Queen Mary 2 Last Sea Day

Harry Strong's lecture on sea turtles was stimulating, though I had several moments of silent internal weeping as I thought of Mom and her interest in the creatures. One of the regrets of my time at UF is that I never tracked down Archie Carr and gave him hello from her. She spoke of him with such reverence and humor, I should have done that for her...and me.

I'm intrigued by the number of people using those Alpine walking sticks I usually see with hikers. I would never have thought of them as balance devices for use on a rolling ship! Ingenious! Pat wants to offer a Seg-way service for this ship. She says her knees are tired by the end of the day and she'd love to just roll along the corridors and deck spaces. 

For the second night in a row, this Spanish speaking couple have had their children in the Commodore Club while we're there before dinner! Now, I'm not a small child hater, but they are out of place in an upscale bar, and that's before they began a game of "how fast can you run down the hallway?" Parents need to suck up and discipline.

Rob was a CSI in Reno for a couple of decades and after listening to his stories, I will never use a hotel room coffee pot again. Even the microwave and mini-fridge will give me pause. When people are away from home and not required to clean up after themselves, they can revert to animal behavior. 

What a difference a day and 650 miles makes in sea conditions! It's almost flat!

Sheila stuffed my door stocking with a bag of her trademark candies! What a treat she is!

Rob and Craig want to cruise again with this group. How complimentary! I am going to ask Audrey to investigate a Hawaii roundtrip cruise. That idea really appeals to me. 

I meant to ask Dr. Crowe the difference between a wormhole and a black hole. Most Trek and Wars weapons are based on light: photon torpedos, lasers, even Death Star! Huh, I wonder if Spielberg and Lucas know something we do not? Of course, Asimov, Heinlein and Dick thought of them decades ago! Dr. Crowe is one of Stephen Hawkings students! Odd. I never think of Hawking as a teacher!

My IT angel is Graham Mitchell, Guest Computer Manager! I wish him joy and fortune in 2017!

Arran sweaters have diverse cabling for a reason. Back in the day, each village had a pattern for itself, so when sailors/fishermen were washed ashore, the bodies could be sent home for burial. How cool is that?!

I heard a presentation on Christmas music in movies. Not quite what I expected. I had no idea how many Christmas songs are melancholy! The pleasant surprise was Deanna Durbin singing Silent Night during a telephone call. I must remember to find the movie.

Folks to remember: Sergii, waiter in Commodore Club; Venus, steward of 4201; Michael, Jelenda and Scott waiters in Carinthia; Daniel, sommelier for Britannia table 46; Tommi, social host fron Cornwall; Anton, balding head of guest services; Tarran, head waiter for Britannia Lower; Denawatha Gupta, waiter extraordinaire table 46. 

Dr. Crowe was in Commodore Club with his girlfriend tonight and I got a diffetent view. His boots had holes in the bottom and part of a heel was missing! Then Rob and Craig said he's worn the same pants all week! I never noticed! How the interesting have fallen.

Queen Mary 2 Day 12

Too much going on! I fell asleep before I posted yesterday! 

There is something wonderful about eating a fresh waffle while sitting in a sumptuous dining room looking out a window at the Atlantic rolling by. I kept hoping a whale would breach. No such luck. I had to make do with stimulating conversation! 

Finished tne green textured chevron scarf and gave it to Professor Crowe since he admired it. He says he'll wear it in NYC. I choose to believe him. 

Excellent lecture on the astrophysics of Star Wars and Star Trek. I was astounded to learn a particle had been teleported in 1998. The experiment has been repeated 4 times since with increasing distances; the most recent being from an observatory on Tenerife to one 150 miles away! Also, the US Army has tanks equipped with large bore lasers. 

What have I realized or re-affirmed on this crossing? I am incapable of playing bridge. I have no patience for children in bars. I still have not acquired a discerning wine pallet. Inside cabins are like sensory deprivation chambers. I require daylight to be happy. I loathe crowded hordes. Eevery man looks good in a tux. I don't like eel. I feel a degree of pity for those who take cruise after cruise after cruise because home does not appeal to them. The apple slices garnish on a Sydney Apple are made ro resemble the city's iconic Opera House.

The garlic escargot at dinner were so delicious that I had them for dessert as well. Not even tempted by the Chocolate Assortment! Our waiter didn't even bat an eye! 

High winds and dense clouds meant no stargazing again. Sigh. 😒

Queen Mary 2 Day 11

Mostly calm seas this morning and only a few clouds, so I hoped Dr. Crowe's telescope offer comes into play tonight, but the wind kicked up again and the decks are losed. No stargazing tonight. 

Breakfast with Sheila in Carinthia. Actually, I ate breakfast while she sipped a watered down cranberry juice. No wonder she's a twig. Several folks stopped by to comment on the scarf I'm knitting, including Thomas and his partner, Neal, who mde an incredible rag rug mimicking Warhol's Marilyn. Turns out they know Shirley Ferrari, former ballerina, with whom Sheila and I shared coffee the other afternoon. 

Tried again to capture seas as they hit the windows of Deck 2. 

