The Fleet Report and Daily for Thursday April 13th, 2023

[summer slope]

3 hours ago, TiogaCruiser said:

Good morning all,

 

our driver comes in 30 minutes. We’re due at FLL airport this evening. Not sure what we’re headed into.

 

More later 

Local news says the airport will open this afternoon. 

[grapau27]

Sandi @StLouisCruisers

Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser.

Great photos of Monaco.

We took Pauline's late mam and dad on a tour to Monaco from our ship and the memories are flooding back.

I had my camcorder and took lots of video except in the casino where we had to leave camcorder at reception.

We have sailed into the pretty small town of Ville France several times and tended into the town.

This photo was on the tender from RCL Freedom of the seas into Villefrance.

 

[JazzyV]

Good morning. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily.

I appreciate plants, both indoor and outdoor. Bookmobiles are important for those who don't have easy access to libraries. Yum, peach cobbler; my DM used to make it, I haven't. Funny quote. The meal looks interesting, although carb laden. I like the drink, in winter. Pass on the wine due to price.

I was supposed to visit Monte Carlo on my cancelled 2020 cruise.

 

Another gorgeous day, sunny and going up to 82 (near record temp). Nothing new with me. Still noting some drainage from the knee, but no fever/chills or purulent drainage. I'll see Ortho tomorrow morning. I'm hoping to be able to mow the lawn tomorrow or Saturday (before the rain), if I get the ok; it's really getting high after 2 feedings of fertilizer.

 

I see FL is getting slammed with rain and the FLL airport was closed this morning! I hope everyone traveling gets where they need to go.

 

@StLouisCruisers Thanks for our start and the photos.

@richwmn Thank you for setting things up so we could continue the FR/Daily, the info on the quote, and for the history mention. Handel's Messiah is a favorite of mine, and I used to sing in a choir that performed parts of it too.

@Crazy For Cats Lots going on at your house!

@TiogaCruiser Fingers crossed for no issues flying into FLL. Safe travels.

@aliaschief Enjoy the PC transit. Fun memes.

@mamaofami Hoping for good news on your eye checkup.

@kazu Love the clematis. Good memes.

@Sharon in AZ Oh my on the cancelled flight and rebooked late flight! Safe travels.

@ottahand7 Thanks for sharing your plant photos. 

@tupper10 Good to hear you're feeling better.

@cruising sister That's interesting luggage.

@ger_77 Welcome home. Sorry the farewells were difficult and to hear about the strep throat. Good thing the antibiotics are working.  

@RMLincoln Good luck with DH easing off the Benadryl. I hope the drops can be reduced further. That cruise sounds interesting. I hope you're able to get to your friend's celebration of life.

@Quartzsite Cruiser Great Monaco photos.

@kochleffel Do you ever use something like Lactaid that you take before eating dairy? I was severely lactose intolerant from my 20's to 40's, but then seemed to outgrow it. I don't know if the enzyme to digest lactose came back or what.

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers for the Celebration List.

Be well everyone.

 

My night blooming cereus

[luvteaching]

Good morning everyone, 

 

It's been a busy and somewhat emotional few days here. I've read the Daily but just didn't get to posting. 

 

DH is continuing to heal and is doing very well for having had sepsis and being in shock. He's now ready to be discharged but I had to make the tough decision that I couldn't have him home yet as he can't help with transfers, etc. I knew it meant skilled nursing/rehab and that's fine but everything in our local area, including the one we've spent time in since October, are full and declined to take him. So now he's being taken to one this morning that is in Everett which is about 50 miles away and about an hours drive or so for me. I'm not a happy camper as it separates him from friends and family as well and adds the stress of a lot of driving on me but not much we can do. He has 4-5 medicare days left and then it's private pay. This one is a bit cheaper than the others but still about $13,000 for a month so a hit to the bank account but we can do it. I'm hopeful that he can be back to his baseline in a month but we shall see. Today is his 65th high school reunion on Zoom so I'm taking my laptop down to the facility in hopes that we can log in there. 

