65th Birthday Celebration - Third Photos - The Navigator of the Seas, Villefranche, France, Monte Carlo, Monaco

65th Birthday Celebration - Third Photos - The Navigator of the Seas, Villefranche, France, Monte Carlo, Monaco

Well, I started posting photos of my 65th birthday trip some time ago, after my  return in October. I never got around to doing any more because the trip to care for my mother in GA interrupted, then other things came along, as they will do.  I hope to sort through the rest of the pictures in the next few days so I can get them all posted and sent out to my friends who made the trip with me.  Honestly, it seems like that European adventure was last year, not less than two months ago!!

After our day in Pisa and Lucca, Italy, we had a day at sea before our next port.  I actually like that sort of itinerary best - a sea day in between port days.  It gives one a chance to relax, visit with other passengers, enjoy the ships services such as massage, shops, etc, a respite from a hectic day of sightseeing.  

In midmorning of our sea day, there was a special party for the Diamond Plus passengers 

( above 24 cruises -with this cruise, I achieved 77, in 14-1/2 years with Royal Caribban! ) and those who had booked suites.  It was a lovely day and it was nice being out on this spot on the ship where I'd never been.  The crew had set out champagne, juices, fresh fruit, and assorted

canapes and pastries.

Visiting with Leroy Moulton, head bartender

 

One of the nice things about having cruised so often, is that you run into crew members that you have sailed with many times over the years.  They get transferred from ship to ship and you come across them time and again.  It is amazing that they remember you, can often tell you what ship you were on, and, often, become like family.  One such person is Edsel Toscano, the 

handsome gentleman, in the dark suit.  He is from Mumbai and I have known him almost since my first Royal Caribbean cruise.  When I visited India twelve years ago, he was home on vacation and came to the crew member's house where I was staying and celebrated my being in India.  Edsel has even spent a couple of nights at my home in the San Francisco area!  Over the years, I have acquired so many Indian crew friends that they have given me the title of the American mother of the Indian crew, an honor for me!   The other handsome Indian is the assistant manager of the photography department of the Navigator of the Seas.  These ships take hundreds of pictures.

Phil Zaragosa and Brenda Garison

Villefranche, France is a beautiful port but most cruise ships are far too large to dock there.  Instead, passengers must board the ship's tenders to be carried back and forth to port.  The town is just beautiful but most folks opt for the short train ride to either Monte Carlo or Nice or Cannes after a brief stop in Villefranche.  This was my fourth time to visit this port in the past twenty years.  I would really like to come someday and stay for awhile!

On the tender, headed to Villefranche, France which is one of the deepest natural harbors of any port in the Mediterranean Sea, which gives it safe anchorage for large ships.  It is the most

visited cruise ship port in France.

Approaching Villefranche

In Villefranche again!

 

Laundry day in Villefranche

Train station

Floral balconies

Former Royal Caribbean Sovereign of the Seas, now part of Pullmantur Cruises, Spanish based, bought by Royal Caribbean in 2006.  Pullmantur acquired the Sovereign last year.  I sailed on this ship out of Port Canaveral eight times and, in fact, flew directly from Rome last October to sail on their second to last cruise.  I wanted to say farewell to many friends I'd made among the crew there.  It was quite nostalgic to see her in port in Villefranche.

She kept the name "Sovereign", minus "of the Seas"

Next stop, Monte-Carlo, Monaco

 This has always been a special place to me.  Grace Kelly was my favorite actress and I still have the scrapbook I kept as a child.  She was named Turner Classic Movies November 2009 Star of the Month and I just saw a lovely video, narrated by her son, Prince Albert. 

You can watch it at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo5YoRA4W94.
I actually spent two nights in Monte Carlo about ten years ago but have been back there
three times on a cruise ship and another time, driving over from Barcelona.  


Monte Carlo is second only to Vatican City as the smallest country in the world and I read in Wikipedia that it only takes about an hour for a person to walk the entire length of the country.  I think that would be hard as it is definitely very hilly, being part of the Maritime Alps that extend to the sea.

The harbor at Monaco

The Grimaldi Royal Palace, home of Prince Albert II, son of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly.

