Tuesday December 12th, 2023 -- The Fleet Report and Daily

[kazu]

1 hour ago, ottahand7 said:

Good morning everyone!  I have 2 doctor appointments today, Dermatologist at 8:30 and regular NP for my annual check up at 2:30.  I will try to check in later today.  Have a nice day!  Nancy 

 

Best wishes for your appointments today, Nancy.

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Nickelpenny said:

Received a call changing my appointment with the spinal surgeon AGAIN!  The time didn't work for me but was able to change it to a better time tomorrow.  I hope I get some answers.  

 

Glad you were successful getting it changed.  Best wishes for your appointment tomorrow and I sure hope you can get some answers 🤞 

 

 

55 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

 

Learned I am needed out of town for work in March same dates as my cruise, so I canceled it yesterday and hope to find an acceptable replacement. 

 

Sorry you had to cancel a cruise 😔. I’m not sure which one it is but know you have some cruises on the Future Cruise Listing.  If the cancelled one is on the list please don’t forget to post on the FCL so I don’t do a Bon Voyage for you in error.  Thanks 🙂 

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

We have a chilly start to the day, but the skies are blue and the sun is shining.  I'll take it.  Winter in mid-Michigan can be rather gloomy so we celebrate every sunny day we get.  We are going for a pedicure this morning and then the rest of the day is free.  

 

Yesterday I said we were taking a break from butternut squash and curry, not realizing how short a break that would be.  Add in the chickpeas and that takes the cake.   We'll be having fish and veggies.  Or, we might copy @ger_77 Gerry and her DH for dinner.  https://rainbowplantlife.com/thai-butternut-squash-chickpea-curry/

 

 

https://www.noracooks.com/butternut-squash-curry/  This one looks a little more soupy.  

 

 

This last one has some other veggies added in to help cut the starch.  https://www.aheadofthyme.com/butternut-squash-curry-with-chickpeas/

 

 

I checked and there is no more butternut squash for the rest of the year.  If I missed one, I'll just make something else up.  

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing.

[0106]

The best place to celebrate National Poinsettia Day would be at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA.  If you are ever in the Philadelphia or Baltimore area, this is an amazing garden to visit regardless of the season.  The conservatory displays for the holiday are outstanding,  particularly the poinsettia trees.

 

When I think of ambrosia, I think of Easter.  My PA Dutch grandma always made it with canned pineapple, mandarin oranges and maraschino cherries, freshly whipped cream with grated coconut on top.  Brings back a nice memory.

 

Image teaching Camus to 10th grade World Literature students…  I believe the quote means that you need to take time to enjoy life and be fully present.  

I believed there has been a “canned” EXC talk on Marconi on every HAL cruise in recent memory.  A great man but time for HAL to come up with some new material.

 

Positive thoughts to those who need them.  Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.

[tupper10]

I sincerely hope everyone is feeling a bit better. @JazzyV I really feel for you having suffered with back pain.    My doctor  - who did the surgery - referred me to a pain specialist  last year and the pain specialist helped me survive until I had my surgery.  Perhaps you can get a referral to a pain specialist from the neurosurgeon since even if the doctor recommends surgery it often takes time to have the procedure.  

 

So glad to see so many packing for long cruises.  I hope everyone has a fabulous time and posts about their travels, assuming you all have internet.

 

Jackie- glad to hear that you are all fine and the weather has passed. It looked like quite the storm in your area.  

 

Terri- sorry to hear about your medical issues. I hope your doctors can help you get back on track.

 

Terry - I am amazed by all you do for your family.  I also think you should take some time for yourself as the caregiver also needs care and a break from responsibilities and time to mourn as well.  It is okay to spend the day 'in bed' so to speak - I call them pajama days.  

 

@cruising sister I feel for you about your niece but can't you tell her this is not a good time for you and you would love to facetime vs an in person visit?  When I read the advice columns the advice they give is to be able to say no - not that I am good at this but it is an aspiration.  

 

Not much on the agenda today. I am still suffering the s/x of the RSV vaccine - my arm is very swollen and I feel 'off'. I have to drive my DH to the eye doctor, do a few errands and then home for the day. Luckily I work remotely (P/T) so no office to go into and I can work my own hours.  Like you @Cruzin Terri I have to do the driving now.  We also sold our 2nd car last year since it was just sitting in the driveway.  The only time we need a car is when our kids come to visit but renting a car is a lot less expensive than maintaining a second car for their short visits.

 

I had better go and get ready to start the day.  Sending healing thoughts to all.  

