The Fleet Report and Daily for Tuesday, December 26th, 2023

[ottahand7]

Good morning everyone!    Happy Kwanzaa.   Thanks for the Daily and Fleet Reports Jacqui!   Boxing is happening very quickly here but not @grapau27s definition.   Our Christmas decor has been up since early November but it is almost gone now.   My little purple Ravens tree is still up, that will be the last to be stored.  My 9' red and gold tree is next as soon as I finish here.   I am cleaning oven #1 and when that one is done the second one with turkey basting all over the bottom is next,  then mopping up all the mess created by the chef, not me.   Owning a home is a blessing and a curse when high priced repairs come along but the blessings outweigh the issues IMO.    Gaiman's quote is OK and I am noot going to spend a lot of time decidong what it means.   Thanks everyone for the photos of Cartagena. we were supposed to go on our Panama Canal crossing but ended up in Aruba instead, quite a difference.  

Thanks for the cares and celebrations reports @JazzyV.   I hope you had a decent night's sleep and a great day with your BFF.   @rafinmd Roy I hope that the treatment today gets to the cancer.  @57redbird thanks for the update and happy to hear you are doing better.  @cruising sister/ thanks for the update on Baby Murphy.   Prayers for those in war zones through no fault of their own, Ukraine, Israel and the innocents in Gaza.  Prayers for the safe return of the hostages. 

I was thrilled with the result of the Ravens game last night that went almost until midnight.  We were 5 point underdogs and many analysts were choosing San Fran.   Two more tough games, a home game with Miami and a home game against Pittsburgh.   I hope we can keep the injuries to a minimum.  I have to play my favorite meme for the second time this season.   Back to tree tear down.   Nancy  

 

 

[Overhead Fred]

[durangoscots]

Good morning. As usual sunny and cold. Temp was 9F when dogs and I walked (short and quick). Will be out again when the sun finally warms things a bit although high today will be in the high 30s. Then it begins to warm a bit.

 

Today will be spent cleaning up the house as best I can in preparation for my departure. I fly out on Friday morning. I am allowing time to visit with friends around San Diego but also I need a couple days to decompress. Have to finish writing up condo information for the person  who is going to cover for me. And finish packing. Everything seems to take longer than I anticipate. Dogs go to boarding Thursday so I can do the final packing in peace without having to remove furry butts from the bed and suitcase.

 

@rafinmdSorry to hear about the flare up but glad they are monitoring the situation carefully.

 

Back later when I take a break.

 

Susan

[dfish]

1 hour ago, 0106 said:

I always appreciate @dfish posting the MOD.  Sometimes I make the recipe and sometimes it brings back fond memories. This meal is essentially PA Dutch chicken pot pie.  When I was growing up, it was always what I asked my grandmother to make for me on my birthday.  The key is a rich flavorful homemade stock.  The flavor permeates the tender homemade noodles.  She added potatoes, peas, and sometimes carrots. If you are ever lucky enough to be in Lancaster county at an Amish restaurant, I suggest you try it. (I do not eat at chain restaurants so have never experienced the Cracker Barrel version.). Her version looked more like this one.

 

That looks so much more appetizing, even with the carrots in it.  I could eat around those carrots as they are big enough.

 

55 minutes ago, kochleffel said:

 

Two of my mother's sisters once sat down at  her table and declared repeatedly "NOTHING requires any seasoning but salt and pepper." I was doing the serving and would have poisoned them if I had known what they were about to say.

 

I had a roommate once who declared that seasoning food would destroy your stomach.  Seasoning does not equal spicy hot.  It does mean flavor.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from Quartzsite where it is 43F and warming to 61F.    The sun is shinning and there is just a slight breeze.  It will be another nice day in the desert.

 

Happy Boxing day to all the Dailyites in the UK, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.  Also, happy Kwanzaa to any Dailyites celebrating.  We are homeowners, and have been since 1970 when we bought our first house.

