The Fleet Report and Daily for Saturday May 27th, 2023

[dobiemom]

@StLouisCruisers hope you are feeling better. 🙏 Sometimes a gift to the porcelain god helps (it does for me). 

 

@ger_77 we used to put a drop or two of white iodine in our baby oil. It sped up the tanning process 10-fold (it seemed). I stopped using it but my cousin used it all the time and got REALLY dark every summer. 😳

 

2 hours ago, dobiemom said:

Good morning, Dailyites. Happy Saturday!

 

Thanks for the HAL fleet report and all the daily information. I’m at the car dealership getting an oil change. Later I’m volunteering at church (tomorrow, too). DH is on his way home from visiting his bro and wife in AZ. 

 

Thank you all for caring and sharing.  Prayers for everyone who needs them, and cheers for all the celebrations. 

Well, my car needed a little more work (tie rods and boots), but I trust my service rep. My car is 17+ years old, has 230K miles, and I expect little things to go “wrong.” When it starts needing major work, I’ll get a new car… and a car payment. 🫤

 

When I bought my first car here (~24 years ago) the sales rep told me to ONLY deal with this one service rep. When he retired he told me who to go to… and to NOT go to this other rep. They’ve both taken good care of me. Twice I’ve had to deal with other service reps (for some reason) and they have told me I needed something (non-urgent) done. I decline and the ”problem” has never showed up again. 😠🤷🏻‍♀️

[marshhawk]

Good afternoon Dailyites!  I had written a rather lengthy post, only to have it get stuck, and when I said WAIT, as in i will wait for it to come back up, it erased the whole thing.

 

so this time i will be brief.

 

@rafinmd In honor of you and your dinner porn pictures, I managed to order the crisps every night but one.  well two, as i didnt make it past my pillow the day i got ill.  I had opera cake.  Which was better than I could have imagined, but just wanted to let you know about the crisps, my favorite was the banana.!

 

My friend Dan stayed up late several nights to find out who changed the day mats in the elevators, and never saw anyone do it.  (HAL elves)

 

@dobiemomDH insists on working on our cars, and my 2001 Jeep has been motionless since January.  I didnt even get in touch with the state regarding renewing it's tag.  Either he orders the part and gets someone to do it, or he does it, but he is basically blind, and doesnt think he can do it.  So kudos to you for having a decent mechanic.  I say regarding the Jeep, sell it for scrap.  His car is a 2017 Jeep, with lots of dents, but still drives well.  At least around town. I do think it's days of 2000 mile road trips might be done though.

 

Anyway, best stop now.

 

before the computer takes another nose dive.

 

[marshhawk]

[HAL4NOW]

4 hours ago, Nickelpenny said:

I am signed up to be a substitute teacher and (second choice) in Health Offices for 2 school districts here in Tucson. Hopefully, that will work out but we will see.

One of the beautiful things about being a substitute is that you can say 'no' if you have a cruise planned.

[cat shepard]

1 hour ago, XBGuy said:

@cat shepard I chuckled at your comment that you wouldn't be interested in that 2020 Long Shadows Poet's Leap Riesling.  I have an idea for you.

 

Long Shadows is a terrific winery producing multiple varietal wines by different winemakers.  I went to their web site to see what is new with them and saw that the 2021 vintage of the Poet's Leap Riesling was fermented to complete dryness.  If you happen to stumble onto that one, you might want to give it a try.

 

Thank you. I guess I need to write more clearly. I like some off-dry Rieslings, but only know by tasting.  I will watch for the 2021 vintage, though. 

[kazu]

2 hours ago, Crazy For Cats said:

Good Afternoon, thanks for today’s daily fleet report.  We are off the ship and safely home.  The dirty clothes from the cruise are washed and put away.  I’ll need to figure out where to put some of the souvenirs.  I have no idea what’s for lunch and dinner but suspect neither of us will cook.

@StLouisCruisers I agree with others please check in with your PCP when you get home.  Very scary situation.

