Email Hacked!

Email hacked! A couple of days ago I began to get a lot of texts, messages and phone calls asking me if I had emailed them asking for a favor. I also got a kick out of the fact that several mentioned my email came in at 6 am. Bottom line – no it was not from me. So began a busy day of researching and changing passwords. I discovered that it was my Yahoo email that was hacked- got an IP address from Nigeria! Boy did I want to lash out at “them”. But not really sure how and it is probably best I just try to safeguard my accounts and move on. It appears that “they” changed my yahoo to hot mail extension. Any replies went back to them. And it might appear that it was a legit email with my name, who’s going to pay attention to the email extension. If you replied to their request, you would then get an email back telling you I needed help and would you buy me an apple gift card. Next, they would ask you to send them a copy of the card which then allowed them to get the cash off that card and you would be out the money. It’s probably a small enough amount that no one pursues the theft and done enough times, the bandit makes out pretty well. The lesson might be that we all need to use caution and question any odd sounding email requests. I ran a virus scan and none were found on my computer. I have no idea how they got into my email. And have since changed my passwords and no longer duplicate them across apps. The silver lining on this is I appreciated and enjoyed all who contacted me asking if I’d sent the request. Seriously, between texts, messengers, phone calls my afternoon was filled. I got to catch up with folks I hadn’t heard from in quite some time. This was nice. I also finally decided I would delete David’s email. It was still attached to a couple of our on-line bills so I had to change those first. And then I deleted his email address. But I forgot that his email account had pictures attached and all his contacts. Hadn’t thought about that but I almost feel that it was another step that needed to be taken and it almost done for me rather than by me. This activity has kept me busy which is nice as my mind was beginning to dwell on all the upcoming significant dates: my birthday – I’ll be 71; David’s age; Thanksgiving- 3 years since David passed; his birthday and then Christmas; New Years and our wedding anniversary! My focus is going to be on the many significant dates we were able to share together! I may have lost some photos but with or without them, they and David are forever in my memory. Watch out for the Bad Guys! Don’t get caught by tricky scams. Good things are coming down the road, don’t stop walking!

Great Lakes Cruise

 It’s been awhile since I’ve posted to my blog so here is a brief update, especially if you aren’t on FB. Well I just got back from – yep, a cruise. This was the Great Lakes, Michigan and Superior. With port stops along the way. What beautiful country. I was not real familiar with this whole area so I enjoyed this trip. This was a new way to cruise, capacity of ship only 202 guest and only 135  on board. The ship was small, obviously, which is nice for docking but not so much for cruising. I felt a little claustrophobic on “sea” days. Otherwise, we were in very walkable areas and I was able to walk and wander quite a bit.

I was solo and there were other solos on board. However, there were many couples and several times I felt especially alone and noticed the absence of David more than previously. But I did not dwell on this and instead focused on where I was and what could I go explore. It’s mainly due to David that financially and emotionally I can do this traveling so I felt somewhat obligated to push myself to get out and about. Each time I took a small step outside my comfort zone, I felt more empowered and able to take bigger steps. And I’ve got to admit, it is fun to do only the museums I want to see, read only the exhibits I want to read, turn in early or stay up late and no one counted how many deserts I ate!

This is not a travel log in that I’m not describing all the places I visited. I did do photo highlights and post most on FB. As usual learned interesting history and thoroughly enjoyed all the new sights. Met many new people as I ate with different folks at the open dinner seating.

I’d say Mackinac Island was the highlight, enhanced by meeting cousin Scott and Heather there. That made for an extra special day of exploration. The locks and lift bridges were all fascinating. I walked across at least 2 lift/draw bridges and was only a little nervous they might need to go up before I got across. LOL. Interesting learning about different bridges, engineering feats for raising in different ways to allow large ships to pass. The traffic quickly backed up as cars had to stop until the bridge was back functioning as a “road”.

Some photos of us passing under a double decker lift bridge. 

First view of the ship as we prepare to embark in Milwaukee (not Chicago as originally planned).

Some of Chicago buildings as seen from my architectural boat trip  before my Great Lakes cruise.
My airplane lunch. It was really quite tasty. I love airplane food, mostly for the unique plating and the ideal of meals on a plane.

I'll end here, I have many more photos but I need to figure out why not all my photos are available to me to upload to this blog. I want to find them as I had a lot of fun with daily selfie of my outfits. If I do say so myself, I had several cute outfits. And its all about how you look, right? I did it for future packing purposes and it became a fun challenge to find a way to photo myself in my tiny stateroom.

