Quartzsite Cruiser

Before I head outside to take down the Christmas lights, here is s picture of the trivet our neighbor made from wine corks. He edged the trivet with the names of various wines. It's another warm day with sun and a brisk south wind. This may be bad juxtaposition after the wine corks, but congratulations Terry, @smitty34877 on 48 years sober. Lenda

We were in Freemantle and Perth in 2000 on P&O Oriana's world cruise. DH took these pictures as I was still using a film camera back then. He had one of the first digital cameras which he bought for the cruise. When the ship docked, there were a lot of people at the terminal to greet us. Many of those waiting for the ship had immigrated to Australia and were there to see relatives on the ship. When we sailed late that night, the crew passed out streamers for the passengers to throw to their relatives. Both sides held on to their end of the streamer until it broke as the ship moved away from the dock. This ship was too long to get in one shot. It is used to transport sheep in the open cages on the decks. The next pictures are from our morning walk around Freemantle. There may be one or two repeats, but from a different angle. The Round House at the end of the street and a different view of the Round House A local church A monument to Vasco de Gama That afternoon we did a scenic tour of Perth, but we wished we'd known about the train from the port into Perth before we bought our tour tickets. We were in the front seat on the top deck of the bus so had some good views. Our one stop was in a park to see the black swans. Lenda

🎈 HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🧨 My New Year's wish for each and every Dailyite whether or not they post everyday, often, occasionally or just read this thread is for a safe, healthy 2023, and that they can travel on a BHB at least once in 2023, and more often if possible. Last night, we made it to midnight, actually until almost 1 am. We watched the ball drop in NYC at 11 pm, and then switched to a local Dallas-Fort Worth station to watch the Dallas celebration. Dallas celebrates with fireworks coming out of the top of Reunion Tower near downtown. (If you've seen pictures of the Dallas skyline, (think opening scenes of the TV show Dallas), Reunion Tower is the tall thin tower with the ball on top. There was also a lighted display by a great many drones. It was more spectacular than the ball drop in NYC, and lasted about 10 minutes. We celebrated with two glasses of sparkling wine each, so no hangover today. At midnight, it was "Rabbit, rabbit, white rabbit, Happy New Year! to each other. I forgot to say it on November 1, and that was a bad month, so I wasn't taking any chances last night. 🤣 😉 We had a few fireworks just before 11 pm, including some in our community, which is a no-no. It was quiet after that until almost 1:30 am when someone decided to set off their remaining fireworks. I slept in until almost 9 this morning, and DH is still asleep. We have seen Ellis Island from Manhattan, but have never been there. We were planning on going to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on the canceled Princess world cruise when it overnighted in NYC. That was the cruise that was canceled. Today's quote sounds like a good way to relieve stress in really bad situations. Chicken Parmesan Parmigiana is something we like and have every so often. I make it in the air fryer to cut down on the fat, and we can't tell the difference. Tonight, it will be ham, black eyed peas, and a cabbage recipe I found in the newspaper last week. We need all the good luck we can get after last year. We'll pass on the drink and the wine. We were in Freemantle and Perth in February 2000 on the P&O Oriana world cruise. We enjoyed both cities. I'll repost my pictures in a few minutes. @rafinmd Roy, thank you for continuing to do triple duty with your lists, Rich's @richwmn Fleet/Daily, and Jacqui's @kazu Bon Voyage thread. @ger_77 Safe travels tomorrow, and I know you will have a wonderful cruise. One of our neighbors made trivets out of wine corks. I'll try to take a picture of the one he made us. @Seasick Sailor Joy, I'm glad the trick the lady told you worked and your thumb feels better. Enjoy Grand Cayman. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, I know your family was cheering for Michigan, but I'm happy TCU Horned Frogs won yesterday, and I'm pulling for them on January 9 to beat Georgia. Thanks for posting the links for today's port. @kochleffel It's interesting how different churches handle services at Christmas and New Year's. @smitty34877 Terry, I'm glad the weather is cooperating and you can get outside to walk and visit. @Cruzin Terri Terri, I hope there are no more glitches, and you are back in your house soon. @HAL Sailer Melisa, I know the waiting must be hard for both of you. You, your DH and DSIL are all in my thoughts. @mamaofami Carol, enjoy Sam's 87th birthday celebration. Today is the day all the Christmas decorations come down and are put away in the attic. The outside lights will definitely need to be put away since there is a pretty good chance we'll get rain tomorrow. If anyone is interested, here is the air fryer recipe for today's meal suggestion. It's easy. CHICKEN PARMESAN 2-4 c bread crumbs ¼ c chopped basil grated Parmesan cheese 2 T flour olive oil ½ c tomato puree mozzarella chicken breasts salt and pepper 2 eggs Place chicken breasts between two sheets of heavy plastic (resealable freezer bags work) on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound chicken to a thickness of ½ inch. Or with the knife blade parallel to the cutting board, slice the breasts in half horizontally. Season chicken thoroughly with salt and pepper. Beat eggs in a shallow bowl and set aside. Mix bread crumbs and ½ cup Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl and set aside. Place flour in a sifter or strainer, sprinkle over chicken breasts, evenly coating both sides. Dip flour coated chicken breasts in beaten eggs, then place in breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs into both sides. Spray one side of the chicken, and place chicken on a crisper tray oil side down. Set the temperature to 350oF and the time to 8 minutes. When finished, turn chicken over, and spray with oil, then top with sauce, basil and cheese. Return to air fryer and, set the temperature to 350oF and the time to 7 minutes. Cook until the cheese is browned and bubbly and the chicken breasts are no longer pink in the center, approximately 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. The internal temperature should be at least 165oF. Lenda

