Sunday November 26th, 2023 -- The Fleet Report and Daily

[grapau27]

5 minutes ago, kochleffel said:

I'm not sure what an International Cake would be. There are a number of small breweries near me, but I'm not a frequent customer.

 

The meal would be OK with me but I'm more likely to have fish. The drink would be OK, too, but drinks formulated to sell a specific brand of liquor annoy me. Cheaper Bourbon would probably be indistinguishable in this one; I'd drink the Maker's Mark by itself. For a Pinot Noir, Element 2012 is legendary and still available, at a price. I haven't been to Jakarta.

 

@grapau27 Graham, I am envious. The Oosterdam went to Gran Canaria and Tenerife instead of Lisbon and Madeira.

 

I'm thinking again about packing for the January cruise. It's on the Anthem of the Seas, 11 days with 2 days in NYC before. HAL's laundry service was incredibly convenient, but RCI doesn't offer laundry packages and, unless there's a mid-cruise special, it's all by the piece -- and anyway, RCI's laundry gets bad reviews -- so I'll be doing hand laundry, which means focusing on clothing that isn't too difficult to wash in a sink. 

 

But before that I have to finish a presentation for class on Thursday, and before that a lesson Isaiah to teach on Monday evening.

 

 

 

 

Thank you.

We were on P&O Iona for the third time.

We have been on Anthem of the sea's twice and really enjoyed both cruises.

Edited November 26, 2023 by grapau27

[grapau27]

6 minutes ago, Overhead Fred said:

Graham (@grapau27), we will be in A Coruna next April. Can you give us any suggestions about shore excursions?

We were due to overnight in Lisbon and visit Cadiz as well but our itinerary was changed due to industrial action by port workers.

Cadiz was cancelled and La Corunna was substituted at the last minute so no time to investigate tours sorry.

We have been there 3 times before.

It is 5 minutes walk to the old town from the ship and this is what we did.

There is also a nice square picture 5 with a few restaurants etc 

There are a few shopping streets running adjacent to the promenade.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

1 hour ago, grapau27 said:

Good afternoon and thank you for today's daily reports.

We have just arrived home after a 14 night cruise visiting

Tenerife.

Gran canaria.

Lanzarote.

Madeira.

Lisbon.

La Corunna.

I'm sorry I couldn't say anything during the cruise but I appreciate you all know why.

Fred Olsen Borealis formerly

MS Rotterdam was in Madeira.

 

Welcome home Graham and Pauline.  I'm happy you had a great cruise.  Thanks for the pictures of the former Rotterdam VI.  She is a lovely ship, and we enjoyed a total of 67 days on board.

 

56 minutes ago, luvteaching said:

Good morning, 

 

It's a frosty and clear day here in the Pacific Northwest. We've had quite a string of these days and no rain forecasted until Friday. This morning it's 22F on the front porch and the predicted high is 47. 

I had a lovely Thanksgiving with DDIL's family at the place they rented. It was an afternoon of easy conversation and good food so what more can you ask for? On Black Friday I was one of those out shopping. I was at Fred Meyer before 8:00 AM and got the items on my list so that was good. Yesterday was a quick stop at Costco for the Cranberry Walnut bread (2 loaves to slice and freeze) and it wasn't that busy which surprised me. Today is staying home, rearranging the living room and getting the tree up and the lights on. If I get further than that I'll be happy.

 

Have a lovely Sunday!

Karen 

 

Karen, I'm glad the Thanksgiving  dinner with family was so nice.  Great news you were able to get your shopping done without the huge crowds.

 

49 minutes ago, Overhead Fred said:

Graham (@grapau27), we will be in A Coruna next April. Can you give us any suggestions about shore excursions?

 

Fred, we've been to A Coruna twice, and enjoyed both visits.  The first time in 2004 on Noordam III, we took the city bus out to the lighthouse, Torre de Hercules, which is built on the base of an old Roman lighthouse.  We then took the bus back into town and wandered around.  It is a very walkable town with shopping streets and a nice beach area.  The second visit in 2011 on Prinsendam, we took a ship's tour to Santiago de Compostela, and enjoyed it.  We even had time to wander around the town again.  I'm sure you and Mitzi will enjoy your day there whatever you decide to do.

