The Fleet Report and Daily for Friday April 5th, 2024

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

The eye is doing much better this morning.  When I got up the swelling was greatly reduced, but I can still feel the stye.  I think it is slowly draining.  I am skipping the pool this morning due to the eye and will just do the weight machines.  I'm hoping it is back to the pool next week.  

 

We're keeping an eye on the weather for next Monday.  If it is decent, we'll be driving down to Toledo to sit in a friend's front yard for the eclipse.  One forecast says mostly sunny and 71F while another says overcast with rain showers likely and 67F.  Kind of makes it hard to decide what to do!

 

@NextOne Happy Birthday, Edi!

 

 

@lobsternight  Bon Voyage!

 

Today's meal sounds interesting to me!  I probably wouldn't have it due to the carb load, but this first recipe looks pretty tasty!  I'd just have to flip those eggs and finish cooking them.   https://downshiftology.com/recipes/sweet-potato-breakfast-hash/

 

 

This next one looks pretty good, too!  I like the avocado.  https://www.loveandlemons.com/sweet-potato-hash/

 

 

And here's one for the vegetarian/vegan members of the family.  https://oohlalaitsvegan.com/sweet-potato-breakfast-hash/

 

 

I'm hoping this finds you all well and wishing  you a wonderful day.  

 

 

Edited April 5 by dfish

[kazu]

 

Edi @NextOne I hope you have a truly wonderful birthday and people to celebrate with 🤞 

 

 

 

 

[StLouisCruisers]

Debbie @dfish when you mentioned the pool I wondered if you might have gotten the stye from the pool.  I read before that is possible.  Good idea to stay out of it while healing from it.  

 

Terri @Cruzin Terri I'm glad to hear you are feeling better, that DH is doing okay, and that the cleaning lady is back on the job.  Have a great time on your trip to Italy!

[kazu]

Happy TGIF everyone.  

 

Quick post - behind here between physio, acupuncture & being a tad unwell for a couple of days.  Storm didn’t look too bad so I went to the acupuncture appointment.  When I was done the acupuncturist took one look and said oh my, please be very careful.  @puppycanducruise does this pic make you feel better?

 

 

LOL - that’s out my sliding door - it’s greyish white because the snow was falling so fast and hard.  Storm continues through today and the weekend turning to freezing rain I think.  So glad Spring has arrived! 🙄

 

 

Prayers for those who need them and cheers to those celebrating.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from central Texas where it is 57F and heading to 85F this afternoon.  It is clear with a 5mph breeze.  We're heading to W-M this morning, and hopefully this afternoon I can do some yard work.  It doesn't look as bad as some around here, but it needs work.

 

Yesterday, we took a ride in our clean golf cart around the neighborhood, and the bluebonnets on the street by a field were wonderful.  A large part of the field is covered with bluebonnets too.  I'll try to get some pictures today or tomorrow.

 

I will salute Gold Star Spouses today.  I'm not sure about going for broke, but International Day of Conscience is a good one, too.

 

I'm not sure how I feel about the Douglas Adams quote.

 

We'll pass on the meal and the drink.  I'd try the wine if it wasn't too sweet.

 

We have been to Bergen several times and always enjoy that pretty town.

 

I'm glad public parks were open in 1847.

 

@GTVCRUISER  Welcome home.

@rafinmd  Roy, I hope everything goes well today with your echocardiogram.

@Cruzin Terri  Terri, I'm glad you are feeling better, and that your DH is holding his own.  I'm sorry you were having GI issues, and was wondering if stress or some of your meds could be the cause.  I hope your DH's appointment goes well and you can leave April 25 as scheduled.  That is good news your house cleaner is on the job again.

@StLouisCruisers  Sandi, I'm glad Austin is all right now.  Something like that can be very scary.

@dfish  Debbie, I'm glad the eye is better.  I hope the weather is good in Toledo, and you can see the eclipse.  They are predicting clouds and rain here, but with Texas weather that could and hopefully will change.

