Feb.26: Dominican Republic Vacation - Day 7

Good day for shopping in Puerto Plata.

Sheila was wrong and we didn`t have breakfast on this excursion. I was ready to pass out and have had a terrible headache all day now. We finally had lunch at 1pm.

So we first drove to Sousa to get another two couples. Then onto Puerto Plata for two more. This time the tour was all English speaking people.

Our first stop was the Brugal Rum Factory. It was interesting to see how they bottled and packed the rum. I bought a bottle to take home for Dad, even though he said not to buy anything.

After that we went to a jewelry store where they sold Larimar and Amber. I bought mom a little amber heart.

From there we went to the Amber Museum. It was interesting and they had a lot of insects, leaves and flowers. Again you could purchase items if you wanted to.

We had about 1 hour free time to go to the main plaza and look around.

We then went to an old fort. It was interesting to see the 3 foot thick walls and how it was still in really good shape.

There was this guy riding a donkey as we were walking up to the fort. A lady coming out made the mistake and took his picture. He was a large man. I've never seen anyone dismount a donkey and chase a person to be paid for his picture before. It was a sight. I quickly took a picture of his donkey - without having to pay him.

After the fort we went for lunch. Thank goodness! I was starving. I did look while we were out, for a bakery or something where I could grab something to each but I never found anything. Lunch was a typical Dominican feast - beans, rice, chicken, salad, tomato & cucumber. I had two helpings.

Next was a stop to Sousa Beach. Here there was a great flea market and the beach. Because it was cloudy and rainy most of the day I didn`t go into the water.

I went into all the shops, yes they were all the same but it was fun interacting with the locals.

I stopped at a shop where a guy from Haiti took a liking to me. He asked if I would dance with him tonight and got sad when I told him I was going home. I left his shop and went on a bit more.

Unfortunately I had to pass his shop to get to the bus. He tried to convince me to stay as he ``he had his eye on me``. I told him I had to go and he got all sad. We said goodbye and he gave me a kiss on the cheek - too cute!

We drove two couples back to their resort. It was weird as at the jewelry shop if you didn`t have enough money to purchase an item, they would take the payment when you got back to your resort. One guy must not have had enough money as we drove to three different banks so they could get paid. Almost like they `kidnapped`you until you paid up.

While at the last bank we did see some Dominican hookers. Too bad I was slow with my camera. Very interesting!

So we are back at our resort and I`m glad we are going home tomorrow.

Feb.25: Dominican Republic Vacation - Day 6

OK so I puked. It really wasn't the waves on the ocean, it was the horrid smell of diesel & exhaust. I didn't throw up much, but just enough. Also I was the only one who got sick. :(

It was a really good day today. We got picked up at 7am and drove for about 1/2 hour then stopped for breakfast. We had eggs, sausage (I threw that up), cheese & ham. Oh and the great coffee! I very good meal.

Back on the road and down to Samana. Very nice town and it looked interesting. I would have liked to tour around a bit but we had no time.

We went straight onto speed boats and out to sea we went. It was a while before we saw any whales but then they kept on appearing. I also saw a lot of dolphins. The whales jumped out of the water (almost full bodies) and we saw a lot of tails. They leave a large water bubble when they dive which I thought was interesting.

Their bellies are white but in the ocean they look blue. We spent close to three hours watching and moving closer to the whales.

As we started to come back in that is when I got sick. We were close to another boat and all I could smell was the diesel & exhaust. I just couldn`t hold it down. Thank goodness I threw up just a bit and not a lot.

We then sailed to a small island with a resort on it. We had lunch (I was starving then!) and then we had 2.5 hours free. We walked around and got harassed by sellers.

I went to the beach and went swimming. The water was great and the beach like at Punta Cana - nice white sand. I wish I had my snorkeling gear as there was a reef I wished I could have checked out.

I really enjoyed the guys trying to sell stuff. We did have a Coco Loco in a coconut shell - with rum of course! Finally I got to drink out of a coconut.

We finally got back onto the boat and sailed back to the dock. We got back on the bus and started on our way back to the resort.

