Cruising-along

Thank heavens for good neighbors. Three years ago when we were cruising for 75 days, I got a PO Box at the post office --- I thought. I paid for it, got the keys, and left on our vacation. Fast forward a few weeks, and our mailman left a NOTE on our house complaining that we needed to get the mail out of our box. This note was where anyone could see it, advertising that we weren't home. Thankfully my neighbor saw it and took it down. She told him that we had a PO box and he claimed "nobody told me"....🙄 When we returned home I went to our local post office, very upset, and put in an official complaint against that carrier (he'd had many complaints besides mine). Also I couldn't get my $$ back for the PO box.

Good morning all! Interesting days - as others have said, I'd rather be called a traveler than a tourist. Not sure about the quote, will pass on the drink but the meal and wine both sound very good. But tonight will be a nice dinner (that I won't be cooking) because it's our anniversary. Hoping we have some photos today of the port, have never been to this one. Debbie @dfishhoping the seller accepts your offer today. Geri @ger_77we also saw Jupiter last night! When I looked the first time, it hadn't risen above the trees across the street so I was looking at the wrong one -- then later WOW what a difference and a thrill to see it so bright and big! Very thankful we had a clear night here to see it. @HAL4NOWthank you for the update this morning. We need some rain! Your news would explain why we smelled smoke later last night for the first time in over a week.

Neighbors who watch out for each other are worth their weight in gold. I have neighbors like that too, and they are all aware of when we're gone (and vice versa). A good home security system helps too.

Oh Debbie @dfishthe first 4 houses sound like some we looked at when we were looking in CA. Unbelievable what they ask for some places. All fingers and toes crossed this one will work out!!

Good morning all! I'll pass on the meal and drink but take the wine 😉 I know some French (4 years in school) but probably have forgotten as much as I learned. When in France I do get to use it a bit. Family is the most important thing in DH and my lives. Have been to Crete but not Iraklion. Thanks for all photos! I'm thrilled to hear about Canada dropping cruise requirements, just in time for our cruise in 12 days. Waiting for HAL to update too! I happily deleted ArriveCan off my phone this morning. We will continue to self-isolate anyway, do not want to get sick before traveling. I'm slowly working on getting the Christmas Village up -- the first of 3 tables is almost done. Other than that I think it will be a day of yard work and generally being lazy. Have a great day everyone!

Good morning all! It's a cool 54 degrees F now, heading for mid 70's and up to the high 70's tomorrow and Tuesday. Summer isn't letting go just yet. Happy Rosh Hashanah to all our Jewish friends! There are several members of DH's family who are deaf, and the only comic books I've ever read were (aging myself here) Little Lulu and Archie and Veronica. My sisters and I would read them for hours. Funny quote, especially since it was written pre-Google days 😉 I'll pass on the wine and drink, but the first recipe looks good to me. Monterey holds a special place in our hearts. DH and I met in Monterey on May 18, 1968. I was living in Los Gatos, DH was in the military. We were married a year and a half later. How fitting to have it as the port today, during the week of our anniversary. My photos are from a Pacific Coastal on Celebrity that we took in 2017. I think it was our first time back to Monterey in 49 years. To help pass our 2 weeks of self-isolation before our cruise, I've started putting up my Christmas Village. I know it's *very* early, but after returning from the cruise on Nov. 5, we'll have a house guest for a week in early December. I'm planning a surprise 75th birthday celebration for DH and am flying his sister out from Savannah. This year I'm putting up all 3 long tables for the Village, in other words, the whole shebang! So it will take the full 2 weeks to do it. DGS requested I put it all up this year, and why not -- I have nothing else to do other than pack! LOL Just hoping I can keep the party a secret from DH (he doesn't read CC)! Debbie @dfishI was SO happy to see that you and Sue found a house that you like. Now to get a quick and positive response from the sellers. 🙂 Annie @marshhawkas others have said, on a TA the ship will change time every few days (or more often). It's so much better than flying, no jet lag and so much more civilized! 😁 Jacqui @kazuI'm relieved you had no damage. Wow on that tree across the street!! Thankfully the branch came down away from houses and not onto them. Here are photos from our time in Monterey in 2017. We took the 17-Mile Drive tour that day. Look at that sky!

I live about 1 1/2 hours from the Canadian border and can attest that people we know (even folks who have family in Canada) just haven't crossed the border like they did pre-Covid. They say it's too much trouble, they will wait until things are better. And it goes the other way. In the past it wasn't uncommon to see Canadian license plates on one out of every 3 cars between where we live and the border. The freeways were full of Canadian cars. Not anymore, it may be one out of every 10-15.

Me three! Glad to hear I'm not the only one! I blame my bleary eyes on not getting enough sleep last night. Pre-cruise mind-won't-stop-whirling-syndrome 😉 Have a great weekend everyone!

