The Daily for Monday Jul 19, 2021

[ger_77]

Attempt #2  - my first one went *poof* when I clicked Submit Reply.  Gremlins are at play today!

 

Good morning, thanks for the Daily!  I love a strawberry daiquiri, was given a margarine container full of fresh raspberries that I might just put into a white cake mix for tonight, and we always seem to make new friends on a BHB.

 

We're still dealing with the honeybees who are trying to set up housekeeping under our deck - yesterday we spoke with a beekeeper (a former student of DH's) who said using citronella or peppermint oil mixed with distilled water and sprayed into the area would convince the little buzzers that this was not the best place for them.  Well it was something we've already started, but patience is key, so will send DH under there (fully garbed) again today and hope they get the hint.

 

@Lady Hudson congratulations on your 52nd anniversary!

@rafinmd good luck at the endodontist today - hopefully it will be an easy fix for you!

@cat shepard welcome back - I'm so sorry to hear about your knee; I'm glad the doctors gave you the go-ahead to finish your trip!

@smitty34877 your photos of sweet little Camilla absolutely melt my heart!

 

We've been to Malaga on one of our trans-Atlantics, but for the life of me, I can't recall what we did - it's possible that was one of the ports where we took a walking tour and ended up having a snack and the traditional beer-in-every-port before heading back to the mothership.

 

I would like today's menu suggestion, but DH isn't a fan of clams, so will have to wait until we're on a BHB or at a restaurant to enjoy them.  For us though, I'm going to thaw some of the pulled pork from last week and make pulled pork sandwiches with fresh buns that we'll pick up later this afternoon.  Along with a crunchy coleslaw, that will make an easy dinner on a warm summer evening.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who needs them and even for those who don't think they do.  Clinking the glasses together for all on the happy list.  Be safe, stay well, wash your hands, wear your masks and hydrate!

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

 

[TiogaCruiser]

Good Morning All,

And welcome back home, @cat shepard.  Sorry to hear about your fall, and praying for a quick healing. Hopefully you didn’t have a lot of pain to deal with on the actual trip. You made it easy to keep the wine part of the Food and Beverage Department running while you were gone. (Hey, everyone! Ann gave me a script, so SHE did the research and work before she left.)
 

We’re still having the humidity, but none of the predictions for rain or thundershowers have produced a drop. At least the humidity keeps the fire danger down. 

[Himself]

3 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Thank you for the Monday Daily, Rich.  I'll pass on the Daiquiri and the clams and salute all the new friends we've made here.  Love the Adams quote.  I know I've been to Malaga several times.  My alternate menu suggestion is Sun Ripened Pineapple Delight, Mango Gaspacho, and Parmesan Crusted Turkey Tenderloin as served on MS Rotterdam July 18, 2011.  I wasn't getting desert menus then but Raspberry Cake sounds like a good choice.

 

Today’s care list:

Welfare of furloughed crews
Garlictown difficutl recovery from arm surgery
Western wildfires
smitty34877's Miss Camilla in NICU
summer slope with shingles
Atexsix with back and hornets
DurangoScots shelter manager in ICU
bennybear DSIL infection
JazzyV eye inflamation(Improving)

From the rotation:
Scout Jamie C recovering from major surgery
Tana starting to deal with Pulmonary Fibrosis

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

Nieuw Amsterdam at sea on test cruise
Congratulations 15 years CruiseCritic for Rich and CtLouisCruiser
Front Line Health Care Workers
Explorer OTS housing Surfside first responders
highland cruiser at Diamond Lake
kplady on Lake George
Family trip booked for HorizonChaser1957
St. Pete Cruiser on a road trip
CatShepard in Iceland
Excellent report on Sam’s Recovery
Denise on her wilderness adventure
Wekcome Boytje
and Staff Captain Sabine, HAL’s likely first female Captain(I know this is a repeat but she’s worth it)

 

Roy

 

Roy, I like your alternative meal.  Thank you for the Care List and the Shout Out list.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good moring from central Texas.  Rain is predicted, but the sky is only partly cloudy.  I'll believ the prediction when I see rain.

