Sunday, December 3 --  Merrily We Roll Along

It’s a good thing nothing of consequence has happened since Wednesday because internet service was spotty at best.  We are in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean heading west toward the Bahama Islands, but the satellites the ship uses for internet connectivity don’t know that; they are somewhat motionless over the earth.

Seas the past few days have been bumpy and, on occasion, downright rocky.  Still, they were nothing extraordinary and tended to rock us to sleep, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day.

Now that we are in the home stretch we are making lists of chores which have to be done starting Friday.  For example, the hurricane shutters have to be opened until the next storm season and all of the patio furniture needs to be taken from the living room and put back on the deck.  There meals to organize for the coming invasion of the grandchildren and presents to buy.  Now that we know we have to return to Baltimore for another round of surgery, there are doctor dates to change as soon as we can.  The new storm window and front door installation will have to wait for us to return.  Busy, busy, busy.

Tomorrow is “our” Mariner reception and luncheon.  There are so many repeat passengers on board that there had to be 3 separate receptions.  According to one of the dining room supervisors, more than half are 4 or 5 Star Mariners like us.  From a practical standpoint, this means we will get another pair of HAL tiles to add to our collection.  Eventually, we will be able to use them to replace the roof.

Tuesday will be the last formal night, but D is not wearing his tuxedo.  Instead, he will wear a black blazer, the ever-popular blue shirt and a tie.  By doing this, he can send the tuxedo shirts to the laundry and get them back before we need to pack.  It is easier to get an Oxford shirt laundered at home than formal wear.

Wednesday is envelope prep day.  Although HAL adds a per diem fee for tips [they call it a hotel charge], we usually give some cash at the end of the cruise.  Because we were not as happy with the waiters or cabin stewards this year, we will not be tipping as much, but they don’t know that and will be happy with whatever we decide on.  So on Wednesday we have to determine how much to give to whom.

Thursday will find us at anchor off Half Moon Cay, the HAL Bahama.  We don’t normally go ashore here and this trip will be no different.  We will be packing while everyone else frolics in the sand.  Thursday night is envelope night; we give the tips at the end so there can be no recriminations like spilled soup.

Friday?  Well, we will disembark around 8 if we are lucky, get the car and head for bagels and whitefish.  And reality.