March 1st, 2020 Day 57 of 128

Happy March everyone. We are rolling with the changes as things are starting to get settled down after the big upheaval of the other day. We are still awaiting what availabilities we will have for excursions through Holland America. We did get a sheet from Cruise Specialist today already with a couple of options from them for excursions in India. Still keeping my fingers crossed an overnight to the Taj Mahal will be offered. Time will tell.  Tomorrow we will have a chance to get off the ship and get to spend a night in Auckland. We have three excursions over the next two days. I can’t wait to tell you all about them. This morning I slept in a little, finally. Next, we made it to crocheting group and got a chance to work on our blankets. Since today was Sunday and a sea day they served Sunday brunch today. A fun service of seven or so tiny portions of appetizers, entrees and three desserts. We call it tiny food day. At 2:00pm we had our final performance and lecture from our Maori Ambassadors. They get off the ship tomorrow as we have returned them home to New Zealand. After their performance there was an interesting lecture on marine turtles and whales of Polynesia. The girls had a wonderful opportunity to have dinner with all the ambassadors tonight. They got to spend the evening just talking with them and enjoying their company. At the end of dinner they blessed all the guests in the dining room with a very special song to thank all the guests for treating them so wonderfully while they have been on the ship.   Mom and I had the opportunity to have dinner just the two of us at our normal table tonight while the girls had their special meal. It was nice and relaxing and quiet. We had time to talk and reflect on this time of year.   Tomorrow marks four years since the passing of my beloved husband Don. How far we have all come in that time. We are blessed from the sacrifices he made while he was with us here on earth. I miss that wonderful man very much. Mom started my day by sending me one of the most beautiful bouquets I have ever received, photo to come. We are here right now because of him. He touched the lives of so may people while on earth and in his memory and honor he continues to bless many more through me and our four beautiful children. I will continue to love him and remember him for all the days of my life. I pray others do as well. So if you get a chance tomorrow (3/2) or today for us, regardless if you knew him or not, reflect on something that makes you smile. Think of him. Give thanks for the life you have and try to do something that makes someone else smile today. He would love that you are doing that in his honor. Big hugs to you from all of us, Debra.