Cruise ports often missed

In the terms and conditions most people never read, the cruise line has the right to cancel a port.  When they do, it usually last minute.  If they do, make sure they refund the port charges you have paid.  It's always disappointing, but when we've been on a cruise that had a port cancellation, it's always been for a good reason.

Port Stanley, Falkland Islands:  It's often removed when bad weather or the Drake Passage threatens Antarctica itineraries, so cruise lines protect time in the Southern Continent.  50% of cruises that are expected to visit are cancelled, so know this before you go.

Dutch Harbour, Alaska:  This is a remote, rugged cruise port located on Amaknak Island in Unalaska, Alaska famous as the top US Commercial fishing hub.  Ships usually dock at the Industral City Dock located 4 km from the town center.  Weather is a huge factor for cancelled cruises.

Santorini, Greece:  This port relies on tendering and there is a lot of wind.  Another reason is the number of ships in port.  Caps are put on cruise ship passengers visiting the island.  Some days there are too many ships and the island doesn't want another 5,000 people from a huge ship.  If you want to visit Santorini, go on a small ship, not a mega ship.  Your chances of visiting would be much better.  Azamara cruises stay until late in the evening so the masses of people from the other ship are long gone!  

Tarshavn, Faroe Islands:  I loved this port.  We were fortunate to visit.  Weather would be the problem as it's in the middle of the Atlantic between Scotland and Iceland.

Georgetown, Grand Caymen: Georgetown lacks a cruise pier, so ships anchor offshore and sometimes cancel preemptively if winds or swells could strand passengers ashore.

Isafjordur, Iceland:  This port has frequent high winds and a relatively small dock, leaving larger ships dependent on tendering until planned dock renovations happen.

Lerwick, Scotland:  Depending on the size of ship you are on will either dock or tender.  Winds are a problem with tendering so this port gets cancelled frequently.

Cruise lines private islands:  They aren't actually private islands, but pieces of land the cruise ship purchases and locals manage the private beach.  Most are tender ports so again, it depends on the weather conditions.

Summary:  I love the large ships for the different entertainment venues and more activities.  However, the smaller ships get into more ports.  The best example is cruise lines that dock by the Tower Bridge in London!  Only small expedition and boutique cuise ships (58 meters with a shallow draft) can dock at "Tower Bridge Upper".  If you are on one of these ships you will disembark right beside the HMS Belfast.  

Prince Edward

King Charles III and his youngest brother, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh through the years despite their almost 16 years age gap, the brothers easily get along. 

But growing up, Prince Edward was the least popular among the Queen's and Prince Philip's four children.  The press didn't mind him, in fact, he could go out without the media chasing him, unlike his three older siblings: Charles, Anne, and Andrew.  The youngest Edward would just fall behind their shadows. 

When he didn't finish his military training with the Royal Marines, the press called him nasty names.  He seemed to be a disgrace to the royal family as British princes were expected to serve in the military.

But Prince Edward carved a different path.  He would become the only child of Prince Philip to achieve the Gold tier of The Duke of Edinburgh Award.  He is the only one among his siblings whose marriage didn't end in divorce.  And when his older brother ascended to the throne in 2022, he unexpectedly thrust into the center of royal duties.  Eventually, he became one of the hardest working royals of the House of Windsor. 

Prince Edward continues to impress royal enthusiasts for his loyalty to the crown and dedication to royal duties.  He also uphold the legacy of his father through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

Ryanair incident on July 10

I read this article about a passenger who was nearly sucked out of Ryanair Jet says crew "Did Nothing" as lawyer accuses them of saving themselves. Here is an update:

The couple have launched legal action against the airline, but standard decompression procedures require cabin crew to remain secured until released by the captain.

The passenger who was partially sucked out of a Ryanair Boeing 737 after a cabin window shattered at 15,000 feet has launched legal action against the airline, accusing cabin crew of standing by as fellow passengers fought to save his life.

