through the looking glass

"The time has come," the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--
Of cabbages--and kings--
And why the sea is boiling hot--
And whether pigs have wings."
                                                                      From The Walrus and the Carpenter by Lewis Carroll

I am going on a cruise to Bermuda. For a week.
With a large group of my in-laws.

We are gathering in honor of my mother-in-law's birthday, which is also my birthday, and Father's Day. I've been on two, shorter cruises before, also with my in-laws (for their 50th wedding anniversary and a milestone birthday) and I find them to be kind of a surrealistic experience, not unlike a Lewis Carroll novel.

Reasons I should not go on a cruise:

1. I don't like crowds.

2. I don't like group activities.

3. I don't drink alcohol.

4. I don't sing karaoke.

5. I don't like bright or loud or shiny.

6. I need a cup of good strong coffee between the time I wake up and the time I talk to anyone.

Reasons I will be okay and hopefully even enjoy this cruise:

1. I like my in-laws.
2. I like the ocean.
3. My room (cabin?) has a verandah, so I can sit outside and read and stare at the water and stay away from all those crowds and lights and noisy group activities.
4. I will have time to read several books.
5. I bought Starbucks instant coffee, which my husband says is not bad and can, in desperate times (which these will be) be made with hot tap water. I must remember to pack a mug.
6. Marvelous Harriet (with wonderful Jorge for backup) will be taking care of the store, so I won't have to think about it, even though I will miss 2 summer weekends.

I recently read Mutiny on the Bounty, so I am up to speed on deep sea vessel protocols.

 I hope to see houses that look like this

and learn all about Bermuda shorts.

And so, my merry band of internet friends, I hope to report to you from the road, water, but if not, I'll be back soon.

Jen