 Mailboxes near the palace

Beautiful building in Monaco

St. Nicholas Cathedral, Monaco

Grave of Her Royal Highness, Princess Grace of Monaco

Madonna and Child in the cathedral

Gendarmes near the palace

Bird statue near the cathedral

Back on the ship, for formal night, sipping a Cosmo, at Vintages with Michelle

Brenda Garison & Phil Zaragosa

 

Promenade fountain on the Navigator

Carmen and Phil

Final pictures of Malaga and Barcelona, Spain to follow in the last installment!

Thanksgiving 2009 Remembered

Thanksgiving 2009 Remembered

I know I gained a pound or two,

Okay, it might be three,

We had a feast fit for a king,

With friends and family.

We really had a lovely time,

It warmed this mother’s heart,

To have three sons around her,

Sometimes, we’re far apart.

The table looked resplendent,

Set with Grandma’s silverware,

And china that had long been mine,

And is now in Laura’s care.

There were festive decorations,

Pumpkins, gourds and such,

Done by my son’s bride-to-be,

With her special, loving touch.

All the food was sinful,

Topped off by FIVE desserts,

Finally, someone spoke for all,

“Not another bite, it hurts!”

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) 2009 by Carmen Henesy
All rights reserved. 

This is my youngest ( 25 ) son, Jeremy, with Laura, Alex's wife-to-be

Shawn Smith ( my oldest, 38 ), Alex Vukasinovic, 27, Jeremy Vukasinovic, 25

One of the two Thanksgiving dining room tables at Laura and Alex's

I actually had a few more photos ( none of me ) but I did not have permission from the other guests to use them.

What I'm Thankful For

What I’m Thankful For

This hasn’t been the best of years,

So much for me has changed,

I’ve lost a job I cherished,

And my life’s been rearranged.

I’ve joined the ranks of pensioners,

And learned to live on less,

I’ll be the first to say,

It’s been a time of much duress!

In spite of this, I’m thankful,

For very many things,

Most of all, for my sons,

And a wedding, the new year brings.

I’m now the age for Medicare,

And my joints are stiff and sore,

Yet I still get about our planet,

So I’ve that to be thankful for!

I’ve rarely felt a hunger pang,

And I’m thankful every day,

I’ve eaten every type of food,

From ethnic to fine gourmet!

I’m blessed with many friends,

Who often stay in touch,

I’m thankful that I have them,

They have given me so much.

I’m now a full fledged blogger,

Which helps to keep me sane,

Thanks to those who “follow” me,

And keep coming back again!

I’m thankful for the oceans,

And the shores of distant lands,

For the brilliant painted sunsets,

For my life with less demands.

For the cool of foggy mornings,

And a baby’s dazzling smile,

For the whisper of “I love you,”

This all makes my life worthwhile!

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) 2009 by Carmen Henesy
All rights reserved. 

Pumpkin Fudge

I moved to the San Francisco area on January 2, 1976.  It wasn't long until I discovered the lovely coastal community of Half Moon Bay, just to the south.  The area boasts beautiful beaches, incredible seafood restaurants, tide pools, hiking trails and a world renowned Pumpkin Festival which takes place each October.  At my very first such festival, I came across something that is now worn and spattered and a treasure to me:  "The Pumpkin Book."  I have tried, over the years to find another, without success, even by writing to the address inside the cover.  It is an incredible collection of all sorts of pumpkin recipes from savory to sweet, vegetable to dessert.  I have tried so many of them, all wonderful.

One of my favorites - and that of my boys, is the recipe for pumpkin fudge in the book.  It is sinfully good and I only make it at this time of the year - since I could easily eat the whole batch!

I had never seen a recipe for pumpkin fudge before this one.

Pumpkin Fudge

• 3 cups sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup pumpkin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1-1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts ( optional ) 

Combine sugar, milk, corn syrup, pumpkin and salt in a large saucepan ( 3 quart size ), mix
thoroughly.  Bring to a bubbly boil on high heat, stirring continuously.  Reduce heat to medium and continue to boil the mixture, without stirring, until it reaches a temperature of 232 or until a small amount of the mixture forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water.  Remove from heat
and stir in pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and butter, and nuts.  Let cool until lukewarm ( 110 ).  Beat mixture until it becomes very thick and loses some of its gloss.  Quickly pour into a buttered 8-inch square pan.  When firm, cut into squares.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes - Gulliver's Cream Corn and Yellow Squash Casserole

Recently, someone posted and wanted suggestions for Thanksgiving side dishes.  These are just two that I serve every year which get rave reviews from guests at my house.

