StLouisCruisers

What beautiful flowers! It's great we have so many green thumbs here on the Daily. Thanks Graham! Your Mamma's saying was a popular one in my house growing up, too. I think DD will do fine. She hasn't had a lot of symptoms the past few days. Of course when her DH started showing the same signs of Covid that DD had gone through, he told her he felt like he'd been hit by a Mack truck. I guess men have a harder time when they're ill, don't they?? 🙄 Gorgeous photo of Glacier Bay. Thanks for sharing it. Our first photos of Kangaroo Island! Thank you for letting us see it.

@kazuJacqui, DSIL felt bad yesterday and was negative. This morning he was positive and this is his first official day of Covid. So I think he'll be positive for a week, at least. Looks like DD is going to be taking over all the chores he had last week - taking care of Sadie and cooking, cleaning, running errands. 🙄

Good morning friends! I'm a bit later than usual today because DH wanted to get in and out of Kroger early today, so we left after exercise and breakfast. Looks like a nice day so far out there. It's about 80 and we should reach 89 at the peak of the day. As I sit in my sunroom with all its windows, I'm so glad we chose a house with the rear of the home facing north. That's where the many windows are so it stays cooler facing this way. I heard from my DD this morning. She said she home tested negative! So she's out of quarantine. However her DH felt bad all day yesterday so he tested then and it was negative. This morning he tested positive. Can you believe it? I was notified that Buddy's funeral (visitation and burial) will be tomorrow. Their 17 year old son will return to his out of town technical college Sunday and will only be one week behind his class. Their daughter can go back to her job as a preschool teacher. Her preschool threatened to replace her since she missed 2 weeks of work with her Dad in such critical condition followed by hospice. Luckily Amy's brother is a lawyer who works for the State's unemployment division and he advised them they would be in a lot of trouble if they gave away Kaylee's job while she's on leave for this. I mean seriously? Use common sense people! I wish we didn't live so far away at times like this but no way can we get there for the funeral. I will be there in spirit though. Back to the Daily! The port of Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island sounds like a good one. I haven't been there before and hope we get some photos displayed here. We have never had that port of the day before. Pet fire safety is a good cause, as well as respecting Canada. I should be giving away some of the stuff we have around here. I hope we can squeeze in a visit to our children in Ohio and Michigan before fall. They are all so busy! We bought each of them a Go-Pro with our onboard credit on Island Princess (and one for ourselves), and I want to Give Them Away! So that fits. I will probably pass on the menu suggestion but great job @0106filling in for Debbie. And the photos are fine. Mine are always large too and no one complains. I feel like I understand the quote today and appreciate Rich's explanation. Thanks also Rich @richwmn for doing a such a great job bringing us all together each day. Thanks to Roy @rafinmdfor the Care and Celebration lists. Many prayers for all who are suffering or in a bad place. Also cheers to each and every one of you on the Celebration list. So many cruisers! Have a wonderful time and safe travels. Carol @mamaofamiI understand you wishing you could help your Covid positive son. Try not to worry too much because he's no doubt had all his "shots" and will probably have only mild symptoms. And Jake @Crazy For Catsthat credit card problem sounds pretty shady. I would not like doing business at that drug store at all. Hope it is all resolved and someone is held accountable. I've probably forgotten some of the people I wanted to comment about but will add later as it all comes back to me. Have a wonderful Friday everyone!

What a beautiful place to visit! No wonder you go there often.

She looked marvelous! May we all look so well if we make it anywhere near 98!!!

I think it's awesome your parents wanted you to learn another language. You did pretty well figuring out what that shop might sell. I would enjoy visiting that shop, but doubt I ever get the chance. Our DDIL had their two boys take Mandarin lessons but I have no idea how well they can speak it. I hope they retain some of it into adulthood. Wow, I hope they can get the repairs done on the azipod. It really does impact a cruise a lot when they don't have full power. Thanks for posting for her. That's a great story about DM! She looks younger than 86 in that photo. And you have such wonderful memories of your visit there with her. Thank you for sharing it with us.

