Monday December 18th, 2023 -- The Fleet Report and Daily

[cruising sister]

Good morning,

Happy birthday @ottahand7!

 

it is a windy chilly morning, I am having trouble getting Molly to do her business. I will have to watch her closely until she does.  I am meeting my friend who had Covid for lunch today. We always have a good time. 
 

I have DGS for three days when school lets out starting Wednesday. He wants to sleepover each night too. I told his parents privately NO. I need a break to rest up for the next day. He is very busy. 
 

I am interested in the soup recipes. I am a big soup person. It is easy to cook for one and you have plenty to freeze up for later. 
 

Prayers and well wishes. Have a great day. 

[kazu]

Thanks for our Monday Daily, Rich.

and thanks to Vanessa, Debbie, Ann & Dixie.

 

Great collection of days.  My brother and sister can celebrate twin day.  Snowflakes are very pretty until you have to shovel them.  The quote suits Hendrix. I’ll wait for Debbie’s description of the meal, I think.  I’ve been to Brest a couple of times.  I’ll see if I can find my pics.

 

 

The storm is just starting to slowly move in here.  Folks in New England are being pummelled right now.  My friend reports 60 MPH winds.  Weatherman warns of the same here if not more.  Some kind of low is moving in from the west and colliding making the storm more focused and increasing the centrifugal force.  The Bay of Fundy is a big target for the winds apparently.  Ivan and I will enjoy “inside” time when it’s full force hits. 😉 Hope all those in it’s path stay inside and safe.

 

 

 

Prayers for those on the Care list, those suffering losses, health issues, pain, worries and those that need them 🙏 Cheers to those celebrating and cruising 🥂 

 

 

Have a great Monday everyone.

[Lady Hudson]

Good morning.  Prayers for those who are hurting or are in need.

 

Didn’t know there was a National Twin Day.  My twin is on a ship right now in the Bahamas.  Change to her itinerary as they left Port Canaveral early and skipped Miami altogether.  Nassau for her ship today.

 

Hoping to finish up purchasing gifts today.  Have a safe and happy day.  Katherine 

[kazu]

A very happy birthday, Nancy @ottahand7

 

 

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  Most of the cookies I usually make at this time of year are already baked.  I've known a few twins over the years, but have never been one.  We definitely appreciate flake day on the "frozen tundra"!

 

Yesterday in fact, we did have flakes - enough that the roads and driveways were covered with a bit of it, 1/2 inch is what the airport reading tells us.  Our snow removal guy was out there in the pitch black with his blower and cleaned off the driveway, the front sidewalk and then went and did the back patio.  I guess he's just trying to earn his keep for the month, as it doesn't look like there'll be much more before it's over.

 

As far as baking goes, all I have to do today is make the easy turtles using small pretzels, rolo candies and pecans - like I said, easy.  I like them because they're both sweet and salty and appeal to a broad range of people.  I make them in the mini muffin papers which also makes them an easy last minute gift if needed.

 

Not much happening today - laundry . . . it just doesn't end, does it?  I'm not quite finished the gift wrapping and we have to drop a couple of gifts off this evening to some people who are still gainfully employed during the day.  

 

@ottahand7wishing you a very Happy Birthday with many happy and healthy returns of the day!

@kazujust to let you know I'm stealing your "gift wrapping" meme - I love it!!

 

I'm going to pass on the drink, and not sure about the red wine - hints of maple sausage?  I'd try it, but it might be a one and done.  I love today's menu suggestion - there's a Greek restaurant in town that makes delicious lemon chicken orzo soup.  We haven't been there in a long time, but will maybe suggest it as an after Christmas lunch date with DH.  I've made it at home as well, but don't have some of the ingredients on hand to do it today.  For us it's leftovers as the pork roast from yesterday turned out to be a bit larger than I thought, so that's what we'll be enjoying at the kitchen table tonight.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who is in need, in pain, in grief, and in the midst of wars.  Cheers to all with celebrations.

