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

[Sea Dog]

2 hours ago, A&L_Ont said:

Owen first round of hockey playoffs start tonight. It’s going to be a challenge, but if the same idiots could stay out of the penalty box his team has a fighting chance. 

Wishing Owen good luck.

 

 

1 hour ago, BonTexasNY said:

Jack is a tiger, feeling great, thankfully.  I still feel like crap. Sneezing up a storm, watery eyes, runny nose.  Thankfully, not covid.  As long as I don't have a killer sore throat I'm fine.  Have to keep my windows shut and I didn't go outside at all today.  Hope tomorrow will be better.  Thanks for asking.

 

I sneezed 12 in a row today.  I broke my record of 10.

 

For some reason I’ve been sneezing a lot lately too. I feel fine just sneezing.

[HBE4]

1 hour ago, Coralc said:

 

I thought I had read something recently about V. Sattui Winery. Their 275 year old showpiece oak tree came down in the January storms. Very sad. https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/article/storm-topples-275-year-old-napa-valley-oak-at-napa-valley-winery-v-sattui/?artslide=1   🙁

 

Wow, seeing how there are picnic tables there, it's quite possible we had lunch under that tree.

[HBE4]

1 hour ago, Sunshine3601 said:

That's wierd as I didn't think it was gruesome looking.    

Sorry for whatever responses I missed.

 

I saw your original post and a bunch of quoted replies. Then someone mentioned your original post was gone but the quoted replies were still there which was weird as they would normally get deleted at the same time.

 

Anyways, glad you are feeling better & no, I didn't think it was all that gruesome.

[A&L_Ont]

1 hour ago, Sea Dog said:

Wishing Owen good luck.

We are going to need more tomorrow.  They lost resoundingly to the tea I think will play in the finals. Again, just too many dumb penalties by players that can’t keep up. There’s other issues too but I’m. It going to get into specifics.  Not worth my time or yours but I can say Owen is pissed every drive home after. 

[Sea Dog]

2 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

We are going to need more tomorrow.  They lost resoundingly to the tea I think will play in the finals. Again, just too many dumb penalties by players that can’t keep up. There’s other issues too but I’m. It going to get into specifics.  Not worth my time or yours but I can say Owen is pissed every drive home after. 

Sorry to hear he’s frustrated. Hopefully things will improve.

[A&L_Ont]

2 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

Sorry to hear he’s frustrated. Hopefully things will improve.

To be honest it’s doubtful, and Owen says it too.
 

Had they not won their second to last game they would have been ranked lower and playing teams more comparable in playoffs. Instead with that win they are now the lowest ranked team playing the top 4 teams out of 20. being 5th at the end of the season out of 21 teams isn’t a bad thing but it’s going to be rough.

 

I can share the finer details over a beer on the ship. I might need it to unwind. 🤯🫣

[bobmacliberty]

More cold today in Napa, low 30s to start and high of about 49F. Rain was off and on but not bad enough to really impact is so all in all, not

too bad.  On the way to our first winery, we passed the famous Welcome to Napa Valley sign and of course had to stop for a picture

 

We started at Castello di Amorosa, which is a castle winery built in the 90s but that looks a lot older. They imported some old timber, stone, and things like battle helmets from Europe, but the rest is much newer.  It was built, and is owned, by Dario Sattui, who also created V. Sattui previously and sold 49% to help pay for the castle. We again were the only guests in our tasting area for almost an hour, which meant 1 to 1 attention. We told our host where we went yesterday, and where we were going later today (which have more expensive cabs), so he broke out their more expensive wines for us to taste. He wanted a fair comparison. Works for me!

 

 

We stopped at Gillwoods Cafe in St Helena for lunch and had huge burgers. I should not have eaten the whole thing as I felt full the rest of the day (even though I kept eating, just like cruising). 

 

Our second winery stop was the Del Dotto Estate. They are known for excellent (and expensive) wines. It’s a very impressive facility with imported Carrara marble columns and tiles, and Murano glass chandeliers which reportedly cost $100K each. Yikes. 