From Holland America's frequently asked question page. No exceptions that I know about. Revised Policy effective June 1st, 2021 Guests are not allowed to bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages on board for consumption or any other use except as follows: Guests may bring Wine and Champagne onboard, however a corkage fee of USD $20.00 (which is subject to change without notice) will be applied to each bottle (max 750 ml in volume or less). Limitations apply. Wine brought in quantities deemed to be excessive by the vessel or security will be refused. Wine purchased during company-sponsored shore excursions that visit local wineries are exempt from the on-board corkage fee (offer limited to one bottle of wine per person). Items such as sodas, energy drinks or other non-alcoholic items are not allowed on board in any form. Plastic water bottles are not allowed. However, an allowance of six liters, twelve (12) cans or cartons (500 ml in volume or less) or six (6) cans or cartons (1 liter in volume or less) of water are allowed per stateroom. Any amount in excess of this allowance will be not be allowed onboard. Water in plastic bottles will not be allowed onboard in any quantity, including in ports of call. Guests will be asked to discard open beverages in plastic containers prior to boarding. All checked and carry-on luggage will be scanned and any prohibited items, including alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages will be removed, confiscated, and discarded. If Your luggage is locked, the lock may be removed by security or, alternatively, the luggage will be held by security until you can be present for an inspection and any items in question further identified and/or surrendered. Holland America Line shall not be responsible for any loss, cost, disappointment or damage of any kind as a result of any luggage lock removal, alcoholic/nonalcoholic items, or other prohibited items removed and discarded in violation of the policy. You agree to surrender alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty free from the ship's gift shop, or at ports of call, to Holland America Line, which will be delivered to your stateroom just prior to disembarking the voyage. Any wine or champagne supplied by the Holland America Line to you is not subject to a corkage fee. Purified or distilled water in factory-sealed containers (including plastic containers) for use in conjunction with medical device(s) are allowed in checked luggage and must be packed with the device(s). Distilled/purified water in factory-sealed containers (including plastic containers) for the reconstitution of infant formula is allowed in checked luggage for staterooms with infant bookings. Limitations apply. Allowances are subject to change without notice and remain subject to situational assessments by both security and the vessel. An 18% Service Charge is automatically applied to all Beverage Purchases, Bar Retail Items, Specialty Restaurant Cover Charges and all For Purchase A La Carte Menu Items. Local Sales Taxes Applied where required.

Thank you @MISTER 67. Thanks so much Susan. I appreciate your sympathy Marge. Feels like a lot of loss in our family's world the past 18 months. What a nice surprise! That will definitely make sitting outside more comfortable. Happy Birthday to Allen today (and many more)! Thank you for the prayers my friend.

Very cool pic of the soldiers! Nice to see you posting today Father. Safe travels to Split next month. I appreciate your compliment. I do the best I can with what I've got. Plus if you take enough photos, at least a few of them will turn out good, right? Thank you Sharon for your condolences. It's truly an amazing area to visit while in Greece. Nice you had the overnight. And the bigger the barrel the better.🍷

I love the Meteora photos of the monasteries and buildings perched high on the mountains. When we were there (tour from our Volos stop), it was fogged in! Absolutely crushed me! I would enjoy going back there on a day like you had.

Your photos always look so professional unlike people like me with an IPhone and a point and shoot camera. I enjoyed looking at them. Thanks!

My apologies to Shadow for mistaking her gender! Instead of handsome, I'd call her beautiful!😉

Good job!

