Back from vacation, to the real world

We're back from vacation, went to work on Friday AND celebrated my 36th birthday. I'm now officially closer to 40 than to 30. Mother, in her infinite humor, decided that I needed raisen-bran muffins instead of my traditional choo-choo train cake.  Um, thanks mom. I think.

The Haiti earthquake happened while we were on the open seas of the Gulf, cruising away from Mexico. It certainly opened our eyes, taking the focus off of ourselves and onto others. I feel so burdened about the devasation, but I am encouraged by the amazing response of Americans.

It seems inappropriate to post pictures of our vacation, while so many in the world are fighting for their very life. So I'll just post a few of our favorites.

This picture is what I went for. To get my toes in the sand at our favorite place, Nachi Cocum. This was the ONLY day we had warm sunshine.

Self portrait on the same beach. The water was SO beautiful!

On ship... Rick, in usual form, taking to the dance floor!

Awwww, my sweetie!

And I think this is my favorite beach picture. Makes me wanna go back!

Outta here

We are outta here. Going someplace warm and sunny!
We've only been on the ship an hour, and I can't stop smiling!!!

Twenty-Ten

Well, the New Year is here.

I can't decide if I'm calling it "Twenty-Ten", or "Two Thousand and Ten."   The former sounds so futuristic...kind of Jetson-esque. Back in the 1980's, I thought that by 2010, we'd be driving hover-crafts and communicating by telekinesis.

We rang in the new year with our Cowboy Group. Had a great dinner at Tim and Tiffany's, then went to the Club to dance the night away. 

Here are the guys, looking quite fine, I might add!  From left to right: Charles, Tyson, Rick, Stan, Tim

And this next picture just cracks me up. The doggie belongs to Tim's parents. I can't remember her name... Chloe, maybe.  But the little dog would not quit staring at Tyson. As soon as he sat down on the sofa, Chloe was there. Rick is cracking up in the picture, and that makes me laugh.

And the girls are below, with Tim popping up in the background. This is after THE INCIDENT, which shall not be named, involving a most unfortunate wardrobe malfunction. Truly, my most horrifying, mortifying moment of my life.  If you weren't there to witness it, than you don't get to know what happened!

From left to right: Me, Jan (Tim) Twina, Tiffany, Kandi

The next picture is proof that I started the evening out in a little black dress.

The decor on the table was, um, a little like a 50th birthday party with masks and everything. We weren't sure how that fit into a New Years Eve celebration, but since they were there, we rolled with it.

 Hi-Ho-Silver!

And now... drumroll please: 

We've begun the countdown to vacation. Leaving on Saturday for a destination south of the border. This time next week, this will be my view!

And that's all I have to say about that!

Happy New Year, friends. I pray blessings of peace and joy for all of you.