I've recently returned from an 8-day cruise out of San Diego, aboard Carnival's M/S Spirit to the Mexican Riviera (Acapulco/Ixtapa/Z.../Manzanilla).

What a great time, mostly because of the company. Joining Pam, Casey and I for this trip were Scott and Estelle Hartman. Without a doubt, they are the most friendly, kind, generous and giving people I have met in quite some time!

I want to thank them publicly for their kindness and assistance in hosting the three of us (for SEVERAL DAYS!) before and after the trip. Thank you.

They even allowed me to get a head-start on the Club's magazine when we returned, as mine was in the mail box back in Tucson.

For those who do not know the Hartman's, here is a picture we snapped of them in Manzanilla. The Snoopy figure was a gift from the Manzanilla's Sister-City in Minnesota, which was the home of Charles Schultz.

While on the cruise I was fortunate enough to pick-up two additions for my collection. A $1, blue-sky chip and a stick of un-cancelled dice! Did I say un-cancelled? I sure did. Still in the Bud Jones foil, too! What a find. I know of no other Carnival un-cancelled dice. They may be out there, but I've never seen them.

Carnival dice are generally available as prizes and awards on-board, but they always seem to be cancelled with a large hole for a beaded chain.

Last time I asked for a stick of dice, I was given five matching sernial numbered dice all with a large hole as described.

Naturally I am pleased to have this un-cancelled set. (Sorry, no traders and I want to keep the stick together.)

I played in the Blackjack tournament and took second-place, missing first-place by the play of one hand. I was heads-up and the other player had one more chip than me. He bet all but one chip, I bet only one chip. He won his hand, I lost mine. He got the 20 $25 chips, I got the Ocean Players Club tote, cards, chip key chain, tee-shirt, foam insulation cup holder and... I'll post that in my next scan.

Again, my thanks to Scott and Estelle Hartman!

Jim Follis