It really is The Living End

February 5th, 2012 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

Our cove is a beach! Look at the poor boat houses! Pray for rain!

Our cove is a beach! Look at the poor boat houses! Pray for rain!

While Houston is soaked to the gills with torrential rains, poor Austin is still clenched in drought. Things are a bit greener, but nowhere near normal. Looking out at Lake Travis, our little cove is now a beach where boathouses sit wistfully longing to float again. It is sad indeed.

A really good read…

What is not sad is the glorious state of literature today. Girlfriend Weekend (BeautyandtheBook.com) in Jefferson, Texas left me with a “to read” list longer than my arm. I brought home a tote bag full of new, autographed novels, all begging to be read first. After hearing author Robert Leleux speak, I knew The Living End, A Family Memoir of Forgetting and Forgiving, would be first in line. And what a brilliant decision that was.

The Living End could be the tragic story of a dynamic Southern woman who is stricken with Alzheimer’s and the sad years that follow. But it is not. It is the story of the miraculous healing of a family that has been broken for decades. It is funny, poignant and filled with characters that you long to know better. Much of the novel is set in Texas where big hair was born and people are just a little larger than life.The Living End

This is Leleux’s story, his life and the lives of his beloved grandmother, JoAnn, his grandfather, Alfred, and his mother, Jessica. It is the story of the healing that took place in their family when JoAnn’s Alzheimer’s dissolved all the bad memories of a broken relationship between she and her daughter. It allowed them to express their real love for each other. I won’t spoil it for you by telling the entire story, but I will promise that you will want to read more from Robert Leleux. Don’t just take my word for it, literary luminaries such as Pat Conroy (Prince of Tides, South of Broad), and John Berendt (Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) have lauded Leleux’s talent.

Up next, I’m reading his first book, The Memoirs of a Beautiful Boy. What are you reading?

A good book and a movie…

Last week I reluctantly went with friends to the movies. You know that I love movies, but I am a relentless reader of reviews and when I read from several sources that a movie is just mediocre, I just can’t bring myself to see it before it hits cable and am completely desperate. But I had no good excuse and these girls are so dear to me that I just sucked it up and went. Poor me, I know your heart must just be breaking.

Armed with my usual supply of M&M’s and chilled beverage smuggled in, I purchased a trash can-size container of artery-clogging popcorn. I then  prepared myself for cinema mediocrity. Not even two inches into that tub of expensive fluff, I found myself caught up in the story. One for the Money is a romantic comedy, police caper, and fabulous eye candy. Kathrine Heigl is clearly gorgeous and talented. Her chemistry with on-screen Irish co-star Jason O’Mara is electric. He is also hot, hot. The movie is fun and keeps the action moving. Debbie Reynolds as grandma steals every scene she is in. While it is not Shakespeare, it is very entertaining.

The weather is crappy–cold and wet. It somehow seems like chicken and dumpling weather. So that’s what I’m making. You always can tell a Southern girl by her comfort food, even if the accent has been corrupted by too many years in Texas. It’s what mama would have made.

Have a wonderful day!

Diane

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News flash–Chocolate saves lives!

January 31st, 2012 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

I am writing this blog out of pure desperation. The magazine and newspapers I have dog-eared with great information are taking over my office and threaten to become a fire hazard.Possibly I have spent too much time traveling and too little time reading and writing! Now I must share all the good things I have saved before one of my children reports me to Hoarders and stages an intervention.

The Best News…Ever!

The object of my affection!

The object of my affection!

The British Medical Journal has concluded that people who indulged more than twice a week with “doses of chocolate” were 37% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease and 29% less likely to suffer a stroke!!

And that is just based on “taking” a two doses of chocolate a week–think how much better it is to just have chocolate every day!!! Didn’t we know in our hearts it was good for us?

Speaking of chocolate…

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Consumer Reports (the serious shopper’s Bible) has in the February issue, page 8, selected the chocolate most likely to qualify for a spot in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, based on artistic quality and taste. Sorry, Kit Kat bars and Three Muskateers didn’t make the list.

