Royal Caribbean Cruisers -- How Are Things Where You Are? (was "Routine" ​ 😁 ​day in lockdown... how was yours?)

[Jimbo]

5 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

Sorry I have not been around today. Full day of a fantastic event. Most of you know my passion for good bourbon and recently Missouri’s very own distillery Holiday Distillery released their first bottled in bond bourbon in over 35 years.

 

Today at the distillery they had bourbon and brunch with  mingling with bourbon experts Doug Frost, (one of only four people in the world to hold both Master Sommelier and Master of Wine titles and spirits.) Kyle Merklein, (head distiller at Holladay) Maggie Kimberl, (Content Editor at American Whiskey Magazine) and Michael Veach, (Author  and bourbon historian and a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame) as well as master mixologists from the Kansas City area.

 

 

 

 

Master distiller Kyle Merklein and myself.

 

 

The judges.

 

 

we did a  sampling of bourbon cocktails from the local master mixologists. Each bartender will bring a unique cocktail to the table to be sampled and scored by our guests for a “People’s Choice” award and then judged by our panel of bourbon experts!

 

My winner and winner of the people choice. A version of an old fashioned made with blackberry jam converted into a simple syrup and believe it or not balsamic vinegar.

 

 

 

Judges picked was this tasty cocktail. Complete with cherry tomato garnish.

 

 

Another interesting was this one with smoked pineapple juice and a thyme simple syrup.

 

 

The food and cocktails were amazing as well as talking to these experts in their field.

 

 

A little bit about Holiday Distillery. It all started with the limestone spring. First discovered in what would become Weston, Missouri, by Lewis and Clark during their 1804 expedition, a pure limestone spring was a rarity whose potential was recognized by two enterprising young brothers by the names of Ben Holladay and Major David Holladay. After visiting the site, which was then a meat-packing house, the Holladay brothers divined an even greater purpose for that limestone spring: Bourbon.

Together, they founded this distillery in 1856. Ben Holladay went on to great fame and fortune as the “Stagecoach King,” running the stagecoach lines from Missouri to the West Coast that later became the Wells Fargo Express, and ultimately acquiring the Pony Express as well. It is the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi river.

 

It’s on beautiful land and the tour was so interesting.

 

 

Yeast doing it's thing. They let us stick our finger in and taste. This was a future wheated bourbon. Nice and sweet.

 

 

Copper still

 

 

Limestone well for the water source.

 

 

One of two rickhouses.

 

 

This is where the magic begins. Some of these barrels will stay here for 6 years.

 

 

Each barrel weighs over 500 pounds. Watch your feet.

 

 

Local corn and rye.

 

 

 

All in all a beautiful day to learn about bourbon, it's history and the making of. I learned a lot and really enjoyed some amazing cocktails and wonderful conversations.

 

Cheers!

Very neat day for sure! Thanks for taking us along.

[Sunshine3601]

3 hours ago, h20skibum said:

As someone who knows nothing about tending to a garden, my son left me in charge of watering his while he is away.

 

I have been diligently watering, and the plants seem to be growing.   For you gardeners out there, is there anything else to it?

Just watering is good enough unless you want to weed too😁

You may already know but it is best to water in the evening or early morning before sun hits the garden.

I hope all is well with your DD.

Glad to hear you are feeling better and everyone else is good too😃

[Ocean Boy]

[mets07]

Hi all, we were supposed to be on Adventure of the Seas today to Bermuda.  A simple 5 night cruise that we booked pretty much last-minute. Due to a tropical storm, we learned yesterday the cruise would go to Canada instead. We love Canada, but were looking for a warm/beach vacation, so we are taking the FCC/refund. Crazy.

 

Anyway, today we went to Jones Beach on Long Island, New York. At first it was sunny, then the fog rolled in for a couple hours, then it totally cleared up. Meanwhile, I continued to get notifications from the Royal app to report to muster, etc. 😉🙂

 

 

 

 

[Arzeena]

6 hours ago, dani negreanu said:

 

Thanks, A. I hope I'll have the opportunity to meet her. More than 60 have signed for the "connections party", may be she'll make an appearance.

