Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Panama Canal Cruise

 April Journaling

1.     Crocheted a large mauve hippo, a yellow reversible octo, and more mushy pops for the kids in Uganda. Prayer meeting.

2.     Bible study, massage. I stepped up to become one of the Sunday school teachers for the older kids beginning in June.

3.     Good Friday service. May I never lose the wonder of the cross.

4.     Bill C-9 has passed. Time will tell how much it will restrict/impact the proclamation of the gospel.

5.     Resurrection Sunday! He is Risen. He is Risen indeed. Checking in online for our cruise and choosing our seats on the airplane.

6.     My husband did my mom’s taxes because they are easy, but mine and his are complicated. He started but now we decided to bring them to a professional because we’re not sure what was claimed the last few years when they were done by someone else. Trying to get in to see my doctor to fill out forms.

7.     Planning for this week’s young adults meeting on Friday.

8.     Prayer meeting. Took my mom out for a haircut.

9.     Bible Study.

10.The young adults’ meeting was great. We had 19 tonight, 20 in our first one.

11. Going for a pedicure with my mom since she needs foot care and we are going on the cruise in two weeks.

12. In spite of missing a few doses of my weight loss medication, I’m still losing; down 29 pounds since July. Although I’m not pleased that it makes me lose muscle instead of fat.

13. Our daughter got a job in Toronto so she’ll be living with us again starting in May. Picking up our taxes from H & R Block.

14. My first children’s story book was published! Bunny’s Excellent Jamaican Adventure, based on our family trip to Jamaica when our granddaughter’s favorite stuffie was lost. The book arrived, I’m most proud of this one.

15. Sent a parcel off to Uganda with toys I made and books I wrote.

16. I’ve been one month without Wegovy waiting on my doctor to fill in the forms for approval from the drug company to cover it. Just got it in time to take it with me on vacation. Still down 29 pounds though.

17. Last Young Adults for Christ meeting before our vacation. We will be away for the next three but one of the other elders is covering.

18. The grandkids are here for the weekend, last visit before our cruise. I showed them the personalized book, they loved it.

19. Church.

20. Getting our winter tires off. Packing and doing so many last minute things for our vacation and the care of my mom while we’re gone. Getting U.S. cash.

21. Finally packed! Or should I say, overpacked. Every time I think I won’t, I still do.

22. Finished my homework for Bible study tomorrow. Cleaning and prepping my mom’s meds for the next three weeks. Prayer meeting tonight.

23. Bible study, then picking up my sister from the airport.

24. Headed to the airport early, our flight leaves for Miami at noon. We had a bagel and lox for breakfast along with a mimosa to start the vacation. In Miami we went to Umami, great Asian food for dinner, and got a few more things at Walmart.

25. Day one. Boarding the ship for our 15 day Panama Canal Cruise. The boarding process was not terribly smooth. We have a balcony room on the 11th deck starboard, aft. Caesar salad for lunch. Checked out the spa. Had a nap. Played mini golf, explored the ship. Dinner at the Manhattan restaurant. Had shrimp scampi and honey crème brule. Played trivia in the atrium and came in third. I may have won if I’d figured out the button sooner and not hesitated on one answer. Went to a comedy show. Late night snack, and then crocheted a bit.I brought my crocheting to make teddy bears for some staff or people we meet.

26. Day two. Sea Day. Breakfast in buffet. Spa, shower, pedicure, nap. Photo shoot for our 40th wedding anniversary. Dinner at Tepanyaki restaurant. Went to see the Beatles Story by a tribute band. Danced at a Motown party. Played cards in the observation lounge.

27. Day three. Breakfast in main dining room. Lounged by the pool, in the shade. Buffet lunch, nap. Comedy club, dinner in Main Dining Room. Cabaret show. Early to bed.

28. Day four. Room service breakfast. In Cartagena, Colombia. I love cruising. Did a van tour for highlights. Met a couple from Washington state; Linda and Tom who were also on their 40th wedding anniversary trip. Bought emerald earrings since that is what Colombia is known for.

29. Day five. Room service breakfast. In Colon Panama. Private driver. It was raining. We drove an hour to a local beach, no rain. Fish and fried plantain lunch. Saw a sand dollar. Saw the bridge that begins the canal. Bought two rings for $28. Shower, nap. Bought 6 rings, two for $40, dinner at Ocean Blue; delicious. Listened to Latin music, played cards in the observation lounge.

30. Day six. Sea Day, transiting through the canal. It’s my birthday. I’m 62. Room service for breakfast. Info session on Panama Canal. Lunch at American Diner; the banana milkshake was delicious. Nap. Dinner at Le Bistro, the French restaurant.

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