Not for the budget minded, but exquisite:

Norman loves chocolate, too!

Norman loves chocolate, too!

1. Norman Love, 12oz., $49, unusual fillings, ultrasmooth, key lime, passion fruit

2.  Woodhouse, 16 oz., $90, ultrasmooth, pecan pie, fresh mint, cinnamon toast

3.  Christopher Elbow, 8 oz., $40, rosemary, balsamic vinegar, buttery caramel

4.  Candinas, 16 oz, $48, ultra smooth, liqueur-flavored centers, fresh cream, butter

5.  Jacques Torres, 16 oz., $66, ultrasmooth, tropical fruit, chili pepper

Very good, very good value:

Oh, yes! And a bargain, too!

Oh, yes! And a bargain, too!

1.  Godiva Gold Ballotin 36-piece, $2.74 an ounce

2.  Ferreo Collection Fine Assorted Confections, $1.25 an ounce

3.  Leonidas Chocolate General Assortment, $2.25 an ounce

4.  See’s Assorted Chocolates, $1.06 an ounce.

I am planning to get in touch with my medical insurer to see if any of these “prescriptions” are covered by my policy.

But what to drink with my exquisite chocolate? Why cabernet sauvignon, of course! And where do we fine great cab at prices that don’t break the bank? Why Consumer Reports, of course, January 2012. Isn’t that enough reason to subscribe?

Very Good:

1. Crios, 2009, Argentina, $13

Numero Uno!

Numero Uno! Crios 2009

2.  Columbia Crest Grand Estates, 2008, Washington, a Best Buy, $11

3.  Chateau Ste. Michelle, Indian Wells, 2007, Washington, $16

4. Columbia Crest H3, 2008, Washington, $14

5. Trackers Crossing 365, 2009, Australia,  Whole Foods

6.  Louis Martini, Sonoma 2008, California

7.  Catena 2008, Argentina, $18

8.  Cherrywood Cellars, 7-Eleven, $8

Now I have pictures of all these incredible chocolates swirling in my head and as far as I can remember, the only chocolate in the house might be a smushed Hershey’s kiss in the bottom of one of my purses. Now which bag was it in?

Have some chocolate, its good for you!!

Diane

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Hair fright and caffeine deprivation

January 25th, 2012 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

For some, it could mean clown hair!

For some, it could mean clown hair!

After a night of terrible storms, I awoke this morning to discover that we had no power. For some, that would be a horrible hair crisis–arriving a work with (choose one) flat, frizzy or unmanageable hair.

Others might find themselves unable to remember whether their pants went on feet first or over their heads–those are the coffee dependent. Unfortunately, I belong to

Another frightening possibility

Another frightening possibility

both groups. Bad hair and no coffee–the depressing duo.

I have found myself in this predicament once before when a winter storm brought down power lines in our neighborhood.

Wrapped in a blanket with the tail following me like a train, I lit the fireplace. Then I found a small saucepan, filled it with water and cautiously held it over the gas logs. I crouched there, looking not too regal until the water came to a boil. Instant coffee packets, possibly as old as 5-years, still registered okay on my caffeine meter. I drank two cups.

The object of my affection

The object of my affection

I pondered showering and getting ready for work without the benefit of a hair dryer or curling iron. I looked really closely in the mirror. My color didn’t look so good. I could be coming down with something. Something contagious.

Staying home from work was really the right thing to do…spare my co-workers some dreaded malady…and some really sad hair.

This morning, I lit the fireplace and when I went to the kitchen to look for a saucepan and coffee crystals, I unconsciously flicked on the light switch and my gosh, the light came on. I was just so overwhelmed with gratitude, I almost kissed my coffee pot.

How I really feel about my coffee!

How I really feel about my coffee!

I did take a moment to thank my power providers… after I had my first cup. And to those of you who say there are no miracles, well just look at me!

I wish you power and a spectacular day!

Diane

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Girlfriend Weekend–we rocked it!

