The Fleet Report and Daily for Tuesday August 30th, 2022

[durangoscots]

Good morning to all from sunny and dry Durango. I think the rains are gone for awhile - just when we want to test out the roof. Always something.  But the dogs will enjoy the dry weather walks. I will pass on the meal (pasta is a favorite but also a no-no most of time). I have been to Barbados a number of times and always really enjoyed it. I do like rum and steel bands.

 

I am pleased to see so many planning or actually on their way to various adventures. I am probably holding off until 2024. Too much going on just now and I still have to make the trek east to see my sister.

 

My appointment with the cardiologist was ok.... and I am now wearing a monitor for a week. A bit annoying, but I can live with it. They keep listing off all of these symptoms that as far as I know I have not had. I am hoping that the test that started all of this was just a blip of some sort. 

[Sharon in AZ]

Good morning everyone!  Thank you for the Daily and Fleet Report Rich. 
 

I had PT this morning and am sore from the acupressure the therapist did, but it’s a good soreness. 
 

In honor of Beach Day this is a sand castle from Half Moon Cay January 1, 2022, my favorite beach and a great way to begin a new year. 
 

 

 

 

Thanks to everyone for sharing today. I need to get busy so I can relax this afternoon. Have a great day everyone!

 

 

[bennybear]

Further to our discussion of lead contamination in Ginger and turmeric.  Several people were hospitalized in Ontario after ingesting monkshood which contains Aconite, in a  restaurant.   It has also been found in Ginger in BC.  
 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/sand-ginger-powder-poisonous-1.6378846

 

Edited August 30, 2022 by bennybear

[kochleffel]

Today I visited the Norsk Folkemuseet. It needs more than a day, maybe more than a week, and I barely got back to the ship in time.

 

A question that is not specific to HAL, but applies to every cruise line in my experience, including HAL: is it typical for crew members to address a passenger as Mr. Firstname, or does it only happen because my surname is difficult?

[bennybear]

3 minutes ago, kochleffel said:

Today I visited the Norsk Folkemuseet. It needs more than a day, maybe more than a week, and I barely got back to the ship in time.

 

A question that is not specific to HAL, but applies to every cruise line in my experience, including HAL: is it typical for crew members to address a passenger as Mr. Firstname, or does it only happen because my surname is difficult?

I have found they do this,  I think it’s trying to be polite without being too formal.   Even in Japan DH was called Mr.  first name.

[dfish]

This is one of my favorite beach pictures.  An evening stroll along North Beach in South Haven.

 

[HAL Sailer]

My DSIL (DH's sister) who is on the Daily prayer list rotation is just back from follow-up to last week's cancer surgery. The news from the surgical biopsies is not good, but she has agreed with her doctors to have the needed tests to determine what she is facing. A full body PET scan plus MRI of brain will be done to help determine how far the cancer has spread. So sad.

 

-Melisa

[Overhead Fred]

We stopped in Barbados this past March on the Nieuw Statendam. I toured the Andromeda Botanical Gardens near Bathsheba. Look for the photobomber in the last picture -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[durangoscots]

43 minutes ago, HAL Sailer said:

My DSIL (DH's sister) who is on the Daily prayer list rotation is just back from follow-up to last week's cancer surgery. The news from the surgical biopsies is not good, but she has agreed with her doctors to have the needed tests to determine what she is facing. A full body PET scan plus MRI of brain will be done to help determine how far the cancer has spread. So sad.

 

-Melisa

Sad news indeed. Sending her prayers and positive thoughts. Can they get these done fairly soon so she does not have to wait....?

 

Susan

[puppycanducruise]

@HAL SailerPrayers for your DSIL.

[puppycanducruise]

@Overhead FredThanks for the flower pictures.  They're beautiful.

[kazu]

7 hours ago, Heartgrove said:

Now closer to Final Payment date availability is much better. Jacqui we will email you with the update.

 

 

thanks kindly 👍 Appreciate you thinking of me - best of luck with a new cabin assignment & the other things you need to tend to 🍀 

 

4 hours ago, TiogaCruiser said:

 

 

OMG Marley used to do this - and NO, I wasn’t carrying a 125 pound dog 😉 I quickly learned he loved two shady spots and would take him there while he rolled in the grass (the neighbours didn’t mind and would watch out the window and chuckle).  10 minutes later he was ready to rock and roll again 😂 

 

6 hours ago, ger_77 said:

 

DH and I sat down the other day and counted the number of people we've lost in the past 1 1/2 years; 9 friends or family members. Lots of tears. 