 

 

Mustard flowers blooming at Del Dotto

 

Their cabs were excellent, especially the Villa del Lago. It should taste good at $350 a bottle. Double Yikes. 😳😳😳

 

We had planned to also visit Grgich Hills but decided to cancel. It’s just too much wine. 
 

Dinner tonight was Italian at Bottega. Another excellent meal. I had the Tagliarini Bolognese Al Centro…a great pasta dish with a veal/pork sauce. Very tasty

 

Micheline went with Spaghetti all Sophia Loren. It’s interesting how her name keeps popping up after our discussion comparing her vs Raquel Welch. The chef made this dish for Sophia using wheat from a field that she played in as a child in Italy. The sauce is served on the side so you can taste the pasta with no sauce. 

 

We’re checking out tomorrow and headed to San Francisco. I’ll summarize my Napa thoughts when we get home next week. 

[FromSea2ShiningSea]

8 hours ago, Bailey & Sophie said:

 

So glad this all worked out for you. What a nice lyft driver!

Enjoy the wedding and little vacation. 

 

Actually, he was very nice, courteous and a very good driver.  He had good control, didn’t zip in and out of traffic and used his signals- at least 3 seconds every time before he changed lanes.  When he dropped us off at the airport, I told him that he was a very good driver.  

 

After we got our passports, we had 10 minutes to spare before boarding began.  So, we just made it.  Then we really needed a drink.

 

5 hours ago, Luckynana said:

@FromSea2ShiningSeaThat was some close call!  Grateful your Passports were reunited with you both for your trip to Mexico for your son's Wedding this weekend.  What day is the Wedding scheduled?  Have a wonderful time at his big Event!  See you onboard the Oasis!

 

The wedding is Saturday.  We arrived in Puerto Vallarta Tuesday and stayed at a Hampton Inn there for the night and got transported to Sayulita on Wednesday.  There is a festival here this week so it’s very festive and crowded.  

 

Our dinner Tuesday night at a local restaurant.

 

 

 

 

 

The next day after arriving in Sayulita, it was Shrimp Tacos and Shrimp & Bacon Pizza for lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

[Coralc]

1 hour ago, FromSea2ShiningSea said:

 

Actually, he was very nice, courteous and a very good driver.  He had good control, didn’t zip in and out of traffic and used his signals- at least 3 seconds every time before he changed lanes.  When he dropped us off at the airport, I told him that he was a very good driver.  

 

After we got our passports, we had 10 minutes to spare before boarding began.  So, we just made it.  Then we really needed a drink.

 

 

 

The wedding is Saturday.  We arrived in Puerto Vallarta Tuesday and stayed at a Hampton Inn there for the night and got transported to Sayulita on Wednesday.  There is a festival here this week so it’s very festive and crowded.  

 

Our dinner Tuesday night at a local restaurant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next day after arriving in Sayulita, it was Shrimp Tacos and Shrimp & Bacon Pizza for lunch.

 

 

I was going to ask you why those ribs had tails? 😄 I see why now. Not racks of ribs. ☺️

[Bailey & Sophie]

1 hour ago, bobmacliberty said:

 

 

We started at Castello di Amorosa, which is a castle winery built in the 90s but that looks a lot older. They imported some old timber, stone, and things like battle helmets from Europe, but the rest is much newer.  It was built, and is owned, by Dario Sattui, who also created V. Sattui previously and sold 49% to help pay for the castle. We again were the only guests in our tasting area for almost an hour, which meant 1 to 1 attention. We told our host where we went yesterday, and where we were going later today (which have more expensive cabs), so he broke out their more expensive wines for us to taste. He wanted a fair comparison. Works for me!

 

 

This is the winery John's brother worked on for 10 years as the master electrician. He'd get close to finishing and the owner would add on more stuff.

The place lights up at night with different colors and is quite a sight.

[Coralc]

51 minutes ago, Bailey & Sophie said:

 

This is the winery John's brother worked on for 10 years as the master electrician. He'd get close to finishing and the owner would add on more stuff.

The place lights up at night with different colors and is quite a sight.

That is really interesting. It took him a really long time to build it. It is an amazing looking building. 