 

Thanks for being here! 

Karen

[1ANGELCAT]

49 minutes ago, summer slope said:

Local news says the airport will open this afternoon. 

Browsed. Org updated has FLL closed till 5am tomorrow.

[marshhawk]

Serendipity this morning.  Hunger and lack of breakfast choices at home, we went to Old Hickory House for breakfast.  I asked DH if any of the youtube vidoes he watched yesterday talked about the lido deck and the woman across from us asked us if we were cruisers.  They only cruise Holland, answered some of my questions, told me how great the food was, and their favorite ship was the Nieux Amsterdam.  Small world. 

 

My mom bought paintings throughout places we stayed in Europe.  I have a painting of Villefrance next to me when I am at the computer. 

[durangoscots]

Good morning. Sunny and cooler here,but still Springlike. Rain forecast for tonight but not too much. I have turned off the heat and am airing the house. Hope the weather holds. Hope everyone headed for cruises in FLL gets in on time. I usually worry about snow- not rain.

 

Finally got my hair cut yesterday.... only a month after it was originally scheduled. Makes me feel much better. Got a pedicure also which adds to my comfort level. Otherwise, same old, same old. House decluttering is a slow process... especially when I stop to look at books as I go. I want to get rid of a couple of bookcases that are starting to fall apart.... but the books in them need to be rehomed and that is something that may take time.

 

Susan

 

 

[kochleffel]

45 minutes ago, JazzyV said:

Do you ever use something like Lactaid that you take before eating dairy?

 

I do. It's not 100% effective, even with a higher dose than recommended, so I try to get lactose-free or non-dairy versions as much as possible.

 

I was wide awake at 4:00 a.m. and didn't get back to sleep until after 6:00, and that only with some Benadryl, so it has been a slow start this morning. I've scrubbed the dishes from the garage and they're now soaking in a bleach solution (they're glass and clean up nicely), before rinsing and rewashing. For all the time I've had these dishes, I've stored them from one Passover to the next in the original boxes, which date to 1998 and 1999. They are two sets of four settings each, same pattern but one set has mugs and the other has cups and saucers. The boxes have deteriorated, accelerated by two cross-country moves, and so I'm repacking them in fabric china covers, which will make it easier next year--especially because putting them back into the boxes required three hands, or two hands and a carving knife--the knife was to hold one part of the packaging in place while inserting the other.

 

[Sharon in AZ]

So my rebooked flight was canceled because the airport will be closed until 5:00am, and even then only one runway is scheduled to be usable. I didn’t have many options to choose from and decided not to take anymore chances on FLL so now I’m on a red eye to Miami.  I’m not the only person scrambling for flights. 

 

I’ve been in contact with another HAL rep and they have forwarded my flight details to the Miami reps. I don’t like taking an overnight flight but I want to arrive early enough to rest up before embarkation on Saturday. I can always take a nap. 
 

I’m hoping @TiogaCruiser and her DH can get rerouted. They probably haven’t landed in Houston yet. 
 

 

Edited April 13, 2023 by Sharon in AZ

[tupper10]

4 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

So my rebooked flight was canceled because the airport will be closed until 5:00am, and even then only one runway is scheduled to be usable. I didn’t have many options to choose from and decided not to take anymore chances on FLL so now I’m on a red eye to Miami.  I’m not the only person scrambling for flights. 

 

I’ve been in contact with another HAL rep and they have forwarded my flight details to the Miami reps. I don’t like taking an overnight flight but I want to arrive early enough to rest up before embarkation on Saturday. I can always take a nap. 
 

I’m hoping @TiogaCruiser and her DH can get rerouted. They probably haven’t landed in Houston yet. 
 

 

Glad you could re book. FLL is a mess not only the airport but the entire surrounding area is underwater. They got 26 inches or rain.  Schools were closed today as well since people in Broward can't get anywhere due to flooded streets.

