akcruz

15 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Beautiful photos.    We also have these tours in my area.  I have never visited but a girl at work volunteered last weekend at one of the homes.    The pictures she had were gorgeous but no trees/decorations in the closets or sink   Is that a sink or a tub?   The decorations on the that tree are gorgeous.

The tree in the last picture was in the bathtub, couldn’t believe it, first thing you saw coming into the bath.  We had something similar in our area in NJ but never went.  This was my first year attending, figuring out how to get to all of them next year.

I have recently joined a local woman's group and one of their big fundraisers is a parade of homes where local residents decorate for the holidays and others buy tickets to tour those homes.  I "worked" at one of the homes last night, making sure people behaved and only went to certain areas.  Since I was working didn't get to see most of the other homes but here are a few pics from where I was and one of the others.  From what I've seen where I was has the best decorations.

The dining area

The main living area

Master

Outside pool

I did make it to another home in the same neighborhood I was in,  beautiful home nicely decorated but pictures don't do it justice other than these 2

Master closet

In the master bath, he he he

Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate 🕎

@Sea Dog Greg sorry to hear you ended up canceling your Beyond cruise.  Hard decision I am sure but unfortunately probably more common as we all get older.  

15 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

 

 

 

After seeing this I had to check things out. She is one of my favorite reviewers and has a great heart.  I am hoping that there is just a glitch and things are just being reset.  Here are some screen shots of what I found. 

By looking at her last blog it appears her account is gone.  It now says "guest" wrote the blog.

 

When she is quoted her user name still appears....

 

 

Usually when you click on a quote it takes you back to the original post.  When I clicked this one this is what came up.

 

We can't say exactly why this is all happening.   Let's hope all ends well.

☹️ sorry to see this, I too hope it is just a reset of her account and not something more.

1 hour ago, bobmacliberty said:

I've had a prescription for Shingrix sitting on my desk since my last doctor visit about 10 months ago.  I've just never gotten around to getting the shot.  After all of this Shingles talk, I think I'll make it a priority.  😬

That's me too, keep hearing the 1st shot isn't too bad but the 2nd can really knock you out.  Trying to find a time frame that works.  After these discussions may have to get more serious about it.

54 minutes ago, sgmn said:

No idea, think its historic.  As I said it's being lowered from 01Sept 23 to 65, but us guys who are over 65 but below 70 will have to wait till over 70 which is a bit frustrating 

Well that makes no sense.  So 65 year olds can get the vaccine now but you have wait?  Guess they don't want to worry about supply issues but still, crazy.

3 hours ago, h20skibum said:

I finally got caught up on this thread.  I was preoccupied last week because of things going on.

 

It started on Monday.  We watched our grandkids, because they had the day off from school. Our daughter was at Cleveland Clinic to have a day filled with many tests.   After all the chemo and radiation, she finally completed her eight cycles of oral chemo last month.  It was a long day, and before she got home, she already had some results that they found a spot on her lung and liver that needed further evaluation.  Monday is a sleepless night. 

 

They checked around, and the Cleveland Clinic in Canton, Ohio would be able to do the additional testing on Wednesday.   Tuesday, they call and tell her that they didn’t think insurance would cover the test.  Ok, we give her 5k to pay for the testing and have her keep the appointment. Tuesday is another sleepless night. 

 

Wednesday, I drive her to Canton.  Prep and testing did not go as smoothly as it should have, but they finally got going with it around 5pm.  Drive back to Pennsylvania, and it was another sleepless night for everyone. 

 

Thursday morning, and Susan and I were already talking about canceling our cruise in two weeks, depending on the results.  Thursday afternoon, the call comes. I am glad they prefaced their call with “It’s good news!”  No sign of cancer.

 

You can’t imagine the weight that was immediately lifted from our shoulders when we heard that news.   I know many of our friends here said a prayer for her and her family over the past couple years, and I thank you all for that.  I guess you could say that this is our Christmas miracle.  

Woo hoo🎉.  You had me nervous there for a bit, I can imagine how stressful that would be, glad to hear all is good. Enjoy your cruise!

58 minutes ago, bobmacliberty said:

I'm back in Florida, recuperating from helping my daughter move into her house.  I'm too old for that...stuff.  At my age, I'm supposed to write checks, not climb ladders and carry washing machines into a basement on a dolly.  I also like being back where the temps are in the 70s, at least for a few days.  Micheline decided to stay there and do more work.  We didn't get the kitchen painted and there is still more cleaning to do.  Not sure when she'll decide that she's done enough for now and give up.  Momma wants her baby girl to be happy. 😁

 

I took a few videos when the living room and bedroom were at their best...before move-in day and the explosion of boxes everywhere.  It's amazing what Scott's Liquid Gold Floor Restore can do to a  hardwood floor.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful home,  nice work.  