 

I have to admit that it was a very sophisticated "con", build slowly in order to gain confidence. Hubby found all the videos and pictures "she" posted available for copying in the net....

 

Nevertheless, huge mistake trying to overdo the "credibility".... On the day "she" asked for the SIM card, "she" told me "today we're in Taormina.... blah, blah" + the temperature there.

 

BUT, my memory is still here, and I knew that Taormina was the day before, since the real Kate already posted pics from there...

 

Dani, she is all over the ship. She takes pride in her ship.There may be many events with her and Bug....like Bug Trivia. I may suggest you drop off a card at guest services, stating who you are and how much you would love to see her in person since you are a big follower. If you are taking her something, drop it off at guest services as soon as you can or let them know you want to meet her and have something for her. They will let you know what the "protocol" is. I am very excited for you .......please let us know how it goes.

[Bailey & Sophie]

1 hour ago, Sea Dog said:

Sorry I have not been around today. Full day of a fantastic event. Most of you know my passion for good bourbon and recently Missouri’s very own distillery Holiday Distillery released their first bottled in bond bourbon in over 35 years.

 

Today at the distillery they had bourbon and brunch with  mingling with bourbon experts Doug Frost, (one of only four people in the world to hold both Master Sommelier and Master of Wine titles and spirits.) Kyle Merklein, (head distiller at Holladay) Maggie Kimberl, (Content Editor at American Whiskey Magazine) and Michael Veach, (Author  and bourbon historian and a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame) as well as master mixologists from the Kansas City area.

 

 

 

 

Master distiller Kyle Merklein and myself.

 

 

The judges.

 

 

we did a  sampling of bourbon cocktails from the local master mixologists. Each bartender will bring a unique cocktail to the table to be sampled and scored by our guests for a “People’s Choice” award and then judged by our panel of bourbon experts!

 

My winner and winner of the people choice. A version of an old fashioned made with blackberry jam converted into a simple syrup and believe it or not balsamic vinegar.

 

 

 

Judges picked was this tasty cocktail. Complete with cherry tomato garnish.

 

 

 

Another interesting was this one with smoked pineapple juice and a thyme simple syrup.

 

 

The food and cocktails were amazing as well as talking to these experts in their field.

 

 

A little bit about Holiday Distillery. It all started with the limestone spring. First discovered in what would become Weston, Missouri, by Lewis and Clark during their 1804 expedition, a pure limestone spring was a rarity whose potential was recognized by two enterprising young brothers by the names of Ben Holladay and Major David Holladay. After visiting the site, which was then a meat-packing house, the Holladay brothers divined an even greater purpose for that limestone spring: Bourbon.

Together, they founded this distillery in 1856. Ben Holladay went on to great fame and fortune as the “Stagecoach King,” running the stagecoach lines from Missouri to the West Coast that later became the Wells Fargo Express, and ultimately acquiring the Pony Express as well. It is the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi river.

 

It’s on beautiful land and the tour was so interesting.

 

 

Yeast doing it's thing. They let us stick our finger in and taste. This was a future wheated bourbon. Nice and sweet.

 

 

Copper still

 

 

Limestone well for the water source.

 

 

One of two rickhouses.

 

 

This is where the magic begins. Some of these barrels will stay here for 6 years.

 

 

Each barrel weighs over 500 pounds. Watch your feet.

 

 

Local corn and rye.

 

 

 

All in all a beautiful day to learn about bourbon, it's history and the making of. I learned a lot and really enjoyed some amazing cocktails and wonderful conversations.

 

Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looks like you had a fun time! Interesting process.

Can I be a judge? I don't know anything about bourbon but I like to drink.

[xpcdoojk]

11 hours ago, dani negreanu said:

 

Captain Kate and me – the “romance” that wasn’t….

 

[Spoiler alert – long story !!!!]

 

 

I’ve been following the captain since we were booked [and cancelled] on Edge (May 2021), until Beyond [hopefully not cancelled].

 

I was curious if she’ll be on the new Beyond, and, in one of her “live” in Instagram, I’ve asked, among many others who asked questions (March 2022), if she’ll be on this ship for our sailing. Some minutes after I’ve asked, I’ve heard a “ping” and on the screen there it was: “Captain Kate….”

