Carole and our friend Cyndy left on their cruise this afternoon.
As usual, Carole was running late - very late. So late, in fact, that I got to drive them to the ship. Carole normally has to drive everywhere - the alternative is having her get car sick, so it's an easy decision. But, she can't get a ticket until at least September. She's already got one on her record, and another that she went to traffic school for, and she can't go back to traffic school until September.
So, I got the duty. We did one of those 'professional driver - do not attempt' type of drives - well beyond the posted limit, but still within safe limits (if I say so myself). The ship was due to sail at 5:00 pm, and we didn't leave until 3:45.
(Carole planned on leaving at 12 noon, but we all knew this was McConnell time. Carole's maiden name is McConnell, and the lateness thing runs in almost all of the female McConnells, except for her youngest sister Crystal. So, when she tells us a time we know to be unrealistic, my sons and I know it's a McConnell time.)
After I dropped them off, I asked the nice women who greeted passengers at the curb if there was anywhere I could watch them sail. They recommended the Acapulco Restaurant down by Port O' Call, so I headed down there. I got a table on the patio, and had steak fajitas and read the last part of Sharpe's Triumph. The ship didn't actually pass by until almost 6:00 - Carole called me on her cell and we talked while we waved. I hope she has a nice trip.
Why didn't I go? The trip was really Cyndy's idea - actually, it was her husband Ernie's idea. Cyndy having some problems medically, and Ernie wanted her to go on a cruise - they had gone on a Caribbean cruise together a few years ago, and Cyndy had a good time. Unfortunately, by the time Cyndy was able to travel, things weren't right for Ernie to go, so he suggested that Cyndy go with Carole - who doesn't need much prodding to take a trip. So, Carole and Cyndy went together.
Oh, after the ship passed by, I finished the rest of Sharpe's Triumph.
