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

[Jimbo]

1 minute ago, Lionesss said:

 

Not only did she have a feeding frenzy, she found a bag and loaded it up with carry outs.

 

Sad, just sad.

 

 

You can pick your friends, but can't pick your in-laws. 😞

[akcruz]

We were fortunate our daughter and son in law were both fairly cost conscious.  We also got lucky that they found a great venue at a fairly new winery just outside DC that was looking to grow their wedding business.  A few months after we secured a date they were voted one of the top 10 wedding venues in the DC area.  Of course on the other side she figured use my dress, I think I have posted some pics before of the before and after, to save some money, hah.  She ended up having a woman in Georgetown do the work who dealt with many higher up individuals in the DC area, beautiful work but ended up costing as much if not more than a new dress.  We were fortunate son in laws parents were very involved, almost too much if you ask my daughter, and paid for some things.  Overall she stayed within our budget just barely.  Weddings are tough you want them to be great for your kids but also hope to reign in some costs.

 

As for boys vs girls our son is doing his best to kick that to the side.  Still single and living his best life, keeping us on our toes.

[DaniDanielle]

We were pretty lucky with the in-laws.  My two sons married into two great families, especially my younger son,  My daughter’s in-laws were a bit odd but didn’t bother us!  My other daughter gave us no in-laws, just the best granddaughter ever🥰

[sgmn]

37 minutes ago, Lionesss said:

Wedding Budget,  Whats that?

 

Roughly 18 months ago I put  my foot down and set a budget for the DD's wedding trying to model after our wedding which we had to pay for ourselves.  (8 months pre planning and the wedding was 10 months ago).

Now I realized prices increased in the past 30 years, so I was realistic with my cost estimates.

 

Until:

The wedding gown became Bride magazine dress of the year

The DJ became a DJ plus Band (Yup they toured the US).

The florist had to hire help to get all the arrangements done in time

The buffet became a sit down dinner (Ty COVID)

The Limo size was needed for the 18 passengers.

The fireworks had to be monitored by a pyrotechnic assistant (what fireworks????)

Appetizers yup  (How much are lamb chops!)

The cookie table had to be individually trayed and brought by  us.

5 hour open bar...(hiccup)

 Wedding day luncheon,  after breakfast brunch had to be planned and paid for ( I gotta feed them!) as well as the 80 guest who stayed at the hotel.

And

Then the mother of the groom should have put a feeding bag on the way she annihilated the food, after all she was a guest and did not pay anything towards the whole wedding weekend, but smoked away).

OH, and when my DH goes I am not getting her wedding jewelry since we are paying for the wedding,     as he puts the diamond bangle wristlet on her at the first look.

 

And just a few weeks ago he finally asks me, did you ever total up the cost of the wedding.

(He knows I am a bean counter and have every receipt including the Tylenol and Tums  I bought to plan this wedding).

I go.................................It is in the brief case  and I havent gotten around to it,

 

If he only knew...............................................If only he knew.

 

We paid equal shares towards my sons wedding.  It was delayed by a year due covid, this gave Alex just more time to think up stuff 😁

My son put his food down at ice sculptures. We had a violinist at the wedding and pre dinner, a harpist before the speeches, live band and DJ between the band sessions .

And fireworks enough to keep the whole county awake. And a mini casino!!!

But it was fun  fun and more fun and I loved every minute of it ......and now there's a baba on the way 💕

[aussielozzie18]

1 minute ago, sgmn said:

We paid equal shares towards my sons wedding.  It was delayed by a year due covid, this gave Alex just more time to think up stuff 😁

My son put his food down at ice sculptures. We had a violinist at the wedding and pre dinner, a harpist before the speeches, live band and DJ between the band sessions .

And fireworks enough to keep the whole county awake. And a mini casino!!!

But it was fun  fun and more fun and I loved every minute of it ......and now there's a baba on the way 💕

Gorgeous photos Sue.

[jagsfan]

1 hour ago, molly361 said:

It's not nice getting texts reminding me not to show up before my boarding time today  NOT NICE at all!!!  😇 

Downright cruel!

[dani negreanu]

1 hour ago, Momof3gurlz said:

Handsome little man with a sweet smile!  It looks like a fun party.  Forgive my ignorance, but I’m curious about the headpiece he’s wearing?  

 

The celebrated b'day person wears a crown of flowers. My DIL, who is very cost conscious (for which I thoroughly admire her and appreciate) bought one with artificial flowers, which can be adapted in size.

 

The tradition is that they get 3 b'day celebrations -- one within the family, one at the kindergarten [which is held once a month -- all born in May together], and one -- at a venue [or if you have a big house or/and don't mind the ensuing mess] with all the kids from the kindergarten.

