That’s Susan Franklin Oropallo above while on a cruise break. This photo was taken January 21, 2017 (which is shortly before the susan.recipes domain name was acquired). Susan and I were on a Norwegian Cruise Lines tour at the time on board the Norwegian Sky. Norwegian has been our favorite (and actually our only) cruise line.
The Susan Recipes site is a simple blog style website set up as a place to enter Susan’s recipes. Another piece of information we would like to be able to enter here is estimated calories for the recipes.
I always have hopes along the line that maybe this can be a better way of better organizing those handwritten recipes. You know the ones I mean. They are usually stored on the aged yellow papers stuck in books in the kitchen.
Well, I doubt that. Ironically, I’ve never been able to organize much personal stuff any better using a computer. But we’ll see!
Taking a Cruise Break
Even the most passionate bakers deserve time off now and then! After years of Susan whipping up cakes, pies, cookies, and breads, and me whipping up websites and performing SEO (search engine optimization), we decided it was time to take a breather and recharge. So, we packed our bags, stepped away from the kitchen and the servers, and embarked on a relaxing cruise.
The Importance of Stepping Away
I’ve seen over the years how much Susan loves to bake. Baking isn’t just about following recipes; it’s about creativity, love, and care. But sometimes, even doing what you love can feel like a routine. A change of scenery helps rekindle that spark and refresh creativity. This cruise was our way of taking a step back, enjoying life’s other pleasures, and returning with new inspiration for recipes and websites.
Exploring the Flavors Onboard
While we may not have been baking ourselves, we indulged in some incredible treats prepared by talented chefs aboard the ship. It’s a joy to taste new flavor combinations, exotic desserts, and breads from around the world. I’ve found that tasting new dishes often inspires new ideas. Who knows? Some of these might spark new recipes once Susan is back home!
What I Love About Cruises
Cruises offer a unique way to unwind. There’s nothing quite like the gentle rocking of the ship, the fresh ocean breeze, and the breathtaking sunsets over the water. Each day brings something different, from exciting shore excursions to peaceful moments lounging by the pool. It’s the perfect environment to recharge both physically and mentally.
A Fresh Start Ahead
This cruise is more than just a vacation—it’s an opportunity to reflect and come back stronger. I look forward to returning to CharlesWorks refreshed and inspired, ready to try new ideas and techniques. Until then, I’m savoring every moment of this break, knowing it will make my next batch of bakes even better.