Sunshine3601

My Boss flew into town on Thursday.   I'm headed to meet him for breakfast then to the office for a couple of hours.    Hate to miss a beautiful Sunday. 

 Yesterday was gorgeous!!  

But next weekend we will be headed to LBI for 2 weeks.  So plenty of time to relax.

16 hours ago, StanleyandGus said:

I have a question, which I am sure with the depth of cruising experience on here some one can answer.

 

We have booked a cruise to the ABC islands in April of 2025. Then we found out that Radiance is going to do a Panama Canal cruise in October of 2025. We have a courtesy hold on an aft balcony, because there don’t seem to be any Grand Suites left. That expires in 3 days.

 

So, my son…he is single and relies on us to look after his (enormous) German Shepherd (he’s a nice dog, that’s not an issue) He is almost certainly going to be deployed overseas in 2025, for at least 6 months. The transition point is June or July, so we would lose one cruise, which is fine.

 

 I know the deposit will be lost, but what is the best way to keep one cruise? And can we transfer any money, minus the deposit, to the other cruise?
 

It would be nice if my son could absolutely say when his deployment is, but he doesn’t know, and probably won’t until August.

Your question probably best to be answered by our fav Ken @Ourusualbeach

Disregard I see you already have reached to Ken.

22 hours ago, Arzeena said:

Happy Birthday to Susan!

From me also.   🥳

12 hours ago, mo&fran said:

Today is not a good day. My wife Maureen passed away this morning.

Very sad to hear this.  So very sorry for your loss.  

May Maureen Rest in Peace🙏

8 hours ago, kay1864 said:

She came straight to our cabin.

When she entered the gate to the port they probably radioed to the ship that a passenger was on her way.

4 hours ago, DaniDanielle said:

Just got back from my grandson’s graduation. He won general excellence for being the number one graduate!  He was also valedictorian and had everyone in tears when he said he would give up all that he won to have his dad back.  He made us so proud❤️

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL❣️

Quite the accomplishments.  I wish him the best in his next Chapter..College😊

13 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Well the hits keep on coming. Bad enough still trying to rehab the knee, then deal with hernia, then needing periodontal work in a couple of weeks. Plus next week is my MRI to see if I have any prostate cancer.

 

Today I went for a skin cancer checkup. They did one biopsy on a piece by my forehead but they are concerned with a some spots starting to develop on my bald head. Turns out they want me to come back after our October cruise to get a topical chemotherapy cream to put on my head called  “Efudex.” The side effects sound horrible. Anyone have experience with this topical chemotherapy cream on their head? Thoughts and advice is greatly appreciated.

Yes, I have used several times.   It works great and my dermatologist has always been very happy with the results.  In fact, he mentioned this week how smooth my face after doing this in 2023.

I have done this treatment on my upper chest (that was the worst), shoulders and full face.   

The first week is easy you really won't start to see or feel the effects until the 2nd week.   It will burn, itch and be gruesome looking.  You will end up with oozing blister like bubbles that will probably turn black and eventually peel off.   The entire area where applied will be a bright red, like a bad sunburn. 

Each time I have used I was instructed to apply twice a day.  When applying the cream it felt good but then wait an hour or so then apply Vaseline.

There is also a version that comes as a pre-mixed compound with a soothing cream.  If your Dr can prescribe that version, get it.  Not all pharmacies carry it.  My CVS did not carry it but I was able to get both items and mix myself.   Or it can be mail ordered.   Even with this version you still want to use the Vaseline to keep it moist.

 That's good, that means it is working.   Your skin will feel like it's on fire while healing, that lasts about 1 week depending on how bad the spots were.  

My best word of advice is keep it moist with Vaseline.   Do not use any type of lotions or cremes they will burn on your raw skin.

Use old pillow cases and throw them out when done.   

Doubt you will be able to wear a hat.  If you do, throw it out when done.  

When I did my upper chest then shoulders i ruined lots of clothes and bedding because of the Vaseline but so worth it.  

It hurt like he** to take a shower and used baby shampoo to avoid the sting but you need to keep the area very clean.

Also, make sure you wash your hands immediately after applying the creme.   

Do not lay down on sofa and let dogs near your head or anywhere you have laid.   The creme is highly deadly if they injest by getting on their paws or lick your head or any pillows you laid your head on

Highly recommend doing it.  It may be torture for a month but definitely worth it vs skin cancer.

9 hours ago, Momof3gurlz said:

Finally! Tyler Joseph made his appearance at 4:45 pm today weighing in at 8 lbs 2 oz.  Mom and baby are doing great.  Tyler is my SIL’s middle name and Joseph has a long history in both families.  Maybe now I can start trying to keep up with this thread again!

 

Welcome Tyler Joseph😊

Congratulations to All.   He's adorable and look forward to many more photos and adventures with all grandchildren.💖

9 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

New visitor to our backyard. Baby does not look very old at all. What a beautiful creature. 

