The Fleet Report and Daily for Saturday, December 30th, 2023

[Cruising-along]

24 minutes ago, Cruisercl said:

I cleaned my house too but was thinking it will just be dusty etc. when I return so....did I really need to do that? I was thinking that, when I was tired from cleaning and thinking if I move I will need a smaller house. Safe travels to you and hubbie on Tuesday. See you on the ship! 😊

Thank you and safe travels to you!  We will go to our airport hotel on Monday and fly out Tuesday morning.  Can't wait to meet everyone!

I'm hoping that by having the house shut tight for 3 months the dust will be minimal.  I usually only have a problem with that during the summer when the windows are open. 

[AroundWithMAPTravels]

3 hours ago, marshhawk said:

 

@RMLincolnCongrats on the sale of your home in Maryland.  NJ is not that big a state, I grew up there, and yet I realize that I actually saw very little of my home state.  I have been wracking my brains for helpful tidbits to tell you, and lo, there is nothing that comes to mind but the food in Chatham, Summit and Morristown. 

 

I only have one thing to add: Pompton Queen Diner!

[Vict0riann]

Good morning, Dailyites!  I'm wishing for better things for all in 2024.  And peace. 

 

Am I the only one, again, who has been to Port Blair?  I don't recommend it.  After our visit there on Volendam, we transited the Straits of Malacca, where we were warned of piracy in the area and what we should do if we were attacked.  We were to go to our staterooms, and sit on the floor, leaning against an inside wall.  There was special equipment put out on the decks to scare pirates away with loud noises, and crew patrolled the deck watching for approaching small boats.  

 

We took a shuttle into the town which was an adventure in itself.  The sidewalks in the town were individually constructed by each shopowner and some were dirt, some wood, and some concrete.  And some had steps up or down so it was complete chaos.  Others on the ship took a cab to a resort far away from the town, and said the beach was lovely.  But they were very late back to the ship (couldn't find transport), and caused great confusion.  This was the only port where I have ever been physically searched (in a curtained booth, by a woman) before returning to the ship.  I don't know what they thought I was going to take from their island!  We had had a lot of difficulty getting Indian visas before the cruise, and I think everyone on the ship recommended HAL omit Port Blair from future cruises! 

 

Beach on the way into town

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local transport

 

 

 

The local ladies were colourful

 

 

RNB might enjoy....

 

 

 

These were on the decks when we left, some sort of pirate deterrent

 

 

 

[StLouisCruisers]

Ann @Vict0riann your description of pirate attack training sounded like what we had on the Emerald Princess in 2016 when we went through the Suez and Red Sea around to Dubai.  We saw water cannons set up on the promenade, security carried guns in holsters and were outside watching 24 hours a day, and then the LRAD system that you showed.  Long Range Acoustic Device to drive off approaching pirates.  It can damage their eardrums with extremely high decibels.  The photos you showed of Port Blair reinforce our decision to avoid India on a cruise itinerary.  Some may find it interesting but I do not!  I hope HAL has decided against going there after hearing from former passengers who went there.

 

Thanks to all who mentioned liking the Antarctica photos.  Melanie, Lenda, Lorraine, Debbie and Vanessa and I hope I haven't missed any!  Debbie @dfish, stay tuned for South Georgia Island which is coming up after we leave Antarctica.  I believe it's Jan. 4-6.  They have a wonderful museum in Grytviken all about Shackleton and whaling which they were known for.

Edited December 30, 2023 by StLouisCruisers

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Mission accomplished early this morning.  The grocery store was back to normal and I found everything I needed and a couple more things, naturally.  As I was getting the black beans ready for the crock pot, I discovered I did not have any bay leaves, so we'll see how they taste without the bay leaves.  There are enough other spices plus two chopped jalapenos to give the beans plenty of flavor.

 

3 hours ago, dfish said:

Good morning, everyone!

 

I had a reasonably good night.  I did get up a few times to visit the restroom, but otherwise slept well with little to no pain.  It only hurts when I move and engage my core muscles and no pain pills help with that.  I guess maybe they can dull it a bit.  I'm a little less sore this morning and getting around a bit better.  The trick to this recovery is to grit my teeth and move.  

