Saturday December 9th, 2023 -- The Fleet Report and Daily

[grapau27]

1 minute ago, ottahand7 said:

Good morning everyone!  Thanks for the Daily Reports @richwmn.  My Christmas cards are complete and going to the mailbox as soon as I am done here.   We left our casino hotel yesterday without leaving anything behind but a couple of visits ago I left my Kindle.  they said I could come pick it up but since it is 2 + hours away they kindly shipped it to me.  Genocide prevention is important but little work that the UN does can stop it.   The Uighers in China, genocide in Ukraine by Russia and ...... on and on.   I don't get the quote and never got philosophy in school so will not waste any more time on it.   Thanks for the phots of Funchal today @StLouisCruisersand @grapau27.  My goodness @marshhawk you have some stories to tell of your visit there, especially Chuck getting caught in the bathroom!

 

Thanks for the food and drink each day @summer slope @cat shepardand @dfish.   I will take today's pinot noir for sure.   

 

Prayers for everyone on our care list.  @JazzyV I pray you had a better night's sleep.  Prayers for all in war zones through no fault of their own, Ukraine, the innocents in Gaza and Israel.   

 

It is a rainy day here in SW Michigan but it is 50 degrees which is wonderful for December.   I will get a lot more packing done as pickup is in 5 days although we haven't gotten our labels but I understand that is a universal issue right now.   We will have a marathon session of football tomorrow at our nearby casino sports book.  My Ravens Rams game is at one and it not televised here, it would be fairly lousy there with that big storm hitting the East Coast.  John's Vikings game versus the Raiders is at 4:30 and isn't televised here.   Life used to be so simple before the NFL moved their Sunday Ticket to streaming.  John's shingles has remained unchanged from yesterday so the medication is continuing to do its' job.   He has 6 more days to take it.  Have a lovely Saturday!  Nancy 

Thank you Nancy.

I'm pleased to hear John's shingles is being controlled.

Pauline and I both at different times had shingles and the early viral medication really helped us both.

[Mr. Boston]

Good morning everyone.  Thank-you for the daily report, recipes and lists.  I’ll be celebrating Christmas Card Day by actually starting mine.  I don’t think I understand today’s quote so I’ll have to mull it over.  The meal suggestion sounds great as does the drink.  I haven’t been to today’s port.  Prayers for those on our prayer list today.  Cheers to those celebrating happy events today!

[Haljo1935]

All great days; yes to the meal, drink and wine; important days in history. Nit been to the port, so I offer this morning's sunrise (what was left of it) east of FLL as seen from my balcony.

Prayers and positive thoughts for all. 

 

[ottahand7]

9 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

Thank you Nancy.

I'm pleased to hear John's shingles is being controlled.

Pauline and I both at different times had shingles and the early viral medication really helped us both.

You are so right.   Knowing the early symptoms can save a lot of misery down the road.  

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

It is kind of a gloomy day here in mid-MIchigan.  I hope things clear up later today.  We have nothing on the agenda except for a visit with our friend, Ellamary.  I scheduled the electricians to come back to install two new porch lights.  I would do that myself but it entails getting up higher on a ladder than I feel comfortable doing.  They will also fix the installation of the dining room light fixture.

 

It is my understanding that Shepherd's Pie is made with ground lamb.  If you make it with ground beef it is called Cottage Pie.  Today's recipes don't make that distinction, but if you want to be technically correct, use ground lamb.  https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/skillet-shepherd-s-pie/

 

 

What is nice is that you cook up the bottom layer in the skillet, top with potatoes, and stick it in the oven.  A cast iron skillet would work wonderfully for this.  https://www.aheadofthyme.com/skillet-shepherds-pie/

 

 

I like the seasonings in this recipe and would only leave out the carrots.  You can use Bob Evans ready made mashed potatoes if you'd like.  https://iowagirleats.com/skillet-shepherds-pie/

 

 

Be decorative with the potatoes and make the dish look pretty!

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

[0106]

I will reflect on Genocide Prevention today with special thoughts of the innocents in Israel and Gaza.

 

Prickly Pear margaritas are delicious.  Not too sweet, not too tart. I always order one when I’m in the Southwest.  
 

I am happy to be able share some pictures of the beautiful island of Madeira.  Our first stop was the market.Then up the mountain to this church which is also the place where the toboggan run begins.Next we walked over to the aerial tram that would take us down to the botanical gardens.

 

 

 

 Our evening sailaway.I could happily spend a week on the island!

[Haljo1935]

Left this out and was too late to edit (and correct a typo) so adding it here to the topic oof lost and found: cabinmate lost her lip balm; I think it rolled off the nightstand under the bed - perhaps she'll find it when she pulls out her suitcase. 

