All Things EARTH... part 2

[awhfy]

2 hours ago, MJC said:

Laurie, I like those two jjill dresses. The first one I'd have to try on to see where those swirls would land on my girls, KWIM?  That brown one caught my eye too when the catalog came. Always nice to find linen in an EARTH color.

 

How sweet about the earrings! Now you will think of your sister when you wear them. I sometimes wear my mom's or grandma's jewelry just to feel them close when I'm missing them. I still use my grandma's car key fob even though she has been gone a long time now.

 

I have clothes all over my bed to pack for our Niagara Falls trip. This morning I picked out earrings and went through my toiletries bag to take stock. Since we will be walking and hiking a lot, wearing hats and sunglasses, with camera straps too, I chose mostly small ones that have backs so I won't lose them. We have planned two nice dinners out while in NF Ontario, so I have two pretty tops and dressier earrings, and a pair of black pants to wear for those, with some wedge loafers. Otherwise it will be a very casual week. 

 

If anyone is in the market for luggage, I recommend checking out your local Macy's. Our NJ store had a 60% off sale going on to move out the inventory that's been hanging around through the pandemic. Since the handle broke on my roll-aboard during my last return flight from FL, I got a new London Fog at a steal last Wednesday.

 

 

 

 

I bought a new suitcase for the same reason at Macys this weekend.   I bit the bullet & bought another Tumi for a carryon

[awhfy]

Finally had moisture, in the form of 18” of heavy, concrete snow. My snow lollipops (aka wind spinners) & poor flamingos Melody

[laurspag]

What?????? It's 90 here!  I can't believe you have snow!!!

 

We leave tomorrow.  Leaving for the airport at 3:30 AM.  I think I'll turn in early tonight...

[slidergirl]

3 hours ago, laurspag said:

What?????? It's 90 here!  I can't believe you have snow!!!

 

We leave tomorrow.  Leaving for the airport at 3:30 AM.  I think I'll turn in early tonight...

Have fun!!!

[awhfy]

16 hours ago, laurspag said:

What?????? It's 90 here!  I can't believe you have snow!!!

 

We leave tomorrow.  Leaving for the airport at 3:30 AM.  I think I'll turn in early tonight...

You & your daughter have a fabulous cruise!!!

[slidergirl]

melody - the flamingos can take a mud bath today 😉

[MJC]

Laurie, hoping you have a fabulous trip!

 

We're on our way back from Niagara Falls. We've had a wonderful week. Hiked Watkins Glen SP today and visited one of the wineries here in the Finger Lakes region. Looking forward to being home with my kitty tomorrow.

 

 

[awhfy]

Margaret, my cousin has a place in Sodus Point, very close to that state park. Some great wineries there. Melody

[laurspag]

I'm back!  Already.  That went fast, but I think it was just the right length for my daughter and I.

 

First, I want to mention that I'm glad to hear you had a great time in Niagara Falls, Margaret.  I haven't been there in quite some time - 2010, I think?  

 

And I love Watkins Glen State Park.  I absolutely loved hiking there, and would love to go again.  I don't think my husband could do it though.  It is a very pretty area.  It has easily been 20 years since I was last there.

 

I know I mentioned that my husband was doing better, but he still has a lot of trouble getting around.  I did a little online researching, but I know that never takes the place of a doctor's diagnosis.  It's just that I think he has a very weak link in the doctor chain.  His primary is great, his arthritis doctor is great.  His gastroenterologist leaves much to be desired.  For example, on the first visit, he started asking by husband some questions, and very quickly said "you have IBD!  While he has done a colonoscopy and endoscopy, he really doesn't do much when my husband visits.  It is always another prescription, without telling my husband what it is even supposed to do.

 

So, long story short, I have suggested he find a better doctor - one that communicates with him better.  The reason I bring it up is because I am not certain how they decide when you have Crohn's Disease versus IBD or IBS.  And Crohn's can cause a great deal of joint pain.  

 

I just want him to feel better.  

 

Melody, is your snow gone????

 

Now to the cruise...we had a fabulous time, and I really needed the time away from work.  It was good to clear my mind.

