Literally high Seas. We are enjoying the bright sunshine from the indoor solarium as the temperatures have taken a plunge along with the rolling sea waters. The ship is bobbing gently with the waves but on deck it feels like a much greater movement. Yesterday we woke to fog and very calm waters. The captain slowed the ship down to a crawl as we cut into the wall of grey. The ships horn sounded on a schedule of 5 or 6 minutes and I recalled our boating days and how dreadful scary the fog was. Rudy reminded me that ship instruments and technology were superior to our meagre gps and air horn. It’s sunny today but a windy and brisk 60F. It’s our last sea day before we head ashore tomorrow in Waterford Ireland.

When my parents immigrated to Canada in the late 1950’s they were fortunate to meet a lovely couple from Ireland: Art and Marg Eldon. They were around the same age and owned a landscaping business in town. Eldons Landscaping. They took my parents under their wings and helped them navigate the culture and language. Including getting my mom to the hospital when I was pushing into the world. Their bond lasted for three kids and even a move back to Ireland by the Eldons. Mom and dad went to visit them in Ireland and enjoyed their hospitality again as their friendship reignited across the miles. Over the next years communication dwindled as Marg was ill and then, as gossip does, news of Margs passing reached my parents. They were sad and hurt that they weren’t informed earlier. Such is life I suppose … a gentle reminder to keep those dear close by if only by word.

Our first stop in Ireland will be Waterford; home of the famous crystal. We are going on a city tour and then the crystal factory. It promises to be interesting and I promise not to buy any crystal! The following day we will be in Cork where we have a city tour by bicycle planned. (Rudy’s busy in the ships gym “training”). Hopefully a fun cycle will end up at a local pub for a few pints.

I can’t help but think about Rudy’s long time friend, Guy, whose roots are all proud Irish, as we make this trek. Guy is very proud of his heritage and always brings a spark of Irish wit and fun when he visits. Rudy has referred to him as my “drinking buddy” since we do imbibe quite a lot when he’s around. Irish whiskey doesn’t stand a chance. I’m curious to see the Irish culture in full bloom even if it’s for a few short days. I know we will raise a glass or two to salute our Irish friends. And hopefully make a few new acquaintances while we’re at it.

In the mean time I’m going to sit back and enjoy the sunny vista on board.

Ahoy!

PS. Our new friends from Dallas might regret teaching us Bridge …. we came close to beating them last night.