Tag Archives: Health Care

Cruise Memories-Part 2

16 Dec

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

At the end one of Cruise Memories Part 1 I mentioned our active social life, meaning doctors, doctors and more doctors.

I had no idea how prophetic that statement would turn out to be. My husband developed pancreatitis which involved three procedures to clear it up.

Additionally, we drove a family member to Duke hospital in Durham, NC, a seven hour drive. Fortunately we were able to spend the night with family before repeating the seven hour drive. That was pretty rough on my husband’s strength. but we were happy to help.

Then we began another round of doctor, I mean social visits.

I am happy to say that we have ten whole days with no doctor appointments. And so, I give you, Cruise Memories Part 2

The final day of the cruise was a sea day. My plans for the day involved a trip to the Quiet Cove coffee bar and a lazy day of reading. The daughter had another idea. The Diaper Dash.

I’ve seen the race on the daily activity schedule on other cruises but it didn’t interest me. But hey, if my daughter wanted me to watch it with her, I was in. She promised it would be fun.

The race is held in the ship’s atrium. A specially made race mat is rolled out on the floor for the baby competition.

Point of order, Diaper Dash is the previous name of the event. It has since been “rebranded” but for the life of me, I can’t remember the new name.

As we waited for the event, I was stunned at the size of the gathering spectators.

The event even had an emcee who introduced each competitor complete with funny descriptions of their strengths as well as leading the cheering for the babies.

I hope the video above plays. The babies and their parents are so darn cute. I am now a Diaper Dash fan.

That evening we were treated to fireworks at sea. The fireworks were preceded by a deck party with lots of music. A crush of people went to the upper deck early to get a good viewing place. We didn’t want to be part of the crush so we held back. The husband isn’t a fan of crowds. He decided to stay in our stateroom.

It turned out that was a good strategy. The fireworks were directly overhead.

Off in the distance we could see lights from another ship. I assumed it was lingering for their guests to view the fireworks. I was wrong. To our surprise the ship in the distance began shooting off their own fireworks! It was another Disney ship.

After they finished their fireworks, our ship began. It was as if the sister ships were saluting each other.

We were in a perfect viewing area and the fireworks were spectacular. It turned out we were also in a perfect spot for going inside and grabbing an elevator before the crowds began surging in.

When we made our way back to our room, my husband said that he had a perfect viewing place during the display. The ships position placed the fireworks directly in front of our balcony.

The cruise was only 4 days but that was just right for us. Plenty of time to read, snack and enjoy delicious meals. It was fun exploring a new ship. I wouldn’t say no to another cruise on the Disney Destiny.

Christmas is only ten days away. We wish each of you the joy and blessings of Christmas. The birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise

Good News

23 Sep

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Author, Poet and Artist

I like good news better than bad news. My family had a toast, “Health, wealth, and happiness.” Options, solutions, suggestions on those subjects interest me. As a Christian, and a writer, I learn by reading the Bible and other spiritual literature. I learn by journaling, praying, going to church, and most of all by following the leading of the Holy Spirit who brings information into my life in many different ways, mainly by directing me in my reading. Here’s some general knowledge I’ve acquired lately.

  • In about fifteen years, it’s going to become possible to live forever.
  • “The Case for Immortality,” by Holman W. Jenkins, Jr.
  • America could have better schools, if we modeled them after the schools of some foreign countries. “Save Our Schools”
  •  Some doctors are treating their patients without requiring medical insurance. AARP bulletin, September, 2013

Ray Kurzwell, an inventor on a par with Edison, plans to live forever. However, the argument he gets most frequently isn’t, it can’t be done, but it’s this: only the rich will be able to afford the technology. Kurzwell’s, answer? “That’s what they said about cell-phones.”

Our school system seems to be about teaching children to take tests instead of encouraging them to love learning and to think for themselves. In contrast, Finland has the top-rated school system in the world. The secret is in the quality, training, and support of teachers. Although their government does pay for the education of their teachers, it’s not the politicians that are in control of the school system, but the excellent teachers who are earnest about their work, and well paid to boot.

In a growing trend, about 5,000 doctors in twenty-four states do not accept medical insurance. That gives them and their patients a chance at the best, most responsible and most reasonable care possible.

I just have one question. If I opt to live forever instead of living in fear of old age and debility, will I still have all the love, the income, and the health I’ll need to make life worthwhile?. I’m certainly looking forward to Heaven, but I can’t fully, imagine the splendors there. My life here is good, so I may have to make that decision someday. One thing I know: I’d rather imagine living forever, even here on earth, than to live in fear. I don’t want to put off enjoying life for some future time either. Being present in the present just makes everything so much more fun. How do you feel about good news versus bad news? It makes you think, anyhow.