Tuesday September 8, 2026

Hello Sydney, NS CA! Wow after a late night we are chillin like villains. 🦹 My legs and back are hurting from the stair master we were on yesterday. The tunnels had a lot of steps and the steep inclines on the hillsides. My knees are bothering me too. I am feeling old today. This endeavor hasn’t been easy traveling. Different hotel beds, riding in the car, and extensive standing, but the kicker has been the inclines. Very challenging for my back. Today we have to recoup and regroup. No excursions planned just winging it.

We ate a late breakfast and strolled down the gangway to Sydney, Nova Scotia Canada. 🍁 We got a few sprinkles this morning. Calling for showers this afternoon. Temperature is about 62 degrees here.

We saw Larry and Ron and their family on the boardwalk. Larry had to tell me that he forgot to mention he had a Mike Reed that used to work for him. He was sending an email to his board to tell them about the trip so far, and included by divine intervention we met another Mike Reed. Our friendship was meant to be.

Heather and I did a little local shopping and got some nice ornaments and local snacks. We got some Nova Scotia Oat Cakes yummy! And some fudge by the same shop owner, Rita’s Famous cookies. She was very nice and happy that we knew about her now famous oat cakes.

Back on the ship again and no probing enticement from Heather thank goodness. We ate a great lunch and explored the ghost ship, while everyone was in port. We found Skywalker club on the 18th floor. It seemed void of people because it is not widely known and accessible unless you know where it is located and which elevator to use. Now it’s nappy time…yAwn…you know you want to take a nap as well… but you can’t! So back to work minions! Just kidding, take your nap just don’t let your boss catch you.

We feel much better after our siesta with the exception of my back. Nolan Ryan has made it his business to keep setting off our front yard cameras. I think he is aware that his acorns are about to drop.

Scotty came by the house and mowed our yard. He is a great son and a better father. We love you and thank you so very much!

Dinner was good at the Sante Fe restaurant on our ship. The food menus are very much the same with a few different selections. So it really doesn’t matter where you dine it’s just a change in location. We were honored to share a table with two beautiful retired school teachers from New York City. We had an amazing conversation on many shared topics and disappointments in this present day. Thank you Debbie and Karen for your contributions and leadership of past generations of students. Hopefully they developed better grammar skills than I.

We stopped at the Wheelhouse Bar and enjoyed a nice jam session from the house band, playing some great jazz! The trombone was exceptional along with the rest of the ensemble.

Still wandering about the ship and stopped at the Silent Disco held in the Piazza then we moved to some Karaoke Battles at the Explorers Lounge. We listened to My Heart Will Go On with some additional sound effects. The contestants imitated sounds of a sinking Titanic. Not funny on a cruise ship but also very funny. Next stop SkyWalkers Club on the 18th floor of the aft of the ship. What a beautiful place. Heather and I made it here 30 minutes before it opens, 10 p.m. Atlantic Daylight Time.

It’s Beatles Night in the club. Heather was relentless. The begging, the pleading, the whining just to get me to dance and then her telling me all about how dorky I dance. She finally gave in and we barely managed to dance two songs. My back was singing 🎶 a long solo, Baby Don’t Hurt Me! I am glad we danced. It’s been a long time since our last dance and will probably be awhile before we do again. Early to bed for the youngest couple in the club….lol!