Ohio Adventures

This trip came about rather quickly. If there was anyone to blame it, is Dave and Danny. Okay, we can blame Audrey too. Frankly, I had nothing on my calendar to keep me from going. Luckily, I had enough room on my credit card to allow myself to go back into debt. So with strong wills (Justin included) and an available state room, I was on my way. 

Suffice it to say I will probably have to get a job when I get back to the States. I don't have the luxury of being able to donate blood. I test positive for tuberculosis thanks to Jimmy Carter (according to my mother) and his open border policies from when he was in office. I digress.

With internet package charged to the business account . . . I think I can find a way to expense some of this trip. I am keeping receipts. I don't want the tax man to think I am up to no good 😉👍😇 IYKYK

. . . out in the moonlight just like we used to do, I'm always walkin after midnight, searchin' for you  . . .

Patsy Cline . . . ICONIC . . . 

Give this and CRAZY a listen to!

Music was different back in the oldish days . . . Some say better. 

You be the judge!

The light you see bouncing off of my book and my face is man-made light. This light was placed strategically on board so that I don't trip and fall while I walk. The light you see in the sky overlooking the ocean, the land and the boat is light reflected from Earth's largest satellite, the Moon. That light comes from the Sun . . . Earth's closest star.

I would give our Sun 5-stars out of 5 . . . 

The Sun's purpose is to act as the primary energy source and structural anchor for our solar system, enabling life on Earth by providing essential light and warmth. It drives photosynthesis for food and oxygen, fuels the climate and water cycle, and its gravity holds the solar system together. 

I thank God for the Sun.

Thank God for the Moon.

The Moon stabilizes Earth's axial tilt (around 23.5 degrees), providing a stable climate and preventing wild seasonal variations. It drives ocean tides via gravitational pull, which aids in nutrient circulation and marine life cycles. Furthermore, it slows Earth's rotation, impacts ecological rhythms, and offers night-time illumination.

IYKYK

NASA is sending a 4-person crew TO THE MOON on April 1st. Artemis!!

Astronauts are in Cape Canaveral taking questions from the Media . . . News worth watching on BBC IMHO . . . Astronauts collaborate with Geologists!! Knowledge and Wisdom COLLIDE!!

IYKYK

The 4-person crew comes with various labels:

3 Americans and 1 Canadian

3 Males and 1 Female

3 Whites and 1 Black

When asked about these labels, the crew shared that none of these descriptors define them. They have dreams, worked hard, and frankly, this mission is about human accomplishments for all mankind.

Grabbing a bite to eat while we pull into port was a bit challenging . . . But, I was on a mission to eat outside. Fresh air . . . It's my favorite!! With all of the tables taken, I figured that if I bought a Bloody Mary that I could eat at the bar . . . . Nope, I was wrong . . . But don't worry . . . My handsome bartender cleared a table for me and made sure everything was wiped down. So, I had a bloody marry I didn't really want, but that's okay! I assure you, it won't go to waste 😉

No umbrella . . . No problem. 

This Motley Crew was not going to let any down-pours keep us from hopping on a ferry, enjoying ceviche and some local beers or keep Audrey from dipping her toes in the water . . . Good times!!

 . . . . Such a great day on a great cruise ship with amazing people. Thanks . . . I am loved!

The art auction I attended was such great fun. I had my eye on 3 pieces and wanted to take home only one. I did't want to be greedy! But . . . 6 or 7 mimosas later and . . . Well, I lost count! I definitely bid on two of the three butterfly pieces that I wanted. The Kre8 Butterfly piece didn't come out, which was fine. Vaughn played a video and I instantly fell in love with this artist . . . So much so that I bid on the Astronoaut piece . . . Because I was also inspired by the 4-person crew I had learned about that NASA is sending to the Moon for the Artemis II mission. Humans going where few humans have gone before. My ADD has a way with me . . . I just let it happen in the moment. A bit of a perfect storm for Vaughn. 🫠

Anyhow, I met up with my Motley Crew in the Haven and three whiskey sours later, I was down for the count. With no alarm set, I woke up on my own realizing that my appointment with Kenny and Park West had passed and I would have to apologize . . . Genuinely apologize and pray for mercy. Not doing what I said I was going to do to settle my bill is rude and unbecoming of the lady I am. I know I went a bit crazy at the auction, made friends with Morgan and . . . shoot . . . name's escaped me . . . had a blast, made an impression on Vaughn, but most importantly got picked by Kenny during the preview part of the event.