🎉 💞 HAPPY46TH ANNIVERSARY! 🥂 🍾 Lenda

🐇 🐇 🐇 Watching the New Year come in in Dallas. They celebrate with fireworks coming out of the top of Reunion Tower near downtown. There is also a lighted display by a great many drones. It was more spectacular than the ball drop in NYC, and lasted about 10 minutes. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Lenda

Good evening. We are enjoying a quiet evening at home watching old movies among other things while waiting for 2023 to arrive. Dinner tonight was teriyaki glazed salmon with asparagus and mashed potatoes. So far, we've heard very few fireworks, which is fine with me. This afternoon turned out to be very nice. After finally cleaning the motorhome, I took advantage of the warm temperatures and got more leaves out of the port in spite of the wind blowing more leaves our way. DH and I took a golf cart ride and visited with some of the neighbors. I even had time to sit outside and read. Carolyn, I'm glad you and your neighbor are getting the problem trees removed. Sharon, I'm sorry your DS got such a bad case of the flu. I hope he is better soon. Charlene, it sounds like New Year's Eve was a lot of fun. Safe travels home. Wishing all the Dailyites where ever you are a very HAPPY NEW YEAR, and I hope 2023 is a good year for everyone. Lenda

Good morning from sunny and breezy with a south wind central Texas. It is currently 48F, and I think we have a better chance of reaching the predicted high in the 70F today. HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE ! We have some sparkling wine in the refrigerator, but I'm not sure if we'll be opening it today. We usually make it to midnight to greet the new year, but I'm not sure about tonight either. It's a safe bet we will hear fireworks tonight, and not just at midnight, but starting at sunset. I think about world peace every day, but we need to do more than meditate about it. Willie Nelson was correct with today's quote, but then, I often agree with his "pearls of wisdom". Today's meal might be a good one to file way for when our vegetarian family members visit. We'll pass on the drink and the wine. Unfortunately, we have not been to Nuku alofa, Tonga. It is definitely on the bucket list. @richwmn Rich, thank you for starting and keeping the Fleet/Daily going. Without your diligence and hard work, we would not have this wonderful place to come to each day, and all the wonderful friends who we visit with each day. @rafinmd Roy, thank you for keeping track of all our needs and our celebrations. Also, thank you for filling Rich's shoes while he is on a much deserved, extended voyage. @dfish Debbie, @cat shepard Ann, and @summer slope Dixie, thank you for your daily contributions and the work of researching our menus, wine and drinks everyday. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, hope your DS and his family have a safe flight to Cancun, and your DDIL has a great birthday. @Seasick Sailor Joy, I'm glad they found your laundry. @ger_77 Gerry, our condolences to you both and your extended families on the loss of three family members. That's a lot of loss to absorb in one day, and I hope the memories of better times will be a comfort to all. @RedneckBob Enjoy your front row seat at the fireworks tonight. @Mr. Boston HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your