MJSailors

@mo&fran Hoping today is a good day and that you continue to have good days.

@dani negreanu Hoping your cousin has a full recovery and that you can plan a future vacation together soon.

The video of your grandson is adorable!

Wishing everyone on this thread a pleasant day!

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

2 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

What are current interest rates for a home in your area?   

Last I heard our rates are around 7.50% and expect to be 8% by October for a standard 30 yr mortgage.

 

I bought a condo when I was 20 yrs old and The rate was 10%.  Eric's is 7 yrs older than me and his first home was 16%.

 

On the flip side of the interest rates- when mortgage rates were at 16%- investment rates were high also.

People holding bank CDs and Treasury notes or bonds did well.

In the past few years, investment rates have been dismal-under 1% in some cases.

We just renewed a 12 month CD and are getting 5.50% APY.

All part of the financial equation.

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

@mo&fran Your post reminded me of something that happened when I went to Ireland with my parents after graduating college in 1974.

We were driving one day in the Irish countryside and stopped at a type of convenience store as my Mother wanted some cookies for a snack.

I went into the store and asked where I could find cookies.

The person behind the register looked perplexed.

I described a cookie and she then realized that I wanted a pack of biscuits.

Lesson learned!

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

@BonTexasNY Bonnie-I am a firm believer that our loved ones remain with us after their passing.

Cheri did have a hand in your plans today.

Often, I call on my “team” to help me with something or to send up

my worries and/or love to them.

My team is my Mom,Dad, a well-grounded priest and a dear friend who was a treasured classroom aide of mine.

They have helped me get through some tight spots, always.

In my faith we would call your Cheri your guardian angel.

Your friendship continues.

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

@BonTexasNY Bonnie-I am sending you my sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear friend, Cheri.

You are fortunate to have had her as a friend and memories can not be taken from us.

You are absolutely right about connecting with friends and loved ones.

I am hoping that you will have kindness in your day today.

Take care-

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

Hi Wildra-Thank you for writing another great review.

It was a “Celebration” to read your creative retelling of your cruise!

Just a thought about K’s tummy troubles though.

We were on a cruise this past June. On the fifth day, early in the AM, stomach rumbling occurred and I spent the next three hours in the bathroom.

The symptoms settled down and we stayed in the cabin until the next day.

I felt better, but had no appetite and felt wan.

When we got home, I still was dragging, so hubby suggested I take a Covid test.

Yes, I was positive.

The family Dr said that stomach issues can be symptoms of Covid.

Hoping that K is feeling better now and that you and hubby are feeling okay!

Thanks again, Wildra for your review!

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

Wishing all who post here a very pleasant day!

I have been reading about the various medical issues affecting some of us here.

Hoping those affected with recent health challenges are able to get better and improve their situations.

Regarding BP meds-I was prescribed by our family Dr, Amlodipine for years for slightly elevated BP. I also experienced swollen ankles.

I thought that might have been caused by needing to loose weight, salty foods, need for more exercise, heat and humidity.

But, when I tried to rectify those apparent causes of the swelling, I still had swollen ankles.

I first saw a Cardiologist about two years ago. He was concerned about my ankles and proceeded to change the BP meds to a small dose of Metropol.

Viola!

No more swollen ankles even after indulging in some salty food on a hot and humid day-hot dogs at a ballgame for example.

Just my insight into a side effect of Amlodipine . YMMV

Hoping all here are feeling safe and loved today.

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

@grapau27 Happy anniversary and congratulations celebrating 42 years together!🥂👰🤵‍♂️

Graham, wishing you and Pauline an especially lovely day!

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

@azbirdmom and @Coral

Thank you for your posts.

Early in June on a Celebrity cruise , I experienced intestinal problems five days into the seven day cruise

I thought it was Noro or possible food poisoning. I did not think to test for Covid as I was having stomach issues, nothing respiratory.

My DH and I remained in the cabin self isolating for over 24 hours with room service.

My symptoms subsided, so we did go about on the ship for the last day.

When we returned home, after driving from the port, I was still not feeling great.

Tested and ,yes, I was positive for Covid.

I did not test negative until ten days after the initial test. I continued to feel week, no appetite and fatigued.

That fatigue lasted over a month.

When I called our family Dr, he said that stomach issues can be a symptom of Covid.

Since I apparently came down with it days after the guidelines for taking Paxlovid, he could not prescribe it for me.

He said it was a virus and I would need to ride it out , staying hydrated and getting rest.

I am thinking that I could have, unknowingly, affected people on the ship.

Therein lies the problem.

Passengers may not realize they have Covid or their symptoms are not typical of Covid or the symptoms are so mild that they continue to move about the ship, going to restaurants, bars, the theater etc.

Contracting Covid continues to be  a risk facing cruise passengers.

People can choose to cruise, knowing the risks.

After what I experienced, I am not keen on taking a cruise in the future.

Others may have a different perspective.

As to taking a supply of Paxlovid onboard , I am not sure of how one could get that from their family physician as it is a prescription drug.

I recall reading that Pescado Amarillo said she had Paxlovid on the ship which she took with her as a precaution.

Perhaps she would like to post how one could get the medication before cruising/traveling.

Hoping all who have posted here stay safe and well.

MJ

@Sea Dog A question for you-do you need to mow the lawn you had installed in the back yard?

How is that lawn working for you? Would you consider installing it in the front yard to eliminate the need to mow if that is the case?

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

You could order coffee from room service-not sure if there is a charge for it now though.

You could also go to the International Cafe in the Piazza and get regular-coffees or specialty coffees to go.

IMHO the IC coffee is better tasting.

Princess does not supply coffee makers in the cabins.

MJ

@bonsai3s Totally understood.