@kazu  Jacqui, oh no on all that snow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

We went to Bergen on 4 of our cruises, and it seems to be a popular stop for most Norway cruises.  We do love Norway!  I've heard it rains there a lot but we've managed to see it in sunshine a few times.  I think that if you are there for the first time, go up Mt. Floyen on the funicular (called Floibanen) and see the fish market right there on the waterfront.  You don't have to take a ship's tour, just head for the hillside.  This is what the building looks like where you get your tickets and go up in the funicular.

 

The wait for the car to take you up.

 

 

A different view from the top.  We enjoy walking around that little park and lake shown in the picture.  There's really a lot to see in Bergen besides the funicular and fish market.

 

Our first trip to Bergen was on Crown Princess in 2013.  The second time was in 2015 on Caribbean Princess and that is when these photos were taken.  I saw a Holland America ship while up on the mountainside and zoomed in to take this photo of the Ryndam.  

 

We had just taken our first HAL cruise in October 2014 and loved it enough to start booking HAL cruises.  We had already fully booked 2015 on Princess so our second cruise on HAL was in 2016 but you can tell I was interested enough to take a photo of a HAL ship this day.  Our relationship with Holland America has worked out well for us because we enjoy the many interesting ports of call they go to.  Princess usually isn't as adventurous.  Our third and fourth time in Bergen was on Prinsendam in 2016 and 2017.

 

On our first visit to Norway in 2013 we along with friends on the ship took a walk through some beautiful park-like areas on the slopes of the hills above Bergen.  A closer view of the harbor from our hike.

 

Did any of you notice this stairway to the Christmas Shop located on the Bryggen side of the harbor?  Makes me dizzy to even look at it.

 

Also a lot of people enjoy the sunshine (when they can get it) at these cafes lining the harbor.

 

One time we hiked up a hill of steps to an interesting church so these photos are for fans of churches like @HAL4NOW.  If you turn your back on the funicular and fish market you may notice a huge church up on a hillside.  Like this:

 

 

You can start to see the steps.

 

Turn around.  This is where you started at, down at the bottom of this hill.

 

 

Name of the church - Johanneskirken or St. James Church

 

I thought the ceiling was unique and very Norwegian.

 

 

 

 

Hoping to go back to Norway sometime soon.🤞

Great selection of photos of the lovely Bergen Sandi.

[grapau27]

Happy birthday Edi @NextOne.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We have been to Bergen three times.  The first was in 2005 on the Marco Polo, and twice on the Prinsendam, in 2011 and 2016.  We've been there in rain, clouds and sunshine, and once all on the same day.  We have taken the funicular, the little tourist train, the Ho-Ho and the city bus, in addition to walking around the harbor.  I enjoy walking through the fish market, but with so many pictures of the market, I won't add my pictures.  We enjoyed looking at all the items for sale, but did not buy anything as they were so expensive.  And in Texas and Arizona, we don't need wool sweaters.  The one exception was a couple of embroidered t-shirts we got from the street market across from the fish market.  They were reasonably priced.  

 

On one of our later visits, we went in the Bergenhus Fortress, which was undergoing some maintenance.

 

We were glad we rode the funicular in 2005 when the lines were not long.  Later on the little tourist train, we stopped on one of the bridges the funicular goes under for a view of the car and the town.

 

These are pictures from our tourist train, Ho-Ho and city bus rides, which take you to different parts of the town.

 

On the Ho-Ho we stopped at the aquarium, which was nice, but not as nice as the one in Alesund.  

 

For the garden club

 

As we were leaving for the next port, we had a stowaway.

 

Lenda

[tupper10]

Happy Birthday @NextOne.  

 

@dfish glad your eye is getting better.  I read that the weather is very 'iffy' for a lot of the area where you can see the full eclipse.  I hope it turns out that sunny skies will prevail.