Ljubisa Karovic and his wife, Svetlana, claim the crew failed to intervene during the terrifying emergency, while their lawyer has gone even further, alleging the flight attendants were more concerned with saving themselves than helping the injured passenger.

Before looking at those allegations, it's important to understand what cabin crew are trained to do during a rapid decompression. Flight attendants are not trained to immediately rush to an injured passenger following an explosive decompression. Instead, their emergency procedures require them to secure themselves in the nearest available seat, don oxygen if required, and remain restrained until the captain has descended the aircraft to a safe, breathable altitude and releases the cabin crew from their protected positions.

Only then do cabin crew begin moving through the cabin to carry out their emergency duties, including assessing injuries, administering first aid, carrying portable oxygen bottles through the cabin and providing therapeutic oxygen to passengers who require it. Rushing toward a passenger while the aircraft was still undergoing an emergency descent would have been contrary to standard cabin crew emergency training and could have placed both the crew and other passengers at greater risk.

The incident occurred on July 10 aboard Ryanair Flight FR1879 from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany. Karovic had fallen asleep in seat 11F when a loud explosion, which he described as sounding "like a bomb," shattered the window beside him. Investigators believe debris from the aircraft's right engine struck the window, causing an explosive decompression.

The force of the decompression pulled Karovic's head, right shoulder and arm outside the aircraft while it was flying at nearly 500 mph. Oxygen masks deployed throughout the cabin as passengers screamed in panic.

The force of the decompression pulled Karovic's head, right shoulder and arm outside the aircraft while it was flying at nearly 500 mph. Oxygen masks deployed throughout the cabin as passengers screamed in panic.

His seatbelt is believed to have saved his life. Sitting several rows behind after the couple chose not to pay the additional fee to sit together, Svetlana rushed forward and grabbed her husband's legs. She was joined by several passengers, including a man who helped pull Karovic back inside during a desperate struggle that reportedly lasted up to two minutes. The passenger later placed a large suitcase against the shattered window opening after another bag was sucked from the aircraft.

Karovic lost consciousness while hanging outside the aircraft and later woke covered in blood. He suffered burns to his face, arm and hand from the intense airflow, severe neck and shoulder injuries, and now faces weeks wearing a neck brace while doctors monitor whether surgery will be required. He spent six days recovering in a Greek hospital before being discharged.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Svetlana recalled the desperate moments inside the cabin.

"When we were battling to hold onto Ljubisa, the crew didn't do anything, they looked more scared than us. It was only the passengers who helped and were brave."

Their lawyer, Vasilis Tsiaras, who is representing the couple in legal proceedings against Ryanair, made even stronger allegations.

"There are also serious concerns about the conduct of the Ryanair crew. They were gripped by fear that the plane was about to crash which prevented them from doing anything to help Mr. Karovic as he was hanging out of the aircraft."

He added:

"It seems that the crew were more interested in saving their own lives. It was only the actions of the passengers that saved my client."

The couple have also criticized Ryanair's communication following the incident.

"All we've had is emails to my son, who booked our flights, asking if we want to rebook and asking how I was. But nobody from the company has contacted me directly, not even a phone call to show any concern."

Ryanair has rejected those allegations, saying its customer care team has remained in contact with the family. The airline also said that once the aircraft had descended to a safe altitude, cabin crew attended to Karovic by moving him to another seat beside his wife, arranging for a doctor onboard to remain with him until landing, and ensuring medical personnel were waiting when the aircraft returned safely to Thessaloniki.

The incident remains under investigation by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, which is working to determine what caused the apparent engine failure and catastrophic window failure.

Happy Birthday Cheryl

 

After seven years of waiting, hoping, and dreaming, Cheryl arrived and changed our lives forever. From the very beginning, she was a joy — a bright, curious, wonderful baby who seemed to carry her own sunshine wherever she went.

As she grew, her personality blossomed. Cheryl loved music, dancing, and baton twirling. She joined the Brownies and later became a Girl Guide, embracing every opportunity to learn, explore, and contribute. Even then, she had a spark — a mix of creativity, discipline, and determination that hinted at the remarkable woman she would become.

