Well, the axe just dropped. Our ship, the Insignia, suffered so much damage that it will take about 9 weeks to repair it, thereby losing the first three segments of the 6-month cruise. If I like, I can start what's left of the cruise on March 22, leaving Singapore and heading east, stopping at the ports initially planned. I guess so.

It's right now I have to get my head together. I've been living in two places at once the last few weeks as I prepared to leave. The first thing I have to do is unpack. Yesterday I bought bug repellant and Band-Aids, Polysporin, anti-bacterial lotion and Easy Wipes (for the airline seat arms and table tray) and I forget what else. I will be well equipped here at home.

SOW, I have to decide what to work on. I have some stuff I have to wrap up so I'll do that. And I'll increase my exercise routine because the excursions looked to be quite demanding. Well, more lists.

And here comes Pollyanna: I'm glad I've had the joy of anticipation. I'm glad to be flexible enough to change my plans. I'm glad because I might have a little more money. I've been quite strapped and trying to cut corners - hard to do at Christmas - and I might be a little more solvent later in the year. Oh, and I'm glad I'll be able to do my income tax, well, not do it because I pay an accountant to make dollars and sense of my income, but at least I'll be able to assemble all the pertinent figures for him. I'm glad I'll be able to celebrate my birthday with my family - if any one cares - well, anyway, with people I care about.

I am, indeed, blessed.

Halfway between then and tomorrow, I'm not sure what is going on with my projected trip of a lifetime. More discoveries all the time, though. Assuming or hoping that this trip is going to happen, I have ploughed my way through a huge catalogue of excursions, an assortment of several available at 89 ports of call. I have told you already that some are easy to eliminate, given my age and preferences and previous experiences. I've already taken a safari in Africa, snorkelled over seals and other amphibian wildlife, flown over the volcanoes of Hawaii, kept my distance from nasty crocodiles, and so on. I do want to see the Great Wall of China again, as the first time was not Great. But I have been amazed and beguiled by the memories that surfaced as I read of the exploits available to me, and also not available. I tell you right now, if you didn't already know it, that my travelblog will be geared to the speed of a cautionary, aging slowpoke.

I have no intention of walking on a suspension bridge high above a valley floor, nor do I want to career down a mountain path on any kind of vehicle. I'm not too fond of gondolas, either, the suspense kind not the Venice kind. On the other hand, I'm game for strange foods and taste sensations and I will most certainly come of age in Samoa.

hat is, if we get there. I'll keep you posted.