Hope you enjoy reading and perhaps I'll post more photos soon. It's hard to play catch up after 16 days on the water but I wanted to enjoy my trip and blogging is a bit tricky for me still. Until next time!

Galveston Cruise

 

I don’t know what’s harder, packing or unpacking?! No I’m not complaining about either one. I think it is a requirement to cruise/travel often so that you stay mentally alert and up on all the details required these days for travel.

So along with the job of unpacking; I also came home to some tax forms, my “free” (in quotes because you know they are not really free free) covid test kits and a new Safety Third face mask from Mike Rowe Works Foundation. His safety third idea is interesting and makes a good read if you are interested. And I got the money bags from the events held while I was away so I have a lot of money counting and reporting to do for the Cactus Gardens Activities fund.

This was a fun relaxing cruise out of Galveston, ports of call – Cozumel; Belize City; Costa Maya. Belize was the only new port of me. I was a little disappointed. We took a trolley city tour and there was not much to see and their street venders were very aggressive. This cruise was on Royal Caribbean a line I have not cruised in several years. Holland America (HAL) is my favorite and most cruised line. I was mentally comparing them, even wrote up a list of differences. (you have time for this while cruising 😊) It was really minor and mostly insignificant things. We had about 1600 passengers on board with a capacity of about 4400, almost as many crew as passengers. We were all treated “Royally”! I now need to cruise Celebrity to add those comparisons but I am not sure I want to cruise again as long as masks are a mandate. Leaving the ship about 8am yesterday; arriving home about 12 hours later and wearing a mask the entire time is just not fun. If I really thought it kept me and you safe I’d be more willing. (ties in with safety third)

The start of the cruise was not so good. After flying out of Yuma at about 7am we arrived in Houston, got on our shuttle. First issue what door are we really to wait. We could have gotten the 2 o’clock shuttle but when I booked I wasn’t sure how quickly we’d get our baggage and find the pick up place. So we had time to wait – and thank goodness moved over to the other door around the corner. Our shuttle driver was quite funny, he was early and let us get in and wait in the van which was nice as we were now seated and out of the cool breeze. One other gentleman got on and then the joking and laughing began. We wanted to stop for coffee the addnl passenger wanted to stop for gin. First we had to stop at Hobby airport (BTW that is named after a person William P. Hobby – not Hobby Lobby!) On to our hotel, we were the first dropped off. All laughter ceased. There was not going to be a hotel breakfast as promised. And no restaurants within walking distance. We later called for pizza but we were outside of their delivery area. No brochures in the room about the area and restaurants. Next morning when we check out this gal is very helpful, tells about pizza that does deliver and vending machines in the hotel! That first clerk had a lot to learn about customer service. There were several other issues but the food or lack of was my priority. Coffee was almost an issue but after a trip downstairs and requests for coffee, cups and sugar got that squared away.

Originally two other couples were to be traveling with us, they were driving in so would have had cars which would have made a difference but still could have been much better customer service.

Port arrival. It actually went quite smoothly and we were on board and eating! I had been concerned that this was a huge ship and I’d have trouble navigating. However that was not the case. Once on board the ship did not seem that large and they had a wonderful interactive map that was great directing you to whatever venue or your room. Great use of technology in my opinion.

Going into dinner the first night, the hostess asked us where was Charlie. It took me a minute but I figured out since there were 3 of us gals, she was referring to Charlie’s Angels! And she called us that every night. I think it is fun when they personalize your experience. And I will add I think we 3 got along very well and enjoyed each other’s company and the cruise.

And I could go on but will end it here. Thursday I will use one of my covid tests, not because I’m worried but just to check and then can assure everyone (since it will be negative) that I had a fun safe cruise. They recommend testing 5 days after the cruise.

Dang it - I can't get my photos to load, it seems to work different every time!! so sorry as I know photos can make it more interesting.

Mediterranean Cruise

Mediterranean Cruise – what an adventure!!

Overview: Seven countries (Italy; Greece; Croatia; Slovenia; France; Spain; Portugal) with 23 ports of call. Whew, almost six weeks of travel – auto; plane; ship and a few bus tours. The sights I saw and the experiences are way too much to write about. Hopefully some of you saw the few I did post on FB but did not post any blogs because I was too busy being in the moment.