 

@RMLincoln Congratulations on the final closure of your MD condo.  It must be a comforting feeling to have that all behind you.  And how nice to be so close to your granddaughters.  Moving closer to family was the right move for me, even though it meant leaving friends behind.  Gives me an excuse to go back and visit and them an excuse to come up this way.

 

@StLouisCruisers Sandi, again I am enjoying the pictures of Antarctica in anticipation of next year's visit.  Last night we watched Endurance about Shackelton's expedition.  It is absolutely amazing that everyone survived.  

 

@kazu Jacqui, I am glad that Fundy protected you this time from the storm.  I hope you and Ivan do well through this next weather system.  Your winters can be pretty brutal.  

 

@JazzyV Thank you for the mention on the cares list.  I'm sure it was the power of the Dailyites that helped propel me through that surgery so well yesterday.  I hope you can get a date for your procedure soon and can find some consistent pain relief.

 

@smitty34877 I used to make a great chicken and sausage gumbo and you are making me hungry for it again.  

 

@rafinmd Roy, I read your post about healthcare.  First, I am glad that your situation does not require any intervention right now.  As for those without good insurance, they do without and many of them die a premature death.  We yell at people to get a job, but many of them are employed. They just don't get benefits.  That was my sister's case.  She was a healthcare professional who did not have health insurance.  Before the ACA she had a difficult time with that because she was either denied coverage or charged half her income due to her health history.  So, she went without.  It was still prohibitively expensive afterwards, but they couldn't charge her extra.  

 

It is a lazy day here.  I doubt I'll get out of pajamas.  I think it is a good day for the couch and sappy movies.  Or maybe even a good one.  Safe travels to all who are on the road today.  @ottahand7 I hope you are warmer tonight.  @cruising sister safe travels to San Diego tomorrow.  You're going to have a blast on this cruise and you're going to be with some incredible Dailyites.  

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

 

Debbie, that is good news about getting a fairly decent night's sleep.  Lazy days are good for healing so you can enjoy Hawaii.  It's getting close now.

 

2 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

Awake early (4 something) and got myself out of bed before 5...strange sleep patterns this week.  

Like most people I do like bacon.  I just can't have it very often due to the high sodium.  I can't remember ever making a resolution, and hopefully there are no enormous changes of the bad kind before we leave for the cruise.  

 

I would like the meal but as a side dish, pass on the drink, and although I haven't had this wine, I'm sure it's as good as all the other Marlborough SVs so I'd love to try it.  Have not been to this port.

 

Today is laundry day, take our mail key to the neighbor, etc. etc.  I'm feeling good that the house (should be) clean when we return.  Those wonderful HAL stewards do such a great job keeping everything spotless, it's hard to come home to a less than spotless house LOL!

 

Debbie @dfish So glad to hear you slept well with little to no pain.  Great news!

 

 

Carolyn, my house is never nor will it ever be as clean as the HAL stewards get the ship.  Too bad that HAL frowns on packing one of the stewards in your luggage when you leave.  😉🤣

 

1 hour ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Good morning.

It is a cool 50 degrees in Bluffton.  Not getting much warmer.

I have a few last minute things to do financially to close out the year, but not a lot.

Wont be eating bacon.  

My resolution for the New Year is to take each day as it comes and to appreciate what we have and each other.  Time is short and we do not know what tomorrow brings.  We had a tough year dealing with a house that needed repair from a flood.  Living hither and yon, and watching the toll it took on DH.  It all came at great expense, physically, emotionally and financially.  I am doing my best to keep things on an even keel as much as I can and carry that through in the New Year.

 

Thank you to Jacqui, Vanessa, Tina, Ann and Dixie for all that you do to keep this thread going.

What would we do without all of you!

Thank you to Graham for your explanations of today’s celebrations.

Thank you to Sandi for the wonderful pictures of Antarctica.  

 

@dfish  Debbie, I am so pleased that you are doing well after your surgery.  Prayers that the recovery continues to be smooth.

@rafinmd Roy, glad no further intervention is needed.   I too, have Federal BC/BS and very grateful for the wonderful coverage it provides.  

@Seasick Sailor glad you are enjoying your cruise and having some peace and quiet now.

@smitty34877 Hope things are under control with your family memebers’ help and that the aide soon returns.

 

As for me, I need to go to the butcher.  DH wants steak tomorrow night for New Years Eve and then to the supermarket.  Then will finish up with whatever else I need to do.