 

She replied: “Yes, I’ll be on Beyond, and thank you for sailing with us… Where r u from?” I replied: “Israel”, and then she said: “Oh, I’ve been to Haifa [northern Israel] on board of the Summit, visited the Christian holy sites, and I’m so waiting to have the opportunity to visit again, and go to Jerusalem too”.

 

From this point on, we exchanged “notes” about places to visit, she asked if I’m Jewish, and after a few minutes, she said: “why don’t you call me on Whatsapp, it will be easier to talk…” and gave me “her” number 1-625-…..

 

Here I admit I was a bit surprised… To call her? On one hand, it was Saturday night, I knew she’s in France while Beyond was still in the shipyard, without her hubby, figured maybe she’s a bit lonely and bored. On the other hand, I’m quite good in writing English, but talking?? My accent is horrible, and she tends to speak very quickly.

 

With some trepidation, I’ve called “her”, and, truth to be told, was quite relieved when “she” didn’t answer.

 

A few mins afterwards I’ve got a Whatsapp saying “I was at the bridge, we’re not allowed to talk privately, can I call you back at MY convenience”? I said “yes”, and decided to let “her” take the initiative.

 

About a month afterwards she took to the social media, asking for a snack she’s fond of from Trader’s Joe, which she cannot buy in Europe.

 

I decided to help her and published the request on several of the approaching Beyond roll calls. I wrote to her about it, and she replied: “Thank you, I was very hungry when I’ve asked for these snacks”.

 

People replied to me either “it is sold out”, or “I’ve ordered those on A---on, how will I get them to her”?

 

When I’ve wrote her about the “sold out” or “where shall I deliver”, her replies started to be “off”.

 

I couldn’t get a straight answer from “her” and decided to give up. Let her contact me if she wanted to continue our “relationship”.

 

Sure enough, she started to write me “I was today in X”, sent me videos of her with other cruisers, etc. I replied politely and noncommittally, I had the feeling I’m “speaking” with a boot…

 

So, last week I’ve got a “plea” for help from “her” – a strange request about her Whatsapp being “logged out”, and that “she” needed another SIM card… I decided to “play along” and told her that should I buy her a SIM card, it will be an Israeli number.

 

“She” said “Yes, just send me the verification number”. I continued playing the “technically challenged” and “she” started to push me: “Please, I need your help, I need it today, when can you buy it?” Told her I’ll drive to the city and try to buy it. I had anyhow some errands, so, after dealing with them, I went into a mobile shop and asked about the “sting” the “captain” wanted to pull on me. They agreed with me, and told me to tell “her” that in Israel, for security reasons, you cannot just “buy” a SIM, you have to IC yourself, etc.

 

I have to tell that at this point, I was absolutely sure that someone hacked into “her” number and is taking advantage of me.

 

When I got back home, I wrote “her” that….. “security, etc.”.

 

“She” was not pleased. Told me again: “I’ll understand that you don’t want to help me…”.

 

By this time, hubby and me decided to block “her” number. Hubby thought to alert her on other social media/s, but turned out that lots of “her” profiles are fakes too…

 

Yesterday, when our eldest was here, I’ve shown him the “history” of my correspondence with “her”, and turned out that someone somehow hacked the “live” conversation the real Captain had with her fans, and started to correspond with me.

 

I was in shock – at least I’ve thought that part of the time I’ve been actually corresponding with her, since at the beginning, the hacker was quite good in impersonating the Captain….

 

This is why I hate social media, etc.

 

So many cons and “off” people.  Sigh.

[Ozark_Kid]

I just experienced a first.  😆 Have you ever filled up your blender, turn it on, crank it to high and then realize the lid is not on it!  🤣

 

Well then  try to share the experience here but post it in a different thread where everyone would be wondering 🤔 why did he post that. 😆   Luckily I noticed what I did and was able to delete it.

[aussielozzie18]

@dani negreanu so disappointing that your chats with Kate turned out to be a scam.  Hope you get to turn it around by having a lovely in person chat on board.