 

I'll celebrate national daiquiri day with a frozen strawberry daiquiri next time we're on a BHB.  Everyday, I celebrate all the new friends i've met on the Daily.  Never had raspberry cake, but it might be worth a try.

 

Like the Douglas Adams quote, but since we are both retired, there are very few deadlines.  The meal sounds good, but clams are hard to get here.  I'll pass on the drink and the wine. 

 

@cat shepard  Ann, I'm sorry about your knee, and hope it heals quickly.  g6lad you enjoyed Iceland and the people.

@Lady Hudson    HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!  🥂

@rafinmd  Hope all goes well at the dentist and that the tooth can be saved.

@smitty34877  Great picture of Camilla.  Hope there are more steps forward and she is home soon.

@grapau27  Graham, I still want to spend a day in your beautiful garden relaxing on one of the loungers with a good book.  It is lovely.

@summer slope  Glad you're feeling better.

 

We have been to Malaga three times. In 2016 and 2017, we were on the Prinsendam, and in 2019, the Veedam stopped there on her way to Boston.

 

On our first visit, we took the Ho-Ho with a stop at the Castle of Gibralfaro.

 

The Elegant Explorer from the fortress

 

On our other two visits, we took the shuttle from the ship to town and walked around.  This is the view from the shuttle dropoff.

 

We visited Picasso museum and birth place.  Evidently we were'nt allowed to take pictures in the latter.  The outside of the museum and the central courtyard.

 

The Roman Theater and the Alcazaba from street level

 

In 2019, we found the elevator which took us to the top of the Alcazaba

 

Malaga from the Alcazaba

 

A nice beach

 

After our Ho-Ho tour in 2016, we walked around town.  We were there during Fashion Week, but did not see any of the shows.  Different sections of the seats were reserved for various designers, some of who's names I recognized.

 

In 2017 and 2019, there were festivals in town, along with band concerts and more informal performances.

 

Lenda

 

Edited July 19, 2021 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

We had a fabulous 3 days at the Ocean (Long Beach, WA) with our grandson for his birthday.  Just got home last night.  I wasn't able to keep up with the Daily while we were gone, I'm sure I missed a lot of news.  One day we drove the 15 miles from Long Beach down to Astoria, OR, to go to their great Aquatic Center.  DH and I have lots of memories of Astoria from many Pacific Coastals we've taken.  I think we've done just about anything and everything there is to do there. 😉  Now we have 4 days to rest before we have both boys all weekend while their parents travel across state to a wedding.  Whew!

 

I like daiquiris, raspberry cake sounds good (love anything raspberry) but have never had the cake.  I celebrate all the new friends on the Daily,  and will pass on the clams.

 

Our cousin is now in the hospital having her transplanted kidney removed 😞  She will then have to rely solely on dialysis until a new kidney is found.

 

@Lady Hudsonhappy anniversary to you and your DH today!  Seems there are a few of us "child brides" here 😉  I was 18 also, DH was 21.

 

@smitty34877another adorable photo of sweet Camilla.  I hope she starts making great progress and can come home soon.

 

@cat shepardoh no!  So sorry to hear about your fracture.  It sounds like you had wonderful care there, I hope you have a swift recovery. 

 

We were in Malaga twice on our last 2 cruises -- Sept. and November 2019. (home of Antonio Banderas, as tour guides liked to point out).   The first time we took a tour to Mija and the second time we did the HOHO and saw a flamenco show.  We really enjoyed that port.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[StLouisCruisers]

Our visits to Malaga took place in 2017 on Westerdam and in 2018 and 2019 on our beloved Prinsendam.  The first time I took a tour similar to the one mentioned earlier by @Mtn2Seaof the fortress with views of the city and the bullring.  You can see the bullring and the Westerdam in this photo from 2017.

 

The next two visits were self-led walking tours and there is plenty to see, believe me!  One of the most vivid hued buildings is the Episcopal Palace.

 

This spot is called the Plaza del Obispo.  If you look to your right when standing in that same spot you see this, the Malaga Cathedral's side entrance.

 

 

Inside the Malaga Cathedral.

