Day 15---Photoshop Elements

Very bouncy last night and today as we head north to San Diego, very chilly too, with a north wind that made walking on the deck downright uncomfortable. I had a class, so wasn't on the outside so much.

Photoshop was an excellent class, many thanks to the teacher, Greg Case. I learned a lot of things which will make my pictures even better. Can hardly wait til I get home and play with the program.

Last dinner tonight was bittersweet, and we had our last get together as the quilter's group. Show and tell of projects done during the cruise. Block contest winners announced, and I won 2^nd place :-)...and to make it even better, I won the drawing and got half the blocks to make a quilt. Sixteen 10½” blocks, plus a label made by the lady who runs the “Road to California” Quilt Show, so I'm all set to give it a try.

All packed now except for carry on things, got our boarding passes on Southwest all checked, so we're ready for a bouncy night, and then into San Diego for the flight home tomorrow.

Day 14---Cabo San Lucas

Interesting to learn that the whole area is Los Cabos, equivalent to a county. The cape with the arch is Cabo San Lucas, and there are several more Cabos located in the land between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. The state that this is located in is Baja California Sur.

On a tour today where I saw the sites of downtown San Lucas (Pam crossed one off her bucket list...swimming with dolphins.) such as the are, then we drove east along the peninsula to San Jose del Cabo. Visited merchants there in one of the “tourista” malls, then went to a genuine fabric store, Parasina. Fabric here is cheap, 20 pesos a meter, with is about $2. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your view) nothing in the algodon section appealed to me.

Next stop was a glass factory where both Surani and Holly would go crazy. Saw glass being blown, then a visit to the shop, and back to the ship. We were the last group to get back to the ship. As we headed out the ship did a 180 and the Captain came on the explain that a guest had become seriously ill, so he came back so that the person could be off-loaded and taken to the hospital. There are actually so many really old people on this ship I'm surprised it hasn't happen before.

Finally drank the bottle of champagne that Deb gave us as a bon voyage gift tonight at dinner. Went very well with the prime rib. Very windy tonight as we head north toward San Diego.

Day 13---Puerto Vallarta

Vendors in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco are not quite as bad as those in Cartagena, but persistence sure pays off, they seems to think. Not as hot as usual this morning, so we walked to a small vendor area near the ship (Walmart is across the street, but we didn't go there!) where we bought some tourist items typical of the area. I finally bought a flowered ceramic bowl---my only souvenir but one I will use, and several other little things. I looked at beaded animals, but did not buy one. Way too expensive and I got tired of looking and trying to bring the price down. Where's Surani when I need her?

Had an ugly fabric contest tonight which I am glad I did not win: there was some really ugly fabric brought, but some of it I did not think was ugly at all, and would have gladly used in a quilt.

Day 12---Anita Grossman Solomon

Since today is at sea, I had a class—Mitered Log Cabin by Anita Grossman Solomon, who has the “Make It Simpler” theme. I actually owned her book before the cruise and made a quilt out of one of her blocks for my niece, Lara. I actually used sewing machines to make patches for the first time on this cruise. Very interesting discussion of color and value before we did our blocks which I think will come in handly for later quilting.

Saw some dolphins today at lunch, and lots of turtles this afternoon. Photos impossible to take as you basically have to snap the shutter before the animal leaps.

After our last formal dinner tonight I had a “Travel Photography” class in which we presented our best five photos for critique. Some nice photos taken, and mine seem to be well received except that I had date and time stamped all of them. Easy enough to remove later, which I will do. I am actually going to try to upload them tonight, if it doesn't work, oh well, there's always time when I get home.

Day 11---Huatulco

Today we are in Huatulco, Oaxaca. This is principally a tourist development based around some very nice bays. Very pretty little town with some nice hotels and condos built and being built. Might be a nice place to spend some time in the future. Pam stayed on the ship and did not go on a tour. I did not go on a tour, but I did walk into town. Long hot and humid walk down the wharf to the little shop area. Very Santa Cruzie feel, why do beach towns all have the same vibe? The beach towel, blow-up water animal, tee-shirt feel. This could be any beach town anywhere in California.