 

Lenda

[grapau27]

[arzz]

 

Sigh - also encountered the Borealis (aka Rotterdam VI) today.  We are sharing the pier in Antigua with her.  Though we never traveled on the Rotterdam we had so many, many days on her sister the Amsterdam it was emotional to see her today with the red funnels and yellow life boats.  @grapau27 nice video.

[kazu]

4 hours ago, cruising sister said:

The only update I have on Murphy is that she was on 25% breast milk and 75% elemental formula. They felt they were weaning her too fast on the CPAP so they slowed it down. She continues with therapy and working on her using her vocal cords. They predict at least a couple more months. Thanks for all the prayers. 

 

It’s sounding promising.  Good for the little fighter ♥️. My prayers continue for her 🙏 

 

3 hours ago, RMLincoln said:

Yesterday was DH’s birthday, a quiet but special day together!  81. I made a favorite cake for him, a flourless chocolate cake!  

 

A very happy belated 81st birthday to your DH 🎂. It sounds like he was treated well 🙂 

 

 

 

3 hours ago, RMLincoln said:

We’re trying to take it one day at a time but there is planning to do too. We’re tired, disoriented and I’ll admit I miss my connections I made in Maryland. But we’re here and it’ll work. Dinner on campus has been a godsend. Energy and sanity saving. Food is good, choices are plentiful. More about that another time. Will I settle in here and like it?  I sure hope so but I’m not thinking much ahead. 

 

Going slow is the smart approach, Maureen.  I hope that you do get settled and enjoy it as time goes by 🤞 

 

 

1 hour ago, Overhead Fred said:

 we will be in A Coruna next April. Can you give us any suggestions about shore excursions?

 

A Coruna is beautiful and it is very close to Santiago de Compostela.  It is fabulous and really worth the visit.  If you are lucky enough to be in the Cathedral when pilgrims arrive you will love the special display they do.  The museum there is not well publicized and is really interesting as is the upper level where it is and so many burial stones in the floor.

 

A Coruna is pretty and an easy exploration.

 

Either way you can’t go wrong but I would do Santiago de Compostela and see a bit of A Coruna after if there is time.

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

Another crisp, sunny morning, 28 F again this morning, now up to 34 heading for 45.  

I was awake for 4 hours give or take again last night -- absolutely no reason unless it was because I can't seem to turn off my brain.  Vanessa @JazzyV I just don't know how you do it.  At least I was able to get some sleep before and after that 4 hours, and I'm not in pain like you are. Sending (((hugs)))

 

All good days, I'll pass on the red wine and the drink but the first 2 recipes look good to me.  Last night the stuffed peppers were delicious and tonight we'll be having rotisserie chicken.  That will probably make 2-3 meals for us.  I haven't been to Jakarta, but my parents lived there for a few months when my Dad was there on business.  I loved hearing their stories of living there.

 

Our cruise is now only 37 days off, and HAL has yet to let us know what the Theme Nights will be....so it's a little hard to plan for those plus get ready for the holidays.  Hoping they get busy this week and we hear something.  Meanwhile our packing continues, I'm probably half finished.

 

Yesterday we did a big grocery shopping, and should have enough to get us through the next 35 days other than needing to pick up milk and produce during that time.  

 

Roy @rafinmd I'm worried about you too -- please let us know what you learn at Urgent Care.  

@Haljo1935 Bon Voyage!

 

 

[Nickelpenny]

Good morning to everyone and thanks for the daily and fleet reports.

 

Having a wonderful time on the Volendam. Been keeping busy. We have our hula recital tomorrow at 3pm on the World Stage so I have been practicing. The food has been delicious but I have only been to the MDR once and the rest of the time in the Lido. 
 

we are still rocking quite a bit. I did not know this ship does not have Azipods. 
 

Thoughts for everyone on the care list and cheers to those celebrating. Please forgive me for not mentioning people by name!

 

have a great Sunday everyone!

[rafinmd]

In the ER.  Diagnosis is fluid around the chest.  Will be here probably a couple days.