 

Another tradition, which I don't know if it is "used" in the US, is to raise them sitting on a chair the number of years + 1 [so the guy with the fruit t-shirt 🤪  was raised 5 times].

 

14 minutes ago, akcruz said:

... our son is doing his best to kick that to the side.  Still single and living his best life, keeping us on our toes.

 

You're not alone... First, he was a flight attendant, saying that his "way of life" doesn't allow him to maintain a meaningful relationship. After 10 years, he was laid off when Covid struck, and then... well... with Covid around.... it is difficult to date... beside, he's busy surfing ☹️

[jagsfan]

1 hour ago, Lionesss said:

Wedding Budget,  Whats that?

 

Roughly 18 months ago I put  my foot down and set a budget for the DD's wedding trying to model after our wedding which we had to pay for ourselves.  (8 months pre planning and the wedding was 10 months ago).

Now I realized prices increased in the past 30 years, so I was realistic with my cost estimates.

 

Until:

The wedding gown became Bride magazine dress of the year

The DJ became a DJ plus Band (Yup they toured the US).

The florist had to hire help to get all the arrangements done in time

The buffet became a sit down dinner (Ty COVID)

The Limo size was needed for the 18 passengers.

The fireworks had to be monitored by a pyrotechnic assistant (what fireworks????)

Appetizers yup  (How much are lamb chops!)

The cookie table had to be individually trayed and brought by  us.

5 hour open bar...(hiccup)

 Wedding day luncheon,  after breakfast brunch had to be planned and paid for ( I gotta feed them!) as well as the 80 guest who stayed at the hotel.

And

Then the mother of the groom should have put a feeding bag on the way she annihilated the food, after all she was a guest and did not pay anything towards the whole wedding weekend, but smoked away).

OH, and when my DH goes I am not getting her wedding jewelry since we are paying for the wedding,     as he puts the diamond bangle wristlet on her at the first look.

 

And just a few weeks ago he finally asks me, did you ever total up the cost of the wedding.

(He knows I am a bean counter and have every receipt including the Tylenol and Tums  I bought to plan this wedding).

I go.................................It is in the brief case  and I havent gotten around to it,

 

If he only knew...............................................If only he knew.

 

My DH still doesn’t know 33 years later what our DD’s wedding cost. I had a separate checking account just for extras. She deserved it, but I didn’t want to explain everything. The happy couple let me in on the decision making, and we had fun with it. 
The bar bill was the only unknown amount, but my SIL had said his fraternity brothers just drank beer. 
When it’s an open bar with all top shelf booze, evidently nobody just drinks beer. 
I’ve never been more shocked than when the manager asked me if I wanted to close down the bar. It was getting late so I thought maybe another half hour. 
He said maybe he should tell me where we stood right then and gave me a figure. 
Closest I’ve ever come to fainting!

It has been a great marriage, and was worth cleaning out my private stash. 

[Lionesss]

58 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

 

What is CWC? 

[aussielozzie18]

14 minutes ago, dani negreanu said:

 

 

 

You're not alone... First, he was a flight attendant, saying that his "way of life" doesn't allow him to maintain a meaningful relationship. After 10 years, he was laid off when Covid struck, and then... well... with Covid around.... it is difficult to date... beside, he's busy surfing ☹️

There is hope.  My brother injured himself surfing, ended up in hospital being tended to by a gorgeous red-headed nurse who is now his wife. Rather painful way to find the love of your life though.

[jagsfan]

29 minutes ago, sgmn said:

We paid equal shares towards my sons wedding.  It was delayed by a year due covid, this gave Alex just more time to think up stuff 😁

My son put his food down at ice sculptures. We had a violinist at the wedding and pre dinner, a harpist before the speeches, live band and DJ between the band sessions .

And fireworks enough to keep the whole county awake. And a mini casino!!!

But it was fun  fun and more fun and I loved every minute of it ......and now there's a baba on the way 💕

Fantastic! And what a beautiful couple!

[dani negreanu]

11 minutes ago, Lionesss said:

What is CWC? 

 

Cruise with Confidence 😉

[aussielozzie18]

First day of Winter here on Wednesday.  First snowfall predicted in The Blue Mountains on Tuesday.  That is the day that first cruise in over 2 years is departing Sydney.  Doubt that those onboard will care as they will be too excited.  it will be a bit chilly on the outside deck as it sails out of the harbour (Sydney forecast is 15C and windy).

Edited May 28, 2022 by aussielozzie18

[Ozark_Kid]

3 hours ago, dani negreanu said:

The birthday boy [before being raised 5 times],

 

 

and with his themed cake [my cheese cake was for the grown ups...]

 

 

Pics of smiling children are great.  Looks like a loving family too.  I am sure you are thankful. 

