The Daily for Wednesday Jan 6, 2021

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning, just barely here.  We went for our daily ride into town early so we could watch the show in Congress.  Today is cooler and windier than the last few days, so I'll try to finish some inside projects.

 

I wasn't sure what we were having for dinner, but since it is bean day and after the mentions of chili, that is what we'll be having tonight with garlic bread and wine.  Of course, true Texas chili does not have beans in it, but I like them in my chili anyway.

 

We're not big hockey fans, but we did watch part of the USA-Canada game.

 

The rollout of the vaccine in the boonies of Arizona is extremely slow.  We don't know when they will be available to the public.  The numbers are rising in this county, but we are not getting the true numbers.  The county health department is only reporting the cases of county residents.  Those who are sick, but do not "live" fulltime, are reported to their home counties.  So we are only going into places when necessary, and try to pick slower times.

 

Lenda

[ger_77]

4 hours ago, Copper10-8 said:

Team USA shutting out Team Canada 2-0 (Canada's first defeat after six consecutive wins!) and winning the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship. Awesome job!

 

Congratulations to Team USA!  There's always a great rivalry between Team Canada and Team USA.  I didn't watch the competition this year on principle; I didn't think with Covid all over the world, that it was appropriate to have the series played this year, bringing teams from many different countries together.  But that's just me - glad others enjoyed it.

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

[Copper10-8]

Amsterdam departing Hilo, Hawaii with her captain, Wilhelmus "Fred" Eversen, taking her out from the port side bridge wing into Kūhiō Bay. "All it takes" 😉 for an experienced mariner like him is a steady right hand on the azipod control lever. Capt. Eversen has been with HAL since 1980, the same year I started my law enforcement career in L.A., and has been a captain with the company since 1997. The local Hilo pilot is looking on before being escorted downstairs by the security officer to the pilot break in the A-Deck marshaling area and leaving us in Hilo Bay. Our next stop on this Grand Asia-Pacific run would be Honolulu, Oahu 

 

Edited January 6, 2021 by Copper10-8

[StLouisCruisers]

1 hour ago, USN59-79 said:

Like everyone, I am enjoying StLouisCruiser's pictures of the penguins in Antarctica.  Notice there is no mention of their smell as one gets close to the colony.  Some of the wine descriptions bring to mine a description I once read of the smell of penguin guano:  Take some old cigarette tobacco, soak it in ammonia, mix in some rotten shrimp, and let it sit in the sun for a few days...  When we were in Antarctica years ago on the Amsterdam we couldn't go ashore, so that is part of the experience we missed.

Ray

 

I never had a problem with overpowering guano smells, however DH told me when he went out on deck near Cooper Island when we arrived in South Georgia the smell was pretty bad out there.  So naturally I stayed inside and looked out the window rather than go outside and smell it.  As we cruised Drygalski Fjord the smell got better and it was safe to venture out.  I'm surprised I didn't notice a problem while walking around at Waterboat Point, Neko Harbor and Half Moon Island.  

 

I'm afraid we have run out of penguin photos on this cruise as it comes to an end in the next few days.  The only penguin I saw after we left Salisbury Plain was my penguin pendant or the display at the Boutique.  Other posters can show you photos of their trips though while we wait to begin cruising again.

[Marmot@Sea]

Good Morning.

 

Sunshine today.  Such a welcome sight after many days of gray skies and heavy rain.

 

Congratulations to the USA juniors on their gold medal win.

 

Cheers,

 

Val

[Overhead Fred]

Good afternoon everyone! I am taking a break from putting away the Christmas decorations. It may take more than one day since I am trying to reorganize how I have everything packed up. 

 

Tonight we will have a chef's salad using steak leftover from Monday's grilling. 

 

In 2019, we were boarding the Nieuw Statendam for a 14 day Caribbean collector's cruise today. We were excited to sail on her for her inaugural season. I think it was her 5th or 6th voyage and it definitely had a "new ship smell"! We had splurged on a Vista Suite (midships, deck 8), mainly for the extra Mariner points since we were getting very close to 4*. I did like the layout with the bed close to the veranda and it did seem marginally roomier. 

 

 

 

 

[Copper10-8]

The boatmen patiently waiting for the Honolulu pilot in the pilot break and the always nice approach into the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Hawaii under a nice Hawaiian sunrise breaking over Diamond Head, Lē'ahi (resembling the dorsal fin of a tuna) in the Hawaiian language.