It will be a quiet NYE.  We may stay up and watch the ball drop in Times Square.  

 

We have reservations for dinner on New Years Day at a local seafood restaurant.

 

Those are our big plans for the weekend.

 

Have a good day.

God Bless,

Terri

 

Terri, I think there are a lot of us on the Daily who will be glad to see the last of 2023.  I hope you have better success taking things day by day than I've had.  It is the best way, but easier said than done.

 

1 hour ago, durangoscots said:

Good morning to all from rainy San Diego. The showers are supposed to move out by noon. We shall see, but this morning will be spent reading and drinking coffee.

 

The travel from Durango was both good and bad. My flight from Durango to Phoenix was delayed over 2 hours (why did I think that might happen?). A maintenance issue and they could not locate the proper contractor and then deicing since the outside temperature was 13F. And frankly it felt like that inside too. And they kept us on the plane the whole time. I had a long layover scheduled in Phoenix, but they got me on to an earlier flight and wonder of wonders... they sent my checked luggage with me. So I actually arrived at the Wyndham well before check in. They had a room for me ready, so I am in and settled. My back is really protesting the travel and lugging about my carry on so I will be glad to have a few days to rest up. I find also that I do not do long walks well (I had to change terminals at Phoenix and it was an absolute zoo... easier to walk than to try to find a ride).

 

Will try to catch up on the Daily. @dfishGlad your surgery went well (I did see that) and my best to all of you. This afternoon I am supposed to meet up with friends. And maybe I had better invest in a new rainjacket. Mine is packed in my shipped luggage and I just looked at the forecast for the 3rd. We cann hope it will change.

 

@cruising sisterI will be at the hotel when you arrive. My cell phone is 970-749-5930. Or ask for me at the desk. I think my full name is on the roll call.

 

Susan

 

Susan, I'm glad you arrived safely in San Diego even if the flights didn't go exactly as planned.  These days, that could be considered a Christmas miracle.  Enjoy your time in San Diego visiting friends and getting to know other Dailyites.

 

1 hour ago, JazzyV said:

Good morning. Thanks for the FR/Daily.

Yum, bacon; love it, but I only have Canadian bacon that I use to make breakfast sandwiches. Over the last few years my resolution has been the same, to declutter this house and get rid of things I don't use. I do get rid of some stuff yearly, but not nearly enough. Not a fan of enormous changes at the last minute. I like the quote. I'll pass on the meal, drink and wine. I haven't been to Port Blair. Lots going on today in history.

 

It's 36F and cloudy here, with an occasional snowflake. I'll be indoors. I slept about 4 hours, and may try to get a nap in later. Yesterday the insurance field rep called to see if I'd gotten the estimate; I said no and neither had they. He must have worked fast, as by last night I had information about my water damage repair. It's complicated, so I need to print out all the documents and study them. They also want information about loss of personal property. There wasn't much, mainly a lamp and a Lladro figurine that's precious to me was damaged and I have no receipt. I'll use some info from online.

 

@grapau27 Thanks for the information. You're probably tired of the rain.

@RMLincoln Woohoo on the completion of the sale of the condo! 

@cruising sister Safe travels tomorrow.

@StLouisCruisers Thanks for sharing your Antarctica travelogue. 

@kazu I'm glad the storm wasn't so bad for you and that your ice prevention worked. I hope the second storm spares you.

@Nickelpenny Gorgeous sunset photo. I hope your legs let you enjoy your excursion today. 

@smitty34877 I certainly hope your aide is back next week to help. Enjoy making gumbo with the teenage couple. Prayers for you, Tana and the family.

@ger_77 I hope you and DH feel 100% again soon.

@marshhawk I'm another native NJ person. That stinks that the restaurant didn't give you a red envelope. By your description it doesn't sound like a place I'd go back to.

@dfish I'm glad your night wasn't too bad. Enjoy just relaxing on the couch today.

@Cruzin Terri I hope the New Year is much less stressful and more stable for you and DH.

@durangoscots I'm glad you arrived safely, despite the flight issues.

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers for those Celebrating.

 

Vanessa, I'm glad you got four hours sleep, but wish you could get more.  I hope the procedure is scheduled soon and that you get the relief you need.  It's good you finally got the information about the water damage repair.  

 

15 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

Good morning, Dailyites!  I'm wishing for better things for all in 2024.  And peace. 

