Where did the time go? It’s been an incredibly busy year so far, with unexpected road blocks and challenges, but we’ve managed to navigate through and we feel we’re back on the right path. Some of those challenges make you open your eyes and view life differently, making you focus on what’s truly important in family and the friends you have surrounding you. 

Because of this shift, we’ve been concentrating on enjoying what life has to offer. You know, checking things off the “Bucket List” – so we’ve been traveling abroad, experiencing countries and places we’ve never visited. We’re doing this with Viking Ocean Cruises, usually tagging on a pre-excursion in the starting port, allowing us to enjoy a few relaxing days in said place prior to boarding the ship.

I’ve been cruising since I was six. My first was with NCL, because my father did work with the cruise line. Since then we (my husband and I) have traveled with Royal Caribbean and a few others. All are lovely, but when we took our first Viking Cruise in 2019, there was no looking back. The ships are smaller and more intimate and beautifully appointed! You get to know the staff, they become friends by the end of the cruise.

We’ve done six so far and have three more booked. On each of the cruises, we’ve had at least four or five staff members approach us because they recognized us from a previous cruise!  We already know three from our last cruise will be with us again in November. It’s fantastic to reconnect with friendly faces! Makes the trip that much more enjoyable. 

My writing has been sporadic because of all the traveling, but I’m collecting wonderful character traits, settings and story possibilities for the future. One day our activity level will slow down and I’ll be able to sit down and put all of the wonderful ideas together for new books. Until the next book is ready, be patient, enjoy life, spend time with family and friends. 

Hugs, Christine.