I haven't found a single duck in 2 weeks on this ship, but "hid" one this morning; I have 3 more to plant before they kick me off here tomorrow morning. 

[Nickelpenny]

14 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

Left this out and was too late to edit (and correct a typo) so adding it here to the topic oof lost and found: cabinmate lost her lip balm; I think it rolled off the nightstand under the bed - perhaps she'll find it when she pulls out her suitcase. 

I haven't found a single duck in 2 weeks on this ship, but "hid" one this morning; I have 3 more to plant before they kick me off here tomorrow morning. 

I wish I could find a duck!!!  😁

[cruising sister]

Good morning,

It is a little chilly and will only get into the 40’s. I am enjoying some quiet time until DGS gets up. Today we are passing out little Christmas gifts to the neighbors who are watching the house for me while I am gone. I am bringing one over to the assisted living to thank them for caring for Molly. 
 

I am at a standstill until I get my luggage scale today. Hopefully the bags fall within the weight range. Time is flying by and before you know it Christmas and then the cruise. 
 

I know we thank the core group that keeps this going, but we can’t thank you enough. 

 

I am happy to see all our crew sailing away soon. It’s good to get away from the winter blues. 
 

Prayers and well wishes. Have a great day!
 

 

 

[Nickelpenny]

Good morning to all from the Pacific Ocean on our way to Ensenada. Last full day onboard ☹️. 
 

Thanks for the daily and fleet reports. Genocide must be eradicated worldwide especially for the innocent people of Israel and Gaza. Thought provoking quote. 
 

Nice sea day yesterday though it was cold. Dinner at Pinnacle and they accommodated my request for the carpaccio they have on the lunch menu. Delicious!!!  Cantare, IMHO, fantastic!!!!!!  Caroling was done on board.  

Today is a lazy day for me. Not going ashore as my back is bothering me. Oh well. 
 

Thoughts for those on the care list and cheers for those celebrating!

 

Have a great day everyone. 

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from sunny Quartzsite.  Currently it is 48F and feels like 45F.  The humidify is 24% with a dew point of 13F.  Our high should reach 67F, and with the low humidity and sun, it should be pleasant outside today.

 

Our upcoming cruise is beginning to seem, real since yesterday, I made our reservations at the specialty restaurants.  I'm glad I did because the time slots that we wanted were almost filled.  There were no reservations left for Valentine's Day.  Today, I'll be sending in the information for the CCL stock obc.

 

I guess I was early for Christmas Card Day since all but one were mailed Thursday.  The one wasn't mailed since I don't know if they are still in Washington state or have made the annual migration to Mesa, AZ.  I hope everything that has been lost will be found today.  I wish Genocide Prevention Day could actually prevent genocide.  There is too much genocide in the world today when there shouldn't be any.

 

The Robert Hall quote is interesting, but I'll need to think about it more.

 

The meal sounds good, and Debbie's @dfish recipes look good.  Today's drink is one I hope to remember to try on Koningsdam.  The Pinot Noir is one I'd be willing to try.

 

Two interesting and important days in history.  The Mother of all Demos in 1968 showed the world the possibilities of computers.  The founding of the WNBA in 1978 was a big step for women's sports.

 

@grapau27  Graham, thank you for your nice pictures of Madeira.

@kazu  Jacqui, I hope you were not hurt except possibly your pride yesterday.  Hopefully the deicing will help keep the driveway ice free.

@rafinmd Roy, we took the gondola up and the toboggan down on the recommendation of Capt. John Scott.  It was fun and a bit scary at intersections since cars on the cross streets didin't stop.  The two men steering the toboggan knew what they were doing.

@Cruzin Terri  Terri, safe travels tomorrow to Jacksonville.  I hope all your tests show improvement and the dosage on the medicine for the PMR can be reduced.  I hope the concerning place on your leg is nothing to worry about.

@dobiemom  Safe travels today Marcia.  Glad you got a good night's sleep last night.

@ger_77  Gerry, it's a shame the weather didn't cooperate so your DGS could see the Christmas Train.  That is very nice of Wayne to take you and your DH to dinner as a thank you.

@ottahand7  Nancy, I'm glad John's shingles are stable and that the medicine is working.

@Nickelpenny  Pennie,  enjoy your last full sea day.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

Edited December 9, 2023 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[dfish]

@Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda, I wondered if there was a special meal in the Pinnacle for Valentine's Day since there are no time slots available and haven't been.  Either that or people got to them way before we did.

