Friends

Jim, Julia and Brian welcome picture getting on the Regal Empress


 Well, here I am with Julia and Brian doing the obligatory welcome aboard photo as we headed up the gangway to get on the ship. I didn't buy one of these last year, but getting on as a group, I thought it was a good memento of the start of a great trip for all of us.


. . . and thanks to Brian for providing some additional photos!




Last year I met so many wonderful people on the cruise who are now really good friends. With many we share the bond of the cruise (something you really have to experience to understand), but with others it is much more . . . and for that I feel really lucky. Getting on board this year I felt so different . . . the things I observed last year when I arrived by myself -- everyone greeting each other like old friends . . . the joy and excitement of getting together again -- was something I was now experiencing . . I was a member of this community. And it was really cool to be able to bring some new people to the experience. It was my pleasure to do for Brian and Julia what others did for me last year . . . show them around, help them get comfortable, introduce them around, etc.  I know it helps smooth the early going and gets you into the swing of the cruise (and it didn't take them long to jump right in!).  

Last year I was a bit reserved (yes, I can be rather shy . . . I know some of you really don't believe that!), but this year I found myself more fully involved and engaged.  I met some delightful new friends . . . growing the circle, expanding the experience . . . it helped make this year just a tremendous week. So below are just a few shots of some of the folks that helped make the cruise so much fun . . .



Ian, Diane, Teresa, Jack


Diehard Derailers fans Ian, Diane, Teresa and Jack pause for a photo opp during the band's set on Monday night . . .





Lisa and Sharon




Cruise babes Lisa and Sharon enjoying just another perfect afternoon on deck . . .








Stephanie and Matt



  Stephanie and Matt relaxing between sets . . .






Lloyd and Cathy




Could Lloyd and Cathy be having too much fun? . . .







Julia and Brian


Jim with silly drink


 . . . yes Brian, that is a pretty silly lookin' glass!


yeah, I got one too . . .






first time cruisers Bill and Jane




 . . . . Bill and Jane take a turn around the dance deck






Brian and Tiffany




a cruise moment for Brian and Tiffany . . .





Bob and Marlene




 . . . sorry Bob and Marlene, I didn't try to make antlers grow out of Bob's head!



Oregonians


With fellow Oregonians (& first-time cruisers) Mark, Bev, Jake and Suzie. We had a great contingent of people from the Northwest . . .small in numbers, large in enthusiasm! And we got to tell everyone we can see Lloyd play anytime!



Sharon Matt Lisa



 . . . something was pretty darn funny . . . and Matt mugs better than anyone I know . . . totally cracks me up.



smile!




Say cheese!  



Tony V with Brian Reed



 . . . Tony and Brian share a moment after the Derailers' set







If you haven't appeared on this page, please know you are still my friend! I either didn't get a good shot of you or didn't get one at all . . . funny how much I missed even taking 10 rolls of film!



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