 

Hopefully no more rain in Miami area we are getting more rain in Palm Beach but we didn't have the amount of rain they had just south of us.

 @luvteaching so sorry to hear about your husband. Hopefully he will do okay in the rehab place and then be able to come home ASAP.  

 

 

[TiogaCruiser]

10 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

So my rebooked flight was canceled because the airport will be closed until 5:00am, and even then only one runway is scheduled to be usable. I didn’t have many options to choose from and decided not to take anymore chances on FLL so now I’m on a red eye to Miami.  I’m not the only person scrambling for flights. 

 

I’ve been in contact with another HAL rep and they have forwarded my flight details to the Miami reps. I don’t like taking an overnight flight but I want to arrive early enough to rest up before embarkation on Saturday. I can always take a nap. 
 

I’m hoping @TiogaCruiser and her DH can get rerouted. They probably haven’t landed in Houston yet. 
 

 

We’re currently in the air on our way to IAH. Got cancellation notice for ISH to FLL as we took off and scrambled to rebook for Friday ( through ORD to MIA). Then apparently I accidentally canceled the flights….  They still show in myFlights, but got email cancellation. Not able to book anything in app before June 9.????? Don’t see a way to get ahold of customer service.

 

Not sure how to proceed. Have not been cancelled before. Any ideas???

[tupper10]

11 minutes ago, TiogaCruiser said:

We’re currently in the air on our way to IAH. Got cancellation notice for ISH to FLL as we took off and scrambled to rebook for Friday ( through ORD to MIA). Then apparently I accidentally canceled the flights….  They still show in myFlights, but got email cancellation. Not able to book anything in app before June 9.????? Don’t see a way to get ahold of customer service.

 

Not sure how to proceed. Have not been cancelled before. Any ideas???

If you booked through flight ease I think there is an emergency number to call - I copied and pasted this from the internet.

 

"With this in mind, the following emergency phone numbers are available for your use: 1-800-628-4771. Holland America Line representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year to assist you in any way they can, including assistance with travel delays and contacting loved ones."

 

The other thing to do is text the airline or use social media - twitter or facebook to contact them to re book your flights due to cancellation error.  I have found that posting on social media gets a very quick response from companies.  

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

Every day here is plant appreciation day.  I think I remember bookmobiles in childhood, but used the library.  We both love peach cobbler, haven't had any in ages.  Funny quote, will pass on the drink even in winter.  I love rum but Hot Buttered Rum, has always seemed too sweet to me.  Will pass on the red wine, and would try the 2nd recipe.  We've been to Monte Carlo once.  We were with DS and DBIL, we took public transportation to Eze and then to Nice.  It was a very nice day, but my photos are pre-digital.

 

Last night I slept for 10 hours, so Covid tiredness hasn't gone yet.  Feeling pretty good otherwise, just tire easily.  Today I took a Covid test (first since testing positive 9 days ago) and still have a very faint red line so will test again in a day or two.  DH has the same.  

 

I feel bad for @TiogaCruiserand @Sharon in AZtrying to get to Fort Lauderdale for their cruises.  Smart to fly to other airports!  I remember back in 2017 (?) when FLL had an active shooter at the airport.  We were mid-flight as it was happening, and were rerouted to Miami.  A good friend had landed before us and was there as it was happening.  😞  

 

@luvteachingI'm sorry you had to make the hard decision with DH and now have to drive to Everett  to visit your DH.  On the bright side, the traffic is so much easier between here and Sedro-Woolley than between here and Seattle.  I know it's a long drive, but I'd do that before any drive south.  

 

Here are a few photos of my favorite flowers in the garden over the years.

 

Hellebore

 

Lambs' Ears, Tulips, Hosta, Ajuga, and Rhodies

 

Side shade garden

 

Rhodie in full bloom

 

 

 

 

 

 

[atexsix]

3 days in a row I've managed to get to the daily, that's pretty good. I can relate to @Crazy For Cats comment about the heat being switched off/on as yesterday the sunshine warmed us up to the point of having windows open and ceiling fans going, and a few hours later we were back to the gas fireplace🤣. We're supposed to have showers today with a high of 51, that's a high folks....brrrr!