 

Tina @0106 thanks for adding the first line to the quote, but I still am not fond of it.

 

While we've eaten at Cracker Barrel, we have never had their chicken and dumplings.  After seeing the recipes Debbie @dfish found for us, I'll stick to my recipe.  To add flavor to the dish, the chicken is stewed with the addition of celery stalks and onions.  The finished dish is not colorful, but with the addition of salt and pepper at the table, it is wonderful comfort food.

 

The drink sounds like a Fuzzy Navel with Midori melon liqueur.  I think I'll stick with the Fuzzy Navel version.  The wine sounds interesting enough to want to give it a try.

 

We have been to Cartagena several times on Panama Canal transits.  We usually get a taxi at the port to take us to the clock tower in the old city, and then walk around.  We've had taxis give us a tour, and have visited the monastery and the old fort.  The last time, we just spent time in the port are and looking at the aviary.  Many of our visits were in the predigital age, but I'll repost the pictures I've posted previously.

 

@grapau27 Graham, thanks for the explanations of Boxing Day and Kwanzaa.  It's always nice to get a reminder about the days.  Your full English looks great.

@rafinmd  Roy, I'm sorry the cancer has flared up, and I hope the short round of radiation keeps it under control.  I hope there are not serious side effects from the radiation.

@cat shepard  Safe travels home today, Ann.

@Nickelpenny  Pennie, I hope you enjoy Willemstad, and the town is easily walkable.

@kazu  Jacqui, I'm glad Ivan had a good Christmas with his new squeaky toy.  I hope the damaged shed is easily fixed.  I'm glad you had a lovely dinner with friends.  I like the quote you posted.

@cruising sister  Lorraine, I'm sorry yesterday was a tough one for you.  The report on Murphy sounds encouraging.  I hope 2024 is a much better year for that family.

@marshhawk  Annie, I hope Chuck's @catmando MRI goes well tomorrow.

@57redbird  That is good news that you are walking without the walker around the house and decreasing the pain meds.

@kochleffel  Paul, I hope you hear about the biopsy results soon.

@cunnorl  Charlene, how nice of cruising friends wanting to stop for a visit on their way to south Florida.

@superoma  Eva, I think the weather everywhere is strange this year.

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

[kazu]

2 hours ago, cruising sister said:

Yesterday was tough for me. I went to dinner with a friend who lost her son last year and we had a good cry. We went to the restaurant where he worked for many years and they had a plaque up in his honor. 

 

Oh that is tough 😔. Bless you for giving your friend company and support ♥️ 

 

 

2 hours ago, cruising sister said:

 

Baby Murphy faced timed with her cousins as they opened presents. My DSIL said Murphy smiled and enjoyed the activity. I sure hope the new year brings many blessings to that family. 

 

Good news!  I join in hoping that the New Year brings many blessings to her and her family 🙏 

 

 

2 hours ago, 0106 said:

Maybe the first sentence would be helpful…You know what happens when you dream of falling?

Sometimes you wake up. 
Sometimes the fall kills you.
And sometimes, when you fall, you fly.

 

thanks Tina!

 

 

1 hour ago, 57redbird said:

so far the only tour I've arranged looks like the one you showed pics of....it was one of the best tours we've done.  We much prefer private tours.

 

We did a private tour in this port and IMO it was vastly superior to HAL’s.

 

 

36 minutes ago, superoma said:

Well, I just checked my hellebores and the dang things have blossoms. They normally bloom early but this is way too soon. Crazy weather here. We were at 50f yesterday and heading there again today. The rest of the week will be in the mid to upper 49’s. Crazy weather.

 

OMG - how wonderful!  I’m glad to hear that it will stay above freezing for the sake of your blossoms 👍 

 

 

So glad we heard from @HAL Sailer - you have been in my thoughts and prayers.

[Cruzin Terri]

Good morning from another rainy day in the LowCountry of South Carolina.

Thank you to Jacqui @kazu for taking over for Rich.  