 

Oh my Gerry - that’s a lot of loss in a very short period of time 😢 So sorry you two had to go through all of that 😞 

 

7 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

I so appreciate your asking about all of us but I am hesitant to say much now as I think we are all struggling in different ways. It can be overwhelming  and is certainly very tiring for everyone but most especially for our Tana. Appetites remain somewhat  impaired with a lot more special requests for the chefs lately. I find myself getting easily irritated and just have to step away from it all for a while.

 

I am so sorry to hear about the struggles continuing. 😔 Good for you for stepping away here and there.  It’s no wonder you think you get irritated at times - it must be so overwhelming.  Me?  I think you have the patience of Jobe.  Your family is very lucky to have you ♥️ 

 

8 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

  I had a restless night with little sleep and some leg pain.  Hoping that's a one off and I have a good sleep tonight.

 

I sure hope it is a “one off” and you sleep well tonight 🤞 

 

Good news that LInda’s wrists have been repaired but she is in for a long haul.  I can’t fathom having 2 broken wrists (I’ve only had one and that was hard enough).  Poor Linda. 😔  I hope a solution can be found for her dog so it can be well cared for 🤞 

 

3 hours ago, durangoscots said:

My appointment with the cardiologist was ok.... and I am now wearing a monitor for a week. A bit annoying, but I can live with it. They keep listing off all of these symptoms that as far as I know I have not had. I am hoping that the test that started all of this was just a blip of some sort. 

 

I hope the test that started all this was just a blip, too.  🙏🏻 

 

2 hours ago, bennybear said:

Several people were hospitalized in Ontario after ingesting monkshood which contains Aconite, in a  restaurant.   It has also been found in Ginger in BC.  

 

OMG - Monkshood is poisonous!  All parts of it - that’s why it is so successful in my non protected - non fenced parts of my garden.  The deer even know not to touch it.

 

1 hour ago, kochleffel said:

A question that is not specific to HAL, but applies to every cruise line in my experience, including HAL: is it typical for crew members to address a passenger as Mr. Firstname, or does it only happen because my surname is difficult?

 

It’s always been Mr. first name & Mrs. first name for as long as we have cruised - I hesitate to say how many decades that is LOL

[kazu]

1 hour ago, HAL Sailer said:

My DSIL (DH's sister) who is on the Daily prayer list rotation is just back from follow-up to last week's cancer surgery. The news from the surgical biopsies is not good, but she has agreed with her doctors to have the needed tests to determine what she is facing. A full body PET scan plus MRI of brain will be done to help determine how far the cancer has spread. So sad.

 

So very sorry to hear this, Melissa. 😔 My prayers are with her 🙏🏻 and you and your DH.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

I guess it's better late than never with our rain today.  This morning, we had one shower come through that dumped 0.11 inch of rain.  Another came through a little while ago, but it's just sprinkling now.  However, I am now hearing thunder, and hope that means more rain.  The radar show light rain in the area, but it will be gone by early evening.  Then we are supposed to get more rain tomorrow morning.

 

 DH's doctor visit was more of a routine visit with the PCP to keep him in the loop of what is happening and to get his take on things.  UT Southwestern had sent him their findings, and he agreed with the upcoming visit with the neurosurgeon next month.

 

4 hours ago, JazzyV said:

Finally getting in after the site update kept me out for a while.

Good morning. Thanks for the Daily/Fleet Report.

We should try to be aware that many around us may be grieving silently, in addition to those we know are grieving. I like the ocean and grew up at it, but am not a beach person as in laying on the beach. We should try to touch hearts daily.

True quote. I like the meal, but try to limit pasta. Pass on the drink and wine.

I was in Bridgetown, Barbados, on my first ever cruise, on Princess, for a milestone birthday.

 

It's cloudy and rainy here, with high humidity. I originally had lab work scheduled for this morning, but the water damage restoration people are coming today. I moved it to tomorrow, and the insurance adjuster person just called to come tomorrow, but moved it back in time so I can get my tests done first. 

 

@Rowsby Beautiful scenery. Have a great trip!

@kazu Fingers crossed for good weather for the Celebration of Life. 

@StLouisCruisers Sorry to hear of the poor sleep and leg pain. Hopefully not to recur. Good to hear that Linda and David's dog is safe. 

@aliaschief Sorry about the dishwasher. Enjoy your house guests!

@gigianne Welcome back to the Daily. Great pictures.

@Cruzin Terri Sorry the PMR flared up and you had to restart prednisone. Hopefully the dose can be reduced soon. Cool plaque.

@smitty34877 Prayers for you all during this difficult time, and strength to endure.

@Heartgrove Sorry for the PCC issues. From reading different HAL threads, that unfortunately seems to be a common issue.