I hope everyone has a good day today.

 

Welcome home Jake 🙂. Definitely no cooking today 😜 

 

 

2 hours ago, bennybear said:

 

Well, we had a totally unexpected, lovely surprise in the mail yesterday! 

 

 

 

What a lovely surprise, Brenda. 🙂 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good afternoon.  The yard is finished, and I'm taking a break before washing the cars.  Today. I finally mowed and trimmed part of the very back of the lot that is really part of the utility right-of-way that we're supposed to keep meat.  I'd been waiting for the bluebonnets to dry and go to seed.  I harvested about half the seeds, and will keep them in a paper bag until fall when I'll spread them in a slightly different area.  The rest will follow nature's course and hopefully, will mean even more bluebonnets next spring.  🫰

 

4 hours ago, ger_77 said:

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  It's fascinating to watch an old time player piano in action.  Every day should be sunscreen day; wish I'd listened to that advice when I was a teenager, rather than slathering myself in baby oil and sitting in the sun to bake!  Glad for the invention of cellophane tape - works much better than glue when wrapping gifts.

 

A partly cloudy day out there right now, and we're only expecting a high of +21 (70F), but that's okay, it means working in the yard will be comfortable.  Yesterday we went out and bought some small celosia plants to put around the dahlias that are not doing well.  We've got 4 pots of them, and I've deadheaded them, but don't see many buds coming, so I don't know what we'll do.  Likely end up using a lot of pot stuffers to disguise them, I guess.

 

@StLouisCruisers what a scary experience for you and your family!  As our Daily friends have already said, please get yourself checked out by your doctor ASAP!

@superoma wow, you've done a ton of work on your Dad's estate already; take the time you need, and care for yourself as well.

@Nickelpenny welcome to the first full day of retirement - enjoy every bit of it.

 

I like today's menu suggestion - when we had our lovely Sophia living with us, we often made fresh rolls using shrimp, lettuce, carrot, cucumber, etc.  They were delicious!  Today we're having a couple of guys in for dinner who we haven't had the chance to see in a very long time.   We used to get together with our young families and have great cook-outs, but we've tamed things down as the years passed.  Tonight we're calling it Put Pork On Your Fork, with barbecued pork chops, corn on the cob, coleslaw, dilled potatoes, and a dessert that will be provided by the guys.  They're brothers, and one is a great cook, while the other is a great supervisor.  LOL  We'll enjoy food, conversation and good company on the deck tonight.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who is in need, cheers to all with celebrations.

 

Smooth Sailing!  ☺️☺️☺️

Gerry

 

Gerry, it sounds like ypu will have a fun evening catching up with your friends.

 

2 hours ago, Crazy For Cats said:

Good Afternoon, thanks for today’s daily fleet report.  We are off the ship and safely home.  The dirty clothes from the cruise are washed and put away.  I’ll need to figure out where to put some of the souvenirs.  I have no idea what’s for lunch and dinner but suspect neither of us will cook.

@StLouisCruisers I agree with others please check in with your PCP when you get home.  Very scary situation.

I hope everyone has a good day today.

 

Jake, I'm glad you are safely home and had a good time.  I enjoyed following along with you live from.

 

2 hours ago, bennybear said:

Good morning and thanks all! 

@StLouisCruisersyikes! I echo the others, please get checked by a doctor.  Better safe than sorry. 

@dfish glad you weren’t too uncomfortable!

 

! @0106 great looking recipes!

 

Well, we had a totally unexpected, lovely surprise in the mail yesterday! 

 

 

 

Brenda, what a nice surprise.

 

2 hours ago, ocean sounds said:

Good morning and thanks for the Daily and all the information!

 

Thinking of @dfish, @superoma, @StLouisCruisers (scary, agree with others, hope you can see your doctor soon - and Congrats on the Graduation!)   Thinking and 🙏🏻 For all on our care list, and all those in need. 
 

Congrats to @Nickelpenny on retirement, and to @DeniseT, heading to your long awaited cruise! 
 