sister Patricia. @HAL Sailer Melissa, I'm sorry your DSIL is in a lot of pain and with added heart problems. I hope she can be comfortable for whatever time she has left. I'm also glad your DH remembers the Christmas visit with his sister, and I hope those memories are a comfort to both of you. @smitty34877 Terry, I hope 2023 brings fewer challenges to your family. @cat shepard Ann, I agree, it's always sad to take down the Christmas tree and the decorations. We usually do that sad chore on New Year's Day. This year since I put up a small tree instead of the 7 foot one in the attic and since most of our Christmas decorations are in Quartzsite, it will be an easier day, but still a sad one. As 2022 comes to a close, I'm very grateful that DH has his surgeries behind him and is improving daily. Also, thank you to all who contribute to this place we call the Daily, whether it is every day or occasionally. Without you, it would not be what it is, a peaceful and safe haven in this crazy world. Lenda

I'm sorry you wound up in the hospital, and I hope they find whatbis causing your problems, and have a easy cure for you. I sorry you had to cancel the WC. I've enjoyed reading your live from threads and was looking forward to your prospective of the WC.

We met the GRM last spring on Koningsdam, and she and I share the same first name although we spell it differently. We were fortunate to visit with her a couple of times over 28 days. She's a very nice lady.

Thank you for taking us along again this year. Our condolences on the passing of your friend @rkacruiser. We never had the pleasure of meeting him although we were also on the 2002 APEC cruise. Bob and I reminisced about that cruise a few times on various threads. He will be missed on CC.

Good afternoon. Our temperature never reached 60F, and the clouds are getting thicker. There is no rain in the forecast until Monday, but we don't have to go anywhere until Tuesday. It's been a lazy day, but I got a couple of things done, then spent part of the afternoon reading. Joy, I hope they found your laundry. We've lost two items over the years, but HAL reimbursed us for what we paid for the. Bruce, glad you made it to Tallahassee and back safely. I see why Rosie is special. She's a colorful girl. Jake, our condolences on the passing of your neighbor. Living to 104 is quite an accomplishment. He must have had an interesting life. Vanessa, I can't believe it's warmer there than in central Texas. I hope your hands get better soon. Annie, my suggestion for Athens and Messina is to take the Hop on, Hop off bus. In Athens, they pick you up in the parking lot of the port area. In Messina, we got it at the cathedral after walking into into town. Depending on your ability, you could climb the bell tower at the cathedral, just don't be up there at noon when the bells chime. In Katakolon, Olympia is near with the site of the ancient games. You can catch a local bus near the port for about 8 to 10 Euros each, at least that was the price in 2019. Early morning is best, and we caught the 9 am bus. The bus will drop you off near the site of the museum and anciient games and pick you up two hours latter. Katakolon is an easy walking town, and has restaurants on the waterfront for a snack, meal or cold drink. Lenda