 

@StLouisCruisers thanks for the pictures of Bergen. We won't get there on our Norway cruise this year so it was nice to see.  I have a tree nut allergy and I can tell you, you have to be very careful with many foods as they are contaminated with nuts.  Your DD and DGS need to read labels of all prepared foods like cookies, cakes etc since many are made using the same equipment used to prepare foods with nuts.  I found out the hard way that they aren't kidding, I don't want this to happen to your DGS as it is a horrible feeling.  

 

It looks like many people are ending their cruises and the next group is getting ready to go. 

 

@kazu wow to your weather. I hope spring arrives for a bit before summer!

 

I hope everyone is doing okay today.  

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

When I was going through my pictures of Bergen, I had a feeling I was missing some.  I had forgotten that we'd been in Bergen in 2009 on the Tahitian Princess.  So I'll add a few more pictures.

 

In addition to fish, they also sell fruits, vegetables, other food stuff, t-shirts and other mementos of Bergen.  

 

Some of the other market stalls.  For some reason the produce in other countries always looks better.

 

Back at the dock, two ships that supply off shore rigs were in port for the day.

 

The was the view of Bergen as the ship sailed.

 

It was such a pretty, sunny day, the Norwegian Navy decided to come out to play.

 

Lenda

[grapau27]

9 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

We have been to Bergen three times.  The first was in 2005 on the Marco Polo, and twice on the Prinsendam, in 2011 and 2016.  We've been there in rain, clouds and sunshine, and once all on the same day.  We have taken the funicular, the little tourist train, the Ho-Ho and the city bus, in addition to walking around the harbor.  I enjoy walking through the fish market, but with so many pictures of the market, I won't add my pictures.  We enjoyed looking at all the items for sale, but did not buy anything as they were so expensive.  And in Texas and Arizona, we don't need wool sweaters.  The one exception was a couple of embroidered t-shirts we got from the street market across from the fish market.  They were reasonably priced.  

 

On one of our later visits, we went in the Bergenhus Fortress, which was undergoing some maintenance.

 

We were glad we rode the funicular in 2005 when the lines were not long.  Later on the little tourist train, we stopped on one of the bridges the funicular goes under for a view of the car and the town.

 

These are pictures from our tourist train, Ho-Ho and city bus rides, which take you to different parts of the town.

 

On the Ho-Ho we stopped at the aquarium, which was nice, but not as nice as the one in Alesund.  

 

For the garden club

 

As we were leaving for the next port, we had a stowaway.

 

Lenda

Lovely photos Lenda.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the info.

[Mr. Boston]

Good morning everyone from frosty,  sunny Northern Michigan.  Thanks for the daily report.  Three important days to recognize today.  Interesting quote but as someone who had to meet constant deadlines I didn’t have the luxury of letting them whoosh by.  The meal sounds like a great brunch item.  Think I’ll pass on the drink.  Haven’t been to today’s port yet.  Prayers for those on our prayers list.  Cheers to those who are celebrating happy events today and happy birthday to @NextOne!

[0106]

@StLouisCruisers @Quartzsite CruiserThank you for the wonderful pictures of Bergen (and the wonderful port pictures you post most days).  
 

I am excited about our Best of Norway cruise on the Rotterdam in August.  In February, we had an itinerary change and there are two replacement ports: Gothenburg, Sweden and Mandal (Kristiansand) Norway.  I am unsure what we will do in these ports.  There are no excursions listed for Mandal.  Does anyone have any suggestions for these ports?

 

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

[smitty34877]

@Quartzsite Cruiser, Lenda, I loved the NYC GPS meme. Colorful language is part of driving around here!!

 

We were in Bergen on our VOV cruise. It started out to be a nice day and Lou and I took the funicular. I walked down the mountain and got totally drenched. He met me at the bottom after returning by funicular. It is such a beautiful area if the world.

Gold Star Mothers deserve a day and I am all for a good conscience. I hope not to be broke. The recipes look great today. I would agree with Debbie that the first one needs to have the eggs more cooked.