Excitement in my house - DD, DGS & I leave a week from today!  4 days in Italy, then board Symphony of the Seas from Civitavecchia on June 8. We will be back home on June 16th.    

 

Our June 4th arrival (connection through Frankfurt) into Rome is uncertain. Nationwide airport ground handling strike scheduled for Italy airports on the 4th.  Supposed to be “guaranteed” take off and landing times of 6-9 am and pm - our flight due in at 5:40 pm 🤷🏼‍♀️  United won’t let us change to next later flight until our connection is officially canceled.  Oh well - I have backup plans to get us to Italy. 

 

Feel sad boarding our fur boys that long, but we did a test there, and they loved staying together in same kennel.    They will also get private play time with just the two of them (the mini Aussiedoodle, Brutus, needs his exercise, but he’s not the dog friendly type). We need to leave lots of babies, as Brutus greets everyone with a baby (or two) in his mouth.  

 

 

I hope your flight is not affected by the strike.  I guess you could take a train if necessary.

 

1 hour ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

Partly cloudy today, heading to the mid 60's.  I plan to make a visit to my favorite nursery and get more annuals to add to my pots.  This week the Cottonwood fluff is blowing, making gardening not as pleasant.  I'm not allergic (thankfully) like many are, but it's still annoying when it's flying in my face and up my nose. 🤣  We hope the fluff will be less this year since we had 4 Cottonwoods removed behind us.  Also will get the lawn mowed, that will pick up some of the white fluff.

 

My grandparents had an old time player piano -- lots of fun!  We always have sunscreen on hand, and I'm not totally sure I know what cellophane tape is.  Googling just said something about merchants using it to wrap food...

 

The drink, meal and wine all sound great to me.  Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser I also prefer the same Chateau St. Michelle Riesling.  I love how they mark on the bottle how dry or sweet it is. Mid-range for me too.  

Tonight we'll be having the strawberry balsamic glazed salmon.  Yum.  Costco had the Copper River Salmon, our favorite.

 

We'll be in Rarotonga on the Grand Australia next year.  It looks like taking the bus 'round the island is the thing to do and I already had that on my trip spread sheet.  Thank you Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser and Sandi @StLouisCruisers for your great photos.  Is it kind of a HOHO?  (would we be able to get off at a beach and back on the bus later?)

 

Sandi @StLouisCruisers Yikes!  I was holding my breath all through your post.  How very scary for you not to mention your family.  Is it possible you have an allergy to something in the BBQ?  

 

Debbie @dfish I'm glad you're taking it easy and know not to push yourself. They say the 3rd day is the hardest, so be easy on yourself.

 

Jake @Crazy For Cats Welcome home!

 

Brenda @bennybear Wow, how great is that?!  I know here the President sends letters on your 100th birthday (my Dad got one) but nothing for a 50th anniversary. 

 

 

 

 

Carolyn, we've been in the motorhome in Colorado when the cottonwood fluff was flying.  It looked like snow, and even got stuck in the windows.  Another good medium Riesling but a little sweeter is Hogue.  DH likes when I get it since it has a screw top.  🤣  Ironically, when we got Château St. Michelle on Koningsdam, it had a screw top, but not on the ones in the stores around here.  We now have a battery operated corkscrew.

 

Well, it's time to get back to work.  It's not too bad in tje shade with the slight breeze blowing.

 

Lenda

 

[lobsternight]

Wishing a Happy Memorial Day weekend to all my fine Southern neighbors.

 

In a few hours I start my final pour of concrete in the back yard.  And because I don't have enough to do the DWs brakes started grinding.  Thats tomorrow.

[srdancer]

@1ANGELCAT so sad to hear about Fluff.

 

@StLouisCruisers How scary! I agree with so many, please see your PCP as soon as possible.