Good morning from a very cloudy central Texas. There is a strong breeze and it's 49F right now. We are supposed to reach 62F. That's a lot better than last Friday when we didn't get out of the teens. We like bacon, and after the big meals this week, we may have BLTs for supper. The only resolution I've made, and that was a few years ago, was to quit making resolutions. It is the one resolution I've kept. 🤣 Someone else can celebrate the Festival of Enormous Changes at the Last Minute. We've had enough of those changes recently, and they were not to be celebrated. Marcus Aurelius was correct with his quote. We'll pass on the meal and the drink, I'm not into blue drinks. The wine sounds good, and even if it's not $500+, it's still a bit pricey. We have not been to Akaroa or Christchurch, yet. @Cruzin Terri Terri, your house looks lovely, especially the floors. I hope they get the furniture back in soon, so you can start enjoying your "new" house. @lindaler Linda, I'm glad they found your luggage, and I think it's wise to not try to have it catch the ship in another port. I know it's not fun living out of your carryon, but at least, you have some clothes. @ottahand7 Nancy, thanks for your great pictures from your electric Hummer tour of Turks and Caicos. @ger_77 Gerry, here's hoping there are no enormous changes before you board your ship next week. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, congratulations on booking the cruise. Thanks for your pictures of Akaroa. @aliaschief Safe travels to and from Tallahassee today. @kochleffel Welcome home. I'm glad the trip home was not as bad. @smitty34877 Terry, I'm happy you have recovered enough to venture out with the cane and DD. It's nice to visit with neighbors on walks. Good luck with the up hill and down hill walk today. Yes, I'm very happy to say goodbye to 2022! @durangoscots Susan, it seems like a wise decision to stay in for the near future. I would not want to be driving between Durango and Ridgeway or over Wolf Creek Pass in the winter. The most we've done is drive to Purgatory and Telluride in the winter, but that was 30+ years ago when we were younger. That is a bummer that the Thrift Store manager got Covid right at her retirement. I hope she's better soon. @Seasick Sailor Joy, I'm glad Allen is feeling better, and I hope he gets rid of the cough soon. I hope your neighbors test negative soon. @luvteaching Karen, that is great news. I know you are overjoyed that your DH will be home today. And I like knowing there is another Dr. Pol fan among the Daily family. 😀 🐕 🐈 🐄 🐎 🐖 Lenda

Ann, thanks for the recipe. I never heard of cranberry beans, but then any bean, except kidney or butter beans, beat lima beans. This version sure beats any other I've seen. Lenda

Good afternoon. DD and DSIL left about three hours ago. Before they left, DSIL filled the water tank in the motorhome, but with most of winter still ahead, we didn't fill it completely. Since then, DH and I made a quick grocery run for two things on sale, one of which they didn't have. I think we're set for the rest of the year. The motorhome sheets and towels have been washed, and tomorrow, I'll clean the motorhome. @smitty34877 Terry, I hope your venture outside was a success. I also hope the aide returned and it was a better experience today. @dfish Debbie and @JazzyV Vannessa, I have never liked succotash either. It's the lima beans. I also never liked liver and onions. @durangoscots Susan, I don't understand people letting their dogs run wild. I'm glad you found the dog's owner and suggested she get a leash. @Vict0riann Ann, I hope Pat got the winning lottery ticket for DD. @SusieKIslandGirl Welcome home. That's good news that DDIL is home, and hope she continues to improve. @JazzyV Vanessa, I hope the online passport renewal works. Our passperts will expire in 2025, and online renewal sounds good. @dfish Debbie, thanks for the pictures of the Tridge. RIP Pele. We enjoyed touring the Pele museum and seeing the stadium in his home town. Lenda

