While some of the art on the Voyager of the Seas calmed me and some art was awesome, some just made me smile. The photo above was in the Promenade area. I wonder how many people were in that area and never even saw that sweet monk peaking out at them.
Or, the "painter" above their heads. When most people who have been on a cruise think of "art", they think of "art auctions." I am happy to say there were no art auctions on this cruise, but plenty of public art.
The sports/knight figures above were a little lower and easier to see for people strolling the promenade---there were at least three of them: a diver, basketball player and baseball player.
Although many might have seen these beautiful birds outside the Windjammer Buffet,
Chances are the buffet food distracted them from the beautiful mosaics behind the servers.

I was treated one day to a "flash mob" of swing dancers who had been at workshops all week while on board.
The food, itself, was often artfully presented (above is a dessert sampler from Portofino's restaurant).
Dave had Tiramisu in an edible bowl with my sampler size in a shot glass.
The beautiful bread at Portofino's made me smile and walking those long halls to the elevators, the scene below, while maybe not art, always put a smile on my face!

Art on The Voyager of the Seas

When we were on the Celebrity Constellation last summer, I realized what wonderful art that ship had. (Click here) I thought I'd document some of the art on the Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas. If you like classical Greek-style art click here.
Cleopatra's Needle reached 3-4 floors, but the entertainment venue was also very interesting.
The art ranged from the huge (above) to small pieces in hallway cases. . .
Which actually helped us know where to turn for our elevator.
Another piece that was several floors high reminded me of mountain climbers. This was called "Time" by Victor Lind, a Norwegian.
Many of the pieces were in the stair wells, so if you took the elevator, you might miss them (above and below)

The piece above really caught my eye "Angel in Flight II" by an American Helaine Blumenfeld. It inspired another piece of art:
A photograph by a British man David Buckland. If you look closely you'll see my portrait there, too!But, there were some beautiful pieces by the elevators, also.
Some you needed to see from an elevator. Notice the grid in both photos---one photo was in the elevator and one was outside the elevator looking up.
Some pieces were a twist on familiar subjects like the Statue of Liberty above.
This looked like a green glass figure draped in a gold vine, or maybe a mummy. . . .

Spa Day

Our day in Belize, we decided to stay aboard the ship, Voyager of the Seas.
Belize is a "tendered" port, where everyone gets on a boat and is ferried to Belize City.
We don't mind the tenders but really enjoy one day on the ship having it all to ourselves.
Besides, I had two gift certificates for a free dinner at Portofinos Restaurant and a free facial which were to be done on days in port.


So, I made an appointment for my facial, added some micro-abrasion to it, was given a pitch for $400 worth of products and walked away with clean pores, no products.
Adjacent to the spa is the "adults only" pool---not very big but so beautiful.
It's like swimming in a Roman bath, or on my own private yacht.
Or, an art museum---what could be better than that: swimming, water, warmth, art, beautiful surroundings, quiet?
There were several hot tubs also in this area. But, seriously, isn't this better than fighting the crowds for a boat ride to Belize?