Wordless Wednesday & Watery Wednesday - San Francisco Scenes - September 22, 2010

Wordless Wednesday & Watery Wednesday - San Francisco Scenes - September 22, 2010



I am taking part in Wordless Wednesday and Watery Wednesday. 

Join in the fun.

Happy Birthday to John Denton, Hotel Director of Royal Caribbean's, Radiance of the Seas

A very special thing is happening today!  Royal Caribbean's beautiful ship, the
Radiance of the Seas arrives in San Francisco and will be here overnight.  I love the
Radiance and have had the great pleasure of sailing on her six times.  She is such
a beautiful ship, with a ten story glass constructed centrum and glass elevators facing
the ocean.  The Champagne Bar, where I spent a good deal of time, also faces the
sea.  Next to my most beloved ship, the Monarch of the Seas, my first Royal Caribbean
ship, I would have to say the Radiance is my favorite.

I am especially thrilled that the hotel director on board the Radiance for this San
Francisco visit is one of my favorite officers in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet. 
John Denton is a true delight of a man and he makes passengers feel so welcome
on his ships, with his British accent and marvelous smile.  I had the great privilege
of sailing with John many times on the Monarch of the Seas before Royal Caribbean
made the mistake of taking it away from us in California.  All the Monarch's loyal
California cruisers ( and there are hundreds of us ) begged the gods in Miami to
reconsider but, alas, not only did they remove the Monarch, California is soon to be
with no ship in this market - unless we are to cruise with another cruise line ( heaven
forbid! ).

Much to my delight, when I went to Europe to sail on the Legend of the Seas for my
64th birthday, who did I find there but the charming John Denton again.  Of course,
I think he had hoped to stay with the Monarch in much closer proximity to his family
in Florida.  However, working for a cruise line is much like being in the military.  One
must go where they send you!

At least, for the last couple of weeks, the lovely Mrs. Denton has been "first mate" as
the Radiance has finished her Alaska season and is making her way south and through
the Canal to Florida.  San Francisco welcomes the Radiance of the Seas and I,
especially, welcome John and Marisa Denton. 

A very special happy birthday to you, John.  I am so delighted that we share the same
planet and that I have been fortunate to cruise with you.  You are a terrific hotel director.

Hotel Director, John Denton

Dinner at John Denton's table, Monarch of the Seas

To all my blogging buddies, please forgive me if I'm a little remiss for a couple of

days in reading blogs and responding to comments.  My dear friend, Sherry Arndt, a

fellow "queen" has been here for a day and night so we've been having fun and

catching up, wining and dining, sightseeing, and hanging out and then the Dentons

arrive in San Francisco.  Things will be back to normal in a day or so and I'll catch

up. 

Mellow Yellow Monday #87 - Fishies - September 20, 2010

Mellow Yellow Monday #87 - Fishies - September 20, 2010

Fishies at the Atlantis Hotel Aquarium with bits of yellow on their tails

If you are vacationing in the Nassau - Paradise Island area and aren't at the Atlantis Hotel,

it is well worth a stop to see this resort which officially opened in 1997.  It was built by

South African hotel magnate Sol Kerzner and Kerzner International Limited.  In 1003, its

"Bridge Suite" was ranked by Forbes as the most expensive hotel room in the world

but, of course, others have taken over that title.

There are mutlipe attractions at the Atlantis, not the least of which is their 141 acre

Aquaventure which opened in 2007.  According to Wikipedia, "The Dig is a series of aquariums located beneath the lobby of the Royal Towers and is the world's largest open air marine habitat. Hundreds of different aquatic species can be spotted in the Dig's various tanks such as angelfish, sharks, manta rays, one of which being larger than ten feet, and various types of jellyfish. The goal of The Dig is to provide guests with a taste of life in the legendary destroyed city of Atlantis. If one observes the bottom of the floors in the different aquariums, wreckagewreckage and debris will be scattered about representing the "Lost City of Atlantis."

I am participating in Mellow Yellow Monday - join in the fun!

Sundays in My City, San Francisco Houses, 9-19-10

Sundays in My City, San Francisco Houses, 9-19-10

It's been awhile since I've posted on this meme.  I just learned that Mami has been going

through some pretty stressful times and could use everyone's prayers heavenward on

her behalf - check out her blog at Unknown Mami.  I have some photos of San Francisco

homes I took one day while driving about the city and I thought I would post them in

sections as there are so many of them.  In the 33 years I have lived in this area, I have

just loved the beautiful Victorians and their wonderful colors and have fantasized about

winning the lottery and being able to finally live in one.  With my 66th birthday

approaching in two weeks, I don't think that dream will ever be fulfilled.  Besides,

I keep forgetting to buy a lottery ticket.  I guess I should just be grateful that I still have

my van and can drive around and take pictures of them!!



