It's Great To Be Home

As Kathi and I got closer to home, I mentioned that all my guys had plans that evening and I would be returning to an empty house. I always like to be met, have a bit of a homecoming as it were. Years ago when I traveled, if I got off the plane and no one met me, I'd hug my traveling companion so as not to look like a loser at the airline's gate. Anyway, Sam thought of me coming home to an empty, dark house too and left me a surprise. That Sam I Am.

On Tuesday evening my Hubby thought it might rain the next day so we quickly stacked two cords of firewood before dinner. Never mind that I was a tad sore after my return to boot camp on Monday.

Instead of happy hour, I get a low cal snack at 4:30ish.

It is great to be home. Really.

I Miss My Yacht

Our stateroom on the cruise wasn't huge but it was nice. Plenty of storage. Nice, high quality linens. Chocolates on my pillow. A heated tile bathroom floor. Gorgeous views. Great pillows. Nice.


I miss my yacht and the scenery.

I miss going down to visit with Elaine to check out the drink of the day.

Thanks Kathi! I had a great time. But all good things must come to an end.
I am home, doing laundry, making dinner, cooking breakfast for 32+ people on Thursday morning, paying bills, vacuuming, picking up Max etc. etc. etc. And it is good to be here with my guys. I missed 'em.
Oh, and mid-October I am going on another sisters' trip.

Meals on a Yacht

Kathi and I, both enjoy cooking, entertaining and eating. The food on the yacht was fabulous. We asked for a galley tour. Sure. Really there wasn't anything the crew said no to. I liked that part. It is a very efficient galley with the chef, his assistant and one dishwasher, runner, everything young man. The galley was homey too, patio lanterns, drawings from children and thank you notes on the bulletin board. They have a dumb waiter, so they plate all meals down below and send them up table by table. It smelled good too. The turkey was roasting for lunch sandwiches, the foccocia bread was cooling and the brownies were in the oven. It was amazing what came out of that little galley. I am inspired to bake bread this winter.

Afternoons on a Yacht

We visited quaint little ports with shopping and ice cream shops. It was fun to get off the ship and walk.

We lounged on the sundeck and in the hot tub. One afternoon we had our massages. The aromatherapy in itself was unreal and the massage- the best I've ever had. Merlinda used hot towels. I wanted to take her home with us.

On Thursday we had a bbq on the sundeck at lunch. Crab, ribs, burgers, salads, peach pie and margaritas. My new friend Shelly, the Pastry Chef made corn bread with honey butter. Oh Baby!

Kathi and I took a lot of time just watching the scenery and taking photos. We met so many nice people and enjoyed visiting and cruising. One afternoon we went under Deception Pass Bridge. I had been over many times, never under. So beautiful.

The Captain of the Safari Explorer

The Explorer has open bridge rule. This means that you can go up and hang out with the captain at any time. Captain Tim Voss brought his charming wife, AnneMarie with him on this voyage. They are a well traveled couple from Whidbey Island. He was very patient with my questions. On the last evening Kathi and I were invited to join Captain Tim and Anne Marie for dinner. We talked travel, movies, dogs, shopping, food and life experiences. An evening to remember.
Edited to add photo from Kathi.

Mornings on a Yacht

Just in case you were wondering about mornings on a yacht, I can fill you in. Yoga at seven on the sun deck, stairmaster, breakfast in the dining room. Breakfasts were made to order with a morning special offered every morning. Dishes like Kahlua French Toast with carameled bananas. Coffee in the lounge including espresso. Then relaxing, kayaking, watching the scenery. The American Safari yachts do not travel at night. They don't want you to sleep through the scenery. Nice.

I had never been kayaking, and I was a bit worried. Didn't want to tip the boat. So peaceful and beautiful. Our weather was so perfect. Truly a Northwest miracle. They asked that Kathi and I stay in sight of the yacht because the captain didn't want to leave us behind again. No problemo.