 

Our flights from Syracuse to Miami were right on time with no issues.  We got a Lyft from the airport to the Marriot Biscayne Bay.  It is a very nice hotel on the harbor.  There is this little mall like building attached, and we found a restaurant called Primo's.  They had the best seafood linguini I have ever had.  I think I will be craving mussels for weeks now!

 

I will share more soon, but we really enjoyed ourselves.  

[awhfy]

Glad you had a good cruise Laurie. Definitely find another gastro for you husband. I’d ask your arthritis & primary care docs for some referrals (you can do it by phone too). None of those diagnoses are great, hope it turns out to be something that is easier to treat. 
 

we’ve stayed at that Marriott & that restaurant both excellent. Melody 

[MJC]

Laurie, looking forward to hearing more about your trip. Also hoping you have some answers soon about your DH. It sounds like you need a doctor with fresh eyes to get to the bottom of this. Believe it or not, my brother had bad vertigo for several years until he needed gall bladder surgery. No gall bladder, no vertigo. You just need the right person to connect the dots sometimes.

 

I have an outdoor wedding in July so I need a dress. My dresses are all too heavy/wintery/dark, and I don't want sleeveless. I also don't want to spend a lot. So I've been browsing:

 

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/vince-camuto-lace-cap-sleeve-sheath-dress?ID=13801259&CategoryID=5449&sizes=WOMEN_REGULAR_SIZE_T!!12%2C L

 

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-asymmetrical-georgette-dress?ID=14105099&CategoryID=5449&sizes=WOMEN_REGULAR_SIZE_T!!12%2C L&swatchColor=Red Sky

 

This is just like the blue dress I wore on my recent cruise, but in periwinkle!

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/msk-rhinestone-off-the-shoulder-shift-dress?ID=13296369&CategoryID=5449&sizes=WOMEN_REGULAR_SIZE_T!!12%2C L&swatchColor=Midnight

 

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/adrianna-papell-beaded-flutter-sleeve-midi-dress?ID=13995384&CategoryID=5449&sizes=WOMEN_REGULAR_SIZE_T!!12%2C L

 

yummy!!

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/calvin-klein-womens-sequined-floral-sheath-dress?ID=13942566&CategoryID=5449&sizes=WOMEN_REGULAR_SIZE_T!!12%2C L

 

Red... maybe for the red and gold ball on QM2?

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/msk-embellished-sleeve-sheath-dress?ID=14416651&CategoryID=5449&swatchColor=New Bordeaux&swatchColor=New Bordeaux&swatchColor=Dark Red

 

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/connected-printed-split-sleeve-fit-flare-dress?ID=13705016&CategoryID=5449&sizes=WOMEN_REGULAR_SIZE_T!!12%2C L

 

 

 

 

[awhfy]

Oh Margaret nice dresses. My favorites are #1 & 2   My personal favorite tho is #2. It’d be perfect for an outdoor wedding, great earthy color too. Melody 

[slidergirl]

The dresses aren't my cup of tea, but if I were to pick one to wear, it would be #2.  Easy and classic.

[laurspag]

Margaret, those are great dresses.  I think I may order that cranberry one, the one you mentioned for the red and gold ball?  I don't really have anything to wear in a shorter version that has sleeves.  It is also on sale for such a good price that it is worth checking out.

 

My personal favorite is the Calvin Klein dress,  but I can definitely see you in that off the shoulder dress in periwinkle.  I think Melody may have a similar dress?  I love those dresses on both of you, but I have trouble with figuring out the chiffon overlay. I get very distracted by things like that.

 

You mentioned an outdoor wedding in July, so I would imagine it might be pretty hot.  Which dress is your favorite?  

[laurspag]

Just a few quick pictures here, but my daughter looked so good, all cruise long.

 

 

One thing I realized is that my daughter really doesn't love having photos done, but she humored me.  And she is so photogenic!  I told her that this is a way to save memories.

[laurspag]

Oh, and I'm ordering that dress in red, not the burgundy, because....well, red!!!

[purduemom1]

Great pictures, Laurie! You have a beautiful daughter.

Sharon

[awhfy]

Beautiful pictures Laurie!  You both look happy & relaxed

 

if anyone is thinking about (or has one booked) a Celebrity cruise, they’re having a fabulous sale till the middle of June. We just saved over $2000 on our b2b (for 2024). Melody

[MJC]

Laurie, what lovely photos. You both look so pretty in your dresses, and so relaxed. I look forward to hearing more about your trip.