I've been sitting here checking out my photo books made after each cruise, and saw a few photos that pertained to Piraeus instead of Athens. On our first cruise to Athens on Crown Princess in 2012, we toured the Acropolis and Plaka. On the Prinsendam in 2014 we were there twice, once at the beginning of the Black Sea cruise, then at the beginning of the next cruise to the Holy Land. We stayed at a hotel a block from Pasalimani Harbor in Piraeus. Here's a photo of the harbor taken from our lunch restaurant. And our lunch In December 2018 we were crossing from Europe to the U.S. on the Pacific Princess. Our stop in Piraeus was on Dec. 1. We walked from the ship's dock to Pasalimani Harbor again to do some wine and water shopping. If only I could speak Greek I'd know what these stores sold. No clue! I loved the little tree on the sidewalk with a pretty explicit warning. These kitties lived right in the doorway of this residence. In Greece you park anywhere your car will fit, even if it's at the intersection of two streets. We saw a lot of double parking too. This was the grocery store. They had moving escalator ramps you put your cart on and it moved on up to the second or third floor. We passed by an archaeological museum on the way back to the ship. This was the site of an ampitheater and they had all these stone objects lining the lot. The Piraeus dock where our 2019 cruise began. It was the Emerald Princess and we enjoyed 14 days onboard. At day 7 the rest of our family joined us in Barcelona to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversay. We had to celebrate it during mid-summer due to everyone's school and work commitments since our true anniversary date was Sept. 6.

Thanks for your condolences. I'm sure his loss will leave a huge hole in his family for years to come. Jack, thank you for your sympathy.

What wonderful news about Curt! I hope he continues to improve with his therapy at home. Keep us updated.

Good morning friends. It is so nice to come to such a friendly, warm, comforting place each day. Thank you all who have sent your sympathy to Buddy's family since I signed off last night which includes @kb4683, @Seasick Sailor, @cunnorl, @ger_77, @erewhon, @Cruzin Terri, @HAL Sailer, @TiogaCruiser, @grapau27, @Vict0riann, @puppycanducruise, @cat shepard, @kazu, @seagarsmoker, @4966and556 and @dfishyou are all wonderful caring people or as Ann @marshhawksays, our angels. Buddy's family all appreciate your condolences and even though Amy is a strong woman she could use your prayers. Thank you all. Happy Bastille Day to our French friends. I will say yes to macaroni and cheese, no to sharks and pandemonium. I think the rose' sounds quite nice, no to the drink and tofu suggestion. Another odd Marilyn Monroe quote. Piraeus (Athens) was the port of the day on Dec. 24, 2021. We had many photos posted that day but I wasn't one of the posters due to the fact we drove to Ohio that day and it was late in the day before I got around to reading and posting. I'll wait and see if we have a lot of photos today or not before I go hunting for my photos. I looked up our visits there and we've been there 5 times so I must have a few photos. We didn't go into Athens each visit, I do know that. Thanks Rich @richwmn for posting all these discussion topics today on the Fleet Report and Daily! Also thanks go to Roy @rafinmdfor his Care and Celebration lists. I appreciate your mention of Buddy's passing. It's been quite the journey since his first surgery for throat cancer right before Christmas. Prayers were said this morning for all before I even hit the treadmill. By the way, there was minor pain in the leg overnight. I'm hoping to keep it manageable and perhaps it will go away on its own with time. As for the celebrants, cheers to all of you! Debbie @dfishsafe travels today and this weekend as you head out for your cruise. We will miss you however and look forward to seeing you back here Aug. 2. Good luck today Graham @grapau27at your doctor appointment. Hope everything works out well. Also hope Sarah is feeling better every day. Jacqui @kazuShadow is a handsome dog! I know he will be lucky to have such a great Mom when he arrives. Sorry about the toe but hope it's looking a little better. Glad you found the weeding tool to help make life easier for you. And don't work too hard! Jack @HeartgroveI'm sorry to hear your DB doesn't seem to be doing well lately. I hope you can get that very important visit in with him next week. That wedding is finally here! Safe travels there. I forgot my weather report! It's cloudy as it has been a lot lately. More rain expected here and there during the day. I wish I could send some to those who need it (my DD in Cincinnati for one). As long as it's not flooding I'll take the rain. Have a great day everyone!

Again, to @Tbay, @marshhawk, @dfish, @Mtn2Sea and @smitty34877 many thanks for your condolences. Very much appreciated!

