Our Holiday Photos
In September Darrell and I went on our first holiday in seven years. We went on a 6-night cruise n stay: a 3-night cruise from Vancouver down to Los Angeles and then 3 nights in Anaheim. We had a super fantastic time! Here are a few highlights:
The Island Princess – our home for 3 nights
Facts about the Island Princess:
- Length 964 feet
- Width 106 feet
- 88,000 gross tonnage
- 24 knots cruise speed
- Passenger capacity 1970
- Crew members 900
Before Darrell and I embark the floating hotel
As this was our first cruise, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. Some learning was definitely required! Now the next cruise will be piece of cake.
Sunset from the library window
Once we were able to get into our stateroom, which is a whole other story, we found it to be surprisingly accessible with features like light switches and an electric outlet (for plugging in wheelchair battery chargers) right by the bed. What a concept!
There was enough space for both wheelchairs, which is always a concern when we travel. The room may be accessible, but is it large enough for TWO wheelchairs?
Another major concern when traveling with wheelchairs: is the washroom accessible? This one was excellent.
The shower with a fold down bench
Enjoying the sun deck
This was shortly before seasickness hit. Seasickness with minimal balance (due to our cp) is not a good combination! We now know to take medication with us – part of that learning curve!
Water, water everywhere!
Our first view of land in three days
Thursday morning we docked in San Pedro (outside of Los Angeles) and then transferred to the Clarion Hotel in Anaheim. The room was huge! Definitely large enough for both of us. The shower was questionable, but we managed – once!
That afternoon we headed to the Crystal Cathedral, the home of the television program “Hour of Power”, which I watch most Sunday mornings to recharge my positive attitude.
The Welcoming Center by architect Richard Meier.
Scanned postcard
The Welcoming Center was our first stop to find my brick.
The Wall of Dreamers of Great Dreams is wall of glass bricks with individuals’ names and the slogan “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It!”
When the bricks first went on sale, I thought I would much rather be memorialized in positive place like that than on a grey tombstone in some dreary cemetery somewhere. That was my first purchase with my first-ever credit card
My name IS there, trust me!
Finding my name was a little tricky as my brick is somewhat below the walkway. But I found it! I am in square D6, and then brick C29. Seeing my name inscribed on the wall in such a beautiful place, forever, was actually quite emotional. There were a few tears. (The fact that I just coming down with a cold and felt lousy didn’t help.)
“The Bronze Eagle” by Michael Maiden
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
~ Isaiah 40:31
It’s a Small World
Friday and Saturday we spent at Disneyland. It was my first time and it was fantastic. So much to do and to see. My first ride was Dumbo, which was the first amusement ride I had been on since I was a kid, so that was quite an adrenaline rush!
Next Darrell and I went through It’s a Small World. There was a boat Darrell could drive onto with his wheelchair, and the staff helped me climb onto it. Getting off was tricky as I didn’t have enough leg strength to stand up, over and down, but the challenge was mastered with some help.
Networking with the finest
…and with Pluto!
California Adventure Park
I went on that!
I was amazed at how many of the rides Darrell and I could get on to. Of course, we didn’t see and do everything we would have liked. I don’t think that is possible in two days! Now we have an excuse to go back to the happiest place on earth. It was great being able to be kids again!
The Crystal Cathedral and Bell Tower
Before flying home Sunday, we went to the church service at the Crystal Cathedral.
Inside the Crystal Cathedral
Experiencing the service live was so different from simply watching it on tv, yet I felt so comfortable. And being inside that church didn’t feel like it was isolating me from the outside world. I could still see the blue sky, birds flying and the swaying palm trees. The place is so inspiring. I left realizing that I need a bigger dream. I don’t know yet what the dream is, but I do know my book is only the first stage, not the final stage. I am sure the next stage will make itself known to me when the time is right.
Mommy, you can’t leave again!
My kitty Faith was happy to see me when we arrived home late Sunday night. She didn’t leave me alone all week. Unfortunately, I had to go out-of-town overnight Friday for a meeting. Darrell said she cried until 3am. She is such a Mommy’s baby, and Mommy doesn’t mind!