 

Prayers and healing for all who need them

Joy to those with something to celebrate

 

Friends of my parents had a piano that became a player piano with a switch. Once when we were visiting them, they asked me to play something for them. Their daughter, my age (around 11 or 12), threw the switch and locked the keyboard every time I tried to play. Ok with me, I hated to play for anyone except my own family.

[Denise T]

Hi everyone. Thank you for the daily and Fleet report. 

So far travel has been fine I am currently in Dallas/Fort Worth waiting to board for Anchorage. Got up at 3 so very exhausted with jet lag. 

Soon, very soon, I will be in Alaska. Tomorrow, we board the train to Whittier and then board the ship. 

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, bennybear said:

Good morning and thanks all! 

@StLouisCruisersyikes! I echo the others, please get checked by a doctor.  Better safe than sorry. 

@dfish glad you weren’t too uncomfortable!

 

! @0106 great looking recipes!

 

Well, we had a totally unexpected, lovely surprise in the mail yesterday! 

 

 

What a lovely surprise.

We contacted Buckingham Palace about my late parents 60th anniversary 13 years ago and her majesty the Queen sent them a 60th anniversary card.

[rafinmd]

Today's sunrise  is from my 2013 Blount cruise from New Orleans to Saint Petersburg.  On May 27 we visited Carabelle, Florida.

 

 

Roy

[travelnap]

40 minutes ago, Denise T said:

Hi everyone. Thank you for the daily and Fleet report. 

So far travel has been fine I am currently in Dallas/Fort Worth waiting to board for Anchorage. Got up at 3 so very exhausted with jet lag. 

Soon, very soon, I will be in Alaska. Tomorrow, we board the train to Whittier and then board the ship. 

Bon Voyage.  Hope you have a great cruise.

 

[Cruising-along]

1 hour ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

Carolyn, we've been in the motorhome in Colorado when the cottonwood fluff was flying.  It looked like snow, and even got stuck in the windows.  Another good medium Riesling but a little sweeter is Hogue.  DH likes when I get it since it has a screw top.  🤣  Ironically, when we got Château St. Michelle on Koningsdam, it had a screw top, but not on the ones in the stores around here.  We now have a battery operated corkscrew.

 

Well, it's time to get back to work.  It's not too bad in tje shade with the slight breeze blowing.

 

Lenda

 

The Cottonwoods are a real menace around here (it was a Cottonwood that fell on my neighbor's house).  So far today it doesn't seem as bad as usual, but it could just be taking its time. Even worse than the fluff are the seed pods that land on and stain the deck.  😞  

I'm going to take the opportunity while it isn't too bad and get out to do the yardwork (also to plant the flowers I just got at the nursery).

 

I've also had the Hogue Riesling and liked it too.  I'll have to pay more attention, I thought the Chateau St. Michelle at Total Wine here has a screw top, but wouldn't swear to it.

[StLouisCruisers]

I'm back for a minute to say thanks for everyone who suggested I see my doctor.  I can do that, though I have the same opinion that Roy @rafinmd did that I was dehyrdrated causing the meal to sit heavily on my stomach.  I do faint when dehydrated.  As for the higher heart rate, my pulse was about 95 at first but did go lower at the second reading.  I had a perfect EKG so I'm sure my racing pulse rate is no cause for alarm but an indication of all the excitement this caused.

 

Carolyn @Cruising-along we don't recall if the bus ride around the island was a Ho-Ho type ride.  I don't remember much to stop and get off to see.  It did stop at a hotel.  You could ask if you can get back on again at a stopping point like that.  Editing my post to say that I read Laura @Horizon chaser 1957's post from March 26, 2021 and she said they took the bus around the island and they stopped at Muri Beach for a while.  Then they got back on the bus to finish the circle.  She mentioned they have a bus that goes in each direction but I don't know why we picked the one we did.  Maybe it was next to leave.  It went clockwise and it seems like they drive on the left so my side of the bus was closest to the water for pictures.  Sit on the left side.

 

I haven't even had a bite of that cake yet, but have had only toast and tea or water to drink.  I'm saving my appetite for a salad or a soup for my dinner.  This restaurant is a fancy steakhouse and I definitely don't feel like steak yet.  I've felt great all day though.  