[mamaofami]

Good morning everyone. Yesterday our youngest grandson turned 18. He weighed 4 pounds when he was born and now is the tallest at almost 6 feet.

Yesterday I had the first of my dental procedures which was surgery to clean out an abscess  and hope it works so I don’t have to have the implant removed and start all over again. $2050 for yesterday . I have an appointment in January to have more work done and that will be $5000. And that won’t be the end because then I need some implants. I think I could sail around the world for what my teeth will cost. On a soft and cold food diet, antibiotics, but doing ok.

Our oldest grandson who is 27 informed us yesterday that he is planning to volunteer at a kibbutz in Israel to help out the country. Since he has duel citizenship, I’m really worried the army will grab him even though he’s been exempt so far because he doesn’t and hasn’t lived there but only visited. 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We have been to Madeira four times on different cruises.  The first time was in 2000 while on the P&O World Cruise out of Southampton.  Then next time was in 2004 on the Noordam.  Capt. Jon Scott suggested that we try the toboggans that go down a steep street. It was an interesting ride, and the two men who guide each toboggan down the street do a good job.  The scary part was the cross traffic that did not stop.  The third time, we were on the Tahitian Princess, and yes she was a long way from home.  The ship was headed to Singapore for a drydock and name change to Ocean Princess.  Our final visit was in 2017 on the Prinsendam's TA to Ft. Lauderdale.

 

When we have visited Madeira, we have walked around town, taken a tour, taken the Ho-Ho and the last time rented a car.  Our one tour was a 4-wheel drive to the mountain top which was partially successful.  It had snowed on the mountain the night before, and while we drove up there, we could not do the off-road part.  Instead, we had our picnic lunch in the vehicle and then proceeded  back to town to tour a winery.

 

This is a view from our 4-wheel vehicle.

 

The toboggans after we finished our run.

 

A  view of the main shopping street.

 

The outside of the market that sells fish, fruits, vegetables and arts and crafts.

 

Two blue-hulled beauties in 2004.  The Prinsendam was on her World Cruise.  One of our tablemates parents were on the Pdam and they got to visit the ship.

 

 

The other side of the island is totally different.  It is the windy side of the island and the towns are smaller.  None of my pictures there were very good.

 

Lenda

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

I looked through my pictures from our 2017 visit to Funchal on Prinsendam.  With a little work, some of the ones on the other side of the island are now decent enough to share.  Quite a few were taken from the car, so please forgive the pictures of the dashboard.

 

This was taken as we headed toward the north shore of Madeira.  On the way, we took the main road that traveled through several tunnels.

 

These pictures were taken along the coast road between Sao Vincente and Seixal.

 

 

The next few were taken in the area of  Porto Moniz at the northwestern tip of the island.

 

This island is just off the coast at Porto Moniz, and if you look carefully at the top, there is a navigational light powered by solar panels.

 

These rock formations were just off shore at Riberia da Janela.

 

 

The town of Seixal

 

Going back across the island, we took the scenic road that goes over the mountains.  We passed this vineyard.

 

Views from the lookout point at the top of a pass.

 

Looking down at the road we would be traveling back to Funchal.

 

A few pictures of Funchal

 

We drove up a valley on the other side to the main area of Funchal.  We took a couple of pictures of this bridge, but weren't planning on crossing it.  Somehow, we managed to get on the road that took the bridge across the valley.  It was scarier looking up at it than driving across it.

 

 

Lenda

[kazu]

Madeira - I’ve lost count on how many times but so happy that I discovered Daniel so many years ago.  he and his team do an excellent job showing you different areas of the fantastic topography of Madeira.

Unfortunately some of the better pics could not be taken by me.  It was too hard to manoeuver with the crutches/wheel chair (back when i hurt my foot). 

 

 

 

There are valleys, mountains and hills and of course, on all sides, the beautiful ocean.

 

 

Madeira’s climate is perfect for plants.  Any member of the Gardening Club would enjoy it there.  Anything grows and plants have been brought in from all over the world and thrived.

 

 

 

Since it’s Christmas - yes, this is a poinsettia, but it’s a tree, not the little plant we know here or the bushes in Mexico.

 

 

A close up - it really is a poinsettia.

 

 

You can see some of the height of parts of the island.  The hills are terraced for farming, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of Madeira’s many levadas  (like waterfalls).  The water flows from the mountains.  it is so clear it is safe to drink and is tested regularly.  Some people enjoy walking the trails and coming down them.

 

 

 

 

 

A truly beautiful island no matter which area you decide to explore

 

 

 

the island is beautiful to approach in the day and, if you lucky enough to leave the island at night, you are in for a pretty sight.

