Keith1010

Breaking news. The Waltons debuted 50 years ago. I loved it. Watched every episode. Loved the end of most episodes when they said goodnight. How about you? Keith

So since you posted the photos I have had nightmares every night that they each came alive and chased me around the house. Keith

I wonder what "Kitty" is thinking. Oh yes, when will the itineraries be ready so I can book my next Crystal Cruise?. 🤣 Keith

This was us up until a few days ago. No rain for 60+ days and we had fires in and outside our community more so than 2011 which was also a drought. Hoping you get your rain too. When I lived there between 1987 and 1991 it seems most years we were in a drought. Ugh! Keith

Thank you Roy. Great photo and I remember Cruise West. Keith

Flash flooding is forecasted for our area. However where I used to live they got the one in 1000 year. ( not a typo) rainfall. Some parts got 15 inches of rain in 12 hours. Keith.

This type of weather is on it's way for us today.

If I knew for sure we could do laundry on the ship (facilities were not only offered but sufficient and easy to use including machines on our deck) I would plan to use the facilities. However, if not I would bring for the amount of time I am away. I would post on the board for the line you are sailing asking questions about the facilities. For example, when we sailed QM2 we didn't plan to wash clothes and that was a good decision as the machines were not plentiful and not easily accessible from our floor. On SS (the ships we sailed) not many machines and very small. So in these cases we didn't plan to wash either. Keith

We were also on that sailing. Originally we were starting in Vancouver but then revised it to start in Los Angeles. After time in New York City we would have gone to Montreal to pick up Endeavor and sail down to West Palm Beach. But now we get to stay home where we have temperatures of 100 degrees (F) and no rain. But look at all of the money we are saving plus we can pretend we are in The Middle East. 😀 OK so the good news. After a forecasted high of 101 (F) today the next several days have highs of only between 90 and 95 degrees with rain (what is that?) in the forecast. The other good news is we will cruise although not as soon as we planned. And the final good news is I am using our Trager Pellet Grill a ton more than I ever expected. 🤗🤔 Life is good. Keith

Roy too early for an actual dry dock. Keith

We have a new grand-pup. New addition to our son's family arrived on Friday. We now have two grand-pups one grand kitty and of course five grand-children. Time goes fast and I remember when the older grand-pup was young and like out of that movie Marley and me but in due time calmed down. Now we have another one to shop for. Keith

This was one of the more unique sidewalks we walked on. One piece of advice. Don't drink and walk. Keith

My first dream of the evening so I was up all night after that. Keith

Something I miss about the area where I grew up. Most towns had Diners and still do. And if you were good, you might get to have or split a dessert with a member of the family. Keith

Well today we would have enjoyed our first full day in San Francisco having arrived yesterday but recently we decided to put the trip on hold thanks mainly to the spread of COVID. So we are home but we did have a cold front with highs only 95 (F) yesterday but with the humidity it felt worse. The good news is we have many hiking trails in our community and the trees help as I am on long walks and runs to help with the heat. And I have many "dear" friends to visit with along the way. Maybe, they will join us for our next Crystal Cruise. I could take one on as a "dear" friend or maybe one could be my "guide" dear. Time will tell. Keith

This is one of my favorite threads because it is light hearted with lots of laughs rather than such seriousness. I hope we can keep it that way. Keith

One year ago today we boarded Crystal Endeavor. We had such an amazing time and I am so glad we booked this cruise shortly after new itineraries were announced because if we didn't we never would have had the opportunity to sail Endeavor while it was part of Crystal. And in our situation this is not an "optimal" time for us to travel. A wonderful combination of expedition and luxury cruising into one vessel. My key wishes came true these past couple of months with the purchase of the Ocean Vessels and the ownership of the Crystal brand Manfredi, along with the return of key people and ultimately many members of the crew. Endeavor was my next wish including keeping its spelling as is. 🤣 I guess you can't win all the time. I am just so happy that Crystal returns. Bags are packed. I am ready to go. Keith

Where I live if this drought continues for more than 2022 maybe I'll be replacing my shrubs with some of these which reside in our community on one of the trails I was on a few days ago.

Many thanks for the Anniversary well wishes. It was a wonderful day and another milestone although as I say these days every year is a milestone. Keith

Wow that is a keeper. In less than a year we have lost two great sportscasters. Vince Scully. I like what he said in an interview. His goal was to quickly provide comments and then to shut-up so the fans could hear the crowd noise and take in the play. John Madden. Someone who knew the rigors of being an NFL coach would end his life prematurely and went on to have an amazing career in broadcasting. I believe the first who would draw out those plays on TV. While we were in the Bay Area he and his family lived in the town next to ours and a nice memory was dining at a table next to where he and his wife were. I can still remember some of the memorable games each one broadcasted including being with family and friends such as those Thanksgiving Day football games. Madden for many years would announce the games with another legend'; Pat Summerall. Keith

I always say you are never too old to learn and often I learn from my own children and grand children. Those grandchildren know many trick on the iPad and iPhone. They don't have iPhones yet but they know how to use them. My son convinced me to purchase a Pellet Smoker and recommended a Traeger which I have posted about a few months ago. In a typical week I cook between four to five meals using the Pellet Grill. Food comes out tasty and moist. We are not big beef eaters and I used to go months without having any but once in awhile we have something. Since returning from Sydney in March of 2020 as the Pandemic hit at home we have not dined out one time where we live other than a couple of outdoor meeting lunches for me. Our only meals out were on the cruises we took with Crystal last year and room service and one outdoor lunch in Nassau. In Iceland and in Miami we didn't dine out. So this leads me to yesterday. We celebrated a milestone anniversary (well at this age they are all milestones aren't they).and for the first time on the Traeger smoker I cooked beef filets and picked up Wagyu Beef. Only challenge was our heat at home. Cooking them when it is 100 degrees (F) and with a full sun was what we call here "Hot", "Hot", "Hot". I've heard that the Prego Galley cane become quite hot for the chef(s) and I was reminded of that yesterday. In spite of that we enjoyed a wonderful meal including Keith's house salad, delicious bread, the Filet's and even a variation of a french fry (baked). After all it was a special day. LOL. And we finished that off with a cake prepared by the Executive Chef of our household; Anne Marie. Just so you know though next year I want to be dining on our Anniversary on a Crystal Ocean Vessel. Keith

Looks great. What time to we come over? Keith

This is what happens when equipment for a pond temporarily breaks down and with the strong heat it kills off some of the fish.. It was like a road kill but with many more than the few you might see. For a moment, I felt like I was momentarily in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. I was not singing "who let the dogs out" in case you are wondering. As soon as equipment issue resolved they flew the coup. Keith

Is there a turkey in the house? You betcha. Today's team trivia question and the winner will get.......well let's not worry about that. So why did the Turkey cross the road? Winner will be announced tomorrow. Same time and same Turkey (or is that Bat) station. Keith

I can't wait to return to Crystal Cruises. People ask what it will be like. Well, we'll have to wait and see but I expect (not hope but expect) it will be as good if not better than before. Looking forward to our traditional embarkation lunch of a Cobb Salad, a flute of Champagne and a toast and being with many members of our extended Crystal family. Our bags are packed. We are ready to go. Can't wait. Keith