We’ve had the good fortune of becoming friends with Rose and Len, from Toronto, Canada. She mentioned one day that she was crocheting with some ladies and offered to teach me some stitches. Mac had taught me when I was in my teens, but I had not picked up a crochet needle in 50 years. So, while in Sydney, we dropped by a very nice yarn store, Morris and Sons, to pick up supplies. I was surprised by the feeling I had in that store and thought about the joy it would have brought Mac, seeing all the beautiful skeins of yarn, dreaming of her next project.

My first project was a scarf and Rose was a wonderful teacher. She’s tough and expects near perfection; she ripped out so many of my early rows that we started calling her Rosie the Ripper. You have to be thick skinned to crotchet with Rosie but you know she wants only the best for you and your project, and I adore her for that.

When in Fremantle, we stopped by another store for more yarn, as I too dreamed of a new project. The storekeeper at Yarns on Collie was so nice and helped me calculate what I needed for an afghan throw for my family room. This new hobby has been a great opportunity to meet some awesome and kind women. Jane seems to just knit for others…she’s already knitted a couple of items for other passengers. Anne has been so encouraging and helpful. Another woman is crocheting a blanket for a crew member’s new baby.

Sometimes I just crochet by myself, on the balcony, looking out at the ocean. The rolling of the ship, together with the rhythm of the stitch, are almost mesmerizing. Whether crocheting with the ladies or with the solitude of my own thoughts, it’s been a real joy for me. I will be forever grateful to Rose for reconnecting me to crocheting. Learning a new skill and keeping busy? I think Mac would approve.