I am addicted to Brighton anything, except I don't have the sunglasses. You have to know I am compulsive when I find something I really like. I have the purses, earrings, bracelets, keyring, clocks, lamp, candlesticks, clip on jewelry for my purse, picture frames. Never tried their shoes, they seemed hard to me, don't have any necklaces. Oh 2 watches too, I love their stuff and it last and lasts. Also a votive candle holder. Please know these were bought over a period of time and gifts for occasions like birthdays, Christmas and anniversaries. We have a Brighton shop right here in town which makes it nice. Linda~

Some of our DH's must be brothers. Unless HE thinks it's a good idea or I drag him along, he's not for it. But like Annie's DH, he always has a good time and talks it up after we get back. Just a couple of weeks ago a buddy of his was talking about what a fabulous time they had on a river cruise, and he sort of mentioned going on one in passing one day. Imagine my shock! Even though he's been lukewarm to my ideas on it, I now have hope!! And I'm on it!

Our next port of call is Lahaina on the island of Maui. Arrival was at 8:00 and we were due to sail away at 6:00. Lahaina does not have a pier for cruise ships, the ships tenders are used to shuttle passengers back and forth. There were many people on our ship who used walkers and those folks managed to get ashore without too much of a problem. However, those in battery operated scooters just would not be able to make it. Rather than just turn loose all those who want to go ashore, there are tickets given out shortly after dropping anchor. The numbers on those tickets will determine when you go ashore. They also are working with passengers who have paid the ship for an official excursion (tour) and those get priority. Once again we rented a car. I headed for the small town of Makawao using as many side roads as possible. We went to Maui Hands, where we, once again, spent money. We ventured into a couple of other stores that offered art from local folks. Then, again, using side roads, we headed to the famed Hana Highway. We did not go to Hana, but aimed back toward the small town of Paia, where we went to the Maui Crafts Guild store. More local art. Lunch was at Thai Spice there in town. However, if you ever get to Paia, you must consider the Paia Fish Market restaurant! Communal dining with fresh, fresh fish! We took our time driving back to Lahaina to return the car. Free shuttle back to the ship was convenient. If you are ever on Maui, consider going to their aquarium, the Maui Ocean Center. A great place with two restaurants. Also on Maui is the shield volcano, Haleakala, a long drive away, but wonderful views and some good hiking to the top. That is a US National Park and some folks like to get there for sunrise (reservations recommended for that). There are some great stores in Lahaina, so if shopping is your thing, spend your money there. Back on the ship, Adagio performed in the Explorers Lounge (always called Adagio with different violist/pianist). The Ocean Quarter had the evening off, but Johnny held forth in the piano bar. The Lion King was shown a couple of times in the theater. In the Mainstage, Hyperion Knight (billed as a virtuoso pianist) had shows at 7:30 and 9:30. Since there was no live music in the Ocean Bar, at 8:30 and fun time was with Majority Rules Game, what a blast that one is. There were promotions throughout the ship for Rudi’s Sel de Mer dinner. Very French, with a menu of mostly fresh fish, inspired by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin. This is in the Pinnacle Grill and there is a $49 charge for this special event. Reservations required.

raee, you and everyone else are entitled to have your own Private feelings and beliefs. Also, to have no beliefs. The key word for me is Private. Only some Christian denominations think it's their right to incessantly express their beliefs publicly and impose them on others. That was what I was referring to. When such expressions find their way into the general public, people are justified in speaking up to refute them. I saw a letter too and I was horrified to see such language in a business communication going to what I'll assume to be an diverse employee base that must include thousands of people not sharing the owners' beliefs and indeed thousands with no beliefs at all. Unless they have discriminatory hiring practices focused on hiring like minded people, which I wouldn't be surprised to learn about. Professing having received a direct communication from a deity of any kind is not something most people will find to be possible, likely or true. But these folks talk that way too. So in their faith, I guess one can make up whatever they want, say it's something other than it is, and people believe it?