Holmes Family Blog

Hi Everybody,

I arrived safely home last nite about 5:20 pm - no problem with getting on Delta planes.

Had a great time - the ship -"Vodendam" (Holland American) was completely renovated recently and it was really beautiful - all over.

Our room was much bigger than last time - Tom and I had seperating beds and Olivia had the couch/bed by the bathroom.

The food was very good -- lots of good deserts. The entertainment - house singers and dancers - not too good, bu t, they had 2 comics, 1 magician and a piano player that were excellent.
We went to happy hr. every nite in the "Ocean Lounge" - where they had a wonderful Filipino quartet - that played our kind of music.

We stopped at Aruba, Coricial, Panama city and Canal and Costa Rica - I only got off at Curicial(sp?) - Tom & Olivia don't get off at all.

Lots to do - lectures on Panama City, bingo, movies, bridge (I played every afternoon that we were at sea with 3 other men). O &T went to mass every day - I slept in - except Sun.

No problems with O. - she pushed a cart to help her walk, so she woundn't fall again. Sara & Joe had a baby (girl) the middle of the week - named Fiona Olivia.

Weather was perfect the whole trip - ship is too cold inside - always need a jacket or sweater.

Talked to most of you - happy that everyone at home was ok.

Had a nice visit with Karen and Michael - preceded by a visit to Atlanta to see Jackie in her Cabaret show - which was great - she gets better singing and more beautiful every time I see her. Also, spent a day on the beach with Dan & Karen - while Mike was bar-tending. - Later, Dan treated us all to dinner.

Had a nice visit with O'Bie & Mike while I was visiting in Atlanta.

I slept 9 hrs. last nite and have been unpacking and washing all day.

My carbon monoxide monitor was chirping when I came home - Clyde came down today and put a new battery in it - before it drove me nuts.

Guess that's about it - back to life at the Reserve - I see 2 new condos going up - guess they are selling. We have a comedy show here tomorrow and some of the singles are going out to dinner - so, I guess I'll join them.

Love to all,

Mom