Heard Robert Cave speak about his years on the MI-5 Protection Service Teams, guarding the Royals and personalities. I never knew how isolated a Royal was/is. He spoke about Diana as he was part of her initial team. She had to surrender her passport, driving license, bank and checkbooks, car keys, cell phone and most of her freedoms. She was never allowed anywhere alone, Team member even waited outside the stall during a bathroom visit. Why would anyone strive for a position that would require such protection? Perhaps they believe they're bulletproof!?

Thomas and Neal turn out to be old hand Cunarders who have stories about everyone. They chose to sit with me again during Dr. Crowe's lecture on the Life Cycle of Stars. Speaking Dr. C, he complimented my scarf while he was standing by me during Cave's lecture. When his turn came, I didn't recognize the dapper, suited man with the t-shirted and jeaned guy who had chatted with me earlier. When he noted the scarf was longer, I quipped he could hve it and he said yes! He needed one for NYC anyway. He works at Rayleigh Observatory and teaches at the Cambridge Prep School! 

His lecture prompted questions. I wish Mom were still here to enjoy finding the snawers with me! 

Do the colors in the Canis Majoris photograph indicate element, temperature, density? How does gravity work in space? Why does gravity beat every other force in nature? 

I'm uncertain who has the coolest quote: Sagan or Tyson.

Sagan - "We're all made of starstuff."

Tyson -  "When I look up at the night sky and I know that yes we are a part of this universe, we are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts is that the universe is in us," When I reflect on that fact, I look up, many people feel small cause they're small and the universe is big, but I feel big because my atoms came from those stars. There's a level of connectivity."

Knitting was good. Dinner was excellent. Post-dinner was bummed by high winds, so no star watching! Fingers crossed for tomorrow!

Queen Mary 2 Day 10

Breakfasted with Sheila in Britannia. Met Andrew and his Dad who are going to Maine skiing! Chatted about Ametican football's draw in UK. Andrew's dad noted he was confused by defense play and I suggested he YouTube for examples. Well received.

Saw a rainbow!!!

 

The seas are high today,  about 25 foot swells. I wish I could capture them on film!!

 I'm sitting at the window in Queen's Room, knitting and watching mini rainbows appear at the swells crest and spume in the sunlight. I can't get to my camera fast enough! Some things just have to stay in my memory.

I was blessed this morning by the guy in charge of Internet aboard ship. Last night I totally forgot to turn off my wi-fi and lost 260 minutes. The IT angel aboard gave them all back to me, noting we all make mistakes! I hope he has a wonderful day!

Attended a really good lecture on Busby Berkeley and movie musicals. Until speaker pointed it out, I had no idea BB's dance extravaganzas were based on military marching patterns! 

Tea with Sheila, Pat and 2014 John. Scrapped attending showing of Ben Hur . I had no idea there even was an updated version of the movie! Going was forgotten after several people told how awful it was. 

Went to Sequence Dancing. Still enamored of it. I wish the YMCA offered such a course! Revelation at dinner - only three sea days left, then NYC and home!

Queen Mary 2 Day 9

MRide much smoother as seas mellow. Then Captain announces at mid-day location speech that the will get much bigger during the afternoon and evening as the winds from the storm increase. 

I am bemused by the woman Sheila met who is writing a book on art galleries. She chooses to do this sitting at a high top in the loud, noisy, full-of-movement Carinthia Lounge. More power to her! 

Dr Crowe presented on the wonders of the Solar System. The planetarium presented Stars over the Atlantic. I wish today had not been foggy so I could have looked through Dr. C's telescope. 

A bit of Christmas appeared in my cabin after lunch: 

 

It inspired me to hang my Christmas stocking!! 

 At dinner, Sheila mentioned this couple she met from Jacksonville. After dinner, we're walking out as they exit and I recognize Tenika Hughes the news anchor from Jax! How cool is that!

Then kareoke in Golden Lion as Robert sings and Pat, Sheila ans I are the women in the midst of a herd of guys!? What a tough life!!!

Queen Mary 2 Days 7 and 8

Yesterday Pat and I roamed Southampton. We explore the updated West Quay Mall, viewed the sailing museum and Carnival UK headquarters, pondered the happenings in the Players Club for Gentlemen as we strolled past, agreed that the ancient city fortification wall remnants scattered around the city center would have been bulldozed a long time ago if this were most US cities, not incorporated into the current architecture as they have been here.

Pat bought her Boots and Marks and Spencer supplies. She buys a big boquet of fresh cut flowers at each port to given color to her stateroom! When we returned to ship, we celebrated with a drink in Chart Room. Ginger beer is not for me, too sweet, but Pat adores it. 

 It's odd to watch new people come aboard. I am so tempted to help them locate themselves but all the old hands assure me that can lead to unanticipated problems. Let well enough alone. I'm finding my rural/suburban openness at odds with the isolationist walls of my urbanite friends. 

Tea in the Queen's Room. Drinks before dinner in the Commodore Club. No dressing up, informal attire. Ron joined our table for dinner but managed to tick off Sheila as he vacillated between remaining or returning to his original table. She argued in private that he "upset the dynamics of the group." I am uncertain why she is so annoyed. She surprised us all by bringing her small Cunard Bear to the table and setting him up as a dinner guest, complete with water and roll. Sometimes the sprite in her erupts! 

