Yesterday was a mix as Hubby and I went separate ways to tend to our different roles. He attended some professional development courses and I had a nice catch-up lunch with Richie Kohler before we went for a book-signing at the publisher who did Mystery of the Last Olympian: Titanic’s Tragic Sister Britannic. Unlike other shows, there was not a long line of people because Richie was not giving a presentation. There were of course those who did come specifically to see him and as word spread others came by. Oh, a quick aside about lunch. The Rosen where we are staying has the bar and grill as the only sit-down restaurant at lunch time. However, the lovely throw-the-doors-open to have an inside-outside option doesn’t work well when the temperature is still in the low 60s. It was sunny, but the relaxing poolside lunch I originally envisioned was inside instead. The Caribbean decor is still appropriate and their Cuban sliders are delicious. I resisted the option of french or yucca fries and had salad with a lovely dressing.

I didn’t spend time in the Exhibit Hall after the book signing as that is my primary focus for today as well as attending a couple of sessions. The big event was the Gala last night where five awardees are recognized for their amazing contributions to the dive and marine world. From the 95-year who has been a major figure in hyperbaric chambers and treatments as well as other things to a photographer who fell in love with the idea at age ten, became certified to dive at age twelve and has won five Emmy awards for her breath-taking work, all have remarkable stories. Although we have avoided attending this event in the past, we were invited due to a project we are somewhat involved in. I can’t really explain it yet, but it’s a highly technical, new approach to introducing potentially millions of people to the underwater world. Hubby did look good in his rented tuxedo and I even managed to put on a little make-up.