Our departure package from Viking Ocean Cruises arrived today, just another step in getting to Alaska – 25 days to go. “North to Alaska,” our rally cry. Luggage tags and instructions came in the mail, with the challenge of packing for one of the coldest and warmest states in our nation – Alaska to Hawaii. Alaska is a first for us, but we’ve both been to Hawaii many times, although never by boat. We’ll see all the islands from a different perspective. Excursions have yet to be set, considering the elimination of Japan and the addition of Hawaii. 

I have a list of items we need at Ace Hardware and a haircut appointment before I pick up my grandson from school this afternoon. I will be another quiet day without Date Night since we’re headed to Tampa tomorrow for my 71st birthday celebration. We’ll drop Tally off at Schnauzerville, have dinner at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino, lose a few bucks in the slot machines, and head for the Santana/Earth, Wind, & Fire concert.  I need to be back first thing on Sunday morning for the Fantasy draft at Buffalo Wild Wings. 

My cousin, and two former workmates are celebrating birthdays on the same day as mine. I’m by far the oldest, as Birthday Bear joins the party. At least, many of the band members are now in their mid-seventies but still going strong. I guess you could say that today is Birthday Eve!