Edited June 5, 2022 by aussielozzie18

[aussielozzie18]

@Sea Dog thanks for sharing your wonderful day out.  Those cocktails look delish and the history was an interesting read.

[aussielozzie18]

@singinalotlove your furnishing & wall hangings in your lovely new home.  My Top Gear loving son would be envious of your garage & especially its contents.

[aussielozzie18]

DH and I saw an excellent play by a Canadian playwright tonight at the Seymour Theatre in the city. Hopefully the title doesn’t get blocked by the mods - Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes.  A two actor play. Professor and female student.  Not only were the actors excellent, the set designers did a great job too.  

[bobmacliberty]

11 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Sorry I have not been around today. Full day of a fantastic event. Most of you know my passion for good bourbon and recently Missouri’s very own distillery Holiday Distillery released their first bottled in bond bourbon in over 35 years.

 

Today at the distillery they had bourbon and brunch with  mingling with bourbon experts Doug Frost, (one of only four people in the world to hold both Master Sommelier and Master of Wine titles and spirits.) Kyle Merklein, (head distiller at Holladay) Maggie Kimberl, (Content Editor at American Whiskey Magazine) and Michael Veach, (Author  and bourbon historian and a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame) as well as master mixologists from the Kansas City area.

 

 

 

 

Master distiller Kyle Merklein and myself.

 

 

The judges.

 

 

we did a  sampling of bourbon cocktails from the local master mixologists. Each bartender will bring a unique cocktail to the table to be sampled and scored by our guests for a “People’s Choice” award and then judged by our panel of bourbon experts!

 

My winner and winner of the people choice. A version of an old fashioned made with blackberry jam converted into a simple syrup and believe it or not balsamic vinegar.

 

 

 

Judges picked was this tasty cocktail. Complete with cherry tomato garnish.

 

 

 

Another interesting was this one with smoked pineapple juice and a thyme simple syrup.

 

 

The food and cocktails were amazing as well as talking to these experts in their field.

 

 

A little bit about Holiday Distillery. It all started with the limestone spring. First discovered in what would become Weston, Missouri, by Lewis and Clark during their 1804 expedition, a pure limestone spring was a rarity whose potential was recognized by two enterprising young brothers by the names of Ben Holladay and Major David Holladay. After visiting the site, which was then a meat-packing house, the Holladay brothers divined an even greater purpose for that limestone spring: Bourbon.

Together, they founded this distillery in 1856. Ben Holladay went on to great fame and fortune as the “Stagecoach King,” running the stagecoach lines from Missouri to the West Coast that later became the Wells Fargo Express, and ultimately acquiring the Pony Express as well. It is the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi river.

 

It’s on beautiful land and the tour was so interesting.

 

 

Yeast doing it's thing. They let us stick our finger in and taste. This was a future wheated bourbon. Nice and sweet.

 

 

Copper still

 

 

Limestone well for the water source.

 

 

One of two rickhouses.

 

 

This is where the magic begins. Some of these barrels will stay here for 6 years.

 

 

Each barrel weighs over 500 pounds. Watch your feet.

 

 

Local corn and rye.

 

 

 

All in all a beautiful day to learn about bourbon, it's history and the making of. I learned a lot and really enjoyed some amazing cocktails and wonderful conversations.

 

Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looks like a great day and a cool place.  Glad you had such a good time.

[molly361]

I think once you get covid some people think of you as a leper.  I have asked my BFF (and sometimes dog sitter) a couple of times to let me know when she would like me to take her to lunch and I still haven't heard from her😇

[Lionesss]

56 minutes ago, molly361 said:

I think once you get covid some people think of you as a leper.  I have asked my BFF (and sometimes dog sitter) a couple of times to let me know when she would like me to take her to lunch and I still haven't heard from her😇

 

 

I totally can relate with what you are saying.

But 

In a little different way.

 

My DH is a respiratory therapist in charge of the department at out local hospital and covers one other in the area (level one trauma center).

 

When COVID was at its peak, I could not believe the number of our so called friends that ended checking on us.

 

Now mind you we were in lock down and no one was going out or anything 

 

But:

To not text or return texts

To not call or even return calls.