Gulliver's  is a California restaurant, that specializes in hearty cuts of prime rib, served with Yorkshire pudding and their famous creamed corn side dish.  Various recipe sites have reader donated recipes that compare with mine.  It truly is delicious and I always double or triple the recipe for holiday serving.  My three sons always want left overs for the following day.

Gulliver's Cream Corn

Makes 8 Servings

Ingredients

• 2 ( 16 - 20 ounce) packages frozen corn kernels, thawed ( I like to use a package each of C & W Petite White Corn ( 16 oz ) and C & W Petite Sweet/Golden Corn ( 16 oz )
  
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• white or cayenne pepper( I use cayenne and, since we like it spicy, I use a couple of pinches, at least
  
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. Place corn kernels, whipping cream, milk, salt, flavor enhancer, sugar, and white or cayenne pepper in a large stockpot. Bring to a slow, low boil beginning on medium heat, stirring frequently. Simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
2. Melt butter in the microwave, or in a small saucepan on low heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Stir into the corn until well blended. 
 

This is NOT a low calorie recipe but it is delicious!

Yellow Squash Casserole

 Makes 8 Servings

Ingredients

 

• 2 lbs. yellow squash
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 cup cooked, chopped bacon
• 1 t, salt
• 1 c. grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 t, pepper
• 3/4 c. bread crumbs
  

 Directions

 Clean and slice squash.  Cook in enough water to cover for 20 minutes.  While squash is cooking, fry bacon until done.  Saute bacon drippings and saute  onions until soft but not brown.  Drain onions.   Drain and mash squash and combine with onion, bacon and cheese.   Salt and pepper to taste.  Cover with bread crumbs and bake in 350 degree over for 1/2 hour before serving. 

  I may add a little more onion, bacon and cheese to the recipe, I must  confess.  As though there aren't enough calories already!

 

 

Nonsense

This poem is mere fiction, in some aspects. I don't have a dog named Bo and I have plenty of aches and pains. I do spend a lot of time, however, dreaming about cruising and keep hoping my $1 lottery tickets will, some day, allow the luxury of never having to worry about how I will afford the next one!  Oh, yes, the working brain is debatable.

Nonsense

Jet planes soar overhead,
Fluffy pillows top my bed,
Dancing shoes adorn my feet,
A cozy fire gives me heat.

I haven't got an ache or pain,
I even have a working brain,
I like to write a poem or two,
When I haven't very much to do.

I have a scruffy dog named Bo,
That follows me wherever I go,
I haven't met a food I hate
At every meal, I clean my plate!

Wealth eludes me, sad to say,
How I wish it weren't that way,
No first class cabins when I fly,
I'm just glad I get up in the sky.

Here I am at sixty-five,
One who loves to be at sea,
I sit for hours and often muse,
On when I might afford to cruise.

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) 2007 by Carmen Henesy
All rights reserved. 

 

I'm Ready

I’m Ready

I'm ready for adventure,

At the dawn of this new day,

For an unexpected thrill,

That life might throw my way.

I'm ready for some travel,

To exotic, distant lands,

To swim in Bali's waters,

Or see Egypt's shifting sands.

I'm ready for new learning,

To enrich my mind once more,

I always thirst for knowledge,

And know there's more in store.

I'm ready for the world to change,

For all our wars to end,

I wish I'd see a time, somehow,

We'd call each other "friend."

I'm ready for some changes,

I guess I’ll start with me,

Perhaps they'll be contagious,

And others might agree.

I'm ready for a romance,

The "forever after" kind,

I know I'll have to search,

For those are hard to find.

I'm ready for what life may bring,

I hope my dreams come true.

I'll keep the faith until I find,

Someone just like you!

