Ever been to a birthday party where the guests all have at least as much fun as the birthday girl and the party runs all day long? That sums up yesterday.

We awoke to another sea day filled with ocean swells. The return of winter winds and temperatures resulted in a fantastic fashion parade. Every style and color of warm-up suits, sweaters and anything warm could be seen around the ship. Our very own Debbie put together a well coordinated white sweater and matching bunny slipper look.

The day dawned early with passengers roaming the back half of the ship, laundry bags in hand, searching for the elusive empty washer. When none appeared, it was time to post the daily blog on LCT and then head for breakfast. We saw Suzanne around 9 am up in La Verandah. Gary headed off for a game of paddle tennis. Suzanne and I decided that it was just as fun to close the restaurant for breakfast as it was for dinner. Afterwards, a washer opened up so in went the skivvies. While we waited for the spin cycle, we chitchatted with Marge and met Gladys, another world cruiser. Marge, Gary and I opted in for the church services in Latitudes. We enjoyed speculating about what the sommelier would be serving for communion wine.

Unfortunately, while Marge, Gary and I were engaging in a communal prayer of confession, the rest of the trivia team was doing our penance. They were shot down by the number of spikes in the Statue of Liberty’s crown and the name of the first author to submit a typewritten manuscript for publication. ARRRGGG!

Patrick and his team heroically prepared a steak, rib and lobster grilled lunch on the pool deck in biting cold and serious wind conditions. We enjoyed our meal and the communal plate of steak fries (extra ketchup, please) under cover with Jim, Jan, Bing and Carol. My bed was calling, but I misplaced my camera so nap time was shelved in favor of retracing my steps from earlier in the day to find the thing. It was then time to wrap the birthday gifts we had gleefully purchased for the birthday girls, Suzanne and Suzette, in Huatulco and Acapulco. Just think … a one-way elegantly inappropriate gift shower opportunity!!

Tea time arrived with the pressure on to reclaim our trivia crown. The team spontaneously showed up sporting our most colorful pastel warm clothing. We looked like a half dozen Easter eggs. Christopher Columbus’ sailing ship replica, the chalk horse and the Greatest American Hero conspired to rob us of our last team token try. Gary shuffled off to the redemption table and happily swapped his stash for a visor and a travel alarm.

We had to change the rendezvous location for the birthday gift shower in the Observation Lounge as there was an unannounced Bingo opportunity in the Horizon Lounge. The gifts were stunning, but the most creative prize without a doubt went to Chetuan. She purchased a miniature whale-shaped mouth organ with magical properties. Suzanne had to learn how to blow through its tail while playing a tune by 10:30 PM.

We got all gussied up for our fourth formal night. Scarlett O’Hara put in a special repeat appearance for the birthday girls. The crew show was really great. The party moved to a fantastic Signatures birthday dinner. Suzanne then shared her wardrobe malfunction with those of us at the table. She speculated Inspector #3 must have had a liquid lunch before approving THAT pair of pantyhose, proving once again you must always travel with the back-up pair of hose. We settled in up in the observation lounge. Frankie started to play “Zorba the Greek” and we tried to do a team grapevine. It wasn’t working, so Olivia split off with the rest of the girls to review the five formal ballet positions while Scarlett entertained the crowd with a solo grapevine-cum-Nutcracker-Suite performance.

The clock struck 10:30; it was time to test the whale's blow hole. Its hot spot radius was limited to the confines of the Voyager Lounge. Suzanne took up the challenge and outdid Lauren Bacall’s best whistling effort EVER. Arnold, like magic, appeared at her side on bended knee calling out “Your wish is my command, your majesty!!”

This morning has brought the confirmation of our long-hoped for Return of Scareoke night. Since we seem to be having trouble with ship’s time, it is alternately reported as 9:30 in one place in the daily program and 10:30 in another. I’m going to pack this morning to get that odious task out of the way and concentrate on Scareoke options and costumes.

Despite all of the effort by the boys on the bridge, we’re expected to arrive a few hours late in San Diego. Best guess is we won’t be cleared to leave the ship until around noontime. Our world cruisers are headed off to LA for their launch party overnight and sadly Chetuan disembarks today. Perhaps we can have a gang luggage tag burning ceremony at the gangway??

Cheers, Anne