msmayor

I get your disappointment - but outrage?  Not so sure about that...

They are doing the best they can.  It really IS possible to test negative one day, then two days later test positive.  It's also possible for a false reading instead of them 'mixing up test results'.  They are not going to just keep testing until the results come up the way people want them to come up.  They are going to err on the side of caution so they can keep sailing.

It's the chance anyone cruising right now takes.  

2 hours ago, Riversedge said:

I’m going to start a “Live From Koningsdam Quarantine” thread but wanted to give you a heads up that the 10 days they say you have to quarantine is actually 11 days.  Even though you might start isolation in the morning, HAL counts it as day ZERO.  As if I needed another day of boredom!  

I believe everywhere counts the day of a positive test as day zero.

5 minutes ago, KeithJenner said:

I think the point is that by having the 2022 deadline for using any credits they are pushing people like the OP towards taking a refund rather than booking for 2023, which would be the OPs preference.

While I don't know all the nuances of accounting for these credits, I do know that with that much on the street the liability side of their balance sheet is daunting.  Companies just don't want to keep pushing that big liability out, they want to get it off the books.  The deadline is there, and while they have the ability to extend, they may just not want to in order to clear up liabilities.

Pretty sure there's a difference between a casino discount and a casino promotion.  

Whenever we've booked using our casino discount (which has been anywhere between $300-600pp) I've been able to combine other promotions with that discount

Casino promotions are a whole different category and such a deep discount, I don't think you can combine with anything else.

Good morning all!

Love today's assortment of 'days'...finding a new word to add to my vocabulary is fun and I will often use a 'digital thesaurus' to find the right one.  Winnie the Pooh has been a favorite of mine since childhood - I have a full collection of Pooh storybooks I'll be passing on to my granddaughter so she can enjoy that silly lovable bear and his friends.  Gourmet coffee?  Love gourmet beans, but no need to add syrups and foams and such.  A good rich hot cup of java first thing in the morning takes me to my happy place.

So many in our group in need of good thoughts - hoping that you each find that single bright moment today that lets you know things are turning toward the better.  

Will check in later...

13 hours ago, mamaofami said:

Good morning everyone. Sam’s aide left last night after an incident where he was yelling at Sam and myself. He called the agency and told them he wanted to leave and they said in the morning, but he is a big man and after his yelling I asked them to remove him immediately. We are switching agencies but until at least tomorrow night we are alone for the first time since the beginning of June. I had very little sleep because I was  very upset.

Stay safe everyone,

Carol

 

@mamaofami Carol, behavior like that is simply inexcusable - I'm so sorry you and Sam were subjected to that kind of behavior from an individual who chose to be of service to others.  He needs to find a new line of work.  

@kazu there are simply no words - sending hugs.

4 hours ago, Crazy For Cats said:

Good Morning Everyone, thanks for the daily report. Today is a very wet and windy day.  We received about an inch of rain overnight.   A short drive and I could see fresh snow.  Thankful that we got rain.  I do like today's quote.  The meal suggestion will need to wait as we are having leftover roasted chicken.   I did get thighs over the weekend. 

Today is a work day here.  This used to be a paid day off.  Amelia is tempting me with a bad example of what to do.

OMG her coloring is gorgeous!!

Good morning, Daily friends...sending a caring hug to all who are in need.  Friends near and far are supporting you and hope things get better very soon.

Years ago, this day (along with days like Presidents' Day, Veterans' Day, etc) would be a day off from work - but not so much anymore.  I'll be at my desk as usual along with many others. MLK Day feels far more relevant than ever though, and it is a day I hope that we can reflect on the words he always so eloquently spoke. 

Chicken thighs are great when braised, but today's meal for us will be the last of the chili I made a few weeks ago and froze.  Hubby will bake some fresh cornbread muffins to go with it - a perfect meal for this cold and rainy/snowy day.

