Colonel Wes: Thanks for your input - my sister was asking me for information on both ports - that will save me a lot of typing!

Karen and Beth: Guess who will be joining you on Mariner to Alaska on 9 September next year? Hope you don't regret it!! We booked yesterday and should have confirmation today sometime.

Karen: It's obvious I'm a great housekeeper - never thought of the carpet being vacuumed in a way to make it look like stains - clever girl!!

My biggest complaint is that recently I've become allergic to alcohol - no, unfortunately I'm not joking - it gives me hay fever! What an absolute bore! I've got away with a couple of Brandy Alexanders which were so much appreciated.

We're off to Olympia today - will report in again soon.

Lee