We looked at a bunch of resort options and decided to go with the cruise. Basically, if we wanted to stay in a resort we could stay at my place and eat meals across the street at the beach. (but we would have to make our own beds)

Do Viking cruises including pillaging and looting?

I have seen ads for U.S. river cruises, but I don't think I'm much of a cruise person.

A friend and her mother took a cruise that took them through the Panama Canal and had a whole series of serious cooking events included.

I find cruises relaxing. So do my sisters. I'm a water child so I will live on the ocean balcony when in the room. I've found the variety of food good enough, and love the dorky entertainment.

I did a lot of traveling when I was young, and I don’t regret it or the debt it cost me for a while at all because there is definitely no travel section of our budget these days. I’m so sorry Jacqueline never got to take that trip. I’ve never been to Hay on Wye, but I’m sure she would have adored it.

Somewhat tangential to this discussion my Jane Austen mug from Bath UK that I’ve owned for about 25 years broke last night. I looked around online for a while last night, but it doesn’t seem to be replaceable. However, I did email my friend from high school who just happens to live in Bath now to keep her eyes open in case she sees anything like it. I know it’s stupid to be this upset over a mug.

There are sort of mini-cruises where you can rent canal boats in the UK and boat everywhere in the country that canals can reach. Which is apparently extensive—they were a big means of transportation there in the early industrial period, before the trains took over. Anyway, those seem fun. You take your living quarters with you, like a regular cruise. But it’s just you and your friends/family, stopping and going as the mood takes you.

Narrowboats are tiny, though. So you'd probably better be best friends sharing one. But I do love the notion of travel, for those who are able. Dana asked the important question: years from now would you rather have the money or the memory? (Also gifting: another thing? Or a wonderful memory?)

I wish I could see more things.

Fucks sake, my dad has been calling the cops saying that people are trying to break in. (They are not.) My dad's neighbor texted my brother and said Dad called the cops tonight, and the cops told neighbor that this is like the third time in 8 weeks that Dad's called the cops. (Neighbor just wasn't home for the 2 previous calls, or else he would have texted my brother sooner.)

I don't think I can get Dad to go to the psychiatric ER, even if I go with him. And I really really REALLY don't want to go with him.

I'm waiting for my brother to call me so we can sort out the next step.

I'm so sorry, Teppy. We had a family friend with that variety of delusions. Extraordinarily frustrating. I hope you and your brother can find a way to get him treated.

Oh jeez Tep.