 

Am I the only one, again, who has been to Port Blair?  I don't recommend it.  After our visit there on Volendam, we transited the Straits of Malacca, where we were warned of piracy in the area and what we should do if we were attacked.  We were to go to our staterooms, and sit on the floor, leaning against an inside wall.  There was special equipment put out on the decks to scare pirates away with loud noises, and crew patrolled the deck watching for approaching small boats.  

 

We took a shuttle into the town which was an adventure in itself.  The sidewalks in the town were individually constructed by each shopowner and some were dirt, some wood, and some concrete.  And some had steps up or down so it was complete chaos.  Others on the ship took a cab to a resort far away from the town, and said the beach was lovely.  But they were very late back to the ship (couldn't find transport), and caused great confusion.  This was the only port where I have ever been physically searched (in a curtained booth, by a woman) before returning to the ship.  I don't know what they thought I was going to take from their island!  We had had a lot of difficulty getting Indian visas before the cruise, and I think everyone on the ship recommended HAL omit Port Blair from future cruises! 

 

Beach on the way into town

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local transport

 

 

 

The local ladies were colourful

 

 

RNB might enjoy....

 

 

 

These were on the decks when we left, some sort of pirate deterrent

 

 

 

 

Ann, thank you for your pictures from India.  We were there once in 2003, leaving the ship in Cochin, spending two nights in Agra, and returning to the ship in Mumbai.  For me and probably DH, India is a one and done.  What we saw of Cochin wasn't bad, but I've never seen such filth as we saw in Agra and Mumbai, not to mention the poverty.  We were body searched before each flight and going into the Taj Mahal.  I had to try to explain a curling iron to the lady who searched me and my luggage since everyone had very straight hair.  From India to Egypt the ship took anti-pirate precautions, and since this was just after we invaded Iraq, we also had a navy ship escort.

 

Lenda

[aliaschief]

6 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Torgerson Island continued...

 

The sunny skies continued and at 5:30 we were all invited on deck for our Caviar and Champagne on Ice party (but if you preferred Vodka, they had plenty of that on ice).  And by ice I mean blocks of ice with holes drilled in them large enough to hold the bottles.

 

 

 

My beverage of choice - champagne!  DH enjoyed the caviar and vodka.

 

 

And here we are enjoying ourselves with the sunshine and the beautiful scenery all around us.  We were in the Neumayer Channel and the water was calm.  Glancing over the sides you would see ice chunks with seals and penguins on them floating by.

 

 

No wildlife in this photo but it showed what the water looked like there.

 

Suddenly we heard the ship's horn sound and we went to the rails to see what was going on.  Coming along on our port side towards us was the Holland America Zaandam!!  We could see passengers along the rails checking us out, the same as we were checking them out.  I held up my champagne glass and saluted our fellow Antarctica sailors.  It was very exciting! 

 

 

Here is a photo of our meet up from the drone.

 

 

And you will find this hard to believe but a fellow Cruise Critic member, Boris Federer, sent me a photo he took of the Quest from the Zaandam that day as we passed in the channel.  Actually it looks like they were well past us in this shot.  But so nice of him to do that.

 

 

After the party broke up the blocks of ice were tossed into the pool.  Had to keep the temperature cold enough for our Polar Plunge coming up on New Year's Day! 

 

Couldn't ask for better weather, or more fun!

Quest what a great ship and crew. We loved our Antarctica cruise on Veendam. Thanks for sharing and rekindling fond memories.

[Cruising-along]

5 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Carolyn, my house is never nor will it ever be as clean as the HAL stewards get the ship.  Too bad that HAL frowns on packing one of the stewards in your luggage when you leave.  😉🤣

Lenda don't get me wrong, mine never will be as clean as the HAL stewards get the ship either 😉  

I've always wanted to stash our cabin steward into our luggage -- hard to leave such great service! 

[Vict0riann]

A couple more notes about Port Blair.  We had originally booked a HAL shorex, which was a tour of PB, then a ferry to another "resort" island, however that was cancelled a few days before we arrived as the ferry had sunk, with passengers.  Eek!  It could have been us.  The other shorex that HAL put on was to the highlight of PB - the prison,  We walked there, but did not enter.

 

The prison

 

[RedneckBob]

Thanks for the Fleet Update, General Info and cartoons from all contributors.