 

 

 

 

 

 

They mark everything quite well due to the amount of tourists they get here.

 

 

Since the 2017 visit was in August it was pretty hot, so we were relieved to see they covered the pedestrian street with sheer cloth-like overhangs.

 

A truly enjoyable city to visit.

 

 

Edited July 19, 2021 by StLouisCruisers

[Seasick Sailor]

11 minutes ago, TiogaCruiser said:

Good Morning All,

And welcome back home, @cat shepard.  Sorry to hear about your fall, and praying for a quick healing. Hopefully you didn’t have a lot of pain to deal with on the actual trip. You made it easy to keep the wine part of the Food and Beverage Department running while you were gone. (Hey, everyone! Ann gave me a script, so SHE did the research and work before she left.)
 

We’re still having the humidity, but none of the predictions for rain or thundershowers have produced a drop. At least the humidity keeps the fire danger down. 

 

Thank you for volunteering to be the keeper of wines while Ann was away having her Iceland adventure. You did great!

[St Pete Cruiser]

Malaga is a frequent Holland America port with its good harbor and port facility. I have enjoyed the beautiful park just off the entrance to the cruise port and close access to much of the old city. Both HOHO bus and city buses are convenient. 

Others have already added great photos of Malaga, so I will just share a few of Vermont where we are now. Trapp Lodge

 

[garlictown]

😎Good Morning friends and thanks to Rich @richwmn for The Daily and to Roy @rafinmd for the Care and Celebration Lists.😊 I'm with Gerry @ger_77 in not remembering what we actually did in today's port of call besides walking around and a beer for my husband and wine for me. 🍺🍷

👍Spain and it's cities have always been pleasurable...would go back in a ❤beat.

I'll check back later...still early in California and I need my ☕.

🙏Prayers for all in need!

Katie ( yes, we use 'garlic' in a lot of foods)

[Himself]

23 minutes ago, summer slope said:

Good Monday morning.  Love Daiquiri's, especially on the back deck of a BHB.  I don't think I've ever had a Raspberry Cake, and made new friends over the fence last night.  New neighbors moved it.  I like the Adams quote.  Would love the meal, but without the cream sauce.  Have never been to Spain so am looking forward to reading back and seeing the photo's.

Roy, I'm feeling much better today so you can take me off the care list.  Thank you all for your prayers.

Stay safe, social distance, and please continue to wear your mask!

Gin Sour:

Ingredients
2 ounces London dry gin
1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1/2 ounce egg white or aquafaba (optional)
Garnish: lemon twist (optional)
Garnish: 3 to 5 drops Angostura bitters (optional)
Steps
Add all ingredients into a shaker and vigorously dry-shake (without ice) if using egg white or aquafaba.
Add ice and shake again until well-chilled.
Strain into a coupe glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist. Or if using egg white or aquafaba, decorate the frothy top with 3 to 5 drops of Angostura bitters.
 

 

Summer Slope, I  am glad to see you are feeling better.  I hope you continue to feel better.   I am glad to learn of a gin sour.  It sounds good.

[durangoscots]

1 hour ago, cat shepard said:

Thank you for today’s Daily, Rich! Morning Dailyite family.  I have tons of catching up to do. Laura @TiogaCruiser, thank you for taking care of the family’s wine needs!

 

But first just a bit of info. Iceland and its people are as wonderful as you all said they would be. All of your suggestions and tips paid off. I will eventually do some type of trip “report”, but right now typing is a bit tough. I came back with my left leg in a cast. I know! I can hear your groans from here! I fractured my left patella. Possibly not all the way through. Please cross your fingers. 

 

I did the volcano hike two days before the official tour began and the weather was iffy. The six of us and our guide agreed if it started to rain, we would turn back. 20 minutes into the hike it started to mist slightly. Then the small, loose rocks covering the path started to get slippery. Down I went. But I could get up and walk back to the van. Very slowly and carefully. (Debbie, thanks to you, I had hiking poles which helped a great deal).  I elevated the leg back at the van, but by the time I got back to the hotel, I knew I had at least strained my knee. 
 

