Jessie's Journal (8/3/26) (Patreon)

Dear Journal:Ugh!  Long workday.  My feet are killing me!  The vacation is most definitely over... 

Rather than going into detail about the blister that developed on my big toe or the guy who tipped me a penny because I accidentally spilled his drink, I’m going to document what happened on the cruise.  Much fonder memories.   

Anyway, after we dropped off our stuff in our cabins, we rendezvoused on the Lido deck for lunch and strategized about the next few days.  The ship itself was beautiful.  It was called the Ventura Palace, and it certainly lived up to its palatial moniker.  Lots of rich woods, expensive-looking art, and a giant spiral staircase running through the center of the ship. 

And the food…Holy crap!  I felt like a sultan (sultana?) as everyone at the buffet welcomed me and eagerly piled rich food onto my plate.  I read that people can gain two pounds a day on a cruise, and I could certainly see why.  Of course, I couldn’t help but do the math.  Since it was a two-week cruise, that meant someone could gain upwards of 30 pounds if they weren’t careful.

I’d need to make sure sissy stayed as carefree as possible!

I wasn’t really thinking about that at first, though, and none of us, including sissy, ate much that first meal.  Too much excitement and too many nerves!  While everyone else was yammering about what to do in Cabo, our first stop, I was checking the entertainment itinerary to see when Shanna Steven was performing.  I love her voice so much!  Emerald Dreams is my favorite song ever, and there are times when I walk that I play it non-stop on repeat.  I asked Dad at lunch if he knew she was performing when he booked the tickets, and he responded with a wink and an “of course!” but I’m not so sure…

Anyway, she performed a total of four times while we were aboard, but I only saw her twice.  I’ll get into the reasons a little later.  Right now, I need to take a shower!

--Jessie