I worked a little on my red/white applique today, read a little, and went to a lecture about Easter Island, and the show tonight. Pretty lazy day, but back to class tomorrow, an at sea day.

Day 10---Puerto Chiapas

Docked today in Puerto Chiapas, about as far south as you can go in Mexico. We were only 8 miles from the Guatemalan border. This is a very agricultural region, which makes is the 7^th most prosperous state (of 32) in Mexico. The crops grown are mangos, bananas, guava, citrus, rice, beans, squash, chili, cattle...you get the idea.

This area was settled in about 4000BC by the Mocaya, then the Olmec took over, and finally the Maya. We did go to the ruins of Ixtapa...actually the ruins are all over the place here, and the one we went to was area F, of eight open to tourists. Apparently artifacts are found all the time in fields and road construction.

We visited the town of Tuxtla Chico, which means little boy rabbit in the local, Mayan-derived, language. Reminded me so much of India, with the same kind of construction, heat and humidity, bicycle rickshaws (except here the rider is in front, not behind the driver) and market so much like a bazaar. (Did I mention the heat and humidity, especially the humidity?)

Here we had a demonstration of chocolate production (All my kids will get a sample.) with lots of tasting, then the local dancing, which I took part in. We then went to the Ixtapa and saw the Mayan ruins, and then back to the ship.

A very enjoyable day---did I mention hot and humid?--and Pam and I are tired tonight. After dinner, a short visit to the casino, and then off to bed. Huatulco tomorrow.

Day 9---Free Motion with Freida

At sea today heading toward our first port in Mexico, Puerto Chiapas. I had a free motion quilting class with Freida Anderson, who does a lot of small, fused art-type quilts. Unknown to me until I got to the class was the fact that I own one of her quilt patterns, Daffodils. Patt and Freida have different approaches to free motion, so I learned some more, different things today, plus got a lot of practice, which I need if I'm ever going to quilt my own things. Freida does do feathers, which Patt does not do at all, so that was and interesting technique to learn.

Pam did her usual bridge sessions, and thinks her play is somewhat better than it was before.

After dinner tonight (yummy cold strawberry bisque for a starter) there was a Mola class. Unfortunately for me, fortunate for someone who got my place, service was slow at my table, so I didn't get to the room until 7:10, ten minutes late. My packet went to someone else, and I was sorely disappointed, as mola is reverse applique and I was greatly looking forward to the class. At least I got the instructions, and it isn't really hard, so I can deal with it.

Seas really rough during the night last night, but calmed down by noon.  Lots of birds and some dolphins sighted...not by me.  Clear day, not too hot.

Day 8 --- Costa Rica

Day 8- Costa Rica

Lazy day for me, busy day for Pam. Since I had done all the tours available, I stayed on the ship, mostly, while Pam went on an 8 ½ hour tour of Costa Rica, including a coffee plantation, botanic garden, rain forest and typical Tico lunch. I walked to the end of the pier and looked at all the vendors with their crafts. Bought a birthday present for my daughter, Holly, (birthday tomorrow) and then walked back to the ship. Hot, hot, hot. Like I said, quiet day.

Deb had a trivia contest tonight which proved to all of us how much we don't know, which is a lot. My team won second prize, a packet of thread, which I think will come in handy when I finally get my Melinda Bula hibiscus done.

Day at sea tomorrow, so another class. Again, for me, free motion quilting. Ship's clocks change an hour ahead tomorrow morning, third time change in four days. Back and forth!

Day 7--- Free Motion with Patt Blair

Rose with the ship heading nearly due west...hard to remember that Panama is east of Costa Rica, I always seem to think that the Caribbean is east of Costa Rica when it is really north of the country. Makes sense that we would head west then, right?  I was a little out of line last night when I said we were heading north, how easy to forget geography when it seems to defy logic.