The next day I headed to the local Hospital’s ER, hoping they would at least do an X-ray, since I was leaving Reykjavik the next morning. They were wonderful! In 3 hours I was examined, X-rayed, and casted - and provided crutches and a prescription for blood thinner, since I had two long flights coming up in a little more than a week. And three doctors had examined my X-ray - one an orthopedic specialist. And since the pants I wore would not fit over the cast, they gave me a pair of hospital shorts to wear! 😱 I had my big Turkish scarf with me that I used to create a skort-like look. Perhaps I created a new trend. 🙃

 

But they cleared me to do the rest of the trip, which is what I wanted more than anything. I go to see my primary care physician today, so we will see what she thinks about something that only cost $700. Hope she recognizes the quality. I will be submitting my claim to my travel insurer today.  But I will say the two people I spoke to while at the ER were wonderful, so hopefully that means their company is, too. 
 

More to follow, but I am off to read what I missed. ❤️
 

Ann
 

Lordy woman, what a tale!.... I hope you find the damage is less than you think. Glad you could do your tour after all that.Got to say that I nearly did the same thing in Iceland and on a volcano

climb. Fortunately for me I slipped once and then two rather burly gentlemen got one on either side of me and supported me down a loose stone slope. I will not be doing that again. Anyway, glad you got your Iceland tour in... I agree, people and country are wonderful.

Susan

[1ANGELCAT]

There’s a great photo on HAL Facebook page of the crew of the Nieuw Amsterdam on the pool deck

[Overhead Fred]

Happy Anniversary @Lady Hudson!

 

I would love to be having a Hemmingway Daiquiri on a BHB today....

 

We stopped in Malaga on the Koningsdam in the spring of 2018. We thought it was a great stop - we enjoyed all the ports in Spain!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Cruising-along]

11 minutes ago, 1ANGELCAT said:

There’s a great photo on HAL Facebook page of the crew of the Nieuw Amsterdam on the pool deck

For those who don't have Facebook, here's the photo posted today.

 

 

 

[Boytjie]

3 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

 

Wekcome Boytje

Roy

 

Thank you, Roy! It feels good to be back: checking on cruises, checking on HAL! 🙂 

[Rowsby]

On our 2018 Koningsdam cruise to Malaga....we stepped off the ship and were offered a tour of the city by this nice, young cab driver.  It was the best tour ever....!!!

 

 

[atexsix]

21 minutes ago, Cruising-along said:

For those who don't have Facebook, here's the photo posted today.

 

 

 

Great picture!  And welcome back, hope you had a great time on the coast.

[atexsix]

1 hour ago, ger_77 said:

Attempt #2  - my first one went *poof* when I clicked Submit Reply.  Gremlins are at play today!

 

Good morning, thanks for the Daily!  I love a strawberry daiquiri, was given a margarine container full of fresh raspberries that I might just put into a white cake mix for tonight, and we always seem to make new friends on a BHB.

 

We're still dealing with the honeybees who are trying to set up housekeeping under our deck - yesterday we spoke with a beekeeper (a former student of DH's) who said using citronella or peppermint oil mixed with distilled water and sprayed into the area would convince the little buzzers that this was not the best place for them.  Well it was something we've already started, but patience is key, so will send DH under there (fully garbed) again today and hope they get the hint.

 

@Lady Hudson congratulations on your 52nd anniversary!

@rafinmd good luck at the endodontist today - hopefully it will be an easy fix for you!

@cat shepard welcome back - I'm so sorry to hear about your knee; I'm glad the doctors gave you the go-ahead to finish your trip!

@smitty34877 your photos of sweet little Camilla absolutely melt my heart!

 

We've been to Malaga on one of our trans-Atlantics, but for the life of me, I can't recall what we did - it's possible that was one of the ports where we took a walking tour and ended up having a snack and the traditional beer-in-every-port before heading back to the mothership.

 

I would like today's menu suggestion, but DH isn't a fan of clams, so will have to wait until we're on a BHB or at a restaurant to enjoy them.  For us though, I'm going to thaw some of the pulled pork from last week and make pulled pork sandwiches with fresh buns that we'll pick up later this afternoon.  Along with a crunchy coleslaw, that will make an easy dinner on a warm summer evening.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who needs them and even for those who don't think they do.  Clinking the glasses together for all on the happy list.  Be safe, stay well, wash your hands, wear your masks and hydrate!

