Rags1

Alright the 2 shows I wanted to reserve have been reserved- Comedy show and Aqua 80. I don't need to see the weird ice show again and I'm still not interested in Cats. Oh I did book the "One Sky" show, as well, even though I've seen some mixed reviews, figured we'd check it out for the giant Airplane prop, at least. The kid is obsessed with planes right now.... like to the point where he knows why type of plane is flying over us and likes to sit by the airport watching them come in.  They also just put most of the schedule for the week up on the app, the only thing I don't see is a headliner show and laser tag, which seems to have been missing from the past few weeks, so I'm really hoping it pops up when on board.  We skipped so many shows and activities last time around on Oasis, we made it a point that we are going to as many as we can without over-doing it this time around.  I actually made an excel spreadsheet with all of the days and columns for each hour of the day, and started filling them in so we can kind of map out what we want to do each day. I know my wife too well, so I know this is a VERY tentative working schedule, but it gives me , the over-planner, something to work with!   13 days to go! 

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

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

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

So about the blog title.  I need to bore you with some history so it makes sense.  Many moons ago we booked our September 2022 cruise. Then in April of last year my bride, Nurse Ratchet, decided we should buy a building and convert it to a restaurant. Yeah, seriously she did. Build and operate a
So about the blog title.  I need to bore you with some history so it makes sense.  Many moons ago we booked our September 2022 cruise. Then in April of last year my bride, Nurse Ratchet, decided we should buy a building and convert it to a restaurant. Yeah, seriously she did. Build and operate a restaurant.  Not retire and take a couple cruises a year. No. Open a restaurant.  At that point, I used the amazing negotiating skills I learned in my law enforcement career and within 20 minutes the decision was made to build and operate a restaurant !  So, with two partners (don't say it) we purchased a market in town that we would magically convert into the restaurant of Ratchet’s dreams. I told the family we more than likely wouldn't make the Sep ‘22 cruise because we'd be slammed serving up pizza and other delights and wouldn't have time to cruise. It was only April, surely we'd be open by September.  Right?  Without going into the joyous details of converting a market into a restaurant we soon realized that an opening date wouldn't happen before December. So we didn't cancel that cruise. We weren't ready to open and we had partners to monitor the project for a week so we went cruising last September, as planned. After a wonderful cruise, I was sitting in an airport in Florida on September 11, 2022 waiting for our flight home. To kill time before departure I might have perused available cruises for THIS September. Lo and behold, the very suite that we had just left an hour before, was available for September 10 of this year. But should I book it?  The restaurant was going to open in December so I wasn't sure we could plan another week away. But, we had partners!  (Don't say it). Yeah they can watch the restaurant. That was the thought in my head as I hit the ”book” button. 
 
Now I told you all of that to tell you this:  It's Aug 28, 2023.  The restaurant is not open.  There are no more partners. But by golly we're about to go cruising!  Shortly after we returned home last year the partners requested we buy them out because the project was more expensive than they had planned. So that happened. (And yes, we're still all friends).  And the construction, which I do myself, continued.  As did the requests, requirements, questions, inspections and fees from our wonderful County Building and Safety, Planning, and Health Departments. Sometime around March or April I told the girls we needed to cancel. But we didn't. I said it again just before final payment was due. But we didn't cancel. A few weeks ago I told them to go without me because this is a critical time in this restaurant and I needed to be here. And then really just days ago I finally decided that this cruise is a go - for all of us!  I need the break. Dealing with the County is like trying to un-ring a bell, wash a cat and put toothpaste back in the tube – all at the same time. I won't mention which County. (It's San Bernardino, California 😂). Their emails flow like blended Mojitos on the pool deck. Their direction changes as quickly as Captain Johnny trying to outrun a storm.  I feel like I'm caught in the middle of the Escape Room and the Quest!  I need a break.  And I think a cocktail on the balcony as we sail out of Galveston will provide that. So,in just 12 days we will board a Southwest Airlines jet, with two good engines, and fly from Palm Springs, Ca to Las Vegas, NV, to Tucson, AZ, to Houston Texas.  With the price of the room, budget air is a necessity ! 
 
I know this is an early start to the Blog. But after making the decision to go and reading @Lovetocruise2002live blog I need to switch from restaurant mode to CRUISE mode!  I hope some of you will follow along as Stacy, Katie, Taylor, Melissa and I head out for 7 wonderful days on our favorite Allure of the Seas.  Now I can spend a few days of not only thinking about it but writing about it. Makes it seem more real this way
 
.  Not retire and take a couple cruises a year. No. Open a restaurant.  At that point, I used the amazing negotiating skills I learned in my law enforcement career and within 20 minutes the decision was made to build and operate a restaurant !  So, with two partners (don't say it) we purchased a market in town that we would magically concert in the restaurant of Ratchet’s dreams. I told the family we more than likely wouldn't make the Sep ‘22 cruise because we'd be slammed serving up pizza and other delights and wouldn't have time to cruise. it was only April, surely we'd be open by September.  Right?  Without going into the joyous details of converting a market into a restaurant we soon realized that an opening date wouldn't happen before December. So we didn't cancel that cruise. We weren't ready to open and we had partners to monitor the project for a week so we went cruising last September, as planned. After a wonderful cruise, I was sitting in an airport in Florida on September 11, 2022 waiting for our flight home. To kill time before departure I might have perused available cruises for THIS September. Lo and behold, the very suite that we had just left an would hour before, was available for September 10 of this year. But should I book it?  The restaurant was going to open in December so I wasn't sure we could plan another week away. But, we had partners!  (Don't say it). Yeah they can watch the restaurant. That was the thought in my head as I hit the ”book” button. 

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

The animal collection this week

Thanks for following along!

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

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😎

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!”😂😂

The animal collection this week

Goodbye Costa Maya. Hello Izumi Hibachi

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!”😂😂

this is how we know it’s extra ~authentic 😎

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😎

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!”😂😂

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😎

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😎

Can you imagine our two families, with Jay and our other favourite Genie? 😉
A girl can dream lol

Houston doesn’t look as good this morning as it did last Saturday!  Breakfast and departure at 0900.  More thoughts and photos when I get home