I thought I'd like to look at Paul and Marylou today.  Cute, huh?  Well for Canadians anyway.  Kidding!  Seriously they are great friends and I can always call them if I ever get blue.  I am going to have to cruise with them again one day.  They let me tag along with them in the comedy clubs and all around the ship.  Paul forgot Charlie's name one night on the way back to the cabin and called him "old what-his-name" and it just stuck.  I have seriously met some of the nicest people cruising that I could ever imagine.  And these are two of them.

This is the last of August.  The dog days of August.  Hot and steamy.  I could not love it more.  To me it's just perfect.  I'll take this over cold any old day at all.

Oh, and to anyone that might have gotten the wrong impression yesterday, the piano bar guy is Joe Hollywood and no, there is NOTHING going on, just a love of piano bars.  I have not heard back and still don't know if he is just visiting or playing but he's one of the best around, that I do know.  So if he IS playing I'd like to go.

Yesterday I filled in a canasta game I think I already told you, well I won pretty good, over twelve bucks.  I still would have rather been in the pool though.  And now I am playing Monday too.  The barbecue at the club starts at 5:00 and we are going to play canasta from 1-5:00 and then have a drink in the bar and then go in for dinner.

Then it's time for the snowbirds to start coming back.  It sure has been a lovely quiet summer and I'm not ready for it to be over yet but it is what it is and that's all there is to it, right?

Have a lovely Sunday y'all.  I'll be having lunch with the duck and then hitting Publix!

Well if I must say I rocked it with Andre' yesterday.  I was a bit afraid because of a week off on the cruise and then sick so I had not been in a bit and he said he was going to kick my a$$ and bless him he tried.  He'd say can you give me 10 more and I'd do 12, I would not let him get the best of me.  Good workout!  Workout #61.

Today I am playing canasta, filling in for the group I used to play in but dropped out for the summer so I could swim.  Since I have not had any games at all this week I said yes, that I'd play.

One of the Carnival piano bar entertainers is in town , well,  he was a Carnival guy, he is going to go on Royal Caribbean now but he is in town this week and he contacted me on facebook to get together.  I'm not sure if he is playing here or just visiting but if he is playing I'd like to go hear him.  Stay tuned for a possible fun time!  Not sure yet.

I'm also getting ready for a visit from a certain cute daughter in a few weeks.  I am sure looking forward to that.  Someone to talk to at night!  Woo hoo!

So y'all have a great Saturday, okay?  I know I will too.  I'll be trying to win a dollar in the card room.

***This was supposed to post at midnight but posted early because, well, I messed up.

Well flitter if canasta didn't get canceled yesterday.  So let's recap the week shall we?  Tuesday poker canceled, Wednesday Mahjong canceled, Wednesday dinner canceled, Thursday canasta canceled.  One of the gals husband fell and she didn't want to leave him and I certainly understand that but it left me home again plus it rained so no pool either.  I am well now too and ready to go do something!

So I went into that cavern I call a closet.  It doesn't look like I put a dent in it but I sure did take out a lot of stuff.  I also did a ton of ironing.  I like to iron.  I know, nuts, right?  Something about seeing the finished product all smooth and ready to wear makes me happy.  Now if I could just get the shoes under control.  They leap out at night and get all over the floor all the danged time.  Little buggers.

Roche' said I could take him shopping and I told him he didn't need any more clothes or toys, he has more than any other rock on earth I am quite sure.  That didn't seem to matter to him.

So I spent the afternoon listening to Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels and getting my country on.  I've got friends in low places!  Oh yeah.  Go Garth!  I also ordered a pink cowboy hat from Amazon.com, don't ask me why, like I need one more thing in my life but I saw it and I wanted it and I bought it.  Oh wait, I can wear it to the Charlie Daniels concert, right?  No boots though.  Pink cowboy hat, pink jeans, C/D shirt, pink sandals.  How does that sound?  In the Kravitz Center for the Performing Arts?  Bwahahah.  Oh yeah.  Why the heck not?

