Intermission of Cruise 2009...Big Waves at Avila Beach!

Sunday we went for a drive along the coast to see the "big waves".  Lots of people had the same idea!

Absolutely gorgeous day at Avila Beach! Great surfing and needless to say, the surfers were out in abundance! And I got a latte at Jo Mama's to enjoy while we watched the waves and all the activity on the beach!  Life is good...

Back on the Constellation...

Just a little snack before dinner...we were famished after "working" so hard touring Quebec City!

Last fleeting moments of Quebec City as we leave port. What a beautiful city...we really enjoyed our visit!

Until we meet again...

Au reviour Quebec City!

Quebec City, Quebec - Day 2 October 23

Can you believe the weather change from yesterday? It was still quite cold but clear skies! Absolutely a gorgeous day here in Quebec City!

Chateau De Frontenac on a very clear day... beautiful hotel!

We went into a wonderful hat shop where we purchased two very warm hats. Even though the day was clear, it was quite cold. Jim's hat even has flaps that come down to keep his ears warm! Great looking too!!

La Fresque des Quebecois is a famous wall mural on the exterior of a building near Place Royale in Old Quebec. Twelve artists joined together, from Canada and France, to create this masterpiece in Quebec City.

The four seasons are depicted in the mural, with Winter at the top and working down to Fall, Summer then Spring. With the snow on the ground, it looks like it ends in Winter! 

My good friend, Rosa, told us that we must try the "poutines" while in Quebec City. Poutine is a dish consisting of french fries topped with fresh cheese curd, covered with brown gravy and sometimes additional ingredients. Jim had the traditional poutine and I had mine with marinara sauce. They are also known as "heart attack in a bowl"! They were delicious!

Jim enjoyed "Le Fin du Monde" beer with his poutine. It is a Canadian beer produced in Quebec by Unibroue.

After lunch we decided to take a carriage ride around Old Town, Quebec City. A fabulous way to travel through town to view the Parliament building, the Plains of Abraham and the wall that surrounds the city and so much more my head was spinning! The driver was very good in taking us all over, it was really a unique excursion trough Quebec City. The town was so beautiful, in some places still covered in snow!
Our day has ended in Quebec City... time to head back to the Constellation.

Quebec City, Quebec - Day 1 October 22

Our first view of Chateau de Frontenac and it's snowing! You also can see the Funiculaire in this photo offering access to Quebec's Upper Town.
We have an excursion today to see the highlights of Quebec City, Ile d'Orleans (a small island in the center of the St. Lawrence River and where we will have lunch) and Montmorency Falls. This will be interesting traveling in the snow!

It's still snowing! We are on the Ile d'Orleans having lunch at an old farm house. It's beautiful in the snow...

But its making traveling a little difficult!

Off to Montmorency Falls...the falls are 1.5 times as high as Niagara Falls!

Beautiful but cold and snowing. Time to get back to the ship!

Another snowball anyone?? We really did enjoy the snow and it made Quebec City all that more special for us. We were here for another day and the weather was gorgeous, although cold. We did love Quebec City, snow and all!
Day 2 to follow...

It's Snowing??!! October 22

We awoke to snow... we are arriving at Quebec City, Quebec and there's SNOW?!! Can you believe it?

And a snowman ... for many crew members on board the ship this was their first time to see snow. It was my first time to see it snowing too! Four inches is expected to fall...
What an amazing experience to add to our cruise!

Amenities on Board the Constellation

The Outdoor pool and hot tubs located on Deck 10.

The Indoor Pool also located on Deck 10

The chaise lounges by the Indoor Pool.

 The Indoor Hot Tubs.

And just incase we need sustenance... there is the Poolside Grill! Are we spoiled or what? I LOVE this!

A Day st Sea...a day to relax and get pampered!

We are on our way to Quebec City, Quebec, Canada! A full day at sea so I have appointments at the Aqua Spa for a little pampering, a pedicure and manicure. Wow, this cruising is exhausting work! LOL!
Tonight is the first Formal Night on board, we will be having dinner in the specialty dining room, "Ocean Liners". But first it's Fiesta Day...

