The Stern of Oasis

Merry Christmas!!!! I have a new runabout!

Not really. I am back at Water Island, USVI. The island is about 3/4 of a mile from the St. Thomas cruise docks and as such I get to witness these behemoths arrive and depart. Last week brought the Queen Mary 2 and the largest cruise ship in the world....Oasis of the Seas.

As you can see from the photos both are different. The Oasis has a huge stage in the stern surrounded by rock climbing walls. Have been told by guests on the ship the davit looking devices on the stern are actually moving diving platforms for one of the water oriented shows.

Never been on a cruise ship but must say they are impressive as they steam by in the morning!

Back in St. John, USVI

Arrived back from the surgery on December 03 and went over to St. John after provisioning. LJ was along for the ride and as you can see the weather is fantastic. Beaches not too bad either!

Back to The NW

One of the joys of cruising the tropics is the sunshine and warm temperatures. It is a wonderful feeling to arise in the morning and only need a pair of board shorts to keep warm. Unfortunately for most white people there is a cost regarding this lifestyle.......skin cancer!

During my last visit to Portland ,Oregon I visited a dermatologist and after she put circles all over my body with a sharpie, she told me I had several area of basal cell carcinoma(skin cancer). This cancer will not kill but is slow growing and needs to be cut out. If left unchecked it continues to grow and when finally removed the area removed can be extensive.

I first noticed a problem when after showering the tip of my right ear would bleed. So while I have insurance elected for the surgery. They take way more skin than I figured but skin heals quickly so I am way on the road to recovery. They removed four patches of skin roughly 1.5 x 2.25 inches from my back, chest and legs. My ear was done by a procedure called MOHS and is still bandaged after 4 weeks and will be for another 1-2.