So that was my day.  How was yours?  Have a great Friday y'all.  I will too...

I usually stay on the Empress Deck and the last cruise and the next one are no exception.  Coincidence?  I think not.  I think they must have named it after me, that's what I think.  Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

My cold is mostly gone now, just a dry lingering cough that is most annoying but I am playing canasta today nonetheless.  I told them and they said they don't think I'm contagious any more and neither do I so I shall go and play.

My apartment is clean within an inch of it's life again.  They do such a great job, they really do.  Plus I had a toilet that was "running" and you had to jiggle the handle to make it stop and he fixed that too.  He put in some new thingy.  

I remember once Sarge tried to fix one.  He tied fishing bobbers to the thing inside to make it pull up more.  Of course it didn't work and for the life of him he could not understand why not.  Bless his heart.  The man was truly amazing but could not fix anything at all and remember he only had two tools, a plastic butter knife and a chain saw.  Gosh I miss him.

I have been listening to Charlie Daniels.  I just love that man.  Such a patriot and so generous and such high morals.  Can't wait to see him again.  Sarge and I saw him in Podunk one year, what a great show.

Guess that's about it for today y'all.  Hope your Thursday is lovely.  Mine will be busy and that is wonderful!

And we have yet another sick day.  Rats.  Poker was cancelled because there were not enough players.  I did exercise in the pool for half an hour but that's about it.  It feels so good to move some.  I told Andre' I'd be back on Friday. He'll whip my butt for sure.  One good thing is I have no appetite so I have lost what I gained on the cruise and then some.  Right now I am at probably a 20 year low weight.  Eighteen more pounds to go and Dr. Wacks will be happy.  I'm already happy.

Steve and Jane come today.  That two weeks went by fast.  They do such a fabulous job plus as an added benefit he can fix just about anything.  I was sure lucky to find them.

I am supposed to have dinner with my financial guy that I call Bob because that's his name.  I called him to tell him I have a cold and see if he wanted to back out but he said he has one too so we'll go and make the best of it.  We'll either both be better since we both came down with it at the same time or we'll give each other a different one and have it for another week.  Not to worry, we do paper work, no kissing.  (JOKE)

Remember when I told you about that condo building in West Palm Beach that was to be built and named ISIS?  Well guess what?  They are changing the name.  Big surprise, huh?  I believe that is the most evil group of humans that ever took a breath.  I also think we have not heard nearly the end of them either.

So that's about it for today folks.  Hope your Wednesday is fabulous.  Mine will be for sure...

Good day from the land of the sick and the home of the sloth-like.  I did manage to change the bed and swim for 20 minutes but that's about it folks.  Then I had a 2 1/2 hour nap from the exertion.  I didn't realize how weak I was.  A quick shower and that was my day, the couch to the bed.  Canned chicken soup.  

I cancelled Andre' for this morning too.  I doubt I'll be well enough for poker either but I'll wait until later morning to decide.  I know they need the players, in the summer we are short handed.  I seriously doubt I'll play though.  I already called them and told them I was sick and wanted to stay home.  They said to wait to see how I feel at the last minute.

And so I am sorry but I have nothing else today.  Hope your day is more exciting than mine but I assure you that mine will gear up and soon!

Well I never even got outside the apartment yesterday, I have a cold.  Rats.  I stayed in my gown and pretty much on the couch all day and did what I was supposed to do so hopefully it will go away quickly.  You know, fluids, blah blah blah... that stuff.  I don't feel too bad but I didn't want to be around anyone and get them sick too.  Sick sucks you know.

Old Chuckie Duck had me email him a grocery list and he got everything I needed and the doorperson brought the stuff up in a cart and I'm all set and I didn't touch anyone and then the mayor brought me a treat that his lovely wife baked and I don't remember what it's called but it's a Jewish Biscotti thingy.  Delicious but I only ate a tiny bit.  Woe is me, no appetite.  What a shame, right?  At least maybe those couple of pounds I packed on my butt will disappear.

