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Ahoy all you baby boomer jazz lovers, have you ever experienced jazz cruising? Earlier this year Rhonda and I did, and what a vacation! Have you ever found yourself tapping to the rhythm of your favorite jazz tune and thought, “Hmm, could this get any better?” Well, add a sprinkle of ocean breeze, a dash of exotic destinations, and voilà—you’ve got yourself a jazz cruise. It’s like regular cruising but with more dope music. Imagine this: lounging on the deck, cocktail in hand, as the sun dips below the horizon. Suddenly, the air fills with the smooth sounds of a saxophone. But wait, this wasn’t our imagination, or a fancy commercial, but we were having a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s where the party’s at for anyone who believes vacations should come with a soundtrack. And who wouldn’t want that?

The Venue

The cruise we attended was the Capital Jazz Super Cruise. We set sail on February 17 and cruised for seven glorious days on the Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam. . During the cruise we visited Aruba, Curacao, and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. Some of the performers were Incognito, Gerald Albright, Keiko Matsui, Musiq Soulchild, El DeBarge, Robert Glasper, Avery*Sunshine, José James, Jamison Ross, Adi Oasis, Keyon Harrold, Royalty Duo.

Why Cruising Beats Land Vacations for Boomers

Now, you might be thinking, “Why should I opt for a cruise over a traditional land vacation?” Glad you asked! For starters, there’s the convenience factor. Unpack once and wake up in a new destination almost every day—without the hassle of coordinating travel plans or lugging suitcases around.

Then there’s the social aspect. Jazz cruises attract like-minded folks, so you’re bound to make a few friends along the way. It’s like going to a music festival where everyone has their own private room… and nobody’s camping in the mud (well, we didn’t do that either LOL). During this cruise we got to Gerald Albright tell us about going to high school in Long Beach, just down the road from us. We spent time asking questions of Incognito’s band leader Bluey and marveling just how cool he was (and how he misses Maysa who was off doing her solo thing).

Lastly, there’s something to be said about the value. You know, when you stop working for the man (or the woman), not having those paychecks means that we need to be careful with every dollar. Cruises, when you consider you get meals, entertainment, and accommodations all wrapped up in one neat package, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a land vacation that offers the same bang for your buck.

Let’s talk about the food for a minute. Now we all know that cruises (especially on the large ships) have a lot of dining alternatives, and our cruise was no exception. Not only did we have the main “cattle call” buffet where you can get almost anything you want to eat, but we dined in the main dining room, the Nami Sushi (unbeleivably fresh), Pinnacle Grill (a steak house with a picture of Rhonda’s dinner below)

Why go on a jazz cruise at all?

Look, we’re Baby Boomers. Why are these floating jazz clubs particularly appealing to our generation? Maybe it’s the allure of combining two great loves: travel and live music. Or perhaps it’s the convenience of seeing world-class performances without having to leave the comfort of your floating hotel. Whatever the reason, jazz cruises hit the sweet spot between relaxation and entertainment.

If you’ve been following our blog, you’ll know that we are here to share our experiences and educate other Boomers on issues that will improve and (hopefully) lengthen their lives. So here’s just a small bit of information on the more compelling reasons to take a vacation like this:

1. Health Benefits:
   • Traveling often involves walking, exploring new places, and being active. This can lead to improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and overall fitness. Vacations also provide a break from daily stressors, allowing us to recharge mentally.
2. Independence and Freedom:
   • After dedicating much of our lives to raising children and work, we now can embrace independence. Traveling allows us to make choices, explore our interests, and create our own schedules (no more driving to and from track practice, or football practice, or you name it).
3. Social Interaction:
   • One of the biggest issues noted for Boomers is not having enough social interaction, or in laymen’s terms – being lonely. Rhonda and I love traveling because we get to meet tons of new people. And cruises are better than land vacations because you get to hang out with people who share your interest in the music, or the dancing, or food. Whether it’s fellow travelers, locals, or tour guides, we have met people that we’ve stayed in touch with after the cruise.
4. Reconnecting as a Couple:
   • Even though we are semi-retired, we still seem to be pretty busy at home. Taking a cruise gives us more time to focus on .  .  .  US. We bond, share experiences, and create lasting memories.
5. Learning and Exploration:
   • Boomers value learning about different cultures, history, and traditions. Traveling exposes us to new perspectives, enriching our understanding of the world. For example, we traveled to Malaga, Spain some years bank and were shocked to find that our taxi driver had as many deep insights on what was happening in the U.S. than we did!