1 hour ago, Arzeena said:

How do I start to even learn to crochet? Where do I begin?

Your stuff is so beautiful. Congratulations to the kitties on graduating to their new homes. May they all stay very happy. They are so darling!☺️

1 hour ago, Keksie said:

The tree skirt is a latch hook kit.  

If you want to learn to crochet.  Look for a local yarn shop.  A lot have beginner classes.  If that isn't an option you tube is your friend.  For any stitches I don't know knit or crochet there is a video for it.   There is also a website Ravelry dot com that has patterns, forums etc.  You might find someone close to you that would help.  Many of the big box stores will have beginning supplies.  Knitting and crochet are based on a couple of stitches and once you know those you can build your skills.  Wash clothes are  good starting project.  Then scarfs.  Any questions just ask.  I am happy to help.

Another option is to check out your local library, a number of them have either classes or open session times where more experienced are there to help newbies.  My mom taught me crochet and have done a number of things through the years, I find it very relaxing.  Tried knitting but I never really took to it, have enough other stuff to keep me occupied.  Latest is crazy quilting and folded fabric ornaments, waiting on some ribbon, will share once done.

4 hours ago, Jimbo said:

All my Tv's are either Samsung or LG smart tv's but we do have one older Panasonic which is not a Smart Tv, does that mean I may not be able to get YouTubeTV on that set?

 

Another issue I like to watch MLB.TV so I can get Philadelphia Phillies games broadcasted here in Virginia. Seems we can do that through Amazon Prime. So that issue seems to be resolved.

 

Does anyone know anything about the Panasonic Tv Issue?

 

Other then that it would just be cost comparison  between Xfinity  and YoutubeTv

1 hour ago, Vibe said:

You may be able to plug in a chromecast with Google TV device on your Panasonic TV

Another option is an Amazon firestick. 

Our local internet/cable is covered in our HOA so just stick with that. When we first moved here it was pretty basic, old time dvr, etc but recently they created an app version that only runs on the firestick.  Took a bit to get used to, it is similar to you tube tv which our daughter has, but like it now.   Can actually take the firestick to our other house and use it there for our recordings.  Our son, on the other hand, in PA has crazy high cable bills, keep telling him to look into you tube TV, maybe one of these days.  

2 minutes ago, jagsfan said:

I’m ticked at myself!

I accidentally x’ed the humor page off my screen and now I can’t find it again. 
I went through about 8 pages of RCI posts.

Does anyone know how to find it again? 
 

I think it got moved to the Floataway Lounge.

16 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

Well when it rains it pours. Seems like there is always something going on with Linda and I’s physical ailments.

 

So Linda just got her MRI back on her shoulder that’s been hurting ever since after her hand surgery. She has a torn rotator cuff and a torn labrum tear. Most likely from using her non dominant arm after the surgery and doing some heavy lifting. If she has surgery right after Christmas it might take a good 6 months to rehab and would mean we might  have to cancel our April 1st Celebrity Beyond sailing.

 

Then my surgical knee is doing well but I now gave numbness and a burning sensation in my non surgical leg in the thigh area. At first I thought it might be due to the spinal block they did but now it’s been 3 weeks and I’m still having issues with it.

 

To make matters worse my groin pain is not any better and I see my doctor on Monday but now I suspect that I have a inguinal hernia. Which would be another surgery to correct that. Hopefully we can schedule everything without minimal interruption to our cruising but I’m now worried we might have to cancel Beyond.

Sorry to hear, getting old definitely sucks.  New aches and pains every day, hopefully yours and Linda's will be resolved easily without too much disruption to your cruise schedule. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our lovely friends here on Dani's thread.  Thankful to have all of you here, may your day bring you joy however you celebrate.

40 minutes ago, Momof3gurlz said:

You’re not the only one Maryann.  We put up one tree, an artificial one, usually the first week of December.  I feel like a real slacker compared to some here!

Safe travels tomorrow and enjoy your day.

3 minutes ago, reallyitsmema said:

 

We only do one fresh cut tree too.  We used to wait until after my son's birthday but now we put it up when it fits into our schedule to do it.

We do 1 also if we plan on being home.  Have a small lighted one for the years we go north.  Yes they are beautiful butso much work if it's only us looking at them.  Other ways to get in the holiday spirit without so much work.

27 minutes ago, Jussabitconfused said:

I prefer evening and now knowing that the majority of people, albeit a very small number of contributors, prefer morning I will happily keep on requesting evening. Maybe the results will change as more people vote. 

Happy to do my part to even it out.

I like them to come in while we are at dinner. We always request that and so far they have always done so. I would not want to be displaced during the morning if we were trying to relax or get ready for something. I guess it depends on what you do with your time. I am in and out all day on sea days except during dinner time.

I know all ships are different and probably each steward but we could not get our cabin done during dinner earlier this year.  When we asked for that we were told she went off duty around 5 so it was really morning or late afternoon we could have.  There are pros and cons to each, but I fear we all need to be flexible and not count on either.