I even turned on the tv I was SOOOOO bored.  But not for long, there is just nothing interesting on to watch.

Today I think I'll go sit near the pool in the shade and just be outside.  I don't know if I'll get in or not and I won't get near anyone but at least I'll be out of the apartment.  I get stir crazy.

You know if I had a brain I could write a book or something but I don't so that's out.  I try to do the beading again and I do love it but I just don't want to sit there and do it.  I will figure this out.  I really will.

Hope your Monday and your whole week is totally tits.  Mine will be I know!

I had so much fun I booked to go again September 29th.  This one goes to Half Moon Cay (pronounced "key") and Nassau with Monday and Tuesday being sea days.  I got a balcony cabin and I am a happy girl.  So far I am going by myself but that's okay, I know people on the ship and I make friends easily and I asked to be put at a big table in the dining room so I won't have to eat alone and I'll have a great time.

Last night I had an invitation from a neighbor to go to a local restaurant that has a piano bar in it and I had a really good time there too.  And I ran into a couple I used to know from when I worked.  I also saw the Mayor of West Palm Beach there, she seemed to be getting her groove thing on pretty good too.  I drove so I only had one drink and then switched to coffee but the liquor was flowing pretty good.  It was interesting that the crowd was both young and old and they were all up dancing and laughing.  I was dancing too.

Another evening that I didn't have to stay home and fret so that was good.  I just don't know what is wrong with me.  I never used to be this way.  I used to like certain tv shows and look forward to them, no more, now I rarely turn it on and then just to see the weather mostly.  I'm not even watching Big Brother and in fact don't even know if it's still on or over already.  I turn on music instead.

I promise to stop whining about this.  Soon.  I guess as soon as I get it figured out.  Anyway I'm sorry and it's really all good in my world.  I swam yesterday and it was sunny and lovely and there were lots of wonderful folks at the pool to talk to and I sure enjoyed that and then I came up and got most of my laundry done, I just have one small dark load left.  Not really enough to bother with actually.

Guess that's all I have in my brain for today y'all.  Hope your Sunday is totally tits.  Mine will be, I just know it!

And this is what I came home to see, the wall in my bathroom cut open and a broken pipe.  The condo fixed the pipe and patched the wall but I must now have the bathroom repainted.  Things happen.  It could have been much worse so I am thankful it's done and not any worse than it was.

Well I ended up gaining a bit less than three pounds, not too bad and I shall get rid of it in a hurry because I say so.

It's back to normality but it's also back to long evenings with not much to do.  I cannot tell you how much fun I had flitting between shows, bars, clubs, comedy clubs, piano bars, pizza places, walking around decks, there is so much to do in an evening not even mentioning the casino.  I like that.  A lot.  

Talking to people, making friends, listening to music, sigh.  I want more.  I know I should just shut up and be thankful for what I just had because I am such a lucky girl.  I'll try.  I really will.  There just is no one to talk to.  Roche' has taken to tuning me out and telling me I talk too much the little rockhead!  I don't even have a goldfish to watch swimming in a circle.  

I am going to find someone to keep me company, just you wait and see.  I AM going to.  I AM!  Later my loves...

And she's home again... some highlights in photos

But of course, where else would she stay?

Salt water pool was crowded except on port days when I had it all to myself.

The iconic Carnival Whale Tail

Nobody is gonna' mess with us with that Coast Guard around!

The amazing Gavin Degraw!

See him if you get the chance!

The charming officers of the Carnival Ecstasy

The very funny Allyn Ball

Carnival cookies, still warm and gooey.

Hard not to eat.

I didn't.

My special treat each morning!

A day at sea...

Oh my gosh was that Gavin Degraw concert ever great! Seriously that young man has some talent and an attitude that rocks! And we were treated to some special seats too, that was quite unexpected. When we got there we sat sort of in the back and the Hotel Manager came over and said " oh no, come with me" and took us down to row six. The first five rows were the expensive seats and we didn't buy those. No one sat down at all through the entire concert, we danced the whole time. Super great evening. He sang for several hours. I loved him!