One day, during her final year of elementary school, we received a call from the principal asking us to come to his office. We arrived with the usual parental worries, only to be met with news that left us speechless. He told us Cheryl was the top student in the entire school — and that she needed more challenge than the regular program could offer. She was invited to join Richmond School’s incentive program, a place designed for students who thrived on advanced learning. Cheryl didn’t just manage; she excelled. She was always on the honour roll, always pushing herself, always rising to the occasion.

After high school, Cheryl enrolled at BCIT and earned her accounting degree. Then, with her characteristic drive, she went back for another year to complete an advanced accounting credential. She didn’t stop there — she registered for university and earned her Bachelor’s degree, all while working through high school, BCIT, and university. Her work ethic was unwavering.

Cheryl applied to the Canada Revenue Agency and was hired. Over the next 27 years, she built a career defined by dedication, professionalism, and integrity. And now, after nearly three decades of service, she has been offered early retirement — a milestone she has earned in every possible way.

Thanks to the financial investment skills she learned at BCIT, Cheryl is able to retire comfortably and confidently. She retires in a month and that marks not an ending, but a new beginning. She plans on volunteering and travelling.

Dad and I are so proud of everything she has achieved — every step, every challenge, every success. Cheryl has lived her life with purpose, resilience, and heart. As she steps into retirement, we wish her joy, rest, adventure, and all the beautiful things she has worked so hard for.

What a journey. What a daughter. What a legacy.

The Horses Who Keep Us Cheering

Some families bond over hockey. Others over gardening or travel. In ours, there’s a steady thread of horse racing — thanks to my brother‑in‑law, whose love for horses has been a lifelong constant. It’s not just casual interest, either. He’s been right in the thick of it, owning and racing horses with all the hope, heartbreak, and surprise that come with the sport.

One of the brightest stars in his stable was a mare named Miss Vyvyanne. I’ve written about her before — she was spirited, fast, and full of promise. For a while, she was doing beautifully on the track, the kind of horse that made you lean forward in your seat and hold your breath in the final stretch.

Then came the claiming race.

Claiming races are funny things: strategic, nerve‑wracking, and sometimes a little bittersweet. You put a horse in at a set price, knowing someone might claim her. And someone did. Miss Vyvyanne was picked up by new owners… in her lifetime she's earned over $500.000.

Half a million dollars. Some of it our owners received, but what a record! You have to laugh — and admire her — because that’s racing. Unpredictable, humbling, and occasionally astonishing. That does sound amazing, but the cost of owning a race horse is exorbitant!

But the story doesn’t end there.

With Miss Vyvyanne off writing her own chapter, my brother‑in‑law and his friends brought home a new youngster: a handsome male they named B the King. There’s something hopeful about naming a horse — a little wish tucked into the syllables. His first race earlier this year showed promise; he came fourth, a respectable start for a young horse finding his stride.

On Friday, he ran again, this time in a claiming race. This one felt tense, given what happened with Miss Vyvyanne. But B the King wasn’t claimed — he’s still theirs, still learning, still growing into whatever future he’s meant to have.

And here’s the race, if you’d like to watch it unfold:

There’s something grounding about following these horses — the way they remind us that effort doesn’t always equal outcome, that surprises can be good or heartbreaking, and that hope is always waiting at the next starting gate. Whether B the King becomes a champion or simply a beloved part of the family’s racing journey, he’s already brought excitement, anticipation, and a few proud smiles.

And really, that’s the magic of it.

The Cheapest Little Security Device I Never Travel Without

A few years ago, I bought two Samsung Galaxy SmartTags. At the time, I thought they were just a fun gadget — a little tech toy to play with. I had no idea they’d become one of my favourite travel companions and everyday security tools.