O-lay! Margaritas, guacamole and chips! Then the tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and burritos...another margarita??  Si!

The cravings are made using watermelons. Unbelievable!

The crew in the Galley have some very creative people! Aren't these amazing??

And dessert? Another margarita and strawberry ice cream! Life is good...

Accommodations on the Celebrity Constellation

Welcome to Cabin #6136, Deck 6. Each day we had a fresh flowers and a bowl of fruit. Our cabin steward was "John" and he was fabulous! He gave us superior service and his attention to detail was spectacular!

Best bed I have EVER slept in other than ours at home...and the sheets were perfect! Yep, I could get very used to cruising very easily!

And our private balcony. We read out here once but actually it was too cold to use it much more. However, it was really nice to stand here as we entered ports of call and when we would debark from port.  We were both very pleased with our accommodations!  What a fabulous way to travel!!

Halifax, Nova Scotia October 20

Arrived in port to overcast skies but the day cleared up beautifully. Our excursion was a tour of Halifax and the surrounding area of Peggy's Cove fishing village. Also included was a "Hop-On, Hop-Off" pass  on the double decker buses that run throughout the city. This way we could get off and explore on our on and have a way back to the ship! The lighthouse at Peggy's Cove rests on  rounded granite boulders that has become a symbol of the spirit of coastal Nova Scotia. The impressive rock formations are hundreds of millions of years old, left by eroding glaciers.

Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia. Population 54. One of the busiest tourist attractions in the area. Peggy's Cove is southwest of downtown Halifax and comprises one of the numerous small fishing communities located around the perimeter of the Chebucto Peninsula. The community is named after the cove of the same name. "Peggy" is a nickname for Margaret, and the village may have taken its name from the St. Margaret's Bay where it is situated. However, legend claims a little girl, the sole survivor of a shipwreck during the mid 1800's. became know as "Peggy of the Cove" and eventually the residents named their village after her, "Peggy's Cove".

Jim enjoyed a "Pastie" on the deck of the cafe in the village. It is a flaky, pastry crust that is filled with meat, onions, carrots, potatoes. Delicious!

We then headed back to Halifax. Jim decided to visit "Citadel Hill" and I went to Pier 21, Canada's Immigration Museum and then to Pier 22 for some "tourist shopping"!

We had a great time and a very full day...ready to return to the ship for some rest!

PS: Thrilled to have my passport stamped at Peggy's Cove!

Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, Kennebunkport & Lobster Rolls...Oh My!

Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. It is also one of the most beautiful cast-iron lighthouses in New England and remains an active aid to navigation.  The optic and related equipment are still maintained by the Coast Guard.

Absolutely beautiful setting...the day was gorgeous! We walked around the lighthouse, got a few souvenirs at the gift shop and then made our way back to the bus. Next stop...Kennebunkport!

Call "the most photographed home in the state of Maine" The Wedding Cake House, known locally as the George W. Bourne House. The home was built in 1825 by shipbuilder George W. Bourne. A romantic legend arose that the carving was done during lonely hours aboard ship by a recently married sea captain who had to leave his bride before he even had time to eat his wedding cake! Great sentiment but never-the-less only a legend!

Center of downtown Kennebunkport. Beautiful town...fall colors were gorgeous! Nice shops and everyone so friendly! Another place I would like to re-visit.

Time for lunch and we are hearing that we must try a lobster roll and a slice of blueberry pie! The local blueberries are the lowbush variety. They are  smaller and very sweet compared to our local blueberries that we have on the central coast of California.

We chose the Pilot House Restaurant on the recommendation from our Tour Guide and she was right! Great lobster rolls and New England clam chowder! Dessert was Blueberry Pie with ice cream...fabulous!