Every country and port were new to me. I sometimes picked a “less” popular tour, just to see something different and interesting. Like the Andalusian horse ranch in Cartagena Spain. We had to wear masks for the horses! They weren’t sure how they might be affected by covid. And of course, Flamenco dancer show.

Another interesting tour was to Lake Bled, Slovenia. A gondola like ride to the island with a church at the top of 99 steps. Legend has it that the groom must carry his bride up the 99 steps in order to have a long, happy marriage. I barely made it up carrying nothing, assume the groom probably more fit! Those legends and stories add to my enjoyment of specific sites.

 

I saw so many beautiful and interesting sights. It really was very port intensive, which I was not used to and being unfamiliar territory it all began to blur together.

 

Trevi Fountain – Rome Italy Yes, I threw my coins into the fountain so I will return. Proper tossing: Back to the fountain, coins in right hand, tossed over my left shoulder.

     

    

Pompeii – my favorite tour. Look at that intricate tile work and the “paintings”. Amazing

I met a lot of folks. Did some activities with new friends I met and some by myself. This cruise was very different from others I have taken, not just because I didn’t have David by my side. The Covid restrictions; paperwork; testing; limited activities and entertainment. The ship was about half booked which at times, it seemed very empty. Crew; entertainers; tour guides; shop owners; were all very glad to be back working.

The highlight, if I can call it that, was the scattering of David’s ashes on the transatlantic portion of the cruise. I shared with folks before and after about my plan. People were surprised that the ship would allow and even assist and several liked the idea and were going to tell their kids about it.

I had two friends by my side; one gal I met on the ship and the other flew with me from San Diego. Both also recent widows. Also shipboard crew as they blocked off the back of the ship to give me/us privacy as I tossed the biodegradable (proven and approved) urn and a flower into the ocean. Later in my stateroom was a certificate with the date and location. David had always wanted to take a transatlantic cruise and while I’m sure this was not exactly what he had in mind, it felt very appropriate. Plus, sharing this event with others gave me even more closure.

And so begins a new chapter…

Going Off Line

 

I’m going off line for a while. Because finally the long-awaited Mediterranean and Transatlantic Cruise is actually going to happen!  

This cruise, well, cruise preparation since I’m not on the cruise yet. Has been quite a learning/growing experience. I have spent more time on line researching everything from ports to explore to where to find or buy a rapid antigen covid test. My credit card has seen more activity than normal and now includes ordering on line – something I avoided in the past.

And I’ve made new friends in the process – 4 of us-Cruisin’ Gals. All with an Escapees RV background so I’m sure we will have lots of traveling stories to share during the long flight(s); while standing in line for Covid tests (although I think the ship has this worked out quite well); at leisure dinners. I am quite confident that the 4 of us will be laughing most of the time. And will manage the new cruising protocols with ease.

I imagine David is laughing along with my new adventures and most likely attempting to reassure me that “it will all work out”. He definitely had the no worries, keep calm attitude. I am attempting to assimilate his attitude as I navigate these new “roads”. I’m not a worry-wart, I just like to consider any and all bumps in the road that may (or may not) appear. LOL

Ordering on line, something I did not do much. Traveling as we did, was not always easy to determine where we would be when the item would arrive; using a billing address with a different shipping address. Not a big deal, I know, but something I did not feel the need to do. However, in preparing for special cruise items I now have the ordering on line down pat! And since I’m usually in one place for a length of time, ordering delays are not an issue. Perhaps a skill I didn’t need to develop as I am really quite enjoying it.

In preparation for this cruise, I’ve gone through several learning curves; challenges;

We, as in the 4 of us gals, thought having the Global Entry card would assist in ease of international travels and being TSA approved, faster for airline check in, etc. Obtaining this card brought a lot of new challenges. Some I’ve written about previously, traveling in the wee hours to the border of Mexico! And I’ve already used the TSA portion on my flight to Florida this summer. And as usual, now that I’ve got it, all the drama involved has been forgotten.

I’ve not done any European travel so while I’ve stopped researching potential ports (due to the constant adding/deleting ports), I know I will enjoy exploring any and all ports that are allowed for disembarking. Either exploring on foot or tour it will all be new and fascinating; some to be added to my must do again list. In preparation for visiting ports, I now know how to order foreign dollars (euros in this case).

Learning, learning, learning and decision making. And this has given me an activity over the summer. I do overthink things but I’m working on doing that less. I like to make lists. And I’m liking ordering on line, what fun to open up the box(es) and finally hold the item purchased. Like my 18 pocket vest; I love it. And it has already come in handy more than once, so a good purchase. Red has been my ordering color because I want to feel as bold as the color red.

