Author Archives: Sparky
NCL2 Day 5: Colon, Panama
We had a day in Colon, Panama, before we entered the Panama Canal. It has a reputation as being dangerous so we didn’t leave the port area. But what a port area! Cheap stores galore. Marlene was in heaven She got a basket full of sundries for $8. And a bottle of nice perfume for … Continue reading
NCL2 Day 4: Cartagena, Colombia (almost)
I had been impressed with the speed of the Jade. For the first two days at sea we had been clipping along at a very fast rate – probably around 24 knots. But when we rose for breakfast we had slowed to a crawl. I had also noticed, from a look at the cruise map, … Continue reading
NCL2 Day 3: At sea
We started the day, as usual, by chatting with fellow passengers at breakfast in the buffet. One of the unexpected pleasures so far is the breakfast singing coffee trio. They serve coffee while singing coffee-themed songs, such as “Coffee Queen” (to the tune of “Dancing Queen”). Fun. Breakfast continued right into a light lunch. We … Continue reading
NCL2 Day 2: At sea
Our initial impression that this cruise will be very sedate compared to Carnival was confirmed on Day 2. The passengers are mostly older – even older than we are – and seem to be content drinking in the bars, reading and playing cards. But everyone is friendly. We met a couple from California at lunch … Continue reading
NCL2 Day 1: Embarkation, Tampa FL
As usual, we left the packing to the last minute, completing it early Thursday morning, just before we were driven to Tampa by our friend Paul. We were scheduled to board the Norwegian Jade between 12:30 and 1 pm and left, we thought, so that we would arrive by noon. But traffic was heavier than … Continue reading
“The Hit” by David Baldacci
Copyright 2013 by Columbus Rose Ltd. Published by Grand Central Publishing, New York. This is #2 in the series of Baldacci books that feature Will Robie, CIA assassin. In this one Will is tasked with tracking down and killing another CIA assassin who has “gone rogue” and killed her boss and a handler. Yes, “she” … Continue reading
2024 blog booklet
The 2024 OurWanderYears blog booklet is now available here. It is 102 pages – not huge, but not small either. Be patient if you have a slow connection.
Ooma resurfaces
I have not seen Ooma, communicated with her or even thought about her – except briefly when passing by her street on my way to softball, or during my few clandestine visits to the Buckingham Blues Bar (where I am still banned, thanks to her) – in over a year. I have not mentioned her … Continue reading
My second Norwegian Cruise Line trip (NCL2)
I was on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship many years ago, with Jett and her son. It went from Boston to Bermuda and back again. A short trip, if I recall – probably 5 days. Not very exciting and not a great ship – very old. But many people speak highly of Norwegian and when … Continue reading
“The King of Torts” by John Grisham
Copyright 2003 by Belfry Holdings, Inc. Published by Bantam Dell, a division of Random House, Inc, New York I go back and forth… Is Harlan Coben my favorite author? Or is it John Grisham? They are both terrific writers. They always keep me interested. Grisham, of course, writes about the legal profession while Coben is … Continue reading