Mine was my childhood home until maybe 6th grade. It was a big house (well, I'm sure it seemed bigger than it actually was at that age!), the exterior was grey with white trim, black shutters and a red door, built atop a large hill with a retaining wall on one side, so high that the neighboring garage (2 story commercial building) had a roofline level with our yard. The stairs from the sidewalk was a chore, even in today's day and age, I couldn't imagine having to deal with that daily. There were huge oak trees in the back yard, it was a very private space, and we had a pool, my siblings would jump off the tree branches into the pool, I was too small at the time. I loved playing in the leaves in the fall, our back yard would be completely covered once all the leaves dropped. We had a large bathroom, the area with the sink was sunken, and on the elevation was the commode and bathtub, the walls and decor were black and white themed with ornate wallpaper. The kitchen was big, I'd love to have a kitchen that size, and there was a winding staircase going to the second floor, and on the landing was a window...looking out the window, given that we were on a hill, was a long way down. So, I remember as a child I always had this irrational fear that I would fall down the stairs and out the window from that landing. LOL. I loved that house, so many fond memories. Today, that house is no longer there, probably a liability due to it's location high up on a hill (all neighboring houses were at a lower grade) coupled with the maintenance that came with the retaining wall, but I just adore houses with similar color themes.

Oh, I see. I thought perhaps US Air had gone out of business right after the incident or something. Gosh, I hate feeling so powerless when dealing with big companies. Two months ago DH and I bought a new sofa, loveseat and upholstered chair for our livingroom from a well-known, long established store here is So Calif called Wickes. We bought our first living room set from them when we were newlyweds in 1973. The new furniture was delivered on a Saturday and we knew immediately we had made a mistake when selecting the chair. The following weekend we drove over to Wickes to ask them how to exchange it for another we liked. They told us, no can do, they filed for bankruptcy on Monday. What??? We then told them we would accept an even exchange for another chair that cost $100 less. Nope. grrrrr. Jodi-

I have way too many hobbies and not enough time. I should cut back on some of them and just concentrate on a few. The biggest one is gardening. I love to be outside for most of the day, even if it is not so nice. I like to grow unusual plants and to propagate new plants. I have even started roses and amarylis from seeds and cross bred them. My Mom taught me all the domestic hobbies like sewing, knitting, crocheting and embroidery, both fine and crewel. I later learned macrame and weaving. I did some quiting a couple of years ago. When I was younger I taught myself couture sewing and designed my own clothes. She also taught me how to cook and bake. I love trying new recipes and techniques. I hang out on the Cooking Forum for that reason. You can always learn something new there. I bake way too many goodies. DH complains but that doesn't stop him from eating most of it. I have been interested in photography since I was 10. I even had my own darkroom, both color and B/W. Shortly after I went digital and now do all my 'darkroom' techniques in Photoshop. I don't know what I am going to do with my 12+ collection of film cameras. A lot of them are really old, over 50 - 60 years old, medium format ones that still work fine. Since I was a teenager I made jewelry, mainly beaded earrings, necklaces and bracelets. About 12 or so years ago I took classes in metalsmithing, casting and stone setting. I got hooked and loved to make jewelry from silver and set stones. Gemstones are the only thing I collect. About 5 years ago I shifted to glass and started making my own glass beads. I would like to get a kiln and learn slumping and fusing. I have tried rubber stamping, scrapbooking, embossing and other paper crafts but never got into it. I did some stenciling and painting, batiking and tye dying of fabric. Like I said, I need to narrow it down to just a few things. I find as I get older I just don't have the energy or time to do all the things I would like to do. It takes me twice as long to do half as much! LOL Clare

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.