Karma

Write about a random act of kindness you’ve done for someone.

What goes around comes around. So I try to be kind always. Give an elderly or disabled person my seat. Help someone get something off a shelf in a supermarket. Smile at people. Lend an ear when someone needs to talk.

Am I always good at this? No! Sometimes I’m locked in my head with my own mess and can’t think of anyone else. I usually end up tripping over my own feet and then I realize I need to be kind and look out not in!

Getting Older but Wiser

How would you describe yourself to someone who can’t see you?

I look in the mirror and I can see the wrinkles around my mouth and eyes. Even fine wrinkles on my cheeks. My neck gives my age away. Why does the neck sag so much?

But it’s all me. Nothing fake. No Botox. No snip and tuck. I plan to age as gracefully as possible.

I’m energetic. I move a lot. But I’m learning to get out of bed a little slower. Hold the railing down the stairs. Not run, just walk. And watch my feet.

My spirit is young. And I like to do crazy things. I always say I don’t want to die before I’m dead.

Flying

Was today typical?

This was yesterday. We flew from Heathrow to JFK. We had a connecting flight to Miami.

The plane was overbooked so they asked for volunteers to give up seats.

We did for $700 voucher each, food and car service. We spent the night at my best friends who I don’t see very often.

It turned out to be a great day!

A Little Village Called South Queensferry

How did it get its name? In the 11th century, Queen Margaret of Scotland married to King Malcolm III established a ferry for pilgrims to cross the Firth of Forth to go to St. Andrews. Now South Queensferry and North Queensferry can be reached by three bridges.

This second photo shows two bridges.

The orange cantilever bridge, the Forth Bridge, opened in 1890.

The Forth Road Bridge opened in 1964 and behind that is the Queensferry Crossing which opened for traffic in 2017.

It was a lovely tender ride from ship to shore. Most passengers head to Edinburgh by bus but we have spent some time there in the past. We decided to walk around South Queensferry.

We stopped to have some pastries and coffee.

We had the pleasure of sitting with an elderly gentleman who has lived in South Queensferry all his life. He shared about times before the newer bridges when the ferry still ran regularly. He said the town hasn’t changed much except the names of the stores.

We passed by an Episcopal Church but it wasn’t open.

The Jubilee Clock Tower with Roman numerals, looks down upon the quaint cobbled High Street from a height of 4 storeys. It was built in 1720, and then re-modelled & re-furbished in commemoration of Queen Victoria’s golden Jubilee in 1887/88. Once lit by gaslight, it has been lit by electricity since the 1920s.

Again some beautiful flowers. The hydrangeas are absolutely stunning.

We decided to have an ice cream on our way back to the tender.

South Queensferry is a quaint little town and it’s owed a visit just because the locals are so friendly. Heading back to the ship, time for a selfie.

Inchgarvie Island is a small island next to the Forth Bridge. There was once a castle on this site built in the 15th century. It was used as a prison and a place to house people with plague. It also served to protect the Firth of Forth and the bridge from air attack during WWII.

Some last moments in South Queensferry.

Our end of the day photo – 10:30 pm at night heading to Southampton.

#queenmargaret#malcolm#bridge#forthbridge#queensferrybridge#forthroadbridge#southqueensferry#inchgarvasisland#ruins#bakery#jubileeclocktower#hydrangeas#scotland#cruise#mannahousebakery#

A Stop in Invergordon

I woke at 2:45 am and of course, I had to check outside. I stepped out on my balcony to this beautiful view. I was hoping for some northern lights but none to be had.

We awoke when our coffee and tea were delivered and afterward headed off the ship.

We walked to the Invergordon Church of Scotland. The church was built in 1861.

It was very plain inside but the people were very welcoming.

After the church, we walked along the Main Street heading to the Invergordon Museum. It was free of charge and very interesting.

Displays of TB epidemics in the early 20th century and the sinking of the HMS Natal around WWI.

Amazingly, such pretty flowers bloom in this climate.

The wall art around the town tells a story about this quiet little port.

We stopped at Clootie McToots for a scone with jam and clotted cream. I had a latte and Bruce had tea. Unfortunately, this was not the best scone but it was a cute place and the people were very friendly.

Now we are back on the ship getting ready for specialty dining!

Oh what a meal! 5 courses at Sabatini’s! First bread and Italian fried rice and cheese balls with sauce.

I had salad and Bruce had soup. Sorry no pictures. Next antipasto. I had shrimp and tomatoes. Bruce’s was a delectable thin slices of veal with tuna reduction and cheese.

For pasta, I had lobster stuffed raviolis and Bruce ate a pasta carbonara.

Main course for me was a bone in veal that was so tender. Bruce enjoyed eggplant.

Finally dessert! I ate a sampling of four desserts. I am so happy I have stretch waist pants!

Happy for our first specialty dining experience.

Sabatinis is $35 per person plus 18% gratuity. We’ve been playing a bit in the casino so the dinner was on them.

The Showtime tonight was fabulous. Christina Johnston, guest soprano began her performance with two tunes from my favorite Broadway show, Phantom of the Opera. She sang several opera pieces, as well as a song by Queen. Her last song was from The Greatest Showman.

It’s been a fabulous cruise between the locations, the entertainment, and the many people we’ve met along the way.

#princesscruise#invergordon#scotland#highlands#invergordonchurchofscotland#sabatinis#specialtydining#cruise#museum#clootiemctoots#christinajohnston

My nickname is my real name

What’s the story behind your nickname?

I was born Alyce – I didn’t know that was my name until I was 7 years old. Everyone called me Lisa. Why? I don’t know.

My parents had a fake birth certificate made up when I was four. Lisa was born November 12th. Alyce was actually born December 12th. They wanted to get me into school early but the cutoff was December 1st.

So I went through school with the wrong birthday and name.

As an adult, I changed my name legally to Lisa. All too confusing!