January 23rd, 2012 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

Author Robert Hicks, A Separate Country, with me in Girlfriend regalia

Author Robert Hicks, A Separate Country, with me in Girlfriend regalia

A little over a ago, my dear friend Twila and I hatched a baby book club. We were inspired by Kathy L. Patrick’s The Pulpwood Queen’s Guide to Book-Sharing Tiara-Wearing Life, which tells the story of how she founded her own book club and hundreds more (now up to 525).

While we could have joined any number of serious book clubs, we had something else in mind that began with fun and ended with adding a few good books to our repertoire. Kathy seemed to have the right idea.

We told a few friends and started with about 12 ladies. Then we were lucky enough to have our local newspaper, The Tribune, write a lovely article about our little club. Then we had 18, then 20, 25 and now we have 50 on our roll. We average about 25 truly fun ladies who meet for dinner and wine or another beverage at a local restaurant’s private room. We visit–a lot. Then we have a lovely discussion about that month’s book.

Our circle of friendship has exploded. As a wonderful side effect of our club, we have adopted a local Title One school collecting school supplies, clothing, money and performing volunteer services. What started as a selfish little endeavor has grown into a huge blessing not just to the members themselves, but beyond the confines of our once-a-month Tuesday nights.

Pretty in Pink may not be what comes to your mind.

Pretty in Pink may not be what comes to your mind.

Two weeks ago, 16 of our Lake Houston Pulpwood Queens traveled to the annual convention, Girlfriend Weekend, in Jefferson, Texas. We joined several hundred others plus close to 50 authors for a love fest of books and all things queenly. And oh yes, there was a lot of dressing up and down.

The theme of the weekend was “circus”  and as you can imagine, for the Saturday night finale, we were fabulous–but so were the other clubs. Friday night was prom night, but we resisting visiting what for some was not really a happy memory and our group went in mass in our pajamas as the girls who did not get invited to prom. I must say, we were the star attraction and I cannot begin to tell you how comfortable it is to boogie in jammies.

Kathy Patrick, the queen herself really dug our get ups!

Kathy Patrick, the queen herself, really dug our get ups!

There was, of course, a club uniform we wore for day–hot pink sweatshirts with rhinestone initials, and pink rhinestone glasses.

We also had pink and purple leopard hats which were lusted after by other clubs.

We met some wonderful authors and brought home an armload of books and a list of “want to reads” that will last us until next January’s Girlfriend Weekend. (You can come too, go to BeautyandtheBook.com)

One of my favorite author-speakers was John Berendt, who wrote Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil , is finishing a book about New Orleans now. I plan to read his City of Fallen Angels next about the burning of the Venice Opera House.

A bit jealous aren't you?

A bit jealous aren't you?

One of the funniest authors was Wade Rouse who solicited stories from celebrities and others about their dogs. Hold to your hat, the title is, I’m not the Biggest Bitch in this Relationship.

We stayed in the quaint Jefferson Hotel and ate breakfast across the street at a darling little spot called, The Bakery.

I am sure that the other diners were amused (I hope) the morning I went table to table tying tulle head bands on our girls so the ties looked just right. The town of Jefferson may never be the same.

Cirque de Soleil will be calling any day now!

Cirque de Soleil will be calling any day now!

Before we had even left town we we started planning what we would wear next year. Let’s face it, for us girls, isn’t it always about the clothes?

Have a beautiful day!

Diane

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London, The Peake District–it’s all amazing!

January 18th, 2012 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

Everything in England begs for a photo! My bud Pam!

Everything in England begs for a photo! My bud Pam!

As much as I love the good old USA, there is something absolutely magical for me, about traveling to Europe. I always feel as if I have entered not only another country, but another time as well.

How amazing to visit a church that was built in the year 1100 or dine in a restaurant that was built about the same time.

Here in Houston we tear down the old to make room for the new, and so much of our history is lost.

On previous trips to England, I have stayed close to London, not really seeing much of the countryside. On this trip, we ventured out into the Peake District where there are villages that are seriously unchanged since

A peak in the Peake District and tiny sheep everywhere!

A peak in the Peake District and tiny sheep everywhere!

the 1600’s or earlier.

