Bonus Days 11 - 16 (December 23 - 28)

Took a little time off writing.  Christmas came and went.

Connie was able to get out to Pioneer's Christmas Dinner.  Actually ate quite a bit for her.

We took a walk around the park with her in her wheelchair, which we'd like to make more of a habit.  We took a drive to the beach, which was short lived, but she enjoyed it.

The day after Christmas, we had a visit from her nurse.  She made it to the Parrotheads of Port Aransas 4th Thursday Happy Hour after visiting with Dan Sullivan and friends on the beach.  Dan was celebrating his 50th birthday.

Friday, the 27th, we made the decision to cancel our cruise in January.  It was just going to be too much for the both of us, and her time in the room and in bed was going to be greater than the time out of there.

After a visit by the nurse's aide to get her showered up, she made it to Moby Dick's for a performance by The Detentions.  Didn't eat much, but had two beers.  Afterward, she was pretty whipped.

The Buckeyes played in their semi final game against Clemson on Saturday.  She was in bed most of the day, tried to rally when some friends came over, but went to bed around kickoff.

She's beginning to know her limitations.  When she doesn't feel "it", she taps out and goes to bed.  She tries to dress herself, and is successful most of the time.  She's getting worse on the stairs.  That's probably going to be our immediate future.

Bonus Days Begin (December 12th)

We went on a 3N cruise from Long Beach that was an inaugural for the Carnival Panorama.  Connie didn't handle any part of it well.  As usual, she was a trooper, but she probably spent more time in bed than out of it.  We both lost weight.  On a cruise.  Let that sink in.

I kidded her earlier in the week, that I didn't want her going all Titanic on me.  Today, it happened.  She said she had to use the bathroom, but had no use of her legs.  I quasi carried her to the bathroom, but she couldn't hold herself up to get on the toilet.  Then, she did what she went into the bathroom for.

I got her cleaned up and carried to the couch where she gave one big inhale, then a groan.  She was gone.  Then, she came back.  It was a matter of 3-5 seconds at most.  You would think passing away at sea for a cruise addict would be romantic.  It was freaking terrifying.

We got her back into bed, and she went to sleep.  I didn't know if it was the end or just another chapter.  Having done this 3 previous times, I knew that a ship's doctor couldn't do anything.  She either needed to sleep, or she was going to pass.  If I called in the Doctor, she was going to get off loaded in Mexico.  She would NOT have been happy.  I texted my daughter.  We both made the decision to ride it out.

It was the right call in the end.  And so, every day from here forward, is a Bonus Day with my wife.

Sioux Falls to OKC

We took off from Sioux Falls in 58 degree, rainy weather to head down I-29.  My goodness, the standing water from this spring's flooding was unbelievable.

We stopped at the Ameristar Casino in Council Bluffs to boondock the night.  It was Sunday and the Bengals had the 4p slot, so we went into the newly remodeled sports bar and book.  It was great.  They had a tailgater sample platter that was too much.  Loved it.

Monday, we arrived in Kansas City and stayed at the Worlds of Fun Village.  It's a part of an amusement park (that was closed on weekdays).  Great park. 

Nice long concrete lots with patios and your own trash can.




We were there in part to see our BDM (Business Development Manager) for Carnival Cruise Lines, Amy Shortall.  Amy's been with Carnival for 30 years, and our BDM for South Dakota since 2013.  For the first few years, all of our correspondence was through emails.  Amazingly, I found out she thought I was kind of cold, gruff, and for some reason she thought I didn't like her.  I get that a lot.  Not sure why.  🤣🤣

A few years ago, we got to meet on a Seminar at Sea that she was hosting from Galveston.  Had a great time, and she got to realize what a nice guy I am.  🤣🤣   Of course, like everyone, she loved Connie.  Promised her the next time we were in KC, we would look her up.  

She couldn't have been more generous with her time.  She came over to the rig to "see how we roll" on late Monday afternoon, had bakery goodies for the girls, and KC beer for Connie and I.  We went out to Strouds restaurant, famous for their fried chicken.  Was a really neat place.  Part of it was over 200 years old.

Tuesday, Connie and I did a brewery tour at Boulevard Brewery.  So fascinating. 