After dinner, Tim shared his nightmare about his ex and the new husband. Tim looks Teutonic but is one of the most emotionally fragile humans I know. Selfishly, I am very glad he does not live near me nor is into electronic communication. I was kind of harsh but I believe what I said when I told him to move on, that after 5 years, he needs to accept no emotional recociliation will occur, though a social one seems likely.

Sheila captured me for drinks before bed to talk about her day at Windsor. I was exhausted and happy to have the extra hour as we set the clocks back. 

Today is Friday, December 16. We have a new captain, actually he came aboard yesterday. Kevin Oprey was captain during my Quebec/St. Lawrence cruise in October. His rule is very different from Wells's. He seldom leaves the bridge, nor consorts with passengers unless they're seated at his dinner table. The seas seemed calm today, yet the ship is rolling like in a big storm. My conclusion is that he does not have stabilizers out, thus increasing speed and lessening fuel use. Sheila opined he just wants to get from A to B, believeing if you've chosen sailing the North Atlantic in winter, you deserve the experience, not to be coddled with a smooth ride. I don't know. What I have seen today are multiple wrists and arms in casts and passengers puking in the stairways. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. I can't help but recall that Wells is the last remianing Cunard-trained captain in the fleet; all the others come from some other Carnival line. 

Attended two excellent lectures. Dr. Chris Crowe (Royal Naval Observatory) spoke on Big Bang theories. He brought his telescope and on every clear day at noon has invited us to see the sun using the special lens, then at 10:30 PM on Deck 12 to see the stars. Today is cloudy but clearing, so I won't join him until tomorrow. Then George McGhee spoke on Errol Flynn. Marvelous! Pat sat next to me and we were entranced. 

Knitting went well. Nancy Sheck liked the Alpaca wool I got her at John Lewis, though she paid me in pounds!! Met and chatted with Karen, Matthew (son) and Jerry from Liverpool, trading stories about the city and the Dance of the Qeens last year. 

Dinner was interesting. Sheila has table set up for 7: our original 4 plus Ron and Robert and Craig from Reno. Charming and fun. Looks like I won't be missing any evening meals!

I found the curry bar, so had that instead of cakes and scones for tea!!

Queen Mary 2 Day 6

Last sea day before Southampton. Calm ocean. Gray day. Dry, finally, no Snow, wind or rain. All decks are open! 

Malcolm gave his final presentation today on "Excuses smugglers offer." The entire audince laughed, gasped and giggled for 50 minutes!

I sang Christmas carols round the tree. The woman next to me noted, "You don't have a lot of talent, but you are overflowing with enthusiasm!" I took it as a compliment.

I'm meeting Pat at 10:00 AM to hit West Quay and Boots. 

I missed the Astrology seminar as I was talking with lunch companions.

Proof positive that I need to slow down when writing a note to self!! 

Niel was stunned when I handed him his White Star card. I told him how much I appreciated that he never looked down on me for not prticipating!

RADA did Christmas Ghost Stories. I am pooped and going to bed. I know I've forgotten things. Too bd! 

Queen Mary 2 Day 6

Durn I have to start over, I didn't save the stuff I wrote as I went along today! Rats!! So this may be shortened. 

Had an intriguing conversation in Sir Samuel's this morning with a guy whose girlfriend is from Jax Beach. He is an amateur mountaineer who plans to climb Everest! He and his best friend from grade school were going to celebrate their 50th birthdays by making the climb in 2021, but the council that controls the climbs has announced that as of 2020, any climber must document successful climbs, including at minimum, the other 6 Seven Summits. These guys don't plan to do that, "too time consuming and expensive" so they're going to beat the new requirements. He opined a huge rise in Everest climbers in the next few years. This lead to a lively discussion of other "tourist endangered" sites that were taking steps to minimize erosion: the Galapagos, Macchu Picchu, Chichen Itza, Stonehenge, Angkor Wat. Are these good actions or man's ongoing attempts to "control" the natural cycle of things?

Saw a wonderful jacket - it's a map of the world! Reminded me of those envelopes I bought a few years ago that were made from discarded maps.

Malcolm Nelson is a delightful speaker. I hope HM Customs sends him out to schools to speak. He even made the topic of swallowers palatable and not too gross. One thought did arise while listening to him: my students really had a marvelously varied exposure during those years I invited diverse professionals to share their expertise. The information Malcolm delivered echoed that of the DEA agent who spoke to my kids. Plus, he cited one of my favorite Sir Winston quotes:

I knew I did not bring enough formal wear when this was delivered:

At the cocktail party, I met Judy from Washington, DC who wants to visit St. Augustine and Eva who 

lived in Wenham until her husband died and she bought a condo in Rowley. We traded stories of restaurants and beaches and shops. We even had our picture taken as Three Singles in Black. I'll try to find it tomorrow, but I am not paying $25 for a copy!!

The Lobby theme reflects Wind in the Willows and tomorrow night passengers are singing carols round the tree. 

The knitting group is fun. Here are Judy from Nova Scotia, she of potato chip pattern, and Ellen of The New Forest, who is finishing her Twiddle Muff for dementia patients. 