Good morning from a partly sunny central Texas where it's predicted to reach 74F. For the next ten days, we are supposed to be in the mid 60s to mid 70s except one day of 59F. There will be no complaints about the temperatures for a while. Mongolia Independence Day and Tick Tock Day are worth observing. I think we'll pass on pepper pot day though. I like today’s quote. We'll pass on the meal amd the drink. The wine sounds nice, but the price rates a WOW! We have not been to Abidjan, Ivory Coast. I hope someone has been there and will share their pictures. @Vict0riann 🥂 🍾 BON VOYAGE, AN N AND PAT! 🎉 🚢 Have a wonderful cruise. @kochleffel Thanks for sharing the article. It's nice seeing people helping others. @ger_77 Gerry, I'm glad your DH made it safely to his appointment and back. It was nice of your neighbor to plow the driveway and sidewalk. @cat shepard Ann, I hope your sinus issues are a thing of the past soon. @Cruzin Terri Terri, safe travels today. I hope you only find pleasant surprises when you get to your house. @Heartgrove That's good that U Tube came to your rescue, and you saved a lot of money. @HAL4NOW Glad your power is still on, and that things are getting back to normal. You have some wonderful and kind people living in your town. Lenda

BON VOYAGE , JOHN! I know you and Maria will have great cruise. It will be interesting to leaarn if the passengers are allowed to ask their questions during Ask the Captain.

A late check in before calling it quits for tonight. It was a good day, especially for DH. DSIL helped with a couple of things this morning that would have been harder for us to do. DD, DSIL and I took awalk around out little community, then spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and reading. Dinner tonight was a repeat of last night's dinner. All that's left now is ham, lots and lots of ham. DD and DSIL will take some home, and I've already put some in the freezer. It will be used to make beans and ham on cold days next month. @Crazy For Cats Jake, that was a spectacular sunset. Thank you for sharing it. @Cruzin Terri Terri, glad you could have one more relaxing night. Safe travels tomorrow. I hope you get back in your house soon. @HAL4NOW Good to know you have power again. Lenda

Brenda, thank you for sharing your pictures. You gave us another place to consider next time we're in Split. Vanessa, it sounds like you and BFF are having a good time. Thank you for your nice comments about my pictures. Carolyn, thank you for your great pictures and another place to visit when we're in Split. I'm so happy the anti-nausea medicine worked for your DH. Tony, I enjoyed your pictures, but I don’t know if I could have walked on the sky walk. Thank you! Graham. Lenda

John, I agree the power point presentation of the Koningsdam bridge is interesting. And there is always (almost always) an audience question that throws the Captain and is good for a laugh. I qualified it as almost always, because last spring on Koningsdam, the audience was asked to write their questions and hand them in before the presentation began. It seemed like while the Captain was doing his presentation, the CD was backstage going through the questions and cherry picking which to use. When it was time, he read the questions, all of which were "mild"and predictable. I've always liked Ask the Captain because of the spontaneity of the question and answer part. That one was downright dull and boring. We were doing b2b2b2bs, and I skipped next three Ask the Captains. I hope that was a one off with that particular CD.

Jack, I hope they get the heat issues fixed by the time you board the ship. I can't understand why a ship would be built without heat, and think that was bad information. Susan, be careful shoveling a path for Monty. Sorry the Thrift Store manager has covid and during her last week before retiring. Melisa, glad you made it home after your nerve-wracking drive. It was good that your DH and his sister had a good visit. Get some rest and relaxation. In the future, I'm sure you will cherish the memories of your visit with DSIL. Terri, safe travels today and tomorrow. It's good that most of the work is complete, and you will be back in your house soon. Lenda

We were in Split on October 14, 2016, on Prinsendam, and again on August 8, 2019 on Veendam. The difference in the crowds between the two visits was amazing. These are random pictures from 2016, when we walked through the old walled city. The first three are from our walk along the wall to the entrance to the old city. Entering the walled city Some pictures from our walk through the city. The shopping arcade that is under part of the walled city I took one picture of the same place on both visits, and they show the difference between the crowds in summer and in fall. The first is from 2016. 2019 In 2019, at the recommendation from a friend, we visited a specialty Museum. To get to the museum we walked along the side of the walled city and then along the street in back of the wall. The Froggyland museum. As you can see from the sign, the stuffed frogs, set in various scenes are more than 100 years old and were real stuffed frogs. It was interesting, but I'm not sure worth the 10 Euros admission. We were not allowed to take pictures inside. After Froggyland, we continued on the back street until we could turn along the wall and enter the old city. We found a back street with some interesting ruins. Our walk back to Veendam, which was the smallest of several ships in port, and docked the furthest from town. Lenda

