Cruising-along

Terry @smitty34877 Thank you for sharing the latest photo of Camilla! She's adorable and growing so fast! I can't believe she's turning 2 already. Debbie @dfish I'm going to like your change in color for the trim -- very nice! Just came in from watering the back yard. It's amazing how much more sun we're getting back there now that those pesky Cottonwood trees are gone (well, the ones that shaded the yard anyway, there are still some further back but they aren't a problem). And my rose bushes in the back yard have never been so full of blooms as they are now!

Good afternoon all! Another lazy day of gardening and cruise planning. I thought I’d share some photos of what’s blooming right now in my yard. Lots more coming up. Jacqui @kazu Not Lorraine @cruising sister, but I’m on the same cruise. I think she meant a personal spreadsheet — we do have an excellent one done for the roll call by someone. I use both that one and my own, showing my dining, hotel’s reservations etc.

Good morning all! It's a beautiful sunny day here in the PNW. Still mild temps, under 70 F. Most likely I'll be in the gardens again today. I would like applesauce cake, but only if there is no chocolate cake 😉 I wish I had a cat to hug, we won't even be seeing the grand-kitties today. I like most cheese. Will pass on the scallops meal, red wine and drink. Tonight we'll be having salmon, corn on the cob and salad. We were in Corner Brook on the 2018 VOV. I loved that port -- photos below. The family had a nice dinner out for DGS's birthday dinner on Friday. There were 10 of us. DH and my dinners were so big we brought some home and had it again last night. Sandi @StLouisCruisers Thinking of you today on this sad anniversary. (((hugs))) @Horizon chaser 1957 Wow you really do have a bad caterpillar infestation. We've had years like that but thankfully not recently. I haven't seen any yet this year in the area, I hope they aren't traveling south! Charlene @cunnorlThanks for the added info about Exmouth! Annie @marshhawk I'm so sorry that Fawn is still missing. It's heartbreaking. We just went through that this year with one of DD's cats. We never did find out what happened. 😞 We were in Corner Brook in 2018 on the Voyage of the Vikings. I loved that port! Before the cruise I had read that one nice thing to do there is take the walk around the lake on Corner Brook Stream Trail. So that's what we did. Thankfully I didn't see any of the black flies that have been mentioned, and it was a 5+ mile walk. It was a very warm and extremely humid day, and usually that would keep me inside, but this walk was absolutely lovely and I'm so glad we did it. It did start raining before we were done, but luckily most of it was when we were in a wooded part with some cover. You can make the walk shorter by not going completely around the lake, so you can make it as long or short as you want. The lovely Rotterdam docked in Corner Brook On our way to the start of the trail we passed this cute couple. The Corner Brook Stream Trail circles this pond. It was beautiful. There were 2 swans and many ducks and seagulls. One part of the trail had memorial trees and plaques -- This one is in memory of 2 soldiers When it started to rain we were glad to be in this wooded area, so we didn't get *too* wet 😉 If I ever get back to Corner Brook, I would do exactly this again!

Good morning all! Another sunny day here, but it's staying a bit cool at mid 60's. Not complaining though, I prefer that over mid 80's. I don't know any Bubbas, but one of DH's relatives in GA has a store called "Bubba's". Rocky Road was my dear Dad's favorite ice cream. I always think of him when I hear of it. I like my dentist, but wouldn't go so far as loving him. The quote can be true sometimes. Will pass on the meal (no polenta OR mushrooms for me LOL), and pass on the red wine. Would try the drink. We'll be in Exmouth on the Grand Australia. After reading Charlene's @cunnorlpost, I think it would be a good port to book a tour. Today is my sister's birthday and also our youngest grandson's 8th birthday. She loves that he was born on her birthday. The family will be having dinner out together tonight for DGS's birthday like we did 2 weeks ago for his older brother's birthday. DH and I will make our stop at Total Wine on the way south, the wine rack is showing too many empty spots. 😉 Congratulations to David on his retirement @Mr. Boston! Welcome to the Daily @LuauQueen! Vanessa @JazzyV That was smart to think of filling those water pitchers last night. @Nickelpenny Safe travels. @1ANGELCAT I'm so very sorry to hear that Ninja will be crossing the Rainbow Bridge -- and so soon after your sweet Fluff. (((hugs)))

Good morning all! All good days today. I'll pass on the drink and red wine, and a maybe on the meal. I'd probably like the first recipe minus the dill. Also would use some other white fish. For some reason DH doesn't like Tilapia. Today will be laundry and more gardening. Yesterday I found a Clematis that will blend nicely with my deep purple Jackmanii, and got it planted on the opposite side of the arbor. This one is "Dr. Ruppel" and light-medium pink. HAL has finally added a few more port excursions to our Grand Australia in January. So at least maybe it's begun now. They've had the Hawaii excursions up for months. Meanwhile we've joined more private excursions than ever -- partly because of the great roll call we have, and partly because HAL has been so slow to put theirs up. @1ANGELCATI'm sorry that Ninja isn't doing well. @marshhawk So sorry to hear that Fawn hasn't shown up. 😞 I was wondering too if your local grocery stores do curb-side pickup? Late now I know, but something to consider.