[sgmn]

15 hours ago, Lionesss said:

So my mom passed away almost 15 years ago. She was able to live with us for about 10 years. 
We made her room a guest room/storage area since we have 2 guest rooms and the other one is used first. 
I just usually dusted off the room. Washed the linens from time to time. 
Today was the day to rut up. Rotate mattress and give the room the old college clean up. 
Well found between the mattress near the center of the bed. some containers full of her valuables. 
 

I think I hit the jackpot. 
 

So i transferred the coins/paper money  into 4 cool whip containers and just got back from putting them in our safety deposit box. I do not have time to go through them. 
 

I thought these were cute. 
 

 

Some paper money. 

I also found some old political pins. 
 

 

And tons of flat jewelry cases. 
just starting to open. 
 

 

I am sure some things are of value. 
 

 

 

 

Oh wow,  how exciting, and lovely to unexpectedly hold your mums precious things

[sgmn]

14 hours ago, DaniDanielle said:

Spent the night in the ER with Charlie.  He has pneumonia and is now on IV antibiotics.  Waiting to hear from hospital.

Debbie, your poor head😳

So sorry, hope he makes a speedy recovery 🙏 

[Ocean Boy]

9 hours ago, BonTexasNY said:

Jack is a tiger, feeling great, thankfully.  I still feel like crap. Sneezing up a storm, watery eyes, runny nose.  Thankfully, not covid.  As long as I don't have a killer sore throat I'm fine.  Have to keep my windows shut and I didn't go outside at all today.  Hope tomorrow will be better.  Thanks for asking.

 

Ok, I need to ask. You feel like crap.Why does it matter if it is Covid or some other virus making you feel that way?

[Sunshine3601]

58 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Ok, I need to ask. You feel like crap.Why does it matter if it is Covid or some other virus making you feel that way?

Good question.  I guess it is just drilled into all of us for the last 3 yrs to hope it isn't covid when we get sick.   Maybe because we keep hearing and/or learning about short and long term impact after covid.   ???

[Lionesss]

Andrew, I feel for Owen, having to play on a team that has in it concerns we as parents cannot fix, and eventually the frustration will go away as time  moves on and bigger and better things happen.

 

When Christina was a Sophomore in high school she went to  a private school, where the more $$$ you were known for, the better life was for you in extra-curricular activities.

 

So when the semi final listing for Varsity volleyball came out, and all it meant is you had one more practice to be either Varsity or junior varsity.

Christina was listed as captain of Junior Varsity, and the "girls" who were varsity on the sheet,  last names could have been a directory for doctors lawyers and other high donors to the school. And some of them had a little clue of what to do, where Christina played club for 4 years. We share our wealth as we can, but they did not consider a respiratory therapist or nurse anesthetist in those ranks.

 

So the final determining factor to decide school teams was a scrimmage at Howland High School.

Christina was put as a middle.

She blocked Nia Grant who at that time was a senior, and eventually a phenomenal starter and player on the Penn State Volley ball team.

She not only blocked her one time, but when all was said and done, 3 times.

After the game which our school lost, their coach came up to our coach and said not many people can block Nia once let alone three times.That girl (Christina) for being so short (5'4") has a jump. And a good player, I wish we had her.

(She used to roller skate competitively with 10 pounds of skates on each foot) And yes she can jump.

 

When the final team list came out for varsity Christina was on it.

She was captain as a senior.

And had three school records for hits, blocks and digs.  (Yup 5"4")

She made first team all North Ohio.

 

Like Owen, they will succeed, but her battles were with players who their name was what determined your playing.

Owen has to put up with his team mates for what-ever reason, and sometimes that is so much harder.

 

I pray it gets better for him.

 

Wow

Glad that is off my chest.

[Arzeena]

Marietta,

Best get well wishes for Charlie. Hugs for you.🥰

[Arzeena]

I am really enjoying the Napa Valley thanks to Bob and Micheline. Bob, I thought you were going to Hawaii?

 

Dani, your Venice pictures are amazing! Were you ever tempted to try those costumes on and take your picture?

 

Sending feel better wishes to all who are under the weather.Cruises are coming up soon, so get on it.😁

 

The food pictures from SeatoShingingSea are so GOOOOOOD! yum! Have a great wedding. 😋Congratulations!