Good morning all! I'm feeling less tired this morning after my booster on Wednesday. Yesterday was kind of a "blah" day -- nothing bad, just mild side effects but enough to slow me down. We did get a start on getting clothes laid out in the guest room in preparation of packing for the cruise, so I do feel like I got something done. I never learned sign language, wish I had. When DH was in Viet Nam '69-'70 I sent him love notes every day. Snail mail back then! I googled Teal Talk -- and salute all women who have dealt with ovarian cancer. The quote is kind of funny, will pass on the meal, drink and wine. We were in Qaqortoq on the VOV in 2018. It was a crisp, sunny day and DH and I walked all over town (and up the hill that Sandi @StLouisCruisersclimbed also). The only downside was the millions of flying insects that flew in our faces with each step. Other than that it was a very nice day. Welcome home Annie and Chuck @marshhawk Jacqui @kazustay safe! Debbie @dfishthinking of you and Sue as you're house hunting this weekend. Bruce @aliaschiefyou said not to say anything so I won't 😄🙃😉 And some photos from our walk in Qaqortoq. After stepping off the tender this is the first scene we saw. We walked for a couple hours before heading back to the tender. The yellow building on the far left is the school house. No car stuck in the building when we were there. 😞 Oldest fountain in Greenland. Carvings in the rock I loved all the colored buildings. View from the top of the hill. One of those flies (?) caught in the middle of this photo. And some icebergs seen from the tender returning to the ship.

Strange....I can see mine...

I'm not having that problem. Yesterday I booked excursions for our cruise in November with no problem and just did a dummy booking now and it's fine. I'm assuming you're logged in...other than that I don't know.

Thank you Lenda. We just never know. I usually feel worse than this (knocking on wood now). DS and DDIL got theirs a few days ago, DS had no reaction, DDIL was laid flat for a couple days (much better now). Debbie I'm glad you decided to go. You'll be glad you did.

Good morning all! Interesting collection of days...the wine sounds good, as does the meal. I think I'd like the savory recipes. Will pass on the drink. We've been to Anchorage a couple times, my photos are much like those already posted. We're enjoying mild fall weather, sun and high 60's today. The nights are definitely getting cooler. Yesterday DH and I got our bivalent Pfizer boosters. Last night I had a few mild side effects (chills and aches) but today other than feeling more tired than usual I just have a sore arm. Strangely, this one didn't affect me as much as the other ones, even though the pharmacist told me it could be worse. We'll see if anything changes in the next 24 hours... Today I'll try to get more done for prepping for our cruise in 2 weeks. Very anxious to hear what (if any) changes will be made to the Canadian Covid restrictions. Great timing (if it's to our benefit). Debbie @dfishyou could probably hear me groaning clear across the country when I read that you lost the MI house. 😞 I had high hopes that your latest offer would do the trick. I do believe that everything happens for a reason and that you'll end up better than ever. Jacqui @kazuprayers that Fiona causes no damage. You've done a lot! @*Miss G*sending my condolences on the passing of your father-in-law.

Good morning all! I've never played golf or miniature golf, but love the other 2 worthy days! Will pass on the wine, save the drink for Christmas, and the meal looks good. I have no idea yet what will be for dinner (I'm only on cup #1 of coffee) 😉 Love the John Lennon quote. We'll be at this port on the Grand Australia, I hope to see photos today! Today I will get my last haircut before the cruise, and DH and I have appointments to get our 3rd boosters this morning. Then it's self-isolate until we fly to Quebec City on the 7th. We're watching to see if/how many of Canada's restrictions are lifted! It sure would help with our planning and prep. Sadly DD's kitty Nimbus has not been found. It's been a week now and so strange as this cat never wanders. For the first time in their lives the DGSs don't have a pet. Prayers for all in the path of Fiona. Jake @Crazy For CatsHappy Birthday(s) to Tucker and Jasper, two beautiful cats! Debbie @dfishYAY about the basement being dry this morning and that you can relax (relatively) about the inspection. As others have said, it's their job to find things but most likely if they do it will be minor, small things. You've got this and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. 🙂 @HAL4NOW thank you for the updates, I was so happy to see your news this morning. I see that on Friday you should get some rain/frozen mix and the temperatures are definitely getting cooler. Melisa @HAL SailerWhat GREAT news!! I'm so happy for all of you. I know she still has a rough road, but this is indeed good news. @*Miss G* prayers for your DFIL and all the family. Also I'm so sorry that your Dad isn't looking well. ((hugs))

Oh no 😞

I was a late bloomer, first cruise wasn't until I was 53 but I was hooked immediately. 21 cruises later on HAL and a handful on Celebrity, I was 68 when I made 5-star. No idea about the other levels.