 

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend so far.

[SusieKIslandGirl]

On our South Pacific cruise, the weather was against us and we weren't able to tender in to Rarotonga. A year later we found a great price for a 10-day stay from the big C box store that included airfare, car rental and a beach bungalow. It was fantastic. The bus takes just under an hour to make a complete circle of the island so you should be able to get one every 30 minutes. I think we bought a multi-ride ticket when the rental car was returned.

Sort of sad day tomorrow-they're kicking us off the Nieuw Statendam. It's been a great cruise with fantastic weather for Norway. 4 days in Amsterdam and then fly home June 1.

[ocean sounds]

3 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

hope your flight is not affected by the strike.  I guess you could take a train if necessary.

 

Thanks, that’s what we were thinking.  We are lucky we will be in Frankfurt airport with high speed train access. 

[rafinmd]

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

  I can do that, though I have the same opinion that Roy @rafinmd did that I was dehyrdrated causing the meal to sit heavily on my stomach.  I do faint when dehydrated.  As for the higher heart rate, my pulse was about 95 at first but did go lower at the second reading. 

When I was in cardiac rehab I learned that one of the effects of dehydration was a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate.  Just before we started our rehab they took our vitals and if they were out of range we had to drink water and get them back in range before we could start our routine (the water worked quite quickly).  I have also found that when dehydrated I would sometimes start sweating profusely (cant explain but it's happened a number of times).  I think you mentioned sweating as you felt ready to faint.  I hope you can get a full copy of the EMS report with all the vitals to show your PCP.

 

Roy

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Hello.  I finally finished outside and had time to put everything away in the outside cabinets.  I wasn't sure if I'd feel like doing that chore tomorrow.  It didn't take nearly as long as it did to empty them.  I rearranged things, so I figure I'll be hunting for some things later.  I'm glad all that is behind me for awhile, except the grass, which just keeps growing  and growing.  😁

 

@Denise T  I hope you can manage to stay awake on the train tomorrow.  The scenery between Anchorage and Whittier along Turnagain Arm is amazing.  I also hope you have great weather for the train ride.  BTW, if possible side on the right side of the train, which will put you on the water sidemwith views across to the Kenai Peninsula.

@grapau27  Graham, I remember when we were on Oriana in 2000, the crew presented a lady who was celebrating her 100th birthday with a telegram from the Queen wishing her a Happy Birthday.

@StLouisCruisers  Sandi, I'm glad you are feeling good today.

@Cruising-along  Carolyn, DH and I remember the bus in Rarotonga was their local bus.  We also remember getting off on the other side of the island.  Since that was more than 18 years ago, we don't remember if we paid for one loop around the island or paid each time we boarded.  Things might be different after all these years, but I sort of doubt it.  As far as the  Riesling, here and in Arizona and California we have only seen it with corks.

@SusieKIslandGirl  It’s always a sad day when a cruise ends .  I'm glad you had a great cruise with good weather.  Enjoy your four days in Amsterdam.

@ocean sounds  It’s good therenithere is speed train just in case.

 

It's time to go fix dinner.

 

Lenda 

[Cruising-along]

2 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

 

Carolyn @Cruising-along we don't recall if the bus ride around the island was a Ho-Ho type ride.  I don't remember much to stop and get off to see.  It did stop at a hotel.  You could ask if you can get back on again at a stopping point like that.  Editing my post to say that I read Laura @Horizon chaser 1957's post from March 26, 2021 and she said they took the bus around the island and they stopped at Muri Beach for a while.  Then they got back on the bus to finish the circle.  She mentioned they have a bus that goes in each direction but I don't know why we picked the one we did.  Maybe it was next to leave.  It went clockwise and it seems like they drive on the left so my side of the bus was closest to the water for pictures.  Sit on the left side.