I'm tired and tomorrow is our last day at sea before Southampton, where I believe several of us knitters plan to explore the wool/yarn section of John Lewis at West Quay Mall. Sheila is going to be a "real tourist" and take the tour to Windsor. It's so gorgeous there, I know she's going to have a great time.

Queen Mary 2 Day 5

Robert Parker died in 2010! How could I not know that? This must have been his last Spenser novel! If so, how fitting his character's final words: "Life is mostly metaphor." I may have to read the novels as a homage to a writer who brought me pleasure. Ah, my first goal for 2017.

I had a coffee with the doctor who is the accupuncturist for the medical center and the salon on the ship. Fascinating man. He's here for three months and takes a big cut in pay to travel with the ship as an official/unofficial crew member, he does not have to stand to crew calls but must adhere to crew regulations. I learned accupuncture helps a lot more than just aches and pains. I was sharing this wwith Marz a fellow knitter and she offered that she has been using this treatment for several years due to complications after her hip replacement.

At the World Club cocktail party, I went up to Aureliano Mazzella at whose table I dined when he was Safety Officer of the Elizabeth in 2014, imtending to congratulated him on his promotion to Deputy Captain. When I began to talk, he surprised me with, "I remember you. I remember those eyes." I was so flabbergasted, I stuttered before finishing my compliment. 

The US is missing something as we do not have small cruise lines like Fred Olsen and P&O who take fewer people in less luxury. The less luxurious American lines take hordes and hordes of folks. Sigh. 

I opened my daily programme and saw David Copperfield was tonight's headliner, then read the small print. He is a British impressionist and musician. Another, sigh. 

Watched another fencing class. It's like a ballet.

Had marvelous Laksa soup from Singapore for lunch. I MUST. Find a recipe; I could eat this every day! Heads up, Letreze and Jean!

My attempt at Potato Chip knitted scarf was an abysmalfailjre as my yarn was too thick and my needles too big! Rip out and try another design.

The Planetarium show was amazing. Still astounds me that the ship can be rocketing along at 25 knots in medium-high seas and I'm watching the Milky Way over my head!

Tea was marvelous, but I cannot do this again until next week. Too many calories!!!

Attended a talk with Nathaniel Lande, author of National Geographic's The 10 Best of Everything.  I am very intrigued by this volume. Lande's dad was Heminway's personal physician in Cuba. Lande lived in Moscow and Lenningrad, married a Bolshoi ballerina, met Lyndon Johnson on a massage table and photographed the Israeli cruise ship Shalom as a passenger on its maiden voyage when it sliced a Swedish ship right in half! Delighftul raconteur! If he speaks again, I won't miss it!

Met Tim and Gail after dinner to hear RADA do Jazz Poetry. And Ronnie and Marge joined us, these women have been friends since they met 43 years ago at NATO HQ in Belgium!!

Queen Mary 2 Day 4

The ocean swells are like cradle- rocking to me. I am relaxed and soothed by the ship's motion. I can sit in my cabin and be asleep before I realize it's happened! Which is what occurred last night. No liquor. No strenous exercise. No ennui. Just the gentle sway of this ocean liner as she knifes through the grey North Atlantic swells knocked me right out for hours.  ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Finished Berry's novel. The question of the possible non-ratification of the 16th Amendment is mind blowing. What if income taxes were indeed illegal? Oh my God! Berry's presentation of the devastating possibilities could make some readers freak out. While I enjoy Cotton Malone, I relish Berry's attention to detail, his thirst for obscure historical tidbits and his devotion to assessing and analyzing the possible occurrences had those tidbits been altered in any way. I cannot conceive of possessing the fertile imagination that could take a factoid and develop a novel from it. Though I am extremely grateful as a reader that Berry can.  The gentleman I met yesterday told me Berry hosts trips to sites. I am definitely going to explore joining one in the future.

Listening to Major General Mark Rosenker's presentation on The Care and feeding of the President of the United States: A Behind the Scenes Look left me full of sympathy for those who deal with the personalities of men in power. The tact required to compel any President to do what is necessary for his own safety despite his personal inclinations is beyond my meager abilities. Not a job I would wish on my worst enemy!!

This morning I learned from Nick (whom I met on board during the Canada cruise) that Smirnoff vodka makes a fabulous jewelry cleaner. He cleaned my bracelet and Sheila's watch while the bar staff ogled. I watched the vodka get cloudy with ick from my bracelet!! (The ale shown is Nick's normal breakfast!!)

Realization: I miss unlimited Internet access. I am so spoiled being able to instantly answer a question! What is the origin of the phrase "mare's nest?" Why is the expression "stem to stern" and not "bow to stern"? I'm kind of annoyed I must wait until I'm back in the USA to find out!

I've found a Spenser novel that I've never read: Sixkill published in 2011. Robert Parker's affinity for and expertise in writing the trivial conversations that illuminate human behavior and personality drive his novels. I know Spenser won't be killed. I know Susan will remain whole. Quirk remains steadfast. Hawk appearing is always a delight. So why do I like this guy's novels when I already know what's going to happen, ultimately? Those frequent mini-chapters of 3 pages of dialogue fascinate me!

