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!