Thank you to Vanessa @JazzyV for the cares and celebrations lists.  I hope you are feeling even a bit better and that you had a good time with your BFF.

Thank you to our F&B ladies.   I will pass on the food and drink today.  We have leftovers from our Fresh Market dinner and that is what we will enjoy again today.

 

While my throat is a bit better, the PMR flare-up is getting worse.  I needed help to get out of bed this morning since my arms would not let me push myself up.  I am doing everything I am supposed to do, taking my meds, etc.  Nothing seems to be working.  I have to message the Doc today.  I know that he will tell me to up the dosage, but I need to hear it from him.  

I am hoping that I get an earlier appointment with the Rheumatologist.

 

I am not sure about the quote.

@StLouisCruisers thank you for the photos of Cartagena.  They are very close to the photos I have.  We must have been on a similar tour.

 

Roy @rafinmd i hope that your treatment today takes care of the problem and it is one and done.  Prayers for you.

 

Prayers for all on the cares list.

A shoutout to all celebrating and preparing to cruise.

And for those presently cruising, enjoy every minute.

 

Have a good day everyone.

God Bless,

Terri

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We have been to Cartagena many times, but I only have pictures from our last three visits, in 2009 and 2015 on Statendam, and 2014 on Veendam.  The pictures are from all three visits.  We normally got a taxi to the clock tower in the old town.  We'd walk around and then get a taxi to Boca Grande.  I don't have any digital pictures of Boca Grande though.

 

The gate at the clock tower.

 

Street scenes from 2009 and 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the many churches

 

The shopping area out side the walled town that were cells in a previous time.

 

In 2014, we decided to just stay in the port area.  We walked through their aviary.

 

 

 

The port building

 

This interesting Navy ship was docked opposite from the Veendam in 2014.  There were no markings on her at all.

 

Lenda

[JazzyV]

Good morning. Thanks for the FR/Daily.

Happy Kwanza to those celebrating. My only boxing today is shipping an item I sold on ebay. I am glad to be a homeowner, although often there's a lot to maintain. Strange quote. I've never been in Cracker Barrel, but the meal sounds good. Pass on the drink and yes to the wine. I have been to Cartagena on my PC cruise. 

 

It's warm and cloudy today, in the 50's. I had a nice dinner and evening with BFF yesterday. We'll just relax today, maybe watch a movie. I got about 4 hours of sleep last night. Lots of pain this morning, as is usual in the AM upon getting up. I need to call PT about restarting, as I can tell I'm losing strength; unfortunately I can't due much due to the pain with standing.

 

@StLouisCruisers It sounds like you had a great time with family. Safe travels tomorrow. Great photos from Cartagena. 

@grapau27 Thanks for the information. Pauline's table and meal yesterday looked spectacular. And a lovely English breakfast this morning.

@rafinmd Roy, prayers that the radiation takes care of everything.

@cat shepard Safe trip home.

@Nickelpenny Nice photos.

@seagarsmoker Enjoy your last full day on the ship.

@kazu Thanks for our start today. Sorry to hear about damage to your shed. The dinner with friends sounds lovely. 

@cruising sister That sounds like progress for Murphy. Bless you for being with your friend.

@HAL Sailer Thinking of you and DH.

@RMLincoln So sorry DH is having so many issues with the eye meds. I wonder if steroid drops would help any? When can he get in to see someone?

@dfish So nice that River will spend some time with you and also Celebrate Christmas.

@Quartzsite Cruiser Lovely photos.

 

Prayers for the Care List and a Toast to those with something to Celebrate.

 

I couldn't go far from the ship, unfortunately, as my knee didn't permit walking much that day.

The Castle of San Luis de Bocachica, a military fortress that defended Cartagena.

 

Entering the Bay of Cartagena

 

Park by the dock with animals and performers

 

 

Sunset

[sailingdutchy]

When on the Zuiderdam Panama Canal cruise in 2017 we also visited Cartagena and made a similar tour as @StLouisCruisers to the monastery , the same shops and

walked  possibly a few more different neighbourhoods so I will add some more pictures .  Will try not to duplicate ……….