Queen Mary 2 Day 3

Published a day late due to falling asleep before going on line last night!

Corrected my immigration blunder, so back in the good graces of Cunard and the UK! Turns out I was not the only passenger experiencing memory loss, as about 30 folks in line with me also had the reminder letter in hand! Still, that won't happen again.

So, I'm reading Steve Berry's The Patriot Act in hard cover when a very distinguished gentleman in coat and tie (at 9:25 AM) pauses by my chair asking how familiar I am with Berry's work. When I reply that I've been a Cotton Malone devotee since the first novel, William sits and we chat about protagonists, settings, plot lines and villains. Extremely refreshing conversation. Then he asks my thoughts on why so many people use "and I" when grammatically, "me" is correct. Aaaaaand, I am off on a discourse about the decline of American Education since Reagan tied school funding to graduation rates and the subsequent disaster of No Child Left Behind. William agrees! I am keeping an eye on my programme as I anticipate him being a speaker aboard! He's from Pinehurst and a Carolina grad. We bonded. 

Thinking of Jean, I tried Adult Colouring, but was disappointed. Not with the colouring, but with the paucity of choices offered and, even more, with the banal conversation as most seemed incapable of colouring and talking simultaneously. The tables reminded me of students testing as everyone was so focused on their work! 

Watched, astounded, as the Pastry Chefs finalized the Gingerbread Village. 

Saw John again and realized why I did not recognize him: he must have been ill as he looks almost cadaverous and wan. I won't ask. After an hour of conversation, I remember why I was unconcerned that he quit emailing and dropped off my radar...not a positive person.

Tea with Sheila. We'll meet at Captain's Cocktail Party tonight. I enjoy traveling without sharing every minute with a companion, but knowing she's there when/if I need/want to chat. 

Knitting was great. Got a new pattern for a potato chip scarf. Began it today. This hour goes by so rapidly.

Attended lecture by Malcolm Nelson formerly of HM Customs Service on contending with drug smuggling. The UK isn't much different from US in methodology he assured us, just in size. 82% of the drugs smuggled in come through Heathrow, the very opposite of the US. I never knew drugs were smuggled under wigs that are sewn into the mule's scalp! Informative and entetaining; I'll be attending the rest of his series.

Observed fencing again. Turns out quickness and arm reach are about the same importance, according to Niel, it's comparable to boxing. I am intrigued with the immense degree of finesse this sport requires. Flynn and Rathbone sword fighting around the castle now seem more barbarian and much less heroic!

Helped Frank from Ipswich, MA with his Nikon focussing issues. He affirmed that Woodman's of Essex is not worth the money. "She deep fries in old oil now! Terrible!!" 

Must remember to tell Wendy about the book club choice as it sounds right up her alley. Family Life by Akhul Sharma.

Queen Mary 2 Day 2

Excellent day at sea.  Alain made me the BEST omelette!! Just after breakfast, I chatted with Captain Wells for a few minutes. I appreciate that he is passenger-oriented enough not be to bee standoffish. 

Weather was great. Sunny, though it snowed for about 30 minutes early in the afternoon! Snow on the ocean just doesn't seem right: it never accumulates...at least not on the ocean parts I frequent. No high seas, just a little motion. Mostly calm; I was astounded when Curt, a former Marine, commented that he felt a bit queasy and couldn't even look at the ocean! Bless whichever genetic ancestor bequeathed me a sea-worhty stomach! Or maybe it's an inner ear thing, who knows! Of course Mom would, but she's no longer available, though she's here is spirit.

Lest you conclude I'm being maudlin: I sat down at Knit and Natter (Brit-speak for Stitch and Bitch) and introduced myself to Nancy, the only other woman there, as we were early. Light discussions of residence and profession indicated we each knew quite a bit about North Carolina geography. I asked if her last name was King, she said no but Nancy King was her best friend. I erupted like Moana Loa - the one at the Albermarle? Nancy just stared. When I announced, "I'm Kaye Mayer's daughter!" We hugged, then shared stories of Nancy, Madison (her snippy Daschound) and Mom! Small, small world! 

Furthering that claim, the woman sitting next to me is from Nova Scotia, very near Sydney and bought her wool at a shop in Kennebunkport!!

Then, the piece de resistance! In the middle of a story, a man knelt down, leaned over my should and greeted me. He looked kind of familiar, but no instant recognition. "You really don't remember? It's only been a couple of years. It's John." Synapses closed and I sort of recognized the guy from 2014 who was traveling with his father, then went off exploring over Europe who had emailed a couple of times. How in the Hell do these people remember me????!!! I am so ordinary, but not as disappear-in-the-crowd as I think. 

As much as I am flattered these folks recall me, I am still staggered that Hank stopped to say Hey on his way to some where this morning. I have no idea why he impresses me so, but it is what it is.

Liam enthralled me as I watched him teach fencing this morning. I could listen to that Scots burr for hours. I was be used when I appraoched him after class to ask about fencing's rules and he wondered which class I wanted to join! What a humorist!!! I am intrigued with this sport, I had no idea it was so rigidly controlled. There's an enormous chasm between fencing and sword fighting. There's so much to learn in the world. How could anyone ever be bored???

