Sharing my traditions on July 25, Christmas in July.

My Christmas traditions go back as far as I can remember. My mother would bake sugar cookie cut-outs. As a family we would sit around the table, each with a decorating task. It could be adding the red cinnamon nose to the reindeer cookie. Or putting the sprinkles on the tree cookies. The usual shapes included reindeer, tree, snowman, ornament, angel and Santa face, complete with coconut beard. A favorite memory of frosting cookies involves my Dad. He loved his sweets. He would take a huge dollop of homemade frosting and oops! “break” a cookie, so he could eat it! To this day, my daughter, Karen, and I decorate sugar cookie cut-outs, much like I did with my mother. We love to make other holiday-type cookies as well, making assorted cookie trays to give to friends and neighbors. One year, Karen’s co-workers challenged me to make The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies. That was lots of baking and decorating! We even came up with Christmas names for each one: Santa’s Whiskers, Santa’s Favorite, Baby It’s Cold Outside, Yellow Snow, Olaf’s Snowballs, Santa’s Thumbprint, ‘Kiss’ Me Under the Mistletoe, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas and more inventive names!

A tradition that I started when my daughters got older and were leaving home, was to paint a Christmas village for them. For many years, I would paint a miniature plaster molded house and an accessory. We each have buildings of interest to us, such as a skate shop or theater. We also have a couple buildings that are very special – a Maple Syrup Factory in honor of my Dad who used to make syrup and Ed/Dad’s Diner, in honor of my late husband. I have hand-painted 3 Christmas villages in my time! Karen and I have combined our villages. It takes about 2 solid weeks to create the village display, which includes lighted buildings, a train, street lights, sidewalks, trees, mountains, people, cars and more! We usually start setting it up just before Thanksgiving. It’s definitely a labor of love. Check out a few pictures of Mistletoe Village in the Gallery to the right of this post.

Decorating the house is something that we do…or over-do as the case may be. Wreaths on doors inside and out, candles in the windows, decorative touches in every room. We have several trees to decorate, some tabletop, some taller. Some years we’ve decorated based on the state we lived in. A seashell tree in Florida. A cowgirl tree in Texas. Or we’ve decorated based on favorites. A Disney tree. A Red Hat tree. A travel tree. One thing is always on the tree, however, and that is a porcelain angel ornament that I’ve had for as long as I can remember. Another childhood item that I move from state to state with is my Silver Streak metal runner sled, still with the original rope. I tugged that sled up many a hill back in the day to whoosh down only to climb back up and do it all over again. Memories…

This year’s decorator tree will have a patriotic theme. Red. White. Blue. I have all the items I need to make this tree come alive. Blue Mardi Gras beads. White snowflake garland. Red wooden bead garland. Small American flags. An American flag designed star for the top. Red ball ornaments. I have the vision of what it will look like. I just need to pull it all together.

Happy Christmas in July, Everyone!

I recently received an email from Cruise Critic detailing several different trends, based on guest feedback/reviews and comments on their website. To say it was a bit disturbing is putting it mildly. We have probably all seen some of these scenarios as we’ve cruised, both on water and dry land. I’ve decided to share some of them here, in hopes that none of us repeat them. I understand it’s our vacation. We feel entitled. However…

…Mind Your Manners
1. The elevators on a ship are small. Wait for the elevator to empty of current guests, before barging in. Packing in an elevator can produce unwanted results, including stepped on toes, spilled drinks/food and more. We are all in a hurry to get to our preferred deck but patience is a virtue and needs to be exercised by all on board. Also, stepping out to let a guest at the back of the elevator exit comfortably is common courtesy – same as at home. Worse case scenarios are if you use a scooter or on disembarkation day when the elevators are almost constantly full.

2. Alcohol may present obnoxious behavior. Especially since cruise ships offer special drink programs. Cruises are well-known as floating frat parties or pre-wedding celebrations. Know your limits. And don’t be surprised when you see the bar bill on your sail account!

3. Buffets are a great way to select the foods you like or would like to try. But, once again, there is a code of etiquette that should be followed. Take a look at the line, and start at the end of it. It usually begins where the plates are located. Always use the utensils provided in the pan (not the other pan!) to place the food on your plate, for sanitary reasons. If the utensil is missing, just ask for it to be replaced. It’s never OK to use your fingers! There’s no need to pile up your plate or fill several plates on your first pass. A buffet is just that…the opportunity to go back and get a clean plate as many times as you wish to enjoy your favorite offerings. If, for instance, you’ve forgotten the butter and cut the line, do so with an apology, grab the butter and then step back out. Not all buffet lines move quickly. Remember: There’s always the option of eating in the MDR (Main Dining Room).