 

Just had lunch. Is it National Bacon Day?

 

[USN59-79]

I have really enjoyed @StLouisCruisers Antarctica pictures.  We were there ten years ago today on the Amsterdam.  Luckily we had wonderful weather and it was one of our most memorable cruises.  No zodiacs, but we were able to mingle with penguins onshore in the Falklands and Argentina.  I was always reticent to recommend cruising to Antarctica because of the chance they would experience much worse weather than we enjoyed.

Got the last thing we need for our upcoming February cruise; our Australia electronic visa.  Our DS and DDIL came over this week and I had the DS help me get it.  They require you to use something called NFC capability on the iPhone to scan your passport, and I had never used that or turned it on before.  I believe any other visas required, like Timor or Indonesia will be provided as group visas on board.  We are looking forward to boarding the Sojourn and perhaps trying the caviar and vodka thing, but not to the long flight to Sydney.

Ray

[USN59-79]

Forgot to mention that it is good to know that most others have the same feeling about visiting India as I have.  I remember the hassle to get a visa and what it was like to walk in the streets.  We were in a bus and our tour guide was gushing about what a clean city Mumbai was.  At the same time I was noticing a local urinating against the tire of an adjacent bus.  Part of the adventure!

Ray

[Vict0riann]

Pat lived in India as a child, and then worked there for many years (off and on; we lived in Virginia), and he loved the people.  Calcutta was his favourite!   I went with him twice to Calcutta, Delhi, etc., and I'm sorry to say that the developing world is not for me any more.   In Calcutta, there is a divided highway from the airport into town.  Both sides of the highway have two-way traffic, except where people have built shrines in the middle of the road.  Just amazing!  Even Naples is more orderly, and that's saying something.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

3 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

Pat lived in India as a child, and then worked there for many years (off and on; we lived in Virginia), and he loved the people.  Calcutta was his favourite!   I went with him twice to Calcutta, Delhi, etc., and I'm sorry to say that the developing world is not for me any more.   In Calcutta, there is a divided highway from the airport into town.  Both sides of the highway have two-way traffic, except where people have built shrines in the middle of the road.  Just amazing!  Even Naples is more orderly, and that's saying something.

 

Ann, when we first visited Naples in 2002, it wasn't so orderly.  Our taxi driver was up set with the slow traffic.  He drove over the train tracks and sped down the other side into oncoming traffic.  That was bad enough, but the backseat seat was not anchored, so I was going backwards and forward the entire ride.  The last time in 2019, they had made that road a bit safer with a fence down the middle and pedestrian crossing only in certain areas.

 

Lenda

[St Pete Cruiser]

Greetings everyone from Orangestad, Aruba, aboard the Zaandam. 

We are docked behind the Star Pride today which is beginning a 7 day cruise to Panama City. 

Another sunny and very warm day with a northeast breeze to help keep it bearable. The water is truly spectacular. 

Mike Robinson is our comic entertainer tonight. All aboard is 7:30, with a sea day tomorrow. New Years Eve will be a first at sea for us.

One of my pet peeves happened just minutes ago when a guest told me how he has been cruising at a casino rate of just paying port taxes. Says he limits himself to $50 a day. Grrrr. Color me green with envy.

 

20231230_070417.heic 20231230_070428.heic 20231230_105213.heic 20231230_104841.heic

[kazu]

4 hours ago, durangoscots said:

The travel from Durango was both good and bad. My flight from Durango to Phoenix was delayed over 2 hours (why did I think that might happen?). A maintenance issue and they could not locate the proper contractor and then deicing since the outside temperature was 13F. And frankly it felt like that inside too. And they kept us on the plane the whole time. I had a long layover scheduled in Phoenix, but they got me on to an earlier flight and wonder of wonders... they sent my checked luggage with me. So I actually arrived at the Wyndham well before check in. They had a room for me ready, so I am in and settled. My back is really protesting the travel and lugging about my carry on so I will be glad to have a few days to rest up. I find also that I do not do long walks well (I had to change terminals at Phoenix and it was an absolute zoo... easier to walk than to try to find a ride).

 

So sorry on the awful flight, Susan 😞. Glad your room was ready early at least and that you have arrived safely 👍. Rest up after your ordeal and have a fabulous cruise 🙂 

 

 

 

3 hours ago, Cruisercl said:

Good Saturday morning everyone!