The lady from Germany shared her Mini Mundo Bag with me. I want to make several when I get home. In vayring sizes as gifts!

 Also, I learned about Twiddle Muffs - creations knitted for brain-affected patients that allow them to feel textures. Both patterns can be found online, I've been assured. 

I discovered a fabulously tart cocktail at the Commodore Club - the Sydney Apple...like a Long Island Iced Tea, it's a mix of liquors and apple liquer. Yum!! Sergei makes a really good drink. 

At dinner Robin from NYC and Scottsdale joined us. She looks like an older Lauren Bacall. Also, Alan Acosta, one of Tim's ship enthusiast cronies may be joining us for dinner. 

And, embarrassing moment: I was so busy chatting and visiting that I missed UK immigration today. Turned out Robin did as well and Alan only made it by happenstance!  I got a tightly British "reminder" not to ignore this important aspect of international travel. Sigh😦😦 Sometimes I make myself crazy!!!!

Queen Mary 2 Day 1

Woke bright eyed and ready to sail. No after effects from Dom's 90th birthday dinner last night. He and Ceil loved their scarves and the holiday quilt I gave them. Ceil immediately put it on their bed, then kept patting it. I discovered later that she has never received a hand made quilt. And she's 86!!!! I did a good thing here!

Emailed the photos Sheila promised the designer when she sold Sheila her rubberized rain ensemble...only a French woman would have created this. And only Sheila could carry it off! I just wish we'd had better light, but the day was gloomy and depressing! 

 

As we decamped from taxi at the pier, Tim walked up and we had a mini-reunion. We boarded Queen Mary 2 with no problems and were settled in staterooms before 1:00, so lots of time for a latte at Sir Samuels then walking around so Sheila could see the changes made during the refit. 

At Muster, I met Liam and Sam two Liverpudliians who were Cunard floorers and on board to fix problems with carpet and tile. What an amazing job!! They travel all over the world with the line repairing flooring while racking up frequent flyer miles and sailing in luxury, as they are contractors, not crew!

By the time I unpacked, it was sail away, always awesome as we pass by Miss Liberty!  I went to Observation deck, but only lasted about 15 minutes....too damn cold and not even a lot of wind! Chatted with Maggie and her daughter Liana on holiday from Surrey. 

Then ran into Tim and we walked the deck visiting, went to Deck 13 and The Look Out to stand there as the ship went under the Verrazano Bridge...the clearance is about 8 feet...QM2 was designed to fit under this bridge so she could enter New York Harbor. I always wonder what the people driving over the bridge think as they watch this mammoth ocean liner steam stoward them!

Dinner was excellent. Despite an original seating mixup, Sheila, Tim and I are at Table 46 and we hope Sheila works her magic so no one else joins us. The evening went by convivially and ended with a snap as we went over to greet two legendary Cunarders Dick Faber and Hank. I remembered meeting them on a previous cruise and was stunned almost speechless when Hank hugged me and asked if I still lived in Florida!?!?!?!!!

Stopped by the Queen's Room to check out the dancing and ran across Monique from Montreal. Sheila and Tim settled in for a QEII reminiscences fest with her. I bailed and am almost ready for bed! 

I adore that I can feel tension leave me as I have not one responsibility!!! 

It's Not Funny

One week ago, I celebrated my 69th birthday. I don't (emotionally) feel that old, though I am (physically) beginning to get twinges and aches where none previously existed. Intellectually, I believe I remain more than averagely competent. My sole problem area appears to be the current appeal of scatological (toilet) humor.

I loathed that scene in Bridesmaids. Those "bleachable moments" ads for Clorox do not encourage me to buy the product. I loathe the Cottonelle commercials asking "Would you go commando?' almost as much as I repulsed by the cutesy Charmin bears touting that you "could" go an extra day wearing the same underwear.

Much thought has not given me a precise moment or incident which gave rise to this irk with toilet humor. Lord knows I've had no problem with it in the past. I still chortle at the campfire scene in Blazing Saddles and the floating Baby Ruth in Caddyshack. I remember giggling the first time I actually understood what happened in Chaucer's "The Miller's Tale." I was bemused by the erupting toilet in Dogma.

My conclusion is that one of the indicators of age is what we perceive as funny. Three recent films that I have yet to watch for longer than 20 minutes offer samples of this humor-gap between me and many younger friends who loved them. I found Identify Theft a repellent movie because I know folks who've been in that situation. I wanted to jerk the chains of the Sisters not laugh at their final Ellis Island Party. Ted and Ted 2 were not Mark Wahlberg's finest moments!!!

My recent reflection has given me a much better comprehension of my Mom's annoyance when my brother introduced her to George Carlin's humor or when she scolded me after hearing me play Firesign Theater's We're All Bozos on this Bus.

On this humor issue I won't be an "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" person; I will continue to change the channel or mute the sound or not buy the product.

Bosses

While in the store this morning, I saw a sign for Boss' Day. With no hesitation at all, I purchased two cards, already writing the greetings in my head. Driving home, I began to wonder what it might mean that of the myriad management overseers I have had in my 50+ working years, only two jump into my head each year on Boss' Day: Dr. David McDonald and Ben Wortham.