To all of my good friends here - @cruzn single, @rafinmd, @1ANGELCAT, @kochleffel, @Cruising-along, @JazzyV, @Quartzsite Cruiser, @Horizon chaser 1957, @durangoscots @srdancer , @Sea Viewer, @aliaschief, and @cat shepard thank you for your kindness and comforting words.

I was just notified a few minutes ago that Buddy has passed away. My twin and her DH were able to be with their daughter Amy at her home. I'm sure the two kids are there too but I have no more details. It's not easy becoming a widow, but especially at age 47. May he rest in peace. Pray for strength for the family.🙏😢

That's wonderful! Many of us could take a lesson from you in losing weight. You must be very disciplined. Your doctor will be very happy with you. And thank you for your nice comments about Lenda's and my photos. I agree with everything she said.

Good luck at your appointment tomorrow Graham. What a great job in losing weight especially with all those delicious meals you and Pauline enjoy so often. You must have a very good metabolism.

DD did her drive thru Covid testing this morning at Walgreen's and no surprise - she is still positive. She's been keeping busy this morning downloading paperwork to her Pigeon Forge travel insurance company and hopefully will be reimbursed soon. Good thing school doesn't start for the teachers in her district for 4 more weeks. 📚

Good morning friends! Another cloudy morning with some spritzes of raindrops on the windows as I walked on the treadmill. I actually had a much more comfortable night last night. Hoping that trend continues. 🤞 Thanks to Rich @richwmnfor our Fleet Report and Daily! Odd assortment of days but I can deal with it. I do admire the harmonizing of a Barbershop Quartet group. I don't mind a little geekiness in people as that trait can be very helpful. Not sure how to celebrate Fool's Paradise Day.🤪 I had no idea what the sorbetes was but wouldn't mind giving it a try. Monte Carlo is a beautiful and very expensive place to visit. We were there a few years back and I have photos I posted on March 16, 2021 to show again. Thanks to Roy @rafinmdfor the C & C lists for the day. We all continue to pray for those listed on the Care list as well as our many friends and family with Covid. Cheers for all celebrating cruises and family vacations. Speaking of that, DD says she is going to take a home test today (hoping for negative but probably too soon) and if positive she will turn that into her trip insurance company for a refund of her Pigeon Forge vacation. They were planning on going tomorrow for 4 nights and luckily bought the trip insurance. No one in the family wants to go without her so she can get reimbursed if her test is positive. Wouldn't it be great if it was negative though and everyone could have one last fling before school starts in a few weeks? Debbie @dfishI hope you and your sis and friend have a marvelous cruise, safe travels and NO Covid!! Jacqui @kazulove the flower photos. Keep them coming! I can't believe I've only been to Monaco once! It was on the Westerday in August 2017. And as usual it was a warm summer day. My DH was trying to take it very easy during this 21 day cruise because he had been in the ER for a painful issue immediately before our trip. So I found quite a few inexpensive ship tours to take in all these beautiful ports since I would be going out alone. I was anxious to see some of the countryside surrounding these Mediterranean ports. We had to tender over to shore, but I thought this photo from the ship turned out pretty well considering I had to zoom way in. The two stops on my tour were Menton and Eze. We headed towards the French-Italian border on a narrow 2 lane road. There was a slight delay because of a car accident with a small car lying on its side. I had a hard time getting any decent pictures because the bus windows were pretty dirty. But once we got off the bus, it was fine. There was only one problem tour group member - an 85 year old lady wearing high heels and ripped jeans who kept clinging to all the gentlemen's arms as she begged for help with the cobblestone pathways. Oh my goodness... Here is the beach as we got off the bus. First we had a nice visit in the local market. Then some of the beautiful buildings and churches in the village. Going back to the bus, the beaches were filling up. We headed along the beaches and then a little inland to Eze, a medieval village on a hilltop. It was amazing! It was quite a workout walking up and down the narrow passages on the hillside but well worth it. A church with quite a view. And that same church seen from the bus as we left. After returning to the ship, DH and I spent the afternoon in the Crow's Nest enjoying the view of Monte Carlo. Good times!

Bon Voyage everyone!