[marshhawk]

Good Tuesday Morning Dailyites!  Temps say 30 degrees and another completely blue sky.

 

Usually at this time of year, we are watching Christmas movies non stop at night, but the older I get, the more I realize, "didn't I just watch that?"  The years go by more quickly.  And for the rest of the week, I will be working night shifts.  No movies.

 

I love gingerbread....the cake kind, with whipped cream.  I like butternut squash, I like curry, and I like chick peas after they have been made into hummus.  Would not like them all together.  For some reason I cant just eat a chick pea....texture.

 

Yesterday I found out that one of my jobs will be cutting hours during the week before and after Christmas.  That's nice.  Have not heard of any change in the CA job.  I texted my old boss, one that had been let go right before Thanksgiving.  She has a Masters in Hospital Admin, and has had two interviews with a hospital that is 5 minutes from her home.  They told her yesterday, that she is over qualified for the job, and that they could not pay her a respectable salary.  She told them that she would be doing online teaching to make up what they don't pay.

 

Isn't some kind of job better than unemployment?  She does want the job, she needs to be close to home, because she lives with her elderly mom, and is her caregiver.  Her mom who is in her late 80's also works for the same company that I do. So it's true, I can work until I fall over.

 

Today is walk the dog, go to the bank, go to the post office to mail bills, have lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant, and leave off our Christmas card, with Christmas tip, come home, work in the yard, and then at 5 go to work.  

 

I hope that everyone is feeling a bit better today, I do worry about @JazzyV and @smitty34877

and @Nickelpenny and @Cruzin Terri and @dfish.  I hope that you are doing a bit better today.

 

I was having one of those nights with leg cramps, the kind that make you get out of bed and wander the halls.  I didnt have my glasses on, but on one of those wanderings I went into the kitchen turned on the light and looked at the clock.  I swear it said 8:30....but I was still tired, and it was SO DARK that I  went back to bed.  I thought maybe I had slept through the whole day, but then an hour later I woke again, wandered down to the kitchen/den, and it was darker than it was earlier.  Looked again at the clock, and it was actually 5:30.  So I did learn that it is always darker before the dawn...and went back to bed.

 

 

 

 

 

[RMLincoln]

It’s packing day. Been a long time since we did just carry-ons. Not sure yet if DH can. We’ll find out soon! 
It’s sunny and chilly. Tomorrow morning will be dark and cold when we leave for Philly airport. 
 

@kazu Thanks for sharing the ferry story. Prayers all the cleanup happens soon and safely. 

@Cruzin Terri Terri, glad you are taking care of your issues. 
@smitty34877 Mice that the dumpster is gone and you can park there again!  What a nuisance!  

I’m not sure if we were in Ravenna… is that one of the Cinque Terre towns?  We have been there, not on a ship. Stayed in La Spetzia?  That’s not quite right but it was the town with the train that goes up to Monterrosa, the 5th village up.  We used the train and the boats.  And walked parts of the trail that connects the villages. Couldn’t walk it now!  And that was 2015 with my cousins, not very long ago!  The whole area was wall to wall people!  Train platform was 5 people deep. Picturesque but impossible to enjoy. 
 

Blessings to all here, and all in need near and far. Prayers for our country, your country and the horrors of the war zones. Gentle hugs to our care list friends and anyone who can use an extra!  
@ger_77 Thanks for the great reminders Gerry!  
 

Joy to those celebrating and all our cruising friends. 
Smooth travels to all away!  Happy prepping and packing to those getting ready. 🧳
Maureen

 

[tupper10]

One other note - I don't want to post the links - but for those of you in the NY/NJ/CT area there are three fabulous exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art- one is on women designers and the two others are about impressionist art and the fauvists.  For the latter two there are great you tubes posted on the Mets web site that take you through the exhibit and I highly recommend them.  I wish I could visit but we can't manage a trip to NYC right now having just been there for my granddaughter's baby naming.  Now all the family is coming here for the holidays. 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from Quartzsite where the sun is just beginning to make an appearance.  It is 50F right now with a 4mph breeze from the east.  Our high for today is supposed to be 70F, and it will be mostly cloudy.

 

Today, after I bake the gingerbread cookies, I will begin decorating them, so for once, I'm in sync with one of the days.  Someone else can have my ambrosia and poinsettias.  

 

I like the Albert Camus quote which makes you think.

 

We hit the jackpot with todays meal -- butternut squash, curry and chickpeas.  Someone can have my share and my glass of the cocktail of the day.  I'd like to try the red wine.

