in flight

I couldn't believe my incredible good fortune when a few of these Bermuda Longtails flew right over us at Horseshoe Bay Beach.  At times they were so close you felt as if you could reach right up and touch them.  They are known as the national symbol of Bermuda.  You see the Longtails on coins, souvenirs, art work, and jewelry all over the island.  I am so pleased to have a few photos for my very own memories.

*Walter loves these so much he asked for a framed picture for his office...he is trying to decide which is his favorite.  Any advice for him is very welcomed!*

peace

Just two Tuesdays ago, almost to this very moment, I stood here and felt peace and saw beauty.

This morning I am praying for the people of Oklahoma.

And those in Boston, Newtown, the Jersey shore, and all others afflicted by recent disasters.

There are too many, too often these days.

sea

churches

 handmade kneeling cushions

Bermuda is a widely spiritual country.

From one end of the island to the other you see churches of all denominations.

The colors are wondrous.

We visited a few and felt their beauty and peace both inside and out.

on a cruise ship

leaving port in Boston

the Boston skyline

arriving at King's Wharf, Bermuda...and what about a man wearing bright green suspenders!

...what about pink taxies [and buses. too] and men wearing Bermuda shorts and knee socks!

We began our journey to Bermuda by the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship. The ship pulled out of the harbor in Boston on Friday afternoon and arrived in Bermuda Sunday morning.  

On the trip down we experienced some 'real waves'!  We had three days in beautiful Bermuda (could have stayed a good three more!) and left port Tuesday at five.  The return trip at sea was smooth-sailing and we were back in Boston when we woke up on the following Friday morning.

During our sea days we found many, many private moments and places aboard amongst the thousands of guests and crew, walked all around again and again, went to art auctions and lectures, read, napped, saw incredible shows and came back to our cabin every night to a turned down bed and a towel animal sculpture...there was a monkey hanging from the ceiling one evening.  Of course, there was lots of food to try and after having such remarkable service it's hard to get back to doing dishes and making the bed!  There was always something to do or not do depending on your choice.  

We loved it!

elbow beach

You wouldn't believe how bright it was here at Elbow Beach.

I had both my UV protector and the sun shield on my camera while wearing my sunglasses and I still couldn't see a single thing through the lens.  It was that bright.  All I did was snap away picture after picture holding my breath and hoping for the best.

 Somehow I just knew that a place this magnificent would have to come out!

parks

Walking through towns we discovered parks everywhere.  

We would be strolling down a road and there right before our very eyes a park would open up.  They are enchanting and magical and pristine and lackadaisical.  

We even met a park cat!  A lady sitting and reading on a bench told me that this orange tabby lives in the park.

hamilton, bermuda

Here is the capital city of Hamilton.  We found a town that is full of sweet pastels, darling shops, secret charming alleyways, abundant palm trees and flowers, tiny cars, scooters/mopeds, and horse-drawn carriages.  

The people on the entire island are so warm and casual and approachable...everywhere you go you are greeted with a genuine smile and always with a good-morning or good-afternoon.

In the top photo you can see the famous 'bird-cage' where a policeman at busy times directs traffic with hand motions and a whistle.

on this mother's day

Walter and I just happened upon on this group of beautiful children while in the city of Hamilton [the Capitol of Bermuda] last week.  I thought it was fitting to show you these photos today on Mother's Day.

Happy Day to all Mothers every where in our world...for it is truly the best job.  

If I had a magic wand I would go back in time to when my children were little to enjoy them again and again.