 

Memorial in Hollywood.

 

Roy

[kazu]

3 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

In the ER.  Diagnosis is fluid around the chest.  Will be here probably a couple days.

 

Memorial in Hollywood.

 

Roy

 

Oh my heavens, Roy 😱.  Scary - sorry to hear it but so grateful you went to get it checked.  I pray that the doctors can get to the bottom of it quickly for you 🙏 

[JazzyV]

14 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

In the ER.  Diagnosis is fluid around the chest.  Will be here probably a couple days.

 

Memorial in Hollywood.

 

Roy

Oh no, Roy. Good thing you listened to your body and got checked out. I hope they can get you feeling much better in a couple of days. Praying for you!

[Seasick Sailor]

14 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

In the ER.  Diagnosis is fluid around the chest.  Will be here probably a couple days.

 

Memorial in Hollywood.

 

Roy

 

Oh Roy, I have been concerned and kept checking to see if you posted. Please keep us updated!!

[1ANGELCAT]

Good cold and starting to rain afternoon. It was warmer in Juneau than it was here this morning.

  Yesterday I supposed a small family greenhouse in Strasburg for a wreath and porch planter. I worked in retail for 40 years, so I avoid Black Friday at all costs.

Blessings and prayers to all on our lists.

 

[grapau27]

47 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

In the ER.  Diagnosis is fluid around the chest.  Will be here probably a couple days.

 

Memorial in Hollywood.

 

Roy

Prayers 🙏 for successful treatment Roy.

[aliaschief]

@rafinmd Roy, Thoughts  and prayers for a quick healing.

[dfish]

1 hour ago, rafinmd said:

In the ER.  Diagnosis is fluid around the chest.  Will be here probably a couple days.

 

Memorial in Hollywood.

 

Roy

I am thankful you listened and got it checked out, but dismayed at the diagnosis.  Keeping you close in the next few days and wishing you a rapid recovery.  

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

1 hour ago, rafinmd said:

In the ER.  Diagnosis is fluid around the chest.  Will be here probably a couple days.

 

Memorial in Hollywood.

 

Roy

 

Roy, I'm so glad you listened to your body and got it checked out.  I am sorry about the diagnosis, and hope the treatment will help and you will be recovered quickly.  We'll be keeping you in our thoughts.

 

Lenda

[ottahand7]

Prayers for you Roy.  🙏 I have been thinking of you since you mentioned it this morning.  Glad you went to the ER and grateful you were back in "civilization". 

[smitty34877]

1 hour ago, rafinmd said:

In the ER.  Diagnosis is fluid around the chest.  Will be here probably a couple days.

 

Memorial in Hollywood.

 

Roy

I am sorry to hear the diagnosis but so glad you will be treated appropriately in the hospital. Sending prayers for you, Roy. We will keep you close.

[grapau27]

5 hours ago, RMLincoln said:

Hello from New Jersey. We’re slow. Beginning a little recovery after the push for the move. I’m not caught up on posts but I did read Roy’s blog. 
 

We had grandkids here several days, they get a lot done. We’re grateful but need time in between to recover, although on our days off we did other chores- got first groceries, gas for car for Thanksgiving Day trip to my cousins, a security sticker for our car, new cell phone service and one cell phone replaced - a new phone is so frustrating!  Granddaughter helped with that. 
 

The holiday with my cousins was fun but tiring. The drive up, hour and a half, was gentle and I shared it with DH when his eyes were too itchy going up, and he was too tired coming back. We had a meaningful Remembrance for the cousin who died in October; with 2 of his 3 sons and their families with us. We were about 45 people!  Borrowed the fire station meeting hall!  It was perfect. I’m so glad I could be part of it all, closer to family. 
 

DH’s eyes have been pretty bad with the itching, very inflamed and sore. He did manage to get an appointment with a glaucoma specialist about half hour from us for this coming Thursday. Getting started. Surgery in Maryland is January 16. The granddaughter’s wedding trip to San Antonio is coming fast, we leave Dec 13. Lots coming up, we’re trying to pace ourselves. 
 