I had a free motion quilting class with Patt Blair today. First time I have done much free motion, so I practiced a lot with small quilt sandwiches I had made, and then finally worked on my large sampler after lunch. Enjoyed the experience, and will try to finish the sampler while I have use of the nice Janome machines they have here. Don't know if I would ever do a bed-sized quilt on a domestic machine without using a frame, but would now consider it with a frame.

Weather today was very nice, not as hot as it was in Columbia and Panama, although I think it was just lower humidity that led to the comfort. Thunder and lightning storm at sundown which was pretty exciting. Formal night tonight, and Pam got dressed up (Holland America has a very relaxed definition of formal.) and we had a nice dinner...rack of lamb: tasty, tasty.

Pam is going on a tour of Costa Rica tomorrow and I'm staying on the ship, as I have done all the tours from previous trips to Costa Rica. Laundry day and hand-sewing for me, as I finished Divergent yesterday and don't have the next book on my Kindle.

Day 6---Transit of the Panama Canal

Up early to watch the ship entering the Canal. Pam counted 17 ships on just the starboard side of the Westerdam, all apparently waiting their turn through the Canal. Lots of people employed here, but as it is pricey to go through, about $200,000 for this ship, for example, there's lots of money to be made.

Entering the first lock was interesting, because although we intellectually knew the ship would fit, it certainly did not look like it would. There is about 18 inches clearance on each side of the lock...what a tight fit. Three locks later we were 65' higher, and entered Gatun Lake. This is an entirely manmade lake with an earth-fill dam which supplies the water for locks on both the east and west side. We spent the day zig-zagging through the lake, a line of ships about 2000' feet from each other going very, very slow. We followed a car carrier and tanker, and were followed by a container ship.

East and west side in this case is slightly confusing, as the east side, the Caribbean side is further west than the Pacific side. Pam and I both felt someone was fooling with our heads, as we “knew” we were heading west, toward the Pacific, but continued on a south south-east course. This meant that the sun, instead of setting in the west, set in the perceived north. Anyway, look at a map and you'll see what I mean.

Exiting the locks at about 6, sunset here in the tropics, we are now in the Pacific and headed north. Tomorrow is an “at sea” day, so I have a class, and it is also Easter Sunday.

Day 5---Cartagena

Up at 6:30 today and had breakfast in the room as we both had to catch fairly early tours of the city. Columbia, at least the Caribbean coast is hot and HUMID. Heat I can take, humidity not so much. Cartagena is an interesting city, and the Old Town area, with its vividly painted buildings, narrow streets, flowers and cobblestone even more so.

Upon leaving the ship in our (thankfully air conditioned) bus we first stopped at the fortress that guarded the city. A huge stone fort and thick city walls were supposed to guard the city, sometimes not so well, with English, pirates, and French all launching attacks at one time or another. The vendors of hats, sunglasses, tee shirts and leather belts and purses were everywhere, but skills learned in India served well, ie, make no eye contact and do not even answer “No, gracias.”

After a shopping arcade (I'm sure the guide, Emily, gets a cut) we went to the Hall of Inquisitions and saw many ways to torture. I'm sure I would confess to anything just to be put out of my misery after seeing some of the ways people have devised to hurt other people.

A walking tour of Old Town ended at two fabric shops. Both were a disappointment, as they had US fabric in cotton, and lots of polyester and other fabrics not suitable for quilting. No, Surani, I didn't buy any. We then walked back to the bus, had a driving tours of other parts of the city, and then back to the ship.

Pam and I lazed away the afternoon, but did go to a “Foodie Frenzy” trivia contest, which I won (so there, Cass), went to a lecture on the building of the Canal, and had dinner with delightful table companions who live in Esquim, WA but were originally from England. After dinner, the show, and now bed. A very nice day---and the Canal is tomorrow.

DAY 3---Travel Photography Class

Whoa, weird.  Brought up my post to add photos, only to discover that I had never posted anything.  So here's the post, luckily saved on my office program.