 

Prayers for the Care List and a Toast to the Celebration List. Stay safe everyone.

 

Arriving In Bridgetown on the Golden Princess

 

Parliament building

 

Careenage River Inlet

 

The Chamberlain Bridge and local boats

 

Open air sellers

 

 

Inside Harrison's Cave

 

Orchid World

 

 

Gun Hill signal station

 

Shipside band

 

 

Vanessa, I'm glad you and the insurance inspector worked it out so you can get your tests taken care of tomorrow moring.  Thanks for the pictures.

 

4 hours ago, Vict0riann said:

Good morning, Dailyites, hope everyone is having a good day today.  Thanks to Rich and Roy, and all who post.  Nice to see Gigianne here!  I haven't posted for a few days, but reading when I can.  Trying to get my eating habits sorted with this new problem, and thinking about our upcoming cruise in less than two weeks.  I did get a call yesterday with a date for my colonoscopy, October 3, good thing it won't interfere with the cruise (cruise comes first!)  and I had a phone appointment with my doctor this morning to organize a new prescription for my Prolia shot, due the beginning of next month, which is almost here.  

 

On the news the other day was that a cruise ship was stuck in Vancouver harbour overnight as the tugs are on strike and refused to move the bunkering barge that was attached to the ship!  Hope that doesn't happen with us. I imagine most of the ships going to Alaska from Vancouver bunker there.   We are taking the bus over on the day of departure, so we also have to hope that the ferries are running.  At least we won't have to worry about our bags getting lost or flights delayed, but there's always something, isn't there?

 

I grew up with four boy cousins, so read a lot of their science fiction, "ABC"s - Asimov, Bradbury and Clarke.   Classics now, I guess!  We've been to Bridgetown a few times.  And I have not added tomatoes into my diet for the time being, still staying "white" - pretty much the BRAT diet,  mashed potatoes, rice, white bread and fish, chicken, etc.  If I misbehave, I have problems!  Have to get back to normal for the cruise, though.  At least I lost 8 lbs., so some good has come out of all this.

 

I'm sorry there are those suffering loss and other ailments on the thread.  Everything seems magnified with Covid around.  Prayers for all.

 

Ann, I hope you can get your diet back to normal before your cruise.

 

3 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

It will heat up today and tomorrow to the mid 80's, then slowly cool down again (for how long?)  School starts here tomorrow for most of the children including our grandsons.  I can't believe they will be in the 2nd and 4th grades -- I remember when I was that old!  Where does the time go?!

 

Sadly many of us here have had a lot of grief lately and in the past few years.  My goodness Gerry @ger_779 friends/family in only 18 months.....just too much. 😞  I'm not a beach person, but do like a beach day sometimes.  There have been many hearts touched in this community.

 

The quote is true, will pass on the drink (sweet) and meal (trying to limit pasta).  I do love a good Chenin Blanc, and would love to try this one if someone else was buying!

 

At first I thought we'd never been to this port, and then I saw Sandi's @StLouisCruisers' photos and realized we took the same tour.  I tried to find different photos from her great selection.

 

Debbie @dfishyou have my utmost admiration for all the painting you're doing!  My gosh, just one room would do me in for the year!!  

 

Sue @Rowsbysafe flight and thank you for sharing the gorgeous photo!

 

Jack @Heartgrovewe had to change PCCs recently too.  We may have had the same great PCC who recently quit after many, many years.  So far we're reserving judgement on our new one, she hasn't had to do much for us yet, and like you, we don't need much help. She was assigned to us by the PCC supervisor.   I did want to say that we use the Big Box for our Celebrity bookings and have always been happy with them.  Seriously, it's as easy to get answers and replies to calls from them as it is from PCCs now.  And then there's the Big Box perks that we've used a lot.

 

Some photos of the Orchid House and Sunbury House.

 

 

 

 

Collection of sewing machines in the Sunbury House

 

Swim suit from the early 1900's (!)

 

Optometry equipment

 

The rum flowed freely.  We got a huge kick out of the gals doing the rum tasting.  It was a lot like watching an episode of I Love Lucy. 😉  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carolyn, thanks for the pictures, especially those of the orchids.

 

3 hours ago, durangoscots said:

Good morning to all from sunny and dry Durango. I think the rains are gone for awhile - just when we want to test out the roof. Always something.  But the dogs will enjoy the dry weather walks. I will pass on the meal (pasta is a favorite but also a no-no most of time). I have been to Barbados a number of times and always really enjoyed it. I do like rum and steel bands.

 

I am pleased to see so many planning or actually on their way to various adventures. I am probably holding off until 2024. Too much going on just now and I still have to make the trek east to see my sister.

