AncientWanderer

Good morning. It’s nice to see a quote from Robert Benchley. He was one of the group of funny people who hung out at the Algonquin Hotel in NYC. DD and I had a cocktail there to see what the place is like. I would love to find a good hairstyle, don’t much care for jazz or tofu, but definitely appreciate honesty. Somehow Norway keeps being postponed for us. Some day. @StLouisCruisers, congratulations to Ren on another win and thanks for the great photos of Eidfjord. And thanks also to @Mtn2Sea and @richwmn for the snowy version. Interesting! Oh no, @JazzyV about the tumble! I hope it doesn’t hold you back too much! @Cruzin Terri, you deserved that TV day. Hopefully the organizing will go quickly. @kazu, how lousy that you got sick on top of the surgery, but glad you’re prepping for the arrival of Ivan. He looks like a sweetie. Can’t wait to hear about his arrival. I hope everyone has a good Sunday — that those ailing are improving and that those out doing things are having a wonderful time. So many on cruises now! Hooray for that!

Good morning. Dance Day is not for me, as I unfortunately have no rhythm. But love astronomy and Independent book stores. Today DD and I are going to see a Harry Potter movie at the fancy new theater that serves real food. I’ve got my Ravenclaw colors on. Then later we’re having something quite like paella at DD’s house. She has a lot of citrus in bloom in her backyard and it smells wonderful, so it’s the first al fresco dining of the summer, to enjoy that brief bloom period. The photos of Istanbul are truly beautiful today. Sure would love to go there. Wonder if that will ever happen? Meanwhile, there’s this… Many thanks to our Daily team and all contributors. I hope those who are unwell are feeling better. Wishing all a joyful Saturday!

It's awesome that you're feeling well enough to join in here, Brenda. That's great news! Best wishes to your DD's FIL, too! I've spent a lot of time picking up tips about Japan -- lots of notes about things you've mentioned in the past here on the Daily. But I'm still kind of confused about just picking an itinerary. What we have booked right now is the April 13, 2024 sailing that goes 30 days and ends back in Seattle. But I'm wondering if we should see more of Japan and bite the bullet and fly both ways? Some of the longer itineraries just repeat the same ports. But maybe that's not such a bad thing, as you get two days to explore? Anyhow, whenever you're in the mood -- no hurry!!! -- tell us more about your itinerary and the ports that you loved best. Again, no rush to respond! Rest, rest, rest and heal, heal, heal. 😍 Maxine

Lenda, the weed in the rock made me think of Jack and the Beanstalk with the magic beans. Glad you took a picture!

Another one for the garden club — a cactus growing out of the neighbor’s rain gutter. Told ya we have lots of weeds this year. 🤪

Good morning everyone. Clean comedy and great poetry are both good things. And Einstein sets a fine goal with his quote. I’ve already kissed my mate. Yum to the pumpkin curry and the drink. Wish I could drink red wine, as it tastes so lovely. Darn on Kirkwall. We were supposed to be there soon, but had to cancel our UK cruise. I’m anxiously awaiting release of Europe 2025 to find something similar. That’s when DGD is in school all day, so DD can more easily dog-sit for longer stretches. Meanwhile…thanks for the great photos. I hope @bennybear Brenda is recovering well and keeping spirits up. So important for good healing. Saying prayers for all on the care list. The list is too long! Many thanks to the Daily team. Wishing all a pleasant Friday.

What a terrible misadventure! Wishing you a good recovery and safe trip home!

Seems like I always end up ordering the "catch of the day" for MDR lunch and I don't ever remember being disappointed. It's nice that there is variety there, too -- not the same every day.

Sounds like me with packing. For next trip, I'm doing something new. I was getting all wound up about separating pre-cruise travel and hotel clothes from my other stuff that I don't want messed up in the suitcase, and don't want to take a second piece of luggage, so now for the hotel days, I'm taking old clothes that I had set aside for donation box and will just leave the stuff at the hotel. It'll all be under a jacket anyhow, right? lol Gerry, we had exact same experience with the robot. Didn't work for us at all and went right back to the store.

Good morning everyone and Happy King’s Day, especially to those celebrating on BHBs. Good collection of days — very true quote. @dfishDebbie, give our congratulations to Sue on her retirement. Talking to her, it sounded like she was sooooo ready. Happy day for both of you. (And thanks for the recipes. They look good!) Today I’m getting outside to do some serious weeding. With so much rain this year, there are many mystery weeds. Saying prayers for our friends on the care list, with many thanks to our contributors here —dog and cat lovers alike. Have a great Thursday.

It's all there, Roy. Just what you'd expect.

I've been reading that thread for port information as well. So far nothing in it has put us off of doing the HAL cruise booked for next year. They've had unfortunate weather this year, which might be affecting moods. HAL can't do much about that.

That looks delicious, Sharon. We never do those dinners because I get migraine from red wine, but looking at your menu, most are white wines. They'd probably substitute a champagne or something for the one red wine. Sorry it affected your sleep, though. I'd be bouncing off the walls all night from that dinner. Sometimes worth it! 😍

Good morning. DH and I are having coffee and waiting for Pocket to finish up at the groomer. Happy Birthday @dfishDebbie! 🎂🎉🎊🎂🎉🎊 Sending prayers for perfect surgery results for @kazuand @bennybear. @dobiemom, I haven’t been posting much because we’ve been caught up in family stuff (resolved now hopefully) but I’ve been following your eye situation. Omg how uncomfortable. Glad you finally got some rest. Wishing all a good Wednesday. Those having difficulties are in our prayers. A Prosecco toast for those celebrating. That’s what I have with dinner each night on a BHB. 😊

The prayer circle is strong for you, Brenda. Stay positive and remember they have lots of new tools in the drawer now. Many will be thinking of you tomorrow. Maxine

Thank you very much, Ruth. Truly appreciated.

I noticed that you and several others are doing this cruise and then following on with Alaska cruise. I didn't think we could do that because of the Jones Act business. How does this work? I'd love to sail from San Diego and go on to Alaska! Thanks in advance for helping out here.

BON VOYAGE EVERYONE !!! 🛳️ 🌊 🍾

BON VOYAGE !!! 🛳️ 🌊 🍾

Meh, I guess it could have been "splashier," but that it was simple and dignified seemed in keeping with the HAL brand. Just my reaction.....

Weird how all the Caribbean islands are so different, right? I like the green ones better too.

Thanks for posting this @Btimmer. It was delightful to watch.

Sharon, we did fall in love with Eagle Beach on Aruba -- powdery white sand and gentle ocean for swimming. It looks like you are having a wonderful time on your cruise!

So many wonderful memories... But one very special time was our cruise from San Diego to Auckland, NZ onboard the Noordam. I can picture in my mind's eye looking at the sea when we were in "The Doldrums," with the ocean as smooth as glass. Growing up on the West Coast of California, I was accustomed to very different seas than we encountered in the Southern Hemisphere. Also, on that cruise we had the excellent astronomy lecturer Allen Wright, and a fabulous historian -- Tom, I believe. It was a perfect cruise.

National Stress Awareness Day? Stress? Did somebody say stress?