Once you get behind writing it is hard to catch up. I have at least two more episodes after this one to complete before my tour tomorrow.

The Antarctic Orange Ball is what it is called. The Antarctic is all white so they use Orange to mark humans and things to be able to see them. Thus we have the theme for the ball. Most everyone wore a splash of orange. The photo is of Melvin, one of my tablemates and Dowd, our cute waiter with the obligatory orange stocking cap and orange bowtie for good measure.

I have played bingo a few times and have won three times for a total of $86. This is what you call big time bingo, cruising style.

HAL has given us some nice gifts. A beautiful log book, navy blue stocking cap and scarf with the HAL logo, a nautical map of the straits and horn and I received my **pin. I don’t think it gives me much more in benefits than my *pin. CSI gave us a light blue fleece jacket and large tote bag back at the Westin Hotel.
The gifts have been good quality.

Met three more people who were on the QE2 but I only recognized one of them. All very nice people and a lot of fun.

CSI threw a great party for us. Apparently there are 170 of us doing the world and we are now at 169 after Gloria’s death. I met a lady at the party named Shirley. She is sharp, witty and a real kick. Birthdays came up and I mentioned I would turn 70 on the cruise. She looked at me and said “Young lady, I could be your mother.” She is turning 90 in November. Even though she walks with a walker she sure doesn’t show it in any way. I now call her mom. Another gal sitting with us also indicated that she could be my mother. Even though she looks 75 she is 85. Still sits at the bar and has her smoke. Our Captain (who is young, good looking and personable) came over to say hello to us and shook my hand as I was the newbie at the table.