Never one to make resolutions, so no need to worry about breaking them.  Kids have some of the most amazing ideas - they deserve a day to celebrate!

Hope everyone has a good day today!

@kazu...from all your Daily friends near and far...

Good morning Daily friends...still a brisk 20 degrees here this morning but it is supposed to be a bit warmer later today.  No matter for me - headed to a full day offsite Leadership Meeting for quarterly planning.  I'll be essentially locked in a giant conference room all day in meetings...a glass of today's wine would be a welcome sight once I get home.

Love the quote today - reminds me of why we always try to take any managerial candidates out to a meal as part of the interview process and observe how they interact with servers and runners.  Gives us a good sense of how they treat all they interact with during the day.

Fabulous Wild Men?  Would love to hear the meaning behind that Day declaration...love a good hot cup of tea when I'm not feeling well (honey lemon flavored, please) and our pharmacists surely deserve a day to celebrate how important they are to us.

Invitations for the 'Zoom' shower went out yesterday.  I used a site called Evite that my sister has used often - very easy to design an invitation and add email addresses, a click of the button and done!  They manage all the RSVPs too...and include a message board for people to make comments.  Even though the shower itself isn't a surprise for my daughter, I've decided that I'll work with her husband and drive down to her house the day before and surprise her by being there for the shower, to help with the gifts and hugs.  

Well, the clock on the wall says it's time to head to that meeting...it's going to be a looooooong day!

Catch up with you all later...blessings to all...

4 hours ago, JAM37 said:

 

@msmayorit's good to hear that your daughter was so excited even though the shower can't be in person. I'm sure you will all have a great time.

 

She was definitely excited about the shower...and added "Oh thank goodness...this means no one here to make the silly bow hat and force me to wear it for pictures!"

I told her I could always send a bag of bows to the house and ask her husband to make it....:)

Good morning, Daily friends, from frigid NJ...thermometer says 17 degrees right now, and only supposed to get up to 25.  Bright blue skies, so I'll patiently wait for the sun to make its way over the building to shine into my office.  I've got a big chunky sweater to wear while I wait...

I remember trying to learn Morse Code as a girl scout, but that was a very long time ago.  As cold as it is today, no puddles...just ice!  Shop for Travel Day is something I can really get behind...been searching for the possibility of renting a big house for the family in Virginia Beach or the Carolinas this summer, but I must be way too late for the best houses; so many are already booked up.

I like the quote - so true...no matter what happens, life really does go on.

Broke the news to my daughter last night that the baby shower I wanted so badly to have in person for her will go virtual.  Though the logistics of getting everyone in one spot to celebrate in person would have been a bit of a challenge, covid is the real reason we feel we shouldn't gather in a large groups.  Her mother-in-law would have had to join virtually regardless, so this way we're all in the same boat, so to speak.  My sister will help me set up a big Zoom meeting for us all, and I found a website that assists with pre-styled invites and an easy way to link her registry.  She was very excited when I told her about it, so we'll do our best to make it fun and memorable.

Sending prayers and good thoughts to all on the care list...shout outs to those celebrating.  Make today a good one!

A driver's license does not prove citizenship...that's the purpose of the passport or the birth certificate. 

I've heard of some that have been able to get past the issue if someone at home can scan/send these documents to the pier, but you have an uphill battle to climb.

Oh how I love that today is National Spaghetti Day...one of my favorites!  I'm going to a business dinner at an Italian restaurant tonight, so I'll have to see what varieties are on the menu.  Trivia Day is really for my husband...he refers to himself as King of Useless Information and we once won a trivia contest on HAL because he knew the answer to a tiebreak question..."What color is Yak's milk?"  He immediately whispered to me "Pink...it's pink...write that down!!".  I looked at him like he had six heads, but damned if it wasn't right.  "How did you know that??", I asked..."I'm the King of Useless Information!!".

I wasn't able to catch up yesterday's post, so I'm hoping that those who need our care receive the blessings they need.  Cheers to those with good things to start the new year.  