The private aide for last night canceled at the last minute due to illness. I was up twice last night which is an improvement over the previous few days. 

The sun is out for a change and I promised the dogs a long walk. Have a great day everyone.

[ottahand7]

Bon Voyage @lobsternight!   

 

[ottahand7]

Happy Birthday Edi!   @NextOne  🎂

 

[marshhawk]

@NextOne Happy Birthday!

[marshhawk]

@lobsternight Bon Voyage!

[Seasick Sailor]

Good morning Dailyites. A beautiful 59 going to 86 today. Sure wish I could beam up some warmth to Jacqui.

 

Glancing forward to Monday's weather: cloudy skies in the morning followed by thunderstorms in the afternoon. 80% chance of rain. Our total eclipse is due at 1:35. 

 

Our bluebonnets are everywhere and it's wonderful to just stop and look at them for a bit and to say a few prayers while I'm enjoying the scenery. I'll post a few pictures I took yesterday from my phone.

 

 

 

 

Prayers for Tana. (Darn, why are these aids always calling in sick!)

 

God bless our Gold Star spouses.

 

 

 

Birthday wishes for Edi, Bon Voyage to @lobsternight

 

Prayers lifted for the innocents in war torn countries, our brave soldiers, those poor people who are starving and aid is not coming fast enough, our sick and homeless veterans. Prayers for our Daily-ites and their families. 

 

Have a blessed day, a great weekend, stay healthy and be kind!

Edited April 5 by Seasick Sailor
Add photo

[ottahand7]

Good morning everyone!  Gloomy and cool here in SW Michigan.  Thanks for the Daily Reports and the maps @kazu and @rafinmd.   Gold Star is an important recognition, thanks for sharing the information on Gold Star @grapau27.   My two garden clubs take care of two Blue Star Gardens and the single Gold Star that is in Kalamazoo that is at our Air Zoo.   A good quote by Adams, I procrastinate but I almost always meet my deadlines, now that I am retired it is much easier.   I will pass on the casserole and the cocktail but the Riesling looks wonderful.  We visited the Moselle many years ago and it was a beautiful area.  

@JazzyV thanks for the Cares and Celebrations list.   @dfish Debbie I am happy to read your eye inflammation is getting better.   @Cruzin Terri I am sorry you had a GI issue, I hope you are feeling better, thanks for checking in.   @StLouisCruisers that was a scary event for Austin.   I am a label reader and I see the caution that tree nuts or peanuts may have contaminated the area the food is processed.  @rafinmd I hope your echocardiogram gives good results today.   Prayers for everyone on our care list, especially Tana and Terrie.   Prayers for those in war zones, the people of Ukraine and the innocents in Gaza.  

Sandi and Lenda thanks for sharing your lovely photos of Norway.   Lenda those profuse yellow flowers in one of your photos are a real problem in the US.  People plant then along their streams for their beauty but a small piece or seed can come loose and germinate and choke out our native flora.  

I am stuck at home today.  I am supposed to get my final wine shipment but the one that we stayed home all day on Wednesday is missing.  I heard from the winery that my package was not delivered but not a peep from UPS.  I wonder if someone else is enjoying a case of fine red wine.  Today will be house cleaning.  My younger sister used to clean for me but her arthritis has gotten so bad she said she had to quit.  I am trying to stay on top of it.   But the sun just peeked out and our windows are sparkly.  Have a lovely Friday!  Nancy 

Edited April 5 by ottahand7

[marshhawk]

Good Friday Morning Dailyites!  Computer says its 44 and sunny.  In a few minutes it will change over to Windy, and then will change to Temps plummeting, and then go back to 44 and sunny..

I have been trying to train myself to sleep later, which really does not have a good outcome, as the cats need to be fed, and they remind me.  Then the neighbors dog needs to be walked, as does the DH, plus I am the breakfast cook, and then DH starts work at 1.  Why always 1? Doesnt leave much time for me to chill at the computer.

