More map options

As you can see, Stan has created another map and, in the process I've changed the blog name. I moved the interactive map to the sidebar below our profile. It can still be used to identify places and I'll add dates, too.  These more complex changes have to be made on the laptop, but I'm getting better at using the Kindle more effectively for the narrative and photos.

I got a new photo editor app for Android that I think is going to work better for me. It's a free app in the Amazon app store - just named Photo Editor by MacGyver. It's much simpler and probably doesn't have all the "bells and whistles" of some others, but for this purpose, I think it will do fine.

This photob is from a couple of years ago - 

high in the Swiss alps with our

 Bike Fridays

Map Information

I have been working on a map for the blog. There is a built-in program (well, the link is built-in). It uses Google maps and is a bit user interactive. Each waypoint has a small amount of info if you click on it (like multiple cities instead of making each one). This is the way I set it up - I could probably put a date in - I'll think about that.

The user can choose satellite or map views, zoom in and out, scroll as they want.

The only two things I don't care for are the lack of lines connecting the waypoints and that it comes up in the middle of the trip rather than with the start point showing on the right. But it's a map, and for now I'll keep it. Stan is investigating others as well.

We went to the Denver Botanical Gardens

for their light show - pretty lights but not super clear.

Testing added options - profile, gadgets, etc.

Now that Christmas is over (though not put away :), I'm working on the blog set-up just a bit. I've put some general information on the profile and added a "Follow by email" gadget. I hope this helps friends and family stay connected to my blog.

Grandchildren off to California for Christmas

Well, our grandchildren have gone off to spend Christmas with their other grandparents. We put the family on the train in the middle of a snowstorm yesterday and trust that they got off about an hour ago (at least the train stopped for a whole 3 minutes). I can't wait to hear what the kids thought of their overnight adventure :)

A beautifully clear but cold, snow covered day today here in Colorado - sun not quite up.






I'm wondering how many times I'll repack that bag - I'm a bit ahead of myself here - still six weeks out. Since they are new bags, I was wondering if I'd go over the weight, but so far only 38 pounds. I bought a expandable rolling duffle (the idea being to have the expansion for the return trip, but it's already expanded to the max - lol)

Christmas and trip planning

Very frustrated. My document, while short, was saved and suddenly gone 😠. We'll see how this whole blog thing goes. Planning 82 days at sea and Christmas at the same time is a bit confusing :).

House is decorated but still making candy for gifts. Most shopping done, but not yet wrapped (kids here Saturday for gift giving as they go to California for Christmas with their other grandparents).

From a Danube River Christmas Market cruise a few years back - great fun. Our other tree is decorated  mostly with angels, tiny international nativity scenes, and fireman 😊.

I tried to send a photo via Bluetooth from phone to this Kindle but no joy - I think it just does audio - oh well, will just have to use the camera on this.

Visas are here!

Our Chinese and Indian visas came back right on schedule and the new suitcase (drop bottom, expandable, rolling duffle) arrived as well.

The visa process actually went very smoothly, but I was extremely (to a fault) careful about everything and double and triple checked piece by piece before sending the applications off. I had requested 1 year visas (and attached a tentative fall 2015 tour itinerary and cover letter with them). China actually gave us 10 year visas, apparently due to the recent US presidential visit. Others, especially UK and AUS have had more issues, mostly related to the single stop in each country but I think those have all worked out. I will still check itineraries closely in the future. Multiple ports or at least longer stays would be nice. Cunard needs to be more proactive with visa information and assistance.

So, while we still play at creating costumes/outfits for theme nights and a more formal ship than we're used to and finish port planning, it's time to step away from that and finalize Christmas celebrations.