 

Honolulu means "sheltered harbor" or "calm port" in the Hawaiian language. The city's desirability as a port accounts for its historical growth and importance in the Hawaiian archipelago and the broader Pacific region. Honolulu has been the capital of the Hawaiian Islands since 1845, first of the independent Hawaiian Kingdom, and after 1898 of the U.S. territory and state of Hawaii. The city gained worldwide recognition following Japan's attack on nearby Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which prompted decisive entry of the United States into World War II;  Pearl Harbor remains a major naval base, hosting the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the world's largest naval command.

 

The approach into Honolulu harbor (south of Honolulu Int'l Airport, and not the same as Pearl Harbor naval base) is made via the Honolulu Channel that sits in between Sand Island and Kaka'ako waterfront park. Our assigned berth was unfortunately the Pier 2 cruise terminal. I say unfortunately because the desired spot is Pier 12 which is nearby the famous Aloha Tower, the iconic 10-story retired lighthouse built in 1926, but it would be assigned to our friends on the Princess Cruises Star Princess 

[XBGuy]

I feel like an interloper, here.  My wife and I have been cruising since our honeymoon in 1976, but we have never taken a Holland America Cruise.

 

I learned about Cruise Critic seven or eight years ago from a coffee shop buddy whom I haven't seen, for obvious reasons, since March.  We were having a text conversation, the other day, and he suggested that I check out this forum.  So, for the last few days I have been enjoying the daily "The Daily for. . . ." posts and have found them very entertaining.

 

Here is my question.  I know that the 6th of January is the feast of the Epiphany, but isn't it called "12th Night" or something like that in England?

[AV8rix]

45 minutes ago, Copper10-8 said:

 Our assigned berth was unfortunately the Pier 2 cruise terminal. I say unfortunately because the desired spot is Pier 12 which is nearby the famous Aloha Tower, the iconic 10-story retired lighthouse built in 1926, but it would be assigned to our friends on the Princess Cruises Star Princess

And I actually prefer our Pier 2 berth because it's right across the street from my favorite sushi place in the Waterfront Plaza.  I'm always ready for REAL sushi after the 5-day crossing from the USA.

[rafinmd]

7 minutes ago, XBGuy said:

I feel like an interloper, here.  My wife and I have been cruising since our honeymoon in 1976, but we have never taken a Holland America Cruise.

 

I learned about Cruise Critic seven or eight years ago from a coffee shop buddy whom I haven't seen, for obvious reasons, since March.  We were having a text conversation, the other day, and he suggested that I check out this forum.  So, for the last few days I have been enjoying the daily "The Daily for. . . ." posts and have found them very entertaining.

 

Here is my question.  I know that the 6th of January is the feast of the Epiphany, but isn't it called "12th Night" or something like that in England?

Don't feel that way at all.  Welcome aboard.  I THINK you're right about 12'th night (Does 'The 12 days of Christmas' ring a bell)  We have one regular from Ireland but I can't think of any from England so there may not be any authorative responses to your question.

 

Roy

[cat shepard]

18 minutes ago, XBGuy said:

I feel like an interloper, here.  My wife and I have been cruising since our honeymoon in 1976, but we have never taken a Holland America Cruise.

 

I learned about Cruise Critic seven or eight years ago from a coffee shop buddy whom I haven't seen, for obvious reasons, since March.  We were having a text conversation, the other day, and he suggested that I check out this forum.  So, for the last few days I have been enjoying the daily "The Daily for. . . ." posts and have found them very entertaining.

 

Here is my question.  I know that the 6th of January is the feast of the Epiphany, but isn't it called "12th Night" or something like that in England?

Think of yourself as “new to the town”, and enjoying the newspaper as you get to know your new neighbors. 

[Horizon chaser 1957]

23 minutes ago, XBGuy said:

I feel like an interloper, here.  My wife and I have been cruising since our honeymoon in 1976, but we have never taken a Holland America Cruise.

 

I learned about Cruise Critic seven or eight years ago from a coffee shop buddy whom I haven't seen, for obvious reasons, since March.  We were having a text conversation, the other day, and he suggested that I check out this forum.  So, for the last few days I have been enjoying the daily "The Daily for. . . ." posts and have found them very entertaining.

 

Here is my question.  I know that the 6th of January is the feast of the Epiphany, but isn't it called "12th Night" or something like that in England?

My mother always called this 12th Night. Her Dad was English. 
Welcome to the group! The Daily has been my safe space since I made it back from Perth, Australia in March. It’s positive, accepting, and you’ll fit right in!