A stranger would never peg either of these two men as a huge influence on my professional and personal life as we (superficially) have little in common. They are conservative. They are devoutly religious. They are heath-oriented. They are soft-spoken. They are thoughtful, as in they think before they opine or take action. They are Southern gentlemen in the truest sense of that phrase.

When I met them I had none of those attributes! Gradually, they worked their magic on me. (They are very sneaky that way.) Today I am occasionally conservative, generally health-aware and, sometimes, I even think before I open my mouth!

Despite our differences, I came to realize and appreciate that we share some core beliefs and values. Families are vitally important. Trust is necessary for any relationship to prosper and trust is built on honesty.  Communication must be give and take, not top down. Rules are necessary but not necessarily rigid. Learning should be joyful. Words are powerful. Schools should be havens, not prisons. Sometimes the student is right and the teacher is wrong. Differences should be explored, not condemned.

My years working for and with these men improved me, as an educator and as a person. I am thankful I met them late enough in my career that I could recognize the benefits of our relationships. (I'm not certain that would have been the case in my brasher younger years.) 

I seldom applaud the greeting card industry's compulsion to have a day for nearly everything - Boss' Day is October 17, this year. Nonetheless, I urge to acknowledge a boss who influenced you - he or she deserves to know. Whether you do it on that "official" day or not is unimportant.

Friends (New and Old) In Deed

1. Tuesday morning, I disembarked with no problem. Christian from Halifax tour was one of the shuttle bus coordinators. So, as I was standing in HUGE line for the next LaGuardia shuttle, a Cunard organizer came down the line hollering, "One person for Delta." Christian hollered back, "Right here." and off I went to the first bus in line. I arrived at Terminal C nearly five hours before my flight boarded! Excellent to know the right people!
2. I checked in.  All was well. Then TSA tagged my carry-on bag. The very pleasant officer asked what sharp objects I had in there, my reply, "knitting needles."  His shrug indicated that's not the problem. Then he lifted out Denis' bottle of Sortilege, turned and looked at me, grinning, "Ms. Mayer, does this look like a 2.5 fluid ounces container?" I turn red-faced and feel utterly stupid, no, stoopid!! I was so concerned about bringing only a liter into the USA, I never even thought about the carry-on restrictions. So, Salah (yes, I got his name because I dropped TSA a note about how courteous he was! I figured they might relish a compliment for once!) gave me my options: I could dump the bottle or leave the TSA check-in and check the carry-on bag through to JAX. I took option 2 because, as I explained to him, chasing this damn liquor all over Canada has been a journey worthy of Odysseus and I was not leaving it behind! He escorted me to the gate, told me just what to say to the Delta ticket agent and waved me off. 
3. At the Delta counter, Michael Morales waited on me. He MUST be kin to Salah. He didn't laugh at me or make me feel awkward. He taped my carry-on bag very securely shut, placed 4 "Fragile" stickers on it, ran my credit card and refused the tip I offered him, "Thank you, Ms. Mayer, but this IS my job." No wonder I like Delta!!!! (To whom I also penned a complimentary note!)
4. When I went back through TSA check-in, Salah waved and OKAYed me as I breezed through!
5. When Letreze picked me up at JAX, she hugged me and said that she and Jean had met at 4606 and tossed all the spoiled (from Matthew's no electricity days) food in my freezer and refrigerator! Bless their hearts! I had not been looking forward to that chore. THEN, I discovered they had replenished my foodstuffs enough so I did not have to grocery shop for a couple of days! I tell you, true friendship is dealing with odoriferous, nasty food so your vacationing friend does not have to come home to it!

New topic: Today I was stunned almost speechless when Bob Dylan won the Novel Prize for Literature!!! I mean, c'mon, BOB DYLAN!!! The man's a wizard with words and music but he's no Stephen Sondheim or Richard Rodgers or Gershwin. I wonder who submitted his name to the Nobel Committee? And why, now?

I recognized a sadness that I only thought of two people I wanted to talk to about Dylan's award: brother Bill and Jack DeYoung. How have I become so musically isolated that only those two men popped into my head when I heard the news??

Though I am home, I have gotten into the habit of considering my days; thus, I am going to attempt to maintain posting my thoughts. Fingers crossed!

Final day at sea

About 2:30 this morning, I woke up to a gentle rolling. The ship had encountered the tag end of Matthew and my body recognized the "ship moving through rough swells" movement and I immediately slept deeply for the next several hours. The swells increased all day. At lunch they were breaking over the windows of the Britannia restaurant. I was bemused by the reactions of the new Cunarders who were worried and anxious. I don't recall ever being upset, only excited and curious! 

I missed the Oscar Hammerstein lecture by Roy Hunt because I set my clock incorrectly. I was happily knitting with Margaret while listening to Bob share his adventure in the Antarctica last year when he asked what I had planned for the day. I mentioned the lecture and Margaret said, "Marty, that began 25 minutes ago!!!" Yikes! So I stayed with them until Merril found me to ask where I was. Not my best day for timeliness!  I went with her to Sir Samuel's where I splurged on fondue as we were joined by Diane and Peter. When we looked up, the afternoon skies had brightened, the seas were beginning to fall and the hours had sped by. 