 

So sad.

Did some think we wanted to 'INFECT' them.....via electronic devices, or ask them to do something for us???????

 

To think that first year my DH had to wear a Hazmat suit when caring for those in the hospital on Ventilators and/or regular floors.

He took care of all in need.

He changed his clothes that he wore to work and when he got home

Left those clothes in the laundry room and showered.

 

During this period I never got symptoms or COVID.

 

We have not gotten back to some of our friends who left us high and dry.

 

But.

 

We have a new circle of friends, plus some of our understanding Pre COVID friends.

 

Those that have left us must not have cared........................so.............we move on as they did.

 

Take care

[Sunshine3601]

1 hour ago, molly361 said:

I think once you get covid some people think of you as a leper.  I have asked my BFF (and sometimes dog sitter) a couple of times to let me know when she would like me to take her to lunch and I still haven't heard from her😇

That's sad.   Hopefully she will come around soon😃

She should feel safer with you instead of being afraid around you.

[Arzeena]

1 hour ago, molly361 said:

I think once you get covid some people think of you as a leper.  I have asked my BFF (and sometimes dog sitter) a couple of times to let me know when she would like me to take her to lunch and I still haven't heard from her😇

Her loss!

[Lionesss]

First of all Bonnie, keep up the good work in therapy and hoping for quick relief from pain.

 

@singinalot

Love the new home.  How exciting it must be.

 

@Ozark_Kid

Blender issues?  LOL, cannot said I did that, but there is always time to mix it up.

 

@h20skibum

I hope for quick healing, glad surgery went well.

 

@Sea Dog

Nice pictures and dialogue.  Thank you.

 

@John&LaLa

I think it is neat that you can keep a Poinsettia plant that long.

Here up north when the season is over, we let the soil in the pot dry out and then put a brown bag over it and hang it in the cellar and come the next November, you uncover water and feed and watch it do nothing and throw it in the trash.................Pinterest missed the  call on that one.

 

 

Went to a car show yesterday promoting and funding a local High School football team.

The MOMS of the players coordinated it and it was done very well.

We took both cars.

30 trophies were awarded.

We did not win a trophy, but we won 2 baskets at the Chinese basket raffle.

I won a gardening basket and the DH won a $100 Amazon gift card and mugs, and water bottles.

 

All in all it was a nice day.

 

Today...........................

Hedge cutting and lawn clean up after church.

 

Take care. 

[grapau27]

Happy Shavuot to @dani negreanu and all my Jewish friends.

It is 54°F and cloudy here at 14.15pm in North East England.

Take care and have a great day everyone.

[Ozark_Kid]

2 hours ago, molly361 said:

I think once you get covid some people think of you as a leper.  I have asked my BFF (and sometimes dog sitter) a couple of times to let me know when she would like me to take her to lunch and I still haven't heard from her😇

I think of a person who got covid as a new club member.  Now when I hear of someone that has not had it I am surprised.

She may have other reasons you haven't heard from her.  Just got a text from a good from I sent a pic to while in Alaska.   He had a tough couple of weeks and I understand why now why he didn't text.

[h20skibum]

2 hours ago, molly361 said:

I think once you get covid some people think of you as a leper. 

I am still being treated as a leper, but that is probably because I still tested positive this morning.  Thankfully, Susan is still negative.  DIL and grandson will test later, after they get up.

 

It is 60° and raining this morning, which means I won’t have to water my son’s garden this morning.  He has been sending lots of wonderful pictures of Paris, but they had some rain too.

 

Daughter is feeling good after her surgery, but she will miss the rest of the school year.  She is going to try to go in on the last day to see her students one last time.

 

Now my goal is to at least test negative by Tuesday, so I can celebrate Susan’s birthday. 

[Momof3gurlz]

14 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Sorry I have not been around today. Full day of a fantastic event. Most of you know my passion for good bourbon and recently Missouri’s very own distillery Holiday Distillery released their first bottled in bond bourbon in over 35 years.

