wdw1972

Similar to the horrific Thanksgiving meal last year - turkey with beef gravy, cornbread stuffing with beef gravy. It was unbelievable, and a good reason to eat in a specialty restaurant that night (and every night) 😉 Sue/WDW1972

Happy Saturday everyone! It's terribly HOT and miserably HUMID here - even the outdoor cats are hiding out in the coolest shady spots they can find. Three good days today. I remember VCRs - now we just have DVRs through the cable company. Chocolate ice cream is delicious but I prefer mine with other ingredients mixed in, like crumbled up peanut butter cups, butterfingers, heath bars, etc. DH will watch the Belmont Stakes - I'm always afraid a horse or horses will slip & fall, and I don't want to see that! Good quote. I'll pass on the meal & wine (red) but would like a flight of those martinis closer to Christmas. Greece is on the bucket list. This morning I ran errands - just the usual stuff. Holli & I head out for happy hour lunch at 2:30. When I return I'll cook some cod for DH - bought a big piece of fresh cod at Sam's Club yesterday. The rest will get cut into portions, wrapped & stored in the freezer for future use. @ellbelle hope to hear you were discharged to home today @kazu beautiful patio and nice to hear from you. Ivan is a cutie! @Cruzin Terri sorry your DH is being so difficult right now @Quartzsite Cruiser hope the yard sale goes well! Enjoy the weekend everyone! Sue/WDW1972

I've been so busy since we returned I haven't had time to create a summary version. However, if you'd like to email me I'd be happy to send you the entire long/detailed report. Some of it likely won't be of interest but hopefully there's enough ship/cruise info to make it worthwhile. Email me at my name (wdw1972) at aol dot com and mention Cruise Critic in the subject line. Sue/WDW1972

Good morning - three great days to honor today, although I try to skip the donuts (mostly)! Agree 100% with the quote. The meal sounds great but I'll pass on the cocktail and wine. It's another new (to me) port - perhaps someday. Yesterday the dental appointment went smoothly and the meeting with the construction company went well. I feel good about them, so now it's waiting for the proposal. I need to call to advise them on a couple changes since yesterday's meeting. Last night we had grandson Ari's hockey practice - and shortly I'll be on the road to return home. It was a nice but quick visit! Enjoy the day everyone! Sue/WDW1972

Good morning from Bonita Springs! Three interesting days today. Gingerbread smells great to me but I'm always disappointed in the taste of gingerbread men - at least Disney's gingerbread men. I've never gone up in a hot air balloon. The cocktail sounds like a possibility but I'll pass on the meal and wine. One of these days I hope to visit Greece, so I'll enjoy the port photos today. True quote! Yesterday I made the drive to son's place in Bonita Springs. Surprisingly despite rain from Tampa through the rest of the drive it wasn't bad. Now that season is over traffic is much better and there were no accidents on my side of the highway to slow things down. This morning I have a dental appointment at 8:30 and then will meet a couple reps (father and son) from a construction company at my place to do a walk-through and discuss the work I'd like to do prior to moving back home when I retire. After that I'll have lunch at a local place before returning to son's place. Tonight is hockey practice for grandson Ari, then a quick meal (probably Chik Fil-A) on the way back since it'll be late. Tomorrow I head back home to Gainesville. @cruzn single so sorry to hear of your stepson's health issues @grapau27 hope the dental appointment goes smoothly Will check back this afternoon for all the updates - have a nice day everyone! Sue/WDW1972

Good afternoon! No bicycles here - maybe when I return home to Ft Myers. An egg is my breakfast Monday through Friday. It would be nice if love conquers all, but I don't believe it does. Good quote. I'd take a small portion of the meal but none of the cocktail or wine. The port is beautiful - have not been there but will enjoy the cats when I do! Things are getting more hectic at work right now, some of which is due to me being gone the second half of the week. DH was in a rotten mood yesterday, so that's got me down/stressed as well. He'll blow things all out of proportion and basically act like a toddler having a tantrum over minor little things. I look forward to leaving for a couple nights! Glad to hear Roy got his electronics back and hope Sandi's colonoscopy went well today! Continued healing to those under the weather or recovering from procedures. Hope everyone has a nice day. Sue/WDW1972

