Rags1

Good morning from Deck 17 and Honduras!  Last night was dinner at Giovanni’s.  I think there’s a contest on board to see which specialty restaurant can take the longest to do something!  We were seated at 5:25. We departed at 7:35. I have food pictures somewhere and I’ll share. Food was good. Followed that with Headliner show MO5AIC. They were amazing as usual. As you know from my earlier post I went back for the second performance. By that time the girls were all in the room. I walked through the casino and put a few dollars in a video poker machine. Hit 4 Aces for $800, cashed out and hit the room.  

Received word today that an email I sent to the Hotel Director resulted in both Lusi and Jay being recognized for exceptional service.  Haven’t found out yet what exactly that means for Jay but evidently Lusi received a copy of my email with hand written comments from the boss, extra time off and dinner in the specialty restaurant of her choice!  That makes me happy!  More tomorrow.  Sorry for the delay!

Had to go down to the promenade on an errand. Stopped to listen to a rousing rendition of “When The Saints Go Marching In.”  My errand was to see the internet specialist. My IPHONE would connect but only for short periods and then would drop. I explained all of that to the late 20 something fellow in an officer’s uniform. He then said “Let’s have a look.”  He gently turned my phone around and with 4 swipes of his expert fingers turned on some feature.  Then he turned the phone back to face me….and pointed to the feature while his mouth said “You have to turn THIS on” while his smile and caring eyes were saying “Just go back to your room grandpa, if you can find it, and watch the news.”  

They had one minute of silence this morning to remember the victims of 9/11.  Pretty amazing to witness a vibrant cruise ship with 6000 people fall silent. I painted this end zone about 10 years ago for the high school where I worked

Received word today that an email I sent to the Hotel Director resulted in both Lusi and Jay being recognized for exceptional service.  Haven’t found out yet what exactly that means for Jay but evidently Lusi received a copy of my email with hand written comments from the boss, extra time off and dinner in the specialty restaurant of her choice!  That makes me happy!  More tomorrow.  Sorry for the delay!

I got out of a speeding ticket once because the police  officer called me 'sir' as he approached my car.  Loved it!
 

I'm sad you're home!! I had so much fun reading your blog and joining you! I think you blog your restaurant opening. No one here will mind it's not cruise-centric. 😃
And thank you for your female pilot story ❤️! Not to make this all about me, but i can very much relate as i work in Operations and its difficult to be female there sometimes. One time i was managing a restoration that was necessary due to a bombing (yes an actual bombing), and i asked something twice on a conference bridge to no response. I had to tell Batman to ask my question for me. Boom. Male voice got me the answer i needed. Happens all the time.  Fortunately, my last name is a common male first name. So when i have to reach out to someone who doesn't know me, i try to manage over MS Teams chat where I'm often called "sir." I just go with it!
 

I miss wild animals that have fur instead of scales and look cuddly instead of dangerous. 🤣
Philly 'burbs... 🐇  🐿️  🐭
Florida... 🐊  🦎  🐍

@OCSC Mike also...just came across this abomination and came right back over here to shame you... lol. 

Funny Krazy Lobster tidbit. While waiting for Taylor to get her braids I asked the Manager if they sold Krazy Lobster shirts. He said sure and brought out both a black one and a yellow one. I bought them. Last night when I was packing I noticed that on the sleeve of each shirt it says “Staff!”😂😂

Made it to Las Vegas. Plane change and a short hop home. Crew picked up our luggage at 0630. Breakfast in CK. Jay met us in the room about 8:50 and we were on the curb about 10 minutes later. Same car service as last week whisked us off to the airport. Had a snack from a business claiming to sell Chinese food. Routine flight in to Vegas stuffed full of Southwest’s yummy snack bags. Girls having fresh pretzels now. I’m waiting till I get home and make a fresh pizza!  
I’m telling you, these goodbyes with the Genies are just getting harder!  I may or may not have emailed Royal that I might not even cruise in the future if Jay isn’t aboard!😂. I’ll have more to share about him after I’m home. But for now I’ll just sit here at my gate, staring at a Burger King, and process those visions in my head of some strange people leaving 1740 on their way to CK for filet night. It’s not a good feeling😎