Houses climbing halfway to the stars ( only this isn't really a high hill! )

This is one of my favorite houses in Seacliff

Other view of the same Seacliff house

Yellow Victorian

Blue Victorian

Pink Victorian

More houses in another post.  To continue your travels, see Sundays in my City!

-Check out the link for info on my blogaversary giveaway:
http://rnsane.blogspot.com/2010/09/flash-55-friday-happy-anniversary-to-me.html#links

Camera Critters - Honolulu Dolphins - September 18, 2010

Camera Critters - Honolulu Dolphins - September 18, 2010

I am participating in Camera Critters - come join in the fun!!!

Flash 55 Friday - Happy Anniversary to Me - September 17, 2010

Flash 55 Friday - Happy Anniversary to Me - September 17, 2010

I really can't believe it,

But my anniversary's here,

On the 19th of September,

My blog celebrates one year!

I began in desperation,

So blue from workplace woes,

And for my loyal followers,

You know how the story goes.

Writing gave me focus,

And a whole new world of friends -

Let's hope it never ends!

I am taking part in Flash 55 Friday, the brainchild of none other than, Mr. G Man -

join in the fun!

To celebrate the one year anniversary of my blog, Carmen's Chronicles, I am having a

give away.  It will consist of:  a copy of my poetry book, "Life's Journey, Volume One" -

a $50 Visa Gift Card - and a copy of the new Sony Holland CD, "Sanssouci".

You can read reviews of my poetry book at:

http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

Fifty Dollars

To listen to songs on "Sanssouci, go to Sony Holland's website @:  http://www.sonyholland.com/

To be eligible for the give away, you must be 1) a follower of my blog.  To have additional

entries, you may make a post about the give away on your blog ( one entry ) - just send me

a message when you have done this with the link to your blog - and, for every comment

you make on my blog until the day of the drawing, you will get an additional entry.  The

drawing will take place - by random generator  - on October 3, 2010, my 66th birthday.

Alphabe-Thursday, Rainbow Summer School - Silver - September 16, 2010

Alphabe-Thursday, Rainbow Summer School - Silver - September 16, 2010

I'm a fan of all things silver,

A bright and shiny hue,

To lift my sagging spirits,

Just a little touch will do.

I wear lots of silver jewelry,

My ears shine with lovely things,

I've amassed a large collection,

Of all sorts of silver rings!

There's nothing like a table,

To befit a special guest,

With china and sterling silver,

To make it look its best.

On the ritziest occasions,

To feel just like a queen,

I don my sparkling tiara,

With its shiny silver sheen.

Of course, I need a special dress,

To compliment my crown,

Alas, my budget won't allow,

A truly gorgeous gown!

At least, I'll splurge on makeup,

And my eyes will surely be,

All silver, shine, and sparkle,

For that's what folks expect of me!

Carmen Henesy

Copyright © 2010 Carmen Henesy.

All Rights Reserved.

I am participating in Jenny Matlock's Rainbow Summer School - join in the fun!

One Shot Wednesday #11 - There's Something in the Air - September 15, 2010

One Shot Wednesday  #11 - There's Something in the Air - September 15, 2010

Sunrise was an  awesome sight,

Pastels lit up the sky,

I felt a new chill in the air,

I bade summer a fond goodbye.

The school bus stop was crowded,

As I made the drive to work,

I'm so glad I'm not a teacher,

I would surely go berserk.

Already I notice changes,

In our once bright floral display,

There isn't a shadow of a doubt,

Autumn is on its way!

I can't wait to get a coffee,

That tastes like pumpkin pie,

It will be a small transition,

From my early morning chai!

Soon the ghosts and goblins,

Will be clamoring at our door,

Hoping for tooth decaying sweets,

If mothers allow them anymore.

Then, before you know it,

Autumn will fade away,

And wintery cold will barrel in,

On a blustery snowy day.

Carmen Henesy

Copyright © 2010 Carmen Henesy.

All Rights Reserved.

I've discovered a wonderful blog that showcases poetry -

One Stop Poetry - Where Poets, Artists and Writers Meet.  I am participating in

their Wednesday poetry meme.  Check it out and join in!