 

Smooth Sailing!  ☺️☺️☺️

Gerry

Edited December 18, 2023 by ger_77

[Crazy For Cats]

@seagarsmoker we are finding the same issue on the Rotterdam.  The ice machines are empty most of the time. Tea and lemonade can be found only in pitchers at a few locations. 

[57redbird]

Update on my pain/recovery....pain is maybe a very strong 8 when I try to get up or down from a chair, still having spasms in both upper legs - getting better at logrolling.  Once I'm on my feet walking, using a walker, pain is 4-5 which I think is acceptable for having had surgery 7 days ago.  Again, thanks for your prayers & well wishes...now if somebody would do my Christmas cards...

[Nickelpenny]

Quick note. At the pain clinic getting ready for my injection. I am so damn nervous. 🤞

[Haljo1935]

Good days, but admit I need to research Flake day.  Not entirely aligned w/Mr Hendrix quote. Possibly would try the meal, drink and wine; not been to the port; day in history was important.

Too much work this week catching up from being gone and preparing to leave again. PT today and misc errands. No Christmas shopping to finish, but do need to get the DGD gifts to her house.

Currently 45° headed to sunny 63° w/66° for travel Thursday. 

Prayers and positive thoughts for all. 

[Haljo1935]

2 minutes ago, Nickelpenny said:

Quick note. At the pain clinic getting ready for my injection. I am so damn nervous. 🤞

Hugs and positive thoughts. 

[kazu]

Best wishes for Jim’s MRI today Terri @Cruzin Terri

 

 

Bruce @aliaschief safe travels heading home today.

 

 

OMG @seagarsmoker what a mess your check in and account screw up were 😬 

 

37 minutes ago, ger_77 said:

@kazujust to let you know I'm stealing your "gift wrapping" meme - I love it!!

 

By all means, Gerry 🙂 

 

 

3 minutes ago, Nickelpenny said:

Quick note. At the pain clinic getting ready for my injection. I am so damn nervous. 🤞

 

Hope all goes well for you 🤞 

[Haljo1935]

Happy Birthday @ottahand7🎂🥳

[marshhawk]

Good Monday Morning Dailyites!  it's 39 degrees, windy and the sky is clear. Two weeks ago, after I did the decorating outside, the woman across the street commented that it really didn't look like Christmas until we put the tree in the front den window.  I used to do that in my OLD house, where the windows were huge, but I really don't remember doing it in this house, and I've been here for 20 years.  But DH climbed up to the attic last night, got the bottom half of the artificial tree, and we set it up on a small table, put lights on it, and set it in front of the window. (I usually only use the top half of the tree).

 

The first thing that happened was that Bobagingee went over and start biting the metal branches, and was going for the lights next.  NO!  DH tied the tree down to the table it is sitting on.  If it goes over, it all goes over.  Not sure if I even want to put non breakable ornaments on it.  Who would know if they were just driving by...Cat tree on the left side, and artificial tree on the right side.  Yup, I'm decorated.

 

Our driveway sharing neighbor came over last night, with a huge gift package of tasty treats, and a gift card.  She informed us that they were going back to Vietnam in January for two months.  I told her that we would watch the house again. (remember last year, the house got broken into)  Too bad that our old red jeep cant move, I would put it in their drive. His work truck sits outside, and I am hoping that he leaves it at the office when they go.  There is some sort of company regulation that the truck must have lights on it at night, and we have lost our night sky with lights on all the time.

 

@57redbird I am hoping that you are doing better, I see that you posted this morning, and I will go back and read, but I think the hospital let you out too soon.

 

@ottahand7I hope you have a wonderful day-

[Mr. Boston]

Good morning everyone from a warm, rainy and very windy Boston.  Thanks for the daily report.  A good day to stay in and bake cookies.  I guess the quote can relate to everyone.  The meal sounds nice but I’ll pass on the drink. I haven’t been to today’s port prayers for all on our prayer list today.  Cheers to those of you celebrating happy events and happy birthday to @ottahand7!