The sailing crew has made it safely home. Our Vegas to Palm Springs flight was delayed about 30 minutes because our aircraft was late arriving. Then once we boarded we were delayed about another 25 minutes waiting on 8 passengers on a late arriving SWA flight from Cleveland. The direct flights from Vegas to Palm Springs are listed as one hour. When you actually board one they usually announce a flight time of around 45 minutes.  Tonight once everyone was onboard they announced a flight time of 36 minutes. We made it in 27.  We dropped Katie at her house, stopped to get young Melissa some vegetables for her dinner, dropped her at her house and then Stacy, Taylor and I arrived home to be greeted by some happy pets!
The highlight of my day happened in Las Vegas. It might have been the highlight of my week. I was sure nothing could top that Aintzumi Chinese food in the Houston airport but I was wrong.  While standing in line to board our aircraft this happened:  I saw a female pilot come out of the jetway to talk to the agent at the gate.  After their discussion the gate agent, another female, resumed calling out the boarding instructions.  The female pilot took a step away from the podium and leaned against the wall reading something.  Shortly after that a guy, maybe in his 50’s, bypassed the boarding line and kinda just thrust his boarding pass at the pilot.  She looked up and said “I’m sorry, you have to show that to her” as she pointed to the gate agent. When I boarded I glanced in the cockpit and that pilot was in the left seat. She looked to be in her early 30’s. I’m sure a little older but didn’t look it. After a 27 minute flight we landed in Palm Springs and as I left the aircraft the Captain was in the jetway talking to other Southwest people. I told the family I’d catch up and I waited for her to finish her conversation. Then I told her I just had another day when  I’m embarrassed to be a man. She looked bewildered and asked why. When I told her I saw the guy try to give her his boarding pass she laughed like crazy. She told me it happens all the time.  And then, this is my favorite part, she said, “I just use it to my advantage.  When we have problem passengers I look at them, and in my sweetest voice  I say oh honey, you’re gonna have to talk the Captain about that.  He’s right over there!”  We both laughed and I told her “You just made my day Captain.”  And she responded “No Sir, you made mine” and gave me a hug. I mean it wasn’t Chops or Mama Mia or anything, but it was a moment for sure!
I’ll have more tomorrow to wrap this up

Our guest arrived at 5:30!  After a tour of the suite, and a few selfies, we shared a meal of sushi and learned much more about Lusi. She is an amazing, gracious lady who loves to talk and laugh. 
After his other guests were accommodated we met Jay for our last dinner here at Giovanni's. Another fun hour grilling him for dirt!😂. Learned a lot more of his past experiences and future goals. He's a gem for sure. Melissa received another birthday cake tonight with the correct name on it😂

Somehow after a very late night I actually made it to the cupcake decorating class at 10 am.  (None of the other hard partiers answered the bell😂). Lusi taught us how to make a dog.  I actually could have used the hair of the dog!  Here’s my cupcake dog next to Lusi’s.  Not hard to guess who’s is who’s!
After class I met Stacy at, sit down now @Lovetocruise2002, the Windjammer for a bite. Then we met the kids at Sabor for some guacamole. Enjoyed watching all the little ones at the final day family party on the boardwalk.  Then down to the Promenade to buy an Allure shirt for me and get Starbucks for the girls. Now a little chill time until 5:30 when we may have another guest up for a little sushi😎
Dinner tonight at 8 back in Giovanni’s for the “last supper” before our return to reality. Speaking of reality I received an email from the County requesting I submit documents that I sent them a long time ago. I just said no.  Check.  Your move.  Thursday morning I received approval to open!

Time to catch up a bit.  Melissa and I got off the ship at Cozumel and just spent time in the port area. Did the tourist thing and had some tacos and guacamole at Margaritaville.  Weather was nice enough so we spent some time on the balcony.
Dinner at chops.  Had the filet and whole lobster.  Both very good but the Sabrina Special in CK is still the best.  Show last night was in the aqua Theater.  Always amazed with the athletic skills of those men and women.
After the show we headed up to the suite to once again spend some time with our friends, MO5AIC.  Happened to be Heath’s birthday so we celebrated with a cake, some snacks and of course some drinks. Jay knows them well so he popped in also.  Just like last year it was two hours of laughter!  Just before 11 the guys and girls decided to go to Quest.  Stacy and I said we’d stay in the suite and let the younger ones party.  Shortly after they left I found a cell phone belonging to one of the guys. I texted Taylor and she asked if we could bring it down.  We went and found the group and went back to the room.  NOT.  I Think I was set up. Sometime around 3 am we said ourgoodnight and headed back to the suite.

