North, to Alaska!

Robert and I decided to go on a cruise for our vacation this summer. We chose an Alaskan cruise, mostly because Robert wanted to see Alaska. I'm pretty easy going about most things, so I'm fine with it, though I will say it wasn't a place that was on my list of places to see.

We booked the cruise right after we got back from the Yucatan. It's been nice having something to look forward to, since March. We've made plans and shopped for travel accessories and clothing. We bought a set of binoculars and a garment bag. We got raincoats and filled in our wardrobe, with summer clothes and also with sweaters for cold days and excursions.

We booked a balcony room and got a good price. Our room number is 6157, I think. I looked at the schematic for Celebrity Solstice and it looks like a good spot. It's on the ocean side, midship near the elevator.

We booked excursions, including a helicopter to a glacier with an ice field walk, a wilderness kayaking adventure at another port, and a whale watching & bear watching excursion. We also bought 3 Specialty restaurant meals, a castle tour in Victoria, and a glassblowing class!

So even though Alaska wasn't on my bucket list, I'm really excited. I'm happy we have so many activities planned, but I'm really excited about seeing the scenery and meeting the people.

My mother bought me a point and shoot digital camera for trips like these. I already have it packed. But, honestly, I upgraded my phone to an S10+ with a ton of storage space, simply for the camera. So far, I love it.

We've packed 3 bags each. We've put luggage tags on all of them. We've made plans for the household and Xavier has everything he needs for the week. My oldest child's roommate, whom I've informally "adopted", broke her leg at the Eugene Pride Festival this last weekend, though. She's got a plate, 6 screws, and two pins now. So I'm worried about my oldest child, who's caring for her. But all in all, I think I've set everyone up to succeed while we're gone.

And. When I return, my band is playing at Emerson Winery on the 30th. So I have that to look forward to after the cruise. In fact, our lead guitarist learned to play piano in the Scottish Castle we will be touring in Victoria! He pronounced it "Crag-Derrick". Fun.

Is it Thursday, yet???