Also, had some really good brews.  Every part of the brewery was top notch.







Amy joined us to tour and taste some Kansas City BBQ.

We started off at Arthur Bryant's BBQ.  Every President that's come through KC has stopped there.  I wasn't crazy about their sauce, but the meat was great.  We also got fries at each place.  In the end, Arthur Bryant's had the best.

Next we went a short way up the street to Gates & Sons BBQ.  Got a rack of ribs so we could sample the bones.  Something got screwed up, and we got their spicy sauce.  Good Lord.  If you know Connie and I, we just don't do hot.  Thought their fries were below average.

Finally, we went to Joe's Kansas City BBQ which was located in a working gasoline station. Went with brisket and pulled pork.  Both were great, and they got my vote for the tops.  Fries were 2nd to Bryant's.

Before she left us, Amy gave us a gift of other KC BBQ sauces.  

She's a peach.  Will see her again in December out in Los Angeles for the inaugural of the Carnival Panorama.

And.....we're back

Sorry we haven't posted for a while.  Not for lack of news or Connie updates.  I'm going to give you the cliff notes in reverse order.

Connie's changing treatments as of last Monday (2/3/14), going to a TDM1 treatment which we hope will be as effective, but not have the side effects of the terrible hand-foot syndrome.  Horrible stuff.  She had some nausea and was overall just tired after this past Monday's treatment, but her hands and feet are almost back to being her age, rather than those of a 120 year old.

We returned from a cruise aboard the Carnival Magic with our daughter and Connie's Dad who's staying here through the 11th.  Way too much fun.  Hope you can click this link to see all the pictures.

Our daughter Bethany and our son in law James were here for the week between Christmas and New Year's.  Weather wasn't the best, as it has been currently for Connie's Dad's visit.

Now to the future.  Spent most of the day today coming up with my first draft for our getaway from Texas.  We'll actually leave Copano Bay RV Resort on the 28th of March when our monthly rate is up and head up to Santo, TX for a Heartland Rally.  Back to Copano Bay for a few days while Connie has a treatment on the 9th of April, then heading back to Ohio.  Hoping to be in Ashtabula by April 29th.

Our map is located here.

Will try to be back before another two months elapse.

It's Been Sooooo Long.....

Slow internet is a terrible thing.  Awful.

New Smyrna Beach RV Park was BY FAR the slowest our Verizon Mi-Fi has been.  Because of that, there was just no motivation to keep waiting, and waiting, and waiting to upload pictures, blog, actually much internetting (is that a word yet?) of any kind.

Not that there wasn't a lot to blog about, my goodness.

 First, we had a wonderful short cruise on the U.S. inaugural of the Carnival Breeze.  That review will be here when we are finished with it.  Had dinner one night with our friend and VP at Carnival Mike Julius, along with senior cruise director John Heald who writes a terrific blog for Carnival Cruise Lines.  Thanksgiving Night on a cruise ship was wonderful -- no preparation time, and no dishes/cleanup afterward!  Eating on a cruise is a main factor.

 Also on this sailing was our friend Ron Pass in the piano bar.  He's a terrific entertainer, and by far, the best in Carnival's fleet.

We spent Saturday with the Ohio State Broward County Alumni Club to watch the Ohio State/Michigan game.  We were there a few years ago (during another inaugural for another cruise line) and met some great folks from Jefferson, OH.  We've kept in touch and sat with them this year.  Great time, great win!

Sunday through Wednesday we spent at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter at the Walt Disney World Resort.  Disney is magical this time of year.  Not all the decorations were up, but enough to give a great holiday kickoff.  Loved the theming of the French Quarter Resort, did some good recon on some things that had been updated or added since the last time we were at Disney.

The eating from the cruise continued at Disney with the Disney Dining Plan.  Some great dining experiences and a great value.

Returning back to New Smyrna Beach, we got the girls from their vacay (they were exhausted!) and pretty much hung out till getaway day.  We did get an opportunity to go to Toni & Joe's, our favorite place we've been to have a beer and watch the ocean.