 

Mark, sending best wishes to your daughter.💓

 

[Luckynana]

10 hours ago, A&L_Ont said:

To be honest it’s doubtful, and Owen says it too.
 

Had they not won their second to last game they would have been ranked lower and playing teams more comparable in playoffs. Instead with that win they are now the lowest ranked team playing the top 4 teams out of 20. being 5th at the end of the season out of 21 teams isn’t a bad thing but it’s going to be rough.

 

I can share the finer details over a beer on the ship. I might need it to unwind. 🤯🫣

Oh dear.  Well, there'll be plenty of beer on the ship, as well as many ears to listen as you unwind.  I can understand Owen's and your frustrations.

[Luckynana]

9 hours ago, bobmacliberty said:

 

We started at Castello di Amorosa, which is a castle winery built in the 90s but that looks a lot older. They imported some old timber, stone, and things like battle helmets from Europe, but the rest is much newer.  

 

Dinner tonight was Italian at Bottega. Another excellent meal. I had the Tagliarini Bolognese Al Centro…a great pasta dish with a veal/pork sauce. Very tasty

 

Micheline went with Spaghetti all Sophia Loren. It’s interesting how her name keeps popping up after our discussion comparing her vs Raquel Welch. The chef made this dish for Sophia using wheat from a field that she played in as a child in Italy. The sauce is served on the side so you can taste the pasta with no sauce. 

 

We’re checking out tomorrow and headed to San Francisco. I’ll summarize my Napa thoughts when we get home next week. 

I love looking at Castles!  With the prices of wine, I'm glad I'm not a wine drinker...vodka for me, please!

Interesting story of the Spaghetti ala Sophia Loren.  Both dishes look delightful.

Enjoy your time in San Francisco.  We loved it there when we stayed there years ago.  I sure hope the weather improves and the temperature warms up for you.

[TravelGirlinDallas]

13 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

That's wierd as I didn't think it was gruesome looking.    

Sorry for whatever responses I missed.

It wasn't. If someone actually reported that, how lame. 🙄

[Jimbo]

1 hour ago, Lionesss said:

 

(She used to roller skate competitively with 10 pounds of skates on each foot) And yes she can jump.

 

 

 

 

I have to ask because I never heard of it before, but what is competitive roller skating?

 

Only roller skating competitive I can think of was when you used to be able to watch Men's and Women Roller Derby on Tv on Saturday afternoons.

[BonTexasNY]

4 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

Ok, I need to ask. You feel like crap.Why does it matter if it is Covid or some other virus making you feel that way?

I'll try to answer.  Not so much what's making me feel like crap but the potential Covid effects I don't need or want. With covid I would need to self isolate for 5 days and possibly lose sense of smell and or taste for who knows how long. I don't need added fatigue which is one lingering side effect from the last time I had covid.

 

Jack has a few medical issues and I wouldn't want him going through another bout of covid.

 

I feel much better today.  I doubt I would feel better after 2 1/2 days if it were covid.

 

Now when we have slight sniffles the new normal is to stick a swab up our noses to test for covid.

[FromSea2ShiningSea]

8 hours ago, Coralc said:

 

I was going to ask you why those ribs had tails? 😄 I see why now. Not racks of ribs. ☺️

It’s interesting you mention ribs.  What we noticed was that ribs are on the menus of most all the restaurants in Puerto Vallarta.

 

I should have identified what the food I posted were.  Pictured are shrimp on half an avocado salad, whole octopus in garlic sauce, grilled whole sea bass that was filleted in three sections with the bone in the middle, and chicken fajita.  It was all very good.

 

The shrimp tacos were what I was really looking forward to.  This restaurant, Don Pedro, will be catering the food for the wedding.  Last January when we were on the Navigator and stopped at Puerto Vallarta, we came up here to check out the facilities for son for the wedding.  We had lunch at this restaurant and I had the shrimp taco which was so good so I couldn’t wait to come back to have it again.

[Luckynana]

@FromSea2ShiningSeaThe food looks scrumptious!  I love sea bass.

Have a awesome time at your son and soon to be daughter-in-law's Wedding tomorrow.  Savor every moment.  Congratulations!!🥂