Indeed it did, so Penny and I got in touch with Ngaire and Marcie for approval to go on the 2008 World Cruise and they gave their hearty endorsement today. I can't believe we did it but have made our deposit so it looks like we're good to go.

Now, of course, we have to cut expenses. Unfortunately it comes at a cost of canceling ICE and LAMB and that hurts as we were looking forward to being on those two cruises with our L.C.T. friends.

Penny and I found B&K quite by accident and it has truly changed our lives because of the wonderful cruises we have experienced as a result of Ngaire's recommendations and patience. And the friendships we have made enroute have been a blessing. A fantastic addition to cruising was ROAR that still makes us tingle when we reminisce about that adventure.

We're so excited and therefore wanted to share.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Cheers! Ray

Congrats, Ray & Penny!!! That's just great!!! You are going to have sooo much fun!!

Ray, that is the MOST exciting news of the day!! Congrats to you and Penny!

Congratulations, Ray! That is exciting news, indeed!

WOW, Ray, what great news. Wish I could catch that bug.

What a nice New Year's present to each other. You'll have all of 2007 to anticipate the trip and four months of 2008 to cruise on it!

Congratulations!

Peggy

Wow, Ray and Penny - that is very exciting for you. Congratulations.

Congratulations, Ray and Penny! Alan and I will miss you on LAMB. Oh WOW, this is so great for you. I already have the WC bug just need to give it to Alan. Maybe one of these days.

Wow Ray! What a way to start the New Year. I'm powerful happy for you :hug:

That's so exciting! Congratulations and Happy New Year as well!! <img border="0" alt="[beer]" title="" src="graemlins/beer.gif" />

Penny and Ray: I am so happy for both of you - way to go!!!! Joanna

Ray and Penny, what wonderful news; I am so happy for you! Live today as if there is no tomorrow! You will have a wonderful time! We will miss you on ICE, but about that time, you will be enjoying the wonderful summer weather in Australia and NZ!
:banana: :banana: :woh: :chicken:

Ray, I'm thrilled that you decided to give it a GO. I promise you won't regret it, it's a magnificent voyage. I just wish you were getting on Jan. 9th with Tom and me!! That would be so special for us! Congratulations!!

RSSC automatically put our '07 WC cabin #645 on hold for 2008 WC until tomorrow, maybe you can get it since we won't be able to go!

Ray and Penny, such a wonderful decision. I am sure you will have a fantastic time. We are looking forward to both the reports and the videos.

Ray and Penny,
Congrats on the new booking for WC 08! Have been thinking about you two since our meeting down in DC.
cheers,
Jan

Penny and Ray, I hope you really enjoy a year of wonderful anticipation! Congratulations.

Have a fantastic time. Envious of you two. You deserve every happiness. You can visit us for some cheapie vacations.

Way to go Ray and Penny!!! What a great new year's gift!!

Nancy

Something wonderful to look forward to in 2008, Ray and Penny!

High fives to you, Ray & Penny!! This makes so much sense!! :app:

Congratulations Ray and Penny. You are living our dream....hope you are planning to keep a journal so we can all travel along with you. We will be getting off the Voyager in San Francisco as you get on.

I am so happy for the both of you! We get to live vicariously through you because of your adventures! You have a big responsibility now Ray.... keeping us all up to date during your trip and LOTS of pictures!

Congratulations!!! I am green with envy. You will have a wonderful experience and I can't wait to read about it as you go.

Loved meeting you in DC, hope next time we meet we can spend a little more time talking.

Ray and Penny what exciting news! I am so happy for the two of you! :app:

To all of you, thanks for sharing in our excitement. What we have been doing lately is out of character for us financially and in making these off the cuff vacation decisions. I mean we moved on this trip faster than a jack rabbit on a date.

Andi/Doug: We're looking forward to another visit with you guys and we'll be in touch as to when but thinking maybe Sept. We certainly appreciate the invitation.


Marc/Arlene: You can run but you can't hide. Maybe we'll see you in Japan. I think we're going there. Shoot my head is still spinning. BTW does the ROAR video work in Japan or do you need a PAL version?

Jan: I owe you a peek of my album don't I?

Olivia: In today's Cleveland newspaper, there is a headline: "Discover your fountain of youth"...For those who do it right, aging well is all about drinking life in." Your comment was very appropos

JoAnn: Next time we'll snare you to our table.

Marcie: Penny and I have been quite concerned for you and Tom being away on your WC....(when I use these ltrs. Penny's English background relates them to "water closet") ....and missing your grandson.

We being grandparents to three children ages, 1, 3 and 6 have some possible remedies that may work for you assuming you will be suffering from post-partem grandparent depression

We would suggest that you take along a pair of grandson's jammeys that he has worn several times and put them atop your pillow each night while cruising so you have his scent to calm you down and and help you get a good night's sleep.. Would also suggest you can his scent (you know, right after his bath after talcum powder applied) in an aerosol can and prior to retiring each night, spray an appropriate amount in your suite.

Now you and Tom are good to go!

Have a smashing cruise.

Cheers! Ray & Penny
P.S.: In 15" minutes my daughter and family will be stopping by and we will take the whole crew to the airport...."they're going to DISNEYWORLD" Matt has always been a family man but after his recent return from Iraq, even little things mean much more to him...viz. taking his eldest to the bus stop and meeting her upon her return

Wow, congrats on the big news, Ray and Penny!! :D

Masaki

Ray & Penny; Exciting news--congratulations. Know out troops in Afghanistan will miss their care packages--but now it is Penny and your turn for the ultimate care package...r/wes

Ray,

What a wonderful idea -- just yesterday we spent the day with our youngest grandson. He's just turned 2. Leaving him for 5 months is really tough. Right now he knows us so well, and is always eager to go to "Grandma's House". We'll miss all the grandkids, but of course the youngest grow the most in the shortest time. Now I want his PJ's!!!! Last night I got to hold him while he fell asleep, and I must admit that it's the very best experience of all. Maybe I could get THOSE PJ's!!

I've stocked up on artwork from the older ones, and pictures of all of them. But I must admit I'll miss them terribly. The older kids (6 and 8) have a world map with our route and dates pegged. And I expect virtually all of our 'free' phone time will go to them. OK, maybe we'll talk to their parents, too.

I can't wait for this world cruise, but missing the grandkids is the A #1 downside.

Betty

Ray, you could be on to something!! I Ditto everything Betty said. We will sure miss our little Nicholas while we're away!

So happy that Matt and his family can enjoy Disneyworld!

Ray,

If it your cruise comes anywhear near Japan, you can count on MArc and I being on the pier to greet you and Penny! We are so excited for both of you!

Just found this thread and had to read it twice for it to sink in. Congratulations - it couldn't happen to a nicer couple! I'm really excited for you both.

Ray, I agree with Penny about the 'WC' - unfortunately it will be the latter I'll be on!

Lee

This is just great news! What a way to start the new year...and it couldn't happen to a nicer couple!! congrats!!

Gil and I tried to post to this thread while we were on the ship but couldn't get it to stick. I am sure the two of you will have a wonderful time on the WC. How exciting for the both of you.

When you head to Andi and Doug's (please not the first weekend...I'll be in Philadelphia) we'll be sure to join you.