1 hour ago, jagsfan said:

Good grief! How does anyone walk out and look straight down? I can’t get near floor to ceiling glass walls!

I am “faint of heart” looking down from a height. 
I really scared myself at the Sears Tower years ago and couldn’t make myself step on the the elevator to go back down. I was determined to. walk down, but the security guard wouldn’t let me in the stairwell. 
He and Dick wrestled me onto the elevator. 
 

Agree, I was surprised at how many walked right out to the middle and looked down including a few kids crawling all around.  I have no issues with glass walls but need a solid, not see thru, floor.

For all the Bucees lovers, seems about right

2 hours ago, Coralc said:

That is really pretty building decor on Saks. Is it seasonal, or does it look like that all the time? Great photos! Thank you for sharing them We will have to get to NY sometime.  

I am not sure if that is just fir the holidays or not.  All their windows were papered over so you couldn't see any of the decorations yet.  Thought it was very pretty so took the picture.

1 hour ago, jagsfan said:

Do any of y’all remember my friend Ginny?

She tripped over her suitcase at age 98, wound up in the hospital with broken ribs and more. 
Tests showed masses throughout her body, and she stopped eating. She lost a 2nd daughter during that time and was depressed and ready to let go. 
That was 2 years ago.
She went to assisted living from the hospital, but wanted to go home. 
Finally her granddaughter had her moved  home to her 2 story condo.  
Her bed was moved downstairs, and set up a team of caregivers 24/7. 
We had hoped she would make it to 100, but knew there was no chance.  
She was born 100 years ago today. 

Here’s Ginny at her birthday party today!!!
Never give up!

Happy 100th to Ginny, yes never give up 🎂🥂🎉

Had a bridal shower to go to last weekend back in NJ so made a trip out of it.  Did our fall cleanup and winter prep at the Pocono house, saw both kids and grandkids as we won't see them for Thanksgiving, got together with some work friends and took a day trip into NYC as we haven't been in over 5 years and the weather was looking good for the day.

Some pics from our day in the city, wandered around the touristy spots and took a walk to Hudson Yards, new since we had been there, and went to The Edge, the observation deck on the 100th floor with the glass floor overhang, glad we went but it was a once and done for us.

They were still working on the tree

Nice day for skating

Saks, looking away from the tree

The Edge from street, you can see the triangle shaped glass cut out.  They also have the climb where can repel on the side of the building.

How far I made it, every time I tried to step further someone else walk out, couldn't do it.  Maybe if it wasn't so crowded, probably not.

But Jim made it all the way

Back on solid ground, great views but somewhat hazy so pictures aren't great of the skyline.

34 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

Easy way not to miss any new posts.

 

When opening the Main Royal Caribbean Page,  roll down to Dani's thread, to the extreme left in the title of the thread there will be a symbol of a star , click on that star and  it will take you to the first NEW post in the thread just where you left off last time you were reading the thread.

 

The post above will be the last post you read, new one below. 

 

Start there and away you go, never miss a post.

Problem is if you are away from the thread for a few days you fall way behind.  During those times I will just go to the last few pages, or skim a few to try to catch up.  Easy to miss posts that way.

We were away last week and did a lot of skimming pages to not fall too far behind.  Try to like things I see but rarely comment during trips.

10 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Can't believe I am admitting to this but we are watching a Hallmark Christmas movie called Navigating Christmas. In my defense I only agreed to it because it involves a lighthouse. God, I'm so embarrassed.🥺

Saw this the other day.  I enjoy them but yes they are all basically the same.

All this talk about beeper and overnight abends sure brings back memories, both DH and I did that for too many years.  With the system I worked on in the late 80s you were guaranteed to be called at least 1 night during your week.  Many times I was still there when people started coming in the next day.  Started as a COBOL IMS programmer.  Fortunately moved up and over to the business side, one of the biggest advantages was not being on call anymore.

10 minutes ago, George C said:

Not a good day here , will get a root canal in a couple of hours , car has problems need to tow it to get it fixed , but this is minor. Vet thinks our 16 year old Joebob has cancer and we may have to put him to sleep, he is a very sweet boy we lost his sister last year.

 

💔 always a tough choice, sad to hear this

10 hours ago, Jimbo said:

Anyone else notice? more and more people on this thread are cruising  on other cruiselines then Royal  Caribbean?

Or skipping cruising altogether. I think Royal is going after the younger family crowd who is willing to spend for both the cruise and all the extras.  Most here I think are on the older side and don't want or need all that. 

We have a short Celebrity cruise booked in January, got a great resident rate, that we will sandwich with land stops.  Other than that have Bella2 booked and not even looking at any more, looking at land based trips instead.  Value of cruising just not there for us right now, definitely not on Royal.