 

The week's grocery shopping is out of the way, I did it this morning, and I have what I need for the weekend cooking, mostly chicken stuff.  I need to make a decision on trading up my iphone to the newest model as I'm going to the mall on Saturday, but an almost 7" display size seems like it would be too heavy, would love opinions on this. On the cruise front, we're going ahead and booking my birthday cruise for next May, but the Hawaii sailing for this year is in limbo, we're just not impressed by the Crown Princess, the lack of suite variety or even a suite lounge on a ship this size is mind boggling.  

 

Thoughts, Hugs, and Prayers to those that need it today, whether mentioned on the list or not.

 

No nurses or specialists scheduled for today so Dad gets a break. 

 

@GTVCRUISER my favorite view in the world is waking up in that hotel across the street to see my ship smiling at me

@marshhawk the weather everywhere is strange this year, it looks like the northerners are going back to reality in a few days

 

@luvteaching Karen, I can relate to what you are going through, and I'm praying for you and your husband.  Your experience is what keeps me going in my own caregiving journey, we don't want Dad's savings account wiped out.  In doing my own research I have learned that hundreds of nursing homes across the country have closed, it still means thousands are available, but it's slim pickings in many areas, have you considered an adult family home?  We are seeing more and more of them pop up.  They are about half the price of a nursing/rehab facility.

 

Have a great day everybody!

 

~Bruno~

 

PS I removed 1 "very" from my post and replaced with another word

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Heartgrove]

Thank you Sandi, thank you Debbie, thank you Vanessa, thank you Ann, and thank you Dixie for all your work. And thank you everyone for being here!

 

Stay Safe!

 

- Jack

[tupper10]

@TiogaCruiser American Airlines has a flight leaving tomorrow non stop with seats and United has one on Saturday morning - to Miami. That is all I could fine. Good luck. What a mess.  

[atexsix]

6 minutes ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

Every day here is plant appreciation day.  I think I remember bookmobiles in childhood, but used the library.  We both love peach cobbler, haven't had any in ages.  Funny quote, will pass on the drink even in winter.  I love rum but Hot Buttered Rum, has always seemed too sweet to me.  Will pass on the red wine, and would try the 2nd recipe.  We've been to Monte Carlo once.  We were with DS and DBIL, we took public transportation to Eze and then to Nice.  It was a very nice day, but my photos are pre-digital.

 

Last night I slept for 10 hours, so Covid tiredness hasn't gone yet.  Feeling pretty good otherwise, just tire easily.  Today I took a Covid test (first since testing positive 9 days ago) and still have a very faint red line so will test again in a day or two.  DH has the same.  

 

I feel bad for @TiogaCruiserand @Sharon in AZtrying to get to Fort Lauderdale for their cruises.  Smart to fly to other airports!  I remember back in 2017 (?) when FLL had an active shooter at the airport.  We were mid-flight as it was happening, and were rerouted to Miami.  A good friend had landed before us and was there as it was happening.  😞  

 

@luvteachingI'm sorry you had to make the hard decision with DH and now have to drive to Everett  to visit your DH.  On the bright side, the traffic is so much easier between here and Sedro-Woolley than between here and Seattle.  I know it's a long drive, but I'd do that before any drive south.  

 

Here are a few photos of my favorite flowers in the garden over the years.

 

Hellebore

 

Lambs' Ears, Tulips, Hosta, Ajuga, and Rhodies

 

Side shade garden

 

Rhodie in full bloom

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carolyn, looks like you beat me this morning, I just wanted to tell you I LOVE your garden, I'm surprised you have as many blooms as you do given how crazy cold it's been, course Rhodie's are pretty hardy.  Strangely, my Christmas cactus bloomed recently, maybe it's a Christmas/Easter cactus?  

