My husband, John, and I live in Dallas, where we have been fortunate to make a short trip to Ngaire's office and meet her and Ken in person. Now we're eagerly awaiting the day we are able to sail with them!

Our first cruise was with a Smithsonian group on the Song of Flower as my "semi-retirement" present in 2001. We loved the Song but still didn't think again of cruising until last year, when our 25th anniversary was approaching. We were looking for something different and special to do, so remembering our wonderful Song experience I got a Radisson brochure. We booked a Ft. Lauderdale to Bermuda cruise on the Navigator, I somehow found the Cruise Critic boards, and then we were hooked on both counts! A few months later we contacted Ngaire about doing a 2004 cruise on the Song and were disappointed when she told us that Radisson was only wait-listing the ship for 2004, so on the spot we booked a September farewell cruise on the Song. Within a week of being back home I was back in touch with Ngaire and ... well, you all know the drill. Suffice to say, we're booked on the Voyager for the Norwegian fjords this coming July.

I grew up in a tiny Mennonite town in Kansas, which is where family still is and where we love to go back to visit, a complete change from the city. John is a Dallas native. I've been in two professions that get lots of scathing comments -- newspapers and law. (I know how to pick 'em, don't I?) John spent his entire career in newspapers. No human kids, but a series of canine and feline ones -- currently two adorable spaniels and one monster kitty! Both John and I have found our volunteer passions to be anything to do with animals, and we both have worked with local humane groups and on various animal causes.

After years of working long hours and being able to get away rarely, we have traveled more in the past three years than ever before and have loved every minute of it. So many places to see still! Besides Ngaire and Ken, we've met Sheri and "the dolebludgers" (Richard and Carol) on our RSSC travels and hope to meet many, many more of you great folks one of these days. Now, I'll stop rambling!