We returned to Tallahassee on December 8th to the Elks Lodge for a quick overnight.  When we got up the next morning, we noticed a drip coming from the basement of our Fifth Wheel.  Not good since it hadn't rained.  Crawled inside, took off a panel and found out that the check valve from our hot water heater was leaking.  That took the morning, we got a piece to work without a check valve and got on our way since the system wouldn't be pressurized while we rolled.  I hate plumbing.  Hate it.

Got to Foley, Alabama and the Gulf Coast Elks Lodge which has a campground.  Yesterday was a run to Lulu's at Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores.  Lulu's is owned by Jimmy Buffet's sister, Lucy.  Enjoyed their Honey Ale "Crazy Sista" as we sat along the Intercoastal Waterway, then headed to the beach for a drive.

Today will be tear down day, then getaway day will be Wednesday.  We'll be off for an overnight in Louisiana before a few nights in Houston at the Houston Elks Lodge.

Carnival Magic FUN in Galveston

Our job has some really great perks.  As travel agents, we get to experience some of the new travel products when they first come out.  Last Sunday, we were able to take advantage of one of those opportunities and attended the Carnival Magic Inaugural event in Galveston.  The ship made its US debut after being put in to service in May in the Mediterranean.

This is Carnival's newest and largest ship.  It certainly is beautiful.  For those of you familiar with cruising, and Carnival cruises in particular, will be pleased to hear that there are many new features on this ship.

One of the most popular new features is the Red Frog Pub.  This is an island themed pub setting that even has its own beer (Thirsty Frog) brewed exclusively for Carnival.  The pub area has indoor/outdoor seating and a game area complete with Foosball table and darts to name a few.  There is also an area for live entertainment.

The Cucina del Capitano is another popular addition.  The Italian restaurant offers free pasta bar for lunch and a specialty menu for dinner for $12 per person.  The decor is lovely with a lot of photos and momentos from the cruise line's past.

The Sports Square is a great place for kids of all ages.  There is mini-golf, a Sky Course (ropes), Sky Fitness and Sports Court to keep everyone in the game.  Also, an interactive EA Sports area is located here.

The adults only Serenity area that was recently added to many of the ships has been expanded.  The much larger area comes complete with large cushioned chairs and hammocks.  A very relaxing place indeed.

As you can tell, I can go on and on about all the fun things to see and do on the ship.  We will be posting a video where you can check it all out.  More to come on that later as it is still in production.

The Carnival Magic will be sailing 7-day E. Caribbean and W. Caribbean itineraries from Galveston.

Fun for all and all for fun!

Day Trip to Ft. Worth

The week has been kind of crazy here.  We were getting ready for our busy weekend. First up, Carmen goes to the vet Friday to get spayed.  Saturday, after college football, of course, we head out to the Zac Brown Band concert.  Can't wait!  And, last but certainly not least, Sunday, we will be going to Galveston to check out Carnival's newest cruise ship - the Carnival Magic.  We'll be sure to share our experiences at the concert and the ship, so be sure to check back next week.

Even with us trying to get ready for all the hubbub, we were able to slip away for an afternoon to Ft. Worth.  Anyone staying in the Dallas area should make a visit to Ft. Worth.  There is something for everyone.

Our first stop was a quick visit to the TCU campus.  The football stadium was getting renovated with a lot more seating.  The campus was very scenic and quaint.

After that, we made our way to the downtown "Districts".  They have three - Cultural District, Sundance Square District, and the Stockyards.  The Cultural District is home to the Will Rogers Memorial and several museums.  The Sundance Square is a nice shopping and eatery area.  Some of the merchants will even validate your parking garage ticket with a purchase.

Our favorite area was the Stockyards.  There are a host of restaurants and pubs located within a couple of blocks.  The streets are all brick and the atmosphere takes you back to the wild west days.  There is even a free Cattle drive daily (11:30AM and 4:00PM).  If traveling there, you must go in and check out the hotel too.  The decor and artwork inside are truly amazing.

We would have liked to have stayed longer in the Stockyards and enjoyed some dinner.  However, we had to get back to "the girls" so we stopped long enough to try a Buffalo Butt beer - brewed locally exclusively for the hotel bar.  It received two thumbs up!

Better get back to making sure we have everything in order for the rest of the weekend.

See ya down the road....