Good morning from sunny, breezy and warmer, 47F, central Texas. I don't think we got below freezing last night; the first night since last Thursday. Three good days to celebrate. Since DH had a software company, we have always been careful about down loads. The Robert Tew quote is interesting, and I think some struggles do help us be stronger going forward. The meal looks good, but will save it for another time. We'll pass on the drink and the wine. We have been to Split twice. Once on Prinsendam in 2016, and once on Veendam in 2019, our last cruise in Europe. @lindaler Linda, how awful to have your luggage go missing. I hope they find it and get it to you soon. @RedneckBob Beautiful picture. @cat shepard Ann, I hope you start feeling better soon. As a Texan who has lived in the north for several years, I can appreciate both memes. @smitty34877 Terry, that's good news that you are able to cook, and know when to rest. 🤞 Hoping the new aide arrives today and is a good fit for Tana. @marshhawk Annie, glad you got some bottled water, and I hope they get the problem fixed soon. @aliaschief Bruce, I bet you're happy to get the attic cleaning and straightening out of the way. I did that a year or so ago, and now can find things and can move around the attic. I'm still waiting for the DDs to come go through their boxes, which are now most of the boxes. 🤣 Lenda

Good evening. DD and DSIL arrived safely this morning. Our ham dinner with green bean casserole and roasted carrots was a success. Clean up of a big meal is so much easier and faster with three doing the work, just as cooking was easier with three of us doing the work. Annie, sorry about the water and the boil notice. I hope they get things fixed soon. Gerry, I'm glad your DH got the plate repaired. Hope it lasts a long time. Carolyn, I'm glad your DH got the anti-nausea meds and 🤞that they work for him. That's a great answer. Ann, I'm glad you got to San Diego safely and without too much trouble. Too bad some are dealing with canceled flights. I'm sorry your DDIL is still in the hospital. I hope she gets home tomorrow, and sorry their trip is not going to happen. I'm happy there is a treatment plan. HAPPY 53RD ANNIVERSARY! Sandi, I'm glad you made it home safely. IIRC, on August 30, 2021, there was a mix up about the ports, and pictures from Whagarel were posted instead. That is why I listed both days today. Lenda

I got the grocery shopping done, and DH got his blood test out of the way. All the preparations are done, and we are waiting for DD and DSIL to arrive. @cat shepard Ann, I hope you feel better soon. Karen, I hope the rain stops in time for you to go see your DH and get to the Christmas celebration. Ann, I hope you have a safe flight. Glad your bags made it to Vancouver. Sue, I was also surprised at how many like fruitcake. I like the cake part, it's the raisins and candied fruit I can't stand. Terri, I'm glad Jim’s leg is better. Safe travels tomorrow. Carolyn, I hope he gets that prescription. We call that a guesstimate. Lenda

I posted these pictures on February 9, 2022. We have been to the Bay of Islands once on the Volendam on the APEX cruise in 2002. I posted a few pictures when Whangarei was the port last August. Since we tendered into Paihia near Waitangi, I will post the pictures I didn't share then. It was cloudy in the morning when we arrived, but by the afternoon the clouds had burned off and it was a glorious day. Once off the tender, we walked around town checking the sites and things to do. We booked a boat tour for the afternoon and took a private drive in the country with one of the locals before the boat trip. These are pictures of town in the morning and in the afternoon. A few pictures from our drive in the country including a stop at Haruru Falls. We were lucky that it was in November and there was water flowing over the falls. Our boat tour took us around the Bay and out to the Hole in the Rock, where we actually motored through the hole. Volendam from the tour boat I'll close with the beautiful sunset as we sailed toward Auckland. Lenda