Good morning! We had a comfortably cool morning but it'll be up into the lower 90's by afternoon. Three good days to honor today - I have no problem leaving work early when DH & I want to do an early dinner somewhere. I don't necessarily care about my dentist (it's not a private practice so dentists come & go quite often - I don't bother to learn their name unless I see one 2 years in a row, which is rare) but I love my dental hygienist and have been traveling 4+ hours each way for my appointments with her these past 15 years. She's mostly retired, down to 2 days/week and may very well be finished working by the time I retire & go home. No thanks on the meal, drink & wine. It's the espresso that makes me hesitate on the drink - not a fan of caffeine. Have not been to the port but definitely plan to some day! Good quote. Today I realized I've broken through 4-digits to 3-digits until retirement. Assuming we don't tweak the date at all, it's 973 days away 😉 Still a big number, but I don't doubt it'll pass pretty quickly. Thursday I meet with a construction company at my home in Ft Myers regarding the remodeling that needs to be done before we move back. If I don't feel good about that company I'll have to find some others to line up to meet with me when I'm back for the next visit in early October. 🤞 Sue/WDW1972

Rabbit, Rabbit, White Rabbit! Happy June. As usual this year is flying by. Three very worth days today, each important! I'm happy to be a 3x cancer survivor but have never been in the armed forces (Canada or otherwise) and thankfully have never had to use the heimlich maneuver. Good quote. The "meal" sounds delicious and the cocktail sounds awful - sounds more like a rootbeer float, which I don't like. Understand I'm probably in the minority 😉 Not a fan of red wines at all but even if I was, there's no way I'm paying $1k for a bottle of wine! I have no digital photos but I've visited Seattle for long weekends or vacations a few times and sailed from there once (in 2002). In the early 80's I lived in Portland, OR for about a year and enjoyed visiting Seattle enough to return after moving to Florida. The photos shared bring back good memories. Not too much on the agenda today - finishing up laundry, spending some time with a jigsaw puzzle, etc. DH wants to have lunch at a local Japanese hibachi style restaurant so that will get us out of the house. He says tomorrow we start walking again - we'll see. Thanks to all who keep the daily going - and hope everyone has a lovely day today. Sue/WDW1972

Greetings - love all three very important days today, especially no tobacco. The meal has no appeal (I think I'm a poet and don't know it, lol). I'd gladly drink the wine but if I'm buying would look for a lower price point. Mimosas are something I rarely drink on land, but will have one several mornings when on a BHB! My only visit to Victoria was 2002 in the evening on my first Alaska cruise (7 nights from Seattle). We did the duck tour and really enjoyed it. I'd like to see more on a future visit - thanks for all the beautiful photos! This morning DH & I went to breakfast at Metro Diner. They're always good and now that the university is out for summer break it wasn't crowded at all. After that I ran errands while he went home. Not much else on the agenda besides wrapping grandson Ari's birthday gifts, packing for my trip to Bonita Springs/Ft Myers for a dental appointment this week (bringing Ari's gifts since we won't see him again before his birthday 7/14) and doing some catch-up work at home since I'll be out of the office Wednesday afternoon through Friday. Sandi @StLouisCruisers I hope you start feeling better soon Nancy @ottahand7 that pizza looks great! It's hard to wrap my head around Roy's current situation - how can a place ship the patient off somewhere without his possessions????? Have a nice day everyone! Sue/WDW1972

Happy Friday from Florida! We did get some rain last night - nothing bad and it didn't last long. It's been dry for a while. I've never tried or wanted a mint julep, hug Kitty Cat every day and would like to see multiple sclerosis eliminated. The meal and wine are a definite "no". The cocktail sounds like it would be good and I looked it up to learn egg whites are safe in cocktails (both alcohol & sugar kill any bacteria that might be present) but then what would I do with all those leftover egg yolks?? Enjoying the port photos as I've never been there. Today I went into work early to get project completed before things got too busy and noisy. I needed to be done by 10:30 and actually finished a little before 10. This afternoon I'm leaving early so DH & I can do a happy hour dinner at Carrabba's. The cats' dinner will be a little late tonight 😉 Happy Birthday to @kazu and @GTVCRUISER! Hope you both are celebrated! Denise @Denise T I also enjoy the planning aspect of trips - always have. It's like living the trip before it's even started! @Haljo1935 I don't camp. However, if I did I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable doing it solo these days. Perhaps if it was a gigantic luxury motor home with all the bells & whistles like an actual home I would, but I don't see one of those in my future! Have a great Friday everyone! Sue/WDW1972

Please add me to 1/8/27 Nieuw Amsterdam 9-day Southern Caribbean & ABC Islands w/History Channel Thanks, Sue/WDW1972

Most likely more images but magnified, and possibly ultrasound. After that you're either "all clear" or they're still not sure so you move to a biopsy. That can usually be a simple outpatient procedure. Keep in mind most women will eventually be informed they do NOT have cancer - but even if you do, if it's only detectable via mammogram (not by touch) then you're at the very early stages, which are usually easily treatable & hopefully not even involve chemo. Stay positive - hope you get good news soon. Sue/WDW1972

