Royal Princess Sea Day: Only Because the Stars Aligned

We didn’t have any idea we would be making this trip. Sure, I needed to figure out the whole mobility scooter-solo-traveler thingy, but we thought we’d be tied to home. Between hubby, kiddo, and me, these last few months have found us knee deep in medical “stuff”. Appointments and tests and X-rays and MRIs. Multiple diagnoses. (That's plural for diagnosis. Who knew?) Surgery consults and scheduling. And let’s not forget last week's emergency room visit. While the moment we get back we are booked even more solid with surgeries and consults and such (and the upcoming jury duty week), somehow the stars aligned and have allowed us two full weeks of a clear schedule. 

If we were going to go away, it had to fit not only within our timeframe but some criteria:

• Short flight time, preferable under 2 hours. And no stopovers. Gotta reduce the risk of scooter damage by the airlines. 
• It had to be warm. With snow on the ground and temperatures hitting the single digits overnight our old bones needed warmth.
• It needed to be somewhere we’ve been before. We have had to learn about conditions and diseases we didn’t even know existed. We didn’t want to have to learn something new while on vacation, too. 
• Handicap accessibility was crucial. How am I going to prove myself otherwise?

10 days on the Royal Princess out of San Francisco - to Mexico - fit the bill perfectly. Since we booked the cruise very, very last minute the only handicapped cabin left was a suite. Even more perfect.

The stars aligned even more when we found out just two days ago a couple of special crew members were joining the ship on the exact same day we were. Can’t get more perfect than that.

And while our home security cameras show snow on the ground at home, the view from my seat at this very moment on this first day of February is nothing short of perfect.

Thank you for aligning, stars.

And a prime rib dinner on the balcony at sunset? 

Yup, perfect. 

The Big Test

This week has been the first part my big test, the one my husband is supervising and the one we together are grading. The questions were simple, yet oh-so-difficult:

• Can I navigate airports, hotels, and city sidewalks, wheeling luggage alongside me as I drive my mobility scooter? 
• Can I manage myself in and out of a taxi, and in and out of restaurants and shops?
• Will I ask for assistance wherever and whenever needed?
• Can I make make my way out and about and around a cruise ship? 
• Will I be able to travel for months this summer - on my scooter - on a solo overseas adventure? 

While hubby is along with me on this trip to keep an eye on me, I have been already able to successfully complete some of the tasks by myself in just the first couple days. But the big last question still remains unanswered. By the time this two week long adventure is over hopefully I will have proved myself and pass the entire test with flying colors.

Yep, I’m back to cruising (what better place to prove myself, right?!) and have the best picture of the day to show it. Today I found myself sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge while the Love Boat theme played on the ship's horn. 

If I get a view like this from my cabin's balcony I’ll be happy to take a test everyday! (Shh, don’t tell hubby.)

See you tomorrow from the Pacific Ocean!

Learn How to Make Your Own Homemade Fabric Pot Handle Cover - DIY Kitchen Project

In today's tutorial, we will learn how to make our own fabric pot handle cover. Use it for cast iron pans, or just for a little more protection on any pot or pan. Makes a great gift too!

For this project you will need:

• fabric for main 
• fabric for lining 
• cotton batting or Insul-Bright
• pencil
• fabric clips or pins
• iron
• sewing machine and matching thread
• scissors, rotary cutter, cutting mat, cutting ruler
• teflon foot or painter's tape
• template from pattern

Disclosure: Deb's Days is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you new sewing and crafting content.

Now available in my Etsy shop as a digital downloadable pattern with the written directions, step-by-step photos, and printable template. Click to get your copy today!

Looking for more kitchen ideas? Check out some of my other projects!

Otherwise, join us as we make this cute pot handle cover!

Learn How to Make a Quilted Eyeglass Case - DIY Quick and Easy Travel Project

In today's tutorial, we will learn how to make a quilted eyeglass case. A good way to use up your fabric scraps! Use for yourself or for gifts. 

For this project you will need:

• fabric strips
• backing fabric
• lining fabric
• cotton batting and/or Insul-Bright 
• pins and Clover Wonder Clips
• iron
• sewing machine and matching thread
• basting spray or powder
• rotary cutter, cutting mat, cutting ruler
• walking foot (optional)
• template from the pattern

Disclosure: Deb's Days is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you new sewing and crafting content.

Now available in my Etsy shop as a digital download with the written directions, step-by-step photos, printable template, and link to the tutorial video. Click to get it now!

Looking for more fabric scrap ideas? Check out some of our other projects!

Otherwise, join us as we make a quilted eyeglass case from fabric scraps!

Learn How to Make a Homemade Fabric Crochet Hook Holder - DIY Storage Project

In today's tutorial we will learn how to make our own fabric crochet hook holder. Organize your crochet hooks in the cloth pockets, roll it up, and tie it up. Tuck it away at home or take it with you in your bag or purse for on-the-go access. It's a great sewing project for beginners, too! 

For today's project you will need:

• main fabric
• lining fabric
• Ribbon
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting ruler
• Cutting mat
• Scissors and pinking shears
• Iron
• Sewing machine
• Matching thread

Disclosure: Deb's Days is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you new sewing and crafting content.

Now available in my Etsy shop as a digital download with the written directions, step-by-step photos and link to the tutorial video. Click to find out more!

Looking for more storage ideas? Check out some of other projects!

Otherwise, join us as we make this cute fabric crochet hook holder!