[Ozark_Kid]

53 minutes ago, aussielozzie18 said:

There is hope.  My brother injured himself surfing, ended up in hospital being tended to by a gorgeous red-headed nurse who is now his wife. Rather painful way to find the love of your life though.

My now SIL was in a car wreck and needed Occupational Therapy. My youngest DD was his therapist.   After his treatments they started dating.  This week they are celebrating their 4th anniversary in St. Louis!  

[lenquixote66]

4 hours ago, sgmn said:

Back in the 1980s Garys best friend was studying stage management and lighting at the Banff school of performing arts. He's worked every year at the Stratford Festival season since and is very senior in the backstage team now .

I assume you are referring to the Stratford Festival in the UK.I have gone to the Stratford Festival in Stratford ,CT numerous times.When I was in college I wrote two plays and acted in both.I never pursued either after college but two of my college friends went into stage acting.One just recently retired and the other one became a Director of stage performances in New York and New Jersey.My wife’s sister has a close friend who has been acting in theater and TV for 60+ years.

[lenquixote66]

3 hours ago, bobmacliberty said:

 

Maybe I should create an Engineering Change Request form.  Whenever they want to change something, they need to fill out an ECR (in triplicate) and send it to me.  I will then review the request and give them a reply within 3 business days.  That should work...right?

 

 

The scary thing is that I think I DO have an idea what I'm in for, but I'm still probably wrong.

 

 

When our kids were first born, someone told us that you're better off having girls when the kids are young since many boys are just naturally more rambunctious and destructive.  And you're better off having boys once they turn into teenagers, given how difficult it can be to be a teen girl.  I wasn't thinking of marriage when I was told that, but it's clearly part of the equation.

 

 

Our other daughter has been living with her boyfriend for a couple of years and could get engaged at any minute.  She has already said that she does not want a large wedding.  She just wants immediate family and very close friends, but she wants to get married in Italy.  Uh oh.

A neighbor of ours has a daughter who got married in Italy .Approximately 30 people,relatives and close friends went to the wedding.My youngest daughter and her fiancée wanted to get married someplace out of the US but they did not have a specific country in mind.They were on a Caribbean cruise and one day they were in St.Kitts and got married there in the spur of the moment.

I believe you posted once that you are an Engineer ,correct ? If so,have you ever heard of Lawrence Rabiner ? If not ,Google and read about him.He and I have known each other nearly 75 years.

[d9704011]

9 minutes ago, lenquixote66 said:

I assume you are referring to the Stratford Festival in the UK.I have gone to the Stratford Festival in Stratford ,CT numerous times.When I was in college I wrote two plays and acted in both.I never pursued either after college but two of my college friends went into stage acting.One just recently retired and the other one became a Director of stage performances in New York and New Jersey.My wife’s sister has a close friend who has been acting in theater and TV for 60+ years.

I believe the 'Stratford Festival' being referred to is the one in Stratford, Ontario.  Amazingly, not everything goes on in US and UK.

https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/ThePlays

 

[Ozark_Kid]

I was just thinking about what I was going to eat for lunch and look what Sharon just surprised me with!  Our local Kroger store traditionally pulls out their pit smoker each major holiday and smokes ribs.

 

[lenquixote66]

2 hours ago, aussielozzie18 said:

We are going to a wedding next year.  The bride is from a large Lebanese family and the groom is Greek.  The mother of the bride was relieved to tell me last week that the initial  guest list of 300 has been whittled down to a firm 190 as the new mother-in-law is conscious of expenditure which was goods news for the father of the bride.

 

We were invited to a wedding last month that we did not go to.400 were invited and 270 attended.

[lenquixote66]

2 hours ago, DaniDanielle said:

We were pretty lucky with the in-laws.  My two sons married into two great families, especially my younger son,  My daughter’s in-laws were a bit odd but didn’t bother us!  My other daughter gave us no in-laws, just the best granddaughter ever🥰

Our younger daughter married a guy from Maryland .His mother ,Toby and I have become good friends.

[lenquixote66]

48 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

Pics of smiling children are great.  Looks like a loving family too.  I am sure you are thankful. 

I echo the above.

[lenquixote66]

16 minutes ago, d9704011 said:

I believe the 'Stratford Festival' being referred to is the one in Stratford, Ontario.  Amazingly, not everything goes on in US and UK.

https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/ThePlays

 

I have been to theatrical productions in Canada as well as the US😀

[Sea Dog]

17 hours ago, StanleyandGus said:

After a week with my son’s German Shepherd, I’m thinking of doing housework when he leaves. In 6 months. Although he does like the vacuum cleaner, so I guess it’s something that we do together! On Monday his (and my) training classes start. He’s almost 100 lbs, so I really need him to heel properly.

 

 

The biggest problem is that our back yard needs to be re-sod. When it rains the pups track mud everywhere. Thanks goodness we have tile in the kitchen and wood flooring in the living room. We are thinking about taking the puppies to obedience training.

