With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it’s not a bad idea to take a break and de-stress yourself if only for a few hours. The Crabby Old Guy and I have been going crazy running around trying to find a Nintendo Wii for our Marine. Well, we finally stopped looking after The Crabby Old Guy showed up at one of the large electronic stores in the area at 5AM only to find himself as the 1,999,999th person in line and to add insult to injury it was snowing. Poor guy came home empty handed, shaking his head and saying “I’m just too old for this.” You see with five children we have had more than our share of standing in lines trying to buy Cabbage Patch dolls, Transformers, Nintendo’s, Game Cubes and Play Stations. So we finally decided “the sergeant” will just have to wait until after Christmas to get his present.

In the meantime we definitely needed some quality Christmas cheer and what better way than on a cruise. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to take a seven or even a three day cruise so we found the next best thing…a three hour holiday river cruise.

The General Jackson Show Boat is a 300 foot paddlewheel river boat in Nashville, Tennessee that cruises the Cumberland River. It was named after the first steamboat to operate on the Cumberland River in 1817 and was christened on July 2, 1985. Although it is filled with history it now cruises for the pure enjoyment of its guests which number 1200 passengers and a crew of 157. We decided to take an evening dinner cruise and were not disappointed in our choice.

Once we boarded the boat we were escorted to our table in the two story Victorian theater. Each table seated ten people and since Crabby always says I’m never at a loss for words we soon made friends with the other guests at the table. After a very nice three course meal we decided it was time take a stroll around the ship and walk off a few of those nasty calories. Hmmm, it was a tad bit chilly outside and lo and behold what did we find when we went aft but a bar selling wonderful hot toddies. So with drink (yep, more calories…lots of homemade whipped cream) in hand we gazed out at the most spectacular view of Nashville at night all lit up. As the boat cruised down the river we could actually see the reflection of the bridges in the water. It was quite an experience.

We returned to our table and soon their live Christmas show began. I have to admit that I was extremely surprised and pleased with the show. The cruise theme was “Christmas on the Cumberland” and the dancers and singers did not disappoint any of us. Traditional and contemporary Christmas songs were sung and the costumes and set decorations were beautiful. At one point they invited the children on stage to decorate the Christmas tree while songs were being sung. The expressions on the children’s faces definitely summed up the entire cruise experience as one of joy, happiness and peace to all.

As Crabby and I left the boat we felt renewed and almost considered going out the next day in search of that dang Wii but age and common sense prevailed. I will tell you one thing though that on each table there were cards for you to fill out with a brief description of what Christmas meant to you. Quickly, I jotted down my feelings and…drum roll…I couldn’t resist adding a P.S. It read “Santa baby, please don’t forget my diamond bracelet again.” You see five years ago I saw a diamond bracelet in Bernard K. Passman’s Gallery on one of our Caribbean cruises and I’m still waiting for Santa/Crabby to buy it for me. Well guess what? They chose my card to be read on stage. Think that Crabby will take the hint this time?

Wishing you all the Happiest of holidays and the Merriest of Christmas’. If you want to see pictures of the General Jackson Paddlewheel boat they are published on my website www.thesavvyoldlady.com

Hugs,

The Savvy Old Lady©

I loved reading your description of the "mini, mini cruise"...what a nice way to relax and get away from the hubbub of the frantic holiday shopping. You are a gifted writer, it's always a joy to read your uplifting tales! I do hope you get that very deserved diamond bracelet....you are a gem!

Hi Andeesue,

Thanks for the kind words. It's easy for me to write about things that I have a passion for and cruising and travel definitely are at the top of the list. There are so many wonderful things to see and do on this planet...all we need is time and money LOL. As for being a gem...well, maybe a diamond in the rough. As for my diamond and black coral bracelet all I can say is from your lips to Crabby's ears. However, after our trip to Japan a month ago and three cruises booked starting Jan 6 on Costa Fortuna I think Santa's wallet may be a tad bit empty. Oh well,I'm thankful and blessed with all that I have and then...there's always next year.

Have a very Merry Merry!

Hugs,

The Savvy Old Lady(c)
www.thesavvyoldlady.com

Savvy we are still waiting for that Japan wedding report!! Have to know what crabby old guy said in his toast. One of the funny experiences we had when we were there was our hosts laughing at my husband eating with his chopsticks upside down. (not that all that sake had anything to do with it!)

As usual a very witty report. It put a smile on my face.