 

We were in Ravenna in 2016 on Prinsendam.  It was a substitute port when the Black Sea cruise was canceled.

 

The first transatlantic radio signal changed communications for the better.

 

A couple of pictures from Signal Hill in St. John's, Newfoundland.

 

 

@JazzyV  Vanessa, I hope you got your prescription yesterday and that you had a better night's sleep.

@57redbird  Pat, I'm glad the surgery went well yesterday.  I hope you are having less pain today.

@StLouisCruisers  Sandi, I'm sorry Notre Dame lost yesterday.

@kazu  Jacqui, I'm glad you and Ivan remained safe, but am sorry about the tree.  Thanks for sharing the picture and story about the two ferries.

@Nickelpenny  Pennie, I'm glad your appointment is now at a good time tomorrow.  I hope you get some answers and help.

@Heartgrove  Jack, I'm glad yesterday's appointments went well, and that you don't need cataract surgery yet.

@ger_77  Gerry, great minds do think alike.  Last night, I told DH that supper today will be BLTs, but without the soup.  Thanks for the reminder that you don't need things to enjoy Christmas.

@smitty34877  Thanks for the pictures of DD's gingerbread houses.

@RedneckBob  RNB, thanks for checking in, and enjoy Aruba.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

[kochleffel]

No gingerbread, ambrosia, or poinsettias here. (My family calls them pointsettas.) I see that we are back to the Squash Festival. No on the cocktail. Aglianico would not thrive in the cloudy, rainy conditions here. The most similar (in overall character) Finger Lakes wine might be Shaw's Cabernet Sauvignon, a completely different grape, if you can obtain any (small production, aged for years before release, available only at the winery and only when they feel like selling any). I had a cruise booking from Venice that was changed to Ravenna before it was cancelled.

 

 

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

In 2016, Ravenna was added to the Prinsendam's itinerary when the Black Sea cruise was cancelled.  For those who have not been there, Ravenna is on the east coast of Italy just south of Venice.  We had a tour to San Marino scheduled, but had to cancel it.  DH took the shuttle into Ravenna and here are some of his pictures.

 

Lenda

[Haljo1935]

46 minutes ago, kazu said:

 

Best wishes for your appointments today, Nancy.

 

 

 

 

Glad you were successful getting it changed.  Best wishes for your appointment tomorrow and I sure hope you can get some answers 🤞 

 

 

 

Sorry you had to cancel a cruise 😔. I’m not sure which one it is but know you have some cruises on the Future Cruise Listing.  If the cancelled one is on the list please don’t forget to post on the FCL so I don’t do a Bon Voyage for you in error.  Thanks 🙂 

Yes, it is on the list and I will absolutely update you there to remove it.😪

[grapau27]

14 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

In 2016, Ravenna was added to the Prinsendam's itinerary when the Black Sea cruise was cancelled.  For those who have not been there, Ravenna is on the east coast of Italy just south of Venice.  We had a tour to San Marino scheduled, but had to cancel it.  DH took the shuttle into Ravenna and here are some of his pictures.

 

Lenda

Nice photos Lenda.

Tomorrow will be 7 years since I joined Cruise Critic.

I have made lots of friends on cc and only fallen out with a couple of people but as Pauline says you can't be everyone's friend unfortunately 😞.

 

[puppycanducruise]

In honour of Poinsettia Day, here is my poinsettia.

 

 

 

[grapau27]

[sailingdutchy]

Thank you for the Daily Rich , Vanessa and all contributors , I see that there is another beautiful Port  on today’s draw , Ravenna where we have been to on the Prinsendam on Oct 17th , 2016 . 

 

Because I knew that the industrial Port is quite a ways away from the town of Ravenna I had connected with a guide and arranged that she would pick us up in the Port with a couple of mini vans for a dozen of us . Also on our tour with us were Ann and Pat @VictOriann  and their DD Cathy .

I just saw a lot of very nice pictures of the mosaics already posted so I will try to find a few different ones which will give a good impression of Ravenna 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look at this beautiful fence around the mausoleum where Dante is buried  , I tried to look through the window in the door but Pat checked if the door was open ……….and voila there it was…… ohoh ....

 

 

 

It is hard to stay away from my mosaic pictures because that is what Ravenna is so famous for ………

 

 

Time for our morning cup of coffee with the McCarthy's

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a nice little lunch some more gorgeous  churches  a museum  and mosaics in Ravenna.

