The 11th hour is upon us. In less than 24 hours I will be in Ft. Lauderdale Fla. In less than 48 Sondra and I will be walking up the gangplank onto a Cruise ship for a 7-day Caribbean adventure.

We are so excited. We have both spent too much money this week on some new clothes, shoes and stuff. But we plan on having a good relaxing time. Neither if us have been on a cruise before. Another couple, Steve who works with Sondra and his wife Cindy went last year for their 25th anniversary. They loved it soo much and Steve convinced Sondra we need to go.

So here we are both anticipating a fantastic celebration. Something I did not know was that I have to bring along with my short, tee shirts and flip-flops a tux. Yes, TUX. There are two formal dinners on this cruise. The Captain’s welcome dinner, at the beginning of the cruise and the farewell dinner at the end. There are also a couple of semi-formal dinners where I am expected to wear a suite and tie. Plus I have to find room in my suitcase for all the cabana wear I want to bring. Jeez!

I just want some fun in the sun. We are going through Jamaica where we plan to climb Duns River falls. We have heard this is very beautiful. In Grand Cayman we are going to dive with the Stingrays. Another first. Should be interesting. Kind of like the commercial (a different cruise line) and the guy say something like ‘…there like giant portabella mushrooms with eyes…’. Last stop is Key West. Been there before. Loved it. Looking forward to going back.

Things I will miss. My laptop and high-speed Internet access. My emails and other things to do while online. But that is the price you pay for a tropical vacation. I have always said I could move to some remote island, find me a local girl to keep me company, setup a hut on the beach and I would be happy. Would not ever look back. I still think that is true.

I’m out of here. Until Jan 26…