So we decided to go see our oldest son’s first. The only downside is the weather. It’s so cold in the north right now. Guess I will need to do some shopping for Bob and myself. Hey, any excuse is a good excuse.

Since the cruise and our days of solitude on the boat, I think it is time to visit the children. I am so in love with Hawaii I can’t think of anyplace else I want to cruise. Darling Bob suggested that maybe we just take some time to spend with our children and grandchildren, and then worry about a cruise. He is the most wonderful man on the face of the planet. I am off to make some calls and figure out who to visit first.

Bob and I decided to stay on the boat for a couple of days. It’s so cozy and the ocean has a way of rocking you to sleep. We are in port to gather a few items so that we don’t starve. Ha, ha, ha. I think we need to look at sailing ourselves to places nearby. I love driving the boat and the privacy we find out in the middle of the sea with no one around. It’s almost as if we are on a second honeymoon.

Our boat seems rather small after being on that huge cruise ship for so long! I almost didn’t recognize it, but Bob did. He was like a child who has gone to camp and returns home to see his favorite pet. It’s a beautiful day to hit the ocean. I wonder how long it would take us to sail to Hawaii?

We are so happy to be home in so many ways. The baby seems to have doubled in size already, the restaurants are all doing wonderfully and it feels great to sleep in my own bed. But, I have to admit I miss Hawaii. I may never cruise anywhere else again. (Not really.) Bob and I are going to take the boat out tomorrow, so I think that will make me feel much better.

Well, where to begin? What a whirlwind trip!

We flew to into Honolulu on Saturday – actually Friday, with the time changes! We departed from Oahu in late evening, and dinner onboard was very relaxing. Our first meal shipboard was a late dinner at the Sun Terrace – Italian casual, and made me think about our newest restaurant. I banished all thought of work for the rest of the trip!

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As our time in Hawaii draws to a close, I find that I don’t want to leave. I have fallen in love with Hawaii. I have never been anywhere that I feel so at ease or such happiness for no real reason. Just because it is so.

I have never seen such beauty as I have here in Hawaii. No matter where you look, you see it. The plants, the mountains, the ocean, the beaches, the people. If you ever the chance to travel to Hawaii, DO NOT pass up the opportunity!

Even though it really hasn’t been that long since we were on a cruise, I had forgotten how relaxing it can be. Standing on the deck watching the rolling ocean and the clouds drift by. How can someone not want to experience a cruise?

We have been so busy on land that I haven’t had much time to explore the ship. I can tell you where the spa is and where the dining is! We will be on board for a little over a day so I can breathe in the shows and activities onboard. It’s like a vacation within a vacation.

How BEAUTIFUL Hawaii is? I do not think I have been anywhere so beautiful and serene. The sunsets are breath taking and the sunrises are like watching the world wake up. The sky goes from dark to golden to red to orange to purple to blue. All in a matter of moments, all reflecting off the ocean that surrounds us. When Bob and I finally retire from our business, this is where I want to live. That or I want to cruise Hawaii for all of my remaining years. Ha, ha,ha.

Did I ever tell you how much I LOVE the spa’s on these cruise ships? If you have not ever taken advantage of the spa, please do! You will love it! I always feel so relaxed and rejuvenated. Ahhhhh.

We have begun our cruise. So far it’s been a blast! I will check in as time permits.

Well, we are off to our long awaited Hawaii cruise! I have never seen Bob so excited before. I think he had a little too much time with the children and the new baby. Time for some well deserved rest and relaxation.

As hard as it is to imagine, we reminded ourselves we would only stay long enough to welcome this new grandchild (sweetie!) visit for a time, and then get back to preparing for our Hawaiian cruise!

We know little Caroline Darlene is in great hands, after all. She received so many tiny pink outfits at her shower! After a wonderful time (thanks to a great planning partner in our son’s terrific mom-in-law Darlene!), and a tearful, smiling sendoff, we headed home to pack again.

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I must say that this was the best baby shower I have ever been too! Maybe it was because she was already here, maybe it was my help with the planning( I am a great planner) or maybe it was just that everyone involved was so happy. The decorations were all pink and frilly. The cake was covered in the most beautiful little flower designs, all in pastel colors. The caterer did a wonderful job with all the finger foods and snacks. Caroline D. was dressed up in a beautiful little pink dress and bonnet. There were so many guests that the hall we rented was almost too small! The gifts were all very wonderful; the baby has now acquired several bracelets, and 2 rings! I wish all you reading this could have been there! It was the most joyful celebration of life I have ever been to.