What an exciting visit! It's always a fun visit with the California kids. The weather was heavenly - maybe a bit cool for my Southern blood but it's nice. They seldom need air conditioning and the roses love it. They were in bloom while we were there and some were as big as saucers. And the colors were simply spectacular! We always eat well when we are there. Many bistros, cool restaurants and cafes are within walking distance of Paul and Shea's house....

Well . . . this is a first for me. Actually it's two firsts: One, I'm writing about cruise adventures. This is our 12th! And two, I'm writing the blog about Alaska after-the-fact . . . we are home already and preparing to embark on the next two cruises in Europe! So for this portion of the summer by sea trips I must rely on my memory triggered by photos. I don't write blogs about cruises because unless the reader is actually on the ship, eating, playing ga...