To let you in on a little secret - none of the rest of us are on a Holland America Cruise right now, either.😉

[mamaofami]

Today is an unprecedented day in The United States. Without being political, I just can’t believe what is going on at the capitol . What has happened to democracy in this country?

[Vict0riann]

We are praying for our very good neighbour.

[VMax1700]

20 minutes ago, XBGuy said:

Here is my question.  I know that the 6th of January is the feast of the Epiphany, but isn't it called "12th Night" or something like that in England?

12th Night can be either the night of 5th January or night of 6th January, depending on custom.  If the 12 nights are counted from Christmas Day, then 12th night is the night of January 5th, if they are counted from December 26th then it is the night of January 6th.

The Epiphany is 6th January in the Roman Catholic calendar.

Three Kings is January 6th, but in European countries that celebrate Three Kings, the kids leave out their shoes for gifts on the night of January 5th.  So, much as Christmas Eve is the night before Christmas Day, the night of January 5th is the night before Three Kings.

Clear?  As mud!!

[VMax1700]

1 minute ago, Vict0riann said:

We are praying for our very good neighbour.

🙏

[AV8rix]

2 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

I wasn't sure what we were having for dinner, but since it is bean day and after the mentions of chili, that is what we'll be having tonight with garlic bread and wine.  Of course, true Texas chili does not have beans in it, but I like them in my chili anyway.

 

I also love beans in my chili.  I'm actually from Dallas but thanks to Mother Boeing I live in Washington State now.  And that means that I can put the beans that I love in my chili and invite friends to share without fear of recrimination or imprisonment.  When I lived in Texas I had to eat my chili alone and was always fearful of being discovered.

Edited January 6, 2021 by Av8rix

[Lido deck main]

18 minutes ago, VMax1700 said:

12th Night can be either the night of 5th January or night of 6th January, depending on custom.  If the 12 nights are counted from Christmas Day, then 12th night is the night of January 5th, if they are counted from December 26th then it is the night of January 6th.

The Epiphany is 6th January in the Roman Catholic calendar.

Three Kings is January 6th, but in European countries that celebrate Three Kings, the kids leave out their shoes for gifts on the night of January 5th.  So, much as Christmas Eve is the night before Christmas Day, the night of January 5th is the night before Three Kings.

Clear?  As mud!!

We were brought up RC and today for us in known as the 12th day of Christmas, (just like the song).  The Wise Men appeared today.  We know this day as Epiphany.  We will be bringing our Christmas decorations down this weekend.

[Himself]

19 minutes ago, VMax1700 said:

🙏

January 6th, The Feast of traditional Ephinay is the 12th Day of Christmas.

[cat shepard]

37 minutes ago, Horizon chaser 1957 said:

To let you in on a little secret - none of the rest of us are on a Holland America Cruise right now, either.😉

We’re not?
 

Darn Laura, you have spoiled it for me.

Edited January 6, 2021 by cat shepard

[Mickb]

In a England the 6th of Jan is generally known as 12th night.  Church goers refer to it as Epiphany ( there aren’t many of them left).

- traditionally all Christmas decorations are supposed to be packed away by the 6th.

[Cruising-along]

Good afternoon!  Wow, I'm really late today.  I slept late this morning, and it's been non-stop since then with texts from DD, Kids Messenger FaceTime from DGS 💗 and then learning about the cancellation of our April 24 cruise.  That was no surprise, in fact we'd planned on cancelling in a few weeks before final payment so we're relieved HAL did it first.  Will just move the $$ on down the line. Hoping between now and late September (next booking) that vaccinations will improve all our lives!!

 

I love the Phyllis Diller quote, truer words have never been spoken 😉  As for dinner, I'm thinking of a different pasta, either pizza or cheese tortelloni.  

 

@StLouisCruisersthank you again for your amazing photos!  We had thought of Antarctica in the past but because of your photos now we're seriously thinking about it for 2022 or 2023.  🙂  

 

 

[rafinmd]

Meanwhile, Eurodam is rounding Isle of Wight headed for Torbay.

 

Roy

[dfish]

Good evening, everyone.

 

Nothing new to report here.   I didn't do a thing because I've been glued to the TV.   Hoping for peace and reason to reign supreme.    

[XBGuy]

2 hours ago, cat shepard said:

Think of yourself as “new to the town”, and enjoying the newspaper as you get to know your new neighbors. 

 

Thank you to all for the gracious welcome.

 

I loved the newspaper metaphor, Cat.