Boston, Massachuetts October 18th

We arrived in Boston bright and early on Sunday. Rain greeted us and then some snow flurries making our first port on our journey a little bit difficult to tour. We did visit Harvard University, walking the campus for a little bit before the downpour began. We took refuge in "The Old North Church".  From their website I obtained it's history. For more information, please visit www.oldnorth.com
"The enduring fame of the Old North began on the evening of April 18, 1775, when the church sexton, Robert Newman, climbed the steeple and held high two lanterns as a signal from Paul Revere that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea and not by land. This fateful event ignited the American Revolution."
"The Old North Church is officially known as Christ Church in the City of Boston. It was built in 1723, and is the oldest standing church building in Boston. In 1775, on the eve of Revolution, the majority of the congregation were loyal to the British King and many held official positions in the royal government, including the Royal Governor of Massachusetts, making Robert Newman's loyalty to the Patriot cause even more extraordinary. The King gave the Old North its silver that was used at services and a bible."

"Listen my children and you shall hear Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere"

Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"With those words, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized Paul Revere and the Old North ensuring their place in American folklore, tradition, and history."

The Pipe Organ

Family Pew

The Pulpit

Next excursion...Salem, Massachusetts

We visited the Salem Witch Museum and the Burial Grounds. Highlighted was the Witch Memorial. The rain made it difficult to walk and explore the grounds as I had intended to do. I guess we will just have to plan another trip to Salem in the future! 

Next destination...Portland, Maine

Sunrise over the Atlantic ... what was I thinking?? October 17th

Being from California I have always seen the sunset over the Pacific Ocean so I wanted to see my FIRST sunrise over the Atlantic. I got up at 6:00am and headed to the GYM! What was I thinking?? I was so excited that I decided to work out and watch the sunrise while walking on the treadmill. It was awesome! What a wonderful way to start my first day on board!                                                            

Then I rode the stationary bike and participated in a Yoga class! Wow...sea air is really energizing!

Then I headed to the chaise lounges with a fantastic view of the ocean .... I need to rest up!

To enjoy my latte...I could get really used to this! Life is Good!!

Embarkation Day - Part 2 October 16th

Tons and tons of food and beverage products loaded into the ship for our voyage. I was amazed of the many pallets of fresh fruits and vegetables!

Not only is the ship loaded with food at the beginning of the cruise but at various ports along the way, more fresh food products are taken aboard.
There was NEVER a shortage of food!

This is the "Memorial" at Harbor View Park at Cape Bayonne, New Jersey in memory of 911. For more information please visit the web site at http://www.911monument.com. As we left port we passed this very somber memorial for the 911 tragedy with its symbolism of a tear drop.

Good-bye Cape Bayonne, New Jersey...

Straight ahead the Atlantic Ocean!

First stop...Boston, Massachusetts

Embarkation Day - Part 1 October 16th

The first glance of our cruise ship, Celebrity Constellation, as seen through the window of the shuttle bus taking us from the hotel to the ship.

What a sight even through the sprinkles of rain!

Embarkation Security Procedures... verifying passports, photos taken and "Sea Pass" cards issued.

"Sea Pass" cards are for identification when leaving and returning to the ship when visiting ports of call and for making any purchases while on board.

Cleared for departure...!

Geeks at the Airport

Spending time on the computer as we wait for our connection to Newark, New Jersey. Terminal at the  Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

We arrived in New Jersey at 7:00pm EST. And the good news is that ALL our luggage arrived too!
I am one Happy Camper!

Life is good...

Hugs,
Elaine in Newark
PS: We leave for the ship at 10:45am

Preparing for Departure...

Suitcases packed...okay so there was ALOT to pack! We ended up with 5 bags to check-in and two carry-ons each.
It's a 15 day cruise ... need i say more? Anyway, I do think Jim took MORE clothes than me.

We were going to take a taxi to the airport but it would have to be a LARGE taxi so Kathy and David (BIL and SIL) offered us the use of their pick-up truck... It was PERFECT! Thanks so much!

And now were off... to Newark, New Jersey to board the cruise ship to New England and Canada.

Hugs,
Elaine headed East

Bit by the Bug...

Flu bug that is...H1N1 otherwise known as the Swine Flu. And on top of the flu I have Diverticulosis.

It has not been a good week.... but my dear husband brought me a bouquet of flowers to cheer me up! I am truly blessed by his kindness and love.
And tomorrow is another day... who knows maybe I'll feel like "doing" something other than sleeping and watching TV!