As we were leaving the theatre I saw the Captain and he gave me a hug and kissed me on both cheeks, very Italian. Too bad he's married! Kidding! Anyway it has been quite a thrill being diamond cruisers on this voyage. I have never been treated so special in all my cruises.

The duck is back in the casino making another donation. I already donated all of mine and the mayor's money without a single winning number. The casino has been really tight and I am not going back.

Tonight there are two more comedy shows and then the piano bar and then it's all over for another cruise. It's been a blast folks. Truly...

(Maybe) Missbeehavin'

---Posted using BlogPress with the help of Honey...

The Carnical Ecstasy Day Three on Night Two

First I have to apologize for the grainy photos, I forgot the thingy to transfer them from the camera to the iPad and having no wifi they do not transfer automatically so I took a photo of the photo so here goes last night...



Captain Pierluigi Barrile was charming as well as handsome and the dinner was lovely. It lasted quite long too. He was not in any hurry to leave as most of them are. There were six diamond guests at the table as well as six officers. I have always found them to be in a hurry to get somewhere else but not him, what a lovely man.

Then we went to the piano bar for a half hour until time for the late adult comedy show with my favorite Carnival comedian, Allyn Ball. He did not disappoint. He never does. I have heard him so many times and there is always new material.




Then we went back to the piano bar where we closed it down quite late with a guy laying on it and all of us singing to him. He is openly gay and having a lot of fun with it. The whole thing might have been my idea but he loved it as did the rest of us. I finally got a few more people to start stuffing her tip jar! Gosh people, it's a piano bar. You tip! Pul-eese.

Tonight is the Gavin Degraw concert. We are in Cozumel from 1:30 - 12:00 tonight. It is a lovely cruise, it really is. I am so happy to be here. The seas have been like glass.

(Partly)Missbeehavin'


---Posted using BlogPress with the help of Honey...

The Carnival Ecstacy Day Two, early morning...

If this isn't the day to end all glorious days I don't know what is. When I opened the envelope I almost fainted! Dinner at the Captain's table? Thud.




Honey I am seriously having the time of my life here. The seas are calm, the food is good, the cabin is nice, the crew is friendly, and so much to do my head is spinning. I sure am not lonely this week!




Nobody's gonna mess with y'all while my Coast Guard is here, no ma'am.




Gavin Degraw tickets arrived safely for another night...




I am having the time of my life. Possibly eating a bit too much but not awful. I shall rectify that when I get home for sure. The young woman in the piano bar is fun and talented and of course the comedy club is a riot, had me in stitches, tears rolling down my cheeks.

As I type this I am sitting on my balcony having my bagel and coffee in Key West. Life is good my friends. Very good indeed.

(Perhaps slightly) Missbeehavin'

---Posted using BlogPress with the help of Honey...

Carnival Ecstacy Day One

Well embarkation was a breeze as usual, picked up the sail and sign cards, in the cabin by 11:20, unpacked and on the Lido grazing soon after.

For some strange reason I actually got a full night of sleep last night, nine hours actually, so I am ready for some mildly inappropriate behavior. And if any of you read about this on Facebook, NO, contrary to rumor, I am NOT going to flash Allyn Ball tonight in the comedy club. Remember, you read that here first.

So here I was having a really good hair day and I hit Miami and the humidity and my hair curled up within an inch of it's life so I pulled it back in a pony tail. Too bad. Then I got food on my shirt. Then I might have had a small (ish) piece of cake and a muffin top sprouted out of my jeans right there in front of the whole world and everybody. One tiny (ish) piece of cake and BAM - muffin top. Krap on a stick. I tell you cruising is not for sissies people, no it is not.

Stay tuned, I'll be back when I can, no set schedule on the ship remember...

MissBeeHavin'


---Posted using BlogPress with the help of Honey...

Packing for a cruise in a carry on!

Organize everything before you pack anything.