Good morning all! I'll pass on the Pepperoni pizza, red wine and quinoa in the meal, but the drink sounds good as does some punch if it isn't too sweet. I'm definitely "getting ready" because we'll leave in 16 days for our cruise! Love the quote. We have been to Trieste twice. The first time was mid-way through our cruise last year. That day we didn't get off the ship, as Italy required ship tours and we didn't have any (the port was substituted for Venice at the last minute). Those getting off the cruise that day were shuttled to Venice. The second time we did get off the ship on a bus tour of the city but it was pouring rain, thunder and lightening 😉 I'd love to see the city again under better circumstances! Today I'm meeting my BFF for lunch. It will be the warmest day this week (74 F) and then cool off again. Here are my photos. Too bad we couldn't get off the ship the first time, it looked like it would be a beautiful day. Sunrise that morning. And some views from our balcony. And our rainy bus tour the second time we were there. Ancient ruins. We could barely see them through the rain. The Theater in Trieste Some views of the city through the raindrops. At the end of the tour it cleared up a little and we were able to get off the bus to get this view of Miremare Castle. Rainbow over Trieste

About 10 days ago DH and I ordered some gift cards. We each get 5 per month. My order went through with no problem, but they charged DH and he didn't get an email confirmation showing he had bought any. When he called they had no record of his order. We finally, today, got the charge reversed. A headache! It sounds like they're still having problems.

I’m so sorry Debbie. Hopefully this is your only hitch in the process. Thank goodness for good neighbors!

Mine too. 🙂

Yes, it was on there as soon as the boarding pass was available in the past. Oh well, I'm going to pack assuming there will be 3, and if there are 4 (I doubt it) I'll just duplicate 🙂

We are on this cruise with you. Since this cruise goes only once/year (Quebec to FL) there hasn't been a recent cruise with this itinerary. I believe there will be 3 Dressy nights at the most. I don't know why they're taking so long to let us know, later than I've ever seen.

Good morning all! We returned home last night after a fun-filled, full and tiring weekend with the grandsons. DD said it was just what they needed (Nana loving on them) because sadly their kitty Nimbus has been missing for 5 days. 😞 Their other cat passed away just a few months ago, so this is especially hard for them. Since this cat never wanders, it's a real mystery what has happened to him. Signs have been posted, searches, checking with the microchip company, everything they could possibly do but no sign of him. We're glad we were able to give the boys a distraction, they're taking it very hard. We had to take I-90 because of the closure on Highway 9, but had stops along the way to break up the drive. Fun stops like a state park with a playground and beach, and a petting farm. It was so nice just being with them, as now DH and I will go into self-quarantine before our cruise and not see the boys for over 6 weeks. After dropping the boys at home last night we went to see DS and DDIL. They showed us the latest progress on their house (wow!). All but one room have been painted, new doors, cabinets, tiles etc. ordered and delivered. The changes to the house are amazing. Then DDIL made us a delicious salmon dinner, nice evening! I'll pass on the pirate talk and butterscotch, but will celebrate dance day. Also will pass on the drink, wine and meal. RIP Queen Elizabeth Happy 63rd Anniversary Carol and Sam @mamaofami! So many of us have September anniversaries. 🙂 Debbie @dfishugh about the difficult seller. Too bad someone else couldn't be handling it, as it sounds like he has too much emotional attachment. We were in this port on the 2018 VOV. We took a tour to the Westfjords and went to the old Viking village Thingeyri. We went to an interactive museum where we had Icelandic Viking beer, wore authentic Viking clothing, and made bread. Lovely drive to the Westfjords Some furs in the interactive museum The museum was operated by a husband/wife team. She sewed all the clothing, he made all the furniture and light fixtures. Icelandic Viking beer. It was quite good! We had some fun with the costumes. And I helped bake bread over a fire.

Good morning all! So funny, it's 57 F here this morning too. Must be the temperature of the day! We're heading to highs in the low 60's, perfect. Today I'm having lunch with a friend, and then we'll be picking up the DGSs when they get out of school and will have them all weekend. Tomorrow we'll drive to Leavenworth with hopefully a fun stop for some swimming and beach time on the way. Lots of ice cream and milkshakes are on the agenda. Last night we weren't sure if all this would be happening. The youngest grandson fell at scouts yesterday and for awhile they weren't sure if he'd broken a rib. 😢 But he slept well and is just a little tender today. So except for Ibuprofen and no rough housing (that will be the hard part) we expect a normal weekend with them. I may not be back before Monday, I hope everyone has a great weekend! Terry @smitty34877and Jacqui @kazuI'm so glad to hear you both have good news. You both deserve it!!

Wow! And that's a good-sized tree 😞 So much work. Thank you so much for the update, now we can plan on taking I-90. At least I found another spot we can stop to let the boys run around and take a dip in a lake. It's a long ride for 7 and 9-year-olds. Thanks again.