Catching up; pictures later

To my faithful Blog readers:

Today I started the day by taking a medication where I am required to remain in an upright position, so it’s a good time to work at the computer, and this is the result:

My situation continues to improve, although I still use the wheelchair, and definitely need the crutches outside my stateroom. However, I seem to have less pain, and unless I make a movement that stretches the stitches, I am O.K. My mobility has definitely improved and I even have some arm muscle, now. I really like both my physical trainer and my acupuncturist, and in addition, I get a back massage once a week.

Since Marlyse left, various people have pitched in to help me because I cannot manage to get the corset on by myself, but I have a very nice night stewardess who comes just before I go to sleep each night, and in the morning, my regular room stewardess helps me; ! have a softer version for overnight that needs to be changed for a stronger one in daytime. After dinner, one of the tablemates wheels me back to my room, or else to a show, but mostly, I just want to go to bed when dinner is over (usually about 22:30h). Until now, we were seated at a table, meant for eight, which was too large for the six of us since none of us hear very well, but since they couldn’t alter the size of the table, I requested we move to the table next to ours, with the same waiters, etc. and now, we are all happier at a round table for six.

Yesterday, we were docked at Sydney harbor, and in the morning Lynda and John Gaskell ( I originally met Lynda in ZIWA some 14 years ago) came to visit. They were both quite impressed with all the amenities that the ship offers, and thought I am pretty lucky to be here for my recuperation from back surgery. Later, they wheeled me to a local restaurant for an enjoyable meal and visit, in plain view of the famous Opera House. After they left, I had time to take a nap, and return to the outside of the terminal where I met up with Julie, the granddaughter of my cousin Beverly. I had long ago lost contact with Beverly (her father and my mother were sister and brother), but just a few days ago Beverly’s daughter, Carroll, contacted me on Facebook to inquire if I might be related. When I realized that, indeed, we are related, and that she has a daughter in Sydney, the contact was made, and an appointment set up. We had a nice visit, and Julie took notes about everything I could tell her, concerning family history.

Prior to Sydney, we were in Melbourne, where John and Marelyn Coghlin (former colleagues of Marcel) came to visit, and we had dinner at the Italian Specialty Restaurant on the ship. I ordered their famous Carpaccio of beef, and John enjoyed their creamy mushroom soup, served in a round scooped out loaf of rye bread. We hope to see each other again next year, when the 2012 World Cruise will again be in Melbourne.

As always, for the full world cruisers, there are special parties and programs that take place on a regular basis, as well as all the classes and lectures that are available. I still haven’t managed to make it into the pool, but I really hope to do so this segment, which started yesterday, and continues to Singapore on March 15^th.

Trudy, on her front porch

Bev and Bob (Trudy's parents) joined us for the afternoon; this is what the yard looks like. It is quiet and peaceful, and both the lawn and the trees have grown considerably since I was here two years ago. The dogs were getting their hair cut, so they weren't around.
The house has an observatory that Andrew had built for the telescope Trudy once arried with her from Zürich!

Docked at Dunedin, Feb.19th

Docked at Dunedin, Feb. 19th

After The World Cruise event at the Redwood Forest in Tauranga. NZ, with the strange men in blue, and much too much food, the next item of interest was my visit with Trudy. It was really the first time I dared to go ashore (almost) alone. Jane Haskell helped me get off the ship by taking my wheelchair down the gangplank, while I manipulated myself on my crutches. Trudy met us just outside the dock gates, (at Lytleton), and took us on a lovely sightseeing ride to Christchurch. It was the same one she had attempted two years ago, but then we were completely enclosed by fog, and missed all the beauty of the ride. This time, the weather was clear, and it is a beautiful spot.

Jane got off in town, and Trudy and I went shopping for various personal items, before going to her home for lunch. Her parents also joined us to sit on her quiet peaceful porch, overlooking her beautiful yard. Andrew was in Wellington, but he called to say hello to me. If I have any luck, I will upload some pictures from the house, as well as from the trip back to the ship.

I have been playing bridge with Marty Cohn (he was my partner for one segment last year, also) and we managed to come in first! (once) and second, another time. He has been practicing bridge with his computer since last year, and has become a very good player.

Our dinner table remains very interesting; like last year, we are always the last table to leave the dining room, but we haven’t succeeded yet, to have the table made smaller; we are only six, but the table is large enough for 8, so we all move together, and leave one big gap. That way, we are not so spread out, and it is easier to hear each other.

I have been continuing with my personal trainer every day, plus acupuncture every 4 days, and a back massage once a week. All of this has resulted in a slow, but almost steady recovery, although I still need both crutches and the wheelchair (when I get tired).

I wondered how I would manage when Marlyse left me, but my stewardess helps me in the morning to get my girdle in place, and the night duty person helps me before I go to sleep, so I manage quite well. Ruth takes me home every night from dinner, and my stewardess even did my laundry for me!