Make a list!

Check it twice.

Top photo: cosmetic bag, bathing suit and hat, undies, night clothes, Wen.

Passport! Gum.

This should take less than half the suitcase.

Lay all clothing flat on top of each other and carefully roll.

Read that again: carefully ROLL it all in one bunch.

This way there will be very few wrinkles.

Clothing: white dress jeans, turquoise dress jeans, black dress, pink dress, navy shorts, pink shorts, purple top, two black tops, two white tops, pink top, pink belt, gold belt.

That pink bag in the lower left is my Joy Mangno travel steamer.

Lid: two small purses and pink shoes, turquoise shoes.

I will wear black shoes, pink jeans, white top.

Jewelry is in pink purse.

I don't even need anything else besides a purse for my iPad and iPhone and passport.

Chargers will be put in outside pocket at last minute.

If I am going on a longer cruise I do it a bit differently.  I chose three colors like black, white, and tan for example and only take one pair of shoes and one bag and that leaves room for a few more clothes.  You can wear bottoms several times and just take more tops.  The cabins have terry robes so you don't need those, they also have hair dryers.  For years I schlepped stuff that I didn't wear.  No more.  I finally got smart.  I don't even check the bag, I keep it with me.  I am unpacked before muster drill and ready to party!  Beetini anyone?  Yes please!  And we're off and running...

A Great Celebration!

Yesterday was a great friend's birthday luncheon!

I love these ladies!

Priscilla, me, Carole (seated), Elaine, and Bev

Better gal pals one could never wish to have in this or any other lifetime.  I have lots of gal pals but these are the ones that will always have my back.  No jealousy or bickering or any harsh words between any of us, just not happening.  I cannot think of anything I would not do for any of them.

Today I will have lunch with the duck and close the suitcase.  I am taking photos and will show you how I pack for a cruise in just a carry on.  It's quite easy actually, you'll see tomorrow.  I take plenty of clothes too, plus two pairs of shoes and the ones I wear.  Just takes a bit of planning on what you want to wear.

Boy howdy have we had some storms lately in the afternoons.  I know that is par for the course in summer but really some hum dingers.  Like yesterday for example.  The (self appointed) mayor (of the pool) was cooking out and wanted to know if I wanted a hamburger, why yes, thank you very much, but I feared the storms would stop him from delivering it to my door.  Lucky for me the sky cleared up just in time and I got to enjoy a lovely dinner.  Wasn't that nice?

And so my friends thank you for reading today and come back tomorrow for more.  I shall try to keep you entertained whenever possible...

This was when I went inside yesterday and when the (self appointed) mayor (of the pool) decided to get IN the water.  Um, I have no words.  The whistle on the golf course was going off saying lightening and I could hear thunder but men can be stubborn things.  I am hoping his lovely bride sees this and can do something with him.  I am only the pool wife and don't have much clout although I did try.  It was about 1:30 in the afternoon.  He said "the sun is out".  Uh huh.

On quite another note I decided to tell you that yes, a cute guy did say he is going with me to those two concerts so I don't have to go all by myself.  Yay me.  Sarge would smile about it I know.

Today I have a luncheon downtown at City Place for a gal pal, there will be five of us.  We are all wearing polka dots.  I remembered I have a polka dot dress, I almost forgot I had it and was going to just wear pants and a shirt with dots, the dress will be so much cuter.  Cuter is always better, right?  And also lucky for me we are going to Brio and they have a light section in their menu so I can eat healthy.

The suitcase is out on the dining room table now and all but the clothing is already in it.  At the last minute I will roll all the clothes together in one roll and be done.  It's all in one carry-on.  I have finally got it right.

Yesterday was my 60th session with Andre'.  60!  Who would have ever thought I would have stuck with it like that but I did and I really like it.  I feel so good when it stops! Ha ha.

So that's it from me today y'all.  Have a fabulous Saturday and don't be shy about telling the mayor what you think.  I'll tell him to read the comments!  (Insert evil smile here.)