We did have a small stop to a little store on the way back. It was interesting as we were the only 3 English speaking people on the bus. The remainder were German.

Our resort also has a lot of Swedish people.

So today was a really good day as I really enjoyed the tour.

Feb.24: Dominican Republic Vacation - Day 5

Today was a relaxing day. Went to the beach & spent most of the day on a chair and in the water. Weather was nice but it got windy.

I saw a live crab on the beach today and took some pictures.

Sheila and I went for a walk down the beach & found a market at the end.

I bought a mobile of fish for $20.

I ate WAY too much at dinner tonight and feel uncomfortable. I can't walk even. I've eaten way too much this trip and I'm worried about how much I've gained back,

I had my picture taken today and I look horrible.

Going to bed early tonight as we've got to get up at 6am to be ready for whale watching tomorrow at 7am.

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow.

Me, Sheila & John - ug MY FAT ARMS!

Feb.23: Dominican Republic Vacation - Day 4

It was a nice day today. The clouds finally disappeared but the wind was still whipping around. The ocean wasn't as choppy as previous days. I did try snorkling but it was still too murky.

I went into the water several times and got a sunburn on my face, chest & shoulders. I went and bought more sunscreen as I think mine is just too old. I also had to buy some fake crocs as the blisters between my toes from my sandals was getting unbearable today.

John & Sheila wimped out at the beach this afternoon. Right after lunch they both went back to their room and slept all afternoon. I snoozed on the beach and went into the water.

They were refreshed and went to the Karaoke during the last of the evening show. Me I'm going to bed.

Evening shows are horrible! You can sure tell the difference between 5 stars and 4 star resorts. I didn't think it would be so glaringly obvious!

We got notification that we can go to Puerto Plata on Friday so tomorrow we'll got and book it. Also tomorrow I'm going to explore the south part of the beach to see how far I can go.

My favourite spot on the beach.

Nice little elephant to make the day brighter.

Walking back to my room I stopped off on the beach. I just can't seem to get any good night shots.

Feb.22: Dominican Republic Vacation - Day 3

Today was a quet day and the weather is warmer. We went for breakfast and then I went straight for the beach. John and Sheila eventually came but then John went back to the room.

I went for a nice long walk on the beach. At the end of the resort I had to sign out. Then I went to the farthest point I could go. The beach then disappears and I came back. I was gone for about an hour I think. It was nice and peaceful and I got some good pictures.

Sign at the end of the resort.

So far I've been in the water every day even though it is choppy. The sun came out for a bit this afternoon so I took advantage and hit the waves. Tomorrow I'm gonna try snorkling no matter what.

We went to the Mexican a la cart tonight and I ate too much. I hope I haven't gained a ton of weight. My legs are sore from the long walk today.

It rained this evening - the first time since arriving.

I attempted to watch the "entertainment" show this evening but it was too painful. The dancing was horrible, no one was in sync and it appeared they were doing just what they wanted.

Scene at the end of the beach.

Hut just outside the resort - selling seashells.

Feb.21: Dominican Republic Vacation - Day 2

Well it's official, I have blisters. Surprise, surprise. Why do I always get blisters and/or sore feet!? It drives me nuts. One on each foot and in the same location - between the big toe. They are small but very irritating.

Today was an OK day. The weather was windy and cloudy but I still managed to get a little sunburn. Especially on my face. I'm going to have to take my sunscreen to the beach tomorrow.

Sheila & I went to breakfast for 8am this morning and then to meet with our rep. Same speal as the other resorts. We did book the Whale Watching for Thursday, so let's hope the weather is nicer for then. We also have tenatively booked an excursion to Puerto Plata but that depends on the number of people they can get.

I went to the beach after our meeting to snag some chairs. John just woke up so they came later on. I stayed in the ocean for a good hour which was fun. That is one thing I hate about being on my own or single - having no one to share with. :(

Island in middle of the main pool.

We went to the Italian restaurant tonight and it was OK.

John in the Italian Restaurant.

We stayed on the beach all day which was nice - even when it got really windy.

