Back Home; Vacation's End

The party, as ultimately happens to all parties, is over. After two weeks cruising up and down the New England and Canadian coasts, including into the St. Lawrence River as far as Montreal, the time came for all that to turn into a pumpkin.

When life gives you pumpkins, make a pie and enjoy it while remembering the good times just passed. And good times they were: Leisurely days cruising the ocean and the river, evenings gazing out over the sea, waiters handing you menus, cabin stewards taking care of things for you.

That was on the “up” cruise; for the six of us who also booked the “down” cruise, it lasted another seven days. Let me tell you, there is nothing quite like watching people disembarking and heading for the buses while you are standing on the back deck, mug of tea in hand, knowing you are only halfway through your vacation. Somewhere on the ship, by now quite empty, are five other people equally satisfied in their choice.

Of course, it all ends for us in Boston, but right now … who cares? The ship is ours alone, until boarding starts in another two hours.

Then along comes a steward with a bottle of champagne, “Compliments of the Captain,” he says, “for staying with us another week.” On my dresser is a plate of fine chocolates from the Hotel Manager, same deal. They will make good gifts, as I neither drink alcohol nor eat candy; a cheap “here’s something for you.”