I have been at a loss for words for a time, hence the somewhat long delay between published posts.  I think the news out of Orlando, Florida took the wind out of my sails and left me wordless.  Hard to imagine, me being wordless, but there you go.

As we sat in our assigned cubicle talking with the social security representative I looked at Abi and thought, “Wait! What?! How did we get here?”

What can I tell you about Niagara Falls that you don’t already know?  Probably not much.  But what I can tell you is it’s true what they (who’s they?!) say, the view from the Canadian side is the view to see.  Okay, I say that even though we didn’t visit the falls from the US side, but when you’re on the Canadian side, there’s no arguing the point.

Cruising to the Dominican Republic with Fathom was a good fit for us.  Actually, it was pretty much the ideal first cruise experience. I think it is safe to say though that the Fathom experience may not be a good fit for all travelers.

Being home for the past couple of weeks I’ve had time to ponder the whole idea of volunteering while traveling and guess what? I don’t know anymore than I did the day we stepped on board the Adonia bound for the Dominican Republic.  I see both sides of the fence, so-to-speak, but I’m not sure which side I favor, if either.  But more on those thoughts to come as I ponder further.  Deep thinker, don’t ya know.

I wrote this post in May of 2013.  It never ceases to surprise me just how fast the years pass by – blink and you miss it. Since writing this post my mother has passed, she left this life in December of 2014.  I find myself thinking of my mother on this Mother’s Day and treasuring the sweet memories of my childhood when she was just “mom.”

I don’t think I’d be accused of exaggerating if I told you the people of the Dominican Republic are some of the most joyful people we’ve ever encountered.

It was our last night in the Dominican Republic.  Nearly 11:00 p.m. we had been relaxing by the pool and watching the stars for a couple of hours.  “Excuse me ma’am, sir, can you please tell me why the ship is here but there is no one at the pool during the day?” asked Manuel, a young man working at Amber Cove.

What if you woke up tomorrow morning to learn your life would never again be the same? Would you get out of bed to face the unknown, or would you retreat back under the covers?

What. If. Two seemingly innocuous words. But put those two words together and watch out! What if? Two little words that can either set you adrift or set you on the right path. Or, just maybe, push you out of your comfort zone.

Never let it be said that there is not a lot to shout about when it comes to points programs.  Abi and I have been working the points programs for years (and years).  And I talk about Hilton so much that maybe one day the company’s powers-to-be will pay me to stay with them!  Ha!