 

My appointment with the cardiologist was ok.... and I am now wearing a monitor for a week. A bit annoying, but I can live with it. They keep listing off all of these symptoms that as far as I know I have not had. I am hoping that the test that started all of this was just a blip of some sort. 

 

Susan, add me to the list of those who hope the test was just a blip.

 

1 hour ago, HAL Sailer said:

My DSIL (DH's sister) who is on the Daily prayer list rotation is just back from follow-up to last week's cancer surgery. The news from the surgical biopsies is not good, but she has agreed with her doctors to have the needed tests to determine what she is facing. A full body PET scan plus MRI of brain will be done to help determine how far the cancer has spread. So sad.

 

-Melisa

 

 

Melissa, I'm sorry the biopsy results were not better.  I'm glad your DSIL agreed to the tests so she will know exactly what she is facing and can make a more informed decision about her future.  Sending best wishes that no matter what she chooses, she can be comfortable and have a decent quality of life for as long as possible.

 

Lenda 

[CrabbyPatti]

Good Afternoon,

 

      I think I have caught up after being at "fair" last week.  The Grandson's did well with their exhibits and won many top awards.  Monday, they all went back to school, but half days for the first 2 days so they have been here at lunchtime.  They are so funny, talking about school, they all want to talk at once!

      My Dad's caretakers did well while I was gone at the fair (kinda a trial run, as I was still in town and could respond if I was needed for him)  makes me think maybe we would plan a short 7 day cruise (better then nothing!) so will see how things develop.

       I love the "National Beach Day"  We were supposed to take a 3-4 day trip to the Oregon Coast to celebrate our anniversary, but didn't feel that we could be that far with Dad.  So yesterday we ran up the road about 50 miles and had a nice prime rib dinner, and spent the night at a casino.  Lost a couple of dollars (we don't spend much) but knew they had a nice restaurant and were gone a "whole 19 hours" not the beach but it was a good "getaway" even though it was short!

 

Take care everyone and stay safe!  Please continue to post those port/cruise pictures it keeps me thinking..................

Denise

[dfish]

2 hours ago, HAL Sailer said:

My DSIL (DH's sister) who is on the Daily prayer list rotation is just back from follow-up to last week's cancer surgery. The news from the surgical biopsies is not good, but she has agreed with her doctors to have the needed tests to determine what she is facing. A full body PET scan plus MRI of brain will be done to help determine how far the cancer has spread. So sad.

 

-Melisa

 

I am so sorry to hear this.  May she find peace and comfort.

 

37 minutes ago, kazu said:

 

OMG Marley used to do this - and NO, I wasn’t carrying a 125 pound dog 😉 I quickly learned he loved two shady spots and would take him there while he rolled in the grass (the neighbours didn’t mind and would watch out the window and chuckle).  10 minutes later he was ready to rock and roll again 😂 

 

 

When one of my sisters was living in France I spent the summer with her.   One Sunday we decided to go for a hike.  I picked out a tres facile trail from a guide book for the Vosge mountains.  We loaded her dog, all 135 pounds, in the car and set out.  Somehow we lost our trail and our 2 hour tres facile hike turned into a 5 hour torture.  Normally Moose loved to go for walks and for a long while he was out in front acting like a trail guide.  When we realized we didn't know where we were going, Moose decided he had had enough and laid down on the trail and refused to budge.  It took a bit of coaxing to get him to continue on.  We found him a lake to swim in and then he was happy.

 

The ceiling is all done and tomorrow I start on the walls.  Besides the living room I have to do the staircase and the upstairs hall.  If I can find someone who can do it, I am paying someone to finish the last two rooms.

Edited August 30, 2022 by dfish

[grapau27]

4 hours ago, bennybear said:

Good morning and thanks all!  The quote unfortunately seems so true.   Have enjoyed visiting Barbados.
 

 Grief has certainly Touched my life,   I send gentle hugs to all those here who are grieving. 
 

@smitty34877 sorry to hear you are still struggling,  I’m still thinking of your near miss driving yesterday,  sending good thoughts and gentle hugs!

 

we’ve had very good luck with the big box, and they’ve gone to bat for us on more than one occasion when things weren’t right and have gotten things resolved.  Nice to have them in your corner if you do need them.

Terri, hope you feel better soon,  love your plaque, I think Hawaii owes us one, lol! 

 

absolutely adore beaches 

 

 

Lovely beaches.

[lazey1]

Grief Awareness Day and Touch a Heart Tuesday covers a good deal of the work done by the Hearts In Service ministry of the church I belong to. I have the honor to provide flower bouquets for funereal and memorial services plus help serve meals for the bereaved afterwards. 