Adorable😊

21 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

I'm sure it is very uncomfortable. Does depomedrol sound like what you may have been treated with? That is my usual go to. Hopefully, the discomfort goes away soon.

I called today.  The injection was Kenalog and the cream he prescribed is Betamethasone. 

 I applied the cream last night.  Boy, he was right I won't need the cream and can just keep it should I get again.   

The Kenalog has done wonders.   Im pretty much all done.   Very minor itch between fingers.    Treating it early helped too.

11 hours ago, h20skibum said:

Sorry to hear you got that.  Some people must be more susceptible to getting it. We have poison ivy along the wooded edge of our property.  We were playing kickball with the grandkids last weekend, and the ball ended up going through some.  Both Susan and my son-in-law got it just from the transfer from the ball. 
 

It has never had an affect on me. 

I never used to get it until 5 or 6 yrs ago I had it really bad from head to toe.  Now I seem to get it at least once a year.

5 hours ago, firefly333 said:

Oh  no that sounds terrible. My first house in the dallas area had poison ivy. I hope you can get rid of it in your yard. Not just on you. I wouldnt want you to get it again.

 

I'm up awake thinking of all that kind of stuff ahead of me, finding a doctor for instance. I see a area above one of my eyes where I had cataract surgery and the skin turned bleached out looking idk if I should worry about, and finding a dentist, and the post office. Made it this far, now tonight having a bit of a panic attack realizing my furniture I spent so much to pack doesnt fit the condo at all. 

Thank you.   Yes, I definitely need to make sure whatever type of poison vine it was is all gone.    

Maybe a hazmat suit will work.  LoL

 Moving to another state is a major event but please don't panic.  It is best to take one step at a time.   

Maybe check website for your insurance carrier to find new doctors for your area.   May take 1 or 2 visits to find one that works well for you.

I hope your anxiety will be better once you are out of limbo and no longer staying in a hotel.

Sending you a big hug

(((((💖))))

7 hours ago, Coralc said:

Do you have poison ivy in your yard? We have poison oak out here, same difference. But we don't have any in the yard. That is what Roundup Brush Killer is for. ☺️ Sorry you have that miserable itch.

 

The painters opened a portal today, so we can get out to the backyard and the front yard. The bathroom remodelers will be back again tomorrow. 🙄

I'll have to revisit some photos of various poisons as the vines I was pulling out of my rose bushes did not look like poison ivy but maybe they were.

8 hours ago, Luckynana said:

Oh no!! Darn yard work and the after-effects!  Thank goodness you had your dermatology appointment and were given the cortisone shot.  I do hope it works fast for you!

My eye is still giving me grief.  I thought it was getting better finally, and then it blew up again.  It's been two weeks and a day so far.  🥺

Sorry to hear your eye is still a problem.   Are you doing any type of medicated eye drops?

8 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

I'm sure it is very uncomfortable. Does depomedrol sound like what you may have been treated with? That is my usual go to. Hopefully, the discomfort goes away soon.

Depomedrol does not sound familiar.   I'm going to call the office today to ask the name.  It really helped.

 It is now 12 hours after the shot and it looks and feels Much better, especially my eye lid.  

I was doing some yardwork Saturday.  Trimming rose bushes, etc and now have poison ivy popping up on arms, between fingers, shoulders and the inside corner (near nose) and eyelid.   I had gloves on so not sure how I got on my fingers and between them.

When I woke up this morning I could hardly open my eye, all puffy and gooey.   I put cold compress on then some ice and that really helped.

Luckily enough I had a dermatologist appt for 6 month screening tonight.   All good, no cancer concerns, no scraping.   He gave me a shot and said it's fast acting and should be much better in 1 to 2 days.   

I think it was a cortisone shot but he said a name I never heard of before.

47 minutes ago, h20skibum said:

Congratulations to William.  That is a great achievement. 

+1. Congratulations😊

9 hours ago, BonTexasNY said:

I lead a very sheltered life.  I found out what an upside down pineapple means on Cruise Critic.  I don't recall what thread!

I feel the same except it is flamingos for me.   I bought 2 small and one full size plastic flamingoes to put in my flower bed out front.

Eric then told me that is another swingers sign.

I googled and sure enough he was right.

So for now I put them in flower bed in backyard.

Who knew?

1 hour ago, firefly333 said:

I talked to my realtor today whom imo is top notch or I woukdnt have trusted him to help me buy a sight u seen condo. He had a good suggestion, though maybe kinda late to do much good.

 

When we first priced out the move a dedicated truck was $1500 extra. Of course optimistic me assumed the truck would be soon behind me, I didnt know a tornado coming and they couldnt transfer my stuff to a shared truck. And somehow I didnt hear the up to 12 BUSINESS days it might take. You all know what hotels on friday and saturday night cost near cocoa beach.