 

 

2 hours ago, SusieKIslandGirl said:

On our South Pacific cruise, the weather was against us and we weren't able to tender in to Rarotonga. A year later we found a great price for a 10-day stay from the big C box store that included airfare, car rental and a beach bungalow. It was fantastic. The bus takes just under an hour to make a complete circle of the island so you should be able to get one every 30 minutes. I think we bought a multi-ride ticket when the rental car was returned.

Sort of sad day tomorrow-they're kicking us off the Nieuw Statendam. It's been a great cruise with fantastic weather for Norway. 4 days in Amsterdam and then fly home June 1.

 

17 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

@Cruising-along  Carolyn, DH and I remember the bus in Rarotonga was their local bus.  We also remember getting off on the other side of the island.  Since that was more than 18 years ago, we don't remember if we paid for one loop around the island or paid each time we boarded.  Things might be different after all these years, but I sort of doubt it.  As far as the  Riesling, here and in Arizona and California we have only seen it with corks.

 

 

Lenda 

Thank you all!  I'm adding these tips to my spreadsheet.  No biggie if we can't get on and off the bus, I just thought it would be a good way to get to a beach plus see the area.  🙂  

[dfish]

Good evening, everyone!

 

I'm glad to see that @Denise T got on her plane and took off.  Held my breath on that one for a moment.

@StLouisCruisers You may be right about the dehydration.  But, how scary!  Follow up anyways with your PCP.  And, I'm glad you got to see Kai walk. 

 

I did manage to stay up all day again today.  There were some rocky moments, but I think I'm starting to get some relief from the gas issue.  My big event today was that I watered flowers outside.  They were looking a little droopy.  Maybe they were just empathetic with my feelings.  But, it felt good to be outside in the sunshine.  

@SusieKIslandGirl and @Crazy For Cats welcome home!   Jake I want all lowdown on the ports and ship.  July will be here before we know it.

 

Have a pleasant evening!

[grapau27]

Father David's Sunday Sermon 

Edited May 28, 2023 by grapau27

[grapau27]

 

[grapau27]

29 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

 

https://youtu.be/dBYmsuvO6y8

Just click on the link to get the picture of Father David and the sermon.

Edited May 28, 2023 by grapau27

[grapau27]

7 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Hello.  I finally finished outside and had time to put everything away in the outside cabinets.  I wasn't sure if I'd feel like doing that chore tomorrow.  It didn't take nearly as long as it did to empty them.  I rearranged things, so I figure I'll be hunting for some things later.  I'm glad all that is behind me for awhile, except the grass, which just keeps growing  and growing.  😁

 

@Denise T  I hope you can manage to stay awake on the train tomorrow.  The scenery between Anchorage and Whittier along Turnagain Arm is amazing.  I also hope you have great weather for the train ride.  BTW, if possible side on the right side of the train, which will put you on the water sidemwith views across to the Kenai Peninsula.

@grapau27  Graham, I remember when we were on Oriana in 2000, the crew presented a lady who was celebrating her 100th birthday with a telegram from the Queen wishing her a Happy Birthday.

@StLouisCruisers  Sandi, I'm glad you are feeling good today.

@Cruising-along  Carolyn, DH and I remember the bus in Rarotonga was their local bus.  We also remember getting off on the other side of the island.  Since that was more than 18 years ago, we don't remember if we paid for one loop around the island or paid each time we boarded.  Things might be different after all these years, but I sort of doubt it.  As far as the  Riesling, here and in Arizona and California we have only seen it with corks.

@SusieKIslandGirl  It’s always a sad day when a cruise ends .  I'm glad you had a great cruise with good weather.  Enjoy your four days in Amsterdam.

@ocean sounds  It’s good therenithere is speed train just in case.

 

It's time to go fix dinner.

 

Lenda 

Thank you Lenda.

There is a form online you fill in to request a birthday/anniversary for yourself or family member and usually you have to send a copy of birth/marriage certificate as proof.

Buckingham palace office then ensure the birthday/anniversary greetings are sent out.