Thanks. Sue/WDW1972

Good morning everyone - it's going to be another hot day in Florida. Right now at 9:30am it's 82 but feels like 89 and going up to 95, which will feel like 100+ most likely. That's warmer than normal for May, and the daily rains won't set in until sometime next month. No composting here, although it's a good thing for those with yards & gardens. I'm not sure what ascension is, and we need all the peace keeping we can get these days! Ambivalent on the quote but like the meal and cocktail. I've only had frozen mudslides but not recently - might need to try this version. I'll pass on the wine, preferring any white except chardonnay. Haven't been to the port yet. I checked my restaurant certificates and they have the specific address listed and wording saying they're valid at that location so I don't think the Tallahassee location would accept them. It's likely each location is a franchise, and I have no reason to think the certificates are even sold up there. It's not the end of the world - over the years we've used them a lot and saved money doing so. Happy Birthday @cat shepard and @P&PNH ! Happy Anniversary @Horizon chaser 1957 @Lady Hudson glad DH is home from rehab after his fall & hope he continues to recover well. Sue/WDW1972

I'm assuming they're not, but will check for any language that might confirm. I won't be in Tallahassee for a meal there, but if they're accepted I could gift them to a co-worker in Tallahassee. Sue/WDW1972

Good morning everyone. Brisket and burgers and eliminating blood cancer are good things to celebrate. Coincidentally there's a burger thawing in the fridge for DH tonight. No thanks to the meal and cocktail but I've added the wine to my shopping list on the Total Wine app. That one definitely sounds worth a try. The quote did nothing for me and I've not been to the port (yet). The big cruise suitcase is finally empty and stowed away in the closet. One of the restaurants Holli & I frequented (most often) for our happy hour Saturday lunches closed suddenly. We'd seen them declining, having staffing issues, etc but had hoped it wouldn't come to this. We're both left holding some (now) useless gift certificates. Yesterday I booked a family cabana in the Retreat for the 1/8/27 cruise Fran & I booked a few days ago while in Alaska. Mine was the first cabana to be booked for this sailing. Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser I'm so sorry you had to cancel your June cruise 😞 Annie @marshhawk the cats were the first thing to come to mind when shrimp were missing, lol! Bruce @aliaschief glad your surgery went well and hope Sue gets relief for her Baker's Cyst. Have a wonderful day everyone! Sue/WDW1972

Happy Tuesday from hot/humid Florida. We got back yesterday around 5pm when the "feels like" temp was 99 degrees. Can't say I'm happy to be back, as I enjoyed the cooler weather in Alaska! Three important things to honor today and a great quote from Dear Abby. I love tomato soup but adding beans and/or greens would ruin it for me. I've had the wine and will enjoy it again in the future - good choice! Jungle Bird recently made an appearance at one of the Thursday night happy hours at Holli's house, so I've tried that as well. I think I liked it but DH loved it. The port is gorgeous & definitely on my bucket list! The long trek home from Whittier went as well as one could expect. The Portage Glacier tour was good and we were dropped at the airport a mere 6.5 hours before our first flight. After flying overnight to land in Dallas at 6am Monday we spent the morning doing online stuff at the airport before the final flight to FL which got us in around 5pm. Wonderful cruise - don't think I'd change a thing (other than DH's presence a few times, lol). Now the joys of catching up at work, finishing the unpacking, etc. Hope everyone has a nice day today. Sue/WDW1972

January 8, 2027 Nieuw Amsterdam Sue/WDW1972

Good morning from Whittier. Our cruise has just about come to an end and they'll be kicking us off the ship in less than 4 hours. Cruise buddy Fran & I booked another one on the spur of the moment yesterday afternoon to fill the gap between our October 2026 transatlantic and April 2027 cruise. We'll do the 9-day ABC in January 2027 - that's also our itinerary in November 2025 and April 2027. We like the ABC islands and the several sea days! I didn't get to read yesterday's daily but it sounds like Sandi is in the hospital - do hope she makes a speedy recovery and returns home soon. We're doing the portage glacier tour this morning and then will be dropped at the airport around 2pm. Unfortunately we won't be back in Gainesville until 4pm Monday, so a very long travel day(s) to get home. Sue/WDW1972