Good morning all! Today is supposed to be our last cool and cloudy day for awhile, then it will be sun and warmer temps for awhile. I've never been a fan of macaroons, wish everyone could be tobacco-free, and my DH is just like Tina's DH about hearing. 😂 I like the quote, will pass on the meal (deep frying gives me heartburn and I don't have an air fryer), and pass on the drink. I've had Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc but never the Chardonnay. Since it's Marlborough, I know I'd like it. Have never been to the Canary Islands. Thanks for all the great photos! Welcome to Cruise Critic and the Daily @MrSnuffleupagus! I love your CC name. 🙂 @ocean sounds Prayers for the teen's family and friends. How very, very sad. @Vict0riann Happy Birthday to Pat! @smitty34877Prayers for your DH's surgery today. @ger_77 Good that your DH's stress test had a good outcome. Today I hope to find and plant a Clematis to compliment the one I have on the arbor now. The one I had was sacrificed when the old arbor went down. I want to find something that will look good with the Jackmanii that is on one side. I hope everyone has a great day!

Vanessa @JazzyV Welcome home! Oh my, your trip home sounded like a nightmare. 😞 I hope you feel better soon!

We got frustrated because we both were still testing positive after 12 days. So DH asked his doctor, and she said that after 10 days we were safe to come out of quarantine -- she also said to stop testing! lol. I'm glad he asked, so we did stop. Who knows how long it took, because we stopped at 12 days.

I would take one that goes to Provence. Or you could do as we did, rent a car and go to Provence. 🙂 Great time of year to be there, by the way.

Gosh, that is late to be posting them -- but I'm glad you got a straight answer at least (instead of the usual "we expect to have them posted soon" or a variation of that. I'm actually waiting for Australia and NZ excursions. We're still 7-8 months out, maybe these just take longer. I'm impatient lol.

Good morning all! I wish I was more creative but do admire the trait in others. I've never had a Mint Julep, probably because I don't care for Bourbon, and the weather forecast has changed now from no rain for a week to some drizzle today and tomorrow so I won't need to water the flowers today. The closest to gambling I've ever come is playing Bingo on cruises but even that is less ever since the casino took over the Bingo games on BHBs a few years back. I'm definitely not getting the big wins I did in the past. The second recipe grabbed me when I saw Balsamic Vinegar, so that's the one I'd like. 🙂 Will pass on the red wine but the drink would be good. Have been to Alaska a few times but not to Valdez. Since the weather has changed and I got so much done outside yesterday, today I'll (finally) be doing that vacuuming etc. inside! Jacqui @kazu Happy Birthday!!! Very sorry to hear about the wildfires though. The photos are alarming. Welcome home @Cat in my lap and @cruising sister! @ocean sounds How sad about the missing teen. Prayers for him and the families. Terry @smitty34877 Prayers for your DH tomorrow that he has a successful surgery and swift recovery.

I've just spent 5 hours in the garden and yard and now am too tired to do the housework I'd planned. I did get the vacuum out, hopefully tomorrow I'll actually turn it on. 😉 At least all the gardening is done for now, so there are no more excuses! Ann @cat shepard Happy Birthday!! Gerry @ger_77 I'm so sorry your friend has bone marrow cancer. My sister's lymphoma was in the bone marrow and an automatic Stage IV -- so I know how rough that is for everyone. @1ANGELCAT How sweet that your vet sent flowers and the nice note. I love when vets do that for us. Debbie @dfish Yes, what colors have you chosen for the house?

That's what Shore Excursions said last year when people called and asked. They were really late then too. Pat answer I'm sure! We've only gotten the excursions for the 3 ports in Hawaii (and had them a long time now). Nothing for the other 90 days!

Good morning all! A big thank you to those who gave all. I've been composting for years, and have 2 compost bins that I use for the garden. Weeds are put in the big green compost bin that the waste company picks up weekly. Both 529 Day and Peacekeepers Day are worthy days. I think I would prefer the last recipe (the salad) with the fresh spinach vs cooked spinach. Will pass on the red wine and drink. We'll be in Puerto Montt on the South America/Antarctica cruise in 2025 -- a big thank you for all the photos! No plans today other than more yard work and then some housework (notice how I put the yard first) 😉 Terry @smitty34877 SO glad to hear that Tana was able to get outside yesterday with the family. Annie @marshhawk I hope you're having a mild case and feel better soon. Jacqui @kazu Our roll call is waiting for the excursions to show up too, and our cruise is in January. But yours haven't yet at 4 months out -- geesh! It seems to be getting later and later with every cruise. We have many private tours booked, but a lot more ports without plans so far.