 

Today at the distillery they had bourbon and brunch with  mingling with bourbon experts Doug Frost, (one of only four people in the world to hold both Master Sommelier and Master of Wine titles and spirits.) Kyle Merklein, (head distiller at Holladay) Maggie Kimberl, (Content Editor at American Whiskey Magazine) and Michael Veach, (Author  and bourbon historian and a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame) as well as master mixologists from the Kansas City area.

 

 

 

 

Master distiller Kyle Merklein and myself.

 

 

The judges.

 

 

we did a  sampling of bourbon cocktails from the local master mixologists. Each bartender will bring a unique cocktail to the table to be sampled and scored by our guests for a “People’s Choice” award and then judged by our panel of bourbon experts!

 

My winner and winner of the people choice. A version of an old fashioned made with blackberry jam converted into a simple syrup and believe it or not balsamic vinegar.

 

 

 

Judges picked was this tasty cocktail. Complete with cherry tomato garnish.

 

 

 

Another interesting was this one with smoked pineapple juice and a thyme simple syrup.

 

 

The food and cocktails were amazing as well as talking to these experts in their field.

 

 

A little bit about Holiday Distillery. It all started with the limestone spring. First discovered in what would become Weston, Missouri, by Lewis and Clark during their 1804 expedition, a pure limestone spring was a rarity whose potential was recognized by two enterprising young brothers by the names of Ben Holladay and Major David Holladay. After visiting the site, which was then a meat-packing house, the Holladay brothers divined an even greater purpose for that limestone spring: Bourbon.

Together, they founded this distillery in 1856. Ben Holladay went on to great fame and fortune as the “Stagecoach King,” running the stagecoach lines from Missouri to the West Coast that later became the Wells Fargo Express, and ultimately acquiring the Pony Express as well. It is the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi river.

 

It’s on beautiful land and the tour was so interesting.

 

 

Yeast doing it's thing. They let us stick our finger in and taste. This was a future wheated bourbon. Nice and sweet.

 

 

Copper still

 

 

Limestone well for the water source.

 

 

One of two rickhouses.

 

 

This is where the magic begins. Some of these barrels will stay here for 6 years.

 

 

Each barrel weighs over 500 pounds. Watch your feet.

 

 

Local corn and rye.

 

 

 

All in all a beautiful day to learn about bourbon, it's history and the making of. I learned a lot and really enjoyed some amazing cocktails and wonderful conversations.

 

Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a great local “excursion” Greg and a very interesting backstory.  Thanks for sharing. 

[lenquixote66]

13 hours ago, mets07 said:

Hi all, we were supposed to be on Adventure of the Seas today to Bermuda.  A simple 5 night cruise that we booked pretty much last-minute. Due to a tropical storm, we learned yesterday the cruise would go to Canada instead. We love Canada, but were looking for a warm/beach vacation, so we are taking the FCC/refund. Crazy.

 

Anyway, today we went to Jones Beach on Long Island, New York. At first it was sunny, then the fog rolled in for a couple hours, then it totally cleared up. Meanwhile, I continued to get notifications from the Royal app to report to muster, etc. 😉🙂

 

 

 

 

Perhaps there was a cruise leaving from the water near Jones Beach.😀

[reallyitsmema]

3 hours ago, molly361 said:

I think once you get covid some people think of you as a leper.  I have asked my BFF (and sometimes dog sitter) a couple of times to let me know when she would like me to take her to lunch and I still haven't heard from her😇

 

That's too bad, Ellen.  I hope she comes to her senses soon.  My Mom wasn't going to let me come see her, even though I am now testing negative, because my DH is still testing positive and is at day 7.  We are still wearing KN95 masks in my house and are distancing but she was nervous.  She finally relented and I saw her for the first time in more than three weeks!  I stayed masked and distanced, windows were open, ceiling fan on and her air purifier was on, so she should be good.  If she ends up sick, I am sure I will be blamed even though she was at the doctors office, lab and grocery store this week. 🙂 

[George C]

6 hours ago, aussielozzie18 said:

@dani negreanu so disappointing that your chats with Kate turned out to be a scam.  Hope you get to turn it around by having a lovely in person chat on board.

When we disembarked last July from Edge she was there waving goodbye and posed for a picture with one of our friends, too bad bug wasn’t with her.