 

As for the ones I posted above, which I haven't ordered: 1. was not really in the running bc I thought it would be hot, but such a pretty color. 2. Def #1 in the running, but the Ralph Lauren pieces I saw IRL in that color were all very bright 3. I know it would work but just been there, done that, kwim? 4. a bit too girly in retrospect and not my best color 5. I love this dress but again, prob too hot for July, but am thinking about it for QM2 6. Again, too hot for July, and if I get a new red dress for QM2 formal night I think I will go full length 7. Until Tuesday it was #1 in the running.

 

I went to the Macys flagship in Manhattan. It has a huge dress shop on the 5th floor. I tried on soooo many dresses. That pretty coral Ralph Lauren was only available in navy, size 4 so I couldn't even try it for fit. But that coral color is very bright. Very. Bright.

 

I ended up buying a Calvin Klein dress that is extremely similar in style to that last dress, and of course I can't find a photo online anywhere. Instead of floral it is a pale peach with a random small applique design on the chiffon overdress with subtle gold thread running here and there, so it shimmers a bit when it hits the light. Very pretty. The sleeves are 3/4 and sheer with loose cuffs. It has an ease in the fit that is very appealing for a summer event. It is modern but not too girly with the jewelry I plan to wear and some sparkly gold sandals. It could easily go boho/peasant for day I suppose with different styling. It will be very pretty for an outdoor wedding. I can see it working for dinner out in the City too. So I am happy. I have a pic somewhere in my phone so I'll dig it and post later.

 

[laurspag]

Margaret, I'd love to see the dress you ended up getting.  I liked that Calvin Klein dress, but as you know, I have trouble with prints sometimes.  You actually had two CK dresses, and I liked both.  For myself personally, the sleeveless sheath looked like my kind of thing, and I might be okay with that print but I was concerned that the white background might be too cool, and then there was the price.

 

I do know after this cruise that I am seeing that I need to focus a bit more on how easy or hard something is to pack.  Long or short isn't so much the issue, as style.  My daughter's dress was a nightmare to pack but worth it to see it on her.  My dress was super hard to pack because it had a bit of a trumpet/A-line quality and it wrinkled easily.  My dresses for the next cruise have similar issues.

 

I think for a short cruise like the one I just went on, I really wanted simplicity but that was hard to do with those two formal night dresses.

 

Someone told me once they pick a pair of sandals for dinner, and everything they were is based on that.  Of course, they mentioned black, which I don't wear.  I have had cruises where I was able to wear my gold Anne Klein sandals or those bronze sandals (I still have those!  Can't wait to wear them again!) not just on formal nights, but other times as well.  I am looking for a new pair of gold sandals and I am very focused on them being similar to the Anne Klein ones.  When they are not glittery and they are comfortable, you can really make them work well with a number of things.  So I'm on a mission with that.

 

One more picture of my daughter...and me.  Because I think the aging process is something we shouldn't be scared of.  I'm in a pretty good spot, even though I'm not happy with my weight right now.

 

 

 

 

[laurspag]

I just noticed something in the pictures I posted...both me and my daughter both have one eye that closes more than the other when we smile.  Lol!  

 

I just saw this maxi dress online at Macy's.  I think the colors ae great.  There is a small triangular cutout in the front, but it is subtle.  I'm thinking that the overall styling is something I would like, and jersey is a good fabric for me, since there is a size difference between the top and bottom and jersey adjusts pretty well to that.

 

As you know, I'm not a bit print fan.  I'm also not usually a fan of something that feels geometric, but the abstract nature of the flowers picks up on that for me.  So, I really shouldn't like this dress.  But I do?

 

RACHEL Rachel Roy Fran Halter Printed Maxi Dress & Reviews - Dresses - Women - Macy's (macys.com)

 

I found this to be cute too, but I don't see myself wearing it.  Ruffles, thin straps....no.  If I was in the store and they had it, I would try it on, I think.  Mostly, I like to analyze what I like and dislike about things.  If the straps were thicker and I could wear a regular bra, it would be a plus.  At the same time, my broad shoulders would look even broader, and then the area the ruffle lands would just be adding to the wrong part of my body.  