I too am packing and cleaning house before I leave for San Diego tomorrow for the GVAUS/NZ cruise. I am beyond excited! I am packed but it seems like there are hundreds (yes probably an exaggeration...lol) of little last minute things to do to ensure the house is safe while I am gone. Even though someone is watching it, you just never know, and how things will behave when not in use for 3 months.  Trying to do most of it this AM as I am meeting friends for a Bon Voyage late lunch.

 

Nice on a Bon Voyage lunch, Caron 🙂  Very safe travels to you tomorrow.  I hope you have an absolutely fabulous time.

 

 

 

[cruising sister]

Susan, I will see you in 24 hours if all goes well. 

[StLouisCruisers]

1 hour ago, USN59-79 said:

I have really enjoyed @StLouisCruisers Antarctica pictures.  We were there ten years ago today on the Amsterdam.  Luckily we had wonderful weather and it was one of our most memorable cruises.  No zodiacs, but we were able to mingle with penguins onshore in the Falklands and Argentina.  I was always reticent to recommend cruising to Antarctica because of the chance they would experience much worse weather than we enjoyed.

Got the last thing we need for our upcoming February cruise; our Australia electronic visa.  Our DS and DDIL came over this week and I had the DS help me get it.  They require you to use something called NFC capability on the iPhone to scan your passport, and I had never used that or turned it on before.  I believe any other visas required, like Timor or Indonesia will be provided as group visas on board.  We are looking forward to boarding the Sojourn and perhaps trying the caviar and vodka thing, but not to the long flight to Sydney.

Ray

 

I've never met a person who went to Antarctica who regretted it. 🐧 Some people won't go because they think it's too cold, but it's not!  I've been colder sailing into San Francisco at 5 in the morning what with the wind chill on the bow!🥶

 

Well DGD's fiancé Chris has made his final decision and I am to start on his nativity cross stitch stocking ASAP.  🧦 I'll need to spend hours a day on it so may not be around as much.  I promise to do my best to keep up. 🤞

[kochleffel]

No bacon for me, and I don't make New Year resolutions. I'm not sure that enormous changes at the last minute deserve a festival.

 

The menu suggestion sounds like something I might order on a cruise ship, where it would turn out to consist of a few wisps of lettuce, one section of tangelo, and something that might or might not be goat cheese. I would probably like the drink, not that I have the means to make it right at hand. For a Sauvignon Blanc, Glenora 2021  from the east side of Seneca Lake. I haven't been to Port Blair and it sounds like I should be happy about that.

 

I was the lead officiant at the synagogue this morning, with help from someone who has high liturgical skills and is a good guitarist. A third member who had agreed to assist backed out, and unfortunately told me the reason. It puts me off agreeing to do this in the future, because mediating conflicts between volunteers is one of the things that I retired from. The total attendance was nine people, more than half on Zoom. Lay leaders last night, including two professional singers, had 40 or 50.

 

 

Edited December 30, 2023 by kochleffel

[Niagarawine]

Hi I love bacon , all types including Keven Bacon and I am making plans for 2024 which will greatly improve my quality of life. These include not one but two cruises on Holland America ,something I had not been able to do due to family obligations and other stuff. I have been enviously eying the 105 day cruise on Zuiderdam but husband almost fainted when I mentioned this prospect. After I resuscitated him I mentioned the other cruises, knowing full well that his relief would propel me to final payment.

 

anyway Happy New Year from Kathi and Ray and best wishes to all the lovely folks on this board!

[dfish]

Good evening, everyone!

 

It has mostly been a good day today.  I am more sore and tender than in pain.  Ice helps and getting up and moving helps.  Things that were painful to do yesterday are not today.  So, I am making progress!  

 

We are having Farkel Friday tonight since DB had to work last night.  He'll be retiring mid-January and then it will be every Friday.  It is his turn to bring dinner, so I do not have to cook tonight.  YES!  Sue and River spent the afternoon at the nature center and had a great time.  Tomorrow they are going to a children's New Year's Eve party at the Center for the Arts.  It starts at 10 am and they do crafts, have snacks and then a ball dropping at noon.  

 

I hope everyone has had a good day and that our travelers have all arrived at their destinations safely.  