San Diego was technically a port stop for us on our last cruise before the pandemic - 11 night Eurodam from Vancouver which was also sold as a 4-night coastal from Vancouver to San Diego and then a RT Mexico back to San Diego.  My husband and I got off the ship for a walkabout during the 'first stop' to get some exercise on a beautiful day:

It doesn't matter whether we have a package or not, we always give an additional $1-2 per drink delivery on any line, and if we sit at a bar for any period of time? An extra $5-10.  We've never been pressured for it, and find that the servers not only appreciate it but we are remembered with smiles when we return.

Good morning all - thank you for the lists today.

2021 almost feels like a blur, as so much of it felt just like most of 2020.  Such hope at the start that we'd been through the worst of the pandemic, but as the year went on, maybe not.  Booked a cruise for 2022 hopeful we'd be back to normal, but alas...not to be.  The cancellation WOULD have happened anyway, but for us the primary reason to cancel is the impending arrival of our first grandchild in 11 short weeks.

So for us, that is the brilliance of 2021 - the knowledge that the next generation of our family is in the works.  My husband and I are thankful that both our children are working in successful careers of their choosing, and we've managed to stay healthy throughout.  To us, right now, that is what feels most important.  That is enough to sustain us into 2022.

To all of you who have faced tremendous challenges in 2021 - I thank you for sharing and allowing this amazing group in.  I hope you have felt supported and lifted up, if only through the keyboard and screen.  Know that the strength you have shown through some of life's worst moments teaches me that with the love and caring of friends and family, we can get through anything,  

To all who have share your amazing travel photos - thank you for giving us a window into the beauty of this world.  So many places on my bucket list, and some that I don't know that I'll ever get the opportunity to visit.  What I do know is that if I ever make it to some of these places, your photos will help me understand what I'm seeing, and I'm sure I'll think back "Hey, this place looks familiar!" 

Thank you to all for being this place of friendship and hope.  Wishing each of you a peaceful and happy New Year, and a great start to 2022.  

9 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Take care Debbie.

I have just had a 2 hour drive to the English lake District for lunch.

Graham.

@grapau27 Graham, that looks like a lovely spot to dine!

7 hours ago, Crazy For Cats said:

Good Morning Everyone, thanks for the daily report.  So far today has been very quiet with work.  I suspect most of my contacts are taking a long weekend.  Today’s meal suggestion sounds good but I will pass.  It will be pork and sauerkraut for New Years dinner.  I’m leaning towards takeout lasagna for this evening.  I hope that everyone has a good day today.

OMG that photo made me think of my granddog...yesterday my daughter sent me a text and let me know it was raining in Charlottesville and when she opened the door for Dean to go in the back yard, he put one paw out, felt the rain drops and went right back into the family room.  "Nope...not going to do it"

Good morning all, and thank you for the lists today!

Bacon is something my family loves a LOT - and something we limit in the house only to the days we really need it for a recipe (my bacon cheddar quiche comes to mind...made TWO for Christmas morning this year!).  Baking soda is one of my go-to's for tough cleaning problems - combined with a little white vinegar it can work wonders.  Enormous changes at the Last Minute?  That feels more like a year designation than just a single day right now...

Lots of zigs and zags while working yesterday - thank goodness I was home and away from any office distractions or I never would have finished anything.  Today I'll have my staff still in-office so we can focus on anything left that's big, but tomorrow is the official New Year's holiday so everyone will be off...except I'll still put at least 4-6 hours in to book any last minute transactions for 2021.  

I'll make up for working on the holiday and take a few hours this afternoon to hit the grocery store.  The cupboard is a bit bare and I haven't yet gone since returning from VA.  I hope to miss the crowds that will be shopping tomorrow for their New Year's Eve celebrations. 