Dinner at Palomar was amazing . . . from prawns to grilled octopus paired perfectly with a white wine Dave recommended, to fillet mignon paired with a red, again a great Dave recommendation and on to dessert some sinful delight injected by dark chocolate --to-die-for . . . 😋 sorry . . . I should be . . . again ADD 🤣😂😭

. . . train of thought . . . scattered as they are at times . . . 

Day 3 is usually a day of tears and emotions . . . Thankfully I was fortunate enough to be placed in incredible gentle hands . . . an angel of a man . . . or perhaps 2, wait maybe many, many angel men!

Dave made sure I followed up with the gallery and he handed me off to Kenny . . . The next hour was absolutely perfect and just what God prescribed. Gratitude and appreciation for putting men in my midst who are truly and genuinely good. Good. Just good. It isn't difficult to be right and forthcoming. To some, it's just their Godly nature shining bright. 

Kenny and I connected on so many levels. I want to keep a majority of our meeting to myself. It was divine in nature . . . Between Kenny, myself and God.

Thank you Jesus. Gentle reminders that kind, caring, serving men are on cruise ships doing their best to take care of others . . . In YOUR name!

I am looking forward to receiving the pieces I treated myself to . . . And a piece for Colleen, RJ and Audrey (three favorites of mine closest to me worth spoiling). If I understand, there will be an after auction party! If mimosas are flowing, I better not have paddle #124 in my hand . . . Who knows what I'd bid on next???!!!

Sometimes having a TV in the bedroom allows you to catch up on some cinema that you have been meaning to get to. Today, I opted to watch Lincoln.

I learned that parties could be considered to be a "necessary hindrance" and that I shouldn't spend too much money on the "flub dubs". These were lines delivered by Lincoln in the film, yet I am sure there were no official writings that state as much. I applaud poetic license.  A scene struck me . . . There was something touching about how the President lay on the floor by his sleeping boy, kissed him on the head, and placed him on his back to bring him to bed. His son asked to see "Willie" and a father gently reminded a son that Willie had been gone for three years now, matter of factly, gently, caringly. Abraham was such a father to his son.

I am traveling with two great dads . . . and their daughter. Parenting is a site to behold. I wish I had done some things differently . . . a lot of things.

Hot tub conversation with Danny, Alex, and Devon touched upon American Citizenship, Artemis II, COVID, nibbles, lemons on bathing suits, and scuba diving.

I love how similar we are and how different we are, yet agreeable with the state of our Union.

It appears like all of the hard work, planning, and preparation needed led to lift off. Yay NASA! I hope everything else goes as planned and everyone gets home safely. Godspeed.

What Cruiseships have to offer in terms of dining possibilities is all encompassing. Sitting down and being served is always a nice option. If a restaurant is offering Eggs Benedict . . . Save me a table!

The Diner was great too! I opted for the Chicken Pot Pie and Chocolate Mousse for dessert -- DELISH!

NOT PICTURED -- Dinner included a ravioli appetizer course. The spinach ricotta stuffed pepper over rice was delicious and the no sugar added carrot cake: flawless.

I found this little gem at the front of the ship, complete with Bar . . . Nice options and a view of where we were headed. Gorgeous! Super friendly folks too!

. . . . to get a hold of me! They even sent this GOAT to hop on my head! I decided to distract him by dining on my #124 Paddle Card. He let me go, but not without making me talk to Holly about the Godard piece I wanted. Since that came in at a pricetag of over $15k, I found it quite easy to make my way to the Haven Pool for a  mojito. Cheers!

They really put attention to detail . . . The iconic Mickey Icon got dropped here . . . So cute!!

. . . while the main course is served, we are swimming with Dori and and other favorites! The chicken took on a bit of a hue, but was TOTALLY moist and delicious 😋!

This totally worked with the THEME! AHOY Mates!! Putting us in a dining room complete with a water theme  and animated creatures FUN AND BRILLIANT!!

I . . . EYE . . . aye . . . ZOOM IN . . . what do YOU SEE?

 . . . a FRIEND . . . like ME!!