 

He said I should look around for a bed at least, if not a whole bedroom set. I planned to actually buy 2 more bedroom sets. I see all these commercials for purple and other mattresses. The day I was leaving my bil offered his purple mattress to me free, just as I was leaving. Lol of course. 

 

But for up to 3 weeks in a hotel it could have gone a long way toward buying a bedroom set, though I'm still not even sure what kind of mattress I might want. This one is orgwnic or that one etc. I just had no idea I'd still be in a hotel maybe even next week. I could sleep there if I had a bed. I got a quilt and 2 pillows with me in the car I brought. Plus a few throws. Maybe a nice bedroom set $1500 isn't a drop in the bucket. I see commercials in Dallas all the time for Nebraska something or other, dont see any furniture sales on tv here so far.

 

I called slecturm and said ok I'll pay for you to install. That poor guy today spent a hour. He looked in every closet and place he could tho I of  o wires. The  ain bedroom tv connection is dead. He finally hooked it up wifi. Got my newish samsung in the living room and for unknown reasons put the router in the corner of the 3rd bedroom to have something to connect to that was live.

 

I hadnt planned on looking for new furniture this soon but that money could go a ways I assume toward a new mattress. Maybe beds cost a lot more than I know. Lol seems like everything costs a lot more than I expect. I dont even know what stores, google seems like a good place to start tomorrow and at least look and get a idea.

 

Idk if there is such a thing as tok many ceiling fans, but I'm pretty sure this is a record. Every room has the, 2 on the balcony. My master closet and master both have ceiling fans and right behind the master walk in closet there is like a 10 ft long linen closet and tub and separate show, small area, that even has a ceiling fan. I havent counted them but this seems a lot. Closets and bathrooms idk have separate ceiling fans. But I extended my hotel stay until friday. Just doing a few days at a time.  Says refundable but then says I have to cancel by midnight 24 hours in advance. Anyway the spectrummguy said no way this wifi and tv could have been self install if you arent technical so it's good I scheduled someone to come and install. 

 

My one little sling chair I bought yesterday, and water looks blue today. Yes this ceiling fan is in a closet with 5 feet behind where the toilet is another tiny ceiling fan. Seems unusual to me but what do I know.. to borrow I guess I'll goggle for stores that sell bedroom for future. I actually also want new larger living room furniture. Time to enjoy more. Just finding a starting pt and find how stuff gets delivered. Someone at the condo wants 24 hr notice to pad the elevator. Dont want to get him mad. Bad start. All my new neighbor's I've really liked so far. I think it's a great choice so far. 2nd picture is ceiling fan in my closet, also my bedroom and right behind the closet a tiny ceiling fan by the toilet area. ..of course the closet is now painted agreeable grey lol.

 

 

 

Love your view from the balcony.   Furniture shopping can be fun. 

I always like to have some room measurements with me and do a hand sketch (think stick figures) before I purchase.   

@Ocean Boy. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!  I hope you had a great weekend.   Cheers 🍹🍹

On 6/1/2024 at 4:49 AM, h20skibum said:

@lenquixote66 Lenny, @NHProud Judy, thank you for the birthday wishes for my daughter.  Today is her actual birthday.  

I hope your DD had a wonderful Birthday weekend😊

On 5/31/2024 at 7:37 PM, Tree_skier said:

So my Grandson broke his wrist a couple of weeks back or so ago.  He was riding a dirt bike and decided use the small hill leading to the back of the property as a jump.  It all ended bad involving a tree stump.

 

The official diagnosis was that he fractured his distal radius and ulna styloid. 

 

****Below is for @Ocean Boy*****

 

 

Apparently Comminuted is the bad one.  Surgery was a week and a half ago and it required pins and plates of some sort...  

 

Today he got the cast thing off.

 

 

His arm is all shriveled up.  I warned him that that was what was likely to happen but he was horrified when he actually saw it.  He works out and is quite fit.  He's quite concerned it's going to stay that way.  The doctor assured him once his therapy is complete he can get back to working it in the gym and he will look normal.

 

 

 

 

Ouch!!!   Do you think he will get back on a dirt bike?

7 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Loml. No idea how that is actually a word. Auto correct keeps trying to change it.

For her song it's an acronym for Loss of My Life. (No, i didnt know that I just googled it)

25 minutes ago, George C said:

Our saga continues our 2:20 plane left from another terminal about 4 because  of various excuses, at 6:20 plane returned to lga airport and we were told to get our luggage from baggage claim. Did long walk to claim baggage, but we were told that luggage is still on the plane and flight will now leave at 8pm .

Uggghhh!   Sorry for the extra long travel day.  Weather has been crappy in many areas.

I am loving your review of all the places I hope to get to someday.     Thank you for sharing and thank you for your wonderful photos.    😊