Just Sailin' Along

The places we have visited so far have all been places we had never been, so naturally we wanted to experience all that we could while in port. There are travelers who choose not to leave the ship. Some have been to a particular port many times before, or just don't care about seeing it. Cruise lines even offer 'Cruises to nowhere' for people who just love being on the ship.

We love the days at sea, reading on the deck, enjoying the sun and sea breeze. We watch for flying fish, and we have seen them every time we have cruised. This time, we saw many dolphins riding the waves created by the ship while we were in the Gulf of Mexico. When we get tired of the deck, there are many things to do inside.

This is Aaron, who led progressive trivia every night. It was much harder than Jeopardy, and I did not win the fabulous key chain.

This couple, Arvin and Emily, are singers who entertained us every night except one.

They are not only awesome singers, but awesome people as well. I hope we get to see them again.

Arvin and Emily were finishing their sixth year on the Spirit and left the ship in New Orleans to go home for three months. After their break, they will be on the NCL Jewel from Seattle to Alaska.

We love the towel animals that are waiting for us when we return to our room for bed. This night, it was a tiny mouse made from a wash cloth, peeping out from under the sheets. Cute, cute!

Y'all ready to go to Cozumel?

Comments

Amish in Stantonville, Tennessee

Last week, my sis and her hub went with us to the Amish community near Stantonville, Tennessee. It was a beautiful day, and we love driving to new places and finding new treasures. We enjoy these mini-trips we take together, where we giggle a lot and get caught up on everything. Also, the squirrels ate all our tomatoes, so we needed to find some to buy. You know the food you are buying is fresh when they bring it from the field while you are standing there waiting for it. Here is part of what we brought home, and it was all delicious. Stantonville is located in McNairy County, Tennessee, northwest of Shiloh National Military Park.

Holy Smoke Pie

I think it was in the late seventies that I first had Holy Smoke Pie. It was at a party at Debra Morris Harville's house. After we ate, Debra had to give the recipe to everyone there. I came home and made it for my family, and it has been a favorite since then. I always make it at holiday dinners, because I believe tradition is important. It has become a favorite of our granddaughters. I've heard it called Chocolate Delight, Four-Layer Chocolate Dessert, and other odd things. We call it Holy Smoke. Here is how I make it: Chop us a cup of pecans; set aside. Add a stick of softened butter (NOT margarine) to one cup of self-rising flour. Cut the butter into the flour. Add the chopped pecans, and work it all together. Save two tablespoons of the pecans to sprinkle on top. Pour into a 9" x 12" pan that has been sprayed with cooking oil. Spread it over the bottom of the pan. It helps to use your hands (or hand, if you have t

Cedar Trees in Cemeteries

If you ever wander in old cemeteries, and I know many of you do, you are bound to see some cedar trees. The tradition goes back to the early days of the United States and even earlier in Europe. Cedar trees were not always used, but some type of evergreen trees were planted because they were a symbol of everlasting life. Some Cherokees believed that cedars contained powerful spirits, including the spirits of the departed buried beneath them. Perhaps because they are known as burial trees, there are many superstitions that surround cedars. My grandmother told us in no uncertain terms that if we planted a cedar tree, we would die when it was large enough to shade our graves. Some others are: Never transplant a cedar tree; it will bring bad luck. If you transplant a cedar and it dies, you will die shortly. Planting a cedar tree in your yard welcomes poverty. Some say Christ was crucified on a cedar tree, and will bring bad luck if you burn it. If a cedar tree com

Faith, Folklore, and Friends

Search This Blog