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

 

Darn those gremlins, they've struck here too at times.  Now I frequently copy to my clipboard so I don't lose everything. 

[atexsix]

2 hours ago, cat shepard said:

Thank you for today’s Daily, Rich! Morning Dailyite family.  I have tons of catching up to do. Laura @TiogaCruiser, thank you for taking care of the family’s wine needs!

 

But first just a bit of info. Iceland and its people are as wonderful as you all said they would be. All of your suggestions and tips paid off. I will eventually do some type of trip “report”, but right now typing is a bit tough. I came back with my left leg in a cast. I know! I can hear your groans from here! I fractured my left patella. Possibly not all the way through. Please cross your fingers. 

 

I did the volcano hike two days before the official tour began and the weather was iffy. The six of us and our guide agreed if it started to rain, we would turn back. 20 minutes into the hike it started to mist slightly. Then the small, loose rocks covering the path started to get slippery. Down I went. But I could get up and walk back to the van. Very slowly and carefully. (Debbie, thanks to you, I had hiking poles which helped a great deal).  I elevated the leg back at the van, but by the time I got back to the hotel, I knew I had at least strained my knee. 
 

The next day I headed to the local Hospital’s ER, hoping they would at least do an X-ray, since I was leaving Reykjavik the next morning. They were wonderful! In 3 hours I was examined, X-rayed, and casted - and provided crutches and a prescription for blood thinner, since I had two long flights coming up in a little more than a week. And three doctors had examined my X-ray - one an orthopedic specialist. And since the pants I wore would not fit over the cast, they gave me a pair of hospital shorts to wear! 😱 I had my big Turkish scarf with me that I used to create a skort-like look. Perhaps I created a new trend. 🙃

 

But they cleared me to do the rest of the trip, which is what I wanted more than anything. I go to see my primary care physician today, so we will see what she thinks about something that only cost $700. Hope she recognizes the quality. I will be submitting my claim to my travel insurer today.  But I will say the two people I spoke to while at the ER were wonderful, so hopefully that means their company is, too. 
 

More to follow, but I am off to read what I missed. ❤️
 

Ann
 

*********

I chose the 2018 vintage of this excellently rated Chardonnay from Sicily. I found several online distributors with prices starting at $34.98. You might find it for less locally. 

Winemaker Notes

Single-variety Chardonnay whose characteristics which have made it so famous which here emerge very clearly. Starting from the richness of its deep clear golden but transparent color one imagines the pleasing contrast of creaminess and crispness in the taste. It is indeed a soft white wine underlaid by a refreshing acid vein which accompanies each mouthful. A slight mineral suggestion combines harmoniously with the flavor of ripe yellow peaches, acacia honey and marzipan and with some peaty, cereal and toasted aromas which precede the powerful balanced finish. For a change, try it with some just seared foie gras or with roast veal and mushroom sauce.

RP94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Rich with Sicilian puff pastry and cannoli crust, the 2018 Sicilia Menfi Chardonnay is an elaborate and full-bodied expression of this important white grape. The wine drives home a lasting impression of volume and opulence thanks to stone fruit, vanilla cream and baked bread. That touch of acidity is just enough to keep the wine light and jazzy in terms of mouthfeel. I also get that sweetness from Sicilian blood orange juice when it's freshly squeezed. 
V93 Vinous: The 2018 Chardonnay isn’t shy, showing both rich and exotic, with notes of sweet wood spice and vanilla that give way to ripe peach and a hint of lime. Silky textures soothe all that they touch, riding a core of vibrant acids with tropical mango and kiwi balanced by salty minerals and inner herbal tones. Nearly a minute passes before the ripe fruit fades, leaving hints of butterscotch and a citrus twang. Planeta ferments and ages their Chardonnay for 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new and 50% one year old. It’s a beautiful wine that bridges the old world and the new while remaining soulfully Sicilian. Drinking window: 2021 - 2028

WE90 Wine Enthusiast: This Chardonnay opens with aromas of ripe yellow apple, coconut and pineapple. The firm palate offers vanilla, toasted oak and hazelnut alongside fresh acidity.