Sorry to hear that ships are missing ports, and hope that those aboard are still able to enjoy their time at sea.  I know I'd be perfectly happy to be on a veranda right now, with a few good books in the sunshine.  Don't get me wrong...visiting ports are nice...but sometimes just disconnecting for a week is the best re-charge in the world.

Sending prayers to all on the care list, raising a glass to those celebrating.  Two more days and we can kick 2021 to the curb...a fresh calendar awaits, new chapters to be written.

Good morning Daily friends - it's back to work for me today and with just three days left in 2021, National Still Need to Do Day is perfect for those of us in the financial world.  There's always LOTS to do before the clock strikes midnight on the 31st of December!!  I'm working from home, though, as it is much easier to focus on tasks at hand.  Besides, my boss told me that I spend too much time at the office during my review and need to balance my work/home life better...being here at the house makes that a bit easier.

I'll be refocusing my efforts on health and getting back on my Noom program today.  Kind of took 'off' for the holiday at my daughter's...didn't pay too high a price as I only gained 2 lbs over the past 7 days so I will take that as a HUGE victory considering what/where we ate.  I think my only treats for a while will be some nice wines at the end of the day.

@kazuglad you invested in a power shovel - it saves so much time AND your back.  I use a small electric thrower if I have to go out and help the guys, and leave the brutal heavy stuff for them to deal with using the shovel and gas-powered thrower.

@grapau27good luck with your suture removal today.  A few years ago, my son had a surgical procedure on his upper cheek, near his eye, that we knew would leave a scar.  The doctor suggested using over-the-counter Mederma scar gel to lessen the appearance of the scar, and it really worked to reduce visibility.  

@Cruzin TerriI agree with you on the reporting of the virus and cruise ships in particular.  I have no doubt that other places are experiencing surges, but because the cruise industry was in the forefront when this first started over the Princess Ship, it remains under the microscope.  It's a game-changer for the industry, and I'm not convinced we get back to the 'old days' for quite a while, if ever.  

Will be scheduling a dTap (whooping cough) booster now that I'm home.  I didn't even know a booster was available for this childhood vaccine, but evidently it is an important booster for adults who will be around newborn babies before they get their shots.  My daughter said we had to get it before we come down for the birth, so no question we'll make sure we have it done.  I'll schedule Shingles as well - never had that one but many are saying it is an important one for those who had chicken pox as children.  Getting older is complicated!!

Sending good thoughts to all for a great day today...thank you @rafinmd and @richwmn for keeping up with the lists each and every day!!

A late check-in today as we were busy packing this morning to get on the road - we wanted to get through the DC area before any semblance of commuter traffic hit, and it worked.  I was stunned we were able to sustain speeds of 55-60mph on I-66 which runs up through northern VA as well as on the DC Beltway.  Funny thing - my husband is always determined to beat "The Google Machine" which gives us the initial time we should arrive at our destination, and almost every time something screws it up and we run later.  Not today - he beat the initial time by 10 minutes, and pronounced it one of his best Christmas Gifts!

It was a wonderful visit filled with laughs and relaxation, something we all needed. 

I had planned to make a trip down in early February to host a shower for my daughter, but with COVID cases spiking everywhere and her own health paramount, I'm now scheduling a Zoom shower for her.  Already talked to my son-in-law and he agrees - she would be too nervous being so close to so many from out of town.  

Back to work tomorrow, though it will be from my home office.  Will be nice to ease back into work in sweatpants and slippers...

Two ends of the COVID spectrum...

@kazu Jacqui, can't begin to imagine the frustration...hope that you are able to be with Jose very soon.

@mamaofami pure joy on the negative test result...so happy for you.

I am supposed to be on vacation thru Wednesday, but yesterday got notice from a manager that one of his staff was exposed on Christmas Eve, and another employee tested positive last night.  Because part of my job is also in charge of HR, I had to spend time contacting both and determining tracing needs, informing on required time off, etc. and notifying other staff.  I'm expecting at least a few more in the next couple of days because of holiday gatherings.  