I simply could not take enough pictures because the scenes looked so much like they came straight out of a storybook. Yet, they are populated with people and modern day businesses and wine bars and dry cleaners, like any small town.

Scattered between these small villages were some ancient castles and some magnificent estates. We visited three of them--Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth House, and Shugborough Hall, as well as Shakespeare’s birthplace in Statford-upon-Avon.

Janet stays warm at Blenheim Palace--Oh my!

Janet stays warm at Blenheim Palace--Oh my!

If you have seen the fabulous BBC series (or rented the DVD) Downton Abbey, which just won a Golden Globe, you have some insight into how these estates operated and were passed on with titles.

These beautiful places were also decorated for Christmas during our visit which made them even more elegant.

Shugborough Hall and Gardens

Shugborough Hall and Gardens

Part of what made this trip special was having my sister, Janet, along for the first time. We had other girls who had also not been to London before, and as we were riding in a cab headed for Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards, two of them squealed in unison, “We’re in London”! It was a bit surreal.

The weather was spectacular. The day we watched the changing of the guards was warm and sunny. The only real issue we had with the weather was our last night in London when most of us went to the theater to enjoy a play. As my group departed Mama Mia (yes, we did a sing-a-long to the finale), it began to pour down rain.

The dining room at Chatsworth House

The dining room at Chatsworth House

The prevailing temperature was probably 45. We were certain there would be plenty of cabs. Yes, there certainly were, but every one of them had a fare.

We began first, walking in the direction of our hotel, then we picked it up to a light jog, dashing in and out of awnings to avoid being totally drenched. For naught.

We were wet as drowned rats. After what I would estimate to be a half a mile, we gave up and caught the subway. It still didn’t spoil what was a wonderful trip.

Picture perfect Stratford-Upon-Avon

Picture perfect Stratford-Upon-Avon

Sometimes I think the English get a bum rap for being very reserved and not so friendly. On this trip, that could not have been further from the truth.

We were overwhelmed with people wanting to assist us at every turn. Once on the subway, several us were debating which was the right stop for the half-price theater ticket booths.

A lovely young woman intervened and not only gave us the correct stop, but took us to the shop as well. As it turns out her name was Nickolai and she was a former dancer with the Royal Ballet and is now a teacher there.

Pam and Janet with Nickolai, our Royal Ballet escort!

Pam and Janet with Nickolai, our Royal Ballet escort!

Just one more note about England that I feel I must share. I have heard nothing but how awful the food is in England, which has never been my experience. My group unanimously declared the food we ate as the best they have eaten anywhere. I could not agree more, in fact, I am wearing some of it now!

Sticky Toffee Pudding is fantastic. I ate it at every stop. The Barcelo Buxton Palace Hotel in Buxton has the best–anywhere!! And the hotel is just wonderful! We awoke to snow there! What could be better–besides Sticky Toffee Pudding? If you have never tried it, Whole Foods carries an excellent version of it!

Possibly the world's best dessert--Sticky Toffee pudding-I tried it everywhere!!!

Possibly the world's best dessert--Sticky Toffee pudding-I tried it everywhere!!!

I’ve been back home now for just a little over a month and already I am starting to get that itch to go back and see more. I think the travel bug is one for which there is no antidote except to go. Let’s do!

Have a spectacular day!

Diane

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She’s Back!

January 17th, 2012 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

It may look like it, but I have not been hiding in a phone booth!

It may look like it, but I have not been hiding in a phone booth!

Beware of vacations because sometimes you forget to come home. I had intended to take a short hiatus from blogging because December was such a busy, crazy month. Then it turned into January, which felt pretty busy and crazy as well. It turns out my life is busy and crazy every month, and I missed you. I hope you missed me.

Just to bring you up to speed, since we last communicated, I took 25 women to England to see the stately, historic homes and spend a few days in London. It was one of the best trips of my life, and I think theirs.

The BBC series Downton Abbey, which is now running on Masterpiece Classics, Sundays at 8 p.m. is based on the concept of the family estate in England which is passed on the next male in succession. Females had virtually no rights to an inheritance or family title and the goal of most parents was to help their daughters marry well. Fascinating stuff.