I will basically be out of touch until mid November. Will try to post some pictures. In the meantime see what you can do to push yourself just a little bit and discover all new worlds of people, places and things. That’s a challenge David and I gave ourselves annually and now I am living it to the fullest.

18 pocket red vest

Papa 100 years young!

 

Matching red vests; shared my hat on the Midway

Papa - Happy to see me!

Michael; Me; Peter; Caroline; Steve; Heather; Scott

Obviously I have not mastered photos and placement! 

What a special weekend. Activities and conversations too many to recount, hopefully I’ll remember most of them (not necessarily to write about)! While the emphasis was on Papa/Bob who turned 100 on Monday, the absence of David and his older brother, Chris was felt. However, they were there in spirit and in some of the story telling that went on over the weekend. You’d think at this point everyone knew all the stories but I think we all managed to pull out a few that had not been told before. It made for some great laughter and few other emotions but that’s all part of the game of life.

The weekend almost ended on very sour note. Pete (my chauffer for the weekend 😊) and Caroline were driving south from Del Mar/Solana beach after catching one of Mia’s soccer games. Suddenly from the on ramp came about 50 motorcycles (street/dirt bikes not highway machines – I know from my motorcycle days). They were going fast and pulling wheelies! They coerced two autos off to the right hand side, they began coming our way and attempting to get us to pull over into the fast lane, which was already occupied with autos. Pete remained calm and drove carefully in and around these fools. Caroline and I were making loud comments (ok, maybe it was just me). They got off at the next exit. They all had “go-pros” for filming. We suspect they were doing some kind of U-tube video. Idiots. (was I not supposed to tell this? I think that was discussed)

I call them idiots because, guess what I came home to. A fatal shooting in the park near the house. I’m alarmed and saddened by it. I have since found out; it was during a “memorial” for a high school boy who was killed in an auto accident. Guess what. He was speeding and has several videos on you tube of him speeding and zipping in and out of traffic. At the park some got into an altercation with shots fired. Sad.

Back to the weekend, told backwards. Dinner Saturday night outside at a marina. Beautiful location. Seemed to be a bit of a learning curve going on with the restaurant. Normally, I get as frustrated as the next guy when waiting overly long for food. There were 12 of us; 3 generations. Enjoying the view, taking photos and more conversation made the time go. We ended up being there 4 or 5 hours and it felt like minutes. Not all of us had been together during the day so lots to talk about and catch up on. It’s been a while since we had an Anderson gathering, this seems like the smallest one but certainly no lack of caring and sharing.

It was also very sweet when I presented Steve with a mini purple urn of David’s ashes and everyone passed the urn around the table. Really felt like recognizing and including David in the gathering. Purple in recognition of Pan Can (pancreatic cancer). A bit of a bonding moment as my two earlier plans for celebration were cancelled by covid shutdown. Thankful I had a brief bit of time before the shutdown.

My very first Anderson gathering was December 1980 at Disneyland. There must have been 14 of us. David and I got “assigned” Byron and the dog, Jasper as our ride alongs from San Diego to Anaheim.  I should have paid better attention to see what I was getting myself into! Just kidding. A good blogger would post the picture of all of us posing with our red kerchiefs so we could find each other during the day. But I’m not sure if it’s a hard copy of digital picture or where to look. (see comment above about me and photos!)

My favorite gathering was May 1998, Mexican Riviera cruise. 22 of us on that trip; 4 generations. My favorite because that’s what introduced me the life of cruises. I had no idea I would so fall in love with that mode of vacation. It was only 7 days and we gave up an RV rally to attend but am I glad we went. Oh, that’s when David and I won the dance contest, best Twisters. Got a plastic ship on a stick for the prize, which I unfortunately no longer have (well it was only plastic – maiden voyage of the Elation). One of the nephews reminded me about this; even remembered the song, I Will Survive! And isn’t that appropriate.

Well It feels like I’ve gone on enough so I will end here. However, this is only a tiny bit of the weekend. Maybe more later, maybe more pictures, maybe not. Thanks for reading.

Remember, what you do or say today may become a family story in later years!

Sanibel Island

 

Shells were plentiful, some finds

Sanibel Island Florida July 2021

This is not a travel blog, just my rambling thoughts as I continue to move forward in this new chapter of my life. So here goes my first visiting trip that requires a flight or two across country. Last summer was my first solo car trip to Colorado.