 

It is still fun to look and admire!

 

RACHEL Rachel Roy Marcella Off-The-Shoulder Dress & Reviews - Dresses - Women - Macy's (macys.com)

[awhfy]

Laurie, I can see you in the first dress & I think I might order the second dress (in blue)

 

we just booked a cruise on Harmony OTS for this December!  We’re going with 10 -20 of our family members from Massachusetts. Totally unexpected. We’d planned on a family reunion this summer & it morphed into a cruise…I’m good with it! 

we’ve never been on the mega ships (not positive we’ll like it). The gals are already talking sparkling in the evening. Guys are resigned to a minimum of a sport coat. Nice itinerary. Aruba, Curaçao & Labadee, 8 night cruise. We’ve grabbed a junior suite with a huge balcony. Most of the family are high in the blue chip (casino) status so we’ll be in casino a lot (🙄). I’m really hoping it won’t be too smokey. I’m looking forward to hanging with my favorite sister-in-law!  Melody

[Anita Latte]

I haven't really been busy but I haven't really been able to post much. With DH working from home, it's difficult to get into the office and think. He's in meetings virtually all day long...and I can't concentrate with all that racket going on. And with my new mini computer, I can't pick it up and take it into the other room! When he isn't here, I take that time to do things that make my own noise... I've been reading but just not posting much if I need a keyboard and want a bigger screen!

 

Laurie...beautiful photos. When you talk about not being ashamed of the aging process are you talking about your hair? You were letting it go natural, correct? I wanted to say earlier...I think you look fabulous. The aging process has given you some nice looking highlights IMO. I like how the lighter color in your hair is softer around your face. It's really lovely. It looks like you and your DD had a good time on your cruise.

 

Melody...Harmony was the last cruise that I was on in February 2020. I've also been on Allure on the TA I took with my parents. It's not a ship that I would want to take for every cruise but I must admit that I think it's a really great ship and I thoroughly enjoy it. As with most things in life, it all depends on your attitude. You always strike me as more ready to have fun than complain so I think you'll have a great time, especially with your big group, even if it's a one and done.

 

I will recommend that if anyone in your group has designs on riding the Flowrider that you get a lesson. You get one on one time with the instructors...one will be talking and one will be with you on the Flowrider. They meet you where you are, so if a total newbie, then a big help...and if more experienced, then they help you take your riding to the next level. I knew it would be a good idea when several people on the Royal boards talk about how they take a lesson EVERY TIME, because every time they get something out of it. These guys LOVE the Flowrider and will ride it a lot throughout the cruise, even renting private time.

 

Really look into all the dining options. Things may have changed a lot since COVID, but pre pandemic, for instance, for breakfast, you can eat complementary meals in the MDR and the buffet (of course), Johnny Rockets, the diner on the Sports Deck (made to order omelets), the Solarium (even kids can eat there), and maybe the Park Cafe too. There's a full on Starbucks on the Boardwalk too, if you love your lattes, etc.

 

It's a huge ship but it's very easy to navigate and toward that end, there are many many nooks and crannies to get away from people...or be with people...and I very rarely ever felt crowded anywhere.

 

Your itinerary does sound nice. And of course, you'll be right in my backyard if Harmony is still sailing out of PC.

 

Next up, we have a trip to the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountain area on our actual 25th wedding anniversary. My FIL/MIL have gifted us with a few nights in a time share there with their points. We'll be hiking around Grandfather Mountain and also attending the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, which should be a great time. Also, we got our first pick for backcountry permits for Glacier National Park in September, which is the big vacation we have planned in celebration of our anniversary.

[slidergirl]

• Anita - congrats on snagging the backcountry passes!!  you'll have an epic anniversary!

[awhfy]

Anita Thanks for the info on Harmony. She’ll be porting out of Ft Lauderdale in December. Bummer, we could’ve met for coffee!!  We know the Port Canaveral area well after living at Patrick AFB. You’re right, I’m much more of a glass half full person
 

your Blue Ridge trip sounds wonderful!!  If you’ve never gone to any Highland Games you’re in for a real treat. I love the caber toss. Can’t wait to see pictures. Melody