The sailing crew has made it safely home. Our Vegas to Palm Springs flight was delayed about 30 minutes because our aircraft was late arriving. Then once we boarded we were delayed about another 25 minutes waiting on 8 passengers on a late arriving SWA flight from Cleveland. The direct flights from Vegas to Palm Springs are listed as one hour. When you actually board one they usually announce a flight time of around 45 minutes.  Tonight once everyone was onboard they announced a flight time of 36 minutes. We made it in 27.  We dropped Katie at her house, stopped to get young Melissa some vegetables for her dinner, dropped her at her house and then Stacy, Taylor and I arrived home to be greeted by some happy pets!
The highlight of my day happened in Las Vegas. It might have been the highlight of my week. I was sure nothing could top that Aintzumi Chinese food in the Houston airport but I was wrong.  While standing in line to board our aircraft this happened:  I saw a female pilot come out of the jetway to talk to the agent at the gate.  After their discussion the gate agent, another female, resumed calling out the boarding instructions.  The female pilot took a step away from the podium and leaned against the wall reading something.  Shortly after that a guy, maybe in his 50’s, bypassed the boarding line and kinda just thrust his boarding pass at the pilot.  She looked up and said “I’m sorry, you have to show that to her” as she pointed to the gate agent. When I boarded I glanced in the cockpit and that pilot was in the left seat. She looked to be in her early 30’s. I’m sure a little older but didn’t look it. After a 27 minute flight we landed in Palm Springs and as I left the aircraft the Captain was in the jetway talking to other Southwest people. I told the family I’d catch up and I waited for her to finish her conversation. Then I told her I just had another day when  I’m embarrassed to be a man. She looked bewildered and asked why. When I told her I saw the guy try to give her his boarding pass she laughed like crazy. She told me it happens all the time.  And then, this is my favorite part, she said, “I just use it to my advantage.  When we have problem passengers I look at them, and in my sweetest voice  I say oh honey, you’re gonna have to talk the Captain about that.  He’s right over there!”  We both laughed and I told her “You just made my day Captain.”  And she responded “No Sir, you made mine” and gave me a hug. I mean it wasn’t Chops or Mama Mia or anything, but it was a moment for sure!
I’ll have more tomorrow to wrap this up

Funny Krazy Lobster tidbit. While waiting for Taylor to get her braids I asked the Manager if they sold Krazy Lobster shirts. He said sure and brought out both a black one and a yellow one. I bought them. Last night when I was packing I noticed that on the sleeve of each shirt it says “Staff!”😂😂

Made it to Las Vegas. Plane change and a short hop home. Crew picked up our luggage at 0630. Breakfast in CK. Jay met us in the room about 8:50 and we were on the curb about 10 minutes later. Same car service as last week whisked us off to the airport. Had a snack from a business claiming to sell Chinese food. Routine flight in to Vegas stuffed full of Southwest’s yummy snack bags. Girls having fresh pretzels now. I’m waiting till I get home and make a fresh pizza!  
I’m telling you, these goodbyes with the Genies are just getting harder!  I may or may not have emailed Royal that I might not even cruise in the future if Jay isn’t aboard!😂. I’ll have more to share about him after I’m home. But for now I’ll just sit here at my gate, staring at a Burger King, and process those visions in my head of some strange people leaving 1740 on their way to CK for filet night. It’s not a good feeling😎

The animal collection this week

Our guest arrived at 5:30!  After a tour of the suite, and a few selfies, we shared a meal of sushi and learned much more about Lusi. She is an amazing, gracious lady who loves to talk and laugh. 
After his other guests were accommodated we met Jay for our last dinner here at Giovanni's. Another fun hour grilling him for dirt!😂. Learned a lot more of his past experiences and future goals. He's a gem for sure. Melissa received another birthday cake tonight with the correct name on it😂

Somehow after a very late night I actually made it to the cupcake decorating class at 10 am.  (None of the other hard partiers answered the bell😂). Lusi taught us how to make a dog.  I actually could have used the hair of the dog!  Here’s my cupcake dog next to Lusi’s.  Not hard to guess who’s is who’s!
After class I met Stacy at, sit down now @Lovetocruise2002, the Windjammer for a bite. Then we met the kids at Sabor for some guacamole. Enjoyed watching all the little ones at the final day family party on the boardwalk.  Then down to the Promenade to buy an Allure shirt for me and get Starbucks for the girls. Now a little chill time until 5:30 when we may have another guest up for a little sushi😎
Dinner tonight at 8 back in Giovanni’s for the “last supper” before our return to reality. Speaking of reality I received an email from the County requesting I submit documents that I sent them a long time ago. I just said no.  Check.  Your move.  Thursday morning I received approval to open!