 

 

17 hours ago, bobmacliberty said:

 

but it already looks like we're going to be over budget.  So I guess I really have no say at all. 

 

How about offering them your budget to elope? 😉

 

16 hours ago, Momof3gurlz said:

It’s supposed to be close to 90, so I’m thinking of trying out a new cocktail recipe. I have the ones shared here previously for Kracken Colada, Kracken Lava Flow and Dark & Stormy.  Looking for input on which I should choose for a very hot day.  

 

I love all those. I think the Dark & Stormy is a very nice refreshing light drink.

 

 

15 hours ago, aussielozzie18 said:

@Sea Dog your pups are adorable.  The chewing stage is definitely a challenge though….

We had a period where we couldn’t put sheets or towels on the washing line, shoes and books had to moved up high  , tissue boxes and the dog bed would become a sea of fluff and nibbles would be taken out of the sofa and wooden coffee table.

 

Yes they have already decided they want the toilet paper rolls. We have to keep the bathroom doors closed. Always a challenge.

 

 

15 hours ago, Momof3gurlz said:

@Sea Dog Greg those pups are so darn cute. It must be hard to stay mad when they misbehave. 

 

It is hard especially when they look at you with those eyes. They melt your heart.

 

 

15 hours ago, jagsfan said:

As always, the cat ignores them!

 

That's why I love cats. They could really care less about anything.

 

 

13 hours ago, NHProud said:

@Sea Dog Your pups are as cute as always.  I detect some defiance, though. 

Good news that you are on the road to recovery.  Keep at it with the walking.  
 

 

Thanks. They do like to test us. Walking is going good except now my other knee hurts and can't keep up.

 

 

 

3 hours ago, dani negreanu said:

The birthday boy [before being raised 5 times],

 

 

 

 

What a handsome young man he is. Happy Birthday!

 

 

2 hours ago, bobmacliberty said:

 

 

The drink that I most commonly drink in the summer is a Painkiller.  I mix a 46 oz can of pineapple juice, a 12 oz bottle of orange juice, and 12 oz of Creme of Coconut (usually Coco Real) in a pitcher.  The recipe calls for a 4:1:1 ratio of those 3 items and that's close enough.  I mix it really well to blend in the thicker creme of coconut and then keep the pitcher in the fridge.  When I want a Painkiller, I fill a glass with ice, add rum (usually a shot each of light and dark), and top with the mixture in the pitcher.  I'll dump the entire glass full into a mixing tin and back a few times to ensure that it's well mixed (or you could just shake).  If I'm feeling fancy, I'll grate some fresh nutmeg on top.  Delicious and easy, especially when serving a group.

 

Thanks for this. Perfect for a large gathering.

 

 

1 hour ago, sgmn said:

 

But it was fun  fun and more fun and I loved every minute of it ......and now there's a baba on the way 💕

 

Beautiful wedding. The pictures are fantastic. And Congratulations on being grandparents.

[ownedbypets]

3 hours ago, Lionesss said:

Wedding Budget,  Whats that?

 

Roughly 18 months ago I put  my foot down and set a budget for the DD's wedding trying to model after our wedding which we had to pay for ourselves.  (8 months pre planning and the wedding was 10 months ago).

Now I realized prices increased in the past 30 years, so I was realistic with my cost estimates.

 

Until:

The wedding gown became Bride magazine dress of the year

The DJ became a DJ plus Band (Yup they toured the US).

The florist had to hire help to get all the arrangements done in time

The buffet became a sit down dinner (Ty COVID)

The Limo size was needed for the 18 passengers.

The fireworks had to be monitored by a pyrotechnic assistant (what fireworks????)

Appetizers yup  (How much are lamb chops!)

The cookie table had to be individually trayed and brought by  us.

5 hour open bar...(hiccup)

 Wedding day luncheon,  after breakfast brunch had to be planned and paid for ( I gotta feed them!) as well as the 80 guest who stayed at the hotel.

And

Then the mother of the groom should have put a feeding bag on the way she annihilated the food, after all she was a guest and did not pay anything towards the whole wedding weekend, but smoked away).

OH, and when my DH goes I am not getting her wedding jewelry since we are paying for the wedding,     as he puts the diamond bangle wristlet on her at the first look.

 

And just a few weeks ago he finally asks me, did you ever total up the cost of the wedding.

(He knows I am a bean counter and have every receipt including the Tylenol and Tums  I bought to plan this wedding).

I go.................................It is in the brief case  and I havent gotten around to it,

 

If he only knew...............................................If only he knew.

 

 

Our daughters Bat Mitzvah was 14 years ago and my husband still doesn't know how much it cost. Somethings are better left unsaid.