4. People love to chat you up. In the elevator, at the bar, in the hallway, at the pool, in the restaurants. Generally, it’s a fun way to enjoy their company if only for a few moments. The most often asked questions are, “where are you from” and “what excursions are you taking”. Try to avoid controversial topics such as level of guest membership and service as well as politics and religion. It’s amazing how people feel free to share their political opinions with us when we say we are from the Washington, D.C. area. Better to talk about the wonderful experiences on board. And, if you can’t say anything nice, then it’s better to say nothing at all. At least that’s what I learned as a child.

5. In this world, there are many who enjoy a smoke. And many who don’t. If you are in the first category, it’s important to only smoke in the approved areas/decks. And never throw your cigarette butt overboard! If you are in the second category, avoid those areas. They can be determined by the ashtrays on the tables and the posted signs. Don’t sit on deck or stand near a table with an ashtray and complain about second-hand smoke. There are more places on board that offer a smoke-free area than there are smoking areas. Remember that many enjoy this habit, just as many enjoy alcoholic beverages. (See item 2 above.)

6. Finding an available deck chair on a crowded ship can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Many people go out first thing in the morning to claim their chair by leaving a towel or some other personal item on it. Please be kind. If you are done with your chair, remove the towel so others can enjoy it.

7. Parents please control your children. We are all on the ship for fun and relaxation. Unsupervised children can be a hazard to others. Running and raucous behavior is not pleasant to other guests. There are children’s programs on board that may be used. They supply supervision and activities suitable for various age groups. Know where your children are at all times. Many ships have serenity areas that do not allow children. These can be a haven for adults who wish a bit more serene atmosphere. Also, please do not allow your children in the hot tubs! This can be very dangerous to their health. These are NOT small wading or swimming pools! Children should be kept to a semblance of a schedule for meals and bedtime. There’s little worse than a cranky, hungry or tired child…unless it’s a cranky, hungry or tired adult!

I’m sure there’s many more behaviors that could be discussed here, but I think you get the picture. For more enlightenment on the do’s and don’ts of cruising etiquette, please visit Cruise Critic at cruisecritic.com.

May your day be filled with
good thoughts,
kind people,
and happy moments.

It’s exciting to be able to travel abroad! Wonderful new adventures await. The purpose of this post is to help insure that your new adventures don’t include a trip to the local constabulary’s jail! Warning: The purpose is to help educate, not frighten you about international travel. With the easy access to search engines and answers on just about everything under the sun, you can be in the know before you go!

As with any country, there are laws. And ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Know before you go! As an American, some of these laws do not apply here in the United States, but better you know than you don’t! And in looking at the list below, I find that I am guilty of a couple of them!

