NextOne

Back just in time!

Checking in -- but may miss it if the garage repairman arrives...

Today is a cold (38F) and blustery day. I had to retrieve the recycling bin from the neighbor's yard when I got home from church. I'm SO ready for Spring to arrive tomorrow! So here's a very first world problem - my car has been taken prisoner by my garage! Thursday I went to take my car out of the garage and the door opener wouldn't work. Checked to make sure the circuit breaker wasn't thrown - nope! Tried to pull the red cord and pull the handle for the emergency door release - nope. DS tried it, too - nope. Would the remote work? Nope - it clicks but nothing happens. We finally determined that after 37 years, the unit is done. Luckily, DS works from home so I could use his car. This afternoon the repairman is scheduled to come and replace the unit - Freedom!

yes

Checking in!

Thanks, Roy! It's okay - DH's surgery was to rebuild his ankle after it was eaten away by cancer, so very different. Mine should be much less severe, and the recovery should be relatively quick. Still counting on that cruise!!

A funny note -- a few years ago, I was reading a Ruth Ware murder mystery -- the one with a wedding on an island -- and everyone in the wedding party was drinking Whispering Angel rose. I figured the sales must have shot (no pun intended) up after that!

Hoping to catch the sailaways this afternoon!

Hi friends! Sorry I've missed a few days -- have to go back and catch up. Lots of doctor visits happening. I've had my full share of awkward days, particularly the one at work when I hit "reply all" instead of just "reply." Oh yes, that caused some ruffled feathers... We took an excursion in Nicaragua that arrived back to the ship two hours late because of road construction. We had an armed escort both ways, and on the return trip the guards made the road crew stop so we could pass. They were afraid we'd be too exposed. We were glad to get back on the ship! My November ER visit continues to be the "gift that keeps on giving." The original cause was AFib, but the echocardiogram they did at the same time revealed a leaky mitral valve - officially "mitral regurgitation." It's taken four months, but I finally got a decision from the cardiologist on how to proceed. Minimally invasive surgery to repair the valve is recommended, but now I have to speak with a surgeon. I have no idea what their scheduling is like, and am really afraid that I'll have to cancel the July Voyage of the Vikings. I have insurance, but I REALLY want to do the cruise. Fingers crossed & prayers raised that it will all work out! Wishing everyone a happy & relaxing weekend!

Thanks Leeann et al! I'll miss the NA tomorrow because I've got a bridge game scheduled. Have fun!

Checking in, just in time!

Where can I find the list? Does this mean that these ships are guaranteed to still be in service for 2025? Thanks!

Never mind!

I love that sailing class that just passed. Looks like a bunch of ducklings following mama!

My screen seems okay.

Checking in!

Rabbit, Rabbit, White Rabbit! Wishing all the Dailyites a lucky and happy March! I love peanut butter and always think of Jimmy Carter's mother (Miss Lillian) when I hear about the Peace Corps - she joined when she was 65! I wouldn't mind some pork BBQ for dinner tonight, but the church is serving soup before the midweek service. Happy Birthday Bruce! And congrats to RNB for getting an early start on his! Have a good day, all!

Hi friends! Thanks to everyone for their contributions! Since my son moved back home, he's become an expert at making chili several different ways. I'm just happy that he's willing to share the cooking responsibilities - LOL! The fallout from my visit to the ER last November continues. I went to see the pulmonologist today about the results of a chest x-ray that was done in the ER. The good news is that he thinks the x-ray was just a bad job. He did two more in the office, and everything looks fine. Test results were also positive. However, he warned me that when I see the cardiologist next week, the verdict will most likely be that I need a heart valve replacement. If so, I may have to cancel the VoV this year. Sigh. So, I'll probably be joining the 3 am club, too! On a brighter note -- the cherry trees here are blooming, and my star magnolia is ready to burst! Lovely, but I'm afraid of what any frost might do to them.....March is only a day away, after all! Edi

Last night's beautiful sunset here accurately foretold what a beautiful day today would be. In the 80s! But snow on Saturday? C'mon!!!

Rats! The cam cut off & told me to restart...by the time I got in, she was gone!! Argh!!!

Welcome and thank you for joining the rest of us cruise addicts! BTW - checking in! Edi

Just stumbled across this while looking at information for the Isle of Lewis! The river cruise company Victoria Cruise Lines is entering the ocean cruise market with two former Holland America Line ships. The cruise line is leader in luxury cruising on China’s Yangtze River, with seven river ships in operation. Victoria Cruise Lines announced that the two former HAL ships, the Veendam and the Ryndam, now renamed Victoria Majestic and Victoria Amazing, will offer affordable experience at sea, featuring a long-term residential cruise experience. Starting in May 2023, the company's two ocean-going ships will offer a residential cruise experience traveling to more than 200 inspiring global destinations. With its headquarters in Limassol, Cyprus, Victoria Cruises Line offers cruise enthusiasts the opportunity to rent luxury suites and premium staterooms for a minimum of six months or for a long-term period. Victoria Cruises Line's around-the-world trip will take approximately 27 months with about 540 days spent at ports. The ships will spend an average of 1-7 days in each port, so its guests can explore the port city and the surrounding villages at their leisure. "Victoria Cruises Line offers our customers a unique lifestyle that is completely new to the shipping industry," said Olavs Zvinelis, CEO of Victoria Cruises Line. "We provide rental cabins at affordable prices to clients who want to live on a boat and travel the world without any strings attached. It's our mission to deliver a unique houseboat experience for our residents, who will live on board like a little family."

Apex backing up and the sound seems to be back.

Checking in early!

Those of us on this year's Voyage of the Vikings were notified yesterday of some port changes. Bergen has been replaced with Lerwick, Shetland Islands, and Dublin changed to Sornoway, Isle of Lewis. Remarkably little grumbling about the changes since very few have been to either of the new ports. I'm pleased, too! Have any other Dailyites had the experience of being happier with a revised itinerary than the original? Have a good day, friends! Edi