I am on my way to visit Chris who will be my roomie on the Mediterranean Cruise in October, fingers crossed the cruise does happen. David and I met Chris and her late husband, Charles through our RV club annual rally – Escapade. It’s really this blog that kept us connected. While we don’t know each other really well we do have a lot in common, good things along with the sadness of losing our husbands. This will be a good trial to see how we will get along as roommates for the cruise. And I must say it is starting off well with me in my red vest and pink shirt and Chris (sorry I’m telling this on you) in her pink (it looked red in the closet) shirt and red crocs! The laughs started with that and just continued. BTW, my vest with 18 pockets and the pre approved TSA made the whole flying check in experience a breeze. The vest is great for travels. Important things handy and organized.

I took all this as a good omen that I was heading the right direction. Also, this was a favorite place of Janie, my mother-in-law. She loved the island and collecting shells. I had wanted to visit it.

Even on vacations stuff still happens. This morning the power went out. Thank goodness, for me, I had just taken my oatmeal out of the microwave. That was my pre breakfast as Chris was going to make eggs and bacon for herself and I’d have a bit of a second meal. However, since the stove is electric, not sure that will happen. Chris got the last cup of coffee before it went cold.

We plan to go to J N “Ding” Darling national wildlife refuge. May bring the dogs (Charlie and Bailey) along as there is no a/c in the cottage. Fortunately, it came back on rather quickly and all is well.

Before the trip, I’d purchased some concrete turtles for yard ornaments in El Cajon. And suddenly I am now collecting turtles. I had discovered colorful metal critters on a metal pole that will twist and turn with the wind. There was a choice of several animals and figured metal turtles would get along with the concrete turtles. Now here I am on Sanibel Island, finding/buying more turtles. First off, the cottage I am staying at with my friend is called Turtle Tracks West. Twice now driving we have slowed the car to avoid us or others from running over the endangered gopher turtle(s) crossing the road(s). And shopping for a Sanibel Island memento, I picked turtle earrings. This was all topped off with ice cream, flavor – turtle, of course! And no, I am not going to start collecting turtles.

I’m enjoying the trip; the company; the food; shell hunting and painting and the dogs. Bailey has taken a liking to me and when I sit down, he immediately comes over to sit by my side. I’m gonna miss him. There really is just too much to share it all. I am so glad I once again stepped out of my comfort zone to take a cross country trip to a new place; meet new roomie; new challenges too. Like Elsa hurricane warnings; deciding to leave the island a day early; delay my departure; spend a couple days with Chris at her place in central Florida. I had to change my departure date and airport. Glad I got to spend a couple days more but it back-fired a bit. The storm did not do exactly as we thought so my departure out of Orlando turned into yet another adventure. Still good that we left the island, there was flooding.

Orlando started out great. However, waiting to board the delayed flight notices begin. Then the delays meant my 4+ hour layover in Atlanta began getting shorter and shorter until, Atlanta flight left before I would get there. I could write quite a story on this. Basically my 1pm flight left about 6 pm; I had minutes to make my “new” connecting flight. My luggage didn’t make it. There was a little stress; panic; concern and finally calm to walk through it and trust the process. Nice people along the way. Kiosk man who had to help me use the self service check out (I was starving and thirsty and realized waiting to get on the plane was out. Well I did have snacks in some of the 18 pockets but…). Then the gentleman who saved my seat in the now crowed waiting area while I went to use the facilities. On the plane another gentleman who offered to get my bag out of the overhead (even tho I didn’t have a bag stowed). And especially the flight attendant who had to answer several questions on my “seat controls”. Even tho I was tired; hungry, I laughed to myself. David would have been pushing buttons and lifting trays and thoroughly enjoying himself. Oh, did I say, I treated myself to first class on the way home. What a treat! Seat made into a bed; large monitor; my own private cubicle. Then I go and spill my coffee and later can’t get the bathroom door open, flight attendant to the rescue again. Oh well!

After not finding my luggage on the carousel in San Diego; reporting it where I discover it never left Atlanta; getting a Lyft ride; it’s almost midnight (more like 2 am to my body) I’m back in El Cajon! And when the delayed baggage arrives the next day this adventure ends.

Choices!

Ready to fly; headphones on R

Individual cubbies

Good things are coming down the road, don’t stop walking. That’s what I’m trying to do. And you?