 

 

[RMLincoln]

@kazu Jacqui, so glad you weren’t hurt going splat!  I was just thinking last night that it’s almost a year since your elbow debacle. I hope it continues to improve albeit slowly. Thanks for the good wishes for our trek to the Philadelphia airport Wednesday!  I’m more nervous about it than I would usually be driving to an airport, guessing because it’s all so unfamiliar. 
 

Woke to a text this foggy morning that the condo buyers accepted new terms after the inspection! We think part of the inspection is actually wrong but can’t prove it from here so we addressed what we work we could order in a timely manner (done yesterday) and offered them a small price discount for the other two items, and they have agreed to it all!  Yay!  Tentative closing Dec 29!  Would love to be done with it this year. 
 

Had a little better sleep last night 7 hrs. Will try to do both a little unpacking today and some pre-packing for the trip. I’m missing some things, I’m sure they’re in a box somewhere- lots of boxes to choose from!  
 

Granddaughter and her in-laws are to be disembarking MSC today- I’m eager to hear how they liked it. Other granddaughter and her “groom” are flying out today to San Antonio!  I’m so excited for them- young love, great hopes for beginning their life together!  
 

@Cruzin Terri prayers for a smooth and successful trip to Mayo!  
@ottahand7Go Ravens! Wonderful that John is stabilizing. 
@marshhawk Annie, love your stories!  Hope you both can keep getting better! 
@Jazzy Vanessa, you need some good news 🙏. 
 

Blessings for all in need, in weather, in wars, in pain. 
Cheers to all celebrating. Life is Good🌈
Smooth travels to all away!  

Thanks all for being here, for the encouragement and sharing, and all the beautiful photos- we’ve enjoyed beautiful Funchal too, great memories!  (As a geologist I’ve been absolutely thrilled to be walking on the tippy-tops of the mid-Atlantic ridge underwater mountain chain! Just magical for me!)

Be safe!  Maureen 

[0106]

51 minutes ago, dfish said:

I wondered if there was a special meal in the Pinnacle for Valentine's Day since there are no time slots available and haven't been. 

I was on the Rotterdam last year on Valentine’s Day.  There was a special meal in the Pinnacle.  It was a fixed menu with higher cost.  IMO it was not worth it.

Edited December 9, 2023 by 0106

[cat shepard]

@Quartzsite Cruiser

 

Lenda, not sure Steve would be interested, but supposedly this hole in the sun is the size of six Earths! I would imagine it would be spectacular when viewing through your own telescope!

 

 

 

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

Mid 30's F this morning and more rain in the forecast.  We're supposed to get a few sunny days next week, I hope to do some garden/yard clean up before we leave.  A neighbor's grandson will come mow the lawn in the spring if needed while we're gone, but I'd like it looking good before we leave at least.

 

Our Christmas cards went out last week and we've already gotten 2 in the mail.  There are fewer every year, sadly.  A few are from old Navy friends going back more than 40 years.  They're always the most faithful in sending.  I will celebrate lost and found and genocide prevention. If only it could be eradicated forever.  The meal sounds very good, as does the drink but will pass on the red wine.  

 

Today will be more cruise planning and Christmas prep.  I still haven't wrapped the presents, need to do that before the DGSs visit next week for a couple days.  

 

I've been to Funchal only once, it was at the end of our 50'th anniversary 65-day Med cruise(s) Nov. 2019.  We started on the Nieuw Statendam and ended on the Koningsdam.  I'd love to get back to see more, we toured the town and did a wine tasting in an old fort.  I bought flowers at the market for our cabin, the last flowers I bought on the trip.  Would love to see some of the outlying areas too.

 

200 doors have been painted, a project started in 2010

 

 

We went to the Farmers Market

 

 

 

Flowers from the market for our cabin

 

Lots of leather and cork products

 

Some of the many flower arrangements at the market

 

And the fish

 

 

 

 

[cunnorl]

Good Morning from a warm and sunny day at the beach

      Mailed my Christmas Cards yesterday. Havent lost anything lately. Have not been to todays port but it is  a scheduled stop on a booked cruise in2025. Thanks for the pictures, always helpful.

   @kazu  Hope you did not hurt yourself with the fall. 

     @mamaofami  Your grandson must be very special to volunteer. I will keep him in my prayers.

    Tonite is our annual boat parade. Looks like great weather for it. We are going to a friends house. They have a great location on the river. Plus we can walk because the traffic will be insane. Will be fun.

    My sister made a big dinner and dropped it off to the First Responders who helped when my niece had her baby. She made lasagna, pasta, meatballs, garlic bread, salad  and lots of cookies. They were very surprised and thankful. The Police and Fire Chief both called her to thank her. 

