Good to hear from all of you. Maybe we are NOT doing quite so well. I've been puzzling as to why I can't reply for a good 10 minutes. Duh ... log in required.

All righty then

I'm hoping USA can take Belgium on Tuesday. Our friends have already forewarned us NOT to bring up football as part of conversation. They are beyond despair with England's early exit.

Yesterday was all about finding as many places as possible to fall asleep. First up was our highlights of minorca tour. 3 separate naps in the space of 4 hours. Grabbed the back row of seats and stretched out. Back to Home Base Mariner. Time to change up my exercise routine to include water workout. It was like playing dodgeball with parents bouncing about with children wearing water wings, interspersed with people jumping in head first on the deep end. I've never seen the pool that busy. No matter - this is what hot tubs are for. Dry off, then find an empty balinese bed off Deck 12. Conk out for another hour. Time to speed change into suitable attire and report for trivia. Yesterday we scored very high in the 'close but no cigar' category.

gold, plat and titanium party yesterday off the Horizon Lounge. Sushi and tempura shrimp. We got there with about 10 minutes to spare. Enjoyed a conversation with Michael, the general manager. Also managed to get future cruise deposit info to the other Canadian Michael. Sweet!

Dinner at compass rose. Thinking of you, marcie, as featured entree was wiener schnitzel. After dinner, we relaxed to the piano music in mariner lounge. Jim and Mary Ellen joined and we chatted until the pianist packed up for the Observation Lounge. I left the suite for dinner with 2 earrings and 2 earring backs. I came back with 2 earrings and one earring back. Gary hit the floor looking for the missing equipment. I hit the mattress. He actually found the missing back this morning buried in the upholstery at Mariner Lounge. Good thing - I'd figured it had a new home in a vacuum cleaner bag.

Tour did not depart til 9:30 am; breakfast in compass rose for swedish pancakes was in order. more wine tasting opportunities. The guide today said hello and nothing more til we arrived at the winery. Charming proprietor and a nice set up. Nice introduction to the wine process, complete with all kinds of engineering details, held Gary's interest. Then it was on to the tasting area. Four wines to taste, a selection of cheese, sausage, bread and olives. In no time, the house dogs (old labrador and not so old shepard/rotweiler mix) joined the party. Both dogs look like they bat clean up for uneaten snacks offered to tourists. Extremely relaxing atmosphere.

Ibiza not as charming as minorca; livelier atmosphere.

Packing is mostly complete. Flight is checked in online. Time to print off boarding pass. trivia will be underway in about 50 minutes. signatures for dinner tonight. Compass rose menu also outstanding. It may be time for a progressive dinner for us.

Cheers, Anne

Cheers, Anne