Good afternoon from outside Glacier Bay. It's been busy onboard with our family & friend cruising. The friend got DH out of his snotty mood so all is well for now. I didn't have to hoist him overboard at least! Skagway yesterday was great - DH & I did the streetcar tour and enjoyed it. DS & DIL did the train and loved it - I'll do that if I'm ever here again. Today is Glacier Bay - we spent the morning there, enjoying it from our suite since everywhere else was mobbed. Weather was good and we had a nice time hanging out inside and out on the wrap verandah. Tonight we're meeting for drinks at Tamarind Bar then DS & DIL will celebrate (late) their anniversary alone in Pinnacle while the rest of us dine in Tamarind. It's been a great cruise - sorry to see it approaching the end. Day before yesterday a friend who had been living with ovarian cancer for almost 6 years finally passed away. She was only 60 but lived a very good life during that time and went peacefully at home just before happy hour. We toasted her and had the most gorgeous sunset later that evening - perhaps her way of saying goodbye? She'll be missed but her struggle is finally over, which is a relief to her closest friends as well as her husband and adult son. Sandi @StLouisCruisers I hope you get some answers soon and can start feeling better. Sue/WDW1972

Yes - it's been a nice break from the heat & humidity. Comedian last night was really good (Tom Simmons) and the food has been great onboard. Sue/WDW1972

Hello from Juneau - my view is the back end of Ruby Princess. I actually watched our arrival on the webcam briefly, but also spent time on the bow and also here in the aft wrap neptune. It looks like a dry day today, which is great! The cruise has been wonderful, only marred by DH being a total *****. Of course it's not his fault at all - it's all MY fault for having the audacity to tell him to not put his dirty shoes on the white bed to tie them, to rest them on my thigh instead. He blew up like a maniac and now is not speaking or responding to anything I say (which isn't much - not going to waste my breath). Maybe he'll snap out of it at some point, but I've had it with this type behavior and will not be spending my life with these ridiculous outbursts. Thankfully we have separate excursions today - I'm heading out shortly to do Mendenhall glacier & then a whale watching tour w/son & DIL. Should be fun! Sue/WDW1972

I am onboard now - looks like a nice day compared to most days I watched the webcam last season! Sue/WDW1972

Greetings from somewhere between Vancouver & Ketchikan. We're cruising slowly north, with alternating moments of almost having sun and not being able to see the shore at all due to the clouds. The ship feels crowded - I'm assuming due to nobody being out sunbathing on this sea day. We're having a nice time - last night's dinner at Tamarind was great and four of us had a nice breakfast in the main dining room. Tonight it's Pinnacle for all of us. DIL was looking forward to Dutch tea but has a shellfish allergy. There was a shrimp sandwich on the tray and it was touching the other sandwich - the steward didn't seem to see a problem with that but said he'd go check. He never came back. We had a long wait for service at Ocean Bar yesterday (embarkation day), where we were ignored, walked past, and told "be right back" for 30-40 minutes before I got up and stood in front of a steward to ask when we might be able to order drinks. I noted this on the app and that night at dinner the beverage manager showed up to apologize. It's always kind of crazy on embarkation day, and not all bars were permitted to be open for some Canadian reason but the manager said that's no excuse. Thankfully everything else has gone well, and the aft wrap neptune is terrific. Happy Victoria day, get well soon to those ailing, and enjoy the rest of the day! Sue/WDW1972

Good morning from Vancouver for the final time - loved being here but not sure when/if I might return. No plans for baking or museums today and I won't be irritated by DH leaving any dirty dishes in the sink since we don't have a kitchen in our room at the Pan Pacific (or on the ship)! Salsa sounds good but I'll pass on the drinks. I've not been to the port, although my ancestors are from Nova Scotia. Some day. We had another lovely day despite crappy weather yesterday. Breakfast at DeDutch was fabulous and an early dinner at Chop was outstanding - great food, terrific server, etc. Son & DIL arrived and they're 2 doors down from our room. We all enjoyed time in the Coal Harbor Bar (in the lobby) last night and the live jazz music was a bonus. At dinner we watched Koningsdam sail off, followed a bit later by Vanessa on the Princess ship. It's 4:45 now - around 6 I'll head down to the pier to watch Nieuw Amsterdam arrive. Once she's docked we'll walk over to Breka Cafe (bakery) for breakfast then come back to shower and get ready to board our BHB. It should be sunny today and everyone's eager to get the cruise started! It's dinner in Tamarind tonight. Sandi @StLouisCruisers I hope you feel better soon and this isn't what you should expect with the immunotherapy. Jacqui @kazu so sorry about your diagnosis. Hopefully they can preserve some of your sight. Bon Voyage @Haljo1935 Elizabeth! Wishing everyone a happy Sunday. Sue/WDW1972