Boy, do I hate goodbyes, and this morning was no exception. The only saving grace was knowing that for many in our group it is only until the next adventure.

This was just the best birthday a girl could hope for! The challenge was on for me to consume fourteen days worth of calories in my three day mini-cruise. I think I succeeded!

I had forgotten what perfection RSSC is. The crew must be selected not only for their personalities but their ability to smile while bending over backward to please. That is a true talent!! Seeing some of my wonderful friends from the Song was a delight. Patrick had been out of commission since New Year's Eve with some serious back problems, but I got an early morning call to join him for coffee and a quick hello before disembarking. Captain Dag had his hands full, not only with us, but readying the ship for the WC. Dulce is lighting up the Observation Lounge with her smile (maybe because she was going home for her leave today) and Edwin ran to take my arm every time I entered (and left) the Compass Rose. I'm sure there are many other old friends I just didn't have time to run into. And then there was Arnold :banana: . He is just the BEST!

Ngaire and Ken "select" their clients well. There couldn't have been a nicer bunch of PARTYanimals. It is such a rare and wonderful thing to click with someone and know you have made a lifetime connection. Not only did this merry band let me crash their PARTY, they taught me the new group dance, the group wave and I was given my own "Gone with the Wind" moniker. Anne dubbed me "Belle", the kind hearted prostitute :eek: (reminder to self to re-rent that classic movie).

Ah, but reality has set in, I'm home, and this cruise will join my previous ones in my fabulous book of memories.