I have not not not entered the daily-post-derby, I just have a lot of catching-up and a lot going on.

My folks treated the family to a Caribbean cruise over Thanksgiving week. It was a beautiful voyage by all definitions. My cousin, Carroll, was my delightful cabin mate. My sister and her husband were our delightful neighbors – like any friendly neighborhood, we could lean over our railings and wave to each other.

Grand Turk is nothing but a flat sand bar and was the least enticing island we visited, but I was able to find a tiny and beautiful art object, which had been imported from Belize. Tortola was magnificent. It reminded me of an undeveloped Laguna Beach. The residents lined the streets with tents, which lured us to purchase trinkets… and more art. I have been to St. Maarten before and love it. It is one island with two countries – one is owned by the Dutch, the other by the French. Both countries are very beautiful, but cater to different tourist appetites. Though I had been before, I eagerly joined my sister, her husband, and my cousin for a tour of the island with a hired driver. The Dutch side is more razzle-dazzle with fancy resorts and casinos and seductive rows of streets and shops. The French side is more au natural in all regards. It’s not as developed, which I personally think makes it more pleasing to the eye. Our driver *happened* to stumble upon a nudist beach. This of course was fine with us, but with no warning, we were initially startled. That evening when my folks asked what I had done, I said, “Well, I went shopping, and took a tour of the island, and saw penises.” So silly, but every time I repeated my story, we all dissolved into gales of laughter. Why does the word *penis* do that to people… and that’s not a rhetorical question.

Anyway, I’ll let the photos tell the rest of the story. The pic of me with my dad is the only *before* pic I will post. I have just completed my first week of dieting. It’s kinda scary, but it’s been easy-peasy. I guess I’m motivated because of the success with my other disciplines. Oh, and that is the first and last time I will paint my nails. Bleh.

xoxo


Leaving Ft. Lauderdale on Holland America's Westerdam


At sea - the vastness is humbling


Approaching Tortola


Docked in Tortola


Me and my Dad


My folks


Mary & Carroll


Debby & Greg (my sister and her husband)


Mary


My dad - can you believe he's 81!




This guy was such an exhibitionist with all his parading


Driving around St. Maarten


St. Maarten shopping


Mary & Greg


Debby


Mary & Dad