A Few Other Jazz Cruises

Curated for your listening pleasure, here are a few of our favorite cruises that are on our bucket list.

Smooth Jazz at Sea

Perfect for those who like their jazz like their ocean views: smooth and endless. (From the Website) “Since 2004, The Smooth Jazz Cruise has been the gold standard, not only for jazz cruises, but for all theme and music charter cruises. During its 30+ sailings, more than 60,000 guests have experienced this amazing music cruise vacation and more than 17,000 of them have sailed 4 or more times.”

• When They Sail: February 2024
• Where They Go: Labadee • Turks & Caicos • Nassau
• Venue: Celebrity Summit
• Purchase Link: https://thesmoothjazzcruise.com/

The Jazz Cruise

Founded by Anita E. Berry in 2001, The Jazz Cruise has been offering patrons a yearly action-packed weeklong jazz experience at sea with some 100 world-class musicians in 200 hours of programming for over two decades (with a hiatus during the COVID pandemic). The ambience of the cruise encompasses house concert, nightclub theatre, urban bar, rooftop lounge, coffee house, dressing room and lunchroom, a fantastic mix.

• When They Sail: January 18-25, 2024
• Where They Go: Miami, Labadee, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas
• Venue: Celebrity Summit
• Purchase Link: https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-jazz-cruise-2024

Jazz Fest at Sea

If you’re a fan of Traditional Jazz, Classic Jazz, Chicago Jazz, Swing, in fact just about any style which emerged during the first half of the 20th century, plan to attend JazzFest at Sea – one of the premier jazz cruises of the year.

• When They Sail: January 2025
• Where They Go: Basseterre, St Kitts , Philipsburg, St. Maarten, St John’s, Antigua, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic,  Ocean Cay, Bahamas
• Venue: MSC Devina
• Purchase Link: https://www.jazzfestatsea.com/

So, is Jazz Cruising for You?

Aside from the nightly concerts and impromptu jam sessions, jazz cruises offer a plethora of musical activities that’ll make you feel like you’re part of the band. From workshops with renowned musicians to intimate Q&A sessions, you’ll have the chance to deepen your appreciation for jazz. Ever fancied learning how to play the trumpet? Or how about attending a seminar on the history of jazz? It’s all possible on a jazz cruise.

And for those moments when you need a break from all that jazz (pun intended), these cruises offer all the amenities and activities you’d expect from any top-tier cruise line. We’re talking gourmet dining, luxurious spas, and excursions to breathtaking locales.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a die-hard jazz aficionado or just someone who appreciates good music and good vibes, a jazz cruise offers an unparalleled experience. It’s where luxury meets legacy—the ultimate way to indulge your senses while exploring the world.

So, if you’re ready to jazz up your next vacation, consider setting sail on one of these top-rated jazz cruises. It promises to be an unforgettable voyage filled with music, adventure, and maybe a little bit of saxophone-induced serenading under the stars. Who says you can’t have it all?

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“The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman” by Tim Ferriss is a game-changer.

This book throws tradition out the window and explores out-of-the-box methods for achieving remarkable results in every aspect of life. I’m Mike, and Ferriss’s approach to lifestyle optimization rocked my world. He takes you on a wild ride, sharing intriguing experiments and hacks to help transform your body and your life. This book isn’t just chapter after chapter, it’s life-changing revelation after revelation!

Claim your FREE copy of “The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman” here.

“The 4-Hour Body” is divided into three main sections: “Fundamentals,” “Ground Zero,” and “Beyond.” In each section, Ferriss dives deep into unconventional techniques for fat loss, muscle gain, sex enhancement, longevity, and more.

In the first section, “Fundamentals,” Ferriss sets the foundation by challenging common myths and misconceptions about food and exercise. He introduces the concept of “minimum effective dose” (MED). MED focuses on achieving maximum results with minimum effort, making this book perfect for busy individuals.