[ottahand7]

Good evening from Dothan Alabama.  Our drive was uneventful, some heavy traffic but no backups.  We just came back from dinner at Buffalo wild wings.  Not remarkable and John said he is really looking forward to good food on the Eurodam.   Three more sleeps after tonight.   I think we should order pizza or pick up subs in Lake Nona.  Dining will be crazy on New Year's Eve.  Good food after that, The Boathouse and Kelly's Landing near the port.   @dfish glad you are feeling better today.  @StLouisCruisers thanks for the photos of Antarctica.  It was beautiful in sunlight.  Nancy 

[Himself]

Thanks for the information.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

I think the Cuban black beans will be all right without the bay leaves.  The two jalapenos will make up for it.  For the first few hours the beans were cooking, the entire house smelled of jalapenos, and I'm pretty sure they were fairly hot since the aroma made our noses burn a little.  I'll also add a tad bit more garlic when I sauté the onions and peppers.

 

3 hours ago, St Pete Cruiser said:

Greetings everyone from Orangestad, Aruba, aboard the Zaandam. 

We are docked behind the Star Pride today which is beginning a 7 day cruise to Panama City. 

Another sunny and very warm day with a northeast breeze to help keep it bearable. The water is truly spectacular. 

Mike Robinson is our comic entertainer tonight. All aboard is 7:30, with a sea day tomorrow. New Years Eve will be a first at sea for us.

One of my pet peeves happened just minutes ago when a guest told me how he has been cruising at a casino rate of just paying port taxes. Says he limits himself to $50 a day. Grrrr. Color me green with envy.

 

20231230_070417.heic 126.93 kB · 5 downloads 20231230_070428.heic 167.78 kB · 4 downloads 20231230_105213.heic 244.57 kB · 5 downloads 20231230_104841.heic 303.05 kB · 3 downloads

 

It also bothers us that we pay for our cruises only to have someone brag about their free cruise.  Maybe I should start making donations to the slot machine gods.  It is also very interesting when there is a mega week long slot tournament on a cruise.  One advantage is that most people are in the casino and not in the other venues.

 

28 minutes ago, dfish said:

Good evening, everyone!

 

It has mostly been a good day today.  I am more sore and tender than in pain.  Ice helps and getting up and moving helps.  Things that were painful to do yesterday are not today.  So, I am making progress!  

 

We are having Farkel Friday tonight since DB had to work last night.  He'll be retiring mid-January and then it will be every Friday.  It is his turn to bring dinner, so I do not have to cook tonight.  YES!  Sue and River spent the afternoon at the nature center and had a great time.  Tomorrow they are going to a children's New Year's Eve party at the Center for the Arts.  It starts at 10 am and they do crafts, have snacks and then a ball dropping at noon.  

 

I hope everyone has had a good day and that our travelers have all arrived at their destinations safely.  

 

That is good news that you are more sore than in pain.  I'm glad the ice and walking helps.  The one surgery I had the doctor said to walk a lot, and it did help.  It sounds like Sue and River are having fun and letting you rest in peace.  The New Year's Eve party sounds like a fun event for kids.  Farkle should take your mind off the soreness and residual pain, unless the game gets too rowdy.  I'm glad your DB is bringing dinner and you don't have to cook.  Best wishes for his retirement in January.

 

Lenda

[aliaschief]

1 hour ago, dfish said:

Good evening, everyone!

 

It has mostly been a good day today.  I am more sore and tender than in pain.  Ice helps and getting up and moving helps.  Things that were painful to do yesterday are not today.  So, I am making progress!  

 

We are having Farkel Friday tonight since DB had to work last night.  He'll be retiring mid-January and then it will be every Friday.  It is his turn to bring dinner, so I do not have to cook tonight.  YES!  Sue and River spent the afternoon at the nature center and had a great time.  Tomorrow they are going to a children's New Year's Eve party at the Center for the Arts.  It starts at 10 am and they do crafts, have snacks and then a ball dropping at noon.  

 

I hope everyone has had a good day and that our travelers have all arrived at their destinations safely.  

Great to hear. When I had umbilical hernia surgery many years ago there was a lot of pain when moving. A few days and all was good.

[USN59-79]

I have no problem with gamblers getting a "free" cruise.  I understand math and know that the more you gamble the more you will lose.  Gamble less and lose less; don't gamble at all and lose nothing.

Ray