 

I did post something last night that I didn't think was offensive, but it was cut out. Sorry if I upset anyone.

 

@dishGlad the eye is doing better.  

@GTVCRUISER Welcome home, but I am pretty sure there is another cruise in the near future.

@Cruzin TerriGlad you checked in, yes we do worry when we dont hear from you.

@smitty34877I hope you got another good nights rest. And that Tana is comfortable.

@JazzyVI hope that you got some sleep last night, and that once that surgery is done, you will be pain free.

 

 

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  I will definitely honour Gold Star Spouses and will include a gentle hug for each.  Some days you just have to give it your all and go for broke.  Ever wonder if some folks just don't have a conscience?

 

The skies have cleared and the sun is coming up, but I see we've got wind again, which in itself will help tame down the glaciers.  Looking at the computer it tells me we should expect a high of +14C (57) which is fine by me.  Yesterday it began raining around 10 and carried on until almost 5; it was great to see water running down the street again.  Today on the radio people are talking about how attitudes in rural areas have changed dramatically with the rain, and I can understand why.

 

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

@lobsternightBon Voyage!

 

Today DH and his son and daughter will head out to the son's acreage just to do a check on the property.  On the way they'll stop at the lady's place to drop off our income tax information so she can work her magic (fingers crossed) again this year.  While he's away I'll do some clean up around the house and will likely head over to WM to pick up cat food and a couple of incidentals as well.

 

We were with Ollie yesterday as she made arrangements for the venue for Gord's celebration of life.  Unfortunately it will be next week while we're away in Calgary - the only time she could accommodate her brother from Ontario.  Normally we would have cancelled our trip, but we traditionally go to Calgary to celebrate our oldest DGS's birthday and we don't want to disappoint him.  Also, it's just going to be an hour of people sitting together reminiscing - there's no real service to speak of because that's what Gord wanted.  I told Ollie I would script our message so that someone else could read it on our behalf and she was comfortable with that.  She knows how close we are as a family, even though she and hers aren't, so wasn't bothered that we couldn't attend. We know she'll be surrounded by family and friends, so although we feel bad about missing the service, we know Ollie will be alright. 

 

I'd give the drink and the wine a pass, as well as the menu suggestion, so it's 3 for 3 today.  Yesterday I looked at the recipes and decided to make the first one shown and it was delicious. I used plain white rice without the chicken broth, and didn't have fresh thyme, so used dried instead, but it turned out nicely.  That's definitely a casserole that would be great for breakfast guests!  For us it's Friday night pizza night, so when DH gets back this afternoon we'll check the online menus and order something hot and cheesy to enjoy at the kitchen table tonight.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who is in need, in pain, in grief, and in wars not of their making.  Cheers to all with celebrations.

 

Smooth Sailing!  ☺️☺️☺️

Gerry

[seagarsmoker]

@Cruzin Terri I am glad that you are feeling better and that your DH is doing okay.  Also, glad that the cleaning lady is back.  Have a wonderful time on your trip to Italy!

[RedneckBob]

Thanks for the Fleet Update and General Info from all contributors!

 

Shoutout to HAL for excellent embark/disbark on last weeks N Statendam cruise. Don’t tell anyone but once we got off the Celebrity Reflection at 9:20 am, we walked to the HAL terminal and were able to checkin our bags and selves and at boarding area at 9:40 am. Boarded at 11 Am. As far as disembarkation we were with 4/5 star mariners which was Pink1/2 bag tags. We had decided to be last off so we stayed in cabin. But at 7:20 AM, that’s right 7:20 AM our Pink bag tags were called. We decided to go ahead and get off ship. No one was disembarking and very few passengers in terminal. Bottomline is that we left the cabin at 7:25 am and were leaving port by 7:50 am after getting car out of main garage and pick up bags at wife at terminal. I guess everyone was surprised that color bag tag disemabarkation started so early that no one was ready to leave!

Edited April 5 by RedneckBob