21-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: Railroad Crossing
Finished size: 12"

Feb.20: Dominican Republic Vacation - Day 1

Well it was a very long week for a short 4 day work week. I have been busy with a major project at work, fretting about going on holidays and not getting my vacation approved until the very last minute!

With all that aside I am finally in the Dominican Republic yet again. This is a 1 week adventure with John & Sheila, which should be interesting. Sheila has never been to a foreign country and John is very particular about his lifestyle and ways.

The first adventure with the two of them actually started at the airport in Calgary! Sheila had packed her bags on Monday and forgotten what she put in her carryons. With Sheila never travelling before she had a whole bunch of liquids and other items in her bags. So going through security was a complete mess. They searched her bag and started confiscating items - spray on suntan lotion, etc.

The seats I had swapped before getting to the airport were ideal. We were in the first row after Executive Class so we had a lot of leg room & could exit the plane quickly.

The plane ride wasn't that bad from Toronto but it has been a long day.

One thing for sure, I'll never book a trip through Air Canada. We never got any food and if we wanted it we had to buy it! With small, thin sandwiches being $10! There is no way I'd pay that. Plus they catered to Executive Class which makes absolutely no sense to me. I can see having an Executive Class for long journeys - 8+ hours - but to have 2 people catering to 9 people and the rest of us got squat, that is just insane.

Arriving and going through customs in Samana was relatively painless. Nothing happened and we all got through quickly.

The resort is OK but not the class of Punta Cana. It is way smaller and our rooms are close to the beach and ocean - that is a plus.

Today was my first and I think only cheat day. Besides not eating properly because of the long travel day, I went a little hog wild at dinner.

Oh, I forgot another adventure we had. While waiting at the gate in Calgary, Sheila was getting animated and starting flailing her arms around. Well she poked me in the right eye with her passport and it still hurts.

Tomorrow we are going to the orientation, booking our excursions and then vegging by the beach all day.

Let the adventures begin!

20-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: Mosaic Star
Finished size: 12"

19-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: Mosaic Variation

Finished size: 8"

18-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: Jacob's Ladder

Finished size: 8"

17-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: Red Cross

Finished size: 10"

16-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: Lone Pine Tree

Finished size: 6"

A-1 Pinwheel Gone Awry

Well I took the big leap and started my Dear Jane quilt project. The instructions aren't the greatest and I think that is what has slowed my progress or start on this quilt.

I've decided that I am going to do a test block before I use the fabric that comes with this project. One I don't think I'll be able to find the Civic War material here and two I need to figure out how to put these blocks together.

Also I need to concentrate and ensure what I need cut. Since getting little Lucy I haven't had the time to do much, so I think this quilt will be a long journey until she gets older. I still am working on the block a day for 2010, so that takes time as well.

So this is the first block in the quilt, only 224 blocks remaining!

15-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: King's Crown

Finished size: 16"

14-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: Heart Wreath

Finished size: 10"

13-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: Four Hearts

Finished size: 10"

12-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: White House Steps

Finished size: 11"

11-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: Cupid's Arrow

Finished size: 12"

10-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: Home Circle

Finished size: 15"

09-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: Cupid's Arrow Point

Finished size: 12"

08-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: Federal Square

Finished size: 10"

07-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: Dove in the Window

Finished size: 14"

It has been 1 week...

I have forgotten how much patience a puppy needs. Plus how much they are full of piss and vinegar!

How can I puppy be such an angel in one moment and a complete terror in another?

Lucy sure has been a journey this past week. Besides upsetting my routine - I haven't worked out nor have I been able to quilt - but I think she is worth it. The little monster. Dad sure loves the little pup.

Paige took a few days to come around and now they are wrestling buddies. Paige tires her out as they wrestle. Paige is still a little reserved with her at other times but I know they'll get along. Just wait until those sharp dagger puppy teeth change.

As for Snoopy - well she won't have anything to do with Lucy. Lucy chases Snoopy around and Snoopy doesn't like it. She hides and tries to get as far away from Lucy as possible. A friend of mine has an older beagle like Snoopy and when her daughter brought over her little pup, she said it took 2 months for the older beagle to want anything to do with her. We'll just have to wait to see what happens. I do have to remember to give Snoopy lots of love, even though she has always been a distant, reserved dog.