New Give-A-Way at the Fat Quarter Shop.http://www.fatquartershop.com/Civil-War-Tribute-Judie-Rothermel-Marcus-Brothers-Fabric.asp

Gorgeous quilt and fabulous fabric...

Check it out, the give-a-way is WONDERFUL!!!

PS: I couldn't resist this BOM... starts in January! A new year and a new BOM....life is good!

Tawanda Lives...

Ok it happened... "Tawanda's" back and it's not a pretty sight! It's been HOT, over 100 degree (today 111). I do fine up to about 89 but anything over than that...well it's just NOT good! And then "Tawanda" takes over.

The area that I live in here on the Central Coast of California has a very mild climate. Homes do not have air conditioning. Stores literally have run out of room fans.

Last summer we also had a couple of days of very extreme weather...we went to the Embassy Suites and stayed.

It's just too HOT.......... I'm heading to stand in front of the refrigerator with the door open.

Life is HOT

PS: Beware of "Tawanda", she is a nasty, cranky old woman. Confirmed by DH

Viridian's Give-A-Way!

Viridian's having a 99th Post Give-A-Way on her blog

Check it out... fabulous pieces of reds and poison green fabrics!

I love all the give-a-ways, so much fun to anticipate winning great fabrics!

Hugs,

Elaine 

Announcing Civil War Give-A-Way Winner....

The Winner of my "Civil War" Give-A-Way is....

Happy Cottage Quilter

Congratulations!!!

Please send me your mailing address and I can send you your package!

Thank you to all of you who entered my contest... it sure was fun to read all your comments and the links that you placed on your blogs about my give-a-way. To those of you who didn't have a blog, you were also included in the draw for the give-a-way.

For accounting purposes there were 139 entries placed, 131 were included in the draw ... 8 people signed up twice.

I have really enjoyed doing these give-a-ways and "meeting" new quilters! 

Again, thank you for reading my blog and entering in my contest. I do hope that you visit again!

Now it's time to get back to quilting but I'm sure I'll be having more give-a-ways soon!

Hugs,

Elaine

PS: Please excuse the poor photography... fault of the user, NOT the camera.

Give-A-Way You Won't Want to Miss!!

Another Give-A-Way at the Fat Quarter Shop...check it out! 

Prize for this give-a-way is a $100.00 gift certificate! Can you imagine winning this??? What fun!!

And then see the BOM that will begin in 2010 

http://www.fatquartershop.com/Village-Green-Block-of-the-Month-Thimbleberries-Quilt-Club.asp

Check it out NOW!

New Give-A-Ways in Blogland

Check out these fabulous reproduction fabrics over at Lurline's blog

Aren't they great??

Over at my good friend Frummie's blog is another give-a-way. She is have a "Two for Two" give-a-way... two yards of two co-ordinating fabrics. Check it out and sign up on her blog.

Sign up on Lurline's and Frummie's blogs for these great Give-A-Ways!! You never know, you might just win some great fabric!

Hugs,

Elaine

PS: Don't forget to also check out my "Civil War" give-a-way post.  See post below.....

Civil War Give-A-Way Package

A "Civil War" Give-A-Way Package... if you are a Quilter with a passion for reproduction then this is "THE" give-a-way for you!

All you have to do to join this give-a-way is:

1. Leave a comment on my blog.

2. Post a comment and a link on YOUR blog with information on my "Civil War" Give-A-Way Package.

Enter my "Civil War" Give-A-Way by Thursday, August 27th. Winner will be chosen by a random number draw and announced on Friday, August 28th.

Share with me your passion for quilts of this time! I look forward to reading your comments...

Hugs,

Elaine (who is really enjoying having give-a-ways!)

PS. Picture Credit : Artist Winslow Homer

A Package For Ranette!

Looks like there's a package going out today for Ranette! This is the package that Ranette won from my "Quilter's Stimulus Give-A-Way".   And now I'm on my way to the Post Office!
Inside the Hostess Lunch Box....  I hope you enjoy my "Quilter's Stimulus" Give-A-Way prizes Ranette!

Thank you to all of you who participated in my give-a-way! I have enjoyed hearing from you and reading all your comments.  

I look forward to your visits on my blog!

Hugs,

Elaine