Happy Veterans Day

Thanks Applebee's for rememering those who served and are still serving the cause of freedom.

I was able to meet with some friends at an Applebee's to share a lunch and swap war stories. They are Mark Smith, USA; Jim "Hollywood" Fleming, USN; Steve Seligman, USA; and me, USAF. These guys are the best. We all served at different times in different branches but one thing still in common, we served and are proud that we did our part to preserve our freedoms. It was refreshing to see a major corporation like Applebee's make such a public display of their apprecitation and patriotism by giving us free entre`s on Veterans Day.

We then took off on a little impromptu road trip to Kemah. We lost Hollywood along the way but three of us made it to the Kemah Boardwalk. We sure enjoyed the beautiful weather and the riding conditions were the best. We took the long way across FM2100, FM1942 and then straight down Hgwy 146 to Kemah.

Mark Smith, Steve Seligman and me on the plaza in front of the hotel. There were a few people there but the place was mostly deserted. Not all of the shops were open either but the restaurants and bars were along with the rides. We recieved welcomes from complete strangers several times today acknowledging our service and offering thanks. We also met a man right after this picture who flew C47's back in the 40's. What an honor.

I consider it a priviledge to have served and want to thank every veteran who has served along with me and those who are still serving, especially my son who is in Afghanistan at this moment. Needless to say I'm a proud father and I salute him and all who stand in the gap for us here at home. I also want to remember the fallen. They have given their all for our freedoms and this great country would not be here today if it were not for the fighting men and women of our armed forces.

otw

We Bee Cruzin!!!

Halloween Cruise '09

We were able to book this Halloween cruise with 22 other people that we know from our chapter and several of their friends. Billie and Linda worked very hard getting this put together with a Carnival agent named Bernadine. What a blast!

Some of our crew awaiting the famed Lifeboat drill.

Here is the representation from the Main Deck Port side of the ship. We had the cabins 70 - 82.

We are the Humble Bumbles and we were gathering for the swarm.

We assembled in the Brad and Shirley Hive.

We buzzed the decks and even made a Karioke appearance.

Mike was caught doing a pole dance.

Formal night --- Lobster and Prime Rib!!! Yummmm!

The Crew sure cleans up nice!

Cozumel

Let's go get the booty!

The Coconut Shrimp on the right is a personal favorite. If I didn't get these at LaMission, I would have missed my favorite dish in Cozumel. They are as good as they look!

Monday evening dinner.

Progreso

You wouldn't believe these double decker buses. We had to duck the power lines going across the street as we made our $2 tour of the town. It was worth it but quite the adventure. See the picture below on the left.

The waiter on the right has one of the largest bottles of Tequila that I have ever seen. They were offering free shots to all patrons. Imagine that!

The school children were so excited to see the bus and the tourist. They were just smiling and waving like we were the hometown soccer champions making a victory parade.

We stopped in for a bite to eat and a little refreshments... did I say shots?

Really good!

Night shots from the atrium.

Tuesday night in the dining room. Great service and good food.

The Last Sea Day going home and chillin...

Ricky and Karen get a visit from Billie while Robin, Karen and Carolyn did the line dance class in the afternoon.

Has anyone seen Rex? I think someone was looking for him.

Brad and Shirley were gracious hosts again for an afternoon wine party before the last evening meal on this fun cruise.

Thanks Brad and Shirley!

Bob , Shirely and JoAnn say goodbye to some new friends who sat next to our happy bunch.

We sure had fun sailing the seas with these sea bees!

Until next time... otw