[marshhawk]

Last time we were at the Emory Midtown Medical Center, I noticed on the "bizarre news" mention of the worlds largest snowflake.  Apparently it fell out in the west of the US, in the 1880's.  The flake was 18 inches in diameter, and the was 8 inches wide.  That is one big snowflake.  I bet it slammed to the ground, if I saw that floating down, I'd run!

[dfish]

@ottahand7

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

@ottahand7  Nancy, I hope you have a wonderful day on your birthday.

 

 

Lenda

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

It is snowing here in mid-Michigan.  It is coming down like in those Hallmark Christmas movies and looks really pretty as long as we are indoors.  We're only supposed to get 1 inch.  We'll see.  It won't stick around for Christmas as it is supposed to warm up again.  

 

I have to run over to the hospital and get some blood drawn for pre-surgical testing.  After that I plan to work on the quilt top and get all the blocks sewn together.  Then I can put the sewing stuff away until after the holidays.  Tomorrow is our planned cookie baking extravaganza.  

 

@Cruzin Terri Wishing for a positive outcome for Jim.

@Nickelpenny good luck with the injection.  

@seagarsmoker Wow!  I hope things get better from here.

@aliaschief safe travels home!

@cruising sister I chuckled when you said you needed some recovery time after having DGS all day.  We briefly discussed taking in my sister's DGD.  Sue thought we could homeschool her.  I immediately said no.  There is a reason kids go to school and then to bed early.  We need the downtime!

@57redbird Sending you healing thoughts.  

@marshhawk I hope the tree survives.

@JazzyV I sure am hoping that the neurosurgeon can come up with a solution to your pain.  This has gone on all too long.  

 

Today's meal sounds good to me.  I love lemon chicken and this is soup season, so let's do it!  https://www.saltandlavender.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup/  I would leave the carrots out or make them in bigger pieces so they are easy to pick around.  

 

 

I like the addition of spinach to this soup.  https://www.wellplated.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup/

 

 

One last version.  https://damndelicious.net/2014/04/25/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup/

 

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

 

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing.

Have a great day.

[0106]

Good Morning! It is still a rainy & windy morning in MD.  A good day to try a new cookie recipe, chocolate chip coconut.  They are supposed to be very moist and chewy.  

 

2 hours ago, rafinmd said:

We don't usually get a lot of flakes here, and when we do they are not much appreciated.

MD weather has changed since I was a girl, not as much snow.  But as Justin Berk says, have “Faith in the Flakes” I love a good snow storm.

 

I hope @ottahand7 enjoyed her early birthday gift…Ravens win and clinch a playoff spot!

 

Since no one has posted any pictures of Brest, I will share some pictures on Quimper.  We used one of our “free” HIA excursions to take a tour there from the port of Brest.  It is a beautiful town in Brittany known it’s pottery.

 

Notice how the upper floors protrude over the first floor.  That is because tax is based on the size of the first floor.

 

 

We were told that the small room jutting from the side of the building was the bathroom.  Long ago there was a hole in the floor that went directly into the canal below.

 

The Saint Corentin Cathedral

 

The Breton County Museum

Wishing everyone you best possible day.

Edited December 18, 2023 by 0106

[1ANGELCAT]

Good rainy morning. It’s been raining all night and some roads are flooded and closed. Schools are delayed.It’s might end as flurries tonight. 
@Crazy For Cats, Jake I saw on Lancaster tv app that there was a fire and explosion at the hotel office of the Bird in Hand family inn early this morning. The restaurant is closed today as is the rest of the premises. 
I love the lemon chicken soup. Unfortunately, the Greek restaurant that made it just was sold , not sure if the new owner will make it. 
Blessings and prayers to all on our lists

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from Quartzsite where it is 47F with a predicted high of 70F with a light breeze.  It will partly cloudy to cloudy today, but it still shouldn't be too bad for working outside this afternoon.

 

I did my cookie baking last week.  I'll celebrate twin day along with our Dailyite twins, Sandi @StLouisCruisers and Katherine @Lady Hudson.  My mother had identical twin cousins, and as far as I know they were the only twins in the family.  I love watching the big snow flakes drift down as long as I'm inside.  Obviously, that won't be happening in southwest Arizona.