 

Stay safe and enjoy today

    Charlene

[durangoscots]

Good morning from sunny and cold Durango. Temp was about 15F when I took dogs out for the first walk. High today maybe mid-30's but then it is due to warm up into the 40's for the next or so..... maybe. Even though he has little fur, the Chihuahua prefers to walk naked. I have given up trying to get a coat on him and we just rush out and in.

 

Yesterday was sort of a lost day. I had a meeting and the person who was supposed to chair it has come down with a terrible virus. She passed the pleasure on to me so I spent time preparing and then 2 hours at the meeting itself. Was tired when I got home and felt really stressed. Today is an errand day with several shopping stops thrown in and then tomorrow I have got to finish up the packing for the cruise pick-up as best I can.It will be what it will be. I may be doing a bit of shopping in San Diego and Hawaii. Or maybe more than a bit.

 

I have never felt this disorganized before a cruise before.  And of course I am watching and worrying about the weather which does not help. And making my flight which is one of those before dawn types which means I leave the house about 3AM for what promises to be a very, very, very, very long day.  I have allowed myself time (I hope) to get to San Diego and have time to visit with a friend who used to cruise with me but is now in a memory care facility.

 

Had better get cracking. I am wishing the best to all with dental and doctor's appointments or are just ailing. We seem to go in waves.

 

Take care....

 

Susan

 

 

 

 

 

 

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

I looked through my pictures from our 2017 visit to Funchal on Prinsendam.  With a little work, some of the ones on the other side of the island are now decent enough to share.  Quite a few were taken from the car, so please forgive the pictures of the dashboard.

 

This was taken as we headed toward the north shore of Madeira.  On the way, we took the main road that traveled through several tunnels.

 

These pictures were taken along the coast road between Sao Vincente and Seixal.

 

 

The next few were taken in the area of  Porto Moniz at the northwestern tip of the island.

 

This island is just off the coast at Porto Moniz, and if you look carefully at the top, there is a navigational light powered by solar panels.

 

These rock formations were just off shore at Riberia da Janela.

 

 

The town of Seixal

 

Going back across the island, we took the scenic road that goes over the mountains.  We passed this vineyard.

 

Views from the lookout point at the top of a pass.

 

Looking down at the road we would be traveling back to Funchal.

 

A few pictures of Funchal

 

We drove up a valley on the other side to the main area of Funchal.  We took a couple of pictures of this bridge, but weren't planning on crossing it.  Somehow, we managed to get on the road that took the bridge across the valley.  It was scarier looking up at it than driving across it.

 

 

Lenda

Nice collection of photos Lenda.

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, kazu said:

Madeira - I’ve lost count on how many times but so happy that I discovered Daniel so many years ago.  he and his team do an excellent job showing you different areas of the fantastic topography of Madeira.

Unfortunately some of the better pics could not be taken by me.  It was too hard to manoeuver with the crutches/wheel chair (back when i hurt my foot). 

 

 

 

There are valleys, mountains and hills and of course, on all sides, the beautiful ocean.

 

 

Madeira’s climate is perfect for plants.  Any member of the Gardening Club would enjoy it there.  Anything grows and plants have been brought in from all over the world and thrived.

 

 

 

Since it’s Christmas - yes, this is a poinsettia, but it’s a tree, not the little plant we know here or the bushes in Mexico.

 

 

A close up - it really is a poinsettia.

 

 

You can see some of the height of parts of the island.  The hills are terraced for farming, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of Madeira’s many levadas  (like waterfalls).  The water flows from the mountains.  it is so clear it is safe to drink and is tested regularly.  Some people enjoy walking the trails and coming down them.

 

 

 

 

 

A truly beautiful island no matter which area you decide to explore

 

 

 

the island is beautiful to approach in the day and, if you lucky enough to leave the island at night, you are in for a pretty sight.

 

 

Thank you for an Interesting collection of photos of the island.

Edited December 9, 2023 by grapau27

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, 0106 said:

I will reflect on Genocide Prevention today with special thoughts of the innocents in Israel and Gaza.

 

Prickly Pear margaritas are delicious.  Not too sweet, not too tart. I always order one when I’m in the Southwest.  
 

I am happy to be able share some pictures of the beautiful island of Madeira.  Our first stop was the market.Then up the mountain to this church which is also the place where the toboggan run begins.Next we walked over to the aerial tram that would take us down to the botanical gardens.

 

 

 

 Our evening sailaway.I could happily spend a week on the island!

Nice photos.