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The Lord protects and defends me; I trust in him.
He gives me help and makes me glad;
I praise him with joyful songs.

Psalm 28:7 (Good News Translation)

Back to the Beginning

Our Cruise to the Bahamas

Saturday Morning, January 28

Boarding the Advance Coach at our church on Saturday morning.

There were twenty-one of us on the coach heading to Manhattan, New York, where we would board a cruise ship to the Bahamas.

The other six drove by van from Maine, and by the time I took this picture they had already been on the road two (plus) hours.

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This cruise was our way of celebrating fifty years of marriage.

We have been planning it for almost two years, and as we discussed a date with our children and grandchildren, 2012 seemed to be better for us than 2013 – which is our actual fiftieth.

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I planned a few bus games for the three-hour trip.

Approaching Lincoln Tunnel in New York City.

Driving through the city

There she is – the Norwegian Jewel!

Getting our passports checked and receiving room keys.

The ramp that led to the ship.

We were early, so had to wait a few hours until our staterooms (we had ten) were ready. We spent the time eating lunch and looking over Norwegian literature and the schedule for the day.

This restaurant is called Mama’s Kitchen. This was one of our favorite areas to hang out during the cruise, as it was a fairly quiet area. Sometimes we played games here, or ate meals when the buffet area was full.

I think Ian’s entire meal was made up of bacon.

Jere and Kristen are usually very particular about what their children eat, but decided this was a vacation from food rules for their children.

A skyline view of New York City from the ship.

Jeff and Cerwin looking over a brochure on the ship’s layout.

It looks like Chris had Deb thinking seriously about something.

You will see patches (like behind Chris’ ear) on some family members photos during my posts. They were to avoid sea sickness.

Abby and Nathaniel looking over Norwegian literature.

We don’t know what Jordan is doing, but it looks like he is having fun. This was his last chance to use his cell phone until we docked in Florida on Monday.

Jesse and Gloria playing a game.

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More tomorrow night

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We Returned From Our Cruise to Good News!

All the results of my tests (heart, carotid arteries, and EEG) are in from my accident on December 21.

NORMAL!

How many times do you get told that you are normal. Some of our children and grandchildren are not so sure about that diagnosis when it comes to me.

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I love how the doctor told me that I can drive again – at least I think that is what his note means. 

“I can not say you cannot drive based on these tests.”

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Yay! I can drive our new RAV4.

Oh, There is Something I Forgot to Tell You!

We brought our entire family of twenty-seven with us!

Now that we are home – and I don’t have to pay a high price for internet, I re-looked at my pictures. I was surprised at how serious everyone looks in this picture. Hey, it takes concentration to order a meal. I promise that you will see lots of smiles in future photos.

Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:19 (The Message)

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Photo From the Bahamas

After shopping, we went out on a glass bottom boat – for a harbor tour and to see some beautiful fish. Oh what fun!

It was a sunny but cool day, and the water is too cold for swimming.

Preparing to Visit Nassau, Bahamas, Today.

We can see land, and there are two other ships preparing dock – one ahead of us and one behind us.

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

Live in his presence in holy reverence, follow the road he sets out for you, love him, serve God, your God, with everything you have in you.

Deuteronomy 10:12 (The Message)

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I am going to put my Bible verse and photo of the day on one post to save minutes on the Internet.

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Change of Plans

Shortly after breakfast, the captain told us the seas were too choppy to go to Great Stirrup Cay in tender boats, so we had to stay on the ship.

The crew was exceptionally good to us. We enjoyed some sun on the 12th level and listened to fabulous Caribbean music. I’m getting a good tan.

There Was An Elephant On Our Bed Last Night

We will dock for sure tomorrow, because we will not be using tender boats.

No, we are not headed north.

It is 75 degrees here at 5:25 a.m.

I can see the lights of land on the TV monitor, so I am anxious to get dressed and go to the 12th floor for coffee and to see what is happening outside.

The pretty picture from yesterday was not our room, but a window seat somewhere in the ship where people can sit and watch the ocean.

I may not have time to post a picture, as we will be on land somewhere in our beautiful country for most of the day. Internet is expensive, so I am being very careful with my time online.

Have a wonderful day!

Our Surroundings Are Beautiful

Clue #3 for our trip of a lifetime.

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A few of you guessed it correctly – we are on a cruise.

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I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love.

John 15:9 (The Message)