 

Suburbs of Cartagena seen from the Mount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did NOT touch , promise  ……….but you can see where people did …….!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Had to get some Columbian coffee of coarse 

 

 

 

 

Tony 😄

 

BTW  We should be back in Cartagena in about 3 weeks and have a nice very private tour booked for 2 so maybe I can come up with some new pictures .

[grapau27]

😂

[RMLincoln]

Interesting Homeowners Day… this morning we just finished signing the docs for the closing to sell our Maryland condo. So our end is signed as the sellers; the notary who came to our apartment will FedEx our docs to the closing lawyers, buyers will sign Friday. So we will not be homeowners any longer. End of an era!  
 

DH was better yesterday, so I was better also. Today not so good, so we will try a new cream antihistamine around the eyes on the face. It stings as it’s absorbed but I hope it will help. 
 

Yesterday was bright, blue sky, sunny!  Today is heavy, gray, our region wrapped in a blanket!  But not cold or raining, yet… the rest of the week should be wet. But not snow!  We’ll take it as it comes. 
 

@kochleffel we’re all eager to hear your results too!  We’re in your side!  

@rafinmd Roy, DH had radiation treatment in 2020, 39 treatments, he might need more someday as his numbers go up each year.  The machines now are quite amazing in how they can constantly refocus and maintain within the margins as they rotate around you without, or with minimal exposure to healthy tissue. You’ve come a long way and you will manage this new turn. We hope for a successful path forward!  
 

When we moved from NM friends gave us gift cards. We had two from Cracker Barrel. Someone suggested the chicken and dumplings as their favorite. I was so disappointed!  To me dumplings were big, round, fluffy, flavorful, soft biscuits like Annie @marshhawk described. I need that kind!  
 

Yesterday’s dinner special option at our community was prime rib but it wasn’t up to what we expected. Oh well, it was still a pleasant setting.

 

I was happy to be able to connect by phone with my siblings and stepsons, very special!  Baby David is doing great! One week old!  Mom is healing, and my sister is just absolutely thrilled!  
 

@ottahand7 Nancy, we stayed up for the whole Ravens game!  Happy for them, and you!  
 

Thank you @kazu, and @JazzyV for our thread and lists, and all of you for being here!  Happy Boxing Day! I certainly have a LOT of boxes around me still from the move! 😆
 

Blessings to all in need of comfort, healing or hope!  Peace and an end to the suffering in war zones. Hugs to those who need an extra today! Smooth travels to all away!  

Maureen 

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

I'll pass on all the food (dumplings) and drink today and haven't been to this port (only the one in Spain) 😉  A good collection of days.  Like Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser we have been homeowners since 1970 when we bought our first home.  And 4 more since then (Navy moves).  I still can't believe we've been in one home for coming up on 30 years after moving every few years.  

 

Today will be more house cleaning, I now have just the kitchen and master bath to do.  It's been so much easier doing one room at a time. 

DH will be calling ship's services to ask about getting appointments for hair cuts during our cruise.  Par for the course, HAL's website is wonky for salon appointments.  I had no problem making my appointments (we're doing it now because there's a good discount before the cruise).  BUT for men's hair cuts, only the first day of the cruise shows (????)  Not many will need a hair cut the first day.  So he'll call and see if he can get it done that way and still get the discount.  

 

Roy @rafinmd I'm glad the doctor is keeping a close eye on you, and hope the radiation will take care of it.  

Tina @0106 Thank you for adding the first line of the quote, now it makes sense to me.  I often dream of falling (probably due to my fear of heights and falling).

@57redbird So glad to hear that you're doing better!

Eva @superoma Now I need to go see if my Hellebores are poking up yet -- they always do in January, but maybe this year....  it would be nice to see them before we leave next week.