When I’m at home, one tag stays hidden in my car and the other lives on my keychain. They’re small, quiet, and unobtrusive — exactly what you want in a device that’s supposed to protect your belongings without calling attention to itself. Some people even put them on dog collars. One clever owner trained his dog to come home when he sends a beep to the tag. The dog hears the sound and trots right back. Now that’s modern obedience training.

But the real magic happens when I travel.

Watching My Luggage Like a Hawk

There’s a particular kind of calm that comes from sitting in an airport and watching your checked baggage move — in real time — from the terminal to the plane. No guessing. No hoping. No “I really hope it made the connection.” You can literally see your suitcase board the correct aircraft.

I always check the app to make sure the batteries are still active. It’s become part of my travel routine, right up there with double‑checking my passport and grabbing a bottle of water before boarding.

Affordable Peace of Mind

What surprises most people is how inexpensive these tags are. You can buy four Samsung Galaxy SmartTags on Amazon for CAD $84.99. Apple AirTags cost CAD $129.00 for a four‑pack. And you don’t have to stick with Apple or Samsung — there are plenty of other brands out there.

For me, the Samsung tracking app has been fantastic: simple, reliable, and intuitive. Apple users swear by their own version. The point is, whichever ecosystem you’re in, there’s a tag that will work for you.

A Small Gadget That Makes a Big Difference

In a world where travel feels more chaotic and everyday life can be unpredictable, these tiny tags offer a surprising amount of reassurance. They’re one of the cheapest security devices you can buy, yet they deliver a sense of control that’s hard to put a price on.

Whether you’re tracking luggage, keys, a car, or even a very well‑trained dog, a smart tag might be the most useful little thing you didn’t know you needed.

I read this and thought I would share it:

A woman put a $29 Apple AirTag in her checked luggage at JFK Airport.

The airline lost her bag. The customer service desk said: "We'll locate it and deliver it within 48 hours."

She opened Find My on her iPhone. The bag wasn't at the destination airport. It was at a cargo facility in a different state. Moving. Toward a residential address.

She showed the airline the live GPS location on her phone. They dispatched recovery. The bag with $3,200 in contents was returned 6 hours later.

Without the AirTag: she files a claim, waits 3-8 weeks, and receives $1,500-3,800 in airline liability (the maximum under federal regulation). Probably never sees the bag again.

With the AirTag: she tracked it in real time, forced the airline to act, and got everything back.

$29. One coin-sized device. The difference between losing $3,200 and losing nothing.

Apple has sold hundreds of millions of AirTags. Most owners use them for one thing: finding keys. That's a $29 global tracking network being used like a $5 keychain beeper.

Dealing with dementia when home is no longer an option for safety reasons

We have a family member we had to put into dementia care.  This person went to a local hospital and was put in a ward where he was strapped to a chair for hours!  I have pictures and it was horrifying.  They never had enough staff and the food was disgusting!  

Fortunately he can afford to private pay.  We found home and it is for dementia care only.  The people who work there have additional education on how to deal with with dementia.  They are very special caring people.  

1. Define dignity in dementia care

Not a buzzword — a practice. You could describe dignity as:

• Being spoken to, not around

• Being included in decisions

• Being treated as an adult with a history, not a task list

• Having routines that honour their personality

2. What to look for in a care home

Families often don’t know what questions to ask. You can give them a checklist:

• Do staff use the person’s preferred name?

• Are residents rushed, or is the pace calm?

• Are meals served in a way that feels like home?

• Are personal items visible — photos, blankets, familiar objects?

• Do staff explain what they’re doing before they do it?

You could add one powerful detail: “Watch how staff speak to residents when they think no one is listening.”

3. Red flags

This is where your clarity helps people:

• Overuse of restraints

• Residents left idle for long periods

• Staff turnover so high that no one knows the residents’ stories

• A clinical, hospital-like atmosphere instead of warmth

4. The emotional truth

Families often feel guilt, fear, or confusion. You can reassure them:

• Choosing care is an act of love

• Dignity is not optional — it’s the foundation of good dementia support

• The right home will feel like a continuation of the person’s life, not an ending