My Perth girls gave me a memento:

An aside: the Captain told the ship that the expecteed 40 knot winds actually exceeded 75 knots as we were passing through Matthew. No wonder I woke up to movement. 

No pictures today, except for my koalas. Lots of talking and stories. I am fascinated by how quickly I become conversationally intimate with people on a cruise. Perhaps it is the closeness of the surroundings. Or it may be my personality or a combination of both. I believe Lis and Merril have the potential to be my new version of the Parkers, though I may never get to Carnes or Perth. 

Before dinner tonight, a group from Texas joined my table to play the trivia game. When I offered a couple of answers, they called me an unofficial team member "our kibbutzer." Assuring me it was complimentary!! I inwardly chuckled...I must not appear remotely cosmopolitan!!

Halifax, Annapolis, Wolfsville, Gaspereau Valley

Left Halifax Seaport, Cunard Center, bright and early bound for Annapolis and Grand Pre' Vineyards. The Cunard Center pays homage to the city's relationship with Samuel Cunard who was born here and his shipping line with models of various ship's figureheards. I wish I had time to read each plaque for information.

 

This has been the only non-sunny day all cruise. Edges of Matthew threatened all day but the rain did not begin until just about 6 this evening. Captain Oprey assured us seas will be high and wind be about 40 kts once we leave Halifax Harbor, but QM2 and I have been together on enough North Atlantic Crossings for me to have not even a twinge of a qualm!

I heard from all my extended family in North Florida. All is well with everyone, no one suffered structural damage, though Jean and Brian had to cope with 16 inches of water! Good things the Doodles have high perches!!

Color was everywhere today, so I'll mix in shots as I share my day.

 High speed coach travel does not always provide superb photography, but you get the idea. 

Annapolis is in Evangeline country. "This is the forest primeval. The murmuring pine and the hemlock." The early Acadians reclaimed land from the Bay of Fundy by piling up cut down trees, plastering the pile with a thick goo of gypsum paste and making dikes. See the faraway dike, then closer up.

 

 The Acadians knew the piles would rot, but they just kept adding logs and goo while the rotting logs made great soil!! No wonder when they came to New Orleans, they made such effective leveees!!

The winery was beautiful. I saw myself standing on a hill in Acadia, sipping wine while the Bay of Fundy shed water behind me!

 The flowers, trees and flowing, non-bubbling water feature contributed to the murmurring aura of this Grand Pre' winery.

 

 

 

 

 I even contemplated sitting in a decorated Adirondack chair...though I didn't see a nearby crane to help me out of it, so temptation was ignored!

 The wine tasting was varied. We had a full flight of three reds, three whites and one dessert wine. Everyone needed a nap when we boarded the bus! I had a Summer Street moment when I turned off the path into a glowing sugar maple branch!

 

 We journeyed to Wolfsville just south of Grand Pre'  and successfully avoided the hundreds of folks there for the annual marathon! Tour Guide Christian and I had lunch at an Greek/Indonesian place (reflects native cultures of owners)! Our waitress was from Lady Lake, FL!! She thought Christian's German accent was cute and didn't think I had one, Bless her heart!! I had never eaten an Antep Kebab! Delicious!!!

 Walking back to the bus, I stumbled on the waterside park and snapped a few shots of low tide in this section of the Bay of Fundy. You can't really tell, but the pit is about 25 feet deep! 

 I asked this young man, Liam Elliot, what he was building on the edge. He is a musician and was astounded when I recognized an Aeolian Harp! His is made of hemlock and is a cultural experiment. I promised to follow his website for its progress.

 

 After Wolfsville, we journeyed to Windsor to catch the Annual Great Pumpkin Regatta. Dill's Farm has the secret for growing gigantic, like 1100 pound, pumpkins. October is the festival month and TODAY was the race. Folks hollow out a pumpkin, decorate it and "race" around a course!! Anyone remember the Mug Race down the St. Johns?

 

 

 Dill Farm is also the home of Long Pond which is where Canadian ice hockey first began in 1800!!!! 

I, also, discovered Hotel Chocolate Club. A tastimg club that I hope e tends into the USA.

Below is a relief map of my tour area!

 We drove back to Halifax via the Gaspereau Valley. No words, just images.

 

 

 

 

When Titanic sank, Halifax sent ships out searching for survivors in boats. After 11 days, they had gathered 300 bodies; while Carpathia had saved the living ones. The Titantic Graveyard in Halifax is where these folks rest. It has the same haunted aura as Little Big Horn, Arlington and Flanders Fields!

 

 

Tonight I'm off to final formal night after the Captain's Cocktail Party!! Ooooh, do I feel special?!

Chatted with Ronelle from Sydney at cocktail party. Told Carol and hubby to have a safe flight home to Oregon.

Finally, got the New Mexicans to sit for a photo. Now realizing I don't know their last name! They gave me a bar of pure white Nova Scotia chocolate! I am touched. 

 Now to bed so I can begin packing and organizing tomorrow.