Yesterday was DH’s birthday, a quiet but special day together!  81. I made a favorite cake for him, a flourless chocolate cake!  

 

[RECIPE:  1 15 oz can drained chickpeas blenderized with 4 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, half tsp baking powder, tsp each vanilla and almond extract; combine with 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips melted;, pour all into pie plate sprayed with Pam, lined with waxed paper and sprayed again. Bake 350 40 mins. Turn out onto plate, gently peel off paper, coat with jam -raspberry, strawberry or orange work we’ll ; frost with 6oz chocolate chips melted and combined with half cup Greek yogurt or sour cream, 1/2 tsp each vanilla and almond extract.]

 

 It’s been a favorite recipe for 20 years. DH does not like any beans but blenderized with chocolate works!  
 

We’re trying to take it one day at a time but there is planning to do too. We’re tired, disoriented and I’ll admit I miss my connections I made in Maryland. But we’re here and it’ll work. Dinner on campus has been a godsend. Energy and sanity saving. Food is good, choices are plentiful. More about that another time. Will I settle in here and like it?  I sure hope so but I’m not thinking much ahead. 
 

Wont see the grandkids till after the wedding trip. The married couple is working this week, then on a cruise with his family for his parents’ 45th!  MSC out of Brooklyn. We’ll learn more!  
 

We’ll be going slow. Thanks for your continued support. Thank you Vanessa!  Blessings go out every day whether I post or not. Healing, Joy and Peace!  Life is Good!  So many suffering near and far need our support!  
 

I feel for Roy! I hope you find a cause with a solution!   I have to walk more here to get to dining, mail, front desk, etc and sometimes use the many chairs around for a rest. Hip has been difficult at times, other times better. We tried the hot tub once, I need to do the pool for hip exercises. Maybe today while DH watches football. I haven’t gotten up yet…. no hurries!  
Maureen 

Happy belated 81st birthday yesterday for your husband Maureen.

[grapau27]

4 minutes ago, smitty34877 said:

I am sorry to hear the diagnosis but so glad you will be treated appropriately in the hospital. Sending prayers for you, Roy. We will keep you close.

Sending you and Tana our best wishes Terry.

Graham.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We knew the temperatures in Quartzsite were higher than normal last summer, and after learning our HVAC had quit before the summer heat began, we were pleasantly surprised that there was no damage to the house.  When we're gone, we keep the a/c on and set between 90 and 92F to keep things from drying out.

 

Today, when I was putting out the rest of the Christmas decorations, I was surprised that some of the candles stored on the top shelf of a closet didn't fare very well.  Two were red, green and white.  Now, they are more red and green, and part of the design is flatter, but I still put them out.  These are the ones that didn't do so well.

 

.

The one on the left was a round ball candle, but I think it is funky like this, so it's a keeper.  The one the right was three round candles to fit in a round glass holder.  They can still be lighted and used, so they too are on display.  However, poor Santa didn't survive, instead collapsed in on himself.  Some of the foil he was wrapped in melted into the wax.

 

One additional item, the snow globe we've had since 1985, lost more than half the liquid inside.  We now know how a snow globe is made since we took it apart.  We drained the remaining liquid and cleaned the scene and inside of the globe.  Once it's dry, DH will put it back together, and it will be displayed dry.  BTW, the "snow" was tiny pieces of plastic, which are in the trash.

 

Lenda

 

 

[smitty34877]

Thank you Graham @grapau27.

i am glad that you and Pauline had a great time on your cruise. And I do enjoy the food pictures!

[ChaCr]

2 hours ago, rafinmd said:

In the ER.  Diagnosis is fluid around the chest.  Will be here probably a couple days.

 

Memorial in Hollywood.

 

Roy

I am so sorry!  Hopes and prayers coming your way for a quick recovery.

 

Charles

[cat shepard]

2 hours ago, rafinmd said:

In the ER.  Diagnosis is fluid around the chest.  Will be here probably a couple days.

 

Memorial in Hollywood.

 

Roy

Roy

 

Thank you for letting us know. And thank you for knowing yourself well enough to know when something is not quite right. 
 

Ann