Tuesday, July 14
As much as I've loved our excursions and look forward to two more, it was nice to stay in and relax today, also known as Mamaw's birthday.
We started out with breakfast in the room. I've realized how much I like to be served. Then we took our time going out on deck, but it was incredible when we did. There were chunks of ice everywhere in the water and ginormous fjords. Still no goats, bears or moose sightings. We were again blessed with good weather, although I did get some use out of my toboggan and scarf.
Lunch was next and we both got ice cream cones afterwards. Mmm. We've also had some great dinners in Rotterdam -- king crab, New York strip steak with green beans and mashed potatoes, etc. As luck has it, we sat beside the ladies Mamaw met yesterday and they exchanged addresses.
Our next plan of action was to grab a book and find a quiet place to read, but we both fell asleep before we left the room. I slept for about two hours. I could've slept longer, but the activities director made an announcement about the captain's reception at 4:45. It was already 4:35, so I jumped up and got ready. Most people were dressed up and headed to the Mondriaan Lounge to hear a short presentation by a handful of men in charge of the ship. We watched a jazz band play before going to dinner.
I'd given Mamaw all her birthday cards earlier. At dinner, I told a guy it was her birthday, but that she didn't want to be sung to. She'd warned me several times.
By dessert time, a couple of waiters brought over a small piece of chocolate mousse cake and ice cream for everyone at the table. Mamaw's plate had an edible "Happy Birthday" greeting. The other ladies at the table and I sang "Happy Birthday" quietly to not attract attention.
Later, however, we went to the piano bar to hear Babbie Mason, who asked if anyone had a birthday so she could determine who to give one of her books to. I raised Mamaw's hand and Babbie, along with the audience, sang to her. Wendy and Maureen (the mother and daughter from our dinner table) were also there. So, ha, she still got her song. :)
It was great, too, because Mamaw told me later that she wanted that book. After the concert, Babbie signed it and sang a Stevie Wonder version of "Happy Birthday" with her sister.
Mamaw also got a free DVD from Jerry Vines when he heard about the special day.
So in the end, I think she's had a really good day full of surprises. I'm happy to be a part of it.
P.S. I had a dream about checking my e-mail, but it's still nice not to have the distractions of cell phones and the Internet. ... And to get paid vacation.
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