I LOVE CRUISIN' IN THE WINTER

I've lived in Barrie for 15 years. I know that the first week of February is the coldest and usually there's a fat snow storm, so, that's the week we try to escape - to anywhere hot.

Last week we took a cruise with Holland America through the Caribbean. Don't ask me, "did you cruise eastern or western" like you know what you're talking about coz if you did you would know that it's all the same! Lots of Bob Marley t-shirts, over-priced excursions, sun, beaches, people trying to braid your hair, everyday, everywhere, and jewelry for 75% off.  They have as many jewelry stores as we do donut stores! Everywhere!

We picked this specific cruise because of the Christian music aspect. It was a "Kathy Troccoli and Friends" cruise. (KT is my wife's favourite artist). The guests were Point of Grace, Don Moen, Scott Krippayne, and comedian Ellie Loafaro. All the artists are a bit girly for me and the audience was 80% women over age 50, but - the ministry time is awesome. I mean, the cruise is amazing to begin with, but adding the Christian component, the songs, the story-telling, the real life stuff - it's always a good time. (I've been twice)

There were seven nights of shows. One artist each night, and three nights where they each sang two songs, and then group songs.

Great moments:

Kathy - singing "My Life Is In Your Hands". It really sums up what we're about.
Group - singing "Shout To The Lord"
Don - singing "Arise" - even if I wasn't a Christian I would love this song!
Scott - singing "I Wanna Sing".
Ellie - reminding us that when we get back home, there might be bad things waiting for us, "it may not be alright, but YOU'LL be alright". Considering the junk I left back home - I needed to hear that.
Kathy - telling us - "You say you want to be a Christian, but do you want to be holy?" I sense a definite line separating our commitment as Christians and what we think is acceptable behaviour. I've struggled with this concept for 20 years. After working in Nashville it seemed almost everyone ignored the line. Now, I think I see the difference of where I want to be.

Other great moments:

Usually the food is "ok", but this time, it really was great!
The gym - had it almost to myself everyday. I guess the over 50's aren't gym rats.
The beach at Half Moon Key in the Bahamas - just like a postcard photo - amazing.'

And the great moments in photos:

 Our ship is the one on the left! Haha!

 Hangin' at the beach at Grand Turk.

 Everyone dressed up for a formal dinner - L-R Don Moen, Ellie Loafaro, Jennifer Somebody, Kathy Troccoli, the 3 Point of Grace girls - Shelley, Lee and Denise, and Scott Krippayne.

Bike riding in the Bahamas - a "strenuous" 3-mile ride.

Bored on board.

Don Moen and Janice.

Ellie Loafaro.

In the Bahamas, hanging with the horses.

I think this is Grand Turk - they all look the same. Our ship on the left.

Janice with her hero - KT.

On the bike ride we stopped for the Stingrays.

Apparently, John Glenn the astronaut missed Florida and landed near Grand Turk. There's a souvenir shop next to the display. The model capsule is actual size. Yikes!

Good times in Grand Turk.