 

 

 

 

It was than time for our shuttle to take us to the outskirts of Ravenna to the Basilica of St Apollinare in Classe 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A wonderful tour was had with our very knowledgeable guide Silvia by all but it was now time to say Arrivederci and go back Home to the Prinsendam where I had asked Canaletto manager Rifki if he had space for 15 of us for a nice Italian dinner which of coarse for me included my favourite Zuppa di Pesce !

 

Rifki had specially built for us during the day two very large tables in the Canaletto by the window !

 

 

 

Tony😄😄

 

 

Translated :  Ravenna , Friendly City of Women  !

[57redbird]

@Quartzsite Cruiser Can't reply about my pain yet...managed to sleep some overnight but still need help turning.  OT is coming in a couple of hours - don't know why.  

[Haljo1935]

@sailingdutchy thanks for the lovely pictures!! Is the artist doing a painting that will become part of another mosaic?

[grapau27]

26 minutes ago, sailingdutchy said:

Thank you for the Daily Rich , Vanessa and all contributors , I see that there is another beautiful Port  on today’s draw , Ravenna where we have been to on the Prinsendam on Oct 17th , 2016 . 

 

Because I knew that the industrial Port is quite a ways away from the town of Ravenna I had connected with a guide and arranged that she would pick us up in the Port with a couple of mini vans for a dozen of us . Also on our tour with us were Ann and Pat @VictOriann  and their DD Cathy .

I just saw a lot of very nice pictures of the mosaics already posted so I will try to find a few different ones which will give a good impression of Ravenna 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look at this beautiful fence around the mausoleum where Dante is buried  , I tried to look through the window in the door but Pat checked if the door was open ……….and voila there it was…… ohoh ....

 

 

 

It is hard to stay away from my mosaic pictures because that is what Ravenna is so famous for ………

 

 

Time for our morning cup of coffee with the McCarthy's

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a nice little lunch some more gorgeous  churches  a museum  and mosaics in Ravenna.

 

 

 

 

It was than time for our shuttle to take us to the outskirts of Ravenna to the Basilica of St Apollinare in Classe 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A wonderful tour was had with our very knowledgeable guide Silvia by all but it was now time to say Arrivederci and go back Home to the Prinsendam where I had asked Canaletto manager Rifki if he had space for 15 of us for a nice Italian dinner which of coarse for me included my favourite Zuppa di Pesce !

 

Rifki had specially built for us during the day two very large tables in the Canaletto by the window !

 

 

 

Tony😄😄

 

 

Translated :  Ravenna , Friendly City of Women  !

Super collection of photos Tony.

[JazzyV]

Good morning. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily.

I like gingerbread cookies and cake, and looking at gingerbread houses, but have never mad one. I like ambrosia but haven't had any for a while, nor have I had a poinsettia for a number of years. Interesting quote. Maybe on the meal, pass on the drink and yes to the wine. I haven't been to Ravenna. Yay for Marconi!

 

It will be a little warmer today, into the 40's. Same old  2.5 hours of sleep. I am so sleepy! Today I will pick up the Cymbalta that my PCP ordered; it's used to treat nerve pain, so maybe it'll help with sleep. My old ways of combatting the pain aren't working so well any more. I have 2 medical appointments this afternoon and hopefully will survive the walking involved.

 

BFF asked about our Christmas plans. Usually he comes over and stays a few days. I don't want to not see him, but my house is a wreck (I can only work about 5 minutes at a time) and I don't know if I can manage the big traditional German dinner I usually go. He likely doesn't care, but I do. Will we end up eating Chinese on Christmas?

 

@57redbird I hope you're feeling a bit better today. Take things slowly.

@grapau27 Thanks for the explanations.

@kazu Sorry about the damage, but at least it seems minor. That was clever of those ferries to arrange themselves like that. 

@Nickelpenny I do hope you get some answers tomorrow. 

@Heartgrove Good to hear your appointments well yesterday.

@smitty34877 Cute gingerbread houses.

@Cruzin Terri I'm sorry your results weren't going in the right direction. I think it'll be good to see a rheumatologist; they're experts at PMR, RA and all that stuff.

@RedneckBob Thanks for checking in when you could.

@tupper10 Thanks. I initially saw PMR, who referred me to pain medicine, where I had an epidural steroid injection around L4-L5. It helped a little the day after, but then nothing. The pain doctor is the one who is sending me to the neurosurgeon. I'm sorry to hear you're having ill effects from your RSV shot.