How terrible, but what wonderful efficient medical treatment!  Glad you are on the mend!

[atexsix]

4 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Thank you for the Monday Daily, Rich.  I'll pass on the Daiquiri and the clams and salute all the new friends we've made here.  Love the Adams quote.  I know I've been to Malaga several times.  My alternate menu suggestion is Sun Ripened Pineapple Delight, Mango Gaspacho, and Parmesan Crusted Turkey Tenderloin as served on MS Rotterdam July 18, 2011.  I wasn't getting desert menus then but Raspberry Cake sounds like a good choice.

 

Today’s care list:

Welfare of furloughed crews
Garlictown difficutl recovery from arm surgery
Western wildfires
smitty34877's Miss Camilla in NICU
summer slope with shingles
Atexsix with back and hornets
DurangoScots shelter manager in ICU
bennybear DSIL infection
JazzyV eye inflamation(Improving)

From the rotation:
Scout Jamie C recovering from major surgery
Tana starting to deal with Pulmonary Fibrosis

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

Nieuw Amsterdam at sea on test cruise
Congratulations 15 years CruiseCritic for Rich and CtLouisCruiser
Front Line Health Care Workers
Explorer OTS housing Surfside first responders
highland cruiser at Diamond Lake
kplady on Lake George
Family trip booked for HorizonChaser1957
St. Pete Cruiser on a road trip
CatShepard in Iceland
Excellent report on Sam’s Recovery
Denise on her wilderness adventure
Wekcome Boytje
and Staff Captain Sabine, HAL’s likely first female Captain(I know this is a repeat but she’s worth it)

 

Roy

 

Good luck with your tooth appointment, wasn't sure if that was today or not.

[aliaschief]

When I think of Malaga, Spain I think of climbing up to the Castellia and the wonderful Market!  Well what happened to the Castle?🙁

I swear I walked up not down!😁

Edited July 19, 2021 by aliaschief

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We are finally getting a good rain, and it arrived only an hour later than predicted. 😉  We needed the rain, just not as much as the western states need it.  At least, I could turn the sprinkler off for a while.

 

Lenda

[atexsix]

Happy Monday.  

 

-My back is much better and I'm moving around better too, but the pain is still there and if I take some more Advil it should be fine.  Thanks for all the thoughts/prayers.

-The bees appear to be gone.  Last night as soon as it was almost pitch black we swapped out the old hummingbird feeder for a new model that bees can't get to.  I also sprayed my vinegar/citrus solution around the deck, especially in areas below the feeder.  As to the building of a nest, I was mistaken, the bees were congregating there because of my sloppiness in refilling the feeder.  

 

On tap for today, fighting with the insurance company over an ultrasound they wouldn't cover of my carotid artery, they claim "not enough scientific proof that shows its value and/or effectiveness for the diagnosis".  Grrrr.  Won't this be fun.  

 

Have a great day!

[irishjim]

3 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Thank you for today's daily and care reports.

Meal and wine of the day sounds lovely.

Now we are both part retired we don't worry about deadlines.

New friends day was a few weeks ago when I joined this fantastic friendly thread.

Malaga is one of our favourite ports.

Our favourite hotel the Vincci Aleysa is a 20 minutes drive away in Benalmadena where we have stayed many times and where we went 4 weeks after my December 2019 mild heart attack in January 2020 with our Sarah and Pauline and Sarah's best friend.

It is currently 12.25pm and 78°F in our garden where hopefully we will be relaxing for the rest of the day.

Take care and stay safe everyone.

Graham  

 

 

Great Photos as per . Jim

[Sharon in AZ]

2 hours ago, cat shepard said:

I came back with my left leg in a cast. I know! I can hear your groans from here! I fractured my left patella. Possibly not all the way through. Please cross your fingers. 

Oh NO!!  I am so sorry about your fall and injury. I hope it didn’t put a damper on the rest of your trip. Get better fast. And welcome back, we missed you!