Class assignment
Floor in the ship

Close up--great stone work

Travel photography to day all day with Greg Case. I learned a bunch of new things, as well as was reminded of old things I knew from the photography class I took in 1970 or so. Actually read part of my manual (what's this about reading directions?) and learned how to put grid lines on the screen, a very helpful tool, how to take closer close-ups than I've been taking, and kinda how to track action (need to work on this one). 

Class assignment
Photo of someone at work

One of our assignments was to go up to a stranger and ask to take a picture of them, a surprisingly hard thing to do, but I did it and got a picture I'm proud of.

Most interesting was taking a vertical picture of something

that usually is photographed horizontally.

Off the side of the ship

Great lobster

Today was formal dinner, so I went to dinner without Pam, who chose not to get dressed up. Not a problem in the dining room, as we always share a table with anyone who comes along. This leads to some interesting conversation. I had broiled lobster and a very chocolatey chocolate souffle for dessert. Went to a show after with a funny comedienne, Julie Barr. Nice day at sea.

Towel animals at night

Day 4---Melinda Bula Hibiscus

Melinda in action

Finished hibiscus

Today was my first real quilting class, a fusible web class, “Hibiscus,” with Melinda Bula. Melinda was actually at Valley Quilt Guild last year, so her work was not entirely unknown to me.  

The kit, beginning

Enjoyable class most playing at paper dolls: we fused and then cut out pieces to “paint with fabric,” a hibiscus. After it is done, and I'm no where near there, it is thread-painted as a wall hanging. I had fun in the class even though fusible is not my favorite type of applique—needle-turn is.

As far as I got today

Seas were very rough today, with the ship a-rockin and a-rollin all day, actually worse tonight. My classroom was today was part of the dining room where we could see outside, which didn't help. After a trip to my cabin for the Dramamine and ginger chews I was much better. All I had for lunch was one hard roll and a ginger ale, but by dinner time I was quite recovered and had a good meal. Pam and I made it to the show tonight, an illusionist, Jon Stetson, who consults for “The Mentalist.” Quite good.

Tonight's towel animal
A crab

Day 2---Off to the Caribbean

End of line...2 1/2 hrs to ship from here

Another exciting day getting to where we're going! We slept for 12 hours---I haven't slept for 12 hours straight in I don't know how many years, but after getting up at 3 AM we were both ready to sleep by 5 PM California time.

Suitcases for the ship

Had a nice buffet breakfast at the hotel, then took a van to the ship, where queue has been raised to a fine art. First, the line to get into the building (think hot and humid already), then the line in the building to go through the security check (machines and pat downs), then the line to go through the passport check and room key acquisition, THEN the wait to get on the ship, which was the longest of all. Finally, on the ship.

Seems like a very nice cruise line, enough room to store things and a miniscule balcony which is worth every penny extra spent to have it. Nice to stick your head outside into the warm and humid air. We had a get together with the quilting group with free margaritas (nice) then went to dinner, also nice...prime rib with veggies and potato. Now it's off to bed early, as we're both tired again. At least we don't have to worry about getting anywhere tomorrow.

First dinner on the ship

SORRY ABOUT NO PICS, BUT THE INTERNET HERE IS PAINFULLY SLOW.  I WILL TRY TO FIND A TIME OF DAY WHEN IT IS FASTER.  ENJOYING MYSELF, ALREADY HAVE MY NEXT CRUISE PICKED OUT :-)  Now back at home, will catch up with pictures now!

Day 1---From Home to Fort Lauderdale

A snowy Denver

Up at the godawful time of 3:10 AM.  Actually only two choices when flying to the east coast, up early and get in at a reasonable time, or leave at a reasonable time and get in at 11:00 PM.  Pam and I went with the first.  Lorrie drove us to the airport with absolutely no traffic (of course, it was the middle of the night.).  Arrived in Denver in two hours and had was passed for breakfast, a strawberry  yogurt parfait and croissant.  Denver had had a snowstorm the day before and there was snow everywhere, although it was a bright sunny day today. 