 

 

[highscar]

@sailingdutchy  years ago when the airline restrictions were lighter we were in Cartagena for a two week vacation. We brought home 32lbs of Columbia’s coffee.  $O.90 cents  pound.  Still buy their coffee.  

[highscar]

Last time there on a cruise the price at the port shop was $14.00 lb.  

[GeorgeCharlie]

45 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

This interesting Navy ship was docked opposite from the Veendam in 2014.  There were no markings on her at all.

 

Lenda

 

I'm not a naval person, but I recently read an article on the difficulties the US was having with their Littoral Combat Ships. If you look closely, you can make out the number 4 on it's bow, which indicates it is likely the Independence-class USS Coronado. The USS Coronado was commissioned in 2014 and decommissioned in 2022. 

[Vict0riann]

Good morning, Dailyites!  We survived yesterday!  I'm stiff and sore today, as I spent most of the day on my feet. Just glad it's over.  Remembering the days when we would have 20 or more for Christmas dinner, now I have difficulty organizing for six..I guess I'm getting old.  

 

Oskar got a new toy for Christmas, and ate all his (steak) dinner.  He is getting to be a picky eater, too, but always enjoys a bit of rare steak..  He tolerated a crown from one of the Christmas crackers.

 

I don't seen to be able to add the photo on my laptop, will have to do it from my phone,

[Vict0riann]

Oskar in his crown.

 

[Haljo1935]

Great days and important day in history; pass on the quote; YES to the meal, drink and wine; not been to the port - it was canceled during my PC cruise.

Today's weather

bow cam view

aft cam view 

Prayers and positive thoughts for all. 

[smitty34877]

Good afternoon. I am back from the North Country and glad to be home. This morning I left early and encountered fog half of the trip but it wasn’t too crowded.

My DDIL got us all pajamas for Christmas and we wore them all day. What a great idea! 
Our teenager is biracial and when younger he was more interested in celebrating  Kwanzaa. Tana and I asked him if he wanted us to cook something special and he requested  pizza!

 

This is the Pajama Gang

 

 

[smitty34877]

trying again….oh well, I was unsuccessful.

 

 

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing.

Have a great day.

[smitty34877]

I am stubborn

 

 

[StLouisCruisers]

Good afternoon,

 

Today is our last day in Ohio and we leave in the morning early for home.  For Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser the dates for tomorrow's port of the day's prior postings are October 2, 2021 and May 24, 2022.  The fastest way to find the links are to look at the top of the HAL page right above the first sticky note.  It should say page 1 of 5065.  Click on the dropdown arrow and put the page number you want to start looking for your dates.  In this case today October 2, 2021 should be on page 394 or thereabouts.  The number changes as more topics are started each day.  You can find May 24, 2022 on or about page 296.  Hope this helps cut some time in your searching.  If you'd like to post my photos tomorrow the best place would be on the May 24, 2022 and it is post #16.  The first date I had more than one post and the second date is a combination of them all.  Thank you for your help since we won't get home until mid to late afternoon after the FUN of suburban and downtown Atlanta traffic!  A real good mood killer.

 

We went out to lunch today with our DD and DGDs, plus the fiance of our eldest DGD Ashley.  We enjoyed chatting and some good Chick-fil-A chicken as well.  Here's a photo taken outside of us with the girls after lunch.  I told the girls they should stand up straight, tall and proud even while taking photos with us shrimps.  I guess they don't want us to feel bad!  LOL

 

From yesterday here's a photo of DGD Morgan with Milo.  Morgan was the one robbed at gunpoint Saturday morning in Tampa, poor baby. 

 

And not to leave out Sadie here are Sadie and Milo crowding onto DSIL's lap yesterday.  Sadie's napping so I can't take another photo of her right now.

 

 

[StLouisCruisers]

6 minutes ago, smitty34877 said:

I am stubborn

 

 

 

Good for you Terry!  Love the PJ's and wonder where the puppy's pajamas are??  Elf!!