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.
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