Last December, I took my group of girls to the Christmas markets in Europe where we flew into one of London’s worst snow storms ever. This year the weather was perfect. We had the most wonderful sprinkling of snow one evening in Buxton and awoke to a lovely blanket of it covering everything.

My sister, Janet, and I stopped to see the Queen-darn, she was out Christmas shopping!

My sister, Janet, and I stopped to see the Queen-darn, she was out Christmas shopping!

My family  Christmased (new verb) in Austin surrounded by our loved ones. Shortly after New Year’s I flew to Kansas to sit with the twins while my daughter and her husband attended a bowl game.

Possibly the highlight of my visit was our attendance at a Home Depot children’s workshop on Saturday morning where each boy got to build a little wooden bank that looked like a house. I can honestly say that the test of a really good grandmother is one who will hold the nail while her 4 and 1/2 year old grandsons hammer. Yes, that would be me.

Both Home Depot and Lowe’s hold free Saturday workshops for children, accompanied by parents.( No, you may not just drive by and shove them out of the car.) They provide tools and all materials. Check the websites or call for details. These are really fun and good skill builders. I am also certain that there are first aid kits nearby, just in case.

Those are not toy hammers!

Those are not toy hammers!

While I flitted around hither and yon, my magazine subscriptions piled up with all the rest of the mail. I have a mountain of great ideas and helpful information to pass on to you. I am only going to tease you this morning with one piece of data which I think needs to be at the top of all of our “to do” lists.

Dr. Oz, both in his newspaper column (Mondays in the Houston Chronicle) and in Oprah Magazine has written about the importance of daily exercise as a way to combat dementia and possibly even Alzheimer’s. If you combine some strength training with simple walking in your neighborhood or on a treadmill, you will keep your mind sharp and your bones strong. A lovely side effect is the boost your metabolism receives, the fat you burn and the relief you will feel from arthritis pain.

Have a simply lovely day!

Diane

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Good Morning! I must have drifted off!

December 2nd, 2011 § 2 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:42-16133917

First, I must apologize for my pitiful posting record over the past few weeks. If you didn’t notice, then I am grateful. There’s nothing I hate more than disappointing people. It’s the curse of being an approval seeker. As much as we admire the one who can tell an irritating person to go jump off a cliff, we couldn’t for the life of us do it.

For the past month or so, I have been on activity overload with travel and family commitments as well as some volunteer projects that are important to me. All the while, I have had this sensation that there is something important I should be doing. Clearly, there are important things I should be doing around the house. I am reminded of that every time I open a closet or peer under a bed.

I have tackled some of the dreaded chores, but I still have this persistent nagging. I am trying to follow the advice of my favorite psychologist/life coach Martha Beck, and listen to the universe, and in time it will become clear.

I subscribe to her daily quotes because nearly every day (MarthaBeck.com), they inspire me. I also depend on prayer, which I know works. just maybe not on my time table. Impatience is another one of my “gifts”.

All this is to say that I am taking a holiday from blogging to first, take 26 fun ladies to England, and then to spend Christmas with my family and extended family with no feelings of guilt that I am not blogging. Approval seekers always feel guilty. That’s why we are such an easy target for Girl Scout cookie sales, kids hawking wrapping paper, candles, cookie dough or lawn mulch.

I will be back for the New Year and hope that you will check in with me when you can. In the meantime, have a very Merry Christmas, I hope in the company of those you love.

Our precious new family member, Sydney Elizabeth!

Our precious new family member, Sydney Elizabeth!

Best to you,

Diane

P.S. The latest medical information on building strong bones in women recommends eating 3-4 prunes a day. I just tried the new “Cherry Essence” dried plums (prunes) from Sunsweet and they are fantastic–also come in “Orange Essence”. Try them.

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Buda-full Budapest, Hungary!

November 20th, 2011 § 0 comments

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

The leaves were falling in Europe...so pretty!

The leaves were falling in Europe...so pretty!

Yesterday, when I was trying to explain to someone why I had not returned her email promptly, it occurred to me that in the last 8 days I had been in Prague, Houston, Austin and Las Vegas. I barely had time to do laundry and re-pack.