I'm sorry to hear about the migraines. And it's in so many dishes now. Thankfully my headaches are mild so other than really not liking the taste (I'm one of those people who thinks it tastes like soap) I don't have a strong reaction to it.

Terri @Cruzin Terri We were in Gothenburg on the Eurodam in 2014. We spent the day going on a canal boat ride and walked to the beautiful botanical gardens. It's an easy DIY port. Here are some of my photos. Canal boat ride Botanical Gardens Gardens I loved this view from a park bench.

Good afternoon, DH and I are taking a lunch break, the arbor is almost done! It will be so nice to see my Clematis climbing again. While in the back yard, I started deadheading and pulling weeds, and found a weedy thing that smelled like....Cilantro. Anyone who knows me knows I detest the stuff, and whatever this is has to be related to Cilantro. Now my garden gloves smell like it and I'm itching all over and have a headache. People laugh that I hate Cilantro, but I really do think I have a mild allergy to it. Oh, and I also pulled out some of the False Hellebore. It spreads so fast this time of year. I thought of you Debbie @dfish. Annie @marshhawk I'm so sorry you came home with Covid. Did you hear if it was a big problem on the NA? I hope you have a mild case!

Good morning all! Another partly cloudy day and will get to the mid 60's again. I spent all day yesterday buying and planting flowers -- a great day but my back was hurting a bit last night. Today DH isn't working and our goal is to finish building the arbor and get it up in the back yard. Then the plan is BBQ steak for dinner. The wine and drink both sound good, not sure about the meal. I'm not fond of couscous -- thank you Tina @0106 for letting us know how healthy it is. Especially since I'm diabetic (but I get lots of fiber in other ways). I should try it again. I've never been to Brazil. Sandi @StLouisCruisers Glad to hear you're feeling better today! Terry @smitty34877 I join others in hoping that Tana can get outside today. Debbie @dfish, glad to hear that you're doing so much better! As for your photo of the plant, my garden app says it's False Hellebore. I have tons of it coming up in my back yard, it's very invasive here. I pull it out when I see it. JMO, but it has no place in my garden. It's also poisonous. https://www.google.com/search?

Thank you all! I'm adding these tips to my spreadsheet. No biggie if we can't get on and off the bus, I just thought it would be a good way to get to a beach plus see the area. 🙂

I'm with you on the heat and humidity, no thanks! And I was done with the Caribbean after the first time. 😂

Glad to hear that it's better than a few weeks ago.

The Cottonwoods are a real menace around here (it was a Cottonwood that fell on my neighbor's house). So far today it doesn't seem as bad as usual, but it could just be taking its time. Even worse than the fluff are the seed pods that land on and stain the deck. 😞 I'm going to take the opportunity while it isn't too bad and get out to do the yardwork (also to plant the flowers I just got at the nursery). I've also had the Hogue Riesling and liked it too. I'll have to pay more attention, I thought the Chateau St. Michelle at Total Wine here has a screw top, but wouldn't swear to it.

Good morning all! Partly cloudy today, heading to the mid 60's. I plan to make a visit to my favorite nursery and get more annuals to add to my pots. This week the Cottonwood fluff is blowing, making gardening not as pleasant. I'm not allergic (thankfully) like many are, but it's still annoying when it's flying in my face and up my nose. 🤣 We hope the fluff will be less this year since we had 4 Cottonwoods removed behind us. Also will get the lawn mowed, that will pick up some of the white fluff. My grandparents had an old time player piano -- lots of fun! We always have sunscreen on hand, and I'm not totally sure I know what cellophane tape is. Googling just said something about merchants using it to wrap food... The drink, meal and wine all sound great to me. Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser I also prefer the same Chateau St. Michelle Riesling. I love how they mark on the bottle how dry or sweet it is. Mid-range for me too. Tonight we'll be having the strawberry balsamic glazed salmon. Yum. Costco had the Copper River Salmon, our favorite. We'll be in Rarotonga on the Grand Australia next year. It looks like taking the bus 'round the island is the thing to do and I already had that on my trip spread sheet. Thank you Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser and Sandi @StLouisCruisers for your great photos. Is it kind of a HOHO? (would we be able to get off at a beach and back on the bus later?) Sandi @StLouisCruisers Yikes! I was holding my breath all through your post. How very scary for you not to mention your family. Is it possible you have an allergy to something in the BBQ? Debbie @dfish I'm glad you're taking it easy and know not to push yourself. They say the 3rd day is the hardest, so be easy on yourself. Jake @Crazy For Cats Welcome home! Brenda @bennybear Wow, how great is that?! I know here the President sends letters on your 100th birthday (my Dad got one) but nothing for a 50th anniversary.

Thank you. I guess I should download the Celebrity app!

Thank you for your fair review. The NS is my favorite ship, many wonderful days sailing her. We sail Celebrity too, but not in a few years. We have a cruise coming up in September on the Solstice. Just curious, can you see the MDR menu sooner on Celebrity? I don't recall that you can, but I may have missed that.