 

I won't go anywhere that involves a drive to Seattle, even Bellevue is downright hell on earth and a big reason we're considering a move to the south end next year (olympia or puyallup), since my stroke driving in traffic is a challenge for me.  

[TiogaCruiser]

19 minutes ago, tupper10 said:

If you booked through flight ease I think there is an emergency number to call - I copied and pasted this from the internet.

 

"With this in mind, the following emergency phone numbers are available for your use: 1-800-628-4771. Holland America Line representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year to assist you in any way they can, including assistance with travel delays and contacting loved ones."

 

The other thing to do is text the airline or use social media - twitter or facebook to contact them to re book your flights due to cancellation error.  I have found that posting on social media gets a very quick response from companies.  

 

6 minutes ago, tupper10 said:

@TiogaCruiser American Airlines has a flight leaving tomorrow non stop with seats and United has one on Saturday morning - to Miami. That is all I could fine. Good luck. What a mess.  

Thanks.

We booked directly with United. 
 

Not currently sure if we have a reservation or cancellation for IAH to MIA. I’ll talk with the United kiosk when we land and try to get the AA flight you mentioned.

 

I so appreciate you all!

 

Laura

[Cruising-along]

5 minutes ago, atexsix said:

Carolyn, looks like you beat me this morning, I just wanted to tell you I LOVE your garden, I'm surprised you have as many blooms as you do given how crazy cold it's been, course Rhodie's are pretty hardy.  Strangely, my Christmas cactus bloomed recently, maybe it's a Christmas/Easter cactus?  

 

I won't go anywhere that involves a drive to Seattle, even Bellevue is downright hell on earth and a big reason we're considering a move to the south end next year (olympia or puyallup), since my stroke driving in traffic is a challenge for me.  

Hi Bruno!

LOL these photos are from prior years -- the only thing blooming now in my yard is the Hellebore, Daffodils and Grape Hyacinth.  But this is what it looks like later in the spring. 😉  

 

DH had to drive to Bellevue every morning before he retired.  In order to get to work on time, he had to get up at 4:30. The drive morning or evening took a minimum of 90 minutes. I also had to drive to Bellevue, but only a couple times/week and didn't have set hours.  But I hated it.  Our daughter lives in Kenmore, that's as close to Seattle that I will drive!  

[aliaschief]

The Zandam and Eurodam just passed by each other in Gatlung Lake and we were treated to a huge tooting exchange. Folks waving and yelling at each other. Fun time.

 

[StLouisCruisers]

Bruce @aliaschief that's awesome!  Fun memories for everyone!

 

Laura @TiogaCruiser I'm really hoping and praying you can get on that American flight for tomorrow.  Sharon @Sharon in AZ sorry about having to take the redeye flight but just as long as you get there on time.  We intend to wave at you all at sailaway Saturday!

 

Karen @luvteaching I'm sorry about your DH needing rehab before coming home but agree with your reasons.  I do hope he gets through it as quickly as possible and is home with you soon.

 

Vanessa @JazzyV good luck with the doctor visit tomorrow for your knee issue.  I had a problem years ago with a tiny pea-size bump under the skin right on the kneecap.  There was a pinhead size opening to it which sometimes drained a little fluid out of it.  Eventually it bothered me enough that a surgeon removed it in his offices.  It was a sebaceous cyst and you have to remove the sac in order for it not to come back.  Never had another problem with it since.  He phoned later to tell me pathology showed a tiny bit of squamous cell cancer in it!  He said that was one for the medical books.  I hope yours will be something that easy to solve.

 

Got my hair cut shorter in back this time.  Every once in a while you have to change things up a bit.  And it poured rain the whole time I was at the appointment. I'm already planning on it being a rainy day next month for my appointment.

[0106]

I celebrated Plant Appreciation Day by planting wildflower seeds along my woods line.  Here is an “international” plant photo that I took last your in Spain and had made into a print on canvas for our home.