While Las Vegas was certainly fun, it wasn’t just any boondoggle. It was an international travel conference with so many exciting places represented, my head was spinning.

On the subject of travel, what I can tell you is that this is the year to cruise. There are so many wonderful options–ships of all sizes and great incentives including on some, free air fare and cash credit to spend on board. If crusing is for you, let me know and I will share of the best deals I found for 2012.

Parliament is stunning at night

Parliament is stunning at night

Back in Budapest…

I wanted to share a little about some of our wonderful cities we visited on the AMA Waterways ship, The AmaDante. We began our cruise in the beautiful city of Budapest, Hungary set on the banks of the Danube River.

It is a walking town with a medieval feel to many buildings and streets of cobblestone. The river is crossed by numerous bridges, all pedestrian friendly. The city really comes to life at night as the buildings are illuminated and seem to almost glow.

Did I mention the food everywhere was just so delicious? The pastry here is just exquisite–as beautiful as it is tasty. I should know–I sampled generously! Next time, I’m bringing stretch pants.

Eastern Europe was one lovely surprise after another. I hope you enjoy the photos. I will share more tomorrow, if you’ll come back!

You knew I would find "the goods"!

You knew I would find "the goods"!

This gorgeous palace overlooks the city

This gorgeous palace overlooks the city

A lovely park, a zoo and restaurant

A lovely park, a zoo and restaurant

It takes your breath at night

Budapest takes your breath at night

The home of the famous mineral baths--I forgot my suit!

The home of the famous mineral baths--I forgot my suit!

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Forget Calgon…Take me away AmaWaterways!

November 16th, 2011 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

My AMA home away from home

My AMADante home away from home

I arrived back home in Houston last evening after being gone almost two weeks. My plants wouldn’t talk to me. The wild birds who frequent my feeder all gave me the cold shoulder as they have obviously been without their gourmet sunflower chips for well over a week.

My little lap top computer started up so lethargically that I was afraid it wouldn’t start at all. Finally, when my familiar screen appeared, it chastised me to UPDATE! UPDATE! I suppose it is good to be missed.

I downloaded my photos from my camera to my computer a few minutes ago and you will be thrilled to know that there are only 911 that you have to view. Or you could call 911 and report me for reader abuse! I promise to share only the best and delete all those that I don’t look simply fabulous in–so there go at least 900!

The view from the top deck of the AMADante

The view from the top deck of the AMADante

First, I cannot recommend the river cruise experience highly enough. It is one of the best ways to truly experience a region, a country and a city.

Life is vibrant along the rivers and there you see how and where the people live–from the quiet little hamlets to the bustling cities.

Along the river, you can watch farmers tend their crops, herd sheep and cattle, see locals biking, walking, and waving as you pass by.

My trip was Blue Danube Discovery on AmaWaterways, the ship was the AmaDante with a capacity of only 148 passengers. We sailed from Budapest, Hungary to Nuremberg, Germany where we boarded a tour coach and traveled to Prague, The Czech Republic. The ship is beautiful and very open with great expanses of glass so you don’t miss any wonderful sights as you move along the Danube River.

Typical sights on the Danube

Typical sights on the Danube

The ship is luxurious from the tastefully decorated cabins to the lounge and dinning room. There is a reading/game room, library, sauna, hot tub, masseuse, and hair dresser on board. Prepare to be pampered.

Our captain, Lukas

Zatschkowitsch was an absolute delight mingling with passengers and sharing fascinating information about the river and the ship. Most of the crew were natives of eastern Europe and were wonderful ambassadors for their homeland.

The ship itself is small compared to the big ocean-going ships we are accustomed to. You can easily meet people and even get to know the crew and captain on a first name basis. Generally, your ship docks very close to the center of town and you can join a small group for a walking tour with time to explore on your own. Did I mention that in each port the guided walking tour is included, as are bicycles and helmets for those who prefer to ride.

