Author Archives: Sparky
Carnival Vista Day 7: Disembarkation
We got up early, around 6am, to pack. We had breakfast in the buffet and disembarked around 8am. It was difficult as many people were waiting to use the elevators. We had our bags with us and decided to take them down, from Deck 8 to Deck 3, using the stairs. I carried the large … Continue reading
Carnival Vista Day 6: At sea
Despite the late night we were up early, before 8am. We went to the casino on the theory that on the last day the odds were best in the morning. That didn’t work for me as I lost $175 (some in the morning, some at night) but still ended the cruise up $2,400. Can’t complain … Continue reading
Carnival Vista Day 5: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
Marlene stayed in the casino until 5am. She lost, but not much. I got up around 8 and went to breakfast by myself, figuring she would be asleep until noon. But she surprised me by joining me in the buffet before 9. This was the last port day for the cruise: Grand Turk. Once again … Continue reading
Carnival Vista Day 4: Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
I am writing this the day after the cruise ended so I have some catching up to do. We had breakfast in the buffet (tolerable lines this time) then went ashore. We wandered about the port area and bought a few souvenirs. Then we wandered down to the pool area in search of a VERY … Continue reading
“Choose Moose” by David Benjamin
Copyright 2022 by David Benjamin. Published by Last Kid Books, Madison WI. First, the usual disclaimer: David Benjamin is one of my best friends. But he is also a very talented author. I enjoy his books very much. Benjamin’s work can’t be pigeon-holed. He can write romance, mystery and historical fiction. Choose Moose is a … Continue reading
Carnival Vista Day 3: At sea
We got up early today to avoid the horrendous breakfast buffet lines. There were still line, but only had to wait a few minutes to get our breakfast. Better, but still not good. I attended a General Knowledge trivia session and did badly – 7 out of 20. It was a tough set of questions. … Continue reading
Carnival Vista Day 2: Nassau, Bahamas
I really thought that I had been to Nassau before. But it didn’t seem familiar at all. Must have been Freeport. Before disembarking in Nassau we had breakfast on the ship. We tried to have breakfast in the buffet, as we always do. But on the Vista the lines were staggeringly long – over 100 … Continue reading
Carnival Vista Day 1: Embarkation in Port Canaveral FL
The day started early because we were out dancing on Saturday night and just couldn’t find the energy to pack. So we set the alarm for 5am, got up, did the usual morning ablutions, packed and got on the road for the 3-hour trek to Port Canaveral before 8am. We were still early – our … Continue reading
More truck pocketbook pain
I just spent over $700 to replace the “power steering gear box”. I don’t know what that is but I know it can leak power steering fluid – I have spots on my pavers to prove it. Now I am told I need about $1,000 in extensive work on the front brakes (and I know … Continue reading
Carnival Vista wrapup
I haven’t, in the past, done wrapups of cruises, except the long ones. This cruise, on the Carnival Vista, was just 6 days. But it was remarkable in some ways, so I will do a quick wrapup. Highlights: Casino winnings. I left the ship up $2,400 and Marlene was about $900 to the good. So … Continue reading »