diary : june 2005

Our debarkation point was Bayonne, NJ - oops, sorry, "Cape Liberty".  We first sailed under the Verazano Bridge (clearing by less than 20 feet!) then on to the Caribbean.  It was a family affair; How's dad Arn & step-mom Carol, my mom, Jo, and since my dad didn't feel up to the travel, cruise pinch-hitter and college pal Barb.  The ship is one of the biggest, dwarfed only by the QE2, and has some unusual amenities: ice skating rink, rock-climbing wall, roller-blading track, mini golf, faux English pub, in addition to the usual spas, hot tubs, dance classes, evening song-and-dance extravaganzas, and endless delicious food.  Aside from gaining some weight, it was all good.  Mom celebrated her 75th birthday on board by climbing the rock wall not once or twice but three times; How & I couldn't get up once.  Hope I have her genes.

Hooked up with pal Lisa during a business trip to DC - she's only a few weeks from delivering her first baby & has tentatively decided to name it "Mittens".

College pals Ruth & Dan hosted a big blowout BBQ for daughter Rebekah's birthday; Dan made both the cake & piñata.  Spent an hour coaxing a shy, beautiful stray spaniel to where I could collar it; owner showed up & saved me a trip to the Humane Society.

Old pal Brent is back in town after literally traveling round the world for the better part of the year.