The beautiful AmaDante

The beautiful AmaDante

One of the great benefits of cruising versus other types of travel is that your meals are all included. On AmaWaterways, that also means wine is included with dinner. Each night we had a different local wine and they were all exceptional.

Champagne is available at breakfast if a mimosa is what you need to start the day. Soft drinks, coffee, tea and 24-hour cappuccino are also all included in your cruise price. Did I mention that there are always trays of cookies and pastries out to tempt you? Diet disaster, but worth every bite.

The food was spectacular!! I never missed a meal!

The food was spectacular!! I never missed a meal!

Our meals were all 5-star. The presentation, the taste, and the variety were amazing. If you finished your chocolate mousse too quickly, the waiter was there to see if you had room for the warm apple strudel with homemade vanilla bean ice cream. Pack pants with elastic waistbands. You won’t regret it.

Every night after dinner there was wonderful entertainment either by our shipboard musician or talented local soloists and groups who boarded the ship where we were docked bringing us both popular music and a taste of their homeland.

When just one dessert is not enough!

When just one dessert is not enough!

I met many new friends on board, saw parts of Europe from a new perspective, and found river cruising to be my cup of tea or cappuccino. There are more lovely river itineraries waiting with AMAWaterways in Europe,  Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia and now Africa.

I hope to post pictures from some of the beautiful cities we visited so you can enjoy them as well. The big cities of Budapest and Prague have some of the most beautiful architecture in the world. At night, they are simply magical.

The tiny towns we visited made you wish you could stay, get to know the butcher, the baker and the wine merchant better! It was a lovely taste and has simply whetted my appetite for more.

Have a wonderful day,

Diane

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She’s Back…

November 10th, 2011 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

It is 3:30 a.m. in Austin and I have been awake since 2. I have no plane to catch, no middle of the night crisis or even a case of the latest influenza. My body simply has no idea what time it is. Jet lag is the common name, but I prefer happiness hangover. I can’t feel too bad about it, because I had such a wonderful time on my trip.

When last we talked, I was bound for my first European river cruise. I knew many people who had done it and raved about it, so it has been on my personal bucket list for years. For my first trip, I chose AmaWaterways’ Blue Danube Discovery, sailing from Budapest, Hungary to Bratislava, Slovakia, Vienna, Durnstein, Melk and Linz , Austria, Regensburg and Nuremburg, Germany and then by coach, to end in Prague, the Czech Republic.

I had such great plans to lighten my carry-on load by leaving my laptop at home and simpy blogging on my iPad where I had loaded my blogging software, WordPress. I even bought the photo attachment for my iPad so I could share photos as well. All my plans were for naught. When I arrived, I discovered that the Ap for WordPress had disappeared from my screen. When I tried to reload it from iTunes, it would not recognize my password. Repeated attempts failed. When I concluded that I would simply have to blog directly via the Internet, not only did my blog look strange, none of my photos would paste from my iPad photo album.

This was really frustrating since during my trip I had about 30 minutes free one Tuesday and another 45 when I was able to stay awake past 10 p.m. I know that during those periods of down time I could have written some amazing posts and shown you the thrilling sights along the way, but alas, it was not to be. So here I sit, wide awake, hoping you are out there somewhere and  have not given up on me completely, and still willing to come along for the ride.

I  am sorry  to report that my effort to save the euro, at the center of the debt crisis in Europe, was not successful. I also attempted to boost the currencies of the non-euro nations of Hungary, The Czech Republic, and Slovakia,  even if I could not pronounce the names of their currencies. I did, however , feel incredibly flush when I spent 100 Czech dollars for a coffee and pastry ( about $6) .

It is now 5:49 a.m. And although I have managed to reload my blogging software on my iPad, not only will it not allow me to post my photos, it won’t let me preview my writing before posting. The only option it gives me is “publish “. The danger in that is that little, or even glaring errors sometime escape when I don’t see the blog as it will appear on the Internet. So please ignore any typos and blips . I promise to do better when I get back to Houston and my own computer.

Meanwhile in Houston, my little laptop sits snickering, confident that the next time I leave  town, she won’t be sitting home alone.

Have a lovely day,

Diane.

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