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.