1. Wear Camouflage – “Camo patterns can be trendy in the U.S. but leave them behind when you venture out in certain countries such as Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago. It’s also forbidden in Oman and for those on an African river cruise or safari tour organized by a cruise line. It’s illegal to wear camouflage clothing in countries like Zimbabwe. Laws ban civilians from donning gear or outfits that could lead to other people thinking that they are with the military or law enforcement.”
2. Engage in Public Displays of Affection – “Countries with a strong state religion, such as Islam or Hinduism, often see kissing as a violation of their decency or obscenity codes and foreigners have been fined, deported and arrested for making out in public. Even in countries where it’s technically not illegal, like Jordan or Morocco, you’ll attract angry looks.” Theres a right time and place for everything.
3. Forget to Flush the Toilet – “Singapore has a host of laws intended to keep its busy city-state clean. (Although contrary to popular opinion, you can chew gum in public — you just can’t deposit the gooey mess anywhere outside a trash can, as littering is also against the law.) And we’re not exactly sure how they would enforce this one, which applies to public facilities. But Singapore has a low tolerance toward rule-breakers, so best to mind your P’s and Q’s.”
4. Ride Bikes Unsafely – “In Mexico, keep both feet on the pedals or else; one-footed bike riding is illegal. In Austria, it’s both hands that have to be touching the bike.” If you are riding a bike be cautious of pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic. If you’ve ever been to Amsterdam, you may get run over by a bike!
5. Post a Photo of Your Beer – Guilty! We always take a photo of the local beer enjoyed, preferably with a building of interest in the background. I have a folder on my computer entitled, “Beers of the World”. “But perhaps the weirdest (Thailand) law prohibits the advertisement of drinks and alcoholic brands — including on social media. So no selfies with a bottle of Singha!”
6. Snack While on Church Steps or Monuments – “Florence has some gorgeous houses of worship and the steps seem like an oh-so-inviting place to devour your delicious gelato. But the amount of resulting litter has made city officials so angry that they’ve taken to dousing church steps with water to deter tourists from sitting. In Rome, the ban goes further: No eating on fountains or historic monuments, such as the Pantheon, the Colosseum and even the Spanish Steps.” Actually, this is just a good practice to follow anywhere you travel.
7. Feed the Pigeons – “Overtourism has been the topic du jour in Venice, where officials believe the city is literally sinking under its tourism weight. For many years, it’s been illegal to feed pigeons in St. Mark’s Square, as the city tries to rid itself of what many describe as “flying vermin.” San Francisco has a similar ordinance. Note: It’s not illegal to feed pigeons in New York City, but if excessive droppings are tied to your activity, you may receive a fine if you don’t clean them up!”
8. Wear Stilettos – “Pointy-heeled shoes are forbidden at ancient monuments and sites in Athens and elsewhere in Greece, the reason being that the sharp tips dig into the fragile marble. Trust us: You really don’t want to wear heels on your trek up to the Parthenon anyway.” Join the rest of us by wearing comfy walking shoes!
9. Use Facebook – Guilty…again. But we weren’t in China! “China is a huge tourism destination and a major cruise port. But the government still has iron-clad control over the internet, and popular sites such as Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and YouTube, among others are verboten (although you can still access it in Hong Kong, where many Southeast Asia cruises originate).”

These are but a few of the international laws that I’ve shared from a Cruise Critic article. Know before you go, to avoid an unexpected “tour guide” providing you with an unwanted shore excursion!

Tip: Attend the on-board excursion talks. These can be helpful regarding many facets of being in a foreign country – everything from a bit of history to currency to tipping and yes, to laws to avoid breaking while visiting. These are generally held in the late afternoon/early evenings in the ship’s main theater.

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
– Saint Augustine

As I am retired, I seem to spend a good deal of time on the internet. I belong to several online groups, mostly that deal with cruises that I am either booked on or interested in. The internet is a mother-lode of information from, and for, new and seasoned travelers alike. Joining a special interest group allows others to share their experiences and ask questions. These experiences may encourage you to travel to a specific destination or, you may find that based on information shared, that particular destination may not be right for you and your mobility challenges after all.

One of the fun things I like to do is participate in Travel List Challenges. There are quite a few of them online, specific to many areas of travel. It’s always interesting to me to see how I stack up compared to others who take the time to complete the list challenge. I can honestly say that I usually score above the average posted. And the reason for that? It’s because I love to travel and see and do things outside my window and my comfort zone, while dealing with and learning from my mobility challenges. I don’t often post my scores to these challenges. I simply like to see what’s out there and decide if it’s something I want to put on my bucket list for a future visit. And honestly, I’ve never heard of some of the places that show up on these lists!

The more that you read, the more things you will know.
The more that you learn, the more places you will go. 
–Dr. Seuss

Well, let’s wade in and open this can of worms!

Should gratuities be pre-determined? Should gratuities be prepaid? Who should receive a gratuity? How can you adjust the amount you wish to give? Should you leave certain crew members an additional gratuity? Yep…it’s a minefield! 

I belong to a few online travel groups and this is a topic that is often discussed. 

Q – Should gratuities be pre-determined?

A – This is not often an option when cruising. There is a pre-determined charge per day per person, based on the length of the cruise. Generally $12-$15pp/day. This is then divided (not necessarily evenly) throughout the crew, including many crew members that might not be ‘guest-facing’, such as kitchen staff/cooks and maintenance as well as those you may see daily such as cabin stewards/assistants, wait staff, bartenders, sommelier and others. 

Q – Should gratuities by prepaid?

A – Well, yes, it just makes settling your bill at the end of the cruise that much easier. Some cruise lines will automatically add this to your bill. 

Q – Who should receive a gratuity?

A – See Question #1. These are the folks that work hard to make your cruise memorable, from everything you eat and drink, to your cabin cleanliness, to making sure the ship is clean and running smoothly. 

Q – How can you adjust the amount you wish to give?

A – While the cruise line will suggest the daily gratuity amount, you may adjust that amount either lower or higher, by visiting Guest Services.