My library has a bookmobile called the Rolling Reader.

The Rolling Reader visits YMCA programs, Boys and Girls Clubs, Head Start, Title 1 Early Intervention, Youth Centers and Child Development Centers, and after-school programs and summer day camps at various community centers. 
 

I love anything made with peaches but my first thought when I hear cobbler…

 

I am addicted to watching the Hays eagle nest.  They showed a different view this morning.  The eaglets are growing quickly.

Sending positive thoughts to those who need them. Hoping everyone arrives in a timely fashion for their cruise.  Cheers to those celebrating.

Edited April 13, 2023 by 0106

[kazu]

6 hours ago, Sharon in AZ said:

 

Craig thought I was crazy flying two days early but last night said it was the best thing I could have done. 

 

It’s always best to fly out a couple of days early and your experience is proof of that.  Good luck!

 

6 hours ago, tupper10 said:

I am feeling much better, but I better get up and get moving, the home health nurse comes soon.

 

Glad to hear you are feeling better.  Hoping you continue to improve 🙏🏻 

 

 

4 hours ago, ger_77 said:

What wasn't fun was that I ended up having to go to a walk-in clinic because I came down with strep throat.

 

Yikes on your strep throat, Gerry 😔 I’m glad you got it attended to and sure hope that your glands start to feel better fast. 🙏🏻 

 

 

3 hours ago, JazzyV said:

Still noting some drainage from the knee, but no fever/chills or purulent drainage. I'll see Ortho tomorrow morning.

 

Good luck with the Ortho tomorrow, Vanessa.  I sure hope they can help and remedy your knee quickly 🙏🏻 

 

 

2 hours ago, luvteaching said:

He's now ready to be discharged but I had to make the tough decision that I couldn't have him home yet as he can't help with transfers, etc. I knew it meant skilled nursing/rehab and that's fine but everything in our local area, including the one we've spent time in since October, are full and declined to take him. So now he's being taken to one this morning that is in Everett which is about 50 miles away and about an hours drive or so for me. I'm not a happy camper as it separates him from friends and family as well and adds the stress of a lot of driving on me but not much we can do. He has 4-5 medicare days left and then it's private pay. This one is a bit cheaper than the others but still about $13,000 for a month so a hit to the bank account but we can do it. I'm hopeful that he can be back to his baseline in a month but we shall see.

 

Oh dear, Karen.  😔 That’s going to be hard on him and you.  My prayers that he can return to his baseline asap and come home with you safely 🙏🏻 

 

 

2 hours ago, Sharon in AZ said:

So my rebooked flight was canceled because the airport will be closed until 5:00am, and even then only one runway is scheduled to be usable. I didn’t have many options to choose from and decided not to take anymore chances on FLL so now I’m on a red eye to Miami.  I’m not the only person scrambling for flights. 

 

I’ve been in contact with another HAL rep and they have forwarded my flight details to the Miami reps. I don’t like taking an overnight flight but I want to arrive early enough to rest up before embarkation on Saturday. I can always take a nap. 
 

I’m hoping @TiogaCruiser and her DH can get rerouted. They probably haven’t landed in Houston yet. 
 

 

 

I think that is a smart move despite the miserable flight time.

 

 

1 hour ago, TiogaCruiser said:

 

Not currently sure if we have a reservation or cancellation for IAH to MIA. I’ll talk with the United kiosk when we land and try to get the AA flight you mentioned.

 

That’s an excellent idea, Laura.  Hopefully the United staff can get things resolved for you 🤞 

[aliaschief]

Just went through the Culebra Cut and eight mile excavated gorge. Which took its toll on laborers, machinery and engineering know how. Then we passed under Centennial Bridge and entering Pedro Miguel Locks.

 

[TiogaCruiser]

So we just got through Customer Service with UA and the agent wears a cape.
 

He got us booked out tomorrow, through ORD to Fort Meyers FL. We get in early evening and will next look at booking a rental car to FLL. US also booked us into a hotel on them.