6th floor view from our window

 Back on a different plane for the flight to Fort Lauderdale, four more hours.  Luggage arrived just fine, and the Renaissance Hotel is great.

Water-side dining
Bimini Boatyard

We had a wonderful dinner at the Bimini Boatyard Restaurant.  

Bahama Mama

Bahama Mama is a great drink, and the food was excellent.  

Seared salmon

Yummy shrimp on grits

Seared salmon with garlic potatoes and asparagus and shrimp on a bed of grits (yum) with a tomato sauce.  Since today is my birthday, Pam treated.  Thanks, Pam.

Anyone know what this is?  No odor

Day 5---Sadly, we leave

Shirley M and her paper piecing

Totally lovely day today...sun shining and very little fog.  Feels like the day after Christmas, kinda melancholy and sad.  We had a great time here in Fort Bragg, and although Claire is "retiring" from planning retreats, I certainly hope Linda steps up (We elected her "in absentia" to do so.) and plans the next one.

Cathy, Kathy and Susanna admiring the
"Angry Birds" patches of Shirley M

Strawberry pincushions (red testicles) that I made for everyone

Day 4---Sewing (and the beach) all day long

Everyone stayed home all day long and sewed.  Of course, we went for a walk on the beach (Yes, Ashley, every day).  Shirley finally learned how to paper piece, and we had great cheesecake for supper.

Claire's flowerbasket

Jan and her pin wheels

Shirley J and Jan contemplating infinity

Cathy's log cabin foundation pieced block

Whale rock and our last sunset
(It was wonderfully sunny all day.)

Solomon's home made cheesecake
Raspberry

Walking the beach

Fun in Fort Bragg

Day 3---Fort Bragg fog

Hash browns

and Chili Cheese Egg Casserole

Sorry for the late post, but I was too frazzled to post yesterday. A little more sun today, but the fog certainly made its presence felt. Cathy and I made breakfast today, hash browns with kielbasa and chili cheese casserole. Very tasty, if I do say so myself, which I do.

Whale Rock

After some sewing, we went into the Sew'n Sew Quilt Shop again, then back home for a walk on the beach.

The reason the beach is called Sand Dollar

Lucy on the beach

A community meeting re: Susanna's quilt

We all decided to go into town for dinner, and I ended up at Capt'n Flint's for a fish, scallop, prawn fry with cole slaw. Nice for a change, and the view over Noyo harbor was very peaceful. I was frazzled because when I got back to the house I couldn't find my phone! Looked everywhere but couldn't find it, called the restaurant, no phone there. Finally went online and had Google look for it, and it was located at the house where we were...tore everything apart again, not in the house, looked in car, not there. Finally looked alongside the seat of the car, too low to feel with your hand, too high to see if you looked under the seat, and there it was. A huge cheer from everyone, and a huge sigh of relief from me.   

Suzanne, Nancy and Shirley M---Selfie at the beach

View of Noyo Harbor

Day 2---Lots of sewing

Nancy can't take it!

Claire in the shortlived sunlight

Foggy day at the beach...only saw the sun for about half hour this morning, then foggy for the rest of the day.

Shirley J in her "working" uniform

Most of us went into town for a short visit to the Sew and Sew Quilt Shop and then back for sewing, laughing, talking and eating.  Shirley M. learned how to foundation piece correctly, while Shirley J finished iron totes for herself and her sister Linda, who is sorely missed at this retreat.

The iron tote

Mormon funeral potatoes

Supper tonight was ham, beans, pasta salad and funereal potatoes, so named because Mormon women make them for funeral dinners.  Very nice :-)

Lucy and the frozen margarhita

 Lots of laughter, and Lucy can't hold her liquor.

Jan preparing for more piecing

Lucy, Shirley M and Claire heating up

Flowers in Fort Bragg

Poppies are lovely this year