MJ

@bonsai3s Any photos of the gardens?

MJ

@mo&fran I read your recent post about the treatments you will be having soon.I want to wish you strength, faith and love as you go on this journey to restore your health.

If it helps, keep in mind that those people you haven’t met in person, but have gotten to “know” on Dani’s thread are wishing you the best for your recovery.

We are your cheering squad! 

MJ 🙋🏻‍♀️

Hoping the cruise is less stressful , more relaxing and worth all the travails you faced in reaching Singapore.

Such travel hurdles involved in a trip such as you undertook makes that kind of travel daunting for 70+ people.

Thank you for being candid about your travels so far.

MJ

@cruise wizard We enjoyed several stays at Elbow Beach. It was a charming resort with a beautiful beach and pool.

We enjoyed drinks in the Library-the lovely bar off of the lobby.

MJ

@Cruzinforpeace*** Thank you for your reply.

Unfortunate that the St Regis does not reflect the charm of Bermuda.

It seems that the modern esthetic for hotels is a minimalist look.

That rate for one night stay there is incredible.

It makes me wonder who the hotel is marketing to for reservations.

It seems that taking a cruise ship to Bermuda is the best way to vacation 

there.

MJ

What was the name of the hotel near St Catherine’s beach?

Is it rather new?

We enjoyed staying at Elbow Beach and the Fairmont Southampton Princess. 
Unfortunately, both resorts are niw closed.

Can I ask why you said yuck to the hotel.

Glad you enjoyed your Bermuda vacation.

We enjoyed trips there since 1983.

MJ

Just a heads up. My DH and I were on a Celebrity Summit cruise to Bermuda in early June.

Early Thursday morning of the cruise I experienced intestinal  upset that lasted for three hours.

I felt nauseous for the remainder of the cruise. When we got home, I tested positive for Covid.

What I thought was Noro was something else.

Our family doctor said the C virus is showing up as intestinal symptoms.

Those cases of Noro may be really Covid.. It is still out there!

MJ

Hoping all posting here on Dani’s thread are able to stay cool as so many parts of the US and the world are experiencing high temperatures this Summer. 😎 

  
@Sea Dog Hoping your second surgery/recovery is easier than what you experienced with the first surgery. At least you will know how the procedure works as you have been through it.
A good friend of mine had knee replacement surgery two weeks ago. She is recuperating  at home, but she is having great difficulty.

She uses a cold compression machine to help with the inflammation. Still, her range of motion is at 60% , but the Dr is looking for 90% .

We keep

in touch wilt daily texts as she is not comfortable

 to chat on the phone now.

As to the Christmas decorations. In our area, some landscape companies put up decorations for clients as the gardening/mowing season is over and they have found a market to help people install their holiday decorations.

Do you have such a service offered by landscapers in your area?

Maybe something to look into.

Take care everyone !

MJ 🙋🏻‍♀️ 

Bimmer09 has just completed an excellent review of a recent cruise to Iceland and Ireland leaving Rotterdam.

He stayed in Amsterdam and enjoyed touring the city for a few days pre and post cruise.

He arranged private transportation betweenAmsterdam  and Rotterdam.

Check out his experience.

MJ

@bobmacliberty I think you requested some Manhattan hotel suggestions.

In addition to the Michaelangelo, I would suggest The Warwick on 6th Ave close to Central Park and nearby to MSG and Broadway theatres.

We had a one bedroom suite there that was very comfortable , although it had one bathroom.

Unfortunately, the Waldorf is closed.

We stayed there a number of times and did enjoy Sunday brunches at Peacock Alley.

Hoping your NYC trip is most enjoyable!

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

@lenquixote66 Happy birthday, Lenny!

Enjoy the celebration!

@Luckynana A belated message of congratulations for your anniversary!

@A&L_Ont Wishing you and Lisa an enjoyable vacation and anniversary celebration!

To all those dealing with surgeries, health 

concerns , treatments and recoveries-I am wishing you better days in your journeys.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

2 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

I’m sad today. He was an American treasure. I grew up listening to him as my parents were big fans. His voice was smooth as silk. After we lost the amazing coroners Sinatra, Martin, Davis, and Darin he was the only one left. He gave me faith that the American songbook was still alive and well. Thank goodness for Michael Buble for carrying on these great songs. We are blessed that he recorded so many great albums. His voice and legacy will live forever. 

@Sea Dog..”amazing coroners Sinatra,

Martin, Davis and Darin…”

I think you meant crooners ?

Autocorrect can be surprising!

Agree that Tony Bennett was one of the great ones!

He was a native of Queens,NY too!

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

2 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

I’m sad today. He was an American treasure. I grew up listening to him as my parents were big fans. His voice was smooth as silk. After we lost the amazing coroners Sinatra, Martin, Davis, and Darin he was the only one left. He gave me faith that the American songbook was still alive and well. Thank goodness for Michael Buble for carrying on these great songs. We are blessed that he recorded so many great albums. His voice and legacy will live forever. 

@Sea Dog

@DaniDanielle Goid that the Drs have determined your Charlie’s situation and that it can be addressed with medication. Wishing him continued improvement.

@h20skibum Not good that your Susan tested positive. I do hope it is a mild case for her.

I also avoided getting the virus until this June.

My symptoms were intestinal, so I didn’t even think of testing until I felt miserable+.
Too late to begin Paxlovid, so Dr said to

ride it out , rest, fluids especially Pedialite or Gatorade to keep the electrolytes going. It has been about a month and I still get fatigued late in the day.

Working on getting exercise and doing things to get my strength back. It is no joke.

I think, in time, there will be no “C” virgins-everyone will get it.

@Sea Dog Hoping your Linda can get some pain relief today.

Wishing all who post here a pleasant day!

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️