Carmen Henesy

Copyright © 2008 Carmen Henesy. All Rights Reserved

 

A Vist in West Sacramento, California

This past Sunday, I decided to drive the hundred miles up to West Sacramento, CA to visit my middle son, Alex Vukasinovic, his lovely bride-to-be, Laura Winterhalter, and my two granddogs, Bucky and Taffy.  I hadn't seen them in a couple of months and, though they will be hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time in their new home, I was missing them.  It was actually a nice drive, for a change.  Somehow, I picked a time when there wasn't much traffic and I made the trip in a little under two hours and enjoyed a book on tape.

I had taken up a piece of my china and one of my mother's to see if Laura might like to have the set of either.  She took mine.  I am pleased since I rarely entertain anymore and I still have eight place settings of Wedgewood Wild Strawberry as well as my mother's china if the mood hits me to pull out all stops. I'll haul up the entire set of the china she chose when I go up the day before Thanksgiving.  Also, I offered Laura either my set of sterling silver or my mother's service for eight.  She chose my mother's.  I think it is wonderful to have these special pieces continue in our family.

Since it was such a lovely day and both of the children were off, they decided to take me to Scribner Vineyards which is where they are going to be married in May.  It is about fifteen miles from their home, along the Sacramento River.  As luck would have it, a wedding was taking place so we couldn't visit.  Instead, I suggested we go to Bogle Vineyards, nearby, whose wines I enjoy.  We were able to do some tasting and had a nice afternoon.

The vineyards are turning brown now

There are very few leaves left on the trees 

Hanging on till the bitter end

 Laura Winterhalter and Alex Vukasinovic

The Bogle Winery cat

The Bogle tasting room and some of its awards

Lovely reflections in the Sacramento River

Another river scene

A modern day pirate ship!

Late afternoon shadows

Back at my son's house, we played with the dogs for awhile.  I  just love them now since they are not at all shy around me and seem to know I'm family.  Taffy always jumps right up and sleeps with me and Bucky sleeps on his pillow by my bed.  Of course, if the door to Alex and Laura's room is open, they abandon me in an instant!

Alex and his dogs

Miss Taffy

Taffy and Bucky, wrestling with the ball

Bucky

 

Pensive puppy

Whose ball is it, anyway?

 

Bucky

Feeding frenzy

For dinner, we decided to try out a new restaurant in downtown Sacramento - Tapas the Town.  We opted to share assorted tapas, rather than have a main course.  All of them were very good but the wine prices were really outrageous!  The corkage fee to bring your own was fifteen dollars so we just drank water and went home to drink our wine!  It kills me that so many California restaurants charge such high prices for wines that are grown right in their own back yards.  There was a very good Spanish guitarist which really added to the ambiance.

Me with Chris Rumble, Alex and Laura's delightful housemate

Some of the decorations at Tapas the Town

Laura and Alex

Carmen Henesy, Laura Winterhalter, Alex Vukasinovic

This gentleman played wonderful Spanish guitar for our enjoyment

I might not be online for the next few days!  I fly out of San Francisco at 6AM tomorrow.  Will spend tomorrow night at the Hyatt Regency Miami so I can eat at one of my favorite spots in the world, Tutto Pasta, a great little restaurant, with an Italian flair.  The chef and owner, Joao Carlos

Olivera is actually from Brazil and his creations are unbelievable.  I discovered this place years ago when I was cruising out of Miami and we've become friends.  I never miss a chance to eat here!  I'll have dinner there Wednesday night and probably lunch and dinner Thursday - though I must try his new restaurant and club, Zuccero, as well.

Friday, I am going to be the guest of Royal Caribbean in a balcony cabin on a two day cruise to nowhere on their new ship, the Oasis of the Seas.  I was allowed to take one guest with me so a forensic nurse friend will be joining me.  Its national debut will be on Good Morning American from 7 - 9A on Friday, November 20, 2009.  We board a few hours later!  It is very exciting to be among the first guests to sail on this mega ship, and for free!  Even our drinks and gratuities are included.  Thank you, Royal Caribbean.  I have loved every one of my cruises with this company the past 14-1/2 years and this one proves to be just as wonderful!

Will let everyone know about it when I get back!