 

When I attended Grief Recovery classes after the death of my husband I learned 2 of the best ways to provide comfort. #1 Be a heart with ears, #2 offer hugs and if accepted hug tightly and as long as wanted.

 

I have been to Barbados and it will be one of our ports on my upcoming Nov. cruise. Sorry, again I have, no photos to share.  

 

Jane

 

 

[Norseh2o]

National Beach Day, this is Friday night’s sunset from our lanai. We are enjoying two weeks with DD and family on Kona. 

[bennybear]

22 minutes ago, Norseh2o said:

National Beach Day, this is Friday night’s sunset from our lanai. We are enjoying two weeks with DD and family on Kona. 

So lovely! I think Kona has some of the best sunsets on the planet! 

[JazzyV]

I'm not happy. The water damage person never showed up! When I called their number, all it did was ring, with no answer. I stayed home all day, when I had things to do, grrrr. 

 

@Vict0riann I hope your GI system quiets down, so you can enjoy food on your cruise.

@durangoscots Praying the heart monitor doesn't show anything untoward.

@kochleffel I've usually been addressed as Miss Vanessa on cruises. As mentioned it shows respect without being too formal.

@dfish That's a great picture!

@HAL Sailer It's sad to hear that DSIL's biopsies weren't good. Prayers for her, and DH and you.

@CrabbyPatti Congrats to your grandsons on their success at the fair! It's good that your Dad's caretakers did well, and hopefully you do get to really go away for a bit.

@dfish Good for you on getting someone to do the rest! I'd love to find a good and reliable painter for this house.

@Norseh2o Oh, I'm jealous of that view. Enjoy!

[Vict0riann]

Just booked our flights to Fort Lauderdale in the Spring!  I used Air Miles as I got tired of waiting for a quote from FlightEase.  Three flights, but we get in at the respectable hour of 8:30 p.m.   And Pat booked our hotel for two nights.  I just hope that by then missing bags are a thing of the past.  

 

@kochleffel, Pat is often addressed as "Sir Patrick" and I get "Madame Ann", I'm not sure why (do you think it might be our ages? lol).  We always tell our room stewards just to call us Pat and Ann, but the wine and MDR stewards are more formal!  

[Heartgrove]

4 hours ago, kochleffel said:

Today I visited the Norsk Folkemuseet. It needs more than a day, maybe more than a week, and I barely got back to the ship in time.

 

A question that is not specific to HAL, but applies to every cruise line in my experience, including HAL: is it typical for crew members to address a passenger as Mr. Firstname, or does it only happen because my surname is difficult?

 

On Sue and my first HAL cruise aboard the Veendam we had a cabin steward that called us by our first names preceded by "Mr" or "Miss." He would do it in a sort of sing-song way that was very pleasant. My name is actually John but go by Jack and Sue's name is actually Mary but uses Sue as Susan is her middle name. I found that I could imitate his greeting voice so one time I walked into the cabin while she was in the bathroom. "Hello, Miss Mary." It scared the heck out of her - until then she realized it was me. 😁 

 

- Jack

[StLouisCruisers]

4 hours ago, HAL Sailer said:

My DSIL (DH's sister) who is on the Daily prayer list rotation is just back from follow-up to last week's cancer surgery. The news from the surgical biopsies is not good, but she has agreed with her doctors to have the needed tests to determine what she is facing. A full body PET scan plus MRI of brain will be done to help determine how far the cancer has spread. So sad.

 

-Melisa

Prayers for your DSIL.   I hope the tests give her a good idea of what the next step is.

 

 

 

32 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

Just booked our flights to Fort Lauderdale in the Spring!  I used Air Miles as I got tired of waiting for a quote from FlightEase.  Three flights, but we get in at the respectable hour of 8:30 p.m.   And Pat booked our hotel for two nights.  I just hope that by then missing bags are a thing of the past.  

 

@kochleffel, Pat is often addressed as "Sir Patrick" and I get "Madame Ann", I'm not sure why (do you think it might be our ages? lol).  We always tell our room stewards just to call us Pat and Ann, but the wine and MDR stewards are more formal!  

I was going to say, DH is often called Sir Dennis by stewards, while I am just Madame for short.  I really hope it's not our ages!😉

 

 

[HAL Sailer]

4 hours ago, durangoscots said:

Can they get these done fairly soon so she does not have to wait....?

 

Susan, we don't know. The medical facilities in her area well north of Detroit are mostly satellites of the major Detroit hospitals, but I have no sense of how they schedule. As of tonight, there are no test dates known.

-Melisa