@marshhawk I hope your old boss gets the job. 

@RMLincoln Safe travels tomorrow.

@Quartzsite Cruiser Nice Ravenna photos. 

@sailingdutchy Great photos, thanks. 

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers for those Celebrating.

I may try to get an hour nap before heading to my appointments.

[cruising sister]

I love all the pictures. You guys have been everywhere. To my friends I seem well traveled but compared to you guys I have been sitting home for the past 20 years. 
 

Maureen, my mom and DMIL would have loved that bread. Looks like a lot of work goes into that with a pinch of love. 

[StLouisCruisers]

3 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

Nice days; pass on the meal (squash - no thanks), yes to the drink & wine; not been to the port; not sure about the quote; the history day is surely worth remembering. 

For gingerbread day, I offer some of the holiday bakework from last week on the Nieuw Statendam.

 

 

 

 

Today is a trip to pick up Rx, PT (again ) and more work.

Currently chilly 37° headed to 66° with rain on Friday.

Learned I am needed out of town for work in March same dates as my cruise, so I canceled it yesterday and hope to find an acceptable replacement. 

Prayers and positive thoughts for all. 

 

Very nice Gingerbread Village display photos!  We had a nice one on Volendam Dec. 2022 but no moveable parts like yours did.  Sorry about the canceled cruise but these things happen.  Good luck finding a substitute.  

 

 

 

2 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

Good morning. I have not been to the port and  remembered how much the teenager liked the ambrosia when I made it earlier in the year. Tonight’s dinner will be bean and cheese enchiladas as per his request. 
Thank you to @bennybear for your kind thoughts yesterday. 
 

I  am sending a picture of DS’s gingerbread house creations this

year. I hope the puppy can’t reach them.

Have a great day everyone.

 

 

 

Now these look more like my speed!  If I was really lucky they'd look this good.  

 

Thanks to Tony @sailingdutchy and Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser for your photos today.  I especially enjoyed all the mosaic pics.  

 

 

[durangoscots]

Good morning. Cloudy this morning with temps fairly mild.... 33F when the dogs and I went out. Rain or maybe snow or maybe rain mixed with snow forecast for us but when is a question. I think the ski areas will be happy with what they get. Here at the lower elevations (6250 feet) we will take whatever we can get in the form of moisture.

 

The luggage labels showed up yesterday as scheduled, so I hope to finish the packing in those two suitcases this afternoon. I have to go grocery shopping this morning... my frig looks pretty bare. Otherwise the day will be one of packing and tossing. I have found number of things in my closets that I do not remember having and will never wear. Away they go......

 

Hope the day treats everyone well.

 

Susan

[ottahand7]

Good afternoon, one appointment down, one to go.  This morning they had to do a biopsy on a brown spot on my forearm that has spread from last year.   A few beginning keratoses on my nose but treatment with topical fluouricil can wait until we return from the cruise.   Our luggage tags have arrived and I am almost ready to shut my big suitcase.  It sure is a lot easier packing for all warm weather.   

Thanks for the daily reports @richwmn and thanks everyone for the comestible reviews and for sharing the photos of Ravenna.   

@JazzyV I am sorry you are suffering with so little sleep plus the pain.   Prayers for everyone on our care list, Baby Murphy and those in war zones through no fault of their own, Ukraine, Israel and the innocents in Gaza.    I hope everyone who have had recent surgeries are felling better and getting the relief that you need.   

@0106 thanks for the happy memories of Longwood Gardens.  My girlfriends and I would go about every other year and walk the gardens, watch the light shows and enjoy some wonderful mushroom soup at their on site restaurant.    For any gardener if you are in the mid-Atlantic make the effort to see Longwood Gardens.   Have a nice day!   Nancy 

[bennybear]

Good morning and thanks all!   I think the drink the wine and the dinner look good!  It’s always good to try different things, you may be surprised.   Special thanks to @dfish @summer slope and @cat shepard   I  so agree with you Anne,  humour or if you can’t say something nice!  So appreciate @richwmn who works so hard to make this thread happen!  And all those who post regularly, occasionally or just read.  
 

Ravenna is a stunning place,  some of the world’s best mosaics,  @sailingdutchy and @Quartzsite Cruiserhas shown theirwonderful photos.  Highly recommend a stay there, we will forever remember the wonderful risotto we had.  

@kazuyikes! On the storm,  kudos to the maritime ingenuity! 
@JazzyV hope you get some relief soon!
 

 

Edited December 12, 2023 by bennybear