Good morning Dailyites - another quiet morning in VA for us.  One more full day here and we head home tomorrow.  Today we plan to do some planning with my daughter for the nursery and make a shopping list for her and her husband to get paint and supplies.  Next trip down in a few weeks, my husband will do the painting.  Still hoping the ordered crib makes it reasonably on time...original delivery date was January and now that's been pushed to April (after the baby arrives).  Fortunately, Santa (:wink:) delivered a bassinet that will do the trick for the first few months.

Always loved cutting out snowflakes and with snow now starting to show up in the forecast for our area at home, seems perfect timing.  Not a fan of fruitcake at all but my husband loves it paired with eggnog.  Haven't been to a good zoo in years, but would probably wait until warmer weather to do so.

Thinking of all on the care list and hoping better days are ahead.  So much refection when we are in the final week of a calendar year, and prayers for a better year ahead.  

Good Morning all, from the calm and quiet of my daughter's kitchen.  So far, the only one up after a fun-filled day.  Even our granddog is sleeping in!

My daughter made some amazing peppermint cookies that remind me of candy canes, so that will be my dessert of choice in honor of the Day.  Thank you notes are more like thank-you emails nowadays, but I still love those who go old-school (me included) and put pen to paper.  We like to take the approach of 'day off' for boxing day and just do nothing.

As far as leftovers, I haven't cooked a turkey or ham in years for Christmas - we switched over to Prime Rib years ago.  This year, though, since my daughter's doctor advised her to stay away from beef that isn't cooked to medium well, we changed it up...and I made braised short-ribs with fresh mashed potatoes.  It was fun cooking in her kitchen as she has a HUGE island and there was lots of space to prep.  Some leftovers, but we'll get them frozen as its just enough for a meal for her and her husband after we leave.

@Heartgrove you are spot on regarding the heat...I was shocked to see the thermometer reach 72 here in Charlottesville and was happy I brought one lighter weight outfit.  The windows were open and ceiling fan on most of the day, but by 4 the heat in the house was just too much with the oven on, so the air conditioner was started up.  It should be another beautiful day today with temps nearly 70 again - good day for lots of long walks with the granddog.

@mamaofami, hoping that you feel better soon and that your test is negative.  Nowadays, better just a garden-variety cold that the other C-word.

Sending prayers to all on the care list, and hopes that all have a wonderful day today.

2 hours ago, mamaofami said:

Good morning everyone. Everyday should be chocolate day and I love eggnog.

So, I was more than surprised when my cardiologist office called yesterday to tell me I had been exposed to covid. I knew from process of elimination that it was the technician who did my cardiograph. She was right in my face wearing a cloth mask but I had on a real N95 which is supposed to protect me. She began coughing about 5 minutes before the test was over.The office manager gave me her cell phone and told me to call over the weekend if I have any pm symptoms because there is someone they can give me. The frustrating thing is I can’t get a test until Tuesday. The pharmacy where I was vaccinated told me to call but there lab is overwhelmed. 
Both my grandsons tested negative so that was a relief. This scare made me decide to cancel  Sam’s in person birthday part. We will get him a cake and zoom.

 I could use some prayers that I don’t get sick and I don’t know which variant I was exposed to.

Our clubhouse closed down yesterday because one of the landscapers was in it at a meeting and he tested positive.

Stay safe everyone,

Carol

Fingers crossed for you Carol - 

Graham, sending healing thoughts...glad the surgery went well. 

Huge fan of chocolate.  Egg Nog?  Not so much.  No last minute shopping here, probably for the first time in a few years.  Because of our trip to VA our 'deadline' to finish was a few days ago.  We'll spend today watching Christmas movies, and lots of walks with my granddog Dean as we wait for my son to arrive today.  Its another beautiful day here in VA, should get up to 60 degrees.  My daughter and her husband are treating us to Melting Pot (a fondue restaurant) for dinner this evening, one of their traditions.  

Hope all have a good day today!