I have signed up, again, for next year, and even signed on for an extra segment that will end in New York in May. I am hoping that might make it possible for me to visit Phil and Gayle before returning to Switzerland.

The next couple of days will probably be exciting sailing as we traverse Milford Sound and Dusky and Doubtful Sound, if past experience is any gage. On the 25/26 we will be in port at Melbourne, and on the 28^th, in Sydney. I hope to meet up with friends in both places.

Now the big challenge will be to transfer this report onto my Blog. Hope it works!

All is well

Hopefully, I will be able to manage the Blog from now on(but don't count on it!)

Phil and Gayle are now visiting in Texas-- good luck to all!

World Cruise Event

This was typical of the Avatar people situated all over the woods that night. The dinner was copious that went along with the entertainment.

For your onfo, I am contoniong to improve, but still not walking freely.
Hope to see Andrew and Trudy tomorrow.

Came in  first at bridge, yesterday!

Stan fixed it!

Marlyse has left!

To all my faithful readers:

Every day I mean to add to my blog, and every day there is email that needs answering, cand I get delayed, not to mention how slow I am in getting anything accomplished.

The big news for today is that Marlyse left me up at the Spa, this morning, where I went for my acupuncture therapy, and she left with a group from the ship, headed for a hotel “holding station” from where she was to be picked up and transported to the airport for the first leg of her flight back to Zürich.

I have finally found a comfortable way to work at the computer, so my back is not overstretched, but unfortunately, although I even took a lesson, I’m still having difficulties trying to downsize pictures so I can upload them to the blog.

Last Tuesday, there was a special dinner and entertainment for the World Cruisers (and I managed to get a rare exception, and have Marlyse invited, also). We had ringside seats for the entertainment, “A Wedding in Paradise”, which was truly professional, original, and lots of fun.

I have still not made it off the ship at all, but tomorrow (13^th) we have a very special land program for the World Cruisers, and I got a phone call this afternoon from the Excursion director, and they have arranged special transportation for me (and the other wheel chair clients), so we can attend. We will be leaving Auckland tonight for Tauranga , New Zealand, where the special event will take place.

The biggest surprise of the trip, so far, was at a Crystal Society formal cocktails and dance program, when my personal trainer came up to my wheelchair, and insisted that I should dance with him! And believe it or not, I managed to make the appearance of dancing, to the amazement of all who know me!

Tomorrow, Sunday, is a totally “free day” with no therapy of any kind, except that I have to be ready by 6 p.m. to be taken to the WC party. I will probably play bridge in the afternoon.

Hopefully, I will be able to upload some pictures of what I have written about, here. Trudy and Andrew Lorenc will pick me up in Christ Church for the day on the 17th

Until the next time-----Kind regards to all.

It''s now Wed. 16th, and Stan has helped me finally transfer this info to my blog page. Hopefully, from now on, I can do it for myself-

Marlyse has left

As usual, I ran into difficulties trying to get this picture published, and so far I haven't been able get the text that goes with it.

Although Marlyse isn't here, I am managing quite well. Tonight is the big World Cruise party! My back seems to be improving. I'll have to get help to post what I wrote yesterday.

Marlyse enjoying chewing on a goose bone

Since I cannot make any of the land tours,yet, I have to report on things that take place on board. This is a practice session for me to learn how to downsize pictures and upload them on the blog.

Hallelujah! Thanks to Stan.

I finally got some help; now the question will be if I am able to upload pictures when I have to do it on my own. As previously stated, this was atthe  Captain's party in his quarters, and that's his wife who was visiting at the time.

World Cruise 2011

Dear Friends,

We are encountering delay after delay, in trying to upload any pictures, and nothing seems to be happening!

Previously, I reported on all my aches and pains, but I would rather tell about something else at this time. However, now, it is the problems using my computer that takes all my energy. I have still not gone on any land tour, but by the time we get to Auckland in a few days, there will be a special World Cruise Event, and I do intend to go to that. In the meantime, I continue with therapy every day, and then every few days, I have a back massage or acupuncture. My back still hurts, but it is probably due to scar tissue that gets stretched when I attempt to stand straight (and tall).

Although I have not gone on land, there have been oodles of parties here on board, as well as shows, speakers, and bridge, when I can fit it in. Marlyse has been having a wonderful time! Everyone knows her, and thinks she is wonderful.

I was saddened this morning to learn that the father of my very good friend, Maguy, had died in Mexico.

While I am writing this, I am attempting to upload a picture onto the blog, so I hope it will publish. It is of the Captain’s wife and me at his cocktail party yesterday, in his quarters.

Until next time, Ann

Catching Up

Juust to let you know I am alive and well, and trying to get this Blog to work. If the picture publishes, it is me with the Captain's wife. This is just a test.