Greetings from northern climes! I have been on the ship for about five days, and I believe we’re traversing the St. Lawrence River at the moment on our way to Quebec City. This being my first cruise experience, I have enjoyed the intelligent conversations with our WEEKLY STANDARD cruisers, the delightfully unstifling temperatures, and the alacrity with which my bed is made for me every day. In fact, now that I think of it, I’d welcome all three back at home.

As it is, I have only two more days to enjoy them. But I’ve used my time wisely, having dined with two generals, one Fox-News-loving Canadian waiter, and at least one Maine lobster who met his demise upon the tines of my fork (I think they’re calling that the Obama diet these days).