From Lois' Hands

Front Porch Flowers

2026-07-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

Here are today's blossoms that I grew from seeds.

These are growing on my front porch.

It's amazing how easy this is to enjoy Mother Nature's beauty. I just toss some seeds in the pots on the porch and wait.

So simple; so pretty!

Lois

Salmon on the Grill

2026-07-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

Kjell prepared salmon on the grill and it was terrific.

He wrapped the salmon in aluminum foil with lime, peppers, spices, and olive oil.

A short time on the grill was monitored by his food thermometers - see left side of image.

He has the cook job here!

Yum!

Lois

Freak Storm and Flooding

2026-07-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

Two days ago, just after 5 PM, we received this message on our phones.

The message was the real thing! We were right in the middle of this freak storm. Fortunately, we were home and safe. The storm continued for about three hours. The severity of this storm was totally out of the ordinary here.

And, this is Lily during the storm while there was deafening, prolonged thunder right over our home. She and her two sisters weren't bothered at all by it. However, if I had opened a bag of chips, she would have suddenly been sitting right in front of me, staring at me until I shared some with her.

According to the news, sadly, there was one death and there were several injuries due to the storm.

As of last night, it's still raining here....

I hope it's dry and comfy wherever you are.

All the best,

Lois

Gas Prices

2026-07-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

Gas Prices: The go up, they come down, they go up, they come down....

Any Excuse for a Road Trip

2026-07-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

Soooo, as I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, we got a new car.

We make regular trips for doc appointments and to the post office, but we decided to go further this time....

This time we drove all the way to Bob Evans - not really that far, but further than the post office.

And, we had a very tasty lunch. I had the grilled chicken and fruit salad. Kjell had a giant omelette. Yum!

We need more road trips!

;),

Lois

Cheese Omelet and Toast

2026-07-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

My goodness this was tasty. Kjell made brunch again and it was terrific. The cheese made it just right.

Thanks, Sweetie!

Lois

Today's Patio Blossom

2026-07-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

I love going outside each morning to see what new blossoms are there to greet me.

This pretty flower is blooming in my "mixture" pot. Each Spring I sprinkle seeds in a pot on the patio and wait to see what happens. My mixture pot never disappoints.

Enjoy!

Lois

Lamb and Eggs

2026-07-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

Kjell prepared Lamb and Eggs for breakfast served Norwegian style with the eggs on top of the lamb. Before heating in the skillet, he split a piece of lamb in two thin pieces.

It was yummy!

Enjoy....

Lois

Daddy's Lap Dog

2026-07-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

Sweet little Lily isn't so little anymore.

She does have a favorite lap. :)

Darling!

All the best,

Lois

Kjell's Lamb Dinner

2026-07-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

After many cruise images, here's an image from home! Kjell made a delicious lamb dinner.

He cut a lamb leg into serving-size pieces, then grilled it and served with mint jelly, grilled peppers, and salad.

What a marvelous summer meal!

Enjoy,

Lois

Morgan Car on the Royal Promenade

2026-07-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

This Morgan is parked in front of the wine bar on the Royal Promenade aboard Independence of the Seas.

Notice the driver and friend are giant teddy bears. Cute. But, there is a practical reason for them. They are to discourage guests from getting into the car to take pictures. Good plan.

Enjoy!

Lois

Independence of the Seas Culinary Staff

2026-07-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

During each cruise the culinary staff appears in the main dining room where guests can thank them for the marvelous meals they prepare. Of course, they are met with resounding applause.

Ah, yes, cruise ship fun!

Enjoy,

Lois

Nesting Seagulls

2026-07-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

As Independence of the Seas was pulling out of Halifax, NS, our friend Erica was able to capture this image of nesting seagulls on the top of a building.

How very sweet! What a perfectly placed patch of green for their nest.

All the best,

Lois

Serenading Piper

2026-07-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

This piper was serenading passengers aboard Independence of the Seas in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

It's always fun to see what is happening on the dockside at the various ports. This was just lovely!

Enjoy!

Lois

Towel Critter

2026-07-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

We're not sure what critter this is, but it is some sort of sweet mommy with her baby.

Towel critters have become such an important part of cruising. I remember when the first simple ones began to appear more than thirty years ago. They've now become a fun tradition.

Enjoy,

Lois

Independence of the Seas - Pool Deck Artwork

2026-07-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

Each Royal Caribbean ship has distinctive artwork and Independence of the Seas is no exception.

This is artwork on the pool deck. Note the etched glass in the upper right corner of this image, too.

When you cruise, be sure to take time to stroll around the ship and enjoy the artwork. A port day when you want to stay aboard and relax is a perfect time to do this.

Enjoy!

Lois

Welcome to Halifax

2026-07-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

Independence of the Seas' first call was Halifax, NS.

The weather could not have been more beautiful.

Thanks to Erica for sharing your images. Catherine also shared images that are yet to come.

Love you!

Mom and Dad

Happy 250 Birthday USA!

2026-07-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, USA!

Home of the Free Because of the Brave

Good Night from Independence of the Seas

2026-07-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good Night from Independence of the Seas.

Photo credit: Our friend Erica

Great Food Aboard Independence of the Seas

2026-07-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

Here are just a few images of the great food served aboard Independence of the Seas. Above is a BBQ sandwich served on boarding day.

Soups are made on board. Yummmmm.

Main dinner course Beef Bourguignon.

Soup at another meal....

The great food just keeps coming!

I think I've gained five pounds just looking at the images....

Yum!

:),

Lois

Foggy Morning

2026-07-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

Catherine and Erica's cruise began in New York and headed North to Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was very foggy the first morning, so the fog horn was sounded every few minutes.

I find the umbrella artwork on the lower deck in the image to be most appropriate!

Enjoy!

Lois

Welcome Aboard!

2026-06-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

Catherine and Erica's cruise aboard Independence of the Seas got off to a great start. When they arrived at their stateroom, they were greeted by treats for people who are Loyal to Royal.

Ah, yes, our years at sea were wonderful.

There is so much more to come!

Enjoy,

Lois

Independence of the Seas

2026-06-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

Catherine and Erica are on the high seas again! They are being kind enough to share their images from Independence of the Seas.

It's fun to sail with them via their images. Kjell worked for Royal Caribbean for nearly 32 years and I sailed with him for the last 20. All of these images bring back great times at sea!

More to come! Watch this space!

Lois

Indoor Garden - African Violet Update

2026-06-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

My African Violet in the butler's pantry continues to produce more and more blossoms! Needless to say, she is very happy here.

Lovely!

Lois

Daylilies in Bloom

2026-06-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

This was the week for the Daylilies!

These came with the property 48 years ago and they continue to delight us every year.

Enjoy!

Lois