For the Birds- Wood Ducks

Some folks volunteer for Habitat for Humanity-building homes for the less fortunate. Our group does it for a different tenant-Wood Ducks.

They usually nest in hollow trees on or near lakes , streams or ponds. Unfortunately, hollow trees went the same way as two dollar gasoline.

Our duck boxes are better than the originals. If a "Bird Real Estate Agent" were listing these, the ad would probably read: Beautiful single located on the water with breathtaking views. An oval entrance opens to a spacious .9 square foot family room-perfect for starting your first brood. You and the young ones will feel secure with a waterproof vinyl roof plus the added precaution of several holes drilled in the basement allowing any unwanted liquid to escape. When the young ones are ready to "test their wings", you will really appreciate the wire mesh "ladder" tacked from basement to entrance-enabling the pitter patter of climbing feet.
Act now as the nesting season is fast approaching. And, most important, remember this is our all inclusive model-made for living, laying, hatching, and rearing--Luxury Living in a Lovely Location.

Bill"s Best Cruise Travel Tips

Travel Tips:

1. Air Fare No-No: Do not book plane travel for the same day the ship is leaving-especially in winter. I've heard too many stories of being snowed, iced, fogged, etc. in.

2. Do you see our bags? Most luggage is black or blue or green-It all looks alike. There was a popular song in the seventies, Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree. This is good advice for luggage but not a colored ribbon or a piece of fabric as everyone does. Tie a piece of ," Do Not Cross Police Ribbon" on the luggage. When 200 pieces are in the hotel lobby, port or airport, you will spot yours easily.

3. Where have you been? I've been looking everywhere.Sound familiar. Buy a set of walkie talkies. They work on ships, remote foreign countries, everywhere that no cell phone service exists.

4. You're wearing that? If you're a married man I am sure you have heard that before.This next tip is not for newlyweds or young or old romantics. It is for practical folks who want comfortable clothing and a light suitcase. Pack a long sleeve cotton T shirt and lightweight cotton jog pants. Us them for sleeping, exercise, or a pool cover-up.
Another tip that is probably more for the men is about underwear. Select and pack your leas favorite or worn ones. Each cruising day, discard the used ones-it makes your suitcase happier. Take along a pair of sandals. They are great for everything including pools, lounging and most important- sock saving.

5.Booking Shore Excursions. If you don't feel secure you may want to book on ship. We seldom do. Instead of taking the ship's 70 dollar excursion, we usually get off the ship and look for cabs and tour vans. There are usually several dozen waiting in a long line. Walk to the end of the line and talk to the driver. You are testing his command of English as he will be your tour guide. Plus, as he is at the end of the line he know his chance of getting a fare is slim. His is willing to bargain. Take along another couple to share the expense. Four people at the ship's price of 70 is 280. The cab ride might be 75 total and I offer a tip if the trip is good. What kind of tour do you think we get?

6.Where's my Wallet? I always take a spare wallet on a cruise. It is my"town wallet". In that one I will place three items; my cruise card, a photo ID (driver's license), and 20-40 dollars. I have never been robbed nut we were pick pocketed in Spain. I can easily lose the spare wallet. Losing my regular one is a nightmare of calling and canceling. This might not be a concern to you but we venture off the tourist path in most countries we visit. Besides, a boy scout never forgets the motto.

7.Take a laptop computer and a universal card reader. In the evening you can get together with friends and plug their camera cards into the computer and watch slide shows.Some went to the ruins-some went to the coffee plantation, etc. I take along some blank CD's. You can burn the contents of the cards and then erase the cards and you can now take a few hundred more pictures. You can also take the computer to coffee shops, libraries, motels etc. and check your emails. If you do this on the ship it costs about .75 a minute.

8. Tote you own bag. Most ships allow you to carry your own bags off when you return to port(Walk Away Departure). If you have the crew do this you must place all luggage outside your cabin the night before arrival. There are two negative factors here. One is that you still have to retain sleepwear,toothbrush, etc for the next morning and then carry them off. The second and worst is that you are given a time slot to depart. Those with airline connections will leave first. Others will leave last which can be an hour or more. By carrying (pulling-no one carries anymore) your own luggage you get off immediately. This enables you to have first access to waiting cabs, shuttles, etc.

9. Travel light-Travel frugal-But most important-Travel Often! Bon Voyage