Time to catch up a bit.  Melissa and I got off the ship at Cozumel and just spent time in the port area. Did the tourist thing and had some tacos and guacamole at Margaritaville.  Weather was nice enough so we spent some time on the balcony.
Dinner at chops.  Had the filet and whole lobster.  Both very good but the Sabrina Special in CK is still the best.  Show last night was in the aqua Theater.  Always amazed with the athletic skills of those men and women.
After the show we headed up to the suite to once again spend some time with our friends, MO5AIC.  Happened to be Heath’s birthday so we celebrated with a cake, some snacks and of course some drinks. Jay knows them well so he popped in also.  Just like last year it was two hours of laughter!  Just before 11 the guys and girls decided to go to Quest.  Stacy and I said we’d stay in the suite and let the younger ones party.  Shortly after they left I found a cell phone belonging to one of the guys. I texted Taylor and she asked if we could bring it down.  We went and found the group and went back to the room.  NOT.  I Think I was set up. Sometime around 3 am we said ourgoodnight and headed back to the suite.

Two days and counting!  I spent the day buttoning up the yet to be approved restaurant. I’ve spent several weeks in the kitchen experimenting with our menu. Today I decided to try and use most of the product I have on hand before leaving. So pizza day it was!  Since we’re a small town I know most all of the other business owners. Pizzas were delivered to our local fire department, gas station, ice cream shop, cactus store, feed and novelty store and a tire shop.  The reviews have been good!  I like Sorrento’s but I do believe that Just a Small Town Grill’s pizza is better!
 

The sailing crew has made it safely home. Our Vegas to Palm Springs flight was delayed about 30 minutes because our aircraft was late arriving. Then once we boarded we were delayed about another 25 minutes waiting on 8 passengers on a late arriving SWA flight from Cleveland. The direct flights from Vegas to Palm Springs are listed as one hour. When you actually board one they usually announce a flight time of around 45 minutes.  Tonight once everyone was onboard they announced a flight time of 36 minutes. We made it in 27.  We dropped Katie at her house, stopped to get young Melissa some vegetables for her dinner, dropped her at her house and then Stacy, Taylor and I arrived home to be greeted by some happy pets!
The highlight of my day happened in Las Vegas. It might have been the highlight of my week. I was sure nothing could top that Aintzumi Chinese food in the Houston airport but I was wrong.  While standing in line to board our aircraft this happened:  I saw a female pilot come out of the jetway to talk to the agent at the gate.  After their discussion the gate agent, another female, resumed calling out the boarding instructions.  The female pilot took a step away from the podium and leaned against the wall reading something.  Shortly after that a guy, maybe in his 50’s, bypassed the boarding line and kinda just thrust his boarding pass at the pilot.  She looked up and said “I’m sorry, you have to show that to her” as she pointed to the gate agent. When I boarded I glanced in the cockpit and that pilot was in the left seat. She looked to be in her early 30’s. I’m sure a little older but didn’t look it. After a 27 minute flight we landed in Palm Springs and as I left the aircraft the Captain was in the jetway talking to other Southwest people. I told the family I’d catch up and I waited for her to finish her conversation. Then I told her I just had another day when  I’m embarrassed to be a man. She looked bewildered and asked why. When I told her I saw the guy try to give her his boarding pass she laughed like crazy. She told me it happens all the time.  And then, this is my favorite part, she said, “I just use it to my advantage.  When we have problem passengers I look at them, and in my sweetest voice  I say oh honey, you’re gonna have to talk the Captain about that.  He’s right over there!”  We both laughed and I told her “You just made my day Captain.”  And she responded “No Sir, you made mine” and gave me a hug. I mean it wasn’t Chops or Mama Mia or anything, but it was a moment for sure!
I’ll have more tomorrow to wrap this up

This has been solved. Wendy said do not worry about scheduled time just to let her know when we get there and she will take care of it.
We are going with the same mentality. We tend to eat around 7 when we are on a cruise so this should work out fine for us. We should have our schedule soon as we are now at 13 days out.
I called the cruise planner department and they told me only the single pass is available now. Wendy however told me that couples pass is available on day one but the price she quoted was more expensive then 2 singles passes so who knows. 🤷‍♂️ Wendy did let us know that each person still gets a 1 day pass included with Star and a one day pass is an additional $35 per pass, so we may just get 2 day passes and use our free pass for our 3 sea days. In true fashion we have not made up our minds about this yet.