Lucy is slowly getting house trained, only a few accidents so far. She has a bad habit of eating her own poo, which I've never had to deal with before. I'm going to give her a few more days as she has had diarrhea (for some reason!) and been eating that. If she stops after getting solid poo again I'll leave it, but if she continues I'm going to go buy a product to make her poo taste nasty. I've heard of it before and the vet recommended it.

Yes she has been to the vet twice now. The first time unofficially - we stopped in to get food for her and he gave her a deworming pill (I think he also gave her some monster pill as she is a terror!). The second trip was official. She has had diarrhea since Wednesday and could thread a needle from 50 paces away. It doesn't seem to slow her down any though. So a $90 visit and some food/pills but her poo is getting more solid.

I am crate training Lucy and she sleeps in it during the day and at night. I have to let her sleep with me on the bed until she falls asleep BEFORE I put her in the crate otherwise she howls to high heaven. This pup has a set of lungs on her. She starts with the basic "I'm pitiful - please get me out of this thing" howl, which then turns into "I'm pissed off - out of here NOW!" howl and finally into "I'm throwing a temper tantrum" howl.

I've been very lucky that Lucy is at home all day with mom & dad. I don't know what I'd do without them. They've had to bear the brunt of Lucy during the day, but I think they enjoy it. At least I hope they do! I feel really guilty for going to the Dominican for a week at the end of the month. I didn't intend this to happen. I had booked my trip in early January and then Lucy came along.

It sure is quiet when Lucy is sleeping. I've been trying to a week now to update my blog and only after she fell asleep in mom's arms have I been able to work on this.

Mom was holding Lucy last night and Lucy wanted to be put down. Mom didn't put her down so she struggled and struggled. Lucy put up a big temper tantrum, whaling and wiggling but mom didn't let in. Lucy finally fell asleep in her arms and then mom & I weres able to go into the quilt room and sew. We put Lucy in a laudry basket and put a cover on it. Lucy slept the whole time, which was nice. I want to try this again today as I have some blocks partially done that need to be finished and posted.

I was doing so well and ahead of the game with my quilt blocks getting done, photos taken and them uploaded & scheduled to be posted. Since Lucy came I've fallen behind again. I would like to get ahead especially since I'm leaving at the end of the month.

We'll see how much Lucy let's me get a routine going again. We do have a routine so far from this past week:

4-5am: Get up, take dogs outside to do their business & then feed them; try to read some emails to clear out my inbox but spend most of my time keeping Lucy occupied and playing. I did used to get up this early BEFORE Lucy came and I would work out on the Wii Fit which I really miss.

5-5:30am: Have a shower and get dressed. Lucy doesn't like it when I go behind that curtain and wimpers/whines until I get out. She then has to lick the water off me to ensure that I've dried completely. As I get dressed, she redecorates the bathroom rugs for me.

5:30-6am: More play with Lucy. I try to tire her out so when I put her in her crate and leave for work, she isn't howling up a storm and waking mom & dad plus the whole neighbourhood.

6:15-6:45am: Wind Lucy down and get her to fall asleep before putting her in the crate.

Now after we get this routine going and she is more reliable doing her business outside, I'd like to work my workout routine back in here somehow. Plus quilting on a daily basis. I used to be able to cut fabric in the evening and sew in the morning while I'm eating breakfast. I guess we'll just have to see what the future brings!

The weather hasn't been the greatest since getting Lucy. I would have liked to take her for a little walk to see how she does but it has been cold this weekend. Dad & I got her a harness on Friday but we haven't been able to test it out.

Here are a few pictures taken last weekend. Dad has more on his camera catching her in the act during the week so I'll have to get a few of those up as well.

Are you talking to me?

Trying to act all innocent.

Bugging dad when he's trying to nap.

Attack dog - poor dad!

06-Feb Quilt Blocks

Block name: Solomon's Temple

Finished size: 10"

05-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: Fun and Games

Finished size: 9"

04-Feb Quilt Block

Block name: Cobblestones

Finished size: 12"