Q – Should you leave certain crew members an additional gratuity?

A – While it is not necessary, according to the online groups that I belong to, it is done on a regular basis. Generally speaking, it may be for your cabin steward who has done an exceptional job. It may be to special wait staff that have served you nightly or any crew member who may have amazed you with their level of service.

Q – Are gratuities included for excursions?

A – No, they are not! Generally speaking, excursions are provided by third-party companies. So, that said, the suggested gratuity for the guide is $2 per person and the bus driver is $1 per person. But, I have to say that I don’t agree with this. Keep in mind that the driver got you there and back safely and on time. I have experienced guides that have gone out of their way to be extra helpful or have been especially engaging during the tour. They deserve more! Generally, both will accept American dollars or local currency.

Here’s something that I want to share – A conversation took place about offering gratuities to cabin stewards, servers and others at the beginning of the trip in addition to the suggested gratuities added at the end of the trip. The reasoning was to ‘insure superior/exceptional service’ for the duration of said trip. I find that I must disagree with this practice. A gratuity, by definition, is a gift for services rendered. I feel that I tip according to the services received. I shouldn’t have to ‘bribe’ someone in advance, to offer the service that they are expected, by their employer, to offer. But again, that’s just my opinion. And that’s just one of the reasons why gratuities are a minefield!

Tip #1 – To make disembarking even easier, check your shipboard account on the stateroom TV daily. Verify that the day’s charges are correct. It is amazing how fast bar tabs and shipboard purchases can add up!

Tip #2: Be sure to check your stateroom account carefully before disembarking the ship. Make Guest Services aware of any discrepancies. It is much easier to do this while on board, than work at figuring it out after your jet lag passes!

Tip #3 – It’s nice to bring along a note card or two to thank crew members who have provided you with exceptional service. They are always appreciative of small gifts, whether monetary or material. Forgot the note card? No problem! Envelopes are available at Guest Services or buy a special card in port.

With a late schedule posting of 3 days off, Karen and I decided to take a road trip “back home” to Greece (Rochester), New York. We have in-laws, aunts, uncles and cousins in the area that we haven’t seen in years. There will be lots of driving for Karen, and lots of riding for me!

A phone conversation with one of my sister-in-laws put the weekend into high gear. The in-law B&B is open and available! The planning is happening for get-togethers and of course, food. Our road trip will take us about 7-8 hours depending on the number and length of pit stops.

One of the things on our want list is a good old Rochester Friday night beer-battered Haddock fish fry. There will be plenty of food on Saturday as well, most likely hots and burgers and salads. Or maybe a Pontillo’s pizza party! I would love to get some Abbott’s Custard by the lake (Ontario) and another look at my favorite hometown light house.

UPDATE:
Weekend was a success! Was able to visit with everyone we intended to see on our short weekend. Arrived mid-afternoon, Friday. We enjoyed a fish fry at Red Fedele’s Brook House with our hosts for the weekend, Linda and Mike, their son, wife and daughter, Brian, Rachel and Tegan. It was the first time we met Tegan, who is a little cutie! Her initials are TNT if that gives you any idea! The fish fry was great. Even got to ‘bus cheeks with the owner, Red, just like the old days. He came by our table, sat and chatted for a while.

Saturday, we were off to the drag races! My brother-in-law, Mike, has a ‘street beast’ Camaro SS427 all tricked out and my nephew, Brian, has a Jeep with 54″ wheels! Interesting how they climb up into the thing by using the tire treads. And Tegan, 2-1/2 years old, says it’s her Jeep! Kinda strange to see a car seat in this vehicle, I have to say though! With us for the event was also my other nephew, Keith’s, son, Mason. One of the highlights for Karen was ‘riding shotgun’ in the Camaro for one of the races. Afterwards, we took Mason home and had a short visit with his Dad, who just had surgery on Thursday. Then, back to the B&B for a picnic dinner with sisters-in-law, Sharon, (husband Craig) and Carol, with niece, Stacey. Lots of hugs and laughter. Just what was needed! I had created a Shutterfly book with pictures of their brother and my late husband, Ed, and presented it to them. Lots of memories in that book for them as there were pictures of all of them growing up and moments in Ed’s life over the years.

All too soon our short homecoming was over. Many thanks to our hosts, Mike and Linda, for the place to lay our heads, the good food prepared and served and the local chauffeur service. Mobility-wise, it was a pretty smooth trip, with not too much stress on the hips.

Who says you can’t go home?!