Cruisin' With Sandi

We left Greensburg bright and early on Saturday for our great cruise adventure. Jim was the chauffeur for Janet, Ruthann, and I, and after we met Becky, we proceeded through security onto our plane bound for Ft. Lauderdale via Newark. Except we weren't. Oh we boarded the plane, and we taxied to the runway, only to return to the gate due to a bothersome noise on the airplane. After a little while at the gate, they asked us to get off the plane, and wait for further instructions.

I got in line and managed to come up with a new plan, new airline, and new connection city. Our reroute took us through Charlotte, with a much later arrival in Ft. Lauderdale, but we made it! We were entertained along the way by some of the college football players who had been in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine. I sat next to a nice young man named Brandon, who played for Miami (he knows Jimmy Graham). Behind us was Brian, who played for Florida State, and across the aisle was a player who played for Florida and Boston College. They all play offensive line, so, needless to say, they were big guys. They were anxious to enjoy a beer on the plane, and disappointed to learn that it was cash only. Of course they had no cash. I told them I would buy them a beer, and had my money out and ready, but the kind flight attendant took care of it herself. It was a nice flight.

Our room at the Hampton Inn was comfy, and our dinner at the sports bar nearby was interesting. There was a big cage fighting match on every screen in the place, and the fight was between two women. Apparently women's cage fighting is a thing. Who knew?

We managed to wind down after the fight and were ready for our shuttle on Sunday to take us to the port.

Our ride was a little long, because we made several stops along the way to drop off passengers on other cruise lines. Ours was the last stop.

 All aboard!

From our veranda, we could watch as we left Ft. Lauderdale.

 The coast guard boats were circling us as we left the port.

We found a spot to have a refreshment, a burger, and a photo bomb from Ryan, the waiter. He took good care of us.

Sunday evening, we had a welcome event, and Sandi Patty introduced us to her family. They were missing a few, but I am sure she is grateful for the blessing of having most of them here under one roof, er, smokestack.

She introduced the guests that will be with us this week.
Sheila Walsh.

 The hilarious Anita Renfroe.

 Wayne Watson.

 Selah (and some of their little helpers).

 That's Amy Perry and her son Josiah, and Todd Smith and one of his daughters, Kate.

Angie Smith will also be sharing with us, and Sandi brought their whole adorable family up on stage for introductions. She is one of my favorites.

Then Sandi took to the piano while her son, Jonathan, sang 'It is Well With My Soul', with help from sister Ali and sister-in-law, Katie. It was amazing!

That was just the first night! It has all been quite amazing and enjoyable so far, and I hope to post again before the week is over. I have pictures from our lovely day at Half Moon Cay on Monday, and tomorrow we will be spending the day on the beautiful and familiar Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman! Hope you all are having as much fun as we are!