 

The Jimi Hendrix quote is true, and sadly he died too young, one of many entertainers who died at 27.

 

We'll pass on the meal and drink.  I would like to try the wine, but it is a bit more than we pay for wine to drink at home.

 

We have been to Brest twice on BHBs, and I'll retrieve my pictures shortly.

 

An interesting day in New Zealand history.  

 

@puppycanducruise  Melanie, I hope the snow squall is not too bad.

@Cruzin Terri  Terri, I hope Jim's MRI goes smoothly today and gives you some answers.  My best advice, which is not always easy to follow, is to hang in there and take one day at a time.  Be sure to make some time for yourself everyday.

@aliaschief  Bruce, safe travels home.

@grapau27  Graham, thanks for the information on flake appreciation day.  I was glad it was about snow flakes and not some of the flakes we see in daily life.

@Crazy For Cats  Jake, enjoy your day in San Juan.  We've always enjoyed wandering around the old city.

@seagarsmoker  I hope you now have everything straightened out on board.  I couldn't help wondering, if you did not have an account, would you still have to settle a bill at the end of the cruise.

@smitty34877  Terry, I hope you, Tana, and the dogs stay safe during the storm.

@kazu  Jacqui, I hope you and Ivan are safe and warm in your house, and that there is no power outage or wind damage.

@57redbird  I hope your pain lessens soon, and that you have a quick and full recovery.

@Nickelpenny  Pennie, DH had steroid shots in his spine, and they weren't too bad with the lidocaine they added to the syringe.  I hope the injection helps with the pain and numbness.

 

First a PSA for those wrapping presents today.

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

The Prinsendam took us to Brest in 2011 and 2017.  The first time was on a Sunday, and almost everything was closed.  After looking at the town center until the shuttle returned, we stopped at the waterfront and then took the shuttle to an old fort that is now a maritime museum.  In 2017, once in town, we road the tram to both ends, and took the gondola across the Penfeld River and back.

 

Pictures of Brest

 

The waterfront area.  The restaurant caught our eye because of the name, but we did not go in.

 

The maritime museum

 

Views from the museum

 

The gondola and views from the ride

 

The Pont de Recouvrance from the gondola

 

Lenda

[travelnap]

This is off topic a little, but I have a riddle for all of you.

A group of cattle is called a herd.

A group of sheep is called a flock.

A group of lions is called a pride.

What do you call a group of baboons?

 

After you google the question, please stop laughing when you see the answer, and enjoy your day.

[ottahand7]

Good morning everyone and thank you so much for the birthday wishes.  I have already been to the pulmonary office for an 8:40 appointment.  Thanks for the Daily Reports Rich.  Today we celebrate flakes and boy are we getting them, we had a dusting when I left for the doctor and now we have 4".   My cookies are baked and given away.  Only two remain, lemon sugar, John hates that I adulterate sugar cookies with lemon.  Let's celebrate our twins @StLouisCruisers and @Lady Hudson.   No twins in our family tree.   A good quote from Jimi Hendrix.   Thanks for the lovely photos of Brest today, we loved Normandy when we did a long land trip there. 

Thanks for keeping our care and celebrations list Vanessa.   Praying that things go well with your neuro visit today.   @Cruzin Terri sending positive thoughts for you and your DH as he has his MRI.   @Nickelpenny I hope that everything goes smoothly with your injection, I never have had my back done but almost every other joint other than my back or hip and once that lidocaine goes in it feels truly cool. @57redbird I hope that the pain subsides from your back surgery and the relief you were seeking.  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.   

@0106 thanks for the Ravens message.  I was up until 11:30 watching the game and I am amazed at Lamar Jackson's escape techniques,  a tough game on Christmas versus the 49ers.    We are celebrating my birthday at a wine dinner at a restaurant I have never been to in downtown Kalamazoo.  It is a Christmas themed meal with a turkey dish with cranberry foam, partridge and among others a Buche de Noel with spiked eggnog.   Should be fun.  Let's hope that the snow lets up.   Have a lovely Monday.