The second section, “Ground Zero,” delves into specific techniques for rapid weight loss and muscle gain. Ferriss covers everything from diet protocols to workout routines, all backed by scientific research and his own personal experimentation.

In the final section, “Beyond,” Ferriss takes a deep dive into advanced topics such as sleep optimization, hormone manipulation, and even improving your mental performance. He also includes a section on how to maintain your progress long-term through habit building and mindset shifts.

First Half Chapter Summaries for “The 4-Hour Body”:

• “Fundamentals” – Tim kicks things off by emphasizing why tracking and measuring is so important to reaching our goals. He introduces the concept of the Minimum Effective Dose (MED) and encourages us to zero in on the most streamlined and powerful strategies instead of spreading ourselves thin.

• “Reprogramming Fat” – In this chapter, Ferriss takes on the topic of fat loss, breaking away from traditional diet and exercise dogmas. The Slow Carb Diet is the star of the show here, as he dives into the effectiveness of certain foods and supplements in the fat-burning process.

• “Adding Muscle” – Here’s where Ferriss spills the beans on building muscle with minimum time and maximum results. He introduces the Occam’s Protocol, a workout routine that’s all about efficiency, and goes deep into the principles of strength training and muscle gain.

• “Reversing Injuries” – Tim discusses lesser-known methods for treating and preventing injuries, pulling from his experiences with the world’s top experts. Cold exposure, contrasting baths, and specific exercises are just a few of the innovative recovery methods explored.

• “Running Faster and Farther” – This chapter is all about upping your running game. Ferriss challenges conventional wisdom on endurance training and introduces a different approach to running footwear, techniques, and training methods.

Second Half Chapter Summaries for “The 4-Hour Body”:

“Perfecting Sleep” – Ferriss emphasizes just how crucial quality sleep is to our overall well-being. He unpacks a whole toolbox of sleep optimization techniques, from tracking to supplements and evening routines, all aimed at enhancing sleep duration and quality.

• “Managing and Enhancing Sex” – Here, Ferriss bravely ventures into the sometimes-awkward topic of sexual performance and satisfaction. He looks at a range of techniques, supplements, and experiments aimed at enhancing the bedroom experience and addressing common issues.

• “On Longer and Better Life” – The pursuit of a long and fulfilling life takes center stage in this chapter. Ferriss delves into the cutting-edge science and practices related to life extension, covering topics like calorie restriction, fasting, and breakthrough technologies.

• “Becoming Superhuman” – In the grand finale, Ferriss pulls together the key concepts from the book to help guide us on our journey towards being superhuman. He encourages us to chase our unique goals and keep refining our strategies for the best life possible.

• “Conclusion” – In this final section, Ferriss reflects on his own journey towards discovering and implementing these unconventional methods for self-improvement. He reminds us that the key to success lies in constantly experimenting and pushing our boundaries.

My Take on the book?

“The 4-Hour Body” offers a comprehensive guide for optimizing your health and performance through unconventional methods. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, gain muscle, or enhance your athletic performance, this book is worth a read.

Claim your FREE copy of “The 4-Hour Body” here.

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If you’re like me (with gray hairs starting to take over), and you’ve wondered about Homecare for Aging Parents, then I’ve got some information that can help. The golden years should be embraced with grace and comfort. But when it comes to caring for aging parents, many adult children face tough decisions. Homecare is becoming increasingly popular, offering personalized care in the familiar setting of one’s home. This blog post will explore the benefits of homecare for aging parents and offer guidance to those exploring this option.

Benefits of Homecare for Aging Parents

The move to senior care can be quite a challenge for both the elderly and their families, but let’s talk about why homecare really shines. It’s all about keeping our beloved elders happy and healthy!

Maintaining Dietary Control

When it comes to homecare, one significant advantage is the ability to closely monitor and tailor your parents’ diets to their changing health needs as they age and navigate various health challenges. Ensuring they receive the right nutrition becomes increasingly crucial with time. Homecare provides the flexibility to prepare meals that align with their specific dietary requirements, preferences, and daily schedules – a level of customization that surpasses what large care facilities typically offer. Additionally, you have the opportunity to observe and track their eating patterns to ensure they are receiving the essential nutrients necessary for their well-being.

Effective Prescription Management

Prescriptions are a CRUCIAL aspect of managing medical conditions and maintaining overall health. However, keeping track of multiple medications can be a challenge for individuals with complex medical needs. This is where homecare services come in to play an important role. This watchful eye lowers the chances of missed doses or mix-ups, guarding against potential issues.

You cannot overstate the importance of proper medication. Many medications need to be taken at specific times and in certain dosages to be effective. Missing a dose or taking too much can have harmful effects on an individual’s health and well-being. This is especially true for individuals who rely on multiple medications to manage chronic conditions.

Homecare services also offer a level of supervision and monitoring that can be beneficial for those with complex medical needs. Caregivers are trained to recognize potential adverse reactions or side effects from medications and can alert healthcare providers if necessary. This added layer of support can help prevent medication errors and ensure that any issues are addressed promptly.

Enhanced Sense of Security

There’s a unique and irreplaceable sense of comfort and security that naturally accompanies being in the familiar embrace of your own home, don’t you think? It’s not just about the physical space; it’s about the cherished memories that linger in every corner, and the warmth of a place that holds a piece of your heart. This feeling of independence, of truly being yourself, is something we all treasure. Homecare professionals understand the delicate balance between providing the necessary support and assistance while honoring the privacy and freedom that your loved ones deserve. With their expertise and dedication, they ensure that your home remains a sanctuary where both care and autonomy thrive harmoniously.

Comfort of Home

Arguably, one of the most wonderful aspects of homecare is the opportunity it offers for parents to remain in the comfort of their cherished surroundings. This is particularly significant for individuals coping with conditions such as dementia, where continuity in their own environment plays a vital role in their well-being. Home is not merely a physical structure; it represents a significant and meaningful sanctuary that nurtures their spirit and provides a sense of safety and security.

Managing Medical Staff More Effectively

When you’re taking care of your elderly parents or loved ones in the comfort of your home, you can actively supervise with the medical professionals responsible for their care. This increased involvement fosters a stronger bond, facilitating improved coordination of healthcare services. Moreover, it enables swift modifications to treatment plans as, ensuring that your loved ones receive the best possible care tailored to their evolving needs.

Considering Homecare for Your Loved One

When pondering the avenue of homecare, it’s essential to weigh the pros thoroughly and understand what it entails. Here are some steps to take:

• Assess the Level of Care Needed: Understand your parent’s needs and match those with appropriate homecare services.
• Research Homecare Providers: Look for reputable agencies or private providers with good track records and recommendations.
• Plan Financially: Homecare can be costly, so it’s vital to plan and understand what insurance may cover.
• Communicate: Speak with your parents about their preferences. It’s vital that they feel part of the decision-making process.

Tips for Creating a Homecare Plan

Managing homecare for aging parents is all about careful planning and consideration to ensure they’re comfy, safe, and happy. Here’s a bunch of tips to help you out:

• Assess Needs and Preferences: Begin by assessing your parents’ physical, mental, and emotional needs. Understand their daily routine, medical conditions, and personal preferences to tailor a plan that fits.
• Involve Your Parents in the Planning: Ensure your parents are involved in the planning process. This respects their autonomy and ensures the plan aligns with their wishes.
• Professional Consultation: Seek advice from healthcare professionals or a homecare agency. They can provide valuable insights into the types of care available and suggest modifications to better suit your parents’ needs.
• Safety Modifications: Examine the home environment for potential safety hazards and make necessary modifications, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom, ensuring good lighting, and removing tripping hazards.
• Establish a Support Network: Build a network of family, friends, and professional caregivers who can provide assistance. It’s important to have a reliable team for support and respite care.
• Legal and Financial Planning: Address legal and financial matters, such as power of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and planning for the costs of care.
• Emergency Preparedness: Have a clear plan in place for emergencies, including accessible lists of medications, contacts for healthcare providers, and instructions for what to do in case of sudden illness or falls.

So when it comes to caring for aging parents at home, it’s all about taking a thoughtful and respectful approach. But hey, the perks are huge – guaranteeing their well-being all the way! It’s really about providing care while always keeping their dignity, comfort, and tons of love in mind.

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