Today started off just fine. Warm, a little humid, and a nice breeze greeted us as we went for our morning walk. Then like we do on days at sea like this, we headed for the Seaview Pool. To say conditions deteriorated by noontime, is an understatement. The clouds became heavier the further south we sailed, and by 1pm, the sprinkles began. Most times, we wait it out, but looking ahead, it appeared the rain was here to stay. Oh well, guess we have been very lucky so far this trip with mostly sunny days.
The swells began to be bothersome shortly after Captain Jonathon gave his 12:30pm update. He said it would be increasing all the way to Rio, but would calm down once we got there. Hope he is correct, because it sure made getting around the ship more difficult for many.
Going to lunch in the Lido, we ran into Leta, who was coming back from a massage. She joined us at our table, and we had a great conversation catching up on a year's worth of home news. Bill, her husband, was relaxing in their room, and we promised to make a date to have dinner with them soon.
Speaking of dinner, there was a most special one tonight. We had been invited to an 80th birthday celebration for our buddy, Don, who we have known for like, forever. The evening began with a gathering of mutual friends, our five tablemates among them, for drinks in the Crow's Nest at 7:15pm. Arriving on time, we found the entire group of 28 guests were already there. Even nicer, we knew every one of them.
By 8pm, we made our way to the center of the dining room on deck four. Three large tables had been reserved for us, with the table for 12 set with piles of balloons. The menu was the regular choices for the evening, but when it came to dessert time, a gigantic carrot cake arrived to the birthday boy. Along with that came dozens of waiters to sing the special song for Don. Actually, we have never seen such a huge turnout at any birthday ever. The singing raised the roof. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. And the cake was good too, as it was Don's favorite. We stayed until the dining room was closing for the evening after 10pm. It was also nice that the ship's photographer showed up to take a picture of the event as the waiters surrounded Don. He was most impressed and thanked us all for being part of his special day, even though his real birthday is tomorrow.
The Captain stopped by, as well as the top officers onboard, to add their congratulations to Don. He added that tomorrow's weather should not include rain, and the sail into the port will be around 5am. For sure, at least one of us will be up to film it